C&W May 25

PET-Xi CEO and co-founder

Fleur Sexton DL

Talks about her three decades running the firm and her plans for the future. Page 20

Dear Member,

Here at the Chamber of Commerce, we have been supporting businesses across Coventry & Warwickshire with their international trade since the very start, back in 1903! Through wars, Brexit, recessions and pandemics.

Each time we get through one crisis, another pops up and it really seems that disruption is the new norm. This time it’s tariffs and trade deals. After the chaos of the last three weeks, at least we’ve had the two trade deals with India and with the US announced.

respite from the ongoing US / Global tariff negotiations that will dominate the next 12 months. In particular, our aerospace, automotive and pharmaceutical sectors will be very relieved for the detail we have already.

And remember, if you are trading overseas or want to find out how to start – we are working with Greater Birmingham and Black Country Chambers to deliver FREE international trade support through the Exporting Starts Here programme, fully funded by WMCA for any businesses in Coventry. Please contact us at the Coventry office if you

over 650 attendees and the night was a brilliant celebration of Coventry & Warwickshire businesses, community groups and outstanding individuals. The night was only possible because of the generosity of our sponsors and the brilliance of our entrants – so thank you all so much. But a special thanks goes to the amazing team at the Chamber – everyone was involved in some way, but the remarkable Chris Nagle, our Head of Events, Comms & Marketing, needs a knighthood soon for all his incredible work and unbelievable dedication to creating an unforgettable celebration of our

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

Business Support

Warwick company says

‘I do’

to business help

A boutique bridal shop in Warwick is on course for growth after its owner found the perfect match to support the business.

Becky Lavelle launched Lavelle Bridal Couture six years ago when she wanted to start her own company and decided to put her passion for fashion into her own venture.

After going wedding dress shopping with her sister, Becky felt there was an opportunity to do things differently and launched the business from Jury Street in Warwick.

Originally, she planned to make the dresses herself but decided, instead, to curate a collection from UK and international designers – from Jesus Peiro through to Vera Wang – and focus on the service offered to clients.

But, on the back of Covid, Lavelle Bridal saw a reduction in enquiries – not just during lockdown periods but with fewer engagements, there were fewer weddings in the subsequent years.

By the spring of 2024, Becky was wondering whether to continue with the business but was told about support available through the Business Resilience and Growth programme, which is delivered by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire’s five District and Borough Councils.

Initially, Becky was sceptical about what might be on offer but when she was paired with Chamber support manager, Sarah Humphreys, she immediately knew that it was the ideal match.

She said: “I was a little bit unsure about what was going to be on offer because I didn’t think anyone would fully understand my business and the market we are in.

“But I was then introduced to Sarah and we hit it off straight away. She had lots of experience in running a business, including in the wedding sector, so that was great.”

Sarah recognised that there was a challenge around getting more footfall into the boutique, and that Becky had limited time to increase its visibility. They worked together on sales strategies and timesaving marketing actions to increase its digital presence.

The changes worked, with Becky enjoying her best month of sales soon after implementing some of the ideas. She is now building a network of followers, as well as growing her contacts with wedding venues and events companies.

“I got myself into an exclusive wedding fayre, for example, and it led to a bride-tobe coming in and purchasing a dress very soon after,” said Becky. “So, the event more than paid for itself!

“I am so grateful to Sarah. I really looked forward to our meetings because I would always come out feeling more energised and ready to work on the business, not just in it.

“I’ve rediscovered my love for what I do and I’m looking forward to more success in the future.”

Sarah said: “Becky was great to work with. In our one-to-one meetings, we worked on the vision of the business

and covered multiple growth strategies. Being an action taker, Becky quickly started implementing changes in her business, which soon started to reap the desired results.”

Councillor Martin Watson, portfolio holder for Economy at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Our priority is to support Warwickshire’s businesses to have the right skills and knowledge to help them grow and create a thriving economy in Warwickshire.

“The Business Resilience and Growth programme provides bespoke support to businesses, supporting them with a range of topics.

“It’s great to see the impact the programme can have for our local businesses, Becky, founder of Lavelle Bridal Couture, was able to access support to help her address her challenges and create sales and marketing strategies to overcome these, with an almost immediate impact seen through increased sales.”

Councillor Ella Billiald, Portfolio Holder for Arts, Culture and Economy at Warwick District Council, added: “The District Council is pleased to lend its support to Lavelle Bridal Culture and other small businesses in our area through this excellent programme. We are delighted to see the positive impact it is having and would encourage other local organisations who find them themselves in a similar situation to get in touch to find out about the specialist help and advice that is available.”

Rebecca Corr (Warwickshire County Council), Saffron Medway (Business Advisor at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce), Becky Lavelle (Lavelle Bridal Couture).

Coleshill salon receives business support treatment!

A beauty salon and training academy in Coleshill is eyeing up expansion plans after receiving business support.

Faces Beauty Salon and Training Academy has celebrated its one-year anniversary in the town, which has seen the business expand its team and its client base.

The salon was launched by Stephanie Davey, who has eight years of experience in the beauty industry and previously worked from her home in Acocks Green while also teaching beauty part time at University College Birmingham.

Having always known she wanted her own salon, Stephanie took the leap and opened on Coleshill’s High Street in December 2023 offering treatments including lashes, brows, microneedling and hair extensions as well running training and refresher courses in these areas.

Since then, the salon has welcomed seven self-employed hair and beauty therapists to add to the range of treatments offered, which now also includes facials, massages, aesthetics, laser therapy, hair and permanent jewellery.

Having never managed a business premises, Stephanie sought help through the Business Resilience and Growth programme, which is delivered by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire’s five District and Borough Councils.

She received one-to-one support from business advisor Jason Barnes who has helped to shape the business’s branding and marketing activities as well as provide advice on financial planning.

This has resulted in a steady increase in new clients and increased engagement online, with Stephanie now hoping to expand and open a second premises in the future. Stephanie said: “I’ve received an incredible amount of tailored support from Jason who has really helped me to drive the business forward.

“When working self-employed from home I was very focused on my clients, but having a premises means I have so much more to think about while also maintaining a high standard of client experience. It’s been a whirlwind since I opened!

“Jason has supported me with branding, digital marketing, social media strategy and financial planning, and has also shown me the importance of upskilling myself which has really helped to grow my client base.

“All of those in my team are self-employed, but my plan for the future is to open a second premises with employed members of staff and also grow the training school arm of the business.

“With the economy as it is, we often have students looking to upskill themselves so that they can make some extra money or kick-start a new career. It’s a really exciting time for the salon and I’m looking forward to the years ahead.”

Jason said: “I first met Stephanie at our Coleshill Business Event - she had recently moved to her High Street salon and was looking to grow the business.

“Lack of footfall was an issue, and she needed to improve her marketing to ensure that local people knew that she was there.

“We established what her offering was and came up with a plan to improve her messaging and use of digital marketing to connect with her customer base. The result has been much better interaction online and an increase in new clients.

“We have also discussed Stephanie’s aspirations for the future and how she can achieve these growth plans, and I look forward to seeing these come to fruition over the coming years.”

Dave Ayton-Hill, Director of Economy and Place at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Business Growth Warwickshire supports businesses with bespoke guidance and information to help them adapt, grow and to reach their potential.

“The work that has been done with Stephanie highlights the real difference such support can make to business, and it is great to hear about the impact it has had on helping Stephanie increase her client base and set her future growth plans.”

Steve Maxey, Chief Executive at North Warwickshire Borough Council, added: “I am delighted that a North Warwickshire based business has been able

to grow and flourish thanks to North Warwickshire Borough Council’s support of the Business Growth Warwickshire programme, which is part funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.”

The Business, Resilience and Growth Programme is part funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (via Warwickshire’s five District and Borough Councils) and Warwickshire County Council.

To find out more about the programme and your businesses eligibility please go to https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/ business-support/business-resilience-and-growth/

“With the economy as it is, we often have students looking to upskill themselves so that they can make some extra money or kick-start a new career. It’s a really exciting time for the salon and I’m looking forward to the years ahead.”

Rebecca Corr, of Warwickshire County Council; Jason Barnes, of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber, and Stephanie Davey, of Faces Beauty Salon and Training Academy.

How Debt Collection

has Evolved in the Digital Age

Debt recovery has come a long way from letters in the post and time-consuming phone calls. Today, digital solutions such as Debt-Claims. com are reshaping the way businesses and legal professionals manage debt, bringing faster, more efficient solutions to a traditionally slow and manual process. However, the changes are far reaching and accelerating.

Automation is driving ffficiency

One of the most noticeable changes is automation. Modern debt recovery tools handle tasks like reminders, notifications, and payment tracking automatically, allowing firms to manage larger volumes of debt with far less effort. Automated emails and SMS messages help maintain regular contact, boosting repayment rates while minimising human error.

Digital Communication has taken centre stage

The shift in communication methods is equally striking. Traditional channels have been joined by social media and digital messaging platforms, offering quicker and sometimes more personal ways to connect with debtors. However, this brings new responsibilities: firms must be cautious not to overstep legal or ethical boundaries, especially in terms of privacy and consent.

AI and Big Data are powering smarter strategies

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another powerful force. AI can analyse financial behaviour, helping solicitors predict which debts are most likely to be recovered and when to act. Big data further enhances this, enabling tailored approaches based on real-time insights rather than guesswork.

The Rise of seamless digital payments

Digital payment systems, like PayPal, Apple Pay, and integrated online portals, have simplified how debts are settled. For businesses, this means fewer missed payments and a more straightforward way to monitor progress.

Balancing innovation with responsibility

However, these advances aren’t without challenges. The digital approach requires firms to tread carefully, balancing efficiency with ethics. Aggressive messaging or misuse of personal data can quickly lead to reputational harm or legal trouble, particularly under GDPR and other data protection regulations.

Looking Ahead: A more transparent future

Looking ahead, technologies like blockchain could add transparency and trust to the debt recovery process, while further AI developments promise even more strategic, data-driven approaches. As society becomes increasingly cashless, the pressure to offer flexible, tech-enabled solutions will only grow.

Final thoughts

Ultimately, while the tools may have changed, the principles remain the same: clear communication, fairness, and compliance are key. By combining smart technology with professional judgement, debt recovery in the digital age can be both effective and responsible.

If you are looking for digital solutions to to simplify your debt recovery process for your business, email Debt-Claims Solicitors info@debt-claims.com today.

McCarthys celebrates 45 years in business

Commercial design, build and fit-out contractor, McCarthys has marked its 45th year in business.

Taking place at The Compound Studio in Birmingham, more than 120 colleagues, clients and partners gathered to celebrate the milestone.

Since it was founded in 1979, McCarthys, which has been a member of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce for 15 years, has evolved into a multimillion-pound commercial turnkey business working with the likes of Virgin, Tarmac, Jaguar Land Rover, Peugeot and Anglo Irish Bank.

McCarthys’ managing director Steven McCarthy said: “From a dining room table to where we are today, McCarthys has thrived due to collaboration, hard work and innovation. As we celebrate 45 years, I can’t miss the opportunity to thank everyone past and present who has been a part of our journey.”

The company’s story began when Steven’s father, Bernard and business partners spotted a gap in the market for supplying office equipment to businesses. From there McCarthys quickly expanded its offering in response to client demand— developing spaces suitable for electronic word processors before venturing into system furniture installation, and later providing full office fit-out solutions.

“Deals used to be done around a table with 20 Rothmans and a glass or two of whisky,” McCarthy said. “While times have changed, we still embrace that open partnering approach.”

In the last 12 months, the Coventry-headquartered business has increased its headcount by more than 30 per cent and expanded into a new Birmingham office. Plus, one of its latest design and fit-out projects has been nominated as a finalist for a British Council for Offices (BCO) award this year.

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Congratulations to McCarthys on its 45 years in business. The company is a valued member of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and we wish them every success for the future.”

To find out more about McCarthys and a 45-year evolution in commercial interiors, please visit: www.mccarthygroup.co.uk/ news/reflecting-on-a-45-year-evolution-of-commercial-interiors/

Optimum director remuneration package 2025/26

As a company director in the UK, structuring your remuneration in a tax-efficient way can help reduce your tax burden while staying compliant with HMRC rules. The 2025/26 tax year brings some key changes, including the lowering of the threshold for employer NIC contributions and frozen tax thresholds.

Deciding the correct remuneration package is a balancing act and these are the factors to consider in determining the split between salary and dividend:

Levels of NIC for both employer and employee

Level of salary to qualify for a NIC credit for the state pension

• Tax allowances for salary and dividends

• Tax relief for employee salaries

How many people are on the payroll

There is no ‘one size fit all’ remuneration plan however in most cases, a low salary/high dividend strategy still works.

What is the optimum director’s salary for 2025/26?

This will depend on whether the company qualifies for the Employment Allowance. To be eligible, employers must have at least one employee or two directors on the payroll, and the directors must not have another company claiming the employment allowance. Sole director companies cannot claim the allowance. The Employment allowance increased from £5,000 to £10,500 from April 2025.

For sole directors with no employees, we recommend the salary should be at least £6,500 per annum to qualify for an NI credit for the state pension. Although there would be no employee NIC, this level of salary would incur employers NIC of £225. Corporation tax relief is available on salaries and employer NIC contributions.

Although sole director companies cannot claim the Employer Allowance, we still recommend setting the salary at the tax-free personal allowance of £12,570. Although there will be a liability for employer NIC of £1,135.50 the corporation tax savings on the salary cost would be anywhere between £2,604 and £3,632. When balanced against the employer NIC of £1,135.50, the corporation tax savings are greater than the employer NIC liability.

Where there are at least 2 people on the payroll, our recommended director’s salary would be £12,570. By setting the salary at the tax-free personal allowance, there would be no employee NIC. The employer NIC of £1,135.50 would be covered by the Employment Allowance, so no employer NIC would be payable either.

£500 Dividend Allowance

Once again in the 2025/26 tax year the first £500 of dividends are tax free. Dividends above this amount suffer tax at 8.75% within the basic rate band, 33.75% at higher rate and 39.35% in the upper tax bracket. One benefit of dividends is that they don’t attract a charge to national insurance. Unlike salaries, dividends are not a tax-deductible expense in working out the corporation tax liability. Here is a comparison of income tax and dividend tax rates which illustrates the lower rates of dividend tax, particularly at basic rate: Income Tax (England, Wales & NI) Salary Dividend

Recommendations

The director salary should be set at £12,570 for the tax year 2025/26 irrespective of whether the company is eligible for the employment allowance. At this level, the director will qualify for a NI pension credit for the year, and the company will make corporation tax savings on the salary and NIC liabilities.

Additional income should then be taken as dividends

A director who earns £50,270 through a combination of salary and dividends will pay personal taxes of £3,255. The effective rate of tax on this remuneration package is approximately 6.5%.

A low salary/high dividend strategy may not always be the best overall strategy; therefore, it is always best to review your individual circumstances. Typical scenarios where you may want a higher salary could include:

The company is in a loss-making situation, meaning dividends cannot be paid

• Mortgage purposes

Death in service and permanent health insurance purposes Where you are involved in R & D activities

• Personal pension contribution levels (however company contributions continue to be very tax efficient)

Your company is subject to corporation tax at 25% and you have high income needs

Please get in touch with our team should you wish to discuss the above in more detail.

Karen Keeling Partner, Head of Private Client Tax

Are You Eligible?

Running

Oh,

what a night!

Businesses, community groups and individuals have been celebrating after picking up awards at a major new event in Coventry and Warwickshire.

The Coventry & Warwickshire Business and Community Awards

The inaugural Coventry & Warwickshire Business & Community Awards, developed by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, took place at the Belgrade Theatre and recognised outstanding achievement in the region.

The glittering event featured on-stage performances, live music and networking as well as handing out ten awards in a range of categories.

Coventry-based NP Aerospace took home The Global Player award, sponsored by Lawton Tubes, in recognition of its overseas success while Nuneaton Signs picked up The Equality Trailblazer prize, sponsored by North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College.

“What an incredible night! I am so proud of everyone involved because this event started with an idea only a few months ago to put on an awards show that captured everything that is great about our region."

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

The Workforce Developer, sponsored by People Arches Ltd, went to Nuneaton-based Independent Freight Solutions before Warwick Conferences was handed The Planet Saver award, sponsored by EBC Group.

Coventry IT firm SolaaS won The Rapid Riser prize, sponsored by Purple Planet Packaging, while Coventry BID landed The Problem Solver award, sponsored by Wright Hassall.

Creative agency Blunt & Brave won the award for The Creative & Culture Activator, sponsored by Warwickshire County Council. The Community Champion, sponsored by Coventry BID, went to the Sri Lankan Street Food & Café.

The Not For Profit Champion, sponsored by Coventry Building Society, went to mental health and wellbeing service Guardian Ballers, before Rachel Ollerenshaw took home the only individual award of the night – The Inspirational Individual, sponsored by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “What an incredible night! I am so proud of everyone involved because this event started with an idea only a few months ago to put on an awards show that captured everything that is great about our region.

“We wanted it to be a proper celebration of Coventry and Warwickshire – its businesses, community groups and people – and for everyone to come and have a great night.

“Thankfully, it delivered everything we hoped for and more – and we’re already thinking about next year’s event.

“Huge congratulations to all of our amazing winners, as well as to everyone who was shortlisted for an award, for helping to make it such a night to remember.

“Also, a big thank you to our sponsors and everyone at the Chamber, the Belgrade and elsewhere who helped to pull such an amazing event together.

“If we needed any reminding about what a special place Coventry and Warwickshire is to live, work and do business, this event did that in abundance and showed us all what an incredible place this is.”

The full list of winners:

• The Global Player, sponsored by Lawton Tubes: NP Aerospace

• The Equality Trailblazer, sponsored by North Warwickshire & South

• Leicestershire College (NWSLC): Nuneaton Signs

• The Workforce Developer, sponsored by People Arches Ltd: Independent Freight Solutions

• The Planet Saver, sponsored by EBC Group: Warwick Conferences

• The Rapid Riser, sponsored by Purple Planet Packaging: Solaas

• The Problem Solver, sponsored by Wright Hassall LLP: Coventry BID

• The Creative & Culture Activator, sponsored by Warwickshire County Council: Blunt & Brave

• The Community Champion, sponsored by Coventry BID: Sri Lankan Street Food & Café

• The Not-for-Profit Champion, sponsored by Coventry Building Society: Guardian Ballers

• The Inspirational Individual, sponsored by Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce: Rachel Ollerenshaw

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Finding Connection and Confidence:

Men’s Space at St Oswald’s

In a world where it can be all too easy for men especially older or isolated men to slip through the cracks, one local group is providing a place to reconnect, recharge, and rediscover joy in community.

Men’s Space, hosted every Wednesday afternoon at St Oswald’s, is exactly what it sounds like: a safe, welcoming environment for men to gather, take part in activities, and most importantly, enjoy each other’s company.

Each two-hour session is led by a skilled facilitator who brings a wide range of workshops, creative activities, and even the occasional day trip into the mix. No two weeks are ever quite the same. The group has tried its hand at African drumming, woodwork (including some rather impressive bird boxes), and even shared a meal while celebrating Chinese New Year with a quiz. From cooking together to enjoying performances from up-and-coming local musicians, Men’s Space offers more than a chance to pass the time it’s a chance to participate, create, and belong.

The group also takes regular trips further afield, making memories and exploring together. Outings have included visits to the Black Country Living Museum, Cadbury World, the Belgrade Theatre, a spa day, and even a festive stroll through Stratford-upon-Avon’s Christmas markets.

But the real magic of Men’s Space lies not just in the activities, but in the atmosphere. There’s no pressure just an open invitation to be part of something supportive and lifegiving. Many of the men who attend say it’s helped them build confidence, make new friends, and feel more connected to the wider community.

At a time when male mental health is increasingly recognised as a critical issue, spaces like this are more than a good idea they’re essential. Whether it’s for the conversation, the craft, or just a cuppa and a bit of laughter, Men’s Space continues to grow, one Wednesday at a time.

Written by Fr Ed Backhouse SSC –Priest in Charge, St Oswald’s Church, Tile Hill fr.edwardbackhouse@outlook.com

Two local charities merge to form a stronger, united organisation

Coventry & Warwickshire Mind and South Warwickshire & Worcestershire Mind are thrilled to announce they have merged to form a stronger, united organisation: Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind (CWW Mind).

The merger will allow the charity to support more people within their communities and offer a greater range and depth of services, positioning CWW Mind to deliver transformative mental health support and training across the region. As well as supporting people struggling with their mental health, CWW Mind also supports local businesses in the challenges they face in addressing mental health at work. CWW Mind offers specialised training programmes

tailored to help organisations build resilience, reduce absenteeism, and cultivate a supportive culture. They are excited to offer a 10% discount on all training for fellow Chamber members.

Please ask for the CWW Mind training brochure to have a look at the comprehensive training menu on offer.

“We are confident that this merger represents a positive step forward for mental health services across the region,” says Steven Hill, CEO of Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind. “We look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders, including commissioners, corporate partners, and fundraisers, to ensure a smooth transition and a successful future organisation.”

This is the first of many developments that CWW Mind is working on, as they look to develop Longer-Term Partnerships with Chamber partners, support a healthier, happier local workforce and community, and help organisations to deliver their values and CSR goals — through sponsorship opportunities, joint campaigns, or customised workplace mental health strategies. A further upcoming opportunity to support CWW Mind’s work in the community is its groundbreaking supported living and mental health recovery initiative Berry Mews.

To find out more about CWW Mind and their Berry Mews development, visit: www.cwwmind.org.uk or contact Ian Smart: ian.smart@cwmind.org.uk

Warwickshire Vision Support Launches New Visual Impairment Awareness Training for Businesses and Organisations

Warwickshire Vision Support (WVS), the county’s sight loss charity with over 110 years of experience, is proud to announce the launch of its new corporate training offer focused on sight loss and its impact on customers, employees, and other stakeholders.

All of us at WVS are passionate about improving awareness of the challenges faced by people with a visual impairment.

Part of this is supporting others to improve their knowledge and confidence around sight loss. As such we are excited to have recently launched our Visual Impairment Awareness Training. An hour long taster session delivered by a qualified vision rehabilitation specialist offers bespoke advice and exercises designed to give people more confidence around working with people with sight loss.

Having a better understanding of sight loss can help businesses and organisations ensure that they are serving their visually impaired customers more effectively. Attracting more visually impaired customers makes sense from a business perspective, disability spend in the UK is estimated at around £274bn annually. With the government’s aim of getting more disabled people into work, understanding people with sight loss will make organisations more confident in employing them.

Our training sessions are tailored to the audience, so whatever your organisation, we can accommodate your own circumstances. The session covers sight loss conditions and how they affect the person experiencing them. We use simulation specs to demonstrate a number of conditions, and practical exercises, such as reading menus or finding ‘use by’ dates; to show their effects.

The session also covers lighting, the use of contrasting colours, tactile markers and descriptive language amongst other topics. It ends with some sighted guiding training to give attendees an insight into guiding visually impaired people, along with sampling how it feels to be guided.

We recently ran the course for a group of care workers, who found the practical exercises very useful. We also visited a group of graduate civil engineers and town planners, who were very engaged in discussions about the uses of contrasting

colours, different surfaces and the effects of shadow on visually impaired pedestrians.

We are excited to be able to offer this training and excited about the potential impact it could have on the lives of local visually impaired people.

If you would like to know more please email imke.mcclelland@warwickshire.vision.

Now just over halfway through a two-year funded project, Men’s Space at St Oswald’s Church, Tile Hill is proving to be a lifeline for many, offering friendship, creativity, and community for men of all backgrounds.

CoventryConferences invests in raft of refurbishments

CoventryConferences is going from strength to strength after investing in the refurbishment of its main restaurant and The Bistro – with a special launch event to be held this summer.

Based on Coventry University Technology Park in the heart of the city, CoventryConferences offers versatile spaces within a number of accessible buildings, with

spaces for everything from small meetings and workshops to larger conferences and events for up to 200 people.

CoventryConferences offers varied catering and hospitality solutions for conferences and events, ranging from breakfasts, hot or cold lunches and afternoon treats through to evening receptions and fine dining complemented by a carefully selected wine

list, with the menus catering to all dietary requirements and tastes.

At The Bistro, which is open to the public Monday to Friday from 7am, seasonal menus are served with options for breakfast and lunch as well as coffee and cakes.

The centre has seen a raft of improvements, including refurbishing the main restaurant and The Bistro, with a special launch event taking place in the summer where people can visit and taste the new menu and see all the meeting rooms and event space.

There are a total of 27 meeting rooms which come under CoventryConferences, all of which are available for external events.

Coventry University has additional space available across campus and offers the opportunity to stay and relax in its Future Lets or Belgrade Plaza Apartments.

As well as extensive catering options, all rooms are fully-equipped with AV, with AV support available on site, and benefit from free parking.

Erwin Middel, Operations Manager for CoventryConferences, said: “We had a successful year for CoventryConferences in 2024, and now we’re looking to grow further.

“We can cater for anything from meetings, conferences and events to training, product launches and workshops.

“At the heart of what we do is providing exceptional catering, and to do this we look to ensure that all of our staff can bring their authentic selves to work. Enabling everyone to have their own flair means that, in-turn, our menus are bold and creative.

“We are able to tailor our services to all of our clients, and can also cater for all dietary requirements in a creative way.

“We are also incredibly community-focused and are keen to give back to the local area, we provide staff with three volunteer days per year which they can use to support local charities and good causes.

“We’re extremely excited to officially launch our newly-refurbished restaurant and The Bistro, and look forward to welcoming everyone to see the space and taste our new menu.”

Further information about CoventryConferences and how to book is available by visiting www.coventryconferences.co.uk

Charity supports businesses to reach social value targets

The UK’s largest canal charity is supporting businesses across Coventry, Warwickshire and beyond to reach their social value targets.

The Canal and River Trust, which looks after and brings to life 2,000 miles of canals in England and Wales, is now working with businesses and organisations looking to give back to their local communities.

The Trust is working in partnership with corporate supporters across a range of sectors to help them achieve their environmental objectives, focus on employee health and wellbeing and make a direct impact within the communities in which they operate.

Partnerships can either involve a donation to contribute to a specific project or one of the Trust’s core areas of work, or hands-on volunteering opportunities on both small or large projects.

The Trust provides corporate partners with regular reporting on the impact being made as a result of their support, measurable success factors in areas including employee or customer engagement and invitations to events and networking opportunities.

The Canal and River Trust is now looking to develop more strategic partnerships with businesses who share a love of nature and is working alongside local communities to

support them in meeting their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets.

Terry Hodgetts, Business and Corporate Engagement Partner of Canal and River Trust West Midlands, said: “We have a number of fantastic corporate partners who provide us with an incredible amount of support, and we are now looking to grow this area further.

“Working with the Trust enables businesses and organisations to give back to the millions of people from communities that use their local canals.

“Our research shows that spending time by water, whether it be on a lunch break, daily commute or just a weekend stroll, really does make us feel happier and healthier.

“Across the West Midlands, 559 miles of canals weave their way through richly vibrant and culturally diverse communities, and this includes right here in Coventry and Warwickshire.

“Not only do we focus on community health and wellbeing, but we can also help businesses by engaging with workforces who are given the opportunity to come and enjoy an event on the canal.

“Corporate partners can get involved with a whole range of projects that can be incorporated into one-off team engagement days and ESG work involving several days of support.

“During this, we can offer companies a beautiful environment to get their employees away from the daily grind and appreciate the beautiful surroundings of what nature has to offer while making a real difference in their local community.

“We understand that businesses vary in size and scope, and we can tailor a strategic partnership which meets the needs of each individual’s aims and objectives.”

Further information about becoming a strategic corporate partner of the Canal and River Trust is available by contacting Terry.Hodgetts@canalrivertrust.org.uk

Business Engage Profiles

Employer engagement team helping to futureproof workforces

Coventry College is providing tailored support to businesses across the area, helping them to overcome skills gaps and futureproof their workforces.

The college has an experienced and dedicated Employer Engagement team which supports businesses with everything from spotting new talent and employee recruitment to bespoke training for current staff.

The team also conducts regular Skills Panel Meetings with employers and stakeholders to gain key industry insights, identify skills gaps and ensure the college’s curriculum is designed to continuously align with the local, regional and national jobs market.

One of the team’s most recent successes was introducing and delivering an accredited NOCN Level 2 Damp & Mould course to front line Citizen Housing staff in-line with new government guidelines.

The college worked with Citizen Housing to ensure the course met its needs, with staff being upskilled to help reduce the risk of damp and mould in their tenanted properties. Based at the newly-refurbished Employer Hub at the college, the Employer Engagement team also includes industry placement specialists who support students with finding suitable placements in workplaces which relate to their areas of study.

The team works closely with employers from start to finish, and the placements not only benefit the students, but provide businesses with the opportunity to help develop future workforces, tap into new talent and ensure that students develop the soft skills they are looking for.

Emma Ingram, Head of Employer Engagement and Sales at Coventry College, manages the team.

Emma said: “We are proud to work alongside such a strong network of employers and are continually listening to locally-based Coventry and Warwickshire businesses to accommodate their training requirements.

“This could be upskilling workforces via the college’s suite of courses, including distance learning options, or developing the next generation of employees by delivering Skills Bootcamps and Into Employment programmes.

“Going forward, we fully appreciate the challenges local businesses continue to face, and we at Coventry College are committed to supporting their future training requirements and helping them build a sustainable workforce for the future.

“We want to build on the great working relationships we have created with employers and are keen to support any

local business who may be seeking to recruit new staff, provide a work experience placement or are looking for a tailored training programme.

“Our broad curriculum means that we can work with any business of any size to meet their needs and help them to thrive.”

The college is also actively supporting SMEs via an Innovate UK-funded project where

dedicated Business Development Advisors Beth Craine and Anisha Bahia are available to help drive business growth. For more, visit www.coventrycollege.ac.uk/innovate

Business looking to find out more details about accessing training can contact Employer Engagement team at employers@coventrycollege.ac.uk or by calling 02476 791700.

Railway operator supporting businesses to travel smarter

A railway operator has helped one agency save over 23,000kg of CO2 through smarter rail travel.

London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway is supporting businesses in making smarter, more sustainable travel choices - and creative agency Anything is Possible is a standout example of what’s possible with Just Business.

Since joining the Just Business platform, the Brightonbased agency has transformed the way it manages staff travel.

More than 1,000 journeys have already been made through the platform, saving over 23,000kg of CO2 compared to petrol car travel and cutting the burden of expense claims.

Launched in 2019, Just Business is London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway’s free-to-use platform that simplifies corporate train travel.

It gives businesses of all sizes a single portal to book, manage and track journeys across the entire UK rail network, with no transaction fees.

For companies like Anything is Possible, that means complete flexibility for staff and full visibility for finance teams.

Ndeshi Shipanga, People and Culture Partner at Anything is Possible, explained why they made the switch: “We had ongoing challenges with our previous provider from app

issues and unreliable pricing to staff having to pay out of their own pocket.

“Just Business removed all of that. Our team can now book travel easily, and we’ve regained control over costs with the platform’s clear parameters and reporting tools.”

With 76 employees using Just Business and an average journey cost of £45, the savings add up fast not just in terms of money, but time and carbon emissions too.

The platform automatically finds the lowest available fares across all train operators and even allows employees to use their own Railcards for extra discounts.

Beyond cost savings, Just Business delivers meaningful support for corporate sustainability goals.

“We’ve saved more than 23,000kg of CO2 compared to car travel,” said Ndeshi. “And the platform makes it easy to access that data, which is invaluable for our sustainability reporting.”

Another key benefit is the human touch. The dedicated Just Business help desk offers real-time support with no chatbots or delays - just friendly, expert advice when you need it.

Ndeshi added: “It’s refreshing to speak to real people who respond quickly. That personal service is a major reason we recommend Just Business to other businesses.”

From Hull to Bournemouth, the agency’s team now travels with confidence and ease whether heading to client pitches, agency meetings in Brighton, or welcoming international colleagues visiting from South Africa.

Just Business is helping businesses across the country to cut emissions, reduce admin, and simplify travel. In 2024 alone, it helped thousands of users secure the best end-toend fares while supporting their environmental targets.

To find out how Just Business can help organisations take control of travel costs and carbon, visit www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/tickets-discounts/ business-travel or www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/ tickets-discounts/business-travel.

What is Commonhold and why is the Labour Government pushing it?

On 3 March 2025, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government released a landmark White Paper setting out proposals to ban the sale of new leasehold flats and revive the commonhold system, aiming to make it the default form of ownership.

Our property law team at Askews Legal LLP explores the context behind these proposals and what they could mean for homeowners and developers alike.

Why does the Government want to reform leaseholds?

Various Bills in 1967, 1987, and 1993 attempted to reform the leasehold system. However, by 2010, leaseholders had a right of first refusal where landlords wished to sell their freeholds and could extend their leases or acquire their freehold.

The Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 introduced the concept of commonhold as a way of holding land. Commonhold allowed purchasers to own the freehold of their flat and have joint responsibility for the common parts such as stairwells and landings etc through a Commonhold Association.

But Commonhold failed to take off.

Then came the extortionate ground rent charges on newly built homes, the Grenfell tragedy, and the cladding crisis. The calls to reform leaseholds became louder, and interest in the commonhold system has been revived. It is poised to become the default form of flat ownership in England and Wales. What is commonhold?

The Whitepaper defines commonhold as: “A form of freehold property ownership created in England and Wales, to enable individual properties within a building or larger development to be owned on a freehold basis.”

There are no leases, instead, unit-holders enter into a Commonhold Community Statement (CCS) that defines the rights, responsibilities, and rules for all unit owners within the commonhold. In addition, it is the

governing framework for the Commonhold Association, outlining how the shared areas, structures, and facilities will be managed, maintained, and paid for.

What are the benefits of commonhold vs leasehold?

Until now, leasehold has been the predominant form of flat ownership and commonhold is rarely used, despite the fact it offers several advantages over leasehold, including:

The value of a long lease reduces as the term runs down; this does not happen with commonhold.

Rather than be dependent on the quality of the landlord or a management agency appointed by the landlord for maintaining common areas of the property, the Commonhold Association, whose members are unit-holders, manages the building.

Commonhold eliminates the need for separate leases, which can be poorly drafted, leading to unenforceable obligations and disputes.

Disputes between the Commonhold Association and unit-holders can normally be resolved through conciliation and mediation.

What is the Commonhold White Paper?

The Labour Government’s Commonhold White Paper:

Sets out how the legal framework of commonhold will be reformed, so it is fit for purpose and all known issues are accounted for.

Details how commonhold will operate in the future, including become the default tenure for flats in England and Wales.

Provides how the proposed changes will benefit consumers and the property sector. Highlights issues which still require further thought and legislative proposals, such as converting existing leaseholds to commonholds.

Will new leasehold flats be banned?

The Commonhold White Paper states:

“The UK government has committed to banning the sale of new flats on a leasehold basis to ensure that commonhold becomes the standard tenure. We see having a viable commonhold model as the essential first step towards the development of a ban, so we will not ban the use of leasehold until we are confident that a viable alternative, through reformed commonhold, is in place.”

Concluding comments

The reform of leaseholds is a long time coming and will dramatically change the property market in England and Wales. As expected, landlords are nervous about what the changes will mean, especially concerning their ground rent income and the value of their property.

If you would like to discuss the Commonhold White Paper and its potential impacts with our team of property experts at Askews Legall LLP please email enquiries@askewslegal.co

SPACE AVAILABLE

Millboard Honoured with Employer Recognition Award at Skills West Midlands & Warwickshire Anniversary Celebration Chamber Training launches Employer Ambassador Network

Millboard, a family-run business founded in 1976, has been recognised for its outstanding commitment to workforce development with the prestigious Employer Recognition Award.

The honour was presented as part of the Skills West Midlands & Warwickshire one-year anniversary event, which celebrated the achievements of employers and training providers across the region.

The company has continually demonstrated a strong dedication to the development of its staff, investing in ILM Accredited Leadership and Management training, as well as a comprehensive suite of Excel courses, all delivered by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training.

The award acknowledges Millboard’s proactive approach to skills development, employee progression, and contribution to a more resilient and skilled regional workforce.

The Skills West Midlands & Warwickshire anniversary event also marked a successful first year for the initiative, which was established by further education colleges and independent training providers to support businesses through a coordinated approach to skills and training. During the celebration, thirteen employers were recognised with Skills Partnership Awards for their continued investment in education and workforce development.

The event was attended by Skills Minister Jacqui Smith, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, and senior representatives from both the education and business sectors.

Chamber Training congratulates Millboard on this well-earned recognition and applauds its ongoing efforts to support the development of a skilled and future-ready workforce.

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training (CWCCT) is proud to launch its Employer Ambassador Network, an exciting new forum designed to bring together passionate employers who want to help shape the future of vocational training through real industry insights and stronger connections between education and employment.

This collaborative network creates opportunities for professionals and organisations to contribute directly to the development of curriculum that reflects the evolving needs, trends, and expectations of today’s workforce. By working together, we can ensure that training is relevant, forward-thinking, and aligned with realworld demands.

“We believe that employers are central to shaping meaningful learning experiences and outcomes for our learners,” said Sally Lucas, Executive Director at CWCCT. “This network is the starting point that will ensure we are preparing students not only with relevant knowledge and skills, but also with a deeper understanding of the current challenges and opportunities in their chosen sectors.”

Members of the Employer Ambassador Network will be recognised as sector ambassadors and valued contributors to the future of vocational education. With a full launch in May, Ambassadors can look forward to connecting with peers in a professional, practice-based community, collaborating on joint events, training sessions and development opportunities, gaining access to exclusive sector events, and receiving discounted entry to CWCCT’s business seminar programme.

At the same time, Ambassadors will have the chance to share their expertise, inspire learners, and play a key role in shaping a stronger, more connected future for the sector. The Employer Ambassador Network is a fantastic opportunity for forward-thinking employers to get involved, make a difference, and showcase their commitment to excellence and innovation in education and training.

Chamber Training offers Apprenticeships in Accountancy, Customer Service, Hairdressing, Early Years Care, Business Administration & Health and Social Care.

To find out more about how apprenticeships can help to grow or upskill your team, you can get in touch by emailing enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk

Chamber survey shows economic improvement

The economic outlook in Coventry and Warwickshire improved slightly at the start of 2025 according to a new survey among firms – and that has bolstered employment prospects in the region.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s first Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) of the year showed a slight increase in the potential for growth based on a range of answers given by businesses across the city and the county.

The survey, which is delivered in partnership with Prime Accountants Group and measures sentiment among businesses, is analysed by the Business Intelligence Service at Warwickshire County Council.

From the responses of businesses across the services and manufacturing sectors, it gives scores out of 100 where anything above 50 indicates growth and anything below 50 is negative.

It looks at a range of aspects of doing business in the region, including the outlook for employment, investment, confidence, and current and future orderbooks for both domestic and overseas sales.

Domestic sales in the service sector and in manufacturing both remain above the crucial 50-point mark but were, however, slightly less than three months ago. Overseas sales did, however, improve on the last survey although the service sector remains in negative territory.

Employment prospects jumped to a score of 67.7 in the service sector and the 72.7 in manufacturing indicating that there is still a strong desire to recruit among businesses across the patch.

Confidence fell slightly in the service sector but was still well above 50 at 62.7 and it rose in manufacturing to 56.3.

It resulted in overall economic outlook of 57.0, up from 56.3 in the final quarter of 2024.

Corin Crane, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said the findings showed the resilience of the region but believes there is still a huge amount of uncertainty in the economy.

He said: “The businesses of Coventry and Warwickshire never cease to amaze me.

“The last few years have been shrouded in so much uncertainty and, yet, they still – in the main – have a positive outlook and are always looking for opportunities to grow.

“This survey was conducted at a point when we were waiting to hear what tariffs would be coming from the USA. We’ve since had the announcement and then several followup amendments to the original tariffs.

“Some businesses across our region are directly and severely affected, for others it will have a secondary effect. However, it has continued with the uncertain picture and our message to Government is to do everything it can to ease the burden on businesses and provide a stable foundation from which they can grow.”

Steve Harcourt, director of Prime Accountants Group and president of the Chamber, said: “Firms are having to factor in rising NI contributions as well as other costs of doing business and, yet, the general feeling across Coventry and Warwickshire is that companies are still looking to grow.

“But, with so much uncertainty around and an ever changing picture, the sentiment can change pretty quickly so it’s vitally important that companies ask for support where they need it.”

Steve Harcourt (left) with Corin Crane

Companies can help to shape the future

Businesses in Coventry have had their say on the future of the region to help create a new manifesto to shape the economy.

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce held its latest Coventry Local Business Forum at Windmill Village Hotel & Golf Course and it gave an opportunity for companies from sectors ranging from tech to manufacturing to give feedback on their priorities for the city and the county.

The views taken from the meeting will help the Chamber to create a new manifesto for Coventry and Warwickshire that will seek to raise key issues that are holding back growth.

Corin Crane, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This Chamber has been running for more than 120 years to serve our members in the region and while we have to react to the latest policies and the latest economic data, we also want to be on the front foot and proactively campaign on issues that matter.

“That is why we are going to launch our own manifesto to help us focus on the key issues that affect businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire.

“Through events such as this and our general day-to-day activities with companies across the region, we are speaking to hundreds of businesses a week and it is why we have an understanding of what matters most and what could be done to support growth.”

The event saw businesses asked a series of questions on everything from skills to infrastructure, through to business support and technology.

Companies listed their priorities in each category but opinions and views from the wider discussion were also noted down and will form part of the data that feeds into the manifesto.

Tim Squires, chair of the Coventry Local Business Forum, said: “It was a really good discussion, prompted by the topics that will form the basis for the manifesto.

“It’s clear that there are wide variety of issues that affect businesses every single day and it will be great to narrow those down into our manifesto which we will ensure is given to every decision maker in the region – and beyond.”

Bank of England meets local firms amidst tariffs concerns

Global uncertainty is making it harder to forecast the outlook for the UK economy businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire have been told.

Representatives from a range of companies in the city and county met Glynn Jones, the Bank of England’s Deputy Agent for the West Midlands, at Coventry Conferences at the TechnoCentre.

Glynn was there to hear from firms in order to feedback intelligence to the Bank to help it understand the sentiment within the regional economy.

He heard how the increase in National Insurance contributions is impacting businesses across the area, as well as the uncertainty being caused by tariffs being imposed by the USA and more generally how local businesses are being affected by domestic and global uncertainties.

context for the economy because things are changing and evolving at pace.

“We made a forecast in February but recent announcements coming out of the USA will have a material impact on the outlook for growth and inflation.

However, what we do know is that the UK

economy is fairly stagnant and has been for some time.

“There are threats to the economy on both the upside and the downside and there is a huge amount of uncertainty.

“This makes it difficult to forecast growth and is especially challenging for monetary policy given the long lags involved before changes in Bank Rate feed fully through to the economy.”

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The only thing that has been certain for businesses over recent years has been uncertainty. One business around the table has been operating for seven years and they said they didn’t know what normal looks like!

“So, it is great to be able to have this conversation with the Bank of England and to talk about the daily issues being faced by businesses.

“As the voice of business, it’s our role to ensure that decision-makers hear directly from those who matter most – our members who are working day and night to grow and make a positive contribution to the local economy.”

Chamber members meet Glynn Jones

Tim Squires (front, centre) with businesspeople at the Coventry Local Business Forum

Economy grows, but uncertainty remains

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

The latest GDP figures – the measure of economic output – showed the UK economy grew by 0.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2025.

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

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

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

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

“But they need the foundations from which to grow and if decision-makers can finally start to create a stable platform that encourages trade at home and abroad, then hopefully Coventry and Warwickshire companies can reap the benefit of that.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spring statement looks to the future

Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire will experience shortterm pain for a long-term gain.

This was the message from business leaders across the region following the spring statement which was delivered by Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

It was watched at an event at the Ramada Hotel, in Coventry, organised by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and supported by Prime Accountants Group.

Reeves spoke about delivering prosperity for working people and also announced investments in the defence sector.

She also reiterated the benefits of the government’s housing reforms and changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and said that they provide the biggest positive growth impact that the OBR has ever predicted for a policy with no fiscal outlay.

However, business leaders at the event said that while there were investments being made in getting people back into work, there were no incentives for businesses which are already being squeezed by rising costs.

Corin Crane, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “While a lot was said about the government’s long-term plans, there was almost nothing being said about the here and now.

“Construction and defence are very clearly areas for growth, but there was no real detail on how this is going to be achieved. The Chancellor was also very selective on the locations mentioned, with no clear immediate benefits to the Midlands.

“Manufacturing, engineering and innovation are key sectors for us in Coventry and Warwickshire, so an overhaul of the government’s procurement process is welcomed

and could see eventual benefits in the area if this can be done at pace.

“Most businesses are currently experiencing an extremely difficult time with rises in minimum wage, National Insurance and business rates, and it’s clear that they will need to weather the storm in the hope for future prosperity.”

Steve Harcourt, director of Prime Accountants Group, added: “While a long-term plan is positive, more needs to be done now to support businesses.

“Businesses are already looking at ways to save money including gaining extra income, diversifying and outsourcing, so how much more can be done without government support is questionable.

“There was also lots said about getting people back into work, but it’s clear many businesses won’t be able to afford to recruit people. It certainly seems like there’s a piece of the jigsaw missing.”

“Manufacturing, engineering and innovation are key sectors for us in Coventry and Warwickshire, so an overhaul of the government’s procurement process is welcomed and could see eventual benefits in the area if this can be done at pace."

Business leaders from across Coventry and Warwickshire gather at the Ramada Hotel, in Coventry, for the spring statement.

Exporting Starts Here

Businesses in the West Midlands can make the most of free help to trade globally after a support programme was extended until next year.

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

Already, well over 100 businesses have benefitted from the help that began last November and the continuation of the programme will mean more companies are able to tap into the help from expert advisers.

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

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

Trading overseas is shown to increase resilience and provides a boost to individual businesses as well as the wider economy.

The support features a mix of one-to-one advice from expert export advisors, online

workshops and face-to-face events, including an international trade conference later this year. Greater Birmingham and Black Country Chambers are supporting the delivery in their areas.

Keely Hancox, of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said the help had been utilised in a variety of ways with the evidence showing an increase in orders and profitability for many of those businesses taking part.

She said: “There’s a lot of noise around tariffs, around a trade deal with the USA and a fresh agreement with the EU and, of course, all of that has an impact on the way businesses are feeling about trading overseas.

“However, this support helps to cut through that and gives companies in our region very practical help on whatever the next step on their international trade journey might be.

“They may be looking to export for the first time or looking to broaden their markets –especially if they are seeing further barriers being placed up on them. This support can be tailored to their needs and offer both the encouragement and information they need to succeed.

“We are thrilled that the programme has been extended because we know the true value that international trade brings, and we look forward to helping more and more companies take their goods and services overseas.”

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

David Zell, Assistant Delivery Manager – Business Programmes at the WMCA, added: “The Export Support Programme, run by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority, is a fantastic programme offering free, in-depth, subjectspecific expertise support to businesses within the West Midlands, enabling them to grow their potential through international exporting channels.

“The team are incredibly supportive, knowledgeable and driven to ensure that businesses can thrive and grow off the support that is on offer. The programme is 100 per cent committed to achieving success – and is one not to be missed.”

David Hooper, one of the business advisors offering one-to-one support through the programme, said: “Now, more than ever, businesses need help when it comes to international trade. They’ve come through Brexit and now there are almost daily updates around tariffs and trade barriers.

“We don’t want that to put firms off, so this support is invaluable.”

One company that has already benefited from the programme is PortalZero, a Coventry start-up which is set to revolutionise off-grid cooking for campervans.

Scott Shearan, co-founder of the company, said: “As engineers, we wanted to create something new for the automotive sector. Our DC induction cooker can run straight off a vehicle’s battery, which is unique in the market. The Chamber’s support has been invaluable in helping us turn this innovation into a global opportunity.”

Co-founder Nayden Yurukov added: “We were excited to explore the Australian market but unsure how to proceed. The Exporting Support programme gave us the tools and confidence to pursue international sales.”

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

New trade deal with the USA

A new trade deal with the USA will alleviate some uncertainty for businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire.

This is according to the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce after the UK became the first nation to sign a historic trade deal with the USA in Donald Trump’s second term as President.

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

“There has been a lot of uncertainty, not only for businesses who trade in the US but also for those who trade in the UK and other parts of the world, so securing this deal is positive and will hopefully alleviate some of this.

“It is encouraging to see that the tariffs on UK steel and aluminium have been removed, and tariffs faced by the automotive industry have also been revised to 10 per cent for the first 100,000 cars exported to the US – something which will have a particularly positive impact for us in the Midlands and give the sector some much-needed clarity.

“But there is still work to be done to enhance the deal and free up trade conditions further.

“We have a strong, resilient economy, and as a Chamber, we will be doing everything we can to support businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire to navigate the new deal.

“Most importantly, this may give us some of the stability our local business community have been craving, as long as nothing changes, they can start to plan. Fingers crossed nothing changes!”

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, added: “This deal will be met with a huge sigh of relief by many British businesses.

“The reduction in the 25 per cent tariffs on most of our automotive exports and the removal of levies on steel and aluminium are the biggest wins.

“The news on aerospace, including jet engines is also good news, as is additional protection from tariffs on our pharmaceutical sector.

“But this must not be the end of the process; we must continue to push the argument for free and fair trade across all economic sectors and that tariffs are a lose-lose position.

“There is a high-level of co-dependency in our economic relationship, and it is in both our interests to continue building upon those strong foundations which have developed over decades.”

Tariff suspensions bring welcome boost to UK businesses, says trade expert

The UK Government's suspension of import tariffs on 89 seasonal products is already proving beneficial to UK businesses, according to an international trade expert.

The suspensions, which run until 30 June 2027, were announced in April as part of the Government's Plan for Change and aim to reduce costs for businesses and consumers across a range of goods including food, furniture, and garden products.

David Hooper, Director at Independent Freight Solutions (IFS) in Warwickshire, says businesses across sectors are welcoming the move.

"These tariff suspensions came at a crucial time for many UK businesses facing increasing operational costs," said David.

"We’re already seeing clients planning to redirect savings toward expanding production capabilities, potentially creating new jobs in the process."

Based on analysis conducted by IFS, the suspensions represent substantial potential savings for affected UK businesses.

For individual importers, particularly those dealing in high-volume seasonal goods, David said this could translate to “meaningful margin improvements” in today's challenging economic climate.

The company is working with existing clients to calculate potential savings and assist with any necessary customs adjustments, and is encouraging all

importers to act now to review their existing product classifications and assess whether they are eligible for tariff suspensions.

“A number of sectors are expected to gain significantly from the changes,” he said.

“Consumer goods manufacturers that import components for domestic assembly will see immediate cost benefits, while seasonal retailers dealing in summer merchandise are also likely to benefit.”

“Food and beverage processors will be affected positively due to the inclusion of multiple essential food ingredients in the suspensions.

“In addition, certain specialised components used in electronics and telecommunications have seen duty reductions, supporting the UK's growing tech manufacturing sector.”

IFS is currently supporting clients in navigating the changes by helping them correctly apply the suspensions to avoid unexpected duty demands.

The consultancy is also advising businesses on how to restructure import patterns to maximise savings, and assisting with correct tariff classification to ensure eligibility.

The exemptions cover a wide range of summer essentials, household staples and industrial materials, including pasta, fruit juice, agave syrup, pine nuts and coconut oil, as well as plant bulbs and gardening products, plywood, plastic film, copper wire and aluminium cans.

David added: "The volume of enquiries we've received reflects the level of interest and uncertainty around the changes. Many companies want to understand not just whether they qualify, but how to implement these changes in a compliant and costeffective way."

For expert guidance on arranging imports and exports in light of the ongoing changes, visit https://independent-freight.com/ contact-us/

Jenny Hooper (Independent Freight Solutions), Keely Hancox (Chamber), David Hooper (Hooper & Co), David Zell (WMCA), Giuliana Famiglietti Pipola (Coventry City Council), Kalie Sahota (Chamber).

PET project

Coventry-based training company PET-Xi celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025 so C&W in Business caught up with CEO and co-founder Fleur Sexton DL on her three decades running the firm and her plans for the future.

During that 30 years, she has also become a Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, picked up an Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University, landed a national Businesswoman of the Year award and is now a lifelong ambassador of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce after serving on its board for six years.

It’s 30 years since Fleur Sexton and her husband, Chris, decided to take the plunge and start a business.

And not only has PET-Xi gone on to be a real success story for the region, it has taught her plenty of life lessons along the way.

But the reason she established the company in the first place – to give people support to change their lives through learning – is still what gets her out of bed in the morning.

“I will never lose that passion and desire to help people find what they want to do in life and to achieve it,” she said. “It’s always, always possible – no matter their start in life or challenges along the way.”

PET-Xi began from very humble beginnings.

Fleur was teaching French to partially sighted and blind students and could see the barriers that were placed on their learning.

She designed a product to help overcome that –Teacher’s PET – that used audio recordings to support learning.

It lit a fire in Fleur and PET-Xi was born.

Now, 30 years on, hundreds of thousands of people have been supported by the business and it continues to deliver.

Work focuses on where the need is. This includes working directly with individuals looking for work or in low paid work and helping to upskill them for the next step on their career path, online learning for people in work who need to upskill to develop their career or meet the needs of the business, and also with schools where students may need extra support to get them through their exams, especially maths and English, or when mainstream school is not the answer.

PET-Xi is also working with West Midlands Combined Authority on a project called Path to Apprenticeships that gets individuals ready to take on an apprenticeship programme.

On the schools front, there is now an even greater call for help with careers advice and guidance –as well as mental health and wellbeing support, particularly for those with ongoing skills gaps as a result of Covid-19.

Wherever PET-Xi can overcome barriers to learning – at any stage – the business is ready to support.

“We work on different types of projects because the thing with PET-Xi is: we will always be where the need is,” said Fleur.

“For example, after lockdown, there's been a lot more emphasis on supporting emotional mental health and wellbeing. There's a lot more on skills gaps. If that is the priority, that's where we will focus.

“We've always been very good at being able to be agile and to flex towards what's needed.

“Working directly with schools around the country, careers advice and guidance is a big thing now because everything is changing a lot. A new government always means change.”

In the West Midlands, there is also a direct focus on the industries where skills gaps are most apparent.

So, PET-Xi is involved in training specifically for the care sector, green industries, cyber, tech and

Profile: Fleur Sexton DL

education, among others as the regional economy focuses on growth through a combination of the West Midlands Combined Authority and local councils.

“We’re doing a lot of work training up teaching assistants, for example,” said Fleur, “Because there is recognition that this is one of the sectors where there are skills gaps.

“There’s a laser focus on those now. And we can support.”

The company has also turned its own HQ in Westwood Heath, Coventry, into a live careers work experience centre.

It offers real-life opportunities to Year 10 to Year 13 students to get to know the world of work and includes everything from AI through to HR and contracts as well as pathways and planning on how to achieve these aspirations.

“We will have all sorts of different activities, such as AI labs, coding labs and other elements of working life along with progression pathways to get there,” said Fleur.

“We've got all these different areas that young people can take part in. It’s all in line with the Gatsby benchmarks, so that's a really exciting piece of work.

“When the GCSEs are over, then we'll be welcoming students from all over the region in to work on really exciting real-life projects.

“In general, it’s just really important that we are matching young people with opportunities that match their passions and interests. That’s where they can really make an impact in the world, but also where the economic need is.”

Thirty years on from establishing PET-Xi, Fleur is a positive believer that a business can only work if it is driven by a passion for the product or service, rather than just profit alone.

“I think this is the only way to set up a business,” she said. “Just do what you love and believe in. Sometimes people set up a business because they want to make money, but unless you truly, truly love it, it will be too hard. I love PET-Xi, I really do. I think of this place like my fourth child.

“I love everything about what we do, the real sense of purpose and the people who work here. I know about their families and we’ve seen team members become lifelong friends. We’ve even had marriages! “It's not all ups. You know there are hard times and there are great times. You can only take those hard times if you are absolutely passionate about what you do.

“I know that if I wasn't here doing this, I’d be doing it as a volunteer. That's what I talk to young people about. I ask them: ‘If you didn't have to work, what would you do?’

“Sometimes when you’re working with young people you have to cut through what they are saying and see that they have, say, a love of being with people. So, hospitality might be the answer for their career.

“Business is very personal to me. It's about people. It's about young people, helping them to find their purpose and their “why”. It's about getting people into jobs, which is really important because it's not only how they earn money, but also about how they contribute to their community. It’s their place in society. It’s their purpose.”

“I want to get myself back to what I started doing this for, that would be perfect. I started in the classroom and the business started because of a passion – a fire – and spending more time back on the ground is my ambition over the next decade."

As well as supporting the learning and education of the thousands of individuals touched by PET-Xi over the past three decades, Fleur’s own three children have been the beneficiaries of her experience.

Her eldest son, Jake, 25, who started as an apprentice and also worked at JLR before returning to PET-Xi, has taken on the role of chief commercial officer and is very much part of the succession plans for the business.

“I have no plans ever to retire,” said Fleur, “But I do have plans in the next 10 years where I would like to be working at least 60 per cent of the time back in a classroom with young people and those who are not in education or employment.

“I want to go back to working on the ground, creating learning materials, working on different approaches, working on specific problems rather than full time actually running the day-to-day business.

“Jake is already responsible for a lot of areas within the business, especially on the operational and processes side. That's something that he's exceptionally good at.

“He believes 100 per cent in the vision. He loves the learners and what we are all about as an organisation.

“I know some people have got rules not to talk business at home but we've never had those rules. We've always done it, and I actually think that's been a good thing because Jake and our other children, Kate and Lara, have seen what it’s like to be in business.

“They've seen celebrations. They've seen times when it's been really hard. They've seen the sacrifice and the commitment to the team and the devastation when you have to let people go.

Profile: Fleur Sexton DL

Born: Kenilworth

Live: Coventry

Married: Chris. 31 years ago

Hobbies: My six dogs, cello, piano

Children: Jake 25, Kate 20, Lara 15

Favourite Book: New Testament

Favourite Film: Because of Winn-Dixie

Last Holiday: France with my family last summer

Gadget: Air fryer

“I think that's really important because when you're bringing kids up, all you've got is your life. You don’t teach kids theoretically. They learn by how they see you behaving and how they see you responding to people. How do you deal with it when things go wrong and how do you solve problems?

“That's life.

“My mum also joined the business when I had Jake and worked for 20 years on sales and pastoral support in the business and she was amazing! My dad joined when he retired as a professor to work on quality and examinations.

“I work with my sister too who is a solicitor, and my daughters, nieces and nephews have spent time at PET-Xi in their holidays. It’s got a real family feel because it’s a real family business!”Fleur added: “Jake is far better than me at the processes and organisational structure and that side of it.

“I want to get myself back to what I started doing this for, that would be perfect. I started in the classroom and the business started because of a passion – a fire – and spending more time back on the ground is my ambition over the next decade.

“By then I will have been in business for 40 years and I think it will be amazing to spend more time back on the ground working with our learners, because they’re the reason why I do this!”

Chamber helps tech firms strike up business relationship

A Midlands IT firm has landed a new contract with a Coventry tech business – after meeting through a regional network.

EBC Group, an award-winning managed IT service provider based in Halesowen, has signed a two-and-a-halfyear support deal with omnigo, a trusted partner of card payment company Dojo.

EBC Director of IT Mike Bridges met omnigo founder Nicholas Gould at a Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Business Influence Partner Dinner, and it led to further conversations about the company’s provision.

Nicholas explained that omnigo had team members working remotely across the region and needed an IT provider who could join them together more efficiently.

He said: “I got chatting to Mike and Ryan at EBC about some of the pain points we were feeling as a business from an IT point of view, and they offered a solution that could bring all of our platforms together and make everything work more effectively.

“Ultimately, in business, we just want technology to work for us and we are thrilled to be working with EBC Group and to be investing in our next stage of growth.

“I know from my own customer base that they love that fact that what we do works for their business – that our card machines are reliable and that the platform behind them offers a whole host of data that helps to inform their decision-making.

“Similarly, we wanted an IT partner that just made everything work as it should and to make life more efficient for everyone in the business.”

EBC Group, which has been operating for more than 35 years, recently signed up the Chamber as a client too and is proud of being awarded the status of Official IT Partner.

Mike Bridges said: “It was great to meet Nicholas at an event through the Chamber and what started as a conversation very quickly turned into a contract.

“It shows the power of being part of the Chamber, of getting out and meeting people face to face and how, by simply talking to someone about the issues they are facing in their business, you can strike up a relationship that leads to doing business together.”

Gurprit Singh, business engagement manager at the Chamber, said: “We just love it when we bring members together and they start working with one another.

“It’s vital for the regional economy that businesses buy and sell from each other and we look forward to seeing this relationship flourish.”

Bromwich Hardy helps recruitment agency’s relocation to Warwick

A national recruitment agency is relocating into its first standalone offices in the Midlands, thanks to a deal arranged by commercial property agency Bromwich Hardy.

Bromwich Hardy is helping technology recruitment specialists Recann Ltd to move from its existing shared offices in Leamington Spa to its own location at Unit 5, Athena Court, on Athena Drive at Tachbrook Park in Warwick.

Mark Booth, a senior surveyor at Bromwich Hardy, explained that Recann had taken the 2,896 sq ft space across two storeys on a five-year lease for the asking rent of £53,576 per annum.

Mr Booth said: “We are delighted to have signed up Recann for these high quality, self-contained premises, the company’s first standalone offices.

“We now look forward to welcoming them to Warwick, which we are sure is the perfect place for the company’s continued expansion.”

Unit 5 contains ground and first floor office accommodation which has been fully redecorated, with replacement carpets in part of the building.

The offices come fully wired for data, telephone and power, with modern lighting, a kitchenette and toilets, plus 13 allocated parking spaces outside.

Athena Court is an attractive courtyard office development close to Junctions 13 and 14 of the M40 motorway, and within walking distance of Leamington Retail Park.

Mr Booth added: “This latest deal comes as we pass a new property availability milestone here at Bromwich Hardy, where we are currently marketing more than three million square feet of space across industrial, office and retail sectors.”

Legal advice on the Athena Court deal came from Wright Hassall for the landlord AC Lloyd, with Gunnercooke acting for Recann.

Gurprit Singh (Chamber), Nicholas Gould (omnigo), Ryan Johnson (EBC), Corin Crane (Chamber)

Business expansion is all packaged up for Coventry firm

A Coventry packaging company has expanded into a new headquarters as it plans to nearly double in size over the next year.

Purple Planet Packaging, which sells responsible packaging and containers for the food and drink industry – from cups to foodtrays and from cutlery to take-away boxes, has moved into a 14,000 sq ft unit on the Seven Stars Industrial Estate in the city.

The business is led by husband and wife team Mark and Joanna Farr who are not only looking to support the transition to more sustainable packaging in the leisure and hospitality sector, but also invest, grow and employ people in their home city of Coventry.

The move into the new HQ was marked by a visit from Mary Creagh CBE, Labour MP for Coventry East, and Corin Crane, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

Deputy Lord Mayor Coventry City Councillor Rachel Lancaster was also part of the ribbon cutting ceremony after Purple Planet Packaging received £36,000 in funding, including £25,000 from the Business Support Programme and £11,000 through a Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) grant. Both schemes are funded via Coventry City Council and Business Growth West Midlands UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Mark said the next 12 months will be about investment, growth and innovation.

He said: “I am grateful to Mary Creagh and Corin Crane for supporting us as we launch our new facility, right here in Coventry – our home city.

“This new unit gives us the space and capability to grow – not just in size, but in ambition.

“Our business saw rapid growth during the Covid period, and while things have naturally levelled off since, we’ve used that momentum as a springboard to invest in the future.

“This move is a key part of our strategy to maintain growth through innovation — expanding into new markets, starting to import products directly, and growing our team. We're currently a team of six, with plans to grow to over ten by this time next year.

“We’ve also strengthened our relationships with UK manufacturers and leading board producers, which puts us in a strong position to innovate and bring new, compliant products to market in line with the latest UK packaging legislation. Staying ahead of the curve is vital for our customers — and it’s a responsibility we take seriously.

“Just as importantly, this expansion reflects our long-term commitment to Coventry. With support through local business funding through Coventry City Council, we’ve invested in key equipment and used grant funding to upgrade our lighting to LED throughout the building. We're also planning to install solar panels on the roof to further reduce our environmental impact.”

Mary Creagh MP said: “This Labour Government is cleaning up Britain and ending the throwaway society. As Minister for Waste, I am committed to the UK shifting to a circular economy which encourages repair, reuse and innovation. For this to work we must give people everyday access to products

and services where resources are used again and again, and waste is designed out from the start.

“We need more people and more businesses doing what Mark and Joanna are doing; rethinking how we design, manufacture, and use the materials and products that sustain our lives.”

Corin Crane said: “Purple Planet Packaging is a brilliant example of a company that wants to invest, grow and make a positive contribution to both the environment and the region’s economy.

“We wish Mark, Joanna and the team every success in their new facility and we’ll be here

to support them in whatever way we can to help turn their ambitions into reality.”

Rachel Lancaster added: “It’s an absolute pleasure to support Mark, Joanna and the Purple Planet Packaging team. It is great to see how the business has developed and that all of their hard work is paying off which has allowed them to move into this wonderful new warehouse.

“Not only are they doing great work and growing their business, they are also big contributors to local charities and community groups and are a real asset to Coventry and the wider region.”

New training facility in Coventry for global construction company

A global construction materials company is confident the opening of a new training facility in Coventry will help it train up employees more efficiently to better fulfil client demand.

Cemex, a $15 billion firm which manufactures and distributes cement, concrete, and aggregate for the construction industry globally, has opened the training facility at the Business Innovation Centre – part of the University of Warwick Science Park.

The new facility will allow Cemex’s UK team to easily train up many more of its employees in-house for various projects, instead of having to book external venues which would cost the firm time and money.

The new training centre also sits alongside an office for administration staff across 1,732 sq ft of space. This has freed up capacity for its 200 staff at its UK headquarters - based just a stone’s throw from the Innovation Centre on Binley Business Park.

Terri Charles, Head of Customer Experience for the UK at Cemex, explained the motivation behind the expansion: “We were facing space constraints at our UK HQ, particularly when it came to dedicated training sessions. Meeting rooms were frequently booked, forcing us to rely on external venues such as hotels for longer sessions. That wasn’t ideal for our employees or for cost-efficiency.

“Located just a short distance from the company’s headquarters, the Business Innovation Centre was a natural place to expand into. A tour of the site, hosted by Centre Manager Emma Turner, confirmed its suitability. It quickly became evident that it was the right choice for us.

“The high-quality communal areas, the incredibly supportive team, and the

collaborative spirit of the businesses already based here made the decision easy.

“The newly established training facility now provides a dedicated space where teams can gather, with the flexibility to connect virtually with colleagues across Europe and the Americas, and allows us to deliver training without the constant concern of venue availability.

“It’s a significant step toward working more efficiently, something that’s increasingly important as our clients become more costconscious in a changing global economy.”

Since moving in, Cemex has already hosted several comprehensive training sessions and has seen a marked increase in cross-team collaboration.

“Having this space helps to make us more agile,” Terri added.

“Staff are regularly moving between the HQ and the Innovation Centre, which is creating new opportunities for knowledge sharing and teamwork. It’s a change that’s already benefiting both our people and our clients.”

Emma Turner, Centre Manager at the Business Innovation Centre, said: “We’re really pleased that a company of Cemex’s size has chosen to take space with us. With the centre being in such proximity to the headquarters, it is the ideal solution for fostering ongoing collaboration.

“It shows that we can provide innovative workspace solutions from the smallest of start-ups right through to multinational firms that turn over billions.

“We’re delighted that the training centre and administration office is already helping Cemex improve its efficiency and ability to be more agile.”

Mary Creagh cuts the ribbon to open Purple Planet Packaging’s new HQ

Emma Turner (left) with Terri Charles outside the Business Innovation Centre in Binley, where Cemex has opened a new training facility and office space

Finding the right match

Paul Faulkner is one of the best-known figures in business in the West Midlands. Football fans will know him from his time running Aston Villa FC while hundreds of business owners will recognise Paul from his six-year spell as chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

He’s crammed in a series of other roles too, including with Birmingham Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Sport Birmingham and Kids Village Charity. And around a year ago, he co-founded Element 45 –a consultancy offering a variety of senior leadership, strategy and performance services to businesses. It has seen him take on a role as chairman of Exhall-based hair and beauty supplier Ellisons to

help the business during a management buy-out phase and to steer it through its next phase of growth.

Corin Crane, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, paid a visit to the company’s new look showroom and met Paul and Ellisons commercial director Matt Champney for a chat.

Corin: “When we first met, you were incredibly generous with your time, especially when I was just starting at the Black Country Chamber of Commerce back in 2016. That’s something I’ve always loved about the Chamber network. But you’d had some very interesting roles leading up to joining Birmingham Chamber.”

Paul: “I made the switch from professional football into the Chamber which is quite unusual. I moved to Birmingham in 2006 to work for the American family who bought Aston Villa. I’d been working for them in the US and then became Chief Executive at Villa until 2014, then went across to the East Mids for a spell with Nottingham Forest.

“By early 2015, I knew my time at Forest was going to end when I saw an article about the CEO of the Birmingham Chamber retiring. I sent a text message saying ‘good luck, let’s meet up for a coffee’, and he immediately rang back to ask if I’d considered the role.

“I hadn’t, but I said I’d give it a ponder. I drove home that night and spoke to my dad and asked him what he thought about it and he said to go for it.

“We’d actually been members of the Birmingham Chamber when I was at Villa, but I probably hadn’t engaged with it much, which, to be fair, is one of the big challenges for Chambers: making sure members actually use the services on offer.

“I applied and got offered the role probably about a year before you started at the Black Country, Corin.

“I live just north of Birmingham, and my family is anchored in that area, so I didn’t want to move. After over a decade in football, which is quite a transient world, I didn’t want to uproot everyone again.

“It felt like the right time to try something different. I had a really clear vision of what I wanted to do if I got the Chamber role, to commercialise it and take a business-led approach.

“When you started at the Black Country, we were neighbours. We were partnered up on a number of different initiatives, and that was great.

“It felt like a fresh mind and fresh energy coming into the Chamber movement. I’d already been trying to wade through some of the intricacies of the Chamber network, which at first can feel very alien. So, it felt natural to try and help, to share what I’d learned.”

Corin: “It’s fair to say you probably applied some of the principles from football to the Chamber, didn’t you? Across the network I think that was quite unusual at the time, being really driven and commercially focused.”

Paul: “At Villa, we’d built this “propensity model” around membership. Season ticket holders, in that case. It was all based on 15 characteristics for each individual. We’d track and measure those to work out your likelihood of renewing.

“That included things like how far you lived from the stadium, how long you’d held a season ticket, how many games you’d attended, whether you’d bought online. The idea was to focus our energy on those less likely to renew, rather than spending all our time on those who were guaranteed to.

“You can apply that model to football or really any membership-based organisation – or any business focused on customer retention, for that matter.

“I brought in a colleague who had built that model for us, along with a few other key people, and we totally applied that philosophy at the Chamber.

“Membership had been declining, but we reversed that quickly using this model with some real engagement.

“I only wanted people to be members if they were getting value. If you’re not getting value as a business, don’t waste your money. So, the onus is on us, the Chamber, to deliver that value.

“Whatever the fee is, you should be getting something for it. One good connection or bit of business that you win should cover that cost. In fact, it should pay for itself many times over.”

In conversation with...

Corin: “But there’s always a tension, isn’t there, because it’s not like a normal business. It’s not just about the commercials, you are also a civic business too.

“I remember talking to you a lot about that because there is so much stuff you do as Chamber CEO that you don’t get paid for. You don’t get membership fees for it, and it doesn’t directly strengthen the business, but you’re expected to do it because you're the Chamber of Commerce.”

Paul: “In Birmingham, there was a lot of that. Even now, I still get calls. I had one yesterday about the bin strikes, asking if I’d go on the radio and talk about it!

“I remember in my first week at the Chamber I had to do a piece for the BBC. They got me standing on a bridge over the M42 by Birmingham Airport, talking about airport expansion.

“It was day three. I’d just come from Nottingham Forest, and I was scrambling. I was trying to remember my lines from my briefing note. It was sweltering, and I was just thinking: ‘don’t look too pink or sweaty on camera’.

“And then a regional, high-profile MP came out and said: ‘Well, Faulkner would say that, wouldn’t he?’ And I was thinking: ‘What? I’ve never even spoken about this topic before!’

“You realise, you’re representing business and if people are looking for a story, you are a figurehead. Whether you want to be or not, you are.

“You feel that weight of responsibility, don’t you?”

Corin: “I remember when Carillion folded in Wolverhampton. I tweeted something early in the morning and the BBC picked it up and asked me to do an interview outside the Carillion HQ.

“I turned up and there were cameras from all over the world outside. I was literally the only person there to speak. Within five minutes, I was on Swedish TV with subtitles!”

Paul: “It does show the power of the Chamber and it’s a funny thing, because sometimes it can hinder you too.

“You want to be relevant, modern, and forward-looking, but sometimes there is still a perception of the Chamber as old-fashioned and stuffy.”

Corin: “That’s something I am working on all the time, making the Chamber feel modern, more laid-back, more accessible and more inclusive.

“You can’t just turn your back on the past because when you look at some of things the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber has done over the years, it’s incredible. We campaigned for Coventry Railway Station to be built, for example.

“You’re standing on the shoulders of giants in these roles, and you have to respect that heritage while still evolving the organisation.”

Paul: “You’re a custodian of a moment in time.

“The Birmingham Chamber has been around for more than 200 years. You’re only there for a chapter of that story, and your job is to try to leave it in better shape than you found it.”

Corin: “It’s not dissimilar to football. There’s loyalty, there’s history but you are looking to modernise and move towards the future.”

Paul: “There are loads of parallels and it is this idea of being a custodian, whether it’s a football club or a Chamber of Commerce.

“You might not own it, but when you’re the chief exec, it can feel like you do. These institutions have been around for generations, and there’s something healthy about recognising that, respecting it, and still being bold enough to lead change.”

Corin: “When I spoke to you before you left Birmingham, you were getting itchy feet then because you wanted to get back into the pure, commercial business world.

“About 12 months ago, you set up your new partnership, tell me about that.”

Paul: “Yes, the business is called Element 45. I launched it with Mark Taylor, who used to run RSM in the region.

“The idea behind the business is a strategic consultancy. Under that umbrella, we work with different clients, offering a range of services.

“With Ellisons, I’m involved as chairman, and that’s quite time-intensive, which is great. There are a few other clients that are more of a light-touch, non-exec type role.

“Mark’s doing similar work with Bishop Fleming’s expansion into Birmingham.

“The idea is to work with people I like and do things that are genuinely interesting. So far, so good.”

Corin: “We caught up again when you started working with Ellisons. What was the challenge here?”

Paul: “Ellisons was going through a management buyout. The previous owner had some health issues and was looking to complete a transaction.

“The idea was for an MBO led by the senior management team: Matt and colleagues, who have tons of experience. But they were looking for a non-exec chair, or something similar, to work alongside them and help take the business forward.

“Ellisons has been around for 95 years. It’s a really well-established business that’s changed many times. The constant is the name, and we needed to evolve and change again.

“So, the idea was for me to come in and work with Matt, Lee, Nadine, and the rest of the senior management team to help shepherd it through this next phase.”

Matt: “A number of us had been with Ellisons for a long time – 25 years for me, 17 for Lee, and, for Nadine, it’s coming up to 10.

“There was a sense that we needed someone with a fresh perspective, someone to help us identify new opportunities, not just keep it as business as usual.”

Corin: “We think around 70 per cent of businesses in the West Midlands are family businesses.

“At some point, you have it where non-family members are no longer just working in the business, you’re running it. And it brings challenges.”

Matt: “Family heritage is a huge strength.

“There are the great stories of Miss Ellison delivering Brylcreem by bicycle in the 1930s.

“They were pioneers in the professional hair industry, and then in the 1980s they identified the rise of the professional beauty sector too.

“But you're right, family ownership can make you blinkered and we’re now expanding the scope of the business and exploring new opportunities.”

Corin: “A lot of businesses around the West Midlands reach a certain age and then just sell. Someone buys them out, basically buying their contact list. That wasn’t the vision here and I presume that’s what interested you?”

Paul: “Yes, definitely. It felt like all of the component parts were interesting.

“It’s a solid, well-established business. It had a highly experienced management team. Everyone involved genuinely wanted to keep the company independent.

“That mattered a lot to everyone, and that suited me.

“Like we talked about with the Chamber and even at Villa, I’ve been lucky to have roles where we could shape things in our own way. You get used to building a culture that you have confidence in, because you trust your instincts and back your team to do it the right way.

“It’s liberating. It’s a lot of fun when you can run a business this way.

“So, this felt like a chance to combine my background and experience with a team who had good tenure at Ellisons but hadn’t necessarily had to have their hands completely on the wheel.

“Hopefully, it’s a good match.”

Ellisons' new furniture showroom is now open and anyone interested in a visit can contact the team by either emailing visitfurniture@ellisons.co.uk or for more information visit: www.ellisons.co.uk

A new era for Ashorne Hill: Elevating learning through partnership and a bold rebrand

Ashorne Hill has long been synonymous with professional growth, providing a flagship venue that fosters an environment conducive to learning, collaboration and productivity.

With state-of-the-art facilities, tailored spaces and an immersive setting, Ashorne Hill has become a destination not only for leadership development but also for corporate travellers seeking an inspiring place to work and connect. As the Warwickshire learning and conference centre steps into an exciting new chapter, it is unveiling a refreshed identity, one that reflects the evolving approach to learning and development.

The rebrand – more than just a visual transformation – introduces a revitalised Ashorne Hill alongside Ashorne Advantage, a “dedicated learning proposition” designed to develop the leadership, management and interpersonal skills that have become critical in today’s fast-moving business world.

For this large-scale rebrand, the centre partnered with We Are Nameless, a creative agency known for bringing brand identities to life with clarity and purpose. Ashorne Hill explains: “Their expertise has helped us refine and articulate our vision, ensuring that our brand evolution aligns seamlessly with our ambition: to empower individuals with the confidence, resilience and leadership skills needed to thrive.

“While our brand has evolved, our mission remains the same—to provide world-class learning experiences that create lasting impact. This is just the beginning of an exciting journey, and we look forward to seeing the difference Ashorne Hill and Ashorne Advantage will continue to make.”

Why Coventry & Warwickshire businesses must act now on game-changing forces such as AI

Businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire were given a powerful call to action at the recent “AI, Cyber & Innovation – Why Business Owners Must Act Now” event, held at Warwick Conferences.

A collaboration between EBC Group and the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, the sold-out gathering brought together more than 100 business leaders, tech pioneers, and digital strategists to tackle the game-changing forces shaping our future.

From the outset, Corin Crane, CEO of the Chamber, emphasized the urgency: “AI is not tomorrow’s tool – it’s today’s competitive edge.” This sentiment was echoed by keynote speaker Simon Hudson of Novia Works, who traced AI’s journey from a distant concept to a present-day partner in productivity. With 79 per cent of leaders believing AI is critical for success, yet many unsure how to start, the need for education and action was clear.

Speakers including Simon Doy of iThink365, Steve Harcourt of Prime Accountants, and Matt Lennard of Askews Legal LLP showcased how AI is transforming everything from customer service to legal and financial operations. But with opportunity comes risk.

for both innovation and crime, proactive protection –through cyber insurance, managed detection and response, and training – is vital.

EBC Group’s own John MacDonald and THEMIS’s Paul Keasey reinforced that both private and public sectors must adapt

quickly, responsibly, and securely. The event wrapped with an engaging panel Q&A and a clear takeaway: the future isn’t waiting. For those ready to take the next step, expert consultations remain available via EBC Group’s website.

For information, visit: www.ebcgroup.co.uk/ai-cyber-revolutionevent

A smarter way to recover debt with Talbots Collect

Talbots Law knows that chasing unpaid debt can be one of the most frustrating drains on a business’s time, energy and profit. That’s why they’ve created Talbots Collect, a debt recovery solution that puts you back in control and rewards success.

Talbots Collect aims to be transparent and to reward volume and success. The more debts you ask the company to pursue, the more cost-effective the service becomes, with volume discounts built in from the start. Through its recovery discount model, Talbots

Collect offsets the cost of any unsuccessful debt recovery letters with legal costs and late payment compensation recouped from the successful recoveries made from your other debtors. That means even where one debt recovery letter doesn’t result in immediate payment, the success of others can reduce your overall spend – sometimes to zero.

With Talbots Collect, clients never pay more than £100 + VAT for a Stage 1 debt recovery letter, no matter how complex the

matter, says the company. That fee covers the time spent preparing and sending the letter and includes up to four units of time handling settlement discussions on the client’s behalf.

And if a Stage 1 debt recovery letter doesn’t do the trick, Talbots says it has made it easy to escalate to Stage 2 (either a court claim or insolvency action), with fixed-fee options tailored to your needs.

For more information, email DariaStepien@talbotslaw.co.uk

More than a decade of transforming homes for a greener future

Pillings & Co Ltd, established in 2011, has grown into one of the Midlands’ most trusted names in plumbing and heating.

With a strong focus on quality, community and sustainability, the company is proud to continue its longstanding role as an approved ECO4 Scheme installer, helping eligible local households reduce their energy use – and their bills – with free energy-saving upgrades.

The ECO4 Scheme is a governmentfunded initiative designed to support eligible households in making essential home upgrades. By fully funding improvements such as boiler replacements, loft insulation, and heating

system enhancements, the scheme helps create warmer, more energy-efficient homes while lowering carbon emissions.

With extensive experience in ECO4 installations, the Pillings & Co team has supported hundreds of households across the region, delivering highquality installations that make homes warmer, safer and more sustainable. For homeowners who do not qualify for the ECO4 Scheme, Pillings & Co Ltd also offers solar panel installations, a smart, sustainable solution for homeowners to generate clean electricity to lower energy bills and reduce environmental impact.

At a time when energy efficiency is more important than ever, Pillings & Co Ltd remain committed to providing practical, affordable and future-proof solutions for homes of all sizes.

Interested in going greener or finding out if you’re eligible for ECO4? Visit www.pillingsandco.com to get in touch.

Cybersecurity took centre stage with expert insights from Warwickshire Police’s James Squire and The Clear Group’s Laura Wilkinson. As AI becomes a tool

A wealth of events on offer to help Myton Hospices care for those in need

Taking part in a Myton event in 2025 will help the hospices care for more people and their families living with life-limiting illnesses when they need it most, now and in the future.

Whether you're looking for a personal challenge or a fantastic teambuilding opportunity for your workplace, there’s something for everyone with #TeamMyton. Here’s the organisation’s round-up of the events you could still sign up for:

Snowdon Trek

On Saturday, June 28, experience the spectacular views at the summit of Snowdon, the tallest mountain in Wales. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable experience and sign up for just £20!

Find out more and sign up online at www.mytonhospice.org/Snowdon

Myton’s Cycle Challenge

Get into gear and set your fundraising wheels in motion for our annual Cycle Challenge, taking place from Warwick Myton Hospice on Sunday, August 3. Saddle up for the ever-popular 50km, 100km and 100-mile distances. With challenges to suit all capabilities, roll through the picturesque villages of Warwickshire and the Cotswolds whilst supporting your local hospice.

Sign up from just £30 online at www.mytonhospice.org/Cycle Walk for Myton

Walk for Myton, taking place on Sunday, September 14, is a sponsored walk starting and ending at Warwick Myton Hospice. Choose between three different routes; it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the Warwickshire countryside with family, friends and your four-legged companions, whilst raising vital funds for a great local cause.

Find out more online at www.mytonhospice.org/Walk Coventry Cathedral Abseil

Calling all thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts! Get ready to take on the ultimate challenge by walking on the wild side down Coventry Cathedral.

Join #TeamMyton on Saturday, September 27 and see Coventry from new heights as you walk 90 feet down the side of the city’s beautiful cathedral.

Find out more and sign up online for £20 at www.mytonhospice.org/Abseil

Whether you are interested in entering a corporate team for any of these events or want to take on your own challenge, get in touch by emailing corporate@mytonhospice.org

Telegraph Hotel celebrates fourth anniversary

As the team behind Coventry’s iconic Telegraph Hotel prepare to celebrate its fourth birthday, they are looking back on the huge impact it has had on the city’s image and economy.

The Mid-Century designer hotel was conceived to be very different from mainstream brands, with the sensitive restoration of the 1950s features of the former newspaper offices as well as carefully curated, original Mid-Century furniture and light fittings.

The four-star hotel quickly became the number one hotel in the city centre and the first choice of celebrities and visitors from all over the world, ensuring high level of occupancy, with guests regularly remarking on the individuality of the design and the preservation of the icon of the city’s post-war history.

Since opening in May 2021, almost 100,000 bedroom nights have been sold and the economic impact to the city’s economy over the past 12 months has been calculated at £5.4 million.

Local and regional businesses, too, have adopted the Telegraph as their venue of choice for corporate events, conferences and meetings with the rooftop bar being particularly popular during the summer months.

Such is the popularity of the Telegraph, its mugs – specially designed by artist CovKid – have been bought by guests from all over the world so they can take a piece of the hotel and the city away with them.

General manager Amy Windsor said: “We are delighted that not only have we brought visitors back into the city centre to a high-

end hotel from Coventry’s suburbs, but we have also been attracting many guests who would otherwise be staying in Birmingham. People have been willing to travel quite some way to stay at the hotel.

“The city has had a positive few years, from events through to Coventry City’s changing fortunes and that helps to put the city on the map. For example, we’ve seen a big jump in bookings for the Godiva weekend recently which shows the power of bringing that kind of event here.

“People and businesses love the history of the Telegraph Hotel and the fact that the city’s stories were told from here and reached thousands of people each and every night.

“To still be receiving such amazing feedback on the levels of service we provide is really special. It’s something we’ve instilled from day one and it continues to set us apart.”

Ian Harrabin, one of the owners of the Telegraph Hotel, added: “We set out to create something that was uniquely Coventry, saving the best features of the 1950s building and reinventing it for today.

“People are really attracted to stay somewhere with real character. Coupled with the friendly and attentive staff, this had been a powerful recipe for success. I am so pleased that the economic benefit is in Coventry city centre employing local people and local businesses.”

Creating safer spaces through digital awareness

The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC), a national charity based in Coventry, has launched its new online Sexual Safety Support Service, developed to raise awareness and provide vital resources to support ambulance staff across the UK. With a strong commitment to the wellbeing of emergency responders, the new online hub provides guidance, reporting pathways, and access to support services for individuals affected by sexual violence, harassment, or misconduct within the ambulance community.

Having worked closely with TASC for a number of years from an initial discovery audit, to brand strategy, development, website, online shop and social support, Midlands creative agency Rawww recently worked with their team to help bring this important topic to the forefront, designing and building a new digital space that informs, empowers, and supports those in need.

Emilly Fallen, Marketing and Communications Manager at TASC, said: “Having worked with the Rawww team for a number of years, we were confident that they were the best partner to help us achieve our goal to provide more support to the UK’s lifesaving ambulance community.”

The new section of TASC’s website is designed to be clear, compassionate, and easy to navigate, whether accessed via mobile or desktop. With helpful signposting, simple language, and a tone that balances authority with empathy, the page provides reassurance while encouraging users to take action, whether that’s reading more, seeking help, or reporting concerns.

"We worked very closely with the TASC team to ensure the sensitivity of the message and service was aligned to the overall brand values, and designed in a way to be inclusive and easy to use”, said Alison Rowley, Head of Projects at Rawww.

Explore the Safe Space Service here: https://www.theasc.org.uk/safespace/ Learn more about Rawww’s work at https://rawww.com/

WMG Academy Trust hosts West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker to discuss Youth Employment Challenges

Solihull – March 28, 2025, WMG Academy Trust welcomed Richard Parker, the Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority, to its Solihull Academy for a round table event focused on the challenges young learners face when entering into employment beyond school. The event served as a platform to highlight the effectiveness of WMG Academy Trust's industry-led curriculum in preparing students for future careers.

Mayor Parker's visit commenced with a tour of the Solihull Academy, guided by student leaders. This provided an opportunity for the mayor to engage directly with students,

learning about their current projects, aspirations, and the skills they are developing through the academy's unique educational approach.

The highlight of the visit was a dynamic round table discussion featuring four current T-Level students – Grace Palmer, Millee Sondh, Oscar Mosley, and Ethan John – alongside two accomplished Alumni: Samuel Austin, now working at Galldris, and Edward Dunster from Vanguard Sustainable Transport.

The discussion was chaired by Andy Dillow, COO at Springpod, with valuable input from

industry representatives from the West Midlands Combined Authority. Mr. Dillow steered the conversation around crucial questions such as "What do young people need to make the transition from school to the workplace?" and "What are the challenges young people feel that they face from leaving school to gaining an apprenticeship?". The insights shared by the students and Alumni offered a valuable perspective on the current landscape of youth employment and the support needed for a successful transition.

Adding further value to the day, Springpod delivered a series of interactive career talks in the Academy's atrium. Daisy Rowan, Kurt Skillen, and Rose O'Donnell engaged with Key Stage 4 and 5 students throughout the day, providing essential career advice and showcasing Springpod's virtual work-based learning experiences with leading employers and educational institutions.

The event was marked by inspiring contributions from the students, who articulated their ambitions for the future, and the alumni, who shared compelling stories of how WMG Academy Solihull played a crucial role in their journey towards securing apprenticeships.

“At WMG Academy Solihull, we are incredibly proud to provide a platform where young people can speak confidently about

their futures and demonstrate the skills they are developing through our businesslike, business led approach. Watching our students and Alumni engage so meaningfully with the mayor and industry leaders is a powerful reminder of the impact of realworld education. We are preparing the next generation not just for employment—but for innovation and leadership.” Claire Morris, Associate Principal.

“It was a real privilege to host the West Midlands Combined Authority Team, Mayor Parker, Springpod and the JLR team and have the opportunity to showcase the skills and business behaviours that our students are developing with us. The alumni who joined us for the event are our finest ambassadors in signposting the pathways available to young people who choose a high-quality technical education route.” Stewart Tait, CEO WMG Academy Trust.

"It was truly inspiring to hear from our student's when speaking about their future aspirations and from our Alumni who returned to the academy to share how WMG Academy for Young Engineers Solihull supported them in their journey from school into an apprenticeship," Andrew Kyprianou, Director of Engineering at WMG Academy For Young Engineers.

Lodders and Hartpury announce collaborative partnership

Leading regional law firm Lodders has announced a collaborative partnership with Hartpury University and Hartpury College.

The two-year partnership will see Lodders sponsor the Hartpury Agri-Tech Centre. The strategic partnership goes beyond traditional sponsorship, bringing together two highly respected organisations, each recognised for their specialist knowledge and commitment to excellence. Lodders’ legal expertise, particularly in agriculture and rural affairs, will complement Hartpury University and College’s world-class education, research and industry-facing facilities. This isn’t the first time Lodders and Hartpury have worked side by side, having enjoyed an ongoing engagement across areas including agriculture, digital farming initiatives and sport.

Lodders’ expertise and legal insights will be made available during six jointly hosted workshops that will cover a range of pressing rural sector topics, including succession planning, renewable energy and access to green finance at the Digital Innovation Farm. These are sure to be popular with the regional farming community, at a time when farmers are navigating several challenges.

Lodders, which has offices in Cheltenham, Warwickshire, and Birmingham, will have a presence at the NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials in August, where we will be at the heart of the annual VIP networking event. Partner Dawn Oliver will be involved in Hartpury’s Dragons Den-style

competition, where students pitch their innovative business ideas to local leaders. The firm will also provide careers and mentoring support to Hartpury’s students.

Dawn Oliver, partner at Lodders said: “Our sponsorship of the Agri-Tech Centre is a perfect fit for Lodders. It reflects our

dedication to supporting innovation and fostering strong, long-lasting partnerships within the agricultural and farming community. The range of legal support Lodders offers to the rural sector is always growing, and we are looking forward to working closely with the Hartpury team to share this specialist expertise and empower future agriculture leaders.”

Stuart Emmerson, Director of Business Development at Hartpury University and Hartpury College said: “This collaboration will not only enrich the educational journey of our students but also help to support the growth and resilience of the industries we serve. Lodders’ deep sector knowledge aligns perfectly with our mission to develop future leaders in agriculture and across all our specialisms.”

Neave Anderson, Hartpury Digital Innovation Farm Manager said: “We’re excited to partner with Lodders as we continue to advance the Hartpury Digital Innovation Farm. Their commitment to agriculture and excellence aligns perfectly with our mission to support the land-based industries.”

For more information, visit: www.lodders.co.uk

Nikki Budding, Sponsorship and Business Engagement Officer at Hartpury, Dawn Oliver, Partner at Lodders, Paul Mourton, Managing Partner at Lodders, and Neave Anderson, Hartpury Digital Innovation Farm Manager.

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

Call to Coventry businesses to get behind festival’s return

Following a hugely successful debut in 2024, Streets of Cov – Imagineer Productions’ new outdoor arts festival – is set to return in 2025, bringing energy, colour and creativity to the city centre. But to make it happen, the festival is calling on Coventry’s business community to step forward as sponsors.

In its first edition last summer, the festival welcomed more than 10,000 people across multiple venues and featured 46 performances by 20 companies and 82 artists. After that first year, the festival won silver at the West Midlands Tourism Awards and was a proud finalist in the Coventry and Warwickshire Community and Business Awards.

From circus and dance to storytelling, theatre and live music, Streets of Cov delivered a street-stopping, eye-popping programme of free, inclusive cultural events that animated the city and boosted local pride. Now, with preparations underway for the 2025 edition, local businesses have an opportunity to align themselves with one of

the city’s most impactful cultural initiatives — and gain exceptional visibility on investment in the process.

Sponsorship packages range from £1,000 to £60,000, with all levels offering brand exposure across print, digital, press, and citycentre activations. Sponsors benefit from:

• High-visibility branding and promotional tie-ins with a feel-good event

Recognition for corporate social responsibility and community investment

Engagement with a diverse, city-wide audience

Opportunities to network with civic and creative leaders

Last year Streets of Cov attracted support from Arts Council England, Coventry City Council, Coventry BID and Destination Coventry. Local organisations including Hotel Indigo, the Ramada, mCreat and Severn Trent also backed the programme.

In a city striving to drive footfall, reimagine public space and champion inclusive

The Myton Hospices –Give the Gift of a Hospice Bed

At The Myton Hospices, we launched our Urgent Appeal last year to recruit, train and fund five registered nurses and open more Hospice Beds across our Inpatient Units in Coventry and Warwick.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters like you, we exceeded our target, raising over £300,000 and far surpassing our original goal of £240,000. This means we have funding for five new nurses for a year and have opened five additional Hospice Beds to care for more people in Coventry and Warwickshire.

But our work is far from over. Since launching our appeal, the government announced increases to National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage, adding £190,000 to our costs this year at a time when we are already struggling. Demand for our Hospice Beds also remains high, and most days, we have a waiting list. Tragically, too many patients will die before a bed becomes available.

We, along with others, are actively lobbying for urgent reform in hospice funding and we will continue to fight for our patients and their families to ensure they can access the services they need.

We are truly grateful for your support and hope that you don’t mind us asking you to help further if you are able to. You and your organisation can play a vital role by Giving the Gift of a Hospice Bed via a one-off or regular donation. Please visit www.mytonhospice.org/Beds to find out more. Together we can secure the future of hospice care in our community and ensure that ‘The Myton Hospices is here for everyone, now and forever.’

diverse culture, Streets of Cov is a model for regeneration through the arts and was celebrated on the national circuit. It not only brings joy and spectacle - it changes perceptions, brings pride of place to our city streets, boosts the local economy and strengthens community ties.

For more information on how to become a Streets of Cov sponsor, contact angus@imagineerproductions.co.uk or dave@davelongconsultancy.co.uk

For more information, visit imagineer-productions.co.uk

There are plenty of ways to partner with us

If you would like to make a real difference to the local community through a mutually

Catherdral's Bronze win

Coventry Cathedral proudly claimed the Bronze award in the prestigious International Tourist attraction category at the West Midlands Tourism Awards, held on Tuesday, 18 March, at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. The annual event celebrates the exceptional contributions of businesses and organisations that drive the region’s vibrant tourism industry.

This year’s category was particularly competitive, with Coventry Cathedral going head-to-head with two of the city’s other cultural landmarks—Coventry Transport Museum and St Mary’s Guildhall. St Mary’s Guildhall ultimately took home the Gold, but the Cathedral’s Bronze win was a moment of pride and recognition for one of the city’s most iconic and emotionally resonant sites.

Representing Coventry Cathedral at the ceremony were Canon Nitano Muller, Canon for Worship and Welcome, and Emilia Andrews, a dedicated member of the Cathedral’s Welcome Team. Both were thrilled to see the Cathedral’s contribution to the region’s visitor experience acknowledged on such a prominent platform.

“It’s an incredible honour,” said Canon Muller. “Coventry Cathedral has long been a place of reflection, reconciliation, and hope—not just for locals, but for visitors from around the world. To be recognised alongside such remarkable institutions is a testament to the power of our story and the passion of our team.”

The Cathedral, renowned for its stunning post-war architecture and poignant juxtaposition with the ruins of the original medieval church destroyed during the Blitz, continues to attract thousands of international visitors each year. From guided tours to immersive exhibitions and peace-building events, it stands as both a spiritual centre and a major cultural destination.

The awards evening brought together hundreds of tourism professionals, community leaders, and industry stakeholders. With music, fine dining, and an air of celebration, the event underscored the resilience and creativity of the West Midlands’ tourism sector—a sector that has shown remarkable recovery and innovation in recent years.

For Emilia Andrews, the recognition was deeply personal. “It’s so rewarding to welcome people from all over the world and see their reaction to the Cathedral’s history and message. This award feels like a shared achievement for everyone who helps make those visits meaningful.”

As Coventry continues to grow its reputation as a city of culture, history, and hospitality, Coventry Cathedral’s Bronze award win affirms its vital role in shaping the region’s global appeal.

Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks -

Green Tourism Award for Coventry Building Society Arena

Coventry Building Society Arena has been awarded an internationally renowned certification as it continues to drive sustainable practices across its operations.

The leading venue for business, sport and entertainment has become one of the first organisations in the West Midlands to be presented with a Green Tourism Award through a partnership with West Midlands Growth Company

The comprehensive process saw the Arena provide sustainability evidence in 18 categories relating to environmental, social and governance (ESG).

It has been awarded bronze certification and will now work with Green Tourism toward progress to achieving the silver and gold level awards.

Coventry Building Society Arena recently announced a new sustainability partnership with E.ON to drive its continued decarbonisation.

This will see the potential installation of solar panels on its roof and accessible electric vehicle charging choices for visitors, and planned upgrades to the Arena’s existing heating and cooling system.

The venue has made significant positive progress to be more sustainable over the last two years, including the elimination of single-use plastic packaging in the venue, reducing waste and ensuring as little is sent landfill as possible.

Coventry Building Society Arena through its decarbonisation work with Skoot.Eco has also planted 20,427 trees, while monetary donations from visitors to the Arena has helped to fund the equivalent removal of 825.78kg of plastic waste from coastlines.

It has also expanded its work with local suppliers, with the majority of its meat now sourced from a three-mile radius and working with local sustainable packaging supplier Purple Planet Packaging.

The venue also collates sustainability data from all core suppliers and is consolidating deliveries to reduce CO2 emissions from unnecessary transport.

The Green Tourism award also recognises the contribution made to the local community and economy by Coventry Building Society Arena. Last year the venue hosted 55 community tours for 1,429 people. The Arena also hosted five school visits and supported seven local charities, including hosting One Day at Christmas for 200 guests in December.

Tom Davies, Head of Supply Chain at Coventry Building Society Arena, said: “We’re proud to have achieved bronze and this will give us a great foundation to build from as we target silver and gold certification.

“Achieving this accreditation is recognition of the hard work put in by the team in recent years to enhance our sustainable practices, including encouraging our partners and visitors to be conscious of their environmental impact.

“Supported by our partners at E.ON, we are now entering a new phase of our sustainability strategy, as we continue to reduce our carbon footprint and positively impact the local community.”

West Midlands Growth Company has partnered with Green Tourism to offer funded support for hospitality businesses in the region.

To find out more about Green Tourism Certification visit www.green-tourism.com

Heritage fund grant brings Guildhouse archive to life

A priceless 100-year trove of material charting the development of adult education in Rugby has attracted a significant grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The £20,000 plus grant will enable Rugby’s Percival Guildhouse to collate, catalogue, digitise and display its extensive records which reveal how it has developed and how it has reflected changes in society locally and nationally since it first opened on 1925.

Until now material from course programmes, to play scripts, diaries and minutes of meetings has lain undocumented in heaps of boxes in the basement of the St Matthew’s Street Centre. “It was only when we started to look through some of the boxes that we realised what treasures we possessed,” said Liz Pichon, the Trustee at the Guildhouse who is leading the Archive project.

“We consulted the National Archive at an early stage and they confirmed that we had material of national significance. But, we had neither the means nor the finances to transform our treasure into something useful. Working closely with various expert advisers we put together our successful bid to The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

“National Lottery players’ support means that we can now not only preserve all we have for posterity but create a searchable historic resource which can be used by schools, local historians and people who are simply curious about the past.”

Liz worked with fellow Guildhouse volunteers Steve Becker and Peter Harris to conduct the initial sifting of material. With confirmation of the grant, work is now starting in earnest scanning and cataloguing all material, ready for the oldest and most fragile to be digitised professionally in order to protect the archive for future generations.

A website is also being created to give the wider public easy access to the contents of the archives.

“The archives tell many different stories about the Percival Guildhouse and its wider contributions to the heritage of Rugby and surrounding districts,” added Liz Pichon.

“We are planning a series of Heritage Forums for the general public at Rugby Art Gallery & Museum in autumn 2025/spring 2026 to give wider access to this heritage and help people to engage with six main themes relating to the history of the Guildhouse: the Foundation, Courses, Activities, Significant People, Debates and the Guildhouse Players.”

The public can get an initial taste of what the archive has to offer by visiting the Percival Guildhouse Arts & Archive Exhibition at the Gallery from June 4th to 16th June 2025.

“The Percival Guildhouse Archive reveals the rich contribution the Guildhouse has made to local adult education as well as its wider contribution to adult education in this country, to the visual and dramatic arts, and to enhancing the lives of many through its forums, clubs, debates and other activities since its inception in 1925,” commented Rob Close, Chair of Trustees.

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

City centre venue announced as a finalist in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025

Coventry’s historic St Mary’s Guildhall has been named among the elite visitor attractions in the country.

The city centre venue has been announced as a finalist in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025, where it will compete alongside some of the country’s most celebrated visitor attractions.

The 700-year-old landmark has been shortlisted in the International Tourism Award category – one of three finalists alongside The Beatles Story in Liverpool and World of Wedgwood in Staffordshire – after developing new international travel trade partnerships and travel itineraries to increase visitors to the city.

The prestigious awards, which celebrate the best of England’s tourism industry, received more than 1,800 entries through 21 regional competitions. Just 52 businesses made it through to the national final across 16 categories.

St Mary’s Guildhall, which is operated by No Ordinary Hospitality, will be awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze at the national ceremony at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange on Wednesday, June 4, showcasing the city’s rising profile as a destination for international tourism.

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence are the highest accolade in English tourism, championing innovation, quality, and outstanding customer experiences for over three decades.

It comes after the guildhall earned a spectacular 92% in its VisitEngland Quality

Assured Visitor Attraction assessment earlier this year, one point up on 2023’s score.

The report called the guildhall “a captivating visitor attraction combining history, architecture, and storytelling,” stating “the building itself is a marvel, showcasing stunning medieval craftsmanship and impressive stained glass… the star attraction is the magnificent 15th-century Coventry tapestry, a rare and remarkable piece of art”.

Since reopening in 2022 under the new management operation of No Ordinary Hospitality, St Mary’s Guildhall has welcomed visitors from around the world to explore its medieval architecture, royal connections and immersive digital experiences – making it one of the most important heritage attractions in the region.

Abi Moore, heritage and venue manager at St Mary’s Guildhall, said: “We’re honoured to be recognised on the international stage alongside such iconic attractions. This is a huge milestone for Coventry, and for everyone who has worked so hard to transform St Mary’s Guildhall into a worldclass heritage destination for all.”

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “England’s tourism industry has good reason to celebrate. As the finalists demonstrate, businesses across every region provide outstanding customer service along with high quality experiences while constantly innovating to find new ways to give more to visitors and the communities they serve.

“The applications to this year’s awards and the list of finalists are a testament to the range of first-class products on offer to both domestic and international visitors. I congratulate all the finalists who are already winners, and I wish them the very best of luck.”

Councillor Jim O’Boyle Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council, said: “This is a real achievement for St Mary’s Guildhall and to be recognised in such distinguished company is great news.

Lindsay Woodward Marketing launches new Self-Publishing Support for Independent Authors

authors looking

Lindie offers a range of services tailored to meet the needs of independent authors at every stage of their publishing journey.

Lindsay Woodward said, “I am currently working on my 11th book, and I’ve successfully self-published both fiction and non-fiction. I can’t tell you the amount of times new writers have asked for my help, so it seemed like there was a real need for this sort of service.

“It just made sense that I put my self-publishing and marketing expertise together to support the growing number of independent authors.”

With millions of self-published books released every year, standing out in the market requires more than just great writing. Lindie’s services are designed to give independent authors a competitive edge by ensuring their books meet high industry standards and are effectively marketed to the right audience.

Authors who purchase Lindie’s guides also gain access to exclusive workshops, consultancy sessions and industry updates, ensuring they stay ahead of the latest publishing and marketing trends.

“The Guildhall is one of many fantastic heritage venues in the city, popular with local people and visitors alike.”

Funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund sustains ongoing events, activities, and capital investment at St Mary’s Guildhall, enhancing access to the venue and the renowned Coventry Tapestry with thanks to National Lottery players.

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

Lindsay added, "Self-publishing can feel overwhelming, but there is no reason why any author should have to navigate it alone.

“We have a lot of ideas for how we can offer extra support and services to ensure that authors have access to all the information they need in an easy to digest format. And we’re here to answer questions too, as not everyone’s writing journey is the same. I can’t wait to share all that I’ve learnt with others, so we can make sure that independent others are given the credit they deserve.”

To learn more about Lindie’s services or to purchase a guide, visit www.lindie-author.com.

Independent

to navigate the complex world of self-publishing now have a dedicated partner in Lindie, the new brand from Lindsay Woodward Marketing.

Commercial

‘proud’ to support Coventry company’s expansion

A leading commercial property agent in the Midlands has expressed his pride in supporting a deal which will see a manufacturer and supplier of copper tubing products expand in Coventry.

Peter Holt, a director of Holt Commercial – which has offices in Coventry and Birmingham, acted on behalf of Lawton Tubes in the acquisition of the former Sandvik plant in Torrington Avenue.

The property was on the market through an independent agent and attracted interest from a range of parties – including developers – but Holt Commercial managed to secure the deal for Lawton Tubes, which plans to invest in the site and create new jobs in the city.

The company recently unveiled ambitious plans for a £20 million cutting-edge new facility, which is just a few metres from its current headquarters in Torrington Avenue.

The new development will see the creation of a 120,000 sq ft, two-storey facility that will house the company’s manufacturing, storage, and office operations.

Peter said: “I am immensely proud to have worked with Lawton Tubes to get this deal over the line.

“Of course, it is great to do any deal on behalf of a client but when you can see that it will mean investment and jobs in the city from a forward-thinking business that is firmly rooted in Coventry, it brings even more satisfaction.

“It’s taken over 12 months to get the deal done and there were, naturally, many interested parties in it but the fact we were acquiring it for an owner-occupier with such exciting plans made it a great deal all round for everyone.

“We wish everyone at Lawton Tubes every success for the future as it continues to grow and export around the world.”

Robert Lawton, of Lawton Tubes, said: “We are growing year-on-year and we needed more space.

“The opportunity to buy a property across the road from our headquarters was just too good to miss and we engaged Peter Holt to help support with the acquisition.

“We were thrilled to secure the property and we are looking forward to investing and creating a state-of-the-art facility that our team and, indeed, the whole city can be proud of.”

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

Hat trick of wins for owners of boutique hotels

The owners of two boutique Warwickshire hotels have made it a hattrick of wins at a prestigious award ceremony after generating their strongest employee retention levels since 2018.

Eden Hotel Collection – which operates The Arden Hotel and Mallory Court Hotel & Spa – has been named Best Employer at The Springboard Awards For Excellence 2025, which recognises individuals’ and organisations’ innovation and commitment to their teams, communities and the wider industry.

Following the award win, judges described Eden’s dedication to employee engagement “as a true exemplar of excellence in the hospitality industry,” as they “demonstrated a remarkable commitment to nurturing and developing their team members.”

Eden’s award win comes off the back of a year that has seen its 90-day retention rate average 97 per cent, with overall retention rate of the company’s 550-strong workforce up by 28 per cent – which is its strongest increase since 2018.

This has resulted in vacancies decreasing by 68 per cent year-on-year, with the time taken to screen and interview candidates on average taking less than seven days.

Nearly 50 employees have also completed an apprenticeship or leadership programme in the past year, while more than 70 were promoted.

The improvements have been driven by key initiatives that have been developed based on colleague feedback to aid their wellbeing, including the introduction of Wagestream for early access to earned wages, through to a science-backed reward and recognition system called the Happy Hub to boost feelgood hormones.

Elsewhere, Eden has invested £1.5 million in purchasing a 15-cottage complex for staff accommodation at its five-star Bovey Castle resort; while an enhanced employee referral programme has been introduced where existing team members can earn up to £1,000 for each successful referral they make.

Eden’s latest Springboard award win follows victories in the same awards in the previous two years where they collected the Employee Engagement and Health & Wellbeing categories in 2024, and Best Training Programme in 2023.

Lisa Redding, Group People Director at Eden Hotel Collection, said: "Finding and keeping the right talent in hospitality – especially in the boutique hotel sector – is more competitive than ever. That’s why this award means so much to us. It reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where our people feel valued, supported, and able to thrive.”

Mark Chambers, Managing Director at Eden Hotel Collection, added: “As a business, we’re not just focused on retaining great talent –

we’re dedicated to helping our team grow into the next generation of hospitality leaders.

“Developing our people and our properties is a key part of our ongoing growth, and we are starting to reap the rewards of this as we are forecasting turnover of approximately £18plus million for the financial year ending March 2025, an increase from £16.9 million from the previous year.

“Ultimately, hospitality is all about people and we’re proud to be recognised as a leader in this space.”

The Eden Hotel Collection operates The Arden Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, The Greenway Hotel and Spa in Cheltenham, Brockencote Hall Hotel in Kidderminster, Mallory Court Hotel and Spa in Leamington, and Bovey Castle in Devon.

Last year, Eden was also named Small Hotel Group of the Year at the AA Hospitality Awards.

Christmas at Drapers’ Hall

Drapers’ Hall has had a standout start to 2025, hosting weddings, live music events, and exclusive private functions - all from the heart of Coventry’s historic quarter. The team is now turning its focus to delivering exceptional Christmas celebrations for local businesses and their staff.

Corporate Christmas parties at Drapers’ Hall offer more than just a festive meal. With a stunning ballroom, elegant bar space, arrival drinks, and festive décor, the experience combines style and warmth in one of the city’s

most atmospheric venues. Guests enjoy a three-course menu, music, and dancing into the evening. We have two dates confirmed for our Christmas Parties: 12th and 19th of December. Businesses can book individual tickets or reserve full tables for their team.

New for this year are Twist & Shout Daytime Christmas Parties, taking place on the 11th and 17th of December. These midweek events include a three-course meal, hot drinks, and a full theatre-style performance featuring West End artists performing hits from the 60s,

alongside Christmas classics. It’s the perfect opportunity for teams looking to celebrate during the day in a vibrant and uplifting setting. Drapers’ Hall is also available for private Christmas bookings, offering tailored experiences for businesses seeking something more exclusive. The venue can be hired throughout the festive season and across the year for corporate events, networking receptions, and away days. Bookings are now live via our website.

Johnsons Coaches Announces Charity Partnerships for 2025

Supporting Our Community Through Meaningful Collaboration

Johnsons Coaches is proud to announce its Charity of the Year partnerships for 2025, joining forces with Mencap and The Myton Hospices. This initiative reflects Johnsons' ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities it serves, raising awareness and funds for two incredible causes throughout the year.

Building on Last Year’s Success

In 2024, Johnsons Coaches raised an outstanding £8,000 for its two chosen charities:

• Arrive Alive Charity – funding lifesaving emergency response vehicles.

• Edward's Trust – providing specialist bereavement support for families.

Through a range of initiatives, including internal fundraising events, raffles at the company’s brochure launch, and contributions from coach trips, Johnsons made a meaningful impact. The company extends heartfelt thanks to its dedicated staff, loyal customers and fundraising partners for making this possible.

Driving Support for Mencap

For 2025, Johnsons will be supporting Mencap, a leading charity dedicated to helping people with learning disabilities. To celebrate the partnership, Johnsons recently invited Mencap’s team and those they support for a special experience. Guests enjoyed a scenic countryside journey aboard the company’s new double-decker coach, led by Training

Instructor Paul Stevens, followed by a fun-filled drive through the coach wash at Johnsons' Henley-in-Arden depot.

Bethany Morgan, Head of Marketing & Business Development at Johnsons Coaches, shared her personal connection to the cause: "Supporting Mencap is incredibly important to us. They make a real difference in our community, providing opportunities for people with learning disabilities. Pathway Stratford-Upon-Avon played a vital role in the life of someone very close to my heart, offering invaluable support each week. It’s an honour to partner with them and give back in a way that brings joy and new experiences. We look forward to working together throughout the year."

Strengthening Ties with The Myton Hospices

The company is also partnering with The Myton Hospices, which provides compassionate care for adults with lifelimiting illnesses across Warwickshire. While Johnsons has supported Myton for

many years through initiatives such as its festive Santa Sleigh fundraiser, this formal partnership marks a significant step in strengthening their collaboration.

Ashley Brown, General Manager at Johnsons Coaches, expressed his support for the charity: "The Myton Hospices does extraordinary work, providing compassionate care to those who need it most. Their support makes an incredible difference to so many families and we are honoured to help raise funds. We look forward to working together to find new ways to support their vital services and make a real impact."

Chris Willmott, Partnerships Manager at The Myton Hospices, added: “We are so very grateful to Johnsons Coaches for selecting Myton as one of its charities of the year. We have never needed the support more, and to see what a fabulous relationship blossom in this way was already is fantastic news for us for the year ahead."

Making a Difference Together

As part of the Charity of the Year programme, Johnsons Coaches will actively promote both charities across its marketing channels, including its website, social media, and customer communications. Throughout the year, Johnsons will collaborate with Mencap and Myton on fundraising events, offer discounted transport for their activities, and share impactful stories to raise awareness of their vital work.

For further information visit: www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Peter Holt with Giles Lawton Holt

A Refreshed Heart for the Community: St Oswald’s Church Hall Reopens

There’s a special kind of joy that comes from seeing something old made new again. After many months of dreaming, planning, and hard work, we’re delighted to share that the renovation of St Oswald’s Church Hall in Tile Hill is complete.

Our hall has always been more than just a building. It’s where birthday cakes have been cut, friendships formed, ideas sparked in community meetings, and where local groups have found a space to belong. Over the years, it had begun to show its age, but today, it stands refreshed a warm, versatile space ready for a new chapter in the life of our community.

The transformation is striking. Freshly painted walls, new flooring underfoot, and

smart new doors have breathed life back into the hall, making it a brighter, more welcoming place for everyone who walks through its doors. None of this would have been possible without the generous donations we've received proof that this space truly matters to the people it serves. This project has reminded us how much can be achieved when we invest in places that bring people together. And now, we’re excited to see how this space will continue to serve especially in partnership with local businesses who share our heart for community. Whether it’s hosting workshops, pop-ups, or collaborative events, we see the potential for great things ahead.

We know that good things happen when people come together with purpose. As we celebrate this new chapter for St Oswald’s Hall, we look forward to writing the next one with our neighbours local, loyal, and full of life.

Before-and-after photos say more than words ever could, and we’re proud to include them here. But even more powerful is the sense of possibility in the air. If you haven’t visited in a while, come and see what’s new. The kettle’s always on.

Written by Fr Ed Backhouse SSC – Priest in Charge, St Oswald’s Church, Tile Hill fr.edwardbackhouse@outlook.com

Midlands independent accountancy firm opens new office in Birmingham

A Midlands independent accountancy firm has expanded by opening a new office in Birmingham following a significant period of growth.

HB&O, which also has existing offices in Coventry and Leamington Spa, has moved into a prime location at Northspring on Temple Street, in the heart of Birmingham city centre.

It will be the first time the firm, which can trace its roots back to 1924, has had a presence in the city.

The firm works primarily with SMEs, not-for-profit companies and owner-managed businesses. HB&O offers a wide range of services to businesses and individuals, including audit, business and tax advisory, compliance services, payroll, transaction tax services, inheritance tax, trusts and estates, VAT and indirect tax, and Virtual Finance Office.

It currently employs more than 100 people and has plans to further expand its audit and tax teams as part of its ambitious growth plans in Birmingham.

The business will also continue to develop its offering to clients from its offices in Coventry and Leamington.

Its new private office space at Northspring will provide a platform to grow HB&O’s business in Birmingham as it seeks to establish itself as one of the leading independent accountancy and finance firms in the city.

Last year, HB&O was named in the prestigious Accountancy Age Top 50+50 rankings for 2024 – recognising the firm as one of the top 100 in the UK.

What do customers say when you are not in the room?

Jeff Bezos of Amazon fame said “Your brand is what people say about you when you are not in the room.” Wise words. But it takes guts and ingenuity to find that out. What might they say? Could it be damaging? How do we ask them without being in the room?

For six years Warwickshire based Risk Evolves have been benefited from taking that brave step. Conducting qualitative research of their customer’s experiences. To ensure ‘they are not in the room’, they commissioned chamber member Glued to conduct the research.

Risk Evolves are a compliance, quality assurance and risk preparedness business. Their investment has paid off, as managing director Helen Barge says “We can champion the good news to swell our pride and confidence. Fortunately, bad news has rare – where it does arise we can address it – improving our service levels all round.”

Rob Harrison, Consultancy Partner at Glued added “Six years have seen surprising developments in the experience that Risk Evolves customers have. Notably, of late, reference to the names of more members of the team, reflecting the spreading of responsibility and contact. Best of all a new product in the shape of an on-demand ‘critical friend’ service, prompted by a suggestion made by a respondents.”

Mark Ashfield, Managing Director at HB&O, said: “It has been a fantastic few years of sustained growth for the business and opening HB&O Birmingham is an exciting next step as we look to build on that momentum.

“We will be seeking to expand the reach of our services in the Birmingham area and further enhance our already strong reputation in the West Midlands, which has been built over many years from our established offices in Coventry and Leamington.

“This signals a major investment milestone as we seek to grow our presence across the West Midlands, with the new base in Birmingham bringing our expertise closer to businesses operating in the city.

“We’ll be looking to embed HB&O in the city’s business community, establishing and developing relationships with clients and other professional services firms operating in Birmingham.”

To find out more about HB&O and the expert services available from its new Birmingham office, visit www.hbotld.co.uk

As business owners we interact with and think about our customers all day every day, it’s understandable to think we know them inside out. But the cut and thrust of business means we don’t have time to ask our customers. Triumphs go unrecognised, problems can fester. With regular customer research we show willing to listen and when acting on lessons we learn, we show care and humility.

To find out more about constructive customer research contact Rob Harrison at Glued, robharrison@gluedlimited.co.uk.

From left to right – back, Stuart Grosvenor and Mark Ashfield. Front - Neil Allcroft and Helen Coombes.

Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks -

Major boost for business event venues with revitalised regional offer

Coventry and Warwickshire’s convention bureau is relaunching with a new name and platform which will bring a major boost to conference, exhibition and meeting venues across the region.

Meet Coventry and Warwickshire is a not-for-profit organisation that supports venues with bringing in new leads and event organisers with planning incredible business events.

The organisation, formerly known as Conference Coventry & Warwickshire, has introduced a new sector-leading website which will provide impactful showcase opportunities for venues and a one-stop-shop for event organisers.

It aims to bring more conferences, exhibitions and meetings into the region –bringing growth to the visitor economy and the businesses it supports.

The new website, which underpins the renewed strategy for Meet Coventry and Warwickshire, transforms the experience for event organisers by providing a venue enquiry service, event planners guide and a wealth of easily accessible information about hosting events in Coventry and Warwickshire.

It will support a smoother visitor experience too by featuring travel information, places to eat and drink, things to do, shopping options and a what’s on guide.

It will benefit all businesses in the visitor economy, not only business events venues, by including attractions, restaurants, pubs, bars and hotels in its delegate experience section.

Meet Coventry and Warwickshire is part of destination management organisation (DMO) Destination Coventry which supports the city’s visitor economy.

Paul McMahon, Managing Director at Destination Coventry, said: “This is a fresh

start for our business events offer and will support us in our ultimate goal of accelerating growth for businesses through excellent destination marketing.

“Our revitalised Meet Coventry and Warwickshire platform will provide return on investment for all our partners and ensure that venues are positioned directly in the flow of enquiries when they come into the region from event organisers.

“The new platform is grounded in strong SEO to ensure its content is reaching the right audiences and when people are looking for the destination for their next event, Coventry and Warwickshire is front and centre.”

The DMO recently launched a new website for its leisure tourism offer, www. visitcoventry.co.uk, which provides further opportunities to enhance visibility for venues and reach new audiences locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

This includes opportunities for free listings of events with businesses across Coventry already submitting updates.

“We’ve seen excellent engagement from the region’s business community since launching the new Visit Coventry platform, but to make it the best it can be we need all businesses across our visitor economy to get involved,” added Paul.

“This will allow us to better tell the story of Coventry and Warwickshire and showcase our region on the national and international stage.

“The new Meet and Visit websites are at the core of our new marketing approach and partnership model. We are confident they will set the foundations for a positive future across all areas of our visitor economy.”

To find out more about Meet Coventry and Warwickshire visit www.visitcoventry.co.uk/ meetcoventryandwarwickshire

Engineering firm celebrates 60 years

A Coventry engineering firm, which counts a range of F1 teams as clients and is celebrating its 60th anniversary, is in pole position for growth after investing more than half a million pounds in new technology and machinery.

Binley-based Whiteley Brooks Engineering has been serving the motorsport industry with a range of precision parts since it was established in 1965.

The firm provides parts for almost every Formula 1 team, Formula E and World Endurance Championship and is gearing up to expand after investing £550,000 in new state-of-the-art machine tools as well as new inspection software.

The company is also bringing on the next generation of engineers through apprentices, taking on six in a total workforce of 40 over the past three years.

They complement more experienced members of the team, including Gear Purewal and Eirinn Turner who have been with the company for 53 and 37 years, respectively.

Jat Purewal, Director of Whiteley Brooks, showed Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce President Steve Harcourt and Head of Operations Keely Hancox around the engineering facility and explained the reasons for ongoing investments.

He said: “We are very proud to reach 60 years in business. I have been here since 2002 so it is important to recognise everyone who has made the company what it is today, including the founders Ken Whiteley and Stan Brooks.

“We’re now up to a team of 40 and that includes the likes of Gear and Eirinn who have been with us over many years and then more recent additions, including several apprentices.

“It’s a real team effort and that is a big factor in our success.

“We also invest regularly and have just signed off another £550,000 in new machine tools and additional inspection software that our clients are really interested in.

“Our motto is Keeping Ahead Of The Game and we have to live by that because our customers are having to innovate year after year, so we have to do the same.

“We are unable to talk about individual clients and the parts we make because of the nature of the sport, but we are incredibly proud to be delivering for some of the bestknown teams on the planet, which is a real success story for Coventry.

“I was really pleased to show Steve and Keely around and I am really grateful to the

Chamber, of which we’ve been a member for 23 years, for helping us to shout about the fact we’ve reached 60 and continue to invest in the future.”

Steve Harcourt said: “Whiteley Brooks is a fascinating Coventry company that is doing

amazing work in one of the most popular sports on the planet.

“They are a great example of how, even in uncertain times, it is possible to invest in people, technology and machinery to put your business on the strongest footing for growth.”

Steve Harcourt (Chamber president), Jat Purewal (Whiteley Brooks) and Keely Hancox (Chamber) with members of the Whiteley Brooks team

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

- Rugby

Bakery business on the rise

A Coventry couple who gave up a life in the film industry to run an artisan bakery in Earlsdon have seen business rise thanks to local support.

Daniel Perry and Charlotte Lee founded Lily & Fox Bakery in 2023 to offer fresh bread and other baked treats, initially with a focus on the wholesale market.

Their public sales quickly outgrew their wholesale business with queues outside the Earlsdon Street door on their first day of opening - something which has continued as they open on Fridays and Saturdays. Up to 300 loaves are sold each week alongside other items such as brownies and take-away coffees.

They also stock items from other small, independent businesses and the bakery –which has been branded based on Coventry’s baking history and named with family in mind – has become a key part of the local community.

The business has been supported by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce through the Coventry Start-up Programme funded by Coventry City Council and Business Growth West Midlands UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

It saw the couple receive advice from the Chamber’s Mick Dalheley which led to grantfunding to fit out the shop, including ovens and other key equipment to get the business off the ground.

Daniel said: “We’ve had massive support from the community – from local people through to the local MP.

“To become fully operational we also needed financial support. We applied for grants, and thanks to Mick at the Chamber of Commerce and some crowdfunding of our own, we managed to raise enough to purchase essential equipment, including ovens, racks, mixers, fridges and even the shop’s signage.

“The support we received went beyond that as Mick helped us to navigate funding applications, providing guidance and reassurance throughout the process. It was great, as a small business, to have someone in our corner knowing who to speak to next.”

The name of the business is deeply personal to the couple. Lily is from Charlotte’s great grandmother and is also their six-year-old daughter’s middle name. Fox was the name of Daniel’s uncle who

passed away five years ago and is also the middle name of the couple’s three-year-old son.

The brand is also steeped in history and based on Coventry’s rich heritage as a baking city with the design taken from a 1900s bread cart that Daniel spotted in Coventry Transport Museum.

Not only has the business brought success to the couple – and a property that had lain empty for 20 years – it has brought them much-needed work-life balance. They have also created two full-time jobs.

Charlotte said: “One of the reasons for launching the business was to be able to have more time with our children. The film industry wasn’t particularly family friendly. We decided to do something for ourselves and always had an idea that we might launch a bakery.

“We are thrilled with how popular it has been and we know that we could do more but we are limiting ourselves to opening two days a week for now to maintain the balance we need.”

Mick said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to help such a great business that is going back to the traditions of being a real community asset for Earlsdon.

“There’s also a positive knock-on effect for the local economy with local suppliers and local makers also being supported by Lily & Fox, which highlights why business support of this kind is so important.”

Kierandeep Bal, of Coventry City Council, added: “I am pleased to have played my part in supporting Charlotte and Daniel launch their business with the support of the grant. It is great to see how popular the business has become amongst the local community, and I have no doubt they will outgrow the shop quite quickly as the demand is there. I wish them every success for the future.”

For more information on business support from the Chamber, go to www.cw-chamber.co.uk/business-support/

Ahead of the curve: Arena invests in new event space to boost offer

A Midlands venue has expanded its meetings, conference and exhibition offer with the launch of a new 1,000 sq m space.

Coventry Building Society Arena has unveiled ‘The Curve’ as it continues to invest in enhancing its facilities whilst catering for increasing demand.

The new multi-functional space is suitable for conferences and medium-scale exhibitions, with capacity of up to 350 conference delegates.

It follows significant growth in the conference, exhibition and meetings area of the arena’s business over the last 12 months.

The venue hosted 573 exhibitions, large conferences, small meetings, awards events and gala dinners in 2024 – with a 48 per cent increase in the number of large conferences held at the venue and £2.8 million of new business brought through the doors.

The arena has also seen enquiry levels rise by 50 per cent compared to 2023 and has made the strategic decision to invest in creating The Curve to support high demand.

The space, which has been converted from

an office area and is a unique curved design, features a reception area, breakout areas, conference space and dedicated catering for event organisers and delegates.

The Curve is now available for event organisers to book and has already been prebooked for a number of events.

Coventry Building Society Arena has more than 20,000 sq m of flexible event space and can host meetings from 10 to 7,000 delegates. The venue has 2,200 on-site car parking spaces and 75 per cent of the UK population is within a two-hour drive.

It has a track record of supporting the growth of events and The Curve will provide further space for events to expand at the venue.

The new space comes as significant investments continue to be made throughout the arena, including the full refurbishment of its on-site 121-bedroom DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.

Jenni Ford, Director of Sales and Marketing at Coventry Building Society Arena, said: “We’re excited to be bringing The Curve to

the market as we expand our conference, exhibition and meetings space for the first time in three years.

“We have experienced a rise in enquiries and new business coming into the venue over the last year, reflecting renewed confidence in the market, which has fuelled the decision to invest in this new space.

“This is the perfect time to open The Curve and we are confident that it will add a new dimension to our offer here at Coventry Building Society Arena.”

To find out visit www.coventrybuildingsocietyarena.co.uk

All the world’s a stage: Global recognition for Shakespeare Distillery’s ‘Jester Rum’

Shakespeare Distillery is raising a glass to international success following a prestigious win at the World Rum Awards 2025, where its Jester Aged British Rum (Sherry Expression) earned a bronze medal, officially placing it among the best rums in the world.

The limited-edition rum is the first aged rum blend from the Stratford-upon-Avonbased distillery, with only 120 individually numbered bottles available. Crafted from scratch using the team’s award-winning Jester White Rum, this bold new blend has matured for four years in carefully selected ex-Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks — resulting in a truly exceptional rum, bottled at 48 per cent ABV.

The World Rum Awards are among the most respected global accolades in the spirits industry, judged by an expert panel that assembles some of the world’s leading rum authorities. This year’s blind tasting took place in Norwich in early April, where Jester stood out as one of only four rums to receive a medal in its category – an extraordinary achievement for the independent Warwickshire distillery.

Among the tasting panel to determine overall category winners was Shakespeare Distillery’s Head of Sales and Customer Experiences, Sam Evans, who said: “It was an honour to sit alongside some of the most passionate and knowledgeable people in the industry and exchange views and insights. Having our rum recognised by our peers on the world stage is a huge testament to the dedication and skill of our distillery team here in Stratford-uponAvon.”

The Jester name takes its inspiration from Shakespeare’s iconic characters –bold, playful, and often scene-stealing. True to its name, this rum makes a lasting impression. Shakespeare Distillery remains one of the very few UK producers to create rum entirely on site, from fermentation to bottling.

Jester Aged British Rum (Sherry Expression) officially launched on April 30, priced at £45 (50cl). Pre-orders are now open at https://shakespearedistillery. com/product/aged-british-rum-sherryexpression/

Kierandeep Bal, Charlotte Lee, Daniel Perry, Mick Dalheley

All children deserve a memorable birthday party –and here’s how one business is making that happen

A Warwick business is helping bring birthday cheer to local families with affordable children’s parties that are already proving a hit with parents.

People Arches Ltd, the company that runs the Warwick branch of McDonald’s on Emscote Road, has brought back the much-loved McDonald’s party to provide a low-cost option for parents amid the cost of living crisis.

The initiative, which includes free party boxes and a decorated area of the restaurant, is already proving popular, with bookings and enquiries flooding in.

People Arches Ltd founder Dawood Ibtehsam said: “We’re always looking for ways to support our local community and given the cost of children’s parties is spiralling like everything else, it’s just not feasible for some families who are struggling. We wanted to provide a lowcost option that is great fun for all ages, without being prohibitively expensive.”

According to figures collected last year, the average cost of children’s birthday parties now runs into hundreds of pounds, making it impossible for some families to afford.

“It shouldn’t be the case that some children miss out on memorable birthday parties because they’re simply too expensive, so we hope we’re giving an added option that helps out,” added Dawood.

The initiative is part of an ongoing effort by People Arches to support the local community, including regular litter picks, as well as sponsoring local children’s teams and funding the purchase of 64 pantomime tickets for children in care and their foster families before Christmas so they could enjoy a festive day out.

Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks -

North Warwickshire has a big part to play in economic growth

Businesses in the north of Warwickshire can help to shape plans for the region’s economy – whatever the political landscape – a meeting has heard.

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce held its latest North Warwickshire Local Business Forum at the Weston Hall Hotel in Bulkington.

Representatives from a range of businesses – as well as local authorities –were in attendance and were asked to rank some of the priorities for the economy to help feed into a manifesto for the region that is being produced by the Chamber to release later in the year.

It comes at a time when the Government is looking to devolve more powers to the regions and Sarah Windrum, chair of the Local Business Forum, said businesses had a big role to play.

She said: “There is a drive to move power out of Whitehall and into the regions and that is coming to Warwickshire.

“How exactly that might look is yet to be decided but we know that across Warwickshire, District and County Councils

EZOO

local leaders are looking at options to simplify the current structures to make financial savings and streamline decision making.

“In this region, we’re in the unusual situation where Coventry is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority and Warwickshire is not, yet Coventry and Warwickshire still sits together strategically as a sub-regional economy.

“It’s important to remember businesses don’t operate according to political boundaries and, again, there are currently anomalies where one company could have access to a support programme and another, just a short distance away, would not because of the postcode they are operating under.

“That is why it is so important that the regional business voice is heard and that is why our Local Business Forums are so important.

“We had an excellent turnout at the Weston Hall Hotel and it was great to get everyone’s input into our manifesto.”

said: “We are speaking to businesses right across Coventry and Warwickshire to pull together our manifesto and it’s really important to get the input from those in the north of the county.

“As well as being part of Warwickshire, the north of Warwickshire is close to Birmingham and also south Leicestershire so, in many ways, is in a really sweet spot economically.

“So, it’s vital that we get the views of our members in that area so that’s reflected in our manifesto which will be an economic blueprint for decision-makers in our region.”

earns recognition locally and nationally for driving the

Coventry-based electric vehicle provider EZOO is making waves both regionally and nationally, having recently been named a finalist in the Planet Saver category at the Coventry and Warwickshire Business and Community Awards, as well as securing two finalist spots at the prestigious AM Awards 2025.

Founded by Lash and Charnjit Saranna in 2018, EZOO has quickly become one of the UK’s most innovative electric vehicle providers. The business offers fully serviced EV salary sacrifice schemes and flexible business subscriptions – making it easier than ever for individuals and companies to make the switch to electric.

At the Coventry and Warwickshire Annual Awards, EZOO was recognised for its contribution to sustainability. The Planet Saver nomination celebrated the company’s

EV revolution

impact in helping organisations reduce their carbon footprint through practical, accessible EV solutions.

Nationally, EZOO has also been shortlisted in the AM Awards 2025 – one of the automotive industry’s most respected accolades – in the categories of

Housing association lends a helping paw to animal welfare charity

A Coventry animal welfare centre was to further its work in rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals this National Pet Day (Friday, April 11), following a donation from a leading housing association.

Joanna Reynolds, Ryan Harris and Sabina Cox of Platform visited Lorraine BryanArnold (Centre Manager) and Cat Clements (Kennel Supervisor) with rescued dogs Eric and Moomin at RSPCA Coventry and District.

Platform Home Ownership supplied £400 to RSPCA Coventry and District, contributing towards the charitable organisation’s mission to ensure all animals have a good life and inspire those around us to treat animals with compassion and respect.

The Coundon-based charity was founded in 1873, and is funded separately from the National RSPCA, with Platform’s donation going towards an entire day of care for all animals currently at the centre.

The housing association, which is providing a range of Shared Ownership homes at its upcoming Keresley development, named Loomcroft, made the donation as part of its pledge to give back to the communities it operates in.

The Platform team were also given a tour of the extensive centre.

Platform encourages responsible pet owners to understand that owning a pet is not a barrier to purchasing their dream home with the housing association.

RSPCA Coventry and District cares for more than 100 dogs and cats at any one time within the centre, with more through its foster network. In 2024, the centre assisted 645 animals, and rehomed 98 dogs and 482 cats.

Platform’s donation will allow the charity to continue working towards its advocacy on

behalf of all animals, and vision of a world where all animals are respected.

Lorraine Bryan-Arnold, Animal Centre Manager at RSPCA Coventry and District, said: “Our expert team provides a wealth of crucial support and care for animals in the centre and across the districts of Coventry, Solihull, Nuneaton and Rugby.

“We’re grateful to have been considered for this donation by Platform. Their generosity will have a positive impact.”

Ryan Harris, Area Sales Manager at Platform, said: “It’s really important that our support for communities goes beyond the construction and provision or our affordable homes.

“Animals play a huge part in all of our lives, and there are so many who rely on them. To be contributing towards that support is incredibly rewarding.

‘EV Advocate of the Year’ and ‘Online Consumer Experience of the Year –Independent’. These nominations reflect both the company’s customer-first approach and its fresh thinking in an industry undergoing rapid change.

“We’re proud to be recognised not just here in our home region, but also on the national stage,” said co-founder Lash Saranna. “These nominations are a testament to the brilliant work of our team and the businesses we partner with.” With a focus on simplicity, service, and sustainability, EZOO is setting a new standard for EV adoption – proving that what’s good for the planet can also be good for people and business.

To learn more about salary sacrifice or business subscription, visit www.ezoo.uk.

“We’re keen for anybody interested in moving into a new Loomcroft home to look into RSPCA Coventry and District and what can be done to support animals at the centre.”

For more details on RSPCA Coventry and District, visit https://www.rspcacoventryanddistrict.org.uk/.

For further details on the Loomcroft development, visit https://www.platformhomeownership.com/ development/loomcroft

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

Business needs certainty to invest in the future Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks -

- Rugby

Tim Squires, chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Coventry Local Business Forum

So, another season ends painfully for Coventry City Football Club but when you reflect on how far the club has come in a short space of time, you can only look to the future with positivity.

Since the Sky Blues were relegated from the Premier League back in 2001, the club has rarely come close to a return, yet in the last three seasons we’ve made the play-offs twice and reached an FA Cup semi-final.

Fingers crossed, the 2025/26 season will finally see the club take the final step back to the promised land.

Economically, it would be great news for the city and the region. Seeing the Coventry Building Society Arena packed out week after week has been wonderful and there are all of the other additional benefits that it brings too in terms of spend in the city.

In terms of profile, Coventry feels like it is back on the map for the right reasons and if we were to make it back to the top-flight under Frank Lampard, I have no doubt that local businesses would see a positive impact.

When it comes to positive news, I would like to add my note of thanks and praise to everyone at the Chamber for their work on the Coventry and Warwickshire Business & Community Awards in March.

The event, which took place at the Belgrade Theatre, was a huge success. Many congratulations to all of those who won and who were shortlisted, but it is also fair to say that everyone who attended felt a

real sense of pride in being part of such an incredible region.

Corin Crane, the chief executive of the Chamber, said in advance of the event that he wanted it to be a real celebration of everything great about Coventry and Warwickshire and it 100 per cent delivered on that!

Again, it’s another reason to feel positive about the future!

And, hopefully, the trade deal that the UK has recently agreed with the USA is a sign of better things to come.

The uncertainty created by the tariffs imposed by the US has been the latest in a long line of factors to cause instability in the economy.

Businesses crave certainty and whether it has been Brexit or Covid, domestic politics or overseas events, it feels like we’ve been plagued by uncertainty for many years.

Who knows what might be around the corner, but for now we can only hope that whether it’s Coventry City or global trade, there are even better days ahead.

Karen Shuter, chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Rugby Local Business Forum, says companies in the region are crying out for stability.

The consultation on Rugby’s Local Plan is coming to a close and this will help define where new homes, employment land and vital infrastructure will go over the next 20 years.

I am very pleased to have been able to represent the business view in this process and, as ever, have been making the case for more employment land to satisfy the needs of businesses to be able to expand and grow in the area, as well as being able to attract new investors into the Borough.

It’s absolutely vital that businesses can see what the plans are and are able to make decisions around what the future may look like for the region.

Sadly, certainty is something that has been lacking at a national and international level for many years and we can only hope that recent events start to create some stability.

A few weeks ago, the picture was bleak with tariffs from the USA causing all sorts of knock-on effects for the global markets.

But, since then, we’ve seen a drop in interest rates in the UK and deals signed with India and the USA, the latter mitigating the tariffs that had been placed on the UK which had led to genuine concern for companies in our area.

I’m not sure we are completely out of the woods yet but we can only hope that the coming weeks, months and years create a more stable environment for businesses in this region.

It has been a very tricky time to navigate – whether it was Brexit or Covid – and companies prefer to invest when they have a clearer picture of what the future may look like.

There are still other factors to contend with, from an increase in the minimum wage through to a jump in National Insurance costs which are adding to the overall cost burden of doing business and employing people.

It is, therefore, no surprise to see the national rate of unemployment creep up slightly as businesses look to absorb the additional costs as best they can.

This was something that came up when the Chamber surveyed businesses in Rugby ahead of putting together our manifesto that will help us to shape the economic future of the region.

The final document is being worked on now but it will give us a really solid plan for where we focus our efforts when it comes to speaking up for our members.

As the voice of business, it’s vital that now, more than ever, we take on board every issue that matters and be ready to champion the cause of our businesses and our region to decision-makers at every level.

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Credit where credit is due!

Larry Coltman, chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s South Warwickshire Local Business Forum, says employment land is vital for growth

It’s not often that anyone writes in praise of local councils so I am going to start by giving credit where credit is due!

As a Chamber, we have come out in support of the Local Plan put forward for South Warwickshire which is a combination of work by Stratford-upon-Avon Council and Warwick District Council.

We have, for a long time, through our Employment Land Group made the case that local authorities have given too much focus to the housing need when it comes to planning for the future of the area.

Of course, this is understandable. National politicians and national media put so much emphasis on the need for more housing, with incredibly ambitious targets, that local authorities will tend to follow suit.

But, as a Chamber, we have always sought to see the bigger picture. With more houses (and people living in them) comes the need for greater infrastructure and, crucially, places for those residents to go to work.

That’s why we have always called for a balanced approach between housing and employment land. We want our businesses to be able to expand in this area and not have to look elsewhere if they want to grow.

We also want to attract investment from companies looking to expand into this area too. So, it is pleasing to see that the plan for this region reflects that and we have fed back accordingly.

This was one of the topics of conversation at our most recent Local Business Forum at the Walton Hall Hotel & Spa in Wellesbourne.

We also covered a variety of other topics from skills to business confidence and it was clear from the meeting that companies of all sizes and sectors are crying out for some stability.

The tariff situation with the USA hasn’t helped matters and we can only hope that now a deal has been signed with the US – as well as India – that this will start to settle things down on the international stage from a UK point of view.

Domestically, businesses are now starting to be hit by the rising cost of National Insurance and minimum wage as well as other additional burdens on doing business and it is, therefore, not a surprise that unemployment has ticked up slightly.

That said, our forum proved that there are still businesses crying out for staff with the right skills and credentials to help them grow.

Hopefully, with more solid foundations and a bit more stability, the slight rise in unemployment is a blip and we can see people taking up the roles that our local businesses need filling.

Education and Skills

NWSLC delivers real-world upskilling for automotive workforce

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) is helping to drive the future of the automotive industry by delivering bespoke, hands-on training that supports workforce transition to electric vehicle (EV) technology.

More than 1,000 employees at JLR have now completed a tailored training programme developed in partnership with NWSLC. The course supports JLR’s Reimagine Strategy, which sets out the company’s ambition to become a carbon net zero business by 2039.

Delivered at the college’s MIRA Technology Institute in Nuneaton, the training focuses on upskilling experienced technicians in the skills required for EV development, combining academic insight with real-world application.

Marion Plant OBE, Principal and Chief Executive of NWSLC, said: “This collaboration is a clear example of how education and industry can work together to respond to evolving demands. By providing targeted, practical training, we’re helping to futureproof careers and enable innovation across the sector.”

The fundamental training programme incorporates practical modules that allow learners to develop their knowledge in realistic settings. Following completion, participants can progress to more advanced training at Coventry University, depending on their role and development pathway.

Dr Eric Coolen, Technical Learning Manager at JLR, said: “As we electrify our fleet, the need for internal reskilling became clear. This programme is tailored to our exact needs and gives staff the chance to test real-world solutions.”

This initiative highlights NWSLC’s commitment not only to student development but also to the upskilling of those already in employment across key industries. Through close collaboration with employer partners, the college continues to design innovative programmes that deliver results.

For further information please contact the Business Engagement team be@nwslc.ac.uk

Commitment to inclusive employment in Warwickshire

A new service which was launched to support people with autism and/or learning difficulties into work has received independent quality assurance for its work as it marks its second anniversary.

Warwickshire County Council’s Supported Employment Service (WSES) was set-up as part of its long-standing commitment to inclusive employment in Warwickshire.

BASE, which is a national membership charity that promotes the principles and delivery of high-quality supported employment services, has completed a Supported Employment Quality Framework Model Fidelity external assessment, which resulted in WSES achieving an excellent score of 72.98% in its first independent assessment, leading to receiving accreditation in the field of supported employment.

WSES is successfully meeting its employment targets, with achievements in both job placements and retention support.

An impressive 92% of job seekers who have gained employment have remained in their roles, showcasing the service's impact and success.

Over 500 people have been referred to the service over the last two years including 312 referrals in the last 12 months.

A total of 217 people have been supported to gain or sustain employment and in 2024, WSES supported people with 253 interviews which resulted in 59 people starting a job.

The BASE assessment underscored several key strengths of the service including thriving employer partnerships with 23 industry tours

bridging the gap between job seekers and roles available with local employers.

The independent assessors also commended WSES’s team in breaking down employment barriers by splitting jobs to create tailored roles to match the abilities of job seekers; securing exceptional feedback about its service and the support provided by their Journey Guides and Employment Advisors; and its vital role within Warwickshire County Council's Fair Chance Employer Programme by collaborating with partners to promote and improve inclusive recruitment practices throughout the region.

Nerise Oldfield-Thompson, Director of Business Development and Quality at BASE and Inclusive Trading, said: “It is wonderful to see an organisation embedding continuous improvement into their service provision.

“We received a warm welcome and it was clear that the team is very dedicated and passionate about their work. They demonstrate key competencies and have achieved excellent outcomes, especially for such a young service."

Charlotte Smith, Team Manager at WSES, said the initiative is making a real difference for Warwickshire residents who face additional barriers to employment as its second anniversary approaches.

“Achieving accredited status has been a significant accomplishment for the team,” she said. “Their dedication to inclusivity and commitment to supporting our customers has been instrumental in attaining a score that truly reflects the passion and hard work invested in developing our service.

“We hope that more individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism will see our customers thriving in paid roles in their own communities and will be inspired to pursue similar opportunities, as we believe it is challenging to aspire to be something that you cannot see.

David Ayton-Hill, Warwickshire County Council’s Director of Economy & Place, added: “We hear from employers that the primary barrier to inclusive recruitment is the fear of making mistakes.

“Services such as WSES are here to provide expertise, so employers do not have to navigate this alone. Achieving accreditation will hopefully reassure employers that we are leaders in the field of inclusive recruitment, and they might think of us when they next consider advertising a vacancy.”

Further information is available at https://skillshub.warwickshire.gov.uk/ supportive-employers-1/warwickshiresupported-employment-service

The University of Warwick, Arden Cross Ltd, and Muse to accelerate Arden Cross HeathTech campus

Ambitious plans to deliver a world-class HealthTech Campus and focal point for the region’s thriving HealthTech sector are forging ahead as The University of Warwick, Arden Cross Ltd and Muse, the nationwide placemaker, have reached agreement to enter Head of Terms.

Part of the wider Arden Cross regeneration opportunity, facilitated by the HS2 Interchange in Solihull, the globally significant new Campus will bring together the University, NHS, private providers, and industry to support pioneering new start-ups and scale-ups to enter the NHS and global markets.

It will also deliver a range of community benefits closer to home, including supporting local health and wellbeing through access to cutting edge medical research and technology.

Announced at an event featuring the Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, the new agreement follows the development of a detailed proposition, after the HealthTech Campus concept was first launched in 2024. It will enable closer working to engage potential investors and partners, as well as allow work to begin on the specification of new facilities.

Arden Cross in Solihull already represents one of the UK’s largest and most exciting regeneration projects bringing together world class connectivity and innovation to drive economic growth.

The £3.2 billion opportunity at Arden Cross will deliver tens of thousands of jobs and thousands of new homes, shops, offices, and public spaces and will also include a dynamic Innovation District, anchored by the new Campus.

Taking advantage of the significant public investment, which is being made in HS2, the opportunity is facilitated by the new Interchange Station, as well as established

connectivity

Birmingham Airport.

Prof. Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor at The University of Warwick, said: “The Arden Cross HealthTech Campus will leverage the competitive advantage of the West Midlands to accelerate innovation in HealthTech, transform healthcare services and improve patient outcomes locally, nationally, and globally.

“The ambition of the Campus is closely aligned with both the UK’s Industrial Strategy and NHS transformation plans. It has the potential to drive significant value for the UK economy and health system.

“As the lead academic partner, The University of Warwick will support the delivery of the Campus and enable collaboration between the NHS, private providers, and industry. We will now be able to accelerate our work, alongside Muse and other partners, deepening our regional leadership and impact.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Arden Cross is a priority growth project for me and the region. It’s pivotal to delivering the business investment and the jobs that we need.

“But we must move faster because complex projects can often take a long time to commence and there is now an urgency for delivery. That’s why I will be working closely

with our local councils, investment partners and Government to unlock delivery and attract thousands of new jobs and homes for our local communities.

“Accelerating the development of the HealthTech Campus will create more highquality employment, build on our competitive advantage, and help improve the lives – and health – of people across the region and beyond.”

Maggie Grogan, Managing Director –Midlands, at Muse, said: “Arden Cross is already one of the region’s most exciting regeneration opportunities and takes advantage of the significant public investment already being made in HS2.

“The HealthTech Campus will enhance the opportunity as a location of national and international importance.

“Having entered a Development Agreement with Arden Cross Ltd in December 2024, we can build on our work with the University of Warwick and continue to develop the wider masterplan.”

Cllr Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, said: “UK Central Solihull and the West Midlands already hosts an established and growing HealthTech cluster, including the largest network of medical technology companies in the UK.

“The Arden Cross HealthTech Campus has the potential to really boost this already thriving sector, leveraging our prime location, unrivalled infrastructure, and broad skills base to create opportunities for our communities and further drive economic growth.

“By working in partnership with the University of Warwick, Arden Cross Ltd and Muse we can position Arden Cross and the HealthTech Campus at the heart of an exciting and globally significant new innovation network connected by HS2.”

via the West Coast Main Line and

The WSES team and Strategy and Commissioning Service Manger Fay Winterburn (fifth right), with from the left, Tim Bannister, Rachel HarrisonDennison, Seema Vala, Jodie Kilworth, Charlotte Smith, Claire Dougan, Kirsty Smith, Gail Thompson and Michelle Meacham.

Education and Skills

NWSLC unveils

£2.5 million industry-standard training facilities

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) has officially opened its state-of-the-art £2.5 million Automotive, Engineering, Immersive, and T Level facilities, providing cutting-edge training opportunities for students and businesses alike.

The unveiling, held during Colleges Week in March, was attended by distinguished guests, including Jodie Gosling MP for Nuneaton, local council leaders and business representatives. Visitors were given an exclusive tour, witnessing firsthand how the new facilities are set to transform technical education and address regional skills shortages.

NWSLC Principal and Chief Executive, Marion Plant OBE, emphasised the importance of investing in technical

education to bridge the skills gap for local employers. “These industry-standard facilities ensure our students are work-ready and able to meet local, regional and national skills demands.

“By working with over 400 employer partners, we equip learners with hands-on experience and industry knowledge, giving them a competitive edge in the workforce.”

The redevelopment includes bespoke training environments such as mock hospital wards, nurseries, laboratories and engineering workshops. The new automotive workshops, developed in collaboration with Parkers, feature industryleading equipment, ensuring students gain real-world experience using the latest tools and technology.

A standout feature of the expansion is the £160,000 Immersive Room, funded through the LSIF project and supplied by Igloo Vision. This innovative learning space enhances student engagement through realistic, interactive training experiences.

The investment underscores NWSLC’s commitment to supporting student skills development and upskilling those already in

employment across multiple industries. By collaborating with employer partners such as JLR, Bentley, and George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, the college is playing a crucial role in shaping the future workforce.

For more information on NWSLC’s courses and facilities, email enquiries@nwslc.ac.uk or visit www.nwslc.ac.uk

“By working with over 400 employer partners, we equip learners with hands-on experience and industry knowledge, giving them a competitive edge in the workforce.”

A leading Midlands science park named in the FT rankings for second year in a row

A leading Midlands science park has seen occupancy rise over the past 12 months, a new report has revealed, at the same time as supporting hundreds of businesses.

The University of Warwick Science Park has released its Impact Report for 2023/24, showing the positive effects its work is having on its tenants, students from the university, and the regional economy.

A celebratory event was held at its Venture Centre at the university campus to mark the report’s publication, as well as the news that the Science Park been named in the FT’s ‘Europe’s Leading Start-Up Hubs’ rankings for a second year running.

The Impact Report shows occupancy has risen by eight per cent across its sites at the University of Warwick, the Warwick Innovation Centre, the Business Innovation Centre in Binley, and Blythe Valley Innovation Centre near Solihull.

Now, 152 businesses call the Science Park home, with 16 of these having come through its Ignite incubator programme which gives start-ups flexible and affordable space, as well as tailored advice.

The report also revealed the Science Park helped companies raise £11.2m in equity, grants and debt, allowing them to take the next step in their growth, while its many business support services reached 890 companies, helping to create 153 jobs.

Meanwhile, the FT rankings highlighted the Science Park’s position as one of the best places for start-ups to grow and

de-risk their ventures. It was the only UKbased Science Park to make the list.

The news follows the Science Park opening its first Ignite Business Lounge –one of a planned series of business lounges – to serve as a hub where businesses can benefit from being part of the Science Park without taking up full residence.

Mark Tock, Chief Operations Officer at the University of Warwick Science Park, said: “It’s fantastic to see the continuing impact the Science Park is having on company growth and the economy as a whole.

“The figures in the Impact Report for the last financial year, as well as being named in the FT rankings for a second year in a row, are testament to the hard work of all of our staff here.

“As we mark yet more milestones in 2025, such as the University of Warwick’s 60th anniversary, we are well placed to help even more companies with bright ideas access great space, talent, and finances, allowing them to thrive and make meaningful contributions to the economy.”

Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Warwick, added: “The University of Warwick Science Park plays an integral role in growing innovative companies, with the extensive business support and the excellent facilities it provides.

“The University plays a key role in regional leadership, and this is one way in which are helping the local, regional and national economy to grow. The impact report demonstrates excellent results and is definitely worth celebrating.”

The University of Warwick Science Park team with the 2023/24 Impact Report. Front row, second from left: Mark Tock, Chief Operations Officer at the University of Warwick Science Park. Front row, third from right: Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Warwick.

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Steve Harcourt

President of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

As we approach the midpoint of 2025, the economic environment — both globally and closer to home — remains a landscape of both challenge and opportunity. While we continue to adapt to the aftershocks of inflationary pressures, increased national insurance contributions for employers, and shifting geopolitical dynamics, our business community in Coventry and Warwickshire continues to show remarkable resilience and adaptability.

Globally, the outlook is mixed. The recent US Tariffs imposed by President Trump caused concern with many of our exporters and importers, and a shock to the markets. Businesses worldwide are being called on to innovate at speed while managing risk with unprecedented agility. Here in the UK, we’re seeing signs of cautious optimism. As a Director of Prime Accountants Group, we’re proud to partner with the Chamber of Commerce on the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) in the region. The latest QES results show continuing optimism, and the recent Spring Budget included some measures to support business investment and skills development. However, concerns around workforce & skills shortages, rising operating costs, and regulatory uncertainty — especially for SMEs — continue to dominate conversations.

In Coventry and Warwickshire, our strength lies in our diversity. From advanced manufacturing and digital technologies to the vibrant tourism and retail sectors across our towns and rural areas, we have a broad and dynamic business base. Examples of the resilience shown by local firms in navigating supply chain pressures, evolving their business models, and investing in talent and innovation has been truly commendable. Yet, we are not immune to the broader challenges. Many of you are telling us that access to skilled labour remains a critical issue. Others highlight the need for improved transport infrastructure, more flexible support for start-ups, and a planning system that genuinely enables growth. These are issues the Chamber continues to raise at the highest levels — making sure your voice is heard by policymakers regionally and nationally.

Our Local Business Forums — which take place right across the region — are proving vital platforms for sharing insight, shaping local priorities, and fostering collaboration. I urge you to take part, contribute your experiences, and help us shape a more vibrant future for our local economy. Despite the headwinds, I remain confident. This region has weathered many storms, and with diverse business base, a commitment to partnership, and a relentless focus on innovation and skills, I believe Coventry and Warwickshire will continue to be a driving force of the UK’s economy.

Finally, as Chamber President I am delighted to be hosting our Annual President’s Golf Day once again this year on Thursday 19th June at the Coventry Hearsall Golf Club in Coventry. As well as a great networking opportunity, I am pleased that we will be raising vital funds for Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind. If you haven’t secured your place yet, speak to the Chamber Team to get booked on!

Steve

Warwick Vice-Chancellor honoured alongside Pauline Black and Mark Robins with Coventry Award of Merit

Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Warwick, has been honoured with the Coventry Award of Merit in recognition of his contributions to higher education, inclusive economic growth, and community engagement in the city.

Alongside Professor Croft, the other recipients of this year’s prestigious award include musician Pauline Black, educator Sybil Hanson, Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, former Coventry City Football Club manager Mark Robins, and Coventry Rugby Club Executive Chairman Jon Sharp.

The award is given by Coventry City Council to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the city and its residents. It’s only been presented eight times since its inception in the 1960s and has previously honoured figures such as athlete David Moorcroft, poet Philip Larkin, and Air Commodore Sir Frank Whittle.

Professor Croft has been part of The University of Warwick since 2007 and has served as Vice-Chancellor since 2016. During this time, he has championed Warwick’s role

as a key part of Coventry’s civic and economic life, strengthening the University’s ties with local communities, charities, and businesses.

Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Warwick, said, “Coventry is a city built on collaboration, resilience, and ambition, and I am deeply honoured to receive the Coventry Award of Merit. At Warwick, we take great pride in our role as part of this city – working together with local communities, businesses, and organisations to drive positive change. I share this recognition with everyone at the University who has helped to make a difference in Coventry, and I look forward to continuing that work.”

Congratulating the six winners, Leader of Coventry City Council, Cllr George Duggins said, “The Award of Merit is not awarded often, it is not an annual presentation, but only given when people have shown outstanding commitment to our city and those who live here.

“The six people we are honouring are wonderful examples of that dedication and

I am delighted that they are being recognised.

They have not only excelled in their own chosen fields, they have taken their pride in Coventry and love for their city and used their skills to give something back.

The award for Professor Croft comes as the University celebrates its 60th anniversary and reaffirms its commitment to making a better world together and a positive, lasting impact for years to come.

The awards will be formally presented at a ceremony later this year.

To learn more about the Coventry Award of Merit and its past recipients, visit: Coventry City Council’s website.

Warwickshire Business Owner recognised as one of the Region’s Top Directors

Kate Hunter, Managing Director of Kenilworth based Bear Cleaning, has been highly commended in the Director of the Year category at the Phoenix Business Club Awards 2025 - earning recognition as one of the Midlands’ most impressive business leaders.

Held at Birmingham’s Park Regis Hotel, the awards celebrate excellence in leadership and business performance across the region. Kate was recognised for her strategic direction, growth of Bear Cleaning, and commitment to raising industry standards –all while keeping the business rooted firmly in its Warwickshire community.

“I’m incredibly proud to be recognised among such inspiring business leaders,” said Kate.

“This commendation reflects the hard work of our entire team at Bear Cleaning. We’re

Supply chain experts IPP appoint Demi Crabbe to senior leadership role

One of Europe’s leading poolers of sustainable wooden pallets has promoted one of its most trusted supply chain professionals to a newly-created senior leadership role.

IPP, which has its UK&I headquarters in Coventry, has promoted Demi Crabbe to senior commercial development manager.

Demi, who has been with the business for 14 years, will report to regional managing director Andy Maddock as part of the new role, which is focused on driving growth across the UK&I business.

The position covers all areas of the commercial spectrum, including commercial contracting, commercial accounts and commercial services.

Demi will be responsible for the strategic development of the business, ensuring alignment with group, divisional, regional

and country objectives while delivering a market-leading customer experience.

Demi said: “This new role is a great opportunity for me to oversee key commercial aspects of our operation, driving growth in the business alongside retaining our existing customers and ensuring they receive the high levels of service they are accustomed to.

“It’s a people-focused role, working with our team of experts in supporting strategic growth.

“By being part of all strategic aspects of the business, from budgets to forecasting, I will be contributing towards delivering the company’s long-term vision.”

Andy Maddock, regional managing director for IPP UK&I, said: “Demi is a hugely respected and trusted member of the UK&I team with a long track record of delivering for the business.

passionate about raising standards in the industry and supporting our local community, and this recognition means so much.”

Since founding Bear Cleaning, with her husband Ted Hunter, Kate has driven rapid growth while upholding the company’s core values of quality, reliability, and care - earning glowing reviews from domestic and commercial clients alike. Bear Cleaning were nominated in two award categories at the Phoenix Business Awards, with Kate nominated for Director of the Year, and Bear Cleaning nominated for One to Watch Business for 2025.

“This new role will play to her many strengths and give her responsibility for building, leading and developing a team of experts within the UK&I business.”

For more information on IPP, visit www.ipp-pooling.com or search for IPP Pooling on LinkedIn.

EZOO expands team to support rapid growth and EV adoption

As demand for electric vehicles continues to rise across the UK, Coventry-based EV provider EZOO is scaling its team to meet the moment – welcoming four new hires as part of its continued investment in talent and service.

The new appointments span key areas of the business, from customer support to finance and marketing, as EZOO builds on its mission to make electric driving simple, accessible, and hassle-free.

Joining the team are Katie Willday and Alex Clay, who come on board as Customer Support and Technology Apprentices – roles designed to strengthen EZOO’s frontline

support as more businesses and employees adopt electric vehicles through the company’s salary sacrifice and business subscription services.

Also welcomed is Jeni Graham, who takes on the role of Assistant Accountant, helping to support the company’s financial operations during a period of rapid growth.

And finally, Victoria Steele joins as Director of Marketing. With extensive experience in the automotive space, Victoria’s appointment reflects EZOO’s commitment to amplifying its message and engaging a wider audience as the business scales.

Co-founder Lash Saranna commented: “We’re incredibly proud of the team we’re building. Each new hire brings valuable energy and expertise that will help us deliver an even better experience for our customers.”

The expansion marks another milestone for EZOO, which has recently received recognition both regionally and nationally for its commitment to a greener future.

For more about EZOO’s salary sacrifice and business subscription services, visit www.ezoo.uk.

IPP has promoted Demi Crabbe to senior commercial development manager for its UK&I business.

Corporate heavyweight joins law firm Lodders as an equity partner

Midlands and South West law firm Lodders has announced the appointment of Warwickshire corporate law specialist Steve Halkett as an equity partner to drive further strategic growth of the firm’s corporate and M&A (mergers and acquisitions) work.

Steve joins Lodders following a tenure of more than 18 years at Wright Hassall, where he was a partner and head of the corporate team, advising business owners and SMEs on all types of transactions. He rebuilt the firm’s corporate team during the pandemic, leading it towards strong growth.

At Lodders, he will further build the Business Services group’s corporate and restructuring offering alongside the firm’s Graham Spalding and Bradley Quin. Steve will also work closely with Lodders’ existing partners to help the firm realise its ambitious growth plans.

Steve says: “I was drawn to the strength and breadth of the team at Lodders and the way in which it moves as one, as well as the overall buzz of the firm – I really wanted to be a part of that! In my new role, I am looking forward to working with my fellow partners and the experienced and successful corporate team to cultivate further growth. I will be

Multi-million

identifying opportunities for working with the private client and property teams at the firm, ensuring Lodders’ upward growth trajectory is maintained in the long-term. It is exciting to begin this second chapter of my career and play a key role in Lodders’ continued success in the Midlands and South West regions and beyond.”

Graham Spalding, Partner and head of Lodders’ Business Services group, comments:

“We are thrilled to welcome Steve to the team. His energy, ambition, and strong regional and national connections, make him a perfect fit as we target continued growth. With a wealth of experience working with entrepreneurial decision-makers of privately-owned businesses, including those in the tech and gaming industries, Steve adds great strength and specialist expertise to the team. Demand for Lodders’ corporate law services show no sign of slowing down. Steve will help fuel our growth ambitions and deal volume, as we seek to expand our offering in the West Midlands, the M40 corridor towards London, Cheltenham, and our original heartland in Warwickshire.”

Paul Mourton, managing Partner at Lodders, adds: “Steve is a significant hire and addition

to Lodders’ equity partnership, as a highly respected lawyer and key player not just in the regions we operate but beyond. His dynamic and collaborative approach make him a great cultural fit and will ensure continued cohesion across our specialist teams. I am delighted to welcome Steve to the firm and am sure that he will prove a fantastic catalyst for the ongoing growth of our successful Business Services group.”

Lodders’ Business Services group offers expert legal advice to owner managers and business owners looking to divest, grow and raise finance, and is focused on advising owner managers on acquisitions, disposals, and other corporate change, with typical deal values ranging from £5 million to £50 million.

For more information, visit: www.lodders.co.uk

refurbishment and strengthened team spells bright future for hotel

A four-star Coventry hotel has strengthened its senior team following the completion of the third phase of a multimillion-pound refurbishment.

Oliver Shears has joined the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at Coventry Building Society Arena as its new Head of Sales.

He joins after building hotel sales experience across the Midlands and in London, including as a sales manager at DoubleTree by Hilton London Excel and London Islington.

The 24-year-old, who lives in Rugby, has joined the on-site hotel at Coventry Building Society Arena as it carries out a major refurbishment project to modernise and enhance the hotel’s experience for guests.

The project is gathering pace and the third phase is now completed, which includes the refurbishment of 46 rooms, including three deluxe family suites.

The suites include a dedicated study desk and separate make-up area to add an extra

touch of comfort, and a comfortable sofa bed to accommodate additional guests – adding to the arena’s offer for families or group travellers.

Phase three has also seen the introduction of nine deluxe queen rooms: a new category in the hotel’s inventory which offer spacious layouts and full-length windows to allow for natural light and view.

The bedrooms include 65” LED TV screens in large rooms and suites, and 55” LED TV screens in the other rooms, enabling guests to watch live sports from the comfort of their room.

Each room features new beds, furniture, lighting, curtains and flooring, with design features and artwork showcasing Coventry and the heritage of Coventry Building Society Arena as a leading venue for sport, business events and live entertainment.

When completed, the hotel will have expanded its offer from seven to 13 room categories, including pitch view rooms, family rooms and more suites – with premium rooms including an in-room fitness suite.

It will include a new hotel lobby, extended lounge and enhanced offer at Faradays, the hotel’s restaurant.

Oliver said: “There couldn’t be a more exciting time to be joining the team as the hotel looks ahead to a period of significant growth following the refurbishment.

“We have a brilliant guest offer here, whether that is for business, entertainment or sport, with amenities including a casino, restaurants, pitch view rooms and the premium experience you expect from the Hilton brand.

“The corporate segment of the business has great space to grow and the challenge for every stadium hotel is building a business pipeline that isn’t reliant on the event calendar.

“I have joined the hotel at the perfect time and I’m excited to get started.”

Raj Balsaraf, General Manager, added: “It’s great to have Oliver on board, and his experience working with the Hilton brand will be important as we continue to grow the hotel and deliver high quality experiences for our guests.

“We have now completed more than 40 rooms in the refurbishment project and they are a real step change for the hotel. These additions reinforce the hotel’s commitment to providing enhanced luxury, comfort and modern functionality for all guests.”

Law firm announces key appointments and promotions as part of strategic growth

Coventry’s Band Hatton Button is pleased to announce the appointment of four new lawyers since March this year, supporting the law firm’s continued strategic growth and expansion.

The Commercial Property team has welcomed two new recruits, including Gurpreet Hayer, who joins as a Partner, bringing more than 10 years of experience in the field. Formerly with Irwin Mitchell, Gurpreet specialises in acquisitions for investor clients, financing and refinancing of commercial assets, corporate-led transactional work, and all aspects of real estate and landlord and tenant matters.

Also joining the Commercial Property team is Yasmin Teensa, who comes on board as a Solicitor. Yasmin qualified in 2022 and has a strong client-centric approach. Her areas of expertise include acquisitions and disposals, leasehold matters, auction purchases,

commercial refinancing, and residential development and plot sales.

In the Residential Property team, Navroop Kaur has joined as a Licensed Conveyancer. With more than eight years’ experience, Navroop handles complex freehold, leasehold, and new build transactions from instruction to completion.

Meanwhile, the Family team welcomes Jasia Sultana, who joins the firm as a Solicitor. Jasia qualified in March 2024 and joins from the National Legal Service. She specialises in advising on family and child law.

In addition to these new appointments, Band Hatton Button is proud to recognise the achievements of three existing team members through recent promotions. Charlotte BarkerDavies (Commercial Property) and Katie Ward (Head of Residential Property) have both been promoted to Partner. Ruth Hayfield (Family) has been promoted to Associate.

New appointment Rebecca

‘perfectly

placed’ to lead team to success

A Midlands communications firm has made a major appointment to head up one of its leading practice areas.

Rebecca Langton has joined PLMR – which has offices in Birmingham and Coventry and is headquartered in London – as its new Head of Planning and Built Environment, boosting the agency’s strong planning credentials and Midlands expertise.

Rebecca’s most recent role was with Cavendish Consulting and she has also held communications roles with charities and local authorities. Her clients have previously included nationally-significant infrastructure projects, major housing schemes and some of the country’s best-known retailers.

She also brings more than a decade of local government experience, in both advisory and elected roles. She spent four years on the Cabinet of Nottingham City Council, holding the Communities brief followed by the Skills, Growth and Economic Development portfolio.

She has also held advisory roles in local government and the European Parliament, and has supported a number of local authorities with strategic communications, devolution negotiations and considerations around local government reorganisation.

She will be based in the firm’s Midland offices in Birmingham and Coventry, but will lead PLMR’s practice supporting clients nationwide.

PLMR’s planning and built environment clients include Barratt David Wilson Homes, Warwick University, Muse Developments and British Solar Renewables.

Rebecca said: “PLMR has an outstanding reputation for strategic communications, for planning communications and its nationwide offer to clients. I’m really pleased to be joining the team.

“This is such an important time for the built environment sector, as more power is devolved to regional decision-makers, and I’m looking forward to supporting new and existing clients to navigate the planning process and get them results.”

Kevin Craig, PLMR’s CEO, said: “Rebecca is one of the best in the business – her track record in both local government and communications speaks for itself and we are thrilled that she has joined our team.

“With our planning and built environment team going from strength to strength, Rebecca is the perfect person to lead the practice’s expansion and deliver the very best, most impactful work for the clients we are so privileged to work with.

“Rebecca’s appointment comes at an important time for PLMR, as the team continues to expand its planning and built environment expertise.

“With her background in local representation, she is committed to ensuring that consultation and engagement activity is inclusive of a range of stakeholders and perspectives. She is perfectly placed to support PLMR’s clients to navigate the complex world of local politics and planning.”

Lodders’ Bradley Quin, Steve Halkett, and Graham Spalding.

Jon Wilby, Senior Partner said, “I’m really pleased to welcome our new colleagues to the firm and to celebrate the wellearned promotions within the team. These appointments and promotions reflect the fantastic talent we have here at Band Hatton Button, and our continued focus to grow and strengthen key areas of the business and the service we provide to our clients.”

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MEMBERS EVENTS

Volunteer for Big Ideas at Warwick: Transforming the Future!

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Blabers Hall Wine Estate - Spring Vineyard Open

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An Evening with Ami at Drapers’ Hall

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Date: 18 June 2025

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Acoustic Afternoons at Mallory Court with Barton Hollow

Mallory Court Hotel and Spa, Harbury Lane, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV33 9QB

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If Looks Could Kill - Telegraph Hotel

Murder Mystery Night Telegraph Hotel, 157 Corporation Street, Coventry, CV1 1GU

Date: 27 June 2025

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The Myton Hospices: Snowdon Trek 2025

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