Issue 116 November - December 2026
The journey of a president Sandra Godley OBE on her rise to the top. Page 20
19
8
11
17
Audit is business detective work
Every business has a story. Audit helps uncover it. We don't just verify numbers. We look behind them, understanding the trends and risks that tell you more about your business.
dafferns.com A Coventry and Warwickshire full service accounting firm with national and international connections.
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Foreword
Contents
November - December 2026 When businesses met the mayor 4-5 Members Voices 6 Women in Business 8-9 In conversation with... 11
Dear Chamber Member, At the start of this year, I made the bold claim that it was going to be a positive 12 months for firms in Coventry and Warwickshire. Many businesses we were speaking to at the tail end of 2025 were telling us that, while times were tough, they were going to push for growth at the beginning of 2026. However, little did we know that global events would – once again – intervene and drive costs up even further. It’s such an unpredictable world right now, and businesses across the region have simply been craving stability for over a decade. All that said, I could not be more proud of the resilience, the ingenuity and the sheer hard work of the businesses across our patch that has contributed to growth over the past 12 months. Okay, it hasn’t been earthshattering growth but, considering the
circumstances that firms are facing, it is definitely worth reflecting on. And, as we approach the end of this year, I’m hopeful that 2027 is the year that finally gives businesses the right conditions that sees them flourish. That’s one of the reasons why we’ll be publishing our manifesto so that we can campaign on the issues that really matter – the ones that are truly holding back growth in Coventry and Warwickshire. Whether its planning or skills, access to support or a need for improved infrastructure, we’ve listened to businesses across our area and we’ve turned those into solid actions that we can measure.
You can also see how we connect businesses with one another and how we support members with everything from HR to PR. It’s what makes leading the Chamber of Commerce such a special role and why we are driven to ensure that members across Coventry and Warwickshire continue to thrive and grow. So, let me be the first to wish you all a very restful and happy Christmas and then an extremely prosperous (and stable) New Year.
Listening to businesses and then using our voice at a local, regional and national level is one of the things we do best for our members and you can see examples of that throughout this magazine.
Business Engage Profiles Chamber Training Economy Visitor Economy
12-13 15 17 19
Profile News Business Support News Education & Skills News Business Voice News from the region News Health & Wellbeing President & People New Members Member offers/events
20-21 22 23 26 28-29 30-31 32-33 34-38 40-41 43 44-45 46 47
Corin Crane Chief Executive
Delivering excellent legal services with a human touch Trusted by clients locally and nationwide, we combine legal expertise with a personal approach - taking the time to listen, understand and guide you forward. Contact us to find out more. Call 024 7663 2121 www.bandhattonbutton.com info@bandhattonbutton.com
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
3
When businesses met the Mayor The official publication of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce ••••
CONTACTS AT THE CHAMBER News desk Members are encouraged to send any news about their firm - new orders, staff, new products, expansions or relocations for publication in C&W in business. Whilst every effort will be made to publish submitted articles, we cannot guarantee inclusion. Send them to: news@cw-chamber.co.uk Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Chamber House Innovation Village Cheetah Road Coventry CV1 2TL T: 024 76 654321 F: 024 76 450242
AT THE PUBLISHERS Publisher Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing Limited Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ T: 0151 236 4141 F: 0151 236 0440 admin@benhampublishing.com www.benhampublishing.com Advertising Contact
Audience with Mayor Richard Parker for regional businesses Businesses and leaders from across Coventry and Warwickshire heard from West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker at an event organised by the Chamber. The Coventry Local Business Forum took place at the Deeley Group’s headquarters on Herald Avenue and included representatives from firms from a cross section of sectors in the region. The conversation covered everything from skills to culture after a brief introduction by Deeley Group joint managing director Eleanor Deeley on the company’s 90th anniversary celebrations. Chamber chief executive Corin Crane then conducted a fireside chat with the Mayor before opening up the floor to questions. After the Q&A, representatives from the Chamber joined the Mayor at nearby Lawton Tubes where they were given a tour and update on the company’s new £20 million headquarters. Corin said: “We were really pleased to be able to work with the West Midlands Combined Authority to organise this event for businesses in the city so that they could hear directly from Mayor Richard Parker and also raise some of those issues that might be holding back growth here in Coventry. “Businesses in this region are having to contend with so many global issues that are weighing on confidence and growth, it was good to be able to talk about what we can do at a regional level to move our economy forward. “We know there are challenges but there are some exciting opportunities too and it’s important that businesses and government
Corin Crane: Coventry and Warwickshire has an extraordinary business community, including many long-established and familyowned firms. Devolution presents a major opportunity, but businesses must be at the heart of decision-making. Today is a chance to hear from the Mayor and for businesses to put their questions directly to him.
karen@benhampublishing.com T: 07801 788880 Production Manager Mark Etherington
Joanne Casey Media Number 2220 © Benham Publishing 2026 C&W in Business is produced on behalf of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce by Benham Publishing Limited and is distributed to members free of charge. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in C&W in Business, neither Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, nor the publisher can accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies it contains. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Chamber.
•••• 4
current challenges there’s still much to be positive about.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “I was thrilled to be in Coventry meeting businesses from a range of sectors.
“City Centre South will give Coventry a significant boost and our plan for a global battery technology hub is progressing.
“The Chamber is an effective route for gathering and communicating business views and having regular contact with Corin and the team as well as members, major employers and other business organisations is critical. “It makes it easier for me to align the region’s public resources with business ambition and how we’re making the West Midlands as supportive a place as possible for investment. “There’s a real drive and determination from Chamber members to get our economy firing on all cylinders. And despite some
“We also have exciting announcements coming up from our £50m electric vehicle fund, helping us retain our longstanding status as the home of the UK’s motor industry. There’s record innovation funding from government and significant investment in skills, housing and public transport to boost growth and attract the talent businesses need. “The Prime Minister’s commitment to more devolution is also good news for our region. We should all be excited about the ability to retain income tax and business rates, because that puts more of our future back in our own hands.”
Your questions answered
Karen Hall
Accounts Director
– at local, regional and national level – work together to unlock those.”
Richard Parker: My priorities cover the economy, housing, transport, skills and jobs. Business drives growth, so maintaining close and accessible relationships with employers is central to my agenda. Since taking office, I have reshaped the Combined Authority’s leadership and delivery structures to improve accountability, speed and performance. On housing, the Combined Authority funded a record number of homes last year and has redirected resources towards projects that can actually be delivered. We have also worked with housing associations to convert homes for social use. On skills, the challenge is both retaining high-value talent and supporting young people who leave school without the qualifications needed for secure, well-paid work. We are investing £75 million in construction training to help 12,000 people gain skills and employment. On transport, we have rewritten the regional plan so that projects align with housing and economic growth. We also acted to secure
bus assets and move towards franchising, protecting a service relied upon most heavily by communities with the lowest levels of car ownership. Corin Crane: The Chamber has long campaigned for devolution and for more budgets to be controlled locally. How are you building the business voice into the heart of the devolution deal – from decisionmaking and governance through to delivery and scrutiny? Richard Parker: Accessibility is important, and the Chamber is an effective route for gathering and communicating business views. I am in regular contact with major employers and business organisations, but I cannot tell businesses what their priorities should be. My role is to align the region’s public resources with business ambition and make the West Midlands as supportive a place as possible for investment. That support can involve transport, skills, development funding, land remediation or convening partners. When businesses bring forward credible plans, the Combined Authority should help remove obstacles and provide the softest possible landing. We have taken that approach with major investors. We’re talking to Coventry City Football Club about what they need in terms of transport and we’re working with the creative-sector on projects too. Corin Crane: Tourism is one of the region’s fastest-growing sectors, but hospitality remains fragile. We need investment to compete with Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh, while recognising that public funding is limited. Erwin Middel (BaxterStorey): Hospitality already faces 20 per cent VAT, rising employment costs and inflationary pressure. What is your view on introducing an overnight visitor levy before addressing
the UK’s high hospitality VAT, and how would that fit with the Government’s growth agenda? Richard Parker: Hospitality is critical to the regional economy and to the vitality of our high streets. It is also often the first route into employment for young people. I understand why some places are considering a visitor levy, but I am not convinced by it and would not proceed without substantial consultation. There are difficult questions about where revenue would be raised, where it would be spent and what it would fund. I currently have no plans to introduce a visitor levy. That is not a guarantee about every future circumstance, but it is my position based on the funding and priorities presently before me. The wider challenge is agreeing what the region is marketing and for whom. Universities, cultural bodies, visitor attractions and local authorities may have different objectives. We need a more aligned regional approach, developed with hospitality, tourism and culture partners. David Roberts (Evtec): Chinese manufacturers are creating a structural challenge for the European automotive industry, particularly in technology, quality and cost. Many automotive tier-two and tier-three suppliers could transition into aerospace and defence, where demand is
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
When businesses met the Mayor creative industries are a major UK strength and one of the fastest-growing parts of the economy. Internationally, the UK’s creativity is held in exceptionally high regard, and the West Midlands should be more visible in promoting its talent, collections and production capability.
growing, but the process is bureaucratic and slow. How can you help those firms diversify, retain skilled jobs and reposition the West Midlands? Richard Parker: This is a critical issue. I have discussed the pressures with JLR, Government, trade unions and supply-chain businesses. Actions are being taken forward through national and regional programmes, including work to support supply-chain investment and diversification. We are also convening the defence sector and helping regional firms gain access to decision-makers and procurement opportunities. The Combined Authority cannot win contracts for businesses, but it can open doors, make the case to Government and direct skills and investment support towards credible transition plans. The priority now is to help supply-chain companies prepare, invest and move into new markets. That is essential not only to the region’s future but to the country’s industrial resilience.
Tina Chander (Weightmans): The Combined Authority moved quickly after the JLR announcement. Employers and advisers often know that redundancies are coming before the news becomes public. Could funding be invested earlier to upskill and reskill workers before jobs are lost, and could a panel be created to enable that dialogue?
David Hodgetts (HPG Developments): Structural economic change means businesses need sufficient employment land and room to expand or relocate. Coventry appears unable to meet all its employment-land requirement within its boundary, while no formal arrangement is yet in place for neighbouring authorities to absorb the shortfall. How will you work with Warwickshire and future devolved authorities to ensure employment land is delivered where it is needed? Richard Parker: The Spatial Development Strategy should give businesses and investors greater clarity and certainty about where homes, employment land and infrastructure will be located. Employment land is a recurring issue across the region because creating jobs requires suitable sites as well as housing and transport.
A fourth-generation copper and stainless steel tube and fittings supplier at the heart of British infrastructure is edging closer to opening the doors to its biggest investment in 108 years.
“This facility will help us to generate more output, which means more jobs, and more money going back into the local economy, which is something we are extremely proud of.
Economic relationships do not stop at administrative boundaries. We are therefore working towards stronger agreements with councils beyond the metropolitan area, including Warwickshire and Staffordshire, covering transport, housing, skills and investment. Those partnerships are essential if we are to protect jobs and support businesses that need larger or greener sites.
Lawton Tubes, which is based on Torrington Avenue in Coventry, hosted West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Corin Crane for a glimpse of its new £20 million headquarters, which is currently under construction and due to open early next year.
“There couldn’t have been a better time for us to welcome the West Midlands Mayor with devolution and growth on the government’s agenda, so it was brilliant to give him the chance to visit us to see just what can be achieved when investment is made in the right places.”
Businesses will be consulted through the Spatial Development Strategy process. Its first purpose is to provide a clear framework for long-term investment and the infrastructure needed to support growth.
The new facility – which is the size of around 40 tennis courts - is being built directly across the road from Lawton Tubes' current headquarters on Torrington Avenue and comprises of a 107,768 sq ft warehouse and 17,220 sq ft of office and welfare space, alongside a 40-metre service yard.
Richard Parker: We must be clear that our role is to support the workforce, not simply to subsidise a company. Many affected employees have valuable and transferable skills, while employers elsewhere in the region face acute shortages. Our response includes skills matching, upskilling and reskilling where needed, and support for employers recruiting from affected workforces. We already run region-wide programmes, but the idea of a more structured early-warning dialogue is worth exploring. Employers also have a responsibility to engage early and constructively. More broadly, post-16 skills provision must be shaped much more closely around real vacancies and employer demand. Too many people are sent onto courses that do not lead to work while firms remain unable to recruit the skills they need.
Chris Smith (Centre for the New Midlands): By 2030, what do you hope the Mayor’s and Combined Authority’s portfolio will include? Is there a risk that taking on more areas of public policy could spread the organisation too thinly? Richard Parker: Further devolution is likely to include stronger responsibilities for fire, health-related services, employment support and post-16 skills. In time, the region may also retain a proportion of income-tax revenue, replacing parts of the grant system and giving us more flexibility to invest according to regional priorities. Additional powers must come with additional organisational and political capacity. That means recruiting strong specialist leadership and, where appropriate, appointing deputy mayors or commissioners with real expertise. The objective is not simply to accumulate powers, but to make faster, better-informed decisions closer to the people affected.
Sukhy Johal (Arts Council Collection): We are developing a national cultural hub in Coventry within the former IKEA building, which will bring the Arts Council Collection and British Council Collection to the city. Will you work with us to bring the Government Art Collection here as well? Richard Parker: Yes. I have already raised the idea and would be keen to work with you. The
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Mayor sees strong progress at new £20 million HQ
Devolution succeeds through partnership. The real opportunity is for business, universities, councils, cultural organisations and other partners to align around the region’s interests and deliver together. Corin Crane: Thank you to the Mayor and to everyone who contributed questions and perspectives. Thank you, also, to the Deeley Group for hosting us. We look forward to doing this again because it has been a really interesting and informative event.
Once open it will more than double the manufacturer's capacity to meet rising UK demand for its plumbing, heating, air conditioning, OEM and medical grade products – driven by commercial property, new-build homes, NHS infrastructure, UK defence and new emerging markets such as data centres - alongside demand from the 42 other countries it exports to. Lawton Tubes sells enough 100 per cent recyclable copper tube and fittings to circle the earth one and a half times, carrying water and energy into homes, hospitals and cities across the country, as well as supplying the ongoing maintenance of landmarks including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, The Shard and Wembley Stadium. The new HQ will help the family business exceed its annual turnover beyond £230 million. The steel structure of the new HQ, which sits on the former Sandvik site on Torrington Avenue, is now fully erected and was recently made watertight. Michael Brown, board chairman at Lawton Tubes, said: “It’s really exciting to see the next stage in our company’s history starting to come to life. “The Midlands, especially Coventry, has been the bedrock of this family business over the past century, and this latest investment underlines our commitment to the region for the next 100 years, which will complement our other bases in Redditch and Poole.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This is exactly the sort of investment I want to see. Lawton Tubes is a fantastic local company established in this region and now investing in its future here. “My job is to make it as easy as possible for more companies to do the same. In the two years since I was elected my Business Growth West Midlands service has supported more than 20,000 businesses who just like Lawton Tubes share my ambition for growth. “We’re starting to see that translate into expanding businesses, more local jobs and stronger supply chains in housebuilding and defence. That’s how we’re going to get our economy firing on all cylinders again.” Sandra Godley OBE, president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Lawton Tubes is a fantastic example of a business that is investing in its growth, investing in its people and investing in our region.” Since work began on site in January 2026, principal contractor Interclass has made significant progress on the build with 10,700m² of roofing installed and 475 tonnes of hot and cold rolled steel erected across 4,400-plus worked hours. Des O’Neill, managing director at Interclass, said: “The quality and momentum achieved since starting on site are testament to the hard work and commitment of our site team, designers and supply chain partners. The completion of the building envelope marks another important milestone, allowing our team to progress the internal works. “We continue to be proud to work in partnership with Lawton Tubes as we bring its new headquarters to life.”
5
Members Voices
Highlights of the year As the ink dries on our final edition of C&W in Business in 2026, we wanted to reflect on some of the success stories and highlights of the year for our members. In a year that Coventry City won promotion back to the Premier League and Warwickshire County Cricket Club picked up the county championship, we wanted to know what made 2026 special for you! Sarah Hussain Skyline Hospitals “It has been a milestone year for Skyline Hospitals as we launched a brand-new private day-case hospital in Coventry. We have expanded access to specialist diagnostics, consultations, and treatments while building strong partnerships across the healthcare community. Our focus remains on delivering exceptional patient-centred care and improving healthcare access locally.”
Thomas Leamy Government of Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) “It has been a fantastic year for RAKEZ, with our business community growing to over 50,000 companies from more than 100 countries. A key highlight was our recent UK and Ireland CEO roadshow, reconnecting with businesses, building new relationships and helping more companies discover the incredible opportunities Ras Al Khaimah has to offer UK companies expanding into the Middle East.”
Donna Gilbert Your Travel Counsellor
Brett Wilks Telegraph Hotel
“From the ongoing Middle East disruption to the more recent air traffic control chaos, it’s been quite a year in travel. One highlight was helping a client get to an overseas IVF appointment just as the air traffic disruption began. Two cancellations and one delay later, we managed it by the skin of our teeth! It reminded me I’m not just here to book holidays, but to help when things go wrong, too.”
“The Telegraph Hotel, Coventry’s independent hotel, has enjoyed another great year, with a busy summer and strong Christmas bookings. We’ve refreshed our Generators rooftop bar, revitalised Forme & Chase restaurant and enhanced our entrance. Looking ahead, we’re excited to build new relationships and work with more local businesses.”
Lash Saranna EZOO “We've always been proud to be a Coventry business, and this year we showed that local can work alongside the national players. We rebuilt our website and partnered with Leasing. com, one of the biggest names in the industry. It's been hugely rewarding to see our hard work pay off.”
Navneet Rai Flowy Consulting “My highlight of 2026 was presenting my research on an applied well-being intervention at the British Psychological Society (BPS) conference and winning an Excellence in Occupational Psychology Award from the BPS. My research enables me to support leaders and teams to enhance resilience and reduce stress by utilising evidence-based approaches.”
Michaela Wheeler SolaaS
Magnus Birch Throckmorton, Coughton Court
“We've had plenty to celebrate at SolaaS this year, but nothing quite beats welcoming our third grandchild into the family! After two gorgeous granddaughters, we've now got a little grandson to spoil too. We're absolutely over the moon, although I suspect having three grandchildren means life is about to get even busier!”
“Since taking over management of the estate, we’ve enjoyed bringing a fresh perspective to the running of Coughton Court. We’ve focused on partnering with local businesses, groups and the wider community to explore fresh ideas, events and collaborations that breathe new life into the estate. We’re excited to see what 2027 brings!”
Indu Seshadri Skewb Ltd
Max Ramwell SolaaS
“The acquisition of Clear Horizon IS, and its CHiME platform, marked a defining milestone for Skewb in 2026. It strengthened our digital capabilities, expanded our proposition and established our presence in the adjacent power sector. A strategic step in diversifying our portfolio, unlocking new market opportunities and accelerating sustainable, long-term growth.”
“My biggest highlight has definitely been completing my apprenticeship and becoming a qualified First Line Service Engineer. I've learnt so much from working alongside the team and getting hands-on experience with customers. It's been a great journey, and I'm looking forward to building on everything I've learnt and taking on new challenges.”
6
Jen Elliott Beat The Property Agent
Liam Moynihan
“Launching Beat The Property Agent at my very first exhibition with UK Homes Network. The support and enthusiasm I received were amazing. I met with other professionals, and the conversations were filled with insight, agreement and humour! It was a great night and the experience was a real confidence boost.”
“This year it has been about finally feeling like I truly belong in the business spaces I move in. Even though I have achieved bigger things in other arenas, understanding my natural passion and skill set for helping others better understand their physical and mental health and seeing that this deserved to be a business.”
The Physiology People
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Make your property work for your business We’ll help you buy, sell, develop or lease commercial property with practical advice that supports your goals
Want to know more? Talk to Kylie Cooper, Partner, Head of Commercial Property, Leamington Spa 01926 353 147 www.hcrlaw.com HCR Legal LLP is authorised and regulated by the SRA
Women in Business Raising a glass to being more visible!
By Adele Adams, of Blabers Hall Vineyard
For me, personal brand is not something you manufacture. It is something you uncover, layer by layer, through the choices you make, the way you treat people and the courage you show when life asks you to adapt. I don’t feel like I’ve reinvented myself. I have simply chipped away over the years to find a more confident version of the person who was always there. My parents gave me the foundations. They encouraged me to try things, work hard and stay curious. If something did not suit us, we could move on, but first we had to give it a proper go. That mindset has followed me from construction, where my husband and I learned to solve problems and manage people, into 12 years working with children, including those with special educational needs. Each experience taught me patience, communication and how to bring out the best in others. Then we bought our farm! It was originally to support the construction business but the house needed work and the land presented possibilities. Eventually, we decided to plant a vineyard – 9,500 vines across five varieties (with a couple more to follow two years later) – even though neither of us came from a farming background. People raised their eyebrows, particularly because vineyards were still unusual in Warwickshire. But we saw an opportunity and believed we could learn. That belief is central to my personal brand – which is not a phrase I would normally use! But I’ve come to realise that I don’t have to know everything before I begin something. I need to be willing to learn, make a decision and take responsibility for it. Decisions are just decisions. Some work. Some don’t. What matters is that we learn, adjust and avoid repeating the same mistake.
Women in business event offers inspiration with afternoon tea! Two female entrepreneurs in Warwickshire have encouraged businesswomen across the region to ‘be themselves’ in order to achieve success.
The vineyard was launched after Adele and her husband bought a farmhouse with land to use as a home and base for their construction company.
Harriet Lloyd, the founder of matcha brand Drink Lomi, and Adele Adams, who runs Blabers Hall Wine Estate, were the guest speakers at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business event at St Mary’s Guildhall in Coventry.
Eventually, they planted nearly 10,000 vines which has led to them making and selling thousands of bottles of wine and hosting a series of events at the estate.
The event was hosted by Chamber president Sandra Godley OBE and also heard from Chamber head of operations Keely Hancox, as well as Jo Billings, of No Ordinary Hospitality, which manages St Mary’s Guildhall. After a welcome from Sandra and a brief overview of some of the historic women linked to the guildhall, Harriet and Adele told the room their back stories and how it had led them to where they are today. Harriet said how working in her auntie’s shop as a 12-year-old had taught her people skills and how life events such as becoming a mum at 23 and being made redundant had helped to shape the way she views herself and her business.
Keely said: “We were so lucky to hear from two brilliant businesswomen who inspired everyone in the room. “All of us are guilty of going onto social media from time to time and thinking we should be more like the people we see online. But both Harriet and Adele talked authentically about who they are and, by being true to themselves and values, they’ve built successful businesses.” Keely added: “The strongest business communities are built when people feel they can be themselves. Our role as a Chamber is to create spaces where people feel welcome, valued and connected, and where relationships can flourish.
She established Drink Lomi in 2025 and is now selling matcha drinks and products to the hospitality trade and to the public from a base in Nuneaton.
“When we bring together ambitious people who are willing to share, learn and support one another, great things happen. That's exactly what our Women in Business events are all about, and it's what our wider Chamber community delivers every day.”
Adele described how the work ethic instilled into her from an early age was now manifesting itself at Blabers Hall Wine Estate.
To find out more about joining the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce go to www.cw-chamber.co.uk
8
Farming reinforces that lesson every season. You cannot control the weather, but you can control how you respond, adapt and keep going. Resourcefulness and resilience are not slogans to me – they are habits built through experience. Visibility has been another learning curve. Social media does not always come naturally to me, but I understand its power to connect people with our vineyard and our story. I am even learning TikTok with help from younger friends. The point is not being perfect but about having a presence and being authentic. When you show the reality - the successes, the mistakes and the work behind the scenes – people recognise something honest. That honesty builds trust. Personal brand is also shaped by the company you keep. Our volunteers, collaborators, friends and family have become ambassadors because they feel part of what we are building. Shared values matter. When people believe in who you are, they bring their own talents, ideas and energy, and the result is stronger than anything you could create alone. As I have grown older, I have become less concerned about being liked by everyone. Not everybody will connect with you or your business, and that is fine. You have to find your people. Confidence is not about being the loudest person in the room, wearing the perfect outfit or pretending to have every answer. It is the quiet steadiness that comes from knowing who you are, trusting your judgement and getting back up when things go wrong. Your personal brand is your reputation, resilience, visibility, confidence and story. It is not a mask to put on – it is something to recognise, refine and grow into. For me, the biggest step has been allowing myself to be seen. And that doesn’t mean as a finished product, but as someone willing to try, learn and keep moving forward.
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Women in Business Be yourself to be an authentic brand
By Harriet Lloyd, of Drink Lomi
My first job was in my auntie’s shop when I was 12. Back then, I was probably more interested in how many sweets I could buy with my wages than in building a personal brand. Looking back, though, that was where mine began. I learned how to talk to people, read a room and recognise that some customers wanted a conversation while others did not. Most importantly, I learned how to make people feel welcome. My career has never followed a straight line. I have worked in different jobs and industries, from sales to hospitality, but the connection has always been people. Becoming a mum at 23 changed my perspective completely. After my daughter was born, I experienced a difficult period of depression and, for a while, felt I had lost myself. Returning to work helped me discover that I was not going back to the old me – I was working out who the new me was. A telephone sales role gave me confidence, resilience and a valuable lesson – that the best salespeople are not necessarily the loudest. They are the best listeners.
Build your own conference or private dining event your way across Coventry and Warwickshire
That workplace also showed me the kind of leader I wanted to become. When I discovered a male colleague was being paid considerably more for the same job, I learned to ask difficult questions and challenge what did not feel right.
By Jo Billings, business development manager, No Ordinary Hospitality Management
You can be strong without being disrespectful, and you can question something without making yourself smaller.
Planning an event can feel a bit like ordering from a set menu when you had something quite different in mind.
Those experiences shaped my personal brand long before I had a strategy for it. I believe we often get personal branding wrong because we think we need to invent something. In reality, we need to recognise what we have already built. My own confidence was tested when I was made redundant. I lost my income, security and job title, but I eventually understood that a company’s decision did not erase my experience, creativity or ability to solve problems. A job title is borrowed. Your personal brand goes with you wherever you go. Building my own drinks business has reinforced that lesson every day. I began with a clear idea of how I wanted the product to look and how I wanted customers to feel, but I did not know how to manufacture it. When an early arrangement failed, we brought production in-house. I had no idea how to set up a factory, so I researched, asked questions, found people who knew more than me and kept testing. ADHD can be debilitating, but when I am fascinated by a problem, it also drives me to explore it deeply and find another route when the first one fails. For me, a personal brand is not simply what appears on LinkedIn or Instagram. It is the experience people repeatedly have of you. That means how you enter a room, write an email, speak to a customer and respond when something goes wrong. It is how you treat everyone, whether they are a chief executive, a receptionist or a cleaner. It is whether you listen, remember and make people feel valued. Companies, titles and money can disappear, but your skills, relationships, story and reputation travel with you. A good question to ask yourself is if your name came up in a room you were not in, what would you hope someone says about you?
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
At No Ordinary Hospitality Management (NOHM), we host thousands of events a year across our venues in Coventry and Warwickshire: Coombe Abbey Hotel, St Mary’s Guildhall, the IXL Events Centre and Stoneleigh Abbey. They range from team-building events to awards dinners within our historic buildings, landscaped grounds or modern event space. With all this at our disposal, we can match the right venue and format to your idea rather than asking you to fit your idea around a package. If you have ever tried to book a private dining event or a conference, for example, you will know how it usually goes. You are handed a list of packages, given a list of what is included and asked which one comes closest to what you had in mind. It is a fair way to do things, but it rarely leaves much room for the idea you started with. That is why, across our venues at NOHM, we have thrown out the rulebook on rigid event packages. Every business, intimate gathering, professional association, or collection of people regardless of the reason, is different, so we think the way we plan events should be too. For us, flexibility comes first. A client might arrive with a clear theme already in mind or just a sense of how they want the evening to feel. They might want a particular room layout, perhaps one long table instead of several round tables or a more relaxed arrangement where guests can move around and mix. Others come to us with a schedule that does not fit the usual pattern such as a late start, a long afternoon or a day that builds from a welcome drink through to a final course at a pace that suits their guests.
Our team has decades of experience and we host thousands of successful events every year, whether it is a major birthday or an AGM, so there is very little we have not seen and plenty we can suggest. From there, we shape the details around your idea and we are happy to talk through options along the way. If something does not quite work, we will say so and suggest an alternative that does. This approach suits a wide range of events. Business lunches and client dinners can be planned to give everyone the right amount of time and space to talk. Birthdays, anniversaries and family celebrations can carry the personal touches that make them feel like yours. Team events and thank-you evenings can be built around the people in the room, not a standard format. We have found that when the plan comes from the client, the event feels different. It is more personal and more considered which makes it feels completely your own. Our team enjoys it too because it means every booking is a new piece of work rather than a repeat of the last one. This level of collaboration makes events far more effective at achieving whatever their ultimate goal might be. The result is something more enjoyable, useful, or rewarding in the moment, and far more memorable for everybody afterwards. For those who organise events through the year, from client entertaining to staff celebrations to networking evenings, each has its own purpose. An event that is built around that purpose, instead of fitted into a package, can make a real difference to how it is received and remembered in the weeks and months to follow.
Whatever the starting point, our answer is the same: we are ready to put your plans into action.
If you have an idea, even a rough one, we would love to hear it. You do not need to have all the details worked out. That is what we are here for.
In practice, that means we start with a chat with you. We want to hear what the occasion is, who is coming and what you would like your guests to remember afterwards.
To start building your event at Coombe Abbey Hotel, St Mary’s Guildhall, the IXL Events Centre or Stoneleigh Abbey, get in touch with one of our team on 02476 450 450.
9
Bromwich Hardy award-winning commercial property advice from the team you can trust
Our multi-disciplinary team has a wealth of experience in commercial property and our extensive portfolio of skills has helped us build an enviable record of success
Barometer 25
Client services Corporate property advice
Commercial property management
Investment and acquisitions
Valuations
Commercial property agency
Lease advisory service Development
024 7630 8900 bromwichhardy.com www.bromwichhardy.com
office@bromwichhardy.com
the mark of property professionalism worldwide
In conversation with... Steve Harcourt
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
“It’s a great event” – the Prime reason for sponsoring Chamber conference Prime Accountants Group is one of the leading accountancy businesses in the region and is, once again, the headline sponsor for this year’s Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Annual Business & Economic Conference. The company also partners with the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) which provides a barometer for the local economy. So, C&W in Business caught up with director Steve Harcourt, a former president of the Chamber, to find out more about the firm, his role and how businesses are feeling as 2026 draws to a close. C&W in Business: Steve, tell us more about Prime Accountants Group. Steve Harcourt: Prime is an independent firm of accountants, tax specialists and business advisers with offices across Coventry, Solihull and Birmingham. We support a broad range of clients, from sole traders and small owner-managed firms through to larger and multinational businesses, across virtually every sector. That breadth means we can tailor our advice to the needs and ambitions of each client, while drawing on specialist expertise across accounts, audit, taxation, business advisory and wealth management. A major strength of Prime is the way we build long-term relationships. We want to understand not just the numbers, but the business, the people behind it and their goals for the future. Many of our clients are family-owned businesses, so our work often includes helping them grow, retain wealth and plan for succession, retirement or the eventual sale of the company. Through Prime Wealth, we can also support investment and inheritance-tax planning. C&W in Business: How long have you been with the business, and what does your day-to-day role involve?
Steve Harcourt: I joined Prime in 2007, so next year will mark 20 years with the business. I originally came in as a manager within the accounts and audit team. As those areas developed into separate specialisms, I followed the accounts route and progressed through senior manager and director roles before becoming a shareholder. It feels like it has gone very quickly! My day-to-day role combines client work, leadership and business development. I am based in Coventry, but Prime operates across three offices and I regularly work from Solihull and Birmingham when clients need me there. Most of our clients are based in the Midlands, although we also support organisations elsewhere in the UK and internationally. A large part of my role is maintaining close relationships with business owners, understanding their challenges and helping them make informed decisions. That might involve reviewing management information, discussing budgets and cash-flow forecasts, identifying tax or efficiency opportunities, or simply acting as a trusted sounding board as a business plans its next stage of growth. C&W in Business: Prime partners with the Chamber on the QES and you see that data that comes through. The latest survey showed that confidence had risen in the region, but only just. Does it reflect what you are hearing from clients? Steve Harcourt: Yes, the latest findings broadly reflect what we are hearing, and confidence is the key word. The figures may suggest a little more optimism than three months ago, but businesses are still cautious. The numbers tell part of the story, while our conversations with clients reveal how wider uncertainty is shaping decisions about recruitment, investment and growth. Companies are dealing with several pressures at once. Energy and material costs remain high, particularly for manufacturers, while labour costs have risen through increases in National Insurance and the minimum wage. Corporation tax has also increased in recent years, and global events in the Middle East and Ukraine continue to affect supply chains and input prices. Even where turnover is stable or has risen slightly, margins can be squeezed significantly. The businesses managing this environment most effectively tend to plan ahead and review their performance regularly. They use budgets, cash-flow forecasts and monthly management accounts to spot changes early and make timely decisions. By contrast, businesses relying only on year-end figures may not recognise a decline until several months later. In the current climate, up-to-date information and a willingness to adapt are essential. C&W in Business: And what are the biggest issues affecting business? Steve Harcourt: The cost of doing business remains the most immediate
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
challenge. Many firms are maintaining or modestly increasing turnover, but higher wages, National Insurance, energy, raw materials and taxation are putting pressure on the bottom line. For sectors such as manufacturing, hospitality and retail, those pressures can be especially acute because there is often limited scope to absorb costs or pass them on to customers. Confidence is another major issue. Businesses need enough certainty to invest, recruit and enter new markets, yet economic and geopolitical uncertainty can encourage them to delay decisions. The danger is that standing still becomes a strategy by default. Businesses that perform well tend to ask difficult questions early – can a process be made more efficient, can energy or material use be reduced, and can the company diversify into new domestic or overseas markets? Good financial information is central to answering those questions. Regular management accounts, budgets and cash-flow forecasts allow leaders to understand where margins are being lost and respond quickly. Not every cost can be avoided, but proactive management can protect profitability and reveal opportunities. The priority is to keep reviewing the model rather than assuming that an unchanged approach will produce better results. C&W in Business: Prime is sponsoring the conference again this year. What attracts you to being part of the event? Steve Harcourt: The simple answer is that it is a great event. Prime has a strong Midlands client base, with Coventry and Warwickshire forming an important part of it, so the conference puts us in the same room as many of the businesses and people we want to support. The scale of the event, the number of delegates it attracts and the range of organisations represented make it a particularly valuable date in the regional business calendar. It is not only about networking. The conference creates an economic forum where businesses can hear informed perspectives on the issues affecting them, including the wider economy, government policy and the impact of the forthcoming Budget. Those discussions help business leaders understand what may be coming and consider how they can respond, whether by investing, improving efficiency or reviewing their plans. Prime is keen to support highquality events that strengthen the regional economy and give businesses practical insight. The Chamber has built a prestigious, well-run conference that brings the local business community together around important topics. Sponsoring it allows us to contribute to that conversation, demonstrate our commitment to Coventry and Warwickshire, and deepen our wider partnership with the Chamber.
Coventry and Warwickshire has amazing assets says national leader
One of the UK’s leading business figures says Coventry, Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands has a major role to play in the country’s economic growth. Shevaun Haviland CBE, the director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, is speaking at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Business and Economic Conference at the IXL Events Centre on November 6. A range of speakers and panellists have already been announced for the event, which is being headline sponsored by Prime Accountants Group and supported by HCR Law, Coventry City Council and People Arches Ltd. Just a week after the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, Shevaun will offer her thoughts on the current business environment and will chair a panel that will look at the economy along with key sectors in Coventry and Warwickshire including property, manufacturing, education, hospitality and professional services. It will include Emma Wilks, chief economist at HSBC UK; Steve Harcourt, director at Prime Accountants Group; Eleanor Deeley, joint managing director at Deeley Group; Dawood Ibtehsam, director of People Arches Ltd; and Dr Rebecca Gater, principal & chief executive of Solihull College & University Centre, which includes Stratford-uponAvon College. Shevaun said: “I am looking forward to being in Coventry and Warwickshire for the Annual Business and Economic Conference. “Everyone knows that businesses have faced a huge amount of uncertainty over recent years and the conference is an opportunity to look at some of the barriers companies in the region are facing when it comes to growth but also the opportunities. “Coventry and Warwickshire has so many amazing assets – from internationally renowned manufacturers such as JLR through to a thriving SME community. “It’s home to the RSC, Premier League football at Coventry City Football Club and two world-class universities. “So, as the Government looks at places that can drive growth, Coventry and Warwickshire has a major role to play.” Another panel – chaired by Chamber president Sandra Godley OBE – will look at how the city and the county remain as one economic powerhouse and how it presents this message to rest of the country as well as the world. It will include Julie Nugent, chief executive of Coventry City Council; Monica Fogarty, chief executive of Warwickshire County Council; Greg Clark, executive chair of the University of Warwick’s Warwick Innovation District; and Nicola Ibbetson, chief business officer at Coventry City Football Club.
11
Business Engage Profiles
Talk to us and we’ll help cut your energy costs A Midlands-based charity is helping businesses and not-forprofit organisations to save thousands of pounds on their energy bills – and is on standby to do the same for many more.
Paul said: “We help thousands of residents every year with their energy concerns – but we’re also happy to support non-domestic customers who have been equally feeling the pinch.
Act on Energy was originally established 28 years ago to support individuals with their domestic energy. But, with rising costs starting to have a major impact on businesses and organisations, it is now also bringing its wealth of expertise to support employers get their bills down too.
“Every aspect of your energy bill and consumption is scrutinised including the Climate Change Levy, VAT, supply capacity and whether a business is buying energy at the right time and at the right price.
The service goes beyond looking at the whole of market to find businesses the best unit costs for electricity and gas, but also importantly includes a free, impartial energy check which can look at everything from fixing rates by looking at the forward energy markets through to spotting potential exemptions and refunds. Through its partnership with energy specialists, Omnium, the free service looks at the supply capacity an organisation is being charged for its premises and if it’s higher than the business needs, it can support to reduce it. Further advice can also be offered on other elements of energy bills such as the Climate Change Levy and reducing VAT where applicable. Paul Muckle, partnerships manager with Act on Energy, said every conversation he had to date with a businesses or not-for-profit had led to cost savings – including achieving around £500,000 in billing for gas alone for a regional care home operator.
“Our free energy bill check will look at a variety of aspects of what you are paying and, also, what you are using and how you are using it. “We recently identified potential savings of £143,000 a year for a large housing association, we’ve saved one hotel £70,000 on gas alone and we’ve just saved a care home provider about half a million pounds over three years! That could rise, because we helped them to fix their prices before the Middle East crisis started so they are on a very good tariff. “We can’t promise we’ll always save organsiations money, but the energy bill check is free and every conversation I have had with a new client has always resulted in some kind of saving. And, if the worst thing is that we can’t save them anything, at least they know they are doing everything they possibly can to keep costs down.” For more information or for a free energy check, email partnering@actonenergy.org.uk or go to https://www.actonenergy.org.uk/
The great escape – Donna finds new beginning with tailor-made travel When Donna Gilbert was feeling burnt out by corporate life – she decided to turn her love of travel into a business. Now, one year on from becoming an independent Travel Counsellor within the Travel Counsellors franchise network, she’s thrilled that she made the move – and so are her clients!
important thing is having a human being you can contact when something changes or goes wrong. Some of my clients need to get engineers or specialist repair teams to remote locations at short notice, with visas, permits and complicated connections. “They love the fact that I can take care of all of that for them.”
Donna takes the headache out of making travel arrangements and specialises in tailor-made, complex and experience-led travel, particularly holidays involving multiple destinations, transport connections and accommodation bookings.
On the leisure-side, Donna says experience is everything for clients and that can lead to increasingly complex travel plans. And while AI and the web can provide ideas and interesting itineraries, they don’t offer the reliability and peace-of-mind that a professional can.
The business works predominantly with leisure clients in Coventry and Warwickshire – anything from a group holiday to a honeymoon – but is increasingly working on corporate travel for firms in the region.
Donna said: “My job is to take away the headache. During the research stage, people can have thousands of tabs open, with conflicting or out-of-date information everywhere. I narrow down the choices, make sure everything works together and give clients the right options so they can make the final decision with confidence.
And Donna knows only too well the kind of challenge that can present based on her career in the insurance sector. “My background is in the corporate world,” she said. “I was a director of an insurance company and spent four years living in the Seychelles while setting up an insurance business. “I had always travelled and loved travel, but I had become burnt out by corporate life. This was something I had always wanted to do, so I decided to take the plunge. “That experience, however, means I understand corporate travellers. Anyone can book a flight, but the
12
through emails or download four different airline apps just to find what they need. “My job is to make everything as easy as possible so the client can just enjoy the trip and know that there is someone there to support them if they need it!” For more information go to https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/donna.gilbert
“I recently arranged a trip containing 32 separate elements. There were flights, five hotels, an overnight train, four ferries, airport transfers and connections from ferry ports to hotels. Because I plan journeys like that regularly, I know how to line up the timings so everything flows. “Clients receive a complete itinerary through the Travel Counsellors app. Their boarding passes, hotel vouchers, transfer details, ferry tickets and train tickets can all be kept in one place. They don’t have to scroll
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Business Engage Profiles
Inheritance tax: what’s changed and what’s coming A leading financial planning business is offering expert guidance to business owners and leaders on inheritance tax changes, some of which are already in force and others due to come in from April 6, 2027. Daniel Payne, chartered financial planner, of Wren Sterling, which has 20 offices across the UK including Leamington Spa, has been hosting a range of inperson seminars and webinars to ensure more people understand what the changes could mean for them. Since April 6, 2026, the inheritance tax reliefs available on qualifying business and agricultural assets have been restricted and 100 per cent relief allowance now applies only to the first £2.5 million of combined business and agricultural assets, with 50 per cent relief on qualifying assets above that. From April 6, 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits will also be brought into an individual’s estate for inheritance tax purposes. Daniel, who has worked in the financial services industry for 25 years, said: “Individuals who have invested a lifetime of work and passion into growing their business should talk to a financial adviser about how these changes affect them as soon as possible. “An estate plan is made up of several parts. Solicitors play a vital role in areas such as wills, trusts and powers of attorney, while a financial planner can help you understand your potential inheritance tax liability and consider personalised strategies to manage it. Often, the best results come from the two working together.” On a recent webinar, Daniel highlighted the potential impact of the pension changes without careful planning.
He said: “The impact certainly won’t be the same for everyone. In one illustrative example, bringing pension assets into an estate increases a potential inheritance tax bill from £280,000 to £820,000, almost tripling it. This is due to exceeding thresholds and tapering allowances. “The figures are purely illustrative, and does not constitute personal advice, but they show how significantly the position could change for some people. Tax rules can change in the future and the impact on you will depend on your individual circumstances. “It’s particularly important to understand your position if the value of your estate could be around or above £2 million, as the residence nil-rate band begins to taper away above this level. “To be clear, the changes don’t mean pensions are no longer useful. Pensions remain an important part of financial planning because of the tax relief available when you pay into them. However, the balance between pensions, ISAs and other investments will become increasingly important. “Rather than simply asking ‘should I take money out of my pension?’, it’s more important than ever to think about how your different assets can work together as efficiently as possible.
Wren Sterling is a national firm of independent financial planners with 20 UK locations and more than £13bn of client assets under advice.
“If you have several pension pots, it may be worth reviewing whether they can sensibly be consolidated, as multiple pensions could create additional administration when they form part of an estate. However, consolidation isn’t automatically the right answer: valuable guarantees, benefits, charges and investment options should all be considered first.”
The information provided regarding tax/pension treatment or legislation is based on its understanding of current UK legislation law, tax law and HM Revenue and Customs’ practice (September 2026), all of which may be subject to change. For more information, visit www.wrensterling.com or email Daniel.Payne@WrenSterling.com
Warwickshire hotel in good health after investing in the future The team behind a leading Warwickshire hotel and golf club says there is additional investment to come to help attract even more visitors and guests. The Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club, which is set in 130 acres of south Warwickshire countryside, is home to an 18-hole golf course, a 32-bedroom hotel, a restaurant and a private events space set in a converted barn. Beverley Haynes and her family bought the 14th Century country house, and the land around it, more than 30 years ago, with the plan to open a golf course.
digital tracking and create a year-round attraction for golfers. A former storeroom has also been converted into a four-bed Reformer Pilates studio, offering a space for oneto-one training and small group sessions for up to four, with expert instructors. On top of that, hotel residents are offered free bike hire, meaning they can get out and explore the countryside or head into Stratford-upon-Avon town centre, which is just a 15-minute cycle away.
And, like the trees they planted on the grounds three decades ago, the business has matured nicely.
Beverley said the new additions had boosted business and that the team were developing plans for further investment to turn the hotel into a leisure destination.
The hotel was extended just before the Covid lockdown, which added 24 bedrooms and has made some fresh additions over the past 12 months to make it a destination for both hotel residents and visitors.
She said: “We bought the land 32 years ago with permission for a golf course and have added to it over time. We planted a lot of the trees as whips and return guests always comment on how much they’ve matured.
A brand-new driving range, fitted with Top Tracer technology, was added to the course, to bring world-class
“From the hotel point of view, we started with just eight bedrooms and a barn to host weddings and events,
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
but soon we realised we needed more accommodation for golf breaks, larger wedding parties and visitors to Stratford. Securing planning permission took a long time but our determination to invest in the venue created strong foundations for our business and its future. “The hospitality sector isn’t having an easy time of it but by adapting our strategy and providing more reasons for people to visit, I’m pleased to say that our business continues to grow. “Our golf facilities are well loved by both locals and visitors. Adding the Top Tracer range means people can enjoy golf any time throughout the day and whatever the weather. This has also strengthened our offering for the winter months. “The reformer Pilates studio was something very personal to me as despite discovering a love of the exercise, I never felt like I was doing it quite right, but the classes were too large for the instructor to notice! Having a smaller studio means everyone who comes in gets the full attention of an expert trainer
who can tailor the class to suit their ability. “Following the success of this year’s developments, we’re now turning our attention to other spaces and discussing new ways to attract more visitors. “Our investments to date have been really successful and it is great to see the hotel and golf course still proving to be so popular.” For more information go to: https://www.thestratfordpark.co.uk/
13
We really loved getting a glimpse of the next generation of talent which will be coming through our doors and getting inspired by the fresh ideas that the learners bring to the table. ANEKA GANATRA, THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL
Hosting a placement student from Coventry College is more than just offering work experience, it’s a genuine opportunity to spot incredible talent and future-proof your workforce. Shape skills that align with your organisation Unlock fresh ideas and new perspectives Support long-term, sustainable growth Fully managed and simple onboarding process Low-risk way to recruit.
Get in touch with our team today! industryplacements@coventrycollege.ac.uk 024 7679 1700
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Chamber Training
Hair we go with new partnership And for some members of the team at Muk, it has been a case of not forgetting your roots! Bruce Davies, sales manager with Muk for more than nine years, completed a business administration apprenticeship with Chamber Training in 2008 and then moved onto an IT qualification a year later. Kiah Dooay, marketing executive, completed level one and level two early years qualifications with the organisation, and even managing director Alan Maxwell started out with Chamber Training – completing a YTS in business administration and finance back in 1987. Bruce, who was instrumental in developing the partnership with Chamber Training, said: “We’re so pleased to be able to support the next generation of hairdressers with our range of products and it will really stand them in good stead as they move through their training and into work.
An Australian haircare brand, which has its UK headquarters in Coventry, is helping to style and shape the hairdressers of the future after agreeing an exclusive deal with a leading training provider. Mukhair UK, which is based on the Little Heath Industrial Estate in the city, is supplying a range of colouring and styling products to Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training in the city. Chamber Training supports around 43 hairdressing apprentices with training at its base in Radford in Coventry and the agreement with Muk means they will be utilising the highest standard of industry products.
“I have been talking to Chamber Training for some time, and we’re delighted that we can work with the organisation which has played such an important part in my life and that of my colleagues too. “We know how important it is to have the right start in life and three of us benefitted from our time at Chamber Training so this feels like a full circle moment for us. It’s important in hairdressing – and in life – not to forget your roots!” Sally Lucas, executive director at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training, said: “It’s great to be working with an international company that is based locally. “We pride ourselves on giving our students the very highest standards of training and the very best tools to do the job – and working with Muk means we are offering industry standard products to our learners. “And it’s incredible to think that three key members of the Muk team locally have all been through our doors in the past and we’re thrilled to be working with them again!” For more information go to www.cw-chambertraining.co.uk
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training support adds up to success for local accountancy firm A respected Coventry firm of Chartered Certified Accountants is celebrating yet more staff success thanks to its commitment to training.
PTP takes top accolade
Performance Through People (PTP) is celebrating outstanding results after being ranked the UK’s top provider for the Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner apprenticeship, according to 2024/25 Department for Education achievement data. PTP, which is part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Group, achieved an impressive 88.9 per cent achievement rate, placing it first nationally among providers with comparable cohort sizes. The ranking is based on official Department for Education data and highlights PTP’s commitment to delivering high-quality apprenticeship training and supporting learners to achieve their full potential. The results place PTP ahead of a number of well-known training providers and colleges, including West Suffolk College and Access Training East Midlands, both with achievement rates of 80.8 per cent.
Leigh Christou, which has been in business for more than four decades, has just promoted Matthew Dalton to audit manager after he joined the business in 2018 and it supported him to become qualified as an ACCA accountant in 2022.
The Customer Service Practitioner apprenticeship is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed by people working in customer-facing roles, helping apprentices build confidence and develop valuable skills that can be applied directly in the workplace.
Brad Ward, who started as an accounts trainee, is also celebrating ten years with the firm and is now part of the company’s senior team in his role as business services senior.
For PTP, the achievement is particularly significant because it reflects the hard work of learners, employers, tutors and the wider PTP team.
Brad is one of Leigh Christou’s many success stories to come out of the firm’s long-term partnership with Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training after he completed an AAT course as soon as he joined. Ryan Kent has now been with the company for 13 years and had just undertaken his final examination at AAT level 4 with Chamber Training prior to joining the business which helped him to secure the role. He’s continued to develop since then, rising to senior client manager in outsourced services and achieved ACCA in 2020. Both Luke Girling and Sumaya Miah have trained together through Chamber Training and achieved their AAT qualification in 2024. They are both now taking their ACCA studies through Kaplan and have recently passed their taxation exam. And Madison Reynolds joined Leigh Christou in September 2023 and enrolled onto her AAT course with Chamber Training a month later. She qualified at AAT level 4 in July of this year and has gone on to study ACCA. But the company hasn’t stopped there when it comes to developing the next generation of talent for the industry as it has several trainees currently working with Chamber Training. Kurt Smith had already started his accountancy journey when he joined in November 2024 and is on target to qualify at AAT level 4 in April 2027. Liam Kettell is the company’s most recent AAT apprenticeship recruit having joined in July 2026. He had already started his AAT training with Chamber Training before he joined Leigh Christou and continues at level 3.
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
And Oliwia Bodziony joined in September 2026 and is undertaking an apprenticeship as a receptionist & admin assistant with Chamber Training and is already making very strong progress. In total, 15 members of the Leigh Christou team have been supported through Chamber Training over the years. Jackie Christou, a director at Leigh Christou, said: “We are really pleased with the support that Chamber Training has provided and put a lot of the success of our practice down to the training our team have received from them. "Apprenticeships no doubt provide a valuable route into accountancy giving our trainees both experience in the workplace along with valuable off-site training. "And we look forward to seeing more members of the team move through the ranks as we continue to support them with training and development opportunities.” Nicky Cheshire, of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training, said: “The success that Leigh Christou has seen with staff growth is all down to its ongoing commitment to training and supporting people. "I am delighted that Chamber Training has played a positive role in that success by working with so many members of the team and supporting them through several qualifications.” For more information on accountancy and business administration apprenticeship qualifications and training, go to www.cw-chambertraining.co.uk/
The latest results follow strong performance across PTP’s apprenticeship provision. For 2024/25, PTP achieved an overall apprenticeship achievement rate of 73.43 per cent, compared with a national average of 65.4 per cent with 77 per cent expected for 2025/2026. Customer Service Practitioner was one of PTP’s five highest-performing apprenticeship standards, alongside Supply Chain Warehouse Operative, Lean Manufacturing Operative, Business Administration and Learning and Development Practitioner. Rob Colbourne OBE, CEO of Performance Through People, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised as the number one Customer Service Practitioner apprenticeship provider based on the latest achievement data. “Behind every percentage is an individual learner who has worked hard to achieve their qualification, often while balancing the demands of a job and everyday life. “We are incredibly proud of every one of them. This result is also a testament to our fantastic tutors and support teams, and to the employers who invest in their people and give our apprentices the opportunity to develop their skills in the workplace.”
15
16
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Economy
Our survey says confidence is improving – but only just! Business confidence in Coventry and Warwickshire showed signs of recovery in the third quarter of the year according to a new survey with firms.
Bank of England balancing act on interest rates
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) showed that the outlook for the regional economy had improved and that businesses were more confident than three months before. The survey, which is delivered in partnership with Prime Accountants Group and measures how business owners are feeling, is analysed by the Business Intelligence Service at Warwickshire County Council and explores a range of aspects of doing business.
One of the Bank of England’s representatives in Coventry and Warwickshire has explained to businesses the factors that will decide whether interest rates rise in the coming months. Glynn Jones, the Bank’s Agent for the West Midlands and Oxfordshire, met businesses from a cross section of sectors at an event organised by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce at HCR Law’s offices in Leamington.
It includes the outlook for employment, investment, confidence, and current and future order books for both domestic and overseas sales. From the responses of businesses across the service and manufacturing sectors, it gives scores out of 100, where anything above 50 indicates growth and anything below 50 is negative. The overall economic outlook for the region in the third quarter moved from a score of 47.8 up to 50.8, meaning the local economy is forecast to see modest growth. Domestic sales in both the service sector and manufacturing have shown improvement, while overseas sales have grown for manufacturers. In the service sector, businesses reported a drop in international sales. On the employment side, both services and manufacturing are in positive territory – meaning that more jobs are expected to be created but anticipated growth in the service sector is not as strong as three months ago. In manufacturing, the employment outlook has improved dramatically. Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Our previous survey in 2026 was at a point when there was huge uncertainty due to global events and, also, growing political instability at home.
“Businesses are now ‘pricing in’ the global issues when they are planning ahead and that is probably why there is a small improvement to our economic outlook. That, alongside, what feels like a more stable Government domestically. “However, we have to understand that there are still huge barriers to growth – particularly when it comes to costs. “That is why we are pushing for the Chancellor to look at how he can cut the cost of doing business in his Budget in October.” Steve Harcourt, director of Prime Accountants Group, said: “The return to modest growth is encouraging, with the economic outlook rising to 50.8. “Manufacturing is performing particularly strongly, but weak cashflow and servicesector exports show that businesses remain under pressure. “Firms need stability and practical measures that reduce costs, encourage investment and turn improving confidence into sustainable growth.”
Todd Williams, business intelligence analyst at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Local concerns around labour costs and utilities remain significant for both the services and manufacturing sectors, with the manufacturing sector also being very concerned about raw materials. “Inflation and corporate taxation have overtaken business rates as the most significant concerns for both the services and manufacturing sectors. Local recruitment efforts are strong, with a minority now experiencing recruitment difficulties. Well over half of local manufacturing and service sector respondents continue to indicate that they are currently operating below full capacity. “The results show that the overall economic outlook index for Coventry and Warwickshire above or on par with the national trend in many ways. Local manufacturing sector sales and recruitment are particularly strong. Nevertheless, very weak local sentiments around cashflow and services sales remain a concern.”
New car production in Warwickshire will create 200 skilled jobs Pioneering British car maker Longbow is to make its hand-built, electric sports cars in the spiritual home of Britain’s automotive industry, backed by funding from Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands. Longbow is expecting to start production of its limited-edition Speedster at MIRA Tech Park, near Nuneaton, next year followed shortly afterwards by its Roadster model, creating more than 200 skilled jobs. The automotive firm’s ambition is to manufacture more than 13,000 cars a year, generating new opportunities in local supply chains with models being predominantly made from UK parts. The Mayor is backing Longbow with a £3m investment from the government-funded £50m West Midlands Supplier Readiness and Transformation Fund to accelerate the
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
region’s automotive sector into fast-growing global electric vehicle supply chains. That will be match-funded by the company itself.
Mark Tapscott, co-founder and co-CEO of Longbow, said: “Britain used to be where the world came for light, quick, beautiful sports
Glynn said the energy price shock was keeping inflation higher than its target of two per cent and that the Bank is watching out for second round effects such as higher wage growth and service sector inflation. This, he said, is challenging for monetary policy makers given the potential trade-off between wanting to bring inflation back to target but avoid aggressively adding to the pressures on already weak demand. He said: “As a Central Bank, we’re really focused on those second-round effects and how this might impact domestic inflation conditions, including wage growth, services price inflation and inflation expectations. That’s what will lead to action. “It’s a complex picture. You can’t wait until you see those effects to move rates because it will be too late. You need to act in advance of that. But that is also quite tricky, because elevated levels of inflation are impacting demand, which remains subdued. “The economy has been quite resilient but demand growth is still below its long-term trend rate. “For a longer period following the financial crisis interest rates remained very low and weren’t going anywhere but over recent years there have been a number of economic shocks and presently there are a range of domestic and global factors to consider. “There are enormous global pressures on the UK economy which we can’t insulate ourselves from. The UK economy is particularly exposed: we export a lot of both goods and services, but we also import a lot, including food. “And, reflecting on increasing global volatility, we are now embedding this into our forecast which has a central projection, but also a range of scenarios depending on how these things evolve.”
The announcement is another significant moment in the region’s proud history of car making, and a key part of the Mayor’s Growth Plan and his new Reindustrialisation Blueprint, launched at the West Midlands Growth Summit in Coventry. The Mayor said: “We’ve been building cars here in West Midlands for 130 years, so what better location for a new generation of carmakers like Longbow. They know this industry inside out and are investing here because this is quite simply the best place in the UK to build a car.”
He told the gathered firms that the UK economy had proved to be more resilient than forecasters were expecting but that the outlook remained uncertain due a range of global challenges, not least the conflict in the Middle East.
Businesses fed back to Glynn on their own performance, growth trajectory and plans to recruit and offer pay rewards. cars. Somewhere along the way, electric started to mean heavy. We think that’s wrong, and our featherweight cars with their beauty and theatre prove it.
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are very grateful to Glynn and the Bank of England for the update but also for taking on board what our businesses are saying.
“The West Midlands built the cars that earned Britain that reputation, and MIRA has some of the best facilities on the planet. With the support of the Mayor, our battery and body partners are coming with us.”
“While the Bank will look at all the data at their fingertips, they really welcome the insights from businesses on the ground. And, it’s fair to say, that it’s a real mixed picture and that’s why it is such a delicate balance when setting rates.”
17
YOUR NEXT PROPERTY MOVE STARTS BEFORE THE LISTING
What if selling your property began with understanding the process, gathering your paperwork and choosing your professional team?
Welcome to Beat The Property Agent™ Our agent-free property listings portal helps sellers prepare, list their property for free and connect directly with buyers - with access to independent mortgage brokers, surveyors and conveyancers through our Property Professional Directory.
Learn the process. Follow our step-by-step BTPA Blueprint from preparing your property information to presenting and listing your property, with guidance towards a safe completion.
Choose your support. Find independent approved professionals and decide who you want on your team.
Take control of your listing.
Prepare on both sides.
Present your property and communicate directly with interested buyers.
Our buyer readiness checklist encourages buyers to get ready before making an offer.
Are you a property professional?
Put your expertise in front of people preparing to buy or sell. Join our directory and become part of a growing network built around knowledge, choice and preparation. No referral fees. No kick-backs and no pay to play arrangements.
Free* lifetime subscription to all of our early founding professionals. *Seller listing fees and annual professional subscriptions will follow. BTPA will NEVER charge referral fees.
The modern way to sell your property Explore today and join the movement
www.beatthepropertyagent.com
Preparation before promotion. Preparation before purchase.
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Visitor Economy
Record-breaking impact as Coventry’s visitor economy hits £1 billion Coventry’s visitor economy has smashed through the £1 billion mark for the first time. New data shows that 12.6 million people visited the city in 2025, generating a record impact of £1.009 billion for the local economy. The figures, using the trusted STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Measure) Economic Impact Model, show that visitor numbers were up 6.5 per cent compared to the previous year and that that value to the economy jumped by 9.3 per cent. Passing £1 billion is a landmark itself but is also evidence that the visitor economy has doubled since 2016 with major events, cultural experiences, sport and leisure proving to be a major pull to the city, providing a platform for further growth. It also has a positive impact on employment, by supporting 8,330 full-time employees in 2025, up 2.6 per cent on the previous year, representing a second consecutive year of employment growth. Gigs by Tom Grennan, Bob Dylan and Ed Sheeran through to Coventry City’s improving attendances impacted the figures as well as events such as the Kabbadi World Cup coming to the city. The region has also seen a dramatic improvement with the conference and events business sector with many venues reporting a year of growth in revenues and delegate numbers demonstrating Coventry’s strength in this area.
“Now, our opportunity is to build on that momentum, attracting more visitors, encouraging them to stay longer, creating more reasons to return and unlocking even greater value for our businesses and communities. “The next chapter is about turning this momentum into sustained, ambitious growth. With major events, a growing profile and an increasingly compelling visitor proposition, Coventry has a real opportunity to establish itself even more firmly on the national and international stage. “This £1 billion milestone belongs to everyone who has helped get us here and together, we can use it to propel the city towards an even more successful future.” Day visitors continued to provide the greatest volume, accounting for 11.1 million visits, while overnight visitors represented 12 per cent of all visits. Overnight visitors, however, generated 39 per cent of the total economic impact, highlighting the significant opportunity to encourage more visitors to stay in the city. There was particularly strong growth in non-serviced accommodation, with visitor numbers increasing by 14.3 per cent to 229,000 and economic impact rising to £80 million. Meanwhile, serviced accommodation – including hotels – generated £177 million in economic impact.
Paul McMahon, managing director of Destination Coventry – the city’s destination management organisation (DMO), said: “Reaching more than £1 billion in economic impact is a hugely significant milestone for Coventry, but what makes this achievement particularly powerful is the journey behind it.
Food and drink accounted for 33 per cent of spend, while shopping was worth 29 per cent. Recreation was worth 11 per cent.
“This is the result of the ambition, resilience and collaboration of our visitor economy, from our hotels, attractions, venues, restaurants and cultural organisations to our event organisers, businesses, partners and communities who collectively bring Coventry to life.
“With Coventry City FC securing promotion to the Premier League at the end of the 2025/26 season, the city is also entering a new period of opportunity, with the increased national profile and potential visitor demand providing further scope for the visitor economy to grow.
“We should be proud of how far we have come, but we should also see this as a starting point, not a finish line. The growth in visitors, employment and economic value demonstrates the strength of Coventry’s offer and the appetite for what our city has to give.
“The latest results demonstrate both the progress already made and the opportunities still ahead, particularly in increasing overnight stays and supporting the development of accommodation capacity to meet future demand.
Paul Michael, chair of Destination Coventry, said: “On nearly every measurement, we are performing extremely well compared to the wider region.
“As Coventry looks towards its next chapter, continued collaboration across the visitor economy will be central to converting the city’s growing profile into sustained economic benefit.” Lynnette Kelly, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, said: “These figures demonstrate the vital role the visitor economy plays in supporting businesses, jobs and communities across Coventry. “Reaching this milestone reflects the strength and diversity of what the city has to offer, with our attractions, events, hospitality and cultural experiences all contributing to a thriving visitor economy. “The continued growth in employment is particularly encouraging and shows that the benefits of attracting visitors are being felt beyond the headline economic figures. “As we look ahead, there is a real opportunity to build on this success, ensuring Coventry continues to develop as a welcoming and vibrant destination while creating further opportunities for local businesses and communities to benefit from future growth.”
Europe’s destination marketing experts hold regional summit Creating a place that attracts more visitors goes hand-in-hand with improving it for residents and businesses, a major conference has heard.
thriving visitor economy also has a positive impact on people who live and work in these areas.” The summit closed with the EMEA Summit Awards 2026, hosted by well-known travel broadcaster and journalist, Simon Calder, which recognised innovation and impact across the sector over the last year including Best Integrated Destination Marketing Campaign, Sustainable Destination of the Year and Collaboration and Impact Awards.
Destination marketing and visitor economy professionals from across the continent gathered at the 2026 Destinations EMEA Summit, organised by Granicus Destination, at Coombe Abbey in Warwickshire. The three-day event included workshops, networking sessions and the annual EMEA Summit Awards.
Previous summits had been spread across several city centre venues, but this was the first time the event had come to the Midlands and the first time it had been hosted entirely at one site.
Paul McMahon, the managing director of Destination Coventry, joined Julie Nugent, chief executive of Coventry City Council, and Becky Frall, head of tourism at the West Midlands Growth Company, on a panel hosted by Tina Veater, of Granicus. The panel looked at creating places that people want to visit, live and work, exploring how boosting visitor numbers can have a positive knock-on effect for residents, businesses and inward investment. Coventry recently announced it had surpassed £1 billion economic impact in 2025 and that jobs connected to the sector had grown too. Paul said: “Destinations should be created first for the benefit of residents, and residents need to feel like they are part of the process. “If local people have more pride in their local area and can see that it’s improving, they become greater ambassadors and see the benefits of attracting more visitors.
“So, when residents feel a direct, personal benefit from the visitor economy, their experience and perception of it changes.” Julie said: “Our councillors are rightly focused on what matters most to residents – clean streets, well-run services and neighbourhoods where people feel safe – because those things shape how people feel about where they live every day.
“There are practical examples too. We are seeking to work with a local college that has developed its work around hospitality.
“They have also been clear that pride in Coventry goes beyond that. When we reviewed our work, we found we were running a large number of separate strategies: our work with Destination Coventry, heritage, culture, sport and youth participation.
“Local people can train locally, gain experience and connect directly with employment through our sector associations, including the business-events sector and hotel general managers. So, that’s real jobs and opportunities for young people.
“In reality, those strategies are all working towards the same thing our politicians want for the city – to attract more visitors, improve the place, encourage people to stay longer and help residents feel good about Coventry.”
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Becky said West Midlands Growth Company has been gathering data to reinforce this sentiment. She explained: “Anecdotal evidence is not enough – we need a dataset that demonstrates a tangible, positive connection between visitor and resident experiences. “This year, for the first time, we spoke to residents across the region to understand how they feel about tourism in their local area. The results were striking and revealed that residents in destinations with higher visitor volumes had the most positive opinions, citing the range of benefits they’ve experienced as a direct result of tourism. “This includes job creation, investment in infrastructure, having more cultural events to enjoy, and the wider economic impact – things which not only make a place more attractive to visitors, but more vibrant for its residents. These results provide us with clear evidence of how a
Tracy Ryan, senior director of segment marketing at Granicus, said: “Coventry and Warwickshire made a strong impression on people, many of whom were visiting the region for the first time, and conversations carried on from the sessions into dinner and beyond, which is exactly what we hoped for, with countless valuable discussions and new connections made across the three days.” Founded in 1150 as a Cistercian monastery, Coombe Abbey Hotel sits within 500 acres of Warwickshire countryside, with gardens designed by Capability Brown. The abbey was converted into a hotel in 1995 and is known for its medieval banquets, afternoon tea and weddings, as well as for its conferences and events. Jo Billings, business development manager at No Ordinary Hospitality, which operates Coombe Abbey Hotel, said: “We’ve been working with Granicus Destinations for several months to plan this, so it was great to see it all come together. “Hosting the people who promote destinations for a living is a real test for any venue, and our team rose to it.”
19
Profile: Sandra Godley OBE When an eight-year-old Sandra Godley boarded a boat to Jamaica, there was no way of knowing that, decades later, she would go on to receive an OBE at Windsor Castle and become the first Black woman to become president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. In truth, the only thing on a young Sandra’s mind was acclimatising to a new way of life having been brought up in Bristol. Her parents had come to the UK as part of the Windrush generation, and she had enjoyed growing up in a cosmopolitan city. But, when her father lost his job as a bus driver, it was decided that the family would return ‘home’ to Jamaica. Sandra’s mum told her it was simply a new adventure but there was no denying it was a life-changing moment. “My parents said it was time to return to Jamaica,” she said. “For us (Sandra and her brother, Andrew), leaving school and travelling to this incredible country was a huge change. “We sailed to Jamaica on a ship called the Begona. The journey took around two weeks, and there were lots of other families returning too. At that age, it felt like one big adventure. “Arriving in Jamaica was a shock to the senses – the heat, the sound of crickets, the trees and all the other unfamiliar noises. “We arrived at night and had to walk to a relative’s house. Compared with the home we had left in Bristol, it was very basic – a zinc roof and a few cement blocks.” However, it wouldn’t be long before the family headed back to the UK. “It didn’t work out as my parents hoped,” said Sandra. “They found it difficult to reintegrate. Some people saw them as foreigners who had left and come back with money. They were accepted, but not always warmly welcomed. “We stayed for about two and a half years. My brother and I adapted to a completely different way of life. Some relatives had no electricity, houses were lit by candlelight and toilets were outside. Even at nine or ten, I knew it was very different, but it was simply how everyone around us lived.” The next stop for the family was Derby where they lived, at first, with Sandra’s auntie before finding their own home.
The journey of a president Sandra Godley OBE has had a passion for people her whole life and that, coupled with a commitment to creativity and community, made her the perfect choice as president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. C&W in Business caught up with her to find out all of the roads – and seas – that led to her historic appointment. 20
It was here that Sandra went through her teenage years, but she did her real growing up when her parents decided to go back to Jamaica again. At 19, she was ready to stay in the UK where she had just started a job with Derby City Council and bought the family house from her father. Sandra had always had a passion for people and her role in housing repairs suited her down to the ground. From leaking pipes to broken heating, she would make sure council house tenants’ issues were sorted and was so highly regarded that she was encouraged to apply for her boss’s job when he retired. “I got it!” she said. “Suddenly I was one of the youngest managers, responsible for a large housing stock. It felt wild, but I loved working out systems and making processes run smoothly. “I worked with the IT team to improve how repairs were reported, scheduled and issued to the workforce. We looked at efficiency, cost savings and how to help tenants explain what was actually wrong. www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Profile: Sandra Godley OBE “I became particularly passionate about helping women who were in housing crisis. Women experiencing abuse or homelessness. I would go the extra mile to find out what could be done. “I remember a woman coming into the housing office at five minutes to five on a Friday – the end of the shift. She looked to be in her fifties, had grey hair and carried one plastic shopping bag. “She told me she had left her husband after waiting until her children had gone to university. She had endured years of abuse for what she believed was the sake of her children, and that one bag was all she had. “I found her a place in a women’s refuge, but her story went far beyond completing an application form. It really touched me. Behind every face there is a story, and whatever I can do to help, I will.” She worked for Derby City Council for a decade and, when she left, she stayed in housing, moving onto roles with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Housing. Music – which had become so ingrained in her while she lived in Jamaica – was starting to become a real passion outside of work, as was the church. Sandra started singing at festivals, in pubs and clubs and was putting on productions with the local church. One show – performed for a nearby prison – led to her meeting her husband, Paul, and the couple, who would go on to have two children together, settled in Coventry where Sandra landed a job at Coventry Cathedral.
“When my local shows ended in a restructure, it was a significant loss, but I had other community projects and broadcasting opportunities. I still contribute to BBC Radio 4’s Daily Service, researching and recording 15-minute programmes. I love that work.”
“My mother was beside herself with pride. She was too unwell to attend, but she shared the news with everyone in her town in Jamaica and was able to watch the film afterwards. To think of the journey from that little zinc house in Jamaica to Windsor Castle was extraordinary.”
She was working under Justin Welby – who would go on to be the Archbishop of Canterbury – in a new role to help generate income to sustain the landmark building.
In 2023, a letter arrived that would change her life once again – and one that gave her mum some serious bragging rights back in Jamaica!
“I loved it,” said Sandra. “But introducing a stronger business agenda into such a traditional environment was not easy to begin with.
“I got home one day and a letter was there in a large official envelope,” she said. “I was on my own and, as I opened it, I could see the crest at the top. When I realised it was offering me an OBE, I gasped. I checked the watermark because I genuinely thought it might be a joke!
A year ago, Sandra became the president of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and has spent the past 12 months visiting businesses, speaking to schools, colleges and universities, championing charities, and inspiring everyone she meets with that same passion for people and creativity.
“I respected the Cathedral as a beautiful, spiritual place, but I also believed it needed to earn its keep and serve the community. “At times, there was resistance to opening up the building, even for tours. Justin was absolutely clear that this was a space for the community. ‘Open the doors,’ he would say and that gave me the confidence to keep going. “We brought in award ceremonies, university graduations, exhibitions, theatre, choirs, film productions and even the Antiques Roadshow. Each time, the approach was: say yes, then work out how to make it happen safely and respectfully. “The secret was imagination and bringing people with you.” As busy as the role was, Sandra continued to find time for singing – enjoying both recording and live performance success. She went on to land an award that was sponsored by the BBC locally, which saw her become a regular radio guest. She found a new passion for broadcast and helped set up Radio Plus in the city before being given her own show on BBC CWR. “I had broadcasting training, strong community links and a local profile, so the pieces finally came together,” said Sandra. “I presented a Monday evening show and a Sunday breakfast show and stayed for eight years. “It taught me that you can work hard for something that does not arrive when you expect it to, while other opportunities quietly prepare you for it. www.cw-chamber.co.uk
“I can’t believe how quickly the first year has gone,” she said. “I’ve loved getting to know what the Chamber is all about and the incredible work the team do.
“I had not been expecting it at all. Working for the BBC, I was used to hearing in advance about people receiving honours, but nobody had mentioned my name. Even the BBC could not initially find a record, which made the whole thing feel even more unreal.
“Receiving the honour was definitely one of the reasons behind me taking on the role.
“The investiture at Windsor Castle was a dream. My husband and our two children were with me, and Her Royal Highness Princess Anne presented the honour. She was warm, friendly and knowledgeable about Coventry. In that moment, I had to remind myself to stay present and take it all in.
“For me, the OBE was not an ending. It was a new beginning and a commitment to help communities grow and thrive. That is the vision I share with the Chamber – to champion business, unlock opportunity and build a more inclusive, ambitious and prosperous future for Coventry and Warwickshire.”
“It is not something to admire on the mantelpiece. At the service of dedication, the message was clear – that this is about giving back.
Profile: Sandra Godley OBE Born: Lives: Married: Children: Hobbies:
Bristol Coventry Yes Eliot & Francesca Singing, songwriting, baking, walking Favourite Book: AI for Dummies! Favourite Film: Cheaper by the Dozen Last Holiday: Nashville Favourite Gadget: Auto tuner for my guitar 21
News
Regional businesses can look overseas to help them grow Looking to grow your business internationally? As part of ITW 2026, the Export Support Hub, delivered by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) in partnership with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST), will connect UK businesses with experienced trade experts through free, pre-booked one-toone meetings designed to help businesses start, grow and succeed in international markets. Whether you're new to exporting, planning to enter new markets or looking to overcome international trade challenges, the Export Support Hub provides tailored advice, practical guidance and valuable insights to help you succeed overseas. As part of ITW's extensive programme of events, workshops and networking opportunities, the Hub offers a simple and accessible way to access expert support and accelerate your global growth ambitions. Appointments are free, but places are limited. Register today and book your one-to-one meetings at: www.b2match.com/e/business-advice-clinics
Trade expert gives advice on the global stage An expert on international trade based in Coventry and Warwickshire has been speaking on the global stage about new regulations that could catch firms out if they don’t make the necessary preparations. Tim Cooper-Cocks, an international trade adviser at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, was a guest speaker on a webinar alongside other European experts on the topic. The webinar was organised by Metrikflow, a platform supporting companies with sustainability and compliance management. Speaking to an audience of firms from across the UK and Europe, Tim described the potential pitfalls for companies when it comes to the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). PPWR covers almost all packaging and packaging waste placed on the EU market, including goods imported from the UK. It includes everything from keeping packaging to a minimum through to recyclability and traceability. Tim said responsibility for compliance did not stop with the packaging manufacturer. He told the audience: “The central point is that the physical product and the compliance evidence must travel together. “A product can arrive on time, but if the importer cannot demonstrate that its packaging is compliant, the supply chain has not completed its job.
responsibility may sit with the EU importer, that importer will depend on information supplied by the exporter, the packaging manufacturer and other upstream suppliers. “The question is not simply who is legally responsible, but who holds the evidence needed by the responsible party. If that information cannot move through the supply chain, the importer may be unable to demonstrate compliance, even when the packaging itself is technically compliant. “I see five main cross-border challenges: fragmented information; the complexity of packaging components; supplier readiness; version control; and operating across several European markets. “PPWR cannot be managed solely by the packaging or sustainability team. It involves procurement, product development, compliance, logistics, sales, finance and international trade. “The greatest risk may not be that a business has done nothing, but that several departments have each done something and nobody has checked whether those activities form one complete, auditable process. “My recommendation is to take six practical steps: establish ownership, map product and packaging flows, create a packaging inventory, carry out a data-gap assessment, engage suppliers now, and build the information into existing systems and controls.
“Responsibility does not stop with the packaging manufacturer. Different economic operators have different duties depending on their position in the supply chain and how the product is placed on the European market.
“It should not become another isolated spreadsheet that nobody trusts. The practical test is whether the business can identify the packaging used for a product, trace it to the relevant suppliers and retrieve the supporting evidence promptly.
“For UK and other non-EU exporters, the practical implication is clear: although legal
“Do not necessarily begin with the software, and do not wait for perfect
regulatory certainty. Begin by establishing ownership, mapping the packaging and asking suppliers for evidence. Technology becomes valuable once the business understands what it needs to control.” PPWR is one of a raft of new pieces of legislation affecting firms when it comes to compliance which has led to Tim creating a new health check for Coventry and Warwickshire companies to see where they might need advice and support. The free healthcheck can be accessed here: International Trade Health Check https://forms.cloud.microsoft/ Pages/ResponsePage. aspx?id=IZJG40trckyUUyLF7u69Q-bI4Ov6RdKg0FK-l2wR5hUMkVDWTBLTzJQOVo1 NVZWQlQ0NTRIRDJTVy4u
Personal guarantees on commercial leases Signing a commercial lease through a limited company does not necessarily protect a director’s personal finances. If you give a personal guarantee, the landlord may be able to pursue you if the company defaults. Askews Legal LLP explains the risks and the terms to consider before signing.
Understanding your personal commitment A personal guarantee is a legally binding promise to meet specified obligations if the tenant company fails to do so. The company remains a separate legal entity, but limited liability will not shield you from the obligations covered by that promise. Do not assume the landlord must exhaust every remedy against the company first. A guarantee is normally a secondary obligation dependent on the tenant’s default. An accompanying indemnity may impose a separate primary obligation on you.
Liability beyond unpaid rent Many guarantees cover all tenant covenants. Depending on the agreement, your exposure may include rent arrears, default interest, applicable VAT, service charges, insurance rent, repair or reinstatement liabilities, dilapidations, damages for
22
other breaches and recoverable legal or professional costs. Under a full repairing lease, the tenant may have to repair premises even if they were in poor condition at the outset. A properly negotiated schedule of condition can help limit that obligation if incorporated effectively into the lease. If the guarantee covers the repairing covenant, the resulting exposure can become personal.
Insolvency and leaving the company Do not assume your guarantee ends if the company enters liquidation. A liquidator may disclaim an onerous lease, but the guarantee may continue to expose you to liability. Some clauses allow the landlord to require the guarantor to take a new lease for the remaining term. Others provide for a payment calculated on the landlord’s loss. Resigning as a director does not, by itself, cancel an existing guarantee. You may remain liable unless the document contains an effective release provision or the landlord agrees to a release. Where guarantors are jointly and severally liable, the landlord may pursue one for the whole recoverable sum. A contribution claim against the others does not assure recovery.
Negotiating protection
Address security arrangements in the heads of terms. Consider seeking: • A fixed financial cap or a limit based on an agreed number of months’ rent. • A restriction to defined payment obligations. • An expiry date or objective release conditions. • Release on assignment or surrender, and an end to future liability following a permitted break, subject to accrued claims. • Protection against liability being enlarged by later variations without your consent. • A clear limit on enforcement costs and interest. Each concession must be tested against the whole contract. A cap may exclude interest or costs, leaving those amounts uncapped. The lease also needs reviewing because the guarantee usually adopts obligations defined elsewhere. Never assume a later lease variation automatically ends your exposure.
Considering alternatives A landlord may accept a rent deposit, bank guarantee or suitable parent-company support. A deposit ties up business cash, and
its terms should address withdrawals, top-up obligations and repayment. A shorter lease or earlier break right may also reduce the risk period. Before signing, establish what triggers liability, the maximum amount that may be claimed and when the guarantee ends. For advice about a commercial lease guarantee, contact Askews Legal LLP on 02476 231000 or request a callback. This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Advice should be obtained on the particular documents and circumstances.
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Business Support
Chamber continues to deliver Warwickshire support programme Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a contract extension to deliver support for businesses in Warwickshire to help them to grow.
and practical business support. To access the programme, businesses must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being registered as a business for over two years.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is delivering the Business Resilience & Growth Programme on behalf of Warwickshire County Council. This forms part of the Warwickshire Business Growth Service, which is funded by Warwickshire County Council and UK Government.
Sarah Humphreys, business advisory and growth manager, will lead the programme at the Chamber.
The 18-month programme will help established companies with support including one-to-one advice alongside online group coaching workshops, open to businesses looking at a range of ways to achieve growth, from responding to new opportunities to entering new markets. It can also help businesses considering changing their product range or simply wanting to change their way of working. It can advise on increasing productivity, business strategy and processes. The Business Resilience and Growth Programme supports established businesses to adapt and grow by offering free, impartial
She said: “We are delighted to be working with Warwickshire County Council on the delivery of this very important programme to support businesses across the county to grow. “Whether its sales and marketing, business planning or strategy, we want to give businesses the tools and expertise that will help them to boost growth and the bottom line. “Support such is this is a great way of local companies being able to identify new opportunities and, most importantly, make the most of them with the help of our expert advisers.” Councillor Rob Howard, Portfolio Holder for Economy and Rural Development at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Supporting businesses to grow and thrive
is a key priority for Warwickshire County Council. We are pleased to continue working with the Chamber of Commerce on the delivery of the Business Resilience and Growth Programme, which provides valuable
support for our established businesses, helping them to diversify, develop and grow. This support enables businesses to build resilience, embrace new opportunities and contribute to our local economy.”
For more information, go to https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/resources/business-resilience-and-growth/ To find out about other support available via the Warwickshire Business Growth Service, visit business.warwickshire.gov.uk
Boost for Warwickshire businesses as support programmes extended until 2028 Warwickshire businesses will continue to benefit from specialist support following the extended funding for three key business support programmes until March 2028.
Time to gain some
Clarity of Mind
The extension secures continued delivery of the Business Resilience and Growth programme, Business Ready and the Manufacturing Growth Programme, which form part of the wider Warwickshire Business Growth Service's offer to businesses across the county. Funded by Warwickshire County Council, the programmes provide tailored support to help businesses to grow, innovate and improve productivity, supporting the continued strength and resilience of Warwickshire's economy and safeguard jobs at risk of being lost. Delivered by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, the Business Resilience and Growth programme is available to established businesses that meet the eligibility conditions and have been trading for more than two years. It offers one-to-one support and workshops designed to help businesses overcome challenges, build resilience and achieve sustainable growth. Delivered by University of Warwick Science Park, Business Ready supports innovation-led businesses looking to scale and develop. Businesses can access expert advice and mentoring to help secure finance, enter new markets and build the skills and knowledge needed for growth. Delivered by Oxford Innovation Advice, the Manufacturing Growth Programme is specifically designed for manufacturing businesses, providing support to improve
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Tired of the same old Team Building Workshops?
productivity, adopt new technologies and access finance. Councillor Rob Howard, Portfolio Holder for Economy and Rural Development at Warwickshire County Council, said:"Businesses are at the heart of Warwickshire's economy, creating jobs, driving innovation and helping our communities prosper. By extending funding for these specialist support programmes, we are ensuring that businesses across the county can continue to access expert advice and tailored support to help them grow, improve productivity and unlock new opportunities. "Through the Warwickshire Business Growth Service, we are committed to helping businesses at every stage of their journey, from scaling companies to established manufacturers. I encourage any business looking to take the next step to explore the support available and see how it could benefit their organisation." To find out more about the range of support available for Warwickshire's businesses, including finding out if your business is eligible to access the specialist support visit https://business.warwickshire.gov.uk/
In person workshops combining teaching strengths development, team collaboration and lateral thinking with the fun of playing Dungeons & Dragons Tailored Games Easy to play Fun, focused, in person learning
What is Dungeons & Dragons?
www.clarity-of-mind.co.uk michelle@clarity-of-mind.co.uk 07920445356
23
News
What is holding back construction?
‘The Chamber is always there for me’ The man behind a Coventry-based health business says the team from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce are ‘always there when he needs them’ as his practice continues to grow. Dr Ravi Gowda is a consultant physician in infectious diseases and set up Health Klinix in 2013 because he wanted to help people before they became ill by identifying risks earlier and support prevention rather than cure. The business’s purpose now is to help people live ‘fitter, stronger and healthier lives’ by helping them to take greater control of their health. The clinic provides travel health services, vaccinations, well-person checks, cardiovascular risk assessments and preventive health education. Its checks have identified conditions including anaemia, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. It even spotted the early signs of cancer in a patient, which led to life-saving treatment. Ravi said he reached out to the Chamber when he started the business and that it helped to get the clinic off the ground. He added that its support in a range of areas has also proved invaluable. He said: “I wanted to start something that didn’t wait for people to get ill to start treating them but actually helps them to stay healthy in the first place. “I contacted the Chamber and straightaway they helped us to obtain a grant for equipment in our early years and I also received business mentoring shortly after launching. “As we grew, the Chamber also arranged several hours of specialist marketing support to help steer the branding and website project which has helped us to present ourselves in a clearer way to clients and potential clients. “But we’ve also had use of some other services when we needed someone to turn to for help. I had to use the legal helpline to support me with a staffing issue and they could not have been more supportive at a really difficult time. “When Covid hit, the Chamber helped us access grant-funding which helped to keep us going through that time. They have always been there when I need them.” He continues to attend a range of events and forums to meet like-minded businesspeople in the region. “I would definitely attribute some of our growth to the help we’ve had from the Chamber,” said Ravi. Sam Hollands, membership sales adviser at the Chamber, said: “Ravi and Health Klinix have maximised their membership over the years by ensuring they make full use of our range of services to help them grow. “It’s great to see them continuing to do such fantastic work for their clients and we’re really pleased to have been that helping hand along the way.”
26
The construction industry has got to stop driving down prices and passing on risk in order for the whole sector to thrive. That was one of the key takeaways from a roundtable event jointly hosted by Azets accountants and HCR Law at the Coventry Telegraph Hotel. Around a dozen representatives from across the supply chain as well as from Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce attended the private event to help identify the issues holding back growth in the sector. As well as the ‘race to the bottom’ on prices, a range of other issues including the skills shortage, weak confidence, planning, rising costs, increasing red tape and contractual risk were all raised by businesses. Paul Fenner, a partner at Azets – a national firm with an office in Coventry, said the level of conversation meant some serious issues had been discussed. He added that the group was keen to meet again to home in on individual topics. Paul said: “We were thrilled with the response and also the openness and honesty of everyone in the room. It meant we could really get to the heart of some of the big issues. “Construction has a huge role to play when it comes to the economic growth in this country but it’s only by identifying the issues and looking to tackle them head on that we can really start to see the sector thrive. “There are number of supply chain pressures and wafer-thin margins. It only needs one company to go bust, in some cases, and it is like a house of cards.
“We’ve got issues around late payments and around those in procurement in the public and private sector issuing contracts based on price over and above anything else. They are then looking to pass on the risk down the supply chain. “It is little wonder, therefore, that the industry is suffering from a lack of confidence. “But, with a little bit of common sense around some of these issues there is actually a huge opportunity for growth in construction if we can break down some of these barriers to growth.” Michael Hiscock, partner at HCR Law, said the event had highlighted why construction is yet to see an upturn in confidence. He said: “I’ve been a construction lawyer for nearly 25 years, and one of the things I always want to do is listen to clients, contacts and people in the industry – to get out from behind my desk and hear about the real-life challenges facing the sector. “Some of the issues are legal, some are financial, but all of them are practical difficulties facing the sector.
“There are various changes in law coming through over the next two or three years that are going to fundamentally change the way we enter into agreements with each other. “The conversations I have are often about identifying the risk, deciding who is best placed to carry it and asking whether it should be a risk in that particular contract at all. “The right person needs to be pricing the right risk and they need to ensure that it is balanced. We all want to get the sector growing and that’s about overcoming some of these barriers.” Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, added: “I am incredibly grateful to Azets and HCR Law for staging this event and for inviting us along. “It’s rare to get so many experts in a room and to hear the issues thrashed out in such an honest and open way. It gave me plenty to take away to include in our campaigning work and I look forward to the next event.”
Redundancy settlement agreement guide Receiving a settlement agreement when your job is at risk can add to the uncertainty of redundancy. Before deciding, you need to understand what you will receive and the rights you will agree to waive. Askews Legal LLP explains the key points for employees in England and Wales.
What is a settlement agreement? A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract between an employer and an employee. It sets out the terms of their departure, with the employee relinquishing the right to bring specified claims in exchange for financial or non-financial benefits. A settlement agreement becomes binding only if it meets the statutory conditions. Under section 203 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, it must be in writing and relate to particular proceedings. You must receive advice from a relevant independent adviser who is named in the document and appropriately insured. The agreement must state that the statutory conditions have been met. Employers commonly contribute towards the cost of that advice, although no law requires this.
Do you have to sign? The process is voluntary. You can decline the offer, ask for more time or propose different terms. If agreement cannot be reached, the redundancy process may continue, and your employer must still meet its legal obligations under redundancy law.
Once you sign a valid settlement agreement, you will usually lose the right to bring the employment claims identified in it. Your Employment Law Solicitor can explain which claims are being settled and any claims preserved under the agreement.
Checking the payment and terms Separate your existing entitlements from the extra payment offered for settling claims. Existing entitlements can include salary, approved expenses, accrued holiday pay and notice pay. Statutory redundancy pay or a higher contractual payment may also be due. Ask for a breakdown showing each calculation and payment date. The £30,000 exemption does not apply to every payment under a settlement agreement. Salary, holiday pay, notice pay and bonuses remain taxable. Statutory redundancy pay and qualifying severance payments share the exemption. Check any continuing obligations, including confidentiality clauses and restrictions on future employment. A confidentiality clause cannot prevent protected whistleblowing or stop you reporting a crime to the police.
Negotiating and taking advice You can make a counteroffer before signing. Negotiations can cover payment, an agreed reference, departure announcements and narrower confidentiality obligations or post-employment restrictions. There is no fixed formula for extra compensation. The appropriate figure depends on your possible
claims and their likely value, together with any financial loss while you look for work. Acas guidance generally allows at least 10 calendar days to consider the proposed formal written terms and obtain independent advice, unless the parties agree otherwise. Settlement discussions do not stop employment tribunal time limits running by themselves.
Before signing Send your solicitor the draft agreement, employment contract, redundancy correspondence and payment calculations. Explain any concerns about consultation or selection, or treatment that could support another claim. Before signing, ensure you understand the waiver, payment arrangements and continuing restrictions.
How Askews Legal LLP can help Our employment law team can review your settlement agreement, compare the payment with your existing entitlements and identify possible claims before discussing amendments. For advice on a settlement agreement following redundancy visit: askewslegal.co
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Bridging the Skills Gap How Balfour Beatty and Galliford Try are Shaping Warwickshire’s Talent Pipeline with WCG T Levels Across Coventry and Warwickshire, businesses face a shared challenge: securing work-ready, technically proficient talent to support regional growth. As local development expands, the bridge between education and industry has never been more vital. At the forefront of addressing this demand is WCG (Warwickshire College Group). Through its pioneering T Level pathways - delivered out of hubs like Royal Leamington Spa College - WCG unites ambitious young adults with corporate industry leaders to cultivate the next generation of professional talent. Highlighting the impact of these qualifications, infrastructure leaders Balfour Beatty Living Places and Galliford Try have hosted technical placements for WCG students, demonstrating how regional employers tap into high-value talent while creating lasting social value across the West Midlands. T Levels are rigorous two-year technical qualifications for 16-to-19-year-olds, designed alongside employers as modern alternatives to A Levels. Equivalent to three A Levels, they combine structured classroom instruction with a workplace placement lasting at least 315 hours (roughly 45 days). Unlike brief workshadowing schemes, T Level placements embed students directly inside live commercial operations to master industry-standard workflows and gain real-world experience long before graduation. For employers, these placements provide early access to motivated talent trained in current software and regulatory frameworks, offering a flexible mechanism to evaluate prospective apprentices ahead of formal recruitment. This practical power is clear at Balfour Beatty Living Places, where Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction students Jake Ingram and Joe Marlin completed placement hours
across project management, commercial, and operational delivery teams. The duo participated in live site visits, safety meetings, and costing processes, alongside receiving active mentoring in essential professional competencies. Meanwhile, regional building giant Galliford Try has expanded its involvement by hosting four WCG placement students across commercial, quantity surveying, and site management pathways.
key measure of success for this “Acontract is the positive impact
it creates for local people and communities. By supporting young people into employment, training, and career opportunities, we are delivering meaningful social value while helping to build the skilled workforce of the future.
”
Andy Whitmill, Contract Director, Balfour Beatty Living Places
caliber of students coming “The through WCG’s T Level pathways
has been outstanding. Building strong partnerships with leaders like Balfour Beatty and Galliford Try allows us to bridge the gap between classroom learning and commercial demand, actively addressing the regional skills shortage.
”
Liam Evans, Director of Employer and Strategic Partnerships at WCG
placement has allowed our “This students to apply classroom learning in a professional environment while building vital skills like teamwork, communication, and confidence. We look forward to expanding this programme as the academic year progresses.
”
Louise Hugill, Industry Placement Coordinator at WCG
For Chamber of Commerce members across construction, engineering, digital technology, health, and business services, hosting WCG T Level students delivers significant commercial benefits: • Early Talent Pipeline: Onboard and evaluate high-potential junior talent before committing to full-time roles, significantly reducing recruitment risks. • Fresh Skills & Perspectives: Gain support from digital-native students trained in modern industry software and current standards. • Staff Development: Offer internal staff structured opportunities to develop their mentoring and management capabilities. • Social Value & CSR: Deliver measurable community impact and fulfill regional social value commitments. Partnering with WCG is designed to be seamless, with WCG handling candidate matching, administrative setup, and health and safety vetting.
To strengthen your talent pipeline, contact the WCG Employer Engagement Team at employers@wcg.ac.uk or 0330 135 6950, or visit wcg.ac.uk/cw-employers
Education and Skills Weightmans mark ten years of its pioneering Leadership Academy Law firm Weightmans is celebrating ten years of its Leadership Academy, helping build its leaders of today, and the leaders of tomorrow. Launched in 2016, the academy has grown considerably and aims to develop and empower emerging leaders within the firm with the skills and insights needed to navigate and succeed in business. Over the last decade over 600 of Weightmans’ people from across all areas of the firm have come through or are currently enrolled in one of the academy’s various programmes, including some of the firm’s most senior leaders. The academy is expected to evolve and expand in the coming year with new programmes to further empowering the next generation of leaders. Helen Taylor, HR director, said: "The Leadership Academy reflects our belief that great leadership is not defined by job title, but by a commitment to continuous learning, growth and making a positive impact on those around us. “Whether someone is at the very beginning of their career or preparing for one of the firm's most senior leadership roles, we want to equip them with the confidence, skills and opportunities to succeed. “Seeing colleagues grow, develop and go on to achieve things they may never have thought possible is incredibly rewarding, and the Leadership Academy plays a vital role in helping us build the next generation of leaders for Weightmans." Caley Collins, principal associate and currently in the academy, said: “It says a lot about the firm that, for ten years, it has continued to invest in this programme, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it. I am really looking forward to seeing what the remainder of the course brings.” The Leadership Academy offers several programmes based on where an individual is on their career path, allowing participants to cultivate essential leadership skills, unlock potential and drive impactful change to achieve high performance. Some of the programmes are also tailored and delivered in collaboration with Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education.
Solar installation makes savings for Coventry College Coventry College welcomed Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and Councillor Dr Lynnette Kelly, to unveil a plaque celebrating the successful completion of a major renewable energy project. The visit marked a significant milestone for the Mayoral Renewables Fund Solar PV programme, which has seen solar panels installed across Coventry College and Sidney Stringer Academy, funded by central government and delivered by the Strategic Energy Partnership between E.ON and Coventry City Council. The programme represents a total investment of £825,000, including £700,000 of Mayoral Renewables Fund grant funding and £125,000 in match funding from Coventry College and Sidney Stringer Multi Academy Trust. Across the four educational buildings involved in the project, 1,643 solar panels have now been installed, delivering a combined capacity of 755 kWp. This exceeded the programme’s original target of approximately 650 kWp by around 16 per cent. At Coventry College alone, 1,000 solar panels have been installed across the North and South Buildings, providing a combined capacity of 460 kWp and an expected annual generation of more than 414,000 kWh of renewable electricity. Between March and August 2026,
Level 3 Professional Patisserie students Raj Raval from Coventry, Charlotte Lawton from Kilsby, (Sky) Ka yan Shiu from Houlton, and Anna Willetts from Lutterworth represented the college, showcasing their culinary talent, practical food skills, and professional confidence to strong local crowds. The students led two demonstrations tailored to modern consumer interests including ‘Budget-Friendly Cooking’ which
28
The college has also previously secured funding to deliver solar photovoltaic skills bootcamps, supporting local residents and businesses to develop the skills needed to meet growing demand for solar installation and other areas of the green economy. Carol Thomas, principal and CEO at Coventry College, said: “The solar installation is already making a tangible difference, helping us reduce our energy costs and allowing us to focus more of our resources on what matters most – providing high-quality education, training and opportunities for our students. “It also means our students can see renewable energy technology in action on their own campus, complementing the skills and knowledge we are developing to support employers and the workforce of the future.”
WCG tops West Midlands ranking for carpentry training WCG (Warwickshire College Group) has been named the top provider for Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery apprenticeships in the West Midlands and fourth nationwide in the latest official Department for Education (DfE) achievement tables, cementing its position as a primary driver of skilled workforce development during a critical national housebuilding deficit. The standout performance is driven by specialist delivery at Moreton Morrell College, where the carpentry provision achieved an 81.6 per cent achievement rate alongside a flawless 100 per cent pass rate. These figures significantly outperform the national average achievement rate of 64.7 per cent by nearly 17 percentage points, proving the effectiveness of the college group’s targeted vocational model. Employer backing for the provision remains exceptionally strong across the region, with
Students shine with live cookery demos Catering Students from Rugby College, part of WCG, took centre stage at the Rugby Autumn Food & Drink Festival, delivering live cookery demonstrations at the festival’s Pop-Up Kitchen.
the four sites generated a combined 572 MWh of renewable electricity, with approximately 475 MWh consumed on site. This represents more than 80 per cent of the electricity generated and has delivered direct electricity savings of more than £95,000 in just six months. The project has also supported small businesses in the city, with Coventry’s Strategic Energy Partnership working with local suppliers and several Coventrybased workers on the installation. The original funding announcement highlighted how lower energy bills could allow more money to be directed towards frontline education, while providing greater protection against energy-price pressures. The plaque unveiled by the Mayor recognises the partnership behind the project and its contribution to creating more resilient educational facilities in Hillfields. As well as reducing operating costs and reliance on grid electricity, the installations are creating opportunities for Coventry College students to see renewable technologies working in a real educational environment. The project has already supported an industry masterclass for the College’s Level 2 electrical students, providing an interactive session and real-world experience of renewable energy technology.
addressed the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, where the team demonstrated how to transform a single batch-cooked dish into three distinct, economical meals. ‘Nature’s Harvest’ celebrated seasonal and sustainable produce and featured poached hedgerow fruits alongside traditional apple and berry crumbles, highlighting the rich produce available across the Warwickshire countryside. The demonstrations drew large crowds and received acclaim from festival attendees, alongside support from visiting Rugby College staff and peers. Geoff Sykes, learning area manager for catering at Rugby College, said: "We are incredibly proud of Raj, Charlotte, Sky and Anna. They represented the college brilliantly, engaging with the public and demonstrating the skills, creativity and professionalism that our students develop through their studies. “The festival provided a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talent within Rugby College while promoting important messages around affordable cooking, sustainability and seasonal produce."
recent DfE survey data showing that 83 per cent of partner businesses praised WCG for delivering workforce training aligned with real-time commercial demand. Across all sectors over the 2024/25 academic year, WCG supported 476 successful apprentice completions while collaborating with a network of more than 1,100 employer partners. The top-tier rankings highlight how targeted capital investment and strong employer
relationships can directly address acute labour shortages in regional construction supply chains. Delivered from dedicated timber bays, workshops, and portfolio preparation suites built to replicate active building sites, the Moreton Morrell campus equips apprentices with the practical expertise required to enter live industry environments immediately. Sara-Jane Watkins, CEO and principal of WCG, said: "Securing the top spot in the West Midlands and ranking fourth nationally reflects our relentless focus on educational excellence and industry integration. “As regional development and housebuilding targets accelerate, equipping young people and adult learners with trade-ready skills is vital. This recognition demonstrates that WCG is delivering high-impact, high-quality apprenticeship pipelines that directly power the regional economy."
WMG Academy Coventry welcomes prospective students WMG Academy welcomed prospective students and families to its open evening, offering an insight into its specialist STEM+ Digital curriculum, employer partnerships and future opportunities. Visitors explored the academy’s specialist facilities and took part in hands-on activities across Engineering, Science, Computer Science, Digital, Art, Business, Maths and English. Adele Wallis, associate principal, said: "We hope the evening gave families a clear vision of how learning in a business-led environment can accelerate our students' futures. Our employer and university partnerships are built into the curriculum, giving students the realworld skills, mindset and technical expertise needed for high-impact careers in engineering, science and technology." The evening highlighted WMG Academy’s business-like, business-led approach, with employer and university partnerships embedded throughout the curriculum. The Academy works with more than 50 local and national STEM employers, helping students develop skills and behaviours relevant to future careers.
For Year 12, students can choose from a broad range of A Levels, technical qualifications and T Levels, including Digital Software Development and Engineering. There is a Sixth Form Information Evening on Thursday, November 26 to find out more about courses, pathways and opportunities. The application deadline is January 31. For more information visit coventry. wmgacademy.org.uk
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Education and Skills
University of Warwick helps drive new Scale-up Pathway A new Scale-up Pathway to enable the scaling of sovereign innovation and manufacturing has been welcomed. WestTech London and the West Midlands have joined forces to deepen the connection between the two leading regional innovation ecosystems. Convened by Imperial College London and the University of Warwick, the new Scaleup Pathway strengthens the UK’s ability to commercialise its research, grow innovative companies, retain strategically important manufacturing and production capability, all of which will enhance UK global competitiveness. The Pathway has been created to address one of the UK’s biggest innovation challenges, as pioneering technologies and innovative businesses across energy and climatetech, defence and security, medtech and biotech move from discovery and R&D to commercial production and scale.
The new initiative will bring together deep tech innovation and commercialisation as well as broad industrial and advanced manufacturing capabilities. It will provide companies with the tools, expertise and capabilities they need at every stage of growth, including access to investment and highly skilled talent, specialist spaces, manufacturing facilities and supply chains. The ScaleUp Pathway will enhance collaboration between the two regions and support growth across the UK. The Pathway is supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Greater London Authority, together with Ealing Council, the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, Birmingham City Council, Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council. In addition to Imperial College London and the University of
Warwick, the two regions house other leading knowledge and research institutions, including the University of Birmingham, the University of West London, Brunel University, Aston University, Coventry University, Birmingham City University and the University of Wolverhampton. WestTech London, established and anchored by Imperial College London with the support of key partners including Imperial College NHS Trust, is unlocking the potential of West London to deliver a thriving, globally competitive innovation ecosystem. The West Midlands, the UK’s core engine of advanced manufacturing, generates over £22 billion annually in manufacturing output and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs. The region is actively transitioning into next-generation manufacturing, focusing on Electric Light Vehicles, battery technology and smart energy systems.
Businesses from across Warwickshire's visitor economy sector are invited to attend a Visitor Economy Future Skills round table event taking place this November.
Professor Stuart Croft, vice-chancellor and president, University of Warwick, said: “Universities have an important role to play as engines of inclusive economic growth. Here at Warwick, we have a long history of partnering with industry and businesses translating our research into real world impact through education, skills training and business support. “The Scale-Up Pathway will build on these strengths. By working together, we can help even more businesses expand, resulting in greater growth across the UK and our region. This will further position the UK as a worldleading destination for innovation, investment and scale-up success”.
Historic moment as new Nuneaton campus arrives North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College has opened the doors to Nuneaton’s cutting-edge new Grayson Place campus to hundreds of students for the first time. It was a momentous day as students were greeted by staff and explored the new three-storey NWSLC Grayson Place building which forms the cornerstone of the emerging Grayson Place development and is part of the wider regeneration of Abbey Street. The new campus is home to the college’s award-winning restaurant, Grayson’s, and students were excited to get their first chance to look around its facilities and the campus’ other assets, including its classrooms, kitchen and Digital Innovation Hub and Adult and Higher Education Centre. NWSLC Grayson Place is open to full-time students, apprentices, adult and higher education learners returning to education, and those wishing to re-engage in education and explore careers. More than 20 programmes will be delivered at the campus, including courses in hospitality
public access areas aimed at encouraging wider community engagement through hospitality and retail experiences.
and catering, digital, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), workshop and hobby courses for adults, and professional qualifications. The cutting-edge facilities at the new campus are set to act as a “catalyst” for new opportunities for young people, adult learners and the wider community. Designed to meet the evolving needs of the community and region, NWSLC Grayson Place also includes an arts and crafts studio, 25-seat teaching spaces adaptable for conference-style or workshop-based learning and designated
Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, principal and chief executive at NWSLC, said: “Grayson Place represents an important investment in education and skills in Nuneaton and the surrounding areas. It has been designed to be flexible so that our provision can adapt to meet the changing needs of the area and respond to future employment and career opportunities. “The Digital Innovation Hub in particular reflects the evolving digital landscape and is set to be the first choice for those looking to upskill or develop their digital knowledge and capabilities.” The campus’s official opening will take place later this year. To find out more about the courses on offer at NWSLC Grayson Place and the college’s other campuses, visit www.nwslc.co.uk
Local entrepreneurs join Coventry College skills panel to support future digital talent Local entrepreneurs and industry representatives joined Coventry College for its Skills of the Future Panel, focused on its Digital and Media curriculum and the future skills needed by employers across the region. The session brought together entrepreneurs, course directors, careers representatives and senior college staff, including the Director of Faculty for Engineering, Motor Vehicle and Digital. The discussion focused on digital support roles, workforce needs, career progression, curriculum development and how training pathways can better reflect the realities of the workplace. Paulina Patrykowska, founder of Coventrybased marketing agency SLT Media, attended the panel alongside other local entrepreneurs and industry representatives, including René Wheeler from SolaaS Ltd.
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
The panel explored opportunities in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, marketing, branding and digital communication, as well as the wider skills employers increasingly need from future talent. These included communication, problemsolving, curiosity, confidence, adaptability and the ability to explain ideas clearly. Paulina said: “What I really appreciated about the session was that Coventry College was asking employers directly, rather than guessing what businesses need. It is very easy to sit in a meeting room and assume what future training should look like. “It is much more valuable to invite people from the sector, listen to what they are seeing in real life and use that insight to shape pathways and opportunities for students."
Warwickshire businesses invited to shape future workforce The event will provide an opportunity for employers to share their experiences, discuss workforce and recruitment challenges, and help shape the future skills and training provision available to support Warwickshire's visitor economy. Hosted by Warwickshire Skills Hub, the Visitor Economy Future Skills Round Table event will take place on Tuesday 10 November, 9:30am – 12:00pm at Farmers Fayre in Stoneleigh. The event will bring together businesses from across hospitality, tourism, leisure and visitor attractions to explore the skills and workforce needs of the industry and identify opportunities and challenges facing employers now and in the future. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with other visitor economy businesses, discuss common challenges, and contribute directly to conversations about how Warwickshire can develop the skilled workforce needed to support the growth and sustainability of the sector in the years ahead. Feedback gathered during the session will help inform future skills initiatives, funding opportunities, and workforce development activity across Warwickshire, ensuring that support continues to align with the needs of employers. Businesses wishing to attend the free event can reserve a place via Eventbrite, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/visitoreconomy-future-skills-round-tabletickets-1994947256948
New Kazakhstan campus for Coventry University Coventry University Group is strengthening its presence in Kazakhstan with the official opening of its second campus - making it the first British university with two sites in the country. The new Coventry University Kazakhstan campus in Almaty – another partnership with Primus Capital LLP – officially opened in September and follows the success of the first campus in the capital city Astana. It is another major milestone in the global education group’s international growth and its commitment to delivering high-quality British higher education to students around the world. Professor John Latham CBE, Coventry University vice-chancellor and group CEO, said: “The new campus in Almatyis another step in our journey to be a global education group. Students at this new campus will be studying in state-of-the-art facilities alongside 30,000 others studying Coventry University degrees overseas. “Coventry University Group is dedicated to creating better futures through accessible international education. Our students in Kazakhstan will be able to study in a modern and inspiring environment, taught by worldclass academics alongside our course teams in the UK.” Find out more about Coventry University Kazakhstan here: https://coventry.edu.kz/
29 29
News
The common mistakes stopping businesses from maximising the benefits of AI Professor Elena Gaura, associate pro-vice-chancellor research and AI lead, Coventry University Group, says many firms are missing opportunities to gain a competitive advantage by falling into common pitfalls. Prof Gaura believes business leaders need to think carefully about where the technology can add value within their organisation before reaching for an AI tool, and warns against taking a piecemeal approach to adoption.
Data-led energy intelligence tool launched to help businesses cut costs Business energy consultancy Troo has launched a new data-led monitoring tool. Troo Insight will give organisations greater visibility of their energy usage and how to reduce it. Many businesses lack a detailed picture of their energy consumption and attempt to control their spend with limited visibility. Part of the Troo Intelligence service, Troo Insight turns existing half-hourly meter data into a report showing when energy is used, how consumption patterns change and what it all costs. The report helps identify practical actions to reduce energy waste, improve efficiency and lower costs. Founder and CEO Andrew Richardson said: “Price volatility and global uncertainty make it more important than ever for businesses to understand their energy usage. “The cheapest unit of energy is one you don’t pay for. That’s why we built Troo Insight. “Troo Insight is designed to help businesses identify wasted energy and opportunities to cut costs without compromising their operations.” Once a baseline has been established, Troo Insight can highlight out-of-hours consumption, peak periods, seasonal patterns and unexplained spikes, as well as support site-to-site comparisons and carbon reporting. By understanding when and how energy is being used, businesses can investigate unusual patterns, challenge unnecessary consumption and make better-informed decisions about efficiency improvements. Even small changes to operating practices can add up over time, helping organisations manage costs without disrupting day-to-day operations. Andrew added: “Troo’s energy experts work with each business to interpret the findings, prioritise improvements and turn the insights into practical action, so you’re not just left holding a report.” For more information email hello@troocost.com, or visit troocost.com
Prof Gaura said: “AI is here to stay, so businesses need to make sure they are ready to benefit. “Companies often measure AI adoption by the number of tools they have bought or the proportion of staff using them. Those figures show reach but they say little about whether AI is improving the business. “A better starting point is to identify a problem that matters to the company, understand the process around it and decide what improvement would be valuable. The technology will continue to develop – the advantage lies in being ready to use it well. An AI expert at Coventry University is urging businesses to avoid common mistakes when adopting AI so they can make the most of the technology.
“If AI completes one task in minutes but the result then waits days for approval, the bottleneck has simply moved downstream. If it generates more cases than a team can review, the process may become slower.”
Prof Gaura explained that effective AI depends on the quality of the data it relies on, so companies need to make sure that information is accurate and up to date. Human oversight is also vital. She also said companies are not always putting mechanisms in place to measure the impact of AI on their processes or capturing what works so they can build on it across their organisations. “These tools can save time, remove bottlenecks, support better strategic decisions, improve staff wellbeing and much more. This technology is now being widely adopted in society, in the same way that the internet evolved from a useful technology into an indispensable one. “Change that saves money but makes decisions less reliable is unlikely to be a success. Equally, an improvement in access, quality or staff capacity may matter even when it does not produce an immediate cash saving. “Without mechanisms in place to record the effects as they occur, retrospective claims of ‘time saved’ are difficult to test.” To find out more about how Coventry University is using AI, visit https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/ ai-coventry-university-group/
Waterloo vision realised as a home for SMEs A stylish Leamington Spa building has become a launchpad for growing SMEs five years after being transformed into flexible office space. 11 Waterloo Place, on Warwick Street in Leamington town centre, has grown into a home for growing professional services, property, creative and entrepreneurial businesses since the Regency building was acquired in 2021. The Wigley Group converted the historic property into a high-quality, flexible suite of modern offices and meeting rooms. It has since attracted a wide range of businesses, including law firm JG Poole & Co LLP, which established its Warwickshire office at Waterloo Place as part of the firm’s growth outside its original base in Ely, Cambridgeshire. JG Poole & Co LLP is a boutique legal practice founded 13 years ago and focuses on delivering high quality, specialist work for clients. James Polo-Richards joined the business five-anda-half years ago to set up its real estate offering. The firm works with clients across the country, including in London, Birmingham and Warwickshire, advising on project finance, commercial real estate, landlord and estate matters, and strategic land.
JG Poole & Co LLP has been a tenant since the building was opened at the beginning of 2022. James Polo-Richards, partner at JG Poole & Co LLP, said: “Waterloo Place was the perfect fit for us when setting up the Warwickshire office. “We have built a strong practice and have advised on some landmark transactions, including deals with values upwards of nine figures. “Our clients tend to come to us through other clients and word of mouth. They want experienced people who can run matters directly and understand their business properly.”
Waterloo Place is home to a range of businesses including PAWS Therapy, JG Poole and residential property developer William Davis, alongside two long-standing psychotherapist tenants Serendipity Psychology and Cleo Barnes, with the space offering a calm environment for therapy appointments. Waterloo Place, which is owned and managed by The Wigley Group, has also served as an incubator for firms, including tech business Endurance Zone and web agency Yellow Panther using the offices as a springboard for growth before moving to larger premises. Suzanne D’Arcy, asset manager at The Wigley Group, said: “We had a vision for 11 Waterloo Place when we acquired the property five years ago and it has been fantastic to see that become a reality. “Our aim was to invest in a historic building, retain its unique character and create a business environment which would meet the needs of modern SMEs. “We have businesses that have set up for the longterm at 11 Waterloo Place, while others are using the space as a springboard for long-term growth before moving to larger premises. That mix contributes to a thriving business community that has developed there.” For more information about 11 Waterloo Place visit www.elevenwaterloo.com
Bourn identified as new HQ for fuel and energy firm An independent fuel and energy distributor has chosen Bourn as the location for its new headquarters and flagship office. It brings one of the UK’s longest-established fuel businesses to the landmark Coventry workspace. Watson Fuels, which celebrates its 70th anniversary next year and employs approximately 450 people across the UK, has agreed a letting for 7,150 sq ft at Bourn as part of a wider move to create a more future-focused working environment for its teams. With 39 depots located nationwide and some operational employees working remotely, Watson Fuels said finding a centrally located headquarters with strong transport connections was a key consideration in the move. Located close to Coventry train station and in the heart of the city, Bourn will provide a central base where colleagues, customers and suppliers can come together more regularly to collaborate, build relationships and host company-wide gatherings.
The move also reflects the company’s ambition to create an inspiring and wellbeing-focused workplace environment for employees, alongside opportunities to engage with the wider occupier community and events programme already established at Bourn. Bourn provides a net zero-ready, smart-enabled workplace powered by energy from renewable sources designed to reduce environmental impact while creating healthy, inclusive spaces for those who work there. It holds a BREEAM Very Good certification and an EPC A rating, reflecting its strong environmental credentials. Rob Hemus, director of asset management and sustainability, said: “Welcoming Watson Fuels to Bourn is another strong endorsement of the quality of workspace and occupier experience being created here. “The move demonstrates how businesses are increasingly seeking high-quality, well-connected environments that support collaboration, wellbeing and company culture, particularly as hybrid working continues to evolve.
“We’re delighted Watson Fuels has chosen Bourn for its new headquarters and flagship office and look forward to supporting the team as they settle into their new Coventry home.” Bourn has continued to attract a growing mix of occupiers and is over 85 per cent let, with occupiers including Prospect, FireAngel, Corona Energy, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Global Insurance Management, and Dexcel Pharma. CBRE and Bromwich Hardy act for IM Properties, and Colliers act for Watson fuels.
Bronze for BaxterStorey BaxterStorey, Coventry University’s hospitality provider, has been awarded the Soil Association’s Food for Life Bronze certification. The Food for Life award is a nationally recognised framework that has been supporting organisations in improving food quality for over 20 years. It ensures food is freshly prepared and meets defined standards for sourcing, traceability and ingredient quality.It encourages sourcing high-quality ingredients, promotes healthier choices and makes sustainable food a routine part of everyday life.
30
The Bistro, run by BaxterStorey, at the Coventry University Technology Park has been putting these principles into practice through seasonal menus. The certification recognises the hospitality team's work in embedding sustainable practices throughout its food offering. It also reaffirms Coventry University Group’s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices in keeping with its Fairtrade status.
Executive chef Anthony Brandl said: “Achieving this certification is a fantastic recognition of our team's commitment to serving food that is both sustainable and high quality. We believe food is at its best when it is fresh and in season, and our menus are designed to showcase locally sourced ingredients while reducing environmental impact.” The Bistro is open from 7am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
News
Advertorial
7 Things Directors Should Do When Cashflow Tightens Most owner managed businesses don’t fail because of a single bad decision. They usually fail when the pressure mounts and the company runs out of cash. When cashflow tightens, your responsibilities change and acting early can protect both your company and you personally. Here are the seven practical steps every director should be aware of. 1. Trading whilst insolvent. If you’re struggling to pay suppliers and juggling payments to get through the month, you may already be trading while insolvent. It isn’t illegal if you have a viable plan to trade through it. 2. Using personal funds to “bridge the gap”. Injecting money without proper documentation can turn
5. Dividends or Salary. The directors loan trap catches many out when you can’t declare a dividend at year end to clear the loan. Take advice on the best method of remuneration. 6. Keep records of every major decision. A simple note of why you made a decision can protect you if the business later enters insolvency and you are challenged on your actions. 7. Speak to an insolvency practitioner early. Early advice doesn’t mean failure, it means greater control and more options.
into an unsecured loan you may never recover. If you’re propping up the business, do it with professional advice. 3. Don’t pay creditors selectively. Paying a creditor in priority to others can later be challenged as a preference which carries personal liability. Take advice on the correct approach to making payments. 4. Don’t incur further credit. Don’t go ordering new supplies or stock that you know you cannot pay for, this puts creditors in a worse position.
For a free, without obligation and confidential chat please feel free to reach out to John Rimmer on 02476 226839, jrimmer@briuk.co.uk or visit briuk.co.uk
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
TA N SIS AS FO
R
HE L P IN F ORM
IS
EN D
ADV ISE
TH EN OP
Coventry Building Society Arena is experiencing its fifth successive year of major investment as it continues to drive growth and create the best possible experience for visitors. The leading venue for business, live entertainment and sport has been transformed since 2022, with more than £15 million of investment across its event and hospitality spaces, the introduction of new systems and the establishment of partnerships. This programme has continued throughout the summer as it gears up for the football season and ramping up of its business and live events programme, and a further £15 million to be invested over the next three years as part of the 10-year partnership between Coventry City Football Club, Coventry Building Society Arena and Legends Global. Over the last two months the venue has added The Race Experience and launched premium dining-led space The Watchmakers Lounge. Further investment is being made to create additional event spaces across the venue, including the opening of a series of new dining spaces which will be available for private hire and event use. This builds on a programme of investment which began in 2022, as the venue emerged from the pandemic, transforming its lower halls into the £6.3 million Commonwealth Convention Centre. This saw the creation of more than 1,750 sqm of additional conference space, installation of new digital signage and a new south pavilion entrance. This project also saw the refurbishment of the venue’s main 6,000 sqm exhibition hall. Moving into 2023, further investment was made in the venue’s entrance and main atrium, while the boardroom was redesigned, event organiser offices upgraded and the stadium concourse was redesigned with new and refurbished food and drink kiosks. The summer programme in 2024 included a new players’ entrance and tunnel, safe standing, upgraded media facilities, a new artist green room, and three refurbished lounges. The year
CE
Sustained investment reflected in business growth at major city venue
GUI DE
SUP POR T
CAR E
ASS IST EA S E
also saw the opening of the Mahou Experience as a premium dining and events space, alongside the launch of CBS Live to grow the Arena’s live entertainment programme. A multi-million-pound refurbishment of the onsite DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel has transformed all 119 bedrooms in 2025, introducing new room types, furniture, lighting, heating and cooling systems and in-room technology. The investment has supported continued growth across the Arena, with record nonmatchday conference and events revenue for two successive years and visitor numbers rising to 1.2 million per year. Its conference, exhibition and events business has grown by 34 per cent over the last two years, with 84 new events secured between May 2025 and April 2026. Jenni Ford, director of sales and marketing at Coventry Building Society Arena, said: “We have continued to build momentum over the last five years. We never want to stand still. Our team is always looking at where we can improve, from our event spaces to operations behind the scenes.”
BUSINESS
SUFFERING? We are your financial remedy. Whatever your circumstances, trust BRI to help you get your business back on track.
Our services:
From business recovery to CVAs, administration, debt advice and more, our highly-qualified insolvency experts are dedicated to giving you the best advice.
• Corporate Insolvency
• Restructuring • Personal Insolvency
Whatever your business financial concerns, talk to BRI – we can help you on your way to a healthier future.
For a FREE, CONFIDENTIAL and NO OBLIGATION consultation
Call now on 02476 226839 1160 Elliott Court, Herald Avenue, Coventry Business Park, Coventry. CV5 6UB
www.briuk.co.uk
31
Business Voice North Warwickshire Two local MPs representing the north of Warwickshire say they want the Government to stick to the original plan for local council changes in the area. Jodie Gosling, the MP for Nuneaton, and Rachel Taylor, the MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, were both speaking at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s North Warwickshire Local Business Forum. The event was chaired by HORIBA MIRA’s Sarah Windrum and took place at Blabers Hall Vineyard.
Taking the message to the top! By Corin Crane, CEO of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce
As a Chamber, we often talk about ourselves as the voice of business – but what does that actually mean? I can think of no better example of it than our recent round of Local Business Forums across the whole of Coventry and Warwickshire. Over the course of five weeks, the Chamber – and, crucially, dozens of our members – met the regional mayor, five local MPs and our city and county councils. It was an opportunity to hear from our region’s leaders but also to ask questions and let them know what it’s like to be in business right now. It’s fair to say, it’s pretty tough with so much uncertainty at a local, national and international level. Throw in our meeting with the Bank of England’s regional representative and businesses across the city and county have been able to make their case to some of the most influential individuals and bodies in our area. Each one promises to take the message higher and, as a Chamber, we do likewise – feeding in everything we hear to our colleagues at the British Chambers of Commerce who talk directly to Government. The British Chambers of Commerce recently released research it has done around the cost of doing business and how it has risen dramatically over the past decade, particularly over the past couple of years.We brought up this research at all of our forums and it got a strong reaction with businesses recognising their own story within those statistics. A successful business owner in the hospitality sector told us immediately that he’d love to open up every day of the week but is afraid to take the risk on Monday and Tuesday because of the cost of energy, employment and various taxes. That’s a real life example behind the statistics which made the situation resonate with everyone in the room, including the local MP. As an economy, we never want to be in a situation where potential for growth is cut off by fear and by cost. And the only way we can change that is by driving the message home. So, even if you didn’t attend our forums, this is a big thank you to every Chamber member because this work couldn’t be done without all of you and it means the voice of business in Coventry and Warwickshire has never been stronger.
32
“Both Jodie and I are supporting the two unitary councils model for Warwickshire because we believe that’s the right model for the places we represent. “The current system doesn’t work for business, and it doesn’t work for the public. People don’t care which council is responsible – they just want good local services to be there. We need to get on with fixing it.” The conversation also covered reindustrialisation – and how that can work for Warwickshire, the cost of doing business, skills and upgrading the grid.
Both MPs said they understood the reasoning for pausing Local Government Reorganisation on a national basis but that they were keen for a quick decision that would see Warwickshire split into two unitary authorities – one for the north and one for the south. Jodie said: “Although I am impatient for change, it is right that we make sure we get that change correct, so it delivers results for everyone. I am reassured that the proposals are being thoroughly appraised so that, when the decision comes, it will be the right one. “There are clear benefits to working strategically across the whole region. If we keep building those partnerships, championing local people and driving forward local opportunities, we can demonstrate why this region should be at the heart of innovation and investment. “I would like to see more barriers removed so that we can work more closely with the West Midlands Combined Authority through devolution and really punch our weight as a region.” Rachel said: “So much investment is now being channelled through mayoral strategic authorities, and we want power to be devolved to local areas so that local people can make decisions about their future.
South Warwickshire Business and civic leaders in South Warwickshire must start looking to the future now – and not wait for Local Government Reorganisation to be settled, according to a local MP. Manuela Perteghella, the MP for Stratford-on-Avon, was speaking at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s South Warwickshire Local Business Forum, which was held at The Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club. The forum was chaired for the first time by Phil Ingle and heard how the cost of doing business has risen sharply. The forum also received an update from Warwickshire County Council’s Robert Dyer on the new Warwickshire Business Growth Service which is providing a ‘front door’ for business support in the county. And Manuela said it was vitally important for the area to start planning for the future with more devolution on the way. She said: “We should just crack on as usual and not be distracted by Local Government Reorganisation.
Abi Culley, of Warwickshire County Council, also spoke about the support available to firms in the county through the Warwickshire Business Growth Service. Meeting chair Sarah Windrum said: “It was great to have such an excellent turnout for the forum and we were very grateful to both Jodie Gosling and Rachel Taylor for coming to talk to businesses at the brilliant Blabers Hall Vineyard. “Devolution across Warwickshire is fundamental to the future of the region’s economy and we are in agreement that Local Government Reorganisation has to be resolved as quickly as possible with the right decision made to provide strong foundations for growth in our area.” “Whatever happens, devolution is coming, so South Warwickshire’s businesses, councils and partners need to work together now and decide where we want to be in that future. “Even if a model for unitary government is announced soon, we still do not know when it will come into force. We cannot put everything on hold while we wait. “Whether Warwickshire remains two-tier or moves to unitary authorities, devolution is coming. We need to work together and make sure South Warwickshire has a strong voice in those decisions. “The mayors proposed under further devolution are going to have real powers and make decisions that directly affect our area. It is therefore vital that we get the geography and the arrangements right. “Local Government Reorganisation may remain uncertain, but that should not stop us working together now on growth, skills, investment and support for businesses.” Phil, who was chairing his first full meeting since taking over from Larry Coltman, said it was a great example of the forum’s purpose. He said: “It was brilliant to have such an insightful discussion – people from across the local economy, all in one place, talking openly about what’s working and what isn’t. That’s what this forum is for. “There’s plenty to feel good about in South Warwickshire at the moment. Stratford District has just been named the best place in the country to start and grow a business, and the opening of The Ivy shows that big names see real potential here. “I’d like to see that momentum shared by more. Plenty of local businesses are finding things tough, and my message to the Chancellor is simple: give businesses some breathing space in the Budget and don’t add to the load. Do that, and I’m confident that businesses in South Warwickshire will keep growing."
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Business Voice Mid-Warwickshire A Warwickshire MP urged the Government to provide certainty as quickly as possible when it comes to the local council structures in the county. Sir Jeremy Wright KC, the MP for Kenilworth and Southam, was speaking at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Mid-Warwickshire Local Business Forum. Sir Jeremy Wright told the gathered businesses at Ronnie’s Bar in Warwick that he believes there has to be more cross-party consensus in order to fix issues over the long-term. And he urged the Government to ‘unpause’ the Local Government Reorganisation process that will see two unitary authorities created in Warwickshire. He said: “If local government is going to say to anybody else that they have to save money, it needs to demonstrate that it has done absolutely everything it can to save money too.
“There are savings to be made from consolidating councils, although everybody in business understands that consolidation itself costs money before the longer-term savings appear. “The one thing everybody wants from local government reorganisation is certainty. If you work for one of the councils, or if you are trying to engage with one of them, you need to know where this is heading. If change is going to be made, it should be made and completed as soon as possible so that everybody knows who they are dealing with. “Once that happens, we then have an issue in this part of the world about where we sit in terms of devolution around mayoral authorities because that is where so much power and funding is being devolved too. It’s not clear, at this stage, where Warwickshire fits within that. That needs to be clarified as quickly as possible too.” He added that businesses must be supported with the right conditions to grow. He said: “If you want to grow the economy, the first thing you have to recognise is that the people who provide that growth are
the people sitting in this room, not those who sit with me in the House of Commons. Growth comes from persuading businesses to generate their own piece of economic growth and then putting all of that together for the whole country.” The event also heard from Julia Aratoon, of Warwickshire County Council, who updated the group on the support available to firms in the county through the Warwickshire Business Growth Service. Phil Baker, who hosted the event, said many of the issues discussed at the forum around rising business costs resonated with him, but that Ronnie’s Bar was doing its bit when it comes to offering young people work. He said: “We have 36 people on the books, which is a significant number for a wet-led bar. National insurance and minimum-wage increases make that extremely difficult, although we have been fortunate in attracting young staff and helping them develop their confidence and social skills.
Rugby
The meeting also heard from Carmen McDougall, representing Urban&Civic (Houlton), who explained how the development had created opportunities for those who work from home to meet and network.
John Slinger, the MP for Rugby, Bulkington and the Villages, told the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Rugby Local Business Forum that bold action was needed to support young people in the region and the country.
Isobel Woods, head of economy and skills at Warwickshire County Council, told the group about the new Warwickshire Business Growth Service.
It comes after the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) called for the pensions triple lock to be removed, while one of its key asks for the October Budget was for the Chancellor to cut employer National Insurance Contributions for under-25s to make it easier for firms to take on younger staff.
He said: “One of my key priority areas has been, and will continue to be, young people, and arguing for them to have a greater voice in decision making. “Not only should they have a greater voice, but their interests need to receive more attention by the system, including businesses and government. “Young people are, by definition, the future. So why is it that we're not getting more resource as a country to support their interests? So, as part of that agenda, I've called for what I call a youth triple lock, deliberately using the same language as the pension triple lock.
He added: “A five or ten-year plan from Government would at least allow businesses to plan. At the moment, we are looking little further than the end of our noses. If we had certainty, even where the news was difficult, there would at least be some light at the end of the tunnel.”
Insurance Contributions for the under-25s reduced which would make it much more affordable for a business to take on a young person.”
Business leaders backed a local MP’s call for a ‘youth triple lock’.
Speaking at the event held at WAGO’s UK headquarters at Houlton, the MP said that he was open to ideas on what a ‘youth triple lock’ might entail but that there was a need to recognise that, in many cases, young people needed more support than older generations.
“The rise in business costs is precisely why we are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. In winter, you have heating, electricity and staff to pay, and the business you bring in doesn’t cover costs. We are not closed through choice. We are closed through necessity.”
“The new Prime Minister wants to be brave and bold and I think that youth triple lock could be an example of that. By calling it a triple lock, I’m aiming for it to get some attention. “You could say, as part of that lock, that free buses for young people will be one of the three items to help them reach employment opportunities. “We've got to have the guts to be brave if we want to help young people and rebalance our support.” Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The BCC made the bold statement recently that the pensions triple lock should be revisited because of the cost of the policy. “And we really like John Slinger’s call for a youth triple lock and it could fit into one of the BCC’s recommendations ahead of the Budget. As a network, we want employer National
The service, described as ‘one front door to support business’ replaces the services offered by the CW Growth Hub. Dan Mann, the chair of the Rugby Local Business Forum, said the meeting had proved productive. He said: “We were very grateful to WAGO for hosting us and to our brilliant contributors from Houlton and Warwickshire County Council. “I’d urge businesses in Rugby to find out more about the new Warwickshire Business Growth Service and the support it might be able to offer. “We are, once again, grateful to John Slinger for coming along to engage with the business community in this way and one thing we’d all ask after the recent change of Prime Minister is for stability to give businesses the confidence to invest and grow.”
Businesses at Stratford event hear AI can boost the bottom line Businesses across Stratford-on-Avon District have been advised how they can incorporate AI into their daily work to boost the bottom line – but not at the expense of human interaction. Business Stratford-on-Avon – Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s economic development arm, in partnership with Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, held an event at Wootton Park to inform local companies on what help is available to support their growth and how to better engage with local providers and other businesses After hearing from Councillor Susan Juned, Leader at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, the audience of more than 100 businesses were offered valuable insights on using AI by Caroline Broadway of Dandelion Applied AI, and Rachael ChadwickHarrison of Chadwick Accountants and Bookkeepers. Caroline said: “One of the biggest risks for businesses is thinking AI can do everything. It is a tool and it works best when it is used in the right place, for the right job, at the right time. A business’s own expertise is still what customers value and what makes them buy. “AI should complement your expertise, not replace it. We should use it for work we can confidently check ourselves. Beyond that, businesses enter a world of risk. “Businesses should not start by asking which AI tool to buy. They should start by identifying the tasks where AI can save time or add value, and where human expertise remains more important.
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
“I would like to see AI champions embedded across business teams. They can build capability internally, make the technology relevant to each function and help the value stay within the business.” Rachael founded her business in 2021 in Bidford-on-Avon and has built it into a successful, award-winning accountancy practice in just five years. She said AI was increasingly contributing to the growth and efficiency of the company. Rachael said: “AI has enabled me to increase my own output significantly and has improved efficiency across the firm. “We have seen a seven per cent improvement in net profit linked to our tools and a 43 per cent average increase in revenue per team member, alongside wider management and structural changes. “The biggest opportunity is to keep analysing where teams spend their time and use AI to remove repetitive work. That creates more time for face-to-face contact and higher-value support for clients.” There were representatives on hand from Business Stratfordon-Avon, Warwickshire Business Growth Service, Warwickshire Skills Hub, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, Warwickshire CAVA and Stratford Social Inclusion Partnership to offer advice on where to go for support in the region.The team at Wootton Park also offered a tour of the venue and its grounds, including a live demonstration of its wake-boarding lakes.
Councillor Juned said: “The feedback on the event has been great and we were delighted to bring businesses, local government and other organisations together in this way. “Supporting businesses is not only about understanding local needs and infrastructure. It is also about connecting businesses with support organisations, planners, councils, skills providers and local colleges, and linking national policy to what is needed locally.” The next event in the series is on Thursday, December 17, at British Motor Museum. For more information email economy@stratford-dc.gov.uk
33
Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks - South Warks - Rugby
Making a difference Jobs boost as new £3.84 million enterprise park launched
More jobs could be on the way in Coventry with the launch of freehold prime industrial units for sale. Tom Bromwich, managing partner of Bromwich Hardy, said the newly completed estate at Albion Enterprise Park located around 1.5 miles north of Coventry city centre, would appeal to a wide variety of businesses. He said: “Albion Enterprise Business Park represents both a chance for companies to acquire their own premises, but also for investors looking for freehold industrial stock, of which there is very little supply in Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands.” The development, which has recently been acquired by Birmingham-based Nurton Capital for £3.84 million, comprises three terraces of units ranging from 1,367 sq ft to 3,165 sq ft, with the flexibility to combine for larger units. The estate has reached practical completion and Tom Bromwich said it would be ideal for manufacturing, logistics, trade and a range of industrial uses. Bromwich added: “Buying their own premises is very much a coming of age stage for many growing businesses. “Albion Enterprise Park will appeal both to established Warwickshire businesses and for companies in the wider West Midlands looking for a winning combination of quality of accommodation and location.” The estate, with units featuring fitted mezzanine floors, electric loading doors, first-floor glazing, allocated parking and EV charging points, is just two miles south of Junction 3 of the M6. More details are available at https://www.bromwichhardy.com/ property/albion-enterprise-parkendemere-road-coventry-west-midlandscv6-5py/ or by emailing tom.bromwich@bromwichhardy.com
Aspire & Thrive recently attended the BBC Coventry and Warwickshire Make a Difference Awards. Dave Hughes, director of Aspire & Thrive Mentoring, said: “Being nominated was unexpected, and being selected as finalists in the Community Group Award was a true honour. Hearing Aspire & Thrive announced as the winners was a moment of complete surprise, pride, and gratitude. "These awards shine a light on the individuals, groups and organisations helping, supporting, enabling and empowering people across Coventry and Warwickshire. Listening to the
stories of selfless dedication throughout the evening was both humbling and inspiring. It was a privilege to be among them. "This award belongs to everyone who contributes to the Aspire & Thrive journey: our children and young people; families, parents, carers and guardians; colleagues; schools; local authorities; stakeholders and partners. Your trust, kindness, commitment and collaboration make our work possible. "We couldn’t do it alone. Anything worth doing is done together - and together, we make a difference.”
ALM launches Language Operations Suite ALM has launched a new Language Operations Suite, designed to help organisations reduce the cost and complexity of managing growing volumes of multilingual content. The new service marks the latest stage in ALM's development, combining AI-assisted translation, automation, language technology and specialist human expertise within one managed multilingual workflow. The Language Operations Suite has been developed to address some of the challenges businesses face as international content grows across more languages, formats and systems.
terminology, difficulty scaling and uncertainty around how AI should be used.
These include increasing administration, repeated translation costs, inconsistent
It can also help businesses unlock content that may previously have been too costly, slow or
complex to translate at scale, including technical documentation, software and digital content, marketing communications and multilingual audio and video. Lisa Williams, CEO of ALM – which is based in Henley in Arden, said: “AI is creating significant opportunities, but the real value isn't simply translating more content with AI. It's using the right combination of technology, automation and human expertise for each requirement. “Language Operations allows us to look at the whole multilingual workflow. We can identify where existing translations can be reused, where repetitive processes can be automated and where specialist human expertise adds the most value.”
The Traitors castle-style retirement opportunity in Warwickshire
Businesses and their staff across Coventry and Warwickshire might be glued to The Traitors to see which celebrity is next for the chop – but one member says you can get even closer to the real thing.
Audley Villages, the company behind Audley Binswood in Warwickshire, is describing the luxury retirement community as ‘castle worthy living’. A spokesperson said: “As the celebrities jump into detective mode to uncover their first traitor, viewers across the nation will once again be captivated by the intrigue, secret alliances and dramatic roundtables set against the backdrop of the iconic Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands. “Beyond the suspense, it’s hard not to fall in love with the beautiful castle setting, from its impressive stone walls and vast green parklands to cozy fireplaces, grand staircases and relaxing lounges. “For those dreaming of living in a stunning historic estate of their own, without the backstabbing, midnight betrayals or
banishments, your dream home might be closer than you think. “Audley Villages offers luxury retirement communities across the UK, designed for independent living with exceptional facilities and a thriving social scene. “Set within historic estates, these villages offer all the majestic charm of a castle retreat. Owners enjoy access to the Audley Club with a swimming pool, health club, library, bar and restaurant, all set within stunning grounds.” Audley Binswood, Warwickshire, is situated in the heart of Leamington Spa's conservation area, and features 114 luxury properties centred around Binswood Hall, an imposing Grade II listed Victorian Gothic mansion. For more information go to https://www.audleyvillages.co.uk/retirementvillages/binswood
Business owners need a clear view of finance Robin Underhay, commercial relationship manager at Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust, explores why understanding a wider range of lenders matters and what business owners should ask before deciding how to finance their plans. You might know exactly what you want to do with your business and still be unsure where to find the finance. If your bank cannot help, where do you go next? It is a reasonable question, particularly if you have never needed to look elsewhere before. The British Business Bank’s Small Business Finance Markets Report 2026 found that 62 per cent of smaller businesses said they knew where to obtain information on different types of finance. That was five percentage points higher than in 2024. That is encouraging, though it still leaves plenty of room to make funding information easier to find and understand. To me, that is a reminder that offering finance is only part of the job. We also need to explain who it is for, how it works and where to find it. Business owners should not have to become finance experts just to work out who to approach. A rejection from one lender does not necessarily mean another will say no. But finding someone willing to lend is not enough on its own. The finance needs to suit what you are trying to do and the repayments need to be manageable.
34
Community Development Finance Institutions, usually shortened to CDFIs, are one option worth understanding. They are not for profit lenders that offer finance and support to businesses, including those that struggle to find suitable funding through mainstream providers. Their work helps businesses develop and supports jobs in the communities they serve. The name may be unfamiliar, but the approach is straightforward. The British Business Bank describes CDFI lending as a relationship based approach, involving a closer look at the business plan and the circumstances of the owner. For an applicant, that means a chance to explain a difficult trading period or what happened behind a credit issue. The figures still matter. A lender needs to be satisfied that the business is viable and can afford the repayments. Talking through the circumstances helps them make that assessment. Before approaching a lender, I would start by being clear about what the money will pay for and when you expect it to benefit the business. Equipment you will use for several years is a different proposition from covering a gap between paying suppliers and getting paid by customers. The type of finance and the repayment period need to reflect that. Then look at the repayments alongside your cash flow forecast. Allow for quieter months and
customers paying late. Consider what happens if sales take longer to grow than you expect. If the repayments leave you short in those circumstances, revisit the amount or the plan before committing. It is also important to tell your story when speaking to a CDFI. At Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust (CWRT), for example, we want to understand how your business began, what you have worked through and where you want to take it. The figures help us assess the proposal, while hearing your story gives us a better understanding of the person behind it and the thinking behind your plans. That context helps us make an informed decision about how we might support your business. You can also ask about eligibility before making a formal application and check whether an initial enquiry will affect your credit record. If you are turned down, ask why. It may help you identify something you can address or understand whether a different type of funding would be more appropriate. I would want to know who I could speak to once the loan was in place, too. If trading changes or a problem crops up, is there someone you can call? In my work with borrowers, those conversations are an important part of helping people work through challenges and adjust their plans.
We cannot expect every business owner to know the lending market. Those of us working in it need to explain the options clearly enough for people to make an informed choice. That includes being honest when borrowing may not be the right answer. That is the thinking behind the new website we have just launched at CWRT. With clearer funding information and practical resources, we want to help business owners across Coventry, Warwickshire and the wider Midlands understand their options and feel better prepared for their next finance conversation. You can explore the new website at www.cwrt.uk.com
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks - South Warks - Rugby
New contracts, strong performance and fresh move for Coventry firm A leading provider of transport technology solutions has reported strong half-year results after relocating to a new engineering centre and securing a string of milestone contracts. Aurrigo International plc has delivered a 19 per cent increase in group revenues to £4.2m for the first six months of 2026, driven by a significant rise in its core automotive activity and good progress on all its current autonomous projects. Major operational highlights have included a £4.5m three-year framework agreement to supply electrical systems for a next generation supercar programme in the UK and securing a £6.28m contract to design and manufacture 25 autonomous guided vehicles.
Regarded as the largest single order in the firm’s 33-year history, the deal with Ultra Global has driven the move to a 130,615 sq.ft facility on Power Park in Coventry. This site is three times bigger than the previous factory and will serve as its UK hub for advanced engineering, autonomous vehicle development, high-volume manufacturing and ongoing automotive activities. Prof. David Keene MBE, CEO of Aurrigo International, said: “The first half of 2026 has demonstrated the complementary strengths of our business. “Automotive delivered a strong recovery and remained cash generative, while the £6.28m Ultra Global contract provides further validation of our developing autonomous aviation strategy.
“I was particularly pleased to secure our first defence contract - this could become a significant market for us. With our expanded manufacturing facility now operational, contracted programmes progressing and a more mature autonomous pipeline, we enter the second half with confidence in our growth prospects.” Aurrigo International plc is committed to the ongoing roll-out of its international hub and licensing programme, which is accelerating its global commercialisation strategy by seeking local relationships, funding and manufacturing support in Europe, the Middle East, South East Asia and the US. This was reinforced with the appointment of aviation specialist
Coventry-based company The Geek Guys has been named a finalist in the 2026 MSP Titans of the Industry Awards – a prestigious recognition celebrating excellence and leadership in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry. As a finalist for the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region in the globally recognised
Mark Gower as director of global airport operations earlier this year and the granting of a licence to provide ground handling services at East Midlands Airport, supporting the roll-out of autonomous ground service equipment. For further information, visit www.aurrigo.com
telecommunications, and strategic technology advice. The company is committed to helping organisations use technology more effectively while reducing risk and downtime. "This recognition reflects the passion and hard work of our team," said Neil Chauhan, director of The Geek Guys. "We don't just fix problems, we prevent them. We don't just manage technology, we help our clients thrive through it. Being named a finalist reminds us that the long hours, difficult challenges, and ongoing training all matter." Winners will be announced at the 2026 MSP Titans of the Industry Awards on December 9 2026 at the iconic Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. To learn more about The Geek Guys and the services it provides, visit thegeekguys.co.uk
Major award for ‘social-media inspired’ training A boutique hotel group’s social media-inspired approach to training has seen it land a major industry accolade.
Eden Hotel Collection recently collected the ‘Excellence in HR Technology’ Award at HR in Hospitality’s Annual Awards for Excellence in HR, which was attended by over 400 hospitality and HR leaders from across the UK. The hotel group received plaudits from judges after its new learning and development app – developed by Reelyze – empowered managers at each of its hotels to create their own short form, reel-style content; with employees able to react and comment on the material.
This has ranged from personalised welcome messages to operational how-to videos, from tasks such as making an espresso martini, through to servicing a guest bedroom or preparing a conference room. This is also supported with an AIpowered digital assistant, Ask Eve, for employees to screen internal and operational enquiries through. Workforce engagement in training now sits at 98 per cent, with around 50 of Eden’s managers having created 369 of their own training reels – resulting in nearly 13,000 views and 16,000 courses completed by employees from across the business.
Judges felt Eden was an excellent example of how technology can be used to drive engagement, ownership, and meaningful business outcomes across an organisation. Eden Hotel Collection operates five hotels across the UK – Mallory Court Hotel and Spa in Leamington; The Arden Hotel in Stratford-uponAvon; Brockencote Hall Hotel in Kidderminster; The Greenway in Cheltenham; and Bovey Castle in Devon. Lisa Redding, group people director at Eden Hotel Collection, said: “Each of our hotels has its own personality and way of operating, and we wanted our approach to learning to reflect that.
With many organisations across the region struggling to keep pace with fast-moving digital trends, AlphaQuad says the workshops are designed to tackle the widening digital knowledge gap affecting SMEs, charities and sole traders in the region. The sessions are led by AlphaQuad’s specialist team, who have worked together for decades and bring more than 25 years of senior digital marketing experience.
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
The workshops focus on clear, practical guidance rather than sales content, giving attendees access to expertise across strategy, content, websites, analytics and digital performance. Sara Cresswell, director at AlphaQuad, said: “We meet so many organisations who feel unsure about where to start with digital marketing or how to judge what’s worth investing in. These workshops are designed to remove that uncertainty. Our goal is to give people clear, practical knowledge they can apply straight away – without jargon, confusion or pressure to buy anything.” The free CPD-approved workshops are inperson and open to businesses or individuals. To find out more sign up to the business’s digital marketing training page.
First launched in 1986 as Central Public Relations (CPR), Century was founded by former journalist John Clarke OBE. The agency was Coventry’s first ever PR consultancy and was based in Queens Road, Coventry, for over 30 years. Coventry-born John had previously set up the original PR agency part-time in 1983 following his career in local newspapers and in senior PR and communications roles with British Leyland, Chrysler/Peugeot and BP. Expansion of the agency between 1986 and 1989 resulted in its sale to a southern marketing plc, a record sale at the time for a Midlands PR consultancy. Central PR was relaunched as Century Public Relations in 1995 and has remained independent ever since, moving to its present Regency offices in Waterloo Place, Leamington Spa, in 2022, where it manages the PR accounts for a portfolio of local, national and international clients including customers based in the USA and Europe. Today Century is a well-established family-run business headed by husband and wife John and Celeste Clarke, together with son and daughter James and Samantha who are directors of the agency, supported by a team of experienced PR practitioners. John and Celeste Clarke are well known for their contribution to the local community and sport too. John was awarded the OBE in 2005 for ‘Services to the community of Coventry’ and has served twice as a board director of Coventry City. His other past local board appointments include director of the Belgrade Theatre and the Coventry Motor Museum, former governor of Coventry University and vice chair of the NSPCC Coventry Business Group. Celeste is active on a number of local charities. The couple organised annual charity garden parties at their home near Stoneleigh every year for 15 years in aid of the NSPCC’s Coventry centre.
“We also knew we needed to move away from traditional e-learning and create something more engaging and relevant to how people consume information today.” For more information about Eden Hotel Collection visit www.edenhotelcollection.com
AlphaQuad Digital Marketing launches free CPD approved workshops Warwickshire-based agency AlphaQuad Digital Marketing has launched a series of free CPD-approved workshops to help local businesses and individuals understand which digital channels deliver results, and where marketing investment is genuinely worthwhile.
PR agency celebrates a proud 40 years in business by looking forward
Local PR consultancy Century PR is celebrating its 40th anniversary in business.
The Geek Guys prove to be Titans of their sector MSP Titans of the Industry Awards, The Geek Guys has been acknowledged for its ability to meet the evolving technology challenges facing businesses across the region. The award celebrates MSPs that successfully adapt to local market needs, trends, and challenges while delivering exceptional service, innovation, and business outcomes. It celebrates the work the team does every day – solving complex problems, building client trust, and helping businesses stay productive, protected, and prepared for what's next in an increasingly complex and ever-changing technology landscape. Based in Coventry, The Geek Guys has been supporting businesses across the Midlands for over 16 years, providing managed IT support, cybersecurity, Microsoft 365, cloud services,
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
A major highlight of the Clarkes’ PR journey was in 1987 when John secured a five-figures sponsorship deal between Century client TNT and Coventry City FC for the FA Cup final, with TNT’s company logo on the team’s tracksuits as they came out at Wembley. Years later Century also organised what was then a record three-year shirt sponsorship deal for the Sky Blues with its client City Link. The Clarkes have been associated with the Sky Blues for over 40 years. And, after 40 years, the company is just as happy providing PR support to start-ups, SMEs or major employers. John said: “We are proud to have built up so many long-term relationships with our PR clients, customers in some cases who have become lifelong friends. Some of whom we have formed partnerships with going back over 20 years. “Indeed, our PR business has opened many doors for us through charity and local sport which has enabled us to give something back to the city. “Today, the agency is as busy as ever even in these volatile economic times. We have enjoyed our best year for five years despite the challenges facing the PR industry.” And John is optimistic that the family agency will continue to provide a results-driven service to its clients, which range from global transport organisations to funeral companies, for many years to come. He added: “We are a family business proud of developing long-term partnerships with our customers large and small. That culture has been key to the success of the agency and will underpin our strategy in the future.”
35
Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks - South Warks - Rugby
Warwickshire tech firm puts AI on the front line of customer service
Chamber member plays role in transformation of a local green space Beechwood Trees is supporting the ongoing transformation of Elizabeth Park in Leamington. The company is working with McVeigh Construction, the principal contractor, as a specialist landscaping subcontractor on the scheme. The project has involved a significant programme of landscaping and environmental improvements, creating new planting areas and enhancing the park for the local community. As part of the works, the Beechwood team helped prepare the site for its new planting scheme, using its specialist grounds and arboricultural equipment to clear and prepare the area. Having cleared away unmanaged trees, vegetation, rubble and stone, the space for fresh landscaping and planting was created out of previous waste ground. The planting programme has introduced 1,217 whips, 200 metres of hedge and 67 trees across the park. Areas of the site have also been meadow seeded, contributing to a more varied and natural landscape. With the initial landscaping works complete, the focus has now shifted to helping the new landscape establish and maintaining the park as the planting develops. Beechwood has already carried out a programme of maintenance across the site, including a full grass cut, watering the newly planted trees and re-mulching around the trees. The team has also strimmed areas where required and carried out vegetation management to keep the site under control. This ongoing maintenance is an important part of establishing a newly landscaped site. Newly planted trees and vegetation need continued care, while surrounding growth needs to be managed to allow the new landscape to develop successfully. The next stage of Beechwood's involvement will see the team continue supporting McVeigh Construction through ongoing vegetation management, including continued strimming and spraying across the park.
A Warwickshire software company is helping businesses answer customer calls and messages around the clock with the help of an AI agent. B2B.store, based at Warwick Innovation Centre, built its ProConnect platform for the wholesale and FMCG trade, where it runs some of the largest business WhatsApp channels in the UK for names including Bestway, Booker and Mondelēz. Its newest product, the ProConnect Service Agent, is aimed much more widely including any business whose customers would rather call, text or send a WhatsApp message than fill in a web form or wait on hold. The agent answers on the phone, WhatsApp, SMS and email from a single knowledge bank, and hands over to staff when needed. To prove the technology works, the company tested the idea on itself first. Visitors to b2b.store who tap
and send them to the right person. That triage is exactly what AI is good at, whichever channel the enquiry comes in on. We put it on our own website before we asked anyone else to.” The Service Agent now handles every trade enquiry arriving from its UK website for a global drinks brand, resolving about three in four without a person involved and turning the rest into structured requests for the relevant team, including new account applications and equipment requests. Rob added: “Most digital projects fail on set-up because of integrating systems, building an app, persuading customers to download it. “Everybody already has a phone and WhatsApp. A business can be live in days with its FAQs loaded, its departments mapped and the agent answering calls and messages in multiple languages. Account balances, payments and ordering can follow once it's wired into the back
office, but you don't have to start there. “Human handover is built in. Each business sets the circumstances in which the agent hands a conversation to its own staff, and every exchange is logged so managers can see what customers are asking and how much is being resolved automatically.” B2B.store holds ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 certification, the international standard for AI management, and is one of a small number of UK companies to have achieved the latter. It does not train AI models on its customers' conversations. For more information go to www.b2b.store/service-agent
Coventry firm secures place on £3 billion framework
A Coventry construction firm has secured a place on one of the West Midlands largest public sector building frameworks.
Deeley Construction has been appointed to the medium works Constructing West Midlands framework (CWM3), which covers projects worth between £2 million and £15 million and carries an estimated budget of £1 billion. The £3 billion framework is being procured by Acivico, which is owned by Birmingham City Council, alongside Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and Sandwell Council. It will run for four years, with the option of a two-year extension, and attracted 36 bids across its three lots. Councils, schools and colleges, NHS bodies, housing and social care providers and
emergency services can use the framework for new-build, extension, refurbishment and retrofit work. The medium works lot covering the Greater West Midlands, including Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire. Constructing West Midlands has delivered more than £2 billion of projects across the region since launched in 2011. Deeley Group, which was founded in 1936 and is marking its 90th year in 2026, works across later living, care, residential, commercial and education.
Coventry city centre toasts £1.2 million boost A cocktail festival held in Coventry for a third year running has provided a boost of almost £1.2 million to the city’s hospitality sector since its launch. Coventry Cocktail Week, which was held in September, has generated an estimated direct economic impact of £475,769 for the city this year. The 10-day event saw more than 4,450 people attending across 29 bars, restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues and retailers in the city centre to try out signature cocktails and take advantage of special offers. Coventry Cocktail Week is organised by M.ad Agency in
MBO deepens partnership Thinventory has deepened its strategic partnership with NightBox Benelux BV after a management buyout of nox Belgium NV and nox Netherlands BV was completed. The management acquired the two companies from STERNE Group SAS. nox Belgium and nox Netherlands will continue to operate independently, with NightBox Benelux BV (NightBox) serving as the parent company. As part of the management buyout, NightBox is deepening its strategic collaboration with Thinventory. The company will license Thinventory's operating system and use its technology, with the aim of providing existing and new customers in the Benelux region with an even more comprehensive offering combining logistics, technology, locker delivery, and inventory management.
36
the WhatsApp button no longer land on a sign-up form. They start a conversation with the Service Agent, which answers product questions, books demos into the founder's diary, takes enquiries about new products and routes each one to the right department. A customer with a technical issue is pointed to support and a commercial question goes to the commercial team. The agent can now answer the phone too. It can run on its own number or sit behind an existing switchboard – taking overflow calls, out-of-hours calls or every call – and can handle several calls at once, in multiple languages. “Every business we talk to has the same problem,” said Rob Mannion, founder and CEO of B2B. store. “Enquiries arrive by phone, email, web forms and increasingly WhatsApp, and somebody has to read them, work out what they are
partnership with Coventry Business Improvement District (BID). On average each venue taking part sold an additional 277 cocktails, with one venue recording 600 signature
drink sales as part of the initiative. Kitty Siiu, from Rosie Malones, said: “Cocktail Week brought a real buzz to the area and encouraged people to visit and support local independent venues. “It gave businesses like Rosie’s a great opportunity to showcase what we offer and attract new customers.” Customers who responded to the event’s feedback survey visited nine venues on average, with 45 per cent of attendees using their wristband across multiple days, extending the support the initiative gave to hospitality businesses. The survey highlighted half of those attending Cocktail Week travelled in
from outside Coventry, with a huge 89 per cent of all respondents saying they would buy a wristband for next year’s event. Joanne Glover, chief executive of Coventry BID, said: “Over the last three years Cocktail Week has grown into one of the key dates in the city centre calendar, both for our hospitality businesses and their customers. “Its impact is demonstrated through the numbers and the feedback we get from businesses, to have smashed the £1 million barrier with this year’s total for economic impact is evidence of exactly why we invested in bringing Cocktail Week to the city.”
Awards season for Stratford hotel Hotel Indigo Stratford upon Avon has been shortlisted twice as a finalist in the prestigious 2027 West Midlands Tourism Awards (WMTA). The Falcon Coffee Lounge has been shortlisted in the Café/Coffee shop category, and The Woodsman has been shortlisted in the Restaurant Category. Now in their seventh year, the WMTAs celebrate the region’s best accommodation, business, cultural and sporting event venues, food and drink settings, and visitor and heritage attractions. Thirty-five venues, attractions and experiences from across the region will be hoping to be crowned best in their category. The winners in all 17 categories will be revealed at an awards ceremony early in the New Year, with 250 guests expected to attend. Gold and silver winners in each category are automatically put forward for Visit England's National Awards for Excellence, giving West Midlands businesses the chance to earn recognition at a national level. In addition, the hotel was also shortlisted twice in the Stratford Herald Business & Tourism Awards in the Best Place to Work and Best Customer experience categories. Hotel Indigo Stratford upon Avon, formerly The Falcon
Hotel, opened its doors in April 2019 after a multi-millionpound major restoration project. The Grade II listed historic building, which dates back to the 16th century, was painstakingly restored over a 22-month period.
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks - South Warks - Rugby
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Leamington flies the flag at awards launch A Leamington businesswoman was the speaker at a prestigious House of Commons launch of a national awards campaign to celebrate some the country’s most inspirational achievers.
Elinor Perry was last year’s Business Woman of the Year and was asked to speak at the launch of the eighth Ladies First Professional Development Business Awards, which also marks the tenth anniversary of the group. It will highlight success stories as well as raise funds for brain tumour research at its glittering awards ceremony next year. The 50 guests at the House of Commons also heard from host MP Saqib Bhatti MBE, retired MP Colleen Fletcher MBE, and Karen Jones.
Elinor, whose company Pentlands also sponsored the event, said: "At Pentlands, part of the Nuvo Group, we are proud to support organisations that create opportunities, build confidence and celebrate success.
“Ladies First has become a powerful platform for recognising inspirational leaders and entrepreneurs, and we are delighted to sponsor the launch of the 2027 Awards at such a prestigious venue." The awards are headed up by Ladies First director Tracey McAtamney, whose work with the group has also been recognised nationally. The awards, including some new categories, will be open for nominations from January. The Awards dinner will once again be held at the IXL Events Centre. Further information about Ladies First is available at: https://ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk/ ladies-first-awards/ Photo by Visually Virtual Photography.
Coventry wellbeing provider takes football mental health campaign to Premier League Coventry-based wellbeing provider is working with a Premier League football club on a pioneering campaign using the power of football to tackle mental health. Rebecca Milic-Brown, head of business development at specialist wellbeing provider Life & Progress, is the creator of Mind Over Match, a new service designed to provide football supporters with access to professional wellbeing and mental health support before problems reach crisis point. The initiative is being delivered through a select number of football clubs in the UK, including Premier League club Crystal Palace
as well as West Midlands club Walsall FC, and aims to use the strong sense of community and belonging associated with football to encourage people to seek support earlier. Mind Over Match provides season ticket holders aged 16 and over with access to confidential professional advice, including 24/7 telephone support, “in the moment” counselling, practical guidance, financial advice and clinical signposting. The idea for Mind Over Match came from Rebecca’s belief that football clubs have a unique opportunity to reach people who
The RSC has announced full details of its Summer 2027 programme, which sees Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actor Elizabeth Debicki make her debut with the company as Richard II, alongside Damien Molony in the role of Coriolanus.
may not otherwise engage with traditional routes into mental health support. “Football is about so much more than what happens on the pitch. For millions of people, their football club represents community, identity, friendship and family. That connection can be incredibly powerful, particularly when people are going through difficult times,” said Rebecca. “I started thinking about how we could use that relationship to encourage people to ask for help earlier, rather than waiting until they reach crisis point.
“The service has been developed around the principle of early intervention, providing supporters with access to fully confidential help when they need it.”
SGD makes sponsorship commitment Coventry-based accountancy firm and tax adviser Spencer Gardner Dickins (SGD) has announced its official sponsorship of the Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW). The sponsorship brings together the talented individuals of SGD and IPW to ensure that those who are writing wills involving complex estates do so with full support. Matt Stambach, private client tax director at SGD, said: “We have been working as tax advisers and accountants for over 20 years and have increasingly seen the demand placed on individuals increase.
“Changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) are making it more challenging to structure an estate in a way that retains value. Knowing how to do this and codify it with a will is vital for a growing number of people.” The changes to IHT announced across successive Autumn Budgets have seen Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) offer less protection, unspent pension pots be folded into calculations and overseas assets pulled into scope. When individuals impacted by these changes come to write wills, they may make suggestions
or requests that will writers need assistance to understand and implement. Matt said: “For individuals with complex estates, continually reviewing the situation is necessary and this will often result in new wills being written. “By sponsoring the IPW, we can be confident that those tasked with writing these wills have an expert on hand should they need clarification of how to best assist their clients.” To learn more about SGD’s expert tax and estate planning services, visit: www.sgduk.com
Live EV offers come to salary sacrifice Coventry-based Ezoo has agreed a new partnership with Leasing.com.
It means employees considering an electric vehicle through salary sacrifice can now benefit from a wider range of cars and pricing linked to current leasing offers. The collaboration connects EZOO's salary sacrifice platform with the Leasing.com marketplace, giving employees access to electric vehicles sourced from live leasing offers rather than relying solely on fixed vehicle catalogues that may only be updated periodically. As lease pricing and vehicle availability can change throughout the year, the new approach aims to provide employees with greater visibility
of current market opportunities when choosing their next EV. The partnership is designed to help businesses of all sizes offer electric vehicle salary sacrifice as an employee benefit, while reducing
RSC summer season announced
the administrative burden typically associated with running a scheme. Lash Saranna, director at EZOO, said: "Salary sacrifice has become one of the most effective ways for employees to access an electric vehicle, but choice and availability can sometimes be limited by fixed vehicle lists. By partnering with Leasing.com, we're bringing more of the leasing market into salary sacrifice, giving employees access to a broader range of EVs and pricing that reflects what's available today." Under the partnership, Leasing.com provides access to vehicle offers from across its leasing marketplace, while EZOO manages employer onboarding, scheme administration and employee support.
The season comprises four Shakespeare plays and two world premieres inspired by the original novels from Virginia Woolf and Susanna Clarke. Completing the season is a thrilling two-hander, arriving fresh from the West End, which vividly re-imagines the relationship between a young William Shakespeare and his sparring partner, Christopher Marlowe, for a new generation. The RSC continues to collaborate with the most exciting artists and to help nurture the creative talent of the future. Alongside those making their debut with the company in 2027, which include Sami Ibrahim and Ned Bennett, are returning directors Daniel Raggett and Elizabeth Freestone, alongside Joanna Bowman and Francesca Goodridge, both of whom have trained and developed their craft under Daniel and Tamara’s leadership. They are joined, for the first time, by former writer-in-residence Zoe Cooper, who – alongside Stewart Pringle – played an instrumental role in developing and commissioning new work for the RSC’s stages since their appointment in 2024. RSC co-artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey said: “In these four thrilling Shakespeare adaptations, brought to life by some of our most exciting contemporary artists, we encounter his mastery across the genres – one Roman, one history, one tragedy and one comedy. “Together, they form a season that invites us to explore how inner conflict and external influences collide to shape us, how we see the world, how we show up and how we connect with one another. We look forward to sharing it with audiences.” For more information on becoming a member go to https://www.rsc.org.uk/
Coventry firm invests to move into consumer market A Coventry fulfilment business is now selling directly to the public after launching a website for its personalised printing brand. The Pack Smart Group has launched the website for Printopotamus, a consumer-facing print-on-demand brand that allows people to design and order their own clothing and accessories, either for themselves or for a business or club they are part of. Through the site’s “Print My Own” design studio, customers can create personalised t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and tote bags for men, women and children, featuring logos or designs they have created themselves. The launch takes The Pack Smart Group into the business-to-consumer market for the first time. Since being established in 2009 by
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Nick Walker and Seánna Holland, it has built its reputation on picking, packing and posting products for other brands across the UK and internationally, specialising in the music, drinks and sports markets. Looking to diversify, The Pack Smart Group invested more than £50,000 into printing equipment earlier this year before developing and refining the Printopotamus website. Alongside direct-to-customer orders, the equipment is also enabling The Pack Smart Group’s business clients to order printed merchandise to be produced and sent out alongside their other products rather than from a separate supplier. Seánna Holland, business development director at The Pack Smart Group, said: “For more than
17 years we’ve worked to make sure other people’s products reach their customers. Now members of the public can come to us directly and create something that’s completely their own, or design up workwear that their business can use. “Print on demand was something we knew would give our existing customers a reason to stick with us for merchandising. But we knew it could also be used to diversify by opening us up to a direct-to-consumer model. “We’re confident Printopotamus can hit the ground running, and we’re really looking forward to seeing what people will create.” To find out more about Printopotamus, visit https://printopotamus.co.uk/
37
Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks - South Warks - Rugby
Go beyond the moustache and put men’s mental health in the spotlight The founder of Mental Health in Business (MHIB) says businesses must take real action to support men’s mental health – going beyond raising awareness. Claire Russell, CEO of MHIB, said: “Every November, ‘Movember’ and International Men's Day (19 November) bring men's health into the conversation. “Yet the numbers remain stark – around three in four suicides in England and Wales are men, and the highest rate is among men aged 50 to 54 – many of them at the peak of their working lives. “At Mental Health in Business (MHIB), we believe awareness only matters when it changes what happens at work on an ordinary Tuesday afternoon. So rather than another poster in the kitchen, there are five actions that make a real difference.” MHIB’s actions include: • Lead from the top. When a senior leader shares even a small part of his own experience, he gives others permission to do the same. • Make conversations easier. Many men talk more comfortably side by side than face to face. Walking one-to-ones, team activities and informal check-ins often open doors that a meeting room can't. • Test your signposting. Does everyone know where to turn – your EAP, Mental Health First Aiders, their GP, or Samaritans on 116 123? Check it; don't assume it. • Look at the pressures, not just the people. Workload, long hours and job insecurity all take their toll. Use November to review how work is designed, not only how people are coping. • Equip your managers. Line managers are often the first to notice that someone is struggling, and the least prepared to respond. The confidence to spot the signs and start a conversation can save lives. Claire added: “That final point is why we're launching a new digital managers' mental health programme in early 2027, giving line managers practical, flexible learning to build the confidence and skills to support their teams all year round, not just in November. “Because the most meaningful spotlight on men's mental health is the one that stays switched on.” For more information go to www.mhib.co.uk
Hundreds flock to launch of British Art Show Hundreds of visitors flocked to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum ahead of the official launch of British Art Show 10: A Chorus of Strangers. The exhibition is also taking place across the Mead Gallery at Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick and Coventry University’s Delia Derbyshire Building, before travelling to Swansea, Bristol, Sheffield and Newcastle Gateshead through 2028. Writer and curator Ekow Eshun has brought together 37 artists for the 10th edition, around a third of whom have created new works for the show. The exhibition asks ‘how art can foster empathy in divided times?’, inviting visitors to look through the eyes of others rather than treat difference as a threat. Works on show in Coventry include Alvaro Barrington’s The City Is Mines/You Belong
38
The launch builds on the Herbert’s record of bringing major exhibitions to the city, including the Turner Prize in 2021.
Turner Prize winner exhibiting at Coventry University Coventry University is playing a vital role in the 10th edition of British Art Show – one of the country’s most significant cultural events. The university’s Delia Derbyshire building is hosting an array of work from leading artists, including 2024 Turner Prize winner Jasleen Kaur, who is exhibiting a new artwork specially commissioned for the show/ Supported by Art Fund, Peace and (2026) draws on the city’s status as a place of 'Peace and Reconciliation' following the 1940 Blitz attacks. Leaving the title deliberately unfinished, Kaur uses RMD scaffolding, courtroom benches, a postcard and a gold necklace to explore how we can live and transform within histories of destruction and renewal. Taking place every five years, the British Art Show is developed and produced by Hayward Gallery Touring at London’s Southbank Centre. Titled A Chorus of Strangers, BAS10 is curated by renowned writer and curator Ekow Eshun. The BAS10 exhibition is open to the public at the Delia Derbyshire Building, Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm and from now until January 10, 2027. It is the largest and most significant recurring exhibition of contemporary art in the UK and following its time in Coventry, will move on to Swansea, Bristol, Sheffield and Newcastle Gateshead. Other artists showing work in the Delia Derbyshire building include
Local travel advisor hopes to remove barriers to make travel more accessible Warwickshire entrepreneur Josiane Isherwood has launched a new independent travel agency to make travel more inclusive, accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Travel Pips, founded in June of this year, specialises in helping families, groups and individuals who may face additional challenges when travelling to find their perfect break. By taking the time to understand each traveller's unique needs, the agency creates holidays that are designed to reduce stress and increase confidence from the very first enquiry to the journey home. The idea for Travel Pips grew from Josiane's own experience of planning family holidays. "Our family holidays have always been wonderful once we've arrived," she says.
BAS 2026, which turns metal shop shutters covered in online memes into a celebration of the music, fashion and energy of city streets.
"But I know how much time and effort it takes to find somewhere that's genuinely suitable. “You spend hours researching destinations, accommodation, airport assistance, accessibility and sensory considerations, hoping you've thought of everything. I realised many other families face the same challenges, and I wanted to make the whole process easier." Travel Pips supports customers across the UK, providing independent, personalised travel planning backed by expert advice and access to a wide range of trusted travel providers. As awareness of hidden disabilities and neurodiversity continues to grow, Josiane hopes Travel Pips will encourage more people to feel confident about exploring the world. "Everyone deserves the chance to create special memories," she says. "If I can help remove some of the worry and make travel feel more accessible, then I've done my job. Because holidays should be about making memories – not navigating unnecessary barriers.”
Precious Okoyomon, Liz Johnson Artur, Hannah Perry, Ufuoma Essi, Melanie Manchot and Joy Gerrard, while Julianknxx, a graduate of at Coventry University, will be exhibiting work at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum. Craig Ashley, deputy head of school at Coventry University's School of Arts and Creative Industries, said: “The involvement of Jasleen Kaur in BAS10 is a real coup for the University and Coventry as a whole. “Her artwork, which has been specially commissioned for this event with support from Art Fund, will sit at the heart of the Delia Derbyshire Building during the show. It will
then tour the other cities taking part in BAS10, before coming back to the city permanently in about 18 months’ time. "All of the Coventry venues for the show are fantastic but what makes Delia Derbyshire special is that it is a live working space where creative subjects are taught and practised - this space and the people who use it are creating artworks, we’re not just about exhibiting, we’re a live education space where future Jasleen Kaurs are developing their ideas.” BAS10 also gives students the opportunity to gain vital hands-on experience with the major national exhibition, applying their learning and engaging directly with contemporary art, artists and audiences. Craig added: “Students are playing a key role at BAS10 - having been involved in installing the artworks, they will be welcoming visitors and playing a professional role in the delivery of a major exhibition. Invigilating and installing exhibitions are key jobs within the creative industries sector that can lead to incredible careers." Find out more about Coventry University’s role in BAS10 as well all you need to know about how to visit https://www.coventry.ac.uk/study-atcoventry/colleges-and-schools/arts-andsociety/british-art-show-10-at-coventryuniversity/
Pro bono advice to support international charity with local project Warwickshire law firm Lodders has provided pro bono legal support to international charity Betel UK, advising on real estate matters relating to the development of a new purpose-built family accommodation scheme at its facility in New Arley, Warwickshire. Betel UK is a charity dedicated to helping men, women and families affected by social exclusion, including drug and substance misuse, homelessness and long-term unemployment. Through residential recovery programmes, peer support, life skills training and work opportunities, Betel provides a structured, family-style environment that helps individuals achieve lasting recovery and regain independence. The organisation supports thousands of people through its network of communities and recovery centres across the UK and internationally.
Its accommodation scheme is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for families in the later stages of recovery from substance dependence, helping them prepare for fully independent living.
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
as Sleigh Ride
676 540333
LIVE CABARET-STYLE ENTERTAINMENT
2026
Featuring WesT End Professionals
LINE DANCING KICK UP YOUR HEELS FOR THE TWO-STEP
FESTIVE FEAST TUCK INTO OUR YULETIDE CHUCKWAGON BANQUET
FAIRGROUND RIDE PARTY MARQUEE STEP IN TO SANTA’S BIG TOP PACKED FULL OF GAMES
PARTY ROOM
SPECTACULAR THEMED PARTY ROOM WITH TOP-CLASS DJ
www.christmasattheheart.co.uk
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
BOOK NOW 01676 540333
39
News
WMG partners with Nissan on £3 million project
Creative agency completes website project for Coventry engineer
Coventry-based creative agency LTCA has completed a major new website project for local precision engineering company. The company has worked with Burnsall Engineering to help the business bring its brand, services and digital presence up to date. With more than 70 years of mould toolmaking experience, Burnsall Engineering has built a strong reputation for precision engineering, specialising in rubber and plastic mould tools, precisionengineered components, and large-scale milling and turning. As the business has evolved over recent years, Burnsall recognised the need for a website that better reflected its capabilities and the work it delivers for customers. Having worked with a number of engineering businesses across the region, LTCA was brought on board to provide the experience and understanding needed to take the project from initial direction and copywriting through to design and website development. Scott Pladdys, director at Burnsall Engineering, said: “As our business has evolved over the past few years, we needed a local company that understood us and the services we provide. LTCA’s experience of working with engineering companies gave us the confidence that they understood what we needed from the outset. “Working with LTCA over the past few months has been seamless. From the initial planning through to the design and development of the new website, they took the time to understand our business and what we needed. They just got us. We’re really pleased with the finished website and would highly recommend LTCA.” The new website provides a clearer overview of Burnsall Engineering’s specialist services, capabilities and experience, while presenting the business in a more modern and professional way. The project also involved guidance on the written content, ensuring the technical nature of the business could be communicated clearly without losing the detail and expertise that sets Burnsall apart. Leigh Torrance, creative director of LTCA, said: “When Scott got in touch, we were more than happy to help with the planning and development of the new website. It’s been great working with the Burnsall team, and we’re really pleased with how well the new website has been received. Hopefully, it will help generate more enquiries and sales for the business.”
40
A £3 million UK Governmentbacked autonomous drive research project led by Nissan in partnership with Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the University of Warwick and PAVE UK (Partners for Automated Vehicle Education UK) is set to revolutionise the future of mobility in the UK. ADventure will deploy a UK mobility service in Cambridge to explore how autonomous drive (AD) passenger services can be safely introduced to benefit real-world communities. Looking beyond vehicle technology, the project will study how an autonomous mobility service can operate in a real-world environment. Working alongside local authorities, commuters and residents, the project will examine how future AD technology can create social value, improve accessibility, and address local transport challenges.
One example would be potentially taking a person who doesn't drive to a medical appointment. Utilising a specially equipped 2022 Nissan LEAF, ADventure will combine real-world testing and community engagement to shape city-ready autonomous mobility services, setting a blueprint for other communities using AD technology. The project will focus on three key areas including designing mobility services around cities and communities, and understanding how autonomous mobility could complement existing transport networks and respond to local needs. It will also include building passenger confidence by exploring what people need to feel informed, comfortable and included when using future autonomous mobility services. On top of that, the project will look at testing technology in real-world conditions and validating how
autonomous driving systems perform safely and effectively on public roads. Professor Siddartha Khastgir, head of safe autonomy at WMG and director of PAVE UK, said: “We are excited to be partnering with Nissan as they bring their autonomous mobility service plans to the UK. “Applying our deep safety and user-experience expertise to the ADventure project, we will be able to co-create a safe mobility service design with the public in a way that meets both their needs and the city’s transport priorities.” Backed by the UK Government’s Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) and facilitated through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) in partnership with Innovate UK and inward investment, the £3 million consortium project forms part of the UK's ambition to accelerate the development and deployment of
connected and autonomous mobility technologies. ADventure will conclude with a public-road demonstration in Cambridge, showcasing how autonomous mobility services could one day support more connected, accessible and sustainable transport systems for communities across the country. Discover WMG's pioneering autonomous driving research: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/ wmg/research/research-areas/ safeautonomy/
Small business owners say they are in it for the long haul Small business owners have shown how resilient, resourceful and committed they are despite the challenges that come with running a business. New research shows that 90 per cent of business owners say they have experienced at least one particularly difficult period in the past five years, which meant they seriously considered giving up their businesses altogether. Cashflow issues and rising energy costs (both 27 per cent) were cited as the top factors contributing to the challenges their businesses faced.
But to deal with financial pressures, owners say they adapted and took practical steps including diversifying their offering by introducing new products, services or sources of revenue (17 per cent) and reducing their opening hours (14 per cent). A fifth (18 per cent) used their personal savings to support their business. The research also shows that most small business owners prefer being their own boss, with almost seven in 10 (69 per cent) owners saying it is preferable to working for someone else, with 71 per cent saying they intend to continue running their own businesses for the long-term. They do, however, remain vigilant around their business’s finances and running costs, with nine in 10 saying managing their businesses’ energy use and costs will be important to their business’s financial resilience over the next year.
When it comes to managing bills, the data provided by a smart meter can help business owners understand their energy use and identify where they may be able to find ways to reduce their energy bills. A smart meter takes automatic readings of gas and electricity use and sends them directly the energy supplier. It means businesses no longer need to read a meter and send the figures, giving them more time to focus on other jobs. Getting a smart meter installed also means the end of estimated bills. A smart meter records exactly how much energy is used so that customers can be billed accurately. Arranging a smart meter installation is also quick and easy to do. Click here www.britishchambers.org.uk/smartmeter to find out whether you are eligible.
Bosses of ‘well run companies worried sick’ about new rules Thousands of employers are struggling with new ‘onerous responsibility’ over holiday entitlement and pay compliance, according to an accountancy firm with offices in the region. The issue follows the government’s April introduction of the Fair Work Agency and new rules. Employers now have to maintain holiday entitlement and pay records and keep them for six years, in line with National Minimum Wage records. Records must contain annual entitlements, when leave is taken
and what employees are paid for each period of leave, including any pay in lieu of holiday upon termination. The principle is simple, but the working reality is somewhat more complex, says H-J Dobbie, head of HR Consultancy at Azets, the UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm. It has offices across the Midlands in Coventry, Tamworth, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Nottingham and Shrewsbury. She said: “Typically, HR will deal with holiday entitlement calculations
and payroll will deal with holiday pay. “But with the new onerous responsibility requiring all the data to be in one place and easily accessible, it means HR and payroll will need to work more closely together than ever before.” Holiday for workers with variable hours and variable pay can be calculated using the ‘percentage method’, and holiday for workers with fixed hours and fixed pay is straightforward, H-J said. But she warned this is not the case when it comes to workers with fixed hours but variable pay.
“For example, if they regularly work overtime, receive allowances or commission or are paid shift premiums. “The calculation for these workers, based on the ‘calendar method’, is so complicated that employers often don’t know where to start. “What has come to light is that employers do not understand the calendar method or how to calculate holiday pay correctly."
HORIBA MIRA brings government and industry together to discuss automotive growth Government, regional leaders and some of the biggest names in British automotive came together at MIRA Tech Park, near Nuneaton, for a major roundtable exploring how to strengthen UK competitiveness, unlock investment and support future jobs. The UK Competitiveness Roundtable was hosted by HORIBA MIRA and Blair McDougall MP, Minister for Reindustrialisation, following an invitation to the Minister from Dr Luke Evans MP. Held as HORIBA MIRA celebrates its 80th anniversary, the visit recognised eight decades of automotive engineering, testing, research and innovation while focusing on the opportunities ahead for the industry and its supply chain. Senior representatives attended from Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin, McLaren Automotive, Bentley Motors, Bosch Engineering, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Warwick Acoustics and the University of Warwick. They joined regional leaders and MPs to consider how government and industry can work together to secure long-term growth. Discussions explored opportunities across the automotive sector, barriers holding back businesses, where public investment could make the greatest difference and how industry can contribute to securing future employment and investment.
For Coventry and Warwickshire, with its established automotive industry, research expertise and specialist suppliers, these questions are closely connected to the region’s future prosperity. Investment in vehicle technologies can create opportunities across a much wider business community, encompassing engineering, manufacturing, software, professional services and skills development. As vehicles become increasingly shaped by electrification, automation and software, businesses need support to turn technical expertise into commercially successful products and services. Retaining the skills, facilities and investment needed to achieve that will be central to the region’s competitiveness. Sarah Windrum, head of cluster development at MIRA Tech Park, said: “Coventry and Warwickshire
has exceptional automotive expertise, from established manufacturers and suppliers to ambitious technology businesses and research teams. The opportunity is to connect those strengths and make it easier for companies to develop, test and bring new products to market. “Businesses need access to the right facilities, skills, partners and investment at each stage of their growth. Bringing government and industry together helps build a shared understanding of what will make the greatest difference. “At MIRA Tech Park, we see how a connected community can support that journey. Our ambition is to help more businesses translate innovation into commercial success, creating skilled jobs and strengthening the supply chains that underpin the UK automotive industry.” Before the roundtable, the Minister toured the campus to see how its facilities support the development and validation of emerging technologies. The visit included the Driving Simulator Centre, an autonomous vehicle demonstration at ASSURED CAV City and an introduction to future development opportunities. The tour demonstrated the importance of the engineering and testing infrastructure behind automotive innovation. Bringing a technology to market requires evidence of its performance, safety and reliability, alongside the ability to develop it into a product that customers can use with confidence.
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
News
Scheme addressing business space shortage Construction is gathering pace on a new commercial development in Warwick, which is set to provide much-needed space for small and medium-sized businesses and support up to 85 jobs. Groundworks have now been completed at Greville Business Park, which is being developed by Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG), and the steel framework for 11 high-quality commercial units is being erected. Located between Leamington Spa and Warwick, the development will provide 28,000 sq ft of flexible commercial space across units ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 sq ft, offering a range of opportunities for established businesses, growing companies and new ventures. The scheme is being constructed by Birminghambased E Manton Limited, with completion expected this winter. A further 15,000 sq ft commercial unit is also being delivered for a named occupier. The development received unanimous planning consent from Warwick District Council and is being built to meet EPC A and BREEAM Very Good standards, reflecting the growing demand from businesses for modern, energy-efficient premises. The units are being marketed for freehold sale by Avison Young and will benefit from a range of
features designed to meet the needs of modern commercial occupiers. These include PV roof panels, roller shutter level-access loading doors, threephase electricity, mains water, fitted toilet facilities and minimum seven-metre eaves heights. Greville Business Park is WPDG’s second commercial scheme, following the successful delivery and sale of Sucham Park in Southam. The development was fully let within 12 months of completion, attracting a mix of growing local businesses and new start-ups. The Warwick scheme forms the first phase of a wider two-phase development planned by WPDG at Fusiliers Way. The second phase is set to deliver a new local centre serving the growing area and its business community, with plans including a convenience store, children’s day nursery and coffee shop. Together, the two phases will create new employment opportunities, business space and local amenities to support the continued growth of the area. Rob Andrews, head of development at WPDG, said: “It's a great milestone to see contractors on site and steelwork going up at Greville Business Park. “This scheme will help address the real shortage of high-quality small business space in this part of
Warwickshire and we're looking forward to seeing these units taken up by ambitious SMEs once construction is finished.” Cllr James Crocker, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Projects such as this demonstrate our commitment to supporting economic growth, investing in our communities and ensuring Warwickshire remains an attractive place for businesses to locate and succeed." For more information contact Sam.Forster@avisonyoung.com
Investing in staff key aim for leading local accountants Prime Accountants, a leading accountancy firm based in the West Midlands, is renewing its commitment to upskilling team members by partnering with expert training provider CAPE. In turn, this can enhance the support that clients receive and preserve the high levels of retention that Prime has attained, as demonstrated by the multiple career milestones the firm has recently celebrated. Morgan Davies, managing director at Prime, said: “Prime has achieved its objectives through the CAPE programme, resulting in a noticeable change in its culture and positioning it for sustained success. “We have observed enhanced collaboration among the different service lines and teams, effectively addressing common business challenges both internally and externally.” The benefits of the collaboration were echoed by Lynsey Kitching, one of the founders of Cape.
Lynsey said:“Prime is a growing organisation doing great work and one of the things we’ve always valued about working with them is how seriously they take the development of their people and leaders. “At CAPE, we’re proud of the lasting relationships we build with our clients, supporting them through
different stages of their growth and it’s fantastic to be continuing that relationship with Prime.” Naomi Regan, the other founder of CAPE, observes the impact that investing in long-term training can have on firms: “Over the next nine to twelve months, we’ll work with Prime’s managers through focused workshops, 1-to-1 coaching and opportunities to put their learning into practice. “This training is a great example of investing in people development in a way that builds individual capability while also creating value for the wider business.” To discover more about CAPE’s training opportunities, visit its website: https://capepeopledevelopment.co.uk/ To learn more about the accounting support offered by Prime Accountants, visit its website: https://primeaccountants.co.uk/
Diversification: Building a more resilient future By Sarah Ellis, sales and marketing director at Ashorne Hill
For many businesses, diversification used to be something discussed as part of a long-term growth strategy. Today, it is increasingly becoming an essential part of remaining resilient, relevant and commercially sustainable. At Ashorne Hill, diversification has become an important part of our own strategy. Set within 35 acres of Warwickshire countryside, Ashorne Hill has long been known as a residential training and conference venue. That remains at the heart of what we do, but over recent years we have looked much more closely at how we can make better use of our estate, our facilities and, importantly, the expertise within our business. The question we continue to ask ourselves is simple: what else could Ashorne be? Corporate meetings, conferences and residential learning remain incredibly important to us, but relying too heavily on any single market creates risk. Changing working patterns, shorter booking lead times, economic uncertainty and increasingly demanding customers mean businesses need to be agile. For Ashorne, that has meant broadening our proposition while protecting what makes us distinctive. Our bedrooms, meeting spaces, grounds, food and beverage facilities
and experienced teams are valuable assets throughout the week – not just when a large corporate conference is taking place. As a result, we have been developing opportunities across areas including leisure stays, weekend breaks, weddings, private celebrations, special events and exclusive-use experiences. It isn't about trying to become everything to everyone. It is about identifying where existing assets can be used differently and where there is a genuine commercial opportunity. One of the biggest shifts has been moving from thinking purely in terms of rooms and meeting packages to thinking about experiences. Customers increasingly want something memorable. A business meeting might include outdoor activities across our grounds. A residential programme may combine formal learning with informal networking and social experiences. A weekend guest may discover Ashorne simply as somewhere to escape to in the Warwickshire countryside. Weddings and celebrations allow an entirely different audience to experience the estate. The physical product hasn't necessarily changed but how we package, position and sell it has. That principle can apply to businesses in almost every sector. Sometimes diversification doesn't require an entirely new product.
It requires looking at what you already have through the eyes of a different customer. Perhaps one of Ashorne Hill's greatest opportunities is the combination of our venue and our learning business. Ashorne is not simply somewhere organisations can bring their people together. Through our learning and development expertise, we can also support why they are bringing those people together in the first place. Leadership development, team effectiveness and organisational development sit naturally alongside meetings, conferences and residential programmes. Increasingly, we are looking at how these areas work together rather than operating independently. That creates opportunities to deepen existing client relationships, introduce clients to services they may not previously have considered and deliver greater value from one relationship. Of course, diversification can quickly become distraction. Every new opportunity needs to be commercially viable, operationally deliverable and aligned with the wider brand. We continually consider questions such as: Is there genuine demand? Can we deliver it well? Does it use our assets efficiently? What margin can it generate? And does it strengthen rather than dilute the Ashorne Hill brand?
Knowing what not to pursue can be just as important as identifying the next opportunity. Ultimately, successful diversification requires curiosity throughout a business. Sales teams need to listen differently to customers. Marketing teams need to reach new audiences. Operations teams need to consider how spaces and services could be used differently. Leadership teams need to give people permission to test ideas. Some will work. Others won't. But creating a culture where people regularly ask, “What else could we do with this?” can uncover opportunities that may otherwise never have existed. For Ashorne Hill, diversification isn't about moving away from our heritage as a place where people come together to meet, learn and develop. It is about building on it. And as businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire continue to navigate an evolving commercial landscape, the ability to adapt, collaborate and find new value within the assets and expertise we already have may be one of our greatest opportunities.
Plain sailing as Chamber member supports major event
WA Management supported the 2026 iQFOiL World Championships in Weymouth and Portland as the event safety advisor and competent person. The event took place at the Weymouth Portland National Sailing Academy off Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, a location renowned for stable south-westerly sea breezes, fair conditions, and dynamic tactical racing due to manageable chop and strong tidal influences. WA Management provided a total of seven days of support, including four days pre-event, two days supervising event build safety and one day at the event itself. This support was delivered by three members of the team – commercial lead and managing director William Whittaker, technical lead and senior SHEQ consultant Jake Sansom and SHEQ consultant Elizabeth Davis, all supported by compliance coordinator Amii Percy. The team attended local organising committee meetings to ensure safety requirements were met at every stage of the project, while developing risk assessments, safety plans, and policies to support the event. During their pre-event site visits, they conducted event specific risk assessments and consulting on the event safety best practices at the venue. Through this, they made sure that health and safety was prioritised for the safety of all participants, staff, volunteers and the public while allowing the event to run efficiently and smoothly. To prepare event staff, WA undertook thorough checks of subcontractor risk assessments and insurances, supporting the event team in addressing issues under their remit, and delivering readiness training. They also delivered readiness training in the run-up to the event in conjunction with the event director, presenting a range of potential scenarios for staff to discuss and agree appropriate remedial actions for. The team supported the health and safety of everyone attending the Championships, which included producing and delivering site inductions via their compliance app SHEQi, overseeing the temporary infrastructures, supporting with daily venue checks, and providing ad hoc advice and support throughout the event. WA director William Whittaker said: “It is always a delight and an honour to be chosen to support the health and safety of these major sporting events – on a personal level it’s been a delight to support a prominent water sport event, as I myself am Commodore for Draycote Water Sailing Club.” WA Management has previously supported a number of high-profile events, such as the World Taekwondo Grand Prix Final 2023, ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships 2023, and Formula Kite European Championships 2024. For more information go to: https://wamanagement.co.uk/
The £1.25 million investment in treasured indoor market Coventry’s much-loved and Grade II listed indoor market is to benefit from external improvements after a commitment to invest at least £1.25 million. Plans to insert new glazing in the lower section, which would allow more light in, create wider doorways and improve the link of market businesses to the new public realm, are planned for the exterior of the building. A team of architects who specialise in listed buildings have created sympathetic designs for the ambitious improvement works. Planning permission
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
is being sought to also add new lighting and illuminated signage, as well as public art. The investment for the initial stage of work comes from the West Midlands Combined Authority, Pride in Place funding and the Hill Group, with hope that other work in the plans can be completed in later phases with more funding. Councillor Dr Lynnette Kelly, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration, said: “Coventry Market is at the heart of the new City Centre South public regeneration.
“Our traders have been asking for investment in this building for a number of years, and I'm delighted that we're now able to deliver it. This is a really positive step that will make a genuine difference to the businesses who work here every day, and to the shoppers who use the market. “Thanks to Pride in Place funding from the government and further investment from City Centre South developer the Hill Group, we can start work in the new year, subject to planning approval.”
41
#1 Online staff leave planner
Leave management software, trusted by businesses like yours! Simplify some of the tedious HR tasks with our easy-to-use leave management software, from sick leave and holiday requests to employee records and document storage.
Free Trial whosoff.com Email support@whosoff.com Let’s talk +44 (0)1227 812930
WHOSOFF
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Health and Wellbeing
Breaking the Silence:
Empowering Men's Mental Health in the Workplace When men struggle with their mental health, silence can be one of the biggest barriers to getting support. And in the workplace, that silence can come at a significant cost. Traditional expectations around masculinity, stigma and the pressure to appear strong can make it difficult for men to acknowledge when they're struggling, let alone ask for
help. For employers, recognising these barriers and creating a culture where conversations about mental health feel safe can make a real difference. Breaking the Silence is a practical, evidence-based session from Mental Health in Business (MHIB), designed to help organisations turn awareness into meaningful action. Participants will learn to recognise early signs of mental health
This Men's Mental Health Month, help break the silence in your workplace. Email info@mhib.co.uk to find out more or book your session.
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
difficulties, understand the barriers men face when seeking support, approach conversations with greater confidence and identify appropriate sources of help.
Flexible training to suit your organisation 1-hour webinar: Delivered online for up to 500 participants. Ideal for raising awareness across your workforce.
2-hour interactive workshop: Delivered online or in person for up to 25 delegates, combining expert insight, real-world scenarios and practical discussion. Led by experienced business leaders with lived experience of mental ill health, our sessions combine professional expertise with genuine understanding of the challenges people face at work.
EXCLUSIVE CHAMBER MEMBER OFFER Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce members receive 15% OFF BOOKINGS confirmed by 30 November 2026.
43
President & People
Promotions at Prime
Sandra Godley OBE, president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce
Prime Accountants, a leading accounting firm in the West Midlands, continues to demonstrate a commitment to developing and rewarding the talent of its expert team. Two members of the team have been promoted to key positions where their abilities will continue to benefit their colleagues and the clients they work with. Amy Garratt has been promoted to senior tax administrator and Stacie Youell has been promoted to senior audit & accounts administrator. Paislei Godley, one of Prime’s directors who recently celebrated 25 years with the firm, has
worked closely with Amy. She said: “Being part of Amy’s journey has been incredible and it is excellent to see the supportive environment of Prime continue to develop the next generation of talent. “Prime has always been focused on rewarding those who put in the effort and show initiative.” Amy said: “I’m very proud to have been promoted! “I’m grateful for the ongoing support and opportunity to be able to progress and further expand my knowledge and skills.”
Half century milestone A Coventry-based Lawton Tubes factory worker is marking half a century of service to the business. Dave White joined Lawton Tubes, which manufactures and supplies copper and stainless tube and fittings, as a fresh-faced 17-year-old in September 1976 after being made redundant at another firm. He was put to work at Torrington Avenue on the draw benches, which pull copper tube down to size, before his two older brothers later followed him into the business.
I cannot believe it’s been a year since I became president of this Chamber and, honestly, the past couple of months sum up what an incredible whirlwind it has been. From hosting events to being on the front cover of this magazine and from meeting the regional mayor through to interviewing an MP for our President & People video series, it’s had a bit of everything! Once I feel I’ve got to grips with everything the Chamber does, something new happens and I am completely in awe of what the team does each and every day on behalf of members. That’s why I was so proud to see us shortlisted for UK Chamber of the Year and the incredible Chris Nagle being nominated for the British Chambers of Commerce’s President’s Award. If it had been up to this president, Chris would have most definitely won! In both cases it was, however, a genuine testament to the vision and leadership that our CEO Corin Crane and the team have shown during very testing economic times.
Stacie added: “I’m delighted with this promotion. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take the next step in my career and for the support, encouragement and trust I’ve received along the way.”
Half a century on, and Dave has continued working in similar roles alongside several generations of the Lawton family, before moving on to the factory flowline in recent years. He even credits the company with his marriage to wife, after meeting her at a colleague’s party in the 1980s. Dave’s factory floor colleague Chris Dyne is also set to mark 40 years with the business in a year’s time, with the pair being friends since they were 15.
Kylie joins HCR Law HCR Law has welcomed commercial property lawyer Kylie Cooper as head of commercial property at its Leamington Spa office. Kylie brings more than a decade of experience advising on complex property transactions. She previously worked for Wright
Hassall, which became part of HCR Law in November 2025. Since then, the Leamington Spa office has relocated to modern facilities to support its continued growth and long-term commitment to Leamington Spa and the wider Warwickshire market. Kylie’s appointment
When I attended the Local Business Forum held at the Deeley Group – a member celebrating its 90th anniversary – I could see the esteem within which the Chamber is held.
Price is right for Legends Global
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker was interviewed by Corin Crane before being asked a series of questions by members – not many other organisations can provide such an opportunity and, across Warwickshire, each of our forums has been attended by at least one local MP in the past few weeks.
Andy will lead Legends Global's new partnership with the venue, working with the club and the arena team to shape its future.
From the Deeley Group, we headed over to Lawton Tubes where the Mayor and I got to try our hands at bricklaying and met senior leaders at the business and some of the apprentices who will drive the company forward into the future. What an amazing advert for our region! We’ve just released the third edition of President & People – a fantastic interview with the wonderful Julie White of D-Drill & Sawing. We could have gone on for hours because Julie has so many stories to tell and so many experiences that will resonate with other business leaders – which is what it is all about. We’ve also got an interview with MP Taiwo Owatemi ‘in the can’ that gives a wonderful insight into what drove her to get into politics and represent our city. I was really grateful that Taiwo also invited me to be a speaker at her Black History Month event which proved to be a huge success and was themed around honouring our communities. Elsewhere, I attended Genesis Employment’s 20th anniversary celebration which raised a huge sum for charity, I went over to EZOO to chat to them about their amazing business, and I also got to host our most recent Women in Business event at St Mary’s Guildhall, which was a lovely afternoon with such inspiring speakers. What a few weeks! What a year! And there’s another 12 months of this to come!
44
Legends Global has appointed Andy Price as general manager of Coventry Building Society Arena, home of Coventry City Football Club.
The partnership brings together Legends Global's experience across more than 450 venues
reflects the ongoing investment in the office, which is attracting new talent in response to rising client demand across the region. Her appointment also forms part of wider growth across the commercial property team, with a number of senior appointments made firmwide over the last year.
worldwide with the ambition of Coventry City Football Club and Coventry Building Society Arena. As part of his role, Andy will oversee venue operations, transform food & beverage and premium hospitality revenues on matchdays, and drive growth in non-matchday revenue through conventions, special events, concerts, ticketing and more.
Degree Apprentice shortlisted Birmingham City University degree apprentice, Poppy Deakin, has been shortlisted for FE/HE Student of the Year at the UK Building The Future Awards 2026. Entering the final year of her Construction Site Management degree apprenticeship at BCU, Poppy combines academic excellence with a successful career as an assistant project manager at Overbury. Based at Overbury Central, she helps deliver highquality office fit-out projects across the Midlands, coordinating contractors, managing project sequencing and supporting health and safety compliance on site.
Poppy said: “I am very grateful to be shortlisted for this award, which recognises both my passion for the construction industry and the commitment I have demonstrated throughout my university studies. “As I enter my final year, I look forward to continuing to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical experience, applying academic learning to real-world project delivery on site.” The winners will be announced at the UK Building The Future Awards 2026 on November 5.
Agency appointment A Coventry-based digital agency has strengthened its leadership team – and is preparing to recruit for three further roles.
wider growth plans, which include the recruitment of a paid media specialist, software developer and account manager.
Zoë Yates has joined The Herd as content and marketing lead and brings more than five years’ experience across B2B and B2C marketing, communications, social media, content creation and email marketing. Her appointment forms part of the agency’s
In her new role, Zoë will lead The Herd’s content and marketing activity, supporting clients with stronger brand storytelling, social media strategy, campaign delivery, video content, copywriting, email marketing and audience engagement.
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
President & People
Daisy grows into new role
A familiar face at a regional innovation hub has been promoted to centre manager after supporting a wide range of businesses during her time in the role's deputy position. Daisy Askill has been appointed centre manager at Blythe Valley Innovation Centre, which is owned by Solihull Council and managed by the University of Warwick Science Park. She moves into the role after being assistant centre manager
since January 2024, supporting tenants with administrative matters.
In her new role, Daisy will take overall responsibility for the operation of the centre, ensuring existing tenants continue to receive a high level of support while also attracting new innovative businesses to join the thriving business community at Blythe Valley Innovation Centre.
EZOO drives forward with cyber safety EZOO has achieved a Cyber Essentials certification while also investing in staff training to help strengthen awareness across the business.
“Many of today's biggest risks, from phishing emails to password scams, rely on human error, making awareness just as important as the systems behind it.
Lash Saranna, director at EZOO, said: “The process reinforced an important message that protecting customer and business data isn't just about technology.
"Achieving a Cyber Essentials certification was an important step for us, but just as valuable was ensuring the whole team understood their role in helping keep the business secure.”
The incredible £5,555 donation to local charity The family of much-loved Nuneaton man Damon Owens has donated £5,555 to George Eliot Hospital Charity in his memory, funding three specialist reclining treatment chairs for patients receiving care on the Dorothea Unit at George Eliot Hospital. Damon was diagnosed with bowel cancer in January 2023 and spent many hours on the Dorothea Unit receiving treatment.
Damon lost his life in September 2025, but his family wanted to create a lasting legacy in his memory that would support other cancer patients for years to come. Damon's wife, Tanya, and their son, Ethan, recently visited the Dorothea Unit to see the new chairs and learn more about the difference their donation will make.
Council's digital programme wins national award for diversity and inclusion strategy Coventry City Council's digital inclusion programme, #CovConnects, has won the Diversity and Inclusion Strategy of the Year award at the prestigious Women in Green Business Awards. The award recognises the programme's innovative approach to help people in need across Coventry get online, unlock opportunities and improve their lives. This is done through strong
partnerships and community collaboration using an environmental and sustainable model. #CovConnects’ Device Bank, where donated laptops, tablets and smartphones are given a second lease of life, are serviced and distributed to voluntary organisations, creating an environmentally recognised model that delivers social value while reducing electronic waste.
The black-tie evening will bring together businesses, community leaders and individuals for food, entertainment, networking and celebration, while raising vital funds for Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC). For more than 45 years, CRASAC has supported survivors of rape and sexual violence across Coventry, with more than 81,500 survivors supported to date.
Today, there are an average of 625 active service users, highlighting the continuing need for specialist support. The Gala has been designed with connection at its heart. Guests can enjoy a three-course dinner, live entertainment, close-up magic, auctions, raffles and the Catalyst Lounge – creating opportunities to relax, have fun and build new relationships. Chamber members can attend for £100 per ticket – saving £25 on the standard £125 price. To access the member rate, contact Donna Jones on donna.jones@crasac.org.uk
Celebrating success and connections A leading Coventry hotel is reflecting on a successful 2026 and looking ahead to the New Year. A spokesperson for the Telegraph Hotel said: “As 2026 draws to a close, it’s a time to reflect on the year’s successes, celebrate the people behind our businesses and look forward to what comes next. “At The Telegraph Hotel, it’s been another busy and exciting year. From a vibrant summer in Coventry to strong demand for our Christmas celebrations, there has been plenty to celebrate – and we’re already looking ahead to what 2027 will bring. “We’ve continued to invest in our hotel, refreshing our Generators rooftop bar, giving our Forme & Chase restaurant a new look and creating a more welcoming entrance for guests.
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
These improvements reflect our commitment to continually evolving while preserving the character and heritage that make The Telegraph Hotel so distinctive. “As an independent hotel in the heart of Coventry, we’re proud to be part of the city’s business community. Our historic building, once home to the Coventry Evening Telegraph newspaper, has been reimagined as a place where people can meet, connect, celebrate and create new memories. “With Christmas just around the corner, our festive offering is in full swing, from Christmas joiner party nights and private dining to festive lunches, dinners and afternoon teas. Whether bringing colleagues together, thanking clients or celebrating a successful year, we believe that making time for people is just as important as the work we do.
An award-winning West Midlands communications agency has grown its SEO team following a raft of new client wins and renewals. R&Co Communications, which is based in Leamington Spa and Birmingham, has appointed Tom Hall as SEO account manager to work on several of the agency’s key SEO accounts. Tom has specialised in SEO for the last four years at full-service agencies in Birmingham and Manchester.
Bringing people together for an important cause Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire are being invited to support the CRASAC Catalyst Gala 2026, taking place on Friday, November 20 at St Mary’s Guildhall.
SEO team growth
“Looking ahead to 2027, we’re keen to build even stronger relationships with local businesses, explore new opportunities and play our part in Coventry and Warwickshire’s continued success. “As fellow members of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, we know that strong business communities are built on connections, collaboration and shared success. And sometimes, the best opportunities begin with simply getting together for a conversation.”
He recently relocated to Warwickshire, where he grew up, and joins R&Co following a period of sustained development for the agency, which has won one or more industry awards in each of the last three years. Tom will report to R&Co’s SEO lead, account director Jack Stocking, in his new role.
Wells joins property firm
Bromwich Hardy’s fast-growing reputation in the regional commercial property market has seen it add to its team. Harvey Wells has joined Bromwich Hardy as a graduate surveyor, moving from a global Birmingham city centre agency to gain experience. He graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a BA in Real Estate in 2025 and is continuing his work to become a chartered surveyor over the next 12 months.
45
New Members Business Connect Members Bullfix Ltd
Fletcher Evans Fabrications
Construction Services 01926 659055 matthew.statham@bullfix.co.uk https://bullfix-fixings.com
Sheet Metal Fabricators 02477 752000 sales@fefabrications.co.uk
Companyblue Ltd Retail Traders 02477 220955 info@companyblue.co.uk https://elegant-radiators.co.uk
Creative Hire Ltd Commercial Furniture 01676 542616 steve@creativehire.co.uk https://creativehire.co.uk
Cult Barbers Barbershop 07366 895559 Cbarbers@cultbarbers.com https://cultbarbers.com/
Dupliq Ltd Managed Print and Sustainable Business Solutions 07455 093227 lee.clarke@dupliq.co.uk www.dupliq.co.uk
Flowy Consulting Business Consultants 07729 868589 contact@flowyconsulting.com www.flowyconsulting.com
Free Will Creatives Digital Marketing https://freewillcreatives.com/
GasWise Plumbing and Heating Services (UK) Heating & Plumbing Engineers 01295 597961 info@gaswise-plumbing.co.uk www.gaswise-plumbing.co.uk/
Godiva Travel Passenger Transport Contractors 024 7507 2000 sales@godivatravel.co.uk www.godivatravel.co.uk
James Tomlinson Coaching & Facilitation Ltd Executive, Management & Business Coaching 07722 222610 jamestomlinson108@gmail.com
Lancetn Life Science Research Center Ltd Food Manufacturer 0159 0709 6983 ygh7811@outlook.com
Mind Mask Media Digital Marketing 07742 106427 info.mindmaskmedia@gmail.com https://mindmaskmedia.co.uk
Proxenetae Ltd Logistics Management 07801 59766 samcollier@proxenetae.co.uk www.proxenetae.co.uk
Together for Change Coventry and Warwickshire
Security Services www.essexindustries.co.uk
Cleaning Contractors 01926 497010 info@goldcrestcleaning.com http://www.goldcrestcleaning.com
Charities & Benevolent Organisations TogetherForChange@Coventry. Anglican.org www.togetherforchange.org.uk
Extraordinary Us CIC
Helen TMVA Services
ZD Automotive Ltd
Essex Industries Ltd
Community Support 07964 63 1147 hello@extraordinaryus.co.uk www.extraordinaryus.co.uk
46
Goldcrest Cleaning Ltd
Virtual Assistant 07967 162183 calls@helentmvaservices.com www.helentmvaservices.com
Motor Vehicle Servicing & Repairs 07985 521804 Zohebdeenautomotive@gmail.com www.zdautomotive.uk
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
FEATURED OFFERS from our Chamber Members BUSINESS INFLUENCE & ENGAGE Members
Coventry City Council
Expiry Date: 31/12/2026 Coventry City Council’s Workplace Wellbeing Award team is offering Chamber Members a fully funded, NCFE-accredited Workplace Wellbeing Award to help businesses improve health and wellbeing at work.
Telegraph Hotel Coventry Nine to Thrive Offer
Expiry Date: 31/12/2026 Chamber Members can smash through the to-do list in style with our brand new ‘Nine to Thrive’ offer at the Telegraph Hotel for only £19.95pp. Swap the home office for a change of scenery.
Wren Sterling
Your Travel Counsellor
FREE Corporate Financial Health Check
Donna Gilbert
Expiry Date: 31/12/2026 Wren Sterling is offering a free initial 30 minute chat with one of our Workplace Consultants to discuss your challenges and the strategies you use to reward, develop and retain your people.
Expiry Date: 28/02/2027 For Winter 2026/27, Buy One, Get One Half Price on eligible lift passes when booking an Inghams Ski holiday with Your Travel Counsellor, saving up to £260 per couple.
BUSINESS CONNECT & GLOBAL Members
Clarity of Mind
Speare Consulting
FREE 60-minute L&D Consultation
Expiry Date: 31/12/2026 Chamber Members can claim a free 60-minute L&D consultation aimed at helping you create the best plan to invest your time and money in training & tools that will genuinely improve employment engagement, retention and development.
Chadwick Accountants and Bookkeepers Discounted Women in Business Brunch
Expiry Date: 24/02/2027 Chamber Members can get a 20% discount at our women only networking event, taking place on 25th February, with a panel of leading female business owners, and a relaxed two course brunch.
FREE 90-minute Business Health Check
Expiry Date: 31/12/2026 Want to grow your business but not sure what to focus on next? Sometimes it helps to step back and take a fresh look at the business. That’s where I can help with a FREE 90-minute one-to-one Business Health Check for Chamber Members.
Peak SEO Agency
FREE Google Business Profile ‘Missed Enquiries’ Check
Expiry Date: 31/12/2026 If your business relies on local enquiries, your Google Business Profile often plays a bigger role than people realise. Chamber Members can get a free ‘Missed Enquiries’ check.
Bearhat Marketing
FREE Marketing Structure Review
Expiry Date: 18/12/2026 I’m offering Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber members a free 30-minute marketing structure review, with no obligation. There are five places in total, and the offer closes once they’re taken.
Want to share your Member Offer?
Email the details and your logo to info@cw-chamber.co.uk
Member Offers are included in our Online Marketplace and shared to over 18,000 followers across social media.
To view these and all of our Member Offers, head to cw-chamber.co.uk/marketplace
Percival Guildhouse MEMBERS EVENTS The Christmas Fair The Carnival of the Animals Coventry Cathedral, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5AB Date: 09 November 2026 Time: 6.00pm - 7:30pm
Future Skills Round Table – Visitor Economy Farmers Fayre, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG Date: 10 November 2026 Time: 9:30am – 12.00pm
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
The Percival Guildhouse, St Matthews Street, Rugby, CV213BY Date: 14 November 2026 Time: 10.00am - 12.30pm
Help to Grow: Management Course 12 Modules held weekly over 3 months (8 are online and 4 in person) Coventry University Business School, William Morris, Gosford Street, Coventry, CV1 5DL Date: From 19 November 2026
CRASAC Catalyst Gala An Evening of Connection, Celebration & Impact St Mary's Guidhall, Bayley Lane, Coventry, CV1 5RN Date: 20 November 2026 Time: 6.30pm - 11.30pm
Mental Elf 5k Festive Fun Run War Memorial Park, Coventry, CV3 6PT Date: 06 December 2026 Time: 10am Registration, 11am Race starts
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop Ansty Hall Hotel, Main Road, Ansty, Coventry, CV7 9HZ Date: 06 December 2026 Time: 2.00pm – 5.00pm
James Bond Casino Royale Party Night Draycote Hotel, London Road, Thurlaston, Rugby, CV23 9LF Date: 18 December 2026 Time: 7.00pm – 1.00am
47
Private healthcare made easy Many of the treatments we offer are covered by private health insurance*.
We work with all major insurance providers
Quick access to consultations, diagnostics, and treatment across a range of specialties, including: Cardiology
General Surgery
Neurology
ENT
Gynaecology
Orthopaedics
Gastroenterology Imaging & Diagnostics
Physiotherapy
Experience private healthcare made simple and convenient.
Scan to book your appointment online or call 02477 287 827 *All insurance policies vary. You must check you are covered or you will be liable to pay any outstanding amounts.
Meriden Hospital - Clifford Bridge Rd, Coventry CV2 2LQ 38569 4353 MKT ADV / 10.2026