Chamberlink Feb 2025

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The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

CHAMBER February 2025

Free to Members £5.00 where sold

LINK

How frustration led to King’s prize and £18m From small beginnings, runyourfleet boss builds on niche market See Griffin Report and page 22

• AI world first from UoB boffins • Expanding accountants become patrons • £3m competition for entrepreneurs

Picture: Jolly Media

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Contents Chamberlink February 2025 Business News

48 ABCC: University installs new chancellor

4

Editor’s View Supporting our city’s entrepreneurs

50 Cannock Chase: Campus re-built online

5

Business News Bishop Fleming joins as Chamber patron

10 President’s Focus Dr Nasir Awan MBL DL, Chamber president 12 The Griffin Report Steve Whitmarsh, runyourfleet 24 Where Do You Fancy?

Orelle

51 Burton & District: Contractor welcomes apprentices 52 Lichfield & Tamworth: Council clamp down on dangerous shops 53 Royal Sutton Coldfield: President backs call for pedestrian crossing

64 Apprenticeships, Skills & Training: Opening doors to talent

54 Solihull: Radio station takes off at Touchwood

69 Bridging the skills gap 72 New opportunities engineered with an apprenticeship

56 Future Faces: Golden tickets to offer VIP awards access

Chamber Patrons

Sector Focus

42 IT provider scores football partnership

1813 Club and Premier Members 44 Sydney Mitchell offers ‘one lawyer’ divorces

Events 58 The latest list of Chamber events

76 Business Travel: Airport eatery is a real blinder

Features

78 Finance: £2m in small business loans delivered

Chamber Group

60 Green Business & Sustainability: The path to net zero starts here

46 International Trade: Conference to support global growth

62 Sustainable workplaces – the next steps

82 Manufacturing: Businesses hopeful over government’s AI action plan 85 Legal: Dads favour sons while daughters are sidelined 86 Property: Plan to unlock city’s potential 88 Skills: Coaching firm looks to the future 90 Technology: easyJet trials fuel saving paint 92 The Arts: Leap into spring programme 94 Sport: Award for pioneering greenkeeper

Member Section 95 Chamber Insight Vishnu S Parmar, The VSP Group 96 New Members Chamber welcomes new members 98 …any other business News from Chamber businesses

CHAMBER LINK

The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) is here to connect, support and grow local businesses. Accredited by the British Chambers, we have acted as the voice of local businesses since 1813.

The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Editor: John Lamb 07814 539329 lambjohn@mac.com Deputy Editor: Dan Harrison 0121 274 3239, 0797 1144052 d.harrison@birmingham-chamber.com Assistant Editor: Jon Griffin 07963 405538 j.griffin@birmingham-chamber.com Reporter: Feron Jayawardene 0121 2743240, 07508 317356 f.jayawardene@birmingham-chamber.com Reporter: Darby Newman 07951 245985 d.newman@birmingham-chamber.com

You can now read the latest issue of CHAMBERLINK and view back issues online at: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

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OPINION

Editor’s View

BY JOHN LAMB

Supporting our city’s entrepreneurs E

ntrepreneurial genius and spirit is awash across our region and one venture shines as a magnificent example of the brilliant work undertaken by Birmingham boffins.

Introducing the Birmingham Blade (see page 8). Specialists at a University of Birmingham (UoB) offshoot have used AI technology to launch the world’s first urban wind turbine that can be used on city rooftops.

‘It is right that a region of such talent and entrepreneurial spirit should receive support of this sort’ It provides a solution to one of the most pressing issues in the green energy landscape – how to produce small-scale, affordable, generators of clean wind energy for use in city centres like Birmingham, where wing speeds are considerably lower than at other wind turbine sites.

And this innovative spirit does not stop there.

Birmingham Chamber members Rigby Group are among the supporters of the 2025 Rising Stars competition designed to uncover and accelerate the most innovative new companies in the UK.

FRONT COVER: Simon Shiner and Steve Whitmarsh, co-founders of runyourfleet. See pages 12-13.

Published by

Kemps Publishing Ltd 8, The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA 0121 765 4144 www.kempspublishing.co.uk Managing Editor: Laura Blake Designers: Lloyd Hollingworth & Stuart Burton Advertising: 0121 765 4144 jon.jones@kempspublishing.co.uk Printers: Stephens & George Print Group

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The competition is open to early-stage B2B and B2B2C founders from all regions of the UK who are building technology in any sector, including agritech, edtech, medtech, AI, health, beauty tech, and more. See page 6.

But ambition in the region has not been ignored. Small businesses who are ready to accelerate their growth in 2025 can apply for the next Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s (GBCC) Small Business Academy.

It is open to all GBCC members and is free of charge across three sessions in the year. Each session focuses on core business pillars, like marketing, financial planning and strategic development so that aspiring businesses can rub shoulders with like-minded entrepreneurs. That’s also on page 6.

And there is yet more help in a groundbreaking initiative for SMEs in the region who want to diversify their customer base and unlock growth potential.

This comes in the shape of the West Midlands Supply Chain Transition programme in which the GBCC has entered a partnership targeting highgrowth sectors in health and med tech, future housing and smart energy systems (see page 14).

All of these initiatives are brought to readers in some way through membership of the GBCC. And it is right that a region of such talent and entrepreneurial spirit should receive support of this sort. And it all starts with showing the same sort of initiative as those young specialists at the University of Birmingham.

PRIVACY NOTICE: Kemps Publishing Ltd process personal information for certain legitimate interest purposes, which includes the following: • To provide postal copies of this publication to Chamber members and Kemps' customers; and • To offer marketing and promotional opportunities within this publication to Chamber members and prospects.

Whenever we process data for these purposes, we always ensure we treat your Personal Data rights in high regard. If you wish to, you can visit www.kempspublishing.co.uk to view our full Privacy Notice and to learn more about our legitimate interests and your rights in this regard.

CHAMBERLINK is produced on behalf of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed to members without charge. The Chambers and the publisher are committed to achieving the highest quality standards. While every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, neither the Chambers nor the publisher can accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Chambers. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format without prior written permission of Kemps Publishing Ltd.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Business News Latest news from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Inside

Expansion: From left – Mark Taylor, Henrietta Brealey and Andrew Sandiford

Bishop Fleming joins as Chamber patron

By Dan Harrison

A

n ambitious accountancy, tax and advisory firm that kicked off 2025 by announcing its expansion into Birmingham has become a patron of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

Bishop Fleming currently has offices spanning from Worcester in the Midlands to Truro in the South West.

In January, the firm announced plans to open a new office in the Colmore Business District, in the heart of Birmingham city centre.

The Birmingham office will become Bishop Fleming’s ninth – and eventually one of its largest.

‘Joining this group signals our intent to be at the forefront of business networks in Birmingham’ Bishop Fleming is currently ranked fifth in the Accountancy Age Mid-Tier Power Index and is also the largest provider of audit services to multi-academy trusts in the academy sector.

The firm has 41 partners and over 530 staff and is a certified Great Place to Work.

It is also ranked as a UK Best Workplace for Women 2024, Best Large Workplace 2024 and Best Workplace in Professional Services and Consulting.

Supporting businesses of all sizes, from entrepreneurs and owner-managed companies to large enterprises, Bishop Fleming offers full services across a range of sectors, including automotive, charities and not for profit,

education, energy, renewables and natural resources, financial services, food and drink, healthcare, hospitality and leisure, housing associations, manufacturing, private clients, professional services and public sector.

Andrew Sandiford, managing partner at Bishop Fleming, said: “We’re delighted to be joining the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce as a patron member.

“Our engagement with the Chamber, its activities, and fellow members will be central to those aims and we look forward to getting involved with GBCC as we do with the other Chambers across our geography.”

To support the Birmingham expansion, Bishop Fleming will be backed by renowned West Midlands business leader Mark Taylor as office lead.

Mark, the co-founder of business consultancy Element45, was previously managing partner for RSM in Birmingham and the Midlands.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted that Bishop Fleming are becoming patron members of GBCC. I have experienced first-hand the significant benefits of being a Chamber patron in my previous role.

“Joining this group signals our intent to be at the forefront of business networks in Birmingham. I know the relationship with the Chamber will be invaluable in helping us to connect Bishop Fleming to the local business community and amplify our brand recognition quickly.”

Henrietta Brealey, CEO of the GBCC, said: “Bishop Fleming’s plans to accelerate their growth in Birmingham and across the wider Midlands region are bold, ambitious and exciting.

“We’re delighted to be joining forces with them as they embark on this expansion.”

Gladiators’ star boosts women’s day...

See page 49

UoB boffins in AI World first See page 8 ...BHSF unveil 21st century health plan...

See page 16 February 2025 CHAMBERLINK 5

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BUSINESS NEWS

The search is on for top tech talent Birmingham Chamber members Rigby Group are among the supporters of the 2025 Rising Stars competition, designed to uncover and accelerate the most innovative early-stage companies in the UK. Applications have opened for Tech Nation’s rebooted competition, offering £3m for the UK’s most innovative early-stage startups.

Newly merged with OnetoWin and with additional supporters, Rising Stars’ enhanced competition will reward and find the most promising tech startups from across the UK. After nine weeks of regional heats, the Grand Finale at London Tech Week will involve the top 10 finalists pitching to a live audience of ecosystem leaders, investors, and media for a total investment pot of £3m.

This year’s competition is led by Founders Forum Group and supported by – and in partnership with – Rigby Group, Haatch and Wealth Club.

Powered by Founders Forum Group and supported by and in partnership with Rigby Group and its cornerstone IT services businesses SCC, Haatch and Wealth Club, the competition is

Bidding for support: The presentation stage

open to early-stage B2B and B2B2C founders from all regions of the UK who are building technology in any sector, including agritech, edtech, medtech, AI, health, beauty tech, and more. Applications close on 2 March.

For more information about the competition, go to technation.io Technology companies in the UK are worth a combined value of $1.1 trillion and the nation is home to 171 unicorn companies, according to Tech Nation’s most recent report.

Tech Nation’s Rising Stars competition aims to support up-and-coming entrepreneurs and innovators from across the UK, including those in underserved regions and communities, with new investment and exposure.

‘Talent can only thrive when it meets opportunity. That’s exactly what the revamped OnetoWin competition offers’ The revamped competition aims to inspire and enable more people to embrace tech entrepreneurship by providing resources to help bring their ideas to life.

Rising Stars features two competition tracks: pre-seed or seed-stage companies, and Preseries A to Series A and later. A judging panel of founders, investors and ecosystem leaders will assess each company's team experience, value proposition, traction and revenue, and future goals and projections.

Over a nine-week period, selected participants will benefit from networking opportunities, as well as regional support and resources. Winners of the early-stage track regional finals will have the opportunity to win the Haatch regional investment prize of £335,000. Across the regional finals there will be over £2m up for grabs. For the later-stage track, grand finalists from each region will have the chance to exhibit

Incredible prize: Steve Rigby

at London Tech Week, taking place 9-13 June at London’s Olympia.

In the lead-up to the event, finalists will receive individual mentoring to improve their business propositions and prepare to pitch their startups to a live audience of ecosystem leaders, investors, and media, competing for a potential £1m investment prize at the event.

This year’s competition is now merged with the West Midlands pitch competition OneToWin, which brings in existing partners Rigby Group (including SCC) and Haatch. Wealth Club will also be contributing to the investment prize this year and additional partners include HSBC Innovation Banking, Amazon Web Services and British Business Bank.

Steve Rigby, co-CEO of Rigby Group, said: “Talent can only thrive when it meets opportunity. That’s exactly what the revamped OnetoWin competition offers – with an incredible prize on offer for the UK’s best upand-coming tech entrepreneurs.

“The UK has huge untapped potential, with tech talent spread far and wide throughout the country. By providing resources, mentorship and networking opportunities through a competitive pitch process, this year’s Rising Stars competition will unleash new, amazing ideas that can boost our economy and solve problems for customers in sectors ranging from AI to medtech.”

…ready for speedy growth? Sign here Small businesses who are ready to accelerate their growth in 2025 can apply for the next Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s Small Business Academy.

Open to all GBCC members, the Small Business Academy is free of charge and runs three cohorts annually by application only.

The programme includes six inperson modules delivered by experts in their fields, with sessions focusing on core business pillars such as marketing, financial planning and strategic development.

The academy also places a strong emphasis on peer support, offering an opportunity to network 6 CHAMBERLINK February 2025

and collaborate with like-minded entrepreneurs.

Jayne Hume, the GBCC’s Small Business Academy lead, said: “I’m delighted to be launching our fifth cohort of the academy. It’s incredibly rewarding to support small businesses looking to grow, and to see the progress they make as we tackle challengess.”

The Small Business Academy is designed for: • Businesses seeking bite-sized, expert-led sessions on specific business challenges.

• Businesses in need of a refresher on key business principles and new insights from experienced professionals.

• Start-ups established within the last 12 months, looking to create a solid structure for growth.

• Business owners who would benefit from peer support and accountability, particularly in the early stages of their journey.

Participants from the previous cohort have revealed how the Academy has transformed their business.

Charlotte Nicolson from Resolvus said: “The academy has really helped me to spend time working on the business rather than in the business, especially around marketing and financial planning.

“It’s also great to network with

other delegates and share the challenges of being a chief everything officer!”

Rory Wyndham-Smith from Wyndham-Smith Garden Design said: “The Business Academy has been an incredible opportunity for growth and learning entrepreneurial skills. Jayne, who led the course this year, was a fun and engaging tutor who brought a wealth of business knowledge and experience. She truly cares about helping everyone succeed and grow their businesses to the next level.”

For more information and how to apply go to greaterbirminghamchambers.com

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BUSINESS NEWS

Iconic restaurant goes up for sale

By John Lamb Andreas Antona, described as the “Godfather of modern Birmingham food,” has put his iconic Edgbaston Michelin star restaurant Simpsons up for sale as he approaches retirement.

The venue, on the market with a £850,000 price tag, was established by chef patron Andreas in 2004, when he moved the enterprise from Kenilworth.

Simpsons has been a landmark culinary destination in Birmingham

Supporter of education: Andreas Antona

since it was opened in the Grade IIlisted Georgian villa after it was renovated, featuring period elements alongside modern glass doors leading to well-kept lawns and patio areas. It is also home to the Eureka cookery school.

‘Simpsons represents a fantastic opportunity for someone to stamp their own identity on part of this city's culinary history’ Andreas spent his early years working in prestigious kitchens in Germany and Switzerland but returned to the UK in 1980 as chef tournant at The Dorchester in London with Anton Mosimann.

He then became sous chef under Michael Quinn at The Ritz before moving to the Plough and Harrow in Birmingham, where he began receiving international acclaim. He opened Simpsons in Kenilworth in 1993 and earned a Michelin star which retains today.

Tranquil garden: Simpsons in Edgbaston

Andreas has been a great supporter of culinary education at University College Birmingham.

The Times described Andreas as the “Godfather of Modern Birmingham Food” and his kitchen has become a starting point for many respected Birmingham chefs, such as Glynn Purnell and Cuubo's Dan Sweet.

Andreas said: “Simpsons represents a fantastic opportunity for someone to stamp their own identity on part of this city's culinary history. The restaurant has a fantastic and loyal customer base and sits firmly at the heart of fine

dining in the Midlands. Simpsons has a big place in my heart and a sale of this importance will take time.

"We have a fantastic team in place and I want to be sure that the buyer shares our passion to continue and build on Simpsons' longstanding success."

Simon Chaplin, senior director at Christie and Co, said: "We are delighted to be appointed to work with Andreas on this prestigious assignment. Simpsons is one of the most established venues in the West Midlands and can continue to be so in new hands.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

Birmingham Blade takes off

Pioneers (left to right): Leonard Nicusan, chief technology officer, EvoPhase; Dr Kit Windows-Yule, associate professor in chemical engineering, University of Birmingham and chief scientific officer, EvoPhase; Dominik Werner, CEO, EvoPhase; and Jack Sykes, chief operating officer, EvoPhase. In the background, the first version of the Birmingham Blade, produced by KwikFab Ltd.

S

pecialists at a University of Birmingham (UoB) offshoot have used AI technology to launch the world’s first urban wind turbine that could be used on city rooftops. And it is called the Birmingham Blade.

A collaboration between AI design specialists EvoPhase and precision metal fabricators Kwik Fab provides a solution to one of the most pressing issues in the green energy landscape – how to produce small-scale, affordable, generators of clean wind energy.

EvoPhase, an operating division of the UoB, used its AI-driven design process to generate and test designs for their efficiency at wind speeds found in Birmingham, which, at 3.6 metres per second, are substantially lower than the 10 metres per second rating for most turbines.

Leonard Nicusan, chief technology officer of EvoPhase, said: “We needed a turbine that could capture Birmingham’s relatively low wind speeds while managing turbulence caused by surrounding buildings. The design also had to be compact and lightweight to suit rooftop installations.”

EvoPhase found the optimal design for curved blades which spin around a central point and confirmed that that it will be up to seven times more efficient than existing designs used in the Birmingham area.

University offshoot unveils world first Leonard added: “Using AI was essential for breaking free from the long-standing biases that have influenced turbine designs for the past century.

“AI allowed us to explore design possibilities beyond the scope of traditional human experimentation.

“We were able to generate, test, and refine over 2,000 wind turbine designs in just a few weeks, significantly accelerating our development process and achieving what would have taken years and millions of pounds through conventional methods.

“Our evolutionary simulations have confirmed the Birmingham Blade is up to seven times more efficient than existing designs in Birmingham’s wind speeds and urban environment. The final design is not just a prototype — it is a predictive solution that is ready for real-world use.”

Developed by a research group led by Dr Kit Windows-Yule at the University of Birmingham, EvoPhase’s AI-led evolutionary design process mimics natural selection. This approach allows for simultaneous optimisation of many different parameters, avoiding traditional trade-offs between performance factors.

Kwik Fab produced the first iteration of the Birmingham Blade to demonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing the design and is already attracting widespread interest. An aluminium version will be sited on a roof space in Birmingham for evaluation and testing, and the final product is expected to be available late this year.

The EvoPhase-Kwik Fab collaboration provides a rapid design and prototyping service, and the team is now working on another design for the different conditions in Edinburgh. Since its launch in 2023, EvoPhase has expanded its AI-powered evolutionary design approach to industries beyond wind energy, including the optimisation of equipment for mixing, blending, and storing granular materials in the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical manufacturing sectors.

FOR MORE TECHNOLOGY NEWS TURN TO PAGE 90 8 CHAMBERLINK February 2025

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BUSINESS NEWS

February 2025 CHAMBERLINK 9

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BUSINESS NEWS

President’s Focus Dr Nasir Awan MBL DL, president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and CEO of Awan Marketing International, welcomes the bright future for the West Midlands forecast by a new survey but urges the government to help businesses which are still struggling.

I

n my dual role as a business owner and president of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), I spend a great deal of time talking to business leaders across our region.

One thing is clear - the current economic landscape is testing even the most resilient among us.

The latest findings from the British Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey have laid bare what many of us already know - the pressure is mounting.

Taxes, inflation, and interest rates are squeezing firms and UK business confidence is at its lowest since the fallout from the infamous mini-budget of late 2022.

For example, following the Chancellor’s autumn statement, 63 per cent of UK firms listed taxation as a key concern, up from 48 per cent in the previous quarter.

That’s the highest level of tax anxiety recorded since this data was first collected in 2017.

‘One of the great privileges of being part of the GBCC is to learn about emerging local businesses’ Unsurprisingly, sectors like production, manufacturing, and construction are feeling the brunt, with tax being cited as a major issue.

Inflation remains a persistent worry, with almost half of businesses (47 per cent) citing it as a concern.

In retail and hospitality - the lifeblood of our local economy confidence is particularly fragile, with only 39 per cent of retailers and 42 per cent of hospitality businesses expecting their turnover to improve.

These are industries that employ millions of people and contribute massively to our communities. When they struggle, we all feel the impact.

Yet, it’s not all doom and gloom.

Businesses are remarkably adaptable and we’ve shown time and again – particularly here in the West Midlands - that we can overcome challenges when the conditions are right.

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Dr Nasir Awan

In contrast to the British Chambers data, the latest Lloyds’ Business Barometer suggests firms in this part of the country were particularly bullish going into the New Year – with more West Midlands companies forecasting turnover and profitability growth than they did entering 2024.

Interestingly, there was a strong appetite among the 1,200 firms surveyed by Lloyds to invest in staff training and new technology to support their goals - with a particular focus on automation and AI. So, while there is understandable trepidation about the wider economic landscape, West Midlands businesses are ready to hit the ground running with their plans and ambitions.

One of the great privileges of being part of the GBCC is to learn about emerging local businesses who are at the cutting edge.

For example, UB Healthcare – the GBCC’s choice for the popular Business Live “ones to watch in 2025” feature – are a fast-growing Solihull start-up driving positive change in the healthcare sector.

They work with the NHS, as well as social care and independent care providers across the country, helping them deliver value-based services that address their challenges.

UB Healthcare’s work is proving transformational in a sector that is notoriously challenging.

Fellow nominees in the Business Live list include companies

operating in outdoor dining events, next gen AI and pioneering solutions for waste plastic – further proof that our region’s business scene is both diverse and dynamic.

However, while the future may be bright, we still need to see some urgent action from the government to help firms who are struggling now.

High on the list of priorities should be swift action on business rates reform with a system that encourages investment rather than penalising it, accelerating infrastructure investment in a way that benefits SMEs across the supply chain, and a focus on boosting exports.

The latter is a subject I will continue to advocate for passionately in my second year as president, with more Chamber-led trade missions and international activities in the pipeline.

By working closely with the International Trade Centre (ITC) last year, we demonstrated the potential and appetite for trade with emerging and untapped markets.

That’s not to say the UK’s bigger trading partners aren’t of critical importance – and we hope to see the Government foster a more effective trading relationship with the EU. Many businesses are still navigating the complexities of Brexit, and simplifying trade processes could provide a muchneeded lifeline.

Attracting foreign direct investment into the region has also been a pillar of my tenure – but this is something that will be more difficult under current tax regulations. The Government must do all it can to make the UK attractive to overseas investors.

So, on the one hand it’s encouraging to hear many West Midlands businesses are expecting growth over the year ahead.

Yet, on the other, we can’t ignore the stark challenges that lie ahead.

As a Chamber, we’ll continue to be by the side of our region’s businesses during 2025 to help them navigate those bumps in the road, as well as making the most of new opportunities that arise.

This column first appeared in the Birmingham Post

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BUSINESS NEWS

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BUSINESS NEWS

The Griffin Report Steve Whitmarsh’s career was honed in the rough and tumble of the late 20th century car industry, where at 22 he became Land Rover’s youngest production manager. But he eventually left the sights and smells of a blue-collar factory to create runyourfleet, now an £18m turnover business, which led to Steve meeting the King. JON GRIFFIN looks at the business success story of a man who attended eight different schools by the time he was 14.

S

teve Whitmarsh was once the youngest production manager in Land Rover’s history – now he has a new role helping keep the timeless genius of Shakespeare’s plays on the road for theatre lovers.

His colourful CV ranges from running a 220-strong team at the age of just 22 in the hard knocks world of the 1990s automotive sector to providing transport needs for the Royal Shakespeare Company – as well as clients such as Birmingham Dogs Home and Sharp’s Brewery in Cornwall.

Now CEO of the £18m turnover Multifleet Vehicle Management operation at Solihull, Steve has packed a lot into his career, from a traditional apprenticeship which led to senior roles at Land Rover to executive posts at Volvo and the RAC before taking the plunge to launch his own embryonic fleet vehicle firm 14 years ago.

Today he’s the man in charge of the Midlands’ biggest fleet management firm by volume, providing a range of services for more than 32,000 vehicles across the UK – including currently delivering props for Shakespearean classics such as King Lear, Hamlet and Macbeth.

Bringing the Bard to new generations is a far cry from his early days in the rough and tumble world of the late 20th century car industry. It was there the affable Whitmarsh cut his teeth with Rover Cars and Land Rover and others before eventually changing career

direction to launch Multifleet Vehicle Management after two decades climbing the sometimesslippery car sector ladder.

Co-founder and part owner of a Midlands industry success story which began in 2010 with a team of just four in cramped offices in Henley in Arden, Steve has a rich fund of career memories and life lessons on which to reflect as he helps steer Multifleet towards the next chapter in their history from their impressive new 9,000 sq ft base at Solihull Business Park.

‘This business would not be here today if it wasn’t for some of those friends from the industry who encouraged and helped and assisted’ “By the time I was 14 we had moved house seven times – my father was head of technical for Renault Trucks and they kept moving their head office around the UK. I went to eight schools by the age of 14. It taught me to be very sociable because you needed to make friends quickly and win people over. There were lots of friends as there were later in the car industry.

It follows you through – if you treat people how you want to be treated yourself, you get paid back. This business would not be here today if it wasn’t for some of those friends from the industry who encouraged and helped and assisted.”

Steve’s career began as a technician apprentice with Rover Cars at Drews Lane before switching to Land Rover at Solihull, beginning under British Aerospace ownership before the BMW takeover.

The Rover Group apprenticeship and subsequent executive career gave him a ringside view of the turbulent West Midland car sector as globalisation, consolidation and new technology ushered in sweeping change and shrinking workforces.

“It was a great grounding, there were some hard knocks and learnings at the Drews Lane plant.

Some of the production lines had been there for 30 plus years. It was very old-fashioned, old-school management and old school engineering.

“I stayed with manufacturing and became the youngest ever production manager at Land Rover in its history. I was 22 when I became a full manager – we had four production lines and 220 staff, who were all older than me.”

With the Rover Group later acquired by BMW, Steve landed a job as northern area leasing and rental manager, giving him his first taste of corporate sales, with responsibility for 25,000 vehicles.

He left behind the sights and smells of a blue collar factory environment to embrace a new world of corporate entertainment, motor shows and overseas car launches.

The move proved a major turning point for the former apprentice who still describes himself as an engineer

Investment: Part of the 40-strong team at runyourfleet’s impressive new base at Solihull Business Park

12 CHAMBERLINK February 2025

by trade – and by 2001, as the Longbridge crisis rocked the Midlands ahead of the plant’s eventual closure and sale to the Chinese in 2005, he had moved on to a new role with Volvo as southern area leasing and rental manager.

A subsequent move to the RAC as a senior account manager and later head of fleet – “a lovely place to work with very loyal customers” – provided the impetus to his decision to launch his own online fleet management business, targeting the SME sector.

“I was a bit frustrated at the RAC and spotted what I thought was a niche in the market for SME businesses to be served by a fleet management provider. I came up with a business plan.” With backing from local investors Forward Group PLC and with former RAC senior finance manager Simon Shiner also on board as founding director, runyourfleet – the trading name for

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Founders: Steve Whitmarsh (right) with co-founder Simon Shiner

Multifleet – was up and running.

“There were four of us. We officially opened on 21 January, 2011, with a blank piece of paper, a small office and a flip-chart, and four laptops. We were doing telesales – everyone was selling. We had to get business over the line.

“We have grown steadily – in 2015 we started buying vehicles ourselves and leasing them. We are not just a leasing company, we are not just a fleet management company, we are not just a rental broker, we are not just a licencechecking business. We do all of those things and all ourselves. The core products are fleet management, leasing, daily rental – we are the only player in the market with a platform like ours.

“Last year we turned over £18m, with profits of £320,000. We have invested quite heavily in staff – we have currently got 40 employees – so we have increased our cost-base.

We are now the biggest business of its kind by volume in the Midlands and we are currently looking at an acquisition we have been working on for the last six months.

‘Our profile is increasing in the Midlands and that is led by the Chamber.

You look forward to going to a Chamber event because you know you are going to have a lot of fun.

“We won the King’s Award for Enterprise last year for the innovation of our platform. I got to meet the King, which was an incredible experience.”

With a customer base ranging from two-vehicle operators to

5,000 vehicles, runyourfleet runs the whole gamut of corporate clients, including its recent signing up of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

“They’ve just become a customer with 18 vehicles and they’ve got over 1,000 staff. That is very much in its infancy – we will be fleet managing some of their existing vehicles, refreshing their vehicles with lease vehicles from us, hiring vehicles to them. They have company vehicles – small vans and a couple of large vans to move props around.”

Other customers include Birmingham Dogs Home, giant European conglomerate SaintGobain, Sharps Brewery in Cornwall, the NHS, Motorsport UK, Jewson builders merchants and many others.

As a preferred partner with Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and with Steve on the

Solihull Chamber executive committee, runyourfleet are keen to embrace the opportunities available through the Midlands’ premier business group – including the adoption of charities.

“We have taken a greater focus on ESG as a business. Our profile is increasing in the Midlands and that is led by the Chamber. You look forward to going to a Chamber event because you know you are going to have a lot of fun.

“For a company of our size I think we punch above our weight and we are very proud of what we have achieved. There have been some very late nights and very early mornings poring over spreadsheets. It has been difficult at times – there are always bumps in the road – but I am very, very happy now.”

• Fleet firm names new executives – see page 22 February 2025 CHAMBERLINK 13

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BUSINESS NEWS

Up- and re-skilling labour is a must Investment in reskilling and upskilling talent is vital to tackling recruitment challenges facing West Midlands firms, business leaders said after official figures revealed West Midlands unemployment rose by 0.4 per cent during the three months to November 2024.

Nationally, employment fell by 0.1 per cent and unemployment was up by 0.4 per cent, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Meanwhile, the estimated number of vacancies in the UK fell by 24,000 in the October to December 2024 period – decreasing for the 30th consecutive period but remaining above pre-pandemic levels.

Emily Stubbs, head of policy at GBCC, said: “The government must ease cost pressures on businesses to unlock investment in up- and reskilling local talent and tackle unemployment. These national vacancy figures mirror the results of our Quarterly Business Report survey in Greater Birmingham, which found that just 26 per cent of firms sought to hire staff in the final quarter of 2024.”

Groundbreaking plans to unlock SME growth Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) has partnered with external stakeholders to launch the West Midlands Supply Chain Transition programme, a groundbreaking new initiative dedicated to helping SMEs in the region diversify their customer base and unlock untapped growth potential.

Targeting high-growth sectors in health and med tech, future housing and smart energy systems, the programme offers a tailored support package designed to empower SMEs to secure new supply chain orders in these dynamic industries.

Funded by the UK Government and provided by Business Growth West Midlands, the programme offers businesses with:

Interest rate cut predicted An unexpected dip in inflation to 2.5 per cent could pave the way for an interest rate cut, business leaders said.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), UK inflation unexpectedly dipped in December for the first time in three months as hotel prices fell and tobacco costs eased.

Prices rose 2.5 per cent in the year to December, down from 2.6 per cent the month before.

Raj Kandola, director of external affairs at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Following a period of turbulence on the bond markets, the Chancellor will be delighted to see that the rate of inflation fell in December. Now all eyes will turn to the Bank of the England as these results are likely to enhance the prospect of an interest rate cut.

“Early analysis from our latest Quarterly Business Report suggests price pressures remain prevalent for the majority of firms in the region and the Government will need to set out a clear plan on how they will reduce these costs in the coming months.”

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Transitioning: Emily Stubbs

• Personalised one-to-one support from experienced supply chain advisers.

• Access to specialised interventions tailored to their sector needs.

• Invitations to exclusive workshops and networking opportunities to upskill, forge connections and enhance market positioning.

This collaborative approach ensures that businesses can streamline their operations, improve profitability and create value for all stakeholders across the supply chain.

By leveraging expert guidance and industry insights, SMEs can position themselves at the forefront of these sectors.

Participants will also have the chance to attend free sector-specific workshops, which will offer valuable tips on accessing new supply chains, engaging with potential buyers and learning from the success stories of local businesses.

The BGWM West Midlands Supply Chain Transition programme is a call to action for ambitious SMEs in the West Midlands to take their business to new heights.

GBCC head of policy Emily Stubbs said: “This programme is an excellent opportunity to support suppliers in the West Midlands in transitioning into high-growth sectors and securing lucrative contracts.

“We look forward to confirming the details of further Supply Chain Transition events shortly and encourage anyone interested in the programme in the meantime to register for the programme to access bespoke support from a supply chain specialist account manager, early market education events and OEM/key customer site visits.

For more information or to get involved, visit: businessgrowthwestmidlands.co.uk

White Paper welcomed by business Business leaders have welcomed the government’s devolution White Paper that will allow local authorities to “make more targeted interventions that better reflect the needs of the community”.

Significant plans to make devolution the “default setting” across a range of government policy areas were announced by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.

In a speech to an audience of regional mayors, local government and business leaders, the Deputy Prime Minister said that the proposals in the English Devolution White Paper will put England’s regions centre stage and deliver on the government’s mission to grow the economy.

This includes the government’s target of building 1.5 million homes.

Raj Kandola, director of external affairs at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), said: “Although widely trailed in advance, the announcement that

Welcome announcement: Raj Kandola

more powers will be devolved to regional and local actors is likely to be welcomed by the business community. As we set out in the recommendations of our Business Commission West Midlands, shifting the dial on devolution offers the WMCA an opportunity to work in partnership with local authorities to make more targeted interventions

that better reflect the needs of the community in order to unlock economic growth.

“The West Midlands has already benefitted from a trailblazer devolution deal and this White Paper contained a welcome commitment to further widen the powers at the disposal of the mayor – for example, many will welcome the plans to integrate ticketing for transport as a sensible step forward.

“Nevertheless, much of the detail will need to be fleshed out – particularly around the initiative to streamline local government structures and how that will impact delivery models for businesses on the ground.

“As a Chamber, we look forward to working with the West Midlands mayor and the various local authorities in our sphere to ensure the voice of business remains central to the roll out of these plans in the coming months and years.”

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Digital wellbeing plan launched

By Jon Griffin West Midlands’ leading health and wellbeing specialists BHSF are going digital-first – after more than 150 years of history and innovation.

BHSF, which started life as the Birmingham Hospital Saturday Fund in 1873, have unveiled a new Health and Wellbeing Plan for the internet age, partnering with four new providers for cutting-edge 21st century health care.

The multi-million pound turnover city group, which boasts 250,000 policyholders with 5,000 corporate clients ranging from Birmingham City Council to the Birmingham Airport, Birmingham Rep to the Chambers of Commerce, JLR and many others, say the new digital strategy will prove a vital cornerstone of its future growth.

At the heart of the new BHSF Health and Wellbeing Plan are partnerships with four new providers – Toothfairy, EQL, Ocushield and SkinVision specialising in dental, physio, eye care and skin screening respectively. The new partnerships will provide four new digital-first services to further improve accessibility while heightening prevention and early intervention.

Courtney Marsh, chief pricing and underwriting officer for BHSF, said: “This is a digital-first approach which reflects what is happening in the wider world but also stays close to our roots.”

Sales and marketing director Neil Fisher said: “It’s all about prevention – you can’t see a dentist, people are struggling to get eye care, the wait to

Tributes paid to former IAB chairman The business community in Greater Birmingham has paid tribute to Mak S Ghattaura following the news of his passing.

Mak served as chairman of the Institute of Asian Business now known as the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce - from 1999 to 2003. He was also the founder and managing director of Polypack Polythene, a leading manufacturer and exporter of high-quality polythene bags. Mak was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Her Majesty the Queen.

ABCC director Anjum Khan said: “Mak S Ghattaura was a pioneering entrepreneur and a role model who championed better opportunities for Asian businesses and professionals.

His unwavering commitment to the wider business community demonstrated his resilience in the face of challenges. He recognised the barriers faced

by Asian businesses and young people and was a passionate advocate.”

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New partnerships: Chris Snookes with Noreen Latif and the Toothfairy mascot

see a dermatologist is a challenge. We were quite a traditional cash plan provider and this new Health and Wellbeing Plan brings us up to speed and puts us ahead of the competition.”

The new initiative from the not-for-profit group also includes a new level designed for SMEs with a total of five levels of cover across employer-funded plans.

Head of product Chris Snookes added: “We are going through a digital transformation and have a great platform on which to evolve our products. We are looking at broadening our reach and growing the number of people we reach.

“We have a cherished reputation but it is not one we take for granted.”

Blues form partnership with UK’s largest pub chain Birmingham City Football Club (BCFC) has announced a new partnership with MiXR and Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company.

As an official partner of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce patron, MiXR will provide Blues fans with exclusive matchday and non-matchday benefits, creating opportunities to connect with fellow supporters in MiXR venues nationwide.

The collaboration represents a significant step forward in BCFC’s mission to enhance supporters’ experiences and build strategic relationships with leading national organisations. The MiXR app launched in November 2023 with the vision of being ‘Your go-to for good times’.

As an official partner of BCFC, MiXR will provide Blues fans with exclusive benefits, including a MiXR Fan Zone at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.

New users can also enjoy a free drink upon registering and unlock seasonal perks and offers from partner brands.

By downloading the MiXR app, Blues fans can unlock exclusive Birmingham City discounts, enter competitions and enjoy special offers.

MiXR venues will also host watch parties for key fixtures, including a flagship event at Walkabout Birmingham on Broad Street for the Wrexham match.

Fans outside the Midlands can find their designated MiXR pub to enjoy the game alongside fellow supporters.

Jeremy Dale, interim CEO of the Blues, said: “We are really excited about this significant partnership as it is focused on delivering benefits directly to our fans.

“Bues fans will have fun”: Jeremy Dale

“The Stonegate and MiXR team is creative, innovative and is recognised for creating amazing experiences for their customers across the country.

“They won us over in the very first meeting with their passion of what is happening at Blues and the desire to be part of our journey.

“We look forward to working together, starting this week with the Wrexham activation.

“Blues fans are definitely going to have fun.”

Gary Cooke has stepped down as CEO of the Blues, citing personal reasons. He will remain a member of the club’s advisory committee and continue to serve as a trustee of the Birmingham City Foundation.

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Ex-doorman posts a rewarding £67m year A security company founded by a former nightclub doorman has posted a record £67m year, creating 400 new jobs in the process.

MAN Commercial Protection, launched by current CEO Iain McCallister and his father Sam, has achieved a revenue rise of 22 per cent over the past 12 months.

It has been the Solihull firm’s busiest period for event work, covering the London Marathon, the record-breaking Taylor Swift concerts and major assignments for Queensberry Promotions in the UK and overseas, including the worldfamous Fury v Usyk fights.

There has also been significant growth in the corporate world with new contracts secured for high profile names in the automotive, banking, finance, property and oil sectors.

Iain, a nightclub doorman before launching the business in 1993, said: “It has been a very rewarding year for the company as we continue to raise standards and change perceptions of what the security industry is all about.

“The high-profile concerts,

sporting and major events are what hit the headlines, but it’s our everyday work that is really fuelling our expansion, with a surge in the number of firms using our concierge, CCTV monitoring, security guarding and keyholding services.

“This has seen revenues rise by nearly a quarter to £67m and, in turn, we have had to drive this growth by employing 400 people taking our total workforce to 1700.”

MAN Commercial Protection is continuing to introduce new training and personal development courses for its team members and is opening its training academy in Solihull to other professionals in the sector. Technology is another area Iain and the management team are keen to focus on in 2025.

Iain added: “Many clients will be looking to save costs where they can. Technology and artificial intelligence (AI) will be big trends in our industry and we are working in partnership with our customers to understand how we can build these more into our approach without losing the personal touch we are renowned for.”

Fighting perceptions: Iain McCallister

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BUSINESS NEWS ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Resilience and Growth in 2025: Technology as Your Edge As we step into 2025, the business landscape continues to evolve at a breakneck pace. From navigating supply chain disruptions caused by global events to meeting the rising demand for hyper-personalised customer experiences, businesses face challenges that demand both resilience and innovation. For organisations aiming to thrive, the question is no longer whether to embrace digital transformation, but how to implement it strategically to drive measurable outcomes. The answer lies in creating agile systems, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and adopting technologies that future-proof operations.

The role of agility in resilience

Agility is a defining trait of resilient businesses. Just as flexible athletes pivot quickly during a match, agile companies adapt to market changes with speed and confidence.

This comes from adopting modular technologies like microservices— independent components—and cloud platforms that enable scaling at speed. For instance, Uber transitioned from a rigid system to microservices, improving scalability and responsiveness. In contrast, traditional unified systems (all-in-one) can create inefficiencies and risks; a failure in one part can disrupt the entire operation.

By embracing decoupled architectures, businesses reduce these risks, respond faster, and seize growth opportunities, ensuring resilience in a rapidly changing market.

Best practice tip: Collaborate with external software experts to challenge existing strategies and introduce new, effective solutions.

Cultivating a culture of innovation Resilience isn’t just about tools—it’s also about mindset. Businesses that foster a culture of innovation position themselves to remain competitive in any environment. Leaders can encourage this by investing in employee upskilling, embedding innovation into processes, and creating spaces where ideas flourish.

For example, innovation labs—dedicated spaces for brainstorming and testing new concepts—allow teams to experiment with emerging technologies before full-scale implementation. Similarly, hackathons can spark creativity, generating ideas that lead to tangible business improvements.

By embedding innovation into your company culture, you stay ahead of the competition and inspire a motivated workforce to drive change.

Best practice tip: Create spaces and opportunities for your team to experiment with new ideas, ensuring that creativity becomes part of your company’s DNA.

The new era of sustainability in growth Sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. Resilient organisations understand that growth must be accompanied by environmental and social responsibility.

Technology plays a critical role here. Energy-efficient data centres, green cloud computing, and digital twins (virtual replicas of physical processes) enable businesses to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining operational excellence. Additionally, AI-powered supply chain visibility tools can help organisations track emissions and optimise logistics.

By prioritising sustainable practices, businesses not only meet regulatory expectations but also attract eco-conscious customers and investors.

Best practice tip: Prioritise sustainable technologies and practices to align with regulatory requirements and customer expectations.

Harnessing data for real-time decision-making In a world where agility and precision drive success, businesses must adopt real-time decision-making capabilities to remain competitive. The ability to gather, analyse, and act on data in the moment can mean the difference between capitalising on an opportunity and missing it altogether.

Real-time data isn’t just for operational efficiency—it’s a strategic enabler.

Imagine a retail business using live sales data to adjust pricing or a logistics company rerouting deliveries based on weather patterns. Similarly, a financial institution monitoring transactions in real-time can detect fraud and prevent losses instantly. By integrating systems like data lakes and advanced analytics platforms, organisations can process vast amounts of data instantaneously, empowering them to act with confidence in fast-changing markets.

Additionally, predictive analytics enhances decision-making by identifying patterns and trends before they impact operations. This capability allows companies to mitigate risks, optimise resources, and seize market opportunities ahead of competitors. Businesses that leverage real-time data effectively position themselves as leaders in their industries.

Best practice tip: Invest in tools and systems that provide real-time analytics, ensure your team is trained to interpret and act on the insights effectively, and establish agreed-upon actions for responding to specific data signals.

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BUSINESS NEWS Hyper-personalisation: A game-changer in customer experience In 2025, resilience also means building stronger customer relationships.

Hyper-personalisation—delivering tailored experiences in real-time—has emerged as a powerful tool for engagement.

Unlike traditional personalisation, which uses demographic data, hyperpersonalisation combines behavioural insights, AI, and predictive analytics to anticipate customer needs before they arise. Imagine a retail platform suggesting products and services that fit a customer’s long-term goals. Or a B2B company customising service packages based on predictive usage trends.

This approach enhances customer satisfaction and creates brand loyalty, giving businesses an edge in competitive markets.

Best practice tip: Craft hyper-personalisation to deliver tailored, real-time experiences that foster loyalty and engagement.

Charting your path to resilience As 2025 unfolds, the businesses that thrive will be those that take action today. Building resilience and achieving growth doesn’t require overhauling everything at once—it starts with identifying small, high-impact areas to transform. Whether it's leveraging real-time data, investing in workforce empowerment, or prioritising sustainable practices, every step brings your organisation closer to lasting success.

The key is to act with intent. Define clear priorities, align your technology roadmap with your goals, and bring your team on board to drive change.

The journey to resilience isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Every action you take today strengthens your ability to adapt and grow tomorrow.

Best practice tip: Start small. Identify one area of your business where technology can have the greatest impact and take the first step toward transformation.

Preparing for 2025 and beyond Workforce empowerment through technology While technology drives resilience, its success depends on the people who use it. Empowering your workforce with tools and training is essential for leveraging technology to its fullest potential.

Resilient organisations provide employees with intuitive systems that reduce complexity and improve productivity. For example, low-code platforms enable non-technical team members to develop solutions independently, reducing reliance on IT teams. Virtual collaboration tools foster connectivity, especially in hybrid work environments, ensuring seamless teamwork across geographies.

Investing in workforce enablement ensures that your team is equipped to innovate and adapt, driving resilience from within.

Best practice tip: Empower your workforce with training and tools, such as low-code platforms and collaborative technologies, to drive productivity and innovation.

Resilience and growth don’t happen by accident—they require deliberate planning and action. As we move into 2025, businesses must prioritise three key areas: • Digital Trust: Building trust through robust cybersecurity, transparent data practices, and ethical AI governance. Customers and stakeholders need confidence in your ability to protect their data and act responsibly.

• Integrated Systems: Ensuring technology ecosystems work harmoniously, minimising silos and unlocking actionable insights. For example, integrating enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems with customer relationship management (CRM) tools allows businesses to deliver better customer experiences.

• Proactive Strategy: Shifting from a reactive approach to a forwardlooking strategy. Use predictive analytics to identify opportunities, potential risks, and emerging trends before they impact your operations.

Email: info@eevolution.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 844 818 2 818

Leveraging technology for resilience Resilience requires proactive preparation, not just reaction. By leveraging tools like predictive analytics and real-time monitoring, businesses can identify risks early and take decisive action. For example, AI-powered supply chain tools can anticipate delays and adjust shipments before disruptions escalate, while data insights help tailor customer offerings to improve retention.

These technologies also provide a foundation for agility, enabling organisations to adapt quickly to market changes or unforeseen challenges.

Businesses that harness such tools position themselves to not only navigate uncertainty but to thrive in competitive environments.

Tim Mahoney, Director

Best practice tip: Use predictive tools to act on risks and opportunities early, turning uncertainty into a competitive advantage.

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‘Meaningful connections’ aid growth The Swof Media team (pictured), are gearing up for an ambitious year after joining the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce gave them the opportunity to support more clients than ever.

The Birmingham-based digital marketing firm is now ready to further expand their services, strengthen partnerships, and raise the bar for marketing excellence.

‘Working with Solihull Sixth Form College was a particular highlight for us’ They say that building meaningful connections through the Chamber in 2024 was a milestone year for the firm. The company not only welcomed several new clients but also “deepened its involvement within the local business community as a proud member of the Chamber after becoming members in 2023”.

A standout project was the marketing audit completed for fellow Chamber member, Solihull Sixth Form College.

Steve Swoffer, CEO and founder of Swof Media, reflected on the collaboration and the opportunities it has created for the firm moving forward.

"We’re incredibly excited about what 2025 holds. Joining the Chamber has increased the

visibility of our work and allowed us to support more clients than ever before.

“Working with Solihull Sixth Form College was a particular highlight for us. By conducting a detailed marketing audit, we were able to give them the tools and

areas to focus on to drive real improvements in their annual enrolment figures.

“We look forward to continuing this partnership and we hope to play a key part in implementing the strategies we’ve mapped out together.”

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New charity helicopter takes to the skies Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s new H145 helicopter was deployed to 10 incidents during its first week - with a highly experienced pilot and two critical care paramedics on-board during each mission.

The new five blade air ambulance entered service in January and has been sent to patients in critical need of advanced care across Shropshire, Worcestershire, the West Midlands and Staffordshire, giving them the best chance of recovery and survival.

These incidents included cardiac arrests and a serious fall.

The helicopter, registered GHMAA, is Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s third wholly-owned helicopter, and replaced the organisation’s last leased aircraft from Babcock International Group.

It is based at the charity’s Tatenhill airbase, near Burtonon-Trent in Staffordshire and the advanced clinical crew will be dispatched daily to patients who need enhanced care rapidly on scene, before being conveyed to hospital.

Cricket legend to play at WCL Moeen Ali has confirmed he’ll be pulling on an England shirt again to represent his country in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) at Edgbaston.

Allrounder Ali called time on his international career in 2024 following a decade that saw him play 298 games across all formats.

But fans can see him back for England at Edgbaston this summer after the 37-year-old confirmed he’ll line-up alongside other England legends in the WCL. Ali is set to feature for an England Champions side that will get the tournament underway against Pakistan on Friday 18 July at Edgbaston.

Warwickshire are set to make history by sending a playing squad on tour to Pakistan for the first time.

The tour party will be based in Lahore for the 12-24 February trip and play a series of matches against local clubs and academies.

• For more sports news, turn to page 94.

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Further growth (left to right): Steve Whitmarsh with new starters Sam O’Connell, Mehrun-Nisa Jaffrey and Will Parker

Fleet management firm appoints new executives Three new staff have been appointed by Multifleet Vehicle Management, the Midlands-based leasing company that serves more than 1,200 businesses across the UK. The company, which trades as runyourfleet from its headquarters in Solihull, has welcomed Mehrun-Nisa Jaffrey, Sam O’Connell and Will Parker to its growing team of more than 40 staff.

Mehrun-Nisa, who has a degree in Criminology and Law from Coventry University, joins as technical and customer services executive, after six years working as a senior service advisor at Murley Auto’s branches in Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon.

She said: “I have excelled at administration, communication and customer relations and am looking forward to developing my career in this busy, customer-facing role at runyourfleet.”

Sam joins as a sales support executive, having worked since June 2022 as a business analyst at Volvo Financial Services in Warwick, where he used various hi-tech systems to manage orders and to report on performance.

He said: “I was really keen to develop my career locally and am pleased to be joining a fast-growing company like runyourfleet, which is expanding its services across the UK.” Will Parker joins as a rental executive, having previously worked as a physiotherapy administrator at Spire Parkway Hospital, while studying at the same time for his BA in Business Management at Coventry University.

He said: “After gaining more than three years handson experience in customer care roles while studying, I am now very keen to start putting the skills I learned during my degree into practice at runyourfleet.”

Steve Whitmarsh, chief executive of runyourfleet, which manages more than 32,000 vehicles, said: “All three recruits impressed us at interview and bring a mixture of specialist knowledge, enthusiasm and customer care to the company that will help us to continue our rapid growth.”

• How King came to honour runyourfleet – see the Griffin Report on pages 12 and 13

Nominations called for AGM Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce is calling for nominations to join its divisional council ahead of the forthcoming annual meeting.

The AGM will take place at Chasetown Football Club on 25 February from 12pm to 2pm.

Members of the Cannock Chamber Committee can influence key Chamber decisions, drive impactful initiatives, collaborate with other business leaders and represent the interests of the local business community.

Head of Cannock Chamber Richard Brooks said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for a member of the Cannock Chase Chamber to get involved and play a key role in raising our profile as a thriving business region and as a chamber dedicated to supporting and connecting businesses.

“We’re keen to bring together a balanced and

diverse cross-section of our business community on the council, reflecting the wide range of talent and perspectives in our area.

“If you’re interested but unsure about the small amount of commitment involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a chat—I’d be happy to talk it through."

The deadline for applications is at midday, 11 February. To apply (all applications must be supported by an existing Cannock Chase Chamber member) or to register for the annual meeting go to: greaterbirminghamchambers.com All applications must be supported by an existing Cannock Chase Chamber member.

For more information, contact Richard Brooks on r.brooks@birmingham-chamber.com

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Where do you fancy?

Orelle, a modern French restaurant, is on the 24th floor of 103 Colmore Row with a cocktail bar and allday café on the ground floor. The name Orelle draws inspiration from the French words for gold (or) and her (elle). It is also the name of a French mountain village. Orelle offers 360-degree, panoramic views across the city and beyond. It serves a menu featuring classic and modern European dishes. The bar offers both classic and innovative cocktails, all expertly crafted by some of Birmingham’s best mixologists, Voted Restaurant of the Year 2023 at the Birmingham Awards. Voted Best Restaurant in Birmingham 2024 at the British Restaurant Awards.

Breakfast, lunch or dinner…

Food and drink

Orelle

The restaurant offers a modern take on classic European dishes, focusing on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that highlight the very best produce. The team at Orelle provides an unparalleled level of service, whether it's recommending wine pairings or creating a personalised dining experience.

Address: 103 Colmore Row Contact: 0121 716 8186 christinakr@danddlondon.comOrelle - D&D London Executive chef: Kiran Suvarna Opening hours: Restaurant: Monday – Thursday: 12pm – 2.30pm (last orders), 5.30pm – 9pm (last table booking).

Friday - Saturday: 12pm – 2.30pm (last orders), 5.30pm – 9.30pm (last table booking).

Sunday: 12.30pm – 4pm

Breakfast For 15 people or more £25 per person includes tea/coffee/orange juice, fruit, bacon rolls, salmon croissants, mixed pastries, avocado and tomato sourdough.

Restaurant bar: Monday Thursday: 12pm – 11pm Friday Saturday: 12pm - 12.30am (last orders 12am). Sunday: 12.30pm 6.00pm (last orders 5pm).

Lunch Three courses £39 12-14:30/ 17:3018:00 Example dishes: Tuna tartare, radish, pickled ginger, chilli, wasabi, shiso, yuzu ponzu terrine; ham hock terrine, piccalilli, pineapple, sourdough tartare; Longhorn beef tartare, marmite egg yolk jam, shimeji, parmesan tuile.

floor with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Minimum spend £800 for lunch/£1,000 for dinner.

Exclusive offer for Chamber members

Dinner Example dishes: Saumon - pan-seared salmon, butternut squash purée, rainbow chard, Romanesco, cauliflower, Noilly Prat velouté.

For Orelle Rooftop Dining Club offers and to book a table email christinakr@danddlondon.com Quote Chamber membership number.

Homard - roast lobster thermidor, sea fennel salad, chervil, bisque.

Monday – 50 per cent off full bill all day (up to six people, offer only when pre-ordering from full a la carte).

Filet - 36-day dry aged 200g fillet, miso glazed carrot, watercress, potato purée, peppercorn sauce.

Entrecôte - 36-day dry aged 300g Sirloin steak, watercress, French fries, peppercorn sauce.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available.

Tuesday - 20 per cent off full bill (up to six people, offer only when pre ordering from full a la carte). selection of classic and contemporary wines. Diners will find a significant focus on wines that pair beautifully with the restaurant’s seasonal menu.

to help guests navigate the extensive wine list. The list is designed to cater to a range of budgets.

Wednesday/Thursday lunch – 10 per cent off full bill (up to six people, offer only when pre ordering from full a la carte).

Business facilities Wines The wine list, reflecting quality and diversity, features a diverse 24 CHAMBERLINK February 2025

Sommelier Service: The restaurant has a dedicated sommelier on-site, who is available

Orelle’s private dining room provides opulent surroundings and panoramic views from the 24th

Friday- Sunday- guaranteed window table and glass of fizz on arrival.

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Light Festival to brighten up Brum...

Birmingham Light Festival has released the list of dazzling installations which will transform the city centre into an illuminated, open-air gallery from 19 to 22 February.

A programme of events has also been revealed, giving visitors more than 50 opportunities to fully immerse themselves in the festival.

Eleven installations will transform the night in locations across the city centre from 6pm to 10pm, with artwork popping up in Birmingham’s streets, squares and public spaces. Among many attractions, Flux, by French design studio Collectif Scale, will bring a mesmerising display of dancing light beams and exciting electronic music to Snow Hill Square.

And Centenary Square will become a space for play, hosting several artworks including Floor is LAVA x Silent Disco.

Visitors to Centenary Square will also be able to enjoy Twist & Shine by Kaleider, a collection of interactive light prisms that can be twisted into thousands of shapes, and ahead of the Yonex All England Open, Badminton England will be challenging

visitors to a game of Night Badminton.

Hippodrome Square will be the home of Peace Poem by Emergency Exit Arts, an illumination of the beautiful words of poet Robert Montgomery. The message of peace from Birmingham to the world will come to life with breathtaking butterflies at points throughout the night, which have been animated by Birmingham-based performers.

A Birmingham Light Festival map is available for download from the website, making artworks easy to discover and allowing visitors to be “called” to discover an extra glowing surprise in the Colmore area, which promises to be picture perfect. All artworks are fully accessible, with step-free access and an audio description tour running on the Thursday evening.

The full programme is available at: Birminghamlightfestival.co.uk

...as drones take to the skies The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, a magical drone light show, is coming to Edgbaston Stadium on 1 March for one night only.

The creators describe this 45-minute event as more than a show, - a celebration of courage, connection, and the magic that lives within us all. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The Drone Light Show, is created by Celestial, makers of drone light shows for brands across the globe, in collaboration with Yuup, the local experiences company, and Edgbaston Stadium.

To secure tickets go to: www.yuup.co/wizard-of-oz Peace message: Breathtaking displays in Hippodrome Square

Triumphant return of charity’s gala dinner Kids’ Village will be hosting its gala dinner in the new Masters Suite at The Belfry Hotel and Resort, on Thursday, 2 October, after raising £119,000 at last year’s event.

Attendees are invited to join in with an evening of live music and entertainment in support of Kids’ Village, starting with a champagne reception, followed by a threecourse meal at the Black Tie Gala.

Business leaders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and supporters of Kids’ Village will join together for a special evening raising essential funds to help build the first holiday village offering respite breaks for critically ill children in the UK. Katrina Cooke, CEO of Kids’ Village, said: “The Kids’ Village Gala dinner is our flagship event of the year.

“It is an opportunity for local families, friends, and businesses to support Kids’ Village and

enjoy a fun evening of entertainment at our black-tie dinner. See you there!”

Gail Aldridge, marketing director at The Belfry Hotel and Resort team, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Kids’ Village gala dinner in our flagship new events venue, The Masters Suite.

‘We’re thrilled that Ansons Solicitors have chosen us as their Charity of the Year’ “As a life-changing charity who inspire so many with their compassion, dedication and positivity, we can’t wait to welcome them to this dynamic and innovative space and support them to create a spectacular event worthy of all the incredible work they do.”

To find out how to get your tickets to the event, download the brochure at

www.kidsvillage.org.uk, or email events@kidsvillage.org.uk Ansons Solicitors has selected Kids’ Village as their charity partner for the year for 2025.

This partnership builds on the support Ansons provided throughout 2024, during which their dedicated team participated in events such as the Sutton Fun Run and several other fundraising activities.

As the law firm’s charity partner, the Ansons team will support Kids’ Village with fundraising activities throughout the year and staff will have the opportunity to volunteer for Kids’ Village.

Katrina added: “We’re thrilled that Ansons Solicitors have chosen us as their Charity of the Year.

“Their enthusiasm and generosity during 2024 have already had a positive impact, and we’re excited to see what we can achieve together in 2025.”

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Rolls-Royce join Bulls in the City Birmingham’s Bulls in the City are back in the summer raising money for charity – with new partner Rolls-Royce plc.

The historic engineering giant has been announced as the Learning Programme Partner and is the latest Birmingham-based business to become part of the Bulls in the City herd.

‘We’re so thrilled to have such an iconic, inventive and marketleading organisation like Rolls-Royce as part of our project’ The Rolls-Royce facility in Solihull designs and manufactures the fuel and engine control systems for all Rolls-Royce aero-engine applications.

Birmingham Hospice has partnered with Wild in Art, a global producer of art trails, to create a new, showstopping trail for Birmingham in the summer of 2025 called Bulls in the City.

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Based on the infamous Bullring bull, the trail will feature a stampede of 40 fibreglass bull sculptures descending on the city between July and September, which will then be auctioned off to raise vital funds for the hospice.

Part of the trail invites 80 local schools and community groups to sponsor and decorate their own calf sculpture as part of a Learning Programme, which aims to integrate the project into the curriculum.

Rebecca Richards, Bulls in the City project lead, said: “We’re so thrilled to have such an iconic, inventive and market-leading organisation like Rolls-Royce as part of our project.

“As Learning Programme Partner, they will be leaving a standout legacy for the young people of our city.

“We couldn’t think of a more well-suited organisation to partner with on the Learning Programme than Rolls-Royce thanks to their passion and drive to put STEM subjects firmly on the map.”

Dan Parrott, VP controls systems

Heading for the city: Birmingham’s new bulls trail is launched

at Rolls-Royce, said: “We are thrilled to become the Learning Programme Partner for the Birmingham Hospice’s Bulls in the City campaign.

“The vital care and support that the hospice offers the local community is inspiring and we are excited to be a part of this initiative.”

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Share the magic of virtual music Researchers are aiming to bring the magic of playing music in person to the virtual world.

The Joint Active Music Sessions (JAMS) platform, at the University of Birmingham (UoB), uses avatars created by individual musicians and shared with fellow musicians to create virtual concerts, practice sessions, or enhance music teaching.

Dr Massimiliano Di Luca, from UoB, said: “A musician records themselves and sends the video to another musician.

“The software creates a responsive avatar that plays in perfect synchrony with the music partner. All you need is an iPhone and a VR headset to bring musicians together for performance, practice, or teaching.”

‘We’re aiming to bring the magic of playing music in person to the virtual world’ The JAMS platform has the potential to develop a social network like Spotify or Myspace, where musicians can interact to learn, connect, perform, develop new music, and create virtual concerts that reach larger audiences.

JAMS has the distinct flavour of a platform developed with and for musicians, whether successful or at an early stage of learning.

The avatars capture the unspoken moments that are key in musical performance, allowing practice partners or performers to watch the tip of the violinist’s bow, or make eye contact at critical points in the piece.

They also have real-time adaptability and are dynamically responsive to the musician on the VR headset, so delivering a unique, personalised

Virtual violinist: Bringing musicians together

experience. Delivery by VR headset recreates the musician’s world and provides an immersive backdrop with a realistic rendering of other musicians and cues used in the real-life setting.

It also keeps the faces at eye level, which adds to the feeling of connectedness.

Critically, there is no ‘latency’ in the JAMS user experience.

Dr Di Luca added: “Latency is the delay between a sound production and when it reaches the listener, and performers can start to feel the effects of latency as low as 10 milliseconds, throwing them ‘off-beat’, breaking their concentration, or distracting them from the technical aspects of playing.”

JAMS is underpinned by an algorithm created

during the Augmented Reality Music Ensemble (ARME) project, that captures dynamic timing adjustments between performers.

The project brought together researchers from six disciplines (psychology, computer science, engineering, music, sport science, and maths), whose input realised the vision of building a computational model that reproduces, with precision, a musician’s body movements and delivers an avatar that meets the needs of coperformers.

“We’re aiming to bring the magic of playing music in person to the virtual world. You can adapt the avatar that other people play with or learn to play better through practice with a maestro.”

Builders support cancer charity ball

Uni to study medicated weight gain Dr Jo Howe and Professor Ian Maidment from Aston Pharmacy School have won funding for a new project to develop new ways to mitigate weight gain caused by antipsychotic medication.

Excessive weight gain is a common side effect of taking such medication, which is used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and severe anxiety.

An in-person event for people with lived experience of these issues and their carers, as well as healthcare professionals, takes place at Aston University on 27 March.

Weight gain can happen quickly and can lead to complications such as diabetes. Patients need support to manage or mitigate this, but the research undertaken by Dr Howe showed that such support is not often available.

The new funding, from Aston University’s Research Impact Fund, will enable the work to develop support programmes for people on antipsychotic medication, and Dr Howe believes that the programmes could eventually be adapted to also help people on other types of medication that cause weight gain.

Two NHS trusts – based in Birmingham and Solihull, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight – are also involved in the project and several other NHS Trusts have expressed interest to join the project.

The first step in the new project will be to set up workshops and discussions with those with lived experience, both patients taking the medication and staff involved including doctors, pharmacists and nurses.

Dr Howe said: “Many antipsychotic medications cause changes in the body that lead the person taking them to crave carbs and sugar. This is very hard to control or override with simple behavioural strategies.”

Working with patients and key staff groups, the researchers will co-develop a pathway with steps to prevent and limit the weight gain caused by antipsychotic medications.

Construction firm DRG Solutions are backing a special charity ball at Cheltenham Racecourse – in aid of cancer care.

The award-winning Pershorebased contractors are organising the ball on 1 March at the racecourse in aid of the Maggie’s centre in Cheltenham.

Centre fundraising manager Anna Mason said: “Maggie’s know people with cancer need much more than just medical treatment.

We help people take back control when cancer turns life upside down, with professional support for anything from treatment side effects to money worries.

“Maggie’s is completely funded by donations and fundraisers like the team at DRG Solutions. By supporting them attendees will be supporting our Maggie’s centre in Cheltenham to continue offering a range of services.”

A variety of sponsorship packages are available for the event and for more information and to book tickets go to: drg-solutions.co.uk February 2025 CHAMBERLINK 31

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Family tradition continues as twins graduate...

Twins Zainab and Hadiza Dahiru have graduated with distinction as part of Aston University’s first postgraduate students on the Master of Public Health (MPH) programme.

Attending Aston University is becoming something of a family tradition, with Zainab and Hadiza’s brother Umar Girei Dahiru, cousin Muhammad Zayyad Umar, and an uncle all having also graduated from Aston University.

‘Ultimately, the MPH is not just a degree for us; it’s a pathway to make a meaningful impact on public health in Nigeria and beyond’ The MPH programme was launched in 2023 with the aim of giving students the knowledge and practical skills needed to address public health challenges at local, national and international level. The course, led by Dr Frances Thirlway, is designed for professionals currently working in the field of public health, and those looking to enter.

Zainab and Hadiza are originally from Nigeria, where there is a growing demand for skilled public health professionals to tackle its complex healthcare challenges.

Zainab said: “The combination of pharmacy and public health gives us a dual advantage: the ability to understand and manage individual patient care and the skills to influence health outcomes at the population level.

“Ultimately, the MPH is not just a degree for us; it’s a pathway to make a meaningful impact on public health in Nigeria and beyond, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for our communities.”

The twins praised the support and encouragement they received from Aston University staff throughout their studies.

The twins will go to the UAE, where they obtained their pharmacy undergraduate degrees, to complete internships and obtain pharmacy licences there.

They eventually plan to return to Nigeria to open their own pharmacy.

Hadiza said: “By educating patients on the importance of medication adherence, proper lifestyle choices, and preventive care, we can empower individuals to take charge of their health.

Additionally, our understanding of the social determinants of health will help us address broader health issues affecting our community, such as access to healthcare, nutritional challenges, and noncommunicable disease prevention.”

Law firm announces appointment of new CEO National law firm Stone King has appointed Vicky Brackett (pictured) as its CEO. Vicky has extensive experience in law firm management. Having built a commercial litigation practice, she went on to lead the commercial dispute resolution team at Thomas Eggar and was elected as managing partner in 2012.

She led on the acquisition of Thomas Eggar by Irwin Mitchell, where, over an eight-year period, she held roles as chief executive of the Business Legal Services Division and, latterly, group chief commercial officer.

Before joining Thomas Eggar, Vicky was a commercial litigator at Freshfields for 10 years.

Another national law firm Freeths has appointed Jake PenningtonSlater as its first in-house eDiscovery manager. He joins from Deloitte, where he supported the business at a global level.

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Family tradition: Twins Zainab and Hadiza Dahiru

...and uni rises in global ranks Aston University has risen in the global rankings to the top 21 per cent of universities for sustainability worldwide.

The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability encompasses three categories - environmental impact, social impact, and governance. This year 1,751 universities were ranked, of which 99 are from the UK. Aston has improved its previous year’s position of top 24 per cent of globally ranked institutions.

In addition, the university increased its placing in three specific measurements; environmental sustainability - of which it is in the top 140 globally - governance and knowledge exchange.

Awards to celebrate business and culture The Lord Mayor of Birmingham’s charity has launched the business and culture awards taking place on Wednesday 9 April at Millennium Point.

The event is set to showcase the best of the city from business, arts and media with live performances, award ceremonies, and exclusive networking opportunities.

People are invited to nominate individuals and companies for the following categories; Business Awards • Business of the Year – Large Enterprises • Business of the Year – Small Enterprises • Young Entrepreneur of the Year • Birmingham Champion Award

• Innovation and Technology Award • Start Up of the Year Media and Culture Awards • Theatre Production of the Year • Film or Creative Production of the Year • Music and Performance Excellence Award • Rising Star Fashion Designer of the Year • Digital Technology Innovator of the Year • Charity Impact Award • Rising Star in Media and Culture • Lifetime Achievement Award For more information go to: lordmayorawards.co.uk. The deadline for submission is 28 February.

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Region set to become leader in creativity...

The West Midlands is set to become a hub in creative innovation after securing £6.75m funding from the government.

Birmingham City University (BCU) has joined forces with the Royal Shakespeare Company and three other West Midlands universities to lead a £6.75m project to support the growth of sectors such as gaming and creative content across the region.

The CreaTech Frontiers collaboration, which also includes Coventry University, the University of Birmingham, and The University of Warwick, will involve high-profile industry partners such as Vodafone, Digital Catapult, Rebellion, Holosphere, Reach plc and Hollywood Gaming.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) believe the creative content and gaming

sectors have the potential to generate £65m and create 1,500 jobs by 2030.

Culture secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Talent is everywhere but opportunity is not. That’s why we are supporting firms, artists and freelancers that are innovating,

Culture secretary Lisa Nandy

using new technology and driving growth in creative clusters across the country.

“Birmingham and the West Midlands have a rich industrial history, and we are putting them at the forefront of a potential new industry developing the amazing technology that will revolutionise visual effects in film, theatre and gaming.”

CreaTech Frontiers is funded by investment from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) on behalf of UK Research and Innovation, which has designated the West Midlands a Creative Industries Cluster.

Lamberto Coccioli, professor of music and technology at BCU’s Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and project lead, said: “CreaTech Frontiers will bring together the most valuable assets of this region

– a young and diverse talent pool, world-class research, outstanding arts organisations, and a budding tech sector – to spark innovation and stimulate growth.”

BCU vice-chancellor Professor David Mba said: “The creative sector in the West Midlands is a key part of Birmingham City University’s heritage as well as the city’s future. We believe that supporting people in the region to develop the skills required is essential to keeping the ecosystem thriving – and this is what we are striving to do through the university’s new strategy.”

Creative SMEs will be able to apply for grants from a £1.8m fund, access academic R&D expertise, mentoring and training, and use world-class research and development labs to create new products and services.

...as writers celebrate poet’s legacy The wife of Birmingham poet Benjamin Zephaniah says a writing competition to celebrate his life and legacy is a “beautiful testament to how his work continues to inspire”.

The Benjamin Zephaniah Future Writers Awards, launched by Birmingham City University (BCU), attracted more than 2,500 entries from across the country.

“Seeing so many of you channel his energy into your creativity is both humbling and uplifting,” Qian Zephaniah told a ceremony at BCU to announce the winners.

Born in Handsworth, Benjamin became a hugely influential figure in Birmingham and across the UK thanks to his talents as a poet, writer, actor and musician. He published numerous collections of his poetry, wrote novels, and was included in The Times list of Britain’s top 50 post-war writers in 2008.

In 2021, he won a BAFTA for Life and Rhymes, which eclipsed Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, Strictly Come Dancing, and The Masked Singer to land the Best Entertainment Programme award.

Dubbed the “people’s laureate”, Benjamin was also an anti-racism and animal rights activist, and he appeared in several episodes of the hit television show Peaky Blinders.

He died aged 65 in 2023 shortly after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

BCU Pro Vice-Chancellor Harris Beider described Benjamin, who was awarded an honorary doctorate by the university in 2005, as a “Brummie icon” and a “national treasure”.

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Writing talent: Winners and other personnel at the awards ceremony

The six first-place winners were: • Adults: Fiona Salt ‘My Father Never Wore Jeans’ • BCU: Linzi Doyle ‘Gramps’ • Year 1, 2 and 3: Edward Booth ‘Connections’ • Year 4, 5 and 6: Dulcie-Bella Hackley ‘Together But Not Together’

inaugural Benjamin Zephaniah Future Writers Awards featured six categories.

The theme was inspired by Benjamin’s poem People Need People and encouraged poems and short stories to be written about friends, family, peers and mentors. The judging panel included Casey Bailey, a former Birmingham poet laureate, Madeleine Kludje, deputy artistic director at The REP Birmingham, Naush Saur, cofounder and editor of the Poetry Birmingham Literary Journal, and Dr Martin Glynn, poet and friend of Benjamin Zephaniah.

• Year 7, 8 and 9: Lucy Backhurst ‘Joseph’ • Year 10, 11, 12 and 13: Silva Gornell ‘Gravity In The Orchard’

For more information visit Benjamin Zephaniah - Future Writers | Birmingham City University at: bcu.ac.uk

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Planning a warm welcome: Children's hospital and charity representatives and BSN Group Construction outside the hospital’s existing front entrance

Makeover for hospital entrance A Brierley Hill construction company has been appointed to transform the entrance at Birmingham Children’s Hospital (BCH).

Last year the BCH launched a £3m appeal, called It Starts Here, to overhaul the entire “first impression” of the hospital. It is felt the existing space does not reflect the world-class care which takes place beyond it and the appeal will transform the entrance into a welcoming and child-friendly environment which contributes to reducing anxiety ahead of appointments. With fundraising going well and over half of the total needed secured in gifts and pledges, BSN Group Construction has been appointed following a two-stage procurement process.

Darren Perry, managing director of BSN Group Construction, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have been awarded this landmark project. Birmingham Children’s Hospital holds a special place in the hearts of so many people and to be entrusted with transforming its new entrance is an honour.

“Our bid team worked tirelessly to secure this opportunity and their dedication and expertise paid off. We’re eager to bring the hospital and charity’s vision to life and deliver a project which exceeds expectations, supporting local communities and providing opportunities along the way.”

Matt Boazman, CEO at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, said: “A patient’s fear and anxiety can significantly impact their overall hospital experience.

No child should feel intimidated about walking through our front door. By transforming our entrance, we hope to align every experience with the excellent care received inside. We’re delighted to be working with BSN Group Construction to make it a reality.”

Mark Brider, CEO of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, added: “Our world-renowned hospital cares for over 100,000 of the UK’s sickest kids every year. However our front entrance doesn’t reflect this. We’re so grateful to everyone who has donated to our £3m appeal which has allowed us to appoint BSN Group Construction.

“The passion and understanding the team showed for what we’re trying to achieve was exceptional and we look forward to completely changing the experiences of our children and families. We still have a little way to go to hit target and urge the public to still donate to help us make our new entrance a reality.”

To find out more about the It Starts Here Appeal, or to donate, go to: bch.org.uk

KPMG bolsters senior team KPMG say they have underlined their commitment to the region with five senior appointments to their Midlands team.

After nearly 30 years with the professional services firm, Stuart Sewell has been appointed as the new head of M&A for the region. A stalwart of the Midlands M&A community, Stuart will lead KPMG’s regional team, advising corporates and shareholders across the Midlands on their growth strategies and corporate finance transactions.

Stuart’s appointment follows a busy time for the team, who completed and exchanged transactions of £500m in the last quarter of 2024, with notable deals including the sale of Wardell Armstrong to SLR Consulting, the sale of Clifton Packaging to Carton Pack and a high-profile healthcare private equity investment.

Richard Dwight has been appointed head of transaction advisory services for the Midlands,

working within the firm’s deal advisory business.

Meanwhile, Nikki Davies has become the firm’s head of KPE (Private Enterprise) audit for the West Midlands.

Louise Scott-Worrall becomes infrastructure government and healthcare lead for the firm’s public sector clients, including education,

local government, housing, health, transport and infrastructure.

Alongside Louise, Bharat Bhushan has been appointed as the region’s leader for the financial services sector.

Andy Bostock (pictured), Birmingham office senior partner said: “The Midlands has a strong foundation for business success, and while economic headwinds and uncertainties remain, 2025 promises to be a year of opportunity for businesses right across the region.

“With the economy going through a crucial period of transition, it’s important that businesses are able to access a full range of advisory services to help them as they pursue growth – organically and through M&A. These leadership changes further enhance our on-the-ground presence in the Midlands as we continue to play our role in supporting those ambitions.”

NESO support Armed Forces The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has become the 1,500th organisation to sign the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC), West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets has announced.

The AFC is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

The organisations who hold a Covenant recognise the value serving personnel, both regular and reserve, veterans, military families, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and Cadets contribute to their business and our country.

NESO, previously the Electricity System Operator, signed the Armed Forces Covenant at their headquarters in Warwick.

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Engineering firm wins four Chambers award Sutton Coldfield-based facilities management firm 3D Facilities Support Ltd has been named Large Business of the Year at the Royal Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth, and Cannock Chase Chambers of Commerce awards.

The specialists in engineering solutions and facilities management for domestic, commercial, and industrial buildings exceeded all growth targets over the past 12 months.

The Belfry Hotel & Resort hosted the awards, which were supported by headline sponsors Amazon and South Staffordshire College.

BBC broadcasting legend Nick Owen hosted the event, which recognised eight category winners in total.

‘We were particularly impressed with the firm’s dedication to charitable work, including their support for local charities and sports teams’ The judging panel featured Emily Berridge (Browne Jacobson), Louise Dunn (The Recruitment Duo), Kevin Johns (Prime Accountants Group), Rohit Parmar-Mistry (Pattrn Data), Sana Saddique (Collective Law Solicitors), and chair, Asian Business Chamber of Commerce director Anjum Khan.

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3D Facilities Support Ltd impressed judges by surpassing £2m in FM contract bases within a year and maintaining high client retention, supported by internal surveys scoring four or five for customer satisfaction.

The firm was also praised for its charitable initiatives, which include sponsoring four local sports teams, supporting Birmingham Acorns, Birmingham Hospice, and the Sutton Coldfield Cancer Support Centre.

Anjum Kham said: “On behalf of the judging panel, I’d like to congratulate 3D Facilities Support Ltd on winning this year’s Large Business of the Year award.

“3D Facilities Support Ltd’s commitment to exceeding growth targets, fostering client satisfaction, and giving back to the community truly stood out. We were particularly impressed with the firm’s dedication to charitable work. We are excited to see 3D Facilities Support Ltd continue to make an impact in the years ahead.”

Abbey Ricketts, from Adams Moore Accountants and Business Advisors, won the SLTC Young Professional of the Year award.

Abbey has been instrumental in the firm’s turnover increase, working with the two remaining partners to fill the gap of the sudden death of founding partner Neil Lancaster. She has been hailed by her coworkers for her work ethic and down to earth attitude.

Award winners: Cannock Chase Small Business of the Year (Sponsored by Enoch Evans) Techcare Lichfield Small Business of the Year (Sponsored by Crown Highways) The Listening Centre EAP Ltd Tamworth Small Business of the Year (Sponsored by Tamworth Borough Council) Embello Royal Sutton Coldfield Small Business of the Year (Sponsored by NA Consulting) RotoSpa Ltd SLTC Entrepreneurs of the Year (Sponsored by Lichfield District Council) Philip Arkinstall - Ark Media Group John Fogarty - JPF First Aid SLTC Community Impact Award (Sponsored by 3D Facilities Support) Community Together CIC SLTC Young Professional of the Year (Sponsored by South Staffordshire College) Abbey Ricketts - Adams Moore Accountants and Business Advisors SLTC Large Business of the Year 3D Facilities Support Ltd Cannock Chase President's Award Ben Bradley - Cosmik Carrot Lichfield & Tamworth President's Award Hannah Montgomery - Grace Cares and Golddust Marketing Royal Sutton Coldfield President's Award Lisa Martinelli and Tina Swani - Sutton Charitable Trust

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BUSINESS NEWS

The Belfry’s female leaders recognised Women are leading the way at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, near Sutton Coldfield, with four of its senior leadership team recognised through award wins.

Emma Catterall, finance director at The Belfry, has taken home the inspirational finance leader of the year award at the Hospitality Professionals Association (HOSPA) Awards 2024.

The award recognises Emma’s ability to navigate complex financial challenges with integrity and foresight, drive sustainable growth, inspire her peers, and contribute to the overall success and resilience of her organisation.

She said: “I take great pride in my work at The Belfry and am truly honoured that my contribution has been recognised in this way.

“I know the resort will thrive long into the future and I can’t wait to play my part in that success.”

Kirsten Price, The Belfry’s people director, has been crowned People Manager of the Year at the renowned The Caterer magazine Hotel Cateys 2024 awards.

Judges praised the strong people-centric culture Kirsten has created and her ability to inspire those around her to deliver exceptional results.

Kirsten said: “Without a doubt, our Belfry people are at the heart of the resort’s success, which is why I’m so passionate about creating an environment in which they feel appreciated, motivated, inspired and encouraged.

“Just as each and every one of our guests deserves to feel valued, our employees deserve the same, and I will always strive to deliver this for them.”

Rekha Lyons, The Belfry’s head of event sales, has been named winner of the Individual Award at the industry-leading miaList Awards 2024.

Rekha was acknowledged for her strong leadership and remarkable expertise. This includes helping The Belfry secure more than £80m worth of investment for its bold expansion project.

Anna Nilsson, deputy head greenkeeper of the Brabazon Golf Course at The Belfry, has been recognised with the Women in Turfcare Award at the Women in Golf Awards 2024.

Chris Eigelaar, resort director at The Belfry, said: “Kirsten, Emma Rekha and Anna are invaluable assets to The Belfry. Four talented, innovative and inspiring women who have each played an intrinsic role in the resort’s success.

“They are leaders in their fields with a wealth of knowledge to contribute to the hospitality industry, and we couldn’t be prouder of their phenomenal achievements.

• For more sport, turn to page 94.

Inspiring: Kirsten Price

Pioneering drama to premiere at the Rep before tour The cast and tour dates have been announced for a new drama celebrating and exposing the reallife experiences of women in football, set to premier at the Birmingham Rep. The newly announced cast is set to premiere this groundbreaking piece inspired by real life stories of the female footballing world, at The Rep from Wednesday 19 February to Saturday 22 February, before going on a tour across the Midlands to Malvern Theatre, Derby Theatre, Warwick Arts Centre and concluding at Attenborough Arts Centre.

The cast comprises Saskia Davis, who is making her professional stage debut as Gabi, April Nerissa Hudson as Naomi and Molly Walker as Liv. Completing the cast is former England Youth player, now professional actor, Elizabeth Hope playing Kim and Gina Jamieson as Courtney, who are both returning to Good for a Girl after originally 40 CHAMBERLINK February 2025

taking part in the two weeks of R&D performances in 2022.

Writer and associate director Becky Deeks is currently the head of Young Rep, Birmingham Rep’s youth theatre company for young people aged between 3 and 26.

Working alongside Becky, is director and movement director, Lucy Wild (founder of Fractured Glass and co-founder of Overdrive Dance Company); set designer Laura O’Connell (head of scenic art at Birmingham Rep); costume designer and textile artist, Ocean Farini (Rings of Power, Amazon); lighting designer Jessie Addinall (The Borrowers, Hull Truck); sound designer Clive Meldrum (Bright Places, Birmingham Rep), producer Hope Ward-Brown and production manager Elliot Mitchell.

Becky said: “Good for a Girl is a deeply personal story inspired by my experiences as a female footballer and some incredible people who have been part of the research process. Women’s football

has come so far, even since I began writing the play in 2019.

“However, the inequalities explored in this play remind us how much more there is to do. I hope this production not only celebrates the incredible strength of female athletes but also inspires change both on and off the pitch.”

Alongside the tour, the production is also offering creative

‘Good for a Girl is a deeply personal story inspired by my experiences as a female footballer and some incredible people who have been part of the research process’

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BUSINESS NEWS

Colour perfect: The JLR pallet

Now choose any colour at JLR Automotive giant JLR is investing millions of pounds in new paint facilities at its Castle Bromwich site to help it meet demand for personalised luxury vehicles.

The group says demand for personalised colour options – where customers pick from hundreds of bespoke paint options across its Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models – has more than doubled since 2022.

Meanwhile, JLR says demand for its exclusive Range Rover SV models doubled this financial year.

The group is now investing £65m expanding its paint facilities in the West Midlands and at Nitra in Slovakia.

JLR’s SV bespoke paint matching service allows clients to get a Range Rover SV painted in any colour they want.

Inspiring change: The theatre production

workshops for youth theatres, grassroots sports clubs and community groups.

These workshops range from devising theatre to writing and explore themes of the production including the young carer experience, gender inequality and mental health.

Good For a Girl is funded by Arts Council England.

As part of its £41m investment in new special vehicle operations (SVO) facilities at Castle Bromwich, JLR will spend £26m this year to replace existing paint booths.

The company says the new booths use energy-efficient technology and filtration techniques to cut energy and water use, while their automated paint-spraying robots reduce waste by 30 per cent compared to hand painting methods.

JLR will also this year build a £10m universal paint line at its plant in Nitra, Slovakia, where the Defender and Discovery are manufactured.

The project will include new electric curing ovens, as the company bids to cut its CO2 emissions, and will help create 120 new jobs in the country. Paint shops are one of the most energy-intensive parts of car manufacturing,

with JLR saying they account for 80 per cent of the automotive industry’s operational emissions globally.

Andrea Debbane, JLR’s chief sustainability officer, said: “JLR is seeing a significant increase in clients wanting to personalise their vehicles, so we are preparing to expand our facilities and offer thousands more paint options across our brands, but doing so in the most sustainable and efficient way possible.”

Jamal Hameedi, director for SVO, said: “SVO is all about offering our clients unparalleled performance, luxury and capability.

“That includes the most exclusive, high quality colour finishes available. By increasing our capacity we can satisfy the demand growth from our Range Rover clients and also expand this service for the first time to clients of our other brands.”

Rembrandt masterpieces to go on display in Birmingham Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery has launched a major new exhibition of etchings by Rembrandt showcasing his mastery of print.

Opening in March 2025, Rembrandt: Masterpieces in Black and White—Prints from the Rembrandt House Museum, presents the complete range of Rembrandt’s etchings, highlighting the artist’s centuries-long impact on the field of printmaking through a select group of works by his forerunners, contemporaries and later artists.

The exhibition, co-organised by the American Federation of Arts and the Rembrandt House Museum, will be on display at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery from 6 March to 1 June.

This is the first time that Rembrandt’s etchings have been brought out of the Netherlands as

a collection and is the only opportunity to see the exhibition in the UK. Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606-1669) is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of all time.

Apart from his atmospheric paintings, he also produced more than 300 etchings.

This exhibition presents the full range of Rembrandt’s etching output, alongside prints by select forerunners and contemporaries.

Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, cochief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “We are delighted to be working with the American Federation of Arts and the Rembrandt House Museum to host this significant exhibition of Rembrandt’s etchings.

Consummate draughtsman: Rembrandt

“We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery for this exclusive opportunity to see such an important collection in the UK.” Tickets are now on sale. For more information visit birminghammuseums.org.uk • For more arts news, turn to page 92.

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CHAMBER PATRONS

Chamber Patrons Greater Birmingham Chambers’ leading supporters

Contact: Raj Kandola T: 07815 952462

Partners (left to right): Garry Cook (Birmingham City FC), Chris Sharp (Intercity), Charlie Blakemore (Intercity), Jeremy Dale (Birmingham City FC)

IT provider scores football partnership One of the West Midlands’ fastest growing managed IT, communication and cloud security solutions providers has strengthened its footprint in the sporting world with a landmark football deal.

Birmingham’s Intercity, which has doubled its workforce to 325 over the last five years, has become the official IT support partner for Birmingham City, a partnership that will enhance the football club’s digital infrastructure and ensure seamless technology integration across its growing sporting, commercial and community operations.

The three-year collaboration will involve upgrading IT systems and cloud servers, matchday stadium support, enhancing network

connectivity at Blues’ Knighthead Training and Academy Grounds, IT transformation advice and delivery of the latest cyber security training.

An onsite support engineer from Intercity will also be deployed to ensure around the clock technical support.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Birmingham City Football Club, a cornerstone of our local community,” said Charlie Blakemore, CEO of Intercity.

“This strategic partnership represents a great synergy between two Birmingham-based organisations with deep and passionate roots in the city.

“Our focus will be on helping the football club with its digital transformation, a critical journey that will boost operations and allow them

‘This strategic partnership represents a great synergy between two Birmingham-based organisations with deep and passionate roots in the city’ 42 CHAMBERLINK February 2025

Matchday calling patterns to continue A new matchday calling pattern at Bordesley station for Birmingham City fixtures will continue until the end of the current football season, West Midlands Railway (WMR) has confirmed.

The station does not receive a regular service apart from matchdays, when trains make special stops.

This season, fans have experienced long waits as a queuing system is required for safety reasons, prompting WMR to trial a new calling pattern.

Following the conclusion of the trial at several recent fixtures, WMR has confirmed its new calling pattern will remain in place.

This means only Birmingham-bound trains will stop at Bordesley before matches.

After the game, only trains bound for Dorridge and Stratford-uponAvon will call at the station.

Passengers requiring services in the opposite direction are advised to use Birmingham Moor Street as the nearest alternative station.

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for West Midlands Railway, said: “The safety of our customers is our top priority and following the conclusion of the recent trial we are now extending this matchday calling pattern until the end of the current football season.” to focus on their performance both on and off the field.”

The deal with Blues follows closely on the heels of Intercity’s partnership with Edgbaston Stadium and Warwickshire County Cricket Club.

Both sporting institutions have chosen the company for its proven track record and robust delivery of the latest IT solutions and big event experience, as well as its unrivalled commitment to working with them on charitable causes and with community groups.

Charlie continued: “We have always prioritised building strong

partnerships within the community and adding Birmingham City Football Club to our roster is not only a tremendous honour, but a fantastic vehicle for doing good in the local areas we operate in.”

Garry Cook, ex-CEO of Birmingham City Football Club, said: “We took over just 18 months ago, and the focus was on fixing and building the football club. To do that you need the right technical skillset and Intercity is the best in the business when it comes to IT solutions – signing the partnership deal was an easy decision.”

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CHAMBER PATRONS

Patty pioneer awarded BCU honorary doctorate Given 24 hours to live after contracting Covid in April 2020, Birmingham entrepreneur Wade Lyn CBE bounced back to health by demonstrating the fighting qualities that have made him such a formidable figure in the West Midlands business community.

Now 65, he also attributes his remarkable recovery to the amazing care he received from staff at Queen Elizabeth Hospital as well as the elite training he did as a respected 400-metre runner some 40 years previously.

“I was put into a coma and my family were told I didn’t have long to live,” said the founder of Birmingham-based Cleone Foods Ltd, the largest manufacturer of Jamaican patties in the UK. “After six weeks, I came out of the coma and spent several more weeks recovering. My muscles had wasted away, I needed a wheelchair to go the toilet, and my joints were stiff for ages.

“The hospital staff were fantastic. The fighting spirit I had developed as an athlete was

Honour: Wade Lynn (left) and David Mba, the BCU vice-chancellor

crucial, too. It gave me the mental tenacity to overcome the odds.”

Wade received an honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University (BCU) for his outstanding contribution to public life and his exceptional service to Birmingham.

“It’s a great accolade,” said the

Jamaican-born businessman. “My mum and dad wanted me to be a doctor – and now I am.”

Cleone Foods Ltd produces 240,000 patties each week for the likes of Sainsburys, Morrisons, Iceland, Asda and Co-op. They also stock wholesalers and small businesses across the country.

Woodburning adds to pollution Woodburning has a major impact on air quality in Birmingham and the West Midlands – accounting for a substantial proportion of all fine pollution particles and representing a significant risk to public health, a new study reveals.

University of Birmingham researchers found that biomass burning, primarily from woodburning activities, such as heating homes using woodburning stoves or logs on open fires, contributes significantly to fine particulate matter levels in the region – accounting for some 20 per cent of the total PM2.5 mass.

Publishing their findings in Atmospheric Environment, the researchers call for targeted measures to mitigate health risks associated with these emissions.

Lead author Dr Deepchandra Srivastava (pictured) said: “Our study highlights the significant increase in woodburning activity in the past 10 years, making it one of the most important sources of air pollution in the West Midlands.”

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1813 CLUB AND PREMIER MEMBERS

1813 Club and Premier Members Unsung heroes from across the UK were honoured at a Birmingham awards celebration recognising outstanding and humbling achievements in business, charity and community.

A 900-strong crowd cheered on winners at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole Hotel for the Multicultural Business and Community Awards, now in its ninth year.

Recipients shared their inspiring stories as they took to the stage at the event, which was hosted by comedian Judi Love and soul legend Omar.

There were 20 categories, paying tribute to community business, charity and community leaders and volunteers, as well as three honorary awards – which went to Alison Hammond, Levi Roots and Paul Canoville.

Legendary Birmingham poet Benjamin Zephaniah’s family accepted a posthumous award on his behalf.

Sydney Mitchell offers ‘one lawyer’ divorces A new service for separating couples seeking a fast, cost-effective divorce has been launched by West Midlands law firm Sydney Mitchell’s Family Law team.

The service gives couples the choice of a more cooperative approach to separation and divorce, with both parties using the same family lawyer, and approaching the process with a shared goal of avoiding potential conflict and saving time and money.

Using the Resolution Together model, created by Resolution, Sydney Mitchell’s Emma Gray (pictured), associate and trained Resolution Together solicitor, will lead and deliver the new specialist service.

She said: “In a significant shift aimed at reducing the strain on family courts and encouraging amicable resolutions, in 2022, the Government introduced new legislation under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separate Act 2020.

“For the first time, this allows couples to make joint applications to end their marriage.

“Dubbed ‘no-fault divorce’, the law permits couples to separate without apportioning blame and has already proved to have had a profound impact on divorcing couples, particularly those with children.

“Resolution is an organisation of lawyers and other family justice professionals who are committed to following a non-confrontational and constructive approach to resolving family issues.

“Its Resolution Together model encompasses these principles. `’It is a way for separating couples who want to work together to manage their separation to instruct a single solicitor to provide advice.

“Using its framework, our team follow a clear approach that offers clients who are open to the process a way to be able to conduct their divorce in a fair and calm way, especially for the sake of any children.

“By training in and adopting this approach, the firm has enhanced its family law and divorce services for clients navigating a highly emotional and difficult time, but who are committed to avoiding confrontation and disagreement.”

Millennium Point in search for its next STEM superstar Birmingham-based charity Millennium Point has launched its 2025 Scholarship programme and will be awarding a free degree to the winner.

Continuing its ongoing mission to empower young people with opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) industries, Millennium Point is looking to award a fully-funded degree at Birmingham City University’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.

Students can choose from a wide range of courses in computing, digital technology, and engineering.

The scholarship scheme is open to students living in the West Midlands Combined Authority area, who will be aged 18 or over in September 2025, and are looking to study one of the included courses at Birmingham City University. Interested parties can find out more information and apply until Friday 7 March at www.millenniumpoint.org.uk 44 CHAMBERLINK February 2025

Membership Contact: Gary Birch T: 0121 274 3236

Greater Birmingham’s leading companies

Celebrating our community

Premier

Millennium Point has also announced new commercial spaces for lease in its landmark building.

The spaces provide an opportunity for businesses to position themselves next to the new Curzon Street Station.

Curzon Street Station is set to be a key part of Britain’s new high-speed railway. Positioned directly opposite the station’s entrance, Millennium Point will benefit from the increase in visitors to the area.

Rebecca Delmore, Millennium Point commercial director, said: “We are excited about welcoming new tenants to Birmingham’s Knowledge Quarter and its community of innovators. Our new tenants will be at the centre of an amazing new chapter for the city centre, whilst also helping to inspire the city’s next generation.”

Interested parties can find more information and enquire about viewings at millenniumpoint.org.uk

Six-year deal for Simpex Greater Birmingham Chamber awards finalist Simpex is celebrating a six-year partnership with an international development charity.

Founded by Save the Children, The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), and HRH The Princess Royal, Transaid is committed to transforming lives through improved transport, addressing professional driver and rural transport access.

Simpex says Transaid continues to create better futures for communities in need.

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1813 CLUB AND PREMIER MEMBERS

Survey: The M6toll

Search for the smoothest drive Bosses at M6toll have challenged drivers to find the UK’s smoothest motorway.

It comes as the UK stages National Pothole Day, held annually to raise awareness of the dreaded holes in the road.

According to the RAC, the UK has more than one million potholes with these road defects being one of the leading causes of car breakdowns.

But potholes aren’t a recent phenomenon. The term “pothole” can be traced back to the Roman Empire. Potters who couldn’t afford clay would steal it from the roads, causing deep holes in the road surface.

These days potholes appear because of a mix of environmental factors and road usage.

In addition to the annual freeze and thaw cycle, where water seeps into cracks, heavy traffic and poor drainage can also result in holes appearing around this time of year.

Road wear is another factor, made worse by a lack of proper maintenance.

‘The potholes are worse than ever this year on some roads, but you won't find any on the M6toll!’

Micheal Whelan, general manager at M6toll, which carries up to 65,000 vehicles every weekday, said: “At M6toll, we understand how

annoying and potentially dangerous potholes can be.

“Our customers expect a highquality road surface, and we deliver just that.”

The M6toll has in-house teams working 24/7 who monitor the road for potential damage and repairing issues before they become potholes.

This proactive approach ensures a smoother, safer drive for its customers. Unlike the general road network, M6toll is privately funded.

The tolls that are collected allow it to maintain the road regularly, ensuring repairs are done quickly at times that cause the least disruption to drivers.

Micheal added: “The potholes are worse than ever this year on some roads, but you won't find any on the M6toll!

“Our dedicated maintenance teams work around the clock to ensure the road is always in top condition. This high level of service means we can provide a safe, reliable, and pothole-free journey.

“Depending on their size, potholes can cause significant damage to vehicles and pose a danger to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Even small potholes can lead to damage to tyres, suspension, and the steering system if hit repeatedly.”

Figures from the RAC show drivers encounter an average of six potholes per mile in England, and face spending around £500 on repairs because of pothole damage.

The Government has confirmed that an extra £500m will be made available for road maintenance including fixing potholes.

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE

International Trade Help for female entrepreneurs Nasir Awan is supporting a major trade mission in which six African nations and four Asian countries will combine to promote female entrepreneurs.

The president of Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) will be among the speakers in Manchester on 10-11 February.

Delegates will include representatives of 50 womenled businesses from 10 countries – Bangladesh, Kenya, Rwanda, Mozambique, Nepal, Mongolia, Pakistan, Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe - and five sectors.

The event is organised by SheTrades Commonwealth, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC).

SheTrade aims to increase economic growth and job creation in Commonwealth countries by increasing the participation of women-owned business in international trade.

The organiser say that globally women entrepreneurs face compounded challenges to export compared to their male counterparts, such as being less connected to networks of buyers and sellers and accessing key market.

Nasir, who will speak during the opening session on the Monday, said: “Empowering women, elevating trade – members are able to join us for this transformative mission where six African nations and four Asian countries unite to support female entrepreneurs.

The event will showcase products that uphold ethical standards and drive sustainable growth for a brighter, inclusive future.”

The wide-ranging programme will include a focus on fresh and processed agrifood, textiles and apparel, handicrafts, IT and BPO, and beauty sectors.

46 CHAMBERLINK February 2025

T: 0121 725 8994 E: ibh@birmingham-chamber.com

First event: The start of the Brunch Event at Albert’s Schloss

Brunches bring trade community together Donald Trump was on the agenda when the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce launched its new Brunch series.

It took place at Albert’s Schloss in Birmingham city centre with over 70 companies attending. Including the new president 2.0, topics included New Year, New Markets, global security, importance of EU

relationship to importance of having a robust, resilient international business plan. Insights were shared by a our panel of experts.

With 2025 is shaping up already to be another year of a rapidly evolving trade landscape, the new Global Brunch event series will support both those already trading internationally and wanting to grow

and those curious and wanting to take the first steps in coming together to building an active and supportive international trade community in the region.

The brunches are practical and interactive sessions to gain insights on how to tackle challenges effectively to ensure long term global success.

Time is running out for claims Lawyers are urgently warning that the “clock may run out” before an international claim is successfully served due to severe backlogs at the UK’s Foreign Process Section (FPS).

The FPS, which handles the service of claims abroad in compliance with the Hague Convention, is grappling with processing times that could take several months.

Claimants hoping to serve documents abroad could run the risk of not successfully serving a claim within the Civil Procedure Rules’ (CPR) six-month deadline, potentially prejudicing their position.

Sneha Nainwal, partner at law firm Shakespeare Martineau, who specialises in cross-border disputes, said: “The FPS handles a range of international disputes, with commercial claims being the most common.

“Typical cases involve a UK-based claimant seeking to recover contractual debts or damages from foreign defendants.

“These cross-border claims, regardless of industry, are increasingly subject to delays due to the FPS backlog.

“The FPS enforces strict procedural rules, and any oversight or misstep could result in the rejection of the application, forcing the claimant to restart the process and face further delays in an already backlogged system.

To avoid this, ensure all documents are in perfect order and apply promptly for an extension if you anticipate difficulty serving within the six-month deadline.

“Don’t leave things to the last minute. For the best chance of success and to avoid unnecessary complications, seek professional advice.”

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Global Chamber Patrons

Topics for this year include: • Overcoming challenges to global growth • Harnessing the power of technology to maximise your global advantage • Power of Partnerships in global trade • Taxes, tariffs and trade agreements – maximise the benefits.

Jayne Hume (pictured inset), head of international divisions, said: “I’m really excited to have launched this new series for 2025. The overwhelmingly positive response from attendees indicating the strong interest in international trade.”

TRANSATLANTIC CHAMBER PATRONS

Sports talk: Janie Frampton (right) with Henrietta Brealey

Helping region seize sporting opportunities The business of sport can unleash a wealth of opportunities for Greater Birmingham businesses.

That’s the view of trailblazing former football referee and Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce president Janie Frampton.

Speaking during an episode of the Chamber’s CEO Stories podcast, Janie told CEO and host Henrietta Brealey that she wants to help businesses become “more savvy” about the economic potential of sport.

‘I don’t think people quite realise how big the business of sport is’

Risk: Sneha Nainwal

Janie, the co-founder of TeamYou, was only the second woman to officiate a men’s professional football game in England and went on to referee a number of prestige games and tournaments.

Since retiring from refereeing she has worked with global sports governing bodies on leadership and development programmes.

During the CEO Stories podcast, Janie discusses rubbing shoulders with the likes of Portuguese

football legend Eusebio and Olympic champion turned sports executive Lord Sebastian Coe. Janie, who first became involved with the Global Chamber’s forerunner, the Commonwealth Chamber, in the build-up to the 2022 Commonwealth Games, said: “I knew enough about international sport and the business it brings.

“I just wanted to open people’s eyes within the Chamber and the region how important that was and then I just got hooked.

“I don’t think people quite realise how big the business of sport is and I think we need to be a little bit more savvy about how much is in it.

“There is opportunity within the supply chain because it's everything from sporting equipment through to marketing, PR, IT, training, security - every area of business.”

CEO Stories is a monthly podcast that delves into the careers of some of the region’s leading and up and coming business leaders.

Previous guests include former NEC Group boss Paul Thandi, ex-Birmingham City Council CEO Deborah Cadman and Aston University vicechancellor Professor Aleks Subic.

February 2025 CHAMBERLINK 47

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ABCC Updates and useful information from the largest ethnic support organisation in the UK Contact: Anjum Khan T: 0121 274 3255

Wholesale pioneer is made university’s youngest chancellor Birmingham entrepreneur and business leader Dr Jason Wouhra OBE has been officially installed as Aston University’s new chancellor.

Dr Wouhra, Aston University’s youngest chancellor and the first of Asian heritage, was presented with the chancellor’s chain at the beginning of the University’s first winter graduation at Symphony Hall, Birmingham.

Spread across three ceremonies, approximately 4,500 graduates and guests attended the event.

The decision to hold a ceremony in the city centre coincides with the university marking 130 years since the foundation of Birmingham Municipal Technical School, the educational establishment which in 1966 evolved into Aston University when it gained its Royal Charter.

Dr Wouhra is Aston’s fifth chancellor, and as ceremonial head of the university his high-profile role includes presiding over events and conferring degrees upon hundreds of graduating students each year.

A trailblazing business leader and entrepreneur, Dr Wouhra was previously awarded an honorary doctorate by Aston for his contribution to entrepreneurship and business development in 2014.

A former director of East End Foods, Dr Wouhra is the founder and chief executive of

Lioncroft Wholesale - a leading UK independent business - as well as the current chairman of Unitas, the UK’s largest independent wholesale buying group.

Outside of the food and drink industry, Dr Wouhra was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty the Queen in 2017 for services to business and international trade, and in 2013 became the youngest and first chair of Asian heritage of the Institute of Directors in the West Midlands.

He was appointed to Aston University’s governing body, the University Council, in June 2020, and last year launched the Lioncroft Foundation to support charitable initiatives across the globe.

His installation ceremony as part of winter graduation was presided over by Aston University’s vice-chancellor and chief executive, Professor Aleks Subic, who said: “Graduation is a significant milestone for our students, and I’m delighted that this year’s winter ceremonies also marked the installation of our new chancellor, Dr Wouhra.

“He brings an impressive track record as an entrepreneur and business leader, with a profound belief in education’s power to transform lives - qualities that will both inspire and nurture our next generation of leaders.

“With the appointment of our first chancellor of Asian heritage at Aston University, we are demonstrating our commitment to creating an inclusive, entrepreneurial and transformational university.”

Dr Wouhra added: “It is a huge honour and a privilege to be officially installed as chancellor of Aston University, and it is of course deeply humbling to be the youngest ever chancellor and

Women’s centre to be court pilot project Anawim – Birmingham’s Centre for Women - has been picked for a pilot project that has the potential to change how some women are dealt with by the Criminal Justice System.

The project, known as the Intensive Supervision Court (ISC), was designed to be used by women whose offence would normally meet the custody threshold, and who may need intensive support from a range of partner agencies to address multiple and complex unmet needs which often feed into the cycle of reoffending.

Instead of being sent to prison, at a cost to the public of £52,000 per annum, the women will receive a sentence that requires them to work with community partners.

All appointments take place at the women’s centre, and the women can then build trust through a dedicated caseworker and judge who remain with them for the duration of their sentence.

They will have monthly reviews with the judge and their multidisciplinary caseworkers as a chance to review their progress.

The scheme, devised by the Asian Business Chamber members, is showing promise with former minister David Gauke, who is leading the Government’s sentencing review, being optimistic in a recent interview.

48 CHAMBERLINK February 2025

Spreading the word: The Anawim project

Despite women comprising just four per cent of the prison population, they account for 27 per cent of self-harm incidents.

Anawim CEO Joy Doal said: “We are honoured to be part of this pilot and hope that it will be rolled out after the initial period. This approach really does work. There is still time for people to feed into the sentencing review, so readers are asked to contribute so that we can change the criminal justice system and make it work for victims and for those who offend.”

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ABCC PREMIER+ PARTNERS

ABCC Patrons

First Asian-heritage chancellor: Dr Jason Wouhra (right) with Professor Aleks Subic

first of Asian - and in particular Sikh - heritage in Europe.

“But the ceremony was rightly about our graduates, who I know with the lessons of our university under their belt can go on to achieve extraordinary things. The city of Birmingham has a history of incredible entrepreneurship, and I hope those who graduated today take with them the essence of that entrepreneurial spirit.”

Investment advice for start-up businesses

Gladiator to speak on Women’s Day BBC 1 Gladiators star “Athena” will be the keynote speaker at the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) International Women’s Day celebrations.

The 5ft 4in Warwick-born former world champion powerlifter will share her journey of resilience, breaking barriers, and empowering others to achieve their ambitions.

The event, aligned with this year’s theme of ‘Accelerate Action’, will take place on Wednesday, 12 February, at Birmingham Library, starting at noon and will be supported

by Catapult Connected Places.

“Athena”, real name Karenjeet Kaur Bains, was born to Sikh parents from Punjab. Her mother came from a family of wrestlers and her father was a former bodybuilder and powerlifter. She attended Myton School, where she was a champion track and field athlete, racing in the 100 metres, 200 metres and 300 metres, and Hammer throw.

She earned the nickname “Bullet Bains” at school due to her speed. Her older twin brothers were also athletes, competing nationally in the 400 metres hurdles.

Karenjeet, 28, started to train with weights to increase her sprinting power, then found she enjoyed powerlifting in its own right. She used the gym at her family home and her father coached her in the exercises of squat, bench press and deadlift.

After three months of training, she won her first competition. She attended Durham

University, where she gained a degree in accounting.She then worked in audit at KPMG. While at university, Karenjeet took the British and English powerlifting titles and won the British Universities powerlifting in the junior women's 63 kg category. At the age of 19, she injured her piriformis muscle in her left buttock and it took two years to recover her strength.

She then won the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships junior title and became the first British Sikh woman to represent her country at both the European and World championships. Her first senior event was at the World Classic Bench Press Championships in Vilnius, Lithuania, and she came sixth.

After six years working for KPMG, Karenjeet switched to working for a small arts company in 2022 and put her name to an online training app. In 2024, she began to appear on the television show Gladiators as “Athena”.

ABCC president Omar Rashid will host the event, which will also feature a Q&A session with Karenjeet.

Omar said: “Each year IWD gets more attraction and this year, by starting our events earlier, we hope the attraction is bigger and for a more sustained period.

“I am looking forward to hosting the event and welcome a change in format which will no doubt bring more value and impact.”

“Athena”: Karenjeet, the multi medal winner

ABCC has launched its first finance readiness programme to equip pre-startup, start-ups and established businesses wanting to level up on how to raise funds and investments.

The programme, delivered in partnership with Business Growth West Midlands Investment Readiness and Oxford Innovation, falls under the backdrop where nearly one in two Asian entrepreneurs give up on their business idea due to being unable to raise funding.

To be eligible, businesses should be a member of ABCC based or registered in Birmingham or Solihull. An investment day will also be held at the closing day of the programme to pitch ideas to investors.

The next event will take place in March.

Contact a.khan@birmingham-chamber.com for more information

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CANNOCK CHASE CHASE CHAMBER PATRONS

Contact: Richard Brooks T: 07796 242029

Virtual campus: Redefining University of Staffordshire

Community network secures funding A community network has secured almost £1m to empower young people aged 13 to 19 to undertake research designed to bring about positive change.

The Know Your Place Network has received the award through the Community Research Networks programme innovation, which is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and delivered by The Young Foundation.

The Know Your Place Network is made up of Staffordshire Council of Voluntary Youth Services; a young people's steering group; Staffordshire County Council and the University of Staffordshire.

In phase one of the programme, the group received £25,000 and used the money to test a research focus. Initially the research prioritised climate anxiety, but feedback from local young people cited other issues of greater concern including cost of living. In phase one young people tested a new community research tool, and a steering group was recruited.

Phil Pusey MBE, chief executive at Staffordshire Council of Voluntary Youth Services, said: “The Know Your Place network is delighted to have been successful with our youth-focused project application. We look forward to bringing a youthful perspective to the programme, to learn as much as we can from other areas and to enable young people and their wellbeing to be at the very heart of local policy and decision-making over the next five years.”

Nic Gratton, associate professor of community and civic engagement at University of Staffordshire, added: “Research carried out by the young people themselves has the power to influence and ultimately make Staffordshire a better place for young people to live, now and in the future.”

Helen Goulden OBE, CEO at The Young Foundation, said: “The insights gained from the Know Your Place network and other local research networks will be vital if we are to work together to tackle some of the persistent and entrenched challenges we face.”

Better place: Nic Gratton

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University campus is re-built in online world The UK’s first university campus recreated in computer game Fortnite has been launched by the University of Staffordshire.

Built by games students in Unreal Engine and hosted as a Fortnite island, StaffsVerse is a revolutionary space where students, staff, and the global community can engage, connect and explore. Visitors to the Fortnite island can play mini games while navigating the university’s three main campuses, which have been virtually recreated in impressive detail.

Professor Chris Headleand, head of the university’s games institute, said: “We’re thrilled to launch the StaffsVerse virtual campus, an exciting and innovative project that unites our Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and London campuses in a single, immersive metaverse experience.”

Vice-chancellor Professor Martin Jones added: “The launch of StaffsVerse marks an exciting new chapter for University of Staffordshire. This groundbreaking initiative showcases our commitment to shaping the future of education.”

Newlife’s outlet popup is back Newlife The Charity for Disabled Children has popped up again at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands, following a successful popup shop last year.

It will help raise funds so disabled children can receive the vital equipment and support they need.

Newlife is also the charity of the Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce for 2024/25.

The Newlife pop-up store, which proved hugely successful during its last visit, officially opened its doors again last month.

It is packed with brands including River Island, Monsoon, and many more, all at discounted prices.

Goodie bags were also given away to the first 50 shoppers who visited the store and Newlife’s Ambassadog, Nugget, was on hand to help shoppers and keep younger customers entertained.

Entertaining: Newlife’s Ambassadog Nugget

Carole Simpson, Newlife’s director of retail and sustainability, said: “We’re so excited to be back at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands and once again have the opportunity to showcase the fantastic brands at heavily discounted prices that Newlife has to offer. This opportunity also gave us the chance to raise awareness of how people’s purchases can make a huge difference to the lives of disabled children.”

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BURTON & DISTRICT BURTON & DISTRICT CHAMBER PATRONS

Contact: Richard Brooks T: 07796 242029

Burton contractor welcomes apprentices

Recognition: Shelagh Legrave (FE commissioner, Department for Education) presents Rob Stevenson with a Good for Me, Good for FE Award

Lecturer honoured for volunteering efforts

Budding electricians: Oliver (left) and Morgan

Burton-based Yee Group is reinforcing its commitment to nurturing careers in the electrical industry by welcoming three new apprentices to its growing team.

These budding electricians, Oliver, Morgan, and Edgars, will undertake their training with JTL Training in conjunction with local colleges while gaining hands-on experience at Yee Group, a company renowned for its dedication to developing future talent.

‘All members of our team commit their time to supporting our apprentices’ Yee Group has a long-standing tradition of supporting apprenticeships and actively participates in local careers fairs to inspire young people to explore the diverse opportunities available in the electrical sector.

Morgan said: “I know the company has developed many apprentices like me. It’s a great company to work and learn in, and the team has gone out of their way to welcome me and help me settle into working life.”

For Oliver, the journey to becoming an electrician started early: “My interest in becoming an electrician began quite young.

“I always had small electronics projects on the go and even built a motor bike from scratch.

Studying at Loughborough College while working at Yee Group is a great combination.”

Edgars also has big dreams for his career: “I’ve always wanted to become an electrician.

Qualifying is my first goal, but one day, I hope to run my own business.”

The company’s group general manager, Jason Cooper, said: “All members of our team commit their time to supporting our apprentices because they truly represent the future experts of our business.”

Accountancy firm appoints director

Rob Stevenson, a public services lecturer at Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC), has been recognised for his services working as a volunteer for the ambulance service during the Good for Me, Good for FE annual Awards at the House of Lords.

Rob was awarded the Staff Volunteer of the Year prize for his dedication to making a difference. He has dedicated 14 years to volunteering as a community first responder with the West Midlands Ambulance Service, leading the Abbots Bromley team.

He also runs the British Heart Foundation's “Heart Start” course, teaching life-saving skills in case of a heart attack.

A committed member of the Royal British Legion, Rob manages the distribution and sales of poppies across Burton.

Additionally, Rob undertakes the Coast-toCoast Challenge each year where he cycles with students for 204km in three days.

Fresh perspective: Becky Hayles with Martin Chilver (left) and Steven Bourne

Accountancy firm The Chartwell Practice has appointed Rebecca Hayles as a director.

Since joining The Chartwell Practice in 2016, Becky achieved her Chartered Accountancy qualification through the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and has continued to develop her leadership skills and build her experience.

The firm says Becky brings a fresh perspective and energy to the board, which will be instrumental as The Chartwell Practice continues to evolve.

Fellow directors Martin Chilver and Steven Bourne said: "We are delighted to welcome Becky to the board. Her determination and dedication have been clear from the beginning, and we are confident she will make a significant impact in her new role.”

Becky said: “It is an honour to take on this role. This is a brilliant opportunity for me to continue my professional development and contribute to The Chartwell Practice’s success as we move forward together.”

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LICHFIELD & TAMWORTH LICHFIELD & TAMWORTH CHAMBER PATRONS Contact: Charlie Elliott T: 07753 453624

Illegal haul: Products seized in the raids

Grace Cares wins New Business Award Lichfield not-for-profit Grace Cares has been recognised on the national stage winning the New Business Award at the Women Achieving Greatness (WAGS) Awards in London.

The award celebrates dynamic women who have launched businesses or services within the last three years that have made a significant impact on their sector.

The judges praised Grace Cares for its transformative approach to the care sector, with a focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.

Since its launch in February, 2023, the organisation has rapidly grown, forming key partnerships, expanding operations, and boosting volunteer engagement.

The judges said: “Grace Cares has made remarkable strides in revolutionising the care sector... their MediCycle initiative and the creation of the Sustainability Guide for Care Managers have made a tangible impact, making Grace Cares a standout leader in sustainable care.”

Grace Cares has become a pioneer in sustainable care, helping divert nearly 1,000 pieces of care equipment from landfill while supporting older people, their families, and care providers.

The organisation’s MediCycle initiative, a partnership with Staffordshire County Council, has successfully redistributed vital care equipment across the community.

Their Sustainability Guide for care managers offers actionable advice to care providers striving to adopt greener practices.

Hannah Montgomery, co-founder of Grace Cares, said: "Winning this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Grace Cares Tribe.

“Together, we’re proving that care can be both compassionate and sustainable.”

National recognition: Grace Cares co-founders Emma Smith (left) and Hannah Montgomery

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Council clamp down on dangerous shops Lichfield District Council has committed to closing local shops that persist in selling illegal products known to harm people and even cause cancer.

Environmental health, trading standards, police, and immigration officers raided two shops in Lichfield and two in Burntwood - seizing more than £65,000 of cigarettes, tobacco, vapes, food and drink.

The shops have a history of trading in illegal products, selling harmful products to children and loose cigarettes.

If caught again, Lichfield District Council has committed to closing them.

Environmental health officers will serve a closure notice and then apply to the magistrates’ court for a closure order for up to three months.

Councillor Alex Farrell, Lichfield District Council’s cabinet member for Environmental Health, said: “These shops have been selling harmful products, including children’s sweets banned in the UK due to being linked to causing cancer, counterfeit

cigarettes that could contain any number of toxic ingredients, vapes containing excessive amounts of nicotine, and foods that have no allergen labels.

We’ll continue to work with our trading standards, police, and immigration partners and send a clear message that we don’t want these businesses in Lichfield District.

“We will take action to close them, and to push customers to our many brilliant local retailers who operate within the law, and without exposing people to harm.”

MP hosts roundtable to empower small businesses Tamworth MP Sarah Edwards hosted a small business summit No Community Left Behind with mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker.

The event, which brought together dozens of local small and medium enterprises to a roundtable event at the Assembly Rooms, will be used to feed their issues, ideas and goals into government and Sarah’s work on the Business and Trade Select Committee.

Among the attendees were Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber president Fiona Rouse and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s director of external affairs Raj Kandola.

Sarah said: “This was a fantastic and important event, I am keen to ensure that we are feeding business voices into Government to create the right environment for businesses to thrive and promote the growth agenda.”

Richard Parker said: “Fantastic morning in Tamworth with Sarah Edwards MP, celebrating the power of small businesses.”

Business summit (left to right): Fiona Rouse, Sarah Edwards, Richard Parker and Raj Kandola

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ROYAL SUTTON COLDFIELD CHARITY OF THE YEAR

Contact: Charlie Elliott T: 07753 453624

President backs call for pedestrian crossing The president of Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce has backed calls for a pedestrian crossing to be installed on a busy road used by school and college pupils.

Naeem Arif has joined Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School headteacher Dominic Robson in calling for a new crossing at the Tamworth Road dual carriageway.

Around 75 Bishop Vesey pupils – as well as students attending the nearby Sutton Coldfield College campus - cross the busy road every morning and evening.

Parents and students have expressed concerns about their safety when crossing the carriageway, which has a blind corner.

Naeem said: “I am backing calls for this pedestrian crossing to support children, and less able adults who use this area to access the school, college and the local church.

“It is an extremely busy road and it’s a small miracle that we have not had any serious accident in this area already.

“I am encouraging everyone to support this petition and share the issue widely to get lots of support for it.”

A form has been set up to support calls for the crossing at docs.google.com

Busy road: Naeem Arif

Cancer support charity to host quiz The Cancer Support Centre has announced a fundraising quiz night – bringing together members of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce and other local businesses.

The event will be held on Friday, 7 March, at Pype Hayes Golf Club. Doors open at 7pm with the quiz kicking off at 7.30pm.

Tickets are priced at £17.50 per person, including a choice of chilli or vegetable lasagne with chunky chips and garlic bread.

Local businesses can participate by entering a team of up to 10, sponsoring a table or providing a raffle prize.

The Cancer Support Centre, based in Sutton Coldfield, provides essential services to individuals and families affected by cancer. It receives no Government funding, so every pound raised at the quiz night will go directly to sustaining these vital services.

The centre is the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber’s charity of the year.

Brian Davies, fundraising consultant at The Cancer Support Centre, said: “Events like this not only raise crucial funds but also bring our supporters together in a spirit of fun and fellowship.”

To reserve a place go to suttoncancersupport.org or contact Brian.Davies@cancersupportcentre.org

New CEO welcomed at charitable trust Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust (SCCT) has appointed Lisa Martinali as their new CEO. Currently CEO of St Paul’s Community Development Trust, Lisa brings with her significant experience of community regeneration with a career spanning 30 years within the not-for-profit sector, including social housing and charities.

She will take up the role from 18 March. Lisa is highly experienced in strategic development, business planning, mobilising innovative partnerships, and social impact.

She has an excellent reputation within the sector and volunteers as chair of Birmingham Voluntary Services Council, alongside being a parent governor for a primary school.

Lisa said: “I am thrilled to be joining SCCT as their new CEO. Having grown up and worked in the locality for many years, Sutton Coldfield is a special place to me.

“The opportunity to work for SCCT, as a highly respected and trusted local charity supporting the local community in a number of ways, is inspiring. I look forward to building on their strong history.”

Outgoing chief executive Tina Swani leaves after serving for four and a half years in the role.

She said: “This has been the most inspiring opportunity – I thank all staff, trustees, advisors and all those we work with. Our increasingly collaborative efforts make such a difference.

Successor: Lisa Martinali, (left) Tina Swani

"This is an incredible and progressive organisation that enhances the quality of life for so many in Sutton Coldfield.”

Chair Dr Francis Murray said: “Tina has made a significant contribution in publicising the work of the trust and raising its profile in the community.

"She has worked with staff and trustees to strengthen governance and strategic direction as

well as building a more inclusive working culture and environment. We welcome Lisa Martinali, who brings extensive experience of working with communities and has grounded knowledge of the issues faced by residents of Sutton Coldfield.

“We are also grateful to SCCT’s finance director, Claire Evans, who will take up the role of interim CEO until Lisa commences in post.”

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SOLIHULL All the latest news, advice and events for the Solihull business community Contact: Samantha Frampton T: 0121 678 7488

Enhanced experience: Touchwood shopping centre

Breaking down barriers (left to right): Su Mutalib, Antonio Henry, Lucien Darby, Belinda Kaur and Laurean Walker

Academy to support young entrepreneurs Vision for All, a leading non-profit organisation, has announced the launch of the Future Founders Academy, an innovative programme designed to equip young people and young adults with entrepreneurial/intrapreneurial skills, empowering a generation of confident and capable future leaders.

Since its establishment in 2020, Vision for All CIC has been committed to uplifting and connecting communities through tailored interventions focused on youth development, mental health, and community well-being. The Future Founders Academy is the latest addition to their portfolio of programmes, offering practical training, mentorship, and opportunities for all participants to be inspired to turn their ideas into reality.

Lucien Darby, CEO of Vision for All, said: “The Future Founders Academy reflects our mission to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs to help boost growth locally and nationally.”

“We want to provide young people with the tools, skills, and confidence they need to thrive in the world of business, unlocking their potential and inspiring them to create to be the best version of themselves.”

The academy will offer workshops, interactive sessions, and hands-on projects covering essential topics such as business planning, financial literacy, marketing strategies, and leadership skills. The young people will also have access to mentoring from local successful entrepreneurs and industry professionals with a range of experience and knowledge.

This transformative programme is a testament to Vision for All’s commitment to creating sustainable impact and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow.

By investing in young people, the organisation aims to strengthen communities and drive positive change, ensuring a brighter future for the local community and beyond.

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Radio station takes off at Touchwood Visitors to Touchwood Solihull can now enjoy an enhanced shopping experience with the launch of the centre’s own radio station.

Touchwood Radio broadcasts live across the centre, delivering a mix of music, announcements and essential information tailored to shoppers.

Accessible not just within the shopping centre but also online, the radio station ensures that everyone can stay connected with the latest updates, promotions and entertainment at Touchwood.

Presenters Pete Sherriff, Mat Bullock, and Pete Gibson aim to create an engaging soundscape that complements the vibrant atmosphere of Touchwood.

Lucy Burnett, marketing manager at Touchwood, said: “We’re so excited about the launch of Touchwood Radio. Having our own radio station adds a personal touch for our visitors. Pete, Mat and Pete are fantastic hosts, and we look forward to creating lots of memorable moments with them.”

Mat Bullock, presenter of Touchwood Radio, added: “Touchwood Radio is more than just background music; it’s a dedicated platform to connect with visitors, enhance their shopping experience, and share the personality of the centre.”

To tune into Touchwood Radio go to touchwoodradio.co.uk

Town centre backs trend as place to do business Bucking recent trends, occupiers are increasingly looking towards Solihull town centre as a place to do business.

According to the latest M42 and Solihull Office Market Review, four of the nine Q3 office deals transpired within Solihull town centre, marking the first quarter since Q3 2021 where there has been more than one town centre deal. In fact, it is the first time since Q4 2020 that there have been four such deals.

Compiled by property agents, KWB, the report shows that the most significant deal of Q3 was BNP Paribas Personal Finance agreeing a 21,219 sq ft deal at AIR Solihull, located on Homer Road in the town centre. This was the largest transaction of 2024.

Malcolm Jones, head of office agency at KWB, said: “Impressively, 60 per cent of deals in the latest quarter took place in Solihull town centre, which is a stark uplift compared to recent years.

“The impact that AIR Solihull has had on these figures can’t be ignored. Having only been available for occupancy since the beginning of the year, the newly-refurbished building has already let 23 per cent of the total take-up for the M42 and Solihull office market in Q1-3 2024.”

Other town centre deals were also notable in Q3. Two deals took place at Radcliffe House, with Flutter taking 1,054 sq ft and Oracle occupying 2,957 sq ft. Majestic Wines, meanwhile, took 3,454 sq ft at 39 Dominion Court.

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SOLIHULL SOLIHULL CHAMBER PATRONS

Your chance to join Chamber committee

By Darby Newman

Strengthening network: Samantha Frampton

Solihull Chamber of Commerce is actively seeking people who are passionate about the Solihull business community to join its executive council.

The Chamber is looking for applicants with a drive to make a positive impact and contribute to building a more robust business community.

The announcement of successful candidates is scheduled to take place at Solihull Chamber’s annual general meeting on Thursday 20 March from 10am to 12pm at Cranmore Park. The event is free to attend.

The annual meeting provides an opportunity to reflect on the work of the Chamber over the past year, including the support provided to local businesses through economic challenges and pressures, and also the election of members to the Chamber’s executive council.

Applicants who wish to be a part of the executive council can fill out a nomination form, view the Solihull Chamber executive council purpose and role, and the annual meeting agenda by scanning the QR code.

The Council provides the Chamber with valuable feedback, which influences its strategy and business plan. It also provides representatives to other groups and committees in Solihull, Birmingham and the West Midlands and is a

forum to ensure that the voice of Solihull business is heard locally and regionally.

There is one vacancy for vice president and eight vacancies for election to the executive committee. To be eligible for a vacancy, applicants must be a member of the Solihull Chamber.

If nominations do not exceed the number of vacancies, positions will automatically be filled and will be announced at the annual meeting.

If there are more candidates than vacancies, an online ballot will take place in advance of the annual meeting in accordance with the constitution, the outcome of which will be announced at the annual meeting.

Head of Solihull Chamber of Commerce Samantha Frampton said: “We welcome applications from Solihull members willing to contribute to building a stronger, more connected business network in the borough.

“In 2025, we aim to expand and strengthen our network while increasing the value it offers to its members all with the support of the Solihull Chamber executive committee.

“If you have the passion, time, and commitment to help make a meaningful impact, I encourage you to submit your application.”

The deadline for nominations is 20 February.

Lord-Lieutenant opens new building Solihull Sixth Form College celebrated the opening of a new building by the Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Derrick Anderson CBE. This landmark opening is a key milestone in the college’s ambitious expansion plans, enabling it to welcome 400 new learners.

To celebrate the launch of the Turvey Building – named after Malcolm Turvey, who taught at the educational establishment for his entire 44-year career – the college held an official opening ceremony performed by the Lord-Lieutenant.

Solihull Sixth Form College enlisted the help of award-winning TG Escapes to design and build the new facilities.

TG Escapes are renowned for their method of modular construction and sustainable developments - built around biophilic design principles which benefit mental health and wellbeing.

The Turvey Building was funded via a grant from the Department of Education and investment from the Summit Learning Trust.

The space, completed in seven months, has been constructed to house A-level psychology, the largest department in the college.

It accommodates eight new classrooms that promise to enrich the learning environment of their students.

There is also new office space, storage and toilets.

Formal opening: Ribbon-cutting by Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands Derrick Anderson

Clive Hicks, project manager at TG Escapes, said: “We’re committed to providing students and staff with a positive environment where all can thrive. This has been achieved on this project through sustainable design decisions and material choices.”

Solihull Sixth Form College principal Dr Martin Sullivan said: “I am absolutely delighted to have expanded the campus with such a modern, spacious and sustainable new building. It means we can look forward to welcoming even more local young people through our doors next year.”

Steve Smith, estates and facilities director at the Summit Learning Trust, added: “This building is a testament to Summit’s commitment to sustainability.”

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FUTURE FACES FUTURE FACES CHAMBER PATRONS Contact: Sophie Poduval-Morrell T: 07540 751590

Golden tickets to offer VIP awards access Future Faces have launched a VIP golden ticket giveaway for the 2025 Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards.

Members will have the chance to uncover 10 golden tickets randomly hidden at Future Faces events throughout this year.

Winners will receive VIP access to the awards, ensuring a night of celebration and networking among the region’s top talent and industry leaders.

The awards are due to take place on 17 October at Birmingham’s ICC. Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell said: “These awards are all about celebrating the outstanding achievements of young professionals across this great region.

I’m thrilled that our Future

Faces members will have a chance to win a VIP ticket to this incredible event.”

The golden tickets will be hidden throughout the year at selected Future Faces events, adding an extra layer of anticipation and excitement to the organisation’s vibrant calendar.

To take part, simply attend Future Faces events throughout the year for your chance to discover a golden ticket.

Details of participating events will remain a surprise - ensuring every occasion could be a lucky moment.

The Greater BYPY Awards is a flagship event that recognises and celebrates the exceptional contributions of young professionals in Greater Birmingham.

‘These awards are all about celebrating the outstanding achievements of young professionals across this great region’

All dressed up: Sophie Poduval-Morrell at last year’s awards

Podcast uncovers the importance of goal setting In the next episode of the Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast, hosted by Sophie Poduval-Morrell, manager of Future Faces Chamber of Commerce, the focus is on goal setting.

Guest Rebecca Mander (pictured), founder of GuruYou, discusses her journey from managing director to executive coach, highlighting significant personal and professional challenges throughout the episode.

The conversation covers the importance of setting big, realistic goals, the concept of the bounce mindset, and overcoming obstacles like fear of failure and overwhelm.

Rebecca also shares practical advice on the importance of aligning personal values with professional goals and the benefits of mentorship and coaching.

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The episode also touches on upcoming Future Faces events focused on personal branding and the imposter phenomena.

All Future Faces podcasts can be heard via all major listening platforms and follow Future Faces on social media for updates and new episodes.

Readers can access Rebecca's Career Confidence Kit mentioned in the episode as well as her E-Book via the links on the Future Faces podcast homepage, scan the QR code for more.

To contact Rebecca and her team go to the GuruYou website at www.guruyoucoach.com

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FUTURE FACES

The Chamber’s ever growing network for young professionals and the leaders of tomorrow.

Partnership to deliver entrepreneurial event

By Feron Jayawardene

Honoured: Santina Bunting

Future Faces Chamber of Commerce will be collaborating with the Black Business Collective for its next quarterly event, themed ‘Building Young Entrepreneurial and Professional Success’.

The Black Business Collective, run by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), is a subscriber network offering Black business owners and professionals a platform to meet, learn, keep connected and find opportunities.

Rooted in fostering Blackowned businesses’ economic growth, development, and sustainability, the collective aims to have a supportive ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs, advocates for equitable opportunities, and amplifies the voices of Black businesses within the broader economy.

Opportunities to explore education trust board roles Forward Education Trust (FET) is encouraging Future Faces members to explore trustee roles as part of plans to strengthen and diversify its nonexecutive board.

Young professionals can enquire now about the scope of trustee roles available.

FET is a multi-academy education trust, responsible for seven schools in the Greater Birmingham area which all cater for children with special educational needs.

The Trust looks after 850 children and employs over 420 staff.

Simon Dilkes (pictured), CEO of FET, leads the operational executive which runs the trust day-to-day.

He works alongside the trustee group, who are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the trust.

Applicants looking to become a trustee can be from any business background.

Ideal candidates would bring a fresh perspective, as well as an ability to ask questions,

offer challenge and support the operational teams in schools.

Simon said: “We encourage all our trustees to get to know our schools by visiting them as well as reading the reports we provide as part of board meetings.

“You don’t have to have any prior knowledge of children with additional needs, we’ll provide a full induction and training programme.

“All we need is your interest and a commitment to attend meetings and contribute to the future of our trust.

“I’m sure you will gain personal fulfilment and professional development while being a trustee.”

FET has been shortlisted in the Excellence in Training & Education category of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Awards 2025.

FET was also represented at a Future Faces event at UCB encouraging young professionals to consider taking up non-executive board positions.

To find out more, or express an interest, contact governance@fet.ac

The event will be hosted by Justice Williams MBE, co-founder, publisher and editor in chief of the Black Business Magazine, on 12 February.

Panellists include Gabriel Imevbore, sales director at Z Digital UK; Lucien Darby, CEO at Vision for All; Ebony Belle, senior manager and registered mental health nurse at Vision for All and Santina Bunting, assistant technician at Arup and the 2024 Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year.

Participants can learn from real-life success stories and understand how to build a career and venture in today’s business world while being part of a forward-thinking community of young professionals and entrepreneurs.

Santina said: “As someone who enjoys meeting new people, I attended the Black Business Collective’s first event last year and felt so welcomed and it was lovely to hear the committee's ideas for driving positive change.

“I am excited to see how that initial engagement will evolve and feel honoured to be invited to speak on a panel.”

Go to greaterbirminghamchambers.com to register

New Members Billie Fisher LTF Plumbing Georgia Howson Stratford Energy Solutions James Akhurst Akhurst Containers Amass Group LTD Jasmeet Kaur Wilson Gunn Kimani Robinson Town and Country Property Auctions Lottie Reid Queen Alexandra Charity Oliver Turkman Apton Partitioning Ltd Philippa Preston Queen Alexandra Charity Solomon Robinson Town and Country Property Auctions Tom Green T&Pm Alina Stancu The Orange Notebook Bianca Yew Prune Software Jack Webb Engineius Joe Whitehouse Lloyds Banking Group Jordan Hamilton Organic Confidence Ltd Junaid Hussain Man Confidence LTD Kieran Brehany TLT LLP Kyran Rose Engineius Leon Thomas Leon Thomas Manisha Punj TLT LLP Matthew Shephard TLT LLP Molly Shaw Harrison Clark Rickerbys LLP Morgan Pickford BlueChilli Sam Dell Higgs LLP Sam Gould Engineius Savhan Lyall TLT LLP Sofia Crooks Engineius

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CHAMBER EVENTS

GBCC awards highlight of the month Highlight of February events will be the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce annual awards and dinner when about 1.200 guests will gather at the ICC to celebrate all that is good about business in the region. But there are many other attractions throughout the Chamber network during February and March…

AND MOST OF THE EVENTS ARE FREE TO CHAMBER MEMBERS FEBRUARY Pro Solihull Networking in Partnership with Birmingham Law Society Date: 5 February Time: 17:30 – 19:30 Venue: Crowne Plaza Solihull Division: Solihull Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-members: £50+VAT Future Faces Professional Development - Being known for your Purpose Date: 5 February Time: 17:30-19:30 Venue: Mazars Division: Future Faces Cost: Future Faces: free Q4: Quarterly Business Report Date: 6 February Time: 9:00 – 11.00 Venue: Birmingham City University Division: GBCC Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: Free Non-members: Free Celebrate one month to International Women’s Day Date: 12 February Time: 12:00 – 15:30 Venue: Birmingham Library Global Charity Quiz Night Date: 12 February Time: 17:30 – 19:30 Venue: The Distillery Division: Burton & District Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: Free Non-members: Free GBCC Black Business Collective x Future Faces – Building Young Entrepreneurial and Professional Success Date: 12 February Time: 17:30 – 20:30 Venue: Trowers & Hamlins Division: Black Business Collective Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: Free Non-members: Free Sutton Coldfield Business at Breakfast Date: 12 February Time: 8:30 – 10:00 Venue: TBC Division: Sutton Coldfield Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-members: £50+VAT 58 CHAMBERLINK February 2025

Birmingham Networking Lunch and Speed Networking Date: 17 February Time: 12:00 – 14:00 Venue: thestudio Division: Birmingham Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-members: £50+VAT Business at Breakfast Date: 18 February Time: 8:30 – 10:00 Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre ABCC Member Social Date: 18 February Time: 17:30 – 19:00 Venue: Touchwood Division: ABCC Cost: Members: Free Non-member Networking Date: 18 February Time: 9:30 – 11:30 Venue: Solihull Riding Club 1813 & Premier Social Networking Date: 19 February Time: 17:00 – 19:00 Venue: Orelle Division: GBCC Cost: Members: Free Business at Breakfast - Free Business Support from East Staffordshire Borough Council Date: 20 February Time: 8:30 – 10:00 Venue: Branston Golf & Country Club Division: Burton & District Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-members: £50+VAT Business at Breakfast Date: 20 February Time: 9:30 – 10:30 Venue: Werqwise Solihull Moors Future Faces Social Networking at Sandbox VR Date: 24 February Time: 17:30 – 19:30 Venue: Sandbox VR Division: Future Faces Cost: Future Faces: Free Cannock Chase AGM and Networking Lunch Date: 25 February Time: 12:00 – 14:30 Venue: Chasetown Football Club Division: Cannock Chase Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: Free Non-members: Free

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Awards 2025 Date: 27 February Time: 17:45 – 23:00 Venue: The ICC Division: Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Cost: Delegate tickets: £170+VAT pp Table of 10: £1,700+VAT

MARCH Solihull Networking Lunch Date: 5 March Time 12:30 – 14:00 Venue: TBC Division: Solihull Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-members: £50+VAT Royal Sutton Coldfield Networking Lunch and Speed Networking Date: 7 March Time: 12:00 – 14:00 Venue: TBC Division: Royal Sutton Coldfield Cost: Future Faces: Free Future Faces Professional Development: Impostor Syndrome Date: 10 March Time: 17:30 – 19:30 Venue: Squire Patton Boggs Division: Future Faces Cost: Members: Free Premier Breakfast Date: 11 March Time: 8:30 – 10:30 Venue: TBC Joint Business at Breakfast Date: 12 March Time: 8:30 – 10:30 Venue: Aquarius Ballroom Division: Burton & District, Chase, Lichfield & Tamworth and Royal Sutton Coldfield Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-members: £50+VAT Birmingham Social Networking Date: 13 March Time: 16:30 – 18:30 Venue: Manahatta Division: Birmingham Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-members: £50+VAT

Global Brunch Date: 13 March Time: 9:30 – 11:30 Venue: Chapter Division: Global Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: Free Non-members: Free Speed Networking Online Date: 17 March Time: 12:00 – 13:30 Venue: Online Division: GBCC Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-members: £20+VAT 1813/ Premier Support session Date: 18 March Time: 12:00 – 14:00 Venue: TBC Future Faces Social Networking Date: 19 March Time: 17:30 – 19:30 Venue: Exhale Conscious Bar Division: Future Faces Cost: Members: Free Solihull Annual General Meeting Date: 20 March Time: 10:00 – 12:00 Venue: Cranmore Park Division: Solihull Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: Free Non-members: Free Social Networking with Burton & Future Faces Date: 25 March Time: 16:30 – 18:30 Business Commission West Midlands: One Year On – A Review and Next Steps Date: 26 March Time: 8:30 – 10:30 Venue: John Cadbury House, Aston University Division: GBCC Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: Free Non-members: Free Lichfield & Tamworth Social Networking Date: 27 March Time: 14:30 – 16:30 Venue: TBC Division: Lichfield & Tamworth Cost: Member: Free Future Faces: £15 +VAT Non-members: £50+VAT

For further information and to book a place, visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/ networking-events

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CHAMBER EVENTS

Versatile band: Candy and Sound

Sponsor and band announced A new headline sponsor has been confirmed for the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce annual awards night.

Group X, formerly known as Elonex, join Birmingham City University as a headline sponsor for the awards dinner which takes place at the ICC on Thursday, 27 February.

The firm operates over 3000 digital advertising billboards located on roads and motorways, in city centres, at sports stadiums, motorway service areas, entertainment venues and shopping centres.

Recently named as a Sunday Times Fast Track 100 firm, Group X also deliver market leading LED architecture to major destinations and venues, and digital display technology to event organisers and exhibitors for trade shows and conferences.

Group X partner Adam Stockton said: “We’re delighted to be headline sponsors of the GBCC Annual Awards.

“With several Group X companies based in Birmingham and the West Midlands, including

Elonex, Grand Technix and Lunar, it’s a privilege to be part of what’s by far the biggest celebration of business excellence in our region.”

An award-winning female-fronted band playing classic hits of all genres will be entertaining attendees at the dinner.

Since 2009, Candy and the Sound, a fourpiece band from the West Midlands, have been delivering dynamic and energetic performances across the UK. Their versatile repertoire spans recent chart hits, 80s classics, Soul and Motown, classic and new rock, as well as disco and funk.

The band say: “With outstanding vocals and musicianship, we pride ourselves on

professionalism and attention to detail, tailoring each performance to create the perfect atmosphere for weddings, private parties, corporate events, and more.”

The GBCC awards is the region’s biggest celebration of all things business – with 12 awards handed out on the night and one firm being crowned the Greater Birmingham Business of the Year.

The last remaining tickets for the glittering black-tie event, priced at £170 (plus VAT) per person or £1,700 (plus VAT) for a table of 10 are still available at greaterbirminghamchambers.com

‘With outstanding vocals and musicianship, we

pride ourselves on professionalism and attention to detail, tailoring each performance to create the perfect atmosphere’

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FEATURE: GREEN BUSINESS & SUSTAINABILITY

The path to

net zero starts here

The UK has the goal of achieving net zero by 2050. That might seem like a long way off, but if you haven’t got a net zero plan in place yet, now is the time to start thinking about how to reduce your carbon footprint.

Chamberlink offers its advice on how to set out your net zero goals.

What is net zero?

Net zero is the point at which an organisation is producing less emissions than it removes from the atmosphere, or is releasing no additional emissions into the atmosphere overall.

A business’ net-zero target is based on a baseline emissions year and is considered to have reached net-zero when it has reduced emissions from that baseline by 90-95%. Net zero is not something that you can achieve overnight, but rather will require robust, longterm planning. But where to start?

Step 1: Measure your baseline Before you can set targets or put strategies in place, you need to know where you’re starting from. You will need to measure your emissions from the previous year (or, for a more accurate reading, several years) by gathering data about all business operations that produce scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions: Scope 1: Direct emissions from sources that your organisation owns or controls directly, e.g. burning fuel in your fleet of vehicles.

Scope 2: Indirect emissions that come from the energy you purchase/use, e.g. the electricity used to light and heat your buildings.

Scope 3: Emission that are not produced by you or are the result of your activities, but those that you are indirectly responsible for up and down your value chain. Scope 3 emissions include all sources not within the scope 1 and 2 boundaries.

Step 2: Set targets Once you have your baseline, you can set targets for how quickly you can reduce your emissions. You should define at least two

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key targets: when you aim to at least halve your emissions and when you aim to reach net zero.

Once you’ve set your targets, it’s time to share them. It’s important to get the message out to your team, your board and your investors. Sharing with your team is vital because, as well as promoting employee engagement, it can also boost retention and serve as a recruitment tool.

Whether you decide to share your net zero targets publicly is up to you and your leadership team – however, your customers will appreciate your transparency. Additionally, sharing your targets publicly will hold your business accountable to a broader audience, which in turn will limit the potential for unintentional greenwashing (the act of making false or misleading statements about a company’s environmental efforts).

Step 3: Plan your decarbonisation strategy You have your targets, you’ve rallied your team, and you’ve released a transparent statement about your intentions. Now it’s time to work out how you will meet your goals and decarbonise your business. The best place to start is to work out which of your emissions contribute the most to your carbon footprint, and decide how much you can invest on emissions reducing activities.

There may be some activities that result in almost immediate reductions, while others may require a significant investment of time, money and expertise.

Some easy places to start are: • Reducing travel for business purposes, and switching to more eco-friendly options (rail, bike, carpooling etc.)

• Switching to renewable energy to heat/light your buildings and choosing carbon neutral suppliers • Reducing waste in your facilities by implementing recycling schemes and moving away from single use products, such as paper cups and coffee pods.

‘Reviewing and reporting on your progress is an essential part of your net zero journey’ Step 4: Review and report Reviewing and reporting on your progress is an essential part of your net zero journey. You should conduct an annual carbon emissions assessment so you can track your progress and see where improvements can be made – and, more importantly, if your targets need to be adjusted.

There are a number reasons why your targets may need to be refined or re-written entirely, including: • The nature of your business changing, rendering your original targets irrelevant or unachievable (e.g. you no longer offer the same products or services) • The intensity targets used (e.g. your level of production/output) no longer accurately reflect the way your business is operating • You are significantly outperforming your original targets and they are not ambitious enough.

While changing your targets might seem like a lot of extra work, it’s important to remember that incorrect targets are not useful to your end goal, which is reducing your carbon footprint and reducing your business’ impact on the planet.

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CHAMBERLINK

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FEATURE: GREEN BUSINESS & SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainable workplaces The next steps

You’ve implemented a recycling scheme; you’ve switched to cleaner energy suppliers and you’ve sent out a memo reminding staff to turn off all equipment overnight. But is there more you could be doing? Chamberlink offers its top tips to help you embed sustainable practices in every corner of your business.

Check your suppliers You’ve heard of credit scores, but have you heard of ‘ethiscores’? You can visit www.ethicalconsumer.org to explore the ethical rating of thousands of brands, suppliers and products. The rating includes an assessment of a particular brand’s policies and actions towards people, the environment and animals, scoring on issues such as workers’ rights, fossil fuel investment, and pollution. By prioritising suppliers that have good ethiscores, you will send a clear message to your people and your customers that you are an advocate for change.

Sustainable procurement Implement a sustainable purchasing policy, by listing which typical business purchases staff can and cannot make. Your list (which may include things like electronics, textiles, food or raw materials) will outline what staff should look or, or avoid, when making purchases. As a starting point, look to certifications, such as Fairtrade and Soil Association Organic labels, or Certified B Corporation, for example.

Get certified yourself The ISO 14001 certification scheme provides a globally recognised framework for businesses to assess and improve their environmental performance continually. The certification process helps companies to identify environmental risks, comply with environmental regulations, and prevent pollution. While securing certification requires significant commitment, achieving it will demonstrate your commitment to the continuous 62 CHAMBERLINK February 2025

improvement of your environmental performance, and could help boost your profits – and serve as an excellent recruitment tool, too.

Prioritise planet-friendly travel One thing that the Covid-19 pandemic taught us was that in-person meetings aren’t as vital as we all once thought, and a sustainable workplace should be doing what it can to promote lower carbon options for work travel. Video conferences may not always be viable, but in such instances, employees should utilise public transport over car journeys and, whenever possible, opt for trains over planes. For staff that commute daily, consider implementing car share and cycle to work schemes.

Green pensions The company pension should not escape your sustainability audit. Many pensions and other investments support harmful industries, such as fossil fuels, mining, deforestation, weapons and tobacco. In contrast, sustainable pensions (also known as economic social governance pensions) invest in portfolios that have been strictly evaluated to make sure they meet rigid environmental, education and social criteria.

Some portfolios specifically exclude categories such as weapons, while others focus on investments that have a tangible reduced environmental impact. Switching

to sustainable investing can have a positive impact on company reputation. Not only that, you may get an even better return.

Life-cycle thinking Buying in bulk is often the cheapest strategy, but it comes at a high price to the planet, especially because cheaper products just aren’t built to last and end up rotting in landfills. Instead of bulk buying, focus on quality instead. Buy products that are built to last, that can be easily repaired if they do break and, when they finally reach the end of their life-cycle, can be recycled.

‘By prioritising suppliers that have good ethiscores, you will send a clear message to your people and your customers’

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FEATURE: APPRENTICESHIPS, SKILLS & TRAINING

Opening doors to

talent

How supported internships empower SEND employment and benefit businesses

By John McDougall, lead work placement coordinator, Queen Alexandra College (QAC) – part of Queen Alexandra Charity

P

eople with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) often face significant barriers to employment, leaving many feeling excluded from the job market.

According to The Buckland Review of Autism Employment (28 February 2024), only three-in10 working-age autistic adults are employed, compared to five-in-10 for all disabled people and eight-in-10 for non-disabled individuals.

Moreover, autistic people experience the largest pay gap among all disability groups, despite their strong desire to work.

Unlike many EU countries, the UK does not mandate employer quotas for hiring individuals with disabilities. Instead, the responsibility for fostering fair workplace representation rests with employers, supported by anti-discrimination laws and initiatives such as the Equality Act 2010 and the Disability Confident Scheme. However, persistent misconceptions about the abilities and potential of disabled individuals, coupled with limited awareness of inclusive employment practices, continue to create barriers to equitable and meaningful job opportunities.

Introduced in 2013, supported internships have been instrumental in bridging the gap between education and employment for young people aged 16-24 with SEND. These programmes offer a structured and supportive pathway to meaningful work experience.

The success of supported internship programmes largely depends on nurturing

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strong and collaborative relationships with employers.

Below are a few (of many) reasons why businesses like yours should consider partnering with a supported internship provider like Queen Alexandra College:

Improved workforce and mutual learning Supported internships enable employers to diversify their workforce, bringing fresh perspectives that drive innovation, enhance team dynamics, and promote an inclusive organisational culture. Collaborating with individuals of diverse abilities helps employees build empathy, strengthen communication, and refine teamwork skills, developing confidence and a deeper commitment to effective collaboration in an inclusive workplace.

The role of a supported internship provider extends beyond supporting interns. Employers benefit from the expertise of experienced job coaches, who offer guidance to ensure seamless integration of interns into the workplace.

Additionally, government funding is available to cover necessary support costs.

Reflecting on her partnership with Queen Alexandra College’s SI programme, Joleen Croarkin, HSBC project manager, said: “I consider myself so privileged to have been given this opportunity. I came with no prior knowledge or experience of working with people with

disabilities and feel so lucky to have been able to have an influence that has changed people’s lives by providing them with employment.”

Access to a diverse and talented skillset Supported internships help employers discover skilled candidates with diverse abilities who might otherwise be overlooked in traditional recruitment processes. Individuals with disabilities often bring specialised skills, innovative problem-solving approaches, and exceptional attention to detail, all of which can greatly enhance workplace productivity and team dynamics.

Fulfilling your CSR in an innovative way Partnering with a supported internship provider like QAC demonstrates a genuine commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

It enhances your organisation’s reputation by improving brand perception, generating positive media stories, and appealing to socially conscious customers.

The ultimate aim of a supported internship programme is to empower individuals with SEND to achieve paid employment. This not only transforms lives but also helps employers fulfil, and often surpass, their social responsibility goals.

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FEATURE: APPRENTICESHIPS, SKILLS & TRAINING

Bridging the skills gap The world of work is rapidly changing. Many workplaces have switched to home or hybrid working, and technological advancements such as AI mean that the old ways of doing business are becoming redundant. With this in mind, you might be identifying skills gaps in your workforce and are looking for a way to future-proof your business. This is where upskilling can help. Chamberlink explores how to get started.

Identify your business’ skills gaps A strategic place to start is by doing a thorough analysis of your skills gap. What skills do your employees have, and what skills does your business need to grow? Consider the following: • Review your company objectives and business mission to determine the skills that are critical to your business.

• Review previous targets. Did your team hit their targets, and if not, what prevented them from doing so?

• Conduct staff assessments to test for specific skills and to identify gaps.

‘Your staff have put in a lot of hard work to learn new skills, so make sure you give them the opportunities to put their new knowledge into action’

• Implicit knowledge: practical know-how and skills that individuals possess but may find challenging to express explicitly. Shared through hands-on training, mentorship (see below), and direct experience.

• Tacit knowledge: rooted in an individual’s insight, perspectives and personal experiences, encompassing cultural context, intuition and personalised beliefs. This is best shared through direct interaction and collaboration.

This data will not only identify the areas you need to focus on, but it can also help you determine what kind of budget you will need to have in place for upskilling.

Instead, you should consider tailored L&D programmes and empower your staff members to shape their own development with individual or team learning budgets. This will save money in the long run; you can help your staff choose the training that’s right for them and they’ll be much more engaged with the material, meaning it’s more likely to stick!

Create a learning and development policy

Start an employee mentorship or knowledge sharing programme

Retain and reward upskilling

Once upon a time, learning and development (L&D) used to be a one-size-fits-all. General training days wouldn’t take into consideration each member of staff’s development needs – and they’d often be mandatory too, meaning at best, your staff might learn something new, but at worst the training session would be a waste of time and money. But this approach isn’t the right way to tackle upskilling.

Mentorship and skills share programmes can take your upskilling efforts to the next level.

Knowledge sharing is the process of team members openly sharing their expertise, insights, information and experiences with their colleagues. This includes: • Explicit knowledge: information that is easily transferable. Examples include manuals, reports and procedures.

Your staff have put in a lot of hard work to learn new skills, so make sure you give them the opportunities to put their new knowledge to action – otherwise, they might take their new skills to a competitor.

Building upskilling into your career development framework is a great way to retain the skills your business needs for the future. It can also serve as a great employee benefit.

Mentorship will offer on-the-job training and is perfect for staff members who prefer to learn from first-hand experience rather than from books or exams. Senior staff members can be paired with mentees to share their knowledge and skills in a safe environment and provide expert feedback.

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FEATURE: APPRENTICESHIPS, SKILLS & TRAINING

New opportunities

engineered with an apprenticeship

By Burton and South Derbyshire College

F

ormer chef, Scott Tomlinson, has embarked on a new career path after undertaking a Level 3 Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship through Burton and South Derbyshire College.

Scott initially worked in catering for many years, gaining experience in multiple Michelin-star restaurants and travelling around the world with his job. However, driven by a desire to expand his skillset and spend more time with his family, Scott made a bold career change and entered the world of engineering.

During his Level 3 Engineering Fitter course, Scott faced an unexpected challenge when he was made redundant. Undeterred, he took the initiative to call all the engineering companies in his area to seek out a new opportunity. His persistence paid off and he managed to secure an interview and attain a position at All British Precision Ltd, despite there being no initial vacancies.

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high-quality work did not go unnoticed, as he successfully convinced his new employer to continue his apprenticeship with BSDC. Scott’s can do attitude and ability to learn swiftly have impressed not only his employer but everyone he meets.

An apprenticeship is a real job with structured training, combining hands-on experience with the chance to gain qualifications in a specific industry. Apprentices have the opportunity to re-train as adults, develop new skills, and build valuable work experience.

‘An apprenticeship is a real job with structured training, combining handson experience’ Scott’s dedication and highquality work paid off, and he recently won Burton and South Derbyshire College’s overall Apprentice of the Year in the College’s FE & Apprenticeship Awards. Speaking about his apprenticeship, Scott said: “I’m

Adult apprentice, Scott Tomlinson being presented with Burton and South Derbyshire College’s Apprentice of the Year Award

working in a great place, and I’ve just been accredited in aerospace, so we’re making parts for aerospace, military defence, and supercars. It’s fantastic.

“I’m proud of myself, and I put it down to the work I did at Burton and South Derbyshire College. With my new role, I now get to spend more time with my family, which is the best thing ever.”

Alan Stonach, Scott's apprenticeship trainer at Burton and South Derbyshire College, praised his

performance: “Scott has scored highly in every assessment and his assignments have consistently improved due to his responsiveness to feedback. He fully commits to any task or learning activity 100%, even with having a family to support and care for.

“Scott is a shining example of how to view life, conduct yourself at all times, adapt and overcome adversity, and demonstrates the perfect learning attitude that all apprentices can learn from.”

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SECTOR FOCUS: BUSINESS TRAVEL

Sector Focus The latest news from the sectors that matter to business Peaky experience (left to right): Laura Morrey, SSP, Cathy Granby, business development director for SSP UK & Ireland, Richard Gill, commercial director of Birmingham Airport and Ryan Hodgkins

Airport eatery is a real blinder Passengers flying from Birmingham Airport can now sample the Shelbys first hand and dine Peaky Blinders-style following the unveiling of an exclusive Shelby & Co. Bar and Restaurant from SSP Group.

The bar is the first of its kind for the Peaky Blinders franchise in a travel location and will be a key part of Birmingham’s departure lounge with space for 290 diners.

Set against a backdrop of dark wood and atmospheric lighting, customers step out of the airport and into an authentic Peaky Blinders experience. The restaurant offers both waiter service as well as an order at table technology, allowing customers short on time to dine quickly.

In keeping with the era of the popular show, the bar displays the 1920s throughout its design and offers an extensive food and drinks

Have your say on bus plans Consultation over the biggest shake up of regional bus services in decades has been launched by West Midlands mayor Richard Parker - with a rallying cry for people to take part.

Over three months the public are being asked to give their views on the mayor’s plan for a franchised bus network to replace the current private operator led system.

Under franchising, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), will set the fares, timetables and routes of bus services and award contracts to private bus operators to run them.

To take part go to: tfwm.org

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menu that showcases local breweries and gins, providing an authentic taste of Birmingham.

Cathy Granby, business development director for SSP UK & Ireland, said: “Over the past 12 months, one of our key focus areas has been expanding our bespoke airport bar and restaurant concepts.

“Shelby & Co. really does bring this hugely popular show to life. What better way to celebrate all this city has to offer than bringing a flavour of Peaky Blinders to Birmingham Airport.”

Richard Gill, commercial director of Birmingham Airport, said: “We are delighted to be the first airport to welcome Shelby & Co. This bespoke bar and restaurant is a fantastic addition to our departure lounge.”

Further expansion for easyJet easyJet has added two additional aircraft to its Birmingham base from this summer, providing greater connectivity for customers in the Midlands and supporting around 800 jobs.

This comes as the airline posts its 2024 financial year results, in which it delivered a 34 per cent improvement in profit before tax of £610m. This was driven by another consecutive record summer and a 56 per cent improvement in easyJet holidays’ profits. easyJet operated its largest flying programme at Birmingham in its 2024 financial year and flew over 1.6m customers to and from Birmingham, up 53 per cent compared to last year.

The airline’s network in Birmingham has more than doubled the number of destinations on its network since opening a base at the airport in

New destination: easyJet now flying from Birmingham to Innsbruck in the heart of the Austrian Alps

March 2024. Now, the arrival of two additional Airbus A320 aircraft at Birmingham in the summer will enable the airline to offer customers in the Midlands more choice for flights and holidays across Europe.

The expansion will also support the local economy, with each UKbased aircraft supporting around

400 direct and indirect jobs and £27m UK gross value added (GVA).

Ali Gayward, easyJet UK Country Manager, said: “Our continued success in Birmingham is a clear testament to the continued popularity of our flights and holidays, with customers choosing us for our trusted brand, unrivalled network and great value fares.”

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SECTOR FOCUS: FINANCE

Great reflection: James Bagley

Promotions at PKF Smith Cooper PKF Smith Cooper celebrates another successful cohort of promotions across six service lines after a significant year of growth.

The Midlands-based accounting and advisory firm took on 68 new starters throughout 2024, with 21 graduates joining across all departments, the biggest number the firm has seen to date.

Some of the notable promotions in the firm include Callum Leslie, who becomes assistant corporate manager after making an impressive impact in the corporate Finance team since joining the firm in 2023.

In the Audit department, Ali Raynor has been promoted to senior assistant manager and David Erentz, winner of the ICAEW’s R J Weston Prize earlier this year, celebrates a promotion to assistant audit manager. The firm also celebrates promotions across their business services, business recovery and restructuring and tax teams.

PKF Smith Cooper’s internal team has also been bolstered, with Lauren Birkhead promoted to business support manager and Will Quinn to assistant talent acquisition manager, strengthening the central operations of the firm.

During the past year, the firm received consistent external recognition for its outstanding client services and workplace culture including 14 award shortlist nominations, and finalist positions for both Employer of the Year at the Accounting Excellence Awards and Corporate Finance Team of the Year at the Insider Midlands Dealmakers Awards.

James Bagley, managing partner at PKF Smith Cooper, says: “It is another huge cohort of promotions for the firm and a great reflection on the exceptional potential and calibre of our team members. I wish everyone the best of luck in their new roles, and I look forward to seeing them succeed in their positions in the new year.”

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Landmark (left to right): David Malpass, Neil Johnston, Angie Preece, James Pittendreigh, Mark Savill and Tony Wood, of BCRS Business Loans

£2m in small business loans delivered to firms BCRS Business Loans has passed another landmark by agreeing to more than £2m in small business loans through British Business Bank’s Midlands Engine Investment Fund II. In total, 35 small businesses across the West Midlands have benefited from agreements made with the team at Wolverhampton-based BCRS Business Loans since the fund launched in February 2024, bringing an economic impact of £14.7 million to the region.

Overall, 330 jobs have been created and a further 107 roles have been safeguarded through this financial support.

‘Smaller enterprises in the Midlands play an integral part in the region’s economy’ The £400m Midlands Engine Investment Fund II covers the whole of the Midlands, providing debt finance from £25,000 to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help small and medium sized businesses in the region to start up, scale up or stay ahead.

BCRS Business Loans is delivering smaller loans in the West Midlands from £25,000 to £100,000, with Frontier Development Capital offering debt finance from

£100,000 to £2m and Mercia Ventures delivering equity investment up to £5m.

The £2m landmark for Midlands Engine Investment Fund II comes on the back of 250 small businesses receiving support secured through BCRS Business Loans in the first Midlands Engine Investment Fund, launched in 2017.

In total, since launching in 2002 BCRS Business Loans has lent more than £95m which has contributed to the creation of over 3000 jobs across the West Midlands.

Stephen Deakin, chief executive at BCRS Business Loans, said: “Helping small businesses to secure funding to start up, scale up and stay ahead is central to our work, so to have already distributed £2m in loans in less than a year shows the positive difference which Midlands Engine Investment Fund II can make in supporting our economy.

“Our fund managers are working with our network of introducers and advisers to help business owners from a wide range of sectors to secure funding.”

British Business Bank’s senior investment manager Beth Bannister added: “Smaller enterprises in the Midlands play an integral part in the region’s economy, with many having significant growth potential, so it is good to see how the fund has helped realise their ambitions and reach the next level.”

Private equity firm in deal Midlands-headquartered accountants Dains have a new private equity partner after IK X Fund took a majority stake in the practice.

IK will succeed Horizon Capital as the majority shareholder. Financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed.

Following investment from Horizon Capital in 2021, Dains has grown rapidly because of 10 acquisitions and strong organic

growth. The company has 765 employees.

With the support of IK, Dains says it will continue its organic growth in the UK and Ireland, make further investment in its operational platform and recruitment and look for further acquisitions.

Richard McNeilly, CEO of Dains, said: “We are very excited to be partnering with IK, who we believe possesses the necessary track record and expertise required to

successfully support us in this next phase of our development.

“The team’s experience in both the accounting and professional services sector, as well as in executing buy-and-build strategies in the UK and Ireland will be especially important in a fragmented marketplace like ours, where we are looking to drive consolidation and reinforce our strong position as the acquiror of choice.”

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SECTOR FOCUS: FINANCE

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SECTOR FOCUS: FINANCE

Cooper Parry in pioneering investment Cooper Parry (CP) has revealed a ground-breaking investment partnership with New York-based Lee Equity.

Following two years of transformational growth, Lee Equity will succeed Waterland Private Equity (“Waterland”) as CP’s capital partner.

Waterland has supported the business in its ambition to become a leading accountancy firm in the UK market by helping CP broaden its capabilities and expand its presence across the country.

The firm has successfully completed and integrated 11 transactions in two years, including the acquisition of Haines Watts London and its associated audit and advisory businesses across the South-East, Thames Valley and the Midlands, UHY Manchester, London-based Cloud Orca, the fast-growing Salesforce consultancy and MacroFin, the award-winning NetSuite Alliance Partner.

‘This is history-making news for everyone in the CP orbit – our people and clients alike. I can’t wait to bring our vision for 2030 to life’ This M&A activity, coupled with a highly differentiated client experience and strong business development, has fuelled market-leading growth.

Turnover has grown four times over the past two years to £180m with sustainable organic growth exceeding 24 per cent annually over the prior three years. (FY21-24).

Cooper Parry’s entrepreneurial leadership and award-winning teams support like-minded clients across the UK and overseas, covering the spectrum of audit, tax, innovation, tech and high growth, outsourced

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Next-gen group: Ade Cheatham

financial services, law, deals (corporate finance, transaction services and tax), digital transformation and wealth management.

As one of the UK’s mid-market heavyweights, Chamberlain Square-based CP serves the fastest growing market segment with a powerful brand. It offers tech-enabled specialist services - delivered at scale - from five locations across the UK. Ade Cheatham, CEO of CP, said: “The scale of this deal will propel us further forward over the next five years, giving us the financial resources to create the UK’s next-gen professional services group.

“After getting to know the Lee Equity team over the past few months, I’m so excited that we’re culturally aligned, share the same ambitious outlook and know that they really ‘get’ the opportunity we have in front of us. This is history-making news for everyone in the CP orbit – our people and clients alike. I can’t wait to bring our vision for 2030 to life.”

Danny Rodriguez, a partner at Lee Equity, said: “For over three years, Lee Equity has been in search of the right type of accounting and business advisory services firm to partner with. We’ve found that in Cooper Parry, who has emerged as a market leader in the UK due to their exceptional management team, best-in-class organic growth rates, centralized business development function, and fully integrated approach to M&A.”

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SECTOR FOCUS: MANUFACTURING

Businesses hopeful over government’s AI action plan MP makes a home at NMC The National Metalforming Centre (NMC), which is home to and owned by the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM), has made a political appointment by welcoming its latest tenant.

Located just off the A41 in the Black Country, the modern office space is the new home for Sarah Coombes, MP for West Bromwich, as she looks to build stronger links with local industry.

She has already developed a proactive relationship with the CBM to help her understand some of the challenges and opportunities that exist for its members in 2025. This has included contributing to the organisation’s paper on the proposed Industrial Strategy and asking a critical question in the House of Commons, the latter regarding onerous claims from the HMRC for backdated steel safeguard tariffs impacting Confederation of British Metalforming members and others across the UK. Sarah, who previously worked for Tom Watson as his head of policy and communications for three years, has already visited four local manufacturers to see firsthand the industrial capabilities available in the area.

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Greater Birmingham business leaders are hopeful that the government’s AI action plan will unlock growth, raise productivity and drive overseas growth.

Sir Keir Starmer has promised to make the UK an “AI superpower” when he unveiled the AI Opportunities Action Plan.

Speaking at University College London’s (UCL) East London campus, the Prime Minister said expanding the use of technology would help boost growth.

While admitting there would be “teething problems” involved in the process, the PM insisted changes would help revolutionise creaking public services and turn around Britain’s economy.

A series of AI “growth zones” around Britain were also announced, to help speed up planning approvals for data centres and improve access to the energy grid.

Raj Kandola, director of external affairs at Greater Birmingham

Chambers of Commerce, said: “The launch of the government’s new AI Opportunities Action Plan contains a number of measures which are likely to be welcomed by businesses up and down the country.

“The road map offers a sensible set of suggestions that if implemented in full, will help to unlock growth, raise productivity and drive overseas investment.

“A number of the measures announced also reflect a number of recommendations put forward by the Business Commission West Midlands namely around boosting the AI skills base across the workforce and improving the UK's sovereign AI capability.

“We look forward to reviewing the full details of the plan and understanding how these initiatives will complement the Plan for Growth which has been developed by the WMCA in order to drive prosperity locally.”

Sustainable products drive growth at Indestructible Paint Indestructible Paint – a Midlandsbased company which makes highperformance surface coatings – is celebrating strong growth thanks to innovation and global expansion, with turnover increasing 19 per cent over the last year.

The growth has been driven by the popularity of the company’s groundbreaking range of chromefree products; a widening global customer base; increased aerospace production rates – as many leading aircraft and aeroengines use the company’s specialist coatings; and diversification into a range of additional advanced industries.

Indestructible Paint is at the forefront of efforts to make the surface coatings industry safer, better and greener. More than 10 years of intense research and development to meet the challenge of finding an alternative to chrome is paying off.

The company has been launching multiple chrome-free products to meet a variety of challenges including sacrificial base and seal coats as well as diffusion coatings that can withstand temperatures of up to 1,000oC. A new chrome-free primer is due to follow later this year with more products in development.

Indestructible Paint is proud that these chrome-free solutions

Widening global base: An Indestructible Paint product

provide equivalent – if not superior performance – compared to their chrome predecessors, proving that being sustainable does not have to mean compromise.

However, many industries need time to make the switch from chrome to chrome-free. Heavilyregulated industries like aerospace, defence and power generation – which are major sectors for Indestructible Paint – require solutions to be extensively tested for safety and approved before they are rolled out and enter service. This process can take years.

For this reason, Indestructible Paint has recently had its existing chrome products re-authorised by REACH in the UK, with EU reauthorisation anticipated soon.

This will allow these products to be manufactured and supplied for up to 12 more years to create time for the lengthy transition, including further R&D and testing of new chrome-free coatings that may be required by some customers. The company is hoping, however, that many customers will be able to make the switch long before this and will be actively working with them to give them all the support required.

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SECTOR FOCUS: LEGAL

Dads favour sons while daughters are sidelined When it comes to passing down the family business, dads are more likely to favour their sons and leave their daughters waiting in the wings, research by law firm Lime Solicitors has revealed.

In a survey of 250 family business owners, 51 per cent of men said they would prioritise their sons when passing on their company, with only 36 per cent choosing their daughters to carry on the legacy.

Mothers in business, however, didn’t show any preference between genders.

Beyond these biases, further research by Lime Solicitors found that women are less inclined to challenge a will if they felt they had been unfairly excluded – making them vulnerable to being sidelined and denied access to their rightful inheritance.

Debra Burton, inheritance disputes partner at the Colmore Square firm, said: “Our research found that women are not only at risk of being pushed away from the family business, but they are also less likely to challenge a will if they felt it was biased towards its beneficiaries.

“In England and Wales, children have a right to challenge a will if they believe it does not make

Board role for Wilkes’ partner Wilkes’ senior partner Gareth O’Hara has joined the Board of the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce, highlighting his commitment to strengthening business ties between the countries.

In addition to his new board role, Gareth also serves as the chair of the Midlands Regional Committee, reflecting his commitment to driving economic growth and collaboration in the region.

Founded in 1971, the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce is a business-to-business organisation with a membership of around 800 British and German firms. The Chamber’s commercial services support approximately 10,000 companies annually, providing business contacts, information, and advice to help organisations launch or grow their export activities.

Women vulnerable: Debra Burton and Alistair Spencer

‘reasonable financial provision’ for them.

“Fairness in family succession is often seen as crucial. A family business can often be the most valuable asset. If the numbers don’t stack up and there are not enough non-business assets elsewhere to make up the difference, then someone is going to lose out.”

Almost half of men surveyed (49 per cent) said they would contest a will if they felt it was unfair, compared to 40 per cent of women.

Similarly, 41 per cent of men said they would pursue a larger share of

the estate if they believed they deserved it, compared to 30 per cent of women.

Alistair Spencer, inheritance disputes legal director at Lime Solicitors, said: “Ultimately, whether a challenge is motivated by personal financial concerns or by a desire to uphold the deceased’s wishes, every case needs to be carefully considered.

“The goal should be to respect family dynamics while protecting both the business and beneficiaries’ interests. With proper planning, it’s possible to mitigate risks of disputes.”

Triple success at ESG team National law firm Weightmans is celebrating a trilogy of successes for its environment, social and governance (ESG) leadership team.

Weightmans was the second-best performing law firm among the UK’s top 75 in 2024 for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, according to The Lawyer’s new Emissions Tracker report.

The report “seeks to shed light on the climate impact of the legal sector and foster a culture of accountability and improvement”, positioning Weightmans among the best in the industry.

For the second consecutive year, Weightmans features in The Legal 500'’ UK Green Guide, the 2025 Edition – which showcases key UK law firms who are “leading the way in sustainability”.

The guide says Weightmans “makes an impactful contribution to the decarbonisation of the built environment, insurance, and local government sectors”, and provides clients with “expertise into regulatory compliance, sustainability strategy, and transition-focused transactional mandates”.

Freeths Birmingham hails year of growth Freeths Birmingham has revealed impressive growth over the past year as it records an increased revenue of 17.4 per cent.

As the second largest office by headcount, the Birmingham office has welcomed numerous senior strategic hires this year. This includes tax partner Stephen Jones, real estate partner Paul Lloyd, trusts, estates and tax director Hannah Turner and corporate directors Michael McMahon and Melanie Mapstone.

The firm says the hires have been pivotal for the firm in bolstering its national footprint, whilst deepening the breadth of sectoral knowledge across the West Midlands.

Notable recent transactions in the region include advising on the management buyout of Searchlight Ventures Limited and advising on the sale of Agg Pro to SMT Group.

Others have included advising Watchfinder founder Stuart Hennell on his investment as lead investor into British second-hand luxury watch dealer Subdial as part of their £1.5m funding round that also included Active Partners, who invested £4m into Subdial in 2021.

Corporate partner Malin Svanberg Larsson said: “We are confident that this collaboration will foster significant growth and mutual success for both parties. This transaction exemplifies the expertise and dedication that Freeths brings to facilitating investments both for investors and companies.”

Freeths also advised the shareholders of BDCG Holdings Limited on its sale to London International Exhibition Centre Holdings plc (Excel).

In addition, three Freeths lawyers have been named green Success for both parties: Malin Svanberg Larsson ambassadors in this year’s Legal 500 Green Guide.

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SECTOR FOCUS: PROPERTY

Property thinktank: Members of the Fisher German roundtable

Plan to unlock city’s potential A clear strategy to ensure the public and private sectors have a joined up approach to establishing Birmingham as a world property leader is essential, a Fisher German roundtable concluded.

The property agent met with key property professionals and investors to discuss the vast opportunities the city has to offer and the barriers to realising them.

The key message was: “With Birmingham City Council’s ambitious ‘Our Future City Plan’ firmly in place, outlining a vision to establish Birmingham as a world leader in sustainable living and working by 2045, England’s second city is undoubtedly a great place to invest in.

Site acquisition completed The Richardson business and developer Erdgard have completed the acquisition of a six-acre site in Darlaston in the West Midlands.

The transaction provides an opportunity to deliver a multilet scheme in a prime Black Country location.

The scheme will be known as Central Point, with plans to develop six high-quality units, totalling nearly 100,000 sq. ft, on the Willenhall Road site, close to Junction 10 of the M6.

Richardson is an international investment business with a growth-capital and real estate portfolio across the world.

Erdgard, a specialist industrial & logistics developer, was established earlier this year by Allan Wilson and Gareth Williams.

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“But as the city attracts this unprecedented level of investment and development, a clear strategy is required to ensure that the public and private sector have a joined up, collaborative approach so that these bold plans to take the city to the next level can come to fruition.”

There are a number of sectors already attracting long-term capital investors in Birmingham, including life sciences, medtech and digital, and with several world-leading universities based within the city, the opportunities in these areas are only set to expand.

Compared to areas such as the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, Birmingham is less expensive to set up a business, has cheaper living costs

and benefits from strong connectivity, with a wider supply chain right on its doorstep.

‘There are a number of sectors already attracting long-term capital investors in Birmingham’ HS2 is also acting as a significant catalyst for growth in the area, and the scale of the city’s younger demographic also means it has a strong chance of attracting goodquality new housing.

One of the main barriers identified was public funding of

essential real estate dependent services, and Birmingham City Council is suffering from reduced government funding.

It is Europe’s largest local authority district, and while its two principal sources of income are council tax and business rates, social care accounts for a significant proportion of its overall budget.

The roundtable also said that this has resulted in a planning department whose capacity is stretched, and to ensure that the limited resources are focused on those schemes with more financial and social impact, a great focus on strategic priorities and attribution of performance from individual developments needs to be adopted.

Apprentice builds life from the ground up The only way is up for 20-year-old Ky Shaw who has been able to turn his life around after landing an apprenticeship while building one of Birmingham’s newest skyscrapers.

Ky, from Dudley, was determined to put himself onto a better path in life after having a difficult time at school and getting into trouble with the police.

Now, thanks to a Skills Centre Hub funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Ky has been able to get a job as a hoist driver with the principal contractor John Sisk & Son at the Moda Living project on Great Charles Street.

And, after project director Steve Rogers saw Ky’s potential, he is set to start a plumbing apprenticeship working on the 39-storey tower.

Ky said; “I always found it hard to settle and concentrate in a classroom environment and preferred more hands-on learning in subjects such as physical education and engineering. My behaviour got me kicked out of school and meant I moved around various secondary schools.

Better path: Richard Parker (left) with Ky Shaw at the Great Charles Street project

“I got myself into trouble with the police and that was when I realised this was not the way forward.

“Starting with Sisk changed my life for the better as I have been able to learn while doing practical work and earning a living. In the future I want to upskill further, become a project manager or supervisor and hopefully one day have my own construction business.”

West Midlands mayor Richard Parker said: “Ky is an inspiration to other young people to get themselves the skills to thrive. For many young people like Ky this isn’t about giving them a second chance, it’s about giving them the first chance they’ve ever had to thrive.”

The WMCA has awarded £100,000 of its adult skills budget to Sisk to run the Skills Centre hub at the Great Charles Street site, offering local people free construction training and a guaranteed job interview at the end of the 20-day course.

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

50 new jobs being created by care firm A local care company, Bridgewater Home Care Sandwell, which provides high quality care at home for vulnerable people is expanding its services following high demand in the area.

Bridgewater Home Care Sandwell, part of the larger Bridgewater Home Care network, provides relationshipfocused care in the community and specialise in ensuring that their clients can remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Whilst doing this they promise to deliver the highest level of care, always striving to go above and beyond expectations, and becoming the local ‘go-to’ provider of relationshipfocussed care at home.

Due to the success of the company nationally and the everincreasing demand for its services, Bridgewater Home Care is looking to expand the care team in Sandwell by at least 50 people within the next few months.

Managing director of Bridgewater Home Care Sandwell, Christopher Taylor, a veteran of 18 years’ service before being medically discharged, added: “I’m extremely pleased that

the company has grown so rapidly and has such a demand for the services we provide. We are looking for people with empathy and nurturing capabilities whose roles will ensure that we provide the highest quality care to vulnerable people in our community.”

Kane Taylor, fellow director and son of Christopher, continued: “We are looking forward to talking to kind, compassionate and like-minded individuals of all ages and from all walks of life. Training is provided so professional caring experience is not essential, so long as individuals have a real passion for helping others and caring for people.”

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SECTOR FOCUS: SKILLS

Coaching firm looks to the future A senior leaders training firm born out of a holiday vision is celebrating five years of successfully providing quality coaching.

Zoe Lewis (pictured) founded The Leadership Coaches after “contemplating her future” while sitting on a rock in the sea during a solo seaside holiday in August 2019.

Zoé says she overcame doubts and returned from that holiday determined to bring her vision to life. With support, plans were set in motion and by early 2020, the business launched, unaware of the global pandemic that was about to unfold.

Zoe says: “We’ve had such an up and down journey, and yes, I know that’s being vulnerable, but it’s true.”

Five years on, Zoe reflects on a journey filled with resilience, impact, and growth. She said: “From helping hundreds of leaders thrive to forming meaningful partnerships, we’ve stayed true to our mission of ensuring excellent quality coaching for senior leaders while doing good for the world.”

Zoe says key achievements include her bespoke executive coaching which supports leaders who wanted to maximise their potential, navigate organisational changes, and overcome significant challenges such as mergers and acquisitions.

She added: “We’ve worked with the uniqueness of each individual whilst aligning with their organisations to deliver transformational results for all.

“We now work with 18 freelance executive coaches from diverse backgrounds, enabling us to match each leader with the right coach to meet their unique needs.

“We developed a measurable coaching methodology that goes beyond subjective feedback and closed the gap at board level through our targeted coaching programmes. In response to client demand, we now provide dedicated team coaching, delivered by expert coaches who specialise in developing high-performing teams—a niche widely regarded as increasingly valuable due to its proven results.”

Other achievements included winning the Start-Up Business of the Year award from the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, highlighting a commitment to business excellence and community impact. The Leadership Coaches also donated over £10,000 to charitable causes.

Zoe adds: “A proud advocate of Birmingham business, we are closely aligned with the city’s spirit of growth and development. Our partnership with the charity Epic reflects our shared values of fostering innovation and supporting future generations of leaders.

“Being recognised by the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce has strengthened our connection to this vibrant city, and we are thrilled to contribute to its ongoing success.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on expanding our impact. With plans to grow our coaching team further, increase our global reach, and deepen our charitable partnerships, we are excited about the future.

“Reaching our fifth anniversary is a proud moment for us. It reflects the dedication of our coaching team and the trust of our clients. As we look to the future, we are driven by our passion for helping leaders thrive while making a positive difference in the world.”

Free menopause training for SMEs Blossoming brickies: Staff and students at the partnership launch

Partnership boosts bricklaying skills Young people are learning the skills to become bricklayers through a partnership between a college, an academy and a building product manufacturer.

Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) has joined forces with IG Masonry Support to help develop the skills of future bricklayers at the Stephen Burke Construction Academy (SBCA).

The college welcomed teams from IG Masonry Support, along with the chief executive of South Derbyshire District Council, Dr. Justin Ives, to officially launch the partnership.

The SBCA offers a bricklaying workshop where students can develop their practical skills in realistic environments.

As part of the partnership, IG Masonry Support has equipped the workshop with modern tools and materials, enabling students to gain industry-recognised qualifications while honing their trade in a realworld setting.

Geraint Davies, director of curriculum at BSDC, said: “We are grateful to IG Masonry Support for these contributions, which have elevated the quality of our brickwork and masonry programmes.”

Disability Resource Centre (DRC) have employed On Your Feet CIC and Menopause Knowledge CIC to deliver free training for SMEs as part of the “Menopause in and out of the Workplace” project.

This government and NHS-funded project aims to improve retention and recruitment of women experiencing menopause. Until the end of March, sole traders and organisations with less than 250 employees in Birmingham, Solihull and Warwickshire will be offered access to free Menopause Wellbeing Champion training.

Natalie Woo, founder of On Your Feet CIC, said: “During this project, I’ve seen participants recognise their own experiences with perimenopause symptoms and others reflect on how a lack of their own understanding may have led to unintentional discrimination. It’s been inspiring to see them leave the sessions equipped with actionable ideas to create more inclusive and supportive workplaces.”

Aline Boblin, founder and CEO of Menopause Knowledge CIC, said: “These training sessions have the power to improve how employers demonstrate concretely their inclusive menopause and wellbeing culture, and improve their duty of care towards their staff.”

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SECTOR FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY

easyJet trials fuel saving paint easyJet has become the first airline to trial a state-of-the-art lower-weight paint, which will enable the operator to make further savings on fuel.

The airline and its partner Mankiewicz Aviation Coatings have developed a new system that reduces the amount of paint previously needed to create the easyJet livery colours.

The innovative solution has already been applied to 38 aircraft and will be rolled out gradually to easyJet’s entire fleet, with the airline due to complete the transition by 2030.

‘We work closely with our supply chain to ensure we use the latest technology products’ While the lighter weight coat generates a relatively modest impact per plane - 27kg weight reduction - complemented with other fuel reduction methods and applied to entire fleets, this could provide another method of reducing carbon emissions. easyJet says its 38 planes that have been coated with the new paint are already delivering fuel savings thanks to being lighter in weight and once rolled out to the entire fleet will account for a 1,296-tonne fuel reduction.

This is equivalent to a 4,095 tonne reduction of carbon emissions.

Lahiru Ranasinghe, director of sustainability at easyJet, said: “While this forms a small part of a bigger strategy, formulating a new lightweight paint with our partners at Mankiewicz Aviation Coatings exemplifies how we’re assessing every single part of our operation to find efficiency gains to help us achieve this mission.”

Richard Marston, chief commercial officer at MAAS Aviation added: “We work closely with our supply chain to ensure we use the latest technology products that deliver the highest standards of performance and finish, while reducing the impact on the world around us.

“We are very proud to be part of such a groundbreaking initiative.”

easyJet: Lighter weight paint saves fuel

Aston appoints first Adobe professor Aston University, in collaboration with computer software giant Adobe, has established a new professorial role.

Professor Rachel Dodd has been recruited to the new position of Adobe professor of digital innovation, the first role of its kind globally.

The university is the first Adobe Creative Campus in the Midlands, which means it will provide access to software and embed training and support to enhance teaching, learning and professional services. This will help ensure graduates are among the best-prepared for careers in the modern global workplace.

Students will gain industry standard digital skills which will build a strong bridge to the professional world based on the skills future employers will want.

Professor Dodd will lead the adoption of Adobe digital tools across the curriculum, supporting the university’s 2030 strategy goals of enhanced student experience, employability and growth.

She will also drive activity within Adobe Creative Campus Aston Hub, which is hosted by Design Factory Birmingham, which boosts innovation and design in the West Midlands.

Professor Aleks Subic, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Aston University, said: “Professor Dodd’s new position is jointly sponsored by global digital leader Adobe as part of our strategic partnership in establishing Aston University as the Adobe Creative Campus for the West Midlands. Rachel will play a critical role in transforming our teaching and learning through digital innovation.”

Professor Dodd said: “It’s an understatement to say I’m delighted to have joined Aston University.

“I’m eager to leverage my experience to ensure our partnership with Adobe empowers the entire Aston University community with industryleading digital tools.”

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Contrasts: Modern farming

College to host agricultural talks South Staffordshire College has launched a new monthly session to discuss key insights into the agricultural sector.

They will take place every second Thursday of each month, from February to May at Rodbaston College.

These sessions, designed to keep the local farming community up to date with the latest industry developments, will be from 6:30pm to 8:30pm in Rodbaston Hall.

Each talk will feature expert speakers who will share valuable insights and practical tips on modern farming techniques, sustainable practices, and the latest agricultural technologies.

The sessions are free with light refreshments provided. Schedule: • Health & Safety Legislation Updates – 13 February • HR Updates: Legal Responsibilities – 13 March • Environmental Schemes & Sustainability – 10 April • Modern Farming Methods: Agri-Technology – 8 May To reserve a place, contact Jamie Cook on jamie.cook@southstaffs.ac.uk

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SECTOR FOCUS: THE ARTS

Symphony Hall energy: Moseley-based The Lost Notes

Moseley band’s starring role A Moseley-based five-piece Americana band are among stars of every theatre genre to be featured in the spring programmes at Symphony Hall and Town Hall in Birmingham.

The Lost Notes, renowned for their energetic and joyous live shows, celebrate their third album, Good Luck Shoes, in a special concert in the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space at Symphony Hall on 25 February when they will play the album in full, followed by a selection of favourites.

They featured in the BBC Introducing programme.

The new season, which includes comedy, live music, dance and spokenword on its two world-famous stages, showcases an array of performances from West End and Broadway star John Barrowman to critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot.

There is more live music to choose from, with Mercury Prize-winning Badly Drawn Boy and Chris de Burgh, who is celebrating a career milestone of half a century as a recording artist, gracing the Town Hall and Symphony Hall stages in March. And April includes the multi-platinum selling and Ivor Novello-winning David Gray, as well as Olly Alexander performing charttopping hits and fan favourites.

Packed 2025 programme has something for all Birmingham Hippodrome’s newlyannounced line-up for 2025 will include the magical Panto adventure Robin Hood, starring panto legend Matt Slack, from 20 December to 1 February, 2026.

The Musical Theatre Writers Group Showcase (6 March) will give audiences an exclusive first look at the new musicals being developed at the Hippodrome and families can hear all three of Nick Sharratt’s “Shark in the Park” books live on stage in the Patrick Studio (29 March-6 April).

RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World Tour (30 March) hits the Hippodrome stage in an all-new production hosted by Sasha Velour and starring Derrick Barry, Jaida Essence Hall, Jorgeous, Roxxxy Andrews, and Vanessa Vanjie.

In a packed programme throughout the year, internationally renowned dance circus company Motionhouse will return with new production Hidden (10-11 October) which will explore shared challenges in an increasingly divided world.

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Among dance attractions, Giovanni Pernice is back in Birmingham in 2025 with his new live show, The Last Dance on 22 February. The 2021 Strictly Come Dancing champion and BAFTA winner will take to the Symphony Hall stage once again with his company of world class performers.

And having made a stunning return to the Strictly dancefloor, Amy Dowden, accompanied by fellow Strictly star Carlos Gu, will share an intimate portrait of their lives and journeys in their show Reborn on 10 March.

On the comedy front, Jason Manford is back at Symphony Hall with his new live show A Manford All Seasons on 7 March. And following his run at the Soho Theatre and Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Jazz Emu brings his Knight Fever show to Town Hall on 12 March.

Among a busy programme of live music, B:Music, the charity which runs Symphony Hall and the Town Hall, hosts An Evening With Mary Chapin Carpenter, Julie Fowlis and Karine Polwart performing with their band at Town Hall on 3 March, playing songs from their new album Looking For The Thread and from across their catalogues.

Ballet pays tribute after CEO’s passing Birmingham Royal Ballet has paid tribute to CEO Caroline Miller (pictured), who passed away on 15 December after a long illness.

Sir David Normington, chair of Birmingham Royal Ballet, said: “I speak on behalf of everyone at Birmingham Royal Ballet, in great sadness, as we announce the passing of our chief executive officer, Caroline Miller OBE. “We are all totally devastated by her death. On a personal note I have lost not just a CEO, but a force of nature, an inspiration and a dear friend. Caroline was one of the brightest and most influential figures in the UK and international dance scene, receiving the de Valois award for Outstanding Achievement from the National Dance Awards in 2015, and was awarded an OBE in 2017 for services to the arts.

“She brought vision and energy to her role, and helped reaffirm BRB’s position as one of the world’s great ballet companies.”

BRB director Carlos Acosta said: “I am lost for words and utterly saddened at the passing of our dear CEO, valued colleague and friend, Caroline Miller, as is the entire company and indeed beyond, throughout the dance industry.

“To say she was a leading light is an understatement – she brought fantastic energy, sound advice, vision and good humour to everything she did. On behalf of all of us at BRB I give heartfelt thanks for her unbridled enthusiasm, dedication and loyalty. She will be remembered with much fondness by all.”

Picture: Johan Persson

“Magical” tour of Cinderella to visit Birmingham Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) will tour Sir David Bintley’s magical production of Cinderella to venues across the UK this year.

Cinderella will open at the Mayflower Theatre Southampton this month before continuing to Birmingham Hippodrome (19 February-1 March) and then visiting Salford, Sunderland, Bristol and Plymouth. Following the UK tour, the production will then play at Tokyo’s Bunka Kaikan in Japan in June.

Former BRB soloist and now Royal Ballet principal dancer William Bracewell will join the company as a guest performer in the role of The Prince, dancing alongside Momoko Hirata at Birmingham Hippodrome on the evenings of Thursday 20 and Saturday 22 February.

For more information visit: brb.org.uk

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SECTOR FOCUS: SPORT

The Business of Sport Major award win for pioneering greenkeeper Anna Nilsson, deputy head greenkeeper of The Belfry’s world-famous Brabazon Golf Course, has triumphed at the Women in Golf Awards 2024 - taking home the coveted Women in Turfcare accolade.

The first woman to manage such a legendary championship course, Anna’s stewardship of the acclaimed Brabazon has been instrumental in The Belfry securing a contract to host the esteemed Betfred British Masters golf tournament until 2026.

Women in Golf Awards Founder Nicole Wheatley said: “Our judges were so impressed to learn about the efforts Anna makes to speak to schools and mentor young greenkeepers.

“She really is making a huge impression on the industry, and I am delighted she has won this award.

“By sharing and celebrating the success of women working in golf, I truly believe that we can attract more women into the industry.”

Leading the way as a female greenkeeper Anna, who joined The Belfry in 2019 as senior greenkeeper before being promoted to deputy head greenkeeper of the Brabazon Golf Course in 2021, utilises social media to inspire women to engage with golf, and shares her experiences of being a woman in the industry at events.

Anna said: “To be acknowledged by an organisation that is such a champion of strong female leadership in golf is an unbelievable honour.”

Top greenkeeper: Anna Nilsson

Plans for first padel facility are revealed Plans are being drawn up to build Birmingham’s first facility dedicated to one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports.

IM Properties are working with The Padel Club to develop plans for a 10-court padel facility at Peddimore near Sutton Coldfield.

The site would feature two open air and eight covered courts, along with a clubhouse and landscape social area.

Padel – described as a hybrid of tennis and squash in which teams of two compete in a walled court – is the fastest growing racket sport. The Padel Club is backed by high-profile sports stars including former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan and ex-Aston Villa footballers James Milner and Shay Given.

Kris Ball, CEO of the Padel Club, said: “Our club model is about more than just sport. We create places where people can meet, play, and form lasting connections.”

Peddimore’s location within Birmingham, and now part of Sutton Connect’s Green Travel District, makes it an ideal location for The Padel Club to debut in the city.

The site is accessible by walking, cycling or public transport.

Richard Lawrence, development director for IM Properties, added: “Providing the local community with an amenity space and hub for the scheme is part of our 94 CHAMBERLINK February 2025

Bears women get new kit

In action: Padel, a hybrid of tennis and squash

placemaking strategy on Peddimore which fits in with our Sustainable Futures vision focusing on People, Planet and Place. The Padel Club concept appealed to us because it is fresh, exciting and accessible. The facilities are designed to encourage people to stay afterwards, socialise and build a community of likeminded individuals.”

Kris added: “Birmingham is an exciting next step in our expansion, and we welcome the opportunity to share this journey with IM Properties, who are a perfect fit for our ambitions to connect people and create a strong sense of community.”

Peddimore, developed in partnership with Birmingham City Council, is already home to global logistics operator, Amazon, which has created more than 1,400 new jobs since it opened.

Warwickshire’s official kit supplier PlayerLayer is backing Bears Women as they prepare for their historic debut season as a professional side.

PlayerLayer has supplied Bears kit for the past seven seasons and have signed a new contract extending the partnership until 2027.

That contract now includes supplying Bears Women with new training and white ball kit for their debut 2025 season.

Warwickshire’s head of commercial partnerships Ben Seifas, said: “PlayerLayer are with us in wanting to inspire more women and girls to play cricket so we’re looking forward to working with them on various initiatives to increase participation. It’s a proud moment to see our Bears Women wearing the Bear & Ragged Staff logo on our new training range.”

Bears Women will make their competitive debut at Edgbaston on 23 April when they start their Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign against Hampshire.

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Chamber Insight Focus on a member

Name: Vishnu S Parmar Company: The VSP Group Job Title: Owner

What does your company do?

We are a multi-skilled team offering comprehensive marketing services, with our primary focus on social media. From content creation to vira marketing campaigns, we handle it all.

How did it all start?

A client, who has since become a friend, mentored and encouraged me to start the agency, with her business becoming my first client.

We've now been in business for 18 months and haven’t looked back since.

What’s your greatest achievement so far?

As a start-up agency, we’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible brands. However, the growth of both the business and our team stands out as my greatest achievement.

What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken – and did it work out?

Starting the business. I left a wellpaid job to pursue what I do now, and I’m so glad I made that decision.

What keeps you awake at night?

Ideas for clients and ways we can improve and innovate constantly occupy my thoughts. Working in social media also keeps me awake - I’m always scrolling and staying connected.

If you could turn the clock back, what would you do differently?

I would have started much sooner.

What has surprised you most in your job?

I’m often surprised by how poorly some people approach marketing and the number of businesses that still neglect it in this day and age.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Take the risk—it will all be worth it.

Also, focus on building a strong network of supportive and inspiring people.

Which business do you most admire?

Personally, I admire several luxury fashion and tech brands. There are too many to list, but they all share a commitment to innovation and quality.

What exciting projects is your business working on?

We’re working on several Spring/Summer 2025 campaigns for our fashion brands, along with an exciting new brand and marketing launch in the Middle East and many more.

What made you join Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and how are you making use of your membership?

I joined to connect with likeminded businesses and access valuable resources for growth.

Over the past year, I’ve admittedly not fully utilised my membership, as the business has been growing rapidly, and my focus has been on that. However, this year, I’m committed to making the most of it by expanding my network and connecting with a broader range of businesses and individuals. I aim to build strong relationships within the Chamber, while also helping fellow members enhance their marketing strategies. I’m looking forward to sharing the expertise of the VSP Group and collaborating with others to drive growth and success.

Tel: 07794144132 Visit: www.thevsp.group

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MEMBER SECTION: NEW MEMBERS

New Members Your guide to new sign-ups Access Health Group Adrian Basford 07733 306236 www.access-health-group.co.uk Other service activities n.e.c.

Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce Ad Hoc Property Management Ltd Andrew Edlington 0121 773 8116 www.adhocproperty.co.uk Security systems service activities Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

D Tiles Limited Emmanuel Ogbunude 07342 089311 www.dtiles.co.uk Floor and wall covering Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Exhale Conscious Bar CIC Ryan Costello www.exhaleconsciousbar.com Other human health activities Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Ark & Co Ltd Mandeep Rajput 0121 429 4054 www.arkandco.uk Accounting and auditing activities Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Fine Jewels Ltd Manoj Kumar 07787 564008 Wholesale of watches and jewellery Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Ashley Kate HR & Finance Deborah Porter 0121 321 1000 www.ashleykatehr.com Other activities of employment placement agencies Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Habib Bank AG Zurich Udey Singh 0121 455 6213 www.habibbank.com Banks Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Diocesan Board of Education Barrie Scott 0121 426 0400 www.birminghamdbe.org.uk Activities of religious organisations Solihull Chamber of Commerce Business Finance Expert Stuart Pawelczyk 07850 025933 www.businessfinanceexpert.uk Activities of financial services holding companies Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Contented Communications Gerard Davies 07976 811506 www.contented.net Other education n.e.c.

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce Creative Digital Life Limited Jon Soden-Geer 0121 461 9139 www.creativedigital.life Advertising agencies Birmingham Chamber of Commerce 96 CHAMBERLINK February 2025

For more information visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/membership

Crystal Academy: Aerial Arts and Dance CIC Jason Kolmer 07979 290738 www.crystalacademy.net Performing arts Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce

Akhurst Containers Amass Group Ltd Jon Anderson Akhurst 07379 124984 www.akhurstcontainers.com Construction of commercial buildings Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Bulls American Football Club Luke Harris 07976 248499 www.birminghambulls.co.uk Activities of sport clubs Transatlantic Chamber

Whatever your business size and requirements, the Chamber has a membership scale to suit your needs.

Hariley Solutions Ryan Wheeler 07977 404502 www.harileysolutions.com Other activities of employment placement agencies Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Heligan Group Kieran Duffy 0121 269 0146 www.heligangroup.com Other business support service activities n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce IBM UK Justine Ive 023 9256 1000 www.ibm.com Other information technology service activities Birmingham Chamber of Commerce KC Group Recruitment Stef Mitchell 0121 705 0077 www.thekcgroup.com Temporary employment agency activities Solihull Chamber of Commerce Kunda House ltd t/a FindaHost Landry Ntahe 07474 373765 www.findahost.io Information technology consultancy activities Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

My Green Kitchen by Chef D Chef D. Daksha 07801 284618 www.mygreenkitchenbychefd.com Other food services Asian Business Chamber of Commerce Neu Servo Repairs Ltd Lee Robinson 01527 575888 neuservo.com Repair of machinery Solihull Chamber of Commerce P3 Design Peter Shrive 07746 734966 www.p3design.co.uk specialised design activities Solihull Chamber of Commerce PI-KEM Limited Fiona Rouse 01827 259250 www.pi-kem.co.uk Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c.

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce RD Apparel Clare Lubrano 01543 762062 www.rdapparel.co.uk Other retail sale in non-specialised stores Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

Realistic EA Mike Brownsword 07909 122799 www.realisticea.com Management consultancy activities other than financial management Birmingham Chamber of Commerce S J Hill Drywall Ltd Steven Hill 07742 421275 Plastering Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce Santander UK Felix Peter-Thomas 07707 854103 www.santander.co.uk Banks Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce Simpsons Restaurant (Edgbaston) Steve Locklin 0121 454 3434 www.simpsonsrestaurant.co.uk Licenced restaurants Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Strategic Workforce Development Consultancy Group Limited Nigel Taylor 07305 742014 Management consultancy activities other than financial management Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

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MEMBER SECTION: NEW MEMBERS

As the voice of local business since 1813, we strive to help firms across the region

connect, support and grow.

And Evolve Ltd Amrit Sandhar 01926 504550 www.and-evolve.com Management consultancy activities other than financial management Solihull Chamber of Commerce Avery Healthcare Nicola Helen Urry 01564 732400 www.averyhealthcare.co.uk Other human health activities Solihull Chamber of Commerce BKY Chemical Solutions Ltd Andy Lewis 01283 813225 www.bkycs.com Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c.

Burton and District Chamber of Commerce BlueChilli Karl Wheeler 0121 359 1384 www.bluechillidp.co.uk specialised design activities Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

The Beautiful Moments Hetal Trivedi www.thebeautifulmoments.co.uk Photographic activities not elsewhere classified Asian Business Chamber of Commerce Town and Country Property Auctions Ras Robinson 0121 630 3331 Buying and selling of own real estate Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce Truflo Air Movements Ltd Lisa Malpass 0121 557 4101 Manufacture of electric lighting equipment Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce West Midlands Metro Elizabeth Cole 0121 502 2006 www.westmidlandsmetro.com Passenger rail transport, interurban Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Alchemy Hub Ltd Jonathan Mills 07812 085745 Management consultancy activities other than financial management Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

Bridge House Garage Ltd John Cockburn 07809 127436 Freight transport by road Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Everyone Health Ltd Zoe Williams 0333 005 0095 www.everyonehealth.co.uk Other education n.e.c.

Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce FlexABL Ltd Adam Dee 07577 303333 www.flexabl.co.uk Banks Solihull Chamber of Commerce Glam and Glow Beauty Lab Paola Spiga 07732 062367 www.glamandglow.uk Hairdressing and other beauty treatment Solihull Chamber of Commerce Glenveagh Advisory Mike Owens 07949 306005 Management consultancy activities other than financial management Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Gordon Moody Association Victoria Jackson 01384 241292 www.gordonmoody.org.uk Other human health activities Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

idatamaze Ltd Srini Lakkireddy 0333 303 4487 www.idatamaze.com Engineering related scientific and technical consulting activities Asian Business Chamber of Commerce JAM People Consulting Limited Jane Arthur-McGuire 07973 548293 www.jamconsulting.co.uk Human resources provision and management of human resources functions Solihull Chamber of Commerce JTL Training Nigel Sidwell 0800 085 2308 www.jtltraining.com Technical and vocational secondary education Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Lumon Christopher Smith 020 3384 7280 www.lumonpay.com Activities auxiliary to financial intermediation n.e.c.

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce NPF Bassetts Pole Adventure Park Kerry Mayo 0121 323 1000 www.npfbassettspole.com/corporate Other amusement and recreation activities n.e.c.

Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce Nutri Solutions Ltd AHED ALHUSSEIN 07448 655035 www.nutri-solutions.co.uk Manufacture of other food products n.e.c.

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce One Black Bear Jon Harrison 0121 227 4444 www.oneblackbear.com Advertising agencies Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Paul Archer Transport Ltd Jenny Keeton 0121 329 2745 www.archerstransport.co.uk Freight transport by road Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Prune Software Bianca Yew 07941 911682 www.prunesoftware.com Business and domestic software development Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Restart Enterprise CIC Pauline Miller-Brown 07752 671498 www.restartenterprise.com Other social work activities without accommodation n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce S & R Khan Limited Sunjidah Khanam 07554 965754 Other retail sale not in stores, stalls or markets Solihull Chamber of Commerce ServiceGRN Darrell Arnold 01564 660660 www.servicegrn.comservicesgrn.com Computer facilities management activities Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Shepherd Commercial Ltd Kaine Arkinson 01564 778890 www.shepcom.com Management of real estate on a fee or contract basis Solihull Chamber of Commerce Solihull Riding Club Eleanor Spelman 07824 883860 www.solihullridingclub.co.uk Activities of property unit trusts Solihull Chamber of Commerce Sutton Coldfield Training Limited Tracey Glass 0121 240 3989 www.suttoncoldfieldtraining.co.uk Other education n.e.c.

Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce The Procurement Network Ltd Daldeep Chahal 01902 229392 www.procnet.co.uk Management consultancy activities other than financial management Birmingham Chamber of Commerce TLT LLP Mark Elder 0333 006 0011 www.tlt.com Solicitors Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Toyota Lean Management Centre Julian Ball 01244 282135 www.tlmc.toyotauk.com Manufacture of motor vehicles Birmingham Chamber of Commerce February 2025 CHAMBERLINK 97

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MEMBER SECTION

...any other business A roundup of news from Chamber members

Director to take on Arctic dog challenge Unwavering dedication: Kym Morris

Honour for local business leader A Staffordshire-based volunteer and business leader has been awarded British Citizen Award (BCA) for services to volunteering and charitable giving.

Kym Morris, business manager of Lichfield-based Legionella & Fire Safe Services, is among 26 individuals to be honoured with the award. Kym received the coveted BCA Medal of Honour for Service to Volunteering & Charitable Giving (BCAv) in Westminster. Recipients are entitled to use the postnominals to commemorate their achievements.

For 13 years, Kym has campaigned alongside Denise Fergus, mother of James Bulger, in her fight for justice for James.

She has also volunteered throughout this time with the James Bulger Trust, assisting the charity established in memory of the two-year-old abducted and brutally murdered in 1993.

In 2020, Kym became chair of the trust, which aims to support young people disadvantaged by bereavement, crime, hatred, or bullying and she has been able to promote the awareness of the charity and fundraise to enable more families to be helped.

Stephanie Wood, from BCA Partner One Stop, said: "This year’s medallists exemplify the incredible support within our communities, especially during challenging times.

“We’re honoured to partner with the BCA and play a part in recognising these exceptional individuals.”

The presentation, hosted by TV presenter Matt Allwright, was due to be attended by BCA Patrons Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers, and The Rt Hon Lord Dholakia.

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The director of Clancy Consulting will be traversing the Arctic with a team of huskies to raise funds for The Brain Tumour Charity.

Scott Lydon will be joined by a courageous team of explorers from the built environment sector, covering a gruelling distance of 180 kilometres in freezing temperatures in the wild.

The goal is for each explorer to raise £5,000, which will be directed towards crucial research and support initiatives for people afflicted by brain tumours.

Scott, who owns two Pomeranians, Milo and Monty, expressed his trepidation and excitement about leading a team of powerful huskies across the Arctic.

The adventure begins on 7 March, with the team heading to Kiruna in Sweden, where they will familiarise themselves with the huskies, master the art of mushing, and embark on an initial 25km sledding excursion, culminating in a night under the stars in a traditional Sami tepee.

The subsequent days will consist of navigating an additional 145km through natural trails, residing in a remote cabin devoid of modern utilities but enriched with the rustic charm of a frozen lake and ample firewood.

Scott's fundraising efforts have extended to using his musical talents by performing with his band, The Deconstructed Band, at industry events to garner support.

To date, he has successfully raised £3,754, and is almost at his ultimate target of £5,000.

More details on how to contribute can be found on Scott’s JustGiving.com

Arctic challenge: Scott Lydon

VIP basketball tickets on offer Birmingham’s biggest basketball club has launched a VIP half-season ticket package for its remaining home games of the National League Division One campaign.

City of Birmingham Rockets’ VIP family half-season ticket package includes prime courtside seats for up to four people, with complimentary drinks and snacks.

The package – which is for the Rockets’ home games at Nechells Wellbeing Centre plus any additional playoff games – also includes a meet-and-greet with players after selected fixtures and the chance to be recognised in the matchday production as a VIP supporter.

The VIP package costs £500.

Rob Palmer, CEO of the Rockets, said: “With this package, you’ll not only experience the excitement of professional basketball in style but also align your business with a growing community-focused club that is making waves in Birmingham sports.

“The ticket is transferable within your company and is ideal as a reward incentive for employees and clients.

Availability is limited, and packages are filling quickly.”

To secure your VIP family ticket contact the club via enquiries@cobrockets.co.uk or call 0121 460 5879.

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