Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Area Focus: Mid Warwickshire
Warwick mapping tech firm plots path to hyper-growth businesses. Managed by the business support team at the University of Warwick Science Park, it worked closely with Nimbus Maps to refine the group’s business strategy. Simon Davis said: “For us the challenge has been trying to translate all the value of our products to a very diverse industry.
From left – Simon Davis, Andrew Green, Dirk Schaefer and Paul Davis
A burgeoning data and software company, whose technology provides the property industry with unprecedented information on properties across the UK, is charting a course for hyper-growth after receiving vital business support. Nimbus Maps, which is based at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Warwick Innovation Centre, was set up by brothers Simon and Paul Davis with the aim of providing up-to-the-minute access to information on potential investment and development opportunities, accessible to everyone investing in or developing properties. The company developed a product which includes current information on commercial and residential sites – from ownership to planning permissions – and that information is layered onto Google
Maps and Ordnance Survey maps via a mobile-ready platform. Nimbus Maps has experienced a meteoric rise in demand for its services. During the last 18 months the number of users has risen from 3,000 to 40,000 – and this growth needed careful management by the firm to avoid the risks involved with over-expansion. The company sought advice from Business Ready, a programme that delivers support to expanding
“Business Ready has helped us develop the infrastructure to grow in a way that corresponds to our vision. They have provided us with marketing support and guidance on tailoring our business to the types of clients we want to attract.”
The Myton Hospices announces 2020 events
Dirk Schaefer, business growth adviser at University of Warwick Science Park, said: “Nimbus Maps has enjoyed tremendous growth in what is an exciting time in PropTech.
Spring has sprung and it’s time to turn your back on the winter hibernation and get active and busy. That’s the view of The Myton Hospices, which has unveiled a full diary of events and activities for 2020.
“We are very pleased to be able to offer support on marketing, recruitment and funding, and look forward to their continued success.”
These activities include challenge events taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks and cycle routes around the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, an It’s a Knockout-style corporate team-building event, a golf day and summer fetes.
For more information on Business Ready visit www.business-ready.co.uk
“The company sought advice from Business Ready, a programme that delivers support to expanding businesses. Managed by the business support team at the University of Warwick Science Park, it worked closely with Nimbus Maps to refine the group’s business strategy.”
First electric bus trials in Warwickshire Warwickshire County Council, had the opportunity to travel on the vehicle and find out about the many advantages that electric buses have over conventional diesel-powered models. The response was very positive.
Local coach and bus operator, Johnsons of Henley-in-Arden, received the demonstrator full electric bus from the UK distributor for the Chinese manufacturer Yutong and put the vehicle through its paces with some of its potential customers.
John Johnson, commercial director of Johnsons, said: “Passengers and drivers alike immediately recognised the benefits that an electric vehicle offers. A much quieter and smoother ride, improved driver experience and zero gas and particulate emissions to the local environment – even the heating and air conditioning is powered from the bus battery! Based on the trial, it appears that the cost of electricity to operate the bus is less than a quarter of the equivalent diesel cost.”
Over three days potential contractors for the buses, such as National Grid, NFU Mutual and
Richard Crump, managing director of Pelican Bus & Coach – the UK agent for Yutong – said:
A state-of-the-art electric bus took to roads around Warwickshire and was greeted with thumbs up by users.
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Fun and foam anyone? Myton’s It’s a Knockout is back for 2020 – with six all-new games.
“There are now more than 100,000 similar buses in operation in China and around the world and have been for over ten years. These buses are zero emission – future proof.” The rise in sustainable travel has increased in recent years with passengers looking for ways to become more environmentally friendly. Environmental sustainability is of great importance to many potential contractors including National Grid, which is passionate about running its business in an environmentally responsible way. Sara Habib, head of workplace services for National Grid, said: “Our colleagues at National Grid were very positive about the electric bus and their journey. The trial reflects our commitment to encouraging and supporting colleagues to reduce their impact on the environment.”
The season of fun begins with Glow for Myton – Around the World in 5km. Taking place at Princethorpe College on March 28, Glow will see some of the world’s biggest celebrations brought together for a supercolourful event. Hot on the heels of Glow comes the annual Walk for Myton – an annual family-friendly event featuring walks of varying distance around the beautiful Warwickshire countryside. June sees the return of hugely popular corporate event, It’s a Knockout (IAK), which will be held at Leamington Rugby Club on the afternoon of Friday, June 26. A sellout success last year, IAK sees 36 teams of the hospices’ corporate supporters going head-to-head in the fun and foam-filled event made famous by the ‘80s BBC show. July is Summer Fete season at The Myton Hospices, with its Coventry and Warwick hospices throwing their doors open for a day of family-friendly traditional fun on July 4 and 18 respectively. Myton’s Cycle Challenge takes place in August and then it’s time to step into Christmas with the Santa Dash, which will see hundreds of people dressed in Santa suits walking, jogging or running the 5k route around Leamington’s Victoria Park. Throughout the year there are also countless other opportunities to put the fun into fundraising. For more details, visit www.mytonhospice.org/our-events
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