Business Direction 55

Business Direction

MANAGING BUSINESS THROUGH UNCERTAIN TIMES Issue 44 52 55 July/August March/April May/June 2020 2020 2018

FIRSTWORD

LOCKDOWN PRESSURE MOUNTS ON BUSINESSES

ction Business Dire

Businesses of all sizes and sectors across the two counties have faced unprecedented disruption over the last few months. With staff and communities health and safety being a priority and sales drastically declining, many business have been forced to send staff to work from home, reduce opening hours, and even shut their doors.

Businesses all over the UK have been left extremely concerned about their future.

MANAGING BUSINESS THROUGH UNCERTAIN TIMES

55 52 Issue 44 2018 2020 2020 gust ne May/JuApril March/ July/Au

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.

The deadline for the 'Restart, Recovery & Resilience' edition is Wednesday 27 May 2020 Please send all submissions to businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk

EDITOR

Rahim Bas 01905 673 639 businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk

EDITORIAL & SUBSCRIPTIONS

businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk 01905 673 639 www.hwchamber.co.uk/business-direction

Helen Compson helen.compson@distinctivegroup.co.uk

Business News

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The outbreak of Covid-19 has resulted in the introduction of a business support package introduced by UK government that we have never seen before. Businesses and the population as a whole have changed behaviors and daily practices in ways which we have never seen before, and it is thought by many that we are unlikely to every return to exactly the previous ‘norms’.

Business News

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Businesses across the country have felt the effects of this pandemic far and wide, with many instructed to close due to government advice and the few that do remain open are faced with reduced sales and confidence, causing a huge loss of profits and businesses.

Cashflow is also an immediate concern for most businesses, alongside the health, welfare and job retention for their staff.

Two Counties

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Feature

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The government has announced its biggest ever support measures for employees, self-employed and businesses to ensure they have the funds to survive during this period. It is now vital that this support is made accessible as quickly and efficiently as possible in order to provide the much-needed lifeline for all business who need it.

The Chamber is also adapting along with every business within the two counties. With our offices closed and all staff working from remotely from home, we have put our best efforts into ensuring the support and information that businesses in Herefordshire & Worcestershire need is available to them.

Our teams have been working tirelessly to keep businesses updated on the support measures available, including financial packages via our Coronavirus Information Hub. Our weekly Coronavirus support newsletters also include advice on various subjects such as working remotely, HR and Legal support and International Trade. The information contained within the newsletters are sourced from experts within the subject field and are of great help to businesses. These are followed up by informative webinars, and of course our regular networking is continuing, all remotely.

I urge all businesses regardless of size, sector, Member or Non-member to visit the Coronavirus Information Hub to see the support and advice that is out there to help businesses across the two counties.

FEATURE EDITORS

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Business News

www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

Angie Smith Business Development Manager, Distinctive Group 0191 5805472 angie.smith@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

Chamber News

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We've put together all of the resources that we think will help you during this concerning time including government advice and support available and additional advice and support businesses may need.

ADVERTISING

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Policy News

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Distinctive Publishing, 3rd Floor, Tru Knit House, 9-11 Carliol Square, Newcastle, NE1 6UF

First Word

Chamber Training

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Chamber Events

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Big Interview

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Feature

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How You Can Help

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Worcestershire Business Central 32 Movers and Shakers

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New Member Proflies

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International Trade

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People to do Business With 40-41 Skills

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Charity News

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Member Benefits

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Business News

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Last Word

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Looking forward, there will also need to be a support structure in place to help a next step – recovery, restart and resilience phase to this crisis. When businesses are allowed to open their doors they will need to start planning for a return to work phase, identifying what this means for them in terms of health and safety, working arrangements and rapidly increasing sales in order to continue to operate without fear of the consequences and further loss of profits.

Now more than ever it is important that we are hearing from businesses across the two counties in order to analyse your current and future challenges in order to feed to local and national government, so that the right decisions are made for businesses in the future.

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Please do get in touch with us and let us support your business needs during these unprecedented and most uncertain times.

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.

This edition of Business Direction will focus on ‘Managing Business Through Uncertain Times’ and will include stories from businesses across the region of how they are managing and adapting to the environment. The edition will also look at a number of other topics including skills and the future workforce, we are delighted to welcome DRPG, EBC and NMiTE to discuss these matters in further detail.

Best wishes, Sharon Sharons@hwchamber.co.uk

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Our Patrons are:

May/June 2020

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBERNEWS

EASTER BUNNY’S EARLY VISIT TO WORCESTER FOODBANK The plans were all set for the annual Chamber Easter Egg Hunt, a tradition taken very seriously amongst all chocolate lovers at the Chamber. That was until the offices were forced to close across the UK. This left a rather sweet dilemma of what to do with all of the chocolate eggs purchased for the tradition.

CHAMBERS MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE SHORTLISTED FOR AWARD The Chamber were recently recognised in the top 20 of best not for profit organisations to work for in 2020 along with being awarded with the Best Improver award.

employees and the wider community on several levels to remove the stigma of mental health and create an environment where conversations surrounding mental health are normalised.

At the awards, the chamber were also shortlisted for another special award to add to a successful evening, the Innovation in Engagement Practice award.

This award recognises a single initiative which is an innovative and creative approach to attempting to engage employees. Its aim is to celebrate those really novel ideas that show that the organisation is really making that extra effort.

The Chamber currently has six Time to Change Champions, who are an employee-led group of individuals, engaging employees at all levels within the organisation through a variety of activities.

The Chamber's Time To Change programme was shortlisted from a vast amount of entries from companies across the UK, the programme engaged

To find out more information on the Time to Change initiative please visit here.

Although this award wasn’t added to the collection on the night, it speaks to the success of the Time to Change initiative and the impact that it is currently having on staff.

The Chamber decided that the best thing would be to give to those in need at such a hard time at present.

With businesses closing their doors, some forced to permanently close, this has seen a rise in demand for families utilising the vital services that the local foodbank supplies. With a massive increase in demand and increased pressure on foodbanks, the Chamber decided it would donate the chocolate not being used to the Worcester Foodbank.

A small gesture in the grand scheme however the foodbanks are relying, now more than ever, on donations by businesses or individuals to continue the amazing service. We would love for businesses or individuals to consider the foodbank services in your area when out shopping or if like us you have any spare items of food to donate to your local foodbank.

For further details please visit the Worcester Foodbank website. www.worcester.foodbank.org.uk

KEEPING MOVING AT HOME As a way of maintaining our team’s mental health and wellbeing during isolation, Chamber Membership Executive, Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer Ollie has been running a ‘12@12’ exercise programme – 12 minutes of exercise at 12.00pm each day.

Broadcasted live to The Chamber Facebook page, staff and others had the opportunity to join in, get moving and break up the day.

We are all now spending a lot more time at home, which is why staying active is

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more important than ever for both the physical benefits and also the mental benefits that staying active brings.

May/June 2020

BUSINESSNEWS

DO YOUR BIT TO SAVE WATER Neoperl UK, based in Malvern, manufactures around 90% of the worlds supply of flow regulators, clever precision-made devices that play an enormous part in reducing the amount of water we use in the home.

As the name suggests, flow regulators ensure that a constant water flow rate is maintained through an appliance, regardless of water pressure fluctuations.

They are used across the world in taps, showers, water heaters, boilers and many other applications and come in thousands of sizes. They are a small hidden component that reduces water consumption and as the world embraces

the importance of saving this precious resource, understanding that these devices can be retrofitted to showers and taps in the home could make a significant contribution and save you money on energy bills too, as the less water you heat the less money you spend. www.neoperl.net/en/start.html

WHY YOU SHOULD BUILD SUSTAINABILITY INTO YOUR BUSINESS MODEL Covid-19 has caught most of the world off guard, not just businesses. But when the dust settles, many affected businesses will need to rebuild with greater resilience in their operating models. This will be an ideal time to review processes and identify adverse social and environmental impacts.

Where necessary, sustainable business practices can then be incorporated into the core of longer-term strategy.

Sustainability is rapidly becoming an essential component of progressive companies leadership thinking – and their customers and stakeholders engagement criteria. But to see sustainability as a green PR exercise or a lever for marketing is to miss the point. Matt Thomas of Ecolibria, explained: "True sustainability is about minimising business risk, embracing innovation and forward-thinking, and

creating a sense of real purpose for a business."

WEIGHING SPECIALISTS ARE HERE TO HELP Weigh Sol Ltd is following the very latest guidance of the UK Government, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Public Health England (PHE) on the current pandemic situation - and in particular the announcement about the increased level of restrictions on our personal movements.

Firstly, they want to re-assure all of their many customers, partners and suppliers, that they very much remain "open for business" during these challenging and unprecedented times, they will do their absolute utmost to respond as promptly and appropriately as possible and remain diligent and continue to monitor the situation very carefully, strictly adhering to the recommendations of the FCO, PHE and WHO. This applies especially to companies in the critical healthcare and food product manufacturing sectors here in the UK that may currently have increased 'process weighing' needs, involving either the supply of new equipment or the repair, servicing, and calibration of existing equipment. www.weighsol.com

Whilst this will undoubtedly strengthen relations with clients and stakeholders, it will also save unnecessary costs, increase profits, and build real robustness for sustainable future after growth.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS METATEC MAKING MANAGING GDPR SIMPLE When GDPR arrived in 2018 it was a blessing for personal privacy and was a great deterrent with large fines for businesses harvesting, abusing and being careless with personal data. While it was good for individuals, the burden placed on business was high. Challenges such as clearly understanding personal data, implementing protection principles such as data minimisation and storage limitation or demonstrating you’re being lawful, fair and transparent. Individuals have rights over their data such as the right to restrict processing or access their data within a strict timeframe.

Erudite provides a facility to manage the many day to day aspects of complying with the GDPR. Erudite provides a facility to log and manage the data subject requests and will keep you on track by sending reminders, so you don’t miss the deadline. You can store and manage your Business Risks, log Data Breaches and most importantly, document the data and information you hold.

As a Technology and Software

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Please do get in touch by contacting sales@metatec.uk.com if this sounds of interest as Metatec are currently offering a free trial.

businesses of all sizes. The solution called

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

BISHOP FLEMING ON BUSINESSES SOURCING FUNDING DURING PANDEMIC The government has announced a range of support packages to support businesses through the Coronavirus pandemic including the Coronavirus Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).

The £4.8 million nursing and health lab facilities have been officially opened at the University of Wolverhampton’s Walsall Campus.

Whilst CBILS is a crucial source of funding, businesses will still need to prepare a considered funding application.

Having an up to date business plan, management accounts and cash flow forecasts available will all be helpful to securing appropriate funding for your business during the pandemic.

Bishop Fleming has a team of specialists ready to advise clients through Coronavirus. As a partner of Capitalise, they have access to 100+ lenders to provide businesses with the opportunity to secure the right kind of funding.

For further information please do get in touch with Phil Redgate, Corporate Finance Manager by emailing PRedgate@bishopfleming.co.uk or calling 01905 7321220. www.bishopfleming.co.uk

EMPLOYEE WELLBEING MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER In times where staff will be working remotely, many businesses are worried about their wellbeing and employees feeling isolated at home.

The team at ISO Quality Services have ensured that their employees wellbeing is at the top of their agenda during this period. They have been considering how they can protect their team mentally through a period where many staff will be working alone.

Jennifer Semini, Managing Director, said: “We’re a family business with strong people-oriented values. Our employees are our biggest asset and we want to ensure we continue to support them now, more than ever.”

INSIDE THE UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON’S BRAND NEW £4.8M NURSING AND HEALTH LAB

The state-of-the-art facilities include innovative teaching rooms to provide for students learning experiences that will help them to develop a wide range of practice skills. This will help students to become highly skilled and will also cater for an increase in students on courses such as Nursing, Midwifery, Physiotherapy and Paramedic Science.

In order to support students to learn skills in caring for patients, clients and families in every possible setting, the skills labs and simulation facilities include several mock hospital ward rooms, mock bedsit and terraced house.

The facilities enable students to practice skills in a safe environment with a fully enabled Panopto facility - which allows sessions to be filmed and played back. This can give a patient’s eye-view and enables students to review their own progress. www.wlv.ac.uk

They have ensured regular video calls with their staff and encouraged routine where possible. The business also offers flexible working hours for their staff to juggle family life. www.isoqsltd.com

WILL TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION ACCELERATE AS A CONSEQUENCE OF COVID-19?

We are already witnessing an increase in the use of technology and a decline in the use of physical cash payments over the past few weeks – it could have a lasting impact on the adoption and the use of current contactless and blockchain-enabled payment technologies.

Cash payments - We use contactless payment technologies more so now than ever before. Contactless and blockchain-enabled payment technologies will help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and also get money desperately needed to our loved ones more quickly and more cheaply.

The impact of the virus has rapidly caused retail businesses to refuse physical cash and

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has seen measures introduced to accept only contactless payments and provide a takeaway only model across the counter.

Businesses who were charging a contactless fee, have postponed the chargeable fee for the foreseeable future. Finally, the contactless payment limit has also been raised from £30 to £45 to ease difficulties.

Implementation of contactless and blockchain-enabled technology - Our most vulnerable are now having to embrace online shopping and home delivery during self-isolation. The inability or, in some instances, unwillingness to use online payment technologies may well change as a consequence.

We are likely to see continued use and implementation of contactless and blockchain-enabled technology and a further step away from physical cash payments. www.hcrlaw.com

May/June 2020

CHAMBERNEWS

Your local, award winning legal experts

HOW COMMUNITIES CAN COME TOGETHER AFTER CORONAVIRUS The current coronavirus pandemic is a worrying time for everyone. However, when we are through this crisis and out the other side, we can hold on to the positives and continue working together to support and enrich our communities.

A modern and popular way to do that is through Community Interest Companies (CICs), which are a special type of limited company established to benefit a community. Those communities can be everyone, people in a particular area or, for example, people with a common disadvantage.

Jenny Smith

CIC’s are social enterprises with their own recognised “brand”, which can attract funding from a wide range of sources. For example, Power to Change was established by the National Lottery Community Fund in 2015, with £150 million to invest in community businesses in England. Since then it has channelled more than 20% of its grant funding into CICs.

the CIC, which is important for those who make it their full-time occupation.

CICs’ assets are subject to an “asset lock” which ensures that they are used to fulfil the CIC’s purposes. This can be important in attracting investors, donors and volunteers and for those CICs which will hold property, such as community halls or shops.

These ranged from the Elite Gym Academy CIC in Antrim in Northern Ireland to the Suicide Awareness Prevention UK CIC in Blackburn, and from the Wild Spirited Kids CIC in Nottingham to the Community Immigration Checking Service CIC in Sheffield.

As CICs are limited companies the CIC’s Directors are not usually exposed to personal liability. Those who establish CICs can both retain control over the CIC and get paid fairly for their work as directors of

New registrations in the Midlands included Successful Ageing CIC in Sutton Coldfield, Redditch Fire Dodgeball Club CIC, More Than Football in Birmingham and Every Gifted Teen CIC in Redditch.

But just how popular have CICs become?

We only have to look at how many CICs were formed in the last month to see that they are a booming part of our communities: in February 2020 alone, more than 550 CICs were registered across the UK, covering a huge variety of projects.

Even just this sample of CICs shows the positive ways they can help communities – from sport to mental health, and from children to older generations.

If you’ve got an idea to help your community, small or large scale, forming a CIC could enable you to turn this idea into a reality.

An important thing to consider is that CICs can be established by individuals, for profit companies and by charities. Here at Thursfields Solicitors, we can help you decide the best legal structure to usewhether that is a CIC, a charity or one of the other less well-known options.

• Jenny Smith is head of the Charities and Communities department at Thursfields Solicitors. You can contact Jenny on 01905 677052 or by emailing JSmith@thursfields.co.uk.

Tel: 0345 20 73 72 8 | info@thursfields.co.uk | www.thursfields.co.uk S O L I H U L L | B I R M I N G H A M | WO RC E S T ER | K I D D ER M I N S T ER | H A L E S OW EN | S ED G L E Y Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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DOES YOUR TEAM HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY TO WORK EFFECTIVELY FROM HOME? with cloud-based business tools and software, such as those related to project For a lot of organisations the management and communication.

COVID-19 outbreak may be the Information Management software enables first time that they have really users to easily edit and share documents had to test whether they have the with other team members and customers capacity for their teams to work from any location. from home and many are finding their technology is not as resilient MICROSOFT TEAMS: Microsoft Teams is the perfect tool for as they had expected.

Below are a number of solutions that should be considered vital to include within a successful remote working strategy.

home workers that enables them to simply communicate, collaborate and share with other members of their teams wherever they are located. Features include Chat, File Sharing, Team Conversations and Team meetings via both audio and video. Microsoft Teams integrates with Office 365 and is also included within the free license, it also combines with familiar apps like Word, Outlook and Excel.

CLOUD:

UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS:

This can be as simple as not having enough laptops or mobile devices available and having to rely on unsecure home devices, to not having the right sort of communication and collaboration tools.

Cloud computing increases security and gives users access to a remote virtual work environment so they can access all the same systems, applications and data that they could when they are in the office.

Cloud benefits include; Less money spent on equipment or infrastructure needs Easily add or remove services as needed Simple and secure access to data, from any location

BUSINESS TOOLS: Once you're up and running on the cloud, you can further improve collaboration

Unified Communication brings together your email, text and voice seamlessly with live voice, audio, video conferencing, and web collaboration, in one easy to use interface.

A simple app on your mobile device instantly becomes a full-value extension of your phone system, meaning remote workers can be reached under one single phone number. When using the app to make outgoing calls, your office number is displayed so callers are unaware where the call is being made from.

VIDEO CONFERENCING: Phone conferencing solutions are old news.

Today, when it comes to having meetings with remote employees and customers, you need video. Since these employees often cannot attend in-person meetings, video-conferencing has become one of the most helpful technologies for both in-house and remote employees.

DOCUMENTS AND PRINTING: In some industries where physical documents are required having access to cloud-ready mobile printers that allow users to download, share, print, scan, distribute and even translate documents on the go from anywhere, via laptop, tablet or smart phone is essential.

SECURITY: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) provides an extra layer of security to ensure that those trying to gain access to an online account are who they say they are. With 2FA, a user will enter their username and a password, and instead of immediately gaining access, they will be required to provide another piece of information.

EBC Group have created bespoke solutions for our clients that enable their teams to work effectively and at maximum productivity. We have also been working closely with others since the outbreak of Coronavirus to create secure and efficient home work environments.

If you would like to find out more about the range of remote working solutions that EBC Group can assist you with message us or phone 0121 585 4400.

your workplace in the cloud private | managed | hybrid | recovery ebcCloud makes remote working simple. Our high performance, ultra-secure, cloud and disaster recovery platform provides unrivalled communications, connectivity and security.

T: 0121 585 4412 E: hello@ebcgroup.co.uk W: www.ebcgroup.co.uk/cloud

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May/June 2020

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March/April 2020

POLICYNEWS

ADAPTING BUSINESS THROUGH UNCERTAIN TIMES The early months of 2020 have been turbulent, to say the least.

January saw the UK finally exit the European Union and enter the transition period.

February saw Storm Dennis drive flooding through vast parts of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, bringing small businesses to their knees. March and April has been dominated by the escalation of the Coronavirus outbreak, with many businesses forced to close their doors, or relocate at home to adhere to government social distancing initiatives to halt the spread of the virus. As each challenge is overcome, another crisis has presented itself. The phrase out of the frying pan and into the fire will resonate for many at this unprecedented time.

In our Quarterly Economic Report for Quarter 4 2019, sponsored by Bishop Fleming, 82 businesses (13% of those that responded) cited Brexit as a concern for their business. In Quarter 1 2020 this had reduced to 31 businesses (5% of those that responded). By Quarter 2 it is unlikely that Brexit will bare any relevance to the immediate challenges businesses face. We face a new risk which bears no mind to political or economic parameters.

When the first UK Covid-19 cases were confirmed in January, the prospect of a nationwide lock down will for many, have seemed a distant and unlikely prospect.

Yet, at the time of writing, non-essential retail businesses, and premises where social gatherings take place, have been asked to close. Individuals have been asked to work from home where possible.

At the same time, government has released an unprecedented package of support for businesses struggling with a lack of sales and orders, which have adversely affected cash flow and have put employee jobs at risk. The level of government intervention is unparalleled in peace time history. Although it is worth outlining, that whilst the business support packages are significant, they were in every sense necessary. Had government failed stepped in to support businesses at this critical time, far more businesses would have fallen victim to this severe economic shock.

The most significant threats to businesses will be in regard to cash flow and the retention of staff. Although this crisis is undoubtably a sharp shock to the local and national economy, it will be different in form and structure to the global financial crisis of 2009. Any phased exit from lockdown will be heavily influenced by the government's ability to scale up testing and introduce sophisticated contact tracing systems. As other counties across the world emerge from lockdown, a flicker of demand may begin to return.

As the government begins to consider it's exit strategy and the recover phase, the approach taken and policies implemented will shape the fate of businesses for years to come.

It is important however, not to forget the immense resilience the business community has shown during the past few weeks. Some businesses have adapted their products and services to meet changing demand, including helping the government supply much needed ventilators. Others have gone into their local community and offered services to

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

those more adversely affected, boosting their company profile in the process. Many have taken the opportunity to utilise new technologies as their employees could no longer travel to the office.

In the same vein, this enforced period of home working will leave a legacy that advances progressive working practices, reduces direct travel costs and allows larger firms to reflect on their environmental impact. Businesses will no doubt experience issues, from managing the mental health of staff when working from home, to maintaining client relationships without the ability to do ‘face-to-face’ meetings. Innovative and technologically facilitated solutions will have a key part to place in managing the impact of the Coronavirus.

Regardless of the size or sector of your business, the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is here to support you through the current uncertainty. Get in touch to find out how to navigate government support and to utilise the support we have available by contacting policy@hwchamber.co.uk.

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FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY

DRONE TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOP HAILED A SUCCESS BY LOCAL BUSINESSES A workshop that explored how drone technology has the potential to transform modern farming has been deemed a great success by Worcestershire businesses.

The two-day event, attended by leading commercial drone operators, was the second in a programme of free specialist business support initiatives being offered at Pershore College. Delivered by the GrowAgri Worcestershire project, the aim is to encourage county-based enterprises to diversify into new agri-tech markets.

Scout. Skippy identifies locations where plant health may be deficient in nutrients and also aids weed recognition.

"The application of fertilisers or pesticides to these specific problem areas may therefore lower costs and improve efficiency. This data-driven approach represents the future of farming in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly manner, although pesticide application using drones is currently restrained by regulations. In time these will be relaxed and the area will offer new employment opportunities.”

The masterclass, which was delivered

by Northumberland agricultural drone experts Drone AG, gave participants an introduction to drones in agriculture, drone safety & law, current regulations, software for mapping, and processing.

Jack Wrangham, founder of Drone AG said: "The GrowAgri project presents many opportunities for business growth in the agricultural sector, and that includes opportunities for drone businesses, whose value in farming is quickly becoming apparent. We look forward to continuing working with the project and the drone operators we met in the near future."

Dr Anjana Patel, agri-tech research assistant at Pershore College said: “Drone AG is at the forefront of precision agriculture with its innovative app, Skippy

The GrowAgri project is seeking to engage with any Worcestershire-based engineers, food technologists, agronomists, systems analysts or other businesses that develop

technologies that could be transferable across different industrial sectors.

For more information: E: growagri@wcg.ac.uk T Project Manager Mark Harwood-Browne on 0300 135 7179 W: wcg.ac.uk/growagri

ENSURING WILLS ARE WATER TIGHT A long-standing interest in the law and the knowledge that people don’t always get the Will they need led a former Technical Officer with Trading Standards to set up White Horse Wills in Hereford.

Adrian Jones, who gained his law degree in 2012 after studying part time alongside his full-time job, said: “I have always been interested in private client law and I was aware of people who had been the subject of scams, given cheap Wills that weren’t fit for purpose.

“I knew I could help counteract that and so set up White Horse Wills.”

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in Professional Legal Practice from Birmingham’s University of Law. Although Covid has forced something of a pause in proceeding, Adrian’s usual modus operandi embraces direct meetings with clients - wherever they happen to live. He is happy to travel.

“I prefer to work with them face-to-face,” he said. “Clients like it, and I also have to ensure they have capacity and that I am talking to the correct person.

“You can’t be sure of that over the telephone.”

Basic Wills, Will Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Living Wills, known today as ‘advanced decision’ are all within his remit.

The business was officially launched in January this year, following experienceenhancing employment with two different law firms as a private client paralegal, working specifically on Wills.

He stores the documentation with the National Will Archive for maximum safety and security. Clients receive a reference number which, come the time, executors can use to access the documents.

In between, he also went back to college to get his postgraduate Diploma

A member of the Society of Will Writers, the largest independent self-regulatory

body for Will Writers in the UK, Adrian is fully registered and insured.

His new website can be found at whitehorsewills.com.

May/June 2020

T2M RESOURCING – YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER FOR PROFESSIONAL RECRUITMENT T2M Resourcing was established in 2014 with a passion to provide great recruitment services to its clients and candidates in a professional, ethical and agile manner.

Based in Worcester our clients range from ‘owner managed’ entities to major ‘Plc’ companies. Our specialists recruit across many functions and sectors including: Manufacturing & Engineering Finance and Accountancy Human Resources

We have a great team of highly experienced consultants with over 60 years of combined expertise of recruiting with UK and International clients.

Information Technology

The foundations of T2M Resourcing are based on personal service, integrity and trust. This approach ensures long lasting and collaborative partnerships with our clients. From ‘Trainee 2 Management’ level we partner with clients to attract, recruit and retain the best talent available to help companies grow. We strive to ensure that we provide great opportunities for candidates to advance their careers with organisations that can provide the right environment for everyone to succeed.

Transport & Hospitality

Procurement & Supply Chain Health, Safety & Quality

business and professional style that didn’t involve any pushy selling sets T2M as the benchmark that all other recruitment businesses should aspire to. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend T2M Resourcing” – Tim G, Director of a rapidly growing company based in Gloucestershire.

Steve Randall, Managing Director, would be delighted to learn about your business and staff resourcing requirements and can be contacted on 07412 786686 or email him at Steve@T2Mresourcing.com www.T2Mresourcing.com

‘Outsourcing’ ‘Not for Profit’ Professional Services We aim to be the trusted recruitment partner to our clients and this is reflected in what they say about their experience of working with us: “T2M’s partnering approach, attention to a deep understanding of our team and

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

CRM OUTSIDE THE VACUUM CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT (CRM) SYSTEMS ARE SUPPOSED TO HELP BUSINESSES MANAGE THE WHOLE OF THE CUSTOMER JOURNEY. SO WHY DO SO MANY STOP AFTER THE INITIAL SALE IS SIGNED OFF? CRM solutions have become a byword for SALES management tools…and they are so much more than that. Or at least they should be.

Your customers’ experience with your business is defined by every single one of their contact points with your team. Those contact points may be your website, a marketing email they receive, speaking to you at an expo, calling to ask a question about a project you are collaborating on, dealing with your accounts team, and so on.

If the people working at all of the stages of this journey aren’t all on the same page, that experience will be disjointed.

I’ll illustrate this with an example customer journey…one with a “joined up” CRM solution and one that just focuses on sales.

SALES ONLY CRM A new prospect lands on your website and fills in a contact form. Your sales team sees this new lead in your CRM system and gives them a call.

They exchange emails, phone calls, maybe the odd meeting. All of this dialogue is held against a central opportunity record, along with the details of the deal as it evolves.

Any time your customer calls, no matter who picks it up, your team can answer the question. All with the information related to the ongoing negotiations is held in a central, easy to access location.

Quotes are sent out and the sale is signed off. Your customer receives their product or services. And now their record on your CRM solution goes…well, a bit quiet.

When your accounts team see the invoice come through on their side, that’s all they know. Any information relating to who the best person is to call about payment is on the CRM…not in the accounts system.

If your customer has a question about the implementation of your services or maybe the product has a small fault, they call another team that may be hearing about them for the first time. Those queries are all handled in other systems, with the details about the original negotiation silo’d away.

Details that may or may not have a bearing on their installation or support.

Suddenly your customer is having to explain who they are, what they purchased from you, and is probably starting to feel like they’re repeating themselves a lot. The journey they are on with your business

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is beginning to feel like a rail journey disrupted with unexpected transfers, breakdowns, and sometimes just sitting on the track between stops waiting for who knows what!

END TO END SOLUTION The same journey with a CRM solution that covers your whole business will start the same. Your prospect lands into your CRM system and is taken care of all the way through to closed won.

Then the accounts team picks up the invoice. Instead of calling the main switchboard and hoping for the best, your team can easily see exactly the right person to contact regarding payment. Because the sales person has highlighted it in a central location.

And the great thing is that it cuts both ways, your sales team will easily be able to see when an invoice has been paid…without having to sign into another system.

Any questions your customer has for your implementation or support team can also be seen by the sales team. And those people handling the aftersales care can easily see the promises made during the initial sale, making sure that the customer receives exactly what they were promised.

Now your customer feels like they are being taken care of, that the company they’ve just given money to actually cares about them as a person. The journey they are on with you feels joined up…without unplanned layovers, delays, or random stopovers in fields.

THE KEY IS IN THE NAME I guess what I’m saying is that the future of the CRM industry, as far as I see it, is giving businesses the tools they need to actually support the whole of the customer journey.

Not just helping them win the sale.

Limiting CRM to just the sales cycle is a mistake and integrations with other services will only get you so far. Your customers don’t stop their relationship with your business after they sign on the dotted line. That’s just the beginning of it.

The relationship—the thing you want to manage—goes on and on. Ideally, that relationship will last as long as you can keep providing them with the goods and services they need. So why on earth would the system you are using to manage it stop when things are just getting exciting.

My opinion: CRM systems that don't embrace the whole customer journey and don't allow for joining of the dots are not going to survive in the future.

To talk to a member of the OpenCRM team about your CRM software can benefit your business, call 01748 473000 or visit us at www.opencrm.co.uk.

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

May/June 2020

A COMMON GOAL IS THE CEMENT THAT HOLDS A TEAM TOGETHER Building and developing a strong, finely-tuned workforce is no mean feat, as Elizabeth Gait will testify.

In the years since the launch of leadership and team development consultancy EG People Development, she has crisscrossed the country, from Scotland to the Home Counties, helping companies do just that.

But when she takes that first call from a potential new client, the gist of it is often that while they know something needs to be done, they don’t know what.

“The first step is diagnosis,” she said, “identifying what that need is and then shaping a solution.

“We could be looking at anything from the underperformance of a team in general to the improvement needed in management skills.”

Elizabeth’s responses are as individual as the needs brought to her door. While there are common threads, every company and every team is different, she said. “All of my courses are bespoke, designed to meet the specific remit of the client.”

The starting point often lies within the business leader him or herself.

Self-awareness and an understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses is a must before they can hope to manage others effectively.

Motivation and the direction of travel are also prerequisites for a successful enterprise, but they too can wither due to lack of attention.

“Both individuals and organisations need to be clear about their ‘why’ and their purpose for being,” she said. “Without this, an organisation will be without direction and individuals will not be able to connect with a reason why they are there.

“The research and work behind this comes from Simon Sinek and if you ‘Start with Why’, this enables you to build your workplace, recruit people who share that purpose and grow people to achieve that common goal.”

fellow local business people get the best out of themselves and their teams. www.egpeopledevelopment.co.uk Mobile: 07876 563787

Calling Worcestershire home, as she does, and having once worked for Worcestershire County Council, Elizabeth is passionate about putting something back into her own community, by helping

CORONAVIRUS: COUNTERING FRAUD IN A GLOBAL PANDEMIC Fraud attacks have surged over recent weeks, with criminals looking to exploit human vulnerability and fear amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

significant financial threat in an uncertain economic climate. It is clear we can expect to see these types of attacks increase over the coming weeks and we all need to take extra vigilance.”

At a time of uncertainty, it is essential for counter fraud sectors to join forces and help encourage fraud awareness throughout businesses and the general public.

According to reports received by Action Fraud, losses among those targeted by fraud scams currently total £1.6 million, with as many as 50 scams being reported daily.

In a rare public announcement, intelligence agency GCHQ have also warned the public about Coronavirus-themed phishing emails.

Globally, trusted organisations including the World Health Organisation and NHS England have been impersonated by malicious actors.

Lord Toby Harris, chairman of National Trading Standards (NTS), said: "I urge everyone to be on their guard for possible COVID-19 scams and to look out for vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours who may become a target for fraudsters.”

The latest fraud scams include, HMRC tax rebates, donation requests to help support the NHS, Government texts notifying people

“Effective investigation is key for counter fraud sectors to protect the public and businesses from those using the global emergency as an exploitative opportunity.

As an organisation dedicated to raising standards in counter fraud investigation, we aim to play our part through the continued delivery of industry developed training programmes.” they have been fined for leaving their homes more than once during lockdown and Coronavirus awareness messages targeting healthcare professionals.

The UK's National Fraud Intelligence Bureau also reported that the British public have been defrauded out of more than £800,000 by online criminals offering fake offers on surgical face masks.

An undisclosed number of the fraud reports have been passed onto police forces.

A spokesperson at Intelligencia Training said: “The surge in fraud presents a

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Intelligencia Training began delivering the new Counter Fraud Investigator Apprenticeship Standard earlier this year, adding to its to its portfolio of intelligence and risk apprenticeships.

Helping to ensure parity across counter fraud sectors, Cabinet Office, HMRC, NHS Counter Fraud Authority and several local authorities are among the industry expert employers who developed the innovative programme.

Contact info@intelligenciatraining.com / 01925 876051 for further information.

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BUSINESSNEWS

MFG SOLICITOR’S ADVICE ON RETAINING SKILLED WORKERS As employers struggle to retain skilled workers, it is no secret the days of people loyally working for one company for their entire career are long gone.

There are many reasons for this trend, such as low pay and poor morale, but a good starting point to mitigate these issues is to ensure the right people who share the company's vision, values and objectives are recruited.

It is equally important to look after your current workforce, especially ambitious workers. Communication and feedback along with training and development programmes are vital in keeping those staff content.

Business leaders are also becoming aware that workers are increasingly favouring business perks such as flexible working, healthcare and more. These are small but vital incentives which could help retain a skilled workforce in the long term.

For further information please contact Chris Amys at mfg Solicitors.

Ducan Sutcliffe, Director of Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers

chris.amys@mfgsolicitors.com www.mfgsolicitors.com

NEW SELF-STORAGE BUSINESS IN VALE PARK EXPANDS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE Squab Storage opened their purpose-built Evesham facility in April of 2019 and has already expanded ahead of schedule. The development, which was completed in mid-March, has doubled the capacity of storage rooms at Asparagus Way. Speaking of the success in Evesham, Alex Henney, Director of Squab Storage said: “Since opening our doors to customers in April, it has been fantastic to see the growth in our storage community here in Vale Park. It is testament to the health of the economy here in Evesham.

that they have added a further 150 storage rooms to help support demand.”

Squab not only hosts self-storage facilities at their site in Evesham, but also a full range of business & storage services. A business centre which boasts a conference room, hot desks, and meeting rooms are available to customers. www.squab.co.uk

Rural broadband specialist Airband are working to minimise disruption to their customers. They are prioritising critical connection issues at this time in order to keep households online during increased internet traffic.

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Duncan Sutcliffe, Director of Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers, advises: “Things might be moving rapidly but a little bit of preparation and planning can make a big difference to your resilience. A key step business should take is to put together a business continuity plan.”

Identifying business critical functions, which roles are business critical and where are staff located.

BROADBAND PROVIDER AIRBAND HELPING COMMUNITIES STAY ONLINE

“All our customers in Kempley have been upgraded to 40Mbps unlimited packages free of charge for three months, in response to the coronavirus crisis” explained Philippa

With the continued spread of Coronavirus and associated government measures, many organisations are having to drastically review the way they do business.

Duncan suggests using the following as a starter:

“The adoption of self-storage by businesses as a viable alternative to owning or leasing their facilities, has meant

They have also recently helped the small village of Kempley in Gloucestershire, by providing unlimited broadband plans to the homes of residents, which is a pilot move for possible similar upgrades to several of its smaller wireless networks that are not yet on unlimited plans.

BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNING

Identify business critical processes by looking at what your processes are, what is the risk associated, the priority of these processes and finally the minimum number of staff needed to deliver the processes critical to the business.

Businesses should also consider the IT and communications equipment needed to allow their staff to operate, especially in the need of remote working.

local residents Martin Brocklehurst and Jon Osborne are benefitting from fast and unlimited broadband

Blackburn, Airband’s Special Projects Manager.

Airband’s superfast wireless network in Kempley has meant that residents are able to access unlimited broadband at a time when it is needed the most.

Finally, businesses should be checking that the records they hold for their employees, suppliers or customers are up to date, so in the situation they need to contact key business stakeholders the information is correct and up to date. www.sutcliffeinsurance.co.uk

www.airband.co.uk.

May/June 2020

BUSINESS NEWS

A GUIDE TO REMOTE LEADERSHIP DURING THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK In recent weeks, many people will have begun working from home for the very first time due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In this time of change and uncertainty, good leadership has never been more important.

For leaders used to a vibrant, buzzing office atmosphere, many are finding out that the sudden requirement to direct, inspire and reassure a remote team is not easily done, even more so when anxieties in that team surrounding the Coronavirus outbreak and future job security is thrown into the mix.

communication. Communication is a fundamental part of any business and without it, organisations quickly develop disengaged employees, reduced collaboration, task misunderstanding, unclear goals and much more.

A low-level of communication can also have a significant impact on employee wellbeing and mental health.

General conversation is an overlooked part of morale in workplace, but in unprecedented isolation, ensuring good communication may well be at the core of team wellbeing and engagement.

NO 2 - BE TRANSPARENT

Everyone seems to be on hand with reams of (mostly contradictory!) pieces of advice, so in an effort to help these leaders manage their newfound remote teams, we spoke to MaST, leadership development experts, who shared 4 of their crucial tips for effective remote leadership.

A sense of trust is central to high functioning teams but is undermined by fear and a sense of threat. The economic uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus outbreak can be fearful for us all, so being as transparent as possible about how the situation is being managed by the business is essential. Regular updates and discussions about concerns and what is being done to keep jobs secure can help to put employee minds at ease and optimise performance.

NO 1 - COMMUNICATE REGULARLY

NO 3 - COUNTER FEAR OF CHANGE

The top complaint from remote workers is most commonly a lack of effective

change. When looking at neuroscience, change activates a threat circuitry and can quickly expose worries of failure, rejection and criticism in employees.

Helping employees to recognise these emotions and promoting the many benefits of remote working can help to counter fear. Collaborative working can significantly counter negative thinking and increase a feeling of value in the individual’s place in the team.

NO 4 - REMEMBER, ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL There is likely to be a significant work-life conflict amongst employees, which will have a direct impact on time management and productivity.

Understanding how best to deploy the individual resources in your team will mean you develop a smooth running, truly collaborative way of working and you’ll find yourself managing a highly effective team.

For further information on remote leadership and MaST’s remote learning programmes, contact peoplesolutions@ mast.co.uk / +44 (0)1628 784062.

It isn’t change itself that is feared, rather the threat to the individual from that

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

UNLOCKING THE POWER OF EXPERT ANALYSIS Malvern Panalytical and Concept Life Sciences have launched a new partnership that combines advanced instrumentation with expert analytical services for discovery and development.

This collaboration delivers the unique ability to develop and deploy accredited physicochemical analysis techniques and methods within the pharmaceutical and food industries.

have worked together in the past as two Spectris operating companies, and this closer relationship opens new opportunities which will add even greater value to our customers’ processes.” www.malvernpanalytical.com/en

The initial focus of the partnership is the provision of targeted analytics support to industries operating in regulated sectors worldwide, such as pharmaceuticals, where collaborative working is increasingly critical to business success.

Helen Davenport, Gowling WLG Partner

MANAGING AN ORGANISATIONS CYBER SECURITY DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES

Steven Horder, VP Business Sectors, Malvern Panalytical, said: “Malvern Panalytical and Concept Life Sciences are experts in understanding the needs of customers and in deploying appropriate analytical solutions. We

GJS DILLON HELPS TWO CLIENTS FIND NEW PREMISES IN BROMSGROVE An LED lighting manufacturer and a national government organisation have moved into new premises in Bromsgrove thanks to Worcestershire commercial property consultancy and chartered surveyors GJS Dillon.

Acting on behalf of a private pension fund, Charlotte Green, GJS Dillon’s Commercial Negotiator for North Worcestershire, let units 3 & 4 Saxon Business Park, Bromsgrove to the two new tenants.

Saxon Business Park is one of Bromsgrove’s prime out-of-town business parks and is approximately 3 miles to the south of Bromsgrove town centre, 6 miles from Junction 5 of the M5 motorway and 4 miles from Junction 1 of the M42.

Charlotte Green, GJS Dillon’s Commercial Negotiator for North Worcestershire said: “Bromsgrove remains the most in demand location in the county for SME businesses and as these deals demonstrate, commercial accommodation in the town, and

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throughout Worcestershire, is highly sought after.”

In these strange and uncertain times, a significant number of employees will be working from home for the foreseeable future. For many that will be a new experience and for others, at least, a significant change in working pattern.

For many employees, and employers, the right infrastructure and measures might not be in place.

Cyber and hacking criminals are already taking advantage of this. Gowling WLG has advised that organisations and their employees, as well as individuals, all need to be extra vigilant and exercise caution. Some of the key things to think about include the threat of cyber-attacks and phishing emails, increased risk of the loss of devices or information and protecting personal data.

Helen Davenport, Gowling WLG Partner, said: “Organisations have to remain vigilant and make sure employees do not let their guard down because they may be working remotely. To help mitigate against the risks, organisations should also review their cyber security procedures and consider if additional measures should be introduced.”

“As we highlighted in our recently published Worcestershire Commercial Property Market Report for 2020, there is still a severe stock shortage in Bromsgrove which is putting pressure on supply and values.”

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has also urged businesses and the public to consult its online guidance which includes how to spot and deal with suspicious emails as well as mitigate and defend against malware and ransomware.

www.gjsdillon.co.uk

www.gowlingwlg.com

May/June 2020

CHAMBERTRAINING

ONLINE INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND BUSINESS TRAINING COURSES Whilst unable to deliver face to face training, the Chamber are in the process of launching their online training covering topics to support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The below courses are all delivered online via video conferencing platforms with our experienced trainers. Many of the courses will cover similar content to our public

MAY COURSE DATES

Incoterms 2020 Tuesday 12 May - 10.30am – 12.30pm £75+VAT Members & Non-members

Getting Your Business Online Tuesday 12 May - 10.00am – 12.00pm FREE for Members £70+VAT Non-members

training sessions, with a few adaptations to ensure the course content continues to be relevant.

Each delegate will receive a course workbook and there will be interactive activities and the opportunity to ask questions throughout.

Google Analytics & Digital Reporting – Part 2 – Understanding the Core Reports Tuesday 26 May - 10.00am – 12.00pm £45+VAT Members £70+VAT Non-members

Google Ads – Part 2 – Creating Campaigns and Measuring Effectiveness Wednesday 17 June - 10.00am – 12.00pm £45+VAT Members £70+VAT Non-members

The Importance of Branding Wednesday 27 May - 10.00am – 12.00pm FREE for Members £70+VAT Non-members

Effective Use of Social Media – Part 1 – Facebook and Viral Marketing Wednesday 24 June - 10.00am – 12.00pm £45+VAT Members £70+VAT Non-members

JUNE COURSE DATES

Microsoft Excel Hints, Tips and Useful Features Wednesday 13 May - 10.00am – 12.00pm £45+VAT Members £70+VAT Non-members

Google Analytics & Digital Reporting – Part 3 – Using Additional Reports and Segmentation Tuesday 2 June - 10.00am – 12.00pm £45+VAT Members £70+VAT Non-members

Import Documentation Monday 18 May - 10.30am – 12.30pm £75+VAT Members & Non-members

IOSH Working Safely Wednesday 3 June - 9.30am – 4.30PM £95+VAT Members £105+VAT Non-members

Managing Change in the Workplace Tuesday 19 May - 9.30am – 12.30pm £75+VAT Members £95+VAT Non-members

Google Analytics & Digital Reporting – Part 4 – Digital Reporting & Google Search Console Tuesday 9 June - 10.00am – 12.00pm £45+VAT Members £70+VAT Non-members

Google Analytics & Digital Reporting – Part 1 – Set Up and Configuration Tuesday 19 May - 10.00am – 12.00pm £45+VAT Members £70+VAT Non-members

Google Ads – Part 1 – Research and Planning your Campaigns Monday 15 June - 10.00am – 12.00pm £45+VAT Members £70+VAT Non-members

Effective Use of Social Media – Part 2 – Facebook Advertising Wednesday 1 July - 10.00am – 12.00pm £45+VAT Members £70+VAT Non-members

Effective Use of Social Media – Part 3 – Twitter and LinkedIn Wednesday 8 July - 10.00am – 12.00pm £45+VAT Members £70+VAT Non-members

Whilst we are continuously expanding our online offering, please let us know if there are any training courses you would like the Chamber to deliver in the future. All up to date courses can be found on our website: www.hwchamber.co.uk/events-and-training-calendar.

We are looking forward to welcoming delegates back at the Chamber on training courses in the future.

For more information on any of our training courses, please see our website or email our training department on training@hwchamber.co.uk.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBERTRAINING

CHAMBER TRAINING TOP TIPS FOR HOME WORKING

Following guidance from the UK government and the recent outbreak of COVID-19, many businesses have found a lot of their employees are now working from home. Whilst some companies may be used to remote working for short periods of time, for many this is a new experience which can disrupt daily routines. The Chamber training team has put together some top tips for home working and how to ensure you’re getting the most out your day.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Ensure your IT equipment is working correctly, and you have all the tools you need to continue with your daily tasks. Working remotely will have many challenges especially around IT, you’ll need to adapt to a different way of working – particularly if you are working on the

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same projects as other team members simultaneously.

A helpful tip – Microsoft Word has a tracked changes feature, which allows users to work on a document that’s used by several individuals, allowing users to see any live amendments or comments made. Our IT trainer John Legge, explains this in more detail on his blog and covers this in greater detail in his Microsoft Word training courses delivered through the Chamber.

Chamber Patrons EBC Group have put together an article with several programmes that should be considered vital to include within a successful remote working strategy. Ensuring your business has the capacity for your teams to work from home is vital in this situation and using the correct technology you will see your home workings operating exactly as they would within the office.

Chamber Members, Formus Professional are offering free assistance to help businesses ensure their employees can work from home. Microsoft are donating enterprise-grade Office365 for businesses for 6 months and Formus Pro are not only

helping to deliver these licences, but are also here to assist businesses with the transition from on-premises solutions to the cloud, for free. This is on first come, first serve basis – get in touch for more information info@formuspro.com.

MANAGING THE TEAM Managers must ensure their team is still managed and workloads are kept on top of, some employees tasks may change due to the nature of the situation, therefore ensuring your team still has enough support is essential when home working.

As home working can make individuals feel isolated, employees need regular contact with their managers and wider team.

There are many ways to stay connected with your team: Microsoft Teams is a programme created by Microsoft which is free to install and is a platform that encourages workplace video calls and instant messaging along with the ability to share files.

Increase shared access to files, encouraging the team to update their

May/June 2020

CHAMBERTRAINING progress and share their work.

Check in daily using video calls and digital technology to continue holding team meetings.

Use technology that allows employees to continue working as normal, to replicate the office environment as much as possible.

Keeping your team motivated when remote working can be difficult, create team goals and break these down further into individual objectives to keep everyone on the same page and working towards the same goal.

To further your management skills, the Chamber run an Introduction to Management series, with courses focused on the Role of a Team Leader, Managing People and finally, Managing Performance of your team. Each of these courses provide different techniques to manage different and challenging situations as well as different roles within the team.

TIME MANAGEMENT Managing your time efficiently is a key element when working from home.

Working in a different environment will come with new distractions, therefore having a clear plan for each day will ensure you stay on top of your work and manage your time most effectively. Creating a structure for your working day will help keep you in routine.

Our personal development trainer, Jon Williams has put together an Effective Time Management training course full of useful tips and methods to ensure you make the most of your time. He has broken this down into four steps: knowing how you spend your time, having a goal, understanding your priorities and making the best use of your time.

Knowing how you spend your time – before you can manage your time, you need an understanding of how you spend it. Keeping a time log will show how you spend your time currently, often this will be in ways that you didn’t consciously realise. It will also show what is stealing your time most.

Having a goal – many people are most productive before a big deadline.

Create goals, targets or deadlines for tasks to ensure you have a clear measurable outcome and timeframe, to stay focused. Creating a list of the start of each day to work to will give some structure and an end goal.

Understanding your priorities – the skill of prioritising ensures important tasks are completed, even if less important tasks don’t. Jon Williams uses the House of Priorities to distinguish

between 4 priority levels; urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important and neither urgent nor important. Defining which of your tasks fall into each category will give you a clearer guidance on what needs to be completed as priority.

Making best use of your time – you must understand what you can realistically achieve with your time.

By making the best use of time you have available and leaving enough time for your priorities you will achieve your daily goals. Ensuring you do not over-commit to others will minimise stress.

These steps and other helpful models are covered in greater detail on our personal development training courses.

DIGITAL MARKETING The Chamber offers a PR and Marketing course series with a FREE Introduction to Digital Marketing & PR course available to members. This series looks at the different aspects of digital marketing and how to use a variety of platforms to build your business presence online. As the country is currently facing the effects from the outbreak of Coronavirus, many businesses are now operating strictly online.

Online marketing and promotion can continue throughout this period of uncertainty and gives businesses the opportunity to continue marketing their products and services. Our PR & Marketing trainer, Ben Feltwell has some tips to ensure you get the most out of social media and build your business brand online: Use LinkedIn to engage in discussions with other local businesses to raise your profile, share good news stories and share updates through your company page – encouraging staff to re-share this information.

Update your Google for Business profile and encourage clients to leave testimonials on your profile along with reviews of your services, this social media platform has the biggest impact on your SEO so it is important to maintain.

YouTube is the second biggest search engine in the world and feeds into Googles natural search results, which enhances SEO. Videos are an effective and affordable form of PR and are effective for customer engagement. As conversations/updates cannot currently be held in person, create a video that can be circulated as this still has a personal feel.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Our Effective Use of Social Media training course explores the above platforms and more in greater detail, with live examples, which feeds into our wider course series.

LOOKING AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH Whilst some may embrace the new remote working culture there will be many who may find it difficult to adapt. With feelings of isolation and loneliness as, for many, the routine of going to work and interacting with colleagues is essential to their overall wellbeing.

Employers should not forget that obligations to provide a healthy and safe workplace also apply to homeworkers.

Whilst ensuring the mental health and wellbeing of employees has increasingly become a priority for employers, it is particularly relevant in these times of uncertainty.

Mental Health First Aid England have put together the following hints and tips to help with home working: Aim to wake up around the same day every day to help stabilise your internal clock and keep some routine.

Get up and get ready as though you are going to the office – this will help you get into the mindset that you are at work.

Set up a dedicated workspace away from your sleeping area, this will enable you to switch off at the end of each day.

Get moving – take regular breaks throughout the day and ensure you have a defined lunch break and move away from your workspace.

Fore more information regarding employee wellbeing and further working from home tips, visit www.mhfaengland.org.

Whilst we are currently unable to deliver face to face training, we are in the process of putting some online training in place – please check our website for updates.

We are looking forward to welcoming delegates back at the Chamber on training courses taking place whenever that may be. For more information on how to get the most out of working from home, or on any of our training courses, please see our website or email our training department on training@hwchamber.co.uk.

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CHAMBEREVENTS

www.hwchamber.co.uk/events

ADAPTING DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES Guest speakers from events that could not take place give advice to businesses on how to adapt during this period of uncertainty.

HEREFORD HR FORUM in association with Hewett Recruitment Please contact Sally Morris on 01905 610410 or at sally.morris@mfgsolicitors.com if you require any advice on any of the employment and HR issues referred to above.

HR TOPIC: HOW TO MAINTAIN PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELLBEING DURING THIS CHALLENGING TIME. Sally Morris, Partner mfg Solicitors

LEGAL TOPIC: EMPLOYMENT LAW IMPLICATIONS ARISING FROM CORONAVIRUS

There are numerous of new employment law issues arising from COVID-19: Employees can self-certify for the first 7 days. If employees cannot obtain a Fit Note from their GP for longer absences, they can obtain an online Isolation Note if the absence is due to COVID-19.

SSP is payable from the first day of absence. For SMEs with less than 250 employees, SSP paid in connection with COVID-19 will be refunded for the first 2 weeks.

At times like this viewing the situation as an opportunity, rather than a problem is helpful to our wellbeing. So, here’s 3 tips from workplace health & wellbeing specialist, Liz Preece: Consider new possibilities arising from this situation, both personally and work related.

Learn something new: a short yoga routine or mindfulness practice for after the working day.

Discuss or write down 3 positives from each day before bedtime.

from The Networking Coach Alison Holmes Keep connected - network online.

Losing the ability to go out means you will need to be more visible than ever.

Networking is now taking place via Zoom where relationships can still be nurtured and grown.

Having a trusted networking community gives you the support and help you need right now.

My advice, book in all those 1-1 meetings you’ve been meaning to do.

Employees are allowed unpaid time off for dependants. Although it would cover childcare in the first instance, it does not extend to longer-term care.

Finally, Companies can place employees on “furlough leave”, essentially laying them off but paying them 80% of their salary, which HMRC will reimburse up to a cap of £2,500 per month.

TOP TIPS FOR ONLINE NETWORKING

Arrange them via Zoom and give free help where you can.

Remember, you are there to serve your clients – don’t disappear!

Liz Preece, Workplace Health & Wellbeing Specialist at The Healthy Worker

For any further tips please do contact Alison Holmes at alison@peritialtd.co.uk or call 07968 617488.

TYRO EVENTS – DIGITAL THEME TOPIC: MAINTAIN YOUR BRAND PRESENCE BY UTILISING ONLINE MECHANISMS AND YOUR CREATIVITY Whilst some businesses close for the foreseeable future, for other organisations it’s business as usual. But how ‘usual’ can business be in such uncertain times?

Thanks to the ever-growing advancements in technology, there are numerous ways in which businesses can continue to promote their brand to prospective customers. Georgia Williams, Account Manager at marketing agency Fresh Nous recommends utilising a variety of online

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mechanisms and tools in order to maintain your brand presence. These mechanisms include; joining an online seminar, creating a blog page, exploring the multitude of functions social media has to offer, website updates, joining a podcast or web forum.

Now is not the time to hit pause on your marketing activity, now is the time to get creative. You never know what innovative ideas you may stumble upon.

Georgia Williams, Account Manager, Fresh Nous

May/June 2020

CHAMBEREVENTS

NEW DATE FOR CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS The Chamber Business Awards 2020 has a new date. Thursday 3 September will be the new date to mark in your diary in an evening of celebration of business.

The entry deadline has also been extended, businesses have until Friday 19 June to submit their entries and with the new online entry system, it is easier than ever to submit your business’s entry to the 2020 Awards.

Thursday 25 June will be the date that the finalists are announced, those fortunate to be selected will be contacted for a telephone interview from Monday 13 July.

The Awards will be a great opportunity to celebrate the will and determination that businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire have shown over the last number of months, with many challenges forcing businesses to adapt and react.

The Awards are free to enter for Members and Non-members.

There are 15 different categories to enter including 2 brand new categories for this year including Commitment to the Community and Excellence in Sustainability:

image from the 2019 edition of the Chamber Business Awards

Excellence in Customer Service sponsored by Air Products

Small Business of the Year sponsored by Orchard Valley Foods

Excellence in Innovation sponsored by Malvern Hills Science Park

The Professional Services Award sponsored by Worcestershire County Council

Exporter of the Year sponsored by Malvern Panalytical Family Business of the Year sponsored by Harrison Clark Rickerbys Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace sponsored by Cargill Protein Europe High Growth Business of the Year sponsored by EBC Group Manufacturer of the Year sponsored by OGL Computer

Best use of Technology sponsored by TechTeam

Micro Business of the Year sponsored by Worcestershire Business Central

Employer of the Year sponsored by University of Worcester

Most Promising New Business sponsored by mfg Solicitors LLP

NEW – Commitment to the Community Award sponsored by Sanctuary Group NEW – Excellence in Sustainability sponsored by Business Energy Efficiency Programme All winners will be automatically entered into the Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Folk2Folk, this award crowns the winner of winners for 2020.

For any further information please contact the Events team on events@hwchamber.co.uk.

KEEPING CONNECTED In a time where face-to-face meetings and events are not an option, The Chamber has started its programme of a series of online events.

Using Web app Zoom provides an easy solution to online meetings and allows for video webinars, conference rooms, and cross-platform messaging and file sharing.

So far, there has been numerous online events held which featured guest speakers talking on a range of subjects including, Employment and HR with mfg Solicitors, ensuring your business has the right technology to work from home

with EBC Group, financial government measures to help businesses during COV-19 with Bishop Fleming and how to communicate effectively with employees and customers using virtual technology with DRPG. The feedback from Members who have used this service has been positive and are looking forward to future virtual events planned.

Please do keep up to date with www.hwchamber.co.uk for all the latest news on future events.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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TWOCOUNTIES

WORCESTERSHIRE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION LAUNCHES COVID-19 RESPONSE APPEAL The Worcestershire Community Foundation is launching the Covid-19 Response Appeal to help voluntary groups across the county deal with the unprecedented effects of the pandemic The appeal will prioritise groups supporting individuals who are most affected by the outbreak, particularly those facing issues brought about by isolation or loss of income.

Nick Wentworth-Stanley, Chair of the Worcestershire Community Foundation said: “The charity sector relies on donations to ensure they are helping those in need, and as a Community Foundation we want to ensure that local support continues throughout this period.”

WCF’s Appeal is being launched to coincide the National Emergencies Trust’s Coronavirus Appeal which is raising money at a national level.

The funds received from the National Emergencies Trust will be very welcome but will not be enough to meet the huge level of need across all areas of Worcestershire and therefore your support is very much valued. www.worcscf.org.uk

ONE WORCESTERSHIRE URGES BUSINESSES TO BACK HERE2HELP CAMPAIGN Even with all face-to-face interaction with members of the Worcestershire 1000 suspended until further notice. One Worcestershire was not letting this stop them from supporting the county.

Their aims to work together to support the county remain the same, and that’s why they’re asking you to back the #Here2Help campaign in Worcestershire.

The campaign also looks at the 5 steps to look after yourself and others.

One Worcestershire is one of many local businesses that are demonstrating their openness to help the community and willingness to help others in need.

For more information, visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help.

Launched by Worcestershire County Council, #HereToHelp aims to focus on togetherness and kindness in our communities as we tackle coronavirus.

One of the easiest ways to show that we’re all in this together is to add the #Here2Help logo to your social media profile.

COUNCILS PAY OUT OVER £110M IN GRANTS TO BUSINESSES A combined £110 million has been paid out to businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire including hairdressers, estate agents, restaurants, mechanics, printers and recruitment agencies.

Grants of £10,000 are available to small businesses that already qualify for small business rate relief or rural rate relief.

Grants of £25,000 are on offer to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property that has a rateable value between £15,001 and £51,000.

Many businesses will also be exempt from Business Rates for a full 12 months. These businesses will all be contacted directly about the Business Rates relief scheme.

Any that have already received bills will be issued with new ones, and any payments already made for 2020/21 will be refunded.

Further details on the grants, and how to apply for them, is available at www.worcester.gov.uk/coronavirus. or www.bit.ly/35kKjL4

COUNCIL LAUNCHES NEW GRANT TO HELP COMMUNITY GROUPS IN HEREFORDSHIRE DURING THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK The new Keep Connected grant has been launched to help support groups and organisations in Herefordshire to adapt and continue to deliver their services remotely as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak.

The grant has been created by the Herefordshire Council’s Fastershire Broadband Project, and is available to any not-for-profit groups or organisations in Herefordshire.

These groups can access a grant up to £500 to fund new software subscriptions, online platforms or technology, to ensure that they can engage with their members or service users.

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Councillor Ellie Chowns, Cabinet Member for Environment, Economy and Skills, said: “These are incredibly difficult and unprecedented times and it’s essential that we do all we can to help the county’s community groups to support each other.”

The project’s well established Faster Business programme is also offering free remote one to one business support and consultancy to help Herefordshire businesses tackle the challenges of working from home or running a business from various locations.

For more information about grant, visit www.fastershire.com/KeepConnected and email business@fastershire.com to register for free consultancy.

May/June 2020

FEATURE

NEW MODEL INSTITUTE A fresh approach to engineering training is setting out to produce a phalanx of work-ready graduates in an innovative enterprise taking shape in Hereford.

The foundations are being laid for a new type of higher education institute that will revolutionise the way engineers are trained in this country.

What will ultimately open as the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE), in Hereford, is currently working its way through the official validation process.

NMITE recruited a Design Cohort of 25 school-leavers and graduates who provided insight and input to help shape the learning environment and road test NMITE’s new approach to learning-by-doing. Their year with NMITE provided valuable engagement and feedback which has helped to demonstrate NMITE’s aim to provide a type of training like no other here in the UK. NMITE is being launched for several reasons. One, Britain doesn’t have enough engineers, two, it certainly doesn’t have enough female engineers, and three, it has long been recognised that students coming out of standard courses are simply unprepared for the rigours of working life.

The institute’s Head of Partnerships, Toby Kinnaird, who has also running his own engineering company in Hereford for the past 20 years, said NMITE students would be firmly rooted in reality throughout their course.

“When I started talking to the businesses who will be the employers of our future graduates and asked them what they were looking for, they said work-ready graduates who understood not just the technical aspects of engineering, but also the business aspects,” he said.

“They would have the professional qualities that are required in many roles, such as the ability to work as part of a team and to project manage.

“So, that is the real aim of NMITE – to produce work-ready graduates who can hit the ground running and have a positive impact on a business from day one.”

No educational institution is allowed to have students until it is validated, so following Validation, NMITE will open its online application process to attract students to study its accelerated MEng degree programme which will be taught as a continuous programme rather than with extensive breaks in study, as is the case in most universities, such that an MEng can be completed in only three years. This will also make the degree more accessible to those looking to change career but not wishing to devote four years of time (and associated money) to the task.

NMITE studio-based learning will take place through a series of challenges supported by seminars, tutorials and continual academic support. Students will ‘learn by doing’. From the collection of challenges, learners will be able to provide multiple examples of the depth and breadth of their abilities and this contribute to their portfolio of work to show future employers. For those who find traditional teaching methods (lectures) and assessment methods (written examinations) unappealing and ineffective, this degree will provide an opportunity to learn and achieve success in a new way.

Toby said: “The means of learning is by doing rather than just attending lectures

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

and exams. Future students will study particular subjects for shortblocks and during that time work on real-life industry-based challenges.

“Part of my role is to create partnerships within industries that can provide the type of projects that will be useful for both the students and for the companies concerned – the latter might well get a solution out of it.

“As we say, ‘you won’t come here to study engineering, you’ll come here to be an engineer’.”

Integral to NMITE’s employer-led academic model was the ongoing support the institute intended to offer its comrades-in-arms, through such means as Continuing Professional Development courses.

“NMITE has been a long time in the making,” said Toby. “It began life in its current form in 2017.

“Prior to that, there had been a lot of research into how a new higher education institution could contribute to the prosperity of our region.

“The simple answer is by improving the job prospects of students and the profitability of the businesses that ultimately employ them.”

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BIGINTERVIEW

STAYING AHEAD OF THE CURVE Ongoing training and adaptability are the cornerstones of a global business that grew out of Kidderminster, HELEN COMPSON learns during a peak behind the scenes of this modern success story.

As DRPG turns 40, it is marking the milestone anniversary with all the aplomb you would expect of one of the UK’s largest creative communications agencies.

In January, the global business and its 350 members of staff, whose remit includes FTSE 100 companies and contracts on just about every continent, rolled out their new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) charter in an event livestreamed to clients, suppliers and the media.

The charter is a route map designed to help staff, clients, suppliers and perhaps the industry at large navigate the next decade.

The final destination? Sustainability, something they know they can achieve by encouraging all around them to better choose resources, significantly reduce waste and, actually, to frame more sustainable projects in the first place.

Nailing the company’s colours firmly to the mast, the launch was accompanied by the planting of 40 trees, the naming of 40 specific CSR projects to be completed in this anniversary year, and the unveiling of the renewable energy measures it is taking

to become a carbon neutral company.

At the same time, the company’s own in-house training Academy launched its SPARKS educational initiative, flying the flag for creative industries by engaging with the next generation.

Schools were already using the online lesson plans and teaching material when Covid descended.

In response, the Academy team adapted the tutorials – filming the lessons with one of their creative directors, a trained teacher in a past life - so they could be downloaded for use in home schooling too.

Each of the videos available comprises a self-contained lesson, complete with tasks to fulfil, suggestions for activities afterwards and a lesson plan.

It’s true to say that the past 40 years have indeed been a journey of discovery, innovation and enterprise for DRPG’s founder and chief executive, Dale Parmenter!

He began, in June 1980, as a one-man band with just a camera and a passion for film. “What I saw in the market place back then was that corporate film wasn’t open to everybody and every company,” he said.

“You had to be a very large corporation to get a film made, but video was starting to come out and I realised I could take that service to more medium-sized businesses.”

He got in touch with the renowned Brintons carpet company in his native Kidderminster to ask if they would be interested in this “new-fangled video

You had to be a very large corporation to get a film made, but video was starting to come out and I realised I could take that service to more medium-sized businesses.

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technology” and, as luck would have it, discovered they had an exhibition coming up.

“They called me in and said ‘ok, let’s try video’ and off I went with a £25 budget,” he laughed.

“It really took off from there - video worked so well for them that in the end we were doing them monthly. That was my first client.”

Today, Dale has a small army of ‘thinkers, makers and doers’, as he calls them, working out of a handful of locations spread across Europe and America.

A succession of business acquisitions, made as and when he needed to bring new disciplines on board, has produced a deep pool of talent proficient in digital communication and ‘coms’ strategies in general, design, video, animation and events management, making it a true multi-channel provider.

DRPG is unusual in the breadth of its in-house capabilities. It has some huge clients, BT, Nationwide, Triumph, Jaguar Land Rover and Hyundai among them, and yet has no need to go outside, even for niche skills.

Dale said: “We are unique in that respect.

We have multiple channels of delivery ourselves when the norm on big projects is for a lot of different organisations to come together and to subcontract out.

“But no, not with DRPG. Our philosophy has always been about control and keeping everything in-house.”

The philosophy had grown as organically as the company. After video came interactive CD roms, which Dale described as “terrible, but the precursor to digital”.

The arrival of the internet had proved the trigger for recruiting a more comprehensive digital team, who could then, in turn, offer a more comprehensive communications package.

Nowadays, the company works across an equally broad range of sectors too, embracing public, commercial and not-for-profit alike.

May/June 2020

BIGINTERVIEW

The prerequisites of an effective communications strategy differ little between the retail, automotive, construction, finance and professional services clients they have on their books, he says.

And DRPG’s embrace is truly global. A new office opened in Germany, in Cologne, last year, supplementing the cover provided by its existing offices in northern and southern Ireland and in St Louis in the USA.

build our own purpose-built creative hub.

It’s the largest corporate communications facility in the UK.

other times a more formal, in-depth course with a recognised qualification at the end of it.

“There is nothing else like it – we have got pretty much everything under one roof.”

The Academy also offers a pick ‘n’ mix programme of video and e-learning modules, some of them optional, some mandatory, that promote the company ethos while encouraging the ongoing development of new skills.

It is home to three film and photography studios, eight fully equipped edit suites, a motion graphics studio, a digital innovation lab, a print centre, a design studio, a construction workshop and much more besides.

The company’s head office is still on home turf though, on the Ikon Trading Estate that DRPG now partly owns, just outside Kidderminster.

At the heart of the complex is the DRPG Academy that Dale is so rightly proud of.

The training and support offered within are designed to help staff reach their full potential.

“We bought four-and-a-half acres in 2012,” said Dale. “The reason, it allowed us to

Sometimes just a simple brush-up on design, writing or coding skills is needed,

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

“You do have to keep learning, all the time, no matter who you are,” said Dale.

“Businesses change constantly and, as recent events have demonstrated, we have got to be able to continually adapt and innovate.”

In short, businesses had to be able to stay ahead of the curve, always.

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FEATURE

FLYING THE FLAG FOR INDEPENDENCE A free-thinking IT company tells HELEN COMPSON that when it comes to data security and digital solutions, there is no place like home.

After more than 30 years in business, EBC Group certainly has the wherewithal to give companies and their staff safe passage through choppy waters.

From Donald Trump’s Data Act, which has made many think twice about allowing one of their most precious commodities to be stored in American cloud-based systems, to the challenges of Covid-19 to the ever evolving demands of international trade, managing director Richard Lane, for one, can be proud of his company’s prescience.

It began with his decision, taken right at the outset, to establish EBC Group’s own, standalone data storage and processing centres.

“I think our offer is unique in that respect,” he said. “Microsoft is a global player, of course, and most IT companies are happy spinning their data up there in the Cloud.

“But you just have to look at recent events, at the difficulties people who are suddenly working from home have had in accessing files stored on distant servers, and at Trump’s Data Act, which allows Federal agencies to take a look at people’s data if they suspect wrong doing, and you question that approach.

“You’d think those agencies would have to have solid proof, wouldn’t you, before they could seize data, but it has worried a lot of UK businesses - suddenly their data doesn’t look so secure.”

Cloud-based services have been driven by the giants in recent years, by the likes of Google, Amazon and AWS. But ask their customers where all that data is stored – even just the country – and the vast majority have no idea.

That has never sat comfortably with EBC. Richard said: “We don’t, and never have, broken data sovereignty.

“We have three data centres, in Birmingham, Northampton and Bristol, so that nothing goes outside of the UK.” The company’s 68 members of staff are all direct employees too. “We don’t use third-party staff at all – we feed and water everything ourselves.”

That self-sufficiency has now come into its own. EBC’s volume of calls expanded eightfold following April’s lockdown announcement.

The stampede to set whole workforces up at home proved a logistical challenge for those companies that had to start from scratch.

Laptops sold out overnight and many didn’t have the telephone systems or software in place to allow remote access for all.

Worse still, company data was suddenly ultra-vulnerable due to the weakness, and sometimes complete lack of, cybersecurity surrounding those who were able to work from home.

Doing its bit in the eye of the storm, EBC’s solution was to give clients the software they needed to close the gaps free of charge.

It also provided 40 iPads for use by Worcestershire hospital patients suffering

We have three data centres, in Birmingham, Northampton and Bristol, so that nothing goes outside of the UK. 028

from Coronavirus, thereby giving them a means of communicating with their loved ones.

Needless to say, IT is all about communication - and ease of communication at that – so finding a different way of continuing business as normal when the situation is anything but is key.

Again, EBC’s prescience has stood it in good stead. When it comes to Voice over IP (VoIP) systems, telephone companies usually deal with the voice element and IT companies the data. However, EBC Group specialise on both sides of the equation.

Printing and mail sorting is, well, sorted too. It provides both Cloud Managed Print and Managed mail services, which have proved invaluable during the past few weeks.

With the latter, for example, a company that had furloughed its staff could have its mail redirected to one of EBC’s Mailing Centres, where EBC staff open mail, scan then email it to the intended recipients.

Customers include NHS departments and Avon & Somerset Police.

“Full accreditation, security and trust are central to operations,” said Richard. “The customer has to know their data is safe.”

May/June 2020

TWOCOUNTIES

Worcestershire’s fastest growing business network remains active and open for business.

One Worcestershire is providing business advice and support, working with local council partners, Worcestershire Business Central, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Members continue to respond magnificently to the Coronavirus crisis. Just two examples are Evesham College, which is helping to produce face shields for the NHS to protect frontline workers, while the Hartlebury-based creative agency DRPG is providing masterclasses to help businesses communicate effectively whilst they are working remotely.

To get involved go to www.oneworcestershire.com/join

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01384 569556 or 01299 822731 Wilden Industrial Estates Wilden lane, Stourport-on-Severn DY13 9JY

enquiries@wildenestates.co.uk

www.wildenestates.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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HOWYOUCANHELP

WORCESTERSHIRE-BASED MANUFACTURER HELPING PROTECT NHS STAFF Apreco has been shortlisted at The Safety & Health Excellence Awards, for ‘Fire Innovation of the Year’, ‘Project of the Year’ and ‘Best Health & Safety in Construction’.

The Worcestershire-based manufacturer, which specialises in supplying essential equipment to the NHS, were nominated for their work on APSX-FSS – a pressure stabiliser that protects healthcare staff and patients by controlling airborne contamination.

It was whilst working on the £350m NHS super hospital in Gwent 2018 that

Apreco suggested a brand-new product be developed for the healthcare industry.

Many stabilisers on the market were bulky, difficult to maintain and no longer met the latest fire protection requirements.

Working with Warrington Fire and Laing O’Rouke, Apreco created a product that not only met these fire safety requirements but would save hospitals essential downtime with their Easi-release™ blade system.

Mike Hodges, Managing Director, said: “The APSX-FSS demonstrates how solutions to

challenging fire safety situations can be achieved with innovation.” www.apreco.com

VITAL HEALTHCARE EQUIPMENT FROM UNIVERSITY MAKES ITS WAY TO NHS

MARCHES LEP GRANT USED TO HELP MANUFACTURE PPE The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (MLEP) recently awarded Herefordshire-based company Signs and Labels Hereford a grant to purchase a specific piece of machinery that could potentially be repurposed to help the current crisis.

Through his involvement with the Business Board and MLEP, Frank Myers approached Signs and Labels Hereford with his idea: “Within a week we had secured the materials we needed to make visors for healthcare workers. Signs and Labels Hereford have now manufactured just over 2,000 Items, and these have already been delivered to the hospital for use by front line staff.”

Laura Hughes, Director at Signs and Labels Hereford says: “When Frank approached us, we were more than happy to get to work on putting together a prototype which then led us quickly into production. It’s a great opportunity for us to keep our machines running whilst helping our local front line NHS.” www.marcheslep.org.uk

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State-of-the-art beds, mobile hospital screens, trolleys, syringes, stethoscopes and much more from the University of Worcester has been delivered to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital as it tackles the Covid-19 pandemic.

is also enabling many staff in its School of Science and Environment, who have also volunteered to go to work in science laboratories, helping with vital work in testing and analysis to reduce any capacity constraints.

Professor David Green CBE, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, said: “This equipment is needed now at the front line. We know that our health care workers need much more first class equipment now and we have stripped our clinical simulation building of all its kit to help the NHS meet this pandemic.

www.worcester.ac.uk

Meanwhile, many of the University’s health staff, who are registered professionals, have volunteered to be seconded to the NHS. The University

HEALTHCARE TECH SUPPLIER PROVIDES CLINICIANS A TOOL TO REMOTELY MANAGE PATIENTS Amplitude Clinical Outcomes are a healthcare technology supplier used in NHS and private sector hospitals. These organisations are facing unprecedented times with cancellations of non-urgent surgery and secondment of clinicians to join the fight against Covid-19.

The system can be used to monitor patients in high risk groups e.g.

Asthma and Diabetes as well as remote management of patients via virtual clinics such as Fracture and Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinics. www.amplitude-clinical.com

However, there still remains the need to care for patients with chronic diseases and those needing to attend A&E for non-Covid-19 emergencies. To support new working practices, Amplitude is changing its focus, giving clinicians a tool to remotely manage patients, enabling prioritisation and treatment of those most in need whilst minimising hospital visits, where they can be avoided.

May/June 2020

HOWYOUCANHELP

WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL URGENTLY NEED ACCESS TO IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE PPE GOVERNMENT APPEALING FOR PPE SUPPLIERS The UK government has released the technical and regulatory standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in order for new suppliers and manufactures to understand what specifications they are looking for, in order to provide the health and care workers with the necessary equipment it needs in the battle against the Coronavirus pandemic and the additional needs for PPE that this brings.

Products could include examination gloves, gowns, surgical face masks, respirator masks and eye protection.

A full list of technical specifications for medical examination gloves can be found here and for gowns, surgical face masks, respirator masks, eye protection and protective overalls here.

Whilst the team are extremely grateful for offers of future deliveries, imports and alternatives, these supplies are required immediately and must meet the above specifications.

Companies that have supplies available now that comply with these requirements are urged to get in contact with Worcestershire County Council by emailing CV19logistics@worcestershire.gov.uk with the following information: Quantities Location Lead time to access For more information please contact Worcestershire County Council – CV19logistics@worcestershire.gov.uk.

HR1 HAND SANITISER Chase Distillery has started producing hand sanitiser, made from spirits through their distillery.

It is available to buy directly from their website.

As well as the product being available to buy, the Herefordshire based distillery will also be supporting local health care and emergency services in the coming months by donating the hand sanitiser to help these vital services.

To purchase the product please visit the Chase Distillery website here.

Where businesses believe their products are suitable and meet the requirements, businesses are welcomed to submit their interest through a smart survey.

All businesses who have the facilities to produce vital products such as hand sanitiser or PPE that could be used to save lives are being urged to do so.

Products must comply with the stated standards, for further information please visit here.

www.chasedistillery.co.uk

HOW COLLEGE LECTURER PRINTS PPE FOR THE NHS Heart of Worcestershire College’s (HoW College) Engineering lecturer, Stephen Kittner, has been putting 3D printers to good use recently in a bid to help provide the NHS with desperately needed personal protective equipment (PPE).

1 headband takes around 3 hours to print; realising I would only manage around 8 in one day, I decided to ask on local Facebook groups if anyone had a 3D printer I could borrow to upscale production.

Speaking on how and why he wanted to get involved, Stephen Kittner commented:

“I now have 7 printers running and hope to manufacture 200 visor headbands, with production continuing until they are no longer needed.”

“I saw an advert on Facebook asking for 3D printing support, so I immediately downloaded the files and started printing on my own machine.

If you would like to help Stephen by making a donation for materials or if you have a 3D printer you would like to donate, then please get in touch:

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

To donate please visit here or contact skittner@howcollege.ac.uk for further information. www.howcollege.ac.uk

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WORCESTERSHIREBUSINESSCENTRAL

www.business-central.co.uk

WORCESTERSHIRE BUSINESS CENTRAL - SUPPORTING BUSINESSES THROUGH TROUBLING TIMES None of us could have foreseen the events and change that has happened over the last number of months, and the impact that it has had on our lives – both personally and at work. For business owners this is a particularly worrying time, with stressful challenges and decisions at every turn.

Here at Worcestershire Business Central we are working hard to ensure that we can support you through this challenging time. The Government has released several, unprecedented measures to help businesses financially during this time.

This help falls into broadly the following categories: Self-Employment income support Coronavirus business interruption loan scheme Business rates holiday for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Small Business Rate Relief Cash Grant for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Coronavirus Job Retention scheme Statutory Sick Pay

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Time to Pay VAT deferral Deferral of self-assessment payment Covid-19 corporate financing facility Business rates holidays for nurseries In addition to the above financial help, businesses are having to navigate working from home perhaps for the first time, leading virtual teams as well as keeping team morale high. This can be tough when working remotely, yet vital for all staff.

Many businesses are also looking at new ways to market themselves in the changing operating environment. Finding different markets to target if existing ones are struggling, and changing products or services to adapt to the change in demand. How you present your business

online and through social media may change, and therefore businesses will need to be flexible and adaptive to new technology and ways of communicating with existing and potential clients.

The ability for businesses to be agile in this environment is key. At Worcester Business Central we are supporting you to do this through webinars, one to one conversations and signposting you in the direction of focussed support depending on your needs. Please keep checking the Worcestershire Business Central website for updates, and look out for our newsletter and email communications as well. Don’t forget that we are also available on 01905 677888 for help and advice.

Find out more at www.business-central.co.uk

May/June 2020

SUPPORT FOR YOUR BUSINESS Has your business been affected

by Corona virus Covid-19?

Worcestershire Business Central (the county’s Growth Hub) www.business-central.co.uk is the first port of call for your business enquiry, with up to date and relevant information direct from Government. Support includes: Information on accessing Government-funded support, including grants and rate relief

Information on Corona virus Job Retention Scheme

Support for businesses through the Corona Virus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

General advice and guidance

The government are updating their advice and guidance on a daily basis.

All partners are working together to ensure the advice you receive is clear, accurate and relevant.

Contact the Worcestershire Business Central team today www.business-central.co.uk or 01905 677888

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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MOVERSANDSHAKERS

BERRYS APPOINTS HEAD OF COMMERCIAL AGENCY Berrys has appointed Richard Lingen as Head of Commercial Agency (West) further boosting the services offered.

Richard is a Registered Valuer and has been MRICS qualified since 2009. Most recently he has worked in the commercial property advisory team at Lambert Smith Hampton based in Birmingham.

Matthew Anwyl, Managing Partner of Berrys said: “Our commercial team offers a comprehensive, expert service across all areas of commercial property working with local authorities, PLCs, sole proprietors, landlords and tenants to service all of their diverse needs.” www.berrys.uk.com

BDO APPOINTS JILL HALFORD AS NATIONAL HEAD OF CHARITIES

DROITWICH-BASED ELECTRICIANS INVESTING IN YOUTH

BDO announced it has appointed Jill Halford as national head of charities.

Black Pear Electricians have taken on a new apprentice, Bayley Preece and has also promoted their first apprentice Ryan Merry to support the more experienced staff.

Halford, having joined the firm as a partner in November 2019, brings with her over 20 years of experience advising a wide range of charities across all sectors.

Halford will take over from Don Bawtree, who has led the team for 24 years and will continue to provide support as a special adviser to BDO. She added: “The majority of UK sectors are currently facing huge challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the charity sector is no exception. I am pleased that we have such great expertise and capability within the team to support our clients at a time like this.”

Bayley attended Heart of Worcestershire college and was part of a work experience programme in 2018. Paul Sweeney, MD, says: “Bayleys’ attitude and enthusiastic approach to learning made him stand out for this position and he’s already proving himself in the job.”

Ryan has developed into a real asset to the business, after joining the team in May 2015 and has achieved Apprentice of the year whilst at Heart of Worcestershire college. www.blackpearelectrical.co.uk

www.bdo.co.uk/en-gb/home

HAINES WATTS WORCESTER APPOINTS NEW ACCOUNTANTS Worcester-based accountancy firm Haines Watts has appointed James Howard as partner.

Howard joined the practice from university in 2007 and qualified as a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants five years later.

He spent 18 months working at another Worcestershire practice before re-joining Haines Watts in 2015.

After completing the Haines Watts Leadership and Development Programme, which is designed to help identify and develop team members skills and talent to support them to become better leaders, Howard was promoted to senior manager at the Shire Business Park based firm in 2018.

Managing partner, Tim Pearce, said: “James’ appointment is the perfect example of our ongoing commitment to reward outstanding talent and give all team members the training and support required to build their knowledge and expertise. www.hwca.com/accountantsworcester

NEW PARTNER FOR HCR BRINGS EXPERIENCE OF COMMERCIAL SUCCESS New corporate partner Tom Bartley-Smith, pictured above with Alison Scott, brings his own commercial success with him, he has spent the last four years as MD of successful commercial kitchen supplier Sprint Group.

Tom, who had considerable corporate law experience in firms in Worcester and Cheltenham before he took on the role with the firm, has also been a governor of Worcester Sixth Form College and a non-executive director of the Startin Group.

He said: “I look forward to being part of a very successful team at HCR, they are one of the region’s most active teams advising businesses, and I look forward to getting fully involved.” www.hcrlaw.com

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NEW PARTNERS APPOINTED AT HEREFORD LAW FIRM Leading law firm Lanyon Bowdler has appointed three new partners to help strengthen two of its major legal teams.

The appointments took effect from February and involve promotions from within the firm.

Sarah Whittall, who specialises in commercial and agricultural property, is based in the firm’s office in Hereford, while Emma Broomfield and Beth Heath are key members of the clinical negligence team in Shrewsbury.

REGIONAL BUSINESS LENDER APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE West Midlands based BCRS Business Loans has appointed a new chief executive as it heralds another record year of lending.

The alternative business lender has announced that Finance Director, Stephen Deakin will step up to the role of Chief Executive.

Lanyon Bowdler has offices in Hereford and Bromyard, across Shropshire and Conwy in North Wales.

Stephen Deakin, Chief Executive, said: “I am thrilled to be announced as Chief Executive at an organisation I am truly passionate about and consider myself lucky to be working alongside such a brilliant team at BCRS.

www.lblaw.co.uk

www.bcrs.org.uk

May/June 2020

NEWMEMBERPROFILES

AN INTRODUCTION TO SQUAB STORAGE EVESHAM Squab Storage Evesham is a purpose-built self-storage facility located in the Vale Business Park in Evesham. Opening in April 2019, with over 250 individual storage rooms and business centre, Squab provides a highly cost-effective space solution for local businesses.

customers including fully flexible contract, a goods in/out service, racking, forklift service, parking, and reception service. And with the investment in access control and security systems allows customers to access their storage units 7-days a week.

Having been providing storage and removal services since 2005, and with successful sites already operating in Leamington Spa (Warwickshire) and Daventry (Northamptonshire) Squab is excited to bring its high-quality storage proposition to Worcestershire.

Having welcomed a number of commercial customers, Squab Storage look forward to growing their business community as the adoption of space as a service continues to grow.

Squab provides a host of incremental value-added services to commercial

www.squab.co.uk

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT SPECIALISTS MPM Rob Barber, Director of Malvern Project Management (MPM), has extensive Project Management experience and proven Business Process Improvement delivery within the highly regulated and dynamic Aerospace Industry, having worked for a world leading aero engine manufacturer for 35 years.

MPM has been established for two years and has been providing services to aerospace companies in the UK and Turkey and is now looking to provide a more localised service within the Herefordshire and Worcestershire area.

their efficiency and profitability and are keen to hear from SMEs in the area and discuss how they may be able to improve your business.

MPM’s range of skills include project management, business performance improvement, change management, culture change, problem solving and operational excellence.

For further information please contact Rob.Barber@ MalvernProjectManagement.co.uk

They offer a bespoke service in the fields of Project Management and Business Process Improvements to meet the needs of SMEs wishing to improve

WELCOME EQS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS LTD EQS Management Systems is a new company set up by Melissa Mooney.

Having spent over 20 years in the Food and Packaging industry in technical roles and specialising in environmental management and business standards Melissa now wants to help businesses grow, and improve their systems, performance and efficiency with customised and tailored environmental management and business standards solutions.

meets their needs. Virtual and remote options are available for clients to work in this way.

For further information please contact melissa@eqsmanagementsystemsltd.co.uk

EQS Management Systems mission is to support businesses by providing clarity, understanding, experience and solutions to move businesses forward in a way that

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

INTRODUCING COMMERCIAL CLEANING PROVIDERS INSURACLEAN Insuraclean Ltd is a commercial kitchen cleaning provider specialising in deep cleaning services within catering environments. Working in multiple sectors of businesses across the UK, delivering industrial and commercial cleaning solutions, their experience spans a number of sectors including schools, factories, hotels, restaurants and hospitals.

Their services include: commercial kitchen deep cleaning, hygiene cleans, carpet cleaning, internal/external structure cleaning and more and is available 24 hours a day.

Their people are hand-picked, directly employed staff who have been DBS checked and undertaken rigorous training schedules. The cleaning operatives provided by Insuraclean are fully trained in the use of up to date equipment and are fully conversant with current health and safety regulations.

With incredibly high standards and proficiency, Insuraclean ensure the best results. www.Insuraclean.co.uk

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INTERNATIONALTRADE

COVID-19 AND INTERNATIONAL SUPPLY CHAINS – NOW AND IN THE FUTURE The global impact of Covid-19 on International Trade has been immediate, widespread and constantly changing – international trade (import and export) areas affected include international supply chains (supply side and sales side), freight costs, export controls, exchange rates, export revenue, import costs and operating finance.

This article will focus on the International Trade Supply Chain, ask some questions and offer some guidance that companies importing and exporting might wish to consider to help mitigate against risk in their international supply chain - now and in the future.

SUPPLY SIDE: Have you checked the status of your supplier? Given the current situation, check your contract terms and conditions with your suppliers (and customers).

Consider carrying out updated reference, credit checks and due diligence.

Are there alternative suppliers you can use for the same or similar products? Perhaps closer to or based in the UK rather than deeper sea suppliers for current and future planning purposes.

Ensure a larger portfolio of suppliers to avoid key one-supplier dependency.

SALES/DEMAND SIDE: Up to the minute demand planning - the crisis may increase or decrease demand for particular products, making the estimation of realistic final-customer demand harder and more important.

Businesses should question whether demand from their immediate customers, both short and medium term, is realistic and reflect underlying uncertainties in the forecast.

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Additionally, direct-to-consumer communication channels, market insights, and internal and external databases can provide invaluable information in assessing the current state of demand among your customers’ customers.

Can your international customers take delivery of goods? Business closure, illness etc. may mean they are not able to and products may have to go into storage.

Making orders smaller and more frequent and adding flexibility to contract terms can improve outcomes both for suppliers and their customers by smoothing the peaks and troughs that raise cost and waste.

A triaging process that prioritizes customers by strategic importance, margin, and revenue will also help in safeguarding the continuity of commercial relationships.

Where possible identify a larger portfolio to reduce demand dependency on a few clients only.

LOGISTICS: Freight charges are increasing as freight slots (sea and air) are decreasing, as such, check freight availability and delivery slots.

Consider pre-booking logistics capacity to minimize exposure to potential cost increases and lack of future availability.

To improve contingency planning under rapidly evolving circumstances, real-time visibility will depend not only on tracking the on-time status of freight in transit but also on monitoring broader changes, such as airport congestion and border closings and delays etc.

MANAGING CASH AND WORKING CAPITAL: As the crisis takes its course, constrained supply chains, slow sales, and reduced margins will combine to add even more pressure on earnings and liquidity.

Supply chain managers can focus on freeing up cash locked in parts of the value chain.

May/June 2020

INTERNATIONALTRADE

Reducing finished-goods inventory based on understanding of immediate customer demand can contribute substantial savings.

Likewise, improved logistics, for example, through smarter fleet management (track and trace technology), can allow companies to defer significant capital

costs at no impact on customer service.

Ensuring robust international supply chains now and in a post Covid-19 future will help ensure improved business continuity in this really challenging period we find ourselves in and help mitigate against future risk.

Reducing finished-goods inventory based on understanding of immediate customer demand can contribute substantial savings.

To see how the International Trade team at the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce can help your business with advice and support through this current period, please do get in touch by calling 01905 673600 or emailing internationaltrade@hwchamber.co.uk.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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INTERNATIONALTRADE

NEW PLATFORM LAUNCHED TO IMPROVE CYBER SECURITY INSIGHT With increased demand for cyber security awareness metrics that highlight both knowledge and risk within an organisation, Intqual-pro has developed the new Cyber Stars 365 platform.

Since 2015, the Cyber Stars Initiative has been an imbedded part of cyber security strategies for organisations across the globe - with over 200,000 Cyber Stars worldwide. As a result of client demand and a proven need for clear and improved metrics in knowledge and risk, Intqual-pro has officially launched Cyber Stars 365.

A sustainable cyber security awareness solution that provides a 24/7, 365 day insight across a business, the Cyber Stars 365 platform provides detailed metrics on knowledge and engagement over time and allows for detailed insight into specific user groups, job functions and locations. In turn, these metrics provide evidence for regulators and inform effective awareness strategies.

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Future awareness and education activities can also be developed based upon an analytical understanding of training needs and targeted for the correct user groups, eliminating the requirement for unnecessary re-training.

The questions are based on specific areas of threat type and include understanding of threat, mitigation and response, with an opportunity to tailor questions to specific organisational needs. System users are assigned to knowledge categories based on their level of access, risk or function and can then see their engagement and individual knowledge retention across all categories for which they are enrolled.

Once learners provide a satisfactory level of understanding for a specific category, the platform will go dormant and focus more on areas where knowledge and retention requires more focus. This ensures that the learning experience and associated assessment is individually tailored across the entire organisation.

The management dashboards of Cyber Stars 365 allow for comparison of all users based on engagement and

knowledge. The platforms filters can be applied to analyse data based upon job function, region or a number of other demographics.

Acceptable levels of knowledge can be defined and monitored for each user group and in cases where users fall below certain levels of knowledge, specific and targeted training can be provided at an individual level using built in platform training materials.

For more information on Cyber Stars 365 or to arrange a trial, contact cyber@intqual-pro.com.

May/June 2020

THE 5 MOST COMMON MISTAKES MADE IN IP Your IP is too important not to be done properly, so what common mistakes are made when it comes to intellectual property?

1. HAVING NO IP BUDGET An appropriate IP budget is the goal for any business, so did you know…

IP spend can be a top 5 spend for small companies Hiding IP spend in Legal or R&D budgets leads to conflicts IP spend can and should be budgeted Having an IP budget is the first step to managing costs effectively

2. NOT ALIGNING IP AND BUSINESS Have you considered reviewing your IP and identifying where intellectual property rights add value now and in the future?

Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) such as patents, trade marks, registered designs and trade secrets are business tools to support business strategy. Aligning IP with your business strategy and focusing on the most appropriate IPRs can help benefit the business in the short and long term by managing IP spend. It can also help in prioritising what is most important against the ‘nice to haves’.

3. INAPPROPRIATE SPENDING ON IP Many businesses are guilty of inappropriate spending on IP; this is often a result of having no IP budget in place or not aligning the IP with the business strategy.

Have you considered the following?

Is your business spending on the wrong type of IP? Is your business spending too little or too much on IP? Is your business effectively managing increases in spending as much as decreases?

Is your business maintaining IP that no longer contributes any value to the business?

4. HAVING THE WRONG ADVISERS Having the wrong advisers in place to support you and your business can often lead to your IP not being protected properly - so what key things should be considered when selecting or reviewing advisers?

Dr Elliott Davies, Patent Attorney, Partner and SME Team Leader Wynne-Jones IP

Your advisers should understand the business objectives and align the IP appropriately Your advisers should be selected on quality and technical expertise rather than purely on location and cost alone Your advisers should be able to easily explain how they add value to your business

5. HAVING NO MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY Often in businesses, IP is not managed within a clearly defined IP role, but considered as something extra in day to day workloads, an add on if you like. Even when there are roles such as IP managers in businesses, they are often not one of the main business managers. It is important to have a clearly defined

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

management responsibility for IP at top level as this will not only make managing IP in your business more cost effective, but also allow you to make IP savvy decisions when it comes to assessing the IP value in your business. Are there any changes you need to make in your business?

For more information and for expert advice contact: Dr Elliott Davies, Patent Attorney, Partner and SME Team Leader elliott.davies@wynne-jones.com +44 (0)29 213 03360

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NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH BROADWAY

Rosie's Ground Maintenance 01299 250380

Vestia Community Trust 01562 732344

Bloomery (Broadway) 07905 272644

Ground Maintenance

Education & Learning for Unemployed

www.rosiesgroundmaintenance.co.uk

www.vestia.org.uk

www.bloomery.co.uk

HEREFORD

Zannon Limited 07969 573657

BROMSGROVE

Autopack Ltd 01432 800377

Children Always First Ltd

Packaging and Processing Manufacturers

01527 918777

www.auto-pack.co.uk

LEDBURY

Be-Safe Technologies 01171 141452

Island Ropes & Rigging Limited 01684 212872

Health & Safety

www.islandropes.co.uk

Florist

Independent Fostering Agency www.childrenalwaysfirst.co.uk

eClarity Solutions Ltd

www.be-safetechnologies.com

01527 908124 IT Solutions

Business Finance Coach Ltd 07748 181044

Software Development www.zannon.co.uk

LEOMINSTER

Finance Management Support

Natural Paint UK Ltd 01544 388353

www.businessfinancecoach.co.uk

Natural Paint

Natural Handmade Soap

Guide2 07792 984909

MALVERN

www.thewrinklyelephant.com

Tourism

Boutique Recordings 07835 396073

www.eclarity.co.uk

The Wrinkly Elephant Company Limited 07900 770463

www.guide2.co.uk/herefordshire

DROITWICH Business over Breakfast 07494 328042 Business Networking www.bobclubs.com

MobileWorxs Limited 01905 799555 Enterprise Mobility Devices & Solutions www.mobileworxs.com

EVESHAM Papersky Studio 07800 734715 Web & Graphic Design www.papersky.co.uk

Qmulus Solutions 01789 332130 Sage CRM Experts www.qmulus-solutions.com

Teresa A. Ireland 07929 064515 Employment Law

Audio Recording & Podcast production

Hereford Enterprise Zone Ltd 01432 383521

www.boutiquerecording.co.uk

Business Park

Real World Consultancy 07921 077160

www.skylonpark.co.uk

Business Consultancy & Planner

Hereford Infosec Limited 01432 344480

www.Realworldcoaching.co.uk

Risk Management

Change for Good 01684 342300

www.herefordinfosec.co.uk

Transformative Therapy

K4 Architechts 01885 483460 Architects

Penrhos Spirits Ltd 01544 231467

Intention Therapy 07973 232177

Distillery

www.intentiontherapy.co.uk

Massage Therapist

www.penrhosspirits.co.uk

Shooting Reels LLP 01432 360555 Video Production www.shootingreels.com

Visicon Ltd 01432 233850 Machine Vision & Control System Specilist www.visicon.co.uk

HARTLEBURY DC Works Limited 01299 250560

PERSHORE

KIDDERMINSTER

Creative Merchandising

Storm Environmental Limited 01562 777100

www.dcworks.co.uk

Manufacturing

Jackson Family Funeral Directors 01684 594971 Funeral Services www.jacksonfamilyfunerals.com

REDDITCH Bullet Lift Services Limited 07791 300218 Engineering www.bulletlifts.com

KMB Ltd 01527 518373 B2B Telemarketing company www.kmb.org.uk

www.stormenviro.co.uk

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May/June 2020

NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH Tantec-UK Ltd 01527 304004

UPTON-UPON-SEVERN

Instant Scenery Ltd 01905 347105

Manufacturing

Orobica Ltd 01684 438384

Gardening

www.tantec-uk.com

Vietec Ltd 01527 591073 ICT Infrastructure Solutions www.vietec.co.uk

ROSS-ON-WYE 4 Seasons Worx Ltd 01989 769857

Brand Development www.orobica.net

WORCESTER Dream Financial 01905 885445 Financial Services www.dreamfinancial.co.uk

Landscaping

Duckworth Worcestershire Trust 01905 734979

REDDITCH

Charity

D&G Security Systems Limited 01299 829382 Security Systems www.dg-security.co.uk

The Brand Connective Ltd 07765406056 Brand Consulting

TETBURY e.park Solutions Ltd 0800 0385685 EV Charging Solutions www.eparksolutions.co.uk

www.dwt.org.uk

EnSuda 03301 244298 Training Provider www.ensuda.co.uk

www.instantscenery.co.uk

Processio Solutions Ltd 07366 608105 Specialist HR & Business Improvement Services

T2M Resourcing 07939 599271 Specialist Recruitment Services www.t2mresourcing.com

Rowley Farm Holidays 07712 654997 Holiday Let Accomodation www.rowleyfarmholidays.co.uk

The Sanctuary at Holloways 01886 358120 Hair & Beauty www.thesanctuarysuckley.co.uk

Fountain Retreats Ltd 01905 904095 Dedicated Menopause Retreats www.fountainretreats.com

First Paige 01905 429928 Printing www.firstpaige.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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MAAC-2020-093 H&W Bus Direction Advert.pdf

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17/04/2020

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CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES - PARTNER WITH US C

Headway Worcestershire is committed to supporting local people affected by acquired brain injury (ABI) and we are keen to form partnerships with companies who share our passion.

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CM

As a charity, we couldn’t continue our work without your support, there are many different ways you could partner with us, to make sure no one has to cope alone.

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Please donate what you can Help keep our three air ambulance helicopters operational.

Every year we attend approximately 2,000 missions airlifting the critically injured to hospital.

To the patients, the aircrew are the heroes.

To us, people like you are also heroes.

midlandsairambulance.com/donate-now

Saving Lives by Saving Time

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We rely on the goodwill of local businesses to help fund our vital work and have a wide range of partnership opportunities which could cost-effectively publicise their commitment to our cause.

Whatever the size of your organisation becoming our partner will help to motivate and engage your staff, and give a positive impression to your customers, suppliers and the communities in which you operate. It’s a great way to demonstrate your commitment to achieving your social responsibility objectives, at a time where public awareness of corporate responsibility is growing rapidly.

We encourage long-standing relationships, welcome visits to the Charity and can demonstrate the direct impact of these invaluable contributions.

For more information about Corporate Partnerships, or to talk through some potential ideas, simply get in touch with Mandie Fitzgerald using the contact details below.

T: 01905 729 729 E: mfitzgerald@hwtl.org.uk

May/June 2020

Living with domestic abuse is hard at the best of times. And these are not the best of times.

West Mercia Women’s Aid continues to deliver specialist advice, information and support: our Helplines, refuges and support services are working hard to ensure that we are accessible and effective for those for whom distance and isolation does not necessarily mean ‘safe’.

Please help us to continue this work.

Donate today at justgiving.com/campaign/supp ortthroughouttsocialdistancing

BE MORE LOCAL It is very clear that British businesses, commerce and management teams need to collaborate together much more, and in practical ways, to meet their social responsibilities to employees, their families and the wider public in their communities.

There is a need to go well beyond their entrepreneurial clusters, customer bases, tax responsibilities, and obligations to owners.

The advantages of “go-it-alone” competitive small and medium sized enterprises can be far outweighed by the inability to “pull-together” to address the real problems and challenges of local communities. Most large enterprises continue to run the “limited liability”, “ protected intellectual property”, and the “free resources” business model. Few fully address their responsibilities to society.

The British Government—national, regional and local—no longer provides adequate levels of affordable housing, transport or social care for local communities, particularly in rural locations.

Surely it is up to the thousands of businesses in each locality to find ways to address these real “everyday” needs in their areas and go well beyond token gestures. This will help staff wellbeing and aid retention.

EngageMalvern (www.engagemalvern.org.uk) is a registered charity no.1175088 with the objectives of community capacity building and advancement of education for the public benefit in Malvern and surrounding areas. It has recently been commended by Malvern Hills District Council. The charity has central Government funding to advance truly affordable housing using sustainable energy for company and public enterprise employees with new skills, and provide downsizing options for older residents and assistive technology.

Proposed operational models for flexible integrated and connected transport using electric vehicles and digital communication are being advanced for local business and shopping centre hinterlands.

But success can only come if business bosses recognize these needs and shoulder these kind of social responsibility initiatives in their local communities. In return for “Big Government” support businesses need to give “Big Support” to their localities.

Please take part in these initiatives by emailing your interests to EngageMalvern: barry.jones@engagemalvern.org.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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SKILLS

SME BROKER SERVICES ADDRESS SKILLS GAP SME Broker Services are addressing the lack of ‘work ready’ young people in the workplace, by actively participating in the apprenticeship scheme run by The Heart of Worcester College (HoW).

Apprenticeships are a highly successful mixture of ‘earn while you learn’ and two outstanding examples of this are two members of SME Brokers’ IT Department, Luke Inett and Marcel Ratajewski. Both Luke and Marcel joined the company in 2019 on a 1 year, Level 3 Infrastructure Technician Apprenticeship and have effectively taken over the day-to-day running of the IT Department.

From deploying Windows 10 over a network, integrating a new server from scratch to 204 data deliveries for the company. They have been an indispensable part of the SME Broker team and are currently working with HoW on a Smart Router App development project.

They have both won ‘Employee of the month’ awards in June 2019 and January 2020 respectively. www.smebrokerservices.co.uk SME Brokers IT Apprentices Luke Inett and Marcel Ratajewski

UNLOCKING THE POWER OF EXPERT ANALYSIS

WCG USING TECHNOLOGY TO ENSURE OPEN DAYS GO AHEAD WCG cancelled the events in light of government advice regarding large public gatherings – but instead held virtual open events so prospective students could access information about its seven colleges and courses remotely.

They had planned to offer sensory awareness adjustments to the final hour of their open days to make them more accessible to young people who find busy and unfamiliar experiences challenging.

The three colleges had also planned to provide designated quiet spaces during the events for visitors with an autistic spectrum condition.

Chris Healy, Autism Specialist Support Lead, WCG, said: “While we are sorry to cancel the open events, we are really pleased to be offering these online alternatives at our colleges in Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

Malvern Panalytical and Concept Life Sciences have launched a new partnership that combines advanced instrumentation with expert analytical services for discovery and development. This collaboration delivers the unique ability to develop and deploy accredited physicochemical analysis techniques and methods within the pharmaceutical and food industries, underpinned by Malvern Panalytical’s understanding of analytical instrumentation and Concept Life Sciences' method validation and support expertise.

The initial focus of the partnership is the provision of targeted analytics support to industries operating in regulated sectors worldwide, such as pharmaceuticals, where collaborative working is increasingly critical to business success.

Steven Horder, VP Business Sectors, Malvern Panalytical, said: “Malvern Panalytical and Concept Life Sciences are experts in understanding the needs of customers and in deploying appropriate analytical solutions. We have worked together in the past as two Spectris operating companies, and this closer relationship opens new opportunities which will add even greater value to our customers’ processes.” www.malvernpanalytical.com/en

“Though we had hoped to welcome people in person at our designated quiet spaces, we are looking forward to answering any questions people might have online.

WCG provides a range of support services to students with autism, including access to one-to-one mentoring from a specialist learning mentor and regular check-ins with a Personal Learning Advisor. www.wcg.ac.uk

LEARNING NEW SKILLS USING ONLINE COURSES With the majority of the workforce working from home and remotely, a lot of companies are looking at virtual training available for their staff. TDM (The Development Manager) are offering fully funded tech and digital short courses to enable employees to gain additional skills and qualifications.

All the programmes are now offered remotely and are available to anyone who is a minimum age of 18 and if they don’t already have a level 3 Qualification in the module they want to take.

The programmes can be completed by unemployed individuals as well as those already employed, however those already employed will have to identify how the

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Cyber Security and Information Security Data Research, Analysis and Management Digital Marketing and Multimedia Production (Includes Google Certification in Fundamentals of Digital Marketing) Software, Web, and Applications Development programme will benefit them in their role going forward and pick up additional responsibility from the training.

Each course lasts approximately 6 weeks and is made up of a combination of virtual classroom sessions and independent study.

Digital Transformation

For more information on course agenda or to book onto a course, email enquiries@ tdm.co.uk or contact 0333 10 100 40

Building and Maintaining IT Networks

www.thedevelopmentmanager.com

The courses available include:

May/June 2020

CHARITYNEWS

ABE’S CHARITABLE DONATION TO CHARITY AND FELLOW CHAMBER MEMBERS MBH Jason Levy, Charity Director

WORCESTERSHIRE ACUTE HOSPITALS CHARITY ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT The Worcestershire charity is asking for your support in order to ensure that hospital and community services can continue to help save lives.

The Trust is under increased pressure during the current pandemic to support their clinical teams as they go above and beyond in extremely challenging conditions to save as many lives across Worcestershire as possible.

The hospital charity has launched an appeal page for donations to directly support the clinical teams with care packages to ensure they have basic provisions to hand during their demanding shifts.

A generous gift from Chamber Members and Ledbury-based logistics firm ABE has resulted in local charity and fellow Chamber Members, Megan Baker House (MBH) being emblazoned on one of the company’s lorries, ready to travel all over the UK. Lee Gough, MBH CEO, was thrilled with the result: “ABE have supported us for many years and I can’t thank them enough for everything the company does for the charity. We will be running a monthly competition on social media to see who can spot the lorry the furthest distance from Ledbury.”

MBH helps children and older people who suffer with movement issues from conditions such as cerebral palsy, dyspraxia, parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and other acquired brain injuries. www.meganbakerhouse.org.uk

LOCAL BUILDING COMPANY SUPPORTING WORCESTER FOODBANK Following their visit to the warehouses, Hannafin donated a range of storage units, shelving and a pallet truck to assist the charity and make it easier for volunteers to move around heavy supplies.

Ciaran Considine, Hannafin’s Head of Business Development, said: “When I visited Worcester Foodbank I was blown away by the amazing work volunteers were doing and I felt compelled to act.”

Worcester Foodbank fed more than 1,000 people during the first few months of the year, almost a 20% increase from the previous period last year.

They are also inviting the public and local businesses to work together to direct emergency funding to where the need is greatest. If you think you can support, please email wah-tr.helpworcsacute@nhs.net.

Grahame Lucas, Worcester Foodbank Manager, said: “Without these acts of extraordinary kindness from local businesses and the wider community we would struggle to cope with the unprecedented demand for emergency food.”

Jason Levy, Charity Director, said: "The charity is receiving tremendous offers of support from the Worcestershire community. We are working to ensure those offers are acknowledged, appreciated and used effectively.”

For further information or to donate please visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/ helpworcsacute.

Representatives from Hannafin deliver donated items to Worcester Foodbank

You can help the food bank support people in crisis by donating something from their latest wish list at www.worcester.foodbank.org.uk.

ABE Managing director Clive Brooks and MBH CEO Lee Gough

www.hannafin.co.uk

CHILDHOOD CANCER FAMILIES IN WORCESTERSHIRE NEED YOUR SUPPORT The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust is being contacted by a number of families that are affected by childhood cancer within Worcestershire.

They are in strict isolation for a number of weeks because their children effectively have little or no immunity.

They cannot get essential cleaning products which are vital due to the likelihood of infection and basic food which their children are dependent on.

Dr Jennifer Kelly, Director and Founder of the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, said:

“This really is an unsettling and worrying time for everyone. Our local oncology families desperately need essential items and as they are under strict isolation there is no way of them getting these unless we can step in to support them. If any local retailer can help us in putting some rescue packs together then we would be really grateful.”

If anyone in the local area can support in putting together some rescue packs or letting the charity know where they can go to purchase these items then please do get in touch by emailing contact@gkcct.org. www.gkcct.org

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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MEMBERSBENEFITS

SAME CHAMBER – JUST VIRTUAL The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is no exception to the businesses affected by Coronavirus, with all face-to-face events, training and meetings cancelled and all staff now working from home.

However, teams at the Chamber of Commerce have had to, in some cases completely reinvent the way they deliver their services. The introduction of our new online webinars featuring guest speakers from local experts such as Bishop Fleming, EBC and mfg Solicitors has proven popular with attendees and has seen over 100 guests at one time.

With all the latest developments and the seemingly daily changing environment, the Coronavirus Information Hub has proven useful to Members, with all the latest information on support and guidance available to businesses in order to support them through the crisis. The Information Hub contains information for business on the financial support measures that may be available to them including a full up to date list of all government support available.

Businesses can also find additional advice and support based on HR and legal advice, insurance, IR35 details, advice for businesses trading internationally, employee support and more.

Together with weekly updates sent to Members in the form of newsletters, each edition with a different theme, the Chamber is looking at different ways it can keep businesses up to date on what they can do to ease the impact that the pandemic is having and the support available.

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There are also services at the Chamber that are still up and running; the International Trade team are still available to contact to discuss all matters with businesses including importing and exporting. Our International Trade team are also still providing support to businesses who trade internationally by providing export documentation to allow businesses to continue operating in the current climate.

As a Member benefit, businesses not only join the network of businesses around the two counties, they are also being represented on a national level in the form of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce feeds businesses views and opinions directly into the BCC who in turn can represent businesses in Westminster.

Recently the BCC called for government to support staff by contributing 80% of staff wages and also for tax payments to be deferred, it lobbied for these policies to be introduced on the information obtained via regional Chambers who communicate their members opinions on what matters most.

The BCC and regional Chambers will require more information from businesses than ever to feed to the national government as it draws up the recovery phase.

Both of these support measures have now been directly addressed by government and

are being implemented to the benefit of businesses across the county. Your opinion is important not only on a local level but also a national level in order to steer what businesses will need as the UK comes closer to a lockdown exit and the recovery phase begins.

This is why it is more important than ever for local business to contact the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and communicate what challenges your business is facing and also what your business will need in a post Covid-19 business environment.

Continued support in promoting your business will also still be provided as a service, it is crucial that businesses keep their voices heard and with customers and important stakeholders. Our bi-monthly publication together with Business Direction Online provide businesses with a platform to continue to shout about their good news and stories which should be something all businesses should also be considering.

We invite all businesses, regardless of size, sector, Member or Non-member to visit our Coronavirus Support Hub for all the latest news, guidance and support available.

Please visit: www.hwchamber.co.uk/ support/advice/coronavirus-information/.

May/June 2020

BUSINESSNEWS

LOCAL BUSINESSES OFFERED LIFELINE BY ACCOUNTANTS THORNE WIDGERY Businesses across Herefordshire are being offered support with the coronavirus crisis via a dedicated Facebook group set up by local accountants Thorne Widgery.

To join Thorne Widgery’s COVID-19 Business Vaccine group on Facebook, please click www.facebook.com/ groups/539256590303972.

The COVID-19 Business Vaccine group has been created by the firm to help firms access the information they need and get answers to any burning questions that they may have about their finances.

www.thornewidgery.co.uk

Daniel Crowther, CEO of Thorne Widgery, said: “Our new Facebook group is open to any businesses and contains all the resources and help they need plus advice on what they can be doing right now. We feel it’s our responsibility to help small businesses through this time.”

Dan has recorded helpful videos on a number of topics including cashflow, business checklists and government initiatives.

Daniel Crowther, CEO of Thorne Widgery

INNOVATION IS THE KEY TO OPERATING IN UNCERTAIN TIMES JPL IT Training are finding new and innovative ways they can continue operations in a time of uncertainty, they are a face-to-face on site IT training business and therfore have had to adapt to changes in working practices recently.

This is worrying times for a lot of companies, however this is a good example of how businesses, no matter the size can adapt their operations in order to continue to operate and provide support to their clients.

As a smaller family run business they have been concerned how to make sure they can keep business ticking over, supporting customers and continue to offer good service. They have investigated and have implemented a remote training option using Webex for existing and new customers and is also used internally for meetings and updates.

www.jplcomputer.co.uk

INTEGRITY IS AT THE HEART OF BUSINESS RIGHT NOW People who show little integrity at the start of this difficult time will not have a reputable business to go back to when it’s over – says Ruby Edwards of local communications agency You Do Better: “Businesses who don’t adapt their tone of voice and messaging will see the affects in the long-term. I fear that people and organisations that show little integrity at the start of this difficult time will not have a reputable business to go back to when it’s over.”

Ruby and her team of associates are offering free communications advice to support businesses through the coronavirus. Contact Ruby on 07891 777464 or ruby@youdobetter.co.uk.

Webex is a leading enterprise solution for video confrencing, online meetings, screen sharing and webinars.

www.youdobetter.co.uk

BALANCE REMOTE WORKING & FAMILY LIFE burn out. Priorities and targets will change, the clearer the communication surrounding this is, the better.

Balancing working from home around family life can be tricky, especially when caring for youngsters and home schooling is involved. Hewett Recruitment have given there top tips on how to best balance this:

Communicate. Communication is absolutely essential when working remotely to avoid physical isolation impacting on mental wellbeing.

Communication between managers, colleagues and family members are equally important and can help accommodate to your work regime, making the process as effective as possible.

Planning is key. Setting daily tasks will reduce procrastination, with clear targets aiding motivation and helping you continue after inevitable distractions. It’s worth including details regarding breaks and other family members in your plan. Some tasks may require deeper concentration than others.

Be real. Conversations must take place to outline realistic expectations and goals, based on individuals’ unique circumstances. Adding unnecessary

For further information and advice, call Laura Hewett on 01562 69090. pressure on employees, in what’s already a stressful time, will significantly reduce morale, productivity and quickly lead to

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk

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LASTWORD

KEEPING CONNECTED IN UNCERTAIN TIMES USING SOCIAL MEDIA In these most unprecedented of times businesses are being forced to alter their marketing strategies to react to the current environment. With many businesses forced to cease operations for the time being, or moving their business exclusively online, it is now more important than ever to remain connected with your customers and audience. from their content they post on social media.”

A well-defined marketing plan and clear communication strategies are required, in today’s climate where businesses can communicate with their customers at a click of a button, it has never been easier to stay connected during a crisis.

Question: How can video be used to stay connected with audiences?

A: “Video content can be a great way to keep connected with audiences, humans are naturally sociable people and video communicates more emotion, doesn’t come across robotic and is effective and to the point.

Social media has allowed businesses to remain active and keep connected with their customers and audience. We speak to Christina Darling, Prime Mix Marketing Managing Director who was on hand to discuss the importance of using social media to keep connected with audiences during a time of uncertainty.

“The levels of engagement that a platform like Facebook video brings is undeniable and audiences get to see the face behind the company and get a glimpse at the culture of the business, which is important in creating that emotional connection with your audiences and customers."

Question: How important is it to keep connected with audiences in these uncertain times?

A: “More people are now online than ever, so it is more important to now keep connected with your audiences and keep your business and personal profile to a high standard. Businesses should definitely take this time to be reviewing their marketing and social media strategies as this becomes a vital part of the business operations.

“I think it will change how businesses view online forever and those business who have not prepared their online strategies face being left behind by their competitors. Social media is a communications tool carrying a message to people regarding your business and at this time that message is really important.”

Question: Should businesses continue to use social media to promote their business?

A: “Businesses shouldn’t put their heads in the sand or

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they face being lapped by the rest of the field. Not only should businesses continue to communicate their message and brand identiy to their audience but they should be preparing for life when the crisis is over and how they are viewed during that period will be determined on the success of their message being communicated using social media.”

positively, however those updates should be of a reliable source or businesses face an online backlash of spreading misinformation."

Question: Should businesses social media strategy change? (type of voice, content etc)

“Social media strategies should also look at what message you are sharing and how this relates to brand identities, are you caring for the community and supporting the business environment or is your business trying to capitalise on this situation?

Two very differing messages that businesses can portray

A: “The message that businesses are promoting should be adjusted, less product or sales pitches and more positive messages.

Businesses who share updates on the current environment are often viewed more

“The community effort is also an important message to communicate during these often gloomy times, social media offers a great platform for businesses to share the positive impacts that they are having on the community."

“Lots of businesses are also using social media to give daily updates in their fields of expertise, being placed as thought leaders in their sector and providing value to their audience where they may not be able to operate in their normal way.”

In conclusion, now is the perfect opportunity for businesses to review their marketing and social media strategies to suit the current climate.

Social media can open geographical boundaries and increase the reach of a businesses message, social media also has accessible ways of measuring return on investment very quickly and provide useful data which businesses can analyse, it is also a free tool that is readily available to use for all.

The message is the important factor and social media is a vehicle that drives that message.

May/June 2020

MEMBERBENEFITS

Find your digital voice!

Engaging your brand with audiences that matter.

www.be-everywhere.co.uk | E: info@be-everywhere.co.uk | T: 0191 580 5990 Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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