Business Direction 66

Business Direction

PLANNING FOR FUTURE SUCCESS Issue 66 March/April 2022

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FIRSTWORD

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE – BUSINESSES TO BUILD ON POSITIVE START TO THE YEAR

ction Business Dire

R PLANNING FO ESS FUTURE SUCC

Issue 66 2022 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

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

Distinctive Media Group Ltd, 3rd Floor, Tru Knit House, 9-11 Carliol Square, Newcastle, NE1 6UF www.distinctivegroup.co.uk

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Presidents Column

5

Business News

6

Policy News

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Business News

16

New Chamber Chair

Many businesses, who have suffered with staff shortages and seen issues with supply chains, will welcome these restrictions easing for financial reasons. However, priorities will still be the health and safety of their staff and customers.

As we move into the spring, there are exciting times ahead.

At the time of writing the Chamber are preparing for the next Chamber Business Expo, sponsored by Hewett Recruitment, held at the Malvern Three Counties Showground. The Expo will see over 700 business professionals visit throughout the day to make new connections and build relationships with exhibiting businesses.

Attendance to the Expo and all seminars are FREE to all businesses within Herefordshire and Worcestershire however we do ask that businesses pre-register their attendance. We hope to see as many businesses at the Expo as possible for a packed day of networking and business seminars. More on the Expo can be found here hwchamber.co.uk/events/ business-expo.

Preparation will also continue for the Chamber Business Awards, sponsored by Karndean Design Flooring. Entries to the awards are still open and businesses have until the end of March to enter the 15 categories available.

FEATURE EDITORS

As we look toward the future, I am delighted to introduce you to the latest edition of Business Direction, which is jam-packed full of good news stories and insightful insight from businesses across the region.

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.

Chamber News

Skills

The Awards will culminate on Thursday 7 July at the black-tie ceremony at the Worcester Arena. In what will be a spectacular celebration of local business achievement, we are looking forward to welcoming businesses across the two counties to the Chamber Business Awards Ceremony. More information on the awards can be found here hwchamber.co.uk/events/ business-awards.

Karen Southern karen.southern@distinctivegroup.co.uk

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For many businesses the past 2 years has seen them unable to plan and look to the future. There is however a sense of optimism that we are now at the finish line and businesses are able to look ahead rather than over their shoulder as we see the last remaining restrictions easing.

ADVERTISING

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

First Word

This edition, titled ‘Planning For Success’ looks at the role of planning within businesses and how they are now looking head to future success. I am pleased to welcome our main cover features to talk through exciting projects they have planned.

West Midlands Safari Park, Smile Box and Neoperl UK make up our cover interview features, and Bishop Fleming have provided a useful calendar of tax deadlines located in the Last Word feature of the magazine.

18-19 25

Chamber Training

26-27

Big Interview

28-29

Cover Feature

30-31

Events

32

Two Counties

33

Movers and Shakers

36

New Members

37

Business News

39

International Trade

40

Business News

41

People to do Business With

42

Business News

43

Charity News

45

Business News

46

Worcestershire Works Well

48

Member Benefits

49

Last Word

50

28-29

Best wishes Sharon Smith Chief Executive of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Our Patrons are:

March/April 2022

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBERNEWS

CHAMBERCUSTOMS LAUNCHES UK IMPORT TAX CALCULATOR work out what needs to be paid to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Now that the UK has left the EU Common Market, any goods coming from abroad will most likely attract duty and VAT. This fact concerns traders, businesses and private individuals buying goods from other countries.

INCREASED PRESSURE FROM PANDEMIC CALLS FOR FURTHER ACTION FOR CHARITIES The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on charities across the UK with increased demand for their services and many organisations experiencing difficulties providing their functions to those who need it.

ChamberCustoms have launched a new and useful tool which has been developed by the experts at ChamberCustoms and Exabler.

The UK import tax calculator is quick, easy and free to use and can work out the different rates of duty available to businesses when importing goods.

Businesses can use the calculator to

When comparing prices, you will now need to factor in import taxes.

ChamberCustoms wants to help traders keep trading, simplifying tasks as much as possible. As a starting point, you can use the calculator to quickly work out what needs to be paid to HMRC. Find out more here www.chamber customs.co.uk/ukimporttaxcalculator.

HEREFORDSHIRE BUSINESSES NOW ABLE TO ACCESS DIRECT IN-PERSON SUPPORT FROM THE CHAMBER

January saw the launch of the brand-new Charity Forum, organised by the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, with over 20 attendees gathering at The Little Princess Trust HQ in Herefordshire.

The Little Princess Trust charity started back in 2005 and has grown to become one of the largest wig charities in the world and one of the most significant charity funders of childhood cancer research in the UK. Wendy Tarplee-Morris, Founder and Phil Brace, CEO at The Little Princess Trust spoke at the event and explained how throughout the pandemic the charity has increased its reach, increased its research funding, broken records and doubled its income.

The Charity Forum was designed to bring together charities throughout the region to celebrate success and provide a platform to discuss the challenges that they are faced with.

To view the upcoming events hosted by the Chamber please visit the events calendar here hwchamber.co.uk/eventsand-training-calendar.

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Members based in Hereford will now be able to access face-to-face support from the Membership team at the Chamber with the new Herefordshire drop-in sessions.

Taking place at the newly refurbished Shell Store, every first Wednesday of the month from 10.00am-12.00pm, this will be your chance to discuss any support that your business needs or get any guidance in regards to how you can make the most of your Membership.

This will be a great opportunity for the Chamber to provide its Herefordshire-based Members with direct support that they may need. The brand-new drop in sessions will support the Chamber’s aim of expanding its physical presence within the Hereford area, after the Chamber announced last year a brand-new Herefordshire base within the Shell Store.

For more information on the drop in sessions, Members are advised to speak with their account managers.

March/April 2022

PRESIDENTSCOLUMN

PLANNING FOR SUCCESS

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” So goes the oft quoted statement by Benjamin Franklin…applicable across all walks of life, from sport at all levels, to revising for exams… and most certainly to running a business. Whilst the last 2 years has perhaps taught us that there are still some things that you simply cannot plan for, this age old adage has particular significance when trying to navigate the uncertain times in which we find ourselves.

can lead to unforeseen consequences.

Better to take all the best bits from the various different books and white papers out there and come up with an approach to business planning that suits you and your organisation. You can “Begin with the End in Mind” (Covey), subscribe to Wickman’s “operating system” or identify your “hedgehog” as Collins recommends…or do all of these things – and more – to develop the right strategy for your business.

In truth, there are countless lines of attack when it comes to planning for success…the

only hard and fast rules are to make sure that you do indeed plan and then follow through with your commitments. There are always uncertainties in the world – a credit crunch, Covid or conflict to name a few – and it is only through planning that we can thrive when times are good and build the resilience to survive when the going gets tough. The books I have mentioned above might not meet your needs but I would wholeheartedly recommend taking the time to try and find a guide (or two) that work for you.

There has been many a tome written over the years extolling the virtues of different business planning and personal development strategies. Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People”, “Traction” by Gino Wickman and “Good to Great” by Jim Collins are just 3 examples of books that me and my business partner, Laura Hewett, have picked up regularly over the last few years…often revisiting the same passages and principles when looking for inspiration.

Some people can become particularly evangelical about their methodology of choice, but my personal take is that there really isn’t a “one size fits all” approach.

Every business is different, and attempting to dogmatically apply a fixed set of criteria

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

HEWETT RECRUITMENT ‘ROCKING’ APPROACH TO STRATEGIC PLANNING The start of the financial year is when most businesses set goals for the year ahead and review performance over the previous 12 months. However, sometimes this annual exercise, whilst useful to set out intentions, can be quickly forgotten as other priorities appear and we move on.

Directors Jake Mountford, Gordon Hazelton and Simeon Chapman

HAZELTON MOUNTFORD FOCUS ON SUCCESS Latest Chamber Patron Member Hazelton Mountford Ltd are an excellent example of local entrepreneurial success.

Hazelton Mountford are Chartered Insurance brokers, specialising in business insurance.

Their story began in 2008 when Group Managing Director Gordon Hazelton started the business with just himself and one assistant in a small two room first floor office in Droitwich. The vision was to provide business clients with the expertise of the large corporate insurance brokers with the personal service and value for money offered by smaller independent businesses.

A few years ago, as a business, Hewett Recruitment went through the process of redefining their vision, values and strategy using Traction by Gino Wickman as a loose structure. They didn’t buy-in wholeheartedly to every element of EOS or the “Entrepreneurial Operating System” as Wickman calls it, but what they have continued to use years on is the idea of ‘Quarterly Rocks’.

These ‘Rocks’, otherwise known as Strategic Priorities, are concrete attainable goals, set and reviewed every quarter, with the objective of maintaining momentum towards the longer-terms vision. At Hewett Recruitment, they actually do quarterly ‘rock reviews’ as part of quarterly company meetings – which keeps Hewett accountable to their employees and keeps communication wide open.

Laura Hewett, Owner and Director of Hewett Recruitment

The idea is that from the company level quarterly rocks, every individual in the business has their own rock(s) that they are responsible for, so everyone is very clear on their contribution to what the business is trying to achieve.

This simple idea of quarterly rocks is a great way to formalise regular communication with teams and to empower employees – ensuring everyone really understands the importance of their role in the bigger picture. As we know, communication and empowerment are essential to employee engagement, which will not only improve productivity, but staff retention too! www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk

PLANNING FOR A SUCCESSFUL WEBSITE

A few months later Jake Mountford joined Gordon and together they have driven the company forward with Hazelton Mountford now a insurance brokers controling in excess of £10m premium income.

“The clients range from local tradesmen, SMEs to large multi-national companies’ says Gordon, ‘no matter who they are, each will be looked after and receive personal service and expertise. Our core values remain the same.”

The company have built strong reserves over the years, have weathered the last two years, and continued to grow. Gordon concludes: “We are now looking forward to the next phase of success by recruiting new people and looking to grow our client base by working with those clients who would like to be looked after by a locally owned business with the expertise that can only be provided by one of only 5% of insurance brokers in the UK to be awarded Chartered Status.” hazeltonmountford.co.uk

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When you’re selling a product and associated service to other businesses, a website that makes it easy for potential customers to find the information they need and get a feel for the way you work is essential.

Achieving that takes a LOT of planning before design begins!

The planning stages for their new website involved considerations like the customer journey, what information is critical and what extra should be available for the curious, how to

make navigation intuitive and how to communicate our USP. Planning the structure first made it easy to direct the photo and video shoot to convey the personality of the business as they already knew exactly what shots were needed (and repainting the wall in the office to match the brand colours made ALL the difference).

Time will tell but the team are pleased with the result - the planning was definitely worthwhile! www.claritysolutions.co.uk

March/April 2022

For you and your business WHAT HAPPENS TO FAMILY LOANS AND GIFTS UPON DIVORCE? Many parents will be familiar with providing financial assistance to their children and their spouses, whether it is to assist with the purchase of a home, to renovate an existing home, or to invest in a family business.

However, what is not always fully considered at the time of any monetary advancement is what implications there are for the repayment of the monies should the recipient and their partners separate.

Often, gifts and loans agreed by family members are informal arrangements, which are agreed verbally rather than in writing. But what implication does this have on the ability of those providing the financial assistance to recover these monies in the future?

When there is an application for a financial order made by a spouse in divorce proceedings, the court draws a clear distinction between monies which were gifted by third parties during the marriage and monies which were loaned.

There is a ‘gift’ of money when parents (or other third party) have no expectation of either that money being repaid to them or having any interest in any property acquired with those monies. Although in some circumstances, the fact that a significant gift was made by one of the spouses’ parents can be seen as a significant ‘contribution’ by that spouse (which should therefore be taken into account in what financial order is made), in most cases the couples’ respective needs will override any contribution argument

and the entirety of the couples’ assets (including the gift) will be divided in accordance with those needs.

Laura Williams

However, if the monies are treated as a loan, the divorcing couple will be required to repay the monies in accordance with what was agreed with the family member before their remaining assets are divided by the court.

Often, because there was no formal written agreement entered into at the time or the terms of any agreement change, a dispute arises between the divorcing couple and their family members as to whether the monies advanced should be treated as a loan or a gift.

In these circumstances the family members who advanced the monies may have to join or intervene in the family proceedings and give evidence.

In the first instance, payments made by a parent for the benefit of a child are presumed to be gifts. However, this presumption can be rebutted with clear evidence that the transfer had a different purpose or intention (such as a loan) at the time of the transaction and that there was a requirement for repayment. The court is less likely to consider a payment a loan if the terms are vague, uncertain, or unlikely to be enforced.

The court considers on the balance of probabilities whether it was the intention of the parties that the monies be paid on the condition that it should be repaid.

The court will consider various factors, including: The existence of any written loan agreement The terms of repayment

Whether any repayments have been made Evidence of the discussions between the parties Whether there was an expectation of repayment Whether there was any security provided in respect of the loan If the court is satisfied that the loan is repayable, the court may order that the parties repay the loan from the matrimonial assets before the remainder of those assets is divided between them.

Where the court is not satisfied that the loan is repayable then it is likely to determine the advance to be a gift and not repayable.

Family members who have financially assisted couples (or plan to) should take advice from a family finance specialist as to how best to protect their interest and intentions in the event that the parties separate in the future.

Laura Williams Associate Director, Family Law lwilliams@thursfields.co.uk 0345 20 73 72 8

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

TECHADVICE

Is your business prepared for the big telephone switch off?

In 2017 Openreach announced their intention to turn off the PSTN and ISDN networks by 2025. It was recommended that businesses would need to be migrated to a single IP core network that ultimately will replace all legacy networks.

WHY IS IT HAPPENING? PSTN has formed the infrastructure for our telecommunications system in the UK since 1876 when the first ever telephone call was made, it’s unsurprising that it has now become antiquated and costly to maintain. ISDN although newer, being introduced in the 1980s is a digital version of the analogue phone lines. Therefore it is time for the network to be modernised, using technology fit for the digital world we now live in.

Openreach advised that they would be turning off the old analogue PSTN in 2025 to pave the way for a fully digital network which can meet the demands of the new digital era. The PSTN includes ISDN lines which many businesses have, which could be ISDN2 or ISDN30.

WHAT IS NEXT? VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephony, also known as IP telephony is the next generation of voice communication technology. With VoIP, calls are made over the internet rather than through wires like they are with PSTN. The pandemic has increased the need for video calling, conference calls and international calls and the use of internet communication applications such as Microsoft teams and Zoom.

The use of these types of applications are only going to continue to grow with the shift towards hybrid working and we are starting to require more from our voice communication.

VoIP offers higher quality calls, more features

and more flexibility than traditional telephony.

Switching over to IP telephony enables businesses to benefit from the numerous advantages of integrated communications, including messaging, rich presence and video communication.

HOW DO I PREPARE? If you currently have a PSTN or ISDN contract you’ll need to think about switching to an IP telephony solution when your contract is up for renewal. Upgrading your systems now means that you can take advantage of the benefits of VoIP and hosted telephony sooner whilst futureproofing your business. Making the change sooner rather than later will give your business plenty of time to transition to the new system and learn how to make the most out of its features.

You’ll need a business-grade broadband solution to get the most out of your VoIP system and to consider your hosted telephony options to see which would suit your business best.

SIP trunking enables you to make calls over the internet through your onsite PBX (Private Branch Exchange). It works in a similar way to making calls on a PSTN line, except that instead of voice data going from your onsite PBX to the PSTN line, it is transferred from your PBX through your SIP trunk over your internet connection so in effect, the internet connection acts as the PSTN phone line.

Hosted telephony is a cloud-based solution, hosted by an external provider. With a hosted solution, your telephone system is housed in the cloud rather than your office, removing the need for costly physical on-site hardware and analogue or ISDN phone lines. A business phone system is hosted remotely, known as a Hosted PBX, and accessed via the internet meaning essentially your phone system becomes a piece of software rather than hardware.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

EBC Group are experts in telephony and can assist you in finding the best VoIP solutions for your business needs. We work with leading communication software providers so can offer telephony solutions which are cost effective.

When considering an IP telephony solution, there are two main options to choose from, SIP trunking or a hosted telephone solution.

To find out more, visit www.ebcgroup.co.uk or contact us on 0121 3680154 or hello@ebcgroup. co.uk.

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POLICYNEWS

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TAX RELIEF – IS THERE TROUBLE AHEAD?

Could changes to R&D Tax Relief be detrimental to business?

Chris Walklett of Chamber Patrons, Bishop Fleming, feels strongly that this is the case.

What is the background behind these changes? In the Spring Budget 2021 the government launched a review of two R&D tax relief schemes, the Research and Development Expenditure Credit (RDEC) and the small and medium enterprises (SME) R&D relief. The objectives of the review were to ensure that the UK remains a competitive location for cutting edge research, that the reliefs continue to be fit for purpose, and that taxpayer money is effectively targeted.

Alongside this, the government published a consultation which ended in June.

The consultation explored the nature of private-sector R&D investment in the UK, how that is supported or otherwise impacted by the R&D relief schemes, and where changes may be appropriate.

A variety of factors were considered. These included definitions, eligibility, and scope of the reliefs to ensure they are up-to-date as well as competitive, and that they reflect how R&D activity is currently worked. Also considered was whether the reliefs are operating for businesses and providing value to the UK taxpayer.

At the Autumn Budget 2021, the government announced reforms to R&D tax reliefs to support modern research methods by expanding qualifying expenditure to include data and cloud costs, effectively

capture the benefits of R&D funded by the reliefs through refocusing support towards innovation in the UK, and to target abuse and improve compliance.

These changes will be included in Finance Bill 2022-23, to take effect from April 2023.

Chris Walklett, Tax Partner at Bishop Fleming and member of the HMRC working party on tax relief legislation, explains there are problems with the timing and structure of the changes.

“The fundamental change I am concerned about is the need to notify HMRC before the start of an accounting period (the financial year) that the company intends to undertake R&D projects and make a claim.

This has the potential to have a majorly detrimental impact on UK business funding.

Robert Elliot, Director of Business Engagement and Development at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce added: “Just at a time when business is looking to recover, and be adaptable to winning new orders that might require capital expenditure to fulfil those projects, it seems strange that this flexibility will be compromised. We would welcome Members feedback on these proposals to enable us to lobby The British Chamber of Commerce effectively.”

Currently a successful claim to R&D tax credits can result in 25-33% of the project being funded via corporate tax rebates.

However, under the proposals retrospective claims will no longer be permitted. Currently companies can submit a claim on their corporate tax return up to two years from the end of the accounting period.”

Chris Walklett continues: “Many companies do not know their R&D programme before the start of their accounting year. In order to claim they may now need to defer economic activity on certain projects until the following year so they can make a claim or embark on a project which will cost more because they will not be able to claim relief. R&D tax credit claims can provide funding that will keep a business afloat so that it can continue to invest in jobs and R&D going forward.”

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CONCERN OVER HEALTHCARE WAITS One Midlands employer recently told us: ‘It can be such a worry if you’re having to wait a long time to access services, and I didn’t want my team to have those worries.’

In recent times, the team at Paycare has seen an increase in the number of individuals and employers concerned about access to timely healthcare.

People are worried about waiting longer for treatment, and the repercussions when it comes to their health and wellbeing.

Here, Account Manager Stephen Burton-Pye from the not-for-profit Health Cash Plan provider explains: “We saw in the headlines recently that patients are waiting up to three years for non-emergency dental treatments.

It didn’t come as a surprise to us, but it’s a sad example of the immense pressure the NHS continues to find itself under.

We’ve seen a real rise in the number of Policyholders (on both our individual and corporate plans) who are accessing private treatment in recent months – and we hear often that waiting times have been a contributory factor in this decision.

Two million of us have to travel at least 40 miles to access dental care, and there are three million UK residents regularly

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Stephen Burton-Pye

experiencing oral pain. With it being one of the most popular claim types across our Cash Plans (30% of claims submitted are for dental treatment, second only to optical claims), it’s no surprise individuals and their employers alike are concerned about the current situation.

Because of course, it’s not just dentistry where we’re seeing waiting times rise, appointments delayed, and options limited.

Waiting longer for treatment – or being totally unable to access it – risks a worsening of the initial problem and potential consequences for the person’s wellbeing too (those with a physical illness are up to four times more likely to develop mental ill health).

That’s why so many workplaces are reviewing their health and wellbeing benefits – and more individuals are looking at the best ways to manage healthcare challenges.

Of course, nobody is blaming overworked and under-resourced healthcare professionals who are simply trying their best; but it’s clear the situation is causing real worry for many of us.

Individuals, businesses, society, and the NHS itself. We’re all feeling the impact of longer waiting times, and searching for answers to mitigate the side effects of reduced access to healthcare.”

Visit www.paycare.org/health-cash-plans to find out more about Health Cash Plans – or why not head to the blog section of our website www.paycare.org/ about-paycare/blog to catch up on our latest sponsorships, charitable giving, and community news.

March/April 2022

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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COLD AND FROSTY ACROSS THE TWO COUNTIES of retail parks who have experienced really heavy visitor numbers despite the Covid pandemic. We also can’t forget the hundreds of private property owners we’ve been called in to help too.

Since just before Christmas, and over the first three months of 2022, Herefordshire and Worcestershire was in the grips of a varied winter.

Often it felt like a spring morning with record temperatures, whilst the following days and weeks have seen heavy frost, dipping temperatures and in many parts of the two counties, snow and ice.

Despite the inconsistent weather, the team at gritting and snow clearance experts AA Salt, worked round the clock this winter – with early morning and late evening shifts to keep customers operating.

Ben Tanner, Sales and Operations Director at the Worcestershire-headquartered firm said: “I would definitely say that this year’s winter months have been difficult to describe when it comes to the weather we’ve seen.

“However, we’ve experienced periods of extremely cold and very icy, often snowy, conditions which also includes freezing rain. That has meant we’ve had to be at the top of our game to stay alert and our forecasting technology has played a vital part in this.

“Using that technology, and our fleet of gritting and snow ploughing vehicles, we’ve got many examples from over the past few months where we’ve kept NHS surgery car parks open, the surrounding areas of sports stadiums and golf courses safe and accessible, and a multitude

“We’re now out of winter, but my message to all businesses is to keep a close eye on forecasts towards the end of the year if you are to keep both customers and employees safe. And if you need advice or expert support, then we’re on hand to help.”

Known for its green credentials, in February 2022 AA Salt became a fully carbon neutral company. It already uses less-toxic white marine salt and are also monitoring the use of Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle technology. The company’s operational headquarters also benefits from solar panel technology and rainwater harvesting plant for vehicle washing.

For more information Chamber Members can visit AA Salt’s website www.aasalt.co.uk, or for a further discussion, call Ben on 07967 012586.

N AT U R A L T H E R A P Y I am a meditation teacher and bodyworker serving Herefordshire, Worcestershire and beyond. I have studied the healing arts since 2004 and practised since 2016.

depression, stress, insomnia, chronic fatigue, pain, injuries, ADHD/Autism and other issues. You are welcome to a consultation to discuss therapy.

I recovered from serious illnesses myself and have a strong track record in helping people with a wide range of challenges. I am also a horse healer.

My book ‘The Foundations of Self-Healing’ explains the holistic system I invented to regain my health and which I now teach others.

Clients have reported improvements in mental illnesses including anxiety and

For more information, please see my website: www.williamgeehealer.com

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March/April 2022

THE PERFECT EQUATION ADD Marketing to Stand Out From The Crowd

A

fresh pair of eyes, in the form of Julia Williams, Managing Director of new venture, ADD Marketing Limited, presents the perfect solution for businesses looking to inject renewed energy and vision into their strategy.

As the new player on the region’s business scene, ADD Marketing are specialists in marketing and business development with collaboration at their core. They are dedicated to help boost precious marketing spends in innovative ways by generating new ideas using the power of a fresh pair of eyes.

The partnership between ADD Marketing and Julia is an obvious one, her infectious professional energy is the perfect complement to the creative cogs turning behind the scenes. Julia is a seasoned strategist, experienced in business development, operational management, coaching and leadership with an eye for design and a self-confessed people person.

Julia has worn many hats in her career including business owner, coach, mentor, marketer and strategist, headteacher and educational consultant. This experience allows her to confidently and calmly navigate complex challenges to drive a solution forward to manage multidisciplinary projects. She has long been one of the ‘faces’ of the region’s professional community and has established a strong reputation as a respected business luminary.

The heart and soul of ADD Marketing is the powerful combination of creative technology and the magic of the human touch. Julia aims to bring a personal, concierge-style to regional marketing. The beauty of this means that ADD Marketing is agile and adaptable, fully conscious that there is no such thing as ‘one size fits all’ on the market today.

ADD MKTING FP The launch of ADD Marketing comes at the perfect time, with businesses of all sizes, established or fledgling, urban or rural, looking to re-evaluate their strategic direction and communications strategy in the wake of a pandemic to survive amid a rapidly changing business landscape.

The journey with ADD Marketing begins with an initial consultation with Julia.

Whether working on a one-off special project, to brainstorm a thread of an idea, or identify a set of goals, the aim will be to ultimately deliver measurable results, always keeping budget, deadline and key objectives in mind.

To sum it up, in today’s congested commercial landscape businesses must work hard to survive. The road to success can be a challenging journey, but not one businesses need to take alone because ADD Marketing are here to help every step of the way.

Contact hello@addmarketing.uk 07807008824 01905 964073 addmarketing.uk

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS ‘ONE SIZE FITS ALL’ IN MARKETING TODAY.

With a strong local presence and a natural-born leader, Julia currently sits on three boards; serves as a Director of Worcestershire Ambassadors, Member of Mercian Education Trust and Worcestershire County Cricket Foundation. On a business level, she spearheaded one of the most successful rental property agencies in Worcester, Premier Places, was the cofounder of the lifestyle brand ’Wonderful Worcestershire Women’ and was the driving force behind the hugely successful charity event, ‘Strictly Worcestershire’.

BUSINESSNEWS

ROGERS’ RETIREMENT: CEO ANNOUNCES PLANS TO STEP DOWN

WARRIORS APPOINT NEW DIRECTOR OF RUGBY Steve Diamond will become Warriors’ Director of Rugby from the end of this season on a two-year contract.

Diamond was appointed Lead Rugby Consultant in November and he will continue in that capacity for the remainder of this season before succeeding Alan Solomons as Director of Rugby when Solomons retires from coaching at the end of June.

Diamond will take charge of the rugby programme immediately with Solomons providing support as needed.

“Having taken the time to work with Steve in his role as a Lead Rugby Consultant, it was the logical decision to offer him the role as Director of Rugby for the next two seasons.” said Warriors co-owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham.

“It’s time for the next generation to step up and shine.”

That’s the message from Paycare CEO Kevin Rogers as he prepares to step down from his role.

“Steve is an experienced and proven Director of Rugby with the qualities needed to take the club to the next level and achieve our ambitions of competing at the top end of the Premiership.

He is set to continue in post for now, but to ensure a smooth handover Kevin made the announcement to his team so they can begin preparing for his departure later in the year.

“We have invested a great deal into ensuring we have all the right ingredients for the club to reach its full potential.

Kevin is expected to leave later in 2022 once the new management team is authorised by the organisation’s financial regulators, and intends to spend more time concentrating on his roles as Chair of Wolverhampton Foundation and Trustee of Wolverhampton LGBT+ - with a few rounds of golf planned too!

“We have unwavering confidence in the strength of the players and the ability of the club to achieve that goal. We will continue to do everything we can to achieve it.”

Diamond, who played more than 350 games for Sale in a career that spanned the amateur and professional eras, has a proven track record as a coach with Sale, Saracens and the Russia national team. www.warriors.co.uk

Anthony Burns, Paycare’s current Commercial Director will be following Kevin in the role of CEO subject to regulatory approval. www.paycare.org

BRIDGING THE GAP – DEFERRED CONSIDERATION IN ACQUISITIONS Many business sales are structured with part of the price being deferred - often to bridge the gap between sellers’ expectations, and buyers’ views on valuation and risk.

Deferred consideration comes in a variety of forms, such as cash, loan notes, shares, earn-outs, retentions and completion account adjustments.

A savvy seller should ensure the buyer provides security in respect of any deferred consideration. Legal charges, debentures and personal or company guarantees are often used as a way of providing security for the outstanding

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deferred consideration, which should fall immediately due on non-payment, an insolvency-type event, or a change of control of the buyer.

A seller should also retain some control over the buyer’s running of the business sold until the entire deferred consideration is paid. These controls can include restrictions on spending, borrowings, salary increases, and obligations to keep the target business and its trading intact.

For more information, readers can email Daniel Southall at mfg Solicitors through daniel.southhall@mfgsolicitors.com. www.mfgsolicitors.com

March/April 2022

CALL FOR WORCESTERSHIRE ENGINEERING BUSINESSES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF APPRENTICESHIP INCENTIVES region to develop our apprenticeship programmes and ensure they are responding to the needs of industry.

A leading apprenticeship provider is urging Worcestershire engineering businesses to take advantage of regional incentives to develop the next generation of highly-skilled workers.

College group, WCG, is a nationally renowned engineering apprenticeship provider and trains engineering apprentices at its Evesham College.

Figures from Skills4Worcestershire show that there are around 32,000 engineers in Worcestershire, which is around 150 per cent more than the national average, and there are 2,285 businesses within the region’s advanced manufacturing and engineering sector.

The college group was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in recognition of its engineering apprenticeship programmes.

WCG has pioneered employer-centric provision and rapidly responded to the changing needs of the industry.

“However it is clear that many businesses, not limited to the engineering sector, aren’t aware of the range of incentives available from local, regional and national Government to take on apprentices.

A trio of incentive schemes are available to Worcestershire businesses to encourage and support them to take on apprentices, which can all be found on WCG’s new webpage wcg.ac.uk/employerincentives.

Krishna Parekh, Head of Business Development at WCG, said: “Engineering and manufacturing is a key growth sector for the economy in Worcestershire and it’s vital that there is a pipeline of highly-skilled individuals to drive the sector forward.

“National Apprenticeship Week shined a light on the importance of apprenticeships and they are central to the national skills strategy moving forward. We hope more businesses will become aware of these incentives and consider apprenticeships as a way of future-proofing their workforce.”

To find out more about apprenticeship incentives available to employers in Worcestershire visit wcg.ac.uk/employerincentives.

“We have been working closely with a number of engineering employers in the

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

017

NEW CHAMBER CHAIR

CHAMBER SAYS THANK YOU TO OUTGOING CHAIR As the Chamber mark a new era with Mike Forrester becoming new Chair of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, this edition features a fitting tribute to outgoing Chair, Jim McBride, who has served the Chamber for over a decade.

Jim has served on the Worcestershire Area Council for many years including his role as Chair and has held roles of President of the Chamber of Commerce and for the last 6 years Chair of the Chamber.

Jim’s commitment, passion and dedication to promote and serve the businesses of Herefordshire and Worcestershire has been never ending. He is a true Ambassador, Leader and has relentlessly supported charities in the two counties through some extreme physical challenges, including a recent walk of Hadrian’s wall and not forgetting his 7-day Canadian Canoe journey of the River Severn with Ben Mannion.

Through his Board positions, Jim has

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provided strategic direction and guidance to the Chamber over many years, ensuring the company remains focused on our Members’ support and achievement of long term local economic success.

Jim has helped with finances, security, growth and leadership, ensuring we have benefited from his vast business experience. His straight-talking approach has provided much needed clarity at times of difficulty and has helped the Chamber battle through the challenges and secure new opportunities.

He is a regular attendee of Chamber Manufacturing Forums, Expos and Awards evening, an excellent contributor to Chamber Policy work and has ensured that the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce remains a best performing and high-profile Chamber within the 53 strong National Chamber network. This has proved a valuable asset, ensuring top officials and London-based government departments know and understand the diversity of our local area and most importantly its businesses.

Some of the Chamber’s key achievements over Jim’s Chairmanship include being named as the Chamber of the Year in 2013, an International finalist in the World

Chamber completion in 2017 and one of the Sunday Times Best Companies to work for, over the last 4 years.

Alongside this, the Chamber have grown over Jim’s tenure to be the 7th largest in the UK, one of the largest contributors to Chamber National Policy Surveys and a serious partner for both private business and the public sector.

Jim’s knowledge and experience internationally has also driven success for the Chamber locally, participating in overseas missions to China, Brussels and Russia, ensuring the two counties benefit from not only local, regional and national profile, but international too.

Jim has been a friend and mentor to many businesses, Members, clients and Chamber employees throughout this time, myself included and everyone at the Chamber would like to wish Jim all the best in both his ongoing business pursuits and support of the two Counties, on behalf of the Chamber, Members and partners.

And finally Jim, we’ve had FUN along the way! From everyone at the Chamber, we hope you enjoy these photos as a reminder of your journey.

March/April 2022

NEW CHAMBER CHAIR

MIKE FORRESTER RETURNS TO THE BOARD AS CHAIR OF HEREFORDSHIRE & WORCESTERSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Returning to the Board as Chair, Mike Forrester is more than ready for action as he supports the existing team at the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. Together, they take on the new challenges for 2022.

Mike says: “First, I am both honoured and excited to have the opportunity to step into the Chair role of the Chamber from February. Jim McBride has filled the role with an exceptionally diligent performance, both leading the board and promoting the Chamber within the two counties, at regional and national level.”

First, I am both honoured and excited to have the opportunity to step into the Chair role of the Chamber from February. Jim McBride has filled the role with an exceptionally diligent performance, both leading the Board and promoting the Chamber within the two counties, at regional and National level. A great example that I aspire to follow.

- Mike Forrester, New Chair of HW Chamber

There are few people who are as generous with their time in supporting Herefordshire and Worcestershire businesses as Jim McBride. And he does it whilst managing to appear both grumpy and cheerful at the same time!

- Duncan Sutcliffe, Sutcliffe Insurance Brokers Ltd

Jim, I can think of many stories and experiences we’ve shared over the years but I have to say that the one which has stayed in my mind always was our trip to Sydney and our late night drinking (last men standing). We didn’t win the Chamber award, but we certainly gave it our best shot! Thanks for all your support and encouragement over the years, I will miss you.

“I welcome the opportunity to support the Membership team and meet again many of the well established companies, through to new sole trader start-ups, and all the inspirational businesses in between, across the two counties.”

With his sights firmly set on encouraging the growth of local business, Mike has taken up the position of Chair since 1 February 2022.

The Chamber would like to express our utmost gratitude for the work and contributions of outgoing Chair, Jim McBride and we hope to see him throughout the calendar of Chamber events. We would also like to wish Mike the best of luck as he settles into his new role within the Chamber.

- Dawn Hardman, Director of HR, HW Chamber

I first met Jim 9 years ago at an event at Birmingham Town Hall. In fact he was one of the first people I met in the Worcestershire business community. A wine-fuelled evening ensued with some great banter and debate. 9 years on and nothing changes!

Well done Jim on your massive contribution. Good luck for the future.

- Chris Walklett, Bishop Fleming

“Personally, I have learned an awful lot from Jim about how to deliver as an effective Non-Exec…and also had a lot of fun at Board Meetings, Expos, Conferences, Awards and countless Business Leaders Dinners. His energy, efficiency and expertise will certainly be missed as will his genuine passion for what the Chamber of Commerce delivers in promoting the local business community. A particular highlight includes the two of us canoeing the length of the River Severn back in 2018 to raise funds for Megan Baker House, of which Jim is a trustee, and I am looking forward to the two of us taking on another challenge together in the next 12 months.”

- Ben Mannion, Owner & Director, Hewett Recruitment

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

019

Helping businesses towards the tech future

Technology does not stand still and neither do the businesses which use it and develop it. As artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics and drones, augmented reality and virtual reality (AR and VR), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain and cryptocurrency become embedded in ordinary commercial processes, businesses need the specialist professional advice of the kind offered by our technology team.

As technology has driven significant change across many industry sectors, so our specialist legal technology expertise has grown. Our legal tech experts are based within the tech ecosystems and industry clusters. Embedded in the sector, they contribute to debates and webinars and are acknowledged as leaders in their field.

We are technology legal advisors to start-ups, scale-ups and national and international businesses. With specialist knowledge in the tech sector, we provide expert legal advice for funding and investment rounds, on contracts for development, licensing and distribution, M&A deals and exit planning.

The legal issues surrounding rapidly-advancing technology often break new ground – for instance, how does blockchain, which cannot be edited or altered, meet the demands of the GDPR, which requires data to be deleted on request?

Professor Dan Hyde tackled this subject in a recent debate with fellow cyber expert, barrister Sam Thomas. They also covered developments in cyber security, with quantum computing poised in the next decade to make encryption a real challenge for businesses of all kinds.

Developments in the blockchain and cryptocurrency arena are the focus of Nicola McNeely’s work – she has been deeply involved in helping companies using blockchain for a decade. As non-fungible token (NFTs) are now mainstream, her involvement in the NFT ecosystem is growing too; one of her clients is a major NFT investor and entrepreneur.

Nicola, our Head of Technology, led a debate with Professor Pete Burnap of Cardiff University whose team is looking at ways to advance automated detection and response to cyber-attacks. If this could be embedded, it would improve cyber safety for a range of companies.

A PASSION FOR PEOPLE

They looked at how we can train artificial intelligence (AI) to detect cyber-attacks and respond in real-time, and what data we can collect that allows us to differentiate between malicious and trusted activity.

We all have anti-virus tools on our computers at home and in the office; these work by looking at data coming into your network, taking codes and matching these with previous malicious codes. But as attackers become more sophisticated, Security Operation Centres (SOCs – a company’s internal front-line detection for cybersecurity incidents) using off-the-shelf tools are increasingly vulnerable.

These developments present both opportunities and challenges for businesses; the commercial uses and advantages of technology are also developing, and the right professional advice can ensure that your business stays ahead.

The legal issues surrounding rapidly-advancing technology often break new ground

Protecting your intellectual property and your data is just as important as protecting your premises or tangible assets. Not only do data breaches come with sizeable fines, but the loss of your data could undermine your customer and supplier relationships, creating on-going problems. Protecting your contracts – another of your most valuable assets – is vital for your business to thrive.

This is where getting your cybersecurity policies, business continuity and disaster recovery policies right from the outset saves time, money, and stress later on. A draft policy is no use if you don’t act on it; do trial runs, test your policy and plans, and have a process which is known to the staff in your business and not kept in a drawer.

We can help you identify what information a cyber security policy should contain, how to measure best practice, the difference between business continuity and disaster recovery and above all, how to avoid unnecessary risk and exposure.

From medicine to agriculture, from art to veterinary practice, technology is moving forward and changing the way we do business; make sure that you are equipped for the future.

Do get in touch with our team at www.hcrlaw.com/sector/technology Nicola McNeely Partner, Head of Technology

Dan Hyde Partner, Technology

T: 02922 749 203 M: 07870 261 520 E: nmcneely@hcrlaw.com

T: 0203 375 8302 M: 07824 482 388 E: dhyde@hcrlaw.com

BRITISH ARMY JOINS FORCES WITH CRISISCAST TO DEVELOP REVOLUTIONARY VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINING Working closely in partnership with the British Army, expert disaster and crisis management organisation, CrisisCast, has announced the pilot of a virtual reality platform developed to assist Armed Forces training in human emotions and cross-cultural communications.

Project Tyrion, Human Domain Matrix is a new, innovative prototype training concept developed by the British Army and CrisisCast, which brings the immersion and role-play of virtual reality platforms into a military environment.

CrisisCast, award-winning film makers, virtual reality producers and disaster and crisis management experts, were engaged to craft the virtual reality platform piloted with the British Army as a result of the organisations wealth of experience in utilising state-of-the-art British and Australian film industry and VR techniques to dramatise events for emerging security needs in the UK, Middle East and worldwide.

Going beyond training the cognitive to introduce more emotionally driven behavioural mechanics, which are inherently complex to model and simulate, the new virtual reality training platform seamlessly merges art, technology and science to enable military personnel to interact in realistically simulated environments that they may encounter, in order to provide immersive training in human emotion and cross-cultural communications.

Following its successful pilot, the virtual reality platform has highlighted how

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it can help to improve how judgement and empathy are practiced in a military environment.

Containing accurate and relevant choice points in cross-cultural communication with impactful consequences, the learning through engagement experience will significantly enhance the current provision in pre-deployment, bridging the knowledge gap and giving access to advanced qualitative, psychosocialemotional profiles of complex TAs. David Wayman of CrisisCast, and a Senior Producer on the project, added: “We’ve been relentless in our attention to detail, to ensure we can really suspend the learner’s disbelief, from accurate pattern of life events right down to the correct flashes on the uniforms. The art team have worked tirelessly to reproduce the reference images in high fidelity, whilst our coders have been helping us in coming up with ever more ingenious devices to deliver the training aims in-game.

The virtual reality training platform has also been developed through CrisisCast’s collaborative partnerships with other global experts. Australia-based organisation Spectre Studios enabled the project to be brought to life through their expertise in production design, art direction and ability to drive innovation the virtual reality landscape.

Washington, DC-based organisation Valka-Mir Human Security supported CrisisCast in developing the content within the virtual reality training platform through their expertise in science-based analysis and solutions to preventing and countering protracted human conflict and violence.

Project Tyrion was further supported through the intelligence, big-data and analytical capability of global-based organisation Predli.

To find out more about Project Tyrion, Human Domain Matrix visit

crisiscast.com/virtual-reality.

Even though it’s only a proof of concept right now, the cinematic narrative, lifelike and likeable characters and stunning artwork has created a truly unique and impressive learning experience for our service personnel.”

March/April 2022

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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SKILLS

NMITE: SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE business events, training programmes, and the development of a Work Experience Placement Directory for businesses, schools and colleges. All of these activities are fully-funded for Herefordshire businesses and education providers.

As part of Herefordshire Skills for the Future, NMITE has recently

Dale Parmenter, Managing Director DRGP & Sam Chambers

DRPG AND UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON: INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF AWARD-WINNING DESIGNERS The University of Wolverhampton first partnered with local creative communications group, DRPG, for their graphic design industry expertise back in 2017. Since then, the global agency has continued to visit the University’s School of Art, inspiring graphic design students with a fictional client brief to be delivered on as part of an assessed module within their degree curriculum.

David Withers, Head of Design at DRPG, has been working with the Graphic Design department at the University of Wolverhampton for over five years. He explains: “It’s invaluable to work with people that are beginning their journey within the creative sectors and the University of Wolverhampton provides a great environment for this.”

launched Springboard, an early careers leadership programme which will provide unique training and NMITE’s Herefordshire Skills for the Future programme, which is

development opportunities for graduates and career-shifters.

part-funded by the European Social

This fully-funded 12-month training

Fund, aims to help bridge the gap

package, which is due to start on 28

between small businesses and

April 2022, is open to employees of

the education sector and develop

Herefordshire-based SMEs who have

enterprise skills amongst young people.

either graduated or moved careers

Since summer 2021, their dedicated team has been engaging with schools and businesses across

within the last 3 years. For more information about Springboard, contact Placement Co-ordinator, Lydia Stevens

the county through Enterprise

lydia.stevens@nmite.ac.uk.

and Entrepreneurship workshops,

www.nmite.ac.uk

DFE WEBINARS AND WORKSHOPS: HOSTING INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS IN DIFFERENT ROLES AND INDUSTRIES

In December, the agency celebrated one of the University of Wolverhampton’s own at their Anything’s Possible awards, recognising the teams and individuals who have excelled during the past 12 months.

Graphic Design alumni, Sam Chambers, picked up the most coveted award, Team Member of the Year.

DRPG are also involved with several further education institutes and have gone on to recruit seven team members directly from the creative courses they support. www.drpgroup.com

Over the next few months, the Department for Education and SDN are hosting a series of webinars looking at T Level industry placements in different roles applicable in a wide number of industries.

Each session will give you chance to hear from employers who are already hosting placements in these roles, how T Level students might contribute to the development of your workforce and the support available to you as an employer.

A number of practical 2-hour sessions are being hosted too, to help you plan for placements and explore how these might be hosted in practice.

These sessions are free of charge. You can find out more and register by scanning the QR code on the right.

www.wlv.ac.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

025

CHAMBERTRAINING

DOES YOUR BUSINESS HAVE A TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR 2022?

By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail – Benjamin Franklin

As we begin the start of the new financial year, planning is at the forefront of every business leader’s mind. We’ve moved on from the shock, change and disruption that the pandemic brought about, and we are slowly moving away from working and living in survival mode. We will all be living and working with the long-term effects of the pandemic, life as we once knew it has changed and we need a fresh perspective and a positive, proactive approach to planning for a brighter and sustainable future, rebuilding our empires with resilience and determination!

A key element to this is reflection. What has worked well, or not so well for your business? What were the stumbling blocks and lessons learnt during the past 12 months, and how has this change impacted your offering or services to your customers?

Gathering this data is crucial to successful business planning and developing your business strategy. As every business knows, people are your most valuable asset. Every department has been stretched, with employees either moving on to new endeavours or being absent from work due to sickness or isolation and workloads temporarily distributed between existing staff.

Personal development and training has been placed on the backburner due to staff shortages or other pressing priorities.

According to the latest QES (Q4) 53% of businesses attempted to recruit in the last 3 months, of which 74% of those experienced difficulties recruiting.

If your business requires any type of training, coaching or consultancy, then Chamber Business Training can help you.

Whether you need a one off course to solve an immediate skills gap or a longer term training provider to deliver a series of training solutions, we can meet your needs.

With the release of the QES (Q4) report conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce, and our emergence from plan B, it’s comforting to read that almost a third of businesses (29%) reported up-scaling of training plans, up 5% from the previous quarter. Positive news indeed that businesses are reinvesting their resources into learning and development of its people, squeezing the skills gap to enable growth. For some this may mean developing in-house talent in areas such as developing management of people and leadership. Increasing skills in knowledge and changed behaviour for others reskilling in completely new business areas will be the challenge.

Please contact training@hwchamber.co.uk for more information. Or visit the training calendar to see the portfolio of courses available hwchamber.co.uk/events-andtraining-calendar.

Does your business plan involve an enhanced social media presence for 2022?

If so the Chamber’s Effective use of Social Media course may be something to add to your staff’s personal development plan for the year. Or maybe your marketing team need a recap on using Digital Reporting and Google Analytics?

Are you a Herefordshire business?

The Chamber want to hear about your training needs in order to adapt the portfolio of courses currently on offer. By hearing your opinion on what training your business requires the Chamber will then be able to create a more suitable offering of training courses for Herefordshire businesses. All training courses based in Herefordshire will take place at the newly refurbished Shell Store in Hereford.

To get your voice heard please fill out the following survey by scanning the QR code on the right.

All courses can be found here: www.hwchamber.co.uk/online-training-courses.

Can’t find what you are looking for? Email training@hwchamber.co.uk with your course suggestions.

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March/April 2022

CHAMBERTRAINING MARCH COURSE DATES 2022 7 Steps to Closing the Deal - Worcester Tuesday 8 March 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-members

Introduction to Digital Marketing & PR Virtual Tuesday 8 March 9.00-11.00am Free for Members £110+VAT Non-members

Digital Reporting and Google Analytics Worcester Tuesday 15 March 9.00am-12.30pm £90+VAT Members £110+VAT Non-members

IOSH Working Safely - Hereford Wednesday 16 March 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-members

Wednesday 16 March 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-members

Tuesday 29 March 9.00am-4.00pm £495+VAT Members £595+VAT Non-members

Fire Marshal Training - Worcester Thursday 17 March 9.00am-4.00pm £90+VAT Members £110+VAT Non-members

Effective Time Management - Hereford

Effective Use of Social Media - Worcester Tuesday 29 March 9.00am-12.30pm £90+VAT Members £110+VAT Non-members

Wednesday 23 March 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-members

Intermediate Excel - Hereford

Emergency First Aid at Work (one day) Worcester

Wednesday 30 March 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-members

Thursday 24 March 9.00am-4.30pm £90+VAT Members £110+VAT Non-members An Introduction to Finance for the Non-financial Manager - Worcester

Advanced Excel - Worcester

IOSH Managing Safely (4 day) - Worcester

Monday 28 March 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-members

Assertiveness and Confidence at Work Virtual Thursday 31 March 9.00am-4.00pm £160+VAT Members £200+VAT Non-members

NEW LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SERIES FOR 2022 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH 3WH real world. You will hear theories, case studies, tips and tools that can be utilised instantly.

The powerful discussions between Members helps deepen the learning and forward the action. These sessions are designed to develop the future leaders of business, help unlock hidden potential in future CEOs and invest in the future of the people at the heart of businesses.

The Leadership Development Series enters its 4th year and with it, the Chamber have compiled 6 new topics to enthuse leaders and ignite curiosity and development. We have adapted the series to respond to the new way of working, so workshops will be held both face to face and virtually. With a large group of leaders, expertly facilitated by Lucy Barkas of 3WH, leadership expert, best-selling author, and podcast host, you will be amongst great company to hear about leadership in 2022 and challenge yourself to level up. This six-part personal leadership programme will focus on topics that leaders are facing in the

"The Leadership Series has been a great opportunity to refresh my knowledge, collaborate with peers and gain new initiatives to introduce into the business. I highly recommend anyone that has the ability to influence a business to attend.” – Samantha Lewis, Head of HR at NMiTE. Cost: All 6 workshops - £275+VAT Chamber Members / £375+VAT Non-Members Individual workshop - £50+VAT Chamber Members / £75+VAT Non-Members

27 April 2022 Managing flexible team working Bank House Hotel -------------------------------------------------13 July 2022 How to delegate effectively Chamber Zoom -------------------------------------------------14 September 2022 Improving coaching skills Bank House Hotel -------------------------------------------------9 November 2022 Engaging the next generation Chamber Zoom -------------------------------------------------18 January 2023 Importance of communication Bank House Hotel -------------------------------------------------29 March 2023 Ensuring employee wellbeing Chamber Zoom

More information including the booking form for the series, can be found here: hwchamber.co.uk/training/leadershipdevelopment-series.

Whilst the Chamber are continuously expanding our online offering, please get in touch 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.

Delegates have now been welcomed back to the Chamber office for our potfolio of training courses. For more information on any training courses, please see the website or email the training department training@hwchamber.co.uk.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

027

BIG INTERVIEW

WAKE UP WITH THE WILDLIFE ON A WEST MIDLAND SAFARI

There are six Elephant Lodges

A Red Panda cottage

To paraphrase Dr Dolittle, if we could talk to the animals at West Midland Safari Park, they would have some very interesting tales to tell about recent exciting developments there.

Imagine opening your curtains on a morning and being greeted by a cheetah?

Or an elephant, rhino or giraffe?

cheetah and elephant lodges sold out for two years, and ambitions ride high, thanks to the multi-million investment programme.

own jumbo swimming pool, although they are a bit reluctant to dip their trunks in yet, for reasons unknown.”

For those of us who’ve never been on safari, this is the next best exotic experience for guests at the Park’s new lodges. By April 2022, there will be eighteen luxury lodges with bespoke animal paddocks at the Bewdley site, all based on authentic African design.

Demand has been exceptional, with the

MD Chris Kelly joined the team in January 2020, having previously been a director at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve, in Kent.

“I had nearly three months to get the project off the ground before Covid hit,” he explained, “so we had time to sort out issues around planning and procurement, design and operations, before work came to a halt in April 2020.

Former offices have become the Red Panda Cottages with an enriched habitat for these cheeky little mammals. “It’s all been great fun,” Chris adds, “and the plan now is to build four lodges each for giraffes, rhinos and tigers, all with purpose-built animal housing on the doorstep.

“The contractors had to set everything up again when they returned. But credit to them, they pulled it back and the lodges came in more or less on time.”

Chris Kelly, MD, West Midland Safari Park

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“We’re also hoping to build four lion lodges this time next year, plus eight primate lodges dotted along the lake, complete with an island for exclusive monkey use.”

Naturally, animal welfare comes above all else at the Park. “Right from the start, it was agreed that the lodges wouldn’t go ahead unless the animal enclosures were upgraded too.”

“Our animals and their environments are paramount to us,” he continues. “If we’ve had to remove trees, we’ve planted the same number plus an extra 20%. Bat and swift boxes are incorporated in lodge roofs, and there’s nesting boxes in the trees.

The new Elephant House, for example, was built at a cost of over £1m, before attention turned to the accompanying lodge. “Defra had very specific requirements for each enclosure. The elephants even have their

“Specific needs are catered for, so for example, red pandas love cool weather.

Our Red Panda Mei Lin sleeps on top of her nest, even when it’s freezing. As soon as it gets warm, she comes down into

March/April 2022

BIG INTERVIEW One of the Cheetah Lodges

her house where she’s got nice cool air conditioning.”

Despite ongoing work, the animals take everything in their stride. “They’re the happiest of us all, and adapted to their new surroundings overnight. Even during lockdown, nothing changed for them, other than they got a bit frustrated that there were no safari feeding sessions.

“Our wildlife team have been brilliant throughout. As key workers, it was business as usual for them, but in other areas, the furlough scheme was fantastic and helped us avoid redundancies.”

Thanks to unwavering support from the Looping Group (which also owns Drayton Manor Park, Pleasurewood Hills

and several European leisure parks) and various government initiatives, West Midland Safari Park has come through the worst of the pandemic.

Chris also acknowledges the Chamber’s advice in moving animals across from Europe post-Brexit, and also their training and networking “which is brilliant”.

“People love the idea of working with animals, but we are struggling to recruit for food and beverages, and the Theme Park. Permanent jobs are available, but applications are a trickle compared to what we normally get this time of year. I’m sure it’ll all pick up again in due course.”

As for the future, the Park hopes to return to pre-pandemic visitor levels very soon. Chris says, “Day numbers are fantastic. School groups, and wedding and business events aren’t quite there yet, but I’m confident they’ll bounce back as confidence grows.”

In the meantime, growth continues apace, with strong focus on the Park’s core work in conservation, endangered species breeding, and education. Chris, the team and their many visitors hope it’s only a matter of time before the patter of tiny hooves and paws is heard again.

In fact, Chris’s only concern is the labour shortage, as experienced in many sectors.

Full details about West Midland Safari Park at wmsp.co.uk.

“Our animals and their environments are paramount to us. If we’ve had to remove trees, we’ve planted the same number plus an extra 20%.”

– Chris Kelly, MD, West Midland Safari Park.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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COVERFEATURE

NEOPERL SALES FLOW IN Kevin Gates, MD at Neoperl

Neoperl UK make some of the most in-demand products you’ve probably never heard of.

With millions sold globally last year, business is booming for their innovative water solutions.

Not many companies can say the pandemic has been good for sales, but Neoperl – who make flow regulators for use in taps, showers and domestic appliances – are celebrating two record-breaking years.

Between 2020-21, production rocketed by almost 20% for the Malvern based company.

As MD Kevin Gates explains, there are two main reasons behind this explosion in growth: firstly, increased awareness of sustainability, and the need to use water and energy more responsibly; and secondly, better hygiene practices and changing shopping habits driven by the pandemic.

He says, “Our flow regulators control the amount of water that comes out of taps etc, and they’re also used in appliances like home boilers to control inlet water flow, guarantee constant heat and prevent scalding.

“For instance, by regulating water flow properly, people can wash their hands more often without unnecessary wastage.

And as holidays were off limits for so long, people spent their spare cash on home improvements like kitchens and bathrooms instead, which has led to increased demand for faucets and touchless sensor taps.”

Today exports account for 80% of Neoperl UK’s sales: as part of the German-Swiss Neoperl Group, many products go directly to sister companies around the world to be sold on directly or incorporated into items like aerators and check valves. Products are also bought back for UK resale.

“You could say that in the early days, demand followed the way that the pandemic moved around the world,” Kevin points out. “It first picked up in China, where Covid originated, before moving West. Now though we’re finding that demand is pretty consistent around the world.”

Speaking of the Chinese, Kevin is pragmatic about their commercial advantage in terms of labour. However, innovation and efficiency keep Neoperl ahead of the game. “While the Chinese are very good reverse engineers, they’re not good at First Principles and product design,” he says. “I sometimes use the term ‘black art’ because everything can’t be designed and calculated to the nth degree.

“This is where we hold the advantage: our many years of in-house experience keep us that important step ahead and protect our margins. Innovation and design are our lifeblood.”

“Our flow regulators control the amount of water that comes out of taps etc, and they’re also used in appliances like home boilers to control inlet water flow, guarantee constant heat and prevent scalding.”

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Among recent exciting developments is Neoperl’s collaboration with the Kingfisher Group (owners of B&Q), to design a dual core regulator with two flow rings for use in both low and high pressure water environments. Where once different flow regulators had to be used depending on country of sale, now the same taps can be used anywhere in the world, with the same performance guarantee.

And it goes without saying that Neoperl’s manufacturing capabilities are up there with the best. While not all assembly can be fully automated (manual dexterity is still needed for intricate products), the company has invested heavily in automation and new machinery to enhance flexibility in terms of production and keeping up with increasing demand.

It hasn’t all been plain sailing – production capacity dropped 30% because of Covid measures. But by continually improving processes and efficiencies, Neoperl remains a vital cog in the supply chain.

Kevin concludes, “At first, I used to say we’ve been lucky, but actually it’s not about luck, we’ve just managed the situation extremely well and continued operating by keeping our people safe.”

More details at neoperl.com.

March/April 2022

COVERFEATURE

MAKING WORK HAPPIER WITH A SMILE BOX Donna Fisher, of Smile Box.

As Smile Box celebrates its first birthday, owner Donna Fisher from Bromsgrove explains how a little pick-me-up at work can go a long way.

While money is the main reason we roll out of bed in the morning, keeping staff motivated and engaged is a big corporate headache.

High staff turnover and skills shortages have led companies to rethink their benefit packages, but did you know that six out of 10 workers are motivated more by recognition from their boss than financial gain?

Donna first spotted a gap in the market for a caring, sharing corporate gift service pre-pandemic, and the seed for Smile Box quickly took root when Covid swept in.

Smile Box offers a fully branded corporate wellbeing gift for every occasion, from Christmas, to conference goodie bags, hellos and goodbyes … or just a simple ‘thank you’ to boost staff morale.

Each ‘perk box’ includes a personalised letter from the CEO, together with a selection of self-care treats and mindfulness products with a great variety of gifts to choose from, helping with everything from zoom fatigue and poor sleep to hydration and healthy eating. As a finishing touch, the box is gift wrapped for the perfect treat. Each Smile Box also features resources to support mental health which is still unfortunately a taboo topic for many, something which Donna is keen to change.

The response to Smile Box’s first year has been amazing, says Donna, with over 6,000 boxes sent so far and a high customer return rate of 70%.

She explains: “I’ve always enjoyed the feel-good factor that comes from seeing someone opening a gift, but in terms of self-care, I feel that people are programmed to feel guilty about looking after themselves when actually it should be a priority, especially with today’s busy lifestyles.

Donna has started businesses before and worked in the corporate sector, and says the past year has been a real learning curve. “You launch a business with one focus in mind, but then it builds its own momentum and your plans and strategy can change.

“Grant aid and support from Enterprising Worcestershire has been fantastic, and I’ve received invaluable funding for business coaching through the Council. When you’re really busy, you don’t always make time to reflect and think about what you need, so the coaching sessions have been really beneficial in giving me some focus time.

“I’ve really enjoyed being a member of the Chamber and joined as soon as I launched Smile Box. I had a stand at the Business Expo in Malvern and have attended several of their networking events which has been a great way to generate business contacts and leads.”

She adds, “A lot of people have set up in business during the pandemic, creating a mini community that helps and supports each other. That’s what it should all be about – we rise by lifting others, as they say.”

Smile Box is committed to British products and considers sustainability too (for example, the company plants a tree for

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

every 100 boxes sold). Donna has carefully chosen products that match her company values, and continues to swap ideas and support with like-minded startups.

Going back to the general theme of wellbeing, how do men respond to Smile Box? Donna says, “That’s a really interesting point. Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45, and I really want to help normalise conversations around mental health for men so that can change.

“Our core service will always be helping employers support their staff wellbeing culture and improve the emotional resilience of their teams. Long term, we also want to support the education sector, as young people have had a hard time recently.

“There’s not enough hours in the day for our exciting plans, but we’re looking forward to continued growth and helping others!”

Contact Donna’s team at smile-box.co.uk.

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EVENTS

CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS 2022 SPONSORED BY KARNDEAN FLOORING ECONOMIC BUSINESS CONFERENCE SPONSORED BY WORCESTERSHIRE LEP Thursday 24 March 2022 08.30-11.30am Yamazaki Mazak, Badgeworth Drive, Worcester WR4 9NF The Chamber’s conferences provide thought-provoking speakers on a range of topics from stories of inspirational growth or overcoming challenges to ensuring businesses can access support and insight from leading industry experts.

Networking forms a large part of all Chamber conferences and attendees are encouraged to build relationships and make new connections in a supportive environment.

To book your free place onto the Economic Business Conference visit: hwchamber.co.uk/product/ economic-conference-sponsored-byworcestershire-lep.

EVENTS VIA ZOOM Wealth Preservations for Business Owners Wednesday 13 April | 10.00-11.00am Ian Bond, Director of Wills & Estates at Thursfields Solicitors will discuss key considerations for business owners, directors and senior executives, to ensure their personal affairs are in order, their business interests are protected, and wealth is preserved for future generations.

Meet the Neighbours Networking with Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Tuesday 26 April | 12.00-1.00pm Attracting Members from across two exciting regions, if you are looking for a way to build your network across the Midlands, create new connections and potential referral partners, then we would love to welcome you to this Chamber event. Attendees will have the opportunity to introduce their business to other organisations from across these regions.

To find out more info or book onto any of the online webinars or in-person events, visit the events and training calendar hwchamber. co.uk/events-and-training-calendar or email events@hwchamber.co.uk.

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Entries for the annual Chamber Business Awards opened on 10 January 2022 and close at 4.00pm Friday 25 March 2022. The black-tie ceremony with over 700 attendees will take place on Thursday 7 July 2022 at the Worcester Arena.

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.

KEY DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: Entries Open – As of Monday 10 January 2022 Entries Close – Friday 25 March 2022 Awards Date – Thursday 7 July 2022 For more information about the Awards, including ticket prices please visit: hwchamber.co.uk/events/business-awards

NEW LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SERIES FOR 2022 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH 3WH The Leadership Development Series enters its 4th year and with it, the Chamber have compiled 6 new topics to enthuse leaders and ignite curiosity and development. We have adapted the series to respond to the new way of working, so workshops will be held both face to face and virtually. With a large group of leaders, expertly facilitated

by Lucy Barkas of 3WH, leadership expert, best-selling author, and podcast host, you will be amongst great company to hear about leadership in 2022 and challenge yourself to level up. This six-part personal leadership programme will focus on topics that leaders are facing in the real world.

You will hear theories, case studies, tips and tools that can be utilised instantly. The powerful discussions between Members helps deepen the learning and forward the action. These sessions are designed to develop the future leaders of business, help unlock hidden potential in future CEOs and invest in the future of the people at the heart of businesses.

"The Leadership Series has been a great opportunity to refresh my knowledge, collaborate with peers and gain new initiatives to introduce into the business.

I highly recommend anyone that has the ability to influence a business to attend.” – Samantha Lewis, Head of HR at NMiTE.

Cost: All 6 workshops - £275+VAT Chamber Members / £375+VAT Non-Members Individual workshop - £50+VAT Chamber Members / £75+VAT Non-Members 27 April 2022 Managing flexible team working Bank House Hotel -------------------------------------------------13 July 2022 How to delegate effectively Chamber Zoom -------------------------------------------------14 September 2022 Improving coaching skills Bank House Hotel -------------------------------------------------9 November 2022 Engaging the next generation Chamber Zoom -------------------------------------------------18 January 2023 Importance of communication Bank House Hotel -------------------------------------------------29 March 2023 Ensuring employee wellbeing Chamber Zoom

More information including the booking form for the series, can be found here: hwchamber.co.uk/training/leadershipdevelopment-series.

March/April 2022

TWOCOUNTIES David Shaw, Chair of WCF

HEREFORD TO PASS GO AND COLLECT BRAND NEW MONOPOLY EDITION! public are being invited to suggest cards and squares to feature in the game, set to release in October.

Ella Gibbs, of the makers of the new game, Winning Moves UK, said: “Hereford is blessed with great landmarks which will get to replace the famous Monopoly streets like Mayfair and Park Lane.”

WORCESTERSHIRE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION DISTRIBUTES £1M TO LOCAL CAUSES DURING PANDEMIC One of Worcestershire’s largest charitable hubs has handed out over £1 million during the 20/21 period to support 374 charities, good causes and community groups who were severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Part of the UK’s fourth largest funding network, Worcestershire Community Foundation (WCF) launched its Covid-19 Response Appeal in 2020 to help local community projects operate and deliver much-needed emergency response services during the pandemic.

The Foundation channeled funding from organisations - including the National Emergencies Trust and Worcestershire County Council whilst also raising nearly £200,000 through a local match appeal, from businesses and individual donors.

Following the success, WCF has now released an Impact Report which profiles its work over 2020/21. The report details the significant amount of funding provided for volunteer networks and vital support and supplies for isolated, vulnerable people in deprived areas.

David Shaw, Chair of WCF said: “During the Pandemic, Worcestershire communities have really suffered, with many experiencing the effects of isolation, poverty and a reduced quality of life.

“We are very proud to have worked so closely with our amazing local Voluntary and Community sector to overcome Covid-related challenges.” www.worcscf.org.uk

The city of Hereford has been chosen to get its own official monopoly board!

Beating competition from 24 other locations, the board will be themed around more than 30 local landmarks and the

Players will get to see popular landmarks such as Hereford Cathedral and Wye bridge included as the properties you can own.

The brand new Hereford edition will look to capture the culture, heritage and history that Hereford has to offer and will surely fly off the shelves when it is released later this year.

STENERGY SHOOTS FOR A GREEN REVOLUTION IN WORCESTERSHIRE Stenergy is pleased to submit their detailed proposal to Worcester County Council, detailing the construction and operation of a Anaerobic Digestion Biomethane Plant that will produce and inject ‘green gas’ (2.8 MWe) into Cadent’s Local Transmission System and by doing so, transform Worcester’s Heat for Homes, Transport and Food Waste Management strategies. This Waste Food Gas to Grid project aligns with the objectives of COP 26.

The proposal has been supported by a number of businesses including Worcestershire Bosch who say that this will greatly assist Worcester City meeting the UK governments NetZero target.

The project is also set to create a number of jobs within the area.

GO-AHEAD FOR £8M INVESTMENT ON SKYLON

The final phase of an £8 million investment at Skylon Park, Hereford Enterprise Zone has been given the go-head.

Commercial property developers Priority Space will begin construction of nine industrial units at Centenary Park, a 110-acre site in Skylon Park, in Spring 2022.

Centenary Park, which provides employment space for small to medium-sized businesses, has been developed by Priority Space in partnership with HG Sites and Herefordshire Council.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Their overall vision is to create high quality business space and a vibrant, dynamic business community in an attractive historic setting.

Over £25m has already been invested in the area to make the park ready for business, with several key projects providing cutting edge facilties and high quality accommodation for small businesses to rent. www.skylonpark.co.uk 033

Suppliers of Training in many subjects such as...

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T: 0330 124 4298 | E: learnmore@ensuda.co.uk | www.ensuda.co.uk Training courses available across the whole of Hereford and Worcester

What's included in your Smile Box?

Fully branded Corporate Gift Boxes to support your employee engagement and wellbeing culture

Six products all chosen to improve wellbeing and promote self-care, in a fully branded gift box to feel like a real treat.

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Includes a gift brochure showcasing products, along with a personalised letter from your CEO or HR Manager.

Featuring ‘Positivity Postcards’ with practical mindfulness tips to support emotional resilience and improved mental health.

What are the benefits of happy & healthy staff?

Increased Productivity Lower Staff Turnover Higher Levels of Employee Engagement Reduced Sickness Absence Boost to staff morale Improved Emotional Wellbeing

Visit our website to request an information pack today!

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WWW.SMILE-BOX.CO.UK

March/April 2022

MOVERSANDSHAKERS

Anna Madden and Julia Gallagher together with Stuart Wood

Anthony Burns & Kevin Rogers

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS CURO WELCOMES NEW PARTNER AS EXPANSION CONTINUES

ROGERS’ RETIREMENT: CEO OF PAYCARE ANNOUNCES PLANS TO STEP DOWN

Bromsgrove-based Chartered Accountants Curo start 2022 by taking on a new partner as it continues to expand across the West Midlands region and beyond.

Stuart Wood joins Curo from KPMG in Birmingham where he was an Audit Director for nearly 20 years.

Stuart joins as Audit partner and will be working closely with Anna Madden on Curo’s audit clients, further delivering Curo’s unique selling point of big firm expertise but without the price tag.

On Stuart’s appointment, Co-founder Anna

Paycare CEO Kevin Rogers has announced his intentions to step down from his current role.

He’d previously reduced his hours to allow his senior team to take on more responsibility, and it was known he was preparing to retire at some point.

Kevin says: “It’s time now – the worst thing I could do would be to block the development of the team. From the beginning, I’ve wanted to allow people the autonomy and space to develop their skills.

By trusting them to get on and do amazing things, we’re now in a position where Paycare is in extremely capable hands going forward.”

Curo’s entrepreneurial and overseas client

Anthony Burns, Paycare’s current Commercial Director will be following Kevin in the role of CEO subject to regulatory approval.

base and will allow us to continue to grow.”

www.paycare.org

Madden, says: “His years of experience and wide-ranging skill set are the perfect fit for

BUSINESS LENDER MAKES SENIOR APPOINTMENT A West Midlands based alternative finance provider has confirmed a senior appointment to its leadership team.

BCRS Business Loans has announced that Caroline Dunn has joined its 17-strong team as Finance Director after Stephen Deakin stepped up to the role of Chief Executive last year.

Caroline said: “I am delighted to have joined BCRS Business Loans as Finance Director during such an exciting period of growth.

“I am looking forward to getting stuck into my new role, shaping the finance team alongside my colleagues and working with the senior leadership team to extend our support whilst remaining true to our socially-driven ethos.” www.bcrs.org.uk

DIRECTOR OF COMMS & CAMPAIGN SARA LYDDY JOINS DRPG BOARD Joining the group as a Senior Account Manager in June 2014, Sara helped manage the Lloyds Banking Group account where she focussed predominantly on live event delivery and the growth of the account. Sara’s comms experience came to the forefront as DRPG began to expand its offering, establishing DRPG’s Comms division in 2016 under the late Julie Davidson.

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GJS DILLON PROMOTES ANDREW LEWIS TO COMMERCIAL AGENCY DIRECTOR GJS Dillon is delighted to announce the promotion of its Associate Director Andrew Lewis to Director, Commercial Agency.

Andrew joined the Worcestershire commercial property consultancy in May 2018.

Sara commented: “I’m super excited for what the future of our industry will bring and how it will continue to shape our team. I love a good challenge, and DRPG continues to be the place to bring me this.”

John Dillon, GJS Dillon’s Managing Director, said: “This is a well-deserved promotion. The Commercial Agency has gone from strength-to-strength since Andrew joined us and more recently he has steered the team through the uncertainty of the pandemic, while continuing to negotiate transactions across all sectors.”

www.drpgroup.com

www.gjsdillon.co.uk

March/April 2022

NEWMEMBERSPROFILE

CASTLE GREEN FINANCIAL PLANNING face to face advice for individuals, business owners and their families both locally and nationally.

Charlotte Webb’s journey began 5 years ago after a successful career in the public sector, her vision for Castle Green Financial Planning is to provide ‘financial planning in a world worth living in’ through trusted

Based in St Owen’s Street, Hereford the Practice covers all areas of financial planning including pensions, protections and investments. Charlotte is passionate about breaking down the barriers that prevent people from accessing financial advice and believes that financial planning is for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns around your finances, the team are happy to have a no obligation chat. partnership.sjp.co.uk/partner/ castlegreenfp

THE OLD BLACK LION

HELLO, WE’RE HALO! Halo Leisure is a registered charity and social enterprise running 22 sport and leisure facilities and programmes supporting the health/wellbeing agenda across Herefordshire, Bridgend County, Shropshire, Swindon and Gloucester. Any surplus is ploughed back into their facilities and services so they can offer accessible and affordable leisure activities for all groups including juniors, teenagers, students, seniors, families, people with disabilities, people on means tested benefits and local talented athletes.

From gyms, swimming, group exercise classes, racket sports, indoor and outdoor team games, golf, personal training, childrens coaching to spa facilities Halo has expertise in managing a wide portfolio of activities with the aim of getting more people more active more often and achieving it’s mission of “Creating Healthier Communities”. Halo is particularly interested in working with local employers to support their workforce to get more physically active. Companies such as NHS Wye Valley Trust, Heineken and Sony Technology UK have used Halo to help put workplace wellbeing on the agenda through workplace wellbeing programmes. www.haloleisure.org.uk

James & Gill from The Old Black Lion in Hay-on-Wye are delighted to have joined the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

The number one choice for high quality food and a pub with rooms in Hay-on-Wye; the Old Black Lion has an endearing old-world vibe.

Legend has it that Oliver Cromwell sojourned here while the Roundheads besieged Hay Castle, and you can’t blame him for making himself comfortable among the inn’s dark beams and welcoming hospitality – things that remain in place today!

There is a warm, friendly atmosphere throughout, with ‘boots and paws’ welcome in the Lions Den. Outside there is plenty of space to

sit and relax and soak up the quaint atmosphere of the surrounding Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons. The Old Black Lion is the ultimate destination for walkers, cyclists, canoeists, music lovers and book-browsers who are looking for the best quality food and ale in town.

They welcome collaboration with other local businesses and Chamber members, offering a great dining experience along with comfortable stay in a wonderful part of the world! www.oldblacklion.co.uk

PARENTAL EDUCATION GROWTH SUPPORT – PEGS carers and guardians via one-to-ones, empowerment programmes, peer support, virtual drop-in sessions and advocacy.

PEGS hosts training for professionals wanting to learn more about CPA and how to assist affected families, and has a DWP-backed Employer Covenant which highlights how companies can help staff and service users.

PEGS is a not-for-profit organisation at the forefront of the campaign to raise awareness for Child to Parent Abuse – which is estimated to impact at least 3% of UK households, and can take the form of physical, financial, emotional or sexual abuse from a child of any age (including adult offspring).

The organisation offers support to parents,

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Founding Director Michelle John, who has lived experience of CPA and a background in the domestic abuse and family law sectors, also acts as a consultant to regional and national organisations who are looking to implement effective policies and practices.

Visit www.pegsupport.co.uk or search PEGS Support on social media to find out more. www.pegsupport.co.uk

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CHANGES TO RED DIESEL USE: CAUGHT RED HANDED? Construction and road maintenance

Red diesel is simply diesel which is dyed to indicate it is rebated and hence subject to less fuel duty and VAT than normal (white) diesel.

Manufacturing Logistics and haulage (including refrigeration units) Waste management Commercial heating Leisure

Currently, most non-road machinery is capable of being powered by red diesel, which is significantly cheaper than white diesel, but as a result of the government’s climate change policy the exemptions are reformed such that they will only apply to very specific uses such as for agriculture or for non-commercial heating.

This means that any business outside of these specific sectors using red diesel will need to deplete stocks and prepare for an increased fuel bill from 1 April 2022. Those no longer able to use red diesel after 1 April 2022 are (but not limited to):

Airport operations and ports A minor point, but red diesel in vehicles added before 1 April 2022 will be capable of being used up after that date provided it qualified before 1 April 2022. Any in storage at 1 April 2022 should be disposed of or transferred. Tanks do not need to be flushed out after 1 April 2022.

Please feel free to get in contact with Ben Powell, Partner at Ballards LLP regarding any accountancy, taxation or business advisory support on 01905 794 504 or email ben.powell@ballardsllp.com.

Ben Powell, Ballards LLP

In need of additional funding to drive your business forward in 2022?

Do you have strong growth potential but limited trading history or lack of security and can’t get support from High Street lenders?

Need funds between £15,000 and £50,000 (subject to business status) We are a Worcestershire based lender who have government legacy funds available for lending to businesses in the West Mercia Region (Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire & Telford & Wrekin)

For more information and the link to begin the application process, please visit our website.

www.impetus-marches.co.uk email: lending @impetus-marches.co.uk MRRT Ltd, The Garden House, WR10 1PZ Registered in England 05112041

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March/April 2022

BUSINESSNEWS

PERSHORE DIRECTOR HELPS EXTEND WORKERS SCHEME horticulture of 30,000 students was put in place against an estimated demand of 75,000. Ornamental horticulture had no seasonal staff allocation and hence in 2020 25% of the daffodil crop was wasted along with many other flowering plants.

Derek Jarman of Hayloft Plants Ltd Pershore, a multichannel retailer and grower of ornamental plants gave evidence to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee’s first hearing of its ‘Labour shortages and the food and farming sector’ inquiry at the Palace of Westminster in late October 2021. He went in his capacity as Chairman designate of the British Protected Ornamentals Association (BPOA).

Horticulture has employed seasonal workers from Europe in various schemes since the Second World War to help fulfil labour peaks during the growing season.

Brexit was done and a new Seasonal Workers Pilot scheme for edible

Jarman explained the severity of the problem and the fear of business owners unable to grow and harvest their crops.

Evidence was taken from other sectors including pigs and poultry. Committee Chairman Neil Parish MP, a much appreciated friend of the countryside and its folk, wrote to the Prime Minister and copied various Ministers a couple of days after the hearing demanding immediate changes.

Just before Christmas, Home Office Minster Kevin Foster MP, announced that the six-month Seasonal Workers Pilot scheme had been extended to include Ornamentals with additional help from MPs including Derek Thomas, West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Unfortunately, the scheme remains at 30,000 staff only, despite record low UK unemployment. www.hayloft.co.uk

WHAT IS CAD SOFTWARE AND WHAT IS IT USED FOR? started a CAD revolution in a market, where typically a 6 figure sum was needed. Before a company could invest in a CAD mini-computer with a limited number of terminals.

After 30 years in the CAD industry, Peter Jones of On-Site-Support shares his thoughts on CAD software and what he calls the “Latent CAD efficiency”, in most companies who use CAD software.

Even if your company doesn’t use such software, there’s a good chance that the contractors who fitted your plugs, lights and heating, used “As fitted” CAD drawings to have their work approved.

Autocad was the shining star of the investment world, when it first appeared in the UK during the 80’s. It

That investment continues to this day, so that current CAD software is now far more powerful and efficient than those early versions. However this has lead to an enigma. Take any group of CAD software users and there will be a stark contrast in CAD skills and efficiency.

That’s latent CAD efficiency, which can affect anything from cash flow to overall profitability.

It doesn’t help that experienced CAD operators are in short supply. No-one wants to upset their Key workers. So perhaps they should be asked.

Especially as any efficiency gains, should work for the benefit of both employer and employee. www.inhousecadtraining.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Representatives of Uni of Wolverhampton at 3CDSE

LEADING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY IN CYBERSECURITY AND REGIONAL DEFENCE CLUSTER UNVEILED AT 3CDSE Academics from the cybersecurity group at the University of Wolverhampton presented a paper at the Three Counties Defence and Security Expo (3CDSE) conference recently.

The conference brings together UK MOD Special Projects, UK Strategic Command and Defence Equipment & Support teams, Law Enforcement agencies, Emergency Services, UK and International Industry and Academia.

Dr Haider Al-Khateeb, Reader in Cybersecurity and Director for the Cybersecurity Group, delivered the talk which covered innovation in cybersecurity for Digital Twinning programmes in Smart Cities.

He said: “Smarter cities in relation to the defence and security sectors was one of the 4 strategic objectives arising from the UK Government Integrated Review published in March 2021 – Global Britain in a competitive age. This strategic framework aims to address future challenges and respond to crises by developing a national capability in digital twinning alongside establishing a cross-government Situation Centre in the Cabinet Office.

It is therefore important that we develop a better understanding of how we can control cybersecurity risks associated with digital twins including legal compliance with the UK GDPR which requires data protection by design and default.”

The new Midlands Centre for Cyber Security was officially opened recently.

Anyone interested in professional development courses or businesses looking for incubation space can find out more about the Cyber Quarter – Midlands Centre for Cyber Security on the website. www.cyberquarter.co.uk

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INTERNATIONALTRADE

INTERNATIONAL TRADE TRAINING SPOTLIGHT MARCH-APRIL 10

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ADVANCED EXPORT DOCUMENTATION – VIRTUAL If you have been exporting as a company for years it is sometimes frustrating to see that the majority of training is for beginners as an introduction to exporting. This 2 hour session is to bridge that gap by looking at compliance, record keeping and the changes that have recently happened of which all exporters need to be aware.

10 March 10.00am-12.00pm, £75+VAT Members, £95+VAT Non-members

WHAT’S NEW? UPDATE ON CUSTOMS & INTERNATIONAL TRADE – VIRTUAL Changes to import and export procedures are so common these days that it almost seems like a daily task keeping up-to-date. In a busy working environment changes to regulations can slip by unnoticed or without being fully understood – until it is too late. Don’t get left behind performing tasks or paying charges that are no longer required; don’t run the risk of being caught under the civil penalty system that Customs now have the power to impose.

18 ATA CARNET PROCEDURES – VIRTUAL This seminar covers the procedures for the temporary movement of goods, both out of the UK at export and into the UK at import under the ATA Carnet Scheme. Temporary movements are suitable for demonstrations, exhibitions, for hire or loan, for testing or even for the movement of samples.

18 March 10.00am-12.00pm, £75+VAT Members, £95+VAT Non-members

15 March 10.00am-12.00pm, £75+VAT Members, £95+VAT Non-members

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6 23

BASIC EXPORT DOCUMENTATION – HEREFORD The documents and declarations that are involved in exporting goods can seem baffling. For a new exporter, there’s terminology and rules to understand.

And since the UK left the EU, the same rules apply to exports to EU countries, too. This course will enable you to understand your responsibilities and how to move your goods with the minimum of delays and costs.

22 March 10.00am-3.00pm, £175+VAT Members, £200+VAT Non-members

BASIC IMPORT DOCUMENTATION – VIRTUAL This virtual learning session gives a comprehensive overview of the inter-connecting elements of importing goods into the UK. The aim is to look at the supply chain aspects of the process and examine the differences between bringing goods into the UK – a great introduction for anyone new to the regulations surrounding importing, especially if your main supply markets have been in the European Union.

BASIC EXPORT DOCUMENTATION - WORCESTER A brief but comprehensive review of the inter-connecting elements of exporting goods from the UK. Some practical awareness of exporting is beneficial, but this session is suitable for beginners.

The aim is to give delegates confidence in dealing with overseas customers, with transportation companies or Freight Forwarders and with customs procedures.

6 April 10.00am-12.00pm, £75+VAT Members, £95+VAT Non-members

23 March 10.00am-12.00pm, £75+VAT Members, £95+VAT Non-members

BESPOKE TRAINING Can’t find the training you are looking for? The Chamber’s dedicated International Trade team may be able to facilitate your training needs and offer Bespoke courses tailored to your companies needs. Thanks to their extensive network of International Trade partners and experts.

Please contact Internationaltrade@hwchamber.co.uk for more information.

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Scan QR Code If the International Training courses mentioned here are of interest to your business please scan the QR code to book onto the courses.

March/April 2022

BUSINESSNEWS

EBC GROUP WIN SDC AWARD FOR CLOUD/MSP PROJECT OF THE YEAR

CITY SIXTH FORMERS EXHIBIT AT THE MUSEUM OF ROYAL WORCESTER A stroke of luck and some amazing talent has seen 49 first year A-level students from Worcester Sixth form college exhibit their artwork at the Museum of Royal Worcester.

The graphic design students, aged 16 and 17 years, have been given a rare opportunity to work to a live design brief and then publicly exhibit their designs.

They were asked to create A3 marketing posters featuring the Museum’s brand and aimed at increasing footfall to the Severn Street site.

EBC are delighted to have won the 2021 award for Cloud/Managed Service Provider project of the year at the SDC Awards for their work with Titan Steel Wheels. The SDC awards are well-recognised within the industry for celebrating the best innovators in storage, digitalisation & cloud, and 2021 has certainly been an incredible year for innovation within the IT community, enabling business continuity during the pandemic.

EBC have worked with Titan Steel Wheels on this project to carry out a significant overhaul of their technology at their Worcestershire Headquarters, installing a full suite of managed services including Managed Cloud, Cyber Security and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), as well as a new Wi-Fi solution, managed print service and telephony system, delivering significant service improvements to the business.

The opportunity arose because Kay Mullett, The Museum’s Outreach and Engagement Officer happens also to be an Art and Design teacher at the college.

The idea immediately got the blessing of Jules Steed, Head of Art and Design, at the Sixth Form College.

Chris Akers, Managing Director, Wheels Division at Titan Europe, explained: “We are experts in making wheels, but not experts in IT and this is a really important part of our business and with Covid it is becoming even more important.

Thankfully we have expertise purchased through EBC Group.”

The Exhibition Hall is a regular backdrop for events and venue hire and Museum Director, Sophie Heath, couldn’t be more thrilled to kick-off 2022 with the students’ work.

‘’EBC Group are big enough to have the expertise and remain updated in a fast-moving industry, but small enough to be human and care about the customer.”

She said: “They only had four weeks from start to finish to tackle our design brand guidelines, follow the brief set and pick one piece of our 200-year-old collection or something from our 8,000 plus archive to base their finished design on. I’m bowled over by their talent, their designs and most especially by their professionalism.

Hopefully we can do it all again!”

www.ebcgroup.co.uk

Forty-nine students took part, producing 49 posters. For some it was a first-time visit to the Museum.

The Worcester Sixth Form College exhibition will run until Sunday 13th March and is included in the cost of The Museum’s entry fee. Further details can be found by visiting www.museumofroyalworcester. org/visit/opening-times

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

OPPORTUNITY FOR BUSINESSES TO SUPPORT EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE STRUGGLED DURING COVID Businesses that have employees who have struggled during Covid can access free support from The Cart Shed. The Cart Shed has funding to help those who have found it hard returning to the workplace after being furloughed, took on too much having remained at work, found working from home stressful, suffered a bereavement, or are in a role threatened with redundancy.

Participants will spend a day a week, for four weeks, at the Cart Shed; taking part in enriching and engaging woodland activities. Sessions will be run by tutors, occupational therapists and mental health practitioners to help build back confidence, address wellbeing, identify barriers to skills development and explore other issues that might be making work or life challenging.

The Covid recovery sessions could also be beneficial to employers who are having to make employees redundant due to Covid.

The Cart Shed uses a strengths-based programme to help manage the emotional impact of redundancy so they can work with both the employer and employee to support the successful transition to alternative employment or training. www.thecartshed.co.uk

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NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH BEWDLEY

KIDDERMINSTER

DSJ Hypnotherapy

Office Technology Services Limited

Standard Motor Transport Ltd

01299 543981

01562 745308

Therapy www.dsjhypno.com

Office Tech www.officetechservices.co.uk

Motor Transport www.standardmotortransport.co.uk

BROMSGROVE

WEMICO

Phenox UK Ltd www.phenox.net

DROITWICH Iguana Group

01527 861111 Exhibition Designs www.iguanagroup.co.uk

EVESHAM Abbey Gate Media Limited

07887 621856 Digital Design & Marketing www.AbbeyGateMedia.co.uk

01562 820123 Building Materials www.wemico.com

LUDLOW Truly (UK) Ltd

01684 711723 Manufacturing & Packaging twistingredients.co.uk

Bethuw Inns Limited

MALVERN

Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket (UK) Ltd

01432 264264

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01905 677490 Business Services www.leonardcurtis.co.uk

07894 747807 Photographer www.michellemorris.co.uk MOBU Health Supplements www.mobu.co.uk The Kiln Co Working Ltd

Culligan Water Limited

01905 675179

01386 800888

Coworking thekiln.co The Mindful Craft Company

07766 530358 Craft & Wellbeing www.mindfulcraftcompany.com

NDP Electrical Services Ltd

01299 828222 Electrical Services www.ndpelec.co.uk

01989 604989 Interior Design www.rascalandroses.co.uk

Leonard Curtis

07495 782140

STOURPORT-ON-SEVERN

Rascal & Roses Ltd

01905 797139 Psychology Services www.gpslimited.org

07939 837829

Gilbies Bar & Bistro Resturant www.gilbies.co.uk

Gregory Psychological Services Ltd

IT Consultancy

Water Cooler Supply & Services www.Edgarswater.com

01432 277863

Health www.footnotesuk.co.uk

Entecha Limited

B&B & Restaurant www.oldblacklion.co.uk

01497 820841

Footnotes UK

01905 360079

Michelle Morris Natural Portraits

PERSHORE HEREFORD

07944 111489

WORCESTER Big Helping Ltd

01905 298 90

Manufacturer www.luk.de

Creative Agency www.bighelping.com

Work Here: Coworking Space

Britannia Dynamic Logistics Ltd

07807 894910

01905 677401

Remote workspace www.workhereford.co.uk

Legal Services www.bdl-groupservices.com

The Myriad Centre

01905 729190 Charity www.myriadcentre.co.uk The Unico System

07883 549744 Appliances www.unicosystem.co.uk

OUT OF AREA Parental Education Growth Support (PEGS)

07581 470637 Charity www.pegsupport.co.uk

March/April 2022

BUSINESSNEWS

OFFICE TECH SERVICES PLANNING FOR SUCCESS Office Tech Services are excited about the year ahead and equally positive about their Strategic partnership with the Chamber.

They have started 2022 with a lot of positive developments, the main one being the big push of their software arm and partnership with the world’s leading business process automation software which brings significant value to their customers.

MD Joe Carballo has been very busy meeting with many members of the Chamber and has found collaboration and partnership opportunities so please feel free to get in contact for a coffee breakfast or lunch meeting as they are aiming to connect with as many members as possible this year.

Their plan for success is to collaborate, focus on process automation for customers, support local in their own supply chain and focus on environmental and charity targets for the year. www.officetechservices.co.uk

RAPID GROWTH PRESENTS EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES FOR BDL Britannia Dynamic Logistics Limited (BDL) core business is european transport, airfreight and international forwarding service. They operate a brokerage system drawing from an extensive, well trusted and performance monitored supply base, some of whom work on an exclusive basis with BDL. They started trading on 1 November 2020 at the height of the pandemic with a modest business plan with the owners working remotely from home. Hard work, excellent contacts and a very high level of service has seen original targets exceeded threefold and the current monthly turnover sees BDL achieving £5 million this year. Staff numbers are now 7 plus 2 part-time and 2 new KickStart opportunities are in the pipeline for roles that need to be filled.

The Directors have well over 100 years of Logistics and Freight Forwarding experience, two of whom have worked

for manufacturers and can offer impartial advice and help on such matters as Letters of Credit, Import licenses, tariffs etc.

BDL’s success was recognised by a visit from Nigel Huddleston MP in the summer. His interest and enthusiasm about their business was well received and he was keen to hear all their concerns over Brexit, driver shortages and increased shipping costs for importing from the far east.

As a result of the exponential growth experienced, BDL are delighted to become the latest Strategic Member of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. This will enable them to tap into forums, skills, and advice they currently don’t possess particularly around marketing and social media. www.bdl-groupservices.com

2022 TO BE THE YEAR OF PR? Member Ruby Edwards, Owner of You Do Better, is sending a shout-out to all businesses to mind their brand by using public relations this year.

The Worcestershire-based Agency has established themselves as a reputable source of PR for SMEs across the region.

Established since 2017, and finalists in the Chamber’s Business Awards in 2021, the team at You Do Better are ready to rock with outsourced marketing options.

Ruby Edwards, Owner of You Do Better

You Do Better use their global experience with the big brands, for example Panasonic and Stella McCartney, to provide a flexible approach and easy access to public relations.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

With public relations set to be big in the year ahead, You Do Better offer a realistic and affordable option for businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Ruby says: “We’ve launched Project PR to shout about Public Relations and its value to businesses, big and small. PR is going to be huge this year and individuals, as well as organisations, will be wanting to mind their brand.”

You Do Better charge £40 per hour and would love to chat about PR and brand options for your business. www.youdobetter.co.uk

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Not all domestic abuse happens behind closed doors.

75% of victims are stalked, harassed or confronted at work.

Would you recgonise the signs?

Would you know how to help?

To find out more about how workplace training could help your colleagues feel confident in disclosing abuse and seeking support, contact us: training@wmwa.org.uk

West Mercia Women's Aid Training and Consultancy, working together to end domestic abuse.

westmerciawomensaid.org/services/training-consultancy/

to advertise or contribute to the next edition advertising: lisa.miller@ distinctivegroup.co.uk editorial: karen.southern@ distinctivegroup.co.uk

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March/April 2022

CHARITYNEWS

£7,500 HUMANITARIAN GRANT SUPPORTS MIDLANDS AIR AMBULANCE CHARITY that promote the advancement of commercial aviation and humanitarianism.

FUNDRAISING MANAGER FACES THE CHOP FOR THE LITTLE PRINCESS TRUST Clare Wichbold, Fundraising Manager at The Courtyard Hereford has taken part in a public haircut to raise funds for fellow Charity Member, The Little Princess Trust.

Courtyard Chief Exec Ian Archer was

Debbie Briden, Grants and Trusts Manager for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, commented: “The ISTAT Foundation’s Humanitarian Aid Program provides grant funding for humanitarian organisations across the globe that use the power of aviation to help save lives and also showcases how the aviation community can join together to aid those in need.

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has started 2022 on a high, announcing it is the recipient of a humanitarian grant worth close to £7,500.

The International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT) Foundation, based in Chicago, USA, has donated $10,000, which equates to £7,500, to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity from its 2021 ISTAT Foundation Humanitarian Aid Grant following its application for funding last year.

The ISTAT Foundation was founded in 1994 to support individuals and institutions

“Saving lives via aviation is at the heart of what we do and this grant, for which we are so grateful, will contribute to the funding of vital lifesaving missions this year.”

Richie Wall, ISTAT Foundation humanitarian committee chair, said: “The Humanitarian Committee and the ISTAT Foundation are truly delighted to welcome Midlands Air Ambulance Charity as a first-time recipient of our annual grants.

Keep up the good work!” midlandsairambulance.com

nominated as Clare’s ‘hairdresser’ and local businesses were invited to support the team at The Courtyard Centre for the Arts Hereford on

WYEVALE NURSERIES HELPS CHARITY FUNDRAISE WITH TREE PLANTING SCHEME

Tuesday 22 February.

It’s a wonderful way to kick off the year in an environmentally sound fashion, while also fundraising for the charity.”

Speaking on her JustGiving page, Clare revealed her last haircut

Wyevale Nurseries has donated four tree varieties for people to choose from, which will provide year-round interest for a long period of time. They include rowan/mountain ash, silver birch, European beech, also known as copper or purple beech, and hornbeam.

was in January 2020 before the pandemic: “It’s now time to get it cut, but it’s being cut for a special purpose” says Clare.

The Little Princess Trust charity say about their work: “When a child loses their hair to cancer or another condition, we’ll be there with a free, real hair wig to help restore their confidence and identity. We won’t stop until the research that we fund ends childhood cancer forever.”

To support Clare and all the team at The Courtyard in their fundraising efforts the The Little Princess Trust you can donate to her JustGiving page here: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/clare-wichbold. www.littleprincesses.org.uk

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Wyevale Nurseries in Herefordshire is helping a charity in the county with its fundraising efforts by donating trees for a planting initiative it launched in January 2022.

The leading commercial landscape and wholesale British plant supplier is assisting St Michael’s Hospice in Hereford with an eco-friendly, remembrance scheme.

Adrian Hoare, Cash and Carry Sales Manager, explains: “We’re delighted to be helping the charity by donating some young, bare root trees, at around 0.8 – 1.5m in height, for this initiative.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Simon Kershaw, Events and Community Fundraising Executive at St Michael’s Hospice says: “We’re really excited about our new, and first ever, tree planting initiative in partnership with Wyevale Nurseries.

“At a time when we all need to be considering our carbon footprint, what better way to do this than getting out into the garden with the family and planting your own tree.

To find out more about the initiative, visit the St Michael’s Hospice website www.st-michaels-hospice.org. uk/plant-a-tree. www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk

January/February 2022

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CHAMBERNEWS BUSINESSNEWS

INTERNATIONAL INCLUSIVE CRICKET EDUCATION CENTRE GETS GO AHEAD FROM PLANNERS

Plans to create an international inclusive cricket education centre in Worcester, as part of a wider health and wellbeing campus, have been given the go ahead by City planners.

The University of Worcester will begin developing the centre, as well as infrastructure to support the wider Severn Campus alongside the river Severn, after Worcester City Council’s planning committee gave approval in February.

Professor David Green CBE DL, the University Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive said: “The University of Worcester is proud to have created the UK’s first indoor sports venue specifically designed to include wheelchair athletes, in the University of Worcester Arena, which has been such a huge success. We are delighted to now build on our commitment to providing outstanding inclusive sport and education facilities, through the creation of the International Inclusive Cricket Education Centre.”

The Severn Campus for health and wellbeing will also include a state-of-the-art teaching facility for health students, which is already under construction on the site of the former Berrows House building. www.worcester.ac.uk

PROMISING FUTURE LEADS TO BIG PLANS with a facility in Leominster, it made FOR STEATITE Steatite ltd has recently joined the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce as a Strategic Member.

The company is a provider of highly reliable technology for use in extreme environments where dust, temperature, shock and vibration would cause the rapid failure of more conventional products. Focused on three distinct technology streams – computing, power and communications, Steatite provides rugged industrial computers and imaging technologies, battery packs and portable power products, secure radio systems and high-performance antennas, all for use in critical applications from the ocean floor to the edge of space.

perfect sense for Steatite to become a strategic member of the Hereford and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

“Through our membership, we are keen to strengthen existing relationships in the region and also establish new ones, be they customers, suppliers or partners. The current trend towards “on-shoring”, where products are preferably sourced from other British suppliers, is a compelling reason to be involved in an organisation that aims to bring local companies together, and we look forward to working with like-minded local businesses”. www.steatite.co.uk

Steatite’s Managing Director, Matthew Richards, comments: “As a Redditch headquartered business, and also

IS YOUR BUSINESS RESILIENT TO CYBER-ATTACKS? automation software which brings significant value to their customers.

Office Tech Services are excited about the year ahead and equally positive about their Strategic partnership with the Chamber.

They have started 2022 with a lot of positive developments, the main one being the big push of their software arm and partnership with the world’s leading business process

046

MD Joe Carballo has been very busy meeting with many members of the Chamber and has found collaboration and partnership opportunities so please feel free to get in contact for a coffee breakfast or lunch meeting as they are aiming to connect with as many members as possible this year.

Their plan for success is to collaborate, focus on process automation for customers, support local in their own supply chain and focus on environmental and charity targets for the year.

NATWEST SUPPORTING SME’S IN ROAD TO NETZERO Barry Lewis, Director of Commercial Banking at NatWest in Hereford & Worcester, explains the role SMEs have to play in tackling climate change and ways NatWest is supporting businesses in becoming more sustainable.

Climate change is the single biggest issue impacting humanity today, and whilst there is a great deal of work is underway across Herford and Worcester, there is still more to do. NatWest’s recent ‘Springboard to Sustainability’ report found that the UK’s six million SMEs could help achieve 50% of the UK’s net-zero decarbonisation goals. It also found that SMEs could create up to 130,000 new jobs, produce around 30,000 new businesses resulting in an estimated £160 billion opportunity for the UK economy.

Without question this is good news for the UK economy, but at the local level, NatWest is working with businesses to help them reach their sustainable goals and ambitions.

The bank’s local relationship teams have undergone extensive training through the universities of Cambridge and Edinburgh on issues relating to climate change so that they can provide customers and the wider business community specialist support on climate issues. NatWest’s Accelerators at the University of Warwick and in Birmingham have dedicated spaces for climate-focussed businesses as part of the bank’s continued support for new and emerging enterprises. www.natwest.com

www.cybx.co.uk/cyber-essentials

January/February March/April 2022

INTELLIGENCIA TRAINING ANNOUNCED AS FINALISTS IN THIS YEAR’S FE WEEK & AELP AAC APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS Specialist apprenticeship training provider, Intelligencia Training have been announced as finalists in the forthcoming FE Week & AELP AAC Apprenticeship Awards with winners being announced at the FE Week Annual Apprenticeship Conference taking place in Birmingham on 21-22nd March.

The awards, now in their fifth year, are a celebration of the very best in apprenticeship delivery and provide well-deserved recognition for the people, teams and organisations that make excellent apprenticeships happen.

A record-breaking 370 entries were received from training providers, colleges, universities and employers and we can now reveal the worthy finalists going forward to the national awards ceremony in March.

Shane Mann, Managing Director of FE Week’s publisher Lsect, said: “We have once again been blown away by the quality of nominations and especially of this year’s finalists.

Nick Atkinson, Commercial Director at Intelligencia Training said: “This is a huge accolade for us and testament to the fantastic work that our highly skilled teams have carried out during the last year.

Intelligencia have been at the forefront of Protective Services apprenticeship provision, actively involved in supporting Trailblazer Groups developing both Intelligence Analysis and Counter Fraud Investigation apprenticeship Standards.

Over the last year Intelligencia Training has not only ensured effective continuity of often intensive apprenticeships in Intelligence Analysis and Fraud Investigation, but facilitated a significant increase in the volume of apprentices on programme, adapting programmes to very specific employer needs across both public and private sector organisations.

Whilst the pandemic continues to apply operational pressure to many of our investigative and intelligence services, the development of a widely adopted and respected curriculum has supported the growth of analytical and investigative capability within the UK, reducing the burden on existing systems. Our effective

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

delivery of higher apprenticeships within the Protective Services sector has significantly increased the educational opportunities available for apprentices within a sector more traditionally associated with apprenticeships at a lower level and they continue to be very well received from within the multiple sectors in which we operate. We are very proud of our relationships with our employer clients and the support we receive, this is testament to our continued success.”

You can read more about Intelligencia Training and their engaging apprenticeship standards at www.intelligenciatraining. com

047

WORCESTERSHIREWORKSWELL

BUSINESSES CELEBRATE TIME TO TALK DAY 2022 On Thursday 3 February, organisations across the county celebrated Time to Talk Day and encouraged conversations about mental health.

“The day is about creating supportive communities by having conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about mental health. We all have mental health.

By talking about it, we can support ourselves and others.” – Mind.org With some organisations now adopting a hybrid working style, highlighting support has never been more important for employees.

The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce decided to hold a week of events and activities to celebrate mental health and promote positive conversations. Meditation Monday, Tea & Cake Tuesday, Wellness Wednesday,

Thoughtful Thursday and Fitness Friday were among the activities the Chamber organised. The events were a success with positive employee engagement and conversations being had across the week.

Other organisations such as The University of Worcester made use of their facilities and visited each of the café’s on premises to speak with colleagues.

Mental health support resources were shared and were promoted on the company’s social media accounts.

The importance of Time to Talk Day and its positive messaging continues to be highlighted by companies all across Worcestershire. To find out more about Time to Talk Day visit www. timetotalkday.co.uk. For more info on the activities you can do to make a difference please visit www.comfirst.org. uk/timetochangeworcestershire.

WORCESTER BOSCH UTILISING WORCESTERSHIRE WORKS WELL TO SUPPORT THEIR STAFF With 1 in 4 people experiencing a mental health problem this year and a 75% job burnout rate due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and wellbeing of employees at Worcester Bosch has been a huge focus for them.

They have implemented many activities and initiatives to support colleagues through this difficult time. They have created a safe space at Lol’s Cafe at their Worcester HQ where employees can grab a free drink and cake and have a chat. They are also currently working with partner charity Mind to champion mental health and support those who may be struggling. They have over 200 048

Mental Health First Aid Champions trained to offer practical support and 1:1 advice and run regular drop-in sessions for employees. Short burst virtual training sessions on navigating the new norm, getting quality sleep and staying energised in challenging times, have all helped their employees to cope with the many emotions they have been experiencing during these unprecedented times.

Worcestershire Works Well has helped Worcester Bosch to adopt a more strategic approach to their workplace health and wellbeing offering. Their

employee-led Health and Wellbeing team have found the additional standards extremely helpful when planning the annual calendar of activities, initiatives and focus areas. Most recently they have focused on supporting Working Carers and are very proud to have joined Worcestershire’s Carer Friendly Employer Network – a new membership scheme to help identify and support carers in the workplace.

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

March/April 2022

MEMBERBENEFITS

QUEST MEMBER SUPPORT Did you know that as part of your Chamber Membership package you get a full package of support for Tax, Health & Safety and HR? All in one place and from a team of experts, the QUEST member support package is essential in these unprecedented times we are facing.

HMRC & TAX ADVICE Members get free access to professional advice from the Tax Advice line (01455 852037 option 4) for any HRMC enquiries. They also have the protection of Chamber Legal Expenses Insurance which includes tax inspection cover should they receive news of an HMRC investigation.

HEALTH & SAFETY ADVICE Health & Safety advice is available through the Chamber Advice Line (01445 852037 option 3). Advice is available during office hours and is unlimited. In the Chamber Document Library there is a range of template documents and information relating to COVID-19 including risk assessments and guidance notes. Any member who is unsure about their health & safety capability can book a One2One Review

lot of information. Indeed Section 12 relates specifically to the Job Retention Scheme. Any member who feels they need additional support can book a free One2One review.

For more information on your Member benefits and how you can make the most of your Membership please visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/membership.

HR SUPPORT Chamber HR includes unlimited access to HR advice and is available 24/7, 365 days a year (01455 852037 option 1).

The Document Library features over 400 employment templates plus a

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

049

LASTWORD

APRIL ON MY MIND – TAX DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

As well as rising inflation and interest rates, there is a tsunami of tax deadlines ahead impacting businesses and individuals, including a rise in National Insurance Contributions (NICs), fiscal drag and new taxes. Tax specialists Bishop Fleming have put together a list of important dates for businesses to be aware in preparation for the new financial year.

Most occur in April, but a couple in March comprising the end of covid-related insolvency reliefs (including preventing commercial tenants being evicted), and the 66% business rates relief for retail (although a 50% relief appears from April).

And there is a Spring Budget on 23 March to keep an eye on.

1 APRIL DEADLINES On 1 April the energy price cap increases by 54%. Although half that rise is covered by the Chancellor, it still pushes up energy costs. The 5% VAT rate and 20% green levies are not removed.

This date also sees a 6.6% rise in the National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 23 and over, from £8.91 per hour to £9.50 per hour. Lower rates apply for those younger.

Under self-assessment, 1 April is the last day to pay any outstanding income tax to avoid a penalty.

For VAT-registered businesses that have not already done so, they need to enrol in Making Tax Digital for VAT by this date, using approved software and

050

making online submissions.

Not so good news for the hospitality sector is the scrapping of the reduced rate of VAT of 12.5% and a return to the standard 20% rate.

The Plastic Packaging Taxes takes effect on 1 April for manufacturers and importers of packaging that contain less than 30% recycled plastic. This will cause supply chain issues and increase the price of packaging.

A new Residential Property Developer Tax on top of corporation tax will impose extra costs on the property sector from 1 April.

This sector also has to contend with the Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) for companies holding residential properties. A 5-yearly revaluation of properties as at 1 April 2022 must be carried out before 2023/24, and the ATED return for 2022/23 submitted with any tax due paid by the end of April.

And finally, from 1 April is a new Uncertain Tax Treatment regime affecting larger companies, leading to much uncertainty about which transactions the tax office could take an adversarial view.

5 APRIL DEADLINES This is a key date in the tax calendar, signalling the end of the tax year. It is the last day to make use of any personal allowances, capital gains tax allowances and inheritance tax allowances. It is also the last day to maximise pension contributions and use the annual ISA allowance.

Employers may consider payrolling taxable benefits by 5 April for the 2022/23 tax year.

Benefits are then reported during the year, and tax collected at source, with no P11Ds to complete at the end of the tax year.

6 APRIL There are two major tax issues on 6 April.

The first is fiscal drag caused by tax allowances and thresholds remaining frozen until 2026, dragging an expected extra 1.25m people into the 40% tax bracket through wage and price inflation.

Then there is the new 1.25% Health & Social Care Levy.

This initially takes the form of a temporary 1.25% increase in NICs, to be replaced in April 2023 by a separate levy, with NICs returning to their previous rates.

Dividends are also affected, so the 1.25% levy raises the basic rate of dividend tax from 7.5% to 8.75%, and the higher rate from 32.5% to 33.75%.

Subject to commercial and other considerations, director shareholders may consider taking a dividend before 6 April 2022 to avoid the increase, bearing in mind any dividends already taken and profit expectations.

For more information please contact Chris Walklett, Tax Partner at Bishop Fleming on cwalklett@BishopFleming.co.uk.

March/April 2022

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BOOST YOUR BUSINESS Kickstart your business by recruiting new talent with the skills and qualities needed to make a real impact. At WCG, we are able to boost local businesses by offering the following schemes: Apprenticeships Want to grow your own workforce? WCG is the largest provider of apprenticeship training in the West Midlands area, training more than 2500 apprentices each year in a variety of sectors, including Motor Vehicle, Veterinary Nursing and Land-based Engineering.

T Levels Not ready to commit to an apprentice? The T Level programme allows you the opportunity to offer a 45-day industry placement to students looking to kickstart their careers. From September, WCG will be offering the following T Levels:

• Digital Support Services • Engineering (Manufacturing, Design & Development) • Health

Industry Placements Looking to recruit for the future? Offering an Industry Placement will allow you to trial the abilities of a potential employee or apprentice and are completely flexible, meaning you can vary them to suit your particular business needs.

Contact our Business Development team to find out how you can boost your business:

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