Chamberlink September 23

Now Brum flies the flag for tourist Britain

Picture: Marc

Editor: John Lamb 07814 539329 lambjohn@mac.com

Deputy Editor: Dan Harrison 0121 274 3239, 0797 1144052 d.harrison@birmingham-chamber.com

Assistant Editor: Jon Griffin 07963 405538 j.griffin@birmingham-chamber.com

Reporter: Feron Jayawardene 07508 317356 f.jayawardene@birmingham-chamber.com

Reporter: Darby Newman +447951245985 d.newman@birmingham-chamber.com

68 Business Travel: Beryl bring e-scooter scheme to city streets

70 Finance: 70 R&D fraud costs billions

72 Legal: Couples caught out by ‘broken’ court system

75

View

By John Lamb

Our chance to blow GB tourism trumpet

What a pity that Ronnie Scott’s is no longer a Birmingham asset that we can brag about as the city becomes the centre of the organisation charged with attracting visitors from around the world.

The kudos of having Visit Britain/Visit England headquartered in the heart of Birmingham (see page 6) will draw a spotlight on a city that has been transformed into a tourist hotspot in recent years.

The attractions are myriad and were brought into world-wide focus during the successful Commonwealth Games in the city last year.

The national tourism agency picked Birmingham thanks to its strong international

Without undermining anything Birmingham can today offer to tourists, it’s a pity that a venue which attracted genuine musical talent can no longer stand alongside the iconic venues Birmingham hosts today.

Birmingham boasts many centres of musical excellence – Symphony Hall, The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, its theatres and its clubs to name but a few.

But it is only now that we really begin to feel the loss of Ronnie’s. The legends it attracted included the likes of Birmingham’s own Nigel Kennedy, the violin genius and Aston Villa fan, Coldplay, George Melly, Georgie Fame, Chaka Khan and David Gray.

We are reminded of these heady days because Jim Simpson, the phenomenon who has masterminded Birmingham Jazz Festival since 1985, moved offices.

The first manager of Black Sabbath uprooted Big Bear Music, the company he founded, from Hagley Road, its home for 37 years, to Quayside Tower on Broad Street in January this year.

and UK transport links and availability of local talent, including strong leisure assets, internationally known brands and a strength in business events.

Which is even more reason to lament the passing into history of Birmingham-based Ronnie Scott’s, which could today offer another compelling reason why tourists to Britain should put Birmingham at the head of their holiday itinerary.

After being pre-occupied with the rigours of organising this year’s festival, Jim eventually got round to opening an old cardboard box that had travelled with him to Quayside Tower. In it he found three dozen T-shirts advertising a rhythm and blues showcase at Ronnie Scott’s in 1994 (see page 22).

The items from that bygone era will now be auctioned, offering a stark reminder of an iconic venue that would sit comfortably alongside what our great city has to offer today.

PRIVACY NOTICE: Kemps Publishing Ltd process personal information for certain legitimate interest purposes, which includes the following:

Published by Kemps Publishing Ltd 8, The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA 0121 765 4144

www.kempspublishing.co.uk

Managing Editor: Laura Blake

Designers: Lloyd Hollingworth & Stuart Burton

Advertising: 0121 765 4144 jon.jones@kempspublishing.co.uk

Printers: Stephens & George Print Group

• 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.

FRONT COVER: British tourism coup: Dan Storer (left) and Andrew Lovett, who are at the centre of attracting Visit Britain/Visit England to Birmingham. See page 6

‘It’s a pity that a venue which attracted genuine musical talent can no longer stand alongside the iconic venues Birmingham hosts today’

Business News

Latest news from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Chamber at the heart of power

By Dan Harrison

Labour market challenges, economic growth and energy capacity were top of the agenda as Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) president Deb Leary joined national business leaders for highlevel talks with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.

Deb was accompanied by Mike Owens, managing director of manufacturer and GBCC patron Schumacher Packaging, as leaders were invited to share business challenges and priorities.

The Chancellor listened to views on a range of topics including the levelling up agenda, investment zones, skills, the UK’s tight labour market, utilising planning for growth and sorting out the National Grid queuing system.

The talks were organised by the British Chambers of Commerce, whose director general Shevaun Haviland was present alongside Deb Leary and the chief executives of

CEO joins equity commission

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Henrietta Brealey is among a group of experts to join the British Chambers of Commerce’s new Workplace Equity Commission.

Convening national experts, business leaders and representatives from the UK and international Chamber networks, the group will produce recommendations for Government and business to progress the equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) agenda in the workplace.

The Commission will examine workplace equity from several angles including age, disability, race, gender and LGBTQ+, while also considering the intersectionality of these factors. It will also look at how employers can be supported to unlock the talent and potential of all individuals in the workforce.

furthering equality, diversity and inclusion across the UK economy.

Ms Brealey, who is also the executive lead for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging on the GBCC board, said: “At its heart, workplace equity is about creating an environment where people are engaged and empowered to bring their best to work, regardless of their background or demographics.

“That’s good for individuals and that’s very good for business. While the majority of firms recognise this, they often struggle with what really works in practice and how best to focus their efforts.

“I look forward to supporting and sharing best practice as part of the Commission’s work.”

Sheffield, North East, East Lancashire and Thames Valley Chambers of Commerce. Each region was also represented by a member business, with Schumacher joined by Nissan (North East Chamber), LiNa Energy (East Lancashire) and Moderna (Thames Valley).

Deb said: “This was an incredibly valuable meeting, giving the Chambers an opportunity to provide a ‘grassroots’ level view of the challenges faced by businesses in the regions.

This is the first of its kind body of work from the BCC as the organisation takes a leading role in

“My discussions focused on the need for greater clarity for businesses with regards to the levelling up agenda and what it means to business in real terms, along with the potential for investment zones and what needs to be in play for these to succeed.

“Innovation also featured as a discussion point and in particular

Other members of the Commission include Stonewall chair Iain Anderson, Ayesha Hazarika MBE, Women of the World founder and CEO Jude Kelly CBE, and Scope CEO Mark Hodgkinson.

greater clarity and signposting as to where funding and business support generally can be found.

“Overall, the message was that whilst the Chambers as a whole are a strong collaborative body to support its members and inform government, each region has its own individual ‘flavour’ and, as a consequence, greater devolution

would bring significant benefit.

“It was an open, realistic and positive meeting on all sides which significantly benefited from having business representatives in the room like Mike Owens, who provided real world scenarios as to the opportunities and the challenges they face in converting those opportunities into a reality.”

Two initiatives have placed Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce in a position to influence government measures important to business at the highest level.

Influence: Deb Leary (centre) at the Chancellor’s door in Downing Street with other delegates

‘Discussions focused on the need for greater clarity for businesses with regards to the levelling up agenda’

Equity drive: Henrietta Brealey

City to be at centre of GB tourism drive

Visit Britain/Visit England, charged with raising Britain’s profile worldwide, is moving its headquarters to Birmingham from April next year.

The national tourism agency picked Birmingham thanks to its strong international and UK transport links and availability of local talent, including strong leisure assets, internationally known brands and a strength in business events.

Home to Peaky Blinders, Birmingham Royal Ballet and 11 Michelin-starred restaurants, the region itself welcomed an unprecedented 141.2 million visitors in 2022, with visitor spend rising to a record £14.1 bn.

VisitBritain/VisitEngland also cited its successful working relationship with the Birmingham, Solihull and Black Country LVEP (Local Visitor Economy Partnership).

As part of the groundbreaking, global Business and Tourism Programme (BATP), the region helped to deliver the UK’s most popular Commonwealth Games in 2022.

The West Midlands Growth Company, the region’s investment promotion and destination management agency, supported VisitBritain/VisitEngland throughout the competitive national process. It will continue to assist the tourism body during the coming

months by securing the right long-term office space, sourcing local talent and helping it to forge ever-closer links with West Midlands partners and educational institutions.

Neil Rami, chief executive of the West Midlands Growth Company, said: “The West Midlands Growth Company led a decisive bid that showcased the West Midlands’ irrefutable

‘We look forward to our continued, productive partnership with VisitBritain/VisitEngland and making its Birmingham headquarters a roaring success’

strengths as a growing and successful headquarter economy.

“VisitBritain/VisitEngland’s decision to establish its new office in Birmingham is testament to the well-evidenced talent pool, transport connectivity and business support infrastructure we have in place to enable important and far-reaching

organisations to thrive. The move also underscores the significance of the West Midlands’ vital contribution to the visitor economy and our ability to meaningfully shape policy in this space. We look forward to our continued, productive partnership with VisitBritain/VisitEngland and making its Birmingham headquarters a roaring success.”

Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands, said: “With record tourist numbers, world class museums, excellent connectivity to the whole country and, of course, following on from the spectacular 2022 Commonwealth Games, Birmingham is the perfect place for VisitBritain.

“It is great to see yet another leading organisation place confidence in us and choose to call the West Midlands home.”

Cllr John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This fantastic news further underlines Birmingham's growing stature as a world class tourist destination.

“This is a warm, friendly city region with award-winning museums and galleries, world class cultural institutions and festivals, family friendly attractions, amazing parks and scenic waterways. We look forward to welcoming VisitBritain/VisitEngland to Birmingham.”

Tutor fights for travel and tourism courses

A passionate BMet Tutor is using his industry connections and insight to push forward the benefits of vocational travel and tourism courses, which are to lose their government funding as part of the Post-16 education reforms.

The Department for Education announced last year that Level 3 travel and tourism courses will no longer be funded after 2025. Since the announcement of the reforms, BMet Travel and Tourism lecturer John Garside has been campaigning for vocational travel and tourism in further education (FE).

John’s concern began when he realised that there were no routes to his much-loved subject area in the 2021 Post-16 Education Reform and that funding eligibility would be removed.

The focus on the Post 16 qualifications reform is that young people will choose either an academic pathway or a technical (T Levels) pathway. A Levels will form the core of the academic offer at Level 3. Vocational courses will continue to be available in some subject areas to be taken alongside or as

alternatives to A levels, known as Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) – this would not apply to travel and tourism, as there is already an A-Level in the subject, which has a low take up in the UK, as students prefer the vocational BTEC qualification.

This sparked John, who has been with the college for three years, to explore options to highlight the importance of travel and tourism in FE and challenge any attempts to diminish it.

He said: “It has been a shock to me that there are no T Levels or

related FE courses in travel and tourism and aviation.

“I and many of my counterparts have a genuine love of the industry and knowledge of how related courses can be a real steppingstone for students to gain exciting and sustainable careers.

“I came into education to inspire students to work in the industry. At BMet, I want us to be the best place to study Travel and Tourism and Aviation at Level 3. We must ensure the offer we provide is high quality and leads to great opportunities.”

Centre of tourism: Pictured left is Dan Storer, chief investment officer at the West Midlands Growth Company, whose team at Invest West Midlands worked closely in attracting and securing the move by Visit Britain/Visit England to Birmingham. He is pictured at the city’s Great Western Arcade, currently patriotically dressed in Union Jacks, with Andrew Lovett, chair of the West Midlands Tourism and Hospitality Board, who will work closely with Visit Britain/Visit England team. Andrew is also director and chief executive of the Black Country Living Museum.

Forget ‘al-desko’ dining – breaks are back

Lunchtime liberation from the office is back because “al-desko” dining is being abandoned by Birmingham’s professionals, a survey reveals.

Marking a stark contrast to the 2012 trend where workers gifted their employers an extra 16 days annually by dining at their desks, today's professionals are opting for lunchtime freedom.

The study, conducted by the organisers of the Colmore Food Festival, sought to understand how Birmingham’s workforce is tackling their mid-day cravings. A pair of giant pigeons descended onto Birmingham’s Cathedral Square to encourage workers to take part in the survey.

A compelling insight from over 200 respondents reveals a return to dedicated lunch breaks, a far cry from the days when guilt and work pressure led to forgoing these vital respites. This revelation coincided with the free-to-attend Colmore Food Festival, which celebrated the culinary prowess of the local business district. The event featured the city's top food and drink outlets.

A breakdown of spending habits across sectors shows an interesting

disparity. While employees in property and construction industries demonstrate a

more cost-conscious, opting for budget-friendly meal deals.

hospitality working group and joint vice chair of the Colmore Business District, said: “It's heartening to see lunchtime reclaim its rightful place in our workday. Professionals across sectors are taking time away from their desks, supporting local eateries and vendors, and savouring their lunch break."

The survey also revealed a balance between individuals who prefer to purchase their lunch and those who bring homemade meals, suggesting an increasing trend towards enjoying self-prepared meals. Breaking down preferences by sector, sandwiches dominate lunch choices for public services and admin professionals, making up a significant 76 per cent of their choices.

willingness to spend on their midday meals, their counterparts in marketing and PR appear to be

In terms of food preferences, sandwiches and salads remain popular, with over half of respondents citing them as their top choice. On average, professionals, including lawyers, accountants, and PR professionals, are spending around £6 daily on their lunchtime meals.

Commenting on the results, Alex Tross, chair of the leisure and

In contrast, recruitment and HR professionals showcase a taste for variety, indulging in a diverse range of cuisines, with only two per cent bringing home-prepared lunches.

Overall, the survey highlights an uplifting trend: professionals across industries are reclaiming their lunch hour, enjoying well-deserved breaks, and reviving the social and camaraderie aspect of workplace culture. Amid challenging remote working conditions, this reinforces the importance of work-life balance.

Feeling peckish: A giant promotional pigeon invades a park diner’s eating space in central Birmingham

‘It's heartening to see lunchtime reclaim its rightful place in our workday’

Uni welcomes vice-chancellor

Birmingham City University has announced the appointment of a new vice-chancellor.

Professor David Mba will take up the role on 1 October and has pledged to put the student experience at the centre of ambitious plans for 2030 and beyond.

Professor Mba joins BCU from the University of the Arts London (UAL), where he is deputy vice-chancellor, research, knowledge exchange and enterprise.

He replaces Professor Philip Plowden, who is retiring after six years at the helm.

Professor Mba’s appointment was welcomed by both the university’s new chair of the board of governors, Anita Bhalla, and BCU’s chancellor, Sir Lenny Henry.

Before his role at UAL, Professor Mba held senior leadership posts at Cranfield University, London South Bank University and De Montfort University, where he held provice-chancellor positions.

A fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, as well as a principal fellow of the higher education academy, he is a professor of mechanical engineering.

Funding granted to tackle labour and skills shortage

A major new plan devised by West Midlands Chambers of Commerce to help the West Midlands and Warwickshire tackle labour and skills shortages has been approved by the government – with more than £10m of funding available in the region to deliver its aims.

The West Midlands and Warwickshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (WMW LSIP) has been produced by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce (CWCC), in collaboration with Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) and Black Country Chamber of Commerce (BCCC).

The plan has been devised after engaging with more than 1,000 employers as well as skills and training organisations.

It has identified where there are shortfalls in provision and, also, a lack of knowledge of what is available both by individuals and employers.

Secretary of State for Education, The Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP, has rubber-stamped the plan and £10.4m has been made available through a Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) to enable FE providers to respond to the proposals.

A partnership of local providers, led by Solihull College, is now bidding for that funding.

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: "We hear loud and clear from local businesses that finding people with the right skills has got a whole lot tougher in recent years. Labour market shortages are a leading factor constricting business growth.

“The LSIP sets out opportunities to upskill more local talent and address these acute shortages. It also comes at a critical juncture for

the region, as organisations look to overcome challenges and grasp opportunities associated with digitisation, the advancement of new technologies, and the transition to net zero.

“The West Midlands and Warwickshire LSIP is a testament to the spirit of collaboration across the region, and I’d like to express my thanks to the over a thousand local businesses, stakeholders and providers of post-16 technical

education and training who contributed their time and expertise to the project.

"We look forward to continuing to work with fellow regional Chambers and all the partners involved in the LSIP to build on this research and report on the impact of the plan in due course.”

• For more skills news turn to pages 78 and 79

Paul steps into role as NEC Group chairman

Melanie Smith will take over as chief executive of the NEC Group after Paul Thandi was appointed chairman in succession to Peter Phillipson.

Paul was appointed group CEO in late 2006, bringing over 20 years’ experience in the media and events industries.

Since then, he has transformed the business, secured record levels of growth and turned it into a customercentric and data-led organisation. Having increased its portfolio of businesses and venues during this period, the group now annually connects around seven million people through shared experiences of business, live entertainment, sport and leisure at more than 750 events.

Under Paul’s stewardship the group has made multimillion-pound investments, redeveloping both arenas,

introducing greater digital and ticketing technology and enhancing its business intelligence capabilities.

Melanie has a wealth of leadership experience, most recently as the CEO of Ocado.com. Her previous roles include strategy and services director for Marks & Spencer, global strategy and marketing director at Bupa, and chief operating officer at TalkTalk.

Paul said: “To be at the helm of this incredible business for so many years has been an honour and I look forward to maintaining a key role in driving the growth of the group. We have been lucky to secure Mel to take on the leadership position.

“I look forward to working with her over the coming years. It has been the greatest pleasure being CEO – there are more incredible things to come for the NEC Group.”

Exciting position: Professor David Mba

Skills partners (front row left to right) Rajpal Kaur, Keely Hancox and Adele Wheatley, (middle row) Gurprit Singh and Corin Crane, of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, alongside Neil Anderson, of Black Country Chamber of Commerce, and (back row) Jonathon Gray, of Black Country Chamber of Commerce, and Emily Stubbs, of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Shared values: Paul Thandi

Clothing boss hails Games boost...

By Dan Harrison

The boss of a corporate clothing supplier which provided thousands of uniforms for last summer’s Commonwealth Games has described how the firm used the experience to drive future growth.

Ed Grigg, general manager of Incorporatewear, was speaking at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s (GBCC) quarterly business report launch event focusing on the economic legacy of the Games.

Incorporatewear was selected as the official workforce uniform supplier for Birmingham 2022, producing uniforms for technical officials, Batonbearers and 14,000 volunteers.

Reflecting on the experience a year on from the Games, Mr Grigg said the Coleshill-headquartered firm utilised the opportunity as a “case study” to land new business, including a domestic and European contract with fast food giant Subway. He said the business has also increased turnover by £5m, aided by its involvement in the sporting extravaganza.

Mr Grigg told delegates at Birmingham City University’s

Curzon Building: “I don’t think you can expect to have an event like the Games and sit back, just because you’re local to Birmingham, and start raking in cash. It’s what you make of it.

“The legacy to us was to use the whole process of the Commonwealth Games as a case study. We used it to let large companies know we are capable of

massive roll-outs on a large scale, on time and in full.

“We have won new business as a result. We won a large contract with Subway nationally and into Europe.

“It wasn’t all down to the Games but it showed we can deliver in terms of size and scale. It wasn’t a massive money-spinner for us but it was how we leant into the experience, how we used it and how

we continue to use it going forward.”

Data released by the GBCC during the event suggests positive sentiment from the Games was echoed by the business community.

Addressing delegates, director of external affairs Raj Kandola said 90 per cent of firms who took part in the Chamber’s post-Games survey believed Birmingham 2022 had a positive impact on the city-region, with 22 per cent stating it impacted positively on their business. A further 34 per cent revealed they are keen to participate in activity related to the social legacy of the Games.

The GBCC’s Quarterly Business Report – sponsored by Birmingham City University - provides an up-todate snapshot of business performance. It is the most comprehensive report of its kind in the city-region.

Delegates at the launch event also heard from Simon Delahunty-Forest, Birmingham City Council’s assistant director for development of place, prosperity and sustainability. He outlined details of the Birmingham’s Future City Plan, which includes ambitious proposals to regenerate parts of the city with greener spaces, higher density developments and better connectivity.

...as economic impact leads to 2,600 jobs

More than 2,600 jobs have been delivered by an economic development programme that ran alongside the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The news came at the official closing event for the Business and Tourism Programme (BATP) at the REP and the Library of Birmingham.

Organisers revealed that the schedule of more than 450 global events has boosted employment in the region by helping to attract 60 foreign investment projects to the West Midlands.

Launched in 2021, the BATP was the first economic legacy programme to be aligned to a Commonwealth Games. Delivered by the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) in collaboration with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), Visit Britain and the West Midlands Combined Authority, the programme aimed to capitalis e on the “halo effect” of the Games by boosting trade, investment and tourism.

Although the benefits of the BATP are expected to be felt until 2027, the programme has already helped to deliver a record-breaking

year for the West Midlands, which has led the UK’s Covid recovery with record visitor numbers in 2022 and become the country's top location for foreign investment outside London.

Stuart Andrew, sports minister at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, said: “This time last year Birmingham showcased itself to the world with a record-breaking Commonwealth Games.

“As a part of this success, the business and tourism programme contributed more than £17m to the West Midlands economy. It has also created more than 2,500 jobs since its inception. We are determined to see that legacy continue and are investing another £70m to boost jobs and skills, fund cultural and creative projects, and improve access to sports facilities for the next generation of stars.”

Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Whether it’s the latest tourism figures or foreign direct investment statistics, we can see that the eyes of the world are on the West Midlands like never before. The Games were an essential part of that marketing success story.”

Report delegates (left to right): Ed Grigg, Joanne Birch (director of Innovation, Enterprise and Employability at BCU), Simon Delahunty-Forest, Henrietta Brealey (chief executive, GBCC) and Raj Kandola (director of external affairs, GBCC)

GeoGrow gives biodiversity the green light with new services

Earlier this year, the UK government introduced a new strategy to give the biodiversity of our towns and cities a helping hand. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) was created to ensure that when land is developed, a contribution is made to the recovery of nature at the same time. It’s a way of making sure that the habitat for wildlife is left in a better state than it was before development began.

One company who is doing their bit to support BNG is GeoGrow, Cannock-based specialists in geotechnical engineered solutions. Already providing an established hydroseeding offering for the last five years, they have recently launched an innovative range of environmental services and products specifically designed to help landscaping contractors, developers and local authorities include more green spaces into new or existing developments.

Using a range of highly effective products from LSC Environmental, GeoGrow provides developers and contractors with an alternative method of vegetating open spaces that are often neglected and unsightly. These products provide a more aesthetically-pleasing and cost-effective solution to common issues faced, such as erosion control, biotic soil amendment and re-vegetation. They can be used to offer temporary cover for a space, or as a permanent solution to encourage flora and fauna to a particular area.

Organix™ & Fusion™

As exclusive UK installers of Organix™ and Fusion™, GeoGrow brings this product to the UK for the first time. Offering an alternative erosion

control solution that will create green spaces within construction sites, Organix™ avoids the costly task of importing additional material to remediate depleted soils by reinstating the existing soils with the fundamentals for vegetation establishment and sustainability. Applied with just one spray, Organix™ provides an alternative to importing unnecessary amounts of topsoil, as well as increasing biodiversity net gains in construction projects. Fusion™ is an engineered Hydraulic Biotic Soil Amendment (HBSA) that provides a complete topsoil replacement and soil building erosion control solution. This innovative topsoil alternative combines two proven products –EarthGuard® Fiber Matrix™ for erosion control and Organix™ for soil building – meaning you get twice the impact with just one single application.

EarthGuard®

A cost-effective method of high performance erosion control that encourages vegetation establishment. It can be used on steep slopes that aren’t too open to the elements, and can also be applied over erosion matting on high-risk applications, such as slopes prone to wind, rain and run-off.

Mesic™

A hydraulic wood mulch for effective temporary erosion control and hydraulic seeding applications. It forms a protective mulch mat that aids in erosion control and holds the seeds in place, creating an ideal environment for seed germination. Quick to load with minimal hassle, Mesic™ acts as a versatile base mulch that stabilises soil and prevents erosion from both wind and water.

Posi-shell®

An effective, versatile and cost-efficient landfill cover system that can extend the lifespan of your landfill site and reduce your operational costs significantly. Posi-shell® is an environmental coating system that allows you to achieve maximum airspace utilisation, rather than using soil. It also helps you to make the most of your landfill budget by reducing equipment usage and manpower hours.

Chris Ansell, managing director of GeoGrow, said: “We are excited to be offering a range of LSC Environmental products as part of our drive to expand our greener and temporary cover solutions for the UK environmental markets. LSC offers superior, proven products that provide erosion control, vegetation, hydroseeding and spray-on protections to address today’s persistent environmental challenges. Their expertise in spray-on applied environmental coating is unparalleled with over 30 years of manufacturing knowledge. Their strong values of innovation, reliability, integrity and performance align closely with GeoGrow’s ethics and our commitment to providing our customers with innovative solutions that deliver superior, effective results at a low cost with a market leading technical and customer service.”

President’s Focus

Omar Rashid, president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, looks at the importance of creating and embracing diversity in the workplace. Omar is the director of the consultancy The HR Department Central and Wolverhampton and is a presenter on Unity FM, the UK’s largest Muslim community radio station.

Embracing a diverse workforce

For many years we have heard how businesses should embrace diversity and the benefits in doing so. Fostering diversity isn't just a trend; it's a strategic imperative.

A diverse workforce isn't just about ticking boxes—it's about enriching your company with fresh perspectives, creativity, and the power to thrive in an ever-changing fast-paced world.

Embracing diversity isn't just about being politically correct; it's about unleashing the true potential of your business, whether you are an SME or a large corporate. A diverse workforce brings together a mixture of experiences,

cultures, and viewpoints that can lead to innovative solutions and deeper connections with a wider client base.

So how can you as a business implement a diversity strategy that is more than a tick box?

Start with a clear strategy

Building a diverse workforce requires a wellthought-out strategy. Begin by assessing your current workforce and identifying areas where you lack representation. Gain a grasp of your current customer base and realise the potential of further growth.

Set clear diversity goals and integrate them into your overall business objectives. Engage your leadership team to ensure commitment from the top down.

Inclusive recruitment

To create a diverse workforce, your recruitment process needs to be intentionally inclusive. Expand your recruiting sources to reach a wider talent pool. Implement blind recruitment practices or use of external interview panel support to reduce unconscious biases. Craft job descriptions that emphasise skills and potential over specific backgrounds.

Nurture inclusive company culture

Diversity thrives in an inclusive environment. Foster a workplace culture that values and celebrates differences. As a starting point offer diversity and inclusion training for all employees to raise awareness and promote respect.

Encourage open conversations about various perspectives to create a safe space for expression. Ensure prayer rooms, dietary

requirements and religious holidays are the norm and not available upon request.

Mentorship and development

Provide mentorship and development opportunities for all employees, irrespective of their background. Establish mentorship programs that connect experienced team members with newer ones, fostering a sense of belonging and professional growth.

Data-driven progress

Monitor your progress through data-driven metrics. Regularly review diversity statistics in your workforce and assess whether your initiatives are achieving desired outcomes. This helps you identify areas that need more attention and adapt your strategies accordingly.

For businesses that already have a diverse workforce, maintaining it is equally important. Here are some challenges you might face and ways to overcome them -

• Inclusivity fatigue: Sometimes, businesses may lose momentum in their diversity efforts due to complacency. Keep the conversation alive by consistently showcasing the value of diversity and sharing success stories.

• Unconscious bias resurgence: Despite efforts, unconscious biases can resurface. Continuously educate employees about these biases and provide resources for selfassessment and growth.

• Retention: Retaining diverse talent can be challenging. Implement flexible work arrangements, mentorship programmes, and career progression plans that help all employees feel valued and empowered.

• Leadership representation: Ensure that diversity extends to leadership roles. Promote from within and provide leadership development opportunities for individuals from underrepresented groups.

‘Set clear diversity goals and integrate them into your overall business objectives’

Bedding in: Two guests enjoy the dog-friendly facilities at The Belfry

Improve your digital skills this summer

Summer is typically thought of a time when colleges and schools close but, the warmer weather (perhaps not 2023 in the UK!) and longer days can boost motivation and energy levels, making it easier to engage in learning and development activities.

Summer often provides an opportunity for self-reflection and career planning. It's a time to assess what you are good at, what you would like to develop, and consider career goals, which can help identify the skills needed for professional advancement.

There is a real need in our area to develop skills for the workplace. It is estimated that more than 15 per cent of job seekers do not have the basic digital skills that are needed to be effective in the workplace –not necessarily just those working in a digital industry, but in all professions.

For example, everyone needs digital skills to access their payslip online, fill out an electronic timesheet order goods, join a Zoom meeting and communicate digitally with colleagues and customers. Job searches and applications are also more straightforward when you are digitally confident.

Certain digital skills are vital for all aspects of life, such as booking a GP appointment or organising a slot at parents evening at your children’s school.

At Halesowen College, we are listening to the needs of employers and what students are telling us about job search and progression in the workplace.

This September we will be offering a range of courses of adult learners both in college and online, including digital courses.

To enrol visit our website at www.halesowen.ac.uk. We are also holding an in-person enrolment evening on Wednesday 6 September at our Whittingham Campus.

Why not ‘paws’ for a luxury chill at Belfry?

The Belfry Hotel & Resort near Sutton Coldfield is now welcoming four-legged friends.

The award-winning resort has decided to open their doors to pooches, so that they can enjoy a paw-fect, luxury stay.

And, with every dog that stays at The Belfry, the resort will donate £1 to Birmingham Dogs Home.

Guests will be booked into a dog-friendly room on the ground floor with easy access to outdoors. Rooms also come complete with a dog bowl and bed to ensure all dogs have a comfortable stay.

Water bowls, dog waste bags and bins are also available throughout the resort.

The Belfry is set in 550 acres of countryside for dogs to discover, including a Woodland Walk with picnic areas and trails for dogs and their owners to enjoy together, ideal for most trusted companions to stretch their legs.

The Belfry is also located close to a variety of

stunning outdoor spaces to discover together, including Kingsbury Water Park which has 15 lakes situated in over 600 acres of country park; Middleton Lakes, which has wetlands, meadows, and woodland in the heart of the River Tame Valley and Sutton Park, a 2,400-acre National Nature Reserve - one of the largest urban parks in Europe.

After a day of exploring, guests can dine in dogfriendly Sam’s Club House, which serves craft beers, spirits, wine, cocktails, tea, and coffee as well as a selection of light bites, sharing platters and their famous double-stacked burgers.

Sam’s Club House has an outdoor terrace where guests and their furry friends can soak up the sun while overlooking the resort’s world-renowned PGA National Course.

Priced from £20, dogs can be added to bookings by calling 01675 238600 and the Belfry can accommodate up to two dogs per booking.

Festival celebrates city’s diverse talents

Birmingham Festival 23 came to a momentous close with a finale that featured a host of the city’s finest established and emerging music, poetry, and spoken word talent in B:Music’s Next Track.

Councillor Saima Suleman, cabinet member digital, culture, heritage and tourism at Birmingham City Council, said: “What a fantastic 10 days this has been. The talent and creativity on display from across the city and region has been phenomenal, and the crowds have clearly been having a wonderful time and refused to be defeated by the weather. Festival 23 has been an amazing advert for our brilliant city and people.”

Creative director Raidene Carter said: “We’re over the moon with how things have gone - in some ways the weather has really brought out the best in audiences who’ve showed up to support

every single act. We can’t thank audiences enough for helping us prove that the love and pride this city has for culture and community is stronger than ever.

“For me, this is one of the intangible legacies of the Gamesthe spirit that comes through in

adversity. We’ve seen all walks of life on the square in the last 10 days and incredible moments of kindness, from people who have shared brollies to personal stories and promises with one another. Birmingham’s done itself proud, yet again.”

Birmingham Festival 23 was an amazing advert for the city

The Griffin Report

Janie Frampton has travelled the world in the unlikely role as a top football referee. And as someone who has contributed massively to a sport that has now brought World Cup renown to England, Janie takes on the role of vice-president of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Global Division. JON GRIFFIN talked to the woman who was once sought out in an Algarve bar by footballing legend Eusebio.

JJanie Frampton fell head over heels in love with football when she was just 15 - and nearly 50 years later she’s a proven international success story offering inspiration to millions of females worldwide.

In the once traditionally maledominated game which grew to become the most popular sport on the planet, Janie has brushed aside dugout abuse and gender prejudice to carve her own distinctive career path as player, referee and respected official and consultant with governing bodies such as the FA and FIFA.

Along the way she has rubbed shoulders with the likes of managerial greats such as Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, notorious hardmen including Roy Keane and Graeme Souness, refereed the Women’s FA Cup Final, attended World Cups in an official capacity - while flying the flag continually for the aspirations of football-loving females everywhere.

Now she is bringing that hardwon international experience and management knowledge as a pioneering woman referee and globe-trotting official in the most heavily scrutinised sporting arena of them all to the Greater Birmingham Chambers of

Commerce (GBCC) - as the new vice-president of the Global Division.

It’s a role she is clearly anticipating with relish as she told Chamberlink: “You learn many skills from being a football refereeconflict management is key to what you are doing. There is a crossover to industry and the corporate world and you learn a lot about managing people. There is nothing to stop us bringing in bilateral trade along with sporting commitments.”

As well as her new duties at the Chamber, Janie has been involved with a number of sporting and

charitable organisations for many years. She is the co-founder and director of Team You Development Ltd, which provides governance and board reviews at the highest level of sport and corporate companies, while supporting structure development, strategy and other key aspects of the workplace.

It’s fair to say that Janie has been there and done it many times over in the brutal and often cutthroat world of professional football over nearly five decadesbut it's been far from an easy ride for the woman who never got the chance to play the game at school.

“Nobody in my family had ever been involved in football. We used to play hockey and netball at school but when I was 15 somebody invited me to make up a six-a-side tournament for a scratch team in Wareham. I fell in love with the game.”

But after having two young children by her early 20s combined with working as a schoolteacher, Janie realised she couldn't devote enough time to carry on playingso took the brave decision to take up refereeing as an alternative.

“I qualified in December 1991 and did youth football at first. They treated it as a bit of a circussometimes as women we feel we have to work twice as hard as our male colleagues. We feel we have to be twice as good as anybody else, that’s why we have still got a glass ceiling.”

By now in her early 30s, Janie gradually fought her way up the leagues from junior county football.

"I worked really hard. That first season of 1991-92, I did 106 games. You have to do your apprenticeship and I watched male counterparts being promoted above me.”

The hard work paid off and she eventually found herself officiating at semi-professional level in the Wessex League before graduating as an assistant referee running the line in the fifth tier at the likes of well-known footballing strongholds such as Forest Green, Yeovil and Chesterfield.

She also officiated in the Premier League reserve league and the EFL - “Millwall was a hellish place” - and by the 1990s and early 2000s had

‘You have to do your apprenticeship and I watched male counterparts being promoted above me’

Learning conflict management as a referee: Janie Frampton

spread her net worldwide, taking in Women's World Cup qualifiers. But the road from junior football in the park to the highest level of the women's game had been far from smooth.

“I had loads of abuse - you not only get it from players, you get it from the dugout, spectators, the media - there were a lot of people who didn’t want women in football. I once had a director in a dugout trying to physically attack me.”

But the brickbats and all the male bluster failed to deter Janie and a high point in her career was refereeing the 30th Women’s FA Cup Final at Bramall Lane,

FIFA as a consultant from 2005-15. I went to every World Cup, you are monitoring every referee and linesman, every single decision.”

Janie’s globe-trotting for the football authorities saw her working from Germany to China, Chile to South Africa and across the Middle East, including the likes of Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Oman.

“It is difficult for a woman to go to Saudi Arabia,” she reflects.

She has dozens of anecdotes from her life at the top levels of the footballing fraternity, including an encounter with Arsene Wenger back in the Gunners’ Highbury days when she was officiating at a Premier League reserve game. "We went up the beautiful marble halls and he was sat there with a clipboard making notes.

Sheffield, in 2000, when Croydon beat Doncaster Belles 2-1.

In 2001 the FA created 10 regional referee development managers - “nine white men and me” - and Janie landed a role as head of education and training of referees from grass roots to the Premier League.

“I travelled all over the world - I had become a very senior figure in a man’s world. I was working for

“I was once in Portugal in the Algarve working as a training instructor. We were in a bar and this customer came in and said ‘I have a man with me who would like to meet you’ - and then Eusebio walked in.”

Now Janie, who was previously vice-president of the Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber and has been involved with the Chamber in the city for five years, is looking forward to bringing her decades of experience in the football world to her latest role with the new Global Chamber.

“I network in the right circles to

“Millwall was a hellish place”: Janie in action

make connections and promote bilateral trade. You gain a skillset and can learn a great deal from being a football referee. You could

say it’s a far cry from Millwall.

“I have had a fabulous life and football has given me that life.”

‘You gain a skillset and can learn a great deal from being a football referee’

Meet the Team

GITreater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce head of IT Anthony Duncan is at the technological heart of the West Midlands premier business group – heading a team with around 75 years of hi-tech knowhow.

Anthony, systems manager Hilmi Mustafa and IT support analyst Sukh Johal, have decades of expertise vital to making sure that the 80 staff at the Chambers are all up to speed with the IT technology and the skills required to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.

But it wasn’t always so cutting edge as Anthony recalls. “You look at the pace of technology over the last 30 years. I can remember seeing typewriters here when I first came. There were only one or two computers in the building.”

Now, with the likes of AI and Quantum Computing on the horizon, the office environment has been transformed beyond recognition from the typewriter era – and Anthony and his colleagues are helping prepare everybody within the Chamber for the next stage of the technological revolution.

Anthony, who progressed through the ranks

from the former Business Link organisation to become technical manager before being promoted to his latest role, said of the latest developments: “We are going through an IT transformation project and in line with that we have had an accelerated programme of migrating into the Microsoft 365 Cloud.

“That has meant migrating all of our onpremise servers and functionality into the cloud, such as email, storage and our customer relationship management system (CRM) etc.

“We will shortly be migrating our telephony into Microsoft Teams – allowing us to integrate landline telephony into this popular communication tool. This will offer us a system that is both scalable and accessible on multiple devices, which is perfect in a hybrid working environment.”

The IT team are also heavily involved in preparing staff for the move from its home of many decades, Chamber House, to 54 Hagley Road, planned for October. “We have got to get 54, Hagley Road set up with new IT Infrastructure during October and we are currently working alongside our office design and fit-out company.

“Meanwhile, we are also involved in a company-wide digital transformation project whereby the Chambers’ website will shortly be

refreshed, modernised, and integrated with our CRM. This will allow the Chamber to improve process and efficiencies, whilst also providing additional functionality to our customers, such as a new Membership Portal.

“This portal will offer improved event booking capability, business directory and member marketplace functionality.”

Anthony says IT meltdowns have been rare over the years at the Chamber. “We are quite proud that in the past we have had very little downtime, when a full system or network is unavailable for a long period.

“I find it fascinating, seeing the benefits that IT brings to the business (and in turn our members) and to help our staff do their job in the most efficient way through the use of technology.”

He says the experience of the IT team is invaluable as hi-tech continues to evolve. “We have been at it quite a long time, we are touching on 75 years’ experience combined. We are busy all the time. It’s quite a challenge and no two days are the same – you have to have a passion for it.

“The next few years are going to be very interesting with the likes of emerging technologies such as AI being embedded more and more into the technology that we all use.”

The Chambers’ IT team will be taking on even more demanding work as the organisation moves from its home for many decades to new headquarters at 54 Hagley Road. Anthony Duncan and his team will be striving to make the move seamless for all members and staff.

NEXT MONTH: In the October edition of Chamberlink we shall be talking to Claire Sartin and her finance team to look at how they cope with a myriad of operations – from the sale of the Edgbaston headquarters, salaries, pensions and membership.

Tech team: From left – Hilmi Mustafa, Anthony Duncan and Sukh Johal

PR Mums: Getting their careers back on path after maternity

Helping mums get back into work

A pioneering new model for a hybrid recruitment company with the ambition to equip mothers after maternity has been launched.

The community hub and events platform – PR Mums - has the ambition to equip mothers with a practical and psychological pathway back into employment after maternity/childcare, enabling them to re-establish their pre-pregnancy career trajectory.

The initiative is helped by Emma Padden (founder and managing director) with a board of “Founding Mothers” including Alexandra Heybourne (director, Freuds), Ali Maynard-James (managing partner, Manifest), Bethany Pearson (director, Grayling), Jessica Hope (CEO, Wimbart), Jo Vyvyan-Robinson (partner, Freuds), Nicola McKelvey (director, Freelance), and Shilpa Saul (inclusive communications director, The Unmistakables).

They are joined by consultant psychologist Dr Claire Vowell, who will help drive the

Support grows for Rail Hub

New research shows that businesses across the nation support proposals for the Midlands Rail Hub. Businesses consider there to be significant benefits to local rail improvements, with 69 per cent of firms thinking it would make it easier to meet new customers.

Evidence was taken from firms collectively employing over 16,000 people in a variety of industries.

Responses came from across the Midlands Rail Hub network, including many Birmingham-based firms. Most employees travel to work using either the car or by train, with 31 companies reporting that more than half of their employees commute for longer than 30 minutes.

The Midlands Rail Hub is Midlands Connect’s £1.5bn flagship scheme.

consultancy and training to embed better policy and culture for returning parents.

Following 18 months of consultation and development, with the support and financial backing of industry vets Hector Proud, Rory Scott and the photographer Rankin, PR Mums was born from a need to address the myriad of gender-based inequities in the workplace resulting from parenthood.

Leveraging the revenues from the core recruitment service, PR Mums will reinvest at least 25 per cent of its profits into an ongoing community and events programme, designed to boost confidence, open opportunities; facilitate networking; access training; initiate mentorships

and update skills - with the universal ambition to help re-establish both the path and trajectory of their former career as quickly as possible.

Further to this, the Founding Mothers role will extend into advocacy and campaigning on issues that impact women in the workplace from substandard parental leave policies; cost and availability of childcare, the lack of flexible or part-time roles, issues of diminished confidence; physical dislocation and isolation, these factors (and many more) intersect to dissuade and obstruct a return to work.

PR Mums founder Emma Padden said: "PR Mums is not driven by a lofty and long-term vision, but instead by an immediate and urgent mission to address clear and present endemic industry challenges and to help increase the number of women in senior and leadership positions.”

To be part of the growing roster of agencies, join the community, host an event, or be a speaker, email hello@pr-mums.com

T-shirts from iconic venue to be sold in jazz jumble sale

A hidden stash of T-shirts promoting a week-long music event at the former Ronnie Scott’s nightclub on Broad Street, Birmingham, nearly 30 years ago has been discovered.

The 36 T-shirts, all bearing the words “Ronnie Scott’s proudly presents Rhythm & Blues Showcase September 12th to 17th 1994”, were found at the Westside offices of Big Bear Music following the company’s relocation.

Fans of R&B and rock ‘n’ roll will get the chance to own one of the T-shirts when they are included in a jumble sale of music memorabilia on 17 September, exactly 29 years after the original event ended.

Jim Simpson, founder of Big Bear Music and the first manager of Black Sabbath, said: “We moved offices to Quayside Tower on Broad Street in January this year after 37 years on Hagley Road and this box of T-shirts came with us. We will include them in our next rock ‘n’ roll jumble sale.”

All proceeds from the jumble sale will go towards the cost of staging the 40th annual Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival next year.

Ronnie Scott’s in Birmingham was a franchise of the more famous jazz club in London. It opened on Broad Street in 1991 but closed just a decade later when it became the Rocket Club.

Memories: The stash of T-shirts from 1994

During the decade it was open, the Birmingham venue hosted performers from the likes of David Gray and the then relatively unknown Coldplay to legends such as George Melly, Georgie Fame and Chaka Khan. The rock ‘n’ roll jumble sale will take place at Velvet Music Rooms on Broad Street on 17 September.

‘PR Mums is not driven by a lofty and long-term vision, but instead by an immediate and urgent mission’

Providing assistive technology in the workplace, at home, and in education

Adapt-IT is a specialist IT and gaming solution and service provider for people with disabilities.

Adapt-IT has been helping companies, students, individuals, carers etc. for 20 years through management awareness training to complete assessments, hardware, and software solutions and life support.

Adapt-IT can also provide training for th e software so you can maximise your productivity and reach your full potential.

Tech West Mids to amplify the growth of the sector

The newly-branded Tech West Mids is strengthening its partnership with Future Faces, powered by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

And this comes at a time when a dive into the 2023 Regional Tech Report has revealed that the West Midlands tech industry is set to experience rapid growth.

West Midlands and an insight into what the next year holds for the industry.

This past July, we were given the opportunity to partner with the Disability Expo at the ExCeL London and create the Gaming Zone. The zone gave visitors the opportunity to trial the latest assistive gaming technology and play some popular games such as Mario Kart, F1 and FIFA 23. The whole experience was amazing and to top it off, we were presented with the ‘Best in Show’ award by the Disability Expo team!

FOLLOW US on all social media for support and guidance.

CONTACT US to learn how to implement and use assistive technology hardware and software.

VISIT US at our new office and drop-in centre in Gloucestershire.

T: 03300 564079

E: support@adapt-it.co.uk

W: www.adapt-it.co.uk

According to the report, the region’s tech industry is now worth over £15bn to the economy, with a 31 per cent year-on-year surge in industry hires, and new developments and opportunities appearing thick and fast.

To bolster this growth, Tech West Mids has announced its mission to “connect, amplify and transform” the sector.

Released at the annual West Midlands Tech Review, hosted by Tech West Mids (TechWM) – which also announced its rebrand from Birmingham Tech – the 2023 Regional Tech Report is a deep dive into the current state of the

Topics of interest pulled from the report include a suggested strategy for how the West Midlands can achieve its ambition of becoming a global player in the tech scene, as well as the challenges the region is facing, current opportunities that can be utilised to address those challenges and a snapshot of start-ups, scale-ups and tech hubs to watch.

TechWM announced their plans to take the tech ecosystem to new heights, with a mission to “connect, amplify and transform”.

Announced in the Tech Review, part of that mission included plans to create more scaleups and more digital jobs, by supporting start-ups

and giving them the resources and connections to build their businesses – resulting in a greater economic impact.

Chief executive of TechWM, Yiannis Maos, said: “Year on year, the West Midlands tech sector continues to go from strength to strength. We have always been committed to supporting that growth and in the process, we have firmly positioned ourselves as the organisation at the heart of Birmingham’s tech ecosystem.

“As the sector continues to flourish and thrive, we felt it only right that we make sure the entire West Midlands region knows that we are here to support everyone; from those in the heart of the city centre, to organisations and innovators in tech hubs like Leamington Spa, Wolverhampton, Coventry and beyond. And so, Tech West Mids was born.”

• More news from the technology sector, see page 82

Wesleyan assures woodland growth

The Wesleyan Foundation has completed the first phase of its partnership with the Small Woods charity, which has planted more than 400 new trees across the UK.

Small Woods, the Shropshire-based charity, promotes the environmental, social, economic and cultural benefits of woodlands, with a focus on sustainable woodland management and delivering outdoor activities that promote better health and wellbeing.

Its partnership with the Wesleyan Foundation began in 2020 with a £25,000 donation that supported five tree planting projects from the Welsh coast to the Scottish Highlands.

Chief executive of Small Woods Ian Baker said: “Our partnership with the Wesleyan Foundation has delivered hundreds of new trees in community projects that will be enjoyed by local people for generations to come.”

The Wesleyan Foundation, part of the Birminghambased financial services mutual Wesleyan, was founded to support causes that are important to Wesleyan’s customers, who are all doctors, dentists and teachers.

Wesleyan Foundation has now awarded a total of £5m to good causes across the UK since its launch five years ago. The Foundation was set-up in 2017 and since then, it has helped an estimated 440,000 people by awarding grants.

Tech powerhouse (left to right): Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands; Yiannis Maos; Martin Ward; David Plumb, chief Innovation officer, University of Warwick and Professor Stuart Croft, vice-chancellor and president of the University of Warwick

‘The West Midlands tech sector continues to go from strength to strength’

How AI Can Transform Your Early Career Hiring Process

Tel: 07712 351 616

Email: hello@futurematch.tech

Website: www.futurematch.tech

Talent acquisition poses a significant challenge, particularly when efficiently and screening applications, a concern shared by 52% of talent acquisition leaders in the UK. This difficulty becomes even more pronounced when dealing with many applicants. To tackle this challenge and enhance the efficiency of the hiring process, an increasing number of hiring managers are embracing AI solutions. According to a study conducted by CareerBuilder, 72% of employers have already integrated AI into their hiring procedures, and an additional 55% are planning to expand their

investments in AI technology.

Here at Futurematch, our early careers talent acquisition solution enables organisations to identify, attract, and engage with diverse early careers talent, candidate relationship management, assessment and selection and track key hiring metrics. Our solution is designed to deliver the right talent, in the right roles, with the right fit. This effective and efficient hiring process enables our clients to make better decisions when hiring early careers talent.

We give organisations a huge competitive advantage by bringing the power of AI and expertise together.

Where do you fancy?

Shabir Hussain, the founder of the Akbar’s chain of restaurants, continually strives to embody the spirit of entrepreneurship with achieving the highest standards of modern South Asian cuisine. From humble beginnings, starting with just a small 28-seat restaurant in the heart of Bradford City and through his sheer passion and determination, his culinary vision has always been to serve the very best in authentic South Asian food. His ethos has always been “anything is possible - it's just a case of how bad you want it”

Breakfast, lunch or dinner…

Food and drink

Akbar’s is open in the evening from 5pm to 11.30pm.

The dinner menu is extensive and combines all the traditional South India recipes, including old-school favourites, special baltis, and chef’s specialities like the poplar king prawn and spinach special, prepared in a subtle sauce of herbs and spices with onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger and Kashmiri masala.

There is also a wide selection of set meals, in which all the dishes featured are served to the table with up to three top-ups.

Vegetarian, gluten-free and halal options are available.

A selection of alcoholic drinks and wines by the bottle is available, along with soft drinks.

Akbar’s also operates a full take-away service.

Business facilities

Akbar’s can offer facilities for business parties by calling the restaurant.

Special offer for Chamber members

Akbar’s will offer 10 per cent discount on proof of Chamber membership available Monday to Wednesday (5pm until 9pm).

Akbar’s

Address: 184 Hagley Road, Birmingham, B16 9NY

T: 0121 452 1862

W: www.akbars.co.uk

Owner: Shabir Hussain CEO

Head chef: Ehsan Ul Haq

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 5pm till 11.30pm

Trains powered by vegetable oil

Chiltern Railways has launched vegetable oil powered trains on its network – the first instance of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) being used in passenger service in the UK.

The operator’s Class 68 locomotive-hauled trains will be powered with this innovative fuel, derived from used cooking oils, tallows and other recyclable wastes, rather than conventional diesel, drastically reducing the impact the trains have on the environment and air quality across its network.

HVO fuel is made almost entirely from used cooking oils and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 per cent and air particulates by 85 per cent. A fossil free drop-in alternative to conventional diesel fuel, HVO contains few impurities and burns cleanly. It can reduce other emissions such as NOx and Carbon Monoxide, depending on engine type and usage.

Helping women build new careers

HS2 is working with Women into Construction (WiC), an independent not-for-profit organisation, to help more women in the Midlands launch a career in the construction sector.

A new four-week bespoke training programme, which starts in October, will combine two weeks of training, a two-week work placement on HS2 and 1-2-1 support from WiC. Childcare and transport costs are both provided while on placement, and HS2 hopes this will encourage women who want to return to the workplace, or start a new career, to consider taking part.

The work placement element of the course is varied, with candidates able to select between either site or office based roles including project management, corporate social responsibility, and engineering. On successful completion of the course, candidates will gain a construction skills accreditation that enables them to work on site, ready to start a new career.

Beatriz Ramos Albert, HS2’s corporate responsibility and sustainability apprentice who is co-ordinating the programme, said: “Our partnership with WiC is now in its fourth year and we’ve supported local women from a broad range of backgrounds, whether university graduates, or new mums returning to the workplace, to start new careers.

“I’d encourage anyone looking for help to get back into work to come along to our information day. The four-week course is free of charge and is a great way for women to boost their confidence, gain experience and link up with companies in our supply chain that are actively recruiting.”

Riswana, 25, from Coventry, who graduated from HS2’s WiC’s programme, has now secured a full-time engineering role with HS2 contractor, Mott MacDonald.

She said: “I was struggling to find work after studying and it really knocked my confidence. I joined the programme and spent two weeks on placement with the team working to deliver HS2’s Curzon Street Station. The work experience and one-to-one support I received was exactly what I needed. Within no time, I’d secured a job in engineering. I haven’t looked back.”

HS2 invests heavily in upskilling the unemployed and supporting people into jobs.

A total of 1,123 people from the West Midlands who were out of work have now started a new career on HS2, having accessed free training and fast-track employment programmes, and 9,750 people are helping to build HS2 in the Midlands.

For more information about the free employment programme, or for details of the upcoming information day, which will be held at HS2’s offices in Birmingham on 20 September, visit women-into-construction.org/ programmes/programme-page-central

Although HVO fuel is more expensive to buy than conventional diesel, Chiltern has decided to switch to using it as part of its plan to modernise and decarbonise its operations through the Right Route 2030 vision.

All HVO fuel used by Chiltern Railways has been previously used and recycled to power part of its fleet, and the conversion is another opportunity to both decarbonise and improve customer experience.

The Class 68 locomotives being fuelled with HVO haul six Mark III coaches when they are in passenger service, providing seating for more than 300 customers in a spacious interior. Chiltern has 25 of these coaches, and 89 vehicles in the Class 165 diesel fleet that is 33 years old, and 85 vehicles in the Class 168 diesel fleet that is 23 years old.

HS2 on track to deliver jobs

HS2’s construction has delivered a further boost to regional economies, with more UK businesses winning work and hundreds of people securing fulltime jobs over the past three months, new figures show.

Despite the rephasing of works at Euston and on the West Midlands-Crewe section, HS2’s workforce grew by 1,185 between April and June, taking the number of people supporting HS2’s construction to over 29,700.

The investment in upskilling,and getting people ready for work meant a further 307 candidates who were previously unemployed secured jobs with HS2’s construction partners and wider supply chain.

As a result, 3,528 people have now transitioned from being

unemployed to securing new careers with long-term prospects.

HS2 has placed a strong focus on addressing national skills shortages. Training academies along the route of the railway, and partnerships with local and national training providers are helping to create the skilled workforce needed to deliver HS2 and major infrastructure projects of the future.

Among those to have secured work is 64-year-old James Burke from Birmingham. James had been unemployed for over a year, but when he attended a HS2 careers event in nearby Chelmsley Wood, that soon changed.

James signed up for a 20-day paid work trial with Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands. His

previous experience working on construction sites, coupled with his appetite to work, led to him securing a full-time role.

He is now part of the team delivering BBV’s programme of tunnelling works in Birmingham and Warwickshire.

Natalie Penrose, head of legacy at HS2 Ltd, said: “HS2’s investment in upskilling is making a huge difference to people’s lives across the country. We’re getting people back into work and ensuring they receive the training and support they need to forge new careers in the transport infrastructure sector.”

Businesses can express an interest in becoming an HS2 supplier by registering their details on: www.competefor.com/hs2/ opportunities

‘All HVO fuel used by Chiltern Railways has been previously used and recycled to power part of its fleet’

Information day: Beatriz Ramos Albert

Party in style this Christmas at eighteen

Dreaming of the perfect venue to host your work parties and festive events in the heart of Birmingham?

Look no further than x+why’s clubspace eighteen; a hidden gem situated on the eighteenth floor of 103 Colmore Row with incredible views across the city of Birmingham. This impressive space offers a unique and stylish setting for working, meeting, and socialising.

With a capacity to host up to 120 guests, and comfortably seat 60 for dinner, the elegant and modern ambiance at eighteen provides the perfect backdrop to create an unforgettable experience for your colleagues, friends, or family.

The space is available for private hire and has hosted many celebrations, charitable evenings, birthday parties, weddings and networking events.

Spaces are open for festive season bookings and we don’t want you to miss out.

At eighteen, we take pride in our commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainability, wellness, and nurturing community.

Our mouth-watering food and drink menus feature only the finest ingredients and seasonal produce from carefully vetted local suppliers.

Our dedicated onsite team can curate a bespoke menu to suit your specific occasion and preferences as you enjoy the views across Birmingham from the terrace.

If you’re all about showstopping seasonal food, drinks you can sip and savour, stunning views and great music, eighteen is the place for you. Your ideal event is just an email away.

It might seem early in the year, but don't miss the opportunity to elevate your festivities.

For more information, to book your event or take a tour of the space, get in touch with the team –eighteen@xandwhy.co.uk

EVs could add massive boost to the economy

New research by Midlands Connect has found a quicker uptake of electric vehicles in the region could be worth nearly £9bn.

Recent investigations by the subnational transport body have shown the benefits of reducing carbon emissions and cleaner air will result in £8.7bn of benefits to the Midlands’ economy.

The benefits will start to be released by 2035, a few years after the proposed phasing out of new petrol and diesel engine vehicles.

A decline in transport emissions are estimated to fall from over 14 million tonnes of harmful chemicals like CO2 per annum in 2023 to under seven million tonnes a year by 2050. This could be worth between £405m or up to £1.5bn.

The findings follow the publication of Midlands Connect’s landmark report Supercharging the Midlands, which investigated the

future of EVs in the Midlands and advocated for more EV charge points across the region. It found that EV use in the Midlands was projected to increase by over 3000 per cent by the end of the decade.

Midlands Connects’ report set out three ‘scenarios’ for EV uptake in the region, with low medium and high uptake. The upper end of these scenarios has now been used by the Department for Transport in their national framework for the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, the 2035 Delivery Plan for Transitioning to Net Zero report.

Bharat Pathania, technical innovation lead at Midlands Connect, said: “By reducing the number of petrol vehicles on our roads and swapping to healthier options like EVs, we can enjoy cleaner air across the Midlands. This means less carbon dioxide and cleaner air, which means a better economy.

“This isn’t just a health thing –it’s a massive economic thing too. Midlands Connect has led the way on EV work and this analysis shows quicker uptake of EVs is win-win for everyone.”

Mott MacDonald in new home

Leading engineering, management and development consultancy Mott MacDonald has moved to a larger office in Birmingham.

The firm had doubled its staff over the past five years to reach 550 people, with the office having space for up to 700 people. With continued growth forecasted, the move cements the consultancy’s commitment to clients and projects across the West Midlands.

Tim Fawcett, Mott MacDonald’s Birmingham city lead, said: “We’re delighted to open our vibrant, dynamic workspace in Birmingham and recognise the critical role the office plays in fostering our culture of collaboration, innovation and excellence.

“We continue to enjoy flexible working while providing inspiring office environments to bring our people, clients and collaborators together. This enables us to deliver outstanding projects and solutions that improve social outcomes for all communities across the West Midlands.”

The firm’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2040 led to them adopting a relocation and refurbishment construction approach rather than new build. The office, at Livery Street, is on track to receive a gold SKA rating, the highest standard for sustainable refurbishment with 100 best practice measures covering energy and CO2 emissions, waste, water, materials, pollution, wellbeing and transport.

Mott MacDonald is a signatory to the West Midlands Net Zero Pledge and has validated sciencebased emission reduction targets in line with 1.5 degree trajectory.

Andy Street, mayor of West Midlands, officially opened the office and was guest of honour at a reception attended by the consultancy’s clients and partners. He said: “Mott MacDonald have been involved with a number of major construction projects in our region - from the design of HS2 through to Sandwell Aquatics Centre that was front and centre in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.”

Leading the way: Bharat Pathania

New HQ: Andy Street (front left) with Mott MacDonald personnel after opening the new Livery Street base.

Changemakers help charity hit major appeal milestone

Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity has hit £700,000 in its £1.5m iMRI brain scanner appeal, just three months after launch, thanks to some of the West Midlands’ top business leaders and companies.

The charity’s newly-formed visionary network of businesses and individuals, Changemakers, have pledged support.

They include The Rigby Foundation, established by founder of the Rigby Group Sir Peter Rigby, Whanau Advisory, a consultancy which helps build high-growth companies, founded by Gymshark non-executive director Steve Hewitt, and online performance partner Redbrain as its founding pioneers..

The latest Changemakers to join include entrepreneur Maxine Laceby, chief executive and co-founder of Absolute Collagen, and her family, plus Prosperity Wealth, Kangs Solicitors, O’Brien Contractors, HERA and Wealth Solutions.

In this first year, the Changemakers have already committed £450,000 to bring the intraoperative MRI (iMRI) scanner to the Children’s Hospital, supporting patients in need of brain tumour or epilepsy surgery.

This, coupled with public funds pledged and raised, means the appeal has now hit £700,000, with £800,000 left to make the scanner a reality.

Changemaker network has really resonated with the local business and philanthropist community.”

Future Changemakers are able to join as Pioneers, Partners and Members, with a tiered investment level and three-year, two-year and one-year commitment respectively.

In addition to helping the hospital invest in state-of-the art, life-saving equipment, the Changemakers will also support the creation of inspiring child friendly spaces to make the hospital feel less daunting for kids of all ages.

This incredible milestone was celebrated at an official launch event for the Changemakers network at Eighteen 103 Colmore Row.

Mark Brider, chief executive of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “Our

Hunt begins for biggest blunder

Birmingham-based marketing agency Digital Glue has launched a campaign to spot the biggest marketing mistake.

Winners will have the chance to receive Bluetooth headphones and Amazon vouchers worth £100. The person who submits the ultimate blunder will earn themselves their choice of free marketing activity.

Digital Glue is on a mission to understand the marketing habits of UK businesses, including what makes a good or bad campaign. It’s also looking to find out how marketing is valued, what success looks like and what role marketing agencies play.

Although it might be strange to focus on the top marketing mistakes, rather than the big successes of the last few years, learning from mistakes and having fun with marketing is what Digital Glue is about, they say.

Digital Glue will be collecting information up until 31 December 2023. There’s plenty of opportunity to get involved, with prizes drawn monthly.

To enter contact hello@digitalglue.agency

Other Changemakers are the Francis family, including Ben Francis, founder and chief executive of Gymshark, who is also patron of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity. They are joined by other Midlands-based businesses, including Pertemps, Azets, DSM Demolition, Thomas Franks Ltd, as well as the Lusty family, led by Alan Lusty, CEO of adi Group, plus more.

To find out more about Changemakers go to: www.bch.org.uk/pages/category/changemakers

PR firms’ new staff boost tech focus

Multi award-winning PR agency, EAST VILLAGE. has welcomed two new team members to bolster its expertise in line with a fresh focus for the business.

Demi Swingler and Connor Kirton join the agency just ahead of its 10th anniversary and as the business announces a move into delivering PR for emerging tech brands.

EAST VILLAGE., which launched in Birmingham in 2013, has welcomed back its first employee – Demi Swingler – as account director.

Demi will be the driving force behind the agency’s client delivery team: leading on strategy, team productivity, and driving stellar results. Connor Kirton joins from a fellow Birmingham agency and brings both B2B and B2C experience to the EAST VILLAGE. client team.

‘Our Changemaker network has really resonated with the local business and philanthropist community’

New arrivals: Connor Kirton and Demi Swingler

How your business can meet net zero goals

Rebekah Taitt (pictured), regional development director for the Midlands at Lloyds Bank, looks at how businesses can understand and meet the net zero challenge.

Operating more sustainably is a consideration for most businesses, large and small. However, according to a survey of member businesses by the British Chambers of Commerce and Lloyds Bank, fewer than one in ten across the UK fully understand what the Government’s 2050 Net Zero target means for them, including the challenges involved and how to overcome them.

There was also a substantial divide between firms with more than 50 employees and those with fewer than 50, in terms of understanding and progress. Investments like solar panels and energy efficient machinery can help businesses not only reduce carbon

Deals team: Expansion at PwC

emissions, but save money too. However, recent economic challenges such as rising prices, have forced businesses to prioritise meeting their basic operating costs, instead of investing in longer term improvements.

Nevertheless, government grants, as well as cheaper finance from banks for green purposes, can help businesses work towards net zero.

Unlike changes to drive profits or cut costs, the benefits of becoming more sustainable can be less tangible, such as a reduced carbon footprint through solar panels, or improved air quality near a business’s site.

However, support is available to businesses, such as Lloyds Bank’s

Green Buildings Tool, which helps measure the emissions of a site to demonstrate return on investment.

Another issue is the skills shortage facing SMEs at every level. Many businesses I’ve worked with are unable to afford or find someone to take on a dedicated sustainability role. However, this isn’t always needed. By adding sustainability to an existing employee’s role and investing in the required training, businesses can build champions from within.

Other businesses have found that skills shortages are holding them back, with some having lost as many as 50 per cent of their staff since the beginning of the pandemic. But support is available to help

businesses develop a skills pipeline. For example, the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre (AMTC) is working with manufacturers to develop training on specific capabilities, such as sustainability technologies. While talent and costs may seem like significant hurdles on the net zero journey, benefits can go both ways - introducing green initiatives can help businesses tackle these challenges, while also driving sustainable growth.

Findings from the British Chambers of Commerce and Lloyds Bank survey can be found here: www.greaterbirminghamchambers. com/latest-news

Coach firm up for four awards

Johnsons Quality Coach Travel, of Henley-in-Arden, have been shortlisted for four industry awards, at the upcoming 2023 Routeone Awards, going up against some of the top coach operators from across the UK.

PwC completes £2bn of deals

PwC’s Transaction Services and Lead Advisory teams in the Midlands completed 19 market leading transformational deals with a total value over £2bn in FY22/23. This has been achieved during a critical time for many clients as they continue to adapt to the current economic outlook.

The PwC deals operate across the Midlands and the North, with the combined value of the transactions across both regions amounting to £10bn in FY22/23.

Simon White, deals partner and Midlands private business and private equity leader at PwC, said: “We have seen a good level of activity over the last 12 months, despite the economic and geopolitical challenges that have been impacting the market.

“ESG, technology and transformation continue to be the focus areas for our clients and the team in the Midlands has a variety of experts able to deliver these services.

“Sectors including technology, healthcare, industrial products, business services and energy and infrastructure were leading in FY22/23 and we expect to see activity continue into FY23/24.”

The TMT sector continued to see high activity levels across both corporate and private equity transactions, with some of the key deals including Uniphore’s acquisition of Red Box Recorders, Node4 investing in Risual and Bowmark Capital investing in Littlefish. PwC Lead Advisory and Transactions combined to advise Augean on its acquisition of Future Industrial Services from NorthEdge Capital and advised on another three deals in the waste and circular economy segment.

To support the pipeline of activity, PwC has announced further investment into the deals team in the Midlands, with 44 promotions taking place in July, including six directors and two new partner admissions -Rebecca Elnaugh and Sally Graham.

The family firm are in the running for Large Coach Operator of the Year, Coach Tourism Programme of the Year, Outstanding Customer Experience and Rising Star of the Year for their general manager Kyran Flynn.

Lauren Davies, head of business for Johnsons Quality Coach Travel, said: “We are so pleased to be shortlisted against some of the very best in the industry. Each category Johnsons has been shortlisted for is a testament to our team’s dedicated hard work.

“I’m especially pleased for Kyran, who has worked incredibly hard in a short space of time and achieved so much already at a young age. I wish him the best of luck.”

The winners will be announced on the evening of 8 November at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.

Annual turnover increases to 1.2 billion euros

generation with his brother Hendrik. "We succeeded in this because, as a family-run company, we act very flexibly and quickly and have made courageous investment decisions - especially in our own paper production and the expansion of renewable energies," says Schumacher.

Through the acquisition of the Kaierde board mill, the majority stake in the Italian corrugated base paper manufacturer Cartiere Modesto Cardella SpA and the purchase of the Leipzig Land GmbH board mill, the corporate group has significantly increased its own production and processing capacities.

the packaging specialist is developing intelligent combination products together with its joint venture partner Verpa Folie.

European packaging regulation: shaping the legal framework

In this context, Schumacher Packaging is also concerned with the new draft of the European Packaging Regulation (PPWR), which the European Commission presented in November 2022.

The Schumacher Packaging Group, one of Europe's largest manufacturers of customised corrugated and solid board packaging (www.schumacherpackaging.com), has successfully continued its growth trajectory in 2022.

Despite high volatility and difficult economic conditions on the world markets, the company was able to increase its annual turnover by almost 40 percent to around 1.2 billion euros compared to the previous year after sales deductions.

Decisive factors for the strong growth were the development of new product fields as well as strategic decisions. Nevertheless, Schumacher Packaging is concerned about the development of Germany as an industrial location. The familyowned company is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

The sales target of 1 billion euros was clearly exceeded across all areas of the group of companies. Against the backdrop of increased energy prices, strong inflation and falling consumption, which shaped market events with the outbreak of the war against Ukraine, the packaging specialist's sales remained almost constant compared to the previous year. No growth was achieved in the primary business areas.

The growth in sales was mainly achieved through the acquisition of additional plants and the development of new product fields in the area of plastic reduction, especially for the food industry, but also for online retail. The number of employees rose from 3,700 to 4,111 in the past calendar year.

Top priority: security of supply and production capacities

"Last year, our top priority was to secure supplies to our customers," explains company boss Björn Schumacher, who runs the company in the third

In addition, part of the 700 million euro investment programme was already brought forward to last year in order to make energyintensive production increasingly independent of natural gas.

Nevertheless, the high energy and labour costs are of great concern to the business leaders. "Industrial companies based in Germany are under immense strain. Some of our customers have already informed us that they will no longer make investments in Germany or that they will relocate their production facilities abroad, where the political framework conditions are different. As a result, we are also having to critically question our planned investments in Germany at the moment," says Schumacher.

Trend: intelligent solutions and combination products

"The turbulent year led to less consumption and caused the demand for corrugated and solid board packaging to shrink compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, the trend towards paper-based packaging and intelligent combination products continues among manufacturers and in the trade," says Hendrik Schumacher, Managing Director of Schumacher Packaging.

The food industry in particular has proven to be crisis-proof in terms of packaging over the past year. Products such as HALOPACK®, which reduces plastic by up to 90 per cent, and Stackpack, which is made of solid board and can completely replace conventional plastic trays for fruit and vegetables due to its bio-based protective barrier, were in high demand.

The company is also developing paper-based solutions for polystyrene parts in packaging, which can even be used for sensitive and heavy electronic products. In areas where plastics still have their place due to their technical properties,

Schumacher Packaging supports the objectives of the regulation, which is intended to reduce the volume of packaging, ban overpackaging and further develop the circular economy in Europe. However, the family-owned company considers the fact that the regulation provides for the use of reusable packaging for household appliances and in non-food mail order to be worthy of criticism, although according to a recent study by McKinsey, these can cause up to 200 per cent more emissions in online retailing.

"Flexible solutions that reduce air in packaging are important to further reduce CO2 emissions," Björn Schumacher emphasises. The company also relies on this, for example, in its cooperation with the software provider Skrym. Based on existing data and artificial intelligence, packaging sizes and thus emissions and logistics costs can be reduced by up to 15 per cent. "Packaging made of corrugated and solid board already offers many advantages in terms of volume reduction and material efficiencyacross all industries. We hope that these important aspects will be taken into account for the elaboration of the PPWR."

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

Chamber Patrons

Greater Birmingham Chambers’ leading supporters

Doubling up to provide meals

The Cadbury Foundation is partnering with FareShare to support the launch of an innovative project involving community meal production and training kitchens in the Midlands and Yorkshire.

FareShare, the country’s largest charity fighting hunger and food waste, has been awarded a grant of more than £243,000 from The Cadbury Foundation, which will help the charity significantly inves t in two of its meal production kitchens that help tackle food waste and hunger in the two regions.

The large sum will enable FareShare to invest and redevelop two existing food production and training kitchens. The investment into the space located in Nottingham will allow the charity to scale up the local existing meal production kitchen in the Midlands, as well as find permanent facilities.

The permanent space will produce meals using fresh produce that would otherwise be wasted and will be delivered directly to local charitable and not-for-profit organisations across the Midlands who are tackling hunger, poverty and the escalating effects of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Louise Stigant, trustee of The Cadbury Foundation and UK managing director of Mondelez International, said: “We’re extremely proud to be supporting FareShare with this incredible initiative and we hope that the investment into the two food production and training kitchens will help to tackle food waste and food insecurity across the Midlands and Yorkshire, allowing those who are vulnerable the opportunity to access healthy and nutritious food.

“We’re pleased that through The Cadbury Foundation we can continue the spirit of the Cadbury brothers and support many fantastic charities and projects, such as FareShare, which make a real difference to the lives of so many.”

Contact: Raj Kandola

T: 07815 952462

IT services firm enters Edgbaston partnership

IT services provider and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce patron Intercity

Technology has announced a new partnership with Edgbaston –becoming the world-famous cricket stadium’s official IT partner.

Intercity will support Edgbaston’s ambitious regeneration plans and help them achieve their vision of becoming a world-class techenabled cricket stadium.

As the official IT partner, Intercity will provide its diverse portfolio of managed IT solutions and award-winning customer service, which will be pivotal in enabling the delivery of Edgbaston’s Stadium & Community Masterplan. The masterplan aims to create a mixed-use development to benefit both fans and the West Midlands community and economy.

Intercity’s group managing director Charlie Blakemore said: “We are delighted to become the official IT partner for Edgbaston Stadium. Intercity and Edgbaston

share the same values and ambition to work together to provide a sustainable, world-class experience and add long-term value to our local community.”

Intercity CEO Andrew Jackson added: “Our business is designed to create world-class technology partnerships with our customers and together with Edgbaston we

Mr McDonald’s adds to growing empire

Chamber patron and McDonald’s franchisee Doug Wright has completed a hat-trick of acquisitions – growing his business to just under 3,000 staff members across 26 sites.

The latest expansion of Wright Restaurants (T/A McDonald’s) includes two McDonald’s DriveThru restaurants in Coseley and Bilston near Wolverhampton, as well as an innovative delivery hub.

Based at the nearby Springvale Industrial Park, the delivery hub is dedicated to handling orders placed through food ordering apps such as Uber Eats.

Mr Wright, who joined McDonald’s when he left school 42 years ago and purchased his first franchise restaurant in 2002, said: “This is the biggest transaction we’ve been involved in since becoming a franchisee in 2002.

“It involves around 325 crew members and is the latest part of our velocity plan and our desire to keep expanding.

“As someone who has been part of McDonald’s for 42 years, it’s incredible to see how technology continues to develop within the business. The bespoke delivery hub will see orders routed straight into the dedicated kitchen, which looks and feels just like a restaurant kitchen, and will enable us to keep up with customer demand.

“It’s very customer-centric. We want people to be able to order what they want, when they want and receive their orders as quickly as possible.”

Mr Wright, who received an MBE for services to charity and the local economy, now employs more than 2,900 staff members.

are striving to create a unique experience that sets the standard in Sports Technology Infrastructure.”

Craig Flindall, chief operating officer at Edgbaston Stadium, said: “Tech needs to be right at the forefront, so we’re working with Intercity to see how we can develop that with existing and young local talent we can bring through together.”

IT partners (left to right): Craig Flindall, Charlie Blakemore, Andrew Jackson and Ben Seifas (Edgbaston head of sales and partnerships)

Expanding business: Doug Wright

‘Fantastic business’ has shaped me – new JLR boss

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced the appointment of Adrian Mardell (pictured) as chief executive officer.

He was appointed interim chief executive officer in November last year having been chief financial officer and a member of the JLR board of directors for three years before then.

JLR also announced the appointment of Richard Molyneux as chief financial officer. Richard was appointed acting chief financial officer, in December, 2022, following six years as finance director, operations, JLR.

congratulations to Adrian Mardell and Richard Molyneux on their respective appointments.

“They are an exceptional team with strong automotive and leadership experience. I look forward to working with them further, delivering JLR’s transformation to modern luxury, which is well underway.”

Mr Mardell said: “It has been my immense privilege to lead JLR over the last eight months and I am proud to be appointed chief executive officer of this fantastic business which has shaped me over the last 32 years.

“We have the right vision and people to deliver our Reimagine strategy and I am honoured to lead JLR on the journey ahead.”

NEC Group wins top award

NEC Group has scooped the award for ‘In-house Team of the Year’ at the annual PRCA Midlands Dare Awards 2023.

Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, Tata Motors and JLR, said: “I offer my warmest

Mr Molyneux said: “I am delighted to be appointed chief financial officer at JLR. Our financial position continues to improve and this, coupled with our enviable brands and our investment of £15 billion over the next five years, gives me great confidence in the delivery of our transformation.”

The NEC group PR and communications team is responsible for the reputation and strategic communications activity for the live events company, which owns and operates NEC Birmingham, ICC Birmingham, Vox Conference Venue, Utilita Arena Birmingham and Resorts World Arena.

Becky Humphries, NEC group head of PR and communications said: "I am immensely proud of my exceptional team in achieving this well-deserved recognition from our professional body.”

‘We have the right vision and people to deliver our Reimagine strategy and I am honoured to lead JLR on the journey ahead’

Winners: The NEC PR and communications team

1813 Club and Premier Members

Greater Birmingham’s leading companies

BUN celebrates second birthday

Birmingham’s Unique Network (BUN) is celebrating two years of bringing Birmingham businesses together at hospitality venues across the city.

Founded in July 2021 by Unique Venues Birmingham in partnership with events expert Sheila Kelly-Trow, BUN strives to create a vibrant network for Birmingham businesses to network, share expertise and raise their profiles.

Premier Membership

Contact: Gary Birch

T: 0845 6036650

The well-connected businesses joining BUN each month represent sectors including creative design and marketing, investments and wealth management, recruitment, charities and legal services. The breadth of knowledge and experience shared at BUN events is testament to the richness of Birmingham’s business sector and the outstanding range of industries who work in and around the city.

Lunch BUN events are held monthly at different hospitality venues, showcasing food and drink destinations, bringing together a vibrant mix of business people to share in their skills, knowledge, and mutual support of each other.

Among BUN’s plans are new Educating BUN events, with the first being held at Unique Venues Birmingham on 13 September, with Adrianne Carter ‘The Face Whisperer’ as guest speaker.

To find out more about BUN and their calendar of networking events visit: birminghamsuniquenet work.com

Former prime minister Sir John Major visited the National Memorial Arboretum to observe how the site has evolved into the nation’s year-round place to remember.

In 1994, Sir John launched the appeal to create the arboretum, with his early endorsement proving crucial in establishing the legitimacy of the project and helping to secure the funds necessary to bring to life the vision of Arboretum founder Commander David Childs.

Sir John was shown the arboretum’s award-winning Remembrance Centre, opened in 2017 by HRH the Prince of Wales. He learned that the facility had been desperately needed after a five-fold increase in visitor numbers which followed the dedication of the Armed Forces Memorial in 2007.

Director Philippa Rawlinson accompanied Sir John, highlighting examples of how the arboretum’s pledges to sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion are reflected throughout all aspects of the visitor experience. This included the locally sourced homemade food offered in the restaurant, the specialist

Changing Places toilet facility, and how an advisory group and Inclusion champion are helping to remove potential barriers to participation, ensuring the arboretum remains freely open to all.

In 1994 Sir John delivered a speech launching the appeal for the arboretum and, visiting for the first time almost 30 years later, he commented: “I did not know quite what to expect when I arrived except in the most general of senses.

“Moving across this 150-acre site,

one is taken in, not only by its sheer scale and all it represents, but also by the obvious love and attention lavished upon it by all those who care for its upkeep.

29 years on, ex-PM is moved by the evolving arboretum Survey reveals pay pressures

A Midlands survey, part of the KPMG and REC UK Report on Jobs compiled by S&P Global, showed that recruitment trends diverged in July.

Notably, permanent placements fell solidly, while temp billings expanded at the quickest rate for nearly a year. There were often reports that firms were hesitant to commit to permanent hires due to prevailing economic uncertainty as well as shortages of skilled candidates.

Pay pressures continued to build, as competition for highly skilled workers and the rising cost of living pushed up rates of starting pay. Upturns in both salaries and wages remained far below the peaks seen over the past two years.

At the same time, the availability of workers rose at a sharp and accelerated rate, with several

“It is impossible not to be moved by a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum, and I found my own visit immensely poignant and reflective – yet also inspiring. It truly is the most remarkable place.”

The arboretum, located within the National Forest in Staffordshire, has been awarded a third consecutive Green Flag Award.

recruiters linking this to redundancies. Vacancies data showed further increases in demand for shortterm and permanent staff, though upturns remained softer than their respective averages.

The report was compiled from responses to questionnaires sent to around 100 recruitment and employment consultancies in the Midlands.

KPMG have crowned Goldilock as the Midlands winner of their annual UK Tech Innovator competition which shines a spotlight on the game changers, difference makers and tech titans of tomorrow.

Goldilock, the cybersecurity solution that enables users to physically segment their digital assets, devices, networks, remotely and without using the internet to do it, was voted as the winner.

‘Lunch BUN events are held monthly at different hospitality venues’

Tour: Sir John with Philippa Rawlinson

Theatre company marks 40 years with new season

Women & Theatre (W&T) has launched its autumn season, when they will be celebrating 40 years of pioneering work.

The award-winning company and charity delivers performances, participatory projects and workshops that engage a variety of people throughout Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Artistic director Janice Connolly is a founder member of the company which for the past 40 years has been pioneering work that addresses contemporary issues through performance and reflects the language and lives of ordinary people, giving voices to those not usually heard. They regularly work with careexperienced young people, young carers, mental health service users and older adults.

W&T has worked with over 300 artists, engaged over 200,000 people as audiences and participants, both live and digitally, and produced over 7000 performances and workshop sessions.

The autumn season will include a new theatre production, rehearsed readings from the company’s back catalogue and community projects.

The season begins this month with Not the Last (1417 September), a new play co-produced with Midlands Arts Centre, written by Susie Sillett and performed by Janice Connolly and Adaya Henry.

Marking 150 years of Cannon Hill Park, the play features two members of a fictional Birmingham-based historical society attempting to find out more about the park's mysterious benefactor, Louisa Ryland.

Janice said: “This season of work captures the many different elements of the company’s work, from new writing to community projects, working with many talented freelance theatre artists and community participants.”

Tickets are now on sale for Not the Last and can be booked from MAC and Birmingham Rep’s websites or by calling the box office. www.macbirmingham.co.uk

For more information about the company’s extensive programme go to: www.womenandtheatre.co.uk

IN BRIEF

PwC Midlands has announced a record round of partner and director promotions, with seven Midlands directors admitted into the partnership, and 18 senior managers promoted to director, across all lines of services.

The seven Midlands partners, over half of whom are women, join a total of 74 new partners admitted across PwC in the UK, taking the partnership to over 1,000 partners for the first time.

National law firm Freeths has announced expansion into Scotland, with two key appointments and the opening of a new office in Glasgow, its first base outside of England.

Partners Paul Ockrim and Nick Taylor, who join from Addleshaw Goddard, will open the new Glasgow office at Atlantic Quay.

This comes as the firm, which has 13 offices including one in Birmingham, announced another year of outstanding growth, increasing revenues by 15 per cent.

Park memories: Performers Janice Connolly and Adaya Henry

International Trade

T: 0845 603 6650

E: ibh@birmingham-chamber.com

Key appointment to international team

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) has made a key appointment to boost its international offering to members.

Sian Timmins joins the GBCC as international partnerships manager, with overall responsibility for managing the Greater Birmingham Global and Transatlantic Chambers of Commerce.

Sian has a wealth of experience working with local and international stakeholders, including a spell at the West Midlands Growth Company where she worked with high-profile partners across the city and joined a Birmingham delegation to property expo MIPIM in Cannes.

She then spent nearly a decade with the NEC Group, working on live events and corporate conferences before taking the role of account manager for International Associations.

Sian said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Chambers, bringing with me many years of working in organisations across the city such as the West Midlands Growth Company and the NEC Group.

“It’s great to be back in the city and bringing my love of working with stakeholders and everything international to the fantastic team at the Chambers, so that the international divisions can go from strength to strength.

“Nothing fills me with greater pride than working with an ambassador for the benefit of the city and the region.”

Mandy Haque, international director at the GBCC, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Sian Timmins to the team as international partnerships manager.

Wealth of experience: Sian Timmins

Richardson family invests in Sydney firm

The Richardson business has invested into Permaconn, an Australian-based firm that is a leader in alarm signalling communications technology.

Founded in 1999, Permaconn has grown to become the preferred choice for professionally monitored alarm connectivity, underpinned by a clear history of technology leadership and focus on customer solutions.

Based in Sydney, Permaconn currently operates in commercial and residential sectors across Australia and New Zealand. Their communication solutions provide a private and secure network, which ensures alarm signals are securely delivered from protected premises to monitoring centres.

A spokesperson for Richardson said: "We are excited by this investment into Permaconn, a dynamic and growing business that has a clear history of technology leadership and innovation.

“Australasia is one of our core international investment markets, and a region where we expect to continue to be active.”

Visit: www.permaconn.com

This involved collaborating with a range of partners and ambassadors to attract high-level international congresses to Birmingham to boost the city region’s profile and visitor economy.

“She will be responsible for the Global and Transatlantic divisions and, with her extensive previous experience, she will be a great asset to drive the divisions forward.”

Law firm creates India Desk

International law firm Trowers & Hamlins, which has a base at 10 Colmore Row in Birmingham, has launched an India Desk.

As part of the firm’s wider Asia strategy, the India Desk will provide a dedicated fullservice offering for Indian businesses, global corporations with a presence in India and private clients in support of their international legal needs.

The newly-formed desk comprises a global team of lawyers from key practice areas across the firm. The desk will be led by Debopam Dutta, based in Oman, who has more than a decade of experience working on the ground in India and on international Indiafacing transactions out of Singapore, London and Tokyo.

He will be supported by a core team of multilingual Indian and Indian-origin specialists based in offices across the UK and the Middle East, including Unkar Chanian

in Bahrain, Navinder Grover in London, and Sapna Desai in Dubai.

Sara Bailey, senior partner at Trowers, commented: “The launch of our India Desk is an important part of our strategy for Asia. While we are already working with Indian businesses in this space, the India Desk will help to co-ordinate our work as we embark on this exciting new chapter with a team of highly

experienced lawyers who have considerable knowledge of working with Indian businesses and investors.”

Debopam Dutta, head of the India Desk, added: "The Indian economy is currently one of the fastest growing in the world, making it a key market for a number of our clients.

“The launch of the India Desk is another important step in the firm's growth trajectory, providing our clients and contacts with comprehensive legal expertise on their inbound and outbound India-focused transactions and disputes.

New chapter: Sara Bailey

“In order to better serve our existing networks in the GCC, the UK and Asia, the new India Desk establishes a structured platform to extend our offering beyond the day-to-day delivery of transactional and advisory legal services and provides our clients with fresh thinking and commerciallydriven solutions to help them navigate this key market.”

Contact: Mandy Haque

T: 0121 725 8994

Forensic experts’ Global support

Forensic Pathways - a Birmingham-based company renowned for its innovative threat intelligence, cyber and risk and reputation technologies - has become a patron of the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce (GBCCC).

Established in 2001 and led by the visionary duo of CEO and founder Deb Leary and director Ben Leary, Forensic Pathways boasts an award-winning team of in-house software developers, computer scientists, and investigators.

diverse clientele to navigate th e complexities of the digital world by providing significant cyber risk and reputation management expertise.

The company has gained a global reputation, attracting clients from sectors such as including law enforcement, cyber security organisations, legal, and financial industries.

Deb Leary, who is also president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), said: “Forensic Pathways was a ‘born glob al’ company with innovation and a commitment to ensuring a global positive impact at its core.

“Our heartbeat lies in global trade, innovation, collaboration and doing ‘good business.”

Over the past 22 years Forensic Pathways has emerged as a pioneer in the development of dark web monitoring, social media intelligence, and investigative services. Through its array of cutting-edge tools and services, Forensic Pathways enables its

New Transatlantic patron has eyes on North America

A Burton-on-Trent-based logistics provider has become a patron of Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce, as it sets sights on Canada and the United States.

Kammac is a third-party logistics provider, delivering nationwide supply chain management services in the UK.

The firm specialises in ecommerce, efulfilment, warehousing, co-packing, onsite logistics, pallet network and transport solutions to companies of all sizes.

Kammac operates from a new warehousing, ecommerce and transport hub which was opened by Burton MP Kate Kniveton.

By offering a ready-made UK footprint for efulfilment, warehousing and logistics, Kammac is looking internationally for new business –with a particular focus on the US and Canadian markets.

Ged Carabini, chief operating officer at Kammac, said: “I’m thrilled for us to now be patrons of the Transatlantic division.

“I see it as easily one of the most important steps we’ll take on our journey this year.

“We wanted to be patrons not only to make use of the incredible opportunities to reach untapped markets for Kammac in the US and Canada, but to be integral to the ongoing success of the Chamber and the Greater Birmingham region.

“We want this to be a reciprocal relationship where we can bring just as much to the division as we gain from it; building relationships and business that will benefit all parties involved.”

The GBTCC is a chapter of the BritishAmerican Business network, the largest transatlantic networking organisation promoting trade and investment between the United Kingdom and North America.

Mandy Haque, international director at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, of which the GBTCC is part, said: “I'm delighted to welcome Kammac as the latest patron of Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce.

“We look forward to working closely with them and aiding their expansion plans by helping them reach new markets in the United States and Canada.”

Sian Timmins, international partnerships manager at the GBCC, said: “We are really excited to welcome Deb and Forensic Pathways to the Global Chamber as patrons.

“We look forward to working with closely with them, especially considering Deb’s wealth of experience, not only on the Global Chamber committee and as president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.”

Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce

TRANSATLANTIC CHAMBER

‘We are really excited to welcome Deb and Forensic Pathways to the Global Chamber as patrons’

Important step: Ged Carabini

Leaders: Ben and Deb Leary

Updates and useful information from the largest ethnic support organisation in the UK

Contact: Anjum Khan

T: 0845 6036650

Chamber joins up with Asian Lifestyle Show

The Asian Business Chamber of Commerce has announced a partnership with the Asian Lifestyle Show, taking place on Saturday 28 October, at Edgbaston Stadium.

The event's primary focus is to promote Asian Business while fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of Asian culture and its positive influence on communities worldwide.

About 5,000 delegates are expected and they will have the opportunity to indulge in a plethora of activities throughout the day, including sampling delectable Asian cuisine, witnessing cutting-edge fashion displays, enjoying mesmerising musical performances, and benefiting from business support initiatives.

The festival is prompted by British Asian businesses becoming more visible and influential over the past decade with individuals leaving fulltime employment to following their passion for business and creating brands that cater for a new era of British Asians in the UK.

Kasim Choudhry, co-founder of the Asian Lifestyle Show and president of the Future Faces Chamber of Commerce, said: “I am really thankful for the support from the ABCC for our event and hope that we can showcase the best that we have to offer as a community. I hope our event will be a first of many that will help Asian Business to grow and thrive.”

ABCC president Omar Rashid said: “We welcome any initiative that provides a platform to showcase the very best of the Asian community.

“We are under no doubts the Asian Lifestyle Show will do this and it’s a pleasure for the ABCC to be side by side as partners.”

ABCC director Anjum Khan, said: “We are delighted to partner with the Asian Lifestyle Show to showcase what Asian businesses have to offer to the wider Birmingham region. The ABCC is always on the forefront of supporting many eclectic businesses, and it was a no brainer to announce this partnership. I’m certain it will turn out to be a great event.”

The show will be split into three zones for food and entertainment, fashion, and business. The variety of exhibitors will include professional services, fashion, health and beauty, bridal and wedding services, motoring, food, art and crafts, charity and support services.

Entrepreneur beats ‘cutthroat’ industry

By Feron Jayawardene

A successful entrepreneur told how she succeeded in the “cutthroat” security industry when she spoke at the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) celebration of the Eid festival.

The event at Moseley Rugby Club was attended by 160 guests and was compered by ABCC committee member Monica Ghai while president Omar Rashid welcomed the guests. It was sponsored by Staffordshire university with Moseley Rugby Club acting as the venue sponsor.

The guest speaker was Reshma Sheikh, who is a chairperson, business leader, lawyer, CEO whisperer, public speaker and consultant born and raised in the Midlands.

She was one of only a few Muslim female business leaders in the UK in the security industry with an eight-figure turnover business.

Reshma told guests: “I come from a humble background from Leicester and one thing I made sure that I did was continuously study and gain knowledge. I studied and trained in law. Later, after my children were born, I got pushed back for a partnership opportunity.

“I decided to make a move from law to entrepreneurship and I joined the board of directors of a security firm for FTSE 100 clients. Navigating through difficult times and in a

cutthroat environment, I had to use my transparent skills when making decisions, which later paid dividends.

“If you’re not sure about a situation, go for it. I wasn’t afraid to skip from law to entrepreneurship and that has made all the difference.”

The gathering was also addressed by Chantell Marler and Anna Smith from Forward Carers, Bobby Hussain from NatWest bank and Jack Richards from Moseley Rugby Club.

Chantel Marler and Anna Smith talked about the role carers pay, with 2.6 million individuals

quitting their job to care for a loved one.

Bobby Hussain gave the attendees an overview of how local enterprise managers support businesses and the NatWest Accelerator programme while Jack Richards outlined the efforts taken by Moseley Rugby Community Foundation to improve community engagement and to establish a girls junior rugby team.

Eid Ul Adha signifies the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca that all able Muslims are expected to complete at least once in their lives.

Celebrating Eid (left to right): Chantell Marler and Anna Smith from Forward Carers, Bobby Hussain from NatWest bank, ABCC president Omar Rashid, director of ABCC Anjum Khan, ABCC executive committee member Monica Ghai, and guest speaker Reshma Sheikh

Welcome initiative: Anjum Khan and Omar Rashid

New patrons Gloss to help businesses shine

Gloss, a creative and digital agency, has joined the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce as their latest patrons.

Gloss is a leading provider of comprehensive and results-driven marketing solutions. With a team of skilled professionals and a client-centric approach, Gloss empowers businesses to achieve their online marketing goals and maximise their brand presence. From the inception of Gloss in Birmingham over a decade ago, they have expanded their global footprint with offices in London, Dublin, Mauritius, Philadelphia, and Dubai. Gloss is preparing to enter further strategic locations in the USA and Europe.

Gloss director Dee Vadgama said: “We are proud to be part of the patronage of the ABCC as we have been working closely with them over the years. The business community in Birmingham is

a diverse group of professionals which has a plethora of opportunities.

“As a full-stack agency that serves clients on local, national and international scales we are looking forward to championing this business community to the wider regions through our patronage.”

ABCC president Omar Rashid said: “Having worked closely with Gloss over the past few years I am personally pleased to have them on board as patrons. I have no doubt they will be able to achieve their personal business goals with the ABCC.”

ABCC director Anjum Khan said: “We are delighted to announce Gloss as our latest patron. Dee and the team are renowned for their expertise in creative marketing and brand management, a testament to the diversity of the Asian business community.”

Enterprise director appointed at NatWest

NatWest has promoted Pam Sheemar as the new regional enterprise director for the Midlands and East of England.

With over 10 years of experience at the ABBC patrons, Pam will be responsible for building and nurturing relationships with partner organisations to support start-ups, scale-ups and high-growth businesses to enhance their growth and development.

Pam’s role also includes overseeing the delivery of the bank’s Accelerator programme in the region, which supports businesses founders to scale their businesses from NatWest hubs in Birmingham and Milton Keynes, as well as at the University of Warwick.

Pam said: “The region is so diverse and is home to so many inspirational start and scale-up businesses across a multitude of sectors, from tech, healthcare technology to agriculture and manufacturing.

“So it’s an honour to be in a position where I can support local entrepreneurial talent to accelerate their business growth and thrive, creating success stories the whole region can be proud of.”

Offa welcomes Riaz to board

The UK’s first Sharia-compliant bridge finance provider Offa has announced the appointment of Riaz Husain to their board of directors.

Formerly at the Bank of England Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), Mr Husain’s principal role as a non-executive director at Offa is to supervise the board’s performance in respect of its statutory governance obligations and to chair meetings of the board’s risk and audit committee.

LSE-educated Mr Husain brings an important independent perspective to Offa’s board, having served as a senior regulatory supervisor of financial institutions at the Bank of England Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) from 2014 until his retirement in 2019. Before that, Mr Husain built up extensive experience working for leading insurance companies as an actuary between 1975 and 2013, having qualified as an Associate of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFOA).

Offa’s executive chairman Sultan Choudhury welcomed the latest board member to the West Midlands-based firm: “We are delighted to have Riaz join the Offa board. His immense experience, fine analytical mind and independent ideas will be invaluable to our executive team, informing our high-level strategic decisions as we seek to balance risk with growth in this constantly evolving global business landscape.”

Riaz Husain said: “Even the best directors benefit from being constructively challenged and I look forward to working with the board to support their business decisions, governance and risk management processes.”

Support for business: Pam Sheemar

Proud partners (left to right): ABCC president Omar Rashid, Gloss director Dee Vadgama and Jas Dulay, head of global marketing at Gloss

Expertise: Riaz Husain

Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce

Outlet steps up its footwear offering

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands has welcomed two new active footwear stores.

American brands Merrell and Saucony opened its doors at the designer outlet, which says it appeals to adventurous and stylish consumers who enjoy being active while keeping up with the latest fashion trends.

Merrell was established in 1981 by Rossignol ski company, originally focusing solely on technical hiking boots. The brand strives to inspire everyone to get active and evolved its offering and identity in 1997. Centre guests can now shop for colourful hiking footwear alongside clothing for men, women and children.

Saucony is known as the ‘Original Running Brand’ that utilises contrasting colours and technology while prioritising sustainability to reduce the risks of climate change.

The launch of these brands brings the total number of stores open in the Centre to 68. This follows news of the arrival of Sole Trader, a brand that provides a hand-picked range reflecting the latest style and fashion from international brands including Barbour, Crocs, UGG and Timberland.

David Jackson, centre manager at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands, said: “The arrival of three exceptional new brands – Merrell, Saucony and Sole Trader – provides a wide range of premium footwear and fashion options for our guests.

“We have stores for people who love to explore the great outdoors and for those who love to shop at their favourite international brands at up to 60 per cent off.”

Contact: Richard Brooks

T: 07796 242029

Children’s charity appoints new boss

Newlife, the charity for disabled children, has announced the appointment of new chief executive Fiona Robinson.

Newlife is also the appointed charity of the Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce.

Fiona will be leading the charity and its 10 stores across the UK into a new chapter, working alongside its board of trustees, who are dedicated to helping disabled and terminally ill children and their families nationwide receive vital equipment and support.

GeoGrow launches fresh range

GeoGrow, Cannock-based specialists in geotechnical engineered solutions, have launched an innovative range of environmental services and products designed to help landscaping contractors, developers and local authorities include more green spaces into new or existing developments.

As part of their services, GeoGrow uses a range of highly effective products from LSC Environmental.

As exclusive UK installers of Organix and Fusion, GeoGrow brings this product to the UK for the first time. Organix avoids the costly task of importing additional material to remediate depleted soils by reinstating the existing soils with the fundamentals for vegetation establishment and sustainability. Fusion is an engineered Hydraulic Biotic Soil Amendment (HBSA) that provides a complete topsoil replacement and soil building erosion control solution.

Fiona joins Newlife from her role as trading director at Dobbies Garden Centres, where she was a key member of the management team, bringing vast expertise in business development.

With a retail career spanning more than 30 years, both in the UK and abroad, and including major high street names such as Mothercare and Debenhams, Fiona has consistently played a key role in driving the growth and strategic development of businesses.

In addition to bringing with her vast expertise within the retail industry, Fiona is a motivated leader, taking pride in empowering the teams she works with, and leveraging their strengths to improve.

Fiona said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining Newlife, as we look to develop and drive forward the organisation to be able to help more and more disabled children and their families into the future.

“I am very much looking forward to supporting the Newlife mission and bringing further awareness to our cause. I understand that it’s a challenging time for many of our families, and we are lucky to have a remarkable and dedicated team at Newlife who are committed to supporting them at every step.

“It has been a long-held dream to work within the charity sector, and being able to combine my retail experience with this is a perfect fit.”

EarthGuard is a cost-effective method of high performance erosion control that encourages vegetation establishment.

Mesic is a hydraulic wood mulch for effective temporary erosion control and hydraulic seeding applications, while Posi-shell is an effective, versatile and cost-efficient landfill cover system that can extend the lifespan of landfill sites and reduce operational costs significantly.

Chris Ansell, managing director of GeoGrow, said: “We are excited to be offering a range of LSC Environmental products as part of our drive to expand our greener and temporary cover solutions for the UK environmental markets.”

CHASE CHAMBER PATRONS

Greener world: Geotech in action

Three exceptional brands: David Jackson

Dream job: Fiona Robinson

Contact: Richard Brooks

T: 07796 242029

Willshee’s praised for workplace diversity

By Feron Jayawardene

Burton-based waste and recycling business

Willshee’s has been recognised as a Top 200 UK women-powered business by global private bank J. P. Morgan in its annual business report.

Achieving 59th place in the UK WomenPowered Business Report, Willshee’s is the largest independent waste and recycling company in the East Midlands region, providing domestic, industrial and commercial waste solutions for nearly 40 years.

To compile the report J.P. Morgan analysed 13,255 high-growth UK companies that are founded, led, managed or owned by women, and ranks the top 200 companies based on growth in sales, headcount and valuation.

Maria Willshee, a founding director of Willshee’s Waste & Recycling, said: “We are all very proud to receive this independent

Windrush Generation celebrated at carnival

Thousands of people descended on the National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, to attend Carnival Windrush, an immersive and vibrant celebration of the Windrush Generation.

Captivated by the poetry, invigorating music, soulful songs and mesmerising dances, visitors were taken on a cultural journey to the Caribbean.

Rachel Smith, head of learning and participation at the National Memorial Arboretum, said: “Carnival Windrush brought the Caribbean spirit to the Arboretum, with visitors treated to a magnificent display of

colours, music and sound. Together we explored how this pioneering group of migrants helped to shape modern Britain, not only making unprecedented economic contributions to society, but leaving a lasting cultural impact.”

The free event, organised in collaboration with Black Voices, associate partners of the Arboretum, explored the legacy of the HMT Empire Windrush, which arrived on UK shores 75-years ago, and the significant role the Windrush Generation played in rebuilding the country after the Second World War.

The main stage featured captivating performances from Black Voices, ACE Dance and Music, the Notebenders, the Reggaelators, and many other talented artists.

One of the highlights was the debut performance of “We Honour You” by an ensemble of more than 200 choristers recruited from across the West Midlands.

A period of reflection was led by Reverend Ermal Kirby, a leading Methodist minister who was born in the Caribbean.

The “Windrush Pioneers”, a group of Windrush migrants and their descendants, were presented with handkerchiefs embroidered with the words “We Honour You”.

recognition from J. P. Morgan which is a very important milestone in our four decades of helping our customers to manage and recycle their waste sustainably.

“It’s part of our long-term vision to continue to build a diverse and inclusive workforce as we look to accelerate our growth across the Midlands.”

MIH Solutions clinches a double award success

A year-long programme designed to engage staff and rejuvenate an NHS Trust has led to an awards double for the agency behind the campaign.

MIH Solutions was presented with both the employee engagement and public sector prizes at the PRCA DARE Awards 2023 for the Midlands region, following its work with Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust.

Jo Yeaman, managing director at MIH Solutions, said: “We are thrilled to have won these awards for our work with the NHS – an institution which of course means so much to so many of us.

“There was an amazing buzz across the whole of CWPT, and involving staff and stakeholders in the development of the Trust’s new vision and brand engendered a sense of passion, pride and ownership. As ever, our success was down to the talent, innovation and dedication of our team.”

BURTON & DISTRICT CHAMBER PATRONS

Girl power (left to right): Karen Roberts (SHEQ manager), Sharon Erden (weighbridge operator and planner), Maria Willshee (director), Clare Cruddas (Willshee's aggregates - sales and logistics manager), Jenna Willshee (office manager), Sue Purnell (technical compliance manager) and Karina Jackevica (accounts assistant)

Boost for NHS Trust (left to right): CWPT assistant director of communications and engagement Beth Osborne, MIH managing director Jo Yeaman and fellow director Jon Beech

Uplifting: Part of the entertainment for the Carnival Windrush

New board members to steer theatre’s future

Lichfield Garrick Theatre has announced the appointment of six new trustees.

Josh Beaumont, Natalie Haslam, David Hill, Sophie Price, Emma Ryan and Beth Shouler will join the charity’s existing trustees, Deb Baker, Phil Carter, Denise Peach, and Wayne Smith (currently acting chair).

Josh Beaumont is a commercial theatre producer with over ten years’ experience, working both nationally and internationally. He’s proud to be joining the team and looks forward to furthering relationships with the communities of Lichfield and the surrounding areas through the Garrick’s work both on- and off-stage.

Natalie Haslam has lived in Lichfield all her life and is passionate about inclusive, community-based projects that champion access and development. She is a producer and dance artist who works for a number of dance companies, and is looking forward to working with the theatre to build on its commitment to the wider local cultural scene.

David Hill has enjoyed a long career in the arts, including five years as the marketing director of the Birmingham Hippodrome and as a framework consultant for Arts Council England. He is keen to explore the Garrick’s potential to play an even more significant role in the cultural and community life of Lichfield.

Sophie Price is a chartered accountant with a long-standing passion for theatre and performance. She is thrilled that as a trustee of the Lichfield Garrick she can draw on both her professional experience and her personal passions in support of the venue.

Emma Ryan is very proud to call Lichfield her home. Arts and culture is a huge passion of hers, both personally and professionally (she is head of communications at the Birmingham Hippodrome). So she is thrilled to be joining the team as the theatre focuses on allowing more people to have transformational cultural experiences.

Beth Shouler is a Midlands-based theatre director with a particular passion for supporting emerging artists and developing new audiences. She was drawn to the Garrick’s close relationships with its local community and is looking forward to working with the venue on its next chapter and helping to support it to fulfil its potential.

Artistic director and chief executive Daniel Buckroyd said: “We’re thrilled to welcome this new cohort of trustees who join our team as the venue celebrates its 20th anniversary, and who, alongside our existing board members, will bring new insight and energy to the organisation as we shape our vision for the next 20 years of theatre in Lichfield.”

Contact: Chris Brewerton

T: 0845 6036650

Olympians to design leisure facilities

The contract to design Lichfield’s new £10m leisure centre has been awarded to a company founded by British Olympic swimmers Becky Adlington and Steve Parry.

ReCreation will develop plans for the new purpose-built facility at Stychbrook Park after it was chosen over five other bidders, scoring highest in terms of quality and price.

The company, founded in 2005, states its mission is “to provide modern community leisure centres with swimming pools at their heart”.

The much-needed leisure centre will replace the ageing Friary Grange Leisure Centre and feature a six-lane 25m swimming pool, a vending area, a dance studio, a changing area for outdoor activity, a 3G pitch, an 80-station fitness and toning suite, Spin Studio and cycling points.

The leader of Lichfield District Council Cllr Doug Pullen said: “I am delighted that in ReCreation we have secured a company with the expertise to deliver exactly what Lichfield needs, endorsed by two of the finest swimmers this country has ever produced.

“We know how important quality leisure facilities are to the district’s residents and appointing a designer for the new leisure centre is an important step towards bringing the project to fruition.”

Becky Adlington said: “Whether as a training ground for the next generation of Olympians, or as a community hub in which to stay physically and mentally in superb health, all of us at ReCreation are thrilled to be developing this new leisure centre for the people of Lichfield.”

Lichfield chef Liam Dillon has announced that he has chosen community fund We Love Lichfield as his charity of choice.

And the restaurateur will be holding a series of fundraising events.

Liam, chef-owner of The Boat Inn, said, “I was born in Lichfield, I went to school in Lichfield and now my business is in Lichfield. This is my home and I want to give something back.

“Over the year I hope to raise funds for We Love Lichfield who make a real difference across the district.”

We Love Lichfield provides small grants to a wide range of projects based in Lichfield District. The fund will consider all applications from local groups in need twice a year. Since the fund started, it has given away grants of over £300,000 to more than 250 organisations.

Simon Price, patron of We Love Lichfield, said: “With Liam’s help we will raise money for the local community but also connect with new people across the district and spread the word of the great work of We Love Lichfield.

“Liam has supported We Love Lichfield over the years with numerous raffle prizes, and it’s great that he has signed up long-term to help us support the amazing charities and voluntary groups in Lichfield, Burntwood and the surrounding villages.”

LICHFIELD & TAMWORTH CHAMBER PATRONS

Thrilled: Becky Adlington

Chef lends his support to Lichfield fund

Long-term support: Liam Dillon (left) and Simon Price

Contact: Chris Brewerton

0845 6036650

The new owners of the Gracechurch Centre set out their vision during a meeting of the Sutton Coldfield Town Centre Regeneration Partnership.

The shopping centre has been acquired in a joint venture between Midlandsbased BPG and property investor the SAV Group.

John Southall, director of BPG, outlined the firms’ experience of working in commercial property, retail, student and residential accommodation, as well as his own background, which includes the redevelopment of shopping centres.

He said the JV supports the shared vision set out in the Sutton Coldfield Town Centre Masterplan and of the opportunity for a reinvigorated Gracechurch Centre that meets local residents’

aspirations and recognises the town’s heritage.

Mr Southall said BPG are committed to being open and transparent with their proposals by involving residents and community groups at the earliest opportunity.

delivering a vibrant, engaging and successful long-term redevelopment of Sutton Coldfield Town Centre.

“The level of engagement received to date from the TCRP, Cllr Simon Ward, The Rt Hon. Andrew Mitchell, mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street and Birmingham City Council has given us every confidence that our ambitious regeneration plans will get the support needed.”

PLOTTing a new brand for Simpex Express

A team of specialists is currently being assembled and as soon as workable proposals are drawn up, there will be opportunities for engagement with residents and other key stakeholders on plans for the site.

Mr Southall said: “BPG and SAV are committed to

Vision set out for Gracechurch Centre Ghost stories come to life

Cllr Ward said: “The regeneration of Sutton Coldfield Town Centre is hugely important to residents and local businesses.

“From the discussion with BPG at the TCRP meeting it is clear that they and the SAV Group are keen to play a huge role in unlocking the Gracechurch Centre to breathe new life into the existing town centre.”

Brand and web agency PLOTT Creative has helped freight company and fellow Chamber member Simpex Express deliver a new brand launch.

The PLOTT team developed Simpex owner Simon Beechner’s idea for a new sister brand which focuses on express van shipments.

Although Simpex already had this high-speed and responsive service in place, the new brand has been created to attract and convert specific web traffic.

Simon said: “Our success gave us the network and capacity to expand. I needed a brand and website that would really stand out in a highly competitive marketplace and give a positive ROI. It was then I was put in touch with PLOTT.

“Their experience and expertise was obvious from the get-go and gave me the confidence to push on with Express Van.”

A chilling new supernatural thriller by an awardwinning Sutton Coldfield journalist has been inspired by real-life ghost stories from the region.

13 Doors, by G J Phelps, tells the story of a reporter who sets out to spend the night in 13 haunted locations, with terrifying consequences.

The author – real name Gary Phelps – edited nine newspapers across the region, and now runs a successful PR agency called Gary Phelps Communications.

With clients including West Midlands mayor Andy Street, Power Minerals Ltd and Jordan Financial Management, Gary is also vice-president of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce.

He has drawn on actual local ghost stories that he collected over a 30-year career in newspapers to create 13 Doors, which is already collecting fivestar reviews since its publication in July.

Gary said: “All newsrooms

have odd, unexplainable stories, where a member of the public has brought in a tale which the journalists just couldn’t explain.

“After working in news for years, I’ve collected them – particularly from around the Birmingham area – and when I came to write 13 Doors, I thought it would be interesting to weave them into the story.

“For example, there’s a story based on an interview I did with the manager of a haunted pub in Sutton Coldfield, back when I was a reporter, and a fantastic story about a local van driver who ‘ran over’ a ghost near Witton Cemetery.

“While 13 Doors is fiction, there are a handful of stories and anecdotes in it that are based on real stories – stories that journalists couldn’t explain.”

13 Doors by G J Phelps is published by the Book Guild Publishing, priced £9.99 and is ilable from all good book shops and can be ordered online.

‘I needed a brand and website that would really stand out’

PLOTT say they have developed a modern brand that is more polished and professional than the competition.

The brand identity is a logo that implies speed and hints at Simpex’s “we’re express in everything we do” ethos.

During the development of the Express Van brand and website, Simon chose to further engage PLOTT for a brand refresh and website rebuild of the parent company, Simpex Express.

Anna Plotnek, managing director of PLOTT, said: “Networking and referral is how PLOTT attracts new business, and so I’m always delighted to work with a fellow Chamber member.

“We’re delighted with how the brands and websites have come together, and with how they are performing. Simon was a dream client, and a pleasure to work with.”

Simpex Express have also announced the acquisition of PJL Freight Solutions Limited, which will merge with the Simpex Leeds office.

‘The regeneration of Sutton Coldfield Town Centre is hugely important’

“Dream client”: Anna Plotnek with Simon Beechner

New meeting room opens in town centre

A new private meeting room has opened in the heart of Solihull Town Centre.

It is located inside independent coffee shop brew twenty three (7 Mill Lane, B91 3AR). brew twenty three has created a private space with dual purpose that they say feels creative, spacious and inspiring.

The space has a capacity for 16 people. Bespoke packages are available, with high speed internet, smart TV, facilities and more.

Room rental starts from £150 per day from 8:30am to 4pm, this can be used as credit against the whole menu. Hourly rental and half day rental are also available.

Dayna Winter, owner of brew twenty three, said: “I wanted to create a space for individuals and businesses to be able to use as an alternative to either a meeting space in a chain or gym, or a on a Teams call because they don’t have a space to meet in.

“We wanted to create a room that can be multi-purpose and flexible. We’ve all been to those meetings with what they call a ‘beige’ lunch - but our food and drink offering stands out, as does our award winning coffee.”

Email: hello@brewtwentythree.com

All the latest news, advice and events for the Solihull business community

Contact: Samantha Frampton

T: 0121 678 7488

Demand for Solihull office space is soaring

The Solihull office market enjoyed the best Q2 since 2019, according to research by commercial property specialists KWB.

Total take up was 40,913 sq ft across 10 transactions, with six deals taking place at Junction 6 of the M42, including four at Birmingham Business Park.

The largest letting of the quarter was to fleet management specialist Holman, which took 15,896 sq ft at 4020 Lakeside situated on Birmingham Business Park to support its new seven-year contract with BT.

In the second largest letting, housebuilder Avant Homes relocated to a 6,983 sq ft space at Wingfield Court in Coleshill, having previously been in Regus serviced offices.

Mobile asset and fleet management solutions provider Mix Telematics signed up for 1,874 sq ft at 6170 Knights Court, also at Birmingham Business Park.

A total of 228,000 sq ft of refurbished Grade A office space is also currently on the market across four properties: 70,000 sq ft at AIR in Solihull; 61,000 sq ft at Portland House at the NEC/Birmingham Airport; 60,000 sq ft at One

Central Boulevard on Blythe Valley Park and 37,000 sq ft at Blake House on Eagle Court Business Park. Even healthier future quarters are expected for the Solihull office market as more space becomes available.

Malcolm Jones, head of office agency at KWB, said: “It’s excellent to see nearly 230,000 sq ft of refurbished space come to market and there’s more to come. We expect to see a strong response to these refurbished buildings and those in the pipeline, as larger occupiers have some choice again when looking to relocate and enhance their ESG credentials.

“There is a lack of smaller offices below 3,500 sq ft, giving landlords a real opportunity to refurbish and reposition their vacant buildings to deliver high quality suites.”

For more details or to discuss office space requirements, contact Malcolm Jones at mjones@kwboffice.com or 0121 233 2330.

Traffix management team complete buy-in

Solihull-based temporary traffic and events management company Traffix Limited have announced the completion of a management buy-in involving five existing members of the management team.

It was led by Gary Horsburgh (founder and financial director), who is joined by four new shareholders: Stuart Morrissey (managing director), Derek Vinning (operations director), Kerry Draper (Health, Safety and Facilities director) and Simon Ashley (area director England North).

This inward investment will enable the team to deliver its plans to broaden Traffix’s service offering within other disciplines of traffic management. Additionally, the company expects to expand its coverage across the UK. Traffix has recently opened a depot in Greater Manchester to service existing commitments in the North West and to facilitate new projects.

Gary Horsburgh commented: “I am thrilled that our current board of directors have now become shareholders of the business. The hard work and dedication shown by the team made my decision to invite them to be joint owners a very easy one.”

Buying into the business (left to right): Gary Horsburgh, Derek Vinning, Simon Ashley, Kerry Draper, Stuart Morrissey

Private space: Part of the meeting room

Booming: Solihull’s office space

SOLIHULL CHAMBER PATRONS

The egg and spoon race is back...

Solihull Chamber have launched their first Retro Games, alongside Inspire Activity.

The games take place at Hogarth’s Hotel, Solihull, on Thursday, 7 September, from 4pm to 7pm.

They are free to enter but will be used to raise funds for the Solihull Chamber chosen charity,

Solihull Moors Foundation, and so businesses that enter a team will be asked to make a minimum voluntary donation of £100 via the attached QR code link. Teams must comprise four to six people.

Becci Fox, chief executive at Solihull Moors Foundation, said: “We are really excited to be partnering with Solihull Chamber for the Retro Games event. I am sure that it will bring a variety of businesses together to have fun with lots of laughter and relive the memory of sports day while raising funds that will directly support our community projects throughout the Solihull Moors Foundation.”

specialising in organising events that promote health, happiness, and physical activity within local communities and workplaces. With over 12 years’ experience, they have established themselves as experts in delivering exceptional experiences.

Samantha Frampton, head of Solihull Chamber, said: “I am so excited to announce the first ever Solihull Chamber Retro Games. Who doesn’t love an egg and spoon race? The games will provide businesses the opportunity for some internal team building, host clients while networking and connecting with their team rivals. The day is also an opportunity to help raise vital funds for Solihull Moors Foundation.”

Scan

Inspire Activity, who will be providing the Games alongside the Chamber, is a leading management company in the West Midlands,

‘We are really excited to be partnering with Solihull Chamber for the Retro Games event’

Retro fun: The three-legged race in full flow

Contact: Sophie Poduval-Morrell

T: 0121 274 3276

Mental health charity to get backing from FF

Future Faces has chosen Birmingham Mind as their new Charity of the Year 2023-2024.

Birmingham Mind are one of the largest independent providers of mental health services in Birmingham and have been delivering support to people in the city for over 60 years.

Last year they supported over 34,718 people with mental health issues. They are proactive in removing stigma around mental health in the city and have worked with partners such as Bullring for the last two years to deliver campaigns that highlight the needs to talk about mental health and access services.

All donations and fundraising Birmingham Mind receive stays in Birmingham, which helps to support the services they offer to the people who are struggling with mental health. These services include a 24/7 helpline, on which they received over 5,500 contacts from 18–35-year-olds last year, and their new wellbeing hub at Bullring.

Danny Booth, director of business development at Birmingham Mind, said: “We’re delighted that Birmingham Mind have been chosen as Future Faces Charity of the Year. As a local charity we’re focused on both raising awareness around mental health, and delivering a range of services which support people where and when they need it.

“This partnership with Future Faces is really exciting to us. It will help us reach even more people over the next year and we look forward to getting involved with all the events that are planned.”

Amy Jacklin, brand and community manager for Virgin Money and vice president of the Future Faces executive committee, said: “The competition for Future Faces Charity of the Year was fierce this year, but as a

committee, we are so proud to announce Birmingham Mind. With so many shared values, we are really looking forward to working closely with them.

“We have some really exciting ideas to bring the work of Birmingham Mind to the young professionals of Birmingham and we can’t wait to start raising lots of funds for the great work they do.”

Future Faces will be holding a charity quiz night at The Button Factory in the Jewellery Quarter on Thursday 26 October, from 5:30pm to 8pm. Teams of up to five are able to register and there will be a £15 entry fee with all of the funds raised to be donated to Birmingham Mind. Scan the QR code for more information.

Podcast tackles importance of diversity

Diversity and Inclusion is something that all businesses should strive to create and maintain within their workplace.

That’s the view of Alex Bishop, co-head of Shoosmiths Birmingham, who spoke to Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell on the

latest episode of Future Faces: The Young Professionals Podcast about diversity and inclusion and why it is so important.

Alex and fellow co-head of Shoosmiths Birmingham, Beth McArdle, have created space in the businesses’ new home at 103 Colmore Row. In June of this year, Shoosmiths opened the doors to its new home in the heart of Birmingham, 20 years after the firm first established a presence in the city.

From the outset, Alex and Beth worked together with design agency Office Principles North to create the ideal, hybrid “workplace destination” that reimagines old ways of working and serves as an example of a truly inclusive working environment.

Shoosmiths has incorporated a host of innovative features in 103, many of which support the diversity, inclusion and wellbeing of the firm’s people and are designed to be visible and non-visible disability friendly.

These include a wellbeing room, a multi-faith contemplation pod and washing facilities, a platform lift between floors to provide disabled access, braille signage for those with impaired

vision, sit and stand desks, dressing rooms and a mindful colour palette.

Working together with colleagues and the design team, the firm has created a home for its people that is accessible and welcoming for all.

The podcast episode is available to listen to from Tuesday 12 September. Scan the QR code to access all previous episodes.

New Members

Jacob Jo Hollis Ark Media Productions Limited

Alarna Lawley Colour Cubed Creative Communications

Tom Newbold Eleven Views

Wesley Foster Eleven Views

Natasja Kainth Pearl Comms

Demi Eley Shire Leasing plc

FUTURE FACES CHAMBER PATRONS

Podcast: Sophie Poduval-Morrell (left) and Alex Bishop

Kind thoughts: The judging panel who chose Birmingham Mind after long deliberations. Pictured (left to right): Kasim Choudhry, Amy Jacklin, Sarah Griffith, Sabah Hussain, Danny Booth, Kerrie Henry-Edge, Will Crawford, Freya Dearman, Ashley Kerr and Tom Bower

The Chamber’s ever growing network for young professionals and the

‘Favourite gyal from Brum’ to host awards

The compere for the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year awards 2023 will be Kaylee Golding, a DJ and an award-winning presenter.

She hosts BBC 1XTRA weekdays from 1-4pm and was previously on KISS Fresh every weekend and weekdays on HITs Radio Pride.

In 2021 she won E4’s talent search and is currently part of the E4 Academy.

Kaylee also has a weekly show every Monday at 1pm-3pm on Reprezent Radio and a bi-weekly show on No Signal Radio from 3pm.

She is originally from Birmingham but is now living in East London. Hence she follows the slogan: “Your favourite Gyal from Brum.”

As part of the LGBTQ+ community, she felt it was important to represent that side of her so in 2020 she launched her podcast On Your Gaydar.

As a DJ, Kaylee has performed guest mixes on a vast variety of stations including Capital XTRA and BBC 1XTRA. She has also played at multiple festivals including Birmingham Pride.

Sophie Poduval-Morrell, manager of Future Faces, said: “We are so excited that Kaylee is going to be our host for the awards.

“She has supported the city in so many ways, the Commonwealth Games legacy being one of them. We can’t wait to see the energy she will bring to the awards.”

Future Faces have also announced that Eloquent Dance will be performing as one of the entertainment acts. Eloquent Dance is a multiaward-winning dance company and community organisation who have been acknowledged for their excellence by achieving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services in June, 2022.

Shortlist celebrated at summer barbecue event

By Darby Newman

The Future Faces division of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce enjoyed a barbecue to celebrate the shortlisted applications for their Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year awards 2023.

The event took place on the Birmingham Library terrace, organised by Unique Venues, featuring a photo booth, barbecue food and a “make your own cheesecake” station. Over 100 attendees gathered to congratulate the shortlisted applicants and celebrate their success in the process so far.

Future Faces president Kasim Choudhry and GBCC head of membership Lillian Elekan congratulated the finalists on their interviews and their determination and confidence in the application process.

Lillian said: “It’s been a real honour to chair the judging for these awards. They have all put themselves out there and it’s amazing to see how capable and confident they all are.”

Gabriel Imevbore, shortlisted for the Third Sector category, said: “Being shortlisted for this award is a great honour. Young professionals being championed for their talent is a great representation for how forward thinking our city is.”

Tom Green from Six&Partners, has been shortlisted in the Sales, Marketing and Communications category. He said: “There is a real pride in being shortlisted, from the moment it was announced we have all had great exposure.”

The Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year awards 2023 will take place at the Eastside Rooms on 22 September.

Radisson Blu Hotel supports awards

Future Faces have announced that Radisson Blu Hotel will be sponsoring the GBYPY - Retail and Hospitality awards for the BYPY Awards 2023.

Matthew Loughrey, general manager at Radisson Blu, said: “Radisson Blu Hotel, Birmingham, are proud to be sponsoring the Retail and Hospitality category. It is incredibly refreshing to see the quality of talent coming through, knowing we are in good hands for the future.”

The Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year awards 2023 category sponsors so far are as below:

Headline sponsors: Aston University and Schumacher Packaging

Greater Birmingham Apprentice of the Year: Staffordshire University

GBYPY - Change and Sustainability: Squire Patton Boggs

GBYPY - Engineering and Manufacturing: Birmingham Metropolitan College

GBYPY - Retail and Hospitality: Radisson Blu Hotel

GBYPY - Start-ups, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship: mfg Solicitors

GBYPY - Technology and Innovation: Birmingham City University

Future Faces Ambassador 2023: Common Purpose

There are still opportunities for sponsorship. For more information, visit www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

leaders of tomorrow.

Long and short of it: Shortlisted candidates celebrate their success on the Birmingham Library terrace

True Brummie: Kaylee Golding

Another packed month

Who will be named Birmingham’s Young Professional of the Year?

The Future Faces division of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce takes the spotlight this month in a packed programme of events.

The BYPY Awards 23 take place on 22 September at the Eastside Rooms, located in what is becoming known as Birmingham’s Knowledge Quarter, alongside Millennium Point. See pages 52 and 53 for more details. As always there is a big programme events across Chamber territory.

For further information and to book a place, visit:

www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/networking-events

Networking Lunch Burton and District

Date: 5 September

Time: 12:00 – 14:00

Venue: Branston Golf Club

Division: Burton and District

Cost: Members: free Future Faces Members: £15+VAT

Non-members: £50+VAT

Future Faces Professional Development | Diversity & Inclusion

Date: 5 September

Time: 12:00 – 14:00

Venue: Shoosmiths

Division: Future Faces

Cost: Future Faces members: free

Social Networking Lichfield and Tamworth

Date: 6 September

Time: 17:30 – 19:30

Venue: The Hub at St Mary’s

Division: Lichfield and Tamworth

Cost: Members: free

Future Faces members: £15+VAT

Non-members: £50+VAT

Royal Sutton Coldfield Annual General Meeting

Date: 7 September

Time: 12:00 – 14:00

Venue: The Townhouse

Division: Royal Sutton Coldfield

Cost: Members: free

Future Faces Members: £15+VAT

Non-members: £50+VAT

Solihull Chamber Retro Games 2023

Date: 7 September

Time: 12:00 – 14:00

Venue: Hogarth’s Hotel

Division: Solihull

Cost: Members: free

Future Faces Members: £15+VAT

Non-members: £50+VAT

Ingrida Vengalyte (above) was crowned Young Professional of Year in 2022. The strategic business consultant with American global solutions provider Jacobs also won the FF Sustainability award

ABCC Member Social

Date: 12 September

Time: 17:30 – 19:00

Venue: Zauq Buffet

Division: ABCC

Cost: Members: free

1813 Club & Premier Member Exemplar Visit | Circle Health

Date: 14 September

Time: 17:30 – 19:30

Venue: Circle Health

Division: GBCC

Cost: Members: free

Future Faces Social Networking with Lichfield

Date: 14 September

Time: 17:30 – 19:30

Venue: Brewhouse and Kitchen

Division: Future Faces

Cost: Members: free Future Faces Members: free

Non-members: free

Speed Networking Cannock Chase

Date: 19 September

Time: 8:30 – 10:30

Venue: The Rugeley Rose

Division: Cannock Chase

Cost: Members: free Future Faces Members: £15+VAT

Non-members: £50+

Networking Lunch Lichfield & Tamworth

Date: 20 September

Time: 12:00 – 14:00

Venue: Cathedral Hotel

Division: Lichfield & Tamworth

Cost: Members: free

Future Faces Members: £15+VAT

Non-members: £50+

Business at Breakfast Sutton Coldfield

Date: 21 September

Time: 7:30 – 9:30

Venue: TBC

Division: Sutton Coldfield

Cost: Members: free

Future Faces members: £15+VAT

Non-members: £50+

Networking Lunch Birmingham

Date: 21 September

Time: 12:00 – 14:00

Venue: Albert Schloss

Division: Birmingham

Cost: Members: free Future Faces Members: £15+VAT

Non-members: £50+

Greater BYPY Awards 2023

Date: 22 September

Time: 18:00 – 23:30

Venue: Eastside Rooms

Division: Future Faces

Cost: Members: £120

Future Faces members: £100

Non-members: £120

Social Networking Burton & District

Date: 21 September

Time: 17:30 – 19:30

Venue: TBC

Division: Burton & District

Cost: Members: free

Future Faces members: £15+VAT

Non-members: £50+

1813 Club & Premier Members

Social Networking

Date: 27 September

Time: 17:00 – 19:30

Venue: Sky by Water, Resorts World Division: GBCC

Cost: Members: free

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Elevate workplace productivity with KPG's tailored Wellbeing Pathways

2. Employee Engagement & Support: Dive into the pillars of workplace wellness and discover innovative approaches to prioritise employee wellbeing.

3. Wellbeing Workplace Culture: Overcome engagement barriers as you learn to cultivate a culture where wellbeing isn't just encouraged but celebrated.

4. Measuring Impact & Productivity: Uncover the tangible benefits of a well-rounded wellbeing strategy – from resilience to higher performance – all of which translate into enhanced productivity.

Whether you prefer online or in-person delivery, KPG's courses adapt to your environment.

In partnership we will invest in your company's future. Choose KPG's unique Workplace Wellbeing module-based programme which could transform your workplace into a hub of vitality, engagement, and productivity. When your employees thrive, so does your organisation.

In the fast-paced world of business, optimising productivity while nurturing employee wellbeing is no longer a luxury, but a strategic imperative. Enter leading mental health charity, the Kaleidoscope Plus Group’s new Workplace Wellbeing programme. Designed to empower organisations to thrive and tailored to your unique needs and schedules, KPG modules offer a versatile learning experience. From inspiring one-day and half-day immersive sessions, KPG's support and training is delivered by highly qualified, CPD accreditation business trainers.

These modules, comprising five distinct elements, serve as a compass guiding your journey towards a holistic workplace wellness transformation:

1. Defining Your Wellbeing Goals: Our experts collaborate with you to chart a course towards a healthier, more engaged workforce. An initial assessment, free of charge, sets the stage.

5. Implementing a Wellbeing Strategy: Armed with newfound insights, craft a comprehensive wellbeing strategy designed to leave a lasting impact on your organisation.

For more information and costs please contact us: T: 0121 565 5605

E: training@kaleidoscopeplus.org.uk

W: kaleidoscopeplus.org.uk/workplacewellbeing-programme

A trouble-free Christmas

Aworkplace Christmas party can offer a morale boost at the end of the year and provide a way to thank your staff for all their hard work. However, ‘alarm bells’ could replace ‘jingle bells’ for employers if they fail to be aware of the potential risks, such as sexual harassment, alcohol-fuelled brawls, religious discrimination and postparty absenteeism

So how can you ensure your party is a success, without becoming a party pooper? As the festive season approaches, Chamberlink offers a workplace Christmas party guide.

The invitation

Do not insist that all staff attend the office Christmas party. Christmas is a Christian holiday, so do not pressure someone to attend if they do not want to on religious grounds. If the event is out of hours, remember also that some people have family responsibilities that may prevent them coming.

Decorating the office

It is a common misconception that Christmas decorations breach health and safety rules and are outlawed by the religious discrimination provisions of the Equality Act 2010. As long as a proper risk assessment is carried out, looking at where and how decorations are sited, particularly if they could pose potential fire hazards, you will not normally fall foul of health and safety rules.

Party policies

The office Christmas party is, in reality, a work-related activity so make sure you set the boundaries of acceptable behaviour while acknowledging that employees will, of course, want to let their hair down. Provide clear written guidance to all employees about acceptable standards of behaviour at work-related social events, equal opportunities and harassment - and on the disciplinary sanctions that could result from breaches of the rules. Make it clear that fighting, excessive alcohol consumption, use of illegal drugs, inappropriate behaviour, sexist or racist remarks, and comments about sexual orientation, disability, age or religion will not be tolerated. While party policies may seem Scrooge-like, they are a valuable precaution for employers and demonstrate that reasonable action has been taken to protect employees.

Limit the spirit

While you will want to provide a number of celebratory free drinks for employees to reward them for their hard work over the year, remember that a free bar throughout the evening will encourage excessive alcohol intake. You may, therefore, want to consider restricting the offer of free alcohol available and should be prepared to ask individuals to take it easy if they appear worse for wear. Finally, be respectful of employees who, for whatever reason, do not drink. Ensure a plentiful supply of alcohol-free alternatives – and lots of water.

Getting home

Consider how your employees will get home after the party. Issue advice in advance about not drinking and driving, as an employer might still be responsible for their employee driving home from an office party. Think also about providing transport home or ending the event before public transport stops. At the very least, encourage employees to think about how they will get home.

The morning after the night before

Be clear about your expectations regarding absence the next day. Ensure that all staff know the extent to which you will be lenient about coming to work late and that, if your expectations are breached, disciplinary action may be taken. But take care – a past history of festive tolerance, especially where liquid lunches are concerned, could be used as evidence that disciplinary action against an individual is unfair.

Coach travel: a festive and sustainable choice

The festive season is fast approaching, the excitement for Christmas parties and gatherings is beginning to fill the air! While there are numerous modes of transportation available, this year presents an opportune moment to consider a more effective and sustainable option: coach travel. This fantastic mode of transport not only promises a seamless journey but also adds an extra layer of festivity to the overall experience.

One of the most compelling reasons to opt for coach travel during the festive season is the sense of community it fosters. Unlike individual vehicles that can separate groups, coaches allow for everyone to travel together. Imagine a convoy of coaches, each filled with excited party-goers sharing stories, laughter and anticipation of the evening’s merriment! The journey becomes an integral part of the celebration, allowing festivities to commence the moment the journey begins. This shared experience sets the tone for the entire evening, creating lasting memories that go beyond the party itself. At Johnsons, we have been providing just this experience for thousands of clients every year. Established since 1909, we are experts at creating the best possible experience – ideally located in the heart of the Midlands with vehicles ranging from eight to 89 seats. With friendly and professional drivers, you’re safe in the knowledge that you can sit back, relax, and treasure the festive memories!

Beyond the festive ambiance, coach travel offers practical benefits that are particularly advantageous during the Christmas rush. Traffic is a common worry

during this time of year, with everyone trying to reach their destination simultaneously. Choosing coach travel eliminates the stress of driving through crowded streets and searching for parking, allowing party-goers to arrive in a relaxed and festive mood. Additionally, the convenience of having a professional driver at the wheel ensures safety and allows passengers to indulge in the Christmas spirit without worrying!

We know sustainability is a pressing concern in today’s world, and making environmentally friendly choices during this season can have a significant impact to most companies. Coach travel presents an environmentally friendly alternative to multiple individual vehicles. By reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting large groups of people, choosing coaches aligns with the spirit of giving back to the planet during the season of giving. As the world moves toward more sustainable practices, embracing coach travel for Christmas parties demonstrates a commitment to responsible choices without compromising the joy of the season. Opting for coach travel can lead to financial benefits as well! Splitting the cost of a coach among passengers often proves to be a cost-effective solution, especially when compared to the expenses of fuel, parking and potential wear and tear associated with individual cars. Plus it means more can be spent on gifts, decorations, entertainment and delectable dining!

This festive season lets choose the road less travelled – the one filled with camaraderie, comfort, and the magic of shared moments. Get ready to ‘sleigh’ the night away with Johnsons Coaches as we transport you to a jolly good time this Christmas!

‘One of the most compelling reasons to opt for coach travel during the festive season is the sense of community it fosters’

In-house legal services for SMEs

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 example, it is possible to come to an arrangement with a law firm to employ their services on a

‘Employing an in-house lawyer brings many business and cost benefits, and many larger businesses will have already realised the advantage ’

part-time basis or 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: 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 and outs of your operation and anticipate 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 in-house 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 do speak for themselves. The more you work with an inhouse 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.

Keeping it in the family

By Eric S Britt, head of legal services, Prestige Wills & Legal Services Ltd

people in the UK have made a will, and even less have Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), both of which are essential in today’s world There is also the cost of care, and current estimates suggest at least a third of us will end up in a care home toward the end of our lives. Without forward planning your finances would be totally used up, and then your house sold to cover the cost, although if you have a spouse or civil partner, they will be able to stay in the house until they die or end up in a care home too However, with a little forward planning you can avoid or greatly reduce inheritance tax and probate fees

Wills

A will is what most people know they should have, but sadly, more often than not they never get round to writing one While there are the so called ‘free wills’ advertised everywhere, you’ll find you usually have to name those offering the will as executors and trustees There is the opportunity of course of writing a will for yourself, but unless you know exactly what you are doing, this can quite often turn out to be totally inadequate

express your funeral wishes, and even set up a Trust in the will to protect 50 per cent of the house from being taken for potential care home fees All that is necessary is to change the way you register your property to ‘tenants in common’ as most people who their own their house have it registered as ‘joint tenants’ You then give your spouse/civil partner/or whoever the ‘right to reside’ in your 50 per cent of the property until they die

If you are also concerned about someone you want to inherit because they may sadly use drugs, or you feel they are irresponsible with money, you can always leave their inheritance in a Discretionary Trust

Lasting powers of attorney

LPAs are in many ways more important than a will as Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert, has said on many occasions

Why is this you may wonder? If you should become mentally incapable, or simply just don’t want to deal with your affairs any longer, and you do not have an LPA in place, the court of protection will appoint a deputy to make these decisions for you When I talk about LPAs, a lot of people say: “Everything is in joint names,

a joint Account

“If the other joint account holder becomes mentally incapable, the bank or building society cannot continue to operate the joint account without an Order from the Court of Protection (in England and Wales) which protects the rights of mentally incapacitated people”

It is a sad fact that one person in the UK develops dementia every three minutes, and you can become incapacitated because of a stroke, a heart attack, a simple fall etc If that happens, then unfortunately your relatives can't just walk into the bank and access your money, even if it is to pay for your care

There are two types of LPA: one for property & finance and one for health & welfare Having a health & welfare LPA means that your named attorneys can make decisions regarding your care, once you are unable to make decisions for yourself It could be choosing what residential home you go to, or giving instructions on how you are to be cared for, and what might make you more comfortable Please do not ignore having LPAs for both for property & finance and health & welfare

He explains: “I was an insurance broker for 33 years, so I think like a broker, but I act like a client - I know what the client doesn’t know so I share it with them. A client recently called me his ‘insurance wingman’ which I thought was a perfect description.

“I work with the commercial buyer of insurance in a coaching, mentoring, and guidance role. Working with MDs, FDs, and boards, I help leverage the relationships with their insurance brokers and insurers to ensure they

achieve the best results for their business. Mine is a unique role that delivers savings in both time for the client and premiums, spent when the UK insurance market continues to be very challenging for many.

“Having joined the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce in 2022, I have had the privilege of working with fellow members like Motivair Limited, Services for Education, The Birmingham Hippodrome, Gateley Legal and Rayden Solicitors.”

Sector Focus

The latest news from the sectors that matter to business

Airport aims for net zero goals

Birmingham Airport’s (BHX) journey to become a net zero carbon operation by 2033 remains on track, according to a new report published.

The Midlands travel hub reduced carbon emissions within its direct control by 27 per cent in 2021/22 against its 2019/20 reporting baseline, its sustainability update for 2021 to 2023 confirms.

Nick Barton, chief executive of BHX, said: “While we have made some great progress, we are not complacent.

There is still a long way to go. We remain focused on delivering our 10-year plan for low-carbon growth and becoming a net zero carbon airport by 2033.”

Among the items reported in the document, published on the BHX website, are:

• Achieving Level 3 (Optimisation) Airport Carbon Accreditation from the Airport Council International (ACI) Europe, which brings BHX’s decarbonising activities under the ACI’s framework of scrutiny benchmarked against other airports worldwide.

• Reducing water consumption by 10 per cent in 2022/23 compared to 2019/20.

• Winning gold at the Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice and receiving Green World Ambassador status, in recognition of BHX’s wastemanagement work, improving recycling rates (from 48 per cent in 2021/22 to 54 per cent in 2022/23) and increased local charitable donations.

• Giving grants totalling £193,800 to 77 local projects between 2021 and 2023, including to BHX’s official charity partner, Solihull Mind.

Beryl bring e-scooter scheme to city streets

Micromobility specialist Beryl has launched a new e-scooter hire scheme on the streets of Birmingham.

In the first phase of the scheme 200 e-scooters will be made available to hire in the city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods with a further 700 to be rolled out in a phased manner by the end of this month.

Beryl was appointed by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Birmingham City Council as the new operator for the e-scooter rental trial in the city.

The new scheme will include several features designed to make it as safe as possible for users and pedestrians. This includes driving licence scanning technology with selfie verification on sign up and further checks when moving an account to a new device. There will also be both random and targeted selfie verification checks to deter misuse.

The e-scooters are available to hire alongside hundreds of West Midlands Cycle Hire bikes in central Birmingham under the Beryl app, providing a truly integrated sustainable transport scheme for the region.

In a major change from the earlier scheme in Birmingham, these e-scooters will need to be collected from and returned to a designated dock or parking bay –often located alongside the cycle hire docking stations. This will reduce roadside clutter and keep streets tidy.

Beryl chief executive and cofounder Phil Ellis said: “We’re really excited to be working with another of the UK’s major city regions and I’m confident that our experience and innovation can help our escooters become a crucial cog in the region’s integrated urban transport network.”

WMR launches own podcast

Passengers travelling with West Midlands Railway (WMR) are being invited to tune in on their train journey after the operator launched its first podcast.

‘On The Rails’ will answer some of passengers’ frequently-asked questions about the railway as well as featuring insightful interviews with guests from across the industry.

So if you’ve ever wanted to know how temperatures are controlled on trains, how to buy the cheapest train ticket, or just hear about some of

the quirky goings-on of the railway, ‘On The Rails’ has the answers.

Jonny Wiseman, WMR customer experience director, said: "I am delighted to launch ‘On The Rails’. We are always looking for new ways to communicate with our customers and with the popularity of podcasts continuing to increase, I am looking forward to hearing what people think.”

The podcast is available at: www.westmidlands railway.co.uk/about-us/news-desk/listen-ourpodcast-rails

Green hub: Birmingham Airport

Ready to go (left to right): Sam Jones, microbility director Serco; Phil Ellis, Beryl chief executive and co-founder; Claire Sharpe, head of marketing and communications at Beryl and Andrew Thrupp, head of operational assets at TfWM, test out the new scooters in Selly Oak, Birmingham

Are you really a rationale investor?

Warren Buffett stated that: “In the short-run, the stock market is a voting machine but in the longrun, it is a weighing machine.”

How investors “vote” is driven by expectations, prone to decisions based on emotions, like anxiety and excitement, and cognitive biases. These include loss aversion, herd mentality, familiarity and confirmation bias, overconfidence, anchoring and gambler’s fallacy. Irrational behaviours can cause markets to become inefficient as share prices deviate from intrinsic values. In extreme cases this creates bubbles and crashes. As expectations become more measured over the longer term, prices revert towards fundamental values.

It is why, as investment managers, we invest in quality companies over a meaningful time horizon and avoid reacting to short-term fluctuations. Our role is not to predict an unknowable future (investment views are based on the best information available, at the time, and probability of potential outcomes) but to help clients understand themselves and recommend, and manage, a suitable strategy. This considers attitude to risk, as well as financial circumstance, which is subjective and includes traits like composure.

A better understanding of what drives short-term market returns, and behaviours and biases, can help investors make better decisions and avoid expensive mistakes, along the way to achieving their financial goals.

To speak to Investment Manager, Andrew Cartwright (pictured),or the team on how we can help with your investments, call 0121 212 2120.

Capital at risk. Quilter Cheviot Ltd does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Quilter Cheviot Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, IRN 124259. Approver Quilter Cheviot 03.08.2023

R&D fraud costs billions

Challenges against R&D claims are set to intensify for businesses after HMRC uncovered more than £1bn of fraud and error.

A new HMRC report has revealed £1.13bn of fraud and error in R&D tax credits claimed by SMEs in 2020-21.

According to the report, the overall level of error and fraud for both R&D tax relief schemes (SME and RDEC) across all sectors of the economy was the equivalent to 16.7 per cent of claims, significantly higher than HMRC’s previously published estimate of 3.6 per cent.

Ross Northall, BDO partner and head of Innovation taxes for the north, said: “This announcement will have a significant impact on businesses, particularly SMEs, as it cements HMRC’s stance on R&D claims and the level of challenge it’s prepared to undertake against potential fraud and error.

“What is clear is this level of scrutiny is not going to go away and will in fact intensify, as HMRC

ISA savers are suffering losses

Despite much higher interest rates, the real returns on cash ISAs are still causing savers to suffer due to rampant inflation.

According to analysis from Quilter, cash ISA savers are realising a more than five per cent loss on their savings over the past 12 years due to the gap between savings rates and inflation. While this still represents a significant loss, the picture has improved from the end of last year when savers were suffering near double digit losses.

While the average cash ISA rate is now 2.62 per cent according to the Bank of England there are much more competitive rates on the market with the current best easy access cash ISA coming in at 4.05 per cent and a two-year fixed rate of 5.25 per cent.

Quilter is warning cash savers to mind the inflation gap and calling for cash ISAs to have additional risk warnings in times of high inflation so that people fully understand how their capital will be eroded in real terms.

Someone who invested £10,000 in a cash ISA in January 2011 would currently have £11,472.09. Adjusted for inflation, this is just £8,041.

seeks to use newly introduced legislation to challenge claims.”

Tighter rules around R&D came into force in August. Claimants or their R&D advisers now have to complete an additional Information form which is designed to allow HMRC to quickly assess the validity of any claim and the level of expertise of any R&D agent used to prepare it. HMRC has also riskprofiled claims across the different business sectors and by size of claim.

Northall added: “Businesses will need to ensure more than ever that they are clearly demonstrating their qualifying activities to HMRC when submitting claims and, where they use professional advisors to support them in doing this, that they have the skills needed to provide high quality advice and support to these businesses.

“Failure to do so could result in HMRC opening inquiries that will prove expensive and time consuming to deal with. Should

HMRC be successful in their challenge, it will also result in the denial of relief, potential penalties, and the possibility of HMRC also looking at earlier submitted claims, further compounding the problem.”

Platform to offer SMEs financial help

Walsall-based accountants Unico 3 have taken a huge step towards helping start-ups and small businesses create a solid foundation.

Unico 3 have launched their new membership platform, Accounting For Growth, aimed at breaking down the jargon of the accounting world, and giving businesses access to services that may usually be beyond them.

Managing director Rebecca Dean said: “We know that for small businesses to succeed, they need to have a good understanding of their finances. The problem is some accountants

charge a lot of money to educate their clients on what needs to be done. We’re breaking that barrier down, giving people the ability to access knowledge, and expertise.”

Jane Barker, finance director at Unico 3, added: “The main reason that most new companies fail is they don’t understand the financial aspect of the business. You start a business because you’re excellent at what you do and want to help people.“

Unico 3 are launching their online subscription, with everything in one place. For more information visit: www.accountingforgrowth.co.uk

Impact on business: Ross Northall

Breaking barriers: Jane Barker and Rebecca Dean

Law firm helps victims of abuse

A webinar by National law firm Clarke Willmott LLP delved into the offence of coercive and controlling behaviour and looked at what legal professionals can do to help clients who fall victim.

Led by partner and expert family lawyer, Rayner Grice, the webinar covered how the family court deals with cases involving domestic abuse, the impact of Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act and what lawyers should do if they think domestic abuse is happening in the context of a divorce and family relationship breakdown.

In 2015 the Serious Crime Act created a new offence of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship. This was a breakthrough for sufferers of domestic abuse as it recognised, for the first time, that controlling behaviour can be just as damaging as physical violence.

Controlling and coercive behaviour is subtle and occurs over a prolonged period. In most cases the behaviour has slowly escalated to the extent that the sufferer is generally unaware of what is happening as it has become a normal part of the relationship. Sufferers are also often unaware that this behaviour amounts to a criminal offence punishable by a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment.

Typical behavi ours include isolation from friends and family, control of finances, threats of revealing personal information, depriving basic needs, monitoring time and movements, controlling what a person wears or eats, depriving access to support services such as medical appointments, forcing a victim to take part in criminal activity, threats to hurt or kill them or their children and assault.

Rayner Grice said: “It is important for family lawyers to be alert to these issues and ensure that there is awareness of the protection that can be offered by the police and within the family courts.

“This type of behaviour does not relate to a single incident but is a pattern of behaviour. Victims often may not recognise it and if they do they may not be able to seek help.”

More information can be found at www.clarkewillmott.com

Couples caught out by ‘broken’ court system

Lengthy delays and last-minute cancellations are causing huge disruption and emotional anguish for divorcing couples resolving their financial matters via the “broken” court system, according to a family associate at Birmingham law firm Shakespeare Martineau.

Recent figures from the Ministry of Justice, show there were 119,709 divorce applications in 2022 – up 11 per cent when compared with the previous year.

The increase in the number of couples divorcing is having a stark impact on waiting times, with it now taking an average of 52 weeks to conclude divorce proceedings.

Stephanie Kyriacou, family associate solicitor at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “The broken state of our court system has been silently affecting lives for years. Excessively long waiting times and last-minute disruptions are plaguing divorcing couples seeking to resolve their financial matters through the court process, leaving them in limbo.

“The court, quite rightly, prioritises Care and Children Act proceedings. However, that does mean financial cases are often pushed to the back of the queue, leaving divorcing couples waiting for well over 12 months to have their financial matters determined by a judge.

“The repercussions are profound, leaving many individuals and families in a state of uncertainty

and financial instability. Urgent reforms to create a more efficient and accessible judicial process are needed, and that onus is on the government.

“It is possible to divorce without resolving financial matters but this is extremely risky as financial claims will then remain ‘live’ between the parties. The last thing you want is your divorced ex-partner returning after they learn you have come into some money and make a financial claim against you in the future.

“We strongly recommend divorcing couples explore alternative methods

of dispute resolution. Mediation, arbitration and private financial dispute resolution hearings have proven to be effective alternatives to court that offer quicker, cost-effective and amicable solutions.

“There is a misconception that private financial dispute resolution hearings and arbitration are only for the rich and famous. However, good solicitors should be advising all their clients of these alternative options to court as they could end up saving the parties thousands of pounds in wasted legal fees spent on our broken court system.”

Shoosmiths puts people first

Law firm Shoosmiths has announced significant enhancements and updates to its family-friendly policies, strengthening the firm’s overall people proposition.

In its co-parent leave package, those eligible will be able to take up to 12 weeks of co-parent leave at full pay, a gender-neutral replacement for the firm’s previous paternity leave of two weeks with full pay.

This leave can be taken in up to two blocks in the 12 months following the birth or adoption of a child and can also be combined with shared parental leave to create up to 26 weeks of enhanced pay (at 100 per cent pay), subject to meeting the relevant criteria.

Shoosmiths will also partner with Apricity fertility clinics to offer an inclusive pathway to fertility guidance and treatment for colleagues. Employees and partners will have access to a free consultation and discounts to their advertised costs for any subsequent treatment.

These updates complement the firm’s broader suite of policies to support

“Pathways to Parenthood” and it has also launched fully funded access to backup care covering child, adult and pets.

The firm is partnering with Bright Horizons, the UK’s market leader in this space. Every employee will be entitled to access up to a maximum of five days per year when planned care falls through.

The backup care service launches this month and colleagues will be invited to join a Work and Family Space portal. The portal can be tailored to personal circumstances, giving access to a huge amount of relevant resource (such as blogs, advice, and webinars) as well as discounts and offers.

Eleanor Tanner, director of people at Shoosmiths, said: “We recognise that our people make our firm what it is. So, what matters to us is that we do what we can to support them at every stage of their lives.

“By introducing these policies, we are strengthening our overall employee proposition for the benefit of our colleagues and for our future joiners.”

Courts “broken”: Stephanie Kyriacou

Employee support: Eleanor Tanner

West Midlands administrations are on the rise, warn experts

West Midlands businesses accounted for nine per cent of administrations in the first six months of 2023 – the fifth highest region in the UK –according to analysis by full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau.

A total of 759 businesses, 69 of which came from the West Midlands, filed for administration between 1 January and 30 June 2023, marking a 22 per cent increase compared to 2022.

Retail, manufacturing, construction, hospitality and real estate were the worst-hit sectors, accounting for 57 per cent of all administrations.

Greater London led the way with 25 per cent of the filings, followed by the North West (15 per cent) and South East (11 per cent), data from The Gazette Official Public Record has revealed.

While administrations are still yet to hit pre-Covid levels (940 in the first six months of 2019), an insolvency and restructuring expert has warned that more businesses will fail unless inflation is controlled and interest rates stop being increased.

Andy Taylor, partner and head of restructuring at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “HMRC is definitely taking a harder line than in previous periods and its threat of enforcement is certainly pushing some businesses towards considering their options, with some seeking administration as an alternative to facing a winding up petition.

“We’re seeing a steady flow of corporate failures. Should some other ‘bad news’ rear its head, then that is only likely to increase. Businesses and

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Thursfields ranked top 10 corporate legal advisor

Leading law firm Thursfields has been ranked amongst the Top 10 legal advisors for both deal value and number of deals by the Midlands Business Insider in their Corporate Finance Guide for July 2023.

The Corporate team has completed 56 successful deals with a cumulative value of £235 million since the start of the year. With a proven track record on corporate transactions and a reputation for being client-centred and pragmatic, the team has also been ranked fourth amongst twenty-five legal advisors for the number of successful corporate deals completed, earning it a welldeserved reputation as a reliable and trusted partner in the legal industry and cementing its position as a leading legal advisor for M&A deals.

“We are thrilled to be recognised as one of the top corporate legal advisors in the Midlands region,” said Gareth Burge, Director & Head of Corporate and Commercial at Thursfields. “Our Corporate and Commercial team has worked

tirelessly to support clients and this accomplishment serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of our professionals. We will continue to provide exceptional services and look forward to helping businesses succeed in the future.”

With offices across the West Midlands, Thursfields delivers bespoke solutions to a range of clients including entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses of all sizes. With a comprehensive range of services that cover every aspect of the corporate lifecycle, from governance management to strategic alliances and acquisitions, Thursfields is proud to have established strong and lasting relationships with many clients.

Combining an in-depth understanding of client’s goals and needs, regardless of the scope and complexity of the transactions, the team is well positioned to grow its successful track record.

individuals need to see interest rates and inflation come down. With a period of stability, we will see confidence increase.”

With the sector’s filing almost doubling when compared with the first six months of 2022, the retail industry replaced construction as the worst-hit sector. The hospitality, real estate and manufacturing sectors also remained in the top five.

Andy said: “The sectors most impacted are feeling the effects of higher interest rates and inflation; the money in people’s pockets is now worth less so they are less likely to purchase non-essential items and services, which is impacting the retail and hospitality sectors.”

Andy said: “Our advice remains consistent – seeking professional advice early can open up more options for struggling businesses.”

Stability needed: Andy Taylor

Visionary firm launches life sciences division

adi Group, a leading engineering firm based in the UK, has launched its new life sciences division to directly support the requirements of the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry.

The new division is based in Manchester, becoming the second office in the North-West for adi Group, which is headquartered in the West-Midlands.

This is an exciting addition to an already largely established engineering firm with various divisions across a wide range of major industries in the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Unlike traditional execution models within the sector that focus on speed to market and often neglect after-care for the client, adi Life Sciences prioritises perfect project execution in combination with a deep understanding of the industry alongside the attention to detail to be a partner for the client, not just a faceless service provider.

Utilising cutting-edge digital technology to develop virtual representations of the client's project requirements, allows them to make concept changes within the virtual world before deciding in real life.

The new division has the capabilities to take the client’s project from concept, detail and technical design to implementation all the way through to the facilities going live for production and beneficial use while complying to all regulations.

Darren Lewis, recently appointed managing director and head of the adi life sciences division, said: “It

Manufacturer invests in solar

A West Midlands manufacturer is becoming more energy self-sufficient and reducing its emissions with the installation of 162 solar panels, supported by a £58,000 investment from Lloyds Bank.

The solar panels have been funded via Lloyds bank’s clean growth financing initiative, which provides customers with access to discounted lending for green purposes, in addition to a £12,000 investment from the business.

was an opportunity to bring a highperforming team of like-minded people to an already established and successful business.”

Darren, who has 30 years of experience in Pharma D&B, aims to be the partner of choice in the life sciences sector, and deliver sophisticated solutions via efficient and effective designs aligned with the requirements and end goal of the clients.

Darren’s multi disciplined design and engineering team have vast experience and partnerships working with many pharmaceutical companies, delivering a variety of projects over the years.

Coatings specialists praise longstanding employees

Coatings specialists Indestructible Paint is celebrating a special milestone after a quarter of its team have now been with the family-owned company over 25 years.

The company thanked the latest nine employees who have most recently reached 25 years of dedicated service.

Long service award recipients include Alan Norton, Anthony D’Vaz, Gary Payne, Jean Coverson, Jill Jackson, Martin Davenport, Michael Norton, Pat Watson and Brian Norton himself.

The Midlands-based company - which makes high-performance coatings - says it knows that keeping people as its priority is key to its winning approach.

By investing in skills and growing careers, the company keeps itself at the forefront of the competitive coatings industry while creating a place where people want to stay.

The company’s highly-skilled team are constantly innovating and developing the latest solutions for the future, many of which are transforming the sustainability of the industry.

Together, the team increased sales 20 per cent last year with further growth on the horizon by the end of 2023.

Managing director Brian Norton said: “We’re proud to have a knowledgeable, skilled and loyal team making up the Indestructible Paint family.

“Investing in training and development over the years is invaluable for both our people and our business. As the company grows and orders pour in, it makes a big difference to have such a dependable team to deliver for our customers and develop innovative solutions for the future.”

Headquartered in Bilston, Parker Precision provides engineering services to aviation, defence and petrochemical businesses.

In 2021, Lloyds Bank supported Parker Precision to purchase the assets of the precision grinding department of aviation and aerospace component manufacturer, Kepston. It also helped fund the construction of an extension to the business’s existing site to accommodate the acquired division and its staff. The new solar panels will help the manufacturer alleviate the additional energy demand of the expansion.

The panels provide around a third of the site’s energy requirement and have reduced its monthly electricity bills by £4,000. The business also plans to sell the surplus energy back to the grid, to supplement its bills further.

Ian Littleford, associate director for asset finance for SME and Mid Markets at Lloyds Bank, and Claire Carr, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, supported the business through the solar panel installation, working to facilitate the investment.

Claire Carr said: “We have worked with Parker Precision since 1960, and in that time, we’ve supported them with a variety of its financial needs, including the acquisition of Kepston. Parker Precision has a long h istory of employing local people, as well as providing opportunities for young people to begin their career. The cost savings will enable them to further support the development of their team.

“Lloyds Bank is committed to supporting business to build a pipeline of future talent and helping to tackle the skills challenge in the sector.”

‘This is an exciting addition to an already largely established engineering firm’

Visionaries: adi’s life sciences division

Long-servers: Brian Norton (left) with (left to right) Alan Norton, Anthony D’Vaz, Martin Davenport, Jill Jackson

Strong quarter for office market

Transactions in Birmingham’s office market during Q2 were double that of the previous quarter, according to KWB’s latest market research.

In the period between the start of April and end of June there was a take-up of 177,665 sq ft across 36 transactions, showing the city is performing close to its long-term average.

The top five deals in Q2 were all over 10,000 sq ft and together they totalled 107,041 sq ft, with serviced office and education representing four of the five transactions.

The largest letting was serviced office operator Re-Defined taking 36,343 sq ft at Louisa Ryland House, leaving no remaining space at the refurbished building.

The second largest letting was to Arden University – the UK’s fastest growing university - which secured 22,924 sq ft over three floors at Crossways on Great Charles Street.

In a close third place, government organisation UK Curriculum and Accreditation Body

(UKCAB) took 21,500 sq ft at 54 Hagley Road.

The increase in lettings for Q2 was centred around deals below 5,000 sq ft. For deals below 3,000

College takes over Trinity Point wing

Halesowen College will take over the east wing of the nearby Trinity Point office building in a major sale worth nearly £2.7m, thanks to Birmingham commercial property agents Siddall Jones.

The seven-storey east wing of the 1970s office block, about half a mile from the current college, will now be refurbished to provide classrooms and studios, plus a student café and hub space.

In plans approved by Dudley Council earlier this year, works at Trinity Point will also result in new staff offices, along with student

welfare and support facilities for digital and media students and staff.

Ed Siddall-Jones, managing director of Siddall Jones, explained that the property had been sold on a new 999-year lease at £2,695,000 deal, and would now enable the college to provide motivational learning facilities and address overcrowding at the Whittingham Campus.

Siddall Jones acted on the deal on behalf of Trinity Point Developments, with solicitors from Knights acting for the vendor and Shakespeare Martineau advising the purchaser.

sq ft, the quarter represents one of the most active on record for the Birmingham office market.

One of the most notable of these smaller deals involved high profile

bank Handelsbanken, which took 3,855sq ft at 103 Colmore Row, representing the smallest transaction to take place at the property so far.

After a pronounced silence from offices in the city’s fringe areas, Q2 had seven lettings in Edgbaston, including the relocation of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce to 54 Hagley Road.

Malcolm Jones, head of office agency at KWB, said: “It’s been greatly encouraging to see the increased number of smaller deals taking place in the Birmingham office market this quarter.

“Such activity tends to be a reliable indicator of business and the prosperity of the city. From these transactions, we can see the Birmingham office market is holding up nicely.

“As for much-needed, high quality stock, I’m pleased to say major office refurbishment projects have been announced, including 19 Cornwall Street, which offers 139,000 sq ft across seven floors and Arca, formerly St Phillips Point, which offers 65,000 sq ft.”

House-build follows key Church values

A 455-home high-quality development, district centre and 55 later living units will be built in Bedworth after being given the go-ahead by councillors – following support by planning experts at Marrons.

The Hospital Lane scheme – led by land promoter Richborough –will provide a range of one to five-bedroomed properties, 25 per cent of which will be affordable. All properties will have secure, on-plot cycle storage, while those with dedicated parking will also be fitted with electric vehicle charge points.

It will also deliver open spaces spanning 8.9 hectares, including an equipped children’s play area, outdoor and green gym, community orchard and allotment and wildlife park.

A bus route will run through the heart of the development to maximise connections with the existing transport network and promote sustainable travel methods. Two vehicle access points from Hospital Lane will also be created, alongside new cycle and walkable routes.

On behalf of the landowner Nicholas Chamberlaine Trust, the proposals have been designed to support the principles and core values of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s “Coming Home” report.

David Pendle, partner at Marrons, who led the planning application, said: “We are absolutely delighted this development has been given the go-ahead. The housing emergency in this country is welldocumented and this brand-new inclusive community in a sustainable location is a huge step towards addressing this crisis.

“Furthermore, the number of people over 65 in the UK is expected to increase by 41 per cent over the next 20 years.

“However, less than three per cent of the country’s housing stock is geared towards the retirement market. It is fantastic that this development will address the increasing, immediate and critical need for later living properties.

“Richborough has an outstanding track record of delivering residential schemes across the country efficiently. We are looking forward to seeing the project come to fruition, which will act as a catalyst to drive forward significant and sustainable growth within the town.”

College expansion: John Murray, director of operations; Corinne Youren, head of estates and facilities; Jacquie Carman, director of finance (all Halesowen College); and Edward Siddall-Jones

Sold out: Louisa Ryland House in Newhall Street

‘It’s been greatly encouraging to see the increased number of smaller deals taking place’

Rhenus champions sustainability with opening of environmentally-friendly warehouse

Rhenus Warehousing Solutions UK has officially opened one of the warehouses on its major new, sustainable development in Nuneaton – a certified “BREEAM Outstanding” building.

The development is known as the ‘Rhenus Campus’ and will be home to two warehouses, measuring one million square feet situated on 64 acres and fitting perfectly into its environmentallyfriendly location. The first warehouse, which totals 210,000 square feet, is now officially open.

Following the opening, Rhenus Warehousing Solutions UK won the UKWA Award for Excellence in Sustainability, showcasing the company’s commitment to energy efficiency, carbon reduction and implementing environmental initiatives.

The ‘Rhenus Campus’ achieves significant reductions in whole life carbon, designed with reference to the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) Framework Definition for Net Zero Carbon Buildings.

The site also features extensive green spaces, a pond, a wildflower grassland and a meadow planting, helping Rhenus to champion sustainability.

Renewable energy will be generated on-site, with solar panels and air source heat pumps, and electric car charging points are being installed. Bat and bird boxes, hedgehog homes and habitat

boards made from recycled timber complete the sustainability features that are being introduced at the site, with Rhenus also planting between 700 and 900 native and orchard trees.

Now it’s fully functioning, the first warehouse will help Rhenus achieve its goals of reducing direct carbon emissions by 2030.

Kerry Delaney, Regional Director – Europe North-West at Rhenus Warehousing Solutions UK, said: “We are immensely proud to have opened our first warehouse and won the UKWA Award for Excellence in Sustainability. At Rhenus Warehousing Solutions UK, being sustainable is a core part of our ethos and we have made it a

priority at our ‘Rhenus Campus’. We are hugely committed to positively impacting the environment, and are so thrilled that our efforts and dedication have been recognised by such an important industry association.”

Rhenus Warehousing Solutions UK specialises in contract logistics for retail, wholesale and ecommerce warehousing and distribution. It offers its customers a personalised service and prides itself on building strong relationships. For more information on Rhenus please email warehousing.enquiries@uk.rhenus.com or visit www.rhenus.group/uk

The Rhenus Campus – Unit 1

Sector Focus Skills Sponsored by: Birmingham Metropolitan College

Diploma leads to life-changing job

Future proof

–

At BMet, we work with employers to help them ensure staff have the right skillset as well as understand the benefits this offers to them as the employer.

Even without issues like Brexit and the increasing digitalisation across all sectors, having a workforce that is highly trained and competent is crucial to remain competitive.

There are several ways you can help your staff develop skills with BMet.

We offer part-time and online courses – perfect for those that want to upskill.

Here are five reasons to upskill your workforce:

1. RETAIN STAFF

Upskilling helps to increase satisfaction among employees as it makes them feel valued.

2. ATTRACT NEW TALENT

New employees will be attracted if they know part of the package is the ability to improve their skill set when joining your organisation.

3. HIGHER SKILLED WORKFORCE

Upskilling programmes are invaluable for adding additional skills to your workplace.

4. MOTIVATED AND PRODUCTIVE TEAMS

This one is simple. It’s no secret that employees who receive training are more engaged with the business, since they feel the company is investing in them and in their development.

5. RETURN ON INVESTMENT

It is an effective way of both ensuring your company benefits from the latest, vital skill sets and giving employees an additional incentive to remain with your organisation.

To find out more call the BMet Business Development Team on 0121 446 4545.

upskill your workforceA city dweller working in the hospitality and care sector transformed his life by carving a career in the equine industry.

Born and bred in Birmingham, Reiss Dexter signed up to complete a Level 1 diploma in Work-Based Horse Care with adult training provider RMF Group.

Delivered in partnership with Solihull Riding Club, and backed by West Midlands Combined Authority, the six-week full-time course is aimed at West Midlands residents struggling with barriers to work. Since launching in January, 25 residents have secured longterm job outcomes through the course with equine employers across the UK.

Previously working in hospitality and care, Reiss believed he had the transferrable skills to excel on the equine course. He impressed RMF’s

instructors with his work ethic, commitment to learning and confidence around the stable horses.

Within two weeks of his course completion, Reiss successfully interviewed for a position with Ian Williams Racing, an esteemed equestrian stables based in Alvechurch, Worcestershire. Reiss’s career high so far is leading a walkout at Sandown Racecourse.

Reiss says: “I’m grateful to the RMF team for helping me secure work with Ian Williams Racing. Ever since I started, I’ve been putting the skills to use on the yard.

“I love working in the countryside – there’s always an opportunity in the day to walk the horses to the paddocks and through the fields. We have a swimming pool as part of the training regime for the horses too,

which makes a change to your usual workplace.

“I’ve recently become a father, so being able to raise my family in such a lovely and welcoming environment is a huge plus. I referred my brother to the course after completing my training and he is now on his way to entering the industry too – I couldn’t recommend it enough.”

businesses and employees actively using online and mobile-based training to boost wider learning and development strategies and improve staff retention.

The number of users accessing accredited videobased eLearning courses via the employee benefits app Engage rose by 10 per cent from April to May, based on analysis by the mobile platforms provider, Birmingham-based HIVE360.

The workplace training and employee development programs available on the Engage app cover Health & Safety, HR and Business compliance, management development, and a range of soft skills.

HIVE360 chief executive David McCormack says: “The skills shortage is at an all-time high, and recruitment remains a top challenge for the majority of businesses, pushing employee retention to the top of the agenda. People are positive about businesses with a healthy culture that includes clear opportunities for professional development, L&D, training, and reskilling, and is a desirable benefit that is encouraging employee loyalty.

“Retaining staff is also significantly cheaper than recruiting new or replacement employees.

“Helping and encouraging staff training also has a huge impact on improving employee productivity, wellbeing, and job satisfaction, as well as on levels of employee engagement.”

Money,

New career: Reiss Dexter has secured work in the equine industry

Engineer is region’s top apprentice Skills

A young apprentice who is helping motorsport teams achieve their best possible performance has been named as the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year for the West Midlands.

Precision Technologies International’s Joshua Peace beat off the challenge of more than 100 peers to secure the honour in front of 300 people at the In-Comm Training Awards in Birmingham.

Judges praised the Tamworth engineer’s all-round stunning performance and a clear desire and drive to inspire others to follow a career in industry.

The ceremony, backed by main sponsor the Engineering Technology Group (ETG), saw “girl power” come to the fore again, with Katie Mayo (PCP Grating) and Kirsty Locking (Cross & Morse) sharing the Most Improved Learner of the Year title.

In addition to the young apprentices, companies were also in the spotlight for the way they back the next generation of talent and how they continue to invest in their workforces.

Assa Abloy and Brandauer won the Large Company and SME Awards respectively, with the latter

impressing the judging panel with the way it has jointly invested £1m into a new precision tooling academy.

Bekki Phillips, chief operating officer at In-Comm Training, was delighted with the quality of entrants: “We are finally seeing the perceptions of apprenticeships change since Covid-19 and events like these are crucial to achieving that level of equality…encouraging

the next generation to choose engineering and manufacturing.”

Other winners included:

• Steve Giles (Metsec)Ambassador of the Year

• Isabelle Rowley (Churchill Integrated Services) – Business Support Learner of the Year

• Bruno Trezeguet (Rotometrics) –Leadership and Management Learner of the Year

Paving the way for girls in tech

Inspiring female role models from a number of digital and tech employers have met with 72 female secondary school students from across the West Midlands to provide tips and guidance and inspire the students with the confidence to pursue careers within the industry.

Building on the success of previous #GirlTechWM events, this year’s event was held at X+Why in Birmingham and was sponsored by AND Digital and law firm Pinsent Masons.

Students from six schools took part and met with female leaders from some of the leading digital employers within the region.

The interactive tech and digital day was founded and delivered by Ahead Partnership, leaders in developing ESG solutions and delivering measurable social impact through business partnership.

The 12 to 14-year-old students participated in a variety of activities including speed networking delivered by Netcompany, Kagool and BJSS, workshops and careers panels.

AND Digital, Tech She Can and Pinsent Masons also delivered a series of inspirational speeches.

The event, targeted to those in the build-up to choosing their GCSE subject choices, provided attendees with the latest information on careers in digital and tech to give them the tools and confidence needed for them to succeed.

The aim was to increase diversity and social mobility within the sector by reaching students with the most up-to-date industry insight at a key stage in their education.

At the end of the event, 90 per cent of students said that they are now interested in careers within the digital and tech sector.

Stephanie Burras, chief executive at Ahead Partnership, said: “The success of our #GirlTechWM initiative continues to gather pace and build on previous successes. This year’s bumper programme of events has allowed the business community to come together as one and inspire the next generation of digital leaders.”

Rhonda Bennett, head of business change within tech services at Pinsent Masons, said: “We know how important it is to empower and inspire young people, especially young women, to consider careers in the tech and digital sector.

“By connecting them with successful female role models we hope to help these students feel confident to pursue a career within the industry.”

• Gemma Osborne (Leonardo) –Quality and Continuous Improvement Learner of the Year

• William Thompson (Torus) –Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation Telford

• Britney Biju (Collins Aerospace) –Engineering and Manufacturing Advanced Telford

• Sam Marston (Aico) –Engineering and Manufacturing Higher Telford

Careers take off with Ryanair

College students training to become cabin crew or make their mark in tourism have reached for the sky and landed jobs with Ryanair.

Welcoming the airline’s Ethan Hardy to the Summer Row Aviation and Tourism suite, students enjoyed a presentation before seeing how they measured up in a real-life interview situation.

And for six Level 2 Cabin Crew students and Level 3 Tourism, Aviation, Events and Hospitality students, it resulted in a firm job offer with the Irish short haul airline – while another offer is imminent.

Ethan said he was impressed with the students and their knowledge as well as the state-of-the-art mock plane cabin, check-in and security areas. It was his first recruitment event with University College Birmingham – but he aims to be back for more, meaning more students will benefit from exposure to the industry and potential job opportunities in the future.

Inspiring confidence: Students on the Pinsent Masons-sponsored course

Winners all: The success candidates in the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year Awards

Birmingham Newman University celebrates its belonging to the City of Birmingham

Situated in the south of the city, Birmingham Newman University prides itself as a student-centred university offering our 2,800 students opportunities to thrive.

At its inception in 1968, Newman College, as we were then known, was a teacher-training college. However, the institution has grown over the years to provide a wider offer in higher education. Receiving university status in 2012, we have maintained our connection with the legacy of St John Henry Newman, whom we were named after and whose writings and influences still play a huge role in our ethos and mission. Newman was an eminent and influential scholar. To this day his beliefs hold sway – that education should be a rounded experience that provides wide-ranging development, training the mind and developing skills, rather than simply imparting knowledge. This has been proven in the recent National Student Survey where Birmingham Newman University was named first in the UK for overall student satisfaction (NSS 2023.)

Why a name change?

Newman University has always provided a unique experience that attracts, retains, and engages students, staff, and alumni, but we want to emphasise our connectedness to the city that is our home. It is for this reason we are changing our name. To be called Birmingham Newman University aligns us with all that Birmingham stands for. A vibrant and diverse city with economic growth, ambition, and opportunity.

Why Birmingham Newman University is different

With students from a variety of backgrounds, Birmingham Newman University is becoming an increasingly popular place to study courses such as Nursing and Allied Health, Teacher Training, Business Management, Law, and Psychology - to name a few.

With a diverse portfolio of courses, we pride ourselves on offering degrees that are relevant to the modern world. All of our full-time degrees have a work placement module, and an important part of the curriculum is developing transferable skills that will be useful for further study or employment after graduation. Many of our courses are developed in partnership with employers to ensure they are relevant and provide the transferable skills valued by employers, and we are always keen to increase the number of employers with whom we work.

The future

Our new name of Birmingham Newman University is an appropriate reflection of our close connection to our city and region, and the role we play in its social and economic development, together with the transformational educational opportunities we provide.

This is a significant development for the university and comes at an exciting time as we seek to grow, extend our academic offer and reach, and raise our profile in the West Midlands and beyond.

For more information on Birmingham Newman University, please visit www.newman.ac.uk and come along to our next Open Day on Saturday 7 October from 10.00 am - 3:00 pm.

Birmingham Newman University

Professor Jackie Dunne, vice-chancellor, Birmingham Newman University

Air IT ranks on MSP 501 again

Air IT has once again made it onto the MSP 501, the tech industry’s list of managed service providers worldwide.

Entering its 16th year, it is the technology channel’s largest, most comprehensive ranking of managed service providers worldwide – it has evolved from a ranking of a handful of partners to an insightful, data-rich full report that names the top MSPs in the world and how they got there.

An in-depth analysis is carried out by Channel Futures and entrants must provide a wide range of detailed information regarding services, performance, and growth.

Despite a record number of entries in recent years, Solihull Parkway-based Air IT have held the fifth place in the EMEA region due to their technical talent, growth-oriented business models and strategic partnerships with industryleading vendors and tech suppliers.

Warning as businesses fined for data misuse

In the first six months of 2023, the Information Commissioner’s Office ordered eight businesses to pay almost £13.5m in fines for misusing data, according to analysis by cyber security and data protection consultancy CSS Assure.

At £12.7m, social media platform TikTok was hit with the largest fine for breaching data protection law, including failing to use children’s personal data lawfully – with the ICO estimating that up to 1.4 million under 13s in the UK were able to use the video sharing app in 2020.

Three marketing firms were fined a combined £310,000 for making a total of 483,051 unsolicited marketing calls to business and sending 107 million spam emails to jobseekers.

Also two energy firms were fined a combined £250,000 for bombarding people and businesses on the UK’s do-not-call register with unlawful marketing calls; a business support consultancy was fined £30,000 for sending 558,354 direct marketing SMS messages without valid consent; and an appliance service and repair company was fined £200,000 for making more than 1.7 million unsolicited direct marketing calls.

The ICO also reprimanded 15 companies, issued enforcement notices against a further eight and prosecuted three businesses in the first six months of

2023 for failing to meet their information rights obligations.

Mike Wills, co-founder and director of strategy and policy at Birmingham-based CSS Assure, said: “The recent fines imposed by the ICO highlight the serious consequences of misusing data. Mishandling personal information not only violates data protection laws but also erodes trust among consumers.

“The fines serve as a stark reminder that data protection is not to be taken lightly. TikTok’s £12.7m penalty underscores the importance of lawful use of personal data and implementing appropriate safeguards, especially when it involves children.

“As data protection experts, we urge businesses to prioritise data privacy and invest in robust systems and processes to prevent data misuse. By doing so, they can not only avoid hefty fines but also foster a culture of trust and transparency, ultimately benefiting both their customers and their bottom line.”

The 2023 MSP 501 list is based on confidential data collected and analysed by the Channel Futures research and editorial teams. Data was collected online from February to May, 2023. The MSP 501 list recognises top managed service providers based on metrics including recurring revenue, profit margin and other factors.

Jeff O’Heir, Channel Futures senior news editor and MSP 501 project manager, said: “The 2023 Channel Futures MSP 501 winners persevered through challenging times to become the highest-performing and most innovative IT providers in the industry today.

“The MSP 501 ranking doesn’t award MSPs solely on their size and revenue. It acknowledges the business acumen, best practices and trusted advice they deliver to customers every day. They deserve the honour.”

For more information go to: airit.co.uk

Partnership improves rail safety

A “game-changing” partnership dedicated to preventing accidents, fatalities and near misses for rail workers has been announced.

Called geofencing, it was introduced to the rail sector as part of Network Rail’s investment into innovations and is now widely used in the industry

Tended, an innovator in safety solutions, and RSS Infrastructure, a recognised leader in railway safety, have formed the partnership to

provide geofencing technology to the rail sector.

The collaboration will deliver greater flexibility and ease of deployment across projects.

The partnership with Tended allows RSSI to provide a fully comprehensive service under the Trackworker Protection and Warning Systems Standard from W1 to W4. This collaboration underlines RSSI’s commitment to safety, productivity, and

maintaining its position as a leading supplier of technical safety services in the rail sector.

Geofencing is quickly becoming the new industry standard for improving track worker situational awareness and visibility over assets on site. However, the implementation of geofencing on short-term projects can be challenging due to the complexities of embedding new technology for a relatively short period.

Emergency repair works carried out over two days could be considered too short of a time to bring in new safety technology. As a result, more traditional safety processes would be favoured, exposing trackside teams to higher levels of risk, especially working near to lines still open to traffic.

The new partnership between Tended and RSS Infrastructure removes these challenges. By expanding its offering through this partnership, Tended’s geofencing solution is now easily deployed across a wide range of rail projects of varying duration and complexity.

‘An in-depth analysis is carried out by Channel Futures and entrants must provide a wide range of detailed information’

Rail work safety: Geofencing in operation

Data warning: Mike Willis

DLA Piper in tune with CBSO

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) has entered a partnership with global law firm DLA Piper.

The partnership includes financial support towards the Orchestra’s Sound of the Future campaign, which gives exclusive association with several flagship CBSO concerts.

The partnership will also encompass people development and wellness opportunities, including workshops and insight sessions exploring themes such as leadership, collaboration and creativity with key CBSO musicians.

CBSO chief executive Emma Stenning said: “It is wonderful to announce this new partnership between the CBSO and DLA Piper. The CBSO’s Birmingham roots, international influence and impact reflect DLA Piper’s local and global profile and reach.

“By working together, we hope to combine the dynamism and creativity of our organisations to produce maximum value for both partners. We look forward to welcoming DLA Piper to Symphony Hall, the Barbican and the Royal Albert Hall to experience exceptional live orchestral events, professional networking and development opportunities.”

The CBSO’s Sound of the Future campaign aims to raise £12.5m over five years, culminating in 2025. The campaign has enabled the CBSO to continue enriching people’s lives with music despite the challenging circumstances, and weather the pandemic in the best possible artistic and financial shape.

Deirdre joins the Hippodrome team

Deirdre O’Halloran is to join Birmingham Hippodrome as head of new musical theatre.

She has been the literary manager at London‘s Bush Theatre since 2018, where she designed and implemented artist development programmes, and took the lead on dramaturgy for all commissioned work.

She is a regular panellist for BEAM pitching days which look at new ideas for musicals and took part in judging for the Stiles and Drewe best new song prize this year.

She has worked on musicals in development including Cliffs by Elan Butler, I'm Done With This Shit by Jack Hart and Back In The Daytimer by Ajay and Sumerah Srivastav.

As a freelancer, Deirdre has dramaturged work including Robin Hood: The Legend Rewritten at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre and Paines Plough's 2022 Roundabout Season.

Birmingham Hippodrome has plans to become home to the first inhouse musical theatre department in the UK, developing new musicals in the West Midlands. Leading the new department, Deirdre will grow a specialist team and collaborate with creatives and partners to make new production opportunities in Birmingham and beyond. The dedicated department will develop, commission and produce new musicals as part of the Hippodrome’s core business, alongside offering skills development, employment, and a new writers lab, supporting the national new musical theatre community and more sustainable career pathways in musical theatre.

The team will operate from a dedicated studio space at the Hippodrome, ensuring an inspiring and dynamic creative environment for new work to grow.

Work developed will be presented on all the Hippodrome’s stages and with partners across the country. The Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio will become a new home for new musicals, new work and new audiences.

The CBSO is about to launch the ‘transformational’ stage of the campaign, which will reinvigorate the way it works so that it can make an even bigger contribution to West Midlands cultural life in its second century.

Noel Haywood, managing partner of DLA Piper’s Birmingham office, said: “We are delighted to have entered a global partnership with the CBSO. The CBSO, as well as being at the heart of musical life in Birmingham and the greater West Midlands, is also one of the world’s greatest orchestras.

“We look forward to utilising DLA Piper’s global platform and profile to further promote and support CBSO’s fantastic work. We also look forward to experiencing the CBSO’s many outstanding live events and to collaborate and draw inspiration from the CBSO’s exceptional team of musicians.”

‘The Lion King’ welcomes new cast

The UK & Ireland Tour of Disney’s award-winning musical, ‘The Lion King’, will welcome new cast members including Aphiwe Nyezi as Simba, Brian Gilligan as Scar and Andre Jewson as Zazu, beginning on 5 September. The newcomers join a talented international company who represent 17 countries around the world while the show plays its season in Birmingham, before moving on to Dublin’s Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

Aphiwe Nyezi was born in Cape Town and is currently a member of ‘The Lion King’ company in London’s West End.

Brian Gilligan, from Dublin, is currently covering the role of Scar in UK & Ireland Tour cast and has featured in numerous stage productions including ‘Romeo & Juliet’ at Mill Theatre Dublin and Jimmy’s Hall at Abbey Theatre Dublin. Australia’s Andre Jewson has played Zazu across the globe in the international tour and Australian tour of The Lion King.

The Lion King is currently playing a limited season at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday, 16 September, with some good seats still remaining for midweek performances.

Julie Taymor’s internationally celebrated stage adaptation of ‘The Lion King’ opened on Broadway in 1997 and 25 global productions in nine different languages have been created since then (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese). The Lion King is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher.

Tickets can be booked at: www.birminghamhippodrome.com or by calling 0844 338 5000

‘We are delighted to have entered a global partnership with the CBSO’

Lion King star: Aphiwe Nyez

Perfect pioneer: Deirdre O’Halloran

The Business of Sport

NFL legend Tom Brady invests in football club

Seven-time Super Bowl champion and entrepreneur Tom Brady (pictured) has entered a partnership to become a minority owner of Birmingham City Ltd. The partnership has been agreed with Knighthead Capital Management LLC.

Tom will become chairman of the new advisory board, working directly with the club’s leadership team.

As chairman of the advisory board, Tom will apply his extensive leadership experience and expertise across several components of the club, including working alongside the sports science department to advise on health, nutrition, wellness, and recovery systems and programmes.

Tom said: “Birmingham City is an iconic club with so much history and passion and to be part of the Blues is a real honour for me.

“BCFC is built on teamwork and determination and I’m excited to work alongside

Stadium stages sustainable match

Edgbaston Stadium is staging its first sustainable international match day after announcing the sold-out Men’s Vitality IT20 against New Zealand on 3 September as its Go Green Game.

The stadium has underlined its green credentials in the past 12 months after reducing waste by a third, running kitchens on 80 per cent locally sourced produce, rolling out a low-energy LED light project, and continued use of e-cups that’s prevented 562,000 plastic alternatives being wasted.

But initiatives being deployed for the Blackcaps’ visit will further drive down emissions and the match’s carbon footprint, whilst aiming to raise sustainability awareness amongst fans and the wider community.

It’s the first sustainable game of its kind in UK cricket and will see a focus on cutting emissions across all scopes of the ground’s footprint.

Spectators are encouraged to use public transport and the club is working with National Express West Midlands to provide

additional services and free travel for ticket holders on the company’s buses and shuttle buses to the stadium. There will be a free National Express West Midlands shuttle (number 501) from New Street station, plus extra cycle racks and provision for ebikes and e-scooters.

Edgbaston’s Sustainability Manager Lydia Carrington said the stadium is committed on a path towards a Net Zero future.

She said: “The aim of the Go Green Game is not only to reduce our emissions but to raise awareness among staff, spectators and our community of the influence the sporting and event industry can have on sustainability and climate change.

“We have our sustainability partners, Drax and National Express, providing renewable energy and public transport services, and are working with Net Zero Now to help us forecast the game’s carbon footprint, identify opportunities to reduce it, and then measure the actual footprint after the game and produce a report.”

the board, management and players to make our Second City club second to none. I’ve been part of some amazing teams in my day, and I’m looking forward to applying my perspective to create that same success here in Birmingham.”

An NFL legend who is universally recognised among the greatest players in league history, Tom retired this year after 23 illustrious seasons.

Tom Wagner, the American financier who cofounded Knighthead, took over the club earlier this year. He said: “Tom Brady joining the Birmingham City team is a statement of intent.

“We are setting the bar at world class. Tom is both investing and committing his time and extensive expertise.

“With Garry Cook as CEO, Hope Powell as women’s technical director and now Tom Brady we are off to a fast start. Success does not come overnight. It takes time. But when you have great leaders in place everything becomes possible.”

Royal Navy sign up as Rockets sponsor

City of Birmingham Rockets basketball club have announced the Royal Navy and Royal Marines as a primary sponsor for the 2023/24 season.

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines will support the club’s first teams in a variety of ways including logos on warm-up shirts and travel wear, floor branding, advertising boards and online match night streaming.

Last season’s Rockets National League Division Two championshipwinning roster included two players currently serving in the military.

Lance Corporal Jordan Dawes, a serving Royal Marine Commando, and Sam Toluwase, a soldier in the British Army, both helped the men’s first team win promotion to Division One for the 23/24 campaign.

Earlier this year, the Rockets also became the 1,000th organisation to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant, a pledge to ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

Rockets chief executive officer Robert Palmer said: “This is an excellent opportunity for the club and we are very proud to be working alongside a military service with such great history and prestige.

“The Royal Navy & Royal Marines provide great opportunities for young people and this partnership will raise the awareness of career possibilities.”

Support: Robert Palmer, Royal Marine Colonel Simon Tucker and Jordan Dawes

Chamber Insight Focus on a member

Name: Talon Golding

Company: Pavilion Training

Job Title: Director

What does your company do?

We are a training provider that supports jobseekers across the West Midlands to develop workplace readiness and secure bright futures!

How did it all start?

After founding a group of children’s nurseries in the West Midlands, we wanted to continue our work within the education sector and began working with young people in the region to develop workplace skills and open doors which created the pathway for Pavilion.

What’s your greatest achievement so far?

The outcomes and career opportunities we’ve helped engineer and support for so many young people and jobseekers across the community – it’s been a lot of hard work but the reward for the team in knowing the impact we’ve had is amazing.

What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken – and did it work out?

Focusing all resources and energy into an entirely new sector (training) without a track record –the team has had to establish itself from the ground up. It has been a steep learning curve but we like to think we’re on the right path forward.

What keeps you awake at night?

Staying ahead of cashflow for an ever-growing team.

If you could turn the clock back, what would you do differently?

Smaller steps in a clearer direction. Early on we tried to take on too much including opening a Liverpool office – in hindsight, we needed to simply become famous for creating impact within our local region, which is what we’re focused on now.

What has surprised you most in your job?

Learning to measure “return” differently. Coming from a Venture Capital background, it is easy to focus on the bottom line as opposed to the impact the team is creating in the community.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Start with passion, empathy and a desire to make a difference. Get these parts right, the rest will work itself out.

Which business do you most admire?

Personally, I’ve always greatly admired Google. The origins of Larry Page and Sergey Brin’s business and their steadfast belief in creating groundbreaking “free” innovations that have changed the lives of billions (mostly for the good) in a mere couple of decades is truly quite amazing.

What exciting projects is your business working on?

Pavilion has recently started delivering the DWP’s sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) whereby we support employers across Greater Birmingham to offer a free recruitment and training service to bring jobseekers aged 19+ into employment.

What made you join Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and how are you making use of your membership?

We wanted to connect with more businesses across the Greater Birmingham and keep Pavilion upto-date with what’s going on within the business community. We are making use of the membership but need to better schedule member events in our calendars.

Contact: 07548 642 515

Member Section New Members

New Members

Your guide to new sign-ups

JULY

Aston Hub LTD

Abi Benkraouda

01215280044

www.aston-hub.com

Engineering design activities for industrial process and production

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Bond Bryan

Bruce Raw +44(0)121 272 9000 bondbryan.co.uk

Architectural activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Calmify Kareen Griffiths 07780780170 calmify.co.uk

Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Capstone Foster Care

Jacci Kirkland 0121 374 2650

www.capstonefostercare.co.uk

Other social work activities without accommodation n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Cleanserv

Amar Uppal 01827 949343

www.cleanserv.uk

Specialised cleaning services

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Collective Law Solicitors Ltd

Sana Saddique 01216676466

www.collectivelawsolicitors.co.uk

Solicitors

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Digitopia Global Consulting Limited

Jo Hatjiosef

07766838348

digitopia.co

Management consultancy activities other than financial management

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Excelsior Multi Academy Trust

Angela Schofield

07860 944378 excelsiormat.org

Primary education

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

GREEN TRADE CHAIN LTD

Behdad Gitinezhad 07861447100

Wholesale of other food, including fish, crustaceans and molluscs

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

HMP Birmingham

Lee Coulson 0121 598 8000 www.justice.gov.uk

Justice and judicial activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Hoare Lea LLP

Mike Tso 0121 450 4800 hoarelea.com/office/birmingham

Engineering related scientific and technical consulting activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Home Instead (Sutton Coldfield)

Aman Gill 0121 323 4200

www.homeinstead.co.uk/suttoncoldfield

Combined office administrative service activities

Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce

HS HOMES OF SOLIHULL

Fran Stallard 0121 430 4448 hshomesofsolihull.co.uk

Real estate agencies

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Kindridge Limited

Keith Trubshaw 07807305317

www.Kindridge.com

Management consultancy activities

other than financial management Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce

Kington Grange

Philip Cliffe 07919 817606

www.kington-grange.co.uk

Other business support service activities n.e.c.

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

LTK Consultants

Andrew Landell 0121 647 5589

www.Ltkconsultants.co.uk

Other service activities n.e.c.

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

MSE International Freight Maks Stabrawa 02034885210

www.mseinternationalfreight.com

Other transportation support activities

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Private Medical Clinic

Simon Singh Khela 01214567930

privatemedicalclinic.com

General medical practice activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Repair Care International Ltd

Bonita Philp 01827 302517

www.repair-care.co.uk

Wholesale of wood, construction materials and sanitary equipment

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

RGL Management Ltd

Bill Mitchell 0203 603 8597

www.rglmanagement.com

Activities of patent and copyright agents; other legal activities n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Sandler

Dale McQueen 07968 063125

www.blackcountry.sandler.com

Management consultancy activities

other than financial management

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Sovereign Business Solutions Group Limited

James McKeever 0121 550 8919

www.sovereign-office.com

Other retail sale not in stores, stalls or markets

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Spark Media Creative Ltd

Scott Barnett 0121 296 9940

www.spark-media.co.uk

Media representation services

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

The Profit Duo

Luke Biddle 07973 444848

theprofitduo.co.uk

Management consultancy activities other than financial management

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Tirebuck Recruitment Ltd

Jenna Porch 01564 776669

www.tirebuck.co.uk

Temporary employment agency activities

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Unfound Studio

Tebo Mpanza 07850314877

www.unfound.studio

Advertising agencies

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Urban Heard: Youth Engagement

Specialist CIC

Charlotte Slater 07969 994160

www.urbanheard.co.uk

Other human health activities

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Welcome Charity

Sally Edwards 0121 785 2218

www.sias-solihull.org.uk

General public administration activities

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Womens Business Club - West Midlands

Nolene Dube 07701 076640

womensbusiness.club

Activities of conference organisers

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

AUGUST

Agency Connection

Adefunke Larigo

07766462945

Social work activities without accommodation for the elderly and disabled

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Breslins

Michelle Cooper 0121 233 0456

www.breslins.co.uk

Accounting and auditing activities

Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce

New Members Member Section

connect, support and grow.

Marshall Mahoney Ltd

James Marshall 01283 430 015

www.marshall-mahoney.com

Other information technology service activities

Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

Menopause Knowledge CIC

Aline Boblin 07306 397981

menopauseknowledge.org

Regulation of health care, education, cultural and other social services, not incl. social security

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Penta Hotel Birmingham

Alisha Dugg 0121 622 8800

www.pentahotels.com

Hotels and similar accommodation

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Plumbline Coaching

Anja Plumb 07960 846 817

plumblinecoaching.uk

Physical well-being activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Regent Publicity 2020 Ltd

Scott Jones 0121 525 8626

www.regentpublicity.co.uk

Agents involved in the sale of a variety of goods

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

SureStore

Stuart Quarterman 01283 204913

surestore.co.uk

Management of real estate on a fee or contract basis

Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

The Alliance Network

Paul Eaves-Seeley

07725707171

thealliancenetwork.co.uk

Activities of business and employers

membership organisations

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Tommy’s

Rosie Leverton 07776 225814

www.tommys.org

Other service activities n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Trinity House Group Ltd

Laura Key 0121 647 3620

trinityhousegroup.com

Other activities of employment

placement agencies

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Danielle Roberts 0121 214 8800

www.trowers.com

Solicitors

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Chase Department Stores Ltd

Faraz Iqbal

07710394100

www.chasestores.co.uk

Other retail sale in non-specialised stores

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

City Restaurants Group

Matthew Wood

www.afrikanakitchen.com

Unlicenced restaurants and cafes

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Edmundson Electrical Ltd (Midland Region)

Stuart Ashworth 0121 693 2060

www.edmundson-electrical.co.uk

Wholesale of radio, television goods andelectrical household appliances (other than records, tapes, CDs and video tapes and the equipment used for playing them)

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Eleven Views

Wesley Foster 07926 755136

Other information technology service activities

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Fiscale Limited

Joseph Webster-Davids 01440 708333 fiscale.com

Tax consultancy

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

George Green LLP

Annalisa Tanner 01384340533 www.georgegreen.co.uk

Solicitors

Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce

Girl Grind UK Namywa 07931 434132

www.girlgrinduk.co.uk

Cultural education

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Guidance Consultancy

Kaleem Hussain

www.guidanceconsultancy.co.uk

Management consultancy activities

other than financial management

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Health in Menopause

Sarah Kent 0115 9388828

www.healthinmenopause.co.uk

Other human health activities

Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce

Rhino Interiors Group Ltd

Nadia Hanoush 0121 728 9977

www.rhinooffice.co.uk

Other business support service activities n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Rush Security Services Ltd

Usmaan Ali 07436813427

Other service activities n.e.c.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Solihull Care Ltd

Ola Fatai 0121 706 3630

www.solihullcare.co.uk

Regulation of health care, education, cultural and other social services, not incl. social security

Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Southwest Freight and Logistics LTD

Frank Saillard 01172 565 565

www.swfl18.co.uk

Freight transport by road

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Starting Point Recruitment (SPR)

Ayesha Rees 01922 627 555

www.startingpointrecruitment.co.uk

Temporary employment agency activities

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Utility Warehouse, Morag Francis Morag Francis 07789714574

uw.partners/morag.francis

Other telecommunications activities

Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

Walfinch (Halesowen and Redditch)

Sally-Ann Martin 0121 824 2100

walfinch.com

Social work activities without accommodation for the elderly and disabled

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Walmley Golf Club

Stephen Morley 0121 373 0029

walmleygolfclub.co.uk

Activities of sport clubs

Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce

WeddingMart

Maruf Ahmed 0333 444 0017

www.weddingmart.co.uk

Wholesale of household goods (other than musical instruments) n.e.c

Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Zenith PA Ali Shah

03332240111

www.zenithpa.co.uk

Activities of call centres

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

As the voice of local business since 1813, we strive to help firms across the region

...any other business

A roundup of news from Chamber members

Smoke + Ash fire up awardwinning pizza

Edgbaston restaurant Smoke + Ash is the winner of the “Fire in your belly” competition organised by Birmingham Phoenix, the city’s team in The Hundred cricket season this summer.

Tapping into the city’s love of food, “Fire in Your Belly” challenged some of the city’s best independent restaurants to design a dish that champions their cuisine and showcases the city through the power of food.

Following a competitive two stage judging process, including a live taste-test with an eight-strong judging panel, Smoke + Ash was crowned the winner, with a desi-inspired Neapolitan pizza.

The panel comprised Birmingham Phoenix players Hannah Baker and Katie Levick, journalist Tom Cullen, owners of Pause Bakery Farah Chaudry and Rory McGhie, Breaking Bread podcast hosts Carl Mccaffery and Liam Haughey, and local foodie influencer, Laura Bradley.

Paying homage to Birmingham’s melting pot of cuisines, the winning dish, a pizza named ‘Flavours of Birmingham’ drew inspiration from Indian and Pakistani influences and included toppings of roasted curried

Bank manager offers home for hedgehogs

A bank manager in Birmingham is helping to solve a “spiky” problem away from her 9-to-5 job.

Sharon Baker, who is employed at Deutsche Bank in Brindleyplace, runs a hedgehog rescue service called Array4hogs from her home in south Birmingham.

She currently takes in up to 150 endangered hedgehogs and their young, known as hoglets, every year since converting her garden shed into an animal rescue centre at the end of 2019.

Sharon, who has been with Deutsche Bank for 11 years, said: “A friend of mine, who volunteered for a hedgehog rescue service that’s now closed, thought I was a good person to foster hedgehogs over the winter period. Before I knew what happened I was setting up my own rescue service. I was trying to figure out what to call it and my friends came up with Array4Hogs.”

Sharon took in her first hedgehog in November 2019 from an elderly lady who had been looking after it.

She added: “We now take in between 120 and 150 hedgehogs a year, even more during 2020 as more people spent time at home and in their gardens during Covid lockdowns. And we have a success rate of more than 50 per cent of animals being returned to the wild.”

cauliflower, marinated chickpeas in seven herbs and spices, and Fior de Latte Mozzarella and finished with chilli flakes, fresh coriander and a drizzle of mint yoghurt. It was available at Hundred matches at Edgbaston.

Husband and wife duo, Paul and Clare Collins, owners of Smoke + Ash, said: “We're thrilled to have been invited to be part of this campaign - as a local neighbourhood restaurant catering for the Edgbaston community, we jumped at the chance to collaborate with Birmingham Phoenix and The Hundred. We wanted to create a pizza that reflected not just the tastes and backgrounds of our customers but also a dish that demonstrated what Smoke + Ash is all about - simple, honest food and drink done well with a good pinch of creativity.”

Kid Cudi line debuts at Selfridges pop-up

A range of clothing endorsed by Kid Cudi, an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor and fashion designer, has made its debut at Birmingham’s Selfridges store.

Kid Cudi, real name Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, designed the range of clothing called Members of the Rage and Selfridges staged the brand’s first retail pop-up.

Mescudi says: “Ever since my first time in London, Selfridges has been one of my main destinations in town to shop. I remember coming to Selfridges several years ago and seeing Virgil’s Off White.

“I thought how cool it would be to have my own brand in Selfridges one day. This is truly an honour and a dream come true.

“Members of the Rage started as an idea for a movie I want to write. It’s about a band of survivors that get together to stop an alien invasion. The survivors are like rebels – they’re all outcasts from society.”

The Members of the Rage is a ready-to-wear collection designed in Los Angeles and made in Italy.

Winning hit: Birmingham Phoenix player Hannah Baker helps to create winning “Fire in Your Belly” dish at Smoke and Ash

Fashionista: Kid Cudi with his range of clothing

Spiky problem: Sharon Baker