Chamber Profile Autumn 2020

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DEVON & PLYMOUTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FREE TO MEMBERS

AUTUMN 2020

Revealing Plymouth’s mammoth new attraction The Box prepares to open NEWS: Millions for building projects SOCIAL: Announcing our awards finalists FEATURE: Managing your cashflow in Covid

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Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

MEMBER NEWS

CONTENTS

CHAMBER PROFILE AUTUMN 2020

COVER STORY FIND OUT WHAT’S INSIDE THE BOX - PLYMOUTH’S NEW MULTI-MILLION-POUND CULTURAL HERITAGE ATTRACTION SEE PAGE 23

FIRST WORD 4

Chamber Chief Executive Stuart Elford on expanding businesses, new products and innovation during these challenging times

MEMBER NEWS 5

New chief executive for Waterfront BID

6

China Fleet launches new Adventure Golf

6

Kitley House ready for grand reopening

7

Significant growth for Plymouth IT firm

9

Campaign to honour Plymouth Argyle legend

10 College’s new apprenticeship programme 12 Clean and safe thanks to SA Safety

CHAMBER NEWS 14 Our new introductory membership offer 15 Exciting new partnership with Infiniti

FOCUS FEATURES CHAMBER AWARDS

16 A warm welcome to our new members

SECTOR FOCUS

20-22 Our shortlist for the Devon & Plymouth Chamber Awards

32 LEGAL Is your business ready for Covid-19 testing?

MAYFLOWER 400

34 FINANCE Autumn beckons for business finance

30

The commemoration programme revealed

CHAMBER TEST DRIVE 40-41 Stuart Elford drives the new Land Rover Defender

35 FINANCE If ever cash was king, it’s now 36 SKILLS What next for apprenticeships?

37 SKILLS Apprenticeships can fuel the recovery 38 CHARITY New gym and spin studio 39 INTERNATIONAL TRADE No more transition at UK border 42 CHAMBER PEOPLE Tim Jones, Vice Chair and Director at Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce

Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

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FIRST WORD

FIRST WORD THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DEVON AND PLYMOUTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CONTACT DETAILS Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Unit 5 Derriford Business Park, Brest Road, Plymouth, Devon PL6 5QZ T: 01752 220471 E: chamber@devonchamber.co.uk W: www.devonchamber.co.uk News and articles should be sent to: E: marketing@devonchamber.co.uk Front cover: Prepare to see inside the Box. See page 23 Published by Cornerstone Vision Ltd 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth PL3 4PY T: 01752 225623 W: www.cornerstonevision.com Managing Editor Chris Girdler Designer Leah-Maarit Jeffery Advertising David Simpson E: dave@cornerstonevision.com Printed by PDS Print W: www.pdsprint.co.uk PRIVACY NOTICE Cornerstone Vision Ltd process personal information for certain legitimate interest purposes, which includes the following: • To provide postal copies of this publication to Chamber member and Cornerstone Vision Ltd customers; and • To offer marketing and promotional opportunities within this publication to Chamber members an prospects.

Whenever we process data for these purposes, we always ensure we treat your Personal Data rights in high regard.

Chamber Profile is produced on behalf of Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce by Cornerstone Vision Ltd and is distributed without charge to more than 1,500 key businesses and all Chamber members in Devon. The publisher is committed to achieving the highest quality standard. However, views expressed in the magazine are independent and while every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise.

The publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format without the prior written permission of Cornerstone Vision Ltd.

“

The last time I sat down to write this column, I said I had just experienced the hardest three months of my working life.

This time around, I’m tapping away knowing that the country has plunged into the deepest recession since quarterly records began, with almighty pressure being placed on businesses and the UK record levels of debt.

And yet, I still have a sense of optimism, even in these challenging times.

That’s not through some misguided sense that if we all band together and work hard enough everything is going to come up roses.

It’s more from the hard evidence that through a combination of well thought-out policies, carefully executed infrastructure investment and stunningly intuitive businesses who continue to pivot, diversify and adapt – we have a genuinely positive future to look towards.

This edition of Profile contains news of shovels in the ground on a litany of construction projects that will bring investment and jobs. We have pages of projects coming to life that will change the face of the region – attractions such as the generation-defining Box museum, archive and art gallery and major construction projects in almost every corner of Devon.

We tell of expanding businesses, new products and innovation on almost every page.

And schemes such as Plymouth City Council’s mission to drive local procurement should ensure enterprise is rewarded locally.

I’m also delighted to dedicate a section of this edition to the finalists of this year’s Chamber Awards, who will be honoured at a fabulous December event at Home Park in what we believe will be a highly enjoyable new format. We’re taking bookings for tables now, so don’t miss out.

Lastly, I couldn’t finish this column without welcoming a huge influx of new members as a result of our introductory membership offer. There’s plenty more detail later on so I won’t repeat myself except to say we’re delighted to be able to build a bigger, better Chamber and I thank all the members who have helped spread the word.

We are stronger together and a greater Chamber network will mean we can all be part of something bigger.

STUART ELFORD

SOCIAL MEDIA Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/@chamber_devon

”

CHIEF EXECUTIVE, DEVON & PLYMOUTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Like us on Facebook Devon Chamber of Commerce Join us on LinkedIn Devon Chamber of Commerce

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Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

CHAMBER PATRONS

MEMBER NEWS

MEMBER NEWS

NEWS FOR & FROM MEMBERS OF DEVON & PLYMOUTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

New chief executive for Plymouth’s Waterfront BID

Plymouth Waterfront Partnership’s Business Improvement District (PWP BID) has appointed Diane Mansell as its new Waterfront Manager and Chief Executive.

Diane, who currently manages the Soho Road BID in Birmingham, has taken the position to help develop the role of the PWP in Plymouth and is due to start in September.

One of Diane’s main tasks will be to develop strategic links with major stakeholders in the city. This will include involving the BID in the city’s regeneration plans, such as Plymouth City Council’s economic recovery plan, Resurgam, Plymouth’s new Visitor Plan for 2020-30 and the emerging National Marine Park, as well as beginning to plan for the renewal of the Waterfront BID in 2022.

Plymouth currently has two BIDs, Plymouth City Centre Company, which covers the retail

heart of the city centre and PWP which covers four square miles of waterfront with its vibrant mix of hospitality, retail, leisure, office, accommodation and attractions.

Together they represent more than 1,300 businesses in Plymouth and help to promote and manage regeneration schemes, events and street trading generating millions of pounds of investment.

Nick Buckland OBE, Chair of PWP, said: “BIDs have already made a huge impact in Plymouth and there is great potential to expand their role and make a telling difference to the city’s future development, particularly to help businesses recover from the impact of Covid-19.

“Diane recognises the opportunities BIDs represent and I’m thrilled she is joining us.

She has a very impressive track record in delivering BIDs, plus major regeneration

and community projects in and around Birmingham.

“This is a key appointment and Diane will be a fantastic asset, who has recently won the Queens Award for voluntary service. I look forward to working with her over what will be an exciting year ahead of us, leading up to the ballot for PWP and setting out the strategic vision for BIDs for the next five years.”

Diane’s appointment follows the departure of Sarah Gibson, the previous Waterfront Manager and CEO. Diane, who holds a BSc Combined Honours in Public Policy, Management and Business Administration, said: “It’s a terrific opportunity for me to move the Waterfront BID to the next level, making a significant contribution to the city that I’ve fallen in love with. I’ve hugely benefited from working in Birmingham and I look forward to meeting everyone involved with the Waterfront’s development at the heart of Britain’s Ocean City.

“I want to ensure the success the BIDs have enjoyed over the past few years is built upon and together with our key partners, such as at the LEP, Destination Plymouth and the City Council, that we harness the potential of the city’s private sector to continue to drive the Waterfront’s economy forward.”

Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council, Pete Smith, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Diane to the role and to our incredible city.

The waterfront is the jewel in Plymouth’s crown – we’re very proud of it and are committed to making it the best it can be for businesses, locals and visitors alike.

“The BID’s role is especially important during this difficult time, so we look forward to working together to support waterfront businesses and drive economic recovery.”

For more information about PWP, please see: www.waterfrontbid.co.uk

Profile has new publisher in Cornerstone Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce a new partnership with Cornerstone Vision, who will be producing our quarterly Profile magazine.

Cornerstone has a wealth of publishing experience and we’re excited to place our popular and informative magazine in the hands of such an experienced team

with extensive local knowledge.

Cornerstone is located in Peverell in Plymouth and are well known around the city and surrounding areas. They have produced this edition handling advertising sales, design, print and distribution.

You can contact Cornerstone who offer a range of print, leaflet

and marketing solutions at info@ cornerstonevision.com or by calling 01752 225623.

If you have company news that you would like to share with our members and the wider business community by being published in Profile please contact marketing@devonchamber. co.uk. We’d love to feature you!

Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

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MEMBER NEWS

China Fleet’s new Adventure Golf

Kitley House set to reopen

The team at China Fleet Country Club in Saltash have certainly been busy during lockdown, creating an outdoor adventure golf course that promises to test the best (crazy) golfers from the South West and beyond.

Award-winning Kitley House in South Devon will re-open from September as a dedicated, exclusive-use wedding and private events venue, making the most of its 600acre estate on the banks of the river Yealm at Yealmpton.

Woodland Adventure Golf offers ‘18 holes of adventure’ for pros and amateurs alike, and even low-handicappers should find it tricky navigating the course’s amazing wooden carved features, sounds and exciting challenges.

There’s even a stream that runs through the course and a raft to pull yourself across!

Dean Bennett, managing director, said: “We opened on Sunday, August 2, and already we are pleased with the volume of visitors this course has attracted locally and all over the region.

“Adventure golf has massively grown in popularity as an attraction on the UK leisure scene and there is currently nothing like this available in Saltash, so we are excited to bring this to the local area.

“Our adventure golf offers an exciting and affordable day out for all ages, family and friends. It is also perfect for those teambuilding, corporate events.

“We will also be offering fantastic birthday parties for the children and are updating our

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existing nature trail to include an exciting Woodland Fairy Trail, where the children can solve clues, whilst on a family walk by the beautiful Tamar Estuary with the chance of winning a prize at the end.”

He added: “We are sure the adventure golf course and The Cabin – café bar will be a great addition to our current offering, and a real complement to the driving range, where if you really want to get competitive this is the place to practise your golf skills.

“We look forward to welcoming many more visitors from the local area and further afield.”

China Fleet Country Club is an award-winning hotel, golf and health club set in 180 acres of stunning countryside on the banks of the River Tamar in Saltash.

Having first opened in 1991, the Club celebrated its 25th anniversary with HRH Princess Anne and welcomed the Royal Navy’s First Sea Lord in 2018.

Find out more on the China Fleet website: www.china-fleet. co.uk/adventure-golf-2/

Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

Last year the four-star hotel and restaurant won a raft of awards, most notably a Devon Tourism Awards’ Gold for Best Wedding Venue and a Silver for Best Events Venue.

Following enforced closure in March because of the Covid-19 lockdown, all bookings had to be postponed and employees placed on furlough.

corporate events.

Managing Director Spike Bastard, whose family has owned Kitley for generations, said: “In recent months I have taken the opportunity to reflect on the future of the business and how best to thrive in the new economic and social climate following the pandemic.

“We consider now is the right

Kitley is making personal contact with all clients who have booked weddings and events to let them know about its plans and provide reassurance. All existing gift vouchers will now be valid until the end of 2021 to allow recipients time to use them.

With appropriate social distancing measures in place, Kitley plans to re-open for September with a fresh business model and name – ‘Kitley House and Country Estate’ – which play to its strengths as an outstanding venue for weddings, special celebrations and

time to refocus Kitley, re-opening soon as a dedicated wedding and private events venue, concentrating on the services we deliver exceptionally well and for which the estate offers incredible scope.”

Once the Government gives the go-ahead for wedding receptions and larger social gatherings to resume, Kitley hopes these improvements to the venue will give guests even more opportunity to personalise their day and celebrate safely on the estate exclusively with family, friends and colleagues.

“...reopening soon as a dedicated wedding and private events venue”

Stefani Nurding: Fashion Graduate, CEO and Designer.

IT STARTS HERE & NEVER STOPS

CLEARING PLACES APPLY NOW +44 (0)1752 203 402 plymouthart.ac.uk/clearing

33 bedroom Hotel and self catering cottages – ‘a perfect base to explore Dartmoor’

Buckfast Abbey Grange Road, Buckfast, Devon TQ11 0EG | www.buckfastaccommodation.org.uk | 01364 645630 Buckfast Abbey is a registered Charity No. 232497

Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

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MEMBER NEWS

Continued growth triggers expansion for Acronyms at Plymouth Science Park An increased demand for IT support services has led to significant growth for a Plymouth-based IT support company.

As a result of the growth in business, Acronyms, has expanded its office space to support the increased demand and to enable appropriate social distancing.

“It will allow us to recruit throughout the remainder of 2020” Business Development Director Tom Moore says that additional desk space will be used for planned recruitment over the next few months, and that the company’s staff will benefit from a larger space for collaborative working, whilst following post-lockdown Coronavirus guidance.

Acronyms has worked throughout the pandemic to support their clients, which include care homes, charities and medical suppliers.

Plymouth Science Park provided Acronyms with the space and facilities to follow social distancing guidance, so that they could remain in their offices, which they found was more efficient for problem solving and knowledge sharing, especially when working under extra pressure. At the company’s busiest point during the pandemic, they saw fielded calls increase by 260% from the typical average.

Tom said: “Plymouth Science Park has always helped us to help our clients, and throughout the pandemic has allowed us

to maintain business as normal, so that we could keep many businesses operational during a time of uncertainty and upheaval.

They’ve supported us further by making sure that we have the room required to grow, whilst demand for IT support is still high.

“We’re delighted that we’ve been able to expand at the Park as it will allow us to recruit throughout the remainder of 2020, as we continue to support businesses during these tricky times.”

Plymouth Science Park Business Development Manager, Fay Davies added: “We are delighted to be working with Acronyms as they continue to grow and provide a vital service for a range of

businesses during these challenging times.

“The collaborative and flexible approach at Plymouth Science Park has enabled them to develop their business and to expand their office space with limited disruption to day to day operations and we’re looking forward to watching them as they continue to thrive.”

Acronyms provide businesses with IT support in the form of an outsourced help desk, alongside a range of associated products and services including unified communications, internet connectivity and disaster recovery solutions. The business has been in operation since 2003 and currently employs 22 members of staff.

Building Plymouth launches new local Expertise Directory Plymouth’s construction and built environment expertise is showcased together for the first time in Building Plymouth’s new go-to directory which highlights the city’s talented design, engineering and build capabilities.

As a key enabler, the construction industry affects everyone, influencing productivity and well-being, creating the homes, hospitals, schools, workplaces and infrastructure essential for a good quality of life.

While the influence of construction ranges well beyond its economic impact, its contribution to our economy is substantial.

Building Plymouth recognises that the construction sector will be crucial in delivering the Government’s ambitious build programme as well as developing ‘new ways of working’.

Through accelerating Plymouth’s significant capital programme,

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Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

construction will underpin both economic recovery and growth for key sectors including defence, health, education, transport, infrastructure, commercial housing and regeneration. Collectively employing an 8000+ strong workforce, Plymouth has a well established, mature and capable construction community with a breadth of expertise which makes this a very adaptable and responsive local marketplace.

The Building Plymouth Expertise Directory demonstrates the strength of our local capability across design, engineering and build.

This new expertise directory is a response by the local construction industry to support Resurgam, Plymouth’s Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

MEMBER NEWS

Campaign to honour Argyle legend “Had he been white, he would have been a certain English international”

A campaign to erect a statue honouring one of Plymouth’s most well-known football players has surpassed its Crowdfunder target thanks to overwhelming support from the local and footballing community, led by Plymouth Argyle.

Jack Leslie cemented his place in football’s history books when he captained Argyle to a Cup victory against the mighty Manchester United.

During a 14-season stint at Home Park, the centre forward scored an impressive 137 goals and made more than 401 appearances for the Greens.

But perhaps what he is most famous for is being one of the finest footballers to never pull on an England shirt.

When Jack arrived in Devon in 1921 from Barking Town, he is thought to have been the only black professional player in England.

His reputation as a goal creator and scorer for Argyle spread across the country and he was picked to play for the Three Lions against Ireland in 1925.

However, Jack was denied the opportunity to pull on the shirt because of his race – something

that baffled many football fans at the time and today still irks those who so fondly remember his remarkable achievements.

One national reporter towards the end of Jack’s career even wrote: “Had he (Jack) been white, he would have been a certain English international.”

Now, nearly a century later, the Jack Leslie Statue Campaign was launched to erect a statue in his honour right here in Plymouth.

The FA has given its full support as an official sponsor, acknowledging the importance of recognising Jack Leslie’s story, while alongside them, members of the PFA (Professional Footballers Association) and FSA (Football

Supporters Association) are key supporters and have been instrumental in pushing the idea forward.

Other high-profile supporters include Argyle manager Ryan Lowe, former England striker and TV pundit Gary Lineker, and Devon comedian Josh Widdicombe.

Jack’s family have also been instrumental in the campaign, and his granddaughter, Lyn, says: “My sisters, Lesley, Gill and I remember Jack as a wonderful grandad who looked after us and told us funny stories.

“We and the wider family are delighted that he is now being recognised for the sporting achievements he was so modest about.”

If successful, Jack’s monument will stand proudly outside Home Park for future footballing generations to admire.

The Crowdfunder had a £100k target and when we last checked, it was on more than £135,000.

You can find out more about the campaign here: https://jackleslie.co.uk/

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MEMBER NEWS

Riviera appointment

College’s ambitious new apprenticeship programme

South Devon College has launched its new hospitality higher apprenticeship programme, in response to a £120m investment in Torbay from the Fragrance Group, which will see hotel chains Mercure, Ibis and Hilton open in the bay over the next two years.

To find out more about the unprecedented employment opportunities this development will bring to Torbay, South Devon College hosted a Q&A session with representatives from Accor, Hilton and the Fragrance Group.

The event was led by Lynn Stephens, Head of Curriculum for Leisure and Hospitality at South Devon College and newly appointed Chairperson for the English Riviera Destination Management Plan.

Martin Rogers, Managing Director at GH&L Consultancy, speaking on behalf of Fragrance Group, kicked off the discussion with an update on the developments under construction: “The Fragrance Group have just under 1000 bedrooms under construction or in planning. Over 670 of those are in Torbay. In Paignton we have Mercure on Paignton Seafront, with 165 bedrooms.

“The construction is well under way and it’s due to be open in autumn 2021. Next door to

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The English Riviera Destination Management Group (DMG) has recently elected a new Chairperson to lead and support the group over the next 12 months.

Lynn Stephens is Senior Curriculum Head of Leisure and Hospitality Industries at South Devon College, and has been part of the DMG for over a year, working with other partners on developing a successful visitor economy.

that will be an Ibis Styles, 115 bedrooms also due in autumn next year.

“Looking further ahead, in Torquay the Corbyn Head Hotel site will become a 150-bedroom, four-star hotel. The anticipated open date is spring 2022.

“At Babbacombe, we have planning consent for a 240 bedroom four or five-star hotel and resort. The anticipated completion date for that is 2022 late autumn or 2023 spring. The total investment will be £120m including a residential aspect.”

South Devon College’s apprenticeship standards are designed in partnership with the requirements of local employers and allow students of any age to earn while they learn. There is also a clear route for school leavers or those wishing to retrain, with entry-level full-time courses at South Devon College over two or three years, and the opportunity to then progress onto a higher apprenticeship at University Centre South Devon.

Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

The DMG oversees the delivery of the English Riviera Destination Management Plan (DMP), and its actions, by working collaboratively in partnership across the destination.

The DMP presents clear priorities and actions for the different stakeholders involved to take Torbay as a destination forward with its shared vision to develop the English Riviera’s visitor economy.

• • • • • • •

The key areas of focus are: Increase year-round growth in visitor numbers (UK and International) Extend the current season beyond the school holidays Attract new visitors (UK and International) Increase visitor spend Attract investment and reinvestment Ensuring sustainable delivery of marketing activity for the destination Raise level of skills in the sector

Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “The English Riviera Destination Management Group is making great strides to promote Torbay as a destination and develop the visitor economy.

“Lynn’s appointment will further support the direction of the group, strengthen the work with partners and focus on the delivery of the Destination Management Plan.

“By attracting new visitors and increasing our year-round visitor numbers the Group and Plan will support Torbay’s economic recovery and growth.”

MEMBER NEWS

Rolling out full fibre in Plymouth IDNet, a leading provider of business connectivity services in the UK, is urging businesses in Plymouth to take advantage of full fibre connectivity speeds of up to 1Gbps available to them via CityFibre’s recently launched business connectivity infrastructure.

The company believes that, with many businesses now looking to recover strongly following prolonged periods of low level activity due to the coronavirus outbreak, now is the right time for them to invest in a modern, ultra-fast connectivity service that will ensure they can compete both on the national and international stage.

Tim Davies, cofounder and Director of IDNet, said: “There are already lots of great businesses in the city, from the naval and commercial ports, through to the powerhouse retailers, and with more inward investment in prospect, the potential for Plymouth is huge.

“But for these businesses to be able to compete on a national and even on a global level, they require the fast, reliable, affordable business connectivity that IDNet is now ready to deliver in the city.”

Davies said that taking advantage of CityFibre’s new full fibre infrastructure in Plymouth will make businesses more competitive – and help others to bounce back after the coronavirus pandemic.

“Faster connectivity makes you more competitive.

It means you can be more productive and respond quicker. You can deliver better levels of service to customers – wherever they are located – and take advantage of the latest online services, such as cloudbased AI and analytics offerings and hosted voice.”

Stuart Elford, Chief Executive Officer of Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, applauded IDNet’s efforts to encourage wider uptake of faster connectivity services: “Businesses in Plymouth are positive and progressive in their approach and being able to get faster connectivity will enable them to sharpen their competitive edge.

“There are so many businesses across the city that can benefit. After the coronavirus pandemic, we really need to get tourism and commercial business moving again and faster connectivity will put real impetus behind those efforts and make the city more attractive to businesses that are looking to relocate to the region.”

For more information about the connectivity services available from IDNet and how it can help support businesses, call 0800 331 7000 or visit the website: www.idnet.net

Plymouth car broker doubles up Plymouth-based car broker, Intelligent Vehicle Finance, is celebrating success after more than doubling in size during lockdown.

The leasing company took on four new salespeople and a Marketing Manager, between April and June, bringing its employee count from four people to nine – a 125% increase.

Two of the new recruits have joined the company after finding themselves out of work and forced to claim Universal Credit following coronavirus redundancies. As lockdown measures eased, the team also moved offices to bigger premises in Royal William Yard to accommodate the growth.

Managing Director, Stacey Smith said: “As an industry we’re still battling against slowdown in the supply chain and credit acceptance, but things are really starting to turn around as companies get back to work and our car factories kick back into production.

“We’re confident that in the coming months we’ll be back in full swing, which is why we’re investing in new team members so we can be on the front foot as we emerge from the worst of lockdown.

“We do things a bit differently here.

We like to invest in people, whether that’s our team members or our customers – we go the extra mile to find the right fit.”

The company is also committed to increasing diversity in the car industry by supporting women – 22% of its team are female.

Intelligent Vehicle Finance sources the best car and van deals for business and personal customers across the UK. The company is now hoping its larger team can help more businesses get back on the road as the country emerges from lockdown – and make the shift to electric.

New tenant at Science Park

Mark Bowden is one of the most trusted mental performance experts in modern football and the bestselling author of ‘Use Your Brain, Raise Your Game’.

He is also the director of Mark Bowden Ltd (trading as TopForm Global), the latest tenant to move to Plymouth Science Park.

According to Mark, the thing that sets the very best footballers apart from the rest is not ability but being able to perform at your peak level consistently.

His company, TopForm Global, helps professional footballers to effectively train and condition their thoughts and behaviours, enabling them to perform consistently on the football pitch.

Mark explains: “It still surprises me that even at the highest levels in football, players are not given the resources to condition their brains.

“Top clubs have incredible sports science facilities to help players’ bodies to perform at their very best.

However, the control centre (the brain) is often overlooked. TopForm Global provides the resources needed for players to train their brains.

“The move to Plymouth Science Park comes as the business continues to expand and as we work on new resources for our clients including an online training programme.

“We’re looking forward to being surrounded by dynamic businesses and likeminded people based at Plymouth Science Park, who are striving to take their businesses forward and make an impact in their field.”

To find out more about TopForm Global, visit the website at www. topform.global

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MEMBER NEWS

Sanitiser sends safe harbour Nestled amongst traditional boat-builders on Island Street in Salcombe, Salcombe Distilling Co. (SDCo) is one of the world’s only distilleries directly accessible by boat and is known for creating exceptional, handcrafted gin.

Its impressive portfolio includes Salcombe Rum and, of course, its world-famous Salcombe Gin which comes in a number of delicious varieties.

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the talented team have turned their distilling skills to producing hand sanitiser, which they have been providing for free to frontline workers around the UK who need it most.

Having been inundated with requests from consumers and trade customers alike requesting to buy it, SDCo has now decided to launch it as an official product called ‘Safe Harbour’.

Crafted according to the World Health Organisation

(WHO) formula with the addition of juniper, red grapefruit and wild coastal botanicals, ‘Safe Harbour’ comes in an attractive 100ml glass luxury fragrance bottle with a silver atomiser spray pump for safe application.

In addition to being used as hand sanitiser, it can be used for sanitisation of all surfaces.

And for every bottle you purchase, SDCo will donate 100ml to ShelterBox, helping those around the world who need it most.

SDCo has been contracted to supply in bulk to the NHS in Devon and Cornwall, and has also received its first order from a large national UK retailer with more than 80 retail outlets.

A spokesman said: “I believe we are seeing the beginning of a trend for ‘luxury’ hand sanitiser that is more than just functional and also smells fantastic through the inclusion of natural botanicals.

“We are also in discussions with a hotel chain that is interested in having our hand sanitiser in each room, in public areas for guests and also for their staff.”

As well as ‘Safe Harbour’, the team have also created another exciting new product during lockdown called ‘Nightingale’, with all proceeds going to charity.

The world’s first crowdsourced gin was developed via Instagram Live and helped to raise more than £2,500 for the NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Urgent Appeal – the official NHS fund dedicated to supporting staff and volunteers who are working to care for COVID-19 patients.

You can find out more about ‘Safe Harbour’ online at www.salcombegin.com For trade enquiries, please email trade@salcombedistilling.com

Clean and safe thanks to SA

Following a long and challenging few months, the Devon & Plymouth Chamber headquarters at Derriford Business Park is once again open for business.

The coronavirus pandemic continues to affect so many people across the world - and we are no different.

Nationwide lockdown has brought with it so many different challenges, but during this difficult time businesses and individuals throughout the South West have adapted, survived and even thrived.

With the health and safety of staff and members being paramount, the Chamber called in the experts from SA Safety Ltd to conduct a thorough deep clean of its offices.

The Newton Abbot-based firm specialises in health and safety and operates across the UK delivering

bespoke training, industrial support and consultancy solutions to the high-risk utilities, industrial and manufacturing sectors.

They’re also a proud member of the Chamber!

Stuart Elford, CEO, said: “With the easing of the Covid-19 lockdown, the Chamber continues to take all the necessary steps as we reopen our offices.

“I want to say thank you to the fantastic team at SA Safety Ltd for conducting a deep clean, and also providing branded signs which will help to keep our staff and members safe.

“We look forward to seeing everyone again in person very soon.”

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Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

Means motoring in the South West WE are back in business working hard for YOUR business!

SALES | SERVICING | PARTS CARS | VANS | PICKUPS

Marsh Mills, Plymouth, PL6 8AY

01752636363

Expand your business

Until 31 January 2021, businesses will receive*: • £2,000 for each new apprentice aged 16 to 24 • £1,500 for apprentices aged 25 and over.

and secure your future by recruiting new talent!

Businesses that take on apprentices aged 16 to 18 will also still receive £1,000, which means you could receive up to £3,000.**

With the Government’s Apprenticeship incentive, there has never been a better time to grow your team with the help of City College Plymouth.

Call 01752 305026 or e-mail employers@cityplym.ac.uk

CityPlym Business Engagement

If you like what you hear but are not sure you can face the paperwork, let our Business Engagement team do the hard work for you!

@cityplymbiz |

*Apprentices must be employed for 365 days to receive the full amount. Apprentices cannot have been employed by your company in the six months prior to their contract start date. ** This applies to apprentices aged 16 to 18 when businesses meet the Government’s conditions set out above. Full terms and conditions can be found at https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/apprenticeship-funding

Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

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CHAMBER NEWS

We’re becoming part of something bigger We know that as a region, as people and as a Chamber, we’re better together.

Working collaboratively, growing connections and helping each other succeed – they are all values that underpin the very reason for why we exist.

And in the wake of perhaps the greatest challenge to business in a generation, we know that these values are more important than ever.

That’s why earlier this summer we decided to launch our new introductory membership offer.

We wanted to be able to reach out to as many businesses as possible and offer them the chance to be part of something bigger.

Not only that, we wanted to give our existing members a bigger and better network to be part of to offer more chance for collaboration, connections and creating a better business landscape for all of us.

We’re delighted to say we’ve received dozens of new members, who are now truly part of something bigger.

While the introductory offer doesn’t contain the highly valuable benefits of our other membership packages, it does

give organisations a chance to experience the positive effect of being part of the Chamber.

Chamber Chief Executive Stuart Elford said: “The last few months have been incredibly difficult for everyone and we have helped countless businesses survive this challenging period.

“We now want to help as many businesses as possible succeed as we start to recover and grow again.

“That’s why we invited so many businesses to be part of Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce for three months, completely free of charge.

“We have worked hard to fund this special three-month introductory membership, so we can support as many businesses as possible in this incredibly crucial next stage.

“We’ve been delighted with the response and we hope this is the start of a new era for the Chamber – bigger and better for all.”

If you know an organisation that would be like to be part of the Chamber, please do refer them to our introductory member offer page on our website. You can find it at www.devonchamber.co.uk/ introductory-membership-offer

Testimonial - Tony Cobley Photography My business suddenly fell off a cliff in mid March and I needed to do an urgent cost cut.

You enabled me to halt membership and continue Chamber activity and this was very beneficial. Throughout the two empty months of April and May I was able to continue Chamber contact building and advice gaining alongside my community volunteering work and DIY! I received a grant which covered the two empty months and the slowdown in March which combined with cost cutting, ensured I didn’t go backwards at all.

The lockdown gave me time for reflection and development and I feel that the quality of my work has improved since.

At the end of May business re-started for me and has been crazy busy since. June, July and August are set to be my best three months for over three years and I am now taking bookings for September. So I shall not be claiming the self employed grant in August.

The Chamber is one of the key ingredients to this success story and one of the largest clients since the restart came via a Chamber contact.

The Chamber is a valuable way for making high quality connections for me.

I’m now in the situation of keeping a close eye on the autumn as a possible slow down but making hay while the sun shines!

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Thursday, October 8 8-10am

Thursday, December 3 8-10am

Welcome Back Breakfast,our first hybrid in-person and online event at Home Park

Crunchy Breakfast

Thursday, October 22 10am-12noon Celebrating Enterprising Women at Kitley House

Thursday, November 5 8-10am

Friday, December 4 Chamber Awards Lunch at Home Park (see Pages 20-22)

Thursday, January 14 8-10am Plymouth City Conversations at Foot Anstey, Salt Quay House

Plymouth City Conversations at Foot Anstey, Salt Quay House

Full details for all our events can be found on our website.

Keep an eye out for our regular Chamber Live and Virtual Networking events on Zoom plus we’ll soon be revealing news of our Corporate Golf Day.

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Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

Access to Finance Expo Wednesday, January 20, 2021 Find the finance options that will fuel post-Covid recovery at our new Access to Finance Expo.

Sponsored by Western Union, Start Point Finance and Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership.

Exhibitor opportunities are available with many already confirmed including Barclays Bank, SWIG Finance and Thomas Westcott Chartered Accountants.

Contact Daffne Zamudio at daffne.zamudio@devonchamber.co.uk for details.

NEW MEMBERS

To Infiniti and beyond Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and Infiniti Media Group have put pen to paper on a partnership that will see them work together on a range of new projects.

Infiniti Media Group are specialists in providing marketing materials for business organisations that have a keen focus on client engagement.

Mark Lister and Darren Ward, founders of Infiniti Media Group, said that they are really looking forward to seeing the official partnership with Devon Chamber flourish.

Infiniti Media Group opened its second premises at the historic Court House Building in Derby City Centre during the difficult times but wanted to focus more on the future and looking towards creating employment in the area.

“Infiniti Media Group has always had a vision to become the market leader in a variety of professional sports, across media and advertising, education and design in the production of marketing materials,” Mark said.

“We want to innovate and change, develop our product range and improve revenue streams for the business sectors we represent irrespective of size or budget.

“The aim is to maximise the opportunities for brands and provide the best possible solution for our customers, creating a better experience for our clients and partners alike.

NEW MEMBERS Fraser Anti-Static Techniques www.fraser-antistatic.co.uk Scotts Business Park, Bampton Stormforce Roofing www.stormforceroofing.co.uk Bergstrand House, Parkwood Close, Roborough, Plymouth Encore The Show Business www.encoreshowbiz.com 21C Brunel Road, Pillmere, Saltash

Dragon&Phoenix Business Growth Consultancy www.jojoramsden.com 37 Hunters Moon, Dartington Evy www.evy.agency 147 Pasley Street, Plymouth Archilime Visualisation www.archilime.com River View, Dart Mills Old Totness Road, Buckfastleigh

“During the coming months our aim is to be proactive on delivering more cutting-edge products and engaging with even more business partners in exciting new territories in the Devon and Plymouth area.”

Through this new official partnership, Infiniti Media Group will provide the Chamber with a range of marketing materials, including the Business Directory Notebook, event cards and other business-related products.

Chamber CEO Stuart Elford said: “In Infiniti Media Group we have found an ‘official partner’ that had the interests of the Chamber at heart and as such we were keen to start working with them.

“Now we are looking at how we can help them to make their mark in the Devon & Plymouth region, by introducing them to some of the great businesses that we work with.”

Infiniti Media Group is in the process of producing our official business directory for 2021. This will be widely distributed by the Devon Chamber of Commerce and Infiniti Media group in December.

It will be targeted as a fantastic networking tool to our current members, non members and business organisations throughout the county. You may receive a call from Infiniti Media asking if you wish to feature in this exciting project for 2021 and we hope you will welcome them.

A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

FROM ACROSS DEVON & PLYMOUTH

YellowRhino 16 The Old Wharf, Waterside Village, Plymouth

Frankcontent Ltd Unit 7 City Business Park, Somerset Place, Plymouth

Wordhouse www.wordhouse.co.uk 4A Lonsdale Road, Exeter

PRMatters Plymouth Science Park, 1 Davy Road, Plymouth

Twisted Tea Room www. twistedtearoom.com 56 Ford Hill, Plymouth

AG Textiles Studio www.agtextilesstudio.tumblr.com/5 The Coombe, Dartmouth

Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

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NEW MEMBERS Zinglish Flat 3, 135 Wingfeild Villas, Plymouth Trevi House www.trevihouse.org 29 Southerland Road, Plymouth Four31 Digital www.four31digital.com St George House, 31 Fore Street, Kingsbridge

Grapevine (the transport company) Ltd www.grapevine-transport.co.uk 10 Tremarran Court, Crescent Road, Ivybridge Benenden Health www.benenden.co.uk 63 Coombe Vale Road Teignmouth

Novum Law www.novumlaw.com Novum Law, Argosy House, Plymouth

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Home Care Preferred www.homecarepreferred.com/ Exeter Queens Gate House, 48 Queen Street, Exeter

www-space www.www-space.co.uk 2A Webbers Way, Dartington insight6 Devon and Cornwall www.insight6.com/region/devon 18 Culver Lane, Chudleigh CAP UK - Child Assault Prevention 35 Fore Street, Totnes

Saba & MOLO 74 Endeavour Court, Plymouth

Edwin Tucker & Sons Ltd www.edwintucker.co.uk Commercial Road, Lord Medow, Crediton

Sweet Bamboo www.sweetbamboo.co.uk Miramar, Trevolland, Trematon, Saltash

Skymind Studios www.skymindstudios.com Flat 1, Chapter One, 19 Albert Road, Plymouth

Royal Marine Association Charity www.rma-trmc.org 19 Grantham Close, Plympton, Plymouth

Cornerstone Vision www.ornerstonevision.com 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth

Nail Tech Network www.nailtechnetwork.co.uk Unit 3, Lister Close Business Park, Plympton

Ooyoot www.ooyoot.co.uk 2 Park View, Kingston, Kingsbridge

Southwest Live - In Care Limited www.southwestliveincare.co.uk 196 Pike Road, Plymouth

Ask Elliott Limited www.molyneux-associates.co.uk 6 Alexandra Close, Plymouth

Edmundson Electrical Ltd www.edmundson-Electrical.co.uk Edmundson Electrical Unit D, Broomhill Way, Torquay

ESL Group www.esl-group.eu Unit 307, Phase 2, Plymouth Science Park, 1 Davy Road, Plymouth

CBW Southwest www.molyneux-associates.co.uk Trehill Cottage, Exeter Road, Ivybridge

H M Williams www.hmwilliams.co.uk 5 Sandy Court, Ashleigh Way, Plympton

GermanSpeaking.org www.germanspeaking.org 23 Northville Park, Kingsbridge

Kies Consulting www.kiesconsulting.co.uk 16 Redannick Lane, Truro

Tobias Recruitment Group CIC www.tobiasrecruitmentgroup.co.uk Office 8 Genesis, 235 Union Street, Plymouth

Broadbase Furniture Solutions www.broadbasefs.co.uk Unit 1, Doctors Garden, Higher Union, Kingsbridge

Laura Campbell Operational Excellence SW Dartmouth

Selwyn Stevens International www.selwynstevens.co.uk Earlswood, Plymouth Road, Plymouth

Ocean Pay Ltd www.oceanpay.co.uk 25 Boringdon Avenue, Plymouth Torbay Merchant Services www.torbaymerchantservices.co.uk 42 Audley Avenue, Torquay Eddystone Media www.eddystonemedia.co.uk Eddystone Media, City Business Park, Unit 30C, Plymouth Teresa Metherell Freelance Marketing http://www.teresametherell.co.uk 103 Eggbuckland Road, Plymouth Finding True North www.annmccluskey.co.uk 12 Bedford Street, Bere Alston Oceanic Subsea Exploration Ltd Newton Farm House, Parsonage Road, Newton Ferrers Rotary In The South West Peninsular www.rotary1175.org 138 Beaumount Road, Plymouth Social Plymouth www.socialplymouth.co.uk 138 Beaumount Road, Plymouth

REACH Wrestling www.reachwrestling.com Unit 26, Mary Seacole Road, The Millfields, Plymouth Randle Properties 6 Watson Place, St Judes, Plymouth Torquay Chamber of Commerce www.torquaychamberofcommerce. co.uk 75 Teignmouth Road, Torquay Anna Lake Consulting www.annalakeconsulting.com 62 Oak Road, Tavistock Woogie Big Pants Limited www.woogiebigpants.com 3 Glebe Way, West Kinighton Iron Stride Athletic www.ironstrideathletic.com Unit 16 Wolseley Business Park, Plymouth Mariners Guest House 11 Pier Street, West Hoe, Plymouth Latitude Mediation www.latitudemediation Brockley, Croft Road, East Ogwell

Wild Sea Calligraphy www.wildseacalligraphy.com Beacon Park, Plymouth Frontline Image www.frontlineimage.co.uk 10 Sisna Park, Estover Road, Plymouth Plymouth Albion R.F.C. www.plymouthalbion.com 25 Damerel Close, Madden Road, Plymouth Pivotal Recruit Ltd www.pivotalrecruit.co.uk 80 Abbotsbury Road, Newton Abbot

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Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

Maplebrook Wills Eden House, Forge Lane, Plymouth Food Plymouth CIC www.foodplymouth.org Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre, Beacon Park Road, Beacon Park Great British Confectionery Group Limited www.bristowsofdevon.com Marsh Lane, Crediton

Securious Limited www.securious.co.uk The Science Park Centre, 6 Babbage Way, Exeter Science Park SA Safety Limited www.sasafety.co.uk 2 Homers Lane, Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot Effectus Coaching & Development Ltd www.effectusdevelopment.com 5 Beatrice Avenue, Saltash

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Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

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CHAMBER AWARDS

Marjon ranked top for student satisfaction

Plymouth Marjon University has been (WUSCA). ranked first in England for student The WUSCAs are determined by over satisfaction according to the Complete 41,000 reviews by students from universities University Guide 2021. around the UK. Marjon places first in England and third Marjon ranked sixth for ‘University in the UK for student satisfaction, scoring a Facilities’ and seventh for ‘Course and total of 4.23 out of five. Only Aberystwyth Lecturers’.

University in Wales and St Andrews The results reflect Marjon’s small class University in Scotland placed above Marjon in sizes, which enable staff and students to the nationally recognised guide. develop personal relationships. Small classes The guide described Plymouth Marjon also give students the opportunity to get the University: “The university offers small class full benefit of the university’s state-of-the-art sizes. Academics will quickly know students’ facilities. names, strengths and dreams, and students In the 2019/20 academic year, Marjon get to know all their classmates.” launched The Workshop, an industry The news follows Marjon being standard media facility on the ranked first in England for grounds of the BBC South West teaching quality for two studios. Marjon’s Arts’ Café consecutive years by The also opened within Marjon Times’ Good University Arts Centre and is used Guide 2019 and 2020 to support the local editions. Deputy Vicecommunity in a range of Chancellor, Professor projects.

Michelle Jones said: Marjon also has a “I am delighted that cutting-edge sport Marjon has been science lab, the only recognised once again one in the South West to as being an exceptional be accredited by the British Michelle Jones university for student Association of Sport & Exercise satisfaction. I thank our staff for the Science (BASES). The well-equipped care they show towards our students and for Sport & Health Centre is in partnership with continually finding new ways to improve their Plymouth Argyle Football Club, who work student experience. I also thank our students, alongside students in their strength related who partner with us to improve everything training and injury recovery.

Marjon does.

Following the results, Marjon Vice“We put student success at the heart of Chancellor, Professor Rob Warner said: “The everything we do. We are so pleased that WUSCA results demonstrate just how well these rankings demonstrate once again how our students are succeeding thanks to our much our students appreciate being part of consistently dedicated approach to high the close-knit Marjon community.” quality teaching and learning opportunities.

Marjon has also ranked amongst the “This has been a challenging year and our UK’s top ten in the categories of ‘University students know our commitment to them and Facilities’ and ‘Course and Lecturers’ in the exceptional, supportive environment we the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2020 create together at Marjon. To achieve top ten

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Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

rankings for both our facilities and courses shows how well our students and staff work together to create the Marjon learning community. I am so appreciative of our staff team, whose hard work and dedication shine in these results.”

GWR proposes new tickets for employees GWR is proposing two new tickets to help employees who are splitting their time between the workplace and home.

The rail operator says the Coronavirus pandemic has changed its customer landscape and research shows that, for now, many businesses have accepted the new normal and far more people will continue to choose to work from home and will want more flexible tickets to marry with this.

GWR has proposed two new products to the Department for Transport; a threein-seven and a 12-in-28 day season ticket, which, along with other proposals, it hopes to be able to take forward.

The company is also continuing to invest in stations and services. Steelwork is now in place at Taunton station for a new multi-storey car park; Bridgwater and Cheltenham station improvement schemes are due to finish and a new train care depot at Exeter is on target to be operational later this year.

GWR says it is not just completing the programmes already started but also working on new ones too - multimillion programmes that will help retain jobs and support local and regional economies as the region works together on recovery.

CHAMBER AWARDS

Play Area Hygiene Services gets fivefigure loan through SWIG Finance Play Area Hygiene Services (PAHS) is the latest South West business to benefit from a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans Scheme (CBILS) loan through SWIG Finance.

The Totnes-based firm specialises in the provision, installation, maintenance and cleaning of play area equipment.

The £80,000 loan, supported by Triodos Bank, has given the business the vital working capital it needed to cover the period during which its trade has been interrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Over the last 22 years, PAHS has built up a well-established international customer base which boasts a number of prominent clients.

However, as with many other businesses, COVID-19 brought a sudden halt to its order book.

Say hello to Plymouth Citybus is now part of regionwide brand Go South West after its expansion into Cornwall under the name Go Cornwall Bus. This was the start of an eight-year contract to deliver a network of Council-subsidised local bus routes that are essential to local communities but are not commercially viable.

This is an exciting move for Plymouth

The downtime has enabled the business to launch a new service – COVID Cleaning. PAHS is currently the only firm in Devon which can provide an anti-Coronavirus deep-cleaning service that is insured, fully risk assessed and 100% compliant.

A new fogging machine means they can now effectively disinfect large areas of surfaces - and reach a wider customer base such as schools and other businesses.

Rachael Taylor, SWIG Finance Business Manager, said: “Play Area Hygiene is a great example of a business which has shown resourcefulness by rapidly adapting to huge market changes.

“Their COVID Cleaning service will support other businesses by helping them to reopen safely and provide peace of mind to their customers. I’m delighted we are able to support their business continuity.”

Business owner, Elliott Myatt said: “We are grateful for the support of SWIG Finance, and particularly of our business manager Rachael Taylor.

Citybus as operations now cover a large geographical area, not just the Plymouth travel to work area. The bus operator felt it was the right time to create the new umbrella brand Go South West - being called Plymouth Citybus in Penzance is not a good idea!

Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall Bus, delivering Transport for Cornwall, will continue to be the passenger-facing brands for each of the respective locations and these brands will continue to be seen across the region. Go South West will be the new corporate identity that covers both Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall Bus, which includes the head office based at Milehouse in Plymouth.

Rachael assisted us throughout the application process and the funds were released quickly.”

Matt Boggan, Senior Relationship Manager at Triodos Bank UK, who provided backing for the loan, added: “Making money work for positive social, environmental and cultural change is central to the bank’s ethos.

“Key to this is providing finance to help start-ups and growing businesses fulfil their potential, as these enterprises really have the ability to transform a community.

“We’re proud to be supporting SWIG, alongside another likeminded organisations.

Its aim to make finance more accessible and inclusive aligns closely with our own values.”

Across the region Go South West now runs 300 buses and employs over 800 team members.

David Brown, Go Ahead Group’s CEO said: “As the Go-Ahead bus operations in the region cover both Devon and Cornwall, it made sense to create a company called ‘Go South West’.

“I would like to thank Richard Stevens, Managing Director of Go South West, for his continues hard work. In the past year, Plymouth has received a Queen’s Award for Enterprise and a platinum accreditation for ‘Investors in People’. I look forward to seeing continued achievements across the region.”

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CHAMBER AWARDS

CHAMBER AWARDS In a year of unprecedented challenge, businesses across the region have excelled by innovating, growing and developing against unimaginable odds.

We’re proud to reveal our shortlist for the Devon & Plymouth Chamber Awards 2020.

Each of the 20 businesses and individuals profiled over these pages are now invited to our glittering awards ceremony later this year to recognise and promote the best of what businesses in Devon have to offer.

This unmissable event at Home Park will include a delicious three-course lunch at Plymouth’s landmark new venue together with entertainment while our presenter for the day David Fitzgerald helps us pay tribute to this year’s winning businesses with our prestigious awards.

This year’s event will take place over a

luxuriously long lunch at the start of the festive season from 11.30am-3pm, and the Home Park bar will stay open after the ceremony has finished.

Book early to get your place at this popular event, held dependent on Government social distancing guidelines.

Stuart Elford, CEO of Devon & Plymouth Chamber, said: “Thank you so much to each and every member who submitted an entry for this year’s Devon & Plymouth Chamber Awards.

“We know how incredibly difficult the last few months have been for everyone, but we’ve seen businesses throughout the South

West adapt, survive and even thrive.

“It was certainly a tough decision for our panel, with so many of our members enjoying great success over the last 12 months.

“But we’ve somehow managed to select 20 fantastic businesses and individuals in seven different awards categories.

“We now have the even tougher task of choosing our seven winners, and we can’t wait to celebrate with all of our members.”

To book your ticket contact Daffne Zamudio via email at Daffne.Zamudio@ devonchamber.co.uk or call 01752 220471.

Here are our picks for this year’s Devon & Plymouth Chamber Awards Best Use of Technology – sponsored by pbmedia BluescreenIT Established in 2004, BluescreenIT delivers classleading IT and IT Security training courses globally across 26 different countries.

Its range of accredited IT and cyber apprenticeships are upskilling current staff and providing the next generation of experts within IT and the cyber industry.

CMO Stores As one of the UK’s leading online suppliers of construction materials, CMOStores.com is the parent company of six successful online stores - CMOTrade, Door Superstore, Drainage Superstore, Insulation Superstore, Roofing Superstore and Tile and Floor Superstore - and sells more than 75,000 products across its sites.

Customer Commitment Award

and the business community within Plymouth and the South West.

Year-on-year ATL support approximately 250 apprentices and their employers, with positive recommendation rates of over 97%. For apprentices who completed their courses in 2018-19, this recommendation rate rose to 100%. ATL offers a wide range of flexible educational and vocational training courses to young people and adults, many of whom have significant personal and/or educational barriers.

Plymouth Citybus Plymouth Citybus has experienced an extraordinary few years of innovation and growth and continues to make significant investments as part of its mission to vital transport links, further improve services and help the environment.

Last year the firm invested £2.6m in 11 new, cleaner and more advanced buses on some of the city’s busiest routes, which means it now carries more than 16.5 million passenger journeys on a fleet of 177 buses across Plymouth and Cornwall.

– sponsored by Peninsula NHS Treatment Centre Achievement Training Achievement Training have provided apprenticeships since 2001, developing a wealth of knowledge and experience in delivering training that supports real progression for job-seekers, employees

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Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

Portcullis Legals Founded in 1988 by CEO Trevor Worth as a 23-year-old entrepreneur, Portcullis Legals has established itself as the ‘gold standard’ inheritance and succession planning firm in the South West due to its vision, values and purpose - winning the Will Writing Firm of the

CHAMBER AWARDS Year Award at the 2019 British Wills and Probate Awards.

Based in Plymstock, Portcullis Legals provides succession planning advice and support for a range of clients based locally and nationally, and for private clients and business owners.

Export Business – sponsored by International Trade Matters Audax Audax® is a worldwide pioneer in developing Body Worn Video (BWV) technology and collaborated with the UK Home Office in 2006 on a joint project to produce the first-ever BWV standards.

With its headquarters in Plymouth and a satellite office in Brussels, Belgium, this has enabled Audax® to liaise better with its customer base and Global / EU partners.

Barden The Barden Corporation is a world leader in the design and manufacture of super precision ball bearings for challenging and complex applications.

Following HQW Precision’s acquisition of The Barden Corporation (UK) Ltd in June 2019, it has started an exciting new era as Partners in Precision with HQW Precision GmbH. Jointly, the companies take advantage of each other’s strengths, and share best practice, working together to achieve our goal of leading the world in super-precision bearings.

PECO PECO is a plastic injection moulding specialist producing model railway track, kits and accessories for the global model railway market. As well as supplying an established network of retailers in the UK the company also has a mature, but constantly developing, export market, supplying a mixture of specialist wholesale distributors and retailers.

The company exports its products to 35 different countries around the world and is a respected and recognised brand in its field in all markets.

Rising Star – sponsored by The Jockey Club Exeter Racecourse

rising star, particularly in the discipline area of enterprise and entrepreneurship.

In 2017, she was invited to set up the first Marjon Business School at Plymouth Marjon University. Though Emily has now moved on to start her own business, she leaves behind a lasting legacy.

Lorna Gaskin, Imployable Lorna started out as a Marketing Executive apprentice with the innovative Imployable, but quickly progressed to the role of Marketing Manager, dealing with plans and strategy.

Imployable is a career management tool that helps users identify, map and track their way into meaningful employment. The app provides a jobs board for those looking for employment, apprenticeships, training and volunteer work as well as support and guidance.

Ollie Jackman, Taurus Ollie is the sales manager at Taurus Clearer Communication Ltd, an established communications and IT services provider in Exeter that works with a wide range of organisations across the country, predominantly in the South West.

Small Business of the Year – sponsored by Thomas Westcott Chartered Accountants Imployable Imployable launched their innovative App in March 2019 as a completely free and user centric platform for people wanting to manage and transition their career. To get to this stage Imployable raised seed investment, and then in July 2019 it went through a crowdfund, setting £150,000 as a target and subsequently over funded achieving £250,000 allowing the team to focus on ensuring the app was user friendly and worked!

Imployable is for anyone from school to retirement who wants to find where their skills and personality fit into the working world, and to gain those skills and qualifications they don’t already have.

Service Design Solutions SDS is a forward-looking, dynamic construction consultancy specialising in the design of mechanical and electrical engineering systems to buildings.

Based at The Millfields in Plymouth, the firm designs innovative, flexible, energy-efficient solutions to create exceptional environments for living, work or leisure.

Dr Emily Beaumont Emily began working in Higher Education only nine years ago and has continually been identified both internally and externally as a

Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

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CHAMBER AWARDS Valves Online Valves Online is based at Yelverton Business Park and is recognised as one of the leading online valve retailers.

The company offers one of the largest ranges of valves and associated products available to purchase online and over the phone, coupled with a team who can offer technical advice on all products.

Third Sector Campaign – sponsored by Devon & Plymouth Chamber Alexis Bowater PR and comms guru Alexis was highly instrumental in launching the Nancy Astor Statue Appeal to celebrate 100 years of women in Parliament, raise awareness about how the people of Plymouth led the world and how they pivoted western democracy on its head.

Building Plymouth Representing The Road to Mayflower (R2M) Company Ltd, Building Plymouth’s vision is to transform the appearance of Embankment Road, focusing on arrival and departure at Marsh Mills roundabout in order to deliver a world class visitor impression of Britain’s Ocean City for the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower and beyond.

Its crowdfunder approach to delivering the masterplan was a huge success, led by the inspirational Emma Hewitt.

St Luke’s Hospice St Luke’s Elmer’s Big Parade campaign saw author David McKee’s beloved creation Elmer transformed into 40 statues, all painted by talented artists far and wide and sponsored by local organisations.

During summer 2019, Plymothians and visitors were able to seek out the herd of painted elephants dotted around the city, from Royal William Yard to Sutton Harbour and as far north as the railway station.

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Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

Workplace Wellbeing – sponsored by Coralline Health Crowne Plaza A refined Plymouth hotel Crowne Plaza has 211 bedrooms, rebranded from a Holiday Inn in 2017 following a £5.5 million refurbishment. The hotel offers event space for up to 500 guests, has a newly opened spa and leisure club plus a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill on the penthouse floor which boasts the best sea-facing views in Plymouth.

Following the implementation of its Marco Pierre White Restaurant, the hotel not only attracts guests from far and wide but has become a hot spot for the local community wishing to experience what Marco calls ‘affordable glamour’.

Plymouth Citybus Plymouth Citybus runs the largest bus operation in the city travel-to-work area and surrounding communities, carrying more than 16.5 million passenger journeys on 177 buses on routes across Plymouth and Cornwall, providing vital transport links.

The firm’s focus continues to be on supporting its customers, colleagues and the wider community, and it has improved customer satisfaction to a record 93%.

South Devon College

South Devon College is recognised as one of the best learning environments in the country, catering for more than 2,500 16 to 18-year-olds, 1,600 apprentices and 500 university-level students, while supporting more than a thousand businesses.

The fact that more than 70 members of staff have volunteered to become Mental Health First Aiders is testament to the cross-college commitment to ensuring positive workplace wellbeing.

CHAMBER UPDATE

Prepare to see inside The Box Excitement is growing for The Box - and now Plymouth’s new multi-million-pound cultural and heritage attraction has an official grand opening date.

Having postponed its original May 2020 opening due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Box will now open its doors on the weekend of Friday to Sunday, 25-27 September, with a special preview weekend for Plymouth residents who took part in a ballot earlier this year. It will then be open to the public from Tuesday, 29 September. Opening hours will be 10am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday.

Its flagship opening exhibition will be Mayflower 400: Legend And Legacy, the national commemorative exhibition for the Mayflower 400 anniversary and the largest loans exhibition ever staged by the city of Plymouth.

This major exhibition has been co-curated with the Wampanoag Advisory Committee to Plymouth 400 in the USA. Tribal scholars and educators have worked in partnership with curators at The Box to present a Native American view of English colonisation.

The Box is the largest multi-disciplinary arts and heritage space to open in the UK in 2020.

As a key element of Plymouth’s ‘Resurgam’ programme, its launch now symbolises the city’s recovery and sets the direction for positive change in the local economy and life of the city as it moves through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originally three separate buildings, The Box’s ground-breaking design has completely transformed, extended and combined Plymouth’s former City Museum and Art Gallery, Central Library building and St Luke’s Church to create a cutting-edge, interactive cultural centre

with 13 new galleries and exhibition spaces, a striking elevated archive, learning and research facilities and a brand new public square.

In preparation for opening, The Box has put a number of safety and social distancing measures in place to help visitors feel as comfortable as possible.

These include: • Free admission by advance ticket only, with an easy-tofollow booking system (tickets can be booked from 10 September) • Reduced capacity and clearlymarked one-way systems in key areas of circulation • Increased invigilation by staff and volunteers • Hand-sanitising facilities and enhanced cleaning • A temporary reduction in on-site events alongside an enhanced digital offer • In line with Government guidance, the wearing of face coverings will be encouraged for all visitors over 11 years and mandatory in the retail area.

Paul Brookes, Interim CEO, added: “The main focus for our launch preparations is the safety of our visitors and staff and the quality of the access and experience we’ll provide.

“We’re thrilled that we’ve been able to move the dates of our exhibition programme without making any fundamental changes to our vision, and continue to fit out our permanent galleries without making too many compromises.

“With a reduced visitor capacity on-site, those who feel able to come in during our first few weeks will get the chance to enjoy an amazing, almost private-view level experience. We can’t wait to see what people think.”

As well as ‘Mayflower 400: Legend and Legacy’, The Box will feature two more major exhibitions: • Making It: An international contemporary art exhibition featuring newlycommissioned works

by Antony Gormley, Portuguese artist Leonor Antunes and Brazilian artist Alexandre da Cunha.

• Kehinde Wiley: Ship of Fools: Curated in partnership with The Arts Institute at the University of Plymouth and Royal Museums Greenwich, and will present a threechannel film work by American artist Kehinde Wiley in The Levinsky Gallery.

Nine permanent galleries will also showcase The Box’s incredible collections and will include 14 monumental ships’ figureheads, thousands of natural history specimens, a full-sized woolly mammoth replica, paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture and ceramics from the city’s art collections, objects, film and photography from its media collections and documents, maps and plans from its archives.

Admission will be free to all exhibitions and galleries apart from the ‘Mayflower 400: Legend and Legacy’ exhibition. This will be free for Plymouth residents and under-18s, with a small £5 charge for non-Plymouth residents who are over 18.

The Box Kitchen & Bar and The Little Box café will be serving a range of tasty meals and snacks (advance booking recommended). A new shop will also be open and will offer a ‘click and collect’ service for those who want to maximise their time in the galleries and exhibitions or browse online before or after their visit.

A bookable on-site schools service covering a wide range of curriculum topics, and bookable appointments for researchers will also be available from 29 September.

More details about The Box are available at www.theboxplymouth.com

Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

23

MEMBER NEWS

Huge warehouse let to NHS trust

Acting on behalf of one of his long standing clients, Mark Slade of Bruton Knowles, Plymouth office has let 96,000 sqft of warehouse space to the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.

The transaction has taken the best part of two years to complete and as part of the transaction the landlords undertook a major refurbishment of the 1960s built unit that included a complete external ‘strip and reclad’ as well as internal redecoration throughout.

Mark Slade of Bruton Knowles said: “To see this 1960s built unit transformed into what it is now has been a privilege to be a part of, a project such as this doesn’t come along that often, so to finally execute a deal of almost 100,000 sqft of space in the Plymouth area is something our office is very proud of.

“We cannot thank both our client and the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust enough for their vision, belief and tenacity in getting this transaction completed.”

The building will provide greater flexibility and much needed additional space for the hospital, being utilised as office accommodation, training facility and warehousing with the potential to relocate some clinical support services in the future.

The new lease commenced on 1 July.

Michael Underhill said: “We are absolutely delighted with the project, Mark Slade at Bruton Knowles came to us with this occupier almost two years ago and to see it now come to fruition with a long term lease is a truly great result, our sincerest thanks to the team at Bruton Knowles, Stephens and Scown Solicitors in Exeter, Bevan Brittan Solicitors in Bristol and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.”

Shaun Mann, Senior Category Manager for Estates & Facilities at the NHS Trust said: “This facility provides a fantastic long term strategic solution to the NHS in the Plymouth area, we are grateful for the time and effort everyone has put in to bring this matter to a satisfactory conclusion.”

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Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

Teresa won’t let Covid-19 stop her from launching her dream freelance marketing business

When Teresa Metherell left her position as marketing coordinator at an international marine company to fulfil her life-long dream of starting her own freelance marketing business, she had no idea that the country would be locked down just days after due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But in August she became Plymouth’s newest freelance marketer when she opened her consultancy to help small and medium sized organisations to grow and prosper during the challenging times of Covid-19 and beyond.

Teresa’s marketing business is aimed at helping local organisations focus on the day to day running of their businesses while Teresa takes care of their marketing.

She said: “Many smaller businesses lack the time and resources to effectively market their businesses, and often do not know where to start when it comes to marketing.

I can work with them to research, plan, implement and monitor regular marketing activities which will help to raise awareness of their business and help to increase enquiries, sales and customer loyalty”.

Teresa provides a wide range of marketing services including customer and competitor research, SWOT analysis, writing and implementing marketing plans, managing social media and email campaigns, writing content for blogs, press releases, case studies and marketing literature, event organisation, and analysing marketing performance.

Teresa said: “I personally manage all my clients’ projects from start to finish, enabling me to build long-term relationships with them and help them to achieve their marketing objectives with my custom solutions. My marketing is affordable for all businesses and payment is on a pay as you go basis, meaning no astronomical monthly fees or long-term contracts”.

Teresa, who was born, raised and educated in Plymouth, has worked in marketing for a wide range of products and brands across multiple industries including leisure, tourism, marine, oil and gas, renewable energy, industrial, engineering, manufacturing and retail. This experience along with an honours degree in marketing and a diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing mean she is at the top of her game and well versed to work with most types of businesses to help them to grow and thrive in the current tough business and economic environment which Covid-19 has unexpectedly brought along.

Visit www.teresametherell.co.uk or give her a call on 07885 440597.

You are the focus of our business

Here at DFP Health and Wealth we aim to combat both these issues. Our experienced financial advisers will help alleviate the burden of financial pressures. Whether it be saving for the future or make the most of your current circumstances. While our association with a fully qualified and skilled Health Advisor will give you the opportunity to be better informed and make the most of what spare time you have.

Your health, both physically and mentally, is an important part of everyone’s life. A reduction in physical heath is often associated with a lack of time and poor advice. One of the primary contributors to poor mental health is money worries.

Wealth Management Corporate Financial Advice Inheritance Tax Planning Mortgage Advice Investments Family Protection Pensions Advice Tax Planning

t: 01752 500909 e: admin@dfpsolutions.co.uk w: dfphealthandwealth.co.uk DFP Health & Wealth Management Ltd is an appointed representative of Quilter Wealth Limited, who are authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority.

LISTEN

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Well, no. If it was then every business owner would do it. The truth is that most of us struggle to write content and put it off to the last minute.

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Cornerstone Vision has specialised in copywriting for a diverse range of clients, including Sainsbury’s, Agusta Westland and Boots; as well as local high street retailers, respected regional accountants, and charities. We would love to help you with those skills, beginning with a conversation … we listen first.

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WRITE

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Chris Girdler chris@cornerstonevision.com

Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

25

CHAMBER UPDATE

Millions to kickstart Devon

The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP) has announced the 12 projects which will develop business cases to receive funding from the Government’s Getting Building Fund.

HotSW LEP received £35.4m from the national pot of £900m from the Getting Building Fund and has chosen a final list of ‘shovel-ready’ projects from its bid.

Projects were asked to complete a business case by the end of August demonstrating job creation, and that spending will be complete

by March 2022.

The funding is allocated under three headings: Work Hubs and Fit out (£8.7m); Retrofit and Low Carbon (£5.3m) and Individual Projects (£21.4m).

The projects progressing to business case submission, which will support employment, regeneration, skills, innovation and clean energy, are: • Torquay Gateway (£2m) • Concourse Phase 2, Brunel Plaza, Plymouth (£4.17m) • Firepool and Taunton Station Access (£0.4m) • Ilfracombe Watersports Centre (£1.5m) • Burrows Centre, Torridge (£0.4m) • Exeter Bus Station (£0.8m) • Enhancement of Future Skills Centre at Exeter Airport (£1m) • Taunton Digital Innovation Centre (£5.5m)

New centre taking shape

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Welding Centres of Excellence, Plymouth (£0.35m) • Exeter Science Park Grow-out Building (£5m) Green Housing and Business Programme (£5.3m) Work Hubs and Fit-out project (£8.7m)

Projects were selected from a call through Local Authority partners to submit quality assured, ‘shovel-ready’ schemes which would support recovery across the Heart of the South West.

The selection considered areas hit hardest

by Covid-19, and projects which could complete within the timescales for the funding. The final list was agreed with the Government.

Karl Tucker, Chair of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This economic stimulus will help our plans to restart, revitalise and grow our economy.

“Each of the projects will support growth of the local economy and deliver the LEP’s aims. We welcome the Getting Building Fund to start new projects and accelerate projects across the Heart of the South West.

“We recognise that there are still many other important projects that we identified in our area that currently remain unfunded. We will continue to work with the Government to secure future funding to further invest in our recovery pipeline.”

The Northern Devon Enterprise Centre is starting to take shape as construction work on the site continues apace.

With good progress being made, the main building work remains on target to be completed by the end of this year.

The Enterprise Centre is being developed at Devon County Council’s Business Park development at Roundswell,

Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

£55m project under way The first phase of a £55m infrastructure project on the outskirts of Exeter was due to get under way in August.

A series of new infrastructure improvements are needed to help unlock the development of around 2,500 homes, employment land, and a primary and secondary school to the south west of Exeter.

The scheme includes the construction of new roads and junctions, upgrades to existing routes, development of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge and a new public park Contractor Alun Griffiths is constructing the Eastern Junction, and work is expected to be complete by the end of April 2021.

Cllr Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Development and Waste, said: “It’s encouraging to see work starting on these important infrastructure improvements to the south west of Exeter.

“The local economy has been hit extremely hard during the coronavirus pandemic, and this type of scheme will help to ensure a strong recovery for the county.

“This area has been earmarked for major growth in Teignbridge District Council’s Local Plan and Exeter City Council’s Core Strategy, and the delivery of new homes, schools and jobs will rely on the infrastructure being in place to open up the development land.”

near Barnstaple, to provide accommodation for dynamic, high growth, and start-up businesses.

The building has been designed to be environmentally sustainable and includes a series of measures to ensure the building achieves BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Excellent status. Overall reductions of

25% have been achieved on carbon emissions through energy saving measures such as energy efficient lighting, use of natural daylight and enhanced thermal insulation materials.

Once construction has been completed, it is hoped that the environmental and carbon reduction ethos will be adopted by the innovative businesses that the Enterprise Centre will support from early next year.

SURGEON DAVID PAIN FREE AFTER YEARS OF DISCOMFORT Performing highly skilled surgery for hours at a time is a challenging role for anyone; having the added complication of chronic foot pain increased those challenges for surgeon David Chan.

David, a keen walker in his off-duty hours, suffered with forefoot pain for a few years, triggered by walking long distance on holiday wearing less than suitable trainers. Subsequently, he was told he had high arches and was given generic insoles from a high street shop, which he used on and off for a few years.

They did not really help.

His professional life required him to be on his feet for up to eight, uncomfortable hours a day.

“There was always a dull ache, and the pain peaked when I was in surgery,” said David. “I was so focused I would ignore it, but some days I had to ice my feet when I got home.”

The pain also spoiled a holiday at Lake Como, where David spent two days indoors because of it.

“The pain simply became too bad,” said David, “I was desperate.”

An advert in a magazine led him to Foot Solutions in November 2019, where he was given a comprehensive, free foot health assessment, after which a pair of customised arch supports and footwear was recommended.

“I was unsure at first, but the investment into the

right footwear and support has been so worthwhile.

After two to three weeks they relieved the pain completely.”

That was nine months ago, and David has been so impressed by the continued improvement that he now has three pairs of shoes from Foot Solutions – Brooks trainers, work shoes and Merrell hiking boots – and says he would recommend that anyone with foot pain visits the store.

David now performs lifechanging surgery for his patients free from pain, and he can enjoy days out with his wife and their two year old daughter, walking

along the South West coast path and other local routes.

If foot pain is affecting your work and leisure life, give Foot Solutions a call to arrange a COVID-safe appointment where they will carry out a foot health assessment for free, as the first step to finding the best solution for you.

For all your foot health requirements, call 01752 222660 to book your FREE FOOT HEALTH ASSESSMENT.

34 Royal Parade, Plymouth PL1 1DU

t: 01752 222660 Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile 27 www.footsolutionsplymouth.co.uk

CHAMBER UPDATE

News from Plymouth County Council A glimpse at The Box

within a 50-mile radius of the site.

During lockdown, up to 40 people were on site at The Box to reach capital completion.

Wilmott Dixon were awarded their contract based on strong local spend and social value.

This has included 72% of sub-contractor spend from companies with PL Plymouth post codes representing about £10m worth of spend into the local economy.

£10m in sight for big building projects

Protecting and creating over 2,500 construction jobs Building projects that will make a big difference to thousands of families and businesses in Plymouth are to get under way as part of the city’s Resurgam plan to jump-start Plymouth’s economy.

It’s full steam ahead for major schemes designed to help all get around the city easily, regenerate run down areas, create new business space as well as new homes and get the construction industry back to work. The first part of the programme is worth £140.3 million but importantly creates 2,519 construction jobs and 244 permanent jobs.

Topping out at Broadley Park

In the next few weeks new industrial units at Broadley Park will reach a significant milestone with a topping out ceremony and between now and March 2021, Plymouth City Council and its partners will be ticking off an impressive to-do list.

They will: • Complete the fit-out of The Box and open the £46m cultural attraction with 920 construction jobs and 60 permanent jobs • Complete the Eastern Corridor cycle improvements and the Billacombe footbridge The project is worth £5.7m and will lead to 80 construction jobs • Complete the first phase of concourse improvements at Plymouth railway station a £1.2m project creating 20 construction jobs • Start £4.8m highway improvement works at Morlaix Drive creating 67 construction jobs • Complete £6.3m works to the Millbay Boulevard along Bath Street creating 112 construction jobs • Complete improvements to Central Park and other play parks and playing pitches £10.2m, 109 construction jobs • In partnership with Thames Bank, complete the new hotel, retail and student accommodation at the former Derry’s store £60m, 60 permanent jobs, 1,110 construction jobs

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Start work on hybrid units at Plymouth International Medical and Technology Park £3.2m, 56 permanent jobs, 53 construction jobs Start work on Phase 3 of Langage Business Park - £2.9m, 68 permanent jobs, 48 construction jobs

Plymouth City Council is hopeful that up to £10 million is on the way to help exciting construction projects off the ground.

The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership has been allocated over £35 million from the Government’s Getting Building Fund to spend on projects ready to go and £10 million of that is within sight for key Plymouth projects.

The projects chosen will support employment, regeneration, skills and innovation and play an important part of the city’s economic recovery programme, Resurgam.

The projects are: • An additional £4.17 million for Phase 2 of Brunel Plaza/train station concourse development. The city has ambitious plans to transform this gateway, creating a thriving entrance with public realm, office and retail.

A series of phased developments is planned including modernising and refreshing the concourse. Phase 1 of the concourse entails moving and expanding the ticket gateline.

Phase 2 is about enhancing the look of the concourse and providing better facilities for visitors and passengers.

• £1.9 million for City Business Park in Stoke to help fund a new sustainable building providing 10,000 square feet of flexible workspace for start-ups and businesses looking to expand.

• £1.03 million for Plymouth Science Park towards development of a new health technology innovation centre to drive the growth of the health tech sector. The hub will support businesses, becoming a focal point between them, the University of Plymouth’s world class research and the University Hospital’s Plymouth NHS Trust.

• £350,000 to refurbish the welding facilities at City College Plymouth. There is currently high demand for skilled welders across the South West and the funding will enable the college to double the number of welding bays and specialist trainers.

Plymouth City Council Leader, Tudor Evans said: “These are big projects that all help to support Plymouth’s economic recovery. Our infrastructure investment programme is a rolling programme of £75m a year and for every million we bring in another £1,125,000 of external money.

“It’s crucial that we keep going, not just for the jobs they create now, but the opportunities they open up further along the road.”

The Council has been reviewing its projects to make sure they have the right support to progress or accelerate whilst keeping the workforce and the community safe. Some of the big investment projects were able to continue through the lock down, thanks to rigorous measures introduced by contractors to ensure workers remain safe on site.

Contractors Balfour Beatty were able to keep the Forder Valley Link Road construction site open by finding alternative suppliers and other resources to avoid time delays - despite the pandemic, this major project is still on target.

This new transport link between the A38 and Derriford had 70 construction staff on site by June with a further nine working off site. A total of 19 supply chain contractors are involved with almost 60% of the spending with contractors from Devon and Cornwall.

Other projects The new vision for Plymouth Railway Station that continued Brunel Plaza through lockdown were Oceansgate - which had the first virtual topping out ceremony in the country to mark Phase Two of the work. Over the lockdown an average of 30 people were employed on site which rose to 52 during June.

It used 23 local contractors based

Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

CHAMBER UPDATE Frankfort Gate to get flowered up Plymouth’s West End is going to get a splash of colour and is set to become a place to stay and play as part of a package of improvement works.

Frankfort Gate will be transformed into a family friendly space, creating an attractive gateway into the West End and Plymouth Market and provide more space for events. Work will include: • Providing a colourful soft play surface for children • Refurbished and colourful seating • New planting within raised tree surrounds to give a splash of colour • New street lighting, new power points for events and feature ornamental lighting both within and around the new tree surrounds • Planting and other environmental works will also take place in Market Avenue and Cornwall Street.

The work is a joint project by Plymouth City Council and the City Centre Company and is designed to create a more vibrant feel to an area that is already seeing more people sit out and enjoy the cafes that are now open there.

New network could give Plymouth the edge Plans are in motion to make Plymouth the home of marine and maritime innovation, with a new network of high-speed mobile data connectivity across Plymouth Sound and 12 miles of the surrounding coastal waters.

Plymouth City Council is making a bid for £1.8 million of capital funding to create the network, which would be freely available to qualifying organisations undertaking research and development.

Smart Sound Plymouth is a proving area for designing, testing and developing cutting edge products and services for the advanced marine sector. It’s run by the Marine Business Technology Centre, a partnership between the Council, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, the University of Plymouth, the University of Exeter and the Marine Biological Association.

The new connectivity would enable Smart Sound Plymouth to become the UK’s Centre of Excellence for advanced marine prototyping, testing and certification.

division. From our HQ at Plymouth Science Park we are already establishing key relationships within the local defence sector and anticipate being further involved in the proposed Phase 3 innovation centre.”

Oceansgate has transformed disused Ministry of Defence land into a thriving hub for marine and maritime businesses.

Keeping procurement local

First tenant announced The first tenant for the second phase of Plymouth City Council’s Oceansgate development, which is on course to be completed in December, has been announced.

ESL Group is moving its Space and Defence Solutions (SDS) division to a new industrial unit at the city’s marine Enterprise Zone. Other divisions of the ESL Group will remain in their headquarters at Plymouth Science Park.

ESL SDS produces solutions for the defence, security and maritime industries and is developing a new product called EMprotect, which provides an emergency response and counter-terrorism functionality.

ESL Group Chairman, Russ Cole, said: “I am delighted to be taking a unit at Oceansgate which will be used by our Space and Defence Solutions

People are being encouraged to take part in the ‘2020 Plymouth Workplace Walking Challenge September’.

Join the many businesses, companies and organisations across the city for this month-long workplace walking challenge, which starts on Monday, September 7, and has plenty of wellbeing prizes up for grabs.

Steptember is being delivered by Active Devon and Livewell Southwest, working in partnership with Plymotion and Plymouth City Council.

Whether you are back at work or working from home, you can still create a team of colleagues, track and log your daily steps, climb the leaderboard and be in with a chance of winning some great prizes. Plus, there will be fun weekly challenges with lots of extra prizes on offer.

Plymouth City Council has refreshed its contract standing orders - its procurement bible - to make it simpler for local businesses to bid for contracts.

The Council recently launched its ‘Spend 4 Plymouth’ initiative to keep the pound in Plymouth as much as possible and to make sure the authority’s spending benefits Plymouth, its people as well as its environment.

This is part of the Council’s Resurgam COVID-19 economic recovery plan to reduce the impact of the pandemic and to deliver a more equal, sustainable and prosperous city.

The programme looks at what the Council can do to protect jobs and help the city’s residents and it has already set a target of increasing by 10 per cent any spend on Plymouth goods, services or works over the next two years.

The Council is in the process of reviewing its policies and procedures to make sure they are flexible, efficient and local-supplier friendly. It has refreshed its Contract Standing Orders - part of its constitution that sets out the rules for procuring goods, services and works.

Organisers want to know all about your walks and how you are increasing your steps in and around Plymouth. Extra prizes this year include a ‘Wellbeing Champion’ accolade for the best Steptember workplace campaign. Let them know how you will be promoting your campaign and send over your team photos.

There are so many health and wellbeing benefits to walking - and this an ideal opportunity to get your team feeling healthier and happier. Plus active travel is great for our environment.

Sign up your colleagues and get ready to walk!

Register your interest here: https://www.activedevon.org/steptember/

Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

29

MAYFLOWER 400

New dates for Mayflower 400 programme revealed Mayflower 400 has announced new dates for key events within its event and culture programme that will now relaunch from this August and run through to July 2021.

Following the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown, the main national programme, supported by Arts Council England, has started in Southampton with Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America, a national touring exhibition curated by The Box, Plymouth, about the continuing search for a lost treasure of indigenous America.

This will be followed with an online documentary presented by wellknown TV historian Dan Snow on 16 September, marking exactly 400 years to the day since the Mayflower ship set sail from Plymouth.

The documentary will reflect the story of the Pilgrims’ journey, its impact on the Native American people who helped them when they first arrived and the wider colonial context of this journey. It will also include a look at some of the cultural projects involved in the programme.

The Mayflower 400 programme will then run through to 2021 culminating with a Four Nations Commemoration Ceremony in Plymouth involving the USA, Netherlands, UK and Wampanoag nations on 11 July next year.

The anniversary programme will importantly involve representatives from the Wampanoag nation who will tell their side of this story in their own words for the first time, having been censored or not included in previous anniversaries.

The Mayflower 400 programme includes: Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America New touring dates: the exhibition, curated by The Box, will tour to: SeaCity Museum, Southampton 15 August to 18 October 2020 Guildhall Art Gallery, London 8 January to 14 February 2021 The Box, Plymouth 15 May to Sat 19 July 2021

120 citizens of Plymouth, UK and 30 members of the Native American Wampanoag Tribe from Massachusetts, USA, This Land is the story of what happened then and what it means to us now. Witness the making of history with this unique and vital piece of theatre, which brings together communities from both sides of the Atlantic.

Directed by Alan Lane and produced by Theatre Royal Plymouth, it also features text by Nick Stimson and songs written and performed by Seth Lakeman

Mayflower 400 year anniversary

‘Roots Up!’ by Street Factory

16 September 2020 The anniversary day will see a 60 minute online programme presented by history expert Dan Snow available on the History Hits channel and also via the Mayflower 400 website.

Barbican and the Hoe 22 May 2021 A bold and contemporary mass street dance on Plymouth Hoe aiming to get people from all walks of life participating in this representation of the Mayflower 400 values, led by the award-winning Street Factory hiphop group in Plymouth

Mayflower 400: Legend & Legacy The Box, Plymouth 29 Sept 2020 to 18 Sept 2021 Legend & Legacy will be the largest commemorative Mayflower exhibition in history and will include over 300 objects.

The exhibition has been co-curated by The Box, Plymouth with the Wampanoag Native American Advisory Committee.

This Land Theatre Royal Plymouth April 2021 Theatre Royal Plymouth will stage its firstever international community production, titled This Land. Created and performed by

30

Mayflower International Festival including Mayflower Four Nations Ceremony 8 to 11 July 2021 The key events that would have formed Mayflower Week, originally due to take place in September 2020, have moved to next July 2021 and comprise: • Rehabilitation Triathlon hosted by the Royal Marines: 8 July 2021 • Mayflower Military Muster: 10 July 2021 • Mayflower Four Nations Ceremony: 11 July 2021

Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

The main ceremony on 11 July will involve an exciting major public event on Plymouth Hoe including a 1,000 voice choir, the full orchestra of the Band of HM Royal Marines Plymouth, a depiction of the Mayflower story and representation from the four nations – UK, USA, Netherlands and for the first time, the Wampanoag nation.

Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council, Pete Smith, said: “It’s been an extraordinarily challenging year, but we’re delighted to be able to carry so much of the Mayflower 400 commemorative programme into 2021. A huge amount of work has already gone into all of these events, so it’s fantastic that locals and visitors will still be able to enjoy what is an impressively varied and creative programme throughout the next year.

“The finale will be the spectacular Mayflower Four Nations Public Ceremony on the Hoe; it’s going to be an unmissable event which brings together all four nations involved to reflect on the Mayflower story.”

Adrian Vinken OBE, Chair of Mayflower 400, says: After all the recent uncertainty I’m delighted that we’re finally in a position to confirm the key elements of the Mayflower 400 programme starting now and taking us through to next July. We look forward to people across the country engaging with these remarkably diverse activities and the raft of other smaller Mayflower community projects based on the voyage and its many impacts.”

MAYFLOWER 400

Explore Plymouth with new interactive map A new interactive app featuring self-guided walking trails throughout Plymouth is now available to download, giving visitors and locals alike the chance to explore the city through new eyes and discover more about its complex history.

The Plymouth Trails app is free to download and includes three new tailored trails: Mayflower Trail: Following a circular route around the Barbican, see the buildings and meet the people that shaped the city in 1620, when the Mayflower ship and its passengers set sail for America.

City Centre Trail: Discover a different side to the imposing post-war architecture in the city centre and learn more about how the city was rebuilt following the Blitz during World War II. Plymouth Hoe Trail: Enjoy a walk along the coast as you delve into Plymouth’s maritime history, taking in key landmarks such as Tinside Lido and Smeaton’s Tower.

By utilising new technologies, the app allows users to overlay video and images onto the landscape in front of them to

experience a ‘then and now’ snapshot of the city.

The Mayflower Trail has been created as part of the Mayflower 400 commemorations which will now continue into 2021. It boasts a physical presence in the form of bronze monoliths along the route helping to guide visitors and providing more information.

The new trails were made possible thanks to financial support from Plymouth City Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Great Western Railway, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, Mayflower 400 and the General Society of Mayflower Descendants.

The app also hosts partner trails that are free for people to follow. This includes the American Tree Trail from Plymouth Tree Partnership which runs from Drake’s reservoir through the city centre to the Barbican, stopping at trees and sites with an American association.

You can download the app now on Android or iOS. As well as English, the app and core trails are also available in French, Spanish and German.

Tracing history in Dartmouth A Mayflower trail has been created in Dartmouth to tell local stories about the Devon town’s connection to the Pilgrims and their voyage to America in 1620.

Dartmouth is one of 12 locations across the UK to be involved in the Mayflower 400 programme and, as a founding partner, Dartmouth Mayflower 400 is aiming to raise the town’s profile as a historical place to visit.

Visitors will be able to imagine life in Dartmouth when the Mayflower and Speedwell were moored in the River Dart; discover the long and rich history of this seafaring town and enjoy some breath-taking views along the routes.

Dartmouth Mayflower 400 has built three permanent Mayflower Heritage Trails in and around the town that promise to be a lasting legacy and will be enjoyed for

How to get on board Four hundred years ago the Mayflower sailed from Plymouth to North America.

Mayflower 400 will engage audiences to look beyond what they think they know about the history and context and legacy of the Mayflower voyage, embracing and fore-fronting the challenging aspects, colonialisation and all it entails.

This will be a Four Nations commemoration, giving equal standing to the Wampanoag, the UK, US and Netherlands.

It will highlight the untold stories, including

and showcasing projects that look at the experiences of different ethnic groups. The programme includes and welcomes projects that explore migration, colonialism and the role of women. Throughout, it values challenge and aspiration, informing our future by looking to our past.

The Mayflower 400 sponsorship offer has been refreshed to include opportunities right across the programme. This includes overarching sponsorship such as becoming a Friend of Mayflower 400, supporting

years to come: The Town Trail, the Packhorse Trail and the Castle Trail.

Specially designed way markers show the route of the Town Trail, and interpretation panels provide information about key areas of the town.

Leaflets for all three trails are available at the Visitor Centre, plus a children’s Quiz and Activity booklet for the Town trail. They can also be downloaded from the website, as well as a self-guided app for smartphones. Town guides have undergone training to take groups around the trails.

Lindsay Ellwood, Education & Heritage Trail Lead, says: “Building these trails has been very interesting and sometimes challenging. I have had a strong team working with me – Gail Ham, Claire Humpage, Sarah Adolphus and Penny Noble – who have worked incredibly hard and have been fantastic.

“The team has worked with some very talented people, who have created wonderful way markers and produced attractive interpretation panels.”

Find out more about the Mayflower 400 Self Guided Tour App here: www. mayflower400uk.org/visit/app Find out more about the Trail project here www. dartmouthmayflower400.uk/ dartmouth-walking-trail

individual events and projects within the cultural, sport and wellbeing and education programmes, or even revitalising our green spaces.

It’s been designed to help businesses make the most of this exciting moment for Plymouth, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch and to find the right fit for your company.

Sponsorship starts from £1,000, advertising from £275 and get in touch to discuss inkind offers and free ways to support the programme. Contact Sarah Walters at sarah. walters@plymouth.gov.uk for more details and to download the Sponsorship Brochure.

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SECTOR FOCUS: LEGAL

SECTOR FOCUS

THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE REGION’S LEADING SECTORS

Is your business ready for Covid-19 testing?

Russell Moore, Legal Director at Ashfords LLP, on how to make sure your business is ready for testing

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which is the UK’s data protection regulator, has issued Guidance which employers need to follow if conducting COVID-19 testing in the workplace.

With many workplaces now open again, and many others implementing plans and procedures for a phased return, it is important that employers understand how to conduct COVID testing in a way which complies with Data Protection rules and principles.

Remember – by carrying out COVID testing, you will be processing data about people’s health. That data will be classed as “special category data”, which attracts a higher degree of protection than regular personal data. This is due to its sensitive nature and the greater potential for harm if there is a data breach or misuse of the data.

What should you do now?

If you are considering COVID testing, you should: •

Conduct a data protection impact assessment to assess the risks involved with collecting and storing health data – doing so will help to fulfil the Data Protection “accountability principle”, and demonstrate that you are taking responsibility for compliance with Data Protection law.

•

Confirm specifically what purpose you are trying to achieve by conducting the health testing. For example, is the aim to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace itself, to limit transmission to the wider public in public-facing roles, or specifically to protect more vulnerable groups of society? This will involve an assessment of what different job roles entail and who an employee will interact with in the ordinary course of business.

•

Confirm whether the testing is necessary to achieve the intended purpose. This will involve an assessment of factors such as whether employees can safely practice social distancing whilst performing their job role. Additionally, have you considered whether there are any alternative, less intrusive, measures that would achieve the same aim?

What alternative measures could employers take?

Health testing may be appropriate in certain circumstances, but in many cases it will be possible to implement alternative measures: •

Adapt: Consider changes that could reasonably and lawfully be made to a person’s job role or day-to-day tasks, to enable them to practise social distancing.

•

Work smart: If it is possible for employees to work from home, consider continuing to do this or alternatively implementing an office rota to reduce the number of employees in the office at a given time.

•

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Plan: Implement robust procedures which set out when employees should and should not come into work, depending on whether they have experienced symptoms, and who they have come into contact with. This will ensure that employees understand what is expected of them.

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If you determine that health testing is appropriate, you should consider how you could limit the scope of the testing. For example, you could limit the types of health data that you collect, or you might decide only to test certain higher-risk roles, such as people who cannot socially distance, or people with public-facing roles.

What lawful basis should employers rely on if they have a good reason to conduct health testing?

The ICO have confirmed: • for private or public sector employers, their legitimate interests are likely to be the applicable lawful basis for conducting health testing; and •

public authorities carrying out their public sector functions will likely be able to rely on the testing being necessary to perform a task in the public’s interest.

If you are seeking to rely on your legitimate interests, we recommend conducting an impact assessment. This will allow you to evaluate whether the testing is a necessary and proportionate means of achieving the aim, and therefore whether it is possible for you to rely on the “legitimate interests” lawful basis.

Article 9 conditions As health data is “special category data”, a data controller also needs to be able to identify an Article 9 condition for processing.

The ICO has indicated that the “employment condition” will be applicable.

Under the Data Protection Act 2018, this means that employers will also need to have an appropriate policy document in place to provide information, such as how it will act in compliance with the core data processing principles under the GDPR, and how long the health data will be retained for.

What else do you need to do?

•

Store it safely: keep the health data you collect secure, and restrict access to only personnel who need access to it.

•

Keep it accurate: ensure that all records are kept accurate and up-to-date and that robust retention policies are implemented.

•

Update privacy notices: provide tailored and specific privacy notices to employees, to ensure that they understand how their health data will be collected and processed.

•

Look out for guidance: consider industry and trade specific guidance which is being regularly updated, as this may impact whether or not it is advisable to implement a symptom check or testing regime.

SECTOR FOCUS: LEGAL

Getting ready for EORI changes As December approaches, Andy Braithwaite of Ashfords LLP, advises on whether you’ll need an EORI number to trade in Europe If the United Kingdom leaves the European Union without a deal on December 31, 2020 then you will need to make sure you have a UK EORI number for your business to continue trading in the EU.

What is an EORI number?

You currently need an EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number to trade goods with countries who are based outside of the European Union or if you are based outside of the European Union and wish to trade goods with the UK. However, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal then you will also need a UK EORI number to trade with the EU after December 31 if: • Your main business is established in Great Britain, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man; and •

You will import or export goods with the EU from December 31.

Having an EORI number will allow you to make an Entry Summary Declaration or Exit Summary Declaration where you do not normally supply normal import or export declarations so that you can continue to trade goods into or out of the UK. You will also be able to submit declarations using software (or to give to your agent to make these declarations on your behalf) and apply to be authorised for customs simplifications and procedures.

You will not need an EORI number if you will only import or export services which do not involve moving physical goods, or goods with Ireland across the Northern IrelandIreland border (although it should be noted that this aspect is subject to change based upon how the arrangements of trading with Ireland are finalised – there will then be further government guidance on this).

If you already have an EORI number, you should check that it starts with “GB”. If yours doesn’t start with “GB”, you should apply for a new EORI number before 31st December 2020.

How do I apply?

The type of form you need to fill in will depend on whether you are VAT registered, exporting or importing. You will also need to apply using an alternative route if you make customs declarations yourself through systems like CHIEF, NES or NCTS. If you are part of a group structure then the business parent or holding company must apply on your behalf.

You may receive your EORI immediately, but it can also take up to five working days by email if HMRC need to undertake further checks. As we get closer to the end of the year it is likely there will be delays as traffic through the system increases, so you should apply in good time. You can then provide the EORI number to your courier or freight forwarder to use when making customs declarations on your behalf.

If details such as your business name, address or VAT number change you will need to contact the government EORI team to update.

If you no longer require the EORI number or wish to add or remove yourself from the public EORI checker (for example if a deal negating the need for one is agreed) then you will also need to notify the EORI team.

To find out more, or to make your application you should go to the Government EORI page here: www.gov.uk/eori

NEW APPOINTMENT Rebecca Brisley Novum Law The introduction of a new, serious personal injury service in Plymouth is an important development for Novum Law as it looks to grow its expert legal advice services throughout the South of England and further afield.

Novum Law’s Plymouth office, based in Argosy House on Longbridge Road, welcomes Associate Solicitor, Rebecca Brisley.

Rebecca, who joins from Wolferstans Solicitors, where she worked as an Associate Solicitor for three years, will head up the serious personal injury team.

She will offer legal advice and support to people severely harmed in road traffic accidents, work incidents, accidents in the line of duty, sports accidents, and accidents in public or private places.

Rebecca has always lived and worked in Plymouth and is a University of Plymouth law graduate.

She has 15 years’ experience of working in personal injury law and is well-known for her empathetic approach.

Find out more by visiting the Novum Law website: https://www. novumlaw.com/

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SECTOR FOCUS: FINANCE

Autumn beckons for business finance

You have taken your Bounce Back or CBILS loan but what next?

Tim Jones of Start Point Finance explains.

The acceptance rate and number of Bounce Back loans was incredibly high and perhaps one of the best mechanisms for business survival that HMG and the Treasury introduced to counter the unprecedented economic downturn.

For some a cash injection of up to £50k will be sufficient – but what if you need more? The next step up of CBILS for larger loans could still available to you but you need to be quick. You can still apply for up to 25% of your 2019 turnover but you will have to pay back your Bounce Back loan when you receive the funds.

If your own bank won’t help you can apply to a wide range of alternative providers which are available via the British Business Bank website or contact a Commercial Finance Broker locally. The interest rate may be slightly higher but if you need the funds you also benefit from restarting the 12 month payment holiday.

Preserving working capital will be the priority for most businesses as they navigate their way through their specific market conditions to a prolonged cash positive position. Established financial products such as asset finance may now be worth considering to help reduce the cash burn.

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Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

Paying for a hard asset such as a vehicle over its use is common place but the same principle can be applied to soft assets like an office refurbishment or IT including software. The key is to arrange the facility in advance so that the funder pays the supplier direct. Financing an IT project is relatively easy when new but much more difficult to do retrospectively as it is perceived to be a cash raising exercise and subject to tougher scrutiny.

As the commercial finance market readjusts articulating your company’s current financial position is even more important.

Most lenders still have a significant portion of their asset finance portfolio on COVID 19 forbearance arrangements and granting new credit has become more difficult as a result. Having up to date Management Accounts and even better a projection will help reduce the interest rate you will pay. It is still a competitive market so shopping around makes sense as that fixed rate will make a difference to the bottom line.

Working effectively with your accountant therefore has never been more important to fully understand the implications of those management decisions.

We are already seeing a reduction in finance availability so some strategic planning around future requirement makes sense. The most valuable security in a business dealing with other companies is the sales ledger as this is the closest asset to cash.

Often this is given up as security without getting the best value in terms of amount of working capital and interest cost. Invoice finance is fast becoming more the norm with many businesses using a confidential facility instantly accessing a large percentage of their sales with the end client unaware of the transaction. The interest rates should reflect the value of the security and the software should make the process as simple as internet banking.

If you are currently on a trajectory that will need a working capital injection now is the time to look at strategic changes and the consequential finance requirements.

Clearly many markets have changed as a result of the pandemic and ignoring the impact could be very risky indeed.

SECTOR FOCUS: FINANCE

If ever cash was king, it’s now Adam Croney from Thomas Westcott on the ways you can make sure you don’t fall foul of failing cashflow Cashflow is a such a basic that almost all businesses will say they understand its importance, but people often struggle with the tangible actions they need to take to effectively manage it, especially if a change in circumstances places them in a situation they are unfamiliar with.

It would be fair to say we’re in one of those periods right now and never before has the old adage, ‘turnover is vanity, profit is sanity, cash is king’, been more relevant.

As we come out of lockdown, businesses may have had very different experiences.

Some may have been busy while others have been effectively closed and are starting up again.

But how is their supply chain working and at what capacity? What about customers?

Will the business, their customers and suppliers simply slip straight back into a normal trading pattern? For many, unlikely I would say. And will they be prepared, or even able, to work with the same payment terms as previously?

Notwithstanding the government schemes and support during the pandemic, businesses need to ensure their current commercial arrangements will continue. Will creditors extend the same level of credit against goods and services? Can you assume the overdraft that simply rolled over at every renewal will do so again, and what would you do if it didn’t?

Many businesses are understandably profit focussed but now is the time to pay greater attention to your balance sheet. Think what stock do I have, is it the right stock and how much cash is tied up in it? How quickly after spending cash can you get that cash back in the door – and can you shorten that cycle?

You might want to change the way you quote and be wary of big batch sales and extending considerable goodwill and generous payment terms, which while great for the P&L might leave you in a tight cash position. It’s not about the end result either – ‘they always pay’ – or the risk of debtors failing. For your balance sheet and solvency, it is more about timing.

distress. This starts with conducting an overarching review of your debtors and continually monitoring. Be mindful of what is normal, for example in payment patterns. Unusual, or a change in behaviour, could be a warning sign.

more data becomes available. This should go along with a 13-week detailed forecast, continually updated and learning from those actuals so over time you get better at forecasting.

•

Work hard on your communications and in understanding and working with your supply chain. It’s too easy to say we’ll protect cashflow by delaying payments to suppliers, but if everyone did that things would quickly grind to a halt. Your late payment could tip a key supplier over the edge and where would that leave your own ability to trade?

Similarly, undue pressure on a debtor could be the final straw for them.

•

Capital plans should be reviewed and updated post Covid. How much cash has been allocated towards these? How much capital is already committed? Do the plans, or their timing, still make sense?

•

Think about your costs.

Early lockdown, people were looking to cut costs, and quickly. Now is the time to be thinking is there anything else that can be done to change costs, or creative solutions to making processes more efficient.

•

And finally, forecasts.

Everyone should have a strategic cashflow forecast that goes out at least 12 months. Yes, there will be unknowns but that doesn’t stop you forecasting using estimates and constantly updating and revising as

Adam Croney is based in Thomas Westcott’s Plymouth office. Over the last decade, he has supported a diverse mix of clients, from charities and not-for-profits to owner-managed businesses and large listed groups. He has extensive experience of providing a full range of accounting and tax compliance, support and advisory services enabling his clients to stay safe and get one-step ahead – often growing through adversity. www.thomaswestcott.co.uk

So, how do we shorten that cycle, get cash in and protect the cash that we have?

•

•

Firstly, by making it easy. For example, you might want to incentivise customers by giving them prompt payment discounts.

Secondly, watch out for customers in

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SECTOR FOCUS: SKILLS

What next for apprenticeships?

Sharron Robbie, Managing Director of the Devon and Cornwall Training Provider Network, explains why apprenticeships are more relevant to employers than ever in a year of upheaval When the Chancellor delivered his Summer Statement, he placed skills and jobs at the heart of the country’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

A raft of incentives were introduced to support training providers, employers and individuals in order to ensure that access to skills and training could continue.

In particular, apprenticeships were highlighted as being critical to future growth and productivity, as well as providing opportunities for young people to enter the work of work.

Traditionally May to August is a busy time of the year for apprenticeship recruitment, but with the advent of C-19 we are seeing a fall in apprenticeship vacancies by some 50% compared with this time last year.

The Government is keen to encourage businesses to continue to recruit apprentices - hence the introduction of employer financial incentives to support this.

These additional incentives are available to employers between August and January 2021.

Although numbers are currently down, we are beginning to see green shoots in apprenticeship vacancies across the South West with new vacancies being advertised daily on the Government Find an Apprenticeship site https://www.gov.uk/applyapprenticeship.

Sectors where we are seeing an increase in apprenticeship recruitment are: • Health and social care including nursing • IT and digital • Construction • Logistics • Business including accountancy and legal services It appears employers in the South West recognise the benefits of apprenticeships. Increased productivity, being able to ‘grow your own’, succession planning and access to government funding are reasons why.

In addition, apprenticeships are a great way to access those higher-level skills so required by employers. With the introduction of degreelevel apprenticeships in a wide range of job roles, employers can now offer clear progression routes for their workforce thus attracting high-calibre staff and supporting staff retention.

In a recent survey 86% of employers said apprenticeships developed skills relevant to their organisation and 78% reported improved productivity.

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Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

Here in the South West businesses have a strong tradition of using the apprenticeship programme to support business growth and development – from ship building to renewable energy, from farming to nursing, and from aerospace to digital design, businesses have invested in apprenticeships to build highly skilled and motivated workforces.

However, for those employers not currently able to recruit an apprentice there are other options available – traineeships.

These enable businesses to gain an extra pair of hands, whilst allowing them to give something back to the community and being able to work trial an individual – they are the perfect fit and also attract a government incentive.

Many see traineeships as acting as a pre-apprenticeship programme as many trainees go on to take up an apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships have moved on from what they used to be and are an exciting option for both apprentice and employer. Apprentices can be employed at all different levels, from school leavers to people who want to further their careers or change career direction completely. An apprentice can be aged 16 or 100 plus!

I represent a vibrant, responsive and agile training provider sector, one that is committed to supporting industry, one that has in these challenging times gone the extra mile to ensure employers still have access to the skills they need, and that learners have been supported and kept on programme through the use of innovative teaching and assessment methods.

If you would like to find out more on how apprentices can support your business or you would like to discuss how your organisation can get involved with traineeships please contract Sharron Robbie, MD of the Devon & Cornwall Training Provider Network. sharron.robbie@ trainingprovider.com

SECTOR FOCUS: SKILLS

Apprenticeships can fuel the recovery As businesses re-emerge from lockdown, City College Plymouth’s Director of Marketing, Business Engagement & Apprenticeships, Pauline Hands, sets out her vision of how further education can play a role in the region’s recovery.

While running along the Hoe and through the Barbican last week, it was impossible not to notice the buzz that is now returning to our wonderful city.

The restaurants, cafes and bars were filled with families and couples enjoying meals out and supporting these vital local businesses.

It was also heartening to see the many shoppers going about their activities undeterred by the guidance surrounding masks. It fills me with great hope for our great city, but I know we are still some way from turning the COVID-19 corner.

Not long after the Government announced its summer statement, Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson, spoke in an online video highlighting how essential further education establishments are to not

only the nation’s recovery, but to ensuring a generation of young people aren’t left behind.

In this video, Mr Williamson calls time on the notion that higher education is the superior alternative. Both serve a purpose and are of equal importance, but for those who have been in further education for some time, it was pleasing to see FE seeing more attention.

It was fantastic to see the Government further acknowledge the power of apprenticeships and the offer of financial support for employers who recruit during this period is further testament to the benefits an apprentice can bring to a business and, in turn, the impact they have on the wider economy.

The deadline for apprenticeship frameworks provided the College with the perfect opportunity to really look closely at its Apprenticeship provision through the most critical of eyes. The team was able to identify the areas of training that are of most benefit to the local economy and work towards reducing the skills gap. This review isn’t static though, it is ongoing; if your needs change, our provision will change, too.

All new apprentices will now receive their training as directed by the appropriate standard. Standards have been designed in consultation with employers to ensure training providers are equipping apprentices with the skills that are not only required now

but will encourage future growth.

I know many hear the word apprentice and still think the term only really applies to a number of professions, but apprenticeships now cover such a breadth of industries, there are many areas to have not yet utilised this method of bringing onboard new talent or retraining valued members of staff.

The real beauty of apprenticeships is that they provide employers with a hands-on opportunity to carve a workforce that fits their vision. While the training provider helps the apprentice to acquire the very latest industry skills, the employer is still in charge of the overall development of an apprentice.

There are scores of reports that highlight the financial benefits that apprentices bring to a company, and with the promise of up to £3,000 in funding for each apprentice hired (depending on their age and subject to conditions) between now and the end of January, it makes great business sense to explore this option now.

The College is pleased to still be offering high-quality Apprenticeship training to those industries that are traditionally more associated with this earn-while-youlearn route, but we have also added to our provision to include Apprenticeships in healthcare, the creative industries and education.

I want to end this article with an invitation to all employers to engage in conversation with us. The Business Engagement team aims to make City College Plymouth a one-stop shop for training provision, and through a noobligation conversation, you can only help us to further understand the needs of our local business community.

Contact the College’s Business Engagement team on 01752 305026 or e-mail employers@cityplym.ac.uk

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SECTOR FOCUS: CHARITY

New gym and spin studio

A new state-of-the art immersive spin studio and high-spec gym are to be built at the 70s sports centre in Plymouth, with the aim of tackling health inequalities.

Local charity YMCA Plymouth is set to launch the first phase of a bold regeneration project at their Honicknowle Lane facility built in 1974. The phase one plans include an enhanced gym, refurbished changing rooms and an innovative ‘immersive’ spin studio.

The development has been given the go-ahead thanks to a nearly half-millionpound investment from Postcode Innovation Trust, thanks to funding raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and social impact investors Resonance.

The good news comes amid unprecedented times for the YMCA, whose centre has now been closed for more than three months due to the ongoing nationwide restrictions for gyms and leisure centres.

Tom Lavis, Director of Business Development at YMCA Plymouth, said: “We are extremely excited to have been given the green-light for this much needed regeneration of our centre - especially at a time when good news can feel in short supply. Importantly, this isn’t a bid or an

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ambition, but a development project we’re actually ready to begin building.

“We’re very grateful that players of People’s Postcode Lottery and Resonance have backed us, and both share our vision to tackle local health inequalities, by providing high-quality and importantly affordable provision at our facility.

“This development will be a major boost to our community, particularly in expanding our work for disadvantaged groups and people with cardiac conditions.”

Leila Sharland, Senior Investment Manager at Resonance, said of the investment: “In these difficult times, we are proud to support YMCA Plymouth in their mission to benefit the whole city.

“We are particularly pleased that the investment from our Health and Wellbeing Challenge Fund will contribute to improving cardiac health via new facilities such as the immersive spinning studio.”

The new immersive spin studio will comprise a number of spin exercise bikes, a state-of-the-art cinematic curved screen and advanced audio system; all designed to provide users with an exhilarating immersive experience while burning calories.

An expanded gym with cutting-edge equipment will also be installed in a newly kitted out fitness suite. This will not only

Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

improve the workouts of more than 1,000 members, but also enable the YMCA to grow its successful cardiac rehabilitation services and health provision for vulnerable groups.

The development is set to be only the first phase of a wider regeneration project at the facility according to Tom, who added: “We have ambitious plans to go beyond what we’re announcing today.

“We’re much more than just a sport or leisure centre.

As an independent charity here in Plymouth, we exist to support young people and our community’s health, education and family needs.

“For example, many people are surprised to learn that we train over 180 young people here each week at our Discovery College.

As well as this, we support hundreds of local families through our disability sessions, play activities and more.

“We have bold plans, and this is just a first step. We look forward to announcing more in the near future.”

“This development will be a major boost to our community”

CHAMBER FEATURE SECTOR FOCUS: INTERNATIONAL TRADE

No more transition at the UK Border

By Liam Smyth, ChamberCustoms @chambercustoms

www.chambercustoms.co.uk

The UK left the European Union on 31st January 2020, and the transition period comes to an end in December this year. It is vital that businesses take action now to get ready for a new border operating environment from 1st January 2021.

Until the new border operating model was published on 12th July, we could only speculate on how goods would be controlled at our borders once we left the EU. It’s now clear – and the new model brings this into stark reality – that businesses need to prepare for a significantly higher level of customs declarations and associated administration.

It candidly states ‘customs declarations are complicated’.

Declaration volumes will grow from 55 million now, to almost 300 million next year. The cost to business is estimated at around £7bn per annum, and the customs intermediary market lacks the necessary capacity to deal with the increase.

The detail New border procedures for importing

and exporting goods to and from the EU will be in place. Traders importing ‘standard goods’ – covering everything from clothes to electronics – will need to prepare for new customs paperwork. You will need to keep specific records of imported goods and you can opt to take up to six months to submit a full customs declarations for goods arriving from the EU. Taxes will need to be paid on all imports, but payments can be deferred for up to six months until July. This will help trader cash flow until the end of 2021, but only if you or your agent have the correct approvals in place to use simplified procedures. Full customs requirements will apply to controlled goods from 1st January 2021 whether they arrive from the EU or elsewhere.

Businesses will be able to account for VAT on goods imports using Postponed VAT Accounting from the start of the new year.

This means that once the staged introduction period ends, payment of VAT due on imported goods can be delayed until the next VAT return.

What does this mean for businesses?

Despite the much needed clarity on customs procedures, and a welcome delay through staged introduction of full customs controls, big challenges remain for most businesses. Declarations volumes will

increase, costs will rise, traders need to skill up to deal with new procedures and time is incredibly short.

Companies trading across the globe will need to make a choice. Should they take advantage of the staged introduction of measures for EU imports and gain a cashflow advantage through delayed duty and VAT payments? Or, stick with the systems and processes they already know, and use the newly introduced postponed VAT accounting and guarantee free deferment accounts to delay border taxes by up to six months?

Whatever you decide, businesses that export and import goods have change coming and it’s inevitable.

The wise amongst you will wake up to change and plan your level of readiness.

There is much to do and qualified and compliance led customs experts are becoming a rare commodity.

Our expert team at Chamber Customs, our international trade training programmes and our overseas connections make us an ideal customs partner.

As your business gets ready for the end of the transition period, our customs agents are ready to help you clear your goods at the border. Give us a call to arrange a chat.

Whether here in Devon or across the UK, the Chamber network is here to support you and to help you to trade with confidence.

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CHAMBER FEATURE

Getting to grips with the new Land Rover Stuart Elford test drives the new Defender courtesy of Roger Young Land Rover in Saltash LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 Engine: 0-60mph: Maximum speed: Power: Maximum torque: Maximum towing: Fuel consumption (up to): CO₂ Emissions:

2.0L Diesel D200 AWD Auto 9.6 seconds 109mph 200hp 430Nm 3,500kg 31.9 mpg 232g/km

Priced from £40,330 OTR

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Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

CHAMBER FEATURE

The first time I drove a Land Rover Defender was in 1987 as a young police officer in Launceston.

The instructor told me to take him to the steepest hill I knew, put it in third and drop the clutch. I was flabbergasted that this amazing machine climbed the hill on tick-over. I loved driving the ‘Landy’ that would go just about anywhere.

Fast forward to 2020 and when I was invited by Roger Young to test drive the new Defender I was excited to say the least. I’m no Jeremy Clarkson but I wasn’t going to turn down this chance being offered by the largest Defender dealer…in the world!

On first impressions this is a very different beast. It has incredible presence and while it clearly draws its design from its heritage it manages to be both big and square, yet sleek and subtle.

Climbing inside the first thing I

noticed, apart from the amazing smell that only JLR seem to have, was that the interior was minimalist but incredibly functional.

Everywhere you would want a robust grab handle, storage box, cup holder, cubby hole or charger there was one. The next thing I noticed was how comfortable the seats were for my 6ft 2ins plus frame, with everything in reach and great all round visibility.

Starting the vehicle up she came alive. The digital dashboard lit up with all the information clearly displayed and the touch screen centre console seemed to control just about everything.

I thought it would take hours to master but a quick demo was all that was required as it is so intuitive. It took seconds to pair my phone, tune in to my favourite station and start listening to the high-quality Meridian sound system.

With a little trepidation I was off. Manoeuvring out of the car park was surprisingly easy and I was soon on the dual carriageway wafting along at 70mph in a perfectly refined, quiet and comfortable way.

Unlike 4x4s of old the steering was positive and easy while turning sharply induced minimal body roll.

Pushing for an overtake was easy and completely effortless, with just a quiet burble from the engine as the power was applied. The driving position and view is excellent and a passing HGV seemed barely bigger.

Large though it may be, parking in a very tight spot was surprisingly easy as the car has more sensors and cameras than you could possibly need, including a 360-degree overhead view…how do they do that?!

At work everyone came out to marvel at the behemoth. I thought it would divide opinion, but everyone loved it.

I was unable to take the Defender off road, but Roger Young’s Sales Manager Chris Johns assured me that it is even more capable than previous Land Rovers and I have no reason to doubt him.

The plethora of sophisticated off-road functions that assist you in going up, down, over or through just about anything (including a very clever ‘wade’ mode that helps you through deep water) were just staggering.

So, I assumed that this would be a car bought by farmers and builders, but Chris told me that this is the perfect family car. Having driven it and experienced its capabilities combined with its comfortable interior space and cavernous boot I can see why.

This car will take you anywhere while making you feel protected and safe. While not detached from the driving experience at all, you are so cocooned that I think the Apocalypse could come and you would be blissfully unaware until you realised that you and a few cockroaches were the only living things left on Earth.

Too soon I have to return the vehicle to Roger Young, who I must sincerely thank for the experience and exceptional customer service.

In summary: life is short, and if you have been thinking of buying something like this, you will not be disappointed. Go on, you know you want to…

“The Apocalypse could come and you would be blissfully unaware”

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CHAMBER PEOPLE

CHAMBER PEOPLE Name: Tim Jones Role: Vice Chair and Director at Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce What do you do and why do you do it?

I run Start Point Finance which sources working capital for businesses in the South West. It is challenging and immensely satisfying. I am also a volunteer bus driver helping the elderly access local services which is great fun.

What inspires you?

Finding a solution to a difficult challenge after the computer has said NO.

What drives you?

Family and friends.

Where do you see the future of your organisation?

A recognised brand for doing the right thing when finding finance.

What’s the best advice you have ever been given?

Enjoy every day like it could be your last.

If you could sum up your CV in one word, it would be?

Consistent.

When it comes to business, do you follow your head or your heart?

Head (most of the time…)

Describe yourself in five words Quick to make a joke

How do you balance life and work?

Beach with my dog Tilly every morning then I go to work.

What’s your favourite quote?

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Who has been the greatest influence on you?

My grandfather Frank who always tried his hardest.

What are you most proud of?

My family and rowing for Devon after having a knee replacement.

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Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) Support and advice for business The Covid-19 lockdown hit many businesses hard and we want to do everything we can to avoid a rise in cases and the need for any further restrictions in Plymouth.

Our plymouth.gov.uk/covid-19 website includes a range of information and advice about keeping safe, as well as weekly updates on the situation in Plymouth.

You can find information and resources for businesses to help you operate as safely as possible.

Our Support and Advice for Business pages include: • links to government guides for 14 different types of business • advice on how to restart your business safely and communicate with your staff • details of how you may be able to access tailored advice to help you navigate through the pandemic • links to the Better Business for All Covid-19 toolkit, produced with partners and now used across the UK • links to sample workplace risk assessments • details of the Local Outbreak Management Plan which sets out how we will minimise any future local outbreaks of Covid-19 and respond quickly to limit the spread of the virus

KEEPING PLYMOUTH SAFE AND SOUND STAY CONNECTED: Sign up for email updates about coronavirus (COVID-19) in Plymouth at: bit.ly/plymouthemailalerts We are here to help. If you need advice on coronavirus email the Public Health Team at covid19@plymouth.gov.uk Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile 43

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Autumn 2020 Chamber Profile