Business Direction 40

Business Direction

KEEPING UP WITH THE TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION PAGE 34

Issue 40 November/December 2017

We believe in providing advice that really makes a dierence to the success of your business.

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An award winning team of Chartered Accountants, Business & Tax Advisors.

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FIRSTWORD

A REFLECTION OF THE YEAR: NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2017

ction Business Dire

WITH KEEPING UP LOGICAL THE TECHNO N REVOLUTIO PAGE 34

Issue 40 cember 2017 November/De

BUSINESS DIRECTION Business Direction, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s full colour bi-monthly publication. Designed and produced by business people for business people. Distributed to 4,000 businesses.

EDITOR Lucy Allen 01905 673 639 lucya@hwchamber.co.uk

EDITORIAL & SUBSCRIPTIONS businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk 01905 673 639 www.hwchamber.co.uk/busines-direction

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing, Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 887 3810 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

ADVERTISING Distinctive Publishing Tel: 0845 884 2333 helen.flintoff@distinctivegroup.co.uk

FEATURE EDITORS John Dean & Francis Griss deangriss@btinternet.com 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 & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce does not accept any responsibility for any representations made within them.

The year is finally drawing to a close after a turbulent twelve months of political and economical change for local businesses in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and across the UK as a whole.

In 2017 we have seen another General Election, the Prime Minister triggering Article 50 and the introduction of the new Apprenticeship Levy.

The decline in the value of the pound has added increased pressure to local businesses, in addition to the skills shortage facing companies in the two counties. As we head into 2018, we will continue to support local businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire by lobbying for a clearer future of business and helping to bridge the gap between education and employment.

I was incredibly excited to be appointed as Chief Executive of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce in April this year. It has been a great pleasure to support businesses in the two counties, and I will continue to do so for 2018. The Chamber has achieved a lot in 2017, significantly growing our membership, consistently being the top performing Chamber in the Quarterly Economic Survey, and we were delighted to be selected as runner-up in the 10th World Chamber Competition. The Chamber was commended for the health and wellbeing accreditation scheme: Worcestershire Works Well, in the Best Corporate Social Responsibility Project, competing against Chambers from Brazil, Iran and India.

Despite challenges, 2017 has provided businesses with a fantastic opportunity to celebrate growth, longevity and success. The Queen’s Awards, Chamber Business Awards and the Tourism Awards for Excellence all recognised the hard-work and variety of businesses in the two counties. We are proud that many Chamber Members have gone on to win further awards at a national level, most recently Patron Members Malvern Instruments Ltd being crowned one of the winners in the West Midlands heats of the Chamber Business Awards 2017.

This year also brought with it the announcement of the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a change that will affect how many businesses in the two counties operate. With GDPR coming into force from Friday 25 May 2018, this edition of Business Direction focuses on Digital issues facing businesses and their communities. The Big Interview is with Titania Ltd, with interesting cover features from Fastershire, Bishop Fleming, borwell and Areca Design.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our Members an early Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and great success in 2018!

Best regards,

First Word

3

Chamber News

4-5

Business News

6

Business News

10

Policy

11

Skills

16

Business News

18

Business News

22-23

Chamber Training

26-27

Chamber Events

30-31

Big Interview

32-33

Cover Feature

34-35

International Trade

40-41

Visit Worcestershire

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Visit Herefordshire

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Worcestershire Business Central 48

Cyber and GDPR

51

Business News

52

Charity News

54

New Members

56-57

Business News

58

Movers and Shakers

60-61

Augmented Reality

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Sharon sharons@hwchamber.co.uk

Our Patrons are:

November/December 2017

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBERNEWS

CHAMBER ANNOUNCED AS RUNNER-UP FOR GLOBAL AWARD The winners of the 10th World Chambers Competition were announced at a Congress Gala Dinner on Thursday 21 September at Sydney’s Premier Convention Centre, Australia.

The Chamber was selected as a finalist in the Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Project after being recognised for the health and wellbeing scheme Worcestershire Works Well. The Chamber was one of only two British Chambers chosen as a finalist in the competition, joining Business West Chamber

of Commerce in the shortlisting for the global accolade.

Although disappointed not to have won the award, being runner-up for the Best CSR Project at the World Chambers Competition recognises the hard work and dedication put in by the Chamber, Worcestershire County Council Public Health, Community First, Sports Partnership Herefordshire & Worcestershire, Worcestershire Regulatory Services and the 97 businesses involved in the accreditation scheme.

The Chamber would like to extend its congratulations to Business West Chamber of Commerce for winning the award of Best Job Creation and Business Development Project at the competition.

Being a runner-up in the World Chambers Competition has been a fantastic opportunity to represent Worcestershire on an international level. To find out more about the scheme, please visit www.worcestershireworkswell.co.uk

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE RETURNS TO HEREFORD

ONLY FOOLS AND...TOURISM! Finalists of Visit Herefordshire and Visit Worcestershire’s Tourism Awards for Excellence attended an exclusive Awards Ceremony held at Malvern Theatres on Tuesday 19 September.

The event was hosted by John Challis, best known for his role in the hit BBC television comedy series Only Fools and Horses. Speaking at the event, Mr Challis said: “It’s been a great honour to help present the Visit Herefordshire and Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards for Excellence. It has been a terrific afternoon here at the Malvern Theatres,

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and it was brilliant to see so many people here who have done so much to help tourism in both the counties.”

Over 130 people from tourism businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire gathered to hear the announcement of the Winners, Highly Commended and Commended of each of the 11 categories available for 2017.

The Tourism Awards for Excellence is a brilliant opportunity to recognise the thriving tourism industry in the two counties, and the Chamber would like to congratulate all those involved.

After a hiatus of three years, an official Tourist Information Centre (TIC) has officially reopened within Hereford Butter Market.

The brand-new TIC is the result of an exciting collaboration between Visit Herefordshire, Hereford City Council and Liz Hill, Owner of Rural Concierge.

Andy Black, Tourism Officer at Visit Herefordshire, said: “This is a big win both for us and the City Council. It will enable us to concentrate on our core activities of promoting the county to the rest of the country and the international visitor market.”

Liz Hill, Owner of Rural Concierge, explains: “We are thrilled to be officially utilising our local knowledge and skills to assist tourists visiting the city and surrounding areas. Providing this facility encourages visitors to stay for longer and therefore spend more money in our local economy”.

To find out more, please visit www.visitherefordshire.co.uk.

November/December 2017

CHAMBERNEWS

CHAMBER BUSINESS EXPO SUCCESS The Chamber would like to thank everyone who was involved with the autumn Business Expo on Thursday 5 October, held at the Three Counties Showground. The event saw 120 exhibitors and over 850 guests attend on the day, enjoying the entertainment on offer at all stalls, sampling delicious local produce and socialising over free tea and coffee in the dedicated Networking Zone.

The Business Expo, in association with Hewett Recruitment, is the biggest business event in the two counties, offering the fantastic opportunity to network and gain key business contacts.

Free tea and coffee, kindly donated by Water Cooler World, helped to provide the Expo with a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for all visitors. The Networking Breakfast in the morning allowed guests to socialise over a luscious breakfast ahead of the day, before hearing from keynote speaker Ash Whittaker from Dell EMC who gave an interesting presentation on “Accelerating IT Transformation”. Guests also heard from Sharon Smith, Chief Executive of the Chamber, and Ben

Mannion, Strategic Development Director at Hewett Recruitment and Vice President of the Chamber's Board, which signalled the official opening of the event.

Dale Parmenter, Managing Director at drp Group, said: “It’s great to see such vibrant and active events like the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo.

“If you are a business in the region, then you need to be seen and out there. The networking and contacts have exceeded our expectations and we have a lot to follow up on – great event!”

Alison Palfrey, Fundraising Manager at Breast Cancer Haven Hereford, and Lexi

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Craigie of Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven, said: “It was fantastic to be able to network with so many local businesses during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“A big thank you to Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce for organising such a fantastic event. We loved the Food and Drink Zone, and the atmosphere was enjoyable throughout the day.”

Hadrian Garner, Business Development at Severn Group, said: “Severn Group is really pleased to be at the Expo today, it’s great to be able to meet new clients and customers that have come to see us, but also see some old faces as well.

“Sometimes until you talk to customers you may not fully understand what they want, so the Expo is useful as it allows you to drill down and realise there is some synergy, and there is business to be done. The Expo has allowed us to make some great contacts so far and generate some brilliant leads.”

Businesses are invited to take advantage of the early bird discount for the March 2018 Expo, which will run until the end of November 2017. To find out more information, please contact events@hwchamber.co.uk

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BUSINESSNEWS

WYEVALE NURSERIES’ STAFF CELEBRATE 30 YEARS Two members of staff from Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford were recently presented with medals to honour their long service to the company.

Director, Steve Ashworth and Production Director of the Container Division, Steve Reed both received bronze medals from the Three Counties Agricultural Society in recognition of 30 years continuous service at Wyevale Nurseries.

Heather Williamson, Joint Chairman of Wyevale Nurseries, said: “We’re delighted to be able to celebrate with our colleagues and share our appreciation of them. They have contributed so much to the success of Wyevale Nurseries and are each key members of our team and their dedication goes above and beyond.”

Wyevale Nurseries is a member of The Three Counties Agricultural Society, which issues medals to people who have completed 30 years’ continuous service to

horticulture or agriculture with the same employer or holding company. www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk

AARDVARK MARKETING WINS TECHNOLOGY AWARD

FREE GUIDE TO AUTO-ENROLMENT Bromsgrove-based Barnett Waddingham is asking firms to consider the impact of auto-enrolment (AE) on their business, and question the key decisions that need to be made so that business are able to meet their auto-enrolment duties.

After dealing with auto-enrolment since 2011, in preparation for large employers who need to comply with the new laws, Barnett Waddingham is offering a free guide to the changes effective from 2017.

Barnett Waddingham is experienced in working with large organisations right down to SMEs, and the experience has helped the company to understand the challenges faced by employers of all sizes in meeting their AE duties.

The free guide aims to support with some of the initial planning and preparation ahead of a business’ staging date, providing clear and pragmatic guidance on the key areas.

To access the free guide, please visit www.barnett-waddingham.co.uk/aeguide.

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Aardvark Marketing Consultants Ltd has been recognised as an innovative leader after winning the Corporate Vision Magazine’s Technology Innovator Award 2017 for Marketing Automation. Now celebrating its third year, the Technology Innovator Awards returned for 2017 to showcase the talented individuals, teams and firms that form the backbone of the dynamic industry.

Technology and digital marketing is constantly changing with new advances including ever more sophisticated automation, web tracking, CRM and lead scoring systems. Keeping abreast of these changes means Aardvark Marketing customers benefit from implementing the latest, most effective marketing programmes with outstanding results.

Laura Hunter, Awards Co-ordinator, said: “Technology is vital to everyday life; therefore it has been a real pleasure to be able to showcase those dedicated to making innovations happen. I would like to congratulate the winners and wish them the best of luck going forward.” www.aardvardkmarketing.co.uk

JULU SHORTLISTED FOR NATIONAL AWARD Herefordshire-based Julu is delighted to announce that is has been shortlisted in the Express Home and Living Awards 2017. The awards are a celebration of the UK’s best household products, services, suppliers and retailers. Julu has been recognised for the Laundry Ladder, a uniquely designed clothes airer that provides an alternative way to dry clothes within the home, reducing the use of tumble dryers.

Julu has been shortlisted in the Best Eco Living Solution category, competing against businesses across the country. Speaking after the shortlisting, Julia Adams, Joint Director of Julu, commented: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Express Home and Living Awards 2017. The shortlisting makes us feel incredibly proud of what Julu has achieved in our first three years of trading. But, more than this, the reviews and feedback from our customers makes us feel valued and that Julu has produced an innovative product.” www.juluhome.co.uk

November/December 2017

YOUNG WORKERS SUPPORTING AND MANAGING THE WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW

Getting the next generation of workers trained and prepared for the full demands of the workplace is important for many organisations.

Drawing upon success stories of businesses that have already taken an active approach to embracing young workers, this conference will explore the opportunities and issues faced by businesses in training and retaining young workers.

Guest Speaker List: Susie Ankrett - Director, Plum Personnel Professor Melanie Simms - Professor of Work and Employment, University of Leicester Fliss Miller - Head of apprenticeships and College Partnerships, Nottingham Trent University Kat Healy - Training Manager - Seddon Subjects to be covered:n The Apprenticeship Levy n Attracting and retaining young workers n The skills shortage ... and more

Join us at Colmore Gate, Birmingham on 23 November 2017 Places cost ÂŁ125 per delegate which includes lunch, refreshments and course materials

For more information and To book your place Call 0300 123 1150 or visit acas.org.uk

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November/December 2017

Need New Pre-action Protocol for debt claims?

With a new Pre-action Protocol for debt claims now introduced, commercial litigation specialist Rebecca Rogers discusses the potential impact on businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and importantly, the boxes they need to tick.

A new mandatory Pre-action Protocol for debt claims came into force on 1 October, and with it, a slower and more onerous process businesses must now stick to.

The controversial Protocol affects all businesses, including limited companies and public bodies who are claiming payment of a debt from an individual, which includes sole traders.

As part of a complex set of rules, creditors are now no longer able to send simple letters of demand for unpaid invoices before initiating a claim in the County Court, including the Money Claim Online website.

Instead, a detailed Letter of Claim must be sent to the debtor with prescribed contents.

In terms of those contents, alongside this new-look letter should also be an outline of the agreement, a full explanation as to why any repayment plans suggested by the debtor have not been accepted, a statement of account for the debt, and a copy of numerous forms for the debtor to complete.

In a marked change of approach, it is also the creditor’s responsibility to ensure that all referenced documents are enclosed.

Siding more with the debtor, the rules state that they must now be given 30 days to respond and proceedings cannot be issued if a response is received during this period. Vitally, if the debtor indicates that they are seeking legal advice, the creditor must then allow at least another 30 days from receipt of the Reply Form.

The new Protocol is so heavily weighted towards the debtor that even a partially completed Reply Form is considered as an attempt to engage on the matter.

If the debtor indicates that they require additional time to pay, the creditor must consider the debtor’s income and expenditure and justify any refusal in writing.

If an agreement is made, court proceedings then cannot be issued unless the agreement is broken. In this case, the creditor must revert back round the loop, issuing a new Letter of Claim.

Where no agreement between a debtor and creditor can be met, the creditor must give at least a further 14 days’ notice of their intention to begin court proceedings. If the matter does eventually proceed, the Court will consider non-compliance with the new Protocol when giving

Rebecca Rogers

Assistant Solicitor

directions for the management of proceedings.

To sum up, the additional timescales the new Protocol brings with it will inevitably put pressure on the cash flow of businesses looking to collect debts owed by individuals. In light of the more onerous requirements on creditors, as well as longer timescales for debtors to respond, it will be more important than ever to ensure every step is a compliant one.

For further advice on the new Protocol and what it means for your business, members can contact Rebecca through rebecca.rogers@ mfgsolicitors.com or telephone 01562 820181.

For further advice on the new Protocol and how it affects you Speak to Rebecca Rogers

Contact

Rebecca Rogers

on 01562

820181 or by email: rebecca.rogers@mfgsolicitors.com

Tel: 0845 55 55 321

www.mfgsolicitors.com

@mfgsolicitors

BUSINESSNEWS

RACECOURSE REOPENING A SUCCESS

MOUNT PLEASANT HOTEL RELAUNCH AFTER MAKEOVER The Mount Pleasant Hotel hosted a reopening ceremony on Thursday 5 October at its scenic premises in Malvern.

The hotel has recently undergone a fantastic transformation, redecorating the restaurant, hallways and 17 bedrooms at the hotel, including the facilities.

The ceremony welcomed Chamber staff, the local community and businesses from the two counties to enjoy an exclusive tour around the renovated hotel, enjoying a complimentary glass of Prosecco and a selection of delicious entrees.

AJ and Bal Bains, Owners of The Mount Pleasant Hotel, said: “The Mount Pleasant Hotel prides itself upon using local suppliers, businesses, and the local community to make it the success it is today, without whom this launch would not have been possible.

“We are overwhelmed with the kind compliments and well wishes from everyone that attended. We welcome everyone to come into our brand-new restaurant and bar, where you can experience our fantastic menu created by Head Chef Steve Rimmer.” www.mountpleasanthotel.co.uk

Since its historic reopening last year in October 2016, Hereford Racecourse welcomed over 20,000 race-goers through its gates during the lively season, with the same number of guests visiting for a variety of other events staged at the racecourse.

TECHNOLOGY BRINGS CIVIL WAR COMMANDERY TO LIFE Worcester-based Mercian Events are proud to have been chosen as the main audio visual supplier for the amazing transformation taking place at the Commandery, the Battle Headquarters of the Royalists troops during the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

Specialist audio visual equipment supplied, programmed and installed

by Mercian will provide visitors with a number of very special experiences as they walk around the building. Visitors can now step into the dramatic debate, see weapons from the battlefield, read evocative letters, test their strategic skills in the battle room and come face to face with Oliver Cromwell himself.

It was a flagship opening season for Hereford Racecourse with its race-days well supported by guests, owners, trainers and local businesses. Commercial partnerships were soon struck up with Kidwells Solicitors, Cotswold MINI Hereford and Central Roofing to name but a few.

Rebecca Davies, Executive Director, commented: “I am passionate about local business and proud of the partnerships we have. It was a terrific first season and we are now planning for the four remaining fixtures this year.” www.hereford-racecourse.co.uk

All this is the culmination of weeks of research, discussions, checks, tests and demonstrations by Mercian Events in order to deliver everything required by Worcester City Council. www.mercianevents.com

NATIONAL LOTTERY FUNDING PLEDGED FOR CATHEDRAL Thanks to National Lottery players, two projects, led by Worcester Cathedral and the Churches Conservation Trust, will work to conserve the historic buildings and create innovative new learning spaces for visitors and local people.

More than £1m has been earmarked for a project to open up the 12th-century undercroft at Worcester Cathedral to the public for the first time. A former monastic cellar, the space will be transformed into a unique new learning centre with teaching rooms, storage and administration space, reception area, and a lift.

Dean of Worcester Cathedral, said: “We are delighted to receive this initial support from HLF and send our warmest thanks to National Lottery players and everyone else involved. This grant will enable the Cathedral to develop our plans to bring into public use for the first time a wonderful 12th-century former monastic cellar, and provide a unique historic venue to make learning, arts and heritage accessible for the whole community.” www.worcestercathedral.co.uk

The Very Reverend Dr Peter Atkinson,

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November/December 2017

POLICYNEWS Guests eagerly await the presentation

Sophia Haywood and Graeme Chaplin

ANNUAL BANK OF ENGLAND BREAKFAST HITS THE NOTE FOR LOCAL FIRMS Over 90 Business Leaders across Herefordshire joined the Chamber for their Annual Bank of England Breakfast at the Courtyard Arts Centre on 29 September to meet with and hear from Graeme Chaplin, the Bank of England Agent for the West Midlands.

Graeme joined the leading local business group to give his annual update on the Bank of England’s latest economic forecasts and explained the role of the Bank in promoting stability in the UK financial

sector post-Brexit, after guests enjoyed networking over a delicious breakfast.

Perhaps the fantastic theatre space made businesspeople feel like eager students in a lecture again, as guests weren’t shy to ask tricky questions on inflation, interest rates and current affairs. But Policy Manager Sophia Haywood managed to keep the class in check and drew the event to close by updating guests on the exciting policy activity in the pipeline for the two counties.

LOCAL FIRMS DISCUSS THE SKILLS SHORTAGE AT MP ROUNDTABLE 10 CEO’s from Worcestershire firms gathered at the start of September at Listers JLR Droitwich for a roundtable lunch with Nigel Huddleston, the local MP for Mid-Worcestershire.

Nigel Huddleston MP left the insightful

Local firms are invited to attend the celebration of the Building Better Opportunities programme in Worcestershire on Friday 10 November, 8.00 – 9.30am at Sixways Stadium.

Fusion are helping local people to move into employment, improving their lives and securing the future prosperity of Worcestershire through the project funded by the National Lottery and the European Social Fund.

Supported by the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Fusion have invested in local projects tackling the root causes of poverty, promoting social inclusion and driving local jobs and growth. As well as helping those needing extra support into work, including people with disabilities, long term unemployed, adults with learning disabilities, ex-offenders and young people with no work experience.

One year on since the programme started we are coming together to celebrate achievements so far. Join us to listen to an insightful line up of speakers, networking over delicious breakfast rolls and a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the programme.

Chamber Members of different sectors and sizes attended the intimate roundtable discussion to discuss the skills shortage, how it impacts their business or sector and what the solutions might be.

During the lively discussion, firms highlighted concerns that teachers have little business experience outside the classroom, the pressure on students to take an academic route and the stigma around technical education, and lastly, the labour market shortage experienced locally due to our very low unemployment levels.

CELEBRATE THE WORCESTERSHIRE BUILDING BETTER OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAMME

lunch with two urges from local firms, firstly, to make work experience mandatory in the curriculum and secondly, to ensure that trainee teachers have their own work experience outside of education.

Contact Sophia Haywood, Policy Manager on sophiah@hwchamber.co.uk to book your FREE space.

The next edition of BD will cover our upcoming North Herefordshire roundtable lunch with Bill Wiggin MP.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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FOCUSONRECRUITMENT

BUILDING BRIDGES TO A BETTER UK JOB MARKET We are all aware that the world of work is rapidly changing and many of the jobs being undertaken today will simply not exist in as little as seven years’ time. At the same time, new jobs are emerging – driven by the advancement of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, 3D printing and robotics. Many of the new jobs will require skills very different from today’s requirements. In addition, people’s expectations of the job market and the way in which we choose to work are evolving.

The rise of self-employment and gig working has been rapid – currently 4.8 million people are choosing to work in this way.

Louise Hewett founder of Hewett Recruitment, was earlier this year invited to join the national initiative ‘The Future of Jobs Commission’ chaired by Esther McVey, past Minister of State for Education together with a wide range of labour market experts, academics and business leaders.

This REC led initiative identified the need to build bridges enabling individuals to progress and develop – with emphasis on lifelong learning and ongoing development.

Underpinning this aspiration is the requirement

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for schools, businesses and government to work together like never before, enabling people to reach their full potential.

Over the next few years there have to be some fairly radical changes to meet the needs of both individuals and employers.

The commission’s findings and recommendations will be delivered locally at the forthcoming conference for HR professionals and business leaders on Thursday 23rd November 2017, followed by a series of seminars planned in the very near future for business leaders.

For individuals, a future UK job market is not only one where people have genuine choice in terms of ways of working, but one where individuals also feel fulfilled, respected and recognised and can progress irrespective of their background.

This vision rests largely with government – particularly with regards to the need for an education system that nurtures individual potential and prepares future generations for the changing world of work. However, a future job market must also be one where with support, advice and guidance, individuals can take personal responsibility for their own career development and

take advantage of lifelong learning opportunities.

The best job market for an employer is one where evolving skills and staffing needs are easily met. Crucially, it’s also where productivity levels improve on the back of increased investment in skills, and where recruitment procedures have been ‘re-imaged’ to reflect the new world of work.

Management and leadership capability needs to be radically enhanced to enable creative workforce planning. Access to talent – EU and global will remain critical.

Policy makers have a key role to play in ensuring that education is adequately preparing people of all ages for this new world of work.

To hear the full recommendations to employers and policymakers – book your place at the Hewett Recruitment and Herefordshire & Worcestershire HR Professionals Conference on Thursday 23rd November 2017. To receive a free copy of the Future of Jobs Commission report contact Louise Hewett: louise@hewett-recruitment.co.uk. To book tickets to the HR Conference please email jo@hewett-recruitment.co.uk

November/December 2017

FOCUSONDIGITAL Sponsored by Minster

Pegasus Mobile Sales App This year, Minster’s partner Pegasus released a mobile sales app to assist the sales team further while out on the road. The app is available on android tablets and is soon coming to iOS devices so that the sales team have the ability to place orders remotely. Every aspect of a sale can be done from start to finish, out of the office, or at a customer site, saving your business a lot of time.

3CX Telephony Working remotely can reduce the need for office space and provides a modern working environment with links in to your businesses network. If you have a team that travel, they can be working on the go with communication tools such as 3CX VoIP telephony, which is available on both mobiles and VPN connections. Remote working supports a good work-life balance, which generally results in a happier, more enthusiastic team of employees.

GIVING YOUR BUSINESS MORE FLEXIBILITY

As your local IT experts, we understand the importance of flexibility to a modern business. With technology constantly evolving, giving your business flexibility has never been easier! Therefore, we thought we’d introduce a few ideas to help you make the most of this.

Benefits Of Being Flexible

Pegasus Business Cloud Increasingly, businesses are moving towards Cloud Computing for a number of benefits, including convenience and agility. Cloud Technology means employees can access and use files, applications and storage across the internet which increases collaborative working within your business.

Take a look at Pegasus Business Cloud!

Giving your business flexibility has never been easier!

There are now a variety of ways which encourage productivity and efficiency within your work force.

With a team of IT experts on call, you can take your business with you, anywhere you go. It really is that simple. Working flexibly can save your company money whilst encouraging employee commitment and loyalty and thus reducing the turnover of your workforce, as well as levels of sickness absence.

For more information on how technology can encourage flexibility within your business, call 01562 68211 or email info@minstermicro.co.uk.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

CYBER-ATTACK: BE PREPARED!

Cyber-crime is increasing, with nearly half of British businesses discovering at least one cyber-security breach or attack in the last year, rising to two-thirds among medium and large companies, according to the Government’s latest Cyber Breaches Survey.

Here Rob Cobley, partner with law firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys, who advises on IT, cyber-crime, digital breaches and GDPR, looks at what businesses need to do to protect themselves.

Crucially, these attacks cause real financial damage. Research by insurers Zurich showed that the average cost to an SME in 2016 of a cyber-attack was between £10k and £50k.

All businesses need to act, not just for financial reasons, but to protect their reputation and brands – if a company fails to protect the data it holds, it not only loses customers’ trust but could also face serious penalties. When TalkTalk was fined £400,000 for failing to protect customers’ data from major theft in 2015, it lost share value and customers as well - a fine can be paid, reputations aren’t as easy to rebuild.

With the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) coming into force in

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May 2018, bringing in tighter rules and increased fines, if you haven’t already considered how to deal with a data breach, now is the time to start.

also around how the attack occurred. The ICO will want proof that you have made some attempt to stop the release of data, or to stop it escalating further.

Rob said: “However diligent you are in complying with data protection, I recommend having a clear Data Protection Breach Action Plan in place, along with an incident response team, with representatives from all areas of the business, ready to act fast.

3. NOTIFY

“They can then assess the risk, act to avert the crisis and report it to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The plan will differ across businesses but should cover internal and external threats and a risk assessment for the whole business, as well as an assessment of your legal and regulatory obligations concerning data and privacy.”

The five key steps when dealing with a cyber-attack are:

1. INVESTIGATE Investigate promptly and thoroughly as soon as you know of a data breach. You should have a team ready to respond to any type of incident immediately – don’t wait until an incident occurs before you get your team in place.

You will almost certainly have to report the breach quickly to the ICO, particularly if it’s serious – for example, if a lot of data has been released or if it’s particularly sensitive. You need to show that you have applied a coherent approach, carried out a full review of the incident and identified the data and individuals affected.

4. CONSIDER DISCIPLINARY ACTION The data breach might have been completely out of your company’s control, but more often than not, there has been some action, or inaction, on the part of an employee, which led to the data breach.

5. AUDIT! Now you should revisit what happened and consider how to improve and strengthen your processes and procedures to help prevent a breach happening again.

Rob can be contacted at rcobley@hcrlaw.com or on 01905 744 806.

2. TAKE ACTION When you have as much information as you can gather, act to stop the release of data. Make sure you preserve any evidence, not only of your position, but

November/December 2017

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

Funding towards Energy Saving Measures for Worcestershire Businesses

be local. be national. be everywhere.

Severn Wye Energy Agency is delighted to announce that funding is now available to assist 200 businesses in Worcestershire to install energy efficiency measures. The Worcestershire Target 2020 programme allows for free energy advice for any eligible small and medium sized businesses, as well as grants worth between £500 and £5000 towards the cost of energy saving measures.

The funding has been supplied by the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership from the European Regional Development Fund.

If your business is looking for free impartial advice on how to save energy and money Severn Wye’s Worcestershire Target 2020 programme has the following support available:

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When you’re thinking of selling your business, we’re your local business broker with a large national presence Selling your business is one of the most important decisions you will make in your lifetime. So it’s vital to plan your exit as soon as you can and, when the time comes to sell, you need to employ the help of experienced business brokers.

Business Partnership has a national network of over 20 regional offices, with your local Regional Partner providing a personal, bespoke service, working with you and your advisors to ensure your business valuation is realistic and achievable.

Not only that, we will handle all aspects of your sale, from valuation through marketing to sale completion, dealing with all enquiries and attending key meetings, as appropriate.

Business Partnership is a well-respected and long-established business transfer agency and is a member of The Hereford & Worcester Chamber of Commerce.

For a no obligation, confidential meeting, please call John Hatt on 01684 591 372, 07768 255 797 or email hatt@business-partnership.com

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Historical energy data analysis.

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Onsite energy survey and reports.

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Results of the survey presented to management.

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Help to create an action plan broken down in to no cost, low cost and capital cost measures.

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Staff energy awareness training.

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Publicity through the programmes dedicated website and case studies.

One Worcestershire business that has already taken advantage of this opportunity is The Smart Actuator Company, based in Malvern, who are a manufacturing firm. Following a free energy audit undertaken by a dedicated Severn Wye business energy advisor, potential energy savings of over £5,500 per year were identified in the Target 2020 energy report.

Severn Wye has now worked with Smart Act to implement an energy saving action plan to help achieve the projected savings. Already the company has installed an energy efficient condensing boiler and has sectioned off the previously open office, allowing the production area to be heated at a lower temperature. Ducting has also been used to move warm air from one area of the factory to the other, replacing the 12 inefficient portable electric heaters that were being used previously.

Find out if your business is eligible: Call – 01452 835060 Email – alexp@severnwye.org.uk

We value your business For more information visit our website: www.business-partnership.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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SKILLS

NEW MINIBUS DELIGHT FOR KIDDERMINSTER SCHOOL Holy Trinity School and Sixth Form Centre is overjoyed to be the proud owners of a new minibus, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the school’s PTA, parents, children, staff and local businesses.

CHAMBER SPONSOR AT APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS The Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards has been working to raise the profile of apprenticeships in the county by recognising 30 of the best apprentices, employers, training providers and schools.

The 10 categories available for this year’s awards received a record number of entries, with the judges describing the finalists as highlighting the positive contribution that apprenticeships have on the local workforce. Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce was proud to sponsor the Small

Apprenticeship Employer of the Year, recognising the dedication of smaller businesses in Worcestershire.

It was fantastic to see so many Chamber Members and Patrons shortlisted again for 2017, including; Worcester Sixth Form College, Yamazaki Mazak, Titania, Green Lighting Ltd and many more. The Chamber would like to congratulate all finalists and winners for their hard-work in raising awareness of such an important training scheme for businesses. To find out more, please visit www.worcsapprenticeships.org.uk.

Mrs Pamela Leek-Wright, Headteacher, commented: “Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to support the numerous fundraising initiatives that took place and a huge thank you to our wonderful PTA and staff for working tirelessly to ensure our student extra-curricular programme continues.”

PTA members and school staff ramped up their fundraising activities and events which included movie nights, raffles, student events, mufti days and PTA student discos.

Holy Trinity’s new minibus will allow the school to continue the extended-support of students in sport, educational visits and enrichment opportunities. www.htsfreeschool.co.uk

FUNDING BOOST FOR APPRENTICES AT SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY The Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust has secured new funding towards training an Engineering Apprentice in the Railway’s Heritage Skills Training Academy. The Hendy and Pendle Charitable Trust made a generous donation of £9,500 towards the costs of training George Brogan, currently in his second year of the apprenticeship.

Sir Peter Hendy CBE said he and fellow trustee, Sue Pendle, are extremely

enthusiastic about this opportunity to get involved with the Railway. Training a new generation of Heritage Engineers is vital to ensuring Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has a sustainable future.

There are currently six apprentices within the SVR’s Heritage Skills Training Academy, working and learning across the different departments of locomotive running, boiler shop, carriage mechanical and carriage bodywork. For their first

two years, they rotate around the departments, then specialise in one of the areas. Alongside their on-the-job training, apprentices work towards nationally recognised NVQ 2 and 3 qualifications. www.svr.co.uk

HEREFORD COLLEGE OF ARTS NATIONAL STUDENT SURVEY 2017 Hereford College of Arts (HCA) has achieved excellent results in the National Student Survey for another year running. HCA achieved 90% overall satisfaction, and ranks highly in the UK where the national benchmark is 81%. The College also placed well above the regional benchmark for providers in the West Midlands.

HCA students completing the survey also provided very positive responses around the quality of the teaching of their courses, with 93% positively rating the teaching on

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their course, and 93% agreeing their course provided opportunities for them to explore ideas or concepts in depth.

of Arts, said: “The result follows our Teaching in Excellence Framework Silver Award, which acknowledged HCA’s delivery of high quality teaching, and student learning and outcomes, and illustrated that we consistently exceed rigorous national quality requirements for UK higher education. The results are further proof that HCA continues to thrive, and to provide the highest quality of arts education for the country’s young creatives.”

Abigail Appleton, Principal of Hereford College

www.hca.ac.uk

November/December 2017

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

Taking the hassle out of managing difficult and sensitive employee issues One of the regular services provided by Hassle Free HR Limited, a HR Consultancy which specialises in keeping their clients on the right side of employment law, is advice, guidance and hands-on support with the management of difficult and sensitive employee issues.

Rewarding Innovation & Development R&D Tax Relief can generate lucrative tax savings but is often misunderstood and therefore 90% of eligible companies have not made a claim.

Difficult and sensitive employee issues can be anything that the average member of management would not feel comfortable addressing due to a lack of experience, discomfort and concern that the employee may react emotionally, or because of an unwillingness to discuss an issue that could cause them to appear “unpopular” in the workplace. Examples of difficult and sensitive employee issues could include body odour, poor performance, suspected drug or alcohol abuse, or relationships at work etc.

“From our experience, a lot of managers shy away from managing issues that are difficult or sensitive, they prefer to manage situations that are much more straight forward.”

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educating managers on the best practice process to follow when managing difficult and sensitive employee issues. The workshop provides step by step guidance and focuses on the necessary skills and qualities members of management need to manage difficult or sensitive issues effectively without conflict.

Helping our clients to feel confident in their ability to manage difficult and sensitive issues is something we take a lot of pride in, and we have received a lot of positive feedback from our clients who have been grateful for the help and support.” said Kirsty.

Kirsty invites any employer within the Hereford and Worcestershire business community, who may require support with a specific HR related matter, or who may be just too busy to manage it themselves, to get in touch.

To find out more, contact; Kirsty Denslow at kdenslow@hasslefreehr.co.uk or Elaine Hedley at ehedley@hasslefreehr.co.uk or call the main office on 02476 992 869.

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

CARGILL AND FACCENDA FOODS COMBINE TO CREATE LEADING FOOD BUSINESS Cargill and Faccenda Foods have established a joint venture to create a leading UK food company focused on chicken, turkey and duck. The new joint venture will be a standalone business, with Cargill and Faccenda taking an equal shareholding. It brings together two complementary businesses with a track record of success, shared values and a strong reputation in the UK poultry market.

The new business plans to employ approximately 6,000 people in the UK, with employees coming from both parent companies. Chris Langholz, President of Cargill Poultry, said: “Combining into one entity allows us to build on our strengths, grow in the market and better serve our customers. The venture will facilitate greater opportunities to innovate and deliver new and exciting poultry products for consumers.”

To find out more, please visit www.cargill.co.uk

RURAL MEDIA NOMINATED FOR ROYAL AWARD Herefordshire-based digital arts charity and media production company, Rural Media, has been nominated in two categories for the 2017 Royal Television Society Midlands Awards; “Best Promotional Film” for its participatory production work with Wyre Forest Nightstop, a charity working with young homeless people, and “Excellence in Digital Content” for First Acts.

Rural Media’s Creative Director, Grant Black said: “A nomination for First Acts is really a nomination for the 50 plus young filmmakers we’ve been working with for the last two and half years.

It’s proof of the remarkable talent that exists across the Midlands.”

Grant Black added: “We’re also delighted that our promotional film for Nightstop is getting national recognition from the Royal Television Society, hopefully leading to more awareness of the incredible work and services that the Nightstop charity offer in preventing homelessness among young people.”

LOCAL RECRUITMENT COMPANY SUPPORTS ST PAUL’S Leading Specialist Recruitment company, Driver Hire, was pleased to support St Paul’s Hostel at the Business Expo in October. Driver Hire donated its stand to St Paul’s Hostel, a charity that provides shelter and support to homeless people in the city.

Vance and Sue Parsons, Owners of Driver Hire, said: “One of our values is giving back to the community, and that’s when we thought of St Paul’s.

“Donating our stand will help St Paul’s to raise their profile locally, promote future fundraising and events, and hopefully attract new corporate sponsors. Representatives from Driver Hire will, of course, also be on the stand.”

Jonathan Sutton, from St Paul’s Hostel, said: “We’re indebted to Driver Hire for this generous gesture. Our Kitchen Team has been busy baking a big batch of special Business Expo biscuits which we’ll gift to visitors.” www.dhrecruitment.net

www.ruralmedia.co.uk

GET ON TRACK FOR HS2 Following on from a highly successful pilot programme, West Midlands Manufacturing Club (WMMC) is launching a rail tender supplier readiness programme “Get on Track” starting November 2017.

Regional manufacturers wanting to supply to the rail sector can learn how to capitalise on the opportunities arising from HS2 and other public procurement. The four and a half day programme consists of classroom based workshops delivered by rail tender experts, Thornton & Lowe.

Additional benefits include Cyber essentials accreditation, working towards BIM level 2 workshop, bespoke tender readiness webinars, 12-month access to HR support with a suite of downloadable

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employer policy templates, dedicated 1-2-1 telephone support on first tender application and invitations to special events and opportunities.

At a cost of £3000 per company for two places, this programme represents

an excellent investment opportunity for companies wanting to compete in a rapidly growing sector.

Find out more: www.businesssolutionscentres.co.uk/event/ get-track-supplier-readiness-programme/

November/December 2017

C O N S U LTA N T S

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• Leisure • Industrial DSB’s business philosophy is paramount to what we stand for; we provide clients with real services that are applicable to their particular needs and requirements.

“Delivering a big-firm professional service with a small-firm personal approach.”

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We will neither restrict ourselves to the normal confines of standard quantity surveying, nor impose a service that may be inappropriate on a client whose needs and requirements could be more efficiently and effectively met by better means.

County House | St Mary’s Street | Worcester | WR1 1HB | Tel: 01905 723233 Ipalo House | 32-34 Great Peter Street | London | SW1P 2DB | Tel: 020 7222 3344

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Apprenticeships enable us to recruit people with the right attitude and enthusiasm, who want to get ahead – after a couple of years, we have a member of staff who is exactly trained to our requirements. WCG provided lots of help and support to us throughout the process of setting up the apprenticeship scheme.

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November/December 2017

LEGALMATTERS

TRIBUNAL CLAIMS ALREADY ON INCREASE A Herefordshire law firm is warning businesses to be prepared for a rise in the number of employment tribunals after fees for people bringing claims were ruled unlawful.

Will Morse

Fees of up to £1,200 to bring a claim have been scrapped following the decision by the Supreme Court, and solicitors at Lanyon Bowdler in Herefordshire say the number of tribunal claims is already on the increase.

Will Morse, partner and head of the employment law team in Hereford, said it was important for businesses to protect themselves by having the right systems and processes in place.

He said: “Many people applauded the Supreme Court’s decision because they felt that the fees prevented workers from accessing justice - and indeed the high level of the fees was at the heart of the court decision to abolish them.

“It is true that there was a major drop in the number of tribunal claims following the introduction of fees in 2013.

“However, a stated aim of the Government’s in introducing the fees which the court accepted was legitimate - was to discourage malicious and weak cases from being brought, so business owners will no doubt be less welcoming of the decision.

“Whatever your view, the fact is that the number of employment tribunal claims is already increasing, with admin staff reported to be working overtime to deal with demand, and businesses need to be prepared for that.”

As well as offering advice to employers in order to limit the prospect of claims, Lanyon Bowdler offers an insurance product to businesses called LBProtect.

Will explained this was a cost effective way of providing cover for legal costs, settlements and awards in the event of employment tribunal claims.

“Even if a claim is successfully defended, this can carry a very high price in terms of costs, as it is the exception for a claimant to be ordered to pay any of the employer’s costs,” he said.

“Our management liability policy is in association with AXA. It offers comprehensive cover at a reasonable price against employment tribunal claims and wider risks, with no excess where our advice is followed in relation to the matter giving rise to a claim.

“Importantly, there is no ‘prospect of success’ clause in the policy – so even if our advice is not obtained or followed, the policy can still pay out.

“It is an increasingly popular option for businesses and a sensible step to take in the wake of employment tribunals becoming more accessible for workers.”

STRENGTHENING OUR TEAMS Meanwhile, Lanyon Bowdler is strengthening its residential property and personal injury teams in Herefordshire with the appointment of two new lawyers.

James Jones has a wealth of experience in property law, and will specialise in assisting clients with buying and selling residential property. James will be based in the firm’s Hereford and Bromyard offices, making him accessible for local clients wanting help with their residential conveyancing needs.

Lanyon Bowdler partner and head of residential conveyancing, David Foden, said the residential property team had enjoyed a very busy year.

“I would like to welcome James to the department,” he said. “He is a legal specialist with many years in

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

the profession and has a great deal of experience, which can only benefit our clients and the firm.

“The residential property market in our region has continued to perform well throughout 2017 so we have seen a steady growth in demand for our conveyancing services.

“By expanding our team we can ensure we will continue to provide a first-rate service to our clients.”

Phil Roberts has joined Lanyon Bowdler’s personal injury department based in the Hereford office after a number of years with a firm based in Malvern. During his career he has specialised in personal injury cases and has a wealth of expertise in that area of law.

Neil Lorimer, head of Lanyon Bowdler’s personal injury department said: “We are delighted to welcome Phil to the team of specialists in our Hereford office.

“He has a particular specialism in representing lorry drivers who have been involved in road traffic accidents, and I am sure his experience will prove to be a valuable addition to our firm.”

Mr Roberts, who lives in Ledbury, is a member of the Law Society Personal Injury Panel and a Senior Litigator Member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.

For more information, contact Lanyon Bowdler on 0800 652 3371 or visit www.lblaw.co.uk

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BUSINESSNEWS

EXPO IN ASSOCIATION WITH HEWETT RECRUITMENT Did you visit the Hewett Recruitment Spa at the Chamber’s Business Expo?

The “spa” theme, which was created to show how Hewett can take the tension out of recruitment, was very well received by guests on the day. Visitors could relax on sofas and were supplied with delightful Tea Pigs’ fruit teas to energise, relax or detox. The “Prosecco Hour” between 2.00-3.00pm was a real hit with everyone - the Prosecco couldn’t be poured quick enough! Ben Mannion, Strategic Director, spoke at the Networking Breakfast and shared a brief insight into the latest report due out from the REC’s Future of Jobs Commission of which Louise Hewett has

MALVERN PANALYTICAL INNOVATES THROUGH INTERNET OF THINGS Malvern Panalytical is collaborating with specialist Internet of Things (IoT) company, TetraScience, to provide its customers with the latest IoT-enabled capabilities and connectivity for its instruments.

These innovations will allow customers to perform higher-quality measurements, increase instrument uptime, prevent failures and better tailor their service contracts based on real instrument usage data. The collaboration helps Malvern Panalytical push to the forefront of the industry, fulfilling the demand for interconnected online laboratories.

Duncan Roberts, V. P. Business Development, Malvern Panalytical, commented: “We have been closely engaged in finding the most suitable way to help our customers benefit from the vast potential offered by the Internet of Things. It was important for us to work with a leader in the IoT field, and we chose the TetraScience platform because it is robust, easy-to-use and vendor-agnostic. This means that our customers will be able to connect Malvern Panalytical instruments, as well as others within their labs, to create a holistic, interconnected view of laboratory efficiency.” www.malvern.com

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been heavily involved. Anyone interested in this latest research paper can book onto the HR Professionals Conference, hosted by Hewett Recruitment and the

Chamber of Commerce, being held on Thursday 23 November. www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk/ hr-conference2017

THE MYRIAD CENTRE 10TH ANNIVERSARY GARDEN PARTY The Myriad Centre celebrated its 10th Anniversary with a garden party which was well attended by Patron Lord Richard Faulkner, current and former Trustees, parents, relatives, local people who have donated to the charity, local Trusts including Droitwich Lions and the Burford Trust, local church representatives including the Christadelphian and St Georges Church, also residents from Homenash house.

Peter Reynolds Former Trustee opened the celebration with a brief history of the Myriad Centre and how it started.

The first three clients to attend The Myriad Centre are still with the charity today, and will hopefully remain with the centre for many more years to come.

The day was filled with fantastic activities with entertainment throughout the day, including; two live music acts, the rock ‘n’ roll puppet show and a delicious buffet lunch enjoyed by all those in attendance. www.myriadcentre.co.uk

MUSIC TO THEIR EARS A Surveyor with a passion for music is helping to tackle the problem of social isolation and loneliness which is often experienced by those affected by dementia in care homes. John Reed, 69, has launched the “Music to their Ears” musical workshop series to transport care home residents to a world of music and storytelling.

John said: “To begin with we concentrated on artists like Vera Lynn and Gracie Fields and found that this was very popular, as was Billy Cotton, George Formby and Russ Conway, to name but a few. Recently we presented the story of Oliver, taking the music and the story from the film, and residents loved it..”

The series is a suite of 6 or 12 workshops, delivered on a regular basis, focusing on a variety of artists, musicals, different genres, and even includes trips down “memory lane” so that people can relate the story to their own early years. John may be contacted by e-mail at tutisltd@aol.com

November/December 2017

BUSINESSNEWS

INTRODUCING SAM!

NEW APP DEVELOPED

BY UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

CB, Chartered Accountants were delighted to introduce their latest recruit, SAM, at the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo.

John Painter, Managing Partner, explained: “SAM is our very own Strategic Account Manager, carrying on our tradition of helping you make sense of the numbers.

“As a proactive firm of accountants, we are always looking for ways we can improve the service we offer and that’s why we took the decision to recruit SAM. SAM is available today and is completely free of charge to download, available for iPhones, iPads and Android devices.”

SAM has been developed by CB, Chartered Accountants to give access to key accounting data, in real time, whenever it is needed. SAM gives users access to many software providers and contains an in-built Mileage Tracker, Receipt Manager and Income Tracker.

To download SAM, and to find out more, visit www.cbcharteredaccountants.com.

WORCESTER LAWYERS BACK CITY’S FOOTBALL CLUB Investing in local talent of a different kind, Harrison Clark Rickerbys is sponsoring Worcester City FC for the coming season as well as celebrating the arrival at the club of Josh Harris-James, son of Worcester family law head Kevin Harris-James.

Kevin Harris-James, who presented the sponsorship cheque to Joint Manager Lee Hughes on the day, said afterwards: “I’m delighted that we can support our local club. I’m obviously proud of Josh’s achievements, but I’m also very proud to be able to invest in local talent in the city. I’m looking forward to a great season.”

A mobile app designed to teach young people how to keep safe on the internet and on the streets, developed by University of Worcester students, has now launched. Three pupils from St John’s Middle School in Bromsgrove designed an app about keeping safe online and offline as part of a competition held by the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, last year.

Students from the University then designed and developed the app from the pupils’ initial idea, in consultation with young people. Former University of Worcester Film student Matt Worthington, of video production company Storm Videos, created the videos used in the programme.

The app is now free to download by young people across the country, not just West Mercia. The app can be found under on the Apple store or Google play under Choices: Stay Safe, Be Aware. www.worcester.ac.uk

Lee Hughes said: “We very much welcome the firm’s support and we’re looking forward to the season.” www.hcrlaw.com

JUBILATION AS HOSPICE EXPANSION PLANS GET GO-AHEAD Staff, patients and supporters of St Richard’s Hospice are celebrating after plans for a £5.3m extension and redevelopment were approved

by Worcester City Council. The Worcestershire charity had submitted the expansion plans for the hospice site at Wildwood Drive in the city to help them meet the ever-increasing need for hospice care in the county now and in the future.

The move to expand follows a strategic study to determine the future of St Richard’s Hospice care for the next ten years. Chief Executive June Patel explained: “Our vision is for a bigger hospice where we will be able to support people from the point they are diagnosed, improving their quality of life and offering

support to their loved ones.”

St Richard’s anticipates the bigger hospice will enable them to care and support an

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

increase of up to an extra 1,000 individuals per year by 2021/22. www.strichards.org.uk

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CHAMBERTRAINING

www.hwchamber.co.uk/training

GETTING TO GRIPS WITH PR AND MARKETING Getting to grips with PR and Marketing best practice will help your business stand out and maximise a business’ return on investment.

Many small-to-medium sized businesses recognise the need to develop some marketing knowledge, there are many qualifications available for professional marketers but often individuals just need to know the basics in some of the key disciplines.

The Chamber Business Training department has designed a course series to help you enhance essential marketing skills and develop cutting-edge strategies to improve engagement with your customer and prospective clients in every channel.

At the end of each course you will come away with tools, tactics and techniques to allow you to develop your business.

AN INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL MARKETING AND PR This introductory level course is suitable for those with little or no previous knowledge in Digital Marketing and PR and those who have an active interest in the subject, presented as an interactive workshop with encouraging questions, live examples and feedback as you progress through the material. The course is broken down into four sections, to guide you through the process of a Digital Marketing & PR campaign from start to finish; Reporting and Analytics, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Content Management Systems (CMS) and Social Media/Email Marketing.

EFFECTIVE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA Social media is the biggest growth area the world has ever seen, but so few businesses take the right approach to social media. Our Effective Use of Social Media course explains what it is, how it can help your business and how to use it most effectively and efficiently. Covering all different platforms of social media including, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Youtube, attendees will leave the course with an understanding of the different strategies required for the different types of social media.

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EMAIL MARKETING Email marketing is one of the best forms of direct marketing. Our email marketing course will demonstrate how to make the most of it and optimise your conversion rates. This course is suitable for Business Owners, Marketing & PR Managers (or staff) and anyone who has an active interest in the Marketing and PR sector.

Presented as an interactive workshop, this course is suitable for those with little or no previous knowledge of email marketing.

The course covers email marketing tools, gathering data and lists, creating the eshot and marketing automation along with much more.

GOOGLE ANALYTICS Google Analytics is a free to use tool and is available to anyone. This course takes a look at how to use Google Analytics to monitor the behaviour of your online audience, from the basic to the more advanced features. By the end of this course, attendees will be able to use more detailed aspects of Google Analytics and have a wider understanding of user journeys and behaviours on-site.

NEW! PROOFREADING New for November 2017, our proofreading course shows how to easily and quickly proofread your documents to a high standard. These days all professional organisations create a wide range of written and published materials; therefore this course is appropriate to all kinds of businesses and organisations. Delegates will leave the workshop with an array of useful

tips that can be used each day to help ensure that everything is as it should be.

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMISATION SEO is the most popular and powerful form of marketing. It’s now easier than ever for businesses of all sizes to use. This course covers how to make the most of SEO to engage with your audience and increase traffic to both your website and your business. No previous knowledge of Digital Marketing is required. This course is presented as a half-day interactive workshop, with live examples and feedback as delegate’s process through the material.

WRITING EFFECTIVE MARKETING COPY Clear, concise and credible copywriting is an essential part of all successful business communications. From business letters and emails to twitter feeds, we are now more than ever, bombarded with marketing materials demanding our attention. This copywriting course shows how to easily and quickly write effective marketing copy that connects your business to both your customers and your potential customers.

Exclusive offer – book onto all 6 of our Digital Marketing courses and receive the 6th place free! (Excludes the Introduction to Digital Marketing & PR course) For more information on any of our courses or to redeem this offer please contact our training department on training@hwchamber.co.uk or 01905 673611.

November/December 2017

CHAMBERBUSINESSTRAINING

TRAINING CALENDAR NOVEMBER - JANUARY 2018 NOVEMBER COURSES

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER COURSES JANUARY COURSES

Managing Performance in the Team

Surviving a Customs Audit

Advanced Microsoft Excel

Wednesday 1 November - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Friday 23 November - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

Thursday 11 January - 9.30am-4.00pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Train the Trainer

What’s New – Changes in International Trade

The Role of the Team Leader

Tuesday 7 November - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Friday 23 November - 9.30am-4.30pm £250+VAT Members, £275+VAT Non-members

Thursday 11 January - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

*NEW* Intermediate Microsoft Excel – Hereford

Introduction to Project Management

*NEW* Introduction to Project Management – Hereford

Tuesday 7 November - 9.30am-4.00pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Tuesday 28 November- 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Tuesday 16 January - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Letters of Credit

Effective Use of Social Media

Professional Telephone Techniques

Wednesday 8 November - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members, £250+VAT Non-members

Thursday 30 November - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members, £100+VAT Non-members

Wednesday 17 January - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Quality Manager Training

An Introduction to Digital Marketing & PR

An Introduction to Digital Marketing & PR

Thursday 9 November - 9.30am-4.30pm £236+VAT Members, £295+VAT Non-members

Tuesday 5 December - 9.30am-1.30pm FREE for Members, £100+VAT Non-members

Thursday 18 January - 9.30am-1.30pm FREE for Members, £100+VAT Non-members

Effective Time Management

IPR (Inward Process Relief)

Effective Time Management

Friday 10 November - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Tuesday 5 December - 9.30am-4.30pm £250+VAT Members, £275+VAT Non-members

Wednesday 24 January - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

International Exhibition Skills

Assertiveness & Confidence at Work

Email Marketing

Tuesday 14 November - 9.30am-4.30pm £100+VAT Members, £125+VAT Non-members

Wednesday 6 December - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Thursday 25 January - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members, £100+VAT Non-members

IOSH Working Safely

Internal Auditor Training

Excel Masterclass

Wednesday 15 November - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Wednesday 6 December - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Thursday 25 January - 9.30am-4.30pm £200+VAT Member, £250+VAT Non-members

International Trade Compliance Management

Finance Skills for Non-Finance Managers

Basic Import Documentation & Procedures

Thursday 16 November - 9.30am-4.30pm £250+VAT Members, £275+VAT Non-members

Thursday 7 December - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Monday 29 January - 9.30am-4.30pm £250+VAT Members, £275+VAT Non-members

Communicating for Success

Intermediate Microsoft Excel

Tuesday 21 November - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Friday 8 December - 9.30am-4.00pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Creating a Customer Care Culture

Basic Export Documentation & Procedures

Wednesday 22 November - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members, £188+VAT Non-members

Tuesday 12 December - 9.30am-4.30pm £250+VAT Members, £275+VAT Non-members

*NEW* Effective Professional Proofreading

Search Engine Optimisation

Thursday 22 November - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members, £100+VAT Non-members

Thursday 14 December - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members, £100+VAT Non-members

KEY:

For more information and bookings contact us on 01905 673 611, training@hwchamber.co.uk. www.hwchamber.co.uk/training

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Business Training Courses Import and Export Training Courses

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

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November/December 2017

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

MAKE MORE NOISE, YOU’RE HIRED!

BBC APPRENTICE WINNER, MARK WRIGHT, INVESTS INTO WORCESTERSHIRE PR AGENCY Worcestershire based PR and Marketing agency, Make More Noise, is celebrating its second birthday with an investment from BBC Apprentice winner, Mark Wright.

Founded by PR and Marketing Consultant, Hannah Haffield, in October 2015, Make More Noise has grown rapidly over the past two years, and during this time has established long term relationships with a number of local and national businesses - including luxury Worcestershire based hotel, The Wood Norton, and national Education Technology firm, e-Careers Limited.

The agency first started working with Wright in November 2015, and were contracted to provide personal PR representation, together with an overarching PR strategy for Climb Online - the digital marketing agency he founded and launched on winning series 10 of The Apprentice.

Impressed by the service he has and continues to receive, Wright approached Make More Noise for investment in September 2017, and now, as a Director of the firm, will play a key role in scaling the company and supporting accelerated growth – with expansion into Birmingham firmly in sight.

Ma confirmed: “PR is a sector that has always interested me, and one that is becoming increasingly important to digital Mark marketing, as Google continues to place high value on quality content that directly engages web users.”

“I have worked with Hannah and the Make More Noise team for two years now and have always been impressed by the service and results received – therefore an investment into the firm seemed an obvious step, and is one I am very excited about. Hannah and I already have a number of game-changing plans in place, with one of the first being an expansion into Birmingham – so watch this space!”

Make More Noise sets itself aside from other PR and Marketing agencies through industry leading customer service,together with its innovative ability to create integrated PR and Marketing campaigns that deliver real results.

Wright secured the Apprentice winners title in December 2014 and has remained the most successful winner to date through the impressive growth of digital marketing agency, Climb Online.

Chamber Members save 10% on FFs with Code ChamberPR for a limited time only. www.makemorenoise.co.uk

heeo@makemorenoise.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBEREVENTS

www.hwchamber.co.uk/events

Following the success of the first series, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s President Andrea Borwell-Fox has been working with the Chamber to develop the second series of lectures for both existing and potential Business Leaders in the two counties.

Paul Kehoe Former CEO of Birmingham Airport Topic: Imagine - Managing Change in a Changing World Date: Thursday 2 November 2017

Dr Zaheer Shah Consultant Urological Surgeon Topic: War - A Surgeon’s Experience Date: Thursday 29 March 2018

Beth Tweddle Britain’s Greatest Ever Female Gymnast Topic: My Story Date: Thursday 31 May 2018

Venue: Malvern College, College Road, Malvern WR14 3DF Cost for 3 lectures: £125.00+VAT Members and £150.00+VAT Non-members. Please book your place via events@hwchamber.co.uk

HR PROFESSIONALS CONFERENCE IN ASSOCIATION WITH HEWETT RECRUITMENT Date: Thursday 23 November Time: 9.00am-3.00pm Venue: Bank House Hotel, Bransford, Worcester WR6 5JD Cost: 37.50+VAT for Chamber Members or clients of Hewett Recruitment and £50.00+VAT for Non-members Back by popular demand is inspirational keynote speaker Kevin Green. A regular commentator on TV and radio, Kevin is an authority on the UK labour market and always captivates his audience with his insights and knowledge on how employers can best prepare for the changing landscape in the future world of work.

off the press’ news and case law impacting business in a way that everyone can relate to and understand how to protect their organisations from ever changing legislation.

Louise Hewett, MD of Hewett Recruitment and Director of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation who has recently joined the Future of Jobs Commission chaired by Rt Hon Esther McVey will share her experience, research and insights with delegates.

We are also delighted to announce our new guest speaker, Bernadette Pelster, Chief People Officer at OpenGi. Bernadette will join us to share local, practical and experienced HR perspectives.

Delegates always enjoy resident legal speaker Sally Morris, Partner and Head of Employment at mfg Solicitors LLP. Sally will provide ‘hot

EXPO SUCCESS FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES The Chamber’s Events department would like to thank all those who attended the Business Expo earlier this year in October. The event was a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to raise awareness of their companies and generate potential sales leads in a comfortable and sociable environment. The Chamber received fantastic feedback from guests: Claire Lippett, from Midshire Communications Ltd, said: “The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo has a friendly professional business environment where liked minded businesses can work together.”

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Dani James, from Thursfields Solicitors, said of the Expo: "A well attended event and a great opportunity to see what other fantastic businesses there are in Herefordshire & Worcestershire. A great way to meet the people behind them and forge relations to work with them in future.”

CHRISTMAS NETWORKING EVENTS! Get into the Christmas spirit with our variety of Christmas themed networking events.

All of these events are £10.00+VAT Members and £20.00+VAT Non-members Tuesday 5 December 5.30-7.00pm Sensory & Rye, Bastion Mews, 21 Union Street, Hereford HR1 2BS Friday 8 December 2.30-4.30pm Hotel Chocolat, 23 High Street, Worcester WR1 2QE Tuesday 12 December 5.30-7.00pm The Granary Hotel, Heath Lane, Shenstone, Kidderminster DY10 4BS

Businesses are invited to take advantage of the early bird discount for the March 2018 Expo, which will run until the end of November 2017. To find out more information, please contact events@hwchamber.co.uk

November/December 2017

CHAMBEREVENTS

NETWORKING CALENDAR NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 NOVEMBER 2017

DECEMBER 2017

Droitwich Wellbeing Networking Breakfast Thursday 9 November - 7.30-9.30am St Andrews Town Hotel, St Andrews Drive, Droitwich, Worcestershire WR9 8AL £17.50+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members

Hereford Christmas Evening Networking Tuesday 5 December - 5.30-7.00pm Sensory & Rye, Bastion Mews, 21 Union St, Hereford HR1 2BS £10.00+VAT Members and £20.00+VAT Non-members

Hereford Networking Breakfast Wednesday 15 November - 7.30-9.30am Burghill Valley Golf Club, Tillington Road, Burghill, Hereford HR4 7RW £17.50+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Bromsgrove Networking Lunch Friday 17 November - 12.30-2.30pm Grafton Manor, Grafton Lane, Bromsgrove B61 7HA £20.00+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Malvern Curry Club in association with Sharpmonkeys Tuesday 21 November - 6.00-8.00pm Anupam, 85 Church Street, Great Malvern WR14 2AE £20.00+VAT Members and Non-members HR Professionals Conference in association with Hewett Recruitment Thursday 23 November - 9.00am-3.00pm Bank House Hotel Spa and Golf, Bransford, Worcester WR6 5JD Speaker: Kevin Green, Chief Executive of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation Topic: ‘The Future of Recruitment’ Speaker: Sally Morris, Partner and Head of Employment at mfg Solicitors Topic: Employment Law - Keep Ahead of the Game Speaker: Bernie Pelster, Chief People Officer at Open GI Topic: HR Master class £37.50+VAT Members and £50.00+VAT Non-members Worcester Women’s Business Forum in association with borwell Ltd Tuesday 28 November - 9.30am-12.00pm Open Space Rooms, Upper Interfields, Malvern WR14 1UT £17.50+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Sustainability Forum “Driving carbon savings” Wednesday 29 November - 8.00-11.00am Morgan Motor Company, Pickersleigh Road, Malvern WR14 2LL FREE to Members and Non-members Apprentices in Business sponsored by Fortis Living Wednesday 29 November - 5.30-7.00pm Burger Shop, Arch 46 Cherry Tree Walk, Worcester WR1 3BH FREE to Members and Non-members

Kidderminster Networking Lunch Wednesday 6 December - 12.30-2.30pm Hogarths Stone Manor Hotel, Chaddesley Corbett, Kidderminster DY10 4PJ £20.00+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Worcester Networking Breakfast Thursday 7 December - 7.30-9.30am Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ £17.50+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Chocolate Tasting with Hotel Chocolat Friday 8 December - 2.30-4.30pm Hotel Chocolat, High Street, Worcester WR1 2QE £10.00+VAT Members and £20.00+VAT Non-members Ross on Wye Networking Brunch Tuesday 12 December - 9.30-11.30am Penyard House, Weston-under-Penyard, Herefordshire HR9 7YH £10.00+VAT Members and £20.00+VAT Non-members Worcester Christmas Evening Networking Tuesday 12 December - 5.30-7.00pm The Granary Hotel & Restaurant, Heath Lane, Shenstone, Kidderminster DY10 4BS £10.00+VAT Members and £20.00+VAT Non-members Worcester HR Forum in association with Hewett Recruitment Wednesday 13 December - 9.30-11.30am Chamber of Commerce, Severn House, Prescott Drive, Warndon Business Park, Worcester WR4 9NE FREE event for Chamber Members and clients of Hewett Recruitment £35.00 + VAT Non-members Maximise Your Membership Event Friday 15 December - 8.30-11.00am Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ FREE to Chamber Members

SAVE THE DATE! - Chamber Business Expo in association with Hewett Recruitment Thursday 8 March 2018 9.30am-3.00pm Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire WR13 6NW Book your stand now!

To book your place on any of these events visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/events, email events@hwchamber.co.uk or phone 01905 673 600.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BIGINTERVIEW

HOW COMMON SENSE CAN KEEP THE HACKERS OUT Cybercrime may be heavily featured in the media on a regular basis but too many businesses are still failing to take the basic precautions needed to keep themselves secure.

Titania was founded in Worcester in 2009 to develop it and has grown to a team of 50 people servicing more than 90 countries.

That is the stark message from Ian Whiting, Chief Executive Officer of Titania Ltd, a security software company which has its headquarters in Worcester and has developed a national and international reputation for its pioneering work.

Much of Ian’s work revolves around educating businesses about the dangers of cyber crime and he said: “I always use the example of a petty cash box. It may only contain £100 but only one or two people hold the key.

Ian said: “Cyber crime is like health and safety.

You get a case where there is a dangerous road which sees a lot of accidents, so a crossing is installed, which means that people can press a button and cross safely. However, there is always someone who tries to run between the gap in the traffic.

“Yet when it comes to the online accounting system the same security is not always applied. You may get lots of people using the same password and amounts much more than £100 are at stake.

“It is the same with cyber crime. There has been a lot of media coverage of attacks but still some companies ignore easy actions they could take to keep themselves safe.

“Cyber security is all about common sense.

This is not some weird, magical art form that not everyone can master. It’s about simple things; install updates when they are issued, protect passwords, do not open suspicious emails.

“And yet you can give a talk on the subject and people will sit there and say ‘that sounds like a good idea’ then go back to work and do nothing.

“What tends to happen is they are busy and give higher priority to the projects they are working on but, if you decide to defer installing an update for a few days, you can be sure that the hackers will have received the same update and within a day or so will be ready to launch a new attack. Cyber security has to become second nature.”

Ian’s work with Titania has its roots in a decision taken in 2007 when he was working in the City of London, hacking into clients’ internet systems as part of his job as a systems ‘penetration tester’.

One of his jobs was for a bank which was worried about hackers exploiting their network and Ian was ideal for the job due to his recent work with another client.

There he exposed critical flaws in their payroll and HR systems, showing how poorly configured network connections allowed him to see, and even change, people’s wages from the clients car park via wi-fi.

Having devoted days of analysis and

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report writing to the bank’s investigation, Ian decided that there must be a way to automate the processes. The result was Nipper Studio, a tool to quickly locate network weaknesses and show clients how to correct them.

“Some people do not apply the same security measures they apply to physical objects to the digital world yet the effects of an attack can be very sad.

“I read a report that said that 60 per cent of small businesses that suffered an attack were not in business a year later, which is shocking.

“You see businesses suffer cost, damage to reputation and even fail because of something that is commonsense.

That’s wages not paid, families suffering hardship. This is not a victimless crime, there’s a human element to it.”

The past year has seen the company go from strength, reaching the finals of the 2017 Computing Security Awards, the industry’s most coveted awards, in several categories, winning the Small Business of the Year award with the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and securing the highest award that can be given to a UK business, the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation.

downloads are scanned with anti-virus software and safeguard your connection by using a firewall. Remember to make sure that your Wi-Fi is secure and hidden, too.

Business processes such as email, web browsing, removable media and personal devices are vulnerable to malware. Make sure you regularly scan for malware and protect all machines with antivirus solutions. Scan all incoming information for malicious content.

Establish clear policies on how employees should handle and protect business information and sensitive data, and remember to include safe use of social media and email. Hold everyone accountable to your security policies and procedures.

Security should be everyone’s responsibility – don’t just rely on one or two people, even if you’re running a small business.

Educate all employees about online threats and protecting your business’s data. Make sure policies are formally acknowledged in employment contracts.

All users of your IT systems should only be provided with the level of user privileges required to do their job. Monitor user activity and make sure accounts are updated regularly.

Require all users to set strong passwords and change them regularly. Include numbers and symbols and don’t allow words which are easy to guess.

Software updates regularly contain vital security upgrades which help keep your devices and network secure. Most operating systems provide mechanisms to automatically check for, download and install these updates – make sure you have them enabled.

All organisations will experience a security incident at some point. Putting an incident management plan in place will make it easier to limit the damage caused and protect against attacks.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS The Government has introduced the Cyber Essentials scheme to help businesses put controls in place and help defend against common internet-borne threats. Studies show that implementing these simple steps can remove up to 80% of your risk.

Cyber Essentials is applicable to all organisations of all sizes, in all industries and it provides a good foundation of basic cyber security.

ITS ADVICE INCLUDES: Connecting to untrusted networks such as the internet can expose you to attacks.

Include what sites can and can’t be visited in your internet policy, make sure

Some people do not apply the same security measures they apply to physical objects to the digital world yet the effects of an attack can be very sad.

November/December 2017

BIGINTERVIEW

Ian Whiting Chief Executive Officer, Titania Limited

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

031

COVERFEATURE

KEEPING UP WITH THE TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION Technology is advancing at a rapid rate, bringing with it both challenge and opportunity. Here, Business Direction talks to some of the local organisations working at the vanguard of the revolution.

WHY GETTING CYBER SECURITY RIGHT IS SO IMPORTANT Cyber Security is computer security involving the hardware plus information assurance (IA) and the policies and procedures to manage access to systems and data.

As well as buying the most up-to-date hardware, and using the latest operating systems available and training your staff, regular testing of your IT systems is essential to keeping your business cyber secure.

TAKING BUSINESS DIRECTION INTO A NEW 'REALITY' A new and exciting way of presenting stories featured in Business Direction is bringing business success to life for readers.

Since then, his company has developed the technology for a variety of clients in different sectors, everything from industrial companies to sports clubs.

Evesham-based Areca Design have designed an Augmented Reality (AR) app for the Chamber, which can be used on smart phones or tablets.

He said: “I think it is important in the case of Business Direction to point out that the app does not replace print, rather enhances and complements it.

AR is the technology that provides new ways of accessing information. In the case of the magazine app, several Chamber Patrons have AR features created in which readers can scan the written story with their smartphone or tablet and watch hidden video content appear, providing more information on the story, they can then follow links through to relevant website pages.

“It allows readers to find out more about the stories in which they are interested.

The story may only be small on the printed page but if you scan it you can gain access to video content. There is the potential to find out much more about the subject.

To see these features, download the HWChamber App on the App Store or Google Play and look for the HWChamber App icon printed in Business Direction.

Areca Managing Director Mick Hurst became interested in the potential of AR

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several years ago when watching visitors to a tourist attraction and realising that the technology could enhance the experience with an interactive trail guide.

“AR can work for advertisers as well. For instance, you may run a hotel, leisure centre or maybe a nursing home, and the reader can scan your advert and take a virtual tour of the rooms. It’s a way of providing added interest and atmosphere.”

To find the AR app for the Chamber, open the App Store on an Apple Device or Google Play Store, then use the search box to find and download our app 'HWChamber'

A penetration test (called pen test for short) is a hack of your internal and external systems with permission. Its correct name is an ethical hack.

A qualified cyber security expert will agree the scope of what needs testing within your business.

The cyber security supplier will visit your premises and run vulnerability scans from the inside. This is important as if someone accidentally downloads some malware or uses a memory stick with malware on, the malware software will hunt around the internal network looking for computers, servers and devices, and search for known vulnerabilities.

If one is found, the malware will then run a piece of software called an exploit, which will usually give the hacker external access to your network.

The cyber security supplier will then run tests externally on your internet facing services (e.g. VPN, mail server, intranet), as well as your website.

Finally, the cyber security supplier will provide a report documenting vulnerabilities and remediation actions.

You then action these with your existing IT supplier and then retest to prove the vulnerabilities have been removed. If you are a Worcestershire business you may be eligible for Security Testing as part of the Be Cyber Secure programme of support. Call the Business Central team on 01905 677888 to find out more.

Steve Borwell-Fox is the owner-manager of borwell, an award-winning software house based in Malvern. He was one of the seven founding members who set up the first cyber cluster in the UK.

November/December 2017

COVERFEATURE

KEEPING YOUR EMAILS SAFE Phishing emails purport to come from reputable firms with whom the recipient may have a connection, in order to induce him/her to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. They can also contain fake invoices with links to external documents, or notifications about bank account changes of a client/supplier.

Anyone receiving such emails should be wary, particularly where they would not expect to be emailed by their contact in that way.

Chris Walklett Tax Partner at Bishop Fleming- business advisers

Cybercrime is on the rise, as reports of fraudulent emails become commonplace. What can individuals and businesses do to protect themselves from potential financial loss and reputational damage?

And before any bank changes are accepted, it is prudent to telephone the client/supplier directly to confirm the correct facts. Funds should not be transferred to an account other than one provided in invoices or on letterheaded paper, or over the telephone by a known person.

Some firms now include fraud warnings in their emails and invoice templates to make clear that they have no intention of changing their bank details. In addition, businesses can ensure they have up-to-date internal guidance and

procedures on dealing with suspicious emails, and on what is sent out to clients/ suppliers.

Cyber-fraud insurance is also increasingly popular in order to cover the costs of a disrupting cyber-attack.

OTHER KEY PROTECTION MEASURES: n Install anti-virus software on all devices and keep it updated n Regularly backup critical files to a device that is not left connected to the network n Do not open attachments or click on links within unsolicited emails, and never respond to emails that ask for personal information or financial details n Even if a message appears to be from a trusted organisation, use caution.

If you think your organisation has fallen victim to cyber-attack, you should report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 (www.actionfraud.police.uk).

TRANSFORMING BROADBAND ACCESS FOR COUNTY BUSINESSES Herefordshire Council’s Fastershire Broadband project, in partnership Gloucestershire County Council, has been working to transform broadband access and digital skills for businesses across the two counties.

new full fibre network and the fastest broadband speeds in the country.

Gigaclear specialises in connecting rural communities by installing pure fibre straight into the home, which offers Broadband speeds of up to 1000Mbps.

More than 36,000 businesses and homes in Herefordshire now have access a superfast broadband service as a result of the Fastershire project.

In addition to the main deployment, Fastershire has launched Marches and Gloucestershire Broadband Grant which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). This new grant will cover the capital installation of a broadband connection to any eligible business that is not covered under the project’s main rollout and can demonstrate an economic case.

When this is combined with the commercial market’s rollout, more than 83% of the county can now access broadband speeds of 30Mbps or above compared to only 0.6% of premises five years ago.

Fastershire is now working to build on what has already been achieved, and the project recently announced that the phase 2 contract has been awarded to Gigaclear to deliver.

Phase 2 will see more than 8,000 additional premises benefit from a

Fastershire also delivers an extensive business support programme, designed to help small and medium size businesses get the most from fibre broadband and be more competitive.

To date, more than 1,500 attendees have benefited free training sessions and more than 270 businesses have

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

received one-to-one support with topics arranging from online marketing to data security.

Councillor David Harlow, cabinet member for economy and corporate services responsible for Fastershire, said, “The purpose of the Fastershire project has always been to improve the economic opportunities for local business and make the county more appealing to new enterprise.

“This has been one of the county’s largest infrastructure projects and Fastershire is now leading the way in the rollout of ultrafast broadband under phase 2 and, through the new ERDF-funded business broadband grant, we will be able to do even more to improve broadband speeds for businesses in the county.”

For more information about how Fastershire can help your business, please visit, www.fastershire.com/ faster-business.

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DIGITALFOCUS

IS YOUR BUSINESS MOBILE FRIENDLY? The use of mobile devices to surf the web has exploded globally with more people now owning a smartphone than a toothbrush.

This means it’s vital that your website is optimised for use on the go and that it delivers an outstanding user experience. A responsive website ensures you cater for the needs of all your customers, not just those using a desktop PC. A responsive website literally ‘responds’ to the device being used and should look as clean and easy to use as a mobile app. By adapting to the viewing screen, the website behaves as if it has been designed specifically for the device in use, looking just as beautiful on a desktop, tablet or smartphone.

5 REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO TAKE ACTION

n Responsive sites are more engaging, easy and fuss-free. It also means users are more likely to spend time on your site, which in turn helps to reduce bounce rates.

n A responsive website is what customers will expect and research shows that 45% of people choose a different search result if the first isn’t mobile friendly.

n Improve customer experience by introducing fluidity and flexibility with a website that puts user experience as a top priority.

n It is Google and SEO best practice and websites are now being punished in the search rankings if they don’t perform well for mobile.

n Increase your sales, revenue and conversions by making sure you’re accessible to your customers whilst they are on the go.

If you’re interested in optimising your website for mobile, then get in touch with our team at Design in the Shires. To enjoy 15% off the design and build of your responsive website just quote BD17. Simply drop us an email at info@designintheshires.co.uk or call on 07950 999887. www.designintheshires.co.uk

IS ISO 27001 FOR YOUR BUSINESS? ISO Quality Services Limited, based in Worcester, specialise in delivering high quality, cost effective solutions to help businesses run more effectively.

This includes, amongst others, advice, implementation and training in ISO 27001 Information Security.

An ISO 27001 Information Security Management system is a systematic and pro-active approach to effectively managing risks to the security of your company’s confidential information. It relates to both physical and cyber information. This is a hot topic for businesses at the moment, particularly in light of the new General Data Protection Regulations (‘GDPR’) coming in to force 25 May 2018.

ISO 27001 promotes efficient management of sensitive corporate information, highlighting vulnerabilities to ensure it is adequately protected against potential threats. It encompasses people, process and IT systems.

The certification can be achieved by any business of any size, in any given sector, which is looking to increase and enhance the company’s security of its data. At

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ISO QSL we aim to certify businesses within 6-8 weeks with our ‘keep it simple’ approach.

The benefits of implementing ISO 27001 include: n Cost reductions due to avoiding incidents; n Smoother running of operations as responsibilities and processes are clearly defined; n Improved business image in the market place as customers have peace of mind that your company is trustworthy and protects their data; n Reduced accidental exposure to staff of confidential/sensitive information; n Increased job satisfaction amongst employees due to clearly defined roles and responsibilities; n Increased productivity.

Further, the policies and procedures such as those contained in ISO 27001 Information Security Management System can help businesses on their way to compliance with GDPR.

For more information about how ISO 27001 can help your business please visit our website https://www.isoqsltd.com/ iso-certification/iso-27001-informationsecurity-management-certification/ or call our friendly Client Services team on 01905 670303 For all marketing and PR enquiries please contact marketing@isoqsltd.com

November/December 2017

VOODOOCHILLI WEB DESIGN STUDIO

We don’t need to shout We know we are good at what we do.

If you need a bespoke, hand-crafted website, then look no further than Voodoochilli Design.

Give us a call on 01432 278766 To arrange a free, no obligation chat about your project. You won’t be disappointed.

www.voodoochilli.com

Redwood Search are an independent organisation, who prides themselves on finding the right employees for small to medium sized businesses. We have the ability to tailor make our service to each individual clients requirements.

We work for a very broad range of industry sectors and understand that every company has different needs.

Redwood Search provides a range of customised recruitment solutions both locally and nationally with a personal touch.

Rather than a traditional one size fits all approach, our business ethos is to listen, understand and design services to individual clients needs. This includes learning the brand and the culture to maintain an effective business partnership. We believe it’s our friendly and professional service, along with our success rate in placing the right people, which keeps candidates and clients coming back to us time and time again - Recruitment as it should be!

Start hiring with us.

Arlene Gray

Michelle McGovern

Emma Foulds

Abi Cooper

Jenna Lamb

Edward Jukes

01905 27747 jobs@redwoodsearch.co.uk

www.redwoodsearch.co.uk

Recruitment as it should be!

November/December 2017

EJK

INTERNATIONALTRADE

NEW FREE TRADE AGREEMENT TO BOOST BRITISH BUSINESS Firms across the UK will be able to take advantage of a near-total removal of tariffs on exports to Canada, as the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) comes into effect.

WHAT IS CETA? CETA is the most extensive free trade agreement to date between the EU and Canada. The agreement scraps 98% of import duties, giving UK companies easy access to a valuable market of more than 35 million people, opening the door for companies to strike up productive relationships for future trade with Canada. By boosting trade, CETA will create jobs, growth and new opportunities for UK businesses.

CETA will make it easier and cheaper to export goods and services between the UK and Canada, the agreement will: n Eliminate nearly all Canadian import duties n Create more opportunities to bid for public contracts in Canada n Make it easier to access Canadian services and investment markets n Improve the framework for temporary movement of key company personnel and service-providers between the EU and Canada n Allow UK Engingeers, Accountants, Architects and other service

professionals to provide their services in Canada more easily

n Increase cooperation between European and Canadian standard setting bodies

investment into Canada, and second most popular destination for Canadian investment abroad. In addition to being a large and developed market, Canada also provides an excellent starting point for entering other regional markets – holding free trade agreements with the United States, Mexico and many Latin American countries.

WHY CANADA?

HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE?

n Strengthen the Canadian intellectual property environment

With a shared history, political system and language, Canada is a welcoming environment for many British businesses.

Canada boasts the world’s 11th largest economy and has a population of over 35 million people. The UK is Canada’s sixth largest source of goods imports, and second largest source of services imports.

The UK is the fourth largest source of

To find out more, please contact your nearest Department for International Trade. For Members in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, please visit www.hwchamber.co.uk to find further contact details or call 01905 673600.

Alternatively, visit www.great.gov.uk for more information.

To find out more about exporting, and to access support to help you sell abroad, visit www.great.gov.uk. To contact the local International Trade team for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, call 01905 673 600. Alternatively, drop in to the Hereford Business Solutions Centre between 10.00am-2.00pm every Wednesday to talk to an Advisor – contact alison.avery@mobile.trade.gov.uk.

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November/December 2017

INTERNATIONALTRADE

ARRIVING IN MARYLAND FOR CYBER CONFERENCE

"In October 2017, several Herefordshire and Worcestershire cyber businesses landed in Balitmore, Maryland, USA ahead of The Midlands Engine Cyber trade visit.

The trip included an exhibition space with the Federal Business Council (FBC) in Maryland who organise the annual Cyber Maryland Conference.

For several of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire cyber businesses this is their return visit. Many went on the first

trade mission in October 2016, where we were warmly welcomed and made new contacts very easily. Since then there has been a great deal of communications, joint meetings, skype calls, and opportunities to work in partnership together – USA and UK collaborations. Several businesses have met again, so their relationships are developing deeper. Several of the USA cyber businesses visited Worcestershire in June. They visited the QinetiQ site and also the Science Park, to look at inward investment opportunities and the benefits of being on the ever-growing Defence and Cyber Security campus.

Dortrend International Ltd has successfully completed its move to Worcester after being based in Stourport for 45 years.

Dortrend operate in niche markets where its experience of manufacturing door fittings has aided the company in developing products that resist ligatures

Steve Borwell-Fox is the MD of borwell, who provide secure software development services and cyber security products and managed services from their premises at the growing Malvern Hills Science Park

I will provide an update in the next issue

UK-BASED MANUFACTURERS MOVE TO WORCESTER

Like many companies, Dortrend has had to adapt to the changes in its market over the years by continuously manufacturing higher quality products to compete with the flood of imports from outside of the UK. It is the rise in popularity of importing cheaper products that Dortrend consider to be a main challenge for many UK-based manufacturers who are trying to compete on price alone.

of Business Direction of the full extent of the trade mission and its outcomes, with some photos of the cyber businesses hard at work promoting Herefordshire, Worcestershire, the Midlands and of course their own businesses too."

BOOST YOUR SKILLS! Don’t miss the opportunity to access vital exporting information at our upcoming Masterclasses:

EXPORT INSIGHT VISIT: SLOVENIA for use in mental health units and Nano Technology TouchClean anti-microbial door handles that help prevent the spread of disease by killing bacteria.

Dortrend export products worldwide and continue to supply fittings for many major commercial buildings.

Tuesday 14 November-Thursday 16 November Register your interest for FREE To view the full calendar and to book your free place for one of these events, visit www.bit.ly/ditmasterclasses-autumn

To find out more, please visit www.dortrend.co.uk.

TECHNOLOGY TRADE MISSIONS The UK is a global centre for digital technologies and has a vast number of companies ready and able to supply goods and services around the globe.

Join the Department for International Trade (DIT) on a trade mission and take your goods and services to the world.

TRADE MISSION TO BANGALORE 4–8 DECEMBER 2017 Technology Trade Mission to Bangalore

which will be focusing on one-to-one meetings. Contact richard.lewis@trade. gsi.gov.uk for more information.

TRADE MISSION TO CHINA, 4-8 DECEMBER 2017 Trade mission to China. Register to be sent details when available by contacting richard.lewis@trade.gov.uk.

TRADE MISSION TO THE PHILIPPINES, 5-9 FEBRUARY 2018

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Contact keith.grant@trade.gsi.gov.uk for information.

UK FINTECH ROADSHOW, VIENNA & ZURICH, 6–7 FEBRUARY 2018 A two-day event that will enable you to meet potential new clients and showcase your products and services.

Contact your International Trade Adviser for further details or call 0345 2220159

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

THURSFIELDS SOLICITORS SUPPORTING THE DEAF COMMUNITY be working with Thursfields, who share important information about making a will with our deaf clients. As a local charity, we are pleased to be working with a local firm who understand the needs of deaf people and are making legal information accessible to all.”

Thursfields Solicitors has installed facilities for deaf and hard of hearing clients at its offices in Foregate Street, Worcester by way of an induction loop system.

David Emery-Jones of Thursfields has also held a Will Writing Workshop for the deaf community at Deaf Direct’ s British Sign Language Coffee Morning on 25th October.

The workshop involved a partnership with Deaf Direct whose reach covers Herefordshire, Worcestershire and surrounding areas.

David Emery-Jones, Associate Solicitor, Wills & Estates said “Making a will is crucial to ensure your affairs are in order and your wishes respected when you pass away. Dying intestate can cause enormous problems for family and friends

left behind. We are pleased to be able to support the deaf and hard of hearing community with our new facilities in place at our Worcester office.”

Sarah Hindley, Fundraising Manager, Deaf Direct, said: “We are delighted to

Thursfields also have a specialist Charities and not-for-profit sector, led by Jenny Smith, who are further developing relations with the Charity and those it assists. “Deaf Direct is renowned for providing high quality bespoke services to deaf and hard of hearing people, their family members and carers, as well as professionals and other organisations. We are grateful for their advice and assistance in installing facilities for deaf and hard of hearing clients. We are also thrilled to be working with them to give people within the deaf community the same access to information about writing a will as hearing people.”

For all your legal requirements contact your award winning, local team Residential Property Wills & Estates Family Law Employment Law Dispute Resolution Care Services

Personal Injury Claims Commercial Property Corporate & Commercial Insolvency & Debt Recovery Agriculture Charity

Kidderminster | Worcester | Stourport | Halesowen | Sedgley | Solihull | Birmingham Integrity & Expertise

www.thursfields.co.uk

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November/December 2017

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

CORPORATE DAYS WITH A DIFFERENCE AT LAND ROVER EXPERIENCE EASTNOR

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Land Rover Experience Eastnor. The Bothy, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 1RL. 0333 733 3003. eastnor@landroverexperience.com. www.eastnor.landroverexperience.co.uk

TRADING AS FIX AUTO PERSHORE Carsmetix is pleased to join the Fix Auto network and will now be operating as Fix Auto Pershore.

Continuing to focus on customer service, fast turnaround times and quality repairs, Fix Auto Pershore will develop its operations in the region for the needs of its customers.

BS10125: 2014+A1:2016 As a BSI Kitemark Repairer, we have to meet strict standards that underpin the commitment we make to Fix Auto UK, and all our existing customers.

We offer best in class, retail, trade, insurance and fleet repairs:

 Skilled repairs using approved equipment and materials.

We’ll restore the appearance www.fixautopershore.co.uk of your vehicle and more 01386 552803 importantly repair those Opposite Pershore critical safety features you Railway Station can’t see that can protect you Our vehicle services and your passengers in the include: event of any future incidents.

 Real expertise through highly trained technicians and latest repair methods.

 We only use parts which are appropriate for safe repairs.

 Quality Repair methods maintained through strict

independent unannounced inspections from BSI.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

The BSI Kitemark is adopted by the most forward thinking repairers committed to carrying out work only to the highest standards. It’s recognised by many automotive manufacturers and major insurance companies too.

Retail & Insurance Trade Commercial Paint Protection Systems Alloy Wheels

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

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November/December 2017

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

MOVEMBER IS THE TIME TO TALK ABOUT MEN’S HEALTH The Movember movement – publicising men’s health issues – has been an international success since it was launched in Australia back in 2003. But it seems far too many men are still keeping their health worries to themselves.

“It is well known that men tend to keep things bottled up when it comes to medical issues,” said Consultant Urological Surgeon Mr Terry Chen. “But that really is the worst thing they can do. I just hope that popular awareness campaigns like Movember can get people talking and taking action”.

Two of the biggest ‘men only’ killers are prostate and testicular cancer but, said Mr Chen, who practices at Spire South

Bank Hospital in Worcester, both are very treatable if they are diagnosed early.

“The key to successful treatment really is early diagnosis and that is down to men facing up to the fact that they might have a problem and seeking medical help as soon as possible”, he explained.

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men with over 41,000 new cases diagnosed in the UK every year, claiming approximately 10,500 lives while around 2,300 cases of testicular cancer are diagnosed annually.

Men over 50 years of age are most likely to develop prostate cancer whereas men aged from 25 to 49 are most at risk from testicular cancer.

Mr Chen also added: “There are certain signs that should raise alarm bells around prostate cancer. These include difficulty passing urine or passing urine

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

more frequently than usual, especially at night. Also the feeling of not completely emptying your bladder or having to rush to the toilet to pass urine”.

“However, my advice is not to wait for symptoms but to go and get yourself checked out once you reach 50. It’s a simple examination that could be followed by a blood test - there is no need to be embarrassed”.

Symptoms for testicular cancer include swelling or a lump in a testicle, which is usually painless but can become painful as it increases in size or a dull ache or pain, or heaviness in the scrotum.

“Once again men seem to find it difficult to discuss this but swift action really can save lives. Act as soon as you discover a lump, it really can mean the difference between successful and non-successful treatment,” he said.

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VISITWORCESTERSHIRE

www.visitworcestershire.org

THE WORCESTERSHIRE WINNERS ARE:

TOURISM AWARDS

Best Touring, Camping and Holiday sponsored by Olpro Canvas & Clover

Best Conference Venue sponsored by Worcestershire Business Central Stanbrook Abbey

Best Self Catering sponsored by AA Quality Assessment Scheme Hop Pickers Rural Retreats

Best Guest Accommodation sponsored by Rural Concierge Eckington Manor

Best Hotel sponsored by Events With The Edge Brockencote Hall Hotel

Best Visitor Attraction sponsored by Glide Media Severn Valley Railway

Best Eating Out sponsored by Hale Events Cotford Hotel

Best Food Producer sponsored by mfg Solicitors Churchfields Farm Ice Cream

Visit Herefordshire and Visit Worcestershire would like to congratulate the Winners, Highly Commended and Commended of the Tourism Awards for Excellence 2017. Over 130 people from tourism businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire gathered to hear the results of the awards at the Malvern Theatres on Tuesday 19 September hosted by John Challis, best known for his role in the hit BBC television comedy series Only Fools and Horses. Attendees also heard from Cassie Bray, Director of Business Engagement at the Chamber, and overall sponsors Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Pear Communications.

Conference Venue, Best Eating Out, Best Food Producer, Best Drinks Producer, Best Visitor Attraction, Best Touring, Camping and Holiday Park, Best Festival and Events (Community) and Best Festival and Events (Commercial).

The addition of Best Drinks Producers for this year’s competition allowed businesses to apply for; Best Hotel, Best Guest Accommodation, Best Self Catering, Best

More information about the Tourism Awards for Excellence 2018 will be available from April next year. To find out more before this date, please contact lizp@hwchamber.co.uk

The Awards are aligned with the national VisitEngland Awards, where the winners of a related category have the opportunity to be put forward on a national level to represent their county. The VisitEngland Awards are closed to local businesses unless they are winners at a local level; previous winners have included Stanbrook Abbey, Clive’s Fruit Farm, Monnington House and Green Cow Kitchens.

Best Drink Producer sponsored by Worcestershire Ambassadors Oldfields Cider

Best Festival & Events (Commercial) sponsored by SimpliWiFi RHS Malvern Spring Festival

Best Festival & Events (Community) sponsored by JNIT Consultancy Ltd Droitwich Spa Food & Drink Festival With thanks to overall sponsors Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

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November/December 2017

VISITHEREFORDSHIRE

www.visitherefordshire.co.uk

WINNERS ANNOUNCED

THE HEREFORDSHIRE WINNERS ARE: Best Touring, Camping and Holiday sponsored by Olpro Poston Mill Park

Best Conference Venue sponsored by Worcestershire Business Central The Courtyard Centre for Arts

Best Self Catering sponsored by AA Quality Assessment Scheme Lodges at the Baiting House

Best Guest Accommodation sponsored by Rural Concierge Buzzard House

Best Hotel sponsored by Events With The Edge Castle House Hotel

Best Visitor Attraction sponsored by Glide Media Whitney Bridge

Best Eating Out sponsored by Hale Events Riverside Inn

Best Food Producer sponsored by mfg Solicitors Peter Cooks Bread

Best Drink Producer The Tourism Awards for Excellence are a brilliant opportunity to showcase your business, and to network with tourism businesses in your area. We spoke to those involved after the fantastic awards ceremony...

Daniel Walton, Managing Director of Olpro Ltd who sponsored Best Touring, Camping and Holiday Park, said: “We’re proud to encourage tourism in the area and we’re glad to see that local campsites are doing so much to make people’s time in the great outdoors as fantastic as possible. It was a difficult category to judge and all of the finalists offer great facilities that I would highly recommend.”

Paul Motzheim, Regional Sales Manager at Stanbrook Abbey and Winner of Best Conference Venue, said: “We were delighted to win the award for Best Conference Venue. We have had a fantastic year hosting significant events in particular from the automotive industry, so to secure the award for the second year really does reward the hard work and effort to promote this area of the business.”

Whitney Bridge, Winner of Best Visitor Attraction for Herefordshire, said: “We are completely delighted that Whitney Bridge won the award for Best Visitor Attraction 2017 for Herefordshire. We have been here since 2012 and have worked hard to prove that our little 240 year old Grade 2 listed beautiful wooden bridge is not just a Toll Bridge.”

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

sponsored by Worcestershire Ambassadors Gun Dog Gin

Best Festival & Events (Commercial) sponsored by SimpliWiFi Borderlines Film Festival

Best Festival & Events (Community) sponsored by JNIT Consultancy Ltd Ledbury Poetry Festival With thanks to overall sponsors Pear Communications.

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WORCESTERSHIREBUSINESSCENTRAL

www.business-central.co.uk

SLICE OF THE ACTION AT CHAMBER EXPO Worcestershire Business Central would like to thank all exhibitors and guests who got involved with the fantastic pizza making competition at the Chamber’s Business Expo in October. Whilst networking with a difference, guests had the chance to design their business’ logo on a pizza for a chance to win a £20 voucher.

Beth Collett, Sales & Marketing Assistant at Duomo (UK), said: “This is my first year at the Expo and it has been brilliant to see such a variety of activities at every

stand. Making a pizza definitely tested my food-artistry skills but it was a great opportunity to speak to Worcestershire Business Central.”

WBC would like to congratulate the winning pizza that was designed by Suzanne Blundell of Curo.

INNOVATIVE AGRI-TECH FUTURE FOR VICARAGE NURSERIES Local strawberry growing company, Vicarage Nurseries, have visited the new innovative agri-tech systems being trialled at Pershore College, to see how their business will be able to benefit.

On visiting the college, the company was provided a tour of the new hydroponic growing room and 3D bionics tunnel

by Professor Roy Kennedy, allowing Vicarage Nurseries to view first-hand how the technology could support their business to grow. Following a research and development project using the hydroponic tunnel, Vicarage Nurseries will now be working with Pershore College to implement the new technologies.

Evesham based, Vicarage Nurseries, was established in 1996 with the aim to grow quality British produce. Today the company has grown into a multi-award winning company supplying soft fruit to major supermarkets. The company, constantly seeking to innovate and apply new technologies, was introduced to the College after a business support meeting with Worcestershire Business Central’s Business Engagement Manager, Randesh Kalar.

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Randesh Kalar, lead for agri-tech at WBC, commented: “With the innovative agricultural technology at Pershore College, Vicarage Nurseries will be able to further develop their growing methods, and consequently build on their solid reputation.”

Bal Padda, commercial director at Vicarage Nurseries, said: “The support provided by Worcestershire Business Central has been indelible. We look to be at the forefront in using innovative agri-tech solutions, and this can only benefit our business - saving not only space and time, but labour too.”

Pershore College launched the groundbreaking agri-tech initiative in spring 2017 with a £500,000 investment from the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, through the Government’s Growth Deal.

Professor Roy Kennedy is leading the agri-tech programme at the college, which addresses skills shortages in agriculture and horticulture that act as a barrier to innovation and growth in Worcestershire.

Ian Edwards, Deputy Chief Executive at Worcestershire LEP, said “It is fantastic that Worcestershire businesses can make the most of the innovative agri-tech available in our County.

Agri-tech is one of Worcestershire’s key sectors for economic growth and our investment into Pershore College is allowing businesses in the area to benefit from their cutting-edge facilities.”

For further information on the investment taking place at Pershore College, visit the Worcestershire LEP website, www.wlep.co.uk For more information on how Worcestershire Business Central can support your business to grow, contact the team on 01905 677 888, email info@business-central.co.uk, or visit the WBC website.

November/December 2017

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

DRP HOSTS SECOND DRPBIGTALK FOR CLIENTS Local creative agency drp recently hosted clients for a second drpbigtalk at their Head Office studio facilities in Worcestershire. The day of insight and innovation included keynote presentations, roundtable discussions, and an evening of food and entertainment. The aim of the event was to provide the industry with insights on key topics, helping the industry to grow, and ensure their clients advance in their various fields of expertise.

In 2016, drp launched the first drpbigtalk, which saw over 200 people come together for the biggest shared conversation to date. This year, the day was hosted by TV Presenter Juliet Morris, and included a selection of industry leading panellists and experts. Callum Gill, Head of Insight and Innovation at drp, commented: “At last year’s drpbigtalk, we saw the tremendous

A Commercial Property Consultant and Chartered Surveyor has been recognised in a prestigious national competition for the third year running.

John Dillon, Managing Director at GJS Dillon, has been crowned “Deal Maker of the Year” by Estates Gazette Interactive (EGi) after completing the highest number of commercial property transactions in the past 12 months in Worcestershire.

value an event like this can provide. This year’s event proved to be just as valuable with a great list of speakers providing insight, ideas and inspiration.” www.drpgroup.com

ARRANGEMY CONFIRM OPENING OF NEW TRAVEL AGENT arrangeMY are proud to announce the opening of its first Travel Agents “arrangeMY Escape” later this year.

Jennifer Lynch, General Manager, explained: “Contrary to popular belief, the high street leisure travel business is booming and we’ve identified that Worcester is lacking a customer-led, independent agent that guarantees the very best value at all times’.

JOHN DILLON NAMED TOP DEAL MAKER FOR THIRD YEAR

“Jennifer has already secured premised in Mealcheapen Street, recruited an expert team and is now actioning an extensive shop refit before the grand launch in December.

Speaking of the accolade, John said: “I am delighted to be named as Deal Maker of the Year for Worcestershire for the third year in a row. I am just the front man for a brilliant agency team at GJS Dillon which has worked really hard to develop a robust system and process for delivering fantastic customer service and unrivalled local knowledge which is really now paying dividends. There has never been a better time for landlords and owner occupiers to sell, and I look forward to advising on many more deals in the next 12 months.” www.gjsdillon.co.uk

“We want to build a strong brand in a thriving City centre which will hopefully be the launch pad for additional shops throughout Worcestershire and the West Midlands.” www.arrangemy.com

Managing Director Nick Scott added: “We have been very fortunate to attract Jennifer to Worcester and look forward to providing a new level of service and care while organising holidays. It dovetails perfectly with our existing award winning business travel assistance.

NEW IMPROVED TOURISM WEBSITE AND APP Malvern Hills District Council has launched its new and improved Visit the Malverns tourism website. The mobile-friendly site provides a wealth of information to visitors and locals alike, and includes comprehensive accommodation, attraction, and walking route finders with searchable and filterable maps. The extensive What’s On guide is regularly updated with the latest events in the area and a range of videos are being added to promote this stunning

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part of Worcestershire.

A new walking app has also been launched in conjunction with the new

website. “MalvernsWalks’” provides a range of informative self-guided walks around the Malverns on your mobile device. The app is free to download for both Android and iOS from the Google Play or Apple App stores. The council is also partnering with Google to create 360° Google Street Views of the Malvern Hills which will be available on the new website and via Google Maps. www.visitthemalverns.org

November/December 2017

CYBERANDGDPR

CONSECUTIVE CYBER ESSENTIALS STANDARD FOR CHAMBER Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce its reaccreditation of the Cyber Essentials Standard for the second consecutive year.

The self assessment, which is audited by an independent certification body, shows a level of cyber security understanding within an organisation’s operation.

Justin Neale, who takes a lead role on Information Security at the Chamber said: “The accreditation is so important to the Chamber of Commerce. The assessment guides you through numerous disciplines and as a result we have created a security policy, password policy and system access log. In addition we have enhanced some of our infrastructure, system policies and working practices.”

Cyber security awareness has come to the forefront of many businesses recently and with high profile cases of cyber attacks, the assessment of information security is becoming part of everyday

A report recently highlighted that nearly a quarter of UK SMEs have not yet begun to prepare for GDPR, which becomes law on Friday 25 May 2018 and could see hefty fines for non-compliance. GDPR addresses the way data is used and stored by organisations, with particular emphasise on Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

business operations. Justin continued: “It’s not just about technology - there is also increased awareness for staff, including communication of the standard, policies and processes in addition to highlighting the responsibility that staff have in keeping systems and data secure.”

The Chamber is now embarking on the second stage of accreditation and is seeking to gain the Cyber Essential Plus Standard.

CHARITIES BENEFIT FROM CYBER-SECURITY CAMPAIGN In May this year, the WannaCry ransomware dominated global headlines bringing the reality of cyber-crime to the attention of businesses on an unprecedented scale. Charities are particularly vulnerable, through holding the personal information of donors and benefactors.

The IASME Consortium, a leading Accreditation Body for the Cyber Essentials Certification scheme, launched a week-long campaign in September aimed at encouraging registered charities to improve their resilience to on-line threats. Together with participating licensed partners, The IASME Consortium offered discounted certifications on schemes which demonstrate charities have effective and recognised best practice and protections in place.

GET GDPR READY WITH EBC

Keeping the PII data that your business holds secure is key, and Information Management tools such as M-Files and FileFacets can help you ensure that you are complying with GDPR regulations. EBC Group recommends that you;

IDENTIFY: Identify the data your business holds and understand what is PII, and what is no longer required

SECURE: Easily move and securely store sensitive data to meet with GDPR compliance and protect against cyber breach.

MANAGE: A single viewpoint of your data to manage ongoing compliance and easily respond to data requests The most likely reason that a business would be investigated regarding GDPR is if it suffered a data breach, so keeping your business secure with the latest cyber security protection is crucial.

Dr Emma Philpott, Chief Executive of The IASME Consortium, stated: “Charities work tirelessly to secure donations for fantastic causes. Having the right safeguards against unscrupulous cyber activity can help protect the donations and also any sensitive information such a charity might hold. The security of personal data, of both donors and benefactors, will become even more significant when considering the enhanced data protection laws which come into force from May next year.”

EBC Group can help your business with cyber security solution and Information Management tools for managing GDPR. For more information on EBC Group’s solutions please contact hello@ebcgroup.co.uk or visit www.ebcgroup.co.uk

www.iasme.co.uk/cyber-safe-charities

THREE COUNTIES DEFENCE & SECRUITY EXPO 2018 Date: Thursday 31 May 2018 Venue: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW The Three Counties Defence and Security Expo (3CDSE) is the region’s leading expo for the defence and security industry. Following on from the success of the first Herefordshire showcase for the defence and security industries, the event has grown, but maintains its original premise to provide a forum for military, suppliers and security agencies to identify common interests, solutions and opportunities.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CHARITYNEWS

GRC JOINT PARTNERS FOR NORTH POLE CHALLENGE Ex-Soldier, Public Speaker and IT Consultant, James Redden, will shortly embark on a solo, unsupported and unaided ski to the geographic South Pole later in December. By undertaking the challenge, James hopes to raise awareness and funding for Soundabout, a music charity that provides disabled children and adults with a voice of their own, and Meningitis Now. James aims to complete the task in less than 30 days, eager to set a new UK record. Given the solo nature of the expedition, the communications element is crucial in providing a link to the outside world. To ensure he stays connected, James will be taking a satellite phone and WiFi hotspot allowing him to check-in,

access social media and keep everyone updated of his progress.

of James. GRC would like to wish James all the best in this incredible adventure!

GRC are proud to partner in this fantastic challenge alongside Microsoft in support

www.grcltd.net

WORCESTER GETS GREEN FINGERED TO HELP ACORNS Armed with spades and shears, the Marketing department at Worcester, Bosch Group headed to Acorns Children’s Hospice, in Worcester, to lend a hand tidying the gardens and play areas to make sure they remain a place for children and their parents to enjoy.

The team of 25 split into groups to tackle various projects in need of their help and spent a day planting, weeding and mowing. One group looked after the children’s play area, ensuring it was safe and tidy for the little ones to have fun in.

Another group worked on maintaining the quiet outdoors seating areas and another tidied up the boarders and pathways, to create lovely walk-ways for families to wander around. www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

GAUDET LUCE RAISES £1200 FOR RNLI Gaudet Luce held its latest Charity day on Friday 15 September in support of the RNLI Lifeboats. Members chose this charity to raise awareness in the area around the invaluable service the charity do. The charity day was also organised in memory of a former member, Roy Orchard.

Over 100 players took to the Phoenix course for a friendly yet competitive game.

Following the game, players regrouped in the clubhouse for refreshments and an awards ceremony where the winners W. Furber, M.Furkner and D.Topman of Kings Norton Golf Club were presented to.

To support the fundraising, raffle tickets were sold for an abundance of great prizes including gym sessions, art, chocolates and

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LOCAL HOSPICES JOIN FORCES FOR BIG GET TOGETHER KEMP Hospice has teamed up with Primrose Hospice and St Richard’s Hospice to organise events in support of national charity campaign “The Big Get Together”. Both events featured a famous guest speaker, and were put together as part of the campaign that encourages friends, families and colleagues to hold fundraising events for local hospice care.

Cathy Sloan, Head of Fundraising at KEMP, said: “I am proud to be working with colleagues at our county’s hospices, raising much needed funds to ensure that our patients are treated with dignity, are given choices about their care and that we are able to help them access services to improve their quality of life.”

The money raised from each event will be split evenly between the three hospices which together cared for more than 4,638 patients, their families and bereaved people free of charge last year. www.kemphospice.org.uk

even a private flight. Gaudet Luce would like to thank members, visitors and local businesses for their charitable donations.

On site was also a RNLI merchandising stall ran by the Ladies Lifeboat Guild. The combination of green fees and donations raised a fantastic £1,200 for the RNLI which will be used towards saving lives at sea. www.gaudet-luce.co.uk

November/December 2017

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

HOW CAN YOUR CRM HELP YOU PREPARE FOR GDPR?

As a business that stores and uses data as part of your day-to-day transactions, you’ll be aware that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is coming into effect in May 2018.

It sounds like a long time, but many businesses’ database still have a long way to go before they’re compliant and the pressure is starting to mount.

SUDDENLY, MAY 2018 DOESN’T SOUND SO FAR AWAY. There are two big issues facing most businesses when it comes to their data management and how that will be affected

by GDPR: Data Cleanliness and Consent.

If you use some form of CRM system to manage your data, and most businesses do at this point (even if it’s a bunch of spreadsheets), you will need to use the tools within it to tackle both.

DATA CLEANLINESS

Most CRM systems will allow you to set important fields as mandatory, preventing your users from saving a record without gathering the correct information. Equally, you should be able to get an overview of your data through reports and filters that will show you gaps in your data and the dates of last contact.

Ideally, your system should have a way of automatically detecting and recording bounced email addresses, highlighting them to you so that you can get in touch to clarify the accuracy of information.

2. Managing duplicates According to a study by Royal Mail, 61% of marketers reported that duplicates were a major factor for them when it came to their data quality. It also has huge implications for GDPR around recording consent, the accuracy of your data, etc.

Not to mention the fact that it is just plain annoying for you.

You will already be familiar with the pain of trying to keep your data up to date, free from duplicates, and standardised.

Under GDPR, however, failure to do so can have some fairly serious financial (not to mention the existing reputational) consequences.

Your CRM should be able to help you identify duplicate records and then merge them together when you find them.

Automated duplicate checking on new data is equally vital, especially where you have the ability to set which fields are checked and include any necessary exclusion rules.

Depending on your system, you will have a number of tools at your disposal, however, to manage this more effectively going forward:

3. Standardisation Finally, your users need to be able to organise and categorise all the data in your system based on your own company terms and phrases. Otherwise, they won’t be able to separate your prospects from your customers or your former clients from your suppliers.

1. Keeping your data up to date By carrying out regular data cleansing, you can go a long way towards ensuring your data is current and correct. This includes picking up incorrect email addresses, identifying and preventing gaps in your data, and highlighting when an individual has not been contacted recently.

CONSENT TO USE DATA This is the big one when it comes to GDPR and it all boils down to this: if you don’t have consent to process someone’s data or email them and you do it anyway, you will be fined. Pretty simple.

You need your CRM system to be able to help you manage this in a big way with fields to help you track who has opted in to receive your communications, who would rather be contacted over the phone, and who doesn’t want to be contacted at all.

Alongside all this, you will need to be able to say when you received this instruction for each. and. every. person.

It’s a big job and you need to have a CRM system ready to support you in this endeavour.

SOUND SCARY? It definitely does. GDPR is introducing a whole new level of responsibility for anyone processing any data…which is pretty much everyone. Having the right tools to manage these requirements is absolutely vital.

To talk to a member of OpenCRM team about how CRM software can benefit your brand, just call 01748 473000 or visit the website: www.opencrm.co.uk

Graham Anderson, is the CEO and founder of OpenCRM, one of the UK’s leading customer relationship management systems.

And if they don’t know what the relationship is, they could easily run afoul of GDPR’s strict data use policies.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH

CALLIBURN ASSOCIATES Calliburn Associates is a pioneering business helping companies with additional commercial and export resource when needed. There’s a clear demand for “in-house” specialists dealing with contract and export law but often companies don’t have the resources to justify a full time role.

This is where we can help. We act as your commercial manager, export manager, contractual advisor or compliance manager. We’re completely flexible

whether you need us for one day per month, a couple of days per week or to help fulfil a contract.

Having worked within security companies using sensitive data for many years, we

Brandrefinery provide campaign consultancy and planning services as well as classic tactical elements such as graphic design, PR, content writing and paid digital advertising management. Contact Brandrefinery to learn more about how your business can harness the power of the crowd. www.brandrefinery.co.uk

Brandrefinery work with both start-up’s and multi-national companies to advise them on their crowdfunding campaign strategy and activities. Its typical activities involve supporting entrepreneurs and established businesses to define when crowdfunding is right for them and what steps need to be taken to ensure a successful campaign. In addition,

THE CART SHED

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BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL MALVERN HILLS & WORCESTER Bright & Beautiful Malvern Hills & Worcester is part of an award-winning concept in domestic homecare, providing eco-friendly cleaning, tidying, laundry and ironing; with carefully selected professional cleaners working to the highest standards of security and service.

Specialising in regular housekeeping services, we ensure your home is beautifully clean and tidy and can also take care of the laundry and ironing; leaving you free to enjoy your hard-earned free time. We provide a range of professional domestic services that can be tailored to your specific needs on a weekly or fortnightly basis. www.brightandbeautifulhome.com

Based in North Herefordshire, The Cart Shed offers opportunities to try something new and improve wellbeing; to find friendships, a sense of belonging and a place of calm, in a supportive, caring environment.

Working outdoors throughout the year, our woodland programmes lend themselves to enabling individuals to overcome and accept episodes in their lives they find difficult to live with; such as a result of the loss of a partner or close friend, difficult working conditions, or poor health. Mental health issues can affect anyone at any time. Our Well-being programme is designed to help employees improve their health and to encourage employers to manage the impact on the

www.calliburnassociates.co.uk

You’ll have a range of experts at your fingertips providing proactive advice such as our knowledge of foreign markets should you wish to expand globally. Don’t be fooled we’re an expensive law firm – we’re not regulated by the SRA and can reduce your legal bills.

BRANDREFINERY Brandrefinery is a Marketing Consultancy that specialises in crowdfunding. It support companies to raise finance by launching products and services across both equity and reward crowdfunding models.

It connects clients to potential investors/backers by developing marketing campaigns that humanise their product or service propositions to compel people to act.

work in a completely confidential way as a member of your team.

business cost effectively.

We work with individuals from all backgrounds, lifting labels and minimising stigma. There are no walls, badged health professionals or waiting rooms...just the peace of the woodland. www.thecartshed.co.uk

November/December 2017

NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH BROMSGROVE

PERSHORE

Bradley Haynes Law

Age UK Bromsgrove Redditch + Wyre Forest

Adder Bookkeeping Ltd

Legal Services www.bradleyhayneslaw.co.uk

01527 570490

01386 578925

01905 900989

Charity www.ageuk.org.uk/brwf

Bookkeeping www.adderbookkeeping.co.uk

The Centenary Lounge Ltd

Bumble Hole Foods Ltd

Black Liquorice Company Ltd

Cafe/Restaurant www.centenarylounge.com

01527 874821

01386 860836

07719969124

Egg Producers & Processors www.bumblehole.com

Confectionery www.blackliquoricecompany.com

The Magic Tractor

EVESHAM

Migloo

Brand, Print, Web Design & Marketing Services www.themagictractor.co.uk

Nationwide Cars Ltd

Manufacturer of Mobile Changing Facilities www.migloo.co.uk

Newsquest (Midlands South) Ltd

Commercial Car Sales www.nationwide-cars.co.uk

Worcester Powder Coatings Ltd

Newspaper, Magazine & Digital Publishing www.worcesternews.co.uk

Outwood Business Services Ltd

Powder Coating Manufacturers www.worcesterpowdercoating.co.uk

Spetchley Park Gardens

01386 896146 ISO 27001 Data Security and GDPR, Project Management www.outwoodbusiness-services.co.uk

REDDITCH

Historic Gardens www.spetchleygardens.co.uk

HEREFORD

Ice Maidens

Wildgoose Rural Training

Calliburn Associates Ltd

Hairdressing www.icemaidens.uk

01386 702970

07964357665

01386 561464

01386 556613

01527 63216

01905 863360

01905 748200

01905 345213

01905 620840 Education & Training www.wildgooseruraltraining.org

Commercial Export IPR Consultancy www.calliburnassociates.co.uk

Open Range Ltd

Worcester Web Studio Ltd

0845 3300618

01905 641232

The Cart Shed Charity

07796421373

E-Commerce www.open-range.com

Web Design www.worcesterwebstudio.com

Charity www.thecartshed.co.uk

WORCESTER

OUT OF AREA

Herefordshire Storage

Akiki Organics UK Ltd

Finnick Group

01885 498294 Self Storage www.herefordshirestorage.com

Snack In The Box Hereford

07939091454 Supplies Vending Machines & Snack Boxes to workplaces

01905 381420

01242 546940

Organic Fruits & Fruit Juice Producer www.akiki.co.uk

Print Solutions, Web & Graphic Design www.finnick.co.uk

Aloeosity

Veritas Hotels Ltd

07882197030 Natural Health & Wellbeing & Hairstylist www.aloeosity.foreverlivingsite.com

01285 651761 Hotel www.st-andrewshotel.com

KIDDERMINSTER Advantage Controls Europe Ltd

01562 743656 Water Treatment Solutions www.advantagecontrols.co.uk

Cookery Magic

07895623048 Cookery School www.cookerymagic.co.uk

SecureHealth

07568121497 Private Health Insurance www.securehealth.co.uk

Surf Works Ltd

07973212116 Web, Graphic & Media Design www.surfworks.co.uk

MALVERN Design In The Shires

01684 564012 Creative Marketing www.designintheshires.co.uk

Hassle Free Activity Ltd

01905 570557 Supplier of Garden Games for Outdoor Activites www.hasslefreeactivity.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

CSR AWARD WIN FOR OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL Oakland International is celebrating winning the Corporate Social Responsibility Award at The Logistics Awards in London in September. Oakland International Chief Executive and Co-Founder, Dean Attwell, commented: “The Logistics Awards celebrate operational excellence within our industry but we firmly believe that this should not be at the expense of our communities or the environment.”

Oakland International created children’s charity the Oakland Foundation to help support young people in the Redditch and

Bromsgrove communities and surrounding areas, through activities and programmes based on four core initiatives of Health, Nutrition, Education and Sport. Through the Foundation, Oakland donates money and offers all employees the chance to volunteer for the Oakland Foundation in company time. Dean added: “We have always adapted and embraced new ways of working in our core supply chain business, which has also helped build our reputation as a socially responsible family business.” www.oakland-international.com

NEW #UKFOODHOUR A SUCCESS Alimenti Food Sciences Ltd was ecstatic to have launched a brand-new hour on Twitter in September. Running from 2.00-3.00pm every Tuesday, local businesses from the two counties and beyond are invited to take part in #UKFoodHour.

Alimenti was founded by Louise Roberts, and supports small food and drink businesses secure contracts with larger companies by offering an outsourced technical consultancy. Alimenti specialises in developing and upgrading food safety management processes and procedures for food and drink SMEs. #UKFoodHour was formed to encourage communication

between food and drink companies, with inspiration taken from the highly successful #HerefordHour and #WorcestershireHour.

COMMUNITY GARDEN PROVIDES SUPPLIES TO LOCAL FOODBANK The Droitwich community garden has been providing fruit and vegetables to the town’s foodbank for the past two summers. The Fortis Living owned garden has become an integral part of the community with a dedicated team of adult volunteers who maintain the garden. Chris Colley, Community Officer at Fortis Living explained: “With 1 in 5 people in the UK now living below the poverty line, foodbanks like the one in Droitwich are sadly an essential part of some people’s lives. It’s heart-warming that nothing is wasted and all the produce goes back into the community.”

The garden won a Wychavon Community Award earlier this year in recognition of the difference it has made to the local community, it is also well used by local groups of cubs, scouts and beavers who use the garden to work towards their environmental badges. www.fortisliving.com

The launch of the new hashtag proved to be a success, with interactions from Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Call Minders and Open Space Rooms. www.alimenti.co.uk

BOOKKEEPING IN THE CLOUD Director of Adder Bookkeeping Ltd, Helen Bower, is passionate about helping SMEs in Worcestershire to manage its accounts in the Cloud. HMRC’s plans for Making Tax Digital are less than two years away for businesses with turnovers above the VAT threshold of £85,000.

Adder Bookkeeping sees this move as being a huge benefit to business owners, not a burden. Partnering with QuickBooks

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and Receipt Bank, Adder have moved away from traditional, on-site desktop products.

Cloud clients have their bookkeeping managed daily – providing accurate, real time figures, which are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

Adder Bookkeeping is celebrating the expansion of their business to new premises in Pershore. www.adderbookkeeping.co.uk

November/December 2017

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

Star Chip Enterprise is searching the galaxy for applications from potential franchises to set up and launch their Star Chip Fish & Chip Franchise Star Chips serving their own quadrant of the Milky Way. Follow our Captain’s Log giving you all the information needed to become a successful business in the shortest possible time, safe in the knowledge you will have unrivalled support and training - your success is also our success!

Contact us via our website or give us a call to receive a free no-obligation prospectus detailing: Your earnings potential Your capital outlay What your business will be like The support you will receive

Traditional and Delicious.

Fish and Chips fresh in the Vale villages Here are some of the reasons why your services are so well received in the local Villages, Care Homes, Weddings, Christenings, Parties, Christmas Parties, Corporate Events, Festivals and other Local Events: Delicious, traditional, fresh, Earth friendly, healthy, served by our knowledgeable professional friendly staff Traditional delicious gourmet Fish and Chips Ethically sourced, line caught fish, frozen at sea Farm assured, twice fried potatoes Biotrays Earth friendly compostable packaging and paper All the food is cooked in Frymax, the healthy oil, Non Hydrogenated and only 1% transfats Black country batterd chips must be tasted to be delivered Stunning vehicle wraps, based on the Star Trek theme Hi tec state if the art, mobile Fish andChip vans 5 star cleanliness and quality from local government scores on the doors ÂŁ10,000,000 full public and employee liability

Registered Business Address Suite 6, King Charles Court, Vine Street, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 4RF

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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MOVERSANDSHAKERS

NEW MARKETING DIRECTOR FOR BISHOP FLEMING

SECOND GENERATION FOR AA SALT AA Salt Services Ltd is delighted to announce they are now a second generation business as Ben Tanner joins the team. Ben said: “I am thrilled to be able to help take the business to a new level with technological advances in vehicle tracking and app usage enhancing our customer and driver experience. AA Salt continues to grow, helping to keep offices, hospitals, universities, shopping malls and industrial units safe from ice and snow hazards during the winter period.”

Top 40 accountants Bishop Fleming have appointed Paul Seymour as their new Marketing Director. Mr. Seymour will maintain Bishop Fleming’s strong brand as one of the fastest growing firms of accountants in the UK. Speaking on his appointment, Mr Seymour added: “It’s a privilege to be joining Bishop Fleming, with its reputation for innovation and quality client service. I’m looking forward to continuing to evolve the brand for the firm in a rapidly changing economic landscape.” www.bishopfleming.co.uk

NEW APPOINTMENT AT BRADLEY HAYNES

BREAST CANCER HAVEN NEW CENTRE MANAGER

Bradley Haynes Law, Worcester welcomes Julian Wintle as Director and Head of Litigation.

Julian is an experienced litigation lawyer with over 20 years’ experience, having previously worked at TLT, Irwin Mitchell group and in-house at Lloyds Banking Group.

Di Emmett, a previous Breast Care Nurse Specialist at Hereford County Hospital, has joined Breast Cancer Haven, the charity that supports women through their breast cancer treatment.

Managing Director, Andrew Bradley says: “Julian’s litigation experience in unsecured and property related recoveries builds on the extensive experience of the firm’s Litigation department which includes commercial disputes, professional negligence, insolvency and property disputes”. www.bradleyhaynessolicitors. co.uk

Di Emmett said: “My experience has shown me that a diagnosis of breast cancer is devastating and life changing. This is where Breast Cancer Haven comes in. We provide complimentary therapies to our visitors that dovetail their hospital treatments. Therapies are given, free of charge, which help minimise some of the side effects of breast cancer treatment.” www.breastcancerhaven.org.uk

www.aasalt.co.uk

CURO WELCOMES NEW RECRUIT AMAN TO THE TEAM Award-winning Curo, a firm of Chartered Accountants based in Bromsgrove has expanded its team with yet another graduate recruit.

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HEADTURNER SEARCH CONFIRM NEW APPRENTICE

WCG APPOINTS PRESIDENT IN A FIRST FOR THE SECTOR

Headturner Search is delighted to announce the appointment of Aimee Farley-Higgs. Aimee has joined as a Business Support Apprentice, to help cover a wide range of roles, including; Marketing, Event Management and Recruitment.

WCG has announced that former MP Chris White will be the college group’s first ever President, in what is thought to be a unique appointment in the further education sector.

Aman is the latest addition to the team and has been busy working on Curo’s wide client portfolio, including on-site audits in Oxfordshire, Leicestershire and closer to home. Aman has also proved a great team player when he played for the Curo football team as part of this year’s Higgs & Sons football tournament.

Aimee will be joining Headturner Search at networking events, and businesses are welcome to come and say hello to the newest member of the team.

Samantha Turner, Director at Headturner Search, said: “Aimee has proved invaluable so far and we really look forward to her ongoing success”.

Chris White said: “I am honoured and excited to have been appointed WCG’s first President.

I have worked closely with WCG for a number of years now and seen how its importance in the region has grown. I have also attended the Apprenticeship Graduation events for WCG and am convinced that this approach to securing the skills our region needs is here to stay and is going to grow.”

www.curoca.co.uk

www.headturnersearch.co.uk

www.wcg.ac.uk

HEREFORDSHIRE LAW FIRM APPOINTS NEW SOLICITOR Phil Roberts is joining Lanyon Bowdler’s Hereford office after a number of years with a firm based in Malvern. During his career he has specialised in personal injury cases and has a wealth of expertise in that area of law.

Neil Lorimer, head of Lanyon Bowdler’s Personal Injury department said: “We are delighted to welcome Phil to the team of specialists in our Hereford office. I am sure his experience will prove to be a valuable addition to our firm.” www.lblaw.co.uk

November/December 2017

MOVERSANDSHAKERS

MALVERN PR COMPANY EXPANDS WITH TWO NEW RECRUITS Make More Noise is excited to announce the expansion of its team with the appointment of new Account Executive, Melissa Stone, and new Administration Account Manager, Sian Dobson.

Hannah Haffield, Founder and Director of Make More Noise said: “I am delighted to welcome both Melissa and Sian to Make More Noise, and feel they will both be true assets to the team.” www.makemorenoise.co.uk

MFG ANNOUNCE TWO APPOINTMENTS In a busy period for Patron Members mfg Solicitors, the firm has announced two Associate promotions.

Wills and probate expert Janna Vigar has been appointed as an associate within the firm’s Private Client team while Rupinder Nandra, a matrimonial and cohabitation specialist in mfg’s Family department, has also been promoted.

Maynard Burton, Partner and Chairman of mfg Solicitors said: “Both Janna and Rupinder have exceptional credentials in their specialist areas and are widely respected internally and by clients.”

PRINT STRATEGY TAKES ON THREE NEW RECRUITS Print Strategy Europe has announced that it has recently recruited three new members of staff to the growing team.

Michelle Borg, Marketing Manager, Emily Sparey and Emilija Venckute, Customer Experience Executives, joined the business in September.

Having recently achieved a Master’s Degree in Business, Michelle said: “I am looking forward to working with the whole team here at Print Strategy to help continue and improve on the great successes we have recently had.”

NEW APPRENTICE AT TDM IT Apprenticeship training provider TDM are delighted to announce that Joe Allsopp has joined the Senior Management team as Head of Sales & Marketing. Joe has a wealth of experience in the recruitment of IT professionals and has joined from another local training provider in a similar role. Joe has been instrumental in TDM’s recent relocation to central Worcester and will play a vital role in the company’s continued growth. www.tdm.co.uk

www.printstrategy.eu

www.mfgsolicitors.com

SME EXPANDS COMMERCIAL LITIGATION TEAM

MANDIE FITZGERALD JOINS WORCESTER CHARITY Headway Worcestershire is thrilled to welcome Mandie Fitzgerald as Fundraising & Marketing Manager.

An experience and proactive fundraiser who’s made major contributions to her previous charities.

Mandie said: “I am thrilled to have joined an amazing local charity offering support and care to individuals, careers and their families after acquired brain injury. I have been humbled getting to know our clients and hearing their individual life stories and the challenging effects they face after an ABI.” www.headwayworcestershire. org.uk

NEW APPRENTICES AS REDDITCH RECRUITMENT FIRM STEPS UP ITS MARKETING APPROACH Workforce Recruitment, based in Church Green West, has boosted the local jobs market by taking on 18 year-old Jacob Beard and Codie Walker,19.

SME Solicitors has added to the raft of Specialist Solicitors with the appointment of David Denovan-Smith within its Commercial Litigation, Dispute Resolution and Employment Departments.

Currently studying Extended Diplomas, the Marketing Apprentice pair, who are both from Redditch, are already playing an active role in helping to shape Workforce’s social and digital media, marketing materials and supporting the company’s branch network.

Commenting on his appointment, David said: “I am enjoying the philosophy here at SME in providing personable and proactive service to its clients.

Everyone knows that litigation can be emotionally draining, stressful and expensive and like my SME colleagues, I am keen to ensure cost effective ways to resolve disputes through mediation and other alternatives to court.”

www.workforcerecruitment.co.uk

www.smesolicitors.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

GOLF CLUB APPOINT NEW DIRECTOR Herefordshire Golf Club is pleased to announce the appointment Stuart Rank as the new Director of Golf. Being only the third professional to hold the position in the last 50 years, Stuart is excited for the future where his plans include the creation of a junior academy.

Stuart said: “It’s my job to build that awareness and realise all of the potential that we have here, make it a real destination location, once golfers are here, we’re going to make it a very easy decision for them to want to return.” www.herefordshiregolfclub.co.uk

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LASTWORD

AUGMENTED REALITY The Chamber was incredibly excited to team up with Areca Design for this issue to bring Augmented Reality (AR) to Business Direction readers.

Step 1: Download the HWChamber app which is available for both Android and iOS Step 2: Keep an eye out for the Chamber's AR logo Step 3: Open the app, select “Interactive (AR) Images” and hold your camera over the images below Step 4: Watch the articles come to life and enjoy the Augmented Reality!

MFG SOLICITORS a name, address, bank details and even a computer’s IP address. It applies to all UK organisations who handle personal data, and to quash the rumours, the regulations will still apply post-Brexit. There are administration burdens on businesses as they work through the process and this short-term pain is unavoidable if your business wants to avoid penalties for non-compliance.

Businesses across the two counties have just over six months to be compliant with tough new General Data Protection Rules, commonly referred to as ‘GDPR’.

The new laws, coming in on Friday 25 May 2018, relate to the storage of personal data. This can be anything from

Data protection regulator, the ICO, has put together a useful 12-step plan to help businesses and is available through www.ico. org.uk. While the ICO advice is a valuable checklist, it is imperative that businesses seek legal advice to guide them through what for many will be a tricky process.

For further information members can contact mfg Solicitors’ Stephen Wyer through stephen.wyer@mfgsolicitors.com www.mfgsolicitors.com

STEP INTO THE FUTURE You have probably heard of Virtual Reality (VR) and may have even had a go with the latest expensive headset.

This technology fully immerses the user in an alternative reality, which is fabulous for games or demonstrations of the latest high-end cars etc. There is a more practical technology that everyone can access, as it uses the viewer’s own smart device – the mobile phone in everyone’s pocket. This is Augmented Reality (AR) and the engaging applications are endless...

To explore the potential uses for your business, call Areca Design for an initial discussion on 01386 570360 or download Areca Design’s AR app to see the image below come to life!

WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET CLUB One of Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s key objectives for 2017 was to attract new customers to attend cricket and retain and grow the appeal of cricket for families in the two counties, in order to encourage repeat attendance. The objective led to the decision to select Bank Holiday Monday in August as the day to deliver a completely FREE admission initiative for Specsavers’ County Cricket Championship. The initiative proved incredibly successful, with over 2,500 free tickets issued, and receiving

superb reviews in both local and national publications. Sunday Times Journalist, Paul Edwards, voted the free admission initiative as his “Moment of the Season” as part of the paper’s review of the 2017 season. In a post-match e-survey, 97% of respondents said they would attend a future match at New Road and 58% said they attended the match with either “family” or “children under 16”, clearly proving the primary objectives were achieved. www.wccc.co.uk

LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS In the next issue of Business Direction, we welcome 2018 by looking at the Future of Business. Recapping the events that happened in 2017, we take a look at what we can expect in the next year, focusing on apprenticeships and young entrepreneurs.

The deadline for the January/February issue is Wednesday 22 November 2017. Please send all editorial to businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk, making sure that articles are the correct word count.

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November/December 2017

Technology You Can Count On

ERP Solutions MRP Solutions VoIP Telephony IT Infrastructure Software Support Hardware Support Cyber Security Software Accounting, HR & Payroll Systems Consultancy & Training T: 01562 68211 E: info@minstermicro.co.uk W: www.minstermicro.co.uk

Minster Micro Minster Technology @MinsterMicro

PEOPLE ARE

OUR PASSION W H AT’S YO U R S ?

Tell us

|

#H CR law

Protecting data is vital to a company’s success – swift action to prepare for GDPR and tackle cyber breaches can save you thousands.

Robert Cobley, Partner, Intellectual Property & Technology Talk to us: Worcester: 01905 612001 | Hereford: 01432 349670 Visit us online: www.hcrlaw.com Harrison Clark Rickerbys Ltd is authorised and regulated by the SRA

Join the discussion:

@HCRlaw