C&W in Business January 2017

Issue 57

January / February 2017

John Nollett the new president of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, looks forward to the challenge - page 44

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Foreword

Looking forward to a busy year Dear Chamber of Commerce Member, Happy New Year. Wishing all of our clients and partner organisations a prosperous 2017.

Also a big welcome to our new Chamber President, John Nollett FIoD FCMI FIoC MIEx, and wishing him every success and enjoyment in this prestigious role.

Your Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce (CWCC) has a busy year ahead as we focus on delivering a range of innovative and value-add services to our Members.

Key events this year include the British Chambers of Commerce Annual Conference, in London, on 28th February 2017. I will, of course, be extending an invitation to our Strategic Members (patrons), but I am keen to make this Conference as accessible as possible to all of our clients, so if you are interested in attending what will be an amazing day of speakers and some fantastic networking, get in touch with me on louiseb@cw-chamber.co.uk and I will let you have full details.

Your Chamber has already launched its CW Business BREXIT Club and I am pleased to report that a first meeting of some core Members was held on 12th January 2017. Chaired by Mr David Burton, CWCC Non Executive, your Chamber began building its 'lobby' that demands BREXIT is business-focused as it will be a business-led BREXIT that will ensure the health & well-being of our UK economy.

Another key date for your diary, this year, is our next Trade Expo on Friday 17th March 2017. This exhibition & networking event has gone from strength to strength and has fast become the event not to be missed! So, have a look on the Chamber website for more details or contact Bethany De Thierry on bethanydt@cw-chamber.co.uk Preceding this event will be the Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership-led "Careers Fair" which will be a great opportunity to bring together local employers with schools, colleges and young people. Attending the show will be our very own Coventry Warwickshire Chamber Training (CWCT) which, if you have not heard, won the award "Provider of The Year" at the 2016 Apprenticeship Awards event. CWCT is already the largest deliverer of apprenticeships in our locality and is already working with employers, large and small, to ensure that they (the employer/business) is apprenticeship-levy aware and/or ready.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

CONTENTS January/February 2017 Go for Growth

CWCT also delivers a range of other vocational and academic qualifications alongside business-centric courses.

You should get in touch with CWCT by contacting Sally Lucas on lucas.s@cw-chambertraining.co. uk

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Policy

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News

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Events

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Corporate News

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International Trade

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This year, CWCC will be extending its range of services delivered via our CW International Trade Hub including a new programme of events & networks for exporters (and, indeed, those thinking about exporting). Our services will focus on making export simpler, focusing on keeping costs low whilst the export opportunity & return high for our clients.

Why not learn more by contacting James Ahearne on jamesa@cw-chamber.co.uk I do want to make an important mention of the CWCC Branch Committees operating in Rugby, Coventry, North Warwickshire, Mid Warwickshire and South Warwickshire. These Committees (& networks) will, in 2017, continue to do some outstanding work on 'lobbying' on issues that matter most to local business; meeting with local MPs; visiting key partner organisations (such as local Government) and local businesses; and undertaking focused influencing effort on key and critical issues such as the need to bring forward, in Coventry & Warwickshire, more employment land that can support growing businesses and inward investment opportunities. If you would like to get involved in our Branch work, please get in touch with Martyne Manning on martynem@cw-chamber.co.uk.

Corporate Profiles

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Chamber Training

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Business Support

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Legal & Finance Property

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Profile

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Mayoral Candidates

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Around the region

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Education & Training

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So, a busy year ahead supporting our Membership and wider client base and continuing to be the one-stop shop for business support. Please do get in touch on 02476 654321.

Finally, as a Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands which works closely with the Warwickshire Lieutenancy Service, I would like to extend a warm welcome, and congratulations, to the newly appointed Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Mr John Crabtree OBE. Your Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working to support Mr Crabtree in his new role, not least encouraging more of our Members (businesses) to put themselves forward for a Queens Award in Enterprise.

Kind regards Louise

Health & Wellbeing

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News

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President & People

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New Members

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Training & Events

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Mrs L Bennett-Bayliss OBE, DL Chief Executive

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Go For Growth ‘16 Campaign

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.

Ever stronger growth for company

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 654321 F: 024 76 450242

At the publishers

Publisher

Ian Fletcher

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

Advertising Contact Karen Hall karen@benhampublishing.com 07801 788880 Production Manager Mark Etherington Accounts Director Joanne Casey Media Number 1494 © Benham Publishing 2017 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.

The official publication of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

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

L to r : Jonathan Browning, Annette Doyle, Louise Bennett, Tom Mongan

Trumpf – not Trump – has set a Nuneaton manufacturer on a path to even stronger growth.

Subcon Laser Cutting, based in Bermuda Road, has invested £1million in the UK’s first 8kw fibre laser cutting system with Cooline technology, which helps to cut fine detail into thick material.

It can be controlled remotely using the very latest iPad technology.

This major investment has already opened up new opportunities for the firm, including new orders coming in from India for tightly-toleranced laser cut product, with further enquiries coming in from Belgium, Switzerland and Italy.

The organisation, which already employs 30 staff, is looking at further investment to enhance its position as one of the UK’s leading companies within the highly-technical field of producing parts using laser technology.

The machine is supplied and made by the Trumpf Group in Germany, which has production facilities all over the world including Luton in the UK and in Farmington, USA.

Annette Doyle, managing director of Trumpf UK, attended the launch of the new system which was unveiled by Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, and Jonathan Browning, the chairman of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Tom Mongan, general manager of Subcon Laser Cutting, said: “Depending on what you read or who you listen to, they say UK manufacturing lags behind our EU counterparts in productivity and investment, well not from where I am standing and I would like to know who is providing the statistics and information.

“I’m immensely proud that we here at Subcon are playing our part as we have continually invested heavily in the very latest technology available to keep us at the forefront of a rapidly changing and challenging environment.

“We were one of the first companies in the UK to invest in a five-axis laser system, we were one of the first to invest in a twin bed laser, we were the first company to install a first-of-its-kind nitrogen generating system and definitely the first in the UK and most of Europe to invest in a Trumpf 8kw fibre laser.

“It means we can now produce components we couldn’t have attempted before – whether for the automotive industry through to unique items such as the pizza oven.”

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Chamber – which ran a Go For Growth campaign throughout 2016 and has supported Subcon, said: “I was delighted to be invited by Tom to help unveil the new machine.

“Subcon Laser Cutting is a great example of a company investing in technology and people to help drive efficiency, productivity and growth.

“They are a great asset for the economy of Nuneaton, Warwickshire and the wider region.”

Jonathan Browning, the chairman of the CWLEP, said: “This further good news for Warwickshire. Investment is going to help drive economic growth and ensuring a business has the very latest technology helps to put it ahead of the competition. We wish Subcon Laser Cutting every success.”

“Subcon Laser Cutting is a great example of a company investing in technology and people to help drive efficiency, productivity and growth.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Policy Go For Growth ‘16 Campaign

Retaining identity a top priority Coventry and the towns of Warwickshire will retain their own unique identities in the advent of the West Midlands Combined Authority – according to a business leader in the region.

Louise Bennett, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, believes the city and the county will benefit from the devolved powers from Whitehall but will keep their own individuality.

The WMCA was formed in June this year and the first mayor elections are set to take place next May after a devolution deal is achieved with Government.

And Louise said Coventry and Warwickshire must use it to their advantage and be confident of their place within it.

She said: “When we kicked off our Go For Growth campaign at the start of 2016, one of the topics we earmarked was image and what Coventry and Warwickshire’s place and role would be in the new combined authority.

“But a few months on from the official formation of the WMCA, I believe the city and the county – with all its towns and villages – can have confidence in their own individual strengths and make the most of this opportunity to shape a future within the wider region.

“If you take Coventry, it’s in a much stronger position than a decade ago.

The two universities are thriving, there is a diverse and strong business community – including Jaguar Land Rover – and the city is confidently bidding to be the UK City of Culture in 2021.

“That bid is galvanising the whole city – with businesses and individuals backing it – and is helping to raise the profile of Coventry’s past, present and future.

“The bid has the support of the WMCA and, should we be successful, it would bring social, cultural and economic benefits to the whole region.

“The towns of mid-Warwickshire – Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth – have never struggled with their identity and they continue to go from strength to strength. From Warwick Castle through

to the digital/games cluster that has developed in Leamington known as silicon spa.

“The north of Warwickshire has a thriving industrial sector and is also home to the amazing research and development facility at HORIBA MIRA. “Stratford, too, is known the world over because of the connection to Shakespeare and the commemorations of the 400th anniversary since his death have proved that once again.

“Rugby is undergoing rapid growth and, since the Rugby Union World Cup, is really beginning to make the most of its connections with the sport with the new hall of fame opening.

“Our campaign has, undoubtedly, raised many issues that businesses face and the solutions to those vary but I believe that we can be clear and confident that Coventry and Warwickshire is a great place to live, work and do business.”

“When we kicked off our Go For Growth campaign at the start of 2016, one of the topics we earmarked was image and what Coventry and Warwickshire’s place and role would be in the new combined authority.”

A bumper 2016 for Netmetix Ltd As a Strategic Partner of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Netmetix Ltd has certainly heeded the ‘Go for Growth’ message.

Netmetix, a specialist provider of cloud offerings from Microsoft’s global Azure Service, is signing off 2016 as one of Microsoft’s fastest growing Cloud Service partners in the UK. Netmetix has achieved 283% year-onyear growth in its work with Microsoft and its achievements have been recognised by the international software giant and are a perfect illustration of the Chamber’s Go for Growth campaign.

Microsoft have recognised the value of Netmetix by saying: “The relationship between Netmetix and Microsoft is going from strength to strength and we will be continuing to invest in Netmetix as a key partner for the future of Microsoft Cloud and your technical ability within the business is really setting you apart and ahead of your competitors.”

Paul Blore, MD of Netmetix, said: “Our work on cloud provisioning has positioned us as a trusted advisor to our clients and our experience in this space allows us to deliver innovative solutions globally for our clients.

Paul added: “The Chamber began 2016 with a fantastic Go for Growth campaign and we have certainly done that over the course of the past year and the statistics from Microsoft bear that out.

“We won’t, however, rest on our laurels and will look to make 2017 even more successful for the company and productive for all our clients, existing and new.”

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are thrilled to see Netmetix growing in this way and they – like so many other companies on this patch – prove that Coventry and Warwickshire is a great place to base your business if you want to grow.”

“Netmetix has achieved 283% year-on-year growth in its work with Microsoft and its achievements have been recognised by the international software giant and are a perfect illustration of the Chamber’s Go for Growth campaign. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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Policy sponsored column

Register of people with significant control

By Prime Chartered Accountants

New appointment at WholeServ WholeServ Limited was formed in February 2016 by David Halliday to serve the Technology Solution requirements of Small to Medium sized businesses in Warwickshire, Leicestershire and the West Midlands.

During the past 9 months, we have seen substantial growth in our business. So much so that we have now taken on board a new member of staff. Jamie Hirst joins us at WholeServ Limited as the Technical Director who is responsible for all IT resources, our centralised monitoring platform & IT management facilities.

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Jamie has vast experience in areas such as Server implementations and maintenance both on-site and cloud based, ranging from Linux platforms to all varieties of Windows Servers, desktops and laptops ranging from Windows 98 to Windows 10. Jamie also has both experience and is qualified in Office 365 and over the last few years has performed many successful projects to migrate companies to Office 365 environments.

Wholeserv Limited Units 1 – 3 Arley Industrial Estate, Colliers Way, Arley, Warwickshire CV7 8HN t: 0800 035 5753 e: services@wholeserv.com www.wholeserv.com

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From 6 April 2016 all companies are required to keep a register of people with significant control (PSC register) and, from 30 June 2016, file relevant information at Companies House.

This requirement is in addition to those in respect of existing registers.

The requirement to keep a PSC register has been introduced with the objective of increasing transparency over control and ownership of UK companies. However, this places additional obligations on companies, their officers and the people with significant control over them.

What are the requirements?

A number of amendments have been made to the Companies Act 2006, principally by the Small Business Enterprise and Employment Act 2015.

These amendments introduce a number of additional requirements on companies, effective from 6 April 2016. These new requirements include: • taking reasonable steps to find out whether there are people with significant control (PSCs); • contacting people identified as relevant, or others who may know them, to confirm whether they are a PSC; • obtaining or confirming relevant information to put in the PSC register; • putting information obtained into the PSC register; and • keeping the PSC register up to date.

For companies incorporated prior to 30 June 2016, when the company completes its first Confirmation Statement (the replacement for the annual return), the company’s PSC information will also need to be entered. Though the company’s own register must be kept up to date, changes are recorded annually at Companies House using the Confirmation Statement.

Companies can elect to hold their own register at Companies House instead and update this register in real time.

What is meant by a PSC? A PSC is defined as an individual that: • holds, directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the shares or voting rights in the company; or • holds the right, directly or indirectly, to appoint or remove a majority of the board of directors of the company; or • has the right to exercise, or actually exercises, significant influence or control over the company; or • where a trust or firm would satisfy any of the above conditions, any individual that has the right to exercise, or actually exercises, significant influence or control over the activities of that trust or firm.

Whilst many companies will find the identification of PSCs relatively straight forward, where for example the company is part of a group or where there are agreements to vote or exercise rights jointly, different rules apply for the information required to be obtained, confirmed and recorded on the PSC register.

What information is required to be kept on the register?

From 6 April 2016, the PSC register must be kept, and it cannot be blank!

Where, for example, a company is in the process of obtaining information, a specific statement is required by law to be made in the PSC register.

The particulars of a relevant individual that are required to be obtained and confirmed for inclusion in a company’s PSC register include: • their name; • a service address; • the country, state (or part of the UK) in which the PSC usually resides; • their nationality; • their date of birth; • their usual residential address; • the date on which the individual became a PSC in relation to the company (6 April for existing companies);

• the nature of the PSC’s control over the company; and • any restrictions on disclosing the PSC’s information that are in place.

A specific statement is also required in the PSC register if you believe the company has no PSCs.

Do PSCs have any obligations?

There are a number of legal obligations on a PSC. For example, a relevant individual that does not respond to requests for PSC information may be committing a criminal offence.

A company is also entitled to apply restrictions to shares or rights in the company held by the individual who is not responding.

Is information held on the PSC register publicly available?

Where a company keeps its own PSC register an individual or organisation with a proper purpose may obtain access or a copy of the PSC register; though not information relating to a PSC’s residential address.

Information provided to Companies House will form a central PSC register that will be publicly available, subject to certain redactions.

What happens if the company does not comply with the new requirements?

Failure to comply with the requirements of the PSC regime could lead to the company or directors, or identified PSCs committing a criminal offence.

The company and its directors could face a fine or imprisonment or both.

Is further guidance available?

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has issued a significant amount of additional at www.gov.uk/government/organisation s/companies-house.

Growth slows down Economic growth in the UK slowed slightly since the decision to leave the EU – and that bears out the sentiment among businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire.

GDP grew by 0.5 per cent in the third quarter of 2016 – the first since the referendum on membership of the European Union – and that’s slightly down on the 0.7 per cent in the previous quarter.

Louise Bennett, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said the

slight fall in growth reflected what companies in the region have been saying.

She said: “Businesses told us in our last Quarterly Economic Survey that they weren’t quite as confident as they were before the vote – but that confidence hasn’t dropped off a cliff, it’s just been dampened.

“Compared to many forecasts, growth of 0.5 per cent will be seen as something of a positive result but there are lots of factors to consider within that – including the fact that

Brexit hasn’t actually happened yet so companies, in the main, are taking a business as usual approach.

“Once we know the full details of what leaving the EU looks like, we might get a clearer picture of what the economic effect will be.

“The decision does seem to have focused the government’s mind on the need for an industrial strategy and the need to get the economy moving through improved infrastructure.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Coventry girl Liz launches HR consultancy service for local SMEs A new human resources consultancy has started trading in the region, giving smaller businesses access to their own personal HR expert without the overheads of dedicated in-house staff.

LRM HR Consultancy was set-up by Liz Rogers-Mills after receiving free business advice and guidance from Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

After over 30 years’ working in human resources, operating in private and public sectors, Liz decided it was time for a change and took the big step to set up her own consultancy.

Liz, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, said: “I wanted to come out of the corporate world and work with more small to medium size businesses, offering a personal service to them and tailoring it to their needs.

“The Chamber were very supportive: the workshops helped give an overview of all the things I needed to think about as a new business owner, as well as helping me prioritise.

“Margaret Bull was allocated as my mentor. She is outstanding: tremendously encouraging, with a lovely way with people.

I took on board everything she said and she really motivated me to improve my business.”

Liz is a local girl: born and educated in Coventry, she attended the University of Warwick and had been back in the city working for eight years prior to setting up on her own.

She now works with start-ups, growing companies and established organisations across the region, offering customised and practical HR solutions that put strategy into practice.

One of her earliest clients has been Dough and Brew - a new restaurant in Warwick specialising in sourdough pizza.

The restaurant’s owner, John Martin said: “Liz is extremely knowledgeable in HR practices but also has a friendly, flexible approach which has been critical in helping us grow our business.”

Liz is now focused on expanding her client list in the New Year. Margaret, a business

advisor at the Chamber, added: “It has been fantastic to help Liz take the next step in developing her business.

“She already had a good knowledge of what she wanted to achieve and it was just a case of pointing her in the right direction – it was a pleasure to work with her and I look forward to hearing how her business continues to develop.”

LRM HR Consultancy offer an initial onehour no-obligation consultation. To find out more e-mail liz@lrmhrconsultancy.co.uk

the past 12 months, Coventry and Coventry and Warwickshire’s manufacturing Warwickshire’s manufacturing and engineering sector continues to thrive. and engineering sector continues to thrive “However, as a Chamber, we want A small group of manufacturers have met the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to discuss ways the organisation can help the sector even further.

The Chamber is revitalising its sector network in 2017 and that includes more events, information and support for many key areas of business across Coventry and Warwickshire – including manufacturing and engineering.

Tom Mongan, of Subcon Laser, Michael Collins, of Penso, Doug Squires, of Squires Gear & Engineering, and Karen Shuter, of Exact Logistics, met key figures from the Chamber at Coombe Abbey to talk about opportunities for the New Year.

Louise Wall, Group Commercial Director at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Despite so much uncertainty nationally and internationally in

to do more to help this crucial area of business for the region and that’s why we invited a group of businesses to talk to us about what we can offer.

“We have already fed the ideas back to the team at the Chamber and this is going to shape some of events and support we offer to members within this sector in the New Year.”

Evacuation solutions company reaches new heights with Yorkshire Bank funding

The manufacturer of the world’s leading emergency evacuation chair is targeting new markets following a £1.8m funding package from Yorkshire Bank.

The company provides products to allow wheelchair users or less able bodied people to be evacuated quickly and safely down stairs in the event of an emergency such as an earthquake or a fire.

Evac+Chair International Ltd. has been manufacturing in Birmingham since 1985 and has experienced continual growth over the past 30 years, generating £7m turnover in the last financial year.

As part of its global expansion, the business, has opened a new office in Dubai to cater to the growing demand in the Middle East.

Local sites in the Birmingham area that are supplied by Evac+Chair include, Aston Villa Football Club and Birmingham Hippodrome.

The funding received by the business has been used to purchase two new machines to enhance efficiency and the technology used at its Birmingham manufacturing facility which employs 87 people.

With the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attack passing recently, one of the most notable uses of the evacuation chair product is highlighted by John Abruzzo’s survival story, escaping the World Trade Centre from the 69th floor using the Evac+Chair product.

IT Company Sponsors Non-Profit Conference Midlands based IT company ACUTEC were delighted to sponsor the Heritage Trust Network’s annual conference in October.

The conference, held over two days at the Custard Factory, was an opportunity for professionals working for heritage trusts to network and discuss strategic direction as well as gain practical advice and support.

The theme of the event was Extraordinary People, Extraordinary Projects and

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

celebrated the success of heritage projects over the past year.

ACUTEC sponsored the event and had the opportunity to exhibit and talk to delegates about the impact that IT can have on charities and non-profit organisations.

ACUTEC work with a range of clients in this sector including major theatres, heritage sites and charities such as Heart of England Mencap and Age UK.

Mark Wallace, Owner and CEO said: “We have experienced continual growth over recent years and with new machinery to assist with the expansion of the business we are in a very strong position moving forward. Securing the funding from Yorkshire Bank has allowed the business to thrive and we aim to continue our growth over the coming years.

“The support we have received from Yorkshire Bank has been invaluable and the team have really taken the time to assist with our plans to expand into new markets.”

Gareth Jones, Head of Yorkshire Bank’s Commercial & Small Business Relationship Management teams, said: “Evac+Chair International Ltd has demonstrated a genuine entrepreneurial track record, identifying new opportunities and maximising these. We are proud to have supported the business at such an exciting time and look forward to working with the team as they continue to grow the business.

“Yorkshire Bank remains focused on supporting the growth ambitions of businesses in the West Midlands.”

sponsored column

VAT Flat Rate Scheme The chancellor’s autumn statement included an unexpected change to the VAT Flat Rate Scheme (FRS) which is likely to make it an uneconomical choice for many businesses.

The FRS was introduced to simplify VAT administration for small VAT registered businesses by allowing them to calculate the VAT due to HMRC as a fixed percentage of their VAT inclusive turnover instead of the standard method of working out the exact VAT paid on expenses and deducting this from the VAT charged on sales.

HMRC feel the scheme has been used for tax avoidance in that some businesses have benefited financially from the scheme because where business expenses are low the VAT due under FRS is generally lower than what would be due under the standard regime.

To counter this perceived avoidance, from April 2017 ‘low cost traders’ will be required to use a flat rate of 16.5% rather than the industry specific rates currently in force. A ‘low cost trader’ is one whose expenditure on goods (not services) is either less than 2% of VATinclusive turnover or less than £1,000 for the accounting year.

Business owners currently using the FRS therefore need to consider whether they are likely to be caught under the new rules. If they are, they should then weigh up whether remaining in the FRS remains economical or whether instead they should switch to the standard scheme or even deregister from VAT altogether if turnover is below the deregistration threshold.

Individuals wishing to discuss this further should contact Paul Spencer or David Thomas on 02476 257481 or ps@sgduk.com / dt@sgduk.com.

For more information please visit our website www.sgduk.com

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Corporate Partners Event

Networking with a difference The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber’s corporate clients got into the festive spirit at a networking event with a difference.

The event took place at Warwick Castle and gave the Chamber’s 46 corporate members the opportunity to meet and discuss business opportunities in the stunning medieval surroundings.

Bethany de Thierry, of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It was a great way for our corporate members to sign off their networking for the year.

“It was the perfect end to what has been a great year for the group as they got to hear some of the wonderful stories behind the castle.”

Michelle and Chris Letby (both were married at Warwick Castle)

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Tina Heeney, (Ryder Group), Carol Forero (Ryder Group), Rebecca Drew (Squab)

Alex Hand (Sigma Group), Jennifer Allen (Sigma Group), Sarah Collins (Aston University)

Alison Ayris (Warwick Castle Senior Sales Executive), Zoe Sweeney (CW Chamber), Hazel Pilling (Business Relations Manager)

Debra Wyatt (Absolute Works), Sally Lucas (CW Chamber Training), Neil Liddell (Sandler Training)

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Chamber Awards

sponsored column

Chamber of Commerce Content Marketing Association Awards 2016 Local content marketing agency, Sonder, recently won two awards at the prestigious International Content Marketing Awards 2016 that complemented its dual digital and print content offering.

Broccoli & Brains – the ground breaking anti-obesity magazine for LighterLife – won Best Print beating British Airways First magazine, Qantas magazine and three John Lewis titles.

To read the digital magazine, take a look at www.broccoliandbrains.co.uk Sonder also scooped a silver award for Best Automotive, for Fortheride.com, its

bespoke blog built and written by the agency for Triumph Motorcycles and saw off content produced for both Jaguar Land Rover – another local company- and Volvo.

The International Content Marketing Awards have become the single most competitive awards in the world with more entries per category from more agencies battling to win across 24 prestigious categories.

Clare Hill, managing director of the CMA said: ‘Yet again there was a huge diversity of winning agencies from across four continents. Our CMA awards

represent the very best worldwide in content marketing by agencies for brands. As content marketing continues to grow in independence, it is even more important to recognise best-in-class work, highlighting gold level global campaigns.’

Sonder is based in Leamington Spa and also numbers Marks & Spencer, Speedo, Tesco and National Grid among its client base, producing both B2C and B2E content solutions across print and digital.

Chamber Business Awards 2016: Best of British Business The very best of British business were celebrated at the British Chamber of Commerce’s annual Chamber Business Awards ceremony.

The Chamber Business Awards, which is now in its 13th year, is one of the showpiece events in the business calendar, highlighting the role of business in delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities.

Businesses from across the country came together at the gala dinner, hosted by TV presenter Gethin Jones, to mark the outstanding achievements of both UK firms and Chambers of Commerce.

The award winners in full: Export Business of the Year Scientifica, a designer, manufacturer and distributer of scientific instruments, based in Sussex, which exports to 44 countries around the world and has grown their sales four fold in the last five years High Growth Business of the Year Plimsoll Productions, an independent production company based in Bristol, with a focused growth strategy which has seen turnover increase tenfold in just three years Excellence in Customer Service AV Dawson, a family run logistics provider in Teesside, with a customer service excellence strategy and efforts to pass on energy efficiency savings to customers

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Small Business of the Year Bee Lighting, a specialist designer and manufacturer of automotive lighting products based in the Midlands, which has invested in training to better equip staff to win businesses overseas, which is paying off as the company continues to export globally and develop links with overseas companies Best Use of Technology Groundsure, a South East-based business which provides assessments for commercial and residential sales and developments, and has a user-friendly online system and ability to digitise maps spanning nearly 200 years Commitment to People Development Convey Law, a specialist legal conveyancing company based in South Wales, who are committed to training and staff development, and the creation of a facility for online learning for paralegals, which will be used by the top 100 conveyancing companies in the UK Business and Education Partnership Castle School Education Trust (CSET), with its ‘Premium Partners for School’ scheme which aims to prepare young people for the world of work, and runs initiatives to raise aspirations, inspire enterprise and foster employability among pupils Chamber of the Year St Helens Chamber, has a high market penetration rate of 20% and high level of engagement with the rest of the Accredited Chamber of Commerce network

Excellence in International Trade Services

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire), has expertise on trade links, and in-depth knowledge of their market and who they are serving Most Effective Campaigning West and North Yorkshire Chamber, had a successful campaign to lobby HS2 to create a single station in Leeds to maximise the economic benefit to the region Excellent in Membership Services Northamptonshire, Chamber has a redesigned membership proposition, including the introduction of fourteen new training courses Scientifica also won the award for Business of the Year, and as a prize will be invited to open the London Stock Exchange on the 13th of March 2017, the day the Chamber Business Awards 2017 are launched.

Francis Martin, President of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “These awards are the perfect opportunity to thank British businesses, of different sizes and sectors, for their contribution to the UK economy. I am constantly impressed by the determination, innovation and the contribution made to local communities by business. I look forward to seeing the winners and finalists of our awards continue to prosper, creating more jobs and opportunities for our nation.”

Tax Planning Opportunities With less than 3 months until the end of the 2016/2017 tax year here is a list of some of the opportunities available:

Income Tax Individuals with income close to the higher rate or additional rate tax bracket or income in the range £100,001 to £122,000 should consider reducing their tax liabilities by reducing their taxable income. This can be achieved by: · Changing income into non-taxable forms · Deferring income · Making pension contributions · Transferring income producing assets to a spouse with lower income Other income tax planning opportunities include: · Salary sacrifice · Reviewing dividends. Take advantage of the £5,000 nil rate band for dividends · Go for capital gains instead of income · Owning buy to let properties via a Limited Company rather than personally

Pensions · Make use of your £40,000 annual allowance for pension contributions · Have you unused allowances for earlier years · Can employers make pension contributions on your behalf · If you are over 55 should you start drawing pension benefits

Capital Gains · · · ·

Use the CGT annual exemption Use available losses Consider realising capital gains Consider investing in AIM shares that attract CGT at 10%

Inheritance Tax · Consider making gifts to reduce your estate · Leave your family home to a direct descendant · IHT efficient investments · Update your Will · Use a Trust These are just some of the planning opportunities available.

If you wish to discuss any of these opportunities further, please contact Brian King on 02476 221 046 or e-mail brian.king@dafferns.com

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Corporate Members

Rising to the IT challenge Hampton’s Resourcing are a specialist recruitment services provider for executives within the children’s and adults' social care sector.

The agency employs eight staff who look after more than 165 clients and deal with about 2,000 candidates.

THE CHALLENGE 2016 signalled a year for change for Hampton’s – the business was going from strength to strength, growing the number of clients on the books and the number of staff working at the organisation.

Simon Ray, Director and one of the founders of Hampton’s, was keen to explore the possibility of moving their IT infrastructure into the cloud.

The team at Hampton’s had become increasingly frustrated with their previous IT service provider, who seemed unable to fulfil the Microsoft requirements that Simon was looking for. The existing hardware was clunky and slow, and there were issues in accessing shared documentation on SharePoint. So Simon started looking at an alternative IT partner, closer to home.

THE APPROACH Simon found Zenzero by looking up local IT service providers on the internet and by asking other local companies for recommendations.

He said: “They reacted very quickly from when we made the enquiry. When we met, Will (Commercial Director, Zenzero)

listened carefully to our story, so he and the team could come up with the best solution to suit us. I felt like they really got what we were about, what we were trying to do.

It also helped that Zenzero already had some recruitment agencies as customers, so they understood our industry.”

Zenzero designed a solution that was agreed and implemented. The project was executed professionally and efficiently.

A lot of the migration and set-up was able to be carried out remotely by the Zenzero team. They were also able to gain access to the new premises whilst Hampton’s were in the existing office, to set up the hardware so everything was ready on the day of the move.

This meant that employees were not adversely affected by the upgrade at all, and the Zenzero team could familiarise themselves with the office and set up without disrupting anyone.

THE SOLUTION Central to the solution was a Windows 2012 R2 server running in the Microsoft Azure cloud, performing the role of a domain controller. This allowed for tight management of users and devices with policy based rules, and as the server is provisioned in the cloud, there was no capital investment for Hamptons.

Email and file data was moved onto the Office 365 platform, enabling easy access from any internet connected device. Users were given new Dell OptiPlex PCs running

the Windows 10 operating system. Installed on these PCs was a soft phone which connected into the cloud-based VoIP telephony platform.

With the internet being such an important part of this solution, the need to protect the users, systems and data from cyber-crime was of huge importance; Zenzero installed a Dell SonicWALL TZ300 unified threat management (UTM) firewall.

THE BENEFITS The new hardware modernises the kit that the Hampton’s team used on a daily basis and the cloud solution gives the company the speed and control it needs now, coupled with scalability and flexibility to address future requirements.

Simon said: “We no longer experience the frustrations with our IT that we used to.

Being able to access the data we need, when we need to, is paramount. Our data is everything, it is literally the lifeline of the organisation.

“We would definitely recommend Zenzero; we are so pleased with the speed of service and the level of support they give us.”

Anne Tasker, Managing Director at Zenzero, said: “We believe in only one standard of service and support, and that is the gold standard so it is great to hear that Simon and the team at Hampton’s are pleased with that.”

Stepnell completes inspirational remembrance centre for national memorial arboretum Construction company Stepnell has completed a £15.7 million Remembrance Centre at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

The newly unveiled building, which has just opened to the public, has significantly expanded and transformed visitor facilities at the Arboretum - the UK’s national focus for remembrance.

The new building, designed by Glenn Howells Architects, features a distinctive and dramatic drum-shaped rotunda audio visual theatre space; an interpretation exhibition and temporary exhibition spaces; a large restaurant; a welcome and orientation area and a learning centre.

Construction company Stepnell has completed a £15.7 million Remembrance Centre at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

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The Centre’s limestone façade echoes the Portland stone of the nearby Armed Forces Memorial, while a timber colonnade links the new building with the Arboretum’s original visitor centre which has been retained and extended.

The new Remembrance and Learning Centre also features a timber portico and slatted timber cloisters. Heroes’ Square – a central courtyard space for formal ceremonies – has been created within the cloisters and will provide a striking formal square for set-piece ceremonies.

A landscaped garden leads into the wider arboretum where there are 30,000 maturing trees and over 330 memorials.

The main challenges of the 50-week construction programme – contract value £8.8 million - came during the installation of the building’s complex laminated timber (Glulam) and steel structural frame. Stepnell also worked very closely with the Arboretum’s management team to ensure that the Arboretum remained open throughout the redevelopment work. Following the launch of the enhanced facilities, visitor numbers are expected to increase from 300,000 annually to around 500,000.

Sarah Montgomery, managing director of the National Memorial

Arboretum, says: “Following rapid growth in our visitor numbers we desperately needed better facilities in order to ensure a high level of visitor satisfaction. We also needed a way in which to better communicate the origins and meaning of Remembrance and the many personal stories behind the trees and memorials. Our interactive exhibition is therefore a key element of this ambitious building project.

“Stepnell quickly understood the unique nature of our site and our overriding need to remain fully operational throughout the construction period. Stepnell exceeded expectations in every respect and we are hugely appreciative of the additional elements they added to the project at their own expense.”

Stepnell construction director Bill Haynes says: “We are extremely proud of our role in helping create the new Remembrance and Learning Centre.

This truly inspiring building is a sensitive and sympathetic addition to the Arboretum which will provide worldclass, modern facilities for the growing number of people visiting this immensely important national site of remembrance and commemoration.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

International Trade

International trade ‘the key to success’ International trade will be the key to success in 2017 – despite some of the uncertainty created by Brexit.

That’s the view of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, which is launching a range of new support packages for businesses on top of the current services it offers through its International Trade Hub. The Chamber is launching a Brexit Club for firms in the New Year that will offer impartial, practical business advice in dealing with the consequences the EU referendum.

Events will be held across the region to help firms understand what Brexit might mean to their ability to trade abroad and how it could impact on issues such as hiring staff from overseas.

The club will also provide a forum for businesses to express their concerns regarding the Brexit process as the Chamber will be lobbying government to make sure that the voice of the Coventry and Warwickshire business community is heard.

Further to that, the Chamber will, for the first time, unveil a new International Trade Membership package that will give companies access to a range of events, services and expert advice to help ensure their export success.

James Ahearne, of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said firms had to make the most of the opportunities to them abroad – despite global uncertainty.

He said: “We’ve had the Brexit vote and that has created uncertainty but it has also created opportunity for exporters in terms of the value of the pound.

James Ahearne (left) with Parminder Hayer (both of the Chamber’s international trade team).

“Never before has it been so important for companies across Coventry and Warwickshire to take seriously the opportunity to grow through overseas trade and the range of support we now have available means we are in a strong position to help them achieve it.

“As a Chamber we intend to be there help companies mitigate the risks that lie ahead, but also capitalise on opportunities to expand into new overseas markets.

“The new International Trade Membership– together with our expanded programme of activities at the international trade hub – mean we have every base covered when it comes to exporting.

Whether it’s help from the Chamber Network, the Department of International Trade (DIT) or the private sector, businesses can access the all support they need under one roof.

“We’re calling on companies to get involved with the Chamber of Commerce – not only as place to access advice and support, but also as the voice for local businesses during these uncertain times.”

For more information on overseas trade and the support available through the Chamber call 024 7665 4321 or email internationaltrade@cw-chamber.co.uk

IT experts remove barriers to exporting Midlands based IT experts joined the Department of International Trade for their ‘Kick Start Your Exporting Success’ events across the South East of the UK. Urfaan Azhar and Simon Gee from IT Company ACUTEC attended the events on behalf of Microsoft to discuss the

opportunities that Cloud technologies could bring to businesses wishing to export.

Urfaan said: ‘By using the Cloud, businesses are able to use the same technologies as major corporations.

Businesses like British Airways and Heinz use Office 365 in the same way that ACUTEC’s SME clients do. The only limit for businesses now is their imagination.’

The Department of International Trade’s ‘Kick Start Your Exporting Success’ events are catered to providing businesses with support when beginning to export their products or services. Seminars at the events provided delegates with the opportunity to gain insight into agreements, marketing and technology.

Opportunities remain despite Brexit vote A leading adviser to the construction industry maintains huge international opportunities are open to the sector despite the UK’s impending Brexit.

Philip Harris, who heads up the construction team at law firm Wright Hassall, said the UK construction market is holding up well with new opportunities opening across the globe.

He addressed about 80 professionals from all strands of the construction sector who attended Wright Hassall’s conference ‘UK construction industry - open for business’ held at Maple House in Birmingham.

“Post Brexit there will be huge opportunities for the construction industry,” said Philip.

“What we are seeing in the UK market is very encouraging. There are lots of opportunities available to work in markets not previously looked at before, and we don’t see this changing.

“It’s important to remain optimistic and take advantage of growth opportunities at the right times, and over the past few months we’ve certainly seen encouraging confidence across the market. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

“There is some fantastic work being done across the construction industry, regionally and nationally, and this excellence was highlighted through a series of expert talks at the conference.”

An expert panel of speakers included 3PM’s Patrick Watson, L to r : Tony Bingham, Philip Harris (Wright Hassall), David Emery (Virtechs) project manager and Richard Threlfall (KPMG) of space and the Midlands including Fargo Village in marine research and training facility Coventry.

Blue Abyss and David Emery from building information modelling (BIM) There were talks from barrister and experts Virtechs. arbitrator, Tony Bingham, Richard Ian Harrabin from Complex Development Threlfall, UK head of infrastructure, building and construction at KPMG Projects told the conference about the and Dr Donato Masi from Warwick highly successful regeneration projects Manufacturing Group. his company has been involved in across

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Corporate Profiles

Agency that offers another chance

A public sector agency is giving businesses the opportunity to outsource manufacturing, packaging and light assembly work while supporting the rehabilitation of young offenders.

Swinfen Hall Industries, based at HMP & YOI Swinfen Hall - a Category C Adult and Young Offender’s prison on the outskirts of Lichfield, has a number of industrial workshops available to

businesses looking to outsource low level and semi-skilled work.

The organisation looks to provide young offenders with vocational skills and qualifications to assist them in finding employment when they are released.

The workforce is supervised by qualified instructors, and businesses are only charged for the space they use.

Mal Bassett, business and community engagement manager at HMP & YOI Swinfen Hall, said: “This is an opportunity for local businesses who are able and willing to support the rehabilitation process to outsource work to the prison.

“We can provide the right space for businesses and offer extremely good rates as all of our overheads are already paid for.

We can accept both long and short-term contracts and also give discounted rates for start-up businesses.

“We have a number of spacious workshops and can put any kind of machinery in there, so the work we can do is endless.

“There is a woodwork and carpentry workshop, light assembly workshop and manufacturing workshops. As well as manufacturing and assembly, we can also provide collating and packaging services and component disassembly and cleaning services.

“Customers will receive dedicated booking times for deliveries and collections and fork lift trucks are also on-site for loading.

“We have a very dedicated and enthusiastic workforce and have worked with a number of businesses on short term contracts, but are now looking to expand our customer base.

“One of our main aims is to provide young offenders with skills that will enhance their employability when they are released and also embed qualifications where possible.”

Swinfen Hall Industries is a corporate member of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and is looking to raise awareness of the organisation.

Mal added: “The Chamber will give us an opportunity to promote what we do and also network with local businesses.

“It will also enable us to find out more about the services required by businesses and ensure we are meeting the needs of local companies.”

Further information about Swinfen Hall Industries is asked to call 01543 484152 or 01543 484243 or email Mal at mal.bassett@hmps.gsi.gov.uk or Jennifer Madeley at jennifer.madeley@hmps.gsi.gov.uk

Venue sees events increase An award-winning venue nestled in the North Warwickshire countryside has |seen a rise in the amount of corporate events it hosts.

Mythe Barn, in Sheepy Magna, is a popular venue for both weddings and a wide range of corporate events.

Based in 150 acres of farmland, the 19th Century barn was restored in 2012 following a £2.4 million investment to create a contemporary and inspirational events space.

Outdoor space is also available, including three large event fields, target sport ranges, off road racing circuits and a 4x4 off road course which are all surrounded by farm land.

There is ample parking as well as accommodation on-site, with eight executive rooms available to book alongside an event or conference.

Despite its countryside location, Mythe Barn is easily accessible being within easy reach of major transport links.

Sister company Garlands Corporate is also based on-site at Mythe Farm and organises conferences and meetings, events, corporate fun days, team building activities, team development programmes and activity reward days.

Mythe Farm features a number of indoor event spaces including training and meeting rooms which can cater for as little as eight up to 100 delegates, Mythe Barn which has capacity for 200 people and an exhibition space for up to 345 people, as well as the option to utilise the event fields for temporary structures such as tipi’s and marquee’s.

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The company provides flexible, bespoke options based on individual requirements and can adapt spaces, activities and events as a whole to suit each client.

Phil Underwood, sales and marketing manager at Mythe Barn Events, said: “Through Mythe Barn Events and Garlands Corporate we can host bespoke events, tailored to the needs of each individual client and can cater for everything from meetings and conferences to showcase events, awards evenings and outdoor corporate family fun days for up to 400 people.

“Garlands have been providing corporate team events for over a decade.

However, the addition of Mythe Barn in 2012, with its unique features and relaxed setting, provided added possibilities for corporate events of all kinds – from annual conferences to vehicle launches.

“We host both outdoor and indoor team building events as well as leadership development days which can be tailored to the level of the delegates taking part.

“Weddings are very popular at Mythe Barn and we have recently won the Wedding Industry Awards’ best countryside wedding venue for the East Midlands, however we are also celebrating the fact that we are seeing more and more corporate events take place.”

Mythe Barn Events and Garlands Corporate are corporate members of the Chamber, which will provide opportunities to meet with local businesses.

Phil added: “We are pleased to be part of the Chamber of Commerce and are looking forward to meeting members over the coming year.”

“The company provides flexible, bespoke options based on individual requirements and can adapt spaces, activities and events as a whole to suit each client.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Corporate Profiles

Hospice seeks support for fundraising campaign Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice has kicked off its 2017 fundraising calendar as it looks to raise £1.3 million to provide care to babies and infants with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses.

The Coventry hospice provides 24-hour, one-to-one palliative and respite care to children aged nought to five-years-old.

Facilities at Zoë’s Place, based in Ash Green, include a multi-sensory suite, hydrotherapy bath, soft-play room, parent suite and sensory garden.

The services and facilities are provided to families free of charge, but the hospice receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations. It currently needs to raise around £1.3 million every year to operate at full capacity.

The charity has launched its fundraising calendar for 2017 and is inviting businesses and individuals to take part in everything from muddy runs and tandem skydives to cycling challenges, an ice dancing contest and an overseas trek.

Tickets can also be purchased for a Glitz and Glamour entertainment evening at Coventry’s Britannia Hotel in February and a Black and White Ball at Coombe Abbey Hotel in May, both being held in aid of the hospice.

Muna Chauhan, Corporate Manager at Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice, said: “Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice was founded by our current Chairman of Trustees, Professor Jack Scarisbrick MBE. “He identified that a large number of families with children suffering from life limiting or life threatening conditions were desperately in need of specialist facilities where their children could receive respite or palliative care.

“Zoë’s Place opened in Coventry in 2011 and last year we cared for more than 30 babies and infants with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses.

“Our services and facilities are free of charge, but for every hour of care we provide, for each child, we need to raise £25.

“Although we can provide respite and palliative care, since Zoë’s Place opened its doors we have sadly, due to lack of funding,

not been able to open six cots and we are currently only running at four.

“Every year the financial requirements of the hospice increase and we currently need to raise approximately £1.3 million per annum. This is why our calendar of fundraising events is so important.

“We are inviting both businesses and individuals to take part in fundraising events and challenges that we have scheduled, hold their own events in aid of the hospice or select it as their chosen charity.

“We are extremely thankful to everyone who has already shown support for Zoë’s Place as we endeavor to improve our facilities and help even more families.”

Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice is a corporate member of the Chamber and is looking to

connect with businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire.

Muna added: “We are looking to engage with businesses, large and small, to raise awareness of the hospice which is local to so many companies across the area.

“We would like to work together with businesses to make a difference and also assist in fulfilling any Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations while having fun in the process.”

Anyone who would like to find out more about the hospice and its fundraising events calendar can visit http://www.zoes-place.org.uk/coventry or email Muna at Muna@zoes-place.org.uk

College receives national recognition

The achievements of Stratford-uponAvon College have been recognised in a newly published Government league table The college, based close to the centre of the town, provides a range of A-Level, vocational and technical training courses to more than 4,300 students.

The 140-year-old institution, which started as an arts college, hosts students on a full and part-time basis, from entrylevel to Higher Education – attracting students from across the UK and abroad.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

In addition to its full-time provision, the college provides apprenticeships across the county, working in collaboration with employers, meeting the needs of our local community and enabling young people to enter the world of work.

A newly published Government league table has shone a light onto the excellent achievements made by Stratford-uponAvon College, ranking them fifth in the country in the ‘College learners into Employment’ category, highlighting the college’s employment success.

Nicola Mannock, Principal and CEO at the College, said: “In the past three years, the college has seen fantastic growth and year on year improvement.

“In 2015, we received an Ofsted inspection grade of ‘good’ and became one of the few colleges in the country to be operating with a surplus.

“Our success lies in being a fully inclusive college, focusing on the individual abilities of our students, educating them in life and work skills, preparing them for the next stage.”

A strong and knowledgeable Governing Body chaired by Lord Digby Jones works effectively to support the Principal and the senior leadership team to drive the strategic direction and objectives of the college.

Lord Jones said: “It is both a privilege and an honour to be chairman of Stratford-upon-Avon College. Although I have only been in the post for a year, as a local resident I have witnessed the phenomenal resurgence of this college over the last two years.”

The College has an impressive list of alumni include actor Simon Pegg, Eastenders star Jo Joyner and revered writer Ben Elton. It has also seen a 98 per cent A-Level pass rate and 94 per cent of students have gone on to higher education or employment.

Stratford-upon-Avon College joined the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce as a corporate member and sees it as a great way to build upon its employer engagement, meeting new businesses and ensuring that the curriculum delivered matches and meets the needs of our community.

Nicola Mannock, Principal and CEO said: “Strong and effective partnerships with employers helps provide a rich and varied learning experience for our students.”

“Our success lies in being a fully inclusive college, focusing on the individual abilities of our students, educating them in life and work skills, preparing them for the next stage.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training

Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training Win Training Provider of the Year 2016 Award Winning Finefutures

Congratulations to Finefutures who recently won the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training’s Health and Social Care Employer of the Year Award.

This forward thinking supported living provider, put their workforce skills and knowledge at the very core of the business strategy; the company describe their support staff as being ‘worth their weight in gold’ Finefutures regularly exceed the expectations of their customers through the continuous improvement of their service. The development of high level skills working in partnership with Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training, through their Apprenticeship programme is integral to providing the highest quality of care and support for each client.

Steve Blount, Director for Finefutures, shared some key areas which have aided the business success; getting the right staff, engaging them in ongoing skills development tailored to the needs of clients and effectively managing the client’s environment - which is essential to their wellbeing.

Before the organisation started trading, Steve wanted to put a clinical team in place to deliver the training that's bespoke to the clients and headhunted the best skilled people from various social services bodies.

Working in partnership with C&W Chamber Training to deliver skills development, they have trained people from Level 2 to Level 5 management through apprenticeships.

The model of learning is hugely important, with essential Apprenticeship training being delivered alongside specific, bespoke person centred skills development. This blended approach to learning can't be found on the standard matrix as it is totally bespoke to the clients, whose needs range from partially sighted, to multiple complex needs.

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Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training have been awarded Training Provider of the Year 2016 in the inaugural Coventry & Warwickshire Apprentice of the Year Awards at Coventry Cathedral.

Over 350 guests from across the region attended the evening.

On top of being been awarded Training Provider of the Year 2016, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training were proud to see 8 of their fantastic award winner and finalist apprentices on the big stage at the event.

Meet the new Apprentices of the Year!

Innocent Chagiye (Anchor – Leofric Lodge) Innocent successfully completed his Advanced Apprenticeship whilst performing the role of Senior Team Leader at Leofric Lodge Care Home where 43 staff are employed, caring for 50 elderly residents.

Innocent excelled in his role, providing high level support to team members on a 1:1 and group basis, effectively arranging rotas, assisting with medication, person-centred care planning, implementation of care plans, monitoring staff activities and promoting communication with individuals with dementia, mental health and physical disabilities. Innocent also monitored nutrition and hydration to safeguard and promote well-being, key care aspects.

Destiny Scanlan (The Cut Above) Destiny held the role of junior stylist within The Cut Above and has progressed in the salon from being the junior, to having responsibility for the apprentice members of staff as well as additional duties which contribute to the successful running of the salon.

Destiny has completed Level 2 and progressed onto a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship with aspirations to progress onto a management qualification, one day aiming to have her own salon.

Emma Bull (Bright Horizons) Emma has used her Apprenticeship opportunity to develop an indepth knowledge of the theory and practice of children’s education and care. As a highly motivated young person, she takes great pride in delivering high standards in the workplace; encouraging the development of junior staff and leading by example.

Following her Advanced Apprenticeship she intends to progress on into Higher Education. She has her sights set on

becoming a paediatric nurse, continuing her ambition journey.

In addition to the apprentice award winners, congratulations to the 5 C&W Chamber Training apprentices that fought off stiff competition and made it all the way to the final.

• Leigh Thomson (Finham Park School 2) • Carys Weaver (The White Room) • Lydia Woodall (Le Loren) • Lydia Gill (Warwickshire County Council) • Dominic Grainger (Health Matters) Supported by the CWLEP, Careers and Enterprise Company, Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council the Coventry & Warwickshire Apprentice of the Year Awards showcase and celebrate individuals and organisations who have exceeded expectations and made a positive contribution or have gone against all the odds to achieve their objectives.

By building skills competitions into the core teaching and learning curriculum, C&W Chamber Training ensures their learners and staff aspire to and showcase excellence in their work.

Apprenticeships are a great way to develop your workforce of the future, supporting succession planning and bringing fresh ideas into the business. They are highly accessible, tailored in line with business needs and a cost effective way of strengthening the workforce.

If you have a position in your organisation that could suit the next superstar apprentice contact C&W Chamber Training by emailing enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk or calling 024 7623 1122 today.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Business Support

Chamber strengthens support network

Businesses across the region are set to get receive more tailored support from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber has launched a new Sector Network which will see dedicated events and information offered to firms in the Tourism, Leisure, Conferencing (TLC); Manufacturing Supply Chain (manufacturing, engineering, automotive, logistics, construction); Skills (education, training, HR); and Innovation (ICT, digital, innovation) sectors.

Each sector will benefit from three dedicated events over the course of the year with speakers handpicked to deliver information that can help them to improve their business.

It will also be a chance to meet and network with companies from a similar sector to help share information, knowledge and ideas.

The Chamber will also tailor the information it distributes to members of each network to ensure it is relevant to them.

Julie de Thierry, membership and business team leader at the Chamber, said: “The Sector Network is another part of our commitment to ensuring that we do all we can to help companies in Coventry and Warwickshire grow.

“We know there are events and support that we can give to every business but there is also sector specific work we can do and we believe that the Sector Network will be very popular for that reason.

Now is the time to take that big step into business “The feedback we have had from businesses is that they enjoy networking with other sectors and that they get a great deal out of it but that they also like to meet with like-minded firms in the same sector too.

“Through this network, they will have the chance to do both.”

For more information, contact the Chamber on 024 7665 4321 or log onto www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Craft centre gains another outlet

Charlotte Pittam and Charlotte Portlock (of Rhubard & Mustard) with Wendy Brown

A new café and a chic furniture upcycle shop are the latest businesses to open at a Nuneaton craft centre.

Rhubarb & Mustard café join Shelle’s Chic in setting up at Chilvers Coton Craft Centre, after receiving free mentoring and business advice from Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

Shelle’s Chic, set-up by Michelle Perry, started life as an online business and specialises in taking old furniture and giving it a new contemporary look.

Michelle believes that a lot of modern furniture is expensive and lacks personality, so in 2015, after being

made redundant, she decided to set up the new business.

She had planned to keep Shelle’s Chic online only, but found that renting at the Nuneaton centre was affordable and fitted in with her trading needs.

The shop sells Michelle’s own carefully sourced furniture, takes customer commissions and has branched out into home accessories in the build up to Christmas.

Michelle said: “It’s been almost three months since I opened my shop and it’s going brilliantly.

“The Chamber of Commerce have been incredibly helpful in offering free help and support to start-ups such as mine. It’s reassuring to know there is someone there to speak to about anything from marketing to finance.”

Charlotte Portlock and Amy Pittam set-up Rhubarb and Mustard café, providing the craft centre with a new local café. Both already have shops in the centre as Amy runs As You Were, a vintage and handmade gift shop, and Charlotte owns a photographic business.

The duo have rebranded and refurbished the centre’s old local café and they agree it has been an exciting journey but a lot of hard work.

Charlotte said: “We’re thrilled with what we’ve achieved and we’re excited about our future plans.

“We’ve had great support from our family and friends, and the on-going support provided by the Chamber of Commerce’s start-up programme means we have the opportunity to meet our mentor and discuss any concerns or plans for the future.”

The Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, in partnership with Warwickshire County Council and the district and borough councils.

Wendy Brown, business advisor at the Chamber, said: “I’m delighted that Shelle’s Chic and Rhubarb & Mustard café are now open and wish both businesses the best of luck as they continue on their journey.

“We work hard to help start-up businesses to find their feet and it is really rewarding when it all pays off and makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

To find out more and book onto one of the Chamber’s start-up programmes contact the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on 02476 654 321.

Helping businesses get a bit more from Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber The leading business membership organisation in Coventry and Warwickshire has launched a new website to provide a more interactive and engaging experience for its members.

Designed, developed and built by award winning digital web, marketing and communications agency BIT 10, the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce's website's fully responsive structure and layout will not only allow members to access content and business support services but to submit good news items, share content, update offers and incentives and post job opportunities.

In addition, it will offer export advice and support from the international trade team with resources to support business in export, key information on events and networking opportunities and detail all the benefits that firms get from their membership.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "As the leading business membership organisation in Coventry and Warwickshire, it's imperative that our members are kept up to date with information regarding business, industry and commerce and supported with campaigning and lobbying on key issues.

Our newly designed website caters for these requirements, allows members to personalise their own profiles, add in exclusive offers and incentives for other members and connects them to a vast network of companies and opportunities.

“We are delighted with the website and its functionality which enables our members to access it on the go through multiple devices - a real value add.”

Alan Malik, CEO, BIT 10 said: "We are delighted to have produced a fully responsive website for the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber that is simple to

navigate, easily accessible and provides the essential information members and businesses need at the click of their fingertips.

“The Chamber team are committed to providing the best for their members and to making Coventry and Warwickshire the place to do business. We are pleased to have helped them with this journey and for providing a digital solution that positions them as the voice of business for the Coventry and Warwickshire region."

Louise Wall, Commercial Director, Coventry & Warwickshire, Chamber of Commerce and Alan Malik, CEO, BIT 10 Ltd with the new look CW Chamber website.

January is the peak time for people ditching the nine to five and looking to start their own business in Coventry and Warwickshire – and 2017 is set to be no exception.

The start-up support team at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce are anticipating a rush of calls in the New Year as people look to follow their dream of being their own boss.

The Chamber offers a range of help from workshops to one-to-one mentoring and, according to Operations Manager Keely Hancox, the New Year offers individuals a chance to reflect.

She said: “At Christmas and New Year, people not only take the time to celebrate but they think about what they want to do long term and, for many, it means setting up their own business.

“So January tends to be a busy time with people contacting us after Christmas looking for help and support.

“I would certainly advise that they do speak to us because getting the right advice from the outset can be a huge benefit to people as there are many aspects of starting a company that they don’t consider.

“For some, just making the call into the Chamber and hearing that support is available can give them the confidence to take the next step. In some instances, it may work the other way. They may see that they are not quite ready because it’s important to understand that the rewards that come with starting a business also take lots of hard work and can mean unsociable hours, at times.”

Over the past 12 months, the Chamber has supported more than 120 people in starting their own business – from a photography company to an independent café.

Keely said there a several pointers to consider. She said: “The starting point is whether you are interested in or have certain expertise that would make a good business. If you know the subject, it’s a great place to start.

“Then, you have to look at whether there is a gap in the market – is anyone else doing it? If they are, how can you do it differently or better?

“Also, you have to think about what you want from the business – is it a lifestyle choice or do you want to grow it, take on staff and become bigger than just you?

“Finally, and this is key, what other expertise do you need? You might be brilliant at what you do but there is so much more to running a business than that. You have to consider everything from finance to marketing if you want to make it a success.

“Those questions might be new to you but they are the questions that our team have asked and answered hundreds of times so we’d urge anyone thinking of starting a business to get in touch as soon as possible.”

This project is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, forming part of the Coventry & Warwickshire Business Support Programme. It is funded by Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and the district & borough councils.

To find out more and book onto one of the Chamber’s start-up programmes contact the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on 02476 654 321.

15

Legal

Alsters Kelley LLP crime team celebrate legal 500 success The Crime Department at Coventry and Warwickshire law firm Alsters Kelley LLP has again been recommended in this year’s Legal 500, the world’s largest independent legal guide, along with specific mention of two of the lawyers from within the department.

Stefan Hunka, who heads up the Crime team from the Coventry office, and Nuneaton-based Nazir Vania were both recommended for the cases they handle including serious crime, corporate crime, criminal regulatory matters and motoring offences.

Stefan said, “Whilst I am naturally delighted that both the Crime

Department and myself personally are once again recommended for the quality of legal representation we provide, I am especially pleased that for the first time Nazir Vania’s talents and hard work have been recognised.

His inclusion by name is richly deserved and reinforces the already excellent reputation which the Department enjoys.”

Legal 500 is an annual directory, now in its 29th year and is widely acknowledged as the world’s largest legal referral guide. It is an entirely independent guide and firms and individuals are recommended purely on merit.

“Stefan Hunka, who heads up the Crime team from the Coventry office, and Nuneaton-based Nazir Vania were both recommended for the cases they handle including serious crime, corporate crime, criminal regulatory matters and motoring offences.“

Team is strengthened Midlands law firm Wright Hassall has strengthened its wills, trust and tax team with the appointment of two new partners.

Chartered tax adviser Eamonn Daly and private client specialist Susan Floyd bring a wealth of experience to the Leamingtonbased firm.

Eamonn joins Wright Hassall following 16 years at Lodders Solicitors, where he became the firm’s first non-solicitor partner. He has recently been recommended for tax and estate planning advice in the Legal 500 independent guide to the legal profession.

The 45-year-old is a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) considered the gold standard of UK taxation - and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). He previously spent 10 years at NatWest Private Banking

where he dealt with probate, trusts, tax and powers of attorney matters. In his new role, Eamonn will specialise in tax, estate planning and trust advice for individuals and families and will work closely with Wright Hassall’s commercial/corporate team.

Susan Floyd joined the firm as the team head from Knights Professional Services Ltd (formerly Darbys LLP) in Oxford having previously worked in the City of London and Lincoln’s Inn. Susan has more than 30 years of experience in all aspects of private client work including advising high net worth clients on complex capital taxes planning as well as non-domiciled clients and those with multi-jurisdictional assets. She has been a member of STEP since 1991 and was the founder chairman of one of its branches.

Can we help you find a ? e r u t u f r e t h brig @BurgisBullock

16

Peter Lowe, head of private client at Wright Hassall, with Susan Floyd and Eamonn Daly

Sound advice in an uncertain world The VAT treatment of land and property transactions is notoriously complex.

Whether something is taxable or exempt, understanding how the various reliefs apply and just getting the timing right to avoid at best, adverse cash flow and at worst losing the right to recover VAT altogether takes real specialist knowledge.

These complexities multiply where charities are concerned because the reliefs often also depend on their status and how the property is going to be used.

At Burgis & Bullock we have the specialist knowledge to help you and your clients.

Contact us today or visit our website for more information.

Tel: 0845 177 5500 www.burgisbullock.com

Offices in Leamington Spa, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Nuneaton, Leicester, London and Rugby.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Finance

WMG Academy for Young Engineers appoints Moore Stephens

L to r : Kate Tague (WMG Academy), Nick Simkins (Moore Stephens), Diane Campton (WMG Academy) and Glen Bott (Moore Stephens)

Accounting firm Moore Stephens has been appointed as auditors of WMG Academy for Young Engineers.

The firm is one of the leading accounting advisors to academies in the UK and has been appointed to work with WMG Academy across its Coventry and Solihull sites.

WMG Academy supports the development of well qualified and industry trained

students to make an impact in the world of work as apprentices and in further and higher education.

The multi academy trust has developed partnerships with more than 20 manufacturing and engineering businesses and has 500 students enrolled across its academies in Coventry and its new Solihull academy in Chelmsley Wood.

Moore Stephens works with more than 100 academies across the UK and the appointment is the firm’s first with a University Technical College (UTC).

Nick Simkins, partner at Moore Stephens’ Birmingham office and the firm’s national Head of Charities and Education Group, said: “WMG Academy has built a fantastic reputation as a high achieving academy of excellence and has forged extremely strong links with key industry organisations across the region and nationally.

“The academy has strong aspirations to build on the success it has achieved to date, including the recently launched new Solihull academy.

“Moore Stephens has a strong track record of supporting academies, along with helping schools converting to academy status, and we’re looking forward to working closely with the Board, the principal and the executive team at WMG Academy.”

WMG Academy is one of 30 University Technical Colleges which are governmentfunded schools that train 14 to 19-year-olds in science, engineering and technology.

Kate Tague, Executive Principal at WMG Academy, added: “Moore Stephens has a proven track record of working successfully with academies and education and we look forward to working with Nick going forward.”

Corporate Finance deals demonstrate confidence The UK’s most active corporate finance advisers, BDO, has seen great success in the Coventry and Warwickshire area recently.

Arleigh International in Nuneaton asked BDO to find a strategic buyer for the business. With offices in 154 countries, BDO was able to source a strategic purchaser from the US, LKQ Corp.

Better known in the UK as Euro Car Parts, LKQ is a Fortune 500 business and was attracted to Arleigh’s excellent market

position in the UK’s caravan and barge part market.

Shortly after Arleigh’s successful sale, BDO advised on the listing of Autins plc on the AIM Stock Market. Autins plc in Rugby is an award-winning market leader in acoustic and thermal products to the automotive sector acting as a specialist in noise and heat management.

The listing has been a great success with new investors providing additional capital to fund future expansion.

Ashwood Partnerships dips its toe in offshore waters with Subsea International

Aberdeen based Subsea International Ltd has agreed an equipment funding arrangement with Ashwood Partnerships in the Midlands to enable their customers to access financial support for purchasing equipment.

Subsea International is an equipment sourcing and technical support hub operating in oil and gas, offshore renewables, decommissioning, defence and nuclear sectors, providing lifting and handling, subsea electronics and bespoke engineering solutions and technical services to their customers.

Ashwood Partnerships specialise in sourcing and implementing funding solutions that help companies create opportunities, increase sales, save time and reduce costs. Their ethos of ‘business first, funding second’, Ashwood Partnerships evaluate every funding solution from a business perspective.

With extensive practical and commercial experience of the Maritime, Offshore, Subsea, O&G and Renewable sectors Ashwood Partnerships understand the equipment, technologies, operating environment and supply chain challenges. Consequently they can quickly assimilate to your business and supply finance in support of whatever solution Subsea International propose.

Paul Jolley, Managing Partner of Ashwood Partnerships, said: “I have a long affinity with the Offshore and Subsea industries having trained as a Navigator, then Hydrographer prior to working in various related commercial roles ashore.

Therefore to be able to now utilise the funding expertise of our Practice to create Trade within this sector fills me with great pride. I thank Subsea International for taking the first prospective call and having the vision to fully evaluate the possibilities.”

Accountants make the move

One of Coventry and Warwickshire’s leading accountancy firms is on the path to growth after moving to new headquarters.

LDP Luckmans has moved into a new state-of-the-art office building at Elliott Park on Coventry Business Park.

The company employs more than 40 staff and operates across a range of sectors including private client, manufacturing, health and pharmaceuticals and works throughout the UK. The new open-plan, two-storey, 9,000 sq ft office complex will allow the five-partner company to add to its staff as part of its on-going growth plan.

Steve Twigger, a senior partner at LDP Luckmans, said: “We had outgrown our offices in the centre of Coventry, but rather than just find more space we wanted a headquarters that would be suitable for our planned growth and for our business needs going forward. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

“We have expanded our offering in recent years with the appointment of a high-level tax expert as partner and an improved ability to do larger commercial deals, and are planning to host more events and meetings, so needed premises which allowed us to accommodate those needs.

“This move will allow us to grow our team and also add to the range of services we offer as well as giving our workforce a great working environment.”

Luckmans was founded in Coventry in 1961 and merged with Kenilworth-based Duckett Parker in 2000 and moved to offices in Queens Road in the same year.

Those offices have now been sold for the development of student accommodation.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “A strong professional services sector is key to a growing economy and there are some outstanding firms

L to r : Mark Spafford, Steve Twigger, Nick Waterhouse-Brown, Ash Rishiraj, Terry Frankton.

operating across our patch who serve not only some of our strong and emerging companies, but also attract work from across the country.

“The necessity for that strong professional sector is emphasised when we sit so close to a major city which does attract some of the national and international firms, and LDP Luckmans is the perfect example of a local company offering the highest level of advice.

“Steve – who sits on the board of the Chamber – and the company as a whole is very supportive not only of our activities but also the business community, and it is great to see it staying here in the city while expanding.

“Our Go for Growth campaign champions growing firms in all sectors as well as well as working to create the perfect conditions for growth.”

17

Property

Property deal activity on the up

Temporary buildings could help overcome barrier to growth Businesses in the West Midlands are being urged to consider the use of temporary buildings for manufacturing as well as storage because the lack of space for expansion is increasingly becoming a barrier to economic growth.

The situation was highlighted in a report by property experts in the region who said the West Midlands has a one year supply for warehousing and industrial space and the situation in Coventry and Warwickshire is even more acute.

The claim was made by commercial property expert and Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce board member David Penn. He said that nearly one in five companies surveyed needed new or additional space.

Stafordshire-based Spaciotempo, which provides temporary buildings for a wide range of sectors including manufacturing and distribution, education, and leisure, said they were not surprised by the findings.

Managing Director Scott Jameson said: “Being able to upgrade and extend existing facilities rapidly and easily is a real bonus for businesses who want to grow. It can take many months to get permission and erecting permanent buildings can also be very costly. A temporary structure is a cost-effective and quick solution that can help companies in the interim stages of their growth.”

Spaciotempo most recently completed a project for Marstons Brewery, providing a temporary building next to the company’s production line. This meant the brewery no longer had to halt the bottling line when storage ran out.

18

L to R : Sarah Denney-Richards, James Richards, Claire Waring, Pritpal Singh-Swarn, Michael Hiscock and Fiona Martin from Wright Hassall’s property development team

The property development team at Midlands law firm Wright Hassall has reported a surge in deal activity over the past 12 months.

In the year to July, the team acted ona variety of property transactions whichaffected an area of more than 2,000 acres of land.

All of the transactions involved potential residential and/or commercial development of

land that could result in the building of as many as 8,000 new homes across the wider Midlands region, as well as providing significant employment opportunities.

The team worked with private landowners, private sector developers, local planning authorities and housing Registered Providers (RPs).

Claire Waring, who leads Wright Hassall’s development team, said deal activity has continued to gather pace throughout the year.

“The team has acted on a wide range of deals. On the strategic land side we have acted for both landowners and developers on option, promotion and equalisation agreements as well as conditional contracts,” she said.

“We have further strengthened our presence in the housing sector by winning new RP clients through competitive tender exercises and this has contributed significantly to the increased deal activity.

“Activity has continued to gather pace as the year has gone on and the team has worked hard to further strengthen our standing and share of the market.

“We’re currently working on a number of sizeable deals which will see us end 2016 in a very strong position and start 2017 on a confident high.”

Wright Hassall, which is celebrating its 170 year anniversary in 2016, has a 270-strong team based in Leamington, including 145 lawyers and 39 partners.

New base for charity A search and rescue charity which assists the police in finding vulnerable missing people has moved into its very first permanent base in Warwickshire.

Warwickshire Search and Rescue has moved into Allander House at Stoneleigh Park.

The Lowland Rescue team, made up of around 50 volunteers, was set-up three years ago to support the police with searches for vulnerable missing people in Warwickshire and beyond.

Until now the team has used Foleshill Fire Station, in Coventry, as a training base but has not had a dedicated permanent home.

The new office will not only act as a place to train, but also a storage facility for essential equipment used by the team on call outs.

Warwickshire Search and Rescue receives no government funding, and the unpaid volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The charity also has a dog team, used to cover large areas and those that are difficult for human teams to search, and a kayak team, which is used when water searches are required.

Volunteers are called on by local police and neighbouring forces to provide valuable search management services and physical resources to search on land and inland waterways.

Phil Hewish, Chair of Warwickshire Search and Rescue, said: “Having a central base in Stoneleigh Park estates director Colin Hooper (second from left) with (left to right) Warwickshire Search and Rescue volunteers John Wright, Tessa Warwickshire will make Lukehurst, Debbie Lowe, Ian Taylor and Gem the dog. a huge difference to us.

“We would like to thank Foleshill Fire Station “We hold regular training sessions every other week as well as ad hoc sessions, for all of their support as well as Stoneleigh so having a dedicated place to do this Park for making the space available for us.” whenever we need to will make a huge Colin Hooper, Stoneleigh Park estates difference to the whole of the team. director, said: “Warwickshire Search and “It will also provide us with somewhere to Rescue provides an invaluable service to store our equipment as well as our incident the police and we are extremely happy to response vehicle which is currently kept welcome its team of dedicated volunteers in the garages of our volunteers.

“We rely completely on donations so had to to Stoneleigh Park. find somewhere which was affordable and also “We look forward to continuing our work had facilities such as a toilet and a kitchen which with the charity and offering them any future Stoneleigh Park was able to provide us with. support we are able to provide.”

£1.6M new construction technology centre unveiled The newly unveiled Construction Technology Centre – at the Freemen’s Park campus in Aylestone Road, Leicester – has seen existing facilities significantly extended and refurbished to provide students with a modern workspace where they can develop their skills using the latest equipment and technology.

The four-month Learners and staff at Leicester College using the new Construction Technology Centre. Left to right, students building programme Malachai Campbell and Steven Peacock; trainer and assessor Sham Jaffar; student Micheal Noon;

by Stepnell’s Nottingham Construction firm Stepnell has put the construction team has created a 900 sq m open-plan zoned joinery and bench joinery finishing touches to a £1.6 million project teaching space. It includes a power tool pod; which has created a state-of-the-art 19 individual working spaces; an extended teaching facility for construction learners wood machine room and a computer-aided at Leicester College.

design area. New windows and curtain walling have been installed to maximise natural light coming into the building.

Stepnell operations and commercial manager Thomas Sewell said: “As a company which is committed to skills development and bringing more young people into the industry, it’s particularly rewarding to have completed work on these advanced new facilities and to see everyone benefiting from the transformed workshop space.”

As part of its ongoing partnership with the College, Stepnell also provided work placements enabling construction students at the College to gain experience on the Construction Technology Centre scheme, under the supervision of the Stepnell team.

Stepnell also supported the College’s Employability Week event, organising visits

by Leicester College learners to a construction site and giving presentations on construction careers.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Noon’s had the time “I think that over the decades the UK has developed a brand which sits around quality and history. In reality, some of our companies are brilliant and some not very good, which is true the world over but there is no doubt that in some areas – especially Asia and the Middle East – the British tag resonates.”

Paul Noon’s career has taken him from Job Centre to Job Centre – but with quite a lot packed in between.

Noon is currently Pro-ViceChancellor, Enterprise and Innovation, at Coventry University, responsible for realising its ambitious strategy for worldwide growth by extending the reach of Coventry’s business-focused research and commercial activities.

To say he has plenty of wide-ranging experience for the role is somewhat of an understatement, but his career started – to be frank – thanks to some industrial action.

days, they said there was a postal strike at the time and if I sent it in now they would accept it.”

Times were certainly different.

Noon had just one job interview which, after a few questions about his background and experience, ended with the question, “how do you think cricket has influenced world peace in the last 20 years?”

Being a Yorkshireman he was not stuck for views on either subject, and so a career was born.

“A year later I was in the Foreign Office – I had no idea what I would be doing and thought I might be issuing passports. I didn’t think I would go abroad and work in embassies.”

He had moved south from his home near Whitby and had been earning a living as a jobbing actor along with the obligatory bar and building work to pay the bills, when he had a break.

The first two-and-a-half years were spent in finance – before, without any warming, he was told he was going to Damascus.

“Just really by luck I was in the Job Centre and saw a poster asking “Do You Want To Be A Diplomat?”

I took if off the wall and although I had missed the deadline by three or four

“I went home to look where it was, and I remember that the person who sat next to me in the office was given a posting on the same day – and got Mauritius. He spent the next few

20

weeks piling up brochures featuring beaches, sunsets and beautiful women while I had a log of human rights in Damascus on my desk.

a similar time period, working in the team which ran the British embassy, and then on to New Zealand via a short spell back in the UK.

“It was a considerable culture shock as I had only been to France and Spain on holiday before but it was just a fantastic country, the people are incredible and it is heart-breaking what has happened there.”

“That was undoubtedly my favourite posting. Our kids were seven and 11, I was there for four-and-a-half years and it is just the most beautiful place.

The people are great, the lifestyle is fabulous and the country is stunning.”

The outstanding memory from that first posting was being involved in the release of the three hostages John McCarthy, Terry Waite and Jackie Mann.

But progression up the diplomatic ladder necessitates moving, and the next rung – a year in Congo – certainly represented change and risk.

“We had been working on it for a long time when the ambassador got called away, knowing that someone was about to be released. At that stage we did not know who it would be – but he called to say it was John. I then had to contact Cyprus and speak to his father, Pat, and told him his son was not only safe but also in great condition. The whole of the room was in tears, it was incredibly emotional.”

“I suppose the strongest memory is being in a house which came under attack from tanks and we spent six hours in the basement being shelled.

Paul was in Damascus for three years before having a stint in Bonn for

“The place was bonkers, but very interesting. It was extremely volatile and there was lots of fighting – I got shot at regularly.

“I was in there with the opposition leader Jean-Pierre Bemba who has recently been found guilty by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity including

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Profile: Paul Noon

of his life cannibalism. We were hiding because the president’s troops were trying to kill him. Fortunately he wasn’t peckish!

“In the end, we just did a year and had to leave because it simply wasn’t safe.”

Paul’s next posting was slightly less risky, and really introduced him to the world of business and commerce for the first time, something which has shaped his career since.

“I was Director of Trade and Investment for Australia and New Zealand, responsible for investment in both directions.

“Again it was fascinating. There might not have been the same adrenaline rush, but there was a real sense of achieving things and helping companies make progress.

“There is a lot of established trade and because it is just so far away companies on both sides invest in the relationships for the longer term.

Australia is usually the seventh or eighth largest investor in the UK each year.”

The role involved working with several companies in the Midlands and gave Noon his first experience of the area, and it was to this location he returned to be the regional director for UKTI. “I had been here on several visits for the job I had in Australia but didn’t know the place that well.

I had worked with West Midlands companies of all sizes, and had a good experience. They had all been open and generous with their time and we had been able to support them to help make a difference. It was a joy to work with them.

“I think that over the decades the UK has developed a brand which sits around quality and history. In reality, some of our companies are brilliant and some not very good, which is true the world over but there is no doubt that in some areas – especially Asia and the Middle East – the British tag resonates.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

“Working for UKTI was different, but it was rewarding because you were helping people create jobs and therefore you were also helping to put food on people’s tables, and supporting the British economy.

I always try and find the thing that is exciting and satisfying in any situation.”

Paul was then, at 47, faced with a choice – go back on his travels for eight more years until retirement or to try something different.

He chose the latter, this time without the help of a postal strike.

“Coventry University was an important partner when I was at UKTI so I knew it well. I was talking to the vice-chancellor, John Latham, about what my options were, and he suggested that I look at joining the staff here. I applied and got the job.

It was the role John had been in before he moved up, and it had not been filled.

“It’s about helping the university being innovative and enterprising.

We are always looking to bring in people and ideas from outside to help us and our students develop. It’s a very broad job. I work right across the board with all the faculties and the university’s other developments in London and Scarborough.

About Paul Noon Working Day “I am usually up around 6am, that’s not by choice just pattern. I am moving over here in the New Year but at the moment I am living in Birmingham and I come in by train. I try to get my emails done on the way in and I am usually here by 8-8.30am.

“I have three people who report into me directly, and then others who I deal with regularly. The day is filled with a series of meetings external and internal.

“I sit on quite a few boards which are making things happen, but if I work on something I am creating I tend to do that for a couple of hours in the evening after I have been for a run.”

Date of birth:

1 June 1968

Birthplace:

Sutton-in-Ashfield

Married:

Separated

“We have a very demanding corporate plan and we set a hard pace. The sustained nature of that drive is quite intense and may surprise people. There is an entrepreneurial spirit and people work very hard. It is a really impressive organisation.

Children:

Charlotte 23 and Alexander 18 – this is where my heart beats

Hobbies:

Cricket, playing the guitar, salsa dancing

Favourite book:

Just loved the Millennium series

by Stieg Larsson

“Coming from government where you can never have a plan which works for longer than around six months to have one plan behind which everyone can be aligned, is a very powerful tool.”

Favourite film:

Tommy – can sing it from start to finish

Last holiday:

Tenerife – bit of sun and relaxation

Car:

Got an old Vauxhall Insignia – but I have ordered the new Mazda MX5 – RF (very excited about getting it!)

Favourite gadget:

My Samsung Gear 3 – smart watch (brilliant)

It appears to be something which will keep him here for the longer term and to complete the global circle he looks very much at home in his office – which used to be the city’s Job Centre!

21

Mayoral Candidates

Having their say Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber along with Greater Birmingham and Black Country Chambers asked each of the declared parties to set out their policies and what they hope to bring to this new and important role - these are their stories.

Seeking to help the economy

James Burn Candidate for the Green Party I'm standing as the Green Party’s candidate for the West Midlands mayor because I want to see an inclusive and accountable authority, focused on building a home-grown economy, based on up-and-coming areas (like low carbon manufacturing and innovation), where no-one is left behind. So, what would that look like for the business community?

To start with, it means a commitment to listen to business owners, and to take an active approach to engaging and collaborating. It means setting up methods by which I can be held to account as mayor.

Currently, the existing proposals for scrutinising the mayor and WMCA are very lacking indeed. If we are to expect the public, let alone businesses, to come to trust and support the authority, tackling this needs to be the mayor’s first priority.

Whilst I welcome appropriate outside investment, I would re-focus the WMCA on building a home-grown economy based on likely future growth areas that match our existing unique strengths, rather than competing with other Combined Authorities for a limited pot of inward investment, which can leave the area as quickly as it arrives.

For example, low carbon manufacturing and technology is and will continue to be one of the fastest-growing global markets and has huge job-creation potential.

The annual UK turnover of this industry is already bigger than the auto and aviation industries put together. As the West Midlands has a unique heritage and strength in manufacturing knowledge and skills and this area presents a significant opportunity for growth, this is a sector the mayor absolutely should help develop.

I also want to see far more assistance given to existing and new small and medium-sized businesses which are based in the area (along with the self-employed and social enterprises). Investing in this type of business makes good economic sense. For example, money made by SMEs

flows around the local economy far longer than for other business types, and from 2010-2013 more than 8 from every 10 new jobs were generated by this sector (according to the IPPR).

SMEs are also more likely to invest and be rooted in the many areas of the West Midlands that have been economically left behind and are less attractive to outside investors. These areas need direct support to develop, rather than assuming that investment in growth in other areas will automatically benefit them too. As I want to build the economy with the greatest chance of being capable of creating the highest number of decent jobs, of being resilient and of benefitting our local economy, it’s on home-grown SMEs I will mainly focus.

I’ve been listening to concerns from business owners about accessing finance, being paid on time, the availability of decent and relevant training and support,

increasing resilience, ensuring good broadband coverage and reliability, and much more. These are all things the mayor and WMCA need to look at. In addition, the mayor needs to make sure that for everything that has to be contracted out by the WMCA and other public institutions (like hospitals, schools and universities) this is done as much as possible with local businesses and large contracts are broken into several smaller ones to enable SMEs to compete. This will further support the sector.

But as I outlined at the beginning of this piece, I am committed to being a mayor who listens to everyone in the West Midlands. I’m starting as I mean to continue, so please get in touch with your thoughts, ideas and challenges.

Together we can then shape the best possible plan for the region.

“As I want to build the economy with the greatest chance of being capable of creating the highest number of decent jobs, of being resilient and of benefitting our local economy, it’s on home-grown SMEs I will mainly focus.”

Harnessing a knowledge of business For almost all my working life, I have been a small businessperson. Like one of the 387,000 small businesses across the West Midlands, I know the pressures that come with being self-employed, at the sharp end of the private sector.

My experience in the public sector has been not as an employee, but as an elected representative - including as Minister for the Creative Industries when I was a West Midlands Member of Parliament.

Government, when it comes to business, can do one of two things; it can obstruct innovation, growth and enterprise; or it can be an enabling force, freeing business to generate employment, investment and growth.

In May, with the election of regional mayors in the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region, there will be an unprecedented transfer of powers from Whitehall to the great English regions. This offers an historic opportunity for rebalancing not just our politics, but our economy away from London and the South East. In the West Midlands, we can create a pro-business environment, with strategic decision making powers that span local authorities and investment powers that

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mean decision making is closer to our businesses than ever before.

But to get the most from this new devolution deal and from our country’s exit from the European Union, we have to be first out of the traps. Let us not allow other regions to pull ahead of us. Let us seize the initiative.

Together, there are so many ways that we can do this. And I will continue to meet, talk and above all listen to the regional business community during my election campaign. I want to hear from you what you want and need from me.

But I know from discussions already that we need bold and achievable goals.

That is why I am pressing the government to open talks about freeing up the M6 Toll Road, costing our businesses around £2billion per year in congestion and delays.

The gridlock makes no sense. It is antibusiness. I am the only candidate committed to doing this.

We know from international experience that with strong accountable regional mayors new horizons come into view for transport systems. With the arrival of HS2 in the next 10 years, we need nothing less than bold ambitions.

That’s why I am unequivocal about the need for a second runway at Birmingham International Airport. And the matching need for much improved connectivity within the region so that we have a West Midlands regional airport - serving the whole region - connecting our region to the world, not a city airport hard to get to from the Black Country.

These are just examples of my approach: pro-business and getting things done.

That’s what the new post of West Midlands Mayor is all about. And that’s why I’m standing.

I'm looking forward to working with you.

Siôn Simon Candidate for the LabourParty

“Government, when it comes to business, can do one of two things; it can obstruct innovation, growth and enterprise; or it can be an enabling force, freeing business to generate employment, investment and growth.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Mayoral Candidates

The Self Made Place West Midlands Chambers can orchestrate an SME led Midlands revival Every year over the past twenty years I’ve heard business complain about operating in the ‘overlooked Middle’.

Devo 1 whilst a first step comes at a high price - local authorities are to balance their books through c£4bn further cuts a year with the withdrawal of the block grant safety net in 2020 in return for some devolved powers and £36.5m annual revenues for 30 years.

Without the necessary political clout we have been starved of infrastructure, talent, housing, investment in science and technology, education for enterprise and frankly the capacity to grow and take on the world. If we are serious about international trade it is our agile, innovative and ambitious SMEs that need to be incentivised to lead the way.

We need investment not cuts. We must now raise our business voice to ensure we're recognised for the full contribution we make. Keeping quiet is not an option.

The Chambers should champion well directed new resources for the region.

We all know £36.5million is not enough.

The governing South East speaks of an ‘output gap’ but they fail to encourage investment in new means of production - in fact they encourage local government to penalise such enterprises by increasing business rates; they fail to mention the £8 trillion (CBI, 2014) that skills underperformance is costing by denying SMEs the enthusiastic and work ready skilled young people they so desperately need; they fail to mention the £3bn annual cost of road and rail congestion hitting productivity and even though 60% of all rail

freight and over a third of all road freight moves through the WM we only secured 14% of London’s investment per head in transport last year.

But who is talking about developing our mixed manufacturing economy representing 38% of regional GDP? A sector that actually creates jobs in significant numbers - serious jobs that don’t depend on some artificial hub for their existence.

What we need is to see is business support aimed at creating manufacturing clusters and supply chains that enable our high tech engineering and craft-skills to prosper and as they do, encourage young people out there to get involved in making things. I see a key role for Chambers in this with Chamber members gaining preferential terms for grants and business support, especially where they play their role in supporting cluster growth, and bring together cooperative clusters through a combined Chamber for Business Growth seeking to marry together partners.

We need a regional development bank staffed by local people who understand on a personal basis local business and what the WM economy is really all about: designing and making the things the world wants to buy. Our current commercial banking system must address the gaps in financing for local SME’s. We need to increase the provision of sub £2 million loans and introduce more patient capital and funds for alternative financing.

We need a regulatory enforcement regime that is based on true risk assessments recommended by the Better Regulation Task

Force, not an absolutist approach implemented by non-practitioners. Progress has been made, but there are still too many instances of a ‘prosecute first’ mentality amongst our Trading Standards representatives.

Yes, we need far more investment in integrated infrastructures, including Birmingham Airport expansion which is a top priority to ensure we attract key investment and power growth through exports. Infrastructure should be an asset not a weakness given our position. But let's not waste our money on nationalising the M6 Toll. A more practical route is to free up the arteries by creating a balanced and inclusive transport system whilst accelerating the development of links between M54 and M6 Toll and M6 North to make the M6 Toll more compelling for freight.

We need to incentivise academic careers to become more interdependent on business success with perhaps 20% of staff seconded from business, along with member firms working with schools and universities being given preference for grants and reduced rates and augmented apprenticeship grants for employers employing between 50-249 people.

We need to help our SMEs to thrive and grow - from micro to small, small to medium and medium to large. If elected West Midlands Mayor I pledge that this group of businesses will be my top priority.

Investment will be aimed first and foremost at supporting our own business growth.

Beverley Nielsen Candidate for the Liberal Democrat Party

“We need investment not cuts. We must now raise our business voice to ensure we're recognised for the full contribution we make.”

Seeking to support business

Andy Street Candidate for the Conservative Party On May 4 2017, for the first time, the people of the West Midlands will vote for their elected mayor.

As a proud Brummie, having been brought up here, I have seen, for decades, the underperformance of my home region.

It was around 2010 that our fortunes begun to change.

It was then that the new Government asked business to share in the leadership of economic development through the Local Enterprise Partnerships.

It was a privilege to lead the Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP, taking the skills and expertise from my role as Managing Director of John Lewis and www.cw-chamber.co.uk

using it to help business and the public sector to work together.

The results of this collaboration speak for themselves.

Over the past six years, the Greater Birmingham and Solihull area has delivered the fastest growth in private sector jobs in the UK. The West Midlands has had the best export performance driven by our resurgent local manufacturing firms – indeed we are the only region in Britain to enjoy a trade surplus with China.

And last year, there were more businesses born in Birmingham than anywhere outside London.

But there is still more to be done.

This economic success – driven by businesses and local authorities working together – now needs to go much further into our communities and touch the daily lives of many more of our people.

The new role of Mayor offers a once-in-ageneration opportunity to accelerate this transformation and truly realise our potential.

This quite simply, is why I have given up a career in business and a job I loved at John Lewis to campaign full-time for this role.

Our Mayor needs to be a strong voice for the West Midlands, accomplished at putting our case to government and being an ambassador around the world. As businesspeople yourselves, you’ll know the importance of being the centre-forward for your organisation publicly. It’s something I had to do for almost a decade and would

relish doing for the West Midlands.

At the same time the Mayor will have to address issues that matter locally: jobs, housing, transport and skills, from Coventry to Wolverhampton.

The Mayor will have to make the most of the opportunities HS2 presents to the region. This is something I know about already, having helped to secure the £4.4bn connectivity package for the West Midlands.

The Mayor will have to drive down unemployment – and especially youth unemployment – which are such huge barriers to social mobility.

I believe I have the necessary experience and skills to make a success of this new role for the benefit of everyone in the West Midlands.

John Lewis is a company renowned for sharing its success with its partners.

Similarly, as chair of the GBSLEP, our success was built on teamwork spanning

industries, political parties and the different towns and cities of the area.

This is exactly what is needed from the new Mayor.

We must not squander this opportunity.

The region faces a stark choice: do we embrace this renaissance by growing the economy in a way which benefits everybody and thus become Britain’s Powerhouse?

Or, do we look backwards?

There is only one answer.

If I have the honour of being chosen by the people of the West Midlands to be Mayor, I will work tirelessly to accelerate the growth for the benefit of everyone.

I hope as business people you will understand the importance of having a Mayor who understands the worlds of enterprise, can lead effectively and ensure success is shared by everybody.

It’s an opportunity we need to grasp.

“Our Mayor needs to be a strong voice for the West Midlands, accomplished at putting our case to government and being an ambassador around the world. “

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Area Focus: Coventry

MD’s forward thinking leads to top industry award Forward thinking by the managing director of a Coventry-based high end precision engineering company has led to him being given a prominent industry award for inspiring leadership.

MNB Precision Engineering’s MD Luke Benton has been recognised

by The Manufacturer’s annual TM 100 2016 report for its significant success in implementing servitization strategies.

The company was an early adopter of servitization. The award acknowledges his role as an ambassador of the benefits to the wider manufacturing community.

MNB Precision worked with Aston University’s Centre of Research and Practice to develop a way of bringing all its operations under one roof.

This included a number of previously outsourced services.

For MNB customers this meant a 78 per cent reduction in lead times with an average cost saving of 10 per cent. The strategy also included developing training opportunities for it staff.

Luke said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the whole team at MNB Precision and as a result we are all extremely proud and honoured to have been recognised in this way. Servitization has been a real success story for MNB Precision, helping us to differentiate ourselves from our competitors and adding real value to our offerings for the benefit of our customers.

Dafferns Accountants raise £4,000 for Breast Cancer Care Charity A seasonal Snow Ball, organised by Coventry accountancy firm Dafferns, has helped raise £4,000 for charity.

More than 100 colleagues and friends met at the Heart of England Conference & Events Centre, on Friday 25th November 2016, to celebrate the eve of Dafferns’ 120th anniversary.

The aim of the evening was to celebrate the firm’s special anniversary in style, while raising money for Breast Cancer Care – a charity that supports women, men and their families affected by breast cancer.

The spectacular, winter-themed ball was packed with fun and entertainment from start to finish. Guests were welcomed to the venue by a daring, fire-throwing juggler and a mind-boggling, close-up magician.

Party games, a fabulous light show, awards ceremony and luxury raffle followed and were thoroughly enjoyed by all. After dinner, visitors headed to the games marquee for high jinks on the bouncy castle and bucking bronco.

Martin Gibbs, Managing Partner at Dafferns, said: “The event was a huge success. The Snow Ball was a wonderful way to celebrate our 120th anniversary in business and at the same time raise money for a great cause. Breast Cancer Care was our chosen charity for 2016 as breast cancer has touched the lives of so many people, including our staff.

“Dafferns’ charity representatives have worked hard to raise money at various events throughout the year. I am proud to say that this event now brings our total fundraising for Breast Cancer Care to £4,000 in 2016.

“I would like to thank our guests for their generosity and to everyone who helped make the ball a success.”

“The Snow Ball was a wonderful way to celebrate our 120th anniversary in business and at the same time raise money for a great cause, Breast Cancer Care.”

Fashion students steal the show with award-winning styles

“ The manufacturing sector is changing rapidly and so too is the expectations of consumers.

Utilising servitization provides manufacturers with the opportunity to meet these challenges head on.

The company is passionate about extolling the benefits servitization can bring to businesses and this recognition from The Manufacturer will allow us to continue our efforts.”

MNB Precision MD Luke Benton was invited to deliver a presentation at the awards reception on the subject of servitization in recognition of the company’s work in the field.

The presentation included ways in which other businesses could see how similar strategies could work for them.

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Sophie Gordon with her designs at the Midlands Fashion Show awards evening.

A creative Coventry University graduate has conquered the catwalk to be named best young designer after impressing judges at the Midlands Fashion Awards 2016.

Sophie Gordon who completed her three year Fashion BA course this summer, won the prestigious Midlands Young Designer of the Year award last Friday after entering for the first time.

The 22-year-old’s winning collection was inspired by reinventing wardrobe classics through the use of simple designs that are modern, functional and versatile.

Her success was echoed by 2015 graduates, Jacqueline Richards and Rosie Billington who were named as first and second runners up respectively in the evening’s emerging designer category on the night.

Chloe Hollingsworth who graduates from the same course in 2013 also won first runner up in the independent designer group with her clothing brand, Bottle Blonde.

The Midland Fashion Awards was held at Birmingham Symphony Hall and Sophie, who lives in Leamington Spa, said: “It’s a great platform for the advanced skills and facilities being utilised there every day, and I now have a huge confidence boost to push myself to finding my dream job within the fashion industry.”

Angela Armstrong, senior lecturer in fashion at Coventry University, said: “It is a privilege to work with such hard working and talented individuals and to be able to share in their continued, outstanding success.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Coventry

Jane Sutton congratulates first group of Stephen Sutton scholarship graduates

Jane Sutton and Steven Shiels

Jane Sutton, mother of inspirational teenager Stephen Sutton MBE and Teenage Cancer Trust ambassador, joined friends and family at Coventry University to celebrate the graduation of the first students to receive the scholarship named in her late son’s memory.

In total, 12 students were awarded the Post Graduate Certificate in Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Care, and 4 of these were the first to benefit from having their tuition fees paid through the Stephen Sutton Scholarship. A total of 50 scholarships will be awarded by 2020 to professionals working with young cancer patients.

Teenagers and young adults have a unique experience of cancer and it is vital that their care reflects their specific needs. The award winning Post Graduate Certificate in Emma Masters Teenage and

Young Adult Cancer Care, delivered online and covers the latest developments and innovations in supporting this age group, inspiring change in practice and improved services, here in the UK and beyond.

The funding is part of the incredible amount raised through donations inspired

by Stephen Sutton, which currently stands at more than £5.6m, of which £1.6m is being spent on professional development for nurses and specialist staff.

Stephen was diagnosed with bowel cancer when he was 15 and passed away in May 2014 aged 19. Stephen’s Story captured the hearts and minds of the nation with his incredible positivity and ‘bucket list’ of things he wanted to achieve in the time he had left, and still inspires people today with the fundraising total on Stephen’s JustGiving page continuing to rise.

Jane Sutton has continued her son’s legacy through a range of fundraising activities, most recently climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise more than £10,500.

On meeting the first group to benefit from the scholarship, she said: “To be invited back to Coventry University, two years on from collecting Stephen’s

posthumous honorary doctorate in Science, and witness the first students to graduate after benefiting from the ‘Stephen Sutton Scholarship’ is an honour and a privilege. Congratulations to everyone who has graduated.

“Stephen’s wish was for every young person diagnosed with cancer to receive the best possible care and treatment. He would be thrilled to know these scholarships are playing such an important role in developing the knowledge of professionals working with young cancer patients and are therefore instrumental in helping to fulfil his wish.”

Simon Fuller, Director of Services, said: “Stephen had ambitions to pursue a career in medicine, so we decided to name the scholarship programme in his memory. Stephen has helped us to take significant steps in ensuring all young people with cancer receive the best possible care, and we’re incredibly proud that, through his legacy, we’re able to fund the development of the professionals that provide this support.”

After graduating, Steven Shiels, Young Persons Social Worker at the children and young people’s cancer support charity CLIC Sargent, also received an academic Excellence Alice Turner Award in recognition of his dedication and commitment to high standards work while completing the post-graduate course.

Applications for the scholarship are invited from anyone working with teenagers and young adults with cancer - including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, youth workers, and social workers.

For more information visit www.coventry.ac.uk/ teenagecancercare.

Designer takes on women’s rights for catwalk success A Coventry fashion student wowed judges to be named Young Designer of the Year after taking women’s rights with a cultural twist onto the catwalk.

Final-year fashion student Ren Wong triumphed at the annual Clothes Show Live awards with his take on ancient Chinese traditions and powerful women to tackle modern ideas of fashion.

The competition called for designs centred on royalty, modern women and culture. And Ren beat hundreds of hopefuls to the top spot with a 21st Century fashion twist on the life of Empress Wu Zetian, who ruled three Chinese dynasties from the year 690AD. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

As well as scooping the prestigious Clothes Show 2016 title and chance to see his winning collection modelled on the Clothes Show catwalk, the 22-year-old designer was awarded £1,000 prize money and a £500 fund for the university.

His success adds to a list of Clothes Show Live award winners from Coventry University’s fashion school which provided four of the finalists.

Ren’s winning collection will also now feature in the upcoming Bright Young Things 2017 campaign.

Ren Wong with his award at the Clothes Show Live awards ceremony

Syscomm invited to present at major technology event

Syscomm, the application cloud hosting, IT services and network connectivity company, was invited to present at major technology event Avaya Engage, in Dubai.

Avaya are one of the world’s leading technology developers and producers and Avaya Engage is a showcase conference with buyers and influencers from all over the globe in attendance to learn about how communications and networking technology is transforming business. There were nearly 1,000 delegates from more than 70 countries in attendance.

Syscomm are considered to be one of the ‘leading lights’ in the industry by Avaya. Not only do Syscomm utilise the Avaya technology in all six of their UK data centres, including their head office at Electric Wharf in the heart of Coventry, but use it to deliver unsurpassed levels of service and availability to their customers, who rely on Syscomm to deliver connectivity, hosting and support to make the IT and telephony in their business run effortlessly 24/7.

Syscomm director Chris Tyler, who was invited to make the Syscomm keynote presentation, said: “It’s a great honour to be invited to present at a major global forum such as Avaya Engage, and of course, a great opportunity to put Syscomm and our capabilities in front of so many influential people.

“We have worked extremely hard, and I like to think, very smart, to use IT communications technology in a way that greatly enhances the way our customers can communicate between their offices, using applications, data and even voice, to make their business run as smooth and trouble free as can be.”

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Area Focus: Coventry

Construction work under way

Warwicknet helps suffering Coventry businesses gain access to highspeed internet in 2017 A national internet service provider is helping suffering Coventry businesses at Middlemarch Business Park start off 2017 at top speed, with the introduction of superfast broadband and high capacity leased lines at the site.

Having installed two dedicated fibre

L to r– Tom Bromwich (Bromwich Hardy), James Davies and Robert Wigley (both The Wigley Group), Charlie Brooks (Ciexbe Limited) and Mike Vining (Vining Ltd).

Work has started on a speculative development of industrial space in Coventry which aims to tackle a shortage of commercial property in the city.

Construction of three industrial units totalling nearly 16,000 sq ft is underway at Henley Road Industrial Estate, owned by Coventry-based commercial property company The Wigley Group.

Two of the units are 3,600 sq ft which could be combined to create one 7,200 sq ft space. The third unit is 8,700 sq ft and all have parking and roller doors.

James Davies, director at The Wigley Group, said: “We have heard for some time that Coventry lacks sufficient space

for businesses who want to relocate or expand but companies in our sector need the right signals to take risks like this.

“In our experience, businesses that decide their current premises no longer meet their needs want to move quickly and aren’t prepared to wait for the right space to be built or become available.

“Therefore it’s important that buildings are ready to meet immediate requirements and firms aren’t forced to consider alternative location.

“We know that companies like ours can step up to meet these needs and help

the local economy to grow but there needs to more signs from those responsible to drive development.

“We know we would be able to take greater risks if we had a pre-let in place and there are many agencies who help existing businesses in this area expand or are tasked with attracting firms to the region. We’d welcome the chance to work more closely with them.

“This is something we are keen to progress in 2017 and ensure that lack of stock is no longer a barrier to economic growth in this area.”

The Wigley Group met lead contractor Ciexbe Limited at a Platform Event networking event which brings together buyers suppliers in sectors including construction and facilities management.

Vining Ltd will act as consultants and project managers throughout the site’s development.

Bromwich Hardy has been appointed as lead agent for the scheme.

Tom Bromwich of Bromwich Hardy said: “This is already an active multi tenanted industrial estate which has been consistently popular and we’re certain there will be strong interest in this new development.

“These new units are well positioned in the north of Coventry only a short drive from junction two of the M6 and offer easy access to central Coventry too.”

“Construction has already commenced but early enquirers could request the units were tailored to meet their needs where possible.”

cabinets at Middlemarch, WarwickNet is now supplying organisations with superfast broadband of up to 100 Mbit/s – a far cry from the 5 Mbit/s which companies were struggling to reach.

Middlemarch businesses also have access to a range of uncontended services including Premium Internet Access and gigabit leased lines, which will help them gain a competitive advantage by dramatically improving their productivity and reducing costs.

Mark Davison, senior business development manager at WarwickNet, said: “As we enter 2017, it’s crazy to think that so many businesses, even those on our doorstep, are struggling to access acceptable internet speeds.

“Our aim is to provide struggling organisations across the country with access to high-speed Internet connectivity which will help to enable business success and growth.”

To find out more about WarwickNet and the services on offer at Middlemarch Business Park, please visit www.warwicknet.com

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Tyre company moves in A division of the world-leading tyre manufacturer has found a new home after acquiring new offices in Coventry.

Maxxis International UK is part of the Maxxis International group, the ninth largest tyre company in the world and biggest manufacturer of bicycle tyres worldwide.

Their newly acquired premises will provide a permanent home for the firm’s marketing department – as the company moves its existing team into the new offices from its previous base at the Cobalt Centre, Coventry.

The 2,598 sq ft two-storey office is located at Mercia Business Village in Westwood Heath, a short drive from Coventry City Centre and the University of Warwick. Maxxis was assisted in the purchase by commercial property agents Shortland Penn + Moore.

Derek McMartin, Maxxis International UK Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to have secured a new permanent home for our marketing team.

“The property and location are exactly what we were looking for and fit the needs of our company perfectly.”

Founded in Taiwan in 1967, Maxxis International has grown to have more than 30,000 employees, distribution in

Adam Sidwell, IT Manager at Maxxis International UK, and James Compton.

approximately 180 countries and a revenue of over $4 billion US dollars worldwide.

Maxxis International UK’s head office is based in Felixstone, Suffolk.

In its 50 year history, the company has won numerous awards, including the Ford Motor Company World Excellence award and the Yamaha Supplier Excellence award.

James Compton, commercial agent at Shortland Penn + Moore, said: “It has been great to work with a worldwide organisation and the whole process went very smoothly.

“It is always satisfying to be able to assist businesses the size of Maxxis in the region and it shows that Coventry is a great place from which to do business.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Coventry

PET-Xi invests in expansion A fast-growing Coventry company that supports young people across England and Wales to fulfil their potential has moved into new headquarters in the city.

PET-Xi has expanded into 8,000 sq ft offices on Westwood Business Park and its 70-strong team has completed the move to the new home.

The company was launched from the home of joint managing directors Fleur and Chris Sexton 22 years ago and uses a range of courses and programmes to help young people of all ages to overcome barriers to learning inside and outside of school to help them achieve success.

The firm has made several expansion moves across Coventry as the company has grown and its new offices are more than three times the size of its previous base. The purchase deal was completed with the support of law firm Wright Hassall – a fellow Strategic Partner of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

Fleur said: “This is a big investment we’ve made as not only does it give us vital extra space to grow, including the creation of a new training facility, it also enables us to put our own stamp on the building and establish as good a working environment for the team as we possibly can.

“It was important for us to stay in Coventry as it is a great place to do business and invest in.”

L to r– Lucie Byron from Wright Hassall, with PET-Xi joint managing directors Fleur and Chris Sexton

PET-Xi has won a string of top awards for its success working with schools and organisations to help young people who are at risk of not achieving their academic potential and for the impact of its apprenticeships and traineeships on organisations across the country.

Chris said: “We’re proud of the reputation we’ve established for supporting young people all over the country to achieve more in school and become as employable as possible and we’re looking forward to further enhancing our services from our new headquarters.

“Over the years, we’ve received great support from local organisations, such as the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, and from Wright Hassall on a legal perspective on this deal.”

Wright Hassall’s commercial property team, which is headed up by David Slade, acted for PET-Xi on the deal. Lucie Byron, senior associate at, Wright Hassall said: “PET-Xi does fantastic work enhancing employability skills of individuals, which has a direct impact on many business across the country.”

HydroGarden heralded as leading innovator in EEF’s Future Manufacturing Awards Coventry-based pioneer of hydroponics, HydroGarden, has been recognised for its innovative vertical-farming system, VydroFarm, in the EEF’s Future of Manufacturing Regional Awards 2016.

HydroGarden won the ‘Manufacturing Innovation Award’ for the Midlands at the regional celebration lunch held at Staverton Park, Northampton. The firm will now go on to represent the region in

the National Awards, the winners of which will be announced at the EEF’s National Gala Dinner on 31st January 2017 at the Grand Connaught Rooms, London.

The role of the EEF is to champion manufacturing and engineering in the UK and the EU, and provide tools and support to help UK industry to thrive, innovate and compete locally and globally.

Currently celebrating its 20th successful year of trading, HydroGarden created its winning innovation, VydroFarm, in response to a future shift towards urban food production as pressure on world food supplies continues to increase in line with rapid population growth.

Fantastic feedback from workshop Illuminate delivered a workshop on managing long term illnesses and hidden disabilities via Coventry City Council.

The session was really popular with more than 25 HR professionals and managers attending in connection with the Workplace Wellbeing Charter.

The workshop was interactive, fun and thought provoking, enabling professionals from different organisations to share experiences, good practice and gain valuable feedback and advice from the trainer.

The overall message of the session was for companies to take a proactive rather than a reactive approach to managing

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

disability in their organisations. The workshop was very well received with 96% of delegates scoring ‘very satisfied’ on the following areas: knowledge of the trainer, opportunity to contribute, overall workshop material and handouts, and meeting their learning needs.

Delegates reported that the real life case studies, group discussions and action planning exercises were invaluable and individuals felt they would be more confident approaching, supporting and managing individuals with a variety of different health conditions moving forward.

Illuminate offers bespoke and tailored group and 1-1 sessions in the broad areas

of mental wellbeing, disability, resilience and stress management to promote better wellbeing in organisations to improve productivity and job satisfaction and reduce absenteeism.

Technology company undergoes rebrand as it goes from strength to strength Creavo Medical Technologies Ltd, formerly known as Quantum Imaging Ltd, is a company that is growing in strength having achieved several key milestones since its move to Coventry.

The innovative medical technology company was formed in 2014 and moved its headquarters to Coventry in April to maximise the excellent business opportunities afforded in the area. It has since undergone a period of change, rebranding and renaming itself Creavo to ensure that its brand positioning is able to grow with the company.

The company develops diagnostic technologies that could revolutionise the way the NHS diagnoses patients with suspected heart-related problems. Its first product, Vitalscan, is a portable medical device that scans a patient presenting with chest pain in an acute medical environment in less than five minutes, helping clinical staff to rule out acute cardiac conditions, such as a heart attack.

In May, Creavo received ISO13485 certification by the British Standards Institute (BSI) for the design, development, manufacture, distribution and servicing of its medical devices. ISO 13485 is a standard specific to medical companies and recognises the implementation of excellent quality management systems to ensure the best business practice and consistent quality in customer support.

Creavo expanded its team significantly in 2016 to accommodate the organisation’s rapid growth as its first device comes closer to commercialisation.

From researchers and clinical managers, to business development specialists and technical engineers, the new starters have bolstered all facets of the organisation, bringing with them decades of experience in roles for leading global organisations, such as Ericsson, Ferranti, Corin Ltd and the University of Leeds. The company expects to take on additional staff during the coming months as it prepares for major clinical trials of the Vitalscan device.

Creavo’s CEO Steve Parker has also recently been recognised by Finance Magazine in its CEO Awards 2016. The award acknowledges his part in the company’s continuing success, as well as his role in securing two successful rounds of investment which have been essential in bringing the company’s innovative technology to life.

With accreditation and growth propelling the award-winning company forward it is no wonder that Creavo is celebrating.

Steve said: “The first half of 2016 has been very positive for us and we have achieved everything we set out to do to ensure that our technology becomes a reality. Clinical trials are due to start later this year with a multicentre international clinical study so we are getting ever closer to commercialisation.

“Our move to Coventry earlier this year has proven to be a great business decision and we are confident that we are going to be an important part of the local business community.”

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Area Focus: Coventry

Creative mailing specialist awarded Government certification Cranfield Celebrates 15 Years in Business

Coventry business recovery specialist Cranfield Business Recovery has been celebrating its 15 year anniversary.

Since 2001 Cranfield Business Recovery has grown from strength to strength, establishing a reputation for providing practical and impartial advice to company directors and businesses in financial difficulty.

Led by Tony Mitchell, Brett Barton and Patrick Murtagh, the company is supported by a dedicated team of specialists and, alongside its head office in Coventry, has opened several regional offices across England and Wales in recent years.

Patrick Murtagh, Managing Director, said: “As we begin our sixteenth year in business, it is natural for myself and my fellow directors to reflect on the journey undertaken so far. There is little doubt that we could not have achieved so much without the continued support of the professional and business community. There are too many to thank personally but the support that has been shown to the directors individually and to the firm as a whole is very much appreciated.”

Cranfield Business Recovery provides professional and practical advice supporting companies, third sector organisations and individuals with corporate, business or personal financial problems. A key milestone in the Cranfield story happened four years ago with the formation of its associate company Cranfield Business Finance.

This company supports business owners and entrepreneurs seeking funding solutions in the areas of cash flow funding, funding for growth, commercial mortgages and development finance and was seen as a natural development of the Cranfield story, initially servicing businesses in the Coventry & Warwickshire region, but now more widely across the UK. Patrick said: “As with any company, its strength and ultimate success lies with the ability and skills of its staff and the business relationships it forges with the wider business community. We’d very much like to extend our thanks to all our colleagues both past and present who have worked with us over the years.

Tony, Brett and I are proud of the service that we have provided over the past fifteen years and I look forward to leading the team in promoting our core values and services into the future.”

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Jigsaw CCS Operations Director Lorna Harling, Zenzero Accounts Manager Kevin Goss, Risk Evolves Ltd Managing Director Helen Barge

A Coventry-based direct mailing specialist has been certified by Cyber Essentials, a Government-backed scheme to help businesses and organisations protect themselves and

their clients against increasingly common cyber attacks.

Cyber Essentials is a way for SMEs to take a cyber health check and implement

strategies necessary to protect their customers and clients giving reassurance their details are safe with them.

Jigsaw CCS Operations Director Lorna Harling said: “Our work with clients is based on trust. We treat their businesses, and the data we process, as highly confidential. And we wanted to carry out a health check to ensure our own systems supported that, which is why we decided to apply to the scheme.

“The people who carry out cyber attacks – whether criminal or mischievous – have no respect for the impact that an attack can have on a business. We wanted to make doubly sure we were doing everything possible to protect our clients and ourselves.”

Jigsaw CCS worked with Risk Evolves – a risk management and security company – to prepare the business for the certification process. It was also helped to implement its processes for the certification by another Midlands based IT Solutions business, Zenzero.

CityFibre accelerates roll out of full-fibre network across 500 UK business parks CityFibre has announced that it has begun a roll-out of dense full-fibre networks in business parks across its 40 city UK footprint to reach more than 500 business parks.

More than 22,000 SMEs will benefit from low-cost access to world-class, gigabitspeed internet services delivered over the new infrastructure in or near CityFibre’s existing networks. The first parks targeted for upgrade are in the company’s Gigabit City projects in Coventry, Bristol and Peterborough.

The full-fibre networks will be made available to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and resellers on a wholesale basis, enabling CityFibre’s partners to market a new generation of affordable, ultra-fast internet services. These will provide a major digital advantage to local businesses, dramatically increasing their productivity.

An entry level, ultra-fast, symmetrical service will be available at an expected retail price of £120 per month.

CityFibre has already proven the demand for full-fibre connectivity in business parks in several of its Gigabit City projects. Preregistration rates of more than 60% have been recorded in many of the business parks surveyed on the current footprint.

CityFibre will leverage its learnings of local market engagement, demand aggregation and product pricing to accelerate penetration rates.

The announcement marks a major new phase in the growing competition that CityFibre is providing to BT Openreach across the UK. CityFibre's aim is to expand to 100 cities by 2025, which would equate to fibre access for 60% of the UK’s businesses and 40% of the UK’s homes outside of London. The roll-outs will also serve as a full-fibre backbone to support the economic development of key development areas such as the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine.

Greg Mesch, Chief Executive of CityFibre, said: “After decades of underinvestment,

Openreach’s antiquated network infrastructure is strangling our nation’s businesses. It is up to CityFibre to provide them with a viable and fit for purpose alternative, delivering a new generation of connectivity for our SMEs, the lifeblood of the UK economy.”

Quorum People - a refreshing approach to recruitment 2014 was a turning point for Richard Merkl.

With a solid background in recruitment, and having seen the industry growing steadily, he felt the time was right to launch a recruitment business that would offer clients a truly consultative approach.

With the market being highly competitive and top talent having the pick of the roles, Richard felt he could help his clients drive their employee branding to ensure they were attracting the very best to their doors.

He said: ““When I opened Quorum People I was determined to offer a recruitment service with a holistic approach to talent attraction and staff retention, developing

long-term partnerships with clients in order to save them time and money.”

One of the biggest challenges Richard found, was educating Hiring Managers to his unique style of working.

“Hiring Managers have become used to receiving a plethora of CVs when they give a vacancy to a recruiter. However, I don’t see how that adds any value to the recruitment process. Ultimately, businesses are paying a fee for an agency to find them the right candidate. If they end up with a pile of CVs to sift through, then the recruiter isn’t doing their job properly.

“At Quorum, we spend time understanding a client’s requirements in terms of the skills

they need to source and also in terms of their company culture.

“Then it’s our job to vet CVs, qualify the candidate’s skills and experience, and assess them for cultural fit before sending the client only the top three or four candidates. In doing so, we save our clients many, many hours of paper sifting, pre-screening and reference checking, so their hiring process becomes leaner, smoother and ultimately more successful.”

Based in Coventry, Quorum People is an independent recruitment agency specialising in the Finance, Accountancy and HR sectors in temporary, contract and permanent roles. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Mid Warwickshire

Businesses can look ahead with confidence David Myskow (front left), with Chris White and members of the Chamber’s Mid-Warwickshire branch committee

Companies in Mid-Warwickshire can be confident going into 2017 – despite uncertainty surrounding Brexit.

That was the message from Chris White MP, who met the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Mid-Warwickshire Branch at Mallory Court Hotel in Leamington.

He told the gathering of businesses that he had campaigned to ‘remain’ but that the UK had a bright future outside the European Union.

Mr White said: “I was in favour of remaining in the EU and the Warwick District Council area voted overwhelmingly to remain by 58/42.

“We are now facing up to the challenges presented to us by Brexit and there is a lot to be done in terms of negotiations and trade deals across the world.

“Before the meeting, I felt we had plenty to be optimistic about in this area and the opportunities available to Warwickshire.

The feedback I heard from companies strengthened that feeling. I mentioned that I’d been to a meeting at the offices of Wright Hassall recently and when I looked out of one window I could see Warwick Castle in one direction and when I looked out of another I could see the new Tata Technologies building being created.

“What better example could there be of this area being host to such history and the very latest in technology? So I believe we have a great story to tell to the world and it’s important that we continue to tell it.”

Martyne Manning, an SME business coach with the Chamber, told the meeting that the area had the lowest unemployment levels outside London and that Coventry and

Warwickshire as whole had seen a five per cent increase in the number of SMEs. She said that the Chamber’s Go For Growth campaign had undertaken a great deal of work surrounding the issue of a lack of commercial property available in the area and that it was also looking to help address the shortage of skills in the region.

David Myskow, the chair of the branch, said: “We always welcome the very open dialogue we have with Chris White.

“The mood in the room was one of optimism for business but also recognising that barriers to growth remain.

“In terms of Brexit, the uncertainty around what happens to the labour market has brought into even sharper focus the issues we have with skills and employability and the Chamber will be working with businesses, training providers and education establishments in the next 12 months to look a local solutions to this national problem.”

Winning cocktails The Kenilworth Boutique Hotel & Cocktail Lounge was opened in 2005 by Stuart and Darren Insall, who also own The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel & Cocktail Lounge in Edgbaston, Birmingham.

The Kenilworth, an 11-bedroom boutique hotel, is set within a classic 16th Century building, offering the highest standards of service and facilities. It also offers its multi award-winning cocktail lounge.

Over the past year, they have been delighted to announce the launch of their brand new cocktail menu. They have been refining their method of producing drinks, using challenging and exciting flavour combinations and for 2016/17 they have adapted the balance and presentation of drinks to accommodate for modern palettes and tastes

without compromising dedication to the classics that inspired the venue’s inception.

Almost every drink on the menu contains an ingredient produced in-house to maintain a fresh and consistent element for each drink.

Each homemade ingredient adds a diverse or unique detail to drinks and they would be incomplete without them.

Cocktail Masterclasses are available daily for groups of ten guests or more, from £30 per person and are the perfect opportunity for corporate guests to break down the barriers, or simply great fun with a group of friends.

Their all-inclusive overnight accommodation with *unlimited cocktails are available during the winter months, call for further details or visit the website.

Award for Dawn Dawn Walker, of Quattro Recruitment Ltd, won the Outstanding Achievement award at the Leamington Business Awards 2016.

The awards celebrate the success of local businesses and individuals throughout 2016.

Each entry was judged by MP Chris White, Bravissimo founder Sarah Tremellen MBE, IAPS Chief Executive David Hanson and the Founder of Leamington Business Forum Jonathan Smith.

The Outstanding Achievement award went to Dawn for the way she managed to save 40 jobs at a profitable Leamington branch of a loss-making recruitment company by single-handedly brokering a deal with Quattro Recruitment Ltd. The team remained worry free and in continuous employment along with more than 30 temporary staff, amongst the branches clients.

Dawns’ selfless and determined attitude was evidenced by the continued success of her team and growing empire. Dawn now leads the Commercial division of Quattro Recruitment as Director, influencing other like-minded individuals to succeed in the recruitment industry.

The raffle and sponsorship for the Leamington Business Awards raised £4,000 for various local charities.

MP backs new forum

Warwick and Leamington MP Chris White has vowed to continue championing the importance of the UK manufacturing to the local, regional and national economy.

Mr White was the first guest speaker at a newly launched Law and Manufacturing Forum hosted by law firm Wright Hassall.

The forum aims to bring together businesses and organisations in the region who work across the manufacturing sector to network and share issues, concerns, and best practice.

Mr White, who is a member of the Government’s Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee and co-chair of the Associate Parliamentary Manufacturing Group, said: “With our strong local manufacturing heritage, I’ve very much seen it as a priority to ensure the sector is supported by government.

“I’ve called numerous debates on manufacturing since I was elected six years ago and still believe we can do much more in rebalancing our economy and bringing more production back to the UK. “Manufacturing is the engine of our economy and a sector I am incredibly passionate about, and its importance to future growth, nationally and locally cannot be underestimated.

“In my constituency of Warwick and Leamington we’ve seen a 75 per cent fall in unemployment since 2010, which is indicative of the growth of local businesses, but we must continue our support.

“There’s no doubt manufacturing has had a large part to play in this success, through the growth of Jaguar Land Rover, a supply chain

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

(L to r) Pete Maguire and Rhys Jarman, joint heads of AME at Wright Hassall, with MP Chris White

that works, and attracting major companies such as Tata Technologies and Vitsoe here.

“We hope to continue to attract world-renowned firms and through collaboration, such as through Wright Hassall’s new forum, we can further our chances of doing so.”

Wright Hassall will be hosting quarterly manufacturing events at its Olympus Avenue offices following the launch of the forum.

Pete Maguire, joint head of advanced manufacturing and engineering (AME) at Wright Hassall, said: “Manufacturing continues to grow at a fast pace, but there’s always more that can be done by businesses working across the sector to support each other and the industry as a whole.

“The Law and Manufacturing Forum is our way of pushing this agenda in a relaxed environment and we’re grateful to Chris White for sharing his insight during our first meeting.”

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Area Focus: North Warwickshire

Company celebrates anniversary with new centre

Communication ‘so important for business success’

Communication is one of the key skills identified as ‘in-demand’ by employers across a range of sectors in the north of Warwickshire.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s North Warwickshire branch met at North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College Nuneaton campus to discuss skills and the future of apprenticeships.

Marion Plant OBE, Principal and Chief Executive of North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, presented to the branch and said the college was working with businesses to plug the skills gap.

Firms have identified skills such as project management, planning and problem solving as baseline skills that are required to help grow the economy.

But across advanced manufacturing & engineering, IT & digital media, and tourism, companies have highlighted communication skills as needing to be improved.

Marion said that the new apprenticeship levy was a major change to the way apprenticeships will be administered but that it was designed to give employers a greater say in the training given.

She said: “We work hand-in-hand with businesses and we had positive feedback from two companies at the Chamber meeting who have taken apprentices through our College.

“The skills gap and the skills shortage have been talked about for many years and apprenticeships are a great way of addressing that.

“Key sectors in this particular region include health and social care, business support services, IT, retail and transport & logistics.

“But across all the sectors, communication crops up again and again.

“The apprenticeship levy is changing the way apprenticeships are administered and we welcome any business to get in touch to discuss what they need to help their company grow.”

Paul Carvell, the chair of the Chamber’s north branch, said: “It was a very interesting meeting. Skills was highlighted within our Go For Growth campaign as a potential barrier to businesses expanding and Marion was very informative around the skills that firms have identified and how we might be able to solve that.

“Productivity is another issue that has been highlighted by business and bridging the skills gap is vital to that. We had a very good discussion around how training providers and businesses can work towards a solution to that.”

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David and Alison Higginson, of Profit from Training Partnership, and Helena Bassett, business advisor at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

A training company in Nuneaton has opened a new centre to celebrate its 20th anniversary thanks to a business support grant.

Profit from Training Partnership (PFTP) Limited has opened a training centre on Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate.

The family-run business specialises in automotive training, including tyre fitting, brake fitting, four wheel alignment and air conditioning courses (Fgas), and also delivers teacher training, health and safety and personal development courses.

It was also a finalist in this year’s National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) Tyre Industry Awards.

The team has been travelling to businesses across the country to train but they can now offer training at their Nuneaton base, which was made possible thanks to a £3,000 grant.

The company was assisted by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce through the Coventry & Warwickshire Business Support Programme which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The company has already seen a boost in business thanks to the new building.

It is also looking to expand its offerings by delivering a wider range of courses.

PFTP Limited managing director Alison Higginson said: “We are a small family business and as it is our 20th anniversary this year, we thought opening a training centre would be an excellent way to celebrate this achievement.

“In the past, we have had to travel across the country to deliver our courses, but the new centre means we can now also deliver our courses from there, allowing flexibility for our customers and more opportunities to improve the training we offer.

“Our running costs have gone down since opening the site and our clientele has grown.

We are now able to offer our services to smaller companies, such as small garages, who may not have the space or number of learners for us to travel to them, but can send staff to our training centre.”

The Business Support Programme has £1.5m of ERDF funding available to support Coventry and Warwickshire Small and

Medium Enterprises (SME) make capital investments to facilitate growth, leading to job creation, and provided a 30 per cent grant towards the new training centre.

Alison added: “As we are quite a niche business we have never been eligible for grants in the past, however the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce were very helpful and identified that we were able to apply for ERDF funding.

“We have already had a lot of positive feedback about the new training centre, which provides us with a much better learning environment and our friendly staff make candidates welcome.

“Going forward we will be looking to expanding our offerings and going forward will be delivering the compulsory MOT Tester CPD and manager training.”

Helena Bassett, business advisor at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said the firm was another example of a company the Chamber had helped to Go For Growth.

She said: “Profit from Training Partnership Limited has demonstrated exactly how much a grant can benefit a business and we wish them every success in their new training centre.

“ERDF grants are available to established and new start-up businesses that need financial assistance, and we would urge eligible businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire to apply.

“If you are an SME with fewer than 250 employees and are looking to purchase capital assets such as machinery or equipment, or you are looking to move to new premises you could benefit from up to a 30 per cent grant to cover the costs of your investment.

“We are looking to support businesses that have not previously received a grant, and applications are welcomed from all sectors, except retail.”

For details and assistance with the application process, contact the Chamber at supportyourbusiness@cw-chamber.co.uk

Mythe Barn is regional winner in wedding industry awards An exclusive wedding venue situated at Mythe Farm near Atherstone, Warwickshire has been named as the Best Countryside Venue in the East Midlands regional finals of the Wedding Industry Awards.

It is a tremendous accolade for the unique venue which first opened its doors in 2012, following a successful bid to secure a DEFRA grant through the Rural Development Programme to convert the 19th Century barn.

A total of £2.4 million was invested to create what has become an inspirational and creative events venue at which over 550 weddings and events have been held so far.

Mythe Barn, which is situated centrally within 150 acres has developed a reputation for being one of the most sought after and desirable locations for weddings and events in the region and prides itself on delivering a level of personal service which is second to none.

It is one of the few facilities to provide exclusive use for its clients. Fully selfcontained it comprises beautifully converted barns for both the ceremony and wedding breakfast. Additionally there are two areas

licensed for civil ceremonies including a It is a tremendous endorsement of garden gazebo and also a spacious courtyard what we as a team have achieved. for drinks receptions.

“We are immensely proud of our venue and to be recognised in this way is just fantastic.”

Accommodation is also available with eight beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms, Mythe Barn is now automatically through to including a fabulous honeymoon suite all the Wedding Industry Awards National Final decorated to the highest standard. at London venue Café de Paris on Thursday Attention to detail is at the very core of 12th January. everything Mythe Barn does. It is a venue which continuously strives for excellence from the décor, which combines a mix of contemporary and rustic, its consultative approach, to the high end catering which is offered as standard.

Joanna Garland, Director, Mythe Barn Ltd, said: “Having been regional finalists for the last 3 years we are thrilled to have finally won the Regional Wedding Industry Awards.

Carina Knox, Rebecca Pickets, Joanna Garland, Joe Garland, Molly Lissman, and Carly Smith

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: South Warwickshire

Programme now available

A new support programme designed to help companies achieve their growth potential and take them to the next level, is now available to tech-based companies across Coventry and Warwickshire The innovative Business Ready programme is being delivered by the University of Warwick Science Park as part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme and is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Warwickshire County Council.

Qualifying firms will receive advice and mentoring and access to key services that can help to unlock their growth potential and help the region’s economy to create more highskilled jobs.

Eligible, ambitious companies with high growth potential will be offered tailored support, which may include market assessment, competitor analysis and an evaluation of their product, or access to finance including advice on potential funding routes.

Companies will have access to knowledge and skills development support through universities, specialist mentors and other partner organisations.

Janette Pallas, of the University of Warwick Science Park, said Business Ready built on the

support services already offered by the Science Park.

She said: “Over many years, the Science Park has helped companies to establish themselves and grow either by being based here or making the most of the business support services we offer – or both.

“Because of that, the team here has built great experience and a myriad of contacts in helping businesses to reach Dirk Schafer, of the University of Warwick Science Park (front, centre left) with their growth potential. Business Izzi Seccombe and Janette Pallas with mentors for the Business Ready programme.

Ready will be an extension of that and will help to grow the Cllr Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire region’s economy and create new jobs.

“Barriers to growth usually come down to a County Council, said: “It’s vital that companies lack of access – to finance, to knowledge, to skills get access to the support they need and and to markets. For some SMEs it can be one or Business Ready is a great new programme for all of those issues that’s affecting them and tech companies with high growth potential.

Business Ready will help them to overcome them “The idea is that it leads to strong growth for and, therefore, grow more quickly.

“The programme will offer access to mentors companies in this field and, therefore, the whose experience will prove invaluable to those creation of highly-skilled jobs – all of which will businesses who take part in Business Ready. be a great boost to the regional economy.”

There’s probably nothing our experts won’t For more information or to apply for Business have seen before so they will be able to offer Ready support businessready@uwsp.co.uk the benefit of their experience and expertise to companies across the region.” or phone 024 7632 3121

Eden Hotel Collection launches a new boutique hotel in Stratford-Upon-Avon Eden Hotel Collection - a privately-owned portfolio of eight individually-styled properties in the UK – has launched Arden House in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Located just around the corner from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the intimate 10-bedroom boutique property - sister to well-established The Arden – aims to offer a relaxed homefrom-home atmosphere.

Mark Chambers, Managing Director, Eden Hotel Collection, said: “Guests are increasingly

looking to stay in hotels which offer exceptional personal service and greater flexibility, where they are treated as a person rather than a number. This dovetails with a move away from more structured hotel environments to those with a laid-back atmosphere, with more fluidity and choice for guests. Our primary aim at Arden House is to deliver a relaxed and unstuffy experience, perhaps more akin to staying with friends than a formal hotel environment.”

The refurbishment of the property was handled by Eden’s in-house team, headed by

Marian Cartter, Eden’s design director.

The interior includes designs by Osborne & Little/Matthew Williamson and GP & J Baker.

The tables and cabinets are bespoke and some of the furniture was sourced from Oka. Marian said; “Arden House has been an extremely rewarding project to work on, and it has been exciting to watch this elegant town house transformed into a beautiful space that is consistent, in design and quality, with all the hotels across the Eden Collection.”

Family business Alderminster Group, opened new Green building with a Christmas gathering of customers, friends and business partners Alderminster Group, experts in electrics, gas, renewables and solar energy, marked its recent move to Shipston on Stour with an open day showcasing its new bespoke, environmentally-friendly building.

The family-run company's new base is central to customers across Warwickshire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire and only 10 minutes from Stratford and The Cotswolds.

The recent move presented an opportunity for founders Paul and Maria Clack to build a bespoke, 'green' business premises, with room for further growth.

The new building uses an air source heat pump which provides heating and hot water.

Energy generated from a solar PV car port (from January 2017) and LED lighting also provide savings to fund the running of the Group’s electric car.

Founder Paul Clack, who is passionate about renewable energy, said: “ We are proud to have built environmentally friendly premises

powered by renewable energy and enabled cost savings to the business long term. As a family business owner, being self-sufficient and cost effective is important to me. We are working towards living the green values we support and promote to our customers.“ The Open Day on December 9th, was attended by local MP Nadhim Zahawi and 50 + local businesses and some of the Group’s customers. People interested in saving energy costs had the chance to look around, and hear about how going green can benefit your business.

Teams from Mitsubishi and Hager, two of the Group’s key suppliers, attended with business stands, along with local charity Cyclists for Cancer. A team from BMW Warwick were also on hand offering test drives in their latest electric cars.

People could find out from the Coventry City Council Green Network team stand, about new low carbon emissions grants that will be available through EU funding for local

Award-winning catering team takes to the road Warwick Conferences, the collection of meeting venues based on the University of Warwick campus, has invested in a new, full serviced catering van, which will allow the team to deliver its award-winning food offering while travelling up and down the length and breadth of the country.

The catering van will allow Warwick Conferences to offer a new experience when visiting clients, attending an exhibition or providing a unique element to an event that is happening at Warwick Conferences itself.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Rachael Bartlett, Head of Sales and Marketing at Warwick Conferences, said: “We are very excited to reveal our new catering van, which we have purchased to allow us to bring the Warwick Conferences experience to more people around the country. We place considerable importance on the quality of our food and our chefs are dedicated to providing the highest standard of catering, highlighting produce that is in season and showcasing its provenance.”

Warwick Conferences focus on providing a high standard of catering was recently recognised when they were awarded the Bronze level accreditation with the Soil Association’s Food For Life Catering Mark in recognition of its commitment to ethical, sustainable and fresh food.

businesses in the Coventry and Warwickshire area, looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Maria Clack, Director at Alderminster Group, said: “ We enjoyed inviting our customers and suppliers, and people from the local and business community to see the new building.

Shipston is a fantastic central location for us, we have more space than we know what to do with here and parking, with the added benefit of working in the countryside. And we have office space in our Unit next door to rent out to other local businesses too! “ “We have grown over the past 30 years from customer referrals, on the back of our reputation of giving quality service and expert advice. Our ambitions are to increase renewable energy use and to continue to grow and employ more local people.”

To find out more about how you could cut costs and heat your home or business premises with renewable energy visit www.alderminstergroup.co.uk

Formation Media wins large contract with Marches LEP & In-Comm Warwick-based web design and marketing agency Formation Media has won a new contract to help the UK's leading engineering training providers with its expansion plans.

Formation is creating two new e-commerce websites and a business automation software platform for In-Comm, as well as developing and delivering an on-going marketing strategy.

Midlands-based In-Comm is an engineering training provider and heads-up a business consortium supported by Marches LEP, the Local Enterprise Partnership to the Shropshire and Telford areas.

It is building a new 32,000 sq ft training facility in Bridgenorth that has the capacity for more than 2,000 apprentices, opening April 2017.

The expanding organisation has ambitious growth plans that include opening further manufacturing and technology colleges around the UK. As the engineering sector in the UK has a believed shortfall of over 20,000, this expansion is targeted at helping to fill that skills gap, boosting the country's productivity and economy.

Formation Media will support the expansion by delivering the websites, marketing, and software platforms that In-Comm needs to attract engineering students and apprentices, manage registrations and support the college's administration functions.

Martin Gordon, Managing Director at Formation Media, said: “This is a significant contract for Formation Media, and is the result of the dedication and hard work by everyone on the Formation team."

Gareth Jones, Managing Director at InComm, said: “In-Comm is a forwardthinking, ambitious, and innovative company and wanted a safe pair of hands to enhance our ambitious growth plans. Formation offered a one-stopshop to all digital processes; not only capable of delivering our on-line presence with two e-commerce websites but also the ability to digitise all of our complex internal processes with a tailored and fully integrated software management platform.”

Chef creates recipe for success An award-winning chef applied his expertise to oversee culinary preparation for an evening of fine-dining and entertainment at Stratford-upon-Avon College.

Wayne Sullivan, Head Chef at The Old Stocks Inn in Stow-on-the-Wold, joined the College’s highly-skilled Catering students in the campus’ industry-standard training kitchens to assist them in the creation of the menu for the College’s Governors’ Dinner. The event was sponsored by Chairman of the Board of Governors Lord Digby Jones and Governor

Tony Bird, Chairman of the Stratford-based Bird Group of Companies. Held on campus on Thursday 10 November, the dinner acted as a ‘thank you’ from both of them to College staff and Governors, celebrating the hard work and successes of the whole team over the last year.

The evening was presented with a spectacular World War One theme to mark one hundred years since the conflict took place. The College’s Academy Restaurant and three theatres were transformed by talented Technical Theatre students into period locales, while Performing Arts students entertained attendees with a variety of period dramas and musical numbers.

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Area Focus: Rugby

Rugby company celebrates award Houlton’s community for technological excellence hub opens for business February will see Houlton welcoming its first visitors as the new community hub opens at Dollman Farm, with the first residents set to “Come Home to Houlton” in Summer 2017.

Dollman Farm is the culmination of a year-long refurbishment of the old farm house, on the A428 Crick Road between Hillmorton and DIRFT, to be transformed into a courtyard community hub which is opening for business at the beginning of February.

Anchored by The Tuning Fork eatery, being run by local catering firm Chef’s Kitchen, it also features a site wide Visitor Centre and community space.

Johanne Thomas from developer Urban&Civic said; “We’ve designed Dollman Farm to support the

A manufacturing company based in Rugby which specialises in the automotive sector is celebrating receiving an award for their application of new technology.

The Autins Group won the Excellence in Science and Technology category at the annual Coventry Telegraph Business awards.

The company, which has four additional sites in the Midlands and two in mainland

Europe, manufactures lightweight thermal and acoustic insulation components for vehicles.

In order to win the award, Autins had to demonstrate commitment to innovation and sustainability with a strong scientific and technological ethos.

2016 was a busy year for Autins. They have set up the Autins Technical Centre near Nuneaton which is dedicated to

research and development and which will enable the company to test and develop new materials for the automotive and other industries.

The company also launched a new lightweight insulation fibre known as Neptune on the European market, setting up a site near Tamworth to manufacture the product. Made using new technology, Autins are the only manufacturers in Europe of this micro fibre product.

“It has really been an exciting 12 months for the company and this award recognises the hard work that all the staff has put into taking Autins forward,” said CEO Jim Griffin.

“We are particularly pleased to have won the award for technology as we have invested several millions of pounds in premises and equipment to ensure our products and processes are innovative.

“We aim to be at the forefront of manufacturing technology not just in the Midlands or the UK, but across Europe.”

Although best known for working in the automotive industry, the company is also expanding into arange of new markets including marine, construction and apparel.

The business awards ceremony was held at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena. Hosted by comedian Dominic Holland and TV weather presenter Emma Jesson, a total of 13 awards were presented on the evening.

marketing activity of our housebuilders and enhance the visitor experience to Houlton. We are also confident that the quality of The Tuning Fork menu and the facilities we have for events and for

Stepnell to build new academy school in Houlton

local groups will also make Dollman Farm a popular choice for local and existing communities”.

Also open for business is the first primary school at Houlton which is quickly taking shape and will open in September 2017 for Reception children.

Initially the school will take children from outside of Houlton and will start small and grow with the community.

With applications for places now open – anyone interested in a place in September are urged to visit www.stgabrielshoulton.org.uk And finally, the A428 Crick Road which runs past the first phase of Houlton is also back open for business after many months of temporary traffic lights whilst the road has been realigned and a new junction and roundabout has been created.

To keep up to date on the development of Houlton and to be the first to find out when homes are available, visit www.houltonrugby.co.uk and sign up to the e-newsletter.

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An artist’s impression of St Gabriel’s CE Academy Primary School. (Image courtesy of vHH)

Local construction firm Stepnell has started work on St Gabriel’s Church of England (CofE) Academy, the first primary school which is being built in the new Houlton development on the old Rugby Radio Station mast site.

The new £4.2 million school, which will have an initial intake of 30 pupils when it opens next September, is part of the first phase of Houlton, a 1,200-acre phased urban extension on the east of Rugby.

St Gabriel’s CofE Academy is the first school to be built in Houlton which is named after the American town of Houlton, Maine, where the first transatlantic telephone call was received from Rugby Radio Station in 1927.

The new school, which is forecast to

have 390 pupils by 2021, will provide eight teaching classrooms, two halls with flexible activity space, kitchen facilities and outdoor play spaces.

Named after the patron saint of communications, St Gabriel’s will initially offer one-form entry, with the capacity to extend this to three-form in the future.

The Academy’s sponsor is the Coventry Diocesan Board of Education which has formed an academy trust with Houlton developers Urban&Civic. A head teacher for the school was appointed last month, marketing for applications has now begun and information events are planned for the end of November.

Stepnell is working with Urban&Civic and architects vHH on the St Gabriel’s Academy scheme.

Rugby company takes Silver at prestigious regional business awards

The Autins Group, a Rugby-based manufacturer of heat management systems for the automotive sector, has won regional recognition at this year’s prestigious EEF Future Manufacturing Awards.

The Autins Group was runner up for the Developing People Award, sponsored by Jonathan Lee Recruitment. This award recognises the manufacturer that has done the most to build skills, harness talent and develop its employees.

The Autins Group was up against stiff competition from a range of innovative businesses - small and large - from across the region. It was selected by a panel of judges drawn from business leaders, industry experts and academics after impressing them with Autins’ engagement with local schools, helping students to develop an understanding of career options, and in turn acting as a pathway for future talent.

“This achievement is testament to our hard working and dedicated team, and we are delighted to have been recognised in this way,” said Paul Walker, Automotive Insulations Ltd MD. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Education & Training Collaboration for a collective goal The University of Derby, recognises that the region’s future competitiveness rests in our capacity to support innovation.

As a University, our interpretation of innovation and how we can contribute is very much through partnership working to deliver business growth.

Through collaboration, we are working to deliver a strategic collective goal of bringing competitive advantage to our regional businesses through our research. The ability to turn our worldclass science into new technologies, materials and products and develop a more comprehensive, demand-led approach for skills development are fundamental to our economic prosperity.

Businesses that are empowered to innovate will be pivotal in stimulating rapid growth in our region and we invite any business with aspirations of growth to contact our Business Engagement Team to find out how we can create mutually beneficial partnerships.

To find out more call 0800 0015500 or email businesshub@derby.ac.uk

Studying with Coventry University Group Gaining a Higher Education qualification has never been easier with CU Coventry, part of the Coventry University group.

Offering flexible, life-shaped learning, CU Coventry gives students the opportunity to choose from multiple start dates, meaning you can begin your studies at a time that suits you. You can even choose when you study, with parttime and Saturday University available.

But the benefits don't stop at our campus! As a student with us, you can take advantage of tri-campus learning by transferring to our London or Scarborough campuses, enhancing your student experience. Find out more at our next Open Event.

Could your Curriculum benefit from Technology?

Our Primary Goal is to embed the use of technology in education by providing Teacher Apprentices who support the use of IT in lessons and maintain technology in school.

Our unique programme has been developed with the support of Head Teachers to meet specific requirements of schools and Ofsted.

A Teacher’s Apprentice will receive training and ongoing support from the Tablet Academy, a leading provider of teacher training to focus on the use of IT within the curriculum and will receive technical training and support from an IT provider, which could be the school’s current provider, or a new provider.

For further information contact Primary Goal on 0247 771 7487, e: info@primarygoal.ac.uk w: www.primarygoal.ac.uk

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Education key to economic growth Developing and improving skills is important if the economy is to grow and, from specialist training companies to schools, colleges and universities, much is being done in Coventry and Warwickshire.

Among those supporting the initiative is Coventry and Warwickshire LEP, which has set up a Jobs and Skills Business Group.

The LEP says that the group has received widespread support as it seeks to promote the development of a highly skilled workforce through:

• The initial education of young people, whether in schools, colleges, universities or private and voluntary training providers • The continuing training and development of those in employment at all levels to help improve their skills and performance

• The retraining of those not in work to improve their employability and help meet skills shortages The overall aim is to remove barriers to growth, create more high value jobs and develop a workforce with the right skills to meet employers’ needs.

Young Engineers to benefit from WMG and Dyson Degree A bespoke engineering degree has been developed by WMG, at the University of Warwick, and Dyson which is designed for aspiring engineers.

The four-year degree programme will be delivered at the newly launched Dyson Institute of Technology, based at Dyson’s Research and Development Campus in Wiltshire. The application process is open now and the first cohort of 25 students will start in September 2017.

Dyson will give the students a full time, salaried job in their Research Design and Development team and cover the fees of the bespoke Bachelor of Engineering degree with WMG.

Professor Lord Bhattacharyya, Chairman and founder of WMG said: “I am delighted we are working with the Dyson Institute on this degree and welcome the move

by James Dyson to develop a pool of talent which have the skills that are required to work in industry today.”

James Dyson said, “The UK’s skills shortage is holding Dyson back as we look to increase the amount of technology we develop and export from the UK. We are taking matters into our own hands. I know there are many people out there who are as obsessive about engineering.

Therefore, why not get stuck into an engineering job straight from school?”

To apply for the Dyson programme visit: https://dyson.avature.net/DIT and for more information about WMG’s undergraduate and higher apprentice level programmes visit: www.warwick.ac.uk/wmg/education/ undergraduate/

PET-Xi secure contract to support unemployed and disengaged young people in Warwickshire Coventry-based PET-Xi, leading provider of intensive results-based educational interventions which positively impact learner progress, secured a major contract to support 780 young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) in Warwickshire.

PET-Xi, working with its strategic partner Warwickshire County Council, developed its barrier-breaking ‘Positive Futures’ programme to assist any 15-24 year old in Warwickshire currently considered ‘NEET’ or at risk of becoming so. The programme runs for three years until September 2019.

These young people, who have generally become disengaged from education and the job market, will be provided the chance to

gain qualifications, employability skills and motivational support. The overall aim is to help them progress onto a traineeship, an apprenticeship, further training or a job.

“Whatever their problem we will help,” said PET-Xi’s joint managing director Fleur Sexton. “Young people who have become disengaged and fallen off their educational path are often facing huge challenges in their lives, such as debt or addiction or single parenthood and therefore have huge barriers to overcome.

“Because we are a local company with local knowledge, we can really get to the grass roots -including some of Warwickshire’s most deprived and rural areas,” continued Fleur. “We are really keen to get young people

more involved with their local communities because we know how feeling proud of where you live and work has benefits for the area and the individual.

“We are already nationally renowned for working with disengaged and disadvantaged youngsters, so I’m absolutely delighted to have this fantastic opportunity to expand our work in the local area and help young people in Warwickshire to overcome their problems and to go on to achieve their full potential.”

Anyone interested in getting involved with the scheme – either as a participant or a supporter by helping with transport or venues – please contact PET-Xi on 02476 42 0310.

WCG supporting business WCG (Warwickshire College Group) is the largest college training provider in the region, with seven colleges across two counties.

We have an enviable reputation for our excellent business and industry partnerships and our positive relationships with local, regional, national and international employers. That’s why we work with over 950 businesses, from leading large employers to local SMEs, delivering training to over 2500 apprentices every year.

WCG working with you We offer a bespoke solution that makes it easy to take on apprentices or use apprenticeships to upskill your existing workforce.

We’ll guide you through the process, handling all administration and training arrangements, as well as mentoring each apprentice so you get the best results for your business and apprentices receive the best start to their career.

Find out more at our 2017 roadshow events: • How to get the most out of the new apprenticeship levy • What you’re entitled to in the new funding regime • How apprentices can make a difference to your business • How to fund your staff development through the levy funds Book now at www.wcg.ac.uk info@wcg.ac.uk 0300 456 0046

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Education and Training

Warwickshire schools and businesses encouraged to work together to boost employability of young people

Members of staff, sixth form students of The Coleshill School and founders of the B46 Business Network gather for a meeting following the successful awarding of the Build a Business grant.

Following a recent Ofsted report calling for more to be done to promote enterprise education in schools and increase business understanding among pupils, schools in Warwickshire could already be ahead of the curve, thanks to help from Warwickshire County Council.

Schools in the region have so far received funding totalling nearly £69,000 under a scheme to develop business networks and improve the employability skills of young people and increase job opportunities.

Launched in June, the Build a Business Network scheme provides grants of up to £3,000 to schools to establish a network with local businesses.The funding is enabling schools to commission an organisation such as the Chamber of Commerce to create and facilitate the network between schools and local firms.

The aim of the initiative is to improve the employability of school leavers by providing activities with local businesses such as worktasters, careers fairs, and recruitment opportunities.

Twenty three schools across the county have so far received grants including: The Coleshill School, Coleshill: The £3,000 grant has enabled the school to work with ‘B46’ - an independent networking group for businesses based in the B46 postcode that looks to make the most of the expertise and opportunities available locally The Coleshill School Headteacher, Ian Smith-Childs said: “We’re thrilled to be further developing links with local businesses and are very grateful to be able to secure the ongoing and excellent support of the B46 network group. The links we are able to build with local businesses will be invaluable to our students and the planned activities will help our students develop vital employability skills and support their life-long learning.”

North Leamington School, LeamingtonSpa: The £3,000 grant has enabled the school to commission Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to establish a network of 25 businesses from different sectors in the area. This will facilitate a

programme of careers and employability support to the school - via the Chamber’s Young Chamber membership - such as talks, visits and mentoring for students.

North Leamington School Headteacher, Joy Mitchell said: “I’m delighted about receiving this funding as it will give a real boost to the work we have been doing to prepare our students for the world of work.

We recognise the importance of preparing our students for life beyond school and want to make sure all our students leave fully equipped with the skills they need to be highly rated employers, or employees of the future.”

Lawrence Sheriff School, Rugby: The £3,000 grant has enabled the school to commission Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to establish a network of local businesses which will facilitate a programme of careers and employability support to the school, via the Chamber’s Young Chamber membership.

Through the initiative students will gain valuable experience about the working world in various industries through meeting employers and apprentices alike.

Lawrence Sheriff School Headteacher Dr Peter Kent said: “It’s vital that schools prepare their pupils for the world of work.

Without the funding, finding the right businesses to interact with us would have been more challenging and time consuming.

By working with the Chamber, this process is made much smoother and easier, enabling us to work with a range of suitable local businesses. As a result, the grant will make an invaluable contribution to preparing our students for the challenges of the future. “ The Build a Business Network is funded through Warwickshire County Council’s Skills for Employment programme.

Support urged for fair Employers are being encouraged to be a part of Coventry and Warwickshire’s largest careers fair.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) is holding its third careers fair at the Lloyds Bank Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre on the MTC’s Ansty campus on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

The event coincides with National Apprenticeship Week and is aimed at young people in years 10 and 12, and is being held by the CWLEP with support from the MTC, The Careers and Enterprise Company and Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

More than 2,500 young people and 65 organisations attended the CWLEP’s last careers fair held at the Ricoh Arena and led to more than 600 apprentices being signed up by employers across the area.

More than 40 employers, along with schools and colleges across Coventry

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

L to r : Angela Tellyn (The Careers and Enterprise Company), Craig Humphrey (CWLEP Growth Hub), Donna Jarrett (Phoenix One Consultancy), Gail Forbes (Barr’s Hill School), Claudia Harris (The Careers and Enterprise Company), Tony Hope (Barr’s Hill School), Dave Lennox (CWLEP Growth Hub) and Rachael Stewart (CWLEP)

and Warwickshire, have already registered to attend and there’s still time for businesses to sign up to exhibit for free at the event.

Rachael Stewart, skills executive at the CWLEP, said: “The event is a fantastic opportunity for employers to engage with young people, and for students to learn more about career paths and job opportunities available to them.

“The last careers fair we held was a tremendous success and it is very apt that the event is being held to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week as more than 600 apprentices signed up with employers who attended last year – which speaks volumes about the impact the day had on the students who came along.

“We’ve changed the format slightly for the 2017 event and will be opening the fair at 9.30am and closing after lunch, which should make it easier for employers and students and their parents/carers to come along.”

The event follows the successful launch of the Enterprise Adviser Network which has led to partnerships being launched between employers and schools and colleges in the area. The network is being led by the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub, in conjunction with the CWLEP and the Careers and Enterprise Company.

Employers wishing to exhibit at the event in March should email rachael.stewart@cwlep.com

Work experience now a vital part of all college courses In today’s competitive jobs market, young people leaving college with a qualification simply isn’t enough.

Marion Plant OBE, Principal and Chief Executive at North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College, said that work experience is essential.

She said: “Employers are increasingly highlighting that young people are lacking essential softer skills. An article published by Forbes stated that even graduates are lacking the softer skills needed in the workplace with 60% of employers stating that graduates didn’t have the critical thinking skills and problem solving skills needed for their job role.

“Alongside a nationally recognised qualification, employers need their new recruits to possess communication, problem-solving and team-working skills; they need to understand the importance of accountability, prioritising and time keeping.

“The only way these skills can be developed is through genuine work experience. Worryingly however fewer than half of 16-year-olds in the UK have completed any form of work experience.”

At North Warwickshire & Hinckley College and South Leicestershire College their aim is to ensure each learner completes a substantial work placement that is relevant to their career aspirations and stretches and challenges them.

Joshua Langford previously studied Make-up Artistry at North Warwickshire & Hinckley College and recently scooped gold in the WorldSkills UK National Final competitions: He said: “Competing in general is such a good way to teach yourself how to work in a time limit and to experience what working in a professional environment is like. It also lets you see the other artists out there and see what other people can do and how they create their work. But most of all this industry is a competition, if there’s one thing I’ve learnt during this whole process you’re only as good as your last work and you can only achieve by working hard and loving what you do.”

Marion said: “Our next step is to ensure we work with employers to provide quality work placements in all sectors. It is a process that needs to benefit both the learner and the organisation; these work placements are the ideal way to train the next generation of skilled workers and potentially train future full-time employees.

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Health & Wellbeing

Look after one of your business’ most important assets - you!

As a business owner or manager, so much of your time is spent dealing with the needs and priorities of the business, and other people, that it is easy to forget to look after yourself.

To establish or grow a business, or to achieve a senior position in your career you have to be hard working and resilient. Whilst these skills can help you achieve, they can also make you forget that you are not invincible and that if you don’t look after your mental and physical health, you may find yourself unwell or underperforming.

Too many business leaders fail to take proactive steps to look after their health until they find themselves in crisis – perhaps with a serious mental health breakdown, a physical event like a heart attack, or simply the build up of a chronic condition like back pain to the point where you can’t work. If you are aware of any underlying conditions, or ongoing symptoms that are not resolving, it’s important that you get expert advice.

If getting to your GP is a problem, we have a team of experts in all aspects of mental and physical health at Core Clinics in Warwick and Hatton – and we are open from 7am to 8pm and weekends / out of hours by arrangement.

Dr Stefaan Vossen, Clinical Director of Core Clinics and Angela Vossen , Company Secretary

If you don’t have any specific symptoms or issues that you are aware of but your lifestyle isn’t particularly healthy, taking small proactive steps,

with the right support, can significantly improve both your future health and current performance.

The start of the year is a great time to set some new goals – perhaps you’d like to lose weight, improve your diet, get fitter, or cut down on your smoking and drinking. If you try to tackle these types of lifestyle changes alone without the right support they’re likely to feel like just another thing on your ‘to do’ list.

Our personal trainers, nutritionists, psychologists, CBT therapists and other clinicians can offer you both good advice and a tailored treatment plan to increase your likelihood of success.

If your own health is pretty good but the health or performance of others in your team is a cause for concern, we can also help you to deal with workplace absence issues. We specialise in dealing with some of the top causes of absence – including back pain and musculoskeletal problems, stress and depression, and problems related to obesity. We can offer group sessions at your workplace or convenient appointments outside working hours for your team, reducing time lost due to medical appointments.

For a free and confidential discussion about how we can help improve your health, the health or your team, and your business, contact Craig Cotterill on 01926 801111 or craigc@tcpn.co.uk

“The start of the year is a great time to set some new goals – perhaps you’d like to lose weight, improve your diet, get fitter, or cut down on your smoking and drinking. “

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www.cw-chamber.co.uk

For employers, families and sports people

Unrivalled Health and Wellness Care

Private GP and nurse services Musculoskeletal expertise Mental health specialists

Fitness and nutrition professionals Aesthetic doctors

Nunhold House, Hatton Technology Park, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick CV35 8XB

T: 01926 801111 W: coreclinics.co.uk E: admin@tcpn.co.uk

Business of the Year

First Floor, The Old Post Office, 4 Old Square, Warwick CV34 4RA

Claire Maugham, director of policy and communications at Smart Energy GB, explains what the rollout of smart meters means for small businesses in Great Britain and why you should be asking your supplier for one.

Getting a grip on your energy If I asked what your business’s monthly energy bill was the chances are you’d reply, “I have no idea.”

Most small businesses could tell you how much the lease costs for the shop or store they operate from, and how much they spend on employees’ salaries.

When it comes to energy however, many do not have the accurate information they need to understand exactly how much it is costing them to keep the lights on and stay trading, despite the fact that energy bills form such a significant chunk of the average small firm’s total expenses.

Indeed for small retailers and suppliers, the cost of energy is one of the biggest concerns when operating a business, with Citizens Advice reporting that nearly half (46%) of small business owners cite mains electricity as their most significant worry.

But while energy costs are seen as an issue, engagement among small businesses remains low. The CMA’s landmark investigation into the energy industry found that nearly half (45%) of microbusinesses were still on the default electricity tariff that their provider had set them up on.

Energy bills are daunting for small businesses. Searching around for the best deal armed with estimated bills can prove complex and confusing. But there is now a significant development that means small businesses can finally take control of their energy use.

The government has said that energy suppliers must offer small businesses, (with fewer than ten full time employees) along with every household in Great Britain, a smart meter by 2020. Smart meters will mean an end to this system of estimated billing, which is a symptom of an analogue energy network.

Instead of relying on estimates or manual meter readings, smart meters will communicate usage data to your energy supplier directly and digitally. This means your supplier will have more accurate, up to date information and therefore you will get more accurate bills.

There will no longer be any need to worry about meter readings (which will be consigned to history) and no need to worry that you’re paying too much. And the fear of a bill will be greatly reduced as you can see how much you are spending in pounds and pence.

The result for small businesses will be less confusion and fewer questions when the bill comes through the letterbox. The overall benefits small businesses can expect to realise as a result of the rollout of smart meters are about £1.44bn.

Smart Energy GB is the national campaign for the smart meter rollout.It is our job to communicate with small businesses and householders, across the country about smart meters, helping them to understand how smart meters can benefit them.

If you would like more information about smart meters go to smartenergygb.org.

Energy Doctor prescribes smart meters for small businesses Small businesses can get their energy health in check with the help of a smart meter.

This is the message from Dr. Paul Swift, an energy consultant from the Carbon Trust.

Many small businesses struggle to keep track of how much they spend on energy, and which equipment or activities are causing unnecessary waste.

Dr. Paul has created an energy health checklist to help microbusinesses get on the road to energy health. (See below) Dr. Paul Swift has helped businesses around the world save energy. He said: “When you have the right information and you pay attention to it, it’s simple to find ways to take control of your energy use. Many microbusinesses feel they can’t make energy efficiencies, because they think they have to invest lots of money into new equipment to make a dent.

“But with the help of a smart meter, it’s easy to identify what is using the most energy, at what times, and take action - big or small - to cut down. Every penny saved on energy is a penny saved on the bottom line.”

The Energy Doctor’s energy health checklist for microbusinesses

1. How much are you spending?

• Speak to your supplier about getting a smart meter 2. What’s using the most energy?

• Identify the energy hogs – a smart meter and plug-in watt meters will help 3. Have you got your timings right?

• Switch high wattage items on later, or turn them off earlier. Use plug in timers so you don’t forget 4. Do you need new equipment?

• Decide how long you’re prepared to wait for new kit to pay for itself. Check the Carbon Trust’s Green Business Directory of accredited suppliers and look into specialist energy efficiency financing 5. Are your staff on board?

• Focus on the changes that save the most. And don’t preach 6. Can you stop heat (and money) from escaping?

• Check for drafts. Insulate lofts and walls and add foam strips and brush fixings to doors and windows

Why switching to a smart meter makes sense

Smart meters are going to transform the way that businesses buy and use their gas and electricity – and anyone in any doubt should ask the team at London law firm SW19Lawyers LLP about the benefits they have seen since making the move to the new technology.

SW19Lawyers LLP provides advice on employment and commercial law issues to both individuals and a wide range of businesses. The firm became part of the national rollout of smart meters when they had theirs installed, and the decision has proved itself a great success.

Belinda Eriksson, a founding partner of SW19Lawyers LLP, said the move was simple to make. She said: “Changing over was very easy.

Our energy supplier arranged an appointment to replace their previous meter with a smart meter.

We can log into our account to access accurate consumption data to aid in cutting usage where possible.”

There are many advantages to having smart meters, not least the way they provide domestic consumers and business owners with accurate bills. No nasty surprises!

The accuracy of smart meters helps you see what you are spending on gas and electricity in pounds and pence, in near real time, allowing greater control over usage. You can work out which appliances are guzzling the most energy.

With accurate readings and bills, there is no longer the confusion of estimated bills which make it difficult to work out usage properly.

Belinda said: “SW19Lawyers LLP receives accurate bills without estimations or having to provide readings. The firm has saved 18% to date on our bills in 2016 compared to last year.“ Such savings are easy to make with a smart meter. Many small businesses across the country who have made the switch to smart meters are also finding the potential cost savings an added bonus to claiming their meters. By being able ` to monitor how, where and when their energy usage is at its most, they are able to adjust their working methods and save money.

As users are better informed, there is also a huge knock-on benefit for the environment because a greater awareness of energy usage tends to encourage more efficient energy use.

As smart meters mean no more estimated bills, you only pay for the gas and electricity that you actually use. Through better understanding of accurate usage, savings are easy to make while also benefiting the environment.

Between now and 2020, many small businesses across England, Scotland and Wales will be able to claim their smart meter from their energy supplier. Indeed, more than 4 million smart meters have already been installed in GB homes and businesses.

Increasing numbers of people are agreeing that the move makes sense and smart meters are rapidly replacing the traditional meters that most of us still have in our homes and businesses in an upgrade that is unprecedented in its scale as it rolls out nationwide.

To find out how you can get a smart meter from your energy supplier, please visit smartenergyGB.org/smallbusinesses

“Between now and 2020, many small businesses across England, Scotland and Wales will be able to claim their smart meter from their energy supplier.”

News

The Sweet Midas Touch

Comtec translations attains new quality standard

Comtec Translations is leading the way in the languages industry by becoming one of the first translation and interpreting companies to attain the new quality standard ISO 9001:2015.

It is among a select few firms that have both this updated certification and the translation industry specific quality standard ISO 17100:2015.

The achievement reflects Comtec’s commitment to excellence and reputation for reliability that it has built up over more than 30 years in business.

From offices in Leamington Spa and London, the company draws upon the expertise of a network of skilled linguists who together can translate and interpret more than 200 languages from Afrikaans to Welsh.

Its highly personalised service based on a detailed understanding of customers’ needs has won it a loyal customer base including blue chip clients and leading Midlands manufacturers.

Sophie Howe, Director of Comtec, said: “Quality has been our watchword since the very first days of Comtec and I am delighted that our team has achieved ISO 9001:2015 so swiftly.”

Comtec also holds Cyber Essentials certification, a government-led scheme in the UK which ensures that companies have adequate systems in place to defend against cyber-attacks.

Sweet As, based in the heart of Leamington Spa, are award-winning cake specialists, creating spectacular and delicious cakes of all shapes, sizes and flavours.

For such beautiful creations, this cake emporium needed a website to match.

So, in September 2016 Sweet As launched their brand-new e-commerce website.

Formation Meets Sweet As Formation Media's relationship with Sweet As began during Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program at Aston University. An intensive course spread over six months designed to support owners of high-growth businesses.

Managing Directors Martin Gordon (Formation) and Jenny Hudson (Sweet As) both underwent the course, the two business owners worked through the progressive course and graduated accordingly.

The two Warwickshire based companies have since grown considerably with Jenny's beautiful cakes being showcased on Channel 4 and ITV and having also supplied cakes to the Royal family. Martin has also seen some impressive growth with Formation seeing a 20% increase in turnover consistently, year on year and a 30% increase in 2015 and 16.

Jenny and Martin have kept in touch as Goldman Sachs alumni, and when Jenny approached Formation regarding a new website, Martin was more than happy to help.

About the Website The new website was a real challenge, as it had to match the radical designs in cakes. Even the website fonts used were hand drawn, being entirely bespoke just like the cake creations.

This new online shop allows users to craft their cake using the "Cake Creator" and browse through hampers, brownies and cakes, all through the easy-to-use navigation.

The checkout process couldn't be easier.

This functionality takes the user through a number of steps to arrange delivery addresses, dates and payment. Users can select multiple delivery methods and destinations; features not seen on any competitor websites!

The payment gateway also means that customers can use their preferred payment method from credit/debit card to PayPal transfer. And then there's The Cake Club with basic or premium membership, granting users access to exclusive recipes, events and special offers.

What's in store for the future?

Formation and Sweet As hope to continue their relationship and support each other as two local, successful businesses. Both companies have big plans for the future, with Formation imminently moving to larger studios to cater for its growing numbers and Sweet As planning to grow their online shop, with more television appearances on the horizon!

Martin Gordon said "This project was a pleasure to work upon. However, the functionality created much head-scratching, Jenny certainly has the Midas touch though, outside her numerous awards, her new website has also won a design award, my team looks forward to supporting Sweet As and its on-going business growth".

Warwick Vision Support wins contract

Warwickshire Vision Support, the operating name of Warwickshire Association for the Blind, has been awarded the contract for the provision of Rehabilitation Services for visually impaired people in Warwickshire.

Warwickshire Vision Support has been responsible for providing Rehabilitation Services across the county for more than 30 years.

Peter J Soles, Chairman, said: “We are pleased to have been successful in the recent competitive procurement exercise and have secured the contract to provide rehabilitation services to Warwickshire County Council.

We take this success as a strong indication that our approach of providing a holistic mix of statutory rehabilitation services and social support provided by our charitable arm is valued by the local authority and our service users. We look forward to developing our services in conjunction with our colleagues at Warwickshire County Council and the Health Service over the coming years to meet the ever changing needs of local people.”

The Rehabilitation Service supports people who are registered blind or partially sighted by teaching daily living skills and building the confidence of people living with sight loss to enable them lead a safer and more fulfilled life.

Cllr Jose Compton, Warwickshire County Council's portfolio holder for adult social care, said: "Warwickshire Vision Support offers a very comprehensive range of support and aims to spend resources on enabling people with impaired vision to be as independent as possible. The customer's quality of life is of paramount importance to us when we commission services.

I am pleased to see the broad range of ideas and opportunities that Warwickshire Vision Support brings and trust that they will make a real difference to the lives of people with vision impairment throughout this contract."

College apprentices nominated for top award Two Stratford-upon-Avon College apprentices were nominated for a regional award.

Armands Vinklers, 24 and originally from Latvia, and Daniel Herbert, 19 from Inkberrow, were shortlisted for the Coventry and Warwickshire Apprentice of the Year Awards.

Stratford-upon-Avon College creates the training framework for both nominees’ workbased learning programmes, ensuring that they are confident in their professional roles and secure in their understanding of the assignments they must complete. The apprentices spend four days a week in the workplace performing tasks like any other employee.

Armands moved to the UK from Latvia and works as a Professional Cookery Apprentice at The Fish and Anchor Inn in Evesham.

Armands had little previous experience of working within the catering industry but

impressed his employer with his exceptional professionalism and attitude to work. Due to his outstanding commitment to his employer, he has recently been promoted to Sous Chef, assisting the Head Chef.

Stevie Edmund-Jones, Head of Employer Engagement at the College, said: “He deserves this nomination because he took a massive step in his life, not only to gain employment but because he left his homeland to achieve this. He has proved to be an excellent role model for other young employees at the restaurant.”

Armands said; “I’m so happy I decided to come to England and learn to be a chef. I am very proud to be nominated for Apprentice of the Year and I’m grateful to the College and everyone at The Fish and Anchor Inn.” Dan works as a Building and Construction Apprentice for ArchiWildish Ltd architectural

designers in Bidford-on-Avon. He primarily focuses on office administration but he is also learning about architectural software as well as the construction industry as a whole, and he has aspirations to train to be an architect himself.

He said: “I’m trying to broaden my knowledge as much as possible and learn as much as I can about all the different aspects involved in being an architect.

Being nominated for this award is the icing on the cake.”

Mark Wildish is the Chartered Architectural Technologist at ArchiWildish, said: he was consistently impressed by Dan’s work ethic, saying. “He even attends additional planning committee meetings purely for his own interest and learning. He’s always attentive, constructively takes on board criticism, and represents the company with his smart and polite personality.”

Company marks anniversary with event Katronic held an international sales conference to mark 20 years of export success.

Since Katronic’s inception in 1996 the growth and success of the business has been closely linked to the growth and success of its international sales network. The company has closely followed a strategy of global expansion

42

with the foundation being the pursuit of new partners and opportunities in international markets.

This was publicly recognised when Katronic won ‘Exporter of the Year’ at the 2013 Coventry & Warwickshire Business Awards. As part of the ongoing celebrations of the 20-year anniversary of Katronic, the company

welcomed 23 participants from 17 companies to two days of training and social events in a setting intended to show the best of British.

As a thank you to their most successful export partners, Katronic hosted the event at the prestigious Welcombe Hotel in Shakepeare’s town of Stratford-upon-Avon.

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

eResponse to support Myton Hospice with fundraising efforts

Warwickshire recruitment provider eResponse Group has chosen The Myton Hospices as its charity for the next 18 months.

Staff from the Coventry and Rugby jobs firm voted to help the Warwickshire hospice group with its vital fundraising to care for cancer patients and support their families.

The backing will see eResponse staff taking part in organised events on behalf of the charity, as well as the firm raising money and running a variety of their own local fundraisers.

Through a unique employee vote, bosses at the company asked colleagues to nominate causes close to their hearts before putting the options to an overall vote, with Myton Hospice emerging as the winner.

Paul Alekna, co-founder and CEO of eResponse Group, said: “We are rooted in our communities so it’s entirely fitting that our staff picked a charity based right here in Warwickshire.

“The Myton Hospices provide such a vital service at what can be a terrible time for the patients and their families. We are looking forward to doing all we can to help them over the next 18 months.”

The charity, with hospices in Coventry, Rugby and Warwick as well as specialist nursing teams that cares for people in their own homes, requires at least£8.4 million a year from fundraising in order to provide their services.

Hannah Morris, partnership manager at The Myton Hospices, said: “We were delighted when we heard we had been chosen as eResponse Group’s charity.

“It’s a new partnership for us, with a company that has a great reputation across Warwickshire. They already help place people into work and now they’re helping us raise much-needed funds.”

Staff have also voted to support the Worcestershire-based Primrose Hospice as part of their charity plans. During the past 18 months the company raised £38,000 for The Mia Foundation, to support Rugby schoolgirl Mia Williams with adaptations to her home. Mia has epilepsy, cerebral palsy and was born without eyes. eResponse Group specialises in key sectors including Warehousing, Manufacturing, Office based, Logistics, Contact Centre, Media & Design, Business Administration and NVQ Qualifications i.e. sales, logistics, customer service and fork-lift truck driving. It has been named in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 and as one of the best small employers to work for.

Warwick Conferences reveals new venue identity ahead of first corporate event Warwick Conferences has announced its new £5.3m venue on the University of Warwick campus will be known as The Slate.

The Slate was chosen as the name of the new venue due to its association with natural materials and an ecological approach, which fits with the BREEAM standards of the building architecture.

It also conveys a sense of a place where clients can make their mark, reflecting the individuality and flexibility of the space.

Rachael Bartlett, Head of Sales and Marketing at Warwick Conferences, says: “The name perfectly represents the

premise behind the venue – a sustainable and highly flexible blank canvas space, which can be adapted in whichever way is necessary to provide the exact experience a client is looking for.”

Offering 650sqm of highly flexible event space with capacity for 400 delegates seated, the new venue will be available on an exclusive use basis so it can be customised to meet individual needs.

Midland’s engineering specialist celebrates ten years with top industry award West Midlands engineering specialist MarchantCain Design has won a prestigious industry award for inspiring leadership, bold investment in new markets and driving cultural change.

The award comes from The Manufacturer’s annual Top 100 Report which recognises businesses and individuals within the manufacturing sector who have displayed significant influence and innovation in their field.

The aim is to provide UK manufacturers with an important platform which can publically champion innovators and future leaders across the sector, for the benefit of the industry as a whole.

It comes as MarchantCain Design celebrates ten years in business and the past twelve months has seen the company

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securing a number of new deals with major automotive OEMs. Recipients of a nomination had to adhere to stringent criteria, with winners having to demonstrate that they met at least one of the desired benchmarks set by the judging panel; a panel consisting of leading figures from academia, industry and government.

MarchantCain’s achievements were recognised in three of the judging recommendations – inspiring leadership, bold investment in new markets and driving cultural change. The judges recognised MarchantCain’s consistent use new of technology and its innovative approach to engineering as well as the company’s reputation for providing quality product design and imaginative manufacturing solutions.

MarchantCain Managing Director Rob Marchant said: “Everyone at MarchantCain is delighted by the nomination, and to be recognised by such a broad spectrum of our peers makes it especially meaningful.

“The nomination is validation of the hard work and dedication of the whole team and is the perfect way to mark a decade in the business.”

A sector with plenty of opportunities

With the continued rise of the digital sector this is one industry where there’s no shortage of work and opportunity.

Jane Cull has had a passion for all things digital since the broadband became available and is now a Chamber Member with her startup business Digital Caboodle.

She is a web designer who leans toward the creative fields which reflects in her style of production.

With many years of small business development experience in a wide range of industries, she has found that she offers invaluable business growth support and advice to clients.

Social media has become a must for businesses. Jane enjoys working with clients to take them from web design to social media strategy and helps clients roll out their marketing campaign into appropriate social media platforms.

A big emphasis is on training at Digital Caboodle, enabling clients to SelfManage their site and social media.

Content is key, says Jane. Her service includes content production of images, photographs, video and copy. Jane approaches the production of content relatively informally which makes the transition into handing over the role of self-managing easy for clients to grasp and take forward with their branding and tone of voice clarified.

Jane loves networking and meeting new people and is looking forward to getting involved with events and mechanics of the chamber. She also organizes quarterly events of her own, giving Digital Caboodle clients new and old a chance to meet and mix with more established entrepreneurs and business owners, exchange stories or details as well as have fun.

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President & People

Looking forward to being the President For many, many years, I have been involved with this great organisation and have seen first-hand the support that it gives to businesses across this wonderful region.

That’s everything from getting businesses started, right through to helping them trade overseas through the International Trade Hub at Chamber House.

I also look at some of the great names that have preceded me in this role and realise I have some huge shoes to fill – but it’s a challenge that I am very much looking forward to getting my teeth into.

Dear member, I would like to begin by saying that I am absolutely delighted and proud to be the new president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

The past 12 months have really highlighted everything that the Chamber is about. The Go For Growth campaign was a great way of promoting all the ways in which the Chamber supports businesses, but it also did an excellent job in raising many of the issues that are holding back growth for companies on our patch.

To hear Michael Portillo say that the campaign had the ‘perfect slogan’ for our time, at the Annual Conference, was the ideal endorsement.

We are very much the voice for business in this area and, while I knew that already, it brought it home to me when just days into my tenure I was interviewed by the BBC on the unemployment figures for the region.

The fact that the media come to the Chamber so regularly for comment, goes to prove just how respected we are as an organisation that speaks up for industry in our area.

As it happens, the unemployment figures were very positive and really reflected a very strong mood among companies across Coventry and Warwickshire.

Naturally, the media talks up the success of Jaguar Land Rover – and rightly so – but we have a great deal more going for us and I was very keen to point that out in the interview.

I am a very proud manufacturer and so I am thrilled that the Chamber will be expanding its offer to manufacturing and engineering companies through its revised sector network over the next year.

Of course, because of my background I want to ensure that we continue our robust engagement with the manufacturing and engineering sector – and enhance it – and that will be a theme throughout my presidency.

That said, I won’t limit myself to that sector of business, because the Chamber serves every kind of company – regardless of size or type of industry.

As a region, we will deal with the changing world we live in – be that Brexit or WMCA – and we will have to ensure that we make the most of it for Coventry and Warwickshire.

We have a huge amount going for us and 2017 could be a really big year for the city and the county – and your Chamber will be right here to help your business grow and prosper.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to meeting you all over the coming 12 months.

John Nollett

New appointments made

Alsters Kelley LLP welcome their first apprentices Coventry & Warwickshire law firm Alsters Kelley LLP recently welcomed their first two apprentices to the firm.

Tehya-Leonie Kirby, 18, recently joined the Property department in the Leamington office and Natalie McQuiggan, 19, joined the Family department costings team in the Coventry office – both as apprentice business administrators.

Leading Midlands law firm Wright Hassall has expanded its topranked agricultural team on the back of a period of strong growth.

The firm, which is ranked in the top tier for agriculture and estates by both Chambers UK and the Legal 500, has strengthened its team by welcoming new partner Sarah Denney-Richards, senior associate Mercedes King-Jones, both of whom worked together at mfg Solicitors, along with agricultural

property dispute specialist Sarah Beer.

The team has also been further strengthened by the addition of Jennie Wheildon who has joined from the firm’s commercial property team.

The appointments mean Wright Hassall now boasts a six-strong team of specialist agricultural lawyers, three of whom are ranked in the legal directories, making it the largest in the region.

Prime Accountants Group expands Local firm of accountants, Prime Accountants Group take pride in their approach to servicing clients and continually identify ways in to simplify business for their clients.

With two offices, Solihull and Coventry, their client base extends far beyond the West Midlands; acting for businesses from a vast

Tehya and Natalie are both doing the Level 2 apprenticeship in Business Administration and Tehya is also studying her Legal Level 2 (CILEX) through The Warwickshire College Group.

Kevin Johns and Michael Jellicoe

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Left to right – Katie Alsop, Tom Romecin, Alex Robinson, Paul Rice, Sarah DenneyRichards, John Rouse, Jennie Wheildon and Sarah Beer from the agricultural team at Wright Hassall. Missing from picture is Mercedes King-Jones.

range of industries. In order to enhance their service offering in the charitable sector, Prime has recently acquired locally based practice Michael Jellicoe.

Michael Jellicoe is a qualified Chartered Accountant who won the Tax Prize when completing his professional exams and has a Diploma in Charity Accounting.

Mike's practice is national and a significant proportion of their work is dedicated to supporting clients in the not for profit sector.

Mike stated “we offer clients a high quality service provided by highly skilled charity accountants covering a range of financial, governance and tax needs".

Kevin Johns, Prime Managing Director commented on the acquisition, "Mike and his team are well respected for this type of work and will make a welcome addition to the Prime team, further increasing our range of services and level of experience in this field.

Mike's clients' in return will be able to access

a greater range of services whilst still receiving the personal service they expect".

The acquisition will see Prime expand to a work force of over 75 member’s of staff and 8 directors, spread across the two offices in Solihull and Coventry. This expansion further positions Prime as the leading accountancy firm within the region offering a wide range of services.

Mike is excited by this positive step for his practice and expects his clients to benefit as a result; "Joining Prime Accountants Group allows myself and my team to increase the level and range of services available to clients, something without Prime's resources, experience or expertise in technology wouldn't be possible. In recent months our clients have already started receiving the benefit of Prime's tax advisers and payroll department and now clients are able to discuss Prime's full range of bespoke services which are available to them".

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

President & People

Real Estate team grows again

Mark Miller, Dan MacLeod and head of Lodders’ Real Estate practice Paul Mourton.

The Real Estate team of Midlands and South West law firm Lodders made its second hire in two weeks, with real

estate development solicitor Daniel MacLeod joining the team from Warwickshire firm Wright Hassall.

A fortnight earlier, Lodders announced that Mark Miller, the former head of Wright Hassall’s Real Estate Development team, has joined as an equity partner in its Real Estate team.

Daniel previously worked alongside Mark whilst at Wright Hassall. He joined the firm’s trainee programme in September 2013 and qualified into its Real Estate team in October last year.

Daniel lives in Leamington Spa and studied at Stratford upon Avon College, before completing his Law degree at Cardiff University and his Legal Practice Course, passing with Distinction.

Lodders Real Estate team acts for national and regional commercial property developers, residential property developers, house builders, investment companies and funders.

New challenge for Sarah Campion School in Leamington recently appointed local business owner Sarah Windrum as their Enterprise Advisor to encourage the entrepreneurs of the future.

Sarah started her own technology business with her Co-Founder in 2009 and The Emerald Group now employs a team of 15 people working to improve the IT infrastructure and processes of both local businesses and national brands.

Sarah said: “I have attended Careers Days at Campion for the past two years and I have always been hugely impressed at the entrepreneurial mind-set of the students so when Michael Wilson approached me to support the school as their link with industry, I jumped at the opportunity to work more closely with such a forward-thinking school.”

Michael Wilson, Careers Advisor for Campion School, had already worked with Sarah on a school visit to local gaming companies in the area including Playground Games and Exient during National Tech Week in July.

“We wanted Sarah to work with us as our Enterprise Advisor because of her links with local businesses and also her ability to think creatively and harness new ideas,” Michael said.

Sarah is also a Board Director at the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP), who help to fund the Enterprise Advisor programme in conjunction with the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub and the Careers and Enterprise Company.

Dave Lennox, who coordinates the Enterprise Advisor Network for the region, has been pleased at the support from businesses and schools.

He said: “We now have 18 Enterprise Advisors in 21 schools and colleges and we anticipate this will shortly increase to 25.

We are also encouraging those businesses who can’t make the Enterprise Advisor commitment to become Industry Champions and work with schools to promote careers in their sector.”

Mike takes over Giving voice to Coventry & Warwickshire’s professionals is the agenda for Coventry & Warwickshire First’s incoming Chair Mike Durkin, Relationship Director at Santander Corporate & Commercial Banking, has outlined his priorities for his year in post as Chair of the professional and financial services membership organisation.

He said: “Our members are the leading professional and financial services firms in Coventry & Warwickshire. They include firms of accountants and solicitors, banks, and property agents and valuers.

“Our business services members include HR, PR and digital agencies, amongst others.

They face many common challenges, especially the need to attract, and retain, great new talent. I intend to amplify their collective voice in representing our membership.”

During his year in post Mike will also focus resources on driving up membership, further developing the organisation’s programme of engaging and informative networking events involving high profile key-note speakers, and building on the already well-established mentoring programme for young professionals.

Mike is taking over from Andrew Smith, Partner at Shakespeare Martineau.

New head for Lodders Residential Property team Midlands law firm Lodders has announced partner Steven Baker as the new head of its Residential Property team.

Steven joined Lodders in 2005 and has been a partner at the firm since 2007. Most recently he has focussed on residential and commercial property advice, acting for a wide range of clients on sales, purchases, property funding, landlord and tenant matters, and related business advice.

Before joining Lodders, Steven built his legal career as a commercial and corporate lawyer, and worked for a number of city firms including in London at DJ Freeman & Co, and in Auckland, New Zealand with Rudd Watts & Stone.

Lodders Residential Property team operates from both its Stratford and Cheltenham offices, and advises private individuals on home or investment property sales, purchases, mortgages, gifts of property, tenancies and

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leasehold enfranchisement, and acts for companies, partnerships, farmers, charities and trustees.

The team includes partner Alison Wacey, associate and licensed conveyancer Rachel Philips, one of Lodders’ most recent hires, Sophia Khan, who joined last month, Graduate Legal Executive Holly Kennett, Chartered Legal Executive Lisa Podmore, and residential property specialist Karen Bridges.

Steven said: “This is a significant time for me to pick up the reins as head of Lodders Residential Property team, as we see a climb in instructions from individuals buying or selling high value or complex properties.

“Professionally, this is an exceptional opportunity for me to lead a well established, talented and ambitious team that is justifiably well regarded both by clients and our professional peers and referrers.”

Steven Baker (centre), Lodders Solicitors’ new head of Residential Property, with team members (left to right) Alison Wacey, Karen Bridges, Rachel Phillips, Lisa Podmore and Sophia Khan

45

New Members

Welcome to new members Strategic Partner

Corporate Member

Cranfield Business Finance Limited Business Innovation Centre Harry Weston Road COVENTRY CV3 2TX 02476 253280 office@cranfieldbusinessfinance.co.uk www.cranfieldbusinessfinance.co.uk

ZenZero Solutions Ltd Innovation Centre Warwick Technology Park WARWICK CV34 6UW 03333 209900 solutions@zenzero.co.uk www.zenzero.co.uk

Ashwood Partnerships

Hughes Legal Limited

Maxxis International UK plc

SD Studio Ltd

18 Goosehills Road Burbage Hinckley LE10 2RY 01455 458526 growth@ashwoodpartnerships.co.uk www.ashwoodpartnerships.co.uk

1 Aintree Road Stratford Upon Avon CV37 9FL 07793 212445 oliver@hugheslegal.co.uk www.hugheslegal.co.uk

11-12 Mercia Business Village Torwood Close Westwood Business Park Coventry CV4 8HX 02476 889775 denise@maxxis.co.uk www.maxxis.co.uk

2 Hearsall Lane Chapelfields Coventry CV5 6QR 02477 675356 spiros@sdstudio.co.uk www.sdstudio.co.uk

Natural Spaces

Sensoji Consulting

Unit KG-U KG Business Centre Kingsfield Way Northampton NN5 7QN 07796 943880 naturalspaces@hotmail.com www.naturalspaces.biz

Skippy Aero Project

Business-Portraits.Co 38 Highfield Hatton Park Warwick CV35 7TQ 07831 228219 tim@business-portraits.co www.business-portraits.co

Campion School Sydenham Drive Leamington Spa CV31 1QH 01926 743200 stevenb3@campion.warwickshire.sch.uk www.campion.warwickshire.sch.uk

Database First Aid Limited 26 Poolfield Drive Solihull B91 1SH 07919 568655 simon@DatabaseFirstAid.com www.databasefirstaid.com

Dolfinblue Accounting Coventry University Technology Park Puma Way Coventry CV1 2TT 02477 411038 andrew@dolfinblue.com www.dolfinblue.com

3-5 Humber Road Coventry CV3 1AT 02476 441236 products.coventry@googlemail.com

Intrepid Minds Ltd 3 Caldecote Mews Caldecote Hall Drive Nuneaton CV10 0TW 07789 006307 adam.smith@intrepidminds.co.uk www.intrepidminds.co.uk

ISO QS Ltd Quality Suite Oak House Everoak Industrial Park Worcester WR2 5HP 01905 670303 jennifer@isoqsltd.com www.isoqsltd.com

Iteamco Limited Lake View House Wilton Drive Tournament Fields Warwick CV32 6RG 07768 082869 iteamco@hotmail.co.uk

JBC Skills Training Ltd

GROW 6 Hornton Grove Hatton Park Warwick CV35 7UA 07901 517012 eva@teamwellbeing.co.uk www.growworkshops.co.uk

Harris C of E Academy Harris Drive Overslade Ln Rugby CV22 6EA 01788 812549 office@harriscofeacademy.co.uk

Hartwell HR Ltd 55 Highfield Hatton Park Warwick CV35 7TQ 07769 658075 lucy.jenkinson@hartwellhr.co.uk www.hartwellhr.co.uk

46

Humber Road Post Office

Stoneleigh House 66-70 Earlsdon Street Coventry CV5 6EJ 02476 714850 dan@jbcmail.com www.jbctraining.co.uk

Johnsons Quality Bus & Coach Travel Liveridge House Liveridge Hill HENLEY-IN-ARDEN B95 5QS 01564 797056 info@johnsonscoaches.co.uk www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group 85-89 Colmore Row Birmingham B3 2BB 01212 002111 helen.murray@leonardcurtis.co.uk www.icbsgco.uk

North & Nimble Ltd 29 Ventnor Street Weddington Nuneaton CV10 0BS 02476 735804 marguerite.farmer@gmail.com www.northandnimble.co.uk

Nuneaton Arts Council Abbey Theatre Pool Bank Street Nuneaton CV11 5DB 02476 327359 admin@abbeytheatre.co.uk www.abbeytheatre.co.uk

NV-Tech Ltd The TechnoCentre Coventry University Technology Park Puma Way Coventry CV1 2TT 02477 767176 tony@nv-tech.co.uk www.nv-tech.co.uk

Orchard Business Development 27 Blythe Close Cawston Rugby CV22 7GY 07790 154227 hello@orchardbusiness.co.uk www.orcahrdbusiness.co.uk

Oscar Online 1A High Street Studley B80 7HN 01527 598803 nigel@oscaronline.biz www.oscaronline.biz

Power Solutions 53 Birches Lane Kenilworth CV8 2AG 07836 382675 frank@powersolutionsuk.com

177 Kinross Road Leamington Spa CV32 7ET 07874 860380 info@sensoji-consulting.com www.sensoji-consulting.com 78 Poitiers Road Coventry CV3 5JX 07967 685450 jw@skippykitten.plus.com www.skippykitten.tmblr.com

The Kenilworth Boutique Hotel 61 Warwick Road Kenilworth Warwickshire CV8 1HN 01926 779473 info@thekenilworth.co.uk www.thekenilworth.co.uk

The Romero Catholic Academy c/o Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School Langbank Avenue Coventry CV3 2QP 02476 451888 office@romero.coventry.sch.uk www.romeromac.com

The Warwickshire Exhibition Centre The Fosse Fosse Way Leamington Spa CV31 1XN 01926 614101 avril@warwickshireexhibitioncentre.co.uk

Timo Seks 382 Goresbrook Road Dagenham Essex RM9 4UU 07753 204619 timsimon50@hotmail.com

Webwrite Ltd 34 Sherlock Road Coventry CV5 8EY 07940 916222 contact@webwrite-ltd.co.uk www.webwrite-ltd.co.uk

When contacting members listed above, The Chamber request that, in line with the Marketing and Advertising Law, you provide a clear 'unsubscribe' option. Further details can be found via www.gov.uk/marketing-advertising-law/direct-marketing

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Training & Events C&W Chamber Training Seminar Dates

Chamber Member Price (+VAT) Non-Member Price (+VAT)

Duration

Feb-17 Mar-17

Effective Communication

£95

£120

Half Day AM

7

Conducting Team Briefings

£95

£120

Half Day PM

7

Microsoft Excel - Intermediate to Advanced

£110

£140

Full Day

8

Building the Team

£95

£120

Half Day AM

14

Motivating the Team

£95

£120

Half Day PM

14

Preparing for Leadership - What it takes to win the

£240

£280

Full Day

15

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

£215

£240

Full Day

16

Project Management - The basics for success

£240

£280

Full Day

21

Setting Goals & Targets

£95

£120

Half Day AM

21

Training & Coaching the Team

£95

£120

Half Day PM

21

Managing Difficult People

£95

£120

Half Day AM

28

Understanding Discipline in the Workplace

£95

£120

Half Day PM

28

Telesales - Getting Results

£215

£240

Full Day

7

Working with a Budget

£95

£120

Half Day AM

7

Problem Solving Skills

£95

£120

Half Day PM

7

Health & Safety in the Workplace

£175

£195

Full Day

7

Microsoft Excel - Advanced Plus

£110

£140

Full Day

8

Emergency First Aid in the Workplace (EFAW)

£105

£130

Full Day

10

Communicating Assertively

£95

£120

Half Day AM

14

Complaint Handling

£95

£120

Half Day PM

14

Marketing - Your action plan to success

£215

£240

Full Day

14

Understanding Export and Import Procedures

£260

£295

Full Day

14

Appraising People & Performance

£215

£240

Full Day

21

Google Analytics

£215

£240

Full Day

23

Course dates for the quarter are shown above, please contact C&W Chamber Training on 024 7623 1122 or visit www.cwtcov.co.uk for other course dates and further information

Events

January

B2B Networking Thursday 12th January 2017 4.00 pm - 6.00 pm The Kenilworth Hotel, 61 Warwick Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1HN

Director Day – Corporate team building and high level networking Tuesday 17th January 2017 8.30 am – 12.30 pm Garlands Leisure Ltd, Mythe Farm, Pinwall Ln, Sheepy Magna, Atherstone, CV9 3PF

Speed Networking Friday 20th January 2017 9:00 am - 11:00 am Ettington Park Hotel, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 8BS

A Masterclass on Developing a Unique Proposition for your Business Thursday 26th January 2017 9.00 am - 12.30 pm Member Price: £10 + VAT Non-Member Price: £15 + VAT Stewart Fletcher & Barrett offices, Manor Court Chambers, Townsend Dr, Nuneaton, CV11 6RU

February Building a better business: HR & Recruitment Top Tips for businesses Wednesday 08th February 2017 8.00 am - 10.00 am The Chace Hotel Coventry, London Rd,Coventry, CV3 4EQ

Making your Online Marketing work harder Masterclass Wednesday 15th February 2017 9.00 am - 12.30 pm Member Price: £10 + VAT Non-Member Price: £15 + VAT The Chace Hotel, London Rd, Coventry, CV3 4EQ

BCC Annual Conference Tuesday 28th February 2017 QEII Centre, London A top class programme that includes senior political personalities, inspirational business leaders, and opinionformers from across the United Kingdom

Women in Business Networking lunch & exhibition Tuesday 28th February 2017 11.00 am - 2.00 pm Member Price: £30 + VAT Non-Member Price: £35 + VAT Macdonald Ansty Hall, Ansty, Nr Coventry, Warwickshire, Coventry, CV7 9HZ

As a Chamber member you can exhibit at any of our events for just £50 + VAT. Stand out from the crowd and book your stand today.

Find out more information or to book a place please see the events pages at www.cw-chamber.co.uk or contact events@cw-chamber.co.uk www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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