Chamberlink September 21 by Kemps Publishing

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The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

CHAMBER September 2021

Free to Members £5.00 where sold

LINK

Highways expert finds route to top FF award Picture: Dale Martin

• Technology firm is new patron • Shelforce’s heart-warming story

- see page 51

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Contents Chamberlink September 2021 Business News 4

Editor’s View A once-in-a-generation opportunity for the region

Business News New patron is a homegrown success

12 President’s Focus Gill Durkin, president of Cannock Chase Chamber 16 Where do you fancy? The Boat Inn 20 The Griffin Report Howard Trotter, general manager, Shelforce

Chamber Patrons 44 Lawyers rack up major deals worth £1.35bn

1813 Club and Premier Members 46 Tax payers may have to pick up Covid-19 bill

Chamber Group

48 International Trade and Commonwealth: New role for International team member 50 Transatlantic: Caution is needed when expanding into the US

Features

51 Future Faces: Engineer takes the top prize at awards

61 Corporate Christmas: Party nights with singing competition sensation

52 Cannock Chase: Support for job seekers

64 The countdown is on until Christmas 2021

53 Burton & District: Public urged to back regeneration scheme

67 Legal Services: National Security and Investment Act – what you need to know

54 Lichfield & Tamworth: Community Games to make a return

68 In-house legal services for SMEs

Sector Focus

55 Sutton Coldfield: School selected for rebuilding programme

70 Business Travel: Full steam ahead for Vintage Trains

56 Solihull: Chamber plans hybrid awards night

58 ABCC: New patrons welcomed

72 Finance: Worrying spike in fraud cases 74 Technology: New career for former welder 77 Retail: Helping retail return to normality 78 Legal: Football season kicks off domestic violence 80 Property: Office market starting to bounce back 83 Manufacturing: Engineering firm in training partnership 84 Sport: STEM project to help youngsters

Member Section 85 Member Profile Charles Toye, Toye, Kenning & Spencer 86 New Members Chamber welcomes new members

90 …any other business News from Chamber businesses

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.

CHAMBER LINK

The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Cannock Chase

Editor John Lamb 0121 274 3237, 0797 1144064 j.lamb@birmingham-chamber.com Deputy Editor Dan Harrison 0121 274 3239, 0797 1144052 d.harrison@birmingham-chamber.com Reporter Jessica Brookes 0750 8317356 j.brookes@birmingham-chamber.com Reporter Claudia Congrave 0775 7798567 c.congrave@birmingham-chamber.com You can now read the latest issue of CHAMBERLINK and view back issues online at: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

Chamber of Commerce

Sutton Coldfield

Greater Birmingham

Chamber

Commonwealth

of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce

Greater Birmingham

Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce

September 2021 CHAMBERLINK 3

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Opinion

Editor’s View By John Lamb

A once-in-a-generation opportunity for region s the dust settles on the Tokyo Olympics, we can now turn our attention fully to the Commonwealth Games to be staged in Birmingham next year. We can look forward to the world spotlight turning to the Alexander Stadium and other venues for another athletic extravaganza. And it’s good to see and hear that athletes are already turning their attention to Birmingham with several of them mentioning the Commonwealth Games in their post-Tokyo interviews. Covid-19 delays have created an intense programme of events which will mean little recovery time for competitors so it’s good to hear that most of them are keen to add a Commonwealth Games medal to their accolades. And businesses in the Greater Birmingham region and beyond will be no less excited about the prospect of putting the region even more firmly on the map. A programme to boost the long-term economic impact of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has been unveiled (see page 24). The Business and Tourism Programme (BATP) is designed to secure more than £650m of new overseas investment into the UK and create £7m of additional export deals until 2027 by concentrating on nations and territories across the Commonwealth and within the domestic UK market. It is also expected to attract an additional 39,000 visitors to the region and UK until 2027, with an estimated £12m in visitor spend. Nigel Huddleston, Minister for Sport and Tourism, has recognised that Birmingham 2022 is

FRONT COVER: Arup engineer Michal Nowinski is the Future Face of Greater Birmingham See page 51

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a massive investment and tourism opportunity for the whole of the UK, not just our parish. But it is also designed to ensure that businesses in the West Midlands and across the country can seize the opportunity and capitalise on the profile of the Games and its audience of 1.5 billion people. This is all part of the Government’s drive to level up the country, spreading the economic benefits from the over-heating London and South East to the rest of the UK. As the minister says, this will help the tourism sector bounce back swiftly in the aftermath of coronavirus. It is also good to hear him say that this campaign will enhance the global reputation of Birmingham, the West Midlands and the UK as a leading destination for trade, investment and tourism. As West Midlands mayor Andy Street says, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and we must make the most of it. The business community is already playing its part and standing by to do even more as we build up to the Birmingham 2022 opening ceremony on Thursday, July 28, 2022. A business-ready campaign is already in place to help hospitality businesses prepare a stunning welcome. This will bring a much-needed boost for a sector that has been hard hit buy restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 crisis. This showcase event will put a world spotlight on the region as never before. So the face we put on it is crucial so that after the Games companies worldwide will find the prospect of moving to this region irresistible.

PRIVACY NOTICE: Kemps Publishing Ltd process personal information for certain legitimate interest purposes, which includes the following: • To provide postal copies of this publication to Chamber members and Kemps' customers; and • To offer marketing and promotional opportunities within this publication to Chamber members and prospects. Whenever we process data for these purposes, we always ensure we treat your Personal Data rights in high regard. If you wish to, you can visit www.kempspublishing.co.uk to view our full Privacy Notice and to learn more about our legitimate interests and your rights in this regard. CHAMBERLINK is produced on behalf of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed to members without charge. The Chambers and the publisher are committed to achieving the highest quality standards. While every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, neither the Chambers nor the publisher can accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Chambers. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format without prior written permission of Kemps Publishing Ltd.

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Business News

Business News Latest news from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

New patron is a homegrown success A global technology company which has a strong programme of CSR activity and longterm support for getting unemployed people into work have joined Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) as patrons. Intercity Technology, based at Holloway Head in Birmingham, have over 35 years’ experience delivering a “people-first” approach to define and launch technology solutions with the skills and expertise to future-proof a organisations. Since 1985, Intercity have been giving advice and providing technology-enabled solutions to over 4,000 international customers, including well-known public and private businesses. Their internal policies are also far-reaching, including that in the past 12 months they have created two additional “bank holidays” for colleagues to reward them for company results and extra hard work during the Covid-19 pandemic. .As well as several socially-distanced events raising money for MIND, with some colleagues taking part in Miles for MIND, Intercity also have plans to again raise money for the Macmillan cancer research charity. They also ran a “darkness into light” walk where colleagues started walking in the dark into the sunrise while connected over VC to

‘We are the ideal technology partner to enable organisations to flourish securely in the new age of working from anywhere’ symbolise that people going through dark times can have hope for a brighter future Their other work includes creating six Kickstart placements to support people at risk of long-term unemployment back into work. The firm currently have seven apprentices because they strongly believe in giving development opportunities and enhancing the skills of young people. They also have a work experience programme with Ahead Partnership. Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “We are delighted to be expanding our partnership with this homegrown success story. “Intercity Technology’s commitment to professional excellence, while making a positive impact on their people and the city-region, aligns perfectly with our ethos at the Chamber. “We look forward to working with them to help achieve their ambitions as a GBCC Patron.” Charlie Blakemore, Intercity’s group managing director, said: “We are delighted to extend our relationship with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. We are a family-owned business that was established in Birmingham over 35 years ago. Our headquarters in Birmingham

Proud: Charlie Blakemore

employs over 150 colleagues including our latest intake of apprentices and graduates. “We are the ideal technology partner to enable organisations to flourish securely in the new age of working from anywhere and we proudly do this for some of the region’s top businesses. With our sector-leading customer service and technical expertise, we want to extend our local presence in the West Midlands and continue to deliver our very competitive suite of IT services including communications, managed services, cloud and security solutions to the region.” The company was founded in 1985 by Alan Jackson as an independent service provider at the dawn of mobile technology in the UK. Intercity was one of the first Vodafone partners and was licenced by Cellnet (O2). In 1994 they expanded operations to have the first mobile licence in the Netherlands and seven years later introduced fixed landlines. In 2007 the first cloud services were introduced and they had offices located in Birmingham, Manchester and London. In 2010 the business was rebranded as Intercity Telecom Ltd, facilitating a shift from a mobilefocused business to a unified communications provider. They became the first and only independent telecom service provider in 2014 to be awarded the ServiceMark Accreditation from the Institute of Customer Service. Intercity acquired Gage Networks in 2015 to add depth to its service offering as leading cloud communication specialists. In the same year they were awarded ICS Engagement Strategy of the Year at the Institute of Customer Service UK Customer Satisfaction Awards, beating large brands such as Marks and Spencer and Carillion. Intercity also acquired the highly-accredited IT service provider Imerja in 2015. This enhanced it communications and IT services and provided access to public sector frameworks to customers. In 2017 Intercity were appointed as the sole supplier of managed LAN services into the Virgin Media Business product portfolio.

Polish-born

Michal Nowinski is a top highways engineer with Arup - now he is the Future Face of city-region See page 51 September 2021 CHAMBERLINK 5

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Business News Confidence is soaring - report By Dan Harrison Business confidence rebounded sharply during the second quarter of 2021 as coronavirus restrictions were eased across the country, according to a major report by three regional Chambers of Commerce. The latest results from the West Midlands Quarterly Economic Snapshot shows that more than three in five (62 per cent) businesses expect to increase their turnover over the course of the next 12 months, compared to 43 per cent in Q1. The snapshot, which covers the West Midlands Combined Authority area, is the most comprehensive regular report of its kind in the region. The data is collected from quarterly surveys conducted by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), Black Country Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) and Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce (C&WCC). Only 14 per cent of services sector firms surveyed expect their profits to fall over the course of the next year, which marks a return to the levels we were seeing pre-pandemic. Nearly half (47 per cent) of the businesses surveyed reported increased domestic sales this quarter with the number of firms experiencing a decline in UK sales falling from 37 per cent last quarter to 19 per cent in Q2. In terms of international sales, there was an overall improvement in the number of firms reporting an increase - 25 per cent compared to 20 per cent in the previous quarter. This is the highest figure recorded since the start of the pandemic and contrasts starkly with the eight per cent recorded during the first national lockdown (Q2 2020). However, the number of firms reporting hiring challenges increased significantly this quarter with 57 per cent of firms attempting to recruit struggling to do so. This is the highest figure since Q2 2019 and represents an 18 per cent increase compared to the last quarter. For the full report, go to: www.greaterbirminghamcha mbers.com

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Hippodrome boss to take helm at Opera Australia Fiona Allen has resigned as artistic director and chief executive at Birmingham Hippodrome to take up the position of chief executive at Opera Australia. Fiona joined Hippodrome in 2015 and has overseen a significant period of development for the independent charity. During this time the organisation has doubled the number of people it reaches though live performance, education programmes, festivals and visual arts to over one million annually. Fiona said: “I have loved being in Birmingham and am especially sad to be leaving on the eve of our

‘I am humbled to have played a part in helping support artists create new work here that is now touring the UK and the world’ Commonwealth Games year. During the time I’ve spent here I have enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life and have fallen in love with the city’s youthful energy. “There is such incredible talent in Birmingham, and the arts and cultural scene is absolutely thriving. I am humbled to have played a part in helping support artists create new work here that is now touring the UK and the world.” She added: “The Hippodrome team and Board have been incredible in driving forward a change agenda that has seen us double our annual impact and become a much more inclusive organisation. We have made enormous strides forward in the past five years, pausing only for the challenges of the past year while our theatre itself has been closed to live performance. “Despite these challenges we have still reached more than 850,000 people via art installations, the Van Gogh Alive experience, digital streaming events and our extensive work in schools and communities. I have no doubt that Birmingham Hippodrome will emerge from this period stronger, more energised and resilient than ever.”

Fiona has served on a number of local and national boards. She chairs the West Midlands Regional Tourism Board, serves on both Midlands Arts and Midlands Engine Business Councils, and is a director of the West Midlands Growth Company. Her broad contribution to the region was acknowledged with ‘Outstanding Businesswoman of the Year’ award in 2019 from Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce. Glenn Howells, who chairs the BHTT, said: “Fiona’s ambitions for Birmingham Hippodrome were clear from the outset; she was resolved to evolve Birmingham Hippodrome into a more diverse cultural organisation, building upon the heritage and successes so beautifully demonstrated in our 120th celebrations.”

Loved Birmingham: Fiona Allen

Economy grows as lockdown ends By Jessica Brookes The UK economy grew by 4.8 per cent between April and June, as the majority of businesses emerged from lockdown. According to the Office for National Statistics, the expansion in gross domestic product (GDP) was fuelled by retail, restaurants and hotels. There have also been increases in services, production and construction output over during Q2. The economy is now 4.4 per cent below its pre-pandemic level. Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) welcomed the “healthy return” to economic growth but warned the government must ensure risks of future lockdowns are minimised.

Raj Kandola, head of policy at the GBCC, said: “As national restrictions continued to ease over the spring, it’s no surprise to see a healthy return in economic growth over the last growth. “Fuelled by a sharp rise in consumer spending, output in June was slightly stronger compared to the previous month and continues to edge towards the levels we saw prior to the outbreak of the pandemic Looking ahead, we will need to take into account the impacts of the so called ‘pingdemic’ before forecasting for Q3 as staff shortages, supply chain disruption and enforced closures are all likely to have an impact on output as we head towards the Autumn - factors we will closely monitor. “As we set out in our latest report The Final Hurdle, the

Government needs to announce a robust blueprint for minimising the risk of future lockdowns otherwise the substantial economic gains we have made over the last few months will soon be squandered.” Suren Thiru, head of economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: "… policymakers must guard against complacency over the underlying strength of the recovery. "A comprehensive rebuild strategy to turbocharge growth post-Covid is needed, alongside a clear plan for dealing with any future virus response, to give firms the confidence to start firing on all cylinders again." Go to www.greaterbirminghamchambers .com to read The Final Hurdle.

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Taking shape: Arup’s new headquarters under construction in Birmingham’s Paradise

Arup relocates staff to ‘global hub’ Arup is to create a new global hub in Birmingham city centre, relocating 1,000 staff from its Solihull Blyth Business Park base to Birmingham’s Centenary Square. The global advisory, design, planning and engineering firm will occupy 69,000 sq ft of office space in One Centenary Way, which is currently under construction at the Paradise development. Staff will be moved from Arup’s current campus, in Blythe Valley, in 2023.

Mark Jones, director at Arup, said: “We are making a significant investment in our new office which allows us to be better connected to our clients and collaborators. It also supports our intention to attract and develop the next generation of Arup talent. “The move is a natural progression for us; it supports the next step in our sustainable development journey and is part of Arup’s global commitment to be net-zero carbon by 2030.”

One Centenary Way has been designed by Arup in partnership with MEPC, an Oxfordshire-based property investment and development business. Arup has worked with MEPC for more than 20 years and the One Centenary Way project is the latest project, which Arup says reflects a joint commitment to teamwork, creativity and sustainability within the built environment. In addition, Arup has modelled many of its sustainable design

decisions and fit-out of the new office space from feedback received from Midlands-based staff following a series of ‘office of the future’ workplace surveys. Mark added: “Our design seeks to create an environment where colleagues can be authentic and deliver their best work. “Our Birmingham office will be a global hub for flexible working and collaboration. It will reflect our personalities and working styles. It’s designed by us, to work for us.”

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Business News

Net zero challenges tackled by new Chamber campaign By Jessica Brookes

Working together: Kerry McGrath, JTH individual giving fundraiser (left) and Trisha Maglaqui, BSMH supporter experience & volunteer coordinator

Hospice merger is boost for city Birmingham St Mary’s and John Taylor Hospices merged to form one Birmingham-wide organisation. The two charities are now a new single registered charity, The Hospice Charity Partnership. The two hospice sites and inpatient units are being preserved, as well as each hospice’s individual identity. Both Birmingham St Mary’s and John Taylor Hospice will also continue to deliver the same services to patients and their families and there will be no changes to the quality of care offered. The Selly Park and Erdington-based hospices have been working closely for many years to improve palliative and end-of-life care for more people across Birmingham and Sandwell. Harry Turner, chair of the board of trustees, said: “For both boards the merger of Birmingham St Mary’s and John Taylor Hospices marks a landmark moment for end-oflife care across Birmingham. “Being able to make this a reality puts the two organisations in a strong position moving forward.By working together, the two hospices can build on the current joint working arrangement and be better able to offer a seamless service to more patients across the north and the south of the city in a way that is both cost-effective and sustainable.” Simon Fuller, chief executive of The Hospice Charity Partnership, added: “This is a positive development for the city. “A single, integrated charity will be more able to meet the needs of patients, ensure we are financially resilient and a make us a stronger partner in the local healthcare system.”

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A Chamber campaign aiming to help businesses overcome challenges and grasp opportunities associated with net zero carbon emissions requirements is being backed by four major corporations. Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce will be holding its inaugural Sustainable Business Series: Net Zero campaign alongside Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, from 30 September. The campaign will focus on four topics relating to the net zero transition, including energy, transport, circular economy and sustainable business management. It culminates with a Sustainable Business Summit, taking place on 3 November, focusing on how firms can be more sustainable and resilient. In April, the Government legislated that CO2 emissions must fall by 78 per cent by 2035, based on

‘We’re proud of our green ethos and are home to one of the greenest and most sustainable campuses in the country’ 1990 levels (a reduction of approximately 60 per cent from today’s levels), to accelerate progress to the 2050 net zero target. Additionally, in anticipation of the UN Climate Change conference (COP26) taking place in November, climate action and associated policies are likely to increase to meet the challenge of the climate crisis. Chamber patrons and members Aston University, Morgan Sindall, Arup and University of Birmingham have backed the campaign as sponsors. Mark Smith, executive director of Business Engagement and Regional Projects at Aston, commented: “We’re delighted to sponsor the GBCC Sustainable Business Series. We’re proud of our green ethos and are home to one of the greenest and most sustainable campuses in the country, an attribute

Proud: Mark Smith

recognised by ‘The Guardian’ when they awarded us the title ‘University of the year 2020’.” Richard Kirkham, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure’s operations director for the A45 Sprint project, said: “Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and the A45 Sprint team are thrilled to sponsor the Sustainable Business Series: Net Zero. We look forward to helping businesses across the region decarbonise.” Helen Davis, director at Arup, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of our work, and we believe sustainable business models can help all organisations produce tangible economic, environmental, and social benefits, and ultimately build long-term success.” Gurmit Kler, director of Business Engagement at the University of Birmingham, said: “Our strong commitment at University of Birmingham to help businesses go greener with the tools, knowledge and resources they need to fulfil their sustainability potential is at the heart of our sponsorship of this new sustainable business initiative from the Chamber. “We want to ensure every business can access support on their journey towards sustainability.” To find out more, visit greaterbirminghamchambers.com

Azets supports children’s hospital Azets, the UK’s largest regional accountancy and business adviser to SMEs, with 14 offices in the Midlands, has create a new partnership with Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity as it pledges to raise £25k in the next 12 months. The top 10 firm has launched a campaign called ‘Strive for £25k’, which aims to raise enough money to cover the cost of a full-time peer support worker for Forward Thinking Birmingham, the city’s youth mental health partnership for 0-25s, as part of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity’s ‘Fight For All The Feels’ campaign. Fight For All The Feels aims to support children and young people as they cope with all they experience,

Giving back: Paul Clifford

both now and in the future, to allow them to achieve their dreams. The campaign has been launched following a year of uncertainty as a result of the pandemic. Fundraising efforts will include dedicated charity events run by Azets, involvement in events run by the hospital charities, and

volunteering opportunities across Azets’ Midlands offices. As part of its contribution, Azets employees will also provide mentorship for children and young people requiring professional support, including CV reviews and work experience. Paul Clifford, regional chief executive with Azets, said: “As a national business with significant regional presence, we are always looking to give back to the areas we serve. “We are proud to partner with Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust in support of such an important initiative for children and young people after an unprecedented time of hardship.”

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Business News

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Business News

Energy Innovation Centre is opened A new £8.5m centre, designed to promote innovation in waste energy and low carbon vehicle systems, has been officially opened at Tyseley Energy Park (TEP). The Birmingham Energy Innovation Centre (BEIC) is part of an overall programme of more than £20m invested to deliver energy innovation activities at TEP. It received £7m of funding from the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP). The building was opened by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street along with Tim Pile, chair of GBSLEP and a former Chamber president, and Professor Sir David Eastwood, University of Birmingham vice chancellor Rachael Maclean, parliamentary under-secretary of state for Transport and MP for Redditch, voiced her support of the BEIC via a video message. Rachael Maclean said: “Warmest congratulations to the University of Birmingham on the launch of the Birmingham Energy Innovation

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Centre. Last year, the Prime Minister set out an ambitious 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution.” Mayor Street said: “Low carbon manufacturing is now the fastest growing sector of our regional economy. Now we’re opening a new state-of-the-art facility here at Tyseley Energy Park, one of the WMCA’s Energy Innovation Zones, to support businesses and drive growth through innovation. “Not only will this help us to tackle the climate emergency, but it also helps further cement the West Midlands as the home of the green industrial revolution. It is a great

‘Over the last six years GBSLEP has allocated nearly £11m into three projects’ example of how the public sector, universities, and private sector businesses can all work together to create good-quality jobs and get us to net zero by 2041.”

Green revolution (left to right): Tim Pile, Professor Sir David Eastwood and Andy Street perform the opening ceremony

Mr Pile said: “This project is a fantastic example of the way in which Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) is driving forwards inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the region. “Over the last six years GBSLEP has allocated nearly £11m into three projects. This funding was vital as it not only supported the construction of the new Birmingham Energy Innovation Centre (BEIC) but also a new road to allow for vehicles to access the

UK's first low and zero carbon refuelling station and an incubation space for low carbon SMEs. “For our region, Tyseley Energy Park is building a sustainable legacy that our communities and businesses will benefit for years to come.” Professor Eastwood added: “The cutting-edge work in waste, energy and low carbon vehicle delivered by the Birmingham Energy Centre systems will help create a greener and cleaner ecosystem for Birmingham and the West Midlands.”

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Business News

International head appointed to board By John Lamb The head of international business at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) has been formally appointed as an executive director on the organisation’s board. Mandy Haque’s appointment has been confirmed by the board in a move that “reflects the strategic importance of international trade support and services to the present and future of the GBCC,” says chief executive Henrietta Brealey. She added: “Mandy has successfully managed and developed the Chamber’s international operations for nearly three years – including the development of our Commonwealth and Transatlantic Chambers - and I am delighted she has accepted a formal appointment to join the Chamber’s board. She has been board observer for several years and we look forward to benefiting from her broad experience and expertise at board level.” Mandy joined the Chamber from Birmingham Airport in December, 2018, to head up the everexpanding global operations at the Chamber in the new role of International Business Hub development director. Her 29-year career in the aviation industry began as a customer service assistant for an airline handling agent, before she went on to work for the likes of British Airways, Air France and British Midland. After joining the airport as terminal duty manager in 2002, she held a number of different roles, including head of operational service delivery.

New team member: Mandy Haque (foreground) pictured with David Waller and Henrietta Brealey at Solihull Moors FC ground, which hosted the Chamber’s latest board meeting

Mandy already had close links with the GBCC through her involvement with the British American Business Council. She is vice-president of the BABC’s global organisation of which the GBCC’s Transatlantic Chamber is a member chapter. GBCC chairman David Waller said: “Mandy’s contribution to the Chamber has been invaluable and I’m delighted to welcome that expertise and

experience to the operations of the board, which will be considerably strengthened by her presence.” Mandy said: “It’s a great honour to be appointed to the board of such an historic organisation which plays such a vital role in the business life of the city. I look forward to making a broader contribution as the Chamber continues to help shape a successful future for this great city region.”

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Business News

President’s Focus Gill Durkin, president of Cannock Chase Chamber, examines how the region has coped with the past 12 difficult months and finds optimism that has emerged from the many changes businesses have had to undergo.

Cannock Chase

Chamber of Commerce

t has been almost 12 months since I became President of Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce. And that time has, as I am sure it has for everyone, been challenging and provided us with an opportunity to see how resilient we can be. I believe that everyone should be congratulated for the hard work and determination that has been evident across our region. As a senior leader of local training provider Performance Through People we, alongside other businesses, faced the challenges of lock downs, staff working from home and changing the way not only how we manage the business but how we deliver our services. We have seen how many of our customers have now changed direction and become successful in alternative markets while some, particularly in hospitality, logistics and care, have struggled with staffing levels. The results of the latest Chambers of Commerce survey saw 47 per cent report an increase in sales following the ease of restrictions while 57 per cent of firms reported that they were experiencing difficulties in recruiting new staff. As restrictions have eased it is pleasing to see demand rising. However, we need to remain

‘The Games will provide a superb opportunity for our region’ guarded to ensure we keep our staff, clients and customers safe. At Performance Through People, we now have our training centres open and are pleased to see an increase in business and footfall. Working with many partners, we are making it as easy as possible for customers to access grants and funding available to them to help them recruit the right staff and upskill their workforce. Across the Cannock Chase region we have seen many highlights over recent months and are extremely lucky to have so many attractions and activities on our doorstep which has helped us to stay safe and local. One of the key attractions has been the McArthurGlen Designer Shopping Village that opened in April and already have plans for expansion. Our Chamber was excited to have a ‘behind the scenes’ visit and meet some of the team. We were delighted to hear that visitor numbers were above expectations and that 75 per cent of the workforce live within 20 minutes of the site. Not only do we have a wider array of shops to choose from, but this site will also help 12 CHAMBERLINK September 2021

boost our local economy, providing jobs and attracting visitors to our area. Our chosen charity of the year is Newlife, an established charity raising funds to help disabled children. Following our visit to the Designer village we joined chief executive of Newlife, Sheila Brown, at the charity’s new retail outlet in Cannock. Sheila shared with us her vision and values of the charity and it was evident that not only are Newlife generating much-needed funds for families but providing so many opportunities for local residents. The workforce is a combination of volunteers and employed staff with many having completed long levels of service.

As well being able to meet the team there we were extremely interested in seeing the recycling commitment that Newlife have embedded in their business. In readiness for the Commonwealth Games, we have already seen additional mountain bike routes on the Chase which are helping bring new visitors to our area. Cannock Chase Chamber are in discussions with Cannock Chase District Council to arrange a series of events not only to promote the Games but see how our members can get involved. The Games will provide a superb opportunity for our region, attracting visitors that will help us raise the profile of the region but boost our economy.

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Business News

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Sponsored by: The University of Birmingham

Business News

Seizing opportunity: Commonwealth Games Countdown Clock in Centenary Square

Transformation West Midlands Reverse Mentoring Businesses are being sought to take part in a reverse mentoring scheme, aiming to improve the employability of marginalised students and graduates and support the region’s recruitment needs. The Transformation West Midlands project, a partnership between The University of Birmingham, Newman University and University College Birmingham, is looking for local businesses to sign up to receive reverse mentoring. We are looking to match a diverse group of student and graduate mentors from across the three universities, who can offer recruitment and talent acquisition managers insightful feedback, guidance and ideas, based on their personal experiences, perceptions and backgrounds. Bringing together businesses to learn from students and graduates considered most at risk of under-employment and unemployment, the project is looking to attract interested firms across a range of sectors including professional services, health, life sciences and technology. The scheme was piloted in 2019 with four organisations: HSBC, Shoosmiths, Gowling WLG and BSN Associates and was scaled up in 2020-21 with a further 13 employers receiving support through the scheme, including Birmingham City Council, Deloitte, FDM Group and many more. The next phase of the project will start in September 2021. Businesses who are keen to be involved can contact Amrit Sandhu, project manager for Transformation West Midlands at: a.k.sandhu@bham.ac.uk For further details about the scheme, please visit: www.birmingham.ac.uk/twm/ reverse-mentoring

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Plan to capitalise on Games A programme to boost the long-term economic impact of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has been unveiled. The Business and Tourism Programme (BATP) will build on the profile created by the Games to attract more visitors, trade, events and investment into the West Midlands and beyond. The programme is designed to secure more than £650m of new overseas investment into the UK and create £7m of additional export deals until 2027, concentrating on nations and territories across the Commonwealth and within the domestic UK market. It is also expected to attract an additional 39,000 visitors to the region and UK until 2027, with an estimated £12m in visitor spend. Nigel Huddleston, Minister for Sport and Tourism, said: "Birmingham 2022 is a massive investment and tourism opportunity for the UK. “This programme is designed to ensure that businesses in the West Midlands and across the country

can seize this opportunity and capitalise on the profile of the Games and its audience of 1.5 billion people. “We want to level-up the country and help the tourism sector bounce back swiftly in the aftermath of coronavirus. This campaign will enhance the global reputation of Birmingham, the West Midlands and the UK as a leading destination for trade, investment and tourism.” The programme runs from early 2021 until the end of 2023, taking advantage of opportunities before, during and after the Games. Funding for the BATP comes from central and local government and comprises £21.3m announced in the Spring 2020 Budget, and a £2.6m investment confirmed by the West Midlands Combined Authority in June 2020. The BATP has been developed by a range of regional and national partners, including the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, West Midlands Combined Authority, West Midlands Growth Company, the Department for International Trade, and VisitBritain.

BMet drives ecofriendly course

Pioneering projects: Housing development at Grosvenor Road

Work starts on homes Housing association Midland Heart have begun work on a development in Handsworth that will meet the Government’s Future Homes Standard three years ahead of target. The homes on Grosvenor Road will provide an 80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions and are the first housing models under the Government standard which will become compulsory for all new homes built by 2025. Midland Heart are working in partnership with local construction company Tricas Construction Ltd to build the homes. Director of development at Midland Heart, Chris Miller, said: “We’re really proud to be leading this pioneering project and look forward to working with our partners and welcoming new residents to this unique development.” The homes are due for completion by Easter 2022.

Students at Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet) can now enrol on an electrical vehicle charging and installation course in a drive towards more eco-friendly vehicles in the UK. The Level 3 Award in Domestic, Commercial & Industrial Electric Charging Equipment Installation programme is a nationally recognised and accredited course held in partnership with leading EV Charge Point manufacturer, Rolec. The course is available to fully qualified electricians and installers and is designed to boost students’ experience and enable them to install domestic, commercial and ‘on street’ vehicle charging points. Jeremy Clay, business development manager at BMet, said: “Not only is it very exciting and rewarding to bring this great opportunity to our college, it also good to know that we are helping play a part in contributing to an eco-friendly world.”

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Business News

Firms need better support to go green By Dan Harrison Reducing carbon emissions and playing a part in the climate change challenge makes good business sense – but firms need increased support to do so. That’s the view of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) in response to a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on the expected impacts of climate change. The IPCC provides regular assessments of the impacts of and actions to reduce and prepare for climate. The report has been signed off by 234 scientists across more than 60 countries. The impacts of forest fires in Turkey and California are testament to current rising temperatures as

Key points from the report include: • To prevent the worst impacts from climate change, the world must keep below 1.5°C rise from pre-industrial levels, currently we are at 1.1°C. • The Arctic is likely to be practically ice free at least once before 2050 • Extreme weather events will continue to be unprecedented even at a warming of 1.5°C • Lowest to highest emission scenarios found rises of 1.51.9°C by 2040, 1.6-3°C by 2060, 1.6-5.7°C by 2100. • Lowest to highest emissions scenario results found 0.51m sea level rise by 2100

well as the extreme flooding in London and Europe and UK heatwave where the MET office released its first ever extreme heat warning. A survey revealed a mixed response to the climate challenge from businesses in the West Midlands. It revealed 81 per cent are acting on their environmental concerns, but Covid-19 has impeded net zero progress for 78 per cent of businesses. Forty-three per cent of businesses have an environmental sustainability policy, with 10 per cent including a specific net zero policy.

Will Hargreaves: Business community can play a significant role in meeting climate challenge

The primary reasons for businesses taking action to reduce their environmental impact are environmental concerns (81 per cent), efficiency gains/cost savings (59 per cent) competitive/reputational advantage (37 per cent) and demand from stakeholders/society (23 per cent). Firms still face many barriers to accelerating progress to net zero. The largest are lack of capital, grants or finance (35 per cent), upfront adaptation costs (33 per cent), lack of knowledge and information (up to 18 per cent). Will Hargreaves, the Chamber’s environmental policy lead, said: “As we start to recover from the pandemic, the IPCC report confirms how the future could look if we do not rise to the climate challenge. “The good news is this is a very solvable problem and makes good business sense, as we’ve learned from speaking with businesses amongst the Chamber network. “For businesses that want to learn more about what they can do to reduce their carbon emissions and how to reap the benefits, I urge them to see our Sustainable Business Series: Net Zero campaign. “We have also recognised the need for increased support for businesses on their net zero journey through our environmental policy recommendations to Government, shaped in consultation with our members. “The local business community will play a significant role in meeting the climate challenge. Collectively, we can work together to encourage and improve the business communities net zero progress and protect future generations.”

T: 0121 246 8879 W: piedpipergroup.co.uk September 2021 CHAMBERLINK 15

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Business News

Where do you fancy?

Owned by Liam Dillon, who starred in series 16 of the Great British Menu, Lichfield-based fine dining restaurant The Boat Inn offers traditional, tasty British dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant has been named one of the top 30 UK Gastropubs, has been awarded a 2021 Michelin Guide ‘Plate’ and remains the only AA three-star Rosette establishment in the Staffordshire.

Breakfast, lunch or dinner… The Boat Inn Address Walsall Road, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS14 BU T: 01543 361692 E: info@theboatinnlichfield.com W: www.theboatinnlichfield.com Owner/Head Chef Liam Dillon Opening hours Thursday – Saturday 12-11pm, Sunday 12-10pm

Restaurant description

Business facilities

The Boat Inn is a relaxed and unpretentious venue with one simple goal, the creation of tasty and enjoyable food. It was bought and transformed by chef/owner Liam in 2017. Liam has worked for Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley and has worked in Sydney, Copenhagen, and New York. This year he starred in the BBC TV series ‘Great British Menu’. A fierce supporter of independent companies, Liam and his team use local produce at every opportunity to create what has been described by the Estrella 2021 UK Top 30 Gastropubs Guide as ‘thoughtful and intelligent approach to delicious food on the plate’.

The Boat Inn offers a choice of a set two-course lunch menu at £40 per person and three-courses at £60 with all also menus available during the evening.

Menu description Traditional British dishes with a modern twist are the staple diet of The Boat Inn. The menu is changed every month. To accompany the changing menu, the wine list is extensive and 100 per cent organic. Vegetarian, Vegan and Glutenfree options are all available. Lunch menu: Three courses for £40. Liam and his team served a set lunch menu between 12noon and 2:30pm. 16 CHAMBERLINK September 2021

The menu changes every month and there is the option of a two or three course set meal at £40 and £60 respectively. Also, a three-course tasting menu is available 12-3pm.

Dinner menu: A La Carte; three courses £60. Dinner is served Thursday to Saturday from 5.30pm. A three and six course tasting menu is available as well as a la carte.

Private dining, conferences and special events: The Boat Inn can cater for private dining, conferences, and special events Business guests can enjoy private dining exclusivity and for special occasions try the six-course tasting menus, the Chef’s Table experiences or the ‘Liam Versus…’ series. The taster menu is an enjoyable opportunity to feast and chat informally. For great conversation about food while eating the finest specially prepared and served by Liam, the Chef’s Table is the ultimate experience. And for something different chef/owner Liam is challenged by other top chefs, including Great British Menu and Masterchef finalists. Both chefs prepare three dishes each where customers decide who is the best. Perfect for special occasions when both chefs serve their finest food while diners enjoy some fun competition in the kitchen.

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Business News

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Business News

Now the Night Owl lands in London The team behind The Night Owl Birmingham, the soul and retro club in Digbeth, have opened a second home in Finsbury Park, London. They hatched the idea only a few weeks before the pandemic and have been working tirelessly over the past 18 months to get it up and running. The Night Owl in Digbeth was forced to shut for a large part of the past year, meaning the team are more than aware of the struggles that live music venues across the country have faced. In light of this, The Night Owl, co-owned by Arith Liyanage, has teamed up with the Music Venue Trust in hope of reviving live music in the area. Clara Cullen, venue support manager at Music Venue Trust, said: “Music Venue Trust was founded to help protect, secure and improve grassroots music venues in the UK. It brings me much joy then that in a year that has threatened so many grassroots music venues, we have venue operators like Arith who are working against all odds to open new grassroots music venues and helping to revive live music.” From the Finsbury Park area originally, Birmingham based Arith is proud to have been able to open a brand new The Night Owl this year. “It's been a tough 12 months but we never lost sight of our dream of bringing the Night Owl and live music back to this iconic venue. The support we have received from the local community has been wonderful. I look forward to bringing something truly special to Finsbury Park.” For more information go to: https://bit.ly/nightowlmailing

Picture: Andy Edwards

In harmony: DJs Noble + Heath are Emma Noble and Sophie Corbin

Grand opening for street food restaurant By Claudia Congrave South Asian street food restaurant Dhalings Kitchen has celebrated their grand opening in Birmingham city centre. Dhalings Kitchen is a take-away food brand pioneering plant based South Asian meals and was founded by award winning chef and author, Nitisha Patel and Midlands event photographer and Future Faces member, Edwin Ladd. After signing the contract for her second cookery book ‘The Delicious Book of Dhal’, Nitisha realised the popularity of her dhal and plant based recipes and decided to explore how she could take the concept to the next level. Imagining a world where vegetables and grains are no longer considered a side dish or accompaniment, Dhalings was born out of a desire to pass down traditional South Asian recipes with a began and vegetarian twist. The restaurant uses sustainable packing and pride themselves on a menu that provides fresh, family favourite recipes to the comfort of 18 CHAMBERLINK September 2021

Sign of the times: James Gilhooley (left) and Daniel Gould

Cooking up a storm: Nitisha Patel at Dhalings Kitchen’s launch event

people’s homes. Joining Edwin and Nitisha at the launch party were Future Faces president Jaccy Datta and vicepresident Kasim Choudhry. Dhalings Kitchen is located on Windsor Road just outside Birmingham City Centre. Customers can order through the Dhalings website and via Just Eat or Uber Eats.

A Sutton Coldfield catering company has reinvented itself during the coronavirus pandemic. The firm – Cornerstone Kitchen – decided to focus on offering a gourmet delivery service to customers who were now stuck at home observing lockdown. The new service featured three courses and a canape selection, which just needed reheating once delivered. In addition, Cornerstone founder James Gilhooley (pictured left) and head chef Daniel Gould (right) put their culinary sills and spare time to good use by volunteering at St James Church in Sutton, where they were soon cooking meals for up to 130 vulnerable people each week, including elderly people and children. Visit: www.thecornerstonekitchen.com

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Business News

Visit: myliquidation.co.uk

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Business News

The Griffin Report Behind the name Shelforce, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Business of the Year 2021, lies a story of emotion, persistence, compassion, determination and eventually success. Jon Griffin went to meet its ebullient general manager Howard Trotter, who along with his diverse team is largely responsible for this remarkable story.

oward Trotter is recalling with some emotion the bleak day Shelforce showed the door to dozens of workers. “When it came to the day when they let people go, there were grown men crying. “It was quite a brutal thing for that to happen to that number of people. It was like breaking a family up. People had been here a long time, it was an emotionally charged separation. It had to go from just over 100 people down to 20. The company was in dire straits.” The straight-talking Ulsterman pulls no punches as he outlines the recent rollercoaster history of a very special manufacturer from the back streets of Erdington Industrial Estate which has pulled itself up by its bootstraps so successfully that it was crowned the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Business of the Year at the city’s premier corporate awards ceremony. It would be an extraordinary achievement for any company to turn around an annual loss of £1.8 million into a profit of £225,000 in just six years. But this window and door manufacturer is a quite extraordinary company, with a unique history dating back to the very first years of Queen Victoria’s 60-year plus reign. Shelforce began life back in 1839 as a workplace for visually impaired people as part of the Royal School for the Blind, providing sightless workers with paid work and training in the manufacture of brushes, baskets and mats. Throughout more than 180 years of frequently turbulent history it has survived two World Wars, recessions, the shrinking of Birmingham as a manufacturing base in a post-industrial world and much more besides. It has manufactured beds, gates, fences, wire brushes and mattresses and provided employment for engraving and woodworking skills before market forces brought about a necessary switch to PVCu windows and doors around 30 years ago. Across three different centuries it has provided livelihoods and a daily workplace purpose to countless

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There are no “I ams” here: Howard Trotter

‘When it came to winning the Business of the Year, you couldn’t shut me up’

disabled workers, from the blind to autistic, the deaf to people with learning difficulties and mental health problems who had often faced grim job prospects in a frequently unforgiving industrial climate.

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Business News

Proud workforce: Howard Trotter and his triumphant team

‘We have got a full order book. £3.2m is in the bag already’

Today the 30-strong workforce at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Business of the Year 2021 – and winner of the Excellence for People Development award – can reflect with justifiable pride on a

remarkable transformation which has brought Shelforce the biggest honour in its lengthy history. But, as business manager Howard Trotter is keen to stress, there’s been a lot of blood, sweat and tears along the way following years of losses. “We went from a £1.8m loss in 2013-14 into profit. In 2017, we broke even for the first time in years. Last year, on turnover of £2.8m we made a profit of £225,000. This year, we want to make a £300,000 profit. “When it came to winning the Business of the Year, you couldn’t shut me up, I watched it at home on my laptop and had to take the dog out for a walk. I was so proud of what we have achieved as a team. But the next morning we were in at 7am, making windows and doors to make sure that we get them out on time... that’s how we are.” Howard says that sort of determined teamwork is the hallmark of a company which may never have been in a position to enter any awards scheme without the support of its owners, Birmingham City Council. “I came here in 2013 and it was going through a transformation. Revenue was falling and the sales were not there. It was a really serious situation. They had hit hard

times around 2010-11 when revenue dropped. If you cannot stay in the black, you are not going to survive. “Horrid change had to happen. You have to have a long, hard look at the profit and loss accounts and go through your overheads. But this was more than just a sheltered workshop, it was a place where people saw their friends and companions. “We had to have brutally honest conversations with staff and suppliers alike. The first three months there were zero sales. I went cap in hand to customers to say ‘give us another go.’ Each of the team had to know what they had to do to make the business succeed. “We said OK, we have got the skills, it was about providing the right products of the right quality to hit the delivery targets that we had to hit.” Howard admits that Birmingham City Council have been crucial to the survival of Shelforce. “Without the City Council, Shelforce would not have gone beyond 2010. Although we are part of Birmingham City Council this is a commercially-focused business. We have to pay our way, we cannot leave a decision on our future to somebody else.”

The Ulsterman dismisses any suggestion that the firm’s difficulties of a decade or so ago could be attributed to the nature of the workforce. “It was nothing to do with the staff being disabled. We never use the word disabled in here because we do not believe it is relevant. “To me, there is no difference between an able-bodied person and somebody with a disability. We have all got hang-ups, what makes it different if they have got a disability? I had never worked with disabled people before and it has been a massive education for me. “Lads that have been deaf from birth have this inner resilience. How many people in this country know sign language? Because of their resilience, when they look at a business problem – ‘we have to get more out of the door etc.’ – it is insignificant, they just crack on with it. There are people here who fell through cracks in the school system but when you put them on to something practical, they are absolutely fantastic, they just get it.” Given the turnaround of recent years, Howard and the team at Shelforce are delighted their efforts have been officially recognised. “We can’t say enough good things about the Birmingham Chamber judging panel, they have shone a light on us. The effect of winning both these awards has blown us away. It is like winning the Premier League but we need to keep building on it. “We have got a full order book. £3.2m is in the bag already. We plan to hit £300,000 profit but we will never rest on our laurels.” For a company which has survived for nearly 200 years – and brought so much meaning and purpose to the lives of so many disadvantaged people – the Shelforce success story is ultimately a triumph for teamwork, says Howard. “There are no big ‘I ams' in here – we are all part of the same team.” And they can celebrate being Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Business of the Year... • Multi-party celebration at awards bonanza – Pages 22 and 23 September 2021 CHAMBERLINK 21

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Business News

Online awards celebration Hundreds of people from across Greater Birmingham tuned in to watch Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s 2021 annual awards, streamed live from Chamber House in Edgbaston. Alongside the virtual festivities, viewing parties were staged across the region, with venues including Park Regis and Malmaison in Birmingham and St George’s Park in Burton. Chamberlink’s CLAUDIA CONGRAVE and DAN HARRISON detail all of the awards drama and entertainment.

welve organisations across Greater Birmingham were awarded for their business excellence during Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s 2021 annual awards. The event was sponsored by Birmingham City University and Inspired Energy, with Birmingham City Council also providing support as a headline partner. The awards were live-streamed from Chamber House in Edgbaston and hosted by BBC News presenter and reporter, Amy Cole. The event also included entertainment from international recording artist and song writer, Namywa. Awards were presented by Birmingham Chamber president Steve Allen, Future Faces president Jaccy Datta, and Future Faces vicepresidents Sabah Hussain and Kasim Choudhry. GBCC chief executive Henrietta Brealey opened the glittering event. Historic manufacturers Shelforce were crowned Greater Birmingham Business of the Year (sponsored by SCC), see pages 20 and 21, and picked up the Excellence in People Development (sponsored by Aston University). A leading medic, whose heroic efforts throughout the Covid-19 pandemic earned widespread praise, was also praised during the awards.

OTHER AWARD WINNERS INCLUDED: Excellence in Contribution to the Community (Sponsors: South & City College Birmingham) Gro-Organic Excellence in Customer Service (Sponsors: runyourfleet.com) Unique Venues Birmingham Excellence in Hospitality & Retail (Sponsors: Mahirs Experience) Millennium Point Excellence in International Business (Sponsors: Burton and South Derbyshire College) Y International Excellence in Manufacturing (Sponsors: Squire Patton Boggs) Deakin & Francis Excellence in Responsible Business (Sponsors: Finpoint) Wesleyan Excellence in Sales & Marketing (Sponsors: Air IT) HDY Agency Excellence in Sustainability (Sponsors: SF Recruitment) Enzen Excellence in Technology & Innovation (Sponsors:RSM) Innovating Minds Excellence in Third Sector (In partnership with Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital Charity) The Haven Wolverhampton Excellence in Training & Education (Sponsors: V2M Pharma) Services for Education

Hero: Dr Sarb Clare

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Dr Sarb Clare, deputy medical director at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, was presented with the Chamber President’s Award by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce president Steve Allen. She has earned numerous accolades for her work – including an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to the NHS during the pandemic. As well as looking after hundreds of sick Covid-19 patients, Dr Clare rewrote rotas

Awards team: From left, Steve Allen, Sabah Hussain, Henrietta Brealey, Amy Cole, Jaccy Datta and Kasim Choudhry

overnight, created clinical pathways and delivered educational resources to redeploy staff, as well as supporting the wellbeing of her colleagues. Mr Allen said: “Dr Sarb Clare is a frontline doctor who has treated hundreds of coronavirus patients at West Midlands NHS Trust and who was responsible for setting up the acute medicine department at City Hospital. “In addition to all of this, Dr Clare was pivotal in introducing an award-winning wellbeing initiative - bringing in energy pods for staff during the pandemic which led to a significant improvement in the psychological, physical health, as well as the ability to manage stress for doctors working round the clock in the most adverse of conditions.” Dr Clare said: “My nursing team are my true inspiration. I would also like to dedicate this award to those who sadly lost their lives selflessly in the fight of this dreadful illness. “The fight unfortunately is not over, and we will keep going. We have not forgotten the support that was provided by local businesses who rallied and sourced us PPE, especially in those first few months when PPE was scarce. “This ultimately saved lives, our lives and patients' lives. You are all in fact the unsung heroes, and we are indebted to you all forever for what you did for us.”

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Business News

praises NHS frontline hero

6 PHOTO CAPTIONS: 1. Mani Hayre, Amina Hussain, Pam Sheemar, Nazir Awan, Jason Wouhra, Anjum Khan, Mandy Haque, and Ravi Masih at Park Regis (Picture credit – Jas Sansi) 2. Emily Stubbs, Deb Leary, Elizabeth Russel, Vicky Osgood, and Matt Blyth at Malmaison (Picture credit – Jas Sansi)

1 2

3. Anne-Marie Eden, Eileen Schofield, Tony Elvin, and Mike Kelly at Park Regis (Picture credit – Jas Sansi) 4. Saranne Moreno, Nathan Wallis, Kelly Haslehurt, Gurmit Kler, and David Gallagher at Malmaison (Picture credit – Jas Sansi) 5. Debi Gross, Pam Wallis, Maxine Darrock and Shaun Grey at St George’s Park (Picture credit – FCM PR and Communications) 6. Karen McElroy, Helen Bates, Gill Durkin at St George’s Park (Picture credit – FCM PR and Communications) September 2021 CHAMBERLINK 23

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Business News

National Business Register offers a unique service, ‘Business Name Registration’, that protects your business against ‘Passing Off’. What is ‘Passing Off?’ The law of Passing Off stands to protect a trader's goodwill and business against copying by another business. If there is a chance current or potential future customers could confuse their business for yours, it is likely there would be a case of Passing Off.

Why do I need it? With over 10 million businesses in the UK, and thousands of new businesses forming every month, the likeliness of someone else having a similar/same business name to you is increasingly high.

Aren’t limited company names protected by Companies House? Companies House does not allow a ‘carbon copy’ of a business name. However, ‘Passing Off’ is not limited to exact name copying, for example there could be 2 limited companies registered at Companies House with confusingly similar names i.e., ‘Excelsior Roofers Ltd’ and ‘Excelsior Roofing & Maintenance Ltd’. Should these businesses overlap in services and trading region, there would likely be a case of Passing Off.

How do I register? Contact us today 0800 069 9090 or email info@start.biz to find out more. You can register online today at www.start.biz and receive cover in two working days.

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Sponsored by: National Business Register

Help to Grow: Rishi Sunak (right) at Aston University launching the new scheme with Paula Whitehouse, associate dean for Enterprise at Aston Business School

Chancellor shows support for Help to Grow scheme Budding business leaders were visited by Chancellor Rishi Sunak at Aston Business School to mark the launch of a new scheme to help smaller firms. Mr Sunak delivered a talk to participants at the business school in Birmingham, taking part in the first tranche of the Help to Grow scheme, on the critical role small businesses can play in boosting UK productivity. The scheme, which was announced by the Chancellor at the March Budget and opened for applications in May, will provide 30,000 SMEs access to world-class business expertise on everything from financial management to marketing, and is a pivotal part of the government’s Plan for Jobs.

Five universities have already started to offer courses – Aston, Portsmouth, Derby, Nottingham, and Birmingham City. NatWest, Barclays and HSBC will support thousands of places on the training programme through combined funding of £2.75m. They will also contribute their expertise to the curriculum, mentoring programme and alumni network. Mark Hart, member of the expert advisory council and Professor at Aston Business school, said: “This is a practical, intensive 12-week programme designed by some of our top academics to provide the skills required to improve the performance and productivity of small firms across all sectors of the economy.”

College helps shape report on skills BMet’s expertise in the Business Professional Financial Services (BPFS) sector has been credited in a report addressing skills challenges to delivery growth in UK regions. The college’s specialist and professional input helped shape the content of the aptly named UKbased “Skills for Future Success” report. Suzie Branch-Haddow, viceprincipal of External Engagement at BMet, represented the Birmingham-wide college by feeding back extensive knowledge to fellow colleagues across the region’s BPFS sector, at a series of virtual roundtables and interviews. Suzie was able to transfer insight and intelligence through BMet’s experience of working with the regional BPFS sector, particularly through activity at the college’s Greater Birmingham Professional Services Academy (GBPSA) – the

UK’s only Business Professional Services Academy. The report, from the Professional and Business Services Council and the Financial Services Skills

‘It was extremely beneficial to be able to showcase BMet’s expertise’ Commission, calls for urgent action to build a lasting skills culture across the UK. According to research, almost one-third of sector employers in the UK reported skills shortages resulting in vacancies, with thousands of critical roles in areas like data and technology going unfilled. BMet’s business partnership organisations including Deloitte, KPMG and Lloyds also provided invaluable contributions for the report.

Suzie said: “It was extremely beneficial to be able to showcase BMet’s expertise in this area in an extremely important report, that will help address real societal needs and provide solutions to skills shortages. “Not only were we able to include BMet’s expert knowledge, but also our tried and tested pathways through our employer partnerships, that have helped our students, businesses and the economy. “Our GBPSA is a unique employer-education partnership with the vision to become a hub for the Business and Professional Services Sector community within the region through providing education, training and development to meet the future development needs of the sector. Thus, ultimately “future-proofing” the sector, through ensuring the supply of a welleducated work force to meet the needs of employers.”

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Business News

New lease of life at Grade II listed inn Cordia Blackswan have appointed contractor Kavannagh Construction as the “perfect partner” to deliver the refurbishment of the Grade II listed Gothic Inn in Hampton Street, Birmingham, which dates back to 1870. Occupying a 0.5-acre site, The Gothic is the Birmingham property developer’s leading project which will mark the refurbishment of three derelict buildings into 50 high quality apartments and duplexes. The site is home to the former the Quality Works jewellery factory as well as the The Gothic Inn. While the homes at The Gothic will offer contemporary living spaces and high specifications throughout, Cordia Blackswan is enhancing many of the Victorianera features and stylings that characterise the buildings, including fireplaces, beams and windows. The Gothic will be delivered in three phases of 14, 16 and 20 units, with a combination of 1-, 2- and 3bedroom apartments. The first phase is due for completion in

2022, with the works undertaken by experienced Birmingham-based Kavannagh Construction. Marcus Hawley, managing director at Cordia Blackswan, said: “The Gothic is our leading

‘We see massive potential in the Jewellery Quarter’ development and we are hugely excited to be bringing this unique residential offering forward. With their wealth of experience, Kavannagh is the perfect partner to help us realise this vision and bring life to The Gothic. “This is a unique location between the Jewellery Quarter and Colmore Business District and our vision for The Gothic is to deliver homes that are just as unique, characterful and appealing. “As part of our placemaking-led approach, we are committed to look beyond the borders of our sites and see how we can make a positive impact on the wider community. Working with the

Ready for action: Aidan O’Gara from Kavannagh (far left) with Cordia Blackswan’s Martin Prince-Parrott (centre) and Peter Hayman from PMP, with members of the Kavannagh team.

Jewellery Quarter BID, we will begin to reverse the underinvestment that Great Hampton Street has suffered over the years, transforming this key arterial route into an appealing, contemporary urban setting for local people to enjoy for years to come. “We see massive potential in the Jewellery Quarter which continues to be one of the city’s most attractive residential areas, with some of Birmingham’s best bars, restaurants and retail locations on the doorstep.”

Aiden O’Gara at Kavannagh Construction, said: “The Gothic represents a fantastic opportunity for Birmingham, and our team are very excited to be helping realise the Cordia Blackswan concept and bring these beautiful period buildings back to life.” Alongside the homes, the Gothic will feature a range of commercial spaces at ground floor, for retail and hospitality businesses. For more information, visit www.cordiablackswan.co.uk

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Business News

Council tax system ‘needs reform’ Local authorities are losing out on millions of pounds of council tax income due to the business rates system still allowing many holiday and second home owners the opportunity to avoid paying the tax, according to experts. Colliers estimate the total loss to local authorities from business rates relief for holiday lets in England and Wales alone is currently around £110m a year. Property owners who make their properties available to rent as holiday lets for 140 days of the year can claim they are a small businesses, and as such can elect to pay business rates instead of council tax. Those properties with a rateable value between £12,000 and £15,000 are also entitled

‘The government really needs to reform the system and consider the state of local authority finances’ to a relief on a sliding scale in line with the Government’s business rates relief policy. With many holidaymakers choosing to ‘staycation’ instead of jetting off overseas, residential property markets in UK holiday hotspots have risen sharply, particularly the South West - especially among second homeowners. House prices in Cornwall alone rose over 14 per cent in the last year.

John Webber: Council tax loss will soon mount up

According to Colliers there are more than 73,000 holiday let properties now in the business rates lists in these countries that are eligible for 100 per cent business rates relief, and as such do not pay business rates or council tax. John Webber, head of Business Rates at Colliers said: “Despite posturing to look into this loophole whereby second home owners are able to avoid paying both council tax and business rates by stating their homes are available to rent

for 140 days, it is astonishing that nothing has been done by the government in the last four years to reform the system -particularly in England. “Estate agents selling properties in popular domestic holiday areas positively advertise the rates savings advantages, which has probably contributed to the rise in house prices. “Given the pressure on local authority finances, we find it incongruous that this loop hole has not been closed and it is unfair that the local tax burden remains weighed onto local residents or other types of businesses that are struggling to pay their bills. “We want to make it clear we don’t blame the homeowners that take advantage of this tax break through making their properties available to let- this could be considered sensible tax planning. “However we do blame the government for over-seeing this mess which inevitably leads to friction in many coastal resorts. Most second home owners would gladly pay the minimum of council tax and neither need or expect this windfall at a time when public services are under enormous pressure.” “The fact that this trend of flipping from the council tax to the business rates list is growing every year is also a real cause of concern. A £110m loss of council tax every year will soon mount up over the years. The Government really needs to reform the system and consider the state of local authority finances when it announces its business rates reforms this Autumn.”

More than 75,000 jobs created in the Midlands Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) across the Midlands have created more than 75,000 jobs, according to new figures. Nine LEPs within the Midlands, including Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP (GBSLEP), have unveiled the impact of their work on the region to mark a decade since their conception. In the last 10 years, LEPs in the Midlands have delivered £4.1bn of government funding into local areas. They have also unlocked a further £11.1bn of match funding from private, public and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VSCE) partners. Together, the Midlands LEPs are on target to create more than 200,000 jobs. Building on the strengths of their partnerships and Growth Hubs, Midlands LEPs have supported more than 135,000 businesses, enabling them to grow and prosper. To accelerate innovation and support international trade, growth and productivity, Midlands LEPs have invested over £100m in research and development. 26 CHAMBERLINK September 2021

Tim Pile: Local people and places at the heart of LEPs’ work

Tim Pile, chair of GBSLEP, said: “Many LEPs across England were established in 2011 so this year is very significant. In the last 10 years, LEPs have harnessed the energy and expertise of 2000 business, 180 local authorities and 250 higher/ further education organisations. “The government’s ambition is to evolve the way it supports local growth and levelling up for the long term. Our new figures highlight how LEPs have a played a critical role in improving the region’s prosperity.”

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Business News Natwest expert is in residence NatWest has appointed Harinder Kunor (pictured) as an expert in residence based in the West Midlands to help female entrepreneurs realise their growth ambitions. The Expert in Residence programme dedicates 28 roles based in branches and communities to support female entrepreneurship, following a successful twoyear pilot of the programme. The initiative is launched in conjunction with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The 28 Expert in Residence roles will be based in NatWest branches, in growth hubs and in their wider community, and will be available to host events, provide expert insight and advice on business finance. Expert in Residence is the latest action taken by the bank following the Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship, which was launched in 2019 and co-authored by NatWest’s CEO Alison Rose. The review demonstrated that up to £250bn of new value (equivalent to 1 SME million businesses) could be added to the UK economy, if women started and scaled new businesses at the same rate as UK men.

High volumes of traffic for M6toll Staycationers choosing to use the M6toll for their summer getaways have driven traffic volumes above pre-pandemic levels for the first time since 2019, according to new traffic data from M6toll. Data analysis conducted by the M6toll data team showed that traffic volumes in July were tracking at 20 per cent above the UK national road average due to the surge in the number of local leisure trips and staycation journeys. These traffic volumes have been rising since February of this year, with numbers boosted by significant spikes across the various lockdown easing milestones on 29 March, 12 April, and 17 May. 28 CHAMBERLINK September 2021

Bring back Brown’s GOATs, says local business boss A prominent businessman is encouraging a pragmatic review to the way ministers are selected, amid reports that Boris Johnson is planning a Cabinet re-shuffle before the end of the year. Carl Richardson, who jointly leads the Richardson family international business with his brothers from their Midlands headquarters, was responding to a challenge from the prime minister for ideas to help government reinvigorate industry and boost economic growth. Mr Richardson has suggested revisiting the convention of selecting ministers solely from serving politicians. He said: “Why not think about selecting ministers from beyond the 650 MPs who sit in the House of Commons and 792 people in the House of Lords? “When you take into consideration party affiliations, that gives the PM a pool of roughly 800 people from whom to pick close to 120 ministers. “While Westminster is full of many experienced people including serving ministers and retired generals, archbishops and judges, the simple maths hardly indicates that this is the most sensible way of ensuring

‘Why not look beyond tradition and Westminster and allow the PM to choose ministers from across the country?’ that government is packed full of the best-in-class talent that the country has to offer. Why not look beyond tradition and Westminster and allow the PM to choose ministers from across the country? As Jonathan Powell, Tony Blair’s former chief of staff, pointed out in a letter to ‘The Times’, this would require no constitutional or legal change, just a tweak to Commons rules. “This is certainly not a new idea. Indeed, Gordon Brown attempted something similar with his ‘Government of all the Talents’ (GOAT) which saw the likes of Sir Ara Darzi, Sir Digby Jones and Sir Alan West brought into his first cabinet when he entered Number 10 in 2007. Imagine the possibilities if we could better harness some of the incredible talent and brains in the private sector and link them into government? Imagine

Look beyond tradition: Carl Richardson

Sir Jim Radcliffe as a business minister, Alison Rose as a treasury minister, Sir James Dyson as a science minister or even Andrew Lloyd Webber as culture minister? Among a number of additional suggestions made by Mr Richardson in the first of a three-part response to the prime minister, he also advocates using the expertise of some of the world’s most successful companies by creating a Minister for FAANGs (Facebook/Amazon/Apple/Netflix/Google). He adds: “In an age when the market capitalisation of these companies would rank them among the top 20 countries in the world by GDP, and Jeff Bezos is offering NASA $2bn to help them fund plans to return to the moon, ought we not consider creating some new roles (or even departments) in Government, dedicated to understanding and engaging with these behemoths to a far greater extent than we do at present? “This would ensure that we are putting sufficient focus and resource into areas where the country might secure a fantastic return on our time and money, given the ambitions of these firms?”

Wesleyan adds NHS specialist to its board Wesleyan, the specialist financial services mutual for doctors, dentists and teachers has appointed Dr Harpreet Sood to its board of directors. Dr Sood is a practicing NHS GP and a board member of Health Education England and is co-founder of the NHS Digital Academy, a virtual organisation set up to develop a new generation of digital leaders to drive the information and technology transformation of the NHS. Dr Sood’s expertise lie in utilising data and digital technologies to transform health services and advance clinical training and workforce development.

NHS Specialist: Dr Harpreet Sood

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Business News

Backed by innovative weather forecasting technology, the award-winning West Midlands firm boasts a client roster of over 400 commercial and private customers across the region’s retail, hotel, medical, education and sports sectors. Led by businessman Ben Tanner, the company has also gained national plaudits for its approach to sustainability and its green credentials. Based on four pillars of education, the environment, the community and its operations, AA Salt is recognised as being at the forefront through its ethical approach to

materials, recycling and rainwater harvesting, its work with schools through carbon-busting tree planting initiatives, its partnerships with local and global charities, and its involvement with a host of community schemes. “We are seeing much harsher winters and whilst it’s naturally not top of anyone’s list at this time of year, we are fully into our planning for this winter. “Planning is one thing but we are also working hard behind the scenes to monitor and maintain our approach to sustainability, we have been delighted to showcase what we’ve been doing to other companies.

“It’s a big part of how we run the business and we are also due to launch a code of conduct where we expect any supplier we work with to prove their own environmental approach. That will be another step forward and make sure people take green issues seriously. “2022 is a big year for many businesses. It’s our job to make sure our customers are ready for the winter, staying one step ahead and hopefully promote the wider green agenda too,” said Ben. Ben Tanner

Readers can visit AA Salt’s website through: www.aasalt.co.uk or call the team on: 01905 391144 to discuss a quote or support as the autumn and winter months approach.

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Business News

Sponsored by: NTS Communications

New bid to address staff mental health issues Hybrid working and data security When we are talking to clients at the moment the term we are hearing regularly is “hybrid work”. This is the new flexible arrangement that allow employees to split their time between the office and working remotely – often from home. Hybrid working is likely to have huge benefits for the wellbeing of any workforce, offering employees choice and flexibility in a way that we couldn’t imagine pre-Covid. But very few businesses have the technology in place to truly ensure seamless business operations. Our solutions allow our clients to take advantage of this way of working, introducing effective methods of team collaboration leading to high levels of employee performance and customer satisfaction. Data security and cybersecurity is a key concern when employees are working routinely from home. Phishing attacks have risen substantially in the last year and according to global insurer Hiscox, one small business in the UK is successfully hacked every 19 seconds. Cisco estimates 53% of small businesses suffered a security breach globally in 2018. When employees are using their own equipment, or working by themselves, the risks are increased. When working with clients we identify any potential data security issues as part of the specification, and we ensure the finished solution builds in data security in as standard. If you are looking to ensure your hybrid working arrangements keep your data secure, please get in touch: Alan Pallett and Steve Ward Directors, NTS Communications Promoting Growth Through Technology Specialists in Unified Comms, Contact Centres, Cloud T: 0345 450 0333 E: info@nts-comms.co.uk W: nts-comms.co.uk

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A new alliance has been formed in Birmingham to provide practical support for businesses amid growing concerns around employee wellbeing. The Birmingham Wellbeing Alliance (BWA) will provide thought leadership, practical support and a listening service to businesses in Greater Birmingham, all of which will enable business leaders to address issues surrounding employee mental health. According to the ‘Thriving at Work’ study commissioned in 2017, mental health issues are the main cause of sickness absences in the UK. It was also found that 95 per cent of those suffering with mental health issues give a different reason for calling in sick. The BWA will be a joint alliance of organisations working together so that each workplace will be among the ‘very best’, enabling every employee to flourish at work and beyond. Appointed as project manager for the initiative is Tim Skene, an experienced wellbeing champion and service coordinator. Tim said: “I am excited about taking the lead in this new initiative and using my experience as a transformational life coach in the financial sector, where I support senior managers with coaching strategies that minimise stress and enable people to become more confident and effective. “After operating within highly stressful work environments that affected my career and personal relationships, I understand systemic issues in institutions. This understanding informs the support I offer individuals and leaders.

Mental health matters: Tim Skene

“I read in a CV Library survey, that nearly half of professionals questioned said that they have considered resigning from a job because it impacted their mental health. I’m looking forward to collaborating with businesses to make sure Birmingham bucks this trend.” Among the founding members of the alliance are law firm St Philips Chambers and business support charity ChaplaincyPlus. Members can benefits from a range of proactive interventions, such as the one-to-one wellbeing listening service for staff.

Embello sponsors Olympic hopeful Midlands-based printing and merchandise company, Embello, is sponsoring teenage archery athlete Monty Orton in his bid to be a world-class archer. The 17 year-old athlete lives with his family in Tamworth and is just one step away from being selected for Team GB after being headhunted by Archery GB to join its high performance coaching programme. In support of Monty’s archery career and in preparation for his first international event at the European Youth Cup last month, Embello vowed to cover the cost of his branded uniform and any other printed materials for the foreseeable future. Managing director Kyle Raffo said: “Giving back is an important ethic within our company. I was inspired by Monty and his absolute commitment to his sport and his determination to be the best he can be from a very young age. “It is also a huge commitment in time and money for his family so we’re thrilled to be a small part of his success to date. We’ve no doubt

Shooting for success: Kyle Raffo (left) with archer Monty Orton that Monty is a future Olympian and we intend to help him get there.” Monty began archery just aged thirteen following in the footsteps of his younger brother Paddy and began competing from 2016. It was during the weeklong AGB Youth Festival in 2019 that he was approached by Archery GB. Monty said: “This is my first

international competition, and my first time being selected to represent GB. “This trip is self-funded and my family are firmly behind me – however it’s an expensive sport. Any sponsorship or support helps me along the way to becoming a successful international archer, and I very much appreciate everyone who has helped me get to this point.”

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Business News

Insurance scheme to protect live events By Dan Harrison Business leaders have welcomed a government-backed insurance scheme designed to protect live events which are cancelled due to Covid-19 that will give the industry a much-needed shot in the arm. The scheme will begin with a £750m budget to cover cancellation costs for live events that are legally unable to happen due to Covid restrictions. The government have agreed to act as a reinsurer - guaranteeing that any pay-outs would be funded. The live events industry has repeatedly called for such as plan – and this was underlined in several lobbying documents produced by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce since the start of the pandemic. However, the Chamber says there are still concerns around events that become financially unviable if social distancing is introduced. Head of policy Raj Kandola said: “As a Chamber, we’ve been calling on the Government to introduce this type of scheme for over 12 months in order to give those

businesses operating in the live events sector the confidence they need to effectively plan for the future. “However, there are still concerns with the plan as it doesn’t seem to cover events that become economically unviable if social distancing measures are reintroduced. “As we pointed out in our latest lobbying document, The Final Hurdle, many firms in this sector are still facing crippling overheads and many still have uncertain futures as restrictions continue to ease.

“It’s essential the Government maintains that framework of financial support in order to help those firms get back on their feet and hopefully plan for a brighter future.” Paul Thandi, chief executive of the NEC Group, welcomed the scheme, saying: “We are now going about rebuilding our businesses and offers for customers and audiences. “A key ingredient is risk management and mitigation. I would like to thank the Treasury and DCMS for their understanding

of what is required for our sustainable recovery of the live events industry. “This initiative will ensure that entertainment, leisure and business events continue to take place in the UK as we rebuild the economy and show the world we are open for business.” Suzanna Reid Barreiro da Silva, commercial director at Unique Venues Birmingham, said the scheme will give organisers confidence when planning events. She added: “This news will allow big international events to start planning for their return. Here at UVB, we deliver a range of both corporate and public events, and whilst we need to fully understand the detail around the insurance scheme, it will definitely help us confirm more business from these organisations over the coming months.” Go to www.greaterbirmingham chambers.com to read the Chamber's lobbying document The Final Hurdle and for the Covid-19 support grid.

Confidence: Suzanna Reid Barreiro da Silva

JPF First Aid | www.jpffirstaid.co.uk | 01543 398370 September 2021 CHAMBERLINK 31

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Opus team turn over a new leaf Experienced local restaurateurs Ann Tonks, Irene Allan and Ben Ternent – the proprietors of muchloved restaurant Opus which closed earlier this year – are cooking up a new culinary landmark with the planned opening of a kitchen, bar and terrace at 5-6 Greenfield Crescent within Edgbaston Village on the Calthorpe Estate. The restaurant - Chapter - will focus on quality, combining produce and products from a family of independent suppliers with top class service. The venture is being made possible thanks to a diverse range of funding, including shareholder investment and club membership opportunities, a number of which have already been taken up by Birmingham’s dining community. Ann said: “We are so excited to have been presented with this opportunity by Calthorpe Estates to bring a new independent bar and restaurant to Edgbaston Village’s thriving neighbourhood. “After the heartbreak of losing our long established restaurant earlier in the year, Calthorpe reached out to give us a new lease of life. We’re starting this new chapter from scratch and have already had a huge amount of love from our community. “This has given us confidence that our vision is something that the city wants - the interest in our club membership has been fantastic so far. We can hardly wait to start welcoming guests.” Haydn Cooper, chief executive at Calthorpe Estates, added: “We are delighted that the renowned Chapter team have chosen Edgbaston Village for a new restaurant. Their ethos strongly aligns with our vision, and they will be a fantastic addition to Edgbaston and Birmingham’s

Stylish: A CGI of what the interior of Chapter may look like once complete

New Chapter: From left Haydn Cooper, Ben Ternent, Irene Allan and Ann Tonks

gastro scene. Chapter will be the centrepiece of the newly improved

Greenfield Crescent. Works recently finished to create a stunning

granite road surface and enhanced public realm featuring festoon lights, stylish planters and improved signage. It all combines to help create a vibrant heart for the Village. Edgbaston is going from strength to strength on the back of new occupiers and the popular Edgbaston Village Artisan Market.” Joining chef director Ben will be head chef Nathan Swift. With the lease now agreed, Jewellery Quarter-based Suzanne Barnes of SBDP will lead on interior design in order to create a stylish restaurant and bar. Chapter is due to open in early December.

Launch of major economic report planned Business and education leaders from across the UK will gather to launch a major economic report focused on Birmingham and the West Midlands. Deborah Cadman, Birmingham City Council’s new chief executive, Professor Simon Collinson, deputy pro-vice-chancellor for regional engagement and director of the West Midlands Regional Economic Development Institute (WM REDI) and City-REDI at the University of Birmingham, and Suren Thiru, head of economics at British Chambers of Commerce, will be discussing how the region has fared during the pandemic during the launch of the Birmingham Economic Review. The launch event, taking place on 21 October, will be held at the university’s new facility in Centenary Square, The Exchange, which was refurbished last year. Birmingham Chamber of Commerce president Steve Allen will chair the event. The Birmingham Economic Review is published annually by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and University of Birmingham’s CityREDI initiative.

City-REDI researches and develops economic growth policy, which informs and influences regional and national policy and practices. This year’s report will provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the coronavirus and lockdown measures on the city’s economy, and actionable measures that businesses and stakeholders from across the cityregion can take to adapt, foster greater resilience and grow in this challenging environment. Emily Stubbs, policy and projects manager at the Chamber said: “We are very much looking forward to hearing from Simon, Deborah and Suren at the launch of our fifth annual Birmingham Economic Review. “A lot has changed in the city-region over the past five years. The economic review for 2021 will reflect on one of the most challenging years in recent history, however, it will also provide world-class, data-driven academic insights and experienced advice as to how the region and its businesses can begin to recover from these unprecedented events.” To book your place, visit greaterbirminghamchambers.com September 2021 CHAMBERLINK 33

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Business News

Acquisition for Digital Ethos

Acquisition: Luke Tobin (left) with Janna Caley

Events to raise sepsis awareness The UK Sepsis Trust is hosting a range of events this month – coinciding with World Sepsis day on 13 September. Sepsis – the body’s extreme reaction to an infection - is responsible for one in five of all deaths. It affects 245,000 people in the UK every year. UKST raises awareness with the aim of reducing the number of preventable deaths – and provides free professional support to those affected by this lifethreatening condition. Throughout September, UKST is hosting a range of events – most notably Cycle4Sepsis, a flagship fundraiser in for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Chief executive and founder of the UK Sepsis Trust, Dr Ron Daniels said: “Sepsis isn’t rare, and is a medical emergency like a heart attack or a stroke. We urge people to learn the signs to look out for so that they can protect themselves and their loved ones from the condition, and to Just Ask: ‘could it be sepsis?’ if they’re worried.” To find out more, visit sepsistrust.org/savvy

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Digital marketing agency Digital Ethos has acquired Knutsfordbased agency Boxed Red. This acquisition is the second for award-winning Digital Ethos, which they say will pave the way for further growth opportunities across both brands. Boxed Red is a full-service creative and digital marketing agency, and delivers marketing campaign, marketing strategy, and branding services. Digital Ethos, which has six offices based throughout the UK, including Brindleyplace in Birmingham, is now planning to expand into Europe. The firm acquired a new office in Hamburg earlier this year, and has plans to create new office spaces in Manchester and other city locations as it grows its offering in the north of the UK. Luke Tobin, CEO of Digital Ethos, said: “I’m delighted to finally announce the acquisition of Boxed

Red Marketing - this is a huge step for Digital Ethos and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to grow our talented team. “This acquisition will increase our group revenue by around 25 per cent while allowing us to expand our service offering. Boxed Red also has clients up and down the country and having localised business units in different cities is an important part of our growth plan.” Janna Caley, former owner and director at Boxed Red is committed to staying with the company to ensure a smooth transition for staff and all clients. She said: “The acquisition was a natural fit for Boxed Red as the ethos of both businesses aligned so well. It was important to me that the brand and staff were retained and now with the support of a wider team, Boxed Red will be able to even better service our fantastic clients, further exceeding their objectives.”

Immune responses measured Short and long dosing schedules of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine generate strong antibody and T cell immune responses against the disease, according to new research. The study, led by the University of Oxford, in collaboration with the Universities of Birmingham, Newcastle, Liverpool, Sheffield, and supported by the UK Coronavirus Immunology Consortium, is one of the most comprehensive studies into the immune response generated by the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine to date. It found T cell levels are wellmaintained and antibody levels are higher following a longer interval between the first and second dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, despite a significant drop in antibody levels between doses. T cells are essential for immunity. They have multiple roles that enable the body’s immune system to protect itself from infection. The Protective Immunity from T cells to Covid-19 in health workers study (PITCH) examined how antibody and T cell levels change over time following either a ‘short’ (three

to four weeks, average of 24 days) or ‘long’ (six to 14 weeks, average of 70 days) interval between the first and second dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. For the longer dosing interval, antibody levels fell noticeably between the first and second dose when tested in the lab.

Antibody levels against the Delta variant were poorly induced after a single dose, and not maintained during the interval before the second dose. Following two vaccine doses, neutralising antibody levels were twice as high after the longer dosing interval compared with the shorter dosing interval. After two doses, overall T cell levels were 1.6 times lower after the long compared with the short dosing schedule. Regardless of the dosing schedule, the study found levels of antibodies and T cells varied significantly from person to person. The study’s results are being published as a pre-print on ‘Cell Press Sneak Peak’ and have not yet been peer reviewed. Alex Richter (pictured), professor in Clinical Immunology at the University of Birmingham, said: “Real world data demonstrates the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine is effective at reducing levels of serious disease, hospitalisation and death. Understanding the underlying immune response generated by different dosing schedules will help maximise future protection.”

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Birmingham wins conference bid Birmingham has been named as the host city for the International Working Group (IWG) World Conference on Women and Sport 2026, the world’s largest gathering of experts on gender equity in sport and physical activity. The conference will take place at the International Convention Centre (ICC). It is the first time the historic event has been hosted in the UK since its inaugural conference in Brighton in 1994. It has since been held in Namibia, Canada, Japan, Australia, Finland, Botswana and New Zealand. The successful bid was led by the Sport and Recreation Alliance in partnership with the West Midlands Growth Company, Birmingham City Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority, Sport Birmingham, the University of Birmingham, and the ICC. The IWG World Conference on Women and Sport is held every four years, with Auckland, New Zealand hosting the event in 2022. The conference uses the power of sport and physical activity to drive positive social change for women and girls and improve their health and wellbeing.

New language centre opened A new English language assessment centre has opened in Birmingham. Applied Language Studies (ALS) House has opened its first International English Language Centre (IELC) in Victoria Square. The ALS House IELC is authorised by Cambridge Assessment English, which offers courses for young learners to adults. The centre offers online and face-to-face courses to primary and secondary school students, tertiary education students and public and private sector employees. At ALS House IELC Birmingham, students will obtain international language certifications after completing their courses. Additionally, the centre works closely with Cambridge Assessment English offering teacher training courses such as Cambridge Delta (level 7 Ofqual), Train the Trainer, CELT-P and CELT-S for new and experienced English as foreign language teachers. The centre is the first international English language facility established by ALS.

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More than 1,200 delegates from non-governmental organisations, women in sport organisations, global media, in-field athletes and governments will be in attendance at the conference. According to the West Midlands Growth Company, the economic impact in terms of direct spend from delegates is likely to be more than £.m. The event also promises to bring a surge in tourism, improved infrastructure, and jobs for local residents. Ian Taylor, managing director of NEC Group Conventions and Exhibitions, commented: “The successful bid to host the 2026 IWG World Conference on Women and Sport in Birmingham shows how the city and region can come together and work in partnership to win major events. “This collaborative approach gives us a real competitive edge and we want to build on it on so we can continue to attract globally significant events for years to come. “For the ICC to be involved in creating a culture of greater diversity in sport is a real honour.” Sporting venues across the city including Aston Villa Football Club, University of Birmingham, and Edgbaston Stadium were involved in the bid process.

Residents urged to help clean up West Midlands residents are being urged to rid the region of litter ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Andy Street, West Midlands mayor, has launched the West Midlands Great Clean Up, backed by Keep Britain Tidy, which aims to recruit 1,000 volunteers to get involved with litter picking across the West Midlands. The Great Clean Up kicked off in Perry Barr, home of the Alexander Stadium, with a litter pick around Perry Park accompanied by Valerie Edkins, treasurer of Friends of Perry Park. The organisation maintains the park through conservation activities and helps to reduce flytipping and anti-social behaviour. Mr Street said: “In under a year’s time the eyes of the world will be on the West Midlands as we host the Commonwealth Games. We know just how fantastic our home is, so we want to make sure it’s looking its best when visitors arrive and images are broadcast around the world. “To help make this happen we’ve launched the West Midlands Great Clean Up, where anyone and everyone can get involved. Whether you’re a regular litter picker or someone with an hour to

fill over the weekend, your contribution can make a real difference in having our region looking its best next year. “I’m urging everyone who can to sign up, arm themselves with a rubbish bag and grabber, and get picking.”

Valerie Edkins, treasurer of Friends of Perry Park, said: “The Friends of Perry Park do regular monthly litter picks in the park. So to have the West Midlands Combined Authority promoting a clean-up of parks and the general environment is really exciting.”

Cleaning up: Valerie (left) litter picking with mayor Andy Street

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Providing beautifully designed and expertly installed flooring and soft furnishing solutions to commercial properties throughout the Midlands and beyond since 1946. Clients include retail, hotels, pubs, offices, airports, leisure centres, nursing homes, hospitals and public holdings.

T: 01562 823 700 W: lgm-ltd.co.uk

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Business News Key figures join theatre board

An artist’s impression of what the Christmas in Cathedral Square market will look like

Cathedral Square to host Christmas market Cathedral Square in Birmingham will be a winter wonderland this Christmas, as Colmore Business Improvement District (BID) gears up to host a monthlong festive market. Delivered in partnership with Birmingham City Council, Birmingham Cathedral and Danter Attractions Limited, Christmas in Cathedral Square will take place in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral between 17 November and 19 December. The event will offer a mixture of craft, gift and food and drink stalls and provide a platform for local businesses, producers and craftspeople to showcase their goods in the run up to Christmas. Danter Attractions has been appointed as operator for Christmas in Cathedral Square and will be managing the logistics for the market and stall holders. Michele Wilby, chief executive of Colmore BID, said that the BID hopes to make the market one to remember. She said: “Christmas 2020 was not what anyone had planned. Interaction with family and friends was limited and many did not feel like it was a cause of celebration. For 2021, we want Christmas in Colmore Business

District to be one to remember, but for good reasons. Christmas in Cathedral Square looks to support and expand the city’s Christmas offer, providing a platform to support our diverse local talent. “We hope to create an experience which animates the District, engaging with those that work in the area, while also attracting many other visitors. “Over the years we have delivered a breadth of successful projects with Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Cathedral and are looking forward to strengthening this relationship with the addition of Danter Attractions.” Anna Pitt, CEO of Birmingham Cathedral, added: “‘We are delighted to be hosting a Christmas market this year in Cathedral Square. It is a particular joy to be partnering closely with Colmore BID and Birmingham City Council to host an event which will support local businesses after a very difficult couple of years. “There will be opportunities for colleagues, friends and families to gather together in a way that has been so missed in recent months. We look forward to sharing the spirit of Christmas and the joy of the season with all those who visit Cathedral Square.”

CBSO reveals autumn programme Permanent conductor of the Japan Philharmonic Kazuki Yamada will open the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s (CBSO) autumn season, starting on 16 September. Kazuki, also principal guest conductor for CBSO, will lead the CBSO Chorus and CBSO Youth Chorus – reunited with the orchestra for the first time since early 2020 – in a French-inspired programme including Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Poulenc’s Gloria. They will be joined by organist Anna Lapwood for Saint-Saëns’ ‘Organ Symphony’ in the French composer’s centenary year.

CBSO’s autumn season will also feature three commissioned pieces, to mark the orchestra’s 100-year anniversary. Mark-Anthony Turnage’s Go For It, will premier on 30 September, Debbie Wiseman’s Carnival of the Endangered Animals will be staged

on 24 October, and Jonathan Dove’s In Exile will premiere on 9 December. Stephen Maddock, chief executive of the CBSO: “It’s fantastic to be looking ahead to a full autumn season rich in variety and musical excitement.”

Seven business and community leaders have joined Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s board. The new board members include inequality campaigner Atif Ali, accountant Andrew Chiduku, lawyer Mike Hibbs, CEO Lucy Marcus, environmentalist Victoria Marsom, entrepreneur Brandon Relph and theatre producer Rachel RousselTyson. The board will be led by executive director Rachael Thomas and Olivier Awardwinning director Sean Foley. Atif campaigns to reduce health inequalities and sits on several boards across the arts and culture, housing and grant-making sector. Andrew is head of Risk and Assurance at Reall Ltd. He is a qualified accountant with more than 15 years of experience in audit and risk management and has worked within the private, public and NGO sector in the UK, Africa, and Asia. Mike practices employment law as a partner at Shakespeare Martineau. He has served on the board of arts charities for many years, and was chair of Big Brum Theatre in Education Company, and a past board member of Ikon gallery as well as a current board member of DanceXchange. Lucy is the CEO of Marcus Venture Consulting is a board chair and non-executive director. She has worked in a number of sectors from software and biotech/medtech to cleantech and government, education and financial services. Victoria is currently the head of England at Friends of the Earth where she leads campaigns that fight climate and ecological emergencies. Brandon is the CEO of Studio BE, a technology and production company based in Brighton. The 21 year-old is one of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs, and the world's chief youth specialist. Rachel was raised in Birmingham and studied acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She currently runs an NHS charity, with a particular focus on supporting recovery from the pandemic.

Musical delight: CBSO will be performing a jam-packed programme this autumn September 2021 CHAMBERLINK 39

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Business News

Permanent salaries rise at a record pace The Midlands region experienced a record rise in permanent salaries during July - amid a combination of sharp growth in demand for staff and a marked deterioration in the supply of candidates, according to KPMG and REC’s latest UK Report on Jobs: Midlands. A further steep expansion in permanent placements was also recorded, while the rate of growth in temporary billings accelerated to the fastest since March. The report is compiled by IHS Markit from responses to questionnaires sent to around 100 recruitment and employment consultancies in the Midlands. The Report on Jobs provides a comprehensive guide to the UK labour market, drawing on original survey data provided by recruitment consultancies and employers to provide the first indication each month of labour market trends. Although softening from the record pace seen in June, the rate of growth in permanent placements in the Midlands remained rapid at the start of the third quarter of the year. Recruitment consultancies indicated that placements had risen in line with greater demand for staff following the reopening of the economy. The increase in permanent placements in the Midlands was slightly slower than at the UK level. July data pointed to a sharp increase in temporary billings in the Midlands, with the rate of expansion accelerating to the fastest since March. Some respondents suggested that temps had been hired given some difficulty in sourcing

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No surprise: Kate Holt

permanent candidates. The rise in temp billings in the Midlands outpaced the UK average. Permanent vacancies increased at a considerable pace in the Midlands during July, with the rate of growth ticking down only slightly from June's record. In fact, the rise was the second-fastest since the series began in October 1997. A similarly strong rise in demand for temporary staff was signalled at the start of the third quarter. Furthermore, the rate of expansion quickened for the sixth month running and was the fastest since March 1998. The Midlands experienced a further substantial

reduction in the supply of permanent candidates during July, with the rate of decline strengthening slightly to the most marked since August 2015. Anecdotal evidence suggested that people currently in jobs were reluctant to move at present given high levels of uncertainty. Recruitment consultancies indicated that temporary candidate numbers decreased at a rapid pace in July. The pace of reduction was the sharpest since March, 2015, and one of the strongest on record. A number of respondents indicated that Brexit had been a factor behind the drop in temporary staff numbers. Permanent salaries for new joiners in the Midlands increased at the fastest pace in the survey's history in July, with the rate of inflation surpassing the previous record seen in November 2014. A combination of rising demand for staff and a lack of suitable candidates was behind the increase in permanent salaries. Kate Holt, people consulting partner at KPMG, said: “As employers compete for quality permanent candidates, it’s no surprise to see starting salaries rising as the demand for talent outpaces the supply. Now is certainly a good time for those searching for new roles to negotiate an attractive package. “While it’s encouraging to see how healthy the jobs market is looking across the Midlands, it’s crucial that the focus on reskilling and upskilling isn’t lost.”

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Business News

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Business News

Y International (UK) Ltd – A success story

Mr. yusuff ali M.a

Chairman & Managing Director of LuLu Group International and the Director of Y International UK Ltd.

y international (uk) ltd a Birmingham based company and part of lulu Group international, is one of the leading exportoriented unit in the region pioneered in the procurement, consolidation and export of ambient food, chilled and frozen and non-food products of uk origin. its vision was to meet the increasing requirements of lulu Group’s vast clientele in the GCC, north africa, india, indonesia and Malaysia markets, for the best quality products of British origin. This venture was established in 2013 with the immense support of the Local British Embassy authorities, UK Trade & Investment and Birmingham Chamber of Commerce initially in the industrial area at the Electric Avenue, Witton and subsequently relocated to a 130,000 sq. ft. stateof-the-art facility on 1 Priory Road, Aston.

The logistic center has ample storage units and advanced machinery to process and handle dry foods, non-food, frozen and perishable food products with a well-established system and forensic testing facility to exercise better control over the traceability of food contents. It also has the facility to initiate necessary value addition by date coding and labeling for different countries, translation of labels, halal and other relevant certifications and export from the UK on a regular basis to their supermarkets, hypermarkets, and other food service companies all over the GCC countries.

Y International has also pioneered in the marketing of specialty food products and their focus is now on the "Free From" ranges of foodstuffs like gluten-free, vegan and organic products, to combat the growing obesity in the region.

In recognition of its outstanding contributions to the UK export sector within a short span, Y International UK Ltd was honored to receive the most prestigious and coveted Award for business excellence in the UK: The Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade in 2017. and also has achieved recognition, with an entry of 80th place on the 4th Annual SUNDAY TIMES SME Export Track 100 league ranking of Britain’s 100 small and medium private companies with the fastest growing international sales in 2017. Y International also received the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Award for Excellence in International Business in 2021.

Lulu Group also have a comprehensive network of Export Distribution Centers in 22 countries including the major state-of-the-art facilities opened in the USA and Europe, which remains the backbone of its retail operations.

Y International has created a broader market for the products of British origin and made Britishbranded food products available in all the hypermarkets and food service channels across the region.

These facilities undertake a wide range of different functions. The major activities of these facilities include procurement, Arabic labelling, consolidation and halal certifications. Export distribution centers are directly dealing with the suppliers and these offices will increase responsiveness on all sides and will build a supply chain that will guarantee regular and consistent supplies.

Lulu Group has a great deal of import business from the UK since last two decades, and with the launching of its Logistics Centre in Birmingham the turnover has increased considerably.

T: 0121 326 9050 E: info@yinTErnaTional.uk W: yinTErnaTional.uk

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Business News ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Quality Assessment and Qualification Framework (QAQF) ‘Alone you carve your own path BUT together we provoke the difference in shaping your future’ AQF is an innovative training organisation, helping health professionals across the globe to meet overseas standards to obtain their licence to operate in countries like the UK, Canada, New Zealand, USA and Australia. We started amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and had no idea that the impact of this would make our project so important, with organisations such as private care, nursing, residential and hospitals all benefitting from our services. Since last year we have trained and placed over 100 overseas nurses across the UK (London, Plymouth, Cornwall, Croydon, Lancaster and Harrogate). Our blended training took place on our eLearning platform and our face-to-face practical training is conducted at Crowne Plaza Hotel in London. Recently we have trained over 50 overseas nurses for their OSCE Exam. During their training, we also conducted a welfare assessment to measure their level of wellbeing. A significant number of the trainees were very appreciative of how their employers have treated them. They were also grateful that they were given the greatest opportunity to serve during this challenging time. Lots of them have left their friends and family back home to dedicate their lives to caring residents and patients in the UK.

Testimonials Cynthia Kaguah, from Ghana, says that she is so fortunate that she recently secured her NMC PIN and is now a qualified nurse. Kelsy Manyi Nijiwaji, from Cameroon, says this country has given her a unique identity and she wants to dedicate her career to the residents in her Care home in Lancaster. She passed the OSCE exam in June. Anu Tamang, from Nepal, is willing to give whatever it takes to make a resident smile in Croydon London. Alisha Baidhya, from Nepal, finds the UK to be an amazing place to learn more on how to improve her talents. She is a preregistered nurse in Doncaster.

All of these nurses are overseas qualified health professional and have a lot of experience to share here in the Care sector – however working with the elderly, dementia and challenging behaviour residents was, for most of them, a first-time experience. Nonetheless, within a short period of time they have quickly learned how to navigate and adapt in the care sector, keeping all the standards and regulations in place. Indeed, they are fast learners. Over 100,000 health professionals are needed in the UK market and QAQF endeavours to train a huge number of overseas candidates to the UK standard so as to feed the needs of the market shortage. We train them to adapt swiftly to the job market. We closely work with many employers in the health sector to fulfil their needs, as well as to bridge the gap between the candidates and the requisite skills, so that we can reduce the shortage of labour efficiently, not only in the UK but in other countries such as New Zealand and Canada.

Together we empower people and communities to thrive through education, innovation, and experiences.

To find out more about the full range of courses available please contact us on Tel: 07856592518 Email: info@qaqf.co.uk or visit: www.qaqf.co.uk September 2021 CHAMBERLINK 43

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Chamber Patrons

Chamber Patrons Greater Birmingham Chambers’ leading supporters Book explores green economy Two academics from Birmingham City University have launched a new book on the green economy. Associate Professor Beverley Nielsen has launched the new book ‘Exploring the Green Economy’, co-edited with her colleague Dr Steve McCabe, at the Institute for Design, Economic Acceleration and Sustainability (IDEAS) at Birmingham City University. The book, published by Bite-Sized books, was launched at an online event, with renowned sustainability campaigner and writer, Jonathon Porritt, Jack Dromey MP, Birmingham Erdington, Hopi Sen, former head of Campaigns for the Labour Party and economist Vicky Pryce in attendance. Exploring the Green Economy features several chapters on the circular economy, green entrepreneurship, and growing the digital economy and connectivity for a net zero age. Ms Nielsen said: “This new book explores the principles of climate change as well as highlighting case studies illustrating practical ways to address the immediate challenges. “If we are to reach the government’s latest ambitious targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 78 per cent by 2035 we need to change the way we do things right now. “The Climate Change Committee estimates that around 60 per cent of the emissions reduction needed to achieve Net Zero in the UK, and to halt our contribution to the changing climate, involves some level of behaviour change. “We will have to redouble our efforts increasing investment on active mobility, retrofitting our homes, accessing sustainable energy, sourcing locally, extending product use and recycling wherever we are able.”

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Contact: Henrietta Brealey T: 0121 274 3266

Lawyers rack up major deals worth £1.35bn Squire Patton Boggs has advised on 22 transactions worth £1.35bn during the first half of 2021. Headline deals included advising Croatian electric hypercar manufacturer Rimac Automobili on a new venture with iconic French automotive brand Bugatti Automobiles, advising Hackman Capital Partners on the £300m acquisition of Eastbrook Studios and advising GracoRoberts on its acquisition of Sil-Mid Limited. A team comprising Birmingham Corporate partner Andrew Glaze and Jost Arnsperger from the firm’s Berlin office, as well as associate Shauna Halls, advised Rimac Automobili on its partnership with Bugatti Automobiles, a historic venture to create a new automotive and technological powerhouse, Bugatti Rimac LLC. Partner and head of the Birmingham corporate team, Geoff Perry, together with associate Leyla Parvizi and partners Nick Green (real estate), Dave Gordon (environment) and Ray O’Connor (construction), advised Hackman Capital Partners, the industry’s largest owner and operator of independent film and television studios, on the acquisition of Eastbrook

Bumper lot of deals: Geoff Perry

Studios and its agreement with Barking and Dagenham Council to build London’s largest film and TV production centre. Mr Perry also advised US company GracoRoberts on its acquisition of Sil-Mid Limited, to forge the world’s largest aerospace-focused and specification-driven speciality chemicals distributor. “We have had an exceptionally busy first half of the year, due in part to pent up demand and, in the earlier part of the year, anxiety around a potential tax increase in the Budget,” said Mr Perry. “That said, activity levels remain high, driven by an array of issues, and what is clear is that businesses are actively looking for opportunities to adapt and evolve to position themselves for future growth.”

Reward for Armed Forces support

Organisations from across the West Midlands have been recognised for their support of the Armed Forces community. Forty-one businesses have been named as Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver award winners for 2021. In addition, a further nine employers have had their ERS Silver Awards from 2016 revalidated for their continued commitment.

This Ministry of Defence award recognises companies for their support to the Armed Forces community, including Reservists, veterans, spouses, Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers and cadets. Silver award holders must demonstrate a number of positive measures and policies in their organisations, which actively support members of the Armed Forces community. The organisations cover all of the

regions counties and come from a wide range of sectors including education providers, NHS Trusts, charities, local authorities and security firms. Philip Sinclair, Regional Employer Engagement director for West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, said: “We are absolutely delighted that 50 employers across our region have been recognised by the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award this year, including nine that have had their Silver Awards from 2016 revalidated, demonstrating a continued and sustained commitment to supporting our Armed Forces community. “The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers to support Defence and inspire others to do the same. “The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to Defence and the Armed Forces community, and who align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

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Chamber Patrons

‘Public wants nature protected’ The public wants nature to be at the heart of policymaking, new research, supported by WSP, has shown. WSP, one of the UK’s largest environmental consultancies, has supported new research on the UK public’s attitude towards the value of nature and engagement with the natural environment, published by Bright Blue, an independent think tank. The Nature positive? report found that, while support is high for current leading Government policies to protect the natural environment both domestically and overseas, the UK public believes Government and Government agencies are currently not doing enough. The report also shows clear recognition of the benefits of nature from a mental and physical wellbeing perspective, and a desire for local benefits from the natural environment. However, though urban gre en spaces and parks are the most visited natural environment by the public, they are perceived as relatively low value and quality. Shockingly, fewer than one in eight of the UK public (11 per cent) claim that climate change or the natural environment are their single biggest concern. Despite being a small personal concern, a

third (33 per cent) of people believe climate change should be the most important foreign policy priority for the government. Only a third (32 per cent) of the public believes that local authorities are doing enough to protect and enhance the natural environment in the UK, and this falls to 28 per cent for the Government. The majority of the public believe Government agencies (59 per cent), national (58 per cent) and local governments (52 per cent) should have very high levels of

‘This study shows the public expects Government to lead’ responsibility for the protection and enhancement of the natural environment. Nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) of the public support a requirement for developers to enhance the natural environment when building new houses. Seventy-two per cent of those surveyed would be more likely to support new infrastructure development if the organisations constructing them are obliged

to materially improve the local natural environment. Reflecting on the findings, Tom Butterworth, technical director for Natural Capital and Biodiversity at WSP, said: “Public support for infrastructure projects which improve the local natural environment is timely given recent amendments to the Environment Bill mandating Biodiversity Net Gain to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projec ts. “It will not be mandatory though until nearly 2024, giving us only six years to the 2030 target to reverse species decline. We need to be doing as much as possible as quickly as possible to protect and enhance nature and biodiversity, as time is short to realise these ambitions.” David Symons, UK director of Sustainability at WSP, added: “This study shows the public expects government to lead on protec ting nature through regulation, policy and trade agreements. It also shows that there’s more Government needs to do to engage the public. Government cannot do everything to address the nature and climate emergency – there will need to be significant changes in everyone’s behaviour.”

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1813 Club and Premier Members

1813 Club and Premier Members Millennium Point will be hosting the 2021 Business of Science Conference next month. The conference – on 7 October – will be opened by West Midlands mayor Andy Street, and will explore how science and innovation can benefit both commerce and society as a whole. Steve Bennett, founder of the Business of Science Conference, said: “The conference will again celebrate the value of science and innovation to society, business and individuals.”

Business adviser PwC has announced three new partners in the Midlands, as well as 16 director promotions. The three new partners are Tom Copeland in the corporate finance deals team, Sarah Philips in the audit practice and Karen Senior, a tax partner in the compliance services team. Across the Midlands business there has been a further 270 promotions, and come after the business announced plans to invest $1.2bn in the UK over the next three to four years, creating 4,000 new jobs nationally. Matthew Hammond, PwC’s Midlands region leader, said: “Our new promotees the bring sector expertise and diverse skills we need to grow.”

Warwick University based recruitment firm Unitemps has been awarded the ISO 9001:2015 standard, which is an international standard relating to quality management systems. Organisations use the standard to demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

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Membership Contact: Gary Birch T: 0845 6036650

Greater Birmingham’s leading companies In brief

Premier

Tax payers may have to pick up Covid-19 bill Taxpayers may be forced to pick up the tab for billions of pounds of support for businesses as the UK continues to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic. That’s the view of law firm Clarke Willmott and professional services adviser Tilney Smith & Williamson. The UK Government has issued billions of pounds worth of loans since the onset of coronavirus, through programmes including the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) and Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). BBLS has been dogged by allegations that borrowers fraudulently obtained financial support from it. Now Peter Brewer, Clarke Willmott partner and Emma Thompson, associate director, at Smith & Williamson, say there is ‘an urgent need for clarity’ about how any fraudulent loans will be recovered. Birmingham-based Mr Brewer said: “The Treasury’s intentions with BBLS and CBILS – to provide easy and quick liquidity for businesses were honourable. However due to the speed at which the schemes were launched, there was limited due diligence, in particular with bounce back loans, with the result that they were susceptible to fraud.

Emma Thompson and Peter Brewer: Who will pay for fraudulent Covid loans?

“There are huge amounts of money involved and the banks already consider that some of this money will not be recoverable. “Where the banks are unable to recover the BBLS lending, the Government and ultimately the taxpayer has guaranteed that it will repay the banks. But the crucial question is: who is picking up the tab for pursuing the recovery of loans that were taken out fraudulently?” Ms Thompson said that where a company cannot repay its debts, it normally enters insolvency. She said: “Will the Government

provide a fund to seek the recovery of any fraudulent loans from directors personally or could they ‘get away’ with it? The number of inactive or ‘dormant’ businesses that have secured money through the loans is particularly problematic. “If these dormant companies with no assets are being used to secure loans, while the Insolvency Service has new powers to disqualify directors of dormant companies, there may be no funds available to complete an investigation into potential assets that may have been placed out of creditors reach or pursue the directors personally.”

Smith Cooper adds Sage partner Accountant Smith Cooper, which has an office in Birmingham, has taken over a Cambridgeshire-based firm that focuses on the popular financial software product Sage. Price Bailey Business Systems provides all of the products and services associated with Sage 200, which is a business management tool widely used by small and medium firms. The 20-year-old business has been bought from parent company Price Bailey, and is now part of Smith Cooper System Partners. Chris Smith, MD of Smith Cooper System Partners said: “The acquisition of Price Baileys Sage division is a fantastic addition to our operation in the Southern region and our business at large.

“From the early stages of discus sions with the Price Bailey team, we recognised a synergy in the way we all believe a Sage Business Partner should work and how Sage 200 customers should be treated. “However, we also recognised an opportunity for Smith Cooper to provide some assistance to the team and add even more value for the clients. “The growth and progress of our company over the last six years has been immense and this is another important but sensible step on our journey.” Smith Cooper System Partners is one of the top three Sage 200 business partners in the UK with offices in Derby, Birmingham, Reading, Gateshead, Nottingham and London.

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1813 Club and Premier Members

Freeths to pay back Government furlough funds Law firm Freeths has announced that it is paying back all the money it has received from the Government’s Job Retention Scheme. As well as repaying the furlough cash, the firm is also paying its staff for a threemonth salary reduction, as well as an 8.5 per cent bonus. Freeths is also bringing forward its annual salary review. Karl Jansen, national managing partner at Freeths, said: “Following review of our year end position, we are in a stronger position than we anticipated when the pandemic first hit. “A great deal of hard work and effort went into achieving the excellent year end result, with the firm exceeding £100m turnover for the second year in

succession and exceeding budget by over six per cent”. Freeths’ chairman, Julian Middleton, added: “Thanks to the exceptional efforts of our hard-working partners and staff, and the strength of our client

Leap of faith: Two BECG employees during the charity skydive

‘We are in a stronger position than we anticipated’ relationships, the year ultimately turned out much better than we expected. “We were rightly cautious in our approach to the pandemic, but avoided the worst of the impact. We believe that paying back the furlough funds is very much the right thing to do.”

M: 07872 824624

BECG take to the skies for charity Employees at PR firm BECG have raised thousands of pounds for charity after taking part in a 14,000 ft skydive. The 13 employees raised £5,300 for The Brain Tumour Charity, after jumping out of a plane above Langar Airfield, near Nottingham. The Brain Tumour Charity is one of BECG’s chosen charity partners. Stephen Pomeroy, CEO of BECG, said: “We are immensely impressed by the efforts of our amazing Highflyers team who showed true bravery and determination during their charity skydive. “It is fantastic to see such a vast amount of money raised for a deserving cause. We look forward to hearing how this money is able to support The Brain Tumour Charity and congratulate our Highflyers on this achievement.” BECG is a specialist communication consultancy for the built environment and owns government relations and corporate communications consultancy, Cavendish Advocacy, Scottish public affairs consultancy, Liberty One, and Crowd Technologies, which offers social media management platform CrowdControlHQ.

E: tim@cqssolutions.co.uk

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International Trade and Commonwealth

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

Chamber’s Iona takes up student body presidency A member of the Chamber’s international department has been elected president of an organisation that supports overseas and exchange opportunities for students. Iona Murdoch, who is an international programmes support officer within the Chamber-based Innovate UK Edge team, will serve as the Erasmus Student Network’s UK president for the next 12 months. The organisation – part of Erasmus Student Network (ESN) International – is a student-led body that advocates higher education mobility opportunities. It also supports international and exchange students. University of Glasgow graduate Iona first got involved with the ESN during an exchange visit to Sweden. She then joined its Glasgow section before stepping up to the organisation’s national board. Iona says the main aim of her presidency is to “keep encouraging students to be motivated to engage in mobility opportunities following the Covid-19 pandemic.” She added: “Part of this mission will include

Tax expert joins as Chamber patron Tax expert Paul O’Neill is the latest patron to join the Commonwealth Chamber. Paul, based in Wilmslow, Cheshire, operates as Customs Duty Advisory Ltd and was set up post-Brexit to help businesses cope with international trade. He said: “I am delighted to be invited to join the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce’s Commonwealth Division as a patron. “I am really looking forward to advising members in all aspects of customs duty and international trade VAT matters. “I hope this opportunity not only helps me grow my advisory practice but facilitates trouble free and well ordered trade between members and overseas businesses. “With nearly 20 years indirect tax and duties experience spread across HMRC, KPMG, EY and a leading city law firm as well as over four years working as a freelance consultant, I consider that I bring a high level of expertise and experience to my clients.” Customs Duty Advisory Ltd operates nationally, and areas of specialism include, customs valuation, rules of origin, tariff classification, calculating import duty, HMRC audit preparation, import/export VAT and documentation reviews.

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spreading awareness, not only of long-term mobility exchanges of six months or more, but also short-term mobilities lasting from a week to a couple of months. “And, of course, there is our overall aim of promoting international sharing through the exchange of experiences and people. “There is something special about students helping other students, and that is the essence of ESN UK. I was inspired to run for the presidency as ESN had given me so many opportunities throughout the past few years, from skills, to travel, to a second family.” ESN UK planned to host one of its biggest annual events in Coventry this October, with participation from around 200 volunteers from eight different countries across the network. However, it has now moved online. Topics will include educational mobility, the development of skills and how to support students during the pandemic. Iona said: “This is a great opportunity to keep engagement in ESN high after the shock of

Student president: Iona Murdoch

Brexit. Unfortunately, due the pandemic, it was not feasible to hold such a large event in person. “However, ESN UK are still part of the virtual event planning committee, and hope to bring some of the planned cultural elements from the less-visited area of the Midlands to internationals.”

Travel hubs no longer no-go The Chamber has welcomed moves by the Government to remove India and two key Middle East travel hubs from its coronavirus ‘red list’. The hubs are Qatar/United Arab Emirates and India, who are now on the ‘amber list’. This means fully vaccinated people can now travel without any quarantine restrictions – previously, all arrivals had to undergo a tenday stay in a quarantine hotel. Chamber international manager Stefanie Bowes said: “This is a great step for forward for some of our key global markets, which will allow businesses, students and diaspora to

transit through two major Middle East Hubs.” Qatar had been added to the red list back in March, which has meant minimal travel between that country and the UK for the last six months. Gary Kershaw, regional manager UK and Ireland, Qatar Airways, said: “We are very pleased with the recent movement of Qatar to the UK’s amber list and evidently, so are our customers. “We saw a significant increase in booking enquiries overnight following the announcement as many travellers want to take advantage of this development.”

EU innovation funding available Although the UK has now left the European Union, innovative companies can still apply for a share of €95.5bin through an EU-funded innovation programme. UK companies are able to access the funding from Horizon Europe - all they require is an innovative idea that comes with a disruptive nature and scale-up potential. Horizon Europe is an EU-funded programme for research and innovation, used to tackle climate change and help achieve the UN’s sustainable development goals by awarding funding to relevant projects.

Similar to the Smart Grants run by Innovate UK, the Horizon Europe funding is aimed at innovative ideas. The current funding cycle runs from 2021-27 with a total budget of €95.5bn. When making a bid for funding, it is encouraged that researchers, businesses and innovators in the UK and further afield work together to form global consortia, as most Horizon Europe opportunities are designed for transnational collaborations. To do this, there is a platform built for Innovate UK Edge clients designed to help find partners and collaborators abroad.

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International Trade and Commonwealth Commonwealth Chamber Patron

Greater Birmingham

Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Mandy Haque T: 0845 6036650

Boosting ties with Mauritius The Chamber is joining forces with the Mauritius Economic Development Board, in an effort to boost trade links between the country and the UK. Mauritius is best known as a tourism destination, and as such is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean with a population of just 1.3 million. However, the country sees itself as a gateway to Africa, and would be a cheaper alternative than many mainland countries. Mauritius is also hoping to attract retirees to the country, as well as people who want to work remotely. Although tourism is the main source of income in Mauritius, it is rated as a high-income economy by the World Bank, and which also ranked the country as 13th out of 190 global economies in terms of being easy to deal with. Mauritius also has a growing financial services sector, which contributes around 12 per cent to its gross domestic product (GDP). In terms of current trading arrangements, Mauritius signed an agreement with the UK in

January 2019 to safeguard trade preferences it had previously received under the interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA) with the European Union. The Chamber believes that there is the potential to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Mauritius EDB, and the two organisations are currently working on a campaign to highlight opportunities for trade and investment between the country and the UK. There are plans for a round table event between the GDP and key businesses in the Midlands this autumn, and the Chamber is also planning to offer specific support to those interested in investing in Mauritius. Chamber international manager Stefanie Bowes said: “We are excited to be working with the Mauritius Economic Development Board as we look to promote further awareness around exporting goods such as textiles and services and what the trade agreement looks like post Brexit." Stefanie Bowes: Building links with Mauritius

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Transatlantic Transatlantic Chamber Patrons

Greater Birmingham

Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce

Leaders back UK stance on transatlantic travel The Government is right to allow fullvaccinated arrivals from the US into the UK without the need to quarantine – even if the arrangement isn’t reciprocated. That’s the view of transatlantic business leaders, who say there is already a huge demand for flights among people who do business on both side of the Atlantic. Since 2 August, US citizens and British expats living in the US have been allowed to travel to the UK quarantine-free providing they are fully vaccinated. However, the US remains closed to non-citizens in the UK regardless of their vaccination status. Duncan Edwards, chief executive of BritishAmerican Business – of which the Transatlantic Chamber is part – said business people are keen to resume travel between the two countries. He said: “It is terrific news that the UK have opened up quarantine-free travel to the UK for doubly vaccinated British expats living in the US and for US citizens too.” BritishAmerican Business has vowed to carry on lobbying the US government for a change in its travel policy. Mr Edwards believes the stance from Washington is more to do with public opinion than the risk posed by travellers. He added: “The US government position seems to have nothing to do with the incremental risk posed by vaccinated travellers from the UK (and EU) and everything to do with concern about public opinion and probable media criticism. “Either way, this is a step in the right direction, and we will keep asking the US government to make the change.”

Contact: Mandy Haque T: 0121 725 8994

Caution is needed when expanding into the US A law firm with offices on both sides of the Atlantic is advising ambitious firms to think carefully about which legal entity to use when expanding into the US marketplace. Factors such as tax and immigration can both be important in whether expanding firms open up a US branch or become a subsidiary of the UK company. However, Rob Whittall, managing partner of Dyke Yaxley LLC, warns the process is not always a straightforward choice. He said: “At first glance, the answer to this question is straight forward i.e., a branch or a subsidiary. But as you delve a little deeper it becomes a little more complex. “Most businesses that are just putting their toe in the Atlantic would go for a branch, as in effect it is just an extension of the UK company. “However, if you have made the decision that you are ‘Going to America’, then a subsidiary is the preferred route. “The first question you ask is which UK entity will own the US subsidiary, i.e., UK Opco or UK Holdco. In practice, we are seeing that if there is not a UK Holdco, then one is set up to own 100 per cent of the UK Opco and 100 per cent of the US Opco. “The second question is what type of company the US subsidiary should be i.e., Inc. versus LLC (Limited Liability Company). Inc’s have been around for years and are treated as a company for both UK and US tax purposes. “LLC’s have been a more recent option. LLCs are taxed as a company for both UK and US tax purposes if a US tax election is made. Thus, for tax purposes there is no difference in an Inc versus and LLC.

Legal complexities: Rob Whittall of Dyke Laxley

“We find that the ultimate decision as to whether your subsidiary is an Inc., or an LLC becomes a legal issue. “What I mean by a legal issue is, depending on which state you are conducting business in, your lawyer may prefer an Inc. versus an LLC for legal liability purposes. A particular state may have stronger liability protection case law for a Inc. versus an LLC.” Mr Whittall said another factor for UK companies to consider is whether they are transferring UK employees to the new US operation while it is still getting off the ground. He added: “You should discuss with your immigration lawyer whether an Inc. versus an LLC would be preferred for immigration purposes.”

Cybersecurity firm opens Canadian office A Solihull-based cybersecurity company has opened a new office on the other side of the Atlantic - in Vancouver, Canada. OmniCyber Security, based in Shirley, offers online protection and services to governments, retail chains and banks with clients based around the globe. After a record year for the firm, it has now expanded its international presence by setting up a Canadian base. As many companies across the UK and the rest of the world have had to adapt to online working over the last year, firms of all sizes have needed to put more robust cybersecurity protection in place. Stuart Joce, CEO of OmniCyber Security, said: “Whether you're a small start-up business or an established company, having robust cyber protection in place is essential to avoiding costly breaches or hacks. "Never has that been more relevant than through the last 18 months. As a business, we have gone from strength to strength over the last 12 months and we're continuing to grow with clients ranging from banks to governments to technology firms. “From our Midlands base, we've been able to ramp up our international business, and we're delighted to be able to open our new office in Vancouver, which will be the base for all North American activity. 50 CHAMBERLINK September 2021

Overseas expansion: The OmniCyber team

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Future Faces Future Faces Chamber Patrons Contact: Anna Assinder T: 0845 6036650

Engineer takes top awards prize By Claudia Congrave Engineer Michal Nowinski is the Future Face of Greater Birmingham 2021. Michal picked up the award, sponsored by Aston University, alongside the Future Face of Sustainability award, sponsored by Squire Patton Boggs, during this year's Future Faces and BYPY Young Professional awards. The online ceremony was livestreamed from Chamber House in Edgbaston and hosted by Gemma Hill, presenter of the Heart West Midlands Drive Time radio show. Returning as headline sponsors this year were Aston University and long-standing supporters of BYPY, BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK. Michal is a Polish-born highway engineer working for Arup’s Midlands office. As his first role in the industry, Michal began working for international construction engineering company, Egis, in 2009. Michal’s first projects at Egis equipped him with an understanding of how construction can work to preserve the natural environment and set him on a path of sustainability. Moving to the UK in 2016, Michal became a chartered engineer in 2021 and has developed his role at Arup to include holistic assessment, highway design, 3D modelling and road safety audits.

Working on a range of rewarding projects that focus on sustainable improvements, Michal has been engaged in both managerial and technical roles on phase 2a of HS2. Outside of Arup, Michal has taken part in Birmingham City University’s Career plus mentoring programme as a professional mentor and has been involved in a series of university events to help students navigate the prospects of a career in the civil engineering industry. Anjum Khan, director of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) and chair of the Future Faces awards judging panel, commented: “Michal’s professional and personal achievements positioned him perfectly as the Future Face of Greater Birmingham and I can’t wait to see where his career goes from here.” Anjum chaired the judging panel, consisting of Michelle Adams from Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP, Byron Carnegie of JAMAYA, Joanna Drinkwater from Grant McKnight, Councillor Brigid Jones of Birmingham City Council and Mark Smith from Aston University.

Future Face of Arts and Culture in partnership with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Alex Nicholson Evans, Birmingham Museums Trust Future Face of Charity and Social Enterprise sponsored by Wright Restaurants t/a McDonald’s Neelam Heera, Cysters Future Face of Entrepreneurship sponsored by EY Davies Okeowo, Birmingham Enterprise Community Future Face of Finance sponsored by HSBC Naomi Campion, Bibby Financial Services Limited Future Face of Industry sponsored by Inspired Energy Yung-Yu Lau, Jacobs Future Face of Legal sponsored by Mills & Reeve Baljinder Singh Atwal, West Midlands Police Future Face of Public Sector and Education sponsored by Open College Network West Midlands Dr Daniel Cash, Aston University Future Face of Retail and Hospitality sponsored by The Black Pounds Project Ineta Svedaite, Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grilll Future Face of Sales, Marketing and Communications sponsored by Notepad Hannah Montgomery, Golddust Marketing

OTHER WINNERS INCLUDED:

Future Face of Technology and Innovation sponsored by RSM Karl Nicholson, Synaptek

Future Faces Apprentice of the Year sponsored by WM International Customs Agencyl Dylan Pickin, ValYou Recruitment

Future Faces Champion 2021 sponsored by Common Purpose Yung-Yu Lau

Future Faces lends support to Mission Critical exhibition Members of the Future Faces committee attended Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s (MACC) Mission Critical exhibition in support of the organisation’s life-saving emergency services. Future Faces president Jaccy Datta and vicepresidents Kasim Choudhry and Sabah Hussain joined the MAAC team at the opening of their Mission Critical exhibition in Birmingham’s Chamberlain Square. Since joining the Chamber as patrons, MAAC have taken out 30 Future Faces memberships. Mission Critical is an exhibition of thoughtprovoking photography telling the stories of some of the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s most critically ill and injured former patients. The photography was commissioned by the emergency service to commemorate its 30th anniversary and to highlight how MAAC’s operations have evolved over the past three decades. The visuals were taken by renowned

fashion and lifestyle photographer, Nik Hartley, who was keen to support the pre-hospital emergency service after learning it does not receive any Government or NHS funding for its lifesaving daily missions. Jaccy Datta, president of Future Faces, said: “The Mission Critical exhibition in Birmingham’s Chamberlain Square served as a real reminder of the incredible lifesaving work that MAAC carries out and how it relies on the generosity of the public and local businesses. “On its launch day, the exhibition provided the additional opportunity to be able to speak to some the individuals who have been involved in incidents resulting in MAAC missions to date, and learn of their incredibly inspiring stories and fundraising efforts which have followed. I’m delighted that MAAC have become the latest patron of Future Faces Chamber and really look forward to us being able to showcase further the

Eyeing up the exhibition: From left, Becky Read, PR and communications executive for MAAC, Jaccy Datta, president of Future Faces Chamber of Commerce, Pam Hodgetts, corporate partnerships manager at MAAC and Mary Smith, digital communications executive for MAAC

incredible work that the charity carries out, while supporting the charity’s own young professionals, who have joined us as new Future Faces members.” The exhibition will be open until 30 September and tour across the six counties that the lifesaving charity covers. September 2021 CHAMBERLINK 51

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Cannock Chase Chase Chamber Patrons

Cannock Chase

Chamber of Commerce

Funding available to aid farmers and landowners More than £300,000 is being made available to farmers and landowners in the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) vicinity. The cash is available to those who want to make their land more environmentally friendly. Through the programme, farmers and land managers will be able to carry out projects that will reduce the impact of climate change and help nature recovery, as well as supporting sustainable farming practices. The funding has come from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Cannock Chase AONB chair Frances Beatty said: “This is a great opportunity for local farms within Cannock Chase to become more sustainable and think differently about how they use their land. “The funding will help to kick start some amazing projects in the local area that showcase the living and working landscapes that are enjoyed by millions of people every year. “We encourage anyone who may be interested in applying to the fund to submit an expression of interest through the website www.cannock-chase.co.uk “We hope to receive a wide variety of exciting opportunities through the application form online.” Applications for the fund will run until March 2024. The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme is open to all farmers and land managers in a National Park and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is open for oneoff projects covering these areas of work.

Contact: Chris Plant T: 0845 6036650

Support for job seekers Many job vacancies in Staffordshire are going unfilled as demand grows across many parts of the local economy. This is against a background of a further reduction in those claiming out-of-work benefits in the county. Figures show that 4.1 per cent of the county population claimed out-of-work benefits in June, a fall from the previous two months, when the figures were 4.3 and 4.6 per cent respectively. The regional figure is now 6.6 per cent and 5.7 per cent nationally. Now Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader Philip White has urged anyone seeking employment – whether currently out of work or looking for a new career path – to seek help and advice from the local enterprise partnership and its partners. The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership runs a redundancy and recruitment triage service, made up of a range of organisations including the county council. It aims to identify and promote new vacancies

Minister visits housing scheme

New growth (from left): James Warrington (Vistry), divisional managing director at Vistry Partnerships, Bryan Jones, Councillor Adrienne Fitzgerald, Robert Jenrick, Nirmal Samrai and Bob Kean (both Cannock Chase Council)

Skills Hub grants available to local firms Businesses in Cannock Chase, East Staffordshire, Tamworth, South Staffordshire, and Lichfield can now apply for grants of up to £5,000 to cover training costs. The grants are available from the Skills Hub, via local district councils. The Skills Hub is welcoming applications for a wide variety of training needs, from sales and management training through to more niche courses, such as HGV licences. Skills Hub project manager Suzanne Quinn said: “This is a great opportunity for Staffordshire businesses to invest in their staff and recoup the costs.” To qualify, businesses must be classed as SMEs, have been trading for more than six months and training must be paid for by the end of February 2022.

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and work with businesses where there is a risk to people’s employment. Meanwhile the county council continues to promote a broad range of support schemes through the Staffordshire Means Back to Business programme. This includes start-up schemes and apprenticeship support. Mr White said: “There is a shortage in the labour market nationally and here in Staffordshire so we would urge people to find out where the growing number of vacancies are. “These range from engineering to hospitality and as more of the economy opens up next week we’d expect to see more. Whether it’s to get back into employment or change career and upskill, there really is a broad range of opportunities to explore. “The local enterprise partnership provides an excellent service in supporting people getting back to work and to those businesses needing to recruit. And our back to business programmes are available for small enterprises and those looking to start their own company.”

Housing minister Robert Jenrick has visited Cannock to see how one of the Government’s ‘First Homes’ projects is faring. This project is aimed at helping more people get a foothold on the property ladder, and the 10 ‘First Homes’ at Walkmill Lane, Bridgtown, are among the first to be built. The project offers first time buyers a minimum discount of 30 per cent. On the Walkmill Lane site, which is being developed by Vistry Partnerships, half of the 116 homes are classed as affordable housing, available for renting and shared ownership. The ‘First Homes’ are in addition to this.

Mr Jenrick said: “Enabling more people to buy their own home is at the heart of the mission of this Government, and First Homes will offer a realistic and affordable route into home ownership for more people. “I was delighted to come to Cannock to see the new First Homes as they go onto the market.” Cannock Chase Council deputy leader Bryan Jones said: “Creating new homes and giving first time buyers the chance to purchase their first property is important to us and the country as a whole to address the urgent need for more house building.” Mr Jenrick ended his visit by planting a tree to mark the launch of First Homes at Walkmill Place.

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Burton & District Burton & District Chamber Patrons

Contact: Chris Plant T: 0845 6036650

Public urged to back regeneration scheme Leading business figures have renewed their appeal to the town’s public to back what they say is the key proposal in a plan to revive the town. The plan will see £22.8m of Government funding spent on various proposals aimed at regenerating the town centre, with the main plank being a scheme to relocate the library to the Market Hall. Burton’s Town Deal board says this is a vital part of the planned transformation of the Market Hall, and would help attract more businesses to the region. However, after a string of adverse comments about the plan on various social media outlets, business leaders have joined forces to restate the case for the Library and Enterprise Hub project. Burton College principal and CEO Dawn Ward said that although change was ‘scary’, it should be embraced. She said: “Change can even bring benefits that we didn’t think were possible. Change can help level up our town and bring sustainable and significant benefits for future generations. Change can positively benefit us all. “These proposals will bring the library into the town centre attracting a greater footfall and use of this service. “They will modernise, improve and revitalise the Market Hall, securing its legacy for future generations. “They will refresh and improve library services and provide a unique opportunity to modernise the existing library site regenerating the waterfront area.

“I fully endorse these plans and believe they offer a once in a lifetime opportunity to boost our economy and add significant value to our town through modernisation and economic regeneration.” Burton Chamber director Chris Plant has also renewed his backing for development in Burton, and said: “This cash injection has the potential to revitalise and rejuvenate Burton. We must all get behind this vision. “This money has the potential to develop new facilities, improve connections to the town centre, elevate our visitor numbers, and drive our local economy forward. “Developments will protect our key assets and set us up for a bright future filled with prosperity. We have the chance to put Burton firmly on the map, and remind the public why this town is so important and iconic. “We’ve never had quite such a lucrative and exciting opportunity laid before us. “It is imperative that we all work together, get behind Burton and celebrate that we have an opportunity to revitalise our town.” Another business heavyweight, Ben Robinson, chairman of the Burton Town Deal Board and local football club Burton Albion, said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to improve and preserve the heritage Market Hall and provide first class community facilities in a more suitable and easily accessible location. This would be a big project for the town, so we want people to have their say.” The consultation period for the Town Deal proposals ends on 10 September and a final decision on where the £22.8m is spent will be made next March.

Low flying bird: Eddie the Eagle during the Staffordshire Chambers event

Eddie the Eagle inspires ambitious entrepreneurs This summer’s Olympics may have shown the world the amazing skills of the top athletes of today – but Staffordshire start-up businesses have been looking for inspiration from a slightly different kind of Olympian. Step forward Michael Edwards, better known as Eddie the Eagle, the ski-jumper who was a pioneering figure to some, and a laughing-stock to others. His time at the 1988 winter games made him an inspirational figure all over the world, and that’s why Aly Davidson, start-up adviser at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, thought he would be the ideal person to fire-up some of the county’s fledgling entrepreneurs. She said: “I’m a positive, optimistic person and I feed off other positive people who follow their dreams, often through adversity. “I have been in this job for a year, and I handpicked the 18 people who attended because I knew they would all identify with Michael and draw further inspiration from his story, his determination, and his genuine love of life.” Eddie himself said: “There is nothing I like better than proving people wrong. The more people said I didn’t have a chance, the more determined I became.”

Hardy Signs celebrates major milestone

In Place for a decade: Hardy Signs staff with Kate Griffiths

Signage manufacturer Hardy Signs welcomed local MP Kate Griffiths to celebrate 10 years of doing business at Hardy Place, Burton. Hardy Place has been the headquarters of Hardy Signs since July 2011. Since starting the business in 1993, the company has traded at Hawkins Lane, Wharf Road and Hunter Street and produced and installed more than one million signs. Kate Griffiths said: “It was fantastic to visit Hardy Signs as Nik and his team celebrate 10 years of business at Hardy Place. “Hardy Signs has an outstanding reputation as a leading signage company in the UK and has won many awards over the years, including ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ in 2020 at the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. The company invests not only in technology but also in its people and is also at the heart of our community here in Burton.” Nik Hardy, managing director of Hardy Signs, said: “We were delighted to host Kate Griffiths MP at Hardy Place, helping us celebrate 10 years in this building. We’re truly a nationwide company now, although our roots will always be in Burton.” September 2021 CHAMBERLINK 53

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

In brief Beloved theatre the Lichfield Garrick has opened a new attraction for budding cryptanalysts. The theatre has opened its new Escape Room, whereby code breakers must crack codes, solve puzzles and work together to escape. Lichfield Garrick has prepared the Escape Room during the pandemic to offer another form of entertainment for its audiences and the residents of Lichfield. It will be open on Friday and Saturday nights, and is recommended for those 13 and up.

Tamworth-based managed services provider Pure Cloud Solutions has appointed Jamie Lake as its group chief executive. Jamie takes over the role from his father and founder, Darren Lake, who will now serve as group chairman. Jamie was previously managing director of the firm, which offers a range of telecommunications, IT network and security services.

Thirteen lucky community and voluntary organisations across Lichfield have received a share of £489,000. Lichfield District Council will spilt the pot of cash, provided via its community and voluntary sector funding scheme, over the next three years. This forms part of the council’s commitment to award the voluntary and community sector £200,000 each year over three years from 2021 to 2024. All the projects chosen support one or more of the council’s objectives, including to enable people to help themselves and others, collaborate and engage with the council, and live healthy and active lives.

Scan for history: An augmented reality app is being developed in a bid to bring visitors back to Tamworth

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Community Games set to make return A hugely popular weekend-long sporting event is returning to Lichfield. Organisers of the Lichfield Community Games, including Inspire Activity in partnership with Lichfield District Council and community partner Central England Co-operative, have revealed that the event will return on 18 and 19 September at Beacon Park. The event was held online last year, due to Covid related restrictions on large gatherings. Forty sporting activities will be available during the event for visitors to try, and will also play host to a Commonwealth Games roadshow on the Sunday. Dennis Kennedy, Community Games organiser from Inspire Activity, said: “The Community Games are designed to inspire health and happiness through physical activity. “Visitors will be able to meet different local sports and activity clubs in a fun and friendly environment, have a go, and leave with a medal. “Supported by local volunteers, our mascot Buddy and bucket loads of smiles, we will do our very best to help the people of Lichfield District

have a great community afternoon. On the Sunday we are hoping Perry the Commonwealth Games mascot will also be with us.” Councillor Iain Eadie, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for Leisure and Parks, added: “We are delighted to be welcoming the Community Games back to Lichfield. “The games are the perfect way for people of all ages to have a go at a range of different events and activities, such as rugby, football, various types of dance, boxercise, tennis, tug-ofwar, pre-school activities, netball, orienteering and martial arts, to name but a few. “With the Commonwealth Games taking place on our doorstep next year, there’s never been a better time to take inspiration and discover new ways to keep fit and active. “Over the next 12 months we will be looking at how we can use the positive impact of the Commonwealth Games to boost sport, leisure, tourism and business opportunities.” Entry to the Lichfield Community Games costs £2.50 per person, with infants three years of age and under free of charge.

And pull! Lichfield’s Community Games returns this year

AR trail planned for Tamworth An interactive, augmented reality trail is being developed for Tamworth town centre in a bid to encourage visitors back to the high street. The trail app will be free to download and will feature some of the town’s historical people and places. A similar app was trialled at Tamworth Castle last year. Funding for the app has been awarded to Tamworth Borough Council by the European Regional Development Fund’s Welcome Back Fund. More than £67,000 has been awarded to help support the wider reopening of the town centre through a variety of activities. The cash injection will also be used to carry out some improvements to the town centre,

including additional deep cleans, painting and new bins. The Welcome Back Fund is an extension of the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund which supported a number of activities in the town last year, including the appointment of the ‘Shop Safe’ team to help businesses adapt to the pandemic and its restrictions. Cllr Daniel Cook, Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Economy and Waste, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded this money from the Welcome Back Fund as an extension to the activities we carried out through our ‘Shop Safe’ campaign last year. “The funding is purely focused on helping local economies to bounce back after Covid and encouraging people back to their high streets.”

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Sutton Coldfield

Sponsored by: Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council

Sutton Coldfield Chamber Patrons

Sutton Coldfield

Charity of the Year

Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Chris Brewerton T: 0845 6036650

Sutton school selected for rebuilding programme

Bright future: Back row: Dr Beth Clarke, Andrew Mitchell MP, Dr Rhian Warrack, Myra Clinton. Front row: Year 5 pupils from the school

Pupils at Hill West Primary School - part of the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership - are set to benefit from new, modern, energy efficient buildings after being named as one of 50 schools to benefit from the Government’s 10year rebuilding programme. The School Rebuilding Programme is due to deliver 500 rebuilding projects over the next decade, which will benefit tens of thousands of pupils over their lifetime. The schools in the latest round include primary, secondary and special and alternative provision schools, with more than 60 per cent of the schools in the North and Midlands. The rebuilds and refurbishments will create modern education environments, providing new facilities from classrooms and science labs, to sports halls and dining rooms. The new school buildings will also be net-zero carbon in operation, helping meet the Government’s net zero target. Dr Beth Clarke, headteacher of Hill West Primary School said: “We are thrilled to have

been chosen for this ambitious project, which will include state-of-the-art facilities and modernisation to future proof Hill West and improve the learning environment for all our pupils. “This rebuild will transform our school - not only bringing with it amazing opportunities for our pupils now, but also for all the pupils who are to pass through Hill West in the future. “We are extremely proud of the Hill West community and all that we have achieved together. This programme will enable us to build on our successes to date and to share those benefits with our children and families, both at our school and across the wider Arthur Terry Learning Partnership.” Andrew Mitchell, MP for Sutton Coldfield, said: “I am delighted for Hill West Primary School, the ATLP and our community by this announcement. This significant investment will bring a welcome boost to our schools, resulting in lasting improvements and opportunities for all.”

The Belfry expands PGA professional team A new PGA professional has been appointed at The Belfry Hotel & Resort’s on-site PGA Academy. Jack Roberts joins the PGA team at The Belfry following his most recent role as a PGA Teaching Professional at St. Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club in Chepstow, South Wales. He previously worked within golf coaching and custom fitting settings, and as a PGA trainee at The Celtic Manor Resort. Jack said: “It is an honour to join The Belfry team as a PGA Professional. I pride myself on offering a thorough, comprehensive, and modern approach to coaching and club fitting practices to give golfers, of all abilities, the best possible experience we can. “I am excited to help our players develop their golfing talent and showcase The Belfry’s world-class golf facilities.” Meanwhile, The Belfry is to become the home of the Robert Rock Junior Tour - run by Midlands European Tour professional Robert Rock. Chris Reeve, director of golf at The Belfry, said: “We are thrilled to work with the Robert Rock Junior Golf Tour at the PGA National Academy and to welcome more aspiring young golfers to The Belfry.”

Golfing talent: Jack Roberts

Kickstarting a new career

Emily Kearney

Grant McKnight Accountants - based in Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield - are continuing their growth by taking advantage of the Government-backed Kickstart Scheme. Through the Kickstart programme, which provides funding to create new jobs for 16 to 24year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment, Emily Kearney has joined the Grant McKnight team as an administrator. Managing director Joanna Drinkwater, who has recently been part of the judging panel for the 2021 Future Faces and BYPY Awards - an event run by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce to promote the achievement and

resilience of young professionals - said the process has had a positive impact on the business and given Emily the opportunity to enter a new industry. Emily is looking forward to learning new skills in the accountancy sector in a position that will be 100 per cent funded by the scheme for the first six months. She said: “Having not been able to find work throughout lockdown, I’m so excited to make the most of this opportunity.” For more information on how to recruit using the Kickstart process, email kickstart@birmingham-chamber.com September 2021 CHAMBERLINK 55

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

Expansion: From left, Lord Digby Jones (chairman), Nick Bennett (MD), Richard Chaplin (finance director) and Joe Madden (operations director)

Second storage facility for logistics provider Logistics provider OnLogistics has expanded its presence in the West Midlands by adding a second storage facility to its portfolio. The expansion comes after the firm’s growth through the award of fulfilment contracts within business to consumer and automotive sectors. The new unit will oversee inbound activity, storage right through to fulfilment and dispatch for partnered businesses and clients across Europe helping to meet projected capacity requirements post Brexit. The additional facility neighbours OnLogistics’ Aerospace dedicated warehouse in Elmdon trading estate, adjacent to Birmingham International station and Birmingham Airport. This latest expansion sees the logistics provider more than double its storage capacity to just over 43,000 sq ft. Managing director Nick Bennett said: “These are challenging times for all, however we’re incredibly excited to be opening our second warehouse facility in such an ideal location allowing us to continue to add value to global businesses especially supporting our partners in Europe with a UK fulfilment solution. Chairman Lord Digby Jones added: “The addition of this facility is a clear and positive sign of the growth of OnLogistics and I want to thank the team for all their dedication and hard work.”

Recognising success: Solihull Chamber’s awards will return in October

First hybrid award night takes place next month Solihull Chamber will be hosting its first hybrid annual awards extravaganza this autumn. The Chamber’s 2021 annual awards will be hosted at the Marriott Forest of Arden on 14 October, with 200 guests expected to be in attendance. The event will also be livestreamed to an online audience. The achievements of businesses and professionals from across Solihull will be recognised during the ceremony. Sponsorship opportunities for the awards are available. During the event, 11 businesses will scoop sector awards and one of the category award winners will be crowned Overall Business of the Year 2021. The 11 sector categories include: • Outstanding in Contribution to Community • Outstanding in Customer Service • Outstanding in Hospitality & Retail • Outstanding in Manufacturing • Outstanding Young Talent

• • • • • •

Outstanding in Sales & Marketing Outstanding in Sustainability Outstanding in Technology & Innovation Outstanding in Training & Education Outstanding in Charity/Third Sector Outstanding Business of The Year Nominations for the awards are open now, and close on 17 September at 5pm. Solihull Council has already backed the awards as headline sponsor. Cllr Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council, said: “My thanks to the Solihull Chamber for yet again organising this unique opportunity to recognise and showcase the achievements of our local businesses and their employees.” Sam Frampton, head of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are thrilled that the Solihull Chamber annual dinner and awards will this year be in person. It will be a great opportunity for the local business community to celebrate.” To submit an award nomination, find out more about sponsorship or purchase tickets, visit www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

Miss Macaroon’s new venue

Tasty: Miss Macaroon founder Rosie Ginday

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Social enterprise company Miss Macaroon has opened a shop in Resorts World, the second retail venue for the business located in the West Midlands. Miss Macaroon, founded by Rosie Ginday, has been selling a range of macaroon gift boxes, ice cream macaroons from the Tuk Tuk van located in the Atrium at Resorts World in recent months. The social enterprise has also operated a shop in Great Western Arcade, in Birmingham, since 2016. Due to the success and demand for the patisseries via Miss Macaroon’s Tuk Tuk operation, the business has moved into a larger venue within the centre’s outlet mall. The business has received high praise for its delicious product range and work as a social enterprise.

Ms Ginday said: “We are really pleased to open our new Miss Macaroon store at Resorts World. Every penny we make in profit from the sale of our macaroons is reinvested in supporting young people who need a helping hand to gain skills to change their lives. “This new unit provides us with more training space and allows us to create more jobs for young people with complex needs. We are grateful to Resorts World for their support.” Jason Kirsch, operations director at Resorts World, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to work with Rosie and the team at Miss Macaroon to provide a larger venue for them at the Resort. “We know that the added space will help them create more opportunities for young people.”

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Solihull Solihull Chamber Patrons

M42 office corridor set for a boost Office take-up along the M42 corridor and Solihull is set for a bumper third quarter, according to a Birmingham-based property expert. Malcolm Jones, head of office agency at KWB, is confident that four deals, ranging from 10,000 sq ft to more than 30,000 sq ft, will complete during the third quarter of 2021. “The M42 has always been a very popular location, but to see advanced discussions for multiple transactions all between J4 and J6 is exceptional,” he said. He was commenting on quarter two data detailing the Solihull-M42 market's recovery, with 10 transactions totalling just a shade under 40,000 sq ft, almost double the total for the first quarter of this year. Fleet management specialist Rivus (previously BT Fleet) take 11,701 sq ft at 2620 Kings Court on Birmingham Business Park, the largest deal of the quarter.

“They obviously had to relocate out of BT's regional offices at 4520 Solihull Parkway after being bought by the Aurelius Group, but chose to stay in the area as they like the location, and its proximity to J6 of the M42,” said Mr Jones. “However, the stand-out influence on Q2 was the construction sector. An architectural practice, a construction company, a civil

‘The M42 has always been a very popular location’ engineering business and a building services' provider all signed for space, and their combined 16,314 sq ft represented 41 per cent of the total take-up during the period.” The three months also recorded a resurgence in activity in the Redditch-Bromsgrove area,

where lack of stock can mean no transactions during some quarters, with three deals totalling 10,500 sq ft. Mr Jones said: “Vigo Software were looking for quality space after outgrowing their previous offices, and they took just over 5,000 sq ft at Unit 2 on the Topaz Business Park. “They're an ambitious team, a stylish HQ was a central element of their long-term growth plan and they've been looking for a new home for quite a while, so it's good to see them settled in. “As I've been saying for a long time, although these deals are great news for the regional economy, the shortage of stock in this area really has become a major strategic challenge. “There is new stock in the offering though, notably Solihull's Westgate scheme, spearheaded by the Solihull MBC, which would deliver 120,000 sq ft of Grade A space and could be available within 20 months of a substantial pre-let contract being signed.”

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

New patrons welcomed on board Two organisations have joined Asian Business Chamber of Commerce as patrons. Lets Sanify, manufacturers and distributors of antibacterial cleaners and sanitisers, and wholesaler, Lioncroft Wholesale Ltd (T/A East End Wholesale Stores), join eight other major organisations, including Aston University, Birmingham Airport, Edgbaston Stadium, HSBC, Mahirs Experience, Mazars, RBS/Natwest and South & City College Birmingham, in the Chamber’s top-tier of membership. Based in Birmingham, Lets Sanify was set up last year by Mahmudur Jaigirdar (Jag), also chief executive of Learner Engagement Training Services Ltd, and Aman Sidhu, financial director. Lets Sanify distribute and manufacture a range of organic, advanced, alcohol-free disinfectants and surface cleaners of the same name, which kills 99.999 per cent of bacteria and viruses. They also in the midst of producing specialist machines which can dispense the disinfectant liquid as a mist. Jag is hopeful that his new venture can stand its ground in a global market. He said: “We are delighted to be patrons of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, we have been members of the chamber for the past few years with our other business Learner Engagement Training Services Ltd and found the support was second to none. “We now have a new business Lets Sanify Ltd that we launched last year, which we have the potential to take to a global level. “We are proud to be patrons of the Asian Business Chamber of Chamber and looking forward to building a strong relationship.” Dr Jason Wouhra, president of the ABCC,

DSC – Warm welcome: Dr Jason Wouhra, president of the ABCC (second left) testing out one of Lets Sanify’s new products alongside, from left, Mahmudur Jaigirdar, Aman Sidhu and Anjum Khan

(Below) Working together: Anjum Khan (left) and Dr Jason Wouhra

leads Lioncroft Wholesale Ltd as the firm’s chief executive. Jason, awarded an OBE in 2017 for services to business and international trade, joined East End Foods after completing his law degree in 1998 and was director and company secretary until the company’s sale to a private equity firm in 2019 Jason, his wife Daali, father Jas and brother Indire-purchased East End Foods’ wholesale division last year. Lioncroft Wholesale Ltd has grown considerably in the last year. The business grew its turnover by 10 per cent last year to £180m, employs 190 people and supplies 5,000 retailers out of its two warehouses based in Aston and Smethwick. Jason said: “I’m very proud that Lioncroft Wholesale has joined the ABCC as patrons. “My family has been involved with the Chamber for the past 30 years, so I understand

just how much fantastic support they can provide. I’m looking forward to working more closely with the Chamber as Lioncroft continues to grow.” Anjum Khan, director of ABCC, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Lets Sanify and Lioncroft Wholesale Stores as patrons, joining the largest and longest running Chamber of its kind. “There are very beneficial links into the local communities to be made through membership of organisations like ABCC, so we are extremely pleased that both companies have taken up patronage of our organisation.”

Medical clinical is open

Quality care: Dr Rupa Parmar 58 CHAMBERLINK September 2021

As part of an ambitious £250,000 privatelyfunded refurbishment project by private health provider Midland Health, a listed Georgian building has been converted into a contemporary medical facility in just 12 weeks. Situated in the historic Calthorpe Estate, the private clinic is another huge development that follows the recent regeneration projects on Greenfield Crescent, Highfield Road and Calthorpe Road. Bringing both GP services and private consultant specialists under one roof, the refurbished Midland Health clinic will offer locals same-day GP services, health checks, specialised diagnostics and screening services. The medical facility in Birmingham is Midland Health’s fourth site, joining three other modern clinics in Birmingham, Liverpool and Leicester. The refurbished building will also be Midland Health’s headquarters, granting local residents access to world-class medical care on their doorstep.

Established in 2018, the West Midlands-based private healthcare provider was named Outstanding Start-Up Business of The Year at the Asian Birmingham Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) awards in 2019. In addition to offering medical care to individual patients, Midland Health also works in corporate healthcare, looking after a number of FTSE 100 companies as well as local businesses. Dr Rupa Parmar, medical director and private GP at Midland Health, said: “We are super excited to announce the opening of our new clinic in Edgbaston. I think it is the high quality medical service which is needed for the Edgbaston Community and people with some of the best hand-picked GPs and consultants. “We aim to provide the highest quality care, with every attention to detail and giving patients the time they deserve in a relaxed environment. Please pop in and say hello, we would be delighted to show you around our state-of-the-art facilities."

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ABCC Premier+ Partners

ABCC Patrons

Two categories are added to awards night Two new award categories focusing on young talent and business resilience during the pandemic will feature at the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce’s (ABCC) 2021 annual awards. The Chamber’s flagship awards event will return virtually on 18 November at 7pm. The glittering event will be broadcast live from Chamber House in Edgbaston, to hundreds of virtual attendees. Outstanding Business Resilience in Covid-19 and Outstanding Young Achiever of the Year are the two new categories featured as part of this year’s awards, alongside six other categories: • Outstanding Start-Up Business of the Year • Outstanding Financial Services of the Year • Outstanding Customer Service of the Year • Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year • Outstanding Charity of the Year • Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion

One of the category winners will be crowned Overall ABCC Business of the year 2021, sponsored by Lets Sanify. Award nominations close on 24 September. The glittering event will be broadcast live from Chamber House in Edgbaston, to hundreds of virtual attendees. Aston University, Doug Wright t/a McDonald’s and Lioncroft Wholesale Stores have already signed up as headline sponsors of the awards. Further sponsorship opportunities are available. Dr Jason Wouhra, president of the ABCC, said: “Our business community has risen above the numerous challenges the pandemic has presented in the last year, and their hard work deserves to be rewarded and hailed. “I would highly encourage any business in our community that has gone above and beyond, demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity or has made an incredible contribution to their

Celebration: This year’s annual awards will return as a virtual event, as was the 2020 edition of the awards, attended last year by, from left, former Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Paul Faulkner, Dr Jason Wouhra, ABCC director Anjum Khan and ABCC vice-president Aftab Chughtai

sector or community to submit a nomination in this year’s awards.” To submit an award application or find out more about sponsorship opportunities, visit greaterbirminghamchambers.com

For all enquiries please contact us:

E: hello@home-pure.co.uk W: home-pure.co.uk September 2021 CHAMBERLINK 59

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Feature

Corporate Christmas

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Corporate Christmas

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Christmas parties with ‘Voice’ star Letitia launch new partnership By 4th Revolution new marketing agency whose directors know corporate events from the inside out, is getting off to a flying start with a sold out Corporate Golf Day at the beginning of this month, swiftly followed by a season of Christmas parties through November and December, culminating with a spectacular New Year’s Eve party. Former Reach plc executives, Andy George and Craig Cooksley, who set up 4th Revolution Marketing in the middle of lockdown in April 2021, have partnered with Solihull Moors FC at Damson Parkway to promote and run a series of Christmas Parties in the club’s Jerroms Vice Presidents Suite. As account director and head of innovation at the Reach plc Midlands office, (publishers of the ‘Birmingham Post’ and ‘Birmingham Mail’), Andy George and Craig Cooksley collaborated on a prestigious portfolio of flagship events, including the Pride of Birmingham Awards, the Pride of Coventry Awards, the Birmingham Post Business Awards, parallel events for other Reach plc regions including Surrey and Manchester and numerous Corporate Golf Days. Craig Cooksley said: “Our 360 degree involvement meant we were here every step of the way, from idea inception to event organisation and budget management, sponsorship sales and activation, as well as hosting client and sponsors’ tables to ensure we experienced the event from the guests’ perspective. Working with brands like Virgin Trains, Turkish Airlines, Birmingham Airport, Premier League, meant the bar was always high in terms of expectation and delivery. “The Corporate Pairs Challenge Golf Day at Blackwell’s was always a fantastic, well attended event, so when it disappeared from the calendar, we decided now was the time to resurrect it. It was a gamble, with lockdown only just ending but all credit to Andy, he has made it happen and paved the way for our plans to stage a UK wide corporate golf challenge next year. “We hope that our first season of Christmas parties at Solihull Moors FC, Damson Parkway will provide a fantastic festive opportunity for businesses looking to entertain staff or clients after what has been a very depressing 18 months. We believe we’ve put together the perfect package of exceptional entertainment in smart surroundings at a price that won’t break the bank.” On selected nights between 18 November and 23 December as well as New Year’s Eve, the club’s VIP hospitality suite will host 120 people at tables of 10, with a basic ticket price beginning at £37.95 for a three-course meal, live

Singer Letitia George

‘When it came to booking a singer who we knew would give partygoers an unforgettable experience, Letitia was first choice’ September 2021 CHAMBERLINK 61

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Corporate Christmas

Andy George and Craig Cooksley, 4thRevolution

entertainment and DJ. For the New Year’s Eve Party which culminates with a spectacular firework display ticket prices begin at £88.95. All events offer optional upgrades including extra courses, private boxes for pre-event entertaining including canapes, party bags and a gift from Santa. The star attraction at each Christmas party is sensational Coventry-based singer, Letitia George, who reached the knockout stages of ‘The Voice’ in 2015 and who will be performing two sets packed with soul and Motown classics, disco hits and 90s club anthems. Letitia came to Andy’s attention when she was booked for the Pride of Coventry Awards and wowed the audience with her powerful vocals and her bubbly personality, which has seen her newly burgeoning career as a radio

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presenter for local BBC stations, BBC WM, Coventry and Warwickshire and Stoke. He said: “When it came to booking a singer who we knew would give partygoers an unforgettable experience, Letitia was first choice. She has a knock out voice and loves performing, something which she has not been able to do for over a year so be prepared to party like 2020 never happened.” In addition to their corporate events, 4th Revolution have already built up a roster of SME clients for whom support ranges from full marketing web building to social media campaigns. Craig said: “Considering we started in mid-lockdown, we’ve been delighted with the way things are going and can look forward to buoyant 2021.”

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Corporate Christmas

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Corporate Christmas

The countdown is on until

Christmas 2021 two years’ worth of celebrations! By Ashleigh Given, events coordinator at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, Birmingham

ay goodbye to zoom quizzes and doorstep visits and say hello to winter markets, grotto visiting and evenings relaxing with a cocktail or two! With the summer holidays ending and schools going back, it

seems the time to start thinking about Christmas. It might not quite be time to put the stockings out, get the tree out of the loft or detangle the fairy lights, but the festive season is on its way. I am sure we can all agree 2020 was far from the ordinary and this is why we need to make Christmas 2021 one to remember. Squeeze every drop out of Christmas and celebrate all the missed special occasions and the festive season in a bigger and better way. The build up to Christmas can be just as exciting as the big day itself. New habits were created last year and don’t let these fade away; spend that extra time on gift-wrapping and personalised gifts. Start a new tradition with family or create a gift to be passed through the generations.

2020 saw a large increase of shopping local and small businesses, and this is something to continue as a personalised or unique gift is bound to put a smile on loved ones faces, Not on the High Street or Etsy are great places to find that special something by small businesses. The nervousness will still be on people’s minds, so no doubt they’ll be in a shift from in-person to online shopping. For consumers, a joined multichannel

‘Let Christmas 2021 to be filled with festivities and magical memories’ approach will be key - it was definitely a lot easier shopping online in 2020, but the atmosphere of Christmas shopping cannot be replaced. After having to home cook the Christmas Lunch last year, swap the cook book for a menu, the apron for a fancy outfit and this year the wine belongs in a glass rather than having to add it your meal. After having to remain closed in 2020, our local restaurants are ready and raring

to go even more so than ever! Let them take all of the stress out of the big day, so there’s no need to worry over turkey timings or argue over the washing up. All you need to do is enjoy spending quality time with your loved ones. Spending so much time at home last year, why not venture out of the house and into the city. Birmingham has so much choice of things do, the problem is where to start. From afternoon tea at the Edgbaston to an evening meal at Noel’s, from cocktails with a view at Marco Pierre White on Level 25 to dancing the night away at Tonight Josephine and from theatre shows at the Hippodrome to bowling arcades at Lane 7 – there really is something for everyone. It is only natural for uncertainty to remain, and celebrations do not have to be on the large scale plans can still be made for intimate gatherings with loved ones. Remember to take the time to step back and relax, set up your out of office email and spend time with friends and family. Let Christmas 2021 to be filled with festivities and magical memories.

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Feature

Legal Services

As anyone who has ever been involved in court proceedings will tell you, court claims are expensive, risky and can take a long time to resolve. Sometimes Court can be the only answer where a dispute cannot be resolved by agreement but there are alternatives.

Where a claimant wants to complain about the activities of a financial business in the UK, one alternative is the Financial Ombudsman Service or ‘FOS’. Thursfields has significant experience and expertise helping eligible clients to navigate the process involved. Who can use the FOS? (i) Consumers (individuals who were not acting in the course of their trade, business or profession in relation to the issues they want to complain about). (ii) ‘Micro-enterprises’ - businesses with less than 10 employees and turnovers of £2m or less. (iii) Charities/Trusts worth less than £1m Notably, the FOS itself says that 99 per cent of small businesses are eligible to use its service.

Who pays? The FOS does not charge complainants a fee for using the service. Financial businesses may however have to pay a fee, even if the complaint is dismissed. What can the FOS do? If a complaint is upheld, the FOS aims to tell the financial business to put their customer in the position they would have been in if they had been

treated fairly or if a mistake had not happened. That can involve telling the business to pay the customer compensation, interest and their reasonable legal costs.

• Six years after the event complained about or, if the complaint is brought after that period: • Three years after the complainant first found out they had a complaint

Importantly, there is a limit on the compensation which the FOS can award; currently £160,000 for mistakes or unfair treatment which happened on or before 1 April 2019 and £350,000 for those occurring after that date. Awards can be made enforceable by making a short application to the Court.

What at the advantages of using the FOS? These include: • Speed – generally, FOS complaints are dealt with quicker than court claims • Costs – costs are usually significantly lower. If you lose, you will not be required to pay any costs incurred by the financial business. • Scope – the FOS isn’t bound by legal rules in the same way that the Court is and it can consider a number of factors that the Court cannot consider. This approach can help the FOS achieve a fairer result. • Informality – the FOS process is less formal and it is normally unnecessary to be crossexamined about the complaint. • Privacy – the FOS annoymises the decisions it publishes so that the parties involved cannot be identified.

What time limits are involved? The FOS cannot consider any complaint unless this is first made to the financial business and they have either responded or had 8 weeks to do so. If the business fails to respond or their response is unsatisfactory, a complaint must be brought to the FOS within six months. Additionally, complaints generally cannot be made more than:

If you are interested in making a complaint to the FOS about a financial service which you have received in the UK, please get in touch with

Simon Hocking via 0345 20 73 72 8 or email shocking@thursfields.co.uk

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Legal Services

National Security and Investment Act – what you need to know he UK recently introduced a new national security regime – the National Security and Investment Act 2021 (the act) – to combat the perceived national threat of hostile investors owning or controlling critical business or infrastructure in the UK. The new regime derives from increasing Governmental frustration with the current system, which it feels has not allowed it to intervene in specific recent transactions on the grounds of national security, and brings the UK in line with the likes of the US, France, Germany and Australia who have all recently introduced more onerous national security laws. The act will significantly strengthen the Government’s powers to scrutinise and intervene in acquisitions on national security grounds.

Key aspects The act creates a new standalone regime, strengthening the powers of the Government to scrutinise transactions on grounds of national security. Key aspects include: • A mandatory notification system for transactions involving the acquisition of a right or interest (typically at least a 25 per cent holding) in a qualifying legal entity in 17 key sectors where clearance must be obtained before closing. Notification will be made to a dedicated Government unit – the Investment Security Unit (ISU) – via a digital portal • Voluntary notifications from parties to transactions not caught by the mandatory regime who consider that their transaction may raise national security concerns • A regime with no financial thresholds i.e. no minimum UK turnover, volume or value in relation to the target businesses. This means a very wide range of transactions potentially falling within the scope of the regime • A power for the Government to “call in” transactions/investments that are not subject to mandatory notification to undertake a national

Feature

Ben Turner (pictured), head of corporate at national law firm, Shoosmiths LLP, highlights recent legislation that has the potential to be a significant disruptor.

security assessment for up to five years after they have taken place, and • Sanctions, including imprisonment (of up to five years) and fines (up to five per cent of worldwide turnover or £10m – whichever is greater) for non-compliance with the mandatory notification requirement, together with the transaction being void.

What is the likely impact? The implications for investors will be far-reaching. The Government’s own guidance anticipates that 1,000– 1,800 transactions will require mandatory notification each year – this represents a significant step change given that only 13 transactions have been reviewed on national security grounds since 2003 (less than one per year on average). Much of the commentary surrounding the Act has centred on foreign investment, but the Act does not distinguish between foreign and domestic investment. As such, any investment that is deemed to be a national security risk will be caught by the new regime. Inevitably, the act means that transactions that fall within the mandatory regime will have to be structured so that completion is conditional upon clearance being obtained. Failure to do so risks severe criminal and civil consequences. Contracting parties and their advisers will also need to factor in – at as early a stage as possible – whether a voluntary notification is desirable to provide greater certainty as to outcome.

‘Any investment that is deemed to be a national security risk will be caught by the new regime’

What happens next? The act does not come into force until 4 January 2022. Having said this, transaction parties need to be already factoring it into their deal timetables and strategies – including factoring in the retrospective provisions that give the Government the power to “call in” transactions that completed after 12 November 2020. Your advisors will need to consider whether or not a mandatory or voluntary notification is required or advisable, and whether the transaction will raise any substantive national security issues. September 2021 CHAMBERLINK 67

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Feature

Legal Services

In-house legal services for SMEs Getting legal advice when you start out on your journey as a business owner is essential for learning how to protect your business and how to avoid costly legal issues. But SMEs often delay seeking legal advice, only employing a lawyer when they feel it is absolutely necessary. Chamberlink explores the benefits of having in-house legal services and why they might be worth the expense. What are the risks – and the options? There are many reasons why an SME might not consider retaining the ongoing services of a lawyer, with cost being a key factor, and they may attempt ‘DIY’ methods of solving their legal issues before seeking out expert advice. However, this comes with considerable risk; you are not protecting your business against hidden threats and, if any should arise, to delay seeking help could be more costly in the long run than engaging assistance from the moment it is needed. Employing an in-house lawyer brings many business and cost benefits, and many larger businesses will have already realised the advantages. But while SMEs may not be big enough, or have the finances to justify retaining full-time legal service, there are still options available to them. For

‘The more you work with an in-house lawyer, the better protected your business will be’ example, it is possible to come to an arrangement with a law firm to employ their services on a part-time basis or a short-term contact. But what benefits will it bring?

Avoid threats Your retained lawyer will work with you to identify and manage – or avoid – any hidden threat to your business that might cause significant disruption or delay your plans for the future. There are many legal considerations that you might not have considered before or factored into your business plan; such risks can include renegotiating the terms and conditions of your lease, employment law issues, health and safety, data protection breaches and the modern slavery act. If you overlook or breach any of these issues, you can be faced with serious financial impacts that could have a knock-on effect on your operations – and your reputation.

Stay ahead of the game Your consultant will be able to provide you with legal updates as you need them and conduct training, if necessary, for your staff. They will also be able to check out any issues you’re unsure of – small worries that you might not want to incur the expense of instructing external solicitors on.

Knowing your business Your in-house lawyer will know you and your business well, and so will be able to respond quickly and appropriately to your legal needs. As an expert in the field, they will take on a central role in the business, learning the ins 68 CHAMBERLINK September 2021

Positive sign: An in-house lawyer will be able to respond quickly to your legal needs

and outs of your operation and anticipating your legal needs. You will build a solid relationship so you know you can rely on a personal service and remain certain of the quality of advice.

Cost control While retaining a consultant lawyer might not entirely eliminate the need for outside legal advice, having your legal work carried out in-house comes with obvious and significant cost savings. If you do ever need to retain the services of an outside law firm, your inhouse consultant can still be of assistance. They can source and even manage the services of an appropriate expert lawyer, ensuring that you get the advice you actually need. An added benefit includes having your adviser negotiating the best fee and terms on your behalf. Despite the cost issues, the results speak for themselves. The more you work with an in-house lawyer, the better protected your business will be in the long run. Legal pitfalls can be avoided, risks can be mitigated, money can be saved and future plans can be fulfilled.

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Sector Focus

Business Travel

Sector Focus The latest news from the sectors that matter to business

Full steam ahead for Vintage Trains By Jessica Brookes Specialist train operator Vintage Trains marked the start of its 2021 season with the launch of its inaugural Shakespeare Express, taking rail enthusiasts back to the golden age of rail travel. The service was the first the company had operated since the start of the pandemic. Led by the ‘Queen Mother’ 47 773 locomotive, it took guests from busy Birmingham Moor Street through the idyllic North Warwickshire countryside to historic Stratford-upon-Avon on the North Warwickshire line, known as the Shakespeare Line. The 47 773 is one of the most successful of modern diesel electric locomotives. Entering service in August 1964, it was named after the Queen Mother in 1982. Juliana Sancto, of Near Star Media, and Gwyneth Box, of creative agency Tantamount, were among guests aboard the inaugural Shakespeare Express.

Ms Sancto said: “It was a fantastic experience to travel on a piece of British history that has so much meaning not only to the company but also to local communities. “I’ve been absolutely impressed by the goodwill and passion of volunteers to make the line something that we will be proud to show the world.” Ms Box added: “We’ve had a great day. It was lovely to reminisce about trains as they used to be, triggering memories I had totally forgotten about including going on holiday with my family when I was a little girl. “It was enormous fun to meet lots of interesting people and have lots of interesting conversations.” Adam Williams, commercial manager at Vintage Trains, said: “After 20 months of no operational trains, for Vintage Trains to get back into the swing of things and to be getting over Covid is fantastic and we’re looking forward to a prosperous, successful 2021.

Train time: The vintage Pullman cars of the Shakespeare Express at Stratford

“We’re very fortunate that we’ve got a strong following. We’re firmly cemented in the train enthusiasts’ calendar and we’re branching out into the family market. The Shakespeare Express is awfully popular for families, we’re doing seaside trains going to three destinations as well. “Vintage Trains brings something

Cycling scheme in funding boost Plans to get more people in the West Midlands taking up cycling as part of the legacy of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games have been given a £2 million boost by the Department for Transport. The cash – from the ‘Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Active Travel Legacy Package’ fund – has allowed the West Midlands Combined Authority to launch its ‘Cycling for Everyone’ project. The aim of Cycling for Everyone is to work with people in the region’s most disadvantaged areas, to encourage and enable more people to get on a bike to improve both their health and the environment. This is also viewed as a way of providing access to employment and education. The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) says cycling is an ‘affordable mode of transport for accessing employment, education and training’ and contributes to the region’s net-zero carbon targets. Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the WMCA, will now work with partners to develop Cycling for Everyone projects and activities which will be ready to roll out ahead of next year’s games. West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to secure more cash from the Government to help promote cycling across the West Midlands. “We know that cycling is great for people’s physical health and of course for reducing air pollution as we tackle the climate emergency, that’s why we are already putting unprecedented investment into cycling and walking.”

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On your bike: Andy Street (left) and Ian Ward at the launch of ‘Cycling for Everyone’

Cycling for Everyone will include cycle training, led rides, community hubs or clubs, free or subsidised pedal cycles, travel support for businesses, schools and communities, encouraging people-powered health. Birmingham City Council leader Ian Ward is also backing the scheme and said: “When Birmingham was awarded the Commonwealth Games, we wanted to ensure it would have a positive impact on all communities. This is even more important now as we emerge from the pandemic which has hit some communities harder than others.”

that nothing else in Birmingham brings, an element of nostalgia, of heritage and tradition. “The one thing we do in Britain well is tradition. It goes without saying we have the USP in Birmingham, if you want to go on a vintage, heritage locomotive, we have the market cornered. The future is only prosperous.”

Highway Code changes slammed The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has expressed its concern at changes to the Highway Code announced by the Department for Transport. Transport secretary Grant Shapps announced changes that will give pedestrians greater priority over cars at junctions and crossings. The new code will also ensure cyclists have priority when travelling straight ahead at junctions, and a ‘hierarchy of road users’ puts more responsibility for road safety on more dangerous modes of transport. The changes, due to be published in the autumn, will affect England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has its own version of the code. But RHA chief executive Richard Burnett has branded the changes ‘unsafe and unjust’. He said: “As far as we can see, there is little, if any, justification for these changes. The new priority rules for cycling are wrong. We have been campaigning for years to make cyclists aware of the dangers of undertaking turning HGVs but it now appears that they have right of way.”

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Business Travel

Sector Focus

Education Excellence & Character Development “Calling business leaders and professionals to play their part in raising academic and social aspirations of today’s school pupils”

Can you give your time to help inspire and share your knowledge and stories with our students and staff or mentor our budding entrepreneurs?

We have a range of opportunities whether you have 30 minutes or want

• • • • • • • • •

a more long term commitment, whether you can come to Birmingham or live across the world. Your support will make a huge difference to our school pupils. Please let us know how you can help!

Talking to applicants about your time as a student at University Advising on the school curriculum for your subject or profession Willing to take an active role in the Parents and Partners Group Providing work placements, shadowing or internships for current students Providing careers advice to current students Providing a venue for student/school events Board/committee membership Giving occasional lectures in your discipline or career-related area Fundraising for school activities, resources or special events

For further information please contact: Stephen Brooks Business & External Relations Manager

King Solomon International Business School Lord St • Aston Waterlinks • Birmingham • B7 4AA

T: 0121 357 1905

E: sbrooks@kingsolomonibs.com W: www.kingsolomonibs.com

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Sector Focus

Finance

The last 18 months have not been kind to UK business – and to add to everyone’s woes, no less than three major reports into financial crime have found that the issue has almost gone off the scale. The figures these reports mention are frightening – Midlands businesses are losing £19 billion a year to fraudsters, cases have doubled in the past year, and UK financial institutions are now spending an average of £374,000 each year on fighting crime. As one report puts it, businesses are being held to account like never before on governance and their approach to environmental and social issues – but at the same time, they are being increasingly put under the cosh by the activities of a fast-growing criminal element, based not just here but all around the world.

Small firms are hit the hardest UK financial institutions spend an average of £374,000 each year on preventing financial crime, according to new research from global legal business DWF. The survey of 300 financial crime decision makers working in the financial services sector in the UK also found that on average, organisations spent £53 annually on financial crime defence for each customer relationship they have. Andrew Jacobs, head of regulatory consulting at DWF, said: “Responses to the survey indicated that firms with a revenue of around £10m per year are likely to spend in the region of 1.72 per cent of total revenue on financial crime prevention and deterrence. “Larger firms are typically spending less than 1 per cent of total revenue to fight financial crime, particularly those with revenue of £50m or greater. As a cross-section of the sector, this tells us that proportionately, smaller firms are spending a greater share of their turnover on financial crime prevention.”

IME R C IAL C SPE

Worrying spike in fraud cases across Midlands The Midlands has seen a significant increase in the volume and value of major fraud cases in the first half of 2021, according to KPMG’s latest ‘Fraud Barometer’ report. The region’s courts heard 27 cases with a combined value of £20 million during the first half of the year, compared to just eight cases during the same period in 2020, with a value of £9.6 million. The East Midlands courts witnessed the majority of the action, as its courts heard more than half (14) of the Midlands region’s total cases, accounting for £12.6 million in value – compared to just £5.6 million and four cases in 2020. In the West Midlands, however, while the volume of cases more than tripled from four in 2020 to

‘Fraudsters continue to take advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic’ 13 in 2021, the value almost doubled from £4 million to £7.6 million. While most of the region’s cases involved fraudsters targeting the general public (10 cases) and commercial business (nine cases), it was those targeting the government (£6.3 million) and general public (£6.8

million) which resulted in the highest value of losses. The data also showed a steep increase in the number of fraud cases committed by employees and professional criminals. Julie Bruce (pictured), forensic director at KPMG in the Midlands, said: “There’s no doubt in my mind that fraudsters have and will continue to take advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic and they are increasingly becoming more sophisticated in their attacks. “It’s interesting that we’re seeing significantly more cases with high values in the East Midlands than the West, however this could be due to the hefty backlog of cases that the region’s courts are still battling to get through. With that in mind, what we’re seeing currently could be just the tip of the iceberg. ”Typically whenever there are periods of challenge and uncertainty, you do see a spike in fraudulent activity. Many of us now rely heavily on tech and devices, due to the shift in work and life over the last 15 months, so it’s vital for both individuals and organisations to remain vigilant and take the necessary steps to protect their data and cash from fraudsters.” Nationally, the number of alleged fraud cases being heard in UK courts in the first half of 2021 has almost doubled compared to the same time in 2020, as UK courts saw continued recovery in the system following Covid-19 lockdowns.

Billions fleeced from region’s businesses Fraud is costing businesses and individuals across the Midlands £18.9 billion, according to research published by national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm Crowe. The Financial Cost of Fraud Report, developed by Crowe in conjunction with the Centre for Counter Fraud Studies at the University of Portsmouth, draws on more than 20 years’ extensive research across a range of industries, organisations and countries, to reveal the true scale of this problem. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the report showed a 19.8 per cent surge in fraud both directly related to Covid-19 and general economic-crisis driven fraud. Johnathan Dudley, managing partner at Crowe’s Midlands office, said: “In every sector of every country, fraud has a serious and detrimental impact on quality of life. 72 CHAMBERLINK September 2021

“At a time when Covid-19 has put strain on the quality of life, and financial wellbeing, of individuals and organisations alike, the importance of managing fraud losses has never been greater.” Fraudulent activity taking place in the Midlands contributes to a wider issue across the country and sees £137 billion lost nationally every year. However, for many organisations fraud is a

problem that can be tackled. The report reveals that losses can be reduced by up to 40 per cent within 12 months. It is estimated that, were organisations in the UK to correctly measure and introduce actions to reduce fraud, savings of up to £55 billion could be made annually. This sum is greater than the UK government’s spend on defence in 2019-20. Mr Dudley said: “New and diverse threats have meant all business, from SMEs here in the Midlands to huge multi-national conglomerates have suffered rising losses each year, and action to prevent, mitigate and combat fraud has not kept pace. “Fraud needs to be viewed as a business cost. In almost every other area of business life, organisations know, measure and manage their costs. Fraud should be no different, particularly considering the numbers involved.”

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Finance

Reduced profit warnings suggest reset of economy Midlands quoted companies issued five profit warnings in Q2 2021, a massive 67 per cent reduction on the number of warnings issued in the same quarter in 2020, according the latest EY-Parthenon report. In the UK, just 32 profit warnings were issued, the lowest quarterly total EY has recorded in over 22 years of profit warnings analysis. In just over 12 months, the EY-Parthenon Profit Warnings report recorded both the lowest and highest quarters of warnings since analysis began at the turn of the Millennium. The second quarter’s record low comes in stark contrast to the record high of 301 in Q1 2020 and the second highest ever total of 165 in Q2 2020. EY recorded similar dips in 2002/3 and 2009 after 9/11 and the global financial crash, respectively. Analysis suggests that markets tend to over-correct and last year’s drastic expectations reset,

Dan Hurd: Reduced number of profit warnings could be economy reset

combined with a better-thanexpected recovery and government support, meant that all but a handful of companies beat depressed forecasts. But, as history has shown, companies and markets can also underestimate the challenges of recovery. Dan Hurd, EY Parthenon UK&I turnaround and restructuring leader in the Midlands, said:

“Whilst it’s encouraging to see that profit warnings amongst Midlands-based listed businesses remain historically low – a continuation of what we saw at the start of the year – it’s also symptomatic of a wider reset of the UK economy. “The number of profit warnings issued by Midlands-based listed businesses is at its lowest since Q3 2018. However, businesses face challenging times as they look to emerge from the global pandemic and develop fresh strategies that focus on resilience and making the most of new opportunities and potential for growth. “Strong domestic growth is also allowing the UK government to reduce its extraordinary level of business support. When companies restart this will put heavy demands on cash, and companies reliant on government support could face a significant cash squeeze — especially where costs are high, and demand remains uncertain or constrained.”

Sector Focus Finance expert joins fintech board Former Start Up Loans boss Joanna Hill has joined the advisory board of fintech business GFA Exchange. GFA helps commercial lenders assess potential borrowers, and identify which ones are likely to deliver long term growth. As the former CEO of Start Up Loans, Ms Hill oversaw the delivery of funding and mentoring to around 70,000 UK businesses during her five years at the helm. She said: “The responsibilities of inclusive and responsible lenders go well beyond simply providing access to funding. Lenders also need to be willing to walk alongside the businesses they have funded and help them to succeed and grow.” Ms Hill is currently chief commercial officer of AskIf, one of the few female-led fintech business in the UK. She added: “GFA Exchange offers the potential for lenders such as AskIf to see the impact funding has had on the health of those businesses and to identify where additional support may be required, both pre- and post-funding. “These unique insights will help us, and the broader finance sector, to better understand the business communities we are here to serve.”

E: info@i-finance-online.com W: i-finance-online.com

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Sector Focus

Technology

Former welder retraining for a secure future A former welder who lost his job during the coronavirus pandemic has found a new line of work – and it couldn’t be more different to his previous employment. Andrew Smith has gone from welding to cyber security, after retraining and gaining relevant

‘The knowledge I have gained so far is amazing’ qualifications at Burton and South Derbyshire College’s (BSDC) Cisco Networking Academy. Formerly a self-employed coded welder, 42-year-old Andrew says he had always been interested in computing and cyber security, and through online learning he has achieved a range of IT qualifications. He said: “The pandemic gave me the perfect opportunity to study for

Firm offers free tech assessment A nationwide supplier of workplace technology is offering a free assessment to Chamber members, worth £99. Right Digital Solutions (RDS) specialises in delivering technology for digital workplaces, and supplies office equipment and software solutions. The free assessment involves a thorough review of current technology systems, along with recommendations. Tim Hubbard, group sales and marketing director at RDS, said: “As specialists in office technology, RDS are at the forefront of this cultural change to the traditional workplace set up. We help our clients create their version of the new normal. “I have worked closely with the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce in a previous role and I know first-hand what a fantastic organisation the Chamber is,” he added. “We are already partnered with several current members, including Intercity Technology, and together we look forward to supporting organisations right across Birmingham to transform, innovate and optimise the way they work.” 74 CHAMBERLINK September 2021

a different career with the hopes of getting into cyber security. “I have always enjoyed working with computers and the deeper inner workings of computing fascinates me. I have always wanted to do this as a career but never had the chance until now. “As these are distance learning courses, it has given me the ability to go at my own pace and study better with fewer distractions. “My tutor was always on hand to respond promptly to any questions or sections I had issues with, which was really helpful. Overall, the knowledge I have gained so far is amazing. I’ve learned so much and hopefully this will lead future employment.” Sage Lal, digital and cyber development manager at BSDC, said: “Digital is a growing industry and there is a vast need for industry professionals with the skills in IT, networking and cyber security. “As the world becomes

Weld-done: Andrew Smith, who has gone from welding to cyber security

increasingly digitalised, there is a huge demand for candidates with high level technical skills. Our partnership with Cisco gives

students the opportunity to gain the technical skills to help fill the skills shortage and become the skilled professionals the industry needs.”

Cyber crime a pandemic in itself news feed to see who the latest The West Midlands Cyber victims of a cyber-attack are, Resilience Centre (WMCRC) has this is due to the flexible criteria renewed warnings to businesses that cyber criminals work to. about criminals attempting to “No business is too large or take advantage of the too small for them to attack, coronavirus crisis. and sadly as a result it is a case The organisation – founded in 2019 following a pilot project in of when and not if an attempted Scotland – supports and helps cyber attack might take place. protect businesses and third “As a business owner, you sector organisations in the have a responsibility to ensure region against cyber crime. your employees are using It says a massive 39 per cent systems and devices safely, of businesses have suffered a whilst protecting your cyber attack in the last 12 customers data from the likes of months. phishing attacks or data Recent attacks in the region breaches. include an attack on a “With Action Fraud reporting Birmingham-headquartered law that the reported loss from firm and a ransomware attack on cyber crime in the West a college in the city that resulted Midlands is over £590,000, I’d in the institution having to close urge you to check up on your until systems were restored. cyber security and take the Globally, there have been necessary steps to avoid your Alison Hurst: No business is too large – or several recent attacks, including business or customers adding to too small – for a cyber attack global meat supplier JBS Foods this total.” and photography firm Fujifilm, WMCRC says firms need to who suffered a ransomware attack. Criminals also ensure that they had back proper data back-ups in targeted an American oil pipeline system that place, as well as adequate protection again malware, supplies nearly half of the east coast’s fuel supplies. such as using firewalls. WMCRC director Alison Hurst said: “Unfortunately, you only need to turn on the news or scroll through a • See also page 72 for more on business crime.

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Technology

Sector Focus

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Chamberlink

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Retail

Sector Focus Local focus will boost high street

New openings are helping retail return to normality with activities including free It’s been almost five months performances and workshops. since retail and F&B sector was During August Bank Holiday able to fully reopen and during weekend we hosted the that time we’ve seen a number of new stores and restaurants Birmingham Weekender event, a open at the scheme. cultural festival funded by Up-and-coming brands like Bullring & Grand Central, Kick Game and Relic X Hooked Birmingham City Council, have proved extremely popular Birmingham Hippodrome and with our younger customers and Arts Council England, that the new Treetop Golf Adventure combined a mix of dance, music, has strengthened our leisure film, performances and By Steph Lacey offering. We’ve also welcomed installations across the centre’s General manager at Bullring new eateries like Vietnamese footprint featuring many of the and Grand Central Street Kitchen, Burger & Sauce best artists from Birmingham and and Wingstop, expanding our F&B the West Midlands. options in Bullring. The event, which was made up This month the muchof over 100 free activities, utilised anticipated Haidilao will be spaces inside the mall, all outdoor opening in St Martin’s Square. areas and vacant units and was Famed for its Chinese hotpots, delivered by Birmingham the restaurant puts the spotlight Hippodrome. We have a full on service providing a unique and programme of events that will exciting dining experience for take place over the coming customers including live months, many of which will be performances. delivered through our continued Last month we were also able partnership with Birmingham to confirm that Marks & Spencer would be opening at Hippodrome enlivening our malls and external areas. the centre across two levels of the former We want to provide our visitors with the best Debenhams unit. experience and know that comes from the continued We expect that the addition of the much-loved evolvement of our retailer, leisure and F&B mix, brand will prove very popular with our customers events programme, customer service and various and look forward to the new store opening in the touchpoints including facilities and car parks. future. We’re now about to enter the busiest time of the As restrictions were relaxed during the past few year in retail and are looking forward welcoming months we were able to re-engage our events strategy customers back to celebrate the festive period with us.

Retail Therapy

‘We want to provide our visitors with the best experience’

Thousands of high-street shops could open in the next 12 months, according to research conducted by Barclays Corporate Banking. The Retail Unlocked study revealed that 17,000 local high street stores could open across the UK as shoppers adapt to a postlockdown world by ‘looking local’. Data shows that consumers in the West Midlands have returned to physical stores with confidence since Covid-related restrictions eased. Seventy-two per cent say they have felt safe, or very safe, to return to the high street. A significant portion (36 per cent) are planning on stepping up their instore shopping over the coming year and 41 per cent say that it is their favourite way to shop. However, the benefits are most likely to be seen in local high streets rather than in big cities. Barclays Corporate Banking’s research shows that home and hybrid working patterns will persist into 2022 for nearly half (43 per cent) of workers in the West Midlands, with 17 per cent expecting to work entirely from home and 26 per cent anticipating a part-home, part-office model. Nearly a third of consumers (22 per cent) across the West Midlands now say that the best way a retailer can appeal to them is to open stores in their local area. As a result, many retailers are reviewing their location strategies. In fact, Barclays’ research reveals that 18 per cent of retail businesses in the UK with 10 or more employees are eyeing community store openings, with each of them looking at five new premises on average. Keith Ross (pictured), head of the Midlands region for Barclays Corporate Banking, said: “Our report shows how innovative UK retail businesses are looking to build back better to meet the challenges of a reshaped and revitalised retail landscape. “Ecommerce has been the undisputed winner of the pandemic but not far behind are community high streets, as shoppers seek to ‘look local’ and support the stores on their doorstep. With the continuation of home working, this shows no sign of slowing down, and retailers are now looking at evaluating their store estates to meet local demand.” September 2021 CHAMBERLINK 77

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Sector Focus

Legal