C&W in Business November 2018

Issue 68 November / December 2018

Martin Sutherland's great expectations for 2021 Page 20 34

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COVENTRY & WARWICKSHIRE

GREEN BUSINESS NETWORK

Free Energy Efficiency Grants up to ÂŁ100,000 If you are a small to medium sized business in Coventry and Warwickshire, then you could be eligible for a grant up to ÂŁ100,000, to help reduce your energy costs.

We can provide funding for any of the following measures: LED Lighting Heating systems and controls New energy efficient equipment New energy efficient machinery Variable speed drives and energy efficient motors Renewable energy e.g. solar PV, thermal hot water, biomass, air source heat pumps Plus many other measures We also provide a free energy audit to help identify where energy and cost savings can be made.

Join the Green Business Network for free to take advantage of: Events and workshops Expert technical assistance Networking opportunities Email: greenbusiness@coventry.gov.uk Web: coventry.gov.uk/greenbusiness Tel: 024 7678 6901 @cwgreenbusiness The Coventry and Warwickshire Green Business Programme is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund and is delivered by Coventry City Council, Coventry University and Coventry University Enterprises Ltd.

Enterprises Limited

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Foreword

CONTENTS November/December 2018

Looking forward to conference

Go for Growth

4-5

News

6-7

Events

8-9

Corporate Profiles

10-11

News

12-13

Dear Chamber of Commerce Member,

by Louise Bennett OBE DL Chief Executive Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

I am looking forward to seeing hundreds of Chamber Members, and representatives of Partner organisations, attend our Coventry & Warwickshire Economic Conference on 16th November, where we have a fabulous line up of speakers which is all made possible with the support of our sponsors, WCG Apprenticeships and PET-Xi. Alongside the Chamber's Business & Trade Expos, these highlight events are always well received and feature in an annual calendar of networking and b2b opportunities for our clients.

To make sure you get the most out of your membership, visit our website on www.cw-chamber.co.uk and come and meet us at one of our forthcoming events & networks.

You may have heard that CW Chamber has launched our newest 'Go For Growth' campaign which focuses on the opportunities for local businesses to 'trade local'.

This is not about seeking to create a micro economy, we all want businesses that might be global as much as they are local, but it is about encouraging more Members to trade with each other, to grow jobs locally and to do all that we can to ensure the vibrancy and success of our locality.

To this end, working with CW Growth Hub, your Chamber of Commerce will launch, in the New Year, a new procurement (b2b opportunity) portal, CWConnect and with CW Growth Hub we will be seeking to create and build an online marketplace for the benefit of Coventry and Warwickshire businesses.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Encouraging and supporting local trading - as much as global trading - is critical when faced with political and economic uncertainty (challenges and opportunities) as we seek to exit the European Union. Your CW Chamber of Commerce sees business as a force for good at these times and I know that, in our sub-region, we have thousands of dynamic, growth-oriented and ethical businesses - of all sizes and across all sectors - businesses that have a sense of 'place' in terms of belonging to their local communities and businesses that create wealth and jobs for local people. I sense that we will all find ourselves in a good place at the end of this year and it is the strong foundations of this local economy that will see us through the challenges of BREXIT whilst also exploiting the opportunities it might bring.

Finally, can I take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to the CW Chamber of Commerce's outgoing President, Mr John Nollett, who has held this office for two years and has been, and is, a welcome and strong ambassador of the Chamber of Commerce and a great advocate for the manufacturing & engineering sector.

I am sure we all look forward to hearing from, and working with, our incoming President, Mr David Penn.

Kind regards, Louise, Mrs L Bennett-Bayliss OBE, DL Chief Executive

Chamber Training

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News

15

Legal & Finance Property Profile Brexit Club

16-17 18 20-21 23

Around the region

25-32

Finance

34-35

Education

40-43

President & People

44-45

New Members

46

Training & Events

47

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Go for Growth The official publication of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce ••••

CONTACTS

Businesses given tips on winning contracts

At the Chamber News desk Members are encouraged to send any news about their firm - new orders, staff, new products, expansions or relocations - for publication in C&W in business.

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

Send them to: news@cw-chamber.co.uk Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Chamber House Innovation Village Cheetah Road Coventry CV1 2TL T: 024 76 654321 F: 024 76 450242

At the publishers

Publisher

Ian Fletcher

Benham Publishing Limited Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ T: 0151 236 4141

Advertising Contact Karen Hall karen@benhampublishing.com T: 07801 788880

Production Manager

Back – Paul White and Louise Bennett.

Front (left to right): Jeremy Moore, Chris Dobson, David Bradley, Mick Burn.

Small and medium sized businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire have been given an insight into how to bid for hundreds of millions of pounds worth of contracts with major organisations in the region.

Representatives from LEVC, Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust spoke at the launch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Go For Growth: Trade Local campaign.

The procurement experts gave the audience a series of pointers on how to make themselves stand out and how to give themselves the best chance of landing contracts with big companies and government bodies.

The launch was led by Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, and she was joined by Jeremy Moore, of the CWLEP Growth Hub, in discussing future plans to make it easier for SMEs to bid for work.

Mark Etherington

Mick Burn, Head of Procurement at Coventry City Council; David Bradley, Senior Category Manager of LEVC; Paul White, Strategic Procurement Manager of Warwickshire County Council; and Chris Dobson, Senior Procurement Officer at the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, gave their views and tips to the audience.

Louise said: “Go For Growth: Trade Local has been devised to get more companies across the patch doing business with one another, making the most of the goods and services available in the region.

“We also want to help small and medium sized companies to do business with major organisations in the region and this event with senior procurement professionals was extremely well attended and very informative.

“There were several pointers to take away from it. The first was, and this sounds obvious, to answer the questions that are asked during the tendering process – the feedback from our speakers was that it is amazing how many firms don’t do this.

“Our experts also urged businesses to make themselves stand out and seek out opportunities from big organisations because there is definitely a desire to procure locally.

“There was certainly an emphasis on smaller companies to make the first move and also to show how their business could provide a solution to a problem the big organisation is facing.

“As a Chamber we are here to support our members in growing their business and we use events such as this to provide as much information as possible.

“We are also in the process of launching an exciting new tool for businesses across the region, in partnership with the Growth Hub, that will enhance SMEs’ opportunities of winning new business.

“For us, it’s important that Go For Growth: Trade Local sees more and more companies across the area trading with each other and trying to keep as much of the wealth generated here as possible.”

Accounts Director Joanne Casey

Media Number 1609 © Benham Publishing 2018 C&W in Business is produced on behalf of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce by Benham Publishing Limited and is distributed to members free of charge. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in C&W in Business, neither Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, nor the publisher can accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies it contains. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Chamber.

••••

C&W in Business Advertising Features for 2019 January / February 2019 Charity Giving

How businesses can interact and support local charities.

Bank predicts modest growth Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire have been told by the Bank of England that the economy will grow modestly over the next three years – assuming a relatively smooth transition to a range of Brexit outcomes.

Graeme Chaplin, the Bank’s Agent for the West Midlands, met members of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce at Coombe Abbey and told them the economy was expected to grow at an annual rate of around 1.75 per cent up to 2021.

But the Bank recognised that the economic outlook could be influenced significantly by the

response of households, businesses and financial markets to Brexit-related developments.

Firms also got the chance to explain what issues they are facing and what their plans are for the future.

Ajay Desai, Director at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is great that businesses, through the Chamber, get the opportunity to feedback on what they are experiencing on a dayto-day basis and what their plans are for growth.

“Graeme always takes time to give businesses an update from the Bank of England but this is very much about him asking the

questions and listening to companies in Coventry and Warwickshire to help inform the Bank. The Bank’s latest growth forecasts are modest and are

based on a deal with the EU being achieved and does assume that businesses will keep investing and exporting.”

Graeme Chaplin (centre) with Chamber members and representatives

Age at Work

Looking at the different requirements of Millennials in the workplace and the older generation.

Copy deadline 14th December 2018

March / April 2019 Apprentices

Looking at apprenticeships in the workplace and the mutual benefit they bring.

Retirement/Exit Strategy

How to manage the latter stages of a business and planning for retirement.

Copy deadline 26th February 2019

May / June 2019 Conference & Venues

Our annual feature looking at the venues for hire for work events and conferences in our region.

Innovation & Development

Many of the UK’s hopes post Brexit for a vibrant and growing economy is to invest in new innovations and emerging sectors. We provide support experts the opportunity to expand on the help they can provide to grow your business in this area.

Copy deadline 26th April 2019

For further information on the forthcoming features please contact: Terry Brannigan Chamber Sales DD 07841 115444 Terry@benhampublishing.com

Businesses face rocky roads ahead of the exit from the EU, according to a currency expert William Anderson Jones, Head of Corporate Dealing (UK) at RationalFX, commented on a survey undertaken by the British Chambers of Commerce/DHL that showed growing concern among manufacturers about exchange rates.

He said: “Since the vote to leave the European Union export volumes to the UK have seen a dramatic increase and manufactures have reaped the benefits from the exchange rate when repatriating profits back into Sterling.

“If recent months and the challenges with the Chequers Agreement and the Salzburg EU heads of State meeting has taught us anything; rocky roads lie ahead.

The UK faces a number of uncertainties pre leaving the Bloc on the 29th March 2019, and with that likely volatile currency markets.”

The BCC/DHL survey, of more than 2,600 exporters, found that confidence in future operations remains strong, but external economic and political factors are having an impact. The results show 60 per cent of exporting manufacturers were more concerned about exchange rates in the second quarter of the year than in the previous three months. There was also increased concern among 43% of service exporters, highlighting the broad impact of the weakness of the pound.

The findings indicate that price pressures eased slightly on exporters during the second quarter of the year.

However, those manufacturers under pressure to raise prices report the cost of raw materials as the leading factor (81%). Service firms believe the cost of raw materials (39%) and other overheads (51%) are the leading sources of cost pressure.

The escalating labour shortage in the UK is also having a serious impact on exporters, with a staggering 69% of recruiting manufacturers struggling to find staff.

••••

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www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Policy Go for Growth

Investment boosts City of Culture plans A £5 million boost to Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture in 2021 will help to make it extraordinary, according to one of its leaders.

Chenine Bhathena, the Creative Director of the Coventry City of Culture Trust, was reacting to the investment from Arts Council England that it would be ploughing £5 million of National Lottery Funding into UK City of Culture 2021.

The announcement was made

by Darren Henley Chief Executive of Arts Council England to civic and cultural leaders and artists in the region at an event at Coventry Transport Museum.

He told the people of the city to ‘fasten their seatbelts’ for an exciting ride before Chenine closed the event with a stirring speech to whet the city’s appetite for 2021.

She said: “I am delighted that Arts Council England is backing our evolving vision for 2021 as we seek to stamp our mark on the City of Culture initiative.

“We are at a momentous time in the history of the city, the nation, the continent and the world.

“We need to be courageous.

Our brilliant artists and our creative pioneers are needed more than ever before to build bridges, integrate and connect communities and ensure we deliver a compelling and meaningful artistic programme.

“Coventry, has always been a city without walls, borderless, welcoming, a sanctuary and a city of deep-rooted activism.

“Our leaders created twin cities almost 80 years ago to build hope, inspire friendship and embrace peacefulness.

Our legendary women led silent protests and were the original change-makers and our independent artists are driving a grass roots revolution.

“We have a huge responsibility - with this public funding and the global spotlight - to harness our youthfulness, diversity and creativity - to be bold and brave, to challenge and stimulate, to remove inequality and devolve power. We can reimagine our identity in a new world.

“Our programmes, both home and away, will take a long-term view, putting youthful attributes at the forefront, and seeking to develop relationships with communities in other edgy cities, like ours, across the world.

“Our programmes will be community led, showcase different voices and embed culture into the DNA of the city our attitudes, the landscape, city development and our narrative.

“They will be rooted in the rich history and heritage of our people but will be future-facing.

We will take a lead in global debates, be a test bed for new ideas, embrace our green future and experiment with creative

Unemployment has fallen again in Coventry and Warwickshire as business leaders say the skills gap is reaching critical levels.

In the month to September, the claimant count dropped from 4,345 to 4,245 in Coventry and from 5,875 to 5,820 in Warwickshire.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce welcomed the fall in unemployment but echoed national concerns that companies can’t get the skills they need to grow.

Darren Henley, Martin Sutherland, George Duggins, Phil Redmond CBE and Chenine Bhathena

applications of ground-breaking technologies.

“We have a big vision, the will, ambition and courage and we look forward to a great partnership for this important journey. Together we will be extraordinary.”

The gathering also heard from Martin Sutherland, Chief Executive of Coventry City of Culture Trust; Councillor George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council; and Professor Phil Redmond, who came up with the UK City of Culture concept.

Cllr Duggins said: “This is great news for Coventry and a real boost to the city as excitement grows in the build up

to 2021. The announcement is a real vote of confidence in the city’s ability to deliver a fantastic programme to ensure Coventry has an amazing year as City of Culture and, importantly, creates a lasting legacy for our communities.”

Martin Sutherland said: “We seek to ensure that the young, skint and state educated are not excluded. We are determined that they too can develop a city of culture that confounds expectations, omits the obvious, and produces a programme that is co-created here in Coventry.”

Economic outlook improves The economic outlook in Coventry and Warwickshire has improved for the first time in 2018, according to a major survey with businesses, and it is still way ahead of the UK economy as a whole.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) in conjunction with Warwickshire County Council, for the third quarter of the year showed a marginal rise in its economic outlook index from 65.0 to 65.2, where any figure above 50 would indicate positive growth.

The QES acts as a barometer for the regional economy and also feeds into the British Chambers of Commerce’s national survey.

Firms of all sizes from across the region in both manufacturing and services are asked a series of questions about their order books, their employment intentions and plans to invest.

Domestic orders in manufacturing are up from 63.6 to 67.3 while there has been a fall in the service sector while overseas orders in both manufacturing and services have risen slightly.

Employment and investment intentions rose marginally in the service sector with a small drop in both in manufacturing.

Louise Bennett, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive, said: “It’s very encouraging to see the economy of Coventry and Warwickshire performing well and that our businesses, in the main, remain confident about the future.

“Order books are looking healthy and this bears out what we are hearing when we speak to firms across the region.

“Of course, there is a backdrop of uncertainty and the feeling among many members is that the economy would be soaring were it not for that but, overall,

this survey is a positive reflection of where the economy of Coventry and Warwickshire currently stands.”

David Ayton-Hill, Economy & Skills Group Manager for Warwickshire County Council, said: “Coventry and Warwickshire’s economic outlook has been well above the national average for some time and that remains the case. It is also pleasing to see that the overall outlook has improved in the third quarter of 2018.

“However, the survey was undertaken before the recent EU Summit and subsequent announcements from major manufacturers on their future investment plans.

“By the time we come to the Q4 survey, the picture could be different again so it will be interesting to see whether it has more of a bearing in businesses’ outlook for the future.”

Mayor to address conference The Mayor of the West Midlands is one of the keynote speakers at a major economic event in Coventry.

Andy Street says he is looking forward to talking about the region’s industry success stories and answering questions from the business community at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Conference.

The event, which is taking place at the Ricoh Arena on November 16 and is headline

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Unemployment falls again

sponsored by WCG, will also hear from broadcaster Jon Snow, entrepreneur Maggie Philbin and Jeremy Wright, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.

There is also an Economic Panel and a Skills Panel before interviews with Martin Reeves, of Coventry City Council and Monica Fogarty, of Warwickshire County Council.

Andy Street said: “I’m looking forward to the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Conference at the Ricoh.

“It’s always a great event and it’s an

opportunity to talk about the growth of the economy, the resurgent industries, investment in the city centre and, of course, UK City of Culture.

“It is a great venue and the business community across Coventry and Warwickshire is always very passionate so I can’t wait to come and present and answer questions.”

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are delighted that

Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “With UK employment high by historic standards and unemployment continuing to fall, the latest figures paint a positive picture of the UK jobs market.

“While wage growth increased again, the pace at which pay growth is exceeding price growth remains well below the historic average, meaning the current squeeze on spending power is unlikely to ease. Achieving a meaningful improvement in wage growth will be an uphill struggle unless the underlying issues that continue to limit pay settlements are tackled - notably sluggish productivity, considerable underemployment and high upfront costs for businesses.

“The number of job vacancies is close to an all-time high, providing further evidence of the worrying skills shortages plaguing UK businesses. Firms are reporting that recruitment difficulties have reached critical levels, which coupled with Brexit uncertainty is increasingly putting employers off trying to hire, and if sustained could increasingly weigh on jobs growth.

“We urge ministers to work closely with business to deliver a future migration system that enables access to the skills needed at all levels to help grow our economy.”

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The issues that are being identified nationally are certainly being felt here in Coventry and Warwickshire and access to skills is one of the biggest concerns our members are raising.

“At a local level, we are working hard to address that will training providers and colleges and have had some success but it will take time for that work to filter through and for businesses and individuals to reap the rewards.”

Andy can join us in what is a fantastic line-up of speakers.

“It’s important that companies attending see that we are bringing together the business community and decision makers at a local, regional and national level.

“Our conference is the key economic event for the region and we are looking forward to what should be a great day.”

For more information or to book onto the event, go to www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events

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News German translator wins industry award A German anglophile who has made language her livelihood is celebrating an industry award.

At the Association of Translation Companies (ATC) Language Industry Summit Awards 2018, Heidi Kerschl was named Freelancer of the Year for her Professional German Translation Services.

The awards celebrate excellence within the UK profession, which operates across all sectors and time zones.

Bilingual Heidi moved to the UK from Munich in 1991 to work as an English to German freelance translator. Her specialisms are IT, technology, marketing, recruitment and training.

She was nominated for the award by at ALM Translations which has offices in Warwickshire, Birmingham and London.

As well as translation, Heidi, who has made Stockport her home, helps the team with quality assurance by reviewing the work of other German translators and assesses recruitment tests to ensure ALM only appoints high-calibre linguists.

Director Rachel Coleman said: “Heidi is an exceptional translator and on a personal level, an excellent colleague. We had mixed reviews from clients when handling English-German translations as they seem to be very particular about the style they like, but since we have been working with Heidi, who either translates or reviews for us, we have had consistently good feedback.

“Heidi is our go-to translator as we are always confident when she works on a document it’s going to be spot on.”

Heidi said she was delighted with the award, which was presented at the ATC gala dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff.

ALM Translations, which was established in 2002, was itself an ATC award finalist in the category Company of the Year.

WalkMe makes managing compliance a ‘walk in the park’ TruTac, the PSV transport management and compliance software specialists, have introduced WalkMe,a powerful addition to the wide range of support services already available from the company, via phone, email and online.

Tailored to TruTac’s products, WalkMe is an easy-to-use help tool, providing guidance and assistance for users of the software.

Using a series of clear, step-by-step instructions in the form of interactive balloons and on-screen checklists, TruTac’s WalkMe is ideal to train new users, walk them through support queries and highlight new features.

Jemma James, Director of Commercial Operations & Marketing for TruTac, said: “Simply put, TruTac’s WalkMe takes you through, step-by-step, how to use the software. The powerful analytics function measures, in real-time, how people are using the system so training modules can be adapted to better support their needs and ensure they are getting maximum benefits from our software.”

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IPP Logipal takes ‘uniform’ approach to recruiting staff One of Europe’s biggest producers of sustainable wooden pallets is using military precision in its search for new recruits as part of its ambitious growth strategy.

IPP Logipal, part of the Pooling Partners Group, which produces and circulates more than 20 million pallets a year in diverse sectors including the food and drink market, is the latest signatory to an innovative website that introduces former service personnel to ‘civvy street.’

Military Resettlement Headquarters (MRHQ), an online jobs board for ex-military personnel, was launched less than a year ago by Captain Peter Wilson, a former Signals officer, who struggled to find work after he left the Army.

As well as a digital noticeboard, www.mrhq.co.uk provides an individual evaluation guide to find the best jobs suited to people leaving the forces and a personal tracker to keep candidates focussed on next steps in their quests for new careers out of uniform.

MRHQ, which is based in Clapham, is advertising more than 2,000 jobs with sponsored support from 300plus companies, including its latest recruit IPP Logipal, the Coventrybased business which has increased its volumes by more than 1.6 million extra pallets this year.

IPP Logipal teamed up with MRHQ as part of a desire to look beyond conventional agency recruitment to fill positions across the business.

IPP’s operations director David Bage said: “Our growth continues and we need to recruit more staff for our 13 depots across the UK and Ireland, as well as operational and possibly commercial roles within our business.

“We were approached by MRHQ and we signed up to support the initiative straight away, because of its expertise in finding former service personnel who have a knowledge of engineering and logistics, as you would expect from the armed forces.

It is a very cost-effective solution and reduces our dependence on recruitment consultants.

Building bridges between serving in the armed services and serving in ‘civvy street’.

Pictures courtesy of Crown Copyright 2018

“We work in an industry where there are a number of skills shortages, from drivers to warehouse staff. We are constantly looking for new staff and MRHQ is looking to find homes for personnel with complementary skills – it’s a win-win situation.”

IPP Logipal already has a relationship with former military personnel through Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI), a social enterprise based in Aylesford, Kent, where former service personnel

repair pallets to be reused by customers across the UK. The relationship is based on pragmatic economics, as the logistics sector has long suffered from skills shortages, including drivers.

Jack Cresswell, marketing manager for MRHQ, said: “Companies such as IPP Logipal are helping our own growth ambitions, as we see ourselves doubling in size in the next 12 months. We are getting enquiries from businesses almost every day.”

Travel Agent helps Cambodian pupils after charity cycle challenge

Ian McAllister, the director of travel agent The Leisure Traveller, based in Balsall Common, flew out to Cambodia to supply equipment to two local schools and more than 300 children.

Ian was the tour guide for a Myton Hospice charity cycle challenge, arranged by The Lesiure Traveller back in October 2016.

The challenge saw ten cyclists ride more than 350km in five days, from Ho Chi Minh City in

Vientam to Siem Reap in Cambodia, and raise more than £40,000 for Myton Hospice.

One of their final days cycling included a visit to a local school in Siem Reap, close to the popular tourist attractions and famous Temples of Angkor Wat. The School, the Anchanh Primary School, had more than 200 pupils ranging from 5–15 years of age with the most basic of facilites and equipement. After the visit, Ian decided that he would go back at some point to help them.

With The Leisure Traveller organising the flights and generous donations from Kenilworth resident Peter Griffiths, who himself took part in the cycle challenge, along with a local Kenilworth businessman, Ian flew out to Cambodia to revisit the school.

Whilst in Siem Reap, Ian arranged for the school to have new windows and doors fitted along with water tanks, which would give

them a water supply. He also arranged for each pupil to have their own “backpack” full of the basic’s, pens, pencil, ruler, rubber and notebooks, basic equipmentm, which our schools take for granted.

Ian arranged for the teachers to also have their own bags with supplies and each school was given a laptop and sports equipement.

He said: “I couldn’t believe the joy a football or badmington raquet could bring to people.

The smiles on the faces of not only the children, but the staff too as they enjoyed the sports equipment made the whole trip worthwhile.”

Lynne Tucker from The Leisure Traveller said: “I am over the moon that not only has the cycle trip supported a local charity in Warwickshire, but has also benefitted a small community overseas. Work is in progress on arranging the next overseas charity cycle ride and, hopefully, the outcome will be similar.”

Careers service goes live The new National Careers Service went live across the West Midlands and Staffordshire on 1 October.

Prospects has been selected to deliver the highly successful National Careers Service contract in the West Midlands regions up to 2021. This follows a competitive bid process which saw Prospects chosen as the prime provider for the second time.

The National Careers Service provides high-quality, locally tailored information, advice and guidance to adults and supports them to achieve positive work or learning-related outcomes, particularly for those who are furthest from the job market.

The new and improved Service will include the use of innovative digital tools with each customer receiving a personal assessment of their digital competence, support to access job vacancies, a personalised Careers and Skills Action Plan and up-to-date information on the local labour market to enable them to

become more independent in planning and developing their career.

The National Careers Service plays a central role in the government’s strategy to provide a single high-quality careers service to adults across England, as set out in the Careers Strategy published in December 2017.

Through effective partnership working with employers, further and higher education providers, local partners and the third sector, the Service will continue to play a direct, enabling role in connecting people to learning, technical education, apprenticeship, higher education and work opportunities, with an additional focus on improving social mobility.

Regional Director Kalpana Patel said: “We are excited about delivering the new contract, building on our good relationships with partners, to help customers access opportunities across the West Midlands.

The service has provided careers information, advice and guidance to over 211,756 customers

since 2014, with over 45% of those customers reporting they had progressed into learning or sustained employment. We will endeavour to build on this fantastic achievement.”

Anyone aged 19+ seeking careers information, advice and guidance can speak to professional careers advisers and book a face to face appointment by calling 0800 100 900, or by visiting https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

sponsored column

David scoops top award

Coventry and Warwickshire business growth coach David Lee won the UK’s Best Client Results at a national awards ceremony, having only set up his ActionCOACH business in 2015.

David was singled out from more than 200 business coaches and the UK co-founder of ActionCOACH, Ian Christelow, describes his results as ‘life-changing’.

The award was based on a testimonial from Canley-based sheet metal prototype and production specialists PAB Coventry Ltd. PAB Coventry was approached by David two years ago and he pitched on how he could make the business and team better.

A statement from the company said: “We were very sceptical at first but, two years later, we are still using his services to improve the business, improve the team and allow a better life/work balance.”

The award-winning testimonial can be viewed on David’s Linkedin profile at www.linkedin.com/in/davidleeac/ David said that he takes immense pleasure from seeing his clients achieve their business and personal goals.

He said: “This award win is the icing on the cake for me. I’m absolutely elated. I was hoping to win the award for Central Midlands but had no idea I’d grab the top UK award.

“In the corporate world, you can save a large corporation a million pounds and it hardly registers with them but when you make a difference to a small business owner, it can make a huge impact. It’s thanks to them trusting me that I’ve won this award.”

Museums Trust joins Chamber after successful summer

Probate - Can your accountant help?

The accountancy professional bodies ICAEW and ACCA are now approved regulators and licensing authorities for probate under the Legal Services Act 2007 (“the Act”).

Birmingham Museums Trust is celebrating after more than a quarter of a million people visited its Dippy on Tour exhibition at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery this summer, making it the museum’s most successful ever temporary exhibition.

The exhibition showcased the Natural History Museum’s famous diplodocus skeleton in Birmingham and wowed visitors from across the Midlands.

Birmingham Museums Trust is an educational charity which cares for Birmingham’s collection of around a million priceless objects on behalf of the people of city.

The charitable organisation recently joined Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce with the aim of growing the Trust’s links with organisations around the Midlands.

Birmingham Museums is headquartered at

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, which is just a short walk away from New Street Station, easily connecting it to the wider region.

The charity is responsible for generating the income needed to care for collection, run nine unique museum sites and deliver an award winning education programme, which inspires the next generation of artists, scientists, engineers and historians.

One of the ways Birmingham Museums raises funds is through its unique venue hire offering. Did you know you can host your company’s perfect Christmas party at

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum?

You could dine in the impressive Industrial Gallery and have drinks in the round room surrounded by spectacular art at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, or celebrate in style under the Spitfire Gallery at Thinktank. Hiring these stunning venues for your organisation’s Christmas party will have a long lasting impact on the work of Birmingham Museums Trust.

To find out more visit birminghammuseums.org.uk/venue-hire

Coventry business hailed as a national exemplar of good practice Fleur Sexton DL, managing director of PET-Xi Training, with Martin Reeves, chief executive of Coventry City Council

The chief executive of Coventry City Council has hailed one of the UK’s top training and education specialists based in Coventry as a national exemplar of good practice.

Martin Reeves has been on a fact-finding visit to PET-Xi Training and met adults at its headquarters at the Westwood Business Park taking part in the Microsoft Office Specialist programme which teaches and accredits highly-employable IT skills in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

The business has also recently secured a £210,000 contract from the West Midlands Combined Authority via the Government’s

Department for Work and Pensions to run the Employment Support Pilot Scheme.

Staff will be holding job advice sessions and providing specialist support in Camp Hill, Nuneaton, to help low-paid workers achieve the skills needed to gain more highlyqualified, better-paid jobs.

Martin said their work to help young people and adults improve their skills and job prospects was “inspirational”.

Support for Town Centre Retailers continues in Warwickshire A new training programme aimed at independent high street businesses is being launched following the success of a pilot project earlier this year.

A total of 93 businesses were supported by the Warwickshire Towns Network (WTN) training package early in 2017, which was trialled across nine towns in the county. All participants reported that they would recommend the programme to other businesses.

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The programme is being offered to all small independent retailers and high street businesses in towns and large villages across Warwickshire. The training is free to those who sign up and, in return, businesses are being asked to dedicate time and commitment in order to improve their business and the wider town centre offer.

The two packages are ‘How to Create Your Own Footfall’ and ‘Digital Business Skills’. The training is being delivered by nationally-recognised industry experts in

both of these fields and will be running in Bedworth and Kenilworth with places open to all retailers countywide.

The training courses are part of a broader package of continued support that has been developed by the Warwickshire Towns Network; the team at Warwickshire County Council dedicated to supporting town centres across the County.

To find out more and to sign up for the training, details can be found at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/towncentres

The Act sought to level the playing field and enable non-lawyers to become authorised to provide certain reserved legal services such as probate. These relatively recent changes have brought further competition to the legal services sector and widened customer choice.

With a detailed knowledge of an individual’s personal circumstances and business interests, accountants are well placed to provide competitively priced probate services to their clients.

This insight helps to ensure that the probate and estate administration process is undertaken as efficiently as possible and can ease the burden of clients who are often struggling to come to terms with the loss of a loved one.

Provided that probate is not contentious, accountants who are authorised or licensed by their professional body are able to carry out all the activities necessary to extract probate as well as provide estate administration services.

SGD has invested in the necessary training and obtained the licence required to undertake this work for you.

It has long been the practice of specialist accountants and Chartered Tax Advisers to offer their clients holistic Inheritance Tax planning advice. The ability to see this planning through after death is a welcome addition to the suite of services that can be offered to their clients.

Individuals wishing to know more should contact Paul Spencer or David Thomas on 02476 257481 or ps@sgduk.com/dt@sgduk.com respectively.

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

7

Awards

Simply the best!

Businesses from across the area were honoured at the Coventry Telegraph Business Awards.

The awards were hosted at the Ricoh Arena with more than 600 people in attendance.

Business growing with no soil With no background in manufacturing and zero experience of hydroponic gardening, Nuneaton-based Sue Tonks created HydroVeg Kits® in June 2017 following two years of experimentation and problem-solving.

Now her business has won the Coventry Telegraph New Business of the Year Award, offering an opportunity to tell local people what they are doing to make a difference to the environment, health and education.

A HydroVeg Kit® is an easy way of growing healthy veg outdoors, 365 days a year, with no digging, weeding, pesticides, slugs or snails, no soil and minimal watering. It provides households and schools with a green way to grow a high yield veg and flowers. It is perfect for small gardens, people with disabilities, schools, people with no time for gardening, or those who only have a balcony.

The HydroVeg Kits® is vertical, taking up little space in a garden or school and sits on an easy to assemble frame. The Kit® comes as a flat packed unit.

It uses 80% less water than an ordinary garden or allotment, which was fabulous during the heatwave and exceptionally hot summer we had this year. It doesn’t stop there – The Kits grow veg all year round.

The business aims to aim to introduce healthy eating to the normal family and garden area, create awareness of easier and faster ways to grow food, introduce hydroponic gardening to schools as part of the curriculum and engage schools in growing healthy veg as part of their science and food syllabus.

Their bigger goal is to get HydroVeg Kits® into the developing world as the food grows quickly, is off the ground, uses less water and will sustain a school or families. To do this 5% of their income is set aside for R&D to create the two specific technologies they require.

Leading Law Firm lands double recognition Leading Coventry and Warwickshire law firm Band Hatton Button landed double recognition at the awards ceremony.

The Coventry city centre-based solicitors scooped the Contribution to the Community and Leadership Team of the Year awards at the Coventry Telegraph Business Awards 2018.

It comes off the back of a bumper period of fundraising for the 82-strong firm for their chosen charity of the year – Shine A Light Support Service - which supports families affected by childhood cancer.

Band Hatton Button’s Charity Ball last May saw £10,000 raised for charity, and has also seen staff members assist Shine A Light in moving premises.

Staff members also took part in Dementia Awareness Week in support of the Alzheimer’s Society, and have also organised a quiz for the Rotary Club of Kenilworth which raised around £2,000 for Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice.

A range of charity and volunteering work has dovetailed with a strong year of performance for Band Hatton Button, which has seen their turnover increase by six per cent in the 12 months to April 2018, driven by the Midlands’ buoyant property market.

Band Hatton Button’s board has also moved to futureproof the growing business by converting the board into an Alternative Business Structure – enabling the firm to diversify its services and attract additional expertise and investment should the need ever arise.

Mark Moseley, managing director at Band Hatton Button, said: “We are extremely proud to have been recognised as the best business in the region in terms of community work as well as leadership.

“We place great emphasis on making our firm a great place to work – providing fundraising opportunities and reserving time for team-building, through to ensuring there are routes for career progression – and having

Mecalac awarded for export excellence Sustainability winner Coventry-based compact equipment specialist, Mecalac Construction Equipment UK Ltd (CEUK), won the Export Award at this year’s Coventry Telegraph Business Awards.

Recognised for its substantial international trade activity, the judges were impressed with Mecalac’s sustained export volumes.

Widely considered a global leader in the design and build of compact construction equipment, products manufactured at the company’s UK headquarters in Prologis Park are used in more than 38 countries worldwide.

Paul Macpherson, UK Sales and Marketing Director at Mecalac CEUK, said: “Winning the Export Award at this year’s Coventry Telegraph Business Awards is testament to the whole team’s hard work, experience and commitment.

We believe that Coventry is a hub of engineering innovation, R&D and design excellence, so much so that our equipment portfolio is renowned the world over.”

Success at the Coventry Business Awards comes as the latest in a long line of achievements for Mecalac CEUK. Alongside launching its all-new cabbed site dumper range – the MDX – earlier this year, the company has

secured a number of highprofile supply contracts and further expanded its global dealer network.

Paul said: “As a business that prides itself on offering global access to state-of-theart construction equipment, we’re delighted to receive such positive feedback from a highly-prestigious judging panel.”

Leamington shop named Awards success, by design!

“It was great to celebrate our Coventry-based design and branding best Family Business 2018 agency success over the past 18 years with The Jade Studio claimed the Award-winning family butchers Aubrey Allen won the Family Business of the Year award at the Coventry Telegraph Business Awards.

Aubrey Allen, who started in Coventry in 1933, were chosen for flying the flag once again for butchery in the business world.

The awards were judged on who from the family business were active in the company, how did they continue to develop their learning and how did they help their teams.

Lucianne Allen, Sales and Marketing Director, who collected the award with Simon Smith, Client Services Director, said: “A family business isn’t made just by having family members; it’s the values, the atmosphere and the talent you nurture that really makes it feel like a family.

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a happy, motivated workforce is reflected in our recent performance both commercially and in the community.

“Receiving these awards is great news and recognition for us as we aim to embark on another year of growth.”

“In our awards application, we included a video from Ray in Sales who has been with us for more than 27 years and mentioned Simon Smith who went from Saturday boy 30 years ago to Director. It’s making the whole team feel like a family which encourages staff to stay and allows us to drive the business forward.”

Creative Communications and Digital Business of the Year award at the Coventry Telegraph Business Awards.

The company, based at Electric Wharf are in their 18th year, work for a range of organisations in the region and across the country providing creative design for everything from brochures through to digital.

The six strong team work with clients ranging from Coventry City of Culture Trust through to Wembley Stadium.

Jason Dickens, director of The Jade Studio, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to pick up a Coventry Telegraph Business Award. We are a company that was started in Coventry, has grown in the city and has firm roots here.

“We are proud to work with so many key companies and organisations within the region, especially providing all of the branding and design for the city’s successful UK City of Culture bid including everything from the identity and city dressing through to the final bid document that was seen by the judges.

so many clients and friends of the business at the ceremony at the Ricoh, which we have also worked for since before it opened.”

Matthew East, director of the Jade Studio, added: “We are very proud to have won this award – it has been a real team effort not just in the past year, but over many years as we have grown as a business.

“We work on behalf of so many g reat companies nationally that count on us for their design and branding.

Working behind the scenes, it isn't often we get recognition for the work we do for them.

“This year, we decided that it was time to promote ourselves and shout about the work we do and our achievements, winning this award is a great way of helping us to do that.”

and runner-up Leadership Award

Godiva Access & Scaffolding is a Coventrybased access and scaffolding contractor.

The company designs and installs scaffolding and temporary structures which allow safe access to allow new build construction, refurbishment and maintenance of commercial, industrial and residential buildings.

Managing Director Karl de Groot said: “We are on target to deliver sales of more than £3.8 m in 2018 thanks to new business growth in Coventry and the West Midlands and with the opening of a new regional office in the North West, which has secured one million of new sales to date.

“I am immensely proud of our recent achievements, not just the Coventry Telegraph Business Awards success, but our general progression forwards towards becoming a recognised and trusted brand, who contributes also to the local economy and employment, through active engagement.”

The company is committed to creating a long term sustainable business with a firstclass health & safety culture; 20 per cent of the workforce is Black Hat qualified (the highest level of safety qualification on a building site), and every employee receives regular safety training.

The safety-led business strategy is a key differentiator for Godiva and ultimately, they want to become the supplier and employer of choice in their chosen markets and follow a controlled approach to growth that ensures that service delivery and safety remains a top priority.

By also instilling effective management controls, they have been able to replicate their culture and ethos in a scalable manner across each business team and their focus on safety and quality will ensure they deliver on their £6m sales target by 2020.

Their third party auditing approach demonstrates their systems and work procedures are of the highest industry standard. They are an Audited UKAS Scaffolding Association Member, a Gold Construction Line contractor; a Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS) audited contractor; accredited to the Construction Health & Safety Scheme (CHAS); and an accredited SSIP Safe Contractor & SMAS.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Events

Super-fast broadband can unlock economic growth Andy Starnes, Louise Bennett, Stuart Cain

Full fibre broadband has the potential to unlock multimillion pound growth in Coventry’s economy, firms have been told.

Andy Starnes, head of city development at CityFibre, was speaking at a business leaders breakfast hosted by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce at its #CWRocks Business and Trade Expo.

The event, which was headline sponsored

by CityFibre, also heard from Stuart Cain, the commercial director of the Ricoh Arena and Wasps, on the transformational effect that technology is having on the venue and how it could be harnessed in the future.

Andy highlighted the country’s low OECD ranking when it comes to fibre to the premises, with the UK lagging behind the likes of Lithuania, Estonia and Slovenia.

That, he said, was at a time when the demands on the internet were growing rapidly as millions of users increase their reliance on internet services to enhance their everyday lives.

Andy said: “Telecoms infrastructure in the UK is behind where it needs to be, at present only five per cent of UK premises are able to access full fibre broadband. We can’t keep relying on Victorian era copper infrastructure if we want our businesses to continue to thrive in the digital age.

“Coventry is ahead of the game with a significant network already in place. Now as CityFibre expands its network to cover almost every home and business within the city we have a huge opportunity to grow the local economy.”

Stuart quoted former ice hockey superstar Wayne Gretzky to underline the need to understand how to unlock the potential of connectivity in the future.

He said: “Wayne Gretzky famously said that a good hockey player plays where the puck is

but a great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.

“So we not only have to make the most of what the technology can do, we have to look at what we might be able to use it for in the future.

“Digital connectivity will drive our economic viability and it feels like we’re on the cusp of understanding what we can do which makes it a really exciting time.”

Louise Bennett, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It was great to hear from two fantastic speakers from key organisations who are vital to our economy.

“It reminded me that it’s sometimes important in your business to look up and think about what you need to do to grow, and to take yourself out of the day-to-day business occasionally.

“How we all make the most of technology is one of those subjects that we all have to think about and plan for.”

City of Culture a major chance to showcase the region Being UK City of Culture in 2021 is an ‘extraordinary chance to put the city and the region on the map’ a major business event has heard.

Chenine Bhathena, the Creative Director for Coventry City of Culture Trust – the organisation that led the bid for the title and will now deliver the programme in 2021, was a guest speaker at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s #CWRocks Business & Trade Expo at the Ricoh Arena.

Chenine told business leaders attending the Learning Labs session as part of the event that the support of companies and organisations across the region had proved invaluable in the bidding phase.

She added that partnership working with businesses was now even more important in the lead up to, during and after the momentous year.

Chenine said: “We wouldn’t be standing here today talking about Coventry being UK City of Culture had it not been for the

amazing support we had from the business community right across the region.

“We’re now reaching out for more support from businesses because we know, with your help, we can be extraordinary in 2021.

“The first question I asked myself when I took this role was, ‘what is a City of Culture?’

“Coventry is only the third UK City of Culture after Derry/Londonderry and Hull so we have the opportunity to be who we want to be and do what we want to do with this title. It’s an extraordinary chance to put the city and the region on the map.

“It’s a chance to re-imagine the city and think about ourselves as a future city rooted in our history but considering our global identity. Just like your businesses, we need to make sure we are distinctive and show the world what makes us different.

“We are a creative city, a city of firsts and a city that never stands still.

“When we have this national and global spotlight it’s important that, at this time of

Chenine Bhathena (left) with Hazel Pilling

great change in the world, we position ourselves as a global leader.

“There is the potential for this to be an amazing five years in the region with European City of Sport, UK City of Culture and the Commonwealth Games all happening after one another. It’s vital that they leave a genuine legacy and create real step change.”

Hazel Pilling, of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We were delighted to welcome Chenine to #CWRocks to update businesses on what’s happening with City of Culture.

“The Chamber was one of the very first supporters during the bidding phase because we knew the potential benefits that winning the title would bring. We are all very excited to see how it progresses.”

Closing the gender gap ‘would bring economic benefits’ Tracy Westall, Louise Wall, Sarah Perry

Bridging the gender pay gap would add £150bn to the UK economy by 2025, a business event in Coventry and Warwickshire has been told.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s #CWRocks Business & Trade Expo at the Ricoh Arena staged a series of Learning Labs throughout the day.

The Women in Business session heard from successful businesswoman Tracy Westall, the Digital Leaders West Midlands local champion, and from Sarah Perry, managing partner at 300-strong law firm Wright Hassall, which sponsored the Learning Lab. Tracy charted her rise through the ranks to Board Director at SCC and said more needed

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to be done in business to get more women in the boardroom, adding that gender diversity in boardrooms increased profitability and survival rates of businesses.

Tracy said: “Diverse teams deliver results for business yet there is still a lack of women in the boardroom. There is much more work to be done.

“I am optimistic because equality and diversity are now being discussed but they are conversations we have to have with men in the room too.

“We can be cheerleaders for other women and make sure they know there are opportunities to push themselves forward and to have confidence to do so.”

Sarah said she believes as the next generation in the workforce rises through the ranks, the situation will improve – but that there is no room for complacency.

She said: “We could add £150bn to the UK economy by bridging the gender pay gap by

2025 so not only is it the right thing to do, it makes economic sense.

“Things will change more rapidly as young people move up the ranks in business because, for them, equality is a given.

“Under-30s have a different outlook in general than perhaps we did when starting our careers. Their desire for a genuine work/life balance is an attitude that will shape the business culture of the future both sexes will have similar motivations and aspirations – the key is to ensure equal chance of realising those aspirations.”

Louise Wall, Commercial Director at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The #CWRocks Expo was a fantastic event all-round, but I have to say this Learning Lab was particularly inspiring and interesting.

“We thank Tracy and Sarah for being so open and honest because that helped to make it such a great session for our delegates.”

sponsored column

MTD for VAT compliant software – An opportunity to assess your accounting system I am sure you will have already read numerous articles on MTD (Making Tax Digital) for VAT and the requirement to use MTDcompatible software.

Although ensuring compliance is critical, should you be asking other questions about your current software and accounting processes?

From April 2019 the vast majority of VAT registered businesses will be mandated to keep digital VAT records and send returns using MTD-compatible software. More than 40 software suppliers have been confirmed as MTD compatible, with many more still in the testing stage. Therefore, if you are already using a cloud based accounting package on HMRC’s list, then you will be ready for MTD. If you are using old software or have a bespoke accounting package and unsure whether it is MTD-compliant it is essential that you contact your provider to see what plans they have to ensure that it will be compliant by 1 April 2019.

So while addressing MTD-compliance why not consider is your accounting software giving you the information and efficiencies you require. Below are some questions to help consider this:• Do you want a cloud-based or locallyinstalled software?

• Are you getting timely management information from your accounting system?

• What current processes are giving you the most problems or are time consuming to operate?

• Are you using direct bank feeds or imports to gather transaction data to save the number of keystrokes needed to enter the data?

• Do you want any new integrations between your accounting software and other packages, such as CRM software?

There will be many more questions you will come up with which are specific to your business. However, do turn the MTDcompatible software issue into an opportunity to consider how you can maximise accounting efficiency and the management information available to your business.

For any questions please contact Geoffrey Cox on 02476 221 046 or email geoffrey.cox@dafferns.com

9

Corporate Profiles

Solid structure for growing business

Left to right - Stefan Hunka, Erica Kemp, Julie McGarrigle, Neil Raiseborough and Catherine Wahlberg.

A law firm with offices across Coventry and Warwickshire is celebrating significant changes which will further strengthen the growing business.

Alsters Kelley Solicitors, which has offices in Coventry, Leamington Spa, Nuneaton and Southam, has become a limited company and is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority as an Alternative Business Structure (ABS).

Becoming a limited company will provide the business with a solid corporate structure to manage the business and to reward staff, while becoming an ABS means that ownership of the firm is opened up to non-solicitors.

As a result of becoming an ABS, Alsters Kelley has appointed Julie McGarrigle as a new director – the first non-solicitor owner of the firm.

Julie specialises in marketing and business development and will be using her knowledge to develop and grow the firm further.

Alsters Kelley Solicitors has also made two further key appointments, with Andrew Vigus joining the business as finance director and Wendy Lord being appointed as compliance manager.

The firm, which was formed in 2003 following the merger of Alsters and R J Kelley and Co, now has five directors, 90 members of staff and a turnover of £4 million which has been achieved over its four offices.

It is one of the larger law firms in Coventry and Warwickshire, with clients based locally and around the UK. Catherine Wahlberg, Managing Director of Alsters Kelley, said: “This is a very exciting time for us, and we are delighted to become both a limited company and an ABS firm.

“Becoming an ABS firm is extremely important to us as there are a lot of elements that run alongside our service offering, so the fact we can appoint new directors with other backgrounds reflects how important it is for us to continue strengthening the firm.

“Julie is an excellent addition and has an incredible passion for business development – something that is such a cornerstone in any business – so she will play a key part in our future growth.

“We are also very pleased to welcome Andrew and Wendy who will be supporting the management of the business and its development going forward.

“These are all extremely positive changes for the business, our staff and clients and we are looking ahead to an exciting future.”

Alsters Kelley has been involved with and a member of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce for a number of years.

Catherine added: “We decided to become a Corporate member of the Chamber at the start of this year. As we develop our offering to our clients we wanted to ensure we were able to develop links and relationships with some of those businesses that we could collaborate with and offer our services to.”

“Becoming an ABS firm is extremely important to us as there are a lot of elements that run alongside our service offering, so the fact we can appoint new directors with other backgrounds reflects how important it is for us to continue strengthening the firm.”

Modern flexible event space A Cotswolds hotel has joined a national venues group as it cements itself as a leading event and conference venue in the region.

Ettington Chase is part of The Venues Collection - one group, eight venues, 220 meetings and training rooms and 1,323 bedrooms, located across the UK. Set in 11 acres of beautiful grounds, yet easily accessible, Ettington Chase is just nine miles from the M40 and a short drive from the historic town of Stratford-uponAvon.

The venue is home to 15 meeting spaces that offer a range of flexible options for any occasion. There are also 130 elegant guest rooms and picturesque grounds that lend themselves perfectly for a range outdoor events and activities.

With a choice of 15 event spaces for up to 200 guests, the property is the perfect choice for meetings, conferences, training and product launches including car launches, with great outdoor space for al fresco events and team building activities.

For delegates looking to unwind ‘The Club’ offers a wide range of fitness facilities including a fully equipped, air conditioned gym offering a range of cardiovascular and weight machines.

There is also a heated swimming pool, sauna and spa pool, perfect for relaxing after a long day. Alternatively, they can hit

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the Tempus Restaurant and Bar for a locally sourced menu in a relaxed setting.

The buffet breakfast at the Tempus Restaurant features a wide range of hot and cold breakfast items, including all of the full English favourites.

For dinner, lighter meals can be enjoyed including deli sandwiches and gourmet burgers from the Bar menu, or choose from a wide selection of seasonal starters, main courses and desserts from the main menu.

Lorraine Lockwood, general manager at Ettington Chase, said: “Our modern and flexible event space along with our excellent facilities such as free, superfast wifi, energy stations for refuelling, a choice of working or buffet lunch (or breakfast) and 130 elegant bedrooms make it the ideal venue for any event.

“Our highly knowledgeable staff and past experience make Ettington Chase the obvious choice for conferences, meetings, product launches and retreats for local and national businesses alike.”

The Venues Collection offer an array of flexible contemporary and historic meetings space, perfect for business events, their properties are easily accessible to motorways yet remain close to the city centre.

When business turns to leisure, The Venues Collection also caters for

every memorable moment from christenings to birthdays, engagement parties to weddings, anniversaries to celebrations of life.

Whatever the reason for your visit, their welcoming and efficient staff are dedicated to ensuring that your visit is smooth flowing, stress-free and successful.

For more information on Ettington Chase and how it can meet your meeting and event needs visit www.ettingtonchase.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1789 740 000.

For more information on The Venues Collection, visit www.thevenuescollection.co.uk.

“Our modern and flexible event space along with our excellent facilities such as free, superfast wifi, energy stations for refuelling, a choice of working or buffet lunch (or breakfast) and 130 elegant bedrooms make it the ideal venue for any event.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Corporate Profile - Special Feature

Supplying the future workforce An educational institution which works with businesses to supply the future workforce is the headline sponsor at this year’s Chamber of Commerce Annual Business and Economic Conference.

Angela Joyce WCG CEO

WCG, one of the largest further and higher education college groups in the UK, is sponsoring the conference for the second year and is a further example of the importance it places on engagement with businesses across the region.

WCG, which is made up of seven colleges based across Warwickshire and Worcestershire, has strong links with the Chamber and prides itself on working with businesses across all sectors to understand the skills needs in the area.

All of the courses run by WCG are evidenced by labour market intelligence software to demonstrate the industry need and the employment opportunities that will be available to students.

The institution is also one of the largest apprenticeship providers in the region, training around 2,500 apprentices each year from more than 1,100 businesses, ranging from Jaguar Land Rover, BT Fleet, The National Trust, AGCO, Aston Martin, county and district councils right through to a large number of small businesses.

It also offers bespoke training courses tailored to the needs of individual business which can upskill or provide new skills to staff and advise if any funding can be accessed to support this.

number of ways including providing a matching service for students who have recently completed their studies at one of the WCG Colleges.

One of WCG’s current key strategic developments is the creation of the Moreton Hall Hotel Training School, created to offer students hospitality and tourism training in response to industry demands for a skilled workforce as well as the strong career opportunities available.

The development will bring a much loved regional landmark back to life following a devastating fire in 2008 and transform it into a hotel which will operate as a commercial business.

It will also become a centre of excellence for training a workforce for the region’s strong visitor economy.

Angela Joyce, Chief Executive at WCG, said: “Colleges are, and should be, the link between business and education, and one of the most important things for us is to engage with businesses and understand their needs.

“One of the things I am most proud of is that we work with businesses of all shapes and sizes, almost all industries, and from the very micro to the very macro.

It may be that the upskilling is part of a structured programme for existing employees and so apprenticeship levy funds can be accessed. Alternatively, WCG has a number of dedicated funding routes aimed solely at supporting SMEs.

“We work with some very interesting businesses across all sectors, and each of our individual colleges has an advisory board made up of key employers in the area to ensure we continually understand the industry needs in each local area.

The creation of WCG Recruitment means that a recruitment agency service now exists for businesses, which differs from other recruitment agencies in a

“We don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ attitude, and work with companies to understand their needs and support them to achieve these.

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“As well as our courses being tailored to deliver the skills that businesses require, we understand that digital skills are key in the modern workplace so this is something all of our full-time students study.

“At WCG we are very aware that we are training the future workforce and so digital skills, alongside literacy and numeracy are essential skills for employability.

“Our apprenticeship programme is particularly important to us and we very much have a three-way relationship between ourselves, the apprentice and the employer.

“This relationship is a proven model to ensure businesses and apprentices have a positive outcome; businesses are after all investing in talent and succession planning through apprentices, as well as often resolving hard to fill job vacancies.

“We believe in celebrating our apprentices, and hold a graduation ceremony every six months in recognition of their achievements.”

Angela added: “Moreton Hall Hotel is one of our latest key developments and will be only the second of its kind in the country, the other being in Essex.

“It is a very timely development as the industry is already saying that the impact of Brexit will be significant.

“The region’s tourism economy is very important, and we are working closely with pubs, hotels and restaurants across the area as well as key attractions such as Warwick Castle to understand industry needs.

“We believe Shakespeare’s England is the perfect place for a bespoke, high quality training centre such as Moreton Hall Hotel.”

Angela will be the lead panellist on the skills panel at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Business and Economic Conference on Friday, November 16.

She said: “The Chamber is an excellent organisation and one which we are very keen to support. The conference has a very good line-up and provides businesses with an excellent networking opportunity.

“For us at WCG, it provides an opportunity to further engage with businesses across the region and understand how we can support them. We can never have too many conversations with businesses and change is constant phenomenon which we embrace at WCG.”

“We work with some very interesting businesses across all sectors, and each of our individual colleges has an advisory board made up of key employers in the area to ensure we continually understand the industry needs in each local area.”

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News

Exact Logistics extends offering Rugby-based Exact Logistics has joined Watford Gap-based Fortec Distribution Network to further extend its offering and support its next phase of growth.

Specialist Employee Benefits Broker welcomes International Business Manager Specialist Healthcare Intermediary, Health Matters, has welcomed Geoff Maggs as International Business Manager in charge of developing the company’s portfolio of overseas corporate and expatriate clients.

Geoff takes on the newly formed role as International Business Manager at Coventry based Health Matters, one of the UK’s leading Independent Employee Benefits Intermediaries set up in 1999 by Managing Director, Simon Hurley-Smith.

He comes to Health Matters after spending 16 years working for some of the largest International Medical Insurance providers, gaining experience in the large corporate and SME sectors.

Co-owners and joint Managing Directors Adam and Karen Shuter took the decision to join Fortec as it sees the partnership will help to reinforce its market-leading position and further secure its reputation for delivering a best-in-class service.

The company will be covering Rugby and surrounding Warwickshire postcode areas and will have the ability to offer local companies collections and deliveries throughout the UK or for anywhere in Europe.

Formed in 2009, Exact Logistics has, over the past nine years, enjoyed

continuous growth through specialising in the collection and delivery of freight between the UK and Germany.

Initially starting with a team of three, the company now has 14 employees – a figure which is set to increase as the company continues to grow.

Before setting up the business with Karen, Adam had previously worked in the logistics industry for more than 30 years.

In that time, he had built a wealth of contacts in international logistics which proved to be the catalyst for Exact Logistics’ focus on Germany.

It is a niche offering and one which has paid dividends. Indeed, the company today has a wide portfolio

of customers in Germany including a children’s playground manufacturer and automotive parts provider for which Exact Logistics delivers in the UK. An established national pallet network with more than 80 members, Fortec is able to provide collection and delivery services throughout both the UK and Europe, and with its customercentric approach, Karen said the company seemed ideal to work in partnership with.

As Chair of the Rugby branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Karen said she saw the area as having the potential for growth and wherever possible she and Adam were keen to support local businesses.

Karen said: “As our company continues to grow, and as our customers’ needs continue to grow, being part of a pallet network is becoming ever more crucial.

“Although we have been a member of a network before, both Fortec and its members nationwide impressed us with their common goal of delivering the best possible service to customers – an ethos we practise within our own company daily. We are delighted to join Fortec as we enter into an exciting new chapter.”

Celebrate the gift of giving this Christmas – and help change lives Shelves in stores are filling with gifts, cards and wrapping paper as the nation heads full steam towards the season of giving and receiving.

But here at The Myton Hospices, Christmas takes on a much more poignant meaning.

Many patients and their families will be facing what will most likely be their last Christmas together – doing all they can to make sure every moment of every day is as special as it can be – and rightfully trying to embrace the yuletide magic to help them create special, everlasting memories.

Which is why the season of goodwill is even more important to us. We rely almost entirely on the support of the local community across Coventry and Warwickshire

to fund the amazing work we do.

This Christmas we are appealing to all our fellow Chamber members to help us continue this work, to dig deep and support us in any way you can.

Our seasonal fundraising drive beings with #GivingTuesday on November 27 where we join charities across the world in trying to raise as much money as is humanly possible in just 24 hours.

Hot on the heels of #GivingTuesday is our Festive Fridays campaign – a fun and easy way for every business and every office to help Myton. We are looking for people to get into the Christmas spirit by wearing a festive jumper, flashing tie, sparkly earrings (or anything else suitably festive) on a day of your choosing in the run up

to Christmas - it doesn’t even have to be a Friday.

You could also remember a loved one through our Light up a Life services at all of our hospices; dedicate a light on one of the magnificent trees at our hospices and take part in the remembrance services.

Last, but most definitely not least, is our annual Santa Dash –

the perfect excuse to dress up like Father Christmas and run, jog or walk 5k for the cause.

This year’s fun-for-all-the-family event takes place on Saturday 9th December at Victoria Park in Leamington Spa. Details of all the above events and how you can sign up can be found on the website – www.mytonhospice.org

Coombe Abbey becomes latest Venues of Excellence member Ron Terry, general manager of Coombe Abbey, and members of his team celebrate becoming a member of Venues of Excellence.

One of the most unique and inspirational hotels and conference venues in the UK has become the latest member of the growing Venues of Excellence consortium.

The prestigious sales and marketing consortium, which awards membership to only the highest quality conference, meeting and training venues across the country, has announced the accreditation of Coombe Abbey in Warwickshire – the third addition in less than a month following Conference Aston in Birmingham and Altitude London.

National Express Coventry defies national trend National Express Coventry has recently changed some of its bus services to bring even better services for customers, including fast links from the city centre.

The local bus operator has seen 2 per cent growth year-on-year for passenger journeys on its services in Coventry, defying the national trend.

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Annual statistics from the Department for Transport show that overall bus use in England (outside of London) has fallen over the last 25 years.

Full details of changes to services and timetables are available on www.nxcoventry.co.uk

Originally a 12th Century Cistercian abbey nestling in England's historic heartland, Coombe Abbey has been restored to its former glory and combines a taste of history with a sense of luxury. Set within 500 acres of breathtaking parkland, it is the perfect backdrop for conferences, corporate seminars and an impressive venue for celebrations, dining and leisure breaks in the Midlands.

Temporary HVM Solutions protecting the nation’s largest events Just under a year ago, StadiumTM introduced its HVM Solutions Service.

The company offers a bespoke package which gives organisers the opportunity to hire industry leading HVM solutions, which includes all aspects of installation and removal.

Over the past year, the service has grown in demand and Sunday October 21st, marked the company’s 250th deployment at the NFL at Wembley. The first deployment was at Burnley FC on November 18th, 2017.

This past year has demonstrated the changing landscape of how events approach security by both protecting people and physical assets, mitigating risks and being proactive in the approach to Vehicle as a Weapon (VaaW) attacks.

Some of the largest events StadiumTM have deployed to in recent months include Blackpool Illuminations Switch On, Coventry Godiva Festival, NFL London and Chester Racecourse.

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Coventry company in line-up for prestigious security award Coventry Telegraph Business Awards finalists, Events Services Company and innovative HVM Solutions provider, StadiumTM, are finalists in the prestigious Security & Fire Awards supported by IFSEC and FIREX. Two of the largest global security and fire related expos.

The company is one of six finalists in the Counter-Terrorism Project of the Year category. The award would recognise the work StadiumTM have put into protecting crowded spaces by investing and developing a HVM Solutions service available on a hire and installation basis. Over the past year the service has grown rapidly and has proven very successful.

StadiumTM works with market leading products and has installed in some of the country’s highest profile locations including: London’s Parliament Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Speakers Corner at Hyde Park.

New into Leadership?

What you need to know…

The awards ceremony takes place on November 21st at the London Hilton, Park Lane.

Coombe Abbey appoints new managing director Accolade for National Express National Express has been awarded the highest safety award in the UK the Sword of Honour - by the British Safety Council.

The Birmingham-based company has won two Swords this year - for its national white coach operation and for National Express West Midlands buses. It’s the fourth year in a row that the coach division has won this prestigious award, and the third consecutive year for the buses.

This year, only 61 companies in the world received Swords of Honour from the British Safety Council.

Managing Director National Express UK, Tom Stables, said: “At National Express, we believe that safety is everyone’s business, so I’m very proud that the hard work done by every single one of our employees has been publicly recognised like this.”

The company that runs the award-winning Coombe Abbey Hotel has appointed a new managing director.

Richard Harrison has joined Coombe Abbey Park Ltd after 12 years at Warwick Conferences and

will oversee the company, which operates the 119bedroom hotel, the café and on-site pub and meeting rooms, as well as a potential new Go Ape operation and additional café which is set to open next year.

Richard Harrison, the new Managing Director of Coombe Abbey Park Ltd, with Ron Terry, Manager of Coombe Abbey Hotel.

Development proves popular

The proposed new units at Tachbrook Park

Firms snapped up more than half the units at a new development planned for a Warwick business park – before it received planning permission.

Developer AC Lloyd has applied to create15 new business units on land it owns at Tachbrook Park, which is allocated for employment, and nine

companies are already signed up.

The units, which can be bought or rented, have been designed to appeal to businesses in a range of sectors included engineering, light engineering, hi-tech and storage.

The 2,000 sq ft units will be created on land off Plato Close.

More taps than Fred Astaire – bus company sells a million contactless tickets National Express West Midlands has had a million contactless payments since introducing the technology onto all its buses in April.

The bus operator’s records show that on Monday 17 September, an unknown customer got on the bus at 1703 at Saltley trading estate and made the millionth contactless transaction.

The ticketing system shows that this passenger travelled nine times that day.

Automatically, they would have been charged no more than an adult daysaver all day, so that’s just over 50p a trip.

The West Midlands is the only big metropolitan area outside

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London where bus customers paying by contactless using their bank card or on their phones have their fares automatically capped at the daysaver rate.

Tom Stables, Managing Director of National Express West Midlands, said: “We know this is what our bus customers want. We trialled this system on a few routes in Coventry in February. In just the first two days, a fifth of adult cash passengers switched to contactless. And since the summer, we have seen the number of contactless trips per day double.”

Moving into leadership is more common and important than ever with many more people being promoted into positions of leadership and nearly half of them failing due to lack of training or being left to selfmanage their transitions.

Are you ready? Do you know what it takes to become a great leader? By focusing on five basic dimensions of leadership, new leaders can succeed spectacularly.

So first take stock by asking questions about five basic dimensions of leadership: 1 - The strategy and operation of the business or function 2 - The corporate culture 3 - The team 4 - The leader herself or himself 5 - The other stakeholders that need to be managed Beware of generic answers because every leader’s starting point is different.

For some, the starting role is to maintain and improve steadily what they inherited in each of these dimensions. For others, transformational change in all the dimensions is necessary.

To be prepared is half the battle.

The other half is to take action.

Remember you don't have to do this alone. There are organisations out there like Sandler Training who focus on training great leaders. Your success is their success - so seek the help you need.

••• Written by Neil Liddell, CEO of Sandler Training Central, providers of Sales, Leadership and Management Training. Helping businesses overcome issues such as the above.

Contact Neil for more details.

T: 0845 0573563 M: 07547 227442 nliddell@sandler.com www.central.sandler.com •••

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Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training

Offering the Pinnacle of Care The speakers at Chamber Training’s Health & Social Care Employers’ Update

Health & Social Care employers’ update Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training recently hosted an exclusive briefing for Health & Social Care employers to announce new changes in their profession.

The briefing covered new funding arrangements and highlighted important Apprenticeship updates including level 4 and level 5 Apprenticeships and End Point Assessments. It also examined changes in learning loan qualifications, the national minimum data set for social care and workforce funding plus and the importance of training for staff in areas such as mental health.

Jan Ryan, Operations Director at Chamber Training commented: “Our employer briefings provide important updates for employers and their responsibilities. The feedback we get from our events hosted at our training centre in Coventry is excellent.

“Our expert speakers for the day were from Skills for Care, Warwickshire County Council, Skills for Growth and Chamber Training advisers on Apprenticeships and Skills for Growth training. It is important for employers to keep up to date with the new standards and look at ways of improving the performance of Apprentices within the workplace and enhancing assessment criteria.

“For those companies who are thinking about taking on Apprentices, the funding arrangements for Apprenticeships are accessed via the Levy for larger employers or 90% from the Education and Skills Funding Agency with a contribution from business.

For smaller employers (under 50 staff) employing a 16-18 year old apprentice the training is fully funded. All employers will receive £1,000 incentive for 16-18 year old apprentices. So if you would like to discuss how we can help you find suitable Apprentices for your industry or perhaps you’d like more information about training and development for your staff, please get in touch.”

To find out more, please contact the Business Development Team at Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training on 024 7623 1122 or email enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk

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A family run group of five specialist dementia care homes in Rugby, Warwickshire is celebrating over thirty years in delivering specialist care to individuals, with more recent training support and guidance from Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training.

Since 2010, Pinnacle Care Ltd has gained a close employer partnership with the team at Chamber Training. They have jointly sourced a record number of successful Apprentices who have achieved qualifications including Diplomas and Leadership qualifications in Health and Social Care.

In addition, as part of a pilot scheme for Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace training, the team at Pinnacle Care were more than happy to participate as they appreciated the importance of the training and its implications.

Gaynor Bintley, Business Development Manager at Pinnacle Care commented: “The programme consisted of three mandatory learning days at Chamber Training which can be evidenced as Continual Professional Development (CPD) and it provided us with a more detailed understanding of

mental health problems.

Our team now feel competent to support people with mental health problems whilst also achieving a recognised qualification.

“The course provided our team with the necessary training required that will close skills gaps in our business and lead to accredited qualifications. It is also a useful learning curve for employers as it can potentially help to reduce lost working hours due to mental health issues and stress which will ultimately increase productivity.

Once we completed the certificate, Chamber Training joined us at special awards evening in recognition of our achievements.”

Jan Ryan, Operations Director at Chamber Training remarked: “According to the Office of National Statistics 2017, the number of days taken off work for mental health problems soars 25% year on year. We are delighted to have formed such a fantastic working relationship with the team at Pinnacle Care and it’s great to see so many members of their team getting involved.”

Pinnacle Care are shown receiving their awards for achieving the Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems - Level 2 Accredited.

Chamber Training offers the the three day accredited course Mental Health Awareness attracts Skills 4 Growth Funding.

Training courses as a one day Up to 50% funding may be introduction and a three day available for the course, accredited course. For subject to organisation eligibility employers looking for a greater through Coventry & knowledge and understanding Warwickshire’s Skills 4 Growth. of mental health awareness, To find out more, contact our Business Development Team on 024 7623 1122 or email enquiries@cw-chamber-training.co.uk

“According to the Office of National Statistics 2017, the number of days taken off work for mental health problems soars 25% year on year.”

Funding benefits Warwickshire Conference Centre Chamber Training has been working closely with Ashorne Hill, in Warwickshire since 2009, to deliver a number of Apprenticeships and Skill Programmes for their conference centre staff which is set in beautiful surroundings of a Grade II listed Manor House.

Matt Finch, Operations Manager Front of House at Ashorne Hill was looking to further enhance his management skills and generate cost savings for the organisation, so he embarked on an ILM level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management with C&W Chamber Training. Commenting on the effectiveness of the course and its relevance within his current role, he said: This course has had a massive impact on how I can lead my team and be more logical and intuitive in my decision making.

It has really helped me introduce business cases within my organisation.

“Coming from a hospitality background which can be quite severe, the course has helped me to look at things from a whole business perspective rather than purely how it affects me or my team. I now have a greater awareness of how to manage projects and resolve issues of conflict. Even areas that I was proficient at before the start of the course, I’ve been able to improve on.

“We were able to access ESF funding through Skills 4 Growth with C&W Chamber

Training in order to improve team skills.

Natalie Lane, our account manager, offered great support and guidance to ensure we made the best plans for the firm’s future prosperity.

Jan Ryan, Operations Director at C&W Chamber Training remarked: “Ashorne Hill is a very supportive employer who is always proactively looking to invest in their people. The nationally recognised qualification is challenging but our tutors can help candidates to successfully launch their career in management.

We consistently achieve higher than average pass rates across every level of training through the learning and development qualifications on offer.

“The ILM level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management is designed for practising middle/senior managers to help them develop their skills and experience, improve performance and prepare for senior management responsibilities.”

C&W Chamber Training is delivery partner on the Skills 4 Growth Programme which is part funded by the European Social Fund and managed by the Coventry City Council.

Up to 50% funding may be available for this qualification, subject to eligibility, through Coventry & Warwickshire Skills 4 Growth which supports eligible SMEs to improve skills amongst their workforce.

Matt Finch, Operations Manager, Front of House, at Ashorne Hill

To find out more about the ILM qualifications and if your company is eligible for Skills 4 Growth ESF funding, please contact C&W Chamber Training’s Business Development Team on 024 7623 1122 or enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

sponsored

Course boosts confidence

like an interview and you could see how it would fit into a real-life situation, because you watched your peers and picked up tips so we were not just self-assessing, we were analysing others.”

She also secured a work placement with Coventry City Council chief executive Martin Reeves after he visited PET-Xi Training and met a group of young people taking part in the Future Leaders course.

The group was also set a challenge of raising £1,000 for charity in the final week of Future Leaders which they met by holding a variety of activities including cake sales, a sponsored events and a 14km walk.

Students from The Westwood Academy, Bablake School and Lyng Hall School in Coventry with Amerdeep Chanian (front, left) and Fleur Sexton (front, second left) from PET-Xi Training and Coventry City Council chief executive Martin Reeves (front, second right)

Students have raised more than £1,200 for charities while taking part in a course in their summer holidays centred around enterprise and the world of work.

Pupils from The Westwood Academy, Bablake School and Lyng Hall School in Coventry signed up for the Future Leaders course at PET-Xi Training.

The three-week course was focused on three themes – working together, improving learning and performance, and problem solving – at PET-XI Training’s headquarters at the Westwood Business Park in Coventry.

The students joined forces to create a business app by taking on the roles of accountant, marketing, human resources and managing director to deliver a Dragons’ Den style pitch to PET-Xi Training colleagues Maggie Thomson, Kelly Wright, Sharon McGuire, Julian Davis and David Hutchinson.

Sharon Wamuyu, aged 17, from Lyng Hall School said: “The following week, we gave a presentation about ourselves as if we were preparing to apply for a role as an apprentice at PET-Xi, which is difficult for many people.”

Hattie Morris, aged 16, of Bablake School, added: “It was really useful because it was

A total of £1,204.83 was collected which has been distributed to nine charities – Myton Hospice, Cancer Research, Lupus UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Mind, the Salvation Army, Zero Hunger with Langar, British Lung Foundation and the Dogs Trust.

Sophie Riley, aged 15, from The Westwood Academy, said: “Coming onto this course I was shy and anxious. All the PET-Xi staff made me feel included and welcome.

I have learnt how to improve the skills I never even knew I had.”

Amerdeep Chanian, team leader at PET-Xi Training, said he had been impressed by the standard of the students’ work throughout the summer programme which also gives UCAS points for those planning to go to university.

New product is developed Four University of Warwick undergraduates made the most of their summer holiday – by designing a new product that could change the way electric motors are taught.

Sam Stephens, Diego Del Hoyo, Chathurya Manchanayake and Mike Cresswell spent a six-week summer internship with Wellesbourne-based engineering consultancy FluxSys via a programme run by the University of Warwick, funded by Santander.

FluxSys founder, Dr John Reeve, decided to hire the interns after receiving support from the University of Warwick Science Park’s Business Ready

programme as he looks to grow the company he started in 2013. Three of the students were given a project to design a new testing rig for electric motors targeted at supporting teaching as FluxSys continues to develop its activities in electric drives training and education, while Diego supported the company on marketing.

The interns spent the summer developing the concept on paper and in CAD and have now come up with a product design ready for first build.

Dr Reeve will be investing in a final prototype which he can take to interested parties this autumn before developing a final product.

Ian McFarlane-Toms (centre) is with Chathurya Manchanayake, Diego Del Hoyo, Mike Cresswell and Sam Stephens.

War veteran and champion para-cyclist adds force to company's fund for comrades A former Paratrooper who overcame lifechanging injuries on the frontline to become a champion para-cyclist is putting his force behind a Coventry company’s fundraising for comrades in need.

Jaco van Gass was hit by a rocketpropelled grenade on his 23rd birthday whilst serving with the Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan in 2009, which resulted in multiple injuries including the loss of his left arm at the elbow.

Parachute Regiment charity Support Our Paras to re-train injured, serving and veteran soldiers.

The company has raised close to £100,000 for Support Our Paras from its annual golf day over the last six years and in 2017, launched the Wigley Support Fund to specifically direct its aid towards helping

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Jaco said: “My association with The Wigley Group goes back a few years.

They have been extremely generous and kind to the Parachute Regiment charity, and supported me with a bike frame which helped a great deal.

“I am excited to become the company’s ambassador and to be involved with the Wigley Support Fund. It has supported many individuals and I hope that with my help, we can reach out to many more as there is a significant need.”

He has since overcome physical and mental adversity to take on countless challenges from becoming a first-class downhill skier and marathon runner, to representing Team GB in para-cycling and trekking with other wounded soldiers and Prince Harry to the North Pole.

The keen adventurer has now been made ambassador of The Wigley Group and his main focus will be on the Wigley Support Fund, the company’s initiative with official

soldiers in need make the transition from military to civilian life.

Jaco van Gass on Ilmington Hill with Robert Wigley, chairman of The Wigley Group.

Robert Wigley, chairman of The Wigley Group, said: “Jaco represents a lot of what we want to achieve through the Fund.

He has taken himself from a very low point in life to the person and athlete that he is now, and that encapsulates everything we would like to do for a lot more wounded, injured and ex-military personnel.”

The Making Digital Tax initiative The Making Tax Digital initiative has been ready to go for some time but now small businesses are being made to ‘shoulder the burden’ of leading the way after a late change to its rollout.

The Government’s Making Tax Digital initiative for VAT has been set to go live for all businesses on April 1, 2019, for a while now.

However, HM Revenue & Customs has now announced that it will delay the deadline for larger and more complex business to October 1, 2019.

This includes all businesses who are part of a VAT group and businesses who make VAT payments on account, typically larger businesses in both cases.

In addition, the deferral applies to Trusts, public corporations and public sector bodies.

At Burgis & Bullock, we have been readying our clients for this change for some time now, while trying to draw wider attention to what is required amongst the business community.

The announcement has been greeted with relief in many quarters but disappointment that this leaves SMEs to shoulder the burden of going first.

The House of Lords economic affairs finance bill sub-committee has previously heard from tax experts and business representatives who have expressed concerns about the way that the Making Tax Digital programme has been implemented as well as the communication between HMRC and small business.

It would seem that time is now seriously running out for all VAT registered businesses to get to grips with Making Tax Digital, because despite all of the feedback and commentary, it’s unlikely that HMRC will make any more concessions.

Businesses are advised that with the deadline rapidly approaching, they should start reviewing their current systems as soon as possible to make sure they have enough time to make any necessary changes.

In addition, they should also consider precisely what data they will have to share with HMRC as part of this new process and the quality of that data.

At Burgis & Bullock we are hosting a series of seminars for local businesses to ensure they are ready for the change, where our experts will be on hand to discuss how to get up-tospeed with software requirements and all of the important dates for the process.

There will be two seminars at our Leamington office at Waterloo Place, firstly on Monday, November 19 between 2pm and 3.30pm and on Tuesday, December 18 between 10am and 11.30am.

The remaining seminar will be held at our Stratford office at Elm Court on Monday, November 19, between 10am and 11.30am.

Anne Rose, Head of Tax Services 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.

15

Legal sponsored column

Law firm builds on construction success with two new recruits A leading law firm is building on the success of its construction team by bringing two new recruits on board.

Leamington-based Wright Hassall has welcomed new partner Paul Slinger and solicitor Sandra Piaskowska after winning a clutch of clients in the sector so far in 2018.

The five-strong construction team advises on contentious and noncontentious matters for clients across a variety of sectors including utilities, rail and infrastructure, development and housing.

What happens if…

I want to acquire a business?

As soon as the decision to proceed is made it is most advisable that the parties appoint solicitors experienced in business/share sales and acquisitions. It is recommended that at this stage non-legally binding Heads of Terms are entered into outlining the principal terms of the transaction, estimated timetable to completion and whether it is to be an asset sale or, if the target is a private limited liability company, a shares sales.

Typically, it is at this point that legal due diligence will commence with an in-depth investigation into all aspects of the target business including its commercial contracts, ownership of property and assets, hire purchase and leasing contracts, employment contracts, pension obligations, insurances, banking relationships and compliance obligations.

The solicitors will be working in liaison with the buyer’s accountants on the financial and taxation aspects to ensure that the seller has complied with its tax, National Insurance and VAT obligations.

Central to the acquisition process is the asset purchase agreement or share purchase agreement, in either case it will be a detailed contract which is subject to extensive negotiations between the respective solicitors with the buyer’s solicitors seeking protections in the form of a wide range of warranties and, if necessary, appropriate indemnities. If the transaction is a share purchase the agreement will contain tax warranties and a tax covenant, the purpose of which is to ensure that the seller remains responsible for all taxation matters up to the point of sale.

For advice on business acquisitions please contact John Morgan at Mander Hadley Solicitors.

T: 024 7663 1212 or 01926 857631 E: johnmorgan@manderhadley.co.uk W: manderhadley.co.uk Offices in Coventry and Kenilworth

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Michael Hiscock, Stuart Thwaites, Sandra Piaskowska, Philip Harris, Paul Slinger

Firms announce merger

You have identified a business you would like to acquire which provides you with an entry to the market place or a route to the expansion of your existing enterprise.

Normally, the seller will not be willing to open his books and trading information without the protection of a confidentiality agreement and, in return, you will want to negotiate an exclusivity period during which the seller will not embark on negotiations with any other interested party.

In this period with the assistance of accountants a detailed investigation of the target’s financial records should be carried out to identify any issues which could have an influence on the sale price and the decision to proceed.

Paul Slinger has joined from Birmingham’s Mills & Reeve after 12 and a half years, having previously trained at Wragge & Co, now known as Gowling WLG. Sandra graduated from Nottingham Law School before completing the Legal Practice Course in 2012.

The new pair will work alongside three existing team-members including construction law expert and Wright Hassall partner Michael Hiscock, who joined the firm in 2014.

Trevor Day and Wende Hubbard of Burgis & Bullock with Nick White of Guard D’Oyly

A leading accountancy firm has increased its presence in Stratford after announcing it will merge with another firm in the town.

Burgis & Bullock, which has offices in Stratford, Leamington, Nuneaton, Leicester and London has joined forces with Guard D’Oyly, which is currently based in Mansell Street.

The move will see all of the existing Guard D’Oyly team, including its Principal, Nick White, move to Burgis & Bullock’s Elm Court premises.

The move is the latest success for Burgis & Bullock, which moved into the town two years ago, and will allow the Guard D’Oyly team to help their clients cope with the requirements of the forthcoming Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative.

Wende Hubbard, Managing Partner at Burgis & Bullock, said: “We are pleased to be able to bring our range of expertise to the Guard D’Oyly clients and look forward to working with Nick and his team to ensure that the transfer goes as smoothly as

possible. We are delighted to be able to continue building our presence in Stratford.”

Nick White, Principal of Guard D’Oyly, said: “The merger with Burgis & Bullock has been prompted by the impending implementation of the MTD initiative.

“Their expertise in this field puts them in a perfect position to continue assisting the clients we have been working with over the last 40 years.

“They have also shown a strong commitment to business in the town since moving here in 2016 and I am sure they will continue this good work for a long time coming.

“My clients can be assured they are in the safest hands possible and that there will be no disruption to the level of service they have become used to.”

Team is brought together HS2 Ltd is currently overseeing what is the largest land acquisition project since the Second World War, involving thousands of homes and properties along the high speed rail route set to link London, Birmingham, the East Midlands, Leeds and Manchester.

As part of the process, purchase prices are assessed by six consultant surveyors and A leading law firm has assembled a team of top solicitors in a bid then presented to homeowners, to help homeowners fight to get the right price for their property but numerous cases so far have caused controversy. with HS2 officials.

With an increasing number of enquiries coming from homeowners as to what assistance they can get in dealing with HS2 Ltd in order to get a deal they feel is right for them, Leamington Spa based law firm Wright Hassall has taken action.

The nine strong team is headed up by Sarah Beer, whose family’s farm in Offchurch, Leamington, has been compulsory purchased as the line is set to go straight through it.

Solicitors raise more than £2,000 for charity with Wills events Generous clients and lawyers from the private client team at Coventry and Kenilworth-based Mander Hadley Solicitors, have together raised more than £2,000 for two very worthy local causes.

In May, the firm held a ‘Make a Will Week’ in support of The Myton Hospices, offering to prepare Wills free of charge, but asking clients to donate to The Myton Hospices. It has now been confirmed that £820 was raised for the charity as a result of these donations.

In June, the firm offered a similar ‘Make a Will Week’ – this time in aid of The Air Ambulance Service, which raised £1,520, the highest amount raised by any firm of solicitors so far this year.

Jonathan Hall, Managing Director at Mander Hadley Solicitors, said: “Writing or updating a Will whilst supporting a worthy cause has enabled our clients to benefit from the peace of mind of knowing that their estates will be distributed amongst the correct beneficiaries after their deaths.

“It also enables them to plan to limit any tax which otherwise might fall on their family, at the same time as helping with these charities’ vital work.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to raise so much for both The Myton Hospices and the Air Ambulance Service.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Finance

sponsored column

Triple celebration at Armstrongs Chartered Accountants An award-winning firm of chartered accountants, based in Coventry and Nuneaton, are celebrating a new look, new website and new business development division.

L-R: Armstrongs Business Development Manager Cheryl Stanley with Armstrongs Director Paul Farmer.

Armstrongs Chartered Accountants have recently undergone a rebrand, which has given the practice a fresh identity reflecting the modern forward-thinking firm it has become.

A new website has also been launched. The interactive site provides a wealth of information on the services Armstrongs offers and demonstrates how the team will help you grow your business while they take care of the numbers.

Paul Farmer, Director at Armstrongs, said: “2018 has been an exciting year for Armstrongs. The new identity and website have given us a fantastic platform from which to operate at a regional and national level. Our firm has grown considerably over the last few years, so the timing was right to take Armstrongs to the next level.”

The new business development division is headed up by Cheryl Stanley, who said: “I am excited to have joined the Armstrongs team and looking forward to being part of the Armstrongs journey moving forward.”

HSBC UK launch new SME lending fund HSBC UK has launched a £12 billion lending Fund to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK, as part of its broader commitment to helping British businesses realise their ambitions for growth.

Now entering its fifth year, HSBC UK’s dedicated SME Fund 2018 is the largest to date – increasing £2 billion on last year after the 2017 fund was fully utilised by British businesses seeking to expand.

The SME Fund 2018 is double the first SME Fund of £6 billion – launched by HSBC in 2014 – and brings total funds committed to SMEs over the five years to £46 billion.

Amanda Murphy, Head of Commercial Banking at HSBC UK, said: “Many SMEs in the UK are ambitious, entrepreneurial and ready to expand. After the success of last year, this increased SME Fund 2018 will help more businesses plug the gap between ambition and reality, supporting their growth. We are committed to help British businesses innovate, evolve and grow.”

The new SME Fund includes a ringfenced £1 billion to help UK companies grow their business overseas. HSBC research revealed that over two-thirds (72 per cent) of UK businesses expect their cross-border trade to increase this year1.

Amanda said: “British companies are optimistic about their trade growth prospects but it’s important they can get the finance they need to achieve it. With this in mind, we have set aside £1 billion of the Fund to support international businesses in the UK. We cover more than 90 per cent of global trade and capital flows and are uniquely placed to help these businesses trade overseas.”

Small Business Minister Kelly Tolhurst said: “With more than 1,000 starting up

every day, the UK’s 5.7 million small businesses are the backbone of our economy.

“Through our modern Industrial Strategy and industry-led initiatives such as this, the Government and industry are building an environment in which businesses all over the country can thrive.”

Following on from last year’s success, the 2018 SME Fund will again include a ring-fenced minimum pot of £300 million to support the UK’s agriculture businesses. Ensuring the Fund remains truly UK-wide in its support of ambitious companies, it will be split and allocated to specific regions across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“British companies are optimistic about their trade growth prospects but it’s important they can get the finance they need to achieve it. With this in mind, we have set aside £1 billion of the Fund to support international businesses in the UK.

Lloyds Banking Group commits to TUC’s Charter Lloyds Banking Group has added its name to a charter aimed at helping employees living with terminal illnesses.

Lloyds Banking Group signed up to the Dying to Work Voluntary Charter, following in the footsteps of employers such as Rolls Royce, Royal Mail and the Co-op.

The Charter is part of the TUC’s wider Dying to Work campaign which is seeking greater security for employees living with a terminal illness.

Dying to Work was taken forward by the TUC following the case of Jacci Woodcook, an area sales manager from Derbyshire who was forced out of her job working for a textile design company after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.

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The TUC is asking employers to sign up to its voluntary charter to stop cases like Jacci’s happening in the future.

TUC Deputy General Secretary, Paul Nowak, said:“Your job should be the least of your worries when you get a terminal diagnosis.

“I’m delighted that Lloyds Banking Group have shown real leadership in this area, working with unions to guarantee fair treatment for terminallyill workers.

“Millions of workers are now covered by the Dying to Work charter across the country, which is a real success and we expect more employers to follow Lloyds and sign up in the coming months.”

Rebecca Priestley, People Director at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “At Lloyds

Banking Group we have been working hard to provide specialist advice and support for colleagues living with a terminal illness. Reflecting this important support, we have agreed to become a signatory of the Charter, which underscores our commitment to be there for colleagues through challenging times, when they need us most.

Ged Nichols, Accord General Secretary, said: “We’re very pleased that Lloyds Banking Group agreed to join us in signing this significant Charter. My colleague, Paula Tegg, deserves all the credit for campaigning and persevering to get us to this point. The Charter is an important part of Accord’s wider Dignity at Work agenda.”

How to choose an R&D Consultant Have they been recommended/ Do you have an existing relationship?

It is important you can talk openly and freely with your chosen specialist. Many accountants offer an R&D service, which is incredibly helpful as your accountant has a good overview of your company and wider tax position. The important point is to make sure that the person you work with is able to understand the scheme rules and your company fully, to make sure they are maximising your claim Are they the agent or an introducer?

Many accountants and other tax bodies outsource work to specialist consultants.

This allows very specialist services to be provided by specialists in other areas.

It is important to know who you will be working with however, as you will have to work closely with your consultant.

Track record/ What happens if HMRC want more information A good consultant should be able to show their previous success and talk knowledgeably about both claims that were successful and what happens when additional information is required. Has your consultant ever worked with HMRC officers to resolve issues? How and when did they do that?

If HMRC do ask a question, at the point of claiming or afterwards, your consultant should be able to resolve those queries quickly and at no additional cost to you.

Will they be preparing all or just some of the information?

A claim requires two elements; a calculation and a report. The calculation details the figures included and shows how they have been used.

The value identified can be simply inserted in the tax computation and CT600, but HMRC like the calculation to be included for reference.

The report includes details of the projects claimed for and answers set questions HMRC require answers too as part of the claim.

Your R&D consultant should be able to provide both elements.

If you think you may qualify for R&D tax relief, call us on 01926 512 475 to discuss whether R&D tax relief is right for your business. www.mcs-corporate.com

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Property

Coventry company progressing with £3.6 million revamp at historic boarding school Pictured at Edgwick Point, from left to right, are Charlie Brooks (Wigley Building and Development), James Richards (Wright Hassall), James Davies (The Wigley Group), Jon Ryan-Gill (Gerald Eve), Mike Vining (Vining Management), Robert Wigley (The Wigley Group), Austyn Percy (Stewart Watson), Vicky Bullas (Gerald Eve) and Jennifer Cottle (Gerald Eve).

Historic Coventry site sold for £7.5m A major industrial site of historic importance in Coventry has been sold in a deal worth approximately £7.5 million.

The Wigley Group has sold the land which once housed the world-famous Alfred Herbert manufacturing works in Edgwick Park to the Harmsworth Pooled Property Unit Trust.

The leading commercial property, construction and risk company began a speculative development of its three-acre plot just off the main gateway from the M6 into the city earlier this year to provide 65,000 sq ft of high-quality industrial units.

James Davies, managing director of The Wigley Group, said: “We have completed a forward-funded deal whereby we are selling the land and our construction arm, Wigley Building and Development, are building the units on behalf of the purchaser.”

The site, once well-known for the Top Shop from its Alfred Herbert era and now renamed Edgwick Point, forms part of 35 acres bought

by The Wigley Group in the late 1970s.

It marked the start of the company’s venture into the commercial property market and large sections have been regenerated and sold over the years to companies including Gallagher and Lidl.

Davies added: “The sale marks a historic transition in ownership. It is the final piece in the jigsaw in terms of the development and regeneration of what was the oldest investment in our commercial property portfolio.

“It is an extremely proud moment for The Wigley Group and we look forward to delivering the completed development to the new owners which will signal a new and exciting chapter for a site of great importance to Coventry’s manufacturing past.”

Property consultancy Gerald Eve acted on behalf of the Harmsworth Pooled Property Unit Trust in acquiring the site situated on Canal Road, just off the A444.

Jon Ryan-Gill, Partner Birmingham, from Gerald Eve, said: “This is a key purchase for my client who has been extending their industrial portfolio in the regions. We look forward to working with The Wigley Group to complete the units and bring them to market in Spring 2019.”

Wright Hassall and Lodders Solicitors acted for The Wigley Group in the sale, and Reed Smith represented the purchaser. Vining Management is overseeing the construction of the units on behalf of The Wigley Group.

Work on the development comprises one block of 25,000 sq ft and two blocks of 20,000 sq ft capable of sub-division, and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2019.

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Martin Gallagher (Deeley Construction), Sean Clarke (Mace), Chris Newman (Deeley Construction), Matt Lynch(Deeley Construction), Andrew Haines (Robothams), Lesley Brookes (Bromsgrove School)

A historic boarding school has appointed a construction company to carry out the next phase of its multi-million pound refurbishment project.

Bromsgrove School, which was founded in 1553, has more than 1,600 pupils aged between three and 18, making it one of the

largest independent schools in the country.

The school has over 540 boarders from age seven and will invest £3.6m for the refurbishment of Elmshurst House – a house for over 90 boys aged 13–18 - and as the final part of the project in July 2019 the

school will also extend the car parking provision.

Over the summer, Deeley Construction, a Coventry-based company, completed phase one with the re-emergence of a brand new common room, associated communal areas and Houseparent’s study.

ehb Reeves offering £1.8m Regency Villa in Leamington A stunning, Grade II listed home, described as ‘one of Royal Leamington Spa’s finest Regency Villas,’ has gone on sale for £1.8 million.

The four-storey, link-detached property dates back to the early 1800s and enjoys a prime location in Beauchamp Avenue, one of Leamington’s most sought-after addresses.

Property details issued by leading Warwickshire commercial property consultants ehB Reeves, also reveal it boasts accommodation covering 6,850 sq.ft. and has a

Coach House and mature gardens to the front and rear.

The sale is being handled by ehB Reeves director Simon Hain, who said: “This is a rare opportunity to acquire one of Royal Leamington Spa’s finest Regency Villas.

“This residential investment is currently laid out to provide three high-quality income-producing apartments and the unconverted basement and separate Coach House mean it has excellent potential for further residential development.

“However, there is also the opportunity to convert this magnificent property back into what would undoubtedly be a grand and impressive family dwelling, with both front and rear secluded gardens.

“There has been keen interest already and not just locally. We’ve had inquiries from as far afield as Cornwall because this is a unique opportunity to acquire a unique property.” ehB Reeves was formed by the recent merger between Leamington-based companies ehB

ehB Reeves director Simon Hain at 27 Beauchamp Avenue, which is for sale for £1.8m

Commercial and Reeves and Partners. The new firm now enjoys a growing management portfolio valued in excess of £100 million.

Bromwich Hardy completes lease deal

James Brookes, Obi Okwuadigbo, Dominic Moore

A landmark building in the centre of Coventry is to be transformed into a hub for university staff, parents and students as the result of a property deal.

Coventry University has agreed a lease on all 64 apartments in the first phase of Belgrade Plaza in the city centre.

Coventry University Enterprises has taken a 12-year-lease on the

one and two-bedroom homes through its FutureLets accommodation division.

The deal has been agreed with landlord Clearbell Capital, through commercial property agents Bromwich Hardy.

Apartments will be offered as serviced accommodation to staff, travelling lecturers and parents of students, who are visiting the city and University. They occupy the top floors of the mixed-use development at Belgrade Plaza which includes a hotel, gym and three restaurants all in close proximity to the city’s Belgrade Theatre.

Obi Okwuadigbo, of FutureLets, said: “The need for more student accommodation is well documented and people can see the new schemes being developed in the city centre.

“We also need to ensure there is enough accommodation for staff and visitors and that’s the reason behind our decision to lease Belgrade Plaza.

“The lease has been taken over 12 years and began at the end of August this year in time for the academic year ahead.”

James Brookes, of Bromwich Hardy, who acted for Clearbell, said: “Having worked very hard on the student sector in Coventry over the past few years, it is great to see a number of major deals coming to fruition.

“The lease makes perfect sense from the landlord, as it provides a lengthy term at a strong rental, with Coventry University’s covenant strengthening the investment value at Belgrade Plaza.

“For the university, they get to house their lecturers and parents at

one of the premier locations in the city centre.”

Dominic Moore, Head of Asset Management at Clearbell Capital, said: “Coventry is a city undergoing great change. It has always had significant economic drivers, including strong local industry and the two universities. Yet, to date, Coventry has lacked sufficient residential accommodation and facilities to match growing demand to live and work in the city.

“As the home of both Coventry and Warwick Universities, there is a particularly strong need for accommodation for students and staff in Coventry. This long-term letting at Belgrade Plaza demonstrates the desire for universities such as Coventry to ensure supply of high-quality student and staff accommodation.”

EHB Commercial announces merger with Reeves and Partners Two Leamington-based commercial property consultants have announced they have merged to create ‘an even stronger and more dynamic’ firm with a growing management portfolio valued in excess of £100 million. ehB Commercial has joined forces with Reeves and Partners to create a partnership which will trade as ehB Reeves.

Initially, the two businesses will continue to operate independently, with ehB trading from its current premises in Clarendon Place and Reeves remaining at its base in Euston Place, Leamington Spa. The longer-term plan is to relocate both businesses to one

location in the centre of Leamington, bringing all of its services under one roof.

Simon Hain, director of ehB Reeves, said: “This is a natural coming-together of two successful businesses which will expand both our agency and management presence to cover the wider Warwickshire and Midlands region.

“We will be able to offer a strong service which people will be able to look to with confidence. It will be a comprehensive offer and enable us to diversify the business even further.

“Likewise, it will be a seamless merger for ours and Reeves’ existing clients. It’s important for

From left, Simon Hain, Scott Blake, Nick Evans, Stuart Gregory and Richard Pomfret as Leamington-based ehB Commercial and Reeves and Partners join forces

us to be open about our plans with our clients and contacts, as we are a people business first and foremost.”

Richard Pomfret, managing director of Reeves and Partners, said: “This is a significant move for us and we are delighted to be teaming up with ehB, a company which, like ourselves, has worked hard to establish the reputation it enjoys in South Warwickshire. It’s very much

business as usual for us both as we enter this exciting new partnership.”

Mr Hain said the property management market is buoyant in the Midlands, making it a perfect time to expand in this arena.

“We’re both going in with the view that we will look to expand and bring in new staff in the future,” he added.

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Celebrating a fantastic year for The Wigley Group

NEW COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY RESTRUCTURE

We’d like to thank all the local businesses and organisations we have worked with in 2018 and wish everyone a very successful 2019. Here’s a few of our highlights from the past 12 months…

New commercial development We’re constructing 65,000 sq ft of industrial units at Edgwick Point, and have recently sold the land and development in a deal worth approximately £7.5 million.

Company restructure

New HQ PLAYING OUR PART IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

We’ve expanded our team and made new appointments including Robert Wigley as chairman, James Davies as managing director and James Ellerington as director of operations as part of a restructure to support growth.

New HQ By the end of this year, we will have moved into our new HQ at Stockton House, with the former country house in Southam becoming our operational base.

Playing our part in the local community We’re proud to have supported Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and the Festival of Imagineers, and created a new equine water jump for Princethorpe College.

Growing our portfolio We’ve welcomed Fastenal and KB Transport Solutions into our new units at Henley Road Industrial Estate and Crick Industrial Estate respectively.

GROWING OUR PORTFOLIO WIGLEY SUPPORT FUND

Wigley Support Fund We’ve made champion para-cyclist and former Paratrooper Jaco van Gass our ambassador, with his main focus on The Wigley Support Fund which benefited from £17,000 raised at our annual golf day.

Tel: 01926 670600

Email: info@thewigleygroup.com

thewigleygroup.com

Profile: Martin Sutherland Martin Sutherland is a man who clearly views expectation and opportunity as one and the same.

Sutherland has arrived in Coventry to head the team tasked with delivering a successful UK City of Culture for Coventry in 2021 and beyond.

The eyes of the region, the UK and the world are firmly fixed on the city for the next three years at least and, put simply, Sutherland must deliver.

To draw a sporting comparison, if Coventry’s UK City of Culture was a football team, it has already been handed the Premier League title for 2021. Sutherland and his colleagues now have to deliver the performances to justify that title while everyone sits in judgement – including the cities that missed out – and just waits to bask in what should be a truly memorable year.

The city’s managerial dream team is Sutherland and Chenine Bhathena. Sutherland has built a successful career in culture and arts largely away from a personal spotlight and his task is to apply a pragmatic leadership, enabling Creative Director Bhathena to deliver a programme and a year to match and surpass those expectations – and ensure there is a lasting legacy for the city.

Sutherland is a Scot, raised near Paisley, the middle of three children. His upbringing – he is the son of a surveyor– gave no hint of a career that would see him spend time in California, attend RADA and become a leading expert in delivering change and regeneration through culture.

He lived in Scotland for the early part of his life, but his first venture south was measured.

“I joke that I headed for the border at 18 and kept running,” he said, “but the truth is I only went as far as Lancaster for university.”

That was – initially – to study for a degree in politics.

Sutherland said: “When I got to university, I stumbled into the theatre studies department.

I had only done weekend youth theatre but had never contemplated making a career from this interest. During the time at Lancaster, I was given the opportunity to go and study abroad for a year and that’s when I really got hooked into theatre.

“I went to California and had the most fantastic year not studying politics. I went back and negotiated with the university to alter my course and came out with a degree in political science and theatre studies. I can’t imagine anyone else has the same degree.

Great Expectations C&W in Business caught up with the man responsible for delivering City of Culture.

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“I did not want to be an actor and was not particularly interested in pursuing a political career. I had always been politically engaged and, at school, it was classics, economics and history that were the things that fired me up.

“I went to the local state school and had a really good education. I was really privileged to be in a system that still offered Latin and Classical Greek to all students. I am not sure that is true across the UK. “I studied these subjects because I loved the stories, the mythologies, and, I suppose, that is why I became involved in theatre. My job is now to support people to tell really great, important stories.”

The journey south continued after university.

“My Scottish work ethic kicked in,” Sutherland said. “I had a degree and the theatre interested me but I still had to ‘get a trade’ so I applied to RADA to train as a stage manager which I thought was a very practical way of using my degree.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Profile: Martin Sutherland During that time, he volunteered as an office assistant for leading theatre producers and gained experience working for, among others, Elton John’s Rocket Theatre company which looked after the singer’s interest in the Lion King on Broadway.

After two years learning the producing ropes, he joined Camden People’s theatre and co-developed a visual theatre festival which still runs today.

He set up his own company – when he first crossed paths with Bhathena who was staging events – bringing international theatre companies to the UK on tour.

He transferred one show to the West End and while it certainly did not make his fortune, it helped shape the rest of his career.

Bomb-itty of Errors was a hip-hop theatre retelling of Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors and it was well received. Charles Spencer, theatre critic of the Daily Telegraph, reviewed and wrote: “The energy never lets up for a moment and the show fully lives up to the cast's promise at the start: "Some parts will make you cheerful, and some will make you tearful." The tears, however, are tears of joy.”

For Sutherland, the tears were financial.

“It was a bit of a commercial disaster,” he said. “It was a hip-hop musical and while everyone talks about current West End and Broadway smash hit, Hamilton, I like to think we were just ahead of our time!”

He took up the Director’s post at Newbury to run The Corn Exchange, which also included a small studio theatre on the site of the former Greenham Common missile base, which supported emerging artists.

During this time, he launched the Newbury Comedy Festival, securing headline sponsorship from Vodafone.

From there he moved to the Royal & Derngate Theatres in Northampton, a role which not only gave him the chance to produce home-grown work but also take on the programming and management of very large commercial shows.

It also morphed into a job which provided him with key business experience and, at the same time, magnified the importance of culture in regeneration and supporting local communities.

He said: “The theatre had just reopened so we had to work with our team to redefine its purpose in the town. It was the peak of the recession and while the building was new and shiny it had been closed for 18 months and audiences had largely disappeared.

“We made sure we established a leadership role in the town and made the case for culture which meant that, despite tough times, we still attracted modest levels of public funding, which was key to our ability to develop a highly acclaimed “Made in Northampton” producing wing.”

During this time, productions originated in Northampton toured extensively across the UK and also transferred to the National Theatre, the West End and to Broadway.

The remit expanded when Sutherland and his team was asked to give a view on what Corby Borough Council was planning for its new theatre, The Core at Corby Cube.

Consequently, his team was asked to deliver its offering, launching the new arts centre in 2010.

“That meant my focus changed as I had to establish a shared services company which developed a range of management, leadership business services not only across Northampton and Corby but which could also be offered and sold externally,” Sutherland said.

“I sat on both Northamptonshire and South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership Boards to ensure that the cultural and creative industries were a priority in the area – essential to the area’s economic prosperity and “liveability”. I was able to make the case that artists and arts companies are entrepreneurial and innovative, they have to assess and manage risk, and establish new markets. All features of a booming business”.

Sutherland had stayed in Northamptonshire for a decade and opted not to take up other offers to “just repeat the same elsewhere”, when the call from Coventry came.

“I thought it would be absolutely the right step for me with all the work I had been doing in place-making, a civic role and political engagement,” he said. “I had knowledge of the city and the area and a firm belief in how the arts can help transform communities.

Working Day

“I did take time to mull it over because we had created something very special in Northamptonshire. So, I came to the city for a couple of weekends and had a poke around to get a sense of Coventry and the high expectations of its people.

“I have recently developed an early morning work routine, but I work in the arts and entertainment sector, and as a breed we are evening folk; but the adjustment has been fairly smooth!”

“The number of companies and organisations, including the Chamber, who have backed the bid is remarkable.

The artistic, business and political community has been nothing but welcoming which has been great.

The bid had massive public support and, excitingly, the expectations remain sky-high.”

No pressure then.

“I sat on both Northamptonshire and South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership Boards to ensure that the cultural and creative industries were a priority in the area – essential to the area’s economic prosperity and “liveability”. I was able to make the case that artists and arts companies are entrepreneurial and innovative, they have to assess and manage risk, and establish new markets. All features of a booming business”.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

It is not just Sutherland’s managerial skill set which has developed through his career.

There is no typical day in the City of Culture. Sutherland has been on a whirlwind of meeting key players – locally and with national cultural bodies – while, at the same time, building the team which will ultimately deliver the programme for 2021 and plan the legacy for beyond.

“It is certainly a seven-days-a-week job, perhaps more structured though than previous roles, as I no longer have audiences arriving every night.”

Escape comes in a couple of forms – Sutherland is still a season ticket holder at Northampton Saints, and once a year he does a long solo hike.

Born: Paisley, Scotland Date of birth: 22/03/1974 Live: South Northamptonshire, but Coventry City Centre from March 2019 Favourite Book: Currently working through Paul Auster’s epic 4321 Favourite Film: Anything by Pedro Almodovar Last Holiday: Crete Car: Most likely to be seen on my Brompton bike when in Cov Hobbies: Watching rugby Gadget: Illy espresso machine

21

News

Leicestershire firm makes key appointment to drive growth Sarah Genner, Faye Summers, Jordan Simpson, Luke Scott and Peter Bradley.

Company’s growth continues apace A national online flooring retailer, which is based in Hinckley, has broken through the 100 staff mark as it continues to grow at a rapid rate.

UK Flooring Direct, which moved to the Hinckley Commercial Park less than a year ago, has been hiring for a range of roles in the past few months and, having hit the magic 100 mark, is still on the hunt for more people in a range of sales, IT, marketing and warehouse roles.

The company sells a range of flooring including real wood, laminate and vinyl via its website www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk and also has a show-room for local trade and retail customers at the Hinckley HQ.

A national flooring company, which is based in Hinckley, has made a key appointment to help meet its ambitious growth plans.

Faye Summers has joined UK Flooring Direct as Head of HR and People Development and is overseeing the firm’s recruitment drive which will see it jump from 82 staff to 160 over the next few years.

The company sells a range of flooring including real wood, laminate and vinyl via its website www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk and also has a show-room for local trade and retail customers at the Hinckley HQ, which it moved to in 2017.

Faye is one of the Midlands’ leading lights in HR and Recruitment having risen through the ranks at Phones 4u in a HR Capacity before becoming Head of HR at a recruitment company based in Stoke-on-Trent.

She said she was joining UK Flooring Direct at an exciting time in the company’s progress, with plans to hit £100 million turnover in the next four years.

Faye said: “I have made very deliberate decisions in my career and the next step for me was to join another SME where I knew I could make a real difference and have an impact day-to-day.

“As soon as I came in and met with the directors, I got a great feel for the company and I knew I wanted to join the business.

“My role covers a number of elements, one of these is heading up the recruitment process which is very important and spans across a number of different positions throughout the organisation. It’s going really well and, as the profile of the company continues to rise, we get

“The company has big plans for growth and we can only do that by attracting the right people who want to be part of this exciting time for the business.”

“The directors take a real interest in every person who works here and that means something to people.”

Jason Ashby, who established UK Flooring Direct in 2005, said Faye was integral to the growth of the business.

He said: “We are growing all the time. We always want to keep the family feel to the business but, equally, we have to ensure that as we continue to expand all of our processes are in place to manage and sustain that.

“We are delighted to have Faye on board as our growth relies on us bringing in and keeping the best people for the business.”

Young people benefit from new centre

The latest recruits include Jordan Simpson, as Trade Account Manager; Luke Scott, as Head of Category; Peter Bradley, as Samples Fulfilment Manager; and Sarah Genner, as Samples Consultant, to take the company into treble figures. All four are from the Hinckley and Nuneaton area.

UK Flooring Direct Manager Director Jason Ashby, who founded the firm with his wife, Lisa, said: “We are delighted to reach the 100 staff mark and credit must go to Faye who has hit the ground running in managing our recruitment as well as the training and development of the staff who were already here.

more people enquiring about opportunities.

“It’s my job to ensure that we attract the best, we grow the best and that we retain the best people to meet UK Flooring Direct’s growth plans.

“We have the right structure in place now to make sure that we can do all of those through recruiting, investing in training and development of our people and offering employees a number of benefits and rewards that come with working at UK Flooring Direct.

“One of the big attractions to being part of this business is the real family feel, even though the company continues to grow, it has stayed true to its values and ethos of being a family run business and this is echoed through the people.’

From the left, Mark Bonham (Assistant Principal, WCG), Anthony Freeman (graduate), Peter Husband (Group Deputy Principal, WCG) and Gemma Gathercole (Productivity and Skills Executive Officer, CWLEP)

More than 1,000 young people have had the opportunity to learn a new trade at an enhanced construction learning facility at Royal Leamington Spa College since it opened three years ago to address a construction industry skills gap across the region.

The Construction Training Centre, part of the Warwickshire College Group (WCG), was redesigned and expanded with new classrooms and practical workshop areas to facilitate the teaching of electrical installation and plumbing in a range of different learning routes.

Since its completion, the redeveloped centre has seen a 15 per cent increase in student numbers, an increase in employer engagement and is able to deliver a broader curriculum.

It now offers a range of post-16 qualifications and part-time courses alongside advanced and higher apprenticeships.

The £480,000 building was partly funded with £239,000 from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) with the remainder matched by WCG funding.

A total of 1,097 plumbers and electricians have been trained at the centre to date – 248 in 2014/15 (pre-opening), 271 in 2015/16, 291 in 2016/17 and 287 in 2017/18 – which has industry-standard facilities and is able to deliver the new apprenticeship standards in electrical installation.

Sixty-nine 16-to-18-year-olds have secured apprenticeships after gaining full-time qualifications. Altogether, 44 students aged 16 to 18 and 26 students aged 19 and over have gained a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Electrical Installations and Plumbing and Heating. The number of 16-to-18-year-olds who have gained a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Plumbing and Heating is 29 and those aged 19 and over is 22.

In total, more than 50 construction businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire have been supported to address the recognised skills gap within their sector.

Ofsted commends progress of ‘good’ College since merger Ofsted has endorsed the progress made by North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College since its formation as part of a merger two years ago.

Following a two-day monitoring visit, Ofsted judged that the College has made significant progress in meeting

the needs of its students, the local community and employers, and has enhanced the rigour of its governing body while managing its finances well.

Ofsted recorded that the College has a well-informed understanding of the key economic and skills priorities in the communities it serves and has

developed successful partnerships to deliver specific skills for growing and important sectors including automotive engineering, logistics and cybersecurity.

The report noted that college managers have high expectations of students and prioritise the

development of maths and English skills, with achievements improving so that more students now achieve high grades in GCSE English. Ofsted reported that a significant proportion of students progress on to a range of positive destinations including employment, and further and higher education.

Triple celebrations at WCG graduation ceremonies

More than 230 students celebrated their academic achievements at three graduation ceremonies at St Mary’s Collegiate Church and Old Shire Hall, Warwick.

The graduates, who have spent the past few years studying a variety of higher education courses at six of the WCG group of colleges across Warwickshire and Worcestershire donned their gowns, hoods and mortarboards at the Grade 1-listed Old Shire Hall before moving with family and friends to the ceremony and presentation of awards at the 900 year-old church.

Following the ceremony, the graduates led by WCG CEO Angela Joyce, governors and VIPs, processed

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through the centre of Warwick, stopping at Market Square for the traditional mortarboard throw. Thereafter a drinks reception at Old Shire Hall finished off the special occasion.

Guests of honour and keynote speakers at the ceremonies were Sir Peter Rigby DL, Chief Executive of the Rigby Group PLC, Timothy Cox, Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire and David Holmes, CEO British Eventing.

At Friday’s ceremony WCG’s President Chris White and CEO Angela Joyce presented a fellowship of WCG to Steve Wood who served as a governor of WCG for 11 years and latterly as chairman for the final three years of his tenure.

Mr Wood was recently been appointed as a trustee and chair of the Moreton Hall Trust Board which has been set up to oversee the college group’s vision to create a boutique hotel and training venue for the hospitality industry based at Moreton Morrell College.

Chris White said: “In awarding a fellowship we are not only recognising an exceptional individual, we also are gaining their agreement to continue to

support the work of our colleges. I am delighted that Steve will join our select group of fellows and that in agreeing to be a WCG Fellow he will continue to play a key role in the future.”

Mr Wood, who was formerly Vice President and Managing Director of Massey Ferguson, said: "What a fantastic day to see graduates celebrate their hard-earned rewards! To see them graduate in the historic settings of St. Mary’s Church and Old Shire Hall was very special indeed. You could see that their families and college staff were very proud, too.”

The graduates studied a range of degrees including art, animal science, business, computing, counselling, early years, engineering, equine, games art and more. Some graduates completed their degrees on a part-time basis, while working and juggling family commitments.

Thomas Brennan, 22 from Whitnash achieved a BA (Hons) in Early Years Care and Education at Royal Leamington Spa College. He said: “I have really enjoyed my course. The amount of support

offered by my tutors was brilliant and the small class numbers resulted in more support being accessible. The social side of college as been great too!”

Sarah Baxter, 27 from Nuneaton achieved a FdA in Business and Management. She said: “University is not always the right option everyone but I decided to come back to education later on in my life. Attending Leamington College has allowed me to study parttime for my degree and provided the flexibility to work at the same time.

I'm now continuing at Leamington to top-up my degree and then I plan t o start a postgraduate course.”

Warwickshire College Group - Triple celebrations at WCG graduation ceremonies

NAEC Stoneleigh appoints Event Express as preferred hotel booking partner Event Express, a leading hotel booking specialist to the events industry has been selected as the preferred partner to NAEC Stoneleigh.

This appointment will see Event Express forging agreements with several hotels in close proximity to NAEC Stoneleigh in order to provide organisers, exhibitors and visitors to events at NAEC with a range of hotel accommodation solutions during events.

Stephen Arthur, Managing Director of Event Express, said: “This appointment is great news for our business, we work with a number of events at NAEC Stoneleigh and this partnership allows us to work more closely with the team at NAEC to offer tailored accommodation solutions as an integral part of the venues offering for event organisers and their exhibitor and visitor communities.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Brexit

Businesses urged to sign up to international trade programme “Companies should look at the issue around import VAT and how this might affect their cashflow albeit the Government has suggested that a new accounting procedure will be introduced.

“Businesses should also look to start the process of becoming an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) because this will be relevant whatever the outcome.

“It can take between nine and 12 months to secure the status but it means that you are seen as a secure and safe business partner, you will have fewer delays on your shipments and the HMRC will, to assume you are compliant on all customs and security issues.

“It won’t solve everything – especially if there is a queue of lorries backed up on the motorway which is something beyond everyone’s control – but it’s a good thing to have, whatever Brexit we get.”

James Ahearne, David Hooper, Paul Wrighting, David Bharier

Companies across Coventry and Warwickshire that trade internationally have been urged to sign-up to a programme that could help them postBrexit – whatever form it takes.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s International Trade Hub held its latest Brexit event at the Holiday Inn, Kenilworth, which looked into international trade and customs after the UK leaves the EU. The event heard from David Bharier, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, and David Hooper, of Hooper & Co, who is an expert in overseas trade particularly around customs clearances.

After presenting to around 50 businesses, they were joined in a question and answer session by Paul Wrighting, Documentation & Trade Training Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce.

The event heard that a so-called hard Brexit would mean an extra 200 million customs declarations a year would need to be made and that HMRC could need thousands of extra staff to process them.

Questions were also raised about the IT systems’ ability to cope with the extra demand that would be put up on them.

David Hooper talked through what the various Brexit ‘plans’ would mean for businesses but said that companies who do export could all start one process now that

would help them whatever the outcome of negotiations.

He said: “None of us know what the final outcome is going to be so we can’t tell businesses yet exactly what they need to do.

“So we are trying to give businesses all of the information we have and letting them know how it might affect them but there are one or two things they can do now to prepare.

“Businesses should be carrying out an audit on existing customs procedures and should be checking whether their goods could be classed as UK origin to ensure they benefit from any future trade agreements.

If they can’t, companies should review their supply chain.

James Ahearne, International Trade Commercial Executive at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We have, since the referendum, tried to give members as much information as possible away from all of the political noise.

“This was another very well-attended event and gave firms much-needed and useful information.

“As the Brexit deadline approaches it is essential that all businesses do as much as they can to keep up to date with the latest information and are aware of the changes that are coming our way as the UK exits the European Union.”

“Businesses should be carrying out an audit on existing customs procedures and should be checking whether their goods could be classed as UK origin to ensure they benefit from any future trade agreements,. If they can’t, companies should review their supply chain.”

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allowances for firms to more than £1million, a policy that had been called for by the British Chamber of Commerce.

He also announced additional support for overseas trade and for the British Business Bank.

Louise Bennett, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It was a very busy budget from the Chancellor and there were some very upbeat announcements and forecasts. He forecast 800,000 more jobs, lower borrowing and increases in spending.

“But the devil will be in the detail and, of course, it was against a backdrop of Brexit and Mr Hammond made clear that his announcements in this Budget were on the basis of a deal being reached with the EU. “We applaud the decision to increase business rate relief and also the reduction in contributions that small companies have to make towards apprenticeships to five per cent from ten per cent.

That will, hopefully, encourage more companies to invest in apprentices.

When times are tough the first creditor that often goes unpaid is HMRC.

This might be because you don’t have a relationship with them, you don’t need essential supplies from them or they don’t chase you straight away. Whatever your reason, HMRC have upped their game in terms of collecting overdue debts and so ignoring them won’t mean they will go away.

What is the best way to deal with HMRC debt?

• If you aren’t great at book keeping and struggle to file returns on time, such as VAT, then consider speaking to your accountant about alternatives methods or assistance.

• Keep HMRC informed, in advance, if you are going to miss a payment; manage their expectations.

• If the current financial year is expected to be worse than the last then speak to your accountant about whether you are able to revise downwards your corporation tax payment on account.

• If arrears have built up with HMRC agree a payment plan, often known as a Time-To-Pay Arrangement and usually payable over 12 months.

• Consider a Voluntary Arrangement to pay off some or all of your debt in monthly instalments for up to 5 years.

• Seek professional advice from your trusted advisors; accountant; solicitor; insolvency practitioner.

Budget faces the Brexit test Business leaders in Coventry have described the Chancellor’s Budget as busy but one that Brexit could make or break.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce held a panel event at Warwick Conferences at the University of Warwick with industry leaders from across the region as Philip Hammond delivered a Budget that he described as ‘ending austerity’.

During his more than hourlong statement, Mr Hammond announced measures to increase annual investment

HMRC are coming knocking

“There was also another positive win for businesses around additional infrastructure spending.

“Our panel was broadly positive but all were only too aware that this was a thoughtout budget that was designed to ease political pressure in the current climate of uncertainty and there was concern that it didn’t do enough to tackle the long-term issue around productivity.”

Once you have sufficiently dealt with your HMRC debt, consider simple cash flow forecasting going forward to manage future debt and expected payment dates.

If you are being threatened with legal action, winding-up or distraint from HMRC or any other creditor, contact John Rimmer or any member of the BRI management team today to explore your options. Remember, the earlier you call, the more options there are available.

For a free, confidential and no obligation chat about your situation please call 02476 226839 or email jrimmer@briuk.co.uk

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Full fibre is coming CityFibre is transforming Coventry into one of the best digitally connected cities on the planet.

Our full fibre network will connect the entire community, from your family at home, to your children at school, your workplace and even traffic lights and CCTV cameras.

Almost every property will have access to gigabit speed internet connectivity - that’s 1000Mbps!

Businesses can embrace new technologies enabling them to compete both nationally and internationally Students can access the latest e-learning tools and video conference across the globe No more home internet frustrations, residents can stream to their heart’s content - no matter how many people are online Lives become easier with simple access to council services and smart city applications

Find out more at cityfibre.com/Coventry @gigabitcov

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Coventry

Photography competition starts A major photography commission to capture the diversity on two Coventry streets is under way.

A Tale of Two Streets is a Coventry City of Culture Trust Great Place Project as part of the build up to Coventry being UK City of Culture 2021.

It will feature portrait photography from nine Coventry University graduates and two Coventry College students

alongside work from renowned portrait photography Niall McDiarmid.

The project will highlight the people and cultures on both Foleshill Road and Far Gosford Street.

The first photographs have now been taken and further images will be shot at different stages over the next few months to complete the work, which is being organised by the Photo Archive Miners (PAM).

Exciting plans unveiled for Coventry city centre An oasis of greenery and water features are at the centre of a stunning scheme to transform the

Priyanka Ghetia, Nilupa Yasmin, Jonathan Bark, Jamie Clarke Hogg, Abbie Batt, Simian Vim, Thomas Tierney, Alex Taylor.

Upper Precinct in Coventry city centre.

Exciting plans will involve creating

Training on offer Coventry and Warwickshire Skills 4 Growth Programme is working with the Coventry and Warwickshire Aerospace Forum to deliver Skills Training to close skill gaps in the workforce.

The Skills 4 Growth (S4G) Project has supported Arrowsmith Engineering, amongst other local companies, through the Coventry and Warwickshire Aerospace Forum (CWAF) to deliver Skills Training for employees.

Jason Aldridge is the Managing Director at Arrowsmith and Chairman of CWAF - a group of world class manufacturing and

large swathes of gardens, fountains and seating as part of a spectacular

engineering businesses working together and collaboratively sharing best practice whilst focusing on the changing demands of the sector.

& Handling Training. The training will run one or two days a month and will be hosted, in turn, at CWAF members company premises.

identify and address skills gaps in order to grow and achieve the business plan through training that leads to accredited qualifications.

50% of agreed training costs may be funded by S4G. The project is partly funded by the European Social Fund and receives further funding from Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council.

He said: ”Arrowsmith have worked with Skills4Growth for many years and we are always pleased with the results and service. S4G continue to be an asset for the Coventry and Warwickshire region.”

S4G supports Coventry and Warwickshire based Small to Medium Enterprises in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering or Service Sector Industries including Health and Social Care. The project works with the company to

Following Jason reporting on the S4G Project at a recent CWAF meeting, members pooled together resources to offer their employees accredited Safe Moving

To find out more and see if you can benefit from support please contact: T. 02477 719782 anne-marie.tranter@coventry.gov.uk www.coventry.gov.uk/skills4growth

new public space.

The proposals to create an open pedestrian area throughout the Upper Precinct have been submitted to Coventry City Council

by Shearer Property Group and a fund advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management.

The ambitious scheme will involve removing the existing escalator and footbridges which connect the area to West Orchards Shopping Centre and re-establish the view to

Coventry Half Marathon expands to weekend-long Festival of Running Organisers of the Coventry Half Marathon are opening entries for an expanded Festival of Running for the 2019 event.

The Festival takes place over two days and introduces a 5k alongside the Half Marathon and Children’s Mile.

On Saturday 23 March, the Children’s Mile and Toddler Dash will take place around Memorial Park before 4,000 runners take to the streets on Sunday 24 March in both the Coventry Half Marathon and the inaugural Go Run 5k to raise tens of thousands of pounds for local charities.

The Festival has partnered with four local charities, Zoe’s Place, Myton Hospice, Penny Appeal, and University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire, all of whom will offer charity places for the event, and is supported by Coventry Runner and Medwell Hyde.

The expanded event coincides with Coventry’s term as an ACES European City of Sport and the city’s Year of Wellbeing.

More information can be found at www.enjoycoventry.com/festivalofrunning or by searching for Coventry Half Marathon on social media.

Sporting students race their way to victory at Transplant Games Coventry students past, present and future once again triumphed at the British Transplant Games after another year helping the athletes and competing during four days of competition. he mixed team of competitors, sports therapists and physiotherapists all did their bit at this summer’s games in Birmingham, helping to celebrate the life-saving impact of organ donation and raise awareness of the annual event.

The effort is the latest in Coventry University’s longstanding involvement with Transplant Sport which this year saw lecturer, Sheila Leddington Wright awarded with the Peter Griffin award for outstanding contribution to Transplant Sport.

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Luke Alexander, who began a media production degree at Coventry University in September, competed at the British Games for the third time this year, winning his way to the podium with two gold medals, two silver, and a bronze.

The 18-year-old underwent a liver transplant six years ago after being born with biliary atresia, a liver disease which left him with very low energy levels throughout his childhood.

Also on Coventry’s support team this year were two PhD students focused on athletic performance in transplant sport and competitor and engineering graduate Matt, Salkeld, who won four gold medals, two silver, and two cups at the British Games.

Coventry Cathedral. The application also seeks permission to remove the canopy outside the former BHS building.

The project is being part-funded by £7.75 million from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) as part of the overall £11.8 million scheme.

The proposed package of works, which have been developed by Coventry City Council working closely with J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Shearer Property Group (SPG), will lead to the installation of enhanced paving, street furniture, lighting and the restoration of the historical Levelling Stone monument, which is currently located in Upper Precinct.

The work is due to start this autumn, removing the old underground toilet block, which was closed due to disrepair in 1999.

Contractors will then proceed with the re-arrangement of shop units along the northern side of the Upper Precinct and accompanied by the drainage works to the main Upper Precinct area.

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Area Focus: Coventry

Coventry city centre hotel completes £1.2m refurbishment One of Coventry’s most popular city centre hotels has completed a comprehensive £1.2million refurbishment project.

The ibis Coventry Centre, owned by The Cannock Group and Hetherley Capital Partners and operated by Interstate Hotels & Resorts, has undergone a dramatic renovation to bring its 90 guest rooms and the hotel’s public areas up to ibis’s new brand standards.

The hotel reception and restaurant areas have undergone a complete makeover and now offer a contemporary mobile check in solution.

Each team member has a mobile device which allows them to access hotel information using an app, freeing them up to meet and greet customers in a more social and friendly way.

Each bedroom has also been completely refurbished and includes the ibis trademarked ‘Sweet Bed’, in-room fibre WiFi and a more spacious work desk.

Julian Tee, Director of Asset Management at Hetherley Capital Partners, said: “As asset managers for this property, we are delighted to see the comprehensive refurbishment of the ibis Coventry Centre.

“The hotel is popular with corporate and leisure customers alike given the convenient location just minutes’ walk from the train station.

“Coventry is a vibrant city and with the exciting accolade of UK City of Culture 2021 on the horizon, the significant improvement in all 90 bedrooms and public areas is a timely investment.”

Nicholas Northam, Managing Director for the UK at Interstate Hotels & Resorts, said: “We’re thrilled with the new-look ibis Coventry Centre and with the introduction of ibis’s mobile technology programme, too.

“It’s a great example of how the brand is evolving to meet the new expectations guests have nowadays.”

Brose celebrates 30 years in Coventry with production milestone Brose, a leading tier 1 automotive supplier, has celebrated 30 years of production in the UK by producing its two millionth seat structure in a year.

The company, which employs 900 people across its two plants in Coventry, announced the manufacturing milestone during the official presentation of its Queen’s Award for Enterprise by Timothy Cox, Lord-Lieutenant of Warwickshire.

Staff, local dignitaries and Maximilian Stoschek, the great grandson of company founder Max Brose, were on hand to see current Managing Director Juergen Zahl accept the accolade that reflected a major spike in export sales to customers in China, France, Spain and Brazil.

It marks what has been a significant period of expansion for the firm who have focused on providing technology-based solutions, dedicated customer facing teams and improving delivery and manufacturing performance.

Juergen said: “We are very passionate about our Coventry facilities and the Queen’s Award is the pinnacle of the journey we have been on for the last 30 years.

“Many lows have been overcome, many highs have been achieved and today we are currently one of the best manufacturing locations in the Brose Group and a strategic supplier of window regulators and seat structures to Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan and Toyota.

“This has only been possible thanks to two factors. Firstly, the commitment of Brose’s senior management team to grow our UK location has seen more than £100m invested since 2012 in the factory extension and the introduction of the state-of-theart paint plant that gives us greater control of the seat coating process.

The second factor and, in my opinion the most important, is the Brose staff that work across our two plants in Coventry. Their hard work, commitment and innovation has been crucial to our success.”

Brose acquired Sheridan Engineering in 1988, making Coventry its first international plant outside of Germany.

Initially, the company was producing locks, latches, hinges and window regulators for Ford, Peugeot, Jaguar and Rover and was based in a collection of industry units on Durbar Avenue.

Today, it employs 900 people and is located in two high performing manufacturing facilities, producing 2 million seat structures and more than 4.6 million window regulators every year, supplying 17 different car models across 20 global plants.

Zahl continued: “We have had a really strong five years, bouncing back from the global recession to achieve £289m in sales in the last financial year.”

Maximilian Stoschek said: “Coventry is very special to me,

as during my early years in the company, I spent several months there as part of my training.

“To receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise is such an historic achievement for our plants here, but also holds great significance for the Brose Group. Our Headquarters and my home is in Coburg, where The Queen’s great great grandfather, Prince Albert, was born and raised. Thus we have our own particular link to the British Royal Family.”

Queen’s Award Presentation (L): (l-r) Juergen Zahl (MD of Brose Limited), the LordLieutenant of Warwickshire Timothy Cox and Maximilian Stoschek (Brose Group).

University’s Shakespeare-portal nominated for education award Coventry University’s life-sized digital portal which allows drama students thousands of miles apart to rehearse together as if sharing a stage, is in the running for a prestigious education award.

The Telepresence in Theatre project has been shortlisted in the Excellence and

Innovation in the Arts category of this year’s Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2018.

The virtual rehearsal portal uses of a combination of stage and video-conferencing technology, directional sound, and life-sized projections to allow theatre students in different countries to interact as if they were in the same room.

Developed in 2016 by lecturers at Coventry in partnership with the University of Tampere in Finland, what began as a unique immersive

space to explore teaching of Shakespeare’s plays has allowed for international teaching and learning without the need for global travel.

The project has been nominated along with five other programmes from universities across the country in the Excellence and Innovation in the Arts category at the THE Awards and winners will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday 29 November.

Genesis aims to shine a light on Zoë’s Place with hi-vis campaign One of the West Midlands leading recruitment agencies has renewed its backing of Zoë’s Place for a third year and has marked the anniversary by introducing a fundraising campaign with a difference.

Genesis Employment Services, which employs 12 people at its offices in Coventry City Centre, has committed to donating £1 for every hi-vis they give out to temporary workers over the course of the next 12 months.

The company is expecting that this will generate in the region of £2,000 and this will be used by the charity to provide essential palliative, respite and end of life care to babies and infants under the age of 5 who suffer from lifelimiting or life-threatening conditions.

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The Zoë’s Place logo will be displayed on all of the vests handed out, which means its work will be highlighted at more than 100 different companies across the UK every year.

Richard Frost, Director at Genesis Employment Services, added his support, saying: “When we visited the hospice in Coventry, we were absolutely struck by the love, the care and the atmosphere.

Despite all of the tragic circumstances, there was a real sense of community and a family vibe - we knew we had to get involved and do more to support all of the outstanding care it offers.

“We’ve sponsored three of their Annual Balls and embraced the silent auction by purchasing a number of the lots. However, this year we wanted to go one stage

further and came up with a novel way of raising awareness for Zoë’s Place, whilst also raising some much needed cash.”

Gaynor Frost, Managing Director, said: “It’s a charity that was formed in Coventry so local companies should do all they can to help.”

Muna Chauhan, Corporate Manager at Zoë’s Place, said: “Sadly, demand for our services is growing. This is why we need the business community to know what we do and how they can support us. The relationship with Genesis has gone from strength to strength and this year’s ‘hi-vis’ campaign is a creative way of raising our profile and generating funds at the same time.”

Gary Lawton (Genesis Employment Services), Muna Chauhan (Zoë’s Place), Richard and Gaynor Frost (both Genesis Employment Services)

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Coventry

sponsored column

£10m WMG Degree Apprenticeship Centre to be built A new Degree Apprenticeship Centre focusing on engineering is to be built at the University of Warwick after receiving government funding.

The WMG Degree Apprenticeship Centre will focus on courses essential to the effective development of advanced engineering and manufacturing companies.

The Centre, which is due to open in 2019, is being funded by £10 million from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP).

The WMG Degree Apprenticeship Centre will provide training programmes up to Level 7 (Master’s Degree level) with an initial capacity

for 500 students, scaling to 1,000 students on roll at any one time. The apprentices, who will be employed by companies throughout Coventry and Warwickshire, will undertake their academic studies at the Centre, which will be on the University campus.

The WMG Degree Apprenticeship Centre will be the first part of a future Degree Apprenticeship complex on the Warwick campus training students in a range of Degree Apprenticeships Professor Lord Bhattacharyya, Chairman of WMG, said: “Building on nearly four decades track record of developing, and delivering, pioneering education programmes, our new Degree Apprenticeship

Centre will provide a variety of routes to achieve degree level apprenticeships. Young people are our future and we need to provide them with as many opportunities to support our manufacturing base.

The Centre will give the opportunity for school leavers and apprentices, looking to progress from Level 4 and 5 qualifications to degree level.”

Jonathan Browning, chair of the CWLEP, said the WMG Degree Apprenticeship Centre will create a dedicated space designed to support a new range of degrees.

He said: “The WMG Degree Apprenticeship Centre represents a significant investment in the delivery of higher-level skills to businesses and will focus on the High Value

Manufacturing sector in Coventry and Warwickshire as well as meeting the needs of industry and the Government’s skills and industrial strategies.

“Equipping businesses with the skilled workforces they need for the future is vital to our economy and this new Centre will support businesses particularly in the manufacturing sector throughout Coventry and Warwickshire.”

CGI of the new WMG

Ricoh Arena switches on 188 sq metre screen

Company announces ice hockey sponsorship Fig Offices Coventry have announced the sponsorship of Elite League ice hockey team Coventry Blaze for the 18/19 season.

Caroline Middleton, Centre Manager, said: “Fig are keen to become part of the local business and sports community and we are excited to be involved with a progressive club like the Blaze.”

Mark Proctor, Head of Serviced Offices for Fig, said: “We’ve been in discussions with Andy, Sally and the team for several months, and were impressed with their enthusiasm and adaptability to what we, as a new company to Coventry, needed.

“We also work with Wasps Rugby and can now add Blaze to further enhance our commitment to sport in Coventry.”

Rugby fans are set to be stars of the big screen at the Ricoh Arena. That is because Wasps have invested six figures in a 188 metre sq LED screen, the equivalent of 673, 32-inch TVs and one of the largest in UK sport.

The investment in the technology is part of the club’s aspiration to create the best in-game match day experience in the country and follows constructive feedback from fans over the past few seasons.

Alongside the match action there are interactive opportunities for fans including ‘tweet the screen’ with its live social media feed, prizes to be won for the best fan dancing on the screen, as well as match information to help fans understand the rules of the game. The screen will be used for all Wasps and Coventry City fixtures.

A series of new LED screens have also been installed inside the Ricoh Arena’s main entrance and atrium, as well as an LED scoreboard and clock on the mid-tier of the West Stand.

Stuart Cain, Commercial Director for Wasps and Ricoh Arena, said: “Not only will the screen be a platform for replaying key match

moments and explaining the rules, it will also be central to a series of new pre-match and half-time interactive initiatives that will be introduced throughout the season.

“The installation has taken a lot of meticulous planning and testing with the manufacturer ADI, and we’re grateful for their ongoing support with what is a gamechanging investment for the Ricoh Arena.”

Geraint Williams, CEO of ADI, said: “We’re really excited to be playing a part in helping Wasps transform their match day experience. This might be one of the biggest screens in

UK sport, but it is how the club use it that really counts.

“Such a display is worth little without compelling content and we’re delighted to be supporting the club by delivering an exciting live match day production that creates value for fans and an engaging platform for club partners.

“The completion of the screen installation is part of a wider digital infrastructure project we’re delivering for the club, and we’re really looking forward to working with Wasps to help develop a match day experience that welcomes fans new and old to the Ricoh Arena.”

Stuart Cain, Commercial Director for Wasps and Ricoh Arena, with the new screen at the Ricoh Arena

Sweet taste of success for businessman

A former Coundon sweet store’s new look is a cut above the rest after being transformed into a barbershop.

Coundon Barbers has opened on Barkers Butts Lane, replacing Sweetie Boo on the corner of Moseley Avenue. The new shop has been opened by Coventry entrepreneur Abdulsalam Rashid.

The shop, let through city-based commercial property agents Holt Commercial, already employs three staff members and, with demand growing, is already looking to recruit more barbers.

Abdulsalam has a good experience and great success in the past but he said his new venture in Coundon has been his most successful start to date. He said: “When we found this location, right on the corner, we knew it was the perfect place for our new barbers.

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“Since opening, we have got busier and busier, so we are already looking at bringing in extra staff.

“The main thing for us that you treat and service your customers right, then your customers will return again and again.

If you go to a barbers and you aren’t happy with your haircut you won’t come back.

"This is a new business and located in a friendly community so we’re confident our shop will be successful.”

Rupert Gillitt, director of Holt Commercial, said the property is unrecognisable from before Coundon Barbers moved in.

He said: “The property has been completely transformed since Coundon Barbers took it over and the change has been reflected in the strong start to trading at the shop.

“It proves that if the location and the offer are right, there is still a good market for retail property.”

Free up the time to focus on what's most important As a coach, I see business owners doing everything themselves and often working harder than they want to - it’s like being on a treadmill that keeps getting faster – you know you'll fall off eventually.

Also working like that usually means you’re compromising other important areas of your life – precious time with your loved ones often being the prime target.

Imagine the difference it would make if you could reclaim 20 hours a week or more.

It could be a great start to transforming your business and your life.

If that’s you then here are 3 things that will make a huge difference: • Remodeling your week so you only spend time on the work you love and that which makes the biggest impact.

• Significantly improving the effectiveness of your team so they carry more of the load for you • Massively improving your ability to recruit ‘A Players’ capable of delivering incredible results?

Think that can’t be done? It can, just ask my clients, for example: Mark who went from working full time to 3 days per week and is now building his own dream house – whilst his business went from £5M to £8M in 18 months.

Mike who went down to 3 mornings per week allowing him to pursue other business interests and spend more time with his family – whilst his business profits increased by over £100K Interested in finding out how this could work for you?

I’m offering a FREE 60-90 min Time Mastery Session to CW business owners with 8+ employees who want to free up 20 hours or more per week to focus on what's most important for you.

I’ll help you to: 1) Gain clarity over how much time you could be saving right now 2) Discover a system to identify what to change 3) Uncover the blind spots that could be preventing you from making the changes The first step is to book an initial 15 minute conversation at http://chat415.co.uk David Lee ActionCOACH 07970566390 davidlee@actioncoach.com www.linkedin.com/in/davidleeac/

Rupert Gillitt (Holt Commercial) and Absdulsam Rashid

27

Area Focus: Mid Warwickshire

Leamington Consultant helps businesses to solve HR issues

BforB launches new group meetings Former Insurance Healthcare Adviser and FSB Membership Adviser Mark Edmunds has relaunched his career with Business for Breakfast (BforB) after two years of taking a necessary break for his family.

Mark, who has launched the initiative in the West Midlands, said that his 15 years in networking environments was his ideal job, allowing him to build a vast diversity of connections with many business owners in the area.

Having worked closely with numerous small to medium sized businesses and entrepreneurs, he understands that there are shortfalls in ‘some styles of networking’.

He said: “There are some really good ones and there are a lot not so good, and, hand on heart speaking from experience, there are networking groups that promised referrals but never delivered.

“We all know that in reality you need to build relationships to gain trust, and you need to be consistent to gain the confidence, before the passing of referrals will happen, which takes time. That is the essence here at BforB.” In particular, he remembers attending an event in Coventry and was asked “have you got any business from here yet, and how long have you been coming?” to which he replied “six weeks”. The questioner commented “this is my second visit and if I don’t get anything today, I’m never coming again”.

Mark maintains his close connections with schools, universities and colleges in his local area and has worked in conjunction with them on various business networking projects over the years, a journey he wishes to revisit with BforB. In the meantime, he is focused on achieving his goal in launching numerous referral groups within the Coventry and Rugby business community.

BforB are here to help you get new business from quality business introductions and referrals made at the meetings. Referral marketing is proven to be one of the most cost effective and sustainable ways to generate new business leads.

A Leamington consultant is helping small and medium sized businesses to solve their HR issues to free up owners’ time to grow their businesses.

Sarah Tomson has more than 18 years’ experience with large businesses in Warwickshire, since she moved to the Midlands back in 2000.

Sarah started her career at Peugeot, spending time at the Ryton plant in Coventry.

She then spent nearly ten years working in HR for Financial Services at NFU Mutual in Stratford Upon Avon, which gave her a taste for the challenges that small businesses face through their tied agency network.

Her last corporate employer was Wolseley UK in Leamington Spa, where she managed a team of HR Business Partners and worked on large transformation projects.

After gaining experience in recruitment, reward, shared services, change and employee relations, Sarah decided it was time to set up her own business.

She is working with her first clients in the technology sector and is finding that

sometimes small businesses don’t know that they aren’t legally compliant so she has introduced an HR Healthcheck questionnaire to diagnose where businesses need support first.

Taking clients through this approach means that she can ensure that clients are complying with employment law as well as having policies that fit with the culture of their business.

Sarah received free business advice from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce through the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme.

This included workshops advising on how to start your own business as well as social media strategy and building a website.

Sarah said: “I ask questions to help business owners understand what they need to do to be compliant with employment law so that they can get on to the fun side of building their team and growing their business. I’m a very down to earth person who believes in coaching leaders so that they can become self-sufficient in running their teams.”

“The business leaders know that they need some help but haven’t reached the stage where it makes sense to recruit a full-time HR person.

They are looking for someone to partner with them who will understand their business and make sure that any advice is right for them, rather than just being based on legislation or on best practice.”

Sarah was supported by Margaret Bull from the Chamber and said: “My business advisor was one of the first people I met in the early days of setting up my business and she helped me to believe that I would make a success of it.

She was there to point me in the right direction of useful resources but what I really valued was the personal encouragement that she gave me.

“She made me think about putting the foundations in place at the start to allow my business to grow. The free support and resources that the Chamber have provided me with have been a huge help with the steep learning curve I’ve been on.”

The Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, in partnership with Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and the District and Borough Councils.

The Chamber’s start-up team are able to extend the support to clients that have already started their businesses but have been trading less than 12 months. It offers a full range of free masterclasses, workshops and one-toone mentoring.

For more information or to book onto the business support programme call the Chamber on 014 7665 4336 or log onto www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Investment pays off The University of Warwick’s decision to further invest in two of its conference centres has paid off with significant improvements to its annual performance.

Warwick Conferences, the University’s award-winning conference, meeting and events organisation, hosted 17,719 events across its estate during the 12 months growing its business by 13 per cent generating even more funding for the worldleading University’s teaching and research.

Investments in the new £5 million The Slate centre and a £6 million refurbishment of Radcliffe helped attract a new array of clients as well as the ability to hold a wider range of events catering from two to 1,200 delegates.

The Slate, which can host conferences, meetings and product launches within its flexible event space of 650 sqm suspended over a lake for up to 400 delegates, was opened 18 months ago and has been a key driver in the improved performance.

The refurbishment of Radcliffe means the complex can host meetings of up to 180 people, and has 154 hotel-standard bedrooms as well as a large restaurant.

Paul Bartlett, Head of Sales at Warwick Conferences, said: “We have had a very good year in what is a tough environment and the work which has taken place on site in the last two years has been a major driver.”

Paul Bartlett, Head of Sales at Warwick Conferences, at The Slate.

Business voice ‘is vital’

Aubrey Allen win Warwickshire Business of the Year

Matt, who had a career in industry before taking his seat in parliament after the last election, told a meeting of the Mid Warwickshire branch of the Chamber of Commerce at Warwickshire College’s Trident Centre that recent interventions by business leaders had concentrated focus on the commercial consequences of leaving on No Deal basis.

He said that he had been working hard behind the scenes to ensure that the voice of commerce was heard in the debate as loudly as other key factors.

He said: “I have been encouraging individual businesses to speak out and working very hard especially with the automotive sector which is so key to this region.

“I have been very pleased to see them breaking ranks in recent weeks and spelling out how they see the business landscape after Brexit.

Aubrey Allen food hall in Leamington Spa won the title of Warwickshire Business of the Year at the Pride of Warwick District awards.

With the tag line ‘more than a butcher’, Aubrey Allen, the well-loved family business on Warwick Street, has gone from strength to strength in the past few years with a cheese shop and vegetarian dishes in the delicatessen area as well as awardwinning meat on which they built their reputation.

Aubrey Allen also contribute to the community with their weekly food donations to the LWS Night

Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western believes the growing voice of major individual businesses is vital if the UK is to forge a positive withdrawal from the European Union.

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“The iBmpacts on business will be very serious and areas such as automotive and agriculture will feel the force of withdrawal. I am aware of the work our Chamber has been doing and to hear from the big businesses in the region adds strength to that.

“There are other factors which also play on the economy – such as the US. I have visited there twice and in Washington they are concerned about the way their policy is going in terms of tariffs.

“Trump’s way of working is to do deals on a one-to-one basis rather than collectively. It will be the same with us and that will make it tough.

“Growth in the UK economy has been steady but – as the Chamber has repeatedly said – it is very hard to make investment and expansion plans with this level of uncertainty around the corner.”

Western added that the difference in political opinion around the Brexit deal was making the situation worse.

“The Government is suffering from division and individual strife and there are

Christine Jackson (Wright Hassall), Matt Western MP, Ajay Desai (Chamber).

Rear (left to right): David Wilson (Glued), Pete McGuire (Wright Hassall) Sean Rose (Chamber)

personal ambitions at play which is unfortunate. We need stability and there could be a leadership election in the next six months.”

Matt Western was speaking at the latest Meet the MP session organised by the Chamber, which allow business to put their issues and concerns directly to their local members. The Chamber also organised a key Brexit Club which has fed into Government and the British Chambers of Commerce at the highest levels.

Shelter, their promotion of other businesses through social media and at their seasonal launches and through the sponsorship of the Leamington Food Festival Home Cook of the Year competition.

Russell Allen, of the company, said: “The team work so hard and strive to be better every day. They come to me with ideas, which is how you want it to be, and they always put the client experience first. You have to give more today than ever before as internet shopping takes over; we have to be even better and find products and people to delight our guests every day.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: North Warwickshire

Manufacturer looking to create jobs after funding boost The Nuneaton branch of a tool manufacturing business formed more than 100 years ago in Detroit is looking to create new jobs after securing crucial funding.

Cogsdill, which was formed in 1914 as a cutting tool, regrinding and repair service in Detroit, has had a UK base in Nuneaton for more than 60 years, most recently moving to the Bermuda Industrial Estate in 2014.

Now, the firm has secured funding for crucial equipment in the shape of a £120,000 Doosan milling machine and a £45,000 CoOrdinate Measuring machine, just weeks after contacting the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Hub for assistance.

The CWLEP Growth Hub is a partner in Coventry & Warwickshire Business Support programme for which Coventry City Council is an Accountable Body and is partfunded by the European Regional Development Fund.

CWLEP Growth Hub has a team of dedicated account managers who help put businesses on the right path towards growth, whether that is through funding, networking opportunities or advice.

Money to go towards the two pieces of equipment was secured within six weeks of Cogsdill making contact with the Growth Hub. Finance Manager Lloyd Spencer said: “This machinery is going to enable us to be more efficient and productive, we are really taking a step up from our current equipment.

Lloyd Spencer, Kierandeep Bal, Gary Thyeson, Lee Donaldson

“We believe this will lead to us eventually creating up to five jobs over the next 12 months.

“Working with the Growth Hub has given us tangible results almost immediately.

“We were unaware of the funding available before Growth-Hub pointed us in the right direction.”

After starting life in the USA’s famous ‘motor city’ and building a second home in the UK, the family business is now headquartered in Camden, South Carolina.

It is currently owned and operated by the second and third generation descendants of Stuart Cogsdill, who built the companies foundation on manufacturing special tools for early automotive pioneers such as Henry Ford and the Dodge brothers.

Now, the 40 plus staff in Nuneaton will be taking advantage of top of the range machinery to supply the leading industries and manufacturers of today.

Lee Donaldson, Executive Director, said: “our customer base has grown to several different markets including aerospace, oil and gas, renewable energy along with our automotive roots and motorsport.

“These are very demanding sectors and we needed this investment to satisfy our growth objectives and customer requirements.”

Gary Thyeson, account manager with the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub, said: “Cogsdill has a long and successful history, which we are

pleased to be able to help continue here in Nuneaton.

“We are particularly pleased to have been able to help Cogsdill access funding so soon after we were initially contacted by them, which shows how quickly we can act and the wide range of services we can offer.

“We look forward to seeing Cogsdill grow over the coming years after this boost.”

Kieran Bal, Business Development Advisor at Coventry City Council said: “It’s great to see the difference our funding has made to Cogsdill and we look forward to helping other like-minded, ambitious companies in the future.”

Network promotes good workplaces Small and medium-sized businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire have been urged to promote themselves as great places to work in order to plug their skills gaps.

Before hearing from the speakers, businesses highlighted some of the issues facing them from the loss of EU employees through to bigger companies mopping up the most skilled people.

There are forecast to be 250,000 new job openings in the region before 2030, according to Warwickshire County Council, and smaller firms face the biggest challenge in finding the skills they need.

A group of smaller, potentially high-growth companies met at Business Ready’s second Business Growth Network meeting at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Venture Centre to discuss the issue.

The network has been established to help companies to hear from experts on a range of business topics but also pick up hints and tips from their peers.

The event heard from Janette Pallas, of the University of Warwick Science Park; Peter Butlin, deputy leader of Warwickshire County Council and CWLEP board member; Sarah Moss, apprenticeship manager at Absolute Works; Stephen Ward, head of external affairs for student careers at the University of Warwick; and Fay Winterburn, business skills adviser at Warwickshire County Council.

Businesses then discussed a range of potential solutions – from apprenticeships and internships through to upskilling current staff to fill more senior roles.

Janette said smaller companies should also be bold in selling their business as a place of work.

She said: “The reason we launched the Business Growth Network was to offer insight to some of the high growth companies we have worked with through our Business Ready programme.

“We are tailoring the events to the issues that they have told us they are facing and skills was very high on their list.

“There’s not one solution to the problem but, as we heard from the meeting, there is support out there and great people, if you look in the right places.

“What has emerged, however, is that small businesses need to be able to show why they are a great place to work to attract people.

“They can’t compete with big, international companies in certain areas but they can show potential recruits the breadth of opportunity they will receive in a smaller company.”

The group discussed attractions including: interesting projects, flexible hours, further training and development, flexible hours and even the provision of exercise classes to aid recruitment.

Business Ready is delivered by the University of Warwick Science Park and is part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Warwickshire County Council.

The reason we launched the Business Growth Network was to offer insight to some of the high growth companies we have worked with through our Business Ready programme. We are tailoring the events to the issues that they have told us they are facing and skills was very high on their list.”

The Growth Plus Network met for the second time

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

29

Area Focus: South Warwickshire

Hospice launches campaign to raise essential funds

Butterfly Farm wins Stratford in Bloom The Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm is celebrating having won the ‘Stratford-upon-Avon in Bloom 2018’ competition in the Tourist Properties category.

The annual presentation evening took place at Stratford Arts House to celebrate local gardening achievements.

The Shakespeare Hospice is asking the people of South Warwickshire and the North Cotswolds to help safeguard its future.

The hospice, which last year helped more than 1,000 adults and young people, has launched a £500,000 fundraising campaign because as CEO, Angie Arnold explained, the financial climate has become increasingly difficult.

She said: “We are working in challenging times and raising funds in an increasingly competitive market. Demand for our services is growing year upon year and we want to be able to help more people.

As our population’s needs change, the complexities of caring for those with a life limiting illness is also changing and we must be able to respond to this.”

The hospice provides support to families affected by life limiting illness, servicing a population of more than 300,000 across South

Warwickshire and the North Cotswolds.

To continue to provide its current level of service, the hospice will need to secure total funding of £2.4 million. The NHS provides just over one tenth of this, leaving the rest needing to be raised by local people and businesses.

The £500,000 will help ensure that The Shakespeare Hospice can continue to provide specialised services, like its 24/7 Hospice at Home service, allowing people to receive end of life care in the place of their choice, surrounded by their loved ones. The Hospice at Home service alone costs £399,000 a year.

Angie said: “The gravity of our situation is clear; we need to raise more money to meet the increasing demand for our services.

Our local community are so supportive and we need more regular donors.”

It is easy to set up Regular Giving for The Shakespeare Hospice by visiting the websitewww.theshakespearehospice.org.uk

Insight offered into housing development

Beating off strong competition from the other contenders, the Butterfly Farm received an engraved trophy, certificate and a Blenheim Nursery voucher.

The Butterfly Farm opened its wildflower garden in 2010 so that visitors could see an extensive range of British butterflies in their natural habitat.

Jane Kendrick, Marketing Manager at Stratford Butterfly Farm said “Our garden is a very special haven in which butterflies can live and we were absolutely thrilled to be awarded first place in the Tourist Properties category. The judges were particularly impressed with our ability to garden during a drought.”

Stratford MP Nadhim Zahawi is in the centre, next to Chamber branch chair Larry Coltman to his right.

South Warwickshire businesses have been given the lowdown on the development which will see 3,500 new homes and the creation of a garden village just outside Stratford-upon-Avon.

The South Warwickshire branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce met Cala

Award winning events venue Dallas Burston Polo Club is the destination venue situated just outside Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.

This award-winning events venue encompasses 600acres of indoor and outdoor event space with six manicured polo grounds and the largest all-weather equestrian SuperArena® in Europe. In addition to its stunning outdoor facilities, the polo club boasts a range of unique indoor venues, perfect for weddings, business conferences and private /hospitality/public events.

The opulence of the 3,000 capacity IXL Events Centre and colonial stylings of the Clubhouse fuse with the quaint and elegant finishes of the QEII Jubilee Marquee and quintessential Britishness of

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and the link is on the front page.

Alternatively, people can *text to donate ‘tshdonate3’ from their mobile device to donate £3, or ‘tshdonate5’ to donate £5 or ‘tshdonate10’ to donate £10, to 70500.

The Millstone Hare restaurant to create a truly special destination at the heart of Warwickshire. All venues are packed with quirky features and charming characteristics making every experience at Dallas Burston Polo Club exceed all expectations.

The IXL Events Team at Dallas Burston Polo Club hosts an assortment of exciting events throughout the year, from live performance evenings to family-friendly polo days. With unique facilities suitable for conferences, weddings, fun days and team-building events, it is also a major centre for all disciplines of equestrian eventing, offering a centre of excellence in the heart of England which offers national reach without forgetting local value.

Homes – the company behind the development on the former Long Marston airfield – and were given a tour of the site along with local MP Nadhim Zahawi.

The first phase of the scheme will see the creation of 400 homes and eventually the development will include two primary schools, a

secondary school, employments sites, and a neighbourhood centre.

It could also see the construction of the South Western Relief Road, which is planned to take traffic out of the town centre by linking Luddington Road and Shipston Road.

Larry Coltman, chair of the South Warwickshire Branch, said it was key that adequate infrastructure was created to allow the garden village to be as sustainable as possible and to limit impact on an already congested town centre.

He said: “The Chamber welcomes a road as, without it, the already considerable traffic problems in Stratford town centre would be made even worse and that would have an impact on everyone.

“We are fully aware that the proposed route is very contentious and clearly that is a matter which

the authorities need to work through but it is vital that improvements and additions are made if the Garden Village is to be absorbed into the area and becomes the success everyone would like it to be.

“Certainly, being on site brought home the size and scale of the development which will be brought on stream over the next two decades.

“Housing supply and the ability of young people to get on the housing ladder are a pressing issue in the Stratford area as they are elsewhere, and it is vital that a mix of housing in terms of size and affordability is provided.

“That is clearly easier to do when you are starting with a fresh site and we look forward to seeing the garden village make a positive impact on the housing issue.”

MP Matt Western welcomes major investment and jobs boost MP Matt Western has welcomed a major investment which could bring more than 50 jobs to Warwick.

A 25,000 square foot industrial building at Tournament Fields has recently been completed, representing a major opportunity for business to come to Warwick or expand in the town.

The latest development could bring 50 jobs to the development just off the M40, with 20 acres of space still available for industrial and office buildings of up to 80,000 square feet.

The MP for Warwick and Leamington was given a tour of the 50 acre site by Bill Wareing, of Wareing and Company, chartered surveyors behind the hugely successful Tournament Fields development, He said: “Tournament Fields has been a magnet for inward investment in this area and I thought it was key

that Matt could see for himself the calibre of company we have attracted here in recent months and years.

“There are now more than 1,500 jobs on site and with the recent completion of this latest building, that number is set to increase.

“It is essential that we have the right sites to able not only to bring new jobs and investment to the area but also to allow our successful companies to expand but remain in the area.”

Tournament Fields, owned and developed by Sackville Developments, is already home to Swiss sanitary ware company Geberit – which has its UK headquarters on the park – EagleBurgmann, a multinational seal manufacturer.

Work has recently begun on site to create a European HQ for electrical manufacturer Sodick, which will see sales, service and marketing support

operation for the whole of Europe, as well as Russia and Africa, run from the site.

MP Matt Western said: “Tournament Fields has developed considerably since my last visit and it is impressive to see the site thriving as it is.

“I would recommend the site to any business and I would of course welcome more investment in our local area.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: South Warwickshire

International expansion for Warwickshire recruitment firm

Richard Marchington (left) and Paul Sullivan at 52 Global

A Midlands-based recruitment company has announced an international expansion after striking a deal with Volvo Car Corporation.

Apex Recruitment, which specialises in the automotive, engineering and advanced manufacturing sectors, has been engaged by Volvo – part of the Geely Group which owns LEVC, the makers of the London Taxi – to recruit staff to work at their Swedish operations.

Warwick-based Apex, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, worked with specialist consultants 52 Global in

Coventry to negotiate the agreement with Volvo and will soon begin recruiting for a range of positions at its production and research & development facilities. It has also reached

agreement to recruit for roles at Geely Group’s subsidiary, CEVT (China European Vehicle Technologies), based in Gothenburg. CEVT was founded in 2013 to provide innovation and engineering services to automotive organisations within the Geely Group.

Richard Marchington, Sales and Marketing Director of Apex, which is based at Tournament Fields, Warwick, said the strategy was a recognition of the service that they provide in the UK and how this could be replicated in Sweden, supporting the automotive market in both countries to allow continued growth.

He said: “We have been talking with Volvo for around 18 months with the possibility of helping them recruit staff and we have now reached an agreement,” he said.

“They have undergone considerable investment in recent times. Their new model ranges have been well received and they enjoyed record sales last year with a rise of seven per cent.

“Their announcement that all new Volvo models from 2019 will enjoy some form of electric propulsion has really upped the ante in the automotive world, and clearly there will be a great deal of work to make that happen.

“They realise that our reach within the industry extends globally and are keen to tap into the skills of the people we work with, as they have a need for a high level of expertise for some of the cutting-edge projects they are undertaking.”

Apex is now planning to open an office in Sweden to service the contract, and is also in talks with other international companies.

Last patient is signed up Creavo Medical Technologies has announced the enrolment of the last patient in a study led by the cardiology team at the South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust.

The study will assess if Creavo’s magnetocardiography (MCG) device can differentiate between the hearts of those who have previously suffered from a cardiac event such as a myocardial infarction (MI), and hearts of healthy (non-ischaemic) patients.

Approximately 100 patients have been enrolled throughout the study (50 healthy and 50 postcardiac event), and the results are intended to determine if MCG can detect damage in the hearts of those patients with a recently confirmed MI. Dr Roger Beadle, Consultant Cardiologist at the University of

“They realise that our reach within the industry extends globally and are keen to tap into the skills of the people we work with, as they have a need for a high level of expertise for some of the cutting-edge projects they are undertaking.”

Warwick said: “The research team at South Warwickshire NHS Foundation are excited to be a part of this MCG project. Bringing a new technology into a hospital is a great opportunity.

“The use of MCG in the field of acute coronary syndromes is well documented but the possibilities for this

Leamington Spa welcomes inaugural Interactive Futures games festival The UK is set to welcome a new games festival as Interactive Futures announces its inaugural event in early 2019.

The event will be held in Leamington Spa, one of the UK’s largest games clusters outside of London, and will offer a range of sessions and opportunities across 3 days for games professionals, content creators and curators, game players and families.

Interactive Futures will bring together the creative and games communities to showcase the latest developments and opportunities, uncover career and industry insights and reveal new releases with a whole bundle of fun on the side.

The event will celebrate the heritage and success of Leamington Spa’s games community, whilst also providing a platform for all UK based games professionals to gain industry insights, network and collaborate.

Known in the industry as “Silicon Spa”, the cluster employs more than 2,500 highly skilled individuals and equates to over 10% of the total UK games development workforce.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

The town has a history of over 30 years in the sector with local talent including key names such as Codemasters, SEGA and Ubisoft.

Among the first speakers to be announced is Dr Jo Twist, CEO of UKIE (Association for UK Interactive Entertainment), who will opening the conference on Friday 1 February, and Jordan Webber, who will be acting as Conference Chair throughout the event.

A games journalist, often found in The Guardian or talking about games on The Gadget Show, Jordan is hugely passionate about both games and her adopted hometown of Leamington Spa. The event is backed by Warwickshire County Council, Warwick District Council and Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, who remain incredibly proud of Leamington Spa’s standing within the UK games industry.

Sarah Windrum, CEO of Leamington-based IT and communications company the Emerald Group, and chair of the CWLEP’s Digital Creative Business Group, said:

“This is a really exciting initiative and underlines Coventry and Warwickshire’s global significance in the digital and creative sector.

“The festival will be a fantastic opportunity to hear from leading experts in an industry which goes from strength to strength, particularly here in Coventry and Warwickshire.”

Interactive Futures will take place at the Royal Spa Centre on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 February and will be preceded by an academic conference for colleges and universities on Thursday 31 January.

Tickets for the event are on sale now from www.interactive-futures.com with Friday 1 February providing an industry specific focus and Saturday 2 February open to all families, students and active gamers.

You can also follow the event on social media @int_futures on Twitter and @interactive_futures on Instagram.

technology extend far beyond that. We hope that this piece of research will be our first step in exploring this.”

Steve Parker, Chief Executive Officer of Creavo Medical Technologies said: “While we continue to carry out research with MCG in the emergency department, this is our initial step into how Creavo’s unique MCG technology adds value and can be utilised in the cardiology setting. The aim is to provide physicians with an accurate ischaemic condition of the heart, helping them decide on the most appropriate care pathway for the patient.

“We are delighted to be working alongside Dr Beadle and his team for this study and thank them for their support. We look forward to working with further patients, and to obtaining results which are expected shortly.”

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Area Focus: Rugby sponsored column

Health Check for Landlords With its fantastic access to major road and rail networks Rugby and its surrounding area is seeing continued growth, both commercially and residentially.

This growth brings with it a buoyant letting market, attracting both established and new landlords.

Over the last few years HMRC have introduced a number of profound changes to the taxation of buy-to-let investments. Matt Harrison, Cottons Tax Manager, has been busy looking at these changes and the tax planning opportunities we can help you with.

One of the main changes he is being asked about is the Mortgage Interest Relief Restrictions.

If you were a private landlord before April 2017 and had a mortgage on your rental property the mortgage interest could be deducted from your rental income with tax being calculated on the net amount. Under the new system landlords will no longer be able to deduct the full mortgage interest paid from rental income, instead a 20% tax credit calculated on the mortgage interest paid is being introduced over a four year period. The phasing in of the new buy-to-let tax system began at the start of the 2017-18 tax year, with the new rules being fully in place by 2020.

The immediate impact will be on those who pay tax at higher rates as their relief will be cut to only 20%. However, this change will also have other knock on effects as by removing the deduction and converting it into a tax credit it can also increase an individual’s taxable income.

These changes to the mortgage interest tax relief only affect private landlords. Private landlords need to look at how they structure their property portfolio in order to minimise the impact of this new system. As a local firm of accountants we are helping many of our clients navigate their way through these changes by providing up to date and pro-active advice in order to ensure they are operating as tax efficiently as possible.

If you are thinking about becoming a landlord or feel you would benefit from a review of your current set up contact Matt Harrison, MH@cottonsllp.com, who would be happy to guide you.

Barrier to growth is removed One of the barriers to growth for one of the biggest employment sectors in Rugby is being overcome after the issue was highlighted at a business meeting in the town.

The shortage of training provision for the logistics industry – which supports 23,700 jobs in Warwickshire alone – was raised

by Karen Shuter, the chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Rugby branch at a committee meeting.

Rugby MP Mark Pawsey was present at the meeting to hear of local business concerns and vowed to support Karen, who runs Exact Logistics, in her efforts to help bridge the skills gap in the sector.

Following that meeting, Warwickshire College Group (WCG), Warwickshire County Council, the Chamber and Mr Pawsey pulled together a plan of action to help overcome the barrier.

Karen and WCG Rugby College campus applied for a £39,100 Skills Challenge grant from Warwickshire County Council's Skills for Employment programme. The application was successful and has paved the way for a new logistics learning hub which has been created at the campus.

Karen Shuter said: “I am absolutely thrilled that this opportunity is now available to learners here in Rugby. I raised

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Neil Coker and Karen Shuter

support skills needs in the area and link our student body with future job opportunities.”

WCG is approved to deliver CILT Level 2 & 3 in Logistics & Transport.

Interested parties can contact Charley Duxbury, Logistics Project Manager on: cduxbury@warwickshire.ac.uk or 07740419331 for more information.

Enrolment is on November 27 with a start date of January 10, 2019

Rugby Town Centre hosts new global poverty innovation headquarters An organisation which innovates for solutions to the world’s toughest problems, and helps millions of people unleash their potential across the world every year, has moved to Rugby town centre.

Practical Action has relocated its UK Head Office to the Robbins Building in Albert Street, returning to the town after a 20-year absence.

The development charity occupies the two upper floors of the building.

The bottom floor houses the organisation’s publishing arm, which produces a range of books and journals covering international development topics.

A total of 111 staff moved to its new base from its location at The Schumacher Centre in Bourton-on-Dunsmore, between Rugby and Leamington Spa.

The move will reduce the organisation’s carbon footprint, making it easier for staff to travel to work using public transport and allowing it to operate more efficiently.

Practical Action has been located in The Schumacher Centre, locally known as Bourton Hall, since 1998. The building was officially opened by the charity’s patron HRH The Prince of Wales in 1999.

The organisation was established in 1966 and later moved to offices in Myson House on Railway Terrace, Rugby in 1984. Bourton Hall was later purchased as an opportunity to showcase technology which could be used in the developing world.

During its time in Bourton-on-Dunsmore, Practical Action changed its name from The Intermediate Technology Development Group (ITDG) and opened offices in West Africa, Bolivia, Malawi and Rwanda.

Practical Action’s CEO Paul Smith Lomas said: “We have loved our time at The Schumacher Centre, but we are very excited about our move to Rugby which has been in the pipeline for a while now.”

The town centre location, closer to road and rail links will enable Practical Action to recruit more easily and allow staff to travel and network more effectively around the UK. Practical Action is a global innovator, inspiring people to discover and adopt ingenious, practical ways to free themselves from poverty and disadvantage. Alongside its publishing and consulting staff, it works with people in countries across Africa, South East Asia and Latin America to help them lift themselves out of poverty.

Brexit deal is ‘in everyone’s interest’

Karen Shuter and Mark Pawsey (both seated) with members of the Rugby branch of the Chamber

Getting a deal with the EU is ‘in all of our interests’, a business meeting in Rugby has heard.

Mark Pawsey, the MP for Rugby, met the Rugby branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to discuss the local economy and how companies are finding the current climate.

He said that the Government was introducing new flexibilities around the Apprenticeship Levy and that it was also working to tackle the issue of late payments.

And he said he understood the concerns of businesses in the region around Brexit and that he hopes a positive deal can be reached with the EU. He said: “One of the issues around Brexit is that there are lots of majorities for all the ways we shouldn’t do it but there is not a majority for the way we should do it.

“One thing is clear to me is that getting a deal is in all of our interests and that is what we are working to achieve.”

The MP added that he wanted to make it easier for microbusinesses to grow and take on new staff.

He said: “There are a lot of companies out there where it’s very much a lifestyle choice for the owner. They ask themselves why they would want the hassle of growing.

Rugby care home launches dementia support café

Chestnut Field House, Chestnut Field, Rugby Tel. 01788 579033 www.cottonsllp.com

the issue when the Chamber was running its initial Go For Growth campaign because it was looking at some of the barriers to growth. It is fitting, therefore, that the new Go For Growth: Trade Local campaign has just been launched and we have this fantastic success story to shout about.”

Neil Coker, Group Vice Principal, Curriculum at WCG, said: “The logistics hub is another example of where we have worked in partnership to

Anya Court Care Home in Rugby has launched a dementia support café at the home in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society, to encourage carers of those living with dementia to get together and support each other.

The drop-in café will be open the first Tuesday of every month

between 1:30pm and 3:30pm and will be hosted by Customer Relationship Manager Karen Handley and an Alzheimer’s Society representative.

Karen said: “We have decided to launch a dementia support café in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society at the home, as one in three of us will live with dementia in our life.

“That’s a barrier we have to breakthrough in order to grow our economy.”

As well as hearing from Mark Pawsey, the branch was also updated on the record-breaking performance of the International Trade team at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

It was also advised of the support for companies looking to improve their IT and broadband connectivity as well as hearing about the launch of the new Go For Growth: Trade Local campaign to get more companies across the region doing business with one another.

Karen Shuter, chair of the Chamber’s Rugby Branch, said: “We are extremely grateful to Mark Pawsey for joining us at our branch meeting and hearing some of the issues we face.

It is important as a care provider that we get the word out there and as a community that we become more dementia-friendly.

“The café will offer a support network for carers, a place they can come together and share knowledge and life experiences.

“There will also be an opportunity at some sessions to

“He was very open and honest about his views on Brexit and the need to get a deal that’s good for everyone, including business.

“We made sure, however, that the whole meeting wasn’t dominated by the ‘B’ word and also looked at many of the positive aspects of doing business in Rugby. The branch was particularly keen to hear more about Go For Growth: Trade Local and to watch how that develops in the coming weeks and months.

“I’d urge Rugby businesses to engage with us on the branch because it’s a great way to stay updated on the latest developments and to have your voice heard on issues affecting your company.” extend your knowledge of dementia further with several guest speakers.”

If you have any questions about dementia or would like to register your interest in attending the café or becoming a guest speaker please contact Karen on 01788 811976 or email Karen.Handley@hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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Finance

Local businesses benefitting from going green Energy efficiency grants are aimed at providing organisations with financial support to invest in equipment that will lead to cost and carbon savings for their business.

Eligible businesses that have received grants of between £1,000 and £100,000 to fund up to 30% of the cost of installing energy efficiency measures – this has lowered CO2 emissions by over 6,000 tonnes across the region.

Energy efficiency measures have included upgrades and installations of:

Coventry and Warwickshire Green Business Programme has already helped over 100 local small and medium sized businesses save money on energy bills and maximise their low carbon opportunities through funding support grants.

Launched to overcome barriers to energy efficiency, the programme aims to help small and medium sized businesses be more efficient with their energy usage and is open to businesses with fewer than 250 employees based in Coventry and Warwickshire.

• lighting – LED, controls, sensors • heating - replacement boilers and burners, zone control, heat recovery, oil to gas, thermal stores • compressors • ventilation – fans, distribution • refrigeration • renewable technologies Sarginsons Industries Ltd, a lightweight castings business based in Coventry, secured funding of £26,365 for two new gas furnaces and a new air compressor system, along with new LED lighting across its facility through the Green Business Programme.

They also received an Investment Fund Grant of £25,300 which helped them purchase a FARO 3D Scanner, Spectro-Analyser and Shot Blast Cabinet.

The effects of Sarginsons’ investment in green technologies has been nothing short of phenomenal. The investment has seen Sarginsons’ electricity consumption drop from an average of 4,000 units per week to a steady 3,000 units per week, resulting in a yearly average drop of 25% and a saving of £4,600 per month. The company believes it will reduce its CO2 emissions by as much as 335 tonnes per annum.

Anthony Evans, Managing Director at Sarginsons Industries, said: “The support we received has helped us to make the investment in substantial new equipment that has seen us become much more environmentally friendly as well as making cost savings within the business.

“The grant submission was completed with minimal disruption to the business and the claims process was very clear and simple, our initial claim was funded within 12 working days. In addition to the cost-saving, it has been a source of great pride for the company and I encourage other companies

to make use of the Green Business Programme. Reducing our carbon footprint and our energy costs is now an ongoing process and something we will pursue as an active company policy to ensure we are at the cutting edge of pioneering technology.”

Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration, said: “Coventry has a thriving business community and the Green Business Programme is helping to ensure it contributes to the region’s economy and helps to secure or create new jobs.

“Going green is a change many companies will have to make sooner or later – and often all they need is a bit of support to help them.

This programme provides that easy to understand approach with free energy audits and grants to help. Businesses recognise that climate change is a problem but by working with our Green Business team they can take advantage of grant support to adopt more efficient processes.”

The programme is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund and is being delivered by Coventry City Council, Coventry University and Coventry University Enterprises Ltd. For more information on the Coventry and Warwickshire Green Business Programme please contact greenbusiness@coventry.gov.uk or telephone 024 7678 6901

Making Tax Digital in a Nutshell From April 2019 businesses above the VAT threshold will be required to keep their records digitally and will need to send their VAT information to HMRC using third-party commercial software.

HMRC’s online portal will only remain available to businesses that complete a VAT return and have turnover below the VAT threshold.

HMRC is working with a number of software suppliers who have said they’ll provide MTD compliant software in time for April 2019. HMRC have stated that they will not be providing any free software.

Our advice at Cottons is to embrace the change. Our cloud team are trained and experienced on a range of cloud-based solutions that will be MTD ready and are helping multiple clients every day make the change. We are hearing great reviews from our clients on how much

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Budget Focus – R&D and Productivity Engulfed in political uncertainty, the 2018 Budget was an opportunity for the Chancellor to present a strong economic vision for Britain.

A core tenant was an on-going commitment to drive productivity through investment , research and development. The Government believes that “…increasing productivity is the only sustainable way to boost economic growth and prosperity, and to deliver better jobs and higher income for people across the country.”

The government included a range of incentives around productivity investment. This included taxation developments focusing on the monetisation of Intellectual Property, in addition to looking at monetising its own IP.

easier, quicker and useful their bookkeeping is now and how pleased they are to have moved from manual cashbooks or excel spreadsheets into the cloud.

We offer a free 1 hour consultation with our cloud team to discuss your options for MTD and to put a plan in place to make sure that you will be compliant. We then also offer a range of setup and training packages to suit every business.

If you are concerned you are not ready, or simply want to find out more information, please contact Mike Jefferson on 01788 579033 or email rugby@cottonsllp.com

The budget aimed to build on the Industrial Strategy released earlier in the year, with an “ambition to raise total R&D investment to 2.4% of GDP by 2027…”. This is largely focused on developing core sectors, including quantum technologies, Nuclear Fusion, Artificial Intelligence and infrastructure investment.

The impact of progressive taxation, including research and development tax relief and patent box relief has been largely ignored during this budget.

Apart from a new, yet generous, cap on losses surrendered by small companies, this was not mentioned. It remains a cornerstone policy in developing progressive productivity improvements however.

For advice on how your business can drive productivity through investment and R&D contact MCS on 01926 512476

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Burgis & Bullock

Firm breaks down the big issues

Burgis & Bullock’s Nuneaton team moving into their new office

An award-winning accountancy firm with offices across Warwickshire has built a reputation as the go-to source for top quality breakdowns of the biggest financial issues.

Burgis & Bullock has been looking after the needs of individuals, local companies and national businesses for more than 130 years, with a wealth of specialist expertise across a wide variety of sectors, including VAT services, personal and corporate tax, mergers & acquisitions and disposals, non-for profit charities, and many more.

The firm boasts offices in Leamington, Rugby, Stratford-upon-Avon and Nuneaton, as well as further afield in London and Leicester.

It has been a very busy year for Burgis & Bullock, with the move of the Nuneaton

office to new, more modern premises; the merger with another local Stratford firm of accountants, Guard D’Oyly; numerous award wins and a range of successful events hosted on topics such as Making Tax Digital, GDPR, cyber-crime and the 2018 Budget.

Wende Hubbard, Managing Partner at Burgis & Bullock, said: “The last few years have been a special period for us, as we have moved our Leamington office back to Waterloo Place, where Burgis & Bullock originally set up practice, opened two new offices and our client base is continuing to grow.

“Our decision to open an office in Stratford-upon-Avon has been a real success, and we have cemented strong links with the business community.

p l e h n a We c a d n i f u yo r e t h g i r b future.

This move has been further improved with the team from Guard D’Oyly joining Burgis & Bullock.

“In Nuneaton, we had outgrown our former offices at Gethin House after 30 years and the expansion was a massive move forward for us.

“This year there has been a lot of focus in the media on new rules and regulations coming into play that have serious consequences for business, such as GDPR and Making Tax Digital.

“With cases such as this, it is crucial that business owners are able to get their heads around the issues so they can avoid penalties.

“The subjects are often complex and it can be hard to find clear, concise advice so the turnout we have had at our seminars throughout the year is proof of the trust people have in us.”

In the days following Philip Hammond’s budget, Burgis & Bullock hosted events in Coventry and Stratford to break down what the changes would mean for business owners across a variety of sectors, with more than 100 guests attending.

Before the end of the year, three further seminars on Making Tax Digital will be held by the firm.

On November 19, specialists will be discussing the scheme in detail at Burgis & Bullock’s Elm Court office in Stratford, from 10am to 11:30am, followed up by a presentation at the Waterloo Place office in Leamington at 2pm the same day.

The last Making Tax Digital seminar of the year will be held at the Leamington office on December 18 from 10am.

For more information on Burgis & Bullock’s services and to keep on top of the big financial issues visit www.burgisbullock.com

L to r Trevor Day, Wende Hubbard and Nick White at Burgis & Bullock’s Stratford office

“The last few years have been a special period for us, as we have moved our Leamington office back to Waterloo Place, where Burgis & Bullock originally set up practice, opened two new offices and our client base is continuing to grow.”

Sound Advice in an uncertain World When there is uncertainty you need someone you can trust – whatever the challenge – as multi-award winning Accountants you’ll be in safe hands with us.

Burgis & Bullock are Chartered Accountants who offer more than basic accounting services. If you’d like to deal with a local firm who are not simply interested in your history, but are more focused on your future – your business growth, your ambitions, planning your retirement and making sure your assets are adequately protected, you need to talk to us.

With over 125 years of helping Warwickshire businesses, our team of specialists are committed to your success and as members of TAG Alliances, one of the top three service associations in the world, we have access to international support when you need it most.

So for help on securing your financial future, tax planning, raising finance, cloud accounting or simply keeping on the right side of HM Revenue and Customs, talk to us.

Contact us today or visit our website for more information.

Tel: 0845 177 5500 @BurgisBullock

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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

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New Member Profile

Direct Air & Pipework celebrates 25th anniversary From three employees to three generations, the family business of Direct Air & Pipework has grown into a leading supplier of compressed air solutions over the last 25 years.

In April 1993, Allan Dolby made the decision to leave his long-term employer to start a new business with Allan Senior, with the aim of providing a service to Midlands engineering by combining their mutual skillsets of compressed air and pipework.

Direct Air provides a complete compressed air system solution that includes the design, supply, installation and servicing for companies of all sizes throughout the UK. The company is truly a family affair with 3 generations now having worked in the company across various departments.

The company acts almost as an extended family, with many long serving members of staff, suchas Service Manager, Will Farrell, having been with the company since day one.

Starting out from humble beginnings based in Allan Senior’s garage and without even a service engineer, the company moved to its first official premises within the first 12 months of operations.

As the company grew, Direct Air purchased premises in Coventry in 1996 with more room for the increasing service support team and fleet vehicles.

The business further expanded in 2004 when it acquired Airco Pneumatics in Cheltenham improving their ability to work alongside businesses based in the South West.

To support the growth of the company, now 40 employees, a larger 15,000 sq ft unit was purchased on Binley Industrial Estate, Coventry in 2014. The sizeable warehouse allows for increased stock of machinery and genuine parts, while the in-house generator permits for the testing of compressor performance and flow rates onsite.

The team at Direct Air offers many different internal skillsets, including a dedicated service support department and sales team. The projects department lead and support on compressed air and turnkey installations, with full project-management and CADCAM design capabilities. The large team of manufacturer trained engineers are based nationwide and are experienced at maintaining all makes and models of air compressor and plant equipment.

The business prides itself on not being manufacturer driven but

achieving the best solution for the customer; which is why Direct Air is an authorised distributor for leading brands including CompAir, Teseo, BEKO TECHNOLOGIES and Boge.

“It seems a very long time since I started Direct Air based from my parent’s house. Their support and belief in my idea of combining my compressed air training with Dad’s pipework skills enabled the company to evolve and develop,” says Allan Dolby, Managing Director.

“Over that time a lot has changed but our principles remain the same. I take pride in the fact that a high number of our staff have been with us for many years and they are the strength of our business. Our levels of experience and skillsets, I believe, put us amongst the best in the industry, and today we are still investing in new engineers and apprentices for the future.”

“For the future we will continue to stay true to our values of offering an engineered solution for all systems based upon first class technical advice, whilst continuing to provide the best levels of after sales service available.”

The most recent member of the family to join the company is Emma Dolby, Website and Marketing Manager.

“I’d always been extremely proud of everything my Dad and Grandad had achieved so when the time came for a change in my career, I jumped at the opportunity to join Direct Air. And I can safely say everyone in the company has the same determined work ethic.”

“Since joining the company, I’ve worked on our rebranding project.

I wanted to transfer our reputation for excellent customer service and technical expertise to our logo and website. Our original branding was developed way back in 1993, so we felt it was time for an update to reflect how we’ve grown and developed as a company.’

In addition to offering expert advice in compressor sales, servicing and repair, Direct Air also specialises in: Air Quality Testing, Oil Free Air, Nitrogen Generation and Written Schemes of Examination.

To celebrate the company’s 25th anniversary Direct Air have appointed its first ever company charity, Alzheimer’s Society. The team have been working together to fundraise and take part in challenges, including skydiving and getting muddy at the last Wolf Run at Welsh Road Farm.

The current fundraising total is £5,300 and the aim is to raise £25,000 in celebration of reaching the 25-year milestone.

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We’re going places…

Band Hatton Button is a leading law rm in Coventry and Warwickshire, working for businesses and individuals, and always striving to go the extra mile.

We’re looking for people to join our fast-paced team and currently have several vacancies, including for Commercial Property Lawyers. If you’re interested and think you have what it takes to join us, go onto our website and search for Careers.

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WOMEN IN IT HELP COVENTRY RAPE CHARITY INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY, ACCESS AND SECURITY CLAIRE WALSH CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

CRASAC

Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC) has been helped to improve its IT systems to protect sensitive data, improve access and increase security by the women in IT at Zenzero Solutions.

CRASAC works to improve the psychological health and wellbeing of anyone affected by sexual violence, no matter when or how it happened. It runs a helpline, counselling, and crisis intervention services for victims and provides information and support for parents, partners, and professionals. Last year the charity helped more than 7,000 women, men, and children through its services.

Managing Director of CRASAC, Claire Walsh said: “Our services are very much face to face however, we are reliant on IT more and more. With regulations such as The GDPR we wanted a local company to guide us through a significant upgrade to our IT infrastructure in the most cost-effective way”.

She said: “We focus on the needs of our users and we needed a trusted partner to help guide us, implement an appropriate IT solution and make sure we got value for money. One added dimension of working with Zenzero Solutions is that the managing director and many of their staff are female which makes working in our office much easier”.

"The whole project has gone very well where I feel we have got the very best from our tight budget.

Zenzero have been responsive to change and guided us through what can seem like a confusing security environment”.

ANNE TASKER MANAGING DIRECTOR ZENZERO

Value for money and a knowledge of how to access grants was a key factor – CRASAC’s requirements were to improve connectivity from outside the office, and put in security measures.

Managing Director of Zenzero Solutions, Anne Tasker said: “As CRASAC are a registered charity we wanted to make sure we took advantage of help from our partners such as Microsoft. It was important to focus on the most effective measures to meet their needs. We firstly evaluated their current situation and put in measures to stabilize their stressed infrastructure. Then we added security measures to protect data and networks.

Upgrades to desktop hardware and software to improve morale and productivity followed. Finally, we enhanced the services available so they could adopt new software to better manage CRASAC activities”.

Conclusion –CRASAC's working environment has been transformed. Staff can now work from anywhere and new online systems can be introduced to increase service quality in a secure compliant environment..

To learn more please get in touch with us at: hello@zenzero.co.uk 0333 3209 900 www.zenzero.co.uk

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Education & Training

Report shows that more needs to be done to help veterans set up in business

A new report has revealed the barriers that ex-Service personnel face in becoming self-employed after leaving the Armed Forces.

The report, Self-employment and the Armed Forces Community, calls for broader support from the MOD to help Service personnel transitioning out of the Forces and into self-employment.

The research was conducted by the Institute for Employment Research at the University of Warwick, supported by defence technology company QinetiQ and X-Forces Enterprise, which supports entrepreneurship in the military community. It was funded by the Forces in Mind Trust.

The findings show that selfemployment is highly desirable among veterans, with being their own boss showing up as the most attractive aspect.

The survey of veterans, targeted towards those who had already moved into self-employment or had considered it upon leaving, and those currently transitioning into civilian life, found that 43% said they had planned to become self-employed on leaving the Forces, compared to 55% who said they’d seek full-time employment.

However, the research also highlights a number of barriers the ex-Service community face in becoming successfully self-employed, including: • A lack of understanding of commercial environments and skills like marketing and communications • Lack of finance, with many experiencing difficulties in getting loans and having to use their own savings • Difficulty translating the skills they learned in the Forces into a commercial environment • Difficulty adapting to a civilian environment, where there was considered to be less teamwork and an overarching focus on money www.cw-chamber.co.uk

• Reality falling short of expectations, with some finding it much harder than expected.

The report calls on the MOD to invest more resources into supporting members of the Armed Forces in transitioning successfully into the civilian labour market, and particularly into being self-employed.

This includes the suggestion of a ‘skills for life’ package for all veterans which gives support on how to pay bills, buy a house, manage finances and tax, as well as training in soft skills, people skills and commercial skills. It also calls for wider use of mentors, the wider promotion of Enhanced Learning Credits to ensure veterans are aware of their entitlements; and longer-term support including access to top-up training up to 24 months after leaving.

Professor Clare Lyonette, from the Institute of Employment Research at the University of Warwick, said: “Military service develops unique skills and competencies which can underpin a successful transition into self-employment. However, our research participants reported a range of challenges which they encountered while trying to translate their skills into a civilian context.

“The barriers and challenges reported to us highlight the need for a targeted, needs-based approach to support in transition - not all veterans will require the same levels of help. We hope that the practical recommendations we outline will make a real difference to all members of the Armed Forces Community, including military partners and reservists, as well as veterans.”

Ren Kapur, MBE, CEO and Founder of X-Forces Enterprise, said: “We’ve seen the incredible impact that selfemployment can have on veterans and are proud of the work we’ve been carrying out for five years to empower ex-service men and women to reach their full potential. This research shows that challenges remain, but we were incredibly encouraged to see how many of the recommendations made are already being taken forward by organisations like ours.”

Air Vice-Marshal Ray Lock CBE, Chief Executive, Forces in Mind Trust, said: “What is clear from this report is the need for broader support, advice and practical training for Service personnel before they leave the Armed Forces, and for sometime afterwards, if they are to successfully transition into the civilian labour market, and particularly into self-employment.

Mike Cherry, National Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “FSB welcomes the report. It shows that self-employment can be a viable and rewarding career path for Armed Forces service leavers, as well a sensible choice for the partners and spouses of serving personnel. But it also shows that more support is needed from Government and charities to help more of the armed forces community to start-up and succeed in self-employment.

“This research finds that access to finance is a major barrier to successful self-employment for the Armed Forces community and I have been asking Government for some time to make access to finance easier for all selfemployed people. This report shows that this would be particularly pertinent for service-leavers.”

FSB recently appointed Ren Kapur MBE as a volunteer Armed Forces Champion for small businesses to help support more people from the Armed Forces community in self-employment.

“Military service develops unique skills and competencies which can underpin a successful transition into self-employment.

However, our research participants reported a range of challenges which they encountered while trying to translate their skills into a civilian context.”

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Skills of the Future Coventry College is committed to anticipating future job trends in order to map out the skills required for employers to prosper in line with the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Regional Skills Plan.

As a College, we take seriously the need to work seamlessly with employers, both SMEs and large to accomplish the strategic priorities as set out in our new Strategic Plan 2018 – 2021.

Integral to ensuring business growth for the College, the local and regional economy, we are ready to set-up a series of Skills of the Future employer engagement panels covering creative and digital; advanced manufacturing and engineering; construction; leisure and hospitality and the professional services.

These Skills of the Future panels will become the foundation for mapping out new and ambitious skills strategies across the above sectors and will provide an ample opportunity for key employers within the West Midlands to engage with us.

A key focus of the Skills of the Future panels will be the development of workforce development and talent management strategies for key employers, enabling them to forecast the future skills they need to harness, both through the up-skilling of existing staff and through the effective recruitment of new employees.

The Apprenticeship Levy is a key enabler for achieving the above, but with the recent announcements at the Conservative Party Conference and the Budget; there are significant opportunities for those smaller employers who make up key supply chains and will shortly be able to access up to 25% of the Levy pot from the larger companies.

For any employers wishing to be represented on the Skills of the Future panels, Gemma Knott, Assistant Principal – Business Growth, is the key contact and welcomes any approaches on gknott@coventrycollege.ac.uk.

41

The Warwick MBA

For the Change Makers

The Warwick MBA enables you to apply the latest leadership thinking to a changing and uncertain world.

Study full-time or part-time, in Warwick or London.

W wbs.ac.uk/courses/mba

With a focus on workforce development and talent management, the panels will map out the skills required for employers in the following sectors to prosper: + + + + +

Crea ve and Digital Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Construc on Leisure and Hospitality Professional Services

Via appren ceships and professional qualifica ons, Coventry College can assist with both the upskilling of exis ng staff and the recruitment of new employees, helping fulfil the new skills strategies put in place.

If you are an employer and wish to be part of Skills of the Future, please contact Gemma Knott, Assistant Principal - Business Growth, on gknott@coventrycollege.ac.uk.

where we mean business.

Coventry College are creating a series of Skills of the Future employer engagement panels, as part of our commitment to anticipating future job trends.

President & People

Senior appointments at Coventry College

Signing off with pride after an eventful two years Dear Chamber member, This is my final column as Chamber president and it is tinged with sadness to be handing over the chain but also great pride to have served two years in this fantastic role.

I wish David Penn, my vice president, every success as he takes over and would urge him to enjoy it and throw himself into the role and everything it brings.

Somebody asked me what my highlights have been as president of the Chamber. There have been so many as I’ve met and spoken to such a variety of great businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire in a range of sectors. It’s an exciting time for our region as we approach City of Culture.

Of course, the dominant issue of my time as president has been Brexit. The vote had happened before I took on the role but it has never been out of the news for the whole two years of my presidency.

Firstly, I believe this Chamber’s response to Brexit has been fantastic and is a great example of how lucky we are in Coventry and Warwickshire to have a Chamber that understands key issues and looks to give members as much information and support as possible.

In the case of Brexit, information has been the hardest thing to get hold of as the picture has changed on a daily basis. By the time you are reading this, we will no doubt have a different situation to the one we have as I write it!

But the Chamber – through its Brexit Club – understood that from day one. It realised that there would be noise and political posturing but that none of this would be of interest to its members.

Companies want to be able to plan and, while the Brexit Club could never say what the outcome of Brexit negotiations would be, it could give advice on what steps to take and give support based on reasonable assumptions.

Further to that, it has heard from members with niche issues around Brexit – the Butterfly Farm worried about its pupae exports that would literally fly if there were delays in shipment, for example – and has highlighted these to Government and in the media s uch as the Financial Times.

The International Trade team at the Chamber, which works wonders on a daily basis, has also helped members to take advantage of the fall in the pound to help exporters do business overseas.

As I write this column now, we are still unsure of what the final outcome will be – I’ll leave that to David Penn to sort out!

All I would say to him is he will have the support and the backing of a fantastic team at the Chamber who work tirelessly on behalf of members.

That comes from strong leadership and while I have always admired and respected our chief executive, Louise Bennett, I have seen first-hand her vision and her work to make this Chamber the fantastic organisation that it is.

So thank you to everyone for all of their support over the past couple of years and good luck to David in taking on this incredible role.

Gemma, who has previously worked at Stratford and Warwickshire Colleges, emphasised that the regeneration of Coventry and the chance to increase apprenticeships for young people influenced her decision to move to the college.

She will now work with businesses to learn more about what skills they require from new starters in the lead up to 2021.

Sibtain’s role will see him work to boost the profile of Coventry College across the region and nationally.

Coventry College has made two major appointments as it aims to boost business in the city ahead of City of Culture.

Gemma Knott has returned to the region to join the college as Assistant Principal for Business Growth while Sibtain Naqvi has been recruited as Head of Marketing, Sales and Recruitment.

Both will be key members of the team which is looking to strengthen links between the college – which has two centres in the city – and regional business.

Raised in Birmingham, he has previously worked in roles across Europe and Asia

before moving back to the Midlands four years ago.

New appointment for Brethertons Employment Team Brethertons has welcomed Emma Fyson as a Senior Associate to its Employment team.

Emma joins Brethertons from Deloitte LLP, where she held the position of Employment

Legal Counsel. Prior to that, Emma was a Senior Solicitor within AXA UK’s Group Legal team.

Amy Edwards, Head of Practice Area – Employment at Brethertons, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Emma to our expanding Employment team.

Her experience and expertise will be a true asset and greatly enhance our service offering to both business and individual customers.”

Emma said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the team and look forward to being part of a growing and successful firm.”

Leading Digital and innovation strategy expert appointed as Director of Innovation Digital and innovation strategy expert David Plumb took up the new role of Director of Innovation at the University of Warwick in September.

David has considerable expertise, contacts and

experience in innovation, particularly with digital and data to create growth.

Recent roles include Chief Digital Officer at O2, where he was responsible for innovation, growth and digital.

His leadership of O2’s innovation businesses saw them more than double in size gaining half a billion pounds in new business.

While with O2 he also signed several innovative partnerships with major businesses such as Sky,

Talk Talk and Tesla. He was also a board sponsor of Wayra, Telefónica's start-up accelerator which evaluated new opportunities, invested in new ventures, created new spin out businesses and launched new O2 products.

Brethertons welcomes Commercial Property Associate Brethertons has welcomed Bejul Lakhani-Lever as the latest addition to their Commercial Property team.

With more than ten years of Commercial Property specialism, Bejul’s expertise includes Landlord and Tenant matters, acquisitions, disposals, secured lending, conditional contracts, option agreements, insolvency

sales, pension fund sales and purchases and property aspects of corporate transactions. In her career to date, Bejul has acted for charities (local and national), SMEs, Banks, insolvency practitioners, major high street retailers, and individual clients.

Bejul said: “I am passionate about the work that I do and have maintained really good

relationships with customers throughout my career. I am looking forward to building these strong relationships with customers at Brethertons to drive the business forward.”

John Nollett

44

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

President & People

Appointments made

Pat Moroney, Martin Gallagher, Anthony Holt, Jane Fradgley, Peter Deeley, Peter Hartill

A Midlands-based property group has made two strategic appointments as it plans for significant growth.

The Deeley Group, which is based at the Coventry Business Park, has drafted in Anthony Holt as the company’s new Group Development Director and Jane Fradgley as Senior Development Manager.

It marks a step-change in the company’s ambitions to grow its

Construction, Homes, Development and Investment divisions as well as introducing a new Affordable Living division where it works in partnership with social housing companies.

Peter Deeley, Managing Director of the Deeley Group, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Anthony Holt and Jane Fradgley to the Group as two very senior appointments. It’s part of our plan to grow the Group over the coming years.”

Lodders launches rural sector team

Midlands law firm Lodders has launched a new Rural Sector team of legal specialists dedicated to the agricultural and countryside sector.

The firm, which has worked with farmers, landowners and rural businesses throughout its 230-year history, has brought together the team to reflect the modern and changing legal needs of businesses, families and individuals working and living in the rural community and countryside.

Managing partner Paul Mourton said: “The firm was founded on work

for businesses and individuals in the agricultural sector and rural communities when it started 237 years ago. These strong roots have transcended the many generations of the firm and agriculture remains very much at the heart of what we do and the type of firm we are today.”

Head of Lodders’ Agriculture team, James Spreckley, said: “Lodders genuinely understands the nuances of agriculture and farming families and rural sector businesses, and from its knowledge and experience, very many of the considerations and challenges they face daily.”

again this year. Over the years, the event has brought in thousands of pounds worth of much needed funds for the hospice and is an excellent occasion for local organisations like ours to get together for a good cause.”

The Shakespeare Hospice was hoping to raise £25,000 but exceeded this amount with more than £30,000 raised so far with more donations and sponsorship still coming in for the teams who participated.

More than 400 people participated in the race in long, narrow vessels decorated with

Some of the lawyers and legal specialists in Lodders new Rural Sector team.

ornately carved dragon's heads and tails. The crews, who sat in pairs and paddled to compete in multiple timed races over distances of around 250m, were accompanied by a drummer beating time to keep the paddlers in unison, and a professional helmsperson in the stern to guide the boat.

The 26 teams, including two from main sponsor Western Distribution Power, were from companies in and around Stratford, included Listers, SSP Worldwide, Benchmark, DoubleTree Hilton Stratford and Shakespeare Martineau. The Shakespeare Hospice also entered a team named The Purple Pirates.

Vinci Energies had a total eight teams from its different business units, including the winning team, the Twyver Tigers. In the

spectacular final race, The Twyver Tigers fought it out with five other Dragon Boats and finished with a time of just over 70 seconds, only fractionally ahead of their colleagues, Actemium East Midlands and the other finalists who all finished within 71 seconds.

Sophie Harrison, fundraiser for The Shakespeare Hospice, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s race, and to all our volunteers, as well as Western Power Distribution and the Stratford Boat Club, who helped to stage a great event. All of the competitors threw themselves into it and the grand final was a real spectacle for the crowds as the six Dragon Boats, which was a record number to be racing against each other along the river Avon in the final, were only inches apart!”

New role for Julie A leading Midlands-based female construction leader has been chosen to help shape the future of the industry.

Julie White, the managing director of diamond drilling and concrete sawing specialists D-Drill, has been selected to sit on the Construction Industry

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (WM RFCA) has welcomed a new Board member.

Saqib Bhatti has joined the Associations’ other volunteer Board members, in their role of shaping and directing the work of the Association in supporting and promoting the regional tri-service Reserves and Cadets.

After completing four years as President for the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, Saqib has just been named as the youngest ever president of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

Twyver Tigers secure title A total of 26 teams paddled it out at The Shakespeare Hospice’s Dragon Boat Race, held at Stratford Boat Club on the River Avon.

The event was sponsored by Western Power Distribution for the fifth time and attracted many family members, friends and other spectators down to the riverside to cheer on the participants.

Heather Papworth, Team Support at Western Power Distribution, said: “As a long-term supporter of the hospice and the Dragon Boat Race we were delighted to sponsor the event

New face for Association’s Board

Training Board’s (CITB) England Council.

The council will help the Board to form plans for the future of training within the sector and make its work more representative of the whole industry.

Julie, a former Businesswoman of the Year, has been running D-Drill for

He is the honorary chairman of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, a Director at Younis Bhatti & Co Limited Chartered Accountants and an associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Saqib said: “Our Armed Forces are a source of national pride and our Reserve Forces are an essential part of our national defence strategy. Being a former cadet myself, I also know what a great opportunity it is for a young person to get involved and hone essential life skills such as team working, leadership and communication.”

The WM RFCA is one of 13 RFCAs across the UK that came into existence at the same time as the Territorial Army in 1908. Their role is to support the Reserve Forces and Cadets from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force.

Chairman Colonel The Honourable Philip Seccombe said: “I am delighted that Mr Saqib Bhatti has accepted our invitation to join the West Midland RFCA Board, and I know that he will bring his own expertise and experience for the benefit of our Reservists and Cadets around the region.”

a decade after a management buyout and has long been an advocate of training and apprenticeships across the industry. She is also on the Directors board of BuildUK and D-Drill was a founding member of the Drilling & Sawing Association.

Julie said: “I am delighted to take on this new role as it fits completely with the way I believe we must move our industry forward in the future.

“The training and development of our people is absolutely crucial to ensuring that the standards within our own businesses and across the whole industry remain at the very highest level.

“We need to attract more young people and more women into construction to ensure that we have a growing, diverse workforce fit for future growth. These are the messages I will be taking with me into this new role.”

45

New Members

Welcome to new members Strategic Partners

Essential Members

Emotional Fitness & Training

Nexus Creative Ltd Cider Mill & Stables Curt Farm Church Lane Norton WR5 2PS 01905 821919 www.nexuscl.com

Envisage Group

andycopy.co.uk

Progress Close Binley Coventry CV3 2TF 02477 714900 www.envisagegroupltd.com

Binley Coventry 07710 622749 www.andycopy.co.uk

41 Rounds Hill Kenilworth CV8 1DW 07843 568632 www.emotionalfitnesspt.com

Anna Chapman Consulting Ltd

Flood Technologies

Greville House 10 Jury Street Warwick CV34 4EW 07890 407005 www.annachapmanconsulting.co.uk

Unit 5 Fullwood Close Aldermans Green Industrial Estate Coventry CV2 2SS 02476 610666 action@floodtec.co.uk www.floodtec.co.uk

Corporate Members

North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College Hinckley Road Nuneaton CV11 6BH 02476 043000 the.college@nwhc.ac.uk www.nwhc.ac.uk

Waste Solutions - Coventry City Council Whitley Depot 259 London Road Coventry CV3 4AR 02476 832255 wastesolutions@coventry.gov.uk www.coventry.gov.uk/wastesolutions

International Trade Members

Axon Computer Systems 01213 147609 www.axon-computer.co.uk

Sarah Tomson Associates

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Chamberlain Square Birmingham B3 3DH 01213 488038

55 Cunningham Way Rugby CV22 7JD 01788 461154 www.ghostsunlimited.co.uk

BMAG.enquiries@birminghammuseums.org.uk

Hilotherm Limited

Nelson House 2 Hamilton Terrace Leamington Spa CV32 4LY 07703 849905 www.linkedin.com/company/ sarah-tomson-associates

www.birminghammuseums.org.uk

Bluethink UK Limited Warwick Innovation Centre Warwick Technology Park Gallow Hill Warwick CV34 6UW 01926 623060 www.bluethink.co.uk

BTS (UK) Ltd

c/o DHL Supply Chain Ltd Valley Cross Valley Drive Rugby CV21 1TN 01792 890149 www.3m.co.uk

01604 926100 pritesh.ganatra@btsuk.net

Covcomm Cabling Limited 1 Niagara Close Coventry CV4 9WF 07826 100676

Bosworth Plastics Ltd

CreativeScript Web Design

Unit K, Radius Court Tungston Park Hinckley LE10 3BE 01455 234401 www.bosworthplastics.co.uk

02477 456698 info@creativescript.co.uk www.creativescript.co.uk

Units 5 & 6 Alliance Close Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate Nuneaton CV11 6SD 02476 343037 www.independent-freight.com

Nixon Industrial Diamonds Limited Endemere Road Coventry CV6 5RR 02476 686069 www.nixondiamonds.co.uk

Tenencia Limited

Foundry House 4 Goldacre Close Leamington Spa CV31 2TW 01926 356300 www.profitreach.uk

Ghosts Unlimited UK Ltd

Birmingham Museums Trust

3M United Kingdom PLC

Independent Freight Solutions Ltd

Profit Reach

Crisis Skylight Coventry & Warwickshire Office 1, James Brindley House Canal Basin Coventry CV1 4LY 02477 087400 www.crisis.org.uk

CurrantWeb 25 Generator Hall Electric Wharf Coventry CV1 4JL 02476 552222 info@currantweb.co.uk www.currantweb.co.uk

Direct Air & Pipework Ltd

Dakota House Coventry Airport Coventry CV8 3AZ 02476 882695 www.tenencia.co.uk

Unit 38 Herald Way Binley Business Park Coventry CV3 2RQ 02476 688890 enquiries@directair.co.uk www.directair.co.uk

Ultraseal International Group Ltd

Eagle Security Protection Ltd

42 Sayer Drive Coventry CV5 9PF 02476 258444 sales@ultraseal.co.uk www.ultraseal.co.uk

12 Kingsliegh Road Birmingham B20 3UG 01212 408586 info@eaglesecurityprotection.co.uk www.eaglesecurityprotection.co.uk

Unit 3 The Venture Centre Sir William Lyons Road Coventry CV4 7AJ 02476 323372 www.hilotherm.co.uk

SBS Creative Writing

HydroVeg Kit

Coventry CV1 4AZ 07368 444347 coventrysales@servicemaster.org.uk www.servicemasterclean.co.uk

07957 135601 sue@hydroveg.co.uk www.hydroveg.co.uk

ibis Hotel Coventry Mile Lane Coventry CV1 2LN 02476 250500 www.accorhotels.com

Intelligere Ltd Studley Point 88 Birmingham Road Studley B80 7AS 01564 795911 sales@intelligere.ltd www.intelligere.ltd

JLN Plumbing & Heating Ltd

02476 260880 sbscreativewriting@gmail.com www.sandrashannon.co.uk

ServiceMaster Clean Coventry

Signs Express (Coventry) Unit 5 Central City Industrial Estate Coventry CV6 5RY 02475 187100 coventry@signs-express.co.uk www.signsexpress.co.uk

Spiro Engineering Consultants Ltd 65 Garrick Close Coventry CV5 7NQ 07834 963845 www.spiroengineering.co.uk

Spring Action Cleaning Company

208 Winsford Avenue Allesley Park Coventry CV5 9NB 02476 677667 www.jlnplumbing.co.uk

Norton House Birds Street Coventry CV1 5FX 02476 227254 info@springactioncleaning.co.uk www.springactioncleaning.co.uk

Listers Seat Coventry

The Jacket Potato Box

Brandon Road Binley Coventry CV3 2AN 02476 456700 listers.co.uk/SEAT

07850 854766 thejacketpotatobox.uk@gmail.com www.thejacketpotatobox.co.uk

MediCall247 Ltd Unit E7 Holly Farm Business Park Honiley CV8 1NP 03333 056560 www.medicall247.co.uk

MRE Networking Ltd 07830 518824 coventry@bforb.co.uk

Turmeric Gold 166 Spon Street Coventry CV1 3BB 02476 239000 www.turmericgold.co.uk

Your Mum 14 Savages Close Bishop's Tachbrook Leamington Spa CV33 9RL 07789 221195

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 46

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Training & Events Chamber Member Price +VAT

Non-Member Price +VAT

Duration

Nov 2018

Complaint Handling (pm)

£100

£125

Half Day - pm

6

Import Procedures & Inward Processing (IP)

£260

£295

Full Day

8

Microsoft Excel - Basic to Intermediate - Additional Date

£120

£150

Full Day

12

Microsoft Excel - Intermediate to Advanced

£120

£150

Full Day

14

Social Media Strategy

£215

£240

Full Day

15

Negotiating to Win

£215

£240

Full Day

20

Developing Effective Presentation Skills

£215

£240

Full Day

27

Emergency First Aid in the Workplace

£105

£130

Full Day

5

Time Management

£215

£240

Full Day

11

Microsoft Excel Formulae - Top Up - New

£65

£85

Half Day - am

12

Microsoft Excel Data Tools - Top Up - New

£65

£85

Half Day - pm

12

Practical Social Media (am)

£110

£120

Half Day - am

13

Customer Service Essentials

£110

£135

Half Day - am

8

Key Account Management

£110

£135

Half Day - pm

8

Microsoft Excel - An Introduction - New

£130

£160

Full Day

9

Professional Telephone Techniques

£110

£135

Half Day - am

15

Professional Email Writing

£110

£135

Half Day - pm

15

Introduction to Mental Health - New

£220

£245

Full Day

15

Export for Beginners - New

£260

£295

Full Day

16

C&W Chamber Training Seminars

Dec 2018

JAn 2018

First Aid at Work - Day 1

£220

£245

3 Full Days

18, 25 Jan and 1 Feb

Managing Change Successfully

£220

£245

Full Day

23

Understanding Export & Export Documentation

£260

£295

Full Day

24

Microsoft Excel - Basic to Intermediate

£130

£160

Full Day

30

Prices subject to VAT. *Subject to optional accreditation fees. ** Plus registration

Course dates for the quarter are shown above, please contact C&W Chamber Training on 024 7623 1122 or visit www.cw-chambertraining.co.uk for other course dates and further information

Events Annual Economic Conference Friday 16 November 2018 Ricoh Arena, Coventry Your Chamber of Commerce will once again deliver an event packed with prestigious and engaging key-note speakers and stimulating panel sessions.

The Chamber's conference is the highlight of the business events calendar in our region.

Members: £45.00 + VAT Non-Members: £55.00 + VAT

Beyond Brexit: Going for Global Growth Wednesday 21st November 2018 3.00pm – 5.00pm Ricoh Arena, Coventry, CV6 6GE FREE

Coventry & Warwickshire’s LARGEST Speed Networking Event Wednesday 28th November 2018 2.00pm – 5.00pm Ricoh Arena, Coventry, CV6 6GE FREE

Tourism, Leisure & Culture Networking Lunch

Festive Meet Your Chamber

Wednesday 21st November 2018 11.00am – 2.00pm Ardencote, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV35 8LT FREE

Friday 7th December 2018 11.00am – 2.00pm Coombe Abbey Hotel, Coventry, CV3 2AB FREE

Q4 Branch Meetings Coventry Branch Friday 30th November 8am – 9.30am Chamber House

Rugby Branch Thursday 6th December 8am – 9.30am The Rugby Hotel

South Warwickshire Branch Friday 7th December 8am – 9.30am Crowne Plaza Stratford

North Warwickshire Branch Thursday 13th December 8am – 9.30am Subcon Laser

Mid-Warwickshire Branch Friday 14th December 8am – 9.30am Kenilworth

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

47

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