C&W In Business

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Foreword

CONTENTS July/August 2014 Chamber News Service of the Month

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Events International Trade CWT Business Support Legal & Finance Policy Profile Property

8-9 12-13 14 15 16-17 18 20-21 22-23

Less is more when it comes to the politics of business The recent Queen’s Speech and the Bank of England’s latest interest rate decision were important ones for business because they support the need for stability.

Less than a year from a General Election, there is a danger that politicians on all sides could get drawn into early electioneering and, rather than thinking about the stability the economy needs, launch themselves into policies and decisions that grab votes.

That is why we welcomed The Queen’s Speech, which was short on bills and measures but businesses were not holding out for a raft of legislation to be announced anyway. Less, in this instance, was more.

Stability is everything.

With all Queen’s Speeches, Budgets and Government announcements, the devil often comes in the detail anyway so it’s not always possible to judge the pros and cons immediately afterwards.

However, on the face of it, the Infrastructure Bill and the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill offered welcome measures to help sustain the economic recovery that is starting to build momentum.

The British Chambers of Commerce published a report recently that said that the economy will grow at its fastest rate this year for seven years. That’s positive news and low interest rates have been a key factor in helping the economy recover from the recession and begin to grow.

The base rates of 0.5 per cent were recently maintained by the Bank of England, again something the Chamber welcomes. For months – even years – maintaining rates at that level had become a bit of a non-story but now there appears to be a flurry of questions with every announcement about when they will start to go up.

Businesses deal with uncertainty on a daily basis – it comes with the territory – but in this case, it’s simply not helping to have speculation around rates on a monthly basis.

We understand that rates will have to go up at some point but, right now, with inflation sitting around its target level, there is no reason for this clamour to start putting rates up.

As I have said above, it is stability that will see the economic recovery sustained and, while there are certain factors that can’t be controlled, I would urge politicians on all sides to advocate the stability needed for the economy to recover.

There will come a point when the ‘gloves will come off’ in an election campaign, but let’s hope that election fight can wait until nearer the time and, until then, we can work together to foster the recovery.

And what more can be done to enhance the economy? The continued rebalancing towards manufacturing and engineering is vital and it is something we are very much involved in across Coventry and Warwickshire.

Growing our exports is crucial too and the Chamber’s UKTI international trade team has a pivotal role to play on this patch in helping more businesses to sell their goods and services overseas.

Companies in Coventry and Warwickshire should know that the Chamber is here to help and the more businesses that take advantage of our services and support, the better it will be for the whole region.

Around the Region 24-31 Business Direct 33-49 President & People 44-45 Chamber Events Diary 45 New Members 46

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Chamber News

CONTACTS At the Chamber

News desk

Members are encouraged to send any news about their firm – new orders, staff, new products, expansions or relocations – for publication in C&W in business.

Whilst every effort will be made to publish submitted articles, we cannot guarantee inclusion.

Send them to: news@cw-chamber.co.uk Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Chamber House Innovation Village Cheetah Road Coventry CV1 2TL T: 024 76 65 4371 F: 024 76 45 0242

At the publishers

Publisher

Ian Fletcher

Benham Publishing Limited 3tc House, 16 Crosby Road North, Crosby, Liverpool L22 0NY 0151 236 4141

Advertising Contact Alison Seymour alison@benhampublishing.com 07841 115444 Production Manager Fern Badman Accounts Director Joanne Casey Media Number 1373 © Benham Publishing 2014.

C&W in Business is produced on behalf of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce by Benham Publishing Limited and is distributed to members free of charge. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in C&W in Business, neither Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, nor the publisher can accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies it contains. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Chamber.

C&W in Business is printed and distributed by Headley Brothers Limited

The official publication of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce 4

Celebrating the best of the best The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce helped to deliver another spectacular show as the city and county came together to celebrate the best in business across the region.

The Chamber played a supporting role in the Coventry Telegraph Business Awards, which were held in the stunning Coventry Cathedral.

With the sun beating down in the Cathedral ruins, around 400 businesspeople gathered for a drinks reception before moving into the new Cathedral for the main event.

After speeches from Coventry Telegraph editor Alun Thorne, Chamber president Peter Burns and Selim Ozturk, of headline sponsor Turkish Airlines, TV presenter Alexis Conran hosted the awards.

Penso and Serious Games International shared the Manufacturing Award while Brose picked up the Medium to Large Business Award.

Inspire Insurance Services bagged the Professional Services Award, design agency CDPW landed the Communications Award and North Warwickshire & Hinckley College won the Environmental and Green Sustainability Award.

Sports nutrition brand Grenade, which sells into more than 100 countries, picked up the Export Award while the Training and People Development Award recognised the fruits of Apple Construction Training’s labours.

Uni-Safe Access Ltd scooped the Small Management Enterprise and Business Start Up Award and Helen Coombes, of Harrison Beale & Owen, was named the Emerging Professional.

Two special awards rounded off the evening. Firstly, Serious Games International landed the overall Company of the Year before Ali Kurji, the chief executive of the Heart of England Cooperative Society, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Chamber chief executive Louise Bennett said: “We are delighted, once again, to have been part of such a great night – celebrating all that is good about the business community in Coventry and Warwickshire.

“Once again, the event put the spotlight on the wonderful range of businesses we have here on our patch – from service providers to manufacturers and from small companies up to major international names.

“Huge congratulations from everyone at the Chamber to those businesses who won their awards and may they be an inspiration to other companies across Coventry and Warwickshire.

“I know it was a really tough decision for the judges this year and to be shortlisted was an achievement in itself against some very strong competition. So those firms should be proud of their achievements too.

“It all goes to prove what a great place Coventry and Warwickshire is to do business and underlines the many outstanding companies we have based here.

“Let’s look forward to another successful 12 months and hopefully next year will see the bar raised even further still for this superb celebration of business in Coventry and Warwickshire.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Chamber News

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

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Service of the Month

Inclusive Member Benefit - Legal Protection and Legal Advice Did you know that as a member of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber you automatically benefit from Legal Expenses Insurance as well as being able to access a 24/7 Legal Advice Line, all included as part of your membership?

For just the cost of a call, you can speak to the Chamber Legal Advice Line as often as you need to with no limit on the length of the call about any legal matter. Treat the service as if it was your own in-house solicitor or if you already employ someone such as an HR Manager, they can utilise the service as well.

If you have followed the advice prescribed by the Advice Line and done everything by the book but still find yourself having to deal with spurious or unfounded claims such as an employment tribunal, you can rest assured that you have the safety net of the Legal Expenses Insurance to protect you.

The Legal Protection policy held by your Chamber covers the legal costs of representing your business to defend certain legal disputes, the most common of

which is disputes with employees. The employment cover also extends to paying Tribunal Awards if you lost your case.

The policy also covers defending criminal prosecutions, landlord disputes, property rights, data protection, suspension of licences and tax investigations. There is also a handy Jury Service benefit of up to £100 a day where a member of staff is called up to attend Jury Service. Subject to payment of the policy excess, each area of cover covers up to £65,000 of indemnity or £670,000 in the aggregate per annum.

The insurance also offers a number of employee benefits which includes Personal Injury cover for all employees to pursue compensation for an injury caused by someone else. It also includes Motor Legal Expenses cover for all employees to

assist them following a motoring accident where someone else was at fault. The service will take the hassle away from dealing with Insurance Companies, making arrangements for a like for like replacement vehicle, claiming back any excess you might have to pay as well as dealing with any other uninsured losses you might have sustained.

The Chamber Legal Advice Line and Legal Expenses Insurance is provided by Composite Legal Expenses Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

For more details please contact the Chamber’s Membership team on 02476 654321.

Business & Trade Expo Businesses from across Coventry and Warwickshire are gearing up for one of the biggest business events in the region.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is holding its Business & Trade Expo at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on Friday September 26 from 10am until 3pm.

Hundreds of visitors are expected to attend the event, which includes fantastic networking opportunities as well as expert seminars on social media and presentation skills.

Over 120 businesses from a wide-range of sectors including engineering and manufacturing, financial services, professional services and leisure and tourism will also be exhibiting on the day.

Opportunities to find out more about business routes to finance and project funding will also be available through the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce ‘Meet the Chamber’ seminar.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Chamber, said the event is already proving extremely popular with over half of the exhibition stands already snapped up.

“We have already received an amazing response with over 60 companies from across the region already signed-up to exhibit,” she said.

“This follows on from the success of our last Business & Trade Expo which was held at the Ricoh Arena earlier this year and attracted over 500 business delegates.

“The Business & Trade Expo provides is an excellent promotional platform with businesses able to network with hundreds of local companies.

“Attendees will also be able to obtain information and expert hints and tips on social media, presentation skills and business routes to finance.

“Those signing up to exhibit on the day will also be able to take advantage of free on-site parking and free Wi-Fi and I would urge all interested parties to get in touch as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News Jane Frost and Cheryl Bradbury of QCF Training become the first licensed Packtypes® Instructors in Coventry and Warwickshire Hot on the heels of several exciting Packtypes events and workshops Cheryl Bradbury and Jane Frost of QCF Training have completed their Packtypes Self Awareness Instructor Training.

Jane and Cheryl explained “We are always on the lookout for something with the “wow factor”, something that actually changes attitudes and behaviour. What makes Packtypes unique is that it delivers the elusive “wow factor” that others only promise.

Our first “wow moment” came when we tried Packtypes ourselves. Having someone bring your strengths to life right before your eyes makes you feel great about yourself. We immediately saw how we could use Packtypes with clients to transform personal performance, teamwork and leadership using a single approach” Jane and Cheryl have just completed their first Packtypes Programme with Automotive Insulations (Rugby). The programme “Social Fitness for Managers” has been recognised by the Institute of Leadership & Management and match funded by Growth Accelerator. Feedback has been exceptionally positive.

Automotive Insulations are already effectively using Packtypes as a tool to support recruitment and employee engagement during a period of rapid growth, with plans to continue to use Packtypes to get the best out of people and foster outstanding teamwork long into the future.

The Packtypes approach is based on the fundamental principle that in order to change attitudes, behaviour and ultimately performance we need to equip people with the tools to become accurately self- aware. Cheryl said “Packytypes Self -Awareness Cards are an engaging and a fun way for people to develop self -awareness that builds on the identification of strengths. We know it works but it’s something that you have to experience for yourself. It’s a process and the beauty of it is that it’s sustainable”.

“We never fail to be amazed by the light bulb moments that occur using this process and our vision is to share this process for personal transformational change with as many people as possible”.

The ladies from QCF Training came along to the CW-Chamber International Women’s day event and were able to share the Packtypes experience with Dr Margaret Mountford – Keynote Speaker. Over lunch Margaret talked about how women tend to be “more modest” about putting themselves forward and the need for women to develop confidence in themselves.

Jane and Cheryl have taken those comments and turned them into action!

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Local businessman completes WOLF run for Georgia A local businessman has raised more than £9,000 for a local charity close to his heart, after he defeated a natural assault course of woods, obstacles, lakes and fields (WOLF) on a grueling ten kilometre run.

Brett Barton, Director at the Cranfield Group in Coventry, competed in the Warwickshire WOLF run on Sunday 27 April in order to raise much-needed funds for Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham. The charity provides a free ‘home from home’ for parents with children in hospital, at nearby Birmingham Children’s Hospital Brett beat his original fundraising target of £5,000, raising over £9,000 which includes a donation of £4,000 from the Cranfield Group. As Brett has exceeded his fundraising target, he is now able to name one of the rooms in the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham after an inspirational 12 year old, Georgia, who has overcome over 60 brain surgery operations. It was Georgia’s own positive fun-loving attitude to life, and Brett’s own experience of visiting her on many occasions at Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital that made him want to pick such a vigorous physical challenge.

Of his charity challenge Brett said: “I am

delighted that not only did my training pay off, and I was able to complete the WOLF run; but what’s more important is seeing the fantastic amount it has raised for the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham.

It is a cause extremely close to my heart as the charity has provided enormous support whenever Georgia has been in hospital.

Seeing all the challenges Georgia has overcome is incredibly humbling, I was honoured to be able to compete in the event on behalf of the charity”.

Since January, Brett and his fellow wolf pack members have dedicated their spare time to training for the WOLF run. The other members of Brett’s ‘wolf pack’ consisted of Georgia’s aunty, Lisa Smith and her fiancée Sam Ginifer.

Included in the fundraising total raised by Brett, was a number of t-shirt sponsors from ten local businesses. They are: Wright Hassall LLP, Murphy Salisbury, LDP Luckmans, The Brooke Charity, GVA Grimley, Bridge PR, MGR Appraisals, Lloyds Bank, RKH and Squire Sanders.

The Cranfield Group is committed to creating a lasting, positive impact within the local communities it works in and has named the Ronald McDonald House Birmingham as its chosen charity for 2014.

Zara Phillips officially opens college’s new equine therapy centre Olympic eventing medallist Zara Phillips MBE officially opened Warwickshire College’s new Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation Centre at Moreton Morrell.

Ms Phillips was at the college to compete in British Eventing’s Spring Horse Trials a combination of dressage, show-jumping and cross country.

The new centre includes: • Equine water treadmill – the only one of its kind in the UK • Equine hydrotherapy spa • Treatment bays • Stabling for resident horses (long stay and ongoing therapy treatments) Zara said, “We all love our horses and are always striving to keep them healthy for as long as possible and this centre is a fantastic place to be able to do that.

Moreton Morrell students are hugely lucky to be able to work with these amazing facilities so thank you very much for inviting me to open it today.”

Mariane Cavalli, Principal and CEO of Warwickshire College, said, “We were absolutely delighted to welcome Zara Phillips to officially open our Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation Centre today.

“Our equine provision at Moreton Morrell is going from strength to strength, so it’s vital that we continue to invest in the best facilities possible for our students.”

Marcus Roberts, Assistant Principal for Land-based Studies at Warwickshire College, said, “Hosting the British Eventing Horse Trials is always an exciting few days

for the college staff and students, and to have Zara officially open our new equine therapy and rehab centre at the same time makes it really special this year.

“The centre provides our students with state-of-the-art equipment for their studies, and they will get commercial experience from running the centre – working with clients, vets and owners, as well as handling the horses on the equipment. We will also be able to undertake more research using the facilities, which is vital for students on our higher education courses.

“As the centre is also available for local vets and owners to hire, we are providing excellent equine therapy facilities to the local community.”

The hydrotherapy spa is a unique innovation in the treatment and prevention of a multitude of equine lower leg injuries.

The spa uses the natural properties of the sea and has successfully revolutionised the treatment and prevention of virtually all lower leg injuries.

The water treadmill is used for a range of rehabilitation and training needs. Water is introduced gradually over a series of sessions which ensures the horse lifts their legs up to increase joint flexion and exaggerate the use of their muscles. The horse’s way of going is not impeded by a rider and permits them to move in balance without interference, thus allowing their muscles to develop symmetrically.

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From the 2014/15 tax year onwards HMRC are notified of reportable events through the employer’s online PAYE service. Failure to do this by the 6 July deadline will result in automatic penalties being issued.

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Events

Time for businesses to tell their story

Pictured (left to right): Cameron Tonkin, Tim Cox, Nigel Curry, Lord Digby Jones, Paul Sabapathy, Peter Burns, David Burbidge.

Firms in Coventry and Warwickshire have been urged to ‘tell their story’ and apply for one of the most prestigious business awards in the world.

The Lord Lieutenants of Warwickshire and the West Midlands, the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and past local winners of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise joined together at the Rhead Group head office in Coventry to stage a masterclass for companies in the region.

The event included a rousing sign-off speech from former Trade Minister Lord Digby Jones.

Adrian Cadman, of Jaguar Land Rover; Cameron Tonkin, of Rhead Group; and Rob Henson, previously of Alumet, all described how they had undertaken the process of applying for a Queen’s Award, how they had been successful and what it meant to their business.

David Burbidge, Deputy Lord Lieutenant

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of the West Midlands, explained the importance of companies across the region applying for the awards, which cover international trade, innovation and sustainable development.

He said: “There are not enough winners from this region, it’s as simple as that so it is incredibly important that we get more businesses putting in their applications.

“We are trying to do what we can to encourage more companies to nominate themselves for a Queen’s Award.

“There are so many wonderful businesses in this area but we don’t punch our weight when it comes to Queen’s Award winners. So the question is: what can we do to get more companies to apply?

“So we are working together with the Chamber to give companies from this region the best possible chance to apply for and win an award.”

Peter Burns, President of the Chamber, added: “It’s so important in promoting businesses domestically and overseas so, as a Chamber, we will do anything we can to help.

“We are delighted to be working with the Lord Lieutenancies of Warwickshire and the West Midlands to get more companies applying and events such as this are a great way of getting the message out there.

“Coventry and Warwickshire has so much to shout about and it’s vitally important that we do tell the world what a wonderful, innovative place this is to do business. More Queen’s Award winners will help us to do that.”

Adrian Cadman and Cameron Tonkin expressed the importance of backing up facts and figures by telling the company’s story in an application.

Cameron said: “Why did we apply for a Queen’s Award in the first place? Because we believe in what we do.

“I’d say to companies apply for other awards first because that will give you confidence when putting in your application for a Queen’s Award.

“And make sure you use it to tell the story about your business. That has to be both quantitative and qualitative. Everything you say has to be backed up by facts and figures but they don’t just want to know what you achieved – they want to know how and why you achieved it.

“Being honoured with the award is great

for the business and great for the staff – we would definitely urge others to go for it.”

Rob Henson offered a range of hints and tips in applying for a Queen’s Award and said it was ‘hands down’ the most prestigious honour a company could win.

Jonathan Browning, chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP, backed the push.

He said: “We have companies – large and small –who have proven records in both innovation and export and we would urge them to look closely at applying for a Queen’s Awards.

“These two meetings have shown the importance and business benefits of earning the award. That can only be good for the companies involved but also for the overall business and commercial growth of Coventry and Warwickshire as a whole. We would urge companies to seriously consider applying.”

Chamber Annual Conference A major business event will focus on driving economic growth across Coventry and Warwickshire.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its thirteenth annual conference at the Belgrade Theatre on Friday, October 17.

The event, which is sponsored by the Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership along with Yorkshire Bank and Turkish Airlines, will consider the actions needed to improve economic performance across the region as well as discussing the future of local town centres.

A keynote address will be given by nationally acclaimed business expert, columnist and chief executive of leading retailer Timpson, John Timpson, who will provide an insight into his unique business philosophy ‘Upside-down management’.

Guest speakers will include Jonathan Browning, chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership and Tom Vosa chief economist at Yorkshire Bank.

Attendees will also hear from a panel of experts including a representative from Turkish Airlines, and MP Marcus Jones chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Town Centres Adam Dent, managing director of Coventry-based PR and media agency Advent Communications, will facilitate the event which is expected to attract around 300 businesses.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is important for us to continue to identify opportunities for economic growth across Coventry and Warwickshire which will enable local businesses to develop and prosper.

“This year’s event will bring together key business and civic leaders from across Coventry and Warwickshire who will consider the economic health of Coventry and Warwickshire against the background of national and international trends.

“The focus will be on future economic prospects, locally nationally and globally as well as identifying ways we can achieve economic growth throughout local town centres.

“Once again we have a fantastic array of speakers with attendees able to obtain expert business advice from John Timpson who has over 30 years’ experience as chief executive of hugely successful retailer Timpson which has over 800 branches nationwide and a turnover of £150 million.

“The conference is always very well attended and provides a fantastic networking platform for local businesses. We believe this year is going to be even more popular than ever.”

For more information or to book on the Chamber’s annual conference call 02476 654321

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Events

Take note from Nora: write down your goals Businesswomen were urged to write down their goals and not to be afraid of leadership at a Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce event.

Nora Senior, who was appointed the second ever woman president of the British Chambers of Commerce last July, was the keynote speaker at the Chamber’s latest Business is Good for Women lunch at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

Nora, who is also chair of Weber Shandwick UK Regions, said it was important to inspire staff and yourself whether you are a business owner or part of your company’s senior management team.

“It is important to set goals and to write them down instead of just thinking about them,” she said.

“Write down your goals in your business plan or diary because research has shown you will be more successful.

“A study highlighted that the three per cent of graduates who wrote down their goals earned ten times as much 20 years later as the other 97 per cent put together.

HMRC DON’T LIKE PARTNERSHIPS WITH CORPORATE MEMBERS

Pictured left to right: Nora Senior, Wendy Bowers, Peter Burns, Louise Bennett, Jacky Isaac.

“Leadership can sometimes be difficult for women but it is key to show strong leadership at the top of an organisation.

Getting comfortable with risk, seizing opportunities and building a great team are all integral to running a successful business.

“A key factor in success is making your team feel comfortable, capable and confident and whatever business you are in, you need to think out of the box to attract new, talented staff and to enable your team to grow.

“It is important to look after your team because if people are not motivated by leadership then a company will slowly fail.

Camaraderie and team work are really important.”

The 60-strong audience also heard from Wendy Bowers, a non-executive director of the British Chambers of Commerce, about an initiative called ROLE which aims to support the ambitions of women and to provide every woman in the UK from the age of 13 with a career role model.

She said: “Senior leaders across all industries need to understand the positives about diversity in managerial positions – it isn’t just business that is good for women, women are great for business.

“We want to encourage women of all ages to be the best they can possibly be and to give them every equal opportunity to reach their goals.”

Angela Tellyn, partnership manager at the Chamber, said both presentations had been thought-provoking and interesting.

“The British Chambers of Commerce is supporting ROLE in its bid to build a network of Diversity Ambassadors and we hope the event at the Ricoh Arena will encourage women from Coventry and Warwickshire to become involved.

“The project aims to inspire the next generation of leaders across the UK with Ambassadors providing six one-hour Skype sessions to women taking CMI qualifications as well as giving advice on how they achieved their success.

“The Ricoh Arena, our strategic partner, is extremely supportive of the initiative and we would like to thank the Ricoh Arena’s interim chief executive Jacky Isaac for her welcome speech and her continued support in hosting our Business is Good for Women luncheon.”

To find out more about ROLE, visit www.role.uk.com www.cw-chamber.co.uk

sponsored column

Brian King, Tax Partner at Dafferns LLP

There are 3 measures that give an impression that HMRC do not like Partnerships or LLPs - especially those that have corporate members.

Last summer a consultation document was published setting the proposed counteraction by HMRC of artificial profit and loss allocation schemes involving partnerships and LLPs where some of the members are chargeable to income tax but others not. The measures were clearly intended to catch the situation where excessive profits are allocated to members who are limited companies where those profits would be taxed at a much lower rate than that payable by individual members.

Individuals potentially pay tax on their share of profits up to 45% (plus 2% class 4 NICs) whereas company profits are taxed at 21%, and can be as low as only 20%. Legislation in the latest Finance Bill will enact the changes that apply with effect from 6 April 2014.

Yet another attack on the use of LLPs concerns the employment status of certain members. Up until 6 April 2014 a member of an LLP was always treated as selfemployed for tax purposes, however some members may now be treated as employees. HMRC have introduced tests and if these conditions are satisfied the member will need to go on the payroll.

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News

How to be fit for business Businesses across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire are being encouraged to step-up to the challenge for a workplace fitness programme which has been launched across the sub-region.

Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Sport (CSW Sport), based at the University of Warwick, is urging people to go head-tohead with their colleagues and take part in the Workplace Challenge.

CSW Sport is the County Sports Partnership for the region and is responsible for developing, co-ordinating and promoting sport opportunities throughout the area.

The Workplace Challenge initiative will see employees battle it out to win points for their firm and anything from active travel to work through to participation in sports can be added to the free online activity log.

Individuals and workplaces will then be able to track their progress online as well as having the opportunity to compete in a local leader board, deliver sports taster sessions and organise competitions.

And as part of the challenge CSW is looking to identify Sport Volunteer Activators within as many organisations across the sub-region as possible as part of its Getting Businesses Active scheme.

Activators will be a single point of contact in an organisation with who CSW will provide support and information to help develop sports opportunities.

And when companies sign-up to the scheme they may also access equipment and sporting opportunities through CSW Sport from a wide range of sports’ national governing bodies.

Tracy Murphy, from CSW Sport, said: “With the average person spending 60% of their waking time at work, and approximately one in four people in Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire being obese, it is important for us to encourage more physical activity within the workplace.

“This will not only have a positive impact on employee health and wellbeing but will also help to reduce staff sickness, absenteeism and stress.

“The workplace challenge provides a fantastic opportunity to get back into sport while also encouraging a bit of healthy and fun competition among colleagues.”

And one of the first organisations to get ahead of the game is Coventry City Council, which hosted its first lunchtime activity session delivered by Be Healthy Be Well and Public Health as part of the council’s city-wide health and fitness initiative Coventry on the Move.

Organiser Naomi Brook, of Coventry City Council, said: “There were lots of different activities to try from chair-based toning exercises to table tennis and even hula hooping.

“It was such a fun and inspirational event with people finding all sorts of ways to be active and have a good time.

“I would definitely encourage all businesses in Coventry to get involved in Coventry on the Move and to boost their achievements by signing up to the Workplace Challenge – Let’s get workplaces in the area moving.”

The Workplace Challenge is part of a nationwide initiative being rolled out by the County Sports Partnership Network which is funded by Sport England and supported by the British Heart Foundation to engage workplaces in sport and physical activity.

Businesses across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire with employees aged 16 to 25-years-old can also benefit from funding for projects to deliver six consecutive one hour weekly sport or activity sessions through the CSW Sport Sportivate scheme.

To sign up to the Workplace Challenge visit http://www.workplacechallenge.org. uk/cswsport For further information contact Tracy Murphy at CSW Sport on 02476 574441, email tracy@cswsport.org.uk or visit www.cswsport.org.uk

Executive performance and health improved through healthy eating Business is tough at the best of times with key executives being essential to maintaining the status quo and pivotal to driving the business forwards.

Encouraging your executive team to fuel up correctly, to provide them with both mental and physical energy to look after their own health and the health of the business is key to the long and short term wellbeing of the business. For example if you put diesel into a petrol driven car it wouldn’t get far and yet we humans fuel up on high sugar, high fat meals and snacks and expect peak performance and are surprised when our engines break down.

An experienced senior executive working for a high profile major insurance company addressed his health and wellbeing by embarking on a healthy eating programme. His goal was to eat more vegetables, reduce fat and sugar, improve sleep, lose weight and enhance his energy. During his six week programme he ditched the unhealthy processed meals and snacks and replaced them with foods high in vitamins, minerals, mono-unsaturated fat and lean protein. Significant weight loss followed, improving his BMI and reducing his risk of disease.

The health of the executive team is essential in the smooth running of the business. A recent study shows that we would all be better off by consuming seven portions of fruit and veg on a daily basis rather than the government recommendation of five a day. According to the study, eating seven a day considerably reduces the risk of death through disease. The government though have taken the stance that people find it difficult to eat five a day! These findings are significant and through education it is possible to improve diet and therefore health, energy and mood. All of which are of direct benefit to your executive and the business itself.

Anna Mason – Director anna@thehealthyemployee.co.uk www.thehealthyemployee.co.uk

The common factor? Initiative

Wall to help build on solid foundations at the Chamber A leading business organisation in Coventry and Warwickshire has strengthened its management team with a senior appointment.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has appointed Louise Wall as Group Commercial Director and she will work alongside chief executive Louise Bennett, deputy chief executive Howard Anderson and Sally Lucas, executive director of the Chamber’s training division CWT. Louise Wall has been working within the Chamber as the West Midlands Coordinator of the Growth Vouchers scheme and while that remains one of her key responsibilities, she will also oversee the Chamber’s work in events, networks, conferencing, policy, patrons, marketing and social media.

She said: “My focus is very much on driving membership and commercial growth at the Chamber.

“It’s an exciting role. I’ve worked with or for the Chamber over many years and I know the wonderful work it does in supporting member businesses, acting as the voice for industry in the region and generally helping to improve our economy.

“It will be my role to add to that – to show businesses who aren’t members the value we can bring to them and to also enhance what we offer to companies.”

Louise was previously Head of Sustainable Communities at Warwickshire County Council and was responsible for economic development, regeneration,

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planning, the skills agenda, waste management and countryside services.

She was also a member of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership delivery board as well as previously running her own HR and IT consultancy.

Three further jobs are being created within the Chamber and Louise will work with those new recruits as well as the existing team.

Chief executive Louise Bennett said: “Louise will be a great addition to the management team at the Chamber.

“This is a very exciting time as the Chamber looks to strengthen the service it delivers to members and continues to play a key role on the economic fortunes of Coventry and Warwickshire.”

Pictured (left to right): Louise Bennett, Howard Anderson, Louise Wall, Sally Lucas.

Three local entrepreneurs and local charity Grapevine have collaborated. The common factors are that they are all members of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, and together they have raised over £1000.

Working to support people with disabilities in Coventry and Warwickshire, Grapevine has been looking for innovative ways in which to raise funds with the local business community. When Grapevine met with the Coventry Three Spires Round Table in October, they were inspired to so more. Matthew Finch, John Townsley (Irvine Commercial Insurance Brokers) and Dhiran Vagdia (Vagdia and Holmes, Chartered Architects) were all moved by the creative approach that Grapevine took when raising funds to support their work with people with learning disabilities.

Dhiran Vagdia said “Grapevine put forward an interesting idea – for us to invest in their young people. We loved that it wasn’t just a donation; that we’d be able to see what impact it made in a practical sense.”

Grapevine has been working with a group of young adults with learning disabilities who are volunteers, organising events and taking part in fundraising initiatives to raise funds for Grapevine.

The group were granted a donation by the Coventry Three Spires Round Table, to invest in running a Christmas Fete. Trevor Binch, Treasurer from the Three Spires Round Table said “We challenged the group to try to double the £200 donation, and that for every pound they raise over and above, we’d match pound for pound up to £400.”

In fact, the group raised over £1000. “It just goes to show what people can do with a little support” said Mel Smith, Deputy Director at Grapevine. “They enjoy spending time together, and events like these build skills in all sorts of different ways. Fundraising like this is not only more rewarding, but generates more of an insight into our approach”.

To find out more about Grapevine, visit www.grapevinecovandwarks.org Anyone wishing to offer their time, resource and personal skills to Round Table in Coventry are invited to contact the Club Secretary, Trevor Binch, on 07855 413658, or visit http://www.coventry-three-spires.roundtable.co.uk www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Recycling project is win win

Pictured left to right, from the recycling centre unless stated: Paul Tolley (CAVA), Chris Thomas, Tina Costello (Heart of England Community Foundation), Wayne Gibbons, Barry Thornaley.

A groundbreaking recycling project in Warwickshire is proving to be a ‘win-winwin’ for the local community.

Warwickshire Community Recycling, an independent not-for-profit social enterprise, created by Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action and the Heart of England Community Foundation runs two household waste recycling centres in Stockton and Wellesbourne alongside re-use shops on those sites as well as at Shipston, Kenilworth and Baddesley Ensor, near Atherstone.

The centres and shops allow members of the public to recycle and re-use a variety of used goods – from toys to bathroom suites – that are no longer needed and can be recycled back into the community.

Local people can then purchase the items at low-costs and all surplus money raised will be ploughed back into the local area into grassroots community projects.

An interim cheque for £20,000, which has been raised over the past year, was presented by Warwickshire Community Recycling to the Heart of England Community Foundation.

All funds will be held by the organisation in a fund to be named the ‘Warwickshire Recycling Scheme’ to which local groups and organisations will be able to apply.

Tina Costello, director of the Heart of England Community Foundation, will now help to decide with a panel, that will include the site staff, which projects the

money will be spent.

Tina said: “It’s not very often you can say that everyone is a winner but that’s certainly the case here. People have somewhere to take their used items but know they will be put to good use.

“Others can then purchase those items at a much lower cost than they would pay over the counter and then the money gets returned and recycled, if you like, back to the local area in the form of grassroots projects that help to improve the community.

“We are very proud to be part of this wonderful project and look forward to awarding the grants to the Warwickshire area which we know will make a significant difference to people’s lives.”

The Heart of England Community Foundation is the largest community grant giving organisation across the Coventry and Warwickshire area.

Paul Tolley, chief executive of Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action, said he was delighted to be working with the Foundation and that the two organisations had jointly created this multiaward winning enterprise.

He said: “From the outset our intention was to test out and prove that rather than household waste recycling centres costing the local taxpayer money that they could generate funds for local voluntary and community groups. The handing over of this cheque today proves the model works and is sustainable.”

Success at Santa Pod for students’ vegetable oil-powered car Motor vehicle students at Warwickshire College saw their bio-diesel car win at the Alternative Energy event at Santa Pod Raceway.

Alternative Energy Racing is run to promote the development being made in vehicles using non–fossil fuels and the college took along a car which has been adapted to use alternative fuels. The car covered the quarter-mile course in 16.66 seconds at a speed of 72.30mph.

As part of their course, students from the college’s motor vehicle department at the Trident centre, Warwick have worked on the vehicle, which runs on bio-diesel (vegetable oil), LPG and water/methanol injection.

Tom Kerr, 17 from Coventry, a first year apprentice with Jaguar Land Rover said: “We’ve been involved in getting the car race-ready – doing the service check, replacing the glass windows with plastic and reducing the size of the exhaust so the car is lighter, for example.

“There was a problem with the fuel pump, so we had to diagnose the problem and fix that. Myself and Chloe, another student, also put the car through five or six runs on the chassis dynamometer to check its performance as well. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

“It’s a great project to be involved with because you’re applying what you learn and we’re really pleased with the result on the track.”

Jim Nutt, Lecturer in Motor Vehicle, drove the car at the event. He said: “The majority of our students on the motor vehicle and body repair courses get involved with the car at some point and it’s a great teaching tool. Alternative energies are really important for the industry, so this gives them valuable knowledge for their future careers “We also do a lot of work on the science and maths behind improving the performance of the car, so to see it win on the track is great motivation for the students – their hard work has paid off.”

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Luke does Brazil-liantly at hairdressing competition Warwickshire College hairdressing student Luke Hood is celebrating after winning second place at a regional competition with his Brazilinspired creation.

Luke, 17, from Coventry is studying for the Level 1 Introduction to Hair and Beauty at Warwickshire College’s Leamington centre and took part in the ‘Footsteps to the Future’ hairdressing competition at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College alongside fellow student Christopher Ward.

For the competition, students were required to create a ‘hair-up’ design themed around Brazil, and with a time limit of just one hour.

“I’m really pleased with achieving second place as it was my first ever competition.”

Luke said: “I decided to go with a carnival idea so I created the mask at home from scratch as part of the design. There were a lot of techniques I used including rick-racking and plaiting which required a lot of practice.

I’m really pleased with achieving second place as it was my first ever competition.

“My tutor Amanda is the best tutor in the world and has been really supportive. I hope to go on to study for my Level 2 in hairdressing and achieving the second place has given me a lot of confidence.”

Amanda Green, Lecturer in Hair and Beauty said, “I’m so proud of what both Luke and Christopher achieved at their first competition. They both worked really hard and did the college proud on the day.”

Warwickshire College offers a range of courses in hair and beauty at its Leamington, Rugby and Henley-inArden. For further information go to www.warwickshire.ac.uk/courses or call 0300 45 600 49.

What was the Real Threat of the Gameover Zeus Virus?

You will remember that on the 2nd June the US department of Justice disrupted two major online threats believed to have collected millions of pounds from PC users worldwide since 2011.

Authorities claimed that they managed to crack the malicious software known as Gameover Zeus and Cryptolocker. More than 15,000 machines in the UK are believed to have been infected with this virus, and the FBI believes that GameOver Zeus is responsible for £60m in losses. The virus also distributes aggressive “malware”, called CryptoLocker, which encrypts all files on a target’s computer, then demands a “ransom” to unlock the files.

What did that really mean to your business?

The 2 week window was somewhat of a red-herring, issued to instill a level of urgency to the public and businesses alike.

While the authorities had taken one major player out of action, the reality is that threats like these are always out there and IT security firms face an endless battle to stay ahead of the criminals and protect their customers.

Zenzero’s Advice: • Never open e-mail attachments unless you are 100% certain they are authentic • Ensure your internet security software is up-to-date and always on • Regularly update your computers operating system • Ensure that software applications have the latest manufacturers’ updates applied • Have a backup of all your data in case you are no longer able to access it from the primary location • Never store passwords on your computer in case they are accessed by a malware program Zenzero’s customers are protected against such threats such with three lines of defense, Managed Anti-Virus, Hosted Spam Filtering and a Backup Solution.

For more information on how to stay safe visit http://bit.ly/zenzerosolutions

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International Trade

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www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

International Trade

MP visits Warwick SASCo new warehouse From its first year of business in 1981 Warwick SASCo has looked beyond the UK to develop business.

The company, based at Heathcote, manufactures plastic products for daily use in hospital operating rooms, clinics and wards along with products tailored for home care. Products include surgical instrument containers, trays and bowls for medical procedures, bedpans, urinal bottles and feeding cups for patient care.

In 1981 their first export orders went to Ireland, Holland and New Zealand. Thirty years on they continue with the same partners for selling and distribution.

However, today they count almost 70 countries as monthly customers whilst still a managing a strong UK presence.

“Exporting is easy, it’s hardly any different from selling in the UK,” said Darby Booth, Managing Director.

“Naturally the internet offers instant opportunity for overseas customers to buy your products and services but you can readily have support and information from 3 local sources; the Chamber of Commerce in Coventry, UK Trades & Investment website and your bank. All have trained personnel ready to get you started and can further assist with export planning and find customers in different countries.”

Warwick SASCo’s top 5 markets are USA, Germany, Russia, Hong Kong and China.

Last year they manufactured 2 bespoke products designed just for Chinese hospitals.

An expansion to the warehouse was recently completed ready for a company visit by Chris White, MP for Warwick and Leamington, to promote UKTI’s Export Week in April.

“Exporting is easy, it’s hardly any different from selling in the UK.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Genesis improves link with Indonesia

Pictured left to right: Ajay Desai (Chamber), Ikmal Lukman (Director for Sectoral Promotion BKPM) and Nigel Hall (CEO of Genesis Technical Systems).

A groundbreaking Coventry company has strengthened its ties with a key overseas market – thanks to a long-term strategy and a stroke of good luck.

Genesis Technical Systems, based at the University of Warwick Science Park, provides cutting-edge technology to allow the delivery of super fast broadband over existing copper networks.

It means that areas without fibre can access fast broadband over the existing telephone lines.

Genesis has been working with the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) team based at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to increase its export sales.

One of its strategic target markets for growth is Indonesia because a large proportion of its telephone network is copper and the firm is already carrying out research there with the support of UKTI. But a recent chance visit to the region by the Indonesian Ambassador Theyab has strengthened links.

Clair MacKenzie, of Genesis, said: “We recently identified Indonesia as a key target for growth and very soon after got a call from the Chamber to say the ambassador was visiting this region and would like to come out and meet a company.

“We were delighted to welcome Ambassador Theyab here and it certainly has helped to strengthen our links with Indonesia. We have now just hosted another group from the country and we believe it will help with our strategy there.

“Business is all about planning ahead and thinking strategically about new markets but, as this proves, good fortune can help too.

“South East Asia is a key growth market for Genesis and Indonesia, particulary, is entering a healthy development phase and is well poised to take advantage of Genesis’s copper technology.

“Genesis’s mBond™ product offers Indonesia a cost-effective way to deliver the communications infrastructure required to

meet rapidly growing mobile usage.

“Our technology can offer the country faster fixed and mobile broadband but without the need to rip up the old network.

It’s certainly an idea the Ambassador and the latest delegation were very interested in.”

Ajay Desai, of the Chamber’s UKTI international trade team, has been working with Genesis and he accompanied the latest delegation from the Indonesian Embassy to the company.

He said: “By working with us, Genesis has already begun to develop a strong presence in Indonesia and there is great potential for the company in that region.

“When we took the call to say the Ambassador was in the area and he wanted to visit a company, we knew exactly where we would take him.

“We’ve since been out again to Genesis with a separate delegation from the Embassy so it’s clear that they are very interested in the company’s technology and proposition for Indonesia.”

UKTI Helps West Midlands Business Clinch Business UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) has announced new statistics revealing that during the past 12 months, West Midlands firms secured overseas business worth £980 million over the next five years, with UKTI help.

Paul Noon, Regional Director for UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) in the West Midlands said: “These figures demonstrate yet again that companies do well with UKTI help and support.“

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CWT

Unprecedented number of apprenticeships up for grabs in Coventry and Warwickshire FreeRadio Coventry and Warwickshire’s leading apprenticeship provider is urging young people to come forward to fill a record number of job vacancies.

CWT Chamber Training, the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s training division, works with businesses across the area and supports hundreds of apprentices into work every year.

The improving economic climate has seen an increased demand for apprentices from companies and organisations across the city and county and CWT Chamber Training now has in excess of 70 apprenticeship vacancies available.

They are across a range of disciplines including IT, accountancy, childcare, warehousing and business administration, and include large businesses in the region such as Agco and Brose as well as small and medium-sized companies.

Sally Lucas, executive director of CWT Chamber Training, said “there was unprecedented interest in apprentices from local firms.”

She said: “Apprenticeships are now very much seen as a great way for companies to identify talent, bring people through and create the next generation of their workforce.”

“In fact, to have more than 70 vacancies at once is unprecedented during my time here and the figure is rising.”

“That, coupled with the much improved economic climate, has led to an increased demand for apprentices from businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire.”

“In fact, to have more than 70 vacancies at once is unprecedented during my time here and the figure is rising.”

“So I would urge young people out there

to get in touch with us at CWT Chamber Training and take advantage of a wonderful opportunity to get started on a career pathway.”

“Whether they have just finished their GCSEs or their A-Levels, there are different opportunities that would suit different people.”

“Some of the vacancies are in what people may think of as traditional apprenticeships such as hairdressing but there are also technical roles in IT and manufacturing available.”

Sally added: “What’s happened over recent years economically has given many young people the impression that there is ‘nothing out there’ for them but this shows that there are some excellent opportunities to start a career.”

“My advice would be for young people to get in touch with us to discuss the opportunities available and we will help to find the right apprenticeship for them and support them through it with their employer.”

For more information, contact the Recruitment Team on 024 7623 1122 or email enquiries@cwtcov.co.uk to register an interest in apprenticeships.

Mastering the commercial market of term-time.

Aimed at an adult audience at a competitive price, the leisure offer will range from Stand-up Comedy to Novel Writing, whilst the business offer will provide quality training for business professionals and small businesses sessions around a range of business matters; including Employment Law and Time Management.

The first set of masterclasses will start in July 2014. For further details visit www.skillsmasterclasses.co.uk or call 024 7624 3504.

North Warwickshire & Hinckley College is launching a range of one-day ‘Masterclasses’ that will give participants access to a range of enjoyable, interesting and beneficial business and leisure programmes delivered by industry professionals.

The Masterclasses have been developed

by North Warwickshire & Hinckley College in order to respond to local requirements.

They will allow the community and local businesses to access the expertise and talent of College staff and partners, and allow them to make the most of the fantastic facilities during weekends and out

Triumph for West Midlands Care Worker at WorldSkills UK Caring Competition CWT Chamber Training Apprentice Ashley Irvine took centre stage in the first heats for the West Midlands regional WorldSkills UK 2014 Health and Social Care Competition on 13th and 14th May 2014.

The heats enabled 32 of the 104 competitors who registered to compete from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, to demonstrate their excellent skills in delivering health care whilst in a competitive environment.

Congratulations to Ashley (18) from CWT Chamber Training, employed by The Beaufort Care Home (Coventry), who took 3rd place in the competition and has been selected to enter this year’s WorldSkills UK National Competition in November 2014!

The day saw some fantastic skills being demonstrated by competitors, with person centred care being showcased throughout.

Over the course of the day, competitors needed to demonstrate the delivery of excellent health care in a mix of written tests and live activities, assessed by a panel of expert judges from across the country.

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The activities, which included working with older people and people with learning disabilities, were devised by the Skills Academy to replicate situations which health and social care workers would be expected to face in their everyday roles.

Organised by the National Skills Academy for Social Care (WorldSkills Organising Partner of the year 2013), the WorldSkills UK competitions are part of WorldSkills International, the world’s largest vocational skills competition. The competitions aim to find the best adult health and social care workers in the country. Regional heats took place between May and June 2014, with the ten highest scorers from across the country going forward to the National finals at the Skills Show, being held at the NEC in Birmingham this November.

Debbie Sorkin, Chief Executive of the National Skills Academy for Social Care, said: “The expertise and leadership demonstrated by our frontline care workers has once again been a pleasure to observe.

To see competitors confidently showing what they can do when supporting people is a privilege. Health and social care has a lot to look forward to from the people who have taken part in this competition.”

Give it Up Appeal

“I heard about the appeal on the radio whilst driving in to work.”

CWT Chamber Training staff have given up treats and luxuries for a month to help make a difference to children living in Coventry and Warwickshire who are less fortunate than us.

Free Radio are aiming to raise £10,000 through the ‘GIVE IT UP’ appeal for sick kids in Coventry and Warwickshire with the help of local listeners who are giving up treats and luxuries like chocolate, cake, pizza and even wine for sponsorship.

The ‘GIVE IT UP’ appeal is raising money for Warwick based Molly Olly’s Wishes who support the lives of children with terminal or life threatening illnesses throughout the UK and Zoë’s Place, based in Coventry, who provide ‘home from home’ environments for babies and infants who have life limiting or life threatening conditions.

CWT’s Office Manager Sharon Doyle said, “I heard about the appeal on the radio whilst driving in to work. The invaluable support services provided day by day in the community by Zoë’s Place and Molly Olly’s Wishes inspired me to get CWT involved.”

“The response from our staff has been fantastic. There has been a real buzz around the office, especially when Free Radio visited our Coventry training centre to collect our donations.”

Apprentices involved in off the job skills training at CWT were also encouraged to support their Tutors and Training Advisors when the chocolate cravings kicked in. Anything sweet was banned from the classrooms!

CWT raised £228.50 towards the appeal and all eyes are now on the grand total to see if Free Radio can make it to their target of £10,000. What a difference that could make to the people in our community who need it most.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Business Support

Inspired to set up the right Link Overcoming barriers to growth A Stratford-based businesswoman, has decided to put her HR experience to the test and launch her own business, following redundancy.

Helen Gascoyne-Davies was inspired to set up The HR Link after the law firm she was working at closed.

The HR Link has been set up to provide specialist human resource consultancy and outsourcing services to small and medium-sized businesses across the region.

The 42-year-old was able to establish the business, which she runs from her home in Stratford-upon-Avon, after she received support from the Stratford District Council Business Start Up programme delivered by Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

She was introduced to the programme during a local networking event held at the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre, where a business mentor from the Chamber of Commerce spoke about the benefits of support available to new business enterprises.

Helen said: “I started out at a junior level before moving into more senior positions. I have built up a wealth of experience as a human resource manager working in a variety of sectors including law, marketing, manufacturing, hospitality and insurance & risk services.

“When faced with redundancy, and as a mum of two, I couldn’t afford to be out of work for long and I was keen to maintain the level of seniority I had secured whilst in employment.

“It has always been an ambition of mine to launch my own business and the support provided by the Chamber has given me the push that I need to take those first steps and drive the business forward.

“My business mentor, Margaret Bull, has been extremely supportive and has offered professional, relevant and helpful advice to allow me to begin to establish the business.

Pictured from left to right: Margaret Bull (Chamber) with Helen Gascoyne-Davies (The HR Link).

“She is currently helping to draw up both cash flow and marketing plans and I am also hoping to attend the training sessions provided by the Chamber to help business owners improve their skills and knowledge.”

Margaret Bull, business advisor at the Chamber, said: “Helen was very motivated to set up her own business and both her knowledge and experience in the sector has meant that The HR Link has got off to a flying start.

“Helen has a good business idea and with the support provided by the Chamber through the Stratford District Council Start Up programme she has been able to develop her business plan and start marketing the services.”

Dave Webb, Head of Enterprise Housing & Revenues Stratford District Council, said: “We are delighted that Helen has received the support and help that she needed to establish her new business. We wish her every success in her new venture and look forward to seeing more new business start-ups in the District that will help our economy grow.”

The Chamber’s start-up programme provides a range of business support to help people take those first steps towards running their own business with advice on finance, marketing and business planning.

For more information please contact Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on 02476 654321.

A New Look for Eden Custom Training We are pleased to announce the launch of a brand new look for Eden Custom Training, which includes a new logo, new websites, new accreditation partner and the addition of open courses.

Our redesigned LOGO now incorporates First Aid and Fire Safety icons. The new logo better reflects our business as it represents that we specialise in First Aid and Fire Safety Training.

We are launching two NEW WEBSITES to showcase our brand new look, www.edencustomtraining.co.uk and our sister site www.edenhealthcare training.co.uk that showcases our focus on healthcare training.

Both sites include an improved structure making them more user friendly, and updated content across the site.

Following the announcement from the HSE that with effect from the 1 October 2013 they were no longer approving first aid training and qualifications, and no longer approving first aid training organisations, we have chosen a new awarding organisation to ACCREDIT our

qualifications, which is Qualsafe Awards.

Qualsafe Awards is an Ofqual recognised Awarding Organisation, established by experts in the first aid and fire safety training industry. (http://www.qualsafeawards.org) And finally we are now offering a range of OPEN COURSES for both our First Aid and Fire Safety courses, aimed at small businesses that don’t have a requirement for a full team to be trained or individuals that require training.

Why a new look?

Quite simply, our new look represents our renewed focus on the business going forward, and we will be continuing to focus on our marketing efforts as well as continuing to deliver quality training.

We are committed to empowering people through our training, and delivering engaging training through our hands on learner participation and we’re looking forward to great 2014, and beyond.

For more information contact us on 0800 949 6034 or enquiries@edencustomtraining.co.uk

Chamber Member Offers We are also pleased to offer to all Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Members a 10% discount off any training.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Pictured left to right: Simon Rowley, Paul Carvell, Louise Wall, Nick Abell, Jeff Sinclair, Chris Tollady.

Companies in the professional services sector across Coventry and Warwickshire have heard how a range of bodies will help them overcome barriers to growth.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) held an event in the region with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Coventry and Warwickshire First.

The summit was staged at Chamber House and while other sectors may be hitting the headlines nationally, professional and business services were told that they are a key priority in growing the economy.

Firms heard from Chris Tollady and Simon Rowley, both of BIS, as well as from, Jeff Sinclair of UKTI, Louise Wall, regional co-ordinator of Growth Vouchers, Nick Abell, from the LEP, and from Paul Carvell, a board member of the Chamber and chair of Coventry and Warwickshire First.

Both Paul Carvell and Nick Abell emphasised the vital importance that professional and business services companies remain very high on the agenda

because they are key to the success of the economy.

Angela Tellyn, partnership manager at the Chamber said: “If they are growing, then that is good for everyone, and they also work with companies in all sorts of sectors. Manufacturing and engineering is attracting the limelight and the Government has made it clear that rebalancing the economy in that direction is important.

“That is why here in Coventry and Warwickshire we have dedicated a strategic group to that sector and work on a daily basis with firms in professional and business services.”

Paul Carvell said: “It’s a crucial sector and we have to make sure that it is a priority when we all look at how we grow the local, regional and national economy.

“The fact we had such important figures here to discuss the sector shows just how important it is.”

Nick Abell added: “Professional service companies are a vital cog in the economic fortunes of this region. If the sector is successful, it bodes well for the whole of the economy in Coventry and Warwickshire.”

Government programme adds up for accountants A Warwickshire accountancy practice is looking forward to a business boost after qualifying for a Government business growth programme.

Leask Accountancy Solutions, run by Julia Leask in Warwick, has been successful in its application for a Growth Voucher for strategic business advice.

The company will match-fund the £2,000 voucher to spend on sales and marketing advice and has agreed a contract with Coventry-based Rev Marketing to supply the service.

Julia set-up the company four years ago and acts as an outsourced ‘Finance Director’ for small and medium sized firms.

She said: “I spent 20 years in the corporate world and I am taking that big business knowledge into SMEs.” “We are now at the point where we are looking to grow the company and I wanted to invest in expert business advice in order to add to our existing client base.

“When I saw the Growth Vouchers were available for strategic sales and marketing advice, I decided to apply and I am delighted that we have been successful.

“This will make a very big impact on the company and we are looking forward to working with Rev Marketing over the coming weeks and months to implement a strategy that will help to raise our profile and awareness of our services.

“We will begin with an audit of our current activity, work that into a deliverable strategy and then implement that in a bid to retain existing clients in addition to attracting new clients.”

The £30 million Growth Vouchers scheme was launched by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and is available to any businesses, which have been trading for over a year and have 49 employees or less.

Pictured: Louise Wall (Growth Vouchers), Julia Leask (Leask Accountancy Solutions), Rosie Evans (Rev Marketing)

West Midlands Chambers LLP has been chosen as the delivery partner for this region.

In the first instance, businesses need to visit www.gov.uk/apply-growth-vouchers to establish the eligibility and register their interest. They will then receive a free business assessment either online or from an advisor.

The advice available can cover five key areas, raising finance and managing cash flow; recruiting and developing staff; improving leadership and management skills; marketing, and making the most of digital technology.

As well as qualifying for support, Leask Accountancy Solutions has also been chosen to deliver advice in the area of Raising Finance and Managing Cashflow.

Louise Wall, Regional Coordinator for the Growth Vouchers scheme, said: “We are delighted that Leask Accountancy Solutions has been successful in its application for a voucher.

“It’s also great news for the local economy that the money is being spent with a service provider from this area – so it means a boost for two local companies.”

15

Legal & Finance

Move for law firm A new central hub for a leading employment law firm in Coventry and Warwickshire is already opening up expansion opportunities.

De Marco Solicitors has moved into its own premises at Electric Wharf, a development of eco-homes and offices in Sandy Lane, Coventry, to grow its team of employment and business law specialists and its areas of expertise.

The firm has taken on an additional solicitor, Stuart Kelly, who brings a new dimension as a specialist in IT, intellectual property, media and commercial law, and with a particular interest in film, TV and radio contracts.

Sandra Garlick, Principal of De Marco Solicitors, said the move overseen by commercial property agents Bromwich Hardy marked a significant stage in the development of the company which she established in 2007.

Sandra said: “We had been looking for our own premises for some time and this was the right move as it provides us with the opportunity for further growth.

“We have already been able to branch into a new area of law with the appointment of Stuart and will be taking on another solicitor, Katy Morgan Smith, in May to enhance our employment team.

“We have now grown to eight solicitors, making us one of the largest employment teams in Coventry and Warwickshire, and they will have the opportunity to work alongside our support staff from this new base and remotely for clients within the area and beyond.”

The move to Electric Wharf is the third office deal within the development in the last six months by Bromwich Hardy, which recently came out on top of all commercial property advisors in Coventry and Warwickshire and second overall in the

Midlands for 2013, according to Estates Gazette and Co Star.

James Brookes, from Bromwich Hardy, said: “Commercial property rental and sale is definitely on the up in the Midlands and the Coventry market is certainly starting to move.

“Electric Wharf continues to hold very good values for both tenants and investors and we have completed a trio of office deals there in the past six months which leaves only one unit vacant along with a couple of investment opportunities.”

De Marco’s premises within Generator Hall, one of the mixed-use buildings in the canalside development, are at least double the size of the firm’s previous base with an open-plan lower ground floor providing office space and a conference and training facility at ground level.

Sandra added: “Electric Wharf is a prestigious development and we wanted our central hub to be within the heart of Coventry as there is a lot of development in the city centre with schemes such as Friargate.

“This move marks an exciting stage in our firm’s own development and we are looking forward to building our team and our services from here.”

For commercial property interest in Electric Wharf, James Brookes can be contacted at Bromwich Hardy on 02476 308900.

Sandra Garlick is pictured with James Brookes at the new offices of De Marco Solicitors at Electric Wharf.

Seminar helps with marketing challenge “Legal firms are often focused on providing the best possible service for their clients and marketing techniques can often take a back-seat.”

A specialist seminar has been held in Coventry to help legal eagles keep their eye on how marketing strategies could benefit their business.

Accountants and business planners Harrison Beale & Owen, which has offices in Coventry and Leamington, hosted a free legal marketing seminar at Coombe Abbey Hotel in Coventry.

About 25 business and legal professionals from across the region attended the event which included a range of marketing presentations as well as networking opportunities, drinks and canapés.

Jo Edwards, a marketing expert at JE Consulting in Sutton Coldfield, was a guest speaker at the event and discussed how social media and the economic climate have impacted client engagement.

Helen Coombes, associate tax director at HB&O, also presented tax tips for businesses.

She said: “Legal firms are often focused on providing the best possible service for their clients and marketing techniques can often take a back-seat.

“It is important that legal professionals understand how marketing can help to improve their practise as it provides an opportunity to engage better with clients across all platforms.”

16

First anniversary is cause for celebration

Pictured from left to right: Band Hatton Button partners, Nick Button, Sean Byrne, Dawn Mobbs, Haydn Jones, Philip Costigan and Jon Wilby.

About 70 legal eagles joined together to celebrate the first anniversary of one of Coventry’s leading law firms.

Partners and staff at Band Hatton Button Solicitors on Warwick Road raised a glass of champagne to mark the special occasion at an event held at Blue Restaurant on Spon Street in the city centre.

Band Hatton Button was formed last year following the merger of three of Coventry’s leading law firms Varley Hibbs, Band Hatton and Button Legal.

The firm has 15 partners and employs over 70 staff with nine new members joining the firm within the last year.

Philip Costigan, senior partner at Band Hatton Button, said: “Last year’s merger marked a major milestone in the history of the legal profession within Coventry and Warwickshire.

“The merger combined three firms that were each already successful in their own right and over the last year we have not only been able to combine and strengthen our expertise but have also ensured that we are delivering the highest quality service to our clients.

“It was fantastic to see our staff come together to celebrate our first birthday as Band Hatton Button and we are looking forward to continuing to develop the firm in the future.”

Changes to case law welcomed by commercial landlords Commercial landlords, worried they won’t be able to recover rent arrears from their tenants as a consequence of their tenant entering administration, are being offered expert advice from Midlands-based business recovery experts Cranfield Business Recovery to help them recover what they are owed.

The timely advice comes after a recent change in case law which awards landlords the right to continue to receive rent from a tenant on a pay-as-you-go basis, provided the tenant continues trading from the premises after the appointment of administrators.

The new case law closes the previous loophole which saw tenants able to continue trading rent free if they appointed administrators immediately after their quarterly rent due date.

These new changes to case law move away from the previous rulings which focused on helping struggling businesses, and instead will now focus on helping landlords receive what they are owed.

Previous confusion surrounding rent arrears in commercial properties was a result to being unable to apportion rent payable in advance, as outlined in the Goldacre case. The new case law details that rent will be treated as accruing from day to day, and the rent should be treated as priority expenditure by the administrator.

Tony Mitchell, Director at Cranfield Business Recovery, explained: “Excessive rent arrears are a worry for landlords and business owners alike, but the new case law will see a clearer and just treatment which will ensure landlords are able to receive payments they are owed. There have been a number of high end cases in recent years where, because the law was unclear, rulings were unfavourable to landlords. As a result of this the needs of all parties involved were not met. The new case law will ensure that everyone concerned is up front and honest from the outset, which is something we always advocate.”

The new case law relies on an equitable principle. This means that the approach taken towards the retrieval of rent owed will be more reasonable to both the landlord and the commercial tenant in cases where insolvency proceedings have commenced and the tenant continues to use the property.

In order to protect landlords’ interests, Cranfield Business

Recovery is offering advice should a tenant enter administration proceedings. These points, in conjunction with the new case law, may provide much needed help with the remodelling of financial and organisational structures, and will allow landlords to remain high on the list when receiving payments from their tenants.

Practical steps, such as considering exercising a landlord’s right to terminate the lease of a property by physical possession, may help to place landlords in a more favourable position. In addition, Cranfield Business Recovery also recommends that landlords should come together to ensure majority voting power at creditors’ meetings.

Many landlords are ill-informed when it comes to administration and the implications it can hold for them. It is therefore vital that landlords seek professional advice from a business recovery expert.

In addition, Cranfield urges landlords not to be deterred from working with Administrations as a result of hearing about previous administration cases, as all of these should be assessed on individual merit. Landlords are advised that, should they find themselves on the receiving end of an administration order from a tenant, they should thoroughly research all the options available to them, and seek professional advice. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Legal & Finance New Associate for Burgis & Bullock

Warwickshire law firm appoints trainee solicitor

Reliefs can help business owners mitigate IHT and CGT Warwickshire law firm Alsters Kelley, has awarded a training contract to Joanne McDaid.

Joanne from Bedfordshire studied law and criminology at Sheffield University and graduated in 2008. She completed her MSC in clinical criminology at Leicester University before completing her LPC at the London College of Law. Joanne will start in the Family Law Department at Alsters Kelley. Upon successful completion of the two year contract, Joanne will become a fullyfledged solicitor.

Training Member, Neil Raiseborough said: “Joanne has clearly demonstrated the vital skills we look for when offering a training contract and we are very excited to offer her this position.”

“There is a lot of competition out there and we get hundreds of applications each year. It is a testament to Joanne’s commitment and abilities that she has proven herself worthy of a contract offer.”

Joanne said: “I am really pleased to have secured a training contract at Alsters Kelley and I am excited and enthusiastic about developing my legal skills at such a respected firm. Obtaining a training contract is very difficult and competitive and I am so happy to have been given this opportunity.”

In her spare time, Joanne hobbies include travelling, cooking, listening to music and running.

“There is a lot of competition out there and we get hundreds of applications each year. It is a testament to Joanne’s commitment and abilities that she has proven herself worthy of a contract offer.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Generous reliefs mean business owners should take advice on their exposure to inheritance tax and capital gains tax, according to Eamonn Daly, Partner and Chartered Tax Adviser at Lodders Solicitors.

It follows a recent study comparing tax burdens on family business transfers throughout Europe.

The study found that the UK had the second and fifth highest tax takes on inheritance or lifetime transfers respectively if relief and exemptions were not available, but in both cases the charge is zero if they are available.

Mr Daly said: “Reliefs are absolutely crucial for ensuring smooth handovers from one generation to the next. To get the best deal business owners need the best advice.”

Business property relief provides relief from IHT at a rate of 50 per cent or 100 per cent on the transfer of relevant business assets which have been held for at least two years. As well as an interest in a business this can include personally owned assets used for the purposes of the business and unquoted shares in a company.

However the relief will not cover everything. Any assets held in the business not required for its current or future purposes, for example surplus cash or investments, might be excluded from the relief.

If the business consists wholly or mainly of making or holding investments or dealing in land, buildings, securities, stocks or shares, the gift or inheritance will not qualify for BPR. In view of these exceptions and the different rates of relief it is important to organise the structure of the business and the ownership of the assets used in it to maximise the savings available.

“It can be quite complicated, indeed a bit of a minefield,” said Mr Daly.

“It is easy to get it wrong. For example, a trading company might over time acquire premises which are later let to unconnected parties. While a certain level of non-trading assets can be held without affecting BPR, the relief could be lost if the property letting overtook the trading activities.”

“Removing the let properties from the group structure could enable the availability of BPR to be maintained on the trading company.”

Different, but similarly intricate, rules apply to CGT reliefs on lifetime transfers.

Subject to qualifying conditions, holdover relief allows the chargeable gain on a business to be completely deferred whilst entrepreneurs’ relief can reduce the tax rate to ten per cent.

“We are talking about large amounts of tax at stake. At these levels it is important to get things absolutely right.”

Midlands-based Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, Burgis & Bullock has further strengthened its private client tax division with the appointment of Rosy Hughes as an Associate.

As a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser, Rosy will head up the private client and personal tax department. With an expertise in tax planning and advisory work for individuals, trusts and non domiciles, she will help to expand the current range and depth of the firm’s tax services. Her particular emphasis will be on inheritance, capital gains and income tax planning.

Rosy joins the firm from EY, where she had been working as a Senior Manager across the Midlands and nationally. With over ten years’ experience in personal and private client work, her appointment will enhance the firm’s existing tax capabilities to its client base across the UK and overseas.

Wende Hubbard, Managing Partner at Burgis & Bullock said: “Rosy joins us from a top tier firm and brings with her an array of experience, supported by our dedicated team of professionals within the firm’s five offices across East and West Midlands. Her appointment shows the firm’s commitment to providing high quality tax planning advice to its clients.”

Rosy said: “Burgis & Bullock is a forward thinking regional practice and I am looking forward to helping the firm with its continued success and further expansion.”

“Burgis & Bullock is a forward thinking regional practice and I am looking forward to helping the firm with its continued success and further expansion.”

sponsored column

Prime team continues to grow

Pictured left to right: Kathy Moss, James Goodwin, Arvin Sud, Kevin Johns, Jessica Henrick, Jennifer Sweeting.

Coventry and Solihull based Prime Accountants Group continue to expand with the appointment of five new members of staff, Jennifer Sweeting, Arvin Sud, James Goodwin, Jessica Henrik and Kathy Moss.

These appointments now take the total number of employees to 62, making Prime one of the largest independent firms of chartered accountants and business advisers across the region.

Kevin Johns, Director responsible for HR said “We recruit Audit and Accounts trainees each year, but this year, to cope with increased demand for our Business Services / Virtual Accounts Office offering we have recruited an additional two trainees to support the existing 11 strong team.

“We are finding many SMEs are looking to outsource non core activities, to allow them to focus on running and developing their businesses. Our solutions are bespoke and are tailored to an individual client’s needs”, continues Kevin.

In addition, the firm has expanded its marketing team to three, with the appointment of Kathy Moss as Marketing Administrator.

As well as providing the normal compliance type services all firms of accountants offer, Prime Accountants Group, offers a range of bespoke, innovative outsourcing solutions to predominantly owner managed businesses, complemented with independent regulated financial planning and wealth management advice.

If you would like to know more about current career opportunities at Prime Accountants Group, please contact us today on 02476 518 555 or info@primeaccountants.co.uk.

From left to right: Rosy Hughes, Associate, Private Client Tax is welcomed to the firm by Wende Hubbard, Burgis & Bullock’s Managing Partner.

17

Policy

Businesses remain confident Business confidence across Coventry and Warwickshire remains strong going into the second half of 2014.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has just completed the second Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) of the year and firms in both the manufacturing and service sectors remain buoyant.

The QES acts as a barometer for businesses across the city and county and is also fed into national research by the British Chambers of Commerce.

The latest survey shows that those companies who export are expecting to see their fortunes improve more quickly. In manufacturing, 52 per cent of firms said advance orders in the domestic market were up while 63 per cent of companies said overseas orders were rising.

The service sector paints a similar picture as 45 per cent of companies said advance orders had risen while 74 per cent said they had more work booked in when it comes to exports.

Chamber chief executive Louise Bennett said: “Businesses have enjoyed a much more stable economic climate over the past few months and that is resulting in improving sales and increasing confidence.

“That stability is vital for the economy to continue to grow and flourish.

“The results of our latest QES bear out, yet again, just how important exporting is and I would urge companies who are not yet doing business overseas to speak to our international trade team.

“In fact, businesses who are already exporting should also get in touch because they can support them to find new markets.”

In terms of general business confidence, 79 per cent of manufacturing firms surveyed believe their turnover will rise in the next year while 83 per cent of service sector companies were anticipating a rise in turnover.

Unemployment also looks set to continue on a downward trend with 57 per cent of manufacturers saying they will increase their team in the coming months and 49 per cent of service based businesses looking to employ more staff.

That’s a slight improvement on three months ago and Bennett said it bodes well for the rest of the year.

She said: “We continue to guard against complacency but it is great to see confidence returning to the companies across our patch.

“Unemployment has been falling consistently and I know from experience with our training division, CWT Chamber Training, that there are a healthy number of vacancies for apprenticeships across Coventry and Warwickshire.

“But it’s vital that Government continues to look at ways it can assist and improve conditions for business to help sustain our economic growth.”

“...it’s vital that Government continues to look at ways it can assist...”

18

Win up to £1,500 for anti-crime initiatives in the West Midlands NFU Mutual, the UK’s leading rural insurer, has announced the return of its annual Country Crime Fighters Awards 2014.

With a cash fund of up to £1,500 available, the Awards will help to recognise and celebrate unsung rural heroes in the West Midlands by providing them with financial and practical support to help fund anticrime initiatives.

All people have to do is visit www.nfumutual.co.uk/crimefighters and tell the insurer in 300 words or less why they or their community group deserve to win an award and how they have helped to reduce crime in their local area.

The rural insurer has introduced new categories to attract an even more widespread audience of people who dedicate their time to reducing rural crime in their local communities. The categories for 2014 are: • Crime Prevention through Social Media • Equestrian Crime Prevention • Farm Crime Prevention • Local Community Crime Prevention • Wildlife Crime Prevention • Rural Business Crime Prevention • Crime Prevention through Technology The Country Crime Fighters Awards 2014 will engage with people from the West Midlands and the rest of the country, as people nominate themselves or their community group for an award. Following successful nomination, regional

winners will compete for a place in the final and be invited to attend the awards ceremony in London with the chance to be crowned national winner. The winner will also receive a trophy and a cheque for £1,500.

Regional winners will receive a trophy and £500.

Nominations can be submitted online at the Country Crime Fighters webpage and closing on the 11th August 2014.

To enter online or to download a rural crime toolkit visit: www.nfumutual.co.uk/crimefighters.

This section of the website will contain a handy guide on how people can go about setting up a crime reduction watch team in their community.

The 2014 winners will be selected by a new expert panel of judges featuring: Chief Constable of Dyfed Powys Police, Simon Prince leading on wildlife and rural crime; Chairman of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, Claire Worden; Rural Services Network Officer, Nick Payne; features writer for the Daily Telegraph, Joe Shute; and NFU Mutual Chairman, Richard Percy.

Richard Percy, Chairman of NFU Mutual, said: “As part of the fabric of country life, we have a responsibility to offer continued support to rural communities in their ongoing fight against crime. I am thrilled to be involved in the judging panel of this competition again this year and cannot wait to start uncovering more of the UK’s unsung rural heroes.”

Unemployment drop does not mean job is done A dramatic fall in unemployment across Coventry and Warwickshire has been welcomed by the region’s leading business organisation.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce said the drop to 7,227 from 7,516 in Coventry and the fall to 5,180 from 5,494 in Warwickshire was a further sign of economic improvement.

But Chamber chief executive Louise Bennett has warned against complacency.

She said: “This further decline in unemployment continues the trend that we have seen over recent months.

“It bears out what our members have been telling us: that they are growing and taking on new staff to support that growth.

“It’s great news and is very welcome but it is vitally important that everyone takes a pause for breath and remember where the economy was just a couple of years ago.

“Rising confidence and falling unemployment is what we all want to see but we are still too early into the recovery to think the job is done and that’s why I would like to see calls for a rise in interest rates to be quelled until the New Year at the earliest.

“Despite the very positive figures, getting more young people into work or training remains a priority and that is more likely to happen against a backdrop of confidence and stronger growth.

“Through CWT – the Chamber’s training arm – we are delivering more apprenticeships across our patch than any other organisation and we are also working on a pan-European basis to help young, unemployed people to find opportunities to establish businesses of their own.

“It is vital that the hard work continues. The unemployment figures are falling but nobody should become complacent and lose sight of the fact that reducing youth unemployment remains a major task that requires innovation and effort across the board.”

Energy expert takes on top job

John Barnham, the new chairman of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Energy Business Group.

A nationally-renowned low energy housing expert has been appointed as the new chairman of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Energy Business Group.

John Barnham, Head of Sustainable Investment at the Orbit Group, one of the UK’s largest social housing providers, has taken over from Keith Budden, who stepped down from the position after moving to Cenex, the UK’s first Centre of Excellence for low carbon and fuel cell technologies, to become Head of Business Development.

John’s job involves leading a team to deliver low energy housing while maintaining a commercial focus for Orbit Group’s 38,000-strong housing stock and encouraging tenants to reduce energy consumption.

He is a board director of the Sustainable Housing Acton Partnership (SHAP) and Building Retrofit Network Community Interest Company, and a member of Housing Partnership UK, Energy Efficiency Partnership for Buildings, the International Housing Partnership and the European Federation for Living, which are committed to delivering low energy commercially sustainable housing.

John said: “Housing is a key factor in supporting economic growth in our region, whether it is new build developments or maintaining existing homes, and reducing future energy consumption within homes is critical.

“Supporting this is a wider focus on creating a low energy infrastructure and developing existing and new businesses with the skills and capability to place Coventry and Warwickshire as a centre of low energy excellence.

“We are fortunate that we already have a strong reputation for innovation and research through the multiple industries and academic institutes which have national and international recognition.

“We need to be looking at a broad range of alternative energy sources and the Coventry and Warwickshire area has an established track record of leading the research and delivery agenda.

“We want the LEP’s Energy Business Group to push those boundaries further and build on the work we have completed so far to demonstrate our value as well as support and collaborate with other Business Groups within the LEP where we can collectively provide added value.

“There are links between energy, housing and industry – not only in terms of building low carbon homes and business units – and it is important we make the most of the benefits to the environment, the economy and future growth of our area. They can be gained through energy savings and efficiencies but also in opening up new markets to companies in this area.”

Keith stepped down from the role as chairman principally because Cenex’s registered office is in Loughborough. However, he will remain part of the Energy Business Group as Cenex is helping deliver and invest in many low carbon vehicle and energy projects in the LEP area. This includes supporting the delivery of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure for Coventry and Warwickshire via the Plugged in Midland’s programme.

He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed leading the Energy Business Group over the last couple of years and I know John will be successful in taking it forward.

“There is a great commitment from the group’s members to highlight investment opportunities for sustainable energy projects, promote the schemes that will help businesses reduce their energy costs, and encourage green growth in innovation and new business development.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Local Enterprise Partnership News

Tackling skills shortage crucial for LEP

Richard Hutchins (LEP), Adrian Maye (Jaguar Land Rover), Marion Plant (LEP), Naomi Jennens-Bull (Jaguar Land Rover), Jonathan Browning (LEP), Jo Lopes (Jaguar Land Rover) and Simon Danks (Productiv)

The new chairman of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) told a major careers conference that reducing the skills shortage in advanced manufacturing and engineering was at the top of its agenda.

More than 50 delegates including head teachers, governors, careers leaders and heads of science – including Coundon Court School and Finham Park School in Coventry – attended the Careers Conference: Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) organised by the LEP and sponsored and hosted by Jaguar Land Rover.

Jonathan Browning, who was attending his first public event as the new chairman of the LEP, said developing skills to generate economic growth and create jobs was among the organisation’s top priorities.

“The LEP has a critical part to play in continuing to provide the conditions for success going forward,” he said.

“We recognise our region’s assets and the tremendous potential this region has at the moment. But to build on this momentum we need to ensure youngsters have the relevant skills, as well as developing our physical infrastructure and access to finance. It is very important we

move forward on all these fronts.

“A top priority is equipping young people with the right skills to contribute to the well-being of the region.

“There’s nothing more important than everyone working together to enable more young people to develop a career in advanced manufacturing and engineering.

“It is a huge challenge but it is also a huge opportunity to build the foundations for our future economic success.

“We see this as a top priority because it will stop us eating away at the foundations of our future growth.”

Browning was speaking from experience after a career in automotive with spells as chairman of Vauxhall and managing director of Jaguar. He has returned to the UK after more than three years as President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.

The event, which was held at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon, was split into three zones – for employers and schools to share the challenges facing young people to consider Advanced Manufacturing Engineering as a career; for careers providers to provide information on the support and options available; and for manufacturing and engineering

apprentices to talk to employers and schools about their jobs.

Jo Lopes, head of technical excellence at Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Our Inspiring Tomorrow’s Engineers’ programme aims to acts as a pipeline for young talent, which is essential for our business to achieve its ambitious global growth plans.

“From school visits and work experience to helping students build model vehicles in our educational challenges, our activities play an essential role in encouraging and inspiring tomorrow’s engineers and technologists.

“We hope that meeting our apprentices and graduates was truly inspirational for the young people and demonstrated what exciting, diverse career options we have on offer.”

Gill Quinn of Noel Quinn Associates, who led one of the zones, said one theme which emerged from the sessions was the perception of the AME sector as employers and schools discussed the challenges they faced.

“Young people are subject to their parents’ perceptions of the sector being a smelly, dirty, noisy industry which is in decline, is poorly paid and has few opportunities,” she said.

“No matter how hard schools and industry work there is a huge factor of perception to overcome. These ideas are formulated at an early age which makes it harder to change their minds.

“The issue of fewer work placements was also raised. Employers find it hard to understand why schools are not encouraging their students to go on work placements but schools are working to a framework where it is not a statutory requirement.

“Employers are willing to be more involved by offering work placements because they recognise how difficult it is to overcome skills shortages.”

Companies urged to think green Small and medium sized businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire have been urged to review their energy use to cut their costs and become more environmentally friendly.

The SME Business Group of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) heard from Keith Budden, chair of the LEP’s Energy Business Group, about the different measures which can be introduced to reduce usage, improve carbon footprint and lower bills.

Keith told the group, which is made-up of SMEs from all sectors across the area, to look at their bills for gas, electric and waste disposal.

He said: “There are various steps which can be introduced for either little or no cost which could lead to significant savings.

“It is important to monitor your energy consumption – perhaps through an energy monitor or an online tracking system - and to let your supplier know your exact reading so you are only paying for what you have used.

“You could take it one step further by requesting a smart meter from your energy supplier to end estimated bills forever. There’s the added benefit that you can see real-time information to help you www.cw-chamber.co.uk

understand how much energy you are using.

“It is also important to check when your current energy contract is coming to an end to prevent it automatically rolling over.

Ofgem is requiring energy companies to stop doing this, but it is wise to check.

When you are due to renew shop around for a better deal and contact energy companies directly, don’t just use a broker, as suppliers are often a great source of help and information.

“Another good idea is to fit more efficient, energy-saving products such as LED lighting in high usage areas or more modern heating controls so that you can control the heating and use no more than you need.”

He advised SMEs to contact the ECO Business project, led by Coventry University Enterprises and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, for advice and information on the funding available to implement energy efficiency measures.

He said: “The ECO Business West Midlands team can help with accessing a range of grants for capital expenditure and advice from consultants.

“They can help with introducing the environmental management systems

needed to reach ISO standards, supporting feasibility studies, design, building infrastructure and equipment, and easing compliance and providing support in waste management.

“There is a raft of support and funding available for SMEs – but it is often a case of knowing where to look to find out more information.”

Amrik Bhabra, chairman of the LEP’s SMEs Business Group, said the presentation had been interesting and thought-provoking.

“The energy measures which SMEs can introduce can not only make a business more environmentally friendly and competitive but have the added advantage of reducing bills,” he said.

“Energy is a high cost particularly for SMEs in retail and manufacturing and by working with our colleagues from the Energy Business Group, we hope we can encourage Coventry and Warwickshire businesses to look at their usage and whether they can introduce renewable energy measures which have the added bonus of lowering their costs.”

For further information contact the ECO Business team on 024 7615 8206 or email info@ecobusinesswm.co.uk.

Businesses secure funding “The entire funding pot for the four LEPs was £19 million and businesses within our LEP area received a total of £6.2 million.”

Five Coventry and Warwickshire businesses have been awarded government funding worth £6.2 million which has created 225 jobs.

The companies have secured the grants and loans from the West Midlands and Liverpool City Region Programme as part of the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI).

Businesses were targeted in four LEP areas in Coventry and Warwickshire, Greater Birmingham and Solihull, the Black Country and Liverpool City Region to receive support for their expansion plans.

Coventry-based ADV Group in Bayton Road, Exhall, B2 Automotive Components in Little Heath Industrial Estate, Old Church Road, Marrill Limited in Waterman Road, Red Lane, and CFS Aeroproducts in Bubbenhall Road along with Innovate 2 Make on the Tachbrook Park Industrial Estate in Leamington have benefited to a total of £6.2 million.

Karl Eddy, vice chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) said AMSCI had made a real difference to the five businesses.

He said: “The entire funding pot for the four LEPs was £19 million and businesses within our LEP area received a total of £6.2 million.

“The grants and loans will support businesses buying capital equipment, pursuing research and development activities, and training and skills development which are all designed to improve the size, quality and global competitiveness of the advanced manufacturing supply chain sector across the UK. “The funding has enabled the five businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire to create 225 jobs in the automotive and aerospace industry as well as safeguarding a further 41 jobs.

“AMSCI was designed to encourage closer collaboration of at least two advanced manufacturing businesses operating in the same supply chain.

“As well as encouraging closer working relationships between companies who have skills which complement each other, it is important we lay the foundations for the future in teaching these valuable skills to the next generation as well as safeguarding jobs for today’s workforce.

“Coventry and Warwickshire is renowned for attracting world-class advanced manufacturing companies at all stages of the supply chain as well as having strong links in the aerospace sector which was a major factor in our successful City Deal bid.

“This flexible way of providing funding has helped to remove any barriers which suppliers and supply chains can sometimes face because we all want to encourage growth to boost the economy and create jobs which is the major focus of the LEP.”

19

David Burbidge is the first to admit that he is not preaching what he practiced

“I know only too well what it’s like when you are running a business - you are so busy and Awards are not always top of the priority list.”

Burbidge, who helped to transform the family-owned eponymous Coventry-based kitchen cabinet manufacturer during his career, is currently serving as a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands.

As part of that role he is working to ensure that Coventry and Warwickshire companies put themselves forward for the Queen’s Awards.

The area, and the wider region, punches well below its weight when it comes to the leading business awards and it is something he is looking to address.

The reasons Coventry and Warwickshire companies are not applying in numbers are many and varied, and Burbidge is aware of many of them first-hand.

“I always thought that the Queen’s Award was for companies like Jaguar Land Rover or JCB or the big well-known firms,” he said.

Biography: David Burbridge Birthplace: Coventry Education: Shrewsbury School and Keble College, Oxford Married: Sandra Children: Ben 46, Hattie 43 and Edward 35 and six grandchildren.

Hobbies: Oil Painting, real tennis and sailing Favourite book: Grapes of Wrath

by John Steinbeck Favourite film: Il Paradiso Car: Bentley Continental Last holiday: Our house in France Favourite gadget: Cork screw

20

“I never really thought it would have applied to SME scale businesses as we were and, I suppose, I was also desperately busy running the business.

“I know only too well what it’s like when you are running a business - you are so busy and Awards are not always top of the priority list. ”At that stage we were exporting and we probably would have stood a good chance of winning one. Knowing what I know now, I certainly would have applied.

“Really our aim in this campaign is to make companies more aware of the business benefits and the significant prestige that it brings and the real tangible business benefits in terms of profile.”

That has involved two sessions organised by the Chamber. The first one highlighted the advantages of winning an award, while the second talked companies through the application process.

Burbidge said: “There are so many wonderful businesses in this area but we don’t punch our weight when it comes to Queen’s Award winners. The question is: what can we do to get more companies to apply?

“So we are working together with the Chamber to give companies from this region the best possible chance to apply for and win an Award.

“Some businesses may ask what is the point of applying for a Queen’s Award? This is the most prestigious business award out there. It is known the world over and I would strongly encourage companies to apply.

“I have to be honest, the success rate of companies who apply is 20 per cent. That shouldn’t be off-putting, but it should make businesses realise that they are no pushover.

“There are not enough winners from this region, it’s as simple as that, so it is incredibly important that we get more businesses putting in their applications.

“Hopefully the Master Class got some of these points across and we will continue to spread the word on the benefits of applying for and winning a Queen’s Award.”

After studying law at Oxford University, www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Profile: David Burbridge Burbidge was not destined to run the family firm. At that stage the company was supplying parts to firms across the Midlands, but he helped turn it in a new direction and down a highly-successful path.

He said: “Everything we did was in wood but it wasn’t going into the building sector or the furniture sector, it was going to various engineering companies. All of it was on a subcontracting basis with a small number of big customers – it was terrifying really which is what I wanted to change.

“Every year we were being screwed on price and you never quite knew whether you were going to get contracts renewed. I felt a bit insecure and what I wanted to do was to have our own range of products that we could sell to a wider customer base.

“I spotted an opportunity when wooden kitchen doors started to become fashionable in the 1980s and I set up for us to be the first company in the UK to make wooden cabinet doors on an industrial scale.

“I bought an old derelict factory on Awson Street in Hillfields – a 50,000 sq ft unit that we got for practically nothing. It was virtually derelict and we had to restore it and we had to set the factory up to make cabinet doors – fortunately we haven’t looked back since.

“What I developed was an own brand route, because we only make the fronts we don’t make the carcasses, so it is sold as the retailers’ own brand. They are all independent retailers, we don’t sell to any bigger chains at all.

“So it is a very widespread customer base and we exported a lot for a number of years which is probably why we would have qualified for a Queen’s Award.”

Burbidge is non-executive chairman of the company after stepping back eight years ago, but retirement has certainly not meant rest.

He had been involved in a number of high-profile roles while still working, and they have continued. He was the High Sheriff of the West Midlands and through that role he got to know the Dean of the Coventry Cathedral John Petty.

“Not to put too fine a point on it, but at the time the Cathedral had serious financial difficulties so I helped set up a Development Trust,” Burbidge said.

“I spent 12 years there and we raised around £4.5million for the Cathedral which got it out of financial difficulty and then built-up quite a useful cushion of funds to see it through for another 20 years.”

Once you get a reputation for successfully raising money for causes – he received an OBE for his work with the Cathedral – you are a person in demand so similar roles followed at the Belgrade Theatre and then the Royal Shakespeare Company.

During that time he also helped establish a new Livery Hall in London for the furniture industry, was a director of the Coventry Building Society and President of the City of Coventry Scouts!

He is also non-executive chair of a boutique investment bank – Burbidge Capital Limited - established by his younger son Edward in Nairobi – “travelling to board meetings every three months is quite interesting!”

That leaves precious little times for hobbies – but Burbidge has returned to a talent he first nurtured at school.

He added: “I am passionate about painting and always loved the arts in school. So four years ago I took myself off to art school two days a week in London.

“I paint portraits and figures and I’m about to submit my first works to an exhibition - The Mall Gallery in London - later this year. I have no idea if I will be accepted, but who knows?

“I loved painting when I was a schoolboy and just hadn’t had the time to do it.”

Not that free time is exactly in abundance now.

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Working Day David Burbidge was born and brought up in Coventry and has lived in Wasperton for the last 35 years.

He has an apartment in London where he spends on average two days a week for work, and for painting.

“I don’t lie in. I get up at 7am and tend to go straight into whatever I am doing. My wife tells me I don’t know how to relax.

“For relaxation we do visit the theatre regularly and we both like music.

“We have a house in France and we probably go there for around four weeks a year and I am able to go sailing there, which I have always enjoyed.

“I do like to keep busy – but I am a man who needs his eight hours sleep a night.”

“I spent 12 years there and we raised around £4.5million for the Cathedral which got it out of financial difficulty and then built-up quite a useful cushion of funds to see it through for another 20 years.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

21

Property

Final office is occupied

Pictured: James Compton (left) with Richard Condon.

The final office at a new development in Coventry has been occupied by a historic name in regional accountancy.

Francis Webbs Chartered Accountants has taken the final office at Scala, which is part of a multimillion pound regeneration project in Far Gosford Street, after it was marketed by commercial property experts Shortland Penn + Moore.

The Francis Webbs name has been established in Coventry for more than 50 years and the firm was acquired in 2010 by another accountancy firm based in Leamington called Broadsides.

But because of the history behind the Coventry firm, they opted to keep the Francis Webbs name and now have offices in the city and Leamington, with eight people working in the business.

Richard Condon and David Dickinson are co-owners of the company and Richard said it was a positive move for the firm.

He said: “When we acquired the Coventry practice in 2010, the lease on the former building in Walsgrave Road came with it.

“But we were looking to move and when the offices came up at Scala, it was too good an opportunity to miss.

There is a great deal of investment going into Far Gosford Street and it will hopefully become a thriving business community.

“We are looking to grow – not dramatically – but manageably and this move is all part of a positive future for the company building on the back of a strong history.”

James Compton, of Shortland Penn + Moore, helped developers CDP to let the final office at Scala.

He said: “There is great investment being made at Far Gosford Street and we are delighted to have attracted Francis Webbs to the development.

“It is part of wider improvements to the city centre and should make a great base for the company.”

22

Big investment at venue About £1.5 million is set to be ploughed into improving conference and event facilities at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire to enhance it as a leading national venue.

Grandstand – Stoneleigh Events plans to make the investment in conference space and exhibition halls over the next 12 months to benefit the hundreds of thousands of visitors who attend events on the estate each year.

The organisation took over the event business management at Stoneleigh Park in January last year. It has now been joined on-site by its parent company, Grandstand Group, which has moved its headquarters from Hertfordshire.

Grandstand Group is an international event management specialist made up of corporate and consumer divisions which includes Grandstand – Stoneleigh Events. It also holds the management rights of the world-famous Horse of the Year Show.

The relocation and reorganisation within Grandstand Group, which employs about 50 full-time staff, is expected to create around a dozen new posts.

Helena Pettit, managing director of Grandstand – Stoneleigh Events, said: “It is great for all of the teams within Grandstand Group to be working together under the same roof at Stoneleigh Park as it will create further opportunities and allow for greater efficiency.

“We have been really pleased with how the management of the venue business at Stoneleigh Park has been going since we took over last year and now have plans to invest around £1.5 million in conference and event facilities.

“Stoneleigh Park is renowned for hosting large-scale agricultural and equestrian events and we want to enhance its high profile as an event venue within those sectors as well as the corporate market.

“It is one of the most versatile venues in the UK with over 21,000sqm of indoor exhibition space and 1,050 acres of outdoor space. It hosts 360 events a year, from small conferences to national shows which can attract up to 25,000 visitors.”

The Great British Shooting Show held this February attracted around 25,000 visitors and a similar number is expected for the

Helena Pettit is pictured with Colin Hooper at Stoneleigh Park.

return of The Pet Show in August. Your Horse Life is another flagship event which is likely to draw a crowd of around 19,000 in November.

Stoneleigh Park also hosts an array of trade fairs, festivals, and smaller specialist shows. Conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners and team-building days are among corporate events held on the estate.

Existing on-site facilities include a 58-bedroom hotel, catering services and free parking for over 30,000 cars.

Colin Hooper, estates director at Stoneleigh Park, said: “We are delighted to welcome Grandstand Group and believe its presence will enhance Stoneleigh Park’s reputation as an event destination.

“The relocation of a national company here and the investment plans by Grandstand – Stoneleigh Events add to the revitalisation of Stoneleigh Park by LaSalle Investment Management which has pledged £50 million to transform it into a centre of agricultural excellence over the next 15 years.”

Phoenix Rises from the Ashes Local architects recognised at St George’s Business Park in Regional Awards A division of one of the longest-established manufacturing businesses in Warwick is helping to slay the dragon of recession in the town by converting the site of the former Benford dumper truck factory into an enterprise zone for small to medium sized companies.

Kigass Ltd is working with agents ehB Commercial to re-develop the £3 million St George’s Business Park, in Lower Cape, Warwick, on part of the site of the former Benford/Terex plant which relocated to Coventry over ten years ago. The site has been redundant and vacant ever since.

The company is the property development division of familyowned Kigass group of companies including Kigass Aero Components in Montague Road which employs 80 people who are working with blue chip organisations including Rolls Royce and F1 on bespoke and world-beating engineering solutions.

Managing director Joanne Smith, who is the great grand-daughter of the firm’s founder Charlie Wardman and a main board director for Kigass Aero Components, said: “Benfords was a traditional engineering company that employed a lot of people and the plan is to re-introduce that enterprise in the town – we want to see this site rise like a Phoenix from the ashes of what has gone before.” ehB director Simon Hain said that all 11 units on the 4.4 acre site - ranging in size from 1,750 sq. ft. to 7,500 sq. ft. – would be for sale, rather than lease and that they would be ideal for companies involved in design, manufacturing, engineering or warehousing.

He said:“This is good news for the area, not only for new jobs, but sign that the local economy is recovering. We already have serious interest in a number of the units off plan, it’s a great start.”

Construction is Simon Hain of ehB with Joanne Smith of expected to be Kigass Ltd at the site of St George’s completed by Spring Business Park 2015.

Pictured, left to right: Mike Nolan, Development Manager at Mansell Homes, Balfour Beatty; Dhiran Vagdia and Kenneth Holmes, Directors at Vagdia and Holmes, Chartered Architects

“We are delighted to have been recognised for our contribution.”

Coventry and Warwickshire-based architects Vagdia and Holmes have been recognised with an Award at the West Midlands Built Environment Hub Constructing Excellence Awards.

Vagdia and Holmes, Chartered Architects, entered four categories at the prestigious Celebrating Construction Awards for 2014, and were crowned winners in the Heritage Category, sponsored by Balfour Beatty Mansell Homes.

The Practice has been run since 2007 by Directors Dhiran Vagdia and Kenneth Holmes, and has a history of serving Church clients, community groups, third sector Trusts, public and private Sector Clients.

Dhiran Vagdia, whose Practice projects were shortlisted for the Awards in 2011 and 2012, said: “We are delighted to have been recognised for our contribution. During a time when the industry is fluctuating at great rates, public spending remains low, and unsustainable low profit margins, it is great that we have clients willing to commit to architectural excellence.“ www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Property

Makeover for hospice shop One of The Myton Hospices’ shops in Coventry has been given a makeover thanks to a kind-hearted accountancy firm.

The frontage of the store in Jubilee Crescent, Radford, is now a shiny red after the DIY efforts of senior business development manager Nikki Fryer and business development and marketing executive Matthew Sterry at Baldwins Accountants.

The company, whose office is based in Binley Road in the city, volunteered to help out after The Myton Hospices’ retail

Matthew Sterry and Nikki Fryer from Baldwins Accountants outside The Myton Hospice shop in Radford, Coventry

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

support manager Gary Bradbury mentioned to Nikki and business development director Adrian Blount that the shop needed painting.

Weeks later, Nikki and Matthew turned up ready to paint the outdoor window frames as well as the walls inside the busy shop and next month they will be taking their paintbrushes and red paint to the Myton Hospice shop in Market Hill, Southam.

Nikki said: “The Coventry office of Baldwins has held fundraising events for The Myton Hospices in the past and Gary mentioned that they are always looking for volunteers to help them with painting.

“The Radford store has lovely large windows but the paint had peeled off the frames so after the preparation work, we re-painted it red just like all The Myton Hospices shops.

“We then painted the walls inside the shop so it was a busy but enjoyable day and we are pleased with the finished results.

“I did the painting with Matthew a couple of days after completing a 12-mile walk with my colleague Adrian which started and finished at the Myton Hospice in Warwick.

“It was extremely hot but there were hundreds of people on the walk as we went through Warwick and Leamington and back to the Myton Hospice and there was a great camaraderie among the group.”

Gary Bradbury said he was extremely grateful to the support of Nikki and Matthew from Baldwins Accountants because without their time and help, much-needed painting work was often delayed.

“Some of these kinds of jobs would take much longer if it wasn’t for the voluntary efforts of organisations such as Baldwins,” he said.

“We only have a certain amount of money to spend on maintenance and there are often more important jobs which need doing but making sure our shops look bright and welcoming is important.

“We have 20 shops across Coventry and Warwickshire and painting our shops in Radford and Southam will not only save the charity money but will make sure that the window displays look their best since they are surrounded by freshly-painted window frames.”

Deal for industrial estate

A £1.2million deal has been struck for an industrial estate in North Warwickshire.

Commercial property specialist Shortland Penn + Moore has sold the second phase of Innage Park in Atherstone to the BLME Light Industrial Building Fund, care of Coba Asset Management and Seven Dials Fund Management, on behalf of Moorhen Properties.

Singer Vielle acted for the purchaser.

The deal includes 23 industrial units of varying sizes, totalling 23,046 sq ft.

The estate is let to North Warwickshire Borough Council on a lease that runs for a further six years and the units are sub-let by the Council to individual businesses.

The transaction reflects a 7.96 per cent net yield and Jonathan Moore, of Shortland Penn + Moore, said this type of deal was ‘flavour of the month’.

He said: “This is a good deal for both parties. The vendor is pleased with the price achieved and the purchaser has added a very strong asset to its portfolio.

“The estate was originally constructed in the 1980s to provide starter units to small, local companies. The new purchaser has a further six years of rental income from North Warwickshire Borough Council with potential for future asset management beyond this lease term.

“It’s rare that this type of opportunity comes along and attracted a good level of interest as it offers a strong stream income and solid asset with angles going forward.”

The estate is located on the Holly Lane Industrial Estate on Abeles Way and has strong connections with the regional road network via the A5.

23

News

Specialist moves into niche market The need for local manufacturers in the automotive supply chain to be protected from the financial fallout of product recalls has driven a Coventrybased insurance specialist into a niche market.

Inspire Insurance Services has joined a minority of commercial insurance brokers in the UK providing complex cover to compensate for monetary losses resulting from the recall of the insured’s product.

Being headquartered in the regional heartland of the automotive industry, the independent broker recognised a particular need for smaller firms to be protected from risks associated with supplying component parts for mass car production.

Leigh Mackey, managing director of Inspire Insurance Services, said recent announcements of significant investments by car giants in the region were a timely reminder for those in the supply chain to be properly covered.

He said: “The buoyancy evident in the region’s automotive industry will hopefully have a positive impact on its supply chain, with parts and services being sourced locally as well as from within the wider domestic market.

“Whilst this is potentially great news for suppliers, it highlights a worrying lack of awareness particularly among smaller manufacturers of the exposure that they can face.

“Ultimately if a component part, no matter how small, is found to be at fault and results in a product recall then the supplier could be held liable for huge financial costs.

“Depending on the level of compensation, organisations can be put out of business because the awarded damages are so large so it is vital to minimise that risk.”

The protection is relevant to other sectors involved in the manufacture or sale of products against liabilities for losses from malfunctions or defects.

The move into this new market is a natural progression for Inspire Insurance Services, whose core business was built upon the manufacturing sector.

In addition to extending into product recall this year, the company based at Westwood Business Park will be expanding into credit insurance to protect businesses from bad debts brought on by late payments and insolvency.

Leigh said: “Product recall and credit insurance are among the most complex areas of insurance and as a result, only a very small percentage of commercial insurance brokers in the UK offer both.

“We are in the minority of brokers that understand the complexities and have access to policies that can provide bespoke cover.

“These are for firms who really need top end complex insurance arrangements and we are in the top 50 brokers in the country who can provide that level of protection. Based upon our expertise and experience, we can offer a competitive edge in a minority market.”

24

Professionals will be put First by new agreement A business group has set its sights on growing its presence across Coventry and Warwickshire – supported by the launch of a new affiliation.

Coventry and Warwickshire First is a forum exclusively for businessmen and women operating in the professional services and financial services sectors and is run by members for its members.

The organisation, has signed an agreement to outsource its administration and secretarial services to the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

The deal will also see the two organisations to not only strengthen the voice of the professional sector but will support its respective membership across the area.

Paul Carvell, managing partner at accountancy firm Stewart, Fletcher & Barrett and chairman of Coventry and Warwickshire First, said the group was moving into an exciting new era.

“Coventry and Warwickshire First is the only exclusive forum for professional and financial services in the area and working with the Chamber will only serve to strengthen our support for our members and our standing as one of the leading business forums,” he said.

“We’re thankful to Karen O’Donoghue for the sterling work she has done over the years to support the group and we look forward to building on the foundation she provided us and growing membership, while keeping our own identity.

“The quality of business people in our area is fantastic and, as a group, we can be extremely powerful together and support each other to move forward and grow.”

He added strengthening the group’s presence across Warwickshire is among one of the board’s top priorities, while a new website is also due to be launched shortly.

Innovative student’s company aims to change world of shaving

By delivering direct to your home, Sterling Shave Club aims to make shaving simple again.

Michael Slade, an Enterprise and Entrepreneurship student at Coventry University was fed up with the high cost of razors and decided enough was enough.

With Coventry University recently winning the entrepreneurial university of the year, Michael thought he could continue Coventry’s legacy as an entrepreneurial city.

Two years later he and his business partner and brother in-law, Jared Somerville, have just launched their new, novel, online business; www.SterlingShaveClub.com.

Sterling Shave Club delivers high quality razors to your door, every month and at a fraction of the price charged in high street chains. By delivering direct to your home, Sterling Shave Club aims to make shaving simple again. The company offers customers the choice of three high quality, bespoke razor blade systems, at a price to suit every budget.

Michael was able to pitch for and receive a variety of free, non-refundable business grants, which he has solely used in order to launch the company. He also received five days free development time on his website from Touch Digital, a European Regional Development Funded scheme. His brother in-law who has designed and built the website.

Martin Gibbs (Dafferns), Angela Tellyn (Chamber), Paul Carvell (Stewart Fletcher & Barrett)

The partnership with the Chamber was launched at the latest First Friday event, which was held at Belgrade Theatre. First Friday networking events are held by Coventry and Warwickshire First at different venues across the area on the first Friday of every month.

Angela Tellyn, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce partnership manager, added: “The Chamber offers a wide range of services to support organisations and business groups to grow and thrive and we’re pleased to have been able to tick all the boxes Coventry and Warwickshire First required.

“The ties between both membership groups have been extremely strong for many years and we look forward to working in partnership together.”

Angela honoured at awards ceremony The Ricoh Arena’s head of sales has been awarded a prestigious international title less than a year after joining the venue.

Angela Perkins was crowned Best Venue Salesperson at the Exhibition News Awards 2014, which recognise outstanding achievements in the exhibition industry for individuals, organisers, venues, shows and suppliers.

She was presented with the accolade during a gala dinner at the ExCel London and beat off fierce competition from peers at Olympia London, Amsterdam RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre and the Harrogate International Centre.

Angela, who was appointed to the position last July, leads a seven-strong sales team and she has already secured the business of 19 new shows to be staged at the Ricoh Arena in 2014 along with

Angela Perkins with the Best Venue Salesperson Award.

enquiries worth over £1.6 million.

She has also introduced helicopter tours to showcase the venue and the city of Coventry for potential clients, familiarisation visits for event organisers and site tours with a ‘wow’ factor.

Angela, who collected the trophy in front of 800 guests, said she was delighted to have been selected as the winner.

She said: “Being crowned as Best Venue Salesperson really has put the cherry on top of what has been a fantastic nine months as the head of sales at the Ricoh Arena.

“I was both shocked and overwhelmed to receive such a prestigious award particularly as some of my competitors have worked within their organisations for almost 20 years.

“It is fantastic recognition not only for myself but also for my colleagues and the Ricoh Arena, and will be a great platform for us to attract more new business to the venue.

“Multiplay is bringing the UK’s biggest gaming festival, Insomnia, to the Ricoh Arena at the end of this month after signing a five-year deal which is a huge show of faith and we are looking forward to hosting a variety of shows and festivals throughout the year.”

Angela will also be turning her attention to the On Your Bike 24-hour cycle challenge taking place at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday, June 21 to raise £35,000 for the Memusi Foundation after she volunteered at a school in Kenya last year.

She was inspired to help build a secondary school to support Kenyan children escape poverty through education and is encouraging businesses and organisations in Coventry and Warwickshire to sign-up.

For further information or to sign-up to the challenge, email onyourbike@ricoharena.com or visit www.ricoharena.com www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Coventry

Blue Sky thinking in the Sky Blue City – Coventry to become SuperConnected Getting the ‘Sky Blues’ city engaged in blue sky thinking on ultra fast broadband was the theme of a business seminar aimed at making Coventry one of only a handful of ‘SuperConnected Cities’ in the UK. Firms in the city have until the end of March 2015 to apply for vouchers from a Government pot of £2.4 million under its Ben King, MD of WarwickNet SuperConnected Cities initiative.

About 60 companies attended the event at St Mary’s Guildhall, Coventry, to learn more about the benefits of the scheme, or to offer their services as providers of business-class broadband.

Eligible companies can apply for vouchers through the city council and the providers backing the scheme will carry out the connection work.

John Norton, business development advisor for Coventry City Council, said: “The development of Coventry as a SuperConnected City is viewed by many as essential in maintaining its economic strength in the region, and in the UK as a whole.

“The development of ultrafast broadband means that the Internet can be used for far more than just the transferring of files and the sending of emails. This project is Coventry’s opportunity to be at the forefront of the developments as one of 23 Super Connected Cities around the UK. “Some businesses really do depend upon new technology, so the SuperConnected Coventry project means we can create whole new business sectors that can be the new leaders of our economic strength.”

WarwickNet, the region’s fastest growing provider of business speed broadband, is keenly supporting the project and is urging small to medium sized Coventry businesses to apply for up to £3000 worth of financial support to help them get connected – before the Government’s funding deadline expires on March 31 next year.

Ben King, managing director of WarwickNet, said: “We have been

Ricoh Arena and mclcreate announce new 12-month partnership The Ricoh Arena in Coventry has announced that it will be working with mclcreate for another year, after the event company won a 12-month contract extension.

The large multi-purpose complex covers 40 acres, encompassing conference, banqueting, exhibition, hotel and sports facilities.

Since 2009, mclcreate has provided technical and audio-visual support to various events and functions taking place at the Ricoh Arena. The event company also has a sponsorship deal with the venue.

Liz Cooper, marketing director at Ricoh Arena, said: “We’re delighted the contract has been extended for mclcreate as a preferred AV supplier for another year, particularly given the development of mclcreate and its new, broader offering. Their expertise for our event clients fits perfectly with our values at the Ricoh Arena.

“The preferred partnership with mclcreate means event organisers have the option of using our on-site preferred supplier.”

This latest contract extension comes as mclcreate embarks on a new direction. The company, known previously as MCL Audio Visual, has expanded its offering into a one-stop shop to include event planning and management, as well as technology.

Tim Spencer, managing director at mclcreate, said: “The Ricoh Arena is a highly-valued partner for us. This contract extension means we can continue to work together to deliver great events for visitors at this superb venue.”

In Birmingham, mclcreate recently expanded its exhibitions division, moving to a larger unit to help meet the demand for exhibition management within the Midlands region and nationwide.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

involved in providing high-speed broadband to Coventry’s business parks, many of which were crying out for superfast connectivity, so we are ideally positioned to be of assistance to businesses that want to get involved in this excellent initiative.

“Recipients of the vouchers will get more than a financial token – they will get a one-way ticket to increased efficiency and productivity and the ability to compete on a level playing field on the world stage. There are many strong case studies on the city council’s website where businesses that want to invest in new and imaginative initiatives are thwarted by their lack of bandwidth – this should not be allowed to happen,” said Earsldon-based Ben. “So, it is important to visit the city council’s website to learn more because the money from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport is only available for the next 11 months. During that time, we want to help as many businesses as we can,” he added.

Companies as diverse as advanced engineering NUM (UK) Ltd, Middlemarch Environmental and C4 Logistics all received funding to install high speed broadband services from WarwickNet. Steve Moore, General Manager at NUM (UK) Ltd, said: “As a part of the advanced engineering sector in the UK, it is essential that we can work efficiently with our clients and partners. That means we need to be able to use the modern communication techniques – not just email, but video conferencing and file transfer. We also have a critical remote diagnostic tool for our customers around the world. Connectivity in the past was very intermittent, to the point where we would have difficulty in using our systems properly. The funding has allowed us to use new fibre optic broadband to deliver the ultrafast connectivity that is essential for us to continue to compete effectively.”

Susanna Saari, of Middlemarch Environmental, said: “We carry out a range of ecological surveys and the field staff need remote access to data on the go. Equally, the main office needs to have a reliable and fast connection with our seven regional offices. We also need to keep all our data safely stored and backed up, and to be able to communicate effectively with our clients. Effective broadband is essential for any business with remote offices/workers and cloud data solutions such as ours.”

For more information about Super-Connected Coventry visit www.coventry.gov.uk/broadband

Growth beckons for manufacturers Midlands manufacturer Dunlop Systems and Components has been backed to grow its presence in the UK and export markets at its new purpose-built home.

Accountants and business advisers Chantrey Vellacott has worked with the Coventry firm to formulate an expansion plan which included securing funding to make its move from Holbrook Lane to a new 60,000 sq ft facility at Prologis Park Coventry.

Paul Fenner, partner at Chantrey Vellacott in Birmingham, said Dunlop Systems and Components is in a strong position to build on its success when the relocation is completed.

“Dunlop is a household name in UK manufacturing, and the move to a brand new purpose-built facility will only strengthen the company’s already strong position in the UK and international market places,” he said.

“Dunlop Systems and Components is a very profitable business which has outgrown its current home and we’re pleased to have helped the company to put plans in place to secure its long-term future in the city.”

Dunlop Systems and Components designs and manufactures advanced electronic control systems and air suspension components for the automotive industry and was formed in 2007 as a management buy-out of the Dunlop Coventry suspension division factory.

Rob Mansell, Dunlop Systems and Components finance director, said around 60 per cent of the company’s business is through exporting and said the relocation will open up new opportunities.

“Dunlop is synonymous with Coventry and securing a multipurpose home in the city is vital for the future of the company,” he said.

Pictured left to right: “The new facility will be extremely Paul Fenner from efficient to manage and we’re Chantrey Vellacott with confident it will support future growth Dunlop Systems and Components finance of the company and lead to new jobs director Rob Mansell being created for the city and the and CEO Roger Hart. wider region.”

Safety the watchword A leading Warwickshire construction company has struck gold in recognition of the way it protects its staff from accidents and injury.

O’Brien Contractors, based in Cubbington, has won the Gold Award in the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Occupational Health and Safety Awards 2014.

RoSPA, a national charity, aims to save lives and reduce injuries and in support of that mission, the awards – which date back 58 years – recognise the commitment to continuous improvement in accident and ill health prevention at work.

Through the scheme, which is open to businesses and organisations of all types and sizes from across the UK and overseas, judges consider entrants’ overarching occupational health and safety management systems including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement.

It is the latest in a string of awards for O’Brien Contractors including Contractor of the Year at the Building Awards 2014, a National Chamber Award and the SME Award at the Celebrating Construction Awards.

O’Brien Contractors managing director Peter O’Brien said the RoSPA award was particularly special.

He said: “Any recognition of the company’s qualities and practices is great news but health and safety is such a huge issue in construction and so to achieve gold in the RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards is testament to just how seriously we take it.

“Credit has to go to our management team and all of our staff for ensuring that health and safety is a priority on each and every contract we carry out.

“Health and safety can, sometimes, be given a bad name because people see it as overly bureaucratic or unnecessarily restrictive on businesses but, in our view, it is vital that companies of all sizes and sectors – but especially in construction – do everything they can to protect staff and, indeed, the public.”

O’Brien Contractors was established

by Peter’s father, Thomas O’Brien, 55 years ago. Peter and his brother, Michael, got involved around 35 years ago and, in 1995, took it from a partnership to a limited company.

The firm invested heavily during the recession and that has started to pay off with turnover rising and a range of awards.

David Rawlins, RoSPA’s awards manager, said: “The RoSPA Awards encourage the raising of occupational health and safety standards across the board.

“Organisations that gain recognition for their health and safety management systems, such as O’Brien Contractors, contribute to a collective raising of the bar for other organisations to aspire to, and we offer them our congratulations.”

25

Area Focus: Coventry

Event supports need for sport

Pictured from left to right: Richard May (CSW Sport), Annette Montague (Youth Spots Trust), Sue Wilkinson (Association for PE) and Tony Wilmot (School Sport Steering Group)

A major event has been held in Coventry to help improve the delivery of PE and sports in schools.

About 85 headteachers, heads of PE and PE co-ordinators from schools across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire gathered for the PE and School Sports Conference at the Ricoh Arena.

The event, which was hosted by Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Sport (CSW Sport), discussed the ways in which schools can provide quality physical education and sports activities to inspire youngsters and help raise achievement levels in schools.

Tony Wilmot, PE and School Sports Steering Group Chair and head teacher at Queen Elizabeth School in Atherstone introduced the event and discussed the value of sport within a school environment.

Key note speakers included Annette Montague, assistant director of the Youth Sports Trust, and Sue Wilkinson, strategic lead for the Association of PE (afPE) and director of the Professional Support Unit.

Caroline Kiely, head teacher at Willenhall Community Primary School in Coventry, also gave an insight into how sports activities have helped to raise the achievement levels of students.

A variety of workshops were also held to help schools embed PE and sports activities within the curriculum as well as throughout extra curricula activities and competitive sport.

CSW Sport is the country sports partnership for the sub-region and presented the event on behalf of the Coventry Solihull and Warwickshire School Sports Steering Group, in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust (YST) and Association for PE (afPE).

Richard May, sport development manager at CSW Sport, said: “It is important that we continue to engage young people in sport and physical education and schools in particular play a vital role in helping to inspire the next generation.

“We currently support the delivery of a wide variety of national programmes including the widely successful level three Sainsbury’s School Games Festival along with the Sportivate programme and the development of satellite clubs.

“We also give supportive guidance to help primary schools across the sub-region use the new PE and Sport funding in an effective way.

“At a time when levels of inactivity and obesity are of a national concern it is important for us to ensure that all young people have access to sport no matter what life throws at them and the PE and School Sports conference helps to ensure that schools and sport providers are well equipped to deliver this goal.”

26

Youngster makes a splash at new developments A Coventry youngster has dived-in to help complete the tiling of a new swimming pool set to make a splash in the city later this year.

Amaan Ali from Edgewick Primary School in Foleshill, Coventry, was invited to install the final tile at a new 25 metre swimming pool which is being built at Centre AT7 on Bell Green Road.

The 11-year-old was able to sign the front of the tile before it was fitted to the bottom of the pool and he has also been invited to take part in a six-week children’s coaching course as well as receiving a free family swim pass.

The leisure centre is currently undergoing a major redevelopment project to extend its facilities with the work set to be completed in August.

The £7.5million building extension includes a new 25 metre swimming pool, a splash pool with water features and racing slides, along with a health suite featuring a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

Modifications will also be made to the existing building, managed by Coventry Sports Foundation and owned by Coventry and Warwickshire Award Trust, to create function/meeting rooms and offices while a new 216-space car park has already been

Pictured left to right: Fee Smith (AT7 Centre Manager) Wendy Jackson (Coventry Sports Foundation) Jackson Turner (Willmott Dixon), Kath Healion (Coventry Sports Foundation) Paul Short (Willmott Dixon) with 11-year-old Amaan Ali.

built at the site offering visitors free parking.

Construction company Willmott Dixon has been appointed as the contractor for the project and they have been carrying out work on the site since June 2013.

Paul Breed is chief executive of Coventry Sports Foundation, which manages Centre AT7 along with the Xcel Leisure Centre, in Canley, and the Alan Higgs Centre, in Allard Way. He said: “It was great for us to be able to invite a youngster from the heart of the community to help us mark this latest milestone.

“Pupils from Edgewick Primary School regularly take part in sporting activities at Centre AT7 and we hope Amaan and his family will enjoy taking advantage of the new facilities” He added: “The upgrades will not only help to provide fantastic new sports facilities but will also boost opportunities available to individuals and families living in the North-East of Coventry.

“The upgrades are part of a 10-year sports strategy in the city, part of which identifies the need to provide modern, accessible and high-quality sports facilities.”

He added: “The combination of having a 25 metre swimming pool along with a splash pool and racing slides is also a great advantage with the facilities accommodating both serious swimmers as well as families with youngsters looking to have a fun and enjoyable swimming experience.”

Matthew Raybould, operations director at Willmott Dixon, said: “We’re really pleased with how the Centre AT7 project is progressing, with the laying of the final tile representing another significant milestone in the build programme.

“Willmott Dixon has considerable experience in the leisure sector having built a number of leisure and sports centres across the UK. Centre AT7 will be a fantastic addition to our growing project portfolio.”

Presidents past and present meet at Penso A prominent business figure in Coventry has paid a visit to one of the city’s fastest growing, high-tech engineering firms.

Peter Burns, the president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, went along to Penso Consulting on the Middlemarch Business Park.

Burns was given a tour of the high-tech facility by one of his presidential predecessors, Paul Sullivan, and got to see progress on the company’s new 80,000 sq ft production space.

Penso, which offers a range of engineering solutions to clients in a range of sectors, from automotive to renewable energy – particularly around lightweight structures, has received government backing for its new building.

Burns said: “Penso is fast becoming a major success story for Coventry, the West Midlands and the UK. “The company has a highly-skilled workforce of which the city can be proud and I was delighted to get a behind-the-

scenes look at some of the wonderful work they are doing.”

Sullivan, Penso’s business development manager, said: “It was great to show Peter what we do here. We undertake a great deal of work for clients that must remain confidential but we gave him as big an insight as possible into the world-leading work we carry out.

“We are 100 per cent behind Peter and the Chamber’s desire to highlight the region’s successful businesses and I am delighted that Penso fits into that bracket.”

Training company launches

Pictured left to right: Nigel Turner, Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Hazel Noonan and Claire Lister

A training company has launched in Coventry vowing to help increase employability and productivity in the city.

Pitman Training unveiled its training centre at Greyfriars Court in Greyfriars Road in the city centre and was welcomed by Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Hazel Noonan and representatives from business in the region.

The centre, which offers a range of flexible training courses – including Microsoft Office; book-keeping & accounts (including Sage); executive, legal & medical secretarial; and management – is being run by father and son Nigel and Brendan Turner.

Claire Lister, the national managing director of Pitman Training, said the company was launching in Coventry at the right time.

She said: “Certainly over the last 18 months we have seen a big appetite for training. Our enquiries come from individuals who want to retrain – either to get back into work or to move up the career ladder – or from businesses who want to invest in staff.

“The Pitman name is trusted and individuals know that with it on their CV, they improve their career potential.

“There is sometimes a feeling among businesses that if they invest in staff training, the person will develop themselves and then move on. That’s certainly not the evidence we see – staff actually appreciate the fact that a company has invested in them and it breeds loyalty.

“And our evidence says that this type of training raises the employability of an individual – 77 per cent of our candidates are in employment within six months.

“It also enhances the efficiency and productivity of staff currently in work and that has to be good for business.”

Nigel Turner said they chose Coventry as the base for their centre because they saw great potential.

He said: “There were a number of reasons for opening in the city. We can see strong prospects for growth and a real chance to improve the skills of the people here.”

The courses offered by Pitman Training lead to qualifications accredited

by AAT, City and Guilds, OCR, the Chartered Institute for IT, Microsoft, CompTIA and Adobe.

The company is also offering finance to students to spread the payment for their courses over a longer period.

Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Hazel Noonan said: “When I was younger, those who achieved Pitman qualifications were seen as the ‘bee’s knees’!

“They went off and got the best jobs so we are delighted to welcome the company into the city at a time when there is a great deal to be excited about.”

Across the UK and Ireland, there are more than 70 Pitman Training Centres which have helped tens of thousands of people enhance their skills and qualifications to improve their employment prospects.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: North Warks

Nuneaton firm celebrates 100th year with expansion A leading commercial property agent is helping an engineering firm to celebrate its 100th anniversary in new surroundings.

Cogsdill, a precision tooling manufacturer for the metalwork’s industries, is set to power its way to expansion and celebrate 100 years in business at new premises at St Georges Way, on the Bermuda Industrial Estate, in Nuneaton.

The freehold sale of the 27,384 sq ft property marks a double deal to have been completed by commercial property agents Reeves & Partners who also secured the letting of the neighbouring warehouse building on behalf of Montgomery Property Group which owned both buildings.

Cogsdill plans to expand its operations at the site and increase stock levels to meet an increase in demand across the petrochemical, medical, pharmaceutical and aerospace industries.

The firm, which exports 80 per cent of its products overseas, is also set to invest around £400,000 in new machinery as well as adding a new inspection facility at the site.

Lee Donaldson, executive director at Cogsdill, said: “We are delighted to be moving into larger warehouse premises just in time to mark our 100th anniversary.

“Our operations have increased considerably over the last few years and it had become difficult to continue doing business at our previous premises at Tenlons Road in Nuneaton.

“We currently have a turnover of around £4.2 million with a target of six million in the next two years so the additional factory space will be well-suited to meet the needs of the expansion.”

He added: “We will now be able to contain our operations under one roof making it easier to control the flow of materials within the factory and we are also looking to invest in new machinery.

“Once this is completed we are hoping to employ more operators but with a shortfall in the number of skilled engineers available we will also be looking to invest heavily in new technology which will enable us to overcome that.”

Richard Pomfret, managing director at Reeves & Partners, said

Pictured from left to right: Lee Donaldson (Cogsdill) with Richard Pomfret (Reeves & Partners).

the expansion has come at the right time for Cogsdill.

“It is great to see a local firm celebrate a century in business.

Cogsdill wanted to relocate to larger premises in the Nuneaton area in order to expand their operations.

“The size and layout of the building was well-suited to meet the company’s needs and after a number of renovations the factory and office space is starting to take shape.

“Cogsdill has made a number of refurbishments to enhance the property’s offering, including an upgrade to its electrics system and extensive restorations to the factory area.

Richard added: “The Bermuda Industrial Estate has proved a popular base for local businesses and we are delighted to have secured both a sale and a letting at the estate.

“The deals highlight a resurgence in the strength of the commercial property market, with businesses becoming more confident to invest in new premises.”

Company supports apprentices DHL, the UK’s leading logistics provider, has been working with North Warwickshire & Hinckley College to recruit 24 new apprentices in the Midlands region.

Successful apprentices are guaranteed a permanent position working at one of DHL Supply Chain’s 400 sites.

The new 18-24 year old apprentices helps mark the recent launch of DHL’s new UK wide apprenticeship scheme.

The apprentices will be in warehousing and storage, and traffic office operations at ten of its sites across Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire. Working alongside training and development agency Skillspoint, the college has helped launch the nationwide, accredited Apprenticeship scheme.

Nikki Craig, from DHL Supply Chain, said: “The aim of the scheme is to introduce young people to a career within logistics, while boosting the number of employees coming into our Entry Level Talent program. We are offering our apprentices the opportunity to learn new skills, gain qualifications and, upon

successful completion of the 12 month programme, a guaranteed full time and varied career with DHL.” Marion Plant, OBE, principal and chief executive at North Warwickshire & Hinckley College explains: “Apprentices help businesses to expand and develop a skilled workforce and give young people invaluable experience and the skills to develop a rewarding career.”

“We work closely with over 1,000 local, regional and national employers. We’re absolutely delighted to have worked hand in hand with DHL and Skillspoint to recruit apprentices to deliver this exciting new programme.”

DHL’s 12 month programme provides apprentices with both work-based training and qualifications through the College. They will get support throughout their programme from a designated ‘Apprentice Ambassador’ who will provide guidance and act as a mentor.

On the right road Both of the apprentices have gained NVQ level 3 and BTech level 3 in Engineering.

Jack Allen and Jamie Roper, pictured here with Alan Thompson, Operations Director, have successfully completed their apprenticeships at Lanemark International Ltd, of Nuneaton.

Both of the apprentices have gained NVQ level 3 and BTech level 3 in Engineering. As a reward for their hard work, and a token of the directors appreciation, Jack and Jamie were presented with vouchers for a Supercar driving experience. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Why partnership makes sense Paul Carvell, North Warwickshire branch chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Over the years, it’s been acknowledged that working in partnership would benefit the whole of this region economically and socially.

And over recent weeks, I am getting a sense that businesses, organisations and local authorities are buying into that more and more.

A new Clearing House or ‘Growth Hub’ was unveiled in the past month after a successful bid by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for City Deal status.

The new hub will, initially, offer a range of support (almost a one-stop shop) to advanced manufacturing and engineering companies to help them grow more quickly, whether that’s through international trade, expansion into new premises, training or any other support they need.

The Chamber has been instrumental in establishing the new Clearing House but a whole host of other bodies will be key to making it a success through their involvement, including the LEP, MAS, UKTI and the local authorities.

The new Clearing House was discussed at our last branch meeting and when a representative from Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council talked about its launch he used the word ‘we’, as in ‘we are a launching’ rather than ‘they are launching’.

It’s a subtle but significant change in my view and I said that in the meeting.

Now this area is embracing initiatives through the LEP as ours and is getting involved with it. It’s not seen as something that Coventry or South Warwickshire is doing that affects us but we have no say in, we are at the heart of it.

I think this approach is for the good for Nuneaton, Bedworth and North Warwickshire and is key to our future prosperity. Business does not recognise political boundaries and, while of course, every authority has to protect and work on behalf of its own area, working with our neighbours will surely be to the benefit of everyone.

Speaking of economic prosperity, it’s great to see such positivity and confidence coming through in so many sectors of business.

I would urge companies, however, not to take their eye off the ball simply because the economy is improving as emerging from recession can present its own challenges.

From that point of view, it’s important to make full use of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s services to make sure your company benefits from the improving prosperity.

And, as your local branch chair, I’d love to hear from you – whether you are growing or need our support with an issue. Please do get in touch.

Speaking of economic prosperity, it’s great to see such positivity and confidence coming through in so many sectors of business.

27

Area Focus: Mid Warks

Enjoying a positive few weeks Sophie Howe, chair of the MidWarwickshire branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce It’s been a very positive few weeks from a business point of view. After so many years of negativity, it’s great to hear unemployment is falling, the economy is growing and the overall outlook is good.

Nobody should become complacent, however, and the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce continues to strive to help improve the conditions for all businesses across the region.

We have recently signed a document of co-operation with the Chambers of Trade in Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth to work together on issues when it is to the benefit of all businesses across the area.

There is small crossover in our membership but, most cases, we represent different types of company so, when necessary, this will bring even further strength to our voice on business matters.

We have had very positive early meetings and we believe this will benefit companies in Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth.

As I said above, the signs are very positive for companies across this area and, indeed, the whole UK. But it’s important that we continue to push to help our businesses grow which will, ultimately, lead to more jobs and investment in our area.

The Chamber of Commerce is a great source of support for businesses in a range of ways and it’s vital that firms tap into the help available.

The UKTI international trade team, for example, can help companies across Warwickshire tap into new markets right across the world – whether they are seasoned exporters or are new to overseas trade.

When it comes to national statistics, this is one of the areas where the UK needs to improve because we are still in deficit when it comes to the importing and exporting of goods and services.

The current government has made rebalancing the economy towards exporting a major priority and the target is to achieve £1 trillion worth of exports by 2020.

My advice to companies across this area is find out more about exporting because it will bring major benefits to their business and, also, will bring further growth and jobs to our area.

Exporting isn’t an easy option – but nothing in business is. But the help and support available means that those businesses with goods and services that are saleable here in the UK, have an opportunity to open up a whole world of new markets.

So I would urge companies who are looking to grow and establish a foothold overseas to contact the Chamber’s international trade team.

28

Woodland Grange earns 2014 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

New pact for stronger impact across the patch

Woodland Grange Conference Centre in Leamington Spa has received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award for the second year running.

The accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor.

The conference centre, which is part of EEF Venues, is now placed in the topperforming 10 per cent of global businesses listed on TripAdvisor to receive this prestigious award.

To qualify for a Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travellers on TripAdvisor, and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

David Vaughton, director of venues for EEF Venues, said: “There is no greater seal of approval than being recognised by one’s

Four leading business organisations have agreed to act together to ensure that the voice of commerce has a stronger impact on local issues.

The Mid-Warwickshire Branch of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has signed a document of cooperation with the Kenilworth, Warwick and Leamington Chambers of Trade.

The agreement, signed at the Kenilworth Holiday Inn, will see the four organisations teaming up to lobby on key issues across the patch.

Sophie Howe, chair of the Chamber of Commerce branch, said that while the organisations were different, they had some common issues.

She said: “The Chamber of Commerce operates across the whole area, while the Chambers of Trade have tighter geographical areas, but we are all membership organisations which represent a very wide range of businesses.

“Those businesses often face the same issues and we believe that if we can come together when there is a common interest, that can only be good.

“There are a host of issues – local plans, car parking, planning, transport and jobs to name a few – which will impact on every business in the area and if firms can have one concerted and unified voice it will be heard that much clearer.

“We will also look at co-ordinating events to avoid clashes and needless duplication, and, again, to add value to our members.”

customers and we feel extremely grateful to them for taking time to give us this remarkable vote of confidence in our service standards and facilities.”

With a little help from their friends

Pictured from left to right: Steve Williams (Trelawny Surface Preparation Technology), Tina Riley (Modern Homes) and Mark Ashfield (Harrison Beale & Owen).

Businesses at a Leamington industrial estate have grouped together to encourage business development and networking.

Accountants and financial advisors Harrison Beale & Owen (HB&O) have launched a business action group for companies based at the Sydenham Industrial Estate.

The interactive group, hosted on Facebook, aims to provide a platform for businesses to network with fellow professionals, promote services and products, as well as participate in

discussions and arrange free referrals.

Mark Ashfield, director at HB&O which also has an office in Coventry, hopes the group will help businesses to expand and develop at the site.

Twenty businesses have already signed up to the business group Facebook page, including kitchen and bathroom specialists Modern Homes and pneumatic tool manufacturer Trelawny Surface Preparation Technology.

Tina Riley, managing director at Modern Homes, said: “The business group is a great way for us to support each other, discuss any issues we may have and also strengthen our offering – you never know when your neighbours might come in handy.”

Steve Williams, general manager at Trelawny Surface Preparation Technology, said: “Hopefully, if enough companies get involved and express an interest in signing up to the business group it will allow us to arrange formal meetings and events to increase networking within the estate.”

Left to right: Sophie Howe (Chair of MidWarwickshire Branch), Sue Butcher (Chair of Warwick Chamber of Trade), Parminder Birdi (Chair of Leamington Chamber of Trade) Richard Hales (Chair of Kenilworth Chamber of Trade), David Myskow (General Manager, Holiday Inn).

Mum learns to juggle responsibilities A Warwick mum is proving that it’s possible to change nappies and career path – all at the same time.

Katrina Towey gave birth to Dylan just over a year ago and if that wasn’t lifechanging enough, she has now set about a complete change of profession.

Having worked in the childcare sector up until the birth of her son, she has since returned to work in accountancy for 66B Ltd in Warwick.

And Katrina is now looking to progress within the company and become a bookkeeper for the firm so has signed up for professional courses with Pitman Training in Coventry.

The 35-year-old is undertaking an Essential Bookkeeping course with the leading training provider and has already completed and passed her first module towards her qualification.

Once the whole course is complete, she

will be able to provide bookkeeping services to clients throughout the region.

She said: “It’s easy to think ‘I’ve had a baby, so I can’t change career’ but I am so pleased that I took that decision.

“I needed to embark on some training to bring my skills up to a higher level but, because of having Dylan, I couldn’t go to college or study full-time – I needed something flexible. I’d been working 7am until 6pm before having him, so I certainly couldn’t do that again!

“I found out that Pitman Training was moving into the area and enquired about their courses and they have proved to be extremely flexible, which is exactly what I needed.

“I can study from home or I can pop into the centre so it makes it very easy to make childcare arrangements.

“So if other mums out there are thinking it is too late to change career path, then I

would tell them to think again!”

Pitman Training opened its office in Coventry in April and is already attracting learners from across the region who want to enhance their employment opportunities.

Nigel Turner, managing director of Pitman Training, said: “As learning providers, we all have to make sure that we deliver training that fits into people’s lifestyles rather than our own.

“Katrina is a classic case of someone who wants to change career but can only do so with the necessary training and skills development.

“It’s been a great pleasure to see her progress to date and, she is quite right, it’s never too late to embark on a change of career path – it’s just important to find out what skills and training you need, and then act upon it.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: South Warks

Housing scheme wins backing Business leaders have backed proposals for a new housing development in Gaydon and Lighthorne Heath – provided major employers are on board and affordable homes are incorporated into the scheme.

That was the message from members of the South Warwickshire branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce when the group met to discuss business issues affecting the district.

Members were in universal agreement the development of a new settlement, which could deliver around 4,800 homes, would be of great economic benefit to the district.

The scheme would however need to be developed with Jaguar Land Rover in full support, the branch agreed.

Larry Coltman, branch chair of the South Warwickshire branch of the Chamber, said: “It is abundantly clear the district is crying out for new homes and the proposed development at Gaydon Lighthorne Heath would help to keep skilled people here and also attract more talent to the area.

“The project would however need to have our biggest employer, Jaguar Land Rover, involved and with an infrastructure that would support the company’s own plans for future expansion.

“Jaguar Land Rover brings thousands of skilled people to the area and the development would support the housing needs of some of the workforce and help keep this talent here.”

Coltman said the site’s benefits outweigh other locations earmarked for development, and said the group hopes a mix of homes will be incorporated in the scheme.

“New housing so close to the motorway and the major employer in the area makes sense on sustainability and economic grounds compared to other proposed sites,” he added.

“Other sites which have been put forward are miles from the motorways and major roads which would produce huge volumes of commuter traffic causing more congestion and gridlock going through our major tourist town.

“We’re hopeful any development will include a mix of affordable homes and three and four bedroom properties would also be beneficial – as it is important not to alienate skilled people who are looking to get on the housing market and only cater for higher earners.

“From a business point of view this is could be a hugely encouraging scheme to drive growth for the local supply chain supporting Jaguar Land Rover, but the group was in agreement it would not be feasible from our perspective without the firm involved.”

New homes are welcomed Six families have moved into their new Long Marston homes.

Jaki Jelley, who was one of the first to receive the keys to her twobedroom property, managed by local housing provider Orbit Heart of England, said “We’re totally over the moon with our new house.”

Orbit Heart of England Community Housing Officer, Jacqui Duggan commented: “It’s great to see these much needed homes being created in the Stratford-on-Avon district. Of the 284 properties, Orbit Heart of England will take on management of 83, which will be available for affordable rent. Two of our existing customers have already upsized to new four-bedroom properties which are much more suitable for their families’ requirements.”

In total 284 homes will be constructed on the former Ministry of Defence site at Long Marston. Developed by Persimmon Homes in partnership with Orbit Homes, there will be a mixture of flats, houses and maisonettes available to rent or buy through affordable rent or Help to Buy Shared Ownership. The site will also boast on site sports facilities, including: a skate park, cricket pitch and sports hall.

“We’re totally over the moon with our new house.”

New arrivals settle in Ten new Mousebirds are the latest addition to the Stratford Butterfly Farm.

This is the first time the butterfly farm has kept mousebirds.

Officially known as Colius striatus, the speckled mousebird is the largest species of mousebird as well as one of the most common. They can grow up to 35cm with their tail comprising approximately half the length.

Mousebirds are so called because of their habits of foraging the forest floor in search of fruit and berries fallen from the trees.

With their mousey brown colouring it is easy to confuse them with mice.

Richard Lamb, Manager at Stratford Butterfly Farm said “We’re delighted to welcome our new Mousebirds which make a great addition to the farm. I’m sure our visitors will enjoy watching them playing in the trees and hanging upside down which is a great spectacle to see.”

The Stratford Butterfly Farm is open every day from 10:00am – 5:30pm. For more information please visit the website at www.butterflyfarm.co.uk or telephone 01789 299288. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Read C&W In Business online by visiting the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce website: www.cwchamber.co.uk 29

Area Focus: Rugby

Things looking good for business Jim Griffin, Rugby branch chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

Since I took on the role as chair of this branch of the Chamber, I have made it my task to meet as many local businesses as I can so I can find out the issues that are affecting companies in Rugby and the surrounding borough.

I have been delighted to welcome many of those business people to my company’s base on an informal basis to have a chat over a cup of coffee about what’s going well in Rugby and what could be improved from a business perspective.

I’ll start with the good news! Most companies are doing well and are happy doing business in Rugby, which is a positive sign.

The economic recovery is certainly becoming more sustained and local companies are feeling the benefit of that.

Unemployment is falling across Warwickshire as a whole and, generally, confidence is rising among the business community.

Companies are pleased with the role that the Chamber is playing in the area and they see it is a great chance to meet, network and do businesses with other companies and organisations in the Rugby area.

Companies are pleased with the role that the Chamber is playing in the area...

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Now, to the issues! Some are local and some are national but they also have an impact on the town and the surrounding borough.

One problem, which was raised at our most recent branch meeting and has been a theme through many of my meetings with businesses, is public transport to key employment sites in the area.

The main issue is around transport being available to cover varying shift patterns in places such as Crick and other commercial sites. It’s important that those who plan the routes and the timetables accommodate the fact that not everyone works 9am-5pm and it’s crucial for our local economy that this matter gets resolved.

As branch chair, I intend to take this up with the relevant authorities and bodies to see if there is a solution that can help businesses and employees get over this issue.

A national problem being felt locally is the rise of ‘pre-pack’ administrations that can leave small businesses unpaid and out of pocket by such schemes.

Again, this is a matter I intend to raise to see if there is an alternative solution but, because it’s a national issue, I may have to refer it to colleagues at the British Chambers of Commerce.

On the whole, it’s been a great exercise which I fully intend to continue because I am learning more and more about Rugby and the great businesses we have here all the time.

Rugby company chosen as inspirational SME A Rugby engineering company has been selected by the London Stock Exchange Group as one of the country’s 1,000 most inspiring small and medium-sized companies in the UK. AW Precision Ltd had to demonstrate not only a positive growth in revenue over the past four years, but also an increase in employee numbers, workspace, contract wins or patent filings.

The report detailing the 1,000 inspiring British companies was compiled by leading sales software business, Growth Intelligence. The company tracks the performance and activity of millions of businesses in real time.

AW Precision, based at Cosford Lane, is a family business that is the leading manufacturer of punch and die products and components throughout Europe and the USA. The company was established in 1972 in Dunchurch.

“One man and one machine,” said Andrew Whitworth, operations director and son of the founder, Geoffrey Whitworth.

Since then, the firm has grown to employ around 90 people with a £6m+ turnover and exports its products around the world.

Andrew said: “We supply a wide range of industries with standard and bespoke products and we also undertake sub contract manufacturing. One of the things that has helped us survive over the years is not being over reliant on one sector. As well as supplying a resurgent automotive sector, we undertake contracts for electrical manufacturers and general heavy engineering. We even supply some jewellery makers - it’s pretty diverse.

“With an ongoing commitment to new machinery and an ability to manufacture around the clock – often, importantly, responding to very short customer lead times – our approach underpins our belief in working closely with every customer, irrespective of order size or complexity.

“Our family-owned status allows decisions on structure and investment to be made very quickly and that is so important in such a competitive and challenging environment. We have never stood still and I believe our commitment to innovate has been crucial in riding some of the difficult economic conditions over the last 40 years. We’ve seen several recessions as well as one or two booms!”

AW Precision has a commitment to developing the future workforce with several apprentices, yet one of the team has been there since the very early days in 1972. And with a £0.25 million investment in plant and equipment already this year, it looks like the company’s success will continue.

Xavier Rolet, CEO of the London Stock Exchange Group which published the report, said: “Our own research, and that of many other organisations, has shown that it is almost exclusively these companies that have generated new, net job creation in the UK since the financial crisis.

“Our selection criteria not only require companies to have shown growing revenue in at least three of the past four years, but also to have outperformed their sector peers.

And not just in terms of revenue, but either by growth in employee numbers, work space occupied or number of filed patents. We are looking for the innovators of tomorrow.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Rugby

Expansion for Rugby Public Relations (PR) consultancy Rugby-based PR consultancy The PR Doctor is expanding and moving into offices in the town centre. The PR Doctor will be based at 33 Albert Street, sharing premises with Oxygen Graphics.

The PR Doctor, previously trading as RBH Salmons, was set up by managing director Claire Salmons in 2002 and its clients include pharmaceutical companies across the UK as well as engineering, manufacturing and retail businesses closer to home.

Claire’s previous roles include handling media relations for the Inland Revenue as well as launch publicity for the muchrenowned self assessment campaign. She joined Barclays in 1996 working first in PR, then heading up advertising, sponsorship and events for the bank before becoming head of brand positioning.

Since starting her business, Claire has worked with high profile brands such as Transco, Hyundai, Central Trains, Rowlands Pharmacy, Jaguar and Brantano but also many B2B clients wishing to raise their profile in the trade press.

Claire said: “Increased business optimism has meant companies are investing more in their PR and marketing than they have for the past couple of years.

We’ve certainly seen a growth in clients over the last six months - in Rugby and beyond - so it makes sense to invest in my own business. We’re actively recruiting to help with the new accounts we are winning. In addition, and conscious of how

difficult it is for young people to find work these days, we have also taken on a trainee.”

Chloe McHugh, 21, from Bedworth joins as a graduate in PR and Business from Liverpool University.

Claire said: “I often struggled as a client to find agencies that understood how the full range of marketing disciplines could work together to best effect on both a tactical and strategic level. The PR Doctor is not just about sending out press releases, it is about working with clients to provide the right solution to their

communications objectives – whatever marketing discipline that entails.

“One of the reasons behind our continued success is that we get the basics right. I think the best testament to our service is that our very first client still retains us after eleven years - despite changes in their ownership and management.”

The PR Doctor also offers training to help smaller businesses do their own basic media relations and master classes to help marketing specialists understand the basics of PR.

A club with a long history named the ‘Wrecker’.

Whilst offering numerous categories of membership, from full 7 day, right through to the new flexible membership for those who have less time on their hands, with a restricted budget or family commitments.

Rugby Golf Club has structured Society, Corporate Day packages; we can also offer a bespoke corporate package. Just call us, we’ll do the rest. Cuisine is now in the capable hands of C & J Catering, whether it’s Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner or Bespoke, Chris and his team is available to help.

Looking to hold a business meeting with up to 60 delegates then the Fairway Lounge is the perfect place? The views are magnificent, look out over the 18th Green, with the iconic Railway viaduct as a backdrop.

Please contact either Adrian Evans or Steve Watts www.rugbygolfclub.co.uk The Rugby Golf Club is a members’ club with 123 years of golfing history. It is a parkland course with many established trees and with the Clifton brook running through the middle affecting nine holes. The Oxford canal affects another three and a pond on the 14th makes it an interesting and challenging course.

Founded in 1891 Rugby Golf Club is situated less than a mile from Rugby town centre. This undulating parkland course has many unique features, one being the impressive viaduct which dissects the course. Water comes into play on 9 holes making shot choice a real challenge to all levels of golfer. The course itself has undergone many changes over the years, but has still retained its status as a thinking player’s layout where length helps but is not always an advantage.

Measured at 5622 yards and a par 68, players will enjoy the challenge awaiting them, which we believe include a few of Warwickshire’s toughest holes. The signature hole, the 18th at 439 yards, is played mainly uphill to the clubhouse and is aptly

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sponsored column

Free advice service for Rugby businesses Business leaders and investors consistently find it difficult to navigate through the complex and confused landscape of business support. In response to these concerns the Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership has launched a Clearing House for businesses. This is a single point of contact for manufacturing and engineering companies in both Coventry and Warwickshire.

The Clearing House provides simple and accessible support across a whole range of issues or frequent barriers to growth, such as access to finance, high growth business support, innovation within your business, planning support, skills and workforce development or growing your export markets.

Uniquely the Clearing House is supported by partners both locally and nationally including local authorities, Chamber of Commerce, University of Warwick, Coventry University, colleges, independent training bodies, Manufacturing Advisory Service, UKTI, Growth Accelerator, Business, Innovation and Skills, Department for Local Communities and Government and the Skills Funding Agency.

Coventry and Warwickshire Clearing House is essentially a one stop ‘free’ brokerage service. Account Managers have been assigned to every company wishing to engage, adding value and capacity to the AME business base, understanding the needs of AME companies and barriers that companies face when seeking to grow their business.

Rachael Delich has been designated as the Account Manager for the Rugby area and is welcoming the opportunity to speak to AME businesses. This is an ideal way to understand how the Clearing House and its team of manufacturing experts might help your business through this free and impartial service.

With this in mind please feel free to contact Rachael at rachael.delich@cwclearinghouse.co.uk or 07931 724706. Alternatively the Clearing House communications centre can be reached at contact@cwclearinghouse.co.uk or 0300 0603747.

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News

Former Chamber president receives Queen’s honour A leading industry figure in Coventry and Warwickshire has paid tribute to a city businessman who has been awarded the MBE. Amrik Bhabra, who is chief executive of IT company ADECs and immediate past president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, was given the award for services to business and the community in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

And Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said Amrik was a very deserving recipient of the honour.

She said: “Amrik has done so much good in Coventry – in business, in education and for charity – and he will still ask himself whether he deserves it.

“That’s just the sort of man he is, but I can say on behalf of everyone here at the Chamber and everyone in the business

Orbit Care & Repair promotes Dementia Awareness Week

Customers and staff of Orbit Care & Repair

There are 800,000 people living with dementia in the UK, a figure set to rise to over a million by 2021.

Of those suffering with dementia, only one third live in a care home. For the other two thirds, the level of care, support and understanding they receive will vary widely.

For this reason, Orbit Care & Repair held an event at Loxley Court in Coventry during Dementia Awareness Week to provide more information regarding the support options available for people who may be struggling with dementia.

The afternoon tea event brought together more thanr 50 customers, along with Orbit Care & Repair staff, occupational therapists from Coventry City Council’s Start Team and members of the Sensory Impairment Team, the Alzheimer’s Society and Wiltshire Farmfoods.

Guests were treated to an afternoon tea while they learned more about dementia, the types of treatment and

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local support that is available.

Event sponsors AKW, The Keysafe Company, Complete Community Care and local contractor, GGS Nuneaton, also had staff on hand to talk about the various products and services they offer to help people with dementia.

Sally Robbins, from Dementia Awareness in Rugby, spoke about dementia awareness and provided valuable information to everyone who attended.

She shared tips on how to define dementia and what it is and isn’t, how to spot it and how to treat and support those managing the condition.

Cathy Sharman, Area Team Leader for Orbit Care & Repair, said: “We’re really pleased at the turnout for the event. As the number of people with dementia continues to rise, it’s really important to raise awareness of what dementia is and how people can effectively support people who are living with the condition.”

For more information about dementia, please contact the Alzheimer’s Society by visiting www.alzheimers.org.uk, emailing wwm@alzheimers.org.uk or calling 01543 255 955. You can also obtain a free Dementia Friends information pack by contacting Dementia Friends at www.dementiafriends.org.uk.

community in this area that he absolutely deserves it and we are all very proud of him and his achievement.

“He has never been one to seek the limelight but quietly goes about helping so many wonderful causes and organisations.

On a personal level, I am delighted for him.”

Amrik joined ADECs as a third-year placement student in 1992 and rose to become managing director in 1999.

As his influence grew within business in Coventry, he became very active in the community – working with charitable, educational and business organisations to help improve the area.

He was president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce between 2011 and 2013, and was succeeded by Peter Burns MBE. His roles range from being chair of governors at Finham Primary School,

Aspire Style wins at awards “It was amazing to win the award as there were some well known retailers that reached the finals and the standard was really high.”

Vintage clothing and gift boutique Aspire Style has been chosen as the winners of The Greats Award for Best Multiple Retailer.

The Greats Awards, now in their 12th year, were launched by Progressive Gifts & Home magazine to recognise the UK’s best gift retailers.

The winners of this year’s awards were revealed at an Awards lunch at the Savoy Hotel in London Emma Woodward, of Aspire Style, said: “It was amazing to win the award as there were some well known retailers that reached the finals and the standard was really high. Winning the award was a real thrill and a very special honour.”

Aspire Style is a vintage-inspired clothing, accessories and gift retailer, offering a variety of fashionable brands. It has four UK boutiques including Solihull, Oxford, Stratford and Warwick.

sitting on the boards of the Belgrade Theatre Trust, CWT, the Heart of England Community Foundation and the Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust as well as chairing the SME Group for the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP. Amrik said: “I am absolutely delighted to accept the honour of MBE. I do keep asking myself whether I deserve it but, in many ways, the credit has to go to my family, friends and colleagues who have supported me over the years.

“I do always say that, in life, there is no point grumbling about things if you are not prepared to stand up and be counted and that is what I have always tried to do.

“I also hope it reflects on Coventry as a city too because this is a great place to do business and is a city where you can achieve great things.”

Cleaner wishes throughout the Midlands Hygenie Washrooms started trading in October 2013, the creation of Cosette Wright.

After 20 years running business service companies for other organisations, she decided to build her own business and stand by what she believes in – ‘stunning service attracts stunning customers’ Working from bespoke premises on Attleborough Fields has the advantage of being central the whole Midlands Region ensuring fast and efficient response times to enquiries and servicing.

Cosette believes you can tell a lot about an organisation from the state of its washrooms. A clean washroom with the right facilities helps to portray a professional operation – for your customers, visitors and staff.

Hygenie are a team of washroom professionals that can manage your toilet and washing facilities to the highest standards by providing on servicing sanitary units, soap dispensers, urinal water saving devices, hand dryers, air fresheners, and toilet sanitizers Their knowledgeable staff can help you make sure that you are in line with the latest legislation on washroom provision and recommend the best washroom solution for your organization – whatever sector you operate in.

They will take away all of the hassle of managing your washrooms through our regular and thorough servicing schedule, including email confirmation ahead of every service visit – monthly or whenever you require – meaning that you don’t need to worry about when sanitary units will be emptied, whether you will run out of soap or if the air freshener will empty.

The whole team stand by a simple philosophy, to supply great products with excellent service and delivery so that you can get on with running your business.

You’ll spot Hygenie washrooms all over the Midlands. They’ll be the ones where the hygiene standards are consistently high, where the soap dispensers are charged and the hand driers hum with efficiency. Not only do they look good, but they smell good too.

Contact details c.wright@hygenieuk.com www.hygeniewashrooms.co.uk

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Business Direct

Finance Engineering Business Services Telecommunications Development Legal Services Printing Services Security & Event Services Energy Saving www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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Business Direct: Business Services

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Business Direct: Business Services

New initiative creates support for advanced manufacturing and engineering in Coventry and Warwickshire On 24 March 2014, Minister for Cities, Greg Clark and Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) chair, Sir Peter Rigby, signed the City Deal agreement. Part of this agreement involves the establishment of a new Clearing House that will provide a single point of contact for advanced manufacturing and engineering businesses in the area. The Clearing House initiative will not only help businesses seeking access to public funding and other finance opportunities, but provide skills and recruitment advice, as well as assistance and support in many other areas.

The Clearing House (www.cwclearinghouse.co.uk) should be the centre for the majority of a developing businesses’ needs, not only for those businesses already operating in Coventry and Warwickshire but those that are considering relocating. It is a free service and the team at the Clearing House will work with businesses to understand their needs to ensure that appropriate and timely support and help are provided.

At BRI Business Recovery and Insolvency, we believe that the new Clearing House will provide invaluable support for developing and expanding businesses.

Whilst we perhaps should all look at the glass and see it as half full, we ought to be cautious of the risks of overtrading when expanding, relocating, investing or through periods of rapid growth. Overtrading occurs when a business tries to do too much, too quickly, with insufficient working capital.

The following are a few of the typical indicators of over trading: • Turnover is rapidly increasing • Experiencing cash flow shortfalls for purchase of requisite fixed assets, raw

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materials, labour or other essential resources • Deferment and juggling of supplier invoices resulting in greater current liabilities What can you do to minimise the risks of over trading: • Seek advice early from your professional advisors including accountant, banker, solicitor and insolvency practitioner • Improve and tightly control your debt recovery function to minimise debtor days and improve cash flow • Financial forecasting in advance of accepting projects or orders is essential to determine the cash requirements at each stage – can you afford to fund it to completion • Ensure your team has the right skill set to manage larger or more complex projects if this is a new area for you Should you find that your business is facing difficulties, the sooner advice is sought the better. Not only is there the immediate headache of how to manage

the business through this difficult time, but also, whilst not an appealing thought, what the options and consequences are if the business cannot tighten its belt any further.

Specialist advice, from qualified and experienced professionals is essential at this point. All too often businesses in difficulty continue to trade without proper guidance as to what can be done to turn the business around. BRI Business Recovery and Insolvency can help to provide this guidance and support to ensure that, with input from the likes of the Clearing House and other professional advisors, we can help to steer you away from such rocky shores.

We pride ourselves in providing an independent review of the options available to businesses and to companies and their directors and shareholders where problems are foreseen or arise.

We are here to work with the local business community to ensure that businesses survive and grow in what remains tough and uncertain times.

Remember, the earlier we speak to you the better.

John Rimmer

For an independent, confidential, free of charge and without obligation chat, call John Rimmer or any other member of the team at BRI Business Recovery and Insolvency on 02476 226839 to discuss your situation. www.briuk.co.uk

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Business Direct: Business Services

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Business Direct: Business Services

Stadium TM is a company very much expanding in all directions. With a recent office move under their belts and an expansion of the team in a variety of service sectors; the past 12 months have been something of a whirlwind for the Coventry based company.

Founded in 2009 under Managing Director, David McAtamney; Stadium TM predominantly began as a traffic management company with various sporting clients in the northern regions of the U.K, including Blackburn F.C and Burnley F.C. David’s experience in the events industry and insight into what was lacking in service quality, across the sector, encouraged this venture and the formation of Stadium TM has gone from strength to strength due to this.

With the nucleus of highly experienced event managers along with a forward-thinking, motivated workforce; StadiumTM has become an industry leading provider for stewarding, traffic management and security services to name a few.

Stadium TM’s decision to be based in Coventry has helped invigorate growth in the company’s various sectors. The recent move, predominantly due to sheer growth, means the company are now based in the Design Hub at Coventry University Technology Park. Stadium TM have operated 100% growth in full time staff with a further 400% growth in part time staff across its Northern, Midlands and Southern operations throughout the U.K. The backdrop of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics proved influential for the company. After an increasingly successful operation at the games, opportunities were evident - and this company has not looked back. Currently in the final stages of their preparation for the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games, and as an official contract safety stewarding provider across three cities, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee; the company are further showing their pedigree and experience.

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Stadium TM’s capability to provide solutions to a variety of event needs, for a variety of services has complimented their skills to provide for any number of events throughout the U.K. Core services of event stewarding, security and traffic management along with the ability to aid event clients/stadiums with various planning delivery enables a consistent, flexible approach time and time again.

This has seen all operational bases grow year on year and with the success of core sporting clients such as Liverpool F.C and Burnley F.C, Stadium TM not only bring high service quality to its clients, but also a sense of good luck on the field too!

In addition to Stadium TM, the formation of Stadium TM Training, a division of Stadium TM intent on recruiting and training multi-skilled local workforces across the U.K has helped the spiral of growth evident within all company operations. This has helped expand the core company into two divisions and aided growth across all aspects of delivery.

Stadium TM’s motivation and objective in this sector has been to create a ‘learner journey’ centred on the ultimate ability to give our employees an opportunity to succeed with the company. Stadium TM give candidates the prospect to become an event professional with a multi-skill set and variety of experiences. This can bring enhanced opportunities in the consistently thriving event industry which we have all come to love.

Stadium TM Training have recently recruited and trained 500 people in local areas to operational and client bases. A local reflection of this has been the ability to recruit and train in excess of 100 personnel from the Coventry area in recent months.

Stadium TM is proud to have this local staffing base to aid further growth in our commitment and operational resources across all working sectors.

Stadium TM recently showcased its services at Godiva Festival (as showcased), the Midland’s largest free festival of its nature. With over 125,000 visitors throughout the three day event, Stadium TM aided with pre-event planning as well as traffic and car park management throughout the popular event. Stadium TM are intent to grow further operations in the local area and the large staffing resources operated in Coventry and the rest of the U.K can only bring more opportunities to what is a very promising future for the company.

David McAtamney, Managing Director at Stadium TM.

So what does the future bring for Stadium TM? The future has endless possibilities and as found in the events industry so often, flexibility can be the key to a company’s growth and consistent success in which is an extremely competitive industry.

This is showcased by Stadium TM Managing Director, David McAtamney with a further personal insight into Stadium TM; “Our expertise and continuation to consistently deliver quality and build strong two-way partnerships across our event services will be crucial to the company’s growth in the long term future.

The ability to provide our clients with solutions on a consistent basis has been built up through our collective in-house experience and this is something which we aim to build on through further future growth.

The formation of Stadium TM Training and the delivery of unrivalled event exposure for our employees; through industry specific courses, knowledge and skill-set development have only aided our ability for high service quality to both our current and prospective clients. The ability to progress our employees through our learner journey and into our live events has enabled considerable growth and the build-up of opportunities to the wider local community. The future looks bright!”

In addition to Stadium TM’s UK operations and training facilities, a strong emphasis has now been placed on their next scheme of growth; overseas markets. With regular visits to Brazil, South Korea and Taiwan under their wing, Stadium TM has identified relevant opportunities and plans to further their growth through international markets.

Although early days, Stadium TM have the experience, knowledge and drive to fully succeed in this area.

Further details about Stadium TM’s services, events and training can be found at www.stadiumtm.co.uk.

Feel free to get in touch with Chris Barlow our Projects Manager at c.barlow@stadiumtm.co.uk or direct on 02476 158133 for anything regarding new business opportunities or for any advice on how we can help.

Alternatively, keep up to date with the latest news on Twitter here - @stadium_tm Stadium TM Design Hub, Coventry University Technology Park, Puma Way, Coventry. CV1 2TT T: 02476 158133 www.stadiumtm.co.uk www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Arena to host national awards event

A ‘Back to School’ theme at last year’s RailStaff Awards.

A national awards ceremony to recognise the unsung heroes of the rail industry is to take centre stage at the Ricoh Arena.

The seventh RailStaff Awards, which are run by the rail industry’s leading magazine RailStaff, will reward the work of people connected with the UK’s railway industry from drivers and cleaners to engineers and station staff.

The Jaguar Exhibition Hall at the Ricoh Arena will be transformed into a surprise theme for the evening on Saturday, October 25, when over 1,100 people will be attending.

Nominations are now open at www.railstaffawards.com. Last year the RailStaff Awards attracted over 1,500 nominations and 35,000 votes.

Karen Payne, Senior Event Manager for Rail Media, said: “The awards ceremony is growing in popularity each year and this year’s is expected to be the biggest and best yet.

“The RailStaff Awards recognise the courage, bravery and professionalism of people who deliver services every day of the year on the UK’s railways and at railway stations.

“There are 18 categories ranging from Apprentice of the Year and Train Driver of the Year to the Samaritans Lifesaver Award and Rail

Engineer of the Year.

“There are some great stories to tell for each winner who has gone the extra mile to ensure we provide the best possible service on our railways and they have often saved lives, turned around their careers or overcome adversity.

“Nominations are now open by visiting our website and we want to encourage as many as possible so that we can publicly reward the fantastic work that rail employees are carrying out the length and breadth of the UK every day.

“We always have a spectacular theme to get everyone in the mood and this year’s will be announced very soon. This, coupled with amazing entertainment and a delicious four-course meal, is what makes the event unique in the industry.

“This is the first time we have held the RailStaff Awards at the Ricoh Arena and we are really looking forward to finding out the winners on the night.”

Chris Owen, Senior Events Manager at the Ricoh Arena, said the awards night was a great opportunity for everyone connected with the rail industry to come together and recognise the fantastic work carried out by their colleagues.

“The number of votes cast last year underlines the popularity of the awards and it is a wonderful way to be recognised by your peers,” he said.

“The Ricoh Arena is working with the organisers on every element of the night from the pre-dinner networking drinks to continuing the after-show party in the casino and I am sure it will be a night to remember.”

For more information about nominations and tickets, visit www.railstaffawards.com

Conversion is highly commended The conversion of two derelict barns in Coventry into state-ofthe-art, modern offices – which are providing income to a local charity – has been highly commended at a national awards event.

The Heart of England Community Foundation were gifted Hazel Tree Barns in Kings Hill Lane in 2009 to convert into business units to provide a rental income for the grant-giving organisation.

Coventry firm Deeley Construction carried out the work to turn them into modern, sustainable offices, both of which are now let to businesses –Autobahn and Imagination.

That success and the quality of the conversion saw the work highly commended in the Refurbishment of the Year category at the National Federation of Builders Awards.

Martin Gallagher, managing director of Deeley Construction, said: “This is a very prestigious event in the construction calendar so we were delighted to see the work at Hazel Tree Barns highlycommended.

“But this is not just an award for Deeley – it is testament to the Heart of England Community Foundation, Autobahn and Imagination as well as all of the other companies and organisations who have played a part in bringing life to these two barns.”

Pictured left to right: Paul Belfield (Heart of England Community Foundation), Martin Gallagher (Deeley), Sue Ong (Heart of England Community Foundation), Peter Deeley (Deeley), Paul Scott (Imagination), Brian Holt (Heart of England Community Foundation), Lash Saranna (Autobahn International).

LEDs: Save and go green..!

Taking the trouble out of transferring

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£29.99!

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50,000+hr lifetime No quibble guarantee Very Robust Pictured at the recent Ricoh Arena Chamber Trade event, Technical Manager for Nulux Technologies Ltd., Adrian Fisher, explains the working of LEDs to an interested visitor to the stand. In the background, on screen is a demonstration of the LED Plug ‘N’ Play T8 tube replacement, and the actual light positioned vertically below the screen.

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News Company embraces the sporting life

It’s up, up and away for the aerospace sector

Lee Thomas.

A Midlands events company is adding several new strings to its sporting bow.

Aesthetics Events Staff Ltd, which is based at Electric Wharf in Coventry, supplies staff to a range of venues, events and businesses across the UK and overseas.

It has more than 12,000 staff on its roster and delivers contracts at Silverstone, Wimbledon, the Emirates Stadium, White Hart Lane and Twickenham covering motor sport, tennis, football and rugby.

The firm also works for Club Wembley and, as well as supplying staff to the recent FA Cup final, Football League play-off finals and England’s friendly with Peru, Aesthetics staff were employed at the Super-middleweight World title fight between Carl Froch and George Groves at the stadium.

The company supplied over 100 staff to the venue for the much-publicised bout in a range of roles from Managers to VIP hostesses.

Aesthetics also won a contract with HSBC to supply events staff to the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth at the end of May. Lee Thomas, the managing director and founder of Aesthetics, said the company’s commitment to customer service meant its staff could transfer their skills across a range of sports and events.

She said: “We were delighted to add boxing and golf to the list of sports that we have worked on.

“And they were both huge events that were covered the world over and for a Coventry company to be part of that is something I am really proud of.

“We’ve worked with Wembley over many years now and with so many events in such a short space of time meant it was a very hectic, but really exciting time.

“We had the England game on the Friday followed by the boxing so we had a very short turnaround time but everything went extremely smoothly.

This weekend also sees us providing staff for three nights of One Direction, again a totally different type of audience.

“Aesthetics has worked with HSBC previously but not at a golfing event so this was another first for us and, again, was a great success from our point of view.

“Our only focus is on providing great customer service for our clients’ customers and to make sure we go the extra mile to ensure they have a wonderful experience.

“As I said before, I am very proud to have set up in business in Coventry nearly 20 years ago and to be working on some of the biggest events in the country as well as with a range of other corporate clients too.”

40

Pictured with Jason Aldridge are apprentices (left to right), Ben Fletcher, Conor Steptoe, Gary Rothan.

Automotive is not the only engineering sector taking off in Coventry and Warwickshire.

The area has a thriving aerospace industry made up of companies undertaking world class work across the globe.

The firms at the heart of it are often smaller and family-owned and are thriving, in part, thanks to a forum established by Coventry City Council in 2010 at the depths of economic recession to help share best practice and offer a singe point of contact for major enquiries into the region for the sector.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Aerospace Forum (CWAF) now has 12 member companies and also works with other major organisations in the area such as the CW LEP, the two universities and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) to enhance the region’s pull when it comes to aerospace contracts.

It is also working on a range of initiatives to strengthen the sector – including world class research projects that will improve manufacturing efficiency and the range of work that can be carried out in the region – which means Coventry and Warwickshire is now perfectly placed to thrive in an industry worth more than £12billion to the UK economy.

Jason Aldridge (47), the managing director of Bayton Road-based Arrowsmith Engineering – a member of CWAF – said it was originally set-up to help the industry survive during tough times but now it is set to help it fly.

At the time, aerospace clusters were something that happened in other sectors and other countries – with France and the US taking the lead – but the forum helped the sector in Coventry and Warwickshire come through the downturn and prepare for the return of economic growth.

Kevan Kane from Technoset and Jason Aldridge from Arrowsmith both SC21 Bronze winners.

He said: “This is the modern world. We have had to change some of the long-held views and ways of working. This area has a great engineering tradition which is fantastic but Coventry can sometimes be an awkward place to change or to say: ‘we could be doing this differently or better’. I can say that, because I am from the city.

“But we have managed to keep that tradition and adapt and look to the future too – by working together.

“The company down the road isn’t the competition any more, we are working with and bidding for work with them, because it’s firms from overseas who we should be looking to beat to contracts.

“We shouldn’t be against one another, we can, and do, work together because there is so much work out there. CWAF has worked extremely well from that point of view.

“To be fair to Coventry City Council, they have put a great deal into this forum and it will stand Coventry and Warwickshire in good stead.

“We have got great people and great places in this region – such as the universities and associated centres such as the WMG. The new WMG Academy is also on the horizon which will create the next generation of engineers – the Aerospace sector in this region is going from strength to strength” The CWAF members will be jointly exhibiting at Farnborough 2014 – the biggest airshow in the UK. The CWAF members have a turnover of over £100m and this is one of many collaborative ventures the group has undertaken to support their continued growth.

CWAF has also led to the first SME linkup with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) at Ansty Park to work on a major research and development project, which would, ordinarily, only be open to larger companies.

But, by acting together through CWAF, smaller, local engineering firms have been able to undertake the research which, if successful, could lead to a unique and innovative manufacturing process that will benefit the whole of the aerospace industry in the UK. Kevan Kane, managing director of Rugby-based Technoset Ltd - which was one of the founding members of CWAF, said: “The MTC wouldn’t be able to deal with lots of individual SMEs but by collaborating in this way we have been able

to access this world-class facility.

“Ultimately, this could lead to a very exciting development for the aerospace industry here in Coventry and Warwickshire and, indeed, the whole country.

“More generally, CWAF has proved to be a real benefit to us as a company and, in turn, the whole region. It means we can recognise opportunities that we wouldn’t ordinarily pitch for but we know that other members of the group can undertake the work.

“It’s also led to sharing best practice between businesses with owners and directors visiting each other’s companies. A good example of where this has helped us is in reducing the set-up times on machines which improved our efficiency.

“This collaboration is, therefore, making a real difference to the aerospace sector in this region and that has to bode well for the future.”

Kevin McCormick, Engineering, Sales Director for JJ Churchill Limited, agreed.

He said: “We have been member of CWAF for several years. As one of the SMEs in the aerospace sector we too found it very difficult during the recession, losing staff whilst continuing to invest and fighting to deliver a growth strategy.

“Working with the team of companies in CWAF, Coventry City Council, the excellent engineering companies, advanced manufacturing research centres, training centres and universities in our region is helping us to further our growth in the aerospace and power generation market sectors.

“The co-operative relationships within CWAF provide a different type of challenge but, more than that, they make life fun!”

Visit the Coventry and Warwickshire App Discover all you need to know about Coventry and Warwickshire all in one App, which features a unique My Rewards section offering prizes to collect as you enjoy your visit to the city and region.

Whether you’re a resident or visiting the area, you’ll discover lots of amazing stories and facts about Coventry and Warwickshire’s incredible history and historical city tours; find out where the independent retailers are in the city centre; what events are on in the area for the school holidays and useful information to help you get around – we’ve even suggested Top 10 ideas that you may never have considered!

To download the App on iOS and Android platforms, go to www.coventry.gov.uk/visitorapp or ‘Download on iTunes’ and ‘Get it on Google Play’. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Grants make huge difference to community life

Community groups across Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull have benefitted from grants of close to half a million pounds over the past 12 months.

The Heart of England Community Foundation – the largest grant-awarding organisation in the region – distributed £493,574 during the financial year of 2013/14.

The foundation receives the money from a variety of organisations, including many local businesses who want their donations to remain local and make a difference to communities where they are based.

Local groups can then apply for grants from as little as £250 and, over the course of the year, 134 projects were funded by the Heart of England Community Foundation.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

They range from a grant of £375 to help build a sensory garden at a pre-school in Stockton to £4,850 for a group in Nuneaton and Bedworth that supports older people and those with learning and physical disabilities.

The grants have touched the lives of 83,692 people which is twice as many compared to the previous year.

Tina Costello, Heart of England Community Foundation Director, said: “I’m extremely proud of the difference we make in so many people’s lives and the fact that our positive impact is increasing.

“Our grants go to such a wide variety of groups and organisations. We judge every single application on its merits but it’s vitally important that every penny goes towards making a difference to its community.

“The money helps to improve the lives of people of all backgrounds and of all ages – it can be helping to learn new skills, help finding a job, support for older people to avoid isolation or bringing new experiences to young people.

“We rely so heavily on our wonderful local business community, whose support means we can continue to fund such a range of projects across Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull.

“As I have said before, the work we support was the Big Society long before that phrase had even been thought of. It is people out in their own communities looking to make a positive impact on people’s lives and it’s a privilege to be able to help them do that – very often with relatively small awards.”

Examples of projects Who: Stockton Stepping Stones preschool - Leamington How much was raised: £375 Money used for: A grant was awarded from the Coventry Building Society Fund, and the proceeds went towards providing plants, bark, seating etc after parents and staff had been working to clear a designated area of the school.

Who: Coventry Central Young Firefighters Association - Coventry How much was raised: £2000 Money used for: The money was granted to young firefighters to complete their Duke of Edinburgh courses and to enable young people to increase their skills and confidence through participating in the award scheme.

Who: The Healthy Living Network – Nuneaton & Bedworth How much was raised: £4,850 Money used for: The network supports those who are most vulnerable in society, older people and those with learning and physical disabilities. They encourage them to get and stay active, eat well and take care of their health.

Who: Theatre Absolute - Coventry How much was raised: £6,910 Money used for: The grant will enable the group to run its ‘Your Story’ project.

Through previous productions it became evident that older members of the public would like to engage in more creative writing.

Through writing workshops, and using ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens as an initial stimulus, participants will gain confidence to write and develop ideas related to their past, the present and their anticipation of the future.

Viva Las Vegas

All shook up’ in Vegas - the Maskateers and friends don Elvis Presley masks at the famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign.

It had to happen eventually... fresh from being named as one of the UK’s Top 50 fastest growing businesses, party mask company Mask-arade is now gearing up for global expansion.

The Mask-arade team have just returned from the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas where a series of high profile meetings has opened the doors to more lucrative licensing deals for some of the world’s leading brands.

Licensing Director Ray Duffy said: “After exhibiting at two trade fairs in Germany earlier this year and securing distribution channels across Europe our next target is naturally the USA.” The Warwickshire based business continues to grow at an impressive rate, a fact recognised recently when Mask-arade were named in the Santander Breakthrough 50 - an awards scheme created in partnership with Smarta to identify businesses that have captured a significant market share, are growing future revenues and have a clear vision to develop even further in the future.

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News

It’s strictly business for Jenni The new business development manager at the Ricoh Arena will be strictly about business rather than Strictly Come Dancing.

Jenni Ford, who attends the Telford Academy of Performing Arts, is already making appointments to visit companies of all sizes and in all sectors to discuss the Ricoh Arena’s flexible meeting rooms and conference suites.

The 45-year-old held several senior management roles within the Sears Group and when having her children she decided to work closer to home by taking up a role with Southwater Event Group in Telford.

She then became national business development manager at De Vere Hotels which included working at The Belfry near Sutton Coldfield.

Jenni was previously at Puma Hotels as director of sales for hotels in Harrogate and Blackpool before joining the Ricoh Arena.

“I will be contacting companies throughout the Midlands to talk to the decision makers whether that is managers, PAs, event bookers or agents,” she said.

Jenni Ford, the new business development manager at the Ricoh Arena.

“I will be promoting the IEC Elite Club which will be a loyalty scheme for local companies who use the Ricoh on a regular basis.

“We want to re-inforce that we are an ideal location for awards dinners for guests from 100 up to 800 as well as being a key venue in the exhibitions and conference market.

“Coventry and Warwickshire is the home of high-profile national and international companies as well as a hot-bed of activity for SMEs and I am looking forward to getting to know businesses throughout the area.”

Liz Cooper, marketing director at the Ricoh Arena, said this was a newly created role at the venue.

She said: “Jenni will be responsible for local and regional markets in her role as the newest member of our sales team.

“We are nationally renowned in the conference and exhibition market but we are keen to spread the message closer to home.

“We have fantastic facilities which are ideal for awards evenings, board meetings or staff training and Jenni is looking forward to meeting the Midlands’ business community.”

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Radio Station gets in ‘touch’ with superfast broadband A Warwickshire-based radio station with almost 400,000 weekly listeners across the heart of England owes its very existence and future growth to its studio’s recent connection to ultra-fast broadband from Coventry-based WarwickNet. Touch FM which covers a demographic area of 1.3 million people from Loughborough to Banbury, is one of the first of 65 companies on Holly Farm Business Park near Kenilworth to get businessquality broadband.

WarwickNet, the region’s largest independent provider of ultrafast internet services across the UK, has provided the connection at Holly Farm in Honiley after campaigning from Touch FM and park manager John Patton.

He said: “BT installed its basic broadband here about 15 years but it’s just not fast enough for our tenants and we have been campaigning for them to upgrade it. Their reluctance to act left an opening for WarwickNet to come along and provide what we needed. The site wouldn’t survive without superfast broadband.”

Ben Day, Touch FM’s director of operations, said the connection had changed the way the business operates: “We have five radio

stations at Holly Farm, as well as our head office. We have been here for five years and have actively campaigned to get high speed broadband because working in digital radio requires the ability to quickly download large audio files necessary for us to operate.

“Before it was awful – downloading took forever, but the new WarwickNet connections means we now have the confidence to install new software that we would not have been able to use before. It means we are changing the way we do business and, more importantly, helping us to grow,” he said.

Ben King, managing director of WarwickNet, said: “We hear this story all the time. Business feels very let down by its poor broadband speed and for organisations such as Touch Radio it is vital to get data heavy files in seconds, not minutes or hours, when it is trying to provide a vital service to its listeners and advertisers.”

The 55-acre business centre, which is fully managed, has more than 100,000 sq. ft. of business units, ranging in size from 200 sq. ft. to 15,000 sq. ft.

For more information, call 024 7699 7225 or visit www.warwicknet.com

BDA turns to MP power to help solve road problems A local time critical logistics provider has called upon the influence of its local MP in search of a solution to ongoing roadworks which are causing the business a number of issues.

Specialist logistics firm Bespoke Distribution Aviation (BDA), based at Coventry Airport, relies on its road network to meet time critical delivery of spare parts and vital components for the automotive, medical and agricultural sectors but is facing nightly battles against ongoing roadworks in the local area to get these deliveries on the road and delivered on time.

The firm recently held a private meeting with Coventry South MP Jim Cunningham to discuss how the long running roadworks at Toll Bar End, Coventry, are affecting the company. Although the firm has put processes in place to overcome the disruption and is meeting its delivery times, BDA stressed to Mr Cunningham the importance of the local road network to the many companies in the area delivering freight, particularly at night.

The traffic works, which are coming at a cost of £106m, aren’t due to be completed until 2016 and many firms in the area have complained about how it is extending their journeys to and from work by up to two hours each day. For BDA, the road works present a much larger problem. As a time critical logistics provider, BDA has eight

gateway hubs for both air and road linehaul routes across Europe, including Germany, France, and Ireland. The firm flies freight into Coventry overnight in order to meet next-day delivery times. If this freight is then held up on the road network, it has a knock on effect on the wider supply chain.

European Managing Director Kevin Turner explained: “Many of the roadworks are taking place at night because there is an assumption that few people are using the road network at this time. We rely on the road network at night in order to deliver goods on time.

“We are still meeting our customers’ demands, but the night time temporary road closures - when we’re at our busiest and constant diversions are costing us a lot of money, and this means we can’t employ more people. Some of the boxes we deliver contain time critical medical equipment and supplies that hospitals up and down

the country rely on in order to treat their patients. If these aren’t delivered on time then this has a direct impact on people who are in desperate need of urgent medical care.

“The situation changes each day, and the major issue is a lack of communication between businesses and the Highways Agency and their contractors.”

Mr Cunningham felt that it wasn’t fair that businesses were being impacted in such a serious manner and stressed that the Highways Agency must do more to communicate with BDA and other businesses in the area.

He said: “Everybody understands that the roadworks have got to be completed, but we think there can be improvements in relation to flow of traffic - particularly at night time, when this company is doing business.

“With a bit of give and take we can mitigate some of the problems and it’s important that the Highways Agency have discussions with BDA and other companies in the area. We’re going to meet with them and put some of these points to them.

“It’s been a big issue because we want Coventry to get out of the recession and to do that, we need to encourage investment.

We need to make it clear that we take disruption to business seriously in Coventry.”

Football boss pops in Coventry City boss Steven Pressley was the special guest at the official launch of a city company’s new home.

Jackson Office Products is the official stationery supplier to the Sky Blues, having ‘penned’ a deal with the club in 2012.

The business, based in Holbrooks, has been trading for 68 years, and is owned and managed by lifelong City fan Steve Beard.

Following expansion and growth over the past few years, Jackson

Steven Pressley meets Steve and Sue Beard, of Jackson Office Products.

relocated to larger premises and they were officially opened by the Sky Blues boss.

Steve was delighted that the City manager took the time to open their new base and said he had benefitted from ties with the club.

“It was great for Steven to take the time from his busy schedule to come and officially open our new premises for us,” Steve said.

“It’s a big move for us and we are delighted to be expanding in the city, as it’s good for us and the local economy. Business is going well at the moment and we’re pleased to provide the club with excellent service and to work with them in this way.”

Coventry City corporate sales manager Tynan Scope said: “Jacksons have supported the club for many years and became official stationery partner a couple of years ago.

“It’s great to work with a local firm and Steven Pressley is always very keen to get out into the area to meet local people and businesses. He was delighted to officially open Jacksons new premises.”

For further details about Jackson Office Products or for any stationery requirements contact Steve Beard on: 024 76 636 332, by mobile: 07973 165839 or by email: steveb@jacksonofficeproducts.co.uk www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Paralympics star Hannah Cockroft spearheads university’s sporting successes

Hannah Cockroft.

Coventry University sports scholars, including Paralympian athlete Hannah Cockroft MBE, have achieved some fantastic results in their chosen disciplines recently.

Hannah enjoyed an outstanding start to the athletics season by setting new world records in the Women’s 100m and 200m T34 wheelchair races at the 2014 IPC Grand Prix in Switzerland in May. She also established a new world record at the 1,500m distance at the Bedford International Games earlier this month.

The 21-yearold, who won Gold at the 100m and 200m distances at the 2012 Summer Paralympics, joined Coventry University’s sports scholarship scheme when she enrolled on its Journalism and Media course last year.

She is now focusing her attention on the

Jaswant Sherfill.

racetrack before resuming her studies in the autumn.

Hannah’s fellow sports scholar Jaswant Shergill also has reason to celebrate. The third year English student has been selected to represent England in weightlifting at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer.

Jaswant, 21, who is a GB squad member and current English Champion in the 62kg category, earned his place at the games after lifting an impressive 240kg at the English National Championships in February and achieving the same feat at the British Championships last month.

The University had three sports scholars selected to compete in the World University Karate Championships in Montenegro towards the end of June as well. Michael Burke, Amelia Harvey and David Coope secured their places at the tournament following outstanding performances at the British University Championships in Sheffield in February.

Two other sports scholars, Erin Prior and Thomas Taylor, have also been selected to represent British Universities at the World University Archery Championships in Poland in July.

Coventry University’s sports scholarship scheme offers support to elite athletes pursuing academic qualifications and is designed to help them integrate high level training and competition around their studies.

The sports scholarship scheme provides dedicated assistance in the form of a cash bursary and a tailored range of support services including strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, sports psychology, sports nutrition, sports therapy, mentoring and flexible study options.

Coventry University sports development officer Tom Shakespeare said: “Our sports scholars have done fantastically well in their chosen fields and I congratulate each and of every one of them.

They are superb athletes and while they have achieved their successes through a combination of talent, hard work and dedication I’d also like to think that their accomplishments are testimony to the support and encouragement that they have received through our sports scholarship scheme.”

Hannah said: “Coming to University as an elite athlete was never going to be easy but the scholarship provided some extra guidance and support to help me to balance my sport and study commitments.

“The staff work very professionally and dedicate themselves to the athletes to ensure that they can be successful in their studies but also continue to be in top form for their competitive seasons.”

Jaswant said: “I am elated to have been selected to represent England at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and am immensely grateful for the backing I have received from Coventry University.

The sports scholarship scheme has provided me with an unparalleled level of support which has helped to make this possible. I’m training hard and looking forward to competing at the Commonwealth Games.”

Further information about the sports scholarship scheme and how to apply can be obtained by contacting Coventry University’s sports development officer on 024 7679 5979 or via email sportingexcellence.ss@coventry.ac.uk.

System eases complaints procedure An innovative software system, created by a Warwickshire IT firm, is helping universities to assess and deal with student complaints.

Coleshill-based ACUTEC developed a Student Appointment Management System (SAMS) in conjunction with the University of Wolverhampton. It was originally designed as an online appointments system but has evolved to offer other capabilities such as room and equipment booking.

The system was created to make the booking of appointments between students and their tutors more efficient but it has become increasingly useful in auditing – especially in the area of student complaints – because crucial details of meetings can also be recorded.

A recent report announced that complaints from students about the service being offered by their universities were on the rise since fees rose to a maximum of £9,000 per year.

Steve Best, the senior web developer at ACUTEC said that SAMS could not only help to reduce complaints but also to help resolve spurious ones too.

He said, “Initially, the system was devised to make life easier for students and tutors. Rather than a paper trail being involved with booking meetings or operating a ‘knock on the door’ system, SAMS meant that there was an online facility to organise meetings.

“It has worked well at University of Wolverhampton – it helps to set the time and the location of the meeting and makes it a much www.cw-chamber.co.uk

more efficient way of operating.

“By September of this year, the entire university will be using it, as opposed to the 75 per cent presently on board. Both students and tutors, all originally sceptical about using it, are very pleased with the way it is working.”

“In the light of the recent report with regards to complaints, SAMS helps here too. One of students’ biggest complaints was that tutors didn’t make themselves available for appointments, therefore, they were not getting the service they expected for their fees.”

“With SAMS, this can easily be investigated because it offers a full audit trail on when and where a meeting has taken place. It details how long the meeting lasted and the crucial elements of what was discussed.”

“Certainly with tuition fees rising, students are demanding more but this system gives universities peace of mind that if they are acting as they should, when it comes to delivering one-to-one tuition, they will have a complete, unequivocal record.”

Children’s hospital receives support A Midlands business rescue and insolvency firm has swooped in to strengthen the donations raised for Birmingham Children’s Hospital after purchasing artwork created by a young heart patient.

Max Ponsonby, who lives in Bromsgrove, was asked to design a painting that would reflect his story as a patient, as part of a project to celebrate the hospital’s 150th anniversary.

The 15-year-old was born with a serious heart defect called ‘Pulmonary Atresia with VSD’ and has already undergone two life-saving operations, the first of which when he was just fourdays-old.

After spending long periods of time at the children’s hospital, Max was inspired by the idea of creating a super-hero ward and decided to paint himself, his friends and the doctors with supernatural powers.

Max’s painting was one of 150 pieces showcased as part of the ‘My Beautiful Children’s Hospital’ exhibition before business recovery and insolvency experts Poppleton & Appleby purchased the canvas during an online auction held to boost funds for the hospital.

Max, who wants to be a comedy actor, said: “It was really great to find out that Poppleton & Appleby had decided to buy the painting, especially as there were so many to choose from.

“I can’t believe that it will now be up on display for everyone to see at their Birmingham office.

“I have always been really interested in drawing and have watched all of the superhero movies - when I was younger I even created my own comic strip.

“We were given a blank canvas to complete the project and I decided to design a super-hero ward where me and my friends all have really cool super powers.

“I have always liked the idea of having really long arms so I decided to paint myself as a superhero that is really stretchy, while the others in the picture have powers such as superspeed, flight and super-strength.

“It’s quite funny really because my favourite characters in superhero films are usually the villains. I really like the Joker in Batman and Loki out of the Avengers.

“But it is all of the patients at the hospital and also those that work there that are the real heroes and therefore I thought they deserved to be portrayed as superheroes.”

Staff at Poppleton & Appleby had the opportunity to meet Max during the official handover of the painting and he even offered to sign the back of the canvas.

Martin Coyne, of Poppleton & Appleby, which has offices in Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton, said: “It was a real delight to get to meet Max and to find out more about his personal journey and also his experiences at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

“We loved the painting and the fact that he had chosen to include the theme of superheroes – Max has had to undergo a number of life-saving operations which must have taken an incredible amount of super-strength.

“We have held a number of fundraisers to show our support and help raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital including the donation of a Sunshine Coach for trips. We also purchased an additional painting that was designed by another patient and re-auctioned it to further boost funding.

“It is extremely important that we continue to raise money for the hospital and help to support youngsters such as Max in the future.”

Pictured from left to right: Matt Hardy, Laura Tilson and Louise Gumery (Poppleton & Appleby) with Max Ponsonby and Andy Turpin with Martin Coyne (Poppleton & Appleby)

43

President & People

Stuart adds a new dimension Peter Burns MBE

Busy schedule provides an insight into what makes this area great Over the past two months, I have attended The Presidents assembly in Birmingham, hosted by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) where the guest speaker was Eric Pickles MP, followed on the 1st May by a Mid Warwickshire Branch networking event along with the Chambers of Trade for Warwick, Kenilworth and Leamington, which took place at Warwick Castle. This was a first and turned out to be a very successful event.

I also attended a Spotlight lunch at the Ardencote Hotel, Claverdon, where everyone who attended put their business cards into a bowl and, as each one was drawn out, they had the opportunity to promote their business for two minutes.

On the 13th of May, Louise and I attended a Presidents and CEOs dinner for the West Midlands Chambers of Commerce at the Swinfen Hall hotel Lichfield. Our guest speaker was Nora Senior, President of the BCC. Several topics were discussed over dinner which included Branding, using the BCC logo, a digital platform for all chambers to use, LEPs, Policy, Skills and commercial products available through the BCC. On the 20th May, I had a visit to Penso where I was shown some of the leading edge work that they do, although not all of it as a lot of it is secret and so is some of their client base. They are also expanding, which is good for our region, with a new building going up which will mean more manufacturing jobs. They are world leaders in what they do and I thank Paul Sullivan, Business Development Director, for taking me around their facility.

On the 5th June I attended the Mayor Making at Coventry Cathedral at which Councillor Hazel Noonan was inaugurated Lord Mayor of Coventry and on the 6th June Pauline and I attended the Commencement of The Mayoral Year Dinner at St Mary’s Guild Hall.

On the 11th of June the President of the BCC visited our offices in Coventry where Amrik Bhabra and I had the opportunity to show her around and introduce her to members of staff. That was followed by our Woman in Business event at the Ricoh where our speakers were Jacky Isaac CEO of the Ricoh, and Wendy Bowers. Wendy is Representative for Female Enterprise, British Chambers of Commerce. She is also the founder of ROLE,a national project to support the ambitions of woman age 13 to retirement. The last, and keynote, speaker was Nora Senior, who gave an inspirational talk on her career and the benefits of good marketing.

On the 19th June I attended the Lord Bishop of Coventry’s garden party in aid of the Coventry International Prize for Peace and Reconciliation and to the cause of humanitarian aid for Syria.

On the 20th June I attended the Coventry Telegraph Awards, supported by the Chamber of Commerce, at Coventry Cathedral.

Finally, I would like to congratulate Amrik Bhabra on his MBE in the birthday honours For Services to Business and the Community.

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One of the largest employment law firms in Coventry and Warwickshire has strengthened its presence in Leamington with the appointment of two local solicitors.

De Marco Solicitors has welcomed Stuart Skelly and Katy Morgan Smith, who both live in the town, to its expanding team of employment and business law specialists based throughout the Coventry and Warwickshire area.

Stuart adds a new dimension to the firm’s areas of expertise as a specialist in intellectual property, media, IT and commercial law, while Katy has more than eight years of experience in employment law.

Originally from Angus, Stuart has practised in Scotland and England where he has worked in private practice for large legal firms as well as an in-house lawyer at multi-national companies.

After graduating in film and media studies, Stuart worked in IT before qualifying as a lawyer.

Stuart said: “I am looking forward to bringing all of my commercial experience to De Marco Solicitors and helping the firm to move into the intellectual property, media and IT sectors as well as expand in Leamington.

“Another main attraction of joining De Marco Solicitors was the firm’s flexible approach to working, which I believe will be the way forward for many in the legal profession.”

De Marco Solicitors has invested heavily in cloud-based technology to enable its lawyers to work remotely from any location, and have access to virtual offices with meeting facilities including Clarendon Place in Leamington, and a central hub at Electric Wharf in Sandy Lane, Coventry.

Like Stuart, Katy converted to law having first studied English followed by an MA in industrial relations at the University of Warwick. She initially worked in the immigration department of the Home Office before qualifying as a solicitor at a City firm in London.

Katy returned to the Midlands and joined the employment team at Lee Crowder in Birmingham, which later became Cobbetts. During her eight years there, she represented a

Pictured at Leamington’s Royal Pump Rooms are, from left to right, Sandra Garlick, Stuart Skelly and Katy Morgan Smith.

range of clients in the public and private sectors and on all aspects of employment law.

For the last three years, she has been lecturing in law at Warwickshire College.

Katy said: “I am really looking forward to getting back into practice and am excited to be strengthening the presence of De Marco Solicitors in Leamington which is my second home.

“I’m originally from Nottingham and lived here when I was a student at the University of Warwick before moving back 12 years ago after I had qualified as a solicitor in London.”

Sandra Garlick, principal of De Marco Solicitors, said: “Both Stuart and Katy have a wealth of specialist experience and contacts in the Leamington area which will enable us to expand in the town and surrounding south Warwickshire.

“I share their background of having worked in a different field before entering the legal profession and believe that broader experience offers a greater insight for businesses, particularly into the commercial world which is rare among lawyers.”

Heart of England Conference & Events Centre announces new staff

Heart of England Conference & Events Centre near Coventry has announced the appointment of four key positions at the venue.

Craig Cotterill has joined the company as Sales Manager and will focus on winning new contracts covering conferences, corporate fun days, team building and corporate events. Craig has over 15 years’ experience in the sales & conference industry, more recently as Managing Director of his own consultancy company. Craig brings a customer focused approach to the venue having worked for some of the largest hotel & venue brands in the UK. A new position of Marketing Executive has been filled by Maggie King, who recently moved back to the UK from New Zealand where she worked as Sales & Marketing Manager for a SEA LIFE Aquarium operated by the Merlin Entertainments Group. Maggie’s career has covered marketing activity for venues ranging from Bluewater and Touchwood Shopping

Centres to the National Exhibition Centre.

The position of Special Events Co-ordinator will be filled by Genna Wheeler who will take up the post from the 28th April. Genna comes from a background in conferencing and events and will manage corporate entertainment as well as weddings at the centre.

Steve Hammond, managing director at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre, said “The new team brings with them a wealth of experience that will help to grow opportunities for the business and deliver an even higher level of customer satisfaction” “With these new appointments our team is stronger than ever before and I am confident that this will lead to a better experience for all of our customers, new and existing,” he said.

“We are thrilled to welcome Craig to the team and I feel his skills and years of experience in Business Development & Sales will be a real asset to the venue.”

“We have over 20 years’ experience in the events industry and with the creation of the new marketing position we can further promote our services and ensure that our brands remain relevant”.

The new positions are all part of Steve’s expansion plans for the centre. He is currently seeking planning permission to build a new 30-bedroom hotel, a visitor centre, an extra function suite to accommodate more weddings and a new 4x4 and quad biking course.

The new hotel would add to the current accommodation offered in the Old Hall House and would be a boutique hotel with 30 individually designed en-suite bedrooms and include a state-of-the art gymnasium and beauty room.

The visitor centre would create additional catering space to house a café area and also classroom facilities teaching visitors about the rural Warwickshire countryside and the history of the landscape.

The additional function suite would allow more weddings to take place at the venue who are licenced for civil wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships, which means people can marry on the premises.

The expansion would help to create additional employment opportunities in the area as 30 extra staff would be recruited if the proposals are given the go ahead. There would also be around 18,000 additional trees planted as part of the plans. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

President & People

Homecoming for Andy

Ten years after leaving the firm to further his career, Andy Bewick has returned to Dafferns as Corporate Services Director, adding depth and strength to the firm’s pool of international business expertise.

Andy, 34, who has re-joined the firm from Baker Tilly, said: “My role is to support

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

and Warwickshire Chamber.

This entry route allowed Andy to earn a salary, rather than running up massive student debt, at the same time as studying for professional accountancy examinations, and he is now a fellow member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

“I simply took the decision to go straight into the workplace as quickly as I could,” he explained. “This is a route that is a serious option today for many ambitious school leavers. Returning to Dafferns is very much a ‘coming home’ for me, and I’m delighted to be back.”

Dafferns’ managing partner Martin Gibbs, said: “Andy brings with him a set of skills, and a knowledge of the international business scene, which complement the wide-ranging expertise for which we are already renowned.

“He is a major asset to us, strengthening the team and helping us and our ambitious SME clients.”

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

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Microsoft Excel - Intermediate to Advanced

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Strategic Business Planning Inward and Outward Processing Relief NEW

Half Day-am

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Marketing Today

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Health & Safety in the Workplace (CIEH Accredited Level 2 Award )

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Communicating Assertively

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Emergency First Aid in the Workplace (EFAW) HSE Approved

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Understanding Export and Import Procedures

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October

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CWT TRAINING DATES 2014 Duration

Willsons Solicitors have announced the appointment of Raj Maan as the Manager of their expanding Residential Conveyancing team.

Raj has extensive experience in dealing with property transactions, including buying, selling and remortgaging, also including the management of large new estate projects.

Having completed her degree at Northampton University, Raj quickly accelerated her career progression to the head of Conveyancing in her previous position.

Raj said: “I am very excited to be joining Willsons Solicitors and to be given the opportunity to provide excellent client service and work with Willsons existing Conveyancing team to expand the department”.

The average property selling price in Nuneaton for a detached home has increased by 10% between January 2013 and January 2014 and semidetached houses seem to be the most popular on the market to sell, according to some of the internet guides, with the average price of a property for sale in Nuneaton selling at approximately £150,000.00.

Raj said: “It looks like Nuneaton is a popular place to live. I have noticed 3 large developments shooting up in Weddington Road and on the Long Shoot and so I am sure the property market will be buoyant in Nuneaton for some time”.

For the past few years, mortgages have been difficult to obtain however Alan Ison of Lloyds Bank, Willsons Solicitors Bank Manager says “It is pleasing to see locally a marked increase in the levels of enquiries in both the residential and commercial Mortgage market place corresponding to increased levels of formal propositions of which we are able to support 8 out of 10 to completion’.

Michael Wells, Commercial Solicitor says “We are very pleased to have recruited Raj. It has been a lengthy recruitment process as we were looking for that all important right person to fill this key role. We are sure we have now found that person in Raj and are very exited about her joining the team”.

Dafferns’ partners with their growing, ambitious SME clients and to help expand the business. Not only does my work include audit and assurance, but also supporting clients through all phases of the business life cycle.”

In his time away from Dafferns, one of Coventry and Warwickshire’s most respected firms of business advisers and chartered accountants, Andy gained considerable knowledge and experience working with large international clients.

He has a wide knowledge of sectors such as the manufacturing, distribution and service industries.

“I am used to dealing with cross border clients, as well as UK clients with significant international footprints,” said Andy, who was raised in Leamington Spa, where he attended Trinity School.

Andy has scaled the heights of his profession by a non-conventional route – leaving school at 16 and joining a modern apprenticeship, funded through Coventry

September

New job for Raj

Effective Communication

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Customer Service Essentials

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Export Documentation - Getting it Right

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New Members

Welcome to new members AGG’s World Ltd 58 Far Gosford Street, Coventry, CV1 5DZ T: 02476 222201 E: admin@aggsworld.co.uk W: www.agg.co.uk Akhtar & Co 11 Regent Place, RUGBY, CV21 2PJ T: 01788 537414 E: support@accountantslink.net W: www.accountslink.net Akuma Sports St Michael Stud, Meer End Road, Kenilworth, CV8 1PU T: 01676 533320 E: hannah@akumasports.com W: www.akumasports.com Alterego Fancy Dress 96 St Nicholas Park Drive, Nuneaton, CV11 6DY T: 02476 739996 E: alterego.fancydress@googlemail.com W: www.alterego-fancydress.co.uk AM to PM Dress to Impress 1 Miranda Close, Coventry, CV3 3BG T: 024 7767 0368 E: aisha84_5@hotmail.com W: www.amtopmdresstoimpress.com Aureate Digital Consultancy Limited Lumonics House, Valley Drive, Rugby, CV21 1TQ T: 033 3121 2818 E: info@aureatedigitalconsultancy.co.uk W: www.aureatedigitalconsultancy.co.uk Caterpillar Corner Crafts Ltd 5 Quail Close, Bishopton, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 9FF T: 07817649472 E: lou@caterpillarcorner.co.uk W: www.caterpillarcorner.co.uk Chestech Limited Unit 4, Hadrians Way, Glebe Farm Industrial Estate, RUGBY, CV21 1ST T: 01788 537535 E: nicole@chestech.co.uk W: www.chestech.co.uk

Daisy Chain Consulting Limited 47 Aspen Drive, Coventry, CV6 6QS E: julia@daisychainconsulting.co.uk W: www.daisychainconsulting.co.uk David Robotham Ltd (T/A Robothams Architects) THE OLD LIBRARY, 12 Church Street, Warwick, CV34 4AB T: 01926 493843 E: architects@robothams.co.uk W: www.robothams.co.uk E-Response Recruitment 3 The Quadrant, Warwick Road, Coventry, CV1 2DY T: 0845 257 6686 E: twhite@e-responserecruitment.co.uk W: www.e-responserecruitment.co.uk Essential Money 74 Rugby Road, Binley, Coventry, CV3 2AX T: 02476 273061 E: deepak@essentialmoney.co.uk W: www.essentialmoney.co.uk Findlay Media Hawley Road, Hawley, Dartford, DA2 7TJ T: 07967 169154 E: lwebster@findlay.co.uk W: www.engineering-design-show.co.uk G Casino Coventry Ricoh Arena Ricoh Arena, Phoenix Way, Coventry, CV6 6GE T: 02476 684747 E: sm_gc-coventry@rank.com W: www.gcasino.co.uk/coventry Goldclass Investment Brokers Ltd 18 Albany Road, Earlsdon, Coventry, CV5 6JQ T: 024 7627 5571 E: goldclassfinancial@googlemail.com W: www.mapgpi.co.uk ItaliCo Translations 64 Teeswater Close, Long Lawford, Rugby, CV23 9BG T: 07716403164 E: translations@italico.co.uk Jump (GB) Ltd 3 Manor Farm Offices, North End Road, Fenny Compton, Southam, CV47 2YY T: 01295 770809 E: info@jumpltd.co.uk W: www.jumpltd.co.uk

Tuesday, 29th July

Thursday, 7th August

Chamber Breakfast Networking

Chamber Networking

Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Leamington Centre, Edmondscote Manor, Warwick New Road Leamington Spa CV32 6AM – free of charge This Breakfast Networking event will give you the opportunity to make new business contacts and promote your business services. Join us for networking and an optional tour of the facilities at the Guide Dogs for the Blind Leamington HQ.

Merrick Binch 191 Hearsall Lane, Earlsdon, Coventry, CV5 6HE T: 024 76 5788 88 E: tbinch@merrickbinch.co.uk W: www.merrickbinch.co.uk Newco Catering Equipment Units 1 & 2, 403 Broad Lane, Coventry, CV5 7AX T: 02476 426000 E: info@newcocatering.com W: www.newcocatering.com Nutri-vine 2 Emmott Drive, Leamington Spa, CV31 1YS T: 01926 333333 E: nutrivine@gmail.com W: www.nutrivine.com Organics Limited Sovereign Court Two, University of Warwick Science Park, Sir William Lyons Road, COVENTRY, CV4 7EZ T: 02476 692141 E: comms@organics.com W: www.organics.com PMI Villiers Court, Meriden Business Park, Meriden, CV5 9RN T: 01676 522766 E: rebecca.seddon@pmi.co.uk W: www.pmi.co.uk Rugby Golf Club Limited Clifton Road, RUGBY, CV21 3RD T: 01788 542306 E: info@rugbygolfclub.co.uk W: www.rugbygolfclub.co.uk SJG International Ltd Tything Road, Arden Forest Industrial Estate, Kinwarton, ALCESTER, B49 6ES T: 01789 763721 E: rachel.russell@sjginternational.com W: www.sjginternational.com

Friday, 15th August

Events 8am – 10am

Longford Gear Cutting Co Ltd Island Works, 62 Bayton Road Industrial Estate, Bayton Road, COVENTRY, CV7 9EL T: 024 76365777 E: mark@longford-gear.co.uk W: www.longford-gear.co.uk

4pm-6pm The Chase Hotel, Higham Lane Nuneaton CV11 6AG Meet with local business representatives in a relaxed environment at this informal Chamber event.

Networking is one of the most effective ways to promote your business. The tried and tested face-to-face networking is a perfect way to build quality business relationships. The Chase Hotel in Warwickshire provides a friendly, local pub setting - perfect for networking!

Chamber Networking 11:30am – 2pm (followed by afternoon activities until 4pm) Heart of England Conference & Events Centre, Meriden Road, Fillongley, Warwickshire CV7 8DX - Free of Charge Chamber Networking is the perfect opportunity to make new business contacts and promote your business services!

This event will begin with informal networking followed by lunch and then the opportunity to participate in taster sessions of activities including Archery, Target Rifles, 4 x 4 and Quad Relays.

(Please note: Afternoon activities will be offered on a first come first serve basis.)

Solavia Limited Boots Farm, Unit C24, Straight Mile, Frankton, Rugby, CV23 9QQ T: 07850152411 E: customerservices@solavia.co.uk W: www.solavia.co.uk St Basils St Basils, Heath Mill Lane, Birmingham, B9 4AX T: 0121 772 9623 E: steve.rainbow@stbasils.org.uk W: www.stbasils.org.uk Supply 2 Teach Room 5, 1st Floor Offices, Railway Sation, Bond Street, Nuneaton, CV11 4BU T: 07887870920 E: ian.hammersley@supply2teach.co.uk W: www.supply2teach.co.uk The Merchants Inn 5-7 Little Church Street, RUGBY, CV21 3AN T: 01788 571119 E: scottwhyment@hotmail.com W: www.merchantsinn.co.uk Twirling Toddlers Limited 17 Galey’s Road, Coventry, CV3 5GN T: 07552 770774 E: info@twirlingtoddlers.co.uk W: www.twirlingtoddlers.co.uk Up Front Training & Coaching TURNPIKE HOUSE, 17 Turnpike Drive, Lower Quinton, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 8QS T: 07795 474074 E: info@uftraining.co.uk W: www.uftraining.co.uk Watkins Design Associates Ltd 25 Seedfield Croft, Cheylesmore, Coventry, CV3 5HU T: 07758 431565 E: simon@watkinsdesignassociates.co.uk W: www.watkinsdesignassociates.co.uk

Monday, 18th August Caroline Suggett of ROM Consultancy presents

‘4 Steps to Winning Great Business’

9.30am- 12.30pm - Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Chamber House, Innovation Village, Cheetah Road, Coventry CV1 2TL – Members only Masterclass This powerful Workshop is designed for Chamber members who want to make effective marketing part of their new business development plan. Learn how to generate initial connections and get quality meetings with target prospect. The workshop also provides the skills and a framework to build rapport, get a deep understanding of the prospects needs, present the service/product compellingly and move to sales conversion.

Join the Chamber at one of the events and receive 10% off your annual membership fee.

Find out more information or to book a place please see the events pages at www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events or contact events@cw-chamber.co.uk.

Remember to book onto member only events you will need to log-in to the website.

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www.cw-chamber.co.uk