It’s been incredible to see the celebrations that have followed Coventry City’s promotion to the Premier League in recent weeks.
The level of civic pride across the whole region has been something to behold and, of course, as a Chamber we’re really interested in the economic benefits that will be felt across Coventry and Warwickshire.
We’ve spoken to colleagues at Chambers across the UK that have recently felt the benefit of Premier League football and they all say that it will bring huge levels of international interest and will boost businesses of all sizes.
It is great to be part of such a fantastic network that can provide this level of intelligence and you can read more of our fellow Chambers’ thoughts on promotion in this edition of C&W in Business.
What’s vital now is that the city and the region works together to make
sure that we make the most of this fantastic opportunity and that it goes beyond celebrations to having very real and tangible benefits.
Speaking of celebrations, we have had some incredible feedback from all quarters on the Coventry & Warwickshire Business and Community Awards at the Belgrade Theatre in April.
Not only was it great to honour so many businesses, individuals and community organisations with awards, it was just an amazing showcase of everything that’s great about Coventry and Warwickshire.
So much hard work goes into delivering the awards from initial planning to receiving entries and from judging through to putting on such a memorable event and the whole team at the Chamber contributes to that.
But I must pay special tribute to Chris Nagle, our head of events, marketing and communications, who not only spent over six months
organising the event but also did an amazing job in hosting alongside our president Sandra Godley OBE.
With CCFC and the awards, it has been great to have positive things to talk about in a time of real uncertainty for businesses across our patch.
At the time of writing, we are all hopeful that there will be a resolution to the conflict in Iran on both a humanitarian and economic level.
That will, hopefully, mean that we can spend the second half of the year getting back on track with delivering the growth we all so desperately need.
Corin Crane Chief Executive
The official publication of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce
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C&W in Business is produced on behalf of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce by Benham Publishing Limited and is distributed to members free of charge. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in C&W in Business, neither Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, nor the publisher can accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies it contains. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Chamber.
We are Premier League!
What does being back at the top table of English football mean for the regional economy?
Coventry City sealed promotion to the Premier League in style by comfortably winning the Championship, sparking scenes of celebration in the region.
It’s the first time the club has been at the ‘top table’ of English football for 25 years and will mean the eyes of the world are drawn to the city.
More than two billion people globally watch the Premier League and as well as the additional profile, there will be other economic benefits too.
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Corin Crane said: “The Premier League’s international profile has moved on massively since the Sky Blues were last there in 2001 and is now followed by close to two billion people worldwide.
“So, in terms of profile alone, having the eyes of the world on the city and our name reaching global audiences on an almost daily basis is massive and could have a positive impact on inward investment.
“According to the latest figures, the Premier League contributes £10 billion to the UK economy and around 60 per cent of that is outside London. Suddenly, Coventry and Warwickshire will be part of that and it will bring jobs and increased spending to the area.
“Also, you have to factor in the confidence boost it will give to the local region – from its people to its businesses. If you speak to people locally, they’ll tell you that productivity increased when Coventry City lifted the FA Cup in 1987.
“Winning promotion and then being back in the Premier League has to be on a par with that!
“And you have to say hats off to Doug King, Frank Lampard and everyone at the football club for such an incredible effort this season.”
Other Chambers across the country have been sharing their own insights on what Premier League football has meant to them.
Sunderland
The North East side pipped Coventry to promotion last season and will remain in the top-flight after a year of consolidation.
Success on the pitch for Sunderland has been matched by an economic uplift off it according to John McCabe, chief executive at the North East Chamber of Commerce.
He said: “Sunderland's return to the Premier League wasn't just a dream come true for the players and fans, it was
another success story for the region, and it’s already having a significant impact on the local economy.
“Each home matchday now brings around 10,000 more fans through the turnstiles than when they were in the Championship, with away allocations consistently being taken up in full.
“Beyond the pitch, hotels are reporting an upturn in overnight stays and “longer dwell times”. Local businesses are experiencing what they describe as "spill-over spending", with matchdays becoming full-day economic events rather than just 90 minutes of football.
“Research from Sunderland’s Business Improvement Districts found that between August and October 2025, the food and beverage sector accounted for 38.4 per cent of overall sales in the city, significantly higher than the national average of 25.3 per cent - signifying the importance of the growing contribution of wider fan spending on match days on the local economy.
“The feel-good factor of the club’s success has also extended to their global profile, with an unexpected surge in interest from Mexico generating new merchandise lines and international commercial opportunities that would not have been possible in the Championship.
“Culture is crucial to this region, and it’s clear the impact of the Black Cats’ return to the Premier League extends far beyond the game. It's a very similar story with Newcastle United's return to the Champions League this season. That's been great for the club and for its global profile.”
Nottingham Forest
East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said Nottingham Forest’s return to the top flight in 2022 has seen hundreds of millions of pounds pouring into the city and wider area, while visitor numbers were also up by six figures.
Scott said: “The East Midlands is fortunate to have world class football teams with Nottingham Forest currently in the Premier League and Leicester City up until 2025, and Derby County hovering just outside the play offs in the Championship.
“When you consider the influx of people into a city or county due to a Premier League club, there’s going to be an increased need for sectors like hospitality to support the added footfall. There’s a boost in the supply chain that's felt across the whole county and wider region.
“Nottingham has reportedly seen around £120m generated each year, as a result of Nottingham Forest’s return to the Premier League in 2022, while the number of visitors to the city increased by around 100,000, according to Nottingham City Council.
“When you consider visiting and domestic fans, a match day alone will bring significant spending into a city and that means people using local businesses and services, jobs created and increased merchandise sales.
“At Leicester City, Premier League participation delivered a £140m boost to the local economy from 2015/16, with 120,000 visiting fans and £6.5m in direct spending, according to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
“Global exposure is a factor that should never be underestimated too. As the Premier League is the most watched football league in the world, it puts any club and city in it straight onto a worldwide stage.
“Having Nottingham Forest in the Premier League means Nottingham and Nottinghamshire get showcased the world over. Hundreds of thousands of international fans visit UK cities with Premier League clubs, which can only be good for the economy.”
Bournemouth
Collaboration will be the key to making the most of Coventry City’s Premier League status, according to a business leader who has seen the positive impact it has had in Bournemouth.
Ian Girling is the chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and says promotion to the top flight alone is estimated to have added £60 million to the local economy.
He’s also described the effect Premier League football has had on morale in Bournemouth, its significant social impact and the pull it has for students and businesses to the town – and believes a whole area needs to buy into the football club’s success to reap the benefits.
Ian said: “Premier League status for AFC Bournemouth has delivered measurable economic, social and reputational benefits for Bournemouth and Dorset.
“Promotion alone has previously been estimated to add around £60m to the local economy, driven by visitor spending, media exposure and business activity.
“The Premier League’s global reach also raises place visibility, helping smaller locations like Bournemouth appear regularly in international broadcasts watched in hundreds of markets. At UK level, the league supports over 100,000 jobs and £9.8bn in economic value, illustrating the scale of spillover effects local clubs can tap into.
“Tourism and inward interest typically rise on match weekends and during televised fixtures, reinforcing Bournemouth’s already visitor-led economy.
“Premier League presence also influences education and skills and research shows that some students chose Bournemouth University because of its Premier League team and partnership, showing sport can affect university attractiveness and talent retention.
“The club contributes locally through community programmes, with AFC Bournemouth’s Community
Sports Trust employing over 50 staff and delivering initiatives in health, mental wellbeing and social inclusion across Dorset.
“Beyond economics, top-flight status often brings a “civic pride” effect – raising morale, strengthening identity and improving external perceptions, particularly while results and media coverage remain strong.
“Businesses can maximise the benefits of Premier League football by aligning marketing and offers with fixtures and visiting supporters, including tailored hospitality, retail and tourism packages.
“The league’s global visibility can also be used in recruitment and place-branding to attract talent and investment. Companies should consider building partnerships with the club, the university and fan-focused events, while extending opening hours or creating matchday experiences to capture increased footfall.
“Collaboration across sectors – particularly hotels, transport providers and leisure operators – can further help the region capture visitor spend and turn matchday attention into longer-term economic value.
“There is no doubt that Premier League status creates a tangible ‘feel good’ factor that also unites the community.”
And finally…
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We’ve had some really valuable insight from colleagues at Chambers across the country on how we, as a region, can make the most of Premier League status.
“With the number of clubs in London, Manchester and Liverpool, there are actually only around nine or ten other towns or cities who can actually boast Premier League football at any given time – so it’s massive.
“The point around collaboration and joining together is a really important one and I’ve already been in contact with the other leaders and stakeholders in the region to make sure we are ready for this opportunity.”
We’re all ‘team Coventry City’ say local businesses
Business leaders in Coventry have vowed to support the city’s efforts to make the most of the economic benefits Premier League football will bring.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce held its Coventry Local Business Forum at the Ramada Hotel in the city with companies from a range of sectors in attendance.
The group was updated on the Chamber’s Business Manifesto, which will be published later this year and features recommendations on infrastructure, business support, net zero, skills and local government reorganisation.
And the conversation also turned to Coventry City’s promotion back to the Premier League and the economic benefits it will bring.
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Chamber, said colleagues at other Chambers across the country had provided insight into the benefits of top-flight football. And he told the gathered businesses that plans were already in place to bring together organisations to ensure
that the city’s new-found Premier League status is maximised.
He said: “As a Chamber alone, we’ve been fielding all kinds of media enquiries on what promotion means not only to Coventry City Football Club but the region as a whole.
“Other Chambers tell us that there are immediate impacts to being a Premier League city – such as enhanced profile and increasing visitor numbers – and that you can also start to see more inward investment enquiries if you can sustain your place in the top-flight.
“We were joined by a businessperson who is based in the city but their head office is overseas. They told us that more international firms would recognise Coventry because of the status and would be more likely to consider the city for investment.
“Collaboration is going to be really important and we’ve already reached out to the club, the city council and other local partners to bring everyone together to make the most of this incredible opportunity.”
“We also talked about a variety of other topics – from AI through to skills – all of which are vitally important to the regional economy and our future growth.”
Tim Squires, the chair of the Coventry Local Business Forum, said: “We had a brilliant discussion and everyone is incredibly excited about Coventry City getting into the Premier League.
Chamber members offer their pearls of wisdom
Business leaders are, invariably, offered words of advice from all quarters at every stage of their development. C&W in Business asked members to recall some of the pearls of wisdom that had helped them along the way.
Name: Mark Lee
Organisation:
Name: Claire Russell
Organisation: Mental Health in Business
“The best advice I’ve ever received is this: define success as a life you don’t need a holiday from. When we chase titles and targets but neglect our wellbeing, success becomes brittle. Sustainable success is built on everyday habits that protect our mental health and deepen our relationships. Happiness is not a reward we unlock at the end of the journey; it is the fuel that gets us there. Resilience, then, is not ‘toughing it out’ - it’s the courage to rest, to ask for help, and to keep aligning our work with our values.”
Elite Enforcement Services
“The best advice I was given came from the director of a small enforcement company I worked with. He told me I had everything I needed to run my own business and to back myself. He also said never doubt your ability or undervalue what you bring. If you’ve built the experience, trust it and charge accordingly. That stayed with me. Know your value, stand by it, and don’t settle for less.”
Name: Liz Parker
Name: Andy Smithson
Organisation: The Marketing Trainer
“One of my favourite quotes is from Benjamin Franklin: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” He may never have said it to me personally, but its wisdom certainly resonates. It perfectly captures the essence of apprenticeships, where hands-on experience is the key to truly learning a craft.”
Organisation: Fun Pro Ltd
“Reputation is built on consistency. It’s simple advice, but it’s something we come back to time and time again. For us, it’s about showing up, doing what we say we’ll do, and delivering a great experience every single time. It’s not about one standout moment – it’s about being reliable, professional and easy to work with, consistently. That’s what builds trust and, over time, it’s what keeps clients coming back.”
Name: Paul Scanlon
Name: Bal Manoj
Organisation: Skyline Hospitals
“My first mentor told me to treat every patient with the care you would demand for your own family. When faced with difficult decisions with the patient in front of me, often asking myself what would I have done if this was my grandmother/child often makes it easier to decide what is best for the patient, and also telling them that gives them the confidence that what is being done is the best for them.”
Organisation: The Herd
“The best advice was from my dad. He said: ‘Set yourself an infinite goal.’ He meant choosing something you can spend a lifetime moving toward, rather than a finish line you simply cross and leave behind. His belief was that real fulfilment comes from enjoying the journey, not just arriving at a destination, and that mindset has shaped how decisions, ambitions and setbacks are viewed every day. He was a very special man and that was one of many invaluable lessons.”
Name: Dawood Ibtehsam
Organisation: People Arches Ltd
“The best advice I ever received was from my mentor Mark Flood who said: ‘Find your purpose and passion and build your business around it.’ I knew my purpose - creating memories and feel-great moments for others. I knew I love food, people and communities, so I wanted to do something that tied those together in a fastpaced environment. That was hospitality. When I speak to young people, many aren’t sure what they want to do. I always tell them it’s okay not to know right now. But by asking yourself what your purpose and passion is, you will find the answer.”
Name: Clare Randall
Organisation: The Stonewall Group
“Probably the best advice I ever received was from my first business coach and, to summarise, it was: when considering your pricing, think of the value of your service not the price of your competitors. It is a harsh race to the bottom and as a small business you will not win it.”
Name: Rebecca Brooks
Organisation: Ashorne Hill
“One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my career is that kindness sits at the heart of truly effective leadership. It wasn’t advice anyone ever spoke aloud, but something I absorbed by watching the leaders around me early on in my career. Their empathy, encouragement and willingness to support others created a culture where people felt genuinely valued. Those small, human moments – a smile, laughter, a moment of understanding, or simply, recognition – showed me how kindness can shape an entire workplace and leave a lasting, meaningful impact.”
Name: Samantha Dunion
Organisation: Hotel Indigo Stratford and Hotel Indigo Coventry
“I have received two very valuable pieces of advice during my career. The first from my MD many years ago when he told me that guests and the team will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel. It’s about creating memories and not just delivering a service, we want guests and the team to enjoy everything about hospitality not just go through the motions.
“The second piece of advice was from a colleague much more recently who said that you can only control the controllables –so stop wasting energy on things you have no control over and concentrate on what you can influence!”
Name: Beverley Haynes
Organisation: The Stratford Park Hotel and Golf Club
“In a world of identical chain hotels, I live by the quote 'being different is critical' – standing out is the only strategy that matters to me. At The Stratford Park, being independent means we can do things our way and our way is better. Different thinking drives better experiences, better memories, and a business worth choosing. Being different is our edge.”
Name: Andy Neilson
Name: Tina Chander
Organisation: Weightmans LLP
“The best piece of advice I have ever received was to become a specialist in something – and to always be myself no matter what. These words came from my dad, who moved to the UK at the age of 21, and have shaped both my career and my confidence. I followed this advice by developing a clear specialism in employment law and progressing step by step in my career – beginning as a receptionist and working my way to ultimately becoming a partner at a Top 40 law firm.”
Organisation: Birmingham City University
“The best advice I received was from a former boss whose mantra was: ‘Be easy to buy from.’ Why? Because when a prospect has chosen you as a supplier, they want to conclude the transaction and move forward. What they don’t want is a new trail of obstacles. Simple enough you might think, but so many organisations don’t seem to understand this. Unclear buying pathways, poor onboarding processes, slow contract turnarounds, inflexible timelines – all things that irritate buyers and lose you sales. Be agile. No customer should ever feel that they are chasing you to accept their money!”
Name: Scott Dalziel
Organisation: Stratford-upon-Avon
College
“The best advice I ever received came from my father. He instilled in me that preparation is key, explaining that taking the time to plan properly puts you in the strongest position to succeed. He also stressed the importance of doing the basics well, without cutting corners, and being consistent in your approach. I still live by this advice in my business life today, using it as the foundation for how I make decisions.”
A true celebration of what makes Coventry and Warwickshire great!
Businesses, community groups and inspirational individuals in Coventry and Warwickshire have been crowned as champions at a celebration event for the region.
Eleven awards celebrating everything from global trade through to community leadership were handed out at the Coventry & Warwickshire Business and Community Awards, presented by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, at the Belgrade Theatre.
More than 600 people – from businesspeople through to local dignitaries and civic leaders – attended, as 60 businesses, community groups and individuals were shortlisted for awards.
The event was supported by a range of organisations as partners and sponsors, including Coventry Building Society, Genesis Employment, Lawton Tubes, Houlton at Urban & Civic, Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council, Coventry College, North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College, HCR Wright Hassall, Guardian Ballers, Belgrade Theatre Coventry, LawFinity and omnigo - a trusted partner of card payment company Dojo.
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “From micro businesses to some of the biggest employers in the region, the awards highlighted the diversity of the Coventry and Warwickshire economy and the fantastic people and organisations who make this place tick.
“The Business and Community Awards give us a chance to shine a light on so much that is great about Coventry and Warwickshire and, beyond the awards, it was a celebration of our local culture and entertainment too.”
The Millboard Company, based in Coventry, landed The Global Player award, while Inspire Education Trust won The Equality Trailblazer prize.
The People First award was won by the Belgrade Theatre Coventry, with accountancy firm Spencer Gardner Dickins being named as highly commended in that category.
Coventry University Group was named as the winner of The Planet Saver award and Emergency Vehicle Products landed The Problem Solver prize.
The Herd landed The Rapid Riser award, with HeliosX receiving a highly-commended.
Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre was named The Not-For-Profit Champion, while the Bardsley Youth Project took home a high-commended in that category.
The Community Champion award was won by MES Systems while Avon Studios was highly commended. Chitrakalaimanram landed The Creative and Culture Activator award.
In the individual categories, Tom Bromwich, of Bromwich Hardy, was named Businessperson of the Year, and Lorraine Bryan-Arnold, of the RSPCA Coventry & District, won Community Leader of the Year.
Corin added: “There has been so much to celebrate in Coventry and Warwickshire in recent days and we’re delighted for all of our winners, all of those who were highly commended, everyone who was shortlisted and we’re grateful to all of our sponsors and supporters.”
Business and Community Awards 2026
And here are your winners…
The Global Player Award
Sponsor – Lawton Tubes
Winner – The Millboard Company
The Millboard Company Limited (Millboard) is a Coventry-based manufacturer of premium decking and cladding materials. The business's route to market is via a network of distributors throughout the UK and globally.
Judges’ comment – This is a large employer but also a local family business which makes all its products in Coventry. It exports to more than 20 countries and has seen export sales rise by 35 per cent in the last 12 months.
The People First Award
Sponsor – Genesis Employment
Winner – The Belgrade Theatre
A vibrant cultural landmark and creative hub at the heart of Coventry. Committed to storytelling, community, and inclusion, it nurtures talent, inspires creativity, and champions diverse voices - bringing people together through powerful theatre, education, and engagement.
Judges’ comment - Their commitment to people is evident in everything they do - from fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for their team, to creating meaningful opportunities that positively impact the wider community. Putting people at the heart of their organisation is not just a value, but a lived practice.
The Rapid Riser Award
Sponsor – Warwickshire County Council
Winner – The Herd
A Coventry-based digital marketing and media agency founded by brothers Paul and Kieran Scanlon. In under one year, it has grown from a bedroom start-up to an eight-person team delivering innovative, AI-driven digital marketing, creative content, and performance media services to UK and international clients.
Host’s comment – The Herd embodies everything we want to see in a Rapid Riser and has shown incredible growth in the space of a year, going from a business in a bedroom to employing local people and supporting other firms to grow too.
The Problem Solver Award
Winner – Emergency Vehicle Products
EVP distribute and now manufacture products used in the supply of vehicle equipment used within the emergency services market including police, fire and ambulance sectors.
Judges’ comment - They are the UK’s leading supplier for emergency vehicle blue lighting. They have grown turnover by 100 per cent in the last 12 months. They brought alive how they are the only UK supplier providing design services for EMV fleet operators. An extremely impressive operation.
The Planet Saver Award
Sponsor - NWSLC
Winner – Coventry University Group
A global, modern university, founded by entrepreneurs and industrialists in 1843 as the Coventry School of Design. It has strong links with the public and private sector, providing job-ready graduates with the skills and creative thinking to improve their communities.
Judges’ comment - In the past year, over 800 solar panels have been installed, they have upgraded a listed building with triple glazing and are currently connecting 11 buildings to Coventry’s low carbon district heat network, cutting carbon emissions from gas by 20 per cent.
The Equality Trailblazer Award
Winner – Inspire Education Trust
A family of primary and secondary schools across Coventry and Warwickshire. It is dedicated to delivering exceptional education, fostering collaboration, and creating opportunities for every learner to flourish. Its vision is to inspire excellence, nurture ambition, and build inclusive communities where all can succeed.
Judges’ comment – They are challenging government thinking, influencing publishing, and supporting education and learning in local communities. This work shows real courage - speaking up, creating space for unheard voices, and turning values into action where it truly matters.
The Creative and Culture Activator Award
Sponsor – Houlton at Urban & Civic
Winner - Chitrakalaimanram
The company is dedicated to upholding creative excellence and promoting South Asian arts, culture, and education across the region. Through its initiatives, it aims to preserve heritage, inspire creativity, and nurture the next generation of artists and learners.
Judges’ comment - Despite operating with a small team, their impact on the community is truly remarkable. They have built a strong and loyal network of dedicated students who deeply value the opportunities and guidance they receive.
The Community Champion Award
Sponsor – Coventry College
Winner – MES Systems
A leading, family-run provider of SSAIB-accredited fire and security systems in the Midlands. It designs, installs, and maintains cutting-edge solutions for homes, businesses, and schools, including CCTV, intruder alarms, access control, and gate automation.
Judges’ comment – This is a true recognition of all they have achieved over the last few years supporting their local community in the Nuneaton area. We were so impressed when we met Richard during the judging day, with all the fantastic work the MES Systems’ team have undertaken already and their wish to continue to go the extra mile to make local people's lives better.
The Not-For-Profit Champion Award
Sponsor – Coventry Building Society
Winner – Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre
Exists to improve the lives of people living with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions. The charity provides specialist physical therapies and a supportive community that helps people maintain mobility, independence, and quality of life.
Judges’ comment - The charity stands out for the breadth of support it offers to people following a diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy. Alongside access to medical information and guidance, individuals and families benefit from holistic support that recognises the physical, emotional and practical challenges of the condition.
Businessperson of the Year Award
Sponsor – HCR Law
Winner – Tom Bromwich (Bromwich Hardy)
His track record as a successful businessperson and valued member of the Coventry and Warwickshire community is unquestioned. Since he launched Bromwich Hardy in 2008, he has built a successful business that has its foundation in teamwork and commitment to the community in which he lives and works.
Judges’ comment - Tom has spent nearly two decades creating a strong, people-centred culture that has directly supported the firm’s continued commercial growth. Judges saw clear evidence of his commitment to developing local talent through mentoring surveyors, supporting apprentices, and investing in the next generation of professionals, as well as supporting the local community.
Community Leader of the Year Award
Sponsor – Guardian Ballers
Winner – Lorraine Bryan-Arnold (RSPCA Coventry and District)
Lorraine is committed to improving animal welfare but knows we can only do that when we improve things for humans too. Lorraine is at the heart - as centre manager - of the RSPCA Coventry and District and has been since 2012. She combines her skills in animal welfare, addiction and mental health to bring together community and team for the benefit of all.
Judges’ comment - Personal sacrifice and investment have been coupled with her intuition to shape legacy-building strategies and person-empowering practises to raise the bar across local and national-reaching services. Lorraine is truly inspiring whilst lighting the way for others!
“There has been so much to celebrate in Coventry and Warwickshire in recent days and we’re delighted for all of our winners, all of those who were highly commended, everyone who was shortlisted and we’re grateful to all of our sponsors and supporters.”
Could Town of Culture be coming to Warwickshire?
Four Warwickshire towns have confirmed that they have put themselves forward for the inaugural UK Town of Culture competition.
Atherstone, Royal Leamington Spa, Stratford-uponAvon and Warwick have all submitted an expression of interest for the UK Town of Culture 2028 title, with a shortlist expected to be announced this spring.
The new competition builds on the success of UK City of Culture – a title Coventry held in 2021 and, although, it was delayed due to Covid-19 it brought investment and a whole host of events and visitors to the city.
In a statement from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on the Gov.uk website, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the new competition was a chance for towns to tell their story and take centre stage.
She said: “There is so much for us to be proud of in the towns we’re from - from the rich, local history to unique festivals and celebrations. They have shaped our national story for decades. Now it’s time they take centre stage and showcase the unique stories they have to tell.
“We have seen the transformative power of culture through the UK City of Culture competition. I want to make sure that towns have the same opportunity to make a real difference to their local community and show the world exactly why their town is so special.”
The Gov.uk website also states that: “Three finalists - one small, one medium, one large town - will be chosen. The winner will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3 million prize. The two runners-up will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their bid, from refreshed community infrastructure to electric music festivals.”
Here, we take a look at what our Warwickshire towns had to say as their expressions of interest went into Government.
Atherstone
The historic market town of Atherstone has officially announced its intention to enter the Town of Culture 2028 competition.
Led by The Atherstone Partnership, alongside North Warwickshire Borough Council, Atherstone Town Council, community groups and cultural organisations, the bid will
showcase Atherstone’s unique identity, from its centuriesold traditions to its growing creative scene.
In a statement on its submission, the team behind the bid said: “Atherstone sits on the ancient Roman road Watling Street, a key route through Britain for nearly 2,000 years. Roman forces once travelled this road during the era of Boudica’s revolt, and in 1485 King Richard III is believed to have stayed in Atherstone on the eve of the Battle of Bosworth.
“The town has a long history of cultural celebration and is renowned for its annual Shrove Tuesday Ball Game, a centuries-old tradition that continues to draw crowds from across the region. It hosts a proud heritage of inclusive sport and wellbeing, where community clubs, open spaces, and local initiatives have long brought people of all ages and abilities together to stay active, healthy, and connected.
“Alongside historic landmarks, independent businesses, and active community organisations, Atherstone offers a vibrant foundation for a year-long cultural programme.
“The Town of Culture 2028 bid will focus on three key themes: Heritage and Tradition – celebrating Atherstone’s historic character and long-standing customs; Creativity and Community – supporting local artists, makers, and performers; Future Generations – creating opportunities for young people to shape the town’s cultural future.”
Chair of Atherstone Partnership Laura Donnelly said: “Entering the Town of Culture 2028 competition is a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on Atherstone. Our town has an incredible story to tell, and this bid will celebrate our heritage while encouraging creativity, innovation, and community pride.
“If successful, Atherstone would host a year-long programme of festivals, exhibitions, performances, and community activities in 2028, placing the town firmly on the cultural map of the region.”
Royal Leamington Spa
Leamington was one of the first towns to confirm it will be bidding for the prize.
Mayor of Leamington Spa, Cllr Ruggy Singh said: “Leamington Spa is the cultural centre of this area –we have a vibrant arts scene, many diverse communities, fantastic parks and a fascinating history to dig into.
Our exciting, inclusive bid will be taking all these elements and approaching them from a different perspective.
“We need the help of the people who live and work here and everyone who loves Leam to shape our bid and to create and deliver our programme of events, activities and displays.”
Katherine Geddes, deputy town clerk of Royal Leamington Spa Town Council, revealed some of the early ideas behind Leamington’s bid to the first UK Town of Culture at the Chamber’s Mid-Warwickshire Local Business Forum.
She said: “So far, more than 200 towns have applied. Leamington’s population places us in the ‘medium town’ category. Each category, of which there are three, will produce one winner, two of which will receive £250,000, and one overall winner will receive £3 million to deliver its cultural programme in 2028.
“We’ve been working with a scoping group of local partners, from arts organisations to historians, events specialists and community groups, and we’ve run public drop ins to gather stories and ideas.
“Our theme’s working title ‘Layers of Leamington: Royal Leamington Spa Revealed’, looks beyond the Regency architecture and independent shops to uncover the hidden stories that make the town what it is.
“If shortlisted, we’ll receive £60,000 to develop the full bid, including site visits from the judges.
“And we want to involve every part of the town, not just the centre, and use venues of every size, from pubs and green spaces to churches and community centres.
“It’s a really exciting moment for the town and we hope to bring more businesses and individuals on board as we move forward.”
Atherstone: Courtesy of Andy Ball
Royal Leamington Spa: Courtesy of Warwick District Council
Town of Culture
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council submitted its bid which has been developed in partnership with a wide cross-section of the town’s cultural, community, business and youth organisations.
It tells the story of a town known across the world for its heritage, performance and creativity, but increasingly defined by the people who live here today.
In its statement, it said: “The town’s bid, titled ‘A World Stage Reimagined by Its People’, celebrates: A world-renowned cultural heritage, rooted in Shakespeare’s birthplace; a thriving performance town, home to the RSC and a growing ecosystem of creative organisations, festivals and community venues; a magical sense of place, shaped by historic buildings, green spaces, the river, and the people who bring them to life; a changing, diverse community, with strong voices from young people, new families, migrant communities, LGBTQ+ residents and those who have historically been underrepresented in cultural life.
“The programme proposed in the bid embraces the idea of Stratford as a ‘creative town in motion’ – honouring its heritage while widening the lens to celebrate the contemporary stories, identities and creative energy of today’s Stratfordians.
“The Town of Culture programme would be rooted in co creation, with residents and community groups helping to shape, deliver and celebrate the year.
“If successful, the year would feature: A revived River Festival; a youth curated Shakespeare season; outdoor theatre and mass participation events; culture in every Ward – a commitment to ensuring activity takes place across the whole town; ToC28 on Wheels – taking creativity into neighbourhoods with fewer facilities; public art, community heritage projects, grassroots performance, and a celebration of new local stories through New Voices of Stratford.
“Public consultation revealed a desire for: More for young people; more live events and music; better representation of the town’s diverse communities; activities across all neighbourhoods, not only the town centre; affordable, accessible cultural opportunities for everyone.”
Caroline Nash, Stratford-upon-Avon Town Clerk, said: “Our submission reflects Stratford-upon-Avon’s extraordinary heritage – but more importantly, it reflects the people who bring the town to life every day. “
Warwick
Warwick confirmed it has officially submitted a bid to be the UK’s next Town of Culture, with the hope that the title will help mark a new chapter for the town and an opportunity to share its many stories on a national stage.
A statement said: “When the initiative was announced earlier this year, Warwick Town Council took the opportunity to ask residents, businesses and visitors to describe what makes it so special as a town, with the aim of using that feedback to both decide on whether to bid, and to gain information to help shape a submission.
“The feedback was hugely positive, and helped form themes, ideas and suggestions for a bid that has now been sent to the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).
“Warwick’s bid focuses on the idea of reinvention, telling the many stories relating to the town’s rich heritage but also involving the Warwick of today, including its diverse communities and ensuring involvement from everyone across the town, including underrepresented groups.”
Warwick Town Centre Manager Kelly Scott said: “Rather than jump in straight away with a bid, we wanted to take the time to get feedback from everyone who lives, works and is involved in Warwick.
“The feedback highlighted recurring themes around what people love the most about Warwick. Those themes include our heritage, our strong independent business culture, green spaces, strong civic pride, events that already take place all year round, as well as the scale and atmosphere of our town.
“We’re looking forward to creating some amazing cultural experiences that showcase our town’s rich heritage and really give us all a chance to celebrate not only the Warwick of the past, but the Warwick of the present, leaving a lasting legacy on the Warwick of the future.
“This bid is about heritage, but also about reinvention. Just like Warwick rose from the ashes of the Great Fire of Warwick and reinvented itself, this could spark a new chapter for our town.”
Planning boost for Coventry and Warwickshire Investment Zone
The redevelopment of Coventry Airport has taken a step forward with the granting of detailed planning permission for the £2.5 billion GreenPower Park site.
Warwick District Council has given the green light for seven manufacturing facilities, ranging in size from 69k sq ft to 1.5m sq ft and totalling 4.8m sq ft.
The latest planning approval augments the existing outline permission for a large battery manufacturing facility, granted in 2022, providing full detail for buildings, plot layouts and landscaping.
GreenPower Park is a public-private joint venture between Coventry City Council and Rigby Group. The partners are seeking to create a centre of excellence for battery technology, advanced manufacturing and clean energy, with the potential to create 6,000 new jobs.
GreenPower Park is part of the Coventry & Warwick Investment Zone. Generous tax incentives, including business rates and Stamp Duty relief and higher national insurance thresholds, are available to occupiers.
The UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC), which provides testing facilities for battery technologies, neighbours the site.
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This announcement is great news for Coventry and Warwickshire. GreenPower Park is a critically important development that highlights the region’s position as a global centre for advanced manufacturing, clean energy and battery technology.
“Moreso, local businesses will have big opportunities across the supply chain whether that is construction, professional services or logistics. Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with partners to help local firms benefit from this opportunity and to attract inward investment to the region.”
Warwick: Courtesy of Warwick Visitor Centre
Stratford-Upon-Avon: Courtesy of Jake Osborne
New Coventry hospital offers cost-effective private care
A new private hospital in Walsgrave is vowing to alleviate a range of medical conditions – without causing too much pain in the wallet!
Medical director Bal Manoj has invested in a former office building in Eden Road at Walsgrave Triangle to create Skyline Hospitals, which will provide range of services including ophthalmology, pain management, mental health, dermatology, cardiology, plastic surgery, ENT, orthopaedics, alongside diagnostics and private GP services.
The company has invested in state-of-theart equipment and will be creating around 50 jobs to deliver the highest standard of care to patients by utilising the expertise of a range of consultants from across the region.
It follows on from a successful venture in Shrewsbury and offers an opportunity to serve more people due to the size and location, just off Junction 2 of the M6.
“I’d been looking for a location to expand into and as soon as I came here I knew it was perfect,” said Bal.
“It means we can support more patients with more treatments and can attract consultants from across the West Midlands because we’re so easy to reach.
“We’re going to be offering the highest standards of care but make sure its as affordable as possible because we know that sometimes people think private healthcare is prohibitive in terms of cost.
“Sometimes people decide they are going to wait for NHS treatment, but we believe that when they see the value of coming here, it will help them make up their mind, as they’ll see it’s at a price-point that’s worth their while.”
He added: “At Skyline, consultants lead care pathways so we can deliver highquality treatment and personalised care while keeping it affordable.
“We’re making significant investment here in Coventry because we can see an opportunity to serve the people of the city and the wider region.
“The hospital is now open and we’ll be adding more and more services as we go.”
The highly specialised Skyline Hospitals Eye Centre is working with local optometrists to offer rapid treatments for blinding conditions such as macular degeneration privately as waiting times for the initial treatment is now much longer in the NHS.
In addition, it is one of the few private centres to provide corneal transplantation, advanced retinal surgery, complex oculoplastic surgery and blepharoplasty in addition to cataract and refractive lens and laser surgery.
It will also service a significant rise in demand for ADHD and autism assessments, with Skyline Hospitals enabling patients to access timely diagnosis and treatment in the private sector.
To mark its launch, Skyline Hospitals is introducing special discounted rates on selected services, including dermatoscopic mole screening, skin lump and lesion removal, and comprehensive cardiac health checks led by a consultant cardiologist.
More information and appointments are available at www.skylinehospitals.co.uk
Driving growth at supply chain specialist
space of five years and is now looking to diversify into new markets to continue its positive momentum.
Right now, a significant percentage of its business comes from the automotive sector where the company is a full ‘end-toend’ logistics partner for major OEMs and Tier One suppliers.
It offers both third-party and fourth-party logistics to clients, with the latter including full supply chain management.
One of its key selling points to clients is its flexibility and agility to help meet their needs especially in times of crisis which has come to the fore in the past few years.
AMCO, which employs more than 230 people, offers inbound, European and international logistics; time critical transport, air freight and sea freight; sequencing, kitting and line side delivery; as well as warehousing, pick-and-pack and fulfilment.
Sean Trainor, group customer relationship director, joined the company 12 years ago and has seen first-hand how the commitment to people – from training to working conditions – and investment in tech and equipment has paid off for the company and its clients.
Not only that, it also plays an active role in its local area by supporting community projects, charity work and sponsoring good causes, while it has an ongoing commitment to sustainability, including the use of alternative fuels, despite that leading to higher operating costs.
Sean said: “I’ve been associated with AMCO since 2003, originally as a customer, so I’ve seen the business from multiple angles. When the opportunity came to join, the timing was right and, 12 years later, I have had the opportunity to see such significant growth and I am very excited as the company continues to grow.
“We’re a complex, end to end logistics business and one that is extremely diverse,
but our advantage is our agility as we can be fast-paced and quick decision making is central to how we operate. This is very much part of the nature of our business.
“A big proportion of our revenue comes from the automotive sector, which is why diversification is so important. Fulfilment and e-commerce are a big focus for us going forward and we see that as an opportunity for further growth.
“We’re investing heavily across the business but our people bring us the most pride. We’ve built a strong senior management team so the business is well run, autonomous and future proofed and we love to see the team flourish.
“We still have local shareholder ownership, and that matters because we want to do the right thing for our people, our customers and our community. That’s what we feel, as a board, is non-negotiable!”
For more information, go to https://www.amco-group.co.uk/
A leading UK and global logistics firm based in Redditch is seeing its investment in people, equipment
Business Engage Profiles
Telegraph turns five with new man at the helm
Coventry’s Telegraph Hotel is celebrating its fifth birthday with a new general manager in charge of the stylish, MidCentury venue.
Brett Wilks will lead the team at the city centre hotel, which has quickly established itself as one of the most popular Coventry destinations for visitors to the city or those looking to relax with a coffee, meet with business partners or dine out with friends and family.
The hotel opened in 2021 after a painstaking regeneration project and, despite delays due to Covid, the former newspaper building proved to be a hit with national media and its clientele.
National newspapers were overwhelmingly positive about the new venue which paid huge homage to its 1950s heritage and incorporated many of the features from its days as the city’s evening paper.
In the five years since opening, it has become a landmark destination in the city and has brought much-needed four-star style to Coventry, with 88 bedrooms to suit a variety of needs.
More than 125,000 bed nights have been sold to guests from across the region, the
country and the world with people staying for everything from business to family visits to attending major events in the city.
Over 11,000 signature Covmopolitan & Lady Godiva cocktails have been sipped in the bar area or on the rooftop terrace –Generators, which is currently undergoing a makeover ready for the summer – while the team have lost count of how many coffees have also been consumed in this time!
The Telegraph has proved equally popular with businesses for events and meetings as well as overnight stays – with everything from conferences through to board meetings taking place throughout its suites and versatile spaces. Weddings, celebration parties and Christmas events have also grown in popularity throughout the five years.
Brett’s promotion to general manager is recognition of the key role he’s played in the hotel’s growth and has also been behind the drive to enhance The Telegraph’s sustainability credentials.
Brett said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge of growing the Telegraph further, welcoming both new and returning guests through our doors, and delivering memorable hospitality experiences.
I am committed to playing a key role in the community, supporting our Coventry business partners, and helping to grow the city as an attractive destination to visit,
while continuing to deliver with passion for the hotel, the city and its history.” For more information go to https://www.telegraph-hotel.com/
LTCA offers businesses their digital shop window
A Coventry-based creative agency is gearing up for growth – just over a year after it was launched by a well-known local creative.
Leigh Torrance left his role as a director of an established agency to set up LTCA in January 2025 and the business is already going from strength to strength.
The business offers a whole range of services from brand consultancy through to digital support and marketing.
Leigh said that more and more firms were recognising the need to have a ‘digital shop window’ and that access to the full suite of services available through LTCA is attracting clients locally but across the UK too.
He said: “Digital is your shop window now and I believe companies are starting to see the power of that, more than ever. Previously, they might have had a steady stream of clients and not really thought they needed to market themselves.
“But, if the phone stops ringing, there is a sudden realisation that they need to be showcasing themselves to potential customers and that means being much more visible online.
“We’re seeing a huge rise in demand for websites, social media and LinkedIn presence because businesses have finally understood how important it is to be seen.
“AI is changing everything. Businesses and customers are using these platforms to search for services more than ever.”
And, while LTCA can work with clients in any field, it is seeing a rise in business in engineering, mining, education, energy & sustainability, and Government-backed projects.
Some are looking for specific services, while others begin with a blank sheet of paper and work with LTCA to create a brand and then make it visible through digital and marketing.
Leigh said: “I’m very much client focused. My role is to understand what they need, come up with concepts, and manage the whole process.
“I love it when we get to work from scratch with a client and we can make a real imprint on the business. Sometimes, they don’t know where to begin and you can really mould their identity from the foundations up. That includes the mission, their values, their brand and then the collateral that follows. You take care of everything. You create something from nothing and watch it evolve.”
LTCA is also seeing an increase in exhibition business, working with companies to create stands and assets that help them to jump out from the crowd – and Leigh works with a range of local suppliers to ‘give back’ to the local economy.
He said: “I’m a firm believer in using local businesses. There’s so much talent
in Coventry and Warwickshire. If I can keep the work local, I will. It helps the regional economy and I know the quality that can be produced here.”
For more information on LTCA, go to https://ltca.co.uk/
We really loved getting a glimpse of the next generation of talent which will be coming through our doors and getting inspired by the fresh ideas that the learners bring to the table.
ANEKA GANATRA, THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL
Hosting a placement student from Coventry College is more than just offering work experience, it’s a genuine opportunity to spot incredible talent and future-proof your workforce .
Shape skills that align with your organisation
Unlock fresh ideas and new perspectives
Support long-term, sustainable growth
Fully managed and simple onboarding process
Low-risk way to recruit.
Get in touch with our team today! industryplacements@coventrycollege.ac.uk 024 7679 1700
Chamber Training
Equipping apprentices and staff with real mental health skills for the modern workplace
A continued partnership between GettaLife, a supported living provider, and Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training is supporting staff and apprentices with vital mental health training, delivered directly within the workplace.
The latest session, held on-site at GettaLife in Coventry, brought together 12 staff all working towards a Level 2 First Aid for Mental Health qualification. The training forms part of an ongoing commitment from both organisations to strengthen workforce skills and improve support for both employees and the people they work with.
Mental health continues to play a significant role in today’s workplace, particularly within adult social care, where staff regularly support individuals with a range of complex needs. Providing employees and apprentices with the tools to understand and respond to mental health challenges is essential in creating safe, supportive environments.
The training delivered by Chamber Training focuses on practical, interactive learning rather than traditional classroom-based approaches. Through role play, group activities and real-life scenarios, participants are encouraged to actively engage with the content, helping to build confidence and ensuring knowledge can be applied in day-to-day situations.
The partnership between GettaLife and Chamber Training has developed over several years, supporting staff progression through apprenticeships in areas such as Adult Care and Business Administration. This includes senior leadership development, with director Robert Kimani having completed a Level 5 qualification in Health and Social Care, alongside five staff currently undertaking Level 4 programmes and a further director Melanie Kerkeni now enrolled on the Level 5 course.
As a not-for-profit organisation, GettaLife reinvests any surplus back into the people it supports and the development of its workforce. This includes funding training opportunities, ensuring staff are equipped with the right skills to deliver highquality, person-centred care.
Participants leave the training with a clearer understanding of how to recognise signs of mental health challenges, how
to respond appropriately, and when to signpost individuals to further support. The session also reinforces the importance of making reasonable adjustments and fostering open conversations around wellbeing.
Both organisations hope the continued delivery of this training will contribute to a more supportive workplace culture, where mental health is better understood and openly discussed. By equipping staff and apprentices with practical skills, the initiative aims to improve outcomes not only for employees but also for the individuals they support.
Robert Kimani, director at GettaLife, said: “We see every day how important it is to understand mental health, not just for the people we support, but for our staff as well. This kind of training gives our team the skills and confidence to recognise when someone may be struggling and to respond in the right way. As a small, person-centred organisation, investing in training like this ensures we continue to provide the best possible support in our communities.”
Sharon Miles-Waugh, commercial management trainer at Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training, said: “Mental health training is more important than ever. This session is about giving people practical tools, helping them recognise signs, respond appropriately and know where to go for support. By using interactive learning and real-life scenarios, we make sure participants leave with skills they can actually use in the workplace.”
For more information on Chamber Training, please visit: https://www.cw-chambertraining.co.uk/
Chamber Training launches academy to help businesses unlock the power of everyday AI
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training is working with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) to empower businesses with practical AI skills through the online academy.
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing how businesses operate and the AI Academy, powered by PAIR, offers hands-on, role-specific training to help teams work smarter, faster, and more creatively.
Chamber Training is working with the BCC and PAIR to offer it to businesses across the city and county. No technical background is needed and structured modules cover everything from writing to research and data analysis.
The unique aspect of this AI skills development tool is the way it personalises learning to the individual, their job role, and the organisation offering great value for money with an annual licence at less than £200 per user.
Those taking part in the training receive immediate feedback and LinkedIn-ready credentials.
Sally Lucas, executive director of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training, said: “With 35 per cent of SMEs already using AI, staying ahead is vital.
“It is transforming how businesses operate, saving time, cutting costs, and boosting productivity. But for many SMEs, knowing where to start is the biggest hurdle.
“The Academy is suitable for all sectors and business sizes, whether you’re just starting or want to maximise existing AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT.
“Flexible packages are available for individuals and teams, with 24/7 access and ongoing updates.
“I’ve signed up to the course myself and can already see the day-to-day benefits of understanding more about AI and how it can boost my own work.
"It teaches how to save time by automating repetitive tasks and free up hours each week. It boosts productivity and can improve workflows and decisionmaking, and, on top of that, it means firms can stay competitive by giving them an extra edge.
“I would definitely recommend it.”
Find out more and join the AI revolution at https://www.cw-chambertraining.co.uk/employers/ courses/short-courses/ai-academy/ai-academy/
The world needs you, regional businesswomen are
told
Women in Coventry and Warwickshire have been told that the ‘world needs what they have to offer’ at an inspiring event in the region.
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce held a special Women in Business lunch, sponsored by law firm Alsters Kelley, at the Sunday Warwickshire Walton Hall Hotel to mark International Women’s Day.
The event – attended by more than 70 people – heard from chamber president Sandra Godley OBE, Taiwo Owatemi MP, Alsters Kelley director Julie McGarrigle and Skewb co-founder Indu Seshadri.
It was based on the International Women’s Day theme of Give to Gain and heard how businesswomen in the region make a positive impact on the local economy.
Sandra Godley OBE said: “We know that women belong in every space where decisions are made. Women belong in leadership. Women belong at the heart of our families, our communities, and our economy.
“And when women rise, remarkable things happen. Businesses grow. Communities thrive. And the next generation begins to see new possibilities for themselves.
“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community, and so many of them are led by remarkable women – women who had an idea, chose courage over comfort, and built something meaningful. Because of that, jobs have been created, communities strengthened, and opportunities opened for others.
“But perhaps the most meaningful part of International Women’s Day is remembering that there is someone at the beginning of their journey. Someone who may still be finding their confidence or their voice. And to those people I say: your voice matters; your ideas matter; your leadership matters; and the world needs what only you can bring.”
Indu Seshadri told the gathered audience that more than 55 per cent of Skewb’s core team are women – a rarity for a company working in the utilities sector.
She said: “International Women’s Day isn’t just about the conversations we have, it’s about the actions we take together.
When women come together with purpose, we create momentum for real, lasting change.
“I grew up in a small community in southern India where generosity, responsibility and looking out for one another were everyday values. Those early lessons shaped my belief that leadership begins with service.
“When you give someone an opportunity, you give them momentum. When you support someone, you give them strength. And when you invest in someone, you give them a second chance. That’s what inclusion looks like in practice.
“Giving back isn’t a tick box exercise. It’s a mindset. It’s about creating space, support and confidence so people can build the futures they deserve.”
Taiwo Owatemi MP added: “Visibility matters. When women are seen in leadership, they show others what’s possible. It stops being the exception and becomes normal.
“It is inspiring to stand in a room full of women who are transforming their communities every single day. Women in business don’t just build companies, they build opportunities, networks, and futures.
“One of the most powerful things we can do is share our vision with one another. When we connect as a community and support each other’s ambitions, we create spaces where women can lead, grow and thrive.”
Julie McGarrigle Alsters Kelley: “Women often underestimate themselves, or don’t immediately recognise the opportunities in front of them.
“Sometimes we need others to see our potential before we can see it ourselves. That’s why days like today matter so much.
“International Women’s Day is a celebration of the achievements and contributions of women everywhere. But it’s also a reminder that equality is still not universal. In many parts of the world, women remain unheard, undervalued, or restricted. And that is why we must continue to push for change, not just today, but every day.”
Inspirational speakers and fundraising in honour of International Women’s Day
Inspirational messages were at the heart of a special evening at Warwick Castle to celebrate International Women’s Day. The stunning venue was lit up with purple IWD colours in honour of the event, organised by Ladies First Professional Development Network Group which celebrated this year’s theme of ‘Give to Gain.’
A line-up of speakers all sharing their personal stories, insights and journeys to success, were news anchor and freelance journalist, Suzanne Virdee, from Redditch; retired Coventry MP Collen Fletcher MBE; founder of Pentlands Accountants and Advisors in Leamington, Elinor Perry; founder of The Hosking Houses Trust in Stratford, Sarah Hosking OBE and Chief Superintendent of The West Midlands Police, Kim Madill. The evening was hosted by broadcaster and producer Arti Halai, who has spent 15 years in TV as a presenter, reporter and producer
for BBC and ITV and over 15 years as an entrepreneur and public speaker.
Ladies First director Tracey McAtamney said: “The evening honoured the achievements of women while inspiring the leaders of tomorrow. As always with Ladies First, supporting charity is close to our hearts. With the message “Give to Gain”, it felt especially meaningful to support The Esther
Project and the incredible work they do for women in need.
“Thanks to the generosity in the room, the funds raised on the night were donated to them and we were also able to shine a light on the important impact of their work. A powerful reminder that when women come together with purpose, we can create real change.”
The evening also supported two charitable causes, the Shine Together Initiative and The Esther Project. The Leamington-based gender-specific initiative is dedicated to supporting women experiencing domestic abuse, recovering from addiction, transitioning from prison or facing homelessness, incorporating Esther House - a seven-bed supported living accommodation.
The event was supported by sponsors Alsters Kelley Solicitors, Chalmers News PR; Bia’s Marketing, Production & PR and Visually Virtual Photography as well as contributions by Warwickshire Gin Company, Aspire HR, Anita Dinnes of BCSL Consulting, Jamieson Christie Wealth Management & Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club.
Further information about Ladies First is available via: https://ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk/ Photos: www.janusphotography.com
Azets continues to grow in Coventry and Warwickshire with new appointment
Paul Fenner is a well-known name when it comes to regional accountancy and professional services.
His arrival at Azets as audit and advisory partner earlier this year hit the headlines due to his strong reputation in the region so C&W in Business caught up with Paul to find out more about his ambitions for the future.
C&W: You’ve had a very successful career so far, where did it all begin?
Paul: I actually learned the trade the hard way. I trained at a small firm called Heathcote & Coleman, dealing with incomplete records – literally bags of receipts to try to make sense of!
It was a real grounding in the fundamentals before I moved to Deloitte in Birmingham, where my career took off. I started to create a specialism in construction and property, working with clients such Tarmac and Travis Perkins.
After several successful years of working with some very large corporates' audits, I decided to join Robson Rhodes, a firm that punched above its weight and really suited my style. I was progressing towards partnership when the financial crisis hit and the firm collapsed, eventually merging into Grant Thornton.
From there, I was headhunted into what became Chantrey Vellacott, and that’s where I really broadened out and worked in audit, tax, advisory, corporate finance – you name it.
I ended up leading real estate and construction nationally, working with audit clients such as Mace Group, who were responsible for projects including The Shard, Tottenham’s new stadium and the Olympic Stadium. We then merged with Moore Stephens in 2015, which became part of BDO in 2019. After that, I semi-retired and went into property development, but realised you could only play so much tennis and watch so much daytime
TV. So, the move to Azets has been a really positive one.
C&W: You’ve clearly got deep roots in Coventry and Warwickshire. What connects you to the region?
Paul: Quite a lot, actually. I’ve lived in Coventry for over 33 years and raised my family here. I’m a lifelong Coventry City supporter and that’s really exciting at the moment.
Professionally, my real connection came through the Belgrade Theatre. Years ago, I lost out on a tender because I lacked experience in capital projects. Instead of sulking, I looked at a way of gaining some experience.
There was an opportunity to volunteer with the Belgrade and, as part of that, I asked to shadow a quantity surveyor on the Belgrade’s B2 development project. I spent 11 years with the theatre, got the experience I needed but also saw the huge impact the Belgrade has on Coventry and Warwickshire.
That role introduced me to the wider Coventry and Warwickshire business community senior leaders, civic figures and other networks. I’ve stayed closely connected ever since.
C&W: What attracted you to Azets, and how are you shaping your role?
Paul: Azets felt like the right fit. They’ve given me the freedom to use my experience, build relationships and grow the brand locally. I’m technically Coventry based, but really I’m office agnostic across the Midlands and still active in London on real estate and construction matters.
What I enjoy is that Azets want to grow and they’re investing in the people and tools needed to do it. I’m here to help build the corporate audit offering, but also to bring an advisory mindset. We’re helping businesses get “audit ready”, improving internal
controls and avoiding unnecessary audit overruns and costs.
C&W: So, what’s the long-term plan?
Paul: We’re already on a growth journey. We’ve brought in strong people and we’ll be recruiting again later this year as our portfolio grows.
My approach is simple – get to businesses early. I’ve spent years identifying companies approaching the audit threshold and helping them prepare. It avoids qualifications, reduces costs and builds trust. We’ve got support from the wider firm, we’re growing acquisitively and organically, and we’re targeting the market where we excel, which is SMEs, PE backed, mid tier corporates and family businesses – companies that are looking to grow and scale up and want strong advisory support alongside audit delivery.
Coventry is the right place to build from. Local businesses want local advisers, and Azets can offer the depth of a national firm with the personal feel of a regional practice.
Warwick CreaTech showcases regional innovation and unveils landmark sector report
The University of Warwick’s iconic Faculty of Arts building provided the backdrop for a showcase event bringing together industry leaders to experience how the West Midlands CreaTech cluster is thriving.
Local businesses demonstrated the strength of their innovation in the creative industries, an increasingly complex and fast paced sector in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Driven by its mission of fusing creativity and technology to imagine, make and deliver a better world, Warwick CreaTech brings together expertise from across science and the arts, connecting researchers with industry partners to create connections that matter.
Through this dynamic, industry-led network, it is building a future-focused ecosystem that supports long-term regional growth and demonstrates the real-world impact of collaborative research and development.
The showcase highlighted how Warwick CreaTech collaborations are pushing the boundaries of innovation across sectors including gaming, immersive media and digital content.
Dave Hollis, from Fusion CreaTech Lab, said: “Our partnership working with the regional games cluster has demonstrated how research can be embedded into game development to improve different aspects of a game.
“Warwick’s psychology department has analysed tens of thousands of Steam player profiles to understand what drives engagement in one specific game, particularly around wish listing, which is critical to the game’s success. Their insights have led to real design changes and a significant increase in player interest.
“Warwick psychologists have also worked closely with another studio to embed authentic psychological principles into a game narrative around PTSD, ensuring players not only engage with the story, but
come away feeling better. In fact, when we tested the game with students, every participant reported a positive emotional impact.
“For Fusion CreaTech lab, these CreaTech collaborations have been invaluable. We’ve been able to utilise our Warwick’s cuttingedge facilities and world leading research ecosystem to support game development in the region.”
The event, hosted by Warwick CreaTech’s Advisory Board, showcased the strength, structure and scale of the regional creative technology ecosystem and set a clear direction for future growth through the presentation of a new report, Where Creativity Meets Code, the region’s first data-driven definition of CreaTech.
The Rt Hon Greg Clark, executive chair of Warwick Innovation District, said: “Our commitment to creative technology is grounded in exploring new possibilities with our partners and building the capacity the region needs to thrive. By bringing together
leading thinkers in CreaTech, we are driving innovation that strengthens the West Midlands and shapes what comes next.
“The CreaTech Advisory Board valued the opportunity to meet regional partners whose creativity and ambition reflect the future direction of the sector. They particularly enjoyed seeing how local innovators are developing technologies that strengthen the region’s creative and digital ecosystem.”
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Aquarius Interiors reports record growth driven by global commercial projects
A Coventry-based interiors specialist has announced its strongest year to date, driven by significant growth in its commercial division and continued expansion into international markets.
Aquarius Interiors, founded in 2014 by Warren Offer and his wife Pam, has evolved from a home-based start-up into a multi-site operation delivering large-scale interior solutions across the marine, hospitality, and commercial sectors.
In 2025, Aquarius Interiors achieved a record number of projects, expanded its workforce, and relocated to a larger facility at Pilot Business Park in Coventry to support increased production capacity.
The business also marked five years of its flagship retail showroom in Kenilworth, which continues to complement its commercial offering. A key driver of growth has been the company’s work within the global cruise industry.
Originally securing its first contract on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, Aquarius Interiors has since built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality soft furnishing solutions across international fleets.
Over the past 12 months alone, the company has delivered projects on more than 30 vessels worldwide, with installations spanning regions including Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia.
Recent projects include the manufacture and installation of over 600 curtains and sheers and over 100 blinds on board the
Celebrity Solstice in Singapore in February this year, as well as large-scale fit-outs across suites, cabins, and public spaces on multiple cruise ships.
Aquarius Interiors now operates a vertically integrated model, with in-house manufacturing enabling products to be produced in the UK and delivered globally as fully prepared installation packages, an approach that has strengthened its competitiveness in the marine interiors sector.
Alongside its marine work, Aquarius Interiors continues to grow its presence in the UK hospitality sector. Recent projects include installations at the Holiday Inn in Kenilworth and Brownsover Hall Hotel in Rugby, further demonstrating the company’s capability across hotels and leisure environments.
The business specialises in bespoke window treatments, including curtains, blinds, and soft furnishings, tailored to meet the functional and aesthetic demands of high-traffic commercial environments.
Founder Warren Offer said: “This has been a landmark year for the business. Our commercial division, particularly in the marine sector, has grown significantly, and our investment in facilities means we are now set up to deliver even larger projects globally.
“To support increasing demand, Aquarius Interiors has invested in larger premises and enhanced production facilities. The move to Pilot Business Park enables the company to scale manufacturing operations, improve logistics, and support simultaneous multi-site project delivery.
“This growth builds on earlier expansions, including the development of our Baginton showroom and workshop, followed by a dedicated head office and storage facility, reflecting a consistent strategy of reinvestment and capacity building.
While commercial work continues to drive revenue, the company maintains a dual focus through our retail showroom, which provides design-led interior solutions to residential clients.
“This balanced model allows us to leverage design expertise across both domestic and commercial markets. With a strong pipeline of international marine projects and continued opportunities in the UK hospitality sector, we are well-positioned for further growth in 2026.”
For more information, go to www.aquariusinteriors.co.uk or www.aquariuscontractinteriors.com
Landlord vs Tenant Disputes: Why most start years before the argument
At Askews Legal LLP, we regularly see that most landlord and tenant disputes begin long before the formal disagreement. In many cases, the outcome is shaped at the start: by the wording of the lease, whether a proper inventory was prepared, whether the deposit was protected correctly, and whether notices were served in the right way. When disputes reach court, judges work with the documents and evidence already in place. They cannot repair omissions made at the outset. That is why early decisions often carry more weight than later arguments.
A lease signed today can create problems years later if key obligations are unclear. Broad repairing clauses, missing schedules of condition, and vague provisions about use of the property often become the source of later disputes. A tenant may find itself responsible for work it did not expect to carry out. A landlord who fails to deal with repair issues may find the tenant has grounds to challenge the position. The most effective protection is to address these points before the lease is signed, including
using a surveyor-prepared schedule of condition tied to the repairing obligation. A modest investment at the drafting stage can prevent a far more expensive dispute at lease end.
Deposit disputes are also commonly decided on paperwork alone. Adjudicators in tenancy deposit protection schemes usually decide cases from photographs, inventories, checkout reports and correspondence, rather than by visiting the property. Without a dated, photographic inventory from the start of the tenancy, it is difficult for either side to prove the property’s original condition. There is also a separate compliance risk for landlords: failure to protect a deposit within 30 days, or to serve the prescribed information, can lead to a financial penalty of between one and three times the deposit value. Even where rent arrears or damage are alleged, poor compliance can place the landlord at a significant disadvantage.
Rent arrears remain one of the main triggers for possession proceedings. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 changes the position significantly
from 1 May 2026. The mandatory possession threshold under Ground 8 increases from two months to three months of arrears, the notice period increases from two weeks to four weeks, and section 21 no-fault evictions are abolished for residential tenancies. Commercial landlords must also take care: accepting rent after becoming aware of a breach may amount to waiver of the right to forfeit for that breach. Prompt action, clear records and correct procedure matter in both residential and commercial settings.
Break clauses and dilapidations claims are another common area of difficulty. Courts apply break clause conditions strictly. Minor failures can invalidate a break notice, even where little prejudice has been caused. Dilapidations claims follow a formal pre-action process, and section 18(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1927 may cap a landlord’s damages by reference to the reduction in value of the reversion. In both areas, early legal and surveying advice is often decisive.
The parties who fare best in landlord and tenant disputes are usually those who understood their obligations clearly from the outset, documented the position properly, and took advice before a dispute crystallised. Preventive legal advice is almost always cheaper than reactive litigation.
If you have any questions regarding landlord and tenant disputes, please email enquiries@askewslegal.co
New £50 million innovation fund backs growth in the West Midlands
Warwick’s research excellence and industry partnerships will drive real-world solutions that help grow the regional economy.
Mayor Richard Parker has announced the region’s biggest ever innovation deal from government – with £50m to back a new generation of pioneers to develop and scale up new technologies to improve people’s lives, create jobs and grow the economy.
The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund will invest in the West Midlands’ world-class engineering capabilities to support the growing cohort of innovative businesses in advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences, and creative immersive technologies.
Trailblazing businesses, researchers and entrepreneurs in these clusters will get the support they need to turn big ideas into new cutting-edge products and processes.
Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick said: “At Warwick, we are proud to be playing a leading role in delivering this major new £50 million regional programme. Guided by our ambition to make a better world together, we
take a curiosity-driven approach to collaboration to deliver real-world impact.
“We will harness our world-leading expertise, facilities and partnerships to support clusters of advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences, and creative technologies across the West Midlands, helping businesses to grow and create highquality jobs across the region.
“By connecting Warwick’s research excellence with industry need, we are accelerating the journey from discovery to application, ensuring tangible benefits for our economy and society, and strengthening the region’s position as a globally competitive place for investment and opportunity.”
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This record amount of funding shows government recognises what we’ve always known – that this is the home of innovation.
“You can see it everywhere. Two centuries on from Watt and Boulton’s steam engine, a new generation of trailblazers here is at the forefront of a tech revolution that’s unlocking smarter healthcare, better diagnostics and the transition to cleaner energy.
“My job is to keep that spirit alive by backing their talent and investing in cutting-edge research to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. All while creating the jobs, opportunities and growth that will improve people’s lives across the West Midlands and beyond. That’s exactly what my Growth Plan is about and with government backing we’re making it happen.”
The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and brings together academic, business and public sector leaders to deliver projects to accelerate regional economic growth, scale up high-potential innovation clusters, and bridge the gap between research and commercialisation.
This record amount of investment in innovation in the region will support the West Midlands Growth Plan and the government’s Industrial Strategy by unlocking another £190m of private investment, creating or safeguarding 2,000 jobs, and growing the regional economy by £700m.
It comes on top of a £282m investment in the economy approved by the Mayor and the West Midlands Combined Authority Board.
Family values powering success
Skewb is a fast-growing
Warwickshire business
built by husband and wife Shashi
and Indu Seshadri.
And it’s a firm that has delivering value for clients at its heart at the same time as having a clear set of principles in the workplace that help to drive it forward
Shashi and Indu Seshadri grew up hundreds of miles apart in India.
But when they were brought together in Bangalore through work, their background and values were clearly very closely aligned.
Both had education and hard work drummed into them by their parents from a very early age and the more they were posted on the same work assignments, the more it became apparent their future would be together.
However, neither of them anticipated that would be as a husband and wife team running one of the fastest growing companies in Warwickshire with around 300 staff and partners contributing to their success.
But that’s what has happened and Skewb – their digital and tech consultancy that serves the utilities sector –operates very much in their own image. Family values are at the front and centre of everything they do and it stems right back to their roots in India.
It all began at Wipro – a giant Indian tech firm. Shashi joined in 1999 and Indu followed suit in 2000.
“We were both born and educated in India,” said Indu. “I’m from the southern part, a state called Kerala, and Shashi comes from Mumbai.
“It’s an hour and 45 minutes’ flight away and, yet, we met at work in Bangalore, which is kind of midway between both our cities.
“I joined Wipro as a student trainee, working on live projects while also being part of a wider programme called WASE – Wipro Academy of Software Excellence. Shashi had already been there for a year.
Profile: Shashi and Indu Seshadri
“It so happened that they always put us on exactly the same projects, one after the other. Slowly we realised that most of our time was spent together.”
They went on to work closely together on demanding projects and later married in 2003. Two years later, they were assigned to a project in Wales.
The intention, initially, wasn’t to stay in the UK but children arrived and Shashi co-founded a consultancy in the West Midlands in 2006.
Indu took on the role of home-maker but then, in 2018, they decided to form Skewb and the company has been on a meteoric rise ever since.
The business helps ‘giants in the utilities sector to solve problems’ says Shashi. If they have ten problems, they can work out how to solve seven for themselves and the Skewb team will come in and sort the other three!
“We are a technology-led consultancy that solves problems for our clients in the energy and water sector,” he said.
“We do that using a combination of business transformation, digital/AI technology, and outsourced managed services, so three pathways. Our offerings are built around those, tailored to what our clients need.
“We’re dealing with essential networks across gas, water, and now power, which deliver life essentials for people in the UK. You can’t underestimate how critical these services are and the value of the advice we offer is extremely paramount. We partner with our clients to deliver outcomes.
“Every piece of efficiency we deliver for our clients helps consumers. We’ve delivered in excess of £100 million of efficiency over the last eight years. We feel we’ve unlocked a positive benefit for consumers across the UK and we know how important that is in the tough economic climate.”
Indu added: “Skewb was born out of necessity. It wasn’t like a lifelong dream to start a business. We both reached a point in our lives where we wanted this new challenge.
“We’ve grown around 35 to 40 per cent over the last three years, which is good. If you do a really good job, people will know about it. But, if you do a bad job, they will definitely know about it!
“You still need to show value and quality of delivery. That’s how our clients know us now. When we commit to something, we 100 per cent deliver it.”
Shashi and Indu are quick to share the praise –as well as the rewards – for their success with their ever-growing team.
After just one visit to their Warwick HQ, it is clear that this is a place where people want to work and want to make a difference.
Lunch is provided every day (it’s a Wagamama’s delivery on the day C&W in Business visits) and there are a host of other staff benefits from wellbeing days to volunteering days.
The couple do it because it’s the right thing to do but also believe there are business advantages too.
“If we look after families well enough, and we do our bit well enough, the reverse will always come true,” wsaid Shashi.
“In 2026/27, we are rolling out an all-company bonus scheme for our performance, which means we’re telling every Skewber that every pound saved is going to come back to you in some shape or form.”
“I think it’s our core value system,” adds Indu. “I would always say we are authentic. None of this is for show. It all feels organic and natural. And our team have brought their own values as they’ve joined and as we’ve grown.
“That authenticity means we are honest with our clients too. If they approach us for something and we can’t deliver it, we will say that. Or we will partner with the right people to make that delivery happen. We never claim we know everything.
“Integrity is very important and very dear to us. That’s why the whole ecosystem works, because if you’re not true to yourself it’s just not going to happen.”
So, how do they remain their authentic selves away from the office? Can they ever switch off from Skewb and simply be Indu and Shashi? The wife and husband? The mum and dad?
“We have really kept our work and personal lives separate,” says Indu. “Earlier, at the very beginning of our career, Shashi would continue to work while I’d switch off, whereas now I think it’s switched – he will cut off. We don’t talk about work at home.
“Occasionally I’ll ask him how a meeting has gone and he says that we’ll talk about it at work!”
Shashi adds: “When you’re leading a business that 300 families are dependent on, you don’t really switch off as such, you compartmentalise.
“You zone in on a particular area – work or not work. When you’re focused on work, you give it your all. When I’m focused on watching sport, I give it my all. When I’m focused on doing something with my kids or with my better half, I give it my all.
“And I think most importantly, you should enjoy every moment of everything you do. I always believe my existence is to do more so that others around me can enrich and benefit more from it.
“This means the more I give, the more I have to work harder to build it, so we are able to give more. As long as that cycle is clear in your mind, you’re not worried about anything.”
Profile: Indu
Born: Kerala
Lives: Warwickshire
Married: Yes
Children: Two
Hobbies: Reading, yoga
Favourite Book: Times of Triumph by Charlotte Vale Allen.
Favourite Film: Eye of the Needle
Last Holiday: Santorini
Gadget: iPhone
Profile: Shashi
Born: Mumbai
Lives: Warwickshire
Married: Yes
Children: Two
Hobbies: Sport
Favourite Book: Anything which challenges the status quo
Favourite Film: Top Gun: Maverick
Last Holiday: Santorini
Gadget: Whoop
Futureproofing the workforce with funded digital skills training
With businesses across the West Midlands facing a growing demand for digital, cybersecurity and AI skills, North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) is helping to bridge that gap through a suite of fully funded training opportunities.
Delivered across the West Midlands Combined Authority area – including Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton – these courses are free to residents aged 19+ in eligible postcode areas, whether employed or unemployed.
At the heart of this offer are globally recognised CompTIA qualifications, designed to equip learners with the practical skills needed to thrive in today’s fast-moving digital economy.
Certifications such as A+, Network+ and Security+ provide hands-on experience and technical knowledge in key areas including IT support, networking and cybersecurity – skills that are increasingly vital for businesses of all sizes.
These programmes form part of a wider package of funded courses spanning Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing, Digital Technologies, Leadership and Management as well as Teaching and Early Years.
From EV technologies and AI robotics to CMI and CIPD leadership qualifications, the offer is designed to upskill local talent, support business growth and create clear pathways into high-demand careers.
For employers, this provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen workforce capability at no cost, while individuals can gain industryrecognised qualifications that enhance career prospects.
With demand expected to be high for limited spaces, early engagement is encouraged. Visit the website at https://www.nwslc.ac.uk/fullyfunded-courses-for-adults/
To find out more employers can contact the Business Engagement team at BE@nwslc.ac.uk
New era of stability and growth at WCG
The Department for Education (DfE) has officially moved WCG (Warwickshire College Group) out of formal intervention status.
This transition follows a period of rigorous transformation and marks a significant vote of confidence from the Government in the college’s future.
Since the appointment of CEO and Principal Sara-Jane Watkins in September 2024, WCG has undergone a comprehensive leadership restructuring.
A statement from WCG said: “This turnaround has been driven by a collective effort across all levels of the college, including the introduction of a new executive team and a distributed leadership approach.
“This model empowers newly appointed campus principals at every site to drive local excellence while maintaining group-wide stability.
“To ensure a solid and vibrant student base for the future, the leadership team moved at a rapid pace to address financial issues and made the difficult but necessary decisions to consolidate operations.
“This included the closure of Evesham College and the consolidation of its provision into Pershore College to ensure a sustainable and high-quality local offer. These actions have been instrumental in securing the longterm viability of the institution.”
Sara-Jane Watkins, CEO and Principal of WCG, said: “Moving out of intervention is a pivotal moment for WCG. It demonstrates the Department for Education’s confidence in our recovery and our strategic direction.
“This progress is the result of an incredible collective effort from our new executive team and staff across all our campuses.
“We have moved at a rapid pace to address inherited financial issues, making tough decisions to ensure we have a sustainable foundation.
“Our commitment to our communities, our staff, and our students remains resolute. I would also like to note that the support provided by the Further Education Commissioner’s team throughout this process has been excellent.”
Gill Clipson MBE, chair of the corporation, added: “I am delighted that the college has moved out of intervention and supervised status.
“This milestone is a testament to the leadership of our new executive team, whose drive and tenacity enabled us to make such rapid progress in very challenging circumstances.
“By swiftly assessing our financial position, rebuilding our finance and data functions, and redesigning our quality cycle, we have ensured the organisation is both effective and efficient. We now have a strong board
and an even greater opportunity to shape and sustain a thriving, successful college for the region.”
WCG remains a cornerstone of education across Warwickshire and Worcestershire, supporting over 4,500 students aged 16 to 18, alongside over 7,000 adults, apprentices, and degree-level students.
With financial stability secured, the college is now laser-focused on ensuring that the quality of education and the overall experience provided to every student is first-class.
This includes the expansion of key initiatives such as WCG Sport and a new direct entry provision for 14 to 16-year-olds. This new provision is a vital step in helping to reduce the number of young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), starting with the launch of WCG Drive at Warwick Trident College this September.
Ross’s great idea continues to grow
A pioneering initiative born at Pershore College is set to triple its footprint this year as a horticultural student launches the second chapter of his ‘Get Children Growing’ project.
Ross Dyke, a final-year BSc (Hons) Sustainable Horticulture Technology student at Warwickshire College and University Centre (WCUC), the higher education arm of college group WCG, is based at Pershore College.
Following a successful pilot year that engaged approximately 8,000 children through 5,000 sunflower grow kits and regional pop-up events, the project is expanding nationwide with continued support from industry leaders Westland Horticulture and British Garden Centres.
For its second year, the project is offering an enhanced range of resources to schools
including ‘Funky Veg Kits’, designed for 20 select schools to spark curiosity with unconventional, home-grown produce; and ‘Seeds for Schools’, providing 30 schools
New apprentice based at Coventry Building Society Arena
A global real estate provider has recruited an apprentice to work at Coventry Building Society Arena as part of its partnership.
CBRE agreed a three-year deal in July with the leading venue for sport, business and entertainment to oversee its facilities management and maintenance services.
The world-wide business is one of the leading providers of facilities management in the UK and has experience working in complex, multi-use and commercial-led environments.
Maryam Aziz has joined CBRE as a Level 3 technical apprentice and is based at Coventry Building Society Arena.
She is shadowing Stuart Liggins, who has been an electrical engineer on-site for ten years with support from technical supervisor Blake Price to gain hands-on experience in all areas of the venue.
The 19-year-old has completed a Level 3 Mechatronics course at James Watt College in Birmingham and has enrolled at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) at Ansty for her one-day a week college work.
with comprehensive kits, including 10 varieties of seeds (fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs) with professional-grade pots and compost.
Ross, who found his passion for horticulture in his 30s, is driven by the project's ability to provide a grounding sensory activity for children.
He said: “Last year went really well, but we were limited in what we could do. After such positive feedback and overwhelming demand from schools across the UK, I decided to go bigger.
“We’re focusing on getting kids gardening within their schools because it benefits their mental health and allows them to be responsible for a living thing, watching it flourish into something they can eat or pick.”
For more information on courses at Pershore College, visit wcg.ac.uk/pershore
Scott Price, Maryam Aziz, Paul Michael and Blake Price (CBRE).
Carol’s great college turnaround
Back in 2020, Carol Thomas was Director of Curriculum and Performance at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, which had just received an outstanding rating from Ofsted. But then she received an approach to apply for the principal job at Coventry College and decided to take on one of the biggest challenges in Further Education.
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, paid a visit to the college, which is based just outside the city centre and educates thousands of 16 to 18-year-olds as well as mature learners, to find out about the turnaround Carol has achieved in such a short space of time.
Corin Crane (CC):
How long have you been at Coventry College?
Carol Thomas (CT):
I started in August 2020. My previous role was Director of Curriculum and Performance at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group. We’d just achieved Outstanding and were the first merged college in the country to do so under the new Ofsted Inspection framework.
Then Covid hit. For the first time in my life, I was working from home and only going into work a couple of days a week as the college remained open for vulnerable learners.
During lockdown, Peridot Recruitment Agency contacted me a few times and said Coventry College needed someone to lead on change management and thought I’d be the right fit for the role. At first, I said no, as I genuinely wasn’t looking and loved my role and the college, I was working in. But persistence prevailed and eventually, I agreed to speak to the college’s Chair of Governors via Teams, and tried to ascertain exactly what it was like to be a student at Coventry College.
I then drove down to Coventry during lockdown, and I remember there wasn’t a single car on the M6. It was really eerie. I visited both college campuses, but unfortunately was unable to even go inside the buildings, so I just looked around from the outside and thought: 'well at least they are not falling down!'
Then, just before signing on the dotted line, the Chair of Governors rang to tell me that the bank had announced that they were about to close on the college due to breach of covenants.
I had been made aware that the college had some financial difficulties, but that was a moment, I can tell you! However, I’d already committed, handed in my notice, found somewhere to live during the week, so thought I needed to see this through.
CC: When you arrived, were you surprised by how big the leadership challenge actually was?
CT: The biggest shock was realising that there was effectively a deficit of postholders in permanent positions in key business support areas.
Prior to my appointment, there had been a CEO and a principal role running in parallel – two equivalent salaries, which clearly the college couldn’t afford. The remaining senior leaders, I understand, had either left or stepped down.
So, at one point I was managing HR, finance, MIS, curriculum and performance, safeguarding – everything other than the remit of my Assistant Principal. I was working about 70 hours per week across the two campuses, it was relentless.
CC: That must have been incredibly lonely.
CT: It was, and challenging for many reasons. As you can imagine, for a long time, every board discussion was about finance. Nothing else. I also had monthly meetings with the bank (who incidentally after two years, put the college in for an award with the Institute for Turnaround for being their fastest turnaround business) and with the ESFA, frequent Ofsted monitoring visits and monitoring visits by the Further Education Commissioner Team. Thankfully that’s all completely changed now as a result of our incredible transformation, but back then, survival was the priority. But almost everything needed attention, which was never my initial expectation. But then it’s no surprise really, as staff had seen five principals in six years so I had a job just convincing everyone that I was actually going to stay and see this challenge through to completion.
I also knew that I had to be visible, involved, and consistent. When working on a transformation of this magnitude, you can’t just sit in an office all day and expect change to happen. You have to have absolute clarity about the vision and how to get there, and be in the thick of it – supporting, guiding, checking and reinforcing everything you are putting into place.
CC: Was there a moment when you realised people were working with you, not against you?
CT: Yes. When our Ofsted results came back this time last year. I went into the courtyard on a Friday afternoon and there was standing room only. Even people who didn’t work Fridays came in.
I gave a little speech and told them that when I arrived, the college was inadequate for quality and financial health and was struggling with its reputation. And now Ofsted had graded us Good, with almost no recommendations – which was a huge achievement for everyone. (In fact, Ofsted made a follow up visit to ask how we had achieved the transformation).
People were crying and cheering, there was lots of hugging. It was fabulous and very overwhelming.
Later, staff started coming to me quietly to say that they knew hard decisions had been made, but they were the right ones.
One moment that will always stay with me was a member of staff who came to see me before leaving the college. She was grateful that, as a leader, I had been prepared to tell staff the truth about the college situation and how to change it. She gave me a small, personal gift as a thank you for helping to transform the college. Needless to sayI was in bits.
FE isn’t just about education, is it? It’s about life chances especially in cities like Coventry.
CT: Absolutely. For many learners, if they don’t come here, then where will they go? Jobs for 16-year-olds don’t exist anymore.
We have learners who are sofa-surfing, living in hotels as a family in one room, have caring responsibilities, mental health challenges, or have an Educational Health Care Plan. We actually give away food on Fridays and some students entitled to ‘free school meals’ will choose the cold option so that they can take their sandwich home to feed other members of their family, which is heart breaking to know. We have over 300 learners declaring mental health issues and we have a huge safeguarding team at the college to support many of our students who face incredible personal challenges on a daily basis. Further Education is often called the fourth emergency service, as it is the safest place for many of our young people.
CC: You’re also really important to local businesses. Why do you think so many don’t engage.
CT: Some employers generalise unfairly about young people saying they don’t want to work and don’t want to learn. I have to challenge that however, and did so at an event recently, as we have many young people who don’t fit into that category.
We have some outstanding students here at Coventry College who choose vocational routes and meaningful work experience would really help them to progress. Employers need to work with us to access those learners, give them a chance and ‘grow their own’ in the process. When employers do engage, the results are incredible. We’ve had a local business come in recently who heard me speak at an event, and they are really buying into the idea of work placements, master classes, guest speaking and working with the college in many other ways too.
For the full interview, go to https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/news/coventrycollege-060526/
Leamington teenagers get MasterChef treatment
A group of Leamington teenagers have been treated to a cooking masterclass by a MasterChef: The Professionals winner. Students from Oakley School visited Mallory Court Hotel and Spa to meet Stu Deeley, who is executive head chef at The Warwick restaurant, which was recently added to the Michelin Guide.
The GCSE Food Prep and Nutrition students gained exclusive access to the kitchen to find out more about Stu’s career pathway, before getting hands-on by making and piping one of his favourite desserts, the baked Alaska, which features ice cream on a sponge cake base, completely covered in stiff meringue.
The session was arranged by Warwickshire’s tourist board, Shakespeare’s England, to mark English Tourism Week, which seeks to highlight the economic value that tourism organisations bring to their communities.
In south Warwickshire alone, tourism employs more than 15,300 people and attracted 9.9 million day visits in 2024, according to the latest research conducted on behalf of Shakespeare’s England.
It also comes as figures from UK Hospitality show that there is a sector-wide shortage of 132,000 hospitality workers.
CC:
New association launched for the region
A new association has been launched in Coventry and Warwickshire to support conference, exhibition and event venues across the region.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Business Development & Venue Association will provide a platform for venue sales and business development professionals to share best practice, discuss industry challenges and collaborate to strengthen the region’s offer.
The group has been formed by the Coventry & Warwickshire Convention Bureau and its inaugural meeting saw more than 45 senior leaders from across the regional events and venue sector meet at CoventryConferences.
The first meeting provided a chance to explore opportunities for collaboration and set priorities for the association.
Topics discussed included sharing market intelligence on the regional events landscape, insights from major industry trade shows such as Confex, The PA Show and The Event Production Show, and how venues can work collectively to raise the profile of Coventry and Warwickshire as a destination for business events.
Attendees also discussed the potential to exhibit collectively at national trade shows to increase the region’s visibility, as well as the importance of building stronger referral
relationships with other venues in Coventry and Warwickshire.
The venues in attendance discussed target markets for business events, including event agencies, trade associations, local corporate and national blue-chip organisations, while also highlighting how the region should target specific sectors focused on the area’s industry expertise.
It also saw presentations from key venues in the region, including Ashorne Hill about the growth of its portfolio and diversifying experiences, and Coventry Conferences about their investment in facilities.
Future meetings will also explore initiatives such as shared communication channels, improved data insights with a regional focus, the impact of familiarisation trips and stronger collaboration between venues to share opportunities across the region.
The association will focus primarily on supporting business tourism and the meetings and events industry, while creating opportunities to share insights on trends, data and emerging opportunities.
The meeting was facilitated by Chris Hartley, of Hartley Consulting & Events, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the events and venue sector.
Paul McMahon, managing director at Coventry & Warwickshire Convention Bureau, said: “We want this association to become a strong platform that represents the strength of our region’s business events sector.
“This is one of four associations we are developing to bring partners together and this group will help translate and promote the assets we have as a destination into a compelling offer.
“We are also developing tools such as an event planner guide which will showcase everything the region has to offer and make it easier for organisers to bring events to Coventry and Warwickshire.”
To find out more about Coventry & Warwickshire Convention Bureau visit www.meetcoventryandwarwickshire.co.uk
Businesses react to Spring Statement
Firms across Coventry and Warwickshire were warned to expect very little in the Spring Statement – and that’s what they got!
Chancellor Rachel Reeves used the Statement to give a run down of the current economic climate and to announce the latest forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility.
Growth for 2026 was revised down to 1.1 per cent but then up to 1.6 per cent in 2027 and 2028. Inflation is expected to fall to 2.3 per cent this year while unemployment is forecast to peak at 5.3 per cent this year but fall back to 4.1 per cent by 2030.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce organised a roundtable, sponsored by Prime Accountants Group, at Stockton House to gauge reaction from regional firms. Paislei Godley, director at Prime Accountants Group, said: “We didn’t anticipate any major changes to taxation and we
didn’t see any. There have been lots of tax announcements in the past 18 months so businesses will be relieved that this was more of an update than any new policy announcements.”
Roger Scott, area director of Lloyds Commercial Banking, said: “There is a real feeling among many businesses that I work with that it’s getting really tough and they are having to work harder to ensure the bottom line remains intact.”
Louis Washington-Smith, asset director at Tetra Real Estate – part of The Wigley Group, said: “Boring was good for us in the property industry. We saw lots of things put on hold in the run up to the Budget last year and it was only after that where we saw deals start to move forward.”
Sandra Godley OBE, president of the Chamber, said: “Collaboration is becoming more attractive to businesses as they are looking to partner with complementary firms to reduce risk and create opportunities.”
Lash Saranna, co-founder of EZOO, said: “The forecast that unemployment will rise this year and then fall back to 4.1 per cent by 2030 looks very optimistic to me. Many businesses are thinking long and hard about recruiting because of the additional costs and red tape involved.”
Carol Thomas, Principal and CEO of Coventry College, said: “The Chancellor mentioned investing in skills and briefly alluded to the SEND White paper, both of which are welcome, but good policy without a skilled workforce becomes unachievable, as it remains extremely difficult to recruit specialists from industry into education for many reasons.”
Steve Harcourt, director at Prime Accountants Group, said: “The tax take is higher than expected and that’s most likely due to all of the new business taxes introduced recently. That’s a burden for businesses, but it does show wealth is being created.”
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Chamber, said: “It’s so useful for us to get businesses in the room from a range of sectors to hear their views.
“While we knew the Statement would have no policy announcements, it was an opportunity to assess the current economic climate and understand how new policies in the most recent Budgets are affecting businesses.
“We want stability and the Chancellor was looking to use this Statement to show that the economy is on a more solid footing than before – but, once again, global events are providing a fresh cause for concern.”
Neurodiverse jobseekers say interviews are the biggest barrier to employment
Interviews are the biggest barrier preventing neurodiverse people from securing jobs, according to new research.
A survey by recruiter Pertemps Network Group, conducted during Neurodiversity Celebration Week, found that 66 per cent of respondents identified interviews as the most challenging stage of the hiring process.
In comparison, job attraction and advertising (14 per cent) and career progression (12 per cent) were seen as moderately challenging, while onboarding (eight per cent) was viewed as the least problematic stage.
The findings come as UK employers continue to face skills shortages, raising concerns
that traditional hiring practices may be unintentionally excluding talented candidates.
Traditional interview formats often rely on rapid responses, reading social cues and unstructured communication. The research suggests these approaches can disadvantage neurodiverse individuals, even when they are well suited to the role.
Abigail Farnham, director at Pertemps, based in Meriden, said: “Removing barriers to employment continues to be a priority for many of our clients, and a growing number are asking for support to reassess their hiring practices, so they are accessible, inclusive and reflective of different ways of thinking and communicating.
Plan for cost increases, warns HB&O
Businesses planning for the next financial year are being urged to factor in the full cost of employment ahead of a series of changes that have come into force which will increase the cost of hiring staff.
HB&O, which has offices in Coventry, Leamington and Birmingham, is warning that many employers may underestimate the full cost of taking on employees when planning their workforce requirements for the next financial year.
Ioana Mateias, payroll expert at HB&O, said: “There are so many variables depending on the business and what benefits are offered, but National Insurance, pensions and statutory costs all add up, which are all non-negotiable for businesses.
“Using a £35,000 salary as an example, the total cost of employment has increased noticeably. In 2023/24, an employee on £35,000 generated £3,574.20 in employer National Insurance and £1,050 in pension contributions (assuming no qualifying earnings band was used), bringing the total cost to £39,624.20 per year.
“Under 2026/27 rates, employer National Insurance rises to £4,500 taking the total cost, including £1,050 in pension contributions, to £40,550 per employee. This represents an increase of £925.80 per employee per year.
“Across a workforce of 20 employees on the same salary, this results in an overall increase of £18,516 from which eligible employers can claim the £10,500 Employment Allowance (increased from £5,000).
“That is only a base rate too; it doesn’t include any additional benefits that employers give to staff or different pension schemes, such as salary sacrifice.”
National Minimum Wage rates are increasing from April 2026, with the rate for those aged 21 and over rising from £10.42 to £12.71 per hour.
She said: “The employer National Insurance threshold has come down to £5,000 and the rate has increased to 15 per cent. That has a huge effect on the overall cost of employing someone.
“When minimum wage increases, it doesn’t just affect salary. It increases National Insurance and pension contributions as well, so the overall cost to the employer goes up.”
While costs are increasing for most roles, the situation is different for entry-level positions.
“This research shows that meaningful change requires more than intent. It requires practical adjustments to how candidates are assessed.”
Pertemps is encouraging employers to review their recruitment processes and consider practical changes, including: offering alternative interview formats such as taskbased or practical assessments; providing interview questions in advance; allowing additional processing time during interviews; and training hiring managers in neurodiversity awareness.
For more information, visit www.pertemps.co.uk
An apprentice aged 20 earning £8 per hour would receive £1,300 per month, with no employer National Insurance payable provided earnings remain within the exemption threshold. This results in a total employer cost of £15,600 per year.
Mateias said: “Apprentices who meet the qualifying criteria can be a more cost-effective way of bringing people into the business, for companies of all shapes and sizes.
“For some roles, it can be a way of managing rising employment costs while still investing in future talent.”
For more information and to speak to a payroll expert from HB&O visit https://hboltd.co.uk/payroll/
First meeting of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Development & Venue Association (Credit: Kunu Studio).
Tens of thousands raised for local children
The generosity of the local business community was once again on full display as more than £83,000 was raised for the Coventry and Warwickshire Children’s Charity at its annual charity ball held at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
More than 300 guests attended the ‘Bright Futures’ Ball, which marked the 19th consecutive year the event has been staged at the venue. Over that time, the event has raised more than £1.2 million to support initiatives aimed at helping children who have suffered abuse.
The charity is supported by a committee of local businesses and corporate organisations committed to raising funds that help provide professional services and specialist support for vulnerable children. Since its formation in 1993, local companies have raised more than £3 million to support this vital work.
During the evening, Cllr Pat Seaman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, addressed guests to thank the charity and its supporters. She also spoke movingly about the scale of child abuse cases affecting families across the city.
A special tribute was also paid to Hamilton Bland, who announced his retirement as lead organiser after 19 years at the helm of the event and more than 25 years supporting the charity.
A highlight of Coventry’s annual social calendar, the ball was sponsored this year by Evtec Group, Manufacturing Technology Centre and WHS Plastics.
Guests were entertained by well-known local magician William Pollett and Pippa Langthorne, who opened the evening with a powerful rendition of the ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ James Bond theme.
The performance accompanied a prize draw in which three lucky guests won diamond jewellery worth more than £5,000.
Hosting the evening was former local radio personality turned professional toastmaster Brody Swain.
Chairman of the Coventry and Warwickshire Children’s Charity, David Roberts, said: "The evening was a remarkable demonstration of what the Coventry and Warwickshire business community can achieve when it comes together for a cause that truly matters.
“I also want to pay special tribute to Hamilton Bland, whose dedication and vision over 25 years has been the backbone of this charity's success."
The podcast giving business owners real answers
A Warwickshire accountancy firm is marking a standout moment, as Chadwick Accountants and Bookkeepers Ltd celebrates its podcast, FFS, For Finance’s Sake, surpassing 3,000 downloads.
Led by Chartered Accountant and managing director Rachael Chadwick-Harrison, the series has quietly built a loyal following by telling the truth about what running a business really feels like.
Rather than focusing solely on figures and forecasts, the podcast brings together real experiences from the front line of business. It explores everything from navigating uncertain periods of growth to handling the very real pressures that come with being your own boss.
The result is a series that feels less like a lecture, and more like a conversation business owners actually want to be part of.
“This milestone isn’t just about downloads,” Rachael said. “It’s about the conversations we’re starting and the fact that people are taking the
time to listen, learn and, most importantly, feel less alone in their business journey.”
Recorded from the firm’s base in Bidfordon-Avon, the podcast strikes a careful balance between professional insight and a grounded, accessible tone.
Alongside Rachael and her team, a diverse mix of guests share their own stories, offering listeners a broader perspective on the realities of entrepreneurship, the wins, the setbacks and everything in between.
With more than 60 free episodes now available across platforms including Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Podbean, FFS, For Finance’s Sake continues to reach a growing audience of start-ups, scaling businesses and established entrepreneurs alike.
For Rachael, however, this milestone is less of a finish line and more of a foundation. With new episodes continuing to be released, the focus remains firmly on creating content that resonates and, more importantly, content that genuinely helps.
As its audience grows, so too does its impact, proving that in business, the most valuable advice isn’t always the most complex, it’s the advice people can actually understand, relate to and use.
Specialist video game lawyer joins HCR Law as partner
HCR Law has welcomed intellectual property and interactive entertainment lawyer Daniel Goodall to its technology and innovation team.
Daniel moved to HCR Law after working in-house as general counsel for a UK-based mobile, PC and console games publisher. Before this, he spent more than 12 years at a national firm, advising on all areas of contentious and non-contentious intellectual property law.
Daniel’s appointment signals further growth for HCR Law’s technology and innovation team, led by Inger Anson, which brings together specialist lawyers advising on AI, cyber security and intellectual property protection.
His experience in the interactive entertainment sector bolsters the team’s expertise. With a deep understanding of the pressures facing video games companies as the industry evolves, Daniel helps them navigate increasingly challenging commercial and regulatory environments.
He said: “The games industry is a fast-moving area of the creative economy and I’m looking forward to helping clients achieve their business objectives and get great games into the hands of players.
“Whether navigating the legal complexities of development contracts, intellectual property or the steadily increasing amount of regulation in this area, my focus is on providing practical, commercially minded advice to studios, publishers and other industry stakeholders in a rapidly changing commercial and legal landscape.”
Inger Anson, head of technology and innovation, said: “Daniel’s experience in the gaming industry is a real asset to our team as we continue to support clients in the ever-changing technology space.
“As the pace of digital innovation accelerates and demand for legal guidance grows, we are building a team of specialists who can advise clients on new and emerging legal issues.”
Daniel is based at HCR’s Leamington Spa office, which is appropriate given the town’s strong reputation in the gaming industry.
Known as ‘Silicon Spa’, it’s home to one of the UK’s largest clusters of video game development studios.
He is the second partner to join the Leamington office since Wright Hassall joined HCR Law in November 2025, following the
appointment of corporate partner Adam Percival in February 2026.
Joint head of the Leamington Spa office, Sam Payne, said: “Daniel’s arrival strengthens our growing Leamington team and the specialist support we offer clients in this sector. As our office continues to expand, his expertise will help us deliver greater value to the region’s thriving games industry.”
Reward Electrical goes international
Coventry based electrical distributor, Reward Electrical, has attended a global distributors’ meeting hosted by Italian manufacturer Graziadio & C Spa, as it develops its capability within the growing data centre market.
Based in the Foleshill area of the city, Reward Electrical operates as an independent distributor supplying electrical products to a broad customer base.
Its day to day business focuses on servicing local electricians working across domestic, commercial and industrial projects, as well as
contractors supporting exhibitions, factories and other end clients.
Alongside this, the company supplies specialist systems for more complex infrastructure projects.
The international meeting brought together Graziadio partners from across Europe to discuss market conditions and new product development. The main objective of the event was to build understanding of a new busbar range designed specifically for data hall environments.
With only a limited number of manufacturers able to supply data hall busbar systems, delegates highlighted ongoing challenges around availability and lead times. These constraints are increasingly affecting small and mid scale data centre projects, where dependable supply and realistic planning are critical.
While hyperscale facilities attract much attention, participants noted that data centres of all sizes remain essential infrastructure for businesses and public services alike.
Network recognised for digital transformation success with manufacturing client
Coventry-based managed service provider Network Ltd has been recognised with a Digital Transformation Award, following its long-term work supporting the growth of local manufacturer Staircraft.
Network, a team of 12 specialising in IT support, software development and communications, first began working with Staircraft back in 2009.
At the time, the business relied heavily on spreadsheets and paperwork to manage operations something that quickly became a barrier as demand increased.
Working closely with the Staircraft team, Network designed and built a bespoke
production management system tailored to their needs. Over time, the platform evolved into a critical part of the company’s day-to-day operations, helping to streamline production, improve order tracking and support more efficient planning.
As Staircraft grew, so did the system behind it. What started as a one-off project developed into an ongoing partnership, with continuous improvements made to support increasing demand and complexity.
The impact has been significant, Staircraft has since expanded from a 50-person business to employing over 330 people and is now recognised as the largest staircase manufacturer in Europe.
The company’s growth ultimately led to a multi-million-pound acquisition by Travis Perkins, marking a major milestone in its journey.
For Network, the award reflects years of behind-the-scenes work helping a local business scale through practical, well-designed technology. The team continues to develop the platform, with a new version currently in progress aimed at making it faster, more intuitive and ready for the next stage of growth. Alongside this, Network is supporting other manufacturers across the UK, applying similar approaches to modernise systems and improve resilience through cloud-based infrastructure.
Unlocking team potential: The impact of sleep on workplace success
By Claire Russell of Mental Health in Business
World Sleep Day has now passed, but its message is just as important for employers and teams. Poor sleep is still costing UK businesses an estimated £40 billion a year in lost productivity, with more than 200,000 working days lost annually due to sleep deprivation.
This year’s World Sleep Day theme, Sleep Well, Live Better, was a timely reminder of how deeply sleep underpins both physical and mental health at work.
Most of us know we’re not sleeping enough, but we often fail to connect a few bad nights’ sleep with the tired, irritable, less-effective version of ourselves that shows up at work. As an employer or manager, those effects are not just personal issues – they directly affect your business.
The scale of the problem is hard to ignore. Research has shown that poor sleep significantly reduces concentration, decisionmaking ability, and overall performance at work.
Many employees report that tiredness affects their ability to focus and that they make poorer decisions when they’re sleep-deprived, with a sizeable proportion having taken time off due to fatigue. Meanwhile, only a minority of employees say they regularly sleep well, meaning a large part of the workforce is starting the day already running on empty. Sleep deprivation doesn’t just make people a bit tired. Consistent lack of sleep impairs cognitive performance in ways that mirror alcohol intoxication, slowing reaction times and undermining judgment.
It also affects emotional regulation, making people more likely to feel overwhelmed, become reactive under pressure, and struggle to support their colleagues.
Sleep and mental health are closely linked: insomnia can significantly increase the risk of depression, and most people experiencing clinical depression report sleep difficulties. When sleep is poor, mental health can deteriorate quickly.
Crucially, this isn’t just about telling people to go to bed earlier. Work plays a major role. Many adults say work negatively affects their sleep, through stress, long hours, high workloads, and blurred boundaries between work and home.
When a team member is lying awake at 2am worrying about deadlines or expectations, that is often a reflection of workplace culture and practices. The positive side of this is that employers have real power to help.
Small, meaningful shifts in culture and management approach can make a real difference. Normalising conversations about wellbeing, including sleep, allows people to say when they’re struggling instead of pushing through in silence.
Training managers to notice signs of fatigue and hold supportive conversations can transform outcomes for individuals and teams.
Reviewing workload and expectations, encouraging proper breaks, respecting non-working time, and modelling healthy boundaries all contribute to better rest and more sustainable performance.
Flexible working, where possible, can help people manage their energy more effectively, whether by adjusting start times to suit natural rhythms or allowing time to recover after intense periods of work.
The aim isn’t to create a “sleep initiative” in isolation, but to recognise that a sustainable workplace culture depends on people being able to rest – and that rest directly affects productivity, morale, and mental health.
Sleep Well, Live Better is more than a slogan. Sleep is a fundamental pillar of health, as important as nutrition and exercise, and workplaces either help protect it or undermine it.
Employers and managers cannot guarantee anyone a perfect night’s sleep, but they can create conditions where people are less likely to be kept awake by work stress and more likely to feel supported when they’re struggling. That is not only the right thing to do – it’s smart business.
Ready to build a healthier, more resilient team?
At Mental Health in Business, we help employers create workplaces where wellbeing is genuinely supported – not just in policies, but in everyday culture and management practice. Our training and support for managers are evidence-based, engaging, and designed around real business challenges.
Visit mhib.co.uk to explore tailored support for your organisation, or email info@mhib.co.uk
Shortland Horne appoints The Herd
Shortland Horne has appointed Coventry-based digital media agency The Herd to accelerate its growth plans across Coventry, Kenilworth and Stratford-upon-Avon through a new performance-led digital marketing partnership.
The collaboration will see The Herd manage Shortland Horne’s paid advertising, PPC, AEO and paid social activity to increase market strength, enhance brand visibility and support branch expansion.
Shortland Horne is an award-winning, ARLA Propertymark-protected estate and letting agency, providing sales, lettings and property management with client money protection and specialist compliance support.
The partnership with The Herd is designed to build on this strong operational base by sharpening the agency’s digital presence in an increasingly competitive market.
Will Green, MD of Shortland Horne, said: “Meeting The Herd felt like a very natural fit – they understand Coventry, they understand ambitious brands, and they bring fresh thinking to digital that complements our own plans.
“We’re excited to be working with a local partner that’s growing quickly but still grounded in relationships and results.”
The Herd, founded by brothers Paul and Kieran Scanlon, will deliver an integrated programme of PPC, AEO and paid social campaigns, underpinned by performance tracking and continuous optimisation.
Paul Scanlon, CEO of The Herd, said: “Shortland Horne is a respected, ambitious brand with clear growth objectives, and our role is to turn those objectives into measurable digital results. We’re focused on delivering campaigns that translate directly into enquiries, valuations and instructions across their core territories.”
Warwick Conferences wins gold at West Midlands Tourism Awards 2026
Warwick Conferences won gold in the Business Venue of the Year category at the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2026.
The award celebrates venues that excel in understanding the needs of the business events market, consistently deliver outstanding experiences, and demonstrate clear plans for future development. This marks a return to the top spot for Warwick Conferences, having also secured the Gold award in 2024.
With a wide range of high quality spaces designed for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events, Warwick Conferences continues to set the standard for service, flexibility, and innovation. Its strong focus on guest experience, continuous investment in facilities, and commitment to maintaining excellent operational and hospitality standards have been central to its success.
Warwick Conferences said the award reflects the dedication of its teams and their passion for creating exceptional event experiences for every client.
As 2026 Gold winners, Warwick Conferences will now represent the region at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence later this year.
Talbots Law named Conveyancing Firm of the Year
Employee-owned law firm Talbots Law has been named Conveyancing Firm of the Year - Midlands & Wales at the British Conveyancing Awards 2026, held in Manchester.
The award recognises excellence in residential conveyancing and highlights the achievements of firms delivering outstanding legal services to homebuyers and sellers across the region.
Talbots Law’s property team supports tens of thousands of people each year with buying and selling homes across England and Wales, combining legal expertise with a proactive and client-focused approach to managing transactions.
The award judges praised firms demonstrating high standards of service, innovation and commitment to improving the conveyancing experience for clients.
While the award specifically recognises the firm’s conveyancing specialists, Talbots Law says the achievement reflects the collective effort of colleagues across the business.
Talbots Law was also shortlisted in the Collaboration of the Year category for its work with legal technology company Orbital.
The collaboration focuses on the use of artificial intelligence to review leases and generate clear insights for legal professionals, helping to streamline elements of the legal process while maintaining high levels of accuracy.
The shortlisting highlights the firm’s commitment to embracing innovation and exploring new ways to enhance the legal services it provides to clients.
CEO Dave Hodgetts said: “This is a testament to the quality and dedication of our team, both in our property department and across all of our support functions that make the work possible.
“It is a privilege to see their dedication rewarded on the national stage and I’d like to say a huge well done to each and every one of them.”
Talbots Law is one of the largest property law providers in the region, supporting more than 40,000 people every year with buying and selling homes across England and Wales.
Chamber president makes double visit to the University of Warwick
The president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has described the ‘privilege’ of seeing behind the scenes at the University of Warwick and meeting some of its inspiring students and staff.
Sandra Godley OBE has paid two visits to the University in recent weeks to find out more about Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) and then its Faculty of Arts, seeing first-hand the work that takes place and the impact it has on the region socially and economically.
Sandra’s first visit to WMG offered an insight into the power of innovation, industry collaboration and applied research in driving economic growth.
It also allowed her to fulfil one of her passions in hearing from young people, including students involved with Warwick Moto and Warwick Racing - two of WMG’s flagship student projects. She had the opportunity to learn about the incredible work they are doing to design, build, and race cutting edge vehicles for European engineering competitions, including Formula Student and MotoStudent.
Sandra’s second visit, to the Faculty of Arts, offered an insight into the history and overview of the building and the faculty, as well as a tour to explore the department’s collections and exhibitions.
Sandra also met Design Studies students and Faculty of Arts representatives. She got to explore their work, creativity, critical thinking and real-world applications in
action, as well as being given an insight into VR and CreaTech.
She said: “It has been a privilege and an inspiration to spend so much time at the University of Warwick, hearing from the amazing staff and the incredible students.
“The wonderful part about being president of the Chamber is meeting the people who are driving forward our region for the future and these two visits absolutely underlined that.
“I am a big believer in collaboration and creativity being at the heart of business and the regional economy and I could see that in abundance here at the University.
“And, as for the young people, I was absolutely mesmerised by their work and the way they represented themselves, their fellow students and the University as a whole. What an inspiration!”
Jane Webb, Head of the School for Cross Faculty Studies, said: “Sandra met with our second-year design students and our creative technologist and asked them some really pertinent questions.
“It was great to see the discussion between them, which explored some of the ways that we are using design to imagine both the past and the future.
“Sandra's presence and interactions were a great example of the role that the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce plays in connecting the work we do at the University with the region, and
Sandra herself carefully heard the aspirations of our students and offered them a great example of leadership.”
Katie Andrews, Mechanical Engineering student and Chassis Team Lead at Warwick Racing, said: "Meeting Sandra was a great experience. It was a fantastic opportunity to talk her through our Formula Student car and explain some of the engineering behind the design, including the key systems and decisions that go into building and running the car.
“It was inspiring to see a woman in a leadership role at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce who is so interested in supporting and promoting women in engineering.
“Being able to discuss the technical details of the project with someone in her position
was really rewarding, and it was great to see such genuine interest in the work our team is doing."
Businesses looking to engage with the University of Warwick should visit https://warwick.ac.uk/business/
WCG and industry partners work together to future-proof the engineering workforce
WCG is helping to strengthen the future of the UK’s engineering workforce by working closely with employers to provide students with meaningful industry placements that build real-world skills and support businesses in developing the next generation of talent.
Through its T Level programmes, WCG partners with employers to give students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in professional environments while they study. These partnerships allow businesses to identify and nurture emerging talent, while helping students develop the practical skills, confidence and industry insight needed to succeed in engineering careers.
Fin, from Royal Leamington Spa, completed an industry placement with Procter & Chester (Measurements) Ltd as part of his T Level course and has since progressed into a full-time engineering apprenticeship with the company.
“The most valuable lesson I learned during my placement was how to work effectively as part of a large team in a professional environment,” he said. “I also developed strong technical skills in wiring and cable routing, learning to complete work to a very high standard with a focus on neatness, organisation and overall presentation.”
A key milestone during the placement came when Fin worked on a safetycritical aerospace component under tight deadlines.
“The installation was complex and required me to apply all the techniques I had learned during my placement. Being trusted to carry out the work with supervision and completing it successfully was when everything really started to come together. It gave me real confidence in my abilities.
“My T Level course provided a great balance of theory and practical learning. We covered a wide range of skills, including machining, joining and fitting, which gave me a strong foundation and helped me transition into a real working environment.
“The placement gave me a real insight into the company and the industry, and I’m really pleased to now be continuing my career here as an apprentice. It’s a great feeling to know that the experience I gained during my T Level helped open the door to a full-time role.”
Gordon Chester, managing director of Procter & Chester (Measurements) Ltd and one of WCG’s engineering employer partners, explained that the collaboration began with a shared aim of creating opportunities for young people while supporting the needs of the industry.
“WCG approached us with the aim of giving young people the opportunity to gain experience in a professional engineering environment while completing their T Level qualification and developing a career in the industry,” he said.
“We’re highly selective in our recruitment process, as candidates need to demonstrate the passion, attitude and attention to detail required to succeed. WCG understands our organisation and the standards we expect, recommending strong candidates for interview so we can identify those who are the best fit for our business.
“Working with WCG allows us to tap into emerging young talent and maintain a steady pipeline of engineers coming into the business. Younger engineers bring fresh perspectives, adaptability and a strong ability to learn new technologies, which supports the continued growth of the company.”
To find out more about offering industry placements, apprenticeships or working with WCG, visit: https://wcg.ac.uk/employer-services
Education and Skills
Apprentices are the key to your future workforce
Businesses in Coventry have been urged to develop the next generation of workforce through apprenticeships at an event in the city.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) team partnered with Coventry City Council to deliver ‘Apprenticeships Made Simple: Supporting Coventry’s Future Workforce’ at the Telegraph Hotel.
The event brought together employers, training and apprenticeship providers, and decision-makers to bust some of the myths about apprenticeships and to hear from businesses who have benefited from them, as well as apprentices themselves.
It was also an opportunity to discuss some of the barriers to recruitment and how to find the skills needed to support business growth.
Coventry City Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, told the packed room: “This is all about developing pathways for Coventry’s young people. “Apprenticeships help our city develop home-grown talent that stays local and contributes to the future of our economy and our education pipeline and skills economy. Apprenticeships open doors, and employers’ contributions are absolutely vital.”
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, added: “Our city is being regenerated to build the jobs of the future. It’s not just about bricks and mortar, it’s about people and our civic society. “Apprenticeships are a great way to bring skills into business, with the government offering incentives that I hope to see help new talent thrive and reduce unemployment across our city.”
Jo Glover, who runs Coventry BID, and apprentice Jaycee Snow talked about the mutual benefits of taking on apprentices, comments that were mirrored by Chris Neill and Phoebe Turnell from Rehab Hair Salon.
Both businesses have worked with Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training to support and train their apprentices.
Chris said: “Apprentices buy into the company’s vision and will understand the details of how you want your business to operate, right down to the softer skills needed. They’ll also bring fresh, new ideas.”
Rob Ally, who runs XL Motors in Coventry, also contributed to the event. He said: “Without apprentices, I wouldn’t have been able to grow my business but it’s not just that, we also have a responsibility to bring each individual through the system because they are the future for all of our businesses and for the city.”
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, told the audience that it was a great time to take on an apprentice.
He said: “The Government has announced some changes that mean there are more opportunities and more flexibility when it comes to bringing through an apprentice in your business. I’d encourage any employer to look at this in terms of their skills needs right now but also in terms of growth and succession planning.”
Coventry BID apprentice Jaycee added: “If you’ve never thought about taking an apprentice on, please consider it because it offers so much opportunity to us, and we can bring so much value to a business.”
To find out more about apprenticeships and skills in Coventry contact lsip@cw-chamber.co.uk or jobshopeet@coventry.gov.uk
Employers driving real change through Local Skills Improvement Plans
A new report has revealed that Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) are delivering real results for employers, colleges, training providers and learners in the West Midlands, Warwickshire and beyond.
The analysis by the British Chambers of Commerce has delved into the performance of LSIPs across England for the past four years.
They are employer-led, place-based partnerships that bring businesses together with further and higher education, independent training providers and strategic authorities to ensure skills provision reflects real labour market demand
There are 39 LSIPs across England and 33 of them are run by Chambers of Commerce. The programme is helping to reshape the skills system, so it better supports productivity, growth and opportunity in local economies.
The report highlights the success of the LSIP model in engaging employers at scale, strengthening collaboration between education and business, and translating employer insight into practical change on the ground.
In the West Midlands and Warwickshire, more than 1,000 businesses have been engaged, which helped identify a range of sectors to prioritise and has already led to £10.4 million invested being invested on the ground into new facilities, courses, and programme.
While the report notes wider challenges facing the labour market, including the need to better engage young people with the world of work, its central conclusion is clear: LSIPs are working and provide a proven, employer-led framework that can be built on to drive long-term economic growth.
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce leads the LSIP in both Warwickshire and the West Midlands as the designated Employer Representative Body, working with employers and partners to identify priority skills needs and turn them into meaningful action for businesses and learners.
It is working with West Midlands Combined Authority, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and Black Country Chamber of Commerce to deliver the West Midlands LSIP and with Warwickshire County Council and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce on the Warwickshire LSIP.
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “By putting employers at the heart of skills planning, LSIPs are ensuring training provision reflects the real needs of the local economy. The programme is strengthening collaboration, improving outcomes for learners and helping businesses plan for the future.
“We believe that LSIPs should now become a permanent part of the skills planning process and avoid time-consuming re-tendering processes.
“Businesses also need to see that discussion can genuinely turn into quick results and we want a flexible pot of funding available to local providers to action the LSIP results and allow them to move quickly to support local businesses.”
The full report, Delivering Growth: Four Years of LSIP Impact, is available here.
For more information on the LSIPs in Warwickshire and the West Midlands email: lsip@cw-chamber.co.uk
Speakers and contributors to the Apprenticeships Made Simple event
Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks -
Post-Divorce Disputes: Why many settlements don’t actually end the problem
Although a sealed consent order is often seen as the end of the financial issues arising from divorce, that is not always the reality in practice. Askews Legal LLP regularly advises on post-divorce disputes where problems continue after an order has been made, whether through noncompliance, maintenance issues, delays in implementing pension sharing, or concerns that full financial disclosure was not given at the time of settlement.
Non-compliance can take several forms, including unpaid lump sums, maintenance arrears, or refusal to cooperate with a property transfer. Where this happens, an application can be made to the Family Court using Form D11. The court’s powers may include attachment of earnings, a charging order over property, an order for sale, and in serious cases contempt proceedings. A sealed consent order is legally binding, but it is not self-enforcing. In practical terms, that means delay can make enforcement harder, particularly where arrears build up or assets are dealt with before action is taken.
Spousal maintenance can also be changed if circumstances alter significantly. Under section 31 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, either party may ask the court to vary
or terminate periodical payments. Relevant changes may include a substantial change in income, redundancy, or serious illness. If the receiving party remarries, maintenance ends automatically. Cohabitation is different: payments do not stop simply because the recipient begins living with a new partner. The paying party must still apply to the court and show that the recipient’s financial needs have reduced. Applications made without proper evidence can be risky and costly.
In rare cases, a final capital order may be reopened. That will only happen in exceptional circumstances. The courts apply a strict test, and the type of supervening event required is unusual. Likewise, a consent order may be set aside where one party obtained it through fraudulent or material non-disclosure. The duty of full and frank financial disclosure remains central. If assets were concealed, the order may later be unwound, sometimes long after the settlement was thought to be final.
Pension sharing orders are another area where problems often arise. A pension share does not happen automatically once the order is made. After the financial remedy order is sealed and the final
divorce order has been pronounced, the necessary documents must be served on the pension provider. The provider then has four months from receipt to implement the transfer. Delay or failure to provide the required information can create serious complications and, in some cases, substantial financial prejudice.
A clean break order can provide finality, but only if it is drafted properly. It should deal expressly with both capital and income claims. It does not remove child maintenance obligations, which are
dealt with separately through the Child Maintenance Service.
The best protection against post-divorce disputes is careful preparation: proper disclosure, a well-drafted order, and prompt action on implementation. Where difficulties arise after settlement, early legal advice usually leads to a better outcome than delay. If you have any questions regarding divorce financial disputes, please email enquiries@askewslegal.co
Food for thought at regional networking event
Small businesses in the food and drink sector across Coventry and Warwickshire have been praised for their resilience in the face of a series of challenges.
The latest meeting of the Coventry and Warwickshire Food and Drink Producers Network, a joint initiative between Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council, was held at Elle’s in Coventry.
The network is an opportunity for businesses and sector specialists to collaborate, share insights, and explore opportunities for growth across the region.
Corin Crane, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, was the guest speaker for the event and told the 50 gathered business people that their industry was one of the most affected by global uncertainty.
He said: “Survival itself is success at the moment. Getting through challenging times takes resilience, adaptability and difficult decisions – and there’s no simple or perfect answer. I’m in awe of food and drink businesses for the way they
have a passion for something, set up a business and just do absolutely everything they can to turn a profit and survive.
“The businesses that do well are those that really understand their customers, protect the quality of their product and find smart ways to innovate, collaborate and use technology.
“For me, food and drink businesses define places. They shape the identity of our cities and towns, and they are often the reason people choose to visit in the first place."
Denise Osborne, Business Advisor, Coventry City Council, added: “The Coventry and Warwickshire Food and Drink Network is about bringing people together including producers, operators and partners and giving them a space to share ideas, opportunities and practical support."
Ryan Salter, sales and events manager at Elles, described the thinking behind the venue which is situated close to Coventry Railway Station.
He said: “The original vision for Elles came from a feeling that Coventry was crying out for something different – a space that reflected the creativity, energy and independence you see in other major UK and European cities.
“We wanted to create a place that felt warm, lived in and welcoming – not overly commercial – where people genuinely enjoy spending time."
For more information on the Coventry and Warwickshire Food Network, go to www.warwickshire.gov.uk/foodanddrink or https://www.coventry.gov.uk/support-services/funding-programmes/5
Confidence boosted by apprenticeship
A young woman who swapped forensic science for freight forwarding has completed her apprenticeship with a Distinction – and says the experience has transformed her career prospects and her confidence.
Kavita Bansal, 20, joined Nuneatonbased Independent Freight Solutions
(IFS) in May 2024 as a Sales and Quotes Apprentice with no background in logistics.
IFS managing director Jenny Hooper recently presented Kavita with her certificate, marking the culmination of almost two years of study and on-the-job training.
Kavita said: "I came in thinking it was about moving things from A to B, but every shipment is different – different countries, rules, and client needs. I've also picked up life skills like time management, confidence speaking to people, and how to conduct myself professionally. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I do."
Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks - South Warks -
Rugby
Mid-Warwickshire forum given key insights
Businesses in Warwickshire were given the lowdown on a bid for UK Town of Culture and heard a local MP’s views on the future of the region at an event in the county.
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Mid-Warwickshire Local Business Forum was staged at Woodland Grange in Leamington and was attended by firms from a range of sectors.
At the event, Sir Jeremy Wright KC, MP for Kenilworth & Southam, reflected on the conflict in the Middle East and the impact it would have on local businesses.
He also reiterated his support for a council for the North and a council for the South of Warwickshire – rather than one unitary for the whole of the county – as part of the Local Government Reorganisation consultation process.
Sir Jeremy said: “We’re already seeing an impact at the petrol pumps and a little bit of a ‘wait and see’ policy from the Bank of England when it comes to reducing interest rates which were largely predicted to fall prior to the conflict.
“If it continues, we can expect the energy price cap to rise and I would anticipate the Government would choose not to go through with the fuel duty rise in September if it is still ongoing at that point, or has only just been resolved.
“Clearly, we all want to see a resolution as soon as possible to mitigate the impact on businesses and individuals.
“Closer to home and on the question of the make up of the councils in Warwickshire my preference is one North and one South Warwickshire unitary. The areas have different demographics and economic profiles, and it makes sense to separate them.
“However, government has previously insisted on certain minimum population sizes, which would have forced a single Warwickshire unitary. That position seems to have softened, meaning a North/South split is now more realistic.
“Personally, I’ve become a supporter of unitary authorities because the current system requires businesses and residents to navigate two layers of local government with overlapping responsibilities. A single point of contact would help enormously.”
Katherine Geddes, deputy town clerk of Royal Leamington Spa Town Council, revealed some of the early ideas behind Leamington’s bid to the first UK Town of Culture.
She said: “So far, more than 200 towns have applied. Leamington’s population places us in the ‘medium town’ category. Each category, of which there are three, will produce one winner, two of which will receive £250,000, and one overall winner will receive £3 million to deliver its cultural programme in 2028."
Leamington locals and fellow Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber members, Opus International Products and WA Management, have celebrated their sixth year of collaboration.
Opus International Products specialises in bespoke engineering development, precision machining, moulding, and industrial solutions, serving the automotive, defence, industrial, and medical sectors.
Its services cover the full development and production cycle, from product design through to prototyping, development, production and supply.
WA Management is a well-established health, safety, quality and environmental management consultancy with over 35 years’ experience offering health & safety services, the implementation of management systems and solutions for training requirements, including in-person and online training.
In 2020, Opus approached WA Management for support with its ISO 9001 and 14001 Management Systems, which involved regular audits against the standards, support in addressing actions, management review meetings, management manual
maintenance, and support with assessments and surveillance visits. It later added health and safety services to its bespoke retainer, enlisting WA Management’s help through health and safety audits, meetings, key documentation, and more.
On working with Opus, WA Management director William Whittaker said: “The team at Opus are a delight – they work well internally and with our consultants to continually manage health and safety to a high standard, and are constantly thriving for continued improvement.
“This is key for any business that values their management systems, and Opus’s
commitment to this is reflected in their success as a business.”
Through working together, WA Management has been able to further diversify its industry knowledge, allowing the company to reach a wider customer base, while WA’s support has helped Opus to achieve Health and Safety compliance and ISO certification.
In recent years Opus has achieved significant growth, expanding its operations to the extent that the company has now relocated to a larger premises to keep up with the demand for its services.
Suzie Siddall, managing director at Opus International Products, says: “We have developed an excellent working relationship with WA Management.
“The team are great to work with and take the time to understand our business and the requirements before tailoring their support to meet our specific needs.
“Their collaborative approach and guidance have added real value to our business. WA Management are willing to engage at every level of the business, making what can often be complex requirements feel manageable and constructive.”
Growth set to run Wylde for consultancy
A Midlands-based sustainability consultancy is preparing to take a major step in its growth after advice from a business support service helped it earn a grant to turn an ambitious idea into a market-ready tool that helps businesses on their sustainability journey.
Wylde Connections, co-founded by Denise Taylor, supports organisations of all sizes to better understand their environmental, social and governance credentials (ESG), from measuring greenhouse gas emissions to identifying energy-saving opportunities and longer-term improvements.
With demand growing from businesses keen to take sustainability seriously, but unsure where to start, Wylde Connections worked with Business Ready - a business support programme run by the University of Warwick Science Park on behalf of Warwickshire County Council - to create Enveglas, a
diagnostic tool designed to dramatically speed up the ESG assessment process.
Developed in collaboration with Mark Wisniewski, business adviser at Business Ready, Enveglas quickly analyses a company’s sustainability position and allows Wylde Connections to offer clear, practical insights.
The tool has now become a central part of Wylde’s offer and has helped position the consultancy for its next phase of growth.
Its potential meant Wylde Connections secured an ERDF Focus Digital grant to further develop Enveglas to include valuechain mapping, allowing businesses to better understand sustainability impacts beyond their own operations.
The funding will enable the business to bring more advanced solutions to its clients and has also helped the consultancy get selected for the Innovate UK Scale Up Programme.
Lindsey takes on role in North Warwickshire
A forum representing businesses in the north of Warwickshire has announced a new chair.
Lindsey Randle, MIRA Technology Park’s community relationship coordinator, has taken on the role of chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s North Warwickshire Local Business Forum.
Lindsey succeeds her MIRA Technology Park colleague Sarah Windrum, who has chaired the forum for two years.
The forum meets three times a year to discuss any issues local firms are facing and to also hear updates from key decision makers and figures in the area, including local authorities, MPs and business leaders.
Lindsey has spent more than 14 years at MIRA Technology Park and is responsible for relationships with a range of stakeholders and community groups – from tenants on site through to local schools.
She said: “I am delighted to take on this role and look forward to meeting more and more businesses from across the region and understanding the issues they are facing.
“It feels like we are at a pivotal moment economically with so much happening across the region and so many different barriers to growth, and the Chamber is at the heart of representing companies of all sizes and sectors.
“My role at MIRA Technology Park is very much about engagement and this is an extension of that.”
Denise Taylor, co-founder of Wylde Connections, said: “We could see that so many SMEs wanted to do the right thing when it came to sustainability, but the process felt overwhelming and out of reach for them.
“Working with Business Ready gave us the clarity and confidence to turn Enveglas into something that is genuinely useful and accessible, not just another complex framework.
“Mark really understood what we were trying to achieve and helped us think not just about building the tool, but about how we would take it to market and make sure it delivered real value. That support has been instrumental in getting us to where we are now and in giving us the belief that we can scale this nationally.”
Business Ready – High Growth and Innovation Business Support Programme forms part of Warwickshire County Council’s
Business Growth Warwickshire. It is funded by UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Warwickshire County Council. Responsibility for the planning and delivery of UKSPF was part of the Level 2 Devolution Deal secured by Warwickshire County Council in 2024. Warwickshire’s allocation of UKSPF is supporting a package of communities & place, business support, and people & skills activities in 2025/26.
The Mid-Warwickshire Local Business Forum meets Sir Jeremy Wright KC, MP for Kenilworth and Southam
Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks -
Dan is the Mann to lead Rugby forum
A leading business organisation has appointed a ‘solid’ new chair of the forum that represents companies of all sizes and sectors in Rugby.
Dan Mann has been announced as the new chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Rugby Local Business Forum after Karen Shuter stepped down from the role last October.
Dan is the corporate affairs manager at major Rugby employer Cemex UK and has been a regular at the forums over the past few years, making him a natural successor to Karen.
The forum meets three times a year to discuss any issues local firms are facing and to also hear updates from key decision makers and figures in the borough, including MP John Slinger, representatives from local authorities and business leaders.
Dan said: “I know I have very big shoes to fill replacing Karen in this role, who chaired this forum over many years.
“I have seen first-hand the work the Chamber does for Rugby and the wider region and there are exciting times ahead with the launch of our manifesto later this spring.
“We have very good links with our local MP John Slinger and the local authorities and that two-way dialogue is absolutely vital because understanding the issues that might be holding back growth and how we overcome those together can help to strengthen our local economy.”
He added: “I’ve been with Cemex for around five years. It’s a brilliant company and we are genuinely committed to Rugby and Warwickshire, and playing our part in the growth of the area.
“I also know how highly regarded this area is globally because even in our head office in Mexico there is an ongoing reference to Rugby excellence.”
Corin Crane, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “As a regional Chamber, we ensure that the voice of business is heard at a local and national level. We do that through our Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) that takes the pulse of our economy every three months but we are constantly speaking to companies on the ground.
“Our Local Business Forums are vital to that and we are thrilled that Dan has come on board as chair in Rugby. He has a great understanding of how businesses can interact with Government, at all levels, to ensure the local area benefits.
“And, having a name such as Cemex playing its part at a local level shows the vital role the Chamber has in bringing together firms of all sizes and sectors to overcome the issues that matter.”
Rugby MP John Slinger said: “Many congratulations to Dan who I know will do a great job. Hearing from businesses in the town and borough is crucial for me and the Chamber provides a really good platform for that.”
Rugby all set for growth
Rugby’s economy is well-placed to grow, despite international uncertainty.
That was the message from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Rugby Local Business Forum, which took place at WCG’s Rugby College Campus.
The forum, which meets three times a year to hear the local issues affecting businesses, was chaired by Cemex UK’s Dan Mann, who has taken over from Karen Shuter after she stood down from the role last October.
As well as providing an opportunity for firms to share any concerns or barriers to growth, the event also heard from three major figures connected to the local economy and decision-making.
Sara-Jane Watkins, principal and CEO at WCG, told the meeting that the group had come of out of financial intervention from Government after delivering a significant surplus, at the same time as supporting thousands of learners including 16 to 18-year-olds, apprentices, adult learners and degree level students.
That was followed by an update from Rugby MP John Slinger who said the Spring Statement had provided solid foundations for the economy.
He said: “Internationally, we’re in an extremely volatile moment and this instability affects us all.
“That’s why economic stability at home is vital. After the Spring Statement, Rachel Reeves made clear that the forecasts were prepared before the recent Iran attack, but the UK is better placed to absorb shocks because we have imposed discipline on the public finances and reduced borrowing.
“Locally, Rugby has a strong economy with wages slightly above median and unemployment slightly below. I’m also pleased Rugby Borough Council has commissioned detailed work on its economic development strategy because having that understanding of the local economy is essential.
“From my point of view, I want strong relationships with local employers, the college, the council, and the Chamber. Government is committed to economic growth, and I will do everything I can to ensure Rugby plays its full part.”
Matthew Fletcher, the economic development manager at Rugby Borough Council, said there has been positive progress in recent months.
He said: “We’re speaking directly with developers to influence what gets built in Rugby. Traditional large warehouse units aren’t meeting current business needs, especially when many local firms require smaller units or mid sized spaces of around 25,000 sq ft. Developers often avoid these because they prefer big anchor tenants signing 10 to 15 year leases.
“But in Rugby, I’ve already spoken to three major investors who are now looking to develop precisely this kind of space.
“Importantly, the biggest economic impact comes from local firms. If small businesses grow by one or two employees, or increase turnover by 50 to 100 per cent, that has a huge effect locally because they employ
local people, upskill local people, and use local suppliers. We’ll absolutely be focusing on them.
“In the town centre, we’re using new powers to require long term vacant landlords to bring their units back into use.
Prezzo reopening is a direct result of that.
“We’ve identified several properties for action and we’re making good progress.
“There has also been the positive news about Aldi coming into the town centre and we’ve also been consulting on the future of Rugby Central.
“On top of that, we’re about to launch a major shopfront improvement grant scheme, initially focused on High Street and Sheep Street, which will help existing businesses and tidy up vacant units.”
Dan Mann said: “I was delighted to chair my first meeting and to receive updates from three key figures from our area. Rugby is in a strong position to grow and it’s vitally important to maintain this dialogue between business, politicians, local authorities and education to make sure we achieve our potential.”
Major employment scheme in North Warwickshire goes to appeal
The developer behind a proposed strategic and future-facing employment park in the north of Warwickshire, which could support up to 6,000 jobs, has told business leaders that it has taken the decision to appeal.
Matthew Fox, Planning Director at IM Properties, was a guest speaker at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s latest North Warwickshire Local Business Forum which took place at MIRA Technology Park.
Matthew updated the meeting on the exciting Thrive development – a three million square foot scheme which will deliver growth in the advanced manufacturing, R&D and logistics sectors, close to Junction 9 of the M42.
The development will play a major role in meeting the huge shortage of employment space available in the region but which has been suppressed by the planning process, resulting in the decision to appeal against the non-determination of its planning application.
Matthew said the Government’s changes to the planning system were positive but that they would inevitably need time to filter down to local authorities’ decision-making and, as a result, much-needed development and investment remains on hold.
He said: “Thrive is precisely the type of development that the Government wants to see come forward because it would deliver inclusive growth as a home to a range of employers bringing highlyskilled, well paid jobs to North Warwickshire and the West Midlands.
“It is the most ambitious development we’ve brought forward to date and would have a hugely positive impact on the regional economy for years to come.
“We’ve been promoting this site for nearly a decade but the planning system has consistently failed to meet the needs of strategic employment. Businesses want to come here now, not in another five or six years, so every month of delay risks investment going elsewhere – and those opportunities don’t come back.
“Local planning authorities are significantly under resourced and still getting to grips with the Government’s reforms but there’s an urgent need to enable strategic, cross boundary developments such as Thrive.
“When a site serves the needs of Birmingham, Solihull and North Warwickshire simultaneously – providing opportunity for nearby deprived communities facing significant challenges - it needs swift strategic decision making.
“The new national planning framework is a huge step forward but, after another ten months with no clarity over a decision on Thrive and an oven-ready development ready to proceed, we had no choice but to appeal to the Secretary of State which we hope will result in a favourable decision later this year.”
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The shortage of employment land is, undoubtedly, holding back growth in our regional economy.
“We were extremely grateful to Matthew and IM Properties for highlighting Thrive at our Local Business Forum and we will continue to make the case that the planning process for schemes such as this must move more quickly.
“The Government has made improving the planning process one of its drivers of growth and what this development underlines is that there is still work to be done to make sure those changes start to have a positive impact on development.”
Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks - South Warks - Rugby
Coventry company makes new commitment on pay
A high-profile Coventry company, which specialises in vehicle accident repair and service, is giving every member of staff on the minimum wage a pay rise this spring – and has made a commitment to always pay above the rate set by Government.
XL Motors, based in Coventry, employs around 90 staff in a range of roles including six current apprentices and many others who have come through its apprenticeship programme.
The company, which was started by Rob Ally in a small single unit 36 years ago and moved to its present site in 2010, has seen strong growth in terms of staff and turnover and now holds over 30 manufacturer approvals for repairs.
Rob, who has always been committed to giving back to the city through the success of the business – from sponsorship of Coventry City FC and Coventry Rugby Club through to support for local grassroots sports teams and charities, said the latest move was fresh recognition of the role the whole team plays in XL Motors’ growth.
The company already pays additional attendance and success bonuses to all staff – including those on the minimum wage – but wanted to enhance salaries even further by committing to make basic pay even higher.
He said: “From March of this year, nobody in the business will have a basic pay at minimum wage level – be that the standard rate or the apprenticeship rate for our apprentices.
“We’ve previously introduced several ways to reward staff – such as weekly attendance bonuses which can significantly boost what someone takes home each month anyway –but we felt this commitment was a real stake in the ground for us to show the team how much they are valued.
“Everyone – from office staff through to valeters and from yard staff through to highly skilled mechanical staff – all play a part in the work we do and the overall success of the business, so this is recognition of that.
“We know that times have been tough from a cost-of-living point of view and this is the next step for us in supporting our staff on minimum pay.”
Rob added that the company was committed to continuing to bring through apprentices too. He said: “It’s easy to look at the next generation and see the differences from when I started work but we realise that young people need opportunities and a company that will commit to their development.
“Your place of work is a big part of your life and we want everyone to have a positive experience when they are with us and that has led to really low turnover of staff over the years.”
Corin Crane, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, paid a visit to the business and saw behind the scenes of the accident repair centre, body shop and service centre, and met office and customer service staff.
Corin said: “This is exactly what good business is all about. XL Motors is well-known in the city and continues to grow due to its expertise and commitment to service, and Rob and the management recognise the huge role all their staff play in that."
South Warwickshire economy finds balance
A business meeting in Stratford-upon-Avon has heard how the future of the region’s economy will balance culture and industry.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce held its latest South Warwickshire Local Business Forum at The Arden Hotel and heard from a key figure at the Royal Shakespeare Company and a developer bringing forward a major scheme in the area.
The event also heard the latest on the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Business Manifesto which will launch later this year.
Jacqui O’Hanlon, deputy executive director and director of creative learning and engagement at the RSC, said the theatre’s diverse programming and global reach was continuing to bring visitors into the region, showing the connection and positive impact between culture and tourism.
The RSC, which attracted 1.6 million attendances both online and in-person last year, as well as reaching 500,000 young people, has an annual touring programme of work across the UK and globally, all of which started life in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Jacqui said: “We’re already seeing extraordinary interest in our Game of Thrones adaptation coming this summer and we hope it is going to bring in large numbers of audiences making their first visit to Stratford or the RSC.
“Kenneth Branagh is starring in The Tempest and with Helen Hunt in The Cherry Orchard later this year, and tickets sales are very strong. These are major cultural moments for the town and region and we know they will also have a positive impact on the local economy.
“Then we have Middlemarch Parts One and Two opening this October – by showing the production in two parts we hope this encourages more overnight stays as well as secondary spend for visitors to the region, which is a helpful economic driver to boost the hospitality and tourism sector.
“We had positive feedback about this approach with our recent production of The Forsyte Saga Parts One and Two.”
She added: “We know that culture is a crucial driver of tourism – 39 per cent of tourists choose destinations based on their cultural offer. But the infrastructure that supports the nighttime and visitor economies needs to be joined up to support this.
“Transport is one of the major barriers for visitors and audiences. Poor connectivity is holding the town back, and we all need to push for sustained investment to improve the offer for visitors and residents.”
Lewis Payne, development director at IM Properties – the developer behind the £140 million Stratford 46 scheme, said there was already promising interest from potential occupiers.
The development will feature units ranging from 20,000 sq ft to 300,000 sq ft and will have easy access to the A46, making it attractive to businesses already in the area and inward investors.
Lewis said: “Even before launching the marketing, Stratford 46 is attracting a wave of local businesses who want to grow but currently have nowhere to go. The demand is already there.
“The Midlands is missing out on major inward investment because we simply don’t have enough strategic employment land. Big companies want to be here but the sites don’t exist, which is something we are trying to address.
Pailton Engineering continues to invest in new machinery
Steering systems manufacturer, Pailton Engineering, has reinforced its commitment to continuous improvement with significant investment in new machinery, boosting both production capacity and in-house capabilities.
Following the recent introduction of a collaborative robot (cobot) on its factory floor, the Coventry-based company has continued its investment in new machinery. The latest round of upgrades focuses on replacing legacy equipment, enhancing process reliability and bringing previously outsourced operations under Pailton Engineering’s roof.
One key addition is the Sykes V400 gear cutting machine, capable of generating both internal and external gears. This represents a major step forward for Pailton, enabling the company to produce internal gears on-site for the first time. Supporting this is the introduction of a Barber-Colman gear cutting machine, providing additional capacity across gear manufacturing operations and helping to meet growing demand.
“We’re also delivering major upgrades on the A46, tackling one of the most dangerous junctions in the area. It’s extremely challenging, but essential that we improve the infrastructure if we want economic growth.
“Developments only work if people can actually get to the jobs. That’s why we put money into buses, cycle routes and local connections – it can’t just be buildings on a map.”
Larry Coltman, chair of the Chamber’s South Warwickshire Local Business Forum, said: “It was great to hear from two key drivers of future economic growth in our area.
“The RSC is, of course, synonymous with Stratford and it was great to hear about the exciting programme coming forward and the positive interest in it, as well as the wider impact the RSC has on the region.
“This forum and the Chamber more broadly has long advocated for more employment land in the area so it is fantastic to see Stratford 46 moving forward and the fact there are already strong enquiries.
“Local businesses need space to expand to in order to ensure our economy can continue to grow and that we have the jobs to match the new houses being built.”
Pailton has also brought in some new turning technology, including a Puma DNT2100M machining centre that arrived in January. It replaces equipment that had been running for nearly 25 years, providing better reliability, faster processing and more capable operations, with the option to use the cobot alongside it.
In addition, the company has added a new Pedrazzoli SB160 swaging machine, swapping out an older unit for a more reliable model to further strengthen production capabilities.
Finally, a replacement TT1800SY turning centre has been introduced into the shaft cell. The fully recommissioned machine offers significantly improved performance compared to the equipment it replaces.
Dave Pound, managing director at Pailton Engineering, said: “This investment is all about making our operations stronger and more resilient. By upgrading our equipment and bringing more processes in-house, we’re boosting reliability, increasing capacity, and better positioning ourselves to support our customers.”
Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North
Warks - South Warks -
Keep calm and carry on doing business!
Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire have been told to plan – not panic – when it comes to the economic fall out of the war in Iran.
Around 60 businesspeople attended a breakfast event with accountants and business advisers Azets alongside Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce at Coventry Golf Club.
The event heard from key leaders within Azets’ regional team and covered everything from the current economic outlook to the mergers and acquisitions market, as well as personal and corporate tax planning and wealth management.
Paul Fenner, who recently joined Azets as a partner in the audit and advisory team, told the audience that businesses had become accustomed to uncertainty and that the Russian invasion of Ukraine four years ago had provided a ‘dress rehearsal’ for the current circumstances facing firms regarding significant energy price increases and inflation.
“Uncertainty has become an overused word but it’s hard not to use it in the current climate,” he told the gathered businesses. “At the Spring Statement, the Chancellor told us that inflation was falling towards target and that interest rates were likely to come down but then conflict in the Middle East escalated.
“Since then, we’ve seen oil and gas prices rise and it means that inflation target of two per cent will almost certainly be missed and
I would, therefore, be surprised to see the Bank of England dropping interest rates any time soon.
“We’re already seeing an impact at the forecourts with petrol and diesel prices rising quickly and it’s a similar picture to what we saw four years ago.
“Oil moved well above $100 a barrel and there is significant supply chain disruption.
“It could mean that businesses want to rush into something that might not be right for them and, while times are uncertain, I will
still urge them to plan rather than make rash decisions.
“We cannot change the geopolitical instability but we can plan within our own businesses. We can look to customise, personalise and diversify; to take advantage of advanced technologies such as AI; and look at greater collaboration to share knowledge and research.
“Come and speak to our team at Azets and work with organisations such as the Chamber as we can support you to be as well prepared as possible.”
Business built on family values
A Nuneaton business is celebrating its 158th birthday by investing in its growth and with a handover to the fifth generation of the family that started the firm in the 1800s. Cawthornes, which is based in Corporation Street in the town, was established by William Cawthorne when he took over a general store and turned it into a printers in 1868. Now, the company employs 18 staff and offers a whole range of services to businesses including print and design; workwear – including embroidery and printing; office furniture and fit-out; general office supplies; and promotional items.
Michael Cawthorne – the great grandson of the founder – has worked in the business for 50 years and has now handed over the bulk of the ownership to his children, Hayley, Matthew and Harry who are shareholders and directors.
The company has been built on great customer service and continued investment in diversification of services and markets. Those values remain true today with the firm enjoying a very low staff turnover rate due to the culture within Cawthornes
and significant six figure investments in machinery and equipment to offer the highest quality print and embroidery to clients.
It serves a range of sectors including engineering, automotive, education, logistics, healthcare and SMEs across a host of industries.
Michael said: “Customer service has been at the heart of everything we’ve done for more than 158 years. You can see how important that is to Hayley, Matthew and Harry and it comes through in all of the staff too.
“The whole team has had such a big part to play in where we are today. If somebody comes to us with a problem we’ll try to fix it for them. If it’s something we don’t normally do, we’ll work hard to try to provide a solution for them and I think that’s why we’ve enjoyed such longevity and such loyalty from staff and customers.”
Hayley added: “We want to keep investing and growing. That’s something we’ve seen over the years and we want to carry that forward. The current economic climate isn’t easy but we’ve invested significantly in printers and equipment in the past 12 months
because it means we can offer the highest quality in everything we do.
“And we have to make sure we look after our staff too and invest in them because there are a lot of skills and knowledge within the business. It’s a real honour to be taking the Cawthornes name forward as the fifth generation and we see exciting times ahead.”
Matthew said: “We’ve broadened what we do and the client-base we serve so we’re not vulnerable to a downturn in one particular sector.
“The office fit-out market is going strongly at the moment and if a company has an office of between 20 and 200 people we can offer them a full suite of services – print, stationery, workwear, furniture and promotional goods.”
Harry is the newest director of the business and is responsible for sales and marketing.
He said: “I love getting out into the business community – especially through the Chamber – and letting people know what we do. Lots of companies only know us for one thing so it’s important that we talk about the breadth of services we offer.
Gary Hyem, corporate finance partner at Azets, said the mergers and acquisitions market had held up well in recent years despite global uncertainty.
He said deals are being done but there is greater caution in the market, leading to delays.
Gary said: “There were fewer deals in 2025 but that was largely due to a surge of activity in 2024 due to the change of Government and the uncertainty that brought to the market.
“The market is still operating and is still open for business but it might take a bit more time.
“So, if you are looking to sell or bring in investment, it’s so important to get everything in place. That takes a lot of time and a lot of planning but it is beneficial in the long run.
“I’d urge businesses to get everything in place that a potential buyer or investor would want to see – from corporate governance through to management succession – so that it can make the process as smooth as possible when the time is right.”
Trevor Shaw, tax partner at Azets, and Alex Bolton, Azets’ chartered wealth planner, offered guidance around financial planning at a corporate and personal level focusing on maximizing the money left in your pocket.
For more information on Azets go to https://www.azets.com/en-uk/about-us/ our-locations/coventry
For more information on the Chamber go to www.cw-chamber.co.uk
“It’s exciting times ahead for the business and it’s great to be working with Matthew and Hayley to take it forward.”
For more information on Cawthornes and its services go to https://cawthornes.co.uk/
Whitehall heads to Coventry
Award-winning comedian, actor and TV star Jack Whitehall is set to bring his brand-new stand-up show to Coventry Building Society Arena. Whitehall will perform live in the venue’s Indoor Arena on Wednesday 27 January 2027, with the Coventry date forming part of Bad Influence stand-up tour.
Fresh from starring in Prime Video’s Malice and stepping into the spotlight as host of The BRIT Awards this year,
Jack returns to what he does bestfearless, gloriously unfiltered stand-up. Expect razor-sharp observations, brilliantly awkward confessions and the mischievous charm that has made him one of the UK’s most loved comedians. Bad Influence promises brand new material, outrageous stories and plenty of moments that flirt with going just a little too far - in the best possible way.
Bigger arenas mean bigger laughs, with the same quick wit and playful chaos fans
know from his streaming hits, sold-out tours and unforgettable TV appearances. The announcement further strengthens Coventry Building Society Arena’s expanding programme of live music, comedy and entertainment. The venue will also welcome Bill Bailey to the stage on Friday 13 November 2026 as part of its growing stand-up comedy offering. Tickets are on sale now.
Tickets can be purchased from www.eticketing.co.uk/cbsarena/Events.
Gurprit Singh (Chamber), Danielle Hamill, Gary Hyem, Trevor Shaw, Chan Landa, Paul Fenner (all Azets).
Don’t get ‘court’ out with your capital allowances claim
Supreme Court rules in favour of HMRC in £48m capital allowances claim
After over a decade of dispute and multiple court hearings in a case which deliberated the use of the word “on” in the context of capital allowances, the Supreme Court has delivered a clear ruling in favour of HMRC, deciding that certain expenditure on items commissioned by a company are too remote to be treated as expenditure ‘on the provision’ of plant and machinery for capital allowances purposes. So, what happened?
Several group companies claimed capital allowances on roughly £48 million of expenditure incurred while planning and designing offshore wind farms. The disputed items included landscape and ecological surveys, metocean and geotechnical studies and other reports used to prepare environmental impact assessments and regulatory consents.
The tax dispute began with HMRC enquiries in 2011 and progressed through the First tier Tribunal, Upper Tribunal, Court of Appeal and finally the Supreme Court.
The ‘taxing’ questions
The central issue was the meaning of the phrase “on the provision of plant”. The Court held that the ordinary meaning of the word “on” requires a close connection between the expenditure and the plant itself.
The judges concluded that terms such as “in connection with” or “relating to” imply a looser link than “on”, and that the surveys did not meet the narrower test.
Summary
The Supreme Court has ruled that the environmental and technical surveys carried out before offshore wind farms became operational do not qualify as expenditure on the provision of plant and machinery and confirms a narrow interpretation of the word “on.”
Why it matters for you
• A narrow test has been confirmed; expenditure must have a close connection to the plant to qualify for capital allowances.
• Supplier pricing is irrelevant. How a supplier bundles costs does not determine a purchaser’s qualifying expenditure.
• Potential claimants should reassess pre construction and feasibility costs when preparing capital allowances claims.
• Expenditure is less likely to qualify for relief unless it can be shown to be incurred directly on the provision of the plant. Historical claims should be reviewed from a tax risk perspective, and future projects need to be scrutinised to carefully analyse the likely tax benefits stemming from planned expenditure.
As always, the devil is in the detail so please contact Dafferns if you would like to discuss further.
Scott Whitmore Senior Tax Manager
www.dafferns.com
Hospitality sector in Coventry and Warwickshire on the agenda at regional event
The success of the hospitality sector in Coventry and Warwickshire has been on the agenda at a meeting in the region.
Representatives from Booking.com attended and presented at the latest meeting of Destination Coventry’s General Managers Hotel & Accommodation Association, where senior hotel and accommodation leaders from across the region come together with partners to network and gain insights.
As well as hearing from Claudia Meola, senior account manager at Booking.com, the session also focused on how the region can respond to demand through stronger collaboration, better use of data, and a more coordinated approach to promoting Coventry & Warwickshire as a visitor destination.
Paul McMahon, director of Destination Coventry, said the group is entering a new phase of joined-up working across the sector.
He said: “It’s been an incredibly busy period for us, we now have four new associations up and running, all designed to strengthen the visitor economy and bring the sector together.
“This is about building a more joinedup, collaborative approach to tourism in Coventry and Warwickshire, and creating real
momentum that benefits every part of the industry.
“It was great to hear that hotel bookings are ahead of this time last year, which is exciting news for the individual businesses but, also, the wider visitor economy.”
He added that improving coordination and making better use of shared tools will help the region capitalise on rising demand identified by Booking.com.
This comes at a time of significant investment in Coventry, particularly through the City Centre South regeneration scheme.
Adam Hunt, strategic lead – Property and Development at Coventry City Council, outlined the scale of the project, stating: “City Centre South is the most significant regeneration project Coventry has seen in decades. We’re transforming a declining part of the city into a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood where people will live, spend time, and contribute to a thriving city centre.”
The £450 million residential-led redevelopment will deliver 1,575 new homes, including 20 per cent affordable housing, alongside wider public realm improvements designed to support the nighttime economy and increase footfall.
Paul added: “Regeneration is essential to the strength of the city. It drives the visitor economy and becomes a self-fulfilling cycle; the more we invest, the more we succeed. Ultimately, it’s key to creating a competitive destination and a viable, growing hotel market.”
The meeting, which took place at the Holiday Inn Coventry M6 JCT 2, also highlighted the
growing importance of sport-led tourism and international visibility, particularly through Coventry City Football Club’s expanding global reach.
Paul Michael, chair of the Destination Coventry board and managing director of Coventry Building Society Arena, said: “The Premier League has the potential to be a true game changer for Coventry. It’s not just about football, it’s about global visibility, increased visitor demand, and a shift in how people engage with the city.
“From broadcast exposure to international fans and commercial opportunities, this will have a direct and meaningful impact on hotels, hospitality, and the wider visitor economy.”
The association emphasised the importance of collaboration across organisations to ensure Coventry and Warwickshire can compete more effectively with larger UK cities.
Faris Thowfeek, newly appointed chair of the Coventry & Warwickshire Convention Bureau, concluded: “With major developments, increased demand, and stronger collaboration through this association, we can reposition ourselves, grow revenue, and present the region as a competitive destination for visitors and business alike.”
Businesses interested in taking part in future sessions or contributing to the group’s work are encouraged to contact Destination Coventry.
To find out more, go to www.visitcoventry.co.uk and www.meetcoventryandwarwickshire.co.uk
The future is looking bright
More businesses than ever now call a leading Midlands science park their home and are reaping the benefits as a result, a new report has revealed.
The University of Warwick Science Park has released its Impact Report for 2024/25, which summarises the effects of its sites and its business support schemes on its tenants and start-ups, as well as the wider economy.
The latest report revealed the Science Park welcomed 21 new businesses 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, taking its overall total to 161 tenants.
Additionally, 13 individuals are now members of the Science Park’s Ignite Business Lounge - a hub at the Venture Centre on Sir William Lyons Road where businesses can access Science Park support and a permanent business address without being a full-time tenant.
The report also showed the Science Park’s business support services continue to have a high impact. Just over 700 businesses were supported in some way between 2024/25, leading to the creation of 160 new jobs.
The Science Park also helped businesses and start-ups access £6.65m in finance through either raising equity, grants, or debt.
The latest impact report has been released at a busy time for the Science Park as it revamps its scale up space at the Vanguard Centre on its main site to feature state-of-the-art laboratory and office space for life science firms.
Mark Tock, chief operations officer at the University of Warwick Science Park, said: “The University of Warwick Science Park team performed amazingly in the last financial year, so it’s great to see that dedication bearing fruit.
“Occupancy across our sites is higher than ever, and schemes such as our first Ignite Business Lounge are supporting businesses in new ways.
Shop front grants to spruce up Rugby
a new shopfront designed and approved through the planning process, and then a further grant of up to £20,000 to fund the works.
The scheme follows the success of the Council’s previous scheme delivered from UK Shared Prosperity Funding in 2024/25 where 10 grants with a value of over £90,000
were awarded to local businesses. The shop frontage grant programme is part of the Council’s wider regeneration plan to improve the town centre. It is hoped the scheme will make it easier for occupied and vacant units in key areas of the town to improve their appearance and make them more attractive towards external investors.
“The future is looking bright with the high-spec refurbishment of the Vanguard Centre well underway, and a recent refocus of our investment network Minerva Business Angels enabling us to provide a more targeted approach to high-growth start-ups in the Midlands.”
Greg Clark, executive chair of Warwick Innovation District, added: “It has been a year of achievement for the University of Warwick Science Park.
“At a time when the economy – nationally and globally – has often been uncertain, the innovation assets on campus and across our region that together form the Science Park have bucked these trends.”
Year long partnership on the back of Chamber networking
Two owner-managed businesses in Coventry have celebrated a year of working together after meeting at a networking event in the city.
Sam Kelly, of social media and marketing agency 1641, met Charlotte Sherratt, who runs The HR Dept Coventry, at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s networking event at the Ibis Hotel at the start of 2025.
It led to a collaboration and, one year on, that relationship is going strong with Sam providing ongoing social media management to The HR Dept as well as strategic input on brand visibility and consistent communication.
Sam said: "I was actually taking Charlotte's details to potentially support another client of mine, but we immediately got on and stayed in touch.
“Although the original referral opportunity didn’t materialise, the connection proved valuable in an unexpected way. Charlotte was looking for consistent social media marketing support to allow her to focus on delivering HR services to her clients and remembered the conversation.
“The relationship has gone from strength to strength and it’s great to be working with such a like-minded Coventry business.” Charlotte, who offers adaptable and cost-effective HR support to SMEs, said: "Connecting with Sam and working with her professionally has been fantastic for my business. Her services leave me free to focus on my clients and running my business.
“We collaborate on everything we do, and Sam is open to discussion about ideas as well as trying new marketing options. It goes to show the power of networking and how invaluable the Chamber is to businesses."
As a Chamber member since 2024, 1641 continues to use networking as a way to build meaningful local relationships that support sustainable business growth.
Hazel Pilling, membership manager of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Our networking events are a great way of connecting businesses together and it’s great to see this partnership flourishing.
“That’s why we’d encourage members to make the most of the opportunity to get out, meet one another and potentially do business together.”
Sam established 1641 in 2018 and has worked with everything from games developers to private investigators while The HR Dept Coventry was established in 2024 and is passionate about supporting local SMEs which don’t have an in-house HR professional.
Lawton is bridging the gap
One of Britain’s longstanding construction suppliers is appealing to businesses in the industry to join its movement to bridge the growing skills gap between younger and older generations of traders.
Copper tube and fittings manufacturer, Lawton Tubes, has launched its ‘Lawton Next Gen’ initiative to help reverse the trend of low numbers of young people entering a construction trade, and larger numbers retiring.
Up to 19 per cent of under-25s make up the UK’s construction workforce according to the CITB’s Workforce Skills and Mobility in the Construction Sector report, yet other research shows that by 2035, over one-third of construction workers will have retired.
It comes as approximately one million construction workers are
needed by 2032 according to the 2023 UK Trade Skills Index, while 70,000 plumbers are needed by 2032 according to the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering.
And Lawton Tubes - which employs 140 people and is growing its customer-base beyond its traditional markets of plumbing, HVAC, and medical gas into fast-growing industries including data centres and renewable energy - wants to play its part in solving the problem with the launch of Lawton Next Gen.
Lawton Next Gen will involve the roll-out of numerous short videos showcasing top installation tips for plumbers and air conditioning engineers, covering techniques from pipe prepping to bending, as well as how to connect pipes together using multiple techniques.
The initiative will also see Lawton Tubes attending various school careers fairs around the country.
Lawton Next Gen has also been installed as the lead sponsor of InstallerFUTURES, the dedicated student and apprenticeship programme of leading trader exhibition InstallerSHOW, to be held at the NEC between 23 and 25 June.
Robert Lawton, director at Lawton Tubes, said: “I believe young people are given an unfair deal by being perceived in some quarters as disengaged or work-shy, and so Lawton Next Gen is about going out to where the young people are at – both on social media and directly within schools itself – to showcase hands-on insights into the trades.
“Being a plumber, heating or air conditioning engineer are some of
the few careers that are AI-proof for a start, and also have strong earning potential, coupled with the opportunity to be your own boss by starting your own business.
“We can’t do it on our own though, and that is why we are appealing for other tradespeople and organisations to join our cause, either by collaborating with us on content or by partnering with us at college and school visits.”
For more information about Lawton Next Gen, and to get involved, email marketing@lawtontubes.co.uk
Technology award seals hat-trick of titles in just three months for Aurrigo International
A global provider of autonomy software, fully autonomous vehicles and mobile robotic platforms has sealed a hat-trick of award wins in the first three months of 2026.
Aurrigo International plc, which recently secured its largest-ever manufacturing contract with Ultra Global, added another trophy to its expanding cabinet last week when its CEO claimed the Technology Leader title at the West Midlands Leadership Awards.
Professor David Keene MBE overcame the strong challenge of Mandeep Athwal (School of Coding & AI), Rachel Curtis (Inicio AI), Ben Harwood (Naismiths), Himanshu Sharma (Go Diverse) and Melissa Snover of Rem3dy Health.
He impressed judges, including last year’s overall winner Mitchell Barnes of RYSE 3D, with the way he has accelerated the Coventry firm’s expansion into the world of aviation, a sector that is traditionally difficult to introduce new innovations.
Its growing range of autonomous vehicles are changing this narrative and have already been involved in real-world trials at 12 global airports, ranging from Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky International in the US to Zurich in Europe and Teesside closer to home in the UK.
The latest accolades come hot on the heels of David’s Ambassador of the Year honour at the Business Desk Awards and the Highly Acclaimed Innovative Logistics Solution in Air Cargo from the industry revered STAT Times.
“It has been a fantastic start to 2026 for Aurrigo International, with three major awards secured and, equally important, major growth plans coming to fruition,” said David, who received his MBE from Prince William last year.
“Technology is at the core of what we do, so it’s fantastic to be recognised in this field, especially when you consider the diverse and innovative nature of the firms we were up against.”
He added: “We’ll use the hat-trick of awards to open new doors for us as a business and to reinforce to our fast-growing workforce that we are creating solutions that are changing the way airports work now and in the future.”
For further information, please visit www.aurrigo.com
Top tips to selling your business
A Coventry-based legal adviser has offered his advice on selling a business.
Richard Jenkins, of Claric Legal Services, says business owners can take a few steps to enhancing buyer confidence and strike a great deal.
He said: “Selling a business can feel daunting, but here’s the good news. If your business is already strong, has loyal customers, a growing revenue, and a solid reputation it already has a head start. Interest from buyers can be high, and headline valuations can be very encouraging.
“The even better news? With a few initiatives, owners can boost confidence in the buyer and potentially increase the sale price even further.
“As discussions move into due diligence, buyers naturally check the foundation of the business: customer contracts, intellectual property ownership, key employee arrangements, and shareholder agreements.
“If these aren’t quite as they should be it isn’t a sign of weakness. This is commonly found in thriving businesses where owners have rightly focused on growth and day-to-day operations.
“However, if the legal foundations are clear the review process becomes straightforward, buyers gain confidence and negotiations are smoother. They are less likely to reduce the purchase price, impose long earn-out structures, or hold back funds in escrow. Essentially, being ready protects and even enhances the value of a business you’ve worked hard to build.
“Collaborating with a legal advisor early makes this process simple and efficient. In addition, using a single advisor acting for both parties can streamline the transaction, build trust, and reduce costs.
“For business owners considering a sale, the message is positive, a little preparation goes a long way, and the financial rewards are tangible.” For more information, contact 024 7698 0613 or richard@clariclegal.co.uk
Warwickshire accountant takes the stage at HSBC women’s business event
A leading Warwickshire accountant stepped into the spotlight as part of a major event championing female leadership, collaboration and growth in business.
Hosted by HSBC at its landmark Birmingham headquarters, the International Women’s Day panel event brought together a powerful line-up of voices from across the region.
Among them was Rachael ChadwickHarrison, Chartered Accountant and managing director of Chadwick Accountants and Bookkeepers Ltd, a forward-thinking firm based in Bidfordon-Avon known for its straight-talking, real-world approach to business finance.
Set against the backdrop of HSBC Birmingham, the event created a space for honest, unfiltered conversations around the realities of building and scaling a business.
The panel tackled the questions that truly matter, from what first inspired each speaker to start or grow their business, to where the biggest opportunities lie for women today, both in enterprise and the wider workplace.
For Rachael, the experience reflected everything she champions through her own work. “It was a genuinely energising discussion,” she said. “There’s something powerful about bringing people together to share real experiences, not just the wins, but the challenges too. Those are the conversations that actually help people move forward.”
Her appearance comes at a time when Chadwick Accountants continues to deepen its relationship with HSBC, following the development of an ongoing strategic partnership over the past year.
Built around supporting SMEs in a meaningful and practical way, the
collaboration focuses on helping clients strengthen their business banking strategies, from savings and lending solutions to insurance and card processing services all with the aim of driving sustainable growth and longterm financial stability.
“HSBC are still actively supporting SMEs, which is why we’re already big fans,” Rachael added. “Having that level of backing, particularly in today’s climate, can make a real difference to how confidently businesses plan for the future.”
Looking beyond the event itself, Rachael is keen to see more business owners tap into the momentum created on the day.
She added: “If you’re looking to build meaningful connections and learn from others’ experiences, the HSBC Women’s Business Growth Initiative is a brilliant place to start.
“Alongside the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, there’s also access to valuable funding support. The real value comes from growing alongside others who understand the journey, something you could really feel in the room.”
For businesses ready to take a closer look at their financial strategy or banking setup, contact info@chadwickaccountants.co.uk
Alex Turner (Business Desk), David Keene (Aurrigo International) and Yiannis Maos (Tech WM)
The Heart of England Conference & Events Centre has reached new cruising altitude with the launch of its striking new Skybar, now firmly positioned as a standout feature within the ever-versatile Showground Arena. Together, they create a powerful pairing—one offering the space to spread your wings, the other providing the perfect platform to elevate every moment.
Set within 160 acres of open Warwickshire countryside, the Showground has long been the runway for a wide range of events. From highenergy festivals and large-scale product launches to corporate team-building days and family fun days, it offers organisers the freedom to plan big and deliver experiences that truly take flight. Its expansive layout allows for everything from fairground rides and street food villages to live entertainment and interactive activities, all set against a scenic backdrop that feels a world away from the everyday.
Now, the addition of the Skybar brings a new dimension to the landscape—quite literally. This aviation-inspired structure invites guests to climb aboard via twin aeroplane staircases on either side, building anticipation as they ascend towards the rooftop terrace. Once at the top, visitors are rewarded with a bird’s-eye view across the Showground, offering a fresh perspective on the buzz below and creating a natural hub for socialising, networking and relaxation.
The Skybar itself is designed to keep the atmosphere flying high, serving a range of drinks from its fully equipped bar beneath the terrace. It acts as both a visual centrepiece and a practical gathering space, seamlessly integrating into events of all sizes. Whether it’s used as a VIP area, a central bar, or simply a place to pause and take in the view, it ensures your event maintains altitude from start to finish.
What makes this combination truly special is the balance between ground and sky. The Showground provides the scale, flexibility and energy—while the Skybar adds elevation, style and a unique talking point. Together, they create an event environment where ideas can soar and experiences feel truly lifted.
As events evolve and expectations rise, The Heart of England continues to stay ahead of the curve, offering spaces that inspire and deliver. With the Showground and Skybar working in perfect formation, your next event is set for a smooth take-off and a memorable landing.
To plan your next event and experience it for yourself, contact the
or visit www.heartofengland.uk—and
FESTIVALS, FUN DAYS & TEAM BUILDING
Coventry company helping artists to chart success
Independent music artists that may have missed out on UK chart success could soon get the recognition they deserve after a leading e-commerce firm agreed a deal with selling platform Bandcamp to make physical sales chart reportable.
Coventry-based e-commerce and fulfilment specialist The Pack Smart Group has secured the ability to report its clients’ physical record sales made through Bandcamp to the Official Charts Company (OCC) for the first time.
The move addresses a quirk in the chart reporting system which meant that physical releases sold via Bandcamp were not counted towards the UK charts unless customers also downloaded the digital version of the album.
In practice, many fans purchasing vinyl, CDs or cassettes did not download the digital copy because they already owned the music in physical form, leaving a gap between fan support and chart eligibility. By enabling those physical Bandcamp sales to be reported to the OCC, The Pack Smart Group’s fulfilment clients can now ensure that purchases made directly by fans contribute to official chart positions.
The change is expected to be particularly significant for independent artists operating in specialist genres where chart positions are often determined by relatively small margins, such as the Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart or the Jazz & Blues Albums Chart.
Seánna Holland, business development director at The Pack Smart Group, said:
“For years, artists selling physical formats through Bandcamp have known that a large proportion of those sales were effectively invisible when it came to the UK charts.
“Being able to report those sales feels like a really positive step for the independent sector and it ensures that when fans support an artist directly, it genuinely counts.”
The Pack Smart Group works with artists, labels and management teams to store, pick, pack and distribute merchandise and physical music releases worldwide.
Coventry University backs young athletes
Athletes heading to this year’s International Children’s Games will get to experience how elite sports people prepare for competition thanks to Coventry University.
The university will be supporting Team Coventry, a group of 12 to 15-year-olds who will represent the city on the international sporting stage this summer.
In preparation for the games, which take place in August in the city of Hualien in Taiwan, a team of sport science students from Coventry University are working with young athletes to help them perform at their highest level.
This involves undertaking assessments to help hone their training to its optimal level and working with sports psychologists to try and give them an edge in competition.
Coventry is the only UK city sending athletes to the games and many of those taking part are from local sports clubs the university works closely with.
This year the games, which see around 1,500 12 to 15-year-olds from across the globe
compete, will see Team Coventry athletes competing in track and field events, as well as swimming.
Coventry City Council is co-ordinating the city’s involvement and has supported those representing the city at the International Children’s Games annually since 1997.
In addition to benefiting the athletes taking part, Coventry University students will gain valuable hands-on experience about what it's like to prepare sports people for competition.
Dr Jason Tallis, associate professor of Skeletal Muscle Function and Applied Sports Science, is leading Coventry University’s role in the Games.
Dr Tallis said: “The Team Coventry athletes will get an elite sports science experience - they will have the chance to see how professional athletes prepare for competition.
“The athletes and their coaches can use the information we gather to improve their training and hopefully the experience enthuses them to the study of sport science, helping them to understand the way multi-disciplinary teams
can assist them to reach their potential. The work we are doing with them mirrors what we have done for a range of elite level athletes.
“For our students this is an opportunity to apply what they have learned in their studies in a real-world context, to develop their skills and see how their work can help athletes to improve in actual competition. You can’t do everything in the classroom so experiences like this are essential for our sports science students.”
Bromwich Hardy helps transport company’s move into new Midlands headquarters
An expanding transport, logistics and distribution company has purchased a new Midlands base in a multi-million pound deal sealed by commercial property agency Bromwich Hardy.
Slam Transport has moved its headquarters to Hazell Way in Nuneaton, a warehouse with offices extending to more than 154,000 sq ft, nearly twice the size of its former premises at Dutton Road in Coventry.
The company, which also has bases in Yorkshire and Scotland, operates a modern fleet of more than 240 advanced trucks and trailers, delivering freight transport and storage solutions to clients in the UK and abroad.
it was understood to be a multi-million pound deal.
Mark Booth, senior surveyor at Bromwich Hardy, said: “This is a major move for Slam Transport that will bring new investment and jobs to the Nuneaton area.”
The warehouse has an eaves height of 9m with 10 dock level loading doors and four level access loading doors, and a 30m deep yard area, plus two-storey office accommodation.
Ben Acheson of Hill Dickinson solicitors in Birmingham acted for the vendor, with Nirav Shah of Excello Law in London advising the buyer.
Sunday lunch and afternoon tea combined!
One of Coventry and Warwickshire’s most popular hotels is putting a creative twist on two much-loved British traditions with the return of its Sunday Lunch Inspired Afternoon Tea this Spring.
The distinctive afternoon tea was initially launched in 2024 and after serving around 800 diners, has returned to Coombe Abbey Hotel, which is operated by No Ordinary Hospitality.
The delightful combination will be served every Sunday in the Garden Room Restaurant to give guests the chance to enjoy the comforting flavours of a traditional Sunday lunch alongside the elegance of a classic afternoon tea.
The carefully curated menu blends savoury favourites with indulgent sweet treats, creating a dining experience perfect for a relaxed Sunday with family or friends at the 12th century hotel.
Ron Terry, group operations director at No Ordinary Hospitality, which manages Coombe Abbey Hotel, said: “We wanted to create something that feels both familiar and a little bit special by bringing together the comfort of a traditional Sunday lunch with the unique experience of afternoon tea – which remains one of our most popular choices throughout the week.”
For more information or to book, visit https://www.coombeabbey.com/
St Mary’s Guildhall honoured with award
St Mary’s Guildhall has been recognised as one of the region’s leading visitor attractions after triumphing at the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2026.
The 14th century venue claimed gold for Small Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious awards, which honoured businesses and destinations making an outstanding contribution to the West Midlands’ thriving visitor economy.
It follows a string of accolades at the regional awards last year, including two
Golds for International Tourism and Accessible & Inclusive Tourism alongside Silver for Small Visitor Attraction of the Year, before going on to achieve Bronze in the International Tourism category at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025.
The venue will now have the opportunity to vie for the national title against other iconic destinations across the country at the VisitEngland Awards.
Acting on behalf of Deeley Group, the vendor, Bromwich Hardy sold Hazell Way to Slam Transport for an undisclosed price, although
Former Chamber president invited to 10 Downing Street
The positive story of how businesses are working with a local prison to support rehabilitation and job opportunities has been taken to Number 10 Downing Street.
HMP Onley’s rehabilitation and employment programmes provide a unique pathway, offering prisoners practical qualifications, realworld experience, and nationally recognised certifications while serving their sentence.
Peter Burns MBE, an ambassador and former president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, is chair of the Employment Advisory Board at HMP Onley and has been promoting the programme within the regional business community through the Chamber.
Its success saw Peter – and others across the country undertaking similar work –invited to Number 10 to speak to Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy MP and Lord Timpson OBE, the Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending.
Peter highlighted, among other success stories, a powerful partnership with Greene King, one of the UK’s leading pub companies. Its Releasing Potential programme has created clear pathways from training to employment which has seen the business engage with over 80 prisons nationwide, launched four prison Training Academies, including one at HMP Onley, and supported over 350 prison leavers into sustainable employment.
Peter said: “This was the first time Government has brought Employment Advisory Board chairs together at Number 10 and it was a thank you for the work that’s already happening, but more importantly a clear message that we now need to do more and get more employers involved.
“The truth is if people leave prison without a job to go to, an interview lined up or stable accommodation, the chances of reoffending rise dramatically. Employment is absolutely critical to breaking that cycle.
“We want more local employers to get involved but also those with a national reach because prisoners aren’t always released close to the prison they have been in.
“If someone leaves HMP Onley but returns to, say, London or elsewhere in the Midlands, a national business can track and support them wherever they go. That continuity makes a real difference.
“The work with Greene King highlights exactly how this can be a win-win for everyone. If someone completes the 12 week Greene King Training Academy and passes, they receive a Level 1 City & Guilds certificate, and move on to the interview process.
“In most cases, this leads to an offer of employment, and where possible, in a pub close to where they are re-settling. We’ve already seen individuals progress and even earn promotions after release – those are the success stories that prove this works.
“There are workshops, training programmes and real commercial projects already running at HMP Onley, but we need more businesses to get involved. If companies are even curious, the prison team would welcome them to come and see what’s possible.”
To find out how to get involved, go to https://newfuturesnetwork.gov.uk/
National recognition for Deeley
A Coventry construction firm has received national recognition for its site management, community engagement and environmental performance.
Midlands-based Deeley Construction saw four of its sites in the spotlight at this year’s Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) National Site Awards
The Considerate Constructors Scheme is an independently run scheme supporting and guiding positive change in the construction
industry. The projects shortlisted all achieved a perfect 45 out of 45 score in their CCS Audits, highlighting that they hit the highest possible standards and each site was named a Bronze Winner for 2026 at the ceremony.
The winning sites included Birch View in Coventry, which has seen the construction of a 38-bedroom specialist care home in partnership with Exemplar Health Care for adults living with complex needs
Also in Coventry, the firm has completed a new headquarters for the Finham Park Multi Academy Trust, alongside additional classrooms and sports facilities for Finham Park 2 secondary school.
The project has supported the school’s continued growth while delivering social value through local employment and supply chain engagement.
Mill Place in Sutton Coldfield will provide 137 independent living apartments for Anchor, supporting the growing demand for later living accommodation.
The development is transforming a complex brownfield site into a sustainable residential community, with a focus on energy efficiency and shared spaces for residents.
Meanwhile in Hucknall, the Watnall Road scheme is regenerating the site of a former police station to deliver 73 affordable extra care apartments on behalf of Preferred Homes.
The development will provide high-quality homes for residents over 55, alongside communal facilities designed to support independent living.
LTS Global Solutions bags FORS Silver for fifth year running
Coleshill-based logistics specialist
LTS Global Solutions has secured Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) Silver accreditation for the fifth year in a row.
The logistics specialist, which has operations in Coleshill, Delhi, Dubai and Hong Kong, provides a comprehensive range of warehousing, distribution, transport and global shipping services to customers across domestic and international markets.
Achieving Silver status demonstrates that LTS is not only meeting best practice
requirements but is actively monitoring performance, reducing environmental impact and promoting high levels of driver training and vehicle safety.
Its latest accreditation comes at a time when the business is investing heavily in strengthening its operational capabilities and enhancing its fleet, compliance processes and sustainability initiatives, ensuring it remains at the forefront of industry standards while continuing to deliver reliable, high-quality logistics solutions for its growing customer base.
Growth at Sucham Park
A pair of businesses based at a Southam industrial park have expanded their operations, highlighting the strength of the site’s collaborative environment and its role in supporting sustainable growth just two years after completion.
Green Tech Industries Ltd and RMF Installation and Services have both reported significant growth since launching at Sucham Park, a scheme from Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG).
Green Tech Industries has increased its footprint to accommodate a growing team and rising demand, while fellow occupier RMF has boosted operational capacity.
Both businesses have a strong commitment to the circular economy, with Green Tech Industries recycling and repurposing batteries and motors from electric vehicles, and RMF Installation and Services being the world's largest supplier and installer of reclaimed raised floor systems.
Rob Andrews, head of development at WPDG, said: “Sucham Park was designed to provide high-quality space where businesses can grow, expand and thrive, and it is extremely encouraging to see both Green Tech Industries and RMF going from strength to strength.
“Their continued growth and the way they are working collaboratively on site demonstrates their ambition, innovation and shared values, and we are extremely proud that Sucham Park is supporting this.” Market will be
More than £1 million is set to be invested to ensure the much-loved Market is a striking landmark that supports the future of the city and the City Centre South development.
Coventry City Council has announced it has received £600,000 through the Government’s Pride in Place initiative as well as £200,000 from Hill, the developer with £400,000 from the West Midlands Combined Authority.
The money will be used to transform the outer look of the Market and celebrate its unique circular design, making it a more attractive and vibrant place to visit.
Plans for the work are being drawn up now, and will include general tidying up of the outside areas and removal of clutter. The concrete and existing windows will be cleaned and there will be new entrances, signage and lighting.
The works will open up the Market, with greater visibility between the inside and outside.
Tony Booth (Green Tech Industries), Rob Andrews (WPDG) and Rebecca Marsh (RMF Installation and Services)
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Because when we each take one small step, together we create something much bigger. MHIB also supports organisations with mental health training, leadership development, webinars and wellbeing strategy - and as a Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Member, you'll enjoy an exclusive 10% discount across all services.
Economic growth matters to business –and to society
Sandra Godley OBE, president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce
I can’t believe how quickly time is flying by –I am already six months into my presidency and I am living and breathing what a force for good the Chamber is for the region.
This was underlined at the Coventry & Warwickshire Business and Community Awards at the Belgrade Theatre which celebrated everything that is great about our city and county. It was such a special evening, with so many worthy winners, some incredible musical entertainment and it was a testament to the amazing team at the Chamber.
None more so than Chris Nagle who did so much work in pulling the whole night together and then got up on stage and proved to be the perfect cohost for what was a truly amazing evening.
Aside from the awards, it’s been a varied month where I had the pleasure opening our International Women’s Day event at the Sunday Warwickshire Walton Hall.
We had a theme of Give to Gain and were joined by a range of inspirational businesswomen on the day as well as Taiwo Owatemi MP who spoke brilliantly about her passion for helping the next generation of women to succeed.
I joined the Lord Mayor of Coventry, Rachel Lancaster at the Coventry Empowered African Women’s event which again was another example of how we can inspire one another by sharing stories, knowledge and skills. It was an event full or vibrancy and some amazing fascinators!
I’ve been to the University of Warwick and to HORIBA MIRA where I’ve had an insight into two places that are absolute powerhouses for our region and are also helping to develop the skills of the future.
And, what is absolutely clear to me is the role the Chamber plays in helping to foster economic growth across Coventry and Warwickshire and how that growth must go hand-in-hand with training and development.
That’s what drives our best employers, it’s what drives the economy and it’s what keeps our young people engaged and committed to Coventry and Warwickshire.
Growth builds momentum. Investment in people sustains it.
West Midlands business leader sworn in as High Sheriff of the County
Carmen Watson has been declared High Sheriff of the County of the West Midlands during a ceremonial sitting at the Queen Elizabeth Law Courts in Birmingham.
The declaration marks the beginning of Carmen’s tenure as one of the oldest secular offices in the United Kingdom, representing the Crown’s interests in relation to the administration of justice across the county. Carmen Watson, from
Wolverhampton, is widely recognised as one of the West Midlands’ most influential business leaders. She has spent her entire career with Pertemps Network Group, joining the organisation in the 1970s and rising from an entry-level role to chair of the UK’s largest independently owned recruitment business. Pertemps has grown into a national organisation employing thousands of people and placing
Double appointment at the RSC
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has announced the appointment of Sir Nick Varney as trustee and governor, and Baroness Martha Lane-Fox as governor.
RSC Chair Shriti Vadera said:
“On behalf of the board, I am delighted to welcome Nick and Martha to the RSC. Their commercial, digital and innovation experience and commitment to access and excellence will be invaluable as we continue to broaden our reach and deepen our connection with audiences at home and around the world.”
Sir Nick Varney brings extensive experience in global visitor experiences and large-scale audience engagement.
He is best known as the founding chief executive of Merlin Entertainments, where he led the company’s transformation into one of the world’s leading location-based entertainment businesses.
Under his leadership, Merlin grew to operate internationally renowned attractions, delivering innovative and accessible experiences to millions of visitors worldwide.
His expertise in scaling cultural and entertainment organisations will be invaluable as the RSC continues to develop its audience strategy and commercial opportunities both in the UK and internationally.
Baroness Martha Lane-Fox, a former president of the British Chambers of Commerce, is a highly respected figure in digital innovation, inclusion, and public service.
A co-founder of Gov.uk and Lastminute. com, she has transformed how people access government services online and played a pivotal role in shaping the UK’s digital landscape.
She currently serves in the House of Lords and has held numerous public appointments, including work focused on improving digital access and skills across the country.
Her leadership in championing digital inclusion and leveraging technology for social good will support the RSC’s ambitions to reach broader and more diverse audiences.
Deponti apprentices achieve Distinction
Two team members from Warwickshirebased outdoor living specialist Deponti have achieved the highest possible result in a nationally recognised apprenticeship.
Kristine Svilpe and Carana North, both part of the Deponti UK team, have each been awarded a Distinction in their Level 3 Customer Service Specialist Apprenticeship.
The qualification develops advanced skills in customer relationship management, communication and service delivery.
Achieving a Distinction places candidates among the highest-performing apprentices nationally.
Both team members completed the programme while continuing their day-to-
day roles supporting Deponti’s growing network of customers and trade partners.
Head of operations at Deponti, Adam Tallack, said: “We’re thrilled with Kristine and Cara’s outstanding achievements.
“Their dedication has equipped them to deliver even better support to our partners, reinforcing our commitment to exceptional customer service and our ambition to become the UK’s most trusted name in outdoor living products.
“This achievement reflects Deponti’s wider commitment to developing talent within its Rugby, Warwickshire team and supporting staff through nationally recognised training programmes.
“With the outdoor living season fast approaching, the company is preparing for its busiest period of the year as demand grows for aluminium verandas, glass rooms and garden structures designed to help homeowners enjoy their outdoor spaces all year-round.”
McCarthys builds up its team
Midlands-based commercial design, build and fit-out contractor, McCarthys has strengthened its team with two key appointments.
The business, headquartered in Coventry with an office in Birmingham, has appointed a new quantity surveyor and senior site manager.
Javed Haidary joins McCarthys as quantity surveyor to support the commercial delivery of projects across the business’s growing portfolio. He brings a strong track record across the West Midlands construction sector.
Oliver Mills also joins the team as senior site manager and has over 16 years’ experience delivering residential, commercial and mixed-use developments ranging from £2 million to more than £12 million.
The appointments mark the latest investment in the team, following a 30 per cent increase in permanent employee headcount over the last two years.
President & People
Castlebridge Hospitality appoints two new GMs
Castlebridge Hospitality has appointed two new cluster hotel general managers at key sites within its portfolio.
Samantha Dunion has been appointed as cluster general manager for Hotel Indigo Stratford-upon-Avon and Hotel Indigo Coventry.
Scott Randall, who is general manager at Courtyard by Marriott Keele, now takes Hotel Indigo Chester into his cluster.
Castlebridge Hospitality, based in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, is a privately-owned hotel management company that manages Hotel Indigo Coventry, Hotel Indigo Bath, Hotel Indigo Chester, Hotel Indigo Stratford-upon-Avon, voco Winchester Hotel & Spa, Courtyard by Marriott Keele and Holiday Inn Express Campo de Gibraltar – Los Barrios.
Weightmans announce new partner appointments
Law firm Weightmans has announced two new partner appointments within its market-leading HR Rely service, alongside significant year-on-year revenue growth.
Based in the Birmingham office, Tina Chander is a distinguished leader in
employment law, holding dual qualifications as a barrister and solicitor. Previously head of employment at Wright Hassall, Tina’s expertise is recognised by entries in Legal 500 and Chambers. She advises a broad range of clients, from SMEs to international corporations, and is an experienced advocate
in Employment Tribunal proceedings and cross-border disciplinary investigations.
Chris Hayes is a specialist employment lawyer who joins Weightmans from HM3 Legal, where he was head of employment and the firm’s lead for innovation.
Coventry startup punching above its weight
When the UK StartUp Awards received over 2,000 entries, making the shortlist was never going to be easy.
But Bearhat Marketing, the Coventry-based outsourced marketing consultancy founded by Victoria Steele in 2024, did exactly that – and was named a
regional finalist in the Marketing & Advertising StartUp of the Year category for the Midlands.
Across ten nations and regions, fewer than 900 businesses made the shortlist. The finalists collectively represent nearly 5,000 new jobs and over £150 million in annual sales.
Diamond Julie takes on new role
One of UK construction’s leading voices has been appointed as a Trustee to a charity that is helping young people to build a career in the sector.
Julie White, the managing director of D-Drill & Sawing – which has offices across the country, including Coventry, and specialises in diamond drilling and concrete sawing services – has joined Construction Youth Trust as a Trustee.
Her Board-level role with the social mobility charity will see her using her construction
experience to support the Trust in its aim to support young people from low-income backgrounds, underrepresented groups and those facing barriers to work by connecting them to career opportunities and employers in the construction sector.
Julie, a former apprentice herself, said: “I’m really enthused to be given the opportunity to use my extensive industry knowledge to help Construction Youth Trust unlock even more opportunities in construction for young people.”
As a regional finalist, Bearhat Marketing will now compete for the Midlands title. Regional winners progress to the national final at Ideas Fest - billed as the Glastonbury of Business - in September 2026 at Champneys, Tring.
Fresh face at produce supplier
Coventry based fresh produce supplier
MyFreshCo has expanded its team with the addition of Lara Ramage, who has joined the business in a sales and business development role as part of its continued growth.
Lara will be focused on developing MyFreshCo’s customer base across Coventry, Warwickshire, and surrounding areas, working closely with local businesses to understand their needs and provide tailored fresh produce solutions.
Tenth anniversary celebration at local office
One of Coventry and Warwickshire’s leading law firms, Alsters Kelley Solicitors, held a special event to mark the tenth anniversary of its Southam office.
To celebrate the occasion local businesses and clients were invited to join the members and some of the staff at its High Street office, the fourth of six Alsters Kelley branches in the region, and which had relocated from Daventry Street.
The event also raised £220 for Galanos House, a care home in Southam for the Armed Forces community, offering residential care as well as nursing, palliative and end-of-life care. Alsters Kelley has become one of the largest solicitor’s firms,
New director at Aurrigo
A leading international provider of autonomy software, fully autonomous vehicles and mobile robotics platforms has made the high-profile appointment of Mark Gower as director of gobal airport operations.
This newly created, non-board role supports Aurrigo International’s next phase of growth, as it moves from proof-of-concept trials to scaled, repeatable commercial deployments of its autonomous vehicle solutions at airports.
With multiple deployments already live, the company is strengthening end-to-end delivery and building a more standardised global operating model.
Mark brings more than 25 years’ experience leading safety-critical aviation operations, most recently as managing director of Gatwick Ground Services (a wholly owned subsidiary of British Airways). In this role, he grew the business from 340 members of staff to more than 1,200 employees at one of the UK’s busiest airports.
Her appointment reflects MyFreshCo’s ongoing commitment to supporting local establishments with a reliable, personal service as demand continues to grow. With strong experience in new business development and account management within hospitality, Lara brings a relationship led approach to sales. Her role will centre on building long term partnerships, identifying opportunities to grow accounts, and ensuring customers receive the right products and support to help their kitchens run smoothly.
offices
Thinventory announces CEO appointment as leadership team evolves
Thinventory has announced changes to its senior leadership team as the business strengthens its leadership structure to support continued growth.
Adam Smith has been appointed chief executive officer (CEO), moving from his role as managing director. Current CEO Dave Wilson will become chairman, succeeding Stuart Miller, who remains active in supporting the business as founder.
With more than 25 years of experience, Thinventory is a global provider of field inventory networks, delivering critical parts to engineers, optimising field inventory and helping organisations meet demanding service level agreements.
The leadership transition follows a period of record revenue and profit growth in 2025, reflecting increasing demand for Thinventory’s solutions and continued expansion across its core and emerging markets.
with
in Leamington, Coventry, Stratford, Nuneaton and Banbury, employing nearly 100 people.
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1 Hill Top, Coventry, CV1 5AB
Date: 19 June 2026
Time: 9.00am-5.00pm
GrowthCLUB | Business Planning, Strategy and Growth Workshop
