Business Direction 44

Business Direction

WINNER OF WINNERS! – VISION LABS LTD

EXCELLENCE CELEBRATED AT CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS 2018

Issue 44 July/August 2018

An award winning Worcestershire based team of Chartered Accountants, Business & Tax Advisers.

web // ballardsllp.com tel // 01905 794504 July/August 2018

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Business Dire

EXCELLENCE CELEBRATED R AT CHAMBE S BUSINES 18 20 DS AR AW

FIRSTWORD

JULY-AUGUST 2018 I am delighted to announce the winners of the Chamber Business Awards 2018. The Chamber was incredibly proud to welcome 600 business people from across the two counties to share the successes of the 68 finalists and 13 winners, at the spectacular event on Thursday 7 June.

Issue 44 2018 July/August

LTD VISION LABS WINNERS! – WINNER OF

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/business-direction

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing, 3rd Floor, Tru Knit House, 9-11 Carliol Square, Newcastle, NE1 6UF www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

ADVERTISING John Neilson Commercial Director, Distinctive Group 0191 5805990 | 07813 874970 john.neilson@distinctivegroup.co.uk

FEATURE EDITORS Ellen Rossiter ellen.rossiter@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

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 winners represent the growth, innovation and diversity of businesses within Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and I look forward to watching our finalists progress to the regional and national British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards later this year. To view the full lists of winners from the evening, please go to our Awards special on pages 62 - 65.

I am also thrilled to note that three firms from Worcestershire have been recognised with the prestigious Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, one of the highest accolades for British businesses. It was fantastic to see two Chamber Members recognised within these awards; both The First Class Pet Company and Metrasens Ltd were honoured as winners – being commended for their pioneering work in their respective categories.

To encourage more eligible firms to apply to the renowned awards next year, the Chamber was pleased to bring a brand new Queen’s Award Event to Herefordshire on Monday 21 May, following in the footsteps of the annual event that takes place in Worcestershire.

Taking place at St Michael’s Hospice, attendees had the opportunity to hear from previous award winners and learn about the application process.

Guests were able to hear from past recipients about the journey from submission through to receiving their award, and the positive impact the award has had on their company. I’d like to thank everyone who attended the first event, and I look forward to hearing about your application success!

First Word Chamber News

3 4-5

Business News

6

Policy

11

Business News

17

Skills

18

Business News

19-20

Business News

25

Chamber Training

26-27

Chamber Events

30-31

Big Interview

32-33

Cover Feature

34-36

International Trade

38-39

Visit Worcester

44

Visit Hereford

45

Worcestershire Business Central 46 Movers and Shakers

50-51

Business News

55

New Members

56-58

Charity News Awards Business News

59 62-65 66

In final award news, local tourism businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire were invited to apply for this year’s Tourism Awards for Excellence.

The awards are a brilliant way for local tourism businesses to raise their profile and go on to represent the county in the national VisitEngland Awards. I’d like to wish good luck to all those who have entered.

Finding an effective way to market your business is something that all companies strive to achieve, especially when you throw social media platforms into the mix. In this edition of Business Direction, we interview Ed Deacon, Managing Director of Shooting Reels, about how video and digital technology is paving the way in successful Marketing and PR. We also speak to Sunshine FM, Baldur Digital, Bees Knees Marketing and Deaf Direct about how their industries influence valuable communication.

Best regards, Sharon sharons@hwchamber.co.uk

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July/August 2018

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBERNEWS

FIRST QUEEN’S AWARDS EVENT SUCCESS IN HEREFORD Businesses across Herefordshire were invited by the Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, the Dowager Countess, H&W Chamber of Commerce, and the Queen’s Award Committee Members to join them at the first Herefordshire Queen’s Awards event on Monday 21 May. The Queen’s Awards are the highest awards that businesses in the UK can receive. Every year the Chamber encourages its most successful and hard-working Members to apply to the awards and join the illustrious list.

The event took place at St Michael’s Hospice, where attendees heard from previous Queen’s Awards winners who shared their experiences from submission through to

Guests heard from; Mike Forrester, Founder of Orchard Valley Foods, Peter Vaughan, Strategic Development Manager at Oakland International, Dr Malcolm Russell, Chief Executive at Prometheus and Dr Krish Soni, Chief Executive, Propath UK.

Entries into the 2018/19 Queen’s Awards are open until midday on Wednesday 12 September. Winners will be announced on 21 April 2019, with a Royal Reception in summer 2019 for representatives of the winning businesses.

BI-ANNUAL EVENT SUCCESS FOR WORCESTERSHIRE WORKS WELL

CHAMBER CELEBRATES TIMES TOP 100 ACCOLADE

10-months on from gaining global recognition at the World Chamber Awards last year, Worcestershire Works Well hosted its bi-annual event on Tuesday 22 May at Avoncroft Museum.

Earlier this year, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce sought off competition to be named within The Sunday Times 100 Best Not-for-Profit Organisations to Work for 2018 – being placed at 46th in its first year of application.

The health and wellbeing accreditation scheme focused on the theme of “Empowering People...Opportunities to Motivate and Sustain Healthier Behaviour Change” and welcomed a host of speakers to the stage to inspire the attendees.

The speakers focused on specific topics relating to the theme, and guests were able to find out more about; empowering people: stress less and enjoy more, health initiatives focussing on the depots, stamping out mental health stigma, improving wellbeing through health days and events, creating a dementia friendly workforce and Sutcliffe & Co’s Worcestershire Works Well journey.

The day was also a chance to congratulate all the newly accredited businesses who were presented with their certificates by Laura Hewett, Commercial Director at Hewett Recruitment and part of the Worcestershire Works Well Strategic Board. To find out more about the scheme, please visit www.worcestershireworkswell.co.uk.

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receiving the award, and the positive impact it has had on their businesses.

The Queen’s Awards are a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to be recognised on a national level across the different categories available. The Chamber would encourage as many firms as possible to attend the second Queen’s Award information event on Thursday 28 June at drp Group in Hartlebury. If you would like to attend, or would like more information, please contact deborahc@hwchamber.co.uk.

NO MORE “NOT SPOTS” FOR STUDENTS Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is supporting the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) in its recently launched campaign for “No More Not Spots”. The aim of the movement is to end “not spots” for voice coverage where UK phone users live, work, travel and play.

The Chamber’s Policy department has been working to ensure businesses and education institutes can access a world class digital infrastructure and build stronger relationships between the community and broadband delivery partners, like Fastershire and the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The BCC are now reaching out to students to log their Not Spots in and around campus to discover areas with poor signal that ultimately interrupts teaching and studying.

To report the gaps in coverage in your area, please visit www.britishchambers.org.uk or use the hashtag #ShareYourNotSpots

The Times 100 recognises businesses with exceptional investment in their employees. The Chamber has received a 1 Star accreditation from Best Companies, which is a significant achievement for businesses as it shows the organisation has “very good” levels of workplace engagement.

To mark the occasion, the Chamber team were treated to a “Staff Fun Afternoon” at The Brick Room in Worcester. Staff took part in a games afternoon, raffle, and enjoyed a delicious buffet before hearing the results of the internal staff awards to have its own awards ceremony in honour of the accolade.

(L-R) Olivia Williams, Abigail Robbins, Lucy Allen, Randesh Kalar, Megan Pearce & Nick Corley

July/August 2018

CHAMBERNEWS

3CDSE SUCCESS ESTABLISHES REGULAR FORUM FOR REGIONAL DEFENCE INDUSTRY

OLYMPIC GYMNAST ROUNDS OFF PRESIDENT LECTURE SERIES Former British Olympic Gymnast, Beth Tweddle, delivered the final presentation of the second annual President’s Lecture Series, on Thursday 31 May. The Chamber has worked closely with Andrea Borwell-Fox, Chamber President, to develop the second edition of the series for both existing and potential firms in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The lectures are a fantastic opportunity for delegates to learn from the considerable knowledge of the unique speakers, as well as network with other guests over a delicious breakfast.

Beth is one of the most successful British Female Gymnasts in the history of sport, and her impressive achievements include; being an Olympic Bronze Medallist, a triple World Champion, a six-time European Champion, a Commonwealth Champion and a seven-time consecutive National Champion.

Beth spoke about her unique life experience, inspiring the audience with her journey of achievements.

The Chamber would like to thank Andrea and the business people who have attended the series for this year. For information regarding all Chamber events, including FREE networking for Members, please visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/events.

WONDERFUL WORCESTERSHIRE AWARD SUCCESS FOR CHAMBER PRESIDENT Andrea Borwell-Fox, Chamber President, and Dawn Hardman, Director of HR, were revealed as finalists in this year’s Wonderful Worcestershire Awards, after being nominated for a total of four categories between them.

When applications opened in October 2017, the public were encouraged to nominate an inspirational person who makes a significant contribution to the community, and after several rounds of judging the winners and runners up were announced at the end of April.

Andrea picked up third place for the Significant Achievement of the Year award. Andrea said: “I am delighted to have made it into the top three for this category. There were great winners on the day, which were well deserved. I hope others are inspired to keep volunteering, encourage and inspire others through their leadership style, and the event encourages young professionals to take up volunteer roles and follow in the footsteps of the winners.”

The Three Counties Defence & Security Expo (3CDSE) has proved that demand for a regional defence and security expo is high, having recorded 1000 delegates and over 100 exhibitors at the latest show which was held on Thursday 31 May. The 3CDSE was run in partnership with The Manufacturers’ Organisation (EEF) and its dedicated defence sub-group, National Defence Industries (NDI), together with local business groups and government bodies which included Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, Worcestershire Business Central, Hereford Enterprise Zone/Skylon Park, and Gloucestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLEP). West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association also partnered with Harrison Clark Rickerbys to support the event.

Technology was a core theme throughout the 40-strong speaker programme which presented expert speakers from the fields of military, law enforcement and the defence and security industry, including Richard Newbould of Vodafone who spoke about the Internet of Things, and Mivy James of BAE Systems Applied Intelligence who presented a compelling story about data privacy, artificial intelligence and consumer wearable tech.

Congratulations to Andrea from H&W Chamber!

SUPPORTING WORCESTERSHIRE’S TIME TO CHANGE CAMPAIGN Worcestershire County Council announced in February that the county has been chosen as one of a handful of areas in England to change how we all think and act about mental health locally.

Worcestershire has been picked to be a Time to Change Hub by social movement Time to Change. The hubs have been created to combine the insights from the national mental health campaign with local knowledge to support communities,

workplaces and schools to take action to end negative attitudes and behaviours towards people experiencing mental health problems in their communities.

Police, Redditch and Bromsgrove District Councils, Unison, and local champions.

To find out more information, please visit www.time-to-change.org.uk.

Time to Change Worcestershire is made up of Worcestershire Health and Wellbeing Board, Worcestershire County Council, Community First, Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, The University of Worcester, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, West Mercia

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

HEREFORDSHIRE AGENCY SHAPES NEW LOOK FOR ROYAL SOCIETY Leominster based Orphans Press has unveiled new branding and a website for The Royal Society of Sculptors. Orphans saw off stiff London agency competition to be awarded the project to overhaul this prestigious organisation who promote the works of over 800 leading artists across the UK and internationally.

Helen Bowden, Director, says the project has been exciting for the business.

Helen says: “We have a talented design team who have been attracting really interesting branding projects. The Society is such a high profile organisation yet they needed a really substantial shift in

presentation. We worked closely with Elizabeth Parbutt of Made By Marketing, who provides marketing consultancy to the Society, and produced progressive, bold branding where colour and form have been exploited to maximum impact.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive and there is a renewed belief that this august brand now sits confidently alongside similarly renowned arts organisations.”

The new branding and website can be seen at www.sculptors.org.uk. www.orphans.co.uk

ABRAXAS CELEBRATE CHAS ACCREDITATION

TESCO AWARDS LOCAL CHARITY WITH GRANT

Abraxas Catering Equipment is pleased to announce that it is now CHAS accredited. CHAS accreditation demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to current health and safety legislation.

The Grace Kelly Ladybird Trust is thrilled to announce that the charity has been awarded a fantastic £4,000 from the Tesco, Bags of Help, Community Grant Scheme in Worcester.

Mike Nixon, Sales Manager at Abraxas, explains: “We are very proud of our CHAS accreditation and the value it brings to the company. In being a member of the scheme, we demonstrate to our customers that we take health and safety very seriously. Besides completing all tasks to current health and safety standards, we have a responsibility to flag up anything we deem unsafe, and to challenge businesses about unsafe practices in an attempt to improve health and safety across the industry.”

He adds “With more than 900 public and private sector client organisations and 70,000 contractors registered on their database, CHAS works to develop new business opportunities, help safeguard company’s reputations and above all, make working environments safer.” www.abraxascatering.co.uk

METRASENS WINS QUEEN’S AWARD FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR Metrasens is delighted to announce that it has been honoured as a winner of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2018, in the category of Innovation. The company earned the distinction for its ground-breaking work in advanced screening capabilities designed to enhance safety and security around the world. This is the second consecutive year Metrasens has received the Queen’s Award. In 2017, the organisation was recognised in the category of International Trade.

Dr. Simon Goodyear, CEO, said: “We are constantly looking at new and innovative ways to deploy our core technology, with an intrinsic focus on making people safer through cutting-edge screening methods.

To be recognized with the Queen’s Award in the category of Innovation is a testament to the unprecedented advancements achieved by our team of physicists and engineers. It is also a perfect complement to the recognition we received from the Queen’s Awards last year in the International Trade category for our successful business growth.”

The announcement comes after an in-store vote selected The Grace Kelly Ladybird Trust as the winner.

The Worcester-based charity would like to thank Tesco and everyone who voted for The Grace Kelly Ladybird Trust throughout January and February this year.

The charity has been working hard to reach schools and care settings throughout Worcestershire with “Signs and Symptoms Awareness Cards”, and the funds will enable The Grace Kelly Ladybird Trust to reach many more children which will save lives.

The Grace Kelly Ladybird Trust would like to thank Tesco, Bags of Help, and its supporters for helping this vital work reach so many more children. www.gracekellyladybird.co.uk

www.metrasens.com

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July/August 2018

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

Your local, award winning legal experts

COMMERCIAL TENANTS – WHAT ARE YOU SIGNING UP TO? Standard commercial leases will include a clause that obliges the tenant to comply with all statutory obligations relating to the property. Failure to comply with legislation will be a breach of the lease and the landlord may then have the option to forfeit. It is imperative therefore, that you know what you are signing up to. These are just some examples of the legislation that can affect your occupation:

FIRE SAFETY The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the ‘responsible person’ to carry out a fire risk assessment. Whilst the Landlord may share responsibility of being the ‘responsible person’, you still may be required to carry out works to ensure the property is compliant. Do you know when the last fire risk assessment was carried out?

CONTROL OF ASBESTOS As tenant you are likely to be a “duty holder” under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 which means you have a duty to manage any asbestos risk. The cost of carrying out asbestos removal can be high but failure to comply with these regulations is a criminal offence so you need to review any existing risk assessment and consider commissioning your own. Are you aware when the last Asbestos Report was carried out and who holds it?

ENERGY PERFORMANCE As of 1 April 2018 it is illegal for the landlord to let a property out unless it has an energy rating above an “E” so you should ensure that the landlord has brought the property up to the required

standard and that you do you not bear the cost of any requirement alterations.

We can advise you of your property’s EPC rating if you let us have the address.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION Whilst the liability for such contamination ultimately lies with the person who caused the contamination, it is worth bearing in mind that if the original polluter can not be found, the owners or occupiers may end up bearing the cost.

PLANNING The landlord may have agreed you can use the property for a specific use but this use may not actually be permitted under planning legislation. It is important that

you fully investigate the planning position with the Local Authority.

WORKS The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 applies to any alterations or fitting out works. If you are carrying out any such works you will need to comply with these regulations. e.g. Maintaining a health and safety file or providing information for the landlord’s file.

If you would like any further advice on taking out a lease of commercial premises please contact Katie Williams at kwilliams@thursfields.co.uk or call 01905 677048

Worcester 01905 730450 | Kidderminster 01562 820575 Stourport 01299 827517 | Halesowen | Sedgley | Solihull | Birmingham

www.thursfields.co.uk Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

HANDELSBANKEN BOLSTERS LOCAL TEAM TO MEET GROWING DEMAND Handelsbanken Worcester has appointed a new corporate banking manager, a new individual banking manager, and three new account manager support staff in response to increasing demand for its local relationship banking services.

Stephanie Cooper has joined Worcester branch as their new corporate banking manager, moving from Bromsgrove Branch. Benjamin Griffiths has moved from his role as a member of the account manager support team at the branch to become individual banking manager. Both Stephanie and Benjamin know the local area and will be working with the team at Worcester in developing customer relationships as well as welcoming new customers to Handelsbanken’s personal approach to local banking.

As part of the growing team, Suzanne Britten, William Garrad and George Robinson have also joined the branch to assist personal and business banking customers with their day-to-day banking needs. Corporate banking manager, Danielle Coe (formerly Danielle Oliver), has been promoted to branch manager at Handelsbanken Leamington Spa. Philip Dutton, branch manager at Handelsbanken Worcester, commented: “I am delighted to be expanding the team here at Worcester to allow us to continue to service the needs of our customers, and to enable us to help even more new customers across Worcestershire. My team and I will miss Dani very much, but wish her every success in her new role as branch manager at Leamington Spa.”

Worcester branch has developed a reputation for excellent service and high standards within the local business and professional services community. This year, the branch celebrates its eighth anniversary serving customers in Worcestershire, having grown rapidly through recommendation and word of mouth.

(EPSI Rating, 2009-2017). The Bank has also been rated the top provider of current accounts in the government-backed Business Banking Insight survey for SMEs for the third year in a row*, and named Best Private Bank 2017 at the FT and Investors Chronicle Investment & Wealth Management Awards for the fifth time.

Phil continued, “We’ve been greatly encouraged by the response of local firms, individuals, and the professional community to the Handelsbanken way of banking. We’ve seen clear demand for our focus on personal service, sound banking advice based only on our customers’ needs and developing long-term customer relationships.”

Originally from Sweden, Handelsbanken now has over 800 branches in more than 20 countries and was named the world’s third safest commercial bank, by Global Finance magazine (November, 2017). This reflects Handelsbanken’s strong financial position, long-term focus and prudent, consistent approach to banking through all economic conditions.

Handelsbanken is built on traditional values, financial strength and customer satisfaction. Branches are responsible for making day-to-day banking decisions and providing advice based on their customers’ needs, free from product and lending targets or bonus incentives. This focus has seen Handelsbanken rated top for customer satisfaction nine years running in an independent survey of British banks’ personal and business customers

CONTACT DETAILS If you would like to find out more, or have a chat with to see if Handelsbanken is right for you, please contact:Handelsbanken, Unit 4 The Triangle, Wildwood Drive, Worcester, WR5 3DW Tel: 01905 360 728 Email: worcester@handelsbanken.co.uk

We’ve been greatly encouraged by the response of local firms, individuals, and the professional community to the Handelsbanken way of banking. We’ve seen clear demand for our focus on personal service, sound banking advice based only on our customers’ needs and developing long-term customer relationships.

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July/August 2018

POLICYNEWS

HOW BUSINESSES CAN USE THEIR VOICE The QES is the largest private sector’s business survey in the UK and the results from this forms a large part of our lobbying and key objectives for the year. Quarter 1 was a whirlwind after the launch of the Chamber Manifesto, and saw a fantastic response rate from local businesses allowing us to paint a picture of the local economy. From the results of Quarter 1, it is clear that the difficulties businesses were facing in 2017 continued to remain prominent in 2018 with inflation, exchange rates and concerns of Brexit still remaining.

One of the ways businesses are trying to retain staff is to maintain a competitive salary, which is easier said than done if you’re unsure of what your competitors are paying. This is why we launched the Salary & Skills Survey in 2017, and the results from that survey helped us to produce a report detailing salaries for a variety of rolls in the two counties.

CHAMBER LAUNCHES WORKING GROUPS In January, when Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce released its Business Manifesto 2018, it highlighted six key areas to focus on throughout the year: Skills, Brexit, Infrastructure, Connectivity, Reducing the costs of doing business, and Cyber crime.

The objectives laid out in the manifesto could only be achieved with the support of the Chamber’s Members, and soon after the release several businesses who were passionate around a specific area expressed their interest in becoming more

involved and to help achieve these aims.

Because of these businesses showing interest, it was decided that the Chamber should create Working Groups for each key area of the manifesto to bring businesses together to help inform the process and achieve these objectives. Soon after, a call went out within the Chamber network for businesses that were passionate around one of the key areas to become more involved and be able to shape how the Chamber approaches the area which had a fantastic response from Members.

It comes at no surprise that infrastructure is a key issue for local businesses and as part of the manifesto the Chamber wanted to identify key transport priorities in the two counties.

As a policy department we had to start somewhere and that’s why some of you may have seen, or even completed, the A46 road infrastructure survey.

This survey allowed the Chamber to understand how businesses are using the road around the Evesham area and how congestion is affecting local firms.

CYBER CRIME AND GDPR The new GDPR legislation has come into affect and many businesses can now breathe a sigh of relief after a busy couple of months. Recently we have seen firms spending a lot of time reviewing their current processes and looking closer at how they manage personal information, including keeping the data secure from cyber attacks.

It is estimated that the cost of cyber crime in the UK is £27bn and 74% of UK businesses reported that cyber security is a high priority for them.

The current figures for a cyber security breach is startling with just under half of businesses experiencing an attack and yet only a small amount of firms reporting it to police.

Throughout the year the Chamber wishes to urge firms to protect themselves against cyber attacks by taking the Cyber Essentials Accreditation.

As well as firms protecting themselves, once an attack happens many feel isolated and unsure what to do next which is why the Chamber has aimed to build greater links between local firms and West Mercia Police as well as encouraging businesses to report al instances of fraud and cyber crime to Action Fraud and to seek advice when necessary.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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FOCUSONRECRUITMENT

THE WORCESTER STANDS TALL GIRAFFE TRAIL IN WORCESTER July sees the launch of the Worcester Stands Tall Giraffe trail in Worcester. Excitement has been mounting as glimpses of these beautiful creatures have been tweeted, shared and liked all over social media. For 10 weeks from July 9th Worcester streets, parks and open spaces will be brought to life by majestic fun and captivating giraffes painted by well-known and yet undiscovered artists.

When I first heard about this project it all seemed to make perfect sense – I decided to sponsor a giraffe not only because I’m a supporter and patron of St. Richard’s Hospice, who will benefit directly from funds raised but also as a tribute to my mum and dad, Doris and Gregory Meacheam who I lost within 6 weeks of each other 3 years ago. They lived in Africa for many years and I know they would love the idea of supporting the hospice in this way. I was always tall for my age and rather self-conscious as young girl when I stood so much taller than my peers. I remember my mum playing that very old Val Doonican song ‘Walk Tall’ as I left for school on many occasions.

My parents instilled the values that guide me, my business and my family to this day. Stand tall, be kind, be strong and give back to the community around you.

I was delighted to meet the talented young local artist who created and painted the design I chose for our giraffe. Suzie Hunt is a budding local artist who shows much promise and has worked as ‘Artist in Residence’ at the University of Worcester.

We love encouraging young talented people at Hewett Recruitment and Suzie is a wonderful example of home grown talent!!

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The giraffe trail is a great opportunity for families to explore the city and see the extraordinary designs using different medians and techniques.

The large giraffe sculptures will eventually be auctioned to raise more money for St. Richard’s - so if you fancy owning your very own giraffe – step forward!

Louise Hewett

For more information on Worcester Stands Tall visit: www.worcesterstandstall.co.uk The trail map will be available in time for the launch of Worcester Stands Tall on July 9th; as a paper version available from the Worcester Tourist Information Centre, St. Richard’s Hospice city centre shops and the Worcester Stands Tall shop in Crowngate Shopping Centre, plus downloadable from the website and on the WST App (available via Google Play and iTunes).

July/August 2018

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Management pleaseoremail us at sales@minstermicro.co.uk or call 01562 68211.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSSUPPORT

Your Gateway to Business Support Looking to start or grow your business?

The Marches Growth Hub offers free business support, information and advice including: Finance & Funding | Networking & Events Start-up Support | Employment & Skills 01432 261758 business@herefordshire.gov.uk www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/hereford

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In fact, ACSS have such confidence in the standard of cleaning services that they provide that they offer what they believe is a unique guarantee within the industry.

ACSS’s Managing Director, Simon Dixon: “Our unique Service Pledge means that if you are not delighted with any of our services you simply won’t pay – no arguments, no hassles, no quibbles. Our customers can be assured that our office cleaning staff are vetted, trained and motivated to provide a top-class cleaning service.”

For a free, no obligation quote contact Simon who will arrange to visit your site in order to discuss your requirements, advise and provide you with a tailor-made proposal.

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BOOKKEEPING WITH A DIFFERENCE Any of these sound familiar?

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July/August 2018

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

ON TRACK FOR SUCCESS The West Midlands Manufacturing Club (WMMC), part of the University of Wolverhampton’s Business Solutions Centre, has launched a rail tender supplier readiness programme.

‘Get On Track’ is encouraging SMEs to make the most of the upcoming opportunities presented by the HS2 development.

Estimated to cost £56 billion between now and completion in 2033, HS2 gives West Midlands-based manufacturers an unprecedented supply chain opportunity.

WMMC is supporting regional manufacturers who currently supply or have the potential to supply to the rail sector, to capitalise on the opportunities arising from HS2 through tender opportunities for SMEs from now until 2026.

WMMC offers businesses a comprehensive programme of support through its Business Solutions Centres, including in Hereford and Wyre Forest – support includes financial, specialist consultancy and supply chain development.

Rebecca Macdonald, Business

Development Manager for the WMMC, said: “Located at the heart of the planned HS2 network, the spotlight will inevitably be on manufacturers from the region to take their share of the available spend but we recognise some may not be at ease with formal tender processes.”

‘Get On Track’ will help businesses considering their next step by improving their knowledge of the tendering process, transforming their tender writing skills, as well as access to additional support.

Each company will have two places available to them at each workshop. The cost of the three day programme is £2,400

+ VAT. The training will take place at the Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre, based at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park, and places are available for the following dates: n 6, 12 and 16 July n 17, 18 and 24 October.

To find out more about available opportunities, call the Business Solutions Centres on: 01562 732 212 (Wyre Forest) or: 01432 344 424 (Hereford).

Visit: westmidlandsmanufacturing.club/ services/get-on-track or email: wmmc@ businesssolutionscentres.co.uk

The Manufacturing Club can offer you to the opportunity to access a comprehensive programme of support through the Business Solutions Centres in Wolverhampton, Telford, Sandwell, Shropshire, Wyre Forest and Hereford.

We offer support in: • Computer Aided Design • Building Information Modelling • Knowledge clusters led by regional tier one manufacturers • Best practice and specialist consultancy • Manufacturing diagnostics • Access to finance • Export • Supply chain development

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www.westmidlandsmanufacturing.club ER926 - Business Direction advert for WMMC.indd 1

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wmmc@businesssolutionscentres.co.uk 24/05/2018 10:16 July/August 2018

BUSINESSNEWS

WYEVALE NURSERIES SHORTLISTED FOR FOUR HORTICULTURE WEEK AWARDS Staff at one of the UK’s leading nurseries are celebrating after being shortlisted for four Horticulture Week Business Awards.

the moon to have been shortlisted for a number of Horticulture Week Business Awards. We would have been delighted with making it through to one category but four is just amazing.

Wyevale Nurseries has been nominated for four categories including Wholesale Nursery Stock Grower of the Year and Business Innovation of the Year in the trade publication’s first annual awards.

“Other categories for us include the New Generation Awards, where Chris King our Management Trainee has been entered into. The New Generation Awards recognise the individuals who have the potential to become the leaders of the horticulture industry in the next decade.

Adam Dunnett, Sales & Marketing Director at Wyevale Nurseries, said: “We were over

www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk

50 YEARS SAFER

MIDLANDS CYBER RETURNS TO INFOSECURITY EUROPE

Over 40 people gathered at the Hereford Town Hall in April to mark 50 years since the establishment of the Herefordshire Health and Safety Group.

Roger Bibbings MBE, the Group’s President, said: “Health safety has come a long way in fifty years, but sadly it has also come in for a lot of ridicule in the newspapers - in the last two decades especially. As all our daily lives have become much safer, it is too often forgotten that health and safety is one of the cornerstones of a civilised society. Day in and day out a lot of patient work is going on, mainly unseen and mainly in the background, making sure things go right and that they don’t go wrong and that people do not end up getting hurt.”

At the event four organisations which have been members of the Group since its foundation were presented with special certificates. www.herefordhsg.co.uk

25 year-old Chris King who has been shortlisted for The New Generation Awards

BERRYS MOVES TO NEW CITY CENTRE OFFICE IN HEREFORD Five years after opening an office in Herefordshire, leading property, business and planning firm Berrys is moving to larger office premises in the centre of the Hereford.

The move from Kinnersley to the new office at Shiretown House 41-43 Broad Street brings an important city presence for the firm and will allow development of a broader client base.

Ben Corbett, Managing Partner of the Hereford office said: “Berrys offers a ‘one stop shop’ for all clients’ property needs and our move into Hereford bringing us right into the centre of business in the county enables us to extend our services into commercial property as well as rural and residential."

Following on from the success last year at Info Security Europe, Midlands Cyber returned again this year with a pavilion showcasing six Midlands cyber companies. The businesses included; Air IT, borwell Ltd, Cyber Owl, Data Solver, Ice Blue and Managed Enterprise Technologies promoting technologies and a showcase of what the Midlands has to offer.

Last year the Midlands Cyber team welcomed a delegation from the State of Maryland to the UK, since then they have gone on to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the two regions, and taken a return delegation back to Cyber Maryland last October. For 2018, the Midlands Cyber team were delighted to be co-located with the State of Maryland, exhibiting with ten Maryland cyber businesses alongside six Midlands based businesses. This was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the growing relationship with Maryland and to promote both trade and investment opportunities in the UK and the US. www.midlandscyber.com

Planning is a major part of Berrys business, led in Herefordshire by planning consultant Graham Clark, a qualified chartered town planner with more than 25 years’ experience. www.berrys.uk.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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SKILLS

APPRENTICESHIP EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR ENCOURAGES ENTRIES FOR 2018 AWARDS CP Foods UK Ltd, winners of the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Employer of the Year 2017, are encouraging local businesses, apprentices, schools and training providers to enter this year’s awards.

business offering permanent roles and providing a career path for individuals’ futures. They continue to take on new apprentices and, with such a success story, will always explore apprenticeship opportunities in each area of the business.

The success has continued to pour in for Kidderminster-based CP Foods UK Ltd after winning last year’s Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards. The company is now encouraging other companies to enter before the Friday 6 July 2018 deadline.

For more information about apprenticeships locally and to enter this year’s Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards before the deadline, please visit the Worcestershire Apprenticeships website, www.worcsapprenticeships.org.uk

Since winning their Employer of the Year awards, CP Foods UK has benefited from bringing new young talent into their

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE MONTH Becky Green, Online & Customer Services Admin, was nominated by Daniel Walton, Managing Director at OLPRO, to be our Young Professional of the month.

requirement of artwork, images and text for products and for OLPRO as a brand but her main role is creating content for our website and ensuring it remains up to date.

Daniel said:“The strength of OLPRO is on the back of our website and our web presences and Becky, who joined us last year and has taken on the role superbly. It’s her first in this sector but we knew how creative she was and she’s proven that to be the case.

“She has done more than this – working hard to make sure it’s the best website in our industry with lots of information for customers and constantly being improved. As it’s her first role, she’s done an amazing job and is a definite rising star – not just in OLPRO but in the county.”

“She has a lot to deal with every day supporting other retailers with their

www.olproshop.com

THE LAUNCH OF TYRO EVENTS Tyro Events is a new networking event launched by the Chamber of Commerce, for Young Professionals and Apprentices held quarterly at various venues across Worcestershire. There was plenty of ‘fizz’ as 25 attendees got to know each other at the launch party that took place at the Slug and Lettuce in Worcester city centre, sponsored by Worcester City Council.

evening with exclusive use of the footgolf course and a summer BBQ.

motivational speaker and encourages first time networkers to build their confidence, social skills and professional links.

The quarterly events offer free networking opportunities for 18-24 year old Entrepreneurs, Students, Graduates and Apprentices. Each event will feature a

Following the successful launch party, the second event took place in June at Gaudet Luce Golf Club in Droitwich. Over 30 delegates enjoyed a relaxing summers

Lauren Salisbury, Training Co-ordinator at Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce said: “After the success of our Apprentices in Business events, Tyro Events was rebranded in January 2018 to help bridge the skills gap across Worcestershire.

Our events are designed to inspire local Young professionals and Apprentices to network in a fun and engaging environment.”

For more information or to book onto the events email tyroevents@hwchamber.co.uk

EVESHAM COLLEGE LAUNCHES NEW ENGINEERING CENTRE A new state-of-the-art engineering centre has launched in Evesham to tackle a shortage of engineering skills in the area. The specialist faculty at Evesham College is a joint venture by the college and the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, and will provide a real life engineering environment for trainees. The project represents a joint investment of over £430,000.

The collaboration is in response to the skills needs in south Worcestershire and will enable the college to build further links with employers and schools to promote careers in engineering,

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as well as training for both full-time students and apprentices. It is hoped that the initiative will send the message to young people and those involved in giving careers advice that modern engineering is a high tech, exciting and rewarding career choice.

The centre was officially launched on Wednesday 25 April by Chris White, President of WCG and Garry Woodman, Chief Executive of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership. www.wcg.ac.uk/engineering

July/August 2018

BUSINESSNEWS

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE COMPANY WINS TOP NATIONAL SAFETY AWARD Fortis Property Care has won the Electrical Safety Collaboration award at The Association of Gas Safety Managers Gas Safety Awards in partnership with Lukey Cassette Boilers and Socket & See.

NEW OFFICES FOR APRECO For over 20 years, Apreco has been the market leader in innovation, design and engineered solutions for Pressure Control devices.

Apreco is pleased to reveal its new location based in a 13,000 sq ft factory in the heart of the Three Counties. The new factory has allowed the firm to install a new powder coating facility which is offering first class and bespoke colours to the domestic and global market as part of its new core product range – offering a powder coating service in the Midlands area for new customers.

The award celebrates the development of a two year project which highlighted a product design fault, in collaboration with Lukey Cassette Boilers and Socket & See. Fortis Property Care spearheaded the development of an enhanced design and ultimately increased the safety of gas engineers whilst working on a certain type of gas appliance.

Bill Tebay, Managing Director, said: “The collaboration between us, Lukey Cassette Boilers and Socket & See has directly led to the development of a gas appliance which now allows gas engineers to safely isolate it. Impressed with our methodology towards electrical safety, the manufacturer built prototype test equipment which is now being considered for procurement within Fortis Property Care. We are justifiably proud that this has been recognised and rewarded by the industry’s leading association.” www.fortisliving.com

BEACON ASSET FINANCE LAUNCHES NEW HEREFORD VENTURE Beacon Asset Finance has launched a new property lettings and management agency to offer a fairer, more trustworthy and transparent service to landlords and tenants across the county.

Founder of Beacon Lettings & Management, Ben Guy, said: “We see the next few years as an exciting period for the Hereford property market. With the upsurge in new builds and the new university opening in 2020, the current tight rental market looks set to change quite dramatically.”

“We’ve got a great team, and some smart systems, making things quicker, easier, and ultimately cheaper for everyone involved. We’re looking forward to working with Herefordshire landlords to provide the best possible lettings and management service” Having been on the receiving end of some rather one-sided agency agreements in the past, Beacon is taking a different approach.

Mike Hodges, Managing Director at Apreco, said: “When looking for a larger factory space, it was paramount that we remained local to ensure we could retain our current staff and skill set, suppliers and the logistic network that we have built up over the last 20 years.”

The new venture gives landlords a fresh alternative to lettings management, adopting the best of new approaches seen elsewhere in the country. www.beaconproperty.co.uk

www.apreco.co.uk

KINGSPAN HOLDS 6TH SUPERBRANDS TITLE Kingspan has reaffirmed its status as an industry-leading manufacturer, after being named a Business Superbrand for a sixth consecutive year.

saw over 1,500 brands from across 62 categories judged against the three core factors inherent in a Superbrand: quality, reliability and distinction.

The prestigious programme recognises the UK’s strongest brands and is run annually

by The Centre for Brand Analysis (TCBA) in partnership with Research Now SSI. 2,500 UK business professionals were surveyed as part of the judging process along with a voluntary Business Superbrands Council, comprised of leading business-tobusiness marketing experts. This year alone

Notable recent achievements for Kingspan Insulation have included the launch of OPTIM-R E — the latest development in its innovative vacuum insulation panel range.

The biomass heat facility at the Herefordshire manufacturing facility has also completed its first full year of operation, delivering 1.6GWh in renewable heat. www.kingspan.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

DOUBLE CELEBRATIONS FOR EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION AT AARDVARK MARKETING Aardvark Marketing Consultants are celebrating winning two UK awards at this year’s Technology Innovators CV Magazine awards, building on their success in 2017 and 2016. Technology Innovators CV Magazine Awards have just announced the 2018 winners, with Aardvark Marketing receiving the Excellence in Marketing Management Services and the Social Media & Content Marketing Strategy Specialists. In previous years, they took home the Marketing Automation and Marketing for SME awards.

to have been recognised as innovators once again! We’ve worked hard over the past year to develop our Marketing Manager package, an affordable and flexible marketing solution for SME businesses.” Gill developed the Marketing Manager package after receiving enquiries from companies who needed a knowledgeable and reliable firm to handle all their marketing.

Gill Hutchinson, Director at Aardvark Marketing Consultants, said: “We’re pleased

www.aardvarkmarketingconsultants.co.uk

The Technology Innovator Awards are now in their fourth year and they showcase the talents that are present in this industry.

PR HELPED MY BUSINESS GROW

CELTIC MARCHES SUCCESS AT INTERNATIONAL CIDER CHALLENGE

“Without external Public Relations and marketing advice and support, my business would be nowhere near as successful and large as it is today,” says John Dillon, managing director of GJS Dillon, with offices in Droitwich, Worcester and Bromsgrove, the largest firm of commercial property consultants and chartered surveyors headquartered in Worcestershire.

Celtic Marches is a single-estate apple cider producer, nestled in a quiet corner of Herefordshire.

The self-sustaining cider producer is in a rare position, the result of over 100-years and numerous generations that have dedicated themselves to the orchards and hop fields. This has allowed for full control over its cider production from tree to glass.

Awarded PGI status, you can be assured that only Herefordshire apples are used in its craft cider.

The blends have certainly been hitting the right notes as five of Celtic Marches’ ciders walked away with a prize at the 2018 International Cider Challenge. The Challenge celebrates the best ciders from around the globe. Blind taste tests by independent judge focus on taste, appearance and aroma. Thundering Molly and Slack Alice both received bronze awards, whilst Ruby Tuesday, a delicious raspberry cider achieved silver. Lily the Pink went for gold and Cuckoo Penny, a hazy rhubarb cider, stole the show and claimed the trophy. www.celticmarches.com

CHAMBER CHAIRMAN AND VICE PRESIDENT TAKE ON RIVER CHALLENGE Jim McBride, Chairman of the Chamber, and Ben Mannion, Chamber Vice President for Worcestershire, have teamed up to canoe the River Severn to raise the well-deserved funds for Leominster-based Megan Baker House.

The duo has been in training for the venture that will take place on Friday 13 July to help raise money for the Herefordshire charity who provide conductive education sessions for children and adults with motor disorders, such as; Cerebral Palsy, Dyspraxia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and Acquired brain injury.

Jim and Ben will take on 210 miles of the River Severn in a Canadian canoe – a challenge that Jim admits he has not yet encountered before!

“Using PR from the launch of our business nearly eight years ago, built awareness and reputation and increased enquiries for our commercial properties, valuation, surveys and management services. It also prompted two local firms to start talks with us which led to mergers and more growth,” continues Mr Dillon.

“We have just improved our corporate branding and enhanced our website using local firm The Magic Tractor and added social media elements to our public relations campaign. This has already had a positive effect, helping to attract new staff and bringing in more work from across the whole of Worcestershire. We expect 2018 to be our most successful year yet!” www.gjsdillon.co.uk John Dillon Managing Director GJS Dillon

To help Jim and Ben meet their target of £3,750 before they take on the challenge, please visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/jim-mcbride9

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July/August 2018

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

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TIME RUNNING OUT ON EU FUNDING FOR WORCESTERSHIRE SMES They say all good things come to an end, and however you feel about the fast-approaching Brexit landscape – most of us would agree that a tasty discount is always a good thing, especially when it ends up saving money in the long run.

Since 2016, Worcestershire businesses have been able use the Target 2020 programme to claim back 35% of costs associated with installing new equipment, fabric and features to their premises that saves them energy. You don’t need to be a maths genius to work out that a £10,000 installation for only £6,500 is rather a nice thing! But alas, the opportunity is coming to an end as the project – funded by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by Severn Wye Energy Agency – has worked with 130 Worcestershire businesses, conducting free energy surveys, analysis, reports and recommendations to help them save thousands of pounds a year on their overheads.

For some businesses, the savings they are making mean it’s cheaper to install new, more energy efficient equipment than it is to just carry on as they are, paying big bills on inefficient kit. This is especially true given that the Target 2020 scheme can provide grants to cover 35% of the cost of the new equipment – so it pays for itself even more quickly.

There is still grant money to be had, especially for businesses that are already installing improvements.

Whatever work you’re having done, if installing it will save carbon and save you energy, then you can claim 35% of the cost back by signing up to the project.

The scheme, which also runs in Gloucestershire, is available for almost all Worcestershire SMEs, and was recently recognised and given a commendation at the West Midlands Energy Efficiency Awards, for the work that it is doing to make businesses in the region more energy efficient.

To sign up to the scheme and claim 35% of the cost of installing your new kit, contact Severn Wye’s business team as soon as possible at business@ severnwye.org.uk, 01452 835060, or by visiting the website at target2020.co.uk. Time is money, and both are running out!

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

THE CHALLENGE OF KNOWING WHERE YOUR DATA IS REALLY STORED Now that we’ve all managed to survive GDPR, I guess we know a whole lot more about what we are supposed to do with the data we hold on our customers, prospects, and basically anyone we’ve ever met.

You will have gone through your systems and tightened up procedures about whose data we’re keeping and for how long.

But let me ask you this: you’ve gone through your CRM, customer spreadsheets, accounting software, and maybe the odd industry specific system you’ve got lurking around…did you consider all those “other” systems? (not to mention the dusty boxes in the attic)

WHAT OTHER SYSTEMS? Here’s where I started to scare myself. I thought about my emails and the files on my local PC. I even thought about the filesharing system we’ve got and the internal messaging system we use.

And I felt safe and sorted. We’d thought about these things.

Saying that, there were other systems, when discussing this issue with some colleagues things that need considering. My Outlook Contacts and iPhone contacts, I panicked thinking there might be some data hiding there! Then I started thinking about all those times I’ve read emails on my phone… could there be personal data hiding in my backups or my iCloud account?

I even scared myself to the point that I checked my car contacts to make sure I wasn’t sharing anything I didn’t want to share and worried for a few short minutes about any hire cars I may have connected to via Bluetooth. (Don’t worry, I got it all sorted.)

And backups…oh the backups!

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WHAT IF I MISSED THESE IN MY GDPR PREP? Once you’ve got over the initial panic, the important thing is to take action.

Find out which systems your team are using: Which of these are hosted and which are stored locally? How many people have access to them? What data is stored in them? To understand where you hold data Its crucial that you do a systems audit.

Are they all using the same ones? If they aren’t, which systems can you get rid of?

Just think of the time you are losing with people having to copy from one system to another.

Make sure these systems meet your security requirements: Is the data held in the EU? What about the backups? Do your data retention policies cover all of these periphery systems or just the central ones?

Now get the procedures in place: Work with your team to ensure that everyone knows how and when these systems should be used. Think about who should have access and how long the data should be held in them.

You will also want to put procedures in place to stop any new systems being added into rotation without undergoing some of these same rigorous checks.

GDPR HAS CHANGED EVERYTHING…HASN’T IT? In reality, especially for most small businesses, everything has changed. GDPR has caused a few weeks of grief for everyone, no doubts there. My question is: are there any out there that won’t see an impact on their day-to-day way of doing business?

I guess there are some businesses that don’t send out marketing and didn’t really need any of that “old” data that they had lying around.

GDPR gave them a reason to tighten up their processes, but otherwise didn’t change a great deal.

Other businesses (those who sent out regular mailshots, bought and sold data, had additional obligations, etc.) will have been forever changed by the introduction of these new regulations. The way they operate on a day-to-day basis will have changed forever.

The big thing GDPR has done, for all businesses, is to make us all stop and think about where we are holding our data and why.

In some cases, this has been an easy question to answer. In others, the answer is more complex and needs a serious investment of resources to answer.

In still more cases (and I think a lot of people will find this an ongoing battle), business will be uncovering data that they didn’t know they had. They will be sorting it out, putting procedures in place to prevent it happening again, and looking at their GDPR compliance as an evolving process rather than anything that can be marked as completed.

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.

July/August 2018

LEGALMATTERS

DEBTS TAKING LONGER TO SETTLE The introduction of new legislation around debt recovery has made it more time-consuming for businesses to claim payments owed to them.

And now, some months on, she said the new process - known as the Pre-Action Protocol - had indeed been causing delays.

Sian said: “We sent letters out to all of our clients to inform them of the changes, and we have been able to counteract the delays caused by the new protocol by putting new systems in place which deal with debt recovery earlier.

“Since the Pre-Action Protocol came into force, debtors now have 30 days rather than the previous 14-day period to respond to a letter of claim.

Sian Samuel, debt recovery team manager at Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors in Hereford, warned when new rules were introduced last October that they would make it harder for businesses to deal with their debt recovery.

“This increase in the notice period naturally means that businesses have longer to wait before a claim will be settled.

“The other problem is that the new system has not been very well understood so

response forms are being completed incorrectly which often defeats their purpose.

“So essentially, the main effect has been extending the time it takes to recover debts.

“Overall, it has increased work for businesses and we have seen new clients coming on board to get more help with their debt recovery.”

The protocol was introduced in a bid to cut the number of debt cases going to court, and Sian said the hope was that once the new process had bedded in, things would improve.

For more advice about commercial debt recovery, contact Sian Samuel on 0800 352 6671 or email sian.samuel@lblaw.co.uk

Transparently priced, practical advice and support delivered by legal specialists in Herefordshire Our specialist corporate, commercial property, dispute resolution and employment lawyers provide support to help you grow and protect your business, giving you a solid foundation to build upon

Incorporating Beaumonts Solicitors

01432 378379 www.lblaw.co.uk Our People, Your Team

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Beaumont House, Offa Street, Hereford HR1 2LH 44 High Street, Bromyard HR7 4AE Offices also in Shrewsbury | Ludlow | Oswestry | Telford

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

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July/August 2018

BUSINESSNEWS

SAFARI PARK’S PRIDE FOR 45TH ANNIVERSARY West Midland Safari Park is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year with the help of their pride of African lions, one of the first species to arrive at the Park at its inception.

Opened in the spring of 1973 by actress Sophia Loren, what began as a fairly small local attraction located in the heart of Worcestershire has now evolved into one of the largest attractions in the Midlands.

The fun continues in the Adventure Theme Park, with rides and games available for all of the family. A staple for all good theme parks is the ‘Pirate Ship’, which was the first ride to be opened in 1983, closely followed by the ‘Congo Carousel’. Most recently opened in the area was the thrilling ‘Kong’, which was introduced in 2015.

2018 also marks the 40th year of the Park’s Managing Director, Ivan Knezovich,

who began working at the attraction as a Sea Lion Keeper in 1978.

been here over 25 years, have contributed to making the Park a destination that has won over 30 international awards during its evolution. From amazing wildlife exhibits and successful animal births to the recent opening of our fantastic prehistoric exhibits, we have expanded our business to enable us to provide something for everyone and our future plans are even more exciting than the last 45 years combined.”

He said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Park has reached its 45th anniversary. The Park is much more than just a Safari Drive-through it is now a complete family day out with a huge range of activities and experiences to keep families coming back again and again, from one generation to the next.”

2017 saw the opening of the attraction’s brand new Safari Academy, which boasts five sustainably-built classrooms specifically for visiting schools and education groups. Interactive, curriculum-linked sessions are delivered to students in hopes of inspiring a future generation of conservationists.

He continued: “Our team, many who have

www.wmsp.co.uk

BITCOIN COULD BE HAMPERING THE FUTURE OF BLOCKCHAIN

LGG CHARLESWORTH REBRANDS

The impact of blockchain could be significantly delayed by the damaging PR currently associated with cryptocurrencies, new research by Gowling WLG suggests.

Malvern-based LGG Charlesworth is preparing for the future with a series of initiatives to take the company to the next level.

Insight gathered in the report - ‘The ultimate disruptor – how blockchain is transforming financial services’ - reveals that financial services experts are fearful that if the negative headlines surrounding the likes of Bitcoin impact industry opinion about blockchain software, it will perpetuate the common confusion between the two. With levels of blockchain spend expected to reach US$9.2bn by 2021, it’s essential for businesses to understand the capabilities of blockchain and other distributed ledger technology (DLT) beyond Bitcoin.

Helen Davenport, director at Gowling WLG, said: “The business community has been quick to grasp the numerous opportunities blockchain solutions afford, but the key challenge will be communicating its significance to both the public and policymakers.

Collaboration between governments and the private sector is key in order to facilitate widespread acceptance and adoption of the technology.”

www.gowlingwlg.com/ blockchain-report

GET YOUR COMPANY BEHIND AN IMPORTANT HERITAGE ASSET

From Friday 1 June 2018, the precision plastics injection moulding specialist has become Talisman Plastics. A new logo, corporate branding and new website have been introduced to reflect the transformation and ambition of the company.

Associating your company with the Severn Valley Railway is a smart move, and there’s never been a better time.

Overseeing the transformation is Shaun Champion, appointed Managing Director earlier this year.

Speaking of the rebrand, Shaun said: “Our brand ethos has always been built on trust, credibility and industry knowledge – factors that have kept our business growing successfully for the past 98 years. Over the years we have expanded into several markets and it is critical that we maintain a clear focus on our core competencies in order to maintain this ethos.”

The SVR is raising funds to save its ageing Falling Sands Viaduct, a key part of the railway’s infrastructure. Companies can back the scheme by adding their names to its first ever donation wall, which will go on display to 250,000+ annual visitors.

In addition, sponsoring companies will receive acknowledgement and promotion via the SVR’s social media platforms, a powerful way of tapping into a huge pool of potential customers. On Facebook alone, the railway boasts a weekly reach of 100,000!

www.talismanplastics.co.uk

Company sponsorship and individual donations will help the SVR raise £275,000, which in turn will help it unlock a further £1million of Heritage Lottery Funding, so that it can carry out the urgent repairs to the viaduct.

For more details and to sign up your company, go to www.svrtrust.org.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBERTRAINING

www.hwchamber.co.uk/training

PR & MARKETING Having a good understanding of PR and Marketing best practice will help your business’ stand out and maximise return on investment.

The Chamber Training department has a whole series of courses designed to help you enhance essential marketing skills and develop cutting-edge strategies, improve engagement with your customers 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. Understanding the essential foundations of Digital Marketing & PR allows you to know where to prioritise your efforts to best suit your business goals. You also have the advantage of an understanding of what to look for when outsourcing any work to a third party. Broken down into 7 courses, each workshop focuses on a specific area of Digital Marketing & PR.

GOOGLE ANALYTICS A free to use tool that is available to everyone, Google Analytics is a simple to use platform that monitors the behaviour of your online audience. This course takes a look at the essentials to the more advanced features.

AN INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL MARKETING & PR

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMISATION

This half-day introductory workshop is free to Chamber members and will help you identify where your resources are best directed, giving you a good understanding of the essentials.

The most popular and most powerful form of marketing and it’s now easier than ever for businesses of all sizes to use. Learn how to make the most of SEO to engage with your audience and increase traffic to your website and business.

By attending this course you will be able to create a Google Analytics account, understand the key metrics and put them in context for your business, set up autonomous custom reporting and use more detailed aspects of the tool to understand user journeys and behaviours online. You will also appreciate the importance of goals, campaigns and e commerce integration and how to set them up.

Suitable for anyone who has an active interest in the Marketing & PR of the company with no/little knowledge in the sector, the course is broken down into the following 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 Course Content.

EFFECTIVE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

EMAIL MARKETING

Social Media is the biggest growth area the world has ever seen, but so few businesses take the right approach to using it. This course explains what it is, how it can help your business and how to use it effectively, and efficiently.

Email Marketing is one of the best forms of direct marketing, this course will demonstrate how to make the most of it and optimise your conversation rates.

Covering a variety of areas the course gives an overview of social media, the different types of social media platforms and pragmatism and return on investment, as well as delving deeper into the understanding of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and forums.

This half-day course is presented as an interactive workshop and specifically covers Email Marketing Tools, Personalisation and Data Segmentation, Gathering Data, Creating the Eshot and Marketing Automation. Once you have attended this course you will be able to coordinate and run Email Marketing campaigns effectively.

Focusing on your target audience, content structure and themes, article creation and PR, this course gives you a sound understanding of the most important aspects of SEO so you can create in-house SEO strategies and have realistic expectations for the time, cost and results of an SEO strategy.

EFFECTIVE PROFESSIONAL PROOFREADING Our Proofreading course is the newest addition to our Digital Marketing & PR series. This workshop gives you the skills to proofread your documents to a high standard.

Set in a relaxed half-day workshop format, you will leave the course with an array of useful tips that can be used each day to help ensure that everything is as it should be.

WRITING EFFECTIVE MARKETING COPY Revamped for 2018, now a full-day training course, our Writing Effective Marketing Copy workshop shows you how to easily and quickly write effective copy that connects your business to both your customers and your potential customers.

The afternoon of the course is dedicated to going through examples of your own copy and being mentored by the trainer to come up with clear, conscience and credible material.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER! Book onto all 6 of our Digital Marketing courses and receive the 6th place free! (Excluding 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

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July/August 2018

CHAMBERBUSINESSTRAINING

TRAINING CALENDAR JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - AUGUST COURSES

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER COURSES

SEPTEMBER COURSES

Successful Telesales

IOSH Working Safely

Effective Professional Proofreading – Hereford

Wednesday 4 July - 9.30am - 4.30pm £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non-members

Tuesday 21 August - 10.00am-3.00pm £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non-members

Thursday 6 September - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members / £100+VAT Non-members

An Introduction to Digital Marketing & PR

Fire Marshal Training

Search Engine Optimisation

Tuesday 10 July - 9.30am-1.30pm FREE for Members / £100+VAT Non-members

Wednesday 22 August - 9.30am-4.30pm £80+VAT Members / £100+VAT Non-members

Tuesday 11 September - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members / £100+VAT Non-members

Managing Performance in the Team

IOSH Managing Safely

Communicating for Success

Thursday 12 July - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non-members

Tue 28 Aug-Fri 31 Aug - 9.30am-4.30pm £495+VAT Members / £595+VAT Non-members

Thursday 13 September - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non-members

Employment Law Update

Managing People in the Team

Writing Effective Marketing Copy

Tuesday 17 July - 10.00am-3.00pm £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non-members

Wednesday 29 August - 9.30am-4.00pm £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non-members

Monday 17 September - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members / £100+VAT Non-members

Introduction to Project Management

Assertiveness and Confidence at Work

Effective Presentation Skills

Wednesday 18 July - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non-members

Thursday 30 August - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non-members

Wednesday 19 September - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non-members

Internal Auditor Training

Excel Master Class

Creating a Customer Care Culture

Wednesday 18 July - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non-members

Tuesday 4 September - 9.30am-4.00pm £200+VAT Members / £250+VAT Non-members

Thursday 20 September - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non-members

Advanced Microsoft Excel

Introduction to Project Management

Assertiveness and Confidence at Work

Thursday 19 July - 9.30am-4.00pm £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non-members

Wednesday 5 September - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non-members

Monday 24 September - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non-members

Google Analytics

Introduction to Digital Marketing & PR

Introduction to Microsoft Excel

Friday 20 July - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members / £100+VAT Non-members

Thursday 6 September - 9.30am-1.30pm FREE for Members / £100+VAT Non-members

Thursday 27 September - 9.30am-4.00pm £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non-members

Writing Effective Marketing Copy

Monday 23 July - 9.30am.4.30pm £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non-members Powerpoint for Presentations Wednesday 25 July - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non-members Role of the Team Leader

Wednesday 25 July - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non-members An Introduction to Digital Marketing & PR

Tuesday 7 August - 9.30am-1.30pm FREE for Members / £100+VAT Non-members Professional Telephone Techniques

Thursday 16 August - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non-members

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

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

BUSINESSES OFFERED HELP FROM ENTERPRISING WORCESTERSHIRE Starting up a business has its challenges and maintaining that momentum during the early days can be equally as difficult.

Hannah and Sian from Studio B61.

But for budding entrepreneurs in Worcestershire, support is available in the shape of Enterprising Worcestershire.

The programme run by Worcestershire Business Central is part funded by Worcestershire County Council in partnership with the six district councils and is match funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

A total of 316 entrepreneurs have benefited so far from Enterprising Worcestershire, with 56 brand new businesses being set up after they signed up with the initiative.

Worcestershire has one of the fastest growing economies in the country and Worcestershire County Council strives to ensure the county is ‘open for business’.

One business to benefit from Enterprising Worcestershire is Studio B61, a creative services agency offering graphic design, marketing and communications strategy based in Bromsgrove.

Directors Hannah Dudley and Sian Conway initially contacted Worcestershire Business Central and signed up to the programme.

They attended a two-day finance and marketing workshop and applied for grant funding. Since then they haven’t looked back.

Here is their story: “We got the full grant that we applied for and we used the money to buy two new computers, new photography studio lights, monitors, new chairs for the office,” Sian said. “Both the mentoring and the funding gave us everything we needed to get going and get off to a flying start.

“Our new equipment meant that we were able to work more efficiently, expand our service offering, and compete against some of the larger marketing agencies who have state of the art equipment.”

Councillor Dr Ken Pollock, Cabinet Member Responsible for Economy and Infrastructure at Worcestershire County Council, said: “We all know that start-up businesses need a lot of help to get off the ground.

“We boast a number of well recognised names in Worcestershire, such as Worcester Bosch and QinetiQ who have principal offices here, but we also pride ourselves in having a wide range of small and medium-sized enterprises.

“Enterprising Worcestershire is there to offer help and financial assistance to budding entrepreneurs in the county, as well as business expertise which is invaluable.

“I’d urge anyone with a business idea to get in touch with the guys to see what can be done for them.”

For more information visit http://www.business-central.co.uk/eworcestershire or contact Worcestershire Business Central on 01905 677888.

Apply now for funding to install a renewable energy system for your business Could you install renewable energy at your business?

Fully funded support and grants of up to 45% of project costs available

Are you developing a product or technology which will save energy or carbon?

Call Worcestershire Business Central on 01905 677888 to apply

part of the government-supported growth hub network

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July/August 2018

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

LOOKING FOR QUALITY HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS? THEN CALL SEVERN ANGELS Managing Director Spiwe Mhondiwa, herself a nurse, said: “All our people are highly trained and we make sure that we provide the right person for the right job.

When it comes to providing health care you need to recruit the very best people possible – and that is why new company Seven Angels Healthcare Limited has already proved so successful.

Severn Angels is a nursing agency that provides short-term, permanent contracts and shift work for a range of NHS trusts, nursing homes and hospitals.

The reason its services are so much in demand is the Worcester-based company’s mission is to provide top quality and effective nursing professionals where they are needed most.

Severn Angels employs professional, considerate, fully-trained, reliable workers

“We only take on people with experience which means that we are offering the very best healthcare professionals to our clients.”

who prioritise compassion and put the needs of patients first.

The company provides staff for sectors of the healthcare industry across the West Midlands and Worcestershire including: n n n n n n n

Nursing homes NHS Trusts Private hospitals Community Nursing Mental Health Services Learning Disability Services Prison Health Services

If you are having staffing issues, or your healthcare needs are simply not being met, Severn Angels have the nurses for you and the company’s services can be utilised for short-term permanent contracts, or shift work, as required.

To find out more, please contact Severn Angels on 01905 930707 or visit www.severnangels.co.uk.

If you are having staffing issues, or your healthcare needs are simply not being met, Severn Angels have the nurses for you and the company’s services can be utilised for short-term permanent contracts, or shift work, as required.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBEREVENTS

www.hwchamber.co.uk/events

WOMEN’S BUSINESS CONFERENCE IN ASSOCIATION WITH BORWELL LIMITED Date: Friday 21 September 2018 Time: 9.00am-2.30pm Venue: The Abbey Hotel , Abbey Road, Great Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 3ET Cost: £37.50+VAT Members / £50.00+VAT Non-Members Confirmed Speakers: Fleur Sexton, Managing Director at PET-XI Training

WHAT’S ON AT THE NEXT CHAMBER BUSINESS EXPO? In association with Hewett Recruitment Date: Thursday 11 October Venue: Malvern Three Counties Showground FREE Seminar with Mo Bro's 10.00-11.30am

“It started with an itch, we never thought it would come to this…”

For some brothers, sibling rivalry ends in childhood, when there’s no longer a need to see who can climb a tree fastest or fight over who gets the front seat of the car. For Keval, Kunal and Savan Dattani, competition continued well into adulthood, with the manliest of manly challenges: who can grow the best Movember facial hair.

Keval’s beard grew wild and unruly, Kunal’s beard became uncomfortably itchy and Savan’s beard was thin and patchy.

Leicester-based Mo Bro’s, who secured the largest offer of investment since 2015 on Dragon’s Den, began in-house making its own formulations of oils, balms, butters and waxes with natural ingredients. Three years later the business turns over £1.3m, selling in 78 countries and has amassed

over 300,000 online customers. During this engaging presentation the brothers will share their story and will talk about how the combination of technology and a maturing Ecommerce market has taken the business from being a hot prospect to commercially viable.

FOOD AND DRINK PRODUCERS ZONE Sponsored by mfg Solicitors Back by popular demand, the Food & Drink Producers Zone will be a main feature of the event. Local Food and Drink producers will be showcasing their products and providing free samples through out the day for everyone to enjoy.

HERE’S WHAT OUR EXHIBITORS THINK

Fleur is Businesswoman of the Year 2017/18 and Managing Director and co-founder of multi-ward winning PET-Xi Training, whose relentlessly upbeat teams and innovative programmes deliver impact, inspiration, productivity and value across the UK. Dagmar Mackett, Director of Film and Video at drp Dagmar has held positions, including: head of Multimedia Operations at PR Newswire Europe; Corporate Communications Director and Head of Broadcast and Interactive at global PR agency, Weber Shandwick; and Head of International Media Relations at Medialink. She has managed accounts for international clients, including the European Space Agency, DaimlerChrysler, Intel, Kodak and Coca-Cola.

HR PROFESSIONALS CONFERENCE IN ASSOCIATION WITH HEWETT RECRUITMENT Date: Thursday 22 November 2018 Time: 9.30am-3.00pm Venue: Bank House Hotel, Bransford, Worcester WR6 5JD Cost: £37.50+VAT Members / £50.00+VAT Non-Members

"The exhibition gives us the opportunity to showcase our business to decision makers within the Hereford and Worcestershire business circle and the team at the H&W Chamber make the process simple and enjoyable." – Advantage Digital "We had a great day catching up with existing customers and meeting some potential new ones. Everyone who came to see us seemed genuinely interested in having a conversation about working together and we look forward to building some new relationships as a result" – SB Print To book your stand for Thursday 11 October, please contact events@hwchamber.co.uk Stands start at £299+VAT and includes one FREE breakfast.

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July/August 2018

CHAMBEREVENTS

NETWORKING CALENDAR JULY - AUGUST 2018 WE HAVE A 100% SUCCESS RATE IN IMMIGRATION APPLICATIONS

JULY 2018 Malvern Curry Club in association with Sharpmonkeys Tuesday 3 July - 6.00-8.00pm Anupam, 85 Church Street, Great Malvern WR14 2AE £20.00+VAT Members & £35.00+VAT Non-members Herefordshire Networking Breakfast Wednesday 4 July - 7.30-9.30am Beefy Boys, The Meat Boutique, Old Market, Hereford HR4 9HU FREE for Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Chamber Business BBQ Friday 6 July - 2.00-4.00pm Browns at The Quay, 24 South Quay, Worcester WR1 2JJ This Summer Networking BBQ is the perfect opportunity to make some new contacts and develop existing business relationships in a relaxed and informal environment. With exclusive use of the terrace and riverside area, enjoy a free drink on arrival and delicious BBQ food. £20.00+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Worcester Women’s Business Forum in association with borwell Ltd Thursday 12 July - 9.30am-12.00pm Grand Ball Room, Chateau Impney, Droitwich Spa WR9 0BN FREE for Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Chamber Golf Day sponsored

by Nicklin & mfg Solicitors Thursday 12 July - 12.00pm Shotgun start Redditch Golf Club, Lower Grinsty Lane, Callow Hill, Redditch B97 5PJ environment. / Charity – The Emily Jordan Foundation Individual tickets- £85+VAT Members/£90+VAT Non-members / Team of 4 - £335+VAT Members/£360+VAT Non-members. To book please contact www.amrosgolf.co.uk or email sales@amrosgolf.co.uk Hereford HR Forum in association with Hewett Recruitment Wednesday 18 July - 9.30-11.30am Hereford Business Solutions Centre, Skylon Court, Rotherwas, Hereford, HR2 6JL / FREE for Members and clients of Hewett Recruitment - £35.00+VAT Non-members

Thursday Connections in association with Harrison Clark Rickerbys Thursday 19 April -Talk 5.30-7.00pm to us: 01905 612 001 | Website: www.hcrlaw.com Sensory & Rye, Bastion Mews, 21 Union St, Hereford HR1 2BS FREE for Members & £10.00+VAT Non-members Our unique approach combined with the expertise of our team ensures that we submit the best application for our clients to the Home Office for consideration.

Claire Thompson, Partner, Harrison Clark Rickerbys

AUGUST 2018 Redditch HR Forum in association Hewett Recruitment Wednesday 8 August - 9.30-11.30am The Southcrest Manor Hotel, Pool Bank, Redditch Worcestershire B97 4JS FREE for Members and clients of Hewett Recruitment £35.00+VAT Non-members Network’GIN Thursday 9 August - 5.30-7.00pm The Brick Room, New Street, Worcester WR1 2DL This new experiential event will include an informative talk about the history and origin gin, whilst giving attendees the opportunity to taste a variety different of gins. After the tasting session The Brick Room will be open for a relaxed evening atmosphere for delegates to enjoy and network. £20.00+VAT Members and £35.00+VAT Non-members Worcestershire Networking Breakfast Wednesday 15 August - 7.30-9.30am University of Worcester Arena, Hylton Road, Worcester, WR2 5JN FREE for Members & £35.00+VAT Non-members Maximise Your Membership Event Friday 24 August - 8.30-11.00am Bank House Hotel Spa & Golf, Bransford, Worcester WR6 5JD FREE for Members Meet and Feed the Rhinos Wednesday 22 August - 10.30am-2.00pm West Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Spring Grove, Bewdley DY12 1LF At this new event, the day will begin at Spring Grove House with informal networking over tea and coffee, and a welcome from West Midland Safari Park. We will then divide into smaller groups to enjoy an exclusive tour of the Asian Rhino House, where we will meet the Rhinos, help with feeds and learn from their keepers! Afterwards, we will head back to Spring Grove House where a buffet lunch will be served. This event will provide a great opportunity to network in an exciting environment. £37.50+VAT Members / £50.00+VAT Non-members

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

031

BIGINTERVIEW

REELING IN YOUR AUDIENCE Many of us dream about setting up a business, but not all of us take the plunge, still fewer of us base that business on a personal passion, but in this issue of BD, we speak to Edward Deacon of Shooting Reels, who did just that: “I set up Shooting Reels about 5 years ago, just after I’d left college at 18. I borrowed a camera from my uncle and never looked back. I’d noticed the growing demand for video content, from social media and YouTube’s popularity, so I started contacting local companies in Hereford and Worcester, about creating video content for them.

“After a year, I successfully applied for a Virgin StartUp loan, which enabled me to purchase new camera equipment and gain an accreditation to operate a drone commercially for businesses. The timing was great, as the technology had become more affordable, to create cinematic videos.

“Our biggest break came when we were hired to produce video content for Virgin StartUp in which we filmed Sir Richard Branson. We’ve since worked for Virgin on a number of occasions, including filming this year’s Hackney Half Marathon, for Virgin Sport. I first worked for Virgin at the age of 19 working out of my bedroom. Shooting Reels are now proud ambassadors for Virgin StartUp. “Fran, an amazing video editor from London joined the team just over a year ago, as we moved Shooting Reels into an office located in Rotherwas, Hereford.

The business is now quite a family affair, as Dom my brother has re-joined the company after graduating from Exeter University. Stuart (dad) bought into the vision of the business back in 2015 and

has been fundamental to the growth of Shooting Reels over the past 3 years.

“Though video forms the majority of our work, we also take photographs, operate a drone and 360° visuals. It’s important not to forget the value of using genuine photos of your business over stock images. Just like videos, photos tell a story, they help

Videos can be used in numerous ways, from showcasing services and products or how they are made to illustrating the scale of the business – such as the video content we created for the Cotswold Motor Group, who opened one of the largest UK Show rooms for BMW, MINI and Motorrad vehicles.

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you to stand out from your competitors and build trust with your customers, as they are a true reflection of your business.

“We see Shooting Reels as an extension to our client’s marketing/sales team. As visual content creators, we assist businesses in defining their brand, reaching a larger or specific audience and to engage them, which results in driving up sales. Marketing and advertising have rapidly transformed in recent years and video content is at the forefront. We are currently living in the Social Media Age, thanks to technological advancements over the past decade, people are scrolling through their phones, watching videos wherever they are, so it’s so important to create attention-grabbing content to engage with audiences.

“Businesses of all sizes and sectors are discovering the value of videos, especially for their digital marketing, to encourage website visitors to stay on pages for longer, improving their SEO and engaging with more people on social media and e-mail marketing.

July/August 2018

BIGINTERVIEW “We’ve worked with customers across the UK, in Europe and America, including the blue chip companies Atkins and Compass group. However, most of our work is still here, in the Hereford and Worcestershire area. Recent projects have included working with Little Princess Trust, Oakerwood Leisure and Wye Valley Brewery. In June we filmed the H&W Chamber of Commerce Awards evening which if you haven’t already seen, check out the highlights video online.

“We support companies of all sizes and industries, through the whole process, taking the time to talk to them and find out about the business, making suggestions and providing a detailed plan.

Each video is custom-made; tailored to the company’s needs, we don’t simply offer a standard ‘1 fits all’ package.

“Our work is not just about the production of video(s) but showing you how to make the best use of it, providing you with an effective marketing strategy that will help you to increase sales. We’ll show you how

to share the best moments of the main video on social media and how to utilise influencer marketing to reach a larger and more engaged audience, just as we did with The Beefy Boys in Hereford.

“Commissioning a video is now cost-effective, with the recent advancements in technology, combined with how we operate, we can offer a quality service. Video, photography and 360° visuals should be seen as an investment from which you can generate greater income, as it develops your brand credibility and value.

“People say that a picture paints a thousand words, which makes me wonder how much more video content achieves?

Commission a video and you not only receive visuals - and moving images at that - but also graphics, audio, music and sound effects, that tell a story – and people remember that.

“Video marketing allows you to express a great deal about your business, in a short timescale and works for businesses of all sizes. As one business, The Sign People told us, customers have viewed the minute-long video on their website homepage and then don’t bother to look elsewhere – as they have the confidence that they’ve found everything they need.

‘People buy from people’ and video content communicates in the most efficient way, the message that business wants to share.

how they are made to illustrating the scale of the business – such as the video content we created for the Cotswold Motor Group, who opened one of the largest UK Show rooms for BMW, MINI and Motorrad vehicles. Video content can assist in crowdfunding as you can ‘create and show your vision’. Customer testimonials are brilliant for providing credibility. For educational purposes a ‘how to’ video and internal company training videos can save time and money.

“Our portfolio of services includes drone work; I was one of the first people in the region to gain a commercial drone licence – making it possible to film stunning aerial footage, such as we incorporated into the video we created for fruit farm A.J & C.I Snell, documenting their farm over 12 months, showing the amazing landscape in which they farm throughout the seasons.

“I’ve always loved movies and I take great inspiration from them. We also keep an eye on what the big brands are doing too - all of this feeds into the work we are doing now – creating attention-grabbing video content, that will inform, educate and entertain.” www.shootingreels.com

“Videos can be used in numerous ways, from showcasing services and products or

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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COVERFEATURE

RAISING YOUR PROFILE In this issue of BD, we take a look at PR, marketing and advertising success stories from around our Chamber and reveal some top tips for you when it comes to raising awareness of your brand.

TECHNOLOGY AND WORD OF MOUTH WORK HAND IN HAND “New technology and the media have helped enormously in raising awareness of the charity,” explains Andrew Stevenson CEO of Deaf Direct.

“In the last few months, our number of followers on social media has tripled, so for charities wanting to raise their profile, it is a great tool, though it is important to be clear about your message and honest about what you can achieve.

“We are also working on a new, responsive website, which will be more accessible, whatever device visitors are using; and when it comes to the broader media, the success of ‘The Silent Child’ at the Oscars has raised the profile of the deaf community.

“New Technology has also had an impact on how we carry out our daily work, with interpreters now available online or via the phone at just a few taps of a button.

“Advances in technology also mean we can do more to assist businesses in making their services more accessible. We have a fully equipped video suite, for example, in which we can add subtitles and sign language to corporate videos.

“Ultimately, we help businesses to do more business”, says Andrew, “bringing their services to new and loyal customers, who are likely to bring repeat custom.

DEMYSTIFYING DIGITAL MARKETING “I help businesses understand digital marketing, so they know what tools are available to them, how to best use them and take control of their digital marketing” says Ben Feltwell, Founder of Baldur Digital.

Ben designs responsive websites for businesses and delivers training which allows them to bring their digital marketing in-house, providing ongoing professional support where needed.

“Websites are crucial for businesses,” observes Ben, “but it is easy to build them badly, the right combination of knowledge, tools and approach makes such a difference."

Some of you will know Ben from the Digital Marketing training courses he runs at the Chamber, in which he works alongside attendees, helping them to develop their understanding of digital marketing.

“All businesses should be able to run their digital marketing in-house,” explains Ben. “Digital marketing has been seen as a bit of a dark art, but the fundamentals are relatively simple, there are strong similarities to traditional marketing, but with the benefits of a virtual environment.

“Digital Marketing is affordable, has a broad reach and every single thing is measurable, enabling you to make informed decisions moving forward.

“At Deaf Direct, we provide deaf awareness training, BSL (British Sign Language) training and interpreters, all of which enable businesses to communicate better, reaching more people.

“The best place to start is with the fundamentals of PR, Marketing and Sales; PR is about building trust, not selling products; Marketing is about putting your products and services in front of your prospective customers; Sales is about how you convert your audience into customers.

The combination of all three creates your overall business development strategy.”

“Advances in technology have been extremely helpful, but you can’t underestimate the importance of word of mouth and building relationships with people. Our loyal supporters, our staff and volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.”

“Consider your audience above all else, everything you are doing is for them, not you. Guiding your audience on a journey that ends up with repeat custom is at the heart of good marketing and you need to consider every step of that journey.

Deaf Direct has worked with and for deaf and hard of hearing people since 1927, providing a range of services in Herefordshire, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire and the surrounding areas, find out more at www.deafdirect.org.uk.

“The biggest change I’ve seen in marketing is that the tools and resources are now much more accessible, being available at all price points. These days a sole trader or local SME can have a website that uses similar tools and features as the biggest corporates, a bit of knowledge can go a long way.” www.baldurdigital.co.uk hello@baldurdigital.co.uk

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July/August 2018

COVERFEATURE

BUILDING GOOD RELATIONSHIPS IS CRUCIAL “Building relationships remains at the heart of successful PR and marketing,” observes Rosie Hamilton, Director of Bees Knees Marketing, drawing on almost 20 years’ experience of PR and marketing.

“One of the biggest misconceptions about PR is that social media can replace it. It can’t. A lot of public trust has been lost in social media lately, so in my view this places more importance on relationships with trusted media outlets.”

Since she was given her big break providing temporary cover in the PR department of a local college, she has never looked back, building a reputation for advising businesses on their PR, marketing and stakeholder relations.

Consummate media professional that she is, Rosie is equally at home creating campaigns, briefing the press and handling crisis communications. Bees Knees Marketing, which is based in Bromsgrove, was established last year.

“My background studying art and design history at University nurtured my creativity. Engaging text and a good image that catches the eye amongst the mass of digital content on the internet is the key to reaching a broader audience, and for this, social media used appropriately, is an important tool.

“Strategic planning, however, remains crucial; businesses need to consider what they want to achieve when planning their PR and marketing.

“You have to keep your eye on the ball so you can plan further ahead and create timely campaigns and so you can identify emerging problems quickly and take mitigating steps.

“Technology has its place in keeping every boardroom connected with their stakeholders observes Rosie “But every organisation needs a communications specialist on their board to advise them on managing stakeholder relationships, to tell them what their audience is saying about them. The closer businesses are to those around them, the more chance they have of managing their reputation and creating value.”

“Public relations is more than just the business of looking after reputation. When employed strategically, it can make a significant contribution to organisational success, build trusted relationships and help leaders make sense of the complex world around them. This is ever more critical as management teams seek to navigate the political, economic and technological developments of today and strive to build a sustainable future.” Sarah Hall, CIPR President 2018

MAKE WAVES WITH LOCAL RADIO Sunshine Radio is a local radio station that is going from strength to strength, originally set up 25 years ago in Ludlow, it has grown to encompass both Herefordshire and Monmouthshire.

Now, the station has the potential to develop its listenership by almost a million people as part of the Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire DAB multiplex and with permission for a new transmitter on the top of Clee Hill, it is clear that the sun is shining on Sunshine Radio.

“Given the concentration of ownership in local radio in recent years,” explains owner Ginny Murfin, “we’ve tried to buck the trend and keep our studios and programming local, meaning we deliver programming more in tune with our local listeners,” she adds with a twinkle in her eye, “excuse the pun.”

“My background is in primary teaching, but I made the decision to move into radio some years ago.

My husband and I acquired our first radio station in Birmingham, then Coventry and since, 1998, I’ve been running the two Sunshine radio stations.

“In the current tough marketplace, we help businesses raise their profile through advertising with us. We offer a range of bespoke packages tailored to individual business, plus sponsorship opportunities too, and the majority of our advertisers have been with us for several years, which is telling. Our listeners are their consumers.”

Local radio stations are experts at helping businesses strengthen their local presence, whether it is with the aim of bringing more people through the door, to their website or to help with recruitment. Readership of local papers may have declined, yet commercial radio has just recorded its largest ever audience, so businesses who haven’t used radio as part of their marketing mix, may want to reconsider.

Rosie Hamilton is a CIPR Accredited Practitioner www.bees-kneesmarketing.co.uk Tel 0777 9299860

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

IT’S NOT ME IT’S YOU Every business has their own story to tell. Big Helping write them, bring them to life and most importantly, get them noticed!

Tim Worsley, Big Helping’s Creative Director, strongly believes messaging should be less ‘how great we are’ and more ‘look what we can do for you’.

“People don’t want to know when you were established, they want to know what they get out of it!”

Big Helping make it their business to help your business. Building brands and creating memorable communications for a range of clients by mixing hard work, value for money, plenty of experience and a generous portion of creativity.

From branding to websites (and everything in between) they ensure the tone of voice, messaging and design makes an impact! This creative and strategic approach adds value to your business. Locally – Andrew Grant, Harrison Clark Rickerbys and Webbs are clients.

Further afield they work for the likes of the EFL and Virgin Media.

Local SEO The way forward Statistics show that around 80% of people use Search Engines (mostly Google in the UK) when looking for a local supplier or service. Couple this alongside the fact that more than half of all searches are now made on mobile devices (where the location of the user is known, so local businesses are shown automatically), and you can see being listed first could really make all the difference.

This is where gaining a place in the so called ‘Google 3 Pack’ becomes very important.

It’s known as the ‘3 pack’ as it normally shows just 3 businesses, along with a local map of where they are located, shown above the main Organic listings. This placement is especially prominent on Smartphones, where it takes up a good part of the screen.

To get a placement you need three things, a Google My Business listing (which is free), an optimised website with a good linking structure, and a number of ‘Citations’ in local directories and on other sites.

Don’t get caught NAPping?

It is VITAL the same business Name, Address and Phone number are used in all the Citations mentioned above, as using different variations can cause Google to become confused, often stopping a site gaining that all important placement.

The proof of the pudding is always in the eating and here our work for Caple Security has really paid off, as the owner Tony reported “Since we had Serendipity to carry out our online activities we have had a fantastic response, ‘so good that at the moment we now have to turn work away’, it certainly has been money well spent.

I would have no hesitation in recommending you and your company to anyone.”

For more information please call 01981 259 885 or email graham@somltd.co.uk www.serendipity-online-marketing.co.uk

It’s a fact, creative brands get noticed!

Let them help yours.

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July/August 2018

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

• Marketing communications • Public relations • Digital marketing • Website management • Social media management • Copywriting

www.bees-kneesmarketing.co.uk

Cheshires Laser mail

Worcestershire’s ‘go to’ Company for Professional Mailing and Fulfilment Services

Cheshires Laser Mail is an offshoot of G.T.Cheshires & Son Ltd, a printing company started in Kidderminster over 150 years ago. We work with local SME’s and many blue-chip national clients to achieve high-end communication by post, email or SMS. Areas of expertise lie in direct mail, transactional mail & promotional hand fulfilment.

We work with clients on:

Our accreditations include:

n Data cleansing / de-duplicating

n ISO9001

n Data processing to achieve economies on postal costs

n ISO14001

n Laser personalisation of letters, leaflets, PVC cards, envelopes, labels

n Royal Mail MailMark

n Guillotining and folding n Mechanical enclosing – envelopes and polywrap

n GDPR Compliant

Talk to us about your requirements.

We want to work with local companies.

n Hand fulfilment of specialised items n Daily fulfilment of promotional and educational literature from client prospect online requests

Tel: 01562 610350/1 kirsty@cheshireslasermail.co.uk www.cheshireslasermail.co.uk

10% discount & free data health check for all new Chamber of Commerce Customers on their first order

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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INTERNATIONALTRADE

KNOWLEDGE TO IMPORT & EXPORT PROCEDURES ADVANCED IMPORT DOCS & PROCEDURES, SEPTEMBER 2017 Daniel from Southco Manufacturing Ltd: “This course has greatly developed my knowledge of imports and processes”.

Surviving a Customs Audit, January 2018

Importing and exporting around the world is exciting and often a natural direction for companies to grow and prosper. The Export Documentation department at the Chamber delivers a comprehensive portfolio of short courses to assist businesses in trading successfully in the global market place.

Organised by Fiona McLean, Export Documentation Advisor, practical and straightforward courses in International Trade that have been specifically designed to provide the best information available.

Fiona said: “The courses are open to Members and indeed Non-members, as it is important for companies to get it right first time, as not doing so can cost a business time, money, delays and reputation.

“These courses are ideal for new Members of a company trading internationally, also as a refresher as legislation does change. It is also an opportunity to sharpen already attained skills and knowledge.”

Previous participants have found the courses to be beneficial, a sample of their feedback is below:

UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL TRADE TRAINING COURSES INTRODUCTION TO UK EXPORT LICENSING

Nicola from GRC Ltd commented that: “The course highlighted areas of concern and risk where we need further training”.

Tuesday 24 July 9.30am-4.30pm £250+VAT Members / £275+VAT Non-members

BASIC EXPORT DOCUMENTATION AND PROCEDURES, MARCH 2018

ADVANCED IMPORT DOCUMENTATION & PROCEDURES

Greg from Nexus DMS Ltd says: “I came to the course oblivious to the stringent requirements of import and export; I now have an appreciation of its importance.”

TARIFF CLASSIFICATION APRIL 2018 Rachel from Galebreaker Group Ltd responded to the question, “What did you find most useful from the training?”. She replied: “Being able to use the gov.uk trade website correctly.

The course has opened more questions, though in the long run will be helpful.”

Courses are delivered by experts and provide factual legislative information that is approved by the Institute of Export.

Contact Fiona with any questions relating to the courses or to arrange a bespoke course for your team. Tel: 01905 673 600 or email fionam@hwchamber.co.uk and visit the website www.hwchamber.co.uk/ training/import-export-training

Monday 10 September 9.30am-4.30pm £250+VAT Members / £275+VAT Non-members

ADVANCED EXPORT DOCUMENTATION & PROCEDURES Monday 17 September 9.30am-4.30pm £250+VAT Members / £275+VAT Non-members

BASIC EXPORT DOCUMENTATION & PROCEDURES Tuesday 25 September 9.30am-4.30pm £250+VAT Members / £275+VAT Non-members To book onto any of our upcoming Chamber training courses for International Trade support, please visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/ events-calendar

THE GREAT BRITISH FOOD & DRINK – MEET THE BUYER EVENT The British Chamber of Commerce in Czechia invites businesses to join it at The Great British Food & Drink Meet the Buyers Event on Tuesday 25 September 2018.

Your products will be displayed at the British Embassy in Prague to key buyers, retailers, distributors, HORECA representatives and food and drink professionals in the Czech Republic.

Firms can attend in person, or there is the opportunity to send your products for the British Chamber of Commerce in Czechia to present them on your behalf.

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The price for this fantastic opportunity is £290+VAT. To register your interest, please contact Petra Skrbkova at petra.skrbkova@ britcham.cz or by calling +420 778 474 557.

July/August 2018

INTERNATIONALTRADE

IMPORT & EXPORT DOCUMENTATION Over 1050 documents have been checked, authenticated and certified to export during March and April 2018 by the Export Documentation Department at Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

Led by Commercial International Trade Manager, Faye Hemming, the department has processed applications for over 142 businesses who are exporting to 34 countries since the last edition of Business Direction was distributed.

“International commerce from companies small and large within Worcestershire and Herefordshire is prospering,“ reports Faye, “it is reassuring that so many local businesses are successfully competing globally”. Covering all seven continents, items that are being exported varies from individual envelopes containing small crucial components to entire containers on cargo vessels. Correct documentation is a prerequisite for international trading; to proceed incorrectly will impact on a company’s finances, brand and reputation.

The Export Documentation team gives advice, guidance and practical assistance that enables companies to effortlessly work on a global platform. This extends to delivering a comprehensive calendar of training course throughout the year incorporating, but is not limited to, International Trade Compliance, International Sales and Marketing, Export Documentation and Procedures, Import Documentation Procedures and Export Finance. The courses are available to Chamber of Commerce Members (at a special rate) and Non-members and the programme of courses are added to regularly as well as bespoke training.

An additional service provided by Export Documentation Department is a fast and skillful translation services in more than 140 languages.

Full information of visit www. hwchamber.co.uk/global-trade-hub or telephone the team on 01905 673 600.

BOOST YOUR SKILLS! Don’t miss the opportunity to access vital exporting information at our upcoming Masterclasses: MARKET SELECTION CLINIC – HEREFORD AND WORCESTER Wednesday 27 June 9.30am-4.30pm H&W Chamber of Commerce, Prescott Drive, Worcester, WR4 9NE

PITCHING YOUR BUSINESS TO AN INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE Tuesday 10 July 9.00am-1.30pm H&W Chamber of Commerce, Prescott Drive, Worcester, WR4 9NE

EXPORT ESSENTIALS HEREFORDSHIRE & WORCESTERSHIRE Tuesday 18 September 9.00am-12.30pm Warndon Business Park, Prescott Drive, Worcester, WR4 9NE To view the full calendar and to book your FREE place on one of these events, please visit: www.bit.ly/ DITeventsHW

ROYAL RECOGNITION FOR LITTLE BIGPAW Her Majesty has awarded The First Class Pet Company, the team behind the brand Little BigPaw, with the Queen’s Award for International Trade in recognition of Outstanding Growth in Overseas Sales.

Little BigPaw is a premium range of pet foods and treats, made in the UK with British ingredients. Launched in 2015, Little BigPaw has expanded rapidly taking advantage of new trends in pet feeding and expanding international markets.

The pet food brand is made with natural ingredients and high levels of meat so pets absolutely love the taste. Discerning pet owners only want to feed their pet

ingredients that they can trust. All Little BigPaw treats and foods are grain free, wheat free and contain nothing artificial - just great food packed with natural goodness.

Little BigPaw Co-Founders, David Alton and Jim Weston, have over 50 years experience between them in the International Pet Trade. With a team of dedicated staff, government new enterprise support and innovative products they have rapidly made Little BigPaw a leading brand in specialist pet stores. www.thefirstclasspetcompany.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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MANUFACTURINGFEATURE

COLLABORATE INNOVATE ACCELERATE

EXPERT SOLUTIONS FOR SUPERIOR ACTIONABLE INSIGHT Malvern Panalytical technologies are used by scientists and engineers in a wide range of industries and organizations to solve the challenges associated with maximizing productivity, developing better quality products and getting them to market faster.

Our mission is to create superior, customerfocused solutions and services to deliver tangible economic impact through chemical, physical and structural analysis of materials.

www.malvernpanalytical.com 040

July/August 2018

MANUFACTURINGFEATURE

THE MALVERN PANALYTICAL REVOLUTION Changing the face of scientific instrument development and manufacture 2018 has already been a busy year for Malvern Panalytical, with the launch of a number of key products to the market. Notable amongst those developed and manufactured at our Malvern site are the Morphologi 4 range, launched on February 14th, and the Zetasizer Pro and Ultra, which followed on May 23rd.

All of these instruments have been created to help our customers better understand, and therefore optimize, their products and processes. And all are recipients of prestigious Red Dot 2018 Design Awards, with the Morphologi 4 range also scooping an iF (Industrie Forum) Design 2018 award.

The Morphologi 4 and Morphologi 4-ID are image analysis systems which use automated static microscopy, and in the Morphologi 4-ID’s case, combine this with Raman spectroscopy, to characterize and measure the particles in a sample in terms of their size, shape, distribution and chemical identity. The Zetasizer Pro and Zetasizer Ultra are our newest flagship light scattering instruments for the measurement of particle size distributions and zeta potential. These parameters may sound obscure, but they impact on all types of products, from the coffee you drink when you first wake up, to the fuel you put into your car, the asphalt used to make the roads you drive on, and the toothpaste you use before heading back to bed.

Malvern Panalytical has a proud history of developing and manufacturing practical yet innovative technologies which help our customers across the globe solve the challenges associated with maximizing productivity, developing better quality products and getting them to market faster.

Pioneer technologists at the heart of our

company were pivotal in the commercial development of light scattering methods for particle size analysis as far back as the 1960s, and in 1977 Malvern Instruments and the Royal Signals and Radar Establishment (RSRE, Malvern, UK) were jointly awarded the prestigious MacRobert engineering award for Outstanding Technical Innovation. Quoting the MacRobert Award Evaluation Committee, responsible for choosing its recipients, “The Malvern Correlator provides an outstanding example of the way in which advanced scientific principles can be allied to the latest technological developments to provide equipment of practical and commercial value”.

The decades since have brought many changes, including Malvern Instruments’ 2017 merger with Netherlands-based PANalytical. Today, Malvern Panalytical continues the legacy of our pioneering scientists, building on this strong foundation and incorporating the very latest advances in hardware, software, technology and intelligence. The key factor which has remained unchanged across the years is the reason why we develop these technologies. Underpinned by extensive industry knowledge and technical and applications expertise, Malvern Panalytical instruments help users better understand a wide variety of materials, from proteins and polymers to metals and building materials.

Highly reliable and robust characterization of these properties is fundamental to predicting how a product will behave during use, to optimizing its performance and achieving manufacturing excellence.

President, Mr. Paolo Carmassi, who reveals his views on how the company is evolving to retain its competitive edge and deliver even more value to the market: “Our vision is to create an environment where customers talk to us about their real problems, where they see us as partners, collaborators, and experts in the detail of their business.

They can expect to understand exactly what value we deliver, and what economic impact our solutions will have. We’ll provide knowledge that leverages facts and data across our different technologies. This will give them answers that are just not possible with one instrument, and that enable vital decisions to be made much more quickly and painlessly.”

“What really makes Malvern Panalytical so special is that we don’t limit ourselves to thinking in a simple, linear way. We’re not intending to just extrapolate the future from what’s happened in the past – this is far more radical and exciting! The achievements we are aiming for will bring an order of magnitude more value than our customers are currently experiencing, far beyond what they currently see.”

To stay up to date with Malvern Panalytical solutions and find out how they can help you overcome your process and product challenges, please visit www.malvernpanalytical.com

We are continuing to push the envelope under the leadership of Malvern Panalytical

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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VKF Renzel (UK) Ltd Supplying Hereford & Worcestershire with Displays & Point of Sale Founded in Worcestershire in 1995, VKF Renzel is your local manufacturer for all things display and point of sale. With 27,000 sq ft of manufacturing and storage space in Bromsgrove, our modern facilities and experienced staff will help you to find the solution to your requirements.

We specialise in retail displays and point of sale equipment, offering everything from shelf edge strips and price holders to A-boards and shopping baskets.

We offer a wide range of literature and information displays, with solutions for exhibitions, offices and reception areas, plus schools, colleges and libraries.

For our customers in the catering and food trade, we manufacture menu holders and display stands.

Custom or bespoke enquiries are always welcome. Using state-of-the-art machinery such as laser cutting and diamond polishing, we can work with you to create your ideal display.

You can order our standard items online 24/7.

For custom or bulk enquiries, please contact our friendly team who will be pleased to help.

www.vkf-renzel.co.uk 01527 878311 sales@vkf-renzel.co.uk

Units 6 & 7, Saxon Business Park, Hanbury Road, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, July/August B602018 4AD

MANUFACTURINGFEATURE

FIRE SPRINKLER TANK INSPECTION AND REFURBISHMENT SERVICE Franklin Hodge Industries is able to offer a cost-effective and comprehensive firewater storage tank inspection, refurbishment and repair service throughout the UK, for all types of fire tanks. Refurbplus® is a service that has been developed out of Franklin Hodge’s long history and experience as a designer and manufacturer of fire water storage tanks to a range of both local and international design standards, for use world wide.

In 1973 Franklin Hodge developed a range of site assembled water storage tanks for among others, customers in the fire protection market. Development of the Franklin Hodge water tank range included the fitting of internal membrane liners; thereby giving firewater storage tanks an increased design life, as the stored water is effectively separated from the tank shell, thereby minimising the potential for corrosion. There was in parallel a growing requirement in the fire sprinkler industry for reliable, long life tanks to act as dedicated pump suction storage reservoirs for fire sprinkler systems.

Key elements of the Refurbplus® service include: n External tank inspection and survey n Internal inspection and survey following a full draindown of the tank n Internal inspection and survey with the tank full, using a remote controlled submarine camera unit.

EXTERNAL INSPECTION AND SURVEY What we provide for our customers: If a customer selects an external visual inspection and assessment is selected, this will include if necessary the use of an ultrasound-scanning device, to assist in the assessment of the condition of:

n Top and bottom rolled angles n Holding down brackets and bolts.

If in addition to the external inspection and survey, an internal inspection and survey is selected as well, this will entail a full drain-down of the tank. We then carry out a similar procedure to the external inspection and survey, including visual inspection and assessment, including if necessary the use of an ultrasound-scanning device, to assist in the assessment of the condition of: n Tank wall sheets and liners, where fitted n Pipe work spools and flanges, including suction pump outlet pipe work and anti-vortex devices n Internal surfaces of the tank cover and the cover support structure n Internal surfaces of ancillary equipment, such as immersion heater elements and level switches

n Tank wall sheets

n Internal ladders, where fitted

n Pipe work, spools and flanges

n Assessment of the amount of debris and silt present on the tank floor.

n Covers n Ancillary equipment, including immersion heaters, valves, contents gauges and level control switches n Ladders, platforms and hand-railing

If customers select an internal survey, an external survey is automatically included in the price of the work. Alternatively, some customers may not wish to drain their fire tank, as this mean paying a premium to their insurers

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

while the sprinkler system is off-line. To help customers avoid costly additional premiums, we can offer an internal inspection and survey with the tank full, using a remote controlled submersible camera unit (ROV Survey).

In this case, there is no need to drain the tank or system. In this case we can offer our customers the following service: A full survey, allowing an assessment of the interior of the tank, to include: n Tank wall sheets and liners, where fitted n Pipe work spools and flanges, including suction pump outlet pipe work and anti-vortex devices n Internal surfaces of the tank cover and the cover support structure n Internal surfaces of ancillary equipment, such as immersion heater elements and level switches n Internal ladders, where fitted n Assessment of the amount of debris and silt present on the tank floor.

If an internal ROV survey is requested, an external survey is automatically included in the price of the work. For more infomation contact us on: Tel: 01432 269605 sales@franklinhodge.com

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VISITWORCESTERSHIRE

www.visitworcestershire.org

ENJOY A FULL SUMMER AT HOME IN WORCESTERSHIRE

CELEBRATE 300 YEARS OF WORCESTER RACECOURSE As one of the oldest racecourses in the UK, Worcester Racecourse is celebrating 300 years of racing in 2018. The home of summer jump racing, hosting twenty National Hunt meetings from May to October. Look out for the Anniversary Raceday (Wed 4 July), Irish Night (Tues 17th July). Pershore Plum Festival Evening Races (Tues 31 July) and Sounds of the Summer Race Nights in August.

UPTON BLUES FESTIVAL Experience this amazing award winning event with over 130 free performances across 3 stages and 10 pub venues, and now awarded Best Blues Based Music Festival in the UK for the third time. See the website for the full line up.

July 20th – 22nd 2018 | www.uptonbluesfestival.com

www.worcester-racecourse.co.uk

CELEBRATE 70 YEARS OF THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE Worcester’s medical museums, The Infirmary and George Marshall Medical Museum, tell the story of how medicine and healthcare have changed since Worcester became the birthplace of the British Medical Association in 1832.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary there will be a programme of research and temporary displays, as well as talks and events to celebrate this milestone.

PERSHORE PLUM FESTIVAL Pershore cascades itself in purple for the month of August attracting thousands of plum lovers to appreciate the fruit.

The local community come together to create a showcase event celebrating their passionate for the humble plum.

www.medicalmuseum.org.uk​

www.pershoreplumfestival.org.uk

ROYAL WORCESTER PORCELAIN The Museum benefited from an excellent relationship with Royal Worcester and the Company frequently gifted copies and special trial pieces, pattern books, film and records to the collection. Thanks to this it holds the largest collection of Worcester porcelain in the world.

From June 2018 following a new National Lottery Funded refurbishment these artefacts will be on display in the new interpretations focusing on the human story of Royal Worcester’s workforce, the

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orders with Royal Worcester throughout the world and their 257-year history.

conditions in which they worked, their camaraderie, the magnificent pieces of porcelain they created, their manufacture and the many famous people who placed

Dr John Wall perfected his recipe for a porcelain that could withstand boiling hot water during the early developments of English Porcelain and Bone China and set up a Porcelain Works in Worcester which is now one of the oldest in the UK, continuing production via the Portmerion Group. www.museumofroyalworcester.org

July/August 2018

VISITHEREFORD

www.visitherefordshire.co.uk

THE RIVERSIDE AT AYMESTREY TO BUILD ACCOMMODATION PODS WITH HSBC SUPPORT The Riverside at Aymestrey, which has been run for the last two years by longstanding head chef Andy Link, has been transformed into an award-winning gastro pub and is well known for its sustainable ethos and outstanding food. It is now adding to its accommodation offer, with work starting on the five hexagonal one-bedroom pods later in the year.

The luxury en-suite pods, which take the total number of rooms at The Riverside to 11, will include stand-alone roll-top baths, wet rooms and an outdoor terrace area, some with hot tubs. Electric car charging points will also be installed.

It is hoped the project will create five new jobs for the local economy.

Harry Lewis, Owner of The Riverside, said: “The Riverside was acquired almost two years ago with the support

but growing Group of outlets.”

of HSBC, so we’re delighted to be working with the team again and with other key stakeholders in Herefordshire to help Andy develop the site and meet the clear demand for more bespoke accommodation in the area.

Our relationship director, Mike Kear, has extensive knowledge of the leisure and hospitality industry and has been instrumental in devising a competitive and tailored finance package that suits the often complex requirements of the small

Commenting on the deal, HSBC Area Director Warren Lewis added: “We’ve been supporting Harry over the last two years, helping him progress his ambitious acquisition strategy which will see his portfolio of pubs grow to four in the next few weeks. It’s great to have agreed this new facility which will give him the flexibility to acquire new units, as well as to develop and enhance the existing businesses, hire more people and attract a higher number of guests.”

The sustainable accommodation will be located in the gardens of the main site and will be in-keeping with the Grade II-listed building.

The pods are expected to open to guests in October. www.riversideaymestrey.co.uk

TOURISM AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE JUDGING UNDERWAY

ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL CHOIR TO SING PAPAL MASS The choir of Hereford Cathedral will make history when it becomes the first Anglican cathedral choir to sing at a Papal Mass in St Peter’s Basilica since the Reformation, singing alongside the choir of the Sistine Chapel at the end of June.

The Papal Mass will celebrate the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul and is one of the Vatican’s biggest services of the year.

The Bishop of Hereford, the Rt Revd Richard Frith said: “I am delighted that our magnificent Hereford Cathedral choir are singing at St Peter’s Basilica and in such a symbolic service. The inclusion of our young singers in the performance is particularly fitting as we look to the youth of both the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches, to work together in developing future closer ties.”

The judging for Visit Worcestershire and Visit Herefordshire’s joint Tourism Awards for Excellence is now officially underway.

There are TWO new categories for the 2018 awards – Best Tourism Pub and Best Sustainable Business. The brand new awards meant that businesses had the chance to enter individual applications for 12 different categories, including; Best Conference Venue, Best Drinks Producer, Best Eating Out, Best Festivals & Events, Best Food Producer, Best Guest Accommodation, Best Hotel, Best Self Catering, Best Sustainable Business, Best Touring, Camping and Holiday Park, Best Tourism Pub and Best Visitor Attraction.

Many finalists and winners from the local Tourism Awards for Excellence have gone on to be shortlisted in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, including Poston Mill and most recently The Riverside at Aymestrey who won Gold in the Best Tourism Pub of the Year category in the 2018 awards.

Finalists will be invited to an exclusive awards ceremony which will take place on Tuesday 11 September at the Bank House Hotel, Spa & Golf, where the winners, highly commended and commended from each county will be announced.

The relationship with the Sistine Chapel Choir is part of a collaborative and ecumenical partnership that includes Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal and the Castle Church Wittenberg, Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue New York and Hereford Cathedral.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

045

WORCESTERSHIREBUSINESSCENTRAL

www.business-central.co.uk

INSIGHTCONXS LTD Over the last few years, Evesham-based Insightconxs has established itself as a trusted and national provider to businesses both small and large.

The cloud services company has quickly become a brand name in its home county of Worcestershire, having built its client base through personal contacts and referral networks. Working within the county, Insightconxs has joined the “Soft-landing” programme, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and has introduced specific offers and rates for businesses based in Worcestershire.

With a solid platform to build from, Insightconxs is looking to launch the next stage of its business plan, and continue to improve on the growth it has seen over the last few years. To achieve this, Anthony Gander, Managing Director, and Adrian Hughes, Director, decided that the firm needed to invest in a more structured marketing strategy and recruit talented individuals to drive the growth in sales and provide support to its rapidly growing customer base.

Adrian met with Randesh Kalar, Business Engagement Manager at Worcestershire Business Central, who made the Insightconxs team aware of the funded

We are looking forward to continuing as part of the Business Accelerator Program, Smart Board activities and the further benefits that these organisations will bring.

Randesh Kalar, WBC, with Adrian Hughes, Montgomery Lea and Nicholas Russell

Biz-Smart funding programme that can help eligible businesses investigate, advance, commercialise and protect innovative business ideas. The company was accepted onto the initial Biz-Smart programme where it was assigned a business mentor, Melanie.

RESULTS

With the help of its new business mentor, Adrian quickly constructed a comprehensive marketing plan and they identified available grant funding, through the Business Accelerator programme.

The funding that Insightconxs have received from Worcestershire County Council has provided the company with a great step up in its growth, supporting new sales and team members.

The grant was an ideal opportunity to accelerate the growth of the business, funding its marketing strategy and additional team members, allowing the company to move stages ahead of its business plan. Specifically, the grant was allocated to key elements of the marketing plan, lead generation, advanced demonstration equipment and a new website that reflects the business’ growth and improvements.

Speaking of the journey, Insightconxs said: “We are especially grateful to the team at Worcestershire Business Central, who opened the door for us, to the support from Biz-Smart, our business coach and a whole network of resources we now have access too.

Following grant approval, Insightconxs quickly started the ball rolling, implementing key elements of the marketing plan and beginning a campaign with an external marketing company, after only two months the company is already seeing increased sales. The improved demonstration equipment is already leading to more efficient meetings and is showing an increase in conversion rates as the team is able to better demonstrate the various services Insightconxs provides.

The company is delighted to have employed two new Technical Apprentices,

046

Montgomery Lea and Nicholas Russell, to support its growing customer base - and will be looking to further expand the team within the coming months.

“We are looking forward to continuing as part of the Business Accelerator Program, Smart Board activities and the further benefits that these organisations will bring. Through our continued growth and working alongside many Worcestershire businesses to provide the necessary digital infrastructure at a reasonable price, we hope to continue to contribute to our local community and support the local economy.”

For more information on Worcestershire Business Accelerator, please contact the Worcestershire Business Central team on 01905 677888 or email info@business-central.co.uk

July/August 2018

Worcestershire Business Central Worcestershire Business Central, part of the government-supported Growth Hub network, brings all aspects of business support into one place

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Running

Funding

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BESPOKE FACILITIES MANAGEMENT SERVICES Platinum Group is a dynamic and highly experienced company with a long track record of getting it right for our growing list of commercial and corporate clients.

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KIDWELLS CONTINUED EXPANSION Kidwells has been expanding steadily since 2008. We are proud to be celebrating the first anniversary of our Worcester office on the Tything supporting our Headquarters in Hereford.

First class client care is paramount to the continued success of our Law Firm, with our values continuing to be professionalism, expertise, honesty, thoroughness, commitment and understanding.

Our Worcester office provides services to both private individuals and commercial entities including Wills & Probate, Employment Law and HR, Family, Debt Recovery, Disputes, Residential and Commercial Property, Crime, GDPR compliance and Corporate and Commercial.

For 2018, our Worcester charity is New Hope Children’s Charity. Over the coming months we are also looking forward to working with the community by way of free legal clinics, already running in county towns around Herefordshire.

Tel. 01905 676757

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

049

MOVERSANDSHAKERS Andrew Lewis, new Associate Director at GJS Dillon

WELCOME THE CHAMBER’S NEW COMMERCIAL INTERNATIONAL TRADE MANAGER Faye Hemming was appointed the new Commercial International Trade Manager earlier this year, after Trudie Robinson left the Chamber to pursue a new venture.

After working within the team before her promotion, Faye has a wealth of experience to bring to her new role. Speaking of her new position she said: “I am very pleased to have been chosen as the Chamber’s new Commercial International Trade Manager. I worked alongside Trudie prior to her departure and am looking forward to getting involved and supporting businesses with trading internationally.”

NEW APPOINTMENT TO BOOST GROWTH AT WORCESTERSHIRE CHARTERED SURVEYORS

DRP WELCOMES NEW ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Annalisa Holmes joins local Worcestershire creative agency, drp as the new Account Director for automotive giant Jaguar Land Rover. In the role, she will help supercharge the organisation’s internal and external communications strategies as part of the wider account team.

Annalisa commented, “I’m so grateful for this opportunity to join the creative team at drp. It’s a really exciting time for JLR. They’re exploring driverless cars, electric vehicles, infotainment tech among many other fantastic innovations.” www.drpgroup.com

FRESH NOUS HAS A NEW TEAM Worcestershire commercial MEMBER! property consultancy GJS Dillon has appointed Andrew Fresh Nous is pleased to Lewis as Associate Director. announce that a new team member has joined the A Chartered Surveyor, with a Marketing Services team. first class honours degree in Josh Johnson has joined the Real Estate, and a former pupil team as an Apprentice and is of The King’s School Worcester, looking forward to learning at GJS Dillon Andrew will work on the job, as well as working closely with Managing Director to achieve a Level 3 Diploma John Dillon on commercial in Digital Marketing. In just a agency work, letting and selling few weeks, Josh has already office and industrial buildings. acquired a range of skills Andrew says: “I am delighted to including graphic design and move back to Worcestershire website development. Fresh to join its premier commercial Nous hopes you’ll join them in wishing Josh the best of luck in property agency and work with John Dillon.” his new job role. www.freshnous.com

www.gjsdillon.co.uk

www.hwchamber.co.uk

SALES & MARKETING MANAGER APPOINTED AT GREEN LIGHTING Green Lighting UK is pleased to announce their recent appointment of Sara Mason-Parker as Sales & Marketing Manager.

Haines Watts recently welcomed four new graduates to support its rapidly expanding R&D Tax Team.

Louis Byrne, Jessica Owen, Samuel Marsden and Joseph Painter bring the team up to 12 people, supporting clients across the country with specialist R&D tax claims.

NEW CEO FOR HEREFORDSHIRE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Sara commented: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to be working with such a reputable growing company and to be part of this fantastic, dedicated team”.

The Hereford office also welcomed experienced accountant David Bradley.

David is a Cloud Accounting expert and is responsible for preparing clients for the digital record-keeping and quarterly reporting requirements of HMRC’s Making Tax Digital programme.

Claire Frowd (L) and Philippa Spens (R) have joined the team at the Herefordshire Community Foundation as finance officer and CEO respectively. Since making the first grants in July 2003, HCF has given thousands of grants to local activities supporting all ages and a whole range of activities. HCF works or has worked with a range of other organisations including different Government departments, the local Primary Care Trust and small and medium sized local trusts.

www.greenlighting.co.uk

www.hwca.com

www.herefordshirecf.org

Sara, who has a wealth of sales and digital marketing experience, joins the award winning Worcestershirebased company at a pivotal time as they expand with their exciting new decorative range.

050

NEW APPOINTMENTS FOR HAINES WATTS

HEWETT RECRUITMENT HAS DOUBLED THE SIZE OF SPECIALIST TECHNICAL DIVISION The Technical Division, which is comprised of two separate specialist IT and Engineering teams, has bolstered its ranks with the appointment of two new Trainee Recruiters; James Riach and Steven Harris.

Joining as part of the ‘Hewett Academy’, the pair will embark on a 12-week training course which supports the Trainees as they learn on the job.

The recent appointments also coincide with the Year of Engineering, a Government-created year-long campaign designed to tackle the engineering skills gap. www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk

July/August 2018

MOVERSANDSHAKERS

NEW DIGITAL MARKETING EXECUTIVE FOR CHAMBER

NEW LOCATION FOR FASTR SOLUTIONS

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that Liz Pullin has joined the Marketing department as Digital Marketing Executive.

Established in 2015, local health & safety consultants, FastR Solutions Ltd, are proud to announce they are moving into new, larger premises in Pershore. The company has grown from strength to strength over the last three years and this gives us the opportunity to expand our services further.

Speaking of her appointment, Liz said: “I am delighted to join the Marketing department as Digital Marketing Executive.

Whilst I will be more Chamber focused, I am excited to utilise my skill set in this new role while still supporting the Tourism department.” www.hwchamber.co.uk

With the extra space, the firm will be setting up a training room where it will be able to carry out in-house training courses.

For more information contact FastR Solutions on 0800 246 1802.

RECRUIT FOR THOMAS CARROLL GROUP Alex Spicer joins Thomas Carroll Group as an Insurance Broker for small and medium sized businesses. Located on Broad Street in Hereford, the group offers insurance, wealth management and health & safety advice to local businesses. Certified by the Chartered Insurance Institute, Alex is advising property owners, trades people, pubs and restaurants, charities and a broad range of small and medium business. Living locally in Hereford, Alex looks forward to working with and supporting the Herefordshire business community. www.thomascarroll.co.uk

NEW APPOINTMENT STRENGTHENS LOCAL CONSULTANCY Wyre Solutions has appointed Michael J Giambra as Chief Development Officer and Frazer Doe as Operations Director.

The two new appointments represent further investment

by Managing Director, Paul Maybury who started the company in 2011. He has since expanded the consultancy taking the employed workforce to 17 in addition to many contractors, more than tripled turnover over the past three years, as well as setting up the new company in America. www.wyresolutions.co.uk

Cynde Cole (l) and Jessica Jordan (m) with Duncan Sutcliffe (r)

REHAU APPOINTS NEW FACILITIES OFFICER

GROWTH FOR WORCESTERSHIRE BROKER

REHAU is pleased to announce the appointment of Henry Simms as its new Facilities Officer. With a wealth of experience and valuable know-how across health and safety and construction design management, this strategic appointment will support ambitious growth plans for REHAU.

Sutcliffe & Co has welcomed two new members of staff to its growing team. Cynde Cole and Jessica Jordan join the company as Account Handlers, bringing a wealth of experience to support Sutcliffe & Co’s clients.

THE REDDITCH PARTITIONS & STORAGE CO This year, Chris Seal is celebrating 17 years continuous service. His role has developed over time and now, as a Director of the company, he is responsible for site installations and technical development and management.

Henry said: “I am excited to take on my role at REHAU and particularly look forward to continuing the brands stringent focus on health and safety across all levels within the organisation.“

Duncan Sutcliffe, Director, Sutcliffe & Co, commented: “We are in a fortunate position to need not one but two new team members.

Both Jessica and Cynde are high calibre candidates and we are delighted they have now become part of our hardworking team.”

The firm is delighted to announce that from January 2018, Mark Perks has been promoted to the Senior Management team and has been appointed Director. His experience and knowledge of the partitioning and mezzanine floors is a great asset to the company and his promotion will reinforce the executive board.

www.rehau.com

www.sutcliffeinsurance.co.uk

www.redditch-partitions.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

MFG APPOINT NEW PARNTER mfg Solicitors has strengthened its corporate and commercial offering with the appointment of new partner, Clare Lang.

Clare, who has 16 years of experience advising businesses, is working alongside existing corporate and commercial partners, Stephen Wyer and James Hayes.

Based at the firm’s Kidderminster headquarters, she will focus on growing mfg’s corporate and commercial client base and advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, business disposals, management buy outs, reorganisations, and business-related finance matters. www.mfgsolicitors.com

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR DATA WITH DAWLEYS to shape and improve your activities.

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DATA SERVICES Venturing into the world of data services can be daunting, but the skilled teams at Dawleys work closely with its clients to discover what they require and how they can help them achieve it. They have extensive knowledge and skills in all things data related to bring to your business.

Capturing data might be a key first step for your business. Dawleys are equipped to deal with a wide range of data capture activities, from paper forms, online web forms, surveys and much more. They can customise screens to incorporate the specifics you require, through validation, bespoke and changeable fields and designs.

Even the good old paper forms can be brought into the 21st century, scanned or captured to provide detailed analysis.

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DATA SECURITY Dawleys pride themselves on handling your data with the precision and care as if it was their own.

which are no longer relevant and clean the data with the most up to date information.

Dawleys can build, host, manage and maintain your customer database and bespoke a system for your needs.

Regularly reviewing this information, using controlled and stringent methods, helps to keep the data fresh and ensures that you are targeting the correct customers for your marketing activities. This in turn ensures your campaigns are as successful as possible, reducing costs and increasing potential reach.

GDPR With the enforcement of GDPR now in place, businesses need to ensure that the wishes of customers are respected when it comes to contacting them. Dawleys offers Mailing Preference Service checking as well as Telephone Preference Service (consumer & corporate) screening, ensuring that you are only contacting customers who do not wish to receive unsolicited mailings or calls.

If you have data where prospects only wish to be contacted via email, email broadcasting is something Dawleys also deal with on a daily basis, sending emails for some of the country’s biggest organisations.

Dawleys are able to build emails from scratch, personalising and tailoring the look and feel to best suit your audience, and checking that the emails render correctly in all browsers. Detailed send analysis also helps gain as much insight as possible about who is opening your emails, clicks and even the type of device used.

REPORTING & ANALYSIS After capturing, collecting and storing your data, another important data service the team at Dawleys can provide is in depth and detailed analysis and reporting.

Their teams are cyber security trained with the latest technology, gaining them Cyber Essentials certificate to prevent and reduce online threats. Their extensive knowledge and years of being compliant to keeping its data safe helps Dawleys to gain their ISO27001 Information Security accreditation each year. This stringent audit acknowledges that Dawleys are doing all they can to keep all the data they hold safe and secure, minimising risk.

Being a member of the DMA keeps them abreast of all the latest developments in the marketing world, keeping them one step ahead to guide and advise clients. All data is also backed up and securely stored, so you can trust it is in safe hands!

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They are able to drill into the details and pull together trends and patterns, helping

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July/August 2018

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

053

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

EVESHAM COLLEGE LAUNCHES NEW ENGINEERING CENTRE! A new state-of-the-art engineering centre has launched in Evesham to tackle a shortage of engineering skills in the area.

The centre will enable the college to build further links with employers and schools to promote careers in engineering, as well as training for both full-time students and apprentices.

The specialist faculty at Evesham College is a joint venture by the college and the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and will provide a real life engineering environment for trainees. The project represents a joint investment of over £430,000.

Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “It was great to be a part of the launch event for Evesham College Engineering Centre. Worcestershire LEP has invested a total of £313,000 into this new Engineering centre which will help to reduce the skills shortage that some engineering businesses are facing in the county.”

Facilities include a metrology and mechanical science laboratory, a fully equipped CAD suite including 3D printer, as well as a refurbished workshop area including CNC units, bench fitting, turning and milling machinery.

The centre will offer a variety of new engineering courses from September 2018 and will focus on training mechanical engineers at levels 1, 2 and 3. The college is also working with the University of Gloucestershire to develop full degree level provision that

supports the engineering knowledge and skills required for the local economy.

For further information go to www.wcg.ac.uk/engineering or call 0300 456 0049.

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July/August 2018

BUSINESSNEWS

SHAKESPEARE’S ENGLAND

WORK YOUR WAY TO A BETTER FUTURE

Evesham-based agency, Areca Design, has been commissioned to provide brand development and marketing materials for a prestigious Midlands tourism destination management group – Shakespeare’s England.

Located in Stratford-upon-Avon, the destination covers tourism businesses in Warwick, Leamington Spa, Kenilworth, South Warwickshire and The Cotswolds, helping them to get their messages out, attracting visitors from around the world.

Areca has produced an array of creative projects including; design work for the famous Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebrations, the making of the new Explorer Pass, creating a new logo and supplying materials to help promote Warwick Castle’s new event to commemorate Guy of Warwick in May. Mick Hurst, Managing Director of Areca Design, said: “To be asked to support businesses and events associated with such a globally recognised character as Shakespeare is an absolute privilege. We have a fabulous reputation in bringing historic venues and stories to life with our digital innovations and Augmented Reality Apps – but none have been quite as famous as the Bard himself”. www.arecadesign.co.uk

PURFECTLY AS WARM AS WORCESTER…THE CAT Earlier this year, leading boiler manufacturer, Worcester Bosch, took to our screens to spread warmth to millions of homeowners across the UK with the launch of its new TV, radio and digital advertising campaign – all fronted by a new furry star, ‘Worcester the Cat’.

The story follows Worcester taking control of the heating to ensure he and his friends can relax and play in comfort. Simply by using the new Bosch Easy Smart control, he knows he can keep his home just how he likes it as it works perfectly with the family’s Worcester boiler to efficiently maintain the right temperature.

Following an investment of over £2 million, the new Worcester advert was shown across ITV, Sky and Channel 4, and reached more than 16 million homes across the UK.

Worcester Business School is delighted to announce the launch of its new Senior Leader Masters Degree Apprenticeship at the University of Worcester. Mapped to the University’s Executive MBA programme, you can now use your organisation’s levy funding or enjoy 90% government funding towards apprenticeship fees as a smaller non-levy paying organisation.

In addition to the MBA, you will achieve a CMI PG Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership (Level 7) if selecting the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) as your end point assessor, and the status of Chartered Manager on completion of your Masters Degree Apprenticeship.

You will be required to attend at the University for an evening each week during term time for a period of 30 months, and will complete a programme of off-the-job learning equivalent to 20% of your weekly working hours through planned support sessions either at the University or in the workplace. You will also enjoy the services of a trained apprenticeship coach who will guide and support your development every step of the way.

For more details, please contact Sally Docherty on S.docherty@worc.ac.uk or on 01905 855279

Wide ranging and engaging Facebook and Twitter activity will show even more of Worcester’s cheeky antics. www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

EBC SIGNS NEW SPONSORSHIP WITH WCCC EBC Group is pleased to announce that it has signed a new sponsorship deal with Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

As official telephony and print partner to WCCC, EBC Group will expand their partnership and sponsorship with the club, which will now see the top floor of The View rebranded as the “EBC Group Technology Suite”.

Group Managing Director of EBC Group, Richard Lane, commented: “The EBC

Group Technology Suite will allow us to continue delivering our expertise to businesses across Worcestershire, with plans to host a number of seminars and training workshops in the new suite, in addition to hospitality on match days.”

EBC Group will also return as official collar sponsor for the forthcoming Vitality Blast T20 and one day games at New Road. www.ebcgroup.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

055

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Hereford Osteopathic Centre

01432 356655 Osteopaths www.hereford@osteopaths.co.uk

Hoople Ltd Recruitment, Training & Education www.hoopleltd.co.uk

Indah Events

01594 832248

07875551597

Health & Wellbeing www.wyegetactive.co.uk

Events www.indahevents.co.uk

COLWALL

Landau Ltd

Oldcastle Weddings Ltd

07955179114

Charity www.landau.co.uk

Venue www.oldcastleweddings.co.uk

Old Granary Pierogi

01432 530041

07456052156 Ericom Software (UK) Limited

01905 777970 Software Vendor www.ericom.com

EVESHAM cybertech Digital Ltd

0330 3530202

Richard Weaver Photography

01432 279561 Photography www.richardweaverphotography.co.uk

Rowlands Roofing

01432 269704 Roofing Services www.rowlandsroofing.com

HAGLEY

Smart Cone Ltd

Wondrous Ltd

Gaming & Driving Experience www.smartcone.com

Design & Marketing www.thisiswondrous.co.uk

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Street food/Takeaway/Shop supplier of Polish Dishes www.oldgranarypierogi.co.uk

Managed IT Support Services www.cybertechdigital.co.uk

01384 590099

01531 634863 Boutique/Gift Shop www.enchantandallure.co.uk

Hay Wines Limited

01531 634449 Wine Wholesaler www.haywines.co.uk

01432 383678

Wye Get Active

DROITWICH

Enchant & Allure Ltd

01531 637873

Vikki Thomas Ltd

LEOMINSTER Kegsoft

01568 613272 IT & Business Consultancy www.kegsoft.com

Leominster Golf Club

01568 610055 Golf Club & Golf Retail Shop www.leominstergolfclub.co.uk

Lucton School

01568 782000 Independent Boarding School www.luctonschool.org

National Trust - Herefordshire

01568 615721 National Trust for Places of Historic Interest www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/herefordshire

LUDLOW Marches Business Consulting Ltd

01568 780765 Specialise in Finance Director & HR Solutions www.marchesbc.co.uk

UK Log Exports

07919118326 Wooden Logs

MALVERN

07799650453

Mercian Educational Trust (MET)

Real Estate Investor/Speaker/Entrepreneur/ Author www.vikkithomas.com

Education www.metacademies.co.uk

01684 585349

July/August 2018

NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH NEWENT

TENBURY WELLS

Materials Solutions

Utility Solutions Ltd

The M Partnership Limited

01531 821831

01584 881651

Utility savings solutions

Design, Advertising, PR, Photography & Marketing Agency www.thempartnership.co.uk

3D Printing, Additive Manufacturing & Precision Engineering www.materialssolutions.co.uk

PERSHORE Barton Hyett Associates Ltd

01386 576161 Arboricultural Consultancy www.barton-hyett.co.uk

Chase Heating Ltd

01386 555333 Heating & Plumbing Merchants www.chaseheating.co.uk

01905 732160

Royal Porcelain Works Limited

01905 677399

WHITBOURNE Whitbourne Estate

01886 821992 Tourism & Hospitality www.whitbourneestate.co.uk

WIGMORE

Arts in Worcester www.royalporcelainworks.co.uk

Tarpey Harris Trading as Altaras International

01905 24381 Components & Tooling Services www.altarasinternational.com

Think Digital First (WKI Ltd)

We Are the Missing Link

020 81233730

Gorilla Honey

08455 942864

07511695578

Web Agency, Design, Optimisation, E-commerce & Online Security www.wearethemissinglink.com

Strategic Digital Marketing www.warrenknight.co.uk

Food Processing

REDDITCH CD Engineering Ltd

01527 61942 Manufacturing www.cdengineering.co.uk

Edge Equipment Hire Ltd

Water Audit Surveys LTD

07984687562

WORCESTER Complete Gastronomy

01905 758746 Corporate Catering www.completeastronomy.com

Water Consultancy www.waterauditsurveys.com

Wright Staff Recruitment Ltd

01905 769800 Recruitment www.wrightstaff.co.uk

01386 791077

Dewar LTD

Equipment Hire www.edge-equipmenthire.co.uk

07506 733 445 Business Services

ELLUC Projects Ltd

Foundation Fostering

01527 520001

01684 311555

Engineering Consultancy www.ellucprojects.co.uk

Fostering www.foundationfostering.org

OUT OF AREA

Jenny Mills Physiotherapy

Fox and James Associates Limited

07795288490

07720508875

01905947390

Physiotherapy www.jennymillsphysiotherapy.co.uk

Legal and claims www.foxandjames.co.uk

Swift Temps Ltd

Grace Kelly Ladybird Trust

01527 868242

07730595324

Recruitment Agency www.swifttemps.co.uk

Charity www.gracekellyladybird.co.uk

Zebra Landscape Architects

01905 947558 Architects www.zebralandscapes.co.uk

Aspire Academy Ltd Youth Employment www.aspire-academy.net

The Events Company Ltd

0800 0685707 Events Agency www.theeventscompany.co.uk

The Lighting Consultants Ltd

01527 759440 Automotive Lighting, Design & Manufacture www.thelightingconsultants.com

STOURBRIDGE Bebanne Art

07778767954 Silk & Fine Art www.bebannesilkart.uk

Home Experts Stourbridge

07527830716 Estate Agent www.homexpertsuk.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH

WATCHES DESIGNED TO BE DIFFERENT Hanbury Watches was formed last year with a mission to bring something different to the watch industry. Hand-crafted from responsibly sourced maple wood and premium grade stainless steel, each timepiece is naturally different and completely unique. The perfect combination of the environment and watch making.

After a successful crowd funding campaign reach secured 170% funding, it soon became a reality. Hanbury Watches has now launched a website and online

Based in Droitwich Spa, Founder Paul Masters, says: “Unlike some brands, we care about our carbon footprint, so we have partnered with Tree’s For The Future which has enabled us to embark on an adventure that sees us planting five trees for every watch we sell. Our goal is to plant 100,000 trees by 2020.” Paul has experience in business, and with his passion for watches - Hanbury is set for success. store, which is now gaining traction and popularity across the UK.

www.hanburywatches.com

GRACE KELLY LADYBIRD TRUST KEGSOFT HELPS TURN IT CONSUMERS INTO IT PRODUCERS Launched this year, Leominster-based Kegsoft personifies UK high technology. Kegsoft Business Language (KBL) is a radical new language to close the gap between business & IT - delivering simplicity & high productivity. KBL’s straightforward vocabulary is easy learn and use, and accelerates acquiring essential IT skills. Replacing tortuous spreadsheet cell formulae and cumbersome SQL, KBL is perfect for business users and beginners needing IT self-reliance and productivity, it makes fast work of office tasks without requiring specialist and expensive resources.

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The Grace Kelly Ladybird Trust was set up in memory of four-year old Grace from Worcester who passed away in 2014 from a rare form of childhood cancer. Childhood cancer is the most common medical cause of death of children in the UK, and we at the Grace Kelly Ladybird Trust are working to change this through teaching parents and clinicians the signs and symptoms to look for. Early diagnosis saves lives. In addition, we provide educational materials, support families and fund research as well.

As a local Worcestershire Charity, we are delighted to join the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and raise awareness of our work whilst enjoying networking with new partners.

For more information, please go to www.gracekellyladybird.co.uk.

Because the children of today all deserve a tomorrow.

RICHARD WEAVER PHOTO VIDEO AERIAL – NEW HORIZONS Richard Weaver Photography has been operating from its studio in Hereford’s High Town for just over ten years. A commercial and social photographer, Richard’s work has moved more toward the business sector.

Businesses now require video content for their website and Richard’s experience in the film industry in the UK and USA has been a valuable asset. Aerial photography has also become a growth side of the business.

The name has been modified to “Richard Weaver Photo Video and Aerial” and a new website is progress to reflect these changes.

KBL Studio Express is our entry-level product for problem solving and rapid tactical applications. It packs a punch, handling complex business logic, process flow and unlimited data volumes. Upgrade to Studio Plus to build full line-of-business applications for your end users –It’s loaded with advanced features – like using your spreadsheets as databases and sharing cloud data.

Richard is a CAA licensed drone operator. His aerial work was featured in the BBC series “A Vicar’s Life”.

Another project is a documentary about La La Brooks, former lead singer of The Crystals (“Da Doo Ron Ron”). Her new single, “Last Night”, was released on Friday 22 June along with the video, which Richard, a former music video director, filmed and directed.

www.kegsoft.com

www.richardweaverphotography.co.uk

July/August 2018

CHARITYNEWS

WORCESTER RUNNERS HIT THE STREETS ON ONE OF THE HOTTEST DAYS THIS YEAR A YEAR OF CHARITY SUCCESS SSG have had a very successful year of charitable work for their chosen charity Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

MDNA supports those who have been diagnosed with MND as well as their families and carers. They also continue to fund and promote research to help attain a better understanding of MND and potentially a cure for this illness.

The most recent success was a shopping trip to Cardiff for team members, family and friends. SSG’s other fundraising activities for MNDA this year have also included a quiz night which was held in February, a bike ride in June and a sponsored Christmas card; raising over an enormous £1,500.

Hundreds of runners turned out in glorious sunshine to take on the Worcester Full and Half Marathon. The popular race took place on Sunday 20 May, and followed a course through the beautiful Worcestershire countryside.

St Richard’s Hospice was the beneficiary charity for this year’s event - while a number of runners also took on fundraising for the hospice too. So far, more than £5,000 has been raised for St Richard’s which will help support the free care it provides to patients, their loved ones and bereaved people across Worcestershire.

Those interested in the next running challenge are invited to join the hospice team, for the Worcester City Half Marathon and 10K on Sunday 16 September. Places are limited to 10 places for each distance with runners receiving 10% off their entry fee as well as a free running t-shirt or vest.

For further information, please visit: www. strichards.org.uk/event/worcester-city-10khalf-marathon/ www.strichards.org.uk

Mel Standlick, Marketing Team Leader, said: “We are really lucky at SSG to have a great team who always get involved and help boost our fundraising efforts. MNDA is an important charity and we are so pleased to be able support them”.

WARRIORS CHARITY GOLF DAY RAISES £3,500 FOR ACORNS CHILDREN’S HOSPICE Warriors hosted their annual Charity Golf Day on Wednesday at The Vale Golf & Country Club, raising a whopping £3,500 for Acorns Children’s Hospice. Twenty teams took part on a beautiful, warm day in Bishampton near Pershore, as they competed in a stableford competition.

Josh Bryan of Lawson Keys won the Nearest the Pin competition while Warriors flanker Marco Mama won the Longest Drive prize with his mammoth 310-yard effort.

Head of Commercial Leyton Williams said: “I’d like to thank The Vale Golf & Country Club for hosting a fabulous Charity Golf Day where everyone seemed to have a cracking day out in the sunshine.

“We’d also like to say a big thanks to sponsors Greene King, USN, Thatchers and City Signs for supporting the event and helping to make it a success once again.”

www.ssg.co.uk And they are off! Hundreds of runners set off at the Worcester Full and Half Marathon

www.warriors.co.uk

WORCESTERSHIRE RECRUITMENT FIRM WILL TEE OFF FOR PRIMROSE HOSPICE GOLF DAY already seen a fantastic response but places are limited so I’d urge people to contact us to get involved if they would like to be part of a fantastic day of golf and fundraising.”

Local jobs experts Workforce Staffing is hosting its golf event at Blackwell Golf Club on Friday 6 July where golfers will raise funds for Primrose Hospice.

Workforce Staffing’s Managing Director, Joe Alekna, said: “Our golf day always attracts brilliant support from kind-hearted individuals and local businesses who want to help us raise funds for a wonderful cause.

“This year we are hoping to raise around £3,000 for Primrose Hospice who are our chosen charity again this year. We have

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Kate Kelly, Corporate Fundraising Manager from Primrose Hospice, said: ‘Workforce Staffing have shown tremendous support to Primrose through their Charity of Year Partnership raising in excess of £11,000 in support of Primrose to date. We are so very grateful for their continued support’. www.weareworkforce.co.uk

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CHARITYFOCUS

FLY HIGH WITH MIDLANDS AIR AMBULANCE CHARITY If your business is looking to develop a charity partnership that creates a rewarding experience for employees, and raises your profile as a socially responsibly company, then speak to the team at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s corporate partnerships team works with businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire to develop bespoke partnerships to suits all involved.

Fundraising initiatives, sponsorship opportunities, public facing events and staff engagement programmes are all on offer to create a partnership to be proud of. The charity proudly assists companies fulfil their corporate social responsibility, while inspiring employees and creating initiatives that resonate with your customers and suppliers.

Adam Williams, corporate development executive for Midlands Air Ambulance

Charity, said: “Supporting Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is a great way to motivate your employees, engage with your clients and fulfil your company’s CSR objectives.

“Each one of our missions costs £2,500, so businesses fundraising for us plays a crucial role in our everyday operations. We pride ourselves on creating long-lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships, which are not only for a great cause, but also great fun and a fulfilling experience for you.”

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is solely responsible for funding and operating three air ambulance helicopters serving six counties

of the Midlands. Each year, it costs in excess of £9million to maintain the charity’s aircraft and provide the lifesaving service.

The ambulance service has undertaken over 50,000 missions since 1991, and receives no Government or National Lottery funding, so relies entirely on the support and generosity of its corporate supporters and the general public to remain operational.

If you feel that your organisation could benefit from supporting Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, get in touch with us by calling 0800 8402040 or visit midlandsairambulance.com

SCHEMES THAT ALLOW BUSINESS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an increasingly important part of business life as companies seek to make an impact on their communities beyond the simple bottom line.

From helping to raise money for good causes to promoting sound health, companies are playing their part in improving people’s lives.

Methods of applying CSR include: n Environmental efforts: businesses regardless of size have a large carbon footprint and taking steps to reduce the footprint is good for the company and society as a whole n Philanthropy: Businesses also practice social responsibility by donating to national and local charities

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n Ethical employment practices: By treating employees fairly and ethically, companies can demonstrate their corporate social responsibility

There is another benefit which is harder to measure. Recent research has indicated that people who volunteer, or support communities in other ways, feel better about themselves.

n Volunteering: Attending volunteer events and encouraging staff to volunteer, including giving them paid leave to do everything from tree planting to office work for charities, says a lot about a company’s commitment to the area in which they operate.

For a company encouraging its staff to support good causes there can only be a knock-on effect; happier employees make for more productive employees.

All in all, Corporate Social Responsibility has much to recommend it for businesses of all types and sizes.

All these measures benefit society and that in itself is justification enough for supporting them but there are also benefits for the company taking part, one of which is the boost they provide to reputation.

A company seen to be doing a lot to benefit their local communities can only go up in people’s estimation.

July/August 2018

CHARITYFOCUS

Bring the world to your doorstep...

My family is warm and welcoming We are interested in other countries We are willing to share our home We are proud of our local area

‘living, learning and being toget her’ USA theatre group visits Malvern . photo: WCG

Join our network of families who offer a home from home!

The ‘homestay’ underpins the ethos of EIL UK, shared intercultural exchanges and experiences that create lasting friendships and a more tolerant and understanding world. h their Worcestershire family wit Germany high school student from

Our charity, EIL UK, is looking for families to host international students and adults from other countries and cultures from one day or up to a school term.

Families who join EIL’s network come from all walks of life, with no two the same. You might be retired, live alone, be a single parent, have a house full of kids or have children who have now flown the nest.

We pay our volunteer families a contribution towards the cost of hosting and provide ongoing support and training.

Business Opportunities

EIL UK internship and volunteer programmes offer local businesses and organisations the chance to share international perspectives and develop language and business skills. Contact us to discuss opportunities.

Get in touch to find out more: host@eiluk.org • 01684 562 577 • www.eiluk.org/host • facebook.com/eiluk Experiment in International Living UK • 17 Graham Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 2HR EIL Ltd. Is a Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 1070440 and Company Ltd By Guarantee no. 3166809

Could you help our independent local charity?

Worcester Snoezelen is 25 years old this year !

We are a unique leisure therapy centre offering life enhancing services to people of all ages with learning disabilities and additional needs however we rely on donations and sponsorship for a large part of our running costs – please support us to be able to continue working hard for our very special members.

Adopt us as your charity of the year and organise events to raise money for us. Our staff and supporters will be running the Worcester 10k

in September and gaining support through sponsorship for our charity - could your company sponsor us or could you suggest to your staff that they run with us and support us? – enter a team and raise your corporate responsibility profile by joining in !

We are hoping that local businesses will step forward and help us to continue to provide the much needed services for all the people who visit our centre every week.

To get involved call our team: 01905 748229 or email: enquiries@worcestersnoezelen.org.uk 3 Turnpike Close, Worcester, WR2 6AB

www.worcestersnoezelen.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1023456

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

061

CHAMBERAWARDS

EXCELLENCE CELEBRATED AT CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS 2018

sponsored by

Vision Labs, Sharon Smith & David Meade

600 business people gathered at the University of Worcester Arena on Thursday 7 June to celebrate the Chamber Business Awards 2018, sponsored by Sanlam.

Sharon Smith, Chief Executive of H&W Chamber, welcomed guests to the evening before host David Meade returned to the stage to host the event for the second year running. David entertained the crowd with his humour, and led the way in congratulating this year’s winners.

Earlier this year, the Chamber announced THREE new categories for the 2018 awards; Best Use of Social Media, Micro Business of the Year and Health & Wellbeing in the Workplace Award – providing more opportunities for local firms to show off their triumphs at the lavish awards evening.

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Photographs taken by F8Creates

Ubi-Tech (3R) LTD

Malvern Hills District Council

Guests were greeted by an electric violinist and ice-themed reception, whilst making use of drp’s popular drinks bar. Attendees were then led into the main arena to enjoy a sumptuous three course dinner and network with other guests on the table.

Several finalists were also recognised this year with the Highly Commended Award, these businesses included; drp Group (High Growth Business of the Year), Focus Ecology (Excellence in Professional Services), Land Rover Experience Eastnor (Excellence in Customer Service), One Creative Environments Ltd (Best Use of Technology), REHAU Limited (Excellence in Innovation), Rock Power Connections Ltd (Small Business of the Year) and Worcester Bosch (Health & Wellbeing in the Workplace).

The culmination of an evening’s worth of celebration was the announcement of the Winners of Winners, presented to Vision Labs Ltd. The judges commended the

business for achieving excellence across all categories including technology, export and growth.

Whilst celebrating the incredible success stories from businesses across the two counties, guests took part in a selfie competition, sponsored by EBC Group, for a chance to win a gin hamper for their table. Attendees also took part in an exciting raffle to generate funds for The Prince’s Trust, the evening raised £2,125 for the local charity – with Barclay’s providing £1,000 of match funding to bring the grand total to £3,125!

The Chamber would like to thank all the sponsors for the Chamber Business Awards 2018, including all category sponsors and; Sanlam, EBC Group, TechTeam, F8Creates, Keepmoat Homes, Neoperl, Worcestershire LEP, Newsquest, drp, Worcester Racecourse, Warwickshire College Group, Tyrrells, Worcestershire Business Central and our raffle prize sponsors.

July/August 2018

CHAMBERAWARDS

THE WINNERS OF THE CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS 2018 OLPRO

Indra Renewable Technologies

Best Use of Social Media Sponsored by Worcestershire Business Central OLPRO Best Use of Technology Sponsored by TechTeam Kinetic 6 Ltd Business of the Year (Winner of Winners!)

Sponsored by Sanlam Vision Labs Ltd

Kinetic 6 LTD

West Midlands Air Ambulance Charity

Employer of the Year Sponsored by University of Worcester Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Excellence in Customer Service Sponsored by Handelsbanken ISO Quality Services Excellence in Innovation Sponsored by Malvern Hills Science Park Indra Renewable Technologies Ltd Excellence in Professional Services Sponsored by Worcestershire County Council Bishop Fleming LLP

ISO Quality Services LTD

Bishop Fleming

Exporter of the Year, Sponsored by Malvern Instruments ETL Systems Limited Health & Wellbeing in the Workplace Sponsored by Proton Partners International Malvern Hills District Council High Growth Business of the Year, Sponsored by Hewett Recruitment Level Peaks Associates Limited Level Peaks Associates Limited

NMITE

Manufacturer of the Year, Sponsored by QinetiQ Vision Labs Ltd Micro Business of the Year, Sponsored by Air Products UbiTech (3R) Ltd Most Promising New Business, Sponsored by mfg Solicitors LLP NMITE Small Business of the Year Sponsored by Orchard Valley Foods GreensafeIT Ltd

GreensafeIT LTD

ETL Systems LTD

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

063

AWARDSREVIEW

Help us create tomorrow.

We’re building a new kind of university that will create the engineers of our future. Men and women who will shape for good the future of industry, of society and the planet.

Right now we need the help of business men and women with a mindset for start-ups, to volunteer their skills in engineering, product innovation, property and finance, and help us create the most exciting higher education venture in 40 years.

If you’d relish this challenge, email david.sheppard@nmite.org.uk And visit nmiteinthemaking.org.uk

BISHOP FLEMING - BREXIT STRATEGIC WORK AND INTERNATIONAL TAX With Brexit just nine months away, Bishop Fleming is actively helping clients prepare for their future outside the EU. In some cases that means helping them establish a continued presence within the EU to preserve frictionless trade, through a branch or subsidiary.

We are helping clients with their accounting systems to ensure they comply with reporting EU transactions post Brexit, as well complying with the new Making VAT Digital rules from 1 April 2019.

Bishop Fleming has the knowledge and expertise to advise on the international trade and VAT implications of Brexit, helping clients to create robust strategies to cope with the imposition of customs duties on the movements of goods to and from the EU. We are working with clients to help them insure against adverse cash flows from VAT being imposed on goods arriving in the UK from the EU after Brexit, and factoring this in to working capital planning.

Bishop Fleming is advising clients with complex supply chains to restructure, to soften the implications of Brexit and to take advantage of the opportunities.

Our international team has many years’ experience in international tax planning, advising internationally mobile businesses and individuals manage cross-border projects. Our membership of Kreston International – a global network of independent accounting firms – means we are well placed to coordinate any cross border assignment, delivering expert advice to international clients.

Winner of the Excellent in Professional Services Award at this year’s Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber Awards, Bishop Fleming can deliver businesses the quality of support they need in these uncertain times.

If your business, is facing the challenges of Brexit, our international specialists can devise a solution that works best for you. For more information contact Chris Walklett on 01905 732113 or via cwalklett@bishopfleming.co.uk.

The

Marches Local Enterprise Partnership Herefordshire - Shropshire -Telford & Wrekin

New Model in Technology & Engineering, The Shirehall, Union Street, Hereford, Herefordshire HR1 2HX · www.nmiteinthemaking.org Company limited by guarantee No 08800142. Registered Charity No 1176550

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July/August 2018

AWARDSREVIEW

UBI-TECH (3R) LTD YOUR LOCAL TELECOMS EXPERTS AND MICRO BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Ubi-Tech (3R) Ltd is a Redditch based company, providing specialist telecommunications training to the telecoms and Defence industries. Since Ubi-Tech was founded in 2012, they have gained rapid growth to become official training partner to telecoms giants, Ericsson, Anritsu, Iris, MOD and pureLiFi. “As members of the Hereford and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, we are delighted to be awarded Micro-Business of the year and we welcome the opportunity to support chamber members, local and regional businesses with their telecommunications.

We provide any sized business with telecoms consultation and encourage you to visit our demonstration facilities in Redditch to see first hand new and emerging technologies. One example we are particularly excited to show is pureLiFi, a revolutionary new technology that transmits high speed networked data using light. We are happy to provide members of the HW Chamber with a free telecoms health check and we offer member rates on our ‘Future of telecoms for business work shops, 5G and beyond’. Mike Harbon, Operations Director.

Ubi-Tech’s portfolio of leading courses range from Fibre, Wireless and radio engineering, Next Generation Networks, IT and project management. Ubi-Tech (3R) Ltd’s Post-Graduate in Wireless communications is accredited by the University of Wolverhampton and is a City&Guilds approved centre. As part of their commitment to the Armed Forces, Ubi-Tech is a registered provider to the MOD, Career Transition Partnership and approved by the Institute of Telecoms Professionals.

For further information contact: Ubi-Tech (3R) Ltd T.01527 529750

KINETIC SIX: BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY At Kinetic Six we are absolute ecstatic with our recent success at the Chamber Business Awards with recognition of our achievements in the ‘Best Use of Technology’ category. As a company, we provide innovative communications and security technology solutions to help protect the most critically endangered species across the world and this award is dedicated to all those who share our vision in conservation, the rangers who use our products, the communities they serve and wildlife they protect.

We have built a reputation of the highest standards of service and delivery within this field. Many of our clients are operating in remote and hostile environments and it is essential to have remote access to their infrastructure in the case of system failure. Our use of high quality products, expertise and support, as delivered through the K-STAC model, minimise infrastructure down time, ultimately resulting in less exposure to risk and vulnerability for the rangers and wildlife.

Quoting from the WWF website, “82% of wildlife rangers have faced death defying duties, yet over half feel they don’t have the sufficient equipment, training or support” (article https:// www.wwf.org.uk/updates/82-wildlife-rangers-have-faceddeath-defying-duties-yet-over-half-feel-they-dont-have, June 2018) . Through our virtual reality training methods, we aim to reduce this figure and work hard to create a client-centred package. We have a fully operational command bridge in situ at our Hereford office, Phantom House, and have big plans for future VR development within conservation. We recognise the potential in the fantastic technology that is VR and harness this to support our vision of being a flagship centre of excellence in bespoke to market secure communications, technical security and tracking. More information about us and what we do can be found at our website http://www.kinetic6.co.uk/

E. ubi@ubi-tech.co.uk W. www.ubi-tech.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

065

BUSINESSNEWS

HALF A MILLION FUNDING LEVIES INTEREST IN DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS The University of Wolverhampton has secured an additional £460k funding to deliver training for Degree Apprenticeships to non-levy paying companies. The allocation of money was approved by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) recently and means that the University can widen its support for regional businesses looking to upskill their workforce.

Having been awarded £250,000 funding from the Higher Education Funding Council (HEFCE) in 2017 to develop its Apprenticeship offer, over 150 apprentices are already studying for Higher and Degree level qualifications at the University.

Michele Roberts, Head of the Apprenticeship Hub at the University, said: “This is fantastic news for the University and will really help us to build on the work that has already gone into developing our industry-standard Degree Apprenticeships.

“Companies with a wage bill of under £3 million are eligible for 90% funding for Degree Apprenticeships and this additional money will allow us to increase our offer and support more and more businesses looking for Higher/Degree level Apprenticeships for their employees.

For more information, please contact info@businessolutionscentres.co.uk

MERGER LEADS TO NEW MARKETING DRIVE

40 YEARS IN BUSINESS To celebrate 40 years in business, Hewett Recruitment has unveiled its 40@40 Challenge with plans to raise £40,000 for local charities over the next 18 months.

The Hewett team will be running, walking, canoeing and freefalling to achieve their goal. Directors Laura Hewett and Ben Mannion even gave up their beds and raised over £1,000 for the homeless in the recent CEO Sleepout.

Louise Hewett explained – “It’s in our DNA, we like to get involved with the community and support local charities. We supported the Worcester Marathon again this year, it’s great to see so many people running for a great cause – truly inspirational.”

Louise has also personally sponsored a giraffe in the Worcester Stands Tall project in aid of St. Richard’s Hospice and is very excited to see it finished and for all to see in the centre of Worcester. www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk

DOUBLE WIN FOR LAW FIRM AT WORCESTERSHIRE LAW SOCIETY AWARDS Two specialist lawyers at Chamber patrons mfg Solicitors have won top honours at this year’s Worcestershire Law Society Awards.

Partner and commercial litigation specialist Sam Pedley won the prestigious Solicitor of the Year title. The award came only 10 months after the 33 year-old became one of the youngest partners in mfg’s history.

Meanwhile, Mr Pedley was joined on the 2018 winners list by agricultural and rural affairs specialist Tom Bell. Tom, 32, was recognised for his work with farmers, landowners and rural businesses by being handed the Young Solicitor of the Year award by the judging panel.

Maynard Burton, partner and chairman of mfg Solicitors said: “Both Sam and Tom have achieved so much for their clients and the firm over the past 12 months.

Their awards are fully deserved and they underline the effort, commitment and professionalism shown by both.”

The merger of Malvern Instruments and Panalytical to create Malvern Panalytical at the beginning of 2017 has driven multiple changes within the joint organisation. The most notable of these from a marketing viewpoint has been the development of a combined new company website, which went live at the beginning of March 2018, accompanied by a major change to the company branding.

Both the website and rebranding projects have required significant input company-wide to ensure the delivery of a compelling new brand and interactive public face which properly reflect the individual capabilities and also those leveraged by the integration of the two original entities. Accurately combining such a wealth of knowledge and solutions has certainly proved challenging, but it has also been a valuable learning experience, resulting in a set of customer solutions that far surpasses what Malvern Panalytical could have delivered as independent enterprises. www.malvernpanalytical.com

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BUSINESSNEWS

wcg.ac.uk/employers

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July/August 2018