C&W in Business September 2019 by Benham Publishing Limited

Issue 73

September - October 2019

Naga Munchetty to host the Chamberâ€™s Annual Economic Conference 2019 Page 20

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Foreword

Conference will offer clarity in uncertain times

Contents September - October 2019 Go for Growth

4-5

News

6-7

Events

8-9

Dear Chamber of Commerce Member,

by Louise Bennett OBE DL Chief Executive Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

There is a great deal of uncertainty for business in the current climate and that is amplified by much of what you see and read on social media. Since before the EU referendum in 2016, there has been a feeling that some businesses have been holding back while they awaited clarification on what our future relationship with the EU would be. It’s now autumn 2019, and – if anything – companies feel further from knowing what the future holds rather than any sense of reassurance, but, whatever your view on BREXIT, I can report that the Coventry Warwickshire BREXIT Business Group continue to call for clarity and certainty in order to stimulate stability back into our economy. I can also report that the Coventry Warwickshire Chamber International Trade Hub continues to offer excellent advice and support to businesses on BREXIT-Readiness, working with specialists in the market such as Independent Freight, Rational FX, Wright Hassall and others. To benefit from this service, contact James on jamesa@cw-chamber.co.uk. I hope I can continue to offer firms across our patch some reassurance about a prosperous future and that you make time to attend our Annual Conference on Friday 15th November to hear from economic experts, key note and inspirational speakers and those involved in key developments across our region in the coming years. Let’s continue to celebrate that Coventry and Warwickshire is a strong, robust economy that has held up well in the face of uncertainty. We are at the forefront of groundbreaking, future technology and have some truly world-class businesses and Universities in our region. We also have UK City of Culture in 2021 and, just down the road, the Commonwealth Games coming to Birmingham (and to Coventry and Warwickshire) in 2022.

This is a great time of opportunity and anticipation for our region and your Chamber will be working to ensure that it has a positive impact on business and the wider economy. All of this and more will be covered in our Economic Conference, which this year takes place at DoubleTree by Hilton Coventry, to be hosted by presenter, broadcaster and journalist Naga Munchetty, and where we will hear from the truly inspirational Sir Ranulph Fiennes and key regional figures such as Martin Reeves (Coventry City Council), Monica Fogarty (Warwickshire County Council), John Latham (Coventry University), Angela Joyce (WCG) and Jonathan Browning (Chair, CWLEP). Something I am keen to stress is that your Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has been here for businesses for more than 110 years, it is a vibrant, diverse, successful organisation which has supported businesses through boom times and at times of challenge with economic recession and depression. Without doubt, we will continue to do so. This is the place to turn to if you need to steady and ready your business for the challenges and opportunities of the future and if you want to network with potential customers and suppliers or showcase your business to others. So, I hope to see you at conference. Meet up and network with fellow businesses and hear from those who are in the know when it comes to the economy in this region and beyond. Coventry and Warwickshire is a great place to do business and it is vital that we recognise this and talkup this fantastic region when and wherever we can. Kind regards, Louise, Mrs L Bennett-Bayliss OBE, DL Chief Executive

Corporate Profiles

10-11

News

12-13

Chamber Training

Chamber Talent

Legal & Finance

16-17

Property

Chamber’s Annual Economic Conference

20-21

Economy

News

Around the region

25-32

News

36-39

Education & Skills

40-42

New Members

News

President & People

Training & Events

Earlsdon Park 53-55 Butts Road Coventry CV1 3BH www.bandhattonbutton.com info@bandhattonbutton.com 024 7663 2121

putting imagination to work www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Go for Growth 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 Advertising Contact Karen Hall karen@benhampublishing.com T: 07801 788880 Production Manager Mark Etherington

Chamber seeks out new talent A new initiative has been launched to develop the next generation of business stars across Coventry and Warwickshire. The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has created a new membership package and programme aimed at aspiring professionals, entrepreneurs and learners to help them in their future careers. Chamber Talent is a personal development programme, designed to help individuals unlock their potential and climb the ladder as one of the next generation of business stars in the region. It gives upcoming professionals, entrepreneurs and learners the opportunity to join the extensive Coventry and Warwickshire community of business movers and shakers, and gain access to the people driving today’s organisations, while also developing their own skills through a dedicated series of workshops and events. The Chamber Talent programme was developed in response to feedback that regional businesses need support in identifying and nurturing potential stars of the future. Sean Rose, Chamber Talent Lead at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said:

Media Number 1689 © Benham Publishing 2019

•••• C&W in Business Advertising Features for 2019

Nov/Dec 2019 Finance/Green Finance Green finance is steering investment into the low-carbon and resource efficient technologies and infrastructure increasingly demanded by world markets. Banks and financial institutes are putting more focus on such sectors. Pre-Festive Looking to book a Christmas party for work? The region is blessed with excellent restaurants, hotels and venues as highlighted in our timely feature. Copy deadline 28 October 2019 For further information on the forthcoming features please contact: Terry Brannigan Chamber Sales DD 07841 115444 Terry@benhampublishing.com

•••• 4

Pictured (left to right): Megan Kaziow, Cheyenne Angliss, Sean Rose, Matthew Hammersley, Megan Snape, Sophie Webb (all Chamber)

Chamber Talent membership will include a series of personal development workshops and special training courses, delivered by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training, as well as opportunities for networking events during the year to meet peers and begin to build a sustainable business network. Costing £99 per year, Chamber Talent membership is open to rising stars, who are working within SMEs or larger companies, running their own businesses or currently in education. For more information about Chamber Talent membership, visit www.cw-chamber.co.uk or call 024 7665 4321.

Coventry events and security firm teams up with digital design company for Chamber’s ‘Go for Growth’ campaign

Accounts Director Joanne Casey

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.

“The Chamber has a long history of helping companies in Coventry and Warwickshire to be successful, and a key part of that is ensuring there is a pipeline of skilled and inspired staff coming through. “We created the Chamber Talent programme to help develop and nurture aspiring businesses influencers – and thereby also help the companies they work for and with. “In many ways, the programme has also been shaped by how the Chamber has helped develop its own staff internally. We’ve got a strong track record of doing that and are now using that good practice to help our members and the wider business community.” He added: “There’s a huge wealth of untapped learning that we can gain from the leaders of today’s business world and their experience. We want to help the business stars of tomorrow fulfil their potential and achieve their ambitions by bringing them together with influential regional stakeholders to explore the opportunities for future growth for everyone. “We’ve designed the programme to offer practical advice and inspiration to Chamber Talent members – to give them the tools and the confidence to demonstrate their talent. This not only enhances their own profile, but also that of the wider regional economy.”

From left: Emily Smith, Marketing & Creative Manager at Image+, with Maria Holmes-Keeling, Marketing Manager at Stadium.

A Coventry-based events and security company has reaped the benefits of working with a local business after its new website has received highly positive feedback.

Stadium, which recently celebrated its tenth anniversary, hired Coventry digital design agency Image+ to create a new website as part of a major rebrand. The two businesses’ work together is being hailed as a great example of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Go For Growth: Trade Local’ campaign, which encourages businesses to look locally for suppliers and partners. Maria Holmes-Keeling, Marketing Manager at Stadium, said Image+ took a proactive approach to meeting the company’s brief. She said: “Out of all the companies I invited to tender, Image+ was the only one who requested a meeting with us to fully understand what our rebrand was all about.

“Our meeting was very useful, and we felt they were clear about our vision for the future. The fact they are a local company was something very important to us and we were delighted to hand them the contract. “Since the new website has gone live, feedback from colleagues, suppliers, media and customers has been extremely positive. “I strongly believe that we should support local business and work together as much as possible to benefit the local economy, so it’s great we were able to work so successfully with Image+.” Emily Smith, Marketing & Creative Manager at Image+, said: “We were recommended to Stadium by a mutual contact, and I’m glad that happened because they’ve been brilliant to work with.

“It was important to meet face-to-face with Stadium to properly establish exactly what they wanted from their new website. Once we’d spoken to them, we knew exactly what we needed to do to fulfil their vision. “Even though this is very much the digital age, working with other local businesses is something we should all be striving to do to ensure we help to grow the economy in this region.” Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It’s great to see two businesses in the region doing business with one another. Go For Growth: Trade Local was devised to encourage firms to give local suppliers opportunities to tender for work. “It’s great to see that, in this instance, it has led to a local SME picking up a contract.”

Chamber of Commerce chooses BBT Group Netmetix grows With Headquarters in Coventry, with new addition to BBT Group have many years’ the team experience in providing print and

Business By Technology Group (BBT Group) have announced that they are now working alongside the Chamber. Having worked very closely with the team, BBT Group have successfully installed a new solution, supplying new equipment backed up by their exceptional service and support network.

document management solutions to businesses across the country. From manufacturing to professional services firms, multisite retailers to single offices, BBT Group have designed, installed and maintained a range of document management solutions for all types of organisations. The company says it would like to thank the Chamber of Commerce for choosing them to partner with and look forward to serving them with the highest standard of customer care and satisfaction for years to come.

Netmetix Technical Director Greig Schofield has welcomed Kobe Mante, who joins the business as a Senior Engineer with more than 15 years’ experience supporting a wide range of organisations. He is a valuable addition to the team and is already settling in well and becoming a familiar and welcome voice to clients. In his spare time Kobe is a keen follower of Chelsea football club and enjoys travelling.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Go for Growth

Chamber practises what it preaches A leading business organisation in Coventry and Warwickshire has practised what it preaches after adding two new staff to the team. The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has urged local companies to utilise the services of fellow businesses in the region as part of its Go For Growth: Trade Local campaign. And when the Chamber was on the hunt for two new recruits in its membership team, Coventry-based QPLtalent offered its support. That led to Alex Kerr being appointed as the Chamber’s new membership adviser while Pui-Lin Raposo has been hired as a membership account manager. Alex has joined the Chamber team from a familyrun business while Pui-Lin, known as Pin, has moved from Capita to be part of the organisation which offers support to firms across the region, a range of events and also acts as a voice for companies across Coventry and Warwickshire.

Hazel Pilling, the Chamber’s membership manager, said: “We were looking to recruit two new people into the membership team but, as our survey work with companies keeps telling us, it’s difficult to find the right people because of a mix of both a shortage of skills and low unemployment. “I spoke to Richard Merkl, of QPLtalent – one of our members – and he said he would be able to help. Once I’d given him the job specs, he quickly provided us with several suitable CVs and we moved to the interview stage swiftly. “The whole process has been very smooth and we are delighted to have Alex and Pin on board in the membership team as the Chamber goes from strength to strength. “It is great that we have been able to practise what we preach when it comes to Trade Local!” Richard has been working in recruitment for more than 20 years and, while QPLtalent specialises in finance and HR roles, he put his experience and expertise into practise to

Midlands-based management consultancy Bentley Management & Consulting has launched its updated website.

Pictured (left to right): Hazel Pilling, Richard Merkl, Alex Kerr, Pui-Lin Raposo

help the Chamber recruit for its vacant roles. He said: “There is much more to recruitment than simply advertising for vacant positions. We find out the type of people a business is looking for and will conduct a thorough search of the marketplace. “It has been great to work with the Chamber in helping them to bring in Alex and Pin.

The Chamber knows better than anyone how difficult it is to recruit because unemployment is one per cent lower than the national average here in our region. “We used all of our experience and knowledge of the market to help find the right people for the jobs even in this difficult climate and it has led to a great outcome for everyone.”

Everybody needs good neighbours

Pictured (left to right): Adam Dent, Jason Dickens, Alan Hartin

A trio of creative companies in Coventry are showing the benefits of having good neighbours. Advent Communications, The Jade Studio and Image+ are based within 100 yards of one another at Electric Wharf – cutting-edge mixeduse development of offices and homes close to Coventry Canal. And the three firms are the perfect example of why the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce launched a Go For Growth: Trade Local campaign.

PR and media agency Advent, graphic design company Jade and web and app designer and builder Image+ all regularly utilise one another’s services and also recommend each other to clients. Advent managing director Adam Dent said working closely together with neighbouring companies makes good business sense. He said: “When there is such knowledge, expertise and creativity on your doorstep, it’s absolutely ideal. “We’ve worked with both companies over many years

and while we now live in a digital world, it’s great to be able to meet face-to-face at short notice to be able to discuss our latest projects, and to refer the companies on to clients who might need their services. “The Chamber’s Trade Local campaign is a great way of highlighting the benefits of working with other firms in our region – and our example couldn’t be any more local!” Jason Dickens, business development director at The Jade Studio, added: “Electric Wharf is a hive for creative companies and it’s great to be able to make use of each other’s skills and experience. “There are many other businesses here too that work with each other and, while we have national contracts, being able to tap into services within a matter of yards of our front door is invaluable.”

Triple success for IT Apprentice Jack Schofield joined Netmetix as an Apprentice in November on the apprenticeship scheme from fellow Chamber member and local training provider Primary Goal, a digital apprenticeship provider working with schools and businesses.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Paul Blore, Managing Director of Netmetix, said he was delighted with the dedication and ability Jack is showing and is proud of the certifications he has achieved so far as he studies towards the Infrastructure Technician Apprenticeship Standard. Jack is currently on target to

A fresh look for Bentley Management & Consulting

achieve his apprenticeship and has already achieved three of his industry-specific Microsoft MTA vendor qualifications. As a training provider, Primary Goal have worked in partnership with Netmetix to ensure Jack receives the highest quality training.

Alan Hartin, managing director of Image+, said: “We have enjoyed really strong growth over recent years and while that is good news for us, it should benefit the local economy too. “So that fact that our success is shared by neighbouring companies shows that trading locally really does work for everyone.” Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “When we launched Trade Local it was to get companies right across the patch to think about how they could work together and tap into expertise in our area. “Advent, Jade and Image+, who are all Chamber members, are the perfect example of how working together locally brings benefits to the businesses and to the local economy.”

Since starting their journey in 2014, the team have worked with several organisations across Coventry & Warwickshire, including leading an efficiency programme for Warwickshire College Group (WCG) and supporting the recent merger of Henley and City College Coventry to form Coventry College in 2017. Bentley Management & Consulting is run day to day by Director Craig Bentley, who has strong ties to Coventry & Warwickshire; he is an MBA alumnus of Warwick Business School, Chairman of the Warwick University Midlands Alumni Network, and works as an Enterprise Advisor for the C&W LEP / Chamber of Commerce supporting local schools and colleges in forging better links with local business. The latest website update includes new case studies and greater clarity and depth regarding the company’s capabilities in commercial and operations strategy, performance improvement, operations transformation, and delivery of both small and large-scale projects. Craig said: “We’ve helped clients achieve some fantastic results over the last few years and realised we weren’t properly telling our story and how our capabilities can help businesses of all shapes and sizes”. Their most recent project was supporting the operations transformation of a global retail bank, but Craig said: “We love working with small, medium, and large businesses alike since they all have similar challenges around costs, performance, and better serving customers, and we enjoy helping them to implement creative solutions”. The business is hoping to expand over the coming months and looks forward to strengthening its presence in the region through its ties with the Chamber of Commerce.

News Why businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire need to know about the ‘Ogden Rate’ On Monday 15 July, the Government announced that the new Personal Injury Discount Rate — often referred to as the ‘Ogden rate’ — will rise. The increase was lower than expected, and as a result, businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire are being urged to take notice of what the Ogden rate is, and the implications of the change for their organisation. Kathryn Moon, managing director of insurance broker, risk management specialist and consulting firm Gallagher in Coventry, said: “The Ogden rate is used to calculate how much accident victims receive as a lump sum following a life-changing injury, so that it will cover all their predicted future losses including loss of earnings, costs for care, or adjustments to the home. “The settlement is paid in a lump sum which will be invested when it is received, and the amount is adjusted to account for the interest they would expect to earn. This is where the discount rate is applied. “The Ogden Discount Rate is set to rise from -0.75% to -0.25% and will apply to claims settled from 5 August 2019. Prior to 2017, the rate was set at 2.5% per annum, with claim settlements being discounted to allow for an expected annual growth of 2.5% in the invested lump sum. In 2017, due to concern that claimants were not getting the expected return and were therefore left at risk of their settlement running out, the rate was changed to -0.75% which substantially increased the total amount which claimants received. “As you might imagine, any change in the discount rate has a significant impact on the value of claim settlements. Where an injured person is young, and the injury requires lifelong care, the compound effect of the annual uplift could run into millions of pounds. “For businesses, an injury to an employee, contractor or member of the public can result in a liability claim. If you take into account that the highest injury award prior to the 2017 changes amounted to £23m, in which a figure was settled on the old 2.5% rate, the compensation pay-out would be much higher under the new -0.25% rate, coming in at £33m.” Ian McKinney, senior account executive at Gallagher, said: “Many businesses have not changed their Employers’ & Public Liability limits of indemnity for many years, and although the Ogden rate changes have a major impact on claim settlements, businesses have not necessarily increased their policy limits to reflect the new regime. Unfortunately, this means that companies are often operating with inadequate limits which leave them exposed to uninsured loss that could threaten their existence. “If you haven’t amended your Employers’ & Public Liability limits of indemnity since 2017, it is almost certainly worth reviewing your risk and taking expert advice.”

The Wigley Group Golf Day raises record amount A highlight in the region’s business calendar has raised a record amount to top the £100,000 fundraising mark to help soldiers in need through Support Our Paras. England’s World Cup hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst headed the starstudded line-up at The Wigley Group’s golf day and gala dinner this year to raise £25,256 - the highest amount in the annual event’s history - taking the total since 2013 to over £120,000. Money raised will go to the Wigley Support Fund (WSF), an initiative with the Parachute Regiment charity to help injured, serving and veteran soldiers with the transition from military to civilian life. Special guest Sir Geoff was joined by other sporting greats at the fundraiser held at the De Vere Staverton Estate, near Daventry, and gave an after-dinner speech as well as presenting prizes to winners of the golf open. They included stars from the world of darts Keith

Pictured ready to tee-off at The Wigley Group Golf Open

Deller, Mervyn King, Colin Lloyd, Justin Pipe, Trina Gulliver, Steve Beaton and Lisa Ashton. Parachute Regiment display team the Red Devils were also in attendance. Former Paratrooper Jaco van Goss, ambassador of The Wigley Group, gave a powerful insight into overcoming life-changing injuries on the frontline to become a champion paracyclist and adventurer, with his most recent challenge raising money for WSF. Sir Geoff said: “I’ve followed some people in my time but it was very difficult

to follow Jaco after hearing what he had gone through. It was great to be part of an absolutely fantastic cause.” It is the seventh year that the golf day has been held by the property, development and construction company, whose headquarters are at Stockton, Southam. Hosted by TV sports announcer and former paratrooper John McDonald, the sell-out event attracted some 200 business professionals from across the region, including a record 90 golfers. Robert Wigley, chairman of The Wigley Group, said:

“We are delighted to have raised a record £25,256 from this year’s event, taking the total over the years to over £120,000. “None of this would have been possible without our supporters and we would like to thank everyone who contributed so generously. The Wigley Support Fund helps paras in their transition from regimental to civilian life, from university courses and trade training, to practical support and financial help. All of us at The Wigley Group are incredibly proud of what it has achieved so far.”

Eight key tips for rebranding Or do your competitors seem to have the edge on you? Going back to basics and really asking what is motivating a rebrand will help you to create a clear objective.

Engage with your staff

By David Wilson of Glued Sometimes, the rebranding process can be an overwhelming task that can be perceived to be expensive, timeconsuming and, ultimately, not deliver what a board or business owner desires. Below are eight tips that will help your business make the process beneficial.

Set objectives, why are you doing this? Might seem like a rather obvious one, but when we first start talking to a client about rebranding our first question is ‘Why are you doing this, what’s changed?’ This question can be really telling, is your brand holding your business back, has the business grown or merged with someone?

Understanding where you are in the market place and what people think of your business is crucial to any rebrand. It’s very easy when at the top of a business to assume you understand what your staff think or believe. But remember they are on the ground, dealing with the day to day, talking to customers: what do they think is good or bad about your brand right now? What have they heard customers say? What do they think should change? Not only will you get some valuable insights you will also involve them in the process.

Find out what your customers think Talking to your customers by running a survey or incentive for comments will reveal information that could give you valuable knowledge about what they think of your business and what it stands for. If you’re a smaller business getting a friend to call some of your customers to get a more objective view is another good method to finding out what your customers really think.

Create an inventory Planning what you need to apply your rebrand upfront can save lots of time later. Understanding what you need will help you to budget for the work.

Appoint a champion to manage the process If you are rebranding, the process could take a while. To keep on top of the process appoint a champion in the business to keep track of progress.

Involve your team at every stage Staff can become a bit cynical of the whole rebranding process. Try building in feedback into each stage of your process: so perhaps show teams some of the design options to get feedback, ask them if ideas reflect what the staff feel is important. Ask them to help shape your vision or values.

Be inspired When it comes to rollout, rebrands often result in brand values and brand guidelines. Often these seem to be seen as rules and restraints on what you can’t do with your marketing through your brand rather than an inspiration to achieve great brand communications. Your brand guidelines should be a platform for great future growth not handcuffs that limit everyone’s thinking.

Continue to measure performance and adjust Your business is a living thing, people with like-minded values coming together with a shared vision for delivering what your business does. Your brand should reflect that and be able to evolve over time. If you are clear on that you can then devise ways of measuring that and decide if further work is required.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Sponsored Column

MTC signs strategic partnership

Ambassador Adrian O’Neill, Ambassador of Ireland to the United Kingdom, IMR chairman Dr Will Barton OBE, Dr Clive Hickman, chief executive of the MTC and the British Ambassador to Ireland, Robin Barnett CMG.

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has signed a strategic partnership with Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR). The Anglo-Irish partnership aims to strengthen the ties between the two research centres and promote mutual understanding between engineering and manufacturing research in the UK and Ireland. Mullingar-based IMR is an independent research and technology organisation employing more than 80 highly-skilled researchers. It aims to position Ireland as a global leader in advanced manufacturing. MTC chief executive Dr Clive Hickman said:

“At a time when there is some uncertainty surrounding the future of the UK’s international relationships, I see the formalising of our relationship with IMR as an important step in ensuring that our respective economies can continue to compete on the world stage when it comes to our manufacturing industries. “The exchange of knowledge, information and experiences between UK and Irish institutions, departments, researchers and companies can only benefit both nations, and I look forward to pooling knowledge and capability on areas of mutual interest. By working together we can add real value to our areas of

research and development and our projects to help our respective industries manage their digital transformation and the introduction of advanced manufacturing technologies and processes.” IMR chairman Dr Will Barton OBE said, “This strategic partnership is of significant importance to IMR. We intend to work with the MTC on research fields which are of mutual interest including digital transformation and additive manufacturing, and training and education to support innovation in these areas. We also look forward to working with the MTC in joint research projects on a bilateral and international level. “In these uncertain times it makes sense to exploit our geographical proximity, common language and

cultural approach to our mutual advantage in the development and commercialisation of novel technologies and the capabilities to operate these.” The MTC was founded by the University of Birmingham, Loughborough University, the University of Nottingham and TWI Ltd. The MTC’s industrial members include some of the UK’s major global manufacturers. The MTC aims to provide a competitive environment to bridge the gap between universitybased research and the development of innovative manufacturing solutions, in line with the Government’s manufacturing strategy. The MTC is part the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK.

“In these uncertain times it makes sense to exploit our geographical proximity, common language and cultural approach to our mutual advantage in the development and commercialisation of novel technologies and the capabilities to operate these.”

The Edgbaston wins four awards The Edgbaston won four awards at The Midlands Food Drink & Hospitality Awards at Aston Villa, an event celebrating and recognising the best in the food, drink and hospitality industry across the Midlands. The team won Best Afternoon Tea, Best Cocktail Bar - for the fourth year running, Tommy Matthews was awarded Bar Manager of The Year and Jayne O’Malley

was awarded General Manager of The Year. Jayne O’Malley General Manager of four years, said “I am proud to have built, developed and maintained a long standing consistent team who delight our guests every day with their creativity, skill and enthusiasm, and in their delivery of genuine hospitality, all of which we are so passionate about.”

Company takes the next step PBX Hosting has become among the first organisations to be recognised as a 3CX Solutions Provider. The company, which is recognised as a leading communications solutions provider, says that it feels honoured to be able to partner with

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3CX to deliver a complete solution for both the cloud and on-premise use. Its status as confirmed 3CX solutions providers marks a stepchange within the organisation. The traditional 3CX partner model has consisted of ‘box-shifting’ and

selling software licenses. Instead, as a 3CX solutions provider, they will be providing value-add solutions and services. This will allow channel partners to not only take advantage of the 3CX PBX solution, but the telephony services and add-ons that will accompany it.

Selling your business – watch out for hidden tax traps! It is often said that selling your business is one of the most stressful things you can do. When you add to that the complexities of the UK tax legislation, it is no wonder that entrepreneurs are often confused as to how their sale proceeds will be taxed and when the tax is due to HMRC. The good news is that with careful advance planning, the tax reliefs available can often result in a relatively modest overall tax bill. It is never too early to plan for tax on a sale and we recommend that you undertake a “tax healthcheck” at least a year before the expected sale if possible. Key questions that need to be addressed include: For the company: • Are all HMRC filings up to date and any enquiries settled? • Is there surplus cash in the business – if so consider leaving in as it may be more tax efficient to extract as sale proceeds not dividends • Are there any additional reliefs that the company may be able to claim (eg tax deductions for share option exercise) For the shareholders • Do I qualify for the 10% Entrepreneurs Relief capital gains tax rate? • Is there anything I can do with my shareholding to improve the after tax position on sale? • How and when will I be taxed on non-cash and/or deferred consideration? • How do I report the sale to HM Revenue & Customs correctly? At SGD we have a wealth of tax expertise in connection with the sales of businesses and are more than happy to have an initial discussion with you to discuss your own requirements. Please contact Paul Spencer or David Thomas-Walls on 02476 257481 or ps@sgduk.com / dtw@sgduk.com respectively. For more information, please visit our website, www.sgduk.com

Events

Adventurous tales thrill audience

Back (left to right) – Major Sandy Hennis, Beverley Haynes (owner of The Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club), Siamha Butt (WM RFCA). Front (left to right): Tina Costello, Hazel Pilling, Julie McGarrigle

Businesses from across Coventry and Warwickshire were given an insight into an inspirational expedition in temperatures as low as -56 degrees Celsius, while enjoying the summer sun at a networking event in Stratford.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s latest Women in Business Networking Lunch, at the Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club, heard from three inspiring speakers, including Major Sandy Hennis, a reservist officer and part

of the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (WM RFCA). Sandy told the audience about the trials and tribulations of the 1,704km Ice Maiden expedition across Antarctica, the first allfemale crossing using muscle power alone, which she, and five colleagues, completed 14 days ahead of schedule, breaking three world records along the way. Her presentation was preceded by motivating talks from Julie McGarrigle, Business Development Director at Alsters Kelley Solicitors, and Tina Costello, chief executive of the Heart of England Community Foundation. Major Hennis said that some of the lessons learned in the harshest of conditions could be transferred into the business world. She said: “Firstly, you have to know your team and understand what everyone’s different motivations are. “Secondly, it’s important to be open and honest with each other and ensure that you are in a ‘psychologically safe’ environment to describe how you are feeling.

“Finally, you must all have a unity of purpose – that one goal that you are working towards together.” Julie described how her career started in a bank and how she worked her way to becoming business development director at Alsters Kelley Solicitors, a regional law firm, despite not having any law qualifications. She said that in business it was important to ‘expect the unexpected’ and to look closer to home when setting goals. Tina told the audience how she had risen to lead the Heart of England Community Foundation, which under her leadership, now has £13 million in endowment and distributes funds to groups across Coventry,

Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands. She said that businesses could work with the Foundation to ensure their charitable donations have the biggest impact in their communities. Hazel Pilling, of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We had three incredible speakers all from different sectors and different backgrounds but, actually, with many similarities. “It was a truly inspiring event, which was designed to highlight great role models with fantastic stories to tell – and it really hit the mark.” The lunch was sponsored by the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association.

“It’s important to be open and honest with each other and ensure that you are in a ‘psychologically safe’ environment to describe how you are feeling.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

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Chamber’s Summer BBQ gets off to a flying start whilst creating jobs for 34,000 people and generating over £2 billion regional economic benefit. The publication of the final Master Plan and Surface Access Strategy followed a 12-week public consultation last autumn, and addresses feedback received from the local community and wider stakeholders. Justine was preceded by a talk from the Chamber’s President, David Penn, who outlined the ongoing challenge in our region of lack of employment land – a key priority being highlighted during his term as president.

Businesses from across Coventry & Warwickshire were given detailed insight in to major development plans at the region’s international airport at a recent event in Leamington Spa, organised by the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. Justine Howl, head of communications at Birmingham Airport, was a guest speaker at the summer Chamber Means Business event, attended by over 100 businesses and hosted at Mallory Court Hotel & Spa. Howl outlined plans to develop the airport site in preparation for the increase in passenger numbers up to the year 2033. The airport’s master plan includes an investment of £500 million that will transform the terminal and customer experience,

A show of hands from the audience at the event revealed that a number of businesses in the room had struggled to find suitable premises or had experienced difficulty with expanding existing premises. Penn’s concern is that this will lead to our region losing these businesses who may look at locations outside of the area. Fortunately, Howl explained that the airport’s development plans can all be delivered within their existing boundaries, without need

for extra land, but will require a reconfiguration of the existing site. Howl said “It was a pleasure to be invited to present the master plan to local Coventry and Warwickshire businesses, many of which use the airport regularly. Our investment is being made to provide the facilities, service and air connectivity for Midlands businesses and to allow regions such as Coventry and Warwickshire to grow exports and attract new investment from across the globe.” Penn commented “I really enjoyed speaking at this well-attended Chamber event, as the members in the audience were interested and engaging. There were lots of positives about our region, hence we must not miss this golden opportunity and do all we can to ensure a strong economic future.” The event concluded with the Chamber’s Annual Summer Networking BBQ where delegates had the chance to relax in the hotel’s grounds and Brasserie, whilst being treated to a delicious BBQ prepared by the hotel’s in-house brigade of chefs.

“Our investment is being made to provide the facilities, service and air connectivity for Midlands businesses and to allow regions such as Coventry and Warwickshire to grow exports and attract new investment from across the globe.”

Chamber double at the races! There was a Chamber double during a networking event at Stratford-onAvon Racecourse. The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual “Summer Social” for Strategic Partners and Corporate Members, with the first two races of the day named in honour of the Chamber. Petrucci won the first of the Chamber’s races followed by Topofthecotswolds in the second race of the afternoon, which featured a further six races. Zoë Sweeney, Corporate Manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It was a fantastic afternoon at the races for our valued strategic partners and corporate members and our Summer Social is always a popular one. “It was a great chance for these members to meet and network, enjoy a lovely afternoon tea and, of course, have a little flutter on the racing!

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“We’ve already had great feedback and we are very grateful to Stratford Racecourse for making it such a wonderful afternoon for our guests.” Stratford-on-Avon Racecourse Manager Ilona Barnett, said: “We always look forward to welcoming the Chamber, and its members, to the racecourse for the Summer Social event.

“Corporate hospitality and private boxes on race days forms a major part of our offer and it was great to be able to showcase this to those who attended. “As a Chamber Corporate Member ourselves, it is a relaxed and informal afternoon of getting to know our fellow members and we look forward to welcoming the Chamber back in future years.”

Big Changes Ahead in the Contractor Market There seems to be a general perception within HMRC that most, if not all, taxpayers are determined to avoid tax if ever they can. If, like me, you have worked in public practice accountancy for many years, you will no doubt have come across some people for whom HMRC’s perception is absolutely right, but these people are in the minority. The majority are far more concerned with making a living in whatever way they can, whilst ensuring they stay on the right side of the taxman. Over the course of the last 20 years there has been a progressive move towards more and more flexible methods of working and this has inevitably placed pressures on tax legislation to keep up. This does not mean that lots of taxpayers are deliberately playing the system to pay as little tax as possible, although there is a basic human right that we should pay no more tax than we have to, it is more fairly stated that taxpayers are struggling to match modern working practices with outdated, complex tax legislation. Particularly within the fields of engineering and IT, there has been a trend in the last couple of decades for large employers to de-risk their payroll costs by laying off staff and re-engaging them as third party contractors. This has led many individuals to have to get to grips with the vagaries of IR35 legislation and to accept the loss of employment rights and security. HMRC’s perception is that only 10% of contractors working under these arrangements, who should be caught by IR35 (in HMRC’s view) are properly complying with the legislation. This is a long way from the truth in my experience, but I am only seeing a small part of the market of course. Whether they are right or wrong, the upshot is that new legislation has been tabled to put the onus on the end client to make the call on whether the engagement is one that should be treated as a deemed employment for tax purposes. This is inevitably going to lead to an overly cautious approach, resulting in many contractors being taxed as employees, but without having the associated benefits of employment rights. This new legislation is expected to be implemented from April 2020 and those in the know are expecting this to go ahead, even if there is a change of government in the meantime. For large and medium sized employers this is going to mean the need to implement wide ranging new systems and to renegotiate many (if not all) existing contractor relationships. There may also be a cost implication in terms of an employer’s national insurance liability where previously there was none. For contractors, this is likely to mean renegotiation of contracts and in many cases having to accept a lower after tax return from their efforts, as well as dealing with the extra compliance burden. There will be pressure on some existing engagements to turn them into true employment relationships, but the desire to de-risk payroll has not diminished – in fact, quite the reverse. I can see this causing significant disruption in the employment market and at some cost to the UK economy – just at a time when we need all else to be stable to withstand the shock of a possible no-deal Brexit. We still have a few months to work to minimise this disruption, so we must use that time wisely. If you want to discuss the practical implications of this, please call Brian Jukes at Dafferns on 024 7622 1046.

Corporate Profiles

Autins expands into Europe

Autins Group plc, a company born and bred in the Midlands, is expanding into Europe on the back of its unique and patented acoustic product, Neptune. Autins is a specialist in solving acoustic and thermal problems in the automotive industry and other specialist applications. Gareth Kaminski-Cook, Group CEO, said: “We really do have a unique product offer because at one level we are a design consultant and, at another, a manufacturing company that can make products using a very wide range of materials – this combination of capability is valued by our customers.” Set up in 1966 as Automotive Insulations, the company became well known within the automotive sector for manufacturing parts for the original Mini. From these origins supplying the

car industry, the company has built a solid reputation for developing heat and sound solutions across a range of sectors, including automotive, flooring, office furniture and industrial. Its portfolio of clients includes highly respected global brands including Bentley, Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin, VW, Porsche, Seat, BMW, and major West Midlands employers, such as GKN, Auria and Grupo Antolin. In 2016 everything changed. Needing to invest to accelerate growth, the company floated on the AIM London Stock Exchange and with the money raised established a new state-of-the-art manufacturing site in Tamworth to manufacture a revolutionary new non-woven PET/PP material called Neptune, which can provide up to 40 per cent weight saving for equivalent acoustic performance.

On top of that, it led to the establishment of an R&D facility with its own acoustic and material testing facilities on the HORIBA MIRA site. The funding also enabled expansion of manufacturing capability into the heartland of European car production, in Sweden just half a kilometre from the Volvo car plants in Gothenburg and near Dusseldorf to serve the car markets of central Europe. These undertakings were not without risk. Gareth said: “Would the new plant be able to manufacture good quality Neptune material? Would customers appreciate the acoustic performance and benefits, approve it and buy it? Would European companies be interested in partnering with a new UK start-up operation in Germany and Sweden?”

Fast forward three years and the company has grown from £20m to nearly £30m and European sales are over £4m. Neptune is proving to be a huge hit with all the car manufacturers and the tier suppliers because of the huge technical and cost advantages over any other alternative. Gareth added: “It is a huge testament to the quality of our people in all three countries that we have achieved so much, so quickly. You need capable, credible people that can make things happen and who are able to convince others to believe in you and take some risk. The European businesses are still young and we have to be very careful not to over-stretch, but we are gaining confidence that we can deliver our vision to be a preferred supplier of specialist acoustic and thermal solutions.”

“It is a huge testament to the quality of our people in all three countries that we have achieved so much, so quickly. You need capable, credible people that can make things happen and who are able to convince others to believe in you and take some risk.”

Making Waves

When The Wave opens in Coventry City Centre in 2019, it will be the latest development in sports and leisure provision for the city from a well-established charitable trust. Coventry Sports Foundation, which operates as CV Life, is a charitable trust that was established in the early 1980s to promote sport in inner-city Coventry. It has grown to provide a wide range of sporting, cultural, recreational, educational and social activities to communities in and around Coventry, both at its centres and in the community. CV Life operates three high-quality, but affordable, neighbourhood leisure centres in the city: Centre AT7, Xcel Centre and the Alan Higgs Centre. Later in 2019, a new waterpark and health & fitness facility – The Wave – will open in the city centre under the organisation’s management, while a brand new 50m pool will also open at the Alan Higgs Centre later in the year.

Paul Breed, CEO said: “CV Life’s mission is to bring about meaningful and lasting change in all the diverse communities of Coventry, with a particular emphasis on young people developing an active lifestyle. “We try to build the confidence, health, happiness and wellbeing of individuals, increasing their pride in themselves, their community and their city. “CV Life strives to engage communities and to enrich individual lives by connecting with people and gaining a better understanding, then providing relevant services and facilities. “We want our centres to be community assets that serve and reflect the full diversity of Coventry’s population through pioneering outreach work, imaginative programmes, high quality facilities, flexible pricing, and sensitive customer service. “At our centres, we aim to attract visitors and residents in ever-growing numbers, by exceeding customer expectations and by taking measures to continually widen access. We are proud to be an integral part of the regeneration of Coventry, increasing pride in the city amongst its people, and contributing to inward investment with consequent city-wide benefits.”

“We want our centres to be community assets that serve and reflect the full diversity of Coventry’s population through pioneering outreach work, imaginative programmes, high quality facilities, flexible pricing, and sensitive customer service.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Corporate Profiles

Big year for Band Hatton Button Coventry’s largest law firm Band Hatton Button is celebrating one of the biggest years in its history. The past year has seen the firm lay the foundations for its ambitions to reach a 120-strong workforce and a £6 million turnover in the near future. The business has steadily increased its workforce and has seen numbers grow by 30 per cent – involving a mixture of senior appointments alongside investing in four apprentices and more junior lawyers to bring through the next generation of legal professionals. Cormac Glynn is the most recent appointment having joined the firm’s commercial property team as a Senior Associate from Cocks Lloyd in Nuneaton. There are further ambitions to expand the workforce in the firm’s larger surroundings. There have also been some key changes to the firm’s board which has seen John French and Daniel Blood appointed as board members, with Haydn Jones retiring from the board after 42 years of legal service to the region, and now working as a consultant at the firm. It’s also been a record year of external recognition for Band Hatton Button which has seen them collect five separate awards.

These include the contribution to the community and leadership team of the year categories at last year’s Coventry Telegraph Business Awards. The company’s contribution to the community also continues to gather pace. In 2018 Band Hatton Button’s staff raised £12,500 for Shine A Light Support Service, while the business’s workforce has nominated Coventry Cyrenians as their charity partner for the next 18 months, with the focus of fundraising being a Charity Ball to be held in May 2020. Band Hatton Button’s team also landed triple recognition at the Warwickshire Law Society’s annual dinner, with Keri Wood scooping young lawyer of the year, Daniel Blood winning lawyer of the year and the residential property team triumphing in the team of the year category. The firm also moved into state-of-the-art offices in April. Mark Moseley, Managing Director at Band Hatton Button, has overseen the firm’s development ever since the merger between Varley Hibbs, Band Hatton and Button Legal in 2013. He said: “We have grown consistently year-on-year since forming, and our achievements

over the past year have provided us with a chance to pause and reflect on how we have grown as a business. “The office move is at the heart of our plans for the future as it has provided us with the space and facilities we need to strengthen and grow our workforce and our business. “Coventry and Warwickshire is truly an exciting place to be doing business as we gear up to be UK City of Culture in 2021. “We have ambitious plans to continue on a long-term trajectory of growth – and believe with our investment in our workforce, facilities and community work – we are ideally placed to thrive alongside our city over the coming years.” For more information about Band Hatton Button visit www.bandhattonbutton.com

From left, Daniel Blood and Cormac Glynn

“We have grown consistently year-on-year since forming, and our achievements over the past year have provided us with a chance to pause and reflect on how we have grown as a business.”

All systems go for Syscomm Syscomm has been awarded a place on Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) RM3808 Network Services 2 framework. Syscomm is celebrating its successful bid to have its services represented across a new £5billion UK government telecoms and network framework. Operated by the Crown Commercial Service, NS2 allows suppliers and contractors to bid for new technologies and services more efficiently, without the need to enter the full tender process. CCS have now awarded 10 lots and expects to award Lots 5, 10 and 13 in due course. The new £5 billion framework has gone live for customer use in August 2019 and is expected to last four years. NS2 (RM3808) replaces the existing Network Services (RM1045) framework and will provide public sector organisations with access to specialist contractors for telecommunications and network services. Chris Tyler, Managing Director of Syscomm, said: “NS2 opens up a number of new opportunities and markets for Syscomm and we are delighted to be selected for this framework as a supplier. “This is confirmation that we are not only a strong local business, but also a genuine UK-wide operator. This marks a major milestone in Syscomm’s evolution.” Under the terms of the contract, Syscomm will be able to supply its services across the whole of the UK public sector and its associated

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bodies and agencies, the voluntary sector, charities, and/or other private organisations, acting as managing agents or procuring on behalf of the public sector delivering services of a public nature. “We are proud to be one of the selected specialists chosen to be part of this pivotal framework,” added Chris. “Our proven track record in delivering next-generation technology makes us an ideal partner for government and public sector organisations as they embark on a journey of digital transformation.” The awarding of the NS2 contract coincides with Syscomm’s 35th year of business, providing excellent services and complete IT support for all facets of business since 1984. Syscomm continues to extend that promise by expanding its services and products to better serve all of its clients. It offers a full range of Managed IT Services that cover the client’s entire IT environment, including IT helpdesk support, IT maintenance services, remote monitoring, Cloud solutions, network and infrastructure management, IT security, backup and replication services. Chris highlighted Syscomm’s success over the past 35 years. He said: “We could not have done it without the trust and loyalty of our clients and associates - we recognise that our success has been and remains, directly linked to theirs.” Through Syscomm IT Outsourcing and IT Managed Services, the company strives to help customers increase productivity, improve work

efficiency, and see a return on their valuable investment. As it has been since its inception, Syscomm continues to help businesses in various industries to plan, integrate, manage, maintain and sustain their IT infrastructure while focussing on helping them enhance business value through IT. Syscomm remains committed to delivering quality IT Services to any business. Syscomm deals with a host of clients in different industries and with specialised needs when it comes to IT Support. The firm also understands that customers have to engage with a reliable, trustworthy and knowledgedriven partner that understands and executes their requirements using the most suitable technology with integrity. Syscomm is a UK leader in the development and deployment of enterprise communications. From networking, security, connectivity and Cloud-based solutions to unified communications & collaboration, Syscomm is an ideal partner on the digital transformation path.

To find out more about Syscomm, Call: 0247 771 2000 Email: info@syscomm.co.uk Visit: www.syscomm.co.uk Twitter: @SyscommLtd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ company/3144559/

“We could not have done it without the trust and loyalty of our clients and associates we recognise that our success has been and remains, directly linked to theirs.”

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Coombe Abbey Hotel scoops more industry recognition after being named Venue of the Year Keeping the books in order By Sean Farnell, Partner at Burgis & Bullock

At Burgis & Bullock we work with businesses of all shapes and sizes, operating in all sectors. Some have been in business for years, some are rapid growth firms and some are start-ups. However, successful ownermanaged businesses usually have something in common. They are driven by the energy, ambition and work ethic of their owners and founders. Often that singlemindedness can overcome sizeable hurdles – most business owners I know will not take no for an answer – and at times that determination can defy what is perceived as business logic. I am sure that if you drew up a business plan on paper to convert a run-down rural farm into the largest second-hand bookstore in your region, along with a café, and then draw people from a wide area, it may not look a sure-fire hit. But that is exactly what Vivienne Mills and Sara Exley did when they created Astley Book Farm two decades ago. They had a vision, masses of enthusiasm, a real passion for the project and a willingness to work hard to make a business from their idea. In the last few weeks Vivienne has bought out Sarah to become the sole owner of the business and is now embarking on a new phase to develop the on-site facilities, grow the café and to continue to build stock. Astley Book Farm is open seven-days-aweek and only closes for six days in the year so, in many ways, it is much more than just a job for Vivienne, it’s is very much a way of life. Burgis & Bullock has recently become involved to help with the other side of book-keeping to allow her to devote time to developing what she and Sarah have created. With the introduction of the Making Tax Digital plan, SMEs across the country are adapting to digitise their record keeping. We are working with Vivienne on Making Tax Digital, introducing her to Xero accounting and helping with payroll, freeing her up to do what she does best. Book-keeping isn’t always the top priority for SMEs and a business owner can’t always be expected to be a financial expert, this is where we can step in and do this for them. The majority of businesses in the UK are not large international corporations, they are SMEs which succeed thanks to the dedication and commitment of their owners and their work forces. At Burgis and Bullock we are focused on ensuring business owners like Vivienne can focus on doing what they do best. Working with firms of all types brings new challenges every day, but seeing a business like Astley Book Farm thrive, and the owners achieve what they set out to do is the single most satisfying aspect of what we do. To find out more about how Burgis & Bullock could help your business contact us today on 0345 177 5500 or visit www.burgisbullock.com for more information. Sean Farnell Contact us today or visit our website for more information. Tel: 0345 177 5500 www.burgisbullock.com Offices in Leamington Spa, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Nuneaton, London and Rugby.

An award-winning hotel has added another trophy to its cabinet as it has scooped further prestigious industry recognition.

Ron Terry, General Manager at Coombe Abbey Hotel, wanted to thank everyone who took the time to vote for the hotel.

Coombe Abbey Hotel has been named Venue of the Year at the Midlands Food Drink & Hospitality Awards for 2019.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the win and are so grateful to everyone who voted for us and helped Coombe be named Venue of the Year,” said Ron.

The former Cistercian Abbey was announced as the winner at a glamourous ceremony held at Aston Villa’s Holte Suite. In the Venue of the Year category, Coombe Abbey faced stiff competition from the likes of Aston Villa’s Holte Suite, Millennium Point, Dallas Burston Polo Club and Ricoh Arena, but was named the ultimate winner. This year has already been a successful one for the hotel after it won gold in the Best UK Unusual Venue category at the M&IT Awards.But the win is made even better by the fact that it is decided by both industry professionals and members of the public. People were given the chance to cast their votes for their favourite venues and then independent judges reviewed the shortlist then agreed on a winner.

“It is always an honour to win awards, but to know that our guests went out of the way to support us and are happy with the way we do things is fantastic. “I want to say a very big thank you to all our dedicated staff who, without them, we wouldn’t have won this award. “Now, we will continue to work hard and make sure that we not only maintain our high standards, but exceed them as well.” The Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards was borne out of the Birmingham Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards which, due to popular demand, was expanded to include the whole of the region. Its aim is to celebrate the industry across the Midlands.

“It is always an honour to win awards, but to know that our guests went out of the way to support us and are happy withthe way we do things is fantastic.”

Major refurbishment at leading conference venue The hub of a leading conference venue in Coventry and Warwickshire has undergone a major refurbishment to enhance visitors’ experiences. Warwick Conferences, based at the University of Warwick, worked with design specialists from the Birmingham office of national construction consultancy Baily Garner on the new look for the extensive lounge area within its Scarman venue. Bringing the outside in was the focus of the revamp with live plant shelving, tropical walls, natural materials and earthy tones being brought in to make visitors feel more connected with the outdoors. The redesign is part of ongoing investment by Warwick Conferences to enhance and update facilities for delegates attending meetings, training and events across its four venues. It builds upon the ‘outside in’ concept introduced at Scarman in

The Coombe Abbey Hotel team Nicola Felton, Sales Manager, Ron Terry, General Manager and June Picken, Director of Sales show off their trophy at the Midlands Food Drink & Hospitality Awards.

2016, recognising the importance of separating meeting space from downtime space by creating different themes for both areas. Andrew Taylor, head of conference centres at Warwick Conferences, said: “Whilst the meeting spaces within Scarman are designed to be very focused and motivated environments, the corridors and social spaces are themed to reflect the outside. “Bringing the outside in gives delegates the thinking and breathing space they need away from the learning environment, and supports the growing importance of mindfulness in helping to manage wellbeing at work. “The living plants also help to separate areas within the lounge so rather than a big expansive space, it feels more homely and allows for more privacy. New furniture has been installed to create more seating options that are suited for working and relaxing.

Pictured in the Scarman lounge area are, from left to right, Helen James, operations manager at Warwick Conferences, Jaspal Mond, project team leader at Baily Garner, and Jean Hill, facilities manager at Warwick Conferences.

“It has been great to work with Baily Garner for the first time on such an important project and we are really pleased with the outcome which has already been well-received by delegates.” Jaspal Mond, project team leader at Baily Garner, described the refurbishment as fresh, unique and vibrant, with the bespoke plant shelving handmade in Birmingham among the stand-out features.

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

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D-Drill’s Julie White will use new role to close gaps in the construction supply chain along the supply chain however there is still a great deal of work to be done. Julie said: “I am delighted to take on the role of chair of the Drilling & Sawing Association. “My father & D-Drill actually set up the Association in the early 1980s when no one had even heard of our trade, so I am very proud to move into this role and to follow in his footsteps. A prominent construction figure says that she will use her new role to finally close the gaps in the supply chain across the industry. Julie White, the managing director of Midlands-based D-Drill – a leading diamond drilling and concrete sawing company with offices across the UK – has been elected as chair of the Drilling & Sawing Association. Julie, who has just stepped down as president of the international association – IACDS, has been running D-Drill since she completed a management buy-out in 2008. Throughout that time, steps have been taken towards getting the construction sector unified

“I really want to use my time as chair to ensure that companies across our sector understand the benefit of being part of this association and how we can work together to resolve issues that affect us all but also learn from each other too. “Being one voice and working together in an association can benefit us all as companies in a very specialised sector

and can stand up for what we want with standards, qualifications, training/ apprentices and quality. “An issue I intend to lead on is around the supply chain and to find a way to bring everything closer together and ensure that we remove some of the gaps that still exist. “A classic example of that is the way some of the bigger contractors tap into the services we offer. “We know that none of our businesses have an absolute right to work with first and second tier contractors – we have to earn it on the quality of services we provide and the value for money we offer. “However, there is absolutely no doubt that we can add value to developments if we are engaged earlier in the process.

“Very often, the companies in our sector get the call when a project is nearly complete. We can find ourselves cutting openings through walls that may have already been decorated and with brand new carpets on the floor! “If we were brought into the loop earlier, we could offer advice on what is needed and when, in the process, it should be done. “It’s just a small example of how the larger contractors could make better use of the expertise of SMEs and would get the whole chain working more efficiently and profitably for everyone. “I do think progress has been made over the past few years but there is definitely more that can be done.”

Premier coach operator switches to TruTac

Edwards Coaches, Wales’ largest coach tour operator, has switched to TruTac software for tachograph, driver and document analysis, thereby strengthening

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all aspects of fleet management and general compliance control. Founded in 1925 and with almost 300 vehicles in the fleet, the company

is ranked in the top five UK coach providers and operates virtually all the coaches travelling out of Wales for National Express. In addition, Edwards Coaches carry more than 6,500 students to school each day and approx. 80,000 people on their annual holidays programme, throughout the UK, Europe and internationally. Training and Compliance Manager Stephen Tapper said: “This is a very busy and diverse business and with so many vehicles, schedules and drivers

we needed a software system which enables instant monitoring and control while at the same time improving fleet performance and maintaining 100% compliance.” To this end, Edwards Coaches have installed TruAnalysis, Truview, TruDriver and TruDocs, a selection from the TruTac software suite which combine to manage driver monitoring and debriefing, infringements and working time, online compliance reporting, document storage and retrieval.

Top 3 reasons why Owners often avoid working with a Business Coach – even if it might otherwise be a good idea! Well in my view anyway, the Top 3 reasons why owners don’t work with a Business Coach are: 1 Fear of looking like they don’t know what they’re doing. As a coach, I explain that I typically have no prior knowledge of their business whatsoever. They are the expert in their business. My role is to help them gain clarity about what they want, help them create and execute a plan and provide ongoing encouragement and accountability to ensure they get the results they want. 2 Fear that they are not going to get a return on their investment This is easy. Nobody should invest in a coaching program unless the prize is worth the investment and the discussion with the coach provides some clarity on how the goal can be achieved. With my clients I do this initially in a complementary coaching session and then in detail in an intensive offsite meeting, where the clients investment is protected by a full money back guarantee. 3 Fear that the coach is going to tell them how to run their business That is not the job of the coach – the coach is there are to help the owner work out what they need to do by seeing “the wood for the trees”. However there must be some chemistry between you and the coach which is why I offer a money back guarantee for the first month of coaching – both client and coach need a chance to discover whether we can work together effectively. Coaching can help owners create massive results in their business, but understandably most owners are highly sceptical that an outsider can help. But if you want different results then you’ll need to try a different approach – and maybe I could help you find that approach? If you are interested, here are 3 ways to find out more about how I work with clients: 1. Check out my LinkedIN profile especially the case studies 2. Visit my website at www.actioncoach.co.uk/davidlee 3. Or if you prefer go straight to www.chat415.co.uk and book a 15 minute conversation with me to see if you qualify for a free 90 minute complementary coaching session. David Lee ActionCOACH 07970566390 davidlee@actioncoach.com www.linkedin.com/in/davidleeac/ www.actioncoach.co.uk/davidlee

Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training

Raising the bar in Leadership and Management Victoria Winterman at the regional World Skills UK 2019 competition

Apprentice Celebrates World Skills Award A Chamber Training Apprentice, who is based at a Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, has been awarded a bronze medal at the World Skills UK 2019 Regional competition for her exceptional health and social care skills. Victoria Winterman, a Lead Adult Care Worker Apprentice at Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership Trust (CWPT) supports individuals with clinical, mental health and physical health needs, impaired communication, vulnerable adults and social care needs. Commenting on Victoria’s achievements, Charlotte Sutton, Talent for Care Manager at CWPT said: “In order to take part in the regional World Skills UK 2019 competition, Victoria had to compete 140 miles away. Her determined attitude and enthusiasm certainly paid off when she gained 3rd place and came home with a bronze medal. She was also ranked within the 121 top Apprentices in the UK - such fantastic achievements and very well deserved. “Victoria has a great work ethos and a sheer determination to learn and develop within her role. These qualities have already contributed to an award she received earlier this year as one of Chamber Training’s outstanding Apprentices of the Year. Her strong caring skills, empathy and compassion have led to high achievements and career aspirations to become a midwife. We are confident that she has an exceptional future ahead of her.” Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership Trust (CWPT) provides a wide range of mental health and learning disability services for people of all ages in Coventry and Warwickshire and a wide range of community physical health services for people in Coventry. The team provides inpatient, community and day clinics, as well as specialist services, to a population of about 1 million people living in Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull including the provision of specialist services to a wider geographical area. Christine Giles, Account Manager at Chamber Training said: “We have been working alongside CWPT for a number of years and we continue to source the most suitable candidates to match their specific needs, leading to nationally recognised qualifications. With the ever changing world of the NHS, the mixture of off-the-job ensures that Apprentices have a continued plan of learning whilst existing staff members also benefit from the opportunity to retrain or enhance and develop their career prospects.” To find out more about Apprenticeships and how they can benefit your workplace, please contact the Business Development Team at Chamber Training on 02476 231 122 or enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk

A Coventry not-for-profit organisation that supports individuals, start-ups and businesses around Coventry & Warwickshire to access business finance, is working in partnership with Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training to help optimise management skills and productivity across its workforce. For many reasons, obtaining business finance can sometimes be difficult for individuals, so Coventry & Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust’s (CWRT) aims to fill the gap in mainstream lending by offering affordable alternatives to high interest lenders. The team at CWRT has loaned nearly £6.5 million to businesses in Coventry & Warwickshire that have had difficulty in raising finance. Sheridan Sulskis, who joined CWRT six years ago, has always had a passion for learning and development. In October 2017 she turned to Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training for support and guidance in identifying skills gaps in management training within the business. As an added bonus the firm was able to access ESF funding through Skills 4 Growth and started making solid plans for the future and the business. Commenting on the support she gained from Chamber Training, Sheridan said: “Although I was not new to management, I wanted to enhance my skills to enable me to get the best out of my team and a refresher qualification in Leadership and Management seemed like the perfect way to go about this.” Sheridan initially signed up for the ILM level 2 Award and found it to be a fantastic starting point.

“After such a positive experience with Chamber Training, I progressed on to ILM 5, which helped me to enhance my people management skills and become a more effective leader. I received valuable training, support and encouragement from Tracy Sawrey and Rob McDonald, Management Trainers at Chamber Training, and truly enjoyed Tracy and Rob’s style of training and delivery and they were able to give me the support and guidance I needed to achieve.” On 1st April 2019 all that hard work was rewarded by a promotion to Chief Executive and Sheridan is thoroughly enjoying the role. “I recommended the ILM training to two members of my team, Leah Blocksidge and Jacqueline Maya. Both are new to management and these courses have enabled them to be better equipped at people management by giving them a good, solid platform to enhance their skills.” Tracy Sawrey, an ILM Management Trainer remarked: “ILM management qualifications offer a great way of moving your career forward and they are ideal for those who are practicing or aspiring managers. From first line managers (level 3) to middle/ senior managers (level 5) we will

From left to right: Sheridan Sulkski, Tracy Sawrey and Leah Blocksidge

help you to choose the right course to enhance your skills and knowledge of management theory and more importantly apply in practice. “ To find out more about the ILM qualifications and if your company is eligible for Skills 4 Growth ESF funding, please contact C&W Chamber Training’s Business Development Team on 024 7623 1122 or enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk

“I received valuable training, support and encouragement from Tracy Sawrey and Rob McDonald, Management Trainers at Chamber Training, and truly enjoyed Tracy and Rob’s style of training and delivery and they were able to give me the support and guidance I needed to achieve.”

A Successful Partnership in Housing

From left to right: Tom Barber, Ameen Malik, Zoe Shale from Orbit Housing are seen here with Nicky Cheshire from Chamber Training.

A Coventry housing association that provides affordable housing to around 40,000 households across England, is celebrating the success of its apprenticeship programme in association with Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training. Orbit Housing, based on Binley Business Park in Coventry, provides a number of solutions to housing problems by offering homes to rent and buy. All of their properties are designed

to suit a wide variety of people with a range of needs including help to buy equity loans, shared ownership and independent living care for the over 55s. The financial team at the housing association were looking to change training providers and turned to Chamber Training for support and guidance in December 2018. Commenting Lisa Massey, Future Talent Consultant at Orbit Housing said: “Our two apprentices, Tom Barber and Zoe Shale were both studying at college but were not happy with the guidance offered by an alternative training provider. This was directly impacting on their learning so we started sourcing an alternative. Since commencing their AAT level 3 with Chamber Training, they have grown in confidence and are very much part of our Finance Team in Orbit. We are also delighted to say that have been taken on permanently.” The Marketing & Communications Team at Orbit regularly enter the business for numerous awards and the Directorate was informed of the opportunity to submit entries for the ‘Most Inspiring Apprenticeship Programme’ category for the Inspire Awards, and ‘Apprentice of the Year

Award’ for the Housing Heroes Award. As the apprentices had done so well with their group project based on Wellbeing, receiving so much praise and recognition from their colleagues, it was an obvious choice to submit Tom and Zoe, as part of the group of Apprentices put forward for this award. They were selected as finalists, which was a fantastic achievement.” Lisa continued: “We have a large finance team at Orbit which is extremely significant within the business and we place a high importance on having qualified staff to undertake their roles. We are always looking at the development and growth of our employees and we have already seen a lot of potential in Zoe and Tom, which is testament to their hard work and dedication. “From a provider’s perspective, Chamber Training has played an active and supportive role in helping us to find the right candidates. We have also taken on three more accountancy Apprentices, Ameen Malik who joined Orbit in March 2019 and is settling in well plus two more Apprentices will join Orbit on 10th September 2019 and will be studying with Chamber Training.”

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CHAMBER TALENT MEMBERSHIP

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Chamber Talent Membership for Tomorrow’s Business Stars Join Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce as a Chamber Talent Member, and you can take advantage of a tailored package of benefits, including: Exclusive Chamber Talent social events to meet peers and other influential business figures Skills development workshops with Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training Opportunity to join the Chamber Talent Board to help set and shape the business agenda Online community of Chamber Talent members to share ideas and make lasting connections FREE sharing of your news and stories across key social media channels Ongoing promotional opportunities and special member offers, both online and in print All for ONLY £99 per year + VAT

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or email ChamberTalent@cw-chamber.co.uk

Launch Event: Wednesday 25th Sept 12noon-2pm The STEM Centre, part of WCG, Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. CV32 5JE

Legal Sponsored Column

Wasps and Wright Hassall bond going strong

Mythbusting Family Law Solicitors Selina Gill and Ruth Goodman at Hammons on Walsgrave Road, Coventry, find that clients are often shocked to hear that common misconceptions about family law are not true. For example: • “common-law marriage” - contrary to popular belief, living with someone does not entitle you to any claim on their house, income or pension, if you are not married or civil partners. Living in your partner’s house and paying mortgage and bills does not make it yours. For any couple living together it is sensible to take legal advice and, ideally, have a written agreement about your rights • watertight pre-nups - although the Law Commission recommended that pre-marital agreements should be binding if they meet certain criteria, this is not currently the law. Any agreement is only one of the wide range of factors the court considers when determining financial arrangements on divorce. Whilst pre-nups are useful in setting out a couple’s expectations, and can influence a court, they are not always decisive • the “quickie divorce” - reports of celebrity divorces are often misleading. If both parties agree, some delays can be avoided, but in most cases there is no short-cutting the court’s processing times or the 6 weeks between the final two stages. New divorce laws will allow no-fault divorce but it remains to be seen whether the process will be any faster • the alimony trap - the days of a divorced husband supporting his wife for the rest of her life are long gone. The court only orders spousal maintenance where essential to meet the needs of the lesser-earning spouse, and only for as long as necessary. Where possible, a clean break is preferred, and if maintenance is ordered the recipient must work to build their own income to limit the payment period Family law is often surprising, and to separate myth from fact, Selina and Ruth would always recommend making an appointment with a specialist solicitor. Mrs Selina Gil and Mrs Ruth Goodman Family Department Hammons Solicitors The Old Bank 353 Walsgrave Road Coventry CV2 4BG Tel: 02476448585 email: enquiries@hammonssolicitors.co.uk

L/R Emma Marsh (Wright Hassall), Chris Bell (Wasps), Phil Wilding (Wright Hassall), Emma Davis (Wasps)

A leading Midlands law firm’s partnership with Wasps has helped boost community engagement in the year since they joined forces. Wright Hassall and Wasps embarked on a five-year agreement in 2018 with the firm undertaking the majority of the Club’s legal work across a wide range of Wasps activities, while its name featured on the Club’s first-team shirt. The two have worked together on numerous events such as the Wright Hassall Regency 10k run in Leamington, with the Midlands law firm also hosting business networking events at Ricoh Arena over the past 12 months.

Staff across the two organisations have also got to know more about each other over this period through a range of social activities. Phil Wilding, a partner at Wright Hassall who led the successful bid for the firm to represent Wasps, said: “The first year of the relationship has gone really well and we think both parties have gained a great deal from it. “We are proud to have built a strong foundation for our future with Wasps over the last 12 months, with both sides actively engaging in building this relationship on a professional and personal level.

“It has been an exciting period for us as a firm and our work with the Club has played a key role in that. “We take a proactive approach towards our commitment to the region and are proud to have teamed up with Wasps as an example of our support for business and sport in Coventry and Warwickshire.” Wasps’ stars, including James Gaskell and Josh Bassett, have visited the Wright Hassall offices throughout the year to offer advice on healthy living and diet considerations, as well as leading High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) sessions. The rugby club also entered a team of staff into this year’s annual Wright Hassall quiz, which raised thousands of pounds for the Wright Hassall Charitable Trust, which supports a variety of local charities. Chris Bell, Head of Partnerships at Wasps, said: “We have really enjoyed getting to know the Wright Hassall team over the last 12 months. “We wanted to make sure we developed a collaborative culture between our organisations and couldn’t be happier with how this has been achieved. “The amount of outreach work they do in business and social terms is very impressive and I think both sides of this partnership are working together very well.”

Lodders retains best law firm title for third year An independent guide to the UK’s best law firms has voted local firm Lodders the best in the area for its private client legal advice and service for the third consecutive year. The Chambers High Net Worth UK Guide gives the team based at Lodders Stratford upon Avon office, the highest ranking for its private wealth law work in Coventry and the surrounding areas. Lodders has been consistently ranked as a top tier firm by the Chambers main annual UK Guide for more than twenty years, and has taken the top spot in this, its separate guide to the best law firms and solicitors specialising in work for High Net Worth private clients, in every edition since it first published in 2016.

Lodders’ private client team provide legal advice and support on trusts, wills, estates planning and administration to individuals, families and landed estates, and is not only given the highest Band 1 position in the guide’s 2019 edition, but is also described as being ‘amongst the best’, and ‘highly professional, efficient and client-centric’. The guide also names three of Lodders’ private client law specialists and partners as a ‘notable practitioner’ – Louise Igoe, Stephen Brignull and Martin Green. Louise Igoe is described as ‘very professional’, and that she ‘knows her stuff’, and Steve Brignull as providing ‘an excellent service and high-quality work’.

Martin Green, Lodders’ senior partner and head of its private client practice, is described as ‘very knowledgeable’ and having ‘massive experience in the market and a lot of trust from clients’. Martin said: “It is incredible to be recognised as the very best in the area by such a prestigious independent guide to the very best UK lawyers working with high net worth private clients, but to be given the highest accolade every year that this specialist guide has published, is immensely rewarding. “Private client work is an integral part of the firm and has been at the heart of Lodders legal services throughout its 230 years. “It’s especially pleasing that a number of our experienced lawyers are again recognised

Head of Lodders’ private client practice Martin Green is one of three of the firm’s solicitors recognised by a new independent guide to the very best lawyers in the UK.

so highly for our private client work in the region, which is worthy recognition of the talent, exceptional work, client service and quality of advice provided by the firm and its individuals each and every day.”

Brethertons Ranked as one of the top legal service providers Leading legal services provider Brethertons LLP is celebrating after being named as one of the top law firms in the region of Oxford and Surrounds for Private Wealth Law. The Chambers High New Worth Guide researches and ranks the world’s best lawyers, particularly focusing on the international

private wealth market. The Brethertons team have been praised by clients as “very knowledgeable”. Another source adds that the Brethertons’ lawyers they worked with were “immediately responsive, helpful, courteous and friendly. Their good-natured teamwork in the service of the client has been most

impressive and reassuring.” Along with the firm, Daniel Boyle, Partner and Head of Practice Area for the Wills, Trusts and Probate department and Senior Associate Emma Stewart, have been ranked as a Notable Practitioners. Brethertons’ CEO Alison McCormack said:”The Legal Directories are independent

publications which reflect the state of the legal industry today. Law firms are peer reviewed and recommended and, therefore, provide clients with an unbiased overview of the market. It is really helpful for clients to see how we are benchmarked against competitors and take an informed decision on which solicitor to use.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Finance

Double celebration for Armstrongs

A firm of chartered accountants, based in Coventry & Nuneaton have been shortlisted for the 2019 British Accountancy Awards. Armstrongs Chartered Accountants has been named a finalist in the Independent Firm of the Year – Wales and

Midlands category, which recognises those firms that have added significant value to its clients and across all service areas. Paul Farmer, a Director at Armstrongs, said “We are delighted that Armstrongs is a finalist at this year’s British

Accountancy Awards. It is a huge achievement for our team and a great endorsement of what we have been doing as a firm.” Armstrongs Director Sarah Van Ristell has also been shortlisted. Sarah is a finalist in the Partner of the Year category. This award recognises excellence in a Partner who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, influence and credibility. The winner will be an industry leader who has shown responsibility in their chosen field and demonstrated the highest level of innovation, business strategy and quality of service. Sarah said “It is a great honour to be named as one of the leading accountancy partners in the UK and fantastic recognition of the work I do to help my clients and move the practice forward.”

The British Accountancy Awards are widely recognised as the top accolade within the accounting industry. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 25th September at Grosvenor House in Park Lane, London. This is the second time that Armstrongs has entered the British Accountancy Awards. The firm won Independent firm of the Year in 2014 and are looking forward to finding out whether they will be named the winner for a second time. Armstrongs Chartered Accountants provide a wide range of services including accounting, tax, corporate finance, wealth planning, audit and assurance, business support and business development.

to lending is at the heart of our loan process.”. Ryan Cartwright, Senior Manager at the British Business Bank, said: “Following the recent announcement that the MEIF has now reached the £50million investment milestone, this additional achievement by BCRS Business Loans is testament to the hard work of our fund manager. “BCRS has now supported more than 60 businesses, unlocking finance to help them expand and supporting the

growth of the local economy. The funding provided so far has supported international expansion projects, the purchase of new equipment and creating jobs.” The Midlands Engine Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

£2 million delivered to 60 businesses by loan fund A loan fund set up to support West Midlands businesses has reached a new milestone. The MEIF Small Business Loan Fund, which is delivered by BCRS Business Loans, has now invested and loaned £2million to over 60 West Midlands businesses that have been unable to access finance from traditional lenders. The fund is part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF), which was set up to transform the finance landscape for small and medium-sized businesses. The MEIF is delivered by six appointed fund managers, including BCRS Business Loans. BCRS Business Loans provide loans from £10,000 to £150,000 to viable West Midlands based

businesses that are looking to grow. The chief executive of BCRS Business Loans, Paul Kalinauckas, said: “We are incredibly proud to be a delivery partner for MEIF, which is an important initiative for small and medium sized businesses that are looking to grow and prosper. “Delivering more than £2million from our MEIF fund is an excellent achievement and is crucial to the prosperity of our region by boosting economic activity and providing jobs for local people “As the region’s biggest Responsible Finance Provider, we believe that no viable business should go unsupported and ensure that a fast, relationship-based approach

Training company celebrates award

Chamber member ATB Accounting Training for Business has been awarded Best SME Accounting Support Company in the 2019 Midlands Enterprise Awards.

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The company provides certified accountancy and payroll training solutions to a variety of businesses and individuals. Sandra Quinn-Smith, of ATB Accounting Training for Business, said: “Having worked as a Further Education lecturer for 17 years, I became disillusioned with the mainstream provision being offered. “It seemed to be that more targeted and fit-for-purpose training and qualifications were needed for SMEs and so I created ATB to provide bespoke solutions that

would fit better not only around people’s training needs, but their lives too and as such I set up my business to fulfil that need. “Over the years running ATB, I have come to regard integrity, honesty and determination as key qualities and I strive to embody those myself. I have a commitment to do my absolute best for clients, nothing else really matters. In a service industry like mine when I am providing something of value to people who are learning, those are very important qualities.” “When working with any client I focus on exceeding their expectations and

providing them with the support they need throughout the process. From the initial enquiry through to the completion of their training, they know that when they work with ATB they are getting only the best. “Over the coming years, I am eager to grow ATB and support an even wider array of clients. At the same time, I am eager to ensure that the quality of the service we provide is always exceptional, so that clients receive the quality support and training they need to enhance their business and move forward.”

HB&O appointed as auditor for Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Fund Harrison Beale & Owen (HB&O) has been appointed to audit the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Growth Fund Programme on behalf of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) and Coventry City Council. The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Growth Fund is a package of £131 million Capital investment into the local area, matched by public and private investment. The fund is designed to enable the local area to build on its advanced manufacturing and engineering strengths by investing in new transport infrastructure, public realm, business support and skills investment. With a number of major infrastructure investment projects completed and more underway, the Local Growth Fund is creating at least 7,500 jobs and apprenticeships and allows 3,400 homes to be built by the end of March 2021. Investment of this scale requires careful management and close, independent scrutiny to ensure project claims are correct and that funds are used as intended. HB&O’s local knowledge and expertise along with its cost-effective approach were all key factors in deciding who to appoint. Nick Abell, vice-chair of the CWLEP, said: “We have been extremely impressed by HB&O’s approach and commitment to client service. The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Growth Fund is vital to the future development of this region and it is essential that we make the most of every investment. “We are very confident in HB&O’s ability to interrogate and analyse our work, and hold us and our grant recipients to account, to ensure local residents and businesses benefit from this investment fund. “We are particularly pleased to have found the right level of expertise on our doorstep, which is indicative of the depth and breadth of skills available in our region.” Mark Ashfield, managing director, HB&O, said: “We are delighted to be working with the CWLEP on this project. The Local Growth Fund has the potential to support a wide range of opportunities to enhance this region. We are pleased to have the opportunity to play a direct role by monitoring and analysing the effective use of funds and advising the LEP on effective and efficient ways to manage these complex grants.” HB&O has been appointed for three years following a competitive tender process which led to a change in auditor for the deal.

Property

Plans to build a new school, country park and community facilities A new primary and secondary school with community facilities and a country park could be created in Warwickshire. Warwick-based property development and investment company AC Lloyd has submitted an outline planning application to Warwick District Council for a secondary school for 1,200 students with an adjoining two-form entry primary school at Oakley Grove. The site, which is on the corner of Oakley Wood Road and Harbury Lane, will include 150 new homes, of which 40 per cent will be affordable. The planning application includes an extension and change to the proposed country park which could be built to the south of Leamington/Whitnash near Bishop’s Tachbrook. Des Wynne, Managing Director of AC Lloyd Strategic Land, said: “We have put forward an option on a 30-acre site we have that could be used for an all-through school – a secondary school and a primary school – to be part of an outline planning application enabled by 150 new homes. “If we were to be granted planning consent, we would then hand the site for the school over to Warwickshire County Council who will then take the lead on the construction. “Ideally, the County Council would like the new secondary and primary schools to be open in 2023. “The education provision is also to be designed so that the outdoor playing facilities and the indoor sports/community facilities will be available for use by the community outside of school hours via a dual use agreement. “The proposal will also change and extend the proposed Tach Brook Country Park so that it links directly to Bishop’s Tachbrook village and to all the new housing areas south of Harbury Lane enabling a truly green way for people to get to and from school as well a new, large public open space for all the community.” Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture Councillor MoiraAnn Grainger said: “This scheme is about much more than a new secondary school. If agreed, it will help us to kick-start our ambitious plan to provide a green walk/cycle way along the river between Warwick and Leamington and will help us to develop a wide range of schemes to benefit our growing communities. “This could include a new primary school, special needs education provision and the relocation of the Edmondscote athletics track. This will, in turn, allow us to create a new public park adjacent to Victoria Park as part of the Commonwealth Games 2022 legacy, opening up a whole network of green traffic free open spaces along the rivers between Warwick and Leamington for cyclists and pedestrians.”

Hundreds turn out to Grand Opening Gala with Gregg Wallace

Austin Heath, an award-winning later living community in Heathcote, Warwick officially opened its eagerly anticipated Clubhouse with a family fete ‘Grand Opening Gala’ attended by hundreds of guests, including residents and the local community. Gregg Wallace, best known for being a judge on MasterChef and presenting Eat Well for Less, cut the ribbon to the new village centre, ‘The Grange’ which features a spa pool, sauna, steam room, treatment suite and relaxation spaces. As well as a brasserie, garden room, library and beauty salon, all open to the local public, as well as excited residents of Austin Heath. The Grand Opening Gala was a huge success, with hundreds of people attending to celebrate in the sunshine. Resident Bob Dobney composed a short piece of music which he played on his bag pipes to welcome guests to The Grange and commence the day’s festivities. The event featured live music from Tipitina, cocktail making, a vintage

Austin Healey car and artefacts from the British Motor Museum, speed styling with a fashion consultant, craft and food workshops, as well as a range of children’s activities. Gregg was given a private tour of Austin Heath and the new facilities and was particularly impressed with the gym, which features a state-of-the-art cardio wall. He also took part in a Q&A with CEO of Inspired Villages, Jamie Bunce and Director, James Cobb, where they considered their favourite areas of

the new Clubhouse - including the restaurant, and discussed what the new facilities mean to residents. Trish Staite, Village Manager at Austin Heath, said: “We were very excited to welcome Gregg Wallace to Austin Heath to mark the opening of our impressive clubhouse and celebrate at our Grand Opening Gala! It was a great day for everyone, full of music, laughter, glorious food and fun. “The new facilities are really impressive, and our residents are enjoying making the most of the new spa pool and brasserie. The facilities are also open to the local community and we’d love to welcome some new faces.” Austin Heath offers luxury, contemporary, living at the heart of ‘Shakespeare’s England’. Just a short distance from Warwick’s famous castle and Leamington Spa’s shops and restaurants. Austin Heath features 118 exclusive homes, available to purchase or to rent including village centre apartments, assisted living, panorama and penthouses. Facilities include Eric’s café, The Dining Room Restaurant, vitality pool, steam and sauna, hair and beauty salon, gym to including a cardio wall, craft room and library/cinema room.

“The new facilities are really impressive, and our residents are enjoying making the most of the new spa pool and brasserie. The facilities are also open to the local community and we’d love to welcome some new faces.”

Bromwich Hardy help auto company secure new home Leading Midlands commercial property specialist Bromwich Hardy has helped a high-tech automotive company find a new base in the region. Bromwich Hardy partner Andrew Cosnett has completed a deal for Kenilworth-based advanced technology developer Aeristech to move into a refurbished unit at Hermes Close in Warwick. The company, which specialises in electric air compressors for the international automotive industry, has signed a lease on an 11,000 sq ft two-storey production unit at Hermes Court. The site features attractive quality two storey offices, good parking and loading

and with heating and lighting included. Andrew, who was acting for Birmingham property company Mercia Real Estate, said the deal was evidence of the region’s importance to the automotive industry. “The area around Warwick and Leamington Spa is proving particularly attractive to this industry at the moment, as evidenced yet again by this deal. “There is a real shortage of suitable units coming on to the market and when they do they are snapped up very quickly, as was the case here. We are delighted to have been able to help such an innovative and successful company.” The extensive unit has an eaves height of approximately

9m with a concrete floor, electrically operated up and over loading door, two gas fired blower heaters and three phase electric. It has a loading area at the front and separate car park with space for 14 cars. Hermes Close is a cul-de-

sac off Tachbrook Park Drive on Tachbrook Park. The 132-acre mixed use business park is located around two miles south of Leamington Spa town centre. Bromwich Hardy marketed the unit with joint agents Wareing and Company.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

I am very much looking forward to welcoming you to your Chamber’s Annual Economic Conference – the largest business event in our region and the best networking opportunity for your business. Louise Bennett OBE, DL Chief Executive, Chamber of Commerce Each year, we attract hundreds of delegates and, with the fantastic line-up of speakers we have for our 2019 event, we have no doubt that it is going to be a sell-out event once again.

The Chamber’s Annual Conference is the only event throughout the year to attract the region’s business leaders, politicians and key decision makers – getting them all in one room to network and hear the latest economic updates and new developments across the patch.

Further details of the line-up is available throughout this special C&W in Business Conference Preview and I have no doubt that you have already seen the buzz in the press and on social media about Sir Ranulph Fiennes Bt OBE – the record-breaking expedition leader, who was the first person to reach both North and South Poles by foot, being our keynote speaker.

We will also be hearing from key regional figures such as Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Coventry City Council, Monica Fogarty, Chief Executive of Warwickshire County Council, John Latham, Vice Chancellor of Coventry University and Angela Joyce, Chief Executive of our headline sponsor WCG. They will be kept to time by our host and facilitator for the event, presenter, broadcaster and journalist, Naga Munchetty, who we are delighted to have on board for this year’s conference. We continue to be the voice of business in our region and work closely with our colleagues at the

British Chambers of Commerce to represent our member’s views and priorities at the highest level. We are delighted that Director General of the BCC, Dr Adam Marshall, will be leading our economic panel session. As ever, the support of our sponsors means we can ensure the event remains as relevant and high-profile as possible and we are grateful to WCG for being our headline sponsor for this year’s conference and to the Coventry Careers Hub and Warwickshire Careers Hub, our supporting sponsors. See you there!

Here is our 2019 Conference host…

High profile presenter, journalist and broadcaster, Naga Munchetty is recognised nationwide and will be the host for the Chamber’s Annual Economic conference on November 15. Before she was a familiar face and voice on BBC Breakfast, BBC Newsnight, BBC Radio 4’s PM, Moneybox and Pick of the Week, Naga was a journalist for the Evening Standard and Observer Newspapers. Her ability and journalistic flair led her to report for Reuters Financial Television before she assumed the role of executive producer of CNBC Europe, a producer

and reporter for Channel 4 News and then an anchor for Bloomberg Television. She then fronted BBC Two’s Working lunch in 2008 and subsequently the European Breakfast programme for BBC World News. Some of her many achievements include, winning Celebrity Mastermind in 2013, being recognised as one of the UK’s most powerful female Asians in 2014 by the Asian

Power List, being a judge on Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction and her run as a contestant on BBC’S Strictly Come Dancing in 2016. She is also celebrated for her vast array of charity work, most notably for her participation in the 2013 London Marathon and in 2015 for enduring a 100km bike ride for the Women VS Cancer Ride the Night campaign.

Book Your Annual Conference Ticket Now www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events 20

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Headline Sponsor

WCG has a long history of working closely with business at a local, regional and national level – and we see the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Economic Conference as one of the major events of the year. Working closely with business across the Midlands, engaging in networks and building effective partnerships with employers is a fundamental priority in our strategy. Of course, our number one priority is our students and apprentices, ensuring we deliver a dynamic and responsive curriculum that will allow them to realise their potential and maximise their impact on the economy. But the only way we can do that effectively is by ensuring that the curriculum offered at each of our seven colleges meets the needs of employers. With the introduction of the new T-Levels, this relationship with local business is more important than ever, as we work together to organise relevant work placements and provide highly-employable graduates for the region.

As well as being strategic partners with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, we work closely with our LEPs and with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). We are a major stakeholder in the WMCA’s new Automotive Skills Plan, so it’s essential we maintain and build links with businesses in the automotive sector regionally. By engaging with industry bodies and local authorities we ensure we fully understand national and local trends so we can reflect them in our curriculum. For example, the visitor economy is vital to the region and the government’s new Tourism Sector deal will see more visitors, both domestic and overseas, to the region - accelerated by Coventry City of Culture 2021 and the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.

And we already engage with employers to develop student pathways, but will be working closer with those in the tourism sector to cater to requirements created by the influx of visitors. Each College within WCG is served by an advisory board with strong representation from local employers, developing a deeper knowledge of skills requirements and gathering labour market intelligence to the aid development of our apprenticeships and curriculum. So, we view the Chamber Economic Conference as an invaluable opportunity to engage and mix directly with businesses, to hear about emerging trends and policies from the high calibre array of speakers and to make the Coventry and Warwickshire commercial world fully aware of how we can support it development and success.

Our 2019 Conference includes interviews with...

Martin Reeves, Coventry Council

Monica Fogarty, Warwickshire County Council

Professor John Latham, Coventry University

Angela Joyce, WCG

Coventry and Warwickshire businesses will be given an insight into the role they can play in improving careers advice and support for the future workforce at a major conference this year. The Coventry and Warwickshire Careers Hubs is a supporting sponsor for the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Economic Conference at DoubleTree by Hilton Coventry on Friday, November 15. The Coventry and Warwickshire Careers Hubs – launched in May – will give every school and college in the area the opportunity to work together with universities, training providers, employers and career professionals. Each Hub brings together a group of up to 40 schools and colleges to improve careers support for young people in their area, through a relentless focus on best practice. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Clare Hutchinson, director of Network at the Careers and Enterprise Company – which is behind the Careers Hubs across the country, will speak at the event and urge businesses to find out the role they can play in improving young people’s understanding and knowledge of the world of work. The Hubs in Coventry and Warwickshire were bid for by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) and while they were announced in May, the Chamber’s Annual Conference is seen as the ideal platform to bring companies across the region up to speed. Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire

Chamber of Commerce, said: “One of the biggest barriers to economic growth over recent years has been a shortage of skills and, in some cases, that is the softer skills required by businesses. “There has also been a need, for some time, to give young people a better understanding of the career that are out there and the skills and qualifications they will need to pursue them.

Keynote speaker is great explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes Bt OBE is commonly recognised as the world’s greatest living explorer due to being the first person to combat the extreme conditions and reach both the North and South Poles on foot. His achievements, however, do not stop there – making it into the record books for completing seven marathons on seven different continents in seven days, soon after receiving emergency heart surgery! Ranulph became the oldest Britain to conquer mount Everest at the age of 65 and then attempted to be the first to cross Antarctica on foot. Unfortunately, he was left no choice but to withdraw from the expedition due to severe frostbite. Not to be deterred from the call of adventure, Ranulph completed the Marathon de sables, a 159-mile run through the Sahara Desert, enduring blistering 50°C heat. When he’s not breaking records and exploring the natural world, Ranulph lends his knowledge, experience and personality to the business world, helping to inspire and entertain conferences and dinner parties globally. His unique life experiences enable him to share insights and solutions to solving issues and overcoming obstacles faced in everyday life. To Ranulph, finding the right balance of character and individual strengths within a team is key to overcoming any obstacles – whether that’s braving the wilderness or a challenging task in the working environment.

Supporting Sponsors

“We are delighted to be working with the CWLEP on the new Coventry and Warwickshire Careers Hubs and it is great that this will feature in our conference in November.”

Economy

Economic figures ‘should be a warning’ Business leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire have urged Government to ‘heed the warning’ of the UK economy contracting for the first time in almost seven years. GDP – the measure of economic output – fell by 0.2 per cent between April and June, which is the first drop since the final quarter of 2012. Louise Bennett, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said the first contraction in output since 2012 should send a message to the new Prime Minister. She said: “The previous quarter’s economic growth was masking the fact that many businesses were stockpiling ahead of the anticipated exit from the EU in March. This quarter’s figures will also be distorted by that as stockpiling tailed off. “But this is a real warning sign and it is one that must be heeded by the new Prime Minister and his Government. “They must do everything in their power to avoid a messy, disorderly ‘No Deal’ Brexit which would raise the chances of an economic downturn in the UK – especially in light of global conditions generally. “Aside from that, Brexit must not be a distraction from fixing some of the long-standing domestic issues that act as a barrier to business growth. “The British Chambers of Commerce has laid out its priorities for the new Prime Minister to boost business confidence and investment and we are right behind those aims. “They include a one-year moratorium on all policy measures that increase costs, a rates holidays on new property builds and improvements, and a root and branch review of the current business rate system. “The economy in Coventry and Warwickshire has been strong over recent years and we are confident that with more certainty around the future relationship with the EU and tackling some of the barriers to growth, we can continue to grow and prosper in this region.”

Businesses urged to add their voice The new sponsor of a major economic survey in Coventry and Warwickshire is urging businesses to make their voices heard on their successes and concerns. Prime Accountants Group – which is based at Whitley Business Park in Coventry, Homer Road in Solihull and Caroline Street in Birmingham – is partnering the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for the next 12 months. The QES questions more than 400 businesses across the region each quarter, acting as a barometer for the local economy, as well as feeding into the British Chambers of Commerce’s national survey. Steve Harcourt, a director at Prime Accountants’ Coventry office which advises more than 1,000 businesses across the region, outlined the importance of the QES. He said: “We need to be monitoring business mood via tools such as the QES now, more than ever, in times of uncertainty. “It was a no-brainer for us to support a survey that places great emphasis on data and numbers as we do, and it will allow our clients, key decision makers and the wider community to keep their finger on the local economic pulse. “We deal with businesses of varying sizes on a daily basis, the majority of which are holding back on major decisions relating to investment or long-term planning until they know what is going to happen with Brexit. “Although uncertainty and low business confidence may heighten as we approach the 31 October deadline, I think we’ve reached a stage now where

the business community are still in a stable frame of mind because a lot of firms have done all of the hypothetical planning that they can do, and are ready to pursue specific avenues depending on the Brexit outcome.” Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s next QES is set to be published in September. Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, added: “The next QES could well be the last one before the UK leaves the EU and will also offer the first opportunity to see if a change in Prime Minister has had an initial positive or negative impact. “Prime Accountants Group deal with a range of businesses across the region and will have an informed and credible view of how businesses are coping in the current climate, so they are an ideal partner for supporting and feeding into the QES. “We look forward to working with Prime Accountants on analysing the impacts on the business community from what is set to be a landmark period for our country.”

Louise Bennett with Steve Harcourt

For more information about getting involved in Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s QES, visit www.cw-chamber.co.uk/about-us/ policy/quarterly-economic-surveypending/

“Although uncertainty and low business confidence may heighten as we approach the 31 October deadline, I think we’ve reached a stage now where the business community are still in a stable frame of mind because a lot of firms have done all of the hypothetical planning that they can do, and are ready to pursue specific avenues depending on the Brexit outcome.”

West Midlands businesses ‘in the dark’ over changes A recent survey by the British Chambers of Commerce shows that West Midlands businesses remain largely in the dark over fresh changes to technical education. The Government’s latest change to technical education, the T Level, is set to be rolled out in 2020 across the West Midlands and UK. However, business knowledge of the qualification remains low. Business will play a fundamental role in the success of the T Level, with learners undertaking a 315hour work placement as part of the qualification. In relation to the T Level, only 5% of respondents had heard of the qualification. A combined 74% of respondents had either

heard nothing at all or knew the qualification by name only. The T Level is set to be rolled out in 2020 and will be offered by a range of West Midlands-based providers. Almost 40% of respondents stated they have no plans to offer the compulsory 45-day industry placement to 16-18-year olds studying a T Level.

In terms of the apprenticeship levy, just 35% of respondents said they had taken on new apprentices since its introduction. 23% plan to take on apprentices in the future, whilst 36% stated that they have no plans to take on apprentices in the future. Many businesses in the region have suggested that the apprenticeship

“The fact that companies are still unaware of changes to qualifications and training is not wholly surprising because it will take time for them to bed down and for companies to understand what is available.”

levy simply feels like another tax with an inherent lack of flexibility. Louise Bennett OBE, Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, CEO of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The fact that companies are still unaware of changes to qualifications and training is not wholly surprising because it will take time for them to bed down and for companies to understand what is available. “Businesses need stability – on more than one front – and when it comes to skills and training, they should know that the Chamber can help to point them in the right direction to suit their needs.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

AMCO Group appointed as transport and logistics partner

Midlands based Amco Group have been appointed by Webasto Group to manage and provide the transport and logistics across their U.K. and European supplier base for their Automotive roofing system components collections. The contract has been awarded on the strength of Amco’s extensive experience in the Automotive sector, and their abilities operationally, to provide a flexible transport

network. Amco will use their own vehicle fleet to collect components from Webasto’s 50 European ‘child part’ suppliers, providing FTL, LTL, (Full Truckload, Less

than Truckload) and ‘milk runs’ back into the Webasto U.K. assembly facility in Minworth in the West Midlands. Webasto Group’s product portfolio comprises a broad range of roof and heating systems for every type of vehicle and all drive types as well as battery systems and charging solutions. Based in Stockdorf near Munich (Germany), the Webasto Group has a turnover in excess of 3.4 billion euros, and over 13,000 employees in 50 locations. Webasto is the global market leader for automotive sunroofs, convertible and panoramic roofing systems.

“We value strong partnerships with local service providers that can bring experience and a different way of thinking to the table.”

Amco will take control of the existing transport schedules and as a result of benefit studies, will deploy new planning and scheduling and develop and implement plans to build and streamline the Webasto collections network, reducing lead time and achieving a reduction in inventory and improved accuracy in stock control. Ash Lovewell, Head of Supply Chain Management for Webasto in the UK, said “We value strong partnerships with local service providers that can bring experience and a different way of thinking to the table. As part of the strategic project to completely redesign our sub-supplier transport network I personally found Amco’s approach unique and fully customer-focused.”

College group cuts carbon by 22.4% and retains The Planet Mark

WCG has been awarded The Planet Mark sustainability certification for a fifth year for its continuous improvement in sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. The multi-site college group reported a carbon reduction of 22.4% in its total footprint and a 22.1% reduction per employee in the year ending July 2018. The certification marks the fifth consecutive year that WCG has retained the prestigious award which requires participating organisations to make year-on-year reductions to their carbon emissions.

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A presentation of the five-year certificate was made to Mark Bonham, assistant principal of WCG by the operations director for Plant Mark, Sarah Gillett, following a sustainability workshop involving twenty seven members of staff at its Moreton Morrell campus in July. Mark Bonham said: “We are delighted to be receiving this certificate once again as it demonstrates our continuing commitment to reducing our carbon emissions and increasing our sustainability.” In the 2017- 2018 reporting period, emissions measured across the college group were building fuels, electricity,

waste and water. In order to hit its reduction targets, WCG has focused on improving data collection, energy efficiency and waste management across it seven sites. Going forward, the organisation is in the process of setting up new ‘green team’ to influence behaviour change and to action further sustainability measures across the college group. It hopes to roll out a new green strategy for the next academic year with a focus on Moreton Morrell College which is renowned for its landbased and animal science curriculum. Steve Malkin, CEO and Founder of The Planet Mark said: “WCG’S latest achievement is truly outstanding and demonstrates that businesses with the right level of commitment, will continue to make progress, year-on-year.” Simon Cox, UK Sustainability Officer for Prologis UK, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring The Planet Mark certification scheme for WCG as part of our wider carbon reduction strategy. We have been working with the organisation for the last five years and this is their best year yet! We look forward to working with staff and students as they continue their sustainability journey.”

PBX Hosting brings communications solutions to hotels

PBX Hosting, local business communications experts, have transformed the telecoms of the luxury Farncombe Estate hotels in the Cotswolds. Farncombe Estate is a lush estate in the heart of the Cotswolds that houses three luxury hotels; Dormy House, The Fish and Foxhill Manor. They approached PBX Hosting looking for a first-class communications solution to give their guests the first-class service they expect. Managing a chain of hotels gave Farncombe Estate a very specific set of requirements for their telecoms. For both guests and staff to enjoy quick and easy communication, hotel phone systems must always be fully operational. Therefore, Farncombe Estate required a provider who could offer 24/7 technical support and maintenance. They also needed to transfer their phone system from an on-premise PBX to a cloud-based system. PBX Hosting provided them with the latest version of 3CX’s cloud-based PBX with a range of easy-to-use hotel specific features. This includes a PMS, which allows both guests and staff to perform a number of useful functions at check-in and check-out. The 3XC hotel phone system also allows guests to customise their own communication preferences. For example, guests can arrange wake up calls through their phone system without receptionist intervention. Guests can also set their extensions to Do Not Disturb. As well as tailoring phone preferences to guests’ needs, the phone system also improved in-house communication. For example, cleaners can now update the cleanliness status of a room by dialling a code through the phone. Mark England, IT Manager at Farncombe Estate, said: “We needed a feature rich Hotel Phone System that would allow us to offer a full suite of guest services and full integration with our new PMS System. PBX Hosting’s expert Knowledge of the platform along with a vast knowledge of Networking made our decision easy, needless to say we are extremely happy with the results.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Coventry

Businesses urged to back peace event

Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire are being encouraged to be part of a major international event in the city this autumn. The RISING Global Peace Forum, now in its fourth year, brings leading politicians, policymakers, academics and community organisers from around the world to Coventry, the UK’s only International City of Peace and Reconciliation, to discuss and promote new ways to make and sustain peace, both in local communities and on an international level. This year’s event, ‘RISING 2019: The Ecosystem of Peace’, will be held at various venues in the city centre between Wednesday, November 13 and Friday, November 15. The theme of this year’s Forum acknowledges that building and sustaining

peaceful relations at all levels is a complex and interconnected business that is vital to our economic prosperity and the thriving communities in which we live. Amongst the keynote speakers already confirmed are a former Commonwealth Prime Minister and the Chief Executive of one of the world’s largest international charities working to help children change their lives. The RISING 2019 programme will also include the award of the Coventry Peace Prize and the annual Lord Mayor’s Peace Lecture. This year the Forum has also decided for the first time to offer a proportion of delegate spaces free of charge to 6th form students at local schools so that they can be inspired about the importance of building peaceful communities as they decide what to do when they leave school. Richard Dickson, RISING Development Manager, said: “The idea for RISING came from a Coventry and Warwickshire Champions event and it is now established as an internationally-recognised event. “RISING is organised through a partnership between Coventry City Council, Coventry Cathedral and Coventry University, represented by the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations. “Coventry is a city with a long history of looking outwards and doing business innovatively with people around the world, and for many centuries has been prepared

to have peaceful dialogue and trade with people from other cultures. “The local business community helped get RISING off the ground in 2015 and, whilst the City Council, Cathedral and University each contribute financially towards some of the costs, we wouldn’t be able to put the event on without the generous sponsorship and donations of local businesses.” Peter Deeley, Managing Director of the city-based Deeley Group, has supported RISING since its inception. He said: “This is an idea which was spawned from a meeting of business people and Coventry University, Coventry City Council and Coventry Cathedral have developed an event which is growing in status and attracting global speakers. “RISING is a unique and valuable opportunity to learn how successful interventions have been made in some of the longstanding and troubling issues round the world and to see how those are being promoted and supported by Coventry. “It can only be good for the reputation of the city regionally, nationally and internationally and helping the Coventry and Warwickshire’s business community have a positive image can only be good for business as a whole.” For more information about sponsorship opportunities, email RISING@coventry.ac.uk or visit www.rising.org

Surprise delivery at Coventry’s Westwood Business Park Companies at Westwood Business Park in Coventry got to sample the flavour of a new enterprise being launched right on their doorstep. Representatives from around the park were invited to the neighbouring headquarters of PET-Xi Training for a presentation – and were unexpectedly treated to a business lunch by Warwick Food & Drink, part of Warwick Conferences. Warwick Food & Drink is the award-winning catering within nearby University of Warwick’s conference, meeting and events business. It has been catering on campus for University events and for organisations using the venues at Warwick Conferences for over 20 years – and is now offering the same service for corporate and private events across Coventry and Warwickshire. Clive Singleton, commercial general manager at Warwick Conferences, said: “Warwick Food & Drink is internationallyrenowned with two decades

of experience catering for a diverse range of events on campus. “It has a reputation for great food and service and we’re excited to now be taking that out into Coventry and Warwickshire so that we can cater for events in the locality, from business lunches and large-scale corporate events to family celebrations and barbecues. “Westwood Business Park is just a stone’s throw from campus and so we decided to surprise PET-Xi Training which are headquartered there with a lunch, and it coincided with them inviting neighbouring businesses in for a presentation.” Warwick Food & Drink is experienced at catering for any size and budget, and tailoring menus for bespoke functions. It is renowned for using locally-sourced food, with accreditation from the Soil Association, and all revenue is invested back into the University. The lunch arrived at PET-Xi Training in one of Warwick

Phil Thorpe (sous chef at Warwick Conferences), Fleur Sexton (managing director of PET-Xi Training) and Dan Coombs (Warwick Food & Drink).

Food & Drink’s new-look delivery vans, with a summer salad buffet selection and luxury fruit platter served. Fleur Sexton, managing director of PET-Xi Training, a training and education specialist, said: “We had invited businesses from around Westwood Business Park to a presentation about our new fully-funded programme Skills Support for the Workforce, which provides bespoke training for businesses to enhance the skills of their employees.

“It was fantastic to surprise them with a lunch from Warwick Food & Drink and everyone really enjoyed it. The presentation, quality and choice of the buffet was fabulous, and you couldn’t fault the service. “Westwood is one of the main business parks in Coventry and home to a variety of local, national and international organisations, and being located so close to the University of Warwick is ideally placed for Warwick Food & Drink.”

Coventry Rugby renews focus on charitable foundation

With a new season comes a renewed focus on the Coventry Rugby Community Foundation and using the power of rugby to improve the community across the city of Coventry. The Coventry Rugby Foundation works alongside the remainder of the club but

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also exists as a separate entity, bringing about positive change with the ethos and values of the sport. There are three programmes currently run by the Coventry Rugby Foundation: Reading and Rugby. This an early intervention programme within primary schools where members of the Coventry Rugby squad work with individuals who need additional help with their reading and comprehension Coventry Wheelchair Rugby. The Wheelchair Rugby team has been training since the start of the year and finished third in its category at its first ever tournament in May 2019. The Wheelchair Rugby

team trains on a weekly basis under the tutelage of multiParalympian Mandip Sehmi Project:500. This unique project within English professional club rugby is built around using rugby for a positive engagement with as many of the 16,000 children living in poverty within the city. Project:500 has already received considerable backing from Coventry Rugby supporters and the city’s business community alike The new season sees the Coventry Rugby Foundation take on a new look in line with the main club’s new crest, using the same elephant, towers and phoenix motif but with its own distinct

background which will becoming increasingly prominent over the coming months and years. Coventry Rugby Foundation Manager Hal Sparke said: “It is an exciting time to be at the club and we’ve got some big plans for the Foundation. For the time being, we will be focusing on our core three projects, but as the season goes on and our work expands we will look to introduce new programmes that will help the whole community within the city.” To find out more about how you can support the Coventry Rugby Foundation email hsparke@coventryrugby.co.uk

Major fundraising drive launched to create the first extension to the new Coventry Cathedral A major fundraising drive has been launched to create the first extension to the new Coventry Cathedral since it opened in 1962. The ambitious plans for the Cathedral Pavilion have been inspired by Sir Basil Spence’s original proposals for the unbuilt Christian Service Centre at the building which attracts over 300,000 visitors from across the world each year. A new education space, a larger café, new toilets which will be accessible directly from the main level of the Cathedral Nave and a passenger-operated lift to access the lower level gallery and link to the café and Cathedral Nave have been awarded planning permission by the Cathedrals’ Fabric Commission for England and Coventry City Council. The new Cathedral Pavilion is phase one of a four-phase project as part of the work at the Grade I listed Coventry Cathedral in time for the city being UK City of Culture in 2021. A fundraising drive to raise a total of £3.5 million needed to carry out all the plans has now been launched with £772,000 having already been secured from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) and £1.45 million from other funders. The Cathedral Dean, the Very Rev John Witcombe, said this exciting scheme would improve accessibility for wheelchair users and upgrade facilities for visitors and school pupils. He said: “I am delighted that we are preparing to make our unique building fully welcoming and accessible to increased numbers of visitors in preparation for the celebrations of 2021 and beyond. “These very necessary developments mark a new stage in our history, as this is the first major building project since the new Cathedral was opened in 1962. “We will be seeking support from partners to enable us to take the project forward, and to fulfil its full potential in readiness for the role the Cathedral will be expected to play at the heart of the City of Culture. “The works are transformational and necessary to position the Cathedral as a major social, cultural and community hub for the city as well as creating a modern, flexible and accessible space offering a warm welcome to all.” Minister for Local Growth Jake Berry MP said: “We’re committed to boosting economic growth across the Midlands Engine and rebalancing the economy so that it works for everyone. “That is why I am really pleased to see £772,000 from the Government’s Local Growth Fund helping to make these exciting plans for the Cathedral a reality. With new facilities and improved access, the plans will improve the visitor experience for the local community and tourists alike which is particularly important as Coventry prepares to celebrate being UK City of Culture in 2021.” Helen Peters, board director at the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) leading on culture and tourism, said: “This is an historic development at a building which is renowned throughout the world and the allocation from the Local Growth Fund will play a part in creating a new chapter in its future. “This is an important time for Coventry with 2021 on the horizon when we are bestowed with the honour of being UK City of Culture and the development plans will give even more audiences the chance to enjoy this wonderful building.” Businesses or individuals interested in supporting the project are urged to contact Matt Feeley, Coventry Cathedral’s Fundraising Manager, on 02476 521226 or email matt.feeley@coventrycathedral.org.uk

Area Focus: Coventry

Business blooming for IPP and flower wholesaler

Robinson Manufacturing Ltd signs partnership with Coventry Rugby Coventry Rugby has announced an extended partnership with Robinson Manufacturing Ltd (RML). Robinson Manufacturing Ltd is extending its partnership from having the company logo on the club’s first team shorts to becoming the main shirt partner for the Coventry Wheelchair Rugby team and supporting the club’s community coaching camps. Coventry Rugby Managing Director Nick Johnston said: “Our ambition is to have a club which is successful on the field but is also doing great work in the wider community and having the backing of supportive companies is really important. “We’ve had a good relationship with RML and it is fantastic that they see the value in extending their partnership to cover a range of areas, such as the Wheelchair Rugby team and our programme of rugby coaching camps.” RML’s Chief Executive Simon Kidney said: “We’re seeing good things at Coventry Rugby both on and off the field, which made this new partnership an easy thing to agree.” Robinson Manufacturing Ltd has been manufacturing timber engineered roof trusses and floor joists for more than 30 years.

Business is blooming for one of Europe’s leading pallet poolers after they sealed a long-term deal with one of the UK’s most innovative flower wholesalers. Coventry-based IPP is developing a blossoming relationship with Redford Flowers of Spalding, which will see them help deliver the grower’s impressive range of tulips and irises to supermarket giants Morrisons. Thousands of IPP’s highquality and sustainable wooden pallets have so far delicately transported Redford Flowers to the supermarket giant as part of a sustainable circular economy model for the unique floral wholesaler, which is leading the way in the art of growing flowers hydroponically – floating bulbs on water, not planted in soil.

Director Simon Redden said: “I have been working closely with a few Dutch growers since late 1990s, picking up valuable knowledge and building relationships with some of the finest Dutch growers. “As a result, I believe growing flowers on water rather than in soil is the way forward if we are to survive in a future without chemicals and to protect water source and environment. “It is also more eco-friendly, of course, as it eventually cuts down on the use of water as we start to recycle the run-off water. “We are always looking at ways to improve and recently invested almost £500,000 in new technology and equipment which can study the flower heads far more accurately than

the human eye and allows us to grade different sized bunches up to 16,000 stems an hour. “It’s proved a huge leap forward for us in terms of efficiency which is great, as I believe inefficiency and waste costs you much more in the long run. “That’s one of the reasons I was so impressed with IPP. Their whole operation is based on quality, efficiency and environmental responsibility which makes them the perfect partner for us.” Phil Storer, UK and Ireland director for IPP, added: “We really believe this relationship with Redford Flowers will grow and grow. “There is a great synergy between us as we are both forward-thinking companies

Simon Redden, MD of Redford Flowers, ready to bunch up his prized blooms

looking to embrace modern techniques to deliver the highest quality and greatest efficiency. “We look forward to seeing them flourish as we help deliver their flowers and blooms into the market place for everyone to enjoy.”

Coventry company helps secure one of Australia’s busiest railway stations from terrorist threat

Safetyflex Barriers at Redfern Station in Sydney, Australia

A world-leading manufacturer of anti-terrorism measures based in Coventry has helped to secure one of the busiest railway stations in Sydney, Australia, from potential vehicle attacks. Safetyflex Barriers has installed a security shield of bollards outside Redfern Station, a major transport hub within the inner-city suburb with more than 70,000 journeys a day, which can stop attacks from vehicles travelling up to 80mph. It is the latest project to have

been completed with Australian distributors EZI Security Systems as part of an export drive by Safetyflex Barriers which has seen the company strike deals across Northern Europe, USA and Australia. The installation at Redfern Station was carried out as part of a new entrance being created by the News South Wales Government to improve the movement and safety of passengers. The heritage-listed station has strong ties with the local Aboriginal community which has been reflected in the design of the new entrance and the bollards. Indigenous artists gave the slim line steel bollards a striking makeover with Aboriginal symbols to mirror the transformation of windows within the entrance.

Marcus Gerrard, director at Safetyflex Barriers, said: “We have a growing presence in Australia and are helping to secure numerous locations there to protect people and key locations from potential vehicle attacks. “This was a particularly enjoyable project as it formed part of major improvement works to a high-profile station in Sydney and involved local Aboriginal artists transforming our bollards. “Aside from providing superior protection against terror threats involving vehicles, our bollards have a stylish aesthetic which means they do not detract from the appearance of sites they help secure. “This is the first time that our bollards have been given a makeover but the resulting design makes a fantastic

statement in reflecting the culture of the local community and the new look of the station entrance. “The feedback has been great and we are expecting this to signal an exciting new trend with more locations that we are working with both in the UK and overseas looking to put their own stamp on our bollards to reflect their identity and surroundings.” The company’s innovative range of barriers and bollards help to secure areas at risk such as shopping centres, sports stadiums, government and military buildings, utilities and key infrastructure centres. It has recently been presented with the ADS Security Innovation Award by the Home Office, and Product of the Year Award at the Australian Security Industry Awards.

Radical by name, Staff at Coventry firm raise more radical by nature than £1,500 for Macmillan by completing Three Peaks Challenge

A new Coventrybased courier company is using home-grown technology to offer its customers an unparalleled level of service when delivering packages for businesses across the UK. Radical Couriers is the brainchild of director Neil Carter, who is setting about doing things differently to the ‘big boys’ and has developed a new mobile phone app to find the right driver, for the right job and keep customers informed along the way. Following support from the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Business Support Team to develop his business idea, the mobile app allows customers to connect directly with their delivery driver, who are all carefully vetted to make sure that service consistency is never compromised. Neil developed his idea, having worked in the sector for five years, after hearing how many customers have experienced packages going missing, receiving late deliveries of important parcels or courier firms taking on jobs which they have not been able to complete.

He said: “Having worked in this sector for five years, it’s a matter of great personal pride to be involved in the development of such truly unique software and customercentred policies unparalleled in the courier industry. “Using our wonderful technology, we always find the right driver for the job. And if on occasion, Radical Courier can’t take care of a job, we let our customers know straight away. We make sure our drivers have all of the information they need to do the job and providing drivers with all of the support they need along the way makes for reliable and trustworthy drivers who always deliver.” Margaret Bull, Business Adviser at the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber, said “Neil’s passion for delivering exceptional service in the courier sector is inspirational and he is certainly making a difference – his customer testimonials are proof of that. “Businesses are often worried that the adoption of technology can remove the personal relationships with customers, however Neil has put the customer at the centre of his business and built his app, and business philosophy, around making sure his customer and drivers stay connected.”

An intrepid team of nine from a leading events and security firm based in Coventry successfully completed a mountaineering challenge to raise money for a charity close to the heart of the company’s finance director. The team from Stadium finished the ‘Three Peaks Challenge’ – where England, Scotland and Wales’s highest mountains must be climbed within 24 hours – to raise money for cancer charity Macmillan. Stadium’s finance director Steve McCabe chose to raise money for the charity due to support it gives to his grandmother, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The team smashed their target of £1,500 after successfully getting to the top of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon within the time limit. Steve said: “This challenge was hard work – climbing these tough mountains all within 24 hours was certainly no picnic. And driving everyone between the mountains wasn’t easy for the designated driver either.

“But the team really pulled together when it counted and supported each other all the way.” Macmillan helped Steve’s grandmother apply for a blue badge, and provides her with financial support. The charity also explains complicated terminology used at hospitals to help her understand exactly what is going on. And Steve was delighted the team from Stadium had helped raise so much money for Macmillan. He added: “I’m really humbled by all the donations so far. We smashed our target and more money is coming in by the day. “Macmillan has helped my family so much since my Nan was diagnosed with terminal cancer, so I’m especially grateful to everyone for supporting this wonderful cause.” The fundraising was also part of Stadium’s goal to raise £10,000 for ten different charities during 2019 – the firm’s tenth anniversary. Alongside Macmillan, the campaign will raise

money for Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK, Coventry & Warwickshire Mind, Emmaus, Myton Hospices, The Forest Hermitage, YoungMinds and Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice. Stadium is still appealing for further donations. Anyone wishing to donate should visit the team’s Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/stadium?utm_ id=27

The team from Stadium who took on the Three Peaks Challenge. Back row from left: Steve McCabe, Paul Sliwowski, Julija Artikova, James Hill, Chris Barker, Rich Walton. Front row from left: Rosie Hyde, Jade Haverty, Abi Watt

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Coventry

Coventry College launches scheme to develop the next generation of female rugby players

L/R Lucia Chapman, Pete Glackin, Charlie Smith and Chloe Young

A programme which is the first of its kind in Coventry and will help develop the next generation of female rugby players has been launched. Coventry College will be running a bespoke rugby union programme for female athletes from September - as the sport continues to grow in popularity. The programme will be open to female rugby union athletes between the ages of 16 and 18 that are studying at the college on a wide range of study programmes. It will offer guidance with nutrition, physio support, performance analysis

and strength and conditioning – supporting their development within their rugby clubs outside of college life. Participants will be able to work towards a range of RFU qualifications, with initiatives including Rugby Ready and Scrum Factory, and also develop other life skills such as first aid qualifications including work experience opportunities. It follows the success of the men’s programme at Coventry College, which was set-up in 2006 and is now an official college partner of Wasps Academy. The programme aims to work closely with rugby clubs in the Coventry and Warwickshire area and provide a pathway for the further development of athletes. Pete Glackin, Head of Rugby at Coventry College, said: “We want to provide opportunities, working alongside local rugby clubs, to offer bespoke opportunities to continually develop young female rugby players in the city. “We’re providing an opportunity to improve their skills and build their knowledge and understanding of the sport which will also support their academic journey while studying at Coventry College”.

“There is a clear demand for a programme such as this. Local clubs are running successful female teams at all age levels now, with participation levels on the rise. “The men’s programme has been a great success for 13 years and we hope in time this new initiative will strive to replicate that. “It will work around the weekly timetable of the students and work in tandem with their full-time courses at either of our Henley or City campuses. “We feel that this model will be mutually beneficial to local clubs and give them a platform to progress their own players.” The academy already has its first star in Lucia Chapman, 17, who joins in addition to her sports science studies at Coventry College’s Henley site. She said: “I have been playing rugby for around five years now and it is growing all the time, especially over the last couple of years. “This is the perfect time to launch a female rugby provision and I think this will do great things for female rugby in the area.”

Esquires Coffee Coventry launches catering services Ethical community coffee brand Esquires Coffee Coventry has launched a new catering service. The first Esquires Coffee shop in the UK to provide the service, Esquires Coffee Coventry is also the first catering service in Coventry to supply food on entirely compostable platters and plates, along with recyclable napkins and cutlery. The service will see its much-loved range of delicious sandwiches, salads, cakes and savoury bites, alongside the wide range of Fairtrade teas and coffees which Esquires Coffee Coventry is known for, available for delivery across Coventry. The store has provided catering services to the Coventry Transport Museum for the past ten years, but due to demand for the service, owner Steven Prime decided to

roll out a wider catering service and has recently begun supplying Coventry BID (Business Improvement District). Trish Willetts, of Coventry BID, said: “We are delighted to be working with Steve and the Esquires team. We have a busy schedule in the BID office and knowing that we have a quality offer for our guests, visitors and meetings takes all of the strain out of organising our diary. His ethical approach to the offer is the icing on the cake and we are recommending him to all of the businesses in our business improvement district”. The store, which is located within Coventry Transport Museum, was opened in 2008 by owner Steven Prime when he was just 23 years old. Steven has gone on to serve the Coventry community for ten years and was named BFA HSBC UK

Young Franchisee of the Year 2013, as well as HSBC Midlands & North Wales Franchisee of the Year 2012. Ruark Jon-Stevens, Marketing and Communications Manager from the Coventry Transport Museum, said: “We have used Esquires catering services for several years and have always found it to be great quality and very reasonably priced. We are positive that this service will be well received as it is rolled more widely.”

MTC apprentice makes top 50 women engineers list

A second year apprentice training with the Coventrybased Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre has been named as one of the top 50 women in engineering in the UK. Melissa Chigubu, who only came to the UK from her native Zimbabwe seven years ago, has been given the accolade by the Women’s Engineering Society. Her nomination was announced at the Women’s Engineering Society centenary dinner at the Waldorf Hotel in London and she received her award

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at a ceremony at the Royal Academy of Engineering. Aged 19, Melissa, who lives in Abingdon, developed her love of hands-on engineering after being enthused by her uncles in Zimbabwe. She came to the UK in 2012 and was the first female to complete the Foundation Gateway in the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre’s new Apprenticeship Engineering Standard programme. She was the AMTC’s Apprentice of the Month on three occasions and became

an enthusiastic advocate of women in engineering. Paul Rowlett, managing director of the AMTC, said Melissa embraced challenge as an opportunity and is passionate about encouraging others to do the same, particularly women. He said: “Melissa is a talented and dedicated learner who strives to excel, demonstrating exceptional skills for her early career stage. Our training staff regard her competency portfolio as the best they have ever seen, and this accolade recognises her outstanding performance, professional behaviour and support of other learners. “She is a strong advocate for women in engineering and in apprenticeships. She has been instrumental in activities that aim to encourage women to follow engineering career paths as well as to increase teacher and parent engagement by breaking down traditional stereotypes.” The Top 50 Women in Engineering accolade was

founded by the Women’s Engineering Society in 2016, linked to International Women in Engineering Day. It aims to address the skills shortage in engineering and highlight the discrepancy between men and women entering engineering and manufacturing. The 2019 awards focused on current and former apprentices. The MTC was founded by the University of Birmingham, Loughborough University, the University of Nottingham and TWI Ltd. The MTC’s industrial members include some of the UK’s major global manufacturers. It aims to provide a competitive environment to bridge the gap between university-based research and the development of innovative manufacturing solutions, in line with the Government’s manufacturing strategy. The MTC is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK.

Digital Services franchise arrives in Coventry and Warwickshire PinPoint Local is one of the fasting growing and innovative digital marketing companies, with franchises in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Formed in February 2019, it’s already making significant impacts across the globe. Coventry Digital Services, led by Gillian Anderson, is the owner of PinPoint Local – Coventry. The team brings 15-plus years of experience in web design, SEO, social media management and reputation management, plus a wealth of skills in project management and organisational change. Being part of the franchise, and being locally based, allows the team to concentrate on providing exceptional customer service. Their emphasis is building collaborative long-term relationships based on trust, delivering what the customer needs. Backed by a large team of experts, they can remain at the forefront of the ever-changing digital world. Effective marketing resulting in increased volumes can impact customer service quality. Gillian and her team can help here, too. As certified performance consultants in Team and Leadership Dynamics they can work closely with businesses to create high performing teams. Engaged team members means staff retention, enhanced customer service, greater productivity/profitability and a harmonious workplace. All this will make a business an employer of choice within the local community.

Area Focus: Coventry

Coventry restaurant receives national acclaim Godiva supports city centre development The iconic Coventry Evening Telegraph building will be given a facelift with the help of a locally sourced sub-contractor. Godiva Access & Scaffolding secured the contract to scaffold the former Coventry Evening Telegraph building during its facelift by Harrabin Construction into a new 50’s style Boutique hotel. Godiva MD Karl Degroot secured the project, having previously worked with Harrabin construction since the early 90s, when he last worked in Coventry. Ian Harrabin, who is involved from a development perspective, was a speaker at the closing the skills gap seminar held by Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, discussing the fundamental issues that are making recruitment more difficult. Godiva reconnected the relationship after the seminar and Godiva and Harrabin were able to have some detailed discussions about upcoming works and where they would be able to facilitate one another. With both Coventry based firms being supporters of the Trade Local initiative, Godiva were able to help develop a scaffold schedule as well as designs at concept stage for what would be an extremely difficult transformation into the New Boutique hotel. Trade Local was a focal point for local businesses who see the benefit of using local business, with Godiva being chosen on many Coventry projects, including the Coventry Ring Road, Coventry & Warwickshire Hospital and the Fairfax Street student accommodation, the largest high rise in Coventry. Godiva themselves have chosen to Trade Local by obtaining the services of Prime Accountants Group, a Coventrybased accountancy firm.

One of Coventry and Warwickshire’s most established Indian restaurants has hit new heights by receiving nationwide acclaim from multiple national and regional awarding bodies. Situated at the heart of Coventry, in the city’s Medieval Spon Street, Turmeric Gold has continued to go from strength to strength. It was listed as a finalist in the SME Business Awards for Restaurant of the Year and also recently secured the nationally acclaimed Visit England Gold Taste Award, a taste scheme which recognises businesses offering the warmest of welcomes and excellent customer service, alongside high-quality food and drink. Earlier in the year, Turmeric Gold also reached the finals of the Midlands Food and Hospitality Awards.

This is not the first-time the Indian restaurant has earned recognition from awarding bodies. Winning multiple awards, Turmeric Gold has established itself as one of Coventry’s elite restaurants, earning praise from recognised critics such as Match.Com who voted it as one of the best Asian restaurants in the UK. Also, with more than 3,000 positive reviews on Trip Advisor, Turmeric Gold’s status is not only well-established throughout the county but has received high praise from well beyond the county’s borders. Due to its reputation, Turmeric Gold is no stranger to celebrity visits with a host of illustrious stars walking through its doors since its establishment nearly 18 years ago. Its high-end offering has attracted a number of international and national celebrities over the years,

Accolade; which has been a significant highpoint of the year. “Turmeric Gold’s reputation speaks for itself. With over 20,000 diners walking through our doors per year, Turmeric Gold has won the hearts of diners from around the world and is today recognised as a premier restaurant with a reputation for fine dining offering a choice of diverse and exotic food, excellent service and an unrivalled experience within luxurious surroundings.”

Schoolchildren learn about Human Rights thanks to City of Culture Assistant Head Teacher Alice Dunkley with teachers Jane Weller and Duncan Brightside and the children of Templars Primary School

Human Rights was the focus of a special week of learning and activities for children at a Coventry school as part of a major national campaign. Pupils from Templars Primary School in Tile Hill learned all about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the role it plays in their everyday lives – from the right to liberty through to the right to have freedom of thought. The informative week came about after the Coventry City of Culture Trust paid a visit to the school and talked about the

national Fly the Flag campaign, which is commemorating the 70th anniversary of the declaration.

“It was about putting it into context for our children and showing what they mean to them in their day-to-day lives.

The school put together a week of activities, culminating in pupils from all year groups creating their own flags after concentrating on individual articles from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“As a school in the Coventry community, this felt like the perfect opportunity for our children to get involved with City of Culture initiatives and also learn about the wider world at the same time.”

Alice Dunkley, Assistant Head Teacher, said: “The Coventry City of Culture team visited the school and talked to the children about their upcoming year and the work that they are already doing. That is how we found out about the Fly the Flag campaign.

At the end of the week, a drone was flown above the school fields and an aerial photograph was taken of all the children and teachers flying their flags.

“We organised a week-long programme of events, giving the whole school from nursery to Year 6 the chance to learn about Human Rights.

Gallagher’s Wellbeing Walks If you are based in Coventry City Centre, you may have seen some insurance brokers roaming around in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon. But there is nothing to be concerned about. It’s all part of Coventry based Gallagher’s approach to wellbeing. As an often highpressure, deadline-based profession, insurance and risk management can be stressful. And in order to get the best out of the team, Gallagher has a well-developed wellbeing strategy that encompasses a range of activities and opportunities for our people to make sure they are always ready for the next challenge.

including several rugby Wasps players, national celebrity cook Rosemary Shrager, renowned actor Sir Ian McClellan, former Sky Sports presenter Gary Newbon, snooker player and regular Jimmy Hendry. More than just serving delicious dishes, proprietor chef Jay Alam and his dedicated team work tirelessly to create a unique dining experience encapsulating Indian culture amid medieval beauty. And their efforts have earned the restaurant accolades from around the country, with many food experts ranking Turmeric Gold among the best in the UK. Jay said: “We have been honoured to receive numerous awards throughout our 18 year history and we are again delighted to have been shortlisted for two awards already this year - with one set to be announced – as well as achieving the Gold Taste

One such opportunity is the ‘Wellbeing Walk’. It has long been advised for office workers to take a break from their screens, but the Gallagher approach is to recommend a break from the office altogether. Employees have the opportunity to take a 15 minute walk out of the office, in the morning or afternoon, in addition to their usual break. It has been a huge success, not just in terms of popularity with the team, but in improving productivity and keeping the team fresh and energised for their clients. Barbara Dainty, Senior Account Manager, said: “A wellbeing walk is a wonderful opportunity to take a break from the desk. It is both good from a physical point of view but also makes you feel refreshed and

ready for the tasks ahead. When sitting in an office surrounded by electronic equipment it’s great to get out in the fresh air. I walk towards the green with beautiful flowerbeds which is a rich contrast to the office. And I genuinely feel that I am more productive having had a walk and time away from the screen.” Debbie Moss, Service Team Leader, is similarly enthusiastic, commenting: “Wellbeing walks provide me with opportunities: to have a meeting on the move with colleagues; to have a break away from my desk; to provide thinking time to solve a problem. I generally walk around the green area to connect with nature and admire the planting. In addition I get some fresh air and usually some sunshine!”

The Coventry City of Culture Trust is a commissioning partner on Fly the Flag, which has seen internationally renowned artist Ai Weiwei create a new flag to mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Fletcher Morris, aged 10, said: “If you are tall or small, you should all be treated the same.” Ollie, 11, added: “Nobody has the right to make you a slave and you should never let people get power over you.”

Ana Gillespie, Senior Producer at the Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “It is fantastic that a campaign such as Fly the Flag can be used as a way for children in Coventry to learn about Human Rights. “All the children and teachers at Templars Primary School have done a fantastic job during their week and have been extremely enthusiastic about the project.”

Coventry security firm hires former police chief A former police officer with 30 years’ experience has joined a world-leading events and security firm based in Coventry. Kerry Blakeman, a former Chief Inspector with West Midlands Police, now heads up the operations team at Stadium after being headhunted by the firm. His extensive experience of policing football matches across the West Midlands made him a great fit for Stadium, which provides security services to a quarter of all Premier League clubs, including Champions League winners Liverpool. He said: “Joining Stadium was a natural transition for me after my 30 years with the police. The firm’s whole ethos and its respect for its staff made it a very attractive prospect. “Keeping people safe was what I had done for a long time so I couldn’t have joined a better company and am looking forward to driving forward its already impressive growth.” Kerry manages the new operations team at Stadium, consisting of Jade Ogle, who has four years’ experience in operations management, and Mark Watkins, who also has extensive experience as football match day Commander at Aston Villa and Birmingham City during his time as an Inspector with West Midlands Police.

The team organises road closures in advance of large events, such as football matches or major music concerts, and makes sure enough staff are at the event to ensure crowds remain safe throughout its duration. Some of the first events the team has overseen include the Fever Tree Championships tennis tournament at Queens, Bon Jovi’s concert at Anfield, and fixtures at Lord’s Cricket Ground for the Cricket World Cup. David McAtamney, founder of Stadium, said: “Stadium prides itself on keeping people safe, and the great experience of our operations team means we are well-placed to do that.”

Mark Watkins, Kerry Blakeman, and Jade Ogle

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Coventry Local Offer supports Coventry’s care leavers

Coventry City Council launched the Coventry Local Offer for care leavers back in March and the Chamber has been working to support it ever since. A packed St Mary’s Guildhall heard how everyone has a

role to play in improving the life opportunities for our young people. As anyone who watched Superkids on Channel 4 in November will know, care leavers face massive challenges and everyone has a role to play in ensuring that our young people are given all the tools they need to thrive as they leave care. The Local Offer outlines the help that can be provided in areas including finance, employment, training, education, accommodation, health and wellbeing and relationships. The launch bought together representatives from the worlds of business, health, police, charity and voluntary sectors. Cllr Pat Seaman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “We need to listen to our young people; we need to know what will make their lives better.”

The audience heard extracts of poems by Superkids Alex and Liam. They also heard inspirational and emotional talks from Leeanda Jarvis and Ella Dhillon on how their experiences of care have helped shape the Local Offer. Matt Clayton, Operational Lead for Through Care, said: “As the African proverb says, it takes a village to raise a child, and you are all villagers to ask how you can support the children for which this city is a corporate parent.” The launch also heard about the Care Leaver Covenant, a Government-backed scheme for organisations to show their support for care leavers. Signatories already include all Government departments as

well as several universities, businesses and sports teams. Off the back of this event, the Chamber of Commerce has been working with Through Care to promote the life chances of care leavers, which has included being a Gold sponsor for this year’s Care Leaver Awards. There are some amazing ways for business to support care leavers, ranging from sponsorship, discounts to employment opportunities. Recent examples include E.ON, who ran a careers inspiration week for care leavers over the summer, and MOD Pizza, who are doing a session for young people about working in hospitality, including free pizza.

Your business could be eligible for £2,500 worth of funding for a new gigabit connection! If you meet the following criteria you could be eligible for the funding • Small business • Employ less than 250 people • Annual turnover less than 50 million Euro

If you would like to get more involved please contact BSCThroughCare@coventry.gov.uk or phone 02476 787808 for further information.

• No match funding required. Many businesses have already benefitted from the funding provided by the government.

Funding awarded to City of Culture organisation Coventry City of Culture Trust has been awarded funding from Arts Council England to deliver a new leadership training programme for the city. The Trust has been granted £450,000 by Arts Council England, following a highly competitive process to deliver its Transforming Leadership programme over two-and-a-half years to a diverse cohort of 15 established, independent and emerging cultural leaders. The cohort, aiming to diversify and strengthen the leadership of Coventry’s cultural organisations, museums and libraries, will co-create a management training programme to help nurture a new generation of cultural entrepreneurs who represent and reflect the city of Coventry. The programme, which will begin in January 2020 will contribute to the legacy of

Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture in 2021. Participants will be selected through an inclusive recruitment process that will seek out individuals with a passion for their city, creative business ideas that need to be nurtured and an understanding of the impact that cultural activity can make have on the lives of all citizens. The programme is inspired by Arts Council England research which shows that there is unequal access to cultural management and leadership opportunities across the UK. It is also intended to address similar issues as set out in Coventry’s 10-year cultural strategy. Coventry City of Culture Trust led the application for funding from Arts Council England and will now work with a range of partners to deliver the Transforming Leadership programme, including People

Make It Work, Coventry University, Warwick Arts Centre, CUSE CIC, Beatfreeks Collective, and TRG Arts. Martin Sutherland, Chief Executive of Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “This investment will help us, and all partners involved, to support brilliant cultural leaders to thrive beyond 2021, ensuring a meaningful legacy for the city.” Doreen Foster, Director of Warwick Arts Centre, said: “Being UK City of Culture is so much more than putting on a great show for the year that Coventry holds the title. “It is an opportunity to use this time, this spotlight, to create real and lasting change and developing leaders in the arts and culture sector who reflect the city and society we live in is a great way of doing that.” Peter Knott, Area Director for Arts Council England, said: “This

“Connecting to the internet has transformed our telephone capability and ease of use for internet searches and downloads. The key benefit for us as a business has been our ability to transfer larger volumes of data between our internal systems to our web based systems hosted in the cloud – this has enabled us to access information from anywhere. This would not have been possible without HBT Communications who understood our requirements and then implemented the solution.”

Helen Cuthill (Coventry University), Doreen Foster (Warwick Arts Centre), Martin Sutherland (Coventry City of Culture Trust)

programme led by Coventry City of Culture Trust will support an exciting cohort of diverse, cultural entrepreneurs working in Coventry, nurturing a new generation of leaders to help ensure that the legacy of UK City of Culture 2021 is reflected in arts and cultural organisations across the city for years to come.” The Trust encourages anyone wishing to be notified when the application process begins to email TL@coventry2021.co.uk

Graham Heaven, Burbidge Speak to us today to see if you qualify on 02476 867422 or visit www.hbtcommunications.com/ funding

Area Focus: Mid Warwickshire Loveitts’ Charity Golf Day raises £5,500 for Air Ambulance

A charity golf day organised by leading Coventry and Warwickshire estate agent Loveitts has raised £5,500. The money will go to Loveitts’ nominated charity for 2019, the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.

Nineteen teams, including banks, solicitors and accountancy firms from across Coventry and Warwickshire and further afield took part in the event at Kenilworth Golf Club, the fifth annual golf day organised by Loveitts in aid of charity. The overall winners were KSM Property Maintenance, while Morrison Insurance came second and Ollis & Co won third place. Paul Barnes, Director of Loveitts, said: “Once again our annual golf day proved a

fantastic event, well supported by our staff and many of our business partners. “Everyone played extremely well considering the soaring temperatures and we are delighted with the amount raised for the air ambulance, which provides an invaluable service to the people of Coventry, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire and far beyond.” Solely reliant on charitable donations, the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire

Air Ambulance provides a rapid response service to trauma and medical emergencies. Covering an area of 3,850 square miles across Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland the air ambulance encompasses many of the UK’s major road networks including the M1, M6, M69 and M42. With an average response of just 12 minutes the service attends an average six missions daily.

Sun shines down on The Myton Hospice’s It’s a Knockout The sun shone down in more ways than one as 36 teams of corporate supporters helped raise over £24,000 for The Myton Hospices at its annual It’s a Knockout event. The sell-out business-tobusiness showdown featured almost 300 ‘contenders’ from companies and organisations across the region – all taking on the foam-filled and water-soaked events as they battled it out to be crowned 2019 champions. They delivered a ‘knock-out’ punch for Myton’s fundraising

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efforts, with sponsorship money still rolling in – all of which will enable Myton to continue to provide its services, free of charge, to terminally ill patients and their families across Coventry and Warwickshire. After a hard-fought, red-hot battle in the sunshine, the eventual winners were Iress My Case – one of an impressive 13 Iress teams taking part on the day. Chris Willmott, Corporate Fundraiser at Myton, hailed the ‘ultimate team-building’ event a huge success.

He said: “A massive thank you to everyone who made our sell-out It’s a Knockout 2019 one we will remember for a very long time to come. “Thank you to the teams who took part, to the catering firms who attended and donated, to Leamington Rugby Club for allowing us to host the event free of charge and to our sponsor Coventry and Leamington Mazda. “Together we raised such an amazing amount of money which will make a massive difference to

The Myton Hospices’ 2019 It’s a Knockout was a resounding sell-out success, raising over £20,000 for terminally ill people across Coventry and Warwickshire.

the lives of patients and families receiving care and support from Myton now and in the future.” Preparations are already under way for It’s a Knockout 2020 and details will be announced as soon as dates are confirmed.

Anyone interested in taking part can register their interest at www.mytonhospice.org/knockout or to find out about other ways your company can support Myton please e-mail: corporate@mytonhospice.org

Area Focus: North Warwickshire

Project tackling social isolation in North Warwickshire given £1,750 grant

A project helping to tackle social isolation in North Warwickshire has been given a big boost thanks to a grant worth £1,750. Time Out, whose staff visit lonely people in the community and provide support by keeping them company or taking them out, was awarded the money by the Heart of England Community Foundation after being chosen to receive the grant by regional accountancy firm Harrison Beale & Owen (HB&O). The organisation was highlighted to HB&O by the Foundation, which manages

the firm’s grants and highlights charities to the firm that it could support as part of its corporate social responsibility. A cheque was presented to Time Out’s founders Tracey Watson and Julie Goodman, as well as Time Out users Mary Hancox and June Day, by Chartered Accountant and HB&O Charity Chairman Craig Payne, trainee accountant Rebecca Green and Aaron Greaves of the Heart of England Community Foundation at Dobbies Garden Centre in Atherstone. Staff at HB&O collectively voted for Time Out to be

awarded a grant after being impressed with the work they do in the community. Tracey, operational manager and secretary at Time Out said: “This money will help subsidise the cost of the support work we do – it currently costs £10 per hour for the people we visit and take out, but the actual cost to us is higher than that. “Helping people like Mary and June is so important. A simple trip with them to a place like Dobbies Garden Centre does so much for their wellbeing. “We were so happy the staff at HB&O voted for us to be awarded the grant – it really meant a lot to us and we’re also very grateful to the Heart of England Community Foundation for telling HB&O about us in the first place.” Tracey and Julie founded Time Out in April 2018 after realising many people were suffering from social isolation through their previous work with North Warwickshire Borough Council. They realised the need for more one-to-one support, and founded the organisation to actively solve this problem. Time Out provides

Businesses are being urged to capitalise on Nuneaton and Bedworth’s improving economy by feeding into an ongoing major project aimed at revitalising Nuneaton town centre. Members of the North Warwickshire Branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce met at the Eliot Park Innovation Centre on Barling Way to receive an economic update from Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council on the borough’s economy, while regeneration adviser John McGuigan discussed the progress being made on the Transforming Nuneaton initiative. Transforming Nuneaton is a long term scheme aimed at boosting economic growth and jobs, rejuvenating the town centre and further improving the quality of life for residents. The scheme is a partnership between Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and Warwickshire County Council, using funding provided by the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP).

It’s been revealed that wages of residents across the borough have risen by £30 per week year-on-year, which is above the West Midlands average for the first time since 2014 – though weekly wages of workplaces in the borough itself have risen by £80 year-on-year. John McGuigan, regeneration adviser for Transforming Nuneaton, said: “The data indicates that relative to other areas in the sub-region a great number of people travel out of Nuneaton and Bedworth for work, but we hope Transforming Nuneaton will be able to change that in the long term by encouraging people to live in the town as well as work here. “We’ve been talking to all the different sectors over the last 12 months and we now have proposals and ideas for how beneficial change and development should be pursued in Nuneaton town centre. “All the details and opportunities are on WCC’s Transforming Nuneaton website, and we’d encourage everyone to look at this. Unlike some conventional plans, our proposals are descriptive not prescriptive

and we want to develop our dialogue will all the key partners who, together, can make real things happen.” “Private and public sector organisations feeding into our plans are key to ensuring we maximise the long-term potential of Transforming Nuneaton. “Town centres of the future need to have a vibrant blend of housing, employment, education, health, retail, arts, culture, leisure and entertainment if they are to succeed in an ever-changing world, and that’s what Transforming Nuneaton is all about.” Members also heard about a campaign Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is leading called “Give An Hour” – urging businesses to donate an hour of their time to one of the 78 schools and colleges Coventry and Warwickshire to help young people with their career choices. John Nollett, of Pressmark Pressings Limited and a former President of the Chamber, chaired the meeting and said the session underlined the potential that is yet to be unlocked across the region.

Design student’s drive brings success

A star college student based at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College’s creative arts campus in Hinckley has carried off a commendation as part of the national BTEC Awards. Hannah Green picked up the Silver certificate in the BTEC National Art and Design Student of the Year competition. Hannah, from Coventry, works as an apprentice for Adient, which supplies seats for one third of the world’s vehicles, designing seating for Land Rover models while also studying for an HND in Art and Design. She applies her knowledge of digital design, embroidery, and pattern cutting to the design of the upholstery. Her tutors say that her commitment to her studies is impressive with a high level of attention to detail and consistent achievement of Distinction grades. Hannah helps to design vehicle seating from prototype to the build stage, firefighting production problems. Mark Morrison, chief engineer at Adient, said, “Hannah has a fantastic work ethic and applies her college learning really well in live work situations. She successfully tackled an issue with seating assembly for Jaguar Land Rover by developing a technical engineering solution that was successfully implemented. We have been so impressed with Hannah that we are investing in her studies, supporting her with time away from the workplace to attend college, and will encourage her to top-up her HND to a degree next year.” Hannah said, “My enthusiasm for both cars and fashion led me straight from school into a job designing seating for the Land Rover Discovery and Evoque. The HND is very flexible and enables me to focus on textiles for upholstery as well as fashion design. I have been able to combine a creative subject with the development of applied skills within industry. Automotive manufacturers plan production at least five years ahead and I want to stay ahead of trends. Inspired by the Alexander McQueen collection at the V&A, I am focused on innovation and futuristic design styles. “I am interested in developing new ideas for interiors based on eco-friendly materials and vegan fabrics. At college, I have access to industry standard equipment including over-lockers, lockstitch, buttonhole and zip machines used in the manufacturing of vehicle seating. I am delighted to receive this award and hope to go on to become a manager at Adient in the future.”Marion Plant, OBE FGCI, Principal and Chief Executive of North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College said, “Congratulations to Hannah who has won through against a strong field from across the country. Her story has obviously made an impression with the judges who have recognised her dedication to her subject and passion to succeed in her future career. This is a great accolade for Hannah and a tribute to the commitment of her tutors.”

Back row from left: Tracey Watson, Aaron Greaves, and Julie Goodman. Front row from left: Rebecca Green,Mary Hancox, June Day, and Craig Payne

companionship to lonely people with regular visits to their home or by taking them out to a place of their choice, supports them with activities such as shopping or gardening, and transports people to and from appointments if they struggle to get around. Its work also gives respite to families or informal carers who may look after their loved ones in their spare time. Craig said: “We’re very keen to support smaller local charities and organisations which don’t necessarily receive the same recognition as the larger charities do, when their work is equally as valuable to those who are in need.” Tina Costello, director of the Heart of England Community Foundation said: “When HB&O told us they would prefer to support smaller charities in Coventry and Warwickshire, we knew Time Out would be a great fit. “Its work is crucially important to help lonely people in North Warwickshire, but it’s not as well-known as other, more prominent charities.”

He added: “It is encouraging news to see wages on the increase for both residents and employers in Nuneaton and Bedworth, and when you take into account the economic benefit that the execution and legacy of Transforming Nuneaton will bring, this economic news provides a solid foundation for the region to build upon.

Opportunities presented by improving economy

“We had representatives in the room from international companies such as HORIBA MIRA through to smaller town centre retailers such as Joco Interiors – and it’s this sort of collaboration we are wanting to see moving forward to help us maximise the potential of North Warwickshire.” For more information about the Transforming Nuneaton project visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ transformingnuneaton

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: South Warwickshire

Future Olympian sets record time at climbing centre

Britain’s speed climbing record holder has set the standard at a state-of-the-art facility in Coventry and Warwickshire. Professional climber Will Bosi reached the top of the 15-metre speed wall at the University of Warwick’s Sports and Wellness Hub in 7.19 seconds

– just over a tenth of a second slower than his national record. His fastest time within a competition setting is 7.07 seconds, which he secured this year at IFSC World Cup round in Chongqing, China. Will Bosi, 20, has visited the climbing centre twice since it opened in April and has utilised the facilities to support his training for Olympic qualification, with sport climbing set to be introduced into the Olympic Games at Tokyo 2020. The climbing centre at the Sports and Wellness Hub has been built by internationally-renowned hold and wall manufacturer Entre-Prises Climbing, which also holds the contract to build the climbing wall and supply handholds at next year’s games. Sport Climbing will consist of three disciplines including lead climbing, speed climbing and bouldering. Will said: “I have used the wall here before and I do really like it here. I came here a couple of months ago before bouldering season started.

“The facilities make a massive difference for the combined discipline. Here the speed wall is five metres away from the bouldering area, which means you can do all your Olympic training in one place. “The 8a route was really good. The clips are hard and that mirrors what you experience in competition. “I grew up near to the only other speed wall in the UK, but to train this discipline it has been difficult coming south of Scotland – so having one here at Warwick is really useful.” The Sports and Wellness Hub’s climbing centre provides 706 square metres of climbable service, more than 140 ever-changing wall routes and autobelays on the lead climbing. Alan Jephcott, Climbing Centre Manager at the University of Warwick, said: “It is fantastic to see our wall being utilised by one of the country’s top up-and-coming climbers. “We look forward to welcoming Will back in the future as he continues to prepare for Tokyo 2020 qualification.”

War veteran takes on a new tourism role A war veteran who served more than three decades in the military has taken on a new role to help continue to boost tourism in South Warwickshire. Major Richard Carney MBE, Director of Operations at Dallas Burston Polo Club, has become the new chairman of Shakespeare’s England. He has taken over the role from previous Chair Jo Lloyd, and is looking forward to the challenge and working with partners to draw in more visitors to the area. Major Carney said: “I am delighted and honoured to accept the position as Chairman of Shakespeare’s England. “This award-winning tourism organisation works collaboratively with businesses, stakeholders and key influencers ensuring they maximise visitor numbers for Warwickshire. “Shakespeare’s England is in such a strong position thanks to the dedication and leadership of Jo Lloyd (Chairman) and Helen Peters (Chief Executive) and the wider team with their strategy to maximise the impact on tourism on the

region, which has shown a clear increase in visitor numbers. “I look forward taking on the role as Chair and collaborating with the local councils, stakeholders and businesses to develop our strategic partnerships and continue to increase the visitor and tourism economy for our region and be the UK’s leading Destination Management Organisation (DMO).” Major Carney spent 32 years in the military and served in every conflict from 1980 to the war in Afghanistan. He was also the chief instructor for the UN in the Middle East as well as the EU. In April 2013, he joined the Dallas Burston Polo Club. Helen Peters, Chief Executive of Shakespeare’s England, a non-for-profit membership DMO which promotes tourism to South Warwickshire and the wider region, is thrilled with that Major Carney has taken on the role. “I would like to say a very big welcome to Major Richard Carney as the new Chairman of Shakespeare’s England,” said Helen.

“We have been working with him and Dallas Burston Polo Club for some time now and it is a pleasure to have him leading the way with some great ideas. “Major Carney has some fantastic plans for the future to drive tourism forward and see everyone working together, as well as forging stronger relationships for the good of the region. We look forward to this new era for the board. “Finally, I would like to say thank you to Jo Lloyd for her dedicated work and support as Chair of Shakespeare’s England.”

Hotel comes to the rescue of local Book Club

Following a public appeal for a new venue, Hotel Indigo® Stratford-upon-Avon has stepped in to save the day and offered The Woodsman as the new monthly meeting location for the Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival Books with Friends book club.

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The 93-room historic boutique hotel has a strong connection with literature with design nods throughout to Shakespeare and a recently introduced free library service, offering guests and visitors the chance to

immerse themselves in plays by the great bard. With its strong links to literature and its heart of town location, the Hotel Indigo® Stratford-uponAvon hotel was the perfect venue for the book club to host their monthly meetings. Carl Davies-Phillips, General Manager for Hotel Indigo® Stratford-upon-Avon, said; “We are passionate about supporting our local neighbourhood and we were delighted to be able to come to the aid of the Stratfordupon-Avon Literary Festival book club. Literature is such an important aspect to our hotel and with the book club meetings and our free library service this truly is the hotel for literary fans.”

Annie Ashworth, Stratford Literary Festival Director, said; “Books with Friends is our monthly book group especially aimed at older people who might find themselves a bit lonely or socially isolated. We lost our recent meeting place and are enormously grateful to Hotel Indigo for offering us its Snug so that our meetings, that are so important to our members, can continue without a hitch. We look forward to being in residence for some time to come.” The book club meets on the last Thursday of every month at Hotel Indigo® Stratford-upon-Avon from 9:30am-3:30pm.

Charity day is a success Dallas Burston Polo Club raised more than £5,000 for The Shakespeare Hospice through proceeds of their 8th annual ‘Ladies Day’. The polo club’s event attracted 250 guests from a variety of businesses and organisations. It comprised of polo tournaments, best-dressed prizes, fundraising auctions and was rounded off by performance from Roy Hemmings, former member of the Drifters. The day saw money raised for the two nominated charities totalling £10,400. The beneficiaries of the proceeds were The Princes Trust and The Shakespeare Hospice (TSH). A wide range of businesses and organisations, including The Wasps, Live 24- Seven, Highgrove, Xreflow and the Small Luxury Hotel Group, donated auction and raffle prizes to the event. One auction prize was a bespoke piece of art created by the famous artist, David Hodge who paints under his alter ego ‘Dusty O’, famed for his career in drag and now world acclaimed artist. Major Richard Carney presented the CEO from TSH, Angie Arnold, and Fundraising Manager Caroline Lawrence with a cheque for £5,200. The Shakespeare Hospice, based in Stratford Upon Avon, pride themselves on offering support and compassion to every young person or adult in the community who are living with a life limiting illness. Angie Arnold said: “The Shakespeare Hospice are delighted to be Dallas Burston’s chosen charity and we are very appreciative of everyone involved in supporting this great event. “We can only continue to provide support for patients and their families living in our community through this kind of generous support.” Major Richard Carney said: “We chose this local charity because of the importance of the work it does in the community. The support and compassion offered by the hospice is tailored to each individual need, whether it is care at home, in hospital or at any other place of residence it is unique to every person they help. “So many of us are touched by the work of the hospice, whether experiencing it first-hand or knowing someone who has needed this care. Raising money for such a cause is imperative as they are a charity and so can only continue to do the good work they do in the community if they receive this vital funding.”

Area Focus: Rugby Sponsored Column

Boost for employers as college group receives student visa upgrade

Health Check For Landlords With its fantastic access to major road and rail networks Rugby and its surrounding area is seeing continued growth, both commercially and residentially. This growth brings with it a buoyant letting market, attracting both established and new landlords. Over the last few years HMRC have introduced a number of profound changes to the taxation of buy-to-let investments. Matt Harrison, Cottons Tax Manager, has been busy looking at these changes and the tax planning opportunities we can help you with. One of the main changes he is being asked about is the Mortgage Interest Relief Restrictions. If you were a private landlord before April 2017, and had a mortgage on your rental property the mortgage interest could be deducted from your rental income with tax being calculated on the net amount. Under the new system landlords will no longer be able to deduct the full mortgage interest paid from rental income, instead a 20% tax credit calculated on the mortgage interest paid is being introduced over a four year period. The phasing in of the new buy-to-let tax system began at the start of the 2017-18 tax year, with the new rules being fully in place by 2020. The immediate impact will be on those who pay tax at higher rates as their relief will be cut to only 20%. However, this change will also have other knock on effects as by removing the deduction and converting it into a tax credit it can also increase an individual’s taxable income. These changes to the mortgage interest tax relief only affect private landlords. Private landlords need to look at how they structure their property portfolio in order to minimise the impact of this new system. As a local firm of accountants we are helping many of our clients navigate their way through these changes by providing up to date and pro-active advice in order to ensure they are operating as tax efficiently as possible. If you are thinking about becoming a landlord or feel you would benefit from a review of your current set up contact Matt Harrison, MH@cottonsllp.com, who would be happy to guide you.

Chestnut Field House, Chestnut Field, Rugby Tel. 01788 579033

Overseas students undertaking courses at a group of leading local colleges will now be able to work in the area thanks to a reform in student visas. WCG (formerly known as Warwickshire College Group) regularly welcomes more than 400 international students from over 40 countries, with the majority based at its two centres in Leamington and Rugby. They study a range of courses including accounting, history, maths, physics and law mostly on one or two-year courses and often then move on to complete degrees at universities inducing Warwick and Coventry. However, until this coming academic year, overseas students have not been able to work while completing their studies in the UK under the existing Tier 4 sponsor licence. But that has now changed for institutions with Higher Education provision that hold a Tier 4 licence, have a track record of compliance for four or more years, and is registered with the Office for Students (OfS). Students studying a fulltime course will now be able to combine their studies with 10 hours work a week in term time and full-time employment during vacations. WCG believes the change of status spells good news for local business in a range of sectors – as well as for future recruitment to its courses.

Peter Husband, Chief Operating Officer & Group Principal for WCG, said: “We feel this is very good news for our students, the local economy and for WCG. Students often want to combine working with their studies not only to help them fund their living costs but also to really get a flavour of the area. “Until now that has not been possible and that has been quite restrictive on the students meaning that a cohort of bright, international, mostly young people have not been able to contribute to the local economy. “By their very nature, they have language skills which would be of massive use particularly in their area and in a range of sectors, but especially tourism and leisure. “We are delighted the Government has made this decision and we are sure that it will have a very positive impact.” WCG recruits through agents based abroad and

Peter Husband, Chief Operating Officer & Group Principal for WCG

the new status will hugely boost its appeal to those looking to come to the UK to study. Peter added: “We know that WCG in terms of its record and its location is very attractive to those who want to come to the UK to study often with the intention of continuing their education elsewhere at degree level. “The restriction on their ability to earn at the same

time as learning has put WCG at a disadvantage against some other university or education institutions so we are confident this change will be a considerable boost to our recruitment efforts. “We also feel that if a student works locally during their time with WCG they are more likely to remain in the area when they leave us and that has to be good for the local economy.”

“Students often want to combine working with their studies not only to help them fund their living costs but also to really get a flavour of the area. Until now that has not been possible and that has been quite restrictive on the students meaning that a cohort of bright, international, mostly young people have not been able to contribute to the local economy.”

JG Mailing now part of the John Good Group John Good Limited in Rugby has extended its offering to their clients and have added JG Mailing to the group. John Good Limited are renowned as a highly successful publisher for the arts. Through a combination of extensive industry knowledge, intelligent data management and years of experience and expertise, this move into direct mailing has bolstered their offering, not just for the arts but a much wider commercial customer base. Mailing and Fulfilment are an obvious move for John Good Limited. JG Mailing has introduced additional services which include insertion and fulfilment. As John Good already ship all over the country using their own transport fleet or through a preferred logistic partner and the Royal Mail, customers can benefit allowing delivery and postage costs to be kept to a minimum. Simon McKay, Operations Director for the group, said: “Customers are already using and benefitting greatly from

the additional service now available through JG Mailing. With our traditional litho presses and state of the art digital presses, whether the customer requires a small personalized quantity or a very large print run, we can fulfil our customers printing and distribution requirements quickly”. To ensure the success and growth of JG Mailing, a number of the highly skilled staff have joined the business,

ensuring services are kept to the highest standards customers have come to rely on. With JG Mailing operating from one-central facility and under the John Good Group umbrella, this ensures production and distribution can be highly cost effective. JG Mailing customers benefit from instant access to Design, Printing, Data- Cleansing, Mailing and Fulfilment.

“Customers are already using and benefitting greatly from the additional service now available through JG Mailing. With our traditional litho presses and state of the art digital presses, whether the customer requires a small personalized quantity or a very large print run, we can fulfil our customers printing and distribution requirements quickly”.

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Lodders

Sustained growth for Corporate & Commercial team The Corporate & Commercial practice of Warwickshire law firm Lodders Solicitors has revealed year-on-year growth in deal volume. “We have experienced a 25 percent increase in the volume of completed transactions and made a number of key additions to the team,” explains Kim Klahn, partner at Lodders and head of the Corporate & Commercial team at its Stratford upon Avon office. “The team’s key strengths lie in its commercial awareness and getting inside the client’s shoes, which is without doubt behind the ongoing growth,” she says.

Kim Klahn, Graham Spalding

“We are ambitious to build on this work, reputation and growth, and our focus remains on maintaining high client service standards, providing pragmatic advice and a personal, high quality, partner-led service” Kim Klahn, partner

“Everyone has a real ‘can-do’, collaborative and friendly approach across our team of lawyers who have diverse experience from regional and City practices, acting for owner managers, private equity and larger corporate and international businesses.” Amongst the team’s recent hires is Graham Spalding who joined earlier this year as an equity partner and works alongside Kim. A senior M&A lawyer, Graham has over 25 years’ corporate and private equity experience, acting for corporate, private equity and owner managed clients in sectors including pharma, manufacturing, light industrials and professional services.

“Graham and I share the same sentiment around the culture we aim to instil in the team, and our ambitions for it,” says Kim.“We have our sights firmly set on becoming the go-to corporate lawyers in Warwickshire and the M40 corridor.”

Recruitment As well as Graham Spalding’s appointment, the team has made a number of key appointments in recent months, including Leanne Lawrence, who joined as an Associate.

“We are always on the look-out for the very best lawyers with the necessary legal skills but Lodders’ Corporate & Commercial team is consistently also the commitment to client service that is the foundation of recognised and praised by the the way Lodders works,” legal professions’ independent Kim says. guides to the best lawyers and law firms, including the “We are currently looking to Legal 500. recruit at least two corporate With clients operating across a and commercial solicitors at either associate or senior range of sectors including industrials, manufacturing and associate level, to help deliver our business aims and care homes, the team acts for sustained growth in the volume owner managers and SMEs on and nature of transactions. Corporate M&A transactions,

Recognition

such as sales, acquisitions, buy outs and fund raisings, typically in the £1m to £20m range. It is also expert in general corporate advisory work, including shareholder arrangements, and providing general commercial contract advice, and has a niche strength acting for charitable bodies, led by partner Mark Lewis.

“This is a significant time for the firm and the corporate team,” Kim adds, “as we work to deliver Lodders’ strategic expansion plans by growing the volume and size of deals in the corporate arena, working for OMBs, SMEs and family and privately owned businesses throughout the region. “

Recent completions include the £14million buyout of a manufacturing business, the £6million share sale of a surgical instrument company, and the £3million acquisition of a care home.

Lodders is a premier law firm in Stratford upon Avon, Cheltenham, Birmingham and Henley in Arden. The firm has 25 partners and over 130 fee earners and support staff across its office network. With its portfolio of sector and market specific top-ranking legal teams, the firm has recorded year-on-year growth in recent years.

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solicitors

Member Profile

50 Years of PERI

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the PERI brand and 30 years of PERI in the UK. The former is being celebrated by the company’s subsidiaries all over the globe, including its UK headquarters in Rugby (pictured above). As one of the leading suppliers to the global construction industry, PERI provides formwork, scaffolding and associated engineering services. Since its establishment in 1969 by founder Artur Schworer, PERI has focussed on designing products and services that make concrete construction simpler, faster and safer. 50 years later and the ethos remains unchanged.

Whilst its ethos is set in concrete, PERI’s global HQ in Germany has been continuously developing its formwork and scaffolding portfolio, demonstrating how building with concrete is still the future of construction. Scaffolding has two primary uses; it can be used to allow safe access to working areas or to support a structure during construction. With advances in technology and ease of integration, PERI has also combined its scaffolding systems with formwork to create hydraulically operated stair towers in recent years. Formwork is a key requirement for in-situ concrete; it’s the temporary

mould into which concrete is poured and shaped. With companies like PERI investing in the development of these systems, it has become possible to construct almost any concrete structure. This includes buildings such as the V&A Museum of Design in Dundee, with swooping, curved concrete walls, to the latest skyscrapers in London such as One Park Drive, which changes geometry as it rises upwards. The success of the manufacturing and supply of these high-quality engineering solutions has helped this family-owned business grow year on year and expand its operations around the globe. It now has an annual turnover measured in billions and a headcount approaching 9,000 talented individuals, spread across a global network of more than 70 subsidiaries, the latest being PERI Ireland which opened in June this year. Since its arrival in the UK in 1989, PERI has been involved in a variety of projects across the country. Some of the iconic ones being the Dartford Bridge, London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympics and more recently, Newfoundland, a luxury 60-storey high-rise in London.

Over the last 30 years, the business has opened ten offices and depots across the UK and Ireland, with its UK headquarters in Rugby employing over 90 people, mostly local to the area, and over 260 people in total across the UK. From its carpenters to technical staff, PERI attributes its success to its diverse workforce and family values.

Looking to the future PERI is a business looking forward and embracing technology in a sector that can often be reluctant to change. It is one of the first businesses in its field to offer construction designs in 3D and Augmented Reality. By combining technology with its traditional offering, PERI is enabling customers to view their formwork and scaffolding designs in 3D before any equipment is sent to site. The firm has even opened its first Digital Transformation office in Germany to support its technological advances. To learn more about the company and understand how it has helped change the perception of formwork and scaffolding over the last 50 years, visit www.peri.ltd.uk

A state of the art building needs the right formwork to achieve its true potential Products and Services from PERI make work more efficient, faster and safer for your customers. To learn more, visit: www.peri.ltd.uk 34

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christmas

Celebrate

at MTC Events

Festive day delegate rates from £32.50+VAT Hold your meeting with MTC Events in December and receive a discounted day delegate package, plus a treat on us – making MTC Events the perfect place to round up 2019 and celebrate Christmas. Choose from either a complimentary breakfast or a festive Cream Tea for all delegates.*

Festive dining experiences from £20+VAT Festive Lunch £20+VAT per person for two courses | £25+VAT per person for three courses Set menu for all guests (choose one option per course, plus a vegetarian option). Drinks packages available on request. Minimum of 10 guests. Festive Dinner £35+VAT per person for three courses Rate includes three canapés and an arrival drink per person, plus complimentary room hire. Menu available as a pre-order. Drinks packages available on request. Minimum of 50 guests.

For more information or to book your festive experience, please contact the team: events@the-mtc.org | 02476 701 770 www.the-amtc.co.uk/events/christmas-2019-mtc *Offer is subject to availability and valid during December 2019.

News

IPP cuts carbon emissions an additional revenue stream and enhanced levels of customer service satisfaction across a wide range of clients.

As part of the process customers can be financially incentivised to sort their own pallets ready for return journeys back to manufacturers’ sites.

years the numbers have increased by more than 17,000 per cent and in 2018 it moved more than one million pallets.

It has achieved this by dramatically cutting empty running – the environmentally-damaging and costly process of delivery vehicles clogging up the UK’s motorways when returning to depots without a payload.

In addition, IPP has forged stronger relationships with existing haulage partners as part of a strategic plan that is not only protecting jobs, but creating new positions and investment in trucks and equipment.

According to the Institute of Grocery Distributors (IGD), empty running costs industry more than £150 million a year in wasted fuel, with more than 70 per cent of suppliers and retailers identifying it as their biggest opportunity to reduce costs and carbon.

The hauliers, who provide the essential transport link in the circular economy by delivering, retrieving and repatriating pallets, have, in some cases, seen more than quadruple digit growth, leading to the necessity to recruit additional drivers and invest in new materials handling equipment to manage demand. Lincolnshire-based WR Carter and Sons, which covers many of the eastern UK postcodes, started work with IPP in 2010 with volumes for that year of nearly 6,000 pallet movements. Over the past eight

Carter’s managing director Adam Carter, said: “We have developed a really strong relationship with IPP because they trust us to do the work in a professional manner – it is well-oiled machine.”

One of Europe’s leading poolers of sustainable wooden pallets to the retail supply chain is helping customers reduce their carbon footprint by more than one million unnecessary miles every year.

IPP has worked closely with manufacturing and retail customers to co-ordinate the back loading of used pallets on the return journeys, eradicating the need for other vehicles to collect them for repair and repatriation.

In so doing, Coventry-based IPP is also seeing the same customers cut more than 4.5 million kilogrammes of CO2 emissions over the same period, as part of its broader contribution to the circular economy.

“In the last year we saved 1,078,558 miles by this co-ordination process – which saved an enormous 4,582,805 Kg of CO2 emissions,” said IPP’s UK and Ireland director, Phil Storer.

In addition, the customer collaborative solution has increased partnership working, supply chain visibility and fleet optimisation, reduced operational costs, generated

“It is about working smarter as part of an end-to-end process for customers from start to finish. Our job is to make the reverse logistics process work as efficiently as possible to reduce unnecessary journeys.”

Earlier this year, IPP officially opened its new £2.5 million automated pallet inspection and repair service centre in Leicestershire, which will initially process more than three million reusable pool pallets each year. The facility on the Interlink Business Park in Bardon Hill, Coalville, near junction 22 of the M1, has safeguarded 50 jobs and is the biggest IPP service centre of its kind in Europe, processing in excess of 700 pallets per hour.

“In the last year we saved 1,078,558 miles by this co-ordination process – which saved an enormous 4,582,805 Kg of CO2 emissions.”

Property group appoints new directors

Deeley Group board directors Martin Gallagher, Peter Deeley, Steve Jones, Steve Turner, Peter Hartill, Andrew Cann.

An award-winning Midlands construction and development group has strengthened its board with two appointments. Steve Turner and Steve Jones – who both work for the construction division of the Coventry-based Deeley Group – have been appointed to the main group board of directors. Steve Turner joined the company 29 years ago as a trainee surveyor straight from school and has progressed through the ranks to become Construction Director. Steve Jones, who joined the Deeley Group in 2010 from Chase Norton, is currently Estimating Director. Peter Deeley,managing director of the Deeley Group, said the appointments reflected the importance of construction in the overall business, as well as the achievements of the

two members of staff. He said: “Construction is a major component of the Deeley Group offer and we only see that expanding in the months and years to come, so it is important that plays a major part in the future growth of the group. “It also proves that we are a company that likes to foster, develop and promote our internal talent. Steve Turner, for example, joined as a Junior Trainee Surveyor and completed a construction degree at DeMontfort University Leicester through day release. He has won promotions and became our Construction Director in 2010. “The two appointments reflect the commitment and talent the two Steves have consistently shown in their time at the Deeley Group.”

“Construction is a major component of the Deeley Group offer and we only see that expanding in the months and years to come, so it is important that plays a major part in the future growth of the group.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Warwickshire County Council declares climate change emergency “But we should also recognise the good work that we have already done over the last five years, at a time of reducing budgets, to manage our impact on the environment. This includes achieving a 41% decrease in greenhouse gases from council property and transport, buying 100% renewable energy, making changes to our street lighting practice and developing a new flood risk management plan.”

At a meeting of the full council, Warwickshire County Council (WCC) unanimously declared a climate change emergency. The meeting took place on the day reported by the BBC as the hottest July day on record in the UK. At the meeting the Council quoted the United Nations Improvement Panel on Climate Change’s findings on the environmental repercussions of failing to act, including rising sea levels, crop failures, extinction and global economic crisis. As part of the emergency declaration, the county council has committed to establishing a cross party Climate Change Task and Finish Working Group which will report back to Cabinet with an action plan in six months.

Work will also go ahead, in collaboration with the District and Borough councils, to develop proposals for a carbon neutral action plan for WCC to be considered by Cabinet. As part of the move towards carbon neutrality, the county council will also review and update transport plans for each District and Borough Council to support them in building sustainable transport systems. Councillor Heather Timms, WCC Portfolio Holder for Environment and Heritage & Culture, said: “In Warwickshire we are committed to tackling climate change, and to achieve that we need to have a properly costed plan, with targets for the short, medium and long term. In six months we will have that plan ready for us to consider, with dates and targets.

Councillor Richard Chattaway, Leader of the Labour Group, said: “WCC recognised, based on scientific evidence, that climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing not only the residents of Warwickshire but of the UK and the world as a whole.” Leader of the Green group Cllr Jonathan Chilvers said: “I am pleased that Warwickshire has declared that we face a climate emergency. We must now make

sure we act like it’s an emergency. When the smoke alarm goes off we don’t want to be like the people who look at each other wondering whether it’s a real fire. Therefore I now look forward to drawing on the skills and experience of councillors from all parties to to set ambitious, but achievable goals for action in Warwickshire.” On behalf of the Liberal Democrats group, Cllr Sarah Boad said: “The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned that we have 12 years to make the necessary changes to limit a rise in global temperatures to 1.5 °C. I am pleased that the County Council has declared a climate emergency – it is crucial that there is a detailed action plan with dates and targets when the working party report back in six months’ time.”

“In Warwickshire we are committed to tackling climate change, and to achieve that we need to have a properly costed plan, with targets for the short, medium and long term. In six months we will have that plan ready for us to consider, with dates and targets.”

Firm achieves Level Two of Worcestershire Works Well ISO Quality Services have been accredited to Level Two of Worcestershire Works Well. The Worcestershire Works Well initiative is designed to improve the health and wellbeing of employees, something ISO Quality Services are passionate about. After achieving Level One in May, the team were keen to progress to Level Two, showing their commitment to their ethos of “looking after our people so they can continue to provide exceptional support to our clients”. Since starting their journey, the Worcester based firm have introduced regular visits from a mental health nurse, a flexible working policy, healthy team lunches and mental health first aider training. They continue to offer advice and support to

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their team on a variety of topics such as healthy eating, mental health and wellbeing, physical activity and health and safety. This has included activities such as Chair Yoga and smoothie making as part of their Charity Pyjama and Smoothie Day. The Worcestershire Works Well panel found that “health and wellbeing was strongly embedded within the workplace” and they were “impressed with the positive culture throughout the organisation”, the “fantastic response based on the needs of employees” and the “huge range of innovative initiatives”. The panel were also “impressed with the approach to mental health including the support of the mental health nurse, employee engagement and reward, and team cohesion.”

News

B Gallagher Construction enhances on-site safety with Mecalac The Mecalac Shield safety pack includes the following technologies: • Start and drive interlock – This immobilises the engine if basic checks haven’t been completed. When an operator sits down, the seatbelt must then be engaged before the engine can start. This also stops drivers from being able to sit on a plugged-in seatbelt. • Handbrake warning – This new feature immobilises the engine if the handbrake is applied and either forward or reverse drive is selected. The operator must select neutral and release the handbrake to proceed.

Since its formation in 2002, B Gallagher Construction has always placed safety at the heart of its business. Operating throughout Yorkshire and the surrounding regions, the Leeds-based company has developed a reputation for quality workmanship, reliability and delivering projects on time, in an economical and safe fashion. Understanding the inherent risks of operating site dumpers, the Gallagher team only invests in the most safety-critical equipment available on the market. With a number of fleet units in need of replacement, the company evaluated several cabbed options but was disappointed by the ‘aftermarket’ appearance and the huge expense. Having purchased Mecalac ROPS dumpers in the past, the Gallagher team was eager to find out what the market leader had to offer.

With its fully integrated cab, ground-up design and focus on safety, Mecalac’s recently launched MDX cabbed site dumper range exceeded expectations. The Gallagher team purchased two of the 9MDX variant from Yorkshirebased Chippindale Plant Limited, a leading Mecalac distributor with unparalleled experience in the construction sector. The 9MDX is widely regarded as the most innovative and capable nine-tonne payload cabbed dumper on the market. As part of Mecalac’s commitment to safety, every MDX unit is fitted with Mecalac Shield as standard. A comprehensive safety package developed in close partnership with operators and site managers, Mecalac Shield represents a transformative leap in design and engineering – setting standards for compact safety equipment.

• Speedometer / camera – As part of Mecalac’s redesigned centre console, a digital speedometer and front facing camera now come as standard. • Fuel loss warning – A fuel loss warning sensor is now included on all Mecalac site dumper models. • Stop-Start Control™ – This new feature automatically stops the engine when an operator leaves their chair. This innovative technology means that, when loading materials, site managers will no longer have to worry about equipment being left running.

• Idle shut-off – To save fuel further and prevent accidental movement, idle shut-off capability automatically cuts the engine if a site dumper hasn’t moved for more than 15 minutes but the operator has remained on the machine. • Park brake test – This complements Mecalac’s handbrake warning functionality. The operator must conduct a comprehensive test to ensure the system is safe to drive. In addition to Mecalac Shield, B Gallagher Construction opted to add rear-facing cameras and front screen guards to their new units. To guarantee continuity with the wider fleet, each model was also fitted with aftermarket data tags and immobilisers. Paul Macpherson, UK sales and marketing director at Mecalac Construction Equipment UK, said: “We aim to continuously develop and improve our offering, incorporating the latest innovations to provide companies like B Gallagher Construction with equipment they can rely on to get the job done and keep their employees safe.”

“We aim to continuously develop and improve our offering, incorporating the latest innovations to provide companies like B Gallagher Construction with equipment they can rely on to get the job done and keep their employees safe.”

Company tops 1,000 sign-ups Glide has signed up its 1,000th customer to the Government’s Gigabit Voucher scheme. The business has been one of the leading suppliers and enablers of the scheme since its inception by the DCMS in early 2018. The voucher scheme enables businesses to receive funding of

up £2,500 off the installation of a full fibre connection, enabling them to future-proof their businesses connectivity and giving them ultrafast speeds to help them grow. Glide can now say that they have supplier their 1,000th customer with ultrafast connectivity free of charge. That’s 7% of the overall

redemption of vouchers across the UK. They have been working with businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire to improve their connectivity by giving them access to the funding. This has meant that the client’s installation (usually costing

£2,500) is free and they now only pay the monthly broadband cost for speeds from 100Mbit/s to 10GB/s (depending on their individual requirements). By installing an ultrafast fibre connection customers are seeing, on average, a six-fold increase in speed.

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Coventry’s full fibre transformation makes headway as CityFibre announces new build areas Coventry’s full fibre transformation is gathering momentum as CityFibre moves into new areas in the north of the city. As the project picks up pace, a second contractor has also been announced. The roll-out of gigabitcapable full fibre infrastructure to nearly every home and business in Coventry is set to accelerate rapidly as construction moves into new areas of the city, including parts of Bablake, Radford and Henley. Just six months on since the project began, Callan Connect, a Birminghambased civil engineering company which has served the telecommunications sector since it was established in 2006, has been announced as a second construction partner. This latest appointment will build on the work being carried out by Morrison Telecom Services, which has so far brought the network within reach of Longford, Upper Stoke, Foleshill and Holbrook and

brings at least 50 additional jobs to the local area.

and be part of constructing the first aerial city in the UK.”

Leigh Hunt, CityFibre’s manager for Coventry, said: “Over the last six months there has been tremendous progress on our plans to bring reliable, high capacity, gigabit-capable broadband within reach of nearly every home and business in Coventry by 2022.

Launched just six months ago, CityFibre’s £60m fibreto-the-premises (FTTP) project in Coventry will provide commercial and residential sites with access to gigabit-speed internet services and is expected to bring significant benefits to the city over the next 15 years.

“We’re very much looking forward to working with the team at Callan Connect, many of whom are Coventrians with a real passion for digitally transforming their neighbourhoods, as we prepare to scale up our build programme across the city.

Cllr. Richard Brown, Digital Champion at Coventry City Council, said: “Coventry is set to become a beacon of digital transformation as one of the first cities in the UK to benefit from the CityFibre FTTP programme delivered in partnership with Vodafone. Coventry’s existing network will be expanded to nearly every home and business in the city, giving access to broadband services of up to 900mbps to residents across Coventry for the first time.

“Rest assured, we are working closely with our local authority partners as we move into new areas of Coventry and will do all that we possibly can to manage disruption and minimise the time we spend in each location.” Lance Callan, Director at Callan Connect, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with CityFibre

“The council has been working closely with CityFibre on this project and it is fantastic to see it gather momentum with Callan Connect’s appointment just six months in.”

“Over the last six months there has been tremendous progress on our plans to bring reliable, high capacity, gigabit-capable broadband within reach of nearly every home and business in Coventry by 2022.”

Trinsic Connected Car™ goes global Trinsic Limited has entered into a five-year global IoT agreement with Vodafone and commenced its largest IoT programme to date, launching Internet In The Car for Volvo Car UK. Drawing on Trinsic Ltd’s existing relationship with Vodafone, the parties formed a new agreement to sell and support Internet In The Car solutions to the automotive sector in over 22 global markets. The first project to launch under the Trinsic Connected Car™ programme is with Volvo Car UK. All new MY20 Volvo cars sold in the UK now come with

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a Vodafone SIM preloaded with 100GB of data for an initial period of 365 days from activation, allowing customers to experience Volvo’s cuttingedge in-car technology to the full, with uninterrupted roaming access in 44 countries. Volvo Car UK commissioned mobile industry innovators Trinsic Ltd to create a new platform to supply prepaid SIM cards with 100GB of data, including a customer portal, top-up tariffs, payment facilities and customer support services. Darren Webb, CEO of Trinsic Ltd, said: “We are delighted to work with Volvo and Vodafone

on this major project, which is destined to shake-up the automotive industry and stimulate the awareness and demand for real-time connected car solutions. “Automotive manufacturers have incorporated live infotainment and in-car Wi Fi capability into their cars for some time, but enduser adoption has not yet reached its true potential. This innovative approach embraced by Volvo is leading a turning point. In-car connectivity is very quickly set to become a must-have feature for new car buyers.”

Education & Skills

T-Levels – what are they?

T-Levels are a new technical qualifications being introduced for school leavers from September 2020. The two-year qualifications are part of the government’s 10-year plan to transform technical education and have been designed to meet the needs of the UK economy and create a skills revolution. They will become one of the main choices for students after finishing GCSEs, alongside apprenticeships and A-Levels. The Department for Education (DfE) has committed additional funding specifically for T-Levels – rising to an extra £500 million per year.

There will be three initial T-Level pathways available at launch, including Construction, Digital and Education & Childcare. WCG (formerly known as Warwickshire College Group) will be one of the first colleges to introduce the new qualifications, which are primarily aimed at learners aged 16 to 18 years, and the college group will offer the Digital pathway in 2021. Angela Joyce, CEO of WCG, said: “These are qualifications developed not just by education providers but with employers as well. “T-Levels will differ from an apprenticeship or A-levels, as there will be substantial time spent in the classroom learning the technical elements of the subject alongside a substantial industry placement” “This combination of technical education and workplace experience will help to fill the skills gap in a wide range of sectors, which will be vital to supporting a successful economy.” The technical qualifications will be based on employer-designed standards, covering 15 sectors and ranging from accountancy and digital services, to construction, manufacturing and hospitality.

The DfE has published a T level Action Plan and different subjects will be launched in different academic years, with most T levels available for young people to study by 2023. Alongside classroom learning, there is a focus on gaining experience in the workplace so that students are employment-ready after finishing their studies. Therefore the course will include a significant industry placement equivalent of at least 45 days in the workplace, or 315 hours. Students who pass all the elements of their T-Level will get a nationallyrecognised certificate showing an overall grade of pass, merit or distinction. Angela added: “It is key that employers engage with the introduction of these new

qualifications and support individuals who pursue this path. “The idea behind the T-Level is that by the time students have finished their qualification, they will be used to the working environment and working culture and ready to go direct into employment. “This will only be possible with the support of businesses in providing high quality placements – which may lead to students returning after completing their qualifications. “Work in the classroom, coupled with the substantial industry placement, will see T-Levels create a new generation of skilled workers for the region.” To find out more about T-Levels at WCG go to www.wcg.ac.uk/tlevels or call 0300 456 0049.

“T-Levels will differ from an apprenticeship or A-levels, as there will be substantial time spent in the classroom learning the technical elements of the subject alongside a substantial industry placement”

Develop Specialist Skills for the Automotive Industry

MIRA Technology Institute is a unique collaboration between industry and education, to deliver essential skills to the automotive sector, led by North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, along with HORIBA MIRA, Coventry University, Loughborough University and the University of Leicester. We offer accredited programmes from level 1 to level 8, as well as a range of bespoke training and commercial courses. Our unique skills escalator enables us to provide businesses and individuals with a bespoke curriculum that satisfies the ever-increasing need for specialist skills in the UK automotive sector. To find out more about training available: Call: 024 7693 5680

Email: enquiries@mti.ac.uk

Visit: www.mti.ac.uk

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Education & Skills

Sponsored Column

Recycling business: the route with less waste When Mike Williamson teamed up with business coach David Lee, he wasn’t looking to grow his waste recycling business. He wanted something much more valuable than that – time for himself and a better environment for his team. MRW Waste Recycling is the largest skip hire company in South Warwickshire, providing reliable, cost-effective skip hire and waste collection with one of the most comprehensive recycling services. With over 25 years in operation, Mike has maintained a reputation for great customer service from his family-run business. “Before I started coaching with David, I was working four days a week in the business and spending time on my property business too. I’d grown the company from just me and one skip wagon to a size I was comfortable with but I wanted to spend more time on other projects. “I felt the business was in a good place in terms of customers and turnover but I was struggling to manage it. I had 25 staff including a General Manager and an Office Manager yet I was still in the business covering day-to-day tasks. When David called me out of the blue, he got me chatting about the difficulties I was having and he said he could help. I remember thinking that I had nothing to lose so I agreed to an initial meeting. “During the meeting, David explained how his coaching would actually save me money and pay for his coaching fees – in fact, he guaranteed it. He also said the improvements he would guide me to make would free up more of my time.”

First steps

David began working with Mike, having weekly one-to-one coaching sessions. He helped Mike step back and take a look at my business from a different perspective. “Most of the things David said struck me as very obvious things that I’m capable of considering on my own but I just hadn’t had the time or space to reflect. We set about breaking up everything into areas for improvement and then set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to help me measure them. I decided what areas

should be prioritised and then we moved on to how we could make these improvements happen – how could I make it more manageable and realistic to achieve them, how would I monitor the solutions put in place and who would help with these tasks. “Defining my employees’ responsibilities more clearly was going to be key to our success, David explained to me during one of our very conversational-style coaching sessions. If I wanted to free myself up from the business to spend time on other projects, I needed to engage my team to take ownership of the daily operations.”

Setting the pace

The role of a business coach is to help the business owner come up with solutions by guiding them, often understanding the issue by listening, asking questions and suggesting learning resources. They may suggest books to read, seminars to attend or videos to watch. “David was really easy to work with and a great listener. He worked with my two managers so they could set KPIs for each procedure they laid out, with each member of staff reporting up the chain. Once we really focused on performance it quickly became clear that, whilst most of the team performed very well, some didn’t and so with David’s help, we put more robust performance reviews in place. This resulted in some under-performers quickly choosing to leave the business, freeing me up to replace them with stronger candidates. “We began to test and measure a range of areas in the business – those where I instinctively knew what was going on but didn’t know the actual figures. I came up with a simple spreadsheet to monitor the weight of our skips, how many were being used each week, the mileages relating to each skip and the man hours involved in processing each skip. This helped us assess what affected our costs and our profit margins - we even began measuring how rainfall affected the weight of the waste and, in turn, how this impacted the cost of disposal. “The information allowed me to make better decisions in the business, focus on individual costs and implement small but important changes to the way we did things. The funny thing was that although no one thing seemed hugely important, we saved over £104,000 per annum, of which the majority

represents a recurring benefit – do the work once and get the benefit forever! “The business has grown since I started business coaching but it was never about just growth for me. It was more about improving profitability and the environment for everyone working here whilst helping me to gain more freedom from the day-today operational demands. “Now I’m here just three mornings a week to oversee things but really it’s not necessary as I can just leave my managers to run the business. As promised by David, I work less hours, I’m less handson, I don’t feel hassled like I used to and we’ve massively covered his coaching fees through our increased profit margin, never mind the almost unquantifiable benefit of me no longer being tied to the business.”

Future pathways

Mike’s vision has always been for his business to provide a greener, ethical and more economical environment and he continues to push towards reaching his goal of zero waste to landfill. “I enjoy working and I’m quite happy with the time I spend on the business now – note I say ON the business and not IN it. I still have my property development company and have the flexibility to switch between the businesses as I choose. Since working with David, I’ve been able to spend lots more time with my family and have rekindled my passion for skiing. It was always a struggle to get time away from the business for holidays but I now know that I can pretty much leave my business in the hands of my team and be confident that it’s working well without me. “Anybody who works for themselves knows that you’re used to doing all the work yourself. You start from nothing and become the shop assistant, bookkeeper, cold caller and so much more. Having a business coach gives you the chance to take a step back, put things in perspective and stop the every-day firefighting. In some relatively simple moves, we found how our recycling company was wasting our time and money. With a business coach, you can take your business, like mine, from good to great.” Mike Williamson www.mrwskiphire.com David is a certified ActionCOACH Business Coach and can be contacted on 07970 566390 or by email davidlee@actioncoach.com

MTI is switched on to electric vehicle skills demand Electric vehicles are expected to double their market share next year, with 51,000 registrations in 2020, according the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, as the climate change agenda keeps green energy in the spotlight. The ever-increasing number of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles is creating demands for upskilling across the UK’s automotive sector supply chain. The MIRA Technology Institute, launched last year to address the skills needs of the sector, is seeing interest grow in its programmes relating to hybrid and electric vehicles as well as

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cybersecurity, vehicle resilience and safety. Demand for skills in these areas looks set to grow with the West Midlands automotive sector workforce more than double the size of other UK regions. Significantly, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has highlighted a shortfall in the number of technicians that are currently trained in electric vehicle technology. The MIRA Technology Institute offers a range of qualifications, from short courses to PhDs, designed to plug the gap and provide accredited training that covers topics including safety, hazard management, maintenance, and system repair and replacement. Lisa Bingley, operations director at the MIRA Technology Institute, “The automotive industry is facing a revolution

that is similar in scale to what followed the invention of the internal combustion engine. The leap we are now making between conventional automotive engineering and electric vehicles is of the same magnitude as that between horsepower and the first cars.” The MIRA Technology Institute offers a range of courses and qualifications designed for organisations that may have introduced electric vehicles into their fleet for the first time, as well as for vehicle technicians throughout the Tier 1 supply chain who need to adapt and upskill for this important technology. To find out more about training with the MIRA Technology Institute, please contact us on 02476 935 680 or visit www.miratechnologyinstitute.co.uk

Building on links with the Construction Industry Coventry and Warwickshire firms in the construction and engineering sectors are being urged to capitalise on the growing trend of apprenticeship takeups among school and college leavers at an event being held by Coventry College. The city’s leading further education provider has enrolled more than 200 apprentices on its courses for the next academic year, but still have spaces for apprenticeships in plumbing and heating, plastering, bricklaying and decorating through to coach and bus technician apprenticeships. Coventry College is hosting its Employer Breakfast event in collaboration with the Construction Industry Board on Thursday, September 26 at the college’s campus on Swanswell Street. Emma Ingram, Head of Employer Engagement at Coventry College, said: “Apprenticeships are the rock bed to the long-term success to so many industries, which is why it’s important for businesses to consider employing an apprentice. “Firms within the construction supply chain aren’t making full use of the benefits of recruiting the next generation at the moment – perhaps because they aren’t aware of the benefits – so I would urge businesses to take some time out to attend our Employer Breakfast to find out more. “At the event, companies will be able to get one-to-one advice on how apprenticeships could directly benefit their business, as well as a step-by-step guide on what they should do next. “Taking on an apprentice has so many benefits from a business perspective. They will be employing individuals who will receive practical training at the college that they can then put into practice in the workplace, increase their turnover because of the added resource that can meet increasing demand, and they are also likelier to be loyal to the business in the long-term. “Employers are also eligible for a £1,000 payment if they recruit a 16 to 18-year-old, and at Coventry College there is a free recruitment service offered by us to help companies attract the best talent from across the region.” Firms interested in attending Coventry College’s Employer Breakfast should email Emma Ingram on eingram@CoventryCollege.onmicrosoft. com or call 02476 791700.

Open Day

Saturday 5th October 10am-2pm Register:

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n Top sixth form in Coventry, ahead of all state and independent schools

(Government’s main measurement, Progress Score)

n Only sixth form in Coventry to be rated ‘well above average’ (within top 5% of sixth forms in England)

n Top non-fee-paying school in Coventry

(for students achieving a minimum of AAB at A-level)

n 92-96% Grade 9-4 in all three sciences (GCSE Biology 96%, Chemistry 96%, Physics 92%)

n 95% Grade 9-4 in GCSE Higher Maths (and 88% Grade A*-C in Further Maths)

Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted across all categories

Science Technology Engineering Maths

Ages 14-19

BioLPG – the low carbon solution to today’s air quality crisis

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Welcome to New Members International Trade Members

Horizon Collective Ltd

Plum Buffet Ltd

07723 634649

ICICI Bank UK PLC

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02030 111491 gurpreet.jhand@icicibank.com www.icicibank.com

Essential Members 3P Innovation 01926 408933 enquiries@3pinnovation.com www.3pinnovation.com

B K Consultancy & Training Services and Brilliant Customer Services Limited 07543 844190 bina@brilliantcustomerservice.co.uk www.brilliantcustomerservice.com

Hotel Indigo - Stratford Upon Avon 01789 279953 gm@stratford.hotelindigo.com www.stratford.hotelindigo.com

International Links Associates 07539 827349 ceedu@live.co.uk www.international-links.org.uk

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RSPCA Coventry and District Branch 02476 336616 info@rspca-coventryanddistrict.org.uk www.rspca-coventryanddistrict.org.uk

My Travel Genie 07951 219293

Spaghetti Agency Ltd

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BeerTorrent

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Carl Jarvis Marketing

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Piece of Cake Marketing 07799 626332

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

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Amco Services International are Certified as an Authorised Economic Operator for Customs Simplifications AMCO have achieved accreditation and been certified as an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO). This new status and mark of quality enhances their customer proposition going forward with a commitment to compliance as an extension of their AMCO quality policy. Being accredited with status as an AEO means Amco have proved they have high quality internal processes and systems that confirm the company’s consistency in process and performance as well as their quality in service delivery. Internationally, it gives customers the reassurance that Amco complies with all the HMRC standards and is proof of their quality systems and depth of experience in customs and international transport. Having AEO status is a mark of a company’s dedication to the reduction of threats to an international supply chain and improved relations with business partners, customs administrators

as well as customers both new and existing. Based on the ‘SAFE’ Framework (Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade), the AEO status aims to reinforce the security of supply chains through accreditation to qualifying businesses. AEO accreditation gives companies an explicit acknowledgment of the ‘Best Practice’ working of the businesses processes and procedures. Other benefits may include a reduction in delayed shipments, improved safety, lower costs, and fewer theft and losses. This ‘Trusted Trader’ Status is internationally recognised as a symbol of the security of a supply chain and demonstrates the quality and integrity of a business’s role in the chain. Stuart Tooze Amco Group’s Head of Supply Chain Compliance said: “AEO status reinforces the strength of Amco’s commitment to customers and will bring

direct benefits for those looking to us to become an essential part of their supply chain. The award is further evidence to the international logistics market that Amco Group continues to be a market leader in Global Logistics.” Sean Trainor Amco’s Business Development Director, added: “For the Amco customer the benefits are apparent, choosing a business with this accreditation will make a serious difference when the importation of goods is time and cost sensitive. It tells our existing and future customers that as a business Amco is at the forefront of industry standards, representing quality across all areas of their business.” When asked what AEO certification means to an Amco customer, Ash Lovewell, the Head of Supply Chain at Webasto, said, “Having obtained AEOC status, Amco continue to grow as a strategic partner helping in our efforts to standardise and improve our customs practices.

With the ongoing threat that a hard Brexit would bring to bear on our international supply chain, working with a customs agent and logistics company that takes its responsibilities seriously is vitally important for our contingency planning for our day-to-day operations post Brexit. Knowing that Amco’s processes are tested and scrutinised as part of the AEOC accreditation gives us the confidence that they will be able to guide us on customs requirements whilst we continue to move goods around the globe in a rapidly changing and challenging environment that may last for several years to come”. In the UK, only 626 British Businesses successfully achieved the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status. Despite the advantages, this brings to businesses importing and exporting from the UK this equates to only 4% of AEO Businesses registered across the EU.

Teacher turns student to launch business A former teacher took on the role of student to get help launching her successful new business in Stratford-upon-Avon. Gonneke Hazell decided to launch her own personal tutoring service after taking inspiration from her time as a teacher at Ashbourne College, an independent sixth form college in London. Gonneke, who moved to the UK from the Netherlands in 2012, originally began with a home tutoring service in the Stratford area but the demand was such that she explored the idea of creating a private tuition centre. She contacted the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce for help and was supported by the start-up team to help realise her ambitions thanks to a project part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. It forms part of the CW Business: Start, Grow and Scale Programme, which is also funded by Warwickshire County Council and the district & borough councils.

Gonneke received one-to-one mentoring from business adviser Tanya King and also attended business start-up courses, which were run by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. It led to the launch of Quality Teach – a tuition centre in Timothy’s Bridge Road in Stratford – in 2018 and the company is going from strength to strength. The business supports more than 60 students at both primary and secondary school ages with everything from SATs preparation right through to A-Level. It is also launching a new course to help students who are interested in studying medicine and Gonneke has plans to launch a charity to help children who can’t access the centre get support at home. Gonneke said: “I took inspiration from my time at Ashbourne College, where the teaching is very personal and centred around the abilities of the individual student. I saw how that worked and the real difference it made. “I thought I could make that difference to more students with

the launch of a home tutoring service but, in the end, I just couldn’t cope with the demand on my own. “After some motivational words from friends and family and some market research, I decided to set up Quality Teach. “I contacted the Chamber and immediately Tanya gave me some great advice on what to focus on and some very useful tools to move the business forward. “She helped me to make the marketing much more effective and also gave me a simple financial overview to ensure I was up to date with accounting and financial forecasts. “Tanya also recommended some of the courses that the Chamber runs which were very informative and a great opportunity to meet other business owners in a similar position to me. “Of course, there are times when you have moments of doubt when setting up a business and it was at these points where having Tanya and the Chamber behind me was a great motivator and reassurance.

“The business is growing well and we are looking to add more services, which will benefit more students across the area.” Tanya said more start-up businesses should tap into the help on offer. She said: “It has been great to work with Gonneke and Quality Teach. The company is doing great things with students across South Warwickshire, showing there is a real market out there for these services. “My advice to other individuals and businesses would be to find out about the support we have on offer and make the most of it in order to give your company the best chance possible of growth.” For more information, go to www.cw-chamber.co.uk or call 024 7665 4321.

Airport publishes long-term future plans Following a 12-week public consultation to gather feedback from community and regional stakeholders, Birmingham Airport has published its final Master Plan and Surface Access Strategy. The Master Plan outlines how the airport will develop its site to handle the increase in passenger numbers up to the year 2033. It includes an investment of half a billion pounds that will transform the terminal and customer experience, whilst creating jobs for 34,000 people and generating over £2 billion regional economic benefit. The final Master Plan addresses feedback received during the consultation period, which began in the Autumn of 2018. The programme of engagement was devised to give interested parties the opportunity to provide their views on the draft Master Plan and Surface Access Strategy. It included 20 public consultation events in local communities, as well as meetings held with a range of regional stakeholders and community groups, and a

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dedicated website for respondents to answer a series of set questions and submit comments. Over the 12 weeks, 129 responses were received, with the majority of community and residents responding to the set questions via the website. A total of 132 people attended the public events that were held in 20 venues across Solihull, Birmingham, Coventry, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Dudley and Sandwell. In summary, 77% of respondents supported the decision by the airport to make use of its existing runway, whilst 70% agreed it should safeguard land for the future. Meanwhile, 73% were in favour of the airport doing more to maximise employment and economic benefits and 74% wanted to see it minimise environmental impacts as it grows, whilst 70% agreed with its approach to community engagement. The most common themes of feedback were around surface access, the environment and flight path changes – as well as a desire to

see more flights to the US and Far East. The main changes made to the final Master Plan were around strengthening information on inclusive growth, air pollution and the airport’s commitment to reduce its carbon footprint. Nick Barton, Birmingham Airport’s CEO, said: “We’ve applied significant efforts to consult as far and wide, through as many channels as possible, with as many people as we could, to give people the chance to tell us what they think of our future plans. We’re therefore pleased to see that the majority of feedback received was in general support of our plans for growth, which were considered to be sustainable, economically viable and socially responsible. “Making our future vision available to our neighbours and regional partners gives clarity and guidance and we’re very grateful to all those that took time to give us their feedback. This has helped us ensure that our future plans are right and will benefit our local community and the wider Midlands region.”

The sky is the limit! Keri Egan, Branch Manager of Circle Insurance in Coventry, has raised more than £3,000 for local charity The Lily Mae Foundation by jumping out of a plane. Keri was delighted with the amount raised and despite the initial nerves thoroughly enjoyed the experience and recommends it to anyone who has it on their bucket list. The Lily Mae Foundation was set up in 2010 in memory of a very special little girl. It is a UK registered charity providing much needed support to Parents and Families who have lost a baby to Stillbirth, Neonatal Death or Medical Termination. Keri said: “In 2011 I was caught up in the magic of having my first child, and I was blessed it all went well and I had a healthy baby girl. Through my post-natal group, I met the parents of Lily Mae and heard their story of the unimaginable pain that exists when things go wrong. “I have gone on to know several people who have also experienced similar tragedy and as such wanted to fundraise for a local charity who have worked tirelessly to raise awareness and facilitate support for those affected by neonatal death or stillbirth as well as campaigning for a better understanding of the “why” and possible prevention.” Circle Insurance Services Limited is an established family owned independent insurance and financial services group, with more than ten offices across the UK. Donations are still being accepted through Just Giving, just search for Keri-Egan!

National Express engineers get their grimy hands on top trophies Bus technicians from National Express West Midlands have cleaned up at this year’s Society of Operations Engineers national awards. Engineering Training Manager Lee Sandford, from Kings Norton, won the prestigious Philip Margrave Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement. This award is presented to the person who has contributed most to the promotion and development of apprentices. Lee has completely changed National Express West Midlands’ approach to apprenticeships. He has focussed on identifying talent among existing employees - cleaners, ancillaries, mechanical support - rather than searching externally. By giving existing staff the opportunity to apply for apprenticeships first, Lee has achieved a conversion rate of 80%. A sparkling performance from Luke Mullally, from Bromsgrove, made him the top scorer in the Electric Driveline Technician Award. Lewis Morley, from Rushall, was the runner-up in the Bodywork Technician Award, and Brian Whetton, from Stechford, was runner-up in the Mechanical Technician Award. National Express Engineering Director Bernie Cassidy said: “Engineers are the unsung heroes of the bus industry - they make sure the vehicles that carry our customers are safe and comfortable. And these days, our buses are some of the most modern and complex vehicles on the road. “Our team were put through their paces in June at the SOE’s IRTE Skills Challenge in Bristol. They were up against rival engineers from some of the biggest operators across the bus and coach sector. They had to perform a series of very difficult electrical, mechanical and bodywork challenges - which is a fair representation of the wide range of traditional and hi-tech skills today’s engineers must have.”

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Triple promotion at Alternative Business Lender An alternative regional business lender has announced three promotions within its business development team. BCRS Business Loans has promoted Angie Preece and Lynn Wyke to the position of Senior Business Development Manager, while Wesley Lovett has become a member of the senior leadership team. These developments come on the back of a record-breaking year for the not-forprofit business lender, in which it lent

£7.1 million, with plans to increase that by a further 25 per cent this financial year. Wesley Lovett, Head of Business Development at BCRS Business Loans, said: “I am delighted to share details of Angie and Lynn’s promotion. Both are committed, experienced lenders who build excellent relationships with customers and professional intermediaries. As champions of BCRS’ brand and values, we were proud to offer them the role of Senior Business Development Manager.”

Paul Kalinauckas, Chief Executive of BCRS Business Loans, said: “All three promotions are thoroughly deserved. We are committed to recognising and rewarding the hard work and dedication of our team.”

Midlands construction MD takes on industry role

Rumble on Dear All

I am finally breaking cover on Brexit, which I cannot fail to discuss as it continues to rumble on. Your local Chamber has done incredible work over the past couple of years to keep companies informed and to listen to potential issues and the British Chambers have been a very strong voice for business, particularly those involved in international trade. As I write this, everything could be about to change again with some MPs looking to block ‘No Deal’, and the Prime Minister fighting for a general election. At a time when politicians should be working closely with business, they seem to be keen to close the doors of Parliament and persist with their infighting. The Chambers will continue to power the voice of our businesses right into the heart of the battle. What is absolutely clear from a business perspective is that we want to avoid a messy and disorderly exit from the EU because we need an implementation period to allow things to settle down and, whatever peoples’ political views, we need a strong trading relationship with the EU in the future.

A leading figure in construction in the Midlands has been selected to represent the industry in the region after taking on a new role. Martin Gallagher, managing director of Coventry-based Deeley Construction – part of

Deeley Group – became the new Midlands regional chair of the National Federation of Builders (NFB). Martin joined Deeley Group straight out of school and has been with the company for 30 years. During that time, he has risen through the ranks and became managing director of Deeley Construction in 2009. The NFB is one of the UK’s longest standing trade bodies and represents builders, contractors and house builders across England and Wales, with members ranging from the sole trader to large, multimillion pound construction companies. It provides expert

By the time this has gone to print, we may know more; more likely we will still be rumbling on! Best regards David Penn

improvements and speak as one voice. “Deeley Construction works right across the board when it comes to the contracts we deliver for clients so I do see many different aspects or the industry, which means I have a broad knowledge of the whole sector.” Richard Beresford, chief executive of the National Federation of Builders, said: “Martin brings a wealth of experience and expertise which he has gained over the course of his career and we wish Martin all the best as he represents us in the Midlands as our new regional chair.”

Rob Hawkins joins the team at ehB Reeves A Leamington-based commercial property consultants has added a new team member with more than 25 years’ experience in the sector, as part of ambitious growth plans. Rob Hawkins, 52, has been formally appointed by ehB Reeves, having previously worked for the firm on a consultancy basis. Rob has been working in the commercial property sector for more than 25 years, in a range of roles including agency work, acquisitions, property disposals, property management and consultancy. He joins ehB Reeves as part of its ongoing

ambitions to grow its business reach, expanding the agency sector and the management portfolio, which is currently valued in excess of £100 million. Rob said: “Having worked with the team before, we know each other very well. I’ve been working with them on a consultancy basis for the last six months and joining formally is all about developing that role.” Simon Hain, director at ehB Reeves, said: “We have ambitious plans to grow the agency and appointing Rob, with his many years of varied and valuable experience, is a step forward for that ambition.

Decade-long ambition achieved for new recruit

Equally, we need certainty and we need it now because, the longer we go without knowing what the future holds, the more difficult it is for businesses to plan. My company, Bromwich Hardy, does not engage in international trade, yet we meet many companies who do. Many are very concerned, whereas many appear entirely ambivalent. What is certain is that there would be more business investment with less uncertainty.

advice, training, representation and other business services for members to ensuring they comply with industry standards and support their growth. Martin said: “It is a great pleasure and honour to be taking on this new role and I look forward to representing the construction industry in the Midlands. During my time in post, I will work hard towards addressing the skills shortage and promoting careers in the construction industry across the Midlands. “Deeley is a proud member of the NFB and believe that the industry should work in partnership together to drive

Tim Skeen (left) with Nick Holt

The new recruit at a West Midlands commercial property agency has achieved a decade-long ambition. Tim Skeen has joined Holt Commercial as a management surveyor as part of the firm’s expansion – but it is much more than a new job for the property professional. Tim has moved to Holt’s Coventry office from Johannesburg, in South Africa, where he worked for City Property Administration, and his wife

and three children will follow on in the next few weeks. He almost moved to the UK ten years ago to a job in London but he met his wife-to-be and decided to stay put but when the opportunity to move to Coventry and join Holt Commercial came, he jumped at the chance a decade on. Tim said: “My family on my mum’s side is from the UK – my grandfather made the opposite move 52 years ago on a boat down to South Africa – and I’ve always wanted to come here. “I feel like I’ve picked a really good time to come to this area. We have City of Culture in Coventry and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham coming up very shortly, and the property market is strong.” Lynette Eccles has also joined Holt Commercial in the administrative team as part of the company’s continued growth. Nick Holt, director of Holt Commercial, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Tim and Lynette to the company, during a period of growth for the business. We have enjoyed a very strong 18 months and growing our team reflects that success.”

ehB Reeves director Scott Blake (left) welcomes Rob Hawkins to the team

“Rob has a proven track record in all areas of commercial property and we are sure this new arrangement will prove to be extremely beneficial for both parties.”

Award winning Toastmaster co-hosts awards

Reuben Lynch, an award-winning Toastmaster, was chosen to co- host the Education Business Awards at the Leonardo Hotel, St Pauls in London. Rueben had the pleasure of hosting these prestigious awards alongside the BBC TV Presenter Angelica Bell and said “It was a great experience working with Angelica. I felt honoured to meet the award winners and hear the stories from some of the schools, academies and organisations who all help and contribute to improve our educational institutions.”

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