Business Direction 19

Direction

Business

BRINGING IN THE CROWDS PAGE 30

CHAMBER OF THE YEAR 2013 Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

May/June 2014 Issue 19

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FIRSTWORD

CELEBRATING SUCCESS IN EVENTS AND CONFERENCING

BRINGING IN THE CROWDS PAGE 30

r of ershire Chambe THE YEAR 2013 CHAMBER OFpublished by Herefordshire and Worcest

Commerce

Issue May/June 2014

19

n Business Directio

HWCHAMBER.CO.UK Business Direction, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s full colour bi-monthly publication. Designed and produced by business people for business people. Distributed to 6,000 businesses including selected retail outlets across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

EDITOR Rachel Edwards 0845 641 1641 ext 213

rachele@hwchamber.co.uk Emily Martin 0845 641 1641 ext 232

emilym@hwchamber.co.uk

EDITORIAL businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk 0845 641 1641 ext 213

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing, Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2385 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

ADVERTISING Distinctive Publishing, Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2337 Helen.smith@distinctivegroup.co.uk

FEATURE EDITORS John Dean & Francis Griss deangriss@btinternet.com

This month’s edition features conferencing and events which are an integral part of the Chamber, providing five high profile, prestigious events a year and over 150 other networking events and sector forums, including our specialist International Trade events. We also deliver a comprehensive portfolio of training courses as well as offering professional, affordable meeting and conferencing facilities here at the Chambers’ own premises. We encourage every member to join with us at these events and ensure you make the most of new contacts and future business opportunities.

This edition of Business Direction gives us a great opportunity to celebrate those of you who specialise in the conference and events sector, focusing on some of the great businesses we have in our region. From Deer Park Hall on Bredon Hill to the Menzies Stourport Manor Hotel, venues across our region are offering the best in business hospitality.

The Chamber Expo in March was a very successful event, with over 125 exhibitors and 900 visitors sharing in what has been described as a “ fantastic day”. Exhibitors talked of a very busy event where they generated great leads, adding to reports of businesses already beginning to benefit from more positive trading conditions.

The Chamber Awards 2014 will also soon be upon us and we are pleased to announce the date of 10th July with the event being held at the Bank House, Bransford. Entries for the awards opened on 1 April and we encourage everyone to enter. Many businesses have fed back to us the added value to their business of being a Chamber Award winner. As winners ourselves this year, we know just how good it feels to be chosen as the best in your area of expertise. We will be making the most of our success this year – starting with a feature in this edition of Business Direction and also look out for the awards lotto tickets, with prizes to win!

Visit Worcestershire membership is growing from strength to strength, and in February we welcomed members from the North Worcestershire Tourism Association. Visit Worcestershire members bring us more fantastic businesses across the whole area from The Event House in Worcester to Bodenham Arboretum in North Worcestershire. Take a look at these and other venues at www. visitworcestershire.org

SUBSCRIPTIONS www.hwchamber.co.uk/view-our-businessmagazine Tel: 0845 641 1641

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the publisher accepts no responsibility for omissions or errors within this publication. Editorial submissions are included at the discretion of the editor. The opinions expressed in articles and letters within this publication are not necessarily those of the Chamber. All offers, promotions and competitions appearing in Business Direction are the sole responsibility of the advertiser/ promoting party and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce does not accept any responsibility for any representations made within them.

First word

3

Chamber news

4-5

Business news

7-9

Business news

12

Business news

15-17

International trade

18-19

Business news

20

Chamber training

26-27

Big Interview

28-29

Cover story

30-31

Conference Worcestershire

38

Destination Worcestershire

39

Chamber events

40-41

New Members

42-43

Members services

44

Policy

45

Charity news

47

Movers and Shakers Last word

48-49 50

28

For those businesses trading Internationally, we look forward to the International Festival of Business which is organised by the British Chambers of Commerce and partners and runs throughout June and July.

I hope you have had a successful few months and look forward to continuing that success into May and June, as we continue to celebrate our success as Chamber of the Year.

Mike is recovering well from his operation and will be pleased to see you all again soon.

Sharon Williams, Acting CEO.

sharonw@hwchamber.co.uk

30

Our Patrons are:

May/June 2014

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

03

CHAMBERNEWS

BUSINESS EXPO BUZZING WITH SUCCESS The Three Counties Showground hosted the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Business Expo in Association with Hewett Recruitment on Wednesday 5th March, where over 900 visitors came through the doors to share the buzz that local businesses are experiencing.

In addition to the extensive exhibition area the event offered four seminars ranging from marketing advice to embracing technology - all delivered for free to delegates. The seminars were supported by The TechTeam.

The Chamber also offered everyone a chance to have a go at the ‘Chamber Cube’ challenge which attracted a lot of interest and some very competitive behaviour.

The winner Hamish Gill from F8 creates, won over £1,000 worth of prizes, including a Jaguar for the weekend, Afternoon Tea at Stanbrook Abbey and £100 voucher for Anja Potze jewellry.

Elizabeth Wiltshire, Marketing Manager at mfg Solicitors said, “mfg Solicitors LLP found this year’s Expo a great success. It was well organised, well attended and we lost track as to how many people we spoke to. Looking forward to the next one!”

To book a stand at the next Worcestershire Business Expo at the Malvern Showground on September 18th, call 0845 641 1641 or email events@hwchamber.

co.uk/events/business-expo

FOLLOW THE SUCCESS STORY OF THE CHAMBER AND ITS MEMBERS IN THE PAST? 2013 saw the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce crowned ‘Chamber of the Year’, commended on its strong relationships with influential organisations which it shares with its members who are at the heart of everything it does. However the Chamber has been campaigning and pressuring the government with significant success since it was established in 1839.

Worcester also got its own telephone directory in 1939 as a result of direct action by the Chamber.

In the 1840’s we pursued the railway companies and urged them to come to Worcester; at the same time, lobbying against illegal salmon fishing in the Severn, which was a problem in Worcester, which eventually became national law.

In more recent times, the Chamber established a Training Company in 1985, in response to a downturn in engineering apprenticeships; invested in the Malvern Hill Science Park in 1998; hosted Princess Anne’s visit in 2009 and became a Silver Level ‘Investor in People’ in 2012. The Herefordshire team has campaigned successfully for the Rotherwas access road and has been involved in the Hereford City Centre regeneration project.

best selling machine on the market in 2014. Nick Grey, Inventor and Owner of Gtech, said he first had a sense of success in 2001, when he loaned his prototype carpet sweeper to a neighbour to test, and she wouldn’t give it back.

Following our own success winning Chamber of the Year in 2013, the Chamber Business Awards celebrated business success in our two counties. Gtech won ‘Business of the Year’ in 2013 and have enjoyed a year of success following on from winning. Gtech design and make cordless floorcare from their office near Worcester, and have sold over 20 million machines world-wide; their cordless vacuum cleaner is projected to be the

We warmly invite everyone to enter our Business Awards in 2014 (before May 16th) and ‘Be A Winner Too!’

Regulated clocks were its concern in the 1850’s and it persuaded the city council to publically display an accurate and regulated clock.

In the later part of the century the Chamber successfully campaigned for the expansion of Henwick Station to the west of the city, to stop livestock from creating a hazard to pedestrians in the city centre as they were driven from Shrub Hill, across the river to where they were normally required.

The Chamber were great advocates of the telephone system and encouraged its development in spite of a reluctance from residents to take up the system.

City traffic is a timeless issue and from dangerous parking in the 1850’s to unsafe traffic volumes from the overspill of the incomplete M5 in 1959 - the Chamber has long lobbied for better roads and communication.

It was also one of the first advocates of the Channel Tunnel in 1929.

Nick says, “Winning the Business of the year award has been amazing. It gave us all a great lift and really raised our profile in the region. It is great that local business is celebrated in this way.”

Look out for the success story of the present and future in forthcoming editions

1929 The Chamber was one of the first advocates of the Channel Tunnel

1840 1839 Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce was established

04

The Chamber urged railways to come to Worcester, and lobbied against salmon fishing in the River Severn which eventually became law

1850 The Chamber persuaded Worcester City Council to display an accurate and regulated clock

1939 Worcester got its own telephone directory as a result of action by The Chamber

May/June 2014

CHAMBERNEWS

LAST CHANCE TO ENTER THE CHAMBER AWARDS AND ‘BE A WINNER TOO!’

HELP TO REDUCE ENERGY

More than 30 delegates learned how to save money and save energy on their heating bills at the Resource Efficient Forum, held at Sanctuary Group in Worcester.

James Bridges, Resource Efficiency Advisor at the Chamber of Commerce said:”It is quite clear from today’s event that businesses can save a lot of money with some very simple and cost effective measures, especially with the programmes grant support that will actually reduce payback periods by 45%.”

Delegates heard about Sanctuary Group’s commitment to its environmental responsibility including details of their award winning ‘Worcester Data Centre’ which harvests heat generated in their server room and re-uses it to heat the buildings on their site.

The next event, which will focus on Reducing Water Consumption, will take place on June 3rd (8am - 10am) at Kanes Foods, nr Evesham, where there will be an opportunity to visit Kanes Foods Eco Factory and to see the Uk’s largest bio-diverse wildflower grass roof.

The forum is a platform for a series of quarterly workshops that help businesses save money on utility bills and waste reduction whilst reducing environmental impacts.

Email events@hwchamber.co.uk, or call 0845 641 1641 to book your free place.

£30 MILLION GROWTH VOUCHERS SCHEME Small businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire are being given the chance to access these ‘vouchers’ to help them grow. West Midlands Chambers LLP, of which Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is a member has been chosen as the delivery partner for this region.

The scheme, launched by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS), is available to businesses which are VAT registered, have been trading for over a year and have 49 employees or less.

Nominations for the Chamber Business Awards will close on May 16th! Winners will have a chance to share in the Chamber of Commerce’s National success as Chamber of the Year - this year’s winners will be the best of the best. Our annual awards are a great way to recognise and reward your success, talent, innovation and hard work.

This year, Chamber Members have been sent specially made ‘Chamber Lotto’ scratch cards during the nomination period. The scratch cards give everyone a chance to win a stunning prize from driving a Morgan for the weekend, donated

by The Morgan Motor Company to luxurious spa days donated by the Dormy House Hotel. With 20 fabulous prizes, members have a real chance to ‘be a winner too’.

The awards ceremony will be held on the evening of Thursday 10th July. Entrants in to a number of the awards will automatically be included in the British Chambers of Commerce national business awards where previous successes have included Herefordshire’s Tyrrell’s Potato Chips who won £50,000 in 2007.

The advice available can cover five key areas, raising finance and managing cash flow; recruiting and developing staff; improving leadership and management skills; marketing, and making the most of digital technology.

With a closing date for entries of 4.00pm on Friday May 16th, businesses are encouraged to enter these exciting business awards as soon as possible.

It’s easy to apply - in the first instance, businesses need to visit www.gov.uk/apply-growth-vouchers to establish the eligibility and register their interest. They will then receive a free business assessment either online or from an advisor.

awards@hwchamber.co.uk/award

For more information see page 40 or phone 0845 641 1641 or email

Businesses can apply for up to £2,000, to match their own investment, to be spent on strategic business advice to support their growth aspirations.

2009

1985 The Chamber established its own training company

1998

The Chamber hosted Princess Anne’s visit to Worcester

The Chamber invested in the Malvern Hills Science Park

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

2013 Crowned ‘Chamber of the Year‘

2012 The Chamber became a silver level ‘Investor in People’

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TO P U

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email Tewkesbury@basepoint.co.uk Contact Claire or Emma on 01684 854444

Basepoint Tewkesbury is located just 2 minutes’ drive from J9 M5.

Oakfield Close, Tewkesbury Business Park, Tewkesbury, Gloucester GL20 8SD

BUSINESSNEWS

L-R: Beth Connor, Meera Murali and Jade King

KINGSPAN GO LOCAL FOR NET ZERO Kingspan Insulation is embracing poultry power in its ambitious bid to achieve “net zero energy usage”.

produce biogas. This biogas can then be used to fuel a combined heat and power (CHP) plant.

Working with M&M Power Ltd and Herefordshire Biogas, Kingspan plans to obtain some of the power and all of the heat it needs for its site near Pembridge from chicken manure and local biomass.

The new AD plants bring Kingspan Insulation even closer to “zero net energy use”, where the energy produced locally around the site matches its requirements. Cutting edge lighting technology, a heat exchange system and a 700kW biomass boiler are also expected to be installed in the next couple of years as part of this on-going commitment.

Two new anaerobic digestion (AD) plants are to be installed to the north and west of the site. Anaerobic digestion comprises a series of natural processes where microorganisms break down biodegradable material to

www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk

SANCTUARY EMPLOYEES RAISE AWARENESS OF APPRENTICESHIPS A graduate trainee and two former apprentices from Sanctuary Group hosted a unique event during National Apprenticeship Week to raise awareness of apprenticeships for local schools and businesses.

‘Apprentifix’ provided attendees with the opportunity to hear about apprenticeship schemes in Worcestershire, guidance on setting up their own programmes and opportunities available to young people through them.

Speaking at the event were representatives from the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, the National Apprenticeship Service and Worcestershire Group Training Association, as well as apprentices and former apprentices from local businesses.

The event was supported by Fixers, a charity which helps young people get their voices heard, and Sanctuary. The Group has provided £75,000 funding to Fixers support projects for residents and staff across the country which are led by young people aged 16 – 25. www.sanctuary-group.co.uk

LOCAL STUDENTS CAN SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESSES Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls meets apprentices at Worcester Bosch Group

ED BALLS VISITS WORCESTER, BOSCH GROUP The Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls visited Worcester, Bosch Group last month to meet apprentices and participate in an engaging interview on the importance of industry in the region.

Following a whistle-stop tour of the factory and head office, the Shadow Chancellor met with a number of staff at the company who are enrolled onto Worcester apprenticeship schemes which cross a wide range of functions within the business including service, production, sales, marketing, training and product management.

During his meeting at Worcester’s head office and manufacturing plant, the Shadow Chancellor commented, “What I’ve seen today is absolutely fantastic. There are around 60 apprentices here today and it is clear to me how much they enjoy their work.

This kind of flourishing manufacturing plant is what we need more of.”

Ed Balls was then interviewed by the BBC’s Political Editor Nick Robinson ahead of the budget announcement, during which he also praised the city’s manufacturing and engineering heritage. www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Students bring enthusiasm and fresh ideas to your organisation. They can also provide a cost effective solution to short term recruitment needs.

Students are equipped to take on a wide range of roles.

Previous and current roles include; Business Systems Intern, Data Analyst, Digital Marketing Executive, Junior Finance Manager, and much more.

Locally students have been placed at Borwell, Text Local, Worcester Bosch, and nationally in Atkins, Baker Goodchild, Blackberry, Cummins and IBM, amongst many others.

Placements can start anytime between June and September 2014 and last for a minimum of 36 weeks.

Students who have completed their 2nd year of study take a year in industry before returning for their final year of study.

If you are interested to find out more about the placement opportunities please contact Kat Jones, Worcester Business School, 01905 855556,

k.jones@worc.ac.uk www.worcester.ac.uk

07

BUSINESSNEWS

MORE PEOPLE HAVE A MOBILE THAN CENTRAL HEATING Research by AlphaQuad has revealed that 93% of people in the UK have access to a mobile device compared to just 90% of households that have central heating, according to Government figures.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys Corporate Law Team Solicitors, L-R: Arpinder Dhillon, Rebecca Leask, Georgina Gurnhill, Helen Higginbotham, Clare Emery, Kristine Scott, Charlotte Thornton-Smith.

RECORD YEAR FOR REGIONAL CORPORATE LAW TEAM The Corporate Law Department at Worcester-based solicitors Harrison Clark Rickerbys had its biggest ever year in 2013.

During 2013 the firm became one of the Midlands’ most active corporate legal providers by advising businesses on complex corporate transactions such as sales, acquisitions and management buy-outs worth almost £250 million.

Further endorsing the team’s top-level corporate legal expertise, Harrison Clark Rickerbys was recently cited by ‘The Lawyer’ as one of only 38 UK law firms

in 2013 to have advised on a merger or acquisition for an AIM-listed company. In addition, three of the transactions completed in 2013 for clients Gemini Vehicle Solutions, Carrs Tool Steels and Indecs Computer Services were named as ‘Deal of the Month’ by online regional business title TheBusinessDesk.com. Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ expertise was further highlighted in September 2013 when the prestigious ‘Legal 500’ listing of major law firms in England and Wales named its teams in Worcester and Hereford as First Tier in the West Midlands in the corporate and commercial area. www.hcrlaw.com

TRUST HELPS THOSE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS BACK INTO WORK The county’s main provider of mental health and community services has been promoting the benefits of its nationally accredited scheme to employers across the county.

It is important for businesses ensure that their websites are optimised for mobile and tablet visitors.

Business can see how their website looks on mobiles and tablets by visiting www.responsinator.com AlphaQuad’s research on mobile user behaviour is available for free by visiting www.alphaquad.co.uk/mobile

NEW TRIBUNAL FEES SHOULDN’T DISCOURAGE EMPLOYEE ACTION Worcestershire’s mfg, employment lawyers have urged workers not to be discouraged from pursuing their complaints after the introduction of new tribunal fees.

Employment expert Lisa Kemp has stepped in to ensure employees across the county are aware of their legal rights in light of the controversial tribunal fees being introduced last summer.

The fees were recently the subject of a Judicial Review which ruled that they are here to stay.

The Employment Tribunal fees, which are payable both when a claim is commenced and ahead of any subsequent hearing, were introduced last July.

Lisa Kemp, Assistant Solicitor at mfg Solicitors said: “The employment law landscape has changed rapidly over the past 18 months and, perhaps unsurprisingly, we’ve found that many employees still aren’t fully aware of what options are available to them when it comes to their entitlements and raising a complaint against their employer.”

The Individual Placement and Support scheme, which is run by Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, helps people suffering from a mental health illness back into the work place and also offers support to employers should one of their employees suffer with mental health issues whilst at work.

The scheme has proved successful and has secured jobs for people in a range of industries including catering, teaching and engineering. In fact, so effective has the scheme been that it was accredited as one of only 13 National Centres of Excellence by the Centre for Mental

This means that it is more important than ever that businesses adopt a multi-channel digital marketing strategy that caters for mobile, tablet and desktop devices. The data also shows that 77% of people will use their mobile device at home or at work where they are likely to have access to a desktop or laptop.

This highlights that mobile is the device of choice.

www.mfgsolicitors.com

Health, acting as examples of how Individual Placement and Support can be implemented across the country. www.hacw.nhs.uk

Lisa Kemp, Assistant Solicitor, mfg Solicitors

FUNDING FINDER

A funding search which provides details of a range of funding opportunities and grants available to businesses, including European, public sector, lottery, Venture Capital and loan funds. Chamber members have the additional benefit of email alerts when new relevant funding opportunities are available.

Tel: 0845 641 1641 or visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/funding-finder 08

May/June 2014

BUSINESSNEWS

WORCESTER RACECOURSE PREPARES FOR THE SUMMER AFTER DAMAGING FLOODS The team at Worcester Racecourse have spent many hours preparing for the start of the new summer season of racing starting on 7th May, following the extensive and damaging floods.

L-R: Jake Abbott, Steve Borwell-Fox, Duncan Sutcliffe, Shaun Perry & Robert Cobley.

KICKING RISK INTO TOUCH WITH CYBER VALLEY EXPERTS Warriors Jake Abbott & Shaun Perry were on hand to kick home the important message that businesses should be taking Cyber Security seriously.

Experts from borwell, Sutcliffe & Co and Harrison Clark Rickerbys highlighted the current risks of cyber-crime for SMEs. A recent UK government report has shown that 87% of small businesses and 93% of large corporations reported a cyber-breach in the past year. A cyber-breach can cost £35,000 - £65,000 for smaller businesses and as much as £850,000 for large corporations.

(NCSC) based at the Malvern Hills Science Park in Cyber Valley. The National Cyber Skills Centre has opened to address the wide skills gap to deliver training in direct response to specific identified industry need, supporting businesses both small and large.

The next seminar will be held on Tuesday 13th May at the National Cyber Security Centre, to book call 01684 585111.

The staff at the course, which was submerged by several feet of water for a number of weeks, have been greatly heartened by the level of support from areas of the Worcester community which has eased the burden of the clean up operation.

Assistance has come from different quarters ranging from Hereford & Worcester Fire Brigade, to Worcester City Council and members of the Hitz Kidz programme, run by Worcester Warriors.

The Hitz Kidz spent time washing down the extensive white running rail which borders the track and the parade rings. This was just one of the things the young volunteers, many of who have committed crimes and come from challenging backgrounds have been involved with. www.worcester-racecourse.co.uk

The event was one of the first public seminars to be hosted by the new National Cyber Security Centre

WRAGGE & CO MERGE WITH LAWRENCE GRAHAM TO CREATE UK POWERHOUSE Patron Member Wragge & Co LLP have merged with Lawrence Graham LLP, forming Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co LLP. The merger creates a £171 million business with 1,300 people, including 770 lawyers, operating from ten offices worldwide.

The full service Birmingham office, which has around 120 partners, will continue to expand its award winning and high profile work in the Midlands, the UK and abroad.

deeper expertise across a range of disciplines, more capability and resilience in the UK, and enhanced international coverage.

It is focused on delivering outstanding client service and sector knowledge - providing advice and solutions based on understanding the commercial issues, challenges and opportunities clients face.

The new firm will have offices in Birmingham, London, Brussels, Dubai, Guangzhou, Monaco, Moscow, Munich, Paris and Singapore, plus trusted networks across the world. www.wragge.com

The merger presents many opportunities for the firm’s clients. Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co is able offer

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

09

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May/June 2014

in association with

HR PROFESSIONALS CONFERENCE 4th June 2014 9:00am - 3:00pm Worcester Warriors, Sixways Stadium, Worcester, WR3 8ZE

‘The HR and business landscape is rapidly transforming. BE THERE. BE INFORMED. BE READY to meet the challenges facing all HR Professionals.’

Attendance counts towards your CPD

Employers, how attractive are you?

Leading HR Guru headlines at local Conference exploring top talent theme senior HR managers from across the region as he explained the changing dynamics and key challenges facing HR professionals and business owners. Kevin is a regular commentator on the UK labour market on national TV and radio and his background Includes his time as HR Director of Royal Mail.

Whilst holding that position he was responsible for all people related issues for a business with 165,000 employees and helped to transform an organisation losing £1million a day in 2003 to making more than £600m profit in 2007.

Speakers include Bernie Bird, Group Head of HR at Sanctuary Housing will be taking a look at The HR and business landscape is rapidly trans- ‘the holistic approach to recruiting and retaining forming, are you ready to meet the challenges the best’. Two highly regarded legal eagles include, Sally Morris Head of facing all HR Employment at MFG who asks ‘how geared up Professionals? The HR Conference are we for growth and flexibility?’ and Paul promises an impressive line-up of Chamberlain from Brabners who is a speakers and is a date not to be missed for nationally recognised expert on agency those wanting to understand the workers regulations and status of temporary current and future innovations and workers. challenges facing business.

Hewett Recruitment have secured Kevin Green, Chief Executive of the REC as key note speaker at the next Human Resources Professionals Conference on 4th June 2014 run in association with the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

BE THERE. BE INFORMED. BE READY to meet the challenges facing all HR Professionals. Join the HR Community of Herefordshire and Worcestershire on 4th June at Worcester Warriors, Sixways Stadium for the HR Professionals Conference.

Kevin spoke at the inaugural conference last year and his speech captivated his audience of www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk/hr-conference-2014

BOOK NOW £35 plus VAT for Chamber of Commerce and CIPD members £45 plus VAT for non Chamber and CIPD members.

Price includes lunch.

To book your place, please contact events@hwchamber.co.uk Tel: 08456411641

HR Conference Programme 9.00am Arrival and registration – tea, coffee, networking 9.30am Welcome from H&W Chamber of Commerce and Hewett Recruitment 10.00am Paul Chamberlain, Head of Employment, Brabners Manchester "What's happening in recruitment law? A case law, consultation and legislation update" 11.00am Break 11.15am Sally Morris, Head of Employment Division “2014 – Are your HR tools geared up for growth and flexibility?”

12.00pm Bernadette Bird, Group Head of HR Services, Sanctuary Group “Taking a holistic approach to recruiting, retaining and developing the best” 12.45pm Lunch 1.30pm Kevin Green, Chief Executive at REC Kevin will enlighten us with an overview of the current economic situation and the emerging trends in the UK labour market as well as defining the talent crisis affecting businesses - a session not to be missed.

3.00pm Event close

BUSINESSNEWS

NEXUS CREATIVE WIN PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNT Worcestershire based Marketing Communications agency Nexus Creative Ltd has won a sizeable contract for marketing services with PIKON UK Ltd, the Castle Donnington based SAP consultancy and software development business that delivers high quality SAP and business solutions to an impressive list of clients.

Sales manager of PIKON UK, Simon Griffiths said: “We are experts in our field and both our national and international clients trust us to solve their problems and provide concepts for their future. We support

our customers in the process-oriented introduction of SAP-ERP systems, the design and implementation of SAP Business Intelligence solutions, as well as in the integration of various ERP systems using SAP NetWeaver. We help to streamline financial and business processes, reduce operating costs and ensure compliance, whilst allowing the client to make informed and timely decisions based on accurate data and reporting.”

Simon Griffiths from PIKON UK with Nigel Hert from Nexus Creative Ltd

www.nexuscl.com

RGF SUCCESS MEANS MORE JOBS AT MALVERN INSTRUMENTS The Arrivista Team

ARRIVISTA - PROACTIVITY PAYS OFF Arrivista business coaching, founded in May 2007, has been a Strategic Member of the Chamber of Commerce for over 5 years. On average, 20 to 25% of new clients have originated through this fruitful relationship.

Simon Williams, Founder, Arrivista Limited said:”When we first began in business, our number one priority was to build a client base from scratch. We joined the Chamber Of Commerce and became a proactive member, not just sitting back and hoping things would happen. The Chamber is now part of our strategic marketing process, so we meet annually to plan their involvement in the continuing growth of our business.

We have spoken at many networking events and exhibitions, as well as running the very successful Powered Growth Forum with the Chamber. We have judged and sponsored various awards, met many leading local business folk, been to the cricket, rugby, hill climbing and more. My advice? To get return on this particular investment... get pro-active.”

Malvern Instruments has secured a £3 million investment from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund that will lead to the creation of around 50 new jobs in the UK over the next five years. This funding will support the research and development of new analytical instrumentation to serve the fast-growing nanomaterials and bioscience sectors, helping maximize Malvern’s export opportunities in these global markets. The company, which currently employs around 340 people in the UK and approaching 480 more in locations around the world, has already started recruiting to fill a variety of new posts.

“This major boost for Malvern Instruments enables us make significant investments in R&D, applications development and manufacturing engineering, to extend our links with UK universities and schools and to invest further in our apprentice programme,” said Managing Director, Paul Walker.

“It is good news not just for the company but also for the wider community in creating and securing employment opportunities and contributing further to the local economy.” www.malvern.com

Alec Fernihough, Gaudet Luce Golf Club and Lorraine Henry, Henry Pepper PR

LOCAL BUSINESSES HELP BOOST GAUDET LUCE’S TEE REFURB Gaudet Luce Golf Club has kicked off 2014 by unveiling its new tee signage across the club’s 18-hole Phoenix Course – a move which also sees a variety of local businesses each sponsoring a hole.

The sponsorship initiative is part of the club’s high-profile £1m investment programme which its owners hope will encourage more businesses to try the club’s golf and conferencing facilities.

One of the 18 new sponsors of the 6,040 yard course is Worcestershire-based PR agency, Henry Pepper PR, who have played a key role in raising the profile of the club over the past 12 months.

Other businesses who have got involved include mfg Solicitors and Listers Seat. Gaudet Luce’s course investment programme has also seen the planting of 30,000 new trees alongside the installation of new drainage and bunkers. www.gaudet-luce.co.uk

www.arrivista.co.uk

CHAMBER LEGAL ADVICE LINE

This service offers members unlimited access to free help and advice on commercial and employment law, environmental health, taxation and VAT issues.

Website: www.hwchamber.co.uk/legal-advice-line

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May/June 2014

FOCUSONLEGAL

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Solicitors for your Business

solicitors for business

Joining the Business Litigation team in Worcester is Thursfields’ new Partner, Tim Lawrence, who has 25 years’ experience in dealing with commercial disputes. Tim’s philosophy matches that of his new firm, being based on a solid understanding of clients’ business needs. He uses a flexible and practical approach to problem solving to reach a cost effective solution for his clients.

Tim’s areas of expertise include Company and Partnership disputes as well as warranty claims, franchising and all types of financial disputes.

To contact Tim, call 01905 677055 or email tlawrence@thursfields.co.uk

Corporate specialist solicitor Gareth Burge also joins Thursfields’ growing corporate and commercial team in Worcester.

Having relocated from London where he worked for an international law firm, Gareth has 10 years’ experience advising corporates and individuals on a wide range of corporate and commercial transactions including:• mergers and acquisitions, • joint venture agreements, • shareholder arrangements, • group reorganisations, • equity capital markets (including AIM IPOs and fundraisings), and • general corporate housekeeping matters and commercial contracts.

To contact Gareth, call 01905 677043 or email gburge@thursfields.co.uk

www.thursfields.co.uk • Tel: 01905 730450

BUSINESSNEWS

HEREFORDSHIRE PRINTING COMPANY BENEFITS FROM NEWLY SWITCHED ON NEXT GENERATION ACCESS BROADBAND When NGA Broadband arrived in Hereford Impact Print & Design, a Hereford graphic/web design and printing company, was amongst the first businesses to sign up for it.

Martin Parry, Impact’s Managing Director said: “I believe that NGA Broadband is the most important development to have happened in the 35 years that our company has been on the Rotherwas Industrial Estate. Our download speed has now gone from less than 1mb to 80mbs, putting us on a level playing field with companies around the UK. We would like to thank Herefordshire Council and all the people who have enabled Rotherwas to achieve this 21st century technology. Thanks must also go to our local MP Jesse Norman who, back in August 2010, organised the broadband summit in Hereford with Ed Vaizey MP, helped lobby and win from the Government an extra £3.75 million funding for rural broadband and continues to champion the county’s Enterprise Zone.” www.impactprint.co.uk

Jonathan Austin, Founder and CEO of Best Companies, presents the award to Vax. L-R: Samantha Williams, Sally-Ann Rice, Victoria Watts, Kate Daines, Stuart Seabury, Mark Ray, Jonathan Austin, David Winterbottom; Mike Raybould, John Upperton, Tamzin Cameron-Price, Nicki Harris, Jo Little.

VAX NAMED AS ‘OUTSTANDING’ IN THE SUNDAY TIMES TOP 100 BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR Following rapid growth and significant investment in its engineering team, the Droitwich-based floorcare manufacturer is recognised as an employer of choice.

Britain’s leading floorcare brand Vax1 has been included in ‘The Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies To Work For’ list for 2014. The list recognises companies with the highest level of employee engagement. Vax is the only small domestic appliance manufacturer business to be featured.

Kate Daines, HR Director, said: “Whatever the ingredients are that make a great culture, Vax has

them in abundance. I am delighted that this award recognises the extremely high engagement levels of the people who work here. This is undoubtedly an incredibly exciting time to join the business as we continue on our growth trajectory - the momentum is infectious. We have lots of opportunities for talented people: not only are we hiring hundreds of new people, we are also fast-tracking our talented employees through investment in training, development and talent programmes.” jobs.vax.com

A BETTER WAY TO DELIVER TESTIMONIALS If you attended the Chamber Expo in March, you could hardly have missed specialist corporate video producer, Video Interactive in action.

Three of its crew were filming interactive business interviews with Chamber members, Gtech, Tulip Cleaning & Laundry Services, Modus Creative, ABC Print, Borwell and Oakland International, all talking about their experiences using Chamber services.

Martin Parry, Managing Director of Impact Print outside Impact House

Terry Anderson, Technical Director, said: “These days, people are becoming more sceptical about the authenticity of testimonials. Being mindful that endorsements and testimonials used for marketing purposes must also meet criteria regulated by the Advertising Standards Authority, when the Chamber approached us, we were keen to show that interesting business stories are a better way to deliver believable content.”

A 3-camera studio-style shoot with Michelle Scott interviewing Melanie Baker, Director of Tulip Cleaning & Laundry Services

The case studies were all carefully researched in advance so that one of Video Interactive’s presenters would be able to conduct structured, compliant interviews with those members enabling them to reveal why they chose to use certain Chamber services and the impact, from doing so, had upon moving their businesses forward. www.video-interactive.co.uk

ASSESSMENT REVEALED A SUCCESS FOR CARE24 Care24, part of Wyre Forest Sheltered Housing, is pleased to announce that they have successfully met the latest regulations set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

feedback about the service, including comments such as: “I couldn’t wish for better” and “the staff are reliable and effective at meeting my mother’s needs”.

Care24 provides home and personal care services for older and vulnerable people across the Wyre Forest, and are regularly inspected and monitored to assure that they meet the standards stipulated by the commission.

Head of Care Services at Wyre Forest Sheltered Housing, Nigel Fain said: “We are delighted to have achieved the high standards the CQC set, with the report providing us with some fantastic feedback. This is great news for the company, and is a testament to our hard working staff”.

During the assessment, the CQC spoke with service users and their families and received extremely positive

www.communityhg.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

CELEBRITY GUEST OPENS NEW NURSING HOME Celebrity GP and TV personality, Dr Christian Jessen, paid a visit to Hereford when he joined staff and invited guests of Claridge Nursing Homes to open their new Nursing Home on Hampton Park Road.

Over 100 guests assembled to have a look around the brand new facilities and witness the unveiling of the plaque by Dr Jessen. Amongst the guests were the Mayor and Mayoress of Hereford, the Chairman of Herefordshire Council, Councillors, members of the local Health Service and friends and supporters of Claridge Nursing Homes.

Richard Claridge, owner of Claridge Nursing Homes, said: “From the members of the planning committee who supported our planning application, to Lloyds Bank who provided financial backing, JBD Architects for their innovative designs and everyone at C J Bayliss Ltd for their professionalism and tireless efforts to ensure this project was delivered on time – I cannot thank you enough.” He went on, “There are far too many others to mention individually, but needless to say you cannot achieve such a fantastic new building without an amazing team behind it.” www.claridgenursinghomes.co.uk

L-R: Claridge Nursing Homes’ Meg Fallon, Richard Claridge, Karen Evans with Dr Christian Jessen.

(Picture courtesy of Richard Weaver Photography)

TEXTILE DESIGN STUDENTS SELL THEIR WORK TO TOP FASHION HOUSES IN NEW YORK Five BA (Hons) Textile Design Students at Hereford College of Arts (HCA) have sold their work to high end fashion houses in New York, including Calvin Klein, Armani Exchange and Diane von Furstenberg.

L-R: Nathan Sadler and Haydn Walker, who use Close House Youth Centre in Hereford, with hvoss Chief Executive Will Lindesay

£1.8M TO HELP JOBLESS YOUTH IN HEREFORDSHIRE This year is looking a lot brighter for young jobseekers in Herefordshire and Telford as the Big Lottery Fund announces the area is to receive £1.8m from Talent Match, its £100m Youth Unemployment Initiative.

The Big Lottery Fund, the largest distributor of good cause money from the National Lottery, launched Talent Match, a scheme designed by young people for young people, with the aim of helping those aged 18-24 who are struggling the most to find career opportunities.

The Fund has awarded hvoss (Herefordshire Voluntary Organisations Support Service) £1,816,501 to run the local Talent Match partnership, helping local young people who have been unemployed or out of education for at least 12 months.

Alex Guthrie, Amy Pegler, Josh Bolam, Louise Russell and Rachel Cresswell have all had their work bought by high-end fashion and textile designers.

Elinor Bishop-Greenacre, Course Leader BA (Hons) Textile Design said: “Our students are making a real statement in the design world. The creative industries buck the trends in austerity and continue to bloom.

With HCA being the only specialist arts college in the midlands, attracting students from all over the country and beyond, Hereford is becoming the place to be for aspiring and practicing artists and designers.”

Visit the HCA BA (Hons) Textile Design blog to follow the students’ progress at www.hca.ac.uk/HCA-Live/ BATextileDesign. www.hca.ac.uk

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Hereford Cathedral’s 1217 Magna Carta and 1215 King John’s Writ arrived in Houston Texas, to form the centrepiece of a new exhibition at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

In addition, the document is displayed alongside the only known surviving writ sent from King John at Runnymede proclaiming the creation of this historic charter.

The Magna Carta is one of the most famous documents in history. It is considered the foundation of English common law and the inspiration for the American Constitution.

Visitors who are unable to get as far as Houston should not be disappointed. The exhibition opening coincides with the launch of the Cathedral’s new interactive website, offering visitors across the world a chance to explore the events surrounding the creation of the Magna Carta and to purchase their own facsimile copies of the documents.

hvoss will now use the money to work up local solutions to a nationwide problem that threatens serious consequences for an entire generation of young people and the wider economy. www.hvoss.org.uk

MAGNA CARTA GOES ON DISPLAY IN HOUSTON

L-R: Students Alex Guthrie, Louise Russell, Josh Bolam, Amy Pegler and Rachel Cresswell.

www.herefordcathedral.org www.themappamundi.co.uk March/April 2014

BUSINESSNEWS

SIGN-ING HEREFORD’S NEW ENTERPRISE ZONE New signs are encouraging businesses, and the public, to take a look at the new Skylon Park in Hereford’s Rotherwas Enterprise Zone.

Impressive aluminium and digital-print site signs, some 4.5m x 2.5m in size, were made and installed by Leominster’s Sign-Rite UK Ltd.

HEREFORDSHIRE SHOWS WHAT IT CAN DO AT LAMMA 2014 ABT Products of Ross on Wye exhibited at the UK’s largest agricultural show to promote their impressive design, testing and manufacturing capabilities.

The South Herefordshire business is the UK’s largest cab manufacturer and believed to be Europe’s largest Rollbar manufacturer. ABT also manufacture chassis for agricultural equipment, pumps, and sports cars for many of the world’s most prestigious original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s).

These days the business supports many OEM’s in different industries including Morgan, for which they manufacture the chassis for the Morgan 3-wheeler and the Classic. As a key employer in Ross on Wye, the business takes a customer’s product from the initial concept stage through the design phase, prototyping, testing and in to volume manufacturing, all at the one site on Ashburton Industrial Estate.

The zingy artwork, created at Hereford Council, attracts attention and marks the arrival of the first firm to arrive in premises built by Leominster Construction.

The Enterprise Zone is being promoted by Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, dedicated to bringing business to Hereford and surrounding counties. blog.sign-rite.co.uk

www.abtproducts.com

ABT were most famous in the 70’s for manufacturing livestock feeding equipment and gradually built up its own product range including bale wrappers and handlers.

BRIGHT IDEA SAVES JOBS IN LEOMINSTER When the Directors of a Leominster independent financial advisers firm decided to semi-retire from the financial world, they could have put their feet up and taken the money and run, however that would have meant redundancy for several loyal and hardworking staff.

So the whole team got together and came up with a business plan in which they would revitalise their offices and offer their experience and wide ranging administrative skills to the wider business community thus Chameleon Executive Resources Ltd was born.

The business now provides call answering, mail forwarding, serviced offices and business support to local and international clients out of the fabulous executive offices in Leominster.

The team have maintained their jobs, the business is going well and new clients are joining every week and the Directors and the team have a bright new challenge ahead of them. Good news all round!

I A TECHNOLOGY LTD LAUNCHES SENSE TECH™ AND HAS SIGHTS ON SUPPLYING INTERNATIONALLY IA Technology Ltd (IAT) based in Hereford is a specialist technology company, putting innovation into action since 1978.

Designing, prototyping and manufacturing electronic solutions to exacting standards for some of the world’s most challenging environments.

IA Technology has just launched its own branded product range. The first of which is SENSE TECH™, designed to assist a therapist in the treatment of patients with post traumatic stress disorder using the

established principle of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. This is a highly recommended treatment by the World Health Organisation. SENSE TECH™ was recently featured on BBC Midlands Today and is already being trialled by the Ministry Of Defence in Afghanistan, supplied into the NHS and to practitioners internationally. This is a new and exciting phase for IA Technology and marks the beginning their growth into international markets. www.iatechnology.co.uk

www.chameleonpa.co.uk Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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INTERNATIONALTRADE

UKTI HELPS CLIFFORD SPRINGS REAP REWARDS IN THE US Clifford Springs manufactures springs that are used to energise seals in highly-engineered pieces of machinery. From its base in Redditch, the company supplies the springs to seal manufacturers in the automotive and oil and gas sectors.

The International Festival for Business (IFB) 2014 is the largest global concentration of business events during 2014. The 50-day festival runs across 7 weeks in June and July and will attract business delegates and trade intermediaries from around the world.

Financial support from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and advice from an International Trade Adviser (ITA) has helped specialist spring manufacturer Clifford Springs expand its network in the US and win new contracts.

Since working with UKTI, the company has grown its US customer base from one to more than 35.

John Clifford, Director of Clifford Springs said, “UKTI’s support gave us the confidence to go out to the US and pitch for new business. We have found that if you communicate well and have a good product, then you reap the rewards.”

Over the past three years, John has continued to visit the US twice a year to meet with clients. John also meets at least twice a year with Clifford Springs’ ITA to discuss new exporting ideas and for advice on how to continue expanding its US business.

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF BUSINESS 2014 - LIVERPOOL

IFB 2014 offers you the choice of more than 150 business-focused events of all shapes and sizes, covering: “It’s crucial for any exporter to get it right from the beginning and without UKTI we would probably be several years behind where we are now. Although we are now more experienced, we continue to meet with our ITA for advice when we have a new idea. We would definitely advise any company thinking of entering the export market to first talk to UKTI.” www.cliffordsprings.com

TRAINING COURSES WORCESTER 2014 Course Title

Date

Trainer

Basics of Import Procedures

Thursday 8 May 2014

Sandra Strong - Strong & Herd

Advanced Guide to Export Documentation

Tuesday 13 May 2014

Anthony Griffiths - Strong & Herd

How to Complete customs Entries - CHIEF Data Entry

Wednesday 21 May 2014

Bernard O’Connor - Strong & Herd

Advanced Guide to Letters of Credit & Finance

Wednesday 4 June 2014

Mark Hayward - M J Haywood Assoc Ltd

Planning Your Attendance at an International Congress or Exhibition (Half Day)

Thursday 5 June 2014

Keith Jones - Link Me 2 Export

Incoterms

Thursday 12 June 2014

Mark Hayward - M J Haywood Assoc Ltd

Basics of Export Documentation

Tuesday 17 June 2014

Mark Hayward - M J Haywood Assoc Ltd

Letters of Credit

Wednesday 18 June 2014

Mark Hayward - M J Haywood Assoc Ltd

Export Licensing

Thursday 19 June 2014

Sandra Strong - Strong & Herd

Selecting & Managing Agents & Distributors

Tuesday 8 July 2014

Keith Jones - Link Me 2 Export

Tariff Classification

Thursday 10 July 2014

Sandra Strong - Strong & Herd

Dealing With Your First Export

Thursday 17 July 2014

John Reed - Assoc of Strong & Herd

IPR (Inward Process Relief)

Tuesday 22 July 2014

Anthony Griffiths - Strong & Herd

Advanced Import Procedures

Wednesday 23 July 2014

Anthony Griffiths - Strong & Herd

• Cities, Enterprise and Urban Business • Creative and Digital Industries • Financial and Professional Services • Higher/Further Education and Research • Low Carbon and Renewables • Manufacturing, Science and Technology • Maritime, Logistics and Energy IFB 2014 is a key part of the government’s target of rebalancing the economy and achieving its export and investment objectives, with an explicit focus on creating new international and domestic businessto-business relationships and commercial openings for small, medium and large UK companies.

For more go to: www.ifb2014.com/

To Book Contact: Alison avery Tel: 0845 641 1507 Email: Alisiona@hwchamber.co.uk

EXPORT DOCUMENTATION

Chamber Export Documentation Authentication prices frozen for 2014!

Chamber Members receive a 50% discount. Website: www.hwchamber.co.uk/exportdocumentation

UKTI Herefordshire & Worcestershire 018

May/June 2014

INTERNATIONALTRADE

SUCCESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST FOR HAIGH With an established client base world-wide, Haigh, from Ross on Wye, have seen their expansion into the global market increase year-on-year, with an increasing amount of their new business coming from the Middle East.

Returning from the Arab Health Exhibition in Dubai, Haigh are thrilled with the interest show in their products at the show. Each year sees that interest and knowledge by customers grow of the increasingly popular single use waste disposal system, of which Haigh were at the forefront of developing.

Looking to bring best practice into healthcare institutions in the region, the Middle East are keen to implement a system that improves infection control as well as being cost and energy efficient; all which are achievable with Haigh’s single use system.

In attendance at the event for Haigh was Nick Dale, Healthcare Sales Manager. Commenting on Arab Health, he said “We have forged great relationships over the last few years through our attendance at Arab Health and each year we have fulfilled orders as a result of the show. Since last year’s exhibition we have won tenders

to supply a number of hospitals with our Panaway bedpan macerator in the Middle East.”

We look forward now to following up with the contacts we made this year and are excited about the year ahead”.

Haigh completed the Gateway to Global Growth programme with UKTI in 2013 and use UKTI products and funding to help them with the export element of the business. If you want to get help to start exporting, then please contact the UKTI at the Chamber on 0845 641 1641.

PUSHING THE ENVELOPE IN DIGITAL ADDRESS DATA ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD A Worcestershire software firm has been impressing companies down under with its online service to capture address data and is now gearing up to provide its services to a large technology company in New South Wales.

The contract will give Postcode Anywhere a foothold in the extensive Australian addressing market which is worth an estimated £40million.

Postcode Anywhere supplies software and services to more than 8,000 organisations worldwide and is a market leader in the UK for online address auto-fill.

The firm has been working with UKTI (UK Trade & Investment) to expand its operation overseas and has recently returned from a highly successful visit to Australia.

Postcode Anywhere CEO, Guy Mucklow said: “While we are firmly established as market leaders in this country,

we are relative newcomers to exporting. We’ve have had our eye on the Australian market for a while - with a similar culture, legal and tax systems, the country is the perfect springboard for us and an excellent strategic location for straddling time zones across the globe.

However, venturing into overseas markets can be a daunting experience for any business and is not without its risks. That’s where working with an organisation such as UKTI can help.”

to perform extremely well overseas with its innovative service and can-do attitude. I’m delighted the Australia trip was such a success and I’m sure this is just the beginning of the firm’s journey to international success.” www.postcodeanywhere.co.uk

The Worcester based firm first commissioned a UKTI Overseas Market Information Service (OMIS) report to identify the best opportunities in Australia. The company followed this up with a visit to the country supported

by UKTI. Linda Smith, Head of the International Trade Team for Herefordshire and Worcestershire said: “Postcode Anywhere is a fantastic company which is well placed

Guy Mucklow, Postcode Anywhere, CEO

0845 641 1613 internationaltrade@hwchamber.co.uk Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

PLANNING CONSENT FOR OUTSTANDING AND INNOVATIVE NEW HOUSE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE Front L-R: Kirsty Gilmour (HCR), Bill Stallard (SME), Alexandra Phillips (MFG) (middle l-r) Lesley Bartlett (Hallmark Hulme), Anna Roby-Welford (HCR), Priya Tromans (HCR), Penny Raby, (rear) Iain Morrison, President

WORCESTERSHIRE LAW SOCIETY CROWNS AWARD WINNERS The cream of Worcestershire’s legal industry have been recognised at the Worcestershire Law Society’s first ever President’s Awards.

Over 150 guests attended the inaugural black-tie dinner at Droitwich’s Chateau Impney where solicitors from law firms were recognised for their excellence.

Priya Tromans, from Harrison Clark Rickerbys, held off tough competition to scoop the Trainee Solicitor of the Year award with judges commenting on her ‘talent, energy and enthusiasm’.

In the Young Solicitor of the Year category, judges could not separate the top two with the award shared by mfg Solicitors’ Alexandra Phillips and Kirsty Gilmour from Harrison Clark Rickerbys. Both were described as ‘bright and ambitious’.

The winner of the Solicitor of the Year, was Lesley Bartlett, partner and head of the Family law team at Hallmark Hulme. Ms Bartlett, who became a solicitor in 1978, was labelled ‘inspirational’ by the judging panel.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys claimed a hat-trick by scooping the Innovation Award for best website. The society’s President’s Awards will now be an annual event in the Worcestershire calendar.

Malvern Hills District Council have granted planning permission for a new house in the countryside under the provisions of the NPPF paragraph 55, having determined that the proposals fulfil the criteria of being outstanding and innovative.

Consent was granted on 2nd April 2014 at a planning committee following a recommendation to approve the application by planning officers. The permission is the first of its kind in the district.

David Davis, Director at DJD Architects said: “We are delighted to have achieved planning permission for this exciting project. The criteria of the NPPF paragraph 55 are not easily met and the endorsement of the MADE design review panel is an equally high bar. This achievement would not have been possible without the commitment and support of our Clients to whom we are most grateful.” www.djdgroup.co.uk/architects

CHAMBER HR FORUM CHANCE MEETING LEADS TO BUSINESS BONDING It was at the end of the event at the Hereford and Worcester Chamber HR Forum that fate seemed to step in, connecting two long established businesses to bring both substantial rewards.

The meeting in December 2013, happened between Jennifer Appleton of ISO Quality Services Ltd and Mark Hobart of Clearview Systems Ltd, yet it wasn’t until later they realised exactly how they could help each other to drive business growth.

After exchanging business cards Jennifer made contact by offering the name of an associate that she believed would be beneficial to Clearview, it was at this point that Mark asked for ISOs services to enable his company to attain the ISO 9001 and 27001 certifications.

When meeting with Mark to discuss the company’s needs, Jennifer realised Clearview also offered services that ISO Quality Services were in need of.

Contracts have now been finalised and both parties are understandably looking towards the future, as they work together in more ways than they had originally envisaged. www.clearviewbusiness.com / www.isoqsltd.com

EXPANDING SURVEYORS RELOCATE Worcester based Surveyors, Bury Associates recently relocated to new premises in Worcester allowing room for their planned expansion this year. Within the last 12 months they have needed to recruit extra members of staff to meet client demand.

Formed in 1997, by Managing Director Steve Bury, Bury Associates specialise in Land and Measured Building

Surveys using the latest 3D laser scanners producing either 2D AutoCAD topographical drawings, building plans, elevations & sections or detailed 3D Revit Architecture Building Information Models (BIM)

We now also have the extra capacity enabling us to grow further and move the business forward” www.buryassociates.co.uk

Steve said “Our new premises have provided us with a great location, close to the motorway networks ideal for our surveying teams’ site visits throughout the UK.

TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION

75% of the world’s population don’t speak English. Translators and interpreters on behalf of the Chamber are highly skilled in more than 150 languages to help make trading overseas easier.

Website: www.hwchamber.co.uk/translation-and-interpretation-service 020

May/June 2014

LOW COST, FLEXIBLE,

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STOMP-Inspired Junk Drumming Workshops Our Junk Drumming Rhythmic Workshops are both inspiring and unique and experience tells us about the personal, professional and financial benefits for businesses and schools that use our services are potentially huge. n We create exhilarating pieces of rhythmic music using brooms, metal dustbins, general junk and all manner of office & household implements n We promote team-building skills and release tension n We encourage spontaneity, improve self-confidence and morale n You get to think outside the box in a unique creative environment n You will feel inspired and really motivated both during and long-after the workshops n We offer ice-breakers to all-day workshops n We fine tune both verbal and non-verbal communication skills n We nurture a friendly working atmosphere and encourage camaraderie n Workshops that provide great activities for fun days and events too Come and be part of something that’s unique to the Corporate and Education worlds.

For more information contact us on:

07815 500459 | info@soundsketch.co.uk

www.corporateworkshops.co.uk | www.soundsketch.co.uk Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Rural Services Baker Tilly has a range of agricultural experts throughout the region covering your accounting, taxation and business advisory needs.

For more information please contact: Lucie Hammond T: +44 (0)7809 629952 lucie.hammond@bakertilly.co.uk

www.bakertilly.co.uk Baker Tilly UK Audit LLP, Baker Tilly Tax and Advisory Services LLP, Baker Tilly Corporate Finance LLP, Baker Tilly Restructuring and Recovery LLP, Baker Tilly Risk Advisory Services LLP, Baker Tilly Creditor Services LLP and Baker Tilly Tax and Accounting Limited are not authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 but we are able in certain circumstances to offer a limited range of investment services because we are members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. We can provide these investment services if they are an incidental part of the professional services we have been engaged to provide. Baker Tilly & Co Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to conduct a range of investment business activities. This communication is designed for the information of readers. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, information contained in this communication may not be comprehensive and recipients should not act upon it without seeking professional advice. Š 2014 Baker Tilly UK Group LLP, all rights reserved. 0302

Bestparks Country Holiday Parks

Herefordshire • Shropshire • Mid Wales

Free

Two Night Stay at one of our parks

See our insert flyer for details

www.bestparks.co.uk

STROKE ASSOCIATION CHARITY GOLF DAY MONDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER 2014 Join the Stroke Association’s Charity Golf Day at the Worcestershire Golf Club, Malvern. It will be a fantastic day of networking and golf kindly supported by City Signs.

At the Stroke Association we believe in life after stroke. That’s why we support stroke survivors to make the best recovery they can. It’s why we campaign for better stroke care.

And it’s why we fund research into finding new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. All funds raised at our Golf Day will support our work within Worcestershire, Herefordshire and across the West Midlands including our first ever Life after Stroke Centre in Church Lane, Bromsgrove.

Entry costs £320 per team of 4 including refreshments on arrival, green fees, evening meal, prizes and a donation to support our vital work.

What better way to make some great business contacts whilst showing your support for a locally based charity? To book your team or if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities contact Sophie James at the Life after Stroke Centre by E-mail: sophie.james@ stroke.org.uk or Call: 01527 903 501.

Stroke Association is a registered charity no. 211015.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Car Offers Other models available

Any make, any model!

Just ask!

Audi A6 2.0 TDi SE Saloon

Mercedes Benz C220 CDi SE

Mercedes Benz E300 Hybrid SE Estate Auto

JUST £274.99+VAT per month

JUST £336.99+VAT per month

JUST £299.99+VAT per month

Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Titanium X Bus Edt

Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi 140PS Zetec

Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi Limited 5 Dr

JUST £220.00+VAT per month

JUST £159.99+VAT per month

JUST £99.99+VAT per month

Ford Transit Connect L1 1.6 TDCi 200 75PS

Ford Transit Custom SWB 290

Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi Limited

JUST £174.99+VAT per month

JUST £222.99+VAT per month

JUST £279.00+VAT per month

l We can source any make and model of vehicle you require l Our rates are very competitive and we’re confident we can match any like-for-like quote l Our fixed monthly payments allow you to easily budget your monthly business outgoings l We offer flexible contracts to suit your business’ requirements l We guarantee a multitude of money and timesaving benefits for businesses of every size l Every agreement includes Annual Road Fund Licence and Roadside Assistance for contract duration

YOuR LOCAL SPECIALIST In BuSInESS MOTORIng

www.hillscontracts.co.uk

Business users only. Subject to status. Guarantees/indemnities may be required. Examples exclude VAT, are based non-maintained agreement. Payment in advance of 6 monthly rentals +VAT, followed by either 24/35 or 47 monthly rentals + VAT, with a mileage restriction of between 5,000 & 10,000 miles per annum, please call for further details. Vehicle returned must be in good condition and within agreed

BMW X3 2.0 D SE

Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec 5 Dr

Ford Focus 1.0T Eco Boost Zetec

JUST £274.99+VAT per month

JUST £128.00+VAT per month

JUST £149.99+VAT per month

VW Passat 2.0 TDCi Bluemotion Tech Exec

Škoda Octavia 1.6 TDI CR Elegance 5 Dr

Range Rover Evoque 2.2 eD Pure 5 Dr

JUST £179.99+VAT per month

JUST £164.99+VAT per month

JUST £339.99+VAT per month

Commercial Offers Other models available

Servicing for fleets.

Just ask! l Supported by many of the UK’s leading car finance and leasing companies, we endeavour to offer you the right product at a competitive price

Citroen Berlingo 1.6H Di 75hp L1 625 Enterprise

VW Transporter T26 SWB Diesel 84PS Startline

Mercedes Benz Sprinter 213 CDi SWB Van

JUST £139.99+VAT per month

JUST £207.00+VAT per month

JUST £290.00+VAT per month

l We also offer advice on maintenance contracts, GAP and RTI cover, giving full peace of mind for those opting out of company car schemes l As a locally owned company we understand the importance of keeping your business moving.

For maintained contract offers, please call or email us. All car offers shown here are on variable terms.

MALVERN

KIDDERMINSTER

169–171 Newtown Road, Malvern WR14 1PJ

Worcester Road, Kidderminster DY10 1JB

Email: info@hillscontracts.co.uk

Email: info@hillscontracts.co.uk

01684 212337

01562 540597

mileage, otherwise further charges will be incurred. Prices correct at time of going to print and are subject to change without notice. Subject to availability for vehicles registered by 30th June 2014.

All finance agreements are provided by our panel of finance companies please contact us for more details. Hills Contracts is authorised by the FCA to offer finance facilities through our finance partners.

CHAMBERTRAINING

COMPANIES PAY A HIGH PRICE: THE LOSS OF TOP YOUNG TALENT It’s hard to think of an important aspect of management more neglected than development planning: helping your employees shape the future direction of their careers. Yet, for a variety of reasons, this valuable activity is often ignored… or handled as a bureaucratic exercise… or an afterthought.

If one company doesn’t provide it, enterprising employees will go elsewhere for it.

The Chamber of Commerce has a series of courses that will help you develop your staff ....The DEveloping People Series.

WHY DEVELOPMENT PLANNING MAKES GOOD BUSINESS SENSE. People care if you take a genuine interest in their future. Development planning should be something a manager takes a real personal interest in – not an HR-driven mandate.

As businesses seek to maintain a competitive advantage, they may be failing to maximize the potential of the resource that they should value the most: their people.

It helps builds loyalty, and loyalty increases productivity.

Taking an honest interest in someone builds loyalty.

Loyal employees are more engaged. Engaged employees are more productive.

Investing in your staff is important, not only will it mean you’re getting the best and most up to date in the business but they’ll be grateful for being able to develop under your watchful eye.

Good talented people naturally want to advance, and appreciate meaningful support in the process. Capable ambitious young employees want training, mentoring and coaching. They want to gain skills. They want to become more versatile and valuable to an organisation.

THE DEVELOPING PEOPLE SERIES People are your most valuable asset and development of their skills is essential to your business. This highly practical and interactive series of courses will offer attendees the opportunity to enhance their skills in a variety of business areas, critical to any organisations development.

SPECIAL OFFER - BOOK 4 PLACES (OR MORE) ON ANY OF THE COURSES BELOW AND PAY FOR ONLY 3.

The offer is valid across all courses listed below for any four bookings within a single organisation – book four courses and the cheapest will be free.

Please quote ‘PEOPLE14’ to receive the discount.

Bookings must be paid in full before Friday 30th June 2014.

MANAGING PERFORMANCE IN THE TEAM Thursday 8th May 2014 Members £150+VAT/Non Members £188+VAT This one day workshop is part of the Leading and Supervising the Team Programme and attendees with learn how to set goals and standards and measure performance.

EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT Thursday 15th May 2014 Members £150+VAT/Non Members £188+VAT Attendees will learn how to regain control of their workload by managing themselves and others more intelligently.

MANAGING PEOPLE IN THE TEAM Wednesday 4th June 2014 Members £150+VAT/Non Members £188+VAT This responsibility is important as it sets standards which the rest of the team will follow. Attendees will learn to take responsibility for the standards, manage behaviour, deal with more demanding team members, manage conflict and create an environment of trust.

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TRAIN THE TRAINER Thursday 12th June 2014 Members £150+VAT/Non Members £188+VAT Attendees will learn how to adapt training to suit different learning processes and practice ways to keep attention by delivering simulating sessions.

PRESENTATION SKILLS Monday 30th June 2014 Members £150+VAT/Non Members £188+VAT Using case studies, exercises, observation and feedback, this course will help attendees understand the skills they need to practice to improve as a presenter.

FINANCE SKILLS FOR NON FINANCE MANAGERS Wednesday 16th July 2014 Members £150+VAT/Non Members £188+VAT For Managers who want to develop their financial understanding and become more aware of how their decisions affect an organisation’s financial performance.

MANAGING APPRAISALS Tuesday 9th September 2014 Members £150+VAT/Non Members £188+VAT Attendees will learn to avoid the most common pitfalls of poor appraisals and the best way to approach appraisals to suit the organisation and its employees.

ASSERTIVENESS AND CONFIDENCE IN THE WORKPLACE Tuesday 16th September 2014 Members £150+VAT/Non Members £188+VAT This course will help make a plan for realistic change and enable delegates to realise the benefits of assertive behaviour. It empowers attendees to recognise where they feel most confident, and helps develop strategies for adapting behaviour in areas where they feel less self-assured.

May/June 2014

CHAMBERBUSINESSTRAINING

If your business requires any type of training, coaching or consultancy then the Chamber Training Centre can help you. Please find below a list of courses for May to July 2014 Colour & Grey

MAY COURSES Getting to grips with Social Media Wednesday 7 May £80+VAT Members / £100+VAT Non Members Managing Performance in the Team Thursday 8 May £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members Intermediate Microsoft Excel (2007) Friday 9 May £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members Managing Disciplinary Issues & Managing Grievances Wednesday 14 May £180+VAT Members / £210+VAT Non Members IOSH Working Safely Thursday 15 May £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members Effective Time Management Thursday 15 May £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members 7 Steps to Closing the Deal Tuesday 27 May £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

JUNE COURSES

JULY COURSES

Managing People in the Team Colour & White Wednesday 4 June £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members Fire Marshall Training Friday 6 June £80+VAT Members / £100+VAT Non Members Writing a Press Release Wednesday 11 June £80+VAT Members / £100+VAT Non Members Train the Trainer Thursday 12 June £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members Finance Skills for Non Finance Managers Monday 16 June £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members IOSH Managing Safely (4 Day) Tuesday 17 June - Friday 20 June £495 + VAT Members / £595 + VAT Non Members Communicating for Success Tuesday 24 June £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

Search Engine Optimisation Wednesday 2 July £80+VAT Members / £100+VAT Non Members Emergency First Aid at Work Thursday 3 July £80+VAT Members / £100+VAT Non Members Successful Telesales Techniques Tuesday 8 July £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members Managing Absence & How to Manage Under Performance Wednesday 9 July £180+VAT Members / £210+VAT Non Members Internal Quality Auditor - ISO 9001 : 2008 Tuesday 15 July £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

Presentation Skills Monday 30 June £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non Members

Bespoke Training Courses Courses take place at Severn House, Worcester and start at 9.30 am.

If there is a course that you are interested in that isn’t listed please contact the Training Team on 0845 641 1641 To book for any of these courses visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/businesstraining or call the Training Team on 0845 641 1641 or email training@hwchamber.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BIGINTERVIEW

OLYMPIAN STEVE SEEKS TO ENTHUSE EVENT COMPETITORS When former international athlete, world record holder and Olympic medallist Steve Cram came to Worcester recently, it was a visit which offered a glimpse into the future of sporting events in the UK. The commentator was in the city to launch a series of running and cycling events set to take place in the city in September, organised by his company Events from the North and supported by organisations including Worcester City Council and the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

They are all backing the new Worcester City 10k, Worcester City Run Bike Run and Worcester City Young Athletes Run, which will take place at Pitchcroft Race Course on 21 September and also on dates to be confirmed in 2015 and 2016.

The aim for Steve and his team is that the “First Class City Series” running event which is a crucial part of the programme will become a permanent annual feature in the calendar not just in Worcester but in other cities.

Steve said: “The Sunderland 10k was the first one in the series and we have been discussing other places where we can take the idea for some time.

“Worcester came about through a mutual contact and we started talking to Worcester City Council, which is keen to support sport in its area. The result was this event.

“The idea of the First Class City Series is in its early stages but this chance encounter meant that we could do it in Worcester.

“Like many local authorities, Worcester City Council is keen to see people involved in sport but the issue for many councils around the country is the budget cutbacks that they face.

“They are asking themselves how can they stage the sporting events that they wish to stage when budgets are under such pressure?

“As I travel round the county I hear plenty of stories of

swimming pools and leisure centres closing or being used for other things which leaves people with little option if they wish to pursue sporting pasttimes, maybe going to the gym, which is expensive.

“There is a danger that with all the financial pressures that councils face sport falls off the bottom.

“Our hope is that we can link up with councils to run events such as the one in Worcester.

“We will organise them and involve local clubs and the community generally and we are already talking to other places about staging them as well.

“We hope in the first year to have 3,000 people taking part in the Worcester event. We do not want to be too ambitious to start with but we will offer opportunities for people of all abilities to take part, from those who do it for fun to the more serious athletes. We will also have junior events.

“We hope people will support it. You cannot stage something like this if a town or city does not want it. We want people to see sporting events on their doorstep and feel that they can be involved.

“I think the interest is there. The Olympics legacy is still there and we have also just had successful Winter Olympics and Paralympics at Sochi, we have the Commonwealth Games coming up in Glasgow and are back at the Olympic Stadium for the World Athletics Championships in 2017 so I think there is plenty of interest in sport.”

For Steve, events like the one in Worcester retain his connection to a sport in which he excelled and which he still loves.

Events of the North is a partnership with Dave Roberts, an old friend who started the Great North Run on Tyneside with Brendan Foster before going off to do his own thing.

Together, he and Steve have developed the idea of community-based sporting events.

Steve said: “When I stopped competing I knew I wanted to be involved in sport. Commentating has allowed me to stay close to the sport I was involved in and I have also done some coaching. I love seeing young talent coming through. I have been very lucky that my career has allowed me to stay involved.

“Myself and Dave had talked about the idea of the First Class City Series for years, as you do, over a beer, but it really started with the Kielder Marathon which we started in Northumberland a few years ago.

“That began when I was cycling up there and thought what a beautiful place to stage an event. In some ways, Worcester is similar. It is a lovely city in which to hold an event like this.”

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May/June 2014

BIGINTERVIEW

When I stopped competing I knew I wanted to be involved in sport.

Commentating has allowed me to stay close to the sport I was involved in and I have also done some coaching. I love seeing young talent coming through.

I have been very lucky that my career has allowed me to stay involved.

STEVE CRAM International Athlete, World Record Holder, Olympic Medallist, Commentator

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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COVERFEATURE

BRINGING IN THE CROWDS The Conference and Events sector has become increasingly crucial to the economic prosperity of the area, bringing in thousands of visitors and attracting investment.

Central to the Conference & Events sector’s success are the companies and organisations’ conference and events 030

who see the value of staging high-profile events as a way of showcasing talent and boosting the economy.

across Britain, Europe, America and Australasia. This year the festival is based in Worcester in July.

A good example is the Three Choirs Festival, which has been held annually since the early eighteenth century and, rotating between the three great cathedral cities of Gloucester, Worcester and Hereford, is one of the world’s oldest classical choral music festivals.

The centre-piece of the week-long festival is the choral concert each evening in the Cathedral accompanied by resident professional symphony orchestra, the Philharmonia, with programmes that combine the established favourites of the British classical choral tradition with works drawn from a broader, more international musical canvas.

A firm fixture in the British musical calendar, the festival is a must-visit for lovers of great choral works from

May/June 2014

COVERFEATURE These are supported by daytime programmes of chamber music, recitals, theatre, lectures, masterclasses and exhibitions.

Clare Stevens, Marketing and Media Manager of the Three Choirs Festival, said: “The festival attracts large audiences who attend for the whole week, proving a substantial opportunity for hotels and guest houses.

“Members of the orchestra, visiting choirs, soloists and some of the Hereford and Gloucester contingents of the Three Choirs Festival Chorus also require accommodation.

“Although the Festival Club provides some refreshments, many performers and audience members are keen to have lunch and/or evening meals in city centre restaurants and pubs. Because of the packed schedule of festival events, there needs to be a quick turnaround and establishments that can cope with this have a great opportunity to do substantial business in festival week.

“Some of the daytime concerts, talks and walks are held at venues in the surrounding area, such as Malvern College and Pershore Abbey. In general, however, the core of the festival activities take place in and around the cathedral and city centre, bringing a large volume of traffic to neighbouring shops and businesses.”

Another example is the Severn Sounds Festival which returns for a second year and will be held at The Pavilion in the Park, Worcester on 24/25/26 May Spring Bank Holiday) with music and a beer festival.

For Ben Russell, one the organisers, the festival is about showcasing talent. He said: “Our views at SevernSounds Festival is to captivate the local music scene, by reaching out to the unsigned artists and bands around our local area.

Events and conferencing for the area is very important. This is the way in which we are able to get money back into our community and local area.

“We like to keep it free, with a charity or two to support, as this can bring in the bigger crowds and give these bands and artists really something to play for.

“Events such as this, and many others, really keep the community spirit going with activities for the kids to do, getting people out the house to have a nice drink and some live local music.

“It really boosts the morale of the artists giving up their time to perform, and to see the reaction of the crowd, gives them that push to continue.

“Bringing more events to Worcester would be fantastic. I love this city, it has everything from the tranquility of rural fields within a five minute drive, to the liveliness of the bars in town playing their local open mic night.

“Hosting larger events to Worcester would boost our economy and I think we need to capitalise on this, get the little business with no chain making the pasties for the event, get the local brewery making a few barrels a week to sponsor the event with their fine craft.

“Worcester has so much to offer, and all we need is a group of people to really see it for what it is and make it that haven for tourism and living.”

Dale Parmenter, Group Managing Director of the communication and events specialists, drpgroup, said: “Events and conferencing for the area is very important. This is the way in which we are able to get money back into our community and local area.

“This helps to provide extra revenue for local businesses. Whenever we hold events in our facilities we always use local suppliers and resources.

“The main reason a business does well, I feel, is because of the people, the team. At the drpgroup we’re only successful due to the hard work and commitment of our drp team. Without them we have no clients and no service to provide.

“They are the ones who are passionate about what they do and help in delivering our famous strapline of “anything’s possible”.

“The sector is changing on a daily basis. We‘ve become a lot more digital and we’re always updating and improving our offering as a business.

“As a sector I can only see this continuing. We shall be forever forward thinking and delivering innovative events.

“From the success of the Olympic Games in 2012, we already highlighted what we can achieve as an industry.

“Now this spotlight shall be shone on our industry again with the Commonwealth Games coming to Glasgow, so everyone is continuing to push themselves.

This can only lead to more people coming to the UK to ask for our expertise, help and guidance on staging such world class events.”

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CONFERENCE & EXHIBITIONFEATURE

“Worcester’s Best Kept Secret…”

Hospitality at Worcester Racecourse for the new 2014 summer season!

Experience a unique day at the races with an exciting hospitality package at Worcester Racecourse. Offering stunning racecourse views and mouthwatering menus, the hospitality packages available at the home of summer jumps racing provide a glorious day at the races to share with friends, family, colleagues or clients.

Hospitality at the Racecourse includes the Private Suite Package, Marquee Package and Severn Restaurant Package, all available for the 22 fixtures from May to October.

For all enquiries and bookings please call the racecourse team on 01905 25364 or visit the website, www.worcester-racecourse.co.uk

A warm and intimate venue ideal for the “last meeting” of the day.

• Fine Wines by the Glass • Premium Beers • Cocktail Menu • 16th Century Historic Inn • Available for Private Hire & Special Events Contact us: 7 Copenhagen Street, Worcester casablancabar@btconnect.com

01905 745861

Meetings & Events Situated on the edge of the historic riverside town of Bewdley this popular venue for meetings and events is well situated in a convenient location, with an attractive rural setting offering free parking and free WIFI. This recently refurbished and modernised venue really is a must see....

The latest phase of our refurbishments saw 7 spacious 4* Boutique Bedrooms equipped with superking beds, 40” HD TV’s, wet rooms, free wifi, work stations, air conditioning and some have balconies with fabulous views.

Whatever your requirement you can be assured of a warm welcome, attentive service and unbeatable value in a spectacular setting. Meeting rooms available to cater for 2-200 delegates.

Day Delegate rates from £20.00+VAT per person* 24 Hour Residential rates from £100.00+VAT per person* Corporate Dinners from £20.00 + VAT per person.

At the end of a hard days meeting continue networking with clients in our contemporary lounge bar or in Greens Restaurant, alternatively why not de-stress with a game of golf on our Championship Golf Course? Or make use of our new floodlit, covered driving range. *T*&C’s apply

Longbank, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 2QW 01299 405222 • enquiries@whartonpark.co.uk • www.whartonpark.co.uk

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May/June 2014

CONFERENCE & EXHIBITIONFEATURE

Helping businesses host the perfect meeting or conference With 4 purpose built meeting and conference rooms catering for 2-40 delegates choose wild wood rooms for your next meeting or event.

Exclusive offer for Business Direction Readers:

• Free parking • All equipment included • Free superfast, reliable Wi-Fi • Complementary refreshments

20% off next booking quote WWRBD

To enquire or book call 01905

362789 www.wildwoodrooms.co.uk

LOW CARBON MEETINGS

SPECIAL OFFER To celebrate eight years in business, we are delighted to give ‘Business Direction’ readers an exclusive offer of 50% off venue hire costs for food-catered bookings held before the end of July 2014.

This offer is subject to our conditions, which are available on request. Please quote offer code: ‘BD14’ on your booking form. We look forward to welcoming you.

Biomass Heating Solar Electricity l Air-con from solar l l

Conferences | Meetings | Functions ... a stylish venue in the heart of the country!

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Business Meetings Training Seminars Free Wi-Fi Value for Money Exclusive Hire Farmhouse Catering Ample free Parking Idyllic Rural Setting

50% off

venue hir e costs

You can ta 2 minute ke a free ‘virtual to ur’ from our website.

Lower House Farm, Canon Frome, Nr. Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2TG

e-mail: enquiries@thestablesconferencecentre.co.uk www.thestablesconferencecentre.co.uk 01531 670730 Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CONFERENCE & EXHIBITIONFEATURE conferencing and a full range of audio visual equipment for conference breakout and seminar rooms.

Conferences, Road Shows, Award Dinners, Product Launches, AGMs, and Special Corporate Events including Open Days, Gala Dinners and Celebrations are our main specialist areas Our clients are leading providers for Food Retailing, Industrial Pipes, Security Products and Services, Packaging and House Building, they also include major providers for Healthcare Services, complex Medical Equipment and Machine Tool manufacturers and Professional Recruitment.

We work with National and Local Authorities, Government Departments, Charities, Trade Unions, Conference Hotels and Venues, Hotel and Conference Booking Agencies.

CONFERENCES AND LIVE EVENTS IN SAFE HANDS PSG Events have built up an enviable reputation with major companies, institutions, associations and government offices nationally helping them to stage important conferences and live events at venues throughout the UK.

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Our core business is live events, for these we provide creativity, ideas and designs together with full technical support, professional presentation equipment, staging, lighting, sound, delegate response systems, multimedia, live video recording and web streaming, video

Locally we provide a very comprehensive hire service of Presentation and Audio Visual equipment including portable interior and outdoor sound systems, plasma screens, portable staging, display panels, lighting, data projectors, projection screens, computers and radio microphones.

We are proud to count local major venues such as the Chateau Impney Hotel, Sixways Stadium and Worcestershire County Cricket Club as clients.

For further details see our advertisement below.

May/June 2014

CHEC

Charles Hastings Education Centre Charles Hastings Education Centre is a stateof-the art training and conference facility within easy reach of the UK motorway network. It is a modern, educational facility offering a selection of conference and meeting rooms at extremely competitive rates.

With our clinical heritage and on-site medical museum showcasing the last 250 years of medicine and healthcare, we offer a learning environment that is truly different. As a training facility for the NHS, we cater for a multiplicity of educational and business needs.

The jewel in our crown is the 180-seater tiered and air-conditioned lecture theatre. With external audio-visual link capabilities, this is a unique facility catering to a wide range of training needs. We also have a variety of other rooms accommodating 12-80 people comfortably, including dedicated skills training Example room hire rates:

Lecture Theatre Seminar Room (80 people) Training Room (30 people) Syndicate Room (12 people)

and IT laboratories. There is Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the building.

To complement our training and seminar facilities, we have a large on-site restaurant overlooking our gardens which is open daily for hot and cold meals.

Take advantage of our medical library – a quiet place in which to do additional research or prep work, with full access to the internet.

CHEC is also available for hire in the evenings and at weekends.

Located within easy reach of the UK motorway network, we are a 5-minute drive from J6 and J7 of the M5. Excellent rail links to Worcester Shrub Hill and Worcester Foregate Street stations mean we are easily accessible by train from all major cities in the UK.

per day £350 £200 £100 £75

per evening £200 £100 £50 £40

per hour £100 £50 £25 £20

CHEC

Charles Hastings Education Centre Worcestershire Royal Hospital Charles Hastings Way Worcester WR5 1DD

Tel: 01905 760 600 Fax: 01905 760 866 For all enquiries please telephone or email us at enquiries@chec-worcester.co.uk

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

FREE TRAINING FOR YOUR BUSINESS – NO STRINGS ATTACHED! The Unique Skills People, the business-trainingarm of North East Worcestershire College, are pleased to be able to up-skill your workforce by providing FREE training opportunities for small to medium enterprises in Bromsgrove and Redditch.

Plus, free courses from the BCS (British Computer Society): n BCS Word Processing Level 1 (GLH 20 Hours) n BCS Spreadsheets Level 1 (GLH 20 Hours) n BCS Databases Level 1 (GLH 20 Hours) n BCS Powerpoint Level 1 (GLH 20 Hours) n BCS Online Basics at Entry 3 (GLH 20 Hours) n BCS Word Level 2 (GLH 30 Hours)

This free training opportunity is available to your employees who are over the age of 19.

All of the free training is funded by the European Social Fund meaning that registration, resources, teaching and certification costs are met.

The following qualifications are on offer: n Emergency First Aid Level 2 n Health & Safety in the Workplace Level 2 n Food Safety in Catering Level 2

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n BCS Spreadsheets Level 2 (GLH 30 Hours) n BCS Powerpoint Level 2 (GLH 30 Hours) Currently the IT courses are held at Osprey House in Redditch on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays 9am - 3pm. USP are able to fit your staff in at a time to suit. Evening classes will be made available providing there are sufficient numbers, and likewise USP will even consider onsite training at your company for viable group sizes.

For further information, speak to Francesca Gibbs by e-mailing fgibbs@ne-worcs.ac.uk or calling 01527 572931/07781 379251.

As well as these free training courses, USP offer a wide range of standard, customised and bespoke courses at all levels. The courses are designed and delivered to individuals who want to improve their own skills and for companies who want to enhance their employees’ knowledge.

NEW College, USP’s parent company, have been providing a wide range of training solutions for large numbers of local SMEs and national employers for many years.

USP has a successful track record in providing innovative and creative training solutions; meeting the needs of employers from a range of different market sectors. The company is able to utilise a large network of trainers and business professionals who have up to date commercial awareness, business acumen and experience within their chosen field.

Contact a member USP’s dedicated sales team on 01527 548871 or email kskinner@ne-worcs.ac.uk who will be pleased to discuss your requirements, answer your questions and arrange a free consultation to discuss any immediate or future training needs.

May/June 2014

ASK THE EXPERT

MEETINGS MEETINGS CONFERENCES CONFERENCES DINNERS DINNERS PRIVATE HIRE HIRE PRIVATE www.museumofroyalworcester.org www.museumofroyalworcester.org MuSEuM OF OF ROyAl ROyAl wORCESTER wORCESTER MuSEuM SevernStreet Street Worcester Worcester WR1 WR1 2ND 2ND Severn 0190521247 21247 e:e:info info@@museumofroyalworcester.org museumofroyalworcester.org t:t:01905

‘RoyalWorcester’ Worcester’and andthe theC51 C51crown crowndevice deviceare areregistered registeredby byand andused usedunder under kind kind ‘Royal permissionfrom fromPortmeirion PortmeirionGroup GroupUK UKLtd Ltdtotowhom whomall allrights rightsare arereserved. reserved. permission

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT RISING ENERGY COSTS? There five actions you can take to reduce the impact on your bottom line.

1. Check your bills – bills can contain errors, so look at more than total cost and VAT, it is worth the effort.

2. Understand how and when you use energy – many businesses do not; and if you don’t understand it you can’t manage it!

3. Consider switching suppliers – but only when you fully understand the market and how you use energy.

4. Engage the workforce – it may surprise you to know that how equipment and buildings are used can make as much a 50% difference in the energy use!

5. Treat energy management as a core activity – know what you can do; take action; seek external support when needed

Local Knowledge, Regional Coverage SALES

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LETTINGS

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MANAGEMENT

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John Pooley Consultancy Ltd has been providing energy advice, training, coaching & mentoring to a wide range of businesses for over 25 years. In the autumn JPC will be offering a range of practical workshops on energy & sustainability for businesses in Herefordshire & Worcestershire.

RENT REVIEWS

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INVESTMENT ADVICE

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John Pooley, Managing Director, John Pooley Consultancy Ltd

VALUATIONS

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Worcester Office: 01905 28684 Bromsgrove Office: 01527 872525 For a full list of properties go to

www.gjsdillon.co.uk Contact John Dillon, Bill Fellows or Philip Jones Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

For more information contact:

Tel: 01905 570252 john@pooleyconsult.net | www.pooleyconsult.net John Pooley Consultancy Ltd, Rectory Court, Great Witley, Worcester WR6 6JP

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CONFERENCEWORCESTERSHIRE www.conference-worcestershire.org

VENUE SPOTLIGHT A ROYAL VISIT TO EASTNOR CASTLE On Monday 24 March 2014, 15 young adults went to Eastnor Castle to take on The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award 4x4 Challenge Event.

Eastnor Castle and Jaguar Land Rover hosted the guests taking on four different sections of the Award through an exhilarating Land Rover 4x4 Challenge which included a driving experience, extreme physical activities, team building games and inspiring community participation projects.

The experience began in London, where guests were collected and driven to Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire. With its thirty miles of test track, Eastnor is an important tool in the research and development of new Land Rovers.

Guests had the opportunity to test out the vehicles, as well as experiencing other high adrenaline activities and the breath-taking 5,000 acres of the Eastnor

Castle estate, gaining an insight into how it feels to be an Award participant.

Guests were joined for the event by HRH the Earl of Wessex, Trustee of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation. To replicate the Service element of the Award, the group carried out projects for Eastnor School and Eastnor Church.

With 5,000 acres of rolling hills, woodland, lakes and flooded quarries, Eastnor Castle provides the perfect backdrop for your corporate away day.

There is over 20 different options for team building days from pottery or building a cardboard boat to sheep herding or a Land Rover experience.

Evening catering and entertainment can be arranged for groups of 8 up to 150 guests. www.eastnorcastle.com

LARGEST EVER CONFERENCE BROCHURE FOR WORCESTERSHIRE

RURAL CONCIERGE SERVICE Rural Concierge specialises in researching quality sightseeing itineraries, tours and talks in Herefordshire and Worcestershire and the surrounding areas, such as the Wye Valley, the Marches, the Cotswolds, the Midlands, Wales and the South West.

This service is particularly useful for businesses wanting to show off the local area to their business visitors.

From coaches to chauffeur-driven cars, from local bus and train services to bicycle hire or even a helicopter, Rural Concierge arranges days out and short breaks to suit any budget or experience!

Rural Concierge has a great passion for promoting Herefordshire and Worcestershire as well as the surrounding areas with ‘off the beaten track’ knowledge being second to none. The service is a walking reference book when dealing with itinerary requests which enables you and your business visitors, to have the best experience possible of the counties. www.rural-concierge.co.uk

Worcestershire is packed full of fantastic venues. The brand new 2014 Conference Worcestershire Brochure represents over 40 venues located across the county and is the largest conference guide ever produced for the county. The new brochure is available in a digital format with a host of country house hotels, sporting venues, purpose built conference centres as well as venues with green credentials.

You can download a copy by visiting www.visitworcestershire.org/ meetings-events/

ROOM HIRE

The opportunity to hire spacious and well-equipped rooms at the Chamber’s head office in Blackpole, Worcester. www.hwchamber.co.uk/book-a-conference-room 038

May/June 2014

DESTINATIONWORCESTERSHIRE

TOUCH DIGITAL IS HERE TO DEVELOP YOUR DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY Touch Digital is a project funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), delivered by Coventry University Enterprises and their partners to assist West Midlands SMEs. Your business could have up to five days of their expert time to research digital technology for your business, help integrate new technology into your business or to make improvements to your existing technology.

Their experts can assist with: needs analysis, idea development and prototyping, and usability testing:

NEEDS ANALYSIS: Touch Digital can support businesses with the creation of digital ideas that both suit their needs and add value. Our development team includes experienced digital artists and designers, who can support and create visual concepts that businesses can then use to progress ideas internally.

IDEA DEVELOPMENT AND PROTOTYPING: Ideas and solutions are generated to help make businesses smarter, more efficient and more competitive. If a business already has a technical solution in development we can provide feedback, usability testing and post launch analysis.

USABILITY TESTING: The usability of products is evaluated, focusing on measuring a product’s capacity to meet its intended purpose and its ease of use. The influence of environmental conditions is explored as well as the potential impact and acceptability of digital technology incorporated products.

To find out more about the Touch Digital project please contact a member of the Coventry University Enterprises Ltd team. www.touchdigital.eu

VISIT ENGLAND YEAR OF THE BIKE GO WITH THE FLOW AT A BRAND CAMPAIGN AND WHAT A YEAR IN NEW RIVER FESTIVAL WORCESTERSHIRE! The Severn Festival is a brand new event being launched Visit Worcestershire in the ‘Year of the Bike’ and you will be pleasantly surprised by the amount of cycling routes spread across the county and the choice of cycling events. On 3rd June the Pearl Izumi Tour Series visits Redditch for the third year running and on 10th September the county will host the forth stage of the Tour of Britain, the UK’s biggest professional cycle race which will be starting in Worcester city.

Worcester city will also host the Run Bike Run event on 21st September. There are also Blossom Trail Bikeaways in the springtime and later on in October, a World War I Sponsored Bike Ride in Gheluvelt Park, commemorating the Battle of Gheluvelt, which took place on 31st October 1914.

in 2014. The Festival will be held on the 30th August, on the glorious banks of the River Severn in the historic city of Worcester. This new event will celebrate the river including a range of boat races, and not to mention a local food and drink market with local produce grown on the fertile plains of the UK’s longest river.

The Festival will also include a local arts and crafts market as well as musical performances, which will be held along the riverside and throughout the city, as part of Worcester Music Festival which is being held 29th 31st August 2014. www.visitworcestershire.org/severnfestival

Worcestershire is a great county to get out and about in and there is no better way to explore the county than getting on a bicycle and watching the lush green landscape pass you by. The county features on three NCN cycle networks, making cycling a great way to get from A to B between the historic riverside city and the quaint market towns.

Wyre Forest (Forestry Commission) has a variety of cycling routes to choose from, whatever your ability, but the Forest is a particular favourite for families with young children who can enjoy the family cycling trail.

You can also test your mountain bike skills at Kingsford Forest Park, home to a downhill mountain bike trail.

There are numerous other cycling routes available in Worcestershire through country parks and way-marked country locations and many more events happening in the VisitEngland ‘Year of the Bike’. www.visitworcestershire.org/cyclingroutes

WORCESTERSHIRE FLAG HITS THE SHELVES You can now fly the flag for Worcestershire as the new flag hits the shelves at Worcester Tourist Information Centre. The flag was created following a competition run last year by radio station BBC Hereford & Worcester. The challenge was to create an official flag for the county after it was discovered Worcestershire didn’t have one! A Worcestershire flag costs £6.95 and can be purchased from the Worcester Tourist Information Centre at the Guildhall, in Worcester.

www.visitworcestershire.org/worcester

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

2014 SPRING/SUMMER VISIT WORCESTERSHIRE GUIDE Be inspired this spring and summer to take a short break or holiday in this wonderful county. The new Guide features inspirational content, attraction listings as well as the official county Stay Guide.

You can download a copy at www.visitworcestershire.org/publications

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CHAMBEREVENTS

HR FORUM FOR HR PROFESSIONALS - in association with Hewett Recruitment FUTURE DATES AND TOPICS: Thursday 15th May, Redditch.

Updating policies relating to cyber security. Safeguarding your company data Wednesday 4th June, Worcester.

The Bank House, Worcester

CELEBRATE SUCCESS! Book your place at the Chamber Awards Ceremony today Thursday 10th July 6.45pm - 11.30pm The Bank House Hotel and Golf Club, Bransford, WR6 5JD The Chamber Awards Ceremony is an evening not to be missed. The Awards are organised by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and will showcase the two counties most successful businesses.

The glittering black tie event provides you with the unique opportunity to mix and mingle with 400 entrepreneurs, business professionals and industry leaders. The ticket price includes entrance to the Awards ceremony, a drinks reception and spectacular dinner including wine.

HR Conference with keynote speaker Kevin Green, Chief Executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation Tuesday 8th July, Hereford.

Collecting and using feedback from your employees. A two way conversation.

For more information or to book to attend the above events, please email

events@hwchamber.co.uk

Wednesday 10th September, Redditch.

Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace.

The importance of looking after employees.

Dress code: Strictly black tie and formal evening wear.

TICKET PRICES Table of 10 £630 plus VAT Members £855 plus VAT Non-Members Single ticket £70 plus VAT Members £95 plus VAT Non Members To book your place at the business celebration of the year, please email events@hwchamber.co.uk or call 0845 641 1641

WITH GRATEFUL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: Borwell Ltd CB Chartered Accountants Central Technology Belt Dytecna GrowthAccelerator Hewett Recruitment Malvern Instruments Sanctuary Group TechTeam Universal Display Ltd Worcestershire Works Well Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership

ABOUT THE VENUE The Bank House Hotel & Golf Club is an attractive hotel with roots dating back to the late 17th Century. Situated equidistant between the thriving city of Worcester and the cultural hub of Great Malvern, with the Herefordshire border just minutes away, the hotel is the perfect location to celebrate the success of our two wonderful counties.

The hotel has agreed a special rate for guests at the Business Awards, to book a room please call 01886 833551.

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CHAMBER EXPO EVENT Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce will be returning to the Three Counties Showground, Malvern on Thursday 18th September from 8am-3pm.

The exhibition, one of the Chamber’s most popular, is a great opportunity for businesses to network and gain crucial business contacts, as well as promote their company and raise their profile within the community.

Celebrating our success from winning Chamber of the Year and in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support we will be holding our very own ‘Great Chamber Bake off’.

Businesses will have the opportunity to enter their baking creations and then see them auctioned off at an afternoon networking session to raise funds for the charity.

With 100+ exhibitors from many different business sectors, don’t miss the chance to meet new suppliers, generate sales and increase awareness of the products and services that you offer.

An exhibition stand (including one free breakfast) will cost Members £250+VAT and Non-members £350+VAT. To find out more visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/expos, email events@hwchamber.co.uk or phone 0845 641 1641.

May/June 2014

CHAMBEREVENTS

NETWORKING CALENDAR MAY - JUNE 2014 May 2014 Malvern Curry Club in association with Sharpmonkeys Monday 12th May 6.00pm - 8.00pm Anupam, 85 Church Street, Great Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 2AE £15.00+VAT Members and Non-members Hereford Women’s Business Forum in association with Thorne Widgery Accountancy Tuesday 13th May 9.30am-11.30am Thorne Widgery, 2 Wyevale Business Park, Kings Acre, Hereford HR4 7BS £15.00+VAT Members £30.00+VAT Non-members Redditch HR Forum in association with Hewett Recruitment Thursday 15th May 11.30am-2.00pm Redditch Golf Club, Lower Grinsty, Green Lane, Callow Hill B97 5PJ £22.50+VAT Members £30.00+VAT Non-members Kidderminster Lunch Friday 16th May 12.00 – 2.00pm Mercure Hotel Kidderminster. Habberley Road DY12 1LA £17.50+VAT Members £30.00+VAT Non-members Malvern Networking Breakfast sponsored by ACAS Tuesday 20th May 7.30am-9.30am Abbey Hotel, Abbey Road, Malvern, WR14 3ET FREE for Members £15.00+VAT Non-members Hereford Networking Breakfast Wednesday 21st May 7.30am-9.30am Burghill Valley Golf Club, Tillington Road, Hereford HR4 7RW £15.00+VAT Members £30.00+VAT Non-members Hereford Curry Club in association with Harrisons Business Recovery and Insolvency Ltd Friday 30th May 12.30-2.30pm Champagne Signature Bar and Restaurant, Pomona Place, Hereford HR4 0EF £12.50+VAT Members and Non-members

June 2014 Resource Efficiency Forum event: Reducing water consumption Tuesday 3rd June 8.00am – 10.00am Kanes Foods, Cleeve Road, Middle Littleton, Nr Evesham (Sat Nav postcode: WR11 8JR) FREE EVENT for eligible business to business SME’s.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

HR Professionals Conference in association with Hewett Recruitment Wednesday 4th June 9.00am – 3.00pm Sixways Stadium, Hindlip Worcester WR3 8ZE The HR and business landscape is rapidly transforming. Be there, be informed and be ready to meet the challenges facing all HR Professionals. We will welcome four fantastic speakers to our second HR Conference: Kevin Green, Chief Executive at REC. Paul Chamberlain, Head of Employment at Brabners, Manchester.

Sally Morris, Head of Employment Division at mfg Solicitors.

Bernie Bird, Group Head of HR Services at Sanctuary Group This event will include lunch. £35.00+VAT Members £45.00+VAT Non-members Malvern Networking Breakfast Thursday 5th June 7.30am-9.30am Abbey Hotel, Abbey Road, Malvern, WR14 3ET £15.00+VAT Members £30.00+VAT Non-members Malvern Curry Club in association with Sharpmonkeys Monday 9th June 6.00pm - 8.00pm Anupam, 85 Church Street, Great Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 2AE £15.00+VAT Members and Non-members Worcester Networking Breakfast Thursday 12th June 7.30am-9.30am Worcester County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcestershire WR2 4QQ £15.00+VAT Members, £30.00+VAT Non-members Hereford Networking Breakfast Wednesday 18th June 7.30am-9.30am Burghill Valley Golf Club, Tillington Road, Hereford HR4 7RW £15.00+VAT Members £30.00+VAT Non-members Droitwich Networking Breakfast Thursday 19th June 7.30am-9.30am St Andrews Town Hotel, St Andrews Drive, Droitwich, WR9 8AL £15.00+VAT Members £30.00+VAT Non-members Maximising your Membership with ISO Quality Services Friday 20th June 9.30am-11.30am Quality Suite, 1st Floor Oak House, Everoak Industrial Estate, Bromyard Road, Worcester WR2 5HP FREE Event - Members only FREE Worcester Breakfast – Heathrow Airport event Thursday 26th June 7.30am-9.30am Worcester County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcestershire WR2 4QQ FREE for Members and Non-members Herefordshire Lunch Friday 27th June 12.00pm-2.00pm £17.50+VAT Members £30.00+VAT Non-members

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NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH BROADWAY Evesham Electronics Ltd 01386 842900 www.eveshamelectronics.co.uk

MTM Skills Training Ltd 01386 859647 www.mtmskillstraining.co.uk

Show Me Herefordshire.co.uk 01531 888308 showmeengland.co.uk/hereford

The Handmade Scotch Egg Company Ltd 01885 490520

Worcestershire Ambassadors

KIDDERMINSTER

The Very Good Translation Company Ltd 01527 730144 www.tvgtranslations.com

Waste Management Solutions Ltd 0844 8009592 www.wm-solutions.co.uk

EVESHAM Jigsaw Safety Solutions 0787 517 8816 www.jigsawsafetysolutions.co.uk

Bluecore Heatsinks Lmited 08447 365886 www.bluecoreheatsinks.com

MCW Cost Consultancy Ltd 0845 468 1984 www.mcw-cost-consultancy.co.uk

Sheet Metal Services (Midlands) Ltd 01562 743869

LEOMINSTER Chameleon Executive Resources Limited 01568 612171 www.chameleonpa.co.uk

Wind And Sun Ltd 01568 760671

www.windandsun.co.uk

HARTLEBURY SGM Sports Ltd T/A The Supercar Rooms 01299 666116 www.thesupercarrooms.co.uk

HEREFORD Beaumonts Solicitors LLP 01432 352345 www.beaumonts-solicitors.co.uk

Communion Architects 01432 344300 communionarchitects.com

Hereford Industrial Supply Co Ltd 01432 353232 www.herefordindustrial.co.uk

Hereford Lettings 01432 800384 www.herefordlettings.com

JSPUK Ltd 01432 353050 www.jspuk.co.uk

www.cluerhrsolutions.co.uk

Wyefield Wealth Management 01454 618700

Battus Associates Limited 0121 6778178

www.pamayday.com

01386 751740

STOURPORT ON SEVERN

www.wyefieldwm.co.uk

PA Mayday Ltd 01527 888919

Cluer HR Solutions Ltd

www.handmadescotcheggs.co.uk

BROMSGROVE

www.battus.co

PERSHORE

LEDBURY SoundSketch Ltd 01531 630083

www.corporateworkshops.co.uk

Speedy Light Logistics Ltd 01531 248313 www.speedylight.co.uk

MALVERN Cargyll 01886 833888 www.cargyll.co.uk

Fleet Line Markers Ltd 01684 573535 www.flmuk.com

Malvern Saddle Company Ltd 01684 572485 www.saddlethathorse.com

Nuts About Style 07882 617730

www.nutsaboutstyle.co.uk

01905 360758

www.worcestershireambassadors.com

THROCKMORTON Malvern Optical Ltd 01386 553188

www.malvernoptical.co.uk

WORCESTER Aiming High Ltd 07875 847178 Anja Potze Fine Jewellery Ltd 01905 20944 www.anjapotze.co.uk

Blue Box Software 0845 521 0860

www.wearebluebox.com

Bransford Game Fisheries 01905 830 548 www.bransfordgame.com

Clearview Systems Limited 0845 519 7661 www.clearviewbusiness.com

CPS Windows Doors and Conservatories 01905 421499 cpswindows.co.uk

D & L Contractors Ltd 01905 333513 www.dlcontractors.org

D&S Contractors 01905 25119

www.dandscontractors.com

Ginger Pig Cafe & Bistro 01905 338913 www.littlegingerpig.co.uk

JGS Couriers Ltd 01905 640518

www.jgscouriers.co.uk

John Pooley Consultancy Ltd 01299 896904 www.pooleyconsult.net

CHAMBER LEGAL EXPENSES INSURANCE

No matter how well you plan and manage your business you never know when you are going to face unexpected legal fees. Members are entitled to free Legal Expenses Insurance (terms and conditions apply). Call 0845 641 1641

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May/June 2014

NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH National Golf Clubs’ Advisory Association 01886 812943

OUT OF AREA

RG-Luma Automation 01905 753700

www.alphaquad.co.uk

Soloman Marketing Ltd 01905 562341

www.fenster.uk.com

The Bank House Hotel, Spa & Golf Club 01886 833551

www.formulate.co.uk

Waldrons Solicitors 01386 811811

www.merciadigital.co.uk

www.ngcaa.org.uk

www.rglumagroup.co.uk

www.solomans.co.uk

www.bankhouseworcester.com

www.waldrons.co.uk

Whatwhenwhyhow Ltd

www.whatwhenwhyhowcoaching.com

Worcester Rowing Club 01905 22099

Alphaquad LTD 01789 491610

Fenster Commercial Limited 01684 274 666

The Minimaster Sports Company Limited www.minimastersports.com

World Options 03330 117800

www.worldoptions.co.uk

Formulate Consulting Limited 01905 888704 Mercia Digital LLP 0845 862 5252

Sherbornes Solicitors LLP 01242 250039 www.sherbornesllp.co.uk

Teledyne Labtech Ltd 01544 260093 www.teledyne.com

www.wrc1874.co.uk

EatYourVeg.co.uk Enquiries to lou@eatyourveg.co.uk, follow me on Twitter @eat_your_veg or Facebook/eatyourveg Subscribe to the site via email and every 100th follower will receive a unique Eat Your Veg prize!

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Healthier, Fun & Delicious Recipes for Kids & Families from a Herefordshire Mum Seasonal, local & sustainable Giveaways, Competions, Reviews, Foodie News and Fun Stuff too!

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MEMBERSSERVICES

Prestige Chauffeur Services Fleet

PRESTIGE CHAUFFEUR SERVICES Trading for over 10 years, Prestige Chauffeur Services offers a professional, confidential and VIP bespoke transport service for private, corporate, media and high profile clientele.

Using high end Mercedes & BMW vehicles, we guarantee a first class service every time. All vehicles are supplied with complimentary daily newspapers, chilled bottled water and a range of quality confectionaries.

Each vehicle also comes equipped with high speed Wi-Fi and real time GPS tracking, allowing passengers to continue working on the move and have peace of mind on the progress of their journey.

MINX MEDIA Minx Media is approaching Herefordshire’s business marketing from a new angle – by giving SMEs the skills to understand and deliver their own marketing needs and activities.

“While many independent business owners are brilliant at what they produce, they often stumble in understanding the routes to market and how to reach their customers,” observes Minx MD Heidi Chamberlain Jones. “We help them to create a strategy specifically for their company and give owners and their teams the skills to put that into action. Yes, we can still support that delivery output, but it’s always good for owners to know what should be happening as part of their business development and leadership process.”

Minx works in-house with most commercial sectors and also delivers Marketing, Sales, Personal and Business Development courses at various venues. As a Growth Accelerator approved coach and trainer there could also be funding available to qualifying companies for these services. www.minxmedia.co.uk

Heidi Chamberlain Jones, Minx Media

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All drivers are uniformed, security cleared, bound by confidentiality agreements and most importantly, put your needs first.

We have offices throughout the UK, with our head office located in Worcestershire. From there, we have a dedicated team overlooking every vehicle operating throughout the UK and overseas, which means we will get you to your destination, every time, on time, no matter what. www.prestige-chauffeurs.com

ORCHARD HEALTHCARE PLAN DESIGNED FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS An Orchard Healthcare Plan designed for Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber Members could be a cost effective option in providing employers with a low cost Healthcare benefit for their employees.

The range of the Orchard Healthcare Corporate Plans can be provided on an employer paid basis or on an employee paid basis. They are not only there to assist in paying for the regular treatments people require, such as a visit to the dentist or optician; they will also help in paying for other treatments that people may need occasionally such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, health screening, specialist consultations and a wide range of other treatments.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ALONGSIDE THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER BUSINESS SCHOOL ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF THE MOMENTUM PROJECT Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce recently worked alongside the University of Worcester Business School and the Leadership Trust in a successful bid to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to offer funded postgraduate studies to 30 high achieving graduates with an aim to support the growth of the regional economy by partnering with local businesses and facilitating the progression of first-degree graduates into postgraduate education.

Momentum will give local and regional businesses the opportunity to attract and retain skilled graduates - graduates will benefit from valuable real-life work experience and the opportunity to build a network of new contacts while being funded to achieve a postgraduate qualification in Leadership and Management.

Businesses will gain a competitive advantage by hiring a high achieving graduate for a 12-month salaried work placement. Starting from September this year, with work placements starting shortly afterwards, participants will study part-time for two years, with minimised time spent out of the business, and become strategic leaders, applying the latest theories and industry-relevant management tools to actual business challenges – delivering immediate value to businesses involved.

Recruitment and mentoring support is available both to participants and businesses delivered through a dedicated project team at the Business School.

If you are a business – or know a business - looking to hire a high-achieving graduate for a one-year salaried work placement contact Lisa Loudon on momentum@worc.ac.uk or call 01905 542445. www.worcester.ac.uk

Unlike private medical insurance, the Orchard Healthcare Corporate Plans are very affordable, with plans starting from as little as £1.07 per week, less a promotional discount offer of 15% for Chamber Members over a 12 months period and includes a free Personal Accident Insurance Cover up to £10,000. www.whcaorchard.com

May/June 2014

POLICYNEWS

QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY LAP TOP PRIZE WINNER Each quarter, over 5,000 businesses across the country participate in the Quarterly Economic Survey and the results are closely watched by policy makers such as the Treasury, Bank of England and the Office of Budget Responsibility.

John Longworth

STATE OF THE NATION - GOOD TO GREAT BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE ANNUAL CONFERENCE The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) held its Annual Conference in London on April 1st; the conference theme asked how he economy could go from being good, to one that is truly great. The impressive line up of speakers included, Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP; Rt Hon Michael Gove MP; Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP; Rt Hon Ed Balls MP; Karren Brady and Theo Paphitis.

Addressing an audience of 800 businesses, politicians, media and Chambers of Commerce from across the globe, the BCC Director General, John Longworth set out his vision for ‘great growth’ – and the need to transform the UK economy from being merely good to being truly great, by creating sustainable growth.

generation for the British workforce is too important to the economy for us to ignore.’

Two sixth form students from RGS Worcester, Matt Emeny and Georgie Sanders, attended the conference with the Herefordshire and Worcestershire team, as part of 100 young people from across the Chamber network.

The students had lunch with Theo Paphitis as part of the ‘Business is Good for Young People’ campaign.

The conference focus was directed in particular at skills and export, debating issues such as ‘The Skills and International Competitiveness of Britain’s Current and Future Workforce’ and ‘Britain’s Future Relationship with the European Union.’

Speaking about export, John said that exports need to grow by 10% year on year, ‘The number of Chamber of Commerce members that are exporting has gone from 22% to 35% in just under three years. We at Chambers are doing our bit, working with our valued colleagues in UKTI and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, to build the very first British global business network in 41 key markets across the world – specifically to help British businesses export to these emerged and emerging markets.’

John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said, “Preparing this next

Jim McBride, President of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce said, ‘The

This quarter as an incentive to get involved, the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce offered participants the chance to win a brand new Lap Top, kindly donated by TechTeam, just for taking part. We drew a winner at random and we can announce that the lucky winner was Jennie Cheshire, General Manager of Worcester Racecourse.

The QES feeds into the British Chambers of Commerce national survey which is the largest and most representative independent business survey of its kind in the UK, and is closely watched by policy makers such as the Treasury and the Bank of England, as well as the national media. The more businesses that take part, the more accurate the analysis of the local economy will be, you can also request a copy of the report upon completion. www.hwchamber.co.uk/local-economic-data

conference was an exceptional opportunity for us at the Chamber and in business, to hear first hand from government and business about the issues that affect all of us on a daily basis. It was particularly good to hear the positive call-to-action to increase the co-operation between the business community and education providers.’

Are we going from good to great? The Director General assured delegates saying ‘’We are on a long road to truly great, sustainable economic growth.’

For more information about the Annual British Chambers of Commerce Conference please go to: www.bccconference.co.uk

CHAMBER’S FLOOD SURVEY INFORMS NO.10 A survey conducted by the Chamber of Commerce has been sent to the highest levels.

Over 50 businesses told us how the floods had affected them in February and this information was sent on to the British Chambers of Commerce Policy team, who requested that it be sent to Anne Freeman who leads on flood insurance policy for Her Majesty’s Government.

Findings from the survey told government how business had been affected, what costs were incurred from the inundation and ideas for how to prevent flooding problems in the future.

In addition a number of free events were also held

by Visit Worcestershire for businesses affected by the floods.

Businesses accessed practical help from experts on, business continuity, communications and social media, marketing and legal issues to ensure greater resilience against severe weather conditions in the future.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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corporate branding • logos • websites • leaflets • brochures • magazine design • marketing

CHARITYNEWS

THE PRINCE’S TRUST AT THE CHAMBER EXPO The Chamber Expo provided a great opportunity for The Prince’s Trust to talk to businesses about how they can get involved in various programmes.

Examples include offering a young person some work experience, staff development programmes and supporting local fund raising events over the coming months. While the Princes Trust is the leading youth charity in the UK, all the money raised by the local Herefordshire and Worcestershire Development Committee will be kept in the area to support our local young people, helping them to move into employment, education or training.

L-R: Tracy Haycox MBE, Director of Children and Young People’s Services at SAFE@LAST, Jason Holden, Commercial Business Manager from Karndean Designflooring and Andy Caulton from Wendy’s Carpets and Curtains.

By helping to raise awareness of The Prince’s Trust and the inspiring work it does; you can make a huge difference to the lives of many young people. www.princes-trust.org.uk

KARNDEAN DESIGNFLOORING TRANSFORMS REFUGE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE Karndean Designflooring Evesham, has donated its first free floor as part of its ‘40 Free Floors for 40 Good Causes’ appeal to SAFE@LAST. SAFE@LAST is a charity which works with young people at risk through running away. Karndean successfully transformed the charity’s refuge by updating dated carpet with new Karndean floors throughout the property.

For more information and to nominate individuals, families, businesses and other worthy causes in Karndean Designflooring’s ’40 Free Floors for 40 Good Causes’ appeal, visit www.karndean40floors.com. www.karndean.com

CORPORATE “EMPLOYEE FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR” AWARDS Companies that chose St Michael’s Hospice as their “Charity of the Year” in 2013, gathered together at the Priory Hotel to celebrate the achievement of their employees raising over £23,000 for the Hospice Redevelopment Appeal.

The overall winner was “Hoople Buddies” who raised over £10,400 in just 12 months. Second prize was awarded to Jo Brindle of QS Gordon Lutton, and third prize was awarded to Gill Stamp of funeral directors, Dawe Brothers.

Each of the winners was awarded a luxury weekend break kindly donated by the Vivat Trust, who are again offering luxury weekend breaks for the St Michael’s Hospice Corporate Employee Fundraiser of the Year Awards in 2014.

If you would like to take part contact the Partnership Development Manager, Liz Morawiecka on 01432 851000.

www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk

www.wre.uk.com

ST BASILS ANNUAL WALK CHALLENGE Registration is now open for St Basils Annual Walk Challenge, which will take place in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire on Saturday 14th June 2014.

St Basils is the regions youth homelessness charity with a 40 year track record of providing a holistic range of prevention, accommodation and support services for young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry and Worcestershire, helping over 5000 young people a year across the region.

This is the 16th year of the Walk, a sponsored team challenge navigating either a 26 or 13 mile circular route using a map and instructions. www.stbasils.org.uk/walk

LUCKY STRIKES RAISE HOSPICE CASH St Richard’s Hospice has been bowled over by a generous donation from Worcestershire businesses.

Insurance Brokers Sutcliffe & Co and Chartered Financial Planners McCarthy Taylor Ltd hosted a night of networking with a competitive streak at Bowl Xtreme.

‘ALADDINS CAVE’ OF LOW COST RECLAIMED MATERIAL Worcestershire Resource Exchange (WRE) is a ‘scrapstore’ which collects clean and safe waste from a range of local industries and businesses, diverting it from landfill. This ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of reclaimed material is then made available to members as a creative resource for projects. Their members include schools, nurseries, community and voluntary organisations and the general public. WRE gives them the opportunity to source interesting scrap materials for their creative projects.

WRE are always looking for new businesses to work with and can come and collect waste materials from you free of charge, assisting you in improving standards of good environmental practice.

St Basils Walk 2013 ‘Where’s Gateleys LLP’

Over thirty teams from companies across Worcestershire turned out to support the event, which raised £3,000 for the charity.

St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist care for patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and supports their families. Each year the hospice team supports over 2,400 patients and family members in Worcestershire.

Hoople Buddies – L-R: Sonia Lowther; Kelly Richards; Angela Jones; Phil Collins (Judge from Collins Design & Build Ltd); Louise Montgomery; Joanna Thomas; Katie Workman; Mike Dearing (CEO of Hoople Ltd); Lesley Evans.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

www.strichards.org.uk

047

MOVERSANDSHAKERS

L-R: Daniel Pitt, Nicole Andrews, Ian Smith, and Chris Ireland.

Max Luke and Anja Potze

MAX LUKE, ANJA POTZE New member and award-winning Worcester jeweller Anja Potze has expanded her team with the appointment of Max Luke as Digital Media Manager.

The appointment has taken Friar Street-based Anja’s team to three with 18 year-old Max now helping to lead on digital media strategy and overhauling the business’ IT systems. www.anjapotze.com

NICOLE ANDREWS, CHRIS IRELAND AND DANIEL PITT, BISHOP FLEMMING Bishop Fleming, have appointed three new recruits to their expanding Worcester office.

Nicole Andrews has joined Bishop Fleming from rival firm, Baker Tilly, in the new role of Senior Private Client Manager.

Chris Ireland has been appointed as Corporate Services Senior, having previously worked for South West accountants, Albert Goodman, and Kendall Wadley as an Audit Senior.

Daniel Pitt, a graduate of Worcester University, has been appointed as a Tax Trainee at Bishop Fleming. www.bishopfleming.co.uk

ROSIE HAMILTON, ARTRIX ARTS CENTRE

ANDREW WRIGHT, CB CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS CB, Chartered Accountants are delighted to announce that one of their students, Andrew Wright, has qualified to join the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Andrew, who lives in Redditch and was a Graduate Trainee in the firm’s Worcester office, is the latest in a long line of students who have qualified with the training that the firm offers. Andrew said: “I think it is the combination of good on the job training and a study package that includes being trained at one of the leading Business Schools in the country that has ensured that I have qualified” The firm’s Managing Partner, John Painter said “I am delighted for Andrew and for the firm. It is recognition of Andrew’s hard work but for the firm it is another highly qualified person for our clients to work with.”

Kelly Hurst & Zoe Perry

www.cbcharteredaccountants.com

Artrix Arts Centre in Bromsgrove has recently appointed Rosie Hamilton as its Press, Media and Campaigns Officer.

A CIPR Accredited Practitioner, Rosie has a wealth of experience in media relations, multi-channel marketing, crisis communications, publicity launches and public affairs.

BEATRIX HULL AND BRIAN THORNTON, HEWETT RECRUITMENT Beatrix is successfully supporting the busy Worcester commercial team and is training hard to become a fully-fledged consultant.

Brian hails from the ’Emerald Isle’ and brings with him a wealth of experience and insight. He has recently joined the Kidderminster team as Commercial Consultant and has already proved his ability to achieve high standards in client and candidate care.

The engineering and IT teams are also currently recruiting an apprentice/ graduate to join their happy band.

Contact louise@hewett-recruitment. co.uk for more details. www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk

Stuart Price and members of the Halesowen Team

www.artrix.co.uk

STUART PRICE, ZOE PERRY AND KELLY HURST, THURSFIELDS Thursfields Solicitors is pleased to welcome three new members of staff.

The Halesowen office, is pleased to welcome Commercial and Intellectual Property Law Specialist, Stuart Price to its growing team.

STEWART SMITH, MFG SOLICITORS County law firm mfg Solicitors has boosted its agricultural team with the appointment of a specialist lawyer.

An experienced renewable energy specialist with a reputation for his advice on wind farm schemes, Mr Smith will work closely with partners Iain Morrison and Susan Morrissy. www.mfgsolicitors.com

048

Zoe Perry, a Solicitor based at the Foregate Street office in Worcester, has worked in legal practice for nearly 10 years and will advise on all areas of Wills, Powers of Attorney and estates.

Kelly Hurst, a Chartered Legal Executive based at Thursfields’ Halesowen office, also has significant experience in Wills and Powers of Attorney. www.thursfields.co.uk

NATASHA BUNCLARK, QUAILTY SOLICITORS GORDON LUTTON Quality Solicitors Gordon Lutton has appointed a new Paralegal, to manage growth within its property department.

Natasha Bunclark joins the team from Hugh James Solicitors in Cardiff.

Gordon Lutton Managing Partner, Colin Gordon said: “The property department at Gordon Lutton is undergoing a period of sustained and significant growth.

Natasha will help support both the commercial and residential property teams.”

SAMANTHA LLOYD, SME SOLICITORS Samantha Lloyd has joined SME Solicitors as Head of Wills and Probate.

Joining from another city centre law firm, Samantha brings 13 years’ experience, having qualified in 2000.

Samantha said: “My objective is to build and develop the Private Client and Wills & Probate team. Our clients come back to us across all legal needs because we are solid and established, and have a very good reputation.” www.smesolicitors.co.uk

www.qualitysolicitors.com/ gordonlutton

May/June 2014

MOVERSANDSHAKERS

SARAH JONES AND ALISON BRUNDLE, POSTCODE ANYWHERE SARAH BATEMAN, HEREFORDSHIRE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT SERVICE Sarah has joined hvoss (Hereford Voluntary Organisations Support Services) in the new role of Development Manager. Sarah brings with her experience in business and people management.

With the changes to funding, Sarah will work to develop hvoss for the next stage of its successful role within Herefordshire and ensure a sustainable future.

As a member of the Management Institute and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Sarah is bringing with her a new wave of experience to a busy and lively hvoss. www.hvoss.org.uk

EMMA DURANT, KENDALL WADLEY CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS Kendall Wadley Chartered Accountants have announced the appointment of Emma Durant as the firm’s new Tax Manager.

Emma joins Kendall Wadley, which has offices in Worcester, Malvern and Hereford from KPMG Birmingham where she was Assistant Manager in Corporation Tax. She has 14 years’ combined experience in tax and accountancy.

Working across all three of the firm’s offices, Emma Durrant’s role covers corporation tax, compliance and advisory, and inheritance tax planning with a specialism in tax auditing and re-structuring tax. She is heading up Kendall Wadley’s tax compliance team, providing taxation advice for both companies and individuals.

LAURA BLIGH, PEACH RECRUITMENT Peach Recruitment is very pleased to announce that Laura Bligh has joined their team as Recruitment Consultant and Team Leader for the Commercial Division.

Laura has a strong background in commercial recruitment and she will be focussing on the supply of professional services staff to private sector companies in the region. She is passionate about recruiting and is thrilled to have the opportunity to support local businesses in the area!

Postcode Anywhere is pleased to announce two new key appointments within its marketing department.

Sarah Jones joins the company as Online Marketing Executive. Born and bred in Worcester and as a former Bishop Perowne and Worcester Sixth Form College student she was previously employed at Dolphin Computer Access in Blackpole as the eMarketing co-ordinator.

Joining Ms Jones is Alison Brundle who also takes up a Marketing Executive position. Both appointments will be adding strength to a six strong PR and Marketing Team which is currently going through a major restructuring. www.postcodeanywhere.co.uk

The appointment comes as a result of a period of sustained growth for Peach over the last 3 years with the company celebrating 12 years in business this year. www.peachrecruitment.net

www.kwca.co.uk

DOUGLAS GODWIN, QUALITYSOLICITORS PARKINSON WRIGHT QualitySolicitors, Parkinson Wright are delighted to welcome Douglas Godwin, Solicitor to their established Business Team.

ANNE HUTSON, STOCK N LOCK SELF STORAGE Stock N Lock Self Storage has announced the appointment of Anne Hutson as its Assistant Business Manager.

Anne, who brings her experience with ‘one of the big four’ national storage companies to the Stock N Lock Self Storage team, also has previous experience in estate agency sales, lettings and property management.

In the newly created role of Stock N Lock’s Assistant Business Manager, Anne will be working alongside her colleagues to assist customers with their self storage needs. She will be managing staff on a daily basis, and share responsibility for the efficient day to day running of the state of the art, purpose built self storage facility in Lower Wick. www.stocknlock.co.uk

RACHEL REES-JONES, ERESPONSE RECRUITMENT eResponse Recruitment has expanded its team of experts with payroll specialist Rachel Rees-Jones joining the recruitment and training provider.

Rachel will support the rising numbers of new workers the firm is placing into businesses across the region and oversee the new workplace pension auto-enrolment scheme on behalf of clients.

Dave Alekna, payroll and finance manager at eResponse, said: “Rachel is a strong addition to our already experienced team and I’m delighted to have her on board. www.e-responserecruitment.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

L-R: Lisa Johnson, Richard Hull, Tina Circus and Matthew Horton.

TINA CIRCUS AND LISA JOHNSON, THOMAS HORTON LLP Leading Worcestershire law firm, Thomas Horton LLP, has added two new members to its partnership, increasing its Partner count to seven across its three offices.

The appointments of Tina Circus, Head of Wills, Trusts & Probate, and Lisa Johnson, Head of Property Services, are a further sign of Thomas Horton’s continued development. www.thomashorton.co.uk

Douglas specialises in agricultural, commercial property, development and planning law and landlord and tenant matters. He also has experience in environmental issues including energy production, wind turbines, telecommunication masts, river law and private water supplies.

As a former tenant farmer with Diplomas in Advanced Farm and Estate Management from the Royal Agriculture College, Cirencester and Agricultural Science from Harper Adams Agricultural College, Shropshire he has considerable experience and knowledge of the issues farmers face. www.qualitysolicitors.com/ parkinsonwright

049

LASTWORD

CONSTRUCTION - THE FOCUS OF THE NEXT BUSINESS DIRECTION

For the Last Word, we spoke to Stuart Speight, Director of IE Developments Limited which builds high quality, innovative homes in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

HOW IS THE CHAMBER HELPING YOUR SECTOR?

WHAT IS THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LIKE IN HEREFORDSHIRE?

The Chamber is keen to promote local business and help wherever it can. We are working closely with Hereford Technical Colleges to create courses in line with the oncoming requirements of a 21st Century Construction industry, we are also organising several construction and networking events to promote local quality companies working together. It was at one of these events that my company found several local businesses that led to our hugely successful eco development in Cradley. These companies are in our County and have the expertise; Chamber’s goal is to put like-minded people together to achieve aims that even the big boys aspire to!

Herefordshire has always had a strong agricultural requirement for construction, and this continues, but the housing and retail sector is the growing element currently, what we need to achieve however is more local involvement in the larger scale projects.

WHAT SORT OF CHANGES HAVE YOU SEEN IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS...?

On the plus side we have seen the housing market improve quite considerably and enjoyed a sustained improvement in construction requirements, coupled with the financial institutions releasing more funds into borrowing has meant a real boost within this sector and one that looks to continue.

On the flip side of this we are experiencing the lack of skills acutely felt within the construction sector, many have left the industry when the downturn hit and many businesses went by the wayside. The issue we now face is insufficient skills available at a time when new skills need to be encouraged to put ourselves in the forefront of recovery.

Also supply chains are strained to say the least, with materials being in short supply and price increases being an almost daily occurrence, the manufacturers closed plants when the bubble burst and are not keen to start them back up until a healthy, sustained order book is maintained. Supply issues will last I believe into 2015 when hopefully the status quo can be achieved.

IS THE HOUSE BUILDING MARKET BACK ON ITS FEET? Work has started on Sanctuary Group’s Coningsby Street development in Hereford.

The £1.6m scheme is part of the wider regeneration taking place in the city centre and will see the leading housing and care provider build 10 one-bedroom apartments.

Due to complete in early 2015, the Coningsby Street development will provide much-needed supported living accommodation and create a number of job and training opportunities.

Sanctuary hosted an event in March to formally mark the start of construction where Councillor Graham Powell, Herefordshire Council, was invited to dig the first spade into the ground to help celebrate the milestone.

Peter Martin, Sanctuary Group director - property, said: “Sanctuary has worked closely with Herefordshire Council as plans for the wider regeneration of the city centre have evolved and we are proud to be playing such a key part in providing new housing.

“Our development in Coningsby Street symbolises the start of an ambitious scheme which will ultimately provide hundreds of new homes for Hereford.”

WE’D LOVE YOUR GOOD NEWS CONSTRUCTION STORIES FOR OUR NEXT EDITION. PLEASE EMAIL THE M TO: BUSINESSDIRECTION@HWCHAMBER.CO.UK BEFORE JUNE 1ST. 050

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

We meet Anne Hutson, Business Manager at Stock N Lock Self Storage Centre on the Venture Business Park, St Johns, Worcester. Telephone 01905 749496, stocknlock.co.uk

WHAT DOES YOUR COMPANY DO? Stock N Lock Self Storage provides units available to rent within our 24/7 CCTV monitored, custom built centre in St Johns, Worcester. We have the full spectrum of units ranging from locker spaces to external 300 square foot units (that you can simply drive straight up to), and everything in between. Units have lighting and the option of electric points dependent on individual customers’ requirements. The state of the art security systems we have in place enable each individually alarmed and monitored room to be accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

IN WHAT SECTORS ARE YOUR CLIENTS?

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS? The company I work for is a high end property development company and we are currently building a five storey apartment building in Great Malvern, employing Hereford construction companies and using local businesses. Our projects are based on the ethos of sustainable low energy construction, and we are building off the back of our last award winning eco development. We will be looking for new land to develop through 2014/2015 to continue this goal.

, m - Rory McKenna Stock N Lock tea Carl Larkin Anne Hutson and

They can be across any sector. Here at Stock N Lock Self Storage, we deal with a wide range of both domestic and commercial clients. In the domestic market, many customers use our services while moving or renovating their home, travelling abroad or simply to store items they can’t bear to part with whilst de-cluttering their house. We also provide specialist vehicle storage which incorporates everything from cars, vans and motorhomes, to trucks, trailers and even agricultural vehicles. Within the commercial sector, local and national businesses use Stock N Lock to store tools, stock, document archives, or as an order delivery/ signing point. We also currently assist Government organisations, local sports clubs and a number of Worcestershire’s best loved charities.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE FIRMS ON? We can advise on all different aspects of storage, including the amount of space needed, insurances, what can, and what cannot be stored, and different packaging materials and options. We can also recommend local removal companies, and van hire companies to assist in the customer’s whole experience with us.

BEST THING ABOUT RUNNING THE BUSINESS? Aside from all the clients, contractors and different removal teams we meet, the best part must be that I get to run this business in particular, on site, right here. To work at Stock N Lock Self Storage Worcester, where the owner has invested huge energy to ensure we are offering the highest quality service, at the most affordable rate, in a bright, innovative new facility, with the latest technology and equipment to hand, really does instil a great sense of pride and pleasure in my work.

AND THE WORST? Having to watch the array of supercars and high performance vehicles glide into their specialist storage units and back out at their owner’s leisure, without being able to drive them myself!

May/June 2014

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