Business Direction 60

Business Direction

FUTURE PLANNING & FUTURE PROOFING Issue 60 March/April 2021

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FIRSTWORD

VACCINE ROLLOUT AND GOVERNMENT RECOVERY PLANS RESULT IN RENEWED OPTIMISM

ction Business Dire

The first 2 months of the year have been a tough time for businesses to navigate. With England going into a third national lockdown, many businesses have been left unable to open their doors, missing out on vital sales and feeling increasingly concerned about business confidence and cash flow worries.

NING & FUTURE PLAN FING FUTURE PROO

Issue 60 2021 March/April

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.

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

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

ADVERTISING

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FEATURE EDITORS

Helen Compson helen.compson@distinctivegroup.co.uk

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the publisher accepts no responsibility for omissions or errors within this publication.

Editorial submissions are included at the discretion of the editor. The opinions expressed in articles and letters within this publication are not necessarily those of the Chamber. All offers, promotions and competitions appearing in Business Direction are the sole responsibility of the advertiser/ promoting party and Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce does not accept any responsibility for any representations made within them.

Businesses were given hope and optimism in February however, with the national vaccine rollout programme amongst the most successful in the world, together with the roadmap to recovery which detailed the planned easing of lockdown restrictions.

Nonetheless, the Prime Minister stressed that each stage of a new 4-stage plan will be driven by “data not dates” and parts of the timetable are still many months away for some businesses. But the roadmap to recovery does give businesses hope that this latest lockdown will be the last that they will face and more certainty over the future, which Chambers and businesses have been calling for. This longer-term plan will provide confidence, stability and encouragement for the months ahead.

An exciting announcement was also made in February, which will see Chambers from across the West Midlands collaborate on the ‘West Midlands Business Expo’. A virtual expo that will give companies a spotlight to shine on their businesses to attendees from across the West Midlands and even beyond.

This month will see the launch of the Chambers Business Manifesto for 2021. This document sets out the issues identified by businesses as their key priorities for 2021/22 and showcases the focus of our policy work for the forthcoming year. Working closely with the British Chambers of Commerce and our 53-strong Chamber network, which represents over a million working professionals, the Chamber will lobby government to create a legislative and economic environment that is conducive to business growth.

Sponsored by Hewett Recruitment, the Virtual Expo will take place between Monday 22 and Friday 26 March and is expected to attract visitors from across the region with exhibitors manning their virtual stands to showcase their products and services. A range of informative business events will also be delivered during the week with each day having a local flavour, demonstrating the unique strengths & opportunities across the five West Midlands areas.

Interest in the virtual expo has been high, however there are a limited number of stands still available, with businesses eager to increase their brand awareness and many looking to experience a virtual platform to exhibit their business for the first time. More information including booking details can be found here www.hwchamber.co.uk/westmidlandsbusinessexpo.

This edition of Business Direction is full of advice and success stories from Members on how to ensure your business is ‘future proofed’ as well as looking at planning for the future. It is important for businesses not to lose sight of the future, where we will be faced with new ways of operating. Businesses should be working to ensure they are not left behind by their competition and that their plans are clear and well documented.

We welcome feature articles from West Midlands Safari Park as well as Bishop Fleming and OLPRO’s Managing Director Daniel Walton as our Big Interview.

Best wishes Sharon

First Word

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Chamber News

4

Business News

5-6

Policy News

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Business News 14 Skills

16

Worcestershire Works Well

17

Chamber Training

20-21

Business News 22 Protecting your Employees

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Big Interview

24-25

Feature

26-27

Events

30

Two Counties

31

Business News

32

Movers and Shakers

36

New Members 37 International Trade

38-39

People to do Business With

42

Business News 43 Charity News

45

Business News

46

Member Benefits 47 Last Word

48

24-25

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Our Patrons are:

March/April 2021

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBERNEWS

CHAMBER JOINS THE HERD IN WORCESTER BIG PARADE 2021 Robert Elliot, Director of Business Engagement & Development

NEW DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT JOINS THE CHAMBER The Chamber are thrilled to announce the appointment of Robert Elliot who has joined the Chamber as the Director of Business Engagement & Development.

Robert brings with him a wealth of business experience and expertise and has been working with businesses within the region for over 25 years. Most recently, Robert was President of Solihull Chamber of Commerce.

Of his appointment, Robert said: “It is with excitement and determination that I am delighted to be joining the Chamber team.

“I have been working with businesses in the region for 30 years and most recently was part of the transformation of Stone Manor Hotel in North Worcestershire. Over the last two years I have been President of Solihull Chamber of Commerce and as such have a clear understanding of the needs and priorities of our most important stakeholder, our members.

“I thoroughly look forward to meeting the Patron Members, stakeholders and partners and collectively providing value and growth in a sustainable and forward thinking way.”

If you are interested in Membership, click here to find out more.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are thrilled to be welcomed as another sponsor to get on board with St Richard’s Hospice’s Worcester Big Parade 2021 – an event which will see at least 30 elephant sculptures brightening up city streets, public spaces and shopping areas.

The Chamber has sponsored a large elephant which – along with the rest of its herd – will be clothed in bespoke artwork designed by regional and national artists.

Sharon Smith, CEO at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We’re delighted to be involved in Worcester’s Big Parade this year, having previously supported the giraffe trail through the city and which brings back many fond memories.

“We’re looking forward to choosing another eye-catching design to grace our wonderful city and bring the whole community together once again.”

The elephants will be joined by around 35 calf sculptures – smaller, but crafted just as creatively, by students and teachers in local schools.

To get involved visit www. worcestersbigparade.co.uk/get-involved

(from L to R): Sara Matthews, St Richard’s Hospice, Sharon Smith & Dawn Hardman, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Caption: Artwork created as a part of the Chamber Time to Talk Day activities

TIME TO CHANGE CHAMPIONS ORGANISE VIRTUAL EXERCISE FOR TIME TO TALK DAY Time to Talk Day is one of the biggest days on the mental health calendar: it’s a chance for all of us to be more open about mental health – to talk, to listen, to change lives.

The more conversations we have, the more myths we can bust and barriers we can break down – helping to end the isolation, shame and worthlessness that too many people with mental health problems are made to feel.

This #TimetoTalkDay the Chamber’s Time to Change Champions organised a fun virtual activity to keep the team in high spirits and encourage discussions about mental health with some great stories and ideas for keeping occupied during lockdown!

With mental health and wellbeing being spotlighted more than ever due to increased working from home and the environment we are faced with due to the pandemic it has never been more important to encourage open and honest discussion with members of your team.

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

CHAMBER WEAR RED IN SUPPORT OF GRACE KELLY CHILDHOOD CANCER TRUST

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On Friday 12 February the Chamber team dressed in red to support Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust’s Wear Red Day. A day of action and support which encourages schools, businesses and individuals to wear red and donate to support to the charity’s fight against childhood cancer.

children and young adults receive this life

Childhood cancer is the most common medical cause of death of children in the UK. Every year, just under 4,000

parents and clinicians, provide support to

changing diagnosis.

The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust is working to raise awareness of childhood cancer and the signs and symptoms with which it may present.

They produce educational resources for families and fund research into rare solid tumours of childhood.

Thanks to the Chamber staff who also donated to support the great efforts of the charity. To donate to the wonderful cause please visit www.gkcct.org/donate.

March/April 2021

BUSINESSNEWS

COMMITMENT TO PAYING A REAL LIVING WAGE CELEBRATED BY THURSFIELDS Thursfields Solicitors has started 2021 positively by winning accreditation as a living wage employer, it has been revealed.

The commitment will mean that everyone working directly or indirectly for the leading Midlands law firm will receive a minimum hourly wage of £9.30.

pay for our hard-working colleagues and partners.”

Since 2011 the Living Wage movement has delivered a pay rise to over 230,000 people and put over £1 billion extra into the pockets of low paid workers. www.thursfields.co.uk

This hourly rate is significantly higher than the government minimum for over 25s, which currently stands at £8.72 per hour.

L+R Jason Whittall, Matt Tebbatt (Managing Director), James Lawrence and Mark Martin

A FRESH NEW LOOK FOR ONE IN 2021 ONE Creative Environments (ONE), a multi-disciplinary design company, is seeing in the New Year in style with a vibrant and refreshed corporate identity.

After 45 years in the industry, and more than a decade as ONE, it was felt that the time was right to refresh the company’s branding and logo.

The company, which was established in 1975 when it was known as Panton Sargent, was acquired by Prime plc in 2007 and rebranded as ONE in 2008 to reflect the company’s USP of providing all of the services for a design project within one company, with a single point of contact.

ONE has all the essential disciplines for a design project inhouse and the dynamic multidisciplinary team comprises of: masterplanning, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, civil and structural engineering and building services.

Matt Tebbatt, Managing Director of ONE, said: “We are fortunate to work with some fantastic clients on some really exciting projects and so the years have flown by as the company has grown.

“We invest in technology, work to creatively fulfil our clients visions and believe that designing a building or an environment – however complex – should be a real joy for our clients.

Our vibrant new visual identity represents ONE perfectly thanks to CAB Studios.” www.oneltd.com

Jade Linton, HR business partner and associate director in the Employment department at Thursfields, said: “We are proud to have been accredited as a living wage employer.

“The West Midlands region has one of the highest proportions of non-living wage jobs in the country, with around 21% or 442,000 of jobs paying less than the real living wage.

“Despite this, Thursfields has committed to pay the real living wage and deliver a fair

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE The pandemic has seen increased levels of work-related stress and a strain on mental health as changes to traditional ways of working have been thrust upon us.

Chris Amys is a solicitor at mfg Solicitors. Members looking for further advice can contact Chris through chris. amys@mfgsolicitors.com www.mfgsolicitors.com

Whether people have been home working, or had to go into their workplace, it has created increased anxiety about using public transport, social distancing, job security, financial pressures and family responsibilities.

It is important therefore that employers recognise these concerns, how they can impact wellbeing and mental health, and in turn, their legal responsibilities to protect people’s welfare.

More than anything companies need to support their staff through early intervention and there is a range of good practice which includes regular communication, checking in on people’s wellbeing, encouraging regular breaks, and using technology as much as possible to engage.

This is only a brief summary but highlights just why constant and varied colleague engagement is so vital at present.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

NEW SCHEME AIMS TO HELP BUSINESSES UPGRADE OUTDATED TELEPHONY SYSTEMS Workplace technology partners EBC Group have introduced a new phone scrappage scheme which aims to help businesses across the region update their current phone systems, whilst claiming up to £995.

FISHER GERMAN JOINS FOLK2FOLK VALUATION PANEL FOLK2FOLK is pleased to announce the appointment of property consultancy Fisher German to its national valuation panel.

Approved panel valuers play an essential and vitally important role in the secured lending offered by FOLK2FOLK. Panel valuers provide an independent and reliable assessment on the value of the land or property proposed by the borrower as security against a loan.

The scrappage scheme is designed to help businesses with out-dated telephony equipment upgrade and adopt new VoIP technology. The incentive offers business the chance to claim up to £995, with the aim of replacing and recycling aging ISDN lines and older systems.

The unexpected shift toward remote working has seen many businesses struggling to maintain communications as they would in an office, with older telephony systems failing to meet the demands of a more flexible workforce.

The switch to either a new VoIP telephony system or a ‘Direct Calling’ option via Microsoft Teams will provide businesses with a host of new benefits such as full remote working functions which include; video calling, mobile app extensions, online presence and instant messaging. www.ebcgroup.co.uk

Valuations of land and property for FOLK2FOLK’s secured lending takes the form of desktop or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) ‘Red Book’ valuations, depending upon the security property. Fisher German will be providing Red Book valuations.

FOLK2FOLK Co-Founder and Head of Legal, Louis Mathers, said: “We’re very pleased to have Fisher German on board and to be adding their significant property expertise to our SME lending and investing service.”

Hannah Rose, Associate Director at Fisher German, said: “We are delighted to be appointed to the panel and have the opportunity to work alongside FOLK2FOLK who are extremely well respected in the marketplace lending sector. There are great synergies between Fisher German and FOLK2FOLK and we are looking forward to working together.”

FOLK2FOLK recently surpassed £390 million in cumulative lending, providing British small businesses across a wide range of sectors, access to the finance they need to grow, diversify or refinance.

FOLK2FOLK is in the process of expanding its valuer panel to ensure good coverage across Britain and further announcements regarding new valuer partners will be made in due course.

WHAT IS FUTURE PROOFING A BUSINESS? Some argue that future proofing a business is an ever-evolving problem, best tackled by tracking market trends and adapting to external changes as they emerge. Based on the past year, those opinions ring true in many ways.

Businesses left, right, and centre have succumbed to the effects of multiple lockdowns despite their best efforts, whilst others have beaten the odds by adapting their business plan and moving their operations online.

are proving to be a lifesaver for many. With multiple digital marketing companies providing services helping local retailers sell and promote their products online, the future is looking hopeful for SME’s.

LOCALiQ have found the strength of digital technology and online resources

www.Localiq.co.uk

Understanding how customer needs are adapting with modern times and emerging technologies, and supporting this with an effective marketing plan, will be a step-forward for local businesses planning for the future.

www.folk2folk.com

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March/April 2021

Your local, award winning legal experts

PENSION SCHEMES CAN FREE UP CASH FOR BUSINESS Companies with cash-flow problems, particularly during COVID-19, could be sitting on alternative means of obtaining vital funds.

Businesses with their own premises can consider selling the property to their regulated pension schemes to generate additional cash and investment.

Stewart Coles, an Associate Director in the Commercial Property department at Thursfields said “Certain regulated pension schemes such as SIPPs or SSASs can purchase commercial property using the funds in that pension scheme, and the property then sits in the scheme as an investment.

“These arrangements are often used by business owners to hold their own business premises in their pension scheme, then the scheme rents the property to the company.”

Stewart said one of the principal reasons for going down this route were tax advantages.

He explained: “Putting it simply, once the property is in the pension scheme any capital growth in the value of the property is tax free, so when the pension scheme sells the property there is no capital gains tax.”

Any rental income going into the pension scheme is also tax free, Stewart said.

He added: “It can be very attractive to a business owner to own their premises in their pension scheme and pay the rent into that pension scheme, so building up the scheme’s funds, rather than having to pay rent to an unconnected third party landlord, or paying a mortgage to a bank.

“Also, particularly in the current economic climate, and during the COVID pandemic, when businesses are maybe struggling with cash-flow and wanting a bit of a cash injection, it can be an opportunity to use funds currently sitting in their pension scheme which maybe they can’t get access to at the moment, to inject that money into the business.”

Stewart stressed that as well as benefitting the business this could also be an attractive investment for the pension fund, as the property will then be an income-producing asset of the scheme and would hopefully increase in capital value.

He said other ways of releasing money from a pension was with a SSAS, which is allowed to lend money to an associated company, using the company’s property as security.

Stewart said usual legal due diligence had to be carried out as if buying a property from a separate party on an arm’s length basis, and warned: “When it’s in the pension scheme you can’t just do what you

Stewart Coles

want with the property, which you might have been able to do when you owned it personally.”

He said the process needed to be led by the financial adviser, and added: “That’s the first step, but from a legal point of view I would say it’s important to get lawyers involved early, to get the paperwork in place.”

Stewart’s Talk Legal video on pensions and commercial property can be viewed by visiting www.thursfields.co.uk/ talk-legal-videos For further advice contact Stewart Coles on 0345 20 73 72 8 or scoles@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 Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBERNEWS TECHADVICE

A YEAR IN TECHNOLOGY - HOW THE PANDEMIC SHAPED US Let’s take a minute and try and remember life before the pandemic. A lot has changed, but none more so than our relationship with technology.

In just a short amount of time the Covid-19 crisis has pushed us over the technology tipping point and bought about years of change in just 12 months.

Looking to explore how Covid-19 has impacted employees, a new survey conducted by EBC Group in conjunction with the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, has highlighted some of the significant changes in ‘how and where’ we now do business.

For most, the biggest changes came as a result of remote working. The unexpected shift saw many thrown into technology turbulence as they scrambled to get their workforce up and running from home. In fact, 85% of businesses experienced at least one challenge as a result of remote working during this time, an impact that was felt across EBC Group’s support team, with 8 x the number of clients seeking helpdesk support in the first weeks of lockdown.

What became clear were the gaps between those businesses who had already begun to digitally transform their workplace prior to Covid-19 and those who were still running on dated systems.

Businesses already taking advantage of cloud technologies were able to shift from office to home with relative ease, setting them apart from those with aging and inflexible technology.

In a bid to continue operations ‘as usual’, businesses looked to digitalise key processes with 78% having adopted or increased their use of new technologies over the pandemic. It should come as little surprise that video conferencing saw the biggest leap in this area, with 75% of businesses using platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams as their primary way of conducting meetings and networking.

come without its share of risks. Looking to capitalise on the pandemic hackers saw the opportunity that personal devices and vulnerable Wi-Fi connections provided and were quick to take advantage of businesses who didn’t have the right security protocols in place.

As a result, 2020 saw an alarming increase in the amount of malspam, phishing and ransomeware attacks.

Additionally, the adoption of technology services such as Office 365, cloud, home print and document management also saw an increase as businesses searched for ways to digitally support their remote teams.

But how does workplace technology look moving forward? For some, the events of Covid-19 and the strain placed on their technology will prompt a number to sit up and take stock of their current IT setups. 62% of businesses are now expecting their spend on technology and digital transformation to increase as a result of the pandemic. This in part will be influenced by the 31% of businesses that intend to offer greater flexible working options moving forward, and the majority 58% that intend to keep their current flexible working setups.

Faced with the challenge of keeping colleagues connected away from the office led businesses to seek out new ways to collaborate effectively. The significant increase in the adoption of collaboration tools saw the Microsoft Teams platform rocket in user numbers, with the app reaching a record 75 million users in a single day, which was 3 x the number just a few months before.

However, the unprecedented increase in digital tools and remote workers didn’t

62% of businesses are now expecting their spend on technology and digital transformation to increase as a result of the pandemic 08

’’

Having helped many of their clients adapt their technologies to support remote employees, EBC Group recommends that businesses now use this time to reflect on what has and hasn’t worked over the past 12 months. Changes made should be with the objective of developing an effective digital workplace and include a range of solutions such as cloud, collaboration tools and unified communications.

For more information on EBC Group’s digital workplace solutions email hello@ebcgroup.co.uk or 0121 368 0154 or www.ebcgroup.co.uk.

March/April 2021

ADVERTORIAL

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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GET NATIONALLY RECOGNISED FOR YOUR SUPPORT TO THE DEFENCE COMMUNITY! Your organisation, whatever its industry sector or size, can become a powerful force for positive change at a regional and even national level.

Defence is keen to establish open, strategic relationships with employers by tailoring partnering opportunities to mutual needs and business goals. It does so by working with organisations to help them actively promote and understand the benefit to business of partnering with Defence through the Armed Forces Covenant. Then, having established those relationships, Defence is keen to ensure the most supportive organisations are appropriately recognised through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).

Now in its eighth year the ERS seeks to recognise those employers who support Defence People objectives and encourage others to exhibit the same behaviours.

Whilst the scheme was initially focussed on support to the Reserve Forces, it has since been widened to include the full spectrum of Defence People issues and initiatives. It now encompasses service leavers; veterans; wounded, injured and sick; the Cadet Forces; commercial fairness and spousal employment. The scheme is accessible online and uses a tiered approach for awards.

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Richard Morgan, a Partner at Harrison Clark Rickerbys Solicitors, with 2 members of his team and 2 Coldstream Guards; following receipt of their ERS Gold Award in 2019.

valued skills into your organisation. By offering employment to service leavers, granting flexible leave for service spouses and partners before and after deployment, and supporting Reservists, you help to ensure that men and women who have done, and continue to do, so much for our nation are treated fairly and with respect; deserving of Defence's gratitude.

Key initiatives for employer support might include:

At the Bronze Level employers state their intent to be supportive towards Defence People issues; they do so by signing the Armed Forces Covenant and voluntarily pledging to support the Armed Forces community across a broad range of initiatives, wherever they can add value.

The Silver Level recognises employers who actively demonstrate support; and the Gold Level recognises the best employers who demonstrate and also advocate to others the benefits of partnering with Defence and aligning core values to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Employment of Reservists and support through flexible HR policies.

Silver and Gold employers are typically recognised for having supportive HR policies for Reserves and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. They work with government-funded agencies to support service leavers and veterans to transition successfully into the civilian workforce.

With the Chartered Management Institute estimating their training value at over £8,000, Reservists are given world class training to develop essential core skills such as leadership, management, planning, problem-solving and communication, directly benefitting those who employ them. Ex-military personnel, Reservists and military spouses can bring highly

Joint development of skills in key areas such as engineering, medical, communications and cyber security.

Employment of regular service personnel at the end of their engagements and support for their resettlement, in collaboration with the Career Transition Partnership.

Employment opportunities for service leavers with more challenging transitions including the wounded, injured and sick.

Employment of spouses/civil partners of service personnel.

emergency services, local authorities, NHS trusts and executive agencies are also eligible to be recognised. Charities and community groups can also be recognised, even if they do not employ members of the Armed Forces community, for exceptional supportive behaviours and advocacy.

Over 6,350 organisations have now signed the Armed Forces Covenant nationally, with 655 of those based here in the West Midlands. We, here at the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association are on hand to support every one of those employers with their ERS journey through Bronze, Silver and Gold levels and welcome any new interest in the scheme from those organisations wishing to commit their support through the Armed Forces Covenant.

To find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme, and the criteria and process involved, please email Phil Sinclair on wm-reed2@rfca.mod.uk or visit www.wmrfca.org

Career opportunities and support for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and cadets.

Tackling disadvantages faced by service personnel in the consumer market.

Encouraging supply chain partners and business networks to do all of the above.

Whilst the ERS is designed primarily to recognise private sector support, public sector organisations such as the

March/April 2021

POLICYNEWS

OUTLOOK FOR 2021 The government policy over the last 12 months has been to provide economic support packages to help business survive throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

This has no doubt been a challenging year for many businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. With the approval of three new vaccines, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel.

With new variants of Covid-19 being identified, the continued balancing act of public health concerns and reopening the economy proves to be a significant unwelcomed challenge for the government to navigate.

2021 remains a year for hope and optimism with three new approved vaccines and a new trade agreement with the EU, meaning businesses are able to plan effectively for the year ahead. The new trade agreement allows businesses to understand the red tape and regulations around importing and exporting goods and services in the EU. No doubt there will be many queries from companies as they get to grips with the new rules, however the clarity on regulation will be much welcomed from businesses.

The approval of three Covid-19 vaccines means there is light at the end of the tunnel, and organisations can start to plan how their business can move forward as restrictions are slowly lifted. The easing of the restrictions will allow business the opportunity to trade with consumers again and help provide the economy the much-needed boost in helping to kickstart its economic recovery.

KNOWING YOUR MARKET Many businesses throughout the Covid-19 pandemic have had to change their products and services due to national

lockdowns, which has changed consumer behaviour. For example, online shopping has increased by over 50% in the last year alone according to the Office of National Statistics. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the growth for online services, which we are likely to see continue to grow in 2021 and beyond.

One way businesses can future proof is to ensure they know what the trends are in their sector and how customers are likely to buy their products/services in the future. As we have seen with retail businesses, they have struggled with national lockdowns due to no customers visiting stores which has meant they have to rely on online services in order to sell their products.

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY As remote working was encouraged during 2020, businesses were forced to change the way they operate. 78% of businesses who responded to our Employment Survey 2020 adopted or increased use of at least one type of technology due to the pandemic. Being aware of the new technologies that are available and how they can be utilised to help a business reach their goals is another dway of future proofing.

With new variants of Covid-19 being identified, the continued balancing act of public health concerns and reopening the economy proves to be a significant unwelcomed challenge for the government to navigate.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

A McKinsey study showed that 67% of companies had accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence and automation due to the pandemic. To plan for the future businesses should ask themselves, how are production methods in their industry changing and is automation being used by their competitors? In our QES Q1 survey we are investigating the use of automation in the local area.

SKILLS The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted inequalities of skill shortages within specific sectors and industries. For example, the hospitality and tourism sector has been hit the hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic, with 171,000 people losing their jobs due to the pandemic.

However, the IT sector has seen an increase in jobs being advertised for skilled IT engineers, although accessing this labour pool proves to be rather difficult. There have been wider questions surrounding whether people who have lost their jobs are able to retrain in other fields.

We found in our Employment Report that 28% of businesses were planning to use the Kickstart Scheme to employ young people.

CONCLUSION Underpinning all of these ways that business can future proof their business as they plan is consistent investment. Data from the QES has shown investment has remained at chronically low levels due to EU Exit and Covid-19 uncertainty. But as we move away from this uncertainty and start to recover from the pandemic businesses have an opportunity to increase investment in their business and thrive in the future.

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BUSINESSSUPPORT

EMPLOYERS ARE INVITED TO WCG’S DIGITAL ‘T PARTY’ Employers are being offered the chance to find out how they can help mould the next generation of workers at a digital event hosted by a leading college group in March.

development of their existing employees through mentoring opportunities, improve productivity by getting help with specific projects, and get the opportunity to offer masterclasses at WCG to help shape skills and knowledge of their potential future workforce.

Digital support service T Levels will be offered from the college’s facility at Malvern Hills Science Park in Worcestershire and at Royal Leamington Spa College in Warwickshire.

WCG virtual ‘T Party’ takes place on Tuesday 23 March, between 11am-12pm, to talk in more detail to employers across the region about T Levels and the benefits of being involved. The event is free to attend, but places must be booked in advance at wcg.ac.uk/tlevelemployers.

T-Levels, equivalent to three A-Levels, are new national qualifications that form part of the Government’s flagship reforms to technical education in England. They combine classroom theory and practical learning with industry placements of at least nine weeks to give students real experience of the workplace.

Steve Ellis, head of WCG’s Business and Digital Technology department, said: “Employers should see T Levels as a way of bringing talented young people into their business to assess them as a potential employee, as well as benefiting from new ideas that they could bring to help them grow their business.

By offering work placements, employers will get early access to new talent and ideas in the workplace, support the

“We hope to see as many employers as possible from our area join us at our online ‘T Party’ so they can hear first-hand the

long-term benefits that these are new qualifications can offer.”

To find out more about T Levels, contact WCG’s Business Development Team: T: 0330 135 6940 E: employerenquiries@wcg.ac.uk W: wcg.ac.uk/tlevelemployers

T2M RESOURCING – YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER FOR PROFESSIONAL RECRUITMENT! The team at T2M Resourcing are passionate about providing a great recruitment experience to our clients and candidates in a professional, ethical and agile manner.

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.

Recent campaigns we have successfully delivered for our clients include: Managing Director – IT company Chief Technology Officer – aim listed Plc that provide ‘B2B’ services Finance Director - £15m turnover engineering company Group Financial Controller – nationwide critical services provider

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Financial Controller – International capital equipment provider Finance Manager – Telecoms company Senior Finance Business – Property & Transport Group HR Director & HR Business Partner – nationwide compliance services group General Manger – manufacturing group Credit Manager & Credit Controller – logistics company What our clients say about our service: “The T2M team build long term relationships – that is why we work with them. To us, cultural alignment is just as important as experience and technical ability. I do not hesitate to recommend T2M as a partner of choice for resource needs.” – Phil, Chief Executive, AIM Listed Plc “The service that was provided to us by your company was first class” – Peter, Finance Director, Logistics company

“ As always thank you for your support with this role – T2M coming up trumps again!”- Julie, Group Financial Controller, IT services company “I really appreciate your work on this. You have been very professional, much more so than many I have come across in your industry. Thank you.” Jeremy, Operations Manager, Outsourcing company For a discussion about your next permanent or interim recruitment requirement contact Steve Randall, Managing Director at T2M Resourcing on 07412 786686 or email him at Steve@ T2Mresourcing.com www.T2Mresourcing.com

March/April 2021

BUSINESSSUPPORT

Left to right: Mark Wilesmith, Partner at Upton Business Centre and Andrew MacCuish, Highway Care’s Operations Director

HIGHWAY CARE TAKE THE ROAD TO UPTON BUSINESS CENTRE 15th February 2021: A national provider of highway safety and security solutions with 4 depots across the UK is set to take up new space at Upton Business Centre, following an expansion of the site by 2 acres.

Highway Care, which had an annual turnover of over £16m in 2019, is relocating from its depot in Ledbury in Herefordshire to a newly developed secure 70,000 sq ft compound at the Centre which is based in Welland Road in Upton. This is the largest amount of space let by the owners, Martin

and Mark Wilesmith, in Upton Business Centre’s 25 year history. The remainder of the tenants, which include national and local companies, rent a mix of commercial/ industrial units ranging in size from 600 to 3,500 sq ft.

Andrew MacCuish, Highway Care’s Operations Director says: ‘We have been looking for suitable premises for some time, to provide the business with a better location and site from which to operate. Upton Business Centre offers Highway Care a much improved depot location from which to base our Operational Delivery Services team and rental assets in the West, to service our customers now and into the future.’

We are delighted to welcome Highway Care to Upton Business Centre. They are local employers and the extra space we have provided them will enable them to expand their operations.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

One of the key advantages of Upton Business Centre is its location, given its proximity to the M5 North and South, together with the M50 to South Wales allowing easy access to the wider region.

Martin Wilesmith says: ‘We are delighted to welcome Highway Care to Upton Business Centre. They are local employers and the extra space we have provided them will enable them to expand their operations. We have the skills and capacity to adapt the premises to Highway Care’s requirements and support their plans for the future’ The father and son duo also own a further site at Link Business Centre in Malvern where they rent 31 commercial units, ranging from 760 to 3,300 sq ft.

For further information about Upton or Link Business Centres please contact Martin Wilesmith on 01684 561238 or visit www.uptonbusinesscentre.co.uk For further information about Highway Care please contact Natalie Owen at natalie.owen@highwaycare.com or call 01622 291135

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BUSINESSNEWS

POWERING FUTURE GROWTH WITH ELECTRIC VEHICLES With the Government banning sales of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030 and major cities introducing Clean Air Zones, it is not a surprise that Electric Vehicles (EVs) are increasing their market share fast. But how can making the switch to electric benefit your business?

MAKE SAVINGS ON YOUR OVERALL FLEET COSTS: Electric vehicles are known for having a higher price tag, but calculating the running costs over the lifetime of the vehicle can tip the ‘Whole Life Cost’ of an EV below a hybrid, petrol or diesel model.

The fuelling cost per mile of an EV can typically be between 2 to 4 pence per mile, compared to diesel (9 to 11 pence per mile) or petrol (11 to 14 pence per mile).

There is no Vehicle Excise Duty for zero-emission cars and considerably lower Benefit In Kind rates for pure EVs (0-2%) compared to petrol and diesel (15-37%).

Switch to electric and your fleet could be exempt from the rollout of fees in Clean Air Zones, for example, London’s Congestion Charging Zone and new zones set to launch in Bath and Birmingham in 2021.

OFFSET THE HIGHER PRICE TAG: Grants are available from the Government’s Office Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) towards the upfront cost of the vehicle (£3,000 for cars and £8,000 for vans).

GET YOUR EV CHARGING STRATEGY RIGHT:

Where your fleet charges will dictate how much it costs to fuel. With over 21,000 EV chargers in over 13,500 public places, it is now easy to find a quick charge location on the move.

Charging overnight at your workplace or employee’s home will always be the cheapest. There are grants available for the installation of the chargepoints through OZEV’s homecharge and workplace charging schemes.

Develop an EV charging strategy that meets your needs as your electric fleet grows. Install the right number and type of EV chargers and secure the electricity capacity now to stay ahead as other local businesses switch and place demand on the local network. www.rockpowerconnections.co.uk

THE CHANGES TO DATA LAWS THAT ALL COMPANIES SHOULD BE AWARE OF or third countries, and from Europe to third countries and also identify where SCCs are currently in place so that once the new SCCs are made available, the required changes can be made promptly.

All businesses have a responsibility to comply with data laws, this also includes being aware of any changes. The European Commission recently published the update to the standard contractual clauses ("SCCs").

International SCCs are one of the mechanisms which businesses can use under GDPR to transfer personal data to a third country (i.e. countries outside the UK and EEA that do not have an adequacy decision from the European Commission). This is a tool frequently used by organisations of all sectors for transferring personal data internationally.

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The use of these SCCs is purely voluntary and if organisations already have an existing set of processor clauses which are compliant then they may continue to use that set.

flows of data. The UK's data protection regulator (the ICO) has stated that it is currently reviewing the new SCCs so it is not yet clear as to how they will apply in post-Brexit UK.

The new SCCs are a much-needed update to existing SCCs in recognition of the increasingly complex international

To start preparing, if businesses have not already done so, they should map all data transfers from the UK to Europe

As part of the trade deal agreed between the UK and the EU, the EU has agreed to delay data transfer restrictions for at least four months, which can be extended to six months (known as the bridge). In the meantime, the UK Government is continuing to seek an adequacy decision from the European Commission to facilitate data transfers between the UK and EU going forward.

If this adequacy decision is not granted before the end of the bridge, the SCCs will also be a key alternative for businesses needing to put in place safeguards to maintain the free flow of data between the EU and the UK. www.gowlingwlg.com

March/April 2021

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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SKILLS

CAREERS HELPLINE REMAINS OPEN TO YOUNG PEOPLE IN WORCESTERSHIRE Schools and colleges may be closed, but the careers helpline set up to support young people during the pandemic remains open to young people in Worcestershire.

“The Careers Worcestershire Helpline is run by our qualified advisors and has been set up to offer clarity, advice and support to local students and parents during this challenging time.”

Run by Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire LEP, the joint careers helpline is continuing to offer advice, information and guidance to young people across the county despite the latest lockdown measures.

Worcestershire County Council is currently offering apprenticeships at intermediary, advanced and higher levels across a variety of different sectors including customer service business administration, finance and accounting, social care and civil engineering.

First launched in March 2020 during the first lockdown, this service has been developed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic amid closures of education settings to support the young people of Worcestershire.

Careers services are still available via email and phone for all Worcestershire students, schools, parents, carers, job centres and those interested in finding out more about apprenticeships.

The Careers Worcestershire Helpline offers support to 16 – 24-year olds

looking for information about education or training choices, including guidance on university choices, as well as the next steps and apprenticeship options available.

Councillor Marcus Hart, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Education and Skills, said: “During this time, we must continue to support Worcestershire’s young people who may be confused about the different options available to them.

Anybody in England over the age of 16 can apply for an apprenticeship. They are nationally recognised and can help young people to gain qualifications and employability skills.

Please call 0300 666 3666 or email careersworcs@worcestershire.gov.uk to find out more.

For more information about careers, please visit www.skills4worcestershire.co.uk

COLLEGE GROUP SEEKS INDUSTRY LEADERS TO INFLUENCE SKILLS DELIVERY Industry leaders are being given the chance to influence a leading college group to ensure it is delivering the skills required to support the present and future economy.

WCG (formerly Warwickshire College Group) has seven colleges across Warwickshire and Worcestershire and is calling for more individuals from the regional business community to join its advisory boards.

Its colleges include Royal Leamington Spa College, Rugby College, Moreton Morrell College, Warwick Trident College, Pershore College, Malvern Hills College and Evesham College.

The group, which specialises in technical and vocational education, is aiming to strengthen its link with business, ensuring it is prepared to play a key role in post-Brexit and post-pandemic economic recovery.

It is hoped that 10 new board members can be recruited across the group, including additional board members to advise on operations at Malvern Science Park.

The key responsibilities of advisory board members include advising on the educational character of the colleges and the needs of local stakeholders, while

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counselling on whether their curriculum matches the areas economic needs.

recovery in the regions our colleges are based.

They are also asked to guide strategies to improve performance and invited to help develop new links and strengthen existing links with communities.

“In order to do this we are inviting more people from the business community to join our advisory boards.

Other roles include helping WCG to further understand the local labour market and support building more opportunities for student work experience, internship and post-college employment.

Angela Joyce, CEO of WCG, said: “It is essential that we use all of our resources in the right places to support the economic

“They will help us to make certain that our colleges are delivering the skills required for businesses and supporting the workforce of the future.

“By strengthening ties with WCG, it will also give advisory board members access to new contact networks and a direct link to the brightest young talent to support the future of their businesses.” www.wcg.ac.uk

March/April 2021

WORCESTERSHIRE WORKS WELL

LOCAL SCHOOL BECOMES FIRST OF ITS KIND TO ACHIEVE HEALTH AND WELLBEING ACCREDITATION Worcestershire Works Well is a free accreditation scheme designed to support businesses to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees. Improved employee health and wellbeing has been shown repeatedly to improve profitability and productivity of businesses.

The Worcestershire Works Well brand-new framework was launched at the start of September 2020, with three levels of accreditation that an organisation can work towards. Businesses that are interested in finding out more are encouraged to email Admin@worcestershire.gov.uk for further information.

PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND BETTER HEALTH CAMPAIGN Capitalising on the opportunity to inspire healthy changes across the nation, Public Health England first launched the Better Health campaign in July and encouraged the nation to eat better and get more active.

2021 offers another unique opportunity to motivate, galvanise and encourage adults to make a positive change, at a time when new research reveals that eight in ten adults plan to make at least one change to their health and wellbeing in 2021.

Therefore Public Health England are running a new Better Health campaign activity, showing the public simple steps they can take to help them feel better: In addition to the resources already created for the launch of Better Health, Public Health England have made a range of new resources available to help encourage people to make a change.

All these can be downloaded from the Public Health England Campaign Resource Centre: www.campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/ resources.

Worcestershire Works Well is delighted to confirm that St Bede’s School has achieved Level 2 accreditation. Due to their hard work to support health and wellbeing during a challenging year they are the first school to have achieved the accreditation.

On their award of the accreditation, Hayley Farbrother, Art Co-ordinator at St Bede’s, commented: “We believe that School staff wellbeing is fundamental in the job that we do, it’s so important that staff feel good in themselves and feel valued and supported. This in turn, having a strong positive impact on the wellbeing of the children they are working with, allowing children to flourish and achieve their full potential. Worcestershire Works Well has really helped St Bede’s focus on what staff need and how we can support them further with their wellbeing.”

There are three levels which your organisation can work towards, starting from Level 1. To obtain the accreditation organisations are required to meet the criteria for 8 core standards plus at least one additional standard. Those core standards include environment and culture, leadership and management, mental health and more.

L+R Mrs Kate Gallinagh, Assistant Principal & Mrs Hayley Farbrother, Art Co-ordinator and Worcestershire Works Well Champion.

FULL HOUSE FOR 2021’S FIRST VIRTUAL WORCESTERSHIRE WORKS WELL BI-ANNUAL EVENT January saw the first bi-annual Worcestershire Works Well event take place virtually, hosted by the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

The virtual event saw several keynote speakers including representatives from Worcestershire County Council, Global Vice President at Jacobs, Paul Hendry, Director of Sutcliffe & Co Duncan Sutcliffe, Payara Services’ HR Director Julia Millidge and Chair of Bishop Fleming Ian Smith with Tax Manager Dan Pitt from Bishop Fleming.

Level 2 – International Glazing Services Limited, Vision Labs and St Bede’s Catholic Middle School.

The event was a huge success and covered topics relating to leadership and influencing workplace health and wellbeing. Feedback from the event was extremely positive with guests praising the interactivity of the event and the quality of information being presented.

The event was rounded off with congratulations to all of the newly accredited Level 1 and Level 2 businesses: Level 1 – AKW, Grupo Antolin, Payara Services Ltd and St Bede’s Catholic Middle School.

Worcestershire Works Well is a free accreditation scheme designed to support businesses to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees. Improved employee health and wellbeing has been shown repeatedly to improve profitability and productivity of businesses.

To find out more information regarding the scheme and accreditation please visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/worcestershireworkswell.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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FEATURE

How will we work in the future?

We know that 2020 has changed many aspects of working life for ever, at least for many office-based businesses – our own research at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, in our Future Workspaces report, looking at attitudes before and after the first lockdown has confirmed this.

Homeworking and who it works for, the real functions of the office and how we will work in the future are issues many employers are facing. What does an employer need to take into account, now that technology has taken work right to the kitchen table, with all the risks and benefits that brings?

What do home workers need?

The rush to supply IT equipment to remote workers extended in some case to employers making sure that their employees had the kind of equipment they could routinely expect in the office; one employer supplied an orthopaedic chair to a member of staff with a bad back. This is line with the duty of care an employer owes their employees, even if they work from home, and that extends to both physical and mental health.

If your business is going to support home working more regularly now, you need to have a home working policy to set out the arrangements between you and your employees. It can cover the practical issues - will staff use their home telephone or will they have a work mobile? Who will pay for what? If you’re dealing with confidential documents, you might want to have more control over a home worker, for instance.

Cyber challenges The shift to home working proved fruitful for cyber-attackers. Barracuda, which has been monitoring global Covid-19related phishing activity ranging from phishing attempts, malicious attachments and links to malware or ransomware strains, saw a rise in incidents from 137 in Jan 2020 to 9,116 in March 2020. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), update your policy to cover remote access and use of personal devices, check your insurance covers homeworking and regularly remind employees of the correct procedures.

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A PASSION FOR PEOPLE

March/April 2021

CHAMBERNEWS What will it mean for our homes and offices?

Lockdown has changed what we want from our homes – it’s likely to have the same effect on how we feel about our office space.

According to data from property firm Rightmove, nearly half of renters (49%) and over a third of buyers (39%) currently in the market say lockdown has changed what they’re looking for in their next home. The top six attributes both buyers and renters want from their new home include more space, a better home workspace, a garden or access to green space, and access to parking or a garage.

Nearly half of renters (49%) and over a third of buyers (39%) currently in the market say lockdown has changed what they’re looking for in their next home.

For landlords and tenants of commercial properties, the pandemic has hit hard and has illustrated the importance of good communication on both sides. It is hard not to sympathise with businesses who have faced lost revenue, but many landlords will have felt hard done by during the pandemic in being unable to pursue non-payment of rent in the usual way.

If tenants can’t pay, they should be transparent and discuss alternative solutions, continue paying service charges and insurance, remember that they remain liable for all obligations, and use any Government support payments to pay arrears.

Landlords should make reasonable concessions, or explain refusals, consider rent-free periods, deferrals, stop interest, change schedules, and use deposits.

With much commercial property likely to be affected by a new hybrid working approach, many businesses will keep a physical office with the majority of employees working flexibly between the office and home. So, the design of offices will need to focus on encouraging creativity, team cohesion, support, drive and inclusion, enabling people to work wherever is most appropriate and productive for the tasks in hand.

Your future plans Whatever direction your business takes in the future, you are likely to be reassessing your property requirements and the way that your team needs to work. You may need to look at your commercial leases, to raise finance for your innovations or adaptations or to simply ensure that your workforce is ready for the challenges ahead.

We know that you want a real partner to give you the legal advice and support you need to face the changes ahead; we will help you tackle them with confidence.

Matthew Hayes Partner, Head of Real Estate and Hereford Office T: M: E:

01432 349 662 07879 498 160 mchayes@hcrlaw.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

www.hcrlaw.com

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CHAMBERTRAINING

TIPS FOR ONLINE TRAINING AT WORK Ben Feltwell. Digital Marketing Consultant, Trainer, Google Partner and founder of Baldur Digital gives his own top tips for online training at work.

Ben provides regular training webinars for the Chamber in all aspects of digital marketing, from Google Analytics and reports to SEO and WordPress.

Screaming babies, home tutoring, laptops on kitchen counters, slow internet and Amazon deliveries. These were not issues you would have expected to work around in training sessions, or work in general.

Now they are the norm.

So, how can we continue to learn or deliver training sessions to a world bent on interruptions?

With empathy, patience and a bit of planning. Fortunately, there are many new or improved tools available to deliver remote training. Microsoft Teams & Zoom are obvious contenders, but there are also more specific applications designed for larger webinars and e-learning.

The downside of these great tools is that if some background noise or conversation pops up it can easily distract the whole meeting. This is easily avoided by muting all of the delegates and either using text chat or the hand-raising approach. Text chat can carry on in real time without interrupting the presenter and it’s easy to ask questions and discuss ideas in the chat, which the presenter can answer verbally. Sometimes it’s better to ask a

question verbally, which is where the raise a hand method can work well.

Online training sessions are also known for being more draining. That is why all of the workshops delivered in the Chamber’s Digital Marketing series are limited to 2 hours, rather than in-person half-day workshops. This helps to reduce fatigue and ensure that delegates can stay focused and engaged throughout.

The presenter should ask regular questions and encourage regular interactions, to ensure everyone is still there (and not checking emails or Facebook). As a presenter, I’ll try to direct my questions to specific individuals if they’ve been a bit quiet, to make sure they are still engaged and following along.

With empathy, patience and a bit of planning. Fortunately, there are many new or improved tools available to deliver remote training. Microsoft Teams & Zoom are obvious contenders, but there are also more specific applications designed for larger webinars and e-learning.

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As an attendee, don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if it is to repeat a bit of information. It’s easy to miss something that may be needed later on. If you make sure you are happy with the preceding information, you are more likely to feel confident with what follows.

If you need a comfort break, or to attend your family or home, that’s OK. Just let everyone know and how long you might need. If several people are also looking for a break then the webinar could be paused quickly. I usually record the Digital Marketing webinars, so that if a delegate does have to dash, then they can watch back anything they might have missed.

Finally, good audio is more important than good video. If you are looking to upgrade your setup, start with a microphone or headset as we are more susceptible to poor audio quality than a blurry image.

There is no doubt that the last year has been one of the most challenging we might have ever faced. However, it is also a great time to learn, develop our skills and support one another - albeit from a distance. Stay safe!

If you are interested in signing up to the latest Digital Marketing webinar, delivered

by Ben or any other training course in the Chamber’s portfolio, please visit our training calendar here www.hwchamber. co.uk/events-and-training-calendar.

March/April 2021

CHAMBERTRAINING MARCH COURSE DATES Mental Health First Aid (1 day) 3rd March - 9am-4pm £200+VAT Members £250+VAT Non-Members Effective Presentation Skills 4th March - 9am-4pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-Members Professional Telephone Techniques 9th March - 9am-4pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-Members Advanced Microsoft Excel 11th March - 9am-4pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-Members

Canva - Simple and effective designs for digital marketing 16th March - 2-4pm £60+VAT Members £85+VAT Non-Members

IOSH Managing Safely 23rd-26th March - 9am-4pm each day £495+VAT Members £595+VAT Non-Members Train the Trainer 30th March - 9am-4pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-Members Intermediate Microsoft Excel 31st March - 9am-4pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-Members Introduction to Project Management 31st March - 9am-4pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-Members

APRIL COURSE DATES Mentoring in the Workplace 8th April - 9am-4pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-Members Creating a Customer Care Culture 13th April - 9am-4pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-Members

Introduction to WordPress - Part 1 13th April - 2-4pm £60+VAT Members £85+VAT Non-Members

Introduction to Digital Marketing & PR 15th April - 9am-1pm FREE place for Members £110+VAT Non-Members

Introduction to WordPress - Part 2 20th April - 2-4pm £60+VAT Members £85+VAT Non-Members

IOSH Managing Occupational Health & Wellbeing 22nd April - 9am-4pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-Members

Search Engine Optimisation - Part 1 27th April - 2-4pm £60+VAT Members £85+VAT Non-Members

Introduction to Microsoft Excel 16th March - 9am-4pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-Members How to Generate New Leads Virtually 17th March - 10am-12pm £60+VAT Members £85+VAT Non-Members Conducting Effective Team Appraisals 17th March - 9am-4pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-Members Managing Performance in the Team 18th March - 9am-4pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-Member

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 to the Chamber office for future courses.

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 & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

COUNTY GRITTING FIRM PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR WORCESTER’S SUMMER BIG PARADE Award-winning gritting and snow clearance company AA Salt has become the latest local business to pledge its support for a spectacular public art trail which is coming to Worcester this summer.

The Himbleton-based family firm, which helps businesses keep premises safe by gritting and snow ploughing car parks and access roads, has become the latest firm to get involved with St Richard’s Hospice’s Worcester ‘Big Parade’ initiative – an eight-week public art event which will see 30 colourful elephant sculptures forming an art trail around the city between July and September.

AA Salt will sponsor a large and an elephant calf model – with the smaller model being designed and kept by children at Bromsgrove’s Charford First

School after being nominated by an employee of the firm.

Nikki Rogers, AA Salt’s Managing Director said: “We absolutely loved being involved in the Stands Tall project two years ago and really wanted to show our support again in this latest initiative which I am certain will also be amazing for the city after the difficult year everyone has had.

Ben Tanner and Nikki Rogers of AA Salt

RAPID TEST MANUFACTURER OFFERING MEMBER DISCOUNT ON LEADING LATERAL FLOW TEST Bio-Diagnostics, with its laboratories in the Midlands, is the world’s leading ultra-rapid test manufacturer. Their three-minute Covid-19 BioCard™ technology is far faster and more accurate than any COVID-19 lateral flow available in the world.

Extensive contract manufacture and laboratory service experience places Bio-Diagnostics at the centre of the current global pandemic. Utilising spare capacity, the company makes components for third parties for PCR testing, and processing of samples.

The COVID-19 BioCard™ is already identifying where the vaccine has been successful, and where it has failed to result in the spike antibodies that provide immunity.

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Student nurses from the University of Worcester will once again be heading to the frontline to bolster the ranks of the NHS in the battle against Covid-19.

Third year students, coming towards the end of their degrees, are to be employed by partner Trusts to work in hospitals and community care settings.

In the first lockdown, around 450 University of Worcester students put themselves forward to work on the frontline, including those studying to be nurses, midwives, paramedics and physiotherapists.

So far 74 of Worcester’s student nurses have put themselves forward and will begin taking up paid placements on the frontline in the coming days and weeks.

Bio-Diagnostics has supplied high street pharmacy groups and global brands with accurate diagnostic tools that be used anywhere and give near instant results to patients.

This innovative immunology specialist serves a diverse range of areas, including COVID-19 testing, autoimmune disease and allergy testing. Millions of reliable tests have been provided for use throughout the NHS and global markets over their 41-year history.

UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER STUDENT NURSES HEAD BACK TO THE FRONTLINE

Bio-Diagnostics Ltd Managing Director, Simon Mico

Their testing service is performed in their own laboratories, here in the Midlands, UK, in the same British company that researched, designed and manufactures the BioCard™.

For any company connected with the UK Chamber of Commerce, they have set up a discount code so that immediate access to the test can be obtained. Simply enter “CHAMBER” on www.covid19BioCard. co.uk, and a 60% discount will be applied to every test ordered. www.biodiagnostics.co.uk

Robert Dudley, Head of the University of Worcester’s Three Counties School of Nursing and Midwifery, said: “Our third-year nursing students are once again being called upon to support frontline staff in what are very challenging times for the NHS. In the first lockdown, more than 200 Nursing students put themselves forward, and did an outstanding job. Many of those moved into accommodation at the University so that they would not ‘bring the virus home’ to the rest of the family.”

The University is currently working hard to create a new campus for health and wellbeing and a new medical school to serve the people of our region and beyond. www.worcester.ac.uk

March/April 2021

PROTECTING YOUR EMPLOYEES

DRPG SET UP INHOUSE COVID TESTING CENTRE Global creative communications agency DRPG have implemented new measures to ensure the safety of their team and visitors to their studio complex in Worcestershire.

Working closely with BHA medical, Professor Richard Lyon and H&S specialist Alan Law Associates, DRPG have created an in-house COVID testing centre using government approved Antigen rapid tests giving results in just 15 minutes. Alan Law commented: “For many years DRPG has led the industry with their pro-active approach to event safety management, the opening up of DRPG’s on site COVID-19 Testing Centre is further evidence of this.

In planning the Test Centre DRPG partnered with medical suppliers, Health Care Experts, H&S Advisors and rigorously applied all current UK.Gov guidance on the controls measures that need to be put in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission to the lowest possible level.”

Dale Parmenter, group CEO, outlines why: “We encourage all those team who can work from home to do so.

However, due to the nature of our work we need certain team members to be on site to run and maintain the 11 broadcast studios. We recognised the need for our clients to communicate

is more important now than ever before so it’s imperative the studios are operational while also being safe.

We have found visitors have been extremely cooperative, following the safety measures and now happy to take the COVID test.

“Once face to face and hybrid meetings start again the testing process will be offered to clients for their delegates at venues globally. Having our crew fully trained in the safety procedures will allow us to be ahead of the game in ensuring all delegates, presenters and crew feel safe wherever the venue maybe. With the tests and now the vaccine we can finally see light at the end of the tunnel” says Parmenter. www.drpgroup.com

COVID-19 SAFE COMMUNITIES PASSPORT Sunshine Radio, partnering with CSC, is delighted to announce the launch of a pioneering new Covid-19 Safe Communities Passport.

The CSC passport gives employers and HR departments the opportunity to access real-time data on their workforce’s COVID-19 test result status, enabling complete visibility of your workforce’s compliance with your COVID-19 testing protocol.

specialists, cleaning companies, trade organisations and film productions.

With a shelf life of 24 months, room temperature storage and no machine or lab required to process, the test is easy to use and simple to deploy.

Use the code ‘Sunshine’ for a 10% members discount. www.csctests.com

The app reports on the results of the 15-minute Healgen rapid antigen test, one of only three government approved tests.

With market leading >99% accuracy, their test is already deployed by governments globally, as well as professional sports teams, manufacturers, logistics

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

EMPLOYERS WITH 50 OR MORE STAFF ABLE TO SIGN UP TO RAPID TESTING TO PROTECT WORKFORCE Businesses and public sector organisations are joining a government scheme to test workers without symptoms who cannot work from home. Around 1 in 3 people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and may be unknowingly spreading the virus. To help stop the virus spreading, the government is making millions of rapid test kits available to NHS and care home staff, primary care workers, schools, colleges and universities, as well as to all 314 local authorities in England via the community testing offer.

To support this national effort, government departments are working in partnership with NHS Test and Trace to support businesses and public sector bodies to implement rapid testing, including organisations operating in the food, manufacturing, energy and retail sectors, and within the public sector including job centres, transport networks, and the military.

Companies interested in delivering workplace testing should email P-and-PSector@dhsc.gov.uk including “Register interest for National Worker Programme” in the subject line. This scheme is open until 31 March 2021.

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BIG INTERVIEW

OUTDOOR LEISURE COMPANY DESIGNED TO WEATHER THE WORST OF STORMS OLPRO 2020 was the handle Outdoor Leisure Products had given the three-year development plan designed to expand both the company on the ground and its market share.

BY HELEN COMPSON While even the most prescient of entrepreneurs couldn’t have forecast the actual events of 2020, Daniel Walton, for one, had reason to be thankful he’d put his award-winning company on the best footing possible to cope with the rollercoaster ride that was about to ensue.

“It’s been insane!” he said. “As it turned out, we had an incredible year last year – we were around 60% up on 2019.

“We had worked on our business development plan for about three years and

put in place a lot of measures to make sure we’d have a decent year, but then, well …”

Daniel spent the first fortnight of the first lockdown watching the sales of OLPRO’s tents, awnings, outdoor furniture, clothing and accessories “drop off a cliff”.

However, he soon realised that even though people weren’t buying, they were there, online, and visiting the website in unprecedented numbers.

“Luckily March and April were unusually warm and very quickly we started selling huge volumes of products – in one week, we sold 3000 windbreaks alone.”

Those measures he’d put in place – the appointment of a Marketing Manager, the expansion of the sales force and the improvement of the online customer service platform - suddenly came into their own. The team swung into action.

OLPRO did a roaring trade over the summer, thanks to the renaissance of staycations, and by August had sold out of the stock it had ordered in for the whole year.

“Yes, more people were online, but they were buying less, much less,” he said, “so we put stuff up to capture their interest.

“We started talking about garden camping, for example, and how to use the space they did have access to. It was very much in keeping with ‘be safe, don’t go out’, while making the most of what they had.

We understood we were in the middle of Armageddon, we realised people wanted to get outdoors, and we had the products they needed.

That was our sweet spot!

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Daniel said: “We understood we were in the middle of Armageddon, we realised people wanted to get outdoors, and we had the products they needed. That was our sweet spot!”

Because the company sells products that people use mostly in the summer, the team devotes the winter months to pre-sales, encouraging customers to get ready for the following spring by ordering from OLPRO’S select new line while they can.

In the winter of 2019/20, the team took 100 pre-orders for the new season of tents. This winter, they took 2000.

“I am looking at the targets I’d set for the months ahead and we’ve already met them, before we’ve even received this year’s stock,” he said.

Daniel started the business in 2011 after having spent 15 years working for the likes of lastminute.com and Towsure. With the

March/April 2021

BIG INTERVIEW

one, he focused on selling holidays abroad and the other, persuading people to stay in the UK in a caravan, he says wryly.

“I’ve worked for a number of outdoor leisure companies, selling camping gear or caravans, and in my last job I was Sales Director for a company in Birmingham, but I wanted to go off and create something different – something that stood out.

“A lot of the stuff I’d sold previously was really dull and boring. I thought, people can’t be happy with this; they are just buying it because that’s all there is.

“Stand-out, that’s what we try to do at OLPRO. I want people to feel proud of the kit they own, and I want to feel proud to have sold it to them.”

In the past decade, Daniel has gone from being a one-man band to having a 14-strong team. By the end of the current five-year business plan, in 2025, he aims to have 35 members of staff.

He is always watching and anticipating analysing trends and looking to the future.

But if there is one thing 2020 has taught him, despite the bonanza OLPRO enjoyed, that is no entrepreneur can afford to be blasé.

“I am very aware that we are currently reaping the benefits of people being unable to go abroad,” he said.

“Come next year, when they can go back to Spain and Greece again, will these times have built a fresh appreciation and love of camping here in our own countryside?

Meanwhile, its Loan and Go scheme has been launched with the infrequent/ sporadic – or perhaps just uncertain camper in mind.

“And will we have done enough to retain customer loyalty and to encourage them to keep going away for a week’s camping in the UK each year?”

The gear the customer has chosen to rent is delivered a couple of days in advance of their trip and off they go.

Daniel and his team are working hard to make sure, hand on heart, they can answer yes to at least the latter.

The comprehensive customer service platform and its chat facility, introduced in 2019, is capable of answering enquiries out of hours as well as during the working day.

It helps customers choose the right kit to begin with.

And then the quality of the OLPRO products does the rest, said Daniel.

“There’s lots of cheap gear out there and people will go away with it and have a bad experience. I think it’s our responsibility to give people a good experience.

“It’s easy to make hay while the sun shines, but that won’t sustain a business through the down times and it’s not our approach.”

One new trend Daniel thinks is here to stay is the rise of the campervan. OLPRO now retails a line of awnings tailored to fit.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

If they subsequently decide they would indeed like to buy it, they simply pay the difference between the rental and purchase prices. Otherwise, they just post the kit back to OLPRO. Daniel said: “We sell a lot of tents to people in places such as London, where they maybe live in a small apartment with little storage space, but want the kit to go to a festival.

“This way, we aren’t selling tents that are just going to sit on shelves for years when they could be used and used.”

The idea for Loan and Go had come from talking to customers and understanding that a lot of people looking for a tent might only go camping once or twice a year.

Daniel applies the same common sense approach – acknowledging reality – while writing a business plan. It is future-proofing at its best.

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COVER FEATURE

FINANCIAL MODELLING IS KEY TO FUTURE PROOFING During the first lockdown, Phil Redgate and his colleagues were exceptionally busy, producing the financial models crucial to helping businesses survive that most extreme of scenarios.

BY HELEN COMPSON The Corporate Finance Senior Manager, based at the Worcester branch of chartered accountancy firm Bishop Fleming, was already a passionate exponent of the benefits of this most fundamental of business tools.

“Whether you are a start-up seeking investment or a mature business appraising the potential return on a project, a financial model is a key investment in aiding decision making and to secure funding,” he said.

“In the scenario that began unfolding last March, many businesses suddenly had to raise funds and in order to do that, they needed a business plan underpinned by a financial model to encourage banks to give them loans, such as under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans Scheme.”

While a financial model is an invaluable tool when it comes to forecasting future financial performance, Phil finds that all too often, it hasn’t been written down – it is but a game plan in the head of the proprietor or manager.

However, the enterprise that could present stakeholders and would-be investors with a business plan accompanied by a financial model was demonstrably the stronger for it, he said.

“Besides being a means of raising finance, they are also an effective way of engaging with staff. They communicate what the vision is and encourage staff to buy into it.

“A financial model is the output of the business plan and the core element that should be given to management and marketing teams.”

Driven by modifiable inputs and assumptions that are bespoke to each and every enterprise, a model might be designed, for example, to produce an estimate of the market share available,

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realistic pricing levels and the penetration a business could reasonably expect to achieve.

“People do ask why they need a financial model,” said Phil. “The simple answer is that it is a very useful tool when it comes to running a business.

“It produces a forecast of future revenue, costs and cash-flow and a picture of how a business can expect to develop in the short- and mid-terms.

“That in turn enables management to assess critical success factors and any cash shortfalls should targets not be met.”

Crucially, a well thought out, detailed financial model demonstrates to would-be investors that there is substance to a business.

He said: “Does the business have appropriate funding in place? Is it looking at making an acquisition? What is its core product? Who are its competitors? What are its strengths and weaknesses? Where will the possible threats come from?

“And then, how much revenue can it expect to generate? What about customer numbers, and growth assumptions? A possible acquisition – how much money will that bring in?

“Commissioning a financial model is a highly valuable investment in itself. It provides a flexible format to test the

impact of your business decisions on your finances, while providing a solid foundation on which to build your business plan.”

Established in 1919 by two comrades-in-arms newly returned from the trenches of the First World War, Bishop Fleming began in Torquay.

Today, the firm has seven offices that together provide the full accountancy package – from audit and assurance to corporate and business services to restructuring to estate planning and probate to independent financial advice – right across the South West and the West Midlands.

It has a total of 350 staff, 40 of whom are based in Worcester, and last year broke its own record for graduate recruitment.

Bishop Fleming had to stand out against its smaller competitors, while giving the larger nationals a run for their money, said Phil. “We’re always working on building the expertise of the firm to maintain our edge.

“There is a lot of pressure in the accountancy world from online digital solutions that could be a threat to us in the future, so it’s all about offering the level of service that technology can’t – the financial modelling and aids to strategic decision making crucial to business success.

March/April 2021

COVER FEATURE

MILLIONS INVESTED TO SECURE FUTURE OF SAFARI PARK It is 48 years since Jimmy Chipperfield succeeded in getting Italian siren Sophia Loren to perform the official opening of his then new West Midland Safari Park.

BY HELEN COMPSON And it is causing current Managing Director Chris Kelly quite a headache. Looking ahead to the launch later this year of the first of the new safari lodges set to transform the face and fortunes of the Bewdley park, he said: “How am I going to top that!”

A Brummie by birth, Chris was a teenager when the circus family scion opened what was one of a chain of safari parks across Europe. He remembers the excitement and the news coverage generated by the arrival of the Hollywood film star in this quiet corner of Worcestershire.

He also remembers the antics of some of the park’s first inhabitants. “It started out with, among other things, bears, big cats, chimps and baboons.

“Baboons were the ones people really liked, because they used to rip things off the cars.

They are no longer here, thank goodness!” he laughed.

Today, the safari park has 650 animals representing 140 species and, it should be said, 70 members of staff still working round the clock to look after them. He said: “To me, our staff are crucial frontline workers. They are doing a fantastic job – I can’t thank them enough.”

Chris was director of one of the Aspinall Foundation animal conservation parks, in Kent, when the opportunity to return to his roots arose. He brought with him the knowledge and experience of tourism development needed to refresh West Midland Safari Park.

Key to its future-proofing is the multi-million-pound investment programme to build safari lodges that will allow punters to get up close to some of the most exotic of animals.

He said: “We have three African elephants at the moment and the plan is to try to increase the herd, which is why we have built a brand new elephant house costing in excess of £1.1m.

things. Looping has assured Chris it intends to continue investing in the safari park for years to come.

“That is great news, of course,” he said.

“My aim and philosophy when I joined the company was such that I insist, with every single development, the welfare and the experience of the animals comes first. Their needs must come first.”

“We are also building six lodges within their reserves, which will provide a fantastic vantage point for watching the elephants as they come to the waterhole directly in front of them.”

He is the first to acknowledge that, ideally, animals shouldn’t be in zoos or safari parks.

However, the reality is that without the national and international conservation and breeding programmes they run between them, many species would simply die out.

Ultimately there will be lodges in each of the areas that are home to the cheetahs, the rhinos, the elephants and the giraffes, totalling 40 in all.

“The UK plays an important conservation role in Europe and the rest of the world,” he said.

This year alone, the owner - the French company Looping, which also recently purchased Drayton Manor Park – is spending more than £4.5m on that side of

We are also building six lodges within their reserves, which will provide a fantastic vantage point for watching the elephants as they come to the waterhole directly in front of them.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

“We are working in a very highly regulated field. We have to have a zoo licence and regular inspections – we have just passed our latest one with flying colours.”

Zoos and safari parks also had an important role to play in education, he added.

Formally, the West Midland Safari Park has an academy at which animal management is taught. Informally, it nurtures an appreciation of wildlife among visitors, young and old.

Chris hopes those visitors will return as soon as possible, and in their droves. “People really supported us last summer and I hope they do so again this year. As the weddings and all the other events we usually host here have stagnated, we desperately need them to return.”

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BUSINESSNEWS

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March/April 2021

BUSINESSNEWS

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COULD YOUR FUTURE LIE IN AGRI-TECH? Worcestershire SME? Discover how you can be supported to diversify into the Agri-Tech sector.

Latest research suggests that the global Agri-Tech market is set to experience an average annual growth rate of 150% over the next five years.

Join our FREE programme of expert-led webinars that showcase the cutting-edge technologies being developed to revolutionise the way we grow our food by maximising productivity, protecting our natural resources and helping to create a climate-resilient agricultural system.

In May, Malvern-based Borwell will lead three events on Space, Cyber & GIS, exploring how the use of digital technologies and big data collection can give farmers insights into how they can grow their crops more efficiently and sustainably.

In June, a series of Bioenergy and Waste Management webinars will explore the applications of renewable technologies within horticulture and agriculture. Of interest to any business involved in energy, integrated software systems and agricultural waste processing.

For more information or to book on either event call 0330 135 7179 or visit wcg.ac.uk/growagribusinesssupport.

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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EVENTS EU EXIT SUPPORT WEBINAR Support for professional services, in partnership with Worcestershire County Council Date: 16 March 2021 Time: 12:00-13:00pm Industry expert Stephen Wyer from mfg Solicitors will discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with EU Exit and the professional service sector. As the UK will have officially left the EU when this event takes place there will be more clarity about what is required from businesses as they continue to trade with their EU partners. The following topics will be covered:

NEW WEST MIDLANDS VIRTUAL BUSINESS EXPO! We are delighted to announce the launch of the ‘West Midlands Business Expo’ This week-long event will see the collective efforts of Chambers across the Black Country, Coventry & Warwickshire, Herefordshire & Worcestershire, Shropshire and Staffordshire, with businesses offered the chance to exhibit, alongside a packed agenda of engaging business focused events. The headline sponsor for the Herefordshire and Worcestershire region is Hewett Recruitment.

The week, taking place from 22-26 March, comes at a period in which many firms have continued to struggle to stay afloat, despite a range of financial

support measures put in place by the UK government.

The importance of reviewing existing corporate structure and existing international contracts Office, business set up in the EU – optimum location, type of company incorporated, pros and cons

Over five days, the Virtual Expo is expected to attract visitors from across the region and beyond with exhibitors manning their virtual stands to showcase their products and services, whilst being able to respond online to new customer enquiries.

A range of informative business events will also be delivered during the week with each day having a local flavour, demonstrating the unique strengths and opportunities across the five West Midlands areas. Member stand prices start from £99.00+VAT! For more information on visiting or exhibiting, please visit: www.hwchamber. co.uk/westmidlandsbusinessexpo

CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS, SPONSORED BY FOLK2FOLK Entries for the annual Chamber Business Awards will open in April 2021. The black-tie ceremony with over 680 attendees will take place on Thursday 2 September 2021 at the Worcester Arena (subject to government guidelines).

Thursday 18 March 12.00am-1.00pm

It is free to enter for Members and Non-members and the opportunities that come alongside entering an award are invaluable, including a great boost to staff morale, a powerful tool to raise your profile and a way to stand out against your competitors.

Thursday 1 April 12.00am-1.00pm

Entries open on Monday 5 April 2021.

Thursday 15 April 12.00am-1.00pm

Entries close on Tuesday 25 May 2021.

For further information on the virtual events available, please visit the Events and Training Calendar www.hwchamber. co.uk/events-and-training-calendar or email Events@hwchamber.co.uk.

For the full list of categories to enter, please visit: www.hwchamber.co.uk/ events/business-awards

ONLINE LUNCHTIME NETWORKING Sign up to our Lunchtime Networking to raise your business profile and make valuable business contacts. The session will provide the opportunity for each attendee to participate in a 60 second introduction and break out rooms where you can participate in further conversations in smaller groups rooms and hear from an informative guest speaker.

Services and Qualifications – what the deal says and what it means

The Lunchtime Networking sessions are free and exclusive to Chamber Members.

Upcoming dates include: Thursday 4 March 12.00am-1.00pm Chamber CEO Sharon Smith presenting at a previous awards ceremony

To book onto any webinars, please email events@hwchamber.co.uk or keep up to date with all of our latest online events at www.hwchamber.co.uk/events-and-training-calendar.

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March/April 2021

TWOCOUNTIES

FUNDED TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR BUSINESSES IN WORCESTERSHIRE The Skills Support for the Workforce programme (SSW) helps support small and medium businesses in Worcestershire to upskill their employees with training courses and qualifications to help their business grow.

The SSW programme is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) so a wide range of training can be accessed at no cost to your business.

There are hundreds of courses on offer including construction, leadership & management, digital skills, and many more.

more responsibilities and progress in the business.

So far over 1,100 employees from 250 businesses have benefitted from the programme in Worcestershire. www.serco-ese.com

RAPID LATERAL FLOW TESTING NOW AVAILABLE AT WORCESTER CATHEDRAL

They will work with you to identify your business’ training needs to support your business goals. Graduate employees are also eligible to help them take on

HEREFORDSHIRE HITS RECORD HIGH FOR NEW COMPANY FORMATIONS DESPITE CHALLENGING YEAR FOR BUSINESS Latest figures show that more new businesses were established in Herefordshire during 2020 than in any previous year – hitting a new record high for the third year in a row.

Despite the considerable economic challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic, 2,327 new companies were registered in the county compared to 1,499 during 2019, representing an increase of 55.2%.

This brings the total number of registered companies in Herefordshire to 12,800, up from 10,498 at the end of 2019, which equates to 21.9% growth.

The statistics are taken from the Inform Direct, Review of Company Formations using data from Companies House and the Office for National Statistics.

shopping habits. Secondly, the effect of the pandemic and national lockdowns means that sadly some existing businesses have folded and employees made redundant, and we see many of those people setting up new ventures on their own as an alternative way to earn a living.

It remains open to debate whether this positive trend will last, especially when Government support for businesses is withdrawn. New enterprises set up during the pandemic might also be short-lived, as people return to full-time employment or struggle to take the business to the next level.” www.informdirect.co.uk/companyformations-2020/herefordshire

John Korchak, Operations Director at Inform Direct, said: “It is excellent news to see that Herefordshire has achieved a record year for new company formations during 2020 despite the unprecedented uncertainties brought by COVID-19.

“Many of the new company formations are in the retail sector, with a large number of new businesses set up to sell goods online or locally, thereby taking advantage of customers’ changing

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Worcester Cathedral has opened its door to residents who want to get a free rapid Covid-19 test in Worcestershire.

Rapid lateral flow testing, in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care, will be available to residents who don’t have any symptoms, at Worcester Cathedral between 10.00am and 5.45pm, Monday to Saturday. The aim is to help drive down transmission rates.

Testing will be available for people with no symptoms aged 18 and over.

Broadening testing to identify people without symptoms, means finding positive cases more quickly, and breaking the chains of transmission.

Rapid-turnaround lateral flow tests are a new type of technology, which provide results within an hour.

Lateral flow devices do not require a laboratory to process the test.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director for Public Health in Worcestershire said: “The Cathedral is such an iconic building, I am delighted it is going to be used as a Rapid Flow Testing centre. This will add to our efforts to reduce the spread of the virus and will mean even more choice of venues for those wanting to get a rapid test in the city.”

Appointments must be pre-booked using this online booking link: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ LateralFlowTesting

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BUSINESSNEWS

HEALTH AND WELLBEING ORGANISATION EXPANDS INTO HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE A not-for-profit organisation focused on affordable healthcare and improved wellbeing has expanded into Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

ANOTHER ACCREDITATION FOR CHESHIRES LASER MAIL Despite the turbulent times businesses are currently experiencing, Kidderminster-based Cheshires Laser Mail is proud to announce it has achieved ISO27001 accreditation with flying colours.

This latest accreditation will complete the suite of three required qualifications sitting alongside its ISO9001 Quality & 14001 Environmental accreditations. A huge amount of work was necessary to reach this level of attainment.

Their commitment to IT Security is reflected in this latest accreditation, giving customers confidence that the security of their data is of paramount importance when working on their mailing and fulfilment projects.

With the introduction of GDPR protecting customers’ data has never been more important. As Cheshires undertakes production of statements and invoices on behalf of Building Societies & Housing Associations, coupled with payment plan and DD letters for national blue-chip companies, they knew it was vital to ensure they had a watertight security management system in place.

The family run business, which has been established for over 11 years, focuses on Data Management, Mailings, Print & Fulfilment services. www.cheshireslasermail.co.uk

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Midlands-based Paycare is one of the newest Members of the Chamber and the team has already hosted a virtual training session around mental health, with plans to continue to support the region’s businesses with every aspect of their Workplace Wellbeing.

step of their journey, and I’m always on hand to provide information and guidance - whether that’s detailed trend data or practical advice on how to reward and retain staff. We want to ensure that having a Paycare Policy isn’t just a tick box for the companies we partner with, but that it really offers value and supports them and their employees.” www.paycare.org

More recently, the organisation launched Paycare Wellbeing led by a team of experts who deliver Mental Health First Aid courses, bespoke training and e-clinics aimed at educating attendees about wide ranging aspects of mental health and wellbeing.

Corporate Account Manager Stephen Burton-Pye, who will be primarily responsible for taking care of businesses and Policyholders from across the two counties, said: “I’m really passionate about supporting Policyholders through every

LOCAL AUTHOR RECEIVES 5 STAR RATINGS FOR BUSINESS BOOK ‘IN DEMAND, IN COMMAND’ Last year, new member Philip Grant of business consultancy CM Leaders wrote a business book ‘In Demand, In Command’ (published by Austin Macauley) which has now attained ‘5-star’ ratings on Amazon. The book has also now been made available in Audible format, alongside E-book and paperback versions. ‘In Demand, In Command’ is a comprehensive step-bystep guide to creating a winning digital customer strategy.

consultancy. Although the book was written prior to the global pandemic, in an ever-evolving digital ‘virtual’ world, it’s topic and central themes are even more relevant to our times. Philip believes that if you really want to stay ahead of the game and be in command of an always connected world, you need to differentiate yourself in the market with a winning digital customer strategy. www.philipgrant.ampbk.com

The primary reason for Philip writing the book is that, despite the exponential growth of digital and mobile services, companies simply do not achieve their business potential when managing their customers. Many businesses of all shapes and sizes could, and should, be doing so much better at serving their public.

‘In Demand, In Command’ provides immediate access to astute, insightful and pragmatic expert advice for a tiny fraction of the fees that would be charged by any management

March/April 2021

Digital T Levels at WCG are due to begin in September 2021 and are set to bring about the biggest change to technical training in a generation.

Designed with employers, T Levels give students aged 16-19 the practical skills, knowledge and attitude to excel in work and deliver the skills that organisations need. And what’s more, by offering a T Level industry placement you could have access to the brightest talent entering the market and improve your business overall.

You’re invited to WCG’s virtual T Party Join our first set of online live chat for employers discussing the upcoming Digital T Levels on Tuesday 23 March 2021, 11am-12pm.

Our T Levels team will discuss everything you need to know about Digital T Levels, whilst giving you the opportunity to ask any questions.

To book your free tickets visit wcg.ac.uk/tlevelemployers For more information, contact our Business Development Team:

0330 135 6940 | employerenquiries@wcg.ac.uk

CENTRE FOR DIGITAL & CYBER TECHNOLOGY

wcg.ac.uk/tlevelemployers

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

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 034

March/April 2021

2021: THE YEAR CRM SYSTEMS TAKE OVER THE WORLD Ok…so taking over the world is a bit strong. But if 2020 has shown us anything, it’s that people and businesses can and will adapt to change, but they need the right tools.

And we think CRM systems are just one part of a whole toolbox that businesses will need over the next 12 months.

The challenges businesses face COVID-19 and lockdown have been the biggest challenge most businesses have ever faced. The shutdowns and lockdowns have meant a workforce constantly in flux, never knowing exactly what the next day was going to bring.

But that workforce stepped up. They started working from home, learning new software and skills, and did everything they could to keep the economy (and their company) moving forward.

And, sad to say, it’s not over yet. 2021 is going to be another year of lockdowns and shutdowns.

As such, businesses have been spending the last several months making strategies and budgets to help them not only cope, but thrive over the coming year.

SETTING A BUDGET Generally speaking, revenue for most businesses is down (or stagnant) compared to last year. But interestingly, about 85% of European businesses surveyed by SpiceWorks (for their State of IT survey) are planning on increasing or keeping their current IT spending budget.

Gartner backs this up, saying that IT spending decreased or stagnated in 2020, but looks to increase worldwide by a projected 4%. And enterprise software (including CRM) investment is expected to grow by 7.2%!!

John-David Lovelock, distinguished research vice president at Gartner, suggests that this spend is down to a combination of need and trust. Businesses need software to keep their business going (and hopefully to grow it). They saw how well Cloud-based software functioned throughout 2020, keeping their workforce productive.

Recognising the likelihood of continued disruption to “normal” ways of doing business, management teams all over the world are responding by planning their spending.

MAKING A STRATEGY This spending will, of course, not be made blindly or recklessly. Business leaders are looking to update their infrastructure and change business processes as a response to a change in the way we all work now.

Some businesses are talking about a permanent shift to remote working, either for their entire workforce or just selected individuals or teams. Others just want the option available for their disaster planning processes, recognising that, while remote working isn’t for them, there is a strong chance that future lockdowns will require it.

With all this in mind, you’re looking at about 49% of businesses looking to invest in software and/or cloud services, specifically to cater for this shift.

In shifting to a Cloud based software and system, there is a real focus both on the requirements of the team and the security of the systems being used. A recent survey

by Flexera found that around 83% of businesses view security as their biggest concern when shifting to the Cloud.

AND WE CAN CERTAINLY BACK THIS UP. We’re seeing a change in the questions new potential customers are asking us during system demonstrations. People want to know more about the security of our system and infrastructure than ever before. Just as important they want to understand how to control access to their data using our permissions model as well.

We’ve also found that our existing customers are coming to us with plans to expand their use of CRM. They may be replacing an old system that was exclusively desk-based rather than in the Cloud. Or they’ve got departments who could do with being more efficient. Some have even added whole new processes to their business that need integrating to their CRM system.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

CRM TAKING OVER THE WORLD? One of the big trends that we as an industry are expecting over the next 12 months includes an increased adoption of customer service (or HelpDesk / Ticketing) systems. There’s also the expectation of an increase of focus on digital marketing.

Although there are standalone systems that will let you manage these specific needs, there is a real benefit to keeping them within a CRM system like OpenCRM. The main win is the continuous flow of information between the people managing these systems and the rest of your team.

Letting salespeople see whether someone has recently raised a ticket, asked a question, or just clicked on a link in a marketing email can help them tailor their next phone call.

And vice versa…if an agent on your customer service desk knows someone has recently signed an order or has an outstanding invoice, they can change their response to any complaint or question.

This kind of end-to-end solution is better for making sure your whole team is “singing from the same songsheet”…and can save your business money by saving time, reducing how many systems you are using and ultimately delivering better customer service.

If you’d like to learn more about OpenCRM or see more information on the stats discussed in this article, please head over to www.opencrm.co.uk Graham Anderson, is the CEO and founder of OpenCRM, one of the UK’s leading customer relationship management systems.

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MOVERSANDSHAKERS

TALISMAN PLASTICS APPOINT NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER CHAMBER PRESIDENT AND HEWETT DIRECTOR BEN MANNION NOW A SHAREHOLDER IN RECRUITMENT FIRM After 11 years with Hewett Recruitment, Louise Hewett is delighted to announce that Ben Mannion is now a shareholder as well as a Director.

Louise commented: “When Ben approached me just over 11 years ago mid recession, it was right person right time. Recruitment has run through Ben’s veins since he graduated from Cambridge. A talented economist and now a Worcestershire business leader, Ben deserves his shareholder status.

He and Laura make a brilliant team and complement each other’s talents so well... the big bonus is that they love working together.”

The Worcestershire-based plastics injection moulding powerhouse welcomes Nikki, an experienced sales professional in the packaging industry, to lead business development activity for the security seals division.

Nikki joins Talisman as part of a strategic development to help continue the sustained growth at the company which has been built around innovative product launches.

Shaun Champion, Managing Director at Talisman Plastics, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Nikki into the Talisman team as she takes over driving the strategic growth programme for security seals and the continued innovation of new products.” www.talismanplastics.co.uk

NEW AMBASSADOR FOR PRIMROSE HOSPICE Sharon Johnson, from Finstall, Bromsgrove, and her family have been supported by Primrose Hospice after her husband Chris was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2018.

The hospice’s ambassador role is vital in helping raising awareness of the importance the work Primrose does providing care and support David Burrell, CEO of Primrose Hospice, said: “At every opportunity the couple have been incredible at raising the profile of their local hospice and breaking the stigma surrounding hospices by sharing their positive experiences at Primrose.

We are incredibly grateful for all of their efforts and are really proud to welcome Sharon to Team Primrose.” www.primrosehospice.org

www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk

NEW TECHNICAL DIRECTOR APPOINTED AT EUROVACUUM PRODUCTS LTD NEW YEAR AND NEW STARTERS FOR JMDA DESIGN Worcestershire-based JMDA Design are delighted to welcome Graduates Scott White and Becky Worral to their team to support their growth plans for 2021.

Chris Carter, Design Studio Manager at JMDA Design, explains: “JMDA has always been proactive in recruiting graduates. It’s now even more important that we support the next generation in inspiring product designers. We are delighted to give a warm welcome to the team to Scott and Becky and wish them all the best in their new roles at JMDA.” www.jmdadesign.com

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Eurovacuum Products are delighted to announce the appointment of Ian Taylor as their new Technical Sales Director.

Ian will also oversee the diversification into cryogenics, ultra-high vacuum and chemical manufacturing.

Ian has spent the last 24 years working in the engineering industry and brings with him an extensive wealth of application knowledge, leadership skills and hands on practical experience.

OLPRO APPOINTS NEW DIGITAL MARKETING APPRENTICE Katie Martin has joined OLPRO’s marketing team, as the company has now grown to employ 14 members of staff.

Commenting on his appointment, Ian said: “I am extremely excited about the opportunity to utilise my knowledge and skills to help further grow Eurovacuum from the solid foundations laid down by the fantastic team.”

Katie said: “I decided that after University an apprenticeship in Digital Marketing would be an amazing opportunity to gain experience in this sector as well as earning.

An apprenticeship is the perfect gateway into getting a job and learning as much as you possibly can. I am lucky to have just started at OLPRO and already be learning so much, and I’m really enjoying my time learning the ropes of Digital Marketing in a professional setting.”

www.eurovacuumproducts.com

www.olproshop.com

March/April 2021

NEWMEMBERSPROFILE

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS JERROMS ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS ADVISORS Jerroms is a long-established Chartered Certified Accountancy firm. Clients range from small local businesses to large groups nationwide and they have an excellent reputation for servicing clients’ accounting needs across a range of sectors.

They offer support and expertise in all the key financial and business planning disciplines, including accountancy, corporate and personal tax planning, profit improvement, cash flow forecasting and strategic business planning for growth.

Many business owners are having to make tough decisions on the future direction of their business, which is why it is important to have a clear understanding of where your business is at and where it is heading. Jerroms pride themselves on ensuring that they support local businesses with the sole aim of providing relevant advice and expertise to not only help your business survive, but also to develop and grow.

WORCESTERSHIRE CYCLING ENTREPRENEURS PROVIDING BIKE-THEMED CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES Two Worcestershire cycling enthusiasts have come together during lockdown to offer ethical and organic bike-themed clothing and accessories, selling direct to the public online and also providing custom printing to sports clubs and businesses.

The Launch Collection from Riding With Mates includes cosy PETA vegan-approved hoodies, organic cotton t-shirts, fun beanies and a luxury, cotton gym towel perfect for all indoor sports. New designs and products will be coming soon. Choose from a wide range of sizes and colours, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with them if you need printed garments for your own company, club or group.

Riding With Mates is a shiny new brand with ambitions to grow. They are starting exclusively by creating to order and adding new designs as they go. They want to find out what excites and delights you and offer products that you want without taking on too much risk. www.ridingwithmates.com

www.jerroms.co.uk

INTRODUCING NEW MEMBERS - DENTAL PRACTICE NORTHWICK MANOR Northwick Manor are an independent dental practice offering the highest standards of private dentistry located in the Northwick area of Worcester.

With a brand-new home, the best dental equipment possible and a team to be proud of, they have a passion for improving smiles.

Their services include gold standard treatments including dental implants, tooth whitening, Invisalign, teeth straightening and all general and cosmetic dentistry.

Established in 2006, their modern practice moved to Sabrina Avenue, Worcester in 2016 giving them the opportunity to create a bespoke designed dental practice with patient care at its heart. Their welcoming team are committed to taking time to listen to your needs and concerns.

They believe anxious patients should be made to feel welcome and pride themselves on positive feedback. www.northwickmanordental.co.uk

AWARD WINNING TRANSLATOR AND NEW MEMBER THE LINGUIST New member, Agata McCrindle, owner of The Linguist, has worked as a translator for 20 years. She moved to Worcestershire in 1999 and is well known in the business and legal sectors, facilitating smooth communication with Polish employees, clients, customers, and suppliers.

excellent organisational and liaison skills and presented many linguistic challenges, which she navigated successfully. The translation has enabled the claim to proceed as quickly and efficiently as any another case with English language evidence.

In the past 2 years Agata has been working as an expert witness translator in various litigation proceedings. At the end of 2019 she was instructed as a single joint expert under a court order to provide translation of disclosure documents in legal proceedings in the High Court in London. The assignment required

For this work Agata was nominated for an award and in September 2020 this year won ‘The Best Performance’ on a translation assignment in the prestigious Institute of Translation and Interpreting awards. www.thelinguist.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Agata McCrindle, owner of The Linguist

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INTERNATIONALTRADE

A NEW BEGINNING On New Year’s Eve at 23:00 GMT, the UK completed its separation from the EU, left the Single European Market and Customs Union and became a “third country”.

The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) was concluded on 24 December and contains new rules for living, working and trading with the EU. From cars to chemicals and fish, the new treaty will govern £650bn worth of trade between UK and EU. The deal covers technical aspects of trade for key sectors, including autos, chemicals, pharmaceutical and professional services as well as a governance mechanism to resolve disputes that may arise between the two sides.

Some of the key points of the TCA include:

TRADE: Customs Declarations, VAT, Tariffs and Quotas: Customs Declarations will be required for both export and import, both here in the UK and in the EU. At the very minimum a commercial invoice will be required with a packing list for road freight. The commercial invoice will be required with all the necessary customs data. Commodity code, Country of Origin values, Incoterms etc.

Import VAT will apply and will be payable based on the rules of the member state in the EU. The agreement does not affect arrangements on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland which are covered under a separate protocol.

There will be no tariffs on goods exported or imported between the UK and EU 27 but there are major caveats (see the details of the trade deal for these).

If you export/Import goods that are not originating in the UK/EU i.e. you import USA /Chinese/ products – add no value or undertake minimal processes – then export to the EU, these products will be subject to the MFN standard tariffs and duties may apply. This is the same for goods coming from the EU to the UK. Conformity: The agreement avoids technical barriers to trade with the EU on low risk products,

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more specifically information is provided on automotive products, wine, organics, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.

All goods exported to the EU must meet their regulatory standard including food safety.

Products of animal origin must carry veterinary certificates.

Products that are required to display the CE mark must conform to EU standards.

The UK will begin to introduce the new UKCA conformance mark, but importers of CE marked goods from the EU will have 12 months to comply to the new requirements.

TRAVEL: UK nationals will need a visa for stays of longer than 90 days in the EU in a 180-day period. EU pet passports will no longer be valid. European Health Insurance Cards, (EHIC) cards will remain valid until they expire.

The UK is no longer subject to the ban on additional roaming charges, although both sides will encourage operators to have “transparent and reasonable rates” for roaming.

The deal allows flying rights between the EU and UK to continue but UK carriers will not be able to fly between two points within the EU. This was expected, and airlines on both sides have set up foreign subsidiaries to continue current routes, allowing easyJet, for example, to fly between France and Italy.

FOOD AND DRINK: Stringent new checks on agri-food products will applied immediately. While food and farming businesses broadly welcomed the deal, they warned that leaving the Customs Union and Single Market could still disrupt the food supply chain.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: Professional services providers will lose their ability to automatically work in the EU – there is no pan-EU mutual recognition of professional qualifications.

This means that professions from doctors and vets to engineers and architects must have their qualifications recognised in each EU member state where they want to work. There will, however, be provisions for short-term business trips and temporary secondments of highly skilled employees.

FINANCIAL SERVICES: The deal does not cover financial services access to EU markets, which is still to be determined by a separate process under which the bloc will either unilaterally grant “equivalence” to the UK and its regulated companies or leave firms to seek permissions from individual member states. The UK government did claim two “wins” for the City of London: preventing a measure that could have restricted EU firms from outsourcing lucrative work to the UK and excluding financial services from “cross retaliation” measures if other parts of the trade agreement were breached.

FISHING: The UK could choose to ban EU fishing boats from 2026 but the EU would be allowed to introduce taxes on British fish in response to this. EU fishing fleets will have a five and a half-year transition period with guaranteed access to UK waters. Access will depend on annual negotiations.

EU fishing rights in UK waters — currently worth about £650m per year — will be reduced by one quarter, with British quotas increased by a corresponding amount. The shift will boost UK boats’ current share of fishing rights in British waters from about a half to two-thirds.

AUTOMOTIVE: The automotive industry warned that the deal would introduce “much more red tape and regulatory burden for the industry”.

Cross-Channel trade in automotive parts accounts for almost €14bn.

The UK has already conceded that the EU would not agree to taking a more flexible approach when it came to assess whether UK cars manufactured with large amounts of non-UK components could qualify for zero-tariff access to the bloc under a trade deal. As a result, some cars may still incur tariffs on entering the EU. However, the UK government won concessions for batteries and electric vehicles that would ensure that British-made electric vehicles were at least eligible for preferential tariff rates in the immediate term.

SECURITY AND DATA: The trade agreement does not contain a section covering the flow of personal data between the UK and EU which will be concluded in a separate “adequacy” decision due in early 2021. But the trade deal does cover data flows in specific areas of law enforcement and police

March/April 2021

INTERNATIONALTRADE

co-operation between the two sides. The agreement also provides a maximum six-month grace period to allow EU and UK businesses to continue data flows until the decision is granted.

The adequacy decision would mean that the EU effectively recognises UK data protection standards as equivalent to its own to allow for the free flow of personal information of EU and UK citizens that underpins the digital economy.

The UK will not be a member of the EU’s law enforcement agency, Europol, but it will have a presence at its headquarters.

The UK’s arrangement with Europol will be like the one the US currently has.

UK police and intelligence agencies are to be isolated from the EU’s most sensitive real-time crime databases. British security services will still be able to obtain crucial air passenger data, criminal record information, and DNA, fingerprint and vehicle registration data.

EDUCATION: The UK will no longer participate in the Erasmus exchange programme – an EU scheme that helps students’ study in other countries. Students at universities in Northern Ireland will continue to participate in Erasmus as part of an arrangement with the Irish government.

Students that have already started

courses in the EU will continue to receive support for fees.

LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN: For British hauliers the deal contained mixed blessings. The two sides recognised the validity of each other’s licences and permits and included full transit rights, allowing drivers to cross multiple countries in order to drop a load. This will enable Irish lorries to use the UK as a “land bridge” to deliver goods into the EU. However, the agreement limits British truckers to a single drop-off and a single pick-up from inside an EU member state and two pick-ups and drop-offs when crossing EU member states.

CHEMICALS: The chemicals industry is among the most exposed to costs of new trading arrangements, with products that enter many cross-border supply chains, from car paint to haircare products, food to pharmaceuticals. The “zero-tariff” element of the deal will save the industry up to £1bn in feared tariff costs, but concerns remain about UK plans to duplicate the EU’s Reach safety regime.

PHARMACEUTICALS: A key pharma industry goal — that tests and inspections for medicines carried out on one side of the English Channel should be considered valid on the other — has

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

been only partially achieved.

The agreement included “mutual recognition” clauses that should mean UK manufacturing facilities will “not need to undergo separate UK and EU inspections”. Initial indications are that the deal does not appear to embrace another key industry demand: mutual recognition of the safety and quality tests. This would mean presale safety tests carried out on medicines in the UK will now need to be duplicated in the EU, causing delays for patients and additional costs.

MANUFACTURING: The UK manufacturing sector welcomed the fact tariffs had been avoided that risked reducing out profits in the sector but warned that companies still faced border delays and the loss of mutual conformity assessment. This could mean two lots of certification and testing to meet both EU and UK standards. A so-called ‘trusted trader scheme’ — where qualified companies can move through customs more quickly — has been agreed although companies said they would need to see details given the costs of participating in the system.

For international trade and EU Exit support, training and advice, visit our EU Exit Hub www.hwchamber.co.uk/eu-exit-hub.

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REGIONAL RECRUITMENT FIRM EXPANDS SERVICE OFFERING Regional recruitment firm, Four Squared Recruitment has recently increased its service by launching a legal sector offering.

Previously providing Worcestershire and surrounding areas with finance and office support staff, Four Squared will now also support regional law firms with qualified and part qualified legal professionals.

Four Squared Recruitment, a company owned by Ballards LLP Chartered Accountants, has grown its market share and headcount over the past few years becoming one of the region’s leading recruitment firms and has a reputation for providing quality personnel into vacancies.

Four Squared Director, Emma Richardson commented, “As our parent company, Ballards LLP, has such an established reputation in the marketplace, we have to operate with the same level of integrity

and professionalism. This gives both our clients and candidates the confidence that we will provide a quality service and a consultative approach to all assignments.”

The recruitment firm has grown during the lockdown period having hired three more recruitment advisors since the new year.

Emma continued, “It has been challenging but the recruitment market is still buoyant.

Business hasn’t stopped, it has just had to find new ways to operate. Naturally, certain sectors have been hit harder than others, but we have also seen a number of clients grow over the past 12 months and this has led to the need for them to increase their headcount.”

Executive Consultant, Hannah Davies, who heads up the firm’s legal offering stated, “The legal sector is as busy as ever and my clients continue to seek talented professionals. Commercial and corporate slowed initially but market confidence has picked back up, the stamp duty

Emma Richardson

holiday has obviously led to an uptick in conveyancing and employment law is busy due to the JRS scheme, something I expect will continue when the scheme eventually winds down.”

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March/April 2021

MEMBERSBENEFITS

Are you EU-Exit ready?

The UK has completed its separation from the EU. Businesses of all sizes and sectors must be aware of the changes now in place and those to come in order to not see any detrimental impact.

Many businesses may not even know that they will be affected and must prepare.

Visit our EU-Exit Business Support Hub: www.hwchamber.co.uk/eu-exit-hub

Time's running out and we can help: Our team of international trade experts can offer you and your businesses a wealth of support. From resources to 1:1 telephone support plus digital events, you can choose a way to find all of the information you need.

1:1 Telephone Support Use our telephone support service for all EU Exit related questions.

01905 673613

EU Exit Checklists

EU Exit Advisory Let us support you with your EU-Exit related queries and frequently asked questions. 01905 673613

EU Exit Webinars

We can direct you to all of the planning resources and tools you need in order to get prepared.

Attend one of our free informative webinars, designed specifically to tackle business concerns.

Scan code to go to the Hub

Delivered on behalf of Worcestershire County Council Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH BROMSGROVE Dosis UK Manufacturer www.dosis-uk.com Jerroms Accountants + Business Advisors Accountants www.jerroms.co.uk

EVESHAM Oscar Pet Foods (The Vale of Evesham) Pet Food Supplier www.oscars.co.uk/branches/the-vale-of-evesham

HEREFORD HR1 Strategic LTD Business Solutions www.hr1strategic.co.uk Huntley Film Archives Ltd Independent Film Achive www.huntleyarchives.com

KIDDERMINSTER ADS Procurement & Supply Chain Limited Procurement & Supply Chain Solutions www.adsprocurement.co.uk

MALVERN Bluestone International Ltd Freight Forwarding www.bluestoneinternational.co.uk Faun Ltd Restaurant & café www.faunmalvern.co.uk Hultsteins UK Refrigeration Manufacturers www.hultsteins.com

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Optimec Metrology Limited Manufacturer www.optimecmetrology.com

Home Pure Commercial & Domestic Cleaning www.home-pure.co.uk

The Ingredients Consultancy Ltd. Consultancy www.theingredients.co.uk

Iota Light Ltd LED Smart Lighting www.iotalight.com

PERSHORE

Kate Charles Garden Design Garden Design www.katecharlesgardendesign.co.uk

Carbon Task Force Ltd Renewable Energy www.carbontaskforce.com

REDDITCH Portway Scaffolding Ltd Scaffolding Specialists www.portwayscaffolding.com

TENBURY WELLS Daisy Cottage Travel & Tourism

Natural Definition Ltd Health & Beauty www.naturaldefinition.co.uk Northwick Manor Dental Practice Dental Practice www.northwickmanordental.co.uk Onsite Central Ltd Specialist Contractor www.onsite.co.uk Spacesaver Beds Ltd Medical Products

OUT OF AREA WORCESTER Britannia Dynamic Logistics Ltd Legal Services Broadly Speaking Ltd Training & Consultancy CAP Industrial Ltd Manufacturer www.capindustrial.com CB Dynamics Business Analytics & Consulting www.cb-dynamics.co.uk Froude Ltd Manufacturer www.froudedyno.com

Kinetic Communications Ltd PR & Communications www.kineticpr.co.uk Living Well Taking Control Healthcare www.lwtcsupport.co.uk Midcal Ltd Manufacturing www.midcal-uk.com Parks London Home Products www.parkscandles.com Smart & Savvy Women Ltd Fashion Business Development & Training www.sswomen.com

March/April 2021

BUSINESSNEWS

SMALL LOCAL BUSINESS CONTINUES TO GROW THROUGH ONGOING PANDEMIC Health and beauty business Natural Definition has continued to show growth despite the ongoing global pandemic. They have shared their top four tips for business growth in these uncertain times; Know your brand. It’s not just the logo!

Understand what you want your brand to represent and don’t redefine this in order to ‘get the money in’. Adapt the business under your same original ethos.

Set a goal. Have a vision.

Ensure that you set a clear goal and envisage how you want your business to look. Break this into bitesize goals. Achieving these will keep you motivated.

Where to invest. Finance the correct areas of your business.

This may be expanding into online services, further training, introducing new payment options, utilising social media marketing, etc.

You WILL reopen. Use the time wisely.

Use this time to ensure that policies are updated, networking is enhanced and the business is ready to hit the ground running upon reopening. www.naturaldefinition.co.uk

UNIFORM BOOST FOR ST RICHARD’S HOSPICE Unveiling of the brand new signage and display facility

CITY SIGNS UNVEILS NEW £110K SIGNAGE AND DIGITAL CUTTING FACILITY Worcestershire-based City Signs officially unveils their new £110K signage and display facility at their Head Office on the Ball Mill Top Business Park in Worcester.

The new digital flatbed cutter and router, which City Signs received support for through EU funding, will revolutionise signage and display production at their facility, creating new jobs and expanding their client base to serve the UK. The capability of the new innovative cutting-edge signage and display facility which produces a wide range of high quality printed signage, launches a fresh and dynamic range of services for the family owned business, who are currently celebrating their 60th year trading.

Darren Wilkins, Managing Director at City Signs, explains: “It’s a great milestone in the history of City Signs and a big investment that will springboard the growth of the business. This year we are celebrating our 60th year as a second-generation signage company.

Having this new digital cutting facility inhouse will completely change the way we work and expand our capabilities throughout the country.”

Nursing staff at a local hospice have been given a welcome boost of new uniforms, thanks to funding from a Birmingham charitable trust.

St Richard’s Hospice in Worcester has bought 66 new uniforms for Healthcare Assistants (HCAs). The cost of £1,254 has been kindly funded by the Birmingham Hospital Saturday Fund Medical Charity and Welfare Trust (BHSF Charitable Trust.)

In-patient Unit Manager, Jamie Yeoman, said: “The team is really delighted with the donation for new uniforms – giving 22 HCAs three new uniforms each. This has been a tough time for everyone on the frontline of patient care and generous donations like this help to lift the spirits.”

St Richard’s has continued to care for patients and loved ones throughout the pandemic, following government guidance to keep everyone as safe as possible. Many of the community services for individuals and groups have switched to virtual support through online video and telephone calls.

Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,300 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire. www.strichards.org.uk Victoria Stubbs Senior Healthcare Assistant wearing new uniform

For more information about City Signs’ new production facility, please call 01905 640 007 or alternatively email info@citysigns.co.uk.

THE COURTYARD HEREFORD RECEIVES £144,404 WESTON CULTURE FUND GRANT pandemic, we want to use it as a catalyst for positive change by helping our community come together in new ways to celebrate our county and the huge array of talent and culture we have to offer.”

The Courtyard is one of over 100 Arts Organisations across the UK awarded over £30m from the new one-off fund to support the cultural sector, set-up by the Weston family in response to the devastating impact of Covid-19. Grants range from £100,000 up to £1.5m based on the size of the organisation.

Ian Archer, Chief Executive and Artistic Director, said: “This incredibly important grant will help ensure we can continue to create amazing work and diversify our outreach, to share the benefits of creativity and culture with our community.

“Although there are still obstacles to overcome when recovering from this

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

The Courtyard is now heavily reliant on fundraising, as productions have been postponed or cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. 94% of its self-generated income was lost through ticket sales, events, and Café Bar income, as well as facing thousands of refunds. www.courtyard.org.uk

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Help us to support more Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire older people this year In 2020 we supported over 13,000 people. In 2021 we want to reach Get to know us… more W people that need us. local e are an independent,

How can I help? charity and brand partner of Age

• Donate you canin the two counties UK,ifworking • Payroll andgiving striving to make • Volunteer with us and Worcestershire Herefordshire • Donate giftsplace in kind a great to grow older.

• Run aDo fundraising event you know someone or are you • Choose Age UK H&W as your worried or in need of support? charity theHerefordshire year AgeofUK & Find out how we are supporting older youryou.

Worcestershire are people hereinfor community: Our trained team will help you www.ageukhw.org.uk Age UK Herefordshire a registered charity, and company find& Worcestershire; the support youNo.1080545, or your loved limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales No.3942023. ones need in the easiest and least st

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Contact us to find out how we can support you and your loved ones T: 0800 008 6077 E: referralhub@ageukhw.org.uk

March/April 2021

CHARITYNEWS

TAKE ON AN ADVENTURE CHALLENGE WITH THE GRACE KELLY CHILDHOOD CANCER TRUST Last year’s adventure events were amazing for the The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, not only for the funds raised but the incredible team morale it created amongst everyone involved or supporting in any way, and the team are hoping to create this again with this year’s events.

The tree cycle was challenging to say the least, with a lockdown announced 2 days before, however the team managed to pull it off with amazing support in a safe and considerate manner.

everyone involved has fed back the same, how uplifting it was to be working and connecting as a team again. This is very much what I hope for with our up coming planned events, funds raised, team spirit, excitement and morale.” www.gkcct.org

Landau’s Chief Executive Sonia Roberts celebrates the charity’s 25th anniversary with the publication of an inspirational book

Michelle Nolan, Charity Engagement Co-ordinator, said: “One of the greatest things about the event was seeing people (at a distance of course) but seeing smiles, being in the community again,

WARRIORS BOOST FOR COUNTY CHARITY A Worcestershire woman, whose mother suffers from motor neurone disease (MND) has enlisted the aid of Worcester Warriors former captain Chris Pennell to support her latest fundraising exercise.

Alicia Blunkett (pictured) has so far raised £5,000 for the Worcestershire branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association since her mother, a former teacher at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, was diagnosed with the disease four years ago.

suffering from the disease but also their carers.”

Alicia, who lives in Bewdley, said: “I am so grateful to Chris for his support. He himself suffers from Type 1 diabetes so I know he is well aware of the effect that life-changing illnesses can have on individuals.” www.warriors.co.uk

A Herefordshire charity which has been instrumental in changing the lives of thousands of people living with learning disabilities, is celebrating 25 successful years with the publication of an inspirational new book.

Landau Herefordshire, which operates from the Priebe Building in Hereford, is a leading provider of supported employment and training.

Now Chris has donated a signed Warriors shirt so that Alicia can organise a raffle in order to raise further funds for the charity.

To mark the charity’s 25th anniversary, an inspirational new book featuring the achievements and success stories of those benefiting from Landau’s vital services, is to be published.

Worcester Warriors’ Chris Pennell said: “I am delighted to be able to support the charity, which I know provides excellent support not only to those who are

ECRUBOX DIGITAL COMPLETES A MONTH OF GOOD DEEDS “A Month of Good Deeds” is a campaign devised by global digital marketing agency, Ecrubox Digital. The campaign aimed to help those who felt overwhelmed or forgotten during these challenging times. To kick off the year, Ecrubox announced that the agency completed its month-long campaign raising money for the British Heart Foundation and giving back to their local community during one of the most difficult winters for the vulnerable.

HEREFORDSHIRE CHARITY MARKS 25 YEARS WITH INSPIRATIONAL NEW BOOK

women’s shelters, volunteering for charity based apps such as “Be My Sight” helping to read instructions for the blind and cooking meals for the vulnerable.

They will continue to support the vulnerable and those in need with their chosen charity's announcement for 2021.

Any suggestions or nominated charities should be sent directly to the agency. www.ecruboxdigital.com

In 2020 they chose The British Heart Foundation, deeds included food shopping and zoom classes for the elderly, donations and drop offs for animal shelters, care packages donated to

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Sonia Roberts, Landau Chief Executive, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be celebrating such a significant milestone in the charity’s history and thrilled that so many people have come together to share their positive experiences and achievements in this new anniversary book.

“Landau helps thousands of disadvantaged and isolated people each year to fulfil their dreams and potential by supporting them to find training and employment so there is no one more qualified to tell our story than those who have inspired, who have served and who have been impacted by our work.” www.landau.co.uk.

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BUSINESSNEWS

MALVERN PANALYTICAL HELPING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TREATMENTS AND VACCINES Malvern Panalytical is helping companies in the global effort to develop treatments and vaccines, providing analytical instruments and expert support to labs around the world. Malvern Panalytical provided the equipment and expertise to aid rapid vaccine development. A Zetasizer Ultra was used to generate the critical vaccine size and concentration data required to support rapid development of the manufacturing process for many of the COVID-19 vaccines.

NOW WE’RE TALKING WITH ART Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, in partnership with Worcester City Council, are creating an outdoor art trail in May featuring work from local artists narrating different mental health issues. The ‘Now We’re Talking with Art’ campaign will provide a walking, accessible trail for the community to enjoy free of charge.

Malvern Panalytical systems and applications expertise were also used in the development and production of a COVID-19 antigen test.

The Zetasizer Ultra is the world’s most capable combined DLS and ELS system, incorporating Non-Invasive Back Scatter (NIBS) and, uniquely, Multi-Angle Dynamic Light Scattering (MADLS) technology for the measurement of particle and molecular size. NIBS provides the versatility and sensitivity to measure over a wide concentration range, while MADLS permits a higher resolution view into your sample’s size distribution for those critical measurements.

The Zetasizer Ultra is an essential analytical tool for many academic laboratories worldwide, finding use in all applications where particle or molecular size and zeta potential analysis is required. The breadth of applications covered by Zetasizer systems, coupled with tens of thousands of scientific citations have earned these instruments a central space in many scientific faculties. www.malvernpanalytical.com

Do you have a window space in Worcester City Centre?

The NHS Trust are asking local businesses to let the campaign use their window spaces to help fill the city with colour through installations, fine art, photography, craft, murals and more. Not only will this campaign increase awareness and improve mental wellbeing, but it will also increase footfall in Worcester City Centre along the trail and help the local economy. It won’t cost a penny, but the artwork in your window could help save someone’s life who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, or bring smiles to those who need to know they are not alone.

Interested or want to find out more?

Email Katherine.wood4@nhs.net. www.hacw.nhs.uk

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JHD TO WORK ON BIRMINGHAM REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME JHD Solutions Ltd (JHD), a professional housing developer, builder & land package provider are delighted to be working with a new customer, The Pioneer Group to deliver much needed affordable apartments in Birmingham which will make lives and communities better within Erdington.

JHD bridge the gap between affordable housing and land opportunities by converting them into residential affordable housing developments, Team Slade Road consists of Sutton and Wilkinson Chartered Architects, Couch Consulting Engineers Ltd and RPS consulting Services with a sprinkling of

supply chain partners. Look out for some exciting news on further schemes to follow, as JHD grow the business to be the delivery partner of choice for affordable housing across the West Midlands.

JHD scopes, appraises and cost plans land in order to assess its suitability for housing. they then take that prospect and convert it into a presentable and deliverable development opportunity for registered providers and deal with all planning and legal matters to provide deliverable schemes that work to funding dates and specification requirements. www.jhdsolutionsltdjointhousingdevelopers.com

March/April 2021

MEMBERBENEFITS Businesses of all sizes and sectors must be aware of and prepared for the changes that come with the UKs new relationship with the European Union in order to not see any detrimental impact. Many businesses may not even know that they will be affected and must prepare. The Chamber has put together a package of EU Exit related support for businesses to prevent any damage to your international trade process.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE TRAINING - ALL THE LATEST UPDATES YOU NEED TO KNOW TO TRADE INTERNATIONALLY Whether you are reviewing your import and export procedures or need support with international trade finance, businesses can access a range of courses delivered by our professional and highly-qualified trainers.

It has never been so important for businesses and there staff to be up to date on the latest changes to import and export procedures, whether you are looking at importing or exporting for the first time or looking to ensure your businesses is ready to trade internationally post-transition period.

The Chamber is proud to supplement its

expert International Trade advice with a detailed virtual training portfolio that attracts businesses from all sizes and sectors. Our courses are aimed at all company personnel involved with and or have an understanding of customs procedures in international trade.

In line with current government guidelines, all training courses currently take place online.

To view our portfolio of online courses including international trade training please visit here www.hwchamber.co.uk/ international-trade-training-courses.

CUSTOMS DECLARATION SERVICE WHAT DOES THIS SERVICE PROVIDE FOR MY BUSINESS? ChamberCustoms® delivers a customs declaration service for UK importers and exporters of all sizes and in every region of the United Kingdom.

With our extensive knowledge, reputation and first-class service in facilitating international trade, we can take the hassle out of your hands when it comes to exporting and importing goods.

The service is offered direct to businesses and through UK freight forwarders, ensuring that customs clearance is accurate, timely and avoids additional costs through delays or errors.

With direct links to the HMRC Customs handling system and all inventory linked ports, we can ensure that your goods, no matter where they enter or leave the UK, will be cleared for onward transportation smoothly.

We can help you keep your time sensitive supply chains moving efficiently and economically.

For more information please visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/eu-exit-hub/ customs-declaration-service.

EXPORT DOCUMENTATION SERVICE – ACCREDITED INTERNATIONAL TRADE DOCUMENTATION The International Trade team at the Chamber is accredited to process international trade documentation.

Available online, the document processing service enables exporters to apply and receive documentation electronically

They deliver a service that accurately checks, certifies and authenticates documents ready for export, covering a variety of documentation including certificates of origin, preference documents, EUR1’s and more.

As Chamber Members you will be entitled to discounted export documentation.

For more info please visit our EU Exit Hub: www.hwchamber.co.uk/eu-exit-hub.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER TRAINING PROGRAMME TO UPSKILL YOUR WORKFORCE With businesses unable to deliver face to face training, 2020 saw an insurgence of online virtual training. The Chamber has seen an incredible positive response to its own virtual training portfolio, which includes a full schedule of essential and informative webinars for both Members and Non-members to attend for free.

View the full schedule and pick the Webinar that suits your learning needs best.

With new advances in technology and the innovation many businesses have demonstrated, it has never been more important to upskill your business and adapt to the different environment that we all face compared to 12 months ago.

When we eventually do return to normality you can guarantee that there will be new ways of doing business, ways which were not ordinary to us 18 months ago. This is why you should ensure your employees have the foundation they need in order to succeed.

The Chamber regularly host webinars specifically relating to topics surrounding Coronavirus and the impacts on business of all sizes and from all sectors, with plenty of Coronavirus business advice.

With a host of events and online learning developed specifically to help businesses restart and recover, there is an opportunity for every type of businesses to find relevant support. To view a full list of webinars available to you, please visit the training calander here: www.hwchamber.co.uk/events-andtraining-calendar or get in touch at training@hwchamber.co.uk to make an enquiry.

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LASTWORD

BUDGETING FOR 2020/21? DON’T FORGET ABOUT PR have to dedicate your budget to the right PR strategies.

With the end of financial year looming, it’s often time for EFFECTIVE PRESS RELEASES businesses to evaluate their First things first, never underestimate the budgets for the forthcoming year. power of editorial coverage. Not so long Undoubtedly setting and sticking to a budget for the year will help your organisation stay profitable, but what areas of the business should you spend your money on?

Have you thought about a few marketing campaign ideas but wondered how that looks on paper and how much money you need to allocate for it? The thing is, many businesses overlook public relations and when you forget to dedicate resources to PR, you don’t get the results you may have hoped for.

Instead of simply setting money aside for paid ads, consider budgeting for PR first too.

PAID ADS SHOULDN’T STAND ALONE Pouring money into a paid ad campaign isn't a sound growth strategy. Time and again, companies breaking into online ads don't see success due to the same issue - they aren't known to their audiences.

There's no trust, no recognition, and so the cost per click remains high and rising.

Of course, paid ads should make up your strategy, but this needs to be coupled with outside sources shouting about your brand. According to a 2014 Nielsen study commissioned by inPowered on the role of content in the consumer decision-making process, PR is 88% more effective when it comes to customer persuasion. With advertising, you tell people how great you are, with publicity, others sing your praises. Therefore, your PR story has more credibility because it was independently verified by a trusted third party, rather than purchased. Also, it’s important to note that customers won’t trust you as much if they find you via paid ads. Paid for ads are way too self-promotional, which many customers dislike.

HOW TO INVEST IN PR STRATEGIES 2021 is a chapter waiting to be written.

Businesses will be looking to think longer term when it comes to their PR strategies, of which this was almost impossible to plan last year. PR is great, and it will deliver some exceptional results, although you

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ago, those in the know declared that the press release was dead. Extinct. Dinosaurs replaced by the new life-forms of Twitter and other forms of social media. But being featured in a news publication still remains one of the best ways to boost your brand recognition providing its newsworthy enough. Whether it’s a local story or story for a trade magazine you should never underestimate the power of editorial coverage for your business.

WORD OF MOUTH MARKETING When you think public relations, you don’t necessarily think word of mouth, but PR implemented in the right way will get people talking about your business.

Did you know that customers pay twice as much attention to recommendations from friends and family than they do to advertising? Word of mouth is the most organic and effective way to promote your business, but how do you implement it?

Luckily for us, it’s 2021 and social media has exploded, giving us tons of options for word-of-mouth marketing.

Influencer marketing has erupted. There has been a significant rise in the number of partnerships between PR professionals and social media influencers. If you haven’t onboarded an influencer to endorse your brand, you’re more than likely being left behind in the digital world. Not only do 49% of consumers depend on influencer recommendations but 40% had purchased something after seeing it on Twitter, YouTube or Instagram.

Hashtag Effect – Always use a hashtag that’s linked to your brand. At first, it’ll just be you using it every time without fail, eventually other people will start using that hashtag too. Hashtags are a subtle but easy way to get your customers to do word of mouth marketing.

have a huge impact on your brand’s reputation. Customer testimonials can lead to a 380% increase in orders.

The bottom line is that there are tons of PR strategies you can use that have a greater impact on your customers than paid advertising. These tactics are not likely to eat away at your budget. Yes, it still costs money to focus on PR, but it’s less transactional. You’re building trust with customers and that goes a very long way. They’ll speak for your brand and that is worth its weight in gold. Equip yourself with these points when you have your budget meeting and be ready to fight for public relations.

Please contact the team at You Do Better if you would like a little PR for your business: 07891 777464 / ruby@youdobetter.co.uk.

User-generated content - Put simply, it’s content that the consumer creates. Post customer photos on your social media or on your product pages. Don’t forget to credit them in the post!

Get Reviews - Reviews work as an effective word of mouth strategy and

March/April 2021

Future Workspaces What is the future of the office?

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When Covid 19 restrictions ease, millions of people will be returning to offices that are no longer fit for purpose.

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We say it’s time to throw out the traditional office blueprint - rows of desks with people glued to their keyboards, email and landlines. What we need from offices is human connectivity - a space for the kind of work we can’t do by ourselves when working remotely. Employers must adapt to get the best out of people when they come together.

How will we work in the future? Join the conversation at www.hcrlaw.com/insight/future-workspaces

Matthew Hayes, Partner, Head of Real Estate M: 07879 498 160 I E: mchayes@hcrlaw.com

www.hcrlaw.com @HCRlaw #futureworkspaces Harrison Clark Rickerbys Ltd is authorised and regulated by the SRA

MOTIVATE, INSPIRE, RETAIN

TAKE ADVANTAGE

OF THE GOVERNMENT APPRENTICE SHIP INCENTIVE You now have until September 2021 to take advantage of the increased Government incentive payment, available to all employers who hire a new apprentice.

Age Of New Apprentice

Incentive Payment

16+

£3,000

This payment will be in addition to the existing £1,000 incentive payment that the Government already provides for new apprentices aged between 16-18, and those aged under 25 with an Education Health Care Plan, where that applies.

WCG Apprenticeships are the only training provider in Worcestershire to offer apprenticeships in the following areas:

• • • •

• Horticulture Inc. Golf

Agriculture Animal Care Arboriculture Equine

• •

Greenkeeping & Sports Turf Land-based Engineering Veterinary Nursing

Contact our Business Development team who will be able to help you negotiate the incentive so that it can benefit you in the best way possible:

0330 135 6940 | employerenquiries@wcg.ac.uk CENTRE FOR DIGITAL & CYBER TECHNOLOGY

wcg.ac.uk/apprenticeships