Changing Lives Business issue: July 23

CHESTER NETWORKING WHAT’S ON GUIDE

OUR EVENTS

5 September at 12:30am

Chester Luncheon Club

Chester Luncheon Club is a relaxed and informal business and networking lunch for Cheshire professionals.

The Forge, Grosvenor Park Road, Chester, CH1 1QQ

OTHER SELECTED NETWORKING EVENTS

4 August at 10am

Enrichment Networking: Women’s Networking Group

Women’s business networking designed for introverts & quietly-ambitious women in small business.

The Room at Chester Health Store, Chester, CH1 1NW

23 August at 10am

Netwalk Delamere

If you’ve not tried Netwalk Delamere, come along & join us. Delamere Forest Cafe & Visitor Centre, Delamere, CW8 2JD

3 August at 10am

BforB Chester Brunch Networking

Networking with the experts and dynamic team. We are excited to connect successful local businesses

Crowne Plaza Chester, CH1 2BD

9 August at 9:30am

Networking in Tarporley

Aiming to connect businesses and generate opportunities for growth.

The Swan at Tarporley, 50 High Street, Tarporley, CW6 0AG

WELCOME TO MAY’S BUSINESS NEWSLETTER

Introducing Inspire Cheshire…

We’re delighted to announce the launch of Inspire Cheshire, our new sister website which celebrates the best things in Cheshire, across Business, Lifestyle, Wellbeing, Community and Sport. Every month, Inspire Cheshire includes interesting features, competitions and local events and you can register to receive it for free at www.inspirecheshire.co.uk.

We believe our Luncheon Club is the best networking lunch in Cheshire. We have now moved it under our Inspire Cheshire brand, and renamed it as the Inspire Cheshire Luncheon Club. For full details, and to book your place at our September event, please see page 11.

This month in our legal corner, Sarah Mansfield, Head of Commercial & Property Litigation provides an update on the Renters Reform Bill and its aims. We also have a partner feature from Code Nation, a Cheshire-based private training and education provider dedicated to bridging the digital skills gap in the UK. CEO David Muir explains what Code Nation has to offer including access to up to 90% funding for their training programmes.

Andrew Wright | Managing Director #WeChangeLives

We have a host of tips and advice on the Knowledge Hub area of our website. You’ll find everything from understanding inheritance tax and the secrets to a good divorce, and what you need to know when leasing a commercial unit. Here are a selection of our recent guides and articles:

• At what age should I write a will?

• Are you too young for an LPA?

• Can I include digital assets in my will?

• Your role as a Landlord – A quick guide

• Is selling property at auction right for you?

• Is buying property at auction right for you?

WELCOME TO INSPIRE FROM CULLIMORE DUTTON

Cullimore Dutton is delighted to bring you Inspire.

Inspire is a celebration of the best things in Cheshire and, from time to time, slightly further afield too.

We have created a separate brand and dedicated website to provide our clients and business connections with lots of added value and, for those who don’t know us, to let you see that there is far more to us than merely the best possible legal and financial services.

Each month, under our five pillars of Business, Sport, Lifestyle, Wellbeing and Community, we aim to inspire you with engaging content to read, tips on great things to see or do and the occasional exclusive reader offer.

While Inspire is brought to you by Cullimore Dutton, nowhere on this standalone website will you find legal or financial advice. For

so many things us in Cheshire...

this, you will need to continue to go to our team of experts at Cullimore Dutton.

business community, a dynamic eating and drinking scene, arts, some wonderful heritage on our doorstep, incredible green most important of all, a fantastic can-do community spirit.

celebrate all of this and more.

Andrew Wright, Managing Director of Cullimore Dutton, said: “There are so many good things happening in Cheshire. This includes a vibrant business community, a dynamic eating and drinking scene, bustling arts and theatre, some wonderful heritage, incredible green spaces and, perhaps most important of all, a fantastic can-do community spirit.

“Each month, we’ll keep you updated as to the latest content being showcased on Inspire. We hope it provides you with food for thought to enable you to get the most out of life. Please do also tell your colleagues and friends about it.”

To register to be a part of Inspire go to www.inspirecheshire.co.uk and we’ll have

news stories or events that you think we should consider covering so please do drop us a line to inspire@inspirecheshire.co.uk

We hope you enjoy Inspire and that it

by Cullimore leading financial services.

legal or financial need to go to

Instead, we want Inspire to provide our clients and connections with lots of added value and, for those who don’t know us, to let you see that there is far more to us than merely the provision of the best possible legal and financial services.

Now is a good time to be living, working, socialising or spending our precious leisure time in Cheshire.

Register today to be part of Inspire. inspire you.

inspire@inspirecheshire.co.uk

LEGAL UPDATE: RENTERS REFORM BILL

The government introduced the Renters’ Reform Bill on 17 May 2023 to deliver on the it’s commitment to “bring in a better deal for renters”, creating “safer, fairer, and higher quality homes”.

Sarah Mansfield, Legal Director Commercial & Property Litigation

The aim of the bill is to tackle some of the problems in rented housing, namely lack of homes, lack of security for tenants and failure to meet basic decency standards.

The Second Reading of the Renters Reform Bill - expected some weeks ago - will now not take place until the autumn. The House of Commons goes on Summer recess from July 20th 2023, but this Bill was not included in the business timetable released by the government. Although there has been no progress on the Bill being debated, government has released some information related to the proposed Private Rental Sector Ombudsman.

This Scheme is proposed to operate as a non-profit body and may also be utilised as a combined letting agent, tenant and landlord redress scheme. Many of the details are still being discussed. A round table discussion between a member of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee, and senior representatives from lettings agencies is proposed this Summer. There is currently a survey being conducted with letting agencies to prepare for this opportunity to discuss the terms of the Bill.

The main items in the Bill include:

• Abolishing ‘no fault’ 2 months’ notice pursuant to section 21 Housing Act 1996 and assured shorthold tenancies, instead making all tenancies assured and periodic. Government states they hope this will provide more security for tenants and empower them to challenge poor practice and unfair rent increases without fear of eviction. Concerns envisaged from these substantial legal amendments are that it will become more difficult for noncommercial landlords, such as landlords with one or two properties as their pension, to evict tenants and manage their assets. Many Landlords are turning to short term lets such as Air B&B as the return is better and the management costs and compliance requirements much lower. There is a risk this change will have a “knock-on” effect, compounded by increased tax burdens for landlords will reduce the amount of private rental property, rather than make it more freely available.

• Government intends to introduce more comprehensive possession grounds to counter the effect of removing “no-fault” grounds for eviction, by including a ground enabling a landlord to sell their property or move in close family and to make it easier to repossess properties where tenants are at fault for rent arrears and anti-social behaviour. It must

Sarah Mansfield

be noted these grounds are already partly included in current grounds, but these new grounds cannot be used if a tenant has been present for less than 6 months. By default this will create a fixed term even though the new tenancy will be periodic, if action cannot commence for six months for some grounds.

• The Government highlights the right for a tenant to appeal excessively above-market rents purely designed to force them out, however, it is questionable whether this is a serious problem for many tenants. Landlords retain the right to increase rents to market value. The First-tier Tribunal will continue to be able to determine the actual market rent of a property if an application is made by a tenant or a landlord. Rents are increasing due to the increased costs of living with most landlords not charging “excessive” rents, simply market rents. This provision will assist a minority of tenants struggling with excessive rent increases but may not change the position of most tenants but will increase costs for landlords if faced with a number of rent review challenges.

• Government plans to introduce a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman which they hope will be faster, cheaper, and less adversarial than the court system. It is unclear how this will be funded at this stage and what powers will be provided to the Ombudsman as Regulations for the Scheme are not yet being considered.

• A proposal to create a Privately Rented Property Portal to assist landlords with understanding their legal obligations and compliance requirements; linked to local councils’ licensing schemes. This is to assist with targeting enforcement action, but that is already the aim of local licensing schemes. In reality the licensing schemes need proper funding so without that will this proposed scheme improve the position for tenants or landlords?

We now wait for Government to put this Bill before the House of Commons for the Second Reading and await feedback from ongoing discussions on the proposed changes.

CODE NATION: BRIDGING THE DIGITAL SKILLS GAP IN THE UK

Code Nation, a Chester-based private training and education business, is dedicated to bridging the digital skills gap in the UK.

Code Nation’s primary focus is offering free and subsidised training in essential areas such as Cyber Security, Software Development, Web Development, Data & Analytics, Extended Reality, Computer Science in the Tech sector. David Muir, CEO of Code Nation, explains their mission: “to create employable talent by inspiring people from all backgrounds to build successful careers in tech.”

With a commitment to accessibility, Code Nation UK provides a range of programmes. Their innovative apprenticeships, lasting over 18 months, equip apprentices with the necessary skills to add immediate value in the workplace. For individuals looking to gain tech proficiency quickly, Code Nation offers intensive 12-week Master Skills Bootcamps. These bootcamps train students to become software developers, cyber security professionals, or data analysts to a Level 3 standard. Additionally, Code Nation provides part-time courses and short, four-week introductory courses that teach the basics of the disciplines at a Level 2 standard.

Code Nation provides comprehensive support services to ensure student success. Career coaching offers one-on-one guidance from experienced professionals, helping students develop CVs, enhance interviewing skills, and secure job opportunities. Mentorship connects students with industry professionals who provide valuable guidance and support. David added: “We would love to have more Cheshire based employers engaging with our local students!”

Code Nation has a strong track record, having already assisted nearly 5,000 students from underrepresented communities in learning to code and launching tech careers.

Roz Atherton, Sales & Marketing Director, is passionate about their commitment to accessibility: “Our courses are designed to be accessible to everyone. We strive to eliminate barriers such as prior education, affordability, technical skills, access to equipment, age, gender, or financial resources. We genuinely transform our graduates from having zero skills to being employable in a short period.”

WHAT’S NEW FOR CHESHIRE?

Code Nation have recently secured funding to train employed individuals in Cheshire and Warrington, through support from the C&W LEP. There are two courses, which local employers can take advantage of:

• The Software Development Skills Bootcamp, starting on July 24th, is part-time over 12 weeks and delivered to a Level 3 standard

• The Cyber Security Skills Bootcamp begins on August 21st, following the same part-time format

SMEs can receive up to 90% funding while large organisations can access up to 70%. This presents a fantastic opportunity to invest in your talent and upskill or reskill in much-needed technical skills.

We also have some amazing local Bootcamp graduates looking for junior roles, so do speak to us if you are hiring new talent.

If you are an employer looking to recruit new talent, invest in existing employees or even just inspire the next generation of tech talent, get in touch or pop into our Chester campus on City Road where we always have a good supply of doughnuts!

To find our more visit: www.wearecodenation.com

CODE NATION FACT FILE

• Founded in 2018 by David Muir, a former Partner in PwC, IBM, and KPMG, who is passionate about making tech accessible to all.

• While based in Chester, England, Code Nation offers courses online across the UK, and have recently signed an agreement to provide training in Saudi Arabia.

• To date, Code Nation has helped nearly 5,000 students acquire coding skills and launch successful careers in tech.

• Finalist in the 2023 Diversity and Inclusion Awards in the Tech Industry in London

• Their alumni work at renowned tech companies in the UK, including KPMG, IBM, Amazon, and locally, Sykes Cottages.

Roz Atherton

David Muir

SMEs can receive up to 90% funding while large organisations can access up to 70%

THE FORGE, CHESTER

With a passion for wild, sustainable British ingredients, and a love of simple cooking over fire and charcoal, The Forge Restaurant in Chester is one of our City’s finest.

The Forge is located right opposite the idyllic Grosvenor Park in Chester, just a short walk from the city centre. Opened by Chef Mike Robinson in 2021, The Forge is a shining example of a modern-day restaurant fully committed to sustainability in every aspect of its operation. Service standards are sky-high, and the team has a real and tangible passion for very good quality, seasonal food & drink, and continued excellence in the overall guest experience.

The Forge menus are super-seasonal and uncluttered. One-page menus are the best way to fully embrace and practice sustainability and eradicate food wastage, which also helps to keep standards consistently high. Seasonality is always celebrated at The Forge, and you can taste the countryside and wild ingredients in every dish.

The Forge has recently welcomed a new Head Chef Dan Regan who has previously worked at the 2-star Michelin restaurant Ynyshir, Machynlleth. Speaking about his appointment, Dan said “I am excited to join the team at The Forge Chester, where I want to build on the restaurant’s ethos. I have a love and respect for my ingredients and can’t wait to show my bold flavours with classic combinations.”

The Forge focuses on British ingredients, from as close to Chester as possible. The venison, always a hugely popular part of the menu, is

harvested from herds on estates which Mike manages to improve biodiversity and deer health. Seafood is all British, from hand-dived scallops to Menai oysters and line-caught Cornish brill. All farmed produce comes from producers with the highest welfare standards.

The Forge has its kitchen front and centre in the middle of the lovely, elegant space. Incredible dry-aged beef and wild venison will be found in the maturation cabinets, awaiting their turn on the amazing forge grill, there to be lovingly grilled and roasted over oak and beech logs.

Chef Dan Regan continues to create a beautifully balanced menu that is hearty but seasonal. Balance is incredibly important, as is creating amazing dishes without meat. Their philosophy on food is simple – don’t overcomplicate, always over-deliver, use the best sustainable ingredients, be totally delicious, and make sure it’s memorable.

Dan Regan

The bar is just much a part of The Forge as the restaurant. The old-school hospitality values continue into the wine list which features a superb selection of classic wines from award-winning and revered vineyards.

Join

The Forge prides itself on a great quality cocktail list, which is left-of-centre rather than mainstream. There is a really good selection of mocktails (always good for midweek dining and driving), and many of the cocktails come in non-alcoholic versions too.

The Lounge menu also features a delicious selection of small and large plates including wild venison scotch egg, The Forge burger, venison ragu and beer-battered fish and chips. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes throughout all of the menus.

The Forge Sunday Roast needs a special mention, and this year sees the launch of a full and varied events programme including tasting dinners with wine tastings, charity lunches and dinners and even a ghost tour with dinner experience, all coming up very soon.

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The Inspire Cheshire Luncheon Club is a relaxed and informal business and networking lunch for Cheshire professionals.

We would be delighted if you joined us on Tuesday 5 September from 12.30pm at The Forge Restaurant, situated on Grosvenor Park Road, Chester, CH1 1QQ.

Attendance cost just £20 and includes relaxed networking with a welcome drink and two course lunch.

Event details:

Date: Tuesday 5 September

Time: 12:30pm – 2pm

Location: The Forge , Chester, CH1 1QQ

To book email: events@cullimoredutton.co.uk

Chester Luncheon Club has a new name: Same Great People Same Great Venues Same Great Event

Our new Inspire Cheshire website will bring you the best of Cheshire each month across Business, Sport, Lifestyle, Wellbeing and Community. We have moved Chester Luncheon Club under our Inspire Cheshire umbrella renaming it the Inspire Cheshire Luncheon Club Register for Inspire Cheshire today to ensure you are contacted about future events: www.inspirecheshire.co.uk