C&W July 26

Issue 114 July - August 2026

Professor Stuart Croft DL On education, the economy and the University of Warwick’s role in social mobility. Page 20

45 4

22

44

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Foreword

Contents

July - August 2026

Dear Chamber Member, From magazine to magazine, it gets more and more difficult to talk about the current economic climate because the world moves so quickly.

Since I sat down to write my last column, the conflict in Iran seemed to have come to a resolution – albeit a tentative one – before tensions flared again.

And, at home, we’ve seen the Prime Minister resign with Andy Burnham set to take over before the summer holidays.

As businesses we continue to call for stability and, a decade on from the Brexit, we can continue to hope that a stable period domestically and internationally comes along – the like of which we haven’t seen for ten years.

As a Chamber, we are not immune to uncertainty and when you throw into the mix local government reorganisation, it is another layer of unpredictability for us all to deal with.

Our way of dealing with the current circumstances is to look at ways to

grow our own business. Last year we purchased PTP Training to complement our existing training division – Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training.

We run Destination Coventry, which is really starting to make traction across the region.

On top of that, we’re undertaking a membership review (there’s more to follow on that), we’re looking at ways we can commercialise some of our services and we’re developing a new website to live up to our aim of being the most digital Chamber in the country.

At the same time, we recognise our place as a civic organisation for Coventry and Warwickshire and we continue to campaign on behalf of companies across the region through our policy work which includes our Business Manifesto that will launch later this year.

BCC Conference Members Voices Events News Focus On Warwickshire

4-5 6 8 9 10-11

Business Engage Profiles Chamber Training Hospitality & Retail In Conversation with...

Destination Coventry Profile

12-13 15 16 17 19 20-21

News Economy News AI Technology Education and Skills News from the region News Health & Wellbeing President & People New Members Member offers/events

22-23 27 28-29 30 31 32-36 37-41 43 44-45 46 47

and retail sector met at our offices a few weeks ago and you can see some of the conclusions of that meeting later in this magazine.

And, as I write this, we are very close to learning what will happen in terms of local government reorganisation which will have huge implications for Coventry and Warwickshire and how we work together as a natural economically aligned region.

There’s a lot happening – some of which we can control and some of which we can’t – and my advice to businesses is to look at every opportunity to grow and to reach out for help if you need it.

We have, however, started to work on some of the priorities in the manifesto because some just wouldn’t wait. A group looking at the hospitality

Corin Crane Chief Executive

Delivering excellent legal services with a human touch Trusted by clients locally and nationwide, we combine legal expertise with a personal approach - taking the time to listen, understand and guide you forward. Contact us to find out more.

Call 024 7663 2121 www.bandhattonbutton.com info@bandhattonbutton.com

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

3

BCC Conference The official publication of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce ••••

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

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

Send them to: news@cw-chamber.co.uk Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Chamber House Innovation Village

Temperature rises as BCC Conference proves to be the hottest ticket in town It was hot in Westminster for the British Chambers of Commerce’s Global Annual Conference. Metaphorically and literally.

Cheetah Road Coventry CV1 2TL T: 024 76 654321 F: 024 76 450242

AT THE PUBLISHERS Publisher Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing Limited Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ T: 0151 236 4141 F: 0151 236 0440 admin@benhampublishing.com www.benhampublishing.com Advertising Contact Karen Hall karen@benhampublishing.com T: 07801 788880

As temperatures outside reached the mid-thirties, inside the QEII Centre – which is just a short walk from the Houses of Parliament – representatives from five political parties took their turn to try to get the audience to warm to their ideas to get the economy growing.

Delivering Growth was the theme for the day and had been set by the BCC team months in advance.

Little did anyone know that Sir Keir Starmer would announce his resignation as Prime Minister 72 hours before the conference was due to begin, with Andy Burnham throwing his hat into the ring to take over and become the new champion for growth.

It meant the eyes of the nation were on the conference as Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP; Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride MP; Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey MP; Reform’s Robert Jenrick MP; and Green Party Leader Zack Polanski all made their pitch to the businesses and Chambers represented in the room.

That included a delegation from Coventry and Warwickshire – all keen for the Government to provide stability after a decade of uncertainty rather than further upheaval.

Production Manager Mark Etherington Accounts Director Joanne Casey Media Number 2218 © Benham Publishing 2026 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.

•••• 4

Rachel Reeves was welcomed by BCC Director General Shevaun Haviland CBE before being interviewed by the host for the day, Sky News’ Sophy Ridge.

“We campaigned at the General Election just two years ago that we would return stability to the economy, and I’m really proud of my record on that,” said the Chancellor.

“In just two years, we’ve had six cuts in interest rates. Inflation, despite all of the global headwinds, fell in April and held steady in May, and we had faster growth in the first quarter of this year.

“The reason that we have managed to return some semblance of stability to the economy, notwithstanding the shocks from around the world, is because of the fiscal and economic discipline that I have brought back to policy making.

“And I think that Andy Burnham, who will be the next Prime Minister, has been really clear that he is committed to those fiscal rules.”

Andy will be PM – a conference exclusive!

Sir Mel Stride was the next politician to take to the stage and called upon the Government to rule out further tax on business.

“This would tear down the barriers of trade, ending the mountains of paperwork and cutting costs for businesses. It would give British businesses the confidence they need to invest, to hire and to grow. It would give Britain’s public finances a growth dividend.

“A new growth fund worth tens of billions of pounds to rebuild our public finances, to cut the cost of doing business, fix the NHS and strengthen our armed forces. Just imagine the good that could do.”

“British business is still reeling from the bombardment of tax rises and regulations this Government has unleashed since it came into office,” he said.

“On top of that, businesses have had to weather a number of other storms: the impact of the Iranian conflict, US tariffs last year, and all of that coming after the energy crisis caused by the Ukraine War and, of course, the pandemic before that.

“Every time businesses try to get back on their feet, it seems something comes along to knock them back again. There is already more than enough uncertainty in the world today, and the Government should not be adding to it.”

Stride had been preceded by two uplifting speeches from Shevaun Haviland and BCC president Andy Haldane, as well as a panel session on growth with business leaders.

The event, sponsored by NatWest, Heathrow Airport, Intuit, SSE Energy, DP World and Trainline Business, then got a perspective from the Lib Dems before lunch.

Sir Ed Davey explained why he’d set out a plan for a new growth and defence partnership with the EU. He said: “It will be a bold new deal that will make us richer, safer and stronger with a new customs union and, crucially, taking Britain back into the Single Market.

A panel session with the King’s Trust and two inspiring young people the organisation has supported was followed by a series of break-out sessions which punctuated the politics before Robert Jenrick stepped up to give his take on the economy.

He said: “It is little wonder that British businesses are struggling to compete. In my constituency in Nottinghamshire, entire industries have closed shop.

“I am sick of meeting businesspeople who have poured their heart and soul into keeping their businesses afloat and they tell me they just don’t think there’s any way they can do it any longer because of poor decisions being made by out of touch governments.

“But our economy is not doomed to the competitive decline that it has endured. It doesn’t have to be this way.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

BCC Conference Andy Haldane: “I want to leave this audience in absolutely no doubt about three basic – but fundamental – facts about the UK’s growth prospects: First, the UK has huge natural advantages when it comes to its pipeline of innovative, high-growth businesses, many the envy of the world and most whose potential remains largely unfulfilled.

“Second, the UK has an enviably position too when it comes to its deep reservoir of patient capital, primed for jet-propelling these businesses, though at present this is also largely untapped.

The event was due to be closed by BCC chair Michael Hayman MBE DL but, due to travel issues because of the heat delaying Zack Polanski, it was the Green Party leader who ended up being the final speaker to take to the stage as he arrived just in time!

He said: “It’s great to be here with you all.

Being in this room is a reminder of just how much energy and ambition there is in this country – from people who are willing to risk so much, who pour their heart and soul into making their business a success.

Steve Harcourt, Prime Accountants Group: “Investment and productivity remain at the heart of the UK’s economic debate. The challenge now is turning ambition into execution – particularly when it comes to scaling innovative businesses and equipping the workforce for the next wave of technological change.”

At the time of writing, there were no challengers to Andy Burnham meaning he will - as revealed by Rachel Reeves – become Prime Minister before the summer recess.

And while he might not have to face the heat of a leadership contest, he aimed to light the fire of ‘change’ in a speech just days after the BCC conference where he set out plans to devolve more powers to the regions, to reform business rates, to boost regeneration and infrastructure projects as well as reinvigorating high streets.

Ideas that businesses will warm to, according to Haviland, but it will come down to delivery rather than words.

“The difficult truth is, whoever leads the UK, the primary challenge remains the same – delivering growth,” she said. “Business stands ready to work in partnership with any new Prime Minister to focus on that crucial task.”

Declan Allen, HORIBA MIRA: “I’d like to see decisiveness and speed, and understanding where the growth opportunities are. Then working with companies to present a united front globally so that we can attract global businesses through our innovation capabilities in the UK. We’re not competing region versus region, it’s a global race for success.”

Shevaun Haviland CBE: “When I look around this room I see so many brilliant businesses. The engine of the UK economy.

Companies exporting, innovating and investing. Keeping this country moving.

“The UK is an amazing country. A country built on trade and commerce, a country of immense talent and a country with incredibly resilient and resourceful firms.

“Businesses that have weathered a succession of shocks.

Businesses that have innovated and adapted to keep their balance sheets strong and businesses that are rooted in their communities, connected through their Chambers and committed to making a difference.”

“It’s not just for the sake of it but for giving something back to your community. It’s about creating a better future to leave for our kids as well as training and supporting young people as they start out in their careers. And, of course, innovating to protect the environment.

“The ripple effects of good business are huge. I get it, times are tough and I understand that there are challenges being faced by businesses and individuals across the entire country. But I can see the potential of that ripple effect when we get things right.”

“Third, I want to suggest what more might be done to unlock the potential in both British business and in British capital – two of our greatest assets – by more radically replumbing the two together.

“I am calling this speech Field of Dreams. But unleashing business and, with it, growth is far from a dream. For the UK, it could and should become a reality. This will require, however, a reconfiguration of our eco-system.

If we re-build this, growth will come.”

Nicholas Gould, omnigo: “Stability is the key to everything. I'd like to see people in roles and functions of Government where they have expertise and to stay there. I want to see an end to the revolving door and allow politicians to build up their knowledge of their brief and, therefore, become better at their job.”

Rachael Chadwick-Harrison, Chadwick Accountants and Bookkeepers: “I'd like to see a government that genuinely backs businesses as the engine of economic growth. Reducing Employers' National Insurance would encourage recruitment, making it easier for businesses to create jobs. Reinstating funding for Level 7 apprenticeships in professional sectors would help smaller firms compete with larger employers for talent and invest in developing future leaders.”

Verity Tiff, Blue Badge Tourist Guide: “The new Prime Minister needs to decide what they are going to do, and actually stick to it, and stop keep chopping and changing course. We need a proper longterm policy to solve some of the really key issues.”

Carol Thomas, CEO and Principal at Coventry College said: “I want to see further education placed firmly at the heart of the country’s growth agenda. Colleges need long-term certainty on capital and project funding, fair investment in the FE workforce, and greater flexibility to respond quickly to employer and regional skills needs.

“Simplifying apprenticeships, especially for SMEs, is vital, alongside continued investment in estates, digital infrastructure and industry-standard equipment. We also need stronger support for disadvantaged learners, SEND, transport and mental health, ensuring opportunity is open to all, and skills policy matches priorities such as AI, green technologies, health and construction.”

Coventry company steals the show with skills insight Away from the politics and discussions about a new Prime Minister, Coventry manufacturer Evtec won hearts and minds of the conference during a break-out session on skills.

them out for what they can’t do, remarkable things happen. You get productivity, you get quality, and you get loyalty that you don’t see in conventional workplaces.

The session was chaired by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Corin Crane and included fascinating insights from Helen Whately MP; Petra Wilton, of the Chartered Management Institute, and Paul Nowak, of the TUC.

“We’ve built a business where inclusion isn’t a cost – it’s a competitive advantage.

You don’t achieve that level of quality by accident; you achieve it through skills, training, and a culture that plays to people’s strengths.

But it was David Roberts, the chair of Evtec, sharing the story of how employing people with disabilities has been a big part of his company’s success in landing contracts with major OEMs by producing work of the highest quality.

“I have not met one young person who doesn’t want to work. There are huge numbers of people with untapped talent, but they need an open door and a workplace that welcomes them in.

He said: “If you build work around people’s strengths, instead of screening

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

“Inclusion isn’t charity. It delivers real commercial results – better performance, better retention, and better outcomes.”

5

Members Voices

STAY UP SKY BLUES – businesses deliver their message to Coventry Steve Harcourt City after Premier League promotion Prime Accountants Group Coventry City will take their place in the Premier League this August after an incredible Championship winning 2025/26 season.

We asked Chamber members what promotion to the top-flight means to them and for their messages to owner Doug King and manager Frank Lampard ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Sara-Jane Watkins Warwickshire College Group (WCG) “We’re thrilled having a Premier League club in our catchment area – it's a huge inspiration! Best wishes to Doug, Frank, and Coventry City. This excitement matches our WCG Sport launch last year, offering full-time students academy opportunities across football, rugby, basketball, netball, boxing, and tennis. We value sport’s impact on key employability skills: timekeeping, teamwork, resilience, and professionalism. We wish them the best and will watch with high interest! Visit wcg.ac.uk/wcgsport”

Lash Saranna EZOO “Coventry woke up with that unmistakable Sky Blue feeling, knowing history has been made. Promotion represents pride, resilience, and belief rewarded. It is more than football – it is a lift for the entire city, local businesses, and community spirit. You can feel the buzz everywhere, a shared sense that anything is possible. It reminds us that with the right vision, unity, and determination, great things happen. Coventry City are back – and so is the belief.”

“Having Premier League football in the city will be a massive boost to the economy in Coventry and Warwickshire. We will support all of our clients who look to benefit from this boost and provide advice to any businesses looking to scale up to take advantage of the seasons ahead. I am still enjoying and reflecting on the football played during the Championship season, however now the fixtures are out and Frank has extended his contract with the club, the excitement is building for the coming season. Season ticket renewed, so I will strap myself in and enjoy the ride!”

Leigh Torrance LTCA - Brand & Digital Agency “A huge congratulations to Doug King, Frank Lampard, and everyone at Coventry City. Having worked with CCFC over many years, it's fantastic to see the club back where it belongs.

Reaching the Premier League is a proud moment for the city and region. As a Coventry-based creative agency, we're excited about the opportunities this brings for local businesses. Promotion has created a real buzz across Coventry, and we're looking forward to being part of the journey.”

Brett Wilks Telegraph Hotel

Gerard Davis Talbots Law

“It’s fantastic news, not only for the football club, but for the city as a whole. A return to English football's topflight will bring national and international attention to Coventry, attracting thousands of visiting supporters throughout the season. Everyone at the Telegraph Hotel extends their warmest congratulations to Coventry City Football Club on this achievement and wishes the club every success for the season ahead. To help welcome visiting supporters to the city, we are also exploring the possibility of offering an exclusive accommodation discount on direct bookings throughout the season, helping fans enjoy both the matchday experience and everything Coventry has to offer.”

“Thank you, first and foremost. Coventry, as a city, has a rich history of cultural prominence and our long-awaited return to elite-level football will boost our economy and showcase, on a global scale, just why we have recently been the UK’s City of Culture and what makes this place so special to those of us lucky enough to be here. Well done and best of luck for the season ahead.”

Lucy Pilcher Windmill Village Hotel, Golf Club & Spa and Manor Hotel Solihull, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill

Jamie Kilner Network Ltd “Congratulations to Doug King, Frank Lampard, the players and everyone at Coventry City. Promotion means everything to us fans. After years of nearly moments – FA Cup semi-finals, play-off heartbreak and seasons where the Premier League felt like a pipe dream, this is incredibly special. For us younger fans who never experienced the spirit of ’87, this is one of the greatest moments we’ve had as Sky Blues. Dare to dream, enjoy the rollercoaster, and back the team no matter the outcome next season.”

Jo Billings No Ordinary Hospitality “Doug, what you’ve brought to this club goes far beyond investment –it’s belief, passion, and an unwavering commitment that’s reignited something truly special. You’ve given the fans something to believe in, something to be proud of, and that means everything. The feel-good factor you’ve created isn’t just around the club, it’s throughout the entire city and it’s impossible to miss.

Thank you for your vision, your energy, and your dedication. We’re right behind you, every step of the way – backing you and the team all the way. #PUSB.”

Jan Gelbert Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Coventry "Promotion isn’t just a reward for hard work – it’s proof that dreams grow stronger when a team believes together. This isn’t the end of the journey – it’s the start of proving we belong among the best.

Here’s to many years of providing the supporters with commitment, excitement, and earned success! We have a number of initiatives planned to enhance both home and away supporters’ matchday experience, and encourage them to make the most of their visit. We love the fact this has brought renewed positivity in the city, national exposure and pride in Coventry!”

Tracey Wyke Royal Court Hotel - Elite Venue Selection “What a moment for the Sky Blues! It is an incredible testament to Coventry City, the fans and the entire city. This is truly a historic promotion and we are sending the club all the best from all the staff at Royal Court Hotel.”

6

“It presents a significant opportunity for Windmill Village Hotel, Golf Club & Spa. With increased national and international attention on the region, we anticipate growing demand for high-quality accommodation, hospitality and leisure facilities from visiting teams, supporters, media representatives, corporate guests and sporting organisations. To capitalise on these opportunities, we are actively engaging with national sporting agents and industry contacts to position the hotel as a preferred venue for team accommodation, training camps, corporate events and sports-related hospitality.”

Paul Fenner Azets “Congratulations on getting the Sky Blues back into the richest league in the world! Azets is one of the country’s top 10 accountancy and advisory businesses and our branch in Coventry is full of Sky Blues fans. We aim to hold networking and hospitality events at the CBS Arena during the season and ride the wave of positivity and success that promotion has brought. We will also be studying clients’ spreadsheets to identify the sectors and businesses that benefit most from the promotion. Of course getting up is one thing, staying up is quite another. Businesses want certainty and would love to know that Cov will be in the Prem for years to come. So, I think we fans should tweak our chant Play Up Sky Blues, to STAY Up Sky Blues!”

Kate Oliver HCR Law “We wish the Sky Blues a fantastic 26/27 season. It’s clear to see how passionate Doug King and Frank Lampard are about the club and it just shows that strong leadership, a desire to succeed, teamwork and hard work pays off. HCR Law has a specialist sports sector and can offer football clubs advice on anything from negotiating commercial rights for arenas to supporting players and leveraging value from NFTs. From grassroots clubs to every level beyond, our lawyers are here to help you capitalise on new opportunities, maximise your assets, protect your rights, and stay onside of regulations and compliance.”

Mary Creagh CBE MP for Coventry East “CCFC has been a symbol of our great city since it started life in the Singer Cycle factory in the 1880s. As a lifelong Sky Blues supporter, it’s great to see Coventry buzzing again as we return to the Premier League. This boost for the city’s spirit is a huge boon for the local economy. I hope that great businesses across Coventry, not just retail and hospitality, will benefit from this new golden era.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Who are HCR Law? Most active dealmakers in the Midlands Full-service Top 50 UK law firm Trusted advisers to local businesses

Want to know more?

Talk to Robert Lee, Partner 07970 195 080 | www.hcrlaw.com HCR Legal LLP is authorised and regulated by the SRA

Events

Golf day champion inspired by blind playing partner Businesses talk the talk as weather stops them walking the walk!

A net-walking event turned into nettalking event thanks to a deluge of rain in Warwickshire.

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce organised the event for its Business Influence Partners and Business Engage Members at the historic Blyth Hall near Coleshill.

The event was supposed to allow members the opportunity to enjoy refreshments inside the 17th Century Grade I listed building before heading out to take in the grounds and surrounding area in June sunshine.

The weather had other ideas and, instead, around 50 businesspeople got to chat by the fire before taking part in a fun networking exercise in pairs.

I was hugely impressed by the facilities at the Welcombe and could feel the energy and enthusiasm from everyone who played. A massive well done to Phil, a big thank you to all the sponsors and to Steve and John for providing such a huge inspiration.

“John, like many others in this very worthwhile charity, lends his eyes to visually impaired players thus forming a true partnership, allowing people who have lost their sight, to continue playing and even those who have never played before to take up this wonderful game.”

Steve said: “I would like to hugely thank the Chamber for supporting and inviting us to their annual event.

The overall winner at a corporate golf day in Warwickshire says he was inspired and humbled by his playing partner, who lost his sight at the age of 12.

Phil Baker clinched this year’s trophy at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s President’s Annual Golf Day at the Welcombe Hotel, Spa and Golf Club in Stratford-upon-Avon. The event was sponsored by DOJO enabler, omnigo.

Phil, who runs Ronnie’s Bar in Warwick, secured a score of 39 to ensure first place in a field of nearly 40 golfers. Nick Smith, of dbfb Communications, won the award for nearest the pin, sponsored by Band Hatton Button, while Nick Williams, of Hammons Solicitors, hit the longest drive, sponsored by Howden.

Motor dealership Listers sponsored the post event barbeque while up-and-coming golf clothing and accessory brand Sente supported the 18th hole.

The event raised £245 for England & Wales Blind Golf through mulligans and a raffle, which included prizes from the Telegraph Hotel, Draycote Hotel and Sente.

“Business commitments got in the way and my clubs were put away for about a decade and I’ve just recently got them out again. So, I was just really happy to be out there, playing at a great course with some incredible people.

“None more so than Steve, who was hitting the ball further and more accurately than most of us despite the fact that he is blind.

“It was so humbling to play a round with him. He was an absolute inspiration to me and also made it really good fun with his sense of humour. I will definitely be supporting him and the charity in whatever way I can in the future.”

“The engagement at events like this are massively important in us being able to showcase our incredible abilities as blind or visually impaired golfers.

“We are extremely proactive in creating visibility for our charity so to have the opportunity to network, speak at events, and collaborate with the business sector which supports us through sponsorship or voluntary investment allows England and Wales Blind Golf to thrive and make dreams for people who daily battle with the barrier of sight loss come true.”

Visit ewblindgolf.co.uk to find out more a bout the charity

He added: “A massive well done to the Chamber and everyone involved with the golf day. It was such a fantastic event.”

Nicholas Gould, the founder of omnigo, added: “We were delighted to support the event. Our platform including payment terminals are now used by many golf clubs – as well as a range of other retail, leisure and hospitality outlets nationally - so events like these are a great opportunity to commence conversations with new people and organisations.

Chris Nagle, head of events, marketing and communications at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Our net-walking events are always really popular because they give delegates the chance to get out in the fresh air in lovely surroundings but also network too.

Steve Cunningham represented the charity on the day and was one of Phil’s playing partners alongside John Kennedy, who supported Steve during the round as his guide and caddy.

“Being outdoors is great for mental and physical wellbeing, whilst also providing the perfect opportunity for business leaders to network.

‘Juicy stories’ on offer at Warwickshire venue

“Blyth Hall is an incredible venue and their extensive grounds would have been perfect for net-walking but as soon as we saw the rain hit, we had to move to plan B! “It turned into a really great networking event and everyone really enjoyed the little exercise we put on to get them chatting and learning about one another. There were lots of conversations where members were looking to collaborate and do business and that’s exactly what it’s all about!

“Even the rain couldn’t put a dampener on that!”

For more information on Chamber events go to: www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events/

8

Phil said: “I lived in the USA for 20 years and played a lot of golf out there, including at Palm Springs.

Businesspeople from across the region were promised some ‘juicy stories’ at a networking event in Warwick.

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce hosted an event at Market Hall Museum in Warwick, in partnership with Heritage & Culture Warwickshire, which was attended by around 60 local people representing a range of businesses and organisations.

It was a chance to meet and network, and to also hear about the Warwick Castle Unboxed exhibition currently on display at the museum.

It tells over 300 years of history inspired by the Greville Family collection, held at Warwickshire County Record Office.

Warwick Castle Unboxed: New stories from an old castle is the culmination of a fouryear project, and begins with Fulke Greville asking King James I for Warwick Castle, over 300 years ago. The exhibition features stories about the Greville family, courting

“We are so pleased for our customer and guest Phil, where the interaction with Steve took the day to a whole new level.

An outstanding day!”

Sandra Godley OBE, president of the Chamber, said: “I didn’t play myself, but

Pictured: Phil Baker with Nicholas Gould

“Visitors are encouraged to explore the exhibition and discover the stories behind one of Warwickshire’s most important historic collections.”

She added: “Market Hall Museum may be small, but it offers a glimpse into a much larger collection of around 900,000 objects cared for on behalf of the county.”

scandal in Regency society and even managing ambulance trains in World War I. Emma Andrews, service manager at Heritage and Culture Warwickshire, said: “It is a really interesting collection, full of fascinating people and lots of juicy stories.

“It tells the story of the Greville family of Warwick Castle and is an internationally significant collection held on behalf of everyone in the county.

Chris Nagle, head of events, marketing and communications at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It was great to bring so many people together and you could see lots of positive conversations taking place and hopefully that will lead to more business and trade in Coventry and Warwickshire.

“Our region is rich in history and heritage and it was also fascinating to see and hear about the exhibition too because everyone loves a juicy story from history – especially when the events took place on our doorstep!”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Three questions every business should be asking!

In a new Scale Up Series of blogs, Sarah Humphreys – the Chamber’s business advisory and growth manager, looks at practical strategies for resilient, sustainable business growth.

Business owners often possess a strong sense of ambition. However, they frequently struggle with a lack of time to think and plan effectively. The primary challenge for many growing businesses is not finding opportunities but determining which ones are worth pursuing.

In a rapidly changing market characterised by unpredictable costs and technology that continues to reshape industries, the ability to plan strategically has become a critical competitive advantage.

The business environment entering the second half of 2026 presents a mix of opportunities and challenges. The Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce QES survey showed that the local service sector business confidence index dropped closer to 50 in Q1 of 2026, while the manufacturing sector business confidence rose from 50.0 to 66.7 in the first quarter of the year.

It shows that, regardless of the challenges, business leaders remain optimistic about their growth prospects, despite facing increasing complexity and uncertainty.

At the same time, organisations are placing a greater emphasis on technology investment, data quality, and risk management in preparation for future growth.

Businesses that achieve sustainable growth are not necessarily the hardest workers. They are the ones that make deliberate decisions about where to focus their time, investment, and resources.

Many business owners recognise the importance of planning, but it is often the first activity to be sacrificed when operational pressures mount.

Day-to-day tasks such as client work, staffing issues, and cash flow concerns can easily consume the time needed to step back and evaluate the bigger picture.

This leads to a common pattern: businesses become very active but less strategic. While activity can create momentum, it does not automatically result in progress.

Without a clear plan, growth can become reactive rather than intentional.

The main barrier to effective planning is often a lack of perspective, rather than a lack of information. Business owners and leaders are deeply immersed in their operations, which can create blind spots. When every issue feels urgent, it's hard to differentiate between what's important now and what will matter in the future.

Strategic planning requires leaders to consider what’s driving growth, what’s holding them back and look at the activities that are creating the most value. That can lead to decisions around where to invest next and what to stop doing.

These questions sound simple, but they are often difficult to answer objectively from inside the business.

As organisations review their plans for the remainder of 2026 and beyond, three questions are becoming increasingly important.

Is our growth intentional or accidental?

Many businesses achieve growth through reputation, referrals and market conditions.

The question is whether that growth can be repeated consistently. A clear strategy identifies the specific activities that generate demand and deliberately scales them.

Businesses that improve systems, processes and decision-making often outperform those that simply increase effort.

Do we have clarity on where we want to be in three years?

The most successful organisations balance short-term performance with long-term direction. Without a clear destination, it becomes difficult to prioritise investment, talent development and business development activity.

A strategic plan does not eliminate uncertainty. Instead, it provides a framework for decision-making. When opportunities arise, leaders can evaluate whether they align with their objectives. When challenges emerge, they can respond with greater confidence because their priorities have already been defined.

In today's environment, where business owners are expected to navigate economic uncertainty, technological disruption, and increasing competition all at once, planning is no longer just an annual exercise. It has become an ongoing leadership discipline.

Are we investing in productivity or simply increasing workload?

Businesses that are in high demand rarely achieve this status by accident. They understand their market, make deliberate choices, and routinely take time to step back from daily operations to focus on their direction.

With operating costs continuing to challenge UK businesses, productivity has become a critical measure of sustainable growth.

Growth is not merely about doing more; it’s about knowing what matters most and having a plan to act on it.

For more information, go to https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/services/360-strategic-planning-meeting/

Coventry apprentices meet Government minister to talk skills Apprentices at a Coventry company have been describing to a Government minister what they love about their roles.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and Black Country Chamber of Commerce.

Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister of State at Department for Education and Department of Work and Pensions, paid a visit to XL Motors, which specialises in vehicle accident repair and service from its base in the city.

Baroness Smith and Phil Smith CBE chatted to Danielle Mouseley, Evan Ward, Cambell Butler and Josh Beeson, as well as hearing from company owner Rob Ally, its head of people Tynan Scope and head of operations David Lloyd.

The company employs around 90 people – many of whom either started as apprentices or are currently undertaking the apprenticeship programme.

They heard the differing routes to the apprenticeship each individual had taken and also learned how XL Motors also offers work experience programmes.

Baroness Smith was joined by Phil Smith CBE, the chair of Coventry-based Skills England as it published its Annual Skills Report which marked its first anniversary with a comprehensive assessment of current and future skills needs.

Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, said: “Brilliant businesses like XL Motors are proof that apprenticeships aren't just good for individuals, they're good for growth.

Skills England’s report highlights that an extra 1.8 million jobs will be created by the end of the decade in sectors including AI, manufacturing and construction, highlighting why investment in training and upskilling young people is so important.

The visit was supported by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, including its Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) team which is working with businesses in the region to ensure local skills needs are met.

In the West Midlands, the LSIP is being led

by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and is being supported by West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA),

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

“Skills England's Annual Report shows there will be 1.8 million more jobs by the end of this decade, and this government is determined to ensure young people have the skills they need to seize those opportunities.

“Seeing first-hand how well apprenticeships are working for XL Motors was truly inspiring.

It was a fabulous example of great leadership and enlightened strategy and I wish them every success in the future.”

said: “We were really pleased to help showcase the incredible work that XL Motors is doing in supporting apprentices which is not only great for the individuals involved, it’s great for business too.

"Our reforms to the apprenticeship and skills system, alongside our Youth Guarantee, backed by £2.5 billion, will help to build a workforce fit for the future.”

Rob Ally said: “As a business, we are keen to bring through the next generation of workforce and apprenticeships play a huge part in that. We want to give opportunities to young people in our region and, as a business, we are rewarded for doing so because it ensures our team is future-proofed and we can continue to grow and serve more and more customers. We were delighted to showcase that to the Minister and other key figures in the region.”

“They are developing and moulding a workforce to ensure the business has a skilled workforce not only now but in the future too.”

Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, said: “It was a privilege to visit XL Motors and meet their leadership team and apprentices on the day we published our Annual Skills Report.

“Supporting many more young people into skilled employment, while helping SMEs address their skills needs through apprenticeships and other flexible training options, is a key priority for Skills England.

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce,

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Every young person deserves the chance to realise their full potential, and apprenticeships do that by opening doors to rewarding careers.

“By giving young people the real world skills that are needed in sectors like engineering and automotive, businesses like XL Motors are providing opportunities and shaping the talent that will power our region’s future.”

9

Focus On Warwickshire GF: I remember when I was 12 or 14, if you spent £100 at Aldi you’d really spent a lot of money. You’d got loads of food in.

Now you go to Aldi and spend £100, you’re coming out with much, much less and it’s become really hard. People are finding it tough, there is no doubt about that.

CC: There’s been a lot of focus on your age, do you think that it’s helped you in having a fresher pair of eyes.

GF: At the beginning, obviously people had concerns and, do you know what? I get that. I get people thinking an 18-year-old in charge is a problem. However, all I kept saying was just judge me on what I do. Don’t judge me on my age.

Give me a chance.

CC: And from a leadership perspective, you learn what it is to be a leader. Are you feeling like more of a well-rounded leader now you have had a period of time to settle in?

GF: When I first became a councillor, I wasn’t able to find my feet like many of us do. I was deputy leader straight away, and the leader was on holiday, so I had to do a lot of the prep.

So, baptism of fire is an understatement. It was completely unprecedented. I had to plan for committees, put people on committees and cabinet, sort out policy and do deals with other political parties to get us where we needed to be.

Leaders are not there to get the praise, they’re there to get the punishment, in a way. As long as you can split that emotional side of it all and not get upset by criticism then you can get on with the job. You just have to say: ‘We’re doing this’ and bring people with you on a journey.

Obviously, there are political parties here that would never work with me but some will and I’m happy to do that because as individuals we’re irrelevant. It’s the voters and the businesses in our area that matter.

CC: In business we say that a good leader doesn’t need to know everything, but you have to have a vision.

GF: That’s a big point, and that’s why from day one it was never just me. We’ve got a good team of people and we have to work together as much as we possibly can.

Getting down to business

George Finch is one of the most recognised council leaders across the UK, regularly appearing in national media – from the Sunday Times to the Jeremy Vine Show.

Much of the focus has been on his age – as he became Warwickshire County Council leader at 19 and has recently taken on the role of leader at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council following the local elections.

Regardless of party politics, it’s a huge amount of responsibility for anyone – of any age – so Chamber chief executive Corin Crane caught up with Councillor Finch at Shire Hall in Warwick to find out about his style of leadership and his views on business and the local economy.

mum. And, honestly, my mum and dad have killed themselves to do that. We’re not even out of it yet.

Obviously, I’m on a salary, but still trying to get a house and a car – and a mortgage – is really tricky. We have to work together as a team.

CC: We’ve all read and heard a lot about you since you became leader of Warwickshire County Council but what was your life like up to that point?

CC: Social mobility is about breaking that cycle.

GF: Before I got involved in elected politics, I just wanted to get as much education as possible, I wanted to get a wealth of information into my head.

I wanted to be a history teacher. I love history with a passion but essays and tests were not for me and I left university after just six months but had already accumulated £20,000 of debt because I’d paid for accommodation and other things. I wished I’d gone down a different route.

GF: No, they’re not impossible. They are achievable. But I have been in meetings with businesses that wanted to invest here but they couldn’t get planning quickly enough so they went elsewhere.

Ronald Reagan says it perfectly that the worst thing you could ever hear is: “Don’t worry, the government’s here to help.”

Step out of the way, let businesses do their own thing. They will survive themselves if you create the environment to let them. You don’t need to interfere and force them to go certain ways. You take the attitude of ‘right, you do what’s best for you – what do you need from us?’

We don’t need to nanny businesses but support them and create the conditions they need. We should be pro-planning for development and pro-business development.

Nationally there’s a shortage of planners and I’d like to introduce a scheme here where some developers pay a

GF: Absolutely. That’s what we should all be striving for.

The story I always tell is that my mum, when she first had me, was a hairdresser. At that time, that salary would suffice for the family. However, as we got older, that couldn’t run a house anymore alongside my dad’s work, so she had to change jobs and worked in difficult conditions and was still taking the kids to school and looking after them.

CC: And your background is fairly working class?

Then, when my dad got ill, she had to work a bit harder and went to night college to train as a teaching assistant for disabled kids. She isn’t paid anywhere near enough for such an important, amazing job that she does.

GF: Yes. Both my grandparents had council houses. Straight away, my dad knew he wanted to get out of that cycle of poverty. He was 21 when he first bought a house with my

CC: So, would you say you’ve entered this job from a background of understanding inequality and what the cost of living crisis really is?

10

CC: Let’s talk a bit about the economy now. Warwickshire is an incredible county. Genuinely, people around the world would love to put their business here and they do. That’s why, as a Chamber, we want more employment land coming to market and we want a quicker planning process to get decisions made. Are those two things impossible?

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Focus On Warwickshire charge that means they can get their development heard more quickly and some of that funding then pays for planners who can look at smaller schemes and projects too. That keeps the whole economy moving.

CC: Broadly, from the government perspective, proposed changes to planning processes and development opportunities have been welcomed by developers. Their issue is that it is just taking too long. Speed for planners is absolutely important.

GF: I think we have to get to a point where we can get planners trained up more quickly through apprenticeships and, also, utilise AI technology to help the process too.

CC: The magic sparkler is bringing plans to life so people understand what a development will bring to their area and how it will benefit them.

GF: It is, and that’s why you have to make sure you work with small and medium-sized businesses. We’d love to see commercial revenue increase for the council. And where do we get that experience from? You sit with businesspeople and talk to them.

Another thing we’re doing is setting up training sessions for small and medium-sized contractors and companies that want to take some of our work on, but don’t know how to go through a tendering process. So, we’re going to train them through it. I think the Chamber can help with that.

If we get local, small contractors in, you keep that Warwickshire pound in Warwickshire. It’s about how far the money goes before it gets to the person spending it in the local chip shop. We want to make that as short as possible.

Let’s cut the red tape and do more business with local businesses.

CC: We’re looking at the future a bit now. One of the big things on your desk at the moment is local government restructure.

When will a decision be made on that?

GF: July is when we will be told whether it’s one unitary or north/south.

CC: Are they definitely going to give you a decision? Is there a danger they’ll come back to you and put the onus on us as a county to decide?

CC: And you’ve got to be open to businesses of all sizes and sectors. Everyone from the Frasers Group through to a local business who wants the parking sorted outside their shop.

GF: There’s a lot that’s up in the air in politics at the moment so that could put a stall on things but change needs to happen for efficiency reasons. We want a single unitary because economically it makes sense.

GF: Big developments are wonderful – they bring in money, jobs and infrastructure. But as a county, they wouldn’t be there if you didn’t have those smaller businesses to begin with. You have to remember that.

CC: Coventry and Warwickshire works as an economy and, at the moment, we have certain support contracts that aren’t available to businesses who are very close to one another because of the way the funding is channeled.

GF: I know, and it does work well as an economic area.

Coventry is a city, and that’s something Warwickshire hasn’t got. If we had a city, we’d have a lot more funding coming in for things like business support.

CC: So, four years on from now, from a business perspective, what would have made your time a success for our local businesses?

GF: I’d love to get that scheme up and running with local small businesses through our tendering process.

I’d love to see a huge increase in small and medium-sized businesses taking on contracts for the council. I’d love to see apprenticeships increase and our towns thriving.

I’d love to see our big contractors using more local supply chains and I’d like to see more development coming to the county. We just want Warwickshire to thrive.

Warwickshire to host final stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women cycle race Warwickshire is set to welcome elite women’s cycling back to the county this summer as it hosts the final stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women on Sunday, August 23, with the race starting and finishing in Leamington Spa.

Cllr Darren Cheshire, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Heritage and Culture at Warwickshire County Council said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Warwickshire to once again showcase itself on the international cycling stage. It’s on a Sunday in the middle of the school holidays, so we really hope that everyone will make the most of what will be a brilliant familyfriendly day out, cheering on the riders as they go past. We’re really looking forward to welcoming the riders, teams and spectators for what promises to be a great day of sport.”

The closing stage of the UK’s premier women’s stage race will bring world-class riders into the heart of Warwickshire, showcasing the county to a national and international audience as the race reaches its dramatic conclusion.

It follows the huge success of last year’s Lloyds Tour of Britain Men, when Warwickshire hosted a spectacular stage finish at Burton Dassett Hills Country Park. The event attracted thousands of spectators across the county and generated a real sense of excitement and celebration, reinforcing Warwickshire’s reputation as a first-class host of major sporting events.

The route will start and finish in Leamington Spa, taking in a scenic loop through towns such as Kenilworth, Wellesbourne, Shipston-on-Stour and Southam, as well as tackling the Burton Dassett Hills Country Park climb, before returning to Leamington for the final finish.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

The stage will offer multiple opportunities for spectators to catch the race along the route as it passes through villages and surrounding countryside, with the closing kilometres set to deliver a fitting finale in the heart of the town.

The event builds on Warwickshire’s strong history of hosting top-level cycling, including previous editions of the Women’s Tour and the Commonwealth Games road

races in 2022, which attracted thousands of spectators and delivered significant economic and community benefits.

Warwickshire children will also have the chance to be involved once again, with Warwickshire County Council launching a competition for under-11s to design the flag that will start the race, and the trophy that will be presented to the stage winner at the end.

Jonathan Day, director of events for British Cycling Ventures, said: “We are excited to be bringing the prestigious Lloyds Tour of Britain Women to these fantastic locations in August. For the first time, there is parity in the number of stages with the men’s race a few weeks later, so it is a huge opportunity to create a real festival of cycling, with the women’s race kick-starting a brilliant few weeks of elite racing.”

For more information on the Warwickshire stage, visit: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ cycletour

11

Business Engage Profiles

Global law firm – with a regional reach

One of the best-known legal names in the region is adopting the old adage ‘people buy from people’ as the law firm expands its reach into Coventry and Warwickshire.

Tina Chander, who has been active within Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce for nearly a decade and recently joined the organisation as a nonexecutive director, is an employment law partner with Weightmans.

She became a ‘go-to’ source of information during the Covid-19 pandemic, advising businesspeople on the dos and

don’ts as guidance to employers changed on an almost daily basis.

its client offer through mergers and organic growth.

And, after joining Weightmans in December 2025, Tina is keen to spread the word about her new firm throughout the Chamber network.

The firm has also entered a new chapter under Sarah Walton, who is now in her second term as Managing Partner and is the first woman to hold the role at the firm.

She said: “I’ve always loved the Chamber and the way it brings business together.

As a network, everyone looks out for one another and there is a real family feel to it.

Alongside refreshed strategic priorities, Weightmans has strengthened its leadership team and continues to invest in its people, including new appointments to its board, promotions to equity partnership, four new partner promotions and five legal director promotions.

“That’s why I jumped at the chance to become a non-executive director and it’s why I am really enjoying getting out and meeting people in Coventry and Warwickshire.

“Weightmans is a national firm with a truly global reach and we’re keen to do more in such a thriving city and county. I’ve always been a big believer in the fact that people buy from people so it’s why I am out there spreading the word on what we can do and how we can support businesses and individuals with all their legal needs.”

Weightmans has continued to grow its national and international reach, expanding

A further 26 lateral partners joined the firm during the past year, taking its total number of partners to 265.

Weightmans works with clients ranging from FTSE-100 companies and familyowned businesses to public sector organisations and individuals, combining legal expertise with commercial insight across six core sectors.

Recent innovations include its Fraud Rely division, developed with Verisk to help insurers tackle evolving fraud risks, H&S

Rely with Zurich Resilience Solutions, and data-led and compliance tools including PREDICT, TM Comply and Awaab’s Law. The firm has also achieved strong recognition for its people and responsible business approach.

It saw 617 experts ranked across Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK, was named a UK Top Employer for the 19th time, achieved its highest ranking on the Social Mobility Employer Index, secured an EcoVadis Gold rating for ESG performance and was accredited as a Stonewall Proud Employers Leader.

Its CSR programme also raised more than £65,000 for nine regional charities.

Tina added: “Weightmans has a really good story to tell and is looking forward to working with more and more businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire!”

For more information go to https://www.weightmans.com/

Adapting to complexity in a changing landscape A Warwick electronic manufacturing services (EMS) company has signalled its intent to grow in the region with an aim to reach £8 million turnover by 2028.

“In an industry defined by constant change and increasing complexity, standing still is rarely an option. The question is no longer whether businesses evolve, but how.

C-MAC SMT Ltd supports a wide range of industries where precision and reliability are crucial, including automotive, industrial and medical alongside a selective involvement in aerospace and defence.

“With a clear trajectory towards an £8 million turnover by 2028, our growth is rooted in steady capability building rather than sudden expansion.

The Warwick facility offers a comprehensive range of services, including printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), potting, functional testing, sub-system box builds, and high-level finished products.

Recently, the company has enhanced its capabilities further with the addition of an in-house conformal coating line, as a response directly to increasing customer demand for this process.

And, for eight years, the business has been part of the global C-MAC Electronics Solutions Group. With manufacturing plants in Belgium, Canada, and Poland, whose combined annual turnover is over €70 million, this connection extends its capabilities beyond regional limits while maintaining a localised, responsive approach.

Martin Hancock, general manager of C-MAC SMT, said: “We are pleased to be a new member of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, a step that reflects not just growth, but intent.

12

“At the heart of this progress is our team of 30 experienced professionals whose longevity brings both technical depth and continuity. In a sector often challenged by skills shortages, a longstanding workforce is not just an asset but a differentiator.

“We focus primarily on low to medium production volumes, while maintaining access to higher-volume manufacturing through our wider network when required.

“Our operations are guided by three core strengths.

First, agility: the ability to respond to supply chain fluctuations while retaining available capacity to support customer growth.

“Second, manufacturing expertise: a broad and continually evolving set of EMS capabilities and processes.

“And, third, customer-centric partnerships: working closely with clients to deliver competitive, tailored supply chain solutions rather than one-size-fits-all outcomes.

“Listening to the voice of the customer is central to how we operate. It shapes not only what we deliver, but how we deliver it, ensuring alignment with the evolving needs of leading OEMs. “Through our global sites, there is an even larger array of capabilities such as ceramic printed circuit boards, chip and wire bonding, advanced module assembly (including power and hermetic solutions), sensor and LED assembly, and the development of custom manufacturing processes.

“As the EMS landscape continues to evolve, collaboration and adaptability remain critical. Whether addressing supply chain pressures or enabling innovation, the ability to respond with precision and partnership will define success in the years ahead.”

For more information go to www.cmac.com

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Business Engage Profiles

Great food, local links and plenty more on the menu at Hotel Indigo Coventry One of Coventry’s hippest hotels is seeing increased levels of corporate business and has just appointed a new head chef to enhance its dining offer even further.

Hotel Indigo Coventry opened just over two years ago and while it’s part of a major, global hotel group, it has been carefully designed with the city at its heart.

There are nods to the city’s cycling and motor heritage throughout and there’s even a Lady Godiva-themed room where Peeping Tom can see you while you’re sleeping!

Due to its location – just a minute’s walk from Coventry Railway Station – and its contemporary, boutique feel, Hotel Indigo Coventry is attracting business customers from across the country.

It is also proving popular for meetings and events, while individuals can pay a one-off daily fee to work from the hotel and be supplied with refreshments all day, have lunch and also make use of the on-site gym.

That lunch – along with a completely refreshed menu – is now created by head chef Hugo Correia who has returned to the hotel where he was sous chef when it very first opened.

Hanna Kallas, business development manager for Castlebridge Hospitality which manages Hotel Indigo Coventry, said the team is building strong relationships with businesses around Friargate to create a community

feel in that area of the city centre and urged businesses and individuals alike to check out the new menu and food offer.

She said: “We are right next door to the train station so we’re just 20 minutes from Birmingham and an hour from London. We are so easy to get to, and people love the design and seeing Coventry’s heritage throughout the venue.

“We’ve tried to make it feel like a local hotel, even though we are part of a global hotel group, and you can see examples of that through our work with local artist, Katie O, throughout the hotel.

“On the leisure side, major events like Take That, Harry Styles and other big attractions bring more visitors to us and that’s something we want to grow, working with the rest of the city.

“So, our aim over the next year is to really build on that corporate market that has been so successful so far and to enhance the leisure side.

“We’ve created an offer “Friargate Family” for people working in the Friargate district and buildings, so they can get 15 per cent off on food and beverage. It is a good way to build more of a community feel with those around us – whether it’s grabbing a coffee and a pastry on their way to work, having an off-site lunch, celebrating a work event or just unwinding in the bar after work.

“And now our new head chef has now come in and he’s refreshing the menu and giving everything a fresh feel.

So, whether it’s a business or an individual coming to the hotel, they are going to be treated to fantastic food at any time of the day!”

For more information go to: https://coventry.hotelindigo.com/

Lodders appoints new partner and head of Family Law Lodders has announced the appointment of leading family law specialist Mark Hands, as head of its Family team.

Mark has also been made an equity partner to further drive the strategic growth of Lodders’ family law services.

Mark brings many years’ experience practising family law and joins Lodders from a Top 50 UK law firm.

Ranked as a ‘Band 1’ lawyer in Chambers & Partners and a ‘Leading Partner’ in the Legal 500 rankings, he is also one of only four family lawyers in the Midlands to be recognised by the Doyles Guide as ‘preeminent’.

He is also one of only two lawyers practising in Birmingham to be admitted as a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers.

Spears 500 (widely regarded as one of the most prestigious guides for elite

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

London practitioners) also listed him as a ‘Top Recommended’ lawyer. Mark sits as vice chair of the Family Law Committee of the Birmingham Law Society and on the Resolution Committee.

Mark brings significant expertise in protecting wealth through nuptial agreements and is sought out for his ability to challenge prenuptial agreements.

He regularly represents victims of narcissistic and other abuse and those against whom false allegations have been made, whether in the context of children or financial disputes.

Over the years Mark has built up a niche practice advising families from Asian backgrounds, often instructed by those from the Sikh and Islamic communities for his understanding of the unique family dynamics and the legal implications that can arise.

He also has a strong reputation in acting for professionals, sportspeople, footballers and their partners, an area he understands well having played as a semi-professional footballer alongside his early legal career.

In Chambers & Partners, leading practitioners were quoted saying: “Clients like him, there is no ego and he is down to earth.”

“He is as good as it gets anywhere.”

“Mark Hands is the best family lawyer that I have come across. I refer all my work to him. He is very clever, down to earth, knowledgeable and strategic.”

“Mark is the Rolls-Royce of solicitors in this area of law; clients love him.”

Mark’s appointment brings the number of equity partners to nine, with 20 other partners at the firm.

As a full-service UK law firm specialising in private wealth, Lodders is well placed to support individuals and businesses with every aspect of the law. Head to the Lodders website to learn more about how they can support you at www.lodders.co.uk

13

We really loved getting a glimpse of the next generation of talent which will be coming through our doors and getting inspired by the fresh ideas that the learners bring to the table.

ANEKA GANATRA, THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL

Hosting a placement student from Coventry College is more than just offering work experience, it’s a genuine opportunity to spot incredible talent and future-proof your workforce.

Shape skills that align with your organisation Unlock fresh ideas and new perspectives Support long-term, sustainable growth Fully managed and simple onboarding process Low-risk way to recruit.

Get in touch with our team today! industryplacements@coventrycollege.ac.uk 024 7679 1700

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Chamber Training

Tubing company benefits from training to support its ‘journey of growth’ The company is working with Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training on a digital training programme to enhance the team’s knowledge and understanding of Microsoft 365 Teams, OneDrive and SharePoint.

The course has been co-designed with Lawton Tubes, with content based on the company’s systems and procedures.

Delivered at Chamber Training’s learning facility, near the centre of Coventry, staff from Lawton Tubes used their company devices to connect to their business network and train using real-life, everyday scenarios which truly contextualise the course.

Rich Thomas, head of people and culture at Lawton Tubes, said: "While online training has its place, as a business we feel face-to-face interaction can't be beaten as it increases the chances of better outcomes, and that has proven to be the case with Chamber Training, who have supported us with hands-on training on an area that is becoming increasingly important for our journey of growth."

Sally Lucas, executive director of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Lawton Tubes which is long established Coventry company that’s built on great heritage and tradition but is also forward-thinking and planning for future growth.

A regional training company has joined forces with a forward-thinking copper tubing supplier and manufacturer in Coventry to create a bespoke digital training programme.

Lawton Tubes – a £230 million turnover business which is moving to a state-of-the-art new headquarters across the road from its current office in 2027 – is committed to upskilling staff across the business.

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training supports a range of apprenticeships across the region in a whole host of sectors – from accountancy to hairdressing.

And executive director Sally Lucas says the Government has introduced a series of incentives for businesses to recruit apprentices, particularly 16 to 24-year-olds.

The policy is to encourage more employers to look at apprenticeships as an option to solve their skills shortage and also to help reduce the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

The incentives include a current offer of £1,000 for taking on an apprentice who is between 16 and 18 and then, from October, a further £2,000 will be available for SMEs employing apprentices between 16 and 24. The incentives are stackable which means, for an SME taking on an 18-year-old, they can access £3,000.

In addition, a further £3,000 is available for hiring an 18 to 24-year-old who has been on Universal Credit for six months or more.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

School-leavers who are still unsure about their plans for post-16 education can make the most of a series of summer schools being offered by a regional training provider.

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training, the training division of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, will hold the sessions in July and August to help young people who are considering their future options.

The summer schools will offer an introduction to accountancy, early years care and hairdressing and will include insights into workplace expectations, mock interviews with employers, employability support and preparation for the move from school into work.

A range of businesses which already work with Chamber Training will support delivery and meet young people, creating a future talent pipeline.

“We’ve built a bespoke training programme for the business that means the team are learning using their own systems which allow them to adopt what they’ve learned straight away.

Last year, around 40 school leavers took part in summer schools and two-thirds went on to secure apprenticeships with local companies.

“It’s a great way to implement digital training into a business and see immediate results.”

The sessions are free to attend and will take place at Chamber Training’s headquarters at Commerce House in Radford, Coventry, in July and August.

For more information or to discuss training needs, contact Chamber Training at https://www.cw-chambertraining.co.uk/

Save thousands when you take on an apprentice Employers in Coventry and Warwickshire are being urged to find out more about how they can save thousands of pounds when they take on a young apprentice.

Summer Schools on offer to school leavers

And, from August this year, the training costs for apprentices are now fully funded by the Government for 16 to 24-year-old apprentices – scrapping the previous five per cent contribution from the employer.

Sally said: “The Government is encouraging businesses to look at the apprenticeship model as a way of bringing through their next generation of talent.

“While there are different incentives, it is actually possible to stack them if the individual meets certain criteria and depending on the way a business times the employment and training.

“We can offer employers advice on that.

“All that said, even without the financial incentives, apprenticeships are a great route to bringing in fresh talent and helping people to develop within the business by shaping them around what the company needs.

“So, we’d urge employers to look at apprenticeships as a great option anyway – with the financial incentives being an added bonus!”

For more information, go to https://www.cw-chambertraining.co.uk/apprenticeships/

Sally Lucas, executive director at Chamber Training, said: “As GCSEs are coming to a close, some young people have a clear idea of what they want to do next – whether that’s sixth form, college or straight into an apprenticeship.

“Others are still considering their options and exploring pathways – so the summer schools are a perfect way to find out more, meet employers and take the time to make informed decisions.

“We hosted summer schools in 2025 and they proved to be really successful so we’ve taken the decision to invest in them again this year and we’ve already got several employers signed up to support us.

“It’s a chance for school and college leavers to gain an industry insight, meet employers and explore career paths.

“So, I’d encourage young people and their parents to find out more and sign up for the sessions.”

For more information or to sign up, call 024 7623 1122 or email enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk

15

Hospitality & Retail

Group calls for support for hospitality and retail Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire are being urged to join a campaign to get a VAT cut for the hospitality sector.

A group of businesspeople from hospitality and retail, led by BID Leamington’s CEO Stephanie Kerr and McDonald’s franchisee Dawood Ibtehsam, met at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to discuss the issues the sector is facing.

Steph and Dawood were joined by Matt Crowther, of Pug Pubs; Aaron Corsi, of Stratford BID; Darren Tosh, of Shakespeare’s England; Erwin Middel, of Baxter Storey; John Barrett, of CV One Nightclubs and Coventry BID; Gurdip Chatha, of Esque Beauty; and Lydia Papaphilippopoulos-Snape, of Warwick Street Kitchen.

Corin Crane, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, also contributed to the discussion after the group was formed on the back of the Chamber’s research for its Business Manifesto which will launch this year.

The discussion included everything from rising costs of business through to skills shortages and highlighted the significant contribution the sectors make to the regional and national economies.

The meeting heard how many businesses are struggling just to pay the bills and that closures and job losses are biting hard.

And, while a range of priorities for the sector were discussed – from business rates through to support in implementing the changes brought about by the Employment Rights Act – the group agreed to focus its efforts on championing the campaign to secure a VAT reduction for hospitality businesses.

For more information and to back the campaign to reduce VAT for the hospitality sector go to https://www.vatstheproblem.co.uk/ For more information on the group, the Chamber’s manifesto and its Business Assembly, contact leec@cw-chamber.co.uk

Stephanie said: “We wanted to give businesses an opportunity to talk about the issues they are facing and that included just how hard it is to survive in the current economic climate.

“But it was really important that we emerged from the meeting with actions that we could put into place and the key for us is backing the ‘VAT’s The Problem’ campaign and we’re encouraging as many people as possible to support it to get the message over that businesses in this sector need help.

“It could make all the difference when it comes to a business surviving.”

Dawood Ibtehsam said: “Costs and red tape have risen so much recently so it means a business such as a restaurant has to sell a lot more meals just to cover its overheads. It’s why so many businesses are struggling and it’s why we were so keen to take this action.

“We’re grateful to everyone who joined the discussion and to the Chamber of Commerce for hosting us.”

Corin Crane said: “We undertook a huge amount of research for our Business Manifesto and one of the aims was to set up a business-led group that would look specifically at hospitality and retail.

“And, even though the manifesto hasn’t been published yet, we felt there was a real urgency in getting this group off the ground and when I heard the discussion, it was clear how acute the issues are.”

16

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

In conversation with Lucie Byron and Sam Payne

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

A bright new future for established Leamington law firm Back in November 2025, the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s annual conference was drawing to a close at the IXL Events Centre in Southam.

But, just down the road in Leamington, news was breaking that Wright Hassall – one of the longest established law firms in the region – was entering administration.

The positivity of the conference was quickly replaced by concern for such a major name in the region.

However, less than 24 hours after the news broke, it was announced that HCR Law – which at the time had 12 offices across the country and a turnover of well over £100 million – had struck a deal to take over and would be investing in the business.

Six months on, the company has moved into new offices at Hyperion House and, while the Wright Hassall name remains, it has dropped firmly into the background.

The Chamber’s media team caught up with Lucie Byron (partner, real estate finance) and Sam Payne (partner and head of restructuring and insolvency) to find out what the changes have meant to the business, the staff, its clients and the local community.

Chamber: Six months on from joining HCR Law, what has changed most?

Sam: The biggest change is the sense of momentum.

When we merged, there was a real opportunity to reset and move forward quickly, and that is exactly what we have done. In a short space of time, we have brought fresh energy into the business, created a stronger platform for our people and found a new office that reflects where we are heading. What has been most encouraging is that people wanted that change. They could see the benefits of being part of a larger, ambitious firm with a collaborative culture, and that has helped us move at pace.

Lucie: For me, the difference is both practical and cultural.

We have joined a business with real scale and ambition, but one that still feels entrepreneurial. If you have an idea, the response is not “why would we do that?” but “let’s explore it”. That is exciting. It has lifted the mood, created new opportunities and given people confidence about the future.

Chamber: Why was moving office such an important step?

Sam: The move was about much more than changing address. We needed a space that was fit for purpose and designed for the way a modern firm works. Our new office at Hyperion House gives us that. It supports collaborative working, provides excellent meeting space for clients and colleagues, and brings our teams together on one footprint which helps foster interaction. That makes a real difference, because better communication inside the firm leads to better outcomes for clients.

Lucie: It also feels like a fresh start. The working environment is far better for staff, and that matters.

People spend a huge amount of their time at work, so the office has to help them do their best work and feel positive about being there. The new space does that. It is modern, practical and welcoming, and it gives us room to grow.

Chamber: The office is now trading as HCR Law rather than HCR Wright Hassall. What does that change mean in practice?

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Sam: It is really about clarity and alignment. Wright Hassall has a long and respected history in Leamington Spa and across Warwickshire, and we are very conscious of that heritage. At the same time, operating as HCR Law makes things simpler for clients, contacts and colleagues across the wider firm. We are now part of one connected business, with one brand across the network, and the new name reflects that.

Lucie: The important point is that clients still work with the same trusted people, but they now have the backing of a much larger platform. In professional services, relationships matter most. Clients choose lawyers they know and trust. What the HCR Law name signals is that those relationships are now supported by broader capability, deeper resources and a stronger national network.

Chamber: What difference will clients notice now the firm is part of HCR Law? Sam: The biggest difference is the breadth of support we can offer. Clients still have a local team in Leamington Spa, but they also have access to a much wider bench of specialists across the firm. If a client needs advice in an area that was not previously available here, we can bring in the right expertise quickly. That means local relationships backed by regional and national reach, which is a powerful combination.

Lucie: That wider platform is particularly valuable in specialist areas. My own work in real estate finance is quite niche, and being part of a larger team creates much more opportunity to grow. The same is true across the firm. We can offer more services, respond more quickly and draw on stronger support teams in areas such as marketing, finance, technology and operations. All of that helps us spend more time doing what matters most: looking after clients.

Chamber: How has being part of a larger firm changed the opportunity for the Leamington team?

Lucie: It has changed it dramatically. For lawyers and support staff alike, scale creates opportunity. There is more room for career development, more ability to build specialist practice areas and more resilience in the business. If one team needs support, the wider firm is there. That is hugely reassuring for colleagues and clients alike.

Sam: We are already seeing the benefits through recruitment and sector growth. Since joining HCR Law, the Leamington office has added new specialist hires and strengthened areas that are important to this market, including corporate and technology-related work. That matters in a place like Leamington Spa, where we’re known as Silicon Spa, with a dynamic business base and a strong innovation community. Growth for us is not growth for its own sake; it is about creating the environment where good people can build long-term careers and where clients can access the expertise they need.

Chamber: Looking ahead, what do you want people in Leamington Spa and Warwickshire to understand about HCR Law? Sam: We want people to understand that we are fully committed to this market. Leamington Spa is an important office for HCR Law and an important part of our future.

We are investing here because we believe in the strength of the local business community and in the opportunities across Warwickshire and the wider region. This is not about stepping back from that local identity; it is about building on it.

Lucie: We also want people to know that community remains central to who we are. Wright Hassall was well known for being embedded in the local area, and that absolutely continues. If anything, we now have more resource and more reach to support local relationships, events and initiatives. The message is a very positive one: new office, new name, broader services, a growing team and a real sense of confidence about what comes next.

17

Advertising Feature

Why spring 2026 was a great one for Tom Bromwich This spring was already special for Tom Bromwich, managing partner of Bromwich Hardy, after he picked up a coveted Businessperson of the Year trophy.

But Coventry City’s storming end to the season, gaining promotion to the Premiership and winning the Championship League title, plus some sterling performances by Coventry Rugby, has made April and May even more memorable.

Mr Bromwich – a supporter of both teams – was named ‘The Inspirational Individual – Businessperson of the Year’ in a ceremony held by Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry on 23 April.

He said: “I was, of course, deeply humbled and honoured to have received this award, but the real high points this spring for me was watching the Sky Blues thrash Portsmouth, Wrexham and Watford in their last three games of the season, clinching both the title and promotion.

“There are many factors that create confidence in any city, but one of the main things that drives positivity is the success of its sports teams.

“With Coventry City now set to play the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United

18

and Aston Villa, both the city’s residents and businesses will enjoy an exciting season.

“And it’s not only football that’s driving that optimism.

Coventry Rugby have also turned in some superb results, with the 64-28 trouncing of Worcester Warriors on 9 May one of the best matches I’ve ever seen.

“Coventry Rugby were also victorious with their narrow 28-25 victory against Hartpury in the quarter-finals of the inaugural Champ Rugby play-offs on 16 May, before eventually losing in the semi-finals versus Bedford Blues.”

On his own Businessman of the Year award, one of the judges was Andy Williams, the former director of regeneration and economy at Coventry City Council, and now the director of economy & skills at Birmingham City Council.

Mr Williams said: “Tom’s story was truly inspiring. His leadership across your business, charitable work and family came through very clearly. What really set Tom apart was the impact he has had on the wider business community.”

Mr Bromwich himself added: “I want to say a big ‘thank you’ to my fellow business partner Dawn Cooper for nominating me.

“I’m proud of what we’ve built and are continuing to build here at Bromwich Hardy, and I continue to be committed to our charity work, as it’s important to give back to the area where we live and work.

“But as I’ve said, the real success of spring 2026 was the tremendous results achieved by Coventry City FC and Coventry Rugby. I’m looking forward to watching some really exciting matches next season!”

Mr Bromwich co-founded Bromwich Hardy in the depths of the 2008 recession, and over the last 18 years has built the company into one of the Midlands’ most respected commercial property agencies.

Mr Bromwich’s award comes weeks after Bromwich Hardy itself was once again been ranked as the region’s number one commercial property agency Coventry and Warwickshire area in the CoStar Awards.

The company picked up FOUR trophies – two for the Most Active Disposal Agent, and two for Most Active Single Branch Agency Acquisitions & Disposals, winning each category for the size of properties and number of deals made.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Destination Coventry

Coventry and Warwickshire outperforms other regions – and is urged to keep up the good work!

National industry experts say Coventry and Warwickshire is outperforming other regions when it comes to attracting business events: but say companies and stakeholders need to work even harder and smarter to maintain that success.

The Coventry & Warwickshire Convention Bureau’s MICE Venues Association brought together almost 100 representatives from across the region’s conferencing, events and exhibitions sector at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

The bureau, which is part of Destination Coventry, brings together the sector to speak with one voice, to attract more business to the region by working together and to offer industry intelligence and insights to members.

The meeting at Coventry Building Society Arena was facilitated by association chair Chris Hartley and heard from Jason Gutteridge, of Venue Directory; Jacqui Kavanagh, of Edge Venues; and Peter Heath, of Venue Performance.

Together, their organisations provide the MICE sector with buyer access, digital visibility, enquiry generation, market intelligence and benchmarking data to help venues win, quote and convert business more effectively.

They offered a wide range of industry insights and national statistics before drilling down into what’s happening in the city and the county.

Coventry and Warwickshire was described as having a ‘premium’ offer but trends showed that the number of bookings to the region had fallen over the past year. Revenue, however, from those bookings was higher.

The region was, therefore, urged to protect that premium position and not enter into a race to the bottom on price.

Buyers, the meeting heard, expect almost immediate responses when they make enquiries and will carry out online research across a range of platforms, expecting information to be at their fingertips.

The meeting was also told that the large uptick of bookings after Covid when businesses were keen to bring people together, especially when swathes of staff were working from home, has fallen back.

And businesses were given a range of tips to take away to help them secure more enquiries and convert those into sales.

They included advice to audit online listings across platforms and to update imagery, floorplans and capacity information.

Businesses were urged to measure enquiry response times and response rates. Around the two-hour mark to respond to a request for a proposal (RFP) was recommended.

Delegates at the meeting were advised to use data to benchmark performance and review conversion regularly.

They were also told to make it easy for buyers and agents to contact the venue and to respond to every enquiry, even

if declining, to maintain reputation. Jacqui said: “The venues achieving the strongest results are not necessarily the biggest or the cheapest. They are the venues that make it easiest for buyers to find them, trust them and do business with them.

“The industry is changing. Those who adapt are winning.”

Peter added: “Coventry and Warwickshire venues are outperforming their wider region by a significant margin but with fewer events and sales confirming, it means that its premium position needs protecting.

“It’s important to realise that lead time has halved nationally in 12 months, and venues that can't see these shifts coming are already behind the curve.”

Jason said: “There is still business going into the market, but venues have to hold their price. If RFPs are dropping, discounting is not the answer because costs are rising too, so protecting value and responding properly to enquiries is absolutely critical.”

Paul McMahon, managing director of Coventry & Warwickshire Convention bureau and Visit Coventry, said that working together as a region was the only way to ensure the city and the county continued to enjoy its strength in the marketplace.

That includes a joint presence at major trade shows and a new region-wide digital presence.

He said: “Coventry and Warwickshire’s MICE sector cannot reach its full ambition if every organisation works in isolation.

This has to be a collective effort, owned by the association and shaped by the venues, hotels, attractions and suppliers across the region.

“If we want to attract more people into Coventry and Warwickshire, we have to move from fragmented promotion to a single, compelling regional narrative.

“We have to raise standards and believe that Coventry and Warwickshire can become one of the leading MICE destinations in the UK, but this cannot be done by one organisation. Every person in the room has a role to play in strengthening the region’s offer and telling its story because when you bring the region’s venues, hotels, attractions and experiences together, it tells an incredibly strong story and one we do not always value enough ourselves.”

For more information on the Coventry & Warwickshire Convention Bureau and to attend the next event, businesses should contact Stephanie Gerard, Stephanie.Gerard@destinationcoventry.co.uk www.meetcoventryandwarwickshire.co.uk

Leaders to drive forward tourism, hospitality and leisure sector Regional leaders from across the Coventry and Warwickshire tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors have been appointed to lead a trio of major associations for the region’s visitor economy.

Destination management organisation Destination Coventry has launched a series of new associations to support businesses in the sector.

The associations sit under the leisure brand Visit Coventry and business tourism vehicle Coventry & Warwickshire Convention Bureau, including Coventry & Warwickshire MICE Venues Association, Coventry & Warwickshire General Managers Hotel & Accommodation Association and Coventry Product and Promotion.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

The Coventry & Warwickshire MICE Venues Association will be chaired by Chris Hartley of Hartley Consulting & Events, with Lowri Croydon, Head of Commercial and Business Development at NAEC Stoneleigh, as Vice Chair.

The Coventry & Warwickshire General Managers Hotel & Accommodation Association is being chaired by Faris Thowfeek, General Manager of ibis Coventry Centre, part of the Accor The Product and Promotion Group is being chaired by Emma Kavanagh, co-owner of Piece of Cake Marketing, with Ray Clenshaw, Head of Communications at the Belgrade Theatre, as Vice Chair.

Paul McMahon, managing director of Destination Coventry, said: “Strengthening collaboration is crucial to accelerating growth across our visitor economy and these associations are at the heart of the strategy.”

19

Profile: Professor Stuart Croft DL Professor Stuart Croft DL holds one of the most important roles in Coventry and Warwickshire that spans education, the economy and civic life.

C&W in Business caught up with him to find out more about the personal mission that helps to drive him after a decade as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick.

After 20 years at the University of Warwick, Professor Stuart Croft DL still gets a buzz when he’s walking through campus.

Croft became Vice-Chancellor at the university a decade ago and has seen it grow to nearly 9,000 staff, 36,000 students and close to £1 billion turnover.

They are huge numbers and help to make the University of Warwick a major force for good in the region and, indeed, across the globe.

But Croft’s firm focus is how that translates into transforming the lives of individuals and has a burning belief that universities remain at the heart of social mobility in the UK. “I’ve been in this particular job for ten years but I’ve been here for 20 years which is quite a long time!” he said.

“I get a buzz all the time. The campus is always alive and it’s different in the morning, the afternoon and then the evening.

The social mobility mission driving the University of Warwick 20

“There are different buzzes and different energies across the year – graduations are special; the start of the academic year brings a bit of nervousness as people are just beginning with us; and whatever the time of year or time of day, I just love walking around campus with all of its different dynamics.

“At the January graduations this year we passed 300,000 alumni and 100,000 of them graduated in just the last ten years. That tells you something about the steady growth of the institution over its 60 years. You need growth to do the things you want to do and inclusive growth means that will genuinely spread into all communities and not focus on certain areas.

“Social mobility is at the essence of what our country needs to be. Every citizen should have the opportunity to grow and develop in a way that they want to. Universities are the best mechanism for helping people to work out what kind of citizen they want to be.”

And it’s a very personal mission for Croft.

His mum’s family were originally from Leicester, and his dad was from Woking. They met at a Butlin’s holiday camp

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Profile: Professor Stuart Croft DL at the age of 17 and his dad took a job in Leicester to be with his mum soon after.

students learn to ask the same kinds of questions that prize-winning mathematicians or leading scholars ask.

It was far from a wealthy upbringing and the recession of the 1970s put paid to his mum’s hairdressing business and then the downturn of the 1980s ‘took out’ his dad’s marketing and advertising firm.

“They may not do it to the same standard yet, but they understand the process. And if you can master that process, you can probably master almost any job.

A young Croft was keen on football but his ambition to pursue it as a career was never realistic, he says, and his desire to be an airplane pilot went no further when he was told that he needed ‘good eyesight to fly a plane’!

The turning point was passing the 11-plus after receiving some good advice from his grandmother.

“I probably got through because of my dad’s mum,” he said. “She and my grandfather had both worked in service in a big house, and the governor there, as they called him, was chair of Surrey County Council Education Committee.

“He always said to her: ‘your lad will do well if he passes the 11-plus.’

“When it came to the interview process, my gran told me I needed to read a book! She bought me The Man in the Iron Mask by Alexandre Dumas, and I read it. At the interview they asked what I was reading at that moment, and I had a good answer. That made all the difference!

“Grammar School gave me a much more structured education and from there I went to Southampton University.

“I did three years for a first degree in international relations and politics, then got a scholarship for a Masters, and then another for a PhD, so I was there for six years.”

University life became part of his very essence and he landed a job at the University of Birmingham.

“I had a few different roles there,” he said. “I eventually became Professor of International Security, and then I became head of social sciences, so I was responsible for quite a lot of departments.

“After that I took a role leading a large programme of research projects around the country called New Security Challenges, funded by one of the research councils. I was overseeing around 54 different research projects across the UK. “They were covering all sorts of things, from why people get drawn into terrorism in different parts of the world, to reform in the British Army, to architecture and security, including how you can make buildings more secure.”

An opportunity arose to move to the University of Warwick in early 2007 and he was already hooked in by the buzz of the campus.

“I loved the energy,” he said. “I loved the fact that when I spoke to people who would become my colleagues, they wanted to talk about what they were doing, what I was doing, what they were reading, what they were writing.

It wasn’t institutional nonsense. It was intellectual energy, and I really loved that.”

The first role at Warwick was as Professor of International Security and after building up that department, he moved into a job overseeing research for several of the faculties.

From there he became Provost (effectively the deputy chief executive of the University and chief academic officer) before his predecessor in his current role – Nigel Thrift – retired a decade ago and Croft landed the top job.

“It’s a strange thing,” he said. “On the one hand it feels like the blink of an eye, but on the other hand so much has happened.

“It has been quite a decade for the country too. It’s certainly been an interesting time to be someone who works in international relations. Fifteen years ago people were talking about the end of the Cold War and the end of history. Not so much now!”

And, despite the magnitude of the job and the University’s role in the region, Croft tries to keep his mission statement pretty simple.

“The organising principle is simple: the University is a charity, and we have two charitable objectives, education and research,” he said.

“Research informs education. We don’t simply take a national curriculum; we build the curriculum out of the research expertise our people have. That means our

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

“And what flows from that mission? You need enough money coming in to deliver education and research properly.

“You need the facilities to make that possible. That’s why we’re investing around £1 billion on the campus.

“You also have to think about place – we are in a region and we have responsibilities to the city and the wider area we are part of. We are an integral part of promoting Coventry and Warwickshire, we’re part of the economy of Coventry and Warwickshire and we are part of that brand boost. That’s a really important role for us to play.

“And, because around a third of our academic staff, and many of our students, are international, we also have a global role. But it all comes back to those charitable objectives: research and education, driving quality in both.”

The University of Warwick has long been a standard bearer for business engagement and employability too.

There are, of course, buildings that reflect that including WMG, Warwick Business School, Warwick Innovation District at the Junction, and the hugely successful University of Warwick Science Park that is home to and supports businesses close to campus and also at locations in Binley, Warwick and Solihull.

But, again, it goes beyond bricks and mortar and is driven by the principle of boosting the regional economy for the benefit of everyone.

“You can feel business all over the campus,” said Croft.

“When we are working with students, employability skills is core to everything we do.

“Degree apprenticeships are a big thing and these are driven by businesses. They know what they want from their workforce and we deliver the quality they need so that workforce is fit for the future.

“And, of about £200 million of research income that comes in each year, £100 million is industry focused.

“The origins of the University were very much tied to local businesspeople. It was about finding ways of educating smart people who could help solve problems and we continue that today.

“Businesses engage with the university in lots of different ways. Some simply come here for meetings or conferences, and that gives us an opportunity to talk about what else we do.

“We also work closely with SMEs, especially around innovation adoption and making businesses more productive. WMG has a great team for that. There are many points of entry.

“We have very good business engagement teams whose job is to help support people, talk things through, and work out what on the menu is right for that business at that point in time.”

In 2025, Croft received the Coventry Award of Merit for his contribution to higher education, inclusive economic growth, and community engagement in the city.

“One of my biggest sources of pride is our work across different communities and our commitment to inclusive growth,” he said.

“It’s quite personal to my own journey. I don’t come from a wealthy background. I was the first in a generation to go to university and it literally changed my life and I hope that every person around us at the University of Warwick has their life changed by this fantastic institution.”

“Social mobility is at the essence of what our country needs to be. Every citizen should have the opportunity to grow and develop in a way that they want to. Universities are the best mechanism for helping people to work out what kind of citizen they want to be.”

Profile: Professor Stuart Croft DL Born: Lives: Married: Children: Hobbies: Favourite Book: Favourite Film: Last Holiday: Gadget:

Leicester Worcestershire Yes One son Football – Aston Villa Animal Farm Blade Runner (The original) Istanbul, watching Aston Villa in the Europa League final iPhone 21

News

Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire given a top tip for exporting Businesses from Coventry and Warwickshire who are already trading internationally or are looking to expand internationally have been urged to ask their bank one key question before exporting.

The $900 billion economy that’s ripe for regional firms Coventry and Warwickshire businesses have been told how they could tap into a US economy worth more than $900 billion.

A delegation from Mentor, Ohio, visited the region and met businesses from a range of sectors at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s office to talk about the complementary nature of the two economies.

The event, organised by international trade adviser Tim Cooper-Cocks alongside Margaret Bourke, Founder of Taskeru International Consultancy, was an opportunity for firms to find out more about dipping their toe into the US market.

Ohio is the third largest manufacturing state in the USA and has a highly skilled workforce.

Mentor is within a day’s drive of 60 per cent of the whole of the US population and also close to the Canadian border, making it an ideal landing pad for UK investment.

Kevin Malecek, director of economic development and international trade for the City of Mentor, said: We have a very diverse economy with a range of sectors represented.

“Mentor already has a robust manufacturing base, but we are expanding in the industries of life sciences and aerospace engineering.

“We want to be able to support UK businesses in joining our fast-growing economy and there are a whole host of benefits for companies from Coventry and Warwickshire to talk to us.”

Ken Filipiak, Mentor city manager, added: “Ohio is one of the largest economies in the world, and it sometimes gets overlooked when businesses are looking to invest or trade with the US. “But we have a strong economy, and the cost of doing business is dramatically lower than many other places in the US. We make life as easy as possible for anyone wanting to talk to us because we see the real value in this kind of trade and investment.”

Tim Cooper-Cocks, international trade advisor for the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The US has a vast market for businesses to expand and grow into. The opportunity to have a ‘softlanding’ with Mentor means companies can feel genuinely supported in their efforts to grow in this market.

“There are great synergies between our economies. We both have a heritage in traditional manufacturing which remain at our hearts, but with advanced manufacturing, life sciences and aerospace all gaining more prominence.

“We were very pleased to welcome the team to the Chamber and the businesses in attendance asked lots of questions and there was genuine interest in making the most of this opportunity.”

For more information contact Tim CooperCocks at timc@cw-chamber.co.uk or www.mentormeansbusiness.com

22

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce hosted a roundtable with representatives from UK Export Finance (UKEF) and a range of firms from across the region.

It was an opportunity for companies to share their exporting stories and also to hear about the support on offer from UKEF, which includes export credit guarantees and export insurance.

Fiona Begley, UKEF’s export finance manager for Coventry & Warwickshire, and Ed Prince, UKEF’s director of large corporates & international, were on hand to take questions and explained how they can support.

Ed said: “Exporting is a key driver of economic growth. Firms that export grow faster, hire more people, and tend to be more productive and resilient in downturns – so having the right finance and insurance in place can make the difference between winning an order and walking away.

“We’re a fully funded UK government department, strategically aligned to the Department for Business and Trade.

“There are two ways we predominantly support exporters: supporting the buyer of exports and supporting exporters themselves, from the very smallest companies to the very largest – with working capital solutions and insurance.

“We call it UK Export Finance – but export insurance is one of the key parts of what we do and it often goes unnoticed.

“Insurance can protect against insolvency or simple failure to pay, and against political, economic or administrative events outside your control – including hostilities and civil disturbance.”

Fiona said that firms should speak to their bank about enlisting the help of UKEF. She said: “We sometimes get asked when we’re going to lend the money for firms to be able to export. We’re not a direct lender – banks provide the finance and we provide the government guarantee that helps them lend.

“We can often join a three-way conversation with the business and the bank to raise awareness that UKEF guarantees can sometimes be used in place of collateral – it depends on the lender’s appetite, but it’s a conversation worth having.

“So, it’s always worth asking your bank if UKEF can support your facility request as an exporter.”

Gurprit Singh, business engagement manager at the Chamber, said: “It was a great session with some really interesting insights from the businesses around the room.

“We were really grateful to UKEF for providing so much great information and for explaining how businesses can benefit from their support.”

For more information on UKEF go to https://www.ukexportfinance.gov.uk/

Warwickshire fractional CFO helps businesses prepare for investment and exit Warwickshire-based Fractional CFO Julia Leask is helping local businesses prepare for growth, investment and successful exits while also contributing to the future direction of the global accountancy profession.

A Chamber member for more than ten years, Julia was recently elected to the CIMA Council, representing the UK profession on a global stage and helping shape how finance professionals respond to emerging challenges including artificial intelligence, automation and the growing demand for strategic business advice.

Alongside this appointment, Julia has also become the UK Director of a Swedish-owned business investing in the UK economy, bringing international business insight and governance experience to the organisations she supports across the region.

Through Leask Advisory Solutions, Julia works with ambitious business owners to create robust business plans, become investment-ready within the next two to three years and build businesses capable of

achieving profitable and well-planned exits within the next five to seven years.

Recent client work has included helping businesses improve cashflow visibility, strengthen management reporting, secure funding for growth, improve governance and build the financial foundations needed to increase business value.

One notable example is Neurofenix, where Julia helped strengthen financial reporting, forecasting, investor communications and governance processes as the company successfully secured £5.5 million in Series A funding to support its next stage of growth, the expansion into the US. Julia said: "Most business owners don't need more reports. They need clarity, direction and the right expertise around them. My role is to help them build businesses that are stronger today, more investable tomorrow and more valuable in the future."

Julia believes successful businesses are built through collaboration and actively works alongside a trusted network of local

specialists. Recent collaborations include Independent Freight Solutions based in Nuneaton, Cloud Bookkeeping based in Stratfordupon-Avon, The Property Partners, Fiona Millington Photography and other professionals across finance, logistics, marketing, branding, HR, legal services, financial planning, funding and operational improvement.

Julia added: "No single adviser has all the answers. The best outcomes are achieved when business owners have access to the right expertise at the right time. By bringing together specialists with complementary skills, we can help businesses overcome challenges more quickly, accelerate growth and create long-term value."

Frank Lampard signs new contract with Coventry City until 2029 Head Coach Frank Lampard has signed a new contract with Coventry City Football Club until 2029.

The 48-year-old has enjoyed a very successful period since taking charge back in November 2024.

After taking the team from 17th position to the play-offs in his first season, Lampard then guided the club to the Sky Bet Championship title last term, securing a return to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years.

He has taken charge of 82 matches in total, winning 45 of them, as he edges closer towards 100 matches at the helm.

The former Chelsea midfielder has built an incredible connection with supporters, staff and the city of Coventry over the course of his tenure.

Lampard is excited for the next chapter with the Sky Blues and preparing the team for the upcoming Premier League campaign.

After putting pen-to-paper on his new deal, Lampard said: “I’m delighted to have signed a new contract, it’s a real honour to represent this club.

“After the incredible work of everybody to get promoted and win the Championship, it was important to enjoy the moment, and we certainly did as a city.

“Our job then as staff, and for the players of course, is to firstly recharge but also focus on what we want to do and what we need to for next season. There’s a lot of work to do on and off the pitch as a football club, so those things have been ongoing.

“I’m looking forward to getting back with the players, to see them all and get ready for the new season.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

College now offering more free technical courses in key employment sectors North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College is offering a new raft of fully funded professional and technical courses, creating fresh opportunities for employers, employees and people seeking work to gain the high-level skills needed across priority growth sectors.

It has expanded its range of Level 3 courses – thanks to new flexibility in funding from West Midlands Combined Authority – to support workforce development, career progression and retraining.

The additional qualifications will provide vital opportunities for upskilling across key sectors, including advanced engineering and manufacturing, digital technologies, leadership and management, and education and early years.

NWSLC launched the 12 new professional and technical courses in June, an offer which has been designed to reflect both employer demand and regional employment needs.

Specialist courses in electric vehicle technologies, automation, robotics and highvoltage battery systems will help support the transition to low-carbon transport and smart manufacturing.

Higher technical qualifications in digital and early years leadership will open pathways for those looking to step into supervisory or specialist roles.

Leadership and professional development opportunities aligned with standards from the Chartered Management Institute and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development will also support individuals aiming to move into management positions or strengthen their professional credentials.

The funding offer is open to residents and organisations across the wider combined authority region, including Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

facilitates opportunities for employers looking for apprenticeships and the upskilling of employees at all levels of their workforce.

The new courses will support adults aged 19 and over, and are available to those in employment, self-employed, or currently looking for work, particularly individuals earning below £34,194 who want to upskill, change career or improve their job prospects.

Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, principal and chief executive at NWSLC, added: “Strengthening our professional and technical offer means we can open up real opportunities for both employers and adults across the region who want to take their next step, whether that’s progressing in their current role, changing career or moving into employment.

“These courses have been designed around the skills our local economy needs most, from advanced manufacturing and emerging vehicle technologies through to digital, leadership and education. By offering flexible ways to study, we’re making it easier for people at different stages of their career to access higher-level training that leads to tangible outcomes for them and for the businesses they support.”

Courses will be delivered through flexible study options designed to work around existing commitments, including face-to-face delivery at the MIRA Technology Institute, online learning and blended formats supported by the College’s Digital Skills Academy based at Coventry University Technology Park.

NWSLC has partnered with the Coventry University Group to collaborate on curriculum planning which supports the needs of regional industrial strategies. Along with the sharing of facilities and staff and joint bids and project activity, the partnership also

Martin Rennison, director of business growth at NWSLC, said: “This additional suite of courses allows us to create training that benefits employers while also opening doors for people who want to move into work, retrain or progress in their careers.

By offering flexible delivery and courses linked to real industry demand, we’re helping more people access the skills that lead directly to employment and advancement.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “I want people across the region to get the skills training that will open the door to good jobs and rewarding careers, especially in high growth areas such as advanced engineering and manufacturing and digital technologies. We’re also investing in higher level skills, including professional services and leadership and management, to help us develop the leaders of the future.

“By working closely with skills providers and employers in line with the needs of business, we can make sure that people in the region are equipped to join these sectors, upskill, progress in their careers and thrive.”

Employers, individuals and jobseekers interested in the new programmes are encouraged to contact the college to find out more about the courses available and can enrol via the website: https://www.nwslc.ac.uk/

WCG to deliver new manufacturing and electric vehicle skills programme for adults WCG (Warwickshire College Group) has been selected by Warwickshire County Council to deliver a new Adult Skills Fund Pathway to Devolution pilot programme.

It is supporting adults aged 19 and over to develop practical engineering and automotive skills that lead to employment or further technical training.

The programme will provide fully funded training opportunities for Warwickshire residents looking to take their first step into engineering and manufacturing, and for those already working in the automotive sector who want to upskill in emerging electric vehicle technologies.

At the heart of the programme is the Level 1 Certificate in Engineering, an entry-level qualification designed to help adults build confidence, develop core practical skills and gain the foundational knowledge required to progress into technical roles or further study.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

This course is ideal for individuals who are new to engineering, returning to learning, or looking to transition into the sector. It also supports employers seeking to develop staff with foundation-level engineering skills as a first step into technical roles.

Learners completing the programme will be able to progress onto Level 2 engineering courses, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles, creating a clear and structured pathway into long-term careers in manufacturing and engineering Alongside the engineering pathway, WCG will also deliver specialist electric and hybrid vehicle training, supporting automotive technicians and garages to keep pace with the transition to electric vehicles.

This includes Level 2 Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Routine Maintenance and Level 3 Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement These courses will support technicians already working in garages and workshops to gain the skills needed to safely maintain and repair electric and hybrid vehicles.

The programme forms part of Warwickshire County Council’s Adult Skills Fund Pathway to Devolution pilot, designed to support residents to gain skills, confidence and qualifications that lead to meaningful employment or progression into further training.

Sara-Jane Watkins, CEO and Principal of WCG, said:“This programme is an important

opportunity to support adults in Warwickshire to take their first step into technical careers.

“By introducing a Level 1 entry pathway, we are ensuring that individuals who may not yet be ready for higher-level training can build the confidence, skills and experience needed to progress into employment or further study.

“Manufacturing and automotive engineering remain vital to our regional economy, and by working closely with Warwickshire County Council and local employers, we are creating accessible pathways that support both individuals and businesses to develop the skills needed for the future.”

The programme will be delivered across WCG campuses at Warwick Trident College and Rugby College, with flexible delivery designed to support both unemployed learners and those already in work.

Fully funded places are available for eligible adults aged 19 and over who live or work in Warwickshire.

Individuals interested in starting a career in engineering and employers wishing to develop staff or upskill their workforce in EV technologies are encouraged to get in touch.

To find out more or register your interest in the Level 1 Certificate in Engineering, visit wcg.ac.uk/getstartedinengineering; and for the Electric/Hybrid Vehicle courses, visit wcg.ac.uk/hev.

New chapter for precision engineering company Coventry-based precision engineering manufacturer Squires Gear & Engineering Limited has entered an exciting new phase following a change in ownership, marking the beginning of a major investment and growth programme for the long-established business.

Founded more than 41 years ago, the company has been under the stewardship of the Squires family for three generations, building a strong reputation for the manufacture of high-quality precision-engineered components for the automotive sector.

Throughout its history, the business has played an important role in supporting local employment and supplying trusted engineering solutions to customers across the industry.

The company will now trade under the new name Squires Precision Engineering, reflecting its ambition to broaden its capabilities and expand into new markets while continuing the standards of quality and service that customers have come to expect.

New owners Darren Garland and Nigel Jones bring a combined 50 years of automotive and manufacturing experience to the business. Together, they are focused on strengthening the company’s foundations while positioning it for long-term growth.

“We are proud to be taking the business forward and continuing the legacy built by the Squires family over the last four decades,” said the new owners.

“The company has a highly skilled workforce, an excellent reputation, and strong technical expertise. We are looking forward to investing in both people and technology to support future growth, while opening up opportunities in sectors beyond automotive.”

As part of its growth strategy, Squires Precision Engineering plans significant investment in advanced CNC machinery, production capability, and workforce development.

The company is also undertaking a complete brand and marketing transformation, including the launch of a new logo, refreshed corporate identity, and a new website designed to showcase its expanding range of engineering services and capabilities.

Squires Precision Engineering continues to hold the prestigious IATF 16949 accreditation, one of the automotive industry’s highest internationally recognised quality standards. The accreditation reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to precision manufacturing, rigorous quality control, full traceability, and continuous improvement.

23

Luxury window treatments, tailored for commercial interiors.

From bespoke curtains to motorised blinds, we deliver turnkey solutions that blend style, innovation, and practicality. We work with designers to realise their vision, and with buyers to meet budgets without compromising on quality.

Supply. Manufacture. Installation. Seamless, end-to-end.

Let us handle the details, so you can focus on delivering unforgettable guest experiences.

Timeless design. Flawless execution.

...every window is an opportunity...

Coventry Head Office Pilot Trade Centre, Pilot Close, Coventry CV3 4RS Tel: 024 7771 7517

aquariuscontractinteriors.com

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Economy

Bank of England focusses on inflation target – despite global events The conflict in Iran has complicated the picture when it comes to setting interest rates, businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire have been told.

Graeme Chaplin, the Bank of England’s Agent for the West Midlands, met a roundtable of companies from across the region at an event organised by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

The firms, from a wide range of sectors, gathered at leading meetings and events venue CoventryConferences, while Graeme joined online.

He heard the extent to which firms are being affected by the current climate and

how they were hoping for a period of stability after a series of shocks to the economy.

Graeme said: “Inflation rose to 3.3 per cent – higher than we predicted in February, before the start of the war in the Middle East; it is likely to move higher later this year. The war disrupted the supply of energy, raising its price and pushing up households’ fuel costs; utility bills will increase as well.

“The impact on the economy and inflation will depend on how much energy prices go up and how long they stay raised; it will also depend on how much pressure businesses feel to increase wages and prices.

“The Bank cannot affect global energy prices; our job is to make sure that higher inflation does not persist and have longlasting effects on the economy. We are monitoring the situation very closely; whatever happens, we’ll make sure that inflation gets back to the two per cent target in the medium term.”

More than 3,000 people were employed across the three nights to deliver the shows, with teams working to deliver catering, stewarding, cleaning, security, transport, hospitality, event operations and more.

The Arena sold a total of 136,225 food and drink items over three days, including more than 47,000 pints, more than 19,000 glasses of wine and 34,000 food items, including nearly 10,000 burgers supplied by Nuneaton-based Frank Parker Butchers.

Coventry-based Purple Planet Packaging supported the venue by supplying sustainable packaging for food and drink sold at the event,

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

its services to and from London Euston every week as part of a national timetable

He said: “It was a fascinating insight from Graeme and was also great to hear from all of the businesses in the room on the issues they are facing.”

London and Milton Keynes and on the Trent

with eight street food businesses from the region also operating at the Arena.

The shows also created revenue opportunities for community organisations and clubs based near the stadium, with local schools and Coventry Rugby Club selling more than 3,750 off-site parking spaces.

The impact of the concerts was also felt across Coventry’s hotel sector, with hotel occupancy in the city reaching 79.8 per cent across the three nights, an increase of 10 per cent on figures from the previous year.

The concerts generated an estimated £6.26 million for the economy with hotels, hospitality venues, local suppliers, visitor attractions and community organisations seeing a positive impact.

is introducing 42,000 extra seats on

change.

Local impact even extended to waste management, with nearby supplier Tom White Waste handling a total of 30.2 tonnes of waste, with 87 per cent recycled and other 13 per cent being sent to energy for waste (EFW).

The iconic pop group performed in the stadium bowl across three nights and delivered one of the biggest live music weekends in the venue’s 20-year history.

London Northwestern Railway (LNR)

Chamber board member Steve Harcourt, of Prime Accountants Group, chaired the meeting.

The financial impact of Take That concerts revealed – including the amount of pints and burgers sold!

Take That’s Coventry performances generated an estimated £6.2 million economic boost for the city as more than 100,000 fans visited Coventry Building Society Arena.

London Northwestern Railway to introduce thousands of extra seats for London Euston passengers

The average room rate across the city also saw a year-on-year increase of 54 per cent compared to data from 2024.

This included the Ramada Hotel Coventry seeing a 30 per cent increase in room bookings on Saturday night, with its Take Thatthemed events also resulting in a 75 per cent revenue uplift on the day.

Elle’s Coventry reported an increase in footfall and walk-in customers in the lead-up to the concerts, alongside a notable boost in sales on the Friday and Saturday.

Retail and shopping in the city also saw a boost, with The Body Shop in the city centre reporting positive footfall and an increase in sales because of the shows.

Visitor attractions also saw the benefit of fans spending time in the city before and after the shows, with examples including Coventry Cathedral which reported welcoming concertgoers visiting the city, including fans from Germany who had travelled to Coventry for the performances.

It is completing the rollout of its brandnew electric trains onto routes between Valley Line connecting the capital with destinations in Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Buckinghamshire.

The new fleet – known as Class 730/2s - are longer than the trains they replace, boosting capacity by 5,700 more seats every weekday.

Their rollout represents an overall 20 per cent increase in capacity on LNR routes to and from London Euston.

The carriages they replace will be used to lengthen services between Euston and Birmingham, bringing more than 14,000 extra seats each week for passengers heading to and from the UK’s second largest city.

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at London Northwestern Railway, said: “The extra seats we are introducing to the West Coast Main Line are set to significantly improve the customer experience for our passengers, whether they use the route for their daily commute or travelling for leisure.

“Completing the rollout of our new electric fleet is a milestone moment for us, representing our £1billion investment coming to fruition and truly making a difference for the millions of customers who travel with us to and from Euston each year.”

For more information about the timetable change visit www.lnr.uk/may26 .

27

News

Major growth as Coventry law firm ramps up business services offer

MTD clients urged to register More than 580,000 people who should have registered for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax have failed to do so, according to the results of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request from international accountancy and business advisory group Azets.

HMRC data shows that 864,000 individuals and landlords should have registered for MTD for Income Tax by April 6 of this year, but as of May 20 just 282,637 had done so, HMRC said in response to the request.

Fraser Campbell is the UK Head of Accounts and Business Advisory Services at Azets, which has offices in Coventry, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Tamworth, Nottingham and Shrewsbury.

He said: “MTD for Income Tax represents the most significant change in the personal tax system in nearly 30 years – but two-thirds of those who should be registered aren’t.

“There are a multitude of reasons why people may not have signed up – they may not be aware of the changes, they may have simply forgotten about it or they may be in denial that they need to register.

A combination of acquisitions and strong organic growth across the Midlands has helped a Coventry-based law firm increase revenues by £11m.

Talbots Law, which operates from offices in the Quadrant in the city, saw turnover rise to £41m in 2025.

The Midlands’ first employee-owned law specialist started its expansion with the acquisition of Onions and Davies in Market Drayton and continued with the purchase of Tinsdills Solicitors, a four-office practice headquartered in Stoke-on-Trent.

This move added a £5m turnover business with a strong reputation for outstanding client service, aligning perfectly with the company’s acquisition strategy and its employee ownership values and beliefs.

Talbots also completed the acquisition of Benussi & Co in the final part of its business year, a highly regarded family law practice.

Boasting a strong Birmingham city centre footprint, the specialist firm will continue to run as a standalone brand, but with the added benefit of its clients being able to access a wider suite of legal services from its eyecatching city centre offices at 103 Colmore Row.

“HMRC requires an end of tax year declaration which requires the data from the four quarters to be aggregated.

“By not registering now and by delaying it further, anyone who is in scope of MTD will need to catch up with this year's four filings at the same time as next year’s quarterly filings become due, as well as their annual declaration, so they’ll have to potentially file nine returns over the same 12-month period!”

The introduction of MTD this April brought the personal tax system closer to real-time and is expected to affect 2.9m people by 2028.

It introduced quarterly digital record keeping and reporting obligations for hundreds of thousands of landlords, sole traders and the selfemployed, who previously only had to submit one tax return a year.

Following its introduction, qualifying individuals and businesses have been required to keep digital records, use MTD-compatible software and submit updates every quarter, as well as a final declaration.

Azets, the UK’s specialist business advisor to SMEs, is leading the sector in preparing clients for a smooth and compliant MTD transition through technology as well as advice, training and workshops via more than 1,000 advisers.

The firm’s dedicated MTD portal for advice can be viewed here: https://www.azets.com/en-uk/ services/tax/making-tax-digital-for-income-tax.

28

in recent years and we’ve recognised this by investing heavily in both our capability and our people.

“We now have more than 100 experts advising on a wide range of business-related legal related matters. This includes commercial property and development-led projects, business sales and acquisitions, disputes and litigation, employment law, agricultural and rural land matters, not to mention a specialist franchise agreement service trusted by tens of international and domestic brands.

“This breadth of expertise enables us to deliver a full business services offering, which we continue to expand through our specialist business hubs, ensuring strong relationships and consistently high levels of service for our clients.”

For further information, please visit www.talbotslaw.co.uk/for-business/

Heat Pump Training Centre to offer vital upskilling opportunities

“Whatever their reason, not signing up creates potential problems in the future.

“HMRC has said there are no penalties for missing a quarterly return date for this year, but people are setting themselves up for stress, trouble and, potentially, fines by not taking action to register and keep up to date with the quarterly filings now.

Dave Hodgetts, CEO of Talbots Law, said: “Looking at 2025, it was a defining year in our recent history, with turnover significantly surpassing our £36m budget.

“A pipeline of acquisitions continues to progress, with each one bringing either a new geographic presence or enhanced capability in a specific area of law.

“Crucially, all share our values and commitment to delivering trusted legal advice to local people and businesses through the vehicle of an employee-owned business.”

An area of particular focus is Talbots’ growing Business Services team, which delivers legal services to businesses and entrepreneurs, providing commercially focused advice that enables them to operate and grow.

Under the new strapline ‘Talbots Law: For Law. For Business’, this growth has been driven by an organic recruitment programme and the establishment of specialist business hubs across its office in Coventry and locations in Birmingham, Coventry, Stoke-on-Trent, Stourbridge, Telford, Wolverhampton and Worcester.

Dave added: “There has been unprecedented demand for our business services offering

Stratford-upon-Avon College hosted a wealth of local dignitaries and employers at the official launch event of its new Heat Pump Training Centre.

Ahead of the official opening, guests toured the new facilities and wider campus and took part in a Warwickshire Skills Hub led roundtable discussion on sustainability within the construction industry, before the Mayor of Stratford, Cllr Dani Hunter, cut the ribbon to formally declare the facility open.

The campus has been transformed in recent years by a £13 million redevelopment

project turning it into a world-class learning environment designed to inspire, innovate and empower.

The Heat Pump Training Centre was developed following the award of an additional £1.1 million to the college through the Local Skills Improvement Fund.

This investment was secured after the Local Skills Improvement Plan highlighted a clear need to strengthen provision in sustainable construction, with the rapid expansion of heat pumps and other low carbon heating solutions identified as a priority.

Vice Principal, Business Growth, Skills and Partnerships, Nancy Buckley, said: “We were delighted to welcome so many fantastic local businesses, employers and guests to celebrate the grand opening of this wonderful new facility. We are proud to be supporting the upskill of heating engineers, plumbers and electricians in this new sustainable heating and ventilation technology and look forward to seeing what our facilities can help them achieve.”

At the heart of the college’s recent wider transformation is a collection of state-of-the-art spaces that reflect the future of industry and learning. A TV and radio studio, two theatres (one of which is fully accessible for students with mobility issues) and the campus’s ‘Green Heart’ offer a vibrant central hub and inclusive community space.

Modern plumbing and electrical workshops also address critical skills gaps and support employers in the fast-changing world of heating technology.

Last year the college cut the ribbon on a new Electric Vehicle training space to equip learners with the expertise needed for contemporary automotive careers. The project was made possible by Stratford District Council’s UK Shared Prosperity funding.

For more information on any of Stratfordupon-Avon College’s courses, please visit www.stratford.ac.uk or call the college on 01789 266245.

MES Systems continues sponsorship of Nuneaton Town Football Club MES Systems has continued its sponsorship of Nuneaton Town Football Club for the 2026/27 season.

As a long-established local business, MES Systems is passionate about supporting the communities it serves. The company is delighted to continue its relationship with Nuneaton Town FC and play a small part in supporting the club.

Based locally and working with businesses, schools, organisations and homeowners across the Midlands, MES Systems has always believed in the importance of giving back to the local area. Sponsoring Nuneaton Town FC

provides an opportunity to support local sport through a club that means so much to the town and its supporters.

Richard Morgan, managing director of MES Systems, said: “MES Systems is proud to sponsor our local team. We wish the players, staff, and supporters every success for the season.”

MES Systems provides fire alarms, intruder alarms, CCTV, access control, gates, barriers, and ongoing maintenance for commercial and residential premises across the Midlands.

Learn more about MES Systems’ services go to www.mes-systems.co.uk

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Employee Entitlements in Insolvency Situations

Advertorial

At BRI Business Recovery and Insolvency we meet directors of all different types of companies.

One overriding concern they have is what happens to their employees and what are they are entitled to.

When an employer becomes insolvent, employees have special protections and may be able to recover certain payments from the Redundancy Payments Service (‘RPS’) which is a government run department.

Employees’ Entitlements An employee who has been made redundant due to an insolvency event can claim for the following: Statutory Redundancy Pay Employees with a minimum of two years’ service can claim statutory redundancy pay. This amount due is dependent on age, length of service and weekly pay amount.

Unpaid wages Employees can claim up to eight weeks of unpaid wages.

Holiday pay Employees can claim for holiday pay accrued but not taken and any that has been taken but not paid. Claims are limited to holiday pay arising within the twelve months before the insolvency event and up to a maximum of six weeks.

Statutory Notice pay Employees can claim for one week’s notice for each complete year of service up to a maximum of twelve weeks.

How can an Employee make a claim?

If employees are made redundant and their employer enters a formal insolvency procedure like liquidation, they can usually make a claim online from the RPS for their entitlements.

Sale of a business If an insolvent business is sold and the employees transfer to the new company under TUPER then any employee claims are usually the responsibility of the new company and not paid by the RPS.

Further information and confidential advice regarding employee entitlements can be sought from BRI Business Recovery and Insolvency by contacting myself, John Rimmer, at jrimmer@briuk.co.uk or 02476 226839.

Coventry company sees rise in enquiries as fuel prices increase

A Coventry company that helps businesses and their staff make the transition to electric vehicles has seen a jump in interest following the leap in fuel prices triggered by the Iran conflict.

EZOO is a Coventry based company which provides a salary sacrifice scheme for EVs rather than more traditional financing methods, saving employees between 20-60 per cent on the cost of purchasing through NI and tax savings.

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association has seen a 123 per cent increase in salary sacrifice schemes since government incentives made the scheme more attractive than traditional finance methods.

Lash Saranna, co-founder and CEO of EZOO, said: "Electric cars have been increasing in popularity as more people realise the overall benefits of cost saving, zero emissions, the ease of driving, tech levels and the increase of charging options across the UK.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

“The appeal is also due to the major financial savings, with the average driver saving up to £300 per month due to reduced fuel cost, savings in tax and NI as well as EZOO’s scheme being all inclusive for the car, insurance, maintenance, road tax and 24/7 breakdown cover.

“There has also been an increase in enquiry levels since the increase in fuel costs that have occurred over recent months, with many people realising the savings they can make per week could be as much as £100.

“The salary sacrifice scheme is a HMRC approved incentive, which often has no additional cost to employers.

Employees are entirely responsible for their car, meaning that there is very little risk in the scheme for employers."

For more information go to https://www.ezoo.uk/

29

AI News

ChatGPT ads are here!

AI Lab set for lift off The University of Warwick Science Park has revealed further details of a new programme aimed at helping businesses unlock the potential of artificial intelligence and accelerate innovation.

The Ignite Applied AI Lab will launch in the autumn and feature eight modules aimed at helping businesses improve productivity, develop AI capabilities and bring products and services to market more quickly.

The programme will combine practical workshops, skills development and hands-on support to help companies adopt AI effectively and responsibly.

More details of the initiative were revealed to members of The University of Warwick Science Park’s Ignite Alumni Network who met at the Warwick Innovation Centre in Warwick for their latest meeting.

The Ignite Alumni Network was established in 2023 to bring together businesses and associates that have benefited from the Science Park's support programmes. The Ignite programme offers affordable space to innovative start-ups and scale-ups, as well as access to business mentors, specialists and networking events.

The Ignite Applied AI Lab, which has been designed in collaboration with software start-up DF4 Labs, Ascendea AI, Raiven AI and Backona AI will feature two pathways called Build Your AI Foundation, which focuses on skills development, and Deploy AI in Your Business, which will build on the Science Park's successful applied AI workshops.

Businesses will also be able to access regular drop-in clinics, one-to-one support and practical problem-solving sessions focused on productivity improvements and product development.

Dirk Schaefer, incubator manager at the University of Warwick Science Park, said the Ignite Applied AI Lab was being introduced to meet the growing demand for practical support among businesses developing AI solutions as well as helping businesses achieve productivity gains from introducing AI in their operations.

He said: "This will give owners the opportunity to come away with a strategy, including what they need to know about ethics and why they should implement AI. Some companies are not ready because they need to get their data sorted so this will give them an opportunity to do so before we officially launch the programme later this year.

"Each session is two hours and participants will leave with practical action points that can make an immediate impact on their business."

At the latest event, members heard from a range of speakers covering topics including product development, intellectual property protection, digital transformation and the commercial adoption of AI. The network is supported by Ignite Alumni sponsors PLMR Midlands, Edwards Chartered Accountants and Marks & Clerk.

30

By Jamil Al Jawish, head of performance media at The Herd In February 2026, OpenAI launched paid ads inside ChatGPT, now used by around 900 million people every week and processing 2.5 billion prompts a day.

Ads appear as clearly labelled sponsored recommendations directly under ChatGPT’s answers, visually separated and with strict safeguards: they cannot influence the answer itself, are not shown to under 18s, and are blocked around sensitive topics such as health and politics.

After an initial United States roll out, availability quickly expanded to markets including the UK, with a self-serve Ads Manager now open to businesses of all sizes rather than just large brands with six figure budgets.

Analysts expect United States AI search ad spend to grow from 1.1 billion dollars in 2025 to 26 billion dollars by 2029, with AI advertising overall projected to reach 142 billion dollars, around a quarter of United States ad revenue, by 2030.

What makes ChatGPT ads different is the context in which they appear. People are not mindlessly scrolling; they are asking detailed questions, sharing context and trying to

make a decision, whether that is choosing an accountant, comparing recruitment agencies or planning a weekend in Warwickshire.

That means ChatGPT is operating at the point of highest commercial intent, often moments before someone chooses a provider, and sponsored recommendations sit exactly at that decision point.

Early data from OpenAI suggests low dismissal rates and stable trust metrics, indicating that users are, for now, comfortable with relevant ads in this high trust environment.

This sits on top of a wider collapse of the traditional search journey. Research from Ahrefs shows that Google’s AI Overviews are associated with a 58 per cent fall in click through for the top organic result, while the Pew Research Center reports that just one per cent of users click on a source within AI summaries and that overall click through on AI enhanced searches drops to eight per cent.

At the same time, BrightLocal found that 45 per cent of United States consumers now use tools like ChatGPT for local recommendations, up from only six per cent in 2025, with ChatGPT referral traffic growing 206 per cent year on year. The path from a search query, to a list of links, to a website and then a decision is rapidly being replaced by a simple flow: prompt, AI answer, decision, often with no click at all.

To cope with this, two new disciplines have emerged alongside traditional search engine optimisation, known as SEO: Answer Engine Optimisation, AEO, and Generative Engine Optimisation, GEO. SEO still matters, but its job is changing from chasing clicks to earning citations, making your content legible, credible and useful enough for AI systems to quote it as the answer.

AEO is about structuring and writing content so that AI tools can easily surface it as a direct response when someone asks a question,

while GEO focuses on ensuring your brand is cited and recommended across generative platforms such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini and Claude. Only 11 per cent of domains currently appear in both ChatGPT and Perplexity answers, and early AEO adopters are already seeing three times the brand mentions of late movers, with AI referred traffic converting better because users arrive further along the decision journey.

ChatGPT ads plug directly into this new landscape rather than replacing it. Brands that switch on ads without first building organic AI authority often see their visibility collapse within 48 hours of pausing spend, because the underlying models do not recognise them as credible entities.

In other words, you cannot rent AI trust through media budget alone; paid and organic must be treated as one integrated strategy, not two disconnected budget lines.

The recommended sequence is to build entity authority and experience, expertise, authority and trust signals, create content that directly answers real customer questions, invest in GEO to earn citations across multiple AI platforms, and only then layer paid AI ads on top for amplification.

For local businesses and growth minded businesses, the implications are clear. A new generation of customers, particularly under 35s, are beginning their research not on Google but inside ChatGPT, asking it who to hire, where to go and what to buy.

If your brand is not present organically in those conversations, your ads have nothing solid to lean on; if you ignore the opportunity altogether, you may be invisible at the very moment purchase intent is formed.

Building meaningful AI visibility takes between six and 18 months of consistent effort, so the window for securing an early advantage, before the ad auctions become crowded and expensive, is open now but closing quickly.

Why is AI implementation failing in most businesses?

Chris Golby of CultureNav explores why AI isn’t working for many businesses – and why it’s not the fault of the technology.

Despite all the excitement around AI, the implementation of it is failing in most businesses.

For example, 70 per cent of ‘digital transformation’ projects fail to meet their stated objectives; only a quarter of companies have moved beyond piloting AI and just 25 per cent of CEOs say that AI initiatives have delivered the expected return on investment so far But here’s the important thing: AI isn’t failing in these businesses because the technology is poor. It is failing because most businesses are trying to drop powerful new tools into old ways of working.

That might sound harsh, but it is the pattern we keep seeing. Leaders are buying licences, encouraging teams to “use AI”, running the odd training session, and hoping productivity will follow.

For a while, it looks like progress. People use ChatGPT. Someone saves time writing reports.

A manager creates a better spreadsheet. A few people become internal enthusiasts.

But then the bigger impact never seems to arrive.

Microsoft has called this the “Transformation Paradox”. People know AI matters, and many feel pressure to adapt quickly. Yet inside the business, the safer option is often to keep doing the current job, hit the current targets, and avoid disrupting the way work already gets done.

That is the real issue. AI implementation is not mainly a technology challenge. It is a people, leadership and transformation challenge.

In a 100-person company, this shows up quickly. The senior team may agree that AI is important, but middle managers are unsure what should actually change. Employees may experiment quietly, but not consistently.

Different teams use different tools. Nobody is quite sure what is allowed, what is risky, or what “good” looks like.

The result is scattered activity rather than business transformation - research from McKinsey found that while 78 per cent of organisations now use AI in at least one business function, only a small proportion report material bottom-line impact from it.

Gartner has also previously estimated that the majority of AI projects fail to move beyond pilot or proof-of-concept stage. Not because the tools don’t work but because leadership, governance and workflows do not evolve around them.

This is why so many AI projects disappoint.

The tool might work perfectly well, but the organisation around it has not changed.

Processes remain clunky. Decision-making stays slow. Priorities still compete. Managers are judged on today’s delivery, not tomorrow’s reinvention.

So, the question for CEOs shouldn’t be, “Which AI tool should we buy?”

The better question is: “Is our business ready to change the way work gets done?”

That means looking honestly at leadership alignment, employee confidence, skills, decision-making, communication, reporting, incentives and trust.

Because AI does not fix organisational confusion. It exposes it.

A recent BCG study found that while 94 per cent of employees and leaders are familiar with generative AI tools, only a minority feel properly trained or supported to use them effectively within their role.

If your teams are already unclear on priorities, AI will not magically create alignment. If decisions already get stuck between departments, AI will not automatically speed them up. If people do not feel safe to test, learn and improve, they will use AI cautiously, quietly, or not at all.

For local businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire, the opportunity is still huge.

AI can help smaller companies move faster, reduce admin, improve customer service and make better decisions.

But only if implementation starts with the organisation, not just the software.

That is where CultureNav’s Execution Intelligence Diagnostic helps. It gives leaders a quick, practical view of the gap between the strategy they believe is being delivered and the version actually being executed day to day.

Every organisation has a gap. The smart ones find it before AI makes it bigger.

CultureNav is offering Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber members a discounted Execution Intelligence Diagnostic for £795.

You will receive a focused assessment of the gap between the strategy you believe is being delivered and what is actually happening day to day across the organisation.

This diagnostic is usually valued at £5,000 and has been used with larger businesses.

The offer is valid for bookings made within 30 days of publication.

To enquire, contact: chris@culturenav.co.uk

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Education and Skills

Coventry University delivering new creative sector initiative Coventry University is leading the delivery of a major new initiative which will give thousands of people access to opportunities and career pathways in the creative sector.

Shape Coventry – a new creative skills development programme – will be rolled out across Coventry over the next three years and was launched at a Cultural Champions event at Coventry Transport Museum The £1.14m programme, supported by nearly £650,000 of National Lottery funding from Arts Council England’s Place Partnership Fund, brings together more than 20 partners, including Coventry City Council, Coventry Cultural Education Partnership, Street Art Strategy, the University of Warwick, British Council and CreaTech Frontiers, all working collectively to support Coventry’s creative economy and future talent.

Thousands of people across Coventry, including children and young people, will have the opportunity to experience arts exhibitions, take part in events and develop new creative skills.

The activities will take place at venues across the city, including the Delia Derbyshire Building, home to Coventry University’s College of the Arts and Society, and the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum. Murals will also be created in public spaces across the city.

More than 100 schools will be involved, giving young people the chance to develop

creative skills, work towards Arts Awards and gain insight into careers in the sector through engagement with artists, industry professionals and university expertise.

The programme will also support local artists and creative professionals through paid work placements, internships, networking opportunities and business support - helping to strengthen Coventry’s creative economy and retain emerging talent.

Activity linked to the prestigious British Art Show 10, arriving in the city in October, will also form part of the programme.

Professor Ian Dunn, Provost of Coventry University, said: “We are honoured to be leading Shape Coventry which builds on the university’s DNA of creative arts from its original roots as Coventry School of Design in 1843.

“As well as offering opportunities for the people of Coventry – no matter their age or

background – to enjoy creative opportunities, we want the programme to ensure the aspirations of emerging talent can be met by creating skills opportunities in Coventry.”

Liz Johnson, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England, said: “We’re pleased to be investing £647,204 into Coventry through our Place Partnership programme, which uses money from the National Lottery.

“All children and young people should have access to the inspiration and joy that culture and creativity bring. This project will do just that in more than 100 schools across the city, building confidence and pride in the place that they live and new skills that will benefit them for life.

“It will mark a real step change, helping more people to experience, connect and take part in creativity and culture on their own doorsteps.”

Councillor Naeem Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at Coventry City Council, said: “The launch of Shape Coventry is brilliant news for our city. Not only does it bring over £600,000 of funding into Coventry but it will also give arts and culture opportunities to thousands of our residents – including many school-aged children and young people.

“This programme will give young people valuable skills in the creative sectors, whilst supporting and nurturing local artists and creative professionals with paid opportunities in the city.”

Find out more about studying creative courses at: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/study-at-coventry/colleges-and-schools/arts-and-society/

Coventry College reintroduces apprenticeships with exciting new employer partnerships Coventry College has announced the reintroduction of its apprenticeship provision, marking an important milestone in its continued journey of transformation.

To launch the new provision, Coventry College will be working in partnership with CV Life – the city’s largest provider of sport, culture and leisure opportunities.

Together, Coventry College and CV Life recognise the vital role that leisure, sport and wellbeing play in Coventry’s health, culture and economy.

They have developed three Sport and Leisure Apprenticeships designed to reflect the operational, customer service and leadership skills required within the industry.

Vikki Harlock, head of training and development at CV Life, said: “We are delighted to partner with Coventry College for the reintroduction of their apprenticeship provision.

“CV Life recognises how important wellbeing and active lifestyles are to Coventry. These three new Sport and Leisure Apprenticeships have been tailored to develop skills that our industry actively needs.

“We look forward to welcoming committed learners, providing them with high-quality, on the job training, and working together to

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

deliver a lasting, positive social impact for the communities we serve.”

The college is also supporting Coventry’s strong engineering and manufacturing heritage through the introduction of Welding and Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeships, co-designed with Coventry employers to ensure learners gain relevant, job-ready skills.

These programmes will help future-proof the region’s workforce.

Principal and CEO of Coventry College Carol Thomas said: “Reintroducing apprenticeships is a significant step forward for Coventry College.

“Following our outstanding transformation, we are committed to delivering apprenticeships that are high-quality, employer-led and designed around real skills needs.

“We want to create opportunities that support individuals into sustainable careers and help businesses grow through skilled talent. Partnerships are at the heart of this approach, and we’re proud to be working with employers and organisations such as CV Life to shape training that makes a difference.”

Coventry College’s apprenticeship provision will continue to expand over the coming years, with further programmes

Helping Coventry and Warwickshire graduates become workplace-ready Ashorne Hill is working alongside local businesses and educators to ensure that new graduates in Coventry and Warwickshire get the strongest possible start to their careers and help ensure they are workplace-ready.

A recent Institute of Student Employers (ISE) report found that employers are concerned about the workplace-readiness of their new hires, including skills and behaviours such as planning, organising, motivation, and selfawareness.

In response to this, 52 per cent of employers have increased spending on graduate readiness.

Ashorne Hill’s Advantage Graduate Programme covers topics such as selfawareness and emotional intelligence; critical thinking and problem-solving; effective communication and influence; and collaborating with impact, all directly linked to skills flagged in the report.

The programme is now approved by the Institute of Leadership (IoL), having undergone independent verification against the rigorous evidence-based standards the institute holds for leadership development.

The process involved submitting a detailed description of the programme and describing how this corresponds to the IoL guidelines for effective leadership. This included the content of the programme, the delivery methods, assessment of learning and retention, and the science-backed evidence supporting the design.

This accreditation at an associate grade means that graduates who are on the programme can access the IoL’s online resource platform and, upon completion, will receive a Certificate of Achievement and eligibility for a Professional IoL membership.

planned in response to employer demand and evolving labour market needs.

Initially the college is focussing on the progression of its current learners who have an excellent track record of attendance, work ethic and commitment and are keen and eager to take the next exciting step of on-the-job training that an apprenticeship can provide.

Employers interested in partnering with Coventry College to develop apprenticeships or upskill their workforce are encouraged to get in touch with the Employer Engagement Team on employers@coventrycollege.ac.uk to explore opportunities.

Steve Hicks, product owner for the Ashorne Hill Graduate Programme, said: “Businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire are looking for more than academic achievement alone; they need graduates who can adapt, collaborate, solve problems and contribute from day one.

“Drawing on ISE research and employer insight, our Advantage Graduate Programme has been designed to build those capabilities in practice. By strengthening the transition from education into employment, we’re helping local organisations build stronger talent pipelines and invest in the future workforce our regional economy needs.”

31

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

Pre-charge advice: why early legal advice matters The pre-charge stage is the period before a decision is made on whether you will be charged with a criminal offence. It is one of the most important stages of an investigation because there may still be time to influence what happens next.

evidence is preserved, and what is put before the police or Crown Prosecution Service can all affect whether a charge follows.

At Askews Legal LLP, our criminal defence team advises clients from the earliest stage of an investigation, including cases involving fraud, assault, domestic abuse, sexual offences, harassment, theft, drugs offences and other serious allegations.

Why the interview matters A police interview is not an informal conversation. It is recorded, conducted under caution, and can be used as evidence.

If you are arrested, you have the right to speak to a solicitor privately. That advice is free and independent of the police. Legal advice is also important before a voluntary interview. Although you have not been arrested, you are still being questioned under caution.

If you have been arrested, released on police bail, released under investigation, or invited to a voluntary interview, what you do now matters. What you say in interview, what

A solicitor can review the information provided by the police, advise on the evidence, and help decide whether you should answer questions, provide a prepared statement,

or make no comment. The right approach depends on the facts of the case.

may be challenged if they are unnecessary or disproportionate.

Asking for a solicitor does not make you look guilty. It is a legal right and a sensible step.

Released under investigation is different. You may have no conditions and no return date, but the investigation remains live. The police may still be reviewing devices, waiting for forensic evidence, taking witness statements or preparing a file for CPS advice.

How early advice can help Before charging, the CPS must consider whether there is enough evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and whether prosecution is in the public interest.

A solicitor may be able to identify gaps in the evidence, inconsistencies in witness accounts, procedural issues, or digital material that supports your position. In suitable cases, written representations can be made before the charging decision is taken.

No solicitor can guarantee that a charge will be avoided. However, early advice gives your legal team more options than waiting until proceedings have already started.

Bail, RUI and practical steps Pre-charge bail may include conditions, such as not contacting certain people or attending particular places. These conditions

If you are under investigation, keep a record of police contact, preserve evidence that may help your case, comply with bail conditions, avoid contact with complainants or witnesses, and do not discuss the allegation online or in messages.

Most importantly, take advice before speaking to the police.

Askews Legal LLP provides 24/7 police station representation and pre-charge advice across Coventry, Warwickshire, the Midlands and nationally.

Email enquiries@askewslegal.co This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Communications agency makes city centre move A leading Midlands communications agency has underlined its long-term commitment to the region by moving to one of Coventry’s most prominent city centre office buildings.

PLMR Midlands, which is part of PLMR, is now located at landmark office block Friars House in the heart of Coventry city centre.

The move marks a significant milestone for the agency, which has operated in the Midlands for nearly 30 years.

The Coventry office is led by Rebecca Langton, board director and head of planning, built environment & the Midlands, alongside associate director Rob Milne, who joined the business in 2016.

PLMR Midlands will also continue to operate from its Birmingham office, alongside its offices in London, Ipswich and Glasgow.

PLMR is a B Corp Certified and awardwinning integrated communications agency, offering integrated communications support including Public Relations, strategic communications, corporate communications, crisis communications and reputation management, public affairs, film and digital, social media, design and media training.

Rebecca said the relocation reflects PLMR’s continued investment in regional growth, with the Midlands identified as a key driver of the firm’s national expansion strategy.

“This move to modern office space in Coventry city centre reflects our ambition to grow PLMR Midlands,” she said.

“Having our base in the centre of that growth allows us to better support our clients and strengthen our regional impact.

“We have a great team in the Midlands with a strong reputation for delivering meaningful results.

“This new space will give us the platform to go further by expanding our services and further deepen our client relationships since we are also only a few minutes’ walk from the train station.

“The Midlands is renowned for its dominance in sectors such as planning, regeneration, infrastructure, and tourism and hospitality.

Our ambition is to be at the forefront of these developments, helping to tell the stories behind these transformative projects.”

Rob added: “Our clients increasingly want communications experts who understand the local landscape, but can also operate at a national level.

“Coventry is undergoing significant change and there’s a real sense of opportunity here.

Being located in the heart of the city centre allows us to stay closer to developments, organisations and communities.”

For further information, please visit www.plmr.co.uk

Time to unlock Rugby’s potential Plans to support Rugby Borough’s economy and the town centre have been welcomed by business leaders.

The recently reopened Brownsover Hall was the ideal backdrop for a presentation on investment and regeneration.

Councillor Isabelle McKenzie, Portfolio Holder for Growth & Investment at Rugby Borough Council, presented the details of the plans at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Rugby Local Business Forum, hosted at Brownsover Hall.

Owners, The Distinct Group, have invested around £7 million to dramatically overhaul the venue which now features 48 bedrooms thanks to further development of its on-site stable block.

Every bedroom and public area has been overhauled and the new-look hotel is proving to be a hit with customers, with plans for further investment on the cards.

The forum meets once a quarter to discuss the latest developments in the area and also the key issues that are holding back business growth.

Sarah Kent, sales and events manager, said: “The aim is to bring Brownsover Hall back into the heart of Rugby. The owners have invested heavily in the building, the grounds and the guest experience, and everything has been designed with real care – from the interiors and bedrooms to the restaurant, marquee and outdoor spaces.

Cllr McKenzie told businesses that the Economic Strategy adopted in 2025 was the first in 17 years for the borough and set out a framework until 2035.

She said it would deliver sustainable, inclusive growth; put places, people and businesses at the heart of growth; and create a prosperous, resilient and greener local economy.

Cllr McKenzie revealed that the council had received £10m in Planning Obligations from the Frasers Group to establish a new skills hub in Rugby town centre to support Rugby residents in upskilling for the jobs of the future She also updated on the wider town centre regeneration plans including the Public Realm Masterplan to improve the look and feel of the town centre and to create improved pedestrian areas as well as areas that can be used for community events designed to increase visitors and support retailers.

Elsewhere, the new M6 gateway development in the Local Plan has been submitted for examination and, once approved, will provide opportunities for smaller units for local businesses, while Warwickshire County Council is also bringing forward incubator units at Somers Road.

32

Cllr McKenzie said: “Rugby has enormous potential, but for too long we have lacked a clear economic vision for how we unlock it.

“Our economic strategy is about turning that ambition into action – supporting local businesses, creating space for start-ups and growing firms, helping residents gain the skills they need for the jobs of the future, and making sure major investment delivers real benefits for our town.

“We are determined to make Rugby town centre a place people choose to visit, shop, work and spend time in. From bringing empty units back into use and improving shopfronts, to developing plans for a cultural quarter, better public spaces and more accessible health and community services, this is about creating a thriving, greener, fairer and healthier Rugby for the long term.”

“We want people to see Brownsover Hall not just as a hotel, but as somewhere to come for lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, weddings, events, meetings or simply to enjoy the grounds.

“There is so much history here, and the vision is to celebrate that heritage while creating something fresh, welcoming and exciting for the local community.”

Dan Mann, the chair of the Rugby Local Business Forum, said: “It is fantastic to see and hear of so many positive things happening in Rugby and many elements of the economic strategy have been key asks of the Chamber over the years – from town centre redevelopment through to smaller industrial units for local businesses to grow into.

“There are exciting times ahead for the borough and for our hosts, Brownsover Hall, which shows what can be achieved with vision and investment.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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

Mayor calls on businesses to back £150m nature recovery plan

The region's biggest ever fundraising drive to attract millions of pounds into a wide variety of nature projects has been launched.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) estimates £150million of private and public sector funding will be needed to deliver the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and protect and enhance urban nature sites covering an area the size of 50,000 football pitches.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, and the government’s Nature Minister Mary Creagh MP were in Coventry to launch the Nature Investment Hub and issue a rally cry to businesses to help meet that target.

The Hub is one of the first regional fundraising platforms of its kind in the UK. It will connect businesses to a range of projects seeking funding to open up more green spaces, improve biodiversity, air and water quality, and strengthen the region’s resilience to climate change.

The projects will also unlock major benefits for the health, wellbeing and prosperity of

residents and businesses, while giving local people opportunities to volunteer and learn new skills for jobs in the fast-expanding green economy.

The Mayor said: “Nature is one of our greatest assets and is in fact critical infrastructure in its own right. Our economy is already £700m a year better off because of nature and our plan will bring additional value to help it survive and thrive.

“We know giving local people better access to nature improves health and wellbeing, which eases pressure on the NHS and helps more people stay in work. Every new tree we plant shields more homes, businesses, roads and railways from the impact of climate change – whether that’s recent heatwaves we experienced or the flooding some areas are prone to.

“I’m delighted businesses want to play their part, and our new Nature Investment Hub will make it easier than ever for them to work with us and help build a greener, healthier future for generations to come.”

Mary Creagh, Minister for Nature and MP for Coventry East, said: “The West Midlands Nature Investment Hub will deliver an impressive range of nature recovery projects – from planting trees and restoring rivers to re-establishing historic heathland.

“This Hub is proof of what can be achieved when we join up investors and businesses committed to environmental improvement with local nature projects ready to deliver action on the ground, and is exactly the type of initiative we want to see more of.”

The West Midlands is one of five areas partnering with Defra on a place-based delivery pathfinder project to test how Defra

can tailor its services to address the needs of different places and communities to deliver local and national priorities.

The Nature Investment Hub is at the heart of this pathfinder to develop and deliver a pipeline of nature recovery projects.

The first £2m of investment opportunities already listed on the Hub include: • Growing the network of Tiny Forests in Coventry • Creating a community tree nursery in Birmingham • Restoring a stretch of river running through Solihull • Re-establishing historic heathland in the Black Country To mark the launch, the Mayor, Minister and Coventry City Council deputy leader Lynnette Kelly visited the 30-acre Lake View Park around a mile from Coventry city centre, where Warwickshire Wildlife Trust is already demonstrating the value of investment in urban nature sites.

The River Sherbourne, which runs through the park, has undergone a major restoration to return to its natural flow, having been straightened over time. New wetlands and ponds have been created, providing vital new habitats and feeding grounds for an extraordinary diversity of species from amphibians and aquatic plants to pollinators and birds – all in a relatively small space.

Businesses looking to connect with local nature project or organisations interested in funding them can find out more on the Nature Investment Hub website: https://naturehub.wmca.org.uk/

Please don’t squeeze us say Mid-Warwickshire companies Businesses in mid-Warwickshire have urged a new Prime Minister not to squeeze them any further – and to provide certainty and stability for the future.

Keely Hancox, head of operations at the Chamber, said: “The message was loud and clear from members – with rising costs and legislation changes, they are feeling squeezed.

The meeting also heard from Simon Reeve, of The Fold, who explained how the Grade-II listed former church was part of a £5.5 million restoration.

The building is the centre-piece of the Creative Quarter initiative in Leamington and includes more than 20,000 sq ft of flexible workspace including coworking, resident desks, private offices, meeting rooms, a video

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

A business forum in North Warwickshire has heard why a global company chose the region for a new training centre.

Science and technology company 3M opened its new Skills Development Centre at MIRA Technology Park in May and already more than 100 people have utilised the centre to receive hands-on training in the vehicle repair process at the 15,000 sq ft facility.

Gavin Phipps, technical manager at 3M, presented at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s North Warwickshire Local Business Forum, which was attended by Rachel Taylor, MP for North Warwickshire & Bedworth.

Gavin told the gathered businesses that 3M operates in a whole host of sectors in more than 70 countries and is famous for household products including Post-it® Notes and Scotch® Tape.

The new centre, however, is focused on vehicle repair and industrial abrasives and includes a range of products and tools created by 3M. Gavin said: “This is a great location for us. The focus here at HORIBA MIRA on transportation, and the number of manufacturers in this region, is critical for 3M. “There is a huge overlap with what is happening here – we’re at the centre of the country which is great for getting people to us but we’re also at the centre of the industry too, with some major names based here at MIRA Tech Park and across the region.

“We’ve already welcomed well over 100 people through the training centre from agents to end-users and, in many cases, that has a knock-on effect for the local hospitality sector too.”

The meeting was held just days after Sir Keir Starmer stood down as Prime Minister and the gathered businesses said it was time for stability.

“But, with yet more political upheaval, they simply want to see a new Prime Minister who comes in with a plan to getting the economy growing and sticks to it.”

International firm reveals why it invested in North Warwickshire

“Training and education is really important because the vehicle repair industry is facing a lot of challenges. It is not always seen as attractive, it struggles to recruit, and so this facility can show what the industry is really like.

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce held its Mid-Warwickshire Local Business Forum at The Fold in Leamington Spa to discuss the issues facing firms in the region.

“On top of that, they just want certainty and stability. Everyone understands that there have been global events over the past few years that are out of the hands of decisionmakers in the UK.

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

The forum was chaired by Sarah Windrum, who is head of cluster development at HORIBA MIRA.

podcasting studio, a sound studio, a shoot studio and a members-only bar/coffee shop.

It has almost 200 members and has seen significant growth over the past 12 months.

It is now also promoting itself as an events space for private functions, comedy nights and live music.

Simon said: "Our vision wasn't simply to restore an old church. It was to create somewhere where Leamington’s creative and business community could come together. Community is very much at the heart of what we do.”

Michael Stokes, of HCR Law, updated the meeting on the Employment Rights Act and also described the first few months since the purchase of Wright Hassall in 2025.

He said: “Wright Hassall was embedded in the fabric of the town.

It had tremendous clients, a fantastic reputation and was joined up with the area, so it has been important to bring stability and continuity for clients and colleagues.

“We’ve just moved to a new Leamington headquarters – only a couple of hundred yards down the road and the office is absolutely buzzing!

“We’re speaking to lots of business about ERA because it’s the single biggest change to employment regulation we’ve seen for decades and firms are having to make sure they stay up to date.”

She said: “We were delighted to formally welcome 3M to our Tech Park a few weeks ago and it was great to share why they have made such an important investment in a leading skills development facility here with the Chamber’s Local Business Forum.

“And, as Gavin showed, the facility has a wider positive impact on the economy with hotel stays and restaurant bookings too.

“We were also pleased that Rachel could join us and hear about 3M’s success story as well as discuss some of the issues regional businesses are facing.”

Rachel said: “As a former small business owner myself, I know how important brilliant local businesses are to economies like ours in North Warwickshire and Bedworth. I always welcome and enjoy the opportunity to speak to businesses through this important forum, and I will continue to stand up for their interests in Parliament.”

33

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

Chamber blown away by new project Airport closes to make way for GreenPower Park Coventry Airport has closed – meaning GreenPower Park is ready for take off.

The decommissioning of runway operations paves the way for the new £2.5 billion centre of excellence for battery technology, advanced manufacturing and clean energy.

A public-private joint venture between Coventry City Council and Rigby Group, GreenPower Park has planning permission for up to seven manufacturing facilities, ranging from 69,000 sq ft to 1.5m sq ft.

Mike Murray, project director for GreenPower Park, said: “The closure of the Airport is a major milestone as we transition the site to a major manufacturing hub, with the potential to generate around 6,000 jobs.”

Work on preparing the site for development was set to start on June 12.

This includes infrastructure and environmental mitigation works. A new electrical substation, funded by a £23 million grant from the West Midlands Combined Authority, is also being installed. This will provide a dedicated source of power supplied by National Grid from exclusively renewable resources.

Two of Coventry and Warwickshire’s most senior business leaders have been given a glimpse at how a new development for supported living will help to transform the lives of people in the region.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s CEO Corin Crane and its president Sandra Godley OBE were shown behind the scenes at Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind’s Berry Mews development in Foleshill.

And after hearing about the lifechanging effect it will have on people who need ongoing support for their mental health, they are both urging other businesspeople in the region to find out more and to support the project where they can.

Berry Mews is a £2.8 million living accommodation on the site of the former Livingstone Baths in the city and will consist of 26 supported studios with ensuites, including two units adapted for people with physical disabilities.

It will also include communal living spaces, laundry rooms and outdoor space. The first residents are expected to move in this summer.

Occupants will primarily be single adults who need mental health support and are expected to stay for approximately two years before moving on to more independent living.

and Dreams. Firms also have the option of sponsoring a room for £3,500 which will help the CWW Mind team to kit them out for residents.

Sandra said: “When you see a new project like this and the impact it is going to have, it actually makes you quite emotional.

“This isn’t just a building and they are not just rooms, they will be homes for people who need support to give them a better quality of life and help them to recover.

“I know a lot is asked of businesses at the moment – in difficult times – but I would urge them to find out more about this development and see where they can help.”

Local and national businesses have already shown incredible support to the project – through cash donations, pro-bono services or products or heavily discounted goods.

Supporters include Deeley Group, Amazon, NFU, Dental Elite, Ballantine Recruitment

Corin added: “I often talk about a Chamber as not being here just to make individual businesses richer, we have a massive part to play in our local community too.

Steven Hill, CEO of CWW Mind, said: “We were so grateful to Sandra and Corin for coming along to see how work is progressing at Berry Mews and we’re all excited to see the development finished and ready to support local people who need it most.”

“I am blown away on an almost daily basis by the great things happening in our region

For more information or to support contact ian.smart@cwmind.org.uk

Waterways charity, Canal & River Trust, celebrated a successful weekend of wildlife surveying at Hatton Locks in Warwickshire, where ecologists and local volunteers worked together to record the rich biodiversity of this historic canal site.

Hatton Locks, often called the “Stairway to Heaven”, was completed in the early 19th century and today is part of the Grand Union Canal connecting Birmingham with London.

The site is not only a remarkable feat of engineering but also a flourishing home for nature where wildlife thrives alongside canal heritage.

The team discovered slow worms, a species of national conservation concern, along with adult toads and many toad tadpoles.

The lock flight also has significant bat activity, with species such as the common pipistrelle and the soprano pipistrelle foraging along the tree line and canal corridor at dusk.

Samantha Taylor, senior ecologist from Canal & River Trust, said: “Hatton Locks has always been a special place, but seeing toads, slow worms and active bat populations shows just how vital our canals are for wildlife.

34

“So, for us as a Chamber, we’d just like companies to strike up a conversation with the team here and see where it leads because it’s vitally important that we support projects like this. Room sponsorship is a great way of doing that and a brilliant opportunity to leave a legacy of support.”

There will be support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week from Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind’s team.

Group effort at Hatton Locks

The historic flight of 21 locks and the surrounding meadow revealed an encouraging range of wildlife. In addition to much loved species such as ducks, swans, herons and kingfishers, the survey established that the canal at Hatton is also home to several species that are nationally declining.

and this is such a brilliant example of that.

You get an immediate feeling of how this is going to change lives and it’s great to see how CWW Mind works with local and national businesses in partnership.

“These findings highlight the importance of caring for the canal corridor both as a historic working landmark used by boats, but as a living, breathing habitat that supports species under real pressure.

“Thanks to the enthusiasm and curiosity of our volunteers, we’re building a much clearer picture of how wildlife is using the canal and surrounding meadow. That knowledge helps us protect these habitats for the future and ensures places like Hatton Locks continue to thrive.

“We’re always looking for new volunteers to join us. Anyone with a passion for nature or heritage would be incredibly welcome to help us care for the locks and wildlife that lives along the canal.”

For more information on how you can volunteer or donate money to support the Canal & River Trust visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

The Albany Theatre introduces new space for live events and networking The Albany Theatre has unveiled a new stage within its foyer space, further strengthening its position as one of Coventry’s most adaptable venues for business, community and creative events.

layouts is already attracting interest from local businesses looking for creative venues for networking events, product launches and team development days,” said theatre director Alan Pollock.

The enhanced foyer area, complete with its own café and bar, has been designed as a welcoming social and performance space capable of hosting live entertainment, networking events, presentations, showcases and community activities in a relaxed and adaptable setting.

“At the same time, the theatre provides independent artists and community groups with an accessible platform to perform, connect with audiences and become part of Coventry’s growing creative community.”

The Albany Theatre has continued to expand beyond traditional theatre productions, offering professional facilities for conferences, training sessions, workshops, rehearsals and private events.

The addition of the foyer stage creates new opportunities for informal performances, live music, spoken word, comedy nights, panel discussions and corporate gatherings.

“The combination of performance space, hospitality facilities and flexible

Alongside the main auditorium and studio spaces, the foyer stage adds another dimension to the venue’s expanding events offer, supported by professional technical expertise and tailored event support.

The public café serves barista-style coffee throughout the day, helping create a welcoming environment for visitors, creatives and business professionals alike.

For venue hire enquiries, space specifications or to arrange a recce, contact venuehire@albanytheatre.co.uk

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

The local charity with global reach A Coventry charity is helping to put the city’s name on the global map as a place of compassion and care for others – and wants more businesses to get involved with its work.

Feed the Hungry UK is based at the Halo Centre in Binley and many in the region know it for its work as Coventry Foodbank, which provides thousands of food parcels each year to local people.

But, like many SMEs, the charity has had to diversify and modernise to ensure it keeps up with the times and is able to support more people during the cost-of-living crisis.

As well as food banks, it supports community pantries in the region where people can choose a range of items for just a small contribution.

It’s also going beyond the provision of food and supports everything from loo roll to toiletries.

On top of that, it has created an AI system that links other charities and service providers together in the city to make sure a wide range of support is offered to those people who need it. That can include anything from mental health services to employability.

Globally, the charity is involved in projects in Bolivia, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Nepal, Romania, Zambia and Zimbabwe that provides food but also supports schooling, access to clean water and wider community initiatives. It allows people to become more self-sustained and reduces reliance on food hand-outs.

Sandra Godley OBE, president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, paid a visit to the Halo Centre and

destined for waste are being recovered and redirected to countries such as Bulgaria and Ukraine, providing essential clothing to those who need it most.

“It was absolutely remarkable and what they really need is more support from businesses.

“That kind of work can only happen through partnership and it’s only through collaboration between corporate and charity sectors that we can bring about a lasting legacy.”

Companies are asked to ‘journey’ with the organisation rather than simply donate and that can mean working with Feed the Hungry as part of their wider CSR and ESG programmes. was blown away by the amount they do on a local and global stage.

She said: “It is incredible to see how much amazing work is taking place from this location in Binley. They are changing people’s lives in the city and, indeed, around the world through compassion and entrepreneurialism – it’s very moving to see what a dramatic impact they are having!

“I saw hundreds of food parcels ready to be delivered in Coventry, and I also picked up a box that weighed just a few kilograms but could feed a child in Africa for a whole school year! Those boxes are filled with pre-prepared meals that have been packed right here in our city.

“They also showed me how, in partnership with major sports and clothing brands and in collaboration with GAiN (Global Aid International Network), items originally

Corporates can donate excess stock, hold away days and support with packing food parcels. There’s even a professional kitchen for hire!

And the organisation is now accredited by the UN Compact Network UK, which seeks to promote responsible corporate citizenship so that business can be part of the solution to the challenges of globalization.

Gavin Kibble MBE, CEO of Feed the Hungry UK, said: “Of course, any donations are welcome because times are tight and we need all of the support we can get.

“But we really want to partner with corporates. We’d say, come and see the work we’re doing and how we’re changing lives and then journey with us. Don’t make CSR and ESG a tickbox exercise, really make a difference for people who need it.”

For more information or to get involved, go to https://feedthehungry.org.uk/

Smashed targets and MP update on the menu at breakfast event Mary Creagh CBE, MP for Coventry East, also spoke at the meeting and welcomed the positive impact National Trust was having on Charterhouse.

Mary also described some of the measures the Government has introduced in a bid to support businesses and outlined some of the opportunities for Coventry businesses, including the football club’s promotion to the Premier League.

The MP said: “As a Government, we have a positive story to tell. We are doing a lot to support jobs and businesses in Coventry.

A Coventry heritage attraction is helping to change perceptions of the city after smashing through its visitor targets over the past 12 months, a business breakfast meeting in the region has been told.

Niamh Carton, programming and partnership manager at Coventry Charterhouse, was a speaker at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s latest Local Business Forum.

Niamh described how National Trust took over the management of Charterhouse a year ago, following the multi-million-pound conservation and restoration project by Historic Coventry Trust who own the Grade I listed building.

Initial forecasts anticipated 18,000 visitors in the first 12 months. Instead, they attracted 50,000 people from across the country to the former medieval Carthusian monastery off London Road.

The meeting took place at St Mary’s Guildhall – another heritage attraction in the city – and

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

the gathered businesses heard how venues are starting to work together to enhance the experience of visitors to Coventry.

Niamh said: “We’ve just marked National Trust Coventry Charterhouse’s first anniversary, and it has been an extraordinary first year.

“The original business case anticipated around 18,000 visitors annually, but we have already welcomed around 50,000.

“That has been hugely exciting and shows the appetite people have for Charterhouse and for Coventry’s heritage more broadly.

“We’re seeing visitors travel in specifically for Charterhouse, many of whom then go on to explore more of the city.

“People often tell us they didn’t know this was here and didn’t expect to find something like this in Coventry. That tells us Charterhouse is helping to change perceptions and open up the city’s wider heritage offer.”

“We’ve announced a £1.5 billion Youth Guarantee package to deliver 200,000 jobs and apprenticeships for young people, including six-month work placements fully funded by government and incentives for SMEs to recruit.

“I’m also very pleased we are bringing forward stronger protections for small businesses on late payments.

“Coventry has real strengths, and there are opportunities ahead in defence, tourism, hospitality and the wider local economy. And, of course, promotion to the Premier League has to be a good thing for the city’s economy.”

Tim Squires, the chair of the Coventry Local Business Forum, said: “We are very grateful to Mary Creagh for coming along and taking lots of questions from businesses from a cross range of sectors.

“We were also really pleased to hear from Niamh on the success of the Charterhouse and the positive effect that’s having on the city.

As a Chamber, we’re really pleased we can use our platform to help showcase these great success stories for the region.”

Racecourse event sees thousands raised for charity Property professionals from across the Midlands came together at Warwick Racecourse to help raise more than £11,500 for a charity supporting injured and ill veterans and service personnel.

The 2026 Virtus Property Race Day welcomed more than 170 guests from across the property and construction sector for a day of racing, networking and fundraising in aid of The Not Forgotten.

Founded in 1920, The Not Forgotten supports veterans and serving personnel living with injury, illness and isolation through a programme of social, respite and challenge opportunities, as well as a unique series of prestigious royal events.

Virtus Property Services – part of the Wigley Group – held the event to continue its long-standing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community and veteran causes, with Wigley having championed military charities and initiatives such as the Armed Forces Covenant for many years.

This year's race day was supported by key sponsors Stockton House, Insight Surveyors, ehB Residential, Rainier Developments and Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Midlands, who all played an important role in helping the event raise a total of £11,578 for the charity.

Chris Parsons, managing director of Virtus Property Services, said: "Supporting veterans has always been incredibly important to us and the wider Wigley Group, so being able to bring together so many people from across the property sector to raise more than £11,500 for The Not Forgotten was something we are very proud of.

"The charity does remarkable work helping former and serving members of the Armed Forces rebuild confidence, form new connections and enjoy experiences that many of us take for granted.

"The generosity shown by everyone who attended was fantastic. It was a brilliant day, and we're grateful to our sponsors, guests and supporters for helping us raise such an incredible amount for a superb cause."

For more information about The Not Forgotten, visit www.thenotforgotten.org.

35

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

Seven figure sum invested at Warwickshire venue

Skewb Futures wins major accolade the at Gas Industry Awards 2026 Skewb Futures has taken top honours at the Gas Industry Awards 2026, winning the Investment in People Award and marking a major milestone for the programme.

The award recognises Skewb’s commitment to developing future talent.

Organised by the Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers (IGEM) and the Energy & Utilities Alliance (EUA), the Gas Industry Awards recognise and celebrate the very best people, projects and organisations across the UK gas sector - spotlighting excellence, innovation and impact.

A total of 12 awards were presented at a ceremony held at the InterContinental London Park Lane, where MP Claire Coutinho, Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Shadow Minister for Equalities, delivered the keynote address.

Claire's speech focused on the future for energy and that the greatest challenge for the UK is to ensure that there is security of supply, which is affordable. She highlighted that there are opportunities with homegrown energy and that consumer choice should be key.

The event also marked the close of an incredible year of presidency for Nic Evans, Skewb’s director of Gas Transition and Futures, who now hands over to Darren Elsom as IGEM President for 2026–2027.

A leading Warwickshire venue has completed a £1 million transformation to enhance its appeal to conference organisers, corporate clients and event planners across the UK. The IXL Events Centre at Dallas Burston Polo Club has unveiled a comprehensive refurbishment to enhance the venue’s capability to host a wide range of conferences, product launches, weddings, awards ceremonies and live entertainment through new state-of-the-art production infrastructure.

The investment represents one of the most significant upgrades in the venue's history and includes a new LED wall, a starcloth ceiling installation, an upgraded intelligent lighting rig, redesigned reception facilities, a new bar, premium wall cladding and new flooring throughout.

Located within a 600-acre estate in the Warwickshire countryside, the IXL Events Centre hosts a variety of corporate events, conferences, awards ceremonies, weddings and live entertainment.

No Ordinary Hospitality Management (NOHM) supports the venue's sales and marketing activity, helping to attract conferences, meetings and corporate events from across

From its inception, Skewb Futures has been a truly organisation-wide effort.

Senior leaders, technical specialists, delivery managers and commercial stakeholders collaborated to design the programme, mentor participants and sponsor innovation initiatives.

Delivery teams across client accounts played a critical role in supporting day-today development, ensuring that learning was grounded in real business challenges.

36

enhanced technology and a truly memorable setting for their events.

"The transformation has created a venue that is equipped to support future growth and attract even more high-profile events to Warwickshire and the wider Midlands."

The investment is expected to strengthen the venue's appeal to national event organisers seeking high-specification facilities outside London, while supporting the continued growth of the Midlands events sector and attracting new conferences, awards ceremonies and large-scale corporate gatherings to the region.

Coombe among the top hotels in the world!

Coombe Abbey Hotel has been ranked among the top ten per cent of hotels worldwide by Tripadvisor.

The 12th century venue has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s® Travelers’ Choice® Awards 2026 after receiving outstanding reviews and guest feedback over the last year.

The former Cistercian abbey, which is set in 500 acres of Warwickshire countryside with formal gardens designed by Capability Brown, boasts over 2,800 five-star reviews.

The accolade is based on genuine feedback from anyone who has visited and left an authentic review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period.

Ron Terry, group operations director at No Ordinary Hospitality, which operates Coombe Abbey Hotel, said: "To be recognised among the top 10 per cent of hotels worldwide is a fantastic achievement and one that means a great deal because it is based entirely on feedback from our guests.

"Coombe Abbey offers something truly unique, from the history and character of the hotel itself to the experiences available across the estate, and our team works incredibly hard to ensure every guest leaves with lasting memories.

"Whether people are joining us for an overnight stay, afternoon tea, a special celebration or one of our events, we strive to

deliver exceptional service and experiences that exceed expectations.

"We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to leave a review and share their experiences. This recognition is a reflection of the dedication of our team and the loyalty and support of our guests, and we are delighted to receive it."

Alongside award winning afternoon tea and medieval banquets, murder mystery nights and musical tribute acts, Coombe Abbey is also home to GO Ape and Mini Land Rovers experiences, two outdoor play areas and a farm-style shop celebrating local suppliers throughout Coventry and Warwickshire.

Matt Dacey, chief marketing officer at Tripadvisor, said: “Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2026 and beyond.”

Warwick Conferences wins Gold at prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026

Skewb Futures was launched to address a critical strategic challenge: sustaining rapid growth in complex, regulated environments while competing in a constrained talent market.

The programme combines structured learning, live client exposure and innovation-led thinking within a highperformance environment. Twelve graduates - nine of whom were international - were embedded within delivery teams, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to the development of new market opportunities.

the UK. Ron Terry, group operations director at NOHM, said: "This investment significantly strengthens IXL Events Centre's proposition for event organisers – and the results are incredible.

“Businesses are increasingly looking for venues that combine high-quality facilities and an outstanding delegate experience, which the IXL delivers on a daily basis.

"The venue has been a popular destination for conferences, weddings, awards ceremonies and live events for over a decade now and these enhancements ensure organisers have access to the facilities and technology needed to deliver stand out events of all kinds.”

Atul Lakhani, CEO of IXL Events Centre, said: "This represents a significant milestone for the IXL and reflects our ambition to establish ourselves as one of the UK’s finest destinations for conferences, corporate events and live entertainment.

"Event organisers increasingly expect venues to deliver exceptional production capabilities alongside outstanding hospitality and visitor experiences. This refurbishment enables us to meet those expectations while providing clients with greater flexibility,

Warwick Conferences has been awarded Gold in the ‘Business Events Venue of the Year’ category at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026, recognising its outstanding contribution to England’s tourism and events industry.

The national awards, at Aerospace Bristol, celebrated excellence, innovation and exceptional customer service across England’s tourism sector.

Warwick Conferences’ Gold win places it at the forefront of the UK’s conference and events industry, highlighting its commitment to delivering world-class facilities, sustainable operations and exceptional delegate experiences.

Andrew Taylor, head of conferences, said: “We are honoured to receive this prestigious national recognition. It is a celebration of the hard work, creativity and passion of our colleagues, and of the strong partnerships we have built with our clients and stakeholders.

“This award reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our clients while supporting innovation and sustainability within the events sector.”

The ‘Business Events Venue of the Year’ category honours venues that demonstrate excellence in hosting conferences, meetings and events, with a strong focus on customer experience, quality service and innovation.

Warwick Conferences secured the top accolade ahead of other leading venues across the country.

This recognition reflects the continued investment and dedication of the Warwick Conferences team, as well as the University of Warwick’s wider commitment to supporting the UK visitor economy.

Judges commented on the “exceptional wide range of event spaces” saying that the “breadth of facilities and services delivers a

high level of versatility that few venues can match”.

They also commented on the team’s approach to sustainability, saying: “Warwick Conferences demonstrates a strong and comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability. Its strategy is firmly embedded into day-to-day operations, spanning infrastructure, design, waste management, energy use and event planning, all aligned with broader climate and biodiversity objectives.

“This integrated approach positions Warwick Conferences as a standout example of how large-scale venues can go beyond minimising impact to actively supporting environmental regeneration and contributing positively to community wellbeing.”

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence have been running for more than 35 years and celebrate and champion the quality, innovation, best practice and exceptional customer service of England’s tourism industry. The awards recognise businesses including hotels, selfcatering accommodation, B&Bs, glamping operators, attractions, restaurants, pubs and museums and individuals who continuously raise the bar across the sector.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Advertorial

Dafferns goes the distance: 1,300 miles for the Lily Mae Foundation Every year, our team takes on a challenge to raise money and awareness for a charity that means a great deal to us. It's become a tradition that not only supports an important cause but also brings us together as a team.

This year's challenge started during one of our charity team catch-ups when Mia Fletcher (Auditor) announced that she was planning to complete 5km every day throughout May in support of the Lily Mae Foundation. She then asked if anyone would like to join her. The response was a unanimous "no!".

While the prospect of running 5km every day wasn't quite for everyone, we still wanted to support Mia's fantastic effort and find a way to get the whole team involved. After discussing a few ideas and chatting with Matt Whitehouse at the Lily Mae Foundation (LMF), we agreed on a challenge that felt ambitious, achievable and inclusive: to collectively complete 1,300 miles during May.

more, pushing personal limits and motivating each other through the highs and lows of the month.

The unusually warm weather added an extra challenge at times, and as the end of May approached, we realised we'd need a significant final push to achieve our target.

Thankfully, the team rose to the occasion.

Through determination, teamwork and plenty of encouragement, we crossed the finish line and achieved our goal of 1,300 miles.

We're incredibly proud of what we've accomplished. Not only have we raised valuable funds, but we've also helped raise awareness of the vital work LMF does to support parents and families during some of the most difficult and heartbreaking times in their lives.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who took part, sponsored us, supported us and cheered us on throughout the challenge. Every mile made a difference.

To keep track of our progress, we set up a Strava group where team members could log their miles and encourage each other along the way. Whether people chose to run or walk, every mile counted towards our shared goal.

While we couldn't fit everyone into the photos, the success of the 1,300-mile challenge was only possible because of every person and four-legged companion who took part. Thank you to everyone who helped make this achievement possible.

As the month progressed, the challenge became about much more than simply reaching a number.

Team members found themselves getting outside

Sophie Essex-Masmoudi Marketing and BD Manager dafferns.com

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

37

News

Portfolio management and commercial property law: what growing businesses miss Buying a first commercial property can feel straightforward. Buying several is different.

Every lease, repair clause, planning condition, tenant change and compliance obligation adds another moving part. If those issues are treated property by property, rather than across the whole portfolio, risks can build quietly until they become expensive.

At Askews Legal LLP, our commercial property team helps investors, landlords and growing businesses understand those risks before they affect a sale, refinancing, redevelopment or letting strategy.

Security of tenure across the portfolio The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 gives many commercial tenants a statutory right to renew their lease, unless the lease was properly contracted out before it began. For a landlord or investor, this can directly affect what can be done with the property.

This matters where the future plan involves redevelopment, asset rotation or sale. A lease sitting inside the Act may make it harder to recover possession at the end of the contractual term. Redevelopment can be a ground for opposing renewal, but the landlord must be able to show a genuine intention and ability to carry out the works.

For a portfolio owner, knowing which leases are inside or outside the Act is a basic management requirement. Finding out two years before a planned redevelopment gives you options.

Finding out six months before completion creates pressure, delay and cost.

Authorised Guarantee Agreements and hidden liability When a commercial lease is assigned, the outgoing tenant may be required to give an Authorised Guarantee Agreement, or AGA. This means the outgoing tenant guarantees the performance of the immediate assignee.

For landlords, an AGA can be valuable protection if the new tenant later defaults on rent or leaves the property in poor repair.

For investors acquiring a property, checking whether an AGA exists, who gave it, and what it covers is an important due diligence step.

It is also important to understand whether the current tenant is bound by an earlier AGA. These arrangements can affect what remedies are available if the lease is breached later.

EPC and MEES compliance Energy performance is now a commercial property risk, not just a compliance issue. The current MEES regime already restricts lettings

of properties with poor EPC ratings, and the direction of travel is towards higher standards.

For portfolios with older stock, the cost of improving properties to future standards can be significant. That cost should be part of the investment model, not discovered when a letting, refinance or sale is already in progress.

A portfolio-wide EPC audit can help identify which buildings are at risk, what improvement works may be needed, and whether green lease provisions could help share some of the burden with tenants. Some properties may justify investment. Others may be better sold before compliance costs increase.

Why portfolio-level legal review matters Each issue may look manageable in isolation.

One lease with renewal protection, one unclear repair obligation, one weak EPC rating, or one missing AGA check may not seem serious.

Across a portfolio, those points can affect value, timing, cash flow and future strategy.

The most effective approach is to review the portfolio before a transaction or development plan creates urgency. That means understanding lease terms, renewal rights, repair exposure, guarantees, EPC ratings and future compliance risk together.

Askews Legal LLP advises on commercial property acquisitions, disposals, lease management, MEES compliance and portfoliolevel due diligence.

If you have any questions about commercial property portfolio management, please email enquiries@askewslegal.co This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Fourth-generation luxury jewellery and watch retailer celebrates significant expansion

ADVERTORIAL

Johnsons Jewellers is a respected family-run business with a history of more than 125 years and a reputation as one of the finest jewellers in the Midlands.

only fitting, that in pride of place, adjacent to the hospitality area, they feature an image from the 1930s which honours the original beginnings of the current store.

Their latest major store expansion is not the first since their inception in 1897. However, it reflects a significant shift to build on their renowned bespoke jewellery and bridal service and to elevate their presentation of luxury Swiss watches.

Robert Johnson recalls visiting his grandparents who used to live above the small jewellery shop on this site. “We’ve come a long way since then but I’m sure that they, and my father, would be proud of the business we’ve built today and what we’ve achieved here with this latest fantastic store development

“We pride ourselves on being a destination store in the region and want to keep it that way”, said Libby Johnson. “With the Birmingham jewellery district nearby and plenty of other regional competition, we need to give customers even more reason to choose us.

Additionally, we hoped to take advantage of new footfall from the large retail & leisure park that recently opened opposite our store.”

With the closure of a neighboring shop came the opportunity to significantly expand, nearly doubling the previous retail space. This has allowed for a more defined customer experience with an inviting jewellery room and attractive bridal floor beyond. Whilst prestigious Swiss watch brands have been allocated their own

‘shop-in-shops’, the whole showroom is united through an overarching new interior design scheme which effectively creates a branded Johnsons environment, including a large central welcome and repairs collections desk.

The result is a look that emanates quiet luxury. The whole space effortlessly attracts attention with tempting views that draw customers through the space. It’s an attractive interior design scheme which blends layers of rich materiality and colour, together with craftsmanship and sensitive lighting to perfectly showcase the fine jewellery and watches on offer.

Customer experience has been paramount to the store layout and design. There’s an increased choice of consultation spaces; all

created with premium service and comfort in mind. An elegant hand drawn ceiling and wall frieze was commissioned to flow over the bridal space - its ornate, tactile details of magnolia and doves symbolising love, peace and everlasting connections. While the hospitality bar, which used to be behind the scenes, is now centrally located to support and embrace the frequent customer celebrations throughout the showroom.

The Johnsons Jewellers story is less about individuals – the fourth-generation expert family team is supported by longstanding knowledgeable staff. And what’s important to the whole team is their great heritage and prestigious reputation which has built trust amongst its customers. So it seems

His daughter Libby, concludes, “it’s been a lengthy phased process so that we could remain open for our loyal customers, but Lloyd and the wider project team have more than fulfilled our vision. We have had some wonderful feedback from our customers as well as the brands. The whole team love their new ‘home’ and are excited for our next chapter.”

50/51 Queens Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV11 5JX Tel: 02476 347 038 www.johnsonsjewellers.co.uk

Upon the roof in Coventry The Telegraph Hotel’s rooftop bar returns for 2026 with a fresh new look, offering Coventry’s only rooftop bar experience.

With sweeping views across the city skyline, the newly reimagined space provides the perfect setting to relax, socialise, and make the most of the warmer months.

Following a refresh, the rooftop has been transformed with new planting, updated décor, and comfortable lounge-style seating.

The addition of stylish sofas and relaxed social spaces creates an inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy everything from a

38

leisurely afternoon in the sunshine to evening drinks overlooking the city.

Alongside the transformation comes an exciting new food and drink offering.

A spokesperson for the hotel said: “A specially curated street food menu has been designed for sharing and indulgence, bringing bold flavours and relaxed dining to the rooftop experience.

“Whether stopping by for a light bite with colleagues or gathering with friends for an evening out, the menu is perfectly suited to summer socialising.

“The new cocktail list is equally impressive, featuring a dedicated botanical collection inspired by the rooftop’s own herb wall. Fresh herbs grown on-site are incorporated into a range of expertly crafted cocktails, creating vibrant, aromatic serves that celebrate the connection between garden and glass.

“Ideal for after-work drinks, informal meetings, private corporate gatherings, celebrations, and weekend get-togethers, the rooftop terrace offers a unique setting unlike anywhere else in the city.

“Combining exceptional food and drink, a welcoming atmosphere, and unrivalled views,

The Telegraph Hotel’s rooftop terrace is set to be one of Coventry’s standout destinations for summer 2026.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Heart of England Events and Conferencing

Heart strings, wellbeing and the future of events at the Heart of England The Heart of England Conference & Events Centre in Coventry is celebrating an exciting period of growth, with new wedding experiences, an expanded focus on wellbeing and the continued evolution of the diverse events we're known and loved for across the region.

Leading the latest announcements is the launch of Heart Strings Tipi Weddings, a brand-new wedding reception package for 2026 that promises couples an intimate, magical and unforgettable celebration.

Recognising the increasing importance of workplace wellbeing, the new initiative will focus on creating opportunities for teams to step away from their everyday environments and reconnect through reflective experiences, meaningful conversations and practical tools that support both individual wellbeing and collective team performance.

Set within our beautiful Tipi, Heart Strings has been created for couples seeking a relaxed yet elegant reception surrounded by rustic charm and stunning décor. The all-inclusive packages have been designed to remove the stress from wedding planning, allowing couples to simply enjoy their special day while our experienced team takes care of the details.

Packages include a personal wedding planner, onthe-day event manager, themed décor and fairy lights, rustic tables and seating, private bar facilities, exclusive use of the terrace and catering for up to 60 guests. With bespoke options available and limited dates already open for 2026, Heart Strings offers a unique alternative for couples looking to celebrate their love story in a truly memorable setting.

Alongside this exciting launch, The Heart of England is also preparing to unveil a brand-new wellbeing offering, designed to help organisations build stronger, healthier and more resilient teams.

Set within our 160-acre countryside estate, the programme will combine the benefits of nature, collaboration and personal development to encourage healthier workplace cultures, stronger communication and improved resilience. More information will be announced later in the year as the initiative develops.

As a family-owned business, we have always believed that people are at the heart of every successful organisation, and this new direction further strengthens our commitment to creating experiences that positively impact both businesses and individuals.

While these exciting developments are taking centre stage, the foundations of The Heart of England remain stronger than ever. Conferences, team building, festivals and fun days continue to be at the heart of everything we do.

From corporate conferences and product launches to outdoor festivals, family fun days and immersive team-building experiences, our 160-acre Warwickshire countryside venue continues to provide the space, flexibility and creativity needed to bring events of every size to life.

Whether organisations are bringing teams together, brands are launching products, families are making memories or couples are celebrating their future together, our mission remains the same – to create memorable experiences that bring people together.

As we continue to evolve and expand our offering, we look forward to welcoming both new and returning visitors throughout the year ahead.

For further information on anything listed in this article, please contact the team on 01676 540333.

FESTIVALS, FUN DAYS & TEAM BUILDING at The Heart of England

Conferences, Team Building, Festivals & Fun Days Open Air Wellness Programme 160 acres of Park, Woodland, Lakes Sky Bar Versatile Event Spaces 01676 540333

www.heartofengland.uk www.cw-chamber.co.uk

39

News

The Heart with a heart

Badenoch visits Cemex Rugby plant Cemex welcomed the Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Opposition, to its Rugby cement plant.

The visit allowed for a valuable opportunity to showcase its operations and discuss the significant and urgent challenges facing the sector, from rising energy costs to increased imports and declining demand for construction materials due to the drop in infrastructure projects and market uncertainty.

The Rugby plant is one of the UK’s key cement manufacturing facilities, boasting the largest cement kiln in the country, and playing a critical role in supplying materials for construction and infrastructure projects across the country.

Craig Williamson, from Cemex, said the industry was facing "significant" threats from high energy charges, employment costs and the increasing taxation on business.

He said: "We're seeing more cement imports from Europe and outside Europe and it's a real threat to the investments we have here in the UK. "We're not asking for special treatment, we want fair energy pricing, we'd like burdens around employment costs reviewed and we'd like the net zero policies clarified quickly so it's water-tight and really effective."

Lanemark powers ahead Lanemark is entering an exciting new chapter, with a wave of positive developments that reflect both growth and continued investment in the future of the business.

Over the past few months, the company has welcomed three new employees to the team, alongside a talented placement student who has joined to gain hands-on industry experience.

A spokesperson said: “These additions bring fresh perspectives, new skills, and a shared enthusiasm that is already making a meaningful impact across the company. Supporting emerging talent while strengthening our core team remains a key priority for us.

“Looking ahead, we are also preparing to launch our brand-new online shop this summer. This marks a significant step forward in how we connect with our customers, making it easier than ever to access our products and services.”

40

The Heart of England Conference and Events Centre has expressed its delight after supporting a unique festival for pagans and witches, which has gone on to raise an incredible £36,000 for charity.

The festival, held at The Heart of England Conference and Events Centre, brought together a vibrant community of visitors, stallholders, performers and supporters for a memorable event with a meaningful purpose at its core.

Festival organiser Julie Aspinall confirmed that profits from the festival have been distributed among a wide range of charities and community causes, with £36,000 shared between organisations supporting animal welfare, women’s aid, youth empowerment, environmental projects and local community initiatives.

The team at The Heart of England Conference and Events Centre were thrilled to have played a part in helping the festival come to life.

Stephen Hammon, the managing director and founder of The Heart of England Conference and Events Centre, said: “We were genuinely delighted to support the Pagan and Witches Festival organisers throughout the year and to provide a home for the festival itself.

“Events like this show exactly what can happen when passionate people come together with purpose, creativity and community spirit.

“The Heart of England has always been about more than just events – it is about people, experiences and making a positive difference.

This festival truly proved that Heart has a heart, and we are incredibly proud to have helped in any way we could.”

The charities receiving a share of the festival profits include The Retreat Animal Rescue, West Mercia Women’s Aid, Florie’s Friends Rescue, Coventry Haven, Suki’s Canine Rescue, Little Hearts, Empowering Gwynedd’s Youth, The Sherbourne Valley Project, Wilders Waters Appeal and PeaceJam.

Stephen added: “To see such a fantastic amount raised and shared between so many worthy causes is wonderful. The organisers deserve huge credit for their hard work, commitment and passion. We were honoured to provide the setting and support for an event that has gone on to make such a meaningful contribution.”

For more information about hosting events at The Heart of England Conference and Events Centre, visit www.heartofengland.uk or call 01676 540333.

Pailton Engineering recognised for quality performance Pailton Engineering, the Coventry-based steering components manufacturer, has received a PACCAR 10 PPM Quality Achievement in recognition of the company’s quality performance in parts supplied to DAF Trucks N.V.

The award confirms that Pailton Engineering met PACCAR’s expectation for supplier parts and components to achieve 10 PPM or better quality.

Short for “parts per million”, PPM is a key quality measure used in automotive and commercial vehicle manufacturing to assess the number of defective parts supplied in every million components.

The term 10 PPM means a supplier had less than ten defective parts per million parts supplied. For Pailton Engineering, the company exceeded this standard, with not a single

defective part recorded.

The company is a long-term supplier of safety critical parts to some of the world’s foremost original equipment manufacturers in the commercial vehicle, bus and coach and military sectors.

“Achieving 10 PPM is not easy,” explained Nick Jordan, head of engineering and quality at Pailton Engineering. “You have to get the detail right consistently, across every stage of the process. PACCAR sets a very high bar for its suppliers, so we’re proud to have not only met that expectation, but to have exceeded it.”

The salary you never paid yourself A leading Warwickshire accountant is urging business owners to ask themselves a crucial question – ‘what have I actually paid myself, and what has that cost me?’

Rachael Chadwick-Harrison, chartered accountant and managing director of Warwickshire-based Chadwick Accountants, says many company directors find the answer uncomfortable.

She said that years of taking the "taxefficient" route, a small salary topped up with dividends can quietly create problems that only become visible when it's too late to fix them.

Rachael said: "Directors often pride themselves on being tax-efficient. And in the short term, they usually are. But when you zoom out and look at the bigger picture, mortgages, pensions, and what the business is worth when they want to leave, things look very different.

“Lenders don't see retained profits or the value sitting inside your company. They see declared income and if that's been kept artificially low for years, it can seriously limit

borrowing capacity at exactly the moment it matters most.

"We've had clients genuinely surprised that their business success doesn't translate into mortgage eligibility.

“On paper, they look like they earn very little.

That's the consequence of years of underdeclaring income.

“The pension picture tells a similar story.

A director drawing a minimal salary may have built very little pension entitlement, leaving a significant gap between the retirement they imagined and the one they can actually fund.

"Most founders assume the business will be their pension, but relying entirely on an exit that may or may not happen, at a valuation you can't control, is a risk most people wouldn't accept if they stopped to think about it.

“And when it does come time to sell, how a director has been remunerated matters more than many realise. Sustainable, welldocumented director pay contributes to cleaner accounts which supports a stronger valuation.

"If remuneration looks inconsistent or difficult to explain, it raises questions. And questions reduce confidence, which reduces offers.

“The answer isn't simply to pay yourself more. It's to pay yourself strategically with a clear understanding of how each decision today shapes your options tomorrow.”

Rachael explores this in the latest episode of FFS, For Finance's Sake: "Director Pay Secrets: How to Pay Yourself Properly." https://open.spotify.com/ episode/0QFzrRKAeKsLqURdvPU0Up

Talbots Law expands Business Services Talbots Law has relaunched its Business Services offering, bringing together specialist expertise across the Midlands and introducing a range of practical initiatives designed to help organisations manage risk, strengthen operations and protect cashflow.

The relaunch follows a period of significant growth for the firm, including a series of strategic acquisitions and continued investment in specialist recruitment. As a result, Talbots has established dedicated business hubs providing businesses with access to local legal expertise backed by wider regional capability.

For Coventry and Warwickshire businesses, the refreshed offering centres on two key services: a free Legal Business Health Check and Talbots Collect, a debt recovery solution designed to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing organisations of all sizes.

Unpaid invoices remain a major source of pressure for businesses, particularly at a time when maintaining healthy cashflow is critical to growth and stability. In response, Talbots has launched Talbots Collect, a fixed-fee

debt recovery service aimed at providing a more transparent and commercially focused approach to recovering business-to-business debts.

The service combines straightforward pricing with volume discounts for regular users and a unique Success Credit model, which allows legal costs recovered from successful claims

to offset the cost of unsuccessful recovery actions.

Alongside debt recovery support, Talbots is also providing businesses access to a free Legal Business Health Check.

Developed by the firm's Legal 500-recognised Business Services team, the review provides organisations with a structured assessment of their legal position, helping to identify potential risks, highlight areas for improvement and ensure that legal foundations remain fit for purpose as businesses evolve.

Leading Talbots Collect is Tessa Rhodes, associate and debt recovery manager within Talbots Law's Dispute Resolution team.

Specialising in civil and commercial litigation, Tessa has built extensive experience helping businesses recover outstanding debts while protecting valuable commercial relationships.

For more information about Talbots Law's Business Services offering, visit https://www.talbotslaw.co.uk/for-business/ or call 0800 118 1500.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

The ARHR Consultancy in Kenilworth celebrates anniversary

The Angela Roberts HR Consultancy in Kenilworth has celebrated 13 years in business, marking over a decade of helping organisations build stronger, more effective workplaces.

Since its founding in 2013, The ARHR Consultancy has supported businesses of all sizes with practical, people-focused HR solutions.

From day-to-day HR advice to strategic support, the consultancy has built a reputation for delivering clear, commercially-minded guidance that helps clients navigate complex employment challenges with confidence.

“Reaching 13 years in business is a fantastic milestone,” said director Angela Roberts. “We’re incredibly proud of the relationships we’ve built and the impact we’ve had on the businesses we

support. Our focus has always been on making HR straightforward, accessible, tailored to our clients and valuable and that remains at the heart of everything we do.”

Over the past 13 years, The ARHR Consultancy has evolved alongside the changing world of work, guiding clients through significant developments such as employment law changes, workplace culture shifts, and new ways of working.

The consultancy continues to provide tailored support across key areas including employee relations, compliance, performance management, and organisational development.

It combines expertise with a deep understanding of business needs, ensuring clients receive advice that is both practical and aligned with their goals. Looking ahead,

The ARHR Consultancy remains committed to supporting businesses as well as creating more partnerships.

For more information, visit https://www.arhrconsult.com/ or contact the team directly at HR@arhrconsult.com or by calling 01926 853388

The fun continues as Warwickshire business expands

Warwickshire-based event entertainment company Fun Pro UK has moved into significantly larger premises following continued business growth and increasing demand for its interactive games, inflatables and branded event experiences.

The family-run business, originally established in 2009 as Bounceroos, began from home with a focus on outdoor inflatables and children’s entertainment. As the business grew, the company progressed from operating out of a shipping container to storage units before taking on larger premises in 2012. In 2016, the company rebranded as Fun Pro UK as the

business expanded beyond inflatables into interactive games and corporate entertainment.

Today, Fun Pro UK supplies entertainment for conferences, exhibitions, product launches, team building events, corporate fun days and brand activations across the UK, delivering everywhere from Scotland and Wales to venues throughout England.

The company moved to Heath Business Park in 2019, shortly before the challenges of the Covid pandemic. Despite the uncertainty faced by the events industry during that period, the business continued to grow and has now relocated again to a new base at Ryton Farm, a premises three times larger than its previous unit.

The move allows Fun Pro UK to continue expanding its growing range of games and services, including bespoke branded games produced using the company’s own in-house printing facilities. This enables clients to customise games and event equipment to match their branding, products and campaigns.

Over the years, the business has grown from a team of one to a team of seven, with continued investment in new products and equipment helping the company support an increasingly wide range of events nationwide.

Colin Parker, owner of Fun Pro UK, said: “We’re incredibly proud of how far the business has come. What started from home with a few inflatables has grown into a nationwide business working with companies and organisations across the UK. “Moving into our new premises is a really exciting step for us. The extra space gives us room to continue growing, invest in new products and further expand our in-house branding capabilities.

“Even though the business has grown significantly over the years, we’re still very much a family business at heart and pride ourselves on offering a personal, reliable service to every client.”

For more information, visit www.funprouk.co.uk or call 02477 220701.

wider workshop equipment.The updated brand reflects the continued growth of Excel Machine Tools as a family business, combining decades of product knowledge with a wider range of solutions for today’s workshop and industrial requirements.

With its expanded product range, Excel Machine Tools is able to serve a broad mix of sectors, including aerospace, engineering, defence, manufacturing, fabrication, automotive, education and training, nuclear, construction, maintenance, woodworking, metalworking, agriculture, repair workshops and general industrial operations.

Excel Machine Tools has also invested in a revamped showroom at its base in Exhall where customers can view selected machines in person and arrange demonstrations.

For those unable to visit, the company can also provide video demonstrations, helping customers assess machines remotely before making a purchase.

Through its website, www.excelmachinetools.co.uk, Excel Machine Tools offers customers access to more than 13,000 items, with online purchasing and finance options available.

Midland Heart named a top employer for disabled colleagues A leading Housing Association has been recognised in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list.

The prestigious national list recognises organisations with outstanding levels of employee engagement and exemplary workplace culture, based purely on feedback from colleagues themselves.

This year, Midland Heart not only made the Top 100 places to work but was Highly Commended through a ‘Spotlight Award’ for its work supporting disabled employees, in recognition of its commitment to creating a true place of belonging for its 1,000-strong team.

This is backed by strong colleague engagement, with the 34,000-home landlord scoring over 80 per cent in a recent colleague satisfaction survey.

Chief executive of Midland Heart, Glenn Harris, said: “Everything we do starts with our tenants, and we’re always challenging ourselves to go further and do better for them. To do that we need the best possible team and as these results show we have a great team people at Midland Heart.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

“This recognition is meaningful because it reflects the environment we’re creating for our colleagues and the tenant centred culture we have all committed to embedding. They are the ones making a difference to our tenants and their neighbourhoods every day, and we’re committed to investing in them, supporting them and making Midland Heart a place where everyone feels they belong, can thrive and build their career.”

Coventry City FC has been awarded the Honorary Freedom of the City in recognition of its promotion back to the Premier League and outstanding contribution to the life of the city.

The honour was granted unanimously at an Extraordinary General Meeting of Coventry City Council and follows a historic season in which the Sky Blues were crowned EFL Championship champions and returned to the Premier League after 25 years.

It covers the club in its entirety, recognising the players, management, staff, owner and the supporters and communities who have stood behind the team.

New brand and product range unveiled Excel Machine Tools, a family-run supplier with more than 40 years of industry experience, has unveiled its updated brand identity and expanded product range.

It says it reinforces its commitment to supporting UK workshops, manufacturers and industrial businesses with reliable machinery, equipment and aftersales support.

Long recognised for its expertise in manual metalworking machines, Excel Machine Tools has built its reputation on supplying practical, dependable equipment for workshops of all sizes.

While metalworking remains at the heart of the business, the company has now broadened its offering to include woodworking machinery, welding equipment, compressed air technology, industrial cleaning solutions and

Victorious Sky Blues awarded Honorary Freedom of the City

Editor of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work, Zoe Thomas, said: “In an evolving world of work Britain’s leading employers are helping staff forge careers that count today – and in the future. In turn, the Best Places to Work have the resilience to weather the current economic storms baked in, thanks to engaged workers who go above and beyond with a smile.

“Our winning employers span sizes and sectors – from tiny charities and specialist law firms to multinational fast-food chains and utility giants, and everywhere in between. The thread joining them is the belief that a happy workforce is a stepping stone to better performance, faster growth, and bigger profits. More than that, there’s a collective instinct that a contented rank-and-file is a worthwhile business goal in and of itself.”

The Sunday Times listing comes shortly after the launch of a new Social Housing Surveying HNC, developed by Midland Heart, Tpas, University College Birmingham and social housing tenants, to support colleague development and help tackle the sector’s surveyor shortage.

Councillor George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council, who nominated the club for the prestigious honour, said: “Coventry is immensely proud of its football club, and the return to the Premier League is a moment of huge significance for our city.

“This is an extraordinary achievement which deserves an extraordinary honour.

Awarding the Honorary Freedom of the City is our way, on behalf of the whole city, of saying thank you and recognising everything the club has given to Coventry.

“This achievement belongs not only to the team and everyone at the club, but to the generations of supporters and communities who have always stood behind them.”

The Honorary Freedom of the City is the most prestigious civic honour the Council can award and is given to people or organisations who have ‘rendered eminent services to the city’.

It was most recently awarded in 2022, when the staff of University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust was recognised for service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beyond the sporting achievement, Premier League status represents a significant opportunity for Coventry.

The wider benefit to the city and region is expected to be felt across hospitality, retail, tourism and the visitor economy, with Premier League fixtures placing Coventry on a global stage every week.

41

#1 Online staff leave planner

Leave management software, trusted by businesses like yours!

Simplify some of the tedious HR tasks with our easy-to-use leave management software, from sick leave and holiday requests to employee records and document storage.

Free Trial whosoff.com Email support@whosoff.com Let’s talk +44 (0)1227 812930

WHOSOFF

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Health and Wellbeing

Who Supports the Managers?

Equipping Leaders for the Conversations that Matter Most In workplaces where teams support vulnerable clients and customers, managers are often expected to navigate some of the most complex human situations imaginable.

Every day, these managers support colleagues who are exposed to distressing stories, emotionally charged situations and people facing incredibly difficult circumstances. At the same time, they're expected to manage

workloads, address performance concerns, navigate change, meet targets and maintain professional boundaries.

It's a lot to carry.

The truth is, many managers have never been taught how to hold these conversations with confidence.

They worry about saying the wrong thing, missing signs that someone is struggling, or appearing unsupportive.

The result can be managers who feel isolated, under pressure and

overwhelmed by the situations they're trying to support.

psychosocial risks and create healthier working environments.

Our bespoke manager development workshops are designed to help.

While the foundations remain evidencebased and practical, every workshop is tailored to reflect the unique pressures, scenarios and culture of the teams we work with.

Through interactive, practical sessions, we equip managers with the skills, confidence and frameworks they need to support their teams effectively whilst protecting their own wellbeing. Aligned with the HSE Management Standards for work-related stress, our approach helps managers understand how their day-to-day actions can reduce

To find out more about our bespoke MANAGER AND LEADER DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS, email us at info@mhib.co.uk

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

When managers feel equipped and supported, they are better able to lead with confidence, strengthen their teams and create environments where both colleagues and the people they serve can thrive.

Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Members receive an EXCLUSIVE 10% DISCOUNT across all services.

43

President & People

Storytelling holds key to success Sandra Godley OBE, president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce ‘We need to improve our storytelling’ was the key takeaway from British Chambers of Commerce president Andy Haldene CBE in his first Presidents’ Lunch address at the House of Lords.

This, let me tell you, was music to my ears.

Storytelling is something I have done throughout my career, and I’ve really enjoyed meeting so many Chamber members and local organisations since I took on this role.

‘Coventry turned me into the man I was meant to be’ The outgoing Dean of Coventry Cathedral has spoken of the profound effect the city and its people has had on him.

The Very Reverend John Witcombe retired at the end of May after 13 years in the role in which he has made an enormous contribution to civic life in the city – from supporting the Sky Blues’ return home through to opening up the cathedral to different communities as well as to music and culture.

John was the first guest for a new series of interviews from Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, called President & People, in which Chamber president Sandra Godley OBE speaks to key figures in the region.

In a moving and insightful interview, Sandra, who has a background in broadcasting, spoke to John about his role as Dean, what drew him to the city, his family life and his plans for retirement. John said the city’s links to peace and reconciliation were a major draw when he was first looking

Over recent weeks I’ve been out to Feed the Hungry, to CWW Mind and to an event with Taiwo Owatemi MP looking at the very hot topic of young people and skills and how we support them into the meaningful employment.

I accompanied my Chamber colleague, Chris Nagle, to Guardian Ballers’ fifth anniversary celebration where the truly fantastic organisation, which empowers young people through the power of sport, bestowed the honour of Bridge Builder onto Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

A national award-winning firm of chartered accountants based in the Midlands is celebrating success.

Jade has appointed Richard Lawrence into a newly formed role of QHSE manager, responsible for improving systems and standards around quality, delivery and customer satisfaction.

Richard brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise gained across SMEs, where his focus was consistently on pushing for continuous improvement.

Richard joins Jade from Flexicon, a leading UK manufacturer of flexible conduit

And that’s a story definitely worth telling.

44

“I am looking forward to speaking to more figures from the region in our new series and helping to tell the stories that really matter.”

To watch the full interview with John Witcombe, go to https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=MlnjdGHrCyg

George Knight and Shruti Belgamwar, of Armstrongs Chartered Accountants, have both recently passed their final Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) exam to become fully qualified chartered certified accountants.

Director Jane Biggs said: “Armstrongs is committed to investing in the professional growth of our staff, ensuring they have the support and development opportunities needed to reach their full potential. George and Shruti have demonstrated exceptional dedication and we are delighted to celebrate their achievements.”

Armstrongs supports their employees to progress through a number of accountancy

qualifications starting with the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) levels 2,3 & 4 through to ACCA or ACA at level 7. For those who have a specific interest in tax, the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification is also an option once fully qualified.

Armstrongs Chartered Accountants provide a wide range of services including accounting, tax, corporate finance, wealth planning, audit and assurance, bookkeeping, VAT and business advisory, from offices in Nuneaton, Coventry, Hinckley and Evesham.

For more information on Armstrongs visit www.armstrongs-accountancy.co.uk or telephone (024) 7671 5111.

systems for use across construction and transportation sectors, where he was responsible for reducing customer service costs from half a million down to just £20,000 through building quality aligned systems and culture.

He said: “Jade is on the cusp of significant growth, and it is essential to integrate both operational and cultural systems to create a strong framework to support that growth as efficiently as possible.”

Rising rugby star set for property career A Coventry rugby player selected for the England Men’s Pathway Front Five Development Camp now has a pathway mapped out to a future career.

Will Dorrell, a student at The King’s School, Worcester and a member of Coventry Rugby U18 Academy, will join Warwickshire commercial property agents Bromwich Hardy in the autumn.

From September, the hooker will be splitting his time between one day a week at university,

I’ve met many businesses and it’s fair to say that employers are working harder than ever to manage costs. SMEs are balancing investment with affordability and are asking one simple question: ‘what comes next?’

Our region's strengths in innovation, advanced manufacturing and entrepreneurship position us well for future growth. Now is the time to collaborate, invest in people and embrace innovation, ensuring our businesses remain resilient, competitive and ready to seize new opportunities when they come.

“He’s a man who has played a massive role in Coventry and Warwickshire and we wanted to hear some of his incredible stories.

Jade on the cusp of significant growth

I thought that was a lovely description of what the Chamber does in so many ways for our great region.

For Coventry and Warwickshire, I think our 'what next?' points to an outlook which remains one of cautious optimism.

Sandra added: “It was an absolute privilege to speak to John before he heads off into retirement.

Double exam success at local accountancy firm

And it’s great that we can use the Chamber platform to tell so many different stories through a range of channels.

We’ve just launched a new interview series called ‘President & People’ and my first guest was the outgoing Dean of Coventry, the Very Reverend John Witcombe. It was a truly special conversation where he revealed what Coventry and Warwickshire had given to him and there was also an incredible revelation on where he first found out he had an interview for the job in the city! No spoilers, but it was a remarkable story!

to make the move to Coventry Cathedral and that the city has had a lifechanging effect on him.

He said: “Somebody said to me that I’d changed the Cathedral but asked me how it – and the city – had changed me.

“I realised the answer was basically two sides of the same coin because I don’t think I’ve changed the Cathedral and I don’t know if I’ve changed the city, but I’ve helped the Cathedral to become all that it has always been called to be.

“I’ve helped it to inhabit its own DNA. I say the same for the city. It’s a fantastic place.

“What the city and the Cathedral have done is help me to become the person that God always made me to be.

“I have loved my time here. I love people. I love God. I love the arts. I love reconciliation.

“Being here in this city has given me a path to walk, and people to walk it with that I have just loved.”

two days training with Coventry RFC, and the rest of the week working for Bromwich Hardy as an apprentice surveyor.

Tom Bromwich, managing partner of Coventry-based Bromwich Hardy, said: “At Bromwich Hardy, we like to encourage our home-grown talent, and we saw an opportunity here both to map out a career for Will as well as add to our own ‘team’ someone who has already shown the drive and commitment to succeed.”

Royal Leamington Spa translation agency wins national Best Use of AI award

Comtec Translations, a family-owned translation and localisation agency based in Royal Leamington Spa, has won Best Use of AI in the agency category at the inaugural National Digital Awards.

The national award recognises Comtec's approach to using AI in the delivery of localisation services. Rather than using AI as a replacement for professional linguists, Comtec has built

its approach around careful use of technology, strong quality standards and expert human input.

Comtec works with organisations and agencies that need to adapt content for different languages, markets and cultures. The company supports clients across more than 200 languages through a global network of more than 4,000 specialist linguists.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

President & People

Legal services team celebrated at national event Warwickshire County Council’s Legal Services team has achieved recognition in two categories at the Lawyers in Local Government (LLG) Awards 2026.

Announced at LLG’s Spring Conference in Birmingham in June, Warwickshire Legal Services (WLS) achieved Highly Commended results in both the ‘Legal Team of the Year’

and ‘Legal Professional of the Year’ award categories.

The Lawyers in Local Government Awards celebrate the most dedicated and engaged professionals across local government legal practice and highlight the crucial work that local government lawyers do for their local communities.

His Majesty The King visits the RSC The Patron of the Royal Shakespeare Company, His Majesty King Charles III, joined audiences at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon for a performance of The Tempest directed by Sir Richard Eyre and starring Sir Kenneth Branagh, who played Prospero for the first time in a career that has included 35 productions of Shakespeare to date.

Excellence recognised at Draycote Hotel

On arrival, His Majesty was met by the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, Mr Tim Cox, and representatives of Stratfordupon-Avon as well as RSC Co-Artistic Directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey and RSC Development Director Robert Dixon, before taking his seat for the performance.

Lynsey ‘honoured’ to take on new role King Edward VI College has appointed Lynsey Smith as the college’s new permanent principal following a highly competitive recruitment process.

As a local resident, past student at the college, and member of staff of many years, Lynsey has a strong association with the college, knows its history, and is well placed to lead the college forward within the Better

Futures Multi-Academy Trust. Lynsey said: “I am really honoured to take the mantle of Principal at King Eds at such a pivotal moment in our history.

“Our students, parents and staff have always been and remain at the heart of all that we do. And it is a privilege to serve our local community as a flagbearer for student-led sixth-form education in the wider region.”

Ten new Deputy Lieutenants appointed to serve the West Midlands The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands has announced the appointment of ten new Deputy Lieutenants for the West Midlands.

Each of the new Deputy Lieutenants has already made a significant contribution to their local communities, national life, or both. Their backgrounds span community and charitable work, education, healthcare, major events and business - reflecting the breadth of talent and commitment found throughout the region.

The duties of Deputy Lieutenants include supporting official royal visits, representing the

Lieutenancy at citizenship ceremonies in each local authority area, supporting the Armed Forces — particularly reserve and cadet forces — and encouraging charitable and voluntary activity, alongside local initiatives that benefit communities.

Former Chamber president Amrik Bhabra MBE is among the new Deputy Lieutenants, which also include Professor Simon Brake, Henriette Breukelaar, Martin Brostoff, Dr Sarb Clare, Paula Deas MBE, Paul Faulkner, Garry Perry, Professor Zoe Radnor and Nicola Turner MBE.

Nisha on board to build new team

Leading employee-owned law firm Talbots Law has announced the launch of a brand-new Immigration Law service, marking a significant expansion of its legal offering and further strengthening support for individuals, families and businesses across the UK. The new department will be headed by experienced immigration solicitor and new director, Nisha Leel,

who joins the firm to establish and lead Talbots’ first dedicated immigration team.

Nisha said: “I am thrilled to be joining Talbots Law at such an exciting time and to have the opportunity to build and lead the firm's first dedicated Immigration Law team.”

Senior appointment at respected property company A leading Midlands construction and property development company has made a senior appointment as it continues to grow its footprint in the care and later living sector.

Jon Sidley has been appointed by Deeley Group as the Coventry-based firm’s new later living and partnership manager.

He is a trained quantity surveyor, project manager and a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) with more than 20 years’ experience in the construction sector.

Jon brings a wealth of expertise in site acquisition, delivery and partnerships development, having run his own housebuilding business in the Midlands for a decade.

In recent years he has specialised in the partnerships sector, working closely with organisations to identify opportunities to bring forward new developments.

The appointment comes as the firm continues to grow its reputation as the Midlands’ developer of choice for care and later living, with the sector accounting for more than 90 per cent of its projects in 2024/25.

Draycote Hotel has been awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2026 for guest feedback, meaning it is among the top ten per cent of hotels globally for the second year running.

This recognition is based entirely on guest reviews and feedback and reflects the consistently high standards delivered across all areas of the hotel.

A spokesperson said: “We are proud that it showcases a strong endorsement of the quality of our accommodation offering, delegate experiences for conference and events, and overall guest satisfaction “For our partners, such recognition further highlights our commitment to being a trusted and high-performing property within the Warwickshire hospitality sector, and the dedication of our outstanding teams.

“Alongside this award, we are also proud to maintain our MIA accreditation and WorldHost venue status, reenforcing our commitment to industry leading standards in customer service and operational excellence.

“We greatly value your continued support and look forward to building on this success together with all our clients and partners in the years ahead and our continued focus on quality, professionalism and exceptional experiences for every guest and visitor.”

Paulina recognised with award shortlisting Paulina Patrykowska, founder and director of Coventry-based marketing agency SLT Media, has been shortlisted for Marketing Leader of the Year at the Midlands Marketing Awards 2026.

The shortlisting recognises Paulina’s leadership across marketing delivery, community-focused projects, regional business support and the development of SLT Gateway, a project created to support Polish businesses entering the UK market.

Warwickshire skills champion recognised with national award Fay Winterburn, head of employability and skills, received a Bronze award in the Outstanding Individual Contribution category at the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards, held at Grosvenor House in London.

A Warwickshire County Council lead who has helped people into jobs and supported businesses to grow has been recognised with a national award.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

The award recognises individuals who demonstrate resilience, compassion, innovation and creativity, particularly in challenging circumstances. Fay was nominated in recognition of her dedication to improving employability and skills across Warwickshire, supporting residents into work while helping businesses access the skilled workforce they need.

Her nomination highlighted her commitment to championing initiatives such as the Fair Chance Employment programme, inclusive apprenticeships and developing skills provision to meet changing business needs across the county.

Councillor Rob Howard, Portfolio Holder for Economy at Warwickshire County Council, said: “We’re delighted to see Fay recognised with this award. She has played a vital role in strengthening support for both residents and businesses across Warwickshire, helping people into employment and ensuring employers can access the skills they need to grow.”

45

New Members Business Engage Members Apex Connected Ltd

Evtec Automotive Limited

Bauer Media - Greatest Hits Radio Advertising

Solaas Ltd

Office Supplies 02477 102 040 richard.lamb@apexconnected.com http://apexconnected.com/

Radio Stations 07549 825670

Automotive Supplier 02476 427000 info@evtec-automotive.com www.evtec-automotive.com

Troocost

Energy, Renewable 0808 164 2222 hello@troocost.com www.troocost.com

Information Technology 02477 102180 rene.wheeler@solaas.it http://solaas.it/

Business Global Members BAGGI UK Limited

Clothing 07787 794136 guney.durmus@baggi.com.tr www.baggi.com.tr

Drink Lomi Ltd

Drinks Retailer 07449 995923 harriet@drinklomi.com www.drinklomi.com

Business Connect Members 1010 Electrical Services Ltd

Electrical Installation, Service & Repairs 07598 251888 ben@1010electrical.co.uk www.1010electrical.co.uk

Aaron Barnes Consultancy Ltd

Dhillon's Brewery

Microbrewery/Drinks Manufacturer 02476 667413 bar@dhillonsbrewery.com https://dhillonsbrewery.com/

Grace & Order Support Services

Executive, Management & Business Coaching 07721 886025 aaron@aaronbarnesconsultancy.com www.aaronbarnesconsultancy.com

Administration Support Services 07763 277726 hello@graceandordersupport.co.uk https://www.graceandordersupport.co.uk

Adel Moin Mind & Performance Coaching

Homes Lettings Ltd

Educational & Training Consultants 01788 486111 hello@adelmoin.com www.adelmoin.com

Axis31

Business Consultants 07771 000159

Barleyfield HR Solutions Ltd

Human Resource Consultants 07368 352476 mrees@barleyfieldhrsolutions.co.uk

Property for Rental 02476 333434 info@homeslettingsltd.co.uk https://homeslettingsltd.co.uk/

J Artistry Clinics Ltd

Health & Wellbeing 07591 092255 Jartistryclinic@outlook.com https://jartistryclinic.com/

Jessanol Ltd

Virtual Assistant 07970 445867 jane@jessanol.com https://jessanol.com/

Savoirvivrée Limited

Fashionwear 07397 033320 Savoirvivree123@gmail.com

St Basils

Charities & Benevolent Organisations 0121 772 2483 fundraising@stbasils.org.uk https://stbasils.org.uk/

Superadditivity Limited

Executive, Management & Business Coaching 07745 391475 sue@superadditivity.com https://www.superadditivity.com/

The Old Hall Hotel

Hotels 024 7518 6000 Reception@oldhallcoventry.com https://www.theoldhallcoventry.com/

Travel Pips

Travel Agents 07343 080474 jo@travelpips.co.uk josianeisherwood.inteletravel.uk

UK Battery Industrialisation Centre

Executive, Management & Business Coaching 07877 088179 chris.haas@chrishaasmind.com https://www.chrishaasmind.com/

Mindfulness Therapies

Manufacturing info@ukbic.co.uk https://www.ukbic.co.uk/

Connolly Collective

Miro Logistics Limited

Accountancy Services 020 4593 2200 info@varolaccountancy.co.uk https://varolaccountancy.co.uk

Christoph Haas Mind Engineering

Employee Benefit Services 07896 959589 paul@connollycollective.co.uk connollycollective.co.uk

Coventry Vision Hub

Charities & Benevolent Organisations 024 7671 7522 admin@coventryvision.org.uk www.coventryvision.org.uk

46

Health & Wellbeing 02476 598087 mindfulldevi@outlook.com

Logistics Management 0121 817 1974 docs@miro-logistics.com http://www.miro-logistics.com

QRB Management Consultants Ltd

Executive, Management & Business Coaching 01327 630355 enquiries@qrbmc.com www.qrbmc.com

Varol Accountancy Ltd

Warwick Economics & Development Ltd Business Strategy Consultants 0121 752 9881 contact@w-ecd.com

Wise

Property 02476 551555 adminteam@wiselettings.co.uk wiselettings.co.uk www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

FEATURED OFFERS from our Chamber Members BUSINESS INFLUENCE & ENGAGE Members

Ramada Hotel and Suites Coventry City Centre

Telegraph Hotel Coventry

£45 Rooftop Small Plates & Cocktails for Two, celebrating the reopening of The Telegraph Hotel Coventry’s rooftop terrace, Expiry Date: 30/09/2026

As part of our 21st Anniversary celebrations, the Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Coventry are offering a discounted day delegate rate, starting from just £34 per person.

Expiry Date: 31/08/2026

BUSINESS CONNECT & GLOBAL Members

British Coatings Federation Ltd

Edit & Joy Ltd

Exclusively for Chamber of Commerce members, we are pleased to offer discounted room hire rates for our meeting spaces in modern offices in Westwood Business Park, Coventry.

Expiry Date: 01/09/2026

Historic Coventry Trust

Have your next meeting or event in the historic Anglican Chapel, London Road Cemetery and receive 20% off hires booked to end September 2026.

Expiry Date: 30/09/2026

Green 4 Motor Company

25% off your first decluttering & organising session for Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Members.

Expiry Date: 31/08/2026

Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber members that sign up to a Personal or Business Contract Hire agreement on the all-electric Mazda6e will receive free servicing, as a member only exclusive.

Expiry Date: 30/09/2026

PC Renewed Ltd

Professor AI Holdings Ltd

Chamber members receive an exclusive 10% discount across our full range of refurbished laptops, desktops, and IT equipment.

Expiry Date: 31/08/2026

HALO Physiotherapy Ltd

Have you been thinking about trying Pilates but aren't sure where to start?

Now's your chance to experience it for FREE! Expiry Date: 28/08/2026

Chamber Members can get a free 30-minute advisory call and a further 50% off either an AI Readiness Check or AI Governance Framework.

Expiry Date: 31/08/2026

Squab Group

Squab Workspace offers flexible business storage and workspace solutions for Chamber members at our secure Leamington Spa and Warwick locations.

Expiry Date: 31/08/2026

Want to share your Member Offer?

Email the details and your logo to info@cw-chamber.co.uk Member Offers are included in our Online Marketplace and shared to over 18,000 followers across social media.

To view these and all of our Member Offers, head to cw-chamber.co.uk/marketplace

MEMBERS EVENTS Ascendea: AI Business Accelerator

Coventry Inflatable 5K Run with George Eliot

Warwick Innovation Centre,

Hospital Charity

Warwick Technology Park,

University of Warwick,

Gallows Hill,

Kirby Corner Rd, Coventry,

CV34 6UW

CV4 7AL

Date: 23 July 2026 Time: 9:30am - 4.00pm

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Business Ready - Want you or your team to work more dynamically?

Outdoor Cinema Nights at Ansty Hall Hotel

Warwick Innovation Centre,

Ansty, Coventry, CV7 9HZ

Warwick Technology Park,

Date: Various dates from 02

Gallows Hill,

August 2026 - 31st August 2026

CV34 6UW

Time: Arrive from 7pm

Date: 25 July 2026

Date: 29 July 2026

Film starts at 8:30pm

Time: 9.00am - 2.00pm

Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm

|Weather permitting

Ansty Hall Hotel, Main Road,

Devising an Accountable Marketing and Sales Strategy Online event, delivered as part of the Business Ready Programme,

by University of Warwick Science Park, on behalf of Warwickshire County Council Date: 10 August 2026 Time: 10am - 11:30am

47

Orthopaedic Surgery At Meriden Hospital, our Orthopaedic Consultants provide expert care for a wide range of bone, joint and muscle conditions. We have a patient-focused approach, working closely with you to understand your needs and support you from diagnosis through to treatment and recovery.

We offer: Fast and easy access to MRI

Flexible payment plans

Fast and flexible appointment times

Fast and accurate results

Your choice of consultant

Tailored treatment plans

Scan or call 02477 287 827 to book your appointment.

Meriden Hospital - Clifford Bridge Rd, Coventry CV2 2LQ 37381 4027 MKT ADV / 06.2026