Chamberlink Sept 2026

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The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

CHAMBER September 2026 Free to Members £5.00 where sold

LINK

Menu to save the pub Now Asian family creates a winning recipe See page 5 • How to get top value out of GBCC membership • Rare chance to explore the secrets of Brum • Special treats in exclusive restaurant offer

Picture: Ferley O’Connor

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Contents Chamberlink September 2026 Business News 4

Editor’s View Raising a glass to pubs that buck the trend 5 Business News Hospitality empire has the recipe for success 10 President’s Focus David Mitchell, president of Cannock Chase Chamber 12 The Griffin Report Karl Frankham, Techcare founder 24 Where Do You Fancy?

The Arden Hotel and Leisure Club

40 ABCC: ‘Binding traditions’ with South Asia are marked 42 Cannock Chase: Livestream your way to Google success 43 Burton & District: Community grant funds school mural 44 Lichfield & Tamworth: Your chance to join Chamber committee 45 Royal Sutton Coldfield: Pride in Place funds new CCTV network 46 Solihull: Healthcare firm to sponsor award

Chamber Patrons

48 Future Faces: Podcast welcomes city’s most inspirational figures

34 BCU recognises sporting pioneer Janie Frampton

Events 50 The latest list of Chamber events

Features 52 Legal Services: Passing on your digital assets

Chamber Group 38 International Trade: From bratwurst to bangers...

54 Why human legal advice still matters 56 Three legal checks for SMEs before autumn

58 Corporate Christmas: Sustainable gift giving 64 Support and care at Christmas

Sector Focus

1813 Club and Premier Members 36 Law firm teams up with wealth manager

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69 Business Travel: New boss to oversee railway nationalisation 70 Finance: Helping people make sense of their finances 72 Health in the Workplace: Now HR suffer burn-out – but help is on the way 74 Legal: Freeths Planning Team takes home top award 76 Manufacturing: Low carbon innovation at JLR 78 Property: Homeowners face Mansion Tax hit 81 Skills: Major plan to boost skills 82 Technology: Return of Tech Week 84 The Arts: New home for live music night 86 Sport: The Hundred gap grows

Member Section 87 Chamber Insight Karl Wheeler, Bluechilli 88 New Members Chamber welcomes new members 90 …any other business News from Chamber businesses

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CHAMBER LINK

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

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

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

September 2026 CHAMBERLINK 3

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OPINION

Editor’s View

BY JOHN LAMB

Raising a glass to pubs that buck the trend

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or those of us who still regard our favourite pub as a second home, what better news can we hope for than that provided in this issue of Chamberlink by brothers Mikey and Danny Singh and their family?

And as latest figures show two pubs close every day, it feels heart-warming that such a quintessentially British institution should have found a saviour among our Asian community.

‘They are driven by a determination to carry forward a heritage that started almost by accident’ Mikey and Danny’s dad and grandad were both publicans and that heritage has led to the latest generation coming up with a formula that might just be part of the solution to solving the precarious state in which our hospitality industry finds itself.

The Singh family’s solution is obvious and so simple: give your average pub dweller a nicely appointed room with comfortable furniture, a good pint, Page excellent food and even a TV and he and she will knock on your door with increasing regularity.

FRONT COVER: Recipe for success? Mikey Singh examines his menu See opposite page Published by

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

4 CHAMBERLINK September 2026

That is just what has happened to the Soho Tavern, the Indian gastro pub brand co-founded by Mikey and Danny that is now trading from seven sites across the Midlands.

And, if Mikey and Danny get their way, they will soon be trading nationally. For they are driven by a determination to carry forward a heritage that started almost by accident (see opposite page).

And their success is to be admired.

Because they didn’t have the sort of flying start that their rather famous fellow publican Jeremy Clarkson had when he launched the Farmer’s Dog in the Cotswolds.

Nevertheless, Mikey and Danny have come a long way since they took over a derelict pub on Birmingham’s Soho Road in Hockley 12 years ago.

And, like many in the hospitality industry, they welcomed the business rates cut announced by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham although VAT remains the biggest challenge.

And to drive home the Britishness surrounding Soho Tavern, the brand has now struck a new partnership with Johnnie Walker. They are to become ambassadors for the whisky distillers by launching a Johnnie Walker curry.

Their own sauce is under development – cheers to that...

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

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

CHAMBERLINK is produced on behalf of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed to members without charge. The Chambers and the publisher are committed to achieving the highest quality standards. While every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, neither the Chambers nor the publisher can accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise.

Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Chambers. This publication (or any part thereof) September not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format without prior written permission of Kemps Publishing Ltd.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Business News Latest news from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Inside Brum’s secret history…

Gut instinct: Mikey Singh tells Chamberlink deputy editor Dan Harrison how his business started

Could brothers’ business recipe rescue our pubs? pubs serving high-quality, affordable Indian food alongside sport on the big screen.

Every dish on the menu, Mikey said, has been hen Mikey Singh and his brother developed by him personally, having taught Danny took over a small, derelict pub himself to cook rather than following a family on Birmingham’s Soho Road in recipe book.

Hockley 12 years ago, they had no grand plan – Growth was, in his words, largely “winged” for just a feeling that traditional pubs were losing the first four or five years, until a particularly their pull. frantic Saturday night in late 2017 – with 90That gut instinct has since grown into the minute food waits – convinced the brothers they Soho Tavern, the Indian gastro pub brand now had outgrown their humble Hockley location. trading from seven sites across the Midlands and A second venue followed in West Bromwich, beyond, with a further four openings mapped at the heart of the Desi out for 2027. pub boom that had Speaking to Mikey Singh will share more of inspired them.

Chamberlink ahead of Soho Tavern’s growth story at Expansion his appearance at the accelerated during the the Chamber's Business Growth Chamber’s Business Covid pandemic, when Growth Studio Studio Conference - see events the brand ran a series conference at Austin on page 50. of pop-ups called “Soho Court on 13 October, On Tour” in cities Mikey admitted the including business began almost by accident.

Wolverhampton, Coventry, Leicester, Nottingham He was 17 and studying towards a career as a and Leeds to gauge demand. pharmacist when he and Danny, then 18, spotted The exercise mapped out the brand’s next an opportunity closer to home. moves. A Wolverhampton venue is set to open in “We grew up in pubs,” he explains. “My dad was January 2027, Leicester in May 2027, and a a publican, and before him, my grandad was too.” flagship Nottingham site – opposite Nottingham His grandad first served curries in pubs Forest FC’s City Ground – is due later that year. around Wolverhampton in the 1970s – a bold National expansion is also on the cards, move at the time, met with hostility including adding to Soho Tavern’s existing outpost in run-ins with the National Front, before ill health Gateshead, which Mikey describes as a forced a return to India. deliberate test of whether the concept could “It drives us even more to see the foundations work outside its Midlands heartland. that were set by my grandad and our ancestors, and to keep developing what they laid for us,” Continued on page 50...

Mikey said. That heritage, combined with the region’s booming Desi pub scene, shaped the • British Chambers’ director general to speak Soho Tavern concept – smart, modern gastro at growth conference - page 50

By Dan Harrison

W

See page 8

Techy triumph…

See pages 12-13

Two pages of new members See pages 88-89 September 2026 CHAMBERLINK 5

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BUSINESS NEWS

Chamber network is helping members succeed together The value of making connections through membership of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) has been driven home with many examples of outstanding business success. Here Chamberlink highlights three of them.

Midlands Health & Safety Consultancy/Teksan The consultancy, which has branches in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Stafford, was introduced to Teksan’s Birmingham depot through the Chamber.

Teksan, a Turkish-owned company with operations in more than 140 countries, has a UK and Ireland depot at Frankley Industrial Estate, just outside Birmingham. It supplies diesel, natural gas and biogas generators backed by maintenance and after-sales support.

The business required a full health and safety management system to ensure its Birmingham operation was compliant with UK standards.

The connection was made after Liam Round, UK and Ireland regional director for Teksan, discussed the requirement with GBCC relationship manager Jim Bourne.

Jim introduced Liam to Chad Bott, director and senior health and safety consultant at Midlands Health & Safety Consultancy, which supports more than 130 businesses across the UK. Liam said: “The real value of Chamber membership was being able to tap into that network and get connected quickly with a trusted local business that could help.”

Swoft Media/Midland Mencap A connection made through a GBCC networking event led to a partnership helping Midland Mencap accelerate its digital transformation and strengthen recruitment across the organisation.

Birmingham-based marketing agency Swof Media has worked with the social care charity to develop a new careers website and refreshed employer brand, designed to attract more candidates into the sector and improve the

Dave Rogers (left) and Chester Boothe

online application experience. The link began when Swof Media’s client relationship director Chester Boothe met Midland Mencap chief executive Dave Rogers and operations manager Daniel Rogers at a GBCC Premier event at Symphony Hall in December 2025.

Following a review of the recruitment journey, Swof Media helped the charity create a clearer employer value proposition, highlighting career development opportunities, employee benefits and the positive impact staff can make through a career in social care. The result is a new mobile-friendly careers platform that simplifies and streamlines the application process.

Hayes Collins/Queen Alexandra Charity (QAC)

Media savvy: Queen Alexandra Charity staff undertake training

Cathryn Worth, head of income generation at the Queen Alexandra Charity (QAC), recognised that media training was a requirement for senior directors. While attending one of the GBCC’s networking events she met Phil from Hayes Collins Media, who, along with his colleague, Sandra, were able to plan a media training session relevant and tailored to QAC’s needs.

Participants learned strategies, received top tips and had the chance to take part in mock radio and TV interviews in both positive situations and negative crisis areas.

...as financial software firm expands reach

Building relationships: Chris Hawley 6 CHAMBERLINK September 2026

The Noledge Group, the cloud and ERP specialist, is aiming to expand its presence within the Birmingham business community after joining Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

The Irish firm, which has bases in Dublin, Belfast and Newcastle, works with local businesses to select technology that matches how they operate.

The group specialises in Sage and NetSuite, helping organisations of every size find the right fit -

from Sage 50 for a growing SME to Sage 200 for a scaling mid-market business, or NetSuite for organisations needing a single system spanning finance and operations.

The team works across sectors including construction, manufacturing, field services, distribution, retail, financial services, professional services, hospitality and healthcare.

Chris Hawley, managing director of The Noledge Group (GB), said:

“Our focus has always been on helping businesses achieve better outcomes through the right technology.

“As we continue to grow our team across the region, we're looking forward to building relationships locally and understanding the challenges businesses in Birmingham are facing.”

For more on The Noledge Group, visit: noledge.co.uk

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BUSINESS NEWS

Betty the station cat is keeping Sutton’s commew-ters happy A popular Birmingham railway station cat has been officially appointed to the role of junior mouse catcher – becoming the second moggy “employee”’ by West Midlands Railway (WMR).

Betty, who lives at Folklore Coffee and Bagels on Platform 2 at Sutton Coldfield station, was identified by WMR as a rising star in station management for her regular safety paw-trols. Her appointment came ahead of International Cat Day. Betty was adopted by Folklore Coffee owner Alex Light in 2025 when she was a stray with three kittens living near an apartment block in Sutton Coldfield town centre.

Alex secured loving homes for all three kittens but decided to adopt Betty himself and the previously feral cat has since settled into domesticated life at the café.

Betty follows in the paw-prints of WMR favourite George, an orange tabby who lives and works at Stourbridge Junction station and has held the position of senior

mouse catcher since 2021.

George, who is owned by a WMR staff member, has more than 100,000 followers on social media and had a Stourbridge Shuttle train named after him last year.

‘They say cats always land on their feet – and Betty certainly has with this role’ Zoe Hodgins, regional station manager at WMR, said: “We are very excited to have Betty on board. She’s proven she has a fantastic cat-titude and takes her daily duties – greeting customers, napping and warding off mice very seriously.”

Alex Light, owner of Folklore Coffee and Bagels, said: “They say cats always land on their feet – and Betty certainly has with this role. She is really popular with customers and it’s brilliant to see her hard work recognised by WMR. One of the goals of International Cat Day is to reduce

Cat-alogue of success: Alex and Betty

the number of homeless cats and encourage adoption, and Betty’s story really resonates with that mission.”

• Is separation through work causing you dog anxiety? See Any Other Business – page 90.

September 2026 CHAMBERLINK 7

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BUSINESS NEWS

Post haste: Part of the 400m long tunnel that was used to transport mail between the former Royal Mail sorting office (now The Mailbox shopping development) and New Street Station using small electric carts.

Heritage Week throws open doors to rarest city sites

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ome of Birmingham’s “best kept secret” heritage sites are set to throw open their doors to visitors this month – including tunnels, catacombs and historic locomotives.

Birmingham Heritage Week is currently putting the finishing touches to its 2026 programme, shining rare spotlights on tunnels beneath the Mailbox, Victorian catacombs at Warstone Lane Cemetery, historic locomotives at Tyseley Rail Depot, and, for the first time, the unique Perrott’s Folly in Edgbaston.

The annual festival, widely regarded as one of the most popular history and heritage events in the Midlands, will run for 10 days from Friday, 11 September, to Sunday, 20 September.

Supported by Birmingham Museums Trust, the National Trust, the University of Birmingham, Birmingham Municipal Charity and Birmingham City Council, the citywide celebration will offer visitors the chance to discover Birmingham’s rich industrial, cultural and architectural heritage through a diverse programme of events.

The Birmingham Heritage Week 2026 programme and full event listings can be viewed at birminghamheritageweek.co.uk enabling visitors to explore the full 8 CHAMBERLINK September 2026

programme and plan their visit before bookings.

Among this year’s most eagerlyawaited events are rare opportunities to venture into the Mailbox to New Street tunnels, explore the atmospheric catacombs beneath Warstone Lane Cemetery in the Jewellery Quarter, and step aboard historic locomotives at Tyseley Rail Depot with Vintage Trains.

Visitors will also be able to join guided walks around the Yardley Conservation Area, discovering one of the city’s best-preserved historic suburbs.

Also making its Birmingham Heritage Week debut is Perrott’s Folly, one of Birmingham’s most fascinating buildings, which opens its doors for a tour for the first time during Heritage Week.

Visitors will learn how the tower has evolved from an 18th century hunting tower into one of the world’s first weather-recording stations in the 19th century, and now a 21st century arts space.

Rarely open to the public, the tour offers a fantastic opportunity to climb the tower, see the original 18th century plaster ceiling, and take in fantastic views across Birmingham.

The wider programme will include a range of further exclusive tours and walks, with confirmed events already including hard hat tours of Moseley Road Baths,

building tours of the Birmingham School of Art and School of Jewellery, Council House tours, visits to the Pugin-designed St Mary’s Convent in Handsworth, and open days at New Hall Mill in Sutton Coldfield.

‘These are places people walk past every day without knowing what lies inside – and Heritage Week is our chance to open them up.’

Birmingham Heritage Week continues to reach well beyond the city centre, with Yardley Village once again taking centre stage alongside neighbourhood walks in Northfield, Harborne, Moor Pool and Handsworth.

Green-fingered visitors are also well catered for, with a chance to explore the Guinea Gardens in Edgbaston – a collection of historic allotment gardens dating back to the early 1800s – alongside open days at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Thrive BBC Gardens in Kings Heath and Winterbourne House and Garden.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy heritage walks exploring Digbeth, the Jewellery Quarter, Chinatown

and Birmingham city centre, alongside popular experiences such as walks beneath Spaghetti Junction and tours of Victoria Law Courts and the Victoria Square building stones.

With the programme now finalised, festival organisers are encouraging visitors to start planning ahead of what promises to be one of the busiest years yet, with several of the most popular tours – including the Warstone Lane Cemetery catacombs and Tyseley Rail Depot – expected to sell out quickly once bookings open.

Irene De Boo, Birmingham Heritage Week Co-ordinator, said: “This year’s programme really shows off the breadth of what Birmingham has to offer.

“From the tunnels running beneath the Mailbox to the catacombs at Warstone Lane and the locomotives at Tyseley Rail Depot, these are places people walk past every day without knowing what lies inside – and Heritage Week is our chance to open them up.

“We'd encourage anyone interested in our most popular tours to start planning early, as these events are always in high demand and tend to sell out fast.

It’s a brilliant opportunity to see the city we live and work in through completely new eyes.”

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BUSINESS NEWS ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Sage expertise with a local touch Chris Hawley (pictured), managing director at Envisage, a Noledge company, discusses why the best Sage support doesn't come from a call centre, but from people who know your business.

Bigger isn't always better Sage 200 and Sage Intacct are powerful systems, capable of running finance for organisations well beyond the SME bracket. But powerful systems still get implemented, supported and improved by people, and that’s where a lot of businesses find themselves let down. A ticket goes into a queue, a different person picks it up each time, and nobody quite remembers the context of the last conversation.

Knowing the business, not just the system At Envisage, we’ve built our reputation over 20 years on doing this differently. With teams across the UK and Ireland, we work with clients in finance, distribution, construction, services and many other sectors. Every relationship starts the same way: understanding how a business

actually operates and where processes can be simplified to create measurable value before we touch a single configuration setting. That means fewer surprises during implementation, as well as support that doesn’t require re-explaining your business on every call.

Local, but not small

However big we get, the plan stays the same: know the customer, know the system and be there when it matters.

Get in touch: E: sales@envisagecloud.co.uk W: envisagecloud.co.uk

Being local doesn’t mean being limited. We have deep industry and product expertise when it comes to Sage Intacct and Sage 200 specifically.

Our customers get specialist knowledge combined with decades of implementation experience and a face they recognise, rather than a rotating cast of consultants.

Growing across the region As we build our presence further across the region, that personal approach is the one thing we’re not willing to trade off for growth.

September 2026 CHAMBERLINK 9

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BUSINESS NEWS

President’s Focus David Mitchell FCIM, president of Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce, firmly believes that while AI can be extremely useful, close collaboration across the Chamber network is a more valuable tool for business success. David is managing director of Burntwood-based The Marketing People and he advises: Position your brand to create opportunities, attract the right clients and build the right team.

W

ho gave you your opportunity?

Think back to where you learned your trade or profession. Who gave you the experience, encouragement and confidence to progress, take responsibility or start a business of your own?

A qualification may have played a part, but it was probably not the whole story. For many, it was a combination of education, practical experience, good advice and opportunities to apply what we had learned.

That combination remains vital to our regional economy.

I am proud of the businesses across Chase, from established employers and growing companies to smaller businesses and new ventures. They provide employment, develop people, support families, invest locally and contribute enormously to our area’s character and prosperity.

Supporting existing businesses must remain central to what we do.

Through many years of helping business owners define their brand positioning, improve communications and make more of commercial opportunities, I have seen the right support move a business forward. Greater awareness, clearer communication and understanding why customers should choose them can attract opportunities, improve profitability and support growth.

Growth creates further opportunities. Businesses can invest, recruit, offer apprenticeships and work experience, and develop future skilled employees, managers, leaders and suppliers.

The cycle continues. Stronger businesses create opportunities for people, while skilled, confident people make businesses stronger.

Academic education remains important, but it is not the only route to a rewarding career.

Apprenticeships, vocational learning and meaningful work experience provide valuable alternatives, whether someone wants to enter a trade, build a

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Chamber’s important role: David Mitchell

profession or gain the confidence to become an entrepreneur.

Schools and colleges cannot create that environment alone.

Employers, tradespeople, professionals and business owners can bring real-world experience into education, helping people understand teamwork, responsibility and the pride of contributing to something worthwhile.

‘AI can be extremely useful, but people must understand how to question its output, check information and apply their own judgement, experience and creativity’ Learning must reflect the changing workplace. Artificial intelligence should form part of academic education, apprenticeships, workplace development and ongoing learning,

just as calculators, computers and the internet did before it.

AI can be extremely useful, but people must understand how to question its output, check information and apply their own judgement, experience and creativity. Businesses can bring that learning to life by showing how technology is used responsibly in real workplaces.

The Chamber plays an important role in this cycle. It supports established and new businesses through information, practical assistance, representation, profileraising opportunities and channels that help members connect and present their business proposition to a wider market.

I actively proposed, and continue to support, closer collaboration across the Cannock Chase, Lichfield and Tamworth, Burton, and Sutton Coldfield Chambers, alongside the wider Greater Birmingham Chambers network, providing access to more knowledge, relationships and opportunities.

I thank past presidents who helped establish those relationships

and current presidents for continuing that support. By working together while retaining each area’s strengths, we can help businesses and people succeed across our region.

That is the environment I want us to keep building: one in which existing businesses are supported, people of all ages continue developing, and experience and opportunity are shared.

When Chase and our region’s businesses grow, they create the skills, confidence, employment and future enterprises that keep our regional economy moving forward.

At the time of writing, yet another Prime Minister is about to take office.

Perpetual change is something we are used to managing, but some principles remain: focus on what you can influence and keep an eye on what you cannot.

PS: I have used AI to help format and check this piece. The thoughts, comments, tone and messaging are mine, based on my own learning, training, continued development and experience.

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BUSINESS NEWS

September 2026 CHAMBERLINK 11

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BUSINESS NEWS

The Griffin Report Techcare shot into the public eye when they were named the Greater Birmingham Chambers’ Business of the Year.

But their path to success has rarely been smooth, as JON GRIFFIN discovered when he caught up with founder Karl Frankham.

I

t began life as a one-man garage start-up with “oldschool” cold-calling and flyers – and nearly 20 years later it’s Birmingham Chamber’s Business of the Year with a £3m turnover and more than 70 clients.

In one of the fastest-paced sectors of all, Rugeley-based Techcare has carved its own successful niche in the world of IT and cybersecurity to win the West Midlands’ leading business accolade.

But as founder Karl Frankham tells Chamberlink, the path to regional recognition has rarely been smooth, with “grit, determination, resilience” key to its success - and even survival itself during the dark days of Covid.

The Staffordshire firm picked up the Chamber’s Greater Birmingham Business of the Year award in May in front of 1,000 guests at the ICC after winning the Customer Commitment category.

That success at the region’s biggest annual business dinner was a far cry from the humble origins of a company which has vindicated one man’s decision to branch out

Comparing notes: Karl Frankham (right) with managing director Oliver Aleksejuk

on his own and pursue his IT dream.

As Chasetown-born Karl recalls: “My stepdad was an electronics engineer and I got a passion for IT at the age of eight. I did it as a hobby until the age of 16 – I’d got this passion for fixing things.

“I couldn’t wait to leave school. I wasn’t that academic. I’d got this idea that I’d somehow find my way into an IT job but it didn’t quite

happen like that. I worked in a range of jobs after leaving school at 16 – cleaning, selling kitchens, fitting kitchens but always on the side kind of working freelance in IT.” With no formal qualifications,19year-old Karl learned the hard way, working in his first IT role as one of a team of three serving 1,100 service users in the logistics industry in Birmingham.

“It was extremely fast-paced.

You had to pick things up quick. I loved it. There was no formal training. They kind of drop you in, and off you go.”

‘It was hard work then – and it’s hard work now – but I enjoyed the challenge’

Awards triumph: Head of operations Tim Hepworth (left) celebrates with Oliver Aleksejuk after winning the Business of the Year title at the Greater Birmingham Chambers awards

12 CHAMBERLINK September 2026

Karl’s IT career was up and running and after a spell with a Cannock-based kitchen appliance company setting up an ecommerce venture he founded Techcare in August 2008.

“I started in my garage at home.

I’d got zero customers on day one.

It was old school stuff, going out and knocking on doors around industrial estates, mainly local in the Burntwood area.

“It was hard work then – and it’s hard work now – but I enjoyed the challenge. After doing it from home I moved to a shop down at Swan

Island in Burntwood. I was doing all sorts just trying to find a bit of a market fit really. We were one of the first repairers of iPads and iPhones locally.

“First year turnover would have been about 30 grand. There was no salary. It was like keeping things propped up. It was ground zero.”

With the help of an experienced business partner Karl managed to grow Techcare by focusing on business to business rather than domestic customers. It was a move which proved pivotal to the success and growth of the company.

“We’d kind of realised that the domestic market definitely wasn’t for us – we focused on the B2B side of things.”

Another critical milestone in the Techcare story came in 2018 with the recruitment of former school friend and experienced IT sector executive Oliver Aleksejuk as operations director.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Key to success: Grit, determination, resilience, says Karl Frankham

“We didn’t have a business plan until 2018 so we sat down and decided what we wanted to achieve and what our goals were.

In 2018 we’d have been doing about £600,000 revenue. We were looking to get to £2m by 2021.

We’d got some visionary goals about being the best managed service provider in Staffordshire.”

But with the advent of the UK’s worst medical emergency in 100 years in the shape of Covid, the rise of Techcare stalled as clients dropped off and debts increased.

“Some people in our industry absolutely flew but we were so project-focused. We had a couple of key clients we were doing a lot of network cabling and Wi-Fi work for, big projects, big networks and they just stopped overnight. We couldn’t put people on site – offices closed.”

The Techcare bosses managed to retain their eight-strong team – “we had good people who are hard

to find and we didn’t want to let their skills go” – but debts increased as revenues fell It wasn’t fun. But one thing it did teach us is that there is a lot of consolidation in our industry, a lot of M&A activity and the one kind of key metric is recurring (contracted) revenue.

‘We pivoted our focus to grow recurring revenue – this month we’ve just passed the 65 per cent monthly recurring revenue mark’ “We were 20 per cent recurring revenue versus 80 per cent nonrecurring at that time. We don’t ever want to be in that position again. So we pivoted our focus to grow recurring revenue – this month we’ve just passed the 65 per cent monthly recurring revenue

mark. That’s been a huge task to get from 20 per cent.”

But the unstoppable fastchanging pace of today’s digital world means that a company of Techcare’s size must continue to innovate to survive and prosper in a relentlessly competitive sector, as Oliver points out.

“Some of our competitors are paying hundreds of thousands on Google ads. At £3m (revenue) we don’t have the budget to compete.

We’ve got to think of more inventive, cash-friendly ways. It’s been a really hard time recovering from Covid.”

The fight back from Covid notwithstanding, Techcare – which also has a Cannock-based standalone website and video operation Techcare Digital – can now reflect on nearly two decades of growth which saw them land the biggest business award in the West Midlands.

Says Karl: “The award was massive for us – we should be really

proud. I didn’t expect the customer commitment award and I didn’t even know there was an overall business award. It means a lot but we don’t stop to give ourselves a pat on the back because we’re not those kind of people – it’s all about the next challenge.”

That challenge, according to Karl, is to take the Techcare group which now boasts 32 employees in total - to the next level by boosting cash-flow and reserves with a view to possible acquisitions.

“Over the next five years we want to get to £10m turnover. And we’ll probably have created enough cash-flow to go and look at some acquisitions. The goal for us is to get there, create some cash-flows, some reserves and then look at maybe acquiring another couple of a million turnover businesses.”

• Techcare support vital work with donation – see Page 20 September 2026 CHAMBERLINK 13

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Take part in quarterly survey Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) Quarterly Business Report survey for Q3 has launched, with each participant having a chance to win a £350 gift card to dine at Fogo De Chão.

The report, sponsored by Birmingham City University, is the most comprehensive regular report of its kind in the city region, offering an up-to-date snapshot of the performance of the Greater Birmingham business community.

Survey data will be collated at a national level and will feed into policy and lobbying activity for both GBCC and the British Chambers of Commerce, reaching institutions such as the Government and the Bank of England.

On average, the survey takes around five minutes to complete and runs until 14 September.

Each participant will also have the opportunity to enter a prize draw, with the chance to win a £350 gift card to dine at Fogo De Chão. (terms and conditions apply).

‘It is important that businesses take part in the next QBR survey’ Paige Bowyer, policy and research analyst, said: “The latest QBR results highlighted a resilient business community, with confidence at its highest level since Q1 2025 and recruitment pressures continuing to ease.

“However, businesses continue to face a challenging operating environment, with investment intentions softening and cost pressures remaining a concern.

“While some indicators have improved, the data suggests many firms remain cautious about the outlook for growth and investment.

“As we approach the Autumn Budget, it is important that businesses take part in the next QBR survey so we can build an accurate picture of business sentiment and ensure policymakers understand the realities facing firms across Greater Birmingham.”

To take part in the survey go to: www.surveymonkey.com/r/ Q2JBV3G

14 CHAMBERLINK September 2026

Online tool to put number on the cost of business Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) is encouraging its members and businesses across the region to use a new online tool designed to reveal how much rising policy-driven costs are affecting their bottom line.

The Cost Stack Calculator launched by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), allows businesses to see how the cost of doing business has changed over the past decade – and to submit their own figures anonymously to help build a national evidence base ahead of the Autumn Budget on 28 October.

‘We’d urge every business, whatever their size, to take a few minutes to use the tool’ Research from the BCC shows that domestic policy-driven costs for a typical SME have risen by more than 70 per cent since 2016, with around a quarter of that increase coming since the Autumn 2024 Budget alone.

The GBCC is now calling on businesses across its network to use the calculator, with policy chiefs stressing the more businesses that contribute, the stronger the collective voice will be.

Emily Stubbs (pictured), head of policy at the GBCC, said: “Businesses across our region are frequently telling us how much rising costs are squeezing their margins and holding back investment. This calculator gives them a straightforward way to put a number on that pressure and add their voice to a growing body of evidence.

“The more of our members who take part, the stronger the case we can make to Government ahead of the Autumn Budget. We’d urge every business, whatever their size, to take a few minutes to use the tool.”

To submit figures anonymously go to: britishchambers.org.uk/coststack-calculator

GBCC’s new finance director Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) have appointed Naveen Gupta as finance director.

He succeeds chief financial officer Helen Bates, who is retiring after nine years in the role.

With three decades in finance, Naveen has held senior positions at organisations including the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board, the Royal Shakespeare Company, University of Oxford and B:Music.

Naveen has also worked in finance roles at Jaguar Land Rover and Prudential.

Originally from the East Midlands, Naveen studied at the University of Glasgow, where he gained a Master's degree in International Accounting and Finance.

He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “Naveen brings a wealth of financial, commercial and leadership experience, together with a strong track record of delivering sustainable growth and long-term value.

“As the Chamber continues to grow its impact and support for businesses across the region, his expertise will be a real asset.

“Throughout her time with the GBCC, Helen has demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication and commitment to our long-term success.”

Value for members: Naveen Gupta

Naveen said: “The Chamber plays a vital role in championing businesses across the region, and I’m looking forward to help strengthen its financial foundations so it can continue to deliver value for our members.

“Together, we can turn our shared ambition into lasting opportunity and prosperity for businesses across the region.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

Hunt for rogue moles widens The Mole Clinic, the skin-cancer screening and mole-check provider, has opened a new clinic in Birmingham.

Located at 30A Harborne Road, Edgbaston, the clinic provides single mole checks, full body skin checks, mole mapping and doctor-led mole removals.

The Birmingham Chamber members say the launch reflects growing national demand for rapid access to specialist skin assessment, bringing expert-led services to patients across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.

‘We want skin checks to become a normal part of preventative healthcare, just like dental or eye appointments’ Skin cancer is one of the fastest-increasing cancers in the UK, with melanoma incidence rising significantly over the past decade.

Early detection remains critical, particularly as lifestyle factors such as intermittent intense sun exposure and historic sunbed use continue to contribute to long-term risk. Research indicates a 59 per cent higher risk of melanoma in individuals who used sunbeds before the age of 35.

Annie Meharg, chief executive officer of The Mole Clinic, said: “Birmingham is one of the UK’s largest and most vibrant cities, and we’re proud to be expanding our services here. As awareness

Barclays backs housing provider Barclays has agreed a new £200m revolving credit facility with Housing Plus Group, one of the leading providers of housing, care and support services in the West Midlands.

The funding will help Housing Plus Group invest in existing homes, strengthen neighbourhoods and deliver new homes across its portfolio of more than 33,000 properties in Shropshire, Staffordshire, and Telford & Wrekin.

The deal forms part of Barclays’ broader Business Prosperity Fund, a £22bn lending commitment available to clients across the UK for new lending and refinancing and reflects the bank’s continued support for growing organisations across sectors.

Neil Hetherington, social housing relationship director at Barclays, said: “This milestone reflects the strength of our collaborative relationship and provides a platform for continued investment.”

16 CHAMBERLINK September 2026

of skin cancer grows, more people are recognising the importance of specialist assessment and early diagnosis rather than delaying checks. UV exposure is cumulative – it builds over years through holidays, outdoor work, sport and everyday activities. Even short periods of sunburn, even earlier in life, can increase future risk. Our aim is to make expert screening easily accessible so people can take control of their skin health with confidence.

“At the Birmingham clinic, we want skin checks to become a normal part of preventative healthcare, just like dental or eye appointments.”

Dr David Veitch, consultant dermatologist at The Mole Clinic, said: “When suspicious lesions are identified early, intervention is often more straightforward and outcomes are significantly improved.”

• For more health news see page 72

...as partnership wins award for at-home bladder cancer test University of Birmingham researchers and city cancer testing company Nonacus have won a national award for pioneering work on a non-invasive urine test used by NHS patients.

They received the Partnership between Academia and Business Award at the Medilink UK Healthcare Business Awards, which recognise leading life sciences and healthtech innovation from across the UK.

The national win follows success in the same category at the Medilink Midlands Business Awards earlier this year.

Around 320,000 people visit their GP each year after finding blood in their urine. Most will not have bladder cancer, but getting an answer can still mean waiting for a cystoscopy, where a camera is passed into the bladder.

Those who do have cancer are waiting in the same queue as those

Award-winners: Staff from Nonacus and UoB

who do not, delaying diagnosis for the people who need it most.

GALEAS Bladder looks for genomic changes linked to bladder cancer in a urine sample that patients provide at home and return by post.

Lee Silcock, co-founder and chief product officer at Quinton-based Nonacus, said: “Years of close work between the University of Birmingham and Nonacus have brought together the science, technology and clinical evidence needed to get GALEAS Bladder into NHS care.

“Seeing patients now able to complete the test at home, receive clearer answers sooner and potentially avoid an unnecessary procedure is a proud moment for everyone involved. To have built that here in Birmingham makes this national recognition even more special.”

Lee studied at the University of Birmingham before training as a clinical scientist in the NHS and later co-founding Nonacus, which began life in the University’s BioHub at Birmingham Research Park.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Solus to support foundation’s work Solus has become a Foundation Community Partner of Birmingham City FC, supporting the work of the Birmingham City FC Foundation.

The Birmingham-based business said it was drawn to the partnership by concerns over a shortage of construction skills in the local community, as regeneration projects progress across the city.

The foundation’s plans include a new skills hub connected to the Sports Quarter, aimed at giving local people training and opportunities to take part in the city’s redevelopment.

The Birmingham City FC Foundation is the club’s charitable arm, delivering programmes across Birmingham and Solihull and its Community Partner programme brings together local businesses supporting its work.

Uncover the blind spots to success Wealth management firm Mattioli Woods is inviting Chamber members for a free event uncovering the financial blind spots behind success.

Taking place on 18 November at Fazeley Studios, from 5pm to 7.30pm, the event is aimed specifically at business owners and senior professionals.

Leadership coach Nim Pancholi has been announced as guest speaker and the event will be hosted by Henry Allen, a wealth management consultant at Mattioli Woods.

‘These aren’t small oversights; they're the kind of blind spots that can take years to unpick’ Henry Allen said: “Time and again, I meet incredibly successful entrepreneurs who have built exceptional businesses – but whose personal finances haven’t kept pace. Their wealth is tied up in the company, their pension is underutilised, and succession hasn’t been discussed with the family.

“These aren’t small oversights; they’re the kind of blind spots that can take years to unpick. That’s exactly why we’re hosting this event – to have those honest conversations and show you what's possible.”

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Women Entrepreneur Pitch comp to return The search has begun for the West Midlands’ next big female-led business – with the return of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s (GBCC) annual Women Entrepreneurs Pitch.

Women-led firms from across the region are being invited to apply for the initiative – run by the GBCC in partnership with NatWest – which has previously crowned the creators of mental health plush toys, a surgical safety device and a seaweed-based sustainable material as its winners.

‘We’re proud to play a role in championing these founders’ Applications close on Wednesday, 30 September.

A shortlist of finalists will then be invited to pitch to a panel of expert judges at a live final in Birmingham city centre on Wednesday, 11 November.

Now in its fourth year, the competition is designed to showcase the best of the region's women-led SMEs and start-ups

2025 winner: Fran Williams of The Calmness Crew, manufacturers of mental health plush toys

while helping to address barriers to growth.

Previous winners include The Calmness Crew, which makes mental health plush toys for children, medtech firm iCount, which has developed an AI-enabled device to prevent surgical swabs being left in the body, and biotech

company SymbioTex, which produces sustainable, seaweedbased materials for medical devices and cosmetic packaging.

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “Too many talented women founders still face barriers when it comes to accessing the investment and networks they need to grow. This competition is about helping to change that by creating opportunities for some of the region’s most exciting entrepreneurs to connect with investors, advisers and supporters who can help them take the next step. We’re proud to play a role in championing these founders.”

Harinder Kunor, accelerator community manager at NatWest, said: “We are incredibly excited about this year's Women Entrepreneurs Pitch competition.

“Helping women-led businesses to scale and succeed is critical to harnessing long-term, sustainable growth in the local and national economies.”

Full details of how to apply are available at: greaterbirminghamchambers.com

The Cube: Set for transformation

UCB buys Cube in hospitality plan University College Birmingham has acquired The Cube Hotel and Marco Pierre White restaurant as the first phase of a £15m investment programme set to transform hospitality training in the city.

The investment will deliver three new hospitality venues across Birmingham, creating more than 150 jobs while providing students with hands-on training opportunities in real-world hospitality environments.

It also includes the opening of a new neighbourhood restaurant in Harborne, a new café, restaurant and bar at the Summer Row campus, and a full refurbishment of the existing Restaurant at Birmingham College of Food.

Part of the University’s Business School, the Birmingham College of Food, will take over the former The Cube Hotel and Marco Pierre White restaurant, transforming the iconic rooftop site into a new 52-bedroom hotel and restaurant, spanning the 23rd, 24th and 25th floors.

Professor Michael Harkin, UCB vice-chancellor and principal, said: “By creating a collection of highquality hospitality venues across the city, we are giving our students access to real-world, commercial environments where they can develop the skills, confidence and experience that employers are looking for.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

New chair at Black Business Collective The Black Business Collective, a subscriber network for Black business owners and professionals backed by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), has appointed Chris Cummins as its new chair.

Chris, co-founder of Birmingham-based international training business OTD, takes on the role after serving on the Collective’s committee for the past 12 months.

He succeeds former chair Alex Cole, chief executive of Tin Ventures.

‘The Black Business Collective has created something really valuable over the last two years’ Uko Umotong, co-founder of UB Healthcare, has been appointed vice chair, joining existing vice chair Justice Williams MBE. An experienced senior leader and facilitator, Chris is a Society of NLP Licensed Master Trainer for Business.

He spent 17 years working in the pharmaceutical sector with some of the world’s largest organisations before co-founding OTD. He is also part of the team behind Baseline Mentoring, which aims to make professional growth more accessible.

Chris said: “The Black Business Collective has created something really valuable over the last two years and I’m proud to be building on that as chair.”

The Black Talent Awards (BTA) has unveiled its 2026 finalists as the national platform prepares to mark its fifth anniversary, celebrating five years of recognising Black professional achievement, leadership, entrepreneurship and impact across the UK. The winners will be announced at the black-tie Chapter Five ceremony at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, on Friday, 2 October.

Birmingham City University are headline sponsor, with Lloyds Banking Group as Gold Sponsor; Vision for All and FD2i as Bronze Sponsors; and AXIOM JV as Media Room Sponsor.

The Awards are further supported by Barclays Eagle Labs, Jaguar Land Rover, Merlin Entertainments, Purple Squared AV and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

For the full list of finalists go to: blacktalentawards.co.uk

Experienced leader: Chris Cummins

Techcare support vital work with donation

Fresh perspective: Adam Rollason (left) with Ross Prince

Key appointment to lead Crowe office National audit, tax, advisory and consulting firm Crowe has appointed Adam Rollason to lead its Birmingham office.

Based in the firm’s new One Colmore Row office in Birmingham, Rollason will focus on strengthening Crowe’s wider advisory capabilities across the local market, as well as driving new growth opportunities.

Adam brings extensive transactional tax expertise, with a particular focus on advising owner-managed businesses and their shareholders. He supports a broad range of clients, including family businesses, entrepreneurs, individuals, management teams and EOT Trustees.

The news follows the appointment of Mitesh Patelia as Crowe UK’s new chief executive.

Ross Prince, Midlands and South West office managing partner at Crowe, said: “Adam’s appointment is a key part of our ambition and continued investment in the region and the central Birmingham advisory market.

“He has built a strong reputation in the deals and structuring market and brings fresh perspective, energy and valuable connections.”

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Techcare, Greater Birmingham Chambers’ Business of the Year 2026, has donated a new HP ProBook laptop to support a charity’s community and volunteer work.

The laptop has been gifted to Pippa Moor, Lichfield-based Grace Cares’ community and volunteer lead, who will use it to manage volunteer coordination, community outreach and the day-to-day running of programmes supporting unpaid carers and older people across the region.

Gift: Hannah Montgomery and Tim Hepworth

Hannah Montgomery, co-founder of Grace Cares, said: “This means so much to us. Pippa pours everything into this team and into the people we support, so having reliable equipment behind her makes a real difference.

“Techcare didn’t just donate a laptop, they invested in the work we do every single day.”

Grace Cares rescues, refurbishes and redistributes pre-loved care equipment, selling it at half the original RRP or less, with proceeds funding free community programmes including the Care Club, tea parties, hardship grants and the Caring for Tomorrow webinar series.

Tim Hepworth, head of operations at Techcare, said: “Everyone relies on health and social care at some point in their life, which is one of the reasons supporting Grace Cares was important to us.

“Our director Sam has a genuine background and passion for care, so the work Pippa and the Grace Cares team are doing really resonates with us. They provide an incredibly valuable service, and we are pleased that the laptop will help make their day-to-day work that little bit easier.”

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Athletics competition breaks records Birmingham 2026 has gone down as the biggest European Athletics Championships ever staged, with 1,645 athletes competing for 157 medals across 50 events.

The seven-day competition at Alexander Stadium produced two world records, four European records, 11 Championship records and 40 national records, and attracted 218,135 spectators, with three evening sessions selling out.

‘A wonderful experience for athletes and spectators’ Great Britain and Northern Ireland equalled their best gold medal tally, taking nine golds and 19 medals in total to finish second in the standings.

It was the first time the UK has hosted the championships, delivered by Athletic Ventures – a joint venture between UK Athletics, London Marathon Events and The Great Run Company.

Athletic Ventures shouldered the full financial risk, rather than relying

Partnership boosts regional support Midlands based accountants Jerroms – part of Sumer Group – have joined forces with counterparts Philip Barnes to create a new strategic regional partnership.

They say the move enhances Jerroms’ ability to deliver professional services to small and medium sized enterprises, building on their long-standing commitment to supporting the local business community.

Lucas Markou, director at Jerroms, said that Philip Barnes’ strong local reputation and client first approach “align closely with our own values, and together we’ll be able to offer an even broader range of services and specialist support.”

John Clark, director in Philip Barnes’ Tamworth Office, said: “Joining Jerroms gives our Tamworth clients access to wider specialist capability while allowing us to maintain the personal, local service they value.”

• For more finance news turn to page 70.

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Tumbling records: Alexander Stadium

on government or the host city – thought to be a first for a European Athletics Championships.

Organisers say any resulting surplus will be reinvested into growing participation in athletics nationwide.

Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics and co-founder of Athletic

Ventures, said Birmingham 2026 has “truly raised the bar for the event” and added: “We would like to thank European Athletics and our partners and stakeholders at UK Sport, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Birmingham City

Council and West Midlands Combined Authority for all their support.

“We’d also like to salute and thank the 1,438 volunteers who played such an important part in creating a wonderful experience for athletes and spectators.”

Agilyx celebrates five-year anniversary with workshop Birmingham-based global tech firm Agilyx celebrated their five year anniversary with a specialist workshop delivered by Greater Birmingham Chamber member Sharon McCormick from The Listening Centre.

The workshop, held at their STEAMhouse office, focused on team culture and communications with role play scenarios in digital delivery.

‘Sharon used the opportunity to align our success to our values and culture’ Managing director Harpal Mattu, said: “As the proud managing director of our EMEA business based in Birmingham’s STEAMhouse, it is exceptional to see how far the team and our business in the UK has progressed as we celebrate our fifth birthday with our talented team.

“Sharon used the opportunity to align our success to our values and culture, while exploring scenarios that could have detrimental impacts on a fast-moving change consultancy environment that we exist in and bring to life the impacts of complacency.”

The Agilyx Group is a global technology services company with offices in Sydney Australia, Auckland New Zealand, Victoria Canada, Pretoria South Africa and Birmingham.

Explored detrimental impacts: Sharon McCormick

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

The key to retaining talent

By Naz Williams (pictured), CEO & solicitor, Afsar Williams Solicitors For many West Midlands businesses, the conversation around growth usually focuses on sales, investment and technology. Yet one of the biggest barriers to growth in 2026 is far less visible: keeping the right people.

The businesses that succeed are not simply those that recruit quickly, but those that build a workforce that is stable, motivated and able to remain in the UK long term.

The Birmingham advantage Birmingham has always been a city built on enterprise, diversity and international connections. Many growing businesses now employ staff from a wide range of backgrounds, including individuals on Skilled Worker visas, Graduate visas, and other immigration routes.

For employers, immigration compliance is often viewed as an administrative burden. In reality, it should be seen as part of a wider people strategy. A sponsored employee who feels supported and can plan their future with confidence is far more likely to remain with the business and contribute to its long-term success.

What employers are getting wrong

Why this matters now

In our experience, businesses commonly make three mistakes: • Treating sponsorship as a last-minute recruitment tool • Failing to monitor visa expiry dates and reporting duties • Overlooking the personal pressures that international employees and their families may be experiencing.

The UK’s immigration system continues to evolve and businesses should expect further changes affecting work routes and settlement pathways over the coming years. Waiting until a key employee is close to visa expiry is no longer a sensible option.

These issues can lead to unnecessary staff turnover, disruption to operations, and significant compliance risks.

A more strategic approach Forward-thinking employers are beginning to integrate immigration planning into their broader HR and workforce development strategy. This includes: • Auditing sponsor licence compliance regularly • Identifying employees who may become eligible for settlement • Supporting dependent family applications where appropriate • Providing clear communication about employment and immigration expectations.

This approach is particularly important for SMEs, which often do not have large in-house HR or legal teams but rely heavily on a small number of key skilled employees.

A wider business responsibility There is also a broader point. Birmingham’s economic success depends on its ability to remain a city where talent chooses to stay.

When employers invest in people rather than viewing them as temporary resources, the benefits extend beyond the individual business to the wider regional economy.

Conclusion Growth is not only about attracting new customers: it is about creating the conditions in which good people can build their future with your business.

For Birmingham’s ambitious SMEs, talent retention may prove to be the most important growth strategy of all.

Contact Afsar Williams Solicitors on: E: nw@afsarwilliams.com W: afsarwilliams.com September 2026 CHAMBERLINK 23

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Where do you fancy?

The Arden Hotel and Leisure Club was opened as The Arden Grill in 1968, a roadside café with six bedrooms. The family-run business now boasts 216 bedrooms, 13 meeting spaces, a beautiful and spacious bar and restaurant with a leisure club.

Breakfast, lunch or dinner…

Food and drink The Arden offers a blend of modern British cuisine with strong international influences.

The menus include classic favourites alongside globally inspired dishes such as Sri Lankan curry, Greek lamb, Cantonese beef stir-fry, Italian flatbreads, Thai salads and tapas-style sharing plates Breakfast The buffet-style breakfast service caters for everyone. There’s a hearty full English selection (bacon, sausage, hash browns, tomatoes, mushrooms, beans and black pudding). Or a lighter breakfast from a selection of pastries, breads and spreads, cereals, fruits and yoghurts. Coffee, tea and herbal blends also available.

The Arden Hotel and Leisure Club Coventry Rd, Solihull B92 0EH T: 01675 443221 | E: conferences@ardenhotel.co.uk W: www.ardenhotel.co.uk

Lunch Bretherton’s Bar is open for a relaxed bar-style lunch service (also available for evening dining).

It caters for refreshing salads, sharing platters, tapas and light bites to bloomer sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads and burgers, with sweet treats to follow.

Owner: David Gardner

Dinner The Burgundy Restaurant offers a delectable three-course menu.

Combining modern British cuisine with well-loved international dishes, there is something for everyone.

Customer favourites include soup of the day, crispy buffalo wings and a trio of salmon starters, Greekstyle rack of lamb, pan-seared sea bass, Sri Lankan chicken curry mains, Arden’s signature chocolate heaven, crème brûlée, tropical orange cheesecake desserts.

Vegetarian, vegan and glutenfree and children’s options are available.

Conference facilities

Wines A thoughtfully curated wine list showcases exceptional wines from France, Italy, Spain, Chile, 24 CHAMBERLINK September 2026

Head chef: Jessica Lavender Opening hours: Reception operates 24 hours a day.

Bretherton’s Bar 10am-Late.

Burgundy Restaurant 6pm10pm.

Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, England, and California.

They include crisp, refreshing whites and elegant rosés to smooth, full-bodied reds and prestigious Champagnes.

Business facilities The hotel offers day delegate rates, discounted room rates for conferences that need bedrooms and all business needs are catered for. Private dining facilities include a stunning conservatory that boasts

a beautiful courtyard outside and is a short distance from the main bar.

It can be used by up to 50 people.

The Henley Suite is available for bigger gatherings and parties. With a private bar, dancefloor and room for a DJ, this can seat a maximum of 144 in banqueting but more for a seated and standing buffet. There is a range of different buffets, starting at small finger buffets to a premium hot and cold buffet. There is also a set three-course banqueting menu.

The Arden is home to 13 flexible conference and meeting spaces.

From small interviews and weekly meetings to large annual conferences, they have a space for everything with a dedicated events team to execute all bookings.

Room hire includes all necessary equipment whether it be a screen and projector, TVs or flipcharts and stationery. Refreshments and lunch options available can be booked with the team.

Exclusive offer for Chamber members Complimentary room hire rate redeemable through general manager Roy Nash. Complimentary bedroom upgrades also available.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Agency wins inaugural award rbl brand agency has been recognised at the inaugural Brandland Gather Awards, winning the Brand Story category for its work with the University of East Anglia (UEA).

The award celebrates the Leamington Spa-based company’s development of a powerful and authentic brand story for UEA – one rooted in originality, creativity and shared purpose.

The narrative leads with the idea – ‘Original By Nature’capturing the true character of the university’s community.

The team focused on uncovering UEA’s authentic identity by working side by side with its people – from leadership through to students – to understand the lived experience of the university.

The result is a story designed to guide how UEA expresses itself across every touchpoint.

The project was led by rbl’s Rhiannon Lowe and Adam Concar, with Charlene Katuwawala and Holly Mudie.

Positive note: 10 Brindleyplace

A disappointing start to city’s office market New figures show that the Birmingham office market has struggled to gain momentum in the first half of 2026 – suffering its lowest second quarter since records began.

According to KWB’s latest Birmingham office market review, a total of 151,277 sq ft of space was leased over 32 deals in Birmingham during H1 2026. However, only eight were recorded in the second quarter.

Furthermore, the average transaction size has dropped to 4,727 sq ft, down 29 per cent on the 2025 figure of 6,648 sq ft.

Malcolm Jones, director at KWB, said: “Despite securing a healthy amount of space in Q1, the lack of

deals in Q2 has resulted in a disappointing start to 2026 for the Birmingham office market.

“A range of issues across the entire property industry, government and economy are continuing to have a negative impact. Plus, permanent downsizing by many operators and the popularity of hybrid working styles are also having a lasting effect.”

The largest deal of H1 was Eversheds Sutherland’s lease of 45,690 sq ft at Three Chamberlain Square, which also marked the full occupancy of Paradise.

However, this deal was also a prime example of the continuing downsizing trend, with the legal services provider leaving their

80,000 sq ft office at 115 Colmore Row. Malcom continued: “The market still has the potential to make this year a story of two halves. There is a wealth of high-quality office space available in a variety of areas of Birmingham; including much more affordable options than those in Colmore Business District.

“On a more positive note, three deals were secured at Brindleyplace during H1, which hopefully signals an emerging trend of occupiers choosing CBD-adjacent space now that the Colmore Business District is running low on availability.”

To read the full report go to: kwboffice.co

Mediation expert launches conflict support practice PCAMS, a new specialist conflict support coaching, mediation and mentoring practice, has launched with a mission to help individuals, organisations and communities navigate conflict with greater confidence and understanding.

Founded by experienced mediator and conflict support coach Toby Gaddum, PCAMS works with businesses, leaders and individuals to address difficult conversations, resolve disputes and strengthen working relationships before issues escalate.

Toby says that open and honest conversations are more important than ever, at a time when many organisations are facing increasing pressures around workplace wellbeing, communication and employee relations, 26 CHAMBERLINK September 2026

He added: “Conflict is a normal part of life and work, but too often people feel unheard, stuck or unsure how to move forward.

“Our role is to create a safe space for meaningful conversations that lead to understanding, practical solutions and positive change.”

Through a combination of conflict support coaching, mediation and mentoring, PCAMS helps clients develop the confidence and skills needed to manage challenging situations constructively, creating stronger relationships and more resilient teams.

As part of its launch, PCAMS has also joined the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and hopes to work with businesses across the region.

Conflict normal: Toby Gaddum

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BUSINESS NEWS

High-flyers: Birmingham Airport personnel celebrate a major milestone

Members give back to charity Raising money for charity is now a huge part of business operations. And no more so than for Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce members. Here Chamberlink presents a roundup of recent activities.

MIDLANDS Air Ambulance Charity’s Saving Lives Charity Ball will return this autumn as part of the organisation’s 35th anniversary celebrations.

The event will take place on Friday, 25 September, at Edgbaston Stadium and will bring together supporters, fundraisers, corporate partners, volunteers and members of the charity’s aircrew to celebrate the work that makes its missions possible.

Tickets are available at: midlandsairambulance.com BIRMINGHAM Airport (BHX) has reached a major milestone after raising more than £200,000 for Birmingham Children’s

Hospital Charity, less than two years into its three-year partnership with the charity.

The airport originally pledged to raise £250,000 after Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity was chosen by its colleagues as its official charity partner for 2025 to 2028.

YMCA HEART of England and Shelter Birmingham have rescheduled their Charity Dining Experience at San Carlo – it will now take place on Thursday, 15 October – to support people facing homelessness.

THE Mel Evans MND foundation has launched a 30 Days of Hope campaign, inviting 30 businesses from the local community to stand alongside the charity.

Businesses can take part by making a one-off donation, becoming a corporation supporter or by promoting the charity through wider networks.

Partnership to help Doctors in Distress Financial services mutual Wesleyan has launched a new three-year partnership with Doctors in Distress to support its life saving work, as new data reveals that mental health issues remain the leading cause of income protection claims among doctors.

Behind every claim is a doctor whose health has deteriorated to the point that they can no longer work.

More than a third (35 per cent) of all income protection claims made by GPs and hospital doctors in 2025 were related to mental health, according to Wesleyan’s claims data. The wider picture is even more stark. Doctors in Distress says that one doctor dies by suicide every three weeks.

Wesleyan has previously supported Doctors in Distress through a charitable donation. The new three-year partnership represents a longterm commitment to the charity and its work to protect the mental health of healthcare workers, prevent burnout and save lives.

Alec Collie, head of medical at Wesleyan Financial Services, said: “Behind every claim is an individual who has reached the point where they are no longer able to work. That can have a profound impact on their health, family, career and finances, as well as consequences for colleagues, patients and an NHS already under considerable pressure.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

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BUSINESS NEWS

New report highlights growing impact of AI A new report reveals how businesses are really adopting AI – and what leaders should do next.

“AI and the Future of Work” is a report from Birminghamheadquartered Curium Solutions, with support from the University of Birmingham.

Developed with the support of MBA students from the University of Birmingham, the report goes beyond the headlines to explore what artificial intelligence really means for organisations today.

No single view on future: Andy Dawson

‘AI is now a regular topic in almost every conversation’ It combines academic research with real-world insights from senior business leaders across industries including retail, financial services, aerospace, rail, logistics, telecommunications and technology.

This report provides evidencebased answers to questions like: • How do we embrace AI while managing the risks?

• How do we prepare our people for the changes ahead?

• What does successful AI adoption actually look like?

• Where should we start?

The research examines the immediate and medium-term opportunities and challenges facing organisations.

Curium co-founder Andy Dawson, also president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “AI is now a regular topic in almost every conversation I have with business leaders. Yet there is still no single view of what the future will look like, and levels of experience, confidence and appetite vary significantly between

organisations. With this report, we wanted to get beneath the headlines and understand, at a practical level, what successful AI adoption will look like, and what leaders need to do now to prepare them for the future.”

...as the tech creates jobs AI is helping West Midlands firms create new jobs and build the skills needed to stay competitive, according to research from the Lloyds Business Barometer.

Sixty-seven per cent of West Midlands businesses already using AI say it has created new jobs in their firm, while 61 per cent of all firms in the region plan to increase investment in AI to upskill their workforce in the coming year.

Of those increasing investment, 33 per cent expect to spend between £25,000 and £100,000, while 23 per cent expect to spend between £100,000 and £250,000.

While 61 per cent of West Midlands businesses say their workforce has the AI skills needed, 29 per cent say it does not. Overall, 62 per cent of the region’s firms say they currently use AI. Fifty-three per cent of West Midlands firms say that businesses which fail to adopt AI in the next three years will be at a competitive disadvantage.

Dave Atkinson, regional director for the West Midlands at Lloyds, said: “Now businesses need to ensure they can access the skills, support and confidence they need to keep pace. With six in 10 firms planning to invest in AI upskilling, there’s a clear appetite to build on this momentum.”

• See page 82 for more technology

Dragon Boat Race in aid of hospital Birmingham Women’s and Children's Hospital Charity has partnered with Gymshark, which will sponsor the charity’s sixth annual Dragon Boat Race on 17 and 18 September.

More than 60 businesses from across the West Midlands will take to the canal at the Mailbox in Birmingham for the event, which has raised over £1.1m cumulatively since it began.

Gymshark helped launch the first Dragon Boat Race in 2021 and has taken part every year since, raising more than £650,000 for the charity to date.

Founder and CEO Ben Francis has also been a charity patron for five years.

This year’s race will support Birmingham Women's Hospital Charity’s £1.5m MRI Appeal, which aims to bring the hospital its first MRI scanner.

Helen Miles, head of partnerships and major donors at the charity, said: “With help from Gymshark and community-minded businesses like them, we smashed our £1m cumulative fundraised target last year. We hope to raise even more this year, making life better for poorly women and babies by bringing a state-of-the-art MRI scanner to our Women's Hospital.”

Cat Bromley, who leads charity partnerships at Gymshark, said: “Birmingham is our home, so being able to rally the Gymshark team and other local businesses around a cause that will make such a tangible difference to women, babies and families in our community is really special.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

Fans deserve honesty, says music expert

Growing disappointment: Dr Matt Grimes

A music industry expert at Birmingham City University (BCU) is urging record labels and artists to be more transparent about what fans can expect from vinyl releases, following growing disappointment over incomplete or altered albums.

With some artists citing production deadlines, manufacturing costs and the physical limitations of vinyl for missing tracks or unfinished recordings, Dr Matt Grimes, course co-director of the BA(Hons) music business course and senior lecturer in music industries and radio at BCU, believes the music industry must do more to manage fans’ expectations.

At Brumside Radio: Nataliia Korol

Manufacturer appoints boss Indestructible Paint, the Sparkhill-based specialist coating manufacturer, has appointed a new managing director.

Edward Johnson joins the company with over 20 years’ experience leading and growing industrial businesses across the globe.

Most recently he served as strategy director at Michelin’s Advanced Sealing Technologies business line, supplying engineered components to the aerospace, energy and industrial sectors.

Having led teams across four continents, Ed combines deep sector knowledge with a proven track record of international growth.

He holds a first-class degree from Oxford University and is fluent in Mandarin, a skill honed through his years working internationally.

After years working around the world, he is returning to his home city of Birmingham.

Ed Johnson said: “I’ve spent much of my career in industries you wouldn’t give a thought to seals and bearings and widgets that you might not know exist but play an outsized role in keeping the world turning.”

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“The problem arises when fans pre-order an album with an understanding of what to expect and then suddenly receive an album containing perhaps halffinished songs, demo versions or different versions of songs from the digital version,” said Dr Grimes.

“It’s not a great way of retaining and building fans for an artist to release half-finished songs. At that point, they should take more responsibility and perhaps withdraw the song altogether.

“Artists have a responsibility to notify fans about what they’ll receive to allow them to make an informed decision about whether or not they want to pre-order and buy the record.”

Creative director launches weekend family radio show Nataliia Korol, founder and creative director of Wolverhampton-based studio Nataliia Korol Design, is expanding into broadcasting as co-host of a new weekend radio show, Cozy Talks with DeNa Family, launching on Brumside Radio.

Presented alongside her husband, Destiny Osagiede, the show will air on the first and second Saturday of every month from 8pm to 10pm, beginning 5 September 2026.

Cozy Talks with DeNa Family will bring listeners relaxed, honest conversation around family life, culture and everyday experience, offering a warm space for stories that reflect the diversity of the West Midlands community.

The move builds on a period of strong momentum for Nataliia, whose design studio was recently named a Midlands regional finalist in the UK StartUp Awards 2026, and who has previously delivered a hands-on branding workshop at a creative expo.

Stepping into radio marks a natural extension of her work in visual storytelling, translating the same care for clear, considered communication into a new, spoken format.

Nataliia said: “Design has always been about communication, and radio gives me the chance to bring that same care into conversation. I’m really looking forward to sharing honest chats with our listeners and building something new together as a family.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

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BUSINESS NEWS

Statues of key Birmingham figures are returned to Paradise Two of Birmingham’s most important and influential historic figures, James Watt and Joseph Priestley, have had their statues returned to the city centre after an absence of 10 years.

The imposing pair – both leading lights of the Industrial Revolution and the English Enlightenment – now proudly complete and stand at opposite ends of Ratcliff Passage, the new Paradise public area between Three Chamberlain Square and the Grade I listed Town Hall.

Once sited alongside the original Victorian era Central Library, where Three Chamberlain Square sits today, the statues were later moved to the western part of Chamberlain Square where they stood for a further 46 years before being put into safe storage when the redevelopment of Paradise began.

Brought back to life by Market Drayton-based Midland Masonry, specialists in stonework conservation and restoration, as well as Ian Clark Restoration providing specialist metalwork conservation, both Priestley and Watt have undergone a lot of work over the past year as they’ve been prepared for their

return. The work has been supported by the government’s Enterprise Zone funding.

Poised on their three-metre high plinths, the statues stand 2.5 metres tall, giving them each combined heights of 5.5 metres. Watt’s statue was cast in Portland stone in 1868, while Priestley’s original marble statue dates from 1874, but had deteriorated so much by 1951 he had to be re-cast in more durable bronze.

Ratcliff Passage also brings some stunning new mature trees to the estate and creates a spacious boulevard between the Town Hall and the rest of Paradise.

Ross Fittall, regional development director at Paradise developer and asset-manager MEPC, the specialist development arm of Federated Hermes, said: “Welcoming back both James Watt and Joseph Priestley is a key moment not just for Paradise, but for the whole of the city of Birmingham.

Back home: The statue of Joseph Priestley now in central Birmingham

“As key figures in both the Industrial Revolution and the English Enlightenment, they helped deliver the change that led to the modern world we have today.”

Pat Hanlon, non-executive director of the Enterprise Zone Partnership Board, said: “The economic growth and benefits of Paradise can already be felt across the city and region.

The development has not just created new places everyone can enjoy, it has brought thousands of

PHTA partners with Maytal The University of Birmingham’s Precision Health Technologies Accelerator (PHTA) has joined forces with Maytal, a global leader in regulatory consultancy, to support companies developing the next generation of medical devices and in vitro diagnostics.

Maytal specialises in helping medtech companies navigate the complex landscape of product regulation, design and certification across the UK, EU, USA and other international markets.

Professor Gino Martini (pictured), CEO of PHTA, said: “This exciting partnership brings together PHTA’s medtech design, optimisation and prototyping expertise with Maytal’s extensive track record in helping pioneering businesses to overcome regulatory and market entry barriers.”

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new jobs right into the centre of the city.”

Jane Thompson Webb, conservation manager at Birmingham Museums Trust, custodians of the statues on behalf of the city, said: “The return of these vital figures in the very heart of the city will allow everyone to be able to enjoy them and underlines our pride in both Watt and Priestley’s achievements which influenced the world around us today.”

Expansion for Ted Baker Following the successful launch of its first Selfridges shop-in-shop at Manchester Trafford earlier this year, Ted Baker is continuing to expand its premium retail footprint with the opening of a second location at Selfridges Birmingham.

The opening reflects Ted Baker’s continued evolution as it expands its presence across key retail destinations, creating thoughtfully designed spaces that bring the brand’s signature British personality and storytelling to life.

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BUSINESS NEWS

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CHAMBER PATRONS

Chamber Patrons Greater Birmingham Chambers’ leading supporters IN BRIEF

Contact: Raj Kandola T: 07815 952462

Janie Frampton with Anita Bhalia, chair of the BCU governors

Intercity has signed a new sporting deal with Bristol Bears rugby union that will mark a move into the South West for the first time.

The Birminghamheadquartered technology solutions provider, which marked 40 years in business in 2026, has become an official club partner.

Intercity will support the club

with IT managed services, cloud, cybersecurity and communications for the Bears’ men’s and women’s teams.

NatWest has launched a new business Accelerator at Tyseley Energy Park in the West Midlands, in partnership with TEP Birmingham and Webster & Horsfall Group.

The hub will support founders and growth businesses across sectors, offering targeted business support and direct access to capital, expert insight, commercial opportunities and a powerful network of contacts.

It will also strengthen NatWest’s wider regional ecosystem across Tyseley, Birmingham and Warwick by linking the Accelerator network with NatWest’s specialist venture banking, sustainability finance and IP lending proposition.

The launch supports regional priorities around green growth, innovation and commercialisation, and aims to help more local businesses turn strong ideas into investable, scalable companies.

Advanced engineering and manufacturing already contribute £22bn a year to the West Midlands economy and support 273,000 jobs.

TEP Birmingham is home to more than 20 energy and technology organisations working across low carbon energy, sustainable transport, resource recovery, advanced materials and the circular economy.

TEP is owned by Webster & Horsfall Group, a family owned Birmingham manufacturer with more than 300 years of industrial heritage and a relationship with NatWest dating back to 1948.

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BCU recognises sporting pioneer Janie Frampton Janie Frampton, president of the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce and sporting pioneer has been recognised by Birmingham City University (BCU) with an honorary doctorate at Symphony Hall.

“To be recognised by a university in the city that has played such an important role in my professional life makes the honour especially meaningful,” Janie said.

“What means the most to me is the opportunity to inspire others. If my journey encourages even one student to believe in themselves, embrace challenges and pursue opportunities they never thought possible, then receiving this honorary doctorate will have an impact far beyond today.”

Janie has made huge strides for gender equality in football, as the second woman referee to officiate in England’s men’s professional football and one of only

eight FIFA Women Instructors in the world. Awarded an OBE in 2024 for her services to women in sport, Janie continues to inspire young women as a founding member of the Birmingham City Young Women into Leadership Team. She has collaborated with Birmingham City Council and the US Embassy to foster cultural change and business development among young leaders.

One of Birmingham's most celebrated artists, Barbara Walker MBE RA was also awarded an honorary doctorate by BCU - a full-circle moment for an alumna whose colossal portraits have reshaped how Black lives and experiences are seen in British art.

Tackling issues of belonging, power, visibility, and representation, Barbara’s artwork focuses on the lived experience of Black people and their community.

Former Chamber chief made university honorary graduate Former Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Paul Faulkner became Aston University’s 500th honorary graduate, marking the institute’s 60th anniversary.

Paul has built an outstanding reputation through a distinguished business career spanning leadership roles across the Midlands, making a significant contribution to business, sport and civic life in the region.

He is perhaps best known for his role at Aston Villa Football Club, where he played a key part in the club’s takeover by Randy Lerner in 2006 before becoming chief executive officer.

Today, Paul continues to support businesses and organisations across the region through his work with the Richardson family, as co-founder of advisory business Element45, and as vice-chairman for Barclays Bank across the Midlands The former deputy mayor of the West Midlands, Sharon Thompson, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by both Birmingham City (BCU) and Aston universities. Sharon, who was also the deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, was part of the UK delegation that secured Birmingham as hosts of the 2026 European Athletics Championships.

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CHAMBER PATRONS

Cadbury Foundation welcomes new chair The Cadbury Foundation has welcomed a new chair of trustees just a year after it celebrated its 90th anniversary.

The role will be taken by Christian Woolfenden, who was appointed senior vice-president and managing director UK&I of Cadbury parent company Mondelez in March.

He said: “Joining the Cadbury Foundation as chair of trustees at such an exciting point in its journey is truly a privilege.

“For 90 years, The Cadbury Foundation has remained committed to the values that inspired its creation in Bournville, establishing a lasting legacy of support for communities across the UK&I. “The foundation’s work reflects a long-standing belief that businesses can play a positive role beyond their commercial success, and I look forward to supporting its mission in the years ahead.”

In 2025, the foundation donated over £650,000 to health and wellbeing programmes, youth skills, and charities close to colleagues' personal lives and interests, with the majority of the funds supporting over hundreds of local and national charities accessed by local communities and colleagues of Mondelez International throughout the UK and Ireland.

Established as The Charitable Brothers Trust in 1935 in memory of George and Richard Cadbury,

The Cadbury Foundation was founded on the brothers’ belief that supporting local communities' benefits both society and business.

The foundation continues to invest in local communities through grants and the time and expertise of its workforce through volunteering and fundraising.

Supporting Mondelez colleagues across the UK, the Your Charity Your Choice initiative gives employees the opportunity to nominate and vote for charitable causes close to their hearts.

More than 800 colleagues participated in 2025, helping distribute £90,000 to 72 charities across the UK and Ireland, including Midlands organisations, Abbie’s Army, Aston Villa Foundation and Amy and Friends.

In Bournville, colleagues have been working with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) to create a new food-growing space, following a winning design submitted by a member of the Research and Development team.

This project forms part of more than 1,200 volunteering hours contributed by colleagues in 2025.

Privilege: Christian Woolfenden

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1813 CLUB AND PREMIER MEMBERS

1813 Club and Premier Members A new AI-powered leadership tool designed to help leaders handle difficult conversations and strained relationships has opened its beta test to Midlands organisations.

Ask Opus was developed by Jude Jennison, founder of Leaders by Nature and a Chamber member, ahead of a wider launch later this year.

Most teams have at least one working relationship under strain and a conversation someone has been putting off, the tool’s creator says.

Jude believes that, left unresolved, these situations erode trust and slow down productivity and wellbeing.

Ask Opus is inviting Midlands organisations to take part in its beta test ahead of a wider launch later this year, with the first 50 places offered free of charge.

Membership Contact: Gary Birch T: 07971 144059

Greater Birmingham’s leading companies

AI tool rolled out for testing

Premier

Law firm teams up with wealth manager A West Midlands law firm has joined forces with a financial planning consultancy to help families prepare for “potentially disastrous"” inheritance tax (IHT) increases when unspent pension pots come into scope in just eight months.

Ansons Law, headquartered in Cannock, Staffordshire, with offices across Birmingham and the Black Country, is working with Depledge Strategic Wealth Management, a Manchester-based financial planning firm with £330m of assets under advice, to help their respective clients put the right legal and financial plans in place. Both organisations have seen a marked increase in estate and succession planning enquiries so far this year.

Around £100bn has until now passed between generations in the UK each year via property, savings and investments, according to HMRC data cited in a 2023 report by think tank Demos.

Martin De Ridder, solicitor and managing director of Ansons, said: “As well as wills, trusts and probate services, we are increasingly helping clients with estate planning, asset protection and long-term succession planning to safeguard their family's financial future.

Partnership: Andrew Day (left) and Martin de Ridder

“For some people, the changes in April 2027 will be potentially disastrous if they do not seek expert financial planning advice alongside sound legal counsel.”

Andrew Day, managing director and founder of Depledge, said: “Earlier this year we advised law firms to act now to help their clients prepare for the IHT change in April 2027, so we are encouraged to see Ansons Law showing leadership in this area.”

Arboretum to honour 999 Day with service

Remembering: Tribute to emergency services

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Visitors to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire will be invited to remember the service and sacrifice of Emergency Services personnel as the site marks 999 Day on 9 September.

Ahead of the Arboretum’s daily Act of Remembrance in the Millennium Chapel at 11am, where people will be asked to remember all who have served in the Emergency Services, wreaths will be laid at the Ambulance Services, Fire and Rescue Services and UK Police Memorials.

A special 75-minute Emergency Services guided walk, costing £5 per person, will also be available at 1pm until 13 September.

The Arboretum has also launched advanced ticket sales for its annual winter light trail, from Friday 4 to Tuesday 22 December. This year, to mark the estate’s year-long 25th anniversary celebrations, a number of key stories, which played an important role in developing the Arboretum’s legacy since its inception in 2001 will be highlighted in the installations along the approximately 1.2-mile-long trail.

Musical pedals: Classical music lovers en route

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1813 CLUB AND PREMIER MEMBERS

Former Simpsons chef takes up consultant role Luke Tipping, former executive chef director of Simpsons restaurant in Birmingham, has joined global communications agency Liquid as a chef consultant.

Having retained a Michelin star at Simpsons since 1999 and bringing more than 40 years of restaurant experience to the role, Luke will provide expertise across Liquid’s portfolio of culinary and hospitality clients.

This will include supporting recipe development, advising on food presentation and helping to create content for media purposes.

His extensive industry knowledge and strong network of contacts will further strengthen the agency’s specialist offering for its growing client base, says Liquid.

Luke said: “Joining Liquid has given me an exciting opportunity to remain close to an industry that I am extremely passionate about, while also exploring new avenues through supporting wellestablished global food and drink brands.

“I’ve already worked closely with Liquid’s COO and chef director David Colcombe in previous roles, so I look forward to reuniting with him and the wider team to deliver high-quality work for their clients.”

Luke received a professorship from University College Birmingham in 2010. The university awarded him this title to honour his

Liquid asset: Luke Tipping

hard work teaching and mentoring the next generation of chefs.

Elisabeth Lewis-Jones, CEO of Liquid, said: “Luke has an unblemished and proven track record in the industry.

“His experience, coupled with his standing within the region, will prove invaluable in supporting our

work across a range of culinary and hospitality clients.

“He will work alongside our other chef consultant, James Golding, and our COO and chef director, Professor David Colcombe, as part of a heavyweight culinary team that gives Liquid an unrivalled asset within the communications sector.”

Cycle the score with innovative music concert Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and Midlands Arts Centre have launched a novel contemporary classical music concert enjoyed by bicycle.

The concert, named as Cycle the Score, will take place on 20 September.

Starting and finishing at Midlands Arts Centre in Cannon Hill Park, the event invites an audience of 111 people to travel by bicycle together in groups on a guided route along the River Rea, stopping at a series of green spaces for live performances by BCMG musicians.

The short pop-up concerts include works by Karlheinz Stockhausen, Harrison Birtwistle, John Cage, David Hindley, Jasper de Bock, John Woolrich, Carola Bauckholt and Theo Loevendie.

Participants will take in the Victorian splendour of Highbury Hall in Moseley, a Grade II listed building commissioned as the Birmingham home of Joseph Chamberlain in 1987. The Hall will be open as part of Birmingham Heritage Week, with a display of antique bikes and a bike repair shop on the lawn.

They will later head out to Birmingham Brewing Company in Stirchley, before returning to Cannon Hill Park for the finale.

Participants will need their own bike to take part. The route is predominately on flat cycle paths, with one road section to access Highbury Hall. Audiences will have a choice of taking a short 9km route or the longer 12 km route.

IN BRIEF Birmingham City University (BCU) has announced dance artist Mary Savva as the recipient of the inaugural Research in Dance Award (RiDA), a pioneering programme that brings together dance, ecology, and community at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Developed through a partnership between BCU, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and dance organisation FARBIC, with funding from Dance Hub Birmingham, RiDA offers a dance artist the opportunity to explore research-led practice in a unique public setting.

As the programme's first Artist in Residence, Mary will use the Gardens as a living research environment, exploring the connections between people, place, and the natural world through movement and creative practice.

From the tropical glasshouses to the alpine collections, the Gardens will provide the backdrop for a year-long programme of research, public engagement, and artistic development.

Premier and 1813 Club members of Greater Birmingham Chambers (GBCC) will be attending an exclusive Christmas lunch on Tuesday, 8 December, from 12 noon to 3pm at Unique Venues Birmingham.

A drinks reception will kick off the festivities, followed by two-course festive menu in a relaxed atmosphere.

The 1813 Club and Premier levels are premium Chamber membership tiers that offer exclusive dining experiences and strategic introductions to fellow members each quarter, all managed by a dedicated senior relationship manager.

Members will have the opportunity to build relationships with local businesses and meet valuable new contacts during the event.

Places are limited to two per company and will be allocated on a first-come, firstserved basis. Tickets are priced at £35 plus VAT. For more information visit greaterbirminghamchambers. com or email events@birminghamchamber.com

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE

International Trade

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

Germany links: The Sachsen party and other delegation members at Coventry Cathedral

From bratwurst to bangers...

Bangers and mash have helped the West Midlands to strengthen economic ties with a state in Germany to help boost trade between the two regions.

A delegation of around 50 businesspeople and representatives from Saxony (Sachsen) visited Birmingham and Coventry on a factfinding mission supported by West Midlands Combined Authority, Coventry City Council, Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Growth Company, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

The visit built on existing ties through the twinning of Birmingham and Leipzig, and Coventry and Dresden.

The Sachsen Sail group, including businesses from a range of sectors, arrived by boat into Manchester and after a day in the North West headed to the Midlands. In Birmingham, they were given a civic reception followed by a discussion on culture and creativity, a canal boat trip and a site visit to Digbeth Loc – home of Peaky Blinders and MasterChef Studios.

Tim Cooper-Cocks, international trade adviser at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of

Commerce, said: “We were delighted to welcome partners from Saxony to Coventry and Warwickshire as part of a wider visit to the West Midlands region.

“The state’s economy is worth around 168 billion Euros and developing direct links can have a positive impact on both regions.

“The whole visit was about promoting potential trade, investment and business to business links.

“I spoke to several businesses afterwards and they’d all made excellent connections which is what events like this are all about.”

Celebrating all things Brummie International Day of Birmingham (IDOB) – the major annual celebration of Birmingham, UK and its namesakes across the world – is returning for a third year.

Taking place on Thursday, 24 September, the day champions the global communities that make up Birmingham, UK alongside international counterparts in Birmingham, Alabama and beyond.

In a first for the city, a programme of events entitled “The House That Brum Built” will take over rooms of Birmingham’s Council House.

A second day of festivities is also planned for Friday, 25 September, making 2026 the biggest International Day of Birmingham.

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Originally devised for Sky TV show Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham, the yearly celebration now delivered by International Day of Birmingham CIC recognises the contribution of the city, and its people and places – alongside sister towns and cities across the world which bear the same name.

In 2024, comedian Joe Lycett travelled to North America – home to no fewer than 18 Birminghams – to explore their history, their collective Brummie cultural commonalities and form official ‘Friendship Agreements’.

Lord Mayor of Birmingham Councillor Zaker Choudhry said: "International Day of Birmingham is a wonderful opportunity to

celebrate everything that makes our city unique: our creativity, diversity, civic pride and strong sense of community.

“It is also a chance to recognise the special connections we share with other Birminghams around the world.

“I am delighted that this year’s celebrations will be bigger than ever, with our historic Council House opening its doors for The House That Brum Built.

“I encourage residents, visitors and friends of Birmingham everywhere to join us in celebrating our city, its people and the remarkable spirit that makes Birmingham such a special place to call home.”

Enormous potential: Mayor Richard Parker

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Global Chamber Patrons

Chamber team issues first digital ATA Carnet Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) has marked a major milestone in international trade documentation after issuing the first digital carnet to be processed by UK customs.

The digital ATA Carnet was issued by the Chamber’s international documentation team on behalf of automotive giant Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), following the rollout of digital carnets across the UK, EU, Switzerland and Norway from 1 June 2026.

The rollout signals a significant step forward for businesses moving goods, equipment and commercial samples temporarily across borders, with digital carnets replacing traditional paper documents with a secure mobile-based app.

Using QR codes for customs checks, the new system is designed to make border processes faster, more secure and more efficient, while reducing reliance on paper documentation.

The Chamber’s documentation team supports businesses with a wide range of export documentation services, including ATA Carnets, certificates of origin, EUR1 movement certificates and other key trade documents required for international business.

The team can issue both digital and paper carnets, depending on a company’s itinerary.

Jonathan Crosbie, international documentation manager at the GBCC, said: “The first digital carnet to be processed by UK customs is a significant milestone for international trade documentation - and we are proud that it was issued by our team here at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

Essential tool: Jonathan Crosbie

“Carnets have long been an essential tool for companies moving goods temporarily across borders, and the shift to digital marks a major step forward in making international trade documentation quicker, safer and more accessible.

“Our documentation team works closely with businesses of all sizes to help them navigate export processes and keep goods moving.

“This milestone underlines the role the Chamber continues to play in supporting international trade.”

Summit builds on strong ties to India The West Midlands has deepened its ties with India during a two-day summit.

To mark the start of UK-India Week, the West Midlands convened senior leaders from India and the region’s businesses and academic institutions for a programme of events and discussions, aimed at setting the direction for future collaboration.

Organised by the India Global Forum (IGF) and the West Midlands Growth Company, the UK-India Week programme builds on a trade mission to Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Bengaluru in February this year, led by West Midlands mayor Richard Parker.

The mayor said: “We already do more business with India than almost any other UK region. Yet during my visits earlier this year, I saw first-hand the enormous potential to strengthen that economic relationship even further. My message to our Indian friends was clear: let’s capitalise on the new trade deal and our shared strengths in advanced manufacturing, clean energy and life sciences – to drive long-term growth for both our economies, and high-quality, well-paid jobs for people here at home.”

Region leads the way for FDI The Midlands remained one of the UK’s leading destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2025, holding onto its position as the country’s third-largest region for inward investment despite a wider slowdown across the market.

According to the EY 2026 UK Attractiveness Survey, the region secured 102 FDI projects in 2025, making it the UK’s top regional destination for FDI attraction, behind only Greater London and Scotland.

This represents the Midlands’ third-highest share of UK projects for the last decade (14 per cent).

The region also ranked as the leading location outside of London for FDI jobs, creating 5,970 jobs last year – more than Scotland and Wales combined. FDI employment in the region accounted for one in five of all UK FDI jobs.

The survey highlighted that the region has experienced an upswing in investor sentiment.

Looking forward, among those planning to invest, the West Midlands is positioned as the second most sought after regional destination for investment, and Birmingham ranks as the UK’s second most sought-after city outside the capital – despite recent challenged perceptions.

Business services and professional services emerged as the leading sector for FDI in the Midlands, attracting 18 projects — a significant increase from five in 2024.

Transportation manufacturers and suppliers ranked second with 16 projects, while Software & IT Services rose to third place with 14 projects, up from nine the previous year.

The United States continued to be the largest source of FDI into the Midlands in 2025, accounting for 14.7 per cent of projects.

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ABCC Updates and useful information from the largest ethnic support organisation in the UK Contact: Katrina Raipuri T: 07971 144080

Anawim report shows impact Anawim – Birmingham’s Centre for Women has published its latest Impact Report, which has revealed the growing demand for the charity after supporting 2,100 women in 12 months.

Among the women supported by the charity, four in ten had a mental health need, and a similar number were criminal justice involved.

The open access drop-in remains the busiest service, with 580 women making 1530 visits over the 12 months. The longest appointment took 6 hours and 20 minutes, and on average drop-in workers spent 53 minutes with each woman they saw. More than 760 food parcels were given out, and finance was the top presenting need.

Anawim has been rooted in Balsall Health for 40 years and was recently named Non-Profit Champion at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Awards.

As the charity celebrates its 40th anniversary, the report looks back to the beginning in 1986 and tracks the changes and developments from two sisters in a small house on Mary Street to now having a premises with more than 60 staff members.

There are also more indepth explorations of some of Anawim’s services, including CAMEO which works with female prisoners with complex needs, and has had involvement from Anawim staff since it began 13 years ago.

Anawim CEO Joy Doal said: “As we mark this anniversary year, we know that despite all the changes, some things will remain the same: We will continue working with women and fighting for better futures.

We will continue to evolve, and adapt to what is needed most, And we will always listen to the women above all else.

“We hope for a day when our service is recognised as such, and our funding is safe, or indeed – in the best-case scenario – no longer needed.”

40 CHAMBERLINK September 2026

‘Binding traditions’ with South Asian are marked

By Dan Harrison Business leaders and community figures gathered at Birmingham Botanical Gardens to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month at an event hosted by the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC).

The celebration – supported by the Pathway Group and awardwinning Midlands caterers Mahirs Experience - reflected the contribution South Asian communities bring to the region's economy, culture and society.

The evening featured addresses from broadcaster Amber Sandhu, Aston University Professor Monder Ram and entrepreneur Ninder Johal.

Ninder (pictured below) was presented with a President’s Award

by ABCC president Monica Ghai in recognition of his outstanding contribution to South Asian heritage and culture.

Celebration of South Asia (left to right): Professor Monder Ram, Katrina Raipuri, Monica Ghai, Amber Sandhu and Ninder Johal

Professor Monder Ram reflected on his family's journey after his father arrived in Birmingham in the late 1950s unable to read or write English.

Professor Ram praised the evolution of the Asian Business Chamber since its origins as the Institute of Asian Businesses nearly 40 years ago, highlighting the breadth of sectors now represented

by South Asian businesses.

He said: “What this Chamber represents so powerfully is respect for all of those different traditions, but not forgetting what binds us together.”

Amber Sandhu, the Wolverhampton-born BBC and Sky Sports News presenter, spoke about the influence of her grandparents and parents, whose work ethic and

sacrifices enabled her career in broadcasting.

She said: “The reason I’m doing my dream job is because my parents had to sacrifice theirs.

“There are so many barriers if you’re a woman, let alone a woman of colour. But that hasn’t stopped me. I don't take no for an answer.”

Entrepreneur and music industry pioneer Ninder Johal reflected on growing up in Birmingham during the 1970s and how embracing his heritage became the foundation of his success.

He founded pioneering British Bhangra label Nachural Records and said: “Growing up in the ‘70s was extremely difficult. South Asian Heritage is so important. It reminds us of the journeys, the struggles and the battles of identity.”

‘Inspiring’ House of Health award victory House of Health has been named Business of the Year at the 2026 Spirit of Pakistan Awards – a celebration of arts, culture, heritage and sports held in Birmingham.

The accolade recognises the organisation’s outstanding contribution, measurable impact and unwavering dedication to the communities it serves.

The Spirit of Pakistan Awards bring together some of the most inspiring businesses and individuals across the region, championing excellence and the rich cultural heritage that shapes Birmingham's diverse business landscape.

Dr Anita Raja, CEO of House of Health, said: “This is an incredible honour for everyone at House of Health. This recognition belongs to our entire team, whose hard work and commitment drive everything we do.”

Outstanding results: Dr Anita Raja and the House of Health team collect the Business of the Year award at the 2026 Spirit of Pakistan Awards, Birmingham

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ABCC PREMIER+ PARTNERS

ABCC Patrons

Celebration: Winners of ABCC Awards 2025

Celebrating 40 years of the ABCC network The widely contested Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) awards will return in 2027 with a revamped structure and a gala dinner to celebrate 40 years of ABCC. The new-look event will take place at Birmingham Town Hall on 10 March.

Applications are now open for four award categories, replacing previous formats: • Asian Legacy & Heritage Award • Excellence in Asian Business Award • Asian Vision & Innovation Award • Community Impact Award ABCC president Monica Ghai will present a 40th Year Grand Award

to a business that has gone above and beyond in supporting Asian businesses.

‘Our refreshed award categories celebrate every stage of business success’ ABCC president Monica Ghai said: “As we mark the 40th anniversary of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, it felt like the right time to reimagine our flagship awards while staying true to the values that have shaped our journey. Our refreshed award categories celebrate every stage of business success, from recognising

Significant milestone: Katrina Raipuri

Right time: Monica Ghai

the legacy of long-established organisations to championing innovation, excellence and community impact.

“The introduction of the 40th Year Grand Award is a fitting tribute to an organisation or individual whose contribution has gone above and beyond in supporting our business community. ” Formed in 1987, the ABCC was first known as Institute of Asian Businesses (IAB), which was set up in the wake of the Handsworth riots.

ABCC manager Katrina Raipuri said: “The 40th anniversary of the

ABCC is a significant milestone. From its beginnings as the IAB in 1987, founded to give Asian businesses a stronger voice during a challenging period, the Chamber has grown into a respected and influential network that continues to champion enterprise across the region.”

Applications are now open with the deadline set on 1 November.

General sale tickets are priced at £125 + VAT while an Earlybird corporate table of 10 is priced at £1,000 + VAT until 30 November 2026. Afterwards, a table of 10 will be priced at £1,200 plus VAT.

Bollywood Fun Run to raise vital funds British Heart Foundation’s Asian Business Board has launched a Bollywood Fun Run to support vital research conducted by the charity.

It will take place on Sunday, 13 September, at Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire. The event is open to individuals, families, community groups and corporate teams of all backgrounds.

People are encouraged to either run or walk the 5km lap where every participant is expected to raise at least £100 for the charity.

The event comes during a time where people of South Asian heritage in the UK are at significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to the general population.

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CANNOCK CHASE CHASE CHAMBER PATRONS

Contact: Richard Brooks T: 07796 242029

Livestream your way to Google success Cannock Chase-based marketing agency Cosmik Carrot has launched a new live streaming series designed to help independent business owners across the region get more from their Google Business Profile.

The series, Google Business Profile: Audit to Action, streams simultaneously to YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Each episode revisits a local business owner who has previously had a Google Business Profile audit with Cosmik Carrot founder Ben Bradley, exploring what they changed after the audit and the results those changes delivered.

The multiplatform format means viewers can watch and engage live on whichever channel they already use, with no barrier to entry and no cost. Post-stream clips are shared across all four channels so the content remains accessible to those who cannot join live.

The first episode featured Sophie Shelley of House of Colour Lichfield, who shared her

Outlet partnership to promote nature The McArthurGlen West Midlands designer outlet, based in Cannock, has announced a collaboration with Mill Green Nature Reserve to highlight the importance of preserving and celebrating local green spaces.

Photographs of the reserve, by Matthew Carver, have been turned into displays at the centre for guests to enjoy and find out more about the natural environment next door and its importance.

The Mill Green Nature Reserve is situated adjacent to the McArthurGlen West Midlands site. It spans more than 18 hectares and provides a haven for wildlife, wellbeing walks, and outdoor enjoyment for both local residents and centre staff.

David Jackson, centre manager at McArthurGlen West Midlands, said: “We are incredibly proud of our relationship with Mill Green Nature Reserve and the local councils who help support and protect this wonderful community asset.

“The reserve is a place of natural beauty, wellbeing and wildlife, and its proximity to our centre makes it a special part of the McArthurGlen West Midlands experience.

“We were delighted to welcome Richard Brooks and Matthew Carver as we celebrate and showcase the reserve through photography and print for our guests and colleagues to enjoy.”

42 CHAMBERLINK September 2026

experience of acting on audit recommendations and the impact it had on her online visibility.

Episode two was with Neil Betts, of Go True North, with new episodes every Tuesday thereafter.

Ben Bradley said: "So many business owners have a Google Business Profile sitting there doing very little for them.

“This series is about showing, in a really open and practical way, what a difference a few focused changes can make.

“Doing it live means the conversation is real, and anyone watching can take those same lessons and apply them to their own profile."

The series is free to watch on the Cosmik Carrot YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram channels.

Interested business Making a difference: owners should go to: Ben Bradley cosmikcarrot.com

Support sessions launched for Staffordshire businesses Business consultancy and start-up support specialist Go True North UK has announced the dates for free startup support sessions, following a contract received by Staffordshire County Council.

Go True North will deliver support through its flagship Vision to Venture programme, a structured 12-module online learning and mentoring programme built on Lean Start-up methodology.

The programme is suitable for anyone thinking about starting a business or in their first five years of trading. Each session will include a twohour one to one meeting to build a 90-day action plan, fortnightly drop-in sessions across the area, access to the online Vision to Venture Course & Community and access to the Business Builders WhatsApp community.

The workshops will be held on: • Tuesday 8 September 2026, 9.30am to 3pm, 1 Step Beyond, Rummer Hill, Cannock.

• Thursday 8 October 2026, 9.30am to 3pm, Fiction & Fairy Lights, Hednesford.

• Tuesday 10 November 2026, 9:30am to 3pm, Daisy’s Kitchen, Rugeley.

• Tuesday 8 December 2026, 9.30am to 3pm, 1 Step Beyond, Rummer Hill, Cannock.

• Thursday 14 January 2027, 9.30am to 3pm, Fiction & Fairy Lights, Hednesford.

Clear action: Neil Betts

• Tuesday 9 February 2027, 9.30am to 3pm, Daisy’s Kitchen, Rugeley.

• Tuesday 9 March 2027, 9.30am to 3pm, 1 Step Beyond, Rummer Hill, Cannock.

• Thursday 8 April 2027, 9.30am to 3pm, Fiction & Fairy Lights, Hednesford.

Neil Betts said: “These workshops are all about giving people in Cannock Chase the practical tools to actually get their business idea moving, not just talk about it. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been to a session before, you'll leave with clear, honest next steps you can put into action straight away.”

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BURTON & DISTRICT BURTON & DISTRICT CHAMBER PATRONS

Contact: Richard Brooks T: 07796 242029

IN BRIEF

Mayor of East Staffordshire Monica Holton (left), Trent & Dove community engagement officer Alan Ball (second left) with Eton Parker personnel including headteacher James Cassidy (fourth left)

Community grant funds school mural An eye-catching mural designed by Burton schoolchildren has been unveiled thanks to a community grant from affordable housing provider Trent & Dove.

As part of its commitment to improving the quality of life of people living and working in the communities where it provides homes, Trent & Dove donated £2,000 from its Community Grant Fund to Eton Park Junior School in Burton upon Trent.

The funding enabled the school to commission artist Tom Edwards to create a mural inspired by pupils’ ideas and centred around the school's core values: Work hard, be kind and choose wisely.

Trent & Dove’s Community Grant Fund supports projects that deliver educational, social and community benefits. Grants of up to £2,000 are available for community organisations, alongside funding for young people and lifelong learning opportunities.

Rachael Hughes, Trent & Dove's head of customer and communities, said: "Our Community Grant Fund is all about helping local people bring positive ideas to life and creating opportunities that have a lasting impact.

"This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when schools, communities and local organisations work together.”

Alpha Construction Ltd has submitted a full planning application for the redevelopment of its Alpha House premises on Uttoxeter Road, Hilton.

Designed by Matthew Montague Architects, the proposal replaces the existing single-storey office with two contemporary two-storey office buildings, creating a distinctive new headquarters.

Tony Bamford, managing director of Alpha Construction Ltd, said: “Submitting this planning application is an important milestone for Alpha Construction. We are proud to be a long-established Hilton-based business, and our intention is to continue investing in the area, our people and the future of the company.”

Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) has successfully secured up to £4.9m from the Department for Education’s Post-16 Capacity Fund.

The funding has been provided through the Government’s Post-16 Capacity Fund, which supports colleges and sixth forms in areas where growing student numbers are placing increasing pressure on existing accommodation and teaching space.

The investment will support the expansion of BSDC’s estate, creating additional teaching facilities that will help meet the rising demand for post-16 education.

John Beaty, principal and chief executive at Burton and South Derbyshire College, said: “This investment will help us build a new facility within our Burton upon Trent campus that will create additional capacity ensuring we can continue to provide local people with the skills and qualifications that are in high demand from local employers.”

Accountancy firm expands the team Two experienced client managers have joined Alexander Accountancy to support the growth of the business by serving the portfolio of larger customers.

Lucy Cooper and Tracy Turner have been appointed by the firm, based in Wetmore Road, Burton upon Trent, to ensure a personal approach to customer support and rapid response times.

Senior client manager Lucy Cooper joins in the latest stage of a career in which she has progressed from her first role as an accounts clerk to holding senior roles, including account management positions, for leading companies in the local region.

Tracy Turner brings more than three decades of experience in the financial services industry to the role, having begun her career as an apprentice at Dains Accountants in 1990.

She joins Alexander Accountancy from Swadlincote-based property management company Ground Solutions, where she worked closely with the Alexander Accountancy team.

Experienced managers: Tracy Turner (left) and Lucy Cooper

In her new role as key client manager, she will focus on servicing Alexander Accountancy’s portfolio of larger key accounts.

Operating since 1984, Alexander Accountancy offers client services beyond compliance and tax advice to include back-office support and data processing, management information, budgets and forecasts, as well as assisting in negotiations.

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

Your chance to join Chamber committee

Personal struggles: Amanda Jackson

Major milestone for mental health trainer A Lichfield businesswoman who turned her own experiences of workplace mental health into a training firm is celebrating 10 years in business.

Amanda Jackson launched Beacon Learning and Performance Ltd in 2016 after a career delivering sales and performance training in the pharmaceutical industry.

But after being introduced to Mental Health First Aid England, she qualified as a mental health trainer and went on to establish Beacon Mental Health Training combining her professional background with lived experience of workplace mental health.

A decade later, Amanda is working with clients including M6toll operators Midlands Expressway, banking group Capital One and food manufacturer Florette Salads.

She is also celebrating her most successful year to date, with the business expanding into areas including neurodiversity courses and Insights Discovery workshops.

Amanda said: “When I worked in the pharmaceutical world, I was a trainer and performance coach for sales reps and managers, so that’s what I focused on for the first couple of years of the business.

“But I always had a real interest in mental health. Having had my own personal struggles around anxiety and depression, I wanted to understand more about what happened with me.

“I even had an employee assistance programme within the business where I was working, but I never used it because of the stigma.”

Beacon Mental Health Training now offers tailored sessions across a range of workplace mental health and wellbeing topics.

“When people have taken the time to write that feedback to you, you know you must have made a positive impact.”

44 CHAMBERLINK September 2026

Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce is inviting members to apply to join its executive committee, as well as calling for applications for its next Charity of the Year 2026-2028.

All Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber members are invited to put themselves forward for the executive committee.

Nominees must run a business that holds Chamber membership, and applications must be supported by an existing member.

Full details of what the role involves are available at greaterbirminghamchambers.com with applications closing at 11.59pm on Monday, 14 September.

The results of the executive committee selection process, along with an update on Chamber matters, will be announced at the Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber annual meeting on Tuesday, 20 October, 4pm-6pm, at The Hub at St Mary's in Lichfield.

Charlie Elliott, head of Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber (pictured), said: ‘Our executive

committee are vital to the success of the Chamber.

“I’d encourage any members interested in getting more involved, or any charities who would benefit from our support, to put themselves forward before the deadline.”

Council approves next phase of redevelopment Lichfield District Council has approved the next phase of the redevelopment of the former Debenhams building, allowing work to continue on one of the district’s most significant regeneration projects.

The decision means construction will continue on transforming the vacant building into a new leisure destination, featuring an Everyman Cinema alongside complementary food and drink businesses.

Councillors approved an additional investment of £5.56m, comprising £2.84m

Sutton future: How the development will look

associated with completing the redevelopment and £2.72m to enable the Council to secure full ownership of the completed development.

Securing full ownership will enable the council to retain 100 per cent of the rental income generated by the completed development.

Councillor Doug Pullen, leader of Lichfield District Council, said: “Our focus now is clear.

We will complete construction and deliver a development that strengthens Lichfield city centre for years to come.”

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ROYAL SUTTON COLDFIELD CHARITY OF THE YEAR

Contact: Charlie Elliott T: 07753 453624

Pride in Place funds new CCTV network Preparatory works have commenced to upgrade the CCTV surveillance network in Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Centre.

It is the first project to be funded through the Pride in Place Programme (PiPP).

The decision follows extensive community engagement between September and October 2025, in which over 4,600 residents, business owners, and local stakeholders shared their views on how to allocate the town’s £20m 10-year regeneration funding.

Public safety emerged as a primary concern for 64 per cent of survey respondents. Feedback highlighted the urgent need for upgraded CCTV, better street lighting, and a safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and shoppers.

Further insights gathered from thematic subgroups and grassroots community sessions reinforced fear of crime and anti-social behaviour .

In response, the Pride in Place Board identified town centre community safety as an immediate priority for early investment. Working alongside West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council, the board approved the CCTV upgrading initiative as its first investment.

Doug Wright (pictured), chair of the Pride in Place Board, said: “I am proud that the first project to be funded by PiP is an upgrade of the town centre CCTV. Local voices shaped the board’s funding priorities, and this project is a direct response to what our residents and town centre businesses have asked for to address community safety concerns in the town centre.”

Funds needed for AI safety programme A new fundraising campaign has launched to fund a year-long programme of workshops teaching young people how to use AI without eroding their own critical thinking, judgement and independence.

The campaign is led by Sonya Cullington, a cyberpsychologist, digital policy advisor and certified business psychologist based in Sutton Coldfield.

Hosted on Crowdfunder, it aims to raise £96,000 to fund 12 workshops over the next 12 months.

Sonya, who runs BehaviouralAI and is on the executive committee of the UK Digital Health Council, said: "Young people are the most confident users of these tools and often the least protected from what sustained use does to their thinking.

“This programme teaches them to spot algorithmic bias, notice when their own judgement is slipping, and use AI as a support for their reasoning rather than a substitute for it.”

Amazon recognises diversity champion

New facility (left to right): Kelly Round, founder and manager of Our Place Support, Dr Francis Murray, chair of the Trustees of Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, Trust CEO Claire Evans and Danielle Williams, Our Place’s engagement manager

A Sutton Coldfield Amazon employee’s passion for supporting his local community has been recognised at the company’s annual “That’s BENtastic!” Awards, run by the operations arm of Amazon’s Black Employee Network for the UK & Ireland.

Tosin Agbele, from the Amazon fulfilment centre in Sutton Coldfield, was nominated for the award by his colleagues for supporting Black and ethnic minority colleagues by openly sharing the experience of working at Amazon while managing diabetes.

Tosin uses one-to-one conversations to guide colleagues facing similar challenges, raise awareness of managing diabetes at work, and encourage others to prioritise their wellbeing while still performing their roles effectively.

Community centre purchased by SCCT Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust (SCCT) has agreed the purchase of Falcon Lodge Community Centre from Birmingham City Council.

When complete, the purchase will represent the first step of a major project to replace the much-missed community hub with a new, fit-forpurpose facility.

The community centre, which has been closed since 2024, is set to be demolished and replaced with a new facility after the historic charity stepped in and negotiated the purchase of the site.

The acquisition of the centre on Churchill Road, Sutton Coldfield, is the first step in the trust’s proposals to construct a tailor-made facility based on the wishes and needs of Falcon Lodge residents.

Sutton Coldfield-based Our Place Support has been appointed to carry out extensive community engagement with Falcon Lodge residents to help shape the plans for the new centre.

Support: Tosin (right) with Ryan Atkinson, fleet expansion manager at Amazon’s corporate office in London September 2026 CHAMBERLINK 45

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SOLIHULL

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

Healthcare firm to sponsor award Commitment to Solihull: Ian Rogers

‘Committed’ Solihull MD provides entertainment Ian Rogers, managing director of Iconic Solutions Ltd., will provide the entertainment at the Solihull Chamber awards night on 11 September.

Ian is an experienced DJ and former commercial radio presenter who has entertained audiences across the Midlands, London and throughout the UK for more than 30 years.

His broadcasting career included shows on stations such as Touch radio, Rugby FM and The Bear, before he moved into producing festivals, concerts and artist tours.

Ian now returns to the decks for selected special events, bringing an energetic, crowdfocused mix to every occasion.

Ian’s commitment to Solihull is unparalleled; as a passionate advocate, he invests time, energy, and enthusiasm to showcase the borough's charm.

UB Healthcare is to be a category sponsor for this year’s Solihull Chamber Awards 2026.

The company have chosen to sponsor the Solihull Unsung Hero Award 2026.

The awards take place on Friday, 11 September, at the National Conference Centre - bringing together businesses, professionals and community leaders from across the borough for an evening of recognition, networking and celebration.

Shortlisted candidates for Solihull’s Unsung Hero award are: Challenge Adventure Group Simon Paul Thomas Isabella Fisher Independent Hearing Care Isabella Fisher KSB Recruitment Consultants Ltd Ellie Bryant Solihull Moors Foundation Joe Butler Sport 4 Life UK Rob Wells WMG Academy for Young Engineers Louise Green UB Healthcare won the Solihull’s Outstanding Start-Up, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (Large Scale) award at the

Solihull Chamber of Commerce Awards in 2024. They sponsored the table décor for the awards last year.

‘Through our work with the NHS and our longstanding partnership with Carers Trust, we see these unsung heroes every day’ Uko Umotong, co-founder and director, said: “At UB Healthcare, we believe every community is built on the dedication of people who quietly go above and beyond without seeking recognition.

“Through our work with the NHS and our longstanding partnership with Carers Trust, we see these unsung heroes every day.

“That’s why we’re incredibly proud to sponsor the Unsung Hero Award at this year’s Solihull Chamber Awards.”

Tickets are priced at £125 plus VAT per person or £1250 plus VAT for a table of 10.

Meanwhile, Cybercy Group will sponsor Solihull’s Digital Revolutionary Award.

Multifleet welcomes UB Healthcare as a tenant Multifleet Vehicle Management Company has supported a specialist health and care consultancy in its move to refurbished offices at the established Solihull Business Park.

UB Healthcare supports the NHS and healthsystem partners, the independent care sector and individuals with continuing healthcare, complex care, hospital discharge, commissioning, transformation and related specialist services.

The company is renting the ground floor of Remus 1, 2 Cranbrook Way, as a tenant of Multifleet, a fleet management and vehicle leasing company trading as runyourfleet, which is based on the floor above.

The ground floor space is a flexible modern office area with a security-controlled entrance and car parking spaces in the on-site car park.

The move will also help support UB Healthcare’s work on new digital and analytical approaches to improving health and care delivery.

46 CHAMBERLINK September 2026

Steve Whitmarsh, chief executive of runyourfleet, said: “When we first bought this property, we always intended to provide the ground floor as a base for another business, and we’re delighted that UB Healthcare are now moving in.

“Being a part of the local business sector is incredibly important to us, so to have a successful and growing healthcare consultancy as neighbours has made the whole place even more motivating.”

Uko Umotong, co-founder and director of UB Healthcare, said: “Solihull is home for Harry and me, and we are proud to be building UB Healthcare here.”

Cllr Heather Delaney, deputy leader of Solihull Council and the cabinet member for Economy, Employment & Skills, said: “It is fantastic to see two successful Solihull businesses supporting each other’s growth.”

Left to right Cllr Heather Delaney, Harry Bourton and Uko Umotong of UB Healthcare, with Steve Whitmarsh, CEO of runyourfleet

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SOLIHULL SOLIHULL CHAMBER PATRONS

Jane Arthur-Mcguire, director of Jam People Consulting

The M42 and Solihull office market review is available at: kwboffice.com

M42 office take-up outpaces city centre Take-up of office space along the M42 Corridor has surpassed that of Birmingham city centre over a single quarter – marking only the fourth time this has happened.

According to KWB’s latest M42 and Solihull office market review, 70,218 sq ft of deals were completed along the M42 Corridor and Solihull in Q2 2026, 37 per cent more than Birmingham’s total of 44,553 sq ft for the same quarter.

Six of the 12 Q2 deals were completed by independent property consultancy KWB, totalling 32,984 sq ft and 47 per cent of the Q2 total.

Malcolm Jones, director at KWB, said: “The Solihull office market take-up has increased by 45 per cent in just six months, representing a significant rebound after what was a disappointing end to 2025.

“Solihull and the M42 are benefitting from businesses’ potential to make a long-term office investment in the area – something that is scarcely found in city centres like Birmingham.

“With a prominent business community, town centre amenities and excellent connectivity via road and rail, the location delivers exceptional ROI.”

Consultancy delivers people development Jam People Consulting has delivered a major people development project for Dudley Building Society.

The consultancy was tasked with developing an organisation-wide programme that strengthened how leaders think, behave and work together.

Jam People Consulting introduced a three-tier programme for executives, senior leaders and line managers anchored in eight core behaviours essential to delivering Dudley’s corporate strategy.

Helen Alcock, head of people and talent at Dudley Building Society, said: “JAM People Consulting have been integral in the successful roll out of our Leadership Development Programme.”

Boss at protection firm is named Foundation chair

Perfect escape: Lindsay Woodward

Marketing director publishes tenth novel Marketing director and author Lindsay Woodward is celebrating the publication of her tenth novel, The Day It All Changed Forever.

Alongside running her own marketing consultancy, Lindsay has published 10 novels in as many years.

Lindsay, managing director of Lindsay Woodward Marketing, said: “Writing is a huge passion of mine. It’s hard managing it around my business commitments, but it’s also the perfect escape at the end of the day. I have more novels in the planning stages, so there is far more to come.”

Solihull Moors Foundation has appointed Iain McCallister, CEO of MAN Commercial Protection Ltd, as its new chairman.

Under Iain’s leadership, Solihull-based MAN Commercial Protection has grown into one of the UK’s leading security providers, while maintaining a strong focus on supporting local communities and delivering positive social impact.

The company has been a valued supporter of Solihull Moors Foundation, sharing its belief in the importance of businesses giving back and playing an active role in community life.

Darryl Eales, chairman of Solihull Moors Football Club, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Iain has agreed to become chair of the Solihull Moors Foundation.

Incredible work: Iain McCallister “The appointment is a hugely important step as we continue to expand the reach of the foundation within the local community and further support our ambition for Solihull Moors to be a beacon for how a community football club operates.”

Iain said: “Having worked closely with Solihull Moors over

the past year, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible work the foundation delivers across our community. The club and foundation share many of the values that are important to us at MAN Commercial Protection, particularly around supporting young people.

I am honoured to take on the role of chairman.”

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

Future Faces podcast welcomes city’s most inspirational figures Future Faces: The Young Professionals podcast has recorded a series of new interviews with high profile names who have made a mark on the city.

In the latest episodes, head of Future Faces Chamber of Commerce Sophie Poduval-Morrell (pictured in all images below) speaks with past Chamber CEO and deputy lieutenant of West Midlands Paul Faulkner, British Paralympics gold medallist Ellie Simmonds, and Andy Bostock, Birmingham Office senior partner at KPMG UK.

CEO at 31: Paul Faulkner

Paul Faulkner talks about his successful career journey and how he became the CEO of Aston Villa football club at 31 years of age. He also discusses how stepping out of comfort zones is the key to accelerating success.

Ellie Simmonds reflects on her inspiring journey to becoming one of Britain’s most celebrated Paralympians, sharing the challenges she has overcome, the lessons she has learned through elite sport, and the importance of resilience, confidence and determination in achieving success.

Celebrated Paralympian: Ellie Simmonds

Trainee solicitor goes above and beyond for charities A trainee solicitor has been recognised for his commitment to charitable initiatives.

Jack Cook, a trainee solicitor at mfg Solicitors, received the award for his contribution to the firms’ charitable activities and the positive impact of his fundraising efforts.

Jack joined the firm in 2023 as a real estate paralegal before progressing through the firm’s private client team and starting his training contract.

Alongside developing his legal career, Jack has played an active role in supporting the firm’s charitable initiatives. He joined the firm's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee three years ago as the sole representative from the Birmingham office.

Since then, the committee has grown to six members and has raised thousands of pounds for charities, including Birmingham Hospice, The Buddy Bag Foundation, Birmingham Crisis Centre and Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Jack said: “Being involved in fundraising has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Supporting causes that make a real difference in our local communities has strengthened my communication, organisation and relationship-building skills, while also 48 CHAMBERLINK September 2026

Charitable works: Jack Cook (left) with chairman Iain Morrison

teaching me the value of teamwork and perseverance.

“It’s shown me how colleagues can come together to achieve meaningful outcomes and make a positive impact. At the same time, it's given me the opportunity to develop both personally and professionally while contributing to initiatives that benefit others.”

Andy Bostock discusses the qualities needed to be an effective leader while overseeing more than 1,300 staff in Birmingham, offering insights into managing large teams, building a strong workplace culture and navigating the challenges of leadership in a fast-paced professional environment.

Scan the QR code to visit the full podcast playlist on YouTube.

Leadership challenges: Andy Bostock

Future Faces new members Alexandra Dent Azets Alice Matthews Katie Bard Amy Hardwick Lichfield District Council Billy McGovern Ernest Grant Ltd Carla Puebla Dear Social Charles Anthony TrinityBridge Eve Haslam Katie Bard Fiona Bell Lichfield District Council Georgie Field University College Birmingham Georgia Giddings Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP Hannah Powell Lichfield District Council Heather O'Neill University College Birmingham James Sergeant Ernest Grant Ltd Jamie Sutton TrinityBridge Jason Metcalfe University College Birmingham Katarina Trumm University College Birmingham Katie Moran Katie Bard Lateesha Johnson Lichfield District Council Liam Nugent Lichfield District Council Max Beesley Roxy Leisure Oliver Farquharson FieldFisher LLP Raveena Virk Resorts World Birmingham Siraj Bhachu Gowling WLG Xavier Walker Lichfield District Council Zara Shah HCR LAW

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FUTURE FACES

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

Bumper celebration: Finalists gather on the terrace at Birmingham Library

Awards shortlist put through their paces in interview round Finalists shortlisted for the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year (GBYPY) awards 2026 faced rigorous 15-minute interviews in front of a panel of experts.

The interviews were at Arden University and shortlisted candidates completed the final stage of their awards applications process in front of a panel of judges from various sectors and professions.

They marked the final stage of judging ahead of the announcement of the 16 category winners and the overall GPYPY winner. The shortlist was revealed in the July-August edition of Chamberlink.

The winners will be announced at the GBYPY awards on Thursday, 24 September, at Birmingham Town Hall.

Ana Amona, personal career and confidence coach from Rainha Noir Coaching, was shortlisted in the people and wellbeing category. Following her interview, Ana gave advice to future applicants.

She said: “I felt really listened to by the judges. I prepared for the interview by reflecting on all my achievements over the past year and writing down key bullet points.

“For anyone applying for the awards next year, I'd recommend asking your colleagues and friends for feedback. Sometimes we undersell ourselves when writing applications, but the people around us often recognise our strengths better than we do.”

John James, former chairman of Birmingham Forward, was a judge on the Apprentice and Creative Industries panels.

He said: “The quality and standard of candidates was extremely high. In fact, it's probably higher than it's ever been in the 25 years that I have known the BYPY Awards.

“The commitment and passion for the city stood out in all of our interviews, and this indicates a very bright future for Birmingham.”

...as special reception brings talent together

By Saskia Masaun More than 70 individuals who have been shortlisted for the Greater Birmingham Young Professional Awards 2026 attended a special Future Faces celebration on Birmingham Library’s terrace.

Attendees enjoyed a complimentary drinks reception and mingled with finalists, alumni, judges and senior leaders from across the region’s business and professional community.

Shalom Gallagher, an Applied Digital Technology Solutions Degree Apprentice at Accenture, has been shortlisted for the Apprentice of the Year category.

She said: “I nominated myself for this award because I am nearing the end of my apprenticeship and thought I’d put myself out there and see where it leads.

“What encouraged me most was someone saying it’s best to let the judges tell you no rather than saying no to yourself.”

Ana Amona, a confidence coach at Rainha Noir Coaching, has been shortlisted in the People and Wellbeing category.

Ana said: “It’s nice to be in a room where everyone else has been shortlisted, to meet different talent and to see how good and safe the region of Birmingham is.

“Being shortlisted felt like being recognised for my work, regardless of whether I win.”

Two new category sponsors announced Partners Wealth Management and South and City College Birmingham has been announced as category sponsors for the Greater Birmingham Young Professional Awards.

Partners Wealth Management will support the People and Wellbeing category and South and City College Birmingham will be supporting the Charity and Social Impact category.

Partners Wealth Management is an independent wealth management and financial planning firm.

South and City College Birmingham is one of the West Midlands’ largest further education colleges, providing high-quality education, technical and vocational training.

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CHAMBER EVENTS

...from page 5 He said: “We want to be a national brand - a household name, with a Soho Tavern not too far from everybody.

On the pressures facing hospitality, Mikey said VAT remained the industry’s biggest challenge, though the business rates cut announced by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham offered some relief.

Soho Tavern’s positioning, he argued, has helped it buck the wider trend – “cheaper than a cheeky Nando's” but with a more upmarket feel, and typically no more than £20-£25 a head.

Culture, he said, has been key to scaling without losing the “family-run” feel.

Every manager across the group has been promoted from within rather than hired externally.

His advice to fellow business owners preparing to grow is to resist doing everything themselves.

“Distribute the workload,” he adds. “If it won't change whether you do it or somebody else does, let somebody else do it.”

The brand has also struck a new partnership with Johnnie Walker, becoming an ambassador for the whisky giant and launching a Johnnie Walker curry, with their own sauce also in development.

SEPTEMBER Chamber Connections Date: 1 September Time: 15:30 – 18:00 Venue: Burton Rugby Football Club Division: Burton, Sutton, Lichfield & Tamworth, Cannock Chase Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-members: £25+VAT Global Brunch – Curiosity and Confidence Date: 8 September Time: 09:30 – 11:30 Venue: Albert’s Schloss Division: Global Cost: Free to members and non-members Solihull Awards 2026 Date: 11 September Time: 18:00 – 22:30 Venue: The National Conference Centre Division: Solihull Cost: £125+VAT

BCC director general to deliver keynote British Chambers of Commerce’s director general Shevaun Haviland will be a keynote speaker at the Business Growth Studio conference at IET Birmingham: Austin Court on Tuesday 13 October, from 8.45am to 2.15pm.

The conference, organised by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), will help businesses, industry leaders and entrepreneurs tackle challenges through a day of panel discussions, expert insights and interactive workshops.

Shevaun will speak on “Growth in the Current Economic Landscape”, setting the scene for the conference by exploring the national and global trends shaping growth opportunities for UK businesses.

From shifting market dynamics to emerging risks and opportunities, attendees can gain a clear, grounded perspective on what lies ahead.

Shevaun was formerly head of business engagement at No 10 and was at the heart of Government in the Cabinet Office as head of the Inclusive Economy Partnership.

Shevaun started her career in consultancy in London and New York, moving to the Walt Disney Company in strategic planning before joining Disneyland Paris, opening its second theme park.

Shevaun then joined the agency world, running global accounts for Millward Brown, Mindshare and WPP. Following this, she started her own business as a partner in a digital innovation agency and venture builder, Independents United, where she also became an Advisor for the Danson Foundation.

Most recently, Shevaun was the New Ventures director for Avado, building new businesses in Edtech and founding the Academy of Digital Business Leaders.

Setting the scene: Shevaun Haviland

Shevaun said: “I will outline the challenges and opportunities for SMEs across the UK and how the BCC is working with government to deliver growth through trade, investment, and productivity.

“The BCC sits at the heart of a powerful network of 51 chambers across the UK, representing tens of thousands of firms.”

Access to the full conference is free to all GBCC members. Tickets for non-members are priced at £250 plus VAT and tickets for members of the Future Faces Chamber of Commerce are priced at £75 plus VAT. For more information and sponsorship opportunities go to: greaterbirminghamchambers.com

Brumbassadors Date: 15 September Time: 9:30 – 11:30 Venue: BCFC Division: Birmingham Cost: Members only

Time: 15:00 – 17:00 Venue: TBC Division: Birmingham Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-members: £50+VAT

Premier Members Breakfast Date: 15 September Time: 8:30 – 10:30 Venue: Millennium Point Division: 1813 Club & Premier Members Cost: 1813 Club & Premier Members only

Exclusive Access at Solihull Moors FC Date: 23 September Time: 09:30 – 11:00 Venue: Solihull Moors FC Division: Solihull Cost: Members only

Speed Networking Lunch Date: 17 September Time: 12:00 – 14:00 Venue: Aquarius Ballroom Division: Cannock Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-members: £50+VAT Networking Lunch & Speed Networking Date: 21 September

Business at Breakfast Date: 23 September Time: 08:30 – 10:00 Venue: Sutton Coldfield Town Hall Division: Sutton Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-members: £50+VAT Market Insight Webinar – Australia Date: 23 September Time: 11:00 – 12:00 Venue: Online

For further information and to book a place, visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/networking-events 50 CHAMBERLINK September 2026

Division: Global Cost: Free to members and non-members GBYPY Awards Date: 24 September Time: 18:00 – 23:00 Venue: Town Hall Division: Future Faces Cost: £90+VAT Chamber Connect Date: 29 September Time: 17:00 – 18:30 Venue: TBC Division: ABCC Cost: Members: Free Future Faces: £15+VAT Non-members: £25+VAT 1813 Club Exemplar Visit Date: 30 September Time: 16:00 – 18:00 Venue: Queen Elizabeth Hospital Division: 1813 Club Cost: 1813 Club only

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CHAMBERLINK

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FEATURE: LEGAL SERVICES

‘A generation ago, an estate largely consisted of things you could see and touch’

Passing on

your digital

assets

By Graham Pearce, private client solicitor, Pearcelegal

E

xecutors in England and Wales are increasingly being asked to locate, value, and distribute cryptocurrency, online accounts, and digital business assets that have not been mentioned in the Testator’s Will. Following the death of a loved one, I am now regularly asked what happens to their Bitcoin wallet, or their PayPal balance and social media accounts?

A generation ago, an estate largely consisted of things you could see and touch, a house, a car, a building society passbook. Today, a growing number of estates in Solihull and across the West Midlands include cryptoassets or a business built entirely around online accounts and subscriptions. The Financial Conduct Authority's Cryptoassets Consumer Research 2025 found that there is a continuing trend in the reduction of small value holdings, mainly of £100 or below, and an increase in those with larger value cryptoasset holdings. This is specifically the case for those with holdings of £1,001 to £5,000 and holdings of £5,001 to £10,000.

Finding what you cannot see A cryptoasset can exist purely as a private key stored on a hardware wallet, written on a scrap of paper, or remembered only in the deceased's head, so locating it is often the first and hardest step for an executor. If nobody else knows that key exists, the asset is effectively lost forever, whatever its value happens to be. Solicitors now routinely advise clients to keep a written record of where their digital assets are held and how

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their executors can access them, stored somewhere secure but locatable, separate from the Will itself since a Will becomes a public document once probate is granted.

Online accounts raise a related but different problem for the same executor. Email accounts, cloud storage, and social media profiles each sit with a different provider, and each provider has its own process for closing or transferring control after death. A grant of probate helps an executor prove their authority, but it does not automatically open every digital door, and some providers still refuse to hand over control to anyone other than the account holder.

Working out what digital assets are actually worth Cryptoassets must be valued at fair market value in pounds sterling on the exact date of the Testator’s death, mirroring the treatment of traditional shares or savings. In addition, the executor must have evidence to defend the figure if HMRC later queries it. HMRC's Cryptoassets Manual confirms that cryptoassets are treated as property for inheritance tax purposes and states plainly that Cryptoassets will be property for the purposes of Inheritance Tax. Executors who pick a figure from memory, or delay the valuation by several weeks, risk getting the valuation wrong. An estate can end up understated if prices later rise or can face inheritance tax on gains that evaporate before the tax is actually paid. HMRC's Trusts and Estates Newsletter for February 2026 provides

that cryptoassets must be disclosed on form IHT400, with details recorded in box 76 and the additional information section.

Crypto assets are indeed property under the law The Property (Digital Assets etc) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 2 December 2025 and settled a question the courts had wrestled with for years: whether a cryptoasset can count as property at all under English law when it fits neither of the two traditional categories. The Act states that a thing, including a thing that is digital or electronic in nature, is not prevented from being the object of personal property rights merely because it is neither a thing in possession nor a thing in action. This puts cryptoassets on a firm footing when it comes to being identified, valued, and distributed as part of an estate.

What you can do now to manage your digital assets If you hold cryptoassets, run an online business, or simply have online accounts and subscriptions of value, you can save your Executor many a sleepless night by documenting clearly what exists and how to access it. It is also important to name the beneficiary of specific digital assets in your Will. Reviewing your Will and Lasting Power of Attorney regularly, to ensure both include your digital as well as physical assets, ensures someone you trust can deal with them if you lose mental capacity and they are passed on according to your wishes.

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FEATURE: LEGAL SERVICES

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FEATURE: LEGAL SERVICES

Why

human legal advice

still matters

By Dee Kundi, CEO of Find Me a Solicitor

O

ver the past few years, AI has transformed the way all businesses work. From drafting emails and marketing plans to summarising reports and analysing data, tools such as Gemini and ChatGPT have become part of everyday business life. Unsurprisingly, many people are now turning to AI for legal guidance too.

Ask it to summarise a contract, draft a policy or explain a regulation, and you'll get an answer in seconds. For time-poor SMEs, that speed is genuinely useful. However, speed and accuracy are not the same thing and when it comes to legal matters, the gap between the two can be expensive. When your business, finances or reputation are on the line, legal advice should always be based on your specific circumstances, not a generic response.

Here's where AI tends to earn its keep and where it quietly lets business owners down.

Where it helps AI is a strong first-pass tool. It can flag unusual clauses in a contract, produce a rough first draft of a policy or letter or translate dense legal language into something you can actually understand before a meeting. Used this way, it saves time and helps you ask better questions when you do speak to an expert. Many solicitors now use similar tools internally for exactly this reason: triage and drafting support, not decision-making. This saves valuable time.

Where it falls short The problems start when AI output is treated as advice rather than a starting point. Every legal matter is different. Two businesses with what appears to be the same dispute may require completely different legal strategies depending on their contracts, evidence, industry, location 54 CHAMBERLINK September 2026

and commercial objectives. AI can only respond to the information it's given. An experienced solicitor asks the questions you haven't thought to ask. Three issues come up repeatedly: First; context. AI tools work from patterns in general text, not from your specific circumstances, your industry, or the commercial relationship behind the document in front of you.

A contract clause that's standard in one sector can be a serious liability in another, and AI has no way of knowing which situation you're in unless you tell it everything relevant, which most people don't think to do.

Second; jurisdiction. Law changes differently depending on where you operate. An AI tool trained predominantly on US content, can confidently give you an answer that's outdated or simply wrong for English law. Confidence is not the same as correctness and AI tools are notoriously good at sounding certain even when they are mistaken.

Third; and most importantly, accountability. If a solicitor gives you incorrect advice, you have recourse: professional indemnity insurance, a regulatory body and a complaints process. If an AI tool gives you incorrect information and it costs you a contract, a dispute or a tribunal claim, there is no one to hold responsible. That risk sits entirely with you.

In the UK, only people with the appropriate legal rights (such as solicitors with higher rights of audience, barristers, or litigants representing themselves) can address the court in most proceedings. AI has no legal status and cannot appear before a judge.

A practical approach AI is here to stay and businesses should embrace it where it adds value. It can help explain legal terminology, organise information and prepare you for conversations with your legal adviser,

however it should complement expert legal advice, not replace it. The best outcomes often come from combining technology with professional expertise.

For business owners, the sensible middle ground is to use AI for what it's good at, drafting, summarising and getting up to speed, whilst treating anything with real consequences (contracts you're about to sign, disputes, employment decisions, property transactions, regulatory compliance) as a job for a trusted qualified solicitor.

‘AI is here to stay and businesses should embrace it where it adds value’ It's also worth asking any AI tool you use, directly, whether it's giving you legal information or legal advice. A well-designed tool will tell you it can't do the latter. If it doesn't flag that distinction, be more cautious, not less. AI is increasingly becoming a valuable legal assistant, but it is not a substitute for legal representation.

The businesses getting the most value from AI right now aren't the ones avoiding it, nor the ones outsourcing judgement to it. They're the ones using it to prepare better, ask sharper questions and get more out of the time they spend with a solicitor.

Technology has transformed the legal sector, making information more accessible than ever before. However, information and advice are not the same thing. When legal decisions affect your business, employees or future, having access to qualified legal professionals remains one of the most valuable investments you can make. AI can help you ask better questions. A solicitor helps you find the right answers.

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FEATURE: LEGAL SERVICES

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FEATURE: LEGAL SERVICES

Three

legal checks

for SMEs before autumn

By Dean Parnell, partner at Sydney Mitchell Solicitors

A

s the summer draws to a close, many businesses will be turning their attention to the final quarter of the year.

September often brings renewed activity, from recruiting new employees and agreeing supplier contracts to investing in systems and pursuing plans for growth.

Before that activity gathers pace, carrying out a short legal health check

can help SME owners identify potential gaps, prepare for forthcoming changes and reduce the risk of costly problems later.

Here are three areas businesses should consider reviewing.

1. Is your business ready for the employment law changes?

The Employment Rights Act is introducing significant changes for

employers, with measures being implemented in stages throughout this year and 2027.

From 1 October 2026, the time limit for bringing most Employment Tribunal claims will increase from three months to six months. This means businesses may need to retain relevant records for longer and could face claims relating to events that happened several months earlier.

Further changes are expected from 30 October 2026, when employers will be required to take “all reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

They will also have a new obligation not to permit employees to be harassed by third parties, which could include clients, customers, contractors or suppliers.

Businesses should review their harassment and equality policies, reporting procedures and staff training. Managers must understand how to recognise inappropriate behaviour, respond to concerns and keep accurate records of any action taken.

Employers should also begin preparing for January 2027, when the qualifying period for unfair dismissal protection will reduce from two years to six months.

Recruitment, probation and performance-management processes should be reviewed well before the new rules take effect.

2. Have your Companies House identity checks been completed?

Identity verification is now a legal requirement for company directors and people with significant control.

A 12-month transition period began on 18 November 2025, however there is not one universal deadline for every business. The date by which an existing director must comply is generally linked to the 56 CHAMBERLINK September 2026

company’s confirmation statement.

Once verified, each person receives a personal code. Companies will need to provide the codes for their directors when filing their confirmation statement, while people with significant control may need to submit their details separately.

Businesses should check that every relevant individual has completed the verification process, retained their personal code securely and understands when it must be provided.

3. Would your business cope with a cyberattack or data breach?

For SMEs, a cyber incident can cause far more than temporary IT disruption. It may result in the loss of confidential information, regulatory reporting obligations, contractual disputes, reputational damage and claims from customers or suppliers.

Businesses should review who has access to sensitive information, whether access is removed promptly when employees leave and how quickly an incident would be identified and reported.

Commercial contracts should also explain which party is responsible for protecting data, reporting security incidents and meeting the cost of any resulting losses.

It is also worth reviewing cyber insurance and business continuity plans. If systems became unavailable tomorrow, would employees know whom to contact, which clients to notify and how essential services would continue?

A useful investment For busy SME owners, legal housekeeping can easily fall behind day-to-day commercial priorities.

However, a focused review before autumn can identify weaknesses while there is still time to address them.

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FEATURE: CORPORATE CHRISTMAS

‘By choosing to gift sustainably, you will be demonstrating that you put real thought into it’

Sustainable

gift giving G

iving gifts to your clients and employees at Christmas is an easy way to affirm important relationships.

Gifts can be used to thank staff for another year of hard work and make clients and key stakeholders feel valued.

But in today’s eco-conscious world, it’s important to consider the impact that giftgiving can have on the environment.

Chamberlink takes a look at sustainable gift options.

How green do your gifts need to be?

When you think of a corporate gift, you might think of plastic pens and tote bags, emblazoned with your logo or produced in your brand colours.

But few of these such gifts are designed from sustainable materials or made to last.

A generic plastic trinket that ends up in a drawer – or worse or a landfill – doesn’t do your brand any favours. A well-made, thoughtfully sourced product does the opposite.

So, before you go Christmas shopping, ask yourself a few questions – is my gift useful?

Is it destined for landfill, or can it be recycled? Can it be re-used? And would my clients truly welcome receiving another piece of plastic?

Sustainable gifts can serve two purposes.

Firstly, they can help the recipients reduce waste and embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle.

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Secondly, they can help make a statement about your values. ‘Green washing’, or the act of pretending your company is more ecoconscious than it actually is, is a serious issue.

By choosing to gift sustainably, you will be demonstrating that you put real thought into it, that you are committed to helping the planet and that you stand apart from your competitors.

What to buy When evaluating sustainable corporate gifts, it’s vital that you know what actually separates a genuine, eco-friendly product from one that might just look the part.

Keep an eye out for: • Gifts made from eco-friendly, recycled or repurposed materials • Items that include locally sourced or organic materials • Items with alternative materials or those made from certified sustainable processes (such as free from harmful dyes or bleaching) • Items that can help eliminate single-use plastics • Items that have been sourced ethically and made by fair labour • Products that have achieved certification for sustainable industry standards.

Sustainable gift ideas: • Reusable drinkware, such as water bottles, coffee tumblers and travel mugs

• Tote bags made from recycled or organic materials • Eco-friendly accessories made with ethical production standards • Reusable stationary, such as refillable pens • Reusable homeware items, such as beeswax wraps • Sustainable office supplies, such as stone paper notebooks • Experience-based gift options • Wellness and lifestyle gifts.

Points to consider When gifting sustainably this Christmas, keep in mind the following: Packaging: You’ve gone to the effort of sourcing sustainable gifts, so don’t forget to source eco-friendly packaging too. Look for recyclable or compostable materials.

Branding: While branding gifts and merchandise is a great tool for marketing, you might want to think again about sending out branded gifts at Christmas. They can feel impersonal and therefore less likely to be used and reused.

Gifts aren’t just for the holidays: Consider gifting something that can be enjoyed or reused throughout the year, not just at Christmas.

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FEATURE: CORPORATE CHRISTMAS

Support and care

at Christmas Every Christmas, Birmingham Hospice works tirelessly to create special moments for those with terminal illnesses, ensuring that they can still celebrate with their families. Jo Stokes shares her story.

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FEATURE: CORPORATE CHRISTMAS

I

n December 2024, Neil Stokes, aged just 53, and his wife Jo received the devastating news that he had oesophageal cancer. In addition, they were informed that it had spread too far for surgery but hopefully, with support from the oncology team, father of three Neil may have two years to live. This came as a huge shock to the family.

Neil and Jo were then supported by the palliative care team at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham; however, shortly after his diagnosis, Neil’s health deteriorated and it was agreed that he should be admitted as an inpatient so his pain could be managed, and they could get him strong enough to handle chemotherapy.

Unfortunately, Neil’s health continued to worsen, and he became too poorly for chemotherapy to be considered. After nine days in hospital, his oncologist referred Neil to Birmingham Hospice.

Jo said: “The hospice made us feel safe.

“He was so poorly when he arrived at Birmingham Hospice. He was struggling with pain, he couldn’t really stand at all, and he was confused.”

The hospice team focused on getting Neil settled, addressed his pain, and made him more comfortable immediately.

“The professionalism and compassion were simply amazing. They couldn’t do enough for us as a family and there was a connection straight away.”

One of Jo’s main concerns was making sure Neil felt safe and the hospice team helped him

‘The support and strength they gave us, their openness and honestly, and the dignity they afforded Neil was so special’

They decorated the room with familiar Christmas decorations from home and put up photographs around Neil. Family and friends were able to come and see Neil and he had multiple visitors over those few days.

“The hospice team were so attentive, intuitive, professional and highly supportive. In a truly terrible situation, the staff at the hospice gave us all the support we needed to look after Neil.”

“On Christmas Day, we exchanged gifts.

Laura and I received Coldplay tickets for August 2025 at Wembley from Neil – how amazing is that! We tried to keep everything as ‘normal’ as possible. We had a glass of wine, we had a few treats to eat, we sat around Neil’s bed and watched the finale of Gavin and Stacy together, along with the rest of the nation.

Whenever Neil and I needed help, we got it from the hospice team; nothing was too much for them. They were so attentive and kind.”

Neil, died peacefully in the early hours of Boxing Day morning with wife Jo and their children by his side, just 21 days after his cancer diagnosis.

“Although watching Neil’s health decline and having to say goodbye was devastating for us all, the care of the hospice team was incredible.

The support and strength they gave us, their openness and honestly, and the dignity they afforded Neil was so special.”

achieve that. He was able to move into the big family room and beds were found for Jo and their children, Charlie, Laura and Tom, so all five of them could stay together.

To find out more about Birmingham Hospice and how you can support their work, so they can help more people like Neil and Jo, please visit www.birminghamhospice.org.uk

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FEATURE: CORPORATE CHRISTMAS

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SECTOR FOCUS: BUSINESS TRAVEL

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

New boss to oversee railway nationalisation A new rail chief has been appointed in the West Midlands as part of plans to nationalise services.

Denise Wetton has been named as integrated managing director of Greater British Railway West Midlands. The new role will see her oversee work to bring track and trains under a single ownership.

GBR West Midlands will join three existing “integrated railways” in Britain – GBR South Eastern, GBR South Western and GBR Anglia.

Denise said: “This is an exciting time where we can really start to bring track and train together, building on past successes for an even better future.

“We will create a railway that meets the needs of the communities we serve, and a railway that we and our customers can be proud of.

“Great British Railways is a once in a generation opportunity to improve performance on the railway and deliver a better railway

Exciting time: Denise Wetton

for everyone. The hard work starts now, and I am excited to get started.”

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: "Denise’s appointment marks an important step towards Great

British Railways and the simpler, more joined-up railway it will deliver. By bringing track and train closer together, we can build a railway that has passengers and freight at its heart.”

Multi-million-pound project: The airport will test hydrogen handling, storage and refuelling processes

wagamama: Open until the last departure

wagamama to open at airport

BHX partnership advances hydrogen-powered aviation Birmingham Airport has confirmed its participation in a hydrogen infrastructure project part funded by the Department of Transport.

The airport will work alongside ULEMCO, GeoPura and Bristol Airport to design, build and test a mobile refuelling rig capable of supporting hydrogen electric aircraft within standard commercial turnaround times, while also supplying hydrogen for ground support equipment and on-site power generation.

HyPRIME will operate in live airport environments to assess practical procedures, safety requirements, economic considerations and the wider operational impacts of introducing liquid hydrogen (LH₂) at commercial airports.

The multi-million-pound project will enable the airport to test hydrogen handling, storage and refuelling processes.

The airport, which recently announced a 11 per cent reduction in location-based greenhouse gas emissions for 2025/26, remains committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions from its direct operations by 2033.

Tom Denton, head of sustainability said: “Hydrogen electric aircraft are progressing quickly, and airports need to understand how this fuel can be safely and efficiently integrated into daily operations.”

PASSENGER volumes reached 1,487,899 at Birmingham Airport in July, making it the airport’s busiest July to date and two per cent up on last July’s record.

The rise came as the school holidays got underway, with Dublin, Palma, Alicante and Malaga among the most popular destinations. Low cost traffic saw the biggest growth, with 11 per cent more passengers using these services compared with July 2025.

Pan-Asian restaurant chain wagamama has sealed a highprofile new location at Birmingham Airport’s departure lounge.

The chain brings a broad mix of dishes to Midlands holidaymakers, with its chicken katsu curry, ramen dishes, rice bowls and plant-based options served throughout the day.

Early morning flyers can also access a dedicated breakfast offer, bringing together Asian-inspired fusion dishes with familiar breakfast favourites to start the day.

Located within the new commercial concourse, just after World Duty Free and towards gates 1-20, the restaurant will be open to passengers from 4am until the final departure each day.

Richard Gill, commercial director at Birmingham Airport, said: “wagamama is a great addition to our restaurant offerings at Birmingham Airport. It’s a brand our passengers know and love, and its arrival brings even more choice.”

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SECTOR FOCUS: FINANCE

Helping people make sense of their finances A Birmingham-based chartered financial planner is launching a new platform aimed at helping people understand the financial decisions they face throughout life, from pensions to mortgages.

Katrania Lowers, backed by Richard Meek, managing director of Colmore Partners, has created MoneyKats after noting that people are repeatedly asked to make major financial decisions without ever being taught how any of it works.

The platform is built around five life stages – women and money, young professionals, wealth builders, mid-career and family, and retirement and later life – and will offer free digital courses, video content, calculators and other

Free digital courses: Katrania Lowers

resources from launch, with no paywall.

Katrania said: “People are expected to understand an enormous amount about money, but very few of us are ever actually taught it properly.

“I wanted to build something that gives people access to clear, practical financial education related to the stage of life that they’re at, without needing to be wealthy enough to access advice first.

“MoneyKats is not another finfluencer page. It has been built from the perspective of a practising chartered financial planner, and although I am biased, I genuinely think we are creating something that can be really useful to people.”

Despite complications, EOTs still have their benefits A helpful tool for your retirement A financial expert is advising people to consider cashflow models as a vital tool to work out their retirement income.

Mike Jordan (pictured), founder and CEO of Jordan Financial Management in Sutton Coldfield, said: “Working out what your retirement income might look like is often daunting and complex.

“A financial planner can help mitigate this uncertainty and help you look forward to the future using cashflow modelling.”

Cashflow modelling begins with inputting data into specialised software about your current financial position, including your income, expenses, assets and liabilities.

The software will create a longterm projection of your finances based on your desired retirement age and life expectancy. Your financial planner can tweak the values to show you how your income will be affected in different scenarios.

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While selling to Employee Ownership Trusts (EOT) has undoubtedly become more complicated since the 2024 and 2025 Budget changes, business owners can still reap significant benefits from choosing this route to retirement, according to tax specialists at audit, tax, advisory and consulting firm Crowe.

Adam Rollason, tax partner and Birmingham office lead partner, noted that the EOT concept was borne out of a government-backed initiative, following the conclusion of The Nuttall Review, in late 2013.

“There was a low take up initially, due mainly to a lack of awareness of EOTs generally, the perceived technical complexity associated with them, and the favourability of other options such as management buyouts (MBOs), which were considered to be a more ‘tried and tested’ solution for typical succession planning scenarios.”

But in March 2020, the landscape changed almost overnight, when the Entrepreneurs’ Relief (now Business Asset Disposal Relief) lifetime limit was slashed from £10m to £1m by the then Chancellor Rishi Sunak, having the effect of increasing the tax rate differential to nearer 20 per cent in many instances.

This inspired many business owners looking to sell up to explore EOTs as a viable alternative option.

Fast forward to the Autumn Budget of 2024, as part of which Labour’s Rachel Reeves announced the first tightening of the rules in the 10 years since the EOT concept was introduced, designed primarily to prevent inflated consideration values, the use of offshore trusts, and the seller’s ability to exercise continuing control over the new trust structure following the completion of a sale transaction.

Adam Rollason

Adam added: “The 2024 changes appeared to do little to prevent an ever-increasing number of EOT transactions. As a result, perhaps unexpectedly to many at the time, further changes followed in the Autumn Budget of November 2025.

“Following the enactment of the latest changes, the historic zero per cent rate now applies to only 50 per cent of the qualifying gains arising on these transactions, with the remaining 50 per cent being subject to CGT at the main rate of 24 per cent.”

However, he pointed out that while a new effective rate of 12 per cent makes this less appealing to some, it remains significantly better than the 18 per cent/24 per cent rates which will apply to most MBO transactions.

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SECTOR FOCUS: FINANCE

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

ART Business Loans growing to further support Midlands SMEs ART Business Loans (ART) is celebrating achieving strong growth in lending to SMEs across the West Midlands and adjoining counties.

During the 2025/26 financial year ART saw lending grow by 20 per cent year-on-year, enabling businesses to create and protect jobs, invest in their teams and contribute positively to their local communities.

Long standing Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce member ART has also seen a strong start to the 2026/27 financial year following the allocation of £7m under the British Business Bank’s Community ENABLE Fund to provide loans above £25,000 to underserved, smaller businesses across the Midlands.

Access to the new finance increases the volume of funds available to ART. They loan to businesses that want to borrow between £10,000 and £250,000, but have been unable to have their needs met by the banks.

Chief executive Steve Walker said: “The last financial year was a strong one for ART and, more importantly, for the businesses we have been able to support.

“More than 75 per cent of the businesses we support come from underserved areas and communities, and we are proud that our lending is making a tangible difference to people’s lives and livelihoods.

“The signs for 2026/27 are looking very promising, with another strong performance

under way thanks largely to the introductions from our valued broker network.”

Among the success stories is a family-run dance studio owned by former UK professional dance champions. It has transformed its operations and grown its customer base since securing a £50,000 package.

In 2018, Aura Dance Studios, established by former ballroom and Latin American dance champions Martin and Carol Cutler, approached ART to secure a £50,000 investment, alongside a bank loan to relocate and purchase new premises in Solihull.

Since opening, Aura Dance Studios now run in excess of 25 classes and 100 private lessons each week for more than 125 children, 300 social dancers and 200 competitive dancers of all ages and abilities.

The growth has also created employment opportunities, with the studio expanding its team of qualified dance instructors from 10 to 33 to meet increased demand. Martin and Carol’s children, Charlotte and James, have both gone on to achieve successful professional dance careers and now also teach at the studio.

In addition, the studio’s 250-seat theatre has become a hub for the local community, hosting dance workshops, Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals and dance school performances throughout the year.

Aura Dance Studios owner Martin said: “There is nobody better than ART. They listen and give

Aura Dance studio owner Martin Cutler with ART Business Loans manager Graham Donaldson and Martin's daughter and dance teacher Charlotte Cutler

you honest, transparent advice and feedback. We like that they share our family values and understand our vision for the business.”

ART manager Graham Donaldson added: “It’s been a pleasure to watch Aura Dance Studios grow and reach their full potential following investment from ART.”

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SECTOR FOCUS: HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE

New therapy to aid wellbeing Purple House Clinic has launched a new intensive EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy service, offering adults focused psychological support to accelerate recovery and promote emotional wellbeing.

The approach supports those impacted by burnout, stress, or a major life event.

By offering intensive EMDR over one or two days, the clinic aims to provide a solution for individuals whose other commitments make weekly therapy difficult to maintain.

EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that helps people process difficult experiences and reduce the lasting emotional impact. Sessions are available from the clinic’s Coleshill location.

Dr Danielle Grey, clinical director and psychologist at Purple House Clinic Birmingham, said: “For some people, Intensive EMDR can offer an opportunity to engage in focused therapeutic work without the need for weekly appointments. Our priority is always to help individuals find the support that is right for them.”

Now HR suffer burn-out - but help is on the way A coaching expert says there is a growing crisis as HR professionals are facing burnout, emotional exhaustion and loss of confidence.

After nearly 20 years working in human resources, HR consultant and coach Karen Robinson, of KR 4 HR, is planning to support HR professionals themselves, one of the most overlooked groups in the workplace.

She says that while HR teams are expected to care for the wellbeing of everyone else, many are quietly struggling under the weight of increasing workloads, complex employee relations issues, organisational change, toxic workplace cultures and constant emotional pressure.

The result is burnout, anxiety, emotional exhaustion and talented HR professionals questioning whether they can continue in a career they once loved.

HR professionals absorb emotional impact: Karen Robinson

Karen said: “HR professionals are expected to be resilient, impartial and endlessly supportive. They’re often the people everyone turns to during redundancies, disciplinary hearings, grievances, safeguarding concerns, workplace conflict and organisational crises. Yet when they’re struggling themselves, there’s rarely anyone looking after them.

“We’ve become incredibly good at talking about employee wellbeing, but we’ve forgotten about the people responsible for protecting everyone else’s wellbeing.

“HR professionals absorb the emotional impact of difficult conversations every single day, often without a safe space to process what they're carrying. It’s no surprise that so many are exhausted.”

The new service offers confidential one-to-one coaching designed specifically for HR professionals, helping them rebuild confidence, strengthen resilience, establish healthy boundaries and reconnect with their professional identity.

Karen believes that organisations also have a responsibility to recognise the emotional demands placed on HR.

Supporting people into employment A new social value partnership between Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland and Birmingham charity Better Pathways is creating vocational opportunities for three people with mental health issues and other complex barriers.

The initiative provides them with the support needed to prepare them for paid employment.

Roche sponsored three places on Better Pathways’ LIVE Vocational Pathways Programme, enabling participants who have no recourse to public funds to access support that might otherwise be unavailable to them.

LIVE, which stands for Learning, Independence, Volunteering and Employment, combines tailored wellbeing and employability support with hands-on experience in Better Pathways’ social enterprises, Better Packing and Better Signage.

Roche was founded in Basel, Switzerland in 1896 and today is a leading provider of transformative medicines and diagnostics for millions of people in over 100 countries around the world.

Sue Roberts, chief executive of Better Pathways, said: “Roche Diagnostic’s sponsorship is a real example of social value in action.

“It gives three people access to a tailored pathway that develops confidence, independence and employability, while offering Roche a clear and tangible way to invest in the communities it serves.”

Partnership: Sue Roberts (left) and Sarah Fitton from Roche

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For more information visit betterpathways.or.uk or email LIVE@betterpathways.org.uk.

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SECTOR FOCUS: LEGAL

Freeths Planning Team takes home top award Support: Calum Nisbet

New BLS CEO announced Calum Nisbet, the chief executive of West Midlands mental health charity The Kaleidoscope Plus Group, is to become the CEO of Birmingham Law Society (BLS).

‘I am particularly passionate about supporting the next generation of legal professionals’ Calum has past experience of membership organisations, having previously been the West Midlands regional director for the Institute of Directors and the commercial director for the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.

He also a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands region.

Calum said: “I am particularly passionate about supporting the next generation of legal professionals, ensuring they have the opportunities, networks and inspiration to build successful and fulfilling careers.”

Birmingham law firm Freeths was crowned Planning Team of the Year at the Midlands Residential Property Awards 2026.

The award recognises the team's work supporting residential and mixed-use development projects across the region.

The Midlands Residential Property Awards celebrate the people, projects and businesses shaping the future of the residential property sector.

Freeths was recognised by the judging panel for its significant increase in new instructions over the past year across a broad range of sectors.

The team advises on all aspects of development planning, supporting clients through complex planning, environmental and regulatory matters to help deliver major residential, commercial and infrastructure projects.

Paul Brailsford (pictured), partner and national head of planning and environment at Freeths, said: “This recognition is a testament to the expertise, commitment and collaborative approach of our Planning and Environment team. We are proud to have been recognised alongside such strong competition from across the Midlands property sector.”

Freeths has advised the shareholders and management team of Brookbanks Development Group on securing strategic investment from private equity investor CBPE. This transaction will support Brookbanks’ next phase of growth through continued investment in its people, expansion of service capabilities, geographic growth and a targeted acquisition strategy. Brookbanks will continue to be led by CEO Andrew Thorley, chair Paul Boileau and the existing leadership team.

The Freeths team was led by corporate partner Mohammed Abbas. He was supported by employment partner Laura Tracey, banking and finance partner James Dyson, tax director Alex Angelides, corporate senior associates Kirsty Paterson and Shailen Hinglajiya, employment senior associate Niamh Hogg, corporate associate Lasharna Barnett and tax associate Megan Woolley.

Rapid growth at Fieldfisher

Award win for charity work

The Birmingham office of law firm Fieldfisher has reported 16 per cent revenue growth for the 12 months ending 31 March, 2026.

This number outperforms the firm’s overall UK growth during a year marked by strategic investment, partner hires and a move to the new offices at 2 Chamberlain Square, Paradise.

The strong performance forms part of Fieldfisher's wider financial results, which saw the European law firm increase firmwide revenue to £398m, up four per cent on the previous financial year.

Ranjit Dhindsa, managing partner of Fieldfisher’s Birmingham office, said: “Achieving 16 per cent revenue growth is a fantastic result for our Birmingham team and reflects the strength of our client relationships, the quality of our people and the continued momentum we are seeing across the West Midlands market.

“Our growth demonstrates the confidence clients have in our ability to support them through increasingly complex legal and commercial challenges.

“The past year has also been an important one for the office following our move to new premises, creating a collaborative environment that supports our people, our clients and our intermediaries.”

Rick Smyth, a partner in Wilkes’ corporate team, won the Changemaker award at the West Midlands Rainmaker Awards 2026 at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel, Birmingham.

The win caps 25 years of charitable work supporting children and young people experiencing vulnerability across the Midlands.

Rick said: “This means a lot to me. KidsOut and the Giving Tree Appeal have been part of my life for a long time now, and it’s fantastic that the corporate finance community has recognised the difference it makes to so many children across the Midlands.”

Fantastic result for Birmingham: Ranjit Dhindsa

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SECTOR FOCUS: MANUFACTURING

‘What we’re achieving with Cornerstone shows how JLR can lead in advancing circularity across the automotive industry’

“Cornerstone” in action: A clear pathway for breakthrough technology

Low carbon innovation at JLR Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has unveiled a concept demonstrator vehicle designed to showcase the company’s latest progress in circular design, low carbon engineering and next generation material innovation.

The automotive giant’s engineering and industrial operations teams have collaborated with more than 40 Tier 1 and raw material suppliers to create 49 sustainable automotive components by maximising recycled, bio-based and low-impact materials and designing parts so they can be taken apart for recycling and repair.

It said the Cornerstone project has secured more than a tonne of CO₂e savings. It has also achieved an increase of almost 140kg in recycled material.

Paul Francis, senior manager circularity at JLR, said: “What we’re achieving with Cornerstone shows how JLR can lead in advancing circularity across the automotive industry, and the value of a coordinated, multi party approach to deliver progress faster.

“When we engage early on shared goals, and each partner in the value chain brings their expertise collaboratively throughout

development, production efficiency and overall outcomes improve significantly. This is how real, honest progress is made, and how the economic opportunity of circularity can be realised.”

By producing parts for a real bodyshell, the scheme aims to help establish clear pathways for integrating breakthrough technology into JLR’s current and future vehicle programmes, with new headlamp technology, lower-emission steel, recycled door glass, recycled seat foam and new FlexAir seat technology already planned for upcoming models.

Firm secures future by moving to EOT

Silver lining (left to right): Brian Norton, BCF CEO Tom Bowtel and BCF president Jane Ryder at the 2026 BCF Annual Conference

Service recognised with Silver Medal Brian Norton, of specialist coating manufacturer Indestructible Paints, has been awarded the British Coatings Federation (BCF) Silver Medal in recognition of his longstanding service to the coatings industry.

Indestructible Paints was founded in 1978 by Brian’s father, Doug Norton, and the company soon became involved with the Paintmakers’ Association, one of the organisations that later formed today's British Coatings Federation (BCF).

In 1990, Brian joined the company and continued the close association as the business grew. Over the years Brian has contributed to a wide range of BCF groups and committees, particularly the Aerospace and Defence Committee Group, where Indestructible Paints remains actively involved.

Brian said: “I was genuinely shocked and very honoured to receive the BCF Silver Medal. Indestructible Paints has had a long association with the Federation, going back to my father’s involvement when the company was founded, and it has been a pleasure to maintain that connection over so many years.”

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Midlands-based firm ABI Facilities Engineering has become an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), in a deal supported by the transactions team at PKF Smith Cooper.

Founded in 1997, ABI Facilities Engineering Limited has become a leading regional provider of air conditioning and heat pump, warm air and water heating maintenance services, with commercial and industrial clients across the Midlands and further afield.

PKF Smith Cooper transactions team included Darren Hodson (corporate finance partner), Joe Anderson (corporate finance manager) and Natasha Care (corporate finance senior executive) as lead advisors, working with Natasha Scott (tax partner) and Michelle Bryan (senior tax manager) who provided tax structuring advice. Tom Sinden (transaction and advisory services director) provided valuation work.

Part of the team: Darren Hodson and Natasha Scott

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SECTOR FOCUS: PROPERTY

IN BRIEF BLOCK Workspace is set to expand its national footprint with the opening of BLOCK Birmingham.

The new flexible workspace will be at One Colmore Square in the heart of Birmingham’s Business District.

BLOCK Birmingham will offer private offices for teams of 30+ desks, co-working memberships, boardrooms, meeting rooms, focus spaces and comfortable lounge areas, all with flexible memberships and transparent pricing.

Ben Cheriton, founder and CEO at BLOCK Workspace, said: “Birmingham is an exciting addition to our growing portfolio and represents an important step in our national expansion.”

National law firm Shakespeare Martineau has advised the shareholders of Midlands land promoter Manor Oak Homes on its sale to Wates Land & Development, part of the Wates Group.

The deal sees Manor Oak Homes become Wates Manor Oak, with the existing leadership team remaining in place.

Manor Oak Homes has built a portfolio of 52 maturing sites across the region, and the acquisition forms part of Wates Land & Development’s strategy to expand its national land promotion platform.

Shakespeare Martineau provided legal advice across the transaction, including corporate M&A, real estate, employment, restructuring and corporate tax.

The corporate team was led by partners Lisa Botterill and Dean Chauhan, supported by solicitor Zain Siddiqui and trainee legal adviser Chloe Hodges, alongside specialists from the firm’s tax, real estate and employment teams.

The wider team advising on the deal included Huw Witty (tax), Louise Ingram, Charlotte O’Loughlin and Carys Smith (real estate), Neelam Powar and Morgan Lloyd (employment).

Lisa Botterill, corporate partner at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “This transaction reflects the continued strength of regional land promotion activity and highlights the importance of bringing together culturally aligned, long-term focused businesses.”

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Midlands homeowners facing Mansion Tax hit Midlands families who own high value homes need to ensure they understand how the proposed “Mansion Tax” will impact them, tax experts at national audit, tax, advisory and consulting firm Crowe are warning.

Parris Britton (pictured), senior tax manager at Crowe’s Birmingham office, said some homes in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands would be disproportionately affected by the tax, due to the region’s popularity and higher property prices.

Areas affected could include Edgbaston, Little Aston, Four Oaks, Harborne, Solihull, Henley-in-Arden, Lapworth, Knowle, Dorridge, Hagley and Barnt Green.

Parris said: “HMRC has recently published a consultation on the design of the High Value Council Tax, otherwise known as the mansion tax.

“As announced at the 2025 Autumn Budget, the surcharge will be payable by the legal owner of a dwelling valued at £2m or more and will be in addition to the standard council tax charges.

“While the Government has considered applying the surcharge to beneficial owners of dwellings, it has been determined that they do not see this as a possible approach due to there being no extensive record of beneficial owners of UK dwellings for local authorities to administer the charges.”

Lessons: Jonathan Fish

Properties will be placed in one of four bands, with the proposed annual charges in four bands.

A number of exemptions will be made available for certain residential properties, including purpose-built halls of residence, property owned by a sovereign nation, property owned by a registered social housing provider and care homes.

Parris said: “Given the proposed banding structure, it is anticipated that many valuations, particularly those close to the band thresholds, will be contested by property owners. It has been proposed that homeowners will have the opportunity to submit a challenge to the body making the relevant valuation decision.

“However, even if a challenge is submitted, the Government has stated that homeowners will remain liable for the tax, with repayments or liabilities amended, only once a decision on the challenge is reached.

“The proposed High Value Council Tax Surcharge has been positioned as a straightforward, banded annual charge.

“The consultation illustrates that its application is likely to be more nuanced, with complexity emerging particularly in relation to valuations, ownership structures and the deferral regime.

“Further consideration will be required to ensure the regime does not unintentionally bring properties into scope simply because it is aimed at targeting wealth.”

Property expert shares journey Jonathan Fish, director of WJF Developments Limited, has featured on The HMO Podcast to share his career journey.

In the podcast, which is a dedicated resource for property investors and developers, Jonathan unpacks his journey from rescuing a struggling family manufacturing business to building a successful property company focused on luxury new-build developments and high-performing HMOs. With more than 15 years of hands-on experience, Jonathan shares the lessons he's learned about resilience, construction, business growth, raising finance, and creating a long-term property strategy that balances wealth creation with wealth preservation.

Jonathan also talks about the lessons learnt from restoring a 10,000 sq ft factory with almost no budget, how to identify and appraise profitable HMO opportunities, the role private finance has played in accelerating growth, why systems, delegation, and business structure are critical for scaling and the mindset shifts required to stop playing small and start thinking bigger.

The episode is available on Spotify.

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SECTOR FOCUS: SKILLS

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SECTOR FOCUS: SKILLS

Major plan to boost key skills in the region The Government has signed off a major new plan that will support businesses in the West Midlands with the skills they need to boost economic growth in the region.

The West Midlands Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) has been written on the back of months of consultation with more than 1,000 employers, educators and regional stakeholders across the West Midlands to understand what skills are required for growth and where there are gaps in training provision.

In the West Midlands, the LSIP has been led by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and is being supported by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), Black Country Chamber of Commerce and West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The new plan links directly to the Mayor’s West Midlands Growth Plan

and will act as a “catalyst and enabler” for the region’s economic transformation.

Through a series of surveys, events and one-to-one conversations with businesses, the LSIP sets out six priorities that will support the skills system.

‘Businesses tell me one of the biggest challenges they face is finding enough people with the right skills’ They include making it easier for firms to navigate and access the skills system after feedback that the current provision is too complex and it’s not always clear where to go or who to talk to. One respondent described the current landscape as “overwhelming”.

Months of work: The skills team at the launch

The second priority is an increase in modularisation – so short, bitesized courses that fit into working patterns and are designed around real working practices within businesses.

The new plan also recommends an increase in work-readiness and foundation skills to help people get into work and be ready to perform effectively from day one. The gap in this area varies from sector to sector but is recognised as crucial for the growth of the whole economy.

Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Businesses tell me one of the biggest challenges they face is finding enough people with the right skills, especially in fastgrowing industries like construction, advanced manufacturing, green and medical tech.

“I’m committed to plugging that skills gap so we can accelerate growth. The recommendations in this report will help us do that by deepening our understanding of what employers need most.”

Action must be taken to tackle youth unemployment A major new report commissioned by The Rigby Foundation and The Sir Peter Rigby Charitable Trust has set out practical steps to address the external forces that have created a “perfect storm” facing young people in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands labour market.

The report, ‘Inspiring Futures: Improving employment outcomes for young people in Birmingham’, was launched at a parliamentary reception in Westminster, where Liam Byrne MP, Member of Parliament for Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North, spoke to express support.

Produced by the City-Region Economic Development Institute (City-REDI), at the University of Birmingham, with an advisory panel including representatives from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Combined Authority, local employers and education experts, the report highlights how economic disruption,

technological change and declining access to work experience are combining to create a growing youth employment challenge – with socalled “starter jobs” falling by nearly half (49 per cent) over the past decade.

While the report acknowledges laudable initiatives across Birmingham, it calls for a coordinated response, focused on improving access to meaningful work experience, equipping young people with artificial intelligence (AI) skills, strengthening employer engagement, and overhauling careers guidance.

The report warns that structural changes in the labour market – accelerated by Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic and global instability - have reduced entry-level opportunities, particularly in sectors where young people are most likely to begin their careers.

Steve Rigby, chair of The Rigby Foundation and CEO of Rigby Group, said: “This report makes

clear that we are not facing a failure of ambition among young people, but a failure of opportunity.

“The system designed to support them into work is not keeping pace with a labour market that is changing at an unprecedented pace. We need to do more to connect our region’s young people to the opportunities that already exist on their doorstep.”

Professor Anne Green, of CityREDI, University of Birmingham, said: “This report shows that while action is underway to tackle youth unemployment and economic inactivity in Birmingham, the system is still falling short.

“It remains too fragmented, and outcomes are not yet where they need to be. Real progress will require stronger collaboration between partners, building on what already works, and putting young people’s voices at the centre to create a system that truly delivers for the city’s young people.”

Excited: Mohammed Bham

Record-breaking Sage success CPiO consultant Mohammed Bham has achieved the highest assessment score ever recorded at a training programme for Sage professionals.

Mohammed, who joined CPiO last year, recently completed the 12-week Sage Intacct Academy programme, walking away with outstanding results across the entire programme, scoring 98 per cent in the practical assessment.

The achievement marks the latest milestone in a career that began more than 14 years ago, when Mohammed first taught himself Sage 50 while working for a transport company in Malawi.

Mohammed said: “Being a great consultant is about more than knowing the software. It's about connecting with people and helping transform the way they work.”

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SECTOR FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY

Proud moment: Peter Pendlebury

AI award for Air IT Group A managed IT service provider has been named the winner of Rewst’s Automation & AI Excellence Award 2026.

Air IT Group, who have a regional office in Solihull, received the global recognition for its pioneering use of automation, artificial intelligence to reimagine how managed IT services are delivered.

The award was presented at FLOW 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.

As businesses continue to explore the potential of AI, many are still searching for practical ways to create measurable value.

Air IT Group has focused on moving beyond experimentation, embedding automation and AI into everyday operations to transform how services are delivered. Today, the business executes more than 160 million automated actions every month, saving over 2,500 employee hours each month.

Peter Pendlebury, chief automation and AI officer at Air IT Group, said: “This recognition is a credit to the innovation and dedication of our data, automation and AI teams.

“By combining intelligent automation and AI, we are reducing resolution times, improving consistency, and delivering a dramatically improved customer experience.”

Barney Taylor, CEO at Air IT Group added: “Through our newly developed AI platform, we are bringing Automation and AI-powered insights into one place, giving one-click access and all the information our service and operational teams need to immediately resolve issues.”

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Global interest: Last year the festival welcomed delegates from 16 countries

Fast Forward to the return of Tech Week Birmingham Tech Week will return in October with its strongest international presence to date, following the launch of the inaugural Beijing–Birmingham Tech Week in June.

In 2025, the festival welcomed delegates from 16 countries, including China, India, Canada and South Korea.

This year’s programme has been shaped by the West Midlands Tech Review, which states that the region's £15.8bn digital economy can become the UK’s leading test bed for frontier technologies by increasing AI adoption, strengthening cyber resilience and investing in future talent. The theme for Birmingham Tech Week 2026 is “Fast Forward”, which explores how organisations can respond to an era in which

technological innovation is outpacing traditional business models and established ways of working.

Taking place from 19–23 October, the festival will host more than 35 events across the ICC, The Studio, Birmingham Rep and Eastside Rooms, with organisers expecting to welcome thousands of delegates from the UK and overseas.

Confirmed speakers include West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, Rigby Group Co-CEO Steve Rigby, and Alan Turing Institute researcher and TEDx speaker Lara Jeetley.

Andy Hague, CEO of TechWM, said: “As a region where tech scaleups now generate more than £10.3bn in annual turnover, the West Midlands has an opportunity to lead the UK's next chapter of technology growth.”

Free homepage design on offer for Chamber members Gravitas Web Design is offering a free bespoke homepage design to the first 10 Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) members who apply.

The Sutton Coldfield-based web design agency has launched the offer to help local businesses see how a stronger homepage could improve credibility, build trust and generate more enquiries.

The offer is open to Chamber members who feel their current website no longer reflects the quality of their business, or who are considering a new website.

Each successful applicant will receive a custom homepage design concept, created around their business, audience and goals. There is no obligation to proceed with a full website build.

Darren Langley, creative director at Gravitas Web Design, said: “A business website should make the

First impressions: Darren Langley

right first impression and give potential customers the confidence to make an enquiry.

“This offer gives Chamber members a practical way to see what their homepage could

become, without having to commit to a full project straight away.”

To claim the offer, members should visit: gravitaswebdesign.com

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SECTOR FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY

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SECTOR FOCUS: THE ARTS On song: The Honeyboy Hickling Blues Band at the trial night at Barbara’s Bier Haus

New home for Birmingham’s legendary live music night The original manager of Black Sabbath is to make Barbara’s Bier Haus on Birmingham’s Broad Street the new weekly home of the legendary Henry’s Blueshouse live music night.

Jim Simpson’s move follows a trial night when nearly 200 music lovers turned up at Barbara’s Bier Haus to enjoy the Honeyboy Hickling Blues Band.

The busy evening was judged so successful that Simpson agreed terms to permanently move Henry’s to Barbara’s from its previous home of Snobs, just two doors up the road.

Henry’s Blueshouse first ran in Birmingham from 1968 to 1970 at The Crown in Station Street, Birmingham. This was where Jim discovered the original Earth band, managing Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward as they

developed from blues to heavy metal, renaming them Black Sabbath.

‘We’re pleased to be moving to Barbara’s, a popular venue during the latest Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival’ The Crown is currently the subject of much controversy over whether it should be re-opened because of its importance to Birmingham’s music history, which all began with Henry’s Blueshouse.

As well as Black Sabbath, Henry’s welcomed a multitude of other bands to The Crown, including the likes of Jethro Tull, Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, The Groundhogs and Rory Gallagher.

Jim said: “We’re pleased to be moving to Barbara’s, a popular venue during the latest Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival, with lots of festival goers saying how well-suited their sound quality, layout and atmosphere is to live music.

“This positive experience coincided with Snobs deciding to concentrate on nightclub activity on late Friday and Saturday nights, pulling back from bar activity on other nights.”

Jamie Whittingham, general manager of Barbara’s, said: “We’re excited to welcome Henry’s Blueshouse and, judging by the trial night we think it’s going to be a popular weekly gig.

“We already host some of the best party nights in Birmingham and are keen to attract an even wider clientele to enjoy our atmosphere, drinks offers and tasty food.”

B:Music reveals its Autumn line-ups

A thriving hub for high-end television

B:Music, the Birmingham music charity responsible for Town Hall and Symphony Hall, has unveiled its seasons until October, bringing live music, comedy, film, family entertainment and spoken word to its two iconic venues.

Among the highlights, Brassed Off Live comes to Symphony Hall on 13 September, as the world-renowned Grimethorpe Colliery Band performs the film's iconic and emotionally powerful score live alongside a screening of the much-loved classic.

And Formula 1 legend Nigel Mansell takes to the Symphony Hall stage on 27 September to share stories from his extraordinary career, offering audiences a unique insight into one of Britain’s greatest motorsport champions.

Clare Grogan and Altered Images bring their iconic album Happy Birthday to Town Hall in a special performance featuring the album in full alongside the band's biggest hits (12 September).

One of the defining acts of the early 1980s, Altered Images enjoyed a string of chart successes, while Grogan also became a celebrated actress, starring in the cult classic Gregory’s Girl.

Fans of The Archers can celebrate 75 years of the nation’s favourite radio drama at a live event in Symphony Hall (9 September).

Hosted by comedian and devoted fan Angela Barnes, the special anniversary show transports audiences to the Ambridge Flower & Produce Show, with performances from cast favourites Charles Collingwood, Ryan Kelly, Susie Riddell and Sunny Ormonde, live sound effects from Vanessa Nuttall, and memorable moments from the BBC archives.

Comedy legend John Cleese also arrives at Town Hall (20 September) for an evening celebrating Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Tickets can be booked on the B:Music website.

Birmingham and the West Midlands are now the UK’s eighth official regional production hub for scripted inward investment film and high-end TV. The announcement came from The British Film Commission (BFC), after the region contributed to some high-end productions including Peaky Blinders, feature film The Immortal Man and the new untitled Peaky Blinders spin-off series..

Adrian Wootton OBE, chief executive of the British Film Commission, said: “As Tommy Shelby of the Peaky Blinders once said, ‘when you plan something well, there’s no need to rush’.

“The growing success of the West Midlands as a UK production hub certainly bears this out. Over the course of nearly 15 years, the region has steadily grown in strength and stature, building skills, infrastructure and reputation.”

Steven Knight, writer, director and creator of Peaky Blinders, said: “I’m thrilled that the West Midlands

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Thrilled: Stephen Knight

has been recognised as a fantastic place to make film and TV. The opening of Digbeth Loc. “Studios is an important part of that ambition, providing a home for world-class film and television production in Birmingham.”

The BBC has announced plans to establish its future regional headquarters in the Tea Factory in Digbeth.

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SECTOR FOCUS: SPORT

The Business of Sport Recognition for programme Edgbaston Priory Club’s highperformance programme has been awarded LTA 10U Performance Programme Enhanced (PPE) status for 2026–2028.

This designation represents the highest level of accreditation for under-10 programmes in the UK, with Edgbaston Priory Club recognised as one of just 19 centres nationwide to achieve this standard.

The award reflects the continued success of the club’s player development pathway, which supports young athletes from earlystage identification through to international competition, including GB representation and Junior Grand Slam participation.

Star turn: Jonathan Finch with former England captain Tammy Beaumont Image: Getty Images

That’s just not cricket: The Hundred gap grows New figures point to a widening gulf in cricket between the seven counties who host a team in The Hundred and the 11 non-hosts.

A report by corporate restructuring firm Leonard Curtis –

launched at an event at Edgbaston – was attended by over 100 guests, including county chief executives, sports finance leaders and media.

It featured an updated version of the Financial Performance Index for

Sought after: Action at Cheltenham

Eventmasters partnership renewed at Cheltenham Eventmasters have announced a new multi-year agreement with Jockey Club Experiences, securing its position as an official hospitality supplier for The Cheltenham Festival through to 2030.

The agreement will see Eventmasters continue to offer official hospitality packages at one of racing’s most prestigious events, providing clients with access to premium facilities and unforgettable race-day experiences at Cheltenham Racecourse.

As part of the renewed partnership, Eventmasters will also continue to operate Silks, its flagship hospitality facility at Cheltenham Racecourse.

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Craig Staddon, commercial director at Cheltenham Racecourse, said: “Eventmasters remains an important partner across our wider programme of racedays at Cheltenham Racecourse, and we look forward to continuing to grow that activity together in the years ahead.”

Elliot Sheasby, commercial director at Eventmasters, said: “The Cheltenham Festival remains one of the most sought-after events in world sport, and we are incredibly proud to continue our long-standing relationship with Jockey Club Experiences through this new agreement.”

the 18 first-class counties introduced last year.

The new Index ranks clubs based on their results on and off the field from 2015 to 2024 (the last 10 years where financial data from all counties is available).

With a lower score more desirable, Surrey – who host MI London in The Hundred – retained top spot with a score of 4.77, around two-and-a-half times superior to that of non-host Leicestershire, who are once again the lowest ranked county on 12.07.

The seven counties with a Hundred franchise all feature in the top ten of the Index, and the average score of the host counties is 7.30 (up from 7.25), compared with 10.00 for the non-hosts (up from 9.07).

The report also provides detailed analysis of counties’ revenue, total wages, profit/loss, debt and equity positions over the last 10 years.

The figures show that the “big four” of Surrey, Lancashire, Hampshire and Warwickshire between them generated 53 per cent (£134m) of the total annual revenue of all 18 first-class counties (£253m) in 2024.

WARWICKSHIRE have also unveiled a key new appointment in the shape of experienced cricketing executive Jonathan Finch as its new general manager of player pathways and recruitment.

Finch joins the Bears after more than 20 years with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), where he held several senior leadership roles across talent development, coach development and high performance cricket. Most recently, he served as Director of England Women’s Cricket.

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Chamber Insight Focus on a member

Name: Karl Wheeler Company: Bluechilli Job Title: Creative director

What does your company do?

We’re a strategic digital marketing agency helping businesses define why they exist – then delivering that message through branding, websites, video, animation, PR, social media and AI agents.

How did it all start?

Bluechilli began in Birmingham almost 20 years ago and has grown into a strategic digital marketing agency with an international client base. It started on a kitchen table – my business partner and I were shareholders in another creative agency when the recession took hold. We sold our shares and built Bluechilli from the ground up.

What’s your greatest achievement so far?

Growing from serving great local clients to helping multinational businesses define their purpose and communicate it across every channel – driving engagement, investment and profit.

What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken - and did it work out?

Turning down work that didn’t fit our values or plans. It freed us to grow the clients, skills and team we actually wanted.

What keeps you awake at night?

The pace of AI. Making sure we stay ahead of it for our clients, rather than reacting to it.

If you could turn the clock back, what would you do differently?

I’d have embraced emerging technology even sooner. Every time we’ve invested ahead of the curve, it’s paid off.

What has surprised you most in your job?

How much relationships matter.

Great creative wins the pitch, but trust and partnership keep clients for decades.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Listen more than you talk.

Understand the client’s business first – the right creative answer follows naturally.

Which business do you most admire?

Not one business – a type. Any founder who’s backed their idea when nobody else would and pushed through the hard years.

What exciting projects is your business working on?

Global photography and video shoots across three continents, major website builds, and AI agents transforming how businesses handle customer conversations and lead generation.

What made you join Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and how are you making use of your membership?

We joined to connect more deeply with the region’s business community - Birmingham has been our home for nearly 20 years. We’re active members: attending networking events, building relationships and exploring international opportunities. The Chamber has also supported us practically, including arranging ATA Carnets for filming equipment on overseas shoots. It’s opened doors to conversations.

Tel: 0121 359 1384 Visit: www.bluechilli.agency

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MEMBER SECTION: NEW MEMBERS

New Members Your guide to new sign-ups JUNE AlineX Ltd Rob Westwood 07972920752 www.alinex.co.uk Management consultancy Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce Arm Secure Technology Chloe Talliss 07842426171 www.armsecure.co.uk/contact Construction and real estate Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Behavioural AI Sonya Cullington 07564821727 www.sonyacullingtonconsulting.com Other Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce Block Birmingham LTD Mauro Piga 0121 369 0065 www.blockworkspace.com Facilities support Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Britmet Tileform Ltd Mollie Constable 01295 250998 www.britmet.co.uk Manufacturing and engineering Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce Burton Guide Dogs Clodagh Howcroft 07852531492 Health and social services Burton and District Chamber of Commerce CC Springador Finance Limited Chris Clarke 07966978095 www.ccsfinance.co.uk Financial services Burton and District Chamber of Commerce Creative Trade Links Claudia Blears 07759887106 www.creativetradelinks.com Administration and support services Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce Creative Word PR Ltd Cheryl Morris 07725195642 www.creativewordpr.co.uk Marketing and Media Public relations and communications Burton and District Chamber of Commerce Currys Business Harry Browne 0121 7025402 www.business.currys.co.uk Trade and retail Solihull Chamber of Commerce 88 CHAMBERLINK September 2026

Whatever your business size and requirements, the Chamber has a membership scale to suit your needs.

For more information visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/membership

Cyclamen Risk Ltd Charlotte Candy 07966849127 www.cyclamenrisk.co.uk Other Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Seddon Construction Limited Emma Hodkinson 0121 3805 555 www.seddon.co.uk Construction and real estate Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Dachser Ltd Tony Garner 07917 526900 www.dachser.co.uk Transportation and logistics Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

Smith Counselling & Coaching Ltd Michael-Don Smith 07788717444 www.smith-counselling.com Education Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Disciple X Ltd Robin McPherson 07498553215 www.disciple-x.co.uk Research and development Birmingham Chamber of Commerce DQF Advisors Qasim Salam 07306 418818 Financial services Accounting and auditing Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Elite Thread Co Adam Barlow 07564 868640 www.elitethreadco.com Marketing and media Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce Everyday Marketing Adam Snelleksz 07599417343 www.everydaymarketing.co.uk Marketing and media Solihull Chamber of Commerce Grow Beyond Borders Ltd Mayank Shah 07779254414 www.growbeyondborders.ai IT and software development Asian Business Chamber of Commerce Heritage Healthcare Usmaan Khan 0121 812 8810 www.heritagehealthcare.co.uk/locatio ns/birmingham-south Health and social services Solihull Chamber of Commerce Living Well UK Harvinder Singh 0121 663 1217 www.livingwellconsortium.com Health and social services Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce OpenWorks Engineering Ltd Rachael Dunbar 01434400469 www.openworksengineering.com Manufacturing and engineering Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce Refyn IT Ltd Brad Walls 03330 057 0211 www.refyn-it.co.uk IT and software development Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Spline Gauges Ltd Ian Garrett 01827871504 www.splinegauges.co.uk Manufacturing and engineering Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce Sports Key Daniel Allen 07436685263 www.sportskey.co.uk Sports and recreation Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Stages of Life Celebrant Sharon Bonner 07881821367 www.stagesoflifecelebrant.com Events and hospitality Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

JULY AirTech Optimise Ltd Amy Shaw 0121 233 0344 www.airtechoptimise.co.uk Construction and real estate Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Alcutrade Resources Ltd Mark Brookes 01827726493 Manufacturing and engineering Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce Altruist Enterprises Ltd Katie Buckingham 0121 271 0550 www.altruistuk.com Administration and support services Other Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce AMF Services60 Ltd Andy Finikin 07956239975 www.amfservices60.com Administration and support services Birmingham Chamber of Commerce AON Ltd Mitch Kotecha 0121 262 5000 www.aon.com Insurance agents and brokers Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Stratford Energy Solutions David Thomson 01789262411 www.stratfordenergy.co.uk Manufacturing and engineering Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

BV Integrated Limited Azeez Iyanda 07428708320 www.bvintegrated.co.uk Trade and retail Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Trump International Scotland Jamie Sangster 01358 743300 www.trumpgolfscotland.com Sports and recreation Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Cheshire Scientific Limited Charles Pickering 0151 343 1280 www.cheshirescientific.co.uk Environmental services Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

University of Law Paul Doddridge (0)1483405653 www.law.ac.uk Education Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Warrior Doors Ltd Brett Barratt 0121 706 8400 www.warriordoors.co.uk Manufacturing and engineering Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Workplace GP Ltd Benjamin Flanagan www.workplacegp.co.uk Health and social services Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Xanarios Ltd Andrea Buaumont Administration and support services Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce

Confident Libra Ltd Fola Adeyosoye 07787187667 www.confidentlibracleaningservices Administration and support services Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Contador Consulting Ltd Johnathan Dudley 07973 123064 Management consultancy Birmingham Chamber of Commerce DP World Tour Sally Marr 01344 840681 www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour Sports and recreation Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Eaton Electric Ltd Geoff Lang 02087226913 www.oceantechsys.com Manufacturing and engineering Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce

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CHAMBERLINK Elite Financial Consultants Ltd Muhammad Owais Khanani 07458649009 www.efconsultant.co.uk Financial services Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Ernest Grant Ltd Paul Glover 03300884878 www.ernestgrant.com Financial services Solihull Chamber of Commerce Fast UK Couriers Limited Muhammad Awais Saeed 03333444189 www.fastukcouriers.co.uk Transportation and logistics Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Katie Bard Kam Vara 0121 633 4443 www.katiebard.com Employment agency Birmingham Chamber of Commerce M I Business Services Limited Ian Broadbridge 0121 516 0240 www.mibsl.co.uk Marketing and media Birmingham Chamber of Commerce MFG Solicitors Elizabeth Armstong 0121 236 7388 www.mfgsolictors.com Solicitors Solihull Chamber of Commerce NPS Wealth James Mayo 01214544818

www.npswealth.co.uk Financial services Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Open House Birmingham City Estate Agent Sheba Khan Malik 0121 517 2240 www.openhousebirminghamcity.co.uk Construction and real estate Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Oxon AI Advisory Ltd Mohamed Elagamy 07393431236 www.oxon-ai.com Management consultancy Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce Pocket Rockets West Midlands Ltd Rhys Chalk 07399320102 www.pocketrockets.org.uk/places/westmidlands Administration and support services Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Pro Copy Creation Linda Ram 07956044140 www.procopycreation.co.uk Marketing and media Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

Q Branch Consulting Matt Clutterham 07946 172973 www.qbranch.consulting Management consultancy Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

The Westbourne Centre Kim Green 0121 4560880 www.westbournecentre.com Health and social services Hospitals Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Revo Service Management Nick Earp 01564 330 680 www.revosm.com IT and software development Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Tim Hughes Consultancy Tim Hughes 07790002969 Management consultancy Burton and District Chamber of Commerce

SAM Resolutions Stuart Allen 07310219975 www.samresolutions.com Other Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce Spotted Dog Taverns Martin Young 07961759169 Events and hospitality Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce The Guarantee Care Ltd Amy Okoye 07986997747 Health and social services Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Unyk Solutions Nishan Dey 07974959521 www.unyksolutions.com Employment agency Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Vintage Trains Nick Ralls 0121 7084980 www.vintagetrains.co.uk Events and hospitality Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Wills & Estates by Broghan Ltd Broghan Taylor 07376032061 www.webbwills.com Legal and compliance Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

As the voice of local business since 1813, we strive to help firms across the region

connect, support and grow.

September 2026 CHAMBERLINK 89

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MEMBER SECTION

...any other business A roundup of news from Chamber members

Pet anxiety: It can work both ways

Anxiety giving paws for thought?

A charity that rescues over 2000 dogs a year has warned that more owners are struggling with pet related anxiety, commonly referred to as the Puppy Blues.

Birmingham Dogs Home and Europe’s leading pet GPS tracker, Kippy, say that increasing pressures around work, finances and caring responsibilities are leaving many owners feeling overwhelmed after bringing a new pet home, which can impact the rehoming experience.

Puppy Blues describes the overwhelming feelings of anxiety and stress that some new pet owners experience.

Birmingham Dogs Home says it has seen a rise in cases of pet owner anxiety – particularly as more workers return to the office and feel anxious about leaving their dogs alone for extended periods of time.

Kippy’s research revealed that the leading motivation for people using pet trackers is to ensure the security and safety of their animal.

Kippy and Birmingham Dogs Home have joined forces to share expert advice on navigating the Puppy Blues.

Jenni Jefferies, qualified behaviourist at Birmingham Dogs Home, said: “We often talk

about the excitement of welcoming a new pet, but not always about the challenges that can come with it.

“Sleepless nights, changes to your routine, training struggles, or simply adjusting to life with a new dog can leave some owners feeling stressed, anxious or even questioning whether they've made the right decision.

“The important thing is to recognise when you're struggling and reach out for support.

With time, patience and the right guidance, both you and your dog can settle into your new life together and build a strong, lasting bond.”

Dedicated Disney Store in Selfridges

Finally, a hot tub for all seasons

Disney fans across Birmingham and the Midlands have a new shopping destination this summer – with the opening of a new Disney Store inside Selfridges Birmingham.

The new space brings an immersive Disney shopping experience to the heart of Birmingham, giving local fans and families easier access to official Disney, Pixar, MARVEL and Star Wars products.

The opening follows a successful Disney Store festive pop-up inside Selfridges Birmingham last year, which proved a major hit with shoppers and highlighted strong demand for more in-person Disney shopping experiences in the region.

Designed for Disney fans of all ages, the new location features a curated range of collectibles inspired by some of Disney’s mostloved stories and characters.

A manufacturer says it has engineered a fix for one of the UK hot tub industry’s longeststanding problems – persuading customers, retailers and holiday park operators that a hot tub is a year-round investment rather than a summer-only luxury.

RotoSpa, described as the UK’s only hot tub manufacturer, builds its products at a local facility using a dual-shot rotational moulding process and 100 per cent recyclable, high-grade polyethylene.

The Sutton Coldfield company says the resulting shell is naturally insulated and energy-efficient, designed to perform in cold weather as well as warm.

The firm has paired this with its EcoCube Heat Pump, a system it says both heats and cools water – maintaining warmth for winter use and cooling water for summer.

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RotoSpa say the seasonal nature of hot tub sales has long been accepted rather than challenged across the industry.

Karl Rowntree, director at RotoSpa, which has a showroom on Boldmere Road in Sutton Coldfield, said: “We’ve never accepted that a hot tub should sit idle for half the year.

“Our tubs perform in January just as well as July, and the EcoCube Heat Pump means customers can set the temperature, whatever the season. It's about making each tub genuinely useful all year round.”

The company is promoting the approach under the campaign strapline ‘Hot. Cold. One RotoSpa’.

Blowing hot and cold: The Rotospa hot tub

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