Chamberlink NOV 2025

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The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

CHAMBER November 2025

Free to Members l £5.00 where sold

Campaigning lawyer is now Future Faces star She sought justice for victims of rogue surgeon See pages 48 and 49 Picture: Shaun Fellows

• ABCC names new president • Leading wholesalers become patrons • President Nasir’s parting message

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Contents Chamberlink November 2025 Business News 4

Editor’s View Inspiring movement showed art with heart

5

Business News Family law specialist Monica to lead ABCC

10 President’s Focus Martin Hall, president of Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber 12 The Griffin Report Nasir Awan, outgoing president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

40 ABCC: Accounting firm to sponsor overall winner award 42 Cannock Chase: Local leaders unite to shape the economy

45 Royal Sutton Coldfield: President dishes out PR tips at curry club

48 Future Faces: Award will open doors for legal star

Chamber Patrons 34 Impact report reveals scope of dedication

1813 Club and Premier Members 36 Relocation for building consultancy

55 Funding the future: Structuring your exit and your legacy

44 Lichfield & Tamworth: Insurance firm boss appointed president

46 Solihull: Security boss goes on the M&A charge

22 Where Do You Fancy?

Becketts Farm Restaurant

78

43 Burton & District: Firms vie for success at Celebratory Lunch

Events 50 The latest list of Chamber events

Chamber Group

Features

38 International Trade: Paint specialist welcome TODO

52 Business Banking & Finance: Helping Midlands businesses grow and thrive

58 Digital Media Services: The evolution of digital media services 60 Why AI without guardrails puts organisations at risk

Sector Focus 62 Business Travel: Services ‘uplift’ as timetable changes for CrossCountry 64 Finance: Pledge to tackle financial exclusion 66 Legal: Wilkes advise on historic firm’s buyout 69 Manufacturing: Transformation fund for manufacturers 70 Property: Celebrating 10 years of housebuilders’ programme 72 Skills: New contracts drive growth at training firm 75 Technology: Ebury opens Birmingham office 76 The Arts: The Nutcracker to make return 78 Sport: New operators in place to secure games legacy

Member Section 79 Chamber Insight David Harker, We Clean Ltd 80 New Members Chamber welcomes new members

48

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 Deputy Editor: Dan Harrison 0121 274 3239, 0797 1144052 d.harrison@birmingham-chamber.com Assistant Editor: Jon Griffin 07963 405538 j.griffin@birmingham-chamber.com Reporter: Feron Jayawardene 0121 2743240, 07508 317356 f.jayawardene@birmingham-chamber.com Reporter: Darby Newman 07951 245985 d.newman@birmingham-chamber.com

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

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OPINION

Editor’s View

BY JOHN LAMB

Inspiring movement showed art with heart

T

o claim to be a fan of PreRaphaelite art might sound a bit pretentious.

But I am. I developed my liking while studying for an arts degree. I was immediately drawn to its realistic images as well as the way it challenged the stuffy (largely London-based) art establishment.

The new 19th century British art movement rejected academic and Renaissance styles.

So my artistic cup ran over when I discovered that some of the greatest PreRaphaelite artists were Brummies.

‘Victorian viewers had rarely seen such startling, realistic images’ They were largely regarded as rebels because they wanted to return to the detailed, realistic and coloured art of the period before Raphael, who died in 1520.

They created the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the acronym PRB can be seen on some of their works.

Their paintings were so life-like they caused uproar when they were eventually allowed to display their works in the galleries of London.

Victorian viewers had rarely seen such startling, realistic images because

FRONT COVER: Becca Horley, Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year See Pages 48-49 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 jenni.everall@kempspublishing.co.uk Printers: Stephens & George Print Group

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photography was only in its infancy. The depiction of prostitutes in The Derby Day

by William Powell Frith in a painting completed in 1858 almost caused riots.

The artists did find widespread support among the nouveau riche of the Midlands and North. These were the newly successful industrialists who were thriving.

They rejected the religious and statusmarked images of the established London art world when they were decorating their fancy new homes and supported the PRB by buying their works.

So I’m delighted that works from Birmingham’s world-class Pre-Raphaelite collection are back on public display at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (see page 6).

Four newly-refurbished galleries of over 60 paintings, sculptures and stained glass by artists such as Ford Madox Brown, Edward Burne-Jones, William Holman Hunt, John Everett Millais, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Frederick Sandys will be open to visitors as part of the museum’s continued phased reopening.

Burne-Jones was the most prominent of the Birmingham-born artists and others who had connections to the city included Edward Robert Hughes and William Morris, whose iconic designs for wallpaper and fabrics are popular today.

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) November not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format without prior written permission of Kemps Publishing Ltd.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Business News Latest news from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Inside

President Nasir’s parting messages ABCC’s vital role: Monica Ghai

Family law specialist Monica to lead ABCC A family law expert at top UK firm Shakespeare Martineau has been named as the new president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC).

Monica Ghai, a legal director in Shakespeare Martineau’s Birmingham office, says she is “passionate about making sure the voices of Asian businesses are heard” after stepping up to become president.

After qualifying as a solicitor in her native South Yorkshire, Monica relocated to Birmingham eight years ago and worked at several law firms before joining Shakespeare Martineau in February 2020.

‘As president, I’m passionate about making sure the voices of Asian businesses are heard’ She specialises in all areas of family law breakdown, with particular expertise in financial and children disputes.

Monica joined the ABCC committee three years ago before being elected as vice-president in March 2025.

Since becoming vice-president, she has led several initiatives including the ABCC’s Women’s Business Network and South Asian Heritage Month campaign.

Monica succeeds former ABCC co-presidents Neelam Afzal and Sapreena Kumari, who stepped down this month.

Her first engagements as president include the ABCC’s Diwali celebration at Birmingham City Football Club and flagship annual awards dinner at the National Conference Centre in Solihull on Thursday, 27 November.

Monica said: “It is a great honour to become president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce.

“The ABCC has played a vital role in our region’s business community for nearly four decades and I’m committed to upholding its values, while building on the legacy created by all our past presidents and committee members.

“I am proud to come from a family of business owners and have also worked in a number of these businesses over the years.

“Therefore, I have witnessed first-hand some of their challenges and needs. This motivates me to make a difference in our communities.

“As president, I’m passionate about making sure the voices of Asian businesses are heard and that as an organisation we are there for the communities we serve. I look forward to engaging with our members at the forthcoming Diwali and annual awards celebrations.”

See Griffin Report pages 12-13

Liberal leader’s warning See page 6

Exclusive offers for Chamber members See pages 22 and 76

• For more ABCC news, turn to pages 40 and 41.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Davey backs greater focus on cyber crime T he leader of the Liberal Democrats has warned businesses need greater protection against the “dangerous world” of cyber crime in the wake of the JLR crisis.

Sir Ed Davey made the comments during a wide-ranging discussion with West Midlands business leaders, hosted by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

At the talks, held at the Birmingham offices of legal and professional services group Ampa, Sir Ed addressed topics including the UK’s current economic strengths and challenges, devolution, international trade and investment in skills and further education.

The event was supported by Richardson, the Oldburyheadquartered growth capital and real estate investment firm.

On the JLR cyber-attack, which has had a significant knock-on effect for SMEs across the West Midlands, he said: “The appalling cyber-attack on JLR has caused so much damage

and we have to help our businesses – whether they’re Co-op, Marks & Spencer, JLR, and many others – to protect themselves from this dangerous world.

“We have the technology – we’re actually world leaders in cybersecurity. It's fantastic – but are we spreading that out? Is Government helping businesses to protect themselves – not just the big ones, but down the supply chain? No, it hasn’t done that.”

With council elections on the horizon in Birmingham next May, Sir Ed said the Liberal Democrats “have some serious ideas” for the city. “We have some serious ideas for business and serious ideas for many other aspects of governing our country,” he said.

“And I know our team here in Birmingham have got some serious ideas for the city too. I'm excited about our ideas. I think there’s a historic opportunity for my party.”

Talking about international trade, including the UK’s engagement with

Cyber crime warning (left to right): Raj Kandola (acting deputy CEO, GBCC), Sir Ed Davey and Sarah Walker-Smith (CEO, Ampa)

the EU and the policies of US president Donald Trump, he said: “We believe Britain is at its best when it’s looking out and it’s proud.

We are advocating an early reintroduction of a customs union between the UK and EU. It’s the best way of getting rid of all the red tape, cost and delay to boost growth.

“But we wouldn’t end just at the European Union. We need what I’ve called an economic coalition of the willing, which is Europe, our Commonwealth allies, Canada, Australia, India and more broadly.

“If we had a really ambitious approach to be the champions of free trade and being prepared to stand up to the current incumbent of the White House, I think that’d be fantastic for our economy and our country’s standing in the world.”

Historic local art back on display Works of art from Birmingham’s world-class Pre-Raphaelite collection are back on public display at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

Four newly-refurbished galleries of over 60 paintings, sculptures and stained glass by artists such as Ford Madox Brown, Edward Burne-Jones, William Holman Hunt, John Everett Millais, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Frederick Sandys will be open to visitors as part of the museum’s continued phased reopening.

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was Britain’s first modern art movement. In the mid-19th century, its artists painted traditional subjects in radical ways and responded to a rapidly changing world.

They looked back to the bright colours and realism of medieval art to create a new style for a modern age. As they admired art from before the Italian painter Raphael (1483 to 1520), they called themselves ‘Pre-Raphaelites’.

Birmingham has the largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite art and design in the world. Selected from this outstanding collection, the displays will introduce audiences to the Pre-Raphaelites and their circle, 6 CHAMBERLINK November 2025

Night with her Train of Stars, 1912: Artist: E.R.Hughes ©Birmingham Museums Trust

from their early works through to artists working in Birmingham at the turn of the 20th century.

Visitors will be able to see some of the collection’s most popular pieces, including Night with her Train of Stars by Edward Robert Hughes, which will be on public view for the first time in a decade.

Hughes’ picture is a watercolour and is only on display for limited periods to protect it from damage by light.

Other highlights include new acquisitions by female artists, including the first oil painting by a female Pre-Raphaelite to enter the city’s collection – Emma Sandys’

Young Woman with a Rose – and The Puritan Maiden Priscilla by Birmingham painter Kate Bunce, which is on show in the museum for the first time.

The opening of the PreRaphaelite galleries also means that visitors will once again have unrestricted access through to the Staffordshire Hoard during museum opening hours, rather than by guided viewings only.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is open Monday to Sunday 10am to 5pm. Admission is free.

• For more arts news, see page 76.

Asked about creating the right conditions for entrepreneurs to thrive, Sir Ed responded: “I’m a strong believer in entrepreneurs and allowing people to grow their businesses, to take their ideas to the next stage.

“I think the UK is quite a good place for entrepreneurs. We have a problem with some startup and scale-up capital – it’s not always available. When you look at surveys we’ve done around the West Midlands, a lot of small businesses say they can’t grow as entrepreneurs because they can’t access capital.

“That’s why when he was Secretary of State for Business, (former Lib Dems leader) Vince Cable introduced the British Business Bank as a way of trying to fill that gap.”

Mayor in call for investment Mayor Richard Parker has issued a call to global investors with the message “now is the time to invest in the West Midlands”.

Launching the West Midlands Major Investments Prospectus, the Mayor presented more than £19bn of opportunities to drive new growth, jobs and homes across the region.

The Prospectus showcases some of the region’s biggest projects including the £4bn Sports Quarter with its new Birmingham City FC stadium, the Sandwell – Dudley Metro Corridor and the region’s three key Investment Zone sites in Coventry & Warwick, Wolverhampton and Birmingham.

The Prospectus builds on the mayor’s Growth Plan, a blueprint for how the region will grow its economy by £17bn over the next decade, creating 100,000 new jobs and 120,000 new homes.

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BUSINESS NEWS

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BUSINESS NEWS

Conference puts the focus on AI Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) held its inaugural Business Growth Studio Conference at Edgbaston Stadium. The conference – sponsored by University College Birmingham, B13.ai and Sandwell College – featured a host of high-profile keynote speakers and panellists including Dragons’ Den star Piers Linney and former Business Secretary Greg Clark. Here, Chamberlink’s reporting team of DAN HARRISON, FERON JAYAWARDENE and DARBY NEWMAN round up the day’s events.

F

ormer Dragons’ Den investor Piers Linney alerted conference delegates to the exponential growth of AI that will take place in the coming years – urging them to get on board or risk being left behind.

The co-founder of Implement AI stressed the need to seize opportunities with a growth mindset during the Business Growth Studio Conference.

Mr Linney said: “AI today is the worst it’s ever going to be. Industry leaders predict that within five years, Artificial General Intelligence will take precedence – replacing all cognitive tasks with AI. “There will come a time when AI grows exponentially and those not embracing it won’t be able to keep up. Don’t miss the boat.

“In a business perspective, use AI automation to handle day-to-day tasks and free up your time to grow revenue through workforce development.

“Don’t get lost in the noise. Start small – find one task and use AI to make it better, while always thinking big.”

Mr Linney also pointed to realworld examples that are making a difference, including a recruitment firm that used AI to record 3,500 calls outside of office hours.

The event also featured a discussion with Lisa Capper, CEO

and Principal at Sandwell College.

Lisa noted that while colleges are focused on attracting young people into their businesses, it is important to look beyond technical training.

She said: “Today’s children may not be formally taught AI skills, yet they are already fluent in technology through lived experience.”

The role of the West Midlands mayor has given the region “more clout in central Government and internationally”, according to former Business Secretary Greg Clark.

The former Tory MP, who is now executive chair of University of Warwick's Innovation District and chair of the Warwick Manufacturing Group, said the introduction of elected metro mayors in 2017 has been important in helping attract investment into English regions.

“When it comes to foreign investment, for example, there's a big international scramble to

Piers Linney: Don’t get left behind

Panel discussion (left to right): Pamela Aculey, Ed Cox and Greg Clark

attract foreign investors,” Mr Clark said during a “fireside chat” with the GBCC’s acting deputy CEO Raj Kandola.

“The mayor of Chicago, the mayor of Marseille and the mayor of Paris will be there deploying their case and saying: ‘If you come to us, this is what we can offer, we can find you a site and we’ll be able to support you with skills and things like that’.

“So, to create these figures would be important internationally, but also important in the government of our country as well.”

“Now I think with the likes of (former West Midlands mayor) Andy Street and (current West Midlands mayor) Richard Parker and (mayor of Greater Manchester) Andy Burnham, are figures who are known nationally and have given their cities and regions more clout in central government as well as internationally.

“It’s still very new but I think that it’s a good thing – in first Andy and now Richard you've got someone that can literally go around the world and make the case for the West Midlands.”

Mr Clark was also joined by West Midlands Combined Authority interim CEO Ed Cox and entrepreneur Pamela Aculey for a panel discussion about the role of Government in unlocking growth.

Conference delegates heard how best-selling supplement Absolute Collagen went from a personal art project to a multi-million pound product. Maxine Laceby, co-founder of the brand which was named in The Times’ Top 100 fastest-growing firms in the UK, spoke about the obstacles she faced in creating and expanding the company.

To find out more about the GBCC’s Business Growth Studio go to: greaterbirminghamchambers.com

Expo an opportunity to make real connections

Expo headline sponsors: Translift Bendi

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Attendees and exhibitors of the Greater Birmingham Business Expo reported “purposeful conversations with people and organisations we might not otherwise have crossed paths with”.

Around 88 exhibitors and hundreds of delegates packed into the Edgbaston Stadium for the expanded Chamber Expo – which also coincided with the inaugural Business Growth Studio conference.

The headline sponsors were Translift Bendi and Turkish Airlines. Other sponsors included Silent Seminars as stage sponsor and Elonex as media sponsor.

Danny Pardoe, apprenticeships growth manager for degree apprenticeships at Birmingham City University, said: “I'd highly recommend the event to anyone thinking of raising their business profile, making new connections and strengthening existing ones.”

Blu Hardy, marketing manager for Hardy Signs, said: “We had a brilliant day. It was well attended, giving us the opportunity to have lots of interesting and valuable conversations with a wide range of businesses.”

The expo also held five silent seminars, ranging from unlocking the value of AI to the power of networking.

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BUSINESS NEWS

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BUSINESS NEWS

President’s Focus MARTIN HALL has launched five key priorities for his presidency of Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber of Commerce underpinned by the value of Chamber membership. Here he explains how that can be achieved with the right leadership, collaboration and ambition.

A

s I take up the role of president of the Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber of Commerce, I do so with a deep sense of pride, purpose, and possibility.

The Lichfield and Tamworth region is rich in heritage, leisure, enterprise and ambition - and I believe the next two years offer a unique opportunity to shape its future.

I’d like to begin by acknowledging the outstanding work of our outgoing president Fiona Rouse and vice-presidents Julie Poppleton and Hannah Montgomery - three inspiring women in business and their leadership has strengthened our Chamber’s foundations and ensured that our members were supported.

I’m committed to building on that legacy - but also to leaning into the opportunities that lie ahead.

‘Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber must be at the table, helping shape frameworks that reflect the needs and ambitions of our members’ One of the most pressing and promising developments is the impending reorganisation of local councils.

At the recent Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel, held at the M6Toll headquarters between Lichfield and Tamworth, I joined regional leaders to explore how this change could unlock new models of governance, procurement, and business support.

My view is clear - this is not just a structural shift, it’s a strategic moment.

Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber must be at the table, helping shape frameworks that reflect the needs and ambitions of our members.

Equally important is our evolving relationship with local MPs. 10 CHAMBERLINK November 2025

Committed: Martin Hall

In Lichfield and Tamworth, we’re moving beyond occasional dialogue to a more proactive, co-working approach.

We’re developing a quarterly “Business Ask” dashboard - a clear, actionable summary of what our members need, and where MPs can step in to assist.

It’s about turning conversation into collaboration, and influence into impact.

Looking ahead, my presidency will focus on five key priorities:

1. Education and Enterprise We’ll forge stronger links between schools, colleges, and employers to co-create pathways into local careers — especially in technology, logistics, and sustainability.

2. HS2 Development With HS2 reshaping our geography, we’ll position Lichfield and

Tamworth as supply chain hubs, visitor economy destinations, and talent magnets - not just stops on a map.

3. Technology and AI Adoption We’ll help businesses harness digital tools and artificial intelligence to drive productivity, innovation, and growth - through Chamber-led workshops and diagnostics.

4. Economic Recovery Readiness As the national economy stabilises, we’ll ensure our members are ready to grow - with support in export readiness, funding access, and strategic planning.

5. Council Reorganisation Influence We’ll lead a Chamber taskforce to engage with new regional councils, shaping procurement and ESG

frameworks that deliver real value for local enterprise.

Underpinning all of this is a commitment to demonstrating the value of Chamber membership and holding events that are both interesting and useful.

Whether you’re a sole trader on the high street, a charity or education setting, or a manufacturer in one of our industrial zones, the Chamber should be your strategic partner helping you connect, grow, and lead.

I’m excited by what we can achieve together. Lichfield and Tamworth are not just connected to the wider region - they’re central to its success regardless of our location in the wonderful county of Staffordshire.

And with the right leadership, collaboration and ambition, our Chamber can be the engine that drives that success forward.

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BUSINESS NEWS

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BUSINESS NEWS

The Griffin Report Nasir Awan finishes his term as President of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce this month and believes more firmly that being British is a premium asset in business internationally.

But, the highly successful Birmingham businessman tells JON GRIFFIN, more backing is needed from the Government.

O

utgoing Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) President Nasir Awan has made an impassioned plea for an urgent Government rethink on long-term industrial policy to help boost flagging jobs growth throughout the UK. Nasir, the driving force behind Hockley-based Awan Marketing, one of the UK’s largest wholesale cash and carry businesses, marked the end of his two-year Presidential tenure with a stark warning that increasing overheads and rising labour costs were stifling industry.

And he called for a revival of the West Midlands manufacturing sector - including new incentives for engineering apprenticeships - to help steer the economy away from over-reliance on services.

Nasir, who came to the UK from Pakistan in 1967 aged eight with his family to join his father Bashir in Birmingham and was made an MBE

for services to business and international trade in 2016, will mark his 50th year in business next year – but shows no sign of slowing down as he completes his Presidential term.

He told Chamberlink in a wideranging interview: “When you go around the world made in Britain is still very well respected, as is made in Birmingham. But we need support from the Government – at the moment unfortunately the only cash cow the Government seems to see is business.

“If you don’t support business you are not going to see new jobs.

The Government needs to give employers a hand to create and encourage employment. Recently employers are seeing how they can reduce salaries and some of their manpower because of overheads, national insurance etc – it is very, very discouraging.

“When you talk to businesses the biggest problems are overheads and staff costs. We are the

Global talks: Nasir with Jane Marriott, UK High Commissioner to Pakistan

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youngest city in Europe but there needs to be an incentive for employers to take on young people- this is how they get on the jobs ladder and start a life for themselves.

“We have the assets, the manpower, the knowledge, the knowhow, we have the premium of being British and being Birmingham, but we just need support and encouragement from the Government.”

Nasir, who began working life in his teens helping his father run the small family shop in Birmingham selling radios, cassettes and other electronic goods, said a long-term Governmental approach to industry was key to the future of the wealth-creating sector.

‘The Government needs to make policies on where do we see Britain in 50 years’ time, in 20 years’ time, in 10 years’ time’ “The Government needs to sit down and analyse where we are going as a country and that reflects on all the cities. We are most concerned with Birmingham but what happens in the UK affects Birmingham as well – we can’t detach ourselves from central Government. The Government needs to make policies on where do we see Britain in 50 years’ time, in 20 years’ time, in 10 years’ time. My feeling is each Government comes in and they just think how can they survive the next five years. We need a long-term view, not about how they can remain in power or come back at the next election.

“I think that is short-sightedness but unfortunately that is the way politics works, which is wrong.”

Nasir, who was made deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands in 2017 and is heavily involved in charity work including as chair of Islamic Relief Pakistan, said growth of manufacturing was vital to the UK’s economic health.

“Industry, manufacturing needs to come back. We can’t be a service economy forever because you are just rotating the same amount of money, and it is not really growing. We need to be manufacturing, we need to be exporting.

“I think that engineering needs to come back, we need to invest in more engineering apprenticeships.

There are still opportunities – we have got some hi-tech and pharmaceuticals is a massive market that we can get into.”

The outgoing President, who hands over the reins to Andy Dawson, co-founder of Birmingham-based Curium Solutions, said he was proud of leading trade missions to the likes of Pakistan, Rwanda, Kenya and Sri Lanka during his two-year term.

“Every President has a theme and as an international businessman, I wanted mine to be international. I thought it was very important to put Birmingham on the map internationally – that was

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BUSINESS NEWS

Pakistan visit: Nasir exchanges gifts with officials during a visit to the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan

He said the trade missions had brought Birmingham into the spotlight in countries where the city was largely unknown.

“Birmingham was not necessarily well-known in the countries that we visited but by the time we left, it was. I made sure of that. Wherever we went, I ensured that we actually engaged with the Chambers over there.”

Party mood: Nasir celebrates Christmas with Chamber members at an event sponsored by patrons runyourfleet

really my mission. I felt that as a Chamber we had many foreign delegations come here but we weren’t taking as many delegations to foreign shores. The Pakistan mission was very successful and the International Trade Centre in Geneva asked would I help them arrange other missions and said

they would be happy to fund those missions.

“The second was a few months later to Rwanda and again that was very successful, and the third one was to Kenya. In Kenya we met with seven other African countries, including South Africa, Mauritius and Gambia.”

‘I am still on the board for a year, I will support Andy Dawson as much as I can, and I will still carry on flying the flag for the Chamber and for Birmingham’ Nasir, only the third Asian to take over as President in the Birmingham Chamber’s 212-year

history, said he had been proud to serve and would continue flying the flag for the organisation as a board member. “I am still on the board for a year, I will support Andy Dawson as much as I can, and I will still carry on flying the flag for the Chamber and for Birmingham.

“In the old boardroom at the old Chamber House where you see the names going back from 1813 you see some of the big names of the city and then your name would be amongst those names which have gone down in history – that is something I was quite proud of.

“The Chamber has a history of over 200 years and that just speaks for itself. I think we should all be very proud of representing that sort of organisation.”

Meanwhile, Nasir said he was looking forward to “a few more nights at home” with his wife. “I am looking forward to seeing more of my wife Robina and my grandchildren. My sons Adam and Salman have been looking after my business while I was away.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

Roar of approval as wholesaler becomes latest Chamber patron

L

ioncroft Wholesale, the Birmingham-headquartered food and drink wholesaler which supplies thousands of convenience retailers and hospitality venues, has become a patron of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

Led by respected Birmingham businessman Jason Wouhra, Lioncroft Wholesale is one of the UK’s leading independent food and drink wholesalers.

The family-run company has been supplying businesses across the West Midlands for over 50 years.

With cash and carry depots in Aston and Smethwick, Lioncroft supplies bestselling food and drink brands to more than 10,000 independent convenience retailers and a range of hospitality venues, including cafes, bars, restaurants and stadiums.

The firm also has a long association with both the GBCC and the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC).

CEO Jason Wouhra was Asian Business Chamber president from 2020-22, while Lioncroft is a longstanding ABCC patron.

Jason said: “The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has a critical role to play in Birmingham’s business ecosystem, championing our needs, speaking up for our sectors, and helping to drive growth across all size of businesses.

“This is especially true in the current economic and tax climate,

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and even more so in the essential wholesale sector where our razorthin margins are under unbelievable pressure.

“As a leading business in the city, Lioncroft has already seen the benefit from being aligned with the Chamber for several years.

‘The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has a critical role to play in Birmingham’s business eco-system’ “And so now, given this challenging period for business, we have decided that it is time for us to become a patron of the GBCC and connect more effectively with its high-quality work and support.

“I very much look forward to working with Raj (Kandola, acting deputy CEO) and the team to help support and strengthen the business community across Greater Birmingham, whilst stepping up lobbying efforts for a more business-focused approach from our Government.

“On a personal note I have a proud, long-standing connection with GBCC dating back decades having also previously been a patron and president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce.

“I am delighted therefore to be strengthening this relationship, and

Exciting partnership: Raj Kandola (left) and Jason Wouhra

I’m very excited to see what the future holds both for Lioncroft and the Chamber.”

Patronage is the top tier of GBCC membership, offering tailored support and exclusive opportunities to a limited number of organisations.

Lioncroft Wholesale join some of the region’s most high-profile and influential organisations such as Birmingham Airport, Jaguar Land Rover, the NEC Group, Birmingham City FC and HS2, as well as leading universities and professional services firms.

Raj Kandola, acting deputy CEO at the GBCC, said: “Having enjoyed a close working relationship with Jason and Lioncroft Wholesale over a number of years, we’re delighted that they’re stepping up to become GBCC patrons.

“By becoming patrons, Lioncroft join some of Greater Birmingham’s most dynamic and civic minded organisations who are helping to shape the future of our region.

“We’re excited to work with them as they look to further boost their presence locally, nationally and internationally.”

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NEC Group looks to the future with new CEO

Loved her job: Anne-Marie Newey

Remembering much-loved colleague The team at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) are mourning the death of colleague Anne-Marie Newey.

Anne-Marie, from Sutton Coldfield, who worked as a relationship manager at the Chamber, passed away at the age of 61 after a long illness.

On joining the Chamber in 2017, Anne-Marie was reunited with several former colleagues from Aston Villa Football Club where she had worked for more than 20 years.

She is survived by daughter Gemma, sons Chris and Sam, and her three grandchildren.

Helen Bates, acting managing director at the GBCC, said: “Everyone at the Chamber is deeply saddened by the loss of our dear colleague and friend AnneMarie. Not only was she popular among colleagues, she was greatly admired by the Chamber members she worked with for her warmth and dedication.

“On behalf of the Chamber team, I extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.”

Longtime friend and colleague Gary Birch, head of relationship management at the GBCC, said: “I had the great pleasure of knowing and working with Anne-Marie for more than 30 years.

“She loved her job and went about things in such a warm, friendly and unassuming manner. She will be dearly missed by us all.

“I also know how much Anne-Marie loved spending time with her family. We send all our love and best wishes to Gemma, Chris, Sam and her extended family.”

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Chief financial officer Paul Reeve is stepping up to succeed the NEC Group’s current chief executive Melaine Smith in a new succession plan.

Melanie will step down as CEO at the end of 2025, when she will be succeeded by Paul, who has been CFO since October 2023. Stephen Goodluck will join as CFO and the changes will take effect from 1 January 2026.

Melanie will continue to support the NEC as an adviser to the company in her new role as a senior adviser to the group’s owner Blackstone.

Before joining the NEC Group, Paul spent 10 years at AEG, where he was European CFO overseeing their venue, ticketing, touring and festival operations across the region.

Stephen joins from Bourne Leisure, the UK’s leading holiday and leisure company, where he served as group finance director. He has previously held senior roles at Dunelm Group and key finance roles across Sainsburys Argos.

Sir Nick Varney, chair of NEC Group, said: “Melanie has done an amazing job as CEO. She joined at a pivotal time, tasked with refocusing, streamlining, and accelerating the business in the wake of the global pandemic’s impact on our industry.

“Today, the NEC Group is thriving, with a clear strategy delivering strong results, and benefitting from world-class new partnerships and a highly capable management team.

“Paul is a strong and talented leader, who has been instrumental in shaping the Group’s strategy and delivering a number of significant transformation projects since he joined in 2023.”

Paul said: “I am honoured to be appointed CEO of such an iconic business as the NEC Group. With a clear

Succession plan: Paul Reeve and Melanie Smith

strategy, great trading momentum, and a very strong platform for growth, we are well-positioned to build on our success.

Melanie said: “The NEC creates amazing experiences and lifelong memories for our customers, as it has for me, and I look forward to seeing the business continue to scale new heights under the direction of Paul and our brilliant team.”

Wesleyan confirms COO promotion

£100k help: Warwickshire-based music tuition service Totally RAD received funding support. From left: Dave Tindall, Christopher Rush and Marie Kelly

Engine Investment Fund is helping drive the region The British Business Bank’s Midlands Engine Investment Fund II has now driven over £80m of investment into new and growing businesses across the region.

Launched in February 2024, the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II has invested more than £50m of direct investment and leveraged an additional £30m of private sector investment, with 180 smaller businesses receiving funding. The fund is part of the £1.6bn suite of nations and regions investment funds launched by the British Business Bank, which aim to increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for UK smaller businesses.

Buoyed by the continuing recognition and growth of the region’s creative sector, the fund has supported a number of scaling firms set to put the West Midlands firmly on the entertainment map.

Wesleyan Group has appointed Faraz Tasnim as its chief operating officer (COO) to support the next phase of its ambitious growth strategy.

Faraz joined Wesleyan from Quilter in 2022 as group transformation director, bringing 20 years’ experience across transformation, commercial finance and consulting roles with businesses including Direct Line Group, Hastings Direct, Lloyds Banking Group and Rolls Royce.

He was promoted to Wesleyan’s group chief transformation officer and became a member of its group executive committee in April 2024.

In his new role, he will continue to strengthen Wesleyan’s capabilities as the business progresses against an ambitious growth strategy focused on deepening relationships with its customer base of doctors, teachers and dentists, enhancing its investments and advice proposition and improving the digital experiences of customers and members.

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Mum’s the word for free training Unemployed mums in Birmingham are being invited to apply for a free 12-month programme to help them rebuild their careers and create a financially secure life for themselves and their families.

The programme is run by BMet College, a Further Education and Training College and the Women’s Work Lab, an award-winning social enterprise.

The Women’s Work Lab supports unemployed mums in receipt of state-benefits back into work and is expanding to Birmingham.

Since 2019 they have supported over 600 Mums on their journeys back to work and on average, 70 per cent will be in employment, formal training or work-related volunteering within nine months of completing the programme.

Co-founders: Rachel Mostyn (left) and Camilla Rigby

‘We have hope and we feel unstoppable about what might come next’ Birmingham faces some of the highest levels of economic inactivity and poverty in the country and there is a high level of need.

The expansion into Birmingham is a partnership between the Women’s Work Lab and BMet College, funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

It will see pilot programmes launched in January and April 2026 – funded by the Rigby Foundation.

Applications are now open for all mums who receive state-benefits, are aged 19+ (no upper age limit) and would like to find meaningful work. They can apply at: womensworklab.co.uk.

The programme will run in a central location in Birmingham. The free programme runs in school

hours and combines classroom-based training, a four-week work placement and nine months of bespoke career support and mentoring.

Of the mums enrolling in the programme, 88 per cent have been out of work for more than six months, 57 per cent are lone parents, 30 per cent are survivors of domestic abuse and one in five are aged over 50. To date, they have supported over 600 Mums with a 92 per cent graduation rate and 68 per cent of mums are now in employment, formal training or workrelated volunteering. Mums frequently describe the programme as “life-changing”.

Sophia Mohammed, former participant and now Women’s Work Lab programme manager, said: “WWL has completely changed everything about how we now live and how we think about our future. We have hope and we feel unstoppable about what might come next.”

Suzie Branch-Haddow, vice principal for external development at BMet, said: “At BMet, we recognise the urgent need to support women into employment by removing any barriers from confidence to childcare to upskilling.

“This programme is a vital step towards helping mums return to work.”

Jennie humbled to make All remaining tickets for list of top 100 role models Edgbaston now on sale Jennie Koo (pictured), Unity Trust Bank’s recently appointed head of enterprise risk, has been recognised in the Heroes Women Role Model List 2025 for championing diversity, equity and inclusion in the finance sector.

The annual Top 100, organised

by INvolve and supported by YouTube, showcases leaders who are breaking down barriers in the workplace and supporting women in global businesses.

Jennie, who’s enjoyed a 25-year career in the finance sector including 20 years in risk management, was nominated for her voluntary work with Women in Banking and Finance.

WIBF is a membership network that has championed women in financial services for over 40 years.

Jennie has established several branches across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, supporting women’s career ambitions through development programmes, leadership opportunities and networking events.

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Jennie said: “I was a member of WIBF when I worked in London for a few years. When I returned home to the West Midlands I realised that there wasn’t the same support for women in the finance industry.

There is a lot of talent outside the capital and I wanted to create the same opportunities.

“I set up the Birmingham branch in 2017 and then several others after that. I feel quite humble to be nominated in the Heroes Women Role Model List 2025 because I do what I do because I love doing it.”

Edgbaston has announced the release of its remaining general admission tickets for all its 2026 Major Matches, including the England vs Pakistan Men’s Test Match, Men’s One Day International [ODI], Women’s T20 World Cup, and Men’s Vitality Blast Finals Day. With over 70,000 tickets already sold, all remaining tickets are now on general sale. The ticket release follows the news Edgbaston will host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup [ICCWT20WC] opening fixture on Friday 12 June – launching a momentous summer of cricket for the stadium.

Following unprecedented demand, general admission tickets for the Men’s ODI between England and India on Tuesday 14 July, have sold out – breaking stadium records as one of the fastest-ever selling white-ball games.

Premium Tickets and VIP Experiences are still available from official provider, Keith Prowse across all games and formats.

Alongside the ICCWT20WC and Men’s ODI, Edgbaston will also host the Men’s 2026 Vitality Blast Finals Day on Saturday 18 July, which returns to the stadium for its 14th consecutive year, with over 90 per cent of tickets already sold.

The summer of international cricket concludes with the five-day Men’s Test Match between England and Pakistan. Starting on Wednesday 9 September, more than 12,000 tickets have already been sold for Day Three.

All remaining general admission tickets are now on sale and available at: tickets.edgbaston.com.

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Shining example: An illustration of Nexus work

West Midlands enjoys record visitor numbers A record 101.5 million people visited the West Midlands in 2024, with the region’s recreational offer – including concerts, tourist attractions and major sporting events – playing a significant role in the increase.

According to a new report from independent research body Global Tourism Solutions for the West Midlands Growth Company – which covers Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry and Solihull – visitor numbers have passed the 100 million mark for the first time.

Some 2.84 million more people (2.9 per cent) chose to spend time in the region last year compared with 2023.

The figure also represents an increase of six million people in comparison with 2022, when the West Midlands wowed the world at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The most common type of tourists to the region were day visitors – accounting for 89.8 million of the record total – with May and August proving to be the most popular months for visiting the West Midlands.

‘At £4.9bn, shopping remains the most valuable sector to the West Midlands’ In what remains a very challenging economic time for tourism and hospitality businesses across the West Midlands and wider UK, the region’s visitor economy is now worth a record £14bn, up £0.94bn (7 per cent) on the previous 12 months.

Analysis shows that recreational activities, such as watching music concerts and theatre shows, visiting museums and tourist attractions, or participating in or being a spectator at a sporting event, have seen the biggest increase (10 per cent) in tourist expenditure (a rise of £0.14bn to £1.54 bn).

At £4.9bn, shopping remains the most valuable sector to the West Midlands, comprising 46.6 per cent of the total direct spend, followed by food and drink.

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Nexus scoops wheely great marketing contract Nexus Creative Ltd has been appointed to handle all marketing and business development for Solihull Wheel Repair.

The new contract for the Premier member of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce marks a significant win for the 30-year-old agency, which will now play a key role in expanding the reach and market presence of the specialist alloy wheel refurbishment company.

Solihull Wheel Repair, a division of the highly successful City Centre Car Care Group, offers a comprehensive range of services, including diamond cutting, powder coating, and full-scale alloy wheel refurbishment and supply.

With a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology, the company is poised for significant growth.

Nexus Creative Ltd. will implement an integrated strategy designed to elevate the Solihull Wheel Repair brand and drive business expansion. This will include a focus on targeted digital marketing campaigns, brand development, and strategic communications to reach a wider customer base across the Midlands.

Colin Foxall, commercial director of Nexus Creative Ltd, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Solihull Wheel Repair. Their dedication to quality and customer service is a perfect fit for our own values.”

Cheers! Brew team toast agency of the year prize Digital marketing agency Brew were triumphant in the Midlands Marketing Awards 2025 at the Grand Hotel in Birmingham.

Brew scooped Agency of the Year with the judges citing Brew as having “excellent processes in supporting clients and becoming fully integrated into their teams”.

Referring to Brew placing a team member into the client’s team to drive campaign success they said that this “is fantastic and a great example of how the agency goes above and beyond to deliver and act as true extension of their team”.

Matt Bowell, director of Brew, said: “To win the team award felt extra special, shining a light on the highly skilled, fearlessly loyal and talented bunch of lovely human beings that have worked their socks off for many years at Brew.”

For further information, contact Matt Bowell on 07885 754452 or matt@wearebrew.co.uk

Triumph: Brew celebrate their award

Freeths wins two top awards Leading Birmingham law firm Freeths has achieved double recognition for its outstanding private client services, securing two industry awards in the same week and cementing its position among the UK’s top firms in the sector.

The firm was named a Top Private Client Law Firm (full service) by Pam Insight at the eprivateclient Excellence Awards 2025, and has also taken home Private Client Firm of the Year – Large Team, at the British Wills and Probate Awards 2025.

These accolades add to a growing list of achievements that reflect Freeths’ reputation for both legal excellence and workplace culture. The firm was recently listed as a 2025 Top 30 Employer for Working Families, achieved Tommy’s Pregnancy and Parenting at Work Champion status, and climbed one place in The Lawyer Hot 100, moving from 44 to 43.

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Where do you fancy?

Becketts Farm Restaurant is an award-winning farmhouse restaurant, located in the heart of the Wythall community, just south of Birmingham. Built on tradition, the menus feature home-cooked, wholesome English fare, served in a family-friendly atmosphere.

The culinary team place a strong emphasis on offering great quality food with the majority of produce being sourced locally or from the on-site farm shop.

Awards include: People’s Choice in the Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards; “Old Faithful” breakfast Midlands Best Breakfast Award; Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence; BBC Good Food Show Midlands Best Farm Shop; Family Business Awards, Family Business of the Year; Highly Commended in the Great British Food Awards.

Breakfast, lunch or dinner…

Becketts Farm Restaurant Heath Farm, Alcester Road, Wythall, Birmingham, B47 6AJ T: 01564 823402 E: info@beckettsfarm.co.uk W: www.beckettsfarm.co.uk Owner: Managing director Adrian Beckett Head chef: Dale Lower

Food and drink Breakfast Breakfast offerings include the award-winning “Old Faithful” full English breakfast, the famous Harvester Platter for Two, as well as omelettes, pancakes and lighter options. There’s a selection of vegan and gluten-free options too.

Lunch The lunch menu features a traditional Ploughman’s Plank, homemade quiche of the day, freshly made sandwiches and seasonal specials.

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Afternoon Tea Served Monday to Saturday, from 2pm, featuring classic finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and cream, a selection of cakes and traybakes plus a tea or filter coffee.

Carvery On Sundays a carvery is served from 12:30pm, featuring three Becketts’ Butchery meats, homemade Yorkshire puddings, sides and seasonal roasted vegetables. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available.

Opening hours Monday to Saturday: 07:30am to 16:00pm (breakfast served all day, lunch from 11:30am) Sunday: 08:00am – 16:00am (breakfast until 11:00am, Sunday carvery from 12:30pm)

Wines Chilean red, white and rose options as well as Prosecco.

A restaurant lunch can also be arranged. Contact: conference@beckettsfarm.co.uk to enquire.

Conference facilities Above the Farm Shop and restaurant are six purposedesigned conference rooms of varying sizes.

The largest room, The Heath Suite, accommodates up to 60 delegates. Room hire is competitively priced and includes hot drinks, water and equipment hire. Rates are based on a half-day or full-day hire for the large rooms, with the smaller rooms offering an hourly rate in addition. Catering options include a sandwich or buffet lunch with food sourced from the on-site Farm Shop.

Exclusive offers for Chamber members Restaurant 25 per cent off the total bill (food and drink), Monday to Sunday.

Offer valid seven days a week, across all menus. £30 minimum spend required to receive the discount. Offer not valid for use in the coffee shop or farm shop.

Conference facilities 20 per cent off conference centre room hire, valid on first booking.

Quote “CHAMBER OFFER” to take advantage.

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Venture studio lends support to entrepreneurs A powerful collaboration has been launched to position the West Midlands as the UK’s “North Star” for inclusive innovation.

The Inclusive Innovation Catalyst brings together four leading organisations to deliver an ambitious venture studio model that will unlock £30m in co-investment, build over 50 startups, and generate £40m-plus in portfolio revenues over the next three years.

It is a collaboration between multiple stakeholder groups, including the Black Business Collective, an inclusive support ecosystem for Black founder–led businesses, hosted by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

Other collaborators include: • Future Planet Capital Regional, manager of the West Midlands Co-Investment Fund, led by Rupert Lyle.

Fazenda to host exclusive event Fazenda Birmingham is set to host a refined evening of wine and gastronomy this month, spotlighting one of Argentina’s most celebrated wineries.

On 13 November, guests will be welcomed to an exclusive Colomé Wine Dinner, featuring a curated four-course menu paired with exceptional wines from the historic Colomé estate, located in the Salta region of northwest Argentina.

Founded in 1831, Colomé is renowned for producing wines from some of the highest vineyards in the world, with altitudes reaching over 3,000 metres.

Lemlem Yohanes, relationships and events manager at Fazenda, said: “We are delighted to host an exclusive four-course experience paired with exceptional wines from Argentina’s renowned Colomé winery at Fazenda Birmingham.”

The event promises a journey through Argentina’s winemaking legacy, blending bold flavours with elegant storytelling.

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• Greater Things, a proof-ofconcept and minimum viable product (MVP) builder, led by Jof Walters.

• The 51 Per Cent Club, a women’s entrepreneurship programme led

by Tara Attfield-Tomes.

• TIN Ventures, an inclusive venture and ecosystem builder, and operator led by Alex Cole.

• The Open University, the UK’s largest university providing entrepreneurial leadership education and credentials led by Dr Andrew Gilbert • Innovation Alliance for West Midlands maintains an innovation ecosystem designed to stimulate and catalyse a pipeline of innovation activity led by Cliff Dennett.

Together, the partners will deliver a “Think, Learn, Do” venture

Collaborating: (left to right): Alex Cole, Tara Attfield-Tomes, Rupert Lyle and Jof Walters

studio model that develops investor-ready companies, showcases diverse entrepreneurial talent, and attracts corporate and institutional capital to the region.

The catalyst aligns with the UK’s Dormant Assets Scheme, the British Business Bank’s £500m Diverse Fund Managers Package, the Invest in Women Taskforce’s £255m ‘Women Backing Women’ fund and Innovate UK’s Diverse Investor Partners Initiative.

The Inclusive Innovation Catalyst is now inviting participation from investors looking to co-invest

alongside WMCA and access highquality, diverse deal flow, and policymakers and corporate partners who want to shape and scale an inclusive innovation ecosystem.

Rupert Lyle said: “The West Midlands has world-class entrepreneurs, but too many face systemic barriers to accessing finance.

“With this venture studio, we’re creating a pipeline of ventures that investors can trust and communities can believe in. It’s the future of co-investment in action.”

Live spectacle: Brainiac

Thrilling line-up for B:Music B:Music, the Birmingham music charity responsible for Symphony Hall and Town Hall, has unveiled its 2025/26 winter programme.

November welcomes an exciting and varied line-up, from the world’s leading Pink Floyd tribute act, The Australian Pink Floyd, to Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues. The live music continues into December, with Gareth Malone and The Bootleg Beatles taking to the two famous stages. In January, audiences can look forward to the return of the legendary Drifters and the wit and warmth of Sue Perkins in her new show, The Eternal Shame of Sue Perkins.

Science’s thrilling and unpredictable live spectacle Brainiac Live is coming to Town Hall following its 2025 Olivier Award for Best Family Show.

Anton Lesser brings the magic of Dickens to life this winter in a dazzling performance of A Christmas Carol at Town Hall — the venue where Dickens first shared his “ghostly little story”.

Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers delights audiences on the big screen at Town Hall, accompanied by the brilliant live brass band sounds of the Cory Band in a fun-filled family event.

Jools Holland takes to the stage at Symphony Hall with special guests Imelda May, Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall, and Sumudu Jayatilaka. Alongside the virtuoso Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, he’ll perform hits spanning his remarkable career.

Also, Sir Simon Rattle returns home to Symphony Hall with his new orchestra.

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Fifth generation takes over at family business

By Jon Griffin James Price, new CEO at Lichfieldbased luxury cutlery and tableware firm Arthur Price, said: “This is a lifestyle, a passion. Every morning I can’t wait to get to work.

“I am very proud of what we do – this is a family-owned, fifth generation business and there’s not many like us out there.”

James has taken the CEO reins from his father Simon, who becomes chairman after a 43-year career which has seen the Staffordshire firm supply the likes of David Beckham’s wedding alongside blue-chip clients such as the Savoy, the Dorchester, Claridge’s, the Royal Family, Harrods, Cunard and many other famous names.

Now the Lichfield firm has entered a new chapter with James, the fifth generation Price across a 123-year timespan, at the helm – with the close personal backing of father Simon.

Simon said: “We have worldwide appeal – the most important things are service, quality and people. My role is to support James – I am still

“Every morning I can’t wait to get to work”: James Price

working on a daily basis but I am going to take it a little bit easier and allow James to flourish.

‘The most important things are service, quality and people’ “Nothing has really changed – it will work gradually. We have to have a close relationship to make it work and we have got that. We are very close as father and son.”

The historic firm, which supplies around 65 countries worldwide from the Middle East to India and Canada, is now targeting an export drive to boost overseas sales from its current level of around 20 per cent of its £6m turnover.

Meanwhile, the internet has enabled the firm’s product range to be showcased across the globe via cyberspace – and an admiring US customer recently splashed out £22,000 for a set of gold-plated cutlery, the firm’s second highest Internet sale.

James joined Arthur Price in 2012 after completing his university studies and gaining experience at a direct marketing agency. Beginning his Arthur Price apprenticeship aged 23, he worked across all departments, more recently managing the Sheffield factory and leading the hotel, catering and hospitality sales division.

Arthur Price started in Aston in 1902 using a small gas engine to cast nickel silver ingots because the site had no electricity. Innovation proved key to business development with the firm the first to use chromium plate, the forerunner to stainless steel.

Rome: New easyJet destination from Birmingham

Ciao bella! New route to Rome launched by easyJet easyJet is launching a new route from Birmingham to Rome in spring next year. The new route will take off from 5 March and will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Al Titterington, terminal operations director at Birmingham Airport, said: “We welcome the news that easyJet will be launching this new route from Birmingham to Rome next spring. Rome is a major European centre for finance, business, tourism and

culture, so it is great to have more capacity and choice on this route for our customers.”

Kevin Doyle, easyJet's UK country manager, said: “This month will also see the launch of our new route from Birmingham to Lanzarote for the winter season, highlighting our continued commitment to offering travellers in the Midlands with more choice, connectivity, and great value fares.”

• More business travel news – see pages 62 and 63

Strong half-year for law firm The corporate team of top ranking, award-winning West Midlands law firm Sydney Mitchell has reported strong corporate deals activity for the first half of 2025, with completed deals value totalling in excess of £20m.

The deals completed since January this year span a range of sectors including hospitality, leisure and retail, with specific transactions including for a UK holiday site operator, a national pub chain and a Vision Express store.

Team head and Sydney Mitchell Partner Roy Colaba said: “The team has had an extremely busy first half of 2025. This level of activity is set to maintain for the remainder of 2025. As such a new recruit for the corporate department is much needed.”

Benazir Mir has joined the firm as a solicitor within the corporate team.

She completed her training as a paralegal at Sydney Mitchell in 2021, and now returns from national firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys to once again support the firm’s corporate department.

“With the team already busy and new instructions on the horizon, Benazir is a great fit for the team, not only as we know her legal competence and ability from her previous time with us as a paralegal, but also as she now also has lots of hands-on experience to bring to the table as a newly qualified solicitor,” added Roy. Founded over 260 years ago and with offices in Birmingham and Solihull, Sydney Mitchell LLP’s specialist team portfolio covers employment, commercial property, company and commercial services, shareholder disputes, contract law, litigation, personal injury, insolvency, residential property, dispute resolution, immigration, wills and probate, tax and trusts, personal injury, as well as family and child law.

It is a Top Tier Legal 500 firm, Lexcel accredited, seventimes winner of the Birmingham Law Society Firm of the Year (5-15 partners) / Regional Law Firm, and won the Excellence in Professional Services award in the Nachural Signature Awards 2025 Birmingham.

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Sponsored by: Blue Light Wellbeing

Unemployment rises so does the pressure Navigating organisational change with a focus on compassion and wellbeing At Blue Light Wellbeing, I bring over 15 years’ experience as a former police detective, and now an accredited wellbeing coach and mental health specialist, to help organisations navigate change with empathy, insight and resilience.

I believe that when companies face major organisational transitions – whether restructuring, cultural shifts, or strategic pivots – it’s not enough to map out processes, logistics and KPIs. The emotional journey of employees matters profoundly.

Ignoring it risks resistance, burnout, and low morale.

My training and speaking workshops are built around understanding how the trauma, stress, and uncertainty of change affect your staff and teams, and how we can recognise and navigate this more efficiently. We explore tools that support the psychological safety of teams: open communication, adaptability intelligence, a change mindset, peer support, and emotional transition.

Through workshops customised

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When wellbeing is integrated into change management, organisations see stronger engagement, less absenteeism, more creativity, and a ‘can-do’ attitude to the changes ahead.

Change becomes a journey people can understand and take part in, rather than resist and fear.

If you want to ensure your next major change is navigated not just efficiently, but humanely and sustainably, then get in touch at hannah@bluelightwellbeing.uk to see how I can support you and your teams along the journey.

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The West Midlands continues to have the highest unemployment rate in the UK – as businesses face a range of “exorbitant” pressures.

In response to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) called on the Chancellor to use the Budget on 26 November as “an opportunity to ease cost pressures and help businesses attract, develop, and retain talent and skills”.

Although the West Midlands employment rate remained stable at 73.2 per cent during the June to August period, the unemployment rate rose to 6.2 per cent – the highest of any UK region.

Nationally, over the same period, employment declined by 0.2 per cent to 75.1 per cent, unemployment rose by 0.2 per cent to 4.8 per cent and economic inactivity remained unchanged at 21 per cent.

Compared to the same period last

Labour cost pressure: Emily Stubbs

year, employment in the West Midlands has declined by 0.6 per cent, while unemployment has climbed by 1.9 per cent.

Meanwhile, job vacancies across the UK continue to fall – decreasing by 9,000 (1.3 per cent) on the quarter.

Emily Stubbs, head of policy at the GBCC, said: “For a second consecutive month, the West Midlands has the highest unemployment rate in the country. And while the ONS caution against comparisons with volatile estimates throughout 2024, it appears unemployment in the region has risen sharply over the past year, at a rate well above the national average.

“Unfortunately, taken together with data from other regions across the UK, these figures are unlikely to encourage the Bank of England to cut interest rates further before the end of the year.

“We will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to understand why these challenges are being felt so strongly in our region and to provide support to local firms.

“At a national level, it is vital that the Chancellor uses the Autumn Budget as an opportunity to ease cost pressures.”

Firms not ready for a Budget battering The UK’s largest business sentiment survey before this year’s Budget on 26 November shows most firms remain bruised – and the message to the Chancellor is clear: No further tax rises on business.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey for Q3 has found confidence and investment remain at 2022 levels.

Less than half of responding firms (48 per cent) are expecting increased turnover in the next 12

Clear message: David Bharier

months, while 21 per cent expect a decrease. Meanwhile, only 21 per cent have increased investment and 25 per cent have scaled back plans.

The data also shows tax remains the biggest concern for businesses alongside increased worries over inflation. The survey was carried out by the BCC Insights Unit and the UK-wide Chamber network, with the fieldwork conducted between 18 August and 15 September.

David Bharier, head of research at the BCC, said: “Our survey shows many firms remain bruised and are not ready for another Budget battering. The research reveals no clear improvements to key indicators we track. For 12 months, SMEs have told us the same story: rising costs, weak investment, and little sense of relief on the horizon.

“Our message to the Chancellor is clear – no further tax rises on business. SMEs are calling for urgent action to tackle skills shortages, a bold push to boost exports, and more investment in infrastructure.

Without that, confidence could deteriorate further.”

Sharper fall in appointments The number of permanent staff appointments in the Midlands fell at a quicker rate at the end of the third quarter, according to the latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs.

The supply of candidates continued to rise markedly, though demand for permanent and shortterm staff diverged. While permanent vacancies fell sharply, Midlands-based recruiters recorded a slight increase in temp vacancies.

Kate Holt (pictured), people consulting partner at KPMG in the Midlands said: “Despite permanent hiring remaining underwhelming, the Midlands is holding up better than elsewhere.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

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BUSINESS NEWS ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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30 CHAMBERLINK November 2025

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BUSINESS NEWS

Project offers breath of fresh air A pioneering digital device developed by Birmingham City University (BCU) is helping families in Walsall monitor and improve indoor air quality – making a life-changing difference for children living with asthma.

The project, led by researchers from BCU’s School of the Built Environment, has created a virtual replica of a real-life home that uses live sensor data to track pollutant levels such as dust and carbon dioxide.

The system provides residents with easy-tounderstand alerts and tailored advice on how to improve air quality in real time.

One Walsall family has already seen the benefits. Julie, a mum whose 10-year-old daughter lives with asthma, volunteered her home for the project.

“Before the sensors were installed, I did think about the air quality in my home,” said Julie.

“But these sensors can show what needs doing to make it better. When you get an alert, you know that you can do things to prevent anything happening with the asthma.

“The researchers at BCU have helped me improve my life standards in the house and it would be great to keep the sensors so I can know more about air quality in the future.”

Currently, 7.2 million people in the UK have asthma – and the condition remains in the top 10

Improving indoor air quality (left to right): Professor Franco Cheung and Negin Khosh Amadi from BCU, Michelle Wiggin (Walsall Housing Group), Julie, BCU’s Dr Saeed Taleb

causes of emergency hospital admissions for children and young people. In the UK, we spend up to 90 per cent of our time indoors, but every year 3.2 million people across the world die prematurely from household air pollution.

“Indoor air quality affects us all, so it was very important for us to find a case study for this

digital twin where it was a real problem already,” said lead researcher, Negin Khosh Amadi.

“The advice they get will also be relevant to a particular activity, such as cooking or ventilation, so they can make small, simple changes to create a big impact.”

Milestone for air ambulance

Working together: Personnel from both charities bid to reduce food wastage

FareShare Midlands announces new merger to tackle food waste FareShare Midlands has announced a merger between the UK’s two largest food redistribution charities – FareShare and The Felix Project – in a fresh bid to tackle the scale of food waste and address the effects of food insecurity.

FareShare Midlands is one of FareShare’s 17 independent regional partners, including The Felix Project in London, working together with the food industry to rescue good-to-eat surplus food and get it to over 8,000 charities nationwide. In 2024/25, this network helped provide the equivalent of 148m meals.

This merger comes at a time of urgent need. Each year, the UK wastes 10.7 million tonnes of food, while 14 per cent of households live with food insecurity.

With demand rising and eight in 10 charities fearing they cannot keep up, combining forces now will support rescuing more food and cutting more waste.

FareShare and The Felix Project are uniting to form a bigger and more ambitious organisation with greater national impact. By combining FareShare’s 30 years of nationwide reach and strategic partnerships with Felix’s innovation and London expertise, they will be able to pool resources, create more collaborative and efficient ways of working and be part of a stronger, joined-up solution to tackling food waste across the UK. The merger will also give the two charities a stronger voice when it comes to campaigning and influencing national policy on food waste.

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has reached a major milestone by completing its 80,000th mission – more than any other air ambulance charity in the UK. Covering Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, the West Midlands, and Worcestershire, the charity operates three air ambulance helicopters and a fleet of critical care cars, providing rapid pre-hospital emergency care to those most in need.

The charity’s 80,000th mission was to a male from the West Midlands who had sustained a traumatic leg injury while at work.

Rob Davies, patient liaison lead and critical care paramedic for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Reaching our 75,000th mission in February last year was a major milestone, and surpassing 80,000 so soon highlights the demand for our service.

“Our capabilities have come a long way since that very first mission. With continued investment and unwavering support, we now operate 24/7 delivering hospital-level care directly at the scene of a medical emergency.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

Sleep your way to the Highlands New link arrives as Birmingham services get high praise From January the Caledonian Sleeper train link to the Scottish Highlands is opening in the Midlands at a time when other rail services in Birmingham are receiving welcome accolades.

The move by the Caledonian Sleeper to call at Birmingham International opens direct, convenient access for Birmingham residents to the Scottish Highlands.

In the most significant change to its timetable in over three decades, tickets for the new service are now available with the inaugural departure from Birmingham International scheduled for the evening of 15 January, 2026.

This new service will connect Birmingham directly with Aberdeen, Fort William, and Inverness.

Graham Kelly, interim managing director at Caledonian Sleeper, said: “This historic timetable update marks a significant milestone in our mission to further boost sustainable cross-border travel options.

“Birmingham is the latest city set to benefit from our high-quality overnight train service as residents will be able to drift off in the West Midlands in their own private room and wake up to beautiful views of the Scottish Highlands.

“Similarly, we believe our new route will be incredibly popular with leisure tourists from Scotland given the wide range of sights and attractions in Birmingham and across the West Midlands to be discovered.”

West Midlands mayor Richard Parker said: “This iconic service means people from across the West Midlands will soon be able to travel comfortably and sustainably to discover the stunning beauty of northern Scotland.

“But this also means our Scottish friends can come and explore the wonderful West Midlands.

That’s a win-win for our tourism and hospitality businesses on both sides of the border.”

Caledonian sleeper hosts: Kayleigh Sneddon and Kris Angus

Rise in happy travellers A West Midlands Railway (WMR) train fleet has carried more than 12 million passengers since completing its rollout on a popular Birmingham route a year ago.

Passengers on the Cross City Line, which connects Lichfield to Bromsgrove and Redditch via Birmingham, first boarded the new Class 730/0 electric train fleet in March 2024, with the full rollout officially completed in September 2024.

In their first year, the new trains have proved popular with commuters and leisure travellers alike with more than a million journeys made every month. WMR reported a 19 per cent rise in customer satisfaction on the route since they entered service.

The rollout of the new fleet was recognised at the National Rail Awards ceremony, where it won Fleet Achievement of the Year.

Jonny Wiseman, WMR customer experience director, said: “This new fleet is the flagship for our £bn investment into new trains and infrastructure. We want to provide the best possible passenger experience, and we are so pleased that the Class 730/0s are making such a positive impact on customer satisfaction already.”

All aboard: New electric train used on the cross-city line

Meanwhile, West Midlands Metro has earned an international award for its unwavering commitment to delivering wide-ranging improvements. The tram operator was recognised as The Most Improved System at the Global Light Rail Awards gala event in London.

Sophie Allison, Metro managing director, said: “This recognition from our peers is particularly timely as we prepare for the opening of the Birmingham Eastside and Black Country extensions, and our customers can look forward to even further improvements in the months and years to come.”

• For more travel news turn to pages 62 and 63.

...and bus services get in on the act too

Bus friendly: Priority on cross-city routes

32 CHAMBERLINK November 2025

New bus gates and lanes being installed across the Birmingham and the Black Country are set to slash journey times for passengers.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has now appointed a new contractor so work can start on three new bus priority routes as part of the Cross-City bus programme.

The routes, which are being delivered in partnership with local councils, will see a raft of measures installed on key routes so that buses can bypass traffic jams.

Bus journeys were up to 22 per cent faster following the installation of similar priority measures including bus lanes and junction upgrades on the A34 and A45 in Birmingham.

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BUSINESS NEWS ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Collaboration and productivity guaranteed at Shire House Lichfield-based Shire House’s co-working space is going from strength to strength and is quickly earning itself a reputation for being the inspiring home for start-ups, solopreneurs, and small teams ready to grow their ideas.

In this distinctive and contemporary building on Birmingham Road, desks can be booked by the day or the month, with free hot and cold refreshments, tasty snacks, and super-fast WiFi to keep guests connected and hydrated throughout the day.

But Shire House offers more than just a desk, it’s a hub for collaboration says operations manager Amanda Watson.

“Coworking brings people together from different industries and backgrounds, creating a superb environment for learning, networking, and innovation.

“I’ve seen first-hand that it’s where chance conversations over coffee can lead to new clients, partnerships and creative breakthroughs.

“For many though, the benefits go beyond business. Working alongside others can boost motivation, help beat the isolation of home working, and bring a renewed sense of belonging to the day.

“One of our regular coworkers even said he was so fed up of his own home office, he had to escape, and he hasn’t looked back since.”

With stylish shared spaces, private meeting rooms, telephone booths and a welcoming

atmosphere, Shire House blends productivity with community.

To book your coworking desk please visit shirehouse.uk

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CHAMBER PATRONS

Chamber Patrons Greater Birmingham Chambers’ leading supporters

Contact: Raj Kandola T: 07815 952462

Impact report reveals scope of dedication Bishop Fleming has underlined its commitment to responsible business practices in its fourth annual Impact Report.

The report underscores the firm’s ongoing commitment to fostering a sustainable growth strategy. It highlights key achievements, reflects on areas for growth, and outlines future goals across four core areas: business, people, communities, and environment.

These milestones not only reflect Bishop Fleming’s steadfast dedication to responsible business, but they also set the stage for further innovation and broader impact in the years ahead.

By embedding sustainability and community engagement within its operational strategy, the firm continues to inspire confidence among clients, partners, and employees alike.

Fleur Lewis (pictured), partner and responsible business lead, said: “Responsible business is not an add-on for us – it’s woven into our daily culture and shapes how we approach our ambitions, values, and decision-making. The depth and detail in our report clearly show just how embedded

responsible business practices have become within our organisation, a testament to the enthusiasm and commitment of our people.”

In line with its commitment to responsible business, Bishop Fleming is an active Business in the Community (BITC) member, the largest and longest-established business-led membership organisation dedicated to responsible business practices.

The firm uses BITC’s responsible business framework to implement actions that contribute to the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Andrew Sandiford, CEO and managing partner, said: “Through our Better Growth strategy, we are committed to sustainable growth and delivering ‘better’ in all aspects of our business.

“We look forward to working with all our stakeholders to strengthen our commitment in this area.”

Tackling Birmingham’s health inequalities: Aston University

MoU shows commitment to partnership Aston University and Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together in a variety of areas including staff training, research and public engagement.

The MoU was signed by Professor Aleks Subic, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Aston University, Professor David Sallah, chair of BCHC, and Richard Kirby, chief executive of BCHC. Also present were Professor Anthony Hilton, executive dean and pro-vice-chancellor, and Professor Chris Langley, deputy dean 34 CHAMBERLINK November 2025

(engagement and development) from the College of Health and Life Sciences at Aston University.

Aston University and BCHC have been working together for a number of years and have collaborated on several projects. The MoU reflects a desire to formalise the deepening relationship and a shared commitment to joint activities.

Under the terms of the MoU, Aston University and BCHC agree to work together in four areas – staff and resources; teaching, apprenticeships

and placements; research and innovation; and public engagement.

For staff and resources, Aston and BCHC have pledged to develop the community workforce of the future, and to invest in shared posts that support closer links between academia, education and healthcare provision.

Aston and BCHC will also develop research and innovation projects that generate income and will offer mutual support, including in ethics and project evaluation. They will jointly develop and foster cutting-edge healthcare solutions.

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CHAMBER PATRONS

Universities join forces to pilot jobs scheme Major universities in Birmingham have united to design a pilot scheme to match graduates with potential employment opportunities.

The partnership has been formed with Birmingham City University, the University of Birmingham, University College Birmingham and Aston University.

Together, they will design and pilot a collaborative partnership delivery model with other regional players to support graduates’ long-term employment outcomes whilst simplifying how employers engage with higher education.

‘Employers can also benefit from ongoing wraparound support provided to the graduate’ In the ISE Student Recruitment Survey 2023, more than half of employers reported difficulty recruiting to at least one of their graduate roles.

In technical and numerate disciplines, employers report particular difficulties in finding graduates with the right skills to match their business-need.

The same survey found that on average, employers received 140 applications per graduate job vacancy.

That’s up 59 per cent compared to the previous year. In the same period, there were around 1.2 million applications submitted for just under 17,000 graduate vacancies.

Through funds provided by Birmingham City Council Enterprise Zone, the Higher Level Skills Match Plus (Plus) service provides a free end-to-end graduate recruitment and retention service to employers in Birmingham.

Employers that join the service are appointed a personal account manager. The Plus team takes care of advertising, shortlisting, preparing candidates and providing feedback. Employers can also benefit from ongoing wraparound support provided to the graduate after they are hired to increase their chances of retention and eventual progression.

When graduates join, they work with a personal Graduate Consultant to carry out a skills assessment and initial careers appointment. They then have access to a range of careers advice and guidance including 12-1’s, workshops, webinars and job fairs to prepare them for graduate level employment.

Ambulance team gets new SUVs Multifleet Vehicle Management has delivered two electric SUV vehicles as part of its expanding service for St John Ambulance Service in Wales.

Multifleet, which trades as runyourfleet and is based in Solihull Business Park, has provided the pair of Kia Niro SUVs on contract hire for use in a community project run by St John Ambulance Cymru.

The new vehicles come at the same time as runyourfleet’s contract with St John has developed to the top level of fleet management, which means managing all aspects of the organisation’s fleet of 85plus vehicles. The outsourced fleet management with St John now included regular servicing, MoTs, the checking of driving licences and registration documents, leasing and short-term rental.

...as speed-dating breaks down barriers Birmingham City University (BCU) has used a speed-dating style networking format to break down barriers and build career pathways for Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) from Global Majority backgrounds – connecting them directly with employers from across the West Midlands.

Held at The Old Library in Digbeth, The Talent XChange paired 16 PGRs with 17 employer representatives for a series of timed, one-to-one conversations, followed by interactive panel discussions.

The aim was to spark meaningful connections and showcase the value of research talent outside traditional academic settings.

The event forms part of BCU’s groundbreaking project, That’s Me!, which is tackling the underrepresentation of Global Majority students in postgraduate research in collaboration with the University of Wolverhampton.

The project is linked to a national initiative aimed at widening participation and removing barriers in research pathways.

PGR Shameela Yoosuf Ali said: “When I joined BCU, I was worried I wouldn’t be heard as someone from a Global Majority background.

“I quickly realised there were lots of people like me, but That’s Me! has shown me that my voice matters and that my research has value beyond academia.

Connecting with employers: Speed dating in operation

“I’m now more confident, more connected, and actively shaping programmes for other researchers like me.”

BCU alumna Sheila Chingono is now a government lawyer and Magistrate.

She attended the event on behalf of the magistracy and civil service, stressing the value of creating spaces where researchers can speak directly to decision-makers.

She said: “I’ve had so much fun listening to their stories.

“They’re doing incredible work that has value outside of academia, especially in shaping government policy. It would be great to see more employers here as events like this show how we can encourage the right people to join the right field after their research.”

Despite Global Majority students making up more than 25 per cent of UK undergraduates, only around 1 in 5 go on to postgraduate research – often due to a lack of visibility, funding, and clear career

routes beyond academia.

Dr Kamaira Jones, employer engagement officer for That’s Me!, says the Talent XChange is helping to challenge those norms.

She said: “Throughout this project, we’ve noticed a recurring theme that career options and pathways were unclear. Global Majority PGRs can also face barriers such as funding and sponsorship, so events like this can make them more informed while showing employers how valuable a PGR can be.”

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1813 CLUB AND PREMIER MEMBERS

1813 Club and Premier Members

Premier Membership Contact: Gary Birch T: 07971 144059

Greater Birmingham’s leading companies

Relocation for building consultancy Space Building Consultancy has announced its relocation to a Grade II listed building at 50–54 St Paul’s Square in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter.

The move marks the next chapter in the firm’s growth and underlines its commitment to designled, client-focused building consultancy.

The firm was previously based at the Custard Factory in Digbeth. It supported the firm’s early expansion and creative ethos, but growing client demand and a refreshed brand identity prompted the search for a landmark city-centre address.

Toby Bowser, managing director at Space Building Consultancy, said: “We loved every minute at the Custard Factory – it embodied our forward-thinking spirit.

“Now, 50–54 St Paul’s Square offers us an equally inspiring setting with even greater visibility and connectivity to our clients and our projects.”

Space Building Consultancy officially rebranded from Space Building Surveyors in July, reflecting an expanded service offering and a sharper strategic vision.

The move to 50–54 St Paul’s Square dovetails with this rebrand.

Award win for Eastside Rooms The Eastside Rooms have been awarded Gold in Best Venue at the Memcom Excellence Awards 2025, celebrating leading organisations and partners across the associations and membership sector.

The Best Venue category spotlights sustainability, innovation, state of the art facilities, and phenomenal customer service, all delivered with the needs of membership bodies in mind.

Tim Sparrow, general manager at The Eastside Rooms, said: “We set out to build a venue that truly serves our clients, with technology that works, food that fuels great conversations, and an experience that is inclusive and sustainable.

“This award is recognition of that purpose, delivered by brilliant people.”

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Perfect stage (left to right): Stephen Seeney, Kerrie Bisla, Toby Bowser and Will Purvis of Space Building Consultancy Ltd

Will Purvis, director at Space Building Consultancy, said: “Our new office is a tangible product of the business’s evolution.

“The high-quality office accommodation and the superb surroundings of St Paul’s Square close

to Birmingham’s business district aligns with our renewed focus on delivering high-quality, business-to-business consultancy.”

St Paul’s Square is the last remaining Georgian square in Birmingham.

Lead schools announced to promote benefits of music Ten city schools have been named to further improve the benefits of learning and playing music for young people in Birmingham.

Each of the schools will support others across the city to develop their music curriculum and wider music offer.

The announcement follows the appointment of Services for Education as a Music Hub Lead organisation for Birmingham.

The charity is also part of the National Plan for Music to provide high-quality music education for all children and young people through investment in musical activities, equipment and teacher training.

The appointment of the ten schools reflects each school’s exceptional track record in music education, strong leadership, and commitment to ensuring access to high-quality and inclusive music education for all students both in

Banging the steel drum for music

terms of their curriculum and cocurricular offer.

Richard Mabbott, head of music service at Services for Education, said: “We are delighted to be working with such passionate and

experienced schools. Their leadership will help ensure that every young person, regardless of background, can discover and nurture their musical talent and have access to high-quality music education.”

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1813 CLUB AND PREMIER MEMBERS Full reopening planned for 2031: Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

IN BRIEF

Birmingham Museums receive Renewal Fund Birmingham Museums are to receive £995,000 from a government fund to support museums most at risk from acute financial pressures caused by rising operating costs and loss of funding from local authorities.

The £20m Museum Renewal Fund was announced by Lisa Nandy, secretary of state for culture, media and sport earlier this year.

It is an urgent intervention targeted at museums owned or directly maintained by local authority funding or with a governance link to a local authority, to safeguard the vital community engagement and impact which public access to museums enables.

The money awarded to Birmingham Museums will fund

Acquisition of shades supplier Weightmans has advised the shareholders of specialty shading systems provider, Guthrie Douglas, on the sale of a majority stake in the business to USheadquartered manufacturer Draper, Inc. Founded in 1981 in Warwickshire, Guthrie Douglas is a family business and a team of specialist engineers focused on creating specialty shading systems for extraordinary spaces.

The Guthrie Douglas product range is known globally as the marketleading, reliable solution for shading technically challenging windows.

Following completion, Guthrie Douglas will continue to operate independently under the leadership of managing director Andrew Kitching.

various income generating and audience engagement initiatives including seven-day opening at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, marketing, support for fundraising activity and further work with its citizens’ jury, which presented a set of recommendations to help inform Birmingham Museums’ transformation strategy earlier this year.

‘The civic museum sector requires a sustained, long-term financial strategy’ The funding period is for the financial year 2025-26, with all funds to be committed/spent by 31 January, 2026.

Sara Waid and Zak Mensah, cochief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “We are very grateful for this much-needed financial assistance from the fund, which will enable us to reduce the trust’s financial shortfall and fund activities to generate income.

“But while the funding will make a real difference in the short term, it must be spent by the end of January next year, which underlines how temporary this support is.

“We need this to be just the start: the civic museum sector requires a sustained, long-term financial strategy so that we can plan ahead confidently, serve our communities fully and ensure that these institutions of such vital cultural importance are resilient into the future.”

Partners (left to right): Jenny Hodgkiss, Adam Brearley and Jude Thompson

IT firm partners with football club IT services provider CSCM is now the official Cloud and technology partner of Walsall Football Club, bringing together organisations that share values of teamwork, dedication and community support.

As part of the collaboration, the club’s corporate hospitality suite has been renamed the CSCM Suite.

Founded over 20 years ago by managing director Jude Thompson, CSCM has always been committed to helping businesses make the most of the latest technology.

Jude said: “As a technology company deeply committed to fostering excellence in sports, we take pride in supporting a wide array of sporting organisations.”

Freeths has advised Zestec Renewable Energy (Zestec) on the development of a 1.2MW solar carport scheme at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort.

The scheme will shade and protect cars for customers and employees, while generating over 1.1 million kWh of clean energy annually. The power generated from the solar carports will be used to power on-site facilities, such as the new Woodland Village, LEGOLAND Windsor’s first operationally carbon-neutral accommodation, which has been recognised as carbon neutral by the Carbon Trust.

Commercial insurance brokers Konsileo won Best Insurance Employer (SME) at the British Insurance Awards.

This is the fifth time the Birmingham Chamber members have won the award and the sixth time they have been nominated.

John Warburton, co-founder of Konsileo, said: “The award represents so much, because our employment proposition is our business strategy. Our workplace is built on support, trust, and enabling true collaboration, wholeness, and growth.”

Two experts in the built environment space have merged. Baily Garner and 4i Solutions say they share significant cultural alignment – and have previously collaborated to deliver successful projects for mutual clients.

Now, these complementary services have been brought together to provide an end-toend, people-focused and collaborative asset management and project delivery solution – all through a single organisation.

SUEZ recycling and recovery UK has launched its new Hello Neighbour campaign, helping businesses in Birmingham and Solihull to switch services with confidence.

The campaign is designed to take the hassle out of switching waste and recycling providers.

The initiative comes after many local companies back SUEZ for cost-effective, reliable collections and services that can be tailored to their business needs.

November 2025 CHAMBERLINK 37

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE

International Trade

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

Paint specialists welcome TODO Product development and customer support were hot topics for discussion when Japanese distributor TODO International Inc visited Birmingham-based Indestructible Paint Ltd. Indestructible Paint’s research chemists are pioneering development of more environmentally sustainable, chrome-free coatings for demanding applications in the aerospace industry. TODO is the company’s long-established distributor in the Japanese market, where there is a growing need for products that are sustainable without compromising on performance.

Indestructible Paint’s ongoing research and development work on chrome-free coatings is preparing for proposed changes to REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) legislation in the UK and EU. Most recently, it has introduced chrome-free primers,

sacrificial coatings (CFIpcote) and diffusion coatings (CFIPAL).

‘Visits like TODO’s are very important in helping us stay close to overseas distributors’ While the transition to chromefree products is essential, it will be gradual as users in the aerospace and industrial turbines industries subject them to stringent testing in their particular applications.

Indestructible Paint and TODO are giving customers in the Far East essential support during this transition by continuing to offer the current chrome-containing base and seal coatings for necessary operations while they complete their own testing and compliance checks.

John Bourke, global sales manager at Indestructible Paint, said: “We’re committed to

Guide launched to assist international remote workers A new series of guides has been published to detail the intricacies of International Remote Working legal and tax compliance in 18 of the world’s major economies.

It has been launched by CELIA Alliance, of which law firm Abbiss Cadres LLP is a founding member. The guide focuses on a specific country, outlining the risks of International Remote Working in each of Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China and Hong Kong, Colombia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

It follows the need for more employees to travel overseas, allowing them to work flexibly and get more fulfilment from their lives and careers. The guides cover the significant compliance risks employers can face when employees are working for both short periods (fewer than six months) and longer durations. These categories include income tax filing, tax and social security withholding, immigration, health and safety, employment protection and share plans and pensions.

Also included is CELIA Alliance’s useful International Remote Working Explainer, which provides a straightforward technical and practical context to ensure you have a strong understanding of what can be a complex compliance framework.

38 CHAMBERLINK November 2025

Japanese visitors (left to right): John Bourke (Indestructible Paint Ltd), Hiroshi Ito (TODO) Dan Allum (Indestructible Paint), Toshi Hamai (TODO), Rohit Soti (Indestructible Paint), Genki Sugiura (TODO), Paul Holder and Harish Mistry (Indestructible Paint)

developing sustainable products and tailoring these to local regulatory requirements and to customers’ needs.

“Visits like TODO’s are very important in helping us stay close to overseas distributors and make sure we can support their customers.”

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Global Chamber Patrons

Chambers partner up to offer exporting help Three Chambers of Commerce have linked up with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to offer free support to companies preparing to start or grow their exports.

Exporting Starts Here is a pathway to global growth – offering fully-funded export support for SMEs and ambitious companies across the region.

Supported by the WMCA through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the programme is driven by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Black Country Chamber of Commerce.

This local programme puts expert export advice and tools at the fingertips of all firms, no matter their starting point.

The GBCC points out that exporting isn’t just for large companies or physical products – it’s a proven way for businesses of all shapes and sectors to unlock new opportunities, spark innovation, and future-proof growth.

Service-based industries like technology, creative, consulting, and finance are thriving abroad – with lower costs, increased scalability, and new market access.

Uni welcomes Malaysian guests Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce gave a “great insight” into benefits of international business when they entertained a delegation of Malaysian business leaders.

The visitors were in the UK as guests of Aston University, in collaboration with the Aston University Alumni Association of Malaysia and the Women Leadership Foundation, and they undertook an extensive leadership programme called “Unlocking Future Proof Leaders”.

Datuk Hafsah Hashim, chairperson of the Women Leadership Foundation, said: “The visit provided the delegates with the opportunity to understand how global perspectives form a core part of the local government agenda.”

Exporting Starts Here brings together practical, locally focused support designed to solve real-world export challenges: • 1:1 Expert Advice: Tailored support from experienced export advisers guiding businesses every step of the way - from international strategy and market selection to export documentation, compliance, and legalities.

• Workshops and Training: Sessions on customs, rules of origin, e-commerce, trade agreements, and sector trends to equip you for successful expansion.

• Industry Focus: Dedicated help for highgrowth fields including aerospace, automotive, health tech, logistics, professional services, and online businesses.

Richard Parker (pictured), mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Exporting Starts Here gives businesses targeted support to open new doors, secure customers overseas, and build long-term resilience.”

Simpex simplifies Regime 42 Chamber 1813 member Simpex Express shares the latest news about the amount of mixed information about Regime 42 and what it means for UK exporters from 1 January, 2026.

Some reports suggest the procedure is ending, but this is not the case. Previously, UK exporters could act as the importer of record in the EU using a VAT number and a fiscal representative. However, following several fraud cases and non-compliant use, the EU is making some changes, putting emphasis on the importer needing to be directly in the EU. This comes into effect on 1 January 2026. For those that were exporting using a fiscal representative, they have two options in order to maintain using Regime 42: 1. Change from DDP (delivered duty paid) to DAP (delivered at place).

Obtain a signed Power of Attorney (POA) from the EU importer

Get in touch: Simpex Express

authorising a French agent (such as Samphire Cargo) to use Regime 42 to process their customs declaration.

2. Obtain their own EU VAT number – this keeps Regime 42 available through a fiscal representative, but only with “Indirect Representation”.

This comes with added costs, admin, and risk. With in-group customs teams on both sides of the Channel, Simpex can help firms

adapt quickly to the changes, avoid costly delays, and ensure supply chains remain compliant as the new rules take effect.

With in-group customs teams in both the UK and France, Simpex Express and Samphire Cargo say they are well placed to help exporters adjust smoothly and ensure supply chains remain compliant as the rule changes take effect.

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

Accounting firm to sponsor ABCC’s overall winner award British accounting firm EY will sponsor the overall winner’s award during the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce Awards 2025.

The awards night, at The National Conference Centre on 27 November, is set to welcome over 350 delegates with 10 awards being handed out.

EY’s core purpose is building a better working world. With a global team of 400,000 professionals, EY delivers high-quality services that foster trust in financial markets and economies.

The firm supports clients across sectors through its four integrated service lines – Assurance, Consulting, Strategy and Transactions, and Tax – helping them seize opportunities, manage risks, and achieve responsible growth.

Its work spans guiding governments, supporting digital innovation, and advancing healthcare through data analytics.

Recently, EY launched EY.ai, a unified platform for artificial intelligence innovation,

Commitment: Adrian Roberts

aimed at helping clients harness AI effectively while promoting transparency and trust in its use.

Adrian Roberts, EY midlands managing partner, said: “We are proud to sponsor the

‘Business of the Year’ award at the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce in Birmingham.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting the region’s vibrant business community and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit that drives growth and innovation.

“Birmingham stands as one of the UK’s leading cities for enterprise, diversity, and opportunity – and we believe that recognising excellence here not only uplifts individual organisations but strengthens the community.

“As a firm dedicated to shaping the future with confidence, we are honoured to stand alongside the ABCC in championing the businesses that make Birmingham thrive.”

Tickets for the awards are priced at £120 plus VAT per person or £1,200 plus VAT for a table of 10. Platinum tables, priced at £1,500 plus VAT, include prime location and a platinum menu.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact ABCC director Anjum Khan on a.kham@birmingham-chamber.com

Offa crowned at Islam Channel Business Awards The UK’s leading Islamic property finance fintech has won the Financial Services Business of the Year award at the Islam Channel Business Awards 2025.

Offa took home the award, which took place at the Hilton London Metropole.

The event was attended by major industry players, dignitaries and global business leaders, along with and a panel of judges led by Sir Iqbal Sacranie OBE, founding Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain.

During the event, Husam Zomlot, Palestine's ambassador to the UK, celebrated the ceasefire between Israel and Palestine.

Accepting the award, Sagheer Malik, Offa’s chief commercial officer and managing director of Home Finance, said: “First of all, I thank Allah SWT for this honour.

“Winning this award is a testament to the incredible team I have the privilege of working with every single day.

“At Offa we set out to make Islamic finance faster, fairer and more ethical.

“As the first Islamic property finance delivering fast decisions and service that rivals even conventional banks, I think this recognition shows that we are on the right path.

“When Sultan Choudhury OBE, Amir Firdaus and I took on Offa, our intention was simple – to breathe new life into a stale Islamic property finance industry and build something that Muslims could truly be proud of.

40 CHAMBERLINK November 2025

Winning team: Offa colleagues receive the award at the Hilton London Metropole

“We wanted Offa to be an aspirational company that embodies excellence, ethics and innovation, showing that Islamic finance can stand shoulder to shoulder with, and even inspire, the conventional market.

“This recognition is a reflection of our incredible team who have poured their hearts into making Islamic property finance faster, fairer, and genuinely world-class.”

Offa, the first company to launch Sharia-compliant bridge finance in the UK, recently launched an innovative bridge-to-let finance service combining its ultra-fast bridge product with its modern, paperless BTL. The company also recently purchased Bank of Ireland’s Alburaq Shariacompliant home finance portfolio in a landmark deal, and announced it had received Financial Conduct Authority authorisation to provide upcoming Islamic home purchase plans.

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ABCC PREMIER+ PARTNERS

ABCC Patrons

Diwali celebration lights a spark The Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) celebrated Diwali, where prominent business leaders talked about the spark that started their careers.

The event, held at Birmingham City Football Club, was sponsored

by Barclays Bank.

Diwali – the festival of light – celebrates the victory of good over evil and light over darkness and is a time of year when families, friends and communities come together in a spirit of celebration and joy. It is an important celebration among Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.

Keeping up with the Diwali spirit of happiness and light, the event also featured sitar music and diya (lamp) painting.

The event was hosted by ABCC committee member Sartaj Gill and guests were welcomed by newly elected president Mona Ghai.

Pictured from left to right: Sartaj Gill, Dr Rupa Parmar, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) president Nasir Awan, GBCC acting deputy CEO Raj Kandola, Monica Ghai, GBCC CFO Helen Bates, Jigna Varu, sitar artist Gurdeep Singh Dhami, and Sunil Kumar Mahay

Monica said: “This festival holds deep meaning for millions around the world, and yet, its message transcends all boundaries of culture, religion, or geography.

“It reminds us that even the smallest flame can dispel the deepest shadow, a beautiful metaphor, not only for our personal lives but also for our professional

journeys. In the world of business, we too encounter darkness through uncertainty, challenges, and setbacks.

“But Diwali teaches us that with perseverance, unity, and the courage to innovate, we can bring light to those moments.”

The panel of speakers included Jigna Varu, founder & CEO of VARU Beauty; Dr Rupa Parmar, Private GP and medical director of Midland Health; and Sunil Kumar Mahay, director and solicitor of Vasu Legal.

Jigna Varu spoke about the importance of Diwali in a business perspective. She said: “Diwali is about Lord Ram defeating the demon Ravan — but at its heart, it’s really about love.

“In business too, we all face our own demons, but if we approach them with love and compassion, we can overcome them. That’s what keeps me going.”

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CANNOCK CHASE CHASE CHAMBER PATRONS

Contact: Richard Brooks T: 07796 242029

IN BRIEF Enoch Evans continues to be included in the 2026 edition of The Legal 500, the prestigious guide to the world’s best law firms and practitioners.

The firm, which has a base in Cannock, has been recognised for its excellence in Commercial Litigation, Corporate & Commercial and, for the first year of submission their Personal Tax, Trusts & Probate team.

Managing director Stephen Nixon said: “We are delighted to be ranked once again in The Legal 500, and particularly delighted that our personal tax, trusts and probate team have been ranked this year in their first year of submitting.

“This recognition is a testament to the expertise, hard work, and dedication of our teams across all of our locations.

“Above all, it reflects the trust and confidence that our clients place in us every day. We remain committed to growing our presence in the West Midlands and continuing to deliver the best possible results for those we serve.”

Enoch Evans Solicitors have also announced the addition of Andrew Martin as a new senior solicitor to their corporate and commercial team.

With a decade of experience, Andrew Martin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the firm. This appointment is part of Enoch Evans Solicitors’ ongoing strategy for growth.

Guiding growth: The panel at their inaugural meeting

Local leaders unite to shape the economy Business leaders have created the Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel as an initiative launched

by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) to guide local economic growth throughout the process of devolution and local government reorganisation.

With Staffordshire on the verge of significant local government change, the panel has been formed to ensure that the voice of business is central to shaping future policy and investment priorities.

The first roundtable, hosted by M6toll, brought together representatives from a broad range of industries including retail and hospitality, logistics and infrastructure, and professional

services to identify the key opportunities and challenges facing companies across the county.

Representatives from Burton and District, Cannock Chase, and Lichfield & Tamworth Chambers of Commerce attended the roundtable and contributed the insight of SMEs across the region. Discussions at the first panel meeting focused on connectivity, apprenticeships, planning, and tourism.

Jonathan Roberts, CFO at M6toll and chair of the panel, said: “It was a highly productive session, with plenty of ideas debated and a real passion for unlocking opportunities in the region on display.”

Toll operator wins major operations management award M6toll’s dedication to operational brilliance and innovation was recognised with an award win.

The toll operator won the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK (CILT UK) Annual Awards for Excellence 2025, securing the accolade for operations management.

The 32nd annual awards were held at the Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire, following CILT(UK)’s annual conference.

The event brought together leading voices from across the logistics, transport, and supply chain sectors.

Jonathan Roberts, CFO of M6toll, said: “M6toll is best for business – there are so many reasons to choose our route.

“More fleet operators across the UK rely on us to keep their businesses moving.

“We offer reduced operating costs, fewer accidents, and more accurate planning, giving companies that competitive edge.”

42 CHAMBERLINK November 2025

Dedicated (left to right): Shaun Fardy (director of professional development and standards at CILT), Sarah Gourlay (senior account manager at M6toll) and Jonathan Roberts (CFO at M6toll)

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BURTON & DISTRICT BURTON & DISTRICT CHAMBER PATRONS

Contact: Richard Brooks T: 07796 242029

Firms vie for success at Celebratory Lunch A high impact shortlist has been announced for the Burton Celebratory Lunch – the annual recognition of regional businesses and young professionals in Burton.

It will take place at The Branston Golf & Country Club on 24 November. The headline sponsors are Momentum Training Solutions and Sefton & Associates.

The award applications were judged by a panel of three, including Pi-Kem director Fiona Rouse, Amanda Mitchell from Amanda Mitchell Aesthetics Clinic, and Neil Betts from Go True North.

Burton & District Young Professional of the Year – Sponsored by Hardy Signs Lakhvir Singh from Nelsons Solicitors Limited Sophie Allen from Serrano Media Tom Drysdale from Burton Radio

Burton & District president Richard Wileman (pictured) will present the Burton President’s award to an individual who has gone above and beyond in championing the locality. The award will be sponsored by Astle Paterson Solicitors.

Richard Brooks, head of Burton & District and Cannock Chase Chambers of Commerce, said: “Each business and individual on this shortlist has shown The shortlist includes: exceptional vision, dedication, and Burton & District Start-up Business of the impact within the Burton business Year – Sponsored by Sallara Marketing Ltd community and beyond.

Chef Lucas Catering Services Ltd “We’re grateful to our Rob Page Wealth management Ltd judging panel whose deep The Hangry Burger expertise and impartial Burton & District Business of the guidance ensured Year – Sponsored by BCRS every nomination was Business Loans reviewed with care Claire Reeves Coaching Ltd (t/a and professionalism.

Claire Coaching and Consulting) “This event IT Help Desk Burton Ltd promises to be both MIH Group uplifting and President’s Award: Richard Wileman Scorpion Production Group unforgettable.”

Opportunities for volunteering in Kenya The Footprints Charity is calling for businesses in the region to volunteer and be a part of a thriving community that supports over 160 children and families in Kenya.

The charity was founded by Kerry Watson from Burton – driven by a personal journey of adoption and a passion to give vulnerable children in Kenya the chance of a brighter future.

Today, Footprints Kenya is a thriving centre that provides education, healthcare, and food support to over 160 children and community families. Volunteers can join Footprints Kenya for 10 days to three weeks, with a programme designed to both utilise their professional skill sets and take them out of their comfort zones.

Kerry said: “The most common feedback we hear is that it’s life-changing. Staff come back with a new perspective and stronger teamwork skills.”

To explore how businesses can get involved visit footprintsfamily.com

SOCOTEC secures water quality contract SOCOTEC UK and Ireland, leading provider of testing, inspection and certification services has announced its largest water quality monitoring contract with Yorkshire Water, totalling tens of millions of pounds.

The strategic partnership sees the Burton Chamber patrons deliver comprehensive water quality monitoring services, of the receiving water upstream and downstream of their assets.

Covering an initial seven-year period, with potential for a three-year extension, for Yorkshire Water, it is the first contract of its kind to be awarded to any company under Section 82 of the Environment Act 2021.

Led by commercial manager, James Teale, and business unit director Isabell Holling, the project is a major milestone for SOCOTEC within the environmental monitoring sector. The move aligns with SOCOTEC’s strategic growth strategy, as well as helping Yorkshire Water fulfil its Section 82 legal requirements, increasing the transparency around water quality data through its publication in real time by 2030.

Isabell said: “I am thrilled we have been selected as the supplier for such a monumental contract. We are now looking forward to enabling Yorkshire Water to meet their Continuous Water Quality Monitoring obligations under Section 82 of the Environment Act 2021.”

Popular music festival to make a return for 2026 Burton upon Trent’s biggest music festival has been hailed a major success as organisers confirm Sonic Boom will return on Saturday, 12 September, next year.

Thousands of residents and visitors filled the town centre for this year’s festival, which brought together live music, local talent and a strong sense of community. The free one-day event featured a main stage and Aftershock, a multi-venue showcase uniting national touring acts with Burton’s own rising stars.

For the first time, the line-up included an event supported by BBC Introducing, highlighting emerging grassroots artists and further establishing Sonic Boom as one of Staffordshire’s most exciting cultural highlights.

Sonic Boom Music CIC director, Chris Baldwin, said: “Burton has an incredible live music scene and Sonic Boom is its beating heart. By putting local artists alongside national names, right on our high street, we’re showing the world what the town can do. Families felt safe, young people felt seen and music lovers felt at home.

Packed town centre: This year’s festival

“It’s a triumph by all the partners, suppliers and volunteers who made the festival happen and with that I’m delighted to confirm that Sonic Boom Festival will return in 2026, with another bold line-up of artists and stages, along with continued support from East Staffordshire Borough Council.”

Further 2026 festival announcements will be available at sonicboomfestival.org.uk November 2025 CHAMBERLINK 43

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

Insurance consultant appointed president “Brilliant” team: We Clean

We Clean announced as Snowdome partner Birmingham cleaning specialists We Clean have hit the slopes – to ensure the famed Snowdome at Tamworth is spick and span.

The city-based cleaning firm is the approved cleaning partner for the Staffordshire all year-round winter sports venue, supporting its operational requirements from its opening at 6am in the morning to closing time at 11pm.

Site cleaning manager Malgorzata Petik and her team of seven fully trained cleaning technicians provide an initial early AM clean to all hard and soft surface areas, including the specific Flotex safety flooring before the doors open to the public. Throughout the day the firm’s service teams replenish consumables, sanitise high touchpoint areas while adapting service frequencies for peak periods like Winter Wonderland.

The firm says managing a contract of this magnitude requires significant health and safety/staff training focus.

Company training manager Duncan Thomson has worked closely with contract manager Ryan Halford and Malgorzata to provide on-site coaching to all team members.

Ryan said: “I couldn’t be prouder of our Snowdome cleaning team. Since joining via a TUPE transfer process in October 2023 they have shown incredible enthusiasm, commitment and adaptability to do the job right within a high-paced environment.

“I would also like to thank James Smith, director, Emma Tabberer, operations manager, and Ben Izzard, technical services manager at the Snowdome, for their support.”

Snowdome director James Smith said: “We’ve been working with We Clean now since October 2023 following an underwhelming experience with our previous provider.

“Paul, David and the team have been brilliant, the mobilisation/onboarding was completely seamless, and their continued commitment through the ongoing management of the contract by Richard Wharton and Ryan Halford is very much in line with our own committed philosophy to service excellence. We Clean are a fantastic partner to work with and we hope to do so for many more years to come.”

• See Chamber Insight – page 79

44 CHAMBERLINK November 2025

An insurance industry expert and respected business owner is the new president of the Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce.

Martin Hall (pictured), who has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance sector, is the managing director of his own firm M Hall Limited – a business established in 2022 to provide insurance market intelligence, mentoring and advocacy.

He was named as successor to outgoing president Fiona Rouse during the Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber’s AGM, which took place at Lichfield arts venue The Hub at St Mary’s.

During the AGM, new vice-presidents EmmaJane Bisseker of Reach Peak Performance and Logan Khan from The Boss Partnership were also appointed.

Martin sits on the board of several small tech companies and chairs the music education charity Services for Education.

The Tamworth-born businessman is also chair of governors at a West Midlands dual entry primary school and an enterprise adviser to secondary schools.

Investment to improve community welcomed More than £400,000 is being invested this year in projects to make Lichfield District’s neighbourhoods safer, cleaner and better connected.

From tackling antisocial behaviour and improving parks, to helping residents protect their homes from scams and fire risks, the funding is focused on the things that matter most to local people.

The work forms part of the district’s new Community Safety Strategy, delivered by the Lichfield District Community Safety Partnership, which brings together Lichfield District Council, Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, Staffordshire County Council, Bromford, and the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office.

The investment, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Staffordshire Commissioner and council budgets, will see the following invested over the coming three years:

Martin said: “As I step into this role, my focus is clear - to build on the legacy of my predecessors and ensure our Chamber continues to be a driving force for growth, innovation, and influence.

“Over the next two years, I want us to lean into the opportunities ahead – from HS2 and the rise of AI, to the evolving relationship between education and business.

“We must be ready to grow as the economy recovers, and we must ensure our local MPs hear and act on the needs of our businesses.

“I also see the impending reorganisation of local councils not as a challenge, but as a strategic opportunity – one where our Chamber can shape procurement, policy and support frameworks that truly reflect the ambitions of our members.

“Together, we will champion the value of Chamber membership, encourage member to member engagement, spotlight local success, and ensure Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber is the go-to place for business support and networking.”

Safer and cleaner: Beacon Park in Lichfield

• £225,000 for district-wide clean and green improvements • £150,000 to enhance local parks and open spaces, including new pathways, accessibility upgrades, and safety measures • £20,000 to support youth activities in antisocial behaviour hotspots such as North Lichfield and Chasetown • £5,300 to expand a peer-led mentoring programme, offering support and livedexperience guidance to individuals at risk of reoffending • £2,500 to grow Neighbourhood Watch groups across the district • £3,000 to deliver a dementia wristband scheme • £2,000 for doorstep safety initiatives, providing practical tools such as door stickers and mirrors to help residents make safer decisions at home.

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ROYAL SUTTON COLDFIELD CHARITY OF THE YEAR

Contact: Charlie Elliott T: 07753 453624

Town to benefit from festive travel scheme

President dishes out PR tips at curry club Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber President Gary Phelps served up tips on storytelling in PR and marketing when he spoke at a popular business and curry club in the Royal Town.

Gary, a former newspaper editor who now runs a successful PR agency, was invited to speak at the Four Oaks Business and Curry Club.

He told the 48 diners at the event – held at Four Oaks Tennis Club – about his own background in news, and how the skills he learned in the newsroom now form the basis of his work in PR, public affairs and education.

And he told club members how they might

‘Staggering’ sum raised for charity at Fun Run Participants in this year’s 42nd Royal Sutton Fun Run have chosen 154 charities and voluntary organisations to benefit from the £285,570 they have raised in 2025. This was the fourth highest total on record since the event began in 1982.

Event Director Tracey Spare said: “Fun Run participants have raised another staggering sum of money for their chosen charities & voluntary organisations, which is particularly pleasing when you consider the challenging domestic financial challenges.

“A total of £861,000 has been raised in the four years since we returned following the covid restrictions. Another remarkable figure.”

The total raised and distributed since the first Royal Sutton Fun Run in 1982 has now reached over £5.68m.

Tracey added: “Back in 1982, no one could have anticipated that in 2025, the Royal Sutton Fun Run would still be a fixture within the annual event calendar in Royal Sutton Coldfield.

“We now look forward to next year’s 43rd Royal Sutton Fun Run – Sunday, 31 May – the Sunday at the end of spring half term.”

Online registration via www.royalsuttonfunrun.org for next year’s Royal Sutton Fun Run, opens on Saturday, 31 January 2026.

discover and share their own business story, by funding the aspects and values that made their businesses stand out.

Gary said: “It was great to be able to speak to so many different businesspeople about the power of storytelling, in such a welcoming setting. Everyone is capable of understanding storytelling – it’s one of the things that separates us from the animals; it’s in our DNA. “If you can take those skills and apply them to your business, you can create compelling messaging that will make customers, clients and partners want to be part of your story.”

Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council is once again subsidising travel over the festive period in a boost to shoppers and businesses.

Thanks to £52,000 in funding from the Town Council, discounted and free parking, bus travel and free cycle hire will be available.

And free car parking is being provided in Birmingham City Council town centre car parks from 13 November to 4 January 2026, on Thursdays and Fridays from 4pm and all day on Saturdays and Sundays.

Eligible car parks are Station Street, Upper and Lower Reddicroft, Mill Street, Anchorage Road, South Parade and Duke Street.

Individuals can take advantage of two weeks free bus travel and ongoing discounted fares by accessing the West Midlands Bus Scheme offered through Transport for the West Midlands.

To gain access to the free tickets, individuals will need to sign up to the Town Council mailing list by 10am on Monday 10 November, when further details and a code will be detailed in an e-newsletter.

Residents can also cycle for free to the town centre as part of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s public hire cycle scheme, which the Town Council helps to fund.

Matt Murray

Former goalkeeper guest at first ATLP business lunch Prime networking opportunities are on offer for companies, groups and individuals at the inaugural business lunch being hosted by the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP).

The lunch is the latest event within the ATLP Partner Programme, which unites students, parents, businesses, organisations and alumni with the aim of enhancing education, empowering learners and providing profitable networking facilities.

Guest speaker at the event – to be staged at Moor Hall Hotel in Sutton Coldfield on

Friday 14 November (12-4pm) - will be former Wolves and England under 21 goalkeeper Matt Murray.

ATLP fundraising manager Brian Davies said: “Matt will share candid stories from his career – offering humour, inspiration and insights into how he overcame setbacks.”

Tables of ten at the lunch cost £650 plus VAT. Tickets can also be bought per person at £75 plus VAT. For more details and to book, email brian@bdconsultancyltd.co.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

Security boss goes on the M&A charge The CEO of one of the UK’s leading independent security specialists has signalled his intentions to ramp up the firm’s M&A activity over the next 12 months.

MAN Commercial Protection’s Iain McCallister (pictured) wants to make at least one acquisition and is currently working through a series of potential options thanks to its growing network of intermediaries and brokers.

Located at its HQ and dedicated training centre in Solihull, the company is ideally looking to purchase an established security business that boasts in the region of £5m to £30m in annual revenues and specialises in security guarding or systems.

It will be the first time the firm has gone down this route in its 32year history and marks the next stage of its expansion and journey towards £100m turnover.

“2025 has been another strong year of organic growth, delivering

tailored solutions for our corporate clients and high-profile events, such as the record-breaking Oasis concerts - that was a real privilege to be involved in,” said Iain.

“Revenues have passed £67m and we are justifiably proud of this performance, especially considering the volatile economic times we’ve faced. However, to move us forward at the pace we want, we are now turning our attention to acquisitions and we’re already having some interesting conversations.

“We have been approached and are currently working with some influential brokers and I fully expect to have at least one deal over the line between now and this time in 2026.

“Our teams work all over the UK so there’s no barrier to geography.

We’re more interested in finding the business that shares our values and desire to deliver the best safety solutions in the industry.”

Success celebrated at patrons’ dinner A Solihull Chamber of Commerce patrons’ dinner at Hogarths Hotel celebrated the successes and achievements of Chamber members over the year, as well as looking at plans for the months ahead.

In attendance were Solihull Chamber patrons, as well as the winners of this year’s Solihull Awards and the awards sponsors.

Samantha Frampton, head of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, said: “It was wonderful to once again be at Hogarth’s Hotel for our Patrons’ dinner surrounded by so many familiar faces - our incredible patrons, generous sponsors, and the well-deserved winners of this year’s Solihull Awards.

“After seven years with the Chamber, I’m constantly reminded just how special this community is. The patrons’ dinner provided the perfect platform to continue this celebration of the people and businesses who go the extra mile to make our town such a vibrant, supportive place to live and work.”

46 CHAMBERLINK November 2025

MAN Commercial Protection, which employs nearly 1500 people, offers concierge, CCTV monitoring, security guarding, systems solutions and keyholding services, as well as providing services to high profile boxing, sporting and music events.

It has sealed its first “security” partnership with a football club in

the form of National League team Solihull Moors, while it has also supported Solihull Summerfest and will be providing teams to Summerfest on the Beach.

It has also continued to invest in its training centre in Solihull and its growing list of courses that it provides for both industry professionals and corporate clients.

Phoebus Software attains data security standard Phoebus Software has successfully completed a comprehensive audit to achieve an internationally recognised standard in safeguarding client data and maintaining the highest standards of operational security and governance.

The SOC 2 Type II standard highlights its commitment to safeguarding client data and maintaining the highest standards of operational security and governance.

Service Organisation Control Type II (SOC 2) is a cybersecurity compliance framework which provides assurance that a business has rigorous controls in place to manage customer data securely across the Trust Services Principles of security and availability.

Warren Higgins, chief information officer at Phoebus, says: “Compliance with SOC 2 shows our clients, partners and regulators that we treat security and data protection as a continuous process, not a one-off exercise.”

Warren Higgins

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SOLIHULL SOLIHULL CHAMBER PATRONS

Solihull BID welcomes new chair Solihull BID has marked the start of its fourth term with the appointment of Kevin Johns, I am determined to continue the great work he has done. I of a new chairman and vice chair. look forward to supporting our dynamic chief executive, Melanie Palmer, Tony Elvin, general manager of Touchwood, has stepped up from his her dedicated team, our board members, and the many fantastic role as vice chairman, replacing long serving chair Kevin Johns of Prime businesses that help make Solihull such a safe, vibrant and attractive place Accountants. Mr Johns will remain on the voluntary board of directors, to work, shop, socialise and do business. made up of leading figures from the town centre business community.

“As a local business manager and long-standing board member, I have Solihull BID – the Business Improvement District for Solihull town seen first-hand how instrumental the BID has been in maintaining centre – began its fourth term in August after an overwhelming Solihull town centre as one of the most buoyant and successful in the “Yes” vote from companies to continue its activities until at least country.

2030.

“As the exciting development of Mell Square begins to take shape The not-for-profit, business-funded organisation, is responsible in the months and years ahead, we will continue to prioritise for the wide range of events in the town centre that bring in engagement, safety, and collaborative working with tenants, business thousands of extra visitors, including Solihull Food Festival. owners, stakeholders and visitors alike, ensuring we capitalise on Town Centre security officers, marketing and PR this unique opportunity.” assistance, employee privileges, business support, Collette Eccleston added: “The BID does an incredible networking and place shaping are also much job of enhancing our town – from supporting local appreciated BID projects. businesses to improving public spaces and creating a Replacing Tony as vice chair is Collette Eccleston, vibrant community. senior insurance consultant at Howden Solihull.

‘I’ve always admired the work they do, and I wanted Tony said: “It is a great honour to take on the role to get more involved to help make a real difference in of chair at Solihull BID. I fully recognise the the place I live and work every day. responsibility of representing the levy-paying “Solihull is a fantastic place to be, and I’m excited to businesses within the BID catchment area, and I play a part in keeping it that way. I’m looking forward am committed to serving them with dedication to contributing to the continued success of our area and integrity. Having served as vice chair for the and working alongside so many passionate people past seven years under the exceptional leadership who care deeply about our town.”

New chair: Tony Elvin

Support: Members of the Paragon team meet one of the guide dogs

Reusable: Amtico’s clean waste

Flooring specialists commit to pledges

Paragon raises record amount for Guide Dogs UK Employees at Solihull-based Paragon Banking Group have smashed their charity fundraising target with a record £59,000 for their charity of the year, Guide Dogs UK. Colleagues at the financial services company, located on Homer Road, set a target of raising £35,000 in the year to the end of September through a series of employee-led charity events.

Highlights included a team bike ride from the company’s London office to Homer Road, with one employee walking the same route, a Brecon

Hike, The Big Quiz, a car wash, food sales and numerous other activities.

Funds raised will help more people live confident, independent and fulfilling lives. As a result of Paragon’s fundraising the team have named four new guide dog puppies and will be following their journeys.

Paragon employees have voted for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) as its charity partner for the new financial year, with fundraising activity running until September 2026.

British flooring manufacturer Amtico has converted its long-term sustainability pledges into tangible progress with two announcements – the roll-out of a UK-wide Take Back scheme for luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring and the publication of its 2024 Sustainability Report.

The new Amtico Take Back scheme – free to installers, contractors and retailers – accepts installation off-cuts and uplifted LVT from any brand, not just Amticobranded LVT. Users order heavy-duty sacks, segregate clean and contaminated material, then book a collection through the Solihull Chamber member’s DDS logistics network.

The freshly published 2024 Sustainability Report shows how the scheme builds on wider progress. In 2024, Amtico sent zero manufacturing waste to landfill and cut overall operational waste by eight per cent.

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FUTURE FACES FUTURE FACES CHAMBER PATRONS Contact: Sophie Poduval-Morrell T: 07540 751590

Award will open doors

By Darby Newman A rising legal star who sought justice for victims of rogue surgeon Ian Paterson has firm plans, including moving into the fashion world, after being crowned the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2025.

Becca Horley, medical negligence associate at Fletchers Solicitors, clinched the coveted title at the sold-out awards ceremony at the ICC Birmingham in front of over 500 guests.

She also triumphed in the legal category, where she advocated for individuals and their families who have suffered life-changing injuries through no fault of their own.

Becca, who was born in Ipswich and moved to Birmingham aged 18 to study Law with Criminology at University of Birmingham, said on winning the award: “It hasn’t really sunk in yet fully but I’m so proud to have won and I’m excited for the doors it's going to open for me.

“I always said to myself that I wanted to create a life and a career that I was genuinely excited to wake up to in the morning – and it feels like I’ve achieved that with this.

“Previous winners have done such incredible things and I’m so excited to make my own and celebrate the opportunities that it'll give me.”

Becca has a love of fashion and added: “I would love to incorporate fashion into my career, whether that’s collaborating with fashion brands or creating my own workwear brand one day.

“I also want to secure a partnership in the legal profession. I think I’m really good at lifting other people – and that’s the sort of leader I want to be. Organisations are becoming more and more keen on people with a growth mindset and inspiring other people. I think that’s what makes a good leader and so that’s definitely something that I’m looking for.”

Becca’s work involves providing bespoke legal advice on complex serious injury matters including brain injury, birth injury, ophthalmic injury, orthopaedic injury, psychiatric injury and fatal cases.

She represents victims of Ian Paterson, the rogue breast surgeon who was jailed for 20 years on 17 counts of wounding with intent after subjecting more than 1,000 patients to unnecessary and damaging operations.

Becca sought justice, accountability, an apology and compensation on behalf of her clients.

She also represents a group of former patients of Mian Munawar Shah who were recalled by Walsall Manor Hospital following concerns regarding Mr Shah’s treatment, some of whom have sustained permanent and life changing disabilities.

She has also acted on behalf of various clients who have suffered permanent blindness and severe visual impairments due to delays at West Midlands based ophthalmology services.

Becca empowers young professionals to prioritise wellness, so they bring the best version of themselves to work.

Passionate about the impact of colourful fashion on confidence, she authored “Dress to Progress” for Shoosmiths, encouraging selfexpression and making a good first impression.

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MAIN IMAGE: All the category winners from the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year awards (left to right): Zoya Alam, GeorgeCatalin Mande, Elise White, Ben Robertson, Alastair Cowen, Rebecca Horley, Jay Dhaliwal, Daniella Campbell, Morgan Paine, ZeZe Sohawon, Laura MacLellan and Mehmood Rajoka LEFT: President’s winner: Nicola Fleet-Milne (left) with Sarah Griffiths after receiving her President’s Award

Her article sparked discussions on authenticity and inclusivity and was featured on industry website Legal Cheek.

Becca has also been awarded the title of Solicitor of the Year 2025 at the Birmingham Law Society Awards and recognised as a “key lawyer” for clinical negligence in the West Midlands in the Legal 500.

Sophie Poduval-Morrell, manager of Future Faces, said: “Congratulations to our overall winner, Becca Horley who we know will wear the Greater BYPY 2025 crown with pride over the next 12 months. Huge congratulations to all of our category winners and to each and every one of our finalists. To apply, be shortlisted and interviewed for these awards is bold and courageous.

“This year, the alumni showed up in force to support and champion the future leaders of our region, and I could not be prouder to be a Brummie.”

The awards ceremony was compered by BBC Midlands Today, BBC Asian Network, BBC Radio WM and Sky Sports News reporter Amber Sandhu, with Arden University as headline sponsor.

TOP RIGHT: The BYPY “Godfather”: John James, the Birmingham lawyer who created the Birmingham Young Professional of the Year award as part of City 2000 BOTTOM RIGHT: Future Faces committee members (left to right): Joel Blake, Will Crawford, Christy Davies, Sarah Griffiths, Sophie Poduval-Morrell, Conor McDonagh, Nadia Johnstone-Smith, Katrina Raipuri and Joginder (Jay) Loha

Becca shares her story of success on podcast The Future Faces Podcast will also hear from Greater BYPY 2025 winner Becca Horley on the next episode, available now.

Tune in to hear all about Becca’s journey with Future Faces, how she found the awards process, and what she is looking forward to in the next year as Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2025.

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FUTURE FACES

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

for legal star

Full list of winners Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Rebecca Horley, Fletchers. Sponsored by Forvis Mazars GBYPY - Built Environment and Engineering - Morgan Paine, mode transport planning.

Sponsored by Lodders Solicitors LLP GBYPY - Charity and Social Impact - ZeZe Sohawon, Emotion Dysregulation in Autism. Sponsored by Arden University GBYPY - Creative Industries and Culture - Tallulah Travis, Gymshark. Sponsored by FleetMilne GBYPY - Digital, Tech & Innovation - Alastair Cowen, KPMG. Sponsored by Birmingham City University GBYPY - Events and Hospitality - Elise White, Aston University. Sponsored by Amtico GBYPY- Finance - Jay Dhaliwal, Chase de Vere. Sponsored by Canaccord Wealth GBYPY - Legal - Rebecca Horley, Fletchers. Sponsored by Ward Hadaway GBYPY - Marketing, Sales, and Communications - Ben Robertson, Paragon Banking Group. Sponsored by The Student Energy Group GBYPY - People and Wellbeing - Rachel Brindley, Gymshark.

Sponsored by Fletchers Solicitors GBYPY - Start-ups and Entrepreneurship - Mehmood Rajoka, Verity Partners.

Sponsored by University College Birmingham GBYPY - Sustainability and ESG - George-Catalin Mande, KPMG. Sponsored by WM International Ltd GBYPY - Training and Education - Laura MacLellan, Hello Sidekick Ltd. Sponsored by GuruYou Greater Birmingham Apprentice of the Year - Zoya Alam, Squire Patton Boggs. Sponsored by Birmingham Metropolitan College Future Faces President’s Award - Nicola Fleet-Milne, FleetMilne Future Faces Ambassador Award - Daniella Campbell, Forvis Mazars. Sponsored by Common Purpose

New initiative to deliver perks for Future Faces members Pictured (L-R): Joginder (Jay) Loha, Michelle Lewis and Conor McDonagh

Future Faces have launched a brand-new working group within the executive committee, focusing on perks for members through partnerships with the wider Chamber community.

The initiative, named Future Faces Perks, has been thoughtfully designed by the committee to bring extra value to Future Faces members.

Through this partnership with the wider Chamber’s local businesses, members can receive exclusive discounts and special deals on a range of experiences and services across Greater Birmingham. The working group is made up of committee members Joginder (Jay) Loha, Michelle Lewis and Conor McDonagh.

Speaking about the new initiative, the group said: “We’re excited to be supporting the Future Faces Perks initiative. It’s a fantastic way to increase value for our network while strengthening ties with local businesses apart of the wider chamber that want to support our young professionals too.”

New Members Jo Harris Ballards LLP Ben Roberts Ballards LLP Adrian Sidaway Ballards LLP Jody Gordon Birmingham Museums Trust William Neal Canaccord Wealth Eloise Broome Canaccord Wealth Becca Horley Fletchers Solicitors Shah Agha Fletchers Solicitors Steph Jones Fletchers Solicitors Eesha Matharu Fletchers Solicitors Scarlett Mordue Fletchers Solicitors Lorcan Young Fletchers Solicitors Saniya Iftikhar Harrison Clark Rickerbys LLP Kate McCann Lodders Solicitors (Birmingham) Kyran Shuker Lodders Solicitors (Birmingham) Tracey Obiakor Lodders Solicitors (Birmingham) Katie Hurst Lodders Solicitors (Birmingham) Evgeni Pratashchyk Lodders Solicitors (Birmingham) Matthew Parker Matt Parker Productions Zoe Maxfield Midlands Air Ambulance Charity India Elliston Squire Patton Boggs (UK) Oliver Floren The Jam House

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CHAMBER EVENTS

New president amid festive fun Join in making vital decisions as well as soaking up the fun over a busy Christmas period

…and most are FREE for members

Nasir’s successor to be named A new president in succession to Nasir Awan (see the Griffin Report on pages 12 and 13) will be named at the annual meeting of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

The meeting takes place at Birmingham Library on Friday, 21 November, from 10.30am-12pm.

In a packed month of events, one of the highlights will be two Business Growth Studio workshops,

Festive Fun: Chamber members get in the party spirit

NOVEMBER ABCC Chamber Connections Date: 3 November Time: 7:30 – 19:00 Venue: TBC Division: ABCC Cost: Members only Global Connect - Virtual Networking Date: 4 November Time: 11:30 – 12:30 Venue: Online Division: Global Cost: Free for member and non-members Cannock Chase Speed Networking and Networking Lunch Date: 6 November Time: 12:00 – 14:00 Venue: Chasetown Football Club Division: Chase Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-members: £25+VAT Understanding Your Market: Effective & Affordable Strategies For Small Businesses (Business Growth Studio) Date: 10 November Time: 14:00 – 16:00

Venue: Voco St Johns Division: Solihull Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £25+VAT Scones, Strategy & Success Date: 11 November Time: 14:00 – 15:30 Venue: TBC Division: Burton & District, Chase, Lichfield and Tamworth, Royal Sutton Coldfield Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-members: £50+VAT Premier Members Networking Breakfast Date: 12 November Time: 8:30 – 10:30 Venue: The Birmingham Conference & Events Centre Division: GBCC Cost: Premier members only Exclusive Inside Access at MAN Commercial Protection Ltd Date: 12 November Time: 16:30 – 18:30 Venue: MAN Commercial Protection Division: Solihull Cost: Members: Free

follow-ups to the highly successful Chamber conference.

Events manager Marcella Meehan said: “The two workshops are a tremendous opportunity for members to expand their knowledge and gather insights.”

‘Understanding Your Market: Effective & Affordable Strategies for Small Businesses’ takes place on 10 November at Voco St Johns in Solihull, while ‘From Good to Great: Building High performance cultures in SMEs’ takes place on 26 November at University College Birmingham. Two other major events during November include the Burton Celebratory Lunch at Branston Golf Club on 24 November followed by the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce annual awards at the National Conference Centre on 27 November.

Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-members: £25+VAT Future Faces Breakfast Networking Date: 14 November Time: 8:30 – 10:30 Venue: TBC Division: Future Faces Cost: Future Faces members only Future Faces Professional Development: Work Life Balance Date: 20 November Time: 17:30 – 19:30 Venue: Shakespere Martineau Division: Future Faces Cost: Future Faces members only Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Annual General Meeting 2025 Date: 21 November Time: 10:30 – 12:00 Venue: Unique Venues Birmingham (Birmingham Library) Division: GBCC Cost: Free for members and non-members Burton Celebratory Lunch 2025 Date: 24 November Time: 12:00 – 14:30

For further information and to book a place, visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/networking-events 50 CHAMBERLINK November 2025

Members are also urged to start organising their diaries for a busy festive season. Marcella added: “Each Chamber will be staging their own event in December, providing an opportunity to connect with fellow members in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

“For 1813 Club and Premier members, our annual Christmas Lunch returns on 2 December at Edgbaston Park Hotel & Conference Centre.”

Turkish Airlines: Sponsors of the Premier and 1813 Club members’ Christmas lunch.

Venue:

Branston Golf & Country Club Division: Burton & District Cost: £50+VAT pp for members and non-members Global Brunch - Reflections and Predictions Date: 25 November Time: 9:30 – 11:00 Venue: Albert’s Schloss Division: Global Cost: Free for members and non-members ABCC Awards 2025 Date: 27 November Time: 18:00 – 23:00 Venue: The National Conference Centre Division: ABCC Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-members: £50+VAT Chamber Connections: In Conversation with MP Andrew Mitchell Date: 28 November Time: 16:30 – 18:30 Venue: The Royal Cinema Division: Royal Sutton Coldfield Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-members: £25+VAT

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CHAMBER EVENTS

Awards ‘open doors’ - as applications are launched Past winners of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s awards say recognition from the region’s premier business organisation has “opened doors to new partnerships” and “truly accelerated our journey”.

The ringing endorsements from this year’s winners The Listening Centre and ROSHNI Birmingham come as applications open for the 2026 awards.

Firms have until Friday 12 December to apply for 11 revamped categories.

An overall Greater Birmingham Business of the Year, sponsored by Crowe UK LLP, will also be crowned.

The 2025 Greater Birmingham Business of the Year was Lichfield-based employee assistance programme The Listening Centre, who also triumphed in the Excellence in Customer Service category.

Owner and managing director Sharon McCormick said: “The recognition has opened doors to new partnerships and elevated conversations about the importance of genuine mental health support in the workplace.”

ROSHNI Birmingham, a charity which supports Black and minoritised communities affected by domestic abuse, won the Excellence in Third Sector award.

Manager Shaila Pervez said: “Winning the Chambers award has amplified our visibility and connected us with a vibrant community of changemakers across Birmingham, it’s truly accelerated our journey.”

Next year’s GBCC Awards ceremony takes place at the ICC in Birmingham on Thursday 14 May, 2026.

Recognition: The Listening Centre’s Sharon McCormick and Joanna Benbow

The revamped categories are: • Non-Profit Champion 2026 • Community Builder 2026 • Workplace Champion 2026 (sponsored by University College Birmingham) • Pioneer 2026 (sponsored by Sandwell College) • Sustainability Trailblazer 2026 • Digital Revolutionary 2026 (sponsored by Gateley PLC) • Breakthrough Business 2026 (sponsored by runyourfleet) • Business without Borders 2026 (sponsored by Gowling WLG) • Customer Commitment 2026 (sponsored by Translift Bendi) • Influencer Award 2026 • Business Ambassador 2026 (sponsored by Turkish Airlines)

Get up to speed with social media The training arm of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has launched another course to equip businesses with the skills to thrive online.

The social media essentials course took place in October and another course, in collaboration with Netcom training, will be held online on 13 November and focus on digital marketing.

The Chamber has worked closely with members to develop training that reflects real-world needs.

Training manager Leah Quarmby said: "When people seek help or guidance, their first instinct is often to search online.

“Sales are increasingly driven by how clearly and effectively a company presents its products and services on the web. In today’s digital landscape, a strong online presence is essential across all industries.

“Our new courses are designed to help attendees not only enhance their digital marketing and social media skills, but also define their brand, track performance, and boost online visibility.

“Each session is packed with practical insights and tools to build confidence and drive real results in promoting their business online."

Topics covered in digital marketing essentials: • SEO Basics: What is SEO? Why it matters for small businesses.

• Email marketing essentials: What makes email marketing effective • Introduction to paid ads: Overview of Google Ads and Facebook/Instagram Ads • Quick wins and action planning: Recap of key tools and takeaways.

Go to greaterbirminghamchambers.com to explore more courses.

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FEATURE: BUSINESS BANKING & FINANCE

Helping Midlands businesses

grow and thrive

By Dr Steve Walker, chief executive, ART Business Loans

‘Combined efforts are needed for businesses and their advisers to know other funding sources are available’

A

s business owners prepare for the second Budget to be unveiled by the Government, many will be considering finance options for securing growth.

Amid uncertain economic times there will be West Midlands firms working on plans to invest in new equipment, training or premises, while keeping an eye out for potential changes to company taxation.

If they are not looking at finance to expand they may need funds to keep trading.

As the fallout from the JLR cyber-attack showed, SMEs are vulnerable to unexpected revenue hits particularly if they are in the supply chains to large customers.

Access to appropriate finance consistently ranks in surveys as being among the top challenges facing small businesses, which are vital to the UK’s economy.

SMEs create jobs, employing 16.6m people or 60 per cent of the working population according to 2024 Government figures, and drive innovation.

Small businesses are approaching Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs), like ART Business Loans, to refinance high-cost, unserviceable loans that are strangling their growth. Responsible Finance, the membership body for CDFIs, reports a troubling trend.

Up to one in four loan enquiries to CDFIs, Responsible Finance report, come from small businesses seeking to escape unsustainable high-cost loans.

52 CHAMBERLINK November 2025

These businesses often face similar circumstances. They have been rejected by traditional banks, lack awareness of alternative options, need rapid cash for urgent demands and have limited financial expertise.

The appeal of these loans is obvious. They are fast and seemingly easy to access but the consequences can be devastating.

Responsible Finance highlights concerning practices in the high-cost lending market, with excessive interest rates sometimes exceeding 60 per cent APR for term loans.

For businesses who can meet the terms, the online business lenders fit the bill.

But it is fair to question whether the finance offered is both appropriate and serves SMEs’ longterm interests.

When ART Business Loans launched 28 years ago as one of the UK's early CDFIs, banks provided more than 90 per cent of SME finance and played an active role in educating clients, offering advice and referring businesses to alternative sources.

Accountants and enterprise agencies complemented this support. In Birmingham alone, more than 15 organisations coordinated regularly to share knowledge and activity.

Today, none of the original public-sector funded providers remain and banks account for less than half of annual SME lending.

Unlike consumer lenders, business lenders are not required to clearly display total borrowing costs or accurate representative rates.

Responsible Finance notes they often advertise attractive introductory rates, “from 1.5 per cent per

month” or “6.9 per cent per annum”, that rarely reflect what most borrowers actually pay.

Aggressive online marketing means these lenders dominate search results, becoming the first option visible.

Combined efforts are needed for businesses and their advisers to know other funding sources are available.

At ART, more than 90 per cent of the businesses supported are introduced by brokers. ART has reported a 40 per cent increase in the value of loans in the most recent financial year.

CDFIs can lend alone or in partnership with others. With community lenders offering diverse options, they have joined with others to strengthen the message.

Midlands SME Finance brings together CDFIs ART Business Loans, BCRS Business Loans and Coventry & Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust alongside invoice finance lender FlexABL and community-based lenders UKSE and Frontier Development Capital.

The group is a collaboration to make it easier for Midlands businesses and entrepreneurs to grow and thrive. Two events to explain the options available to local businesses have been held and a new website launched, which highlights what is available locally through a relationship-based approach.

After the pandemic and cost of living crisis, businesses have got used to operating in challenging times. But with predatory practices in the market, it is in everyone’s interests to give SMEs clarity about their finance options.

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FEATURE: BUSINESS BANKING & FINANCE

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Online plant company grows thanks to ART Business Loans funding

A fast growing plant business has created new jobs after securing funding from Birminghambased ART Business Loans to support its expansion plans.

Acqua Garden has recruited two new employees and is working on plans to further increase the headcount after receiving a fivefigure funding package to invest in its operations to realise its growth plans.

The company, which was established in 2018, offers a curated selection of garden plants from its commercial greenhouse, all sourced from a national network of trusted growers.

Acqua Garden, which now employs 10 staff, has built its reputation by offering premium quality

bedding plants, vegetable plants, herbs, fruit plants, roses, shrubs, perennials and trees to domestic and commercial customers via online channels.

CEO Jonathan Martin (pictured right) launched the company, based near Warmington in Warwickshire, following a career in corporate law with the aim of providing a premium service for gardeners seeking plants online. He is working towards a vision of establishing a group of horticultural businesses focussed on sustainability, biodiversity and wellness.

Jonathan said: “We want to become the go-to company for sustainability and biodiversity as there is no other plant seller that shares the core values that we have.

“The funding has enabled us to grow our operations and acquire assets to drive the growth of the business.

“By utilising the ART loan we have been able to employ two additional staff from the local community and expect to take on two more before the year end, as well as more next year.

“The terms of the borrowing were appealing and we had a very good experience working with ART, who were professional, proactive and engaged.

“Our manager Martin Edmonds (pictured left) took the time to visit us to get to know our business which made the process easier.”

ART Business Loans is a community development finance institution which seeks to ensure viable businesses in the West Midlands and adjoining counties can access the finance they need.

With loans available for any business purpose from between £10,000 and £250,000, ART Business Loans takes a personal approach to assessing applications. In the last 10 years ART has lent over £25m to 600 businesses that have created or preserved 4,290 jobs.

ART Business Loans manager Martin Edmonds added: “We have been delighted to help Jonathan and the team at Acqua Garden realise the next stage in their business journey by expanding to better serve their customers nationwide.

“We are pleased that ART Business Loans has been able to establish a strong working partnership to provide the support their business needs. We have an ongoing dialogue around future opportunities and look forward to helping them achieve their goals.”

For more information on ART Business Loans visit: www.artbusinessloans.co.uk

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FEATURE: BUSINESS BANKING & FINANCE

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FEATURE: BUSINESS BANKING & FINANCE

Funding the future: Structuring your exit and your legacy

By Rajh Chana (pictured), managing director, Blueprint Tax

O

n 26 November 2025, the Chancellor delivers the Autumn Statement against a backdrop of weak growth and continued speculation about further tax changes. Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Inheritance Tax (IHT) saw major reform in October 2024, but could the government go further?

This uncertainty has already sparked a wave of conversations among business owners about succession, exit planning and value realisation. Many are asking: Is now the right time to extract value and de-risk my investment? Should I explore a Management Buy-Out (MBO) or an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT)?

Once those questions arise, the next follows quickly: How is the transaction going to be funded? That funding may come from a mix of cash in the business, deferred consideration, or third-party lending.

Continued on page 56...

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FEATURE: BUSINESS BANKING & FINANCE

...from page 55 At Blueprint Tax, we’re seeing more owners bringing those conversations forward. The driver isn’t just tax rates – it’s the need for clarity. In times of change, clarity becomes currency. And in any transaction, structure is what creates that clarity.

The hidden link between structure and funding It’s easy to think of banking and tax as separate worlds, but in practice they are deeply connected. When an owner is looking to sell – whether through an MBO, a family buy-out, or a sale to an EOT – the structure of the deal often determines not only how much a bank is willing to lend, but also how much value the seller can ultimately extract.

Banks lend on confidence. They want predictable post-deal cashflows, clean ownership, and a structure that supports sustainable debt repayment. From a tax perspective, the same factors determine whether the transaction is efficient – whether interest is deductible, reliefs are preserved, and value isn’t lost to unnecessary leakage.

The tax outcome matters greatly to sellers.

Achieving capital gains treatment – whether at 0 per cent, 14 per cent or 24 per cent – is far more

attractive than income tax rates. In many cases, it’s possible to obtain HMRC clearance confirming that sale proceeds will be treated as capital rather than income, provided the transaction is commercially driven. Poorly designed structures can attract scrutiny or create unnecessary tax risk.

In short, a well-structured deal makes funding straightforward, protects tax reliefs and builds confidence on all sides.

Designing the deal before the debt When an exit plan starts with a funding discussion, it’s easy to be constrained by what the bank can support today. But when the plan starts with structuring, the owner has far more control.

In a recent MBO we advised on, the transaction was structured so the management team could finance the acquisition over time through staged, tax-efficient payments. The design allowed for corporation tax deductions on interest, preserved capital gains relief for the sellers, and gave the bank confidence that postdeal cashflows were realistic.

Similarly, in an EOT, understanding how funding interacts with the 0 per cent CGT relief is essential. The trust still needs cashflow to buy out the owners, and banks will assess how those

payments are structured and serviced.

These are not theoretical points – they directly affect how much cash can be released to owners and how viable the transaction is for the new shareholders, whether that’s the next generation or the management team.

Ultimately, the structure must strike a balance: rewarding exiting shareholders and incentivising incoming shareholders, while keeping enough headroom for the business to weather future headwinds. A properly designed structure turns potential tension into a win-win.

Funding inheritance tax – the next challenge Alongside exit planning, many family businesses are also turning their attention to the forthcoming changes to Business Relief from April 2026. Under the new rules, even where relief continues to apply, a 20 per cent IHT charge may still arise on the value of the business.

This prompts difficult questions: Would the family or company have the liquidity to meet that tax bill if the worst were to happen?

Options might include bank funding, insurance cover, or restructuring the ownership to maximise available reliefs and manage exposure through lifetime gifts or transfers.

Whatever the route, the principle remains the same – early structuring creates flexibility when it’s needed most.

Why now?

Uncertainty often drives action. With speculation around future increases to CGT and tightening IHT reliefs, many business owners are choosing to take control of their exit and succession plans before any new tax changes take effect.

Early engagement with experienced advisers is crucial. The best time to consider the structure, including its funding and tax implications, is before you begin discussions with potential buyers or lenders. That’s when ownership, funding and tax outcomes can be shaped to work for everyone – the owner, the management team, the family and the bank.

The most successful transactions balance commercial ambition, funding practicality and tax efficiency. That balance doesn’t happen by chance – it’s designed.

In a world of changing taxes and tighter funding, how confident are you that your structure is ready?

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FEATURE: BUSINESS BANKING & FINANCE

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FEATURE: DIGITAL MEDIA SERVICES

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FEATURE: DIGITAL MEDIA SERVICES

The

evolution of

digital media

services and how your business can evolve alongside them

D

igital media is evolving faster than ever and may feel overwhelming for some. Whether it’s websites, social media or digital newsletters, there are opportunities for every business to grow in this ever-changing landscape.

With so many different elements it’s often hard to know where to begin. As the pace of change quickens and as AI technology makes strides forward, you can be forgiven for pausing for thought before knowing exactly where to focus.

To us at MIH Group, digital media services, at their simplest, are platforms and technologies that help to deliver content. That could be social media platforms, websites or email newsletters.

We believe that all businesses should be utilising digital media as a valuable tool in their arsenal, and polishing their content accordingly.

Digital media has already revolutionised how we consume entertainment, stay informed and communicate with each other – especially in business. It’s therefore a vital part of how you engage with your stakeholders and share key messages.

The average person now spends two hours and 20 minutes online each day, according to Exploding Topic. Statista suggests there are also more than six billion people registered as users or with online identities. That is more than half of the world’s population. When you consider how many people are online using and consuming these services – and how often they do so – it represents a huge portion of people that are potential targets for your business. But how can you ensure you target them appropriately, efficiently and with impact?

Here, we’ve pulled together some tips to help ensure your business is presenting itself professionally on digital media, with the ultimate goal of converting your audience into collaborators and clients.

By Charlie Gregory, communications & PR office, MIH Group

Tips on standing out from the crowd With so many people now consuming their media online, the market is oversaturated.

So how can you make your content stand out above the rest?

Quality content gets results. If your content is produced with a shaking camera or poor audio quality, then it is likely going to be scrolled past very quickly. It may be the easy option to hurriedly throw out clips, but it is far better to take your time and ensure things look professional. For example, you could upgrade your audio quality by using a Bluetooth microphone or enhance your smartphone video clips by changing the settings to 4K filming, with 60 frames per second for smoother professional quality.

It’s all in the edit. It’s easy to trim a video using most smartphones or social media editors, but using a piece of software such as CapCut can allow you to throw in music, captions, special effects and transitions that can give your clips more polish.

Switch up your content for each platform.

Different social media channels have different needs. You might have created an incredible photograph promoting your services or products, which would work well on LinkedIn. However, it’s much less likely to be viewed on TikTok, where shorter-form video content is king.

Think about where you plan to post and tailor what you produce based on where it is headed.

Go where your audience are. While it’s important to have a social media presence as a business, don’t have channels just for the sake of it. Think about where your audience are. Do they prefer video content or images? Text updates or community conversations? It is much better to produce excellent content for two platforms than bang-average content for four.

When time allows, it’s important to immerse yourself in the digital world – digesting the latest news and updates across the platforms and technologies available to you. Think of ways to stay aboard the ever-changing digital train, ensuring your business can move with it and thus reap the long-term rewards.

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FEATURE: DIGITAL MEDIA SERVICES

Governance first Why AI without guardrails puts organisations at risk

By Karl George MBE, founder of Governance AI

W

e’ve heard the phrases: AI-first, digital-first, agent-first.

However, in my view, the first principle that should underpin any AI deployment in an organisation, before the technology and hype, is governance first.

Yes, we are in the midst of what I call the Reset: The Intelligence Revolution. AI agents are no longer just supporting tools; they’re becoming autonomous actors, making decisions, influencing strategy, and even drafting emails, policies, and customer responses with minimal oversight. However, I want to offer a word of caution: many organisations are deploying 60 CHAMBERLINK November 2025

these tools without the necessary structure, competency, or culture to govern them effectively.

This is not a call to halt innovation, quite the opposite. I’m calling for a deliberate and structured approach to AI governance, so we avoid “wilful blindness” and press forward with our eyes wide open.

The illusion of progress: Deploy first, govern later?

The race to adopt AI is tempting.

Boards focus on efficiency, productivity, and innovation. But what they often don’t know until it’s too late are the governance blind spots: • AI hallucinations are being presented as fact in board papers

• Chain-of-thought logic producing unintended, discriminatory outcomes • Sensitive decisions are delegated to an AI system with no audit trail • Employees using generative tools that are effectively shadow governance.

We don’t have to look far for examples. One company had its AI assistant summarise internal strategy documents and share them across teams, only to discover that those files included confidential M&A material. In another instance, an LLMgenerated policy contradicted their legal obligations, yet it was published without review.

‘I’m calling for a deliberate and structured approach to AI governance’

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FEATURE: DIGITAL MEDIA SERVICES

‘Just as cybersecurity taught us the cost of being reactive, AI will punish those who deploy without discipline’ It’s not enough to focus on what AI can do. The real question is: do you have the structures, behaviours, and skills in place to ensure AI supports your strategy without compromising ethics, compliance, or trust?

My approach: Governance first, always At The Governance Forum, we operate on three clear pillars to get AI governance right: 1. Structure the board If AI is strategic (and it is), then the board must be capable of providing strategic oversight. This means: • Clear terms of reference for AI oversight • Training on AI risks, ethics, and opportunities

• Defined accountability across committees and leadership roles.

It’s what I call getting your compliance drivers in place structure, resource, and role clarity.

2. Train the leadership and set the culture AI governance doesn’t live in the IT department. It’s a leadership issue.

That’s why we train boards and Csuites in: • How to ask the right questions of AI • How to interpret outputs with human judgment • How to model transparent, ethical behaviours Without the exemplary

leadership mindset, your governance framework becomes a paper exercise.

3. Implement with purpose Only then do we move to responsible implementation: • AI policies and risk registers • Bias monitoring, human-in-theloop protocols • Governance of procurement, vendor models, and open-source use.

This is where we activate the performance drivers of transparency, impact, and behaviour. It’s not about slowing down innovation. It’s about ensuring it scales safely, strategically, and sustainably.

Why governance first keeps you ahead Just as cybersecurity taught us the cost of being reactive, AI will punish those who deploy without discipline. A governance-first approach is not a blocker; it’s a launchpad. With the proper guardrails, AI can become a force multiplier rather than a governance liability.

To all those building an “AI-first” organisation, I say: AI is not the driver, it’s the vehicle. And if we want to arrive safely, ethically, and strategically, then governance is the steering wheel.

Let’s not race ahead blindfolded.

Let’s lead with governance on purpose, with purpose.

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SECTOR FOCUS: BUSINESS TRAVEL

Sector Focus The latest news from the sectors that matter to business New timetable: A CrossCountry Voyager on the Royal Border Bridge at Berwick-upon-Tweed

Services ‘uplift’ as timetable changes for CrossCountry Long-distance train operator CrossCountry has announced adjustments to its timetable from 14 December, as part of the rail industry’s twiceyearly timetable review.

The changes will see an uplift in CrossCountry services, including some additional services between Birmingham and Leicester and Reading and Newcastle.

The introduction of CrossCountry’s December timetable coincides with a major industry-wide update to the timetable on the key East Coast Main Line corridor. This includes significant changes to services for other operators using the rail artery, which spans 393 miles between London and Edinburgh.

Overall, CrossCountry services will increase – with additional services on the busy Birmingham–

Leicester and Reading-Newcastle routes across weekdays and weekends. Passengers travelling on Sundays will also experience more resilient and reliable services across the CrossCountry network.

However, significant engineering work across the network from Christmas 2025 until the end of January means the new timetable will not come into full effect until February, 2026. Customers are encouraged to check journey planners for any changes to their usual travel plans.

Shiona Rolfe, Cross Country managing director, said: “The December 2025 timetable marks the reintroduction of important CrossCountry services between Reading and Newcastle, as well as between Birmingham and Leicester. These changes will help us continue delivering reliable, comfortable journeys for our customers, while

supporting the wider transformation of the timetable on the East Coast Main Line.”

The new timetable arrives as CrossCountry’s Class 170 “Turbostar” trains continue their rolling programme of refurbishment, with several refreshed vehicles already delivering brighter and more comfortable journeys for passengers on CrossCountry’s inter-regional routes.

The planned refurbishment of the CrossCountry’s long-distance Voyager fleet has also begun in earnest, with the first refurbished train scheduled to roll off the factory line by Spring 2026.

Those planning to travel from Sunday, 14 December, onwards can check their journeys with their train operator or through National Rail Enquiries.

Airport rolls out new technology to support passengers Birmingham Airport (BHX) has announced the launch of a new tech-driven programme of developments designed to transform the passenger experience – including the launch of an AI-powered assistant called BABS (Birmingham Airport Bot Service).

Known as “Connected Personal Experiences” (CPE), the initiative will integrate leading technology into the airport journey providing passengers with the opportunity to receive real-time tailored updates directly to their smartphones.

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Lamp Post, BABS will act as a personal assistant, guiding customers throughout their journey and can be accessed on smartphone devices or via digital help points around the terminal.

By giving passengers quick and easy access to the information they need, BABS supports those who prefer independence while enabling airport colleagues to focus more on vulnerable customers and those requiring extra assistance.

As part of the programme, customers will also have access to tailored, real-time information delivered directly to their devices and interactive displays, including

Aiding passengers: The new Ambulift

live flight and security queue updates, dining recommendations and digital wayfinding.

Stuart Haseley-Nejrup, head of customer strategy at Birmingham Airport, said: “CPE is a key milestone in our mission to lead in customer experience and techdriven services. By integrating AIready technologies and omnichannel communication, we aim to create memorable,

personalised moments that enhance every journey.”

The airport has also invested a further £3.8m in its assisted travel service with the introduction of a fleet of new purpose-built ambulifts. Twelve will be rolled out over the next 10 months at the regional transport hub, increasing the airport’s capacity to support passengers with disabilities or additional needs.

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SECTOR FOCUS: BUSINESS TRAVEL

Work is underway on station drop-off zone A new design image showing the layout of a car and taxi drop-off zone outside the new Moseley Village Railway Station has been issued as major road works kickstart the improvements.

The railway station is one of three under construction on the Camp Hill line as part of the multimillion pound project to restore passenger rail services to this part of south Birmingham for the first time since the Second World War. The next milestone is to complete the utility connections required followed by the construction of a mini-roundabout and pedestrian crossing at the junction of St Mary’s Row and Oxford Road.

When finished this will provide access to the drop off area and new station with the work expected to take about three months.

Measures include the temporary closure of Oxford Road at the junction with St Mary’s Row and

Vision: The drop-off zone outside the new Moseley Village Railway Station

single lane running on St Mary’s Row. Temporary traffic lights and bus stops will also be in place to keep traffic flowing on St Mary’s Row. Residents and businesses have been informed of the disruption in writing and at drop-in sessions held over the summer.

Jo Shore, director of delivery with TfWM, said: “We’re in the final stages of construction at Moseley Village. When it opens, it’s going to be a fantastic asset for the community. However, there will be some disruption to local journeys over the next few months. Please plan ahead.”

Jet2 launches two new destinations for summer 26 Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have expanded their Greek and Italian programmes for Summer 2026 from Birmingham Airport after launching a hat-trick of new destinations.

The leading leisure airline and the UK’s largest tour operator have revealed two new Greek destinations for Summer 26 in the Olympus Riviera and Meganisi, in response to demand In addition, Jet2CityBreaks has announced the Italian city of Palermo as a new destination for next summer.

The Olympus Riviera can be reached via flights to Thessaloniki Airport with two weekly services (Tuesday and Friday) on sale from 3 April to 30 October 2026, with hotel transfers included in a Jet2holidays booking.

Meganisi is accessible via Preveza Airport with two weekly services (Wednesday and Saturday) from Birmingham Airport with Jet2.com between 3 May

New destination: Palermo

and 18 October 2026. Customers booking with Jet2holidays to Meganisi have ferry and shuttle transfers included.

With an increasing number of customers looking to enjoy a European city break, Jet2CityBreaks is launching Palermo as a new destination, with weekly Wednesday trips departing from 6 May to 21 October 2026.

Al Titterington, terminal operations director of Birmingham Airport, said: “We’re delighted that Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have once again responded to our passengers’ needs by launching three new destinations from Birmingham Airport for Summer 2026. With picturesque coastlines and incredible cultural sights, Greece and Italy are always firm favourites for a summer getaway, so we’re confident that these new services will prove popular with our customers.”

Train fleet wins national award A new West Midlands Railway (WMR) train fleet, which has transformed millions of journeys on Birmingham’s Cross City Line, has picked up a national award.

The Class 730/0 fleet of electric trains was introduced onto the route, which runs between Lichfield, Birmingham and Redditch/Bromsgrove, last year to replace an outgoing 30-year-old train fleet.

The new trains – part of WMR’s £1bn investment in the railway – brought a significant increase in capacity to the line as well as customer benefits including air conditioning, improved accessibility and power points at every seat.

The introduction of the Class 730/0s onto the Cross City Line was named Fleet Achievement of the Year at the National Rail Awards in London recently. Judges said the trains had made a significant difference for passengers in the West Midlands.

John Doughty, WMR engineering director, said: “The introduction of the Class 730/0 fleet represented the biggest upgrade to the Cross City Line since the 1990s. The trains have proved incredibly popular with our customers and their arrival has certainly contributed to the increasing number of passengers we are seeing using the route each year.

“Introducing a new train fleet is never an easy task with a lot of moving parts and I am pleased to see the hard work of everybody at West Midlands Railway in bringing the trains into service recognised at the National Rail Awards.”

Each three-carriage Class 730 train has capacity for 546 passengers. As the trains run in pairs on the Cross City Line, providing six carriages for customers to use, every service can comfortably carry more than 1,000 people.

The National Rail Awards is run by RAIL magazine and is often referred to as the “Oscars of the railway”.

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SECTOR FOCUS: FINANCE

Pledge to tackle financial exclusion In a powerful display of corporate commitment to community well-being, major Birmingham-based businesses have joined forces with Citysave Credit Union to make Birmingham a ‘City of Savers’.

This employer-led initiative aims to build a more financially resilient city by tackling the cycle of living payday to payday. The partnership leverages the proven power of payroll deductions, which makes saving simple and automatic for employees. Citysave membership allows individuals to save directly from their pay, building a financial safety net effortlessly.

Members also gain access to fair and ethical loans, providing a vital alternative to high-cost credit providers when they need a helping hand.

The initiative comes as new data highlights a complex challenge. High employment in Birmingham does not always translate into financial security.

Average earnings of full-time workers in Birmingham is £33,952 per year, below the UK average of £37,430.

Many entry-level and graduate roles start closer to £25,000, while average house prices sit at more than seven times average earnings.

Accountancy firm milestone Midlands-based accounting and advisory firm PKF Smith Cooper celebrates its 40th anniversary, coinciding with a time of expansion and growth for the firm.

Founded in 1985, PKF Smith Cooper has grown from a small local practice operating out of Ashbourne, Buxton, Mansfield, and Burton, to one of the region’s largest and most respected accountancy firms boasting a total of seven offices including their Head Office in Derby, Nottingham, Birmingham and Hereford, and a growing team of almost 400.

One of the core aims of the firm has been to deliver the services that both corporate clients and individuals need. To do this, the team have continually expanded their service lines and offering to meet the growing and changing demands of their clients.

In 2019, PKF Smith Cooper officially ranked as a UK top 40 accounting firm and two years later, joined the global PKF accounting network and rebranded into the firm it is today.

Managing partner James Bagley said: “I would like to thank everyone at PKF Smith Cooper for their commitment, and I look forward to the exciting future ahead.”

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Employers across Birmingham are being encouraged to sign the pledge and join the movement to make the city a true City of Savers.

At a launch, three key employers, Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Combined Authority and England Illegal Money Lending Team – BCC Trading Standards, formally signed the pledge.

Sean Lynch, CEO of Citysave said: “This is more than a pledge; it’s a movement.

“We believe everyone in our city deserves the chance to build a secure financial future, regardless of their income or background.

“By working directly with employers, we are removing the friction from saving and making it a natural part of working life.”

Chance for secure future: Sean Lynch

Druids Heath awarded £20m to improve local community Druids Heath is set to receive £20m over the next decade as part of a new government initiative, with local people given the power to decide how the money is spent.

Labour MP for Birmingham Selly Oak, Al Carns, has secured £2m a year for 10 years through the Pride in Place programme. Druids Heath is among 146 areas chosen to pioneer this new approach to community investment.

The funding can support a wide range of projects, from revitalising parks and high streets to bringing empty buildings back into use.

Crucially, it will be up to residents themselves to put forward ideas and make decisions.

A local board will be set up to coordinate the programme, and volunteers are being sought to take part. The aim is to back initiatives that boost local jobs, strengthen community facilities, improve green spaces, and make Druids Heath a safer, more vibrant place to live.

Mr Carns, who campaigned for the project, said: “Since being elected, I’ve worked hard in Parliament to stand up for Birmingham Selly Oak – and now that work is delivering real results.

“This funding will create new opportunities for young people, support initiatives that keep our streets safe, and strengthen pride in

Local people choose: Al Carns at the Outpost Arts Centre in Druids Heath

our community. Over the next ten years, this £20m will change lives – and I’ll make sure it’s directed to where local people need it most.

He added: “This funding can be spent on a wide range of projects, and every idea is welcome.

“For example, during a recent visit, a resident suggested a community wind turbine. Ultimately, it will be up to the people of Druids Heath to decide how the money is used. Not politicians in London – local residents right here.”

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SECTOR FOCUS: FINANCE

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SECTOR FOCUS: LEGAL

Wilkes advise on historic firm’s buyout Wilkes has advised the management team of Brandauer on their successful management buyout (MBO) of the 163-year-old Birmingham manufacturer.

The company, one of Europe’s leading contract presswork and stampings specialists, exports precision metal components to more than 26 countries worldwide.

The deal ensures the business remains in UK ownership and supports its long-term growth strategy, which includes targeting new markets such as power storage, aerospace and defence.

The buyout was led by chief executive Rowan Crozier, manufacturing director Stuart Berry, and non-executive director David Chapman, who have set out an ambitious 10-year plan to grow sales to £12m by 2029 and create more than 20 new jobs.

The Wilkes team was led by Gareth O’Hara (senior partner), supported by Matt Hartas (associate solicitor), Emma

RSP acquire PAT testing firm Leading law firm Freeths has advised Rose Street Partners (RSP) on its acquisition of AGG Electrical Safety Testing Limited.

Founded in 2006 by brothers Andy and Gavin Griffiths, AGG Electrical Safety Testing has grown from a local provider of Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) into a national player offering comprehensive electrical safety and property maintenance services.

Headquartered in Chesterfield, AGG now serves clients across the UK, with a reputation for quality, reliability, and customer service.

A multi-disciplinary team from Freeths provided legal advice to RSP on the deal, which was led by corporate partner Francis Dalton, supported by associate Mia Broomhall. Freeths’ banking partner Michelle Wilkinson worked alongside Francis and Mia with senior associate Anna Protheroe and trainee Edward Dempsey.

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Richardson (solicitor), and Matt Workman (paralegal).

David said: “Completing this deal was a hugely important milestone, both personally and for Brandauer as a whole. I am delighted to have worked with Gareth, Matt, and Emma at Wilkes, whose professionalism, insight, and commitment made the process smooth and straightforward.

‘Completing this deal was a hugely important milestone, both personally and for Brandauer’ “I enjoyed working with them throughout the transaction and greatly valued their support in helping us secure a strong future for one of Birmingham’s most historic manufacturers.”

Gareth added: “Brandauer is a business with a remarkable history

Preserving Brandauer (left to right): Emma Richardson, Gareth O’Hara, Matt Hartas and Matt Workman

and a very exciting future. This transaction not only preserves an iconic Birmingham manufacturer in UK ownership but also positions it for long-term growth in high-value global markets. We look forward to seeing the management team deliver on their ambitious plans.”

Also advising on the deal was Breeze, White and Black, Dains, Forvis Mazars and Ballards. The deal was financed by HSBC, represented by Shakespeare Martineau.

Wilkes has been recommended across 13 categories in the highly

anticipated 2026 Legal 500 rankings. This achievement highlights the firm’s consistent efforts to enhance its offerings across the wide range of legal services it provides.

Ellie Holland, managing partner, said: “These results reflect the hard work and commitment of everyone across the firm. A big congratulations to Pam, Sophie, and Annmarie on their individual recognition – it’s so well deserved.

And of course, thank you to our clients for their ongoing trust and support.”

Clarke Willmott celebrates its place in Legal 500 rankings The Birmingham office of national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP has been ranked highly in this year’s Legal 500 guide, with numerous practice areas and individual lawyers being recognised.

The guide, which ranks the UK’s top lawyers and firms, recommended Clarke Willmott’s Birmingham office in seven practice areas: family; personal injury - claimant; commercial property; construction; commercial litigation; corporate and commercial; and banking and finance.

New rankings are listed for banking and finance in the West Midlands and Clarke Willmott’s personal injury and commercial property offerings achieved improved rankings in the West Midlands.

Birmingham partner Rayner Grice (family) was named as “Leading Partner”; Caroline Young (family) was named a “Leading Associate” and Adam Maguire (family) a “Next Generation Partner”.

Nationally, Clarke Willmott received

the top ranking possible for 10 of its specialist practice areas and in total was ranked in 52 practice areas across all of its seven regional offices.

Rayner Grice, also head of the Birmingham office, said: “It is fantastic to see that we have continued to build on our success in recent years and that the depth of expertise within the firm has been recognised with rankings across numerous practice areas. This year we celebrated our 20th anniversary in the city and to see that our clients continue to place trust and confidence in us, speaks to both the breadth and consistency of the services we deliver.”

Clarke Willmott LLP is also celebrating two of its lawyers being listed in the 2025 Spear’s 500 Guide for landed estate lawyers.The firm is the only in the UK to have two lawyers named in the top 10 of the guide, which highlights exceptional expertise in rural and agricultural law.

The Spear’s 500 is widely regarded as the definitive guide to the top private client advisers in the UK, and this year’s edition recognises Clarke Willmott’s Mark Buckerfield and Rod Lloyd-Jones for their outstanding contributions to the landed estates sector.

Leading partner: Rayner Grice

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SECTOR FOCUS: LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Future-proofing your business Cyber threats continue to evolve in complexity and scope. However, the measures businesses can adopt are broadly similar, says Stephens Scown’s Cherry Wong (pictured).

Top tips to preventing cybersecurity threats: 1. Implement a crisis response plan Have a well-tested disaster recovery plan with defined roles, so incidents are escalated and handled promptly, including containment of the breach, compliance with reporting obligations, and maintaining transparent communications with affected individuals.

2. Supplier and third-party risk management It is crucial to ensure any third-party suppliers’ processing activities meet legal requirements. Auditing third parties or enforcing contractual cybersecurity obligations are effective in minimising exposure to vulnerabilities.

3. Undertake data protection training Regular data protection training can increase employees’ awareness of data protection requirements and equip them with relevant knowledge and skills to respond to cybersecurity incidents.

4. Regular software updates All operating systems, cybersecurity software and other applications should be consistently reviewed and kept up to date with the latest security standards.

5. Ongoing security monitoring Adopt a proactive approach by continuously monitoring your systems for unusual or suspicious activities. Early detection and remediation can reduce the impact of data breaches.

As cyber criminals become more opportunistic and sophisticated, data protection must be taken as an ongoing priority.

For information, contact dataprotection@stephens-scown.co.uk.

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CHAMBERLINK

SMQ Services Ltd (trading as The Health Insurance Group) is an Appointed Representative of Health and Protection Solutions Ltd. Health and Protection Solutions Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This can be checked on the FCA’s website or by calling them on 0800 111 6768 (freephone). Not all products and services offered are regulated by the FCA. SMQ Services Ltd is registered in England and Wales number 03687904. Registered office: Lumaneri House Blythe Gate, Blythe Valley Park, Solihull, West Midlands, United Kingdom, B90 8AH

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SECTOR FOCUS: MANUFACTURING Manufacturing in our DNA: Mayor Richard Parker

Transformation fund for manufacturers Hundreds of manufacturing businesses are to get expert support and funding to help them capitalise on a new wave of economic opportunities, driven in part by the flagship West Midlands Investment Zone.

SMEs already based in the West Midlands can now apply to join the WM Investment Zone Supply Chain Transition programme at: businessgrowthwestmidlands.org.uk The programme is backed by £12.5m secured for the sector from government by Mayor Richard Parker and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

It will create and safeguard thousands of jobs by helping businesses pivot into high-growth, techdriven advanced manufacturing markets set out in the region’s Growth Plan and the government’s Industrial Strategy. These include advanced engineering, electric vehicles and battery technology, clean tech and energy, health and medical tech, aerospace, and digital technologies.

Mayor Parker said: “Manufacturing is still the beating heart of the West Midlands economy. But we’re ever evolving as technology transforms what we make and how we make it. It’s essential to modernise production, upskill our workforce, and support business leaders with the training, funding, and guidance they need to be at the cutting edge of 21st century clean and hightech industries. This is a chance to reclaim our status as the workshop of the world.”

The Supply Chain Transition programme will give businesses fully funded practical advice, access to a £6m research and development grant fund, and advanced management training for senior leaders. The first year of the programme will be delivered by Supply Smarter West Midlands.

The consortium is led by C&W Business Solutions, Manufacturing Technology Centre, WMG at University of Warwick, and the three partners of the West Midlands Combined Universities Partnership, Birmingham City University, Coventry University and University of Wolverhampton.

Flexeserve scoops up award Flexeserve, leaders in hot food-togo products and services, added to their impressive accolades ahead of October’s HostMilano event – with a SMART Label Award.

Their cloud-based innovation, Connect by Flexeserve is quickly becoming their most celebrated, now accredited with SMART Label certification by HostMilano’s panel of judges.

Connect was launched in 2023, quickly earning a buzz within the industry as the first cloud-based service for hot-holding.

When asked about what made Connect such a game-changer for foodservice, Warwick Wakefield, director of customer experience at Flexeserve, said: “No other platform offers such complete automation for hot food-to-go.

“With Connect, operators now have a way to turn units or their shelves on and off, schedule cook times, adjust temperatures and receive real-time data analytics – all

Leaders in their field: Flexeserve

at the touch of a button.”

The potential for Connect’s impact was soon recognised by industry pundits. The service was honoured at the Sandwich & Food to Go Industry Awards and at GulfHost 2024’s Innovation Awards, in which it was named Best Frontof House Innovation.

Warwick added: “Connect’s success and recognition is attributed to its immediate ROI benefits.

“It’s already trusted by major brands who understand Connect’s potential to save them millions in food waste, labour and energy costs.”

Immediate funding needed: Stephen Morley

JLR support not quick enough The government’s support package for the automotive sector is not being rolled out quickly enough and is failing to reach suppliers further down the supply chain, according to the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM).

It appears that details of how the scheme will be administered have yet to be finalised, leaving JLR still working through the metrics required to implement payments for their first-tier suppliers. This delay has created a serious shortfall, with little prospect of second, third and fourth-tier suppliers receiving any level of funding in the short-term.

CBM president Stephen Morley said: “We need to find a way to get money quickly to where it is needed most, to prevent the supply chain from completely collapsing and that could be an additional type of loan.

“JLR is rightly focused on getting payments through to their first-tier suppliers, and it’s best we allow them to complete that process. Our focus now must be on ensuring that second tier and smaller suppliers in the chain are supported, so the whole framework is in place when production restarts.”

CBM is urging the government to urgently provide immediate funding support to both spread the impact of the lost revenue and provide the working capital required to complete orders once they resume.

“The companies suffering are excellent businesses, who are superb in what they do and have survived some major economic shocks. This cyberattack on JLR is no fault of the firms involved, and it is in the government and the banks’ interests for these businesses to survive,” Stephen added.

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SECTOR FOCUS: PROPERTY

Building a future: Gateley residential talent

Law firm in office move Squire Patton Boggs has signed a lease to become the first occupier at 19 Cornwall Street in Birmingham.

The law firm, which employs around 150 people in Birmingham, will relocate in mid-2026 from its current office in Edmund Street to 19 Cornwall Street, taking 22,231 sq ft of Grade A office space.

The BREEAM-certified building is registered to achieve a NABERS 5-Star Design Reviewed Target Rating.

The office will also be Net Zero Carbon in operation, with sustainable features including energy-efficient systems, low carbon construction materials and enhanced insulation, reflecting the firm’s commitment to sustainable business practices.

Birmingham office managing partner Tom Durrant said: “We have outstanding staff, a strong client base and great ambition for our future in the city.

“Our move into 19 Cornwall Street gives us first-rate, sustainable facilities for our people and our clients and will be a prestigious platform for the firm’s long-term growth in the region.”

The announcement follows the growth and investment of the firm’s team in Birmingham, with the arrival of corporate partner Partho Chaudhuri at the beginning of September, and partners Ellie Pinnells and Victoria Callicott last year.

Celebrating 10 years of housebuilders’ programme Professional services group Gateley is marking 10 years of its national academy for housebuilders programme which has had more than 650 junior professionals attend since it launched in 2016.

The free series of workshop-style modules is designed to support the next generation of talent in the residential development sector, including graduates and young professionals in land, planning and technical teams.

Hosted across Gateley’s offices in London, Birmingham and Leeds, the workshops are predominantly delivered by Gateley Legal’s residential development lawyers, alongside its consultancy professionals within the wider group.

With four modules delivered over the course of 12 months, the academy follows the full lifecycle of a residential development site from heads of terms all the way through to final plot sales and exiting schemes.

Sessions have also covered matters including planning, serving notices and customer care. Specialist

topics have also been delivered by the tax experts at Gateley Capitus, as well as land and utilities consultants at Gateley Hamer.

Andy Wilson, partner and national head of residential development at Gateley Legal, said: “Delighting clients is at the forefront of all we do, and we pride ourselves on adding additional value to our housebuilder and developer relationships through supplementary services including these workshops designed to help shape careers.

“We’ve had outstanding feedback over the past ten years from clients and attendees, with our growing cohorts being made up of graduates, as well as young professionals seeking a ‘back to basics’ refresher.

“Being part of a professional services group means we can also include specialist presentations from consultancy colleagues which adds another level of insight and keeps the course developing each year. A big thank you to all involved in the delivery of our workshops, as well as our alumni from the past 10 years.”

Construction firm to support DWP’s estates transformation

Proud: Keith Johns

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Construction consultancy Del Bosque Group has been appointed by Perfect Circle on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver its Estates Programme Assurance Service (EPAS).

The Birmingham-based group will deliver the service in partnership with Gleeds, providing a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary assurance process which will provide reduced risk and enhanced value for money for DWP projects.

The appointment, made under the SCAPE Consultancy Framework through Perfect Circle, covers several key DWP programmes, including workplace transformation, life cycle works, and special property investment.

The assurance service will be tailored to the specific requirements of each programme, ensuring a bespoke delivery model that adds

value and aligns with DWP’s wider goals of creating a smaller, more sustainable estate.

Acting as a second line of defence for the Real Estate Project and Investments Team (REPIT), the EPAS service will offer independent oversight of delivery activities.

Keith Johns, client account director for the DWP at Del Bosque Group, said: “We are delighted to be appointed, in partnership with Gleeds, to deliver the DWP Estates Programme Assurance Service.

“Del Bosque have a long-standing relationship with DWP and this appointment is testament to and reflects the industry-leading results we’ve achieved over the last four years, supporting DWP in the management of its real estate capital and lifecycle works programmes across the UK.”

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SECTOR FOCUS: PROPERTY

First “outstanding” building in Birmingham: Three Chamberlain Square

Sustainable building praised Three Chamberlain Square, Paradise and Birmingham’s latest and most sustainable commercial building, has been awarded a BREEAM Outstanding accreditation for the building’s construction stage.

This is the highest environmental sustainability certification level acknowledging pioneering best practice and exemplary performance and awarded only to the top one per cent of nondomestic buildings in the UK.

The 189,000 sq ft building, designed by award-winning architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBS) and constructed by Sir Robert McAlpine, already has a BREEAM Outstanding rating for the design stage, but the hard work put into the initial stages of development and subsequent delivery have now been rewarded with a full Outstanding rating for the building – the first and only commercial office building in Birmingham to reach this level.

The announcement is another landmark moment for Paradise as well as MEPC – the specialist development arm of Federated Hermes delivering the £1.2bn estate. The building, which saw practical completion at the end of May this year stands at the leading edge of inclusive and contemporary modern workspace and has already generated huge interest with global firms CBRE, EY and Forvis Mazars all set to make it their new Birmingham home.

Alex Housden, senior development manager at Paradise developer and asset manager, MEPC, said: “This is a huge vote of confidence in both the approach to and delivery of Three Chamberlain Square as the most sustainable commercial building in the city and region.

“BREEAM Outstanding is a tough accreditation to achieve, and everyone involved in the design and creation of the building deserves congratulations.”

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SECTOR FOCUS: SKILLS

New contracts drive growth at training firm A multi-award-winning training company which has changed the lives of more than 7,000 students is celebrating major contract wins of hundreds of thousands of pounds as it marks its 10th year in business.

Birmingham-based Training Personified specialises in improving skills in employability and leadership for corporate teams.

It also provides vital expertise in how to return to the workplace for people who have fallen off the career ladder for a variety of reasons.

Clients have included major organisations and companies including Government welfare to work services.

Proud: Zoe Bennett

‘After 10 years in business these are precisely the people we have aimed at bringing into our world’ The team, led by managing director Zoe Bennett, has also welcomed further key UK service providers to the Training Personified family, strengthening employability and customer service capabilities of staff and potential employees.

She said: “We have several sixfigure contracts on the horizon and are delighted that these nationally known organisations are putting their trust in us to partner with them into the future.

“After 10 years in business these are precisely the people we have aimed at bringing into our world and we are looking forward to building on strong foundations for prosperous and mutually productive professional collaborations.

“We are incredibly proud to be celebrating our 10-year anniversary this year, and what makes it even

more special is knowing that in that time we have supported 7,628 participants. To reach this milestone and to be able to look back at the impact we have had fills us with immense pride and gratitude.

“Our team may be small, with just 17 passionate individuals, but together we have created something incredibly powerful.”

Conference returns to Birmingham Birmingham will host the 12th annual Inspiring Leadership Conference in June 2026, with organisers announcing a series of new features designed to enhance the experience for delegates.

The two-day event, at the ICC on 4 and 5 June, is expected to attract around 1,000 senior school leaders from across the UK and overseas. It is billed as the country’s longest-running leadership conference dedicated to education.

Blackberry Events, the management partner of the conference, say all sessions will now be CPD accredited, offering delegates formal recognition for their professional development.

A new charity partner will also be announced, reflecting the conference’s focus on environmental and social impact.

Georgie Butler, director of Inspiring Leadership, said: “Our focus on ensuring the Inspiring Leadership Conference remains a valuable, inspiring and enjoyable experience for our delegates has become even more important as the conference enters its twelfth year.

“We hope the new developments at this year’s conference will further enhance the conference experience at both a professional and personal level for all attendees and we look forward to welcoming everyone in June.”

Two-day event: The Inspiring Leadership conference

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Helping young into jobs (left to right): Charlie Blakemore, Alton Brown, Nicola Turner, Tony Elvin, Patricia White MBE and PJ Ellis

Our young people need more support Demand for youth development support in the West Midlands continues to soar, with local charity Sport 4 Life UK helping a record 3,875 young people in the year to July 2025, according to its latest Impact Report.

The figure, which represents a 12 per cent rise compared to the previous 12-month period, was unveiled at the charity’s 2024/25 Impact Report launch event hosted by Birmingham influencer PJ Ellis at Mills & Reeve solicitors in One Centenary Way. A key part of the launch was an expert panel discussion featuring Patricia White MBE, Intercity Technology CEO Charlie Blakemore, Sport 4 Life UK trustee Alton Brown, Nicola Turner, CEO of United by 2022, and Tony Elvin, general manager at Touchwood Solihull.

Tony warned that “pathways to work weren’t always clear” and the “perception of university or bust” was making many young people feel inadequate. However, he said there were opportunities waiting to be unlocked in sectors such as hospitality, retail, construction and security offering a solution to those who had been left behind.

CEO and founder of Sport 4 Life UK Tom Clarke-Forrest said: “The number of young people who are either struggling after formal education or to find their place in the world of employment is increasing.

“It’s vital then that the government, business and the third sector come together to ensure no one is left behind. We will continue to expand our services and build partnerships to find new ways to open up opportunities.”

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SECTOR FOCUS: SKILLS

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SECTOR FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY

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SECTOR FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY

Ebury opens Birmingham office Fintech firm Ebury has opened a new office in Birmingham city centre.

The company, which specialises in international payments and foreign exchange risk management, has launched the base in 103 Colmore Row, adding to its other UK offices in London and High Wycombe.

It said the new office deepened its pre-existing ties with Birmingham, building on the business' three-year commitment to Aston Villa as its official foreign exchange partner.

UK manager Phil Monkhouse said: "Opening our new office in Birmingham marks a major milestone for Ebury and reflects both the strength of our business and the growing demand we are already seeing from clients across the Midlands.

“By establishing a permanent presence in the region, we can now truly meet clients at their place of

Global technology (left to right): Phil Monkhouse, Russ Ashman (head of business development, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce), Dylan Mallett (Ebury regional manager, Birmingham and Midlands) and Raj Kandola (acting deputy CEO, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce)

work, allowing us to build closer, more impactful relationships.

“We will provide tailored support that’s grounded in a deeper

Defending against cyber threats: The Intercity Team

Birmingham tech giant joins MISA Birmingham’s Intercity has become a member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA), an ecosystem of software development companies and security services partners that have integrated their solutions with Microsoft Security technology to better defend mutual customers against a world of increasing cyber threats.

The Intercity managed SOC delivers comprehensive 24/7/365 security protection, defending against threats with SIEM (Security Incident Event Management) and XDR (Extended Detection and Response) while ensuring identities and access remain secure.

This is achieved through robust defensive capabilities within the Microsoft Security stack, including Microsoft Sentinel for SIEM to detect and report threats in real time, alongside Microsoft Defender for XDR to contain and isolate cyber breaches.

Charlie Blakemore, Intercity’s chief executive officer, said: “Joining MISA is a great milestone for us, because it underlines the work our team is already doing every day to keep our customers safe.

“With the threat landscape evolving so quickly, and more businesses impacted daily, this has never been more important. Working together with Microsoft means we can contain and isolate potential breaches before they can spread. For our customers, that means they can focus on running their business, knowing their people, data and systems are more secure.”

Established in 2018 to bring together Microsoft leaders, and security vendors, MISA focuses on collaborating to combat security threats and create a safer environment for all.

understanding of the unique challenges that businesses face in the Midlands, and strengthen our visibility with businesses who are

increasingly seeking trusted partners to help them manage international trade, finance, and risk.”

Kees Veerman, managing director of Europe, UK, Switzerland, and Canada at Ebury, added: “Birmingham and the wider Midlands represent an exciting growth opportunity for Ebury.

“The region is home to thriving industries such as advanced manufacturing, automotive, engineering, technology, and professional services – all sectors with strong international footprints and a need for specialist financial solutions.

“By opening a local office, we are positioning ourselves right at the heart of this dynamic business community.

“This move builds on our threeyear commitment as the Official FX Partner of Aston Villa FC, demonstrating that our belief in the region is long-term and genuine.”

Rigby Group marks growth milestone The Rigby Group is celebrating their 50th anniversary by marking the past financial year with a revenue of £3.8bn.

From its beginnings in 1975 with just a £2,000 investment, the group has grown to revenues of £3.8bn in FY25, up three per cent on the prior year.

Rigby Group’s EBITDA rose 36 per cent to £95m, supported in part by the sale of some businesses.

SCC, Rigby Group’s cornerstone IT business, delivered a fourth consecutive record year, driving innovation and enabling clients to transform at pace. The group also maintained its ambitious £300m technology investment programme, accelerating acquisitions and development in areas such as AI, cloud, and cybersecurity.

Over 500 colleagues delivered the full technology infrastructure for this project of national scale and complexity, showcasing the group’s technical expertise, reliability, and commitment to sustainability.

Of the 8,000 colleagues across the group, more than 2,000 have been with the business for over a decade.

The Rigby family reinforced its commitment to sustainable and responsible growth, making multi-million-pound contributions to The Rigby Foundation and The Sir Peter Rigby Charitable Trust during the year.

Sir Peter Rigby, founder and chairman of Rigby Group, said: “This year marks 50 years in business for Rigby Group — a company I founded in 1975 with the belief that technology would change the world and the ambition to build something lasting. Our story has always been one of progress, not standing still, and we remain confident in our direction and excited for the future, continuing to invest in technology, our people, and the communities we serve.”

Family story of progress (left to right): James Rigby, Sir Peter Rigby, and Steve Rigby

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SECTOR FOCUS: THE ARTS World class: The Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Picture: Johan Persson

The Nutcracker to make return Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) continues its world-class performances in the city it calls home with the return of the acclaimed Christmas favourite, Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker.

The production opens at Birmingham Hippodrome on Friday, 21 November, running through to Saturday 13 December, marking an incredible 35 years since its world premiere at the theatre in 1990.

BRB’s inaugural director, Sir Peter Wright, celebrates his 99th birthday during this year’s run. He gave the production to the people of Birmingham as a thank you for welcoming the company (formerly known as Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet) to the city when it moved from London.

Paul James, CEO of BRB, said “We are very proud to be celebrating this iconic production’s 35th anniversary. Sir Peter Wright’s The

Nutcracker has been performed over 600 times here in Birmingham and enjoyed by well over one million people across the Midlands and the UK, many of whom saw it as children and now bring their own families – a testament to its continuing popularity in Birmingham.”

‘The Nutcracker has been performed over 600 times here in Birmingham’ Gaynor Share, a regular Nutcracker audience member, said “The first ballet I ever took my daughter to see was The Nutcracker in 2000 when she was eight years old and it opened her mind to the joy that is the ballet. She will be 33 this year and even if we don’t attend any other performance in the year, we always attend The Nutcracker together.”

The Nutcracker is an enchanting wonderland of dancing snowflakes, a flying goose, magical Christmas trees and of course the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Little known facts: There are 126 individual roles across 50 dances; the King Rat costume weighs 10 kilos; the company get through just under one tonne of dry ice for the run of a performance; the production features the full company of 60 dancers who wear over 150 costumes and the famous Christmas tree transformation scene takes roughly 47 staff to complete!

Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker, which underwent a significant £1m makeover in 2022, giving the classic ballet new life with updated sets and costumes by John Macfarlane, is performed

by BRB’s company of world-class dancers accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s famous score performed by the acclaimed Royal Ballet Sinfonia.

Production space opened in Birmingham Cards celebrate local landmarks Christmas cards hand-drawn by a Lichfield business owner feature towns and cities across Greater Birmingham.

Love2dream owner and Chamber member Jackie Roberts (pictured) has created seasonal drawings, featuring iconic Birmingham buildings.

Jackie said: “Our cards help businesses to really stand out, adding a personal touch by featuring the town or city in which their business is based.”

Love2dream is offering GBCC members free standard artwork, worth £25, when they order 100 cards or more.

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Tribera, the award-winning creative content agency founded in Birmingham, has launched B1 Studios – a state-of-the-art production space.

Located on the 23rd floor of the Alpha Tower, a short walk from Birmingham New Street Station, B1 Studios brings top-level facilities to the Midlands, giving local businesses, brands, and creators the tools to produce high-quality content.

From podcast recording and photography to fullscale video shoots, the studio is built for flexibility, speed and impact.

The space has already attracted and played host to a range of big names - including Costa Coffee, who recently used the space to shoot campaigns for its Summer Drinks, Spanish Latte, and Hot Milkshake ranges.

Fran Nolan, managing director at Tribera, said: “Birmingham is full of ambitious businesses and talented creators, but until now, there’s been a real gap in the city for accessible, high-quality studio spaces.

“With B1 Studios, we wanted to create something that’s central, flexible, and faff-free – a place where people can walk in with an idea and walk out with something tangible.

State-of-the-art: B1 Studios

“We’ve already had great feedback from clients like Costa Coffee, and we’re excited to see how Birmingham businesses use the space to grow their brands and reach new audiences.”

Designed with flexibility and ease in mind, B1 Studios offers: • Podcast facilities – ready-to-go podcast recording kit with the option of professional filming and sound support • Photography – high-end equipment, a range of changeable backdrops, and a green screen for product, portrait, or fashion photography • Videography – versatile setups ideal for product videography • Post-production support – from fast-turnaround edits for social media to full-scale video production.

• Kit hire – industry-standard equipment on site.

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SECTOR FOCUS: SPORT

The Business of Sport

Partners: Birmingham Rockets and Ark Media

Rockets’ story comes to life The story of Birmingham’s biggest basketball club is being brought to life thanks to a partnership with video production firm Ark Media.

City of Birmingham Rockets – who play in the new British Championship Basketball league – have joined forces with Ark Media for a series of video projects.

Ark Media have produced a series of videos including kit launch promos to highlight the Rockets’ new home and away kits, a promotional video about the club’s history, ethos and ambitions, and fixture promos to drive interest and attendance in upcoming games.

Phil Arkinstall, CEO of Ark Media and past president of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber, said: “We are excited by the opportunity to work with, and sponsor, the area’s leading basketball team.”

New operators: The BCLT and Circo Leisure at the Alexander Stadium

New operators in place to secure games legacy Birmingham Community Leisure Trust (BCLT) and its managing agent Serco Leisure are the new operators of Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium.

In 2015, BCLT and Serco Leisure signed a 15-year agreement with Birmingham City Council (BCC) to manage nine leisure centres across the city. The operation of Alexander Stadium is an addition to this contract. BCLT and Serco Leisure will also assume responsibility for the new Perry Fitness & Indoor Athletics Centre, which is within the same footprint as the stadium complex.

Simon Lane, managing director for Serco Leisure, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with BCLT and BCC, as managing agent for this internationally renowned venue.

“Over the next 12 months, we’ll be working closely with BCC to support the delivery of the European Athletics Championships, which will be hosted at the stadium in August 2026, marking the first time the UK has held this prestigious event.

“We are very proud of our record in Birmingham since 2015. For over a decade, we have supported people

from all sectors of the community to lead more active, more socially connected lives.”

Councillor Mariam Khan, cabinet member for health and social care, said: “The Alexander Stadium was the beating heart of the Commonwealth Games, and today it continues as a world class sports venue. The stadium will remain publicly owned and through our partnership with Serco and Birmingham Community Leisure Trust, we are working together to further enhance the stadium’s long-term legacy as a vibrant hub for sport.”

Sport Birmingham welcomes trustees Sport Birmingham has strengthened its board of trustees with the appointment of two new members, Claire Murray and Kate Oliver.

Claire, head of strategic content and campaigns at British Gymnastics, brings substantial experience in strategic marketing and brand development.

With her professional expertise and long-standing connection to Birmingham, Claire is eager to help elevate Sport Birmingham’s profile and extend its reach.

Kate Oliver, from HCR Law, is a specialist in sports law and safeguarding. Her professional 78 CHAMBERLINK November 2025

background makes her a valuable addition to Sport Birmingham’s mission of ensuring sport and physical activity remain accessible and safe for all. Her appointment underlines the organisation’s continued commitment to governance, safeguarding, and best practice across the sector.

Mike Chamberlain, CEO of Sport Birmingham, said: “It’s always exciting to welcome new trustees, and Claire and Kate both bring essential skills and experience as well as a passion for and belief in the difference that sport and physical activity makes to people’s lives.”

Essential skills (left to right): Mike Chamberlain, Claire Murray, Kate Oliver, and Sport Birmingham Chair Mark Taylor

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CHAMBERLINK ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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What’s your greatest achievement so far?

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November 2025 CHAMBERLINK 79

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MEMBER SECTION: NEW MEMBERS

New Members Your guide to new sign-ups

77 Entity Ltd Ayodele Ojo 07570 912777 www.77entity.co.uk Management consultancy Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Burton Albion Football Club Andy Witham 01283 565938 www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk Sports and recreation Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

Alexander Stadium Cathy Lewis 0121 675 2221 www.alexander-stadium.co.uk Sports facilities Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Clear Design Sherridan Grady 01743 344911 www.cleardesign.co.uk Marketing and media Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Appleby Electrical (Birmingham) Ltd Paul Appleby 07950 677047 Electronic components Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Collect Mechanic Abbas Shah 07888 865499 www.collectmechanic.co.uk Other Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Blackbrook Barns Gary Kaas 01543 386616 www.blackbrookbarns.co.uk Events and hospitality Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

Connect Direct Solutions Ltd Tia Christina Corbett-Francis 07743 368396 www.linkedin.com/company/connectdirect-solutions-ltd/about Other Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

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Whatever your business size and requirements, the Chamber has a membership scale to suit your needs.

For more information visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/membership

Definitive Accountancy Limited Trevor Williams 0121 238 0038 Accounting and auditing Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

First in Service Chris Dew 0121 333 3301 www.firstinservice.co.uk Environmental services Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Element Logistics UK Ltd Duygu Sarisin 07392 151602 www.elementlogistic.com Other Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

GoGlobal GEO Limited Anoop Najran 07860 387595 www.goglobal.com Human resources Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Fastsigns Tom Gilpin 0121 236 2123 www.fastsigns.co.uk/birmingham Printing Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Filmbase Technologies UK LTD Riyaz Nilar 07590 604387 Manufacturing and engineering Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Grounded Therapy UK Ltd Saghir Shah 07936 449315 www.groundedtherapy.co.uk Health and social services Asian Business Chamber of Commerce Hallmark Exhibitions Sean Carey 07809 636959 www.hallmarkexhibitions.com Exhibition and fair organisers Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

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MEMBER SECTION: NEW MEMBERS Hednesford Town Football Club Rob Slater 01543 750021 www.htfc.co.uk Sport clubs Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce

Monarch Els Ltd Carly Maher 01922 744687 www.monarchels-logistics.com Freight Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Priory School Edgbaston Stuart Brereton 0121 446 7241 www.prioryschool.net Education Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

House of Health Nadir Abbas 0121 824 1600 www.houseofhealth.org.uk Hospitals Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Mydus Property Group Ltd John Agbe 0121 405 4035 www.mydusproperty.co.uk Construction and Real Estate Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Property And New Beginnings Uk Cic Jamaine Hayles 07449 008145 www.propertyandnewbeginnings.com Construction and Real Estate Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Initial IT Solutions Ltd Andy Price 01543 524594 www.initialit.co.uk IT consultancy Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

NBB Law Rob Bhol 0121 726 9999 www.nbblaw.co.uk Solicitors Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Jensten Insurance Chris Forster 07789 930950 www.jensteninsurance.co.uk/aboutus/our-offices/midlands Insurance agents and brokers Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

OOOM Global sammy Sheikh 0121 769 3283 www.ooom.co.uk Human resources Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Learn Any Job Moshesh Reid 07773 032945 www.LearnAnyJob.com Education Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Momentum Training & Development Ltd Mo Bury 07792 903668 www.momentumtraining.biz Education Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

PMS Networks Ltd Michael Underhill 0121 200 8949 www.pmsnetworks.co.uk IT consultancy Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Revitcus Consulting Charles Eurell FCII, MCILA, BDMA InsTech, AIFAA, ACIArb 0800 088 6178 www.revitcus.com IT and software development Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Rezinate Renovationz Sam Lee 07480 531816 www.rezinaterenovationz.com Floor and wall covering Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Six By Nico Nicole Ruddock 0121 812 5666 www.sixbynico.co.uk/birmingham

Restaurants and cafes Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Strike Back Self Defence Burton on Trent Tracey Payne 07786 153598 www.strikebackselfdefence.com Sports and recreation Burton and District Chamber of Commerce TOCA Social Daniel Fullarton 0121 815 8945 www.toca.social/birmingham Letting and operating of conference and exhibition centres Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Watkin Property Ventures Investments Limited Alex Hough www.watkinpv.com Real estate Birmingham Chamber of Commerce X-Pro Learning Solutions Ltd Carl Robinson 07841 481775 www.xpro-ltd.com Human resources Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

As the voice of local business since 1813, we strive to help firms across the region

connect, support and grow.

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MEMBER SECTION

...any other business A roundup of news from Chamber members

Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival wins trophy for best event Hitting the right note: Jim Simpson and Sarah Yang

Chamberlink highlights three of the many awards that have been rolling in for firms with Midlands connections.

Organisers of the Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival have won a top award for running the city’s best event in 2025.

The popular festival has been named Festival or Event of the Year in the annual Birmingham Awards after delivering 178 live performances across 101 venues this summer, in what was its 41st consecutive year.

Jim Simpson and Sarah Yang of Big Bear Music, organisers of the festival, were presented with the trophy at a ceremony held at The Eastside Rooms.

Honour for charity boss The chief executive of Midland Mencap has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by The Community Foundation.

It celebrates Dave Rogers’ 40-year career in social care, dedicated to improving the lives of people with learning disabilities and their families across Birmingham.

According to Dave, the Lifetime Achievement Award is recognition of the values of Midland Mencap – commitment, inclusion, and the belief that everyone has the right to live a fulfilled and independent life.

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They beat off stiff competition from several other shortlisted finalists, including Birmingham Light Festival, Filmgage International Film Festival, Solihull Summer Fest 2025 and The Jewellery Quarter Festival.

Jim said: “We were so pleased to have been judged the winners of this special trophy, especially given the quality of all the other finalists who we were up against.

“The award is deserved by everyone at Big Bear Music and by every single one of the 311 musicians from across the UK and abroad who took part in the 2025 Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival, plus our everloyal audience who turn out every year to support this event.”

The Birmingham Awards evening was made extra special for Jim when Black Sabbath were awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award, and the late Ozzy Osbourne was awarded with a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award, the latter accepted by Kelly Osbourne on behalf of the family.

Mr Simpson was the original manager of Black Sabbath in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and he was presented with the same Lifetime Achievement Award last year.

He added: “To have our festival recognised on the same night as those special awards went to the band and singer who are so much

a part of my life and career was a poignant moment.”

The award for the Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival comes just weeks after Jim announced that the popular event would continue in 2026 after “overwhelming support” this year.

There had previously been fears that this summer’s 41st festival might be the final one because of reduced funding.

But Jim has said that although more funding is still required, the general public’s ongoing generosity, plus the beginnings of relationships with new funding partners, means the 42nd consecutive festival will go ahead from 24 July to 2 August 2026.

Travel agency crowned top online call centre of the year Birmingham-based travel agency Travel Club Elite has won the Online Call Centre Agency of the Year award for 2025, at the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers (ATAS) ceremony.

The agency has secured the title for the second year in a row, building on their win from October of last year.

Despite the industry’s competitive nature, Travel Club Elite maintains an impressive 70 per cent repeat booking rate, a clear testament to customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Managing director Colin Matthews said: “We’re so pleased to have won the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers award as the Call Centre Agent of the year.

“It’s a validation of all our teams’ hard work and the trust our customers place in us, year after year. We

know they’re happy because they rate us as five-star Excellent on TrustPilot.”

The accolade reaffirms Travel Club Elite’s reputation as a trusted travel partner, blending personalised service with deep industry knowledge to meet the needs of today’s travellers.

‘We’re so pleased to have won the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers award’ Travel Club Elite is one of the country’s top touring and adventure specialists, whose staff have experienced many of the itineraries and are perfectly placed to find the best arrangements for travellers.

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