Chamberlink Sep 22

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The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

CHAMBER September 2022

Free to Members £5.00 where sold

LINK

Ingrida is the caring face of city’s future FF honours environmental expert with top award - see pages 60-61

• ABCC president steps down • New feature – meet the Chamber team • Is Eurovision next for Birmingham?

Picture: Marc Kirsten

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Contents Chamberlink September 2022

17 Business News 4

Editor’s View John Lamb looks back on the legacy of the Commonwealth Games

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Business News Chamber Manifesto sets out key ways to help local businesses

12 President’s Focus Jaccy Datta, president of Future Faces Chamber of Commerce 16 The Griffin Report Phil Hutchinson, sports legal specialist at Mills & Reeve 32 Where do you fancy?

The Barn At Berryfields

58

Chamber Patrons 46 Chamber board member opens 22nd McDonald’s Restaurant

1813 Club and Premier Members

Events

91 Technology: E-commerce partnership forged

62 The latest comprehensive list of Chamber training courses and events

92 The Arts: Experts restore iconic painting

48 Hospitality firm shakes up leadership team

Features

Chamber Group

65 Corporate Christmas: Your festive catering plans all wrapped up

50 International Trade: Time is right to tap into export markets 52 ABCC: Chamber reveals new co-presidents 54 Cannock Chase: Finance deal supports manufacturer 55 Burton & District: Researchers develop recovery programme 56 Lichfield & Tamworth: Sponsorship deal for blind athlete 57 Sutton Coldfield: New role for former camera operator 58 Solihull: Distance learning provider raises funds for charity 60 Future Faces: Ingrida Vengalyte named Young Professional of the Year 2022

94 Sport: Cricket club to pay Living Wage

Member Section 95 Member Profile Dean Willshee, Willshee’s Waste & Recycling

69 The place to be this Christmas 70 Seasonal show is a must

96 New Members Chamber welcomes new members

73 legal Services: Restrictive covenants and how to use them

98 …any other business News from Chamber businesses

75 A new patent system dawns over Europe

Sector Focus 78 Business Travel: Two new routes to France 80 Finance: Warning over tribunal claims 82 Legal: More initiatives needed to reduce speeding 85 Manufacturing: New JLR testing facility 86 Property: Tallest residential tower complete

85

88 Skills: Belfry Resort backs recruitment drive

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

CHAMBER LINK

The official publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Cannock Chase

Editor John Lamb 0121 274 3237, 0797 1144064 j.lamb@birmingham-chamber.com Deputy Editor Dan Harrison 0121 274 3239, 0797 1144052 d.harrison@birmingham-chamber.com

Chamber of Commerce

Sutton Coldfield

Greater Birmingham

Chamber

Commonwealth

of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce

Greater Birmingham

Reporter Sophia Corness-Parr 0750 8317356 s.corness-parr@birmingham-chamber.com Reporter Jon Griffin 07963 405538 J.Griffin@birmingham-chamber.com

Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce

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

September 2022 CHAMBERLINK 3

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Opinion

Editor’s View

By John Lamb

How we can capitalise on the Games legacy t all seemed to be over as soon as it began. I suppose that’s always the way with something you look forward to. It arrives and is gone in the blinking of an eye.

And that was the case with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, greeted in the UK and globally as a huge success. And that was in no small measure down to the BBC’s superb coverage.

As a global advertisement for the city and region the exposure was worth millions. And the expertise and enthusiasm of the BBC, from presenters through to reporters, technicians and backroom staff, was second to none as they broadcast 200 hours of live sport throughout the Games. And the vision of Centenary Square at night will remain with me for a long time.

But now, we must ensure that Greater Birmingham and the wider region fully exploits the legacy the Games have left us with.

We have dedicated space in this edition of Chamberlink looking at that very issue and we report on several business that have benefited.

None more so than a little known case-making company based in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham.

Birmingham Case Makers (see page 8) produced boxes for the athletes’ medals and they have spoken of their pride and hopes that it will put this business firmly on the global stage.

Managing director Shaun Adams said he hoped to turn the tide of cheaper imports that have flooded the UK market and make his business the go-to firm for organisers of international and domestic events across the world.

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FRONT COVER: Ingrida Vengalyte, the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year.

See pages 60-61 Published by

Kemps Publishing Ltd Unit 8, The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DA 0121 765 4144 www.kempspublishing.co.uk Managing Editor Laura Blake Designer Lloyd Hollingworth Advertising 0121 765 4144 jon.jones@kempspublishing.co.uk Printers Stephens & George Print Group

4 CHAMBERLINK September 2022

He said being involved with the Commonwealth Games was a real highlight of the past 10 years and hopes it leads us to an even brighter future.

And a major Chamber event this month, a Global Trade Conference at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, will include a session focusing on investment opportunities for the

‘Make no mistake, love it or hate it, Eurovision brings huge attention to the host city’ West Midlands and a panel discussion on Birmingham 2022’s legacy.

Professor Geoff Thompson, deputy chair of the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee, will be a key figure in that discussion (see page 50-51).

And now we move on to the next big thing – the prospect of Birmingham staging next year’s Eurovision song contest (see page14). The shortlist for the honour is Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.

Make no mistake, love it or hate it, Eurovision brings huge attention to the host city, bringing in tens of thousands of visitors and the attention of around 160 million global TV viewers.

The successful city will be announced soon and Glasgow and Birmingham have been named as the bookmakers’ favourites. So you’ve still time to have a flutter while the selection panel make their minds up.

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

CHAMBERLINK is produced on behalf of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed to members without charge. The Chambers and the publisher are committed to achieving the highest quality standards. While every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, neither the Chambers nor the publisher can accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Chambers. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format without prior written permission of Kemps Publishing Ltd.

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Business News

Business News Latest news from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

Birmingham lawyer joins anti-doping board

Decisive action: Henrietta Brealey (left) and Erin Henwood

Chamber Manifesto sets out key ways to help local businesses

By John Lamb Five key issues where action is needed at a critical time for business are spelled out an indepth manifesto produced by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

The 2022/23 Manifesto has been compiled by the Chamber’s policy team, with Erin Henwood – policy advisor – leading the project, in collaboration with patrons and the wider membership.

The Manifesto highlights the intervention needed from external stakeholders, as well as the steps taken by the Chamber on behalf of its members.

It recommends action for stakeholders to address in the face of the cost of doing business crisis, including a reversal of raising National Insurances contributions implemented in April 2022, urgent fiscal intervention to tackle inflation and the introduction of an emergency energy grant for SMEs.

3. Enabling local growth Landmark opportunities such as HS2 and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games have propelled the West Midlands on a growth trajectory. Businesses across all sectors have innumerable opportunities to help boost local growth and make their mark on the region.

4. Global trade As the world emerges from the pandemic, businesses are increasingly interested in expanding their horizons beyond the UK’s borders.

5. Net zero National and regional bodies have placed sustainability firmly at the forefront of their agendas and businesses have started factoring sustainability and net zero targets into their plans, identifying significant opportunities that this will bring in the future.

Summary and key recommendations:

1. Cost of doing business The current cost of doing business must be addressed on a national level to alleviate the difficulties firm are facing.

2. People Firms have had difficulty recruiting the skilled talent they need to fill vacancies, limiting their operational capacity and constricting their growth potential, says the Chamber.

Henrietta Brealey, the GBCC’s chief executive, said: “The last few years have been some of the most eventful in recent history for businesses across Greater Birmingham, and new leadership in government will mean different answers to the biggest issues we face both at home and abroad.”

To read the full manifesto, go to www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

A Birmingham lawyer been appointed as the UK’s only representative on the board of a global anti-doping sports body.

Phil Hutchinson, who joined Mills & Reeve in 2013 and has specialised in the firm’s sports sector for more than eight years, has been named as an independent member of WADA’s (World Anti-Doping Agency) new Independent Ethics Board.

He beat 70 other candidates to the role – at the age of just 32.

WADA, established in 1999 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, is an international, independent agency that develops, harmonises and coordinates anti-doping rules and policies across all sports and countries to protect athletes’ health and ensure fair competition.

This first-of-its-kind Ethics Board has been set up in response to an increasingly complex global sporting environment, charged with implementing WADA’s Code of Ethics.

• See Chamberlink columnist Jon Griffin’s indepth interview with Phil Hutchinson on page 16 and 17.

Clarifications OFFA We have been asked to point out a misleading headline in the July/August edition of Chamberlink. It stated: Al Rayan Bank strengthens offering with appointments In fact the appointments were at OFFA, the UK’s first Sharia-compliant short-term bridge property finance provider. The two people involved were former employees of Al Rayan Bank.

THE LEADERSHIP COACHES AND UNITY TRUST BANK The story carried details of The Leadership Coaches being chosen as a leadership partner for Unity Trust Bank. However, the headline said: Leadership Coaches partner Unity Bank This omitted the definite article from the title of The Leadership Coaches and confused Unity Trust Bank with Unity Bank.

NASIR AWAN We would point out that Nasir Awan’s name was spelled incorrectly as Nazir Awan and erroneously described him as chair of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce. He no longer holds that office and it now vice-chair of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

Chamberlink apologises unreservedly for the errors and for any embarrassment caused.

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Business News

Birmingham 2022 – the legacy

11 days of sporting excellence and pride Dan Harrison (pictured) found umpteen reasons to be proud during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The Chamberlink deputy editor looks back at 11 sparkling days and recalls two memorable moments – when the Alexander Stadium home crowd momentarily turned Scottish as Eilish McColgan chased down the 10,000m gold and the English women’s hockey team memorably triumphed in the grounds of University of Birmingham. fter 11 days of splashing, sprinting, jumping and lifting, it was all over. But memories – and, indeed, the feelgood factor - of Birmingham’s golden summer will endure far beyond the week-and-a-half of sporting and cultural festivities.

From the first glimpse of the mechanical “raging bull” (which became an instant icon of the city) during the opening ceremony to the final ear-splitting notes of Ozzy Osbourne’s spectacular closing performance, the 2022 Commonwealth Games were packed with moments that showcased our region at its vibrant best. And, wow, there are umpteen reasons to be proud.

As the curtain came down on the Games, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Henrietta Brealey told ITV News the spectacle had been a wonderful advertising campaign for the region.

Riath Al-Samarrai, of the Daily Mail, commented that, having faced lingering questions around their modern-day relevance, the Commonwealth Games “charmed their way back to life” thanks to Birmingham.

The Guardian’s Sachin Nakrani described how Birmingham 2022 saved his family holiday – after the pandemic and passport problems scuppered plans to travel abroad. “Being in Birmingham this past week it was impossible not to get swept up in the sheer positivity of it all, with much of that stemming from the city’s full embrace of its status as hosts,” he wrote.

It’s hard to disagree with any of those statements.

A

Birmingham on Sea: Scene of the beach volleyball set in the festival site at Smithfield

Attendance at events was huge – more than 1.5 million tickets were sold, with 90 per cent occupancy at most venues – and accompanied by an unforgettable buzz around the city.

Even for those who couldn’t make it in person, the BBC’s coverage – with some 200 hours of live sport broadcast - was simply fantastic. As a global advertisement for the city and region such exposure is surely worth millions.

To be a genuine success, an event of this nature needs golden sporting moments.

Birmingham 2022 delivered on that front too.

A first Commonwealth title for England's women’s hockey team, in the grounds of University of Birmingham, was special (as were the celebrations a couple of miles away in Victoria Square).

Magnificent site: The Alexander Stadium in all its new glory 6 CHAMBERLINK September 2022

The resplendent Alexander Stadium had the “I was there” moment it deserved on a balmy Wednesday evening – the home crowd momentarily turning Scottish as Eilish McColgan chased down the Kenyan Irene Cheptai to claim a dramatic 10,000m gold.

Speaking of the shiny new stadium, let’s not underestimate the role of the venues in making the Games a success.

I was fortunate enough to attend two athletics sessions, both boasting capacity crowds and vibrant atmospheres. But a personal highlight of the sporting programme came at a converted wholesale market, where life really was a beach.

The beach volleyball – located within a magnificent festival site at Smithfield which also hosted the 3x3 basketball – was a thrill.

Birmingham’s name may have been on the label but let’s not forget how these Games also touched all corners of the West Midlands – from Coventry to Cannock Chase and other places in between.

So, what happens now the flags have come down and the balls and racquets are back in the cupboard? The word “legacy” is frequently bandied around before and after major sporting events – and the real work begins now to ensure Birmingham delivers on its promises in that regard.

However, an instant triumph from these Games is that a previously-maligned city can now confidently be viewed as an attractive proposition for visitors and, of course, events of international significance.

As the motto of these Games reminded us: “Sport is just the beginning.”

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Birmingham 2022 – the legacy

Business News

Public transport system reaches record figures during Games The Commonwealth Games provided a huge transport boost for the West Midlands – with New Street Station enjoying its busiest day for nearly 170 years.

More than 255,000 passengers travelled through the station on Saturday 6 August as the Games neared their climax, figures reveal. The influx of travellers marked the station’s busiest day since it opened in 1854.

Spectators, residents and visitors to the West Midlands helped the region’s public transport network reach record numbers during the Games.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), working with transport operators and local authorities, developed, delivered and co-ordinated transport services for spectators throughout the Games, including running 600 shuttle buses to and from venues across the region.

As well as New Street’s all-time high, other records included: • More than 650,000 spectator journeys on shuttle buses.

• The West Midlands Metro patronage doubling its pre-Covid numbers.

• West Midlands Cycle Hire doubling the number of bike and e-bike rentals with 28,000 hires during the Commonwealth Games.

• 64,910 parking spaces being booked through the park and ride service across the region throughout the Games, serving approximately 179,800 spectators.

Victoria Square

BT trials private 5G network

Record numbers – Amanda White, Transport for West Midlands’ rail programme director with Andy Street at University Station, rebuilt in time for the Games

The records were broken because all event ticket holders had public transport included in their ticket price as part of the Commonwealth Games Transport Plan. This was agreed by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board in June 2021 and helped to make Birmingham 2022 a greener Games.

West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “As we reflect on the phenomenal success of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, it’s only right that we take a moment to appreciate all the work that has been done to manage the record numbers of people visiting our region.

“It has been a remarkable team effort to get fans to and from sporting events so I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in keeping the system moving.”

BT worked alongside the BBC at the Commonwealth Games to trial a state-of-the-art standalone 5G private network for broadcast coverage of the event.

The tech and telecoms firm worked with the broadcaster to provide the network in Birmingham’s Victoria Square, which was used to screen the Queen’s Baton’s arrival in the city live on BBC One’s The One Show.

BT deployed the trailer variant of its portable private network, which provides bespoke 5G coverage as well as a range of application capabilities.

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Business News

Birmingham 2022 – the legacy

Manufacturer’s case for expansion The owner of a Birmingham case-making company which produced boxes for the athletes’ medals at the Commonwealth Games has spoken of his pride and hopes it will put his business firmly on the global stage.

Birmingham Case Makers managing director Shaun Adams said he hoped to turn the tide of cheaper imports that have flooded the UK market and make his business the go-to firm for organisers of international and domestic events across the world.

Shaun said: “The Commonwealth Games has been a fantastic success and Birmingham has done us all proud. We have been in the city for more than 40 years so it was very meaningful and

‘We now want to share our expertise overseas and spread the word’ incredibly special to be able to play a small part in that by supplying the boxes for the medals.

“I couldn’t be any prouder of our home city and our team here at Birmingham Case Makers. We now want to share our expertise overseas and spread the word so that organisers of international competitions come to us knowing we will supply the highest quality, bespoke, handmade presentation boxes for medals and awards.”

Birmingham Case Makers was once one of around 30 specialist case-making companies in the Jewellery Quarter, but, unable to compete with cheaper imports from overseas, many folded and the business is now among the last of its kind. Based in Great Lister Street, it has a host of high-profile clients, producing cases for the government, the Football Association, the

Proud: Dean Chamberlain, production director, managing director Shaun Adams and Dean Reilly, commercial director

Premier League, Rugby League and many more.

It even has the Royal Family on its order books, making cases for honours from CBEs to Knighthoods and supplying boxes for commemorative medals given out to the Queen’s own household staff.

Despite this, the firm’s name is generally unknown. Shaun said: “The name inside the boxes is always the medal-maker’s, not ours. No-one knows about us, but we bring the added value that makes the medal the honour it is. This is not just packaging; it is something to be kept and displayed and treasured alongside the medal within.”

Shaun said the firm complet ed the contract to produce 2,000 Commonwealth Games medal cases in just two months – a job that would usually take five.

"The timescale was tight and we had problems along the way with raw materials not being good enough quality and staff sickness with Covid, but we kept going and got the job done. It is a great source of pride to us that we were not only involved but that we were able to turn this around so quickly.”

Visit: birminghamcasemakers.co.uk

Proud athletes reflect on Games success

Pride of Brum: Denise Lewis, Mark Lewis-Francis and Delicious Orie

Athletes lined up to heap praise on Birmingham as the 2022 Commonwealth Games was declared an unqualified success.

The Games attracted more than a million visitors. More than 500,000 West Midlands residents bought tickets – helping to make the event the best-attended Commonwealth Games ever in the UK, while a total of 14,000 volunteers welcomed visitors to Birmingham.

Denise Lewis, Olympic heptathlon gold medallist and president of Commonwealth Games England, from West Bromwich, said: “The pride was bursting out of 8 CHAMBERLINK September 2022

me. The Games represent a journey - not just my personal journey but the city’s journey.”

Birmingham-born Mark LewisFrancis, a former England 4x100m sprint relay champion, said: “The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is going to deliver a lasting legacy. Some of the changes that have been made already are going to create so much opportunity.”

Delicious Orie, England super heavyweight boxing gold medallist who trains in Birmingham, said: "Fighting at home is extra special and I know how much it means to the locals.”

Key role: Edgbaston Park Hotel general manager Richard Metcalfe with head of commercial Billy Harris

Hotel enjoys booking boost A hotel which played a key part in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has hailed the event as a roaring success for the hospitality and tourism industry after achieving record revenues.

Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre secured record revenues during the 11 days of the Games, as well as its highest average room rate since the four-star hotel opened in 2018.

The hotel was the official house for Team Wales and also hosted Team England, Team Jamaica and Team England Futures - a programme to inspire the next generation of young athletes.

Billy Harris, head of commercial at Edgbaston Park Hotel, said: “The Commonwealth Games have been fantastic for us. We have exceeded 98 per cent occupancy during July and the first week of August at Edgbaston Park Hotel and Peter Scott House and hit record revenues.”

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Business News

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Business News

Euros win creates new role models Psychologists at Birmingham City University have suggested that collective euphoria around England’s historic Euro 2022 triumph influenced public support for the Commonwealth Games, as well as underlining the importance of role models in sport for children and young people in Britain.

Dr Elle Boag and Dr Emily Coyne-Umfreville, psychologists at Birmingham City University, spoke after the national women’s football scooped the Euros trophy in a 120-minute battle with Germany at Wembley.

Dr Boag, associate professor in Applied Social Psychology at Birmingham City University, said: “The victory will have a direct impact on the view and status of women as professional footballers.

Women’s football across all leagues is already a growing domain and our women’s teams consistently demonstrate that they are equally, if not more successful than the men’s team.

“England’s win and higher visibility of women athletes and Paralympians around the Commonwealth Games that were held in Birmingham earlier this summer will also bolster the confidence in girls and young women from all backgrounds who aspire to be like their female (and male) sporting heroes in football or any other domain.”

Dr Coyne-Umfreville, deputy head of Psychology at Birmingham

Euphoria: Chloe Kelly celebrates in style after scoring England’s winning goal in the Euro 22 final at Wembley Picture: Press Association

‘For young girls having a female role model has been found to be hugely important in promoting both sporting engagement and career choices’ City University, said: “We know that there are differences between genders in terms of brain development and these can often lead to play choices being genderstereotyped.

“As such, we find that girls will often expressive traits (being compassionate, being talkative and engaging in social play) and boys will tend to show more instrumental traits (independence

and leadership skills). Football is often classified (wrongly!) as a ‘boys sport’ and therefore girls will often grow up being influenced that it is not for them.

“The Lionesses win will have huge importance for young children to show that this is a sport that is for everyone. For young girls having a female role model has been found to be hugely important in promoting both sporting engagement and career choices.”

Lower league clubs still face financial challenges – report English Premier League clubs appear to have bounced back from Covid-19, but lower league clubs continue to face financial challenges, according to a new report published by accountancy and business advisory firm BDO. In its latest survey of football club finance directors from the top four English leagues, 71 per cent of respondents from Premier League clubs said that their financial position was “very healthy”, compared to just 29 per cent in 2021.

However, this compares to just 18 per cent for Football League Championship clubs and 33 per cent of clubs in Football Leagues One and Two. Fifty-five per cent of Championship and a quarter of League One and Two clubs surveyed admitted their finances were “in need of attention”.

While approximately three quarters of clubs across all leagues expect to make a loss before player trading in 2021-22, there was a significantly lower proportion of clubs in this category in the EPL compared to other leagues.

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When asked about the biggest concerns for the year ahead, clubs in the EFL were most concerned about the impacts of cost of living increases on match attendance.

The most significant concern for Premier League clubs was lack of control over player costs. BDO’s report found that English football is continuing to attract overseas interest with 75 per cent of enquirers being non-domestic, particularly from the US, with potential investors particularly focused on Premier League and Championship clubs with strong brands.

The report also examines the prospects for women’s football. While England’s win at the Women’s Euros resulted in record attendance and viewing figures, all clubs surveyed said that their women’s football activities are currently loss-making. However, 60 per cent said that they had a specific investment strategy for women’s football, and 30 per cent said that further investment in women’s football was one of their key strategies for growth.

High potential for women’s football: Sandi Dosanjh

Sandi Dosanjh, a BDO partner who plays an active role in women’s football, added: “Many clubs are now looking at new growth opportunities.

England’s recent win at the Women’s Euros has sparked real excitement at the prospects for the women’s game but the challenge now is how to monetise this enthusiasm. While there is clearly huge potential for growth, we’re still at the beginning of the cycle, so clubs investing in women’s football may need to be patient to achieve a direct financial return.”

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Business News

BBC Birmingham base moves to Digbeth The BBC is set to move its main Birmingham base to the new creative quarter in Digbeth from 2026.

Currently based at The Mailbox, BBC Midlands will relocate to a new purpose-built broadcast centre at the former Typhoo Factory site in the city. It forms part of the BBC’s Across the UK strategy to transform its impact across the Midlands.

The new centre will also support delivery of the corporation’s net zero commitments. All of the teams currently based at The Mailbox will move to the centre.

Digbeth Loc Studios, the future home of the BBC’s flagship food entertainment strand ‘MasterChef’, will be adjacent to the BBC’s new home.

Tim Davie, BBC director-general, said: “This is another important day for the region. We said we would do more in the Midlands and we’re delivering. The new broadcast centre in Digbeth will give our teams the best facilities and technology to serve audiences for decades to come.

“Moving our Birmingham headquarters to Digbeth is going to help build the creative success of the region – drawing new

investment and production to the Midlands – and sits at the heart of the BBC’s Across the UK plans to deliver significant increases in editorial spend and decisionmaking outside London.

“This decision is one of a number of exciting announcements which strengthen our commitment to the region, including the relocation of programmes like ‘MasterChef’ and ‘Newsbeat’.”

Stuart Thomas, head of BBC Midlands, said: “This is the perfect home for the BBC in the Midlands, a building steeped in history now waiting to come back to life in one of the most up and coming, creative districts in the country.

“The reimagined former Typhoo Factory will be far more visible for our audience, in a greener, more accessible. We can’t wait to take up residence there, continuing to build on what we do best.”

Earlier this year the BBC announced that all four MasterChef titles are moving to Birmingham; an Apprentice Hub opened last month helping more people to work in the sector; and ‘Newsbeat’ and the Asian Network move to the city in the autumn.

More programmes have been commissioned in the region including ‘Two Tone’ from the

creator of ‘Peaky Blinders’, ‘Steven Knight’ and ‘Phoenix Rise’ for BBC Children’s.

Commitment to Midlands: Launch of the BBC apprentice hub in Birmingham

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Business News

President’s Focus Jaccy Datta, president of the Chamber’s young professionals arm Future Faces, has made it her mission to shine a spotlight on mental health. With hybrid working policies often leading to people operating in isolation, she looks at steps companies can take to promote positive mental health within their workforce.

pon becoming Future Faces president in November 2020, one of my goals was to ensure the Chamber did as much as possible to help its members with their mental health.

This was due to rates of depression and anxiety shockingly increasing by over 25 per cent during the pandemic.

However, with the worst of the pandemic hopefully now behind us, discussions around mental health appear to be diminishing.

We all have fluctuating mental health. We will all experience periods of good and poor mental health - just as we do with our physical health so we need to ensure this conversation continues in order to end this ongoing stigma.

In my full-time role, I am incredibly fortunate to work for Santander UK, a company which won the Working Families award for ‘Best for Mental Health & Wellbeing’ in both 2021 and 2022.

Santander works to address four pillars of wellbeing, including mental, physical, social and financial.

We have a Mental Wellbeing Network, which champions sharing experiences at all levels of seniority, ‘tea and talk’ sessions, guided

U

Jaccy Datta

‘Now that we’re largely working from home on a regular basis, how often do we really communicate with each other?’ meditations, events with industry experts and access to Thrive - a mental wellbeing app which offers live chat with trained psychologists, as well as mindfulness and CBT training.

Additionally, like with many other companies, there’s also the ability to work flexibly. This is where mental health awareness in particular is vital.

During the pandemic, anxiety and depression rates increased in line with loneliness. Now that we’re largely working from home on a regular basis, how often do we really communicate with each other?

And I mean really communicate? Not a simple “hope you’re ok” at the start of an email chain, but a genuine “how are you really doing?” that leads to an open and honest conversation.

Such communication strengthens working relationships, team bonding and helps to combat those feelings of loneliness.

It helps employees to form a support network, build friendships, feel supported and makes work become more enjoyable as a result.

Individuals with positive mental health are also more engaged, motivated and productive at work, which in turn benefits employers.

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As frustrating as it can be to have to commute to the office each week, I recognise and appreciate the wonders it does for my mental health once I’m there – the ability to chat with co-workers, the ability to have an honest conversation around how I’m truly feeling with my manager and just physically seeing smiles on the faces of people around me while feeling the ‘buzz’ in the office.

Life feels a little bit more ‘normal’, albeit with continued perks of time and money savings during the other four days of the week…and yet, by the following week, it sometimes seems an effort to travel again!

The ability to work flexibly is increasingly seen as promoting good mental health within companies, with many individuals adding their flexible working hours to email signatures and taking protected ‘quiet hours’. While this is

great to see, it’s important that we don’t lose sight of the potential ongoing issues here also.

While I recognise that I’m incredibly lucky to work for a company doing so much in this area, there are small steps that every single employer can do right now regardless of budget and resource.

It just needs to be taken right back to basics.

Start with that simple genuine commitment towards normalising mental health discussions across the company, create a plan to help those conversations to become the norm in line with your own company values, and encourage truly open, honest conversations at all levels of seniority.

It’s time to truly ask each other: “How are you really feeling?”

• More Future Faces news on pages 60 and 61

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What they said: Following the announcement of Birmingham’s successful shortlisting, widespread support was expressed by all business and community leaders.

1998 spectacular: Television star Ulrika Jonsson hosts the Eurovision song contest when it was last staged at the NIA in Birmingham

Birmingham makes shortlist to host Eurovision 2023 he prospect of Birmingham staging next year’s Eurovision song contest will further underline the city’s growing reputation as a global destination, say business leaders.

The shortlist was revealed to listeners of the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show – with Birmingham joined by Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.

The Resorts World Arena – part of the NEC Group – previously revealed it had cleared the dates from its diary and would be ready to step in to act as host.

The venue could benefit from being near to Birmingham Airport.

Several Ukrainians have spoken out in support of Birmingham, which promises to put Ukraine culture and music at the forefront of the event. Brummies are now using the hashtag #UseOurPlaceBab on Twitter to campaign for hosting rights.

The UK is hosting the contest for

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the ninth time, with 2022 winners Ukraine unable to stage the event because of the ongoing war with Russia. Birmingham hosted Eurovision in 1998 at the National Indoor Arena, when Israel came out on top with the song ‘Diva’, performed by Dana International.

Birmingham can expect to be among the leading contenders after their staging of the Commonwealth Games drew widespread acclaim and the experience gained from presenting Eurovision in the past.

London would have met the criteria but didn’t make the cut, at a time when both the BBC and government are seeking to move events and opportunities outside the capital. The successful city will be announced in the autumn.

Glasgow and Birmingham have been named as the bookmakers’ favourites, while Glasgow and Manchester have proved the most popular in polls on Eurovision fan sites.

A chance to repeat Eurovision history Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena hosted the 43rd edition of the Eurovision Song Contest on 9 March, 1998.

It was presented by television and radio icon Terry Wogan and Swedish television presenter and model Ulrika Jonsson. The contest was held in the UK following the country's victory at the 1997 contest with the song ‘Love Shine A Light’ by Katrina and the Waves.

Israeli transexual Dana International swept to victory with ‘Diva’ and to date she remains the first and only openly transgendered person to have won the Eurovision Song Contest.

The UK was represented by Imaani, the first black singer to represent the country.

The UK, Malta, the Netherlands and Croatia rounded out the top five. It was a record-extending 15th time that the UK had finished in second place.

It was the eighth time the UK had hosted the contest – setting a new contest record.

The NIA opened in 1991 and staged the which prior to the contest had previously hosted the 1993 IBF Badminton World Championships and 1995 World Netball Championships, as well as being the principal venue for the recording of UK television programme Gladiators.

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RAJ KANDOLA, head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce: “It’s fantastic news that Birmingham has been shortlisted as one of the potential sites to host the Eurovision song contest on behalf of Ukraine next year.

“The eyes of the world have been on our city and region over the last few weeks and people across the globe would have seen first-hand the diversity, energy and vibrancy which makes Birmingham such as a special place.

“It’s also these characteristics which makes the city ideally placed to host the event next year – our infrastructure, connectivity to the rest of the country and first rate venues make it a natural fit to welcome Eurovision to these shores again.”

NEIL RAMI, chief executive of West Midlands Growth Company: “The announcement by the BBC and EBU to shortlist Birmingham to host the Eurovision Song Contest next year is another tremendous endorsement for the city and wider region’s reputation as a truly international major events destination.

“There was no better shop window than the 2022 Commonwealth Games to successfully demonstrate to the world our region’s friendliness, expertise and flexibility in welcoming large and complex events.

“The vibrancy, diversity and youthfulness displayed during that fantastic fortnight of sport and culture helped to put on an incredible show, and I’ve no doubt that we would deliver another memorable Eurovision, like in 1998, on behalf of Ukraine.”

ANDY STREET, West Midlands mayor: “The news that Eurovision 2023 could be held in the UK on behalf of Ukraine presents a great opportunity for the West Midlands to shine.

“Not only are we one of the most diverse regions across the whole of Europe, but we also have a proud history with this much-loved song contest, which has become a fixture of cultural life here and on the continent.

“The last time the UK hosted Eurovision it was right here in Birmingham, and so there is absolutely no reason our city and the wider region cannot host this extravaganza again.

“In the NEC, we have a world class venue and live events partner and it goes without saying that our local residents are sure to offer a very warm welcome, so we have all the ingredients to make this a tremendous success.”

COUNCILLOR IAN WARD, Birmingham City Council Leader: “To host such an iconic event would be a tremendous honour for our city, especially in light of such a difficult and challenging time for Ukraine.

“Our hearts go out to them and as a city we are eager to lend our support in any way that we can.

The Concert for Ukraine, held at Resorts World Arena back in March, really showed how music can unite us even in the most uncertain and troublesome of times.

"We're ready to step up to the occasion for the people of Ukraine and make music fans from across the world proud.”

PAUL THANDI, chief executive of NEC Group: “Birmingham and the NEC Group would, once again, be honoured to host Eurovision. There's no better venue in the country to do this than Resorts World Arena, with our 40-year history of hosting world-class live events.

“Situated on the NEC Campus, we have unrivalled transport links and on-site accommodation, plus technical broadcast capability which is known and been used by the major television broadcasters. We also have all the necessary facilities to turnaround and host major televised live music events at pace, demonstrated at the Concert for Ukraine earlier this year.”

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The Griffin Report Phil Hutchinson has been appointed to the board of a global anti-doping sports body. At just 32, he has a deep insight into the short careers of footballers and other professional athletes who might be drawn into drug abuse and even addiction. Jon Griffin went to meet the sports legal specialist at Mills & Reeve who has been named a “Rising Star” for four consecutive years in Legal 500 editions for sports law.

irmingham lawyer Phil Hutchinson fought off 70 other candidates in the race for a global sporting role - at the age of just 32.

Phil, a sports legal specialist with Mills and Reeve, has told Chamberlink of his pride at his new appointment as the only UK representative to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s new global Independent Ethics Board established to play a key role in ensuring compliance with the highest ethical standards.

A self-confessed football fanatic who has been named as a 'Rising Star' for four consecutive years in Legal 500 editions for sports law and triumphed against 70 other candidates following a competitive selection process by the WADA Nominations Committee, Phil admits the role is the highlight of his career to date.

"It is one thing having sports law, and in particular anti-doping experience as a lawyer representing the athletes but to be appointed onto a board such as that was a massive thing for me, especially alongside some leading individuals in the sports industry from across the world.

"The World Anti-Doping Agency has been going since 1999 and was established off the back of the 1998 Tour de France doping scandal.

Its creation as a body was led by the International Olympic Committee among other parties that decided we needed some independent governance on doping and that is how WADA was born. Since then it has grown massively over the years with 700 sports organisations worldwide now recognising it.

"There are seven independent board members (from a board of nine) and I am the only independent member from the UK. I was delighted to be appointed, especially given how

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‘I have advised on quite a lot of doping cases in football, most of them have been social drugs. But it is not just simply a case of a player taking cocaine on a night out with friends, there are often mental health issues. There's addiction and often it is a cry for help.’ competitive the process was. I like to think that I will bring a lot of experience and knowledge from my work in sports law to it from a different angle to others on the board.

"The purpose of the board is to have an independent body that can deal with complaints that have been advanced in relation to ‘WADA officials’, which is effectively any official operating 16 CHAMBERLINK September 2022

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Business News within WADA. We would deal with complaints about their unethical behaviour, and that could be the president to somebody operating on the ground in terms of anti-doping services.

"We have had three board meetings already we are looking at a couple of board meetings a month, with an in-person meeting later this year.

There is some work to do outside the meetings in terms of supporting elections of councils and dealing with any complaints. Our key role though is the implementation of the code of ethics.

"All my colleagues are from around the world, there are some from Fiji, Australia, the US, and Africa., Hopefully, we are all going to meet in person in Montreal (WADA headquarters) later this year."

Phil, a Sunderland fan who inherited a passion for the Black Cats from his North-East-born father, was selected for the WADA role after years of working as a sports lawyer which included representing athletes in doping cases as well as acting for football clubs, players and agents on transfers totalling hundreds of millions of pounds since he joined Mills & Reeve in 2013.

The 32-year-old, who also represented Premier League stars Daniel Sturridge and Kieran Trippier over betting allegations, said the stakes “have never been higher” in football due to the huge amounts of money being pumped into the sport.

Meanwhile, Phil's professional and personal interest in the global game has given him compelling insights into the football world and the often unseen pressures facing players at different levels of the league pyramid.

"I think that football has changed hugely over the past 10 to 20 years. The money that has come into it is astronomical, mostly broadcasting

Connections: Phil Hutchinson (left) with England manager Gareth Southgate

revenue from Sky and BT etc, and the recent broadcasting deals are much higher than the previous round of deals. Gone are the days of youth players washing boots for senior pros at the club.

"The Premier League is the richest league in the world, that is where the money is, but the governing bodies of football in different countries will have their own rules on betting, rules on anti-doping and unfortunately there are breaches."

He said doping was not a “massive” problem in football but recreational drug use was sometimes part of the landscape. "I have advised on quite a lot of doping cases in football, most of them have been social drugs. But it is not just

simply a case of a player taking cocaine on a night out with friends, there are often mental health issues. There's addiction and often it is a cry for help.

"People might see in the press that a player has been banned for taking recreational drugs but the reality is that there are often deeper considerations than that. Football is a famously short career, and there is a huge amount of pressure at all times.

"Some players get into the wrong crowds, some have got personal and family issues, a lot of them move away from home at a young age and do not have the support network that most people are used to.

"If you are retiring at 35, you can't all be coaches, you can't all be pundits. Most players haven't got skills or qualifications because they were plucked out of schools into academies, it can be very difficult at 35, 36 years old to start a new profession."

Away from the wealth of the Premier League, Phil has also been instrumental in helping lowerpaid professionals in Leagues One and Two, acting for the Professional Footballers Association in the fight against a controversial salary cap.

"A couple of years ago the English Football League introduced a salary cap for Leagues One and Two in the EFL. The PFA opposed that and it went to arbitration. We acted for the PFA on that and we were successful in getting the salary cap removed with immediate effect. It was massive because it affected the whole football pyramid.

"I love working in the world of football. I have combined my interest and passion with my dayto-day job, which not many people can say."

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Business News IT provider snapped up

by Wavenet Solihull comms firm Wavenet has completed the purchase of an IT solutions and cyber security services provider which employs more than 200 staff.

The deal for OGL Computer Support and CyberGuard Technologies means Wavenet will become one of the largest providers of unified communication, cloud solutions and cyber security services.

OGL Group, which had turnover of £23m in 2020, said the acquisition presents an opportunity to enhance the

‘It is an extremely exciting time for Wavenet’ portfolio of services offered by OGL Computer Support and CyberGuard Technologies and support future expansion into new markets.

It will also enabling its OGL Software division to break away from the group to focus solely on its enterprise resource planning (ERP) business.

Bill Dawson, CEO of Wavenet, who are patrons of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is an extremely exciting time for Wavenet, with this acquisition, OGL IT and CyberGuard Technologies bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, enabling the Wavenet Group to strengthen its offerings, and enhance the service provided to our customers.

“They have a talented team who share the same values, and their ambitions match ours of being a customer focused organisation, putting customer needs at the heart of everything we do. I look forward to our continued growth and success as we integrate OGL IT & CyberGuard into the Wavenet Group” Orbis advised on the deal, led by Shah Zaki and Nick Wall, with legal advice to the shareholders provided by Mark Gibson, Siobhan Cameron, Jon Stevens and Jagdeep Lall from DWF. • More Solihull news – pages 58 and 59

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A team with bottle: (left to right): Andrew Jones (Haines Watts), Peter Neath, Ian Worton (both Saucestream) and Daniel Montgomery (Haines Watts)

A saucy sales target for eco-friendly squeezer Two old school friends, who took on high-profile entrepreneurs in the ‘Dragons’ Den’ twice are setting their sights on a £500,000 sales return for their new eco-friendly solution to serving up sauce.

Ian Worton and Peter Neath are confident that Saucestream is going to prove a big hit with greenminded consumers after it saw an initial spike in online and Amazon orders.

Backed by the advisory expertise of Haines Watts, the duo are also about to close several major deals with leading homeware retailers to stock their product, which is a simple pump device that clips directly onto glass bottles and makes it easy to get the sauce out with a simple squeeze.

The device was inspired after a chance viewing of David Attenborough’s ‘Blue Planet’ documentary and is designed to encourage people to switch from single-use plastic bottles to the more sustainable glass alternatives.

Peter Neath, a former automotive engineer by trade, said: “Our product, which is now available in five commonly used bottles of sauces, presses all the right buttons. It is a green solution for individuals to replace

‘Sustainability isn’t going away; it’s only going to grow in importance and hopefully our innovation can play a small part in that’ plastic bottles with glass ones and still be able to get the same ‘squeezing feel’ that gets all the sauce out.

“That’s just the beginning. Sustainability isn’t going away; it’s only going to grow in importance and hopefully our innovation can play a small part in that.”

Peter and Ian have been supported by Haines Watts for the past seven years, helping them establish and grow their hugely successful Grillstream business, a business that has transformed the way BBQs operate.

The specialist accountant and business advisers have guided the entrepreneurs in securing Patent Box allowances and helping it establish the brand as the second biggest in the UK and a thriving export venture.

Ian continued: “Haines Watts just got our business straight away. As owner-managers your day is full of getting stuff done, from the core design and

Fresh squeeze: The Saucestream products

development work to trying to work out how the hell you are going to sell it.

“The last thing you need to try to do is try to understand the world of finance and all the different tax incentives and funding routes we could embark on.

We just needed someone to step forward and take control of that.”

This is exactly what Haines Watts has done, firstly completing the Patent Box application on both products and, more recently, securing more than £20,000 of R&D Tax savings that the entrepreneurs have put towards development and tooling costs to get Saucestream up and running.

Haines Watts’ Daniel Montgomery said: “Peter and Ian are two fantastic innovators and have a track record of bringing new products to market successfully. We’ve started with compliance and making the business more efficient, and we’ve then used the expertise of our panregional teams to maximise Patent Box, R&D Tax Credits and, more recently, postponed VAT accounting.”

History has a habit of repeating itself and the duo lived up to this mantra when they became the first entrepreneurs to return to ‘Dragons’ Den’ with a different offer in 2022.

This time, they managed to attract three offers from Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden and newcomer Steven Bartlett, all keen to maximise the sustainable opportunity Saucestream could deliver. However, despite this interest, negotiations are still ongoing on how this deal will look, so for now the entrepreneurs are going it alone.

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Business News

Birmingham-based housing association Midland Heart is leading a partnership of local builders, architects and academics to deliver the award winning ‘Project 80’, the first homes in the country to meet the government’s target of an 80 per cent carbon reduction in construction and occupancy. Whilst others are still at the planning stage, Birmingham is delivering tomorrow’s homes today.

Working with a groupof local partners, Midland Heart is delivering innovative new homes; from architects to manufacturers of building materials, to builders, this is a truly local project. The partnership also includes Birmingham City University (BCU) who are researching what it is like to live in these homes and find out what works and what can be improved. As well as bringing a piece of world leading research to the region, BCU have created PhD studentships to

assess the project. This research will be shared with other housing providers across the country, so that others can learn from Birmingham’s innovative new homes.

Midland Heart has also kept a sharp focus on making existing homes as energy efficient as possible. The 34,000 home landlord has a well advanced ‘retrofit’ programme to fit new boilers, insulation, and heating, making homes more efficient. After a successful pilot scheme in Coventry, they are partnering with British Gas to retrofit more homes to improve all their EPC ratings to at least a ‘C’ by 2030.

Although 2050 may seem a long time in the future, the region’s businesses are working together in adapting existing homes and developing the homes of the future, supporting the region to meet its climate targets.

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Business News

Digital transformation plan revealed

By Dan Harrison Businesses were given an insight into how they can keep pace with Greater Birmingham’s digital transformation during the launch of a major economic report.

The scale of the transformation was set out during Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Business Report briefing for Q2 at Birmingham City University’s Curzon Building.

Kasam Hussain, regional partnerships manager at broadband and communications giants Openreach, explained the size of the task involved in futureproofing the region’s digital infrastructure.

Openreach’s £15bn UK-wide full fibre

broadband build is the second biggest infrastructure project after HS2. The project is hoping to bring full fibre broadband to 450,000 Greater Birmingham homes by the end of 2026. There is also a significant project ongoing to transfer the phone lines from analogue to digital networks.

Mr Hussain appealed to businesses – particularly landlords – to play their part in helping these transformations.

He said: “It is really, really important that when new buildings do go up that we put the infrastructure in from the first day that they are in or, in fact, beforehand. The last thing we want to do is for new buildings to appear and have to retrospectively upgrade those.”

A shift in digital services and applications – some of which were

accelerated by the pandemic – were brought into focus by Mike Osborne, managing director of managed services at Intercity Technology.

Mr Osborne explained the biggest challenge facing many firms was how their IT infrastructure is financed because of multiple changes occurring simultaneously to incorporate hybrid working. This has brought about a shift towards an ‘as a service’ offering rather than using capital expenditure on IT infrastructure.

He said: “You’ve got to have that balancing act now in terms of delivering that innovation, delivering the services but you’ve also got to save cash. From a tech side, you have to make sure it dovetails into strategy moving forward.”

When asked about increased cyber security threats, Mr Osborne said hybrid working has potentially

left holes that need to be addressed.

He said: “This move to hybrid where people are at home using broadband of anyone’s type – you’re moving out of your secure office environment and you’re pushing people out to home using a public broadband. So, my concern would not necessarily be at Cloud level.

But at a business level where hybrid has changed the working dynamic, we’re leaving holes in our security by not securing devices.”

Delegates were welcomed by the Chamber’s CEO Henrietta Brealey and Birmingham City University’s director of innovation enterprise employability and business engagement, Jo Birch.

Raj Kandola, head of policy and strategic relationships at the Chamber, also provided an overview of data from quarter two.

Speakers: Kasam Hussain (Openreach), Jo Birch (Birmingham City University), Henrietta Brealey, Raj Kandola and Mike Osborne (Intercity Technology)

Ark Media supports TV disability code Ark Media Productions have been commissioned along with 104 Films to produce a short film to support Channel 4’s new disability code.

The network announced its Disability Code of Portrayal which will take steps to change the amount of screen representation and strengthen the portrayal of disabled people.

Channel 4’s disability consultant contacted Justin Edgar, creative director of 104 Films, who is renowned within the field of disability and who regularly partners with Sutton Coldfield-based Ark Media on projects.

The team created a showreal using cuts from Channel 4’s existing productions which represent the disabled community - and this was released to accompany the code of portrayal.

The code, which is believed to be the only one of its kind within the industry, sets guidelines which cover a range of areas such as

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Good fun: Kaylee Haycock

actively seeking out disabled actors to fulfil disabled roles and to provide a better representation of disabled people as wellrounded characters rather than just focusing on their disability.

It also requires commissioners to include characters that ‘happen’ to be disabled rather

than this being a focal point within the programme.

Justin said: “I was delighted to be approached to provide the accompanying film for ‘The Disability Code of Portrayal’, and I was more than happy to once again work collaboratively with Ark Media Productions to support such a fantastic initiative.”

Kaylee Haycock, senior editor at Ark Media, said: “These short edits are always good fun to piece together.

“You start off with hours and hours of footage, covering all sorts from news reports to TV shows like ‘Screw’ and put it together to create a fun, fast-paced story.

“I really enjoy working on this project as there was an important cause behind it and it’s great to know our work will be broadcast on a national basis.”

• More Sutton Coldfield news – see page 57

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Business News

Jamaican sports star memorabilia goes to auction

Focus: Two-time heptathlon Commonwealth Games champion Denise Lewis and world championship medallist Colin Jackson were among guests at the Team Jamaica fundraising dinner at University of Birmingham’s Great Hall

Sports memorabilia signed by Jamaican athletic legend Usain Bolt and three world champion sprinters raised £10,600 at a fundraising dinner and auction at the University of Birmingham.

A signed shirt from 100m and 200m world-record holder Usain Bolt was the star attraction at the auction along with team shirts signed by Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce – who recently won her fifth 100m title at the World Athletics Championships in America – and sprinting sensations Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson.

Other items included a bronze hand sculpture from renowned artist Basil Watson and a holiday to Jamaica courtesy of the Jamaica Tourist Board and H10 Hotels.

The Jamaica National Group, a financial services conglomerate based in Jamaica, collaborated with the University of Birmingham and the Jamaica Commonwealth Association to host the fundraising dinner and auction.

Two-time heptathlon Commonwealth Games champion Denise Lewis and former 400m Great Britain sprinter Donna Fraser were among the 160 people who attended the dinner which coincided with Jamaica’s 60th Independence Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

British Olympic and World Championship medalist and broadcaster Colin Jackson was the master of ceremonies at the special

dinner, which included a menu specially created by Shaun Craig, Associate Director of Culinary & Development at the University of Birmingham, with help from celebrity chef, musician and businessman Levi Roots.

Shaun said it had been a privilege to work with Levi on creating a bespoke menu for the dinner.

He said: “I have a lot of Jamaican friends within the industry so I chatted to them for ideas and I also spoke with Levi Roots and put his influence into the menu.

“It was all Jamaican-based food with a bit of a twist.

“Levi helped me come up with Regganaise which is half mayonnaise and half Reggae Reggae sauce but that’s Levi’s idea not mine, so I can’t take the credit for that!

“The Team Jamaica athletes are being hosted at the University, and we have tried to be as authentic as we can.”

Paulette Simpson CBE, deputy managing director for JN Bank UK, said: “The Jamaica National Group has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the University of Birmingham over the years, and this event promises to make the partnership even stronger by way of collaborating on student scholarships and bursaries.

“As an organisation with strong ties in the Diaspora, we remain committed to supporting Jamaicans at home, and abroad.”

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Business News

Meet the Team – MARKETING AND EVENTS

By Dan Harrison he new-look GBCC marketing team is led by head of marketing, events and digital Paula Bates.

Paula, who joined the Chamber from University College Birmingham, has more than 20 years’ experience in a wide range of marketing, events management and communications disciplines.

She spent around 18 years working in the education sector.

Paula said: “It’s an exciting time to join the Chamber and to work with such a strong team.

New digital projects in the pipeline and the continued delivery of our impressive events programme, will build on the work of the Chamber and ensure members and stakeholders remain at the heart of everything we do.”

Meanwhile, Nick Allen has been appointed as digital marketing and CRM manager.

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Nick Allen, Demi Philbin, Khadija Guess, Paula Bates, Jemima Rutherford, Grace Morgan and Jinna Sidhu

Chamberlink this month launches a new column through which readers will meet the teams at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) who provide a myriad of services for over 2,500 member companies. First up are the GBCC’s MARKETING AND EVENTS TEAM, who have a new look following a raft of appointments. The team delivers a vast events programme as well as a host of marketing, website and digital activities.

NEXT MONTH: Meet the Innovate UK Edge team, who provide advice and support for innovative companies.

Nick has spent 15 years working in digital marketing across various brands and projects – including as project manager for an innovative conferencing menu selector and an awardwinning Java script-based game.

Jemima Rutherford has joined the team as senior marketing and events executive, with responsibility for organising and delivering networking events across the Chamber’s Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield, Tamworth, Burton, Cannock Chase and Asian Business divisions.

She previously spent three years in the events team at the Industry and Parliament Trust in Westminster, running events for businesses and parliamentarians.

Khadija Guess has been appointed as marketing and events assistant, having just graduated from Aston University where she studied business and management.

The new starters join marketing manager Jinna Sidhu, senior marketing and events

executive Grace Morgan and marketing and events assistant Demi Philbin.

Jinna, who has 17 years’ experience in the marketing industry, plans and implements multichannel campaigns for the Chamber’s membership, policy, new business and international departments.

Grace, who previously worked at Birmingham’s Hippodrome theatre as well as Dains Accountants and Gately Legal, helps the Chamber deliver exhibitions, large-scale awards dinners and conferences.

Demi’s role involves planning and delivering a range of Chamber events and marketing campaigns for a number of the organisation’s products and services and planning and scheduling content for social media channels.

Katrina Cooke, chief commercial officer at the GBCC, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the new members of the team, who bring with them a wealth of skills across their different roles.”

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Business News

Ready to sparkle: Comedian Katherine Ryan (centre) with her All that Glitters co-stars Dinny Hall and Shaun Leane

School of Jewellery glitters onscreen Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery will once again provide the backdrop for the BBC’s popular talent-seeking programme ‘All That Glitters: Britain's Next Jewellery Star’ as the show returns to TV screens for its second series.

The six-part series, to be aired on BBC Two, fronted by comedian Katherine Ryan, was filmed in its entirety in the facilities of the university’s historic School of Jewellery with many staff and students also playing critical roles behind the scenes to support filming.

The programme debuted last year when the School of Jewellery also provided the setting for aspiring jewellers competing against each other for a glittering career in the industry.

The new series, which premiered on BBC Two at 9pm on 25 August, will likewise see a fresh batch of talented jewellers battle it out over precious metals and gemstones to prove they’re the next big name in jewellery.

From spinner rings to mis-matched earrings, engagement rings to hairpins, each show sees the jewellers face two-real world challenges - the Bestseller, where they are tasked to design the latest must-have piece that everyone will want,

‘Our School of Jewellery has been the setting for talented jewellery makers to master their craft for well over a hundred years’ and the Bespoke, where they create a one-off piece for some very special clients from all walks of life, including a celebrity guest seeking a necklace for a red-carpet occasion.

Judging the jewellers’ work are two of the biggest names in the business, Shaun Leane and new-to-the-workshop Dinny Hall.

The School of Jewellery, located in the Jewellery Quarter, provides the perfect backdrop for the series. Founded in 1890, it houses traditional style workshops and exhibition space, and over the years its graduates have gone on to work for prestigious industry names such as Tiffany’s, Tag Heuer, Cartier and De Beers.

Andrew Howard, a lecturer on the Jewellery & Silversmithing Design for Industry course at the School of Jewellery, played a key role as a consultant to programme producers.

He said: “We are beyond thrilled to have once again welcomed back the production company, Katherine and the judges and to have the opportunity to play an important part in this brilliant programme.

“Our School of Jewellery has been the setting for talented jewellery makers to master their craft for well over a hundred years therefore it feels very apt that it is the stage chosen to showcase the skills of the next generation of jewellers.”

Council completes office space deal Birmingham City Council has acquired 71,807 sq ft of prime office and retail space in the heart of the city’s central business district from UK Commercial Property REIT (“UKCM”).

The £26,480,000 deal means the country’s largest local authority and largest landowner of property in Birmingham will welcome 9 Colmore Row into its portfolio.

The property comprises 71,807 sq ft of office and retail accommodation across 10 storeys with 64 car parking spaces, on the doorstep of Snow Hill railway station and the Midland Metro stop on Bull Street.

Situated in the heart of the Colmore Business District (CBD), home to around 500 companies employing up to 35,000 people, the site forms part of the ‘Area of Transformation’ within the Snow Hill Masterplan.

Building on the principles set out in Birmingham’s Future City Plan, the vision for Snow Hill seeks to maximise investment,

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9 Colmore Row: Now part of the council’s large property portfolio

development and regeneration opportunities within the district to enhance its quality and offer.

Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The CBD and Snow Hill are vital to the economic success and viability of Birmingham city centre. As the redevelopment of the area continues to progress in accordance

with the Snow Hill Masterplan, with new occupiers including BT, KPMG, HS2 and Barclays, the acquisition of 9 Colmore Row is an investment in Birmingham's future success, supporting job creation, investment and growth.”

Avison Young acted on behalf of Birmingham City Council on the deal, part of its role as strategic advisors to the authority across its commercial property portfolio.

JLL acted for the owner of the building, UKCM, along with law firm Maples Teesdale LLP, and law firm Brown Jacobson LLP acted for Birmingham City Council.

Damian Lloyd, investment specialist and lead for Birmingham City Council property investment at Avison Young, said: “The opportunity presented by 9 Colmore Row perfectly aligns with Birmingham City Council’s property portfolio strategy, as well as its aspirations to provide an improved experience for people who work in and visit the city centre.”

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Business News

Concept: How the station will look

Builder chosen for HS2 Solihull station HS2 Ltd has announced that Laing O’Rourke Delivery Limited will build HS2’s new Interchange Station in Solihull.

The contract, worth up to £370m, will mean the international engineering and construction company works with HS2 Ltd in two stages to finalise the detailed design and then build the landmark station over the next few years.

Andrew Cubitt, HS2’s procurement and supply chain director, said: “Congratulations to Laing O’Rourke who will be awarded this significant HS2 contract, which will not only unlock many jobs and business opportunities in the Midlands, but also provide hundreds of supply chain contracts for companies right across the country.”

The construction site for the station covers an area of 150 hectares within a triangle of land formed by the M42, A45 and A452.

Significant progress has already been made on the site, including construction of modular bridges over the M42 and A446 as part of a remodelled road network in the area to facilitate access to the new station.

HS2’s main works contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI are currently preparing the site where the new station will be built. There will be up to five

‘The station has been designed to be net zero in operation’ trains per hour passing through the station in both directions, with an estimated total of 175,000 seats per day, making it one of the bestconnected transport interchanges in the country and a new gateway to the UK.

Lee Holmes, HS2’s stations director, said: “It’s fantastic to have Laing O’Rourke ready to build our new HS2 station in Solihull at the heart of the HS2 network. So far, we’ve worked with Arup to develop an award-winning, eco-friendly station, and now look forward to starting the next phase of design before construction begins next year.

“The station has been designed to be net zero in operation, which is a key part of HS2’s strategy to reduce carbon and our ambition to build the most sustainable railway in the world.”

The station is the first railway station globally to achieve the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) ‘Outstanding’ certification at the design stage – a measure of sustainability for new and refurbished buildings – putting it in the top one per cent of buildings in the UK for eco-friendly credentials.

T: 0121 745 8444 E: sales@midland-fire.co.uk W: midland-fire.co.uk September 2022 CHAMBERLINK 25

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Business News

Apprenticeships still overlooked...

Misconceptions around apprenticeships are still influencing the decisions of young people in their career paths, according to new research from accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO. The survey of more than 1,000 people across England found that more than half (51 per cent) of people aged between 18 to 24 still believe that a university degree a high salary more possible than doing an apprenticeship.

The research also found that almost half (49 per cent) believe that apprenticeships are better suited to those who don’t get high enough grades to go to university.

Looking at career progression, the survey found that some say an apprenticeship could have a negative impact. More than a third (34 per cent) believe they were less likely to reach the most senior positions within a business through an apprenticeship rather than a

university degree. The survey also looked into attitudes of education providers and parents and guardians.

Almost two thirds (62 per cent) of respondents in the West Midlands, and 61 per cent in the East Midlands, said their school or college encouraged them to go to university

‘Our research demonstrates that there are still misconceptions about this career path’ rather than apply for an apprenticeship.

This figure was higher for young people based in Greater London (70 per cent) and lowest for those based in the North East (55 per cent).

Fifty-five per cent of respondents said their parents or guardians prefer or them to go to university over an apprenticeship.

The percentage of parents encouraging the university route increased for those from a Black or Asian heritage.

Almost three quarters (71 per cent) of those from a Black heritage and 63 per cent of those from an Asian heritage said their parents or guardians favour university.

Sarah Hillary, a partner at BDO, said: “Despite school leaver apprenticeships being a well-established route into many well-paid professions, including accountancy and law, our research demonstrates that there are still misconceptions about this career path.

“It is also concerning that more than a third believe doing an apprenticeship rather than a degree could be a barrier to reaching the most senior positions within a business.”

...but ready-made opportunities available Apprenticeships will play an increasing role in an integrated solution for solving the shrinking labour pool impacting employers across the UK, predicts the boss of a leading West Midlands training provider.

In-Comm Training, which operates three Technical Academies in Aldridge, Telford and Shrewsbury, has seen a massive surge in the number of companies investing in vocational learning and currently has 201 vacancies available - the most at any time in its 40-year history.

This means there are lots of ready-made career opportunities for students receiving their A-level and GCSE grades.

However, the news is getting lost or a lack of informed career advice is resulting in young people taking the ‘perceived easier option’ and opting for a course that later blocks them from

Working: Apprentice Britney Biju

obtaining their desired apprenticeship.

In order to help reverse this trend, the company has launched a dedicated hotline (01922 457686, option 3) to guide young pupils/students and their families through the different choices and how vocational learning can now lead all the way to a degree

without the £100,000 debt associated with going to university.

“I don’t think we’ve ever seen such an appetite to invest in apprenticeships in the West Midlands, with nearly 80 different companies, across 20 sectors, currently working with us to find their workforce of the future,” said

Gareth Jones, managing director of In-Comm Training.

“This is great news on one hand, as it means we have over 200 immediate vacancies across 20 different apprentice pathways, including in product design, mechatronics, electrotechnical, toolmaking, machining, quality, production, engineering technician, health, safety and environmental, business admin and logistics.

“Thanks to our unrivalled employer-led network, we have already filled 300+ positions, yet industry is desperate for more talent in order to grow sustainably.

“Worryingly, we have started to see the pipeline of candidates dry up and we’re putting this down to young people looking to take the simple route after Covid-19 and a lack of informed career advice on the different options out there.”

Cyclists complete ‘emotional’ charity ride “It was very emotional for Tim and I seeing the cyclists in their Molly Olly pink tops ride in together to the finishing point to huge applause and a great welcome from family and friends.

Knowing why we were there and what everyone has achieved, the difference that it will make for the children we support is truly humbling.”

The emotional words of Rachel Ollerenshaw founder of Warwick-based charity Molly Ollys as 47 cyclists rode into The Durham Ox in Shrewley after three days of a gruelling charity ride covering 185 miles.

More than £70k was raised by the riders in the charity’s 10th anniversary charity cycle ride from York to Warwick. The route was especially poignant for the family as York was one of the last places they visited before Molly died in 2011 26 CHAMBERLINK September 2022

Here we go: The cycling group is waved off by York’s Sheriff Suzie Mercer at York Minster

from kidney cancer at eight years old.

Molly Ollys has helped more than 16,000 children – directly and indirectly – through

delivering wishes, its Olly The Brave therapeutic toy lion and books and bespoke projects with the NHS.

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Business News

Podcast success: Steve Dyson

Business podcast earns top ranking A Birmingham media company has helped Aston Business School succeed with its monthly podcast series, resulting in a top national ranking.

The Aston Means Business podcast was launched in 2019 by Dyson Media, a company run by Midland journalist Steve Dyson, who has since researched, presented and delivered 45 episodes.

The series has now been ranked at number three in a list of the best UK business school podcasts by podcast blog FeedSpot.com, which

‘I’ve always loved reporting the human side of business, so I really enjoy this podcast outlet with Aston Business School’ analyses the traffic, social media followers, domain authority and “freshness” of thousands of podcasts.

Steve explained that Aston Means Business allows “unfettered access” to top academics at Aston Business School, enabling the podcast to focus on any topical subject with authority and expertise.

He said: “Some of my favourite episodes came during Covid-19, when we focused on heroes such as community supermarkets continuing to serve inner city areas

and a festival business which flipped operations to help set up mobile NHS vaccination centres.

“The regular series is also fascinating, with recent episodes ranging from ‘how rejection should be treated as a stepping-stone to success’ to ‘how small businesses are helping to solve the energy crisis’.”

Paul Hebron, head of marketing at Aston Business School, said: “The detailed structure, planning, precision and journalistic input from Dyson Media has helped every step of the series’ development.

“From an initial workshop Steve held to set up the blog in mid-2019, through to what’s now 45 episodes across five series and counting, the support has been both unstinting and of a consistent quality.”

Steve’s original background was newspaper journalism, and his last role in that sector was editor of the ‘Birmingham Evening Mail’ before he set up Dyson Media in 2009.

Dyson Media also diversified into broadcasting, with Steve himself regularly hosting BBC chat shows and HARDtalk interviews before focusing on podcasts.

He added: “As a former industrial correspondent on the ‘Birmingham Mail’, I’ve always loved reporting the human side of business, so I really enjoy this podcast outlet with Aston Business School.”

As well as podcasts and training, Dyson Media has ongoing retainers to deliver business journalism for ASAP PR and media operations for Westside Business Improvement District.

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Business News

There is no better time to take your business global Business growth: Bhupinder Chana

New practice raises a smile A husband and wife have become owners of their first dental practice in Sutton Coldfield, with the support of a six-figure loan from Lloyds Bank.

Bhupinder and Harpreet Chana have purchased Walmley Dental Practice after its previous owners retired following 25 years.

Harpreet has worked at the practice since 2015, when she joined as a foundation dentist.

Bhupinder has also worked in dentistry for nine years as a general dentist.

Bhupinder and Harpreet plan to use their expertise to grow the business. Harpreet will also take on the role of sole educational supervisor for the practice’s trainee dentists.

The Lloyds Bank team has also supported the business through its Cardnet service, which will enable it to accept payments quickly and securely.

Harpreet said: “All the support we’ve received from the Lloyds Bank team throughout has been vital, not just in terms of lending but also their support with Cardnet.”

“As the eyes of the world watched Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi bring the curtain down on the 2022 Commonwealth Games - the door is still very much open for your business, so get your sales pitch out to the world now.”

That’s the message from Johnathan Dudley, head of manufacturing at national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm Crowe.

He said: “Not only is the Midlands enjoying the benefits of global promotion through sport, we are also seeing restrictions on supply from certain countries, and the two elements are coming together to benefit exporting. The combination of recent stuttering consumer demand, after the initial surge following lockdown, and the need to continue driving sales in a

‘As each month goes by, there seems to be another trade deal secured’ domestic market should really make businesses consider the benefits of exporting. As each month goes by, there seems to be another trade deal secured as the government exploits the negotiation freedoms of the post Brexit era to seek new global trading partners.”

Crowe has just launched a Funding for Export flowchart to help businesses understand the support they’re entitled to.

He said the main issue restricting export growth is that too few UK manufacturers look further than their own domestic markets to seek new customers and, at a time when the “Made in the UK” brand commands real value across the world, opportunities are being missed.

Mr Dudley cited a number of factors that were holding back UK companies from exporting: • lack of knowledge and understanding of Incoterms • language barriers • lack of knowledge of legal systems or demand for products in foreign countries • lack of finance or export credit security • exchange risks.

He said companies could make use of their local Chambers of Commerce (for export inquires at Greater

Exporting benefits: Johnathan Dudley

Birmingham Chambers of Commerce visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com).

“Your local Chamber is a useful source of (initially) free advice as to how to go about making a start.

“They are a good conduit into UK Export Finance, an arm of BEIS, who in turn can provide free training, some support for getting started financially and even some export credit guarantees. They also know when trade missions are coming up and how you can get involved.”

And he pointed out that the Crowe Global Network can make introductions to Crowe colleagues across the world who can connect businesses with local commercial contacts, government agencies and also potential customers too, as well as providing a wealth of help and assistance.

“So, start the conversation and make 2022 the year that you ‘go global’.”

For a copy of Crowe’s Funding for Export flowchart, and further information on how Crowe can help companies start or grow their exports, contact julie.mole@crowe.co.uk or call 0121 543 1900.

Children’s charity boosted by donation The charity of a leading financial firm has donated £35,000 to boost the children’s area in a new super hospital being built in the West Midlands.

The Wesleyan Foundation in Birmingham has gifted the money to Your Trust Charity, the registered charity of Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust. It will fund a play unit and interactive artwork in the children’s ward at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, which is being built by the Trust and due to open in 2024.

Dr Nick Makwana, consultant paediatrician at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, said: “This fantastic generosity from the Wesleyan Foundation will help us provide an even greater level of care for our children and young people.

This money will be used to create a home-corner play unit and an interactive artwork display within our children’s ward. We want to do as much as we can to encourage our young 28 CHAMBERLINK September 2022

Giant project: The Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, where the children’s ward will house a play unit and interactive artwork thanks to the Wesleyan

patients, and any siblings they may have, to seek, find, and learn through play. These funded activities are also particularly beneficial for young patients with physical and sensory

disabilities, where they can play and forget about their treatment.”

Nathan Wallis, chief of staff at Wesleyan said: “This will help the lives of so many children and young people. Not only will they receive worldclass care, but their experience in the hospital will be greatly enhanced.”

The money goes to the ‘We Are Metropolitan’ fundraising campaign which seeks to raise £2m towards added-value activities for the new hospital.

These include projects such as new community spaces and enhancing research and development.

Currently being built in Smethwick, Midland Met will serve more than 500,000 people.

Johnny Shah, head of Your Trust Charity, added: “We remain on track to achieve our target. However, we still need local businesses and our community to help us get to £2m by the time our hospital opens.”

• More patrons’ news – pages 46 and 47.

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Business News

Michelin-starred chef wins award delivery service, Soko – an artisan and pâtisserie business – and Eureka, a successful cookery school.

“Antona has done as much to mentor and encourage chef talent. He is one of the key UK figures for Bocuse d’Or and an ambassador for University College Birmingham for 35 years.

“Having dealt with serious illness, he puts particular emphasis on looking after employees’ mental health and wellbeing. He has also worked with psychotherapist Stelios Kiosses, who has implemented his course in the psychology of food at Harvard. The pair are now working towards establishing modules at University College Birmingham.”

Judge Phil Howard said: “Andreas is a true pro, consistently maintaining his restaurants both at the highest level and as successful businesses.”

Fellow judge Tom Kerridge added: “Andreas is an exceptional restaurateur whose passion for our sector is inspirational.”

Andreas saw-off strong competition in the category including Clare Smyth, James Sommerin, Adam Handling and Rebecca Mascarenhas.

Buzzing: Andreas Antona with his Restaurateur of the Year award

Picture: Steve Dunlop

Andreas Antona, owner of Michelinstarred restaurant Simpsons, has been crowned Restaurateur of the Year.

He was recognised by judges including Michelin chefs Tom Kerridge and Phil Howard - not only for his ‘exemplary credentials’ but his work to mentor and nurture chef talent within the industry.

Mr Antona also owns The Cross in Kenilworth, which is also Michelin starred, Eureka Kitchen Cookery School, chocolate and patisserie brand, Soko and Antona at Home.

Andreas said: “I feel very honoured, humbled and privileged to be recognised as The Cateys Restaurateur of the Year. It means such a lot to me and it’s created a real buzz among my teams.

“I’d like to thank all the judges, those who nominated me and the Caterer team for organising such a fantastic awards event.”

The Caterer said of Andreas: “Described by ‘The Times’ as ‘the godfather of modern Birmingham food’, Antona has built two of the most respected restaurants [and] founded the Antona at Home meals

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Business News

Renowned artist calls for diversity

Amazed: Hurvin Anderson

Picture: Sebastian Novels

One of Britain’s top contemporary painters has said that despite improvements, more needs to be done to boost diversity and inclusion in the arts and now is not the time to become complacent.

Speaking at a ceremony where he received an honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University, the Turner Prize-nominated artist Hurvin Anderson said: “If truth be told when I look back at myself, I am amazed that I've pursued this career. When I was young there was not much representation of black artists. You cannot underestimate the power of seeing yourself reflected in paintings or in the media, and especially the impact when representation is negative. I am pleased to see that lessons are being slowly learnt in this area and do think times are changing, but we must keep doing the work to improve equality and inclusion in the arts.

“Now is not the time to be complacent – there are still things to be done if we want to nurture and encourage more raw talent in our communities.”

The Birmingham-born artist, whose works are largely inspired by growing up in the city’s African-Caribbean community in Handsworth, admits that although there were some black contemporary artists when he began his career, their stories were far from the forefront.

“When I first embarked on a career in art, I felt like our stories weren’t being shared and were not deemed as important as everyone else’s.

“But my family and my community’s story has always felt an important one to tell. Of course, all this storytelling began at home as a boy when I would draw with my brothers. It became crystallised into something more formal in my time spent at Birmingham Polytechnic, as Birmingham City University was then known, when I took a Fine Art Foundation course.”

Hurvin has gone on to achieve international status in the art world. The judges described him as “an outstanding British painter whose art speaks to our current political moment with questions about identity and belonging.”

• More arts news – see page 92

Azets advise on family firm sale

Welcome: The Lapworth Museum at University of Birmingham features in Heritage Week

Azets, the regional accountancy and business adviser to SMEs, has worked on a multi-million-pound sale of a self-watering planter and litter bin manufacturer.

Amberol Limited, established in 1969, was sold to Leafield Environmental Limited for an undisclosed amount.

The family business, based in Derbyshire, uses efficient rotational moulding plastic manufacturing processes and has consistently delivered high-quality, reliable and sustainable products that are sold to councils, supermarkets and horticultural suppliers.

Exiting managing director of Amberol, Patience Atkinson, said: “As a shareholder of a family business, choosing the right time to exit was a challenge. Thanks to guidance from the Azets’ team, namely Mark Selby, Tom Eastwood and Doug Allan, who delivered full advisory service to us, we’re confident in the continued success of Amberol under Leafield Environmental’s wing.”

Heritage Week shines a spotlight on city’s history

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Birmingham’s Heritage Week is back for 2022, returning for its eighth year.

The city-wide festival will shine a spotlight on Birmingham’s history in which some of the city’s most important heritage locations and buildings opening their doors for more than 150 talks, tours, workshops, walks and much more.

Running from Friday 9 to Sunday 18 September, this year’s festival will include guided tours, special outdoor performances, walks and the chance to sketch the city or have a go at bell-ringing.

Birmingham Heritage Week 2022 will feature a variety of events on offer with regular and popular venues returning.

Among them are Highbury Hall in Moseley, Birmingham & Midland Institute, the Roundhouse and Birmingham Cathedral in the city centre and religious buildings and churches, including three dating back to medieval times.

Heritage Week 2022 visitors can also visit a Buddhist

vihara, a Quaker meeting house, a Jewish synagogue, Birmingham Central Mosque and Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

Many of the city’s museums will either open for free or host special events during Heritage Week and in Bournville, 11 venues will open their doors on the same day (Saturday, 10 September) so that people can visit any number.

Birmingham Heritage Week 2022 is sponsored by Birmingham City Council, organised by Birmingham Museums Trust and is presented as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival.

Irene De Boo, Birmingham Heritage Week coordinator, said: “Some of the tours are themed – such as Sherlock in the City and A Taste of Handsworth – while others explore the history of areas further away from the city centre, as we visit Longbridge, Acocks Green, Spaghetti Junction, the University of Birmingham Edgbaston campus, Birchfield, Yardley and Sutton Coldfield to name but a few.”

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Business News

ICC ditches the buffet for new concept The ICC’s in-house caterer Amadeus is launching a new lunch concept at the venue which aims to bring food to life with more interaction between delegates and chefs.

The concept, named MADE Collective, has been devised by Amadeus chefs to break down the barriers of event catering, ditching the traditional buffet offering in favour of a more high-street approach in a conference setting.

With a strong focus on a reduction in food miles as part of the venue’s sustainability drive, 80 per cent of ingredients will be sourced within a 30-mile radius of the venue.

Headed by ICC executive chef Simon Hellier, the concept moves away from the static buffet distribution style often found at conferencing

‘It is always my aim to offer guests at the ICC a food experience comparable to any restaurant’ venues, aiming to inspire guests with a more socially focused approach to hosting meals.

MADE Collective will engage and educate delegates on the catering’s provenance, including increased interaction from the venue’s event-facing chefs.

This process starts from the moment the event organiser chooses the menu, with the Amadeus team providing a menu preview for clients to share with delegates.

Crab a bite: Chefs in action in new NEC concept

This not only offers a better experience, but also allows more flexibility in dietary requirements.

Simon has finalised an array of menus to suit the new concept, including a grazing option which allows chefs to cook live on the event floor in front of delegates.

He said: “It is always my aim to offer guests at the ICC a food experience comparable to any restaurant. Even though there may be 800 people, I want them to feel like it is intimate!

These menus are reflection of this – all the action

happens behind the scenes, in the kitchen and I want to bring this out into the floor. I want our guests to meet our talented chefs and learn about the great food they are about to eat.”

Craig Hancox, general manager for Amadeus at the ICC, said: “Understanding food is such an important part of the conferencing day and we really wanted to think differently for our latest offering. The new processes have been meticulously planned and we are confident that MADE Collective will deliver excellent results as soon as events return to the venue.”

September 2022 CHAMBERLINK 31

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Business News The Barn At Berryfields is a multi-award winning a la carte restaurant, private function room and outside seating area, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, with a signature Sunday roast. Their most recent awards are the ‘Muddy Stilettos Best Restaurant in Warwickshire and West Midlands Winner 2022’ and ‘GBCC Excellence in Hospitality and Retail Winner 2021’. The restaurant is owned and run by a fourth generation farming family, which has been on the farm itself for over 100 years and will celebrate its fifth year of operation in December. The restaurant is sited on the first floor of a converted barn (hence the name!) taking in beautiful countryside views and some of their pigs and cattle roaming the fields.

Where do you fancy?

Breakfast, lunch or dinner…

Wine The Barn’s wine list is provided by an award-winning portfolio of over 1,400 wines featuring the international A-list such as Georges Duboeuf and Marchesi Antinori alongside smaller producers and emerging regions.

Everything from Champagne Drappier and Sancerre white wine from France to Rose wine from Italy to Norton Porteño Malbec from Argentina.

Business facilities Two menus available - a formal sit down two-three course set menu and a more casual buffet menu.

Private dining The restaurant has a private dining room available Monday to Saturday for up to 45 people seated and 60 standing. There is a set menu and buffet menu available in the room, which includes a dedicated waitress and access to the bar.

Conference facilities

Food and drink The Barn serves British cuisine with a focus on selfsufficiency through rearing their own herd of Berryfields Suffolk Red pigs and Berryfields Hereford cattle, growing their own fruit, vegetables and salad in their own four-acre kitchen garden and 50ft polytunnel and producing all of their own bread, pastries and sweets from their own artisan bakery.

Breakfast Served seven days a week, combining their homereared bacon and sausage produce with handmade bread from their artisan bakery and local eggs from under five miles away to create the freshest dishes.

House smashed avocado, a breakfast burger and eggs royale form some other customer favourites.

Lunch Alongside the core a la carte menu, lunch specials change weekly. Signature Sunday roast showcases the best of our home-reared produce combined with homegrown root vegetables and handmade garnishes.

Dinner Menu comprises a selection of British cuisine including calamari, handmade burger, steaks and additional dinner specials. All of the dishes include a selection of kitchen garden vegetables, house garnishes and handmade produce. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.

32 CHAMBERLINK September 2022

Overhead projector with HDMI connection and an independent sound system within the private dining room.

Exclusive offer for Chamber members The admin team welcome Chamber members to contact them to discuss availability and an exclusive offer ending COB 30 September consisting of a reduced hiring fee, via eat@thebarnatberryfields.co.uk

The Barn At Berryfields Address Berryfields Farm, Meriden CV7 7LB T: : 01676522155 E: eat@thebarnatberryfields.co.uk W: www.thebarnatberryfields.co.uk Owner: Family-run by Tom, Joe and Will Barber (3 brothers) Head Chef: Paul Harris Opening hours: A La Carte restaurant: Monday to Saturday - 9am to 11:30pm.

Sunday - 9am to 7pm.

Outside garden and tepee area: Monday to Saturday – 12pm to 10:30pm. Sunday – 12pm to 7pm.

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Business News

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Business News

Budding tech geniuses: Year 5 pupils at Grove School celebrating the Hive Hackers workshop

PwC brings digital nous to schools PwC is inspiring the next generation of tech geniuses with a programme providing a digital education to school children.

The Hive Hackers programme is one of the training initiatives from PwC supporting the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and its legacy and aims to upskill the younger generation and empower local communities The firm took over the classroom at two local schools, Grove Primary school in Handsworth and Clifton Primary school in Balsall Heath, for a three-day workshop as part of the programme.

Over 200 children aged eight and nine took part in sessions which included an introduction to coding, how to build algorithms and how to debug software.

Hive Hackers was originally developed by PwC Northern Ireland and has reached over 10,000 students to date. This is the first time the firm has brought the programme to the Midlands, with full

content now being available to all the schools in the region through the Just2Easy platform.

During the three-day workshop, PwC was joined by representatives from Entrust, an

‘it is so important to provide children with digital education’ education and skills support services business, that supported the introduction of Hive Hackers to the Birmingham schools.

Pamela Matty, head teacher at Grove School, said: “In an increasingly tech-focused world, it is so important to provide children with digital education, so they develop skills for the future and learn about the importance of online safety.

“The Hive Hackers sessions were really engaging, and it was great to see the children

being inspired and developing their understanding of technology. I would strongly recommend these sessions to other local schools. It was a really valuable three days for both the children and the teachers.”

Matthew Hammond, PwC UK Midlands region leader and Birmingham senior partner, said: “Hive Hackers programme was developed in 2016 and successfully implemented in Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands with a goal of developing the digital skills of young people and encouraging them to pursue careers in STEM related fields. The vision is to inspire the children of today with the technology of tomorrow.

Through our Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games sponsorship, we’ve committed to supporting the Games legacy by hosting training initiatives for young people, so we thought what a perfect time to bring Hive Hackers to Birmingham.”

MP praises skills centre’s crucial role A Midlands MP has “plastered” a Black Country construction skills centre with praise after meeting several learners during a visit.

Nicola Richards, the Conservative MP for West Bromwich East, was speaking after visiting the BCTG Skills Centre, which is based in her constituency at Kelvin Way Industrial Estate.

She took the time to meet BCTG staff and learners on a plastering course, and discussed various issues including the impact of inflation, government funding rates for qualifications and apprenticeship rates of pay.

Ms Richards said: “It was fantastic to see first-hand the apprenticeship training at the BCTG Skills Centre in West Bromwich.

“When I was elected in 2019, I stated that one of my top priorities was to make sure young people in my constituency have the same opportunities as young people anywhere else in the country, and that remains true to this day.

“Increased apprenticeships and training courses such as these

Opportunities: Nicola Richards MP (left) meets learners on a plastering course and (far right) Dan Burns, training manager at the BCTG Skills Centre

provided by the BCTG Skills Centre are key to ensuring the workforce of the future is ready for regeneration projects that lie ahead across Sandwell and the West Midlands.”

Mike Smith, business development officer at BCTG, said: “We were delighted to have Ms Richards visit our construction skills centre. We showcased our excellent

training provision, which enables BCTG to provide the construction skills required by employers, which in turn supports local people to secure local job opportunities.”

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Business News

Bootcamp graduate takes off on new career Challenges: Kyla Bellingall

Firms struggle to find top talent Two fifths of mid-sized businesses in the Midlands said supply chain issues are the biggest threat to business success over the next six months and 37 per cent are most concerned about the ongoing impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to new research by accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO. The bi-monthly Rethinking the Economy survey of 500 leaders of medium-sized businesses found a third of businesses in the region are planning to grow their workforce currently.

But they face challenges in doing so with more than 40 per cent of businesses sharing they are struggling to find talent with the right skills. One in three Midlands businesses are increasing starting salary offers because of the extreme competition for the best talent.

Against the backdrop of the huge demand for talent and the associated increased investment, a third of Midlands companies will look to take on new debt and another third will seek to attract investment as a response to the rising rates of inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.

Kyla Bellingall, head of BDO in the Midlands, said: “Local businesses continue to face extreme challenges from supply chains to rising energy costs. As interest rates continue to rise, this is placing a real squeeze on company finances.

“As a result, companies are looking to secure fresh funding – whether that’s debt or investment – in response to the current rates of inflation and the cost of living crisis.

“Even with these dynamics, businesses are still expanding their talent pool, with one in five businesses introducing apprenticeship schemes in a bid to attract talent. What’s more, two thirds of Midlands businesses told us they are very confident in the effectiveness of their pay and reward strategy regarding the retention and attraction of staff and three quarters have reviewed this area of their business recently.”

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A technology bootcamp graduate at the University of Birmingham has kick-started his new career at international software development giant Service Rocket.

Mustafa Ali returned to the UK in 2018 following a career in teaching in the Middle East. His drive for a new challenge inspired him to enrol in the University of Birmingham's coding bootcamp, enabling him to follow a new career path upon graduating in 2021.

The University of Birmingham launched its popular Boot Camps in 2019 and has welcomed more than 300 students to the 24-week intensive course.

Mustafa said: “I don’t have a tech background and I think that was the most challenging part for me, but it was very rewarding. Having completed the

‘There were a lot of things I learned on the course that I didn’t realise were that important’ assessments and projects in such a short turnout gave me a sense of accomplishment and motivation to carry on.”

Tutors and lecturers are available during the day and out of hours to support students with their work, give career advice in a group or 1-to-1 environment.

Fast forward to spring 2022, Mustafa is an associate consultant at Service Rocket, where his career progression is supported.

Mustafa said: “There were a lot of things I learned on the course that I didn’t realise were that important. For example, a strong Linkedin profile,

Tech challenge: Mustafa Ali

what you post and your bio. This is your profile that potential employers and colleagues will see. It’s very important for it to be professional and up-to-date.”

The Boot Camps are designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need to tap into today’s technological economy.

“You have to be willing to leave your comfort zone. But as long as you stay the course, something will come out of it. It’s all about self-confidence and willingness to learn. I think a lot of employees really appreciate those sorts of things,” Mustafa added.

Working with the West Midlands Combined Authority, the University of Birmingham offers 200 scholarships a year, at £4,000 each, available as Women in Tech or Diversity in Tech.

Flexible package: Paul Hodgetts (In-Comm Training) with Anita Davenport-Brooks (Lander Tubular Products)

Training provider lands major contract A leading independent training provider is celebrating winning its largest apprenticeship contract in years after signing a major deal with Lander Tubular Products.

In-Comm Training, which operates three technical academies across the Black Country and Shropshire, has become the strategic training partner for the

supplier of precision engineered metallic and plastic manipulated pipe assemblies. Forty Level 2 apprentices in Lean Manufacturing Operations will be recruited over the next six months.

“This is a major milestone for our business, and we’re delighted that another high-profile industrial specialist has chosen to adopt our

employer-led approach to apprenticeships and training,” said Paul Hodgetts, business development manager at In-Comm Training.

Anita Davenport-Brooks, Lander’s group HR manager, said: “We’ve known about In-Comm for some time and were impressed with the way they tailored the approach to suit exactly what we need.”

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Business News Santa is coming: Millennium Point prepares for Christmas

Venue unveils plans for winter wonderland Award-winning conference and events venue Millennium Point has unveiled its plans for the festive period which include corporate party packages, public events and more.

Starting in November, the landmark venue in the Eastside of Birmingham city centre will be transformed into a festive wonderland with the return of its

giant Christmas tree adorned with 23,000 energy-saving LED lights and accompanied by two large nutcrackers.

The tree is believed to be the largest indoor tree in the city standing at 39ft tall in the centre of the building’s glass atrium. In addition to the tree, the venue has hinted at other showpieces to delight visitors including a singing

reindeer. The outside will be illuminated with stars and icicles.

Millennium Point has also announced its corporate exclusive and shared party packages for 2022 and a return of two popular events for the holiday season with a festive silent disco and a special screening of a Christmas favourite film in partnership with The Wine and Events Company.

The Silent Disco will feature three DJs and an assortment of genres from current chart toppers, RnB, and Hip Hop to Old Skool, Rock, Indie and Power Ballads alongside all of the Christmas classics.

The second event marks the return of longstanding partners The Wine and Events Company, who will host a festive film in the giant screen auditorium with four themed drinks and movie trivia.

A public vote online and on social media to vote for what film people would like to see on the big screen has been launched. The results will be announced with tickets going on sale in August.

Commercial director Rebecca Delmore said: “We’re very excited about our Christmas plans for this year. We’ve taken all of what our customers and visitors have enjoyed over the past few years and built upon it to bring what is set to be the best Christmas yet in our landmark venue.

“It’s never too early for corporates to start thinking about Christmas, and we wanted to give the public something to look forward to in Birmingham’s Eastside during the winter.”

For further information visit millenniumpoint.org.uk/christmasat-millennium-point.

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Business News

BT calls up 460 extra staff for new building BT plans to bring hundreds of new roles to its state-of-the-art new offices in Birmingham.

The tech and telecoms company has unveiled plans to bolster its digital workforce in which around 460 new specialised jobs will be brought to the city mostly by April, 2024.

BT already employs more than 1,700 people in Birmingham and over 6,000 across the West Midlands region, with the news set to increase the company’s presence in the area.

The new employees will be appointed to highly-skilled future-proofed roles including product management, software engineering, cloud, design, artificial intelligence, machine learning and agile delivery.

Last year BT opened the doors to its state-ofthe-art new offices at Three Snow Hill, which will serve as home to the new recruits and a base for up to 3,500 colleagues.

The announcement forms part of BT’s drive to expand its digital arm, which is responsible for leading its transformation and creating innovative new products and services.

Harmeen Mehta, chief digital and innovation officer at BT, said: “Digital was founded to

Partnership is just the ticket South and City College Birmingham’s long-standing partnership with National Express has been recognised for transforming the life chances of young people.

At this year’s annual Education Awards, the Impact through Partnership accolade was awarded to South and City College Birmingham for effective partnership working with the region’s biggest transport company.

Over the last decade the two organisations have worked together to provide young people in the community with local education, training and engineering apprenticeship opportunities, supporting them in getting ready for future employment.

National Express and South and City College Birmingham, one of the largest further education colleges in the country, celebrated 10 years of partnership working in June this year.

The transport company gifted its third coach to the college to help move students between campuses as well as for travel to and from educational trips across the UK.

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accelerate BT’s transformation, innovation and return to growth.

“To succeed, we need to bring in and upskill the top digital talent, and our efforts will boost the tech communities along the way.”

‘Diversity is a key focus in our recruitment efforts’ The new Birmingham roles form part of a 1,000-strong recruitment drive across the UK focussed on BT’s key regional hubs in Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Belfast, Ipswich and London.

As part of the process BT is focussing on entry talent including apprentices, graduates, women returners and others starting careers in digital.

The company is working with organisations like Code First Girls and 10,000 Black Interns and knows its success lies in working with a diverse range of talent.

Harmeen added: “Diversity is a key focus in our recruitment efforts as we need a broad set of temperaments, mindsets and abilities to drive

Three Snow Hill: Home to 3,500 BT colleagues

through the cultural transformation that comes hand-in-hand with this talent drive.”

This announcement builds on earlier news that BT has signed a £30m deal with Distributed, a company that will bring agile elastic teams to work collaboratively with BT’s Digital team on projects and provide another route for BT to access highly skilled tech talent to drive its ambitious transformation goals.

For more information on roles, visit BT’s Digital careers site.

Quality now key to office space Birmingham’s office take-up in the second quarter of the year highlights a flight to quality balanced by a smaller requirement, according to commercial property agents KWB. KWB’s newly-released Birmingham Office Market Research – Q2 2022 shows office transactions totalled 117,599 sq ft, 43 per cent down on the Q2 average.

Yet 28 deals took place, meaning occupiers are upgrading to smaller, but higher quality, ESG (Environment Social Governance)-compliant space

to enhance conditions for their employees and accommodate hybrid and flexible working.

The biggest transactions all took place in the city’s primary Colmore business district where investors and developers have made significant investment over recent years. The Department of Transport took 22,928 sq ft at The Colmore Building, while accounting firm RSM and civil engineering firm Arcadis downsized, both taking 12,132 sq ft at 103 Colmore Row. Civil engineering firms Fascinating quarter: Malcolm Jones

represented 33 per cent of the transactions, reflecting growth in infrastructure and the sector’s response to the skills shortage. In addition to Arcadis relocating to Colmore Row, Royal HaskoningDHV, RPS Group, Pegasus Planning Group, RSK Group and Webb Yates Engineers all took new space.

Malcolm Jones, director of office agency at KWB, said: “It has been a fascinating quarter for the Birmingham office market.

“With just 117,599 sq ft transacted it looked quiet, yet there was a real flight to quality from businesses upgrading to new and refurbished space at record rents to prioritise staff wellbeing, flexibility, and sustainability.

“Against the backdrop of the Commonwealth Games, it shows we are a forward-thinking city. Looking ahead, we expect demand for high quality city office space to continue, despite current high inflation rates and economic uncertainty.

“We’re aware of multiple agentled requirements for 10,000 sq ft and we also expect to see more diversification, with businesses that would have previously chosen out of town offices now considering the city centre.”

For more information about the Birmingham office market contact Malcolm Jones: mjones@kwboffice.com.

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Business News

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Business News Region to get training funds Businesses and residents in the West Midlands are to benefit from half a billion-pounds of investment in skills training over the next three years.

And as it has been revealed that West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)-funded training helped more than 135,000 people gain new skills during the pandemic.

The WMCA has finalised plans to allocate the £515m with the aim of helping local people gain skills and qualifications, progress into jobs and support wider ambitions for inclusive green economic growth.

These plans will move the region closer to a more joinedup approach – bringing responsibility for more service delivery closer to the West Midlands and away from Whitehall. This follows the news that the WMCA has trained over 135,000 people to get higher level skills and take advantage of new job opportunities across the region over the last two years.

Despite a struggling economy due to the effects of the pandemic and other global trends, the region’s job market has stayed strong in part thanks to the WMCA’s use of their Adult Education Budget (AEB).

Across the West Midlands region, 2.9 million people are now in employment.

The WMCA uses its devolved AEB to commission local training and bootcamp providers to quickly train up people with the skills the region’s businesses need in sectors such as care, construction and security.

West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “As we bounce back from Covid, linking up our local talent with the plentiful opportunities on offer in industry is absolutely central to my 100k jobs plan. That’s why it really is such phenomenal news that our funding has been able to help train more than 135,000 people through the difficulties of the pandemic.”

The new skills transformation plan, agreed by the WMCA Board last month, will bring new investment and programmes into the mix, including new bootcamps in retrofit, digital and healthcare – building on the successful pilots delivered in the region.

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Flexible working policies must be fit for purpose A firm of HR specialists says businesses should review their flexible working policies to ensure they are still fit for purpose.

Flexible working has become a critical part of many workplaces over the past few years.

Although it has become an established part of many roles, HR Caddy says that employers must continue to evaluate working arrangements to make sure they remain suitable.

The HR specialists say many firms jumped to flexible working in response to the pandemic and have continued without reviewing whether their policies and support are suited to their needs.

While flexible and hybrid working remain a popular incentive to retain and recruit employees, it must also make commercial sense for the companies that employ this approach.

Testing stage: Nicola Callaghan

Nicola Callaghan, managing director at HR Caddy, said: “The move to home working and flexibility was born out of necessity, and we are still, to some degree, in a testing stage.

“Every day employers face new challenges and complications created by flexible working approaches and they don’t always have immediate solutions due to a general inexperience about this new approach to work.”

Nicola says employers should regularly review their working arrangements, including engagement with different members of staff, to ensure this approach to work continues to benefit the organisation and employees.

“We understand that some employers have concerns about withdrawing flexible working options from certain employees or teams as they fear disputes or claims of discrimination from their staff, but the reality is that if the business isn’t functioning properly these issues need to be addressed now,” she added.

Garden offers breathing space A heritage and botanical garden on the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus has been voted the most popular place for local people in the city to ‘take a breath’ in a recent lung health campaign.

The survey, commissioned by the Taskforce for Lung Health, invited residents to name their favourite city location to enjoy their own breathing space as part of an awareness campaign around lung health.

The ‘Take a Breath’ campaign first launched in Birmingham in July, 2021, and following its success, the Taskforce is undertaking more local activity in the city to help build the public’s understanding of lung disease and the importance of good lung health.

Winterbourne House & Gardens was the most popular choice with 28 per cent of the vote. This was followed by city locations Cannon Hill Park (17 per cent), Birmingham Botanical Gardens (15 per cent), canalside at Mailbox (six per cent), and Birmingham Library, a new entry for 2022.

The top five nominated locations have been awarded a celebratory plaque to mark their position as one of the city’s top breathing spaces.

Breath of fresh air: Tessa Lovell, visitor experience manager at Winterbourne House & Gardens, with plaque marking top breathing space in Birmingham

This month, the Taskforce will also launch a new downloadable city map highlighting walking routes between the top spots so Birmingham residents can explore their city in a brand new way this summer.

Sarah Woolnough, interim-chair of the Taskforce for Lung Health, a collaboration of over 40 different charities and organisations aiming to improve the nation’s lung health, said: “We’re calling on Birmingham residents to take a moment to think about their own lung health. Breathing easily is very often something that can be taken for granted until taking a breath becomes hard to do.

“With 44 per cent of respondents saying they are more aware of their lung health when they do pause to ‘take a breath’ in the city, we hope that people across Birmingham will feel inspired to visit the chosen breathing spaces, pause and show their solidarity with the tens of thousands of people in the city who are living with a lung condition.”

To find out more visit www.blf.org.uk/taskforce-forlung-health/take-a-breath

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Business News

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Business News

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Business News

Review your marketing budget - don’t slash it Small businesses are being urged to review rather than reduce their marketing budgets amid the prospect of an economic downturn and following news of a government campaign asking businesses to cut their prices.

New cost of living tsar David Buttress commented that businesses should use ‘money they would otherwise spend on marketing’ to pass on savings to their customers.

The comments have already sparked considerable debate, with many fearing this knee-jerk reaction could be detrimental rather than beneficial.

Midlands-based agency EBY says while marketing shouldn’t take the budgetary hit, it’s always good practice to make sure money is being well spent.

Mark McDonagh, EBY client services director, said: “Encouragingly, business reaction seems to largely reject the notion that marketing should take the budgetary hit, serving instead to highlight the value of promotional activity – and particularly during a downturn.

“The Government advice is unhelpful and illadvised as it completely overlooks how integral

Government advice unhelpful and ill-advised: Mark McDonagh

marketing activity is to the success of most companies.

“And while we agree that marketing shouldn’t be the sacrificial lamb here, we would always advise companies to review marketing spend to make sure it’s being targeted wisely.”

‘Business reaction seems to largely reject the notion that marketing should take the budgetary hit’ Figures from the Advertising Association show the UK ad market reached a record £31.9bn in 2021 and is forecast to grow another 10.7 per cent in 2022 to £35.3bn. While advertising is only one element of marketing investment, this is indicative of the industry, with every £1 spent on advertising generating £6.

Mark added: “At EBY we’ve experienced almost 75 per cent year-on-year growth since the start of 2022 as businesses have continued to make dramatic shifts towards digital in

response to the pandemic, demonstrating how additional spend can be central to helping a venture not only survive, but prosper, during difficult times.

“But yes, you absolutely need to make sure you’re getting the most from your marketing money.”

For businesses questioning whether their agency is still a good fit, or looking to outsource marketing for a second opinion or a more strategic approach, get in touch with EBY at ebydesign.co.uk

Street opens a new street in Edgbaston

New route: Haydn Cooper (left) and Andy Street

Birmingham’s oldest family-owned estate has welcomed West Midlands mayor Andy Street to open its new pedestrian-priority route the Edgbaston Village Walk.

The team at Calthorpe Estates, which pioneered the creation of Edgbaston Village, welcomed Mr Street to cut the ribbon on Edgbaston Village Walk - a walking route from the newly-opened Metro station into Edgbaston Village.

The tramline extension extends the service from Wolverhampton through the centre of Birmingham and along Broad Street, now stopping at Brindleyplace and Five Ways, before reaching its destination of Edgbaston Village – a thriving leisure and lifestyle area.

To give visitors a warm welcome, Calthorpe Estates has invested in resurfacing the route, including granite kerbstones and features, festoon lighting and planters, which will lead people to Harborne Road and along to Greenfield Crescent – the heart of the village.

Haydn Cooper, chief executive of Calthorpe Estates, said: “We’ve spent the last few years creating a thriving lifestyle destination in Edgbaston Village and have seen a rise in footfall to the area, which is only set to increase further with the improvement of accessibility now the Metro is running.”

Toy time: Ruth Pipkin (left) with Grace Coniry, senior account manager at Rewired PR, and Marie Larner, junior account manager at Rewired PR

Agency’s latest PR contract is kids’ stuff Leading toy retailer The Entertainer has appointed Rewired to deliver its national PR strategy and ongoing campaign support.

Following a competitive pitch process, the Birmingham-based communications agency was selected to work closely with The Entertainer’s marketing team to support the business’s national PR strategy, including the ongoing press office and additional campaign activity.

Founded in 1981 by Buckinghamshire husband and wife team, Gary and Catherine Grant, The Entertainer is the largest family-owned toyshop chain in the UK. It has more than 170 stores and a strong online presence at www.TheToyShop.com, which offers a 30-minute click and collect service and attracts over 29 million unique visitors annually.

The Entertainer adds to Rewired’s portfolio of retail and leisure clients including Heal’s, Derbion, Cadbury World and Twycross Zoo. Ruth Pipkin, managing director at Rewired, said: “The Entertainer was looking for an agency to provide a fresh take on its communications and drive online sales, as well as raising the profile of its charitable work.

“We’re looking forward to bringing together our experience and insight to drive awareness of The Entertainer and its strong values, alongside creating a programme of exciting campaigns and immersive experiences to drive footfall and sales. With a busy year ahead for the brand and the toy world, it’s a great time for us to be supporting The Entertainer’s team.”

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Business News

Funding to help firms go digital Digital delight (left to right): Anne Boyd, chief executive at Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP; Tim Mulqueen, director at ramfoam; Mark Swift, head of WMG SME Group, University of Warwick; Andy Street and Craig Humphrey, managing director at the CW LEP Growth Hub, meet at Ramfoam Enterprise House

A major scheme designed to help West Midlands manufacturing and engineering firms adopt the latest digital tech and drive growth has received £2.3m extra in funding to continue its work.

Made Smarter has already helped more than 200 SMEs in the West Midlands digitise their work, improve employees’ skills and become more productive since the scheme was launched the region in 2021.

Because of this success, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) which funds the scheme has agreed to commit a further £2.3m to continue the programme for another three years.

More than 150 businesses have already signed up to benefit from this second phase of the scheme.

This announcement came as part of the Manufacturing Showcase

opened by Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, which will support British manufacturers based in the Midlands.

Mr Street said: “I’m thrilled that we have succeeded in securing this extra funding from Government to help our region’s manufacturing and engineering firms to embrace digital technology.

“Prior to the pandemic we had the fastest growing economy outside of London and enhancing our digital capabilities will help us bounce back - getting back on track towards renewed growth and generating high quality job opportunities for local residents.”

“Anything we can do to drive innovation here in the West Midlands – not least for our dynamic SMEs - is very good news so I very much welcome the progress being made thanks to the

Office furniture can boost productivity An office equipment supplier has launched a new range of furniture designed to improve productivity and flexibility in the workplace.

AJ Products’ VARIETY series is an extendable and adaptable modular sofa range that can be combined into seating units of any size and space.

It is designed to help employers create the perfect seating space – whether it be along a wall or down the middle of a room – to fit rooms of all sizes.

Helen Beebe, UK managing director of AJ Products, said: “With many options in terms of colour, fabric, shape and size you can easily create a meeting

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space where people can get together, socialise, collaborate and re-instate the creative magic that is missing from the working from home environment.”

AJ Products provides solutions for offices, warehouses, industrial facilities, schools, canteens and changing rooms.

Its product range comprises more than 15,000 products, which are designed and manufactured in-house and come with a seven-year warranty.

The entire VARIETY modular series is also available as BIM objects enabling architects and designers to easily place items from the range.

Made Smarter programme.”

The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub is leading the Made Smarter scheme with its fellow Growth Hubs in Greater Birmingham and Solihull, the Black Country, Worcestershire Business Central, The Marches, and Stokeon-Trent and Staffordshire on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority and BEIS.

‘I’m thrilled that we have succeeded in securing this extra funding’ Ramfoam has already benefited from the funding. It makes foam products for the military and other organisations and was one of the first businesses to sign up to the West Midlands Made Smarter

programme. Last year Ramfoam adapted its manufacturing practices to produce two million face visors a week at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emily Stubbs, senior policy & projects manager at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce added: “Technological innovation and digital adoption present key growth opportunities for businesses in Greater Birmingham, and Made Smarter offers much welcomed support for local SMEs to access the latest digital innovations and expertise to boost productivity and grow.

“The Chamber’s Future in Technology campaign aims to provide valuable insights for local businesses looking to maximise opportunities related to technological development and digital access.”

Company mourns vet industry stalwart David Johnson, chairman of Sutton Coldfield-based Johnson’s Veterinary Products Ltd, has died following a short illness.

Mr Johnson (pictured) joined the family business in 1970 after qualifying as a chartered accountant and became a highly respected figure within the UK pet trade. He oversaw the development and success of Johnson’s as it transitioned from local family business to international pet healthcare brand.

Mr Johnson is credited with turning Johnsons Veterinary

Products into one of the UK’s leading pet healthcare brands.

He also worked tirelessly to help raise the profile and professional standards across all aspects of the UK pet trade.

A statement from the company said: “The loss of the company’s figurehead is keenly felt, following on so closely to the business celebrating 100 years of caring for the nation’s pets, in May 2021.

“He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, but especially his family, friends and colleagues.”

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Business News

Scientists in spinal breakthrough Scientists from the University of Birmingham have shown that a brain-penetrating drug currently in development as a cancer therapy can foster regeneration of damaged nerves after spinal trauma.

The research, published in Clinical and Translational Medicine, used cell and animal models to demonstrate that when taken orally the candidate drug, known as AZD1390, can block the response to DNA damage in nerve cells and promote regeneration of damaged nerves, so restoring sensory and motor function after spinal injury.

‘This is an exciting time in spinal cord injury research’ The announcement came weeks after the same research team showed a different investigational drug (AZD1236) can reduce damage after spinal cord injury, by blocking the inflammatory response.

Both studies were supported by AstraZeneca’s Open Innovations Programme, which shares compounds, tools, technologies and expertise with the scientific community to advance drug discovery and development.

AZD1390 is also under investigation by AstraZeneca to block ATM-dependent signalling and repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), an action which sensitizes cancer cells to radiation treatment. The DNA Damage Response system (DDR) is activated

by DNA damage, including DSBs in the genome, which occur in several common cancers and also after spinal cord injury.

Professor Zubair Ahmed, from the University’s Institute of Inflammation and

Spinal trauma development: Dr Richard Tuxworth (left) and Professor Zubair Ahmed

Ageing and Dr Richard Tuxworth from the Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences hypothesized the persistent activation of this system may prevent recovery from spinal cord injury, and that blocking it would promote nerve repair and restore function after injury.

Their initial studies found that AZD1390 stimulated nerve cell growth in culture, and inhibited the ATM protein kinase pathway – a critical biochemical pathway regulating the response to DNA damage.

The researchers then used animal models to investigate the effect of AZD1390 following spinal cord injury. Here they showed that oral treatment with AZD1390 resulted in significant suppression of the ATM protein kinase pathway, nerve regeneration beyond the site of injury, and the ability of these nerves to carry electrical signals across the site of the injury.

Professor Ahmed commented: “This is an exciting time in spinal cord injury research with several different investigational drugs being identified as potential therapies for spinal cord injury. We are particularly excited about AZD1390 which can be taken orally and reaches the site of injury in sufficient quantities to promote nerve regeneration and restore lost function.

“Our findings show a remarkable recovery of sensory and motor functions, and AZD1390treated animals being indistinguishable from uninjured animals within four weeks of injury.”

Dr Tuxworth added: “This early study shows that AZD1390 could be used as a therapy in lifechanging conditions. In addition, repurposing this existing investigational drug potentially means we can reach the clinic significantly faster than developing a new drug from scratch.”

Electric car puts children behind the wheel An all-electric car designed to fuel children’s interest in driving and educate them about road safety has been released by Young Driver Motor Cars.

The Firefly Sport made its official debut at the British Motor Show.

A sister company to Young Driver – the world’s largest under17s driving school – Young Driver Motor Cars have started production of the Firefly Sport model.

The 2.1 metre-long car, which can accommodate children aged four to 10-years-old (as well as adult drivers), will use only UK-sourced components for series-build cars including batteries and electric motors. It makes the Firefly Sport the country’s first all-British EV. Steve Rawson, formerly of Aston Martin, has been responsible for Firefly Sport’s production engineering, while ex-JLR and MG engineer Dr. Ian Pogson developed its highly adaptable powertrain.

And Firefly Sport’s rakish and exotic-looking body was the work

of tier-one automotive agency Puremedium design based on a detailed brief by YDMC, and delivered in a remarkable sixmonth timeframe.

“Firefly Sport is a fully-fledged, scaled-down motor car,” said Ian Mulingani, YDMC’s managing director.

“It will give four to 10-year-olds the chance to get behind the wheel and have an authentic motoring experience, thanks to this model’s

sophisticated design and componentry, which fundamentally mirror the way a road car behaves, but at fully manageable speeds.

“Being electric and looking like a junior supercar, it also aligns with the type of vehicle that children see themselves driving when they pass their test.

“And it’s precisely this kind of engagement we need at our Young Driver training centres to start them on a journey towards improved road

safety – and ultimately, preventing unnecessary road deaths.

“But we’re also proud that Firefly Sport will be this country’s first allBritish electric vehicle, when you take into account not only where it’s manufactured, and the team responsible for its creation, but also that its components are sourced from here, too.

“The body comes from Huddersfield, the chassis is from Coventry, and the motors and batteries are from suppliers in Bournemouth and Bromsgrove. If you think about how the UK’s motor industry is moving towards greater autonomy with parts-sourcing, we’re definitely ahead of the curve!”

And while Firefly Sport will be available for four to 10-year-old drivers at 45 of Young Driver’s training centres across the UK (£20 for a 15-minute test drive), it can also be purchased outright by families who have sufficient space for children to drive the car on private land.

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Chamber Patrons

Chamber Patrons Greater Birmingham Chambers’ leading supporters

Contact: Raj Kandola T: 07815 952462

VIP guests (L-R): Sarah Carter (McDonald’s vicepresident of operations for the north), Aktar Islam, Doug Wright and Chambers CEO Henrietta Brealey

Excited: Dirk Wissmann

New manager for Flexeserve Flexeserve has unveiled Dirk Wissmann, former food service equipment specialist for Pret A Manger, as its operational support & development manager.

Warwick Wakefield, customer experience director of Leicestershire-based Flexeserve, said: “Here at Flexeserve, we don’t just design and manufacture game-changing equipment, we provide an unrivalled service too. This enables our customers to be the only operators in the world achieving true hot-holding.

“To us, Dirk is a game changer in his own right, with his extensive operational expertise in both food-to-go and hot-holding. He brings a new and invaluable perspective, enhancing that unique service we offer our customers.”

Prior to his new role at Flexeserve, Dirk had worked at the pioneers of grab and go, Pret A Manger for 23 years.

In that time, he progressed from his role within the New Shop Openings team to senior equipment manager and was fundamental in the evolution of Pret’s hot food operation.

Dirk said: “I’m really excited to now be a partner at Flexeserve, having worked in collaboration with them as a customer for many years. I absolutely love the ethos here – not just in their approach to the customers, but their approach to each other too.”

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Flurry of activity as McDonald’s opens Chamber patron and board member Doug Wright launched his 22nd McDonald’s restaurant – with VIP backing from West Midlands mayor Andy Street and Michelin starred chef Aktar Islam.

Doug, who in July received an honorary degree from Aston University for services to the business community and charity work, now operates one of McDonald’s largest franchised organisations employing over 2,200 people.

He received his honour as part of a week of ceremonies in July at the Eastside Rooms hotel and conference centre in Birmingham.

He began his career at McDonald’s as a cleaner, one day before he left school in 1981. He

became a franchisee in 2002 and in 2016 was a recipient of the Fred L Turner Golden Award which recognises the best McDonald’s franchisees in their global system.

The new opening on Walsall Road in Perry Barr comes as McDonald’s announced an investment of more than £250m over the next four years in a Convenience of the Future programme to redesign some of its restaurant estate.

He said: “My team and I are excited to have opened a brand-new McDonald’s restaurant in Perry Barr.

“It’s fantastic to be able to offer more jobs within the local area with great training opportunities for everyone. Our investment in Convenience of the Future will deliver a quicker and more

seamless experience for our customers, delivery partners and crew and it paves the way for further innovation as we continue to respond to evolving needs.

“We’re looking forward to seeing our customers enjoy our services on offer.”

Doug was chairman of the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham for six years, a charity providing a home away from home to families while their children are being treated at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

He is also a patron and nonexecutive director of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List this year.

Forces reward business support West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (WM RFCA) has announced five organisations who have won this year’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award.

In addition, one further employer has had their ERS Gold Award from 2017 revalidated for their continued commitment.

The regional winners join this year’s total of 156 Gold award winners and 36 Gold Award revalidations.

Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards are awarded to those that employ and support those

who serve, veterans and their families.

This year’s Gold Award winners, which include one further employer who has had their ERS Gold Award from 2017 revalidated for continued commitment, are: • Black Onyx Concepts Limited • HS Infra Ltd • Onions & Davies Solicitors • Shropshire Council (revalidation) • South Staffordshire College • Traffix Limited Find out more about the ERS and Armed Forces Covenant at www.wmrfca.org/employers

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Chamber Patrons

Donation helps charity turn children into cereal killers The Magic Breakfast charity is laying on a breakfast treat of an extra 150,000 start of the day meals – thanks to a £21,000 match-funded donation from the Wesleyan Foundation.

The charitable arm of the Birmingham-based financial mutual has joined forces with Magic Breakfast to provide the best possible start to the day for young schoolchildren.

Magic Breakfast works with over 1,000 schools in disadvantaged areas of the UK to ensure no child is too hungry to learn. They offer free, healthy breakfasts daily to over 200,000 pupils and provide expert support to schools, giving children and young people at risk of hunger a healthy meal each morning.

Research by the Institute of Fiscal Studies has shown that pupils in primary school receiving a nutritious ‘magic breakfast’ boosted their attainment at KS1 by an average of two months’ additional progress over the course of a year, compared to children in schools with no such provision.

Alongside this, 94 per cent of

Tucking in: Youngsters enjoy Magic Breakfast

Magic Breakfast partner schools report that breakfast provision has a positive impact on energy levels and boosts concentration – 93 per cent report increased readiness to learn.

Nathan Wallis, Chief of Staff at Wesleyan, said: “Getting a good education is so important but sadly many pupils go to school hungry, which hampers their learning and development.

“Magic Breakfast is a wonderful charity that seeks to address this issue and provides children across the country with breakfasts to help them start each day ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

“As a mutual it’s important to us that we give back to communities and support the charities that matter to our members and customers, many of whom are teachers.”

Recruiters flex their muscles Leading Midlands recruitment consultancy SF Recruitment is backing hybrid working – with a ‘Flex for Success’ initiative for employees and clients alike.

With offices in Birmingham, Leicester and Nottingham, SF introduced fully flexible working for the whole business in 2021. The move proved to be so successful that the consultancy decided to launch ‘Flex for Success’.

Saira Demmer CEO at SF Recruitment said: “We are strong believers in the power of personal autonomy to drive happiness at work and therefore flexibility has become a core component of our business model.

“Flexibility isn’t just about working hours – although they are important – for us it’s about having the freedom to make your own decisions and to adapt the way you work; how and when you need to.

It’s been hugely successful for us, boosting staff productivity and improving retention.”

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1813 Club and Premier Members

1813 Club and Premier Members Greater Birmingham’s leading companies

Premier Membership Contact: Gary Birch T: 0845 6036650

Senior team looks to the future An award-winning Birmingham hospitality business has announced a revamped senior team.

Unique Venues Birmingham (UVB) – a subsidiary of Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Birmingham City Council – was set up five years ago and has since gone on to win a string of awards and earn a contract to provide services to the revamped Alexander Stadium.

Now, a new senior team has been named with Suzanna Reid Barreiro da Silva – who has been at the helm since 2017 – stepping up to the role of commercial director for UVB and other aspects of The REP’s operations.

Sarah Millington will now become business development director, having previously been sales manager.

And newcomer to the business Joanne Jenkinson has joined as hospitality director.

Suzanna said: “UVB is in my DNA, and now taking on the responsibility of The Rep’s other entities, I am confident I will take the business to new heights and support The Rep in its aims for the community.

“These are exciting times for our business, and I am confident with Sarah and Joanne leading our teams in sales and event delivery, we will showcase UVB and The Rep as leading venues within Birmingham.

“I am fortunate to have passionate, motivated team members who are our greatest asset for taking the business forward.”

Arboretum flies the flag for green spaces

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Top team: Joanne Jenkinson, Suzanna Reid Barreiro da Silva and Sarah Millington of Unique Venues Birmingham

Flying the flag: Andy Ansell hoists the Green Flat at the Arboretum

The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire has been awarded its second Green Flag Award – an international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

The 150-acre garden and woodland site, home to more than 400 memorials commemorating the service of the Armed Forces, emergency services and community and voluntary groups, was first recognised by the scheme in 2021.

In November, it was voted as one of the public’s top 10 most popular parks and garden spaces as part of the accompanying People’s Choice Awards.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces.

Andy Ansell, head of estates at the National Memorial Arboretum, said: “Responsibly caring for a 150-acre site is a never-ending task, and our incredible staff and volunteers work relentlessly to keep our grounds in pristine condition, ensuring that we continue to offer a world-class setting for hundreds of thousands of people to explore each year.

“It was fantastic to receive our first ever Green Flag Award last year, and we have continued to work hard on our improvement plans, ahead of welcoming the judges back again this year.”

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1813 Club and Premier Members

Accountants sell stake in business to fund growth

Accountant Cooper Parry has sold a stake in the business to private equity firm Waterland in a deal which values the firm at £100m.

The company – based at Blythe Valley Business Park in Solihull – will continue to be led by CEO Ade Cheatham, with all of its 42 partners remaining in place. Waterland will become a “significant” shareholder with the Cooper Parry’s partners retaining a “substantial” equity stake.

Cheatham, said: “With Waterland on board, we can supercharge our growth and expansion across the UK and internationally. They have a strong track record of supporting ambitious advisory firms like ours and their pan-European presence will prove invaluable as we progress on our journey.

Ade Cheetham: The deal will supercharge growth

“Critically, they ‘get’ our unique culture and alternative approach to traditional accountancy services. Right from the get-go, they’ve consistently supported and endorsed our disruptive and entrepreneurial spirit. Our ambitious target is fivefold growth by 2027.”

Dominic Graham, investment director at Waterland Private Equity, added: “Cooper Parry is clearly differentiated in a crowded market and wellplaced to take advantage of continued structural change driven by regulatory change and client demands.

“We love Cooper Parry’s approach to people, which has resulted in a strong entrepreneurial culture and market-leading employee and client satisfaction.”

Bollywood has been Bard work A free exhibition exploring the influence of Shakespeare on Bollywood is being held at the Library of Birmingham.

Curated by DESIblitz.com, the exhibition runs in the Shakespeare Memorial Room until 28 October.

It explores how Shakespeare has directly and indirectly influenced Bollywood cinema.

There are works in 94 languages in the Shakespeare Memorial Library.

It contains nearly 100 South Asian translations and adaptations, some of which were added to the collection shortly after it was founded in 1864.

This exhibition acknowledges the untold or unrecognized histories behind the collection.

Indi Deol, DESIblitz and exhibition curator, said: “This exhibition explores the relationship between Shakespeare and his influence on the Bollywood film industry.

“I have lived here all my life and was amazed whilst creating the exhibition that the library has nearly 100 South Asian translations and adaptations that feature in the Shakespeare Memorial Library.”

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International Trade

International Trade HPI visa aims to attract best graduates to UK The UK Government has launched a High Potential Individual (HPI) visa to attract the “brightest and best” graduates from the world’s most prestigious overseas universities to come and work in the UK. The visa comes about following a post-Brexit immigration drive to attract overseas workers to the UK and by putting ‘ability and talent’ first, following the end of the freedom of movement for EU Nationals.

The HPI visa allows successful applicants with a bachelor’s or master’s degree a twoyear work visa permission to bring their families. Those with PhDs can apply for a three-year visa.

If applicants wish to continue working in the UK after their HPI visa expires, they can switch to other long-term employment visas.

To be eligible, applicants must have graduated from the top 50 non-UK universities no more than five years before the date of application.

Pam Sidhu (pictured), head of business immigration at The Wilkes Partnership said: “The UK government recently introduced many new and modified immigration routes, including the HPI visa which opened on 30 May 2022.

“It is clear that the overall aim of the new UK immigration system is more and more towards encouraging highly qualified and talented individuals to enter the UK. The new graduate route is in line with this general approach.

“However, it is questionable to what extent this route will be taken up, as it only provides an initial foothold in the UK for two or three years, after which the individual will need to consider switching into a work or other immigration route in order to stay here long term.”

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

Time is right to tap into export markets Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) new international expert Chris McFarlane Baxter is a man on a mission – to drive up UK exports.

Chris, who has joined the GBCC as head of international divisions, has issued a rallying cry to firms throughout the West Midlands to bounce back from Covid-19 by boosting their export markets.

“I am here to tell businesses that there is huge untapped potential growth to be gained through exports. It is alarming that only one in 10 British businesses currently exports on a regular basis despite the fact that exports account for 27 per cent GDP. “If you compare that with Holland, they export half of their GDP. There is absolutely no reason why Britain should not be doing more. We need to be looking for ways to grow businesses through international opportunities and a great way to do that is exporting into international markets.”

Chris said the GBCC’s international divisions had a key role to play in helping steer UK companies towards new export markets – including outside Europe.

“If we can help businesses get around the paperwork and barriers to sell into Europe, customers can be found anywhere in the world.”

He said the post-Brexit climate presented new opportunities for ambitious firms despite some of the negativity surrounding the UK’s decision to leave the EU and a subsequent fall in exports in the aftermath of the pandemic.

“I am not one to sit down and complain about difficulties. I am more one to say let’s make the

Untapped potential: Chris McFarlane Baxter

most of the situation and turn it into a positive.”

Chris, who hails from Glasgow, has joined the Chambers from the Department for International Trade, dividing his time between London and Manchester.

He began his career as a teacher, working in Madrid and Barcelona for 13 years where he taught English to senior management figures in Spain who were keen to break into new export markets.

“I came back to the UK and did a stint as an export sales adviser in the steel industry in South Yorkshire and for the last two years I have been working as an International Trade Adviser at the Department for International Trade.

“Now I am looking forward to getting to know Birmingham and the companies around here. I am sure we can build relationships of mutual benefit.”

Investment projects have Commonwealth link As the Commonwealth Games opened in Birmingham, two new Commonwealth-sourced foreign direct investment (FDI) projects were announced for the West Midlands, alongside the regional expansion of professional services giant Accenture.

The investments have been made by India’s first plastic credit platform, The Disposal Company, and Canada-based pan-African fintech company, Kora. They were revealed during a presentation at the Commonwealth Business Forum at the International Convention Centre, organised in partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council.

50 CHAMBERLINK September 2022

While athletes prepared for their events, business leaders and government officials gathered to explore how the transition to net zero can stimulate sustainable economic growth through trade, including green investment opportunities, innovative technologies and green finance.

The event also marked the launch of UK House – an eight-day programme of trade and investment talks taking place alongside the Games, brokering new partnerships for sustainable growth.

Both Commonwealth-sourced investments have been secured as a direct result of the

Global Growth Programme, a new support package for international companies looking to grow in the UK. The scheme is led by the West Midlands Growth Company in partnership with the Department for International Trade.

The programme also helps UK businesses from the region to get export-ready.

Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “These valuable Commonwealth-sourced investments are a sign that the Global Growth Programme is already bearing fruit, underlining Birmingham’s position as an international business hub.”

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International Trade Greater Birmingham

Commonwealth

Commonwealth Chamber Patrons

Greater Birmingham

Transatlantic Chamber Patrons

Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Mandy Haque T: 0121 725 8994

Trade summit offers global perspective

By Jon Griffin A major international trade summit is back in Birmingham after a three-year “virtual break” – and firms are being urged to broaden their horizons by tapping into the knowledge of an array of expert speakers.

The Global Trade Conference takes place on 15 September at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire – with hosts Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) keen to welcome delegates back after the difficult Covid years.

The half-day conference features keynote speakers and panel discussions on a range of topics like the effects of the pandemic, international travel, business resilience and an in-depth analysis of the global economy.

The opening keynote speaker will be Anne-Marie Trevelyan, secretary of state for international trade.

The first session, sponsored by Birmingham City University, will feature the International Trade Index Launch, with the GBCC’s head of policy Raj Kandola.

“Around the World in 45 Minutes” will be chaired by GBCC president

Deb Leary, with keynote speakers Amanda Brooks, director general for trade negotiations at the Department for International Trade and Andy Dawson, director and cofounder at Curium Solutions.

The session will be followed by An Analysis of the Global Economy featuring Joe Brusuelas, US chief economist with RSM, and Tom Pugh, UK chief economist with RSM. There will then be a Business Masterclass, an Introduction to Entering International Markets followed by a session on Investment Opportunities in the West Midlands, chaired by GBCC chief executive Henrietta Brealey with speakers Professor Geoff Thompson, deputy chair of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, and Dan Storer, chief investment officer with the West Midlands Growth Company.

Mandy Haque, the Chamber’s international director, said: “The venue can seat 450 so we will be looking to get as many people there as possible. This is a free international event for the city with sponsorship opportunities available – we want to engage with as many businesses as possible.”

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire will host the Global Trade Conference

Stefanie Bowes, the GBCC international business manager, said: “This is not going to be death

by Powerpoint. All the sessions are quite short and snappy and delegates can share in-depth conversations.

“We are talking about bilateral trade opportunities available for businesses who want to trade overseas.

“We will also be supporting the legacy of the Commonwealth

Games – not every Commonwealth market will be easy for businesses to reach but they are ready and waiti. We want West Midland businesses to take advantage of the new trading environment postBrexit.”

Companies can register for the event by contacting the Chambers Events and Marketing Team or on www.greaterbirminghamchambers. com

...and will be addressed by key Games organiser

By Dan Harrison

Opportunity: Geoff-Thompson

A key figure in delivering the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is set to address Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s Global Trade Conference next month.

Professor Geoff Thompson, deputy chair of the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee, will feature in the line-up for the conference.

He will participate in a session focusing on investment opportunities in the West Midlands – which includes a panel discussion on Birmingham 2022’s legacy.

Professor Thompson has a 35-year track record in the social and human development of young people and communities.

As a five-time world karate champion and experienced sports administrator and politician, he has a broad skill set that has helped advise, develop and deliver social and human project and programme initiatives across the world.

Professor Thompson has also undertaken a number of public and private sector

appointments. He is the founder and chair of the Youth Charter, a UK-based international charity which uses the ethics of sport, arts, cultural and digital activities to tackle the problems of educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and crime in some of the most troubled parts of the world.

Other roles include board member of the London Legacy Development Corporation, advisory board member of the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, USA, advisor to the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation, chair of the operational board of the Professional Footballers’ Association and chair of the London Youth Games.

Professor Thompson said: “The Global Trade Conference provides an ideal opportunity to realise the social, cultural and economic legacy benefits of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The young people volunteering, apprenticeship skills and innovation that have been developed as a result will see employability, entrepreneurship and impact to the City and throughout the world.”

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

Business commitments force Jason to step down from role Dr Jason Wouhra OBE has reluctantly decided to step down as president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) The chief executive of Lioncroft Wholesale Limited (T/A East End Wholesale Stores), one of the largest wholesale businesses in the UK, will be succeeded by a joint presidency of Amina Hussain and Omar Rashid.

Jason became president in 2020 and told Chamberlink: “I have given this deep thought and I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that I must step down early as ABCC president, due to my personal business commitments.

“Since selling East End Foods to PE and then buying back the wholesale arm of the business through the company Lioncroft Wholesale Limited, I really wish to focus on the future development of the business. I have been involved with the Chamber and ABCC since its formation and the Institute of Asian Businesses before that throughout my business life and I will continue to be associated with them.

“There is a great team with big ambitions at the ABCC supported by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

“Being President of the ABCC has been a tremendous privilege and over the past two

years we have achieved a great deal at the ABCC, successfully tackling the Covid-19 crisis for businesses and managing through a tough

business landscape as well as hosting a successful and first ever hybrid and online ABCC awards.

“And throughout my term I had tremendous support from the committee and director Anjum Khan.”

During Jason’s tenure there were some extensive reforms at the ABCC under director Anjum Khan, including a review of the membership offering and proposition.

Anjum said: “We are, of course greatly disappointed that Jason has had to stand down early but know that we will still be able to draw on his wise counsel. During his tenure as president he reinvigorated the ABCC and introduced reforms that will sustain us for many years to come.”

Jason was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2017 for his services to business and international trade.

His other roles include being governor of Aston University and Chairman of West Midlands India Partnership, was non-executive director of University Birmingham NHS Trust, as well as past chairmanships Library of Birmingham Advisory Board, Birmingham Child Poverty Commission and Aston University Development Board.

Omar and Amina take the reins as ABCC Co-presidents: Omar Rashid and Amina Hussain

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The presidency of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) is to be shared following Jason Wouhra’s decision to step down.

The duties will be taken by Amina Hussain, who becomes the first female Bangladeshi president of the ABCC, and Omar Rashid until the annual meeting next year.

Anjum Khan, the ABCC’s director, said: “We are grateful to Amina and Omar for stepping in and, of course, they could re-stand for reelection together or as individuals at the AGM. We wish them every success in their role as copresidents.”

Amina said: “I am delighted to step up as copresident of the ABCC. Being the first female British Bangladeshi in history to have gained this position is incredible and I am truly grateful.

“I am thankful for our predecessor, Jason Wouhra, who has been a great supporter as president and also as a prominent business leader nationally and internationally.

“I would also like to thank Anjum Khan with whom we have worked closely and relentlessly over the last three years to ensure that we provide a diverse range of business support services during the pandemic and helping businesses come back stronger.

“Omar and I, together with our existing

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ABCC Premier+ Partners

ABCC Patrons

Entries now open for annual awards Nine categories from which the Business of the Year will be selected are up for grabs at this year’s Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) annual awards on Saturday, November 19.

Winners will be revealed at a glittering dinner and ceremony at the The National Conference Centre ( Motorcycle Museum), Birmingham.

Anjum Khan, director of the ABCC, said: “Companies can nominate themselves for an award.

“They are free to enter and open to all businesses regardless of whether they are a member of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, or the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

“All applications will be judged by an independent judging panel and the finalists will be announced in October.”

Headline sponsors are Doug Wright (T/A McDonalds), Aston University and Lioncroft Wholesale Stores.

Jason Wouhra receives his OBE from Prince Charles

‘A wonderful organisation who have been such an integral part of the region’s success over the past 35 years’

Raring to go: ABCC director Anjum Khan

Award categories • Outstanding Charity of the Year • Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year • Outstanding Finance Business of the Year (Sponsored by SME Outsourcing) • Outstanding Hospitality Business of the Year • Outstanding Legal Services of the Year

co-presidents executive board committee members, will work tirelessly to collaborate to bring together a bigger, and a much bolder Asian business community, increasing diversity.”

Omar said: “I always hoped to become president of the ABCC one day and feel proud that this day has come. It’s an amazing challenge and a challenge I’m confident myself and Amina can be successful in.”

Amina is a qualified accountant at SME Outsourcing with over 24 years’ experience in accountancy, taxation, insolvency and forensic accounting.

Amina is also a member of The Leaders Council of Great Britain and Ireland where she is able to participate in round table discussions which are heard at a parliamentary level.

Omar was born and bred in Smethwick, wanted to be a cricketer. Instead he studied accountancy at Coventry University and gained a Masters in HR Management.

He works closely with SMEs from various sectors and won Outstanding Start-up Business at the ABCC Awards in 2018.

Omar also co-hosts a business networking event at Everyman Cinema called The Breakfast Club and is a radio presenter on Unity FM with a show called The Business Hour.

Doug said: “We are thrilled and proud to be supporting the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce as a headline supporter.

“They are a wonderful organisation who have been such an integral part of the region’s success over the past 35 years. We look forward to this key event and being part of what such be a fabulous night to celebrate all of their achievements.

Mark Smith, the executive director of business and regional engagement at Aston University, added: “We’re delighted to be again sponsoring the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce annual dinner and awards.

“It’s always an honour to be part of celebrating the remarkable achievements of businesses across the region. Made even more special as 2022 marks 75 years since the independence of both Pakistan and India.”

Jason Wouhra, chief executive of Lioncroft, said: “Lioncroft Wholesale Limited are proud to be headline sponsors of the ABCC Awards 2022.

The ABCC Awards, now in their 35th year are an excellent celebration of Asian business in the UK and a fitting recognition of the contribution the Asian community make to our economy and society as a whole.

“Lioncroft Wholesale Limited and East End Foods prior to that have been at the heart of serving thousands of Asian Food businesses for 50 years and we see first-hand the wonderful

• Outstanding Small Business of the Year • Outstanding Start-Up Business of the Year • Outstanding Tech Business of the Year (Sponsored by South and City College Birmingham) • Outstanding Young Achiever of the Year (Sponsored by Aston University) One winner will be crowned Overall Business of the Year Anyone interested in sponsorship of the awards or more information should contact a.khan@birmingham-chamber.com for further information To download entry forms go to the ABCC section on the Chamber website: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com value that those businesses deliver to the economy and communities around the country.

“The Asian community is four per cent of the population and delivers nine per cent of the UK’s GDP, a most impressive statistic for a community that is no stranger to hard work and perseverance.

“We wish all the very best of luck to all our finalists for the awards this year.”

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Cannock Chase Chase Chamber Patrons

Cannock Chase

Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Steve Mattin T: 07971 144056

Finance deal enables firm to press on A Staffordshire manufacturer that produces a range of car parts is pressing ahead with major growth plans and a revenue boost after securing a significant new contract following a £500,000 finance package from Lloyds Bank.

RSD Pressings, based in Cannock, produces specialist parts for the automotive industry, including engine brackets and brackets for car doors and bumpers. The firm has purchased a new state-of-the-art press after securing the bank package, which will significantly increase its tonne press capacity from 300 to 400 tonnes.

‘The trade finance support we received took the risk out of making such a big outlay’ The increase will help the business expand beyond automotive parts into areas such as building products. It recently won a new contract with a building goods supplier, which will increase its income by as much as 25%. The firm also hopes it will present opportunities for further organic growth among its existing customer base, which includes Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan and BMW. As a result of the new contract RSD Pressings – which employs more than 50 people in Cannock – is planning to recruit up to five more members of staff in the New Year.

Dan Burton, managing director at RSD Pressings, said: “This investment is a key part of our ongoing vision for growth. It will mean we can transfer our expertise in the automotive

Rate relief option for Covid-hit businesses A new cash lifeline for Cannock businesses hit by Covid-19 is up for grabs.

Local businesses which did not qualify for rate relief funded by the Government to help them get through the COVID-19 pandemic are being invited to apply for new rate relief support, Cannock Chase Council has announced.

The rate relief support scheme is part of a further allocation of money received by Cannock Chase Council from the Government.

The funding, available now, is from the Government’s COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund known as CARF. The funding is aimed at local businesses who were affected by the pandemic but were ineligible for earlier support linked to business rates. Eligible businesses must be based in the Cannock Chase District and have been in business and liable for business rates as of 1 April 2021. They must be able to demonstrate that their business has been severely impacted by COVID-19.

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Major growth plans: RSD Pressings managing director Dan Burton, with Mark Meakin and Ian Littleford from Lloyds Bank in front of the new press

industry into more areas like building products and open up more revenue streams. We’ve already secured one big opportunity and are sure it will bring more in the future.”

RSD Pressings also benefitted from a trade finance package from the Lloyds Bank team. The business needed to pay a significant amount of the cost up front before the machinery was shipped over from Taiwan but faced delays of more than eight weeks before it arrived in the UK. The trade finance package ensured that the business could relieve any potential pressure on cashflow while the equipment was in transit.

Dan added: “The trade finance support we

received took the risk out of making such a big outlay and gave us the confidence to go ahead with the purchase. The Lloyds Bank team knows our business well, having worked with us for the past eight years and was able to offer the best solution for us. We’re really pleased their support has enabled us to make this investment.”

Mark Meakin, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “RSD Pressings has a big reputation in its specialist field, playing a vital unseen role in supporting a host of the big car manufacturers.

They’ve shown great ambition by looking to grow their portfolio in new areas and we’re delighted we’ve been able to support them.”

Apprentices playing a key role Cannock teenager Libby Wordley-Smith (pictured) is a rising star at Staffordshire County Council – as one of more than 80 apprentices recognised at a special graduation event.

Libby, 19, was one of dozens of apprentices representing sectors from health and care to education and engineering who were joined by their families, friends, employers and training providers for the seventh Staffordshire Apprenticeship Graduation ceremony.

Staffordshire County Council apprentices Libby, Megan Millard, Mark Wilson and Hilton Vasey all completed their apprenticeships this year.

Libby is a Database Assistant with the county council and was fundamental in helping businesses get the funding they need to take on their apprentice. She has just completed her level 3 digital support technician apprenticeship.

She said: “I am really happy I chose to do an apprenticeship because it has really helped me to achieve my goals and grow my confidence. I have had so much support throughout my apprenticeship from the team and tutors and I can’t thank them enough.

“It’s funny. I’m part of the skills team and spent some time as part of the Staffordshire Means Back to Business team. This was easy for me. As an apprentice myself, I was well aware of the opportunities it gives to both employers and to people doing them. It has been amazing to be able to help Staffordshire businesses get back up and running after COVID-19.

“I would definitely recommend the apprenticeship route to anyone as it is an amazing way to learn and develop new skills whilst working in an organisation. I can’t wait to progress here at the council and see where I go next.”

Philip White, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Learning and Employability at Staffordshire County Council said apprenticeships remained key to increasing skills levels across all sectors and jobs, including higher skills at degree level.

Philip said: “We have a booming economy here in Staffordshire and apprenticeships continue to play a major role in this success. Key to this is having a good supply of talented people with the skills that employers need.”

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Burton & District Burton & District Chamber Patrons

Contact: Steve Mattin T: 07971 144056

Debilitating effect: A Long Covid patient in training with a Burton Albion Community Trust coach

Mental benefits: Ivor Robinson, Tom Robinson and Ivor’s son Sam Robinson

Researchers develop recovery programme Researchers at Birmingham City University have joined forces with Burton Albion Community Trust to help people struggling with long-Covid symptoms regain their health.

Sports exercise scientists from the University have teamed up with fitness coaches from the League One Club’s Community Trust to design, deliver and monitor the effectiveness of an exercise rehabilitation programme on long-Covid symptoms and recovery.

‘Long-Covid can have a seriously debilitating effect on fitness levels’ The long-Covid recovery and rehabilitation programme is part of a pilot project being trialled in four locations across Staffordshire and involving local sports and wellbeing charity Together Active and the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust as well as the Gym Group who have provided their facilities.

Long-Covid is where symptoms associated

with Covid such as breathing difficulties, tiredness and fatigue, memory loss, brain fog, fever, poor appetite, continue for 12 weeks after initial infection.

To help tackle the burden that ongoing Covid symptoms is continuing to place on the healthcare system, the NHS has invested £10m across the UK into local health services.

The Birmingham City University and Burton Albion Community Trust initiative is one such programme and will focus on people with lower levels of need but still requiring support with self-care, rather than those with medically complex or deteriorating conditions.

Dr Lewis Gough, senior lecturer in Sport and Exercise at Birmingham City University, is heading up the study. He said: “We know that long-Covid can have a seriously debilitating effect on fitness levels among people who previously didn’t do much exercise but also among those who led very healthy, active lifestyles. We’ll be working with both categories to assess the impact long-Covid has had and to tailor exercise programmes accordingly.”

College goes carbon neutral Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to a green environment - by becoming a Carbon Neutral Organisation.

Working with Carbon Neutral Britain, the College has become Carbon Neutral by investing in carbon positive projects from around the world and offsetting its carbon footprint.

The worldwide projects include the Burgos Wind Project, the largest wind farm in the Philippines; the Andes Mountains Hydro Power Hydroelectric project in Chile; the Rice Husk Power Project in Cambodia and the Huaneng Changyi Wind Farm Project in China.

James Poynter, Director of Carbon Neutral Britain, said: “We are delighted to partner with Burton and South Derbyshire College to help

identify and offset their environmental impact for 2022 and beyond. It’s important that businesses and organisations step up and take account of the environmental impact associated with their operations.”

John Beaty, Deputy Principal at BSDC said: “We are proud to have become a Carbon Neutral Organisation that supports impactful initiatives that are producing ongoing positive change across the world. Carbon Neutral Britain are helping us to reduce our emissions and offset our remaining Carbon Footprint with certified projects around the world that reduce the amount of CO²e in the earth’s atmosphere. The College is committed to championing environmental and sustainability issues to make a positive impact for the future of the planet.”

Farm grows to add barn family attraction A Staffordshire farm has unveiled a £800,000 renovation programme to give families and businesses a real taste of the countryside – with a rustic event venue and new childcare facilities.

The Deer Barn, a 340 square metre renovated barn at the National Forest Adventure Farm, in Tatenhill, near Burton upon Trent aims to create space and facilities which help families and businesses get outdoors in the countryside and experience rural life.

The facility provides accommodation for special celebrations, wedding receptions and business conferences with space for 160 people seated and 250 standing.

The latest initiative follows investment in new activities in the farm attraction, including a musical maze, a new adventure golf and outdoor catering areas. A dedicated childcare facility gives 140 children the opportunity to learn about rural farm life through play.

Tom Robinson, who owns the site with his brother Ivor, said: “As a family we are proud to invest and diversify our farm to bring the experience of the great outdoors to people and their families.

“Being outdoors has so many benefits both physically and mentally and it is why we continue to invest in facilities at the farm which help to give families and individuals access to rural settings.

“The completion of the conversion of the underutilised barn not only provides a unique venue space in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside but the scope for further local jobs and collaboration with local food, catering and hospitality providers.”

The 40-acre farm attraction has an Adventure Farm Day Nursery for children aged six-weeks to school age. The childcare facility has created 15 full-time equivalent jobs, contributing to the Robinson family’s commitment to supporting the local economy.

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

Helping the lower paid: Bluebird Care Tamworth and Lichfield

Health care firm backs national Living Wage Home health care firm Bluebird Care Tamworth & Lichfield is flying high to help the lower paid – by backing the national Living Wage.

The company’s Living Wage commitment will see everyone working at Bluebird Care Tamworth & Lichfield receive a minimum hourly wage of £10.50, significantly higher than the government minimum for over 23s, which currently stands at £9.50 per hour.

Bluebird Care Tamworth & Lichfield is based in a region where almost a fifth of all workers (19.3%) earn less than they need to earn to get by, with around 434,000 jobs paying less than the real Living Wage.

Martin Lahert, Director, Bluebird Care Tamworth, Lichfield, Nuneaton & North Warwickshire said: “Here at Bluebird Care Tamworth, Lichfield, Nuneaton & North Warwickshire we are very pleased to have been accredited as a Living Wage Employer.

“We are delighted to reward those who work with such care and dedication for our wonderful clients with fair wages.”

Some heroes do wear capes

Support for Steve is a Shire thing Steve Cunningham, who battled back from going blind at 12 to become the world’s fastest blind man, has a new backer – in the shape of sponsors Shire Leasing PLC. The Tamworth-based asset finance company has unveiled a new sponsorship agreement with Steve, Blindvision’s keynote and motivational speaker. Steve has broken barriers in sport and beyond, building a career inspiring and motivating businesses and the education sector nationally and internationally.

Born and raised in Tamworth, Steve was an avid sports fan with a keen interest in fast cars, boats and planes, and dreamt of a career as a professional footballer. But tragically he developed eyesight problems and was irreversibly blind by the age of just 12.

But the youngster fought back against disability and has notched up a series of remarkable achievements, playing for the England Blind Cricket team, becoming the first blind pilot to fly around England, captaining the English blind football team to the World Cup and breaking two world speed records on land and sea to become ‘The World’s Fastest Blind Man.’ John Flounders, head of Sales at Shire Leasing said: “I had the pleasure of meeting Steve Cunningham at a charity golf day and was fortunate to sit with him for the evening meal.

Superheroes: Walkers get in step for the St Giles Hospice Hero Walk

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s St Giles Hospice’s superhero-themed charity fundraising event in Sutton Coldfield.

Superheroes from near and far are being called to pull on a cape and show they care at the St Giles Hospice Hero Walk on Saturday 24 September at Sutton Park.

Zoe Wright, Events Manager at St Giles Hospice, said: “We can’t wait to host our first-ever event in Sutton Coldfield. Our Hero Walk has activities and entertainment for everyone. You can enjoy games, refreshments and pose for some super family snaps before setting off on your activity adventure.”

The 5km family walk and fun day will kick off at 10am, with the walk starting at 11am. Entry is £3 for under threes, £6 for under 16s and £10 for adults. Doggy sidekicks can take part for free.

To sign up to the St Giles Hospice Hero Walk, please visit www.stgileshospice.com/herowalk 56 CHAMBERLINK September 2022

Inspiring: Steve Cunningham with John Flounders

During those few hours I got to know a little bit about Steve’s life and what he has achieved, despite the adversity he has been through.

“I was truly humbled and inspired. Shire Leasing want to support Steve in promoting disability awareness and breaking further barriers. In signing a three-year sponsorship agreement with Blindvision, we hope his story and work will further inspire individuals and businesses of all abilities and backgrounds to reach for their goals”.

Street food business launches pop-up events Street food favourites The English Indian will be bringing an aromatic taste of the East to Staffordshire – by reopening their Lichfield unit for monthly pop-up events.

Their space, at Shires Industrial Estate on Essington Close, will be transformed into a street food destination for the last weekend of every month, giving foodie fans a chance to sample their Indian twist on that Friday night staple – fish and chips.

The launch on Friday, October 7 and Saturday, October 8, will mark the introduction of a new, extended street food menu to complement their signature dishes, as well as desserts and a licensed bar serving a range of beers.

There will be plenty of seating for diners, as well as live music during the weekend.

The pop-up events will run from October until April. For more details, visit www.theenglishindian.co.uk or find The English Indian on Instagram @theenglishindian1 or Facebook @theenglishindian

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Sutton Coldfield Sutton Coldfield Chamber Patrons

Sutton Coldfield

Charity of the Year

Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Chris Brewerton T: 0845 6036650

Former camera operator promoted to starring role

Promotion: Phil Arkinstall with new deputy CEO Graham Allsopp

A long-serving member of staff at Sutton Coldfield video production firm Ark Media has been promoted to the role of deputy CEO. Graham Allsopp first became involved with Ark as a freelance camera operator after meeting CEO Phil Arkinstall in 2016 when the business employed just four people.

Graham went on to become the main camera operator – taking part in video shoots in Saudi Arabia, Gran Canaria and Israel – before earning a promotion to head of production in 2019.

Over the past three years, he has overseen all areas of production, as well as helping the business grow to 13 staff.

Graham has also achieved a string of awards successes and nominations including being shortlisted for the Future Face of Sales,

Farmers Market to return to town centre Sutton Coldfield town centre is to host a monthly Farmers Market – rekindling a tradition that dates back more than 700 years.

The markets will take place along the Parade on the last Sunday of the month from 10am to 2pm – with initial dates confirmed as 25 September, 30 October and 27 November.

Michelle Baker, Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID) manager, said: “We are exploring ways to boost footfall in the town centre and introducing quality speciality markets selling local produce and artisan gifts will be a reason to visit Sutton Coldfield.

“This is a three month trial and, if supported by the local community, it will become a year-round event, 12 months of the year.”

Interested traders can contact Michelle at bidmanager@suttoncoldfieldtowncentre.co.uk

Marketing and Communications in 2021 and this year’s Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Chambers’ Young Professional of the Year.

Ark Media CEO Phil Arkinstall said: "I am delighted to appoint Graham as deputy CEO and promote him to company director.

“This is a culmination of six years’ hard work and his drive and enthusiasm has helped propel the business forward, particularly in the last 12 months.”

Graham: “I am honoured to be have been part of the fantastic growth of this business over the past six years. My next challenge is to work alongside Phil to take the business from strength to strength, helping to grow the team as well as our product offering.”

Teacher saves the day after passport delays A dedicated school worker teamed up with her MP to ensure two children didn’t miss the boat in joining their classmates on a dream holiday to France – after a lastminute passport mix-up.

When Year 6 Mere Green Primary pupils Taiya-Lea Brown and Daniel Warrad faced missing the June school trip due to not having their passports back, school office manager, Caroline Dempsey made it her mission to help.

She enlisted the help of Sutton Coldfield MP Andrew Mitchell to secure both passports in the nick of time.

This included an 11th hour dash on a Sunday – just one day before the holiday – to the Liverpool passport office, which opened especially, following a heartfelt plea from Caroline and Mr Mitchell.

Caroline, who has worked at Mere Green Primary School, part of the respected Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), for four months, said: “When we realised the children wouldn’t have their passports back in time, I wanted to do all I could to help.

“Andrew worked tirelessly to arrange for the Liverpool Passport Office, which is normally closed on a Sunday, to open and the family drove up to collect the passport.

“As a result, both children made the trip and had an amazing time alongside their classmates!”

Mr Mitchell said: “I’m delighted that Daniel and Taiya-Lea could join the other children, and that they’ve had a wonderful adventure.”

Property firm expands with three new faces Property consultancy Burley Browne has made a hat-trick of new appointments as the ambitious company continues to grow.

The Sutton Coldfield-headquartered business has welcomed Hollie Doody, Tendai Mutisi and Sharon Pick to its growing team.

Sharon has been appointed as property accountant to support the growing property management department.

She previously worked at Birmingham property consultancy Centrick.

Tendai joins as a graduate surveyor in the professional services team, having gained an MA in Real Estate at Birmingham City University.

Hollie – who previously worked at Henry Riley quantity surveyors - has been named office manager, supporting the directors and fee earners.

They join Will Richardson who came on board

New recruits: Sharon Pick, Tendai Mutisi, Hollie Doody and Will Richardson

just over a year ago as a graduate surveyor in the agency team, having gained a BSc Hons Real Estate Management degree from Oxford Brookes.

Burley Browne director David Hemming said: “We have had a tremendous couple of years and we are experiencing exponential growth across the business.

We therefore needed new talent to help drive the company forward and I am very pleased to welcome three excellent team members.”

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

Fund raisers: Samantha Rutter and Georgie Moseley

Driving force: runyourfleet.com’s Steve Whitmarsh (right) hands over the keys of lifesaving vehicle to Bill Goodall alongside Arrive Alive’s Debbie Roscoe and daughter Ellie (left)

Fleet firm comes to the aid of lifesaving charity Non Government funded charity Arrive Alive is firmly in the fast lane – thanks to West Midlands-based runyourfleet.com.

The fleet management and vehicle leasing company handed over a brand-new lifesaving vehicle to Arrive Alive in a presentation at their head office in Henley-in-Arden.

Runyourfleet.com, which manages more than 30,000 vehicles across the UK, has provided the fully expensed vehicle for three years to be used on the roads of the West Midlands, responding to 999 calls.

Steve Whitmarsh, managing director of runyourfleet.com, said: “We are delighted to be able to support the fantastic work that Arrive Alive are doing with various community fast responder groups across the Midlands.

“The service these people selflessly provide for their community is, quite simply, amazing. By providing a fully expensed car to Arrive Alive, the team at runyourfleet.com hope to play a small part in this tremendous service and aim to help grow the number of fast response vehicles across the Midlands.”

Debbie Roscoe, founder of Arrive Alive, said: “The support from runyourfleet.com will make a major difference to Arrive Alive and their provision of this vehicle will save more lives within the community.

“Arrive Alive is the only charity of its kind ensuring lifesaving voluntary operated vehicles and equipment is operational for community first responders assisting West Midlands Ambulance Service via emergency 999 calls. runyourfleet.com has chosen Arrive Alive as their nominated charity of the year, so thank you to Steve, Jo, and the team for their continued support, it really is greatly appreciated.”

The entire runyourfleet.com team gathered to witness Steve hand over the keys to community first responder, Bill Goodall, along with members of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) and Solihull Chamber of Commerce. The multi-award winning company provides a range of products and services to support businesses of all sizes manage their fleet of vehicles.

58 CHAMBERLINK September 2022

Study firm teaches lesson in fund raising Solihull-based distance learning provider Open Study College has raised more than £11,000 in aid of much-loved Birmingham charity Help Harry Help Others.

Open Study College has been supporting the charity since 2017 and the vital donations have helped aid its work and support services, including the daily running of the drop-in cancer support centre, which provides over 900 families with a safe and supportive space to visit.

‘Ensuring we can support cancer patients and their families feels more important than ever’ Help Harry Help Others became a registered charity in September 2012, and was founded by Georgie Moseley, following the passing of her son Harry.

Despite fighting an inoperable brain tumour, Harry raised over £750,000 for cancer research in the last two years of his life, before he passed away on 8 October 2011, aged just 11.

Georgie was frustrated by the lack of support in the community for families affected by cancer, and so set about making Harry’s campaign, 'Help Harry Help Others' a charity

structured around where her family knew more support was needed.

In 2018, Georgie launched Birmingham’s first drop-in cancer support centre, a unique service of its kind, offering over 20 services to support families in every aspect outside of treatment, from mental wellbeing to finances and housing.

To date, the charity has helped over 1,500 families and in 2019, HHHO reached the milestone of £1m in donations.

Georgie said: “A huge thank you to the team at Open Study College for their continued support for Help Harry Help Others.

Ongoing relationships with local organisations like Open Study College, are so important to the charity.

“Their amazing donations mean we can keep providing much-needed support to those who need it in a year that marks the 10th anniversary of the charity, alongside the current cost of living crisis, ensuring we can support cancer patients and their families feels more important than ever.”

Samantha Rutter, CEO at Open Study College: “Harry’s cause is one that’s extremely close to our hearts. We truly admire the brilliant work that Help Harry Help Others does to support families in their time of need which is why we’ve continued to support in any way that we can.”

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Solihull Solihull Chamber Patrons

Green gong for Touchwood Touchwood Solihull has won global recognition promoting environmental best practice – in the face of opposition from hundreds of rivals.

The status is awarded after businesses and organisations ‘help others to help the environment’ by having their award-winning papers published in The Green Book, the world’s only annual global work of reference on environmental best practice.

The Green Book CD is distributed free of charge around the world available on www.thegreenorganisation.info to enable governments, businesses, environmental professionals, organisations and universities to follow the lead of Green World Ambassadors.

The centre beat strong competition from more than 500 other nominations and representatives for their Green Apple Award winning paper.

Touchwood was recognised for high achievement in a host of sustainable projects including full ISO 14001:2015 & ISO 50001:2018 accreditation as well as reducing CO2 emissions in 2019 and 2020 by 53 per cent and 59 per cent respectively.

This recognition follows the shopping centre’s International Green Apple Award win last year.

Fantastic achievement: Tony Elvin

In 2021, Touchwood was also named as the first shopping centre in the UK to be awarded a 2-star Fitwel accreditation, additionally achieving the highest Fitwel Healthy Building score of any retail environment globally.

Tony Elvin, general manager, said: “To be recognised in this way is a fantastic achievement and we are especially proud to know that the hard work done here in Solihull can be used to help other sustainable businesses around the world make an impact within their own communities.”

Vehicle partner to drive Moors forward Solihull Moors kicked off the new season in style with a new official vehicle partner – in the shape of Wiseman Motor Services.

The company, located on the outskirts of Knowle and Dorridge, will sponsor the big screen at the ARMCO Arena and will be business sponsor of Moors’ 2021-22 Player of the Season, Joe Sbarra.

Managing director Matthew Wiseman said: “As passionate football supporters, Wiseman Motor Services and its staff are excited to be involved in the upcoming season with our local club.

“We hope that supporters can take advantage of the incentives and discounts throughout the season that will be on offer exclusively to Moors season ticket and car park ticket holders.

“We are thrilled to align ourselves with the Moors who also take great pride in playing a leading role in the local community.”

Wiseman will be giving away a free MOT test to one car randomly selected at the Moors car park at every home game.

September 2022 CHAMBERLINK 59

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Future Faces Future Faces Chamber Patrons Contact: Jodie-Lee Perks T: 07951 245985

Bright future in store for Chamberlink rounds up this year’s Future Faces awards, which celebrate and reward the region’s top young professionals in a variety of careers, industries and disciplines Ambassador: Ingrida (front left) in her role as a STEAM ambassador

Future Faces Award Winners 2022 • Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2022 (Sponsor: Aston University) Ingrida Vengalyte, Jacobs UK Ltd • The President’s Award Michal Nowinski, • Apprentice of the Year (Sponsor: Greater Birmingham and Solihull Training Provider Network) Daisy Carter, Jacobs UK Ltd • Future Face of Education and Public Sector (Sponsor: Sandwell College) Gurdeep Chima, Aston University • Future Face of Industry and Engineering (Sponsor: Schumacher Packaging) Ashik Nazar, Arup • Future Face of Legal (Sponsor: Mondelez International) Ashley Kerr, Mills and Reeve • Future Face of Health and Wellbeing (Sponsor: BHSF) Jeevan Singh Chagger, Evolve • Future Face of Sales, Marketing and Communications (Sponsor: Mills & Reeve) Gurdas Singh, Wanama Ltd • Future Face of Retail and Hospitality (Sponsor: Broadway Plaza) Jacques Hobson. The Belfry Hotel and Resort • Future Face of Creative Arts and Culture (Sponsor: University College Birmingham and University of Warwick) Ben Wooldridge, Birmingham Rep • Future Face of Charity and Third Sector (Sponsor: Entec Si) Abigail Coulson, Acorns Children’s Hospice Trust • Future Face of Start-Up and Enterprise (Sponsor: Birmingham City University) Tom Field, Dakro Environmental • Future Face of Technology and Innovation (Sponsor: Intercity Technology) Yung Yu Lau, Jacobs UK Ltd • Future Faces Ambassador Award 2022 (Sponsor: Common Purpose) Amy Jacklin, Virgin Money • Future Face of Finance (Sponsor: HSBC) Jamie Gibson, Mazars LLP • Future Face of Sustainability (Sponsor: Deutsche Bank) Ingrida Vengalyte, Jacobs UK Ltd

60 CHAMBERLINK September 2022

Ingrida steams in to win highest accolade

By Jon Griffin A West Midland consultant who learned the value of protecting the environment by feeding wild animals in her native Lithuania when temperatures were often minus 20 degrees is Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2022.

Ingrida Vengalyte, 32, beat off fierce competition to take the overall award after winning the Future Face of Sustainability category.

She received the award at the Future Faces annual dinner at the ICC and her prize included a fully-funded MBA from Aston University.

Ingrida, a principal strategic business consultant with American global solutions provider Jacobs, said her father had been her inspiration, taking her into forests to feed animals in the depths of winter.

“When I was a little girl, my dad, who works for the Environmental Forest Agency, introduced me to his job routine which was all about saving forests, protecting the environment and creating sustainable solutions to solve the most critical environmental problems.

“I was only seven years old and did not know what I wanted to do. My dad was my inspiration, showing me what nature is, how important it is to understand what the environment needs, how everyone is lucky to live in it, but at the same time how significant it is take the right measures to save it.”

Ingrida described her childhood expeditions with her father as a “fantastic experience…it was

tiring sometimes, especially when it was minus 20 degrees in winter, but I knew that I was delivering an important mission.

“When the moment came to choose what I wanted to do, I decided to take an environmental career path. In 2012, I had successfully finished my BSc in Environmental Engineering in Lithuania, and in 2015, I graduated from Coventry University with a MSc with distinction in Environmental Management.”

After graduating, Ingrida was offered a graduate process engineering position at Jacobs.

“It has been a great company to join, having values that are aligned with my thinking and gave me the opportunity to do things that matter to society.”

For the past six and a half years, Ingrida has been working on nationally-significant infrastructure projects in the UK in a variety of business sectors, including nuclear, aviation, transportation, energy and water. Jacobs provides engineering, technical, professional and construction services, as well as scientific and specialty consulting for a broad range of clients.

Ingrida has led two public consultations for the Lower Thames Crossing project for National Highways. The project is part of the biggest investment (£7bn) in the country’s road network for a generation and has ambitious carbon reduction targets.

Ingrida said she was “passionate” about her role as STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) Ambassador Lead for Jacobs Birmingham.

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Future Faces

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

award winners Quality of candidates shines through Chris Brewerton, who chaired the judges for the FF awards said: “I know it’s a cliché, but the standard of entries for all of the Future Faces awards was truly outstanding, presenting a long but enjoyable task for the judges.

“But Ingrida Vengalyte stood out as exceptional person who is not only passionate about her job but also in protecting the environment. She is steeped in the importance of helping to look after the globe, a passion she developed while visiting forests in her Lithuanian homeland with her father.

“She learned the value of protecting the environment by feeding wild animals that gave her the beginnings of the expertise she now brings to the American firm Jacobs at their Birmingham headquarters. She richly deserves this accolade.”

President’s Award for mental health advocate An Arup highways engineer who has “truly gone above and beyond” on mental health issues was presented with the Future Faces President’s award at the ICC ceremony.

Michał Nowinski, named the Future Face of Birmingham last year, received the honour from president Jaccy Datta.

Polish-born Michał (pictured) moved to the UK in 2016 and became a chartered engineer in 2021. He has developed his role at Arup to include holistic assessment, highway design, 3D modelling and road safety audits.

He has also taken part in Birmingham City University’s career-plus mentoring programme as a professional mentor.

Jaccy said: “As President, with my main focus this year surrounding mental health, it was important to me to award this to an individual who has truly gone above and beyond in this area over the past year.

“While Michał will be known to many already as someone excelling in his work and in his academic achievements, he also has a separate

side which truly deserves to be recognised.

“Despite being one of the busiest people I know, Michał takes it upon himself to regularly check in on those around him, frequently shares his experiences and offers fabulous advice to those struggling.

“He’s not only helped others with their mental health, he spends time reflecting on how he can look after his own mental health, exploring his interests in photography and walks in nature.

“This is an incredibly important action for every one of us to do to enable us to regularly re-energise. But it’s something many of us don’t always take time to prioritise; it is certainly an inspiring action for us all to take forwards.

“Overall, Michał really has gone above and beyond in so many ways and deserves huge recognition when it comes to mental health awareness and helping others.

It is for this reason that I am delighted to have been able to award this year’s President’s Award to Michał as a thank you for everything he has done in this respect over the past year.”

Sponsors back ceremony event The Future Faces awards ceremony celebrating young professionals across Greater Birmingham received backing from high-profile sponsors.

Aston University, University College Birmingham and Warwick University were headline sponsors for the event, which marked 10 years of Future Faces – the young professionals’ arm of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. There were also 13 category sponsors.

And Aston University presented the winner of

the Future Face of Greater Birmingham award, Ingrida Vengalyte, with a fully-funded MBA from Aston University.

She received the at the Future Faces annual dinner and awards ceremony at the ICC and her prize includes a fully-funded MBA from Aston University.

The event was also supported by pre-drinks sponsor HSBC, table décor sponsor runyourfleet and brochure designer Edge Creative.

Mentoring committee (left to right): Yung Lau (Jacobs), Harriet Saunders (The FSE Group), Tom Bower (Woods Hardwick), Kirstie Morris (Screed & Stone), Freya Dearman (Magma Legal) and Ashley Kerr (Mills & Reeve)

Project offers mentoring guidance for youngsters Young professionals across the West Midlands are to be offered invaluable guidance from senior business figures – through one-to-one mentoring sessions.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce are backing an innovative project introducing a pilot mentoring scheme for its Future Faces members enabling them to tap into business expertise.

The scheme will see mentees develop their career skills with a one-to-one mentor who will support their future aspirations. Participants will be encouraged to enhance their networking skills and grow their professional network.

In turn, the mentors will be able to develop their own skillset, improve problem-solving and enhance their credentials as industry leaders.

Mentees must be members of Future Faces while mentors must have five years’ industry experience. The scheme involves six hour-long sessions over a minimum period of six months.

Training, guidance and support will be available from the Chamber and the mentoring committee, who comprise a variety of West Midland professionals, includes Harriet Saunders, Yung Lau, Ashley Kerr, Tom Bower, Freya Dearman and Kirstie Morris.

Previously, mentoring was not offered in a structured fashion but the Future Faces subcommittee has been set up to work with the Future Faces manager to develop the pilot scheme.

The pilot looks to introduce a more structured mentoring scheme for current members and as a benefit for future members. Under the scheme, the general membership base of the Chambers of Commerce will be contacted to recruit mentors to match up with Future Faces members.

Harriet Saunders,chair of the mentoring subcommittee and executive committee member of Future Faces, said: “I am really pleased to launch the mentoring scheme and be able to support the career development and personal growth of West Midlands’ young professionals.

“This is an excellent opportunity for business professionals across the region to help shape and guide our Future Faces members and contribute to the West Midland’s future talent pipeline.

“We would like to call upon Chamber members to apply to mentor and take part in this exciting and transformative scheme. The scheme closes on 30 September and spaces are strictly limited.

“I would like to thank my colleagues on the Future Faces Committee and at the Chamber for their support and hard work in making this happen and helping us drive this opportunity forward. “ September 2022 CHAMBERLINK 61

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Chamber Events

New Chamber events this month The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s events programme is one of the largest in the British Chamber of Commerce’s network.

The new month brings with it an entire calendar of events. From networking to accelerating your professional skills, September’s events span across all of the Chamber’s divisions and membership levels. Stand-out events this month include the Global Trade Conference and the Commonwealth Chamber and Transatlantic Chamber Annual General Meetings.

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

Social Networking Date: 01/09/2022 Time: 17:30-19:30 Venue: TBC Division: Litchfield and Tamworth Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT Future Faces Social Networking Date: 01/09/2022 Time: 17:30 - 19:30 Venue: Intercity Technology Division: Future Faces Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT

Division: Future Faces Cost: Future Faces Member Price: Free ABCC Member Social Date: 13/09/2022 Time: 17:30 – 19:00 Venue: TBC Division: ABCC Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Social Networking Date: 14/09/2022 Time: 17:30 – 19:30 Venue: The Winery Division: Burton and District Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT

Stop the Bleed Date: 05/09/2022 Time: Sessions between 9:00 – 16:00 Venue: Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Division: GBCC Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: Free Non-Member Price: Free

Global Trade Conference Date: 15/09/2022 Time: 12:00 – 17:00 Venue: Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Division: GBCC Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: Free

Stop the Bleed Date: 06/09/2022 Time: Sessions between 9:00 – 16:00 Venue: Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Division: GBCC Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: Free Non-Member Price: Free

Networking Lunch Date: 20/09/2022 Time: 12:00 – 14:00 Venue: TBC Division: Cannock Chase Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT

Future Faces Professional Development Date: 06/09/2022 Time: 17:30 – 19:30 Venue: Harvey Nichols Division: Future Faces Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT

Speaker Breakfast Date: 21/09/2022 Time: 07:30 – 09:30 Venue: TBC Division: Lichfield and Tamworth Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT

Aston Advancement Series Date: 12/09/2022 Time: 17:00 – 19:00 Venue: Harvey Nichols

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Social Networking Date: 22/09/2022 Time: 17:30 – 19:30 Venue: TBC Division: Birmingham

Cost:

Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT

Speaker Breakfast Date: 23/09/2022 Time: 07:30 – 09:30 Venue: TBC Division: Sutton Coldfield Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT Making Most of Your Chamber Membership Date: 26/09/2022 Time: 08:30 – 10:30 Venue: TBC Division: Birmingham Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: Free Non-Member Price: Free Start-Up Business Surgery – Social Media Date: 27/09/2022 Time: 10:00 – 12:00 Venue: TBC Division: GBCC Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: Free Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT Networking Lunch Date: 28/09/2022 Time: 12:00 – 14:00 Venue: TBC Division: Solihull Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT Speed Networking Date: 27/07/2022 Time: 08:30 - 10:30 Venue: TBC Division: Lichfield & Tamworth Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT

Commonwealth AGM Date: 27/09/2022 Time: 10:00 – 10:45 Venue: TBC Division: Commonwealth Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: Free Non-Member Price: Free Pro Solihull Networking Date: 28/07/2022 Time: 17:30 - 19:30 Venue: Solihull Division: Solihull Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: £15.00 +VAT Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT Future Faces Social Networking (Birmingham) Date: 28/07/2022 Time: 17:30 - 19:30 Venue: TBC Division: Future Faces Cost: Member Price: £15.00 +VAT Future Faces Members: Free Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT Transatlantic AGM Date: 29/09/2022 Time: 08:00 – 08:45 Venue: TBC Division: Transatlantic Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: Free Non-Member Price: Free Making the Most of your Chamber Membership Date: 29/07/2022 Time: 08:30 - 10:30 Venue: TBC Division: Birmingham Cost: Member Price: Free Future Faces Members: Free Non-Member Price: Free Future Faces Social Networking Date: 29/09/2022 Time: 17:30 – 19:30 Venue: TBC Division: Future Faces Cost: Member Price: £15.00 +VAT Future Faces Members: Free Non-Member Price: £15.00 +VAT

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Corporate Christmas

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Your festive catering plans all wrapped up

By Anna Riley (pictured), director of The English Indian ‘Tis the season to be jolly, but for those left organising the work Christmas shindig, it can be a mammoth task.

There’s the venue to secure, entertainment to sort and, of course, the all-important catering. On these occasions, the food can really make or break an event; after all, no-one wants to be remembered as the party pooper whose celebration was more famine than feast.

As a much-loved name on the Midlands Street Food scene, The English Indian knows a thing or two about corporate catering. James Lant and I founded the company back in 2015, when we turned our passion for

Indian street food into a unique dining option with our signature Indian twist on that most English of takeaway treats; fish and chips.

Alongside our original pakorabattered fish and chips, The English Indian serve up a delicious halloumi wed ges vegetarian option, as well as a vegan artichoke ‘vish’ and chips with all the trimmings. All dietary requirements are well catered for and the entire menu is naturally glutenfree – as recently certified by Allergy Companions.

Although festivals and street food events were where The English Indian made its name, we’ve found, post-pandemic, corporate bookings

are where the business is really starting to flourish.

We’ve worked with clients including Prue Leith, National Trust, Porsche, Veolia UK and JCB for staff rewards and events, and are looking forward to helping companies with their festive celebrations.

Our system for booking is a simple and straightforward one; we’re always just a phone call or email

away, and make a speedy response to your queries our priority.

As the proud owners of Best UK Mobile Fish and Chips Operator 2020, as well as two incredible twostar Great Taste Awards, we guarantee mouth-watering, multi award-winning food every time, so you can rest assured that you will be well cared-for every step of the way.

Visit: www.theenglishindian.co.uk

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Corporate Christmas

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Broadway is the Plaza to be this Christmas

The Christmas season is fast approaching, so be sure to book your office party celebrations at Broadway Plaza!

Located in the heart of Birmingham and only a stone’s throw away from places such as Broad Street and Brindleyplace, there’s certainly a lot to choose from.

Natal Chapman, centre manager for Broadway Plaza, said: “We are extremely proud in being home to one of only four in the UK Dolby screens, providing an experience with superior sound, picture and environment.”

Odeon Luxe at Broadway Plaza also offers visitors a five-star cinematic experience with recliner sofas, a variety of confectionery stands available and conference facilities to book.

Broadway plaza also prides itself on its exceptional fitness and leisure facilities, as well as offering a fantastic range of team building activities including indoor rockclimbing, indoor bowling, and indoor golf. There’s a great variety of entertainment and dining options making it a prime location for an in or after-work get together in the city.

With up to three hours free parking available and an onsite hotel, this makes Broadway Plaza an ideal place to eat, play and relax.

Not booked your office party yet? Well don't worry. Many of our venues are ready and waiting to get the party celebrations off to a festive start.

With a range of indulgent festive menus to choose from at Frankie & Benny’s as well as Broadway Casino’s ‘Restaurant’, starring traditional Christmas trimmings, sparkling fizz and decadent desserts, make your party one to remember… if that’s not all, Broadway Plaza is also giving you the chance to win an office party for up to 20 people.

To enter or read more on all corporate facilities and offers available, you can visit their website; www.broadwayplaza.co.uk September 2022 CHAMBERLINK 69

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Seasonal show is a must for family or work colleagues Join the Old Rep Theatre for a magical performance this Christmas he Old Rep Theatre are delighted to announce that their Christmas show for 2022 will be the timeless tale of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. The show will run from Friday 18 November – Friday 16 December. This will mark the seventh Christmas production that The Old Rep have produced alongside the Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA) Group.

This musical adventure follows Belle, a beautiful and intelligent young woman, as she finds herself trapped in an enchanted castle in the depths of the forest captured by the grotesque Beast. Will she learn to love him for who he truly is and break the spell?

Following on from the huge success of Alice in Wonderland in 2021, comes a seasonal adventure for the entire family. With spellbinding storytelling, set to an original score and a few magical surprises along the way this reimagining of a classic fairytale will excite, entertain and leave you spellbound.

This production promises to be packed with spectacular costumes, catchy original songs, creative choreography and plenty of fun, which will make for an unmissable family treat this festive season.

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‘Fun for all the family and an excellent way to introduce young people to the world of theatre’

Michael Penn

Darren Knapton

Michael Penn, executive director of The Old Rep Theatre, said: “‘Beauty and the Beast’ is an inspiring tale, perfect for children and families. The Old Rep are delighted to be teaming up with the BOA Group and the creative team behind last year’s wonderful ‘Alice in Wonderland’ to bring a fresh and exciting take on this classic story.”

Darren Knapton, theatre manager of The Old Rep, also said: “It is a pleasure to be co-producing ‘Beauty and the Beast’ with Birmingham Ormiston Academy in what will be another spellbinding show filled with visual elegance and original music from a skilled cast of young actors.

“The students, who support the production on-stage, behind the scenes and even in front of house, work so hard to create a professional-standard Christmas cracker of a show and after overseeing ‘Alice in Wonderland’ in 2021 I cannot wait for this year’s production. Fun for all the family and an excellent way to introduce young people to the world of theatre.”

For further information please call the Box Office on 0121 359 9444 (Phone lines open TuesdayThursday, 10am – 3.30pm and Friday, 10am – 1.30pm) or visit oldreptheatre.co.uk (online booking fee apply).

Seeing the show Dates: Friday 18 November – Friday 16 December Venue: The Old Rep Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham B5 4DY Ticket Office: 0121 359 9444 or email boxoffice@oldreptheatre.co.uk Tickets: Adults: £21.50, Concessions: £19, Family: £72, Schools & Educational Groups: £10.50 (Preview: £15.50).

These prices exclude the 7.5% booking fee.

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Legal Services

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Legal Services

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Restrictive covenants and how to use them If you’re losing key staff, make sure you’re also not losing key information to your competitors.

Chamberlink explores the importance of restrictive covenants and how they can protect your business. hen key people leave your business or organisation, it can be a worrying time, particularly if they are going to work for a competitor. Concerns will include how to stop them using the sensitive information they have and how to stop them taking your clients.

Having a restrictive covenant in place means you can protect your business in this time of uncertainty, but there are some key aspects of restrictive covenants that you should be aware of.

Restrictive covenants are usually placed in employment contracts, so you’ll need to make sure that these are in place for your key people in their signed contract of employment.

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‘By working with an employment law solicitor, you can identify the most crucial parts of your business that need protecting’ Many businesses make the mistake of making restrictive covenants as wide as possible, but when tested in court, this can result in the covenant being unenforceable. By working with an employment law solicitor, you can identify the most crucial parts of your business that need protecting and focus your restrictive covenant in those areas.

You’ll need to show that the restrictive covenant does not go any further than necessary to protect your legitimate business interests so it’s worth thinking carefully.

Some of the types of restrictive covenants available are: • No competition – this would put restrictions on your ex-employee working for a competitor in a similar role for a period of time • No solicitation – this would stop your ex-employee from taking any customers, suppliers or clients with them to their new role • No dealing – this would stop your former employee from having any contact or dealing with any customer, supplier or client. It wouldn’t matter which party contacted the other, the no dealing would still apply • No poaching – stops your ex-employee from taking members of your staff with them.

You can’t simply include all of these factors, across a broad geographical range for ten years, as this would be unlikely to stand up if tested.

Instead, you should focus on the key aspects that most affect your business. You should also think carefully about the geographical area the restrictive covenant should cover, if this type of restriction is necessary, and how long it should run for or if another type of restriction is more appropriate.

Once decided, this needs to be included in the contract of employment and regularly reviewed with new appointments as the parameters of the restrictive covenant may change, and the enforceability of any covenant is based on the time it was accepted and the status of the employee it relates to.

Using garden leave alongside a restrictive covenant can help you to

make sure that your employee has no access to confidential information, records or contact details of clients, customers and suppliers during their notice period.

It’s important to arrange for their laptop, mobile telephone and any other documentation they have relating to your business is returned before they start their garden leave.

Even if you’ve taken all of these steps, the restrictive covenant can still be breached. You can take action if a breach does occur. Initially, you should take advice from an employment law solicitor as soon as you are aware of the breach.

Your solicitor will send a letter to your former employee, along with a copy to their new employer, who may also be liable for the breach, asking them to cease and advising them that you will seek an injection against them. If they do not stop, you can seek an injunction at court.

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Legal Services

Information is one of a business’s greatest assets. There are lots of reasons to keep certain information confidential and they are largely based on the financial integrity interests of the business.

Knowing how the product is priced, who the suppliers are, who the customers are, how the product or service is created etc. can all be vital to the financial integrity of the business.

There are four types of information: 1. Public information – this is information that is in the public domain and can be accessed on a non-confidential basis. For example the information about your company that is filed with Companies House – who your shareholders are, who your directors are, your annual accounts. You cannot generally protect this – it’s already out there for the world to know.

2. Knowledge and skill – this is information that a person picks up “on the job” which is confidential but it’s in their head just by virtue of being used. For example, an engineer uses a method of repairing a machine that is only known by your business but because they are regularly carrying out your process it’s in their head and they would naturally take it with them if they left.

3. Mere Confidential Information – this is confidential information which is more easily protected. Employees only have a duty to keep mere confidential information confidential during their employment, so you should consider including specific confidentiality clauses in their contracts so the information is protected postemployment too.

4. Trade Secrets – ‘Need to Know’ ‘For your eyes only!’ – the most confidential of confidential information.

That is why it is very important to protect that information. There are some practical steps you ought to take, such as password protecting confidential information, restricting access to only those who need to know, and actually marking it as ‘confidential’. All of these steps practically demonstrate you value the information and are serious about its protection.

You would find it very difficult to argue that information should be classified as a Trade Secret if you leave it lying around the office (or server) for anyone to read, copy, access or take.

The big danger areas arise when that information has to be shared. That is where contractual safeguards can assist. There is merit

in having in place a non-disclosure agreement at the point that negotiations begin. It can be hard to evaluate whether a commercial relationship will work without sharing some information.

The commercial relationship may generate information which needs to be protected, either because a consultant is advising and making recommendations or the research and development is identifying new product or service methodologies, new market data etc.

It’s important therefore to also ensure that there are appropriate confidentiality protections in your terms and conditions.

The timing of the protection can also be crucial.

Most confidential information has a shelf life – marketing strategies or pricing information may become obsolete after 12 months. Other information may need to remain confidential forever – the secret recipe for KFC or Coca Cola for example. It’s important that any protections put in place, are in place for a sufficient period to provide the necessary protection.

Our Commercial Team can assist you in protecting one of your most valuable assets.

For more information contact Hannah Clark

T: 0345 20 73 72 8 E: info@thursfields.co.uk W: thursfields.co.uk

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A new patent system dawns over Europe

By Dr Jennifer Bailey, patent director at HG

ajor changes to the European patent system will soon be coming into effect with the launch of the Unitary Patent and the Unified Patent

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Court.

These changes will affect granted European patents, as well as new and pending applications. IP owners need to understand the impact of these changes, which could potentially bring significant cost savings, but also risks.

At present, protecting an innovation across Europe requires prosecuting a single patent application through the European Patent Office (EPO) and, after grant, validating the patent in each country where protection is required. Widely validating a European Patent (EP) can be costly, as each country imposes its own fees and translation requirements.

After validation, the EP is treated as a bundle of national rights, with annual renewal fees payable in each country where the patent is in force. The validation and renewal costs make pan-European coverage expensive, so many companies focus their protection on a few key, commercially important, territories.

Because of this, there has long been a goal to provide a single, common patent right which provides wide geographical coverage at reduced cost. After multiple failed attempts to enact a “Community

Patent”, the Unified Patent Court Agreement (UPCA) is expected to come into force in early 2023. This means that a new Unitary Patent (UP) right will be available and the Unified Patent Court (UPC) will open its doors.

A UP will be obtained using the existing process for an EP, and will be available for most new applications, including those pending when the UPCA enters into force. Within one month of grant a UP can be requested which will provide protection across all participating EU countries – at present 17 countries (potentially 24) including Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands.

As a consequence of Brexit, the UK cannot participate, while some EU countries, such as Spain, have chosen not to participate. To obtain a European patent in non-UPC countries, the usual validation process can be followed. Although the UK is not participating, all existing and future EPs will be affected by the UPC so patentees need to consider the impact on their portfolio.

A major advantage of the UP is the potential savings in validation and renewal fees. Renewal fees for a UP are equivalent to the combined fees of the UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands. The cost savings are therefore significant for patents which would have otherwise been validated in a large number of countries.

‘IP owners need to understand the impact of these changes, which could potentially bring significant cost savings, but also risks’

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The flip side is that UP protection stands and falls as a single right. It will not be possible to drop protection in selected countries by failing to renew the patent. In this respect, a UP is less flexible than national validations. Also, if patent protection is only required in a few countries, a UP will be more expensive. However, cost and flexibility are not the only factors applicants should consider when deciding whether to request a UP. A UP will be under the exclusive jurisdiction of the UPC. This brings certain benefits, including the ability to bring a single action to enforce the patent in multiple countries, rather than litigating separately in each national court. On the other hand, having a UP means that rights in all participating countries can be revoked centrally. For patents which protect high-value products such as pharmaceuticals, a UP may be considered too risky.

The UPC will have dual jurisdiction with the national courts of participating countries over EPs which have been traditionally validated, unless the patent has been “opted-out”. A key decision for EP owners is therefore whether to opt-out of the UPC. Since an opt-out cannot be filed once an action has begun at the UPC, patent holders concerned about the risk of central revocation should consider requesting opt-out during the “sunrise” period, before the UPCA comes into force.

Provided there has been no national litigation of the EP, an opt-out can be withdrawn, giving the flexibility to enforce in the UPC later if desired.

The opportunities and risks that the Unitary Patent and UPC present will need to be balanced against multiple factors, including the geographical protection required, the likelihood of litigation and the IP value.

Patent holders and applicants are encouraged to review their portfolios and consider their protection strategy now, before the UPCA enters into force.

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‘For patents which protect high-value products such as pharmaceuticals, a UP may be considered too risky’

Dr Jennifer Bailey

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Sector Focus

Business Travel

Sector Focus The latest news from the sectors that matter to business Jet Zero strategy plans unveiled The government has released its plan to achieve net zero in the aviation sector by 2050.

The Jet Zero strategy recognises challenges facing the aviation industry in decarbonising, as well as committing the sector to netzero by 2050. It also commits domestic aviation to achieving net zero emissions by 2040.

The government wants all airports in England to be zeroemission by the same year.

Measures in the strategy include improving the efficiency of the existing aviation system, building a successful UK sustainable aviation fuel industry, developing new forms of aircraft that offer the potential for zero carbon tailpipe emissions and preserving the ability for people to fly while supporting consumers to make sustainable aviation travel choices.

The strategy places importance on the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), committing to have at least five UK SAF plants under construction and an SAF mandate in place – with a target of at least 10 per cent by 2030.

Kuran Singh, policy advisor at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Bold targets require bold action, and the government must be aware of its role in supporting the aviation industry and airports in the coming years, to achieve these targets.”

From Brum to Brest (L-R): Flybe first officer Mark Smith, cabin crew Keira Lemon and Karen Kan, and pilot David Crowe

Two new routes connect Birmingham with France Flybe has launched two new routes to France from Birmingham Airport.

The airline is now operating weekly flights to Avignon and Brest, offering customers the opportunity to travel to both locations directly from the West Midlands.

Located in the South East of France, Avignon sits on the banks of the Rhône river and is steeped in history and culture.

Those looking to explore Brittany can now fly direct to Brest Bretagne Airport from Birmingham to

explore the scenic coastline and city rich with history.

Dave Pflieger, Flybe’s CEO said: “We’re delighted to have now launched our flights to Avignon and Brest from Birmingham Airport, offering better regional connectivity from the UK. “Birmingham Airport is our headquarter base, where flights operate to other locations including Belfast and Amsterdam, demonstrating our mission to provide consumers with more choice, everyday great value, and more ways to connect to friends, loved ones, and business colleagues.”

First breakthrough for HS2’s visionary tunnel HS2 Ltd has achieved the first tunnelling breakthrough on Europe’s largest infrastructure project.

A 2,000-tonne tunnel boring machine (TBM) named ‘Dorothy’ – after Dorothy Hodgkin, who in 1964 became the first British woman to win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry – has completed its onemile dig under Long Itchington Wood in Warwickshire.

The giant 125m long TBM, which started its journey at the tunnel’s North Portal in December 2021, broke through the wall of the reception box at the South Portal site. Nearly 400 people working for HS2’s main works civils contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV JV) delivered this important milestone.

The tunnelling team have been working around the clock in shifts for seven months to operate the TBM, which has put 790 concrete rings in place, with each ring made from eight two-metre-long segments.

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The tunnel preserves ancient woodland above, which is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and has complex ecosystems that have taken hundreds of years to establish.

HS2 Ltd’s CEO Mark Thurston said: “This milestone demonstrates the significant momentum behind Britain’s new zero-carbon railway, creating thousands of jobs and apprenticeships, along with hundreds of opportunities for businesses right across the country, helping fuel our economic recovery.”

Creating both bores of the tunnel, the machine is removing around 250,000 cubic metres of mudstone and soil, which is being transported to the on-site slurry treatment plant where the material is separated out before being reused on embankments and landscaping along the route.

A 254-metre long conveyor takes excavated material over the Grand Union Canal, removing the equivalent of around 30,000 HGVs from local roads.

Tunnel vision: The 2,000-tonne machine has completed a key mile-long dig

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Business Travel Electric surge: The region has a growing demand for charging points

City on shortlist to host rail HQ

Planning tool will help plug gaps for EV users Transport body Midlands Connect has launched an electric vehicle planning tool designed to revolutionise the installation of public charging points.

The tool, developed for local authorities across the Midlands, analyses data about local residents, their lives and behaviours to pinpoint sites where new chargers should be located.

It examines how likely local people are to make the switch to an electric vehicle, accessibility to public transport, current electric vehicle uptake, levels of deprivation and the proportion of households with no access to off-road parking.

With this information in hand, the tool selects areas where public charging points are most needed.

Ideal sites will likely be in areas with lower levels of off-road parking, where fewer people can charge electric vehicles at home.

It’s also hoped that more chargers can be installed in areas where patchy public transport limits other sustainable transport options and in areas with higher levels of deprivation – where a lack of commercially-viable sites holds back private sector investment.

‘Public chargepoints don’t just belong in the most affluent areas’ By having access to this tool, it is anticipated that local authorities can more easily identify the most suitable sites for development and make a more compelling case for government funding.

Analysis by Midlands Connect suggests that the Midlands needs 17,461 new public EV chargepoints by 2025 to keep pace with growing

demand. By the end of the decade, it is predicted that one in every four cars will be electric.

The sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be outlawed from 2030.

Matt Pain from Midlands Connect, who developed the tool, said: “It’s really important that we support local authorities as they ramp up the installation of public electric vehicle chargers.

“This tool will make it easier for councils to identify sites where investment is needed most and will have the biggest positive impact.

“Public chargepoints don’t just belong in the most affluent areas, or those places where electric vehicle take up is already booming. With this data in hand, I hope that the Midlands’ local authorities can make an even more compelling case to Government for support as we look to speed up the decarbonisation of our transport network.”

Bus driver’s fare-well after 40 years A National Express West Midlands bus driver has retired after four decades of driving passengers across Birmingham.

David Butler, aged 66, has driven buses serving the Coventry Road for 40 years. He has been at the wheel of services such as the former 58, 60, 159 and 900 and more recently the X1 and X2.

Due to his expertise, Dave also became a road representative for his Birmingham Central garage, based in Digbeth.

By working closely with colleagues he helped to improve drivers’ rotas and also bus customers’ experience through better bus service running times.

Although reluctant to retire from

Sector Focus

the job he loved, Dave is now spending time focusing on his health, family and friends after receiving a formal diagnosis of cancer earlier this year.

Joe Khan, operations manager at National Express West Midlands’ Birmingham Central garage, said: “The knowledge Dave has acquired over his many years in service has been a great asset to the company and our customers.

“On behalf of the Birmingham Central team, I would like to thank Dave for all of the contributions he’s made during his time at National Express West Midlands.

“He will be greatly missed here in the garage and we wish him all the best going forward.”

Businesses are being urged to back Birmingham’s bid to become the national headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR).

GBR is a new organisation set up by the government to oversee the UK’s rail transport.

It will replace Network Rail in being responsible for infrastructure and contracting rail services along with setting and collecting fares and organising timetables.

The West Midlands Combined Authority is leading the campaign to house the HQ in Birmingham.

Birmingham, Crewe, Derby, Doncaster, Newcastle-uponTyne and York have gone into a public vote where people can choose the town or city they think makes the best case to operate the rail headquarters.

‘Securing GBR HQ would help to attract even more investment’ The government said applications were measured against six criteria including alignment to levelling-up objectives, connectivity, opportunities for GBR, railway heritage, value for money and public support.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber and Black Country Chamber of Commerce are working together to encourage local businesses to back the campaign and support Birmingham’s bid for the HQ. Voting is open on the Department for Transport website.

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “Securing GBR HQ would help to attract even more investment and create a raft of high skilled jobs along the way.

“So, I’m urging our local businesses to get behind the campaign and help bring the HQ to our fantastic city – it only takes a minute to vote for Birmingham.”

“As a Chamber, we played our part in supporting Birmingham’s bid to house GBR during the initial application stages and we are delighted to see it has made it onto the final shortlist.”

David Butler: 40 years at the wheel September 2022 CHAMBERLINK 79

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Sector Focus

Finance

Businesses warned over increasing tribunal claims

Thrilled: Matt Doyle-Healey

Crowe names newest partner National audit, tax, advisory and risk firm Crowe has promoted Matt Doyle-Healey to partner in the firm’s audit practice helping businesses and individuals across the Midlands and South-West.

Matt has more than 16 years’ experience providing audit, risk and accountancy support to businesses of all sizes from owner-managed firms to large corporates.

He has a broad range of sector expertise, from manufacturing and technology to stockholding and distribution.

Matt joined Crowe in 2014.

As well as advising corporate and education sector clients, he has played a key role in the leadership of the audit team as a director in Midlands South West.

Matt said: “I am thrilled to be joining the partnership and look forward to working with colleagues from around the country to give clients the clear and practical advice that they come to Crowe for.

“Businesses are currently facing significant uncertainty with global factors, from geopolitics to the pandemic, affecting a whole range of businesses activities. Now, more than ever, organisations need to be able to rely on their professional advisors for guidance to enable smart and dynamic decision-making.”

Johnathan Dudley, Midlands & South West managing partner, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Matt to our partner team dedicated to servicing the businesses and individuals across the Midlands and the South West of the UK.”

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Businesses hit by an ‘explosion’ of tribunal claims are being warned to ensure their human resources processes are watertight or face costs of at least £10,000 a day.

Experts say there has been a marked recent increase in the number of people taking their employers to employment tribunals.

Hannah-Jane Dobbie, head of HR consultancy at UK Top 10 accountancy firm Azets, says this includes claims for failing to follow a proper redundancy process, wrongful dismissal, unfair dismissal, discrimination, and additional claims for injury to feelings.

‘People know that they can walk out of a job, make a claim, and still walk into another job’ She said: “Employees with grievances appear to be far more likely to take matters further than they would have been in the past.

And the onus is on the employer to disprove the claim, rather than the employee to prove it, which can be difficult.

“I believe it is very much due to the state of the candidate-driven recruitment market. People know that they can walk out of a job, make a claim, and still walk into another job, potentially quite quickly, especially if they have an in-demand skill set.”

Hannah-Jane added: “There are a lot more claims coming forward which would likely never have got to the tribunal hearing stage previously. A lot of them, I would say, are spurious claims, or employees trying their luck, but it seems to be becoming the way of the world and we are edging towards the USA’s claims culture.

“Many more employees are

Claim game: Hannah-Jane Dobbie

taking a chance on taking tribunal action. It doesn’t cost them anything to go to a tribunal.

“However, the average cost for fighting a tribunal for an employer – without including any awards made – is around £10,000 per day once you include legal fees, and the management time and resources taken up dealing with such matters.

“My concern is that it has got to the point where people see you can make a quick buck by doing something like this and are jumping on the bandwagon. Even people

dismissed during their probationary periods are raising tribunal claims these days.

“Companies with money may choose to fight claims they know, or suspect, are wrong. For smaller businesses there can be a grave financial risk in going to tribunal – that’s why many are taking advantage of the ACAS early conciliation process and settling prior to any preliminary tribunal hearing, even when they know they have a case, as the time costs alone are prohibitive.”

Firms struggle with late payment Late payment issues are plaguing West Midland firms – with over 660,000 overdue invoices on regional corporate books in June.

Meanwhile, insolvency is on the rise, with liquidator and administrator appointments along with creditor meetings rising by over 16 per cent between May and June.

The trends are revealed in latest research from the Midlands branch of national insolvency and restructuring body R3 based on an

analysis of data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe.

R3 Midlands chair Eddie Williams, a partner at PwC in Birmingham, said: “Late payment is a key contributory factor in business insolvency, despite huge effort being made by professional bodies such as R3, policymakers and opinion formers to improve business practice around paying suppliers on time.

“With the UK inflation rate

spiralling upwards, along with the cost of raw materials, manufacturing and distribution, there is enormous pressure on business cash-flow, which bears the added strain of rising fuel and utility costs and decreasing consumer confidence.

“Now, more than ever, it is crucial for business owners to ensure that they are in control of their invoice ledger and tackling late payment challenges as soon as they become apparent.”

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Finance

SMEs face ‘perfect storm’ of supply chain problems Middle market businesses across the West Midlands face a “perfect storm” of supply chain problems in the wake of Covid, the war in Ukraine, Brexit and the energy crisis.

More than a third (39 per cent) of middle market firms have experienced supply chain issues within the past 12 months – marking the “tip of the iceberg” with disruption set to continue.

The supply chain crisis is revealed in RSM UK’s latest ‘The Real Economy’ report, which says the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the aftermath of Brexit and the soaring cost of energy and manufacturing materials have come together to hit the bottom line of many firms.

The Prime Minister’s resignation is also likely to cause further uncertainty for businesses, at least until it is clear who will succeed him, says the report.

RSM’s research showed unanticipated supply chain issues have led to 44 per cent of middle market businesses experiencing significant increases in their operating costs, while 42 per cent said they’ve seen their profits decline.

The top five supply chain issues that businesses are currently experiencing include delays with orders Supply chain (48 per cent), increasing shocks: Mark Taylor

costs (46 per cent), missed deadlines (37 per cent), orders not fulfilled (35 per cent) and poor communication from suppliers (34 per cent).

Mark Taylor, regional managing partner at RSM West Midlands, said: “The first supply chain shocks, mainly from coronavirus-related chaos, were most acutely seen in advanced microchips, semiconductors and high-end consumer goods.

“But now we have a more general supply chain issue affecting basic necessities too, and this is when the supply challenges really start to bite.

“Add to this the impact of generally higher transportation costs and customs and duty requirements at the borders, with the ongoing geopolitical landscape not improving for the foreseeable future, it’s very likely prices will continue to rise.

“Given the nature of the West Midlands economy, and its considerable manufacturing base, these supply chain issues will have a particularly acute impact locally.”

Soaring energy costs and wage growth expectations are also compounding the problem for many businesses.

Sector Focus Salaries rising to attract top talent One in three businesses across the Midlands are increasing their starting salary offers in the hunt for the brightest talent.

But many firms are facing a struggle to recruit with more than 40 per cent encountering difficulties in hiring, it has been revealed.

New research by accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO for the bi-monthly Rethinking the Economy survey of 500 leaders of medium-sized firms shows that a third are planning to grow their workforce.

As businesses try to support staff through the cost of living crisis over the next six months, only 16 per cent of companies in the Midlands are in a position to raise salaries by nine per cent or more in line with current inflation rates.

However, two thirds of businesses in the region plan to raise salaries by four to eight per cent.

Kyla Bellingall, head of BDO in the Midlands, said: “Local businesses continue to face extreme challenges from supply chains to rising energy costs. As interest rates continue to rise, this is placing a real squeeze on company finances.”

The Recovery Loan Scheme, which was originally launched in April 2021 to help businesses recover from the impact of Covid restrictions, has been extended for a further two years.

With the Bank of England raising interest rates and warning of a recession ahead until 2024, the scheme could be a vital lifeline for many businesses.

Back in the Autumn 2021 Budget, the then Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced that the scheme would be extended from 1 January 2022 to 30 June 2022. Due to ongoing economic uncertainty, it has been further extended.

Applications to the extended scheme opened on 1 August 2022 and run until 30 June 2024.

The scheme provides government-backed access to finance for small businesses that are dealing with the financial consequences of the pandemic. The extension does not change the rules of the scheme that existed up to 30 June 2022.

So, for example, the government will continue to underwrite 70% of a loan, and the maximum that can be borrowed remains at £2m.

However, one change under the extension is that lenders may now require a personal guarantee from the borrower, in line with standard commercial practice.

Further help available We continue to work with our clients on cash flow projections to help them identify when funding may be required for their business.

If you would like our help with identifying possible funding needs, or if your business requires a review, please contact Charles Davey (pictured), Partner, on cdavey@bishopfleming.co.uk September 2022 CHAMBERLINK 81

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Sector Focus No teething problems Thursfields Solicitors have provided legal advice to Stourbridge dental laboratory Precedental Ltd on its sale to a private equity-backed firm.

Precedental has been acquired by London-based by Amalgamated Laboratory Solutions Ltd (ALS Dental), a London-headquartered business backed by Ansor Private Equity.

Thursfields director Gareth Burge and associate Joe Rollins advised on corporate matters, with Lisa Kemp providing employment advice and Ben Lyons advising on property matters.

Specialist dental service provider Precedental was founded in 1990 by directors Ross Liversidge and Peter Smith, in conjunction with the Prince’s Youth Business Trust.

Mr Burge said: “We are very pleased to have been able to advise on the deal, which will enable Precedental to consolidate its place in the market as an industry leader.”

Ross Liversidge and Peter Smith said: “We definitely made the right decision in choosing Thursfields to represent us in the sale of our business.

“The high level of client care and service we received from Gareth, Joe and the entire team at Thursfields was second to none!

“Their advice, guidance, attention to detail and support made the entire sale process much easier for us.”

Legal

ISA systems alone will not reduce speeding

Manjinder Singh Kang: ISA systems do not go far enough

A legal expert who specialises in driving law has said that any new speed limiting technology must be supported by other initiatives to reduce speeding.

It follows the introduction of Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology in the EU. The new EU regulations have been brought in to boost road safety by keeping cars within the speed limits.

All new cars, vans, lorries and buses brought onto EU markets must be fitted with speed limiters.

However, it remains to be seen whether these will be adopted by UK government.

Manjinder Singh Kang, director and solicitor at Kang & Co Solicitors and member of Birmingham Law Society, said: “Any developments which proactively promote road safety should be welcomed.

“Reducing speeding has benefits beyond the safety aspect too. From a climate perspective, driving smarter and slower reduces emissions.

“However, I fear that ISA systems do not go far enough in stopping speed merchants and catching careless drivers.”

The new devices use GPS data and cameras to identify the speed limit of a road and notify drivers of a breach via a number of methods, including acoustic/vibration warnings and haptic feedback.

Under the EU regulations, ISA will be active by default, although drivers can turn the systems off at the start of each journey.

The system can also be overridden during a journey if the driver pushes the accelerator with enough force.

Mr Singh Kang explained: “ISA systems are certainly a step in the

Law firm supports major tech deal Technology manufacturer Solid State plc is set to complete the $45m acquisition of Californiabased company Custom Power – with support from Midlands law firm Shakespeare Martineau.

Established in 1965, Custom Power offers battery systems and energy solutions across a range of sectors including medical, defence and industry.

Worcester-based Solid State are producers of components, computing, power and communications products.

In addition to product development, the acquisition will strengthen the group’s engineering team, adding electronic engineering and battery management system 82 CHAMBERLINK September 2022

software capabilities.

It will also bolster US manufacturing capabilities and contract manufacturing relationships in Mexico.

To fund the deal, Solid State has raised £27.1m in a placing with investors and an open offer to current shareholders, with the remaining funds coming from Lloyds Bank.

Shakespeare Martineau supported both aspects of the fundraising.

Shakespeare Martineau partner Keith Spedding (pictured), who led on the deal, said: “With a recession on the cards and uncertainty in the market, fundraising is proving particularly difficult for some businesses.

“The significant sum raised by Solid State is testament to the quality of the business and its growth strategy.

“Solid State is a long-standing client of ours; we have seen them grow from strength to strength and we’re pleased to see them acquire across the pond and utilise the expertise of a law firm within our multi-law connections.”

The Shakespeare Martineau team included Chris Gayle, Matthew Shephard, Jack Fowler and Mr Spedding.

Gary Marsh, CEO at Solid State plc, said: “I would like to thank Keith Spedding and the team at Shakespeare Martineau for their support on the fundraise.”

right direction and, from a safety perspective, it is important that drivers have full autonomy over their vehicle and are able to override the limiter.

“However, drivers of the new cars will not be automatically reined back and are still responsible for adhering to the speed limits.

“Moreover, they could choose to simply deactivate the technology at the beginning of a journey meaning they will not be alerted.”

ISA technology will record all speed data. In the event of a road collision, the police will be able to have insight into driving behaviours prior to the incident.

The technology is only mandatory for all new models launched after 6 July 2022.

Cars already launched and in showrooms will have until July 2024 to be fitted with an ISA.

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Legal

Sector Focus

Honesty the only policy in family law A man who was jailed after lying about his home’s value during divorce proceedings underlines the importance of full, frank and honest disclosure of financial assets, a family law export has warned.

Anthony Cooke was sent down for seven-and-a-half months after misleading an Isle of Man court by lowering three estate agent valuations for the property and relying on them in sworn evidence.

Experts at Midlands law firm Thursfields Solicitors commented on how Cooke’s custodial sentence was “unavoidable" as the courts relied on "honest evidence”.

Jill Roberts, a senior associate in the Family Law department at Thursfields, said: “Although this case relates to the Isle of Man, which has a different legal system than England and Wales, the importance of this remains the same.

‘The only way that these claims can be ended is by an order of the court’ “In England and Wales, once divorce proceedings have been initiated, the court has the power to deal with the financial claims arising out of the marriage in respect of parties’ capital, income and pensions.

“The only way that these claims can be ended is by an order of the court, either agreed by consent between the parties or imposed by the court in proceedings.

“It is important to still obtain this order even if parties do not have any assets to be resolved or have resolved the assets themselves, to ensure no further claims can be made on any current or future assets of the parties.

“As part of resolving the financial claims between parties, a process of full, frank and honest disclosure needs to be adopted to ensure all assets are fully considered, that both parties are fully aware of these and that the order is subsequently fair.

“This process can be adopted voluntarily by the parties or, if they are in court proceedings, then this is something the court can order parties to do.

“In this case, the husband did not adopt full, frank and honest disclosure as he altered documents to falsify disclosure to suit his case, thereby misleading the court and the wife.”

Ms Roberts said the consequences of not providing full frank and honest disclosure included conduct being taken into account and being discredited as a witness, previous orders being dismissed and changed, being held in contempt of court for making a false statement and, if fraud is involved, being subject to criminal proceedings.

Jill Roberts: Honest and full declarations are vital

Region third highest for female leadership The West Midlands has been ranked as the third highest region for the percentage of female leaders in the UK. Findings come from a report launched by law firm Shoosmiths and The Gender Index.

It showed that, from the 363,212 active companies that were identified in the West Midlands,17.1 per cent are female-led.

The Gender Index interactive tool, powered by mnAI – a data and analytics platform, was used to give a detailed breakdown of variables and statistics in the region.

The analysis feeds into Shoosmiths’ aim to play a part in building a more detailed picture of where there are gender gaps across businesses and to foster greater gender equality in the access to funding for female founded ones.

Helen Burnell (pictured), corporate partner and head of the Shoosmiths spHERe network, said: “We are honoured to host such esteemed contacts from The Gender Index at our Birmingham office, as part of latest efforts to address the inequality remaining between male and female led businesses.

“Although the West Midlands has shown positive statistics for its female led businesses, we hope to highlight the remaining inequality that continues in access to funding for female founders within the region - and how we can work with local business leaders in order to action real change.”

To view the full findings of the report, visit: www.thegenderindex.co.uk

Helen Burnell: Working to drive change

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Sector Focus

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Manufacturing

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Manufacturing

Sector Focus Electric advancement: The new facility is described as key for the next generation of vehicles

New testing facility will help JLR charge ahead of its rivals Jaguar Land Rover has taken another step towards a new era of electrification and connectivity by opening a facility to test the next generation of vehicles for electrical and radio interference.

The Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) laboratory at Gaydon will ensure future vehicles meet current and future legislation and quality standards for connectivity and electronics.

The New Range Rover Sport was the first vehicle to undergo a testing programme at the in-house facility.

A critical aspect of vehicle performance, EMC is the ability of electrical equipment and systems to function correctly in their electromagnetic environment.

It works by limiting the unintentional generation, propagation and reception of electromagnetic energy to reduce the risk of unwanted effects such as electromagnetic interference.

Jaguar Land Rover’s new vehicle laboratory features two anechoic chambers – an electrically ‘quiet’ rolling road that enables engineers to

test vehicles at speed, as well as equipment to assess the performance of individual components, such as batteries or electric motors.

‘The importance of testing our vehicles for electromagnetic compatibility cannot be underestimated’ Bluetooth, GPS, WiFi, 4G, 5G, adaptive cruise control, wireless

charging and blind spot monitoring are all examples of vehicle services and features that the facility will test for EMC. Peter Phillips, senior manager, electromagnetics and compliance at Jaguar Land Rover, said: “The importance of testing our vehicles for electromagnetic compatibility cannot be underestimated.

“Opening this new testing facility is an important step forward for the business and it will play a crucial role in helping us deliver quality, legal, and customer satisfaction.”

Flexi Truck maker is going up in the world Narrow Aisle Ltd – the UK-based manufacturer of Flexi Truck space-saving solutions – is making a significant investment in its distribution service across the United States, South and Central America.

The investment means every model in the Flexi Truck Digital VNA articulated forklift range will be available across the US on the shortestpossible lead times.

John Maguire, managing director of Tipton-based Narrow Aisle Ltd, said: “Flexi Trucks have been distributed in the Americas for some 20 years and are a well-established and leading articulated lift truck brand across the region. Indeed, America has long been one of the most important markets for the Flexi Truck’s range of VNA trucks.

“Now, with US-based third party and fulfillment logistics operators increasingly challenged to reduce labour costs and make maximum use of the storage and order picking space areas that they have available, the American VNA market is developing rapidly.

“So, we believe that there is huge potential to grow Flexi Truck sales in the US even further.”

The Flexi Truck’s articulated design ensures safe and efficient operation within narrow aisle storage units.

Furthermore, because Flexi Trucks can be used to load and unload delivery vehicles and transport palletised loads directly to and from their pallet location, ‘double handling’ is eliminated and fewer types of forklift are required.

As a result, materials handling costs can be reduced by up to 50 per cent.

Models in the Flexi Truck range are adapted for the US market by the use of three or four-stage quad masts which, when lowered, allow the trucks to be driven into the back of a waiting semi-trailer to retrieve or deposit pallets straight off a dock.

The product is suited to working in loading docks and within narrow aisle stores, which means less trucks are required to move more pallets.

Expansion: The Flexi Truck has been adapted for the US market

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Sector Focus

Property

Expert questions DBR proposals

Moda residential block is a towering achievement

A government proposal to digitise business rates has come under scrutiny from an expert at real estate firm Colliers.

The government launched a public consultation on Digitalising Business Rates (DBR), setting out and seeking views on how it proposes to connect business rates and tax information. This will impact all ratepaying businesses.

The government committed to DBR in its conclusions to its Business Rates Review in the Autumn Budget 2021.

The proposed new system would link business rates information – held by local billing authorities – to tax records (held by HMRC) and enable businesses to view a copy of business rates billing information for all their non-domestic properties in England in one place.

John Webber, head of business rates at Colliers, said the proposal calls into question the role of local authorities.

He said: “While there are some strong merits in the new proposals – in particular this might help Central Government in the distribution of reliefs and grants – it does beg the question about the long-term role of local authority finance.

“At present every local authority sends out bills and collects business rates. The proposals would mean local authorities would be in effect sending out bills for central government or HMRC which would be taking a more controlling role in the whole process.”

High Living: Moda, The Mercian dominates Broad Street

Birmingham’s tallest residential tower, Moda, The Mercian, has been completed with state-of-the-art technology and a running track on the roof.

The 42-storey tower was designed by Birminghambased Glenn Howells Architects and delivered by Sisk at a cost of £260m.

Moda, The Mercian will be home to 481 intergenerational apartments for rent, ranging from studios to three-bed apartments.

The first major tower in Birmingham city centre at 42 storeys, Moda, The Mercian has delivered an ambitious Chicago-style building which includes 35,000 sq ft of mixed commercial, retail and leisure space.

The residential tower comprises two concrete lift and staircase cores. The main core up to level 42 was delivered at a rate of one level per eight working days.

The secondary core up to level 14 was delivered at a rate of one level per five working days.

The project team successfully navigated its way through uncontrollable external factors, including Covid19 and the impact of Brexit materials shortages, to deliver Moda, The Mercian without any major delays or cost increases.

Moda, The Mercian boasts a 200m podium open-air running track on the roof – one of the first of its kind in the UK and the first in Birmingham.

The neighbourhood has a collection of 12 penthouses at the top of the building which are named after Birmingham athletes past and present to celebrate its connection to the Commonwealth Games.

In addition to the rooftop running track and roof terrace, amenities include a 24-hour gym and studios, shared lounges and games room, private dining room, 24-hour concierge, a triple height internal atrium/events space and flexible co-working spaces.

Moda, The Mercian is built with quality health and wellbeing at the forefront, securing a highly soughtafter Fitwel three-star rating.

New tenants for city centre office Overwhelming interest: 1 Newhall Street

86 CHAMBERLINK September 2022

RPS Group and Pegasus Planning have both taken new 10-year leases on whole floors at 1 Newhall Street.

These two new lettings signal more good news for the building after Roythornes Solicitors took the 6th floor at £30psf and Godwin Group completed on expansion space earlier in the year.

The deals come in conjunction with data from Avison Young’s national UK Cities Recovery Index highlighting that the city has been performing above the national average for ‘return to office’ activity since February 2021.

George Jennings, director at Avison Young, said: “Central Birmingham is continuing to gain momentum, with several occupiers downsizing but prepared to pay more for quality space, enticing their employees back, as we return to the office post-Covid.

“We have been overwhelmed with interest and recent lettings. Exciting times for 1 Newhall St, with limited space available.”

Jonathan Ottewell, associate director at Savills, added: “We’re delighted to have attracted firms of the calibre of Pegasus Planning and RPS to 1 Newhall Street.

“They have both sought to improve the quality of their office accommodation with these moves and invest in their long-term future. 1 Newhall Street is perfectly suited for forward-thinking, modern occupiers who are looking to recruit new staff and attract existing staff back to the office.”

Stirchley site will be student flats Commercial agents Siddall Jones have sold a prominent site in Birmingham which has planning permission for 31 student flats and ground floor commercial units.

A private developer has paid £810,000 for adjoining properties 1256-1258 Pershore Road in Stirchley.

The property was previously owned by a family who had secured the planning permission.

Ed Siddall-Jones, managing director of Siddall Jones, said: “The property currently comprises a detached block of two retail properties with self-contained residential accommodation above.

“Planning permission was granted in March 2021 for the demolition of the existing buildings and erection of a three-storey building comprising 31 units of student accommodation and ground floor commercial space. The sale represents the ongoing demand for quality purpose-built student accommodation.”

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Chamberlink ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

The real cost of recruiting nurses overseas Detailed calculations and comparison An overseas nurse in the UK

Article by Liza Moroz The Covid19 pandemic combined with the effect of Brexit heavily impacted the care sector, causing severe staff shortages. Traditionally the UK healthcare sector relies on foreign workers to fill about 15% of the positions, and the care industry may use the same path to find quality talent from abroad. Still, for many recruitment and home managers, overseas recruitment remains a complex operation related to too much uncertainty, especially regarding its cost. In this article, we will try to answer how much it costs to hire an overseas nurse.

FINDING THE RIGHT PEOPLE Finding the right people could be complex and cost your organisation a lot of effort and time.

Unless the organisation has dedicated personnel who deal with the task, you may seek external help from agencies who will connect with the right candidates. The fee often is equal to one month salary, starting at about £2K to £3.5K. Issuing the Visa will cost, £232 plus a TB health check for £55. To transport then to UK the place ticket will cost around £500-£700 depending on the country of origin.

GETTING LICENSED The primary and more complex step is getting the Certificate of Sponsorship that covers four years of sponsorship but could be extended.

Under this license, the employer may recruit for all their roles, and the chosen recruits are getting their visa to come and work under a multiyear contract. The cost of the Certificate of Sponsorship is £536 for small businesses and charities and £1,476 for medium and large organisations.

Additionally, the government charges Sponsors an Immigration skills fee for each overseas employee. The sum depends again on the size of the organisation and the length of the contract.

• small or charitable organisations pay £364 for the first year and £182 for every additional six months after • medium and large organisations pay £1000 for the first year and £500 for every additional six months after.

MANDATORY TRAINING Upon arrival overseas nurses have a strict timeline to cover the mandatory UK training and take exams: three months for OSCE and CBT, six months for OET. In total, candidates have eight months to obtain their PIN and become Registered nurses. When an employer pays for these courses, OET and OSCE may cost between

£1000 to £2000 each depending on length, personalisation, and quality of the coaching.

The actual exam also costs you as CBT is £130, OET £315 and £794 for OSCE. It is important to know that during the period of training, candidate nurses can work limited hours under supervision. The employer has an obligation to provide time for study and the opportunity to attend the exams.

OTHER RELATED COSTS NMC Application Fee of £140 is paid to Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) when a new nurse applies to the register. Upon receiving the PIN another £153 are paid to the same organisation.

Health Surcharge Fees of £200 per year are paid for access to free NHS healthcare.

Recruiting foreign personnel also increases the time load on people dealing with HR, compliance, and welfare as it will require monitoring, reporting and regular counselling. The whole process is time-consuming and requires specific knowledge. The sum of all related indirect costs will affect your bottom line with an additional £300 to £500 as working hours.

to selection, transportation, training and registration are covered entirely by the candidates during the initial period of their training in the UK. When introduces to the employers they are already Registered nurses ready to work.

In this case, the main expenditure will remain the licence and paying the compulsory government charge. The cooperation with QAQF will also reduce the indirect cost offering Legal, Compliance and Welfare support to the trainees before they settle successfully in the country.

QAQF partners with UK care and nursery homes in recruiting talent from all over the world directly from our training courses avoiding complications and reducing the related costs more than half.

DRAWING THE LINE After adding up all the related costs, the total sum may reach an impressive number over £10K. It could be 'money well spent' to guarantee long-term employment and access to a broader talent pool for some organisations. The cost will also spread if the organisation recruits and trains more nurses at the same time.

With Agent

With QAQF Difference

Approx.

Summary of costs 10.6K 3.9K

62%

Still, the cost is significant, and can be reduced with the QAQF Discover – Train Deploy scheme, by an astonishing 62% as the expenses related

Liza Moroz (pictured) is part of QAQF BD Department. She likes connecting with people, solving problems and finding new opportunities.

You can connect with Liza for more information about Discover – Ttrain Deploy via elisaveta.moroz@qaqf.co.uk

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Sector Focus

Skills

Belfry Resort backs hospitality sector recruitment drive

The Belfry Hotel & Resort near Sutton Coldfield is backing Hospitality Rising – a new industry-wide campaign aimed at boosting recruitment in the sector.

The new initiative has been introduced to drive awareness of the breadth and quality of career opportunities available.

It comes in response to challenges facing the hospitality industry exacerbated by recent major events including the pandemic and Brexit.

By working with the wider industry as part of the Hospitality Rises campaign, the team at The Belfry believe they can showcase the varied career opportunities available in the industry.

Chris Eigelaar, resort director at The Belfry, said: “Given the challenges the hospitality industry faces in rebuilding postpandemic, a recruitment campaign such as Hospitality Rises is an excellent means of promoting the value and benefits of working within our industry.

“Therefore, we are delighted to invest in the campaign and to work with the wider industry to encourage people towards a fulfilling career in hospitality.

“At The Belfry we have long been proactive advocates of promoting the benefits of a job in the hospitality industry. I started my hospitality career over 20 years ago and have benefited from working for some of the most highly recognised hotel brands in the UK. “This has given me the confidence, skills, and continued passion to continue to develop and support those who are starting their journey in the hospitality world.”

Find out more information on the campaign www.hospitalityrising.org

Mid-life career change for Sally A former grocery store supervisor has become a key part of an NHS hospital’s surgical team, thanks to her ‘midlife’ apprenticeship with top Midlands training company Performance Through People (PTP).

Sally Evans’ mid-life career change came when she applied for the position of theatre stores apprentice at Walsall Manor Hospital, part of the Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.

In this role, the mother-of two took a Level 2 Supply Chain Warehouse Operative apprenticeship with PTP, achieving a ‘Distinction’ in her end point assessment.

She has since been promoted to theatre stores operative at Walsall Manor Hospital, responsible for everything from arranging broken door repairs to making sure complex surgical tools are available whenever needed.

Sally, aged 48, from Walsall, said: “Doing an apprenticeship at my age was a little scary but it was a stepping stone to finding my 88 CHAMBERLINK September 2022

perfect job and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it all again.

“I finally feel like I have a career that I love and not just a job to pay the bills. Don’t ever think just because you are older that it is too late, as apprenticeships are the building blocks to getting where you want to be.”

Sally had previously worked part-time as a supervisor at the Spar store on the Walsall Manor Hospital site.

But once her children had grown up, she wanted a different full-time career and explained how she started looking for a new job in January last year.

She said: “I’d always wanted to work in the NHS but I thought I was too old to start retraining.

“When looking through the NHS website for a clerical position I spotted a job as a theatre stores apprentice, and it sounded perfect.

“The apprenticeship was very informative and my PTP tutor was always guiding me, encouraging me to be more confident and trust

my own judgement, even when I doubted myself.”

PTP, part of the BCTG Group, won Transport and Logistics Training Provider of the Year in the national Annual Apprenticeship Conference Awards in 2019 and 2020.

Scott Brown, Sally’s learning and development tutor at PTP, said: “It’s been a real pleasure to work with Sally, and I was thrilled when she got her well-deserved ‘Distinction’.

“She was very keen from the start, although she didn’t have that much confidence, so I worked with her, giving constructive feedback.

“Sally was very attentive and took on board all feedback and guidance, and the quality of her work was as high as I’ve seen from any apprentice, with a very good eye for detail. Sally is an excellent example of how it’s never too late to change career direction and learn new skills.”

For more information on apprenticeships at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust line email apprenticeships.plus@nhs.net.

‘Stepping Stone’: Sally Evans

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Skills

Sector Focus

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Technology

E-commerce partnership has a real Wow factor

A Birmingham-based digital agency has signed a partnership which will enable e-commerce merchants to become more “digitally empowered”.

Wow Group of Companies has shaken hands on a deal with SellersFunding, global financial technology company that specialises in supporting ecommerce firms.

The partnership will allow selected e-commerce businesses to have the funds to use Wow Group’s digital services, in turn allowing founders to deploy capital in other areas of their business.

It is designed to meet the needs of the rapidly-developing ecommerce sector, with fast growth forcing merchants to upgrade their digital infrastructure.

Wow Group of Companies – an international team of digital experts, developers and consultants – has helped brands including Land Rover and boohoo.com with their online growth.

Founder and CEO Qasim Majid, who is also a past president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, said: “Wow Group of Companies is committed to helping the e-commerce industry grow as much as possible – and that’s why we’re so excited to be partnering up with SellersFunding.

“This partnership will allow us to offer more of our digital services to e-commerce businesses with the desire to scale. It’s an absolute winwin; and no doubt, a step in the right direction for our industry.”

The partnership with

Qasim Majid: A win-win partnership

SellersFunding will allow ecommerce businesses – as elected

by Wow Group – to apply for a buy now, pay later solution that can be approved in as little as 72 hours.

The e-commerce businesses will have the option to spread the cost of their investment with Wow Group across 12 monthly instalments at no additional fee.

As well as eliminating the stress of sourcing funds from traditional lenders, merchants will be able to prioritise the digital growth of their business.

Leonardo Felisberto, global head of business development of SellersFunding, said: “This partnership is the perfect fit given that both companies are fully focused on delivering world-class customer experiences.”

Software funding boost for SMEs A flagship government scheme that slashes the price of leading software is set to boost the productivity and growth of small businesses.

With Customer Relationship Management software proven to boost firms’ productivity by 18 per cent on average, the Help to Grow: Digital scheme offers businesses discounts worth up to £5,000 on approved software.

Previously, only businesses with more than five employees were eligible for the scheme.

Now, those with at least one employee are now eligible to benefit.

This boosts the number of eligible businesses by 760,000 so that it now reaches up to 1.24 million.

In addition, eCommerce software is available through the scheme to help businesses ramp up sales of products and services online.

This includes helping them to manage their inventory, take payments and gather data and insights on customers' needs.

Businesses which adopt eCommerce software see on average a 7.5 per cent increase in employee sales over three years.

Emily Stubbs: Key growth opportunities

This means businesses can access a £5,000 discount on 30 software solutions from 14 leading technology suppliers of eCommerce, digital accounting and CRM software.

The announcement coincided with Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s Future in Technology campaign which provided insights for firms looking to maximise opportunities related to technology and digital access.

Emily Stubbs, senior policy and projects manager at the GBCC, said: “Technological innovation and digital adoption present key growth opportunities for businesses in Greater Birmingham, and Help to Grow: Digital offers very much welcomed Government support for businesses investing in new technologies.

“It is great to see this support extended to organisations with fewer than five employees.”

Sector Focus Major contract win for WM5G West Midlands 5G Limited (WM5G) – the UK’s largest 5G innovation company – has won a £10m Government tender to create the UK’s Telecoms Innovation Network.

WM5G won the tender as part of a UK-wide consortium led by Digital Catapult, which also included CW (Cambridge Wireless) and the University of Bristol.

UKTIN, first announced by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in March, aims to make the UK the easiest place in the world to access and take part in telecoms research, development and innovation.

‘We’re delighted to have won this tender along with our consortium partners and DCMS’ It will guide businesses and researchers looking to access funding or testing facilities in the UK and enable the best use of public and private investment in R&D, as well as ensuring that knowledge is effectively and efficiently shared across the telecoms industry.

WM5G will lead the creation of a National Telecoms Entrepreneurship, Employment and Training network, at the heart of UKTIN. UKTIN is expected to be up and running in September, at which point it will begin to take over from UK5G to help organisations get the most out of what the UK has to offer.

Robert Franks, managing director of WM5G, added: “We’re delighted to have won this tender along with our consortium partners and DCMS. The UK already invests over £1bn a-year in telecoms research, development and innovation.

“Through UKTIN we will turbo-charge this investment – helping the UK extend its leadership in open networks and vital new technologies such as 5G and 6G – building on the strengths of our regional clusters to create more skilled jobs, attract more investment and deliver economic growth.”

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Sector Focus

The Arts

Experts restore iconic painting Photo: Luke Unsworth

One of Birmingham’s artistic treasures has been conserved and protected for future generations after a sensitive conservation project was successfully carried out.

Edward Burne-Jones’ The Star of Bethlehem is the world’s largest watercolour and a project has been completed to replace its fragile Victorian glazing, as well as carefully studying and conserving the artwork.

Birmingham Museums Trust (BMT) raised £50,000 to support the conservation of the BurneJones masterpiece, which has now been reglazed and placed into safe storage.

The new low-reflect glazing will protect The Star of Bethlehem for the future’ For 130 years The Star of Bethlehem has been on display at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery – home to the world’s largest collection of art and design by the Pre-Raphaelites and their associates.

The museum and art gallery is currently partially open while major electrical works are completed across the museum and adjoining Council House. While maintenance work is being carried out, BMT continues to care for important collections so that visitors can enjoy them in the best possible condition when the museum fully reopens.

The important conservation work

Carefully does it: The Star of Bethlehem is taken down for restoration work to begin. Inset: The signature of Edward Burne-Jones, revealed for the first time in 130 years

of the Star of Bethlehem has been made possible with generous donations from the public, The Pilgrim Trust, The Friends of Birmingham Museums, and an inkind donation of US-based arts glazing specialists Optium Museum Acrylic by Tru Vue, Inc. Measuring approximately 8ft by 12ft, The Star of Bethlehem had not moved in decades and due to the fragile, thin original Victorian

glazing, the painting could not be inspected, conserved or redisplayed due to a high risk of the glazing shattering and damaging the art.

Upon inspection it was found that the painting is in a close-fitting inner frame, shaped like an open-fronted box. This means conservation experts still can’t see the back of the painting as this inner frame would need to be dismantled to remove it and to do so risked damaging the painting. This means some of its secrets will remain secret.

Experts have been able to see other details of the painting, however, and Edward Burne-Jones’ signature was revealed in the bottom right corner: the first time it had been seen for 130 years.

Victoria Osborne, Curator of Fine Art, said: “We’re so grateful to all the donors and funders who supported BMT’s appeal to conserve and reglaze one of the treasures of Birmingham’s collection. The new low-reflect glazing will protect The Star of Bethlehem for the future and will make it easier for visitors to see and enjoy the picture in all its rich colour and detail. We’re excited to reveal it again when the Museum fully reopens.”

Find out more about Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s partial reopening for 2022 at birminghammuseums.org.uk/ bmag

Popular musical set to return to Alexandra Annie, the smash-hit musical production, will return to Birmingham’s Alexandra theatre from Monday 3 April to Saturday 15 April next year as part of a UK tour.

This production enjoyed sell-out UK and Ireland tours throughout 2015/16 and in 2019, as well as extended seasons in both the West End and Toronto. Star casting is to be announced soon.

Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage.

Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search…

With its award-winning book and score, this production includes the unforgettable songs ‘It’s the Hard Knock Life’, ‘Easy Street’, ‘I Don’t Need Anything But You’ and ‘Tomorrow’.

Annie has music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin and a book by Thomas Meehan.

It is directed by Curve’s artistic director Nikolai Foster with set and costume design by Colin Richmond, choreography by Nick Winston, lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Richard Brooker.

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Sector Focus

Sport

The Business of Sport Warwickshire stumps up to pay real Living Wage Excited: Danny Willett

Danny has a brand new role The Belfry Hotel & Resort has announced former Masters champion Danny Willett has become a brand ambassador for the famous golf venue.

Willett, an eight-time winner on the DP World and PGA Tours, won his first major at Augusta at the 2016 Masters.

He has also hosted the Betfred British Masters on The Belfry’s award-winning Brabazon course for the past two years.

Willett said: “I’ve always loved playing at The Belfry and hosting the British Masters this year was a real highlight for me. I’m very excited to be associated with what is one of the world’s best-known and highly regarded golfing resorts.

Chris Eigelaar, resort director at The Belfry, said: “We’ve long been committed to supporting golf at every level and we’re excited be alongside Danny on his journey this year and beyond.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting its staff, Warwickshire County Cricket Club (CCC) is leading the way in the region and the UK as the first cricket club to pay the real Living Wage.

The Living Wage commitment will mean all directly employed staff and contractors at the club receive a minimum hourly wage of £9.90, significantly higher than the government minimum for adults aged over 23, which currently stands at £9.50 per hour.

‘We don’t function without our people, so we’re trying to do what we can to support them’

Cricket support for staff (left to right): Claire Daniel, Megan Pugh, Katie Gwinnell, Katrina Johnson, Andy Ho, Jonathan Wiggin and Denilia Burke

As a result of the accreditation, more than 180 regular staff who work at Edgbaston for the Club, or for partners G4S and Compass, have now moved to the real Living Wage rate, with further casual staff benefiting from the increase also.

Stuart Cain, chief executive at Warwickshire CCC, said: “Giving local people the chance to earn a decent wage is important if we want to help support the communities we serve. So, we’re delighted to be named as a Real Living Wage employer.

“I think we’re the first professional sports club in the West Midlands, and the first cricket club

in the UK to make this commitment.

“We don’t function without our people, so we’re trying to do what we can to support them through the cost-of-living crisis. It’s the least they deserve for their effort and dedication.

“I know that all businesses are under financial pressure, but just wish more employers would sign up across the region so that anyone working in the West Midlands and Warwickshire stands a fighting chance of earning a fair wage.”

Katherine Chapman, director of the Living Wage Foundation, said: “We’re delighted that Warwickshire

County Cricket Club has joined the movement of almost 9,000 responsible employers across the UK who voluntarily commit to go further than the government minimum to make sure all their staff earn enough to live on.

“They join thousands of small businesses, as well as household names such as Burberry, Barclays, Everton Football Club and many more. These businesses recognise that paying the real Living Wage is the mark of a responsible employer and they, like Warwickshire County Cricket Club, believe that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay.”

Rockets launch season tickets

All action: Rockets in the thick of it 94 CHAMBERLINK September 2022

The City of Birmingham Rockets basketball club have revealed season ticket prices for the forthcoming season.

The Rockets, who play at Nechells Wellbeing Centre, are preparing for the 2022-23 campaign under new men’s first team head coach Nuno Rodrigues and new women’s first team head coach Ryan Emery.

Fixture details are currently being finalised, with the men set for 11 home league fixtures – as well as a home draw in the NBL Cup – and the women eight.

Adults season tickets are £80 for adults and £40 for concessions.

At present the 2022-23 season tickets offer 20 games across the campaign – working out at just £4 per game for adults and £2 for concessions.

The Rockets received the Best Game Day Experience award for National Basketball League (NBL) Division Two last term.

The men’s first team also attracted several sell-out crowds.

Rockets chief executive Rob Palmer said: “Rockets game nights were special occasions last season with a great atmosphere in the venue and represented an excellent family night out.

“Our fanbase continues to grow and it is important to us to have the support of the people of Birmingham as we move forward to the 2022/23 campaign.

“We are working hard to build something that our city can be proud of and encourage everyone to come and support Rockets on our journey.

“We believe our season ticket offer is fantastic value and guarantees your admission for the season of play for both our men's and women's home fixtures, which we are sure will be in high demand.”

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Chamberlink

Chamber Insight Focus on a member

Name: Dean Willshee Company: Willshee’s Waste & Recycling

Job Title: Managing Director

What does your company do?

We offer domestic, commercial and industrial waste and recycling solutions across the Midlands. We have expanded at a rapid pace thanks to the excellent range of bespoke services we provide, aiming for zero waste to landfill across all streams.

How did it all start?

My parents Keith and Maria Willshee started the business in 1984 with one lorry and ten skips and here we are in 2022 with over 120 staff, thousands of skips, with 50 vehicles and three depots in the East Midlands.

What’s your greatest achievement so far?

In recent years I believe our greatest achievement is the £10m investment in the construction of our new recycling facility in Swadlincote, South Derbyshire, housing stateof-the-art equipment which produces over a third more material that can be reused, versus other plants.

What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken – and did it work out?

The £10m investment in our recycling facility was our biggest risk to date and, yes, it has worked out very well, especially as it was built during the pandemic. We kept our focus and it has been worth all the hard work.

What keeps you awake at night?

New opportunities going through my mind.

If you could turn the clock back, what would you do differently?

I am happy with all the decisions we have made in our business plan. We are growing year on year and have a fantastic team in place to ensure our continued success providing the best waste and recycling management

solutions in the region.

What has surprised you most in your job?

Since becoming managing director in 2016, I have found every day a different challenge that leads to new opportunities.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Always work hard every day and never give up – there is always a solution to any problem and having a good team around you makes things happen. As much as possible reward the team that helps your business grow.

Which business do you most admire?

JCB – A family-owned and operated company that has become a world leader in its area, operating worldwide. They are also based in Staffordshire.

What exciting projects is your business working on?

We have recently branched out into the aggregates market.

Willshee’s Aggregates is a brand new business servicing the construction and housebuilding markets – covering site clearance and demolition, plant hire and the supply of both quarried and recycled aggregates.

What made you join Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and how are you making use of your membership?

We are very proud to be part of the Burton & District Chamber of Commerce and feel there is a lot of support available for all members – especially in the range of resources, and also the communication channels to share our news.

Contact: 01283 702340

HancoxRead Recruitment are a multi-sector award winning independent recruitment consultancy set up in March 2019 and based in Harborne.

We work with Public Sector Departments, Care Homes, Engineering and Industrial businesses across the Midlands and the UK.

• We have access to over 25 million CV’s Nationwide with all skills covered from SIA Security to Care Workers (all levels) to industrial.

• We have access to all the premium job boards – all part of our service.

• We offer temporary, fixed term and permanent recruitment options.

• We pride ourselves on our processes and procedures to ensure all workers are fully registered, reference checked and using our advanced biometric ID checking technology.

• We guarantee no illegal workers in your business.

Save £1000

on recruitment fees!

Do you want a FREE job advert across the premium job boards including REED and CV library plus 900 other job boards (worth £1000) then call Guy Hancox on 07851 489 513 for more details.

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Member Section

New Members

New Members Your guide to new sign-ups 5R Data Information technology consultancy activities Harvi Malhi 0121 507 1365 www.5rdata.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Ahead Partnership Other business support service activities n.e.c.

Megan Lipp 0300 124 0496 www.aheadpartnership.org.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce APF Logistics and Consulting Freight transport by road Alex Fogg 07885 981634 www.apflandc.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Barker Morris Legal Search Other activities of employment placement agencies Neelam Morris 07813 065096 www.barker-morris.com Solihull Chamber of Commerce Be Local Other business support service activities n.e.c.

Graham Jones 07717 362603 www.be-local.uk Solihull Chamber of Commerce

BM CoachingPlus Other service activities n.e.c.

Emmanuelle Bedimo-Morin 07401 617023 http://bmcoachingplus.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce BMR Health and Wellbeing Other human health activities Lucy Brookes 01908 107255 www.bmrhealthandwellbeing.co.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Citizens Advice Solihull Borough Activities of other membership organisations n.e.c.

Kerry Turner 0808 278 7976 www.casb.org.uk Solihull Chamber of Commerce Commercial Estates Group Management of real estate on a fee or contract basis Erin McGee 0121 516 4270 www.ceg.co.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce CR Performance Other service activities n.e.c.

Chris Murray 07727 711423 https://bodytransformation.co.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Bill Bowden Event Logistics Other transportation support activities Debbie Wickson 0203 475 2700 www.billbowden.co.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Customs Processing International Limited Other transportation support activities Neil Johnson 0121 796 1023 www.tnetsglobal.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Bishop Oak Ltd Other business support service activities n.e.c.

George Mensah 0203 150 1377 www.bishopoak.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Develo Design Web portals Luke Collymore 0121 663 0817 www.develodesign.co.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Bizspace Limited Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate Aaron Gray 020 8371 7180 www.bizspace.co.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

EmPro Consultants Ltd Management consultancy activities other than financial management Emma Armstrong 07743 870670 www.emproconsultants.co.uk Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce

96 CHAMBERLINK September 2022

Whatever your business size and requirements, the Chamber has a membership scale to suit your needs.

For more information visit: www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/membership

Equilibrium Security Services Ltd Information technology consultancy activities Anish Chauhan 0121 663 0055 www.equilibrium-security.co.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce everest fin edu tech Other business support service activities n.e.c.

Mohamed Ebrahim 07979 881131 www.everestfinedutech.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Evolve Apprentices Other activities of employment placement agencies Sarah Harness 020 3744 0200 https://evolveuk.org/ Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Freeths LLP Solicitors Nicola Dolman 0345 634 2575 www.freeths.co.uk Asian Business Chamber of Commerce

Logistics World Ltd Freight transport by road Tim Wilson 01922 454000 www.logisticsworldltd.co.uk Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce Marwood Surveyors Ltd Management of real estate on a fee or contract basis Katie Beswick 0121 321 6058 www.marwoodsurveyors.com Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce Maximizon Ltd Advertising agencies Ian Walters 07496 845214 www.maximizon.com Burton and District Chamber of Commerce Medstars Limited Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c.

Linda Best 0330 088 9279 www.medstars.co.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Heart of England Community Foundation Other service activities n.e.c.

Helen Kendrick 02477 800520 www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Minimalist Living UK Other education n.e.c.

August Gawen 0756 5217799 www.minimalistliving.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Hydrock Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c.

Rajiv Sudan 0121 752 5197 www.hydrock.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Mooodycow Information technology consultancy activities Simeon Langford 07738 310796 https://mooodycow.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Kindred CSR Management consultancy activities other than financial management Alison Phillips 07725 503479 www.kindredcsr.com Solihull Chamber of Commerce

Nikomar Limited Other service activities n.e.c.

Tim Harap 07935 989011 http://nikomarlimited.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Knights Professional Services Ltd Activities of other holding companies n.e.c.

Sarah Perry www.knightsplc.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Panda Digital Marketing Ltd Advertising agencies Rayan Malik 07799 232301 www.theteampanda.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

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New Members

Member Section Schmidt Sutton Coldfield Retail of furniture, lighting, and similar (not musical instruments or scores) in specialised store Earl Robinson 0121 270 7444 www.schmidt-meregreen.com Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce Severn Trent Services (Water and Sewerage) Ltd Water collection, treatment and supply Lara Day 07384 450701 www.st-connect.co.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Stone’s Throw Media Matt Weston Video production activities 01902 595100 www.stmedia.co.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Think Neurodiversity Other education n.e.c.

Matt Gupwell 07709 469815 https://thinkneurodiversity.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Wadsworths Solicitors Ltd Solicitors Victoria Hicks 0121 745 8550 www.wadsworthslaw.co.uk Solihull Chamber of Commerce WB Consultancy Management consultancy activities other than financial management Bill Bryan 07383 141481 https://wbconsultancy.co.uk/ Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce West Midlands Trains Passenger rail transport, interurban Charlotte Ritchie 07881 805952 www.wmr.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Wisdom < Pure Gold Other human health activities Abigail Mensa-Murdock 07463 978706 http://wcsconsultations.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Radiant Media Limited Advertising agencies Lisa Green 020 7183 2346 http://alightmedia.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Rekom Licenced clubs Joanna Whiley 01908 554100 www.rekom.uk Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Rewired PR Ltd Public relations and communications activities Ruth Pipkin www.rewiredpr.com Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

x+why Management of real estate on a fee or contract basis Rebecca Dobie 07784 359431 www.xandwhy.co.uk/flexibleworkspace-locations/foundry Birmingham Chamber of Commerce September 2022 CHAMBERLINK 97

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Member Section

...any other business A roundup of news from Chamber members

Bull in a chocolate shop!

Watch out for Land Rovers…

Land Rover Classic has continued its partnership with Elliot Brown Watches - official timekeeper of the Land Rover Trophy competition – with the release of 1,000 new Trophy Expedition timepieces.

The watch (pictured), priced at £595, is inspired by the New Classic Defender Works V8 Trophy II, which pays homage to seven decades of global Land Rover exploration and adventure.

Based on Elliot Brown’s best-selling Holton Professional model, each of the 1,000 exclusive timepieces share a number of features influenced by the iconic 4x4, such as its unique camouflage design and glowing silhouettes of Land Rovers throughout its expedition history.

It is available in addition to the unique Competitor’s Edition timepiece reserved exclusively for customers of the vehicle.

Michael van der Sande, managing director, Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, said: “Land Rover has been involved with global expeditions for more than seven decades and this partnership with official timekeeper Elliot Brown helps us celebrate our history with a unique, desirable and tough watch that echoes everything our Classic Defender Works V8 Trophy II is about.”

Created alongside the Classic Defender Works V8 Trophy II, the timepiece features intricate detailing, with elements inspired by the limited run of 25 vehicles – including the unique camouflage of each car.

Talented chocolatiers from Birmingham’s Cadbury World have paid homage to the city’s most famous icon through a bullish new hand-crafted creation.

While the eyes of the world turned to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games, Cadbury World’s expert chocolatiers, Donna Oluban, Dawn Jenks, Eloise Dowell and Phoebe Snow created their own interpretation of the city’s famous bull located at the Bullring.

It took three days to make and weighs in at around 80kg – the equivalent of 1,777 standard bars of Cadbury Dairy Milk.

Working with solid milk chocolate to produce a choc-tastic version of Birmingham’s bronze bull, the creation shines a light on the fantastic celebrations taking place in the city throughout the summer.

Chocolate lovers will have the chance to vote for which special summer accessories should be hand-sculpted and secured to the eye-catching chocolate bull, as part of a poll across Cadbury World’s social media platforms.

The final flourish comes from a shimmering gold lustre, which the chocolatiers brushed onto the bull.

It is on display in Cadbury World’s Chocolate Making zone throughout the summer.

“It’s been fantastic to see how the whole world has taken Birmingham’s famous bull to heart this summer, and we wanted to play our part by shining a light on this iconic creature.”

For more information and to book tickets, go to: www.cadburyworld.co.uk

Cricketer bowled over by mural A mural depicting Birmingham Phoenix star Abtaha Maqsood has been unveiled at Marlborough Primary School in Small Heath.

The giant 16ft artwork was created by Midlands-born female graffiti mural artist Lucy Nutting and took over three days to paint.

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Elsewhere in the attraction, visitors can catch Freddo’s Festival of fun, a new stage show running throughout the summer school holidays until Sunday 4 September.

The show takes visitors on a musical journey with toe-tapping pop, rock and country tunes.

Diane Mitchell, marketing manager at Cadbury World, said:

The showcase feature of the work is a portrait of Abtaha, has been back in action for the Birmingham Phoenix for an actionpacked second year of The Hundred.

Abtaha made history by becoming Britain’s first hijab-

wearing Muslim female to play cricket at an international level.

The mural, which takes pride of place in Marlborough Primary School’s playground, aims to inspire the next generation of female talent from the local area to pursue a career in sport.

Abtaha said: “It’s an honour to have this incredible mural created, especially when representation matters more than ever before.

“I’m really excited to play in front of our home crowds again and feel the atmosphere of thousands of fans of all ages support us throughout The Hundred.”

Craig Flindall, general manager for Birmingham Phoenix, added: “Abtaha is a renowned name in the sport and an incredibly talented cricketer, so we wanted to celebrate her and her achievements as part of the competition.”

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