Chamberlink May 23

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The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

CHAMBER May 2023

Free to Members £5.00 where sold

LINK

Global vision takes off New Chamber will link businesses around the world See page 5 • Now it’s the ROYAL Sutton Chamber • Vice-president’s moving visit to disaster zones • All change in Chamber’s media operations

Picture: Marc Kirsten

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Contents Chamberlink May 2023 Business News

34 ABCC: PwC take on charity challenge

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Editor’s View All-round commitment keeps print mag alive

36 Cannock Chase: New owners for manufacturing firm

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Business News First patron for Global Chamber

37 Burton & District: Nominations announced for Charity of the year

10 President’s Focus David Mitchell, president of Cannock Chase Chamber 14 The Griffin Report Nasir Awan, chair of Islamic Relief Pakistan 22 Where do you fancy?

Chapter

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38 Lichfield & Tamworth: Cathedral spire repairs begin 39 Royal Sutton Coldfield: Sepsis awarenes film wins prize

55 Professional Services: Alternatives, still essential?

40 Solihull: Chamber to support Moors

58 Packaging the future for the generations

42 Future Faces: Award winner reflects on journey

Sector Focus

Chamber Patrons 28 Schoolboy receives pioneering treatment

Events

1813 Club and Premier Members

44 The latest comprehensive list of Chamber events

30 BMet launches first Fintech short course

Chamber Group 32 International Trade: Innovation on display for US diplomat

62 Business Travel: Airport upgrades on track for completion 64 Finance: Consumers not buying luxuries

Features

66 Legal: Law firms helps victims of burns

49 Communications & Marketing: Getting your house in order means business

68 Manufacturing: Cufflinks fit for a King

52 Making engaging video content

70 Property: Paradise managers appointed 72 Skills: Support on offer for unpaid carers 74 Technology: Intercity showcases ops for tech minister 76 The Arts: Theatre announces 2023 line-up 78 Sport: Legend supports local charity

Member Section 79 Chamber Insight Lynsey Kitching, CAPE Coaching & Development Ltd 80 New Members Chamber welcomes new members

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82 …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

Cannock Chase

Chamber of Commerce

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 07508 317356 f.jayawardene@birmingham-chamber.com Reporter: Darby Newman +447951245985 d.newman@birmingham-chamber.com

Greater Birmingham

Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce

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

May 2023 CHAMBERLINK 3

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Opinion

Editor’s View

By John Lamb

All-round commitment keeps print mag alive s you can read elsewhere in this edition of Chamberlink, there’s been a bit of a shake-up in what was the press and PR department.

Sorry to use a red-top phrase like shake-up, but I guess it comes from a tendency to journalistic phrases inbred through years of hackery.

The department is now covered by an umbrella named the Department of External Affairs, to embrace the Chamber’s policy work and relations wi th private and public stakeholders.

I have been succeeded by Dan Harrison, who now deservedly becomes the head of media and communications.

But I’m delighted to say – although you may not agree with me – that you have not got rid

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‘People, perhaps of a certain age, for the time being still seem to like a leisurely flip through a printed periodical’ of me entirely. I shall continue to edit this magazine, which I have nurtured over nearly 27 years alongside other duties.

1997 was hundreds of years ago in terms of communications , pre-dating the internet and

FRONT COVER: New high-flying Chamber (left to right): Mark Smith, Mandy Haque and Shaun Gray See page 5 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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social media phenomena like twitter and Facebook. However, I’m proud to say that, unlike much other printed media, Chamberlink has survived this revolution.

That is largely down to the Chamber’s commitment to it and the hard work of its editorial and advertising personnel, along with its online daily cousin ChamberlinkDaily.

But it is also as much about you the reader.

The last time we asked in a recent survey, 87 per cent of members said they valued and liked Chamberlink in its printed form.

And that seems to prove that despite the efforts of many others to turn readers away from printed media, people, perhaps of a certain age, for the time being still seem to like a leisurely flip through a printed periodical.

Of course, it won’t last very long as older generations die off.

We will then have a world where readers are largely only used to looking at all manner of screens for their daily intake of news and views and every other element of human life.

Or perhaps screens will become outdated and we will communicate entirely through a stud implanted in an ear, as predicted at a Chamber event years ago by a gentleman who rejoiced in the title of Orange’s director of imagineering and futurology.

However, I’m delighted to be allowed to edit Chamberlink for the Chamber and look forward to working with Dan, Feron, Darby and Jon plus the team at Kemps to bring you an informed and enjoyable publication.

In other words, a damn good read.

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

First patron for Global Chamber

By Dan Harrison A new global trade initiative from Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce is already bearing fruit – by accelerating a manufacturing firm’s expansion into Mexico.

Ginho Group, the global automotive components manufacturer with European headquarters in Burton-upon-Trent, has become the first patron of the new Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce.

Ginho join Aston University, the Commonwealth Chamber’s founding patron.

And the Chinese-owned firm is seeing the benefits already thanks to an introduction from the Chamber which has sped up plans to open a facility in Mexico.

Ginho’s European managing director Shaun Gray, who is also president of the Burton & District Chamber of Commerce, said: “We’ve made a clear commitment to our customers and supply chain that we intend to open a Mexico facility to follow the global demands of our customers and to continue to offer our supply chain solutions globally.

“Introductions made through the Global Chamber to the Mexican Embassy has helped us speed that process up.

“Up until a few weeks ago, we were still doing a lot of fact-finding but the Mexican Embassy

‘I am delighted that the Global Chamber has already received such positive feedback and interest’ have put us in touch with the right people – not only from a national government point of view but in the two regions where we’d like to establish our business.

“They are now putting plans in place for us to talk to them directly and to visit those regions.

“It can often take weeks or months to talk to the right people but this has shortened that process and has given us the confidence that we

Global ties: Shaun Gray, Nick Barton Birmingham Airport CEO), Mark Smith, Mandy Haque and Brenda VanHorn, commercial counselor for the US Embassy in London

can establish our business this year, which was our corporate goal.”

Ginho already has a huge presence globally – with 1,800 employees in China, Europe the UK and the US. As a patron of the Global Chamber, Shaun says the firm hopes to pass on valuable insights to other Midlands firms who are looking to do business internationally.

He said: “The Chamber locally helped us establish our supply chain partners. We now have a lot of connections globally with freight companies and the automotive sector. Wherever we can, we’d like to join those dots to bring more of the global supply chain back to the Midlands. We travel the world, so in terms of bringing economic data back to organisations at the Chamber, we can give real time feedback on what we’re seeing in North America, Mexico, China, Germany and all the places in Europe where we’re doing business.”

First announced at the GBCC’s Global Trade Conference in Feb ruary, the Global Chamber replaces the Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce, which was set up in 2018 with Aston University as founding patron to create bilateral trade links with Commonwealth countries before, during and immediately after the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Mandy Haque, the GBCC’s international director, said: “I am delighted that the Global Chamber has already received such positive feedback and interest and we look forward to working with the existing members of the Commonwealth division as well as new members that are attracted due to the further global reach.”

• More international news – pages 32 and 33

Nothing left but the clothes they stand in Chamber vice-president Nasir Awan was reduced to tears when he returned to his homeland to see the devastating impact of flooding after a monsoon brought a living nightmare to Pakistan Read Jon Griffin’s moving interview – pages 14-15 May 2023 CHAMBERLINK 5

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Business News

Senior appointments celebrated at Chamber Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has announced two senior appointments to lead its policy, media and external affairs operations.

Raj Kandola has been promoted to the role of director of external affairs, having previously held the position of head of policy and strategic relationships.

In his new position, Raj will oversee the direction of the organisation’s policy, patronage, stakeholder engagement and press, PR and communications activities.

Raj joined the GBCC in November 2016, initially as a senior policy advisor specialising in transport and infrastructure policy. He previously spent eight years in London recruiting for investment banks and asset managers before relocating to the Midlands to work in communications for a former Shadow Minister.

In 2021, he was promoted to head of policy – later becoming head of policy and strategic relationships to reflect his role in developing the Chamber’s patronage scheme.

He said: “I’m thrilled to have been given this opportunity to become the GBCC’s first ever director of external affairs.

“I've been with the Chamber for six years and it's been an honour to work for an organisation that is embedded in the fabric of the region and has supported the business community through a series of seismic challenges.

“As we emerge from this period of uncertainty, the Chambers’ external affairs offering will become even more prominent - I look forward to working with my team to drive this agenda forward.”

Dan Harrison is the Chamber’s new head of media and communications, having previously held the position of Press and PR manager.

He will lead all areas of the Chamber’s media

Thrilled: Dan Harrison

Honour: Raj Kandola

and news content operations, including external media engagement and production of the organisation’s print and online news material.

Dan joined the Chamber in 2016 as press and PR executive, having spent nearly eight years at Aston Villa Football Club as a club journalist and, latterly, as editor of the award-winning Villa News & Record matchday programme.

The former City of Wolverhampton College NCTJ journalism student began his career with the Newsquest Midlands group of newspapers which includes the Stourbridge, Halesowen and Dudley News titles, the Bromsgrove and Redditch Advertisers and the Kidderminster

Shuttle. Dan is also a board member of the City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball Club.

John Lamb, who served as director of press and PR for 27 years, will continue to edit the flagship Chamberlink magazine.

Dan said: “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the GBCC’s media and communications operations.

“Our Chamber turns 210-years-old this year but has continued to move with the times, thanks to the dynamic, hard-working team we have in place today.

“I look forward to working with my talented team as we strive to find new ways to tell the story of the organisation and its member businesses.

“Of course, taking the reins from John means I have big shoes to fill. He has been a stalwart of the Chamber, as well as a huge support and inspiration to me personally – and I’m delighted that he is continuing to work with us on the production of Chamberlink magazine.”

Business experts join ‘policy’ council Three leading business figures have joined Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s Chamber Council.

Chamber Council plays an important role in steering the policy and campaigning activities of the GBCC, as well as voting on priority themes for the year ahead.

Deborah Hazell is CEO of Unity Trust Bank, a socially-motivated commercial bank based in Birmingham which was crowned the Greater Birmingham Business of the Year at this month’s GBCC annual dinner and awards. She was formerly CEO of HSBC Global Asset Management (USA) and regional head of HSBC Global Asset Management, Americas, where she oversaw the asset management business in Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and Argentina

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Lis Lewis-Jones is the CEO of Liquid, a fully integrated PR, social, digital, marketing and design consultancy working globally in 26 different jurisdictions.

In 2022, Liquid was named by the PRCA as Large Consultancy of the Year in the global Platinum awards, while PR Week named

‘The role of Chamber Council in steering our lobbying and research priorities has never been more important’ Liquid the third largest consultancy working in the public sector in the UK. In 2011, Liquid acquired offices

in the Channel Islands, making it the first UK PR consultancy to have offices in Jersey and Guernsey.

The agency now has an office in Brisbane, Australia.

Rebekah Taitt is regional development director at Lloyds Banking Group.

She has more than 10 years’ experience in the banking sector with knowledge across retail, wealth and corporate.

In her previous role, Rebekah was working with clients in the SME tier to achieve their potential and growing their portfolio of approximately 50 clients with a turnover between £6.5m and £50m.

Rebekah leads the Midlands Regional Development Programme at Lloyds - working collaboratively with political, non-

political and business leaders in the city.

Raj Kandola, director of external affairs at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “I am delighted that three such high calibre candidates are joining Chamber Council.

“Whether it’s the cost of doing business crisis, labour market challenges or supply chain disruption, the role of Chamber Council in steering our lobbying and research priorities has never been more important.

“All three candidates displayed a passion for helping the local business community and a vast array of knowledge which will help shape our broader objectives of helping local firms to connect, support and grow as we emerge from an uncertain time.”

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Business News

Arise ROYAL Sutton Chamber!

Fitting honour in Coronation year

President’s domain: Phil Arkinstall, president of Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber, tours his royal domain

By Jon Griffin rise the Royal Chamber of Sutton Coldfield... nearly 500 years after the town was first granted its lofty status by Henry VIII. The Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce has become the first ‘Royal’ division of the Birmingham Chamber in the business lobby group’s long and distinguished 210-year history.

The division’s board decided to officially rename the Sutton arm to bring the Chamber into line with the likes of the Royal Sutton Town

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“Bardolph, get thee before to Coventry; fill me a bottle of sack; our soldiers shall march through; we’ll to Sutton Co’fil tonight.”

- Henry IV Part I Council, the Royal Sutton Town BID, the Royal Sutton Town Hall and other regal links.

Sutton Coldfield’s much cherished Royal status even predated the birth of Shakespeare by 36 years and was conferred back in Tudor times by Britain’s most famous (and infamous) monarch, Henry VIII. In 1528, when Henry was still married to his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, Bishop John Vesey had obtained a charter from the King which referred to Sutton Coldfield as “the royal town and village of Sutton Coldfield”.

The Tudor charter stated: “And that the same town and village shall be ever hereafter be accounted, named and called The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield in our County of Warwick.”

Nearly five centuries later Gary Phelps as then editor of the Sutton Coldfield Observer and with the backing of town MP Andrew Mitchell led a successful campaign via an Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons to reaffirm the Royal tag.

The royal town: The centre of Sutton Coldfield

Raising the flag: Gary Phelps

He said: “This is about reflecting the Royal status of the town, making the most of Sutton Coldfield’s unusual Royal status.

“There are only a handful of Royal towns in the UK – Royal status is an unusual branding which makes the town stand out. It goes all the way back to Henry VIII and allowed Bishop Vesey to spend a lot of money turning it into a prosperous place.

“London has its Royal boroughs and we feel Birmingham should do the same with Sutton Coldfield. It is a good opportunity to promote the town and its unusual heritage. It is not just part of Birmingham, it’s a town in its own right with heritage and status.

“We think renaming the Chamber is a really useful thing to do to coincide with the Coronation – it is an opportunity to raise the flag for Sutton Coldfield.”

The original architect of Sutton’s Royal stature, Bishop Vesey – who rests in Sutton Coldfield Parish Church – also gave the town Sutton Park, the biggest municipal park in Europe, and oversaw the regeneration of the town centre back in the Tudor era.

Subsequently securing its place in literature, Shakespeare sent one of his best-loved characters, Falstaff, to Sutton on the way to the Battle of Shrewsbury in ‘Henry IV, Part I’, in which he says: “Bardolph, get thee before to Coventry; fill me a bottle of sack; our soldiers shall march through; we’ll to Sutton Co’fil tonight.”

Back in the 21st century, Gary Phelps, who is vice-president of the Chamber’s Sutton division, added: “We need to make the most of the town’s unusual branding, it can be a great benefit for businesses. I would like to see more of the town’s organisations, like sports clubs, use the Royal moniker.”

The name change was announced at a special Chamber breakfast with MP Andrew Mitchell in attendance. Head of Sutton Chamber Chris Brewerton said: “This is a slice of Midland history and brings the Chamber into line with the Town Council, the Town Hall and the Town BID.” May 2023 CHAMBERLINK 7

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Business News

Champagne moment: Bob celebrates a famous Ashes win with Ian Botham.

Bob Willis Fund backed by hero The Bob Willis Fund, now being supported by the cricketer’s idol and musical hero Bob Dylan, has joined Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) to help raise awareness of the misery caused by prostate cancer.

The fund has been set up in Bob’s memory to raise awareness of a disease that is affecting a growing number of men.

Tim Munton, the former Warwickshire and England pace bowler who is now director of Sports Champions UK, the events team, speaker agency and talent management business, said: “Birmingham was Bob’s home for many years and is the fund’s spiritual home, where we do much of our work so it was a natural progression to join the Chamber.”

The fund is run by Bob’s wife Lauren, daughter Katie and brother David, and a small, dedicated team.

“We are thrilled that Bob’s idol and musical hero, Bob Dylan, agreed to be the honorary patron of the fund. We are also privileged to have a great friend of Bob’s, Sir Tim Rice, a prostate cancer survivor himself, as our patron. Other ambassadors include Paul Allott, Michael Atherton, Ian Ward, Lord Sir Ian Botham, Rod Bransgrove, Mike Brearley, Mark Butcher, Michael Holding, John Lever, David Lloyd, Sir John Major, Piers Morgan, Mark Nicholas and Ebony Rainford-Brent.

The Bob Willis Fund has a big summer ahead with Blue for Bob Day back on Saturday, 17 June, at Edgbaston.

Tim added: “We will be working with the ECB, Edgbaston and Sky Cricket to celebrate Bob during the first Ashes Test and raise awareness and money to fight this hideous disease.”

Visit: www.bobwillisfund.org • Business of Sport – page 78

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Euro 2028 bid: Ravinder Singh Ubhi (representing Punjabi Villains), Steve Lovell (Villa and Proud), Shabana Mahmood (Labour MP for Birmingham Ladywood), Christian Purslow (chief executive of Aston Villa), Ian Ward (leader of Birmingham City Council) and Daniella Casey (Villa Bellas)

Villa Park is part of UK and Ireland’s EURO bid Villa Park – the home of Aston Villa football club – has been selected as one of the venues as part of the UK and Ireland bid for UEFA EURO 2028.

The UK and Ireland have submitted the final bid to host the European Championships - a key milestone in the bidding process to host one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world.

And Villa Park has been chosen ahead of a several other globally-renowned football grounds including Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Liverpool’s Anfield.

The famous Birmingham stadium was previously one of the venues for EURO 96 – the last time England solely hosted a major men’s international football tournament – and the 1966 World Cup. Following an extensive process of assessing stadia against UEFA’s requirements, the final 10 stadia and host cities for the EURO 2028 bid are: • Wembley Stadium, London • National Stadium of Wales, Cardiff • Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London • City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester • Everton Stadium, Liverpool • St James’ Park, Newcastle • Villa Park, Birmingham • Hampden Park, Glasgow • Dublin Arena, Dublin • Casement Park, Belfast

Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “We are delighted Birmingham and Villa Park have been selected to be a host city and stadia as part of the UK & Ireland UEFA EURO 2028 bid.

“Over many years we have demonstrated we are a city that can proudly host major events of this type and scale – and the people of Birmingham and indeed the entire nation have proven time and time again their huge appetite for sport.

Villa Park World Cup action: The Group B World Cup match between Spain and Argentina was staged at Villa Park on 13 July, 1966, in front of a crowd of 42,738

“Attracting and hosting major events, as outlined in our 10-year Major Sporting Events Strategy, delivers positive, economic and environmental impact for our residents, businesses and regional economy.

“The exciting redevelopment of Villa Park, one of the world’s most iconic football stadiums, will further enhance Birmingham as one of the world’s leading sport cities.”

Christian Purslow, chief executive of Aston Villa, said: “We are immensely proud that Villa Park, one of the most renowned and historic football stadiums in the UK, has been selected as part of the UEFA EURO 2028 Bid. “This is tremendously exciting not just for our football club to be included in such a unique undertaking but also for Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region.

“Alongside plans to redevelop the North Stand end of the stadium in time for the tournament, which will provide a multi-faceted boost to the immediate vicinity and the surrounding areas as well as turning Villa Park into a world-class arena, our home and the city would have the honour of hosting elite level sport again that it so richly deserves.”

The host for UEFA EURO 2028 will be announced in autumn.

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Business News

JLR to bring electric cars to Solihull Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced plans to build its first modern luxury electric car at its Solihull plant as part of a new £15bn investment The GT Jaguar will have a range up to 700 kms (430 miles), and with indicative pricing from £100,000, it will be built on its own architecture, named JEA. More details of the new fourdoor GT Jaguar will be released later this year, before going on sale in selected markets in 2024, for client deliveries in 2025.

JLR also announced its transition to become the world’s leading modern luxury car manufacturer revealing its Halewood plant will become an all-electric production facility and its next generation medium-size SUV architecture, electrified modular architecture (EMA), will now be pure-electric.

In an update to global media at JLR’s centre in Gaydon, chief executive officer Adrian Mardell reaffirmed the business’s commitment to its Reimagine strategy, which will reposition the company as an electric-first, modern luxury carmaker by 2030, as JLR makes strides towards its financial goals of achieving a net

JLR: Plugged into the future

cash positive position by FY25 and double-digit EBIT by 2026.

Mr Mardell said: “Two years ago, we launched our Reimagine strategy and since then we have made great progress, including launching two new criticallyacclaimed modern luxury Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models, joining the Defender family, for which there is record demand.

“We achieved this while navigating the headwinds of the pandemic and chip shortages, and successfully ramping up production of our most profitable models to deliver profit in Q3.

“I am proud to announce we are accelerating our electrification path, making one of our UK plants and our next-generation mediumsize luxury SUV architecture fully

electric. This investment enables us to deliver to our modern luxury electric future, developing new skills, and reaffirming our commitment to be carbon net zero by 2039.”

JLR confirmed it will start to invite applications for client orders for the modern luxury all-electric Range Rover from later this year.

The first of its next generation medium-size modern luxury SUVs will be an all-electric model from the Range Rover family, launching in 2025 and built at Halewood in Merseyside, in a move that further affirms JLR’s commitment to the future of the UK car industry.

And while EMA will now be electric only, as the trend to electrification in certain markets increases, JLR will retain the flexible modular longitudinal architecture (MLA) on which Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are built offering internal combustion engine (ICE), HYBRID and battery electric vehicle (BEV) options.

This gives JLR uncompromised flexibility to adapt its vehicle line up to meet the needs of different markets around the world, that are moving at different speeds towards carbon net zero targets.

May 2023 CHAMBERLINK 9

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Business News

President’s Focus David Mitchell, president of Cannock Chase Chamber, examines the special issues that face businesses in rural areas. The managing director of The Marketing People says working together in the Chamber network is one way of helping small businesses to thrive.

Cannock Chase

Chamber of Commerce

ll regional Chambers have very similar initiatives covering skills, sustainability and diversity, specifics, and charitable support within their predominantly urban regions.

In Chase Chamber we are more rural. So in addition to the challenges that businesses in major cities and more densely populated areas have (like the war in Ukraine, energy prices, costs of living, Brexit and supply chain issues), rural businesses also suffer from their own additional specific geographic-related challenges.

In rural Cannock Chase, approximately 200 businesses operate in the AONB (Area Of Natural Beauty). These are small businesses, not just the kind associated with agriculture and Defra, and then a further 5,000 SMEs within 3kms of its boundary. Quite a large number of SMEs operate rurally.

Energy costs are causing issues for all, and the reduction in government support from March is making things even more difficult, with one in six rural businesses depending on much less

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‘Businesses work better together and networking is a great way to unite them’ supported alternative fuels, like oil and propane gas, compared to one in 50 companies in urban areas.

As business owners are coming out of contract, they face exponential price rises for energy as their previous fixed agreements end.

This has affected the sustainability of our rural businesses along with communication issues, like transport and Internet speed. In addition, the transition to electric vehicles is hampered by the lack of infrastructure.

Recruitment is difficult already, so poor road links and reduced bus services make retaining and attracting required staff more challenging.

To put it in perspective, nationally, 30 per cent of rural businesses stated that recruitment is holding them back, compared to four per cent in urban areas - that’s quite a difference.

Almost a quarter of the registered and VATregistered business nationally are rural businesses, and that’s over half a million in rural areas contributing to more than a quarter of a trillion pounds of gross added value in England.

Despite these restrictions, Chase SME businesses are showing resilience and determination to deflect the negative issues and maintain their place in our business community.

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I hope to increase the Chase Chamber membership, not as part of a sales drive for the Chamber, but to benefit all of the businesses in our region. Businesses work better together and networking is a great way to unite them.

However, some of the small rural businesses are one to two-people operations and find it difficult to commit to networking but there are other ways the Chamber can help.

We can help to amplify their collective voice, signpost to the areas where training, funding, import-export services can be found, and provide a plethora of information and business support products to help out with day-to-day operations.

To me, inclusive means everyone and the understanding of an individual’s requirements,

respect and openness, we should be open to learning more, and this also extends to all businesses.

I love this region, not just for its glorious surroundings, a real ‘Green Powerhouse’ in the West Midlands, but for the people within.

We want to retain the talented people in our area, of every age group. We want to help upand-coming, or potential teammates join and thrive, help businesses communicate their point of difference and their benefits.

We also need to engage more effectively within the wider Greater Birmingham chamber divisions, to promote growth throughout the Cannock Chase region, Cannock, Hednesford, Rugeley and its many beautiful surroundings.

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Business News

May 2023 CHAMBERLINK 11

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Business News

CBSO appoints new chief executive Emma Stenning has been appointed the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) chief executive.

Emma brings a wealth of experience in leading cultural organisations.

She also has a strong track record in regional cultural impact, a reputation for delivering world class artistic quality, and a passion for developing new audiences.

Emma joins the CBSO from her most recent role in the arts as executive director of Soulpepper Theatre in Toronto, the renowned Canadian company, much loved for its popular concert series.

Her previous roles include chief executive of Bristol Old Vic, where she produced the Bristol

‘I have been entirely captivated by the CBSO’s exquisite artistry’ Proms and executive director of Battersea Arts Centre, which was then home of BAC Opera.

She was also head of theatre at Arts Council England and cultural programme advisor at the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games.

Emma was head of producing for the 2009 Manchester International Festival, where she delivered a number of world premieres including Rufus Wainwright’s opera Prima Donna, Antony and the Johnsons with the Manchester Camerata and the London transfer of Damon Albarn’s Monkey.

Thrilled: Emma Stenning

Saving the planet: One of the National Express electric buses

Green bus fleet ordered A fleet of 170 electric double-decker buses will join National Express West Midlands’ growing number of zero emission vehicles following its biggest electric bus order.

As part of its £150m investment in 300 UK-made zero emission buses announced earlier this year, the West Midlands biggest bus operator has now ordered 170 fully electric buses, to be delivered by the end of 2024.

The new British buses, built in Falkirk by Alexander Dennis (AD) on a BYD chassis, will be deployed across the West Midlands.

Tom Stables, chief executive of National Express UK and Germany, said: “This latest move with Alexander Dennis is our biggest new vehicle order to date. Replacing another 170 of our diesel buses with electric is a huge step for us delivering on our commitment to have a completely zero emission bus fleet in the UK by 2030. These clean, green UK-built double decker buses are not only more economical to run but they will boost passenger growth by getting more people to ditch their cars for the bus.”

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Emma said: “I owe my love of classical music to the musicians, artists and educators who brought the repertoire to me in new and accessible ways, and held my hand as I discovered each piece for the first time.

“Those magical experiences left me with the abiding passion that I might work to help others on the same life-enriching journey of musical discovery. What better place to do that than in Birmingham.

“I have been entirely captivated by the CBSO’s exquisite artistry, pioneering spirit and sense of adventure.

“The company’s mission that ‘every life be enriched by music’ echoes my own, and is evident in all it does, held tightly by players and staff alike.

“I am thrilled to lead us onwards, ever thankful for Stephen Maddock’s remarkable tenure, and looking forward to developing my own collaboration with Kazuki Yamada and the creative leadership that will come to define the future of this extraordinary orchestra.”

David Burbidge, chair of the board of trustees, said: “We are delighted to welcome Emma into the CBSO family. She brings a powerful combination of successful experience as a chief executive in the cultural arena alongside a love of orchestral music and deep respect for the CBSO’s symphonic DNA.” Emma joins the orchestra at an exciting time, as it prepares to launch its 2023-24 season and welcomes its new chief conductor and artistic advisor Kazuki Yamada.

Emma succeeds Stephen Maddock, who leaves the orchestra after nearly 24 years to take up the role of principal at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Cybersecurity firm acquires Cisco expert Leading cybersecurity, network infrastructure and collaboration specialists Nowcomm have been acquired by FourNet, digital transformation and customer experience experts.

The announcement marks the third acquisition in three years for FourNet as the global business pursues a high-growth, best-in-class acquisition strategy.

The investment in Derby-based Nowcomm, one of only two Cisco Gold, Master Security and Master Collaboration accredited partners in the UK, significantly enhances FourNet’s cybersecurity and network infrastructure offering to customers.

Nowcomm was founded 18 years ago by US technology giant Cisco employees Mark Lamont and James Baly who saw a gap in the market for a consultative-led Cisco business, focused on engineering and technology.

Wider family (left to right): Mark Lamont, Richard Pennington and James Baly

The purchase of the firm will bring FourNet’s employee headcount to over 200.

Richard Pennington, cofounder and CEO of FourNet, said: “We warmly welcome Nowcomm into the FourNet family. As one of the leading Cisco partners in the UK, they bring with them a wealth of specialist skills and expertise.”

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Business News

The Griffin Report Nasir Awan, president-elect of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, travelled to Pakistan and Turkey in his role as chair of Islamic Relief Pakistan, to see at first hand the devastating impact of flooding and earthquake. He talks to JON GRIFFIN about how he was reduced to tears by the plight of the people in his homeland who are trying to re-build what is left of their lives.

asir Awan is recalling emotional phone calls to his wife as he struggled to describe “haunting memories” of devastating flooding in Pakistan which killed nearly 3,000 people and left eight million turfed out of their homes.

“I would phone my wife and she would say ‘how was your day’ and I would burst into tears. It was very emotionally draining.

“I saw two or three families sharing a tent with little access to clean drinking water. I saw some children aged six with no shoes, very little clothing on their backs living in very unhygienic conditions.

“I have grandchildren of that age and I could see my own grandchildren in their faces. It really upset me. These are people’s children and grandchildren and they clearly have no future – they are just relying on aid.”

Nasir, the president-elect of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, jetted out to his

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homeland for two emotionallycharged visits last November and in February to view at first hand the terrible aftermath of monsoons which left a third of the country underwater, killing nearly 3,000, including more than 640 children.

As chair of Islamic Relief Pakistan, one of 40 overseas arms of the Birmingham-based aid charity, Nasir was able to see the attempts to help families left with little more than their clothes after torrential downpours last June

‘They were facing extreme temperatures of 50 degrees and the water was not drinkable’ turned daily existence into a living nightmare for around 33 million people.

“Something like eight or nine months of rain fell in a matter of hours. The UN described it as a climate catastrophe.

Little left: A villager who was left with little more than his clothes following the terrible aftermath of the monsoons that left a third of Pakistan underwater 14 CHAMBERLINK May 2023

The floods happened at the peak of summer. It was unprecedented. This was an extended monsoon that had never happened before.

“The waters were of such force, a lot of houses made of coarse materials like mud and clay were just washed away.

“The vast majority of people affected managed to escape but went, just with their clothes on their backs, to higher ground. But they were out in the open, at the mercy of the elements. They were facing extreme temperatures of 50 degrees and the water was not drinkable.

“The people had food and water shortages and shelter shortages. The people in the areas affected would grow their own food so they would never have issues with food. But all the crops were

washed away and many of the fields were still underwater, so they couldn’t grow anything.

“They were just relying on food parcels delivered by aid agencies, such as Islamic Relief. The Army were dropping food parcels and clean water to them by helicopter because some areas were not accessible. They are still waiting for handouts or charity organisations to give them food.”

Over the course of his autumn and winter tours of Pakistan, Nasir first visited the worst flood-hit regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the north of the country in November before returning to the South Asia state in February to view the flood-hit regions of Balochistan and Sindh in the south, paying on both occasions out of his own pocket.

“I was there for 10 days in February and went to the

“A haunting memory”: Nasir in Pakistan, where he was reduced to tears at the plight of some children caught up in the impact of the devastating flooding

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Business News

Villages washed away: Nasir (second right) talks to villagers about their attempts to re-build their lives after the Pakistan floods that killed nearly 3,000 people

southern areas of Balochistan and Sindh. In Balochistan the waters had receded – it is normally a very dry, rugged desert area. People are having to rebuild their lives. All the harvesting and crops have been set back by a year.

“These poor people, especially when they have daughters, from a very young age they start to save up for their weddings. They collect clothes or jewellery, and it can take 15 to 20 years. They will be collecting clothes, pots and pans, money. All those were washed away from most of the families.”

Nasir said 13,000 kilometres of

roads had also been washed away and 400 bridges damaged in the worst-hit areas. “The people are now living in fear that it could happen again. These are resilient people. They have survived in extreme areas but because of poverty they cannot move into cities.

“They are living in desert areas with very limited resources, often living in one room. They sleep outside under the sky in the summer and in the winter sleep in one room…I had to travel eight or nine hours by car to reach some of those areas.”

The Birmingham businessman, whose father Bashir emigrated to Birmingham from Pakistan in 1961 to build a better life for his family of six children before establishing wholesalers Awan Marketing in 1976, eventually left Pakistan to spend three days in the Turkish earthquake zone before returning to the UK. “Islamic Relief were also on the ground there. They were giving out as much as they could - tents, food, clothes and blankets.

“It was cold, there was snow on the ground, and the children had very little clothing. They were shivering, everything had just

‘I came back with haunting memories.

You realise how vulnerable we are, how life can change in a matter of minutes’ disappeared in a matter of hours.

Parents were looking on very helplessly.

“I came back with haunting memories. You realise how vulnerable we are, how life can change in a matter of minutes. You go to sleep, planning for the next day. In a matter of minutes all those plans were shattered, with no

hope for the future.

“Possessions and property can be rebuilt but you can never rebuild, or regain, your family.”

He said the contrast between the nightmare scenes in Pakistan and Turkey and the West was stark.

“We live in a comfortable environment. If it gets too cold we can turn the heating up or put on extra clothes, if it gets too wet we don’t really feel it because we have a drainage system, if it gets too hot, we can put fans on.”

Nasir, who was awarded an MBE for services to business and international trade in 2016, is planning to return to Pakistan in the autumn – and meanwhile is calling for concerted action on climate change in the wake of the floods.

“If you think about the changes in climate and temperatures where you don’t have the facilities to make yourself comfortable or to cope with those drastic changes, these are real people affected and it is only then you realise the effect of climate change… you have got extreme weather all over the world.

“I came away with memories of seeing how helpless I am, or we are, as individuals. We cannot alleviate or help so many. At the same time we should not give up – if you can help a few, it is better than not helping any.”

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Business News

A crowning achievement - how an apprentice can enhance your business As the UK celebrates the coronation of King Charles III, spare a thought for the hundreds if not thousands of people involved in such a majestic event.

The eyes of the world will be on the ceremony and the celebrations – of course nothing can be left to chance.

At the heart of the planning and logistics is a need for excellent business and customer services skills – problem solving, effective communication, project planning and that all important attention to detail.

Whatever the industry there is a need for these skills in the workforce. Whether you are planning a major event, wanting to extend your customer base or working to enhance your services then these skills are vital.

The apprenticeship standards for business administration and customer service provide an excellent opportunity for individuals to study while gaining invaluable work experience.

For the employer, these apprentices bring a rapidly developing talent to the business and help to grow the skills that are necessary for businesses to grow and flourish.

Halesowen College is able to support employers establish job roles within the business, recruit a suitably talented apprentice and then deliver world class education and skills development.

If you are worried about the documentation that is necessary to engage with an apprentice do not worry as we can help you navigate through this quickly and without fuss. Call contact Christian Vivash on 0121 602 7784 or email cvivash@halesowen.ac.uk and we will be happy to help.

16 CHAMBERLINK May 2023

Sponsored by: Halesowen College

Fast-growing firm acquires B2B PR growth specialist Pearl Comms has completed the acquisition of B2B technical PR specialist Kinetic Communications in a six-figure deal.

The Birmingham-based firm’s first acquisition includes Kinetic’s team, order book and assets.

“This move is all part of our ambitious growth strategy,” says Alia Al-Doori, Pearl Comms’ founder and managing director.

Pearl’s position is now confirmed in the Midlands top 50 PR consultancies by turnover.

Kinetic founder Angela Podmore, who moves across to Pearl Comms

‘We’ve got big plans, but growing sustainably, to the benefit of the team and our clients, will always be my number one priority’ indefinitely as part of the deal, said: “I’ve watched Alia’s progress for some years.

“Pearl Comms impresses on many levels so I’m very comfortable that I’ve made the right decision for both our team and clients and our client bases are complementary.”

Formed in 2017 by Alia Al-Doori, Pearl Comms has grown rapidly over the past six years and is currently servicing a diverse, national client base comprising large corporates and multinationals, as well as SMEs and startup businesses.

Kinetic Communications was formed almost 20 years ago in Birmingham by PR heavyweight, Angela Podmore.

Building on solid growth achieved during the pandemic, Alia says Pearl Comms is ready for the next stage in its development.

She added: “I have always seen acquisitions being part of our future and the time feels right for us to expand to meet the demands of a rapidly recovering market.

“Our organic growth through this period has been exceptional and we are ready to take the next step.

Angela and I have been in talks for a few years about what the future might hold for our businesses, and I’m looking forward to that now being a reality.

“We’ve got big plans, but growing sustainably, to the benefit of the team and our clients, will always be my number one priority.”

Kinetic Communications provides integrated PR and marketing services to clients spanning a range of sectors including construction,

Aiming for an alchemy: Angela Podmore (left) and Alia Al-Doori

logistics, IT, property, health and safety. Over the coming months, it will begin to trade under the Pearl Comms umbrella.

Angela Podmore added: “I’m so excited not just for Kinetic - both for our team and clients - but also for how we’re already working with Pearl Comms. Alia and I are clear that we’re aiming for an alchemy resulting from combining our talents so we deepen and widen all our client service offering as we continue to pioneer what’s expected of a PR consultancy.

“It’s all because we’re culturally compatible – we’re working to world-class standards, at pace, guided by similar values.”

Advisers crucial to the deal have been Jennie Davis from Shakespeare Martineau and Eleanor Smith from Alston Asquith as legal advisers and Sam Asanga from Bache Samuels on financial and accounting matters.

Spring expo sparks discussions Chamber members reported positive discussions “from the minute we arrived” as the region’s biggest business expo made its return at Villa Park.

Around 80 exhibitors and hundreds of delegates packed into the Holte Suite at the home of Aston Villa Football Club for the Spring edition of the Greater Birmingham Business Expo.

The event was sponsored by Three Business and runyourfleet. And Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce members from a variety of sectors said they had held positive discussions and made new connections.

Dennis Kennedy from Inspire Activity, which operates the Community Games, said: “The expo has been fantastic. We’ve had the chance to speak to everyone about our forthcoming Retro Games. Literally from the minute we arrived, we’ve been in conversations with different businesses.”

Simon Dexter, from global risk and compliance specialist GWCI, said: “The expo is a great place to meet people and understand more about people’s businesses.”

Paul Barnes, business owner at Tamworth-based Cloud Accounting Support Services, said: “The expo is great and very well organised. We’ve been talking to potential clients, but for me it’s about the ability for brand awareness - who we are and getting ourselves out there.”

High-speed delegate

The expo’s seminar programme also proved popular, with Stuart Thomas, head of BBC in the Midlands, discussing the national broadcaster’s plans across the UK regions – including major investments in the West Midlands. Delegates also heard the inspirational story of England’s most capped blind footballer Darren Harris.

• See events – page 44

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Business News

Trend-setting cafe to open in Birmingham A new café with nearly one million followers on social media is predicted to become one of the most photographed landmarks in Birmingham.

Bullring & Grand Central is about to get a lot more floral when the Instagrammable café and lifestyle brand EL&N Café joins the centre later this year.

EL&N Café, popular with influencers across the world, has chosen Bullring & Grand Central as its first location in the Midlands.

The brand, known for flower walls, pink interiors, latte art and patisserie, will take a 8,000sq ft unit in the Rotunda Square area, next to Zara.

The new café will serve a menu packed with Instagrammable drinks including a pink Turkish Delight Hot Choc, Ruby Lattes and Chemex Strawberry Mojitos, as well as gridworthy cakes, afternoon tea options and EL&N Café’s classic all day brunch selection.

Dan Murphy, general manager at Bullring & Grand Central, said: “We’re thrilled to share the news that EL&N Café will be joining the

centre this year. This unique concept is proving extremely popular throughout the world and will offer our customers a new and exciting experience. So we look forward to welcoming EL&N Café to the centre later this year.”

Alexandra Miller, founder of EL&N Café, said: “Opening our Midlands’ debut is a major milestone for us. We are delighted to be coming to Birmingham and there is no better location to be than the iconic Bullring.

“When I launched the brand, my goal was to provide consumers with a memory that could last forever and opening a space in a renowned destination like Bullring is reminiscent of that. I can’t wait to bring this experience to a new demographic of customers.”

EL&N stands for Eat, Live and Nourish. They say that everything they create is informed by these three guiding points.

The business was founded in London by Alexandra Miller in 2017.

After 10 years working in luxury fashion, she wanted to open a fashion-led food and drink

Vision in pink: A striking EL&N cafe

destination and launched her first café in London.

The news of EL&N Café opening follows last month’s announcement that Birmingham City Council has unanimously approved Bullring & Grand Central owner Hammerson’s

transformational plans to bring to life ‘Drum’.

This will involve the repurposing of the former department store at Grand Central, part of its Birmingham Estate, into 200,000 sq ft of modern wellbeing-designed offices.

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The documentation team are (left to right): David Harris, Sarah Barton, Jon Crosbie and James Paddock

Meet the Team

The dedicated documentation team step into the spotlight this month. They are the Chamber people who ensure that businesses are on top of any export problems that might come their way.

JUNE: The June edition of Chamberlink will move out of the city to catch up with the heads of Chamber’s divisions.

DOCUMENTATION TEAM

By Jon Griffin hey are the export experts of Chamber House - and David Harris is the man at the helm of the documentation team helping UK firms seeking to sell their goods worldwide.

Over the course of 25 years, David has turned his export expertise to virtually every country on earth - entirely from his desk at the Edgbaston headquarters of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

From Europe to Australasia, and from the Americas to the Far East, David and his dedicated team in the Chambers' documentation department have helped firms and individuals grappling with customs problems and export issues to help smooth the passage of UK goods abroad.

David, who has been working in documentation at Chamber House for a quarter of a century, says: "Yes, I've probably dealt with every country on earth, even if it was just a query on an email. The work can be very complex and in some ways the job has changed, in other ways it has not.

"When I started 25 years ago somebody would have walked in with documents waiting for them to be stamped. Documents would arrive by post. But the end product is still a piece of paper every time.

"The job is unpredictable - when you arrive in the office in the morning you do not know what

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phone calls or emails you are going to get. But it is ultimately still the same document stamped by a wet ink stamp."

Over the years David and his team have helped to smooth export transactions of tens of thousands of UK goods to some of the most farflung countries on the planet, giving the stamp of approval to documents such as Certificates of Origin, Preference Documents, Arab-British Certificates of Origin, ATA carnets which act as passports for goods and others.

The Chamber House export experts process around 18,000 Certificates of Origin, providing legal documentary proof where goods have been manufactured, every year and post-Brexit have seen the demand for ATA carnets temporary export documents - rise dramatically from 40 to 400 a month.

"ATA carnets are issued for three reasons, Exhibition use, for taking commercial samples to show potential buyers or for professional equipment - camera crews taking equipment out to film documentaries for the BBC, for example.

"We do a lot of work for automotive companies when they are taking their vehicles out for cold and warm weather testing or we help jewellers taking briefcases of jewellery out to show potential buyers.

“Since Brexit we are now issuing 400 ATA carnets a month as there is no longer freedom of movement and we are no longer in the customs

union. If you want to take goods into the EU, you need a carnet."

Head of documents David and his team business manager Jon Crosbie, senior documentation officer Sarah Barton and documentation officer James Paddock - can often find themselves coming to the aid of exporters stuck in tricky situations in foreign climes.

"You can be dealing with first-time exporters since Brexit we have had grown men in tears on the phone saying that they are with French or Spanish customs officers threatening to seize their goods. We have helped people from classic car enthusiasts to lawnmower racing teams right up to Formula One teams."

The documentation team are now gearing up to embrace a new environmentally friendly paperless regime after the British Chamber of Commerce ruled that plain paper UK Certificates of Origin will now be issued throughout the country with all applications made via online platforms. Applicants are no longer required to print Certificates of Origin and are able to print directly to a PDF with the attachment emailed directly to customers.

New green issues or dealing with tearful exporters facing EU bureaucrats, it's all in a day's work for David and his team at Chamber House…

Exporters with queries should contact David at 0121 274 3218 or at d.harris@birminghamchamber.com May 2023 CHAMBERLINK 19

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Business News Job seekers care about sustainability The impact potential employers are having on the environment is an increasingly important factor to job hunters.

That’s according to the yearly European Investment Bank (EIB) Climate Survey, conducted in August 2022.

The EIB is the lending arm of the European Union and the world’s largest multilateral lender for climate action projects.

The survey release explores people’s views on climate change in a rapidly changing world, covering the EU27 as well as three other top CO2 emitters - the United States, China and the UK. The results focus on people’s individual behaviour and the actions they are taking to combat climate change.

The war in Ukraine and its consequences, including rising energy prices and inflation, have dramatically increased concerns about declining purchasing power in the UK. However, climate change and environmental degradation remain among the country’s top three challenges, according to respondents, behind the increased cost of living and the financial crisis.

Two-thirds of respondents in the UK (66 per cent) are convinced that their own behaviour could make a difference in addressing the climate emergency (compared to 75 per cent in Germany, 69 per cent in the Netherlands and 63 per cent in France).

Most respondents in the UK (61 per cent) say it is important that prospective employers prioritise sustainability. For 15 per cent of respondents, it is even a top priority.

Connectivity grants on offer to boost SME growth New research from Three Business has revealed that better connectivity among Birmingham SMEs would contribute an extra £3.09bn a year to the local economy.

In response, the mobile phone and connectivity experts are launching a new grant scheme worth £150,000 for SMEs in Birmingham, with support from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC). The grants will equip local SMEs with access to Three’s 5G network – the fastest in Birmingham – as well as a team of Three Business specialists.

Businesses can apply to receive one of several 5G Business SIM packages, as well as 5G Business Broadband for two years.

Snehal Bhudia, director of business propositions and go to market, Three Business, said: “Businesses frequently tell us that great connectivity is one of the biggest enablers of growth, impacting all aspects of running their business - from the experience they can provide to their customers to how happy their employees are and how well they can carry out their jobs.

“That’s why we’re providing connectivity grants to businesses in Birmingham, so they can focus on doing what they do best and contribute to their local economies.”

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “Birmingham’s business community is diverse, entrepreneurial and very skilled at

adapting, particularly after the last few years. Three’s research shows that local businesses are highly aware of the potential for digital technology to either drive growth or risk leaving late adopters behind.

But in a cost of doing business crisis, finding the cash and capacity to invest can be challenging.

“That is why we are delighted to support these grants. While work is underway to improve digital connectivity through the Digital City Programme, there’s a real need here and now to get businesses better connected.”

With growth front of mind for SMEs, the research found that almost two thirds (63 per cent) said their business could grow faster if they had access to better tech

Partnership aids aspiring black journalists Birmingham City University (BCU) has partnered with The Guardian Foundation to offer a fully-funded bursary to an aspiring postgraduate journalist from an African and/or Caribbean background.

This is part of a drive to ensure news organisations are representative of a diverse range of experiences and perspectives.

The inclusion of a place on BCU’s data journalism course through The Guardian Foundation’s expansion of its Scott Trust bursary scheme is being funded as part of a response to independent research revealing the Guardian’s historic links to the slave trade.

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Fully-funded: Journalism students at Birmingham City University

Aspiring journalists from African and/or Caribbean backgrounds will have the chance to study at BCU – one of just three institutions across the UK that will offer the bursary – with tuition fees and living expenses paid for, and the scheme offering mentoring and work placements at the Guardian newspaper.

Sarah Wood, head of the Birmingham Institute of Media and English at BCU, said: “We are pleased that the Scott Trust has extended its bursary scheme to students at BCU - and particularly that the financial support and industry opportunities which it provides will enable the voices of students from African and Caribbean heritage to be heard.”

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Business News

Scheme to help workers recover from redundancy

Connected: Henrietta Brealey and Three Business representative Gaynor Bowe

(compared to 43 per cent across the UK). And nearly half (46 per cent) think that their business could be left behind because of it (compared to 39 per cent across the country).

The analysis, conducted in partnership with Censuswide and Development Economics, also found that while retention is crucial to growing a business, over half (53 per cent) of Birmingham businesses think they could lose good employees as a result of poor connectivity, compared to the UK average of a third (35 per cent).

To find out more about the grants and what’s on offer visit: www.threemediacentre.co.uk and to apply for the connectivity grant visit forms.office.com

The Centre for Ageing Better is developing a new redundancy support service with FareShare Midlands and funded by Barclays LifeSkills to help stop older workers falling out of work for good.

The redundancy support project, called Elevate, jointly commissioned with the West Midlands Combined Authority, is looking to create a more supportive approach, helping workers aged between 50 and 64 who have been recently made redundant to find fulfilling employment.

Elevate is designed around the experiences of older workers and to enable them to take control of their future following redundancy.

FareShare Midlands are now looking for more individuals in the West Midlands who may be impacted by redundancy, particularly in the automotive and manufacturing sectors, and who want to get back into employment quickly, to join the scheme. At the same time, they want to hear from any employers considering making redundancies.

The manufacturing and automotive sectors chosen for the initial phase are seeing high numbers of traditional roles occupied by long-serving employees disappear because of a number of factors including the impact of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The service aims to help affected workers process the grief and shock of redundancy, and offers immediate support, potentially even before redundancy.

Higher redundancy risk: Simone Connolly

Simone Connolly, CEO of FareShare Midlands, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Ageing Better on the Elevate over-50s employability programme.

“Covid-19 and the cost-of-living crisis have both increased the risk of redundancies, and the automotive and manufacturing sectors have been particularly affected. We are proud to offer this programme of tailored advice, support and access to opportunities, and hope it helps many people in the West Midlands to overcome redundancy.”

For more information email elevate@faresharemidlands.org.uk

Hospitality firm boosts senior team

Appointments: Levi Bailey and Sarah Buchanan

Birmingham-based asset management company Switch Hospitality Management Ltd has bolstered its senior team with the appointment of Levi Bailey as group operations director and Sarah Buchanan as group people director.

Levi brings 18 years’ hospitality experience to the role, having held positions at some of the most established hotel groups in the UK including Malmaison Hotels, Q Hotels and Handpicked Hotels where he gained a wealth of operational expertise.

His most recent role was hotel manager at Park Regis Birmingham - the flagship hotel from Switch Hospitality, which was named ‘Best UK Hotel’ in 2022 for the second year running.

Sarah Buchanan joins the business with over 18 years’ experience in HR. She began her career in hospitality at IHG Hotels & Resorts, while completing her Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualification, and later honed her expertise with managerial roles in a variety of sectors including manufacturing, retail and telecommunications.

Local PR agencies join forces Birmingham agencies spottydog communications and Big Cat have teamed up and created Leopard Co. The two businesses will continue working with clients within their respective core strengths of PR, social media, content marketing and creative campaigns.

With a new bigger team and enhanced capability, CEO of

spottydog communications, Rachel Roberts, and CEO of Big Cat Agency, Anthony Tattum, have launched a third offer — a new dedicated strategy practice called Leopard Co. As one of the largest marketing communications consultancies in the Midlands, Leopard Co offers clients a full-service integrated marketing communications solution.

Celebrating at a launch party at The Grand Hotel in Birmingham, co-CEOs of Leopard Co, Rachel and Anthony, emphasised their commitment to Birmingham.

The businesses have been around the city for over 30 years combined, supporting the next generation of talent and encouraging people to come into the city centre to boost the local economy.

New team: Anthony Tattum and Rachel Roberts

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Business News

Where do you fancy?

Chapter, which opened just over a year ago, is an independent neighbourhood restaurant and bar with outdoor terraces in the heart of Edgbaston Village. The Greenfield Crescent location is close to the tram stop and Five Ways train station.

Its independence is key to its ethos, as is the style of chef director Ben Ternent. Chapter is nature-led, rooted in seasonality and committed to quality British produce.

The Chapter bar has views over the terrace and into a state-of-the-art open kitchen.

Breakfast, lunch or dinner…

Food and drink Chapter buy only free -range meat, LEAF-accredited fruit and veg and daily catches from British harbours.

Guided by the British seasons, they source from dedicated farmers and fishermen around the British Isles. Fish dishes are especially popular, with the daily catches arriving just 24 hours after being caught in the Channel.

Suppliers include Aubrey Allen, a Royal Warrant-holding, quality Coventry-based butcher who provides strictly free-range meats such as Cornish lamb, Suffolk pork, Yorkshire beef and Highland venison.

British cheeses are from artisanal producers. Channel Fisheries are Chapter’s Brixham-based suppliers of fish daily.

Pershore-based Worcester Produce supplies fruit and veg from the fields and orchards in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Warwickshire.

Ten Four Bakehouse in Stirchley bakes Chapter’s breads fresh each morning Birmingham Brewing Company in Stirchley brews a number of their favourite beers Cosy Chocolate Company in Bishampton sources fairtrade cocoa which is vegan-friendly, gluten-free

Chapter Address: 5-6 Greenfield Crescent, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3BE

and free from palm oil. 200 Degrees coffee on Colmore Row roast their own beans sourced from around the world.

Breakfast From sandwiches to a porridge bowl, full English to a homemade brisket skillet.

Lunch and dinner Chapter’s spring lunch and dinner menu has a wide selection of starters from vegan spring vegetable broth to Wye Valley

asparagus with poached hen’s egg, smoked duck and scallops with a shellfish sauce. Main courses include Chapter’s renowned dryaged beef cuts grilled on an open flame Ox grill, roasted hake fillet, wild market fish and the vegan truffled mushroom Wellington.

There is a set price two-course lunch and early evening menu with a glass of wine, which is proving popular.

For snacks and sharing plates Chapter have an extensive lighter bar menu available at lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday.

Wines Chapter offer an extensive wine list full of classics and new world wines from innovative wine makers.

Range starts from £27.50 per bottle to the special Chapter Picks section, which includes some wonderful Italian, French and Spanish wines chosen to match the food, as well as interesting finds from Georgia and Slovenia.

Seasonal signature cocktails are created by the Bar Team. Happy Hours - every Tuesday to Saturday at early evening (5 -7pm) and twilight (10 – 11pm).

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T: 0121 200 3020 E: comms@chapteredgbaston.co.uk W: chapteredgbaston.co.uk Owners: Irene Allan, Ben Ternent, Ann Tonks, Nathan Swift Chef director: Ben Ternent Head chef: Nathan Swift Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9.30am – late Sunday: 9.30am-6pm

Business facilities Chapters have introduced a twocourse set-price menu with a glass of wine for lunch and early evening dinner from 5pm to 6pm.

Private dining Chapter is perfect for celebrations (anniversaries, birthdays, and weddings) and networking events from breakfast through to drinks parties and dinner.

Chapter does not have a separate private dining room but its light-filled space lends itself to three key areas for private entertaining. Hire of the whole restaurant can be arranged.

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Business News

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Business News

Sponsored by: Quilter Cheviot Birmingham Office

New tax year resolutions A more generous pension system and a reduction in the annual exempt amount for capital gains tax (CGT) are among the most significant tax changes for investors for the fiscal year 2023/24.

The big surprise from the spring budget was the abolition of the lifetime allowance, removing the £1,073,100 ceiling on the size of pension pots. The allowance had been reduced substantially from a peak of £1,800,000 in 2011/12, meaning that a greater number of people were hitting the limit well before the state retirement age.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt believes this deterred those at or near the ceiling to continue working, leading to earlier retirements, reducing the supply of labour. Doctors were particularly impacted, due to the specifics of the NHS pension scheme. Hunt also increased the tax-free annual contribution limit by 50% to £60,000.

In less good news, investors are more likely to face increased CGT bills, with the annual exempt amount falling from £12,300 to £6,000 for the current tax year, and to £3,000 from next year. That said, it should be noted the minimising tax payments is not always beneficial, particularly if it means missing out on greater potential growth – it should not become a case of the tax tail wagging the investment dog.

Julie Cattell, Financial Planner at Quilter Private Client Advisers

If you have any queries in light of these planned changes then please contact us via email QPCAadvice@quilter.com or call & 020 7562 5856.

24 CHAMBERLINK May 2023

QBR delegates (left to right): Rachel Barlow, managing director of Midland Metropolitan University Hospital Programme Company at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust; Carl Potter, principal and managing director of Avison Young; GBCC director of external affairs Raj Kandola; GBCC president Deb Leary and Jo Birch, director of innovation, enterprise, employability and business engagement at BCU

Business confidence on the rise, says Chamber report Businesses across the West Midlands are fighting back against spiralling energy bills and soaring inflation with upsurges in turnover and anticipated profits, a new survey reveals.

The Quarterly Business Report from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) reveals “growing levels of confidence” among firms throughout

‘Both turnover and profitability projections have risen’ the area in the face of a range of “broader economic challenges.”

The sales surge saw 46 per cent of firms report an increase in domestic sales, up from the 40 per cent reported in the fourth quarter of 2022.

A total of 53 per cent of manufacturers increased their UK sales over the past three months while service sector sales rose for 44 per cent of firms, up from 42 per cent.

Meanwhile, firms are expecting a balance sheet boost with 42 per cent in the two sectors combined anticipating that their advanced domestic orders will increase over the next three months.

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “Our latest Quarterly Business Report underlines the growing levels of confidence among businesses operating in Greater Birmingham.

“Both turnover and profitability projections have risen, domestic activity has picked up over the past three months and recruitment activity has also seen a welcome uplift as a greater number of businesses have added to their headcount in comparison to the end of last year.

“It’s also pleasing to see the growth in investment activity, particularly in relation to capital expenditure and training staff – a key driver in unlocking stagnant levels of productivity growth.”

The Quarterly Business Report is sponsored by Birmingham City University, whose deputy vice chancellor Professor Julian Beer said: “The Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Spring Budget included a number of key measures designed to stimulate investment, such as capital allowances and support for R&D. “While the economy will contract this year, the avoidance of a technical recession will come as some assurance to businesses, despite ongoing socio-economic pressures identified by Q1 survey respondents such as inflation (37 per cent) and interest rates (18 per cent).”

Case for cycling facilities put forward West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is to commission an independent study to examine the business case for specialist cycling facilities that will be open and accessible to everyone who lives in the region.

The scope of the evidence-based business case will be broad and consider all potential options. They include: • A purpose-built indoor velodrome • A mixed-use development to include a velodrome • An outdoor cycle park • A temporary cover at existing outdoor velodromes in Wolverhampton and Halesowen

Cycling vision: Mayor Andy Street during a visit to Manor Abbey Stadium in Halesowen in 2021. The stadium includes a velodrome

A Cycling Facility Advisory Group has been established to oversee the work. It is chaired by the West Midlands Cycling and Walking commissioner Adam Tranter and made up of local authorities, Sport England, British Cycling and community representatives.

Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said: “In my manifesto, I put on record my support for a velodrome here in the West Midlands. Following on from the success of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, this is another example of an enduring sport legacy in the region. If the business case is supportive, we will fully commit to the process.”

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Business News

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Business News

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Apprenticeship Skills Focus n the past two academic years Halesowen College’s apprenticeship team has been working hard to restructure and refocus on two main skill areas, Business & Professional and Healthcare.

With fantastic links with local NHS Trusts, the team recruited, assessed, and placed the first four Healthcare Science Associate Level 4 apprentices with a focus on Genetics in the country. At the same time, they have increased recognition as being the premier college in the Black Country, and wider Birmingham area, for Healthcare Science apprenticeship training. Halesowen College are also exploring other areas of healthcare, for example, launching their Community Activator Level 2 qualification focusing on getting people active and introducing Healthcare Support Worker Level 2, supporting the care needs across the local area.

During the pandemic many businesses restructured, and this has allowed some employees to progress into management roles. In a bid to support these new managers, the apprenticeship team are looking to refine and relaunch the Operations Manager Level 5 apprenticeship. As well as this support to management, the team are supporting Businesses in general with their Business Administration Level 3 and Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 Qualifications.

This focus will not only provide the skills that the area needs, but it will also provide opportunities for local business to recruit the necessary staff as well as develop and grow tomorrow’s workforce.

For more details on recruiting apprentices or training through apprenticeships contact Gary Johnson at the Halesowen College Skills Shop on 0121 602 7777 choosing option 6.

I

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Chamber Patrons

Chamber Patrons Contact: Raj Kandola T: 07815 952462

Greater Birmingham Chambers’ leading supporters

Hugo among first to try new allergy drug A schoolboy has become the first patient in the Midlands to receive a pioneering treatment for his peanut allergy.

Hugo Codona, 10, was given his first dose of Palforzia at Sandwell Hospital, in West Bromwich. The ground-breaking treatment increases a child’s ability to tolerate a small amount of peanut protein and reduces the risk of severe reactions like anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening.

The youngster, from Lichfield said: “I had my first few doses mixed with my favourite yoghurt and I couldn’t taste anything, so it went really well.

“I felt nervous at first, but this is going to help me in the future and give me confidence in dealing with my peanut allergy.”

The drug comes in the form of capsules with a measured amount

of peanut powder inside. The powder is designed to be mixed with food such as yoghurt and aims to build up a tolerance to the food.

It was first given the go ahead to use by the NHS early last year following research trials.

‘This will definitely improve the quality of life for Hugo or any other patient taking it’ Hugo’s mum, Lucy, added: “Although he was a bit anxious initially, he took it like a champ. The staff at Sandwell Hospital have been so supportive and reassuring with this being a newer treatment.

“This will definitely improve the quality of life for Hugo or any other

Nervous at first: Hugo Codona

patient taking it. We are excited for the future.”

Hugo will have to take the drug daily for two to three years and afterwards a small amount of peanut will need to be eaten every day for the rest of his life.

Aneta Ivanova, Paediatric Allergy nurse consultant at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, which

runs Sandwell Hospital, said: “It’s an exciting time for our young patient Hugo and for us as we are the first in the Midlands to be offering this immunotherapy.

“Palforzia is going to improve the quality of life for Hugo, his family and other patients in the community suffering from peanut allergy.”

Going for Gold event a major success West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association held its first ‘Going for Gold’ event at DRPG’s studios in Worcestershire.

Emphasising the importance of the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme, the event aimed to encourage and recognise over 90 corporate organisations, from across their region, that support those who serve in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

Creative communications group DRPG, signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2022 and as part of its support for the scheme offered to host the first event. Welcoming Gold Award holders as mentors for Silver and Bronze Awardees, it created an ideal opportunity for networking and learning.

The event also showcased the work of the Reserve units from across the region with equipment and personnel in attendance, and a special performance by His Majesty’s Royal Marines Corps of Drums.

Sustainability was a key theme for the day and featured presentations from keynote speakers: Lieutenant General Richard Nugee CB (non-executive director for climate change and sustainability), Murray Paul (director of public

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affairs, Jaguar Land Rover), Rebecca Kirk (senior partner, Harrison Clark Rickerbys Solicitors) and Dale Parmenter (CEO of DRPG), who covered the topics of People, Planet and Profit.

Phil Sinclair, regional employer engagement director at West Midland RFCA, said: “Going for Gold was designed to be a flagship event serving several purposes. Primarily it was aimed at those organisations that have been fully engaged with the Armed Forces Covenant and

the related Employer Recognition Scheme, both to say ‘thank you’, but also to encourage them to continue and strengthen their relationship further, by having the opportunity to network with likeminded organisations that have achieved the gold standard.”

The event was held at Studio 212, Hartlebury, a state-of-the-art studio complex and DRPG’s headquarters ,who hold a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in sustainable development.

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Chamber Patrons

Funding boost for Midland Heart Midland Heart has been awarded close to £2.2m in Wave 2.1 of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) through the West Midlands Combined Authority bid, as part of a further £778m investment into UK social housing.

This funding provides vital support to social housing landlords as they make strides to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and move their properties closer to net zero.

Net zero is a key priority for leading affordable housing provider Midland Heart, who has committed to achieving a minimum of EPC C in their homes by 2030.

This funding will support their existing retrofit strategy, which focuses on combining conventional incremental approaches with innovative

‘As a landlord with over 34,000 homes, we recognise we have a responsibility to reduce energy consumption’ technologies to bring lower carbon and energy efficient measures to their homes.

Midland Heart have identified

solar panel as one such measure.

The use of solar PV with diverters for hot water storage in electrically heated properties is a more cost-effective approach to store and use energy, which will be beneficial to customers as they try to mitigate cost of living increases.

At the heart of the organisation, is the belief that any investment into achieving net zero should also benefit customers, keeping their homes warm and energy bills affordable.

Executive director of finance and growth at Midland Heart, Joe Reeves, said: “As a landlord with over 34,000 homes, we recognise

we have a responsibility to reduce energy consumption, become more sustainable and limit our impact on the environment.

“This funding will help us to deliver our ambitious retrofitting programme, which we believe will both improve the energy efficiency and performance of our homes and make a difference to the quality of life for our customers.”

Midland Heart is focused on the delivery of its retrofit strategy and is pushing forward with planned decarbonisation initiatives established during SHDF Wave 1.

University in creation of investment company Aston University is one of eight research intensive universities in the Midlands to establish a new investment company to accelerate the commercialisation of university spinouts and earlystage IP-rich businesses in the region.

Midlands Mindforge Limited has been co-founded

by Aston University, University of Birmingham, Cranfield University, Keele University, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, University of Nottingham and University of Warwick, collectively Midlands Innovation.

This ambitious, patient capital investment company plans to raise up to £250m from strategic corporate partners, institutional investors and qualifying individuals. It aims to transform ground-breaking science and technology into successful businesses with real-world impact.

Midlands Mindforge will help to address the significant funding deficit for early-stage technology businesses in the region.

Professor Aleks Subic, vice-chancellor of Aston University, said: “Aston University has a strong track record in bringing together industry and academia to solve real world problems and drive innovation through applied and translational research.

“Investment raised through Midlands Mindforge will enable a step change that will ensure we get the very best outcomes for our research. The impact of increased investment in research translation will be felt widely, with Midlands Mindforge supporting the growth of high value-added businesses and jobs in the region and creating the right conditions to build future global companies.

“This is a hugely exciting time for Aston University.”

Right conditions: Alex Subic

Monetary chief joins Chamber discussion Dr Swati Dhingra, a member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee, joined Chamber members for a broad-ranging discussion.

The event, organised by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), was hosted by GBCC patrons NatWest Bank.

It included attendees from Schumacher, Intercity Technology, Simpsons Gin Bar, the British Independent Retail Association and Eccleston & Hart.

Dr Dhingra is an associate professor of Economics at the London School of Economics, and an Associate of the Centre for Economic Performance at LSE. Graeme Chaplin, regional agent for the Bank of England for the West Midlands, chaired a discussion which covered a range of topics including interest rates rises, supply chain disruption and how local businesses are responding to labour market shortages.

Raj Kandola, GBCC director of external affairs, said: “Firms around the table shared valuable insight on how they are responding to record energy costs and inflationary pressure – it’s great to see the underlying resilience they are displaying in a complex environment.”

Valuable insights: Graeme Chaplin chairs the discussion

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1813 Club and Premier Members

1813 Club and Premier Members Top retail store Selfridges are going into the second-hand market by selling or repurposing items from various sources in an attempt to reduce waste.

The offer will operate in Selfridges stores in Birmingham, London and Manchester and in Birmingham shoppers can experience what is described as a new way to shop secondhand fashion at The Edit by Reselfridges.

Selfridges' ambition is that 45 per cent of transactions will come from circular products, a new system of redesigning and re-using products to eliminate waste and regenerate nature.

Selfridges are planning to host “Worn Again”, an invitation to customers to explore Reselfridges initially until August.

A spokesperson said: “Instead of typical offerings of ‘newness’, the creative scheme explores different ways to keep products in circulation for longer.

“Worn Again will dial up the pleasure, reciprocity and fun of shopping, as well as the desirability of second-hand and circular products.”

Customers can participate in Worn Again via a mix of experimental circular destinations, products, services and experiences in Selfridges Birmingham, Manchester and London stores and at Selfridges.com.

In Birmingham, customers can shop for second-hand fashion at The Edit by Reselfridges until the end of July. The Birmingham store will also offer a series of Swap Shops and host Upcyclists in Residence events, as well as a new rental pop up. Permanent new Reselfridges additions include subscription and rentto-buy services.

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Membership Contact: Gary Birch T: 0845 6036650

Greater Birmingham’s leading companies

Second-hand service launched

Premier

BMet launches first Fintech short course BMet College has published a FinTech Skills Framework which it describes as a “Blueprint for Further Education in Birmingham and the West Midlands.”

The report was launched at a joint BMet/SuperTech breakfast event at Studio, Birmingham, attended by many of the industry stakeholders who participated in the research.

Working with SuperTech, BMet will this month also launch what it believes to be the first FE-led short course in FinTech in the country. Over the next two years, the college anticipates rolling out additional courses which will serve around 50-60 new students.

In the West Midlands, it is estimated FinTech accounts for £474mi of GVA for 2022, a 15 per cent increase in just two years. The productivity level in the region’s FinTech sector is almost double the average output per worker in the West Midlands.

The short course starting this month will take around three months with self-study, online and incollege learning options.

Suzie Branch-Haddow, vice principal (external development) at BMet, said: “It sets out a skills development framework that is vital for one of our region’s most dynamic and exciting sectors. It’s not

overstretching the point to say it’s a game changer.

“Ten years ago, BMet established the Greater Birmingham Professional Services Academy (GBPSA). It continues to specialise in developing the skills and knowledge needed in the business, professional and financial services (BPFS) sector, working in partnership with employers.

“BMet is at forefront again, ready to respond to what industry is telling us.”

Whitecap Consulting was commissioned by BMet, on behalf of Colleges West Midlands and SuperTech, to assess skills requirements across the West Midlands for the FinTech sector.

The report determines the need and opportunity to provide targeted skills provision to support the future growth and competitiveness of the region’s FinTech sector.

As the UK’s only professional technology supercluster, SuperTech is passionate about advancing the development of next generation services, building on Birmingham’s status as one of the UK’s three recognised FinTech hubs. Over the past two years SuperTech has radically re-shaped the inward investment story on the region’s innovation capacity.

Key private tax appointment Midlands-based accountancy and advisory firm PKF Smith Cooper has recruited Dean Castledine (pictured) to the new role of private client director.

Dean brings 20 years of experience and expertise in private client tax advisory services to PKF Smith Cooper. He began his career working for HMRC and has since occupied several roles in the Midlands, including a position at leading accounting firm RSM. Before joining PKF Smith Cooper, he was private client senior manager at Shorts Chartered Accountants for seven years.

PKF Smith Cooper is the home of PKF in the Midlands, providing a range of audit, accountancy, tax and advisory services to businesses of all sizes. The company has offices in key locations across the

Midlands, including Derby, Nottingham, Birmingham and Ashbourne.

Gary Devonshire, tax advisory partner at PKF Smith Cooper, said: “I am really happy to recruit a professional of Dean’s experience

and stature and he is a key recruit in our private client advisory business.

“Dean brings with him a wealth of experience in several key areas that our clients need to have on their radar as part of their personal and family wealth strategies.

“Dean’s key areas of focus will include inheritance tax and will planning, trust and family investment company establishment, pre-sale tax planning, school and university fee planning, and property and personal investment company planning.

“Dean’s skill in delivering the above services will complement the skills of our existing advisory specialists to create a rounded advisory offering for our clients and assist the tax advisory team in continuing its rapid growth.”

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1813 Club and Premier Members

Make the most of your career A scheme to help employees overcome any career doldrums has been launched with great success at the Wesleyan in Birmingham.

The Bounce Forward programme has been introduced to help people make the most of their talents and careers at the company, which provides financial advice for doctors, dentists and teachers, plus pensions, savings, investments and more.

Thrilled: Rebecca Mander

Wesleyan have been working with Guruyou, a Henley-in-Arden-based company who provide professional coaching to help deal with personal setbacks that affects performance at work, including financial pressures or emotional loss.

Emma Duff, talent and leadership development manager at Wesleyan, said: “We really want to invest in our people, helping them get the most out of their unique talents and careers.

“Working with Guruyou has been fantastic.

They are really flexible to the needs of the business, creating a bespoke programme that supports our people to Bounce Forward in their careers.

“The feedback we have had from our colleagues who have taken part in the programme has been nothing but positive.

“Most people find that their confidence and aspirations for their careers have grown by the end of the course. This is exactly what we want our people to feel. We want them to push themselves out of their comfort zones, break down boundaries and achieve goals they never thought they could achieve.

“Line manager feedback confirms that all participants on the course now have more clarity on their career paths and feel more engaged and positive about what they want to achieve for themselves.”

Rebecca Mander, founder of Guruyou, said: “I am thrilled to be hosting the Bounce Forward Programme for the third year running and even more excited to see the results our work has impacted.

“As the team at Wesleyan say, we measure success by the amount of people who ‘bounce up’ with a promotion, ‘bounce in’ by improving performance in the roles they currently hold or ‘bounce on’ to a different role completely.

“The feedback from alumni is that the programme is unlike any other people have been on and I think that is because of the holistic view we take.

“A career is not simply about work and a role, there is a human being behind the human doing and with that comes a different story for everyone, a unique pattern of thoughts, cultures and backgrounds that influence the day-to-day persona we see at work.

“In a confidential, safe setting, we encourage delegates to be open and explore their mindsets that impact the success, or lack of in their career.”

Comments from Wesleyan personnel include: “I had no idea what I wanted to do with my career before these sessions, and they helped me to identify what was important to me and break it down into achievable goals - even things I could start doing now. It's invaluable advice.”

“The realisation that you can influence the change by challenging how you think has been a real eye-opener as well as understanding that feeling the way I feel is more normal than I thought it was. Normal doesn't mean I should accept it. I can still influence positive change.”

“I have come off this programme with a different mindset. The programme’s most valuable aspect is the engagement and interaction with others. This includes challenging others in a positive way, coaching and being coached, receiving feedback from a variety of different individuals and genuinely coming away from each session feeling positive.”

Creative design specialist expands into new office Midlands-based creative agency Jask Creative has moved into new offices in a prime location in the heart of Solihull.

The agency has an ambitious growth strategy in place for 2023, and doubling office space was a top priority as the agency seeks to expand its team.

Based in a 1,700sq ft office in Olton Wharf since 2014, the move has seen Jask take a 3,000sq ft office space at The Shelly Farm in the Monkspath area of Solihull.

The office will also be home to Jask’s sister agency - the specialist sports and lifestyle team of Unmarked Agency.

With an annual turnover of over £2m, Jask now employs 26 staff, with specialists in creative design, branding, web development, photography, and videography.

Jask expects to see continued growth this year with increasing demand from clients driven from a range of areas, including from a new, premium web build service they launched in January 2023 called WP Plus+.

Recent key employment hires have included a new account manager, an account support executive, and a PR manager.

Stuart Jordan, managing director at Jask, said: “We’re delighted to be in our new space.

“We’ve secured a fantastic location which allows us to better service our clients, while the extended room and facilities means we can continue with our growth strategy across all areas of the agency.

Bigger pool of talent: The Jask team in their new office

“We worked closely with the full Jask team to create a space that everyone can benefit from. The new office includes breakout areas to support staff wellbeing featuring a pool table, bespoke sound system and gaming area.

“Nearby local amenities will also benefit the team - notably The Farm pub and restaurant which is next door and perfect for meetings, staff get togethers and client entertaining.

“Through continually investing in our people, our working environment and the services we offer, we’ve built a solid reputation as one of the country’s leading creative agencies.”

Jask Creative boasts a national client base, with notable projects recently completed including a major brand refresh for Bibby Financial Services, multiple new website builds, and headline photo and video shoots for both the England Rugby and England Football teams.

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International Trade

International Trade

T: 0845 603 6650 E: ibh@birmingham-chamber.com

US landings? Airport CEO Nick Barton with Brenda VanHorn (centre) and Mandy Haque

Proud: Patrick Walker

Flexeserve makes key appointment Flexeserve – the leading manufacturer of hotholding equipment – is stepping up its efforts in the Americas with a key appointment.

Support infrastructure executive Patrick Walker has joined Flexeserve Inc.’s team of experts as vice-president of technical service.

He will be in charge of delivering the brand’s best-in-industry aftersales support.

An accomplished technical service executive, Patrick brings 35 years of industry experience with major global brands such as Electrolux Professional. As VP of technical service, he will utilise his technical, sales and account management skillsets to help ensure maximum continuity for a variety of hot food operators.

Patrick said: “I’m so proud to be part of the Flexeserve team. Our technology and expertise are truly game-changing – a totally different proposition from anything else in the market.

“We’re building on an excellent service network foundation to deliver unrivalled continuity that customers of all sizes can rely on throughout the Americas.

“I was drawn to the ambitious vision of the leadership team and the potential of Flexeserve’s true hot-holding. It’s compelling – when operators see how we transform their hot food, they share our passion too.”

Patrick joins president Dave Hinton, director of culinary Adam Dyer and office manager Katie Brewer, who are establishing the company’s US HQ in Dallas, Texas, which will have its official launch later this year.

Dave Hinton said: “Our industry-leading heated displays are incredibly robust. This is because we use accredited components of the highest quality, manufacture units with precision and expertise, and then rigorously test them. However, our units have become such a vital part of our customers’ operations that maximised uptime makes a real difference.”

32 CHAMBERLINK May 2023

Innovative spirit on display for diplomat

By Dan Harrison A senior diplomat from the US Embassy received a glimpse of the innovation taking place in Birmingham during a whistlestop tour of Chamber members.

Brenda VanHorn, commercial counselor for the US Embassy in London, visited several member businesses across the city-region during a fact-finding trip.

First, Ms VanHorn visited STEAMhouse, Birmingham City University’s business support,

co-working and innovation facility where she received demonstrations from professors in AI as well as artisans and innovators.

Next stop was Webster and Horsfall, the 300-year old Birmingham manufacturer of spring wire and material solutions.

Head of operations Jonathan Horsfall showcased the first transatlantic table for telecommunications which was made at the factory in Birmingham.

Ms VanHorn then met with Birmingham Airport CEO Nick Barton to discuss the future

Strategy to tempt investment An international strategy to open overseas markets for West Midlands products and bring more direct foreign investment into the region is to be drawn up as part of the region’s landmark deeper devolution deal.

The Government’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) will work with the region to develop a new global trade and investment strategy, building on the close relationship forged in delivering the Commonwealth Games business and tourism programme (BATP).

The programme has maximised the economic benefits of the Games while transforming the image of the West Midlands around the world.

The deeper devolution deal marks a shift in power, funding and responsibility from Whitehall to the region. The DBT will support the staging of business-focussed trade missions led by the West Midlands Mayor, similar to the one the West Midlands made to India last November.

Mayor Andy Street (pictured), who also chairs the WMCA, said: “Thanks to the Commonwealth Games and its accompanying business and tourism programme, we’ve seen the number of inward investment leads double and the global reputation of the West Midlands boosted significantly. Now we must build on that success – forging new links to drive tourism, trade and investment and growth.

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International Trade Global Chamber Patrons

Greater Birmingham

Transatlantic Chamber Patrons

Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Mandy Haque T: 0121 725 8994

Agreement to boost trade links with Mexico

Historic overview: Brenda VanHorn at Webster and Horsfall with Jonathan Horsfall

of transatlantic services and hear about the growth of BHX. The final part of the visit took Ms VanHorn to Marston Green-based software firm Jumar Solutions. Talks took place with Jumar CEO Wendy Merricks about opportunities in the United States.

Ms VanHorn was accompanied by the Chamber’s international director Mandy Haque, who said: “Brenda was able to meet a good cross-section of Chamber members – some of whom are seeking support in the US market – and was very impressed by the scale of innovation that is taking place here.”

Trade links between Greater Birmingham and Mexico have received a boost after an agreement was signed between two Chambers of Commerce.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the British Chamber of Commerce in Mexico as the two organisations look to expand opportunities for business in their respective regions.

The signing took place at Aston University, with GBCC president Deb Leary and Mexican counterpart Angelica Ruiz putting pen to paper.

Mexican Ambassador to the UK, Josefa Gonzalez-Blanco, was also present to witness the signing. Representatives from several GBCC member businesses - including Ginho Group, Liquid PR, Common Purpose, University College Birmingham, Aston University and No.5 Chambers - also joined discussions.

Ms Gonzalez-Blanco said the MoU provides scope for some exciting opportunities.

She added: “The agreement provides scope for many exciting opportunities for Mexico and Greater Birmingham to work closely on joint research projects, business missions and networking events. I look forward to supporting the continued development of British-Mexican bilateral relations through the Chambers of Commerce.”

Deborah Leary, who is also CEO of Birmingham-based

Hands across the sea (left to right): Angelica Ruiz, Josefa Gonzalez-Blanco and Deb Leary

Chamber welcomes CPTPP deal Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) has welcomed a new deal signed by the UK to join a trade pact with 11 Asia and Pacific nations.

It is set to boost UK exports by cutting tariffs on goods such as cheese, cars, chocolate, machinery, gin and whisky, the government said.

The trade deal, known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), was established in 2018, and includes Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. It covers a market of around 500 million people.

The international team at GBCC will be on hand to offer firms the support needed to ensure they get the best possible access to this thriving market within the global trade system.

Forensic Pathways, added: “The signing of this MoU is significant.

“It demonstrates not only a desire to develop strong trading links and opportunities for collaboration for our businesses and academic institutions but outlines key actions to ensure mutual success. Our overall aim is to create lasting trading links for our members and as a consequence strengthen the ties between the UK and Mexico.”

Exports boost: Cameron Uppal

GBCC policy advisor Cameron Uppal said: “The UK’s decision to sign a deal to join a trade pact with 11 Asia and Pacific Nations is welcome news and will be important for West Midlands businesses who have a heavy exporting focus to this area of the world.

“Announced at a time when we have heard from members that their businesses have faced increased difficulties in importing, this news will be very beneficial in seeing reduced costs to imported component parts from member countries to use in manufactured goods for export. Joining the group will go some way to boosting UK exports by cutting tariffs on a number of goods.”

Any business is looking to expand its overseas reach, should visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com May 2023 CHAMBERLINK 33

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ABCC Updates and useful information from the largest ethnic support organisation in the UK Contact: Anjum Khan T: 0845 6036650

Charity run: PwC Midlands team taking part in the Great Birmingham Run

PwC to run for Cure Leukaemia Over 100 members of staff from PwC Midlands are lacing their running shoes and donning their pink running tops to represent national blood cancer charity, Cure Leukaemia, in this month’s Great Birmingham Run. Taking place on King Charles’ Coronation Weekend, the charity is looking to field their biggest ever team of runners in both the half marathon and 10k events, on Sunday, 7 May. Money raised by employees will be invested in the national Trials Acceleration Programme (TAP) which has been solely funded by ABCC member Cure Leukaemia since 2020.

BHF launches free UK-wide CPR training The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has launched free RevivR (CPR) training courses across the UK. The course includes a simulated call to emergency services and camera feedback during the session.

One to four people are affected by cardio events including heart attacks or strokes.

This gives a high possibility that every person will know at least someone who has been affected and the impact this has on their loved ones.

Performing CPR and defibrillation can more than double the chances of survival in some cases.

Balvinder Kaur, BHF fundraising manager for Birmingham and Solihull said: “Every year there are more than 30,000 out-ofhospital cardiac arrests but fewer than one in 10 people survive.

“Early intervention, coupled with access to a circuited defibrillator can increase chances of survival in the current climate where the NHS Health systems are challenged.

“Many of us will witness a cardiac arrest in our lifetime. Be ready for that day with RevivR, our fast, free and easy-to-use online training course.”

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Neil Philpott, audit partner at PwC Midlands, said: “We’ve taken part in the Great Birmingham Run for many years now, and it’s great to see over 100 members of staff from our Birmingham, Donington Court and Milton Keynes offices signing up to take on the challenge again this year.”

Cure Leukaemia chief executive James McLaughlin will also be running alongside the team on the day as he tackles the half marathon.

He said: “PwC Midlands have been longstanding supporters of the charity over the years and have entered several Cure Leukaemia events and raise important funds for blood cancer patients across the UK, and I would like to thank them on behalf of our patients.”

Millennium Cargo Services welcomes freight expert Birmingham freight forwarder Millennium Cargo Services Ltd, the ABCC member that boasts it can move anything from a matchstick box to an oil rig, has welcomed freight expert Keith Whitrod (pictured) to its team.

Keith brings with him a host of experience in dealing with oversized, awkwardly shaped or heavyweight cargo.

Keith’s career in freight started at 16 when he was given a job in the shipping department of a local engineering company. By the age of 18, he was running the whole department with the support of a local freight forwarding company.

Keith has worked in many different roles including shipping clerk, operations manager, general manager and director.

He said: “The freight industry is in my blood.

I have enjoyed every moment of my career. I’ve had the pleasure of working with people of all cultures from all around the world and the

opportunity to travel worldwide visiting many associates in the industry.

“The freight industry gave me many challenges which I took on board and overcame. Every day is different, arranging logistics to worldwide customers and knowing the movements arrive safely to the satisfaction of the customer is rewarding.”

Keith will be based in London, creating a new office base for Millennium in addition to their hub in Birmingham. His role will be to work closely with the rest of the Millennium Cargo network to help customers move awkward cargo quickly, easily and in a costeffective manner.

CEO Chadd Blunt, said: “Despite being a small, family-run freight forwarding company, we pride ourselves on being able to move anything, anywhere. From the size of a matchstick box to an oil rig.

“We’re happy to have Keith on board. His 40 years of experience in the freight industry will add another layer of expertise to our team and allow us to continue serving our customers best.”

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ABCC ABCC Patrons

Premier+ Partners

Rising basketball star signs multi-year deal The Freeths legal team was led by senior National law firm Freeths has advised City of associate and sports sector specialist Angelique Birmingham Rockets’ and England Under-14 Richardson, supported by trainee Fraser Kane. player Ziah Francis on his multi-year deal with Angelique said: “I’m thrilled to have advised Serie A side Aquila Basket Trento, becoming the second UK youth ever to sign with the Italian Ziah on this incredible deal with Trento. With team. such an inspiring talent at the age of 14, I look Transferring to Trento in forward to watching his August, this move follows career flourish.”Ziah said: ‘Having a professional to record seasons for the 6’6” “I really appreciate the explain the contract and support we got from 13-year-old, having played for the Under-14 and UnderAngelique and Freeths. talk me through each 16 national league with “Having a professional section allowed me to Rockets. to explain the contract and In December, Ziah also understand exactly what talk me through each represented Olimpia Milano section allowed me to I was signing’ in the Memorial Zanatta understand exactly what I Tournament which he won was signing. while in Italy on a variety of trials.

“That gave me the confidence I needed to just This deal is just the second of its kind from focus on my game, and it was a relief to know the UK with the Italian team, after Quinn Ellis that all the details were correct and things are in signed a four-year contract last year. place to allow me to be successful.”

Rising talent: Ziah Francis

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Cannock Chase Chase Chamber Patrons

Cannock Chase

Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Richard Brooks T: 07796 242029

Firm’s new owners pledge expansion Staffordshire-based manufacturers Addfield Environmental Systems Ltd and Addfield Projects Ltd have been acquired by an investment fund advised by Darwin Alternatives.

The Darwin fund will be committed to investing in the company’s research and development to bring more advanced and efficient incinerators to the market.

The leadership will remain the same, guaranteeing their high quality of service.

Under the new ownership, Addfield will be able to securely embark on a series of expansion activities that have been on the drawing board for many years, including new “greener” technologies and expansions to fresh markets.

Derek Carr, managing director of Addfield, said: “This represents a major opportunity for us to take Addfield to the next level.

“Following continuous growth in recent years, we have almost been a victim of our own success.

“As the scale of orders has grown, we have endeavoured to keep up and keep ahead of the industry.

“Having the support of the Darwin group gives us access to a fresh network of businesses, and there is some real synergy between their existing investment and Addfield, which make Darwin the right partner for us.”

Top accreditations: Steph Wilkinson

Addfield began business in 1982, a one-man operation creating reliable and economical agricultural incinerators for the UK exclusively. It was later purchased by local entrepreneur Steve Lloyd to be an addition to his existing refractory business.

‘This represents a major opportunity for us to take Addfield to the next level’ Mr Lloyd said: “This was an incredibly difficult decision for me to make however. I have reached retirement age that I have been planning for a long time.

“The journey we have all been on these last 16 years has been a remarkable one. I have always maintained that the greatest assets of a business are its people.

“With Darwin, I believe we have found the perfect partner to help Addfield grow and develop its people and product portfolios.”

The firm is now established in 142 countries and employ a permanent workforce of 55, alongside establishing an office in the USA and achieving some of the largest individual orders in their history in recent months.

Real synergy: James Penney (left) from Darwin Alternatives with Derek Carr from Addfield outside the head office in Burntwood, Staffordshire.

GeoGrow achieve health and safety accreditations GeoGrow, who specialise in manufacturing and fitting vegetated retaining walls, have achieved top industry accreditations, receiving CHAS Elite certification and Constructionline Gold membership.

CHAS and Constructionline are two of the highest regarded safety schemes in the industry.

They validate a company’s approach to key concerns of buyers, assessing credentials for environmental management, quality management, equal opportunities, modern slavery act compliance and anti-bribery and corruption policies.

Alongside the enhanced prequalification, the accreditations also provide a peace of mind to clients that GeoGrow’s health and safety processes comply with current best practices and legislation.

Steph Wilkinson, commercial director of GeoGrow, said: “We are extremely proud to have achieved such high standard industry accreditations.

“The CHAS Elite certification and Constructionline Gold membership demonstrate our ongoing commitment to providing a high standard of service for our customers.

“We are committed to improving and investing in our resources, workforce and processes, ensuring we continue to offer our customers the best possible service.”

They manufacture, design, supply and install the Rootlok Vegetated Wall System, a green alternative for soft, engineered retaining walls and erosion control.

Alongside green retaining wall construction, they also supply a specialist hydroseeding service nationwide, providing vegetation and erosion control solutions for any sized area.

To get in touch to find out more about vegetated retaining wall systems and greener infrastructure that promotes biodiversity, call 01543 224800.

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Burton & District Burton & District Chamber Patrons

Contact: Richard Brooks T: 07796 242029

Meet the Chamber charity nominations Burton & District Chamber of Commerce has announced the nominations for their Charity of the Year 2023.

The Chamber chooses one charity every year to support in their fundraising efforts and help spread the word about the incredible work they are doing within the local community.

The nominated charities. are:

YMCA Burton YMCA Burton is an independent Christian charity committed to helping people at times of need, regardless of gender, race, ability or faith.

They provide a supportive environment for those who are homeless with 71 rooms over three sites with practical and emotional support.

Staffordshire Community Foundation The BAC O’Connor Centre Since 1998, the BAC O’Connor Centre has provided drug and alcohol rehabilitation for hundreds of people.

It provides person-centred care for all users, whether that’s inpatient detoxification, residential rehabilitation, semi-independent recovery housing or recovery services in the community.

Burton Albion Community Trust (BACT) BACT offer a wide range of programmes to inspire, engage and educate the local community. The work carried out by the trust delivers opportunities for everyone from the local and surrounding communities to be involved and get fit, make new friends, or try something new.

SARAC SARAC (Sexual Abuse Rape Advice Centre) is a charity based in Burton upon Trent offering free, independent and one-to-one emotional support, information and advice. It was formed in 1994 by a group of local women who were appalled at the lack of support for people dealing with the aftermath of childhood/adulthood sexual abuse and/or rape.

The Community Foundation for Staffordshire is an independent charity dedicated to strengthening local communities across Staffordshire and Shropshire.

They aim to tackle issues of disadvantage and exclusion through the building of permanent endowments and the allocation of grants.

National Memorial Arboretum The arboretum is a 150-acre visitor site on the edge of the National Forest in Staffordshire. They ensure the unique contribution of those who have served and sacrificed is never forgotten, the baton of Remembrance is passed on through the generations.

Richard Brooks (pictured), head of Burton & District Chamber of Commerce, said: “We know there are many worthy causes here in Burton and the selection process will be a difficult one, so we would like to highlight and promote those mentioned above who were all nominated and invited to apply, thank you to you all.”

The new charity of the year will be announced on Tuesday, 16 May, at the Chamber’s annual meeting.

Couldn’t be prouder: Anna Hickman

Housing association wins top safety award Burton-based Trent & Dove Housing has won the RoSPA Public Service and Local Government Industry Sector Award, demonstrating its commitment to health and safety excellence.

The RoSPA Health and Safety Awards are the largest occupational health and safety awards programme in the UK. The programme recognises organisations’ commitments to continuous improvement in the prevention of accidents and ill-health at work, looking at entrants’ overarching health and safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement.

Anna Hickman, head of health and safety (people and property), said: “I could not be prouder of the team for the enthusiasm and dedication to keeping our staff and customers safe.

“I am delighted that this has been recognised by Trent & Dove being awarded this accolade for the second consecutive year.”

MP meets Jobs Fair recruit

Job success: Harry Rodger (centre) with Kate Kniveton MP and Nik Hardy

Hardys Signs welcomed Kate Kniveton, member of parliament for Burton and Uttoxeter.

She met with managing director Nik Hardy and workshop operative Harry Rodger, who has been working with Hardy Signs since October 2022.

Harry was recruited at Kate Kniveton’s annual Burton and Uttoxeter Jobs fair in September.

Kate said: “It was a real joy to meet Harry at Hardy Signs today and hear all about the opportunities that have opened up to him following attending my jobs fair last autumn.

“The jobs fair had a real buzz, and I know those that attended found it a worthwhile experience. Harry is a real success story of this event and goes to show what a valuable opportunity it can be.”

Harry has worked on several high-profile jobs, including wrapping 13 Mercedes Sprinter Minibuses for West Midlands Bus on demand and wrapping various vehicles for McFeaze, quantity surveyors, Wilshees waste management.

Harry said: “I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity to work at Hardy Signs. I would wholly recommend to others that they attend the jobs fair to see what job opportunities might be open to them.”

Managing director and founder of Hardy Signs, Nick Hardy, said: “We were very pleased to take part in Kate’s Jobs Fair last year and were glad about how the event went and the level of interest we received.

“We look forward to taking part in this year’s Jobs Fair and hope to see many others there too.”

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Lichfield & Tamworth Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber Patrons Contact: Chris Brewerton T: 0845 6036650

Lichfield Cathedral spire repairs begin Work to restore the badly damaged central spire at Lichfield Cathedral has begun, thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The 12-month project, costing almost £1m, aims to restore the structure, reopen the space to visitors and explore what the iconic landmark means to local residents.

Originally built in the 1300s and almost completely destroyed during the English Civil War, the iconic central spire has been rebuilt and restored across the centuries.

Scaffolding is being built to start the first phase of the restoration work, due to be completed by the end of this year.

Tall story: A new project will tell the story of the people who have worked on the restoration of Lichfield Cathedral’s Central Spire over the past 800 years

The Very Revd Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield, said: “The work will allow us to raise awareness of this impressive landmark standing at the heart of the city. The central spire serves two purposes - to be a beacon of hope to the community it serves, and to point people’s gaze towards God, the foundation of our faith and the reason for the construction of this ancient and sacred building.”

Significant funds have also been pledged by the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Wolfson Foundation, HS2 Community and Environment Fund, and the Headley Trust, along with many other grants and donations contributed by hundreds of donors.

Poster appeal: The Garrick Theatre in Lichfield

Lichfield Garrick in search for new trustees Lichfield’s Garrick Theatre, crowned large business of the year at Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth, Cannock Chase Chambers of Commerce 2023 awards, is seeking new trustees.

The Lichfield-based arts charity says they want to attract people who are “passionate about the role art can play in empowering people’s lives and would like to bring their professional and lived experience to supporting Lichfield Garrick Theatre”.

Established in 2003, Lichfield Garrick Theatre is preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a year of community engagement, support for local artists and opportunities for young people.

Under the new artistic and executive leadership of Daniel Buckroyd, the theatre is at a time of significant renewal, and seeking several new trustees to join the board and play a part in developing an ambitious creative and business plan to take them into the next 20 years.

The deadline for applications is 8 May and more information and an application pack is available at: lichfieldgarrick.com/trustee

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Deal for PI-KEM after technology giant visit Global visitors: Fiona Rouse (left) with (left to right) Amelia Lee, Jeff Lee and Tom Pickford

PI-KEM – the Tamworth based supplier of advanced materials and equipment for research and development – has welcomed visitors from a world-leading technology firm.

A delegation from Cheersonic Ultrasonics Co. Ltd visited the offices of PI-KEM, whose operations director Fiona Rouse is president of the Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce.

Visiting the Tamworth firm was Amelia Lee, European sales manager, and Jeff Lee, chief technical officer from Cheersonic Ultrasonics.

As UK distributors for Cheersonic Ultra Coating Equipment, PI-KEM had the opportunity to learn more about the firm’s range of ultrasonic coaters, welders and cutters and their capabilities.

As a direct result of the visit, PI-KEM have announced that it is now also representing

Cheersonic for Ultrasonic Coaters and Cutters (Non-Food) and Welders to all UK, European and African universities and research institutes.

Joining Fiona Rouse for the visit was Tom Pickford, PI-KEM’s specialist in photonics and optoelectronics, and sales support assistant Fiona Wai. Fiona Wai, herself from Hong Kong, hosted the meeting and acted as an interpreter.

Fiona Rouse said: “We’d like to take this opportunity to thank both Amelia and Jeff for their time and providing the additional training to ourselves as part of their European tour, and look forward to meeting with them again on their next visit.”

For more information on how PI-KEM can support research, visit pi-kem.co.uk or call 01827 259250.

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Royal Sutton Coldfield Sutton Coldfield Chamber Patrons

Charity of the Year

Contact: Chris Brewerton T: 0845 6036650

Ark wins major award for sepsis tragedy film A moving film made by a Sutton Coldfield company which revealed how a young mum tragically lost her life to sepsis has won a major award.

Created by Ark Media in partnership with the UK Sepsis Trust, the five-minute documentary told the story of 26-year-old farmer Hannah Brown, who passed away on March 26, 2021 just two days after developing sepsis.

Her sudden death from sepsis left the farming community across the north in shock, prompting family and friends to join forces with the UK

Emotional night: Brian Davies (left) and Phil Arkinstall with the award

Sepsis Trust to launch a campaign - raising awareness of the symptoms and treatment of sepsis. The campaign led to the making of the award-winning documentary, which interviewed Hannah’s fiancé Ben, her parents Martin and Val, spoke to friends at Westmorland County Show and captured how the farming community came together at her funeral in Dufton.

On Tuesday, March 21, 2023 – two years to the day after Hannah was admitted to hospital – Ben, Val and Mother-in-law Dorne attended the Charity Film Awards at the ODEON Luxe, in Leicester Square, to see her story win a special People’s Choice prize.

Ark Media chief executive Phil Arkinstall said it has been a “privilege” to pick up the award on behalf of all those who had campaigned in Hannah’s memory.

He added: “We were approached by the UK Sepsis Trust about creating something that captured how well-known and loved Hannah had been within the farming community, while also highlighting the shock caused by her sudden loss, and the importance of spreading awareness of sepsis.”

Brian Davies, fundraising manager at UK Sepsis Trust, who collected the award with Phil, said: “It was fitting to have some of Hannah’s family collect the award and is also fantastic recognition for the excellent job that Ark Media did in shooting and editing the film.”

Community Games in a retro twist The Community Games is challenging businesses from across the region to go back to the future – with spin-off event the Retro Games.

Founded by Dennis Kennedy to encourage people to try new activities and lead healthy, active lifestyles, the Community Games began as an annual event in Sutton Coldfield before expanding to other parts of the West Midlands.

Now, Dennis is joining forces with fellow Chamber members PLOTT Creative and past president Katie Hale to launch the inaugural Retro Games – featuring classic school sports activities such as the hula hoop, netball shootouts, tug of war, archery and the three-legged, egg and spoon and sack races.

And the business community from Sutton Coldfield and beyond are being encouraged to take part, with the opportunity to network and de-stress with fellow businesses.

All action: Getting ready for the Retro Games are (back row) Laurie Kennedy and Katie Hale and (front) Dennis Kennedy and Anna Plotnek

The event takes place on Thursday, 25 May, from 2pm to 5pm at Coppice, the retail village in Middleton which also houses PLOTT Creative’s office.

Dennis said: “It’s impossible to overstate the importance that physical activity has for the community at large, and especially for young people. Our wish is to create a legacy of fitness and belonging for them.”

Businesses can enter at a cost of £195 per team, with the proceeds going towards helping the work of the Community Games in the community.

To take part contact Dennis Kennedy from Inspire Activity.

Music ambassadors: Students act as school ambassadors through a variety of events, including musical performances

Partnerships boost school’s success Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School (BVGS) is continuing to forge important and longlasting relationships with local businesses and charities.

The well-established Corporate Partners Programme is having a significant impact on opportunities the school can create for students.

Graham Swindells, the BVGS finance and operations director, said: “Our partnerships and communities are vital to the school’s continued success.

“While the school establishes high academic achievements, it is also successful in bringing additional expertise, knowledge and skills from wider communities to enrich the lives and opportunities of all students beyond their academic experience.

“Each business-to-school relationship is unique and adds practical expertise and personal development in readiness for the ‘world of work’.” They include: • Businesses and charity personnel delivering “power skills” workshops on communications; leadership, entrepreneurship; CV/interview skills, problem-solving; networking; teamworking.

• Students hosting all annual careers fair seminars and interacting with guest speakers who are leaders in their sector fields.

• Visits to partner businesses for a “day in the life of a CEO” • Students as active school ambassadors at significant BVGS events networking with adults from arts, sports, music, alumni, business and charity sectors honing their networking skills for the future.

Any businesses interested should contact either Graham Swindells operations and finance director, at g.swindells@bishopveseys.bham.sch.uk or Claire Bolton, corporate partners and internship programmes, at c.bolton@bishopveseys.bham.sch.uk

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

Moors score the Chamber’s support

Eggciting: A winner from the Solihull Moors Foundation Easter event

By Darby Newman Solihull Chamber of Commerce have named their Charity of the Year for 2023/24.

After receiving applications from a number of Solihull-based charities, Solihull Moors Foundation was chosen.

The foundation creates a positive pathway for people in the Solihull community through the power of sport. The foundation offers a variety of programmes designed to support the needs of the communities they serve.

Their common areas of support include education, sports, recreation, social outreach and a health and wellbeing offer. it reaches over 2,000 people from four years old to 82. Their aim is to build healthier and happier communities and create opportunities

that improve the health and quality life of people and communities across Solihull and the surrounding areas.

Becci Fox, CEO of the Solihull Moors Foundation, said: “We are really delighted and extremely grateful to have been chosen as Solihull Chamber Charity of the Year 2023/24.

“We look forward to working closely with the Chamber, not only to fundraise and raise awareness, but also to partner with other key

organisations in order to make a difference in our local community. We are excited to work together to make a difference within Solihull and the surrounding area.”

Samantha Frampton, head of the Solihull Chamber, said: “Solihull Chamber is incredibly excited to announce Solihull Moors Foundation as its newest chosen charity. We are very much looking forward to engaging the business community in supporting their programmes.”

Spitfire Homes welcome new commercial director Spitfire Homes has welcomed Martin Brazier as its new commercial director, as the homebuilder targets further growth across the Midlands.

Bringing more than 15 years of commercial experience, in his former role at Taylor Wimpey he led the development of high-performing talent.

He also played a key role in the roll-out of COINS, a software platform that supports housebuilders and property companies, including Spitfire Homes, to streamline project delivery and operations.

Martin will be responsible for the further growth and performance of the commercial team, using his network to engage with specialist contractors to support business growth across the region.

He will also continue to engage with new and existing contractors and suppliers to support the development and delivery of Spitfire’s high-quality, sustainable product.

Since adopting a new strategy and product range, targeting a broader market in 2021,

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Spitfire has launched a collection of sites across the Midlands in areas including Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Birmingham.

With a pipeline of more than 2,000 homes, it aims to bring much-needed high-quality, sustainable homes to the region.

Martin said: “Spitfire Homes has a strong reputation for quality, from the signature properties it delivers for buyers to the service it provides.

“Reflected in the launch of its new vision, brand and wider product range in recent years, the scale of Spitfire’s ambition is clear. Joining the business’ talented and ambitious team to support the next phase of this journey is hugely exciting and a fresh challenge for me.

“As a commercial team, our focus is working with a range of sub-contractors and suppliers to ensure the delivery of Spitfire’s high quality, sustainable homes that people can be proud of, and I’m looking forward to working with the team to be a part of that.”

Targeting further growth: Martin Brazier

Ben Leather, managing director at Spitfire Homes, said: “Martin has a wealth of commercial experience in the sector and shares our passion and desire to build sustainable, high-quality homes fit for modern living.

“I have no doubt that Martin will play a significant role in supporting Spitfire Homes to fulfil our ambitions of delivering further growth throughout 2023 and beyond.”

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Solihull Solihull Chamber Patrons

Solihull Expo back with a bang Solihull Chamber of Commerce will stage their Solihull Expo 2023 at Village Hotel, The Green Business Park, on 25 May. The expo is the Chamber’s biggest networking event of the year. Whether delegates are looking to build networks, promote businesses, find new suppliers or increase knowledge, the Summer Expo offers the perfect platform under one roof.

The Chamber is aiming to welcome over 400 business contacts from across the Greater Birmingham region. With a seminar programme and an exhibition space, the event will provide an opportunity for delegates and exhibitors to showcase their businesses.

• 2pm-2:45pm: Speed networking • 3pm: Event closes Samantha Frampton, head of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, said: “I’m excited to be hosting the Solihull Summer Expo again this year and to be working with the team at the Village Hotel Solihull.

“The Solihull Summer expo is a great opportunity for businesses to come along and

promote their services, raise their profile, network, meeting other exhibitors and delegates.”

Exhibition stands are priced from £400+VAT for members. For more information and to book your place, visit the GBCC events page at: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

All the info: The Solihull Expo 2022.

Picture: Edwin Ladd

Agenda: • 10am: Expo opens • 10:30am-11:15am: Seminar 1 Solihull Economic Update • 11:45am-12:30pm: Seminar 2 Creating moving business stories - using video and storytelling to create engagement Speakers – Gwyneth Box, DirectorTantamount Media and Reiss Barton Founder, Studio Forty Six Ltd

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Future Faces Future Faces Chamber Patrons Contact: Sophie Poduval-Morrell T: 0121 274 3276

Award winner reflects on journey

By Darby Newman

Ingrida Vengalyte: Young Professional of the Year award winner 2022

The Future Faces division of the GBCC has launched the newly-rebranded Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year annual awards and dinner, which will take place in September.

The awards are a chance for young professionals to showcase their skills and achievements, and to get recognised professionally.

Kasim Choudhry, president of Future Faces, said: “Awards are the best way to recognise talent and inspire excellence. Being recognised as either a finalist or a winner opens so many doors in your career.

“Even the application process is important, as it gives individuals an opportunity to self-reflect on their journey and see what they have achieved.”

Ingrida Vengalyte, principal consultant at Jacobs, was last year’s winner of the BYPY award. She said that winning it has changed her career in many ways. She said: “When I was a little girl, my aspirations were simple. I played the piano, I wanted a pink doll’s house and didn’t even think I would one day be awarded Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2022 and win a fully-funded MBA sponsored by Aston University. Being recognised by people who don’t know me made them believe in you. This stopped me for a moment to rethink wha t I want to do next in my life and how can I get there.

“I became a more powerful young female leader in making decisions and putting myself forward. And yes, it may be risky and scary, and you are unsure where it could take you.

“There is never a right or wrong decision, but I always think until you try it, you don’t know it.

“My aspirations are not so simple anymore. My career journey is diverse and challenging, but so far it has been amazing.

“I have the courage and motivation to inspire others, not only because I think it is the right thing to do, but because I really want to make a positive impact. My key motto – it’s always about collaboration, encouraging everyone to work together, respect each other, helping each other to grow, never stop learning, developing, and always valuing each other.

“Recently, I read the book “The Most Powerful Woman In The Room Is YOU” by Lydia Fenet and would like to share a quote with all young female leaders: ‘Who is the most powerful woman in the room?

She’s the one who commands attention – of five people or five thousand. She’s the one who goes after what she wants and inspires others to do the same. She’s the one who can convince anyone of anything. And she can be you.’

“I am very thankful to everyone who is and was always here for me, challenging me every day to be successful in my career and life.”

For information about the awards visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

Mr McDonald’s hosts exclusive event Chamber board member and McDonald’s franchisee Doug Wright threw open the doors of his Perry Barr restaurant to Future Faces members for an exclusive event.

Members of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s young professionals division received a behind-the-scenes tour of the McDonald’s branch – with some even getting the opportunity to make a Big Mac. The Perry Barr McDonald’s – one of 23 owned by Mr Wright – opened ahead of last summer’s Commonwealth Games and is situated a short distance from the Alexander Stadium, which hosted the Birmingham 2022 track and field competitions as well as the opening and closing ceremonies.

Mr Wright, whose restaurant company Douglas Wright Restaurants (t/a McDonald’s) is a patron of the GBCC, also delivered a talk to Future Faces members about his life and career – including his rise through the ranks at McDonald’s.

He told those in attendance: “As a leader, you are the owner and guardian of culture. When I started running a business, it’s one of the loneliest things I’ve ever done. I wish I could have been part of a network like Future Faces.

“We are all better as one. If we can all work together, collaboratively we are much better off. Being part of a network won’t guarantee you success, but it will guarantee you friends. You always need friends in business.

“It’s really important to treat everybody the way you want to be treated yourself.

‘I’m committed to putting people over profit and believe that it’s helped to create a culture in my business that reflects my own values.”

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Among the delegates was Intercity Technology’s Manisha Dulai, who said: “I can honestly say that this has been my favourite networking event to date.

I want to thank Doug Wright for hosting an amazing Future Faces event – not to mention giving me the opportunity to make my first ever Big Mac!” Mr Wright employs around 2,500 people across his 23 McDonald’s restaurants. He is a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands and also received an MBE for services to charity and the economy in the Queen’s 2022 birthday honours.

Big turn-out at Big Mac: Doug Wright entertains Future Faces members at his Perry Barr restaurant

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Future Faces

The Chamber’s ever growing network for young professionals and the leaders of tomorrow.

How to help others reach their potential The secret to success lies not in what you are able to achieve but in the ability to empower others to be the best they can be.

So says Ian Harrison (pictured), co-author of ‘The Enabling Manager’ and director of Growhouse. Here he examines enabling people to tap into their potential.

There comes a point in your career in which success is not measured by your ability to do the core task of your business or team but by your ability to enable others to do their core tasks.

So how do you enable someone else’s learning, development and performance? How do you empower them to be the best they can be?

True empowerment has four key ingredients: • Capability: the skills and knowledge required to achieve the task in front of me.

• Clarity: clear understanding of their purpose and their objectives.

New Members Alice Childs (BHSF Ltd) Lara Henderson (BHSF Ltd) Edmund Bradbury (BHSF Ltd) Ffion Jenkins (BHSF Ltd) Hayden Smith (BHSF Ltd) Ruby Dennis (Crown Highways) Gemma Eustace (Crown Highways) Ben Stubbs (Crown Highways) Jack Castro (Crown Highways) Emily Wardle (Spottydog) Jack Press (Spottydog) Zoe Gaffney (Spottydog) Zoe Barlow (Spottydog) Rachel Carroll (Spottydog) Aisha Ali ( Mojito Cartel Ltd ) Sophie Westlake (University Hospitals

Birmingham Charity) Mollie White (Freeths LLP) Sharon Rai (Freeths LLP) Kate Chattaway (Freeths LLP) Conor McDonagh (Freeths LLP) Naveena Moore (Freeths LLP) Jessica Lally (Freeths LLP) Laura Cope (Freeths LLP) Maddalena Geroli (Freeths LLP) Minaj Noor (Freeths LLP) Emily Berridge (Browne Jacobson LLP) Olivia Jay (Browne Jacobson LLP) Tim Williams (Browne Jacobson LLP) Sophie Davies (Story Comms) Skevi Constantinou (The PA Way) Sophie-Mae Bourne (East Village PR) Yasmin Hobrow (Freeths LLP) Elizabeth Watt (Bannister Ventures) Daniele Tomassi (Achieve Health) Lee Fitzpatrick (PI-KEM)

• Autonomy: the freedom to use their own knowledge and skill to get the job done.

• Trust: the willingness to give them space to do their thing.

When these four ingredients are in place, we not only unlock people’s potential in the workplace, but we build the foundations on which people can thrive as individuals.

From a team leader’s, or manager’s, point of view, we can think of empowerment in terms of the words “align and enable”.

By creating clarity around the context and purpose of their work, their objectives, timelines etc, you align the team to the business objectives. Once these are clear you step back and enable them to work out, with their expertise and knowledge, how they are going to achieve their objectives. Finally, you trust them to get on with their work.

That is the key to empowering others. It is not about giving them power they do not have but giving them authority and confidence to use the power they have within them.

Creating a dedicated space to promote empowerment person and virtually, for our members to come Being aware of mental health issues, whether and talk to create a space for empowerment. they occur in the office or at home, can be a There is no restriction on what can/should be huge step forward in empowering yourself and discussed. others, even if it is just a matter of having a chat We hope and aim to provide a safe space for with a colleague or a friend to see how they are young professionals to take a break from their doing. Hannah Ellis, senior business manager at busy lives to relax, de-stress and, if required, Lloyds Bank, looks at how empowerment is a seek support/ guidance. key tool in maintaining mental As a network we have enough members health, and how the Future Faces Wellbeing Café is helping young that it is unlikely you are the only person to be feeling a certain way, and as a professionals utilise this tool… community we have the responsibility to Not everyone has a mental look out for one another. illness, but everyone has As individuals we have a mental health. Empowerment responsibility to look after and in both your career and your empower our families, chosen families, home life can be an friends and colleagues. Empowerment essential tool in battling in terms of mental health requires us mental health issues. to each give our people freedom, For example, eating trust and support. disorders have the second The freedom to ask for help, on highest mortality rate of all mental health their own timelines, terms and in disorders, surpassed whatever style they feel only by opioid use comfortable (this might be in disorder, and since the person, over the phone, by pandemic some letter etc). The trust that we helplines have witnessed have builds strong enough relationships, so when help a 107 per cent increase is required, it will be sought. in contacts.

And, support when help is The Future Faces required, in whatever Well Being Café Hannah Ellis: Being empowered capacity we can. provides a space, in May 2023 CHAMBERLINK 43

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Chamber Events

Another event-packed month …and most are FREE for members Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s events programme is one of the largest in the Chamber network.

Every week in May is packed with events across the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce network. In some cases there are several events on a single day, reflecting the popularity of a programme aimed at bringing business together. Business leaders tell us frequently that meeting other members and networking are among the fastest routes to doing and increasing business.

In May there is a variety of events, including a free Future Faces Meet the Neighbours morning, a Lichfield & Tamworth breakfast at the award-winning Lichfield Garrick Theatre and a Premier and 1813 members’ visit to the Birmingham Energy Innovation Centre at Tyseley Energy Park.

For further information and to book a place, visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/networking-events Meet the Neighbours Date: 2 May 2023 Time: 9am – 10:15am Venue: Online Division: GBCC Cost: Members: Free Future Faces Members: Free Non-members: Free Business and Breakfast Lichfield & Tamworth Date: 3 May 2023 Time: 7:30am – 9:30am Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre Division: Lichfield & Tamworth Cost: Members: Free Future Faces Members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £50 +VAT ABCC Member Social Date: 3 May 2023 Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm Venue: Akbars Division: ABCC Cost: Members: Free

Future Faces Professional Development: Empowerment Date: 4 May 2023 Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm Venue: Browne Jacobson Division: Future Faces Cost: Members: Free Speed Networking Sutton Coldfield Date: 9 May 2023 Time: 8:30am – 10:30am Venue: Sutton Coldfield Town Hall Division: Sutton Coldfield Cost: Members: Free

Future Faces Members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £50 +VAT Grow Through People Conference 10 May 2023 9:30am – 2pm thestudio

Date: Time: Venue:

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Division: GBCC Cost: Members: Free

Future Faces Members: Free Non-members: Free Speed Networking Cannock Chase Date: 11 May 2023 Time: 8:30am – 10:30am Venue: Chasetown Football Club Division: Cannock Chase Cost: Members: Free

Future Faces Members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £50 +VAT Solihull Speaker Breakfast Date: 16 May 2023 Time: 8:30am – 10:30am Venue: TBC Division: Solihull Cost: Members: Free

Future Faces Members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £50 +VAT Burton & District Annual General Meeting Date: 16 May 2023 Time: 12pm – 2pm Venue: TBC Division: Burton & District Cost: Members: Free Future Faces Members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £50 +VAT Business at Breakfast Cannock Chase Date: 17 May 2023 Time: 7:30am – 9:30am Venue: TBC Division: Cannock Chase Cost: Members: Free Future Faces Members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £50 +VAT

1813 & Premier Members Exemplar Visit with Tyseley Energy Park Date: 17 May 2023 Time: 4:30pm – 6:30pm Venue: Birmingham Energy Innovation Centre Division: GBCC Cost: Members: Free Social Networking Birmingham 18 May 2023 5:30pm – 7:30pm Steven Eagell Toyota Birmingham Division: Birmingham Cost: Members: Free Future Faces Members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £50 +VAT Date: Time: Venue:

Future Faces Social Networking (Sutton Coldfield) Date: 18 May 2023 Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm Venue: Brewhouse & Kitchen Division: Future Faces Cost: Members: £15 +VAT

Solihull Expo 2023 Date: 25 May 2023 Time: 10am – 3pm Venue: Village Hotel Division: Solihull Cost: Members: Free

Future Faces Members: Free Non-members: Free Future Faces Social Networking Date: 25 May 2023 Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm Venue: Intercity Technology Division: Future Faces Cost: Members: Free

Social Networking Lichfield & Tamworth Date: 31 May 2023 Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm Venue: Tamworth Assembly Rooms Division: Lichfield & Tamworth Cost: Members: Free Future Faces Members: £15 +VAT Non-members: £50 +VAT

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Chamber Events

Action on the dancefloor at Chamber dinner

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1. Action man: Compere Ed James in full flow 2. Snap! Guests grab a quick picture and our photographer doubles up 3.High spirits: Guests in a celebratory mood 4. Anjum Khan director of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, with guests Ifraz Ahmed (left) and Aftab Chugtai 5. The ever-popular Aston Performing Arts dancers enthral guests with another breathtaking performance at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce sellout annual dinner at the ICC Pictures: Marc Kirsten and Jas Sansi

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Communications & Marketing

Feature

Getting your house in order means business Adrian Roberts, account director at Asp Promotions, explores the importance of setting ESG goals. ost conversations about planning for your business will have your ESG on the agenda – your environment, social and corporate governance approach and plans – even if you don’t use those terms exactly. In the last three years, our race to ensure we have our eco-ducks in a row has meant a significant shift in what we say we are doing and what we really have done to make the plans a reality.

A survey undertaken 12 months ago by the World Federation of Advertisers showed 46 per cent of businesses were now placing their environmental strategy as equally important as

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their financial goals for the coming year. Whether this is in response to customer pressures or a new found enlightenment, businesses are getting their house order to address their ESG goals to ensure their future is secure.

Why does it matter?

A recent global Net Zero conference, hosted by the Advertising Association, stated bluntly but firmly their belief that companies who have not planned and activated their sustainable strategies in the next five years are exposing themselves to financial risk. By May 2023 CHAMBERLINK 49

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failing to engage with the customer-led demand to see the companies and services customers are using and not addressing their climate impact will be seen as detrimental. Our views have changed and expectations have grown exponentially over the last few years. Keeping up with the Joneses on this front is imperative.

relevant and engaging solutions. With recall levels boasting one of the highest of any communication tools, studies have shown the propensity to purchase and recommend are up to eight times as effective for an SME when a merchandise solution is involved.

Feel the benefit Engage your audience This has left many businesses unsure of how to put their best foot forward when it comes to promoting and maintaining their message in an effective and meaningful – and sustainable way.

How do they promote and not compromise their sustainable values?

The good news is marketing and promotional spend has continued to increase post pandemic as most businesses have worked out to keep promoting is the best strategy. Investment into a mix of short and long term messaging has meant many innovative solutions in sustainable branded merchandise have answered the call to complement communications with longer term,

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For any organisation, committing to spend on communications, marketing or promotions is always a big deal – no matter what size you are.

There is always something to spend on and marketing can often be the first area to be cut when the pennies are stretched. But consider this; your current customers need to be reminded you are here and those aware of you need compelling reasons to check out your website or open that email or simply remember your name. Great communication comes from brilliant story telling which delivers on three key areas – engagement, emotion and memorability.

Being clear on your proposition and making it interesting will ensure your customers

emotionally connect with your values, the mission your company has set out to deliver which ultimately means you can be memorable for the right reasons – and answers the biggest question – why choose you.

Promotions are one of the world’s oldest forms of advertising and branded merchandise, conveying your story and promise, have been around for a long time for a reason. Getting your house in order with the right approach and messages will mean big business.

‘By failing to engage with the customer-led demand to see the companies and services customers are using and not addressing their climate impact will be seen as detrimental’

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Making

engaging video content

By Lalita Ajit, Media Producer at Loop 454 ideo is the present and future face of marketing.

In 2022, it was predicted that the average person watches 100 minutes of video content per day, whilst 84 per cent of people have been convinced to purchase a product or service after watching a brand’s video!

But how do you get your content to stand out among the crowd? Here are some top tips on how to make engaging video content for your website and social media channels.

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DIY vs professional Many marketers assume you can produce great video content with a high-end smart phone. And they would be right!

Modern phones have cameras that can capture incredible, high-definition footage, there are loads of inexpensive online and in-person courses that will help 52 CHAMBERLINK May 2023

you to get the best out of the equipment, making the DIY videography quicker and more enjoyable. Just as there is a time and a place where you could and should use your phone, there are also times when you should call the experts!

For example, when at an event, use your phone to take photos or short videos for social media, internal comms or informal marketing. However, if you wanted to create a video for your website’s home page, to deliver a key message or to create a first impression, a professional video will be worth the investment.

Videographers have a knack for knowing exactly what to capture, how to use it, and how to stay incognito while doing it!

How to be comfortable on camera Getting a business owner to talk about what they do in front of a camera will often be met with trepidation. It

‘However daunting it may seem to have to speak to a camera, there are plenty of ways to feel more comfortable’

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Communications & Marketing can feel very much like a job interview. However daunting it may seem to have to speak to a camera, there are plenty of ways to feel more comfortable.

One way is to make the process more conversational.

There is nothing engaging about static, robotic delivery, where it is evident that the interviewee is nervously reading from a script. Instead of an interview, why not just record a chat? Get to grips with what it is that you really want to convey - create a few prompts if needed - but mostly, talk about what it is your passionate about in your role.

Extra tip: If you’re being interviewed, look at the interviewer as opposed to directly into the camera. Not only will it feel more natural, but it will also improve the delivery of speech, by detracting from the overall “interview” feel, as though the camera isn’t even there!

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Time As you can see, there is a lot that goes in to capturing engaging video content and that’s just the tip of the iceberg, production is a whole different ball game!

Great video content is an investment that can be hugely beneficial to your marketing efforts, but that does require time and effort. Consider whether you have the time and knowledge to do your brand justice; a professional videographer will have the expertise to get you where you want to be quickly and efficiently and you may find it’s a price worth paying when factoring in the value of your own time.

Creating videos for social media There’s an abundance of social media channels out there, so how do you keep up?

First, make sure you are only using the channels that are relevant to your strategy and audience. Take some time to understand the different platforms and their uses, consider your company, brand personality and marketing goals. Conduct research into what competitors in your industry are doing, this will give you an insight into what draws and maintains engagement.

Secondly, make sure your content is optimised to the platform being used. This is easier now than it has ever been, as most channels accept portrait videos as standard. There may be times when you want to use a landscape orientation, so you can get more into the frame for instance. When doing this, try to ensure that the video will still make sense if it is cropped to portrait, so you can get the most out of your content by using it for both layouts.

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Professional Services

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Alternatives, still essential?

By James Coker, investment manager, Quilter Cheviot

he investment landscape is ever shifting, prompting portfolio managers to continuously question orthodoxy. One such area under review is the place of ‘Alternatives’ in a multi-asset portfolio.

Traditional portfolios, following conventional wisdom, have long been well served by an exposure of 60 per cent equities and 40 per cent bonds. But following the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 and the introduction of Quantitative Easing bond yields compressed (bond prices rose) and equity valuations increased - supportive for those holding bonds and equities.

For investors with new capital this paradigm posed a problem. Lower yields provide lower levels of income and less ballast in the event of market turbulence. Furthermore, high equity valuations mean expected future returns, expressed by an earnings ratio, are lower.

Were investors to purchase low-yielding bonds and expensive equities longer-term returns would be anaemic. Thankfully there was an alternative allocation.

‘Alternative’ assets encompass a broad-church familiar to many, including private equity, private credit, hedge funds, and real assets (real estate,

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infrastructure, and commodities). Alternatives also sometimes refer to non-traditional investment strategies, including hedging, short selling, and the use of leverage.

Fundamentally, Alternatives are used to achieve outcomes investors seek by blending equities and bonds – diversification, income, and alpha. Typically, such assets are less liquid (harder to sell quickly), have longer time horizons and operate in more inefficient, less transparent, markets. As such, Alternatives generally: • Provide diversification, exhibiting low corelations to equities and bonds.

• Deliver returns primarily derived from income (providing ballast in turbulent markets) and/or alpha (enhancing portfolio returns).

However, these characteristics typically come at a cost. Higher management fees are common.

Moreover, their opaque and illiquid nature make some assets susceptible to headline-grabbing ‘left-tail risk’ (much lower than average, potentially negative, returns).

But in a world of low interest rates their popularity soared. Private equity, infrastructure, and property deals were May 2023 CHAMBERLINK 55

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financed at lower costs of capital, allowing funds to increase debt and deliver enhanced total returns at an attractive premium to equities and bonds.

However, in early 2022 the decade-long music stopped. Due to growing inflation fears, the punchbowl of central bank liquidity was abruptly withdrawn along with a sobering succession of interest rate rises. The forces underpinning the rise in all asset classes was retracted. Equities, bonds, and some Alternatives have had a torrid time since.

The price currently paid for future earnings on equities has reduced from a recent high of 20.0x FY1 PE to 14.5x (source: MSCI Global, 12 Month Forward PE, captured 13 March 2023). Similarly, a 10-year UK sovereign bond currently yields 3.12 per cent from an all-time low of 0.10 per cent (source: FactSet, captured 27 March 2023). One can now consider buying equities with reasonable longerterm prospects and bonds with decade-high yields.

However, Alternatives still merit their place in a multi-asset portfolio.

Firstly, Alternatives offer exposure to esoteric themes sometimes inaccessible to traditional equity

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‘Were investors to purchase low-yielding bonds and expensive equities longer-term returns would be anaemic.

Thankfully there was an alternative allocation’ and bond holders, like owning renewable infrastructure operators as a hedge against inflation.

Secondly, high er market volatility enhances diversification benefits for certain strategies, like global macro hedge funds using short selling and hedging to provide a stable absolute return.

Thirdly, the cost of capital is unlikely to return to pre-2008 levels for long due to concerns over the economy’s vulnerability and longer-term disinflationary pressures, acting before inflation returned, that have not gone away. Namely, technology (especially Artificial Intelligence) is driving greater efficiency and our populations are aging. It seems reasonable to suggest that credit conditions will ease, as is priced into futures markets, but that they will not return to pandemic lows.

Finally, those characteristics that dissuaded investors from Alternatives, such as illiquidity, transparency, and fees should gradually adjust to benefit investors as the asset class’s popularity grows.

Investors should remember that the value of investments, and the income from them, can go down as well as up and that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. You may not recover what you invest. This communication is not intended to constitute financial advice; if you are in any doubt as to its contents you should seek independent financial advice. Quilter Cheviot Limited is registered in England with number 01923571, registered office at Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4AB. Quilter Cheviot Limited is a member of the London Stock Exchange and authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. Approver Quilter Cheviot 19/04/2023

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Packaging the future for the generations

By Michael Owens (pictured), managing director, Schumacher Packaging he industry sector that I work in, paper-based packaging, exists in an inherently good space when it comes to sustainability and environmental awareness. Raw material is sourced from sustainably managed forests where only “thinnings” (trees removed to allow space for reforestation) and unhealthy trees are used in the paper-making process. The fibres can then be recycled and re-used up to 26 times before they become unviable. The majority of the corrugated cardboard we produce utilises recycled papers. Process waste is compacted or baled and returned to the paper production cycle.

But how does this fit with the ecological, environmental and even worklife balance expectations of the upcoming generations, who, to a large degree, have a very different outlook on what is important in life when compared with that of my peers?

I would argue that the paper industry ticks a lot of boxes in this respect but, for business in general, we have to be aware of their expectations and adapt our thought processes to embrace these and attract talent.

Manufacturing in general is an example where this has been and continues to be extremely challenging.

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Younger people, quite rightly, expect that the softer benefits will be offered to them, as a matter of course, in their working lives. Mental and physical wellbeing, working environments where they feel safe and valued, environmentally-friendly ethics and innovative technologies will need to be the norm.

Businesses that ignore or choose not to adapt to these tenets will be left behind, devoid of ideas and innovation, unable to catch up.

My employer, the Schumacher Group, a highly innovative and cuttingedge independent family-run packaging business, is very much aware of these expectations and the need to get close to community and workforce alike. This is inherent in the German psyche and translates into the ethos we are developing in the UK arm of the business. Whether it is getting involved with communities or local businesses to explore potential ecosynergies, Schumacher is willing and able to do so. Our commitment to the environment is documented and targets set.

Manufacturing needs exceptional new talent and the packaging industry is a great place to embrace all the expectations of future generations.

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Chamberlink ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Milestone met with renewable investment has become one of the largest family-run packaging companies in Europe.

At the start of the anniversary year, company boss Björn Schumacher, who runs the company in the third generation with his brother Hendrik, explained: “Along our anniversary motto ‘Unboxing the Future of Packaging’, we are pursuing clear goals for the future. We see considerable potential to make packaging even more climate-friendly across the entire value chain. That’s why we want to further reduce the proportion of plastics in packaging across all sectors and replace it sensibly with the natural raw material paper.” he Schumacher Packaging Group, one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of customised packaging made of corrugated and solid board (www.schumacher-packaging.com), successfully continued its dynamic growth course in 2022.

This year, the company celebrates its 75th anniversary and is investing more in sustainability: the focus is on expanding renewable energies and reducing plastics in packaging by using natural raw materials.

By 2025, Schumacher Packaging plans to invest around €700m in the expansion of existing plants and the construction of new ones.

For 2023, however, the focus is on sustainability. This is because the packaging specialist is pursuing the ambitious goal of climate-neutral production by 2035 and is therefore relying on the most modern, efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.

Around €45m is being invested in the construction of solar power plants, and €10-20m is earmarked for the expansion of wind energy.

Currently, a solar park is under construction at the German site in Forchheim, and two more parks are being built in Poland.

The construction of five more solar power plants in Germany and Poland is planned for 2023 and 2024. The total output of all photovoltaic plants will be around 12 GW/h.

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Raw material supply and security of supply still important

To achieve this, the family-owned company is leading the way in the industry: it provides information, works on innovations and seeks dialogue with stakeholders. The management assumes that more than one fifth of the plastic packaging currently used can be replaced by paper-based solutions. By using plastic-free, biobased barrier coatings, packaging with protective functions can be produced that can be fully recycled. Plastics can thus be completely replaced - with the greatest potential in the food industry.

Replacing plastics sensibly

Corrugated and solid board as the basis for a sustainable circular economy

With its innovative solutions made of corrugated and solid board, Schumacher Packaging has grown continuously over the past 75 years and

Sustainability is of great importance to Schumacher Packaging’s business. “The biggest advantage of paper-based packaging is that it is

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completely natural. They are not waste, can be returned to the material cycle 100 per cent or decompose in nature within a short time without leaving any residues. Currently, more than 85 per cent of corrugated and solid board packaging is recycled – this means that it is reprocessed into packaging after use. Unlike plastic-based reusable systems, no CO2 is emitted during return transport and cleaning,” said Björn Schumacher. “We exploit this potential by leading the way and constantly developing new industryspecific and sustainable products. In this way, we can offer long-term security of supply and be a reliable partner - now and in the future.”

Despite the difficult economic situation due to the Ukraine war and the sharp rise in energy prices, Schumacher Packaging 2022 managed to grow.

The packaging manufacturer reacted flexibly and quickly in the crisis year and was thus able to guarantee supplies to its customers. Strategic decisions contributed to this, such as the acquisition of the Kaierde cartonboard mill, the majority stake in the Italian corrugated base paper manufacturer Cartiere Modesto Cardella SpA and the acquisition of the Leipzig Land GmbH cartonboard mill.

“The consistent expansion of our production and processing capacities represents an important contribution to securing the market's supply situation in the future and is part of our strategy for the future,” said managing director Hendrik Schumacher.

For more details contact Naomi Harvey at Schumacher Packaging sales_bir@schumacher-packaging.com

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Sector Focus

Business Travel

Sector Focus The latest news from the sectors that matter to business Re-routing: An illustration of the new set-up at Birmingham Airport

Lucky flier (left to right): Tom Screen, aviation director Birmingham Airport, Luke Lovegrove, Loganair’s chief commercial officer, passenger Sidney Cunningham and Julie Bailey, regional sales manager Emirates

Lucky flier makes milestone flight Sidney Cunningham, an Isle of Man resident and avid traveller, is Loganair’s 30,000th passenger to fly from Isle of Man to Birmingham - and has been gifted a free return flight courtesy of the airline.

Sidney’s journey didn’t end in Birmingham, however, as he used Loganair’s interline partnership with Emirates to travel onwards to Dubai to visit a friend.

Sidney said: “I always enjoy flying with Loganair and Emirates, and this has been quite a surprise.

The Loganair partnership with Emirates is vital for connecting communities like Isle of Man to the rest of the world.”

Luke Lovegrove, Loganair’s chief commercial officer, said: “We hope that Sidney enjoys his trip to Dubai, and we offer our congratulations on being our 30,000th passenger flying from Isle of Man to Birmingham.”

Upgraded security hall on track for completion Customers can expect different walking routes and queuing spaces at Birmingham Airport (BHX) this summer - as work to build its new, state-of-the-art security screening area continues.

The next generation security facility is on course to be operational by June 2024. Until then the existing pre-flight security area remains in use - as do existing security guidelines, including removing liquids and large electrical items from hand luggage.

Customers travelling this summer are reminded to: • Arrive at the airport in good time, at least two hours before their flight.

• Preparing themselves and hand luggage for the pre-flight security scanner. Remove laptops, tablets, kindles and other large electric items from bags.

‘Imagine a football stadium having its stands rebuilt and its pitch re-laid while continuing to stage matches’ • Remove all liquids from bags and place them into a 20cm-by-20cm resealable clear plastic pouch before going through security.

• Remove belts, large items of jewellery, jackets and boots.

• Be clear what a liquid is.

Suncream, shampoo, lip balm, Vaseline, mouthwash, hand sanitiser, moisturiser, toothpaste, vapes, lighters are all liquids.

• Expect different walking routes through BHX security.

UK Government requires all airports to be compliant with new

standards by 1 June 2024, which is the completion deadline for BHX’s security hall upgrade - a total investment of up to £40m.

BHX’s next-generation security (NGS) system will deliver a speedier and simpler pre-flight screening process capable of serving significantly more passengers per hour at peak times.

Nick Barton, chief executive of BHX, said: “Imagine a football stadium having its stands rebuilt and its pitch re-laid while continuing to stage matches.

That’s rather like what we’re doing at Birmingham Airport right now.

“Our new security area is a major investment which will make things quicker and easier for customers.

And the improved efficiency it delivers will help grow our annual customer numbers from 12 to 18 million by 2033.”

Aegean Airlines returns to airport

Athens connections (left to right): Caroline Cairns (Key account manager UK & Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands & Luxembourg), Manos Lygoskoufis and Titos Psarovdakil from Aegean Airlines with Tom Screen, aviation director of Birmingham Airport 62 CHAMBERLINK May 2023

Aegean Airlines has returned to Birmingham Airport (BHX) with twiceweekly Athens flights.

Services on its A320 aircraft to and from the Greek capital will run on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Tom Screen, aviation director for BHX, said after watching the 10.35 Athens departure take off: “We are very pleased to welcome back Aegean after a five-year absence.

“Whether customers want to enjoy historic Athens or travel onwards to the popular Greek islands, we are in no doubt that these Aegean services will be well subscribed.

“For customers travelling from Greece, Birmingham, at the heart of the growing West Midlands region, has strong appeal for those travelling on business or leisure.”

Aegean will be the seventh Star Alliance carrier at BHX.

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Business Travel

Sector Focus

Rail extension vision: A tram arrives at Wolverhampton Rail Station

Tram line extended to Wolverhampton An extension to the tram link between Birmingham and Wolverhampton is expected to be in service next month.

The work to extend the Wolverhampton City Centre Metro was marked with testing on the route along Pipers Row and Railway Drive in the city for the first time.

Flanked by a team of engineers, the tram made its way from The Royal tram stop on the current network, through Pipers Row to the end of the new line at Wolverhampton’s revitalised railway station, marking the start of testing and commissioning of the newly laid track.

When the extension opens after the railway station is complete, the Metro will run from Edgbaston Village in Birmingham to Wolverhampton St George’s and Wolverhampton Railway Station.

Every other Metro will terminate at Wolverhampton St. George’s as part of a shoppers’ service. Passenger information will be displayed on the front of the Metro and at all stops. During construction of the extension, the Metro will serve Wolverhampton St. George’s as usual.

Peter Cushing, director of the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA), which is designing and delivering the extension on behalf of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), said: “It is fantastic that the first tram has now travelled along new tracks in Wolverhampton.

“This shows just how close we are to handing the route over to the operator for further testing and familiarisation. The first tram test has proved a success and I would like to thank the team who have worked incredibly hard to reach this important phase in the project.”

The Wolverhampton City Centre Metro extension has been constructed in phases by the Midland Metro Alliance as part of the Wolverhampton Interchange Project.

Once the route is open to the public later this spring, services will call at two additional tram stops at Wolverhampton Station and on Pipers Row connecting Metro with heavy rail and bus services, helping to make journeys faster and more accessible.

Midland Metro Alliance and West Midlands Metro have also released a series of safety videos as tram movements intensify ahead of the opening.

Accompanying safety postcards have also been distributed to travel shops, offices and businesses in the city centre by the alliance’s Stakeholder Liaison Officers ahead of trams becoming much more visible along new areas of the route.

For any further information about the testing programme, including the video content and any traffic or pedestrian changes following construction completion, visit metroalliance.co.uk

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Sector Focus

Finance

Consumers not buying luxuries West Midlands consumers are now prioritising essentials over luxuries, a new survey reveals.

The latest edition of the PwC Consumer Sentiment survey, conducted in the immediate aftermath of the latest government Budget, shows that consumers rank grocery shopping as the number one expenditure across the West Midlands.

Everyday essentials including grocery shopping, pet and children care are the top spending priorities for West Midlands consumers, compared to spending on luxury items such as holidays and hobbies.

Beauty and personal care, clothing and accessories, going out and eating out were listed as the lowest four categories for spending, with the squeeze on household costs impacting disposable income available for leisure and hospitality in the region.

Tom Copeland, PwC Midlands consumer corporate finance deals partner, said: “Consumers have been feeling the pinch across the board since the start of the year, and we know in times of high inflation that people prioritise essential spending and saving over luxuries and treats.

“West Midlands consumers are generally following the trends that we see across the country. However, home improvements came in as the fourth priority compared to sixth across the UK, demonstrating that investing in property is still a focus for those in the region.

“Overall consumer sentiment across the UK is starting to show green shoots of recovery and with the Bank of England’s recent announcement that a recession is now unlikely, we expect consumer confidence to start growing over the coming months.”

Green shoots: Tom Copeland

Looking at the whole of the UK, consumers are feeling more positive moving into spring. Despite rising inflation and the cost of living crisis, almost a third of consumers polled now believe their finances are “healthy” with 90 per cent stating they do not consider themselves to be struggling.

One in ten consumers state they are in trouble, financially, or might miss a bill - down from 14 per cent who felt the same last Autumn.

Lisa Hooker, leader of industry for consumer markets at PwC, said: “It is encouraging to see how consumers are responding to the changing economic environment. Whilst sentiment is still negative, it is beginning to recover. I would encourage retailers to lean into this as the brighter weather will spark less concern with energy prices.”

Accountancy firms in merger

Manufacturer moves to EOT Specialist advisors at national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm Crowe and law firm Legal Clarity have helped a Kingswinford company transition into a new ownership model.

Corporate finance partner Andy Kay (pictured) and tax partner Rob Gunn guided Plastic Coatings Ltd as the company shareholding was sold to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

Andy Kay said: “The existing shareholders felt that an EOT would be a great way to reflect the unique culture of Plastic Coatings Ltd and its employees, while providing continued independence, business security and sustainability as the company looks to its future.”

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Merger: Amina Hussain and Asif Ashaq

SME Outsourcing, founded when Amina Hussain set up her own practice, has merged with Sonex Accountancy.

Amina Hussain took the plunge in 2012 to set her own accountancy practice after leaving KPMG. Her firm now offers a wide range of accountancy, taxation, and advisory services to companies in the SME market. Amina, a former copresident of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, has 24 years’ experience in accounting and business restructuring.

She created the firm because she felt that there was a gap in the market to provide a corporate experience for SME clients.

Asif Ishaq now joins her as her associate director, who will continue to work with his clients whilst adapting to SME Outsourcing culture and ethos.

Sonex’s Asif Ishaq brings 12 years of experience in accounting and property development and has worked in various industries previously including banking, IT, real estate and property development.

He said: “I am delighted to join SME Outsourcing with my practice and there are exciting days ahead where I feel no doubt that my clients will also be able to benefit from added value service which SME Outsourcing brings.”

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Finance

Sector Focus

Employee fraud on the increase Figures obtained by RSM UK under a freedom of information request show a 65 per cent increase in reported cases of fraud committed by workers against their employers in the West Midlands – putting the region second only to London as an employee fraud hot spot.

Businesses are urged to act now to ensure they have robust anti-fraud measures in place, as the government publishes further details on the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill 2022. Across the UK, the number of employee fraud cases reported last year reached 885 and increased five-fold to £227,151,202 when compared to the year prior. The mean average loss is £256,668 per incident.

Common types of employee fraud investigated

by RSM UK include staff diverting payments to their own accounts, procurement fraud and misappropriation of assets, bribery and corruption, and travel and subsistence fraud.

Erin Sims, associate director of fraud risk services at RSM UK in Birmingham, said: “The West Midlands has experienced the most significant increase outside of London in both volume of reported incidents of employee fraud and amount of funds stolen.

“The West Midlands Police is the second largest police force in the country with fraud being the fifth most reported crime. However, the

‘Businesses are urged to act now to ensure they have robust anti-fraud measures in place’ unit created to investigate concerns makes up only around one per cent.

“With the limited likelihood of business victims receiving a positive response through the criminal justice process, it is key for co-ordinated efforts across the region to focus on decreasing the

Urgent action on fraud vital: Erin Sims

levels of fraud as well as for businesses to focus on prevention, detection and creating a culture that encourages staff to raise concerns.”

To minimise the risk of fraud and improve fraud detection, RSM UK recommends: • Have a clear and robust anti-fraud policy in place for all employees, provide training on how to identify and report fraudulent activity, and establish a culture of honesty and integrity in the workplace.

• Conduct thorough background checks when hiring new staff, including criminal and credit history checks.

• Monitor employee behaviour through regular reviews of financial statements and accounting records and other relevant documents. Leverage technology and instigate proactive reviews in focused highrisk areas.

• Implement strong controls such as separation of duties and authorisation and instigate proactive reviews in focused highrisk areas.

• Respond quickly to suspected fraud by initiating an investigation, documenting evidence, and involving a counter fraud specialist or the police. Prompt action can help prevent further losses and minimise the impact of fraud on the organisation.

Heavy lifter: Gottwald AK 912 pedestal crane, which has a lifting capacity of 1,200 tonnes making it the largest capacity crane in the Allelys fleet

Bank helps haulage firm grow A Warwickshire haulage business has expanded its heavy lift crane fleet with the support of a finance package from Lloyds Bank.

Established in 1959, Allelys Heavy Haulage Ltd is one of the UK’s leading heavy lift, specialist transport, heavy haulage and logistics providers. The firm provides heavy lifting and transport services to clients in the power, civil engineering, rail, electrical, automotive, and shipping industries, and has the capability to transport abnormal loads across the UK and into Europe.

Allelys recently supported with the transport of two generators from Belfast Harbour to Kilroot Power Station, breaking the record for the heaviest loads to be transported on Northern Ireland’s road network.

The business has experienced a significant increase in demand for its services in recent years, with a particular rebound in heavy industry projects since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Studley-based business has used this latest asset finance loan from Lloyds Bank to strengthen its heavy lifting capabilities by purchasing a Gottwald AK 912 pedestal crane.

This new equipment has a lifting capacity of 1,200 tonnes and a main boom, or hydraulic arm length of 113 meters, making it the largest capacity crane in Allelys’ fleet.

Lloyds Bank supported the business with a loan and the conversion of the funds into euros, to enable Allelys to import the crane from Poland and avoid any delays with shipping.

The investment adds further firepower to the business’ service and performance levels and means that Allelys now owns and operates a fleet of cranes ranging from 15 to1,200 tonnes capacity, to help meet the differing needs of its customers.

A family-run business, Allelys currently employs more than 160 people and is anticipating a boost to its turnover following this additional investment in its fleet. The firm operates from a site on The Slough in Studley and its UK hubs are strategically located to provide prime access to major road networks.

David Allely, director, Allelys, said: “As a business, we’ve been through a period of significant growth and expansion over the past few years.

“In order to maintain this momentum, it’s so important that we continue to invest in and expand our fleet and this latest round of funding from Lloyds Bank reflects this commitment. The Lloyds Bank team in the Midlands has been by our side as our banking partner for 60 years and their support and guidance has been invaluable. We look forward to continuing to work with them as we continue to grow.”

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Sector Focus

Legal

Sponsored by: Clavis Food And Training Law Support

Law firm helps victims of burns Eco Friendly?

Recyclable?

Sustainable?

Forest Friendly?

You want to inform a customer during the purchasing decision process and move sustainability forward but you do not want to be accused of greenwashing.

Product information on packaging or advertising encompasses not only ingredients, instructions for use and of course allergens, it also covers claims, whether they be green claims, claims relating to origin or provenance or how the product is the best you can eat! Can you substantiate the claims you make?

All the information on products must be presented correctly and must be accurate. Clavis are perfectly positioned to support you through this. For over 30 years, Pete has worked in trading law as regulatory support to grocery retailers and manufacturers, protecting brands and their consumers.

Serious injury law firm Lime Solicitors - which has office hubs in Birmingham, Solihull and Stratford-upon-Avon - has been appointed as a founding member of The Katie Piper Foundation’s first national legal panel.

Model and campaigner Katie Piper, who fell victim to an acid attack in 2008, set up The Katie Piper Foundation in 2009 to support adult survivors of burns and people with scars from traumatic incidents. The charity focuses on delivering and providing access to sustainable rehabilitation services and individualised care, including specialist physiotherapy, goalfocused activities and counselling.

Lime Solicitors will now be one of the first ports of call for survivors of burns and scars seeking legal

support as a result of a life-changing injury in order to fund the rehabilitation they need to maximise their independence and ensure the best quality of life possible.

Martin Usher, head of serious injury at Lime Solicitors, said: “We understand the pain and distress burn and scar injuries can cause, both mentally and physically, and recognise that many survivors may need extensive medical help, corrective surgery and therapy so they can begin to rebuild their life and a future they deserve.

“Early access to a sustainable and bespoke rehabilitation programme is crucial, so working collaboratively with The Katie Piper Foundation means we can help support more people from a very early stage in their journey and

Strengthened team (left to right): Hollie Ingram, Emma Hinton and Tyler Isaac

From initial advice on new legislation, to support on formulation, to product information contact Pete Martin LLM DTS CTSI on tel: 07555 646950 or visit: www.clavis-support.co.uk

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help provide better outcomes for them and their family.”

Lime Solicitors is one of four founding law firms on the legal panel and will also be supporting The Katie Piper Foundation with fundraising projects and awareness-raising initiatives.

Expansion at banking team Browne Jacobson, UK and Ireland law firm, has grown its banking offering in the West Midlands with the appointments of associate Tyler Isaac and solicitor apprentice Hollie Ingram into its Birmingham office.

Both appointments will support the wider growth ambitions of the firm’s established banking and finance practice.

Tyler, who joined the firm as a legal assistant in 2018, began his training contract with the firm in September 2021, taking up seats in the education, corporate and employment practices. Hollie joins the banking team, having also started at the firm in 2018 via the apprenticeship route into a legal career.

Partner Emma Hinton, joint head of the firm’s national banking practice as well as head of the Birmingham banking team, said: “The deal market is really picking up. As a result, our team have a very healthy number of deals in the pipeline, so I am pleased to welcome Tyler and Hollie into our practice.”

‘There are likely to be more pieces of information required on packaging’ Over the coming years, legislation relating to food and trading law in the UK is going to change. It is almost certainly likely to diverge from European requirements and, Northern Ireland aside, it may even evolve differently across Wales, Scotland, and England.

There are likely to be more pieces of information required on packaging – ingredients on wine? Animal welfare information? Packaging and recycling information? How is cell cultured meat going to be described? Front of pack nutrition labels?

Understands the pain: Martin Usher

New office for Stone King A Birmingham law firm has moved into new premises after experiencing continued growth across its five specialist sectors of business and social enterprise, charity, education, faith and private client.

Stone King LLP is now based at Cornwall Buildings at 45 Newhall Street in the city, a distinctive period building brought up-todate for today’s business needs.

The move will mean the firm’s Birmingham team will continue to support its clients both in the city as well as nationally, with Stone King also having offices in Bath, Bristol, Cambridge, Leeds and London.

The firm’s managing partner Steven Greenwood (pictured) said: “Our specialist legal areas are much

needed in Birmingham and our new premises will allow us to support our clients in the vital work they do as well as continuing our growth.

“We are looking forward to continuing our work from our new base in the city.”

The firm’s growth has also continued with the recruitment of associate solicitor Nadira Khatun who has joined the commercial property team in Birmingham.

Head of commercial property Caroline Taylor said: “I am delighted to welcome Nadira to the team and she joins us at an exciting time. She will be working on a range of property matters with a special focus on supporting our large group of charity and faith sector clients.”

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Legal

Sector Focus

Wait for ‘no fault’ divorces is too long, says expert A year on from the introduction of the so-called “no fault” divorce law, the legislation is proving effective but the process can take longer, according to divorce and family lawyer Adam Maguire.

Adam, a partner at national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP’s Birmingham office, says that when a decree nisi could be applied for straightaway on receipt of acknowledgment of the divorce proceedings by the respondent, there is now a requirement to wait.

“The applicant or applicants cannot immediately apply to the court for what is now known as a conditional order – the first stage of the divorce.

“There is now a 20-week wait from the date of the issue of the divorce application before this can be applied for,” says Adam.

“This 20-week moratorium is in addition to the six weeks and one-day minimum period between the conditional and final orders of divorce as there was between decree nisi and decree absolute.

“This is a significant change, not least because the conditional order needs to be pronounced before the court can approve the terms of any financial agreement reached between the parties to make this binding or otherwise make a financial order.

“That is six months which many would consider excessive, particularly for those cases where the parties are amicable and finances simple or agreed at the outset.”

The Divorce Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 brought an end to “fault based” divorce in April 2022, meaning that a divorce can be obtained with no blame being assigned to either party.

The only ground for divorce is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, rather than any specific behaviour or wrongdoing by either party.

Adam said: “The new process is much more of a tick box exercise than the previous process which often involved drafting particulars of behaviour or confession statements in respect of adultery.”

Ministry of Justice statistics show there were just over 33,000 divorce applications between April and June last year – an increase of more than 20 per cent on the previous year.

Adam advises clients regarding all aspects of private family law including cohabitation, separation, divorce and related financial issues, disputes concerning children and nuptial agreements.

Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton, and Taunton.

For further information visit www.clarkewillmott.com

Significant change: Adam Maguire

Thursfields Solicitors is offering bespoke training sessions for employers on the legalities and best practice of managing the effects of menopause at work.

The training packages follow the company’s virtual workshops called ‘Menopause and the law – what employers need to know’ held as part of its regular HR Exchange events.

Lisa Kemp, a director in the Employment Law team at Thursfields, explained that the success of the online workshops revealed that a growing demand was out there for full training projects.

She said: “The menopause and how to cope with it at work has become a big challenge for employers.

“Our recent online workshops were well received by many HR managers and business owners wanting to understand some of the issues involved with menopause in the workplace.

“Therefore, we are now offering full training projects for employers across the Midlands.

“This will enable us to clearly explain how menopause and the law interact with each other

and the steps employers need to take to help support staff with menopause, ensuring their actions do not breach the law.

Lisa added: “The menopause is a natural occurrence in life that should be understood, considered and acted upon by all employers.

“This will see us working closely with individual employers to put the correct menopause policies in place, helping them with their messaging about this important aspect of employment law and delivering bespoke training for their line managers.”

“By helping staff to deal with the menopause in the workplace, employers will only increase work rates, quality and loyalty.

Key areas of Thursfields’ training projects will include: • Menopause and the law • How to create an open and trusted culture among staff • The importance of awareness training for managers to deal with concerns sensitively • Considering practical assistance and workplace adjustments • Careful sickness absence management • The importance of meaningful policies and procedures.

“But aside from the positive human outcome, employers should take the issue seriously as there are laws that can be used to protect anyone who feels they are not being treated properly at work as a result.”

To find out more about Thursfields bespoke training packages on handling the menopause at work, contact Lisa Kemp.

T: 0345 20 73 72 8 E: lkemp@thursfields.co.uk W: thursfields.co.uk

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Sector Focus

Manufacturing

Cufflinks fit for a King Deakin & Francis have launched a limited-edition set of cufflinks, designed to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III. The Birmingham-based company's expert craftsmen have created a collection of cufflinks that embody the highest standards of fine jewellery-making, reflecting the brand's legacy of excellence and heritage since its establishment in 1786.

The new King Charles Cypher Cufflinks are available in two distinct styles: oblong and oval, across four iconic colours.

These one-of-a-kind cufflinks feature the king's cypher and are meticulously crafted using a highly skilled and rare industry technique called vitreous enamelling, where up to six layers of powdered glass are applied by hand to each piece.

These cufflinks are stamped by using traditional manufacturing tools at the House of Deakin & Francis in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

Highest standards: The Royal cufflinks

Master crafters play an integral royal role Henry Deakin, managing director, said: “We are so proud to launch these cufflinks to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III. “These are handcrafted products to honour the king and celebrate British heritage. We have used ageold jewellery-making techniques for

over 235 years to deliver impeccable quality throughout our pieces.”

Deakin & Francis created the Coronation Emblem cufflinks from sterling silver featuring St Edward's Crown, which will be used at the Coronation.

Deakin & Francis will soon be launching a 3D sterling silver crown cufflink, inspired by the crown worn

by King Charles III. Deakin and Francis are proud to be able to continue to build on the heritage, brand and family values that have been instilled over the past seven generations.

With a history spanning over 235 years, Deakin and Francis has played an integral role in celebrating the British monarchy's rich history and traditions, since the ascension of King George IV in 1820. In 1953, the brand commemorated the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II by creating a range of exquisite sterling silver tea spoons, jam spoons, and butter knives adorned with the coronation moti.

Today the business is owned and managed by Henry Deakin, who is the seventh generation to take the reins.

Visit: www.deakinandfrancis.com

Deakin & Francis in charity cycle ride Henry Deakin, the managing director of Deakin & Francis, will raise more than £40,000 in a charity cycle ride.

The cycle ride is scheduled to be held this month from John O'Groats to Lands End (JOGLE) with an aim to raise further funds for Parkinson's UK. In the JOGLE cycle ride nine cyclists embark on the epic 1,000-mile journey from the northernmost point of Scotland to the southwestern tip of England. The team includes Henry Deakin, Tom Graham, James Fenwick, Scott Richardson Brown, Mark Whittaker, Mark Skipp, Tom Osbourne and Charlie Ferrier.

Henry Deakin said: “We are delighted to be taking on this incredible challenge to support Parkinson's UK. Parkinson's is a cause that is close to our hearts and we are determined to make a difference through our fundraising efforts.”

The goal is to raise £100,000 for the charity. The team has set up a Just Giving page where people can donate and support their efforts. Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/henry-deakin to donate and support the team.

A cause close to his heart: Henry Deakin

Firm joins SSEN framework Burns & McDonnell has increased its footprint in the UK transmission market by joining the SSEN Transmission engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) substations framework.

Burns & McDonnell joins other selected suppliers to perform substation work providing the design, engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of substations in Scotland. The framework includes a tranche of 68 CHAMBERLINK May 2023

capital projects and new renewable grid connections to be delivered over the next five years.

The work will support SSEN Transmission over the RIIO T2 regulatory period and facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy by preparing the network for net zero while maintaining safety, reliability and security of supply.

This follows the announcement in 2021 that Burns & McDonnell had been chosen by National Grid for a

similar substation framework and selected by SSEN Transmission to deliver projects under its new protection and control (P&C) design framework.

Jonathan Chapman, UK managing director of Burns & McDonnell, says: “I’m proud that SSEN has chosen to partner with us. SSEN Transmission is at the forefront of the UK’s transition to net zero, and we’re pleased to have the opportunity to support its work.”

Jonathan Chapman

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Sector Focus

Property

Committed: David Sanders

David joins the KWB team Birmingham-based property consultancy KWB has welcomed a new head of client accounting.

David Sanders has joined from BNP Paribas Real Estate, where he worked his way up from an assistant accountant to client accountant for a portfolio of property clients.

He has extensive experience in accounts payable, reporting and data services within property, and is accustomed to working with high volume portfolios.

In this new role David is responsible for the accounts of KWB’s residential and commercial landlord clients across the Midlands. This includes collecting rents, managing building running costs and supplier charges and regular reporting.

David said: “KWB is recognised as the leading Midlands’ property consultancy with unbeaten knowledge of the local market and it’s a real pleasure to join the team.

“I’ll be using my skills and experience to further enhance our service and grow our customer base.”

Jonathan Tedstone, group financial director at KWB, added: “David is experienced, committed and a real team player. His easy-going nature makes him a perfect fit for our team and his ability to adapt in our fast-paced business is an additional asset.”

KWB’s accountancy team also welcomed Jacob Davies as an accounts assistant, to provide support on all areas of property accounts.

KWB offers an extensive range of office and industrial property advice and services for office and industrial developers, landlords and investors as well as management of residential blocks.

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Window on Paradise (left to right): Guy Thompson (Avison Young), Sarah Csukas (Avison Young), Caroline Rudge(MEPC) and Justin Sherratt (MEPC)

Avison Young appointed to manage Paradise Strategic real estate advisor Avison Young has been awarded the property management contract for a flagship building in the next phase of major regeneration project, Paradise, in Birmingham city centre.

Avison Young will manage One Centenary Way following a competitive tender led by MEPC the development and asset management arm of Federated Hermes.

The contract includes property management, facilities management, accounting and

engage services, with the focus of the approach on occupier engagement and retention within a sector-leading environment.

One Centenary Way is the first building to be constructed in phase two of the Paradise development in the city centre. The 280,000 sq ft building offers first class accommodation with Arup and Goldman Sachs already committed to new office space in the building.

The building adds to the first phase of Paradise including One and Two Chamberlain Square,

which has seen a mix of professional and financial firms move to the scheme, along with a number of restaurants and nightspots such as Dishoom, Albert’s Schloss, Vinoteca and Rosa’s Thai restaurant.

Avison Young has been involved with the transformational Paradise scheme for many years to provide advice throughout the planning, funding and mobilisation of the scheme. The new contract adds to Avison Young’s current management of the wider Paradise

Church to remain at Aston home A Birmingham church can continue operating in its existing home after retrospective plans were approved – following support by planning and socioeconomic experts at Marrons.

Chroma Church Birmingham purchased 76 Church Road, in Aston, in August 2021 after the pandemic led to increased demand for its services. The two-storey building, built in the 1980s, was a nightclub and restaurant for nearly three decades before becoming an industrial unit for Mossvale Construction in 2018.

Birmingham City Council has approved a retrospective planning permission to change the use of the building to a place of worship, as well as giving the green light for the church to refurbish the property into an innovative and sustainable development.

Reverend David McNeil, senior leader and trustee at Chroma Church Birmingham, said: “We are truly delighted and relieved to have secured retrospective planning permission. We are extremely thankful to the team at Marrons for their input and persistence in ensuring we can continue operating in our current, much-loved home in Aston.

“Our journey towards purchasing the building followed a widening of our established church community’s vision to both enhance the worship experience of our growing, city-wide congregation and provide effective ministry to reach the local area with a variety of community services.”

Works will now begin to upgrade the property with sustainable cladding, as well as the addition of a community hub and café, which will welcome all faiths.

New stands for 20 cycles, two motorcycle spaces and four electric vehicle charging points will also be installed.

Sachin Parmar, planning director at Marrons, led the proposals and submitted the planning application on Chroma Church Birmingham’s behalf.

He said: “The church has already embedded itself within the local community, so we were dedicated to ensuring it could continue providing its growing list of vital support services. We are thrilled retrospective planning permission has been granted that will ensure Chroma Church Birmingham can continue operating – helping to support economic growth and making a big difference to everyday life for the local community.”

Ready for uplifting: Chroma Church in Aston

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Property

Sector Focus

Colliers call on government for better regulation

‘It’s a privilege to extend our working relationship with MEPC’ estate and continues the close working relationship with MEPC. Principal and head of property management in the region, Guy Thompson, said: “The Paradise development continues to contribute towards the transformation of Birmingham, regenerating the area and bringing in several recognised brands and businesses to the city centre.

“It’s a privilege to extend our working relationship with MEPC, and to be managing this landmark building.”

Colliers has called on the government to regulate the ratings industry and introduce register of rating surveyors before the system becomes even more complicated for smaller businesses.

The property consultants say the government must regulate the rating surveying profession to protect customers from cowboy rating surveyors who are trying to take advantage of vulnerable businesses. According to Colliers’ Business Rates team, the upheaval caused by the closing of the 2017 List at the end of March 2023 and the new 2023 Rating Revaluation from 1 April has increased the number of rogue agents who claim they can help businesses.

According to Colliers, the latest revaluation has created a two-tier system between those owners and occupiers who either themselves or via agents made representations to the VOA during the assessment process and who appear to have been more successful in negotiating lower and more correct values - and those that didn’t.

This means some of the smaller businesses in market towns across

the UK may not be seeing the reductions in their rate bills that they should be in the Revaluation on 1 April.

This makes them vulnerable to approaches by rogue rating surveyors who promise they will help them negotiate the new Rating Revaluation, but who often just take up front fees, then fail to deliver and disappear without trace.

Colliers believe the situation will get worse when the government brings in new legislation which will request the annual provision of information from the ratepayer and the duty to notify.

Businesses will not only need to confirm the physical details of the property on an annual basis but also updates on rents and lease information as well as trading information, even when there have been no changes. This will pass a significant administrative burden onto the ratepayer.

John Webber, head of Business Rates at Colliers, said: “To put into context, currently out of approximately 1.9 million ratepayers, 700,000 pay no business rates due to reliefs.

Beware cowboys: John Webber

“These changes will result in these 700,000 ratepayers being required to send one or more pieces of information annually to the VOA, involving them in a bureaucratic exercise that plays into the hands of rogue “advisers”.

“The problem is the industry is totally unregulated - anyone can set up and claim they are experts.

“That is why we have been calling for RICS or failing that, government regulation, for there to be a register of rating advisors, similar to the FCA to make sure the cowboy and criminal element that prey on businesses are kept at bay.”

Cordia Blackswan project hits milestone Cordia Blackswan, property development specialist, has reached a milestone in its Great Hampton Street regeneration masterplan – with the practical completion of heritage commercial building refurbishment The Bank.

Located in the Jewellery Quarter, The Bank is an important project in Cordia Blackswan’s transformational vision for Great Hampton Street.

The developer has restored a Grade II-listed former Lloyds TSB Bank building, offering seven highquality commercial spaces for mixed uses, including office and retail.

Spread across four spacious floors, The Bank is set to become a thriving commercial hub with various unique spaces to suit different business needs.

As part of the quality restoration, Cordia Blackswan has improved The Bank’s EPC rating

from D to B. This is all while retaining and repairing a large portion of the building's original and lost features to the standing and quality of design prior to its 80s reconfiguration works.

With sustainability at the forefront of the design, the team

has created four office spaces with plants and greenery found throughout.

Cordia Blackswan recently moved its headquarters into the office space on floor one of The Bank. The developer has welcomed two new tenants to The

Commercial hub: The Bank

Bank, with contractor Garvey Demolition taking residence on the mezzanine floor, and multidisciplinary building design consultancy ONE Creative environments (ONE) setting up on the ground floor.

András Kárpáti, deputy chief executive at Cordia Blackswan, said: “Reaching completion on The Bank signif ies the start of Cordia Blackswan’s commercial offering and reinforces our overall vision for Great Hampton Street, by welcoming organisations with shared values.

“From the banking hall to the Cordia Blackswan office (HQ), each space within The Bank has been finished to the highest standard, with authentic features restored throughout.

“That’s what makes the building such a unique place to work. We look forward to welcoming Garvey Demolition and ONE to join our exciting community.”

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Sector Focus

Skills

Partnership to offer support for unpaid carers Birmingham City Council, Birmingham Children’s Trust and Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board have awarded Forward Carers CIC with a five-year contract to manage the Birmingham Carers Hub provision.

Forward Carers is a not-for-profit organisation that has been overseeing Birmingham Carers Hub since 2015. The West Midlandsbased community interest company was successful in the rigorous tender process and will start a new contract this month.

As a lead partner, Forward Carers manages other not-forprofits across the city to deliver holistic support to unpaid carers via the Birmingham Carers Hub provision.

Birmingham Carers Hub advisors conduct Statutory Carer’s Assessments for adults caring for another adult, and depending on

need, carers may be eligible for a Wellbeing Payment.

Carers over the age of 18 living in Birmingham can access a range of information, training, advice and support, attend events and activities as well as access to the free Carers Emergency Response Service.

‘We have some exciting new developments aimed at improving the wellbeing of many carers’ The 2021 Census revealed there are around 100,000 people living in Birmingham who are providing unpaid care to a family member or close friend who is dependent upon their support.

The person who they care for may be frail, have dementia, mental health problems, a physical or hidden condition, they may be living with a serious illness or have an alcohol or substance addiction.

Simon Fenton, Forward Carers’ CEO, said: “We are thrilled and extremely proud to have been awarded this contract for the third time, and we look forward to continuing working in partnership with the city and NHS. “We have some exciting new developments aimed at improving

the wellbeing of many carers who do not currently receive support.

“With our unique partnership, we have supported thousands of carers during the pandemic and we will be there for them throughout the cost of living crisis.”

Carers can register free of charge by emailing info@birmingham carershub.org.uk, or call 0333 006 9711 (low rate charge or request a call back). Information and advice for carers outside of Birmingham can be found at forwardcarers.org.uk

Quality training on offer for teachers Birmingham-based Services For Education (SFE) have announced a new partnership with Best Practice Network (BPN) to deliver primary initial teacher training.

The partnership will help increase the numbers entering teaching and relieve the pressure on staffing issues affecting some Birmingham schools.

The collaboration brings together two leading education providers to offer high-quality training to aspiring primary school teachers.

Working in partnership, BPN and SFE – which already works closely with nearly 600 local schools – now provide initial teacher training, early career framework and national professional qualifications supporting the Department for Education’s “golden thread” approach that advocates high-quality support, training and development throughout a teacher's career.

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BPN’s initial teacher training programme helps trainees develop the skills and knowledge required to become effective teachers.

Kirsty Jones (pictured), head of school support at SFE, said: “SFE has developed an excellent reputation for our evidence-based training in schools in Birmingham and beyond.

“Our partnership with BPN to deliver initial teacher training to aspiring teachers provides the perfect route into teaching with in-depth school experience and learning from expert teachers and mentors.

“By working together, we will offer a programme that meets the needs of both trainees and local schools, ultimately improving outcomes for students across the city. This complements and reinforces the Department for Education’s emphasis on the professional development of teachers.”

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Skills

Sector Focus

When a colleague loses a baby, it can be incredibly devastating. Losing a baby can have a significant impact on every aspect of an employee's life, making the transition back to work difficult. This means that having the right support in place is crucial.

Our specialised Bereavement in the Workplace training is designed to help organisations and businesses to support bereaved parents and to improve the way baby loss is approached in the workplace.

Our training directly supports directors and HR managers to create inclusive workplaces, implementing strong wellbeing policies which can boost retention.

“Although nothing can take away the pain of losing a baby, supportive work environments can make a huge difference in a bereaved parent’s journey of grief. We understand that it’s not always easy to find the right words to say to someone who has lost a baby,” Clare Worgan, Head of Training and Education at Sands.

With adequate training and support from Sands, your workplace can flourish into a supportive environment which is centred around strong employee wellbeing policies.

We believe that every workplace should have access to the best support possible so that they can support bereaved colleagues. Our training is designed for companies of all sizes across the UK.

Following funding from the Department of Health and Social Care, we are offering free training to small businesses and subsidised training to medium-sized businesses.

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Sector Focus

Providing Assistive Technology in the Workplace, at Home, in Education

Adapt-IT are specialist I.T and gaming solution and service providers for people with disabilities.

Disability comes in many forms with a lot of conditions not even visible. However, the term disability is mistaken for incapable, and this is far from the reality. A disabled person is 50% more likely to be unemployed than an ‘abled person’. With the removal of ‘dis’, you can open a whole new abled, and accessible talent pool.

Adapt-IT has been helping companies with individuals with disabilities and individuals with disabilities for 20 years, from management awareness training to complete assessments, solutions and through life support.

FOLLOW US on all social media for support and guidance.

CONTACT US to enhance your business and learn how to provide access to people with disabilities.

VISIT US at the Disability Expo at ExCel London 6th/7th July ASK US about our 45-minute Awareness Presentation on Assistive Technology, that could inform and support you, your business and/or your clients with neurodiversity and physical disabilities.

T: 03300 564079 E: support@adapt-it.co.uk W: www.adapt-it.co.uk

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Technology

Sponsored by: Adapt-IT

Intercity showcases ops for tech minister Birmingham-based technology partner, Intercity, showcased their operations to Paul Scully, Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy.

During the visit, Intercity showcased the remarkable journey it's been on since 1985, including the record growth achieved in 2022.

Intercity’s core mission is to be the best technology partner to work for and with. MP Paul Scully met with Intercity's graduates and apprentices, learning about how the company has supported their careers and personal development.

The visit ended with a tour of Intercity’s cutting edge Information Security Operations Centre (ISOC).

Mr Scully also met with Intercity's project

management team and was impressed by their commitment and focus on delivering excellent customer service. Intercity also showed him its service excellence award, won at the Greater Birmingham Chamber sof Commerce annual awards.

During the visit, the challenge of bringing new talent into the tech industry to support its growth was discussed.

Intercity’s group managing director Charlie Blakemore, also a Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce board member, said: “It's fantastic to see the tech ecosystem in Birmingham working together to make this region renowned for its technology and innovation.”

Ministerial visit (left to right): Yianis Maos (CEO of Birmingham Tech), Paul Scully (Minister for Tech & the Digital Economy), Charlie Blakemore (Intercity MD) and Bill Hopkinson (sales and marketing director)

University spinout launches revolutionary battery platform University spinout About:Energy has launched its battery design software platform, The Voltt, to shorten R&D timelines, improve battery performance, and reduce development risk for battery cells and systems in automotive, aerospace and niche industries.

The Voltt is a comprehensive platform for use in battery design, testing, and optimisation.

It centralises data collection for battery design projects and allows users to easily compare and analyse different battery types so they can make informed decisions about which cells best suited their specific needs.

The Voltt will be offered in tiered subscriptions. An “entry” level that predicts the electrical and thermal behaviours of the battery design; the “explore” level also predicts electrochemical behaviours including voltage current behaviour and internal state of the battery; and the “elevate” level which has further

features including degradation due to cumulative use and shelf-life.

The launch of The Voltt was hosted at The Royal Academy of Engineering and attendees included industry leaders, researchers, policy makers, and investors.

‘The launch of Voltt marks the first milestone in a series of ambitious objectives’ The launch showcased the first version of the platform and the company's vision for their technology roadmap.

The characterisation and modelling technologies brought into the platform were developed through research programmes at Imperial College London, University of Birmingham and The Faraday Institution. This includes research under Professor Emma

Kendrick’s Energy Materials Group at Birmingham on advanced battery characterisation to lower the cost of cell design and to more accurately predict the lifetime of electric vehicles. Professor Kendrick and one of her PhD researchers Kieran O’Regan cofounded the company alongside others in 2021.

About:Energy recently secured a £1m government-funded project from the Faraday Battery Challenge programme to further develop its platform to predict battery ageing.

Gavin White, co-founder and CEO of About:Energy, said: “The launch of Voltt marks the first milestone in a series of ambitious objectives aimed at revolutionising the approach to battery system design.”

Emma Kendrick, professor of Energy Materials at University of Birmingham, said: “One of the most important aspect to accurate modelling is accurate inputs.”

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Technology

Sector Focus Realistic: A computer-generated bedroom at Barnsley Hall

‘Realistic’ imaging success A Birmingham company that produces high-quality computergenerated images (CGI) for the property industry has helped BN Developments successfully showcase the potential of its upcoming redevelopment project at Barnsley Hall in Bromsgrove.

AIIB-3D works with property developers, architects, and interior designers to create 3D images that accurately depict how projects such as new developments,

refurbishments, and redesigns will look when completed.

The firm, based in Brindleyplace, helped BN Developments bring the once Barnsley Hall Asylum project to life by creating a series of realistic interior and exterior images that showcased the development's luxurious features.

The use of CGI imagery in the property industry is becoming an increasingly important tool, and AIIB-3D is proud to offer a high-

quality product that helps developers bring their visions to life and achieve their sales goals.

"As a developer having assets to help market the properties is key to a successful marketing campaign," said BN Developments. "AIIB-3D produced outstanding quality CGIs that we’re using across our marketing channels. The service was exceptional, with the team understanding the brief immediately. The CGIs were also of

exceptional value and worked within our marketing budget."

The success of AIIB-3D's work is evident in the fact that BN Developments secured deposits on the luxury apartments after the first open day. This is a testament to the power of high-quality CGI imagery in showcasing the potential of a development and helping potential buyers envision themselves in their new homes.

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Sector Focus

The Arts

Stars line up for Alexandra extravaganza The Alexandra Birmingham has announced a show line-up for 2023 that includes many stars of TV, film and stage.

Cutting-edge shows include the National Theatre’s ‘The Ocean at the End of the Lane’, from the imagination of Neil Gaiman, famous for Coraline, Good Omens and The Sandman.

It is a thrilling adventure of fantasy and childhood friendships, starring EastEnders’ Charlie Brooks.

‘Heathers The Musical’ returns to The Alexandra stage in May, based on the cult 80s film starring Christian Slater and Winona Rider.

A host of new productions are heading to the stage, including ‘Pretty Woman’, where The Alexandra will be the opening venue of the UK and Ireland tour, as the show graduates from London’s West End. It makes its Birmingham premiere in October. Based on the smash hit film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, it features a blazing rock score from Bryan Adams. in November is ‘Quiz’, based on the infamous scandal of the cheating contestant on Who Wants to be a Millionaire. ‘The Birds & the Bees’ is starring comic, writer and actress Helen Lederer (Absolutely Fabulous) and Michael Starke, known and loved from his role as Sinbad in Brookside.

Fan favourites returning include musicals ‘Annie’, starring Craig Revel Horwood as Miss Hannigan and based on the beloved childhood film, and another 80s classic film adaptation, Dirty Dancing, returns.

Plays from well-loved British writers will also light up the stage including David Walliams’ ‘Demon Dentist’ and Peter James’ ‘Wish You Were Dead’, the latest show in the primetime ITV Grace series, starring Coronation Street’s Katie McGlynn and Game of Thrones’ Clive Mantle.

The Alexandra will roll out the red carpet for local talent, including for BMOS, who will bring two amazing shows including ‘9 to 5 The Musical’ and ‘Peter Pan’.

Murder at the high school: Stars of Heathers are (left to right): Jasmine Beel, Vivian Panka, Erin Caldwell and Maddison Firth

The Alexandra’s annual Stage Experience production is back with ‘Bring It On’ based on the Y2K cheerleading film starring Kirsten Dunst. Stage Experience gives the best of West Midlands talent the chance to shine on stage in a world-class production, helping the next generation of Midlands talent get into theatrical careers.

One-night highlights include stars from the Platinum-selling 1970s Philadelphia group The Stylistics and Diversity, who will be at The Alexandra in November.

The best of British comedians - Frankie Boyle, Tim Vine and Jimmy Carr will bring the laughter, and ‘Strictly Come Dancing’s’ Johannes Radebe will return with a new show.

To find out booking details of the featured shows and other upcoming performances now on sale at The Alexandra visit atgtickets.com/birmingham

Festival to celebrate 50 years of hip hop All action: Dancers at B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival 2022 Picture: Ivan True Wizard

Birmingham Hippodrome has announced B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival will return to the city for seven days of dance, competitions and events.

Celebrating 50 years since the birth of hip hop, the free annual festival will take place from 8 to 14 June and will bring together the best artists and acts from all four elements of the genre: breakin’, graffiti, DJ’ing and MC’ing.

To kickstart the citywide festival, Birmingham Hippodrome’s Young Advocates will be curating a takeover event for young people (age 14+) at the Hippodrome on Thursday, 8 June. The day will include taster sessions and workshops led by local artists, which explore all elements of hip hop, as well as an informal Open Mic session.

On Friday 9 June, the Hippodrome will host professional level dance masterclasses led by international artists and a special screening of the acclaimed BBC documentary, Fight the Power – How Hip Hop Changed the World.

B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival will move into the city across the weekend with dancers competing in breakin’, all style hip hop and waacking in and around Birmingham Hippodrome on Saturday, 8 June, as part of Break Mission Worldwide Dance Championships and Queerside: Waacking Championships.

Alongside the dance battles and competitions, there will be an all-day Graff Jam in Southside, a celebration of Afrofuturism at the Hippodrome and much more to be announced. The festival culminates at the Hippodrome on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 June with Breakin’ Convention, a jaw-dropping showcase of hip hop dance theatre. The UK tour of Breakin’ Convention comes to an end in Birmingham and features exceptional international headline acts alongside the best local hip hop crews.

Chris Sudworth, creative director at Birmingham Hippodrome, said: “We’re thrilled to bring our annual B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival back to the city for its eighth year. This year, the festival is all about bringing people together to celebrate 50 years of hip hop.”

Visit: www.birminghamhippodrome.com

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Chamberlink

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Sector Focus

Sport

The Business of Sport Snooker legend racks up funds for Molly Ollys A privilege: Mike Gahir

Business expert joins board West Midlands sport-foremployment charity Sport 4 Life UK has appointed business guru Mike Gahir as chair of its board of trustees.

Mike is a financial and business development professional with considerable experience in leading organisations as an executive and non-executive director.

Following a number of director roles at major banks over the past three decades, in 2020 Mike was recruited as managing director of Lakes Bathrooms Limited.

Mike also has an MBA from Warwick Business School and degrees in both financial services and economics.

Outside of work, Mike has previously chaired a large employment charity in the region and was named winner of the 2021 Sunday Times NonExecutive Director of the Year (‘One to Watch’ category).

Mike succeeds Hitesh Patel, who has completed his two terms in office. During this time the charity has experienced significant growth.

It now operates across the West Midlands with a team of more than 20 full-time staff and turnover in excess of £1.5m.

Sport 4 Life UK has supported thousands of young people to gain qualifications, transform life skills, improve wellbeing, and progress in education and employment through sports-themed development.

Mike said: “I feel very privileged to be assuming the position of chair of an organisation that has a relentless focus on helping the young people of our region. I am incredibly excited to be joining at a time when Sport 4 Life UK begins the next chapter of its growth journey.”

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Six-times world snooker champion Steve Davis helped Molly Ollys charity pocket plenty of cash with two appearances in Warwick.

The evenings offered visitors the chance to enjoy an exclusive audience with the sporting legend at Warwick Spice in Smith Street.

A household name for over 30 years, the event charted Steve’s career, from meeting manager Barry Hearn and his unstoppable dominance of the snooker world in the 1980s, through to the famous black ball final against Dennis Taylor - which attracted more than 18.5 million TV viewers.

It also highlighted his emotional farewell at The Crucible Theatre in 2016 when he retired from competitive play.

He shared anecdotes and talked about how he since turned his love of music into a regular role as a DJ. A raffle and auction on both nights included the chance to win a signed snooker cue and snooker ball as well as a raft of other prizes.

Reflecting on the cause, Steve said: “Molly Ollys, like many other small charities, doesn’t get massive funding and needs all the support it can get. You can’t underestimate how wonderful it is to give children a

On cue: Steve Davis supporting Molly Olly.

little bit of hope and reassurance that they’re not on their own.

“For everyone who is a snooker fan who learns about the charity through this event, please make a donation to help Molly Ollys to grow and continue to do their good work.”

Warwick-based Molly Ollys was established following the death of Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer and marked its tenth anniversary last year.

The charity supports children with life-threatening illnesses and

their families. It helps with emotional support and donates wishes, therapeutic toys and books to children directly and through hospitals across the UK. Rachel said: “What a great couple of nights at Warwick Spice. Steve Davis and Chris Lovell, a coach from World Snooker, were very entertaining, extremely personable and supportive of Molly Ollys.”

To donate visit: mollyolly.co.uk/learn-aboutdonating

University backs cricket club Birmingham City University (BCU) has got on Warwickshire County Cricket Club’s back – after agreeing a new sponsorship deal.

The club’s official university partner will become the back-of-shirt sponsor for this year’s LV= Insurance County Championship.

BCU’s relationship with Warwickshire stretches back to 2014. Students have benefited from work experience at Edgbaston Stadium – including Sports Journalism undergraduates getting a taste of life as a reporter –

Putting their names on it: How Warwickshire and England all-rounder Chris Woakes’ shirt will look in the BCU livery

and also played a lead role in ground-breaking research projects. This includes joint research between the club and BCU – who are also the current collar sponsor for the Bears Vitality Blast shirts – to identify potential bias in youth pathway selection decisions.

It’s led to the creation of a new Open Trials system – a first in English cricket – that last year saw the club aspiring cricketers who’d previously not been on Warwickshire’s radar.

Professor Philip Plowden, vice-chancellor at BCU, said: “In the decade that we’ve partnered with Warwickshire County Cricket Club, we’ve seen students flourish through placements at the club, welcomed elite athletes onto our campuses and worked together on ground-breaking research, leading to pathways into professional cricket for those from underrepresented backgrounds. That’s why our partnership is so special, and why we’re delighted to have agreed this new sponsorship deal. Everyone at BCU will be proud to see our name on the back of the player’s shirts.”

Warwickshire chief executive Stuart Cain added: “It’s a great partnership: we benefit from BCU’s expertise especially in areas like sports science, while we can give the university global exposure and opportunities for students.”

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Chamberlink

Chamber Insight Focus on a member

Name: Lynsey Kitching Company: CAPE Coaching & Development Ltd

Job Title: Director and co-founder

What does your company do?

Being a brilliant people manager doesn't just happen by learning the theory. CAPE believe that to be able to have the conversations that matter, a different kind of development is needed. Our coaching and management programmes are light on theory and big on practical, personalised learning.

How did it all start?

Naomi and I met at a time when we both first managed people.

Fast forward over 15 years and we are now both ICF coaches and passionate about helping people thrive. We created CAPE together to do this.

What’s your greatest achievement so far?

CAPE is still a relatively new business, but we’ve already coached several hundred managers and they have in turn had several hundred social impact coaching conversations with our charity partners.

What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken – and did it work out?

For both of us leaving our corporate roles and setting up our own business was a huge leap into the unknown. And then to get through a pandemic and economic uncertainty was an added challenge… but we did it.

What keeps you awake at night?

The juggle of being a mum, running a business and being a school governor can sometimes get a little overwhelming. Taking time out for some calming walks around Olton Reservoir helps.

If you could turn the clock back, what would you do differently?

Probably nothing. We invested early on in getting a really clear

company brand that aligned with our vision and purpose and we’ve stayed true to this. That’s really helped us to make the right decisions on which way to take the business.

What has surprised you most in your job?

I wouldn’t say it was a surprise but it’s reassuring to know how many people out there are willing to provide support, give advice and connect you to others.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Get really clear on who your audience is and what problem you are helping them to solve.

Doing this before you develop anything else is so important.

Which business do you most admire?

Gymshark. I think what Ben Francis has achieved is phenomenal.

What exciting projects is your business working on?

We’ve recently started working with Prime Accountants Group, a fellow Chamber member which we’re very excited about in addition to some more clients in the UK and across the globe.

What made you join Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and how are you making use of your membership?

We wanted to be a more active member in our local community, supporting other businesses and charities in addition to growing our own network. We love attending the networking events and meeting new people. We also share offers and people management tips.

Call: 07834 161632

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Member Section

New Members

New Members Your guide to new sign-ups

Whatever your business size and requirements, the Chamber has a membership scale to suit your needs.

For more information visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/membership

Achieve Health Rick Lovell 0121 5148866 www.achievehealth.uk Fitness facilities Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Acorn Motor Group Ltd Nick Lunn 07436 398565 www.acorn-group.co. uk Sale of new cars and light motor vehicles Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce

Adams Moore Martin Crook 01827 54944 www.adamsmoore.com Accounting and auditing activities Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

Arriva UK Trains Lorna Thornton 07976 636961 www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk Passenger rail transport, interurban Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Aspire Communications Skills Centre Limited Joseph Mead 07307719380 www.aspireskillscentre.com Public relations and communications activities Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Bannister Ventures Ltd Jonathan Watt 07545219813 www.bannisterventuresuk.com Management consultancy activities other than financial management Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Better Happy ( Metta Move Ltd) Mike Jones 07999700266 www.betterhappy.co.uk Physical well-being activities

British Heart Foundation Balvinder Kaur 0300 330 3322 www.bhf.org.uk Other human health activities

Cruse Bereavement Support Simon Carr 07508 853359 www.cruse.org.uk Other human health activities

Elipse Health Limited Katie Pryce 07525191580 www.elipse.health General medical practice activities

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Brum-E Car Chargers Patrick Pryce 07702 103355 www.brum-e.co.uk Electrical installation

Cyber Tzars LTD Wayne Horkan 01216617890 www.cybertzar.com Other software publishing

Embrace Video Michael Wood 07513821628 www.embracevideo.co.uk Video production activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Cargo Express Midlands Ltd Joe O'Reilly 0121 384 1323 www.cargo-express.co.uk Licensed carriers

Doji Ltd Satyen Fakey www.doji.co.uk Other information technology service activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Museums Trust Sara Wajid 0121 348 8000 www.birminghammuseums.org.uk Museums activities Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Boom Battle Bar Birmingham Elisha Khan 07341 3333162 boombattlebar.com/uk/birmingham -five-ways Public houses and bars Birmingham Chamber of Commerce 80 CHAMBERLINK May 2023

Commbus.com Ltd Clare Macleod 01675 463555 www.commbus.com Other business support service activities n.e.c.

East Village PR Sophie-Mae Bourne 0121 487 1410 www.eastvillageagency.com Media representation services

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Creative Expo Ltd Cherryl Hoskings 01495 270825 www.ce-group.org.uk Activities of exhibition and fair organisers

Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre Krishna Pastakia 07976 758 938 www.edgbastonparkhotel.com Hotels and similar accommodation

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

Eric Lyons Fine Food Specialists Nick Lyons 01564 773072 www.ericlyons.co.uk Wholesale of meat and meat products Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Futureproof Consultants (UK) Ltd Jonathan Wilkins 0121 817 6016 www.auditel.co.uk Management consultancy activities other than financial management Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Growhouse Growth Business Ltd Ian Harrison 07914815507 www.growhouse-gb.com Management consultancy activities other than financial management Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

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In Touch With Ali Mahmood 07827738349 www.intouchwith.co.uk Other business support service activities n.e.c.

Mogul Empires Shaid Parvaz 07972105135 www.mogulempires.com Management consultancy activities other than financial management

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Jason Folds Group Ltd Yemi Daramola 07460423915 www.jasonfolds.com Management consultancy activities other than financial management

Pioneer Talent Esther Wakeman 07791693340 Social work activities without accommodation for the elderly and disabled

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Jimmy's Restaurant and Bar Mediterranean LTD Natalja Bulgakova 01213893896 www.noelsbar.co.uk Licenced restaurants

Research and Development Specialists Ltd Christopher Cunnane 0161 672 0776 www.randdspecialists.co.uk Tax consultancy

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Jonathans in the Roundhouse Limited Paul Havelin 0121 2277447 www.jonathansintheroundhouse.com Licenced restaurants

Rohlig UK Ltd Rory Pickin 0121 745 9955 www.rohlig.com Other transportation support activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Lisen K9 LTD Abdul-Malik Rahman 07659701170 www.lisenk9.com Raising of other animals

Save Money Cut Carbon Tim Higgs 0333 123 5464 www.savemoneycutcarbon.com Environmental consulting activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

New Members

Member Section

Services for Education Sharon Bell 0121 366 9950 www.servicesforeducation.co.uk Cultural education

www.tcnuk.co.uk/places/assaystudios Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Sheppard Innovations Ltd Glyn Sheppard 0333 3392074 www.sheppardinnovations.com Specialised design activities Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

Solihull Alternative Provision Multi Academy Trust Matt Gregor 0121 709 5420 www.sapmat.org.uk Educational support services Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Sporting Your Futures Rajab Noor 07538 225044 www.sportingyourfutures.org Other business support service activities n.e.c.

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

T40 Digital Ben Macdonald 07894 960745 www.t40digital.co.uk Other information technology service activities Solihull Chamber of Commerce

TCN UK Sarita Hawkins 07734 977184

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

The Hub at St Mary's Louise Fleming 01543 256 611 www.thehubstmarys.co.uk Operation of arts facilities Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

Trevis Chauffeur Services Kieran Ian Trevis 07855547110 www.tchauffeurs.co.uk Taxi operation Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

Unico 3 Limited Adam Jones 0330 1200599 www.unico3.co.uk Accounting and auditing activities Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Varamis Rail Ltd Simon Altham 07415 756748 www.varamis.co.uk Freight rail transport Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Vertex Displays Limited Ross Wardle 01527 524170 www.vertex-displays.co.uk Other business support service activities n.e.c.

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

May 2023 CHAMBERLINK 81

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Member Section

...any other business A roundup of news from Chamber members

Former soldier wins first place in competition A Birmingham artist and academic who was enlisted in the Iranian military at 14 and later fled to the West Midlands to escape conflict has been named as the winner of a public art competition.

Dr Mohsen Keiany, a visiting lecturer at Birmingham School of Art and Birmingham City University architecture alumnus, responds in his work to ongoing violence in Iran and his own experiences as a soldier.

He won first place at the 2023 Coventry Open at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum for his painting ‘The Motherland’.

Organisers scrapped entry fees and included a young people’s showcase for the first time.

More than 1,000 submissions were made across a variety of media in January, with 248 shortlisted by a panel of independent judges and the best 108 are now on display until Sunday 21 May. The exhibition, curated by Alice Swatton, aims to showcase the best artworks created by people living in and around Coventry and allow artists to sell their work, with an additional People’s Choice prize to be determined by visitors to the gallery.

Incredible event: Dr Mohsen Keiany

Mohsen, who is to receive a £1,000 prize, said: “As artists, we are always working behind the scenes and never really thinking about where our work will end up or who will see it.

“But to have an event and a project like this bringing together so many other artists with such a high quality of work from is incredible.

“It is an unbelievable honour to be selected by the judges. A lot of time spent alone goes into my work, but I am responding to so much going on in the world and from my past, thinking about others and I hope that visitors can feel a sense of that in the work.”

Tom goes for world record in ski boots If there’s one thing guaranteed to get a rousing cheer from the crowds at this year’s AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run, it’s the runners who have chosen to make life even harder for themselves.

For 23-year-old Tom Bracey he’s chosen to tackle this year’s course in ski boots and is hoping to set an official world record in the process.

Running in ski boots: Tom Bracey

82 CHAMBERLINK May 2023

As a hardened runner and a life-long skier, the trainee accountant at EY has decided to combine both his passions at the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run, on Sunday 7 May. He said: “I have always been into sports, and ran the London Marathon in 2019, but I felt motivated to do something different. I was intrigued at the idea of going for a world record and as someone who is massively into skiing I thought why not give it a go.

“The only half-marathon world record for running in ski boots is currently only held in the female category so I applied to Guinness World Records for the male category.”

This year’s 10k and half marathon takes place during May Bank Holiday weekend.

Participants will kick off on Broad Street and The finish line is at the Smithfield site near the Bullring.

To donate to Tom’s fundraising campaign go to justgiving.com

Caption here and here going here

Long-standing staff get recognition Eighteen staff at Midland training experts Performance Through People (PTP) have clocked up a collective 235 years between them.

The colleagues celebrated with a special lunch at the company’s Walsall offices where Kevin Davis, PTP board member and chair of the Ladder Foundation, presented long-service certificates.

David Price’s time at PTP, part of the BCTG Group, has now totalled 30 years.

Colleagues receiving 20-year certificates were IT and facilities manager Tim Carver, learning and development tutors Rachel Willetts and Claire Whitehouse, curriculum manager Richard Kendrick and

performance manager Julie Heathcote.

Clocking up 15 years were business support administrator Shelley Smith, and learning and development tutors Harjit Sidhu, Charlotte Pearson and Gemma Garvey, while fellow learning and development tutor Sue Shallcross celebrated ten years.

And five-year certificates were handed to business development advisor Samantha Feeley, learning and development tutors Tamara Haywood, Melissa Parkinson, Jim Hillman and Scott Brown, lead for internal quality assurance Jackie Webb and business development manager Paul Smith.

3. Chamberlink May 2023 49-84.qxp_Chamberlink 28/04/2023 10:29 Page 83

3. Chamberlink May 2023 49-84.qxp_Chamberlink 28/04/2023 10:29 Page 84