Business InSolihull by Solihull BID

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Dates for the Diary PAGE 28

February 2022

Malvern House Past & Future

One day everyone will have Full Fibre. Today is your day. Demand better broadband: cityfibre.com/insolihull

Prime Accountants On hand to help you financially plan for the year ahead

Metro Bank

Greener Solihull Schools Awards

Welcome to the very first edition of our new magazine Business InSolihull. Following on from the success of our retail and hospitality focused magazine, InSolihull, this is our tribute to the innovative and visionary office and professional services residing within our two square miles of excellence.

Raises money for Acorns Children’s Hospice

Celebration of various sustainable schools doing their bit

13 14 5

Shakespeare Martineau West Midlands companies most likely to invest in salaries

RedKnows Empowers recruiters in Solihull and around the world to get to grips with marketing

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Elite Facilities Management and ESG Security Services you may need for your business

Contigo Software A proud Solihull business supporting Solihull Hospital

BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK Proudly named as a Cornerstone Employer

Astute Media Exploiting social media for businesses in Solihull

CGI Solihull firm continues partnership with DBS

Skipton Building Society Supporting local charity, The Renewal Christian Church Centre

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Lucent Financial Planning Taking care of Business

Malvern House Historic building transforming into in-demand business hub

Averta Employment Law Solihull Law Firm highly ranked in UK’s leading Legal Guide

COVID has changed the world and Solihull’s business leaders, whilst not immune to the catastrophic impact on the economy, have shown their resilience and innovation by modifying their approach to remain afloat, and setting course for an even brighter future. I am proud to work within such a community, and hope that you enjoy this new showcase of the Solihull business scene.

Never too late for end of year tax planning

Mel x

Data Power

Chief Executive melanie@solihullbid.co.uk

AIT

Melanie Palmer

Electrical experts helping transform fellow Solihull businesses

Development Plans BPG launches new apartment development in Solihull Town Centre

Editor in Chief Amy Hubbard amy@solihullbid.co.uk

Hayfield Homes Crowned Housebuilder of the Year at 2021 Whathouse? Awards

Touchwood Promotional and advertising opportunities

Solihull Business Expo Book on now for the Solihull Business Expo 2022

Editorial Assistant Steven Coney steven@solihullbid.co.uk

Dates for the Diary Look out for what’s to come throughout 2022

For more information on shopping, entertainment and what’s on in Solihull visit: www.solihullbid.co.uk or call: 0121 285 1370

Advertising Enquiries Amy Hubbard amy@solihullbid.co.uk

Design Red Banana Design sales@redbananadesign.co.uk

Newshounds

Solihull BID Excellence Awards The Awards are back, championing our wonderful Solihull businesses

The office workers from all areas are the beating heart of the town centre, keeping our lunchtime tills ringing and providing a cohesive business community strength to Solihull.

Misty

Trixie

If you would like to know more about events and have the magazine emailed out to you, subscribe now by visiting www.solihullbid. co.uk/subscribe

How far ahead have you planned?

e advise any business or individual to plan ahead and to even look beyond the end of the current year; however unfortunately the vast majority of businesses do not make formal plans or don’t have the ability to make informed decisions should plans need to change and individuals are often left unsure exactly what they need to plan for or how to go about this. What we should have learnt from the past 2 years is that anything could happen in the world that could affect your business or family, and plans often have to change very quickly. So what can you do to make sure your business or own future plans aren’t completely thrown off track?

Knowing where your business stands financially in these situations is vital and therefore investing in a decent management accounts pack could make things easier when changes need to be made. They will allow you to compare your current results to your forecast, and therefore see a quick picture of how things are going to inform your decisions. This is vital as it’s usually the companies that implement change first, who tend to survive. For your personal finances, have you put plans into place to ensure your nearest and dearest are going to be financially stable once you are gone? Have you written a will, just in case something were to happen suddenly? Unfortunately, the pandemic has taught us that sometimes things can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, and that it’s better to have

planned for these circumstances, despite it not being a very nice topic to think about. Therefore our most important piece of advice would be to invest in your financial systems and find a trusted advisor and make sure you plan ahead, then regularly come back to these plans and see where you are, adjusting these where necessary or if your circumstances change. If you need any help with this, then do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing info@primeaccountants.co.uk or calling 0121 711 2468 today.

Kevin Johns Managing Director

If you have read this and you think you need a bit of help in brushing up or even starting with social media then Astute Media can help! We have a number of training courses available for businesses to take advantage of and they are all priced at just £99 plus VAT for readers of InSolihull magazine. These courses are as follows: • • • • • • •

Exploiting Social Media for Businesses in Solihull t is very definitely the age of the consumer, and if you did not think consumers ruled before the pandemic they certainly do now! So, at Astute Media, we have looked at the year ahead and dived into how this will shape the social media trends of 2022 especially for businesses in Solihull. This presents an opportunity for you to utilise these trends and grow your online presence to the benefit of your business. These are a few of the key takeaways, but the underlying theme is all about developing connections: •

• • •

TikTok will take over social media #tiktokresumes will gain traction with Generation Z as they become increasingly creative when applying for jobs Social selling will become ever more important Post pandemic content will shape up to consumer needs Omnichannel engagement will change the way consumers engage with social media

•

Communities will develop to a greater extent than ever before

•

Consumers must be the focus of your content, strategy, and campaigns

Courses are half day online with a maximum of 6 people, they are four hours of truly immersive learning, leaving you equipped to take your social media activity to the next level.

Priced at just £99 plus VAT Contact Bob Mountford for dates and availability bob.mountford@astutemedia.com 07551 976490

The secret to winning over and growing your audience is to engage with them more. Consumer demands are high, but so are the opportunities. Consumers want: • • •

More personalized content Faster service Better experiences

And they want it all now. For businesses to thrive, they will have to listen to, and respond, to their demands. If all this sounds a bit daunting it is not. It does take some time, dedication, consistency and understanding. You can begin to build a better understanding by: •

Listening to your customers, both current and future

•

Based on what they say, your market and trends within the industry, create content that is both relevant and interesting to them

Social Media the Basics Social Media Management Tools Creating Visual Content Effortlessly Generating Leads Through LinkedIn Attract More Customers Through Google Getting Started with Digital Advertising Content Marketing Training

•

See what generates the best response and keep testing, there are a range of factors you need to take into consideration:

•

As well as relevant copy how will you visualise your post – with an image or video for example

•

What is your call to action, what action do you want your users to take?

•

Which social media platforms work best for you

•

Is it optimised for mobile devices?

•

Can your post be measured to gain an understanding of what has worked? 5

West Midlands most likely region to invest in salaries osses in the West Midlands are almost three times more likely to invest in salaries than those in the East Midlands, new research by law firm Shakespeare Martineau has revealed.

“When you combine the above with what has been dubbed the ‘great resignation’ and a skills shortage across all industries, it is easy to see why many businesses in the West Midlands will be investing in salaries in order to attract talent.”

Almost one quarter (24%) of leaders from the region said they will be ploughing cash into wages over the next 12 months, compared to just 9% of those working in their eastern counterparts.

Loneliness among leaders from the West Midlands more than doubled during the coronavirus pandemic – surging from 28% to 62%. Ambition levels also dropped, with 87% of bosses feeling determined pre-Covid, compared to 74% during the pandemic. When asked what is holding them back as leaders, 30% of respondents said a lack of time and 21% selected imposter syndrome, with more than half (56%) stating that the latter made them feel more lonely and isolated.

One thousand senior decision-makers in UK businesses were surveyed by Censuswide on behalf of Shakespeare Martineau as part of its annual Ambition Index*. West Midlands bosses also spoke about how a lack of time and imposter syndrome are holding them back as leaders. Jo Deffley, partner and regional head of Shakespeare Martineau in the West Midlands, said: “There is a lot of competition out there from London and the West Midlands is feeling under pressure as a result.

Jo said: “Being in a senior leadership role can be a lonely place as people are trying to maintain a managerial professional relationship with their teams. Those at the top are also more encouraged to think about others, and their own physical and mental health is always last on the list.

“The region also has excellent transport links to the rest of the country, which means employees can demand higher wages. With huge hiring power and more than 2,500 people working for the bank, HSBC’s Birmingham headquarters, which opened in 2019, is also likely to have forced salary increases in the region.

“Among younger leaders in particular, 18 months of isolation and virtual meetings has made it more difficult to be able to read how your team, peers or clients ‘see’ you and has no doubt led to an increase in feelings of self-doubt. With no body language cues or interaction, being on a screen is very different to

being in person, which drives imposter syndrome and self-doubt. “However, it’s important that leaders know they are not alone and that they should talk about the emotional – as well as the practical – side of leadership with peers and trusted advisors.” Almost 30% of West Midlands business leaders will be investing more in their business in 2022 than this past year. Technology (38%), IT (36%) and entering new markets (33%) topped the list of resources bosses will be investing in, followed by product development (28%) and salaries (24%). Jo said: “This is a very encouraging sign. While we need business to invest to grow and support economic recovery, it is pleasing to see that leaders are also looking inwardly and building business resilience through investing in their people and IT systems to improve efficiencies. “It is not surprising to see that of those who are investing, there is a focus on new products. The West Midlands is at the heart of the UK manufacturing and advanced engineering, and product development is the life-blood of these industries. This can support businesses step into new markets locally and internationally. “Many businesses in the sector have diversified in order to survive the double whammy of Brexit and the pandemic. Many have stepped up to make ventilators for intensive care units, PPE for hospitals and hand sanitiser, for example. As we emerge from the pandemic, it is clear they are now more confident when it comes to delving into new markets and it is positive to see so many prioritising this moving forward.” For more corporate legal madvice from Shakespeare Martineau, please visit www.shma.co.uk/for-business.

InSolihull \ Business Issue

RedKnows empowers recruiters in Solihull and around the world to get to grips with their marketing fter celebrating its fourth birthday at the end of 2021, Solihullbased marketing consultancy RedKnows helps recruitment firms in the UK, and further afield, take ownership of their marketing. Situated on Warwick Road and headed up by Mr RedKnows himself, Neil Rudolph, the team of bespoke marketers works with recruitment companies to help them achieve their marketing objectives. With over twenty

years of commercial and corporate marketing experience, Neil founded the business on his own and now boasts a strong team of marketers from various professional backgrounds, guided by a powerful female leadership team. Adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic, the RedKnows team embraced remote working while continuing to deliver high-results for their clients and maintaining a supportive, mindful, and flexible working culture. Having now adopted a hybrid approach, the team is able to decide if they’d prefer to work from home or from their Solihull HQ, as maintaining a work-life balance is a key pillar of the company’s culture. Since August of last year, the 2019 Outstanding Start-up Business of The Year finalists have been hard at work transforming their Grade II listed office on Warwick Road into a home. With access to great transport links, and some fantastic lunch spots to boot, the team are thoroughly enjoying working in the town centre and showing clients around the local area. Office dog, Deefer Rudolph, especially enjoys meeting the locals on his leisurely strolls through Mell Square.

On working in Solihull, Neil Rudolph says: “The team here at RedKnows are proud to call Solihull our home. We’ve already made some fantastic friends and connections here and are thrilled to be part of such a welcoming business community.” Not only has RedKnows supported recruiters based in Solihull, but the consultancy also works with clients across the UK and internationally; helping clients on the other side of the globe. Offering a full end to end service, the recruitment marketing experts can help recruiters with their marketing strategy, build them a new website and even mentor recruitment consultants to help them become the next generation of recruitment marketers.

Find out more about Neil and the RedKnows team, visit their website at www.redknows.co.uk or email hello@redknows.co.uk.

ontigo Software Limited is proud to be a Solihull business. Based at Radcliffe House in the town centre, the company develops software solutions to support energy trading and risk management. It was established in 2006 and is now a leading provider of energy trading software across the UK and Europe. Contigo is part of the Energy One Group, which has offices in Australia, France, Belgium and the UK. The business began life as a start-up, established by energy industry experts. Thanks to welcoming new clients, enjoying the benefits of acquisitions and establishing a strong team, Contigo’s success has seen the team grow from four in its infancy to over fifty today. The Solihull company is proud of its workforce and expects to increase the number of its employees and clients on a regular basis over the coming years, as the business continues to grow.

Contigo Software; a proud Solihull business can. We are enjoying getting together as a team to generate funds and hope that our contributions help to make staff and patient experiences more enjoyable.” The local software company discovered that UHB Charity uses some of the funds it raises to buy lollipops for patients undergoing chemotherapy, to help take away a metallic taste that some patients experience when receiving their treatment. As such, last year Contigo donated 9kg of lollipops to the cancer centre at Solihull Hospital, to help boost the centre’s supplies for its patients.

Contigo Software is delighted to be supporting the University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) Charity to raise funds for a refurbishment of the Children’s Outpatients department at Solihull Hospital, in addition to offering support to the charity’s other appeals. UHB Charity is the official charity of University Hospitals Birmingham. It is an umbrella charity made up of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity, Heartlands Hospital Charity, Good Hope Hospital Charity and Solihull Hospital Charity. It works across its sites to support patients, families and staff by providing ‘added extras’ that are over and above those provided by the NHS. As a neighbour of Solihull Hospital, Contigo is passionate about championing the cause, as Contigo CEO, Simon Wheeler, explains: “Contigo has always been a company that is happy to offer support to charitable organisations, so we are delighted to be supporting UHB Charity with a host of fundraising efforts. We came to learn of the work that the charity does and decided as a busines to get involved in supporting them in any way we

Shortly after, Contigo raised over £350 for the charity by hosting a staff tea party. Staff are currently clocking up the kilometres for the local cause, with team members pounding the pavements, cycling the streets and walking their way virtually around the world to support the charity’s ‘Around the world in 60 days’ challenge. Contigo is planning more fundraising activities in 2022, from staff contests and quizzes to donations and sporting challenges.

To find out more about Contigo Software, visit www.contigosoftware.com Find out more about UHB Charity, visit www.hospitalcharity.org

he Renewal Christian Centre Solihull has been given a welcome £250 cash boost from their local Skipton Building Society branch. The donation is part of a £27,000 aid scheme by Skipton to help foodbanks across the country as they tackle the ever increasing need for help in feeding the hungry and those living in extreme poverty. The 2,000-plus foodbanks across the UK which support people who cannot afford the essentials in life provide a vital support network through local communities coming together to help those who need it most. The money donated by Skipton’s Solihull branch will go towards daily essentials and cupboard staples such as tinned food, toiletries, cereals etc. Manny Kandola, manager at Skipton’s Solihull branch, said: “We’re delighted to support the fantastic work being carried out by The Renewal Christian Centre and hope that Skipton’s donation will help the local community. “The food poverty rate in the UK is among the highest in Europe, with millions struggling to access the food they need every single day. With the rate ever increasing, foodbanks need help now more than ever.”

Skipton Building Society supports the Renewal Christian Centre as part of a £27,000 aid package People can donate goods to the foodbank at The Christian Renewal Centre, Lode Lane, Solihull and for more information on The Renewal Christian Centre, visit its website at: www.renewalcc.com

InSolihull \ Business Issue

rom Wednesday 1st December – Monday 3rd January the UK’s community bank, Metro Bank, chose various children’s charities to partner with during the festive season across its 17 regions. Metro Bank stores across the West Midlands regions – that’s Birmingham, Solihull, Wolverhampton and Merry Hill – teamed up to raise donations for Acorns Children’s Hospice which provides palliative care, psychological and emotional support to terminally ill children and families. Their Magic Money Christmas Trees were covered with ‘magic’ gold coins that transformed into much-needed donations for the charity. The current balance collected stands at £500 but this will likely increase after the final count. Customers and non-customers alike were invited to pop into a Metro Bank store to make donations. Cash donations were accepted over the counter or through the Magic Money Machine and cashless donations were also made by scanning the QR code on the ‘magic’ gold coins. Physical items such as children’s clothes and toys were also welcomed and appreciated. “As a community bank we’re proud of our commitment towards supporting our local communities during these difficult times,” explains James Baughan, regional director at Metro Bank. “We believe every child deserves a gift for Christmas so we’re delighted to have partnered with such a worthy cause. We hope that our Magic Money Christmas Trees will inspire more people to support children in their local community and help us spread some love and care.”

www.metrobankonline.co.uk

Metro Bank magic money christmas trees fundraise for Acorns Children’s Hospice 3.2 million children in the United Kingdom live in relative poverty

16 Charities The UK’s community bank partnered with 16 charities to support disadvantaged children during winter

78 stores The bank’s 78 stores featured a specially designed Magic Money Christmas Tree, encouraging people to donate to local children’s charities

Greener Solihull Schools Awards 2021 n the annual awards ceremony, various schools across Solihull were recognised for their outstanding commitment to sustainable and greener practices. The Greener Solihull Awards formed part of the Sustainable Schools Conference, which last year had a strong focus on the journey to ‘net zero’. Open to all schools in the borough, the awards challenge pupils and teachers to learn more about the environment both locally and globally, and strive to make their school more eco-friendly. Presented by local business champions, the awards help to develop a sense of pride in each school’s sustainability activities. The award winners this year showcased the incredible breadth of climate action taking place in Solihull schools. Attendees heard about students’ litter picking initiatives, campaigns to reduce the amount of food waste in school canteens and even how a group of pupils created bee hotels to improve biodiversity. The awards were broken down into different categories which covered pupil led initiatives, linking in with wider environmental campaigns and embedding sustainability into the curriculum.

As part of the wider conference before the ceremony began, school staff heard from Council officers on the crucial role schools have to play in Solihull’s Net Zero Action plan, which was formally adopted at cabinet during COP26. Attendees noted how Solihull Council was recently commended in the Public Sector Smart Meter Guide, produced by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Installing smart meters across all local-authority maintained schools in Solihull allows them to save up to 20% from their energy bills. A whistle-stop tour of a just a few Council net zero related projects also included the emerging town centre heat network, sustainable future transport and investment in the borough’s cycling infrastructure. Councillor Ken Meeson, Mayor of Solihull, said: “It’s wonderful to see just how serious our schools are about taking on the climate change emergency. From embedding sustainable development goals into the curriculum to encouraging children to walk, cycle or scoot to school, eco-leaders across the borough are doing a fantastic job. Their hard work combined with the enthusiasm of the children to reduce their carbon footprint, makes me feel confident that the future

The full list of schools that received awards is as follows: Blossomfield Infant School St Patricks C of E Primary School Monkspath Junior & Infant School Coleshill Heath School Sharman’s Cross Junior School Merstone School St Anne’s Catholic Primary School Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Primary School Solihull College Balsall Common Primary School of our climate is in good hands. Learning about the importance of looking after our environment doesn’t have to stop at the classroom door. It was brilliant to hear how pupils are bringing their eco-behaviours home with them and challenging their parents to live more sustainably. Congratulations to all of the schools who took part in this fantastic event.” Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, said: “It’s so important to recognise and celebrate the amazing eco-initiatives taking place in so many schools across Solihull. Teaching children about the importance of eco-responsibility, for example reducing single use plastics is invaluable. However, it’s certainly not a one-way street as we often hear brilliant ideas from students of all ages that could be utilised by wider society. “On behalf of Solihull Council, I want to congratulate all of the award winners in 2021. Behind each and every award there are so many pupils, parents, and school staff who deserve enormous credit for their efforts. I’d also like to thank the wide range of businesses, organisations and Council officers for their dedication to making the awards so successful and ensuring a memorable event for all involved. Each year I continue to be inspired by the passion of future generations to make a real difference in the fight against climate change.”

Find out more about the work Solihull Council is doing with local schools around climate change by listening to episode one of our podcast ‘Courts on Climate Change’. Listen on www.solihull.gov. uk/climate-change-sustainability/ climate-change-podcast, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

InSolihull \ Business Issue

CGI

(NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A) has extended its contract with Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) until 2024 and will continue to support DBS in delivering and developing operational services in a stable and secure manner. This extended contract follows a previous partnership that began in 2019 and will see CGI continue to manage several IT applications. This operating model will support DBS in meeting their strategic technology aims.

Tara McGeehan, President, CGI in the UK and Australia, said: “CGI is delighted that the partnership with DBS will continue until 2024. DBS’ IT systems will continue to be maintained to our high standards to protect the public and the most vulnerable in our society. At CGI we are proud to be trusted to continue supporting DBS and are committed to ensuring the right technology is in place to provide a stable, secure and smooth service.” DBS Chairman Dr Gillian Fairfield said: “We are pleased to extend our working partnership with CGI for a further two years. DBS has a strategy in place to modernise our IT infrastructure ensuring the services we provide are accessible to all those who need them. CGI has a leading role to play in this as our primary technology provider and over the past 18 months, we have already made some really good progress. We look forward to further developing our relationship as we work together to make recruitment safer.” CGI has been a trusted supplier to UK Government for over 40 years delivering complex, mission-critical systems to departments across the UK public safety landscape and into central government. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, CGI maintained DBS systems, including providing an on-site presence, to ensure applications continued to be processed.

www.cgi.com

CGI and DBS to continue IT partnership About CGI

About DBS

Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 80,000 consultants and other professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions.

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is an arm’s length body and non-departmental public body of the Home Office. We carry out disclosure and barring functions on behalf of government. DBS helps employers make safer recruitment decisions each year by processing and issuing DBS checks (previously known as criminal record checks) for England, Wales, the Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey.

CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2021 reported revenue is $12.13 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com

DBS also maintains the Adults’ and Children’s Barred Lists for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and makes considered decisions as to whether an individual should be included on one or both of these lists and barred from engaging in regulated activity. Learn more about DBS on GOV.UK.

t BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK, they take their responsibility as a major employer in the region very seriously – and making a positive impact is at the heart of everything they do. And it’s because of this commitment to creating opportunities for young people that they’ve been named as a Cornerstone Employer by The Careers & Enterprise Company. They sat down with Victoria Gage from The Careers & Enterprise Company and Lucy Lewis from the Solihull Careers Hub to find out more about the network of employers partnered with Careers Hubs across the country, and how these ‘cornerstone employers’ are helping to bridge the gap between business and the next generation of talent.

businesses across multiple sectors who work with networks of schools and colleges to transform the lives of young people.

“Our mission is to help level the playing field and empower every young person to reach their potential, no matter what their background is.

“As well as helping to improve careers education, they also make sure that key skills for their sector are understood by teachers and education leaders, inspire students and champion jobs in their local area.”

“By acting as an ambassador for their sector and helping to embed careers education into their organisations, Cornerstone Employers like BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK are helping to tackle disadvantage and drive better outcomes for young people.”

But why is the role of these Cornerstone Employers so important? Lucy says: “Our mission is to help every young person find their best next step – whatever this looks like for them – and our Cornerstone Employers play a vital role in bringing a variety of job roles to life. “We work with schools to ensure that young people have a clear idea of

BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK proud to be a cornerstone employer Set up by the government in 2015, The Careers & Enterprise Company is the national body for careers education in England, supporting schools and colleges to deliver modern, 21st century careers education. As part of this, the organisation works closely with a network of Cornerstone Employers, like BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK, who help to educate and inspire young people in their local area. So what exactly is a Cornerstone Employer? Victoria explains “Our Cornerstone Employers are part of a flagship group of more than 300

what they want to do after they leave education – and engaging with our Cornerstone Employers makes the different career options seem much more tangible and in reach.” Victoria adds: “It’s also important to remember that not every young person has been given access to the same opportunities in life, and many of the young people we work with have faced additional barriers due to social and economic factors that are beyond their control.

The obvious lack of careers education and growing skills gap and has only been exacerbated by the events of the past 18 months, and according to a survey by The Careers & Enterprise Company, 98% of teachers say their students have been anxious and uncertain about their future choices since lockdown. Meanwhile, new statistics have revealed that Britain’s employers might be struggling to fill a record one million job vacancies amid the worst labour shortages in a generation – meaning these young people are in fact more in demand than ever before. Victoria says: “And as we slowly start to emerge out the other side of this pandemic, creating career opportunities for young people will also be a massive part of economic recovery and social mobility for wider society too. And while the work we do is largely focused on inspiring and empowering young people, there are also lots of benefits for the business that work with us too. “As well as introducing these young people to potential future employers based right on their doorstep, it also gives the employers themselves direct access to the next generation of talent, and a unique insight into what motivates these young people when they’re first starting off in their careers.”

Feeling inspired? If you want to find out more about becoming a Cornerstone Employer, visit: www.careersandenterprise. co.uk/employers/become-acornerstone-employer/

www.bnpparibas-pf.co.uk

InSolihull \ Business Issue

t Lucent Financial Planning, we don’t just help people with their private finances; we can also bring real value to business owners and their company finances. In our experience, business owners are some of the most interesting people we speak to, as the passion for what they do is contagious! Whatever the business, we love learning about something new, from someone who lives and breathes it. And although we may know very little about their business when we first meet, we do know that we will likely be able to help them. We often find business finance to be an area where people struggle – after all their passion and skill is in the business itself, but the financial element is an inevitable part. So, we take care of the finances, and our clients can keep being great at what they’re best at.

Maximising your money

You can contribute directly from a business into a personal pension, and it counts as a business expense, so you don’t pay corporation tax or dividend tax on those contributions. Fantastic! Sadly, we find lots of business owners aren’t using pensions to their full advantage – perhaps unaware of the many benefits, or confused about how they work. Also, pensions can be boring, scary, even overwhelming, can’t they?

As soon as you start generating profits from your business there is one person first in line ready to take a share… the taxman. Corporation tax and dividend tax can take a serious amount of money out of a business before you can take any for yourself. Now we’re not saying anyone should avoid paying taxes, as they pay for important services that we all use. Paying your fair share is fine, but paying over the odds? That is where proper planning can help. So what can you do? First stop… Pensions! Okay, that may not be the most exciting answer, but it’s a simple solution that brings real benefits.

Taking care of business

Well that is where we really add value to our clients, whether we are helping with their business or personal finances. We remove the confusion and mystery that surrounds many financial tools, and help clients understand the benefits for their own individual situation. Some clients have saved tens of thousands with our help. The best thing is, that money then goes towards the important things in life. Maybe you want to give money to your children, retire early, buy your dream house, travel the world… it’s different for everyone. Helping people achieve their individual goals is why we do what we do. If you’d like a free, no-obligation meeting with one of our fabulous advisers, just drop us a line 0121 705 1000 info@lucentfinancialplanning.co.uk and see how we could help you achieve your business and personal goals.

Lucent Financial Planning is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority – number 945107. Registered in England and Wales at 1B The Exchange, 20A Poplar Road, Solihull B91 3AB – number 08191924.

www.lucentfinancialplanning.co.uk

Malvern House the future t has almost 600 years of history and the beautiful Malvern House in Solihull also has a bright future ahead of it – providing businesses a wonderful base whilst also creating jobs. The Grade-II listed building on New Road in Solihull town centre is a former education setting but has now been transformed into a business hub, attracting professionals from across the region. The amazing décor, true to its roots, provides a working environment rarely seen elsewhere and the central location makes it an extremely appealing proposition.

Owned by well-respected local businessman Stephen Goldstein, Malvern House Professionals is becoming to the go-to spot for start-ups, tech businesses and companies wanting to find a new local base as the country continues its recovery from the Covid pandemic. The businesses that call Malvern House home have created a number of jobs for the local area and lots are still searching for new talent. Paralegals, trainee surveyors, chartered surveyors, accountants, bookkeepers, and recruiters looking for an exciting new challenge should get in touch. Mr Goldstein is the grandson of an economic immigrant to Birmingham, who arrived in the city around 1896. He is immensely grateful for the opportunities the UK and particularly the city of Birmingham have afforded his grandfather, father and he and his family. Now Mr Goldstein, who has lived near Solihull town centre for many years, wants to give back to the next generation of business leaders. The building has already seen a raft of new companies move in but there is still room for more businesses of all sizes to jump on board. After long periods of working from home, Mr Goldstein says he has seen a great appetite from businesses for good, affordable local offices for their staff.

As well as office space, Mr Goldstein has created space for hot desking, meeting rooms for hire and has also taken on his first apprentice. If you would like a chat about how you or your business could utilise Malvern House, or to enquire about jobs, please contact the team on 0121 713 2288. The current list of businesses residing in Malvern House include: AIT Accountants Ltd (Accountants and Business Advisors) HooperHyde (Litigation Lawyers) Lorraine Denton (Financial Advisor) Loynton & Co (Solicitors & Conveyancing) Mad Hatters Children’s Charity Milktop Ltd (Graphic & Website Design) Rubicon Consulting Ltd (Recruitment) SMB – Alexander Stevens & Co (Chartered Surveyors)

SPOTLIGHT RUBICON CONSULTING Rubicon Consulting is a recruitment business operating throughout the UK and Europe. They supply highly skilled contractors and permanent staff specialising in niche engineering and technical sectors including Power & Energy, Renewables, Telecoms, Utilities and Technology. They recently relocated their head office to Malvern House in order to give their staff a better work / life balance and the team are enjoying working in the centre of Solihull. They are currently looking for additional recruitment consultants and resourcers to join them. www.rubiconconsulting.co.uk

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West elevation during renovations, June 1977

Undated, probably early/mid-1900s

North elevation during renovations, June 1977

the history

Undated postcard, probably early/mid1900s

The Grade-II* listed Malvern House dates from the mid-18th century, although it may incorporate an earlier structure dating from 1615. Extensive repairs were carried out in 1663 and the building was refurbished and extended in 1774, with bricks replacing wattle and daub.

interviewed for the post of Headmaster of the Free Grammar School, but he was unsuccessful as he was deemed a “very haughty, ill-natured gent” and had such a way of “distorting his face” that the feoffees thought it would affect some of the younger boys!

Boys at Solihull Free Grammar School were taught at Malvern House from at least 1615 until the school moved into new purpose-built buildings on Warwick Road in 1882. Poets Richard Jago (17151781) and William Shenstone (1714-1763) attended the school which, unusually for that time, offered the opportunity to study English Literature. It’s suggested that the land is likely to have become the property of the feoffees (governors) in 1467. The date usually given for the foundation of the school is 1560.

After Solihull Grammar School moved to the new campus in 1882, Malvern House was rented out privately. It reopened in 1924 as the preparatory department for the grammar school. However, following the expansion of classroom space on the Warwick Road campus, the preparatory school moved out of Malvern House in 1937 and the building was sold by Solihull School in June 1939.

In 1735, Dr Samuel Johnson (of subsequent dictionary fame) was

Malvern House subsequently became a private residence again and was then a club with dining facilities. The building had deteriorated by 1975, suffering from broken windows, damaged plaster and

All information and images have been kindly supplied by The Core Library, Solihull

a leaking roof. A newspaper article from 1976 indicates that the building had been empty for about two years and was being restored by David Charles Construction (Tamworth) Ltd to form three selfcontained office suites. An architect from James A. Roberts & Associates (designer of the Rotunda) had ensured that the existing features of the building were incorporated into the new designs. The building was later purchased by businessman Stephen Goldstein and underwent comprehensive renovations in the mid-2000s. The building is now home to a wide range of businesses, from chartered surveyors to paralegals, accountants and recruitment specialists.

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Solihull Law firm highly ranked in UK’s leading Legal guide eading legal Directory, Chambers and Partners have again recognised Solihull based, Averta Employment Law’s strengths across a range of employment issues in the 2022 directory. In Chamber and Partners 2022, Averta was ranked in category one for employment law advice for employees in the Midlands.

The firm was described as having “particular strengths include assisting with tribunal claims and settlement agreements”, “a very professional outfit who know their stuff and also showed empathy with our concerns” and “...adept at handling and negotiating exit strategies for senior executives”. Senior partner at Averta, Alan Jones commented: “Clients use the

directories to find good lawyers and Chambers ask our clients and other lawyers about our work. So it’s gratifying that we are highly ranked in our area of expertise and their research has revealed that clients are very pleased with our work.” Averta Employment Lawyers are employment law experts in matters affecting senior individuals, and also provide strategic employment law advice to employers.

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It’s not too late to take action now with your planning that will allow you to take advantage of the remaining reliefs, allowances and exemptions. Now is the perfect opportunity to take advantages of these tax planning opportunities for you, your family and your business.

It’s not too late for year end tax planning!

Areas you should be thinking about: Making the most out of your ISA – There are a number of ISA’s on the market and you should be making use of the £20k a year with them being free from income tax and capital gains Review other Tax allowances for your savings as there are so many options out there from allowances as a couple, tax free financial gifts, pension contributions and gift aid. Investment schemes such as Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) or Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) Review your property portfolio High income Child benefit charge – most people are unaware that any child benefit that is claimed where either parent earns over £50k the government will recover some or all of the monies claimed during this period Tax efficient Will Benefits of going green with your Car – there are a number of tax related advantages when using a low emission vehicle for business use Inheritance tax planning and reliefs Protecting your Family wealth – how best to pass on assets the most tax efficiently Exit planning – ready to retire or sell your business in the coming year

These are just a few areas that you should be thinking about, we are here to support you, your family and your business to get the most out of these remaining reliefs, allowances and exemptions. It is important that you take professional advice then undertaking a full review, here at AIT Accountants we can ensure that any changes that we discuss with you are processed and managed effectively. If you would like to discuss some ideas of how we can help plan your tax planning arrangements for this year and next please get in touch by calling 0121 711 1957 or email us enquiries@aitaccountants.co.uk

Data Power ince relocating the business into Solihull Town Centre in 2019, we secured a contract to upgrade the offices of another local business at the start of 2021. The scope was to upgrade the connectivity, electrics, and lighting, and alter the layout of the offices to better suit the requirements of the client. We created a new conference room with the construction of a soundproofed partition wall to prevent the travel of conversation from within the room and installed a wall mounted TV with full connectivity to the centre of the table to allow for presentations. With the relocation of the comms cabinet, we created a new ventilated cupboard, and installed network and power connections to the new desks & printer positions, and

wireless access points throughout, and supplied and installed modern LED fittings, to replace all the old internal lights. The work was completed within the timeframe agreed and within budget, and the customer was very pleased with the outcome. DataPower Limited offer all types of data, voice, and fibre-optic cabling installations, electrical services from conception to completion, project management and on-site supervision for all our contracts. Businesses rely on efficient communication systems for networks, telephony, and ICT systems, so let DataPower, a multi-disciplined installer of infrastructure solutions, provide your business with a comprehensive range of structured cabling, CCTV, AV electrical & workplace installation services.

DataPower Limited, The Coach House, 618 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 1AA, Tel: 0121 486 2312

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BPG Launches New Apartment Development in Solihull Town Centre

olihull based property developer BPG is set to convert Warwick House in Solihull to much needed housing in the town centre. Formerly built as an office block in the 1970s, Warwick House’s redevelopment will commence in March 2022, with completion expected in September 2022. Once complete Warwick House will consist of 36 one-bedroom apartments, fitted to a high-quality specification and arranged over four floors. Off-street parking for all apartments will also be delivered as part of the scheme. Warwick House is located in the heart of Solihull, sitting opposite House of Fraser and adjacent to Mell Square Shopping Centre and Solihull Hospital. It is anticipated that the finished apartments will be utilised as rental

accommodation and sold to a long-term investor. Knight Frank is acting for BPG to market the building. Peter Smith, Associate at Knight Frank, said: “Solihull is consistently rated one of the best places to live in England. Its thriving retail and leisure scene, fast connectivity into London and proximity to the countryside makes it extremely popular with a range of tenants, including young professionals, couples, families and downsizers. We’re confident Warwick House will attract a lot of interest from potential investors.” Founded over 30 years ago, BPG is focused on developing innovative and high-quality residential and mixed-use schemes. The company has a strong track-record for delivering office to residential conversions, including Galbraith House in Birmingham city centre and Newland House in Edgbaston. High profile residential schemes delivered by BPG in recent years include Park Gate at Lyndon Place, Sheldon.

John Southall, Director at BPG, said: “As a family-owned business based in Solihull, it is pleasing to bring forward this scheme on our doorstep, which will provide much needed rental accommodation in the town centre. The site is ideally located for key workers at Solihull Hospital. We are always seeking new opportunities to repurpose underutilised buildings and redevelop brownfield sites in the West Midlands and welcome approaches from local landlords seeking to exit sites or partner with us.”

Investors interested in Warwick House should contact Peter Smith of Knight Frank on 0121 233 6495. Landowners wishing to discuss new opportunities with BPG should call 0121 200 2330. 21

Hayfield Crowned Housebuilder of the Year at the 2021 WhatHouse? Awards ive-year old Hayfield has been crowned Housebuilder of the Year at the 2021 WhatHouse? Awards. The Solihull headquartered housebuilder also took the top prizes in the coveted Best Medium Housebuilder category, and for Best Public Realm for its Hayfield Green development in the West Oxfordshire village of Stanton Harcourt. Furthermore, Hayfield Wood in the Wiltshire village of Broad Blunsdon scooped the Bronze award for Best Interior Design. The event – dubbed ‘The Oscars of the Housebuilding Industry’ – is now in its 41st year. The sold-out awards ceremony, held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House hotel in London, was attended by over 1,500 industry peers. Sports presenter Claire Balding OBE hosted the event, alongside highly decorated Olympian Sir Chris Hoy MBE. Founded in 2016, Hayfield specialises in building high-specification family houses for eco-aware customers. It has eight live sites in prime locations within Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire and Wiltshire. Hayfield is on track to increase its turnover to £150m during 2022. The team is preparing to start on site at its 14th development and has more than 400 homes in its immediate production. 22

It has a further 400 homes with planning status, and over 1,000 additional plots that are advancing through the planning system. Andy Morris, Managing Director of Hayfield said: “We are ecstatic and immensely proud to have been awarded Housebuilder of the Year at the 41st WhatHouse? Awards! This accolade is usually awarded to a housebuilder that has been established for a lot longer than our five years. This ‘best of the best’ award is fiercely contested, so we feel very honoured to have received such glowing praise from the panel of industry judges. “Despite all the challenges of the global pandemic, we have doubled our turnover to £100m this year. Being crowned Housebuilder of the Year means everything in terms of credibility, raising awareness, instilling confidence in purchasers, bidding for new sites, and securing further investment. The incredible recognition across four

InSolihull \ Business Issue

placemaker. Young of building age, but with bags of industry experience. It is rare to see such a young housebuilder evolve such a distinctive brand so swiftly, shaking up its biggest competitors.

For more information on Hayfield’s development portfolio, hayfieldhomes.co.uk

“The housebuilding landscape of middle England just got a lot better. The counties of Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Buckinghamshire and Wiltshire are benefitting from the rise of this exceptional housebuilder, picking the locations to match its ambitions and its residents needs, and providing the backdrop to creating consistently outstanding new homes and communities.”

categories at this year’s WhatHouse? Awards injects a sense of pride across the whole Hayfield team, because we all put our heart and soul into what we do. Thank you to all those that are part of Hayfield’s journey. “Winning the Gold prize for Best Public Realm for our Hayfield Green development in West Oxfordshire is another huge accolade and we are delighted that the judges can fully appreciate all the special qualities and attention to detail that has gone into our redevelopment of the 21-acre former RAF Stanton Harcourt airfield.” The WhatHouse Awards 2021 Judges Report said: “It has taken just five years for Hayfield to reach the pinnacle of British Housebuilding, taking home the industry’s biggest prize. It was only two years ago that Hayfield won gold in the Best Small Housebuilder category of the WhatHouse? Awards, illustrating the speed of its growth, while never losing sight of its ethos of homemaker and 23

InSolihull \ Business Issue

ouchwood is a wellestablished shopping and entertainment destination with an incredible line up of over 100 stores and restaurants – including major brands and thriving independents, providing an excellent platform for businesses to advertise their service or campaign

Our spaces can be hired by the day, weekend or week. Contact us directly to discuss options and prices. We also offer space to support local business and community projects. Our Touchwood Enterprise scheme offers business start-ups the opportunity to showcase their products or services in a busy retail setting at a reduced risk

Touchwood – Promotional and Advertising Opportunities Our promotional sites vary in size and have been used by big brands such as Coke Zero, Galaxy and Lexus for experiential campaigns

to a busy passing footfall. We offer several promotional and advertising opportunities which can be tailored to each individual requirement. Options include mid mall pop-up space, retail merchandising units, hanging banner sites and lift vinyls. Our promotional sites vary in size and have been used by big brands such as Coke Zero, Galaxy and Lexus for experiential campaigns. The atrium in the Centre knuckle is our feature site at 10m x 6m and offers the space to create an impactful activation.

on our purpose-built kiosk, complete with lighting and storage. It’s a fantastic way of testing product lines, building brand awareness and gaining valuable retail experience. We’ve hosted many fledgling businesses over the years, ranging from jewellery, candles and cosmetics to confectionary and clothing and welcome new applications. In addition to our promotional opportunities, Touchwood is home to a number of functional and comfortable meeting rooms which are available to hire for corporate events, team building, dance classes and much more. All at rates that represent excellent value for money.

For more information contact Helen Viner helen.viner@touchwoodsolihull.co.uk

www.touchwoodsolihull.co.uk 25

Join us and hundreds of others this October

The Solihull Business Expo – the town’s biggest celebration of business – will be back even bigger and better this October. A showcase of all that is great about Solihull’s business community, we are determined to make this a landmark event after numerous postponements due to Covid-19.

The prestigious Expo will feature a wide-range of businesses exhibiting their products and ideas whilst attendees will be able to access a wealth of knowledge through a number of free seminars.

The first ever Solihull Business Expo, organised by Solihull Business Improvement District (BID), took place in March 2019 and proved to be a huge success for exhibitors and visitors alike with over 500 attendees.

There are plenty of extras to entice you in too. Free corporate headshots will be available on a limited basis and plenty of prizes will be up for grabs to all of those who attend.

Join us and hundreds of others this October to discover exactly why Solihull has become a focus point attracting companies not only locally but globally.

Keep an eye on the Solihull BID website for information on how to book your free visitor place www.solihullbid.co.uk If you’re interested in exhibiting your business at the Expo, please e-mail amy@solihullbid.co.uk

We look forward to welcoming you this October and showing why Solihull is the hotspot for talent, innovation and success. Solihull means business!

InSolihull \ Business Issue

he Solihull BID Excellence Awards are back as we look forward to an evening of celebration, showcasing Solihull’s thriving business community. The Excellence Awards are one of the first events in everybody’s diaries and the seventh instalment of the awards in 2022 is shaping up to be the best yet. Following two tough years for us all, Solihull town centre businesses

will be more ready than ever to celebrate their successes. As always, outstanding employees and innovative companies are given the chance for their moment in the spotlight and we will even have some new awards entering the fray this time around! The evening, taking place at the voco St Johns Hotel in November, represents the perfect opportunity to celebrate all that is good about Solihull with your fellow businesses.

Solihull BID

Excellence Awards

2019 Awards Roll of Honour Outstanding Young Person: Alexandra Sheldon (Phoebus Software) Best Customer Service: Specsavers Opticians Best Independent: Jamaya Outstanding Innovation & Enterprise: BNP Paribas Personal Finance Outstanding Team: Cancer Research Best Hospitality & Leisure: Asha’s Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility Project: Phoebus Software

Keep an eye on the Solihull BID website for information on tickets for the awards evening www.solihullbid.co.uk’

Please keep an eye out for our wonderful Business Hosts, Rachael and Allison, who will be visiting you for nominations from June.

InSolihull \ Business Issue

Dates for your Diary… Solihull Producers Market

Jubilee Market

Halloween in Solihull

Every 1st Friday of the month from 9am – 5pm

June 3rd & June 4th

October 29th

The Solihull Producers Market is a regular event bringing together the finest food, drink, art and craft producers from across the region.

Join us in Solihull town centre to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a special two-day market showcasing the very best of British. Keep the kids entertained by following the fun Queen’s Green Canopy trail around the town centre as we honour the Queen’s 70-year reign.

There will be only treats, no tricks in Solihull this year! Join our Halloween family parade on Saturday October 29th, show off those amazing and unique costumes and help us create a spooktacular atmosphere in the town centre before taking on our Halloween trail!

WH Auden Festival

Live Sporting Screen

Solihull BID Excellence Awards

18th – 21st February

26th July – 8th August

November

Step back in time and discover Auden’s journey in Solihull before flying across the pond to the USA and becoming a famous Poet. Enjoy performances, displays, add your own words to the poem tree and explore our vintage market.

Jump into all of the action through the live screen in Mell Square. Look out for more information on an action-packed programme of sporting events.

Solihull ‘sort of’ Jazz Festival

An evening of celebration, showcasing Solihull’s thriving business community, giving outstanding employees and innovative companies their moment in the spotlight.

Solihull Food & Drink Festival

Solihull’s Jingle Bell Jog

23rd – 25th September

11th December

The Solihull Food Festival returns with live cooking demos, food, drink, live music, entertainment, voucher booklets and much more…

The Jingle Bell Jog, our family-friendly 2.5km fun run, is back for its 3rd year. Join us to get into the festive spirit and raise money for charity.

Solihull Business Expo

Solihull’s Festive Feast

14th – 17th July

October

14th – 23rd December

Enjoy three days of funky beats in Mell Square and various venues in the town centre and grab a bite to eat from the Continental Street Market.

The Solihull Business Expo – the town’s biggest celebration of business – will be back even bigger and better this October.

Enjoy flavours from around the world with a wide range of hot foods to sample and cold items to take home for that Christmas pantry. With plenty of roaming entertainment on the run up to the big day, you will not want to miss out!

Keep an eye on www.solihullbid.co.uk for more information on each event and to see what other events pop up in the town centre.

Business Directory Accountants

A.I.T Accountants Limited 0121 711 1957 enquiries@aitaccountants.co.uk www.aitaccountants.co.uk Malvern House, New Road, Solihull, B91 3DL Pointon Young 0121 709 0000 info@pointonyoung.co.uk www.pointonyoung.com 695 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA Prime Accountants Group 0121 711 2468 info@primeaccountants.co.uk www.primeaccountants.co.uk Corner Oak, 1 Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3QG

Energy and Power Affordable Warmth Solutions 0121 592 0181 admin@awscic.org.uk www.affordablewarmthsolutions.org.uk Radcliffe House, Blenheim Court, Solihull, B91 2AA Joint Office of Gas Transporters 0121 288 2107 enquiries@gasgovernance.co.uk www.gasgovernance.co.uk Floor 6, Radcliffe House, Blenheim Court, Solihull, B91 2AA National Grid Ventures 0121 424 8000 www.nationalgrid.com 35 Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3QJ npower 0800 644 6135 www.npower.com 2 Princes Way, Solihull, B91 3ES Sembcorp Energy 0121 712 1970 gbr-sol.info@sembcorp.com www.sembcorpenergy.co.uk 6th Floor, Radcliffe House, Blenheim Court, Solihull, B91 2AA

Estate Agents Bartleys Estate Agents 0121 709 3300 info@bartleys-uk.com www.bartleys-uk.com 2 Manor Walk, High Street, Solihull, B91 3SX Burchell Edwards 0121 705 7551 solihull@burchelledwards.co.uk www.burchelledwards.co.uk 29 High Street, Solihull, B91 3SN

Centrick Property 0121 705 3242 solihull@centrick.co.uk www.centrick.co.uk 158 High Street, Solihull, B91 3SX Dixons Estate Agents 0121 704 4148 www.dixonsestateagents.co.uk 70 Poplar Road, Solihull, B91 3AB Hunters 0121 709 0111 Solihull@hunters.com www.hunters.com 163 High Street, Solihull, B91 3ST John Shepherd 0121 703 1850 solihull@johnshepherd.com www.johnshepherd.com 6/8 Drury lane, Solihull, B91 3BD Melvyn Danes 0121 711 1712 post@melvyndanes.co.uk www.melvyndanes.co.uk 152 High Street, Solihull, B91 3SX

InSolihull \ Business Issue

Handelsbanken 0121 704 2477 solihull@handelsbanken.co.uk www.handelsbanken.co.uk Ground floor, 5 The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA HSBC 03455 843 924 www.hsbc.co.uk 34 Poplar Road, Solihull, B93 1AF Legal & General 0333 004 8444 www.legalandgeneral.com Legal and General Home Finance, PO BOX 17225, Solihull, B91 9US Lloyds 0345 602 1997 www.lloydsbank.com 9-11 Poplar Road, Solihull, B91 3AN Lorraine Denton Financial Advisor 07971 655737 Malvern House, New Road, Solihull, B91 3DL

Ruxton Estate Agents 0121 704 0100 info@ruxtonproperty.co.uk www.ruxtonproperty.co.uk 6 The Square, Solihull, B91 3RB

Lucent Financial Planning 0121 705 1000 info@lucentfinancialplanning.co.uk www.lucentfinancialplanning.co.uk 1B The Exchange, 20A Poplar Road, Solihull, B91 3AB

Xact Homes 0121 712 6222 solihull@xacthomes.co.uk www.xacthomes.co.uk 6 The Square, Solihull, B91 3RB

M1 Agency 0121 726 9050 www.m1agency.co.uk The Courtyard, 707 Warwick, Solihull, B91 3DA

Financial Services A Plan Insurance 0121 711 1711 solihull@aplan.co.uk www.aplan.co.uk/solihull 42-46 Poplar Road, Solihull, B91 3AB Barclays 03457 345 345 www.barclays.co.uk 19-21 Mill Lane, Solihull, B91 3AR BNP Paribas Personal Finance 0333 032 4300 www.bnpparibas-pf.co.uk 6th Floor, Chadwick House, Blenheim Court, B91 2AA Coventry Building Society 0121 705 1116 www.coventrybuildingsociety.co.uk 62 - 66 Poplar Road, Solihull, B91 3AB Halifax 0121 253 1464 www.halifax.co.uk 92 High Street, Solihull, B91 3TA

Metro Bank 03450 808 500 www.metrobankonline.co.uk 119 High Street, Solihull, B91 3SR Nationwide 0345 266 0502 www.nationwide.co.uk 6-8 Station Road, Solihull, B91 3SH Natwest 03457 888 444 www.natwest.com 4 High Street, Solihull, B91 3TF Paragon 0345 849 4000 www.paragonbank.co.uk 51 Homer Road, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 3QJ Prime Wealth Planning 0121 711 6353 info@primewealth.co.uk www.primewealth.co.uk Corner Oak, 1 Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3QG Santander 08009 123 123 www.santander.co.uk 10 - 12 Station Road, Solihull, B91 3SQ

Skipton Building Society 0121 711 4311 solihull.branch@skipton.co.uk www.skipton.co.uk 123/127 High Street, Solihull, B91 3SR TSB 0121 704 9000 www.tsb.co.uk/personal 58 Poplar Road, Solihull, B91 3AB Yorkshire Building Society 0121 222 8132 solihull@ybs.co.uk www.ybs.co.uk 37/41 High Street, Solihull, B91 3SJ

Health Services Accuvision 0330 123 2020 info@accuvision.co.uk www.accuvision.co.uk 3 The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, Solihulll, B91 3DA Bupa Health Care Centre 0121 711 6400 www.bupa.co.uk 47 Station Road, Solihull, B91 3RT

Sales-i 0345 508 7355 www.sales-i.com 31 Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3LT SOTI 0121 368 0675 www.soti.net 5-7 Drury Lane, Solihull, B91 3BB With Wise Limited 0208 059 3385 hello@withwise.com www.withwise.com Floor 3, Radcliffe House, B91 2AA

Marketing, Digital & Communications Astute Media 0121 705 0000 info@astutemedia.com www.astutemedia.com 30 New Road, Solihull, B91 3DP Astute Metrics 0121 711 4499 support@astutemetrics.com www.astutemetrics.com 30 New Road, Solihull, B91 3DP

Elite Global Nutrition 0121 706 1498 lukehoey@eliteglobalnutrition.com Elite House, 691 - 693 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA

Havas People 0121 711 3433 Dave.runacres@havaspeople.com www.havaspeople.com 2nd Floor, 9 The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA

Vanite Clinic 0121 687 0025 info@vaniteclinic.com www.vaniteclinic.com 1 The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA

Milktop Ltd 0121 713 2271 hello@milktop.co.uk www.milktop.co.uk Malvern House, New Road, Solihull, B91 3DL

IT, Software & Technology CGI 0845 070 7765 info.eu@cgi.com/uk www.cgi.com/uk Solihull 2nd Floor, 31 Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3QJ Contigo Software 0845 838 6848 sales@contigosoftware.com www.contigosoftware.com Fourth Floor, Radcliffe House, Blenheim Court, B91 2AA Phoebus Software 0121 636 1100 info@phoebussoftware.com www.phoebus.co.uk Phoebus Software Ltd, Lansdowne Gate, 65 New Road, Solihull, B91 3DL Reapit 0845 330 2965 www.reapit.com 5th Floor, Radcliffe House, Blenheim Court, Solihull, B91 2AA

Property, Manufacturing, Construction & Architecture Alexander Stevens 0121 713 2288 Veronica@alexanderstevens.co.uk www.alexanderstevens.co.uk Malvern House, New Road, Solihull, B91 3DL Athlone Extrusions Ltd 0121 764 4848 sales@athloneuk.com www.athloneextrusions.ie 43 Dominion Court, Station Road, B91 3RT BPG 0121 200 2330 admin@bpgholdings.co.uk www.bpgholdings.co.uk 31, Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3LT Fabric Design Group 0121 775 0180 enquiries@fabricdesignandbuild.com www.fabricdesignandbuild.com Unit 1, The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, B91 3DA

Form Construction 0121 769 1034 info@formconstruction.co.uk www.formconstruction.co.uk 2nd Floor, 6 The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, B91 3DA Hayfield Homes 0121 272 8899 reception@hayfieldhomes.co.uk www.hayfieldhomes.co.uk Dominion Court, 39 Station Road, Solihull, B91 3RT Jet Environmental 0121 770 7466 info@jetenvironmental.com www.jetenvironmental.com 1 The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA LH and DH Real Estate Limited 0121 706 1498 david.hoey@esg-security.co.uk 691 - 693 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA Logicor 0800 731 7170 www.logicor.eu No7. The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA MAC - Group 0121 709 1285 jalton@mac-group.com melleman@mac-group.com www.mac-group.com 39 Dominion Court, Station Road, Solihull, B91 3RT Made Architecture 0121 690 2328 info@madearchitecture.com www.madearchitecture.com First Floor, Dominion Court, 43 Station Road, Solihull, B91 3RT Mileway www.mileway.com Dominion Court, 43 Station Road, Solihull, B91 3RT NH and DH Real Estate Limited 0121 706 1498 david.hoey@esg-security.co.uk 691 - 693 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA Paul D Lawrence & Associates 0121 709 0345 plawrence@pdla.co.uk Corner Oak, 1 Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3QG Ridge and Partners LLP 0121 709 3559 www.ridge.co.uk/projex Dominion Court, 43 Station Road, Solihull, B91 3RT SMB - Alexander Stevens & Co 0121 706 7766 www.smbsurveyors.com Malvern House, New Road, Solihull, B91 3DL Sweco 0121 711 6600 www.sweco.co.uk 4th Floor, Radcliffe House, Blenheim Court, B91 2AA

InSolihull \ Business Issue

Solicitors & Legal

Wallace Robinson & Morgan 0121 705 7571 enquiries@wallacerobinson.co.uk www.wallacerobinson.co.uk 4 Drury Lane, Solihull, B91 3BD

Averta Employment Lawyers 0300 303 3570 enquiries@averta.com www.averta.com 1 The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA

Whiting & Purches 0121 605 5050 whitingandpurches@gmail.com www.whitingandpurches.co.uk Northampton House, Poplar Road, Solihull, B91 3AP

Blackhams Solicitors 0121 705 9020 info@blackhams.com www.blackhams.com 42a Poplar Road, Solihull, B91 3AB

Recruitment

Cunningtons Solicitors 0121 705 6868 www.cunningtons.co.uk Northampton House, Poplar Road, Solihull, B91 3AP Davisons Solicitors 0121 289 3500 www.qualitysolicitors.com/davisons 4 The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA

Experis Ltd 0121 711 4481 info.mid@experis.co.uk www.experis.co.uk Warwick House, 737 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DG Kate + Co 0121 705 0077 team@kateandco.com www.kateandco.co.uk 2nd Floor, 141 High Street, Solihull, B91 3SR

HCB Solicitors 0121 705 2255 reception@hcbgroup.com www.hcbgroup.com 679 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA

Project Resource 0121 651 1666 birmingham@project-resource.co.uk www.project-resource.co.uk 1st Floor, Radcliffe House, Blenheim Court, Solihull, B91 2AA

HooperHyde 0121 740 0834 hello@hooperhyde.com www.hooperhyde.com Malvern House, New Road, Solihull, B91 3DL

Rubicon Consulting 0121 667 8637 info@rubiconconsulting.co.uk www.rubiconconsulting.co.uk Malvern House, New Road, Solihull, B91 3DL

Lone & Co Solicitors 0121 448 3522 kamran@loneandcosolicitors.co.uk www.loneandcosolicitors.co.uk 1st Floor, Northampton House, 53-55 Poplar Road, Solihull, B91 3AP Loynton & Co 0121 327 0118 solicitors@loyntonlaw.co.uk www.loyntons.com Malvern House, New Road, Solihull, B91 3DL Lyons Davidson Solicitors 0121 683 8310 enquiries@lyonsdavidson.co.uk www.lyonsdavidson.co.uk Westbury House, 701-705 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA Pearcelegal 0121 270 2700 info@pearcelegal.co.uk www.pearcelegal.co.uk 2 The Square, Solihull, B91 3RB Shakespeare Martineau 0330 024 0333 info@shma.co.uk www.shma.co.uk 2nd Floor, Radcliffe House, Blenheim Court, Solihull, B91 2AA Thursfields 0121 624 4000 info@thursfields.co.uk www.thursfields.co.uk 9 The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA

RedKnows hello@redknows.co.uk www.redknows.co.uk 699 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA

Other 608 Vet Practice 0121 705 3044 info@608vetpractice.co.uk www.608vetpractice.com 608 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 1AA Age UK 0121 704 7840 info@ageuksolihull.org.uk www.ageuk.org.uk/solihull The Core, Solihull Central Library, Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG

ESG Security 0121 706 1498 esg.info@esg-security.co.uk www.esg-security.co.uk Elite House, 691 - 693 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA Essential Packaging 0121 236 6254 enquiries@essentialpackaginguk.com www.essentialpackaginguk.com First Floor 15-19 High Street, Solihull, B91 3SJ Mad Hatters Children’s Charity 0121 713 2270 smile@madhatterscharity.com www.madhatterscharity.com Malvern House, New Road, Solihull, B91 3DL National Association of Funeral Directors 0121 711 1343 info@nafd.org.uk www.nafd.org.uk First Floor, 618 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 1AA Serco Group www.serco.com/uk 31 Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3QJ Serenity Specialist Care 0121 690 3781 www.serenity-homes.co.uk Dominion Court, 43 Station Road, Solihull, B91 3RT Solihull Register Office 0121 704 6656 registeroffice@solihull.gov.uk Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3QZ The Co-operative Funeralcare 0121 704 1179 solihull.funeral@centralengland.coop www.centralengland.coop/funeralcare 677 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA

Please note this directory features businesses within the Professional Service and Office Sector (PSOS) in the Solihull BID area, if you are inside the BID area and would like to be included in future PSOS directories, please email amy@solihullbid.co.uk

Concordia International Forwarding LTD 0121 782 2848 bhx@concordiafreight.com www.concordiafreight.com 43 Dominion Court, Station Road, Solihull, B91 3RT Data Power 0121 486 2312 sales@datapowerlimited.co.uk www.datapowerlimited.co.uk The Couch House, 618 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 1AA Elite Facilities Management 0808 280 0080 info@efmfacilities.co.uk Elite House, 691 - 693 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA

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Get in touch Please contact our friendly team on 0121 788 4253 or follow us on Facebook @solihullcouncilfostering www.solihull.gov.uk/fostering

Business InSolihull

Articles inside

Solihull Business Expo

Dates for the Diary

Touchwood

Hayfield Homes

Development Plans

Data Power

AIT

Lucent Financial Planning

Malvern House

Averta Employment Law

BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK

Greener Solihull Schools Awards

CGI