C&W July 25

PHIL WILDING

Managing Partner of Wright Hassall finds the recipe for success. Page 20

Lucy Hatton joins AGN International EMEA Board as Dafferns marks 10 years of membership

Another significant milestone in our firm’s international journey, is the appointment of Lucy Hatton, our Audit & International Partner, to the AGN International EMEA Board.

Lucy joins an elite group of nine board members from leading firms across Europe and the Middle East, working under regional chair Eric Seyvos of Paris-based BM&A.

Lucy’s journey within AGN International demonstrates both her excellence and our firm’s commitment to developing next-generation leaders.

Following her graduation from AGN’s 2022/23 Next Leaders Programme, she served two years on the AGN International Shadow Board, directly supporting the main International Board. Earlier in 2025, she was appointed Chair of the EMEA Business Development Committee, leading to this new EMEA board position.

dafferns.com

Founded in Coventry in 1896

AGN International is a global association of independent accounting and advisory firms, with approaching 200 members across over 80 countries.

Our membership with AGN has enabled us to forge connections that assist Dafferns’ clients in conducting business worldwide, while also supporting international companies in their UK ventures.

Dear Chamber Member,

It’s been a busy couple of months, with a flurry of important policy announcements from the government, our local political landscape adjusting to new leadership, and some huge announcements on infrastructure investment that could help to reshape Coventry & Warwickshire.

At the start of June, we had the brilliant British Chambers of Commerce Global Annual Conference. It featured an impressive line-up of speakers, including the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Governor of the Bank of England.

support programme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and provided by Business Growth West Midlands, to support local businesses. This expert international trade support sits alongside our export documentation and trade training support. Please contact Adele Dodds in our office for more details.

I would also invite you to attend our West Midlands International Trade Summit, taking place on Friday 12th September in Coventry, to hear from a range of excellent speakers, panels and for the chance to find out more about the support available.

Finally, at a recent Chamber EGM, we adopted the recommendations of our governance review. We now have a newly structured board, have separated the roles of Chair and President for the first time in our 120-year history, and are creating a new Business Assembly. This assembly will bring businesses and decision-makers together to help deliver a new Business Manifesto, launching this autumn.

Keep an eye on our social media channels for details on how you can put yourself forward for the new Chamber President’s role or take up a place on the new Business Assembly.

The official publication of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

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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.

Local Community receives a Five Figure Fundraising Boost from Coventry Rugby Community Foundation’s Inaugural Fundraising

Lunch at Butts Park Arena

Nearly 300 guests gathered in the marquee at Butts Park Arena for the Coventry Rugby Community Foundation’s inaugural fundraising lunch providing a much needed five figure cash injection for the charity.

The event marked a major milestone in the charity’s efforts to support the local community through the power of sport.

Attended by local business leaders, and loyal Cov Rugby sponsors and supporters, the event highlighted the Foundation’s mission to transform lives through improved physical and mental wellbeing for young people of all backgrounds through sport.

As an independent registered charity, the Foundation works ‘hand in glove’ with Coventry Rugby’s community team, ensuring that age, gender, ethnicity, physical ability or socioeconomic background are never barriers to participation.

Guests enjoyed a sumptuous three-course lunch followed by keynote speaker Steve Hewitt, former CEO of Gymshark, who shared key insights into leadership and entrepreneurial success. The afternoon continued with a lively Q&A featuring former rugby internationals Tom Wood and Alex Waller, offering behind-the-scenes sporting stories and an insight into their past careers.

The event closed with a live auction, with lots including a private dinner for eight

cooked by a personal chef, luxury clay shooting packages, a made-to-measure bespoke jacket, a JLR Classic Works experience and an exclusive lakeside stay in the Cotswolds. Bidding was spirited from the outset. All funds raised will go directly toward s delivering community projects for disadvantaged children and the wider community across Coventry and the surrounding region.

John Edwards, Chairman of the Coventry Rugby Community Foundation, said: “The role the Foundation plays in conjunction with Cov Rugby is so vital. For many it is a lifeline which is why events such as our inaugural lunch are so important. I wish to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended and provided their support. Every pound raised will be channelled back into our foundation programmes, helping to provide access, opportunity, and support to those who need it most.”

So far, more than 6,000 children have participated in Foundation-supported activities at Coventry Rugby, including the innovative Project 500 which is a game changing commitment from the club providing meals and multi sports camps for disadvantaged under-16s during the school holidays.

This expanding outreach is a testament to the Foundation’s growing presence in the

region and its commitment to grassroots development, education and wellbeing.

Throughout the year a range of activities are held at Cov Rugby’s BPA stadium as well as in local schools, aimed at enriching the lives of disadvantaged children with sport being the common denominator enabling young people to learn and develop new skills through sport.

The club also offers netball, wheelchair rugby and walking rugby for over the over 50’s further demonstrating the integral role Cov Rugby plays in supporting the wellbeing of the community, as well as supporting the newly launched Coventry Rugby Academy.

Jon Sharp, Executive Chairman of Coventry Rugby Club, added: “At Cov Rugby our aim is to be a catalyst for positive change and to make a lasting impact on the lives of the people in our community.

“We are proud to play our part in creating a lasting legacy of inclusion, opportunity, and positive change. Today’s incredible turnout shows the strength of belief in our mission.”

With its first fundraising event a resounding success, the Foundation is already planning next year’s event further demonstrating that sport truly can play an instrumental part in changing the lives of the less fortunate in the local community.

University of Warwick boosts UK economy by £3.8 billion

From job creation to skills development and cultural engagement, University of Warwick continues to play a leading role in growing the regional and UK economy.

According to analysis by London Economics, the University contributed more than £1.33 billion to the regional economy in 2022–23, and an estimated £3.8 billion to the UK economy overall. It supported over 12,000 jobs in the West Midlands through its teaching, research, innovation and community partnerships. Warwick’s impact on the UK economy has grown by 11.2% in real terms since 2016–17 – rising from £3.44 billion to £3.83 billion.

Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Warwick, said: “This report shows how deeply the University of Warwick is woven into the fabric of our region and country and the role we play in economic growth.

“As we mark our 60th anniversary, we are reaffirming our role as a major employer, educator and innovator rooted in the local community. But our contribution goes far beyond the economic. Whether it’s training teachers, advancing medical science, supporting local businesses, or offering creative opportunities for young people, we are helping to shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and globally connected society.

“Through our world leading education and research, our teaching and our partnerships – many of them formed right here in the region – we are working to improve lives in meaningful and lasting ways.”

The analysis also highlights the growing impact of its work locally, nationally and internationally – from regional job creation and cultural investment, to the £984 million generated by educational exports through its international student community.

Over the past six decades, Warwick has developed strong links with local businesses, invested in education and health, and opened up new opportunities for people across Coventry, Warwickshire and the wider region.

The University supports the local economy in multiple ways – from direct spend with local firms and the money students spend in the area, to the productivity and output gains delivered through research, skills and business support. It continues to play a central role in driving long-term economic and social value across the region.

Andrew Todd, Director, Regional Strategy and Partnerships, University of Warwick, added: “We commissioned this report to better understand the full scale of our economic and civic impact – and the findings are both affirming and inspiring. They confirm the University’s central role in driving prosperity across Coventry, Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands, but also shine

a light on the strength and reach of our partnerships.

“Whether we’re working with local schools, NHS trusts, community groups, cultural organisations or businesses, we’re united by a shared ambition: to create opportunities, raise aspirations and support long-term growth across our region. It’s through these collaborations that we’re making a lasting difference – not only here in the Midlands, but across the UK and beyond.”

As Warwick celebrates its 60th anniversary, the University is not only reflecting on six decades of progress but also looking firmly to the future. With a commitment to sustainability, innovation and inclusive growth, Warwick will continue to be a driving force for local, national and global economic prosperity, educational opportunity, and positive change.

For more information visit: warwick.ac.uk/about/regional/our-impact

EZOO gears up for EV Summit UK 2025

EZOO has confirmed its place as an exhibitor at this year’s EV Summit UK, taking place on 17–18 September 2025 at the Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford.

The two-day event brings together the most influential players in the electric vehicle space: policy makers, manufacturers, fleet providers and sustainability leaders. For EZOO, it’s a valuable opportunity to showcase how its innovative EV salary sacrifice scheme and EV business subscriptions are helping UK businesses accelerate their transition to electric.

Founded in 2018, EZOO has grown rapidly, both in team size and market impact. In the last 12 months, the company has welcomed new team members across client support and fleet operations, and continued its investment in partnerships with local suppliers. By blending nationwide reach with regional collaboration, EZOO is strengthening its position as a trusted salary sacrifice and business subscription provider.

At the EV Summit, EZOO will highlight its all-inclusive model which allows companies to offer electric vehicles to employees without upfront costs – as well as the growing interest from SMEs, startups and larger organisations looking to decarbonise.

CEO Lash Saranna said: “We’re proud to be part of this year’s EV Summit. It’s a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, and to share what’s next. The business community is a vital force in EV adoption, and we’re here to make that transition easier, smarter and more accessible.”

EZOO’s presence at the EV Summit reinforces its commitment to innovation, sustainable growth, and enabling the business community to lead the charge towards net zero.

For 20 per cent off a ticket, use the code EZOO20.

A Guide to Settlement Agreements from Askews Legal LLP

A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract between an employer and an employee.

It typically ends the employment relationship and waives the employee’s right to bring certain legal claims against the employer in an employment tribunal or court, usually in exchange for a financial payment.

When and Why Are They Used?

Settlement agreements can be used in lots of different situations to bring an employment relationship to an end. They are a reliable way to facilitate a clean break between the parties on agreed terms. They are commonly used:

To avoid a lengthy grievance or disciplinary process

In redundancy situations

• To resolve disputes (e.g. discrimination, unfair dismissal)

• Where there has been a relationship breakdown

• When both parties agree it’s best to part ways amicably

They are entirely voluntary—you don’t have to accept the agreement.

What Must Be Included for It to Be Legally Binding?

The agreement must be in writing and must clearly state which claims are being waived or compromised. You must get independent legal advice from a qualified legal adviser (often paid for by the employer). Your Adviser must be identified in the agreement and must hold professional indemnity insurance. The agreement must state that it complies with the applicable legislation which governs the types of claims being settled by the agreement.

What Might You Receive?

There must be some form of consideration or benefit flowing to the employee under the terms of the agreement, in return for

waiving their legal rights to pursue a claim against their employer.

Usually, consideration is financial, in the form of compensation being paid to the employee which exceeds their statutory minimum entitlements. Occasionally, consideration may be non-financial, for example, provision of a reference, or an agreement to make a payment in lieu of notice rather than require an employee to work their notice.

Common payments include:

• Salary Notice Pay

Statutory Redundancy Payment

• Termination Payment – Often tax-free up to £30,000

Accrued Holiday Pay

Outstanding expenses, Bonuses or Commission

Legal Fees - Employers typically contribute £500+VAT towards the employee’s legal fees

Can You Negotiate?

Yes! You are under no obligation to accept the settlement agreement and can negotiate the terms if you believe there are good grounds to do so.

Local Chamber Members Unite to Support Myton

Two proud members of the local Chamber of Commerce are joining forces to make a meaningful impact in the community.

The Meriden Hospital, part of Circle Health Group, is proudly supporting Myton Hospice in raising awareness for their £25,000 Summer Jackpot Raffle — a vital fundraising initiative that helps provide compassionate end-of-life care across Coventry and Warwickshire.

The Meriden Hospital, known for delivering high-quality, patient-centric care, is championing Myton Hospice’s raffle campaign through internal promotions, staff, and patient engagement. This collaboration

reflects a shared commitment to community wellbeing and highlights the power of local partnerships in driving positive change.

“We’re honoured to support Myton Hospice in their mission,” said a Stephen Haselip, Sales & Marketing Manager for The Meriden Hospital. “Their work touches so many lives, and we’re proud to help amplify their message and encourage participation in the Summer Jackpot Raffle.”

The Myton Hospices’ £25,000 Summer Jackpot Raffle offers supporters the chance to win life-changing prizes while directly contributing to the hospice’s essential services. Every ticket sold helps fund

Why do I need legal advice?

It is a legal requirement, and the agreement will not be binding unless you have received advice on the terms from a qualified adviser.

How does it work in practice?

You need to instruct a qualified employment law solicitor who will require various information from you to enable them to review your draft agreement, for example, the reason why you have been given the settlement agreement, a copy of your employment contract and last payslip, confirmation of your job title, notice period, whether you have any company property to return, length of service etc. Your solicitor will review the agreement based on the information you provide and check the financial calculations. It is likely the agreement may require some amendments or corrections, and they will liaise with your employer to facilitate these changes.

Once your solicitor is in receipt of the final agreement, they will advise you on the terms and effect of the agreement and usually, both you and your solicitor will need to sign the agreement.

For any employment law questions please do not hesitate to contact the team at Askews Legal LLP visit askewslegal.co

specialist care for patients and their families, ensuring dignity and comfort during life’s most challenging moments.

Chris Willmott, Partnership Manager of Myton Hospice, expressed gratitude for the support: “We’re thrilled to have The Meriden Hospital on board. Their involvement helps us reach more people and raise the funds we need to continue our work.”

This partnership exemplifies how Chamber of Commerce members can collaborate to strengthen community ties and support causes that matter. Together, The Meriden Hospital and Myton Hospice are making a difference — one raffle ticket at a time.

BREEDON Your People Experts

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Our HR service offers SMEs with the same level of service you would receive if you had a large corporate HR department behind you – but as and when you need it, tailored to your business with cost effective solutions.

Why Choose Breedon?

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We want to know your needs exactly so that we can provide the perfect solution. Let us know what you want and we’ll do our best to help.

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Rob bags top spot at Chamber golf event

A Warwickshire businessman picked up top prize at a corporate golf day in the region just months after overcoming illness – and paid tribute to his inspiring playing partner on the day.

Rob Cornford, founder of My Trusted Wills and Estate Planning, won the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Annual President’s Golf Day at Hearsall Golf Club, amassing 44 points.

The event, sponsored by Lodders, saw around 40 golfers from businesses across the region tee off in aid of Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind, raising £330 in the process.

There were also prizes for Martin Lord, of Talbots Law, who won the longest drive prize, sponsored by Azets, while Richard Davies, of Addington Ball, took the nearest the pin award, sponsored by Prime Accountants Group.

But Rob, who had only picked up his clubs twice in the past six months after undergoing treatment for an illness, won the day thanks to a particularly strong back nine in the blazing sunshine.

He said: “It was an amazing day. The course was superb, the greens were amazing and the sun was very, very hot!

“I’ve been a keen golfer for some time and got my handicap down to 14 but, after being out of action for a while, it went up. So, I decided to just play steady. I don’t hit the ball far but I can hit it straight and that’s the way I played the whole round.

“The front nine was good, but as the afternoon got hotter, I got better and the back nine went really well.

“I was truly inspired by one of my playing partners on the day. Debbie White, who has vision loss, was supported throughout the round by a guide and played brilliantly with a smile on her face the whole way round.

“I took huge inspiration from that and winning the trophy was just the icing on the cake.”

Debbie also picked up a raffle prize of an afternoon tea at the Telegraph Hotel while Martin Lord added to his haul by bagging the medieval banquet at Coombe Abbey Hotel.

Steve Harcourt, director of Prime Accountants Group and president of the Chamber, said: “Massive congratulations to

Rob on winning the trophy and to everyone else who picked up prizes.

“In fact, everyone deserves huge credit for making it such a great event; including the team at the Chamber and all the players who took part. I can’t wait for next year!”

Graham Spalding, of Lodders, said: “It was a wonderful day at Hearsall Golf Club. Everyone had a fantastic time and we’re delighted to have raised so much money for Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind.”

Matthew Allen, Associate Director at Azets, said: “We were very fortunate with the weather and it made for a special day of networking with some great businesses and some good fun out on the course too.”

Steven Hill, CEO of Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind, whose colleague – Emma Millard –performed an ice bucket challenge as a ‘thank you’ for the money raised, said the support was gratefully received.

He said: “The great thing that has happened over recent years is that we’re all talking about mental health and we are extremely grateful to the Chamber and everyone who played for supporting us in this way.

“Emma showed her appreciation with the ice bucket challenge but, it was so hot on the day, we would all have gladly swapped places with her!”

“It was a wonderful day at Hearsall Golf Club. Everyone had a fantastic time and we’re delighted to have raised so much money for Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind.”

Golfers and Chamber staff at the President’s Golf Day

Chamber networking gets business partnership off the ground

A start-up creative agency has underlined the power of networking after landing a contract with an international logistics company in Coventry.

Network International Cargo (NIC) recently moved into a new 28,000 sq ft warehouse at Cyan Park in the city, building on the company’s network of depots across the UK, Ireland and Europe.

It is home to around 120 logistics experts and an in-house customs team who offer trust and excellence when comes to road, sea and air freight.

Phil Arnold, Network International’s UK Sales Director, started attending networking events with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to get to know businesses in the region.

Leigh Torrance, who recently established Coventry-based LTCA – a creative agency which offers branding, design and digital services, got chatting to Phil at an event at the Holiday Inn Kenilworth.

The two met again at an event in Coventry when Phil explained he was looking to procure photography and drone videography

services to help showcase the new depot in the city.

That is one of the services that Leigh is offering as part of his new agency and it led to a commission to take a range of photographs for the company’s website as well as drone footage to help showcase the location to potential clients.

Neil Littlewood, Membership & Sales Account Manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, went along to watch Leigh at work and said the collaboration between the two businesses is exactly what networking is all about.

He said: “I am always delighted to see our members working together in this way because it’s positive news for the businesses involved but also for the local economy too.

“Leigh and Phil met at one of our many networking events and maintained that contact and, is often the case, it was only when they’d spoken a couple of times that the opportunity to work together emerged.

“I can’t wait to see the results but I am really pleased that the Chamber has brought them together in this way.”

“Leigh and Phil met at one of our many networking events and maintained that contact and, is often the case, it was only when they’d spoken a couple of times that the opportunity to work together emerged."

Leigh added: “I’ve worked in this area for many years and knew the power of the Chamber and when I started my new business, joining the Chamber was one of the first things I did.

“It’s valuable in so many ways but when it leads directly to business in this way, it is worth its weight in gold.”

Phil added: “As a new member to the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber, we are focused on offering local businesses quality routes to market across Ireland and Europe.

“Our first-class solutions often increase our customers market share which enables sustainable growth for NIC and our clients.

“We always promote working with customers and suppliers across the local regions and communities we operate in across the UK, Ireland, and Europe.

“Meeting Leigh and working with LTCA is a prime example of this. LCTA squarely met the brief set out and offered key insights, advice, and experience to enhance the final results.

“We look forward to working with LCTA and other Chamber members in 2025 and beyond.”

Pictured (left to right): Leigh Torrance, Phil Arnold, Neil Littlewood, Harry Stoker

British Chambers of Commerce

Regional firms hear from the PM at major conference

Company bosses in Coventry and Warwickshire have been told directly by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer that Britian is open for business.

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, and a delegation of businesses from the region attended the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Annual Global Conference at the QEII Centre in London.

The event heard from a range of high-profile speakers including the Prime Minister, who acknowledged that the Government had ‘asked a lot’ of businesses to help fix the foundations of the economy.

But he also used the platform to announce a new Trade Strategy to boost global trade by making the UK the best-connected country in the world by stripping back regulation and bolstering finance.

He cited trade deals with the USA, EU and India as a sign that, even in an era of uncertainty, the UK could still be ‘proudly, unashamedly and defiantly’ open for business.

Corin said: “The British Chambers of Commerce put on an incredible conference which asked the question of where growth is going to come from – and they certainly assembled a line-up of speakers capable of answering!

“There has been a marked change in tone from the Prime Minister and businesses in the room welcomed the trade strategy which is hot on the heels of new deals with nations and blocs right across the world.

“One of the big winners from that is the automotive sector which, of course, is great news for Coventry and Warwickshire.

“The trade strategy takes that a stage further and supporting more businesses –whether they are manufacturers or in the service sector – to do business overseas is crucial to growth.

“We would encourage firms across the region to get in touch with the team at the

“There has been a marked change in tone from the Prime Minister and businesses in the room welcomed the trade strategy which is hot on the heels of new deals with nations and blocs right across the world."

Chamber to find out what help is available whether they are looking to export for the first time or want to broaden their markets.”

The conference also heard from Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch as well as a range of speakers from business.

Shevaun Haviland, director general of the BCC, told the audience that much of the Government’s work to fix the economy was welcome but pleaded for no more tax rises for businesses in this year’s Budget.

Corin agreed: “Many of the asks that businesses have made of Government through the Chamber network over the past year have been delivered.

“And, ultimately, it’s the businesses across our patch and, indeed, all over the country who will be the drivers of economic growth that all of us want to see.”

Heart of England Events and Conferencing

The Heart of England: A Hidden Gem for TV & Film Location Work

When it comes to finding the perfect filming location, versatility is everything — and few places offer more variety than The Heart of England Conference and Events Centre, nestled in 160 acres of stunning Warwickshire countryside. With a rich history of hosting television productions, commercial shoots, and even blockbuster feature films, this unique venue is fast becoming a favourite among location scouts and production companies alike.

From the moment you arrive, it’s easy to see why The Heart of England is in demand. The site combines expansive open spaces, woodland areas, picturesque lakes, historic buildings, and modern facilities — all within a single, accessible location. Whether you’re producing a gritty drama, a light-hearted family feature, or a high-end brand campaign, this location offers the flexibility to bring your creative vision to life.

The venue’s reputation as a filming hotspot is already well established. Over the years, The Heart of England has welcomed a diverse mix of projects, from popular TV shows to big-screen productions. The Gadget Show, Jacamo Clothing, and the 2018 family film ‘Nativity Rocks’ have all used the site for filming, making the most of its varied settings.

More recently, the venue’s elegant Heart House — a charming 16th-century guesthouse that sits within the grounds — played a starring role in an ad campaign for Coventry Building Society. Previously known as Old Hall House, this characterful property offers a backdrop of historic charm, ideal for period dramas, commercials, or documentary work.

The Heart of England has also featured on well-known TV programmes including Channel 4’s Four in a Bed, which spotlighted their guest accommodation, and, most recently, the ever-popular Hotel Inspector. In June, presenter Alex Polizzi and her team spent time on site, offering their expert advice.

The result? A new name for the guest house and a series of exciting renovations — proof that the venue isn’t afraid to evolve while retaining its character.

In the same month, the team also welcomed Ricochet Productions, who filmed for the Discovery Channel during a major event that saw over 1,000 guests and a dazzling display of classic cars across the grounds. With so much space and

diversity on offer, the site handled the scale and complexity of the event with ease — yet another reason why it’s an ideal location for large-scale filming projects.

Air dates for both the Hotel Inspector and Discovery Channel features are expected soon, so watch this space for The Heart of England’s next TV appearance.

The Hotel Inspector – Alex Polizzi with MD and founder of The Heart of England – Stephen Hammon.

Aerial Shot of The Heart of England Land

Filming at The Heart of England Retro & Classic Car Show Four in a Bed

The Gadget Show

Coventry Building Society Arena continues to expand and set records after 20 years

Coventry and Warwickshire’s flagship venue for business, sport and live events is continuing to invest in its facilities as it celebrates a milestone 20th year.

Coventry Building Society Arena opened its doors in August 2005 and has had a transformational impact on the regional economy by attracting the biggest events, providing job opportunities and boosting other local businesses.

It has invested in a new 1,000 sqm conference, meeting and exhibition space ‘The Curve’ as it caters for increased demand for its business event facilities.

The venue, which welcomed 1.2 million visitors in 2024, is enjoying a sustained period of growth – which is reflected in the record turnover for its conference and events business over the last 12 months.

Opening The Curve, which has capacity for up to 300 delegates, adds a new space to the venue’s proposition for event organisers, with the space able to be used as one large open area or divided into up to six separate syndicate areas.

It brings the flexible event space available at the venue to more than 20,000 sqm, with spaces suitable for everything from large conferences for thousands of delegates to smaller board room style meetings for corporate clients.

The venue has more than 30 separate rooms, with a space for every type of event, and can cater from 10 to 7,000 delegates – from its lounges and executive boxes to exhibition halls and state-of-the-art Commonwealth Convention Centre.

To complement its event spaces, Coventry Building Society Arena is also investing in a multi-million-pound refurbishment of its on-site Doubletree by Hilton Hotel.

All 121-bedrooms are being renovated at the venue with the introduction of new room types to enhance its offer to guests.

This comes as the venue has also entered a partnership with the 145-bedroom Hampton by Hilton Nuneaton to increase the number of hotel rooms it can offer to visitors.

The venue continues to invest away from its facilities too, ensuring it is as sustainable as

possible and is continuing to positively impact the local community after two decades.

Over the last year it has announced its inaugural charity partner with Coventry Foodbank and Coventry & Warwickshire Children’s Charity, while working closely with Coventry Building Society, E.ON, Sky Blues in the Community and Coventry City Council on initiatives to support communities across Coventry.

Its partnership with E.ON, it has also underpinned the Arena’s transition to a greener and more sustainable future.

Jenni Ford, Director of Sales and Marketing at Coventry Building Society Arena, said: “We aren’t sitting still after two decades of delivering incredible experiences and we are constantly working to make certain the best times are still here at Coventry Building Society Arena.

“When we opened in 2005, one of the venue's unique selling points was the diverse space we could offer for meetings, conferences and exhibitions.

“By investing in our existing facilities and introducing new spaces such as The Curve, we are building on that proud legacy, with a space that is suitable for a wide range of business events.”

McDonald’s franchise is presented with prestigious award

Staff members at a McDonald’s franchise in Warwickshire have been presented with a prestigious award in recognition of their exceptional community spirit and passion for making a difference in the local area.

People Arches Limited, which runs the McDonald’s on Emscote Road bordering Warwick and Leamington, has been presented with a High Sherriff Award in recognition of its work in the community.

Colleagues attended a special awards evening at Shire Hall, in Warwick, hosted by Rajvinder Kaur Gill, Warwickshire’s High Sheriff for 2024/25, which celebrated some of the county’s unsung heroes for their outstanding dedication to making Warwickshire a better place for all.

The event saw over 30 individuals and groups presented with certificates of recognition for their work spanning community volunteering, youth engagement, faith-based service, fundraising, heritage, and social support – with People Arches being the only business presented with the High Sheriff Award for 2024/25.

At the ceremony, the team was praised for putting community at the heart of everything they do and tirelessly making a lasting impact in the local area.

Since People Arches took over the franchise in December 2023, it has become a pillar of local support through initiatives that enhance social wellbeing and foster economic growth.

Initiatives have included purchasing food to donate to the local food bank every month, environmental stewardship which has seen the team walk a combined total of 1,200 miles and collect more than 800 bags of litter in the last year alone, and supporting local causes through volunteering, with colleagues completing a total of 945 hours.

People Arches partners with Warwickshire Hearts to offer free CPR training to members of the community and holds monthly mental health pop-ups in partnership with the charity Mind.

It also contributed to Warwick’s Christmas lights ceremony, donated 64 pantomime tickets to children in care to ensure they could experience the magic of theatre during the festive period, and created a video for Warwick Town Council’s social media platforms showcasing 20 local businesses to help boost Warwick’s visitor economy over Christmas.

The award was presented to the People Arches team after Rajvinder visited the restaurant to find out more about the work they are doing in the community.

Dawood Ibtehsam, Director of People Arches Limited, said: “It was fantastic to receive this award in recognition of the work we have done.

“I have an incredible team who all work extremely hard to support our local community, and they thoroughly deserve this.

“To be the only business to receive the award this year alongside some fantastic charities, community services and organisations made it even more special for us, and we came away with a real sense of pride.

“We now want to continue our work and make even more of an impact in our community going forwards, supporting both those in need and other local businesses.

“We also hope that we can inspire other businesses to do the same. Business costs have increased significantly since April 1 this year, however this is not the time to back down. It is a time where we should try to rise to the occasion and find ways that we can support others, whatever that may look like, for the good of our community and the local economy.”

Business Engage Profiles

Ramada Coventry celebrate 20th anniversary with £1.4 million project upgrade

A Coventry hotel which is celebrating its 20th anniversary has announced the completion of a £1.4 million project to upgrade its air conditioning systems.

Ramada Coventry has completed a sixmonth refurbishment of the air conditioning in all of its 166 bedrooms, which includes 44 suites.

The announcement comes as the hotel celebrates its 20th anniversary after opening on August 29, 2005.

It will be marking the milestone by hosting a celebratory lunch in its Queen’s Road Restaurant, which has just launched its new menu, and collating memories from its many long-standing staff members from across the hotel’s two decades.

The hotel, which has more than 70 members of staff, boasts 92 standard bedrooms, 30 superior bedrooms and eight accessible bedrooms, as well as 44 one-bedroom apartment suites which benefit from a workspace, dining, lounge and kitchenette and are suitable for extended stays.

A total of 200 new mattresses have been recently added for the comfort of its guests.

Queen’s Road Restaurant, which has a five-star food hygiene rating, is open to both residents and non-residents of the hotel and serves up a mix of traditional favourites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant can also be booked for private functions.

Ramada Coventry also boasts a dedicated meetings floor featuring five meeting rooms

and an executive lounge which can be used as a networking or breakout space including coffee machines and refreshments.

All of the rooms feature an LCD screen, free WiFi, air conditioning, a naturally-lit ambience and have the flexibility to cater for a variety of meetings and events in a theatre, classroom, boardroom or u-shape configuration.

The hotel includes a fitness room and also has a partnership with The Wave enabling guests to enjoy discounted entry at the venue.

The adjoining car-park is discounted for overnight guests and free for conference delegates and diners at the restaurant.

Ramada is part of the Wyndham brand, and its Wyndham Green programme helps its hotels reduce their environmental footprints and operate more efficiently through eco-friendly initiatives.

Through this, Ramada Coventry is focusing on its green practices and environmental credentials, with future plans including decreasing its carbon footprint even further by installing solar panels and EV chargers.

Jan Gelbert, Director of Sales at Ramada Coventry, said: “It’s fantastic to be celebrating our 20th anniversary having provided exceptional service for both business and leisure guests for two decades.

“This year we have made a significant investment in upgrading the air conditioning in our bedrooms to ensure we can continue providing state-of-the-art facilities to our guests.

“We are incredibly thankful to our wonderful team, some of whom have been with us from the day we opened our doors, sharing warm smiles, crafting unforgettable experiences and creating enduring relationships with our valued guests.

“We’re a hotel very much at the heart of our community, and we pride ourselves on giving back where we can. Recently we supplied a free meeting space to the charity CRASAC (Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre) for its conference.

“We also work closely with local businesses, schools, universities and various government

departments, and have hosted a number of high-profile guests over the years including elite athletes.

“To mark our anniversary, we’ll be looking to collate memories and old photos from across the years and put together a list of significant people who have stayed at the hotel, as well as hold a celebratory lunch in our restaurant.

“We’re excited for the remainer of 2025, and will shortly be releasing details of our Christmas parties.”

Further information about Ramada Coventry is available at https://ramadacoventry.co.uk/

Rugby security business expands into new industries

A Rugby business which acts as a one-stop-shop for security is seeing an increase in the range of niche projects it is working on.

Stonewall Group, based at Mitchell Court, includes Stonewall Vaults and Stonewall Security and provides a range of security solutions for businesses and organisations both locally and nationally.

Stonewall Security offers services including CCTV installation and monitoring, alarm response, day and night security guard services, key holding, static guarding, lock and unlocking, mobile security patrols and event security.

It works with a range of industries including education, warehousing and logistics, offices and business centres, construction and hospitality and leisure.

One of the newest industries the company is working with is the renewable energy sector, with Stonewall Security providing canine dog units at remote wind farms to prevent the theft of copper from the turbines.

Pavan Punj, Business Development Manager at Stonewall Group, said: “We provide security services to an incredibly wide range of industries, and while there

are a number of sectors that people would expect, such as construction, warehousing and events, we are also working with an increasing number of niche sectors.

“This includes our work providing security on wind farms, which are being targeted for copper. While the copper itself isn’t very valuable, the damage caused to the turbines can often amount to tens of thousands of pounds.

“Being in remote locations, we are able to provide canine dog units to keep wind farms secure and deter any potential criminal activity. Given the UK’s focus on green energy, there is potential for us to do even more in this space going forward.

“We’re also incredibly passionate about the work we do with the education sector to keep nurseries, schools, colleges and universities safe.

“We offer bespoke packages that suit the needs of each individual establishment, and also offer primary and secondary schools a special discount on keyholding services.

“We’re very proud to support almost every school in Rugby with their security solutions.”

Stonewall Vaults has more than 1,800 safety deposit boxes, offering the perfect solution for those looking for a secure location for valuable possessions. Four box sizes are available, and access is gained by a fob and hand biometrics.

With Stonewall Security situated at the same site, the centre is manned by professionally-trained security guards 24/7.

This means that the company has the flexibility to offer longer opening hours, with the vaults available to access 6am to 11pm, 365 days a year.

Parking is also available on-site, and there is the option to be escorted into the premises by security guards.

Pavan added: “As more banks close their branches, there has been a rise in demand for safety deposit boxes.

“Being based at the same site as our security guards means that customers have the peace of mind that their valuables are safe and accessible whenever they need them.”

Further information about Stonewall Group is available by visiting https://www.stonewallsecurity.co.uk/

Reaching audiences in Coventry and the region - with impact

Businesses are being given the opportunity to create tailored advertising campaigns aimed at Coventry residents, commuters, and visitors – including through a number of premium new assets in high-impact locations across the city.

Coventry City Council is offering businesses and organisations the chance to amplify their brand’s visibility through an expanding network of advertising platforms – including some of the most prominent and recognisable spaces in the region.

Top of the list are two exclusive opportunities to brand landmark Ring Road bridges at Junctions 5 and 8 – visible to over 40,000 vehicles every morning during rush hour. With limited availability and the potential for the bridge to become synonymous with a brand, these sites offer unrivalled longterm exposure and powerful geographical association.

Also newly available are striking digital boundary signs on key arterial routes into the city – an ideal platform to demonstrate an organisation’s connection to Coventry, its people, and its future.

News

In the city centre, the first-ever D96 digital screen in Coventry will soon be live at Junction Six of the Ring Road, near the Friargate Business District, train station, and bus interchange – delivering highly visible, tactical marketing opportunities to the same daily audience of 40,000 vehicles. A brandnew D48 digital format is is now active at Central Six Retail Park on Warwick Road.

These high-footfall sites offer standout reach for both regional and national brands.

Complementing this are newly launched lamppost advertising opportunities in War Memorial Park – perfect for sustainability messaging or targeting family audiences –alongside proven platforms including digital 6-sheets in city neighbourhoods (CV1–CV6), roundabout signage, Broadgate and Transport Museum flags, and more.

While each platform is managed by a delivery partner, Coventry City Council works directly with businesses to craft integrated, strategic campaigns aligned to specific goals – from brand awareness and recruitment to product promotion and sales growth.

Martin Clarke, Head of Commercial Partnerships at Coventry City Council, leads the programme and brings over 20 years of commercial experience, including as former Marketing Director at the NEC.

He said: “Our focus is on giving businesses the tools to reach real audiences in high-footfall locations – and to make a real impact.From branding a key gateway

into the city to placing your message in front of tens of thousands of commuters every day, these opportunities deliver standout visibility in a growing and ambitious city.”

Find out more at www.coventry.gov.uk/ commercialopportunities or contact Martin at martin.clarke@coventry.gov.uk

Employment Law is Changing – Are You Ready?

The Employment Rights Bill is now confirmed to roll out in stages between now and late 2027, introducing some of the most wide-reaching reforms in decades. For employers, this means continual legal updates, with new changes expected every few months, rather than in a single sweep.

Keeping pace with this level of legislative change, while also running a business, is a serious challenge. But falling behind could expose your business to significant risk.

The Risks of Falling Behind

• Tribunal Claims: Updates to dismissal rights, sick pay, and redundancy protections could make errors expensive.

• Reputational Damage: Non-compliance sends the wrong message to staff, clients, and regulators.

• Confused Management: Managers working with outdated policies risk inconsistency, grievances, and legal claims.

Our Solution: The Breedon Employment Rights Bill Update Service

At Breedon Consulting, we’ve launched a two-year service to guide businesses through the Bill’s full implementation, now until 2027. We track, explain, and implement every change for you, so you stay compliant without lifting a finger.

This includes major confirmed changes, such as:

• April 2026: Day-one paternity leave, extended SSP, whistleblowing protections, and collective redundancy changes.

• October 2026: Legal duties to prevent harassment (including from third parties), a ban on fire-and-rehire tactics, and extended tribunal claim windows.

• 2027: Day-one unfair dismissal rights, new protections for zero-hours workers, mandatory menopause and gender pay action plans, and statutory bereavement leave.

What You Get

• Live contract & handbook updates aligned with each legal milestone.

• Short explainer videos or webinars to help you and your managers understand what’s changed—and what to do.

• Ongoing monitoring of consultations and pre-legislation guidance so you’re always a step ahead.

Cost & Peace of Mind

Just £2,500 + VAT covers two full years. Monthly payments available.

Why Wait?

These changes are happening. We’ll keep you legally compliant, your managers informed, and your workplace protected.

Contact me today

E: Maralyn.Kitchingman@breedonconsulting.co.uk T: 07542 602121

New service to help exporters stay carbon compliant

Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire are being urged to take advantage of a new consultancy service which will help exporters ensure they are compliant with the EU’s carbon border regulations.

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has launched a new consultancy service in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce to help UK businesses understand and comply with the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

CBAM will place a carbon cost on some of the most emissions-intensive industrial goods exported to the EU from the UK, such as those from the aluminium, cement, fertiliser, electricity, hydrogen, iron and steel sectors.

The regulation is designed to prevent ‘carbon leakage’ – the transfer of greenhouse gas emissions from one country to another due to differences in climate policies - and encourage greener global trade.

It will impose a carbon price on imports to ensure that goods entering the EU face similar carbon costs as those produced within the EU.

The EU CBAM regulation is currently being implemented in phases, and EU importers are now required to submit quarterly reports with actual emissions data.

Businesses which either export directly or whose UK customers export to the EU are now being urged to act fast and ensure they can accurately provide data on their embedded carbon emissions.

The new consultancy service will include tailored CBAM assessments which will review business operations and supply chains, establish a compliance framework, carry out the necessary emissions calculations, implement structured CBAM monitoring systems, and provide businesses with an initial 12-month licence for CBAM software to track and report emissions effectively.

It will also support UK traders in understanding the information they will need ahead of the UK’s own CBAM, which is due to come into force in 2027. Details of the UK scheme are still being developed.

As part of the new service, businesses can take advantage of a free CBAM health check to support them in their first steps.

Adele Dodds, International Trade Commercial Executive at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Our new consultancy service will provide businesses with expert guidance to navigate the complexities of CBAM compliance.

“If a business exports to the EU, understanding carbon emissions reporting obligations is essential for maintaining trade relationships.

“While the UK trader's responsibility is a commercial one, the EU customer who is importing the goods has a legal responsibility to submit the reports.

“It is therefore incredibly important that businesses act now to ensure they

understand the CBAM regulation and can accurately provide the information required.”

Mitch Perks, Deputy Director of Trade Services at British Chambers of Commerce, said: “With the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) now in force, it's essential that UK traders understand their role in supporting EU customers with accurate emissions data.

“CBAM is not just a compliance issue – it’s a commercial responsibility. Helping UK suppliers navigate these new requirements ensures they remain trusted partners in the EU supply chain.”

Further information about the new service is available by visiting https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/international-trade/cbam/

Businesses can take their first steps to CBAM compliance with the free CBAM Health Check at https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/international-trade/cbam/cbam-health-check/

New EU deal welcomed in the region

A new trade deal with the EU is a positive step forward for businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire.

This is according to the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce after a refreshed deal was agreed at the UK-EU Leaders’ Summit.

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Businesses have faced a significant amount of uncertainty in relation to trading overseas, so it is extremely positive that a UK-EU deal has been reached.

“We know the value that international trade brings, and any steps to remove barriers around this are welcomed.

“This deal will remove unnecessary checks on food and drink exports, link our emission trading schemes making life less costly for businesses and the use of E-gates at passport control will make travel simpler for businesspeople who cross EU borders on a regular basis.

“The deal has also seen a UK-EU defence and security pact established and more will be done around a youth mobility scheme.

“While there is still work to be done, this deal provides some much-needed stability. We will be

supporting businesses across our region to navigate this new deal, as well as the US trade deal, and help more companies take their goods and services overseas.”

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The summit marks a turning point in UK/EU relations which puts our trade relationship at the forefront of our partnership going forward.

“For four years, businesses have fought hard to sustain sales to the EU in the face of a rising tide of costs and paperwork which has severely dented their competitiveness.

“The British Chambers of Commerce had seven key asks of Government going into these negotiations which were based on four years of research and analysis involving thousands of firms.

“Today’s deal is good news on five of those. But we must not stop here, this agreement must be the foundation on which we aspire to build a much stronger business relationship going forward. That can only be of benefit to all our economies.”

The deal comes after the announcement that businesses in the West Midlands can make the most of free help to trade globally after the Exporting Starts Here support programme was extended until next year.

The programme will now run until March 2026 thanks to further funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority and will see the programme continue to be led by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce across Coventry, Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country.

The programme is targeted at specific sectors, such as aerospace, electric light vehicle manufacturing, health tech/med tech, logistics/distribution, professional/financial services and e-commerce – but businesses in other sectors are being encouraged to get in touch.

Funding for the programme was awarded through Business Growth West Midlands and is designed to support growth in the regional economy by enhancing exports.

The support features a mix of one-to-one advice from expert export advisers, online workshops and face-toface events, including an international trade conference later this year. Greater Birmingham and Black Country Chambers are supporting the delivery in their areas.

The project is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and delivered by the Coventry & Warwickshire, Black Country, and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

For more information on how to access the support, go to https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/international-trade/Exporting-Starts-Here or email exporting@cw-chamber.co.uk

US deal thrills local supply chain

A leading business figure in Coventry and Warwickshire says the ‘done deal’ between the USA and UK is hugely positive news for the region.

The deal will see tariffs on car exports from the UK to the USA drop from 27.5 per cent to 10 per cent and a commitment to remove tariffs from aerospace parts completely, which currently stand at 10 per cent.

Corin Crane, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said it would be welcomed by key industries to the region’s economy.

He also encouraged more firms across the region to grow their overseas markets to bolster growth.

Corin said: “The economy of our region has evolved over the years, but the car industry is still very important to us and is fundamental to our success, so it is hugely positive news for the President and Prime Minister to announce they’ve reached a deal in this area.

“I know it has taken a lot of hard work behind the scenes to reach this agreement with the US, which looks to be bearing fruit. The supply chain in our area will be thrilled with this news after months of uncertainty.

“It’s not only the car industry, we’ve got a strong base of aerospace businesses in Coventry, Warwickshire and the wider Midlands too, and this deal benefits them too.

“The Government has also made progress with India and the EU, which is a real sign that global trade is vitally important to our future growth.

“I would urge businesses across the region to get in touch with the team at the Chamber to find out how they can be supported with exporting. It might

be something that’s brand new to them or they may be looking to expand their markets overseas, we’ve got a great team that can help them.

“Doing business internationally is proven to increase a businesses’ chances of growth, make it more efficient and more resilient.”

William Bain, British Chambers of Commerce Head of Trade Policy, said: “News that the trade deal with the US has been agreed on automotives and jet engines will be music to the ears of affected sectors.

“They are desperate for tariff relief and lower costs, and this new Executive Order should deliver that.

“For the automotive sector, operating under 27.5 per cent tariffs on sales to the US over the past two months has been tough. A reduction to a 10 per cent levy from the end of June will help order books, investment and jobs.

“However, for steel and aluminium firms the wait goes on. They have faced 25 per cent US tariffs for the past three months and are still awaiting the resolution of outstanding issues on the new US quotas.

“But the deal does also implement zero tariff arrangements on UK Rolls Royce jet engines by the end of this month – a vital part of aerospace supply chains in the US.

“Both Governments should now build upon this current deal to secure an agreement on digital trade to make trans-Atlantic trade cheaper, speedier and more efficient.

“We also need to make the case for further tariff relief in other goods sectors affected by the US reciprocal tariffs, from clothing to food and drink.”

For international trade support, contact the Chamber on 024 7665 4321 or go to https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/international-trade/exporting-starts-here/

“The economy of our region has evolved over the years, but the car industry is still very important to us and is fundamental to our success, so it is hugely positive news for the President and Prime Minister to announce they’ve reached a deal in this area. I know it has taken a lot of hard work behind the scenes to reach this agreement with the US, which looks to be bearing fruit."

Corin Crane, CEO, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

Merchandise Branding expands European operations with new Estonia hub

Merchandise Branding, a specialist company in branded merchandise and promotional product solutions, are pleased to announce the official opening of a new branch office in Tallinn, Estonia. This will serve as a logistics and customs hub for the company’s operations in the European Union (EU), supporting its continued growth and commitment to providing seamless, compliant service to clients across the continent.

The new office will enable Merchandise Branding to manage all EU customs procedures internally, creating a more efficient and scalable fulfilment process for clients who distribute promotional products and branded merchandise throughout the European market. By establishing a physical presence within the EU customs zone, the company can now offer faster delivery, reduced shipping complexity, and full regulatory compliance for customers, particularly in light of evolving trade requirements following Brexit.

“Our expansion into Estonia is a pivotal moment for our efficiency in the European Marketplace,” said Director Nicholas Lane. “As more of our clients scale internationally, we are committed to removing friction from the process of distributing branded merchandise across borders. Estonia offers the ideal mix of logistics infrastructure, technological advancement, and ease of doing business within the EU. This positions us to deliver more value and certainty to our customers.”

The branch office will allow an easier process for customs documentation and clearance, VAT management and fulfilment across the EU. This will ensure that products not only meet brand standards but are also shipped efficiently and in full compliance with EU regulations.

Estonia was selected for its advanced digital infrastructure, progressive e-governance policies and strategic location as a gateway to Northern and Central Europe. The country’s efficient customs systems, transparent regulations, and investor-friendly business environment make it an ideal base of operations for merchandise and logistics management.

“We already have some of our suppliers based in Estonia, so we are fully aware of the country’s forward-thinking approach to logistics and technology,” added Nicholas. “This move will allow us to optimise costs, reduce delivery lead times, and most importantly, provide a frictionless experience for our European customers.”

European clients of Merchandise Branding will see immediate advantages from the new set up, including faster, duty-free shipping across the EU, improved compliance and transparency, expanded warehousing and fulfilment capabilities, and post-Brexit solutions for UK and EU trade.

“We’re more than just a merchandise supplier – we’re a brand experience partner,” said Nicholas. “This investment in Estonia empowers us to better deliver that promise to our clients across Europe.”

Economy

Closing my Solvent Company – what are my options?

By Jim Goudie Assistant Insolvency Manager.

As a company director you have two options if you wish to close your solvent company. These options are a voluntary strike off or a members’ voluntary liquidation (“MVL”).

BRI Business Recovery and Insolvency can assist you in exploring your options, often in conjunction with your accountant.

Strike Off

Striking off a solvent company is a straightforward process and is usually

associated costs, pay all liabilities, deal with any remaining assets, distribute reserves to shareholders and submit final accounts to HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”). You need to inform HMRC of your intention to strike off then make the application to Companies House. If there are no objections then the company will likely be struck off after two months.

MVL

An MVL can be a more tax efficient way of distributing the company’s assets than a strike off even with the costs involved. At BRI Business Recovery and Insolvency we charge a fixed fee for our work and hold your hand throughout the process. An MVL is a more formal process where

a directors’ meeting is held followed by a shareholders’ meeting. It is the shareholders that resolve that the company be wound up and appoint an insolvency practitioner like BRI Business Recovery and Insolvency to oversee the liquidation.

If you would like to discuss this in further detail or if your company is perhaps insolvent and unable to pay its debts please do contact me or any of the management team at BRI Business Recovery and Insolvency on 02476 226839 or jgoudie@briuk.co.uk.

We offer an initial meeting without obligation and free of charge. The above is general commentary and should not be taken as formal advice.

First quarter growth provides a boost

Business leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire say the economic growth figures for the first three months of the year will boost confidence – but don’t mask the issues that firms across the region

The latest GDP figures – the measure of economic output – showed the UK economy grew by 0.7 per cent in the

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, reflected on the betterthan-anticipated figures.

He said: “Few were forecasting such a strong start to the year and just seeing those growth figures will provide a lift after a long period of uncertainty and a very flat economic picture.

“However, we are now into the middle of May and I know from speaking to firms across the region that there all sorts of concerns around the cost of doing business and what impact weeks of instability around tariffs might have caused.

“Fundamentally, we’ve got a really strong economy in Coventry and Warwickshire thanks to the fact we have got an incredible mix of businesses of all sizes and sectors, many of which are perfectly placed to meet the challenges of the future head on.

“But they need the foundations from which to grow and if decisionmakers can finally start to create a stable platform that encourages trade at home and abroad, then

hopefully Coventry and Warwickshire companies can reap the benefit of that.

“That, in turn, would be great news for everyone in the city and the county because business growth should provide a boost to every community in the region.”

Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Better than expected Q1 growth of 0.7 per cent is evidence that the UK economy held up well at the start of the year, despite mounting headwinds. Strong performances in the services and production sectors are particularly welcome.

“However, context is crucial, as we’ve yet to see data showing the impact of the national insurance hike or the global tariff war.

“Our research shows 82 per cent of firms saying the NI rise will impact their business – hitting investment, recruitment and prices. Firms are left asking, when are they going to get a break?

“Businesses want urgent action from policymakers to help them invest, trade and recruit. A tax roadmap, covering national insurance and business rates, would give firms the certainty they need to plan ahead. Signing off more infrastructure projects in all parts of the UK will help support SMEs.

“In challenging times for our exporters, next week’s UK-EU summit is a chance for the Government to deliver on its promise to improve the trading relationship.”

£120 million business and tourism boost for West Midlands economy

The West Midlands economy has been given a £120 million boost thanks to a business and tourism support programme that brought tens of thousands of visitors to region while creating thousands of new jobs and training opportunities.

Mayor Richard Parker’s plan to reignite the regional economy has been bolstered by more than £70m of new business investment driven by the West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) Economy, Trade and Tourism Programme.

The programme included an inward investment campaign and targeted support for businesses which has helped more than 250 businesses to grow and find new markets, creating or safeguarding around 12,000 jobs.

The career prospects of another 11,000 local people have been significantly improved through jobs skills training, helping them find jobs, get onto training and work experience programmes, or study for a new qualification.

And 10 cultural and sporting events, held here over the past year thanks to funding from the Major Events Fund, were attended by 300,000 people, giving an estimated £19 million boost to the economy.

The Economy, Trade and Tourism Programme was funded through the WMCA’s Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund.

The Mayor said: “Our Economy, Trade and Tourism Programme has delivered real results. It’s helped hundreds of local businesses grow, created new jobs, and trained thousands of people with the skills they need to get ahead.

“We’ve seen a real boost to our arts, culture and tourism too, with major events bringing in visitors and shining a light on local talent.

“After years of stagnation, the West Midlands economy is finally picking up pace. My regional growth plan will build on this momentum and deliver the growth and prosperity we need, and make sure the benefits are felt by everyone.”

The programme included a package of tailored support that successfully unlocked barriers faced by 50 businesses with high growth potential – putting them on track to boost investment and turnover by £20m.

Bolstering the Mayor’s Growth for Everyone priority, the support given to 150 social enterprises and community owned businesses helped increase their trading income by a combined £8 million, creating 215 local jobs and improving more lives in the communities they serve.

The creative industries and cultural sector also benefitted with specific skills and business support and direct grants for more than 100 early and mid-career freelancers, small cultural organisations and creative businesses, alongside funding for community events to boost high street footfall.

The 10 major cultural and sports events backed with funding included two major esports events, the Kabaddi World Cup and the European Judo Union Junior Cup.

The Major Events Fund also supported the annual Black Country Festival, the Godiva Festival and Reggae Fever

Caribbean Festival in Coventry, Birmingham Weekender and the Urban Sports Xperience in Wolverhampton.

Ashok Das, president of both the England Kabaddi Association and World Kabaddi, and a resident of the West Midlands, said: “It was an honour for the England Kabaddi Association to help in organising the Kabaddi World Cup here in the West Midlands.

“The support from the Commonwealth Games legacy fund was instrumental in making it happen, helping us attract record crowds and shine a global spotlight on the region. We hope it’s ignited lasting interest in kabaddi and inspired more local communities to get involved in the sport.”

The two flagship Games venuesSandwell Aquatics Centre and Alexander Stadium - have been given funding to help them continue to deliver sports and physical activities for local people, creating jobs and preparing them to host future major events, starting with next year's European Athletics Championships.

The £70m Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund was managed by the WMCA with funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Businesses are continuing to be supported to grow, adopt digital technologies, transition to new supply chains, and access funding opportunities through Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM).

Contact a local business growth advisor at www.businessgrowthwestmidlands.org.uk

Unemployment rise shows there is still a squeeze on firms

Another uptick in unemployment underlined how firms are feeling the pinch.

The national rate of unemployment climbed to 4.6 per cent in the three months to April – its highest rate since July 2021.

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said it backed up what he has been hearing from firms across the city and county.

He said: “We hold our Local Business Forums in every corner of Coventry and Warwickshire and we also speak to our members on a daily basis.

“Time and again, I hear that the cost of doing business has risen – especially when it comes to employment – and that it is putting the squeeze on companies.

“A rise in NI and the national living wage, as well as a shroud of global uncertainty, has made it difficult for firms and we can see evidence of that in these latest figures.

“The Government must use every lever in its power to provide stability and, crucially, confidence for businesses to grow.”

Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The increase in employment costs for business appears to be starting to bite with today’s data showing a rise in unemployment.

“This year’s steep increases in national insurance and the national living wage have undoubtedly delivered a shock to businesses.

“Vacancies continue to fall which aligns with our research, showing that, due to increased employment costs, many firms are now freezing recruitment plans, while others are being forced to reduce headcount.

“At the same time, wage growth continues to outpace inflation, adding further cost pressures for firms already facing rising overheads. Employment costs and pervasive skills shortages are a massive challenge for business, presenting big risks to investment and growth.

“This week’s Comprehensive Spending Review is a golden opportunity to invest more in the skills system – with apprenticeship reform and local skills improvement plans critical to solving the problem.

“The £5bn cost associated with the employment rights bill poses a further threat to firms’ investment plans. Without further amendment, the legislation will add even more to employers’ costs.”

Mayor Richard Parker with Ashok Das, president of both the England Kabaddi Association and World Kabaddi, and England team captains Athira Sunil and Hardeep Singh.

Phil finds the recipe for success

Phil Wilding became managing partner of Wright Hassall in 2022 and has set about making it one of the best places to work in the region. C&W in Business caught up with Phil to find out what drives his commitment to company culture and what he does to relax away from the office.

When you’re in charge of one of the region’s largest law firms, it’s important to find a way to switch off.

For Phil Wilding, managing partner at Leamingtonbased Wright Hassall, he finds solace in the kitchen most evenings as his way of unwinding.

But his approach to cooking is not dissimilar to his philosophy on business.

“If the focus is on absolute perfection, then you’ll never get there,” he said. “You’ll paralyse yourself.

“Sometimes, I really enjoy the process. One of the family will choose what we’re having and I’ll give it a go. The first question is: ‘does it taste okay?’ If the answer is yes, then that’s great.

“It’s not Michelin-starred food or anything, just good family food but it’s a nice way to relax. It can be Asian themed or Italian, or something a bit more fancy. Sometimes it is super creative and other times it is boring and mundane.

“The important thing is to give it a go and not wait until you think you’ve perfected a dish before you decide to make it or else you’ll never start.”

Phil gives a similar message to the Wright Hassall team when it comes to new ideas and improving processes.

He stepped into the role of managing partner in January 2022 – succeeding Sarah Perry after her six-year stint.

Phil recognised that – like any professional services business – the key asset was the company’s people and getting the best from them was fundamental to success.

He set about shifting the dial on the culture within the firm resulting in Wright Hassall being named a Great Place to Work in 2024, based on staff feedback.

“Wright Hassall is nearly 180-years-old, which means there is a lot of history so it’s not about individuals but everyone working together to serve that name and all of our clients,” he said.

“One of my main focusses when I came into this role was to improve the culture.

“As the world was becoming more competitive, we needed to make sure this was a great place to work so it was a very deliberate policy.

“I wanted everyone to know that they could get things out on the table and that they could ask me anything. Anything.

Profile: Phil Wilding

“What direction the business was going in. What we were doing to improve IT.

“If you could see me sweating, you knew you’d nailed it and had asked me a good one.

“It was all about gaining trust.

“We got lots of feedback and once we started acting on that, it made a real impact. It was a case of ‘you said, we did’ and the team liked that and reacted positively to it.

“It means people feel empowered to speak up if they have something to input that is going to make the business better, which means we serve our clients better.

“We’ve got great lawyers across a range of departments, serving individuals through to large corporates, so they know the law. That’s a given. So, you have to offer something else and that’s why it is so important to get the culture right because that rubs off on the clients and then they become your advocates.”

Phil’s career path to Wright Hassall and the top job took an unusual route, with each step helping to shape his personality that would ultimately make him a natural leader of people.

He studied Business at De Montford University in Leicester because it was close enough to home in Warwick when he needed his washing done but far enough away to enjoy university life.

“My dad was in business, my uncles are in business and grandparents were in business, so I was always leaning towards studying it for my degree.

“The natural step was to go into sales or marketing but I was also interested in the regulatory side of business.”

He took his first job just four days after his final exam in a sector that left some of his friends scratching their heads!

It was with Schering Healthcare – a global female healthcare provider at the time – and one of the challenges of the job is something most of us can identify with.

“I spent a great deal of time trying to get appointments with a GP,” he said. “We know how difficult that can be. It could take months.

“If I could get past the receptionist then I’d have just a few minutes with the doctor so I’d take in ice creams on a hot day or sort them out with stationery.

“I was selling female contraceptives and we were the only company that was licensed to give the morning after pill.

“In the end, I’d have GPs ringing me saying ‘I’ve just had a patient come presenting with this, what do you recommend?’ I was thinking ‘why are you asking me?’

“My friends couldn’t believe it, but forget the medical stuff, it taught me so much about the sales process and was my first step towards the world of regulation because it is, obviously, a very highly regulated industry.”

His next move was into debt recovery with Equidebt, where he found a real passion.

“Most people don’t go into the world of debt recovery by choice but typically once you are in it, you never really leave it.

“I got into an account management role so I was winning clients, looking after clients and making sure they got what they wanted.

“It was highly regulated, which I liked, but there’s a lot of myth and mystique around it. People associate debt recovery with someone turning up with a baseball bat, but it’s not like that at all.

“We would use telephony and letters, but using legal services as part of the strategy.”

He joined Wright Hassall in 2011 to set up a ‘volume’ debt recovery division that could feed into the legal side of the business.

“We’ve got great lawyers across a range of departments, serving individuals through to large corporates, so they know the law. That’s a given. So, you have to offer something else and that’s why it is so important to get the culture right because that rubs off on the clients and then they become your advocates.”

That division would eventually be separated out to become QDR Solicitors, a separate entity regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Solicitors Regulatory Authority, but still wholly owned by Wright Hassall.

He became Group Head of the business in March 2020 so had to get to know people online as Covid struck and was installed as managing partner less than two years later.

“When I first joined I was a bit starstruck when I came into reception,” he said. “It felt like I was in LA Law, which probably shows my age! Someone younger might say Suits.

“And while I’ve got to know the whole business through and through over the years, I still sit with the debt recovery team.

Profile: Phil Wilding

Born: Bedford

Live: Leamington Spa

Married: Yes

“Each team is different and there are always areas of the market that are busier than others depending on the climate.

“But we’re a people business so it’s all about conversations, seeing where you can help and advise, and making things happen.

“Don’t wait for the time to be right, don’t wait for perfection. We all have a part to play in making the company successful and I want everyone to know their ideas matter.

“There’s no point having a slogan written on a piece of paper, people can see through that. It has to be real and then they will buy into it.”

It’s the kind of business-minded, people-focused mentality that provides the perfect recipe for success…

Hobbies: Not much time between work, the dog and the kids

Children: Two teenage boys

Favourite Book: Birdsong

Favourite Film: Too many to narrow down

Last Holiday: Spain (earlier this month)

Gadget: Swiss army knife

Coventry, Warwickshire and West Midlands demonstrate strong progress on Local Skills Improvement Plan

A major new initiative to solve the skills shortage in Coventry, Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands is making great strides in developing the workforce for the future in key industries, according to a new report.

The progress report for the West Midlands and Warwickshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) has revealed the success of the initiative since it began in 2023 and also some of the ongoing challenges around key skills needed to drive forward the economy.

LSIPs were designed to put employers at the heart of skills provision in their local area, to identify skills gaps and work with partners to devise solutions.

In each area of the Midlands, partners came together – led by an employer representative body – to research needs and then come up with solutions unique to their own local area.

Coventry and Warwickshire, Greater Birmingham and Black Country Chambers of Commerce have led the initiative in the West Midlands and Warwickshire and has produced the new report on behalf of the Government.

It highlights significant investment and expansion in priority sectors, which includes including engineering & manufacturing, construction, ICT & digital and logistics & distribution.

New immersive facilities have been created across six colleges in the region and more than 2,700 learners have had an opportunity to use Local Skills Investment Fund (LSIF) equipment.

Development of advanced digital skills programmes has taken place at 12 locations across the region with more than 830 learners engaging in AI, cybersecurity, and digital courses.

The LSIP has also seen staff upskilled at colleges and training providers, with 139 staff trained in engineering

and battery technology, more than 60 staff trained in green construction technologies and in excess of 3,000 staff have been trained in green skills.

Green skills are seen as key to the future of the regional economy and that saw the launch of the Green Skills Roadmap with support from 18 colleges. It led to the creation of the Green Skills Tutor Hub and over 9,000 staff and students have been reached via training sessions and communications.

When it comes to digital inclusion and essential skills, nearly 1,700 learners have accessed digital training in newly refurbished spaces and community outreach.

There has been a focus on sometimes hard-to-reach groups including those who are not in employment, education or training, over-50s and minority communities.

The drive to encourage more leadership and management training saw the launch of free online leadership modules for SMEs on SkillsWMW.com, while employer engagement in skills has been improved through events held to promote new provision and encourage apprenticeship uptake.

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “For many years, we’ve encouraged the Government to let businesses work alongside local colleges and training providers to identify the issues with skills and find solutions to them.

“That opportunity was granted with the LSIP in 2023 and since then we have made great strides as a region in understanding the issues and are already delivering a wide range of provision to help to solve them.

“There is so much that still needs to be done as the world of business and the skills required evolves, but we are delighted with the progress we’ve made as set out in this report.”

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said: “I am pleased to see the progress being made to bring these Local Skills Improvement Plans to life.

“We remain committed to the LSIP model as part of our Plan for Change, and have strengthened the role that Mayors and Strategic Authorities will play in identifying and addressing the local skills issues in the plans.

“Skills England will work hand-in-hand with businesses, education providers, Mayors and Strategic Authorities, unions, and other bodies to tackle skills shortages, co- creating solutions to ensure more opportunities for young people and existing workers wherever they are based in the country.”

Sarah Maclean and Tessa Griffiths, job share CEOs of Skills England, said: "We congratulate every ERB and their partners for their leadership and commitment to delivering these progress reports. This key work is helping to ensure that learners and businesses across England have the skills they need to thrive.”

To read the full Progress Report, head to www.cw-chamber.co.uk/business-support/lsip

Campaign of support leads SLT

Media to two categories on awards shortlist

Coventry-based marketing agency

SLT Media Ltd has been announced as a finalist in two categories at the prestigious Midlands Marketing Awards 2025: Best Marketing Impact of the Year and Future Leader of the Year.

The agency was shortlisted for Best Marketing Impact for their pro bono social media campaign in support of Opoka CIO, a UK-based charity assisting Polish women and families affected by domestic abuse. The campaign combined empathetic communication, culturally appropriate content, and a redesigned website to help increase online reach, engagement, and – most importantly – access to life-saving support.

Director Paulina Patrykowska has also been named a finalist for Future Leader of the Year for her work in launching SLT Gateway – a cross-border marketing initiative designed to support Polish businesses entering the UK market. The concept was developed following her participation in the Exporting Starts Here programme, delivered by the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce with the help of Jenny Hooper from Hooper & Co International Trade Consultancy.

The project brings together SLT Media’s expertise in branding and digital marketing with a trusted network of legal, logistics and financial advisors. It aims to provide a practical, clear, and collaborative route for SMEs expanding between Poland and the UK. With more than 10 years as a limited company and over 40 years of combined team experience, SLT Media supports local and international businesses with web design, content marketing, multilingual branding and digital strategy. The agency is an active member of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and a proud advocate for collaboration-led growth in the region.

PR agency celebrates incredible growth with award win

A West Midlands communications agency is celebrating being named Medium Consultancy of the Year at one of the region’s biggest PR awards nights.

R&Co Communications picked up the award just 12 months after it was named best Small Consultancy at the Midlands PRCA Dare Awards. This year the event was held at the Hyatt Regency in Birmingham on Thursday, June 19.

Leamington Spa and Birminghambased R&Co has seen its clients and staff numbers grow since its last win, along with its fee income rising by nearly 40 per cent.

Clients to join within the past year include housing developer William Davis Homes; growing Buckinghamshire fulfilment firm e2b and the European divisions of supply chain experts IPP.

Judges praised R&Co’s impactful and meaningful campaigns and said the agency – which is made up of 13 former journalists, PR consultants, social media experts and SEO specialists – is “one to watch”.

R&Co Managing Director Peter Robinson said: “We have worked exceptionally hard to build a team of experts in their field and we are truly grateful for the recognition we’ve received.

“To go from winning Small Consultancy of the Year to Medium Consultancy in 12 months is testament to our hard work and growth, and we look forward to seeing what the next year holds.

“We’re an agency which prides itself on being friendly, honest and easy to work with. Every time we are recognised for our work it reminds us we’re on the right path.”

R&Co was established in 1979 and was previously known as Newsline PR. It is a full-service communications agency with PR, social media and SEO clients in a range of B2B and B2C sectors including veterinary, property and logistics.

For more information about R&Co, visit https://rcomms.co.uk/ or search for R&Co Communications on social media.

New Polo Club Hotel celebrates opening with luxury launch party

The brand-new Polo Club Hotel celebrated its grand opening with a jubilant launch party in the Warwickshire countryside, bringing together VIPs from across the region and beyond for an evening of elegance.

A curated guest list featuring regional and national media, local stakeholders, dignitaries, and businesses, and prominent social media influencers descended on Southam to mark the occasion in style.

The event’s sponsor, Bollinger, welcomed guests with a luxury champagne reception. Taking to the stage to address attendees, Devin Grosse, CEO of Focus Hotels, celebrated the new opening and thanked the local community for welcoming the team and their guests so graciously, while Robin Tjolle, Tourism and Destination Management Specialist at VisitEngland also spoke to the crowd.

The highlight of the entertainment programme was an exhilarating polo match at Dallas Burston Polo Club, where VIPs were treated to an insight into the hotel’s namesake and the culture that inspires it.

Throughout the night, guided tours of the property took place, with guests invited to take a look around the hotel’s crown jewel, the Empress Suite, as well as its luxurious balcony rooms, complete with sweeping views of the neighbouring polo club.

Live entertainment – including a dynamic saxophone performance – provided a soundtrack for the evening, whilst the likes of a mysterious illusionist offered another layer of entertainment for guests.

A charity raffle meanwhile raised £3,750 for the NSPCC – part of the hotel’s ambition to give back to the community. Prestigious prizes included a mini-break in the hotel’s Empress Suite and the use of a Bentley for the duration of the weekend stay. Bookings can be made at www.poloclubhotel.co.uk

Tech firm makes a move to support growth plans

Techsol, a growing technology solutions partner, has moved into a new office space in Coventry as part of its plans to expand and continue building momentum across the Midlands.

Techsol, a company specialising in helping organisations enhance performance and efficiency through customised technology solutions, has relocated its Coventry team to the Business Innovation Centre at the University of Warwick Science Park, Binley. This strategic move underscores Techsol’s commitment to investing in its people, clients, and future growth ambitions.

Supporting businesses across the UK, Techsol works across diverse

sectors, including non-profits, professional services, manufacturing, and warehousing. The company focuses on modernising operations, streamlining systems, and maximising the impact of technology. Through services like managed IT support, cloud solutions, cyber security, and ERP systems such as Sage 200 and Sage Intacct, Techsol collaborates with leading technology providers to enhance customer outcomes, ensure reliability, and drive sustainable growth.

With 53 employees across its offices in Cardiff, St Austell, Tewkesbury, and Coventry, and a turnover of £5.5 million last year, the business is continuing to scale. The new Coventry office not

only provides a contemporary and professional environment but also enhances the workspace for staff and creates a welcoming atmosphere for customers.

Rachel McHugh, Head of Brand and Culture at Techsol, said the decision to move came down to creating a space that matched the company’s ambitions.

“Although we were already established in Coventry, it became clear that we needed a workspace that better aligned with our aspirations,” she said. “The Business Innovation Centre offers a modern, professional environment that is more suitable for hosting clients and supporting the development of our expanding team.”

The new office offers flexibility and space to accommodate future hires, with potential for further expansion as the company continues to grow. Rachel also emphasised the office's convenient location near the motorway and its connection to the University of Warwick as crucial aspects of the decision.

With its new office now operational, Techsol is well positioned to strengthen its presence in the Midlands and continue helping businesses across the UK to transform, secure and thrive.

Award success tastes great for Tales of Tea

A Coventry dining destination set within one of the city’s most historic landmarks has won a major regional food and drink award.

Tales of Tea, located inside the 700-yearold St Mary’s Guildhall, has been named the winner of the Afternoon Tea category at the 2025 Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards.

The ceremony, which took place at King’s High School in Warwick, celebrated the very best in the region’s food, drink and hospitality scene.

Now in its fourth year, the Foodie Awards shine a spotlight on the people and businesses behind Coventry and Warwickshire’s hospitality industry.

Set within the guildhall’s atmospheric undercroft, Tales of Tea has grown to become one of the region’s most popular destinations for afternoon tea, blending carefully curated menus with a unique historic setting.

The venue, which is operated by No Ordinary Hospitality, picked up a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award last year for ranking in the top 10 per cent of venues worldwide based on reviews.

The guildhall, which dates back to the 14th century, has become a key part of Coventry’s visitor economy since undergoing a major restoration in 2022, attracting guests from across the country.

Abi Moore, Heritage and Venue Manager at St Mary’s Guildhall, said: "We’re absolutely thrilled to have won this award.

“Tales of Tea has become such an important part of the guildhall’s offer, allowing guests to experience afternoon tea in one of the most historic and beautiful settings in Coventry.

“This award is a real credit to our fantastic kitchen and front-of-house teams who deliver an outstanding experience to all of our guests.”

The Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards 2025 featured businesses from across the region competing across 21 categories, from best restaurant and bar to artisan food, sustainability and community food heroes.

For more information about Tales of Tea and St Mary’s Guildhall, visit www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk

Firm thrilled to be shortlisted in four law awards categories

Thomas Flavell & Sons Solicitors is delighted to announce it has been shortlisted in four categories at the Modern Law Private Client Awards 2025, including recognition for newly qualified Solicitor, Zara Taylor in the Rising Star of the Year category.

The firm has been named as a finalist in the following categories:

• Private Client Team – Wills & Probate (16+ Solicitors)

• Outstanding Client Care (26+ Employees) Best Workplace Wellbeing

• Rising Star of the Year – Zara Taylor

This recognition comes hot on the heels of last year’s win in the Wills & Probate category, highlighting the firm’s continued excellence and innovation in Private Client services.

Zara Taylor, who joined TFS in 2021, has been praised for her professionalism, resilience, and natural rapport with clients.

She said: “I am so incredibly excited to have been shortlisted for Rising Star of the Year at the Private Client Modern Law Awards. To even be recognised is such an honour and I'm so grateful, and shocked, to have been shortlisted. A big thank you to the Private Client team at Thomas Flavell & Sons Solicitors who have been incredibly supportive in my training, teaching me everything I know and getting me to where I am today.”

The Private Client department at TFS has seen remarkable growth over the past year, increasing its revenue by 24.5 per cent while continuing to offer bespoke, high-quality legal services. With over 120 years of combined experience and a commitment to compassionate service, the team has streamlined its processes to better serve complex estate matters and high-net-worth clients.

TFS is equally proud to be recognised for its Outstanding Client Care and Workplace Wellbeing – a testament to its values-driven approach. The firm integrates innovation and a deep sense of empathy into everything from client communication to staff development. Its 4.9/5 rating on Review Solicitors, and long-term client relationships that often span generations, reflect this dedication.

With nearly 60 employees, Thomas Flavell & Sons continues to champion wellbeing through flexible working, mental health support, inclusive policies, and regular staff wellbeing initiatives – all of which contribute to a thriving team and happy clients.

The Modern Law Private Client Awards 2025 will take place this July in Liverpool. The team is looking forward to celebrating with fellow nominees from across the legal profession. To see all those shortlisted, see www.privateclientawards.co.uk/2025shortlist

Digital Tracing: How new technology is helping locate elusive Debtors Telegraph’s green policy

Coventry’s Telegraph Hotel has invested in its future – and that of the planet – to make it even more environmentally friendly.

The Telegraph recently celebrated its fourth anniversary since opening in the city and, as well as becoming the most highly regarded hotel in the city centre in that time, it has also set out its stall to try and be one of the greenest.

The reimagining of the former newspaper building itself made a positive contribution to the environment with many of the original materials and features maintained during the transformation into an uber-cool mid-Century hotel.

Now, 60 new solar PV panels have been installed on the roof of the building, which will see 8.5 per cent of all energy used on site produced by the panels and close to 50 per cent of all energy usage coming from renewable sources.

The new panels come on top of a range of initiatives that have helped to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint, including 98 per cent of the building utilising LED lighting, with sensor lighting in public areas and store cupboards to reduce the wastage of energy when it is not required.

The team receive training on best practices and are made aware of new processes – small and large – to ensure they are able to deliver on the Telegraph’s green policy.

That encompasses everything from cutting down on printed materials through to reducing the number of towels and bed linen that are replaced for individual guests, with their agreement. Hotel guests also have access to water bottle stations on all bedroom floors and recycling stations in public areas.

For corporate guests who also want to play their part, the Telegraph Hotel offers a Green Day Delegate Package for meetings and conferences.

The hotel is dedicated to minimising waste wherever possible, which contributes to reducing the hotel’s environmental footprint. From food and cooking oils to batteries, every waste stream is carefully handled through sustainable practices, reflecting the hotel’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and operational excellence.

Amy Windsor, General Manager of the Telegraph Hotel, said: “The installation of the new solar panels is part of our ongoing commitment to making the Telegraph as environmentally friendly as possible.

“Coventry is at the forefront of sustainability, innovation and decarbonisation. This is a shared responsibility for all businesses in the city and we’re proud to play our part in supporting the city to achieve its ambitious net zero goals.

The solar panels were supported by a grant from the Business Growth West Midlands Net Zero Grant programme; this project is funded by the UK government through the Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by Coventry City Council

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, said: “I’m really pleased that we could use grant funding to support the Telegraph Hotel to improve their green credentials and cut their carbon footprint.

“This shift to renewable energy is good to see and it’s the latest move from the team who have really put sustainability at the heart of all they do.”

For more information on the Telegraph’s green policy go to www.telegraph-hotel.com/green-policy/

One of the biggest challenges in debt recovery is locating debtors who have gone silent. For debt collection agencies and small businesses alike, this can translate into lost revenue, wasted resources, and mounting frustration. At Debt-Claims Solicitors we work alongside our clients, using the latest tech, to locate outstanding debtors.

Traditionally, tracing debtors required time-consuming manual investigations. But today, digital tracing tools are making it faster, cheaper, and more accurate to locate individuals and businesses who have defaulted on payments.

What

is Digital Tracing?

Digital tracing refers to the use of online data, digital records, and algorithmic tools to locate individuals who owe money. It involves pulling together information from various databases, social media platforms, and public records to build a profile of the debtor’s likely whereabouts.

Some tools also use machine learning to predict behaviour, identify patterns, and assess the probability of success in pursuing particular leads.

The Role of Digital Tracing in the Broader Recovery Process

While digital tracing is a powerful tool, it is just one part of a broader debt recovery process. Once a debtor is located, businesses must still follow appropriate procedures to pursue repayment. This may involve issuing a letter before action, initiating court proceedings, or instructing enforcement agents.

Used correctly, digital tracing can improve the efficiency and success of these steps by ensuring that correspondence reaches the right person at the right address, avoiding wasted time and procedural delays.

From Guesswork to Informed Action

Digital tracing marks a significant step forward from the days of guesswork and gut instinct. It allows businesses and debt collection agencies to approach recovery in a more informed, evidence-based way.

Looking to the future, we may see deeper integration between tracing platforms and enforcement systems. Imagine a world where a court claim or enforcement order

is automatically updated with the debtor’s latest verified contact details. This kind of real-time coordination could drastically reduce administrative overheads and further improve recovery rates.

However, these advancements bring added responsibility. The line between effective tracing and unlawful surveillance is thin. Firms that get it right, by combining smart tools with ethical practice, will not only recover more but also protect their reputation in an increasingly scrutinised market.

If you are looking for debt recovery support for your business visit debt-claims.com

Keeping community at the heart of everything

So often when it comes to business, we become focused on numbers, spreadsheets, and profits. The nuts and bolts of making things work. And of course, that’s important. But at People Arches, community is right up there as one of the priorities, and key to making the business successful.

Like most businesses, People Arches recognises the community as its neighbours, its customers and its supporters.

This doesn’t just mean a one-off effort, says the company’s Founder Dawood Ibtehsam. It means consistently looking at ways it can help, and listening to what people actually need. People Arches Ltd started with regular litter picks, listening to concerns from the local community about litter, and its own potential role in that.

The company also speaks regularly to local organisations about what they need.

Whether that’s Warwick Town Council needing the skills to provide a video to market the town free of charge, sponsorship for the Christmas lights, providing pantomime tickets for foster children, or simply providing parties so families can celebrate birthdays affordably.

People Arches’ latest initiatives have seen them offer somewhere for Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind’s wellbeing vehicle to park up so people experiencing mental health distress can access crisis intervention, de-escalation, and mental health support.

The company has also recently announced it will be sponsoring Warwick Sports Club to the tune of £1,000 following a competition run with local family website Take It From Mummy, so they can help even more children through their hockey, tennis and cricket clubs.

Dawood said: “Some might think we should spend less time doing stuff like this, and more looking at our balance sheets. But without our community, we don’t have customers. We don’t have collaboration, and we become just another big business in a small town. Rather than part of that community. Which is why we put community first, and always will.”

Double celebration as Elinor marks 20-year anniversary – and a national award

As Elinor Perry raises a glass to her 20 years at the helm of Pentlands Accountants and Advisors, it will give her cause for both celebration and reflection.

Fittingly, the anniversary coincides with her receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ladies First Inspirational Awards, held recently at the IXL Centre in Southam.

Elinor’s journey began as a trainee at Marks and Spencer’s at the age of 16 after leaving school with a clutch of O-levels to her name. Only two years later, a speculative job application resulted in a role as Tesco’s youngest ever Personnel Manager, heading up a 250-strong team.

New-found ambitions were tested, however, when, at the age of just 19, Elinor fell pregnant with her son Joel and, eight years later, became a single mum of two following the birth of her daughter Lucy and subsequent marriage breakdown.

But it was a period of entrepreneurship, running her own retail fashion business at 23, that opened her eyes to what finally became her successful career path.

She recalls: “When I moved from Gloucestershire to Warwickshire in 1997

as a single mum, I thought, I can't go back into this retail world. It's long hours and it just doesn't work with two young children.”

Elinor began a qualification at Warwickshire College hoping to secure a part-time job in accountancy. But, she added: “Recruiters basically laughed at me and said I had to be prepared to work full time, and at 30 I was too old! But I was not deterred.”

Her tenacity led Elinor to Edwards and Pentlands in Warwick, where she wasted no time, studying until the early hours around her parenting responsibilities to acquire her ACCA accreditation.

In 2005, Elinor completed a management buyout from the existing owners, only six months after completing her final exams, initially with a business partner who she later bought out.

“It was a bit hair-raising for the first 10 years,” she said. “It's fair to say it’s been an unusual journey with some highs and lows.”

Now the focus for Elinor and her 12-strong team is on celebrating success, which they did with a garden party, joined by friends, associates and long-standing clients.

said: “A real achievement for me is building a business that is all about the people. We genuinely care and are very proud of the client relationships we’ve built over the years. It just feels like a great opportunity to mark the 20 years and to say thank you.”

“I think what I’m most proud of though is always having that belief in myself that I can

"A

do it and trusting my gut, even in the testing times.”

Of her recent award, she added: “This was a real ‘pinch me’ moment and completely unexpected. It makes 2025 an even more special year, and I was so pleased that friends, clients, and members of the Pentlands team were there to share in the moment with me.”

real achievement for me is building a business that is all about the people. We genuinely care and are very proud of the client relationships we’ve built over the years. It just feels like a great opportunity to mark the 20 years and to say thank you.”

MES Systems celebrates national recognition

Nuneaton-based fire and security systems firm MES Systems Ltd is celebrating national recognition after being shortlisted in not one, but three categories at the prestigious Fire & Security Matters (FSM) Awards 2025, held at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

A proud member of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, MES Systems was named a finalist in the following categories:

Customer Service Award

• ESG Company of the Year (Turnover under £10m)

Security Installation Company of the Year

Whilst the team didn’t take home a category win this year, MES Systems took away the Highly Commended Award for Customer Service – a fantastic achievement and a clear recognition of their ongoing commitment to putting customers first.

The FSM Awards, now a leading event in the UK fire and security calendar, brought together more than 900 industry professionals for an evening of celebration, connection and

recognition. It was hosted in Coventry by popular comedian Omid Djalili and included a VIP reception, live entertainment, and a showcase of industry excellence.

“We’re incredibly proud to be recognised nationally for our work and values,” said Richard, Managing Director of MES Systems. “To receive a Highly Commended in Customer Service really reflects the dedication and effort our team puts in every day – and to be recognised in our own region made it even more special.”

With continued growth across the Midlands and beyond, MES Systems specialises in tailored fire and security solutions for both residential and commercial clients – from monitored alarm systems and CCTV to access control, automatic gates, barriers and fire safety.

As a business rooted in Warwickshire, MES says it was an honour to see such a prestigious national awards event take place right on their doorstep.

To learn more about MES Systems, visit www.mes-systems.co.uk

Elinor

The West Midlands International Trade Summit 2025

A major conference this September will help West Midlands businesses navigate through the changing global picture and support them in exploring new markets.

The West Midlands International Trade Summit 2025 will be taking place at The Slate at the University of Warwick on Friday, September 12, and is open to firms across the West Midlands and Warwickshire.

The three regional chambers of commerce – Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and Black Country Chamber of Commerce –are organising the event alongside the West Midlands Combined Authority, with support from Lloyds for the third year running.

The event will hear from Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, as well as from businesses who are already exporting, alongside other partners.

The summit will offer practical tips, information on where to go for advice, and guidance on how to navigate a fast-moving global picture such as US tariffs. It will be an opportunity to meet new and existing contacts within the West Midlands as well as receiving up-to-date information on how to export.

The final programme for the day is still being finalised but Liam Byrne MP, the chair of the Business & Trade Select Committee, has already been confirmed as a keynote speaker.

Corin said the event, which will be free for businesses in the region to attend, had been expanded due to its success over recent years.

He said: “Our international trade summits have provided businesses with so much information and, crucially, inspiration over the past couple of years to help them export.

“So much so, that we’re growing it this year to include the whole of the

West Midlands and it will be great to see firms from all over the region coming to the University of Warwick to benefit from all of the knowledge and experience that will be packed into one room.

“Our teams are working on the full agenda for the day but we can already announce that Liam Byrne MP is going to be one of our keynote speakers, while we’ll also hear from businesses who have been there, seen it and done it and can share insights on their international trade journey.”

David Weatherhead, of Lloyds, said: “In the face of an ever-changing global landscape, it’s crucial that businesses are able to access support and guidance as they look to seize on the opportunities that exist overseas.

“We’ve seen first-hand how bringing West Midlands organisation together has helped them to break into new markets, innovate and grow. This is why we’ve sponsored this event for the last few years.

We look forward to welcoming Liam and the fantastic line up of speakers, and to see new relationships and opportunities that will take shape at this year’s conference.”

Dan Carins, policy manager at the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “International trade is pivotal to the ambitions of the West Midlands Combined Authority as outlined in the West Midlands Growth Plan.

“By expanding global reach, local businesses can unlock new markets, drive innovation, and boost productivity, which are essential for achieving inclusive growth and raising living standards across the region.

“This event is a unique opportunity for businesses from the West Midlands to gain the support they need to navigate the complexities of exporting and to contribute to the region's economic transformation. I encourage all businesses to attend and be part of this exciting journey towards a prosperous future.”

Local Tourism is still in need of support…

Recent research, commissioned by Warwick District Council (WDC), on the local economic impact of tourism shows that figures have not returned to the pre-pandemic figures of 2019. 2022 saw an increase in domestic staycations but have since declined with some areas in the UK reporting significant reductions in visitors but international travellers are now returning to the UK.

The industry is still being hit by a number of issues to include: the on-going high energy costs and cost of living crisis; increased salary costs with rises in national minimum wages and National Insurance Contributions; increased business rates through a reduction in the rates relief and the burden of staffing shortages.

In response to these difficulties WDC is pleased to announce two offers available through our Destination Management Organisation, Shakespeare’s England to promote hospitality, tourism and leisure businesses and their events through a FREE listing on the SE website and the one event portal across the West Midlands.

Please find details here: https://www.shakespeares-england.co.uk/free-listing/ https://www.shakespeares-england.co.uk/whats-on/ submit-event/

Take your meetings to the next level with our special £50 Day Delegate Rate available exclusively throughout August 2025

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With over 150 annual outdoor events taking place across the District activities are ramping up to bring more visitors to the area. All events can be found on the WDC What’s On Guide but some to note are here:

• Kenilworth celebrates a significant milestone in its long history this summer as the town comes together to mark the 450th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth I’s 19-day visit to Kenilworth Castle. The visit from 9 to 27 July 1575 was her longest ever visit to a courtier’s residence, with a lavish programme of festivities laid on throughout her stay by her host Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. The centrepiece of the 450th anniversary celebrations is the opening of a new immersive art installation at Kenilworth Castle by Lindsey Mendick entitled ‘Wicked Games’ (offering a new perspective on the relationship between Dudley and the Queen) which will be open until 31 October. Many of the town’s partners have come together to create a programme of commemorative events and activities.

More details here: https://kenilworth-tc.gov.uk/450th-anniversary/

• The Aviva National Bowls Championship returns to Victoria Park in Royal Leamington Spa on 13-31 August. Bowls England, welcomes players and fans of all ages and abilities to enjoy world class bowls. Having hosted the Commonwealth Games Lawn and

Para Bowls in August 2022 it is once again opening its doors to showcase the best in National Bowls. Businesses can now experience all the drama, action and tradition of the Aviva National Bowls Finals, in style with corporate hospitality packages available, ideal to entertain clients or for team building days. The offer allows you to dive into a delectable food hamper, relax in your exclusive VIP area, play on the famous greens and much more!

More details here:

https://www.bowlsengland.com/event/aviva-nationalfinals-2025/

• Warwick is once again playing host to many top bands and artists who will be performing either at St Nicholas Park as part of the AEG Presents Warwick Sessions 2025 or at Warwick Castle.

AEG Presents is delighted to announce the headline acts of Train, Will Young & Beverley Knight, The Stranglers, Craig David and Elbow who will be performing from 2 to 6 July. And once again Warwick Castle is also bringing legendary live music to its historic grounds this summer with performances by Bryan Adams, Texas, Pet Shop Boys and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in Concert.

For further details of all these events and many others please visit https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/events https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20361/whats_on

Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks - South Warks -

Heritage-honouring revamp revealed at Coombe Abbey Hotel

One of Coventry’s most iconic venues has unveiled major room refurbishments, blending 700 years of history with contemporary design to mark its 30th anniversary as a hotel.

Coombe Abbey Hotel has completed an extensive redesign of eight of its historic rooms – reimagining the interiors of its most in-demand spaces for weddings, meetings and private events.

Baby

The transformation, led by Coventrybased interior design studio Black Ivy Design, draws heavily on the building’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.

Operators No Ordinary Hospitality hope the redesign will support continued growth across its events business, which has experienced a significant upward trend in both conferences and weddings over the past year.

The new interiors pay tribute to Coombe Abbey’s layers of history, from its monastic roots to its later Gothic revival, while carefully updating each space to meet the needs of modern guests.

Rooms have undergone individual redesigns, with each retaining their original character while enhancing their functionality, comfort and atmosphere.

Throughout the project, Black Ivy Design’s approach was to remain sympathetic to the venue’s heritage, while introducing new textures, statement lighting, bold drapery, and bespoke soft furnishings to reflect the drama and intimacy of the building.

The Stuart Room, which is used for weddings and larger functions, has been fully reimagined with opulent wallpaper, rich woodwork and theatrical lighting, creating a bold yet refined space for celebrations.

In The Walnut Room, the natural timber panelling remains central to the design, with a neutral palette and fabric chandelier adding elegance and warmth.

The corridors have also been brought into harmony with new panelling, lighting and plush, high-traffic carpet that ties the design together.

Leanne Armstrong, Creative Director of Black Ivy Design, said: "Reviving the interiors of Coombe Abbey isn’t your everyday design commission. It was a chance to honour a building of huge

significance and it’s been a privilege to work on.

“Our vision was to create interiors that respect the building’s past, while reinterpreting its spaces for a new generation of guests.

“Every decision was made to blend the drama and intimacy of the building with the functionality and comfort expected of a leading venue.”

Originally founded in 1150 as a Cistercian monastery, Coombe Abbey has been a hotel since 1995, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors since.

In the past 12 months alone, more than 72,000 guests have attended weddings, conferences and corporate events at the venue, which continues to serve as a key destination for the region’s leisure, business and tourism sectors.

Ron Terry, Group Operations Director at No Ordinary Hospitality, said: "Coombe Abbey is known not just for its history, but for what it offers guests today. This refurbishment ensures that our rooms reflect the standards and experience our guests expect, while remaining true to the building’s past.

“Partnering with Black Ivy Design, a fellow Coventry business, has allowed us to deliver a scheme that’s both sensitive and bold.”

For more information visit www.coombeabbey.com

hospice chosen for Hotel’s first charity partnership – and the team can’t

Weston Hall Hotel is proud to announce the introduction of its inaugural Charity of the Year initiative, a new commitment that will see the business support one chosen charity for a full twelve month period.

From June 2025 to June 2026, Weston Hall Hotel will be proudly raising funds for Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice in Coventry. Zoe’s Place provides specialist palliative, respite, and end-of-life care to babies and infants with lifelimiting or life-threatening conditions. The work they do is both vital and inspiring, and the company is honoured to be supporting their cause through a range of fundraising initiatives throughout the year.

This partnership marks a new chapter for Weston Hall Hotel, reflecting its dedication not only to hospitality excellence but also to giving back to the wider community. The hotel is delighted to champion Zoe’s Place and are committed to raising as much awareness and financial support as it can over the next twelve months.

The first fundraising event in the partnership will be the Great Bulkington Bake Off, taking place as part of the hotel’s Live Lounge Festival Day on July 19. This fun community competition will invite bakers of all ages and abilities to show off their skills, with all proceeds from the competition going to support the hospice.

Weston Hall Hotel's Sales Manager, Helen, and Business Development Manager, Beth, recently visited Zoe’s Place and met with Becky and the team to see first-hand the incredible work they do. The visit only strengthened their resolve to do everything they can to help support the charity.

Look out for updates on the fundraising efforts and future events via the hotel’s website and social media channels. Guests, the community, and partners are all encouraged to get involved and support the team in helping this incredible charity.

Growing greener communities and a brighter future: Firm secures major Warwickshire tree maintenance contract

Coventry-based Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd has been awarded a significant new contract to deliver tree maintenance services across key urban areas of Warwickshire.

The contract, which commenced on May 1, 2025, sees Beechwood working in partnership with Warwickshire County Council to manage and maintain street trees in several of the county’s busiest towns, including Warwick, Leamington Spa, Nuneaton, Bedworth, Kenilworth and Rugby.

With an initial term of three years and the potential to extend for a further 24 months, the contract reinforces Beechwood’s position as a trusted partner in urban tree care and maintenance.

Simon Rotheram, Managing Director at Beechwood, commented: “Securing this contract is a proud moment for our business. We’ve been working in and around Warwickshire for over 25 years, and to be selected as the council’s delivery partner for this critical work is a fantastic endorsement of the expertise and dedication of our team. We’re committed to making a real difference to Warwickshire’s green infrastructure.”

The scope of work includes proactive and reactive tree surgery to help preserve, protect, and enhance the county’s urban tree

stock. Beechwood’s specialist teams will be managing everything from crown lifting and pruning to removals and safety assessments — ensuring trees are maintained to the highest standards.

But for Beechwood, this contract is about more than just tree maintenance.

“Urban trees play a vital role in our towns and cities,” adds Simon. “They support biodiversity, improve air quality, and enhance wellbeing. We see this as an opportunity to help shape healthier, greener communities.”

The contract is also future-facing, allowing for flexibility in scope as priorities shift, including adapting to legislative changes, new technologies, and evolving public and environmental needs.

Beechwood will draw on its extensive experience and specialist workforce to respond to the dynamic demands of the contract, underpinned by the company’s core values of safety, professionalism, and sustainability.

New concept plans to transform Leamington’s Parade

Businesspeople in Warwickshire have been asked for their views on new concept plans to transform Leamington’s Parade.

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Mid-Warwickshire Local Business Forum welcomed Stephen Marks, representing the Leamington Transformation Board, to its latest meeting at Ashorne Hill.

Stephen presented the concept plans to make Parade a traffic-free space to give the town centre a major economic and cultural boost.

The Leamington Transformation Board, made up of representatives from Warwickshire County Council, Warwick District Council, and Royal Leamington Spa Town Council, opened an eight-week engagement exercise on its emerging Parade Masterplan at the start of June, and will run until July 28.

Part of the masterplan includes exploring options to remove vehicular traffic from Parade, with the aim of increasing the number of people using the space and the time they spend there, boosting the town’s economy.

Buses that currently stop at the top of Parade would be re-routed to alternative stops nearby, while delivery vehicles would be permitted limited access during times of lower footfall. Emergency vehicles would still be able to access the road.

Businesses also heard that a new town square next to the Town Hall would be created, providing a new space for community events, markets, and performances.

Parade would be enhanced by the addition of new trees, planting, seating and cycle infrastructure, with accessibility at the forefront of its design.

The meeting was chaired by Kate Hunter, the vice-chair of the Chamber’s MidWarwickshire Local Business Forum.

She said firms were broadly in favour of the changes but had welcomed the opportunity to ask questions.

Kate said: “Businesspeople recognise that all town and city centres have challenges coming at them from all angles – from internet shopping through to high business rates – so it’s vitally important that they move with the times.

“Those businesses in attendance, in the main, liked the concept and the opportunity to create new spaces that would open the town centre. Leamington has so much going for it already, so it’s crucial that any new

Solo travel – but not alone: Single ladies’ club is launched

Warwickshire-based PR, marketing and travel specialist Hamilton Rouse has launched All The Single Ladies Cruise Club – a friendly, relaxed and sociable travel group for women who want to see the world by sea or by river, but don’t necessarily have a travel companion.

The club is run by Kate Rouse, a luxury travel specialist who is part of Travel Counsellors – an award-winning travel company with over £1 billion in turnover, more than 5,000 five-star Trustpilot reviews, and one of Which? magazine’s top-rated travel providers. All bookings are financially protected and ATOLcovered, giving travellers complete peace of mind.

“Whether you’re single, widowed, divorced or simply have a partner who doesn’t fancy cruising,” explains Kate, “this is your invitation to join a like-minded community of women who love to explore in comfort and style: proof that travelling solo doesn’t always mean going it alone.

“We focus on both ocean and river cruises, offering a mix of escorted group trips and options for those who’d prefer to cruise independently but still have a friendly support network. We also help you decide if you’d like to book your own cabin or be open to sharing with another lovely lady to help keep costs down.”

A series of monthly get-togethers in Stratford-upon-Avon are planned as a way for members of the club to meet up before they book or travel. From elegant afternoon teas to relaxed evening drinks, the chat will be about all things cruise: destinations, ships, packing tips, solo travel confidence and more.

plans build on its strengths and help to make it fit for the future.

“We’d encourage members to respond directly to the consultation so that it gives the Leamington Transformation Board a really strong picture of what businesses and the wider public think of the plans.”

The meeting was also updated on the Chamber’s plans for a manifesto to be launched later this year, with firms asked to give their views on the key priorities for the region.

Kate said: “It was a packed meeting and it was great to get an update on the manifesto because it will give the Chamber an opportunity to proactively campaign on the issues that really matter to companies across the region.”

Anyone wishing to respond to the survey on the plans for Parade should visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ask

“So if you’ve ever dreamed of watching the world go by from the deck of a ship, with your own space and great company when you want it, come and join us,” adds Kate. “This is more than just a travel club – it’s a chance to make memories, build connections, and cruise the world your way.”

For more information, see www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/kate.rouse

Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks

Businesses need to boost bottom line with price increases or slide into the red

Marginal gains can be the difference between success and failure, making a business able to out-compete its competitors, says Azets.

Too many businesses in the Midlands run the risk of financial ruin because they are not improving efficiency and removing process waste from their business to counteract increasing input and wage costs.

Profit erosion caused by inflation –branded the invisible tax – has repeatedly been identified by the UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm Azets as a red-flag issue. There is also concern that the budget increase in employer national insurance contributions (NICs) to 15 per cent and the minimum wage rise of 6.7 per cent will erode profitability even further.

According to the UK Parliament, the rise in NICs alone will impact around 940,000 employers and raise up to £25.7 billion a year for public services.

Jonathan Rees, Head of Accounts and Business Advisory in the West, which has offices in Bristol, Cardiff, Gloucester,

Plymouth, South Molton, St Asaph, Swansea and Truro, said: “Inflation is the hidden tax, and it is hurting many local businesses.

“Whilst inflation is now 3.5 per cent, that figure is effectively the increase on prices already inflated by a significant percentage from the 41-year inflation rate high of 11.1 per cent in October 2022.

“The peak was due to supply chain impacts of the pandemic and energy hikes related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, resulting in the well-documented cost-ofliving crisis now translating across to a cost-of-business crisis.

“What we are concerned about are those companies with excellent services or goods which have already absorbed input prices and cost inflation, including pay rises for staff, over the past few years without improving efficiency and removing process waste nor putting up prices for end users.

“Due to the everyday pressures of operating a business, some company owners can neglect making changes to improve and maintain profitability levels,

or lack proactivity, sometimes resulting in businesses walking backwards into the red, potentially into insolvency.

“It is easy to carry on doing what you did yesterday, last week, last month. However, in a challenging, fast-paced economic environment, this could result in disaster, particularly if your competitors are being proactive.”

Government figures show that there are nearly 220,000 businesses in the UK with between 10 to 49 staff, with an average turnover of just over £3.5 million.

Jonathan added: “If an employer with up to 49 staff needed to achieve a turnover of £3.5 million in 2019, to break even at that figure, the firm would need to keep pace with inflation with a breakeven turnover of nearly £4.5 million this year, an increase of just under £970,000 over six years.

“That’s a hefty cumulative inflation rise of nearly 28 per cent, so you can see how companies that don’t get a handle on improving efficiency and monitoring pricing start to falter, with more money going out than coming in and debts mounting.

“There is already significant pressure on profitability, especially if profit margins are already paper thin, such as those seen in construction, leisure, hospitality and retail, and that’s before the NICs and minimum wage hikes take effect.”

Coventry-born, bred and building a business

In a world where careers often pull people far from their hometowns, it’s a proud moment when two Coventryborn professionals reunite with a shared vision and an unwavering ambition to build something truly exceptional. That’s exactly what happened when Jenny Forbes and James Gould joined forces to create EXOVA Events.

Having built successful careers across the UK in their respective fields, both James and Jenny bring diverse experience to the business. James’ journey began behind the lens, where a background in photography and videography shaped his creative instincts and sharpened his eye for detail.

A move into hospitality taught him the value of hard graft, resilience, and putting the customer first – traits that would later become essential in his successful transition into the exhibition world. Over the years, James has evolved into a multi-skilled operator, known for his technical excellence, hands-on expertise, and unwavering commitment to perfection.

Jenny’s path was very different and took her into the high-performance world of Olympic and Paralympic sport, where she led commercial operations and

brand activations for rights holders, agencies, and global brands. From world stages to stadiums, those experiences shaped a savvy commercial mind and a passion for delivering client service at the highest level.

Together, they’ve grown EXOVA Events from its origins in Kenilworth to a Coventry-based production powerhouse. EXOVA delivers everything from modular and custom-built exhibition stands to brand activations, pop-up events, and permanent installations, all created by their full in-house production team and facility, including their own CNC machining capability for precision cutting and custom fabrication.

The business also offers 3D render designs, technical drawings, logistics and transport, and a large warehouse facility for safe asset storage and full pre-build capabilities. Every project, large or small, is handled with creativity, care, and technical excellence.

What sets the business apart isn’t just the technical skill or industry experience, it’s the vision. A vision built on teamwork, creativity, and the shared belief that with the right people, anything is possible.

To find out more about EXOVA Events, get in touch at team@exovaevents.co.uk.

Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks - South Warks -

Warwickshire accountant wins regional business award

Chadwick Accountants & Bookkeepers in Bidford-on-Avon has been named Accountancy Firm of the Year in the Central Region in the 2025 Prestige Awards.

The Prestige Awards was launched in 2020 to celebrate businesses and individuals who consistently offer excellent products and services within their region, and the award was presented to Chadwick’s at a recent ceremony held at Moor Hall in Sutton Coldfield.

“The SME sector is the backbone of any economy,” says Osmaan Mahmood, Founder & CEO of Prestige Awards.

“Although many small businesses may not be able to compete with multinational companies in terms of size and scale, they provide a personalised service-driven focus that is often missing from large organisations.”

The Central Region forms one of 11 areas of the UK in which the Prestige

Awards operate, and nominations are sent in from the company’s nationwide database of business and consumer readers. All shortlisted nominees are then asked to support their nomination with evidence of their work, positive feedback from clients, and information on previous accreditation and recognition. The judging panel then bases its decisions on areas such as service excellence, quality of the product/service provided, innovative practices, value, ethical or sustainable methods of working, and consistency in performance.

Accepting the award, Rachael ChadwickHarrison, MD of Chadwick’s, thanked her team for their role in the win, and added: “We are keen to add a personal touch to the world of finance, and as a company that doesn’t measure its success by billable hours, but by the success stories of our clients, we are therefore very grateful to those clients for recognising our efforts.”

Debt recovery made easier with launch of Talbots Collect

Talbots Law, one of the Midlands' leading and award-winning law firms, has launched a new debt recovery solution designed to offer businesses a more transparent, cost-effective way to recover unpaid debts.

The new service, Talbots Collect, has been developed in response to growing demand from businesses seeking legal support that is both results-driven and commercially realistic.

Delivered by the organisation’s team of expert debt recovery lawyers, the product introduces a structured, fixed-fee model with built-in volume discounts and a success credit model that helps reduce the overall cost of recovery.

Talbots Collect is designed to offset the cost of unsuccessful recovery attempts through legal costs and late payment compensation recovered from successful claims. Thanks to the success-sharing structure of Talbots Collect, clients could

pay significantly less, or next to nothing, once recoveries are successful.

Clients also benefit from a fixed-fee pricing structure meaning they’ll pay no more than £100 (+ VAT) for an initial debt recovery letter, regardless of time and complexity.

Daria Stepien, based in Talbots Law’s Coventry office, commented: "We understand the pressures businesses face when dealing with late payments.

Talbots Collect is about offering clarity, value, and results. Our team of experienced solicitors is here to make the recovery process smarter, faster and more affordable for businesses of all sizes."

The launch of Talbots Collect forms part of the company’s wider strategy to make legal services more accessible, efficient, and aligned with clients’ commercial goals.

To get in touch, email DariaStepien@talbotslaw.co.uk.

Award win leads to high spirits at East Chase Distillers

East Chase Distillers are thrilled to announce that they have been awarded the “Best Wine or Spirit Producer” at the Coventry and Warwickshire Foodie Awards.

Judges praised the East Chase Vodka, stating it featured "good liquid, excellent flavour profiles, and is impressively presented in a bottle that commands the shelf." They commended its versatility, noting that it can be enjoyed neat or as a mixer, making it a perfect addition to any cocktail or a delightful sip on its own.

Furthermore, the judges highlighted how the company’s vodka builds perfectly on the foundation of its excellent gin range.

“We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition,” said Luke, Founder at East Chase Distillers. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. We strive to create spirits that not only taste exceptional but also elevate the experience of our customers.”

The Coventry and Warwickshire Foodie Awards celebrate the finest in food and drink, showcasing local talent and innovation. Winning the Best Wine or Spirit category places East Chase Distillers among the leaders in the industry, solidifying its reputation for excellence. As well as producing some award-winning products, the company invites the community to visit

its distillery bar every Friday night from 5pm, where they can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere featuring its spirits plus locally sourced beer and wine. On the last Friday of each month, the distillery hosts a different food truck, offering a delicious selection of food that perfectly pairs with the beverages on offer. Guests can book the food truck night in advance through the website.

East Chase Distillers would like to extend their gratitude to the judges, their loyal customers, and the local community for their continued support.

For more information about East Chase Distillers, visit www.eastchasedistillers.com

Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks

Chamber helps to raise profile of local charity

A Coventry charity that supports young people facing homelessness has seen a four-fold increase in demand, a leading business figure has been told.

Corin Crane, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, paid a visit to Bardsley Youth Project in Hill Top in the city centre.

Corin met Simon Ree, who runs the centre that vows to ‘walk with’ young people aged 16 to 25 rather than signpost them, to find out how businesses across the region could support the organisation.

Simon, who was helped by the project as a youngster and has gone on to become CEO, explained the range of services he and his small team offered –from drop-in sessions to help furnishing accommodation when it becomes available.

Bardsley Youth Project, which is partially funded through grants from a range of bodies, also offers one-to-one support to individuals and can help with filling in forms or introducing them to partner organisations to assist in finding them a home.

It also relies on donations from individuals and businesses to fulfil the needs of young people that don't neatly fall under the bracket of a particular programme.

Warwick Events in Stratford, for example, has provided the project with valuable support over the past few years including financial donations as well as

mentoring and organisational support.

He said: “We work with young people who are either homeless or at risk of being homeless.

“Sometimes you hear the phrase that we signpost people; we prefer to say we walk with them. If I tell a vulnerable young person where they can go and who they can speak to get help, they probably walk out the door and don’t do anything with information.

“But, if I’ve gained their trust and I say to them that I’ll take them there, I’ll introduce them and support them, there’s a much better chance of a positive outcome.

“We’ve seen a four-fold increase in demand for our services since I became CEO in 2019. That’s partly down to the fact that we are doing better at letting people know we are here and what we can do to help, but there’s also the fact that more people need support too.

“So, we need help. Naturally, we’re grateful of financial donations but we also want businesses in the region to spread the word about us and it might be someone can offer help in a different way.

“A law firm might be able to help us with some legal services or if someone is getting rid of a sofa they might look to donate that to us so we can potentially

pass it on to a young person when they find a home.

“Basically, we just want businesses to bear us in mind and help in any way they can so we can continue to serve the young people in the city in their moment of need.”

Rachel Orman, of Bardsley Youth Project, added: “Partnerships are becoming more and more integral to our work at Bardsley Youth Project.

“We value the unique skills and perspectives that professionals in other fields can bring, and we love to shout about not only our work, but the good work that others are doing to support us. We're excited to share a case study on our partnership working with Warwick Events in our upcoming impact report, so watch this space!”

Corin said: “I was absolutely blown away by the work that Simon, Rachel and the team do at the Bardsley Youth Project.

“By joining up young people with the services they need and by creating trust with them, the project is having a hugely positive impact in the city.

“So, my ask to businesses is to find out more about the project and do whatever you can to help.”

For more information go to: https://www.bardsleyyouth.org/

Partnership enquiries can be directed to rachel@bardsleyyouth.org

Shaping the future of Warwickshire

Businesses in Warwickshire were given the opportunity to help shape a new manifesto which will set out the region’s economic agenda – with skills identified as a key priority.

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce held its latest MidWarwickshire Local Business Forum at the Holiday Inn, in Kenilworth.

Representatives from businesses across the area were asked to rank priorities around a number of topics ranging from business competitiveness and infrastructure to training the workforce of the future.

These top-level insights will be used alongside a variety of regional research and economic data to develop the manifesto which will set out the strategic economic aims for Coventry and Warwickshire for the next three years.

Skills was one of the key topics of conversation, with businesses highlighting the need for better links

with schools as well as careers advisors who understand the local economy and can educate young people about the wide variety of careers available.

Businesses also discussed the current economic climate, speaking about challenges including access to funding, recruitment, marketing and the impact of increases in National Insurance and minimum wage.

Corin Crane, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It was fantastic to hear the views of a wide range of businesses as we look to our members to help shape our new manifesto.

“As a Chamber it is important we have an understanding of the national policy agenda, however this isn’t always relevant locally, so it is even more important that we have a deep understanding of the issues being faced by businesses right across Coventry and Warwickshire.

“We want to take a ground-up approach to our policy work, ensuring that we are successfully representing the views of our members.

“Coventry and Warwickshire is home to innovation, start-ups and some of the county’s biggest businesses, so it is also essential that our manifesto makes it clear that Coventry and Warwickshire forms a key part of the West Midlands economy to help drive investment and future growth.

“Skills was of course one of the main talking points of the meeting, and rightly so. It feels like you could be discussing any topic and the conversation will always come back to skills.

“There is a clear need for better links between business and education and this will form an important section in our manifesto, helping to ensure that we have a strong future workforce and that skills needs are met.”

Kate Hunter, deputy chair of the Chamber’s Mid-Warwickshire Local Business Forum, added: “These meetings provide members with an excellent opportunity to connect and discuss the challenges they are facing as well as what is going well for them currently.

“When running a business it can often feel like you’re dealing with certain issues alone, but these meetings demonstrate this is not the case and they act as a space to share ideas and best practice.

“Skills formed a key part of discussions and it is clear that recruitment and finding the right people to fill job vacancies is a challenge, particularly with businesses being stretched by National Insurance and minimum wage increases, so this was a chance for members to make their voices heard ahead of the manifesto being developed.”

Simon Ree (left) with Corin Crane

The power of leadership: Duo recognised for valuable contributions

Leaders at two of Warwickshire’s top boutique hotels have been included in a hospitality ‘power list’ for their contributions to their workplace.

Mark Chambers, Managing Director of the Eden Hotel Collection, which runs Mallory Court Hotel and Spa in Leamington Spa, and The Arden Hotel in Stratford-uponAvon, has been recognised in The Boutique Hotelier Power List 2025. He had already made the same list back in 2016.

Mark was named in the ‘Business Leader’ category, while People Director Lisa Redding was recognised in the ‘Hidden Heroes’ category, after the hospitality market was invited to nominate individuals.

Boutique Hotelier’s Power List is now in its ninth year, and recognises 50 of the most deserving individuals at owner and manager level who play a major part in shaping the character of their hotels, and how staff operate in their business.

The recognition comes as Mark gears up to celebrate 20 years with the business in 2026. Over nearly two decades, he has overseen Eden Hotel Collection twice being named Small Hotel Group of the Year by the AA; as well as personally being awarded Master Innholder status, which acknowledges the attainment of the highest international standards in hotel management. Lisa, meanwhile, has been instrumental in devising a people strategy that has put wellbeing at the group’s heart, and contributing to Eden’s 90-day retention rate

averaging 97 per cent, with overall retention up by 28 per cent – its strongest increase since 2018.

This has included the implementation of a sciencebacked reward and recognition system called the Happy Hub to boost feel-good hormones; as well as the introduction of Wagestream for early access to earned wages.

Mark said: “This recognition is extra special as it has been made by industry peers, and further underlines our hotels’ standing not just with the public, but the wider hospitality sector too.

“There are many ongoing challenges facing hospitality – whether it is recruitment, cost pressures, or standing out in a saturated market – but we are continuing to grow, and that is testament to the hard work of the wider team.”

Lisa added: “I’m incredibly proud to be recognised in this way, because at Eden, our culture has always been about putting people first.

“We’ve worked hard to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, seen, and supported – and that means more than just policies or platforms. It’s about listening deeply, responding to what our teams need, and building a culture where people can thrive, grow, and genuinely enjoy coming to work.

“Recognition, wellbeing, and trust are at the core of everything we do – and it’s inspiring to see the positive impact that’s having across the business.”

From rich heritage to modern creative space – Albany Theatre is the best of both

Technical College in

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After undergoing a £3 million redevelopment, the theatre has embarked on a bold new venture, one that reaffirms its place at the heart of Coventry’s creative hub.

Last year’s Generate Launch event in October marked the culmination of a two-year transformation project, with support from the City of Culture Capital Fund and Coventry City Council’s Cultural Capital Investment Fund. The event was a celebration of legacy and potential, brought to life through local performances.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Mal Mutton, officially opened the new spaces to the public. Visitors were invited to explore three state-of-the-art studio spaces, upgraded community areas, and enhanced audience facilities including a changing places toilet. In June 2025, the theatre’s First Draft Festival featured dynamic performances by local community groups, reflecting the city’s cultural diversity and the theatre’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity.

Jade O’Shea, Venue Hire Coordinator said: ‘‘Since opening the new spaces – three in total – it has enabled us to provide further opportunities to the community and to local businesses. Offering spaces for meetings, rehearsals and workshops alongside hosting diverse and imaginative studio shows. The new spaces have allowed us to provide a unique conference space and a hub for external and internal creative projects which we are excited to be a part of.’’

The redevelopment enables the Albany to expand its programme significantly, welcoming a broader range of performances, workshops, and community events. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime supporter, there’s something for everyone. It’s more than a venue; it’s a place for the whole community, a space for discovery, and now, with its new facilities, a place where creativity can truly thrive.

The Albany Theatre has long stood as a beacon of cultural resilience in Coventry. From its origins as part of Coventry

1935

surviving the devastation of the Blitz, its story is woven into the city’s rich history.

Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks -

Celebration of loyalty for nearly 3,000 years of service by college staff

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) rolled out the red-carpet to honour a staggering 113 staff who have racked up almost three millennia of dedication, loyalty and behind-the-scenes hard work.

With a jaw-dropping 2,898 years of combined service accumulated between 39 teachers and 74 support and management staff, four of those being recognised have been at the college for more than 40 years.

Julie, joined back in October 1979, when disco was topping the charts, Margaret Thatcher had just moved into Number 10, and the Sony Walkman was the hottest tech on the market.

She began working on an old-school manual typewriter, took switchboard calls via the classic PBX plug-and-socket system, and now handles everything from visitor checkins to web-based systems and iPads – all from her base at Harrowbrook College.

She said: “I’ve gone from a plug-in switchboard to answering calls on my computer. I used a minicom, fax, even old-school shorthand. Now people sign in using iPads!”

Over four and a half decades, she’s worked across multiple campuses, including Nuneaton, Bedworth, Atherstone, Coleshill, Hinckley, and more – and was even out and about in the community promoting the college in town centres, schools, and shopping areas.

Julie’s journey tracks the history of the college. She started when it was known as the North Warwickshire College of Technology and Art, then lived through its mergers into North Warwickshire and Hinckley College, and finally into NWSLC as we know it today. She’s worked under three principals and more managers, tutors, and colleagues than she can count.

And despite all that change, one thing’s remained constant – her dedication to students, staff, and visitors.

She added: “I never imagined I’d still be here at this age, but I’ve stayed because I love what I do.

“I’ve seen students come back with their children –and even grandchildren! I hope I’ve helped people feel welcome and made a difference, even just with a smile or kind word.”

Among those celebrating 20, 25, 30, even 40 years or more are 39 teachers who have clocked up 996 years between them. Their dedication has created a strong foundation that supports students and staff alike, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and high-performing learning environment.

An Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) report published in 2023 suggested 25 per cent of college teachers leave the profession after one year; almost half have left after three years; and 10 years after beginning teaching, less than 25 per cent remain in the profession (IFS, 2023).

Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Principal and Chief Executive of NWSLC, said: “This is a truly remarkable milestone. The commitment of our support staff is nothing short

of phenomenal. They are the glue that holds the college together – adaptable, resilient, and dedicated to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.”

The celebratory lunch was held on Thursday, 19 June, bringing together colleagues from across the college’s campuses to share memories, enjoy recognition, and celebrate milestones both personal and professional.

From shorthand to software, plug boards to iPads, the support team at NWSLC have evolved with the times, and continues to adapt to meet the needs of employers and the community.

NWSLC was officially rated as “Good”, with “Outstanding” recognition for student behaviour and attitudes and the highest accolade of being ‘strong for skills’ following an Ofsted inspection in November 2024.

For more information about NWSLC’s courses and success stories, visit: www.nwslc.ac.uk

Inspire takes a step forward for sustainability

Leamington Spa-based branded merchandise company Inspire is proud to announce its completion of the BPMA StepForward Pledge – placing it among the most accredited and trusted distributors in the UK.

Out of more than 2,800 branded merchandise distributors nationwide, fewer than 200 are members of the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA), and only 68 have completed the StepForward sustainability pledge.

This accreditation is the latest step in the company’s journey to embed sustainability across its operations and offer clients more responsible branded merchandise options.

“This isn’t just a badge; it’s a signal to our clients that we’re serious about leading by example,” said Director Aaron Mckellar.

Alongside this achievement, Inspire has: Completed the Green Advantage Programme

Submitted the Sustainability West Midlands Pledge

• Exhibited at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of commerce Green Futures summit & Expo

• Been an active member of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce for the past two years

With more than 30 years’ experience and a recent rebrand as Inspire – Sustainable Merchandise, the company is transforming from a traditional supplier into a purpose-led business under Aaron’s solo leadership.

“Our goal is to make sustainability easy for businesses looking to do better. We believe branded merchandise can be beautiful, impactful, and responsible – all at once.”

As one of the longest-running and most accredited distributors in the UK, Inspire is proving that legacy businesses can lead the charge in sustainability –starting right here in the West Midlands.

Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks - South Warks - Rugby

It’s Only Bloody Marketing

A Nuneaton entrepreneur has launched her first ever book to help business owners navigate their route through the maze of marketing.

Sophie Blackmore has published It’s Only Bloody Marketing five years on from launching her own marketing consultancy business, Happy Marketer Ltd, after being made redundant during the pandemic.

The book is a culmination of Sophie’s 15plus years of marketing experience, and is designed to help time-poor SME managing directors and chief executives use easyto-understand, cost-efficient marketing tactics to grow their business.

It uses simple decision-making frameworks to help them identify relevant marketing tactics, track approaches that are working, work out if and when to outsource or hire, and understand what success really looks like. It also helps them to create a marketing strategy in ten-minute segments that fit around their busy schedules.

Sophie said: “The overriding mantra of the book when it comes to marketing is to stop overthinking and ‘keep it simple’ – especially if you’re feeling lost as a business owner or you’re just starting out.

“Getting marketing right is hard, and getting it wrong can be very expensive, but with the right support, it is possible to strike exactly the right balance.

“The book is aimed at MDs in technical industries who lack the time or patience to read hundreds of pages of theory. It will help them understand what they should be doing, and why, so they can grow their business steadily and cost-efficiently.

“I have been overwhelmed with the support I have had so far. Within a couple

of days of launching the book I had sold more than 80 copies.

“It is also a culmination of the wideranging support I have had since forming my business almost five years ago – including from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce –who have given me various platforms

to share my expertise with other entrepreneurs.”

Neil Littlewood, Membership and Sales Account Manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, has been supporting Sophie over the past two years with networking opportunities.

He added: “When I was introduced to Sophie it became apparent very quickly that her technical marketing knowledge and passion for helping people was an asset that other businesses in the region could benefit from.

“Over the past 18 months we’ve arranged for Sophie to present to our Business Talent members aged 18-30, while she has also attended our Commercial Academy Days too, which has in turn helped her to grow her own business.

“The new book is a great way for Sophie to impart her knowledge to a wider audience, and is another reminder to business owners of the importance of seeking professional advice to aid growth, whether that is accessing literature or joining a support network such as their local Chamber.”

For more information about It’s Only Bloody Marketing visit www.itsonlybloodymarketing.co.uk

Swing into action and support your local hospice

Businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire are invited to play for a worthy cause at The Myton Hospices Annual Golf Day on Friday, September 19 at the championship-standard Welcombe Golf Course –one of the best in the region.

This flagship fundraising event provides the perfect opportunity for networking, team building, and community impact. Teams will enjoy 18 holes of golf, on-course competitions, a refreshment buggy courtesy of Engine Inn, artisan pizza from Dough and Brew, a BBQ dinner, auction, and prize giving.

More than a great day out, the Golf Day supports a vital local cause. Myton has to raise £12.7 million of the £15.3 million it will cost this year to continue offering its services free of charge to people across the region.

Chris Willmott, Partnerships Manager at The Myton Hospices, said:

“Our annual Golf Day is always a wonderful occasion and we're looking forward to welcoming everyone to the beautiful Welcombe Golf Course. We rely on the support of our local community, and taking part in this year’s Golf Day will ensure we can be here for more people when they need us most, now and in the future.”

Thanks to generous sponsors, Sytner BMW, Tyler Packaging, and Clear, team entry is just £400 for four players, offering great value and visibility for businesses looking to support a local charity with deep community roots. Mixed teams are welcome, with maximum handicaps of 28 for men and 36 for women.

Whether entertaining clients, rewarding staff, or having a memorable day out, this is a unique chance to make a difference while enjoying a great day of golf.

To sign up, visit www.mytonhospice.org/Golf

Chamber members' collaboration helps shape students’ future careers

A Coventry business is helping to unlock careers for university students thanks to a valuable partnership.

Eydens Locksmiths and Security has provided employment opportunities to two students through a partnership with Coventry University, enabling them to put the skills they have developed in the classroom into practice in the workplace.

Eydens took on Coventry University students Chloe Daffern and Kishore Suseela, providing them with handson industry experience to help open the doors to careers after graduating.

The partnership was established through Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, which both are members of.

Chloe joined the business as a marketing co-ordinator in 2023 on a part-time basis alongside studying a BA (Hons) in Business and Marketing and then an MSc in International Marketing Management at the university.

Originally taken on to manage Eydens’ social media channels, she was quickly entrusted with increasing responsibilities and worked on everything from marketing strategy and brand development to events and sales.

After graduating, Chloe was offered a full-time role with Eydens before moving when she secured a role as a marketing and communications lead in the automotive sector.

She said: “I’m extremely grateful to everyone at Eydens. They were so supportive and taught me a lot of new skills and were also extremely flexible, allowing me to work around my course.

“My role at Eydens helped me to develop a lot of industry experience and provided me with an opportunity

to use the skills I was developing through my degree which has helped me secure a full-time marketing and communications role.”

Kishore joined the business this year to conduct a 12-week consultancy project for his MSc Business Analytics course at the university.

The project involved conducting market research to understand the marketplace and the public perception of Eydens.

Kishore said: “I was connected with Eydens through the talent team at the university. It was a completely new industry to me so there was a lot to learn, but the whole team was very welcoming.

“I captured data on the products available in the marketplace, competitor pricing and reviews of the company.

“I had to make sure all of my research was accurate and ethical, while also being useful to Eydens, and I found it incredibly interesting to deal with real-life data.

“I am now due to graduate and am looking for employment opportunities, and gaining workplace experience will stand me in good stead for my search.”

Rob Eyden, of Eydens Locksmiths and Security, said: “We have developed an extremely strong relationship with Coventry University which meant we have been able to offer two of their students work placements.

“It was fantastic to see Chloe flourish in her role. Her confidence grew immensely and by the end of her time with us she was exposed to customers and suppliers, while also making some incredibly valuable contributions to the marketing of the business.

“Kishore provided us with some excellent insights on the marketplace during his project, providing us with the confidence that we are stocking the right products at the right price.

“It’s been fantastic to provide Chloe and Kishore with industry experience as they embark on their careers. I would like to thank them both for all of their hard work and wish them every success in the future.”

Ange Lennox, of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is fantastic to see two chamber members develop such a strong partnership which has resulted in them collaborating to provide young people in the city with hands-on industry experience which will go on to help shape their future careers.”

"We have developed an extremely strong relationship with Coventry University which meant we have been able to offer two of their students work placements."

Rob Eyden, of Eydens Locksmiths and Security; Kishore Suseela; Ange Lennox, of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce; Chloe Daffern and Russel Sampson, of Eydens Locksmiths and Security.

Education and Skills

Coventry College welcomes Skills England Leaders for insightful visit

Coventry College recently had the privilege of hosting Sarah Maclean, CEO of Skills England, and Sarah Morris, Head of Skills Programme Development, for an engaging and insightful visit to the college.

The visit provided an opportunity for the Skills England leaders to explore the college’s innovative facilities, meet with staff and students, and discuss how Coventry College is equipping learners with the skills needed to thrive in today’s workforce.

The visit began with discussions between the two Sarahs and the Senior Leadership Team at Coventry College. Topics focused on the college’s commitment to delivering industry relevant education, its collaboration with local employers, and its investment in cutting-edge facilities to support skills development across a variety of sectors.

Following the meeting, Sarah Maclean and Sarah Morris were given a guided tour of the college’s facilities, showcasing the diverse and modern learning environments available to students.

During the tour, the Skills England leaders visited an Into Employment class, held in the college’s Virtual Reality (VR) room. Students were using VR headsets to practise scenarios not available to them in a generic classroom, such as interviews

with employers and job-specific training exercises, providing an immersive and innovative approach to skills development.

The guests were impressed by how the VR technology is helping students build confidence and prepare for employment in a safe and interactive environment.

Next, the tour moved to the college’s Welding class, a new addition to Coventry College’s curriculum, made possible by the installation of modern welding facilities.

The course is designed to meet the increasing demand for skilled welders in the local and national workforce, providing students with hands-on training and industry standard techniques.

Gemma Knott, Vice Principal Business Growth, Engagement and Partnerships said, “We were delighted to host the Skills England CEO and Sarah Morris from the Department for Education into our College to showcase our significant achievements

including our recent Ofsted grade and Outstanding financial grade.

“We were able to highlight how we have utilised Local Skills Improvement Funding to create a Virtual Reality Lab where our Into Employment Adult Social Care learners were using technology to practice their communication modules, both Sarahs were able to have a go with the headsets.

“We then had a brilliant tour of our welding facilities where adult learners, through West Midlands Combined Authority funding, are learning welding skills for the first time to support their progression into jobs where there is a huge welding skills need.”

Sarah Maclean, CEO of Skills England, said “Thank you to Carol and her team for an excellent visit to Coventry College. It was good to learn about the provision at the college and see how technology is being used.”

The visit highlighted Coventry College’s dedication to staying at the forefront of education and training, ensuring students are well-prepared for the demands of modern industries. By fostering partnerships with organisations like Skills England, Coventry College continues to strengthen its position as a hub for skills development and innovation in the region.

Steve Harcourt

President of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

As we head into the summer months here in the UK, our thoughts naturally turn to holidays, rest and relaxation. However, it is the unrest across the globe – particularly in the Middle East –which is drawing our attention at the moment as tensions continue to escalate.

How the situation will progress remains to be seen, but in the meantime all we can do is continue to monitor the situation, keep calm and carry on. In Coventry & Warwickshire in particular, I always say that we have an incredibly resilient and diverse business landscape and this is what carries us through challenging economic times.

The results of our latest Quarterly Economic Survey, which Prime Accountants Group proudly partner with the Chamber on, shows cautious optimism. Service sector and manufacturing sales remain above the growth threshold, and both sectors are actively recruiting, with overall business confidence sitting firmly above the allimportant 50 points.

Nationally, the UK is grappling with a more complex landscape. Inflation is easing, but interest rate pressures persist - no surprise as businesses “will need to dig in again” into 2025. Political uncertainty, from budget debates to fiscal pressures, continues to cloud confidence. It’s vital the government remains focused on stabilising the business climate and easing cost burdens, so that our region can forge ahead.

In the recent Comprehensive Spending Review, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced her spending plans to Parliament, which included tens of billions of pounds of investment in transport, infrastructure and new homes, alongside extra money for health and education.

Whilst we very much welcomed the announcements, the Chamber is quite rightly calling for more detail. If this really is a stimulus for growth, then we need to see the spending translate into real ‘business on the books’ for businesses in our region.

At the end of June, I had the pleasure of hosting the Chamber’s Annual President’s Golf Day which took place at the Coventry Hearsall Golf Club and was attended by over 40 keen golfers. In addition to plenty of networking and healthy competition, this was also a chance to help raise vital funds and awareness for Coventry, Warwickshire & Worcestershire Mind – a charity providing expert support on mental health across the region.

My thanks go to Lodders Solicitors who sponsored the golf day, along with support from Azets Coventry and ourselves at Prime Accountants Group, and my congratulations go to Rob Cornford, of My Trusted Wills and Estate Planning, who won the day, and also to Martin Lord, of Talbots Law, who won Longest Drive and Richard Davies, of Addington Ball, who took the nearest the pin award.

I hope you have a great summer.

Exam success is cause for celebration at accountancy firm

A national award-winning firm of chartered accountants based in Coventry & Warwickshire is celebrating success.

Armstrongs Chartered Accountants team member Jemma Vaughan, who has been with Armstrongs since 2023, has recently qualified as a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

Jemma is delighted to have completed her professional qualification and is looking forward to continuing to support her clients with accountancy and tax services. She has worked in practice for 12 years and services a wide portfolio of businesses, from sole traders through to larger businesses across a range of industry sectors.

Commenting on her news, Jemma, who is based at the firm’s Nuneaton office, said: “Completing my CIMA qualification is a great achievement. It has been challenging at times to juggle study with work and family life, but it has all been worth it.”

The firm’s Director Jane Biggs said: “Jemma's hard work has paid off. Armstrongs invest heavily in training and development, and we are delighted to see another member of our team achieve success.”

Armstrongs supports its employees to progress through a number of accountancy qualifications, with many of their trainees commencing their Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualifications with CW Chamber Training through the apprenticeship route.

Armstrongs Chartered Accountants provide a wide range of services including accounting, tax, corporate finance, wealth planning, audit and assurance, bookkeeping, VAT and payroll services. Armstrongs has offices in Nuneaton, Coventry and Hinckley. For more information, visit www.armstrongs-accountancy.co.uk

Paislei Godley promoted to Director at Prime accountants group

An award-winning West Midlands accountancy practice has promoted a tax expert to its Board of Directors – 24 years after she joined the firm straight from school as an ambitious office junior.

Paislei Godley joined Prime Accountants Group in 2001 under its previous guise of Pilley and Florsham and worked her way up the ranks to become a qualified Chartered Tax Adviser in 2013.

Now with more than 15 years’ experience in the discipline, Paislei was formally

appointed as a Director on June 1 after previous roles as Senior Manager and Associate Director.

The promotion caps a fantastic rise through the ranks for Paislei, who won the career advancement award at the Solihull Chamber Employee Awards in 2011 for her drive, enthusiasm and willingness to learn in her career goal to become tax qualified.

She has since been certified by the Association of Taxation Technicians and Chartered Institute of Taxation and became a Fellow of the Association of Taxation Technicians in 2021.

Paislei heads up the tax compliance department at Prime, which has offices in Solihull, Birmingham and Coventry, as well as assisting with tax advisory work.

She said: “At the start there was a lot of general admin tasks – and making tea for the partners!

“In the years following that, I dabbled in several departments before becoming secretary in the tax department, and it was there I found my love of tax.

“The business supported me with everything I wanted to do – I was mentored, went on lots of courses and eventually

Making it count

Chadwick Accountants & Bookkeepers in Bidford-on-Avon has appointed Joanna Coleman to the position of Senior Accountant.

Joanna is a qualified ACCA accountant with over 24 years of experience working in a wide range of accounts office environments. Her career spans both the commercial and charity sectors, where she has built a strong reputation for her reliability, meticulous attention to detail, and a practical solutionsfocused approach to financial management.

Steve

The appointment is in line with Chadwick’s ongoing expansion, and is a timely one, as the company - formed in June 2021 - has just celebrated its fourth anniversary.

Commenting on the new appointment, Rachael Chadwick-Harrison, Managing Director of Chadwick’s, said: “Joanna’s experience across diverse sectors gives her a unique perspective on financial best practices, and a strong grasp of the different regulatory and reporting requirements faced by businesses and not-for-profit organisations alike. She is not only known for getting the numbers right, but for bringing clarity and confidence to those she supports.”

Other initiatives from Chadwick’s in recent months have included the launch of For Finances Sake, a series of podcasts on topical financial issues,

qualified after receiving expert Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) training.”

Paislei said the support received from Prime throughout her two-plus decades in the job has enabled her to continually develop and further her career prospects. She added: “Prime has supported me at every stage of the process and with everything I wanted to learn. If you’re willing to learn, it’s a hugely supportive business – I’ve never wanted to go anywhere else. Prime has always been there for me.

“My ambitions are to keep driving the team forward, and Prime as a whole. My tax team is my work family and my ultimate goal is keeping that legacy going and driving things forward.”

Morgan Davies, Managing Director of Prime Accountants Group, said: “This is a wonderful achievement for Paislei. Since joining more than 20 years ago, she has moved all the way through the ranks and now has a seat at the boardroom table.

“This achievement shows Prime's commitment to people development, and Paislei's personal hard work and sacrifice to achieve this promotion.”

together with the extension of its business consultancy services to complement those of accountancy and bookkeeping. It has also been named Accountancy Firm of the Year in the Central Region in the 2025 Prestige Awards and joined the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce as a Business Influence Member.

Armstrongs Director Jane Biggs with Jemma Vaughan

Paislei Godley, who has been promoted to Director at Prime Accountants Group, with Managing Director Morgan Davies

A raft of promotions and new appointment for growing accountancy firm

A Midlands independent accountancy firm has made a string of promotions alongside a key appointment to its human resources department.

HB&O, which has offices in Birmingham, Coventry and Leamington, has promoted 11 members of staff and appointed Lauren Sanders as its new HR Manager to support the growing team.

Lauren joins the firm with nearly 20 years’ experience across manufacturing, healthcare and professional services – including as HR director for an accountancy firm in the east of England.

She will be supporting HB&O’s people development programme, developing initiatives to support staff and ensuring the 100-strong team is working together effectively to deliver the best results for clients.

Jordan Chamberlain, from Burbage, joined the business in 2021 and has been promoted to Senior Client Manager. He will continue to oversee the operations and delivery of the firm’s team based in the Philippines.

The firm has seen significant growth in its Virtual Finance Office (VFO) service over the last two months. To support the increased demand for this service, Ben Usher-Shipway and Georgia Mallabone have stepped up into more advanced VFO Technician roles. Georgia, from Nuneaton, joined HB&O following a trainee assessment day in 2023, while Ben, from Kingshurst, has been with the firm since 2022, with both developing to become key members of the VFO team.

Joshua Ward, from Leamington Spa, alongside Gurpal Reyat, Lewis George, and Jobin Jose, from Coventry, have all received promotions within the audit and accounts team across the Coventry and Leamington offices.

Joshua joined the firm at 16 years old, five years ago, and continues his progression with HB&O, working across several departments and developing a broad range of knowledge and experience.

Lisa Saiya, who joined the business in 2011 as a Financial Services Executive Assistant, has been promoted to Office Manager, and Shehla Parveen has progressed to Payroll Supervisor after nearly two years with HB&O.

Payroll expert Ioana Mateias has received a promotion within the Management Team of the Payroll department, with Jessica Mason also stepping up further in her role as Head of VAT–further strengthening HB&O’s offer in this area.

Mark Ashfield, Managing Director, said: “The firm continues to see growth in both fees and our service offering, supported by the expansion with our Birmingham office earlier this year.

“A strong, skilled and efficient team will be crucial to achieving our ambitious growth targets over the next year. These promotions are recognition of the excellent work being delivered by individuals as part of teams across the business.

“It’s fantastic to be welcoming Lauren to the business and her experience will be invaluable as we continue to expand the firm and ensure that we are delivering the best possible experience and development opportunities for our staff.”

MD appointed to role to help build future of UK construction

A Midlands businesswoman has been appointed to a new governmentsupported board to help nurture the UK’s next generation of construction workers.

Julie White, Managing Director of D-Drill & Sawing, which has branches across the UK including a HQ near Coventry, has joined the new Construction Skills Mission Board, which is being co-chaired by government and Mark Reynolds, Executive Chairman of Mace.

The Board is developing and delivering a construction workforce action plan to recruit a target of 100,000 new construction workers each year until 2029, to secure the workforce needed to meet future demand and commitments to deliver the infrastructure and built environment announced by government.

The establishment of the new Board was first announced alongside the £600 million construction skills package in the Spring Budget, to train thousands of new construction workers, with ambitions to build 1.5 million new homes and upgrade various infrastructure by the end of this Parliament.

Julie, who is currently chair of Build UK, will be using her own experience of developing her own multi-millionpound construction business to discuss the key levers to boosting the industry workforce, including: business confidence to employ and invest, clear new entrant pathways, effective support to train, funding that works, and reliable and rewarding careers. She will be representing specialist businesses within the construction sector on the Board.

She said: “More than 85 per cent of my workforce are current or former

apprentices – including myself – and I know first-hand how much of a difference investing in skills can make, which is why I am excited to be supporting the new Construction Skills Mission Board.

“The construction industry is about to embark on a major pipeline of work originating out of the government’s 10-year infrastructure strategy –alongside building 1.5 million new homes – so it is vital that employers can see a clear pathway on how they can upskill and recruit for the skills they need, so they can meet the demand.

“Youngsters’ appetite to get into construction has never been stronger – more than 7,000 people recently attended Build UK’s Open Doors week for workplace tours – but we need to ensure that new entrants are learning skills that the industry needs.

“Now is the time for industry to share their views via the Board on how they can be supported to invest in new workers, as well as the skillsets that they need.

“I know the issues that specialist, niche construction companies face when it comes to skills and, through my role at Build UK, I have been engaged with hundreds of companies and trade bodies so have heard a wide variety of views on the topic.”

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