Welcometoanother editionofthe BlackCountry Business Magazine.
We hope youenjoy readingabout themany interestingbusinesseswe've featured that areworking hard to innovate andinspire
There'snoshortageofpassion anddedication amongthe family firms andsmall business owners we'vetalkedtofor this editionwhich includes stories aboutsoloentrepreneurspassing on theirskillstoother businesses,a companyusing data andautomationto upgradeits offering andboost profitability withoutlosing thehuman touch, andanambitious Wolverhampton business on amission to reduce single-use plastics in healthcare andother industries
If youhavea storyyou'd like to sharewithusfor the next edition, do getintouch
Dudley Building Society hasannounced it is to open itsfirstbranch in Worcestershire, with anew location in Bromsgrove setto launch in spring 2026
Theannouncement of thenew branch marks anothersignificant milestone forthe society followingthe successof recent openings of hubs in Shifnal andHalesowen,and aBridgnorth branch in June 2025
Aspokespersonfor thebusinesssaiditis committedtoexpanding its reachwhile maintainingthe personal, face-to-face servicethat customersvalue
JamesPaterson, chiefexecutive of Dudley Building Society, said:“Ourexpansion intoBromsgrove representsanexcitingfirst step into Worcestershire We’ve seen incredible
growth anddemandfor ourservices, andthis newbranchwillallow us to bringour community-focusedapproach to even more people We’re passionate about supporting localresidentsand businesses, andwelookforward to becoming an active part of Bromsgrove andits surroundingcommunities."
Thesocietyis lookingtorecruit new team membersfrom Bromsgrove andsurrounding areasfor the newbranch.
Building contractor enjoys record year
Oneofthe UK’s fastest-growingprincipal contractorsinthe construction industry is celebratingits 15th birthday in styleafter postingarecord£60 million in revenues
Inco Contracts, headquarteredinCannock with regional bases in Cardiff, Stevenage andWarrington, has grownfromaone-man startuptoaconstruction powerhouse deliveringhundredsofcomplex refurbishments projects everyyear.
Sincethe management buyout in 2020 by DavidCotterill and SamNorton, thefirm hasaccelerated rapidly, expandingits nationwide coverage andcreating 21 newjobsacrossthe firm– includingthe appointments of Adam Bidhendytoleadits Cardiff officeand BillySneddon to driveforward an education division that has alreadydelivered £3mof contracts.
Inco Contractshas
also strengthened its internal capability,with newmarketing and administration hires. Managing director DavidCotterill said:
“The last fiveyears have been awhirlwind period forthe business, with newoffice openings andexpansion into freshmarkets,all complementingour establishedworkin thecommercialand industrial sectors. Our reputation hasbeenbuilt on taking on projects anddeliveringthemon time,onbudgetand to thehighest possible standard.Thishas driven both repeat business andnew opportunities, andit’sthe approach we’llcontinuetobuild thecompany around Usingthismodel,we’ve successfully expanded into theNorth West, theSouth East,Wales andthe SouthWest. We expect furtheroffice openings over thenext 12 months,alongside a strengthenedpresence
in educationand other specialist sectors.”
Inco Contractsworks across theindustrial, educational, commercial andoffice fit-out sectors, as well as taking on sports complexesand heritage projects
SamNorton, operationsdirector, said:“The ‘Inco’ cultureisabout creating apositive impact in thecommunities whereweoperate,and that extendswellbeyond bricks,mortarand cladding.Every member of our50-plus strong team hastheirown personal developmentplan, and, throughthe Inco Foundation,wehavesupported awidenumberof charitiesoverthe past fiveyears,raising more than £60,000.
To mark itsanniversary, Inco Contracts broughtstaff and partners together foran away dayand twosuppliergolfeventssupportingits Foundation,with an awards nightplanned forDecember
DIRECTORSSAM NORTON AND DAVIDCOTTERILL AT INCO CONTRACTS
DUDLEY COLLEGE CEO
DIANA MARTIN
RE FL EC TI ON S
LESSONSIN ARTIFICIAL HUMAN INTELLIGENCE
Sometimesyou come across an amazing humanbeing that if youcompare yourself to them,makes you wonder what exactly youhavebeendoing with yourself during your time on this planet.Thisisexactly my reaction when reading about CEOand founder of Google DeepMind Demis Hassabis
Hassabis,who won theNoble Prizefor chemistryin2024, had been no slouch up until hismajor breakthrough, whichwas cracking the 50-yeargrand challenge of proteinstructure prediction.But having alreadybeenachess prodigy, obtained adoublefirstfromCambridge, movedintovideo games design andbeennamed on Time’s 2017 list of the100 most influential people in theword, he is thekindofhighachiever that makeseventhose of us whohavesome modest successinour field feel:well- modest.
Butinmyfirstsix months as principaland CEOofDudleyCollege of Technology Ihave come to appreciate
that whileHassabisis undoubtedlyrare, that’s notjustbecause of his achievements,but more to do with thescale of hisambitionand his ability to maximise his potential.
Everyday Isee individualswithlimitless possibilitybeforethem, whoholdthemselves back.Who don’tquite believetheycan do something, or they have theself-reinforcing mantra:thingslikethat don’thappentopeople like me.So, at college we spendalot of time reinforcingour learners’ beliefsthat: Yes, they canachieve andthe sky’sthe limit! Butthismindset is only half of thestory –because we also stress that yes, they can achievebut of course only if they try. Hassabisisalso co-founderofDeepMind;anAIcompany whowereatthe startof theAIrevolutionin2010. DeepMind exemplifya companywithabold ambition as itsdeclared missionisto“solveintelligence”and then use intelligence “tosolve
everything else”. Whilethe quest forGeneralArtificial Intelligencegoeson, theworld of AI throws up amazingadvances dailyfromdesigning treatments forAlzheimer’s,restoring movement forpatientswithlossof function,toidentifying newstablematerials. Andone of theadvantagesAIhas over humans is of course it has no self-doubt,and the possibilityofnot trying is notanoption.
That’s whyone of themostcriticallessons Ihavelearntasanew CEO, is theneedto driveforward with bold ambition forbothmyself, my team,and ourlearners.
To learntoresistthe voices that say: “That cannever be done, it’s toobig ademand, it’s asummitnoone is prepared to scale,”and like AI embracethe task andmoveforward with faith–the kind of faith acomputercan never or maynever be able to have,but theboundless optimism andenergya newCEO is best placed to foster
Entrepreneursshowcaseplans to tackle plastics with seaweed
YoungWolverhampton entrepreneurswithbig ambitionsare doing theirbit help save theplanetby creating pioneering sustainable solutionsusing seaweedtotackle single-use plastics in healthcare.
Olivia Simpsonisthe founderof SymbioTex, whichrecentlysigneda deal with Abingdon Health,aleading internationaldeveloper,manufacturer andregulatoryservicesproviderfor rapiddiagnostictests andmed-tech, to providea seaweed-basedalternative to plastictocreatelateral flowtests (LFTs)
The24-year-old runs thecompany with co-founder Dr Mattia Parati from an industrial unit in FallingsPark, Wolverhampton.
Theirinnovativenatural product canbeusedtocreateLFTsand other
single-use itemsusedinhealthcare andother industries andoncethey’ve reachedthe endoftheir life they can be discardedand arecompletely compostable.
Whileonaplacement in theNHS, WolverhamptonUniversitygraduate Olivia witnessedfirst-hand thevast amount of medicalplastic waste generated, with more than 60 million inhalers distributedinthe UK each year andonly0.5 percenteverbeing recycled
TheexperienceinspiredOliviato establishSymbioTex in 2021 to develop sustainablealternativestoplastic products
Together they developedapatented technology whichenables manufacturerstoswitchtoasustainable raw material whichcan be injectionmould-
ed to create compostablemedical devicesthatwillbreak down naturally. Rather than usingplastics, SymbioTex’smaterialismadefromrenewable seaweedthatsequesterscarbonasit grows. Unlike bioplastics, theirmaterial is home compostable, createsno harmfulby-products when disposed of anddoesnot competewithlandused forfoodcrops
Olivia also wonthe Sustainability Entrepreneur of theYeartitle at the
L-R: DR MATTIA PARATI,ANDY BARRASS, OLIVIA SIMPSONAT SYMBIOTEX, WOLVERHAMPTON
Great BritishEntrepreneur Awards 2023,known as “The Grammysof Entrepreneurship”.
In just ashort spaceoftimeSymbioTexhas established partnerships with organisationsincluding Amies TechnicalPlasticsLtd andrecently signedadealwithAbingdonHealth, whichwas announcedbythe London StockExchange.
TheannouncementbyAbingdonHealthsaid: "The companyhas agreed an exclusivesupplyagreement with Wolverhamptonbased SymbioTex forthe supply of compostablebiobasedmaterialderived from red-seaweed whichcan be used to produce lateralflow cassettesvia standard injectionmouldingtechniques. This option will provideanalternative to thestandardplastic houses that are currentlyusedand create opportunity forAbingdoncustomers to significantly reduce theirplastic waste.
"The companyhas developed prototypecassettes in both standard format andinmid-streamurine sample format as is used forpregnancy and fertilitytesting."
Olivia’s goal is to buymoreequipment to scaleupproduction, make the material more affordable anddisplace more single-use plastics
Shealsohopes to seeher products used around theworld
Olivia,who hadimaginedshe’d go into medicine aftercompletingher degree in medicalscience andclinical practice,explained:“We make pellets whichcompanies putintoinjection moulds to make arange of products
“It’s100 percentbiodegradable. When it comestothe endofits life it canbereturnedtothe earthwithout causingany damage to theenvironment.”
It wasduringaplacement in the NHSthatshe sawthe “trueextentof theuse of single useplastic “–adding: “Everythingwas goingtolandfill or incineration”
Sheworkedinpublichealthfor a year whilebuildingupher business andwas fortunateenoughtogofull time in August 2023,after graduating in 2022
ThedealwithAbingdonHealth hasbeeninthe pipeline forabout a year anditwas finally made public on November 6.
Olivia,who waseducatedinWolverhampton,said: “It’sour first product to market andveryclose to home particularly withmydegree.
“Wereallylikethe narrativethat ourmodel is beingusedinmedical devicesthatwillnot only help people butthe planet as well.”
ShesaidSymbioTex is also workingwithother companiesthatmanufacturedifferent itemssuchascoffee capsules,potsfor cosmeticsand golf tees andshe added: “There arealot of differentapplications- anything from food packagingtomedical to
agricultural andveterinaryuses.”
Thefacility in Wolverhampton canprocess 300tonnesayearbut SymbioTexwillworkwithother partner manufacturersifa bigger ordercomes in
Olivia said of herventure into business:“Idefinitely always hadabit more of abusinessand entrepreneurialmindset.It’ssomething Iwantedto exploreand this allowedmetokeep thetiestohealthcarewhile beingable to helppeopleinanentirelydifferent way."
Excitedabout what thefuture holdsfor thecompany,she said:"We definitelywanttobeabletodisplace as much single useplastic as possible -where ourmaterialmakes sense-in applications wherethere's currently zero recyclabilityand that mightbe with itemsthatare very smallorthat
arecontaminatedwithfood-we're thinking food packagingorcoffee capsules as well as themedical sector wheretheycan't userecycledplastics to producethe productand they can't recyclethe plasticafter theproduct hasbeenused."
Shealsohopes to putthe Black Countryonthe mapwithSymbioTex's revolutionaryproduct andplayher part in making theregionglobally renowned forits greenmanufacturing just as it is knownfor itsroleinthe industrial revolution.She said:"Recently Iwas at aWolverhampton eventand they were talkingabout howthere's apiece of steelforgedinthe Black Countryinevery countryacrossthe world, andI thoughtIwould love that at some pointour seaweed-basedmaterial,madeinWolverhampton,could endupinevery countryinthe world."
Theauction team at Bond Wolfeiscelebrating hitting£1billion worth of salesafter theproperty business's October auction.
Sincethe launch of Bond WolfeAuctionsin January2019, theteamhas held48auctions- with arecord result in July this year of £33,633,123achievedin sales.
Gurpreet Bassi, chief executiveofBondWolfe, said:“We have actedand continue to actfor several public bodies includingBirminghamCityCouncil,Walsall Council, West Midlands Police,and many others.
“Wehavewon everysingletenderwehavebid for,
butweare always looking formore.”
Bond Wolfealsoacts forseveral majorhousing associations.
Over theirseven auctionsayear, theauctions team hasnow builtupa database of more than 150,000people, with bidders from alloverthe world loggingontocompete for primeproperties.
Mr Bassiadded:“Our successisdowntotwo factors.The loyaltyofour regularclients andour team that hasnow grownto30-plus We always aimtopromote from within thebusiness, so thereisarealcareerpathto follow at Bond Wolfe.”
Bond Wolfeadapted and
remodelled theiroperations when Covidstruck, moving seamlessly from in-room auctions held at VillaPark, to online streamed auctions whichattract tens of thousandsofviewers
Mr Bassisaid: “Wehave always kept technology at theforefront of ourbusiness,and we employ our ownin-housemedia team ledbymarketing director CraigUpton
“Thishas enabled us to thrive despiteprolonged Brexit negotiations,elections, interest rate changes andmarketturmoil caused by achallenging political backdrop in recent years.”
During thepastseven years, Bond Wolfehas also
donatedtensofthousands of pounds to charities includingBirminghamChildren’s Hospital,University HospitalsBirminghamCharityand theTeenage Cancer Trust.
Mr Bassisaid: “Weare always keen to give back becausethisbusinesshas exceeded allour expectations, andI wouldliketo thankall ourstaff past and present, ourclients and suppliersfor theirsupport andtogetherwecan look forwardtocontinued success.”
Bond Wolfewillholdits final live-streamedauction of 2025 on December 10, with remote biddingby proxy, phoneorinternet.
BANK MARKS BIGMILESTONE IN UK ISLAMIC BANKING
AlRayanBank, theUK’s largestSharia-compliant bank,has announced that itstotal assets have exceeded £3 billionfor the first time in itshistory
The milestone underscores thebank’sgrowth andstrategic transformation, reinforcingits position as theleading forcein Islamicfinanceinthe UK
Foundedin 2004,Al RayanBank-which hasits UK operationalheadquar-
ters in CalthorpeRoad, Edgbaston, Birmingham, reached£1billion in assets by December 2016
In less than adecadesince,the bank has more than tripledits asset base -drivenbyaclear strategicfocus andconsistentlystrongfinancial performance. Akey turning pointcameinearly 2022, when thebusinessannouncedastrategic pivot towardsStructuredReal
Estate (SRE)financingand PremierBanking services
Sinceimplementingthe strategy,the bank SRE portfoliohas grownby more than £800mand now accounts formorethanhalf of thebank’stotal assets, standing at more than £1.5 billion.The timespan has also marked themostprofitable period in thebank’s history.
GilesCunningham, CEO of AlRayanBankUK, said:
“Thisisalandmarkmoment notonlyfor AlRayanBank butalsofor thebroader Islamicfinancesectorinthe UK.Surpassing£3billion in assets is atestament to the strength of ourstrategy, the dedicationofour people, andthe trustour clients placeinus. It reflectsour commitment to delivering sustainable, Sharia-compliantfinancialsolutions that meet theevolvingneeds of ourcustomers.”
GURPREET BASSI, SUERANDELL, JONATHAN HACKETT, AIMEE SCOTT, IANTUDOR,PERMDALEY
Equippingpeopleand businesses with skills they need forthe future
People arethe mostvaluableassets within anyorganisation. However, currentlabourmarketdatahighlights thechallengesbusinesses face in recruiting forkey rolesdue to awideningskillsgap,bothlocally andnationally.
At HalesowenCollege, we believe thesolutionto this starts with education–educationthatistransformative andpackedwithopportunities
HalesowenCollege is proudtoofferabroad,accessiblecurriculumdesignedtomeetthe needsoflearners of allages, providingarobustfoundation forfurther educationand career success. An expansive curriculumfor school leaversthatincludesALevels, TLevelsand vocational coursesis complimented by arange of courses aimed at upskilling,reskilling and improvingemployability.Key areasof focusinclude English, mathsand digitalliteracy, providingessential skills for professional growthand confidence.
Alongsidethis, thecollege hasa rangeofskill-based programmes: Apprenticeships areanexcellent choice forthose eagertoenter the workforcewhile gainingvaluableskills, earningawage, andworking towards
aqualification. They providehands-on, practicaltrainingthatbridgesthe gap betweeneducation andthe workplace.
Awiderange of apprenticeship standardsare on offertoaddress regional skills gaps in keysectors, includingBusinessand Finance, Pharmaceutical,HealthcareSciencesand Social Care,and Digitaland IT.
SWAPs (Sector-basedWorkAcademyProgrammes) areshort courses createdincollaborationwithlocal employers. They equipadult learners with theskills, knowledge andpractical experience necessarytoexcel in today’s competitivejob market.Halesowen Collegehas SWAPsthatare available in diversesectors,including Construction,CustomerService,Education, Health andSocial Care,and Logistics andWarehousing
Forthose aspiring to management positions, LEAD@HC is anew and exciting leadership programme developedbyHalesowen College. It is a bespokeleadershipand management programmefor team leaders, supervisors,middlemanagersand directors that cultivates individualsasexceptional leaders.
Deliveredflexibly to minimise
business disruption, theprogramme equips learners with practicalskillsin goal setting, delegation,communicationand team motivation.
Forthose seekingapathtohigher education, the Access to HE Diploma is anationallyrecognisedLevel 3 qualification.Learnerscan studyona rangeofpathways, includingNursing, Midwifery, Health Professionals, Business andLaw,Science,Social Scienceand Animal Management Some of thesealsohaveaDistance Learning option so youcan studyfrom thecomfort of your ownhome.
SkillsBootcamps areagreat way of developing newskillsthatemployersare seekingorifyou’relooking to take your career to thenextlevel.With arange of courses, there’ssomething foreveryone, no matter your background or career ambitions
Learnmoreabout howHalesowen Collegecan supportyourbusiness andyourworkforce skills development needs. Let'sworktogethertobuild a stronger,brighterfuturefor your business andour community.
Contactthe Employer Engagement Team on 0121 6027777 or visitwww halesowen.ac.uk.
THEHALESOWEN COLLEGE APPRENTICESHIP ANDEMPLOYMENTTEAM
Architects help to repurpose historic Sunbeamfactory site
It wasoncethe placewhere a record-breakingcar wasbuilt in the1920s
Butnow thefamousold Sunbeam factoryinWolverhampton is being broughtbacktolifeasanew buildto-rentresidentialdevelopment in the heartofthe city.
It washerethatSir MalcolmCampbell's SunbeamBlueBirdcar wasbuilt whichwentontobreak theworld land speedrecordin1924, settingaspeed of 146.16 mphonPendine Sandsin SouthWales
Thefirstphase,containingaround 40 newapartments, hasalready been completedand is fullylet to tenants with asecond phasedue to be ready by theend of this year.
HurnakeSingh Johal,managing director of Wolverhampton-based Pinnacle Architecture,said: "Weare delightedtohaveworkedwithParagonLivingonthislocally important
heritage projecttobreathe newlife into an iconic Wolverhamptonbuilding reflectingthe city's industrial past "Due care andconsideration has been takentoensurethatthe building'sheritageisacknowledgedand preservedand thedevelopment is a first in high-end build-to-rentaccommodationfor theregion."
TheSunbeam factory, in Paul Street,fellintodisuseinthe late 1980s afteralmosta centuryasthe headquarters of theSunbeam MotorCar Company, producinghistoriccarsand motorcycles.
Theoverall masterplan forthe new £15million schemeistocreate182 apartments.
Pinnacle Architecture wasappointed to design theinternalspace and said aprioritywas to maximise use within theexistingpropertyand design additionalloftunits.
Alongsidethe apartments, there will be afitnesscentre, gym, lounge areas, co-working spaces,private gardensand carparking.The development team is striving to preserve much
of theoriginalfactory's brickwork, period windowsand vaultedinteriors
Pinnacle Architecture,which was foundedin2019, worksinfields such as architecture,structuraland civil engineering andlaser scanning,encompassing projects in thecare, retail, residentialand mixed-useproperty sectors. Alongsideits HQ in Tettenhall Road,ithas basesinTelford and London
Phasetwo hasrecentlybeen launched to market with more than a thirdofapartmentssnapped up within days of beingreleased.
ParagonLiving'schief executive Robbie Hubballsaid: "Thisnew phase builds on theenergyand successof ourinitial launch.The Sunbeamhas quicklybecomeknown forits quality, design andconvenience andthe response to phasetwo showsthatpeopleare really buying into thelifestyle we arecreatinghere."
ParagonLivinghas also confirmed phasethree will follow earlynextyear whilephase four is scheduledtocompletesoonafter
FORMER SUNBEAMFACTORY IN WOLVERHAMPTONNOW CONTAINS APARTMENTS
Family firmoffersbespoke service
MidlandDrainageisaleading provider with 20-plusyears of experience in thedrainageindustry, having theability to carryout investigations, inspectionsand repairs forprivate,commercialand industrialclients to full seweradoption surveysfor alltypeofpipework, diametersand duties.
VanPackUnits areavailable to attend to blockeddrainsand sewers, whetherdomesticor commercial. Each vehicleisequippedwithaCCTV unit so an inspection canbemade to ascertain what caused theissue; followingthisrepairs or corrections canberecommended to improvethe efficiencyofthe drain /sewer
CCTV inspections, usingthe most up-to-date digital CCTV equipment, canbemadefrom25mmto3.0 metre diameter.All inspectionsand reports arecompleted to public sewerstandardwithreporting observations for correction if andwhere necessary.
Flooddefence,using vacuum tankersunits up to 6,000-gallon capacity,
givesthe ability to operateinflooded areaswhen thedrainagesystemis unable to cope with excessiverainfall
Repairscan be accommodated usingnon-intrusive resinimpregnated linersectional repairs, full length lining installations andopenexcavations conductedwhere required
We also have theability to provide high volume vacuum services to assist with pump chambermaintenance. Pump unitscan be removed, cleansed andde-ragged followingblockages to thedrainagesystem, wherethe issue is confirmed as thepumpchamber itself.Immediatelyavailable equipment includes heavylifting tackle as required;supplyand installation of temporary pumpscan also be arranged
Operations arefully compliantwith thepublicsewer authoritiesand water industry guidelines andare carriedout to full health andsafetystandards.We areaccreditedbyCHAS, Constructionline,Safecontractorand SMAS Worksafe standards.
Maintainingthe Drainage System
CHARITY EVENT IS A SUCCESS
TheMidlandsconstructionsectorraised an incredible £167,000 forlocal charitiesatthe inauguralMidlandsConstructionCharity Event whichbrought together morethan300 guests fromacrossthe region’s building industry.
Theevent,heldin thenew MastersSuite at TheBelfryinSutton Coldfield on September 19,was thebrainchildof four leadingindependent, family-run firms – Tippers, EH Smith Builders Merchants, FrielConstructionand M LambeConstruction – who joined forces to celebratethe strength of Midlandsindependents whilesupportinglocal causes
JoeTipper, speaking on behalf of theorganising firms,said: “This eventwas aboutmore than celebratingcon-
struction–itwas about showingwhat’spossible when independentbusinessesstand shoulder to shoulder To raise£167,000 in our first year is atestament to thegenerosity of our industryand strength of ourcommunity.”
Acorns Children’s Hospice, St Giles Hospice, TaborLiving andthe ChristyLambe Foundation will share thefunds raised equally.
FP McCann, Keystone,Ibstock and Holcim were themain sponsors
Newcontracts for family-run business
AWolverhampton-basedcommercial decoratingspecialist haswon astringof newcontracts across theMidlands.
Family-run RE Martin,which celebrates its30thanniversary next year,has taken on extrastaff to deliver theprojectsinthe later living,education and healthcare sectors.
Themostrecent contract winisa£35.9 million retirement communityinSutton Coldfield, locatedonthe former RoyalWorks site on ColeshillStreet, that is settoopenlater this year.
RE Martin hasbeen appointedbyMidlands-baseddeveloper Deeley Construction, whichisdeliveringthe schemeinpartnership with Anchor,anot-forprofitproviderofhousingand care forpeople in laterlife.
RE Martin will managethe internal decora-
tionofthe development, comprising 137one and two-bedroom independentlivingapartments, alongwithcommunal loungesand dining spaces,a hair andbeauty salonand roomsfor wellbeing, activity and treatment
In StokeonTrent, RE Martin hasbeen appointedbycontractor Willmott Dixontosupport thedeliveryofUniversityofStaffordshire’s newmulti-million-pound studentvillage. The nationwideconstruction specialist hashired RE Martin to applyfire protection painttoThe VillageHub,the timber framed four-storeybuildingatthe heartofthe newvillage.
AndinCoventry, RE Martin is againworking on behalf of Deeley Construction at thenew BirchViewcarehomein Radford, whichwill support adults with complex needsarising from brain injuries,dementia, men-
talhealthconditions, neuro-disabilities and physical disabilities
Thecontract includes decoration of internal roomsand areas, including38 ensuitebedroomsplus communal dining and living spaces,sensory bathrooms, asalon and therapytreatment room
RE Martin director EmmetMartinsaid: “We’re really proudto be workingonthese importantschemes andhelping to make places that peopleenjoy living andworking in, whilecreatingnew jobs andsupportingthe localeconomy.Securingthese high-profile contractsreflects our experience andcommitmenttodelivering high-end qualityfinishes andmaintainingclient relationshipsacrossa rangeofindustries.
"It’sanencouraging pipeline of work leading up to our30thanniversary next year.”
EMMETMARTIN-DIRECTOR AT RE MARTIN
Saddleropening newworkshop
Award-winningmastersaddler Kate Hardtisopening anew public-facingtraditional saddler’sworkshop at FletchersGardenVillage,Eccleshall,offeringasustainable alternativetotoday’s throwaway culture.
Usingtime-honoured techniques, Kate repairsand restores everything from side saddles, saddlery and bridlestohandbagsand belts, giving cherisheditems newlifeand keeping traditionalskillsalive.
In addition to repair services,Kate also sellshand-made saddlery,dog collarsand leads, belts, gloves and more.Every pieceofleather work sold in hershopismadeinthe UK, reflectingher commitment to ourUK craftsmanshipand sustainability
Kate,pictured, said:"Everytown hadapublic-facing traditionalsaddler’s workshop at onetime. Customerscould just popinwithrepairs and to have things made.Istarted as an apprentice in the80s in aworkshop
exactlylikethisinUttoxeter.Inow don’tknowofany in Staffordshire or surroundingcounties. Iamtrying to turn theclock back andbring one back to Eccleshall.LondonHouse in theHighStreetwas asaddlersand harnessmakersmanyyears ago. Iwill be just down theroad."
Kate’s officialopening week will take placeduringFletchers Garden Village’slatenight Christmasopening
on Thursday December 4.
Kate invitescustomers to popin andsay helloand exploreher rangeof British-made leathergoods,made-tomeasurebelts,dog collarsand leads etc. Shewillalsobeofferingwhere possible a‘repair andmakewhile you wait’service whilecustomers browse thegardencentreand othershops or have alovelylunch at theOrangery restaurant
THE 2025 AWARD WINNERS
Intermediate Apprentice of theYear: Winner –Harry Bown, FairlawnsHotel andSpa
Advanced Apprentice of the Year Award: Winner –Brooke Coles, BlackCountry Transport
HigherApprenticeof the Year –sponsored by Doocey Group: Winner –LiamDowning, Wolverhampton Council
Degree Apprentice of theYear –sponsored by West Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network: Winner –Matthew Randle, DreamlandBedding Centre
Professional Services Apprentice of theYear–sponsoredbyHiggs LLP: Winner – Lucy Barford, Wolverhampton Council
Engineering/ Manufacturing Apprentice of theYear–sponsoredbySandwell Council: Winner –JoshuaHampton, BlackCountryTransport
Construction Apprentice of theYearAward –sponsored by Dudley College: Winner –Tom Hardman, Lovells
Health andPublicService Apprentice of theYearAward –sponsored by Sandwell College: Winner –Kelly Anne Russell, WolverhamptonCouncil
Technology andDigital Apprentice of theYearAward: Winner–Natasha Parbhakar, School Of Coding &AI
Training Provider /Programme of theYear– sponsoredby PerformanceThrough People: Winner–Lifetime
THEWINNERS OF THEBLACK COUNTRYAPPRENTICESHIP AWARDS2025
Awards recognise apprenticeship stars
Inspiringand talented learnersfromthe BlackCountry were recognised alongside some of thebestmentors at ourapprenticeship awards ceremony on November 20.
TheCopthorne HotelinBrierleyHill, in theDudleyborough, played host to theBlack CountryApprenticeship Awards 2025,organised by theExpress &Star in partnershipwithThe Ladder forthe Black Country.
Theevent,hosted by RichardWilliams, shoneaspotlight on therisingstars from across differentsectors of industry,ranging from construction andtrades
to healthcare,techand hospitality firms,while theindustry'sverybest training providerswere also recognised Mark Drew,Express &Stareditorinchief, said:“Youngpeopleare oftenunfairlystereotyped, yetsomanyare workinghardtoshape theirfutures
“These awards shine aspotlight on those making remarkable stridesand show that we seeand celebratethem "Apprenticeships areapowerfulexampleofthis, provingthat learning andearning cangohandinhand. By blending education with real-world experience,apprenticesare
becoming adaptable, innovative professionals, closing skills gaps and strengtheningour local economy.
Hundreds of guests attended theevent whichbegan with a drinks reception, followedbya three-course meal,then theglitteringawardsceremony whichboasted 14 award categories -recognising outstandingapprentices from across theregion andthe employersand training providerswho supportthem
SantaSpruceUptobrightencity
A'SantaSpruceUp' is taking place in Wolverhamptoncitycentreon Thursday December 11.
Afterhundredsofvolunteers helpedwiththe summerand autumn 'SpruceUps'–Enjoy Wolverhampton Business ImprovementDistrict(BID) is inviting residentsand traderstojoin thefestive 'Santa Spruce Up'from 10am to noon to give thecityanextra sparkleinthe runuptoChristmas
Thethird of this year’s community litter picks-the 'Santa Spruce Up'is an initiative betweenEnjoy WolverhamptonBID,Wolverhampton University,Wolverhampton Council, Barclays andthe Wolves Foundation -and the focuswillbeonthe main city centre streetsand areasconnectingCity Campus andSpringfieldCampus.
Cherry Shine, managing director of EnjoyWolverhampton BID, said: “We’ve previously coordinatedspruce upsand they’reagreat wayfor our city’s organisationstoworktogether, bringing agreat senseofpride to the
city centre.We’ve been overjoyedwith thenumberofvolunteersfromacross awiderange of city centre businesses andorganisations,all taking part in giving thecitycentreanextra spruce up.Our SantaSpruceisjustone way we areall workingtogethertoenhance thecitycentrefor alltoenjoy."
Sara Aslett,businessdevelopment manageratWolverhampton University, added: “The Spruce Upshaveproven
to be areallyeffective wayfor both university staffand students to feel part of thewider community, making connectionsand having apositive impact on theirhomeoradoptivehome.”
WolverhamptonCouncil is supportingthe eventbyproviding equipment andguidance.
To findout more emailShaun BoyceatEnjoy WolverhamptonBIDshaun@wolverhamptonbid.co.uk
Design That Makes an Impression
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Firm targetsinfrastructureand construction boom in theUK
One of theUK’sleading manufacturers of sustainablesteel reinforcementand building products hasoutlinedathree-yeargrowth plan to make themostofthe infrastructureboominthe UK.
TotalGroup,comprisingTotal ConstructionSupplies(Processing)and ReinforcementSolutions,islooking to quadruplerevenuesto£100million afterputting itself in aprime position to supportprojectsinthe construction,housing,transport andnuclear sectors.
TheMidlands-basedbusiness, whichhas sitesinBilston,Wolverhamptonand Cannockaswellas Ilkeston in theEastMidlands, has invested heavilyincreatingmorethan 500,000 sq ft of internal andexternal world-classmanufacturing space across four sites, capableofproducingcut andrebentrebars, standard reinforcementbars, meshes,column andpiling cagesand prefabricated structural elements.
Significant investment in its 130-strong workforceand thedevelopment of anew apprenticeship programme will give it access to thenext generation of talent
Strategicdevelopment director Joseph Lawsaid: “There is an unprecedentedamountofinfrastructurework taking placeand both thegovernment andthe privatesectorare lookingfor domestic supplierstheycan trust- this represents amassive opportunityfor us.
“Everythingwe have done in the past threeyears -fromstrengtheningthe senior management team to theopening of our£4million site in Cannock-has been completedtogive us thefoundations to target thesenew infrastructure opportunitiesand we believewecould quadruplerevenues betweennow andthe endof2028.
"Wehavea trackrecordofdeliveringlarge,reinforcedand prefabrication products foruse in anuclear submarinebase, theThamesTideway project, Bromford TunnelsonHS2 and at HinkleyPoint
"All deliveredontime, within budgetand sustainably, with health andsafetyanumberone focus.
“Thismakes us atrusted option forfutureworks that arecurrently rampingupand,whenyou combine
this with ourmanufacturingcapacity andcommitmenttoreducingour carbon footprint, we believethere is a £100m-plus strong pipeline of projects we coulddeliver.”
Thebusinessprovidesafullsuite of sustainablereinforcement solutions designedtosupport largescale slabs, heavyloads andhigh-traffic infrastructure typicallyfound in warehouses, productionplantsand logisticshubs.
Productioncapabilities providethe opportunityfor high-volumeand bespokepre-castproducts, alldelivering strength,consistency,dimensional accuracy and, thanks to high-tech finishingfacilities,abletooperate in some of theworld’s most demanding environments.
Ongoinginvestmentwill continue to upgradeall sitestosupport precast customersinthe housingmarketwhile manufacturingspace will be optimised
OF TOTAL CONSTRUCTION SUPPLIES
to free up extracapacityfor future infrastructure projects andtocontinue to provideuniqueservices, such as offering rebars,cut andbent, from 8mmto50mmin98per cent recycled material
MatthewHague foundedthe group in 1998 with chiefoperating officer CraigGibbons
He added: “There’s no reason why we can’tproduce 1,000tonnesofproductevery monthwhich wouldmoveus towards£100million annual revenues andpotentially create in excess of 75 newjobs.
“We’ve seen with recent global news howimportant it is forthe UK to be responsiblefor itsown infrastructure andhavingaccesstoasupply chainthatcan deliverthe scaleand complexity of theseprojectsontime andtobudget.
"Thisiswhere we come in.”
CRAIGGIBBONS (LEFT) AND MATTHEWHAGUE
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FromAutomotive
20 NEWS
MANAGING DIRECTOR PETERBAYLISS AT BAYLISSGARAGES IN SMETHWICK, WHICHIS CELEBRATING ITS65THANNIVERSARY
Afamily-rungaragewithplenty of historyiscelebrating its65th anniversary.
BaylissGarages in Smethwick became alimited companyonNovember 28,1960. Itsroots,however,goback even further.
TheBayliss family's journeyin business beganinthe 1930swith CharlesHenry BaylissSnr's C.H. Baylisscoalmerchants,which later transitioned into C.H. BaylissTransport (Haulage).
ThegarageinSydneyRoad, Bearwood,was bought in 1960 from theThurstanfamily, whohad operated agarageonthe same site since1913, forCharles BaylissSnr's sons John andCharles Jnrtoworkthere.Meanwhile, hisdaughterDoris became the bookkeeper forthe haulagefirm and thegarage.
Today, PeterBayliss,grandson of CharlesBayliss Snr, is at thehelm as managing director,while Peter's daughter Charlotte, aged 26,isthe serviceadvisor.His wife Lisa is co-director andson Jack helped to bring thebusinessintothe digitalage.
Peter, who livedinthe housenext door growing up,saidthings haven't really changedmuchinthe area.In fact,the garage’s steelstructure that wasbuilt in 1927 by Elwell Buildings
remainsinplace today, behind the brickfrontage.
He said:"We stilllovehavinga business here.We've been MOTtesterssince they startedin1960for cars andmotorbikesand we still arewell knownfor that butcarshavechanged andthere aremoreelectrics to deal with andnow we canservice electric cars andhybridcars."
Thegarage, whichemploys seven staff, played host to amemberofthe LotusClubwho broughtalong avintage silver Lotus7Series1Climaxon November 2tomarkthe anniversary.
Theraremodel harksbacktowhen CharlesHenry BaylissJnr acquired thebusinessin1960and acelebratory snap wastaken -featuring the original wooden garage,members of theBayliss family andCharles Bayliss Jnr'sred Lotus7Series1 Climax that he ownedatthe time
Petersaidseeingthe vintage sports carbrought tearstothe eyes of hisauntPauline Bayliss, whowas amongfamilymembers attendingthe celebrationwhich wasenjoyed with coffee,cakeand aglass of fizz.
He said he was"very proud" to be steering thebusinessforward andkeeping thefamily'slegacyalive -especiallyashe'snot amechanic by trade. In fact,hespent 32 years
workingfor theNHS in mental services in Bromsgrove andRedditchbefore taking over therunning of Bayliss Garagesin2016after hisdad retired.
He said:"It's good to keep it going. Ibelieve we'rethe oldest family-run business with thesamebuildinginthe area.It'squite unique."
Anotherslice of historyheenjoys reminiscingabout is thebusinessonce employed PatRoach,who starredas Bomber in TV’s ‘Auf Wiedersehen,Pet’ –and also appeared in theIndiana Jonesmovies.
Peterrecalls howin2002hewent to abooksigning in Bromsgrove to see Patand hadthe pleasure of meetinghim andposingfor anewspaper picture. Theactor andwrestlerbriefly worked in thefamily’scoalbusiness before fame beckoned –adetailhe shared in hisbookIf–and theBayliss family kept in touchwithhim untilhis deathinBromsgrovein2004.
Beyond automotive services,the garage sponsors theWarleyWoods Partyinthe Park andSanta in the Woodseventsand is offering afull serviceasa raffleprize forChristmas.
Thesponsorship startedasa way of honouringPeter's father John,who died in 2023,adding: “It'snicetosponsorsomething thelocal community canenjoy."
Partnershipisdriving innovation
From workshop rootstoglobal recognition,ToddEngineering continues to shapethe future of spray booth technology.
At Todd Engineering, we take great prideinbuildinglong-term partnershipswithbusinessesthatshare our values of quality, innovation andintegrity. Apartnership that trulyreflects theseprinciples is ourlongrelationship with PJ Rhodes,arespected leader in vehiclerepairand refinishing.
Both Todd Engineeringand PJ Rhodes arefamily-foundedbusinesses with deep rootsinBritish industry This shared senseofheritageforms thefoundationofour collaboration–a relationship builtnot only on technology andperformance butalsoontrust, mutual respectand asharedvision forexcellence. As avaluedclient, PJ Rhodes have worked closelywith ourteamoverthe yearstoimplement state-of-the-art spraybooth solutions across theirsites.Weare proudtosay everybooth within theirfacility has
been designed,manufacturedand installedbyToddEngineering,eachone tailored to deliverprecision,efficiency andreliability to meet thehighest standardsofmodernrefinishing.
Ourpartnership doesn’tstopthere. Todd Engineeringwillbeinstalling extraboothsat PJ Rhodes before Christmas– atestament to thecontinuedgrowthand strength of ourcollaboration. This relationshipexemplifies
what we at Todd Engineeringvalue most:combining family heritage with forward-thinking innovation to deliver resultsfor ourclients.With PJ Rhodes,wecontinuetopushthe boundaries of qualityand performancewithin theautomotiverefinishingindustry.
At Todd Engineering, we believe successisbestachievedthrough partnership, andwe’re proudtocelebrate ours with PJ Rhodes
ALEX TAYLOR, FROM TODD ENGINEERING, FREDDIE WILSON ANDMAX MONAGHAN, FROM PJ RHODES
22 NEWS
LAW FIRM’S EVENTSARE A SUCCESS
Partners at mfg Solicitors,which has an officeatthe Waterfront,BrierleyHill,have launched themonthly business networking eventtobring together professionalsinthe BlackCountry.
Hosted by thefirm at Tipton Sports Academy, WednesburyOak Road, theevent introduces professionalstopadel througha90-minute coaching andmatch session, followed by breakfastpastries.
TimLang, partner at mfgSolicitors, said: “Our padelnetworking is alreadyproving to be a popularadditiontothe BlackCountry’sbusiness events calendar Padelisnow ranked as theUK’sfastest growing sportwith400,000 peopleplaying on aregular basis, so we’repleased to be helpingintroduce
people to what is a fantastic, funand fastpacedsport.Tobring professionalstogether fromacrossthe Black Countryisour biggest aimand we’redelighted to seesomuchinterest. Welookforward to hosting more in themonths ahead.”
Asha’s Indian Restaurantand Cocktail Bar in Edward Street,and twoMichelin-starred Opheem arebothsingled outfor praise in a city that is renowned for itsAsian cuisine.
TheMidlands sectionofthe guide commends Asha’s as “a longstanding leader in thecity’sdiningscene Dishes drawnfrom classicNorth Indian traditions,refinedwith modern technique. Sea-
soning is assuredand serviceoperateswith calm confidence.” Opheem is praised for“asingularinterpretation of Indian cuisine driven by precision, innovation andtechnical flair.Flavoursunfoldin clear, articulate layers Thekitchen displays exceptionallyhigh standardsacrossevery course”.
Nouman Farooqui, director of Asha’s in Birmingham, said:“We are delightedtobenamed by such aprestigious national guideasone of thetwo most highly recommendIndian restaurantsinthe city To be namedalongside atwo Michelin-starred
restaurant is high praise indeed forour excellent chef SunilKamar and histeam
“The commentson ourtable serviceare also most welcomeand will be recognised by ourregular clientele.”
Asha’s is knownfor itscelebrity clientele, with starssuchasTom Cruise,Pink, Jack Black, Ed Sheeranand The Rolling Stones booking tables whenintown. Bollywoodstars Anil Kapoor,ShahrukhKhan, Priyanka Chopra and AmitabhBachchanhave also visited. Andthe eatery hashad reviews from topchefs such as Heston Blumenthal and JamesMartin.
CITY OFFICE FORACCOUNTANCY FIRM
Afinancialservicesand accountancygroup has opened anew officein Birmingham city centre
Crowesaiditwas "bullish"about the future of business as it welcomed Lord Mayor Councillor ZafarIqbal to thelaunchofthe new base at 1Colmore Row.
Crowenow occupies theentireeighthfloor,
having struck adeal for4,169 sq ft of office space. Thenew officehas refurbishedgrade A spaces and100 percent greenenergyusage.
Midlands managing partnerRossPrince said:"Croweisrapidly building itspresencein Birmingham's business quarterand ournew
officewillinitially serve as abasefor itslocal advisory andconsulting teamstosupport their ongoingexpansion.This investment reinforces ourcommitmentto ourclients andfurther strengthensour connectiontothe business community-bothin Birmingham andacross theUK.
Former industrial site sold for£4m
AformerindustrialsiteinKidderminsterhas been sold for£4million afterlong-runningfamilybusiness AdamsCarpets fell into administration
WatlingRealEstateand Edwards Property Consultantshavesoldthe 154,743sqftformerAdams Carpets site on behalf of jointadministrators
Joph Youngand Conrad Beighton of LeonardCurtis
BhandalPropertiesLtd in Oldbury hasacquiredthe freehold industrial site from theadministratorsasaninvestment fortheir expandingportfolio
Adam CarpetsfellintoadministrationinMarch 2025 duetoadverse tradingconditions within theretail sector,risinggas andelectricity prices andthe increasesinNationalInsurance contributions.
Thebusinesswas an established family-run companyinvolvedinthe manufacture, storageand distribution of high-quality carpet andhad operated from thesitesince the1920s
Thepropertyoccupiesa 6.6-acre site in Kidderminsterand hasdual access offthe A456 Birmingham Road andHurcott Road
Toby O’Sullivan,directorinthe Birminghamoffice of WatlingRealEstate, said:“Industrial sitesofthissize, in this location, rarely come to market We maintain an extensivelistofactive buyers forthese typesofproperties andasaresult, we were able to gener-
DanCrossley, of Edwards, added: “While it is always disappointingto seelongstandingbusinessesfallinto administration, this sale provides a positive outcomefor Kidderminster. BhandalPropertieswill breathenew life into thepropertyand seeitis re-occupied, potentiallybymorethan onebusiness.”
Owners of apoultry farm,afood supplier andametal galvanizer have allbeennamed amongthe region's wealthiest people.
BlackCountryoutfitsSalisbury Poultry, 2Sisters andWedge Group featureinthe Midlands Rich List 2025 whichhas been compiled by oursister publicationInsider Media.
Theranking liststhe top50wealthiestpeopleand theirfamilies who run privatecompanies across theentire West andEastMidlands.
To qualifyfor thecountdown,entrepreneursorbusinessleaders must either be workinginacompany they startedthemselves or inherited.
Thelistalsoincludesthose still livinginthe area whohaverecentlysold theirmain businesses butretained interestsinother ventures
Anew entryfor 2025,Raj Mehta andfamilyare placed in 47th spot with an estimatedwealthof£200million in 2025
Mr Mehtabegan hisworking life as an apprentice butcherinBilston in theBlack Countryand then started hischicken-processingfirm Salisbury Poultryinhis mid-20s.
It supplies poultrytofast-food manufacturers,retailers andcaterersand revenues climbedbymorethan10per cent to £218.3 millionin2024.
Mr Mehtahas also grownasister company, Maelor FoodsinWrexham, whichprovidesslaughteringservices.
Turnover here hasgrown to £255.2 millionand,withunderlyingprofitsof more than £47million,the twocompanies should easily be worth£200 million.
Stayingwiththe food sector,Ranjit Boparanand family have placed in tenthpositionwithanestimated wealth of £1.05billion,a significant increase on their2024figure of £686 million
Mr Boparan, whowas born in Bilston andstarted hiscareerina butcher's shop,has grownhis 2Sisters Food Groupintoone of thecountry's leadingsuppliers.
It employsaround10,000people andcountssupermarkets, restaurants andfast-food businesses amongits client roster
Therewereprofitsof£113million on revenues of almost £1.8 billionover thepastyear.
ChrisWoolridge andfamily, the owners of WedgeGroup,are ranked in 24th positionwithanestimated wealth of £344 million, down slightly on last year's figureof£308million.
PublandlordJohnWedge began galvanizingmetal in betweenpulling pintsbackinthe 1860sand,what beganasasidehustleatthe back of Willenhall's Albion pub, is nowa hot-tip galvanizingbusiness.
Mr Woolridgedescended from thefounder andthe companyruns largeoperationsinthe US andEurope alongsideits HQ,which is basedin Willenhall
OtherBlack Countrybusinesses making thecoveted list were Kingswinford-based London &Cambridge Properties,which is runbyCasparand SebastianMacDonald-Halland family They ownand manage properties, includingThe Pensnett Estate where they areheadquartered,and placed in eighth spot with £1.4 billion, up by £150 millionon2024.
TheRichardsonfamilyis12th in thecountdown,withanestimated wealth of £985 million,a small increase of £5 million on 2024
Afterfamouslydevelopingthe Merry Hill shopping centre in the1980s, on thesiteofBrierleyHill’s RoundOak Steelworks,the batonhas nowbeen passed on to co-founder RoyRichardson'ssonsMartyn, Leeand Carl.They runthe Oldbury-basedrealestate companywhich recently acquired a 11.5-acresiteinNorthampton to create alogistics park andoperatesin20 countries.
Entrepreneur RichardHarpinand family made theirfortune from Homeserve, theemergency repairsbusiness basedinWalsall,which he startedwith £10,000 of savingsand eventually sold for£4.2billion,scooping£500million from thedeal.
CHRISWOOLRIDGE,MANAGINGDIRECTOROFWEDGE GROUP
He placed 14th in this year's table, with an estimatedwealthof£700 million, an increase of £30million on last year
Across thewider Rich List,there are11billionaires andanew occupant of thetop spot
Thecombinedwealthinthisyear's tableis£49.9 billion-only0.4 percent more than in 2024.
Theresearchhas foundthat Rocester-based JCB, Lord Bamford's constructionequipment giant, has been hitbyweakerdemandfromthe coolingChinese economy.
Thefamily'swealthisnow estimated at £9.31billion, down from £9.45 billion
This hasresultedinBet365boss Denise Coates andfamilyreplacing himatthe top, with an estimated wealth of £10.24 billion
Asaleprice of £9 billion is now mooted forthe Stoke-basedgambling
BET365 CHIEFEXECUTIVE DENISE COATES
giantwhich Ms Coates andher brother John setupwithfunds raised by mortgaging herfamily'sbetting shops.
Solihull-based fitness clothing brandGymsharkhas posted athird successive year of fallingprofits, reducing thewealthofco-founderBen Francisand family to an estimated £485 million, down from £725 million in 2024.
Amongthisyear'snew entries areJessica Millsand family in 39th position with an estimatedwealthof £221 million
Nottingham-based MHRspecialises in providingpayroll andother humanresourcessoftware.
TheHeygate family in Northamptonshire have been farmingsince 1562 andhavemadeitontothe list forthe first time in 41st position,withanestimatedwealthof£213million.Theyrun oneanindependent flour miller and ownmills,bakeriesand land
46. Thomas Dodd andfamily, Electricals, Telford: £202m
47. RajMehta and family,Poultry farming, Bilston: £200m
Jobs boostasexpanding timber firmtakes on threenew sites
A Stourbridge-basedexpanding sustainabletimberproductsfirm aims to create 14 newjobswith theopening of newoperationsin premises ownedbylandedestates business Bradford Estates.
Woodshirehas takenonthree sites on theBradfordEstates,which are becoming home to agrowing stable of commercialoccupiers on theShropshire-Staffordshireborders
Themovehas enabledthe Black Countryfirm,which produces fencing andfurniturealong with sustainablelogsand briquettes,toincrease production of itstimbergoods while expandingfirewood distribution to servecustomers in Shropshire andthe localarea.
Woodshireisusing thethree sites forarange of activities includingthe housingofacommercialsawmill, capableofprocessinglarge sections of timber,and concrete padstorage for timber pre-processing
Thehistoricformerdryingshed andcarpentry workshop next to the Bradford Estatesoffice in Weston-under-Lizard arebeing used formaking high-quality timber products including fences,gates andgardenfurniture
Stephen Greenhill,managing director at Woodshire, whichisbased in Bagley Street,Stourbridge,said: “Working with Bradford Estates, our
expansion into newpremisesrepresentsasignificantmilestone forour business,which hasgrown sincewe beganin2005.
“BradfordEstates have givenus theopportunity to usethese historic buildingstogrowand offerskilled employment.
“Partofour business uses fallen wood from theestateand otherlocal landowners whichwould otherwisebe disposed of as wastebut canbeused as sustainable logs andbriquettes.
“Operating in afantastic countryside settingwehaveadded biomass systemstothe premises,providing an environmentallyfriendlyway of heating thebuildings anddryingthe logs.”
Woodshiresupplied16picnic tables whichwill be placed along thenewly-openedBradfordWalk, a 10-mile(16km)new wooded permissive path whichpassesthrough both establishedwoodlands andnewly tree-planted areas.
Thefirm also supplies firelogs foruse in thehistoriccottageson theBradfordEstates whichare letto holidayvisitors.
ChrisHodson, property director of Bradford Estates, added: “Weare delightedtowelcome Stephen and hisbusinesstosee Woodshire’s vision come to life in thesebuildings, with theirnew facilities mixing the
traditional characterofour siteswith modern,sustainableoperations. This openingisyet anotherexample of our approach to building athriving, diverse localeconomy that balances preservation of ourheritagewithsupport for innovative businesses,including those committedtoenvironmental sustainability.”
Woodshirejoins adiverse community of localenterprises at Bradford Estatesoperating across sectors includingautomotive, maintenance, freshproduce,timberproducts, IT and tech.The communityispartofthe landowner’sdrive to supportsustainablelocal economic growth throughthe repurposingofhistoricbuildings
Operatinginlinewithits 100-year stewardshipplanfor its12,000acres, Bradford Estatesactsasa responsive landownerinvestedinthe future of the community, offering properties near keyroutesincluding theM54,A5, A41 andA518.
Bradford EstatesMDAlexander Newportsaid: “BradfordEstates is committedtoplaying itspartinestablishinga circular economy, eliminating wasteand keepingresources in use foraslongaspossible. Workingwith Woodshirewecan lead by example, helping to create skillednew jobs whilehavingapositive impact on the environment.”
‘Tis theseasontosparkle at HalfpennyGreen Wine Estate as it gets readyfor thebusyfestive period.
Afterarecord-breaking harvest, national awards andagiftshopmore akin to Santa’sgrotto, theSouth Staffordshirevineyardisuncorking plenty of reasons to celebratethisChristmas
It’s been astandoutyearfor ownersClive andLisaVickers andtheir team,who arecelebrating theirmost successful harvestinthe estate’s 42year history.
Thevineyard’s15grape varieties ripenedtoperfectionoverthe summer months,producing what Clivebelieves is thebestvintage yet.
“The juiceisabsolutelydelicious,” he said.“That’s always thebestindication of atruly exceptionalyear.”
Theirsuccess in thevineyardhas been matchedinthe tastingroom. HalfpennyGreen’s Brut Reservewas crownedBestRegionalWinefor the Midlands &North at theprestigious Wine GB Awards.The estate also
With thefestive seasondrawing closer,the estate’s shop,butcher and deli arebrimmingwithlocally sourced gifts, gourmetproduce andaward-winning Englishwines.Meanwhile,the restaurant offers aseasonalmenu
craftedfromfresh regional ingredients, served with panoramicvineyardviews
Forthose seekingsomething special, ChristmasWineTours are availablefor thefirsttime, offering guests abehind-the-scenes look at thewinemakingprocess plus tastings of theestate’ssparkling andstill wines.
Clivesaid: “Wealwayssay the vineyard is transformedintoamagical placeatthistimeofyear.”
29 NEWS
AWARDWIN IS A‘HUGE HONOUR’
MannyAthwal, founder andCEO of theSchool of Coding &AI, has been recognised as one of TheLDC Top50Most Ambitious Business Leadersfor 2025
BECCAHORLEY–GREATER BIRMINGHAM YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR 2025
YoungProfessional of Year titlegoesto rising legalstarlet
Arisinglegal star whosoughtjustice forvictims of rogue surgeonIan Paterson hasbeencrowned GreaterBirmingham YoungProfessionalof theYear2025.
BeccaHorley, medicalnegligenceassociate at FletchersSolicitors, clinched thecoveted title at thesold-outawards ceremony,hostedby radiopresenter Amber Sandhu,atthe ICC Birmingham in frontof more than 500guests from businesses across theBirminghamarea.
Becca, who also triumphedinthe legal category,advocates forindividualsand theirfamilies who have suffered life-changing injuries throughnofault of theirown
Herworkinvolves providingbespoke legal advice on complex seriousinjury matters includingbrain injury, birthinjury, ophthalmic injury,orthopaedic injury,psychiatric injury and fatalcases
Beccahas worked to seek justice, accountability,anapology andcompensationfor victimsofIan Paterson, therogue breast surgeon whowas jailed for 20 yearsfor 17 counts of wounding with intent aftersubjectingmore than 1,000patientsto unnecessaryand damagingoperations
Shealsorepresents agroup of former patients of Mian Munawar Shah,who were recalled by WalsallManor Hospitalafter concerns about Mr Shah’s treatment, some of whom have sufferedpermanent andlife changing disabilities
Beccahas also actedonbehalfofclients whohavesuffered permanentblindness andseverevisualimpairmentsdue to delays at West Midlands based ophthalmologyservices.
Sophie Poduval-Morrell, managerof Future FacesatGreater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Congratulations to our
overallwinner, Becca Horley whoweknowwill wear theGreater BYPY 2025 crownwithpride over thenext12months. Huge congratulations to allofour category winnersand to each and everyone oneofour finalists.”
In addition to herlegalwork, Beccaispassionateabout empoweringyoung professionals to prioritise wellness so they bringthe best versionofthemselvesto work
An articleshe authored on theimpact of colourfulfashion on confidence, encouragingself-expression andmakingagoodfirst impression titled 'Dress to Progress’- whichshe wrotefor Shoosmithswasfeaturedonindustry website LegalCheek Beccawas named Solicitorofthe Year 2025 at theBirmingham LawSociety Awards and hailed a‘keylawyer’ for clinical negligence in the West Midlands in the Legal500
TheTop 50 wascreated by LDC, theprivate equity investor that is part of Lloyds Banking Group, in partnership with TheTimes.Now in itseighthyear, the programme celebrates thedrive andambition of Britain’sbestand brightestentrepreneurs Manny, wholives in Shropshire,founded thebusinessin2017 andsince then he has takenthe companyfrom abedroom officetoa multi-officeorganisation with eightbrandsunder theSchoolofCoding & AI umbrella He said:“It is ahuge honour to be named amongBritain’s most
ambitious business leaders. It is afantastic testamenttowhatwe, as aschool, have achieved in arelativelyshort spaceoftime.”
This year,the Wolverhampton-based School of Coding &AI unveiled anew £2.5 millionAIlab at itsBirminghamcampus, with investment also underwayinredevelopingits WolverhamptonHQ.
Manny, pictured, said:“We have exciting plansfor ourfuture, withfurther university partnerships.”
Hattrick of business awards for manufacturersBowers&Jones
ABilston-based manufacturer of roll toolingequipment forthe metal formingindustryhas scoopedits thirdbusinessaward of theyearafterbeing crownedBusinessGrowth andStrategywinnerfor theMidlandsand East region at theMake UK ManufacturingAwards2025.
King’s Award-winningBowers& Jonespickedupthe awardatMake UK’s regional eventwhich took place at TheSlate,UniversityofWarwick,on November 4.
TheBusinessGrowthand Strategy awardrecognisedthe company's expansion into export marketsand strategicvisionsince thebusinesswas acquired by Jane Sommervilleand Nicola Owen in 2020
Theregionalwin nowputsBowers &Jones in therunning forthe national title, whichwill be announcedatan awards ceremony in January2026.
Theaward celebrates manufacturerswho have demonstrated exceptionalgrowth, clearstrategic direction andsuccessfulnavigationofbusiness challenges
expanded itsworkforce,and grownits internationalcustomerbasetomore than 300clients worldwide, with 80 per cent of salesnow coming from export markets.
TheMakeUKjudgescommented: “Thiscompany hasshown remarkable resilience,transformingchallenges into growth.Through swiftstrategic changes, it exceeded targetsand built an award-winningbusinesswithglobal ambitions. Itssuccess in identifying export markets, strong future plans, andpeople-first approach impressed judges—making it astandoutwinner with aclear path to continuedgrowth."
Managing director Jane Sommervillesaid: "Weare delightedtoreceive this recognitionfromMakeUK. This awardreflects thehardworkand commitment of ourentireteam, who have been instrumental in ourgrowth journey.
"Winning at regional leveland progressingtothe national finalsis aproud moment forusasaBlack Countrymanufacturer. It demonstrates that with theright strategy,team, and dedication,businessescan thrive even in challengingtimes
"The winmarks thethird business awardfor Bowers &Jones this year, followingwinsatthe Express&Star Business Awards,where they were namedSmall Business of theYear, andInsider Media'sMadeinthe MidlandsAwards, wheretheysecured the Export Business of theYeartitle
Thecompany wasawarded the prestigiousKing'sAward forEnterprise in InternationalTrade earlierthisyear, recognisingtheiroutstanding export growth andcontributiontoglobal trade.
Bowers &Jones also made it to the finalsofthe BlackCountry Chamberof Commerce Business Awards,heldon November 20.Theywereshortlisted in theInternationalTrade category
Foundedin1955, Bowers &Jones specialisesinthe design, manufacture andrefurbishment of roll toolingand rolling mill products
UnderJane, Nicola andoperations director JamesOwen’sleadership, thecompany hasnavigated both the Covid-19 pandemic andarelocation to theircurrent site on Vulcan Road, Bilston, expandingintonew markets andapplications
BOWERS &JONES MD JANE SOMMERVILLE WITH CHRISCORKANOFMAKEUK
Deathand taxes– theonlycertainties
Benjamin Franklin coined the phrase “inthisworld nothingcan be certainexceptdeath andtaxes”. Businesses cravecertainty to allow them to expand,growproductivity andbeinnovative. Theseare the coloursonthe palletsofentrepreneursenablingthemtopaint the pictureofsuccess.
In my view,the currentvisionof UK PLCismonochrome,and Isay this having practicedinthe M&Asector forover30years andhavingbeena business owner. In thelast12months alone, Ihaveseenexitofbusinessclients to warmer climates,deals taking longer to complete,and businesses delaying investment to achievegrowth.
Thelevel of M&Aactivityisanindicatorofthe challenges facedbythe UK economy, as when M&Ais busy, so is theeconomy,asbusinesses seek opportunitiesfor consolidation, growth,expansion andsuccession.
haswitnessed thehighs andthe lows of awidespreadofindustrysectors within UK PLCoverthe last 20 years.
TheICAEW Business Confidence Monitorpublished on October9 reported “a record of 60 percentof firms areworried aboutthe taxburden, a10-fold increase over thelastfive years”.Thatiswhy thedisruption caused to businesses in October2024 ledtoevengreater fearsinthe run-up
to theNovember2025Budget. The ICAEWreports business confidence is low. Thereisnopoint blamingBrexit fornot providingthe UK economy with free tradetailwinds,but instead global events ledthe UK economyinto choppy waters andthe UK continues to navigate therocks of recession.
TheUKcould be headingfor calmer waters givenSir Keir Starmer’ssuccessfultrade missioninIndia,but the journeytosafeharboursisstill distant, giventhe November Budget andthere remainsconcernsonentrepreneurs jumpingthe UK PLCship. Henley &Partnersreportedthe outflow of entrepreneursisprojected to be 9,500 millionaires forthisyearalone
Unless thereisadrastic change in policy,the stormcloudswillnever recede,and thepolitical turmoilwillfan thewinds of destructionfor UK businesses anddealanother deathblowto what wasavibrant UK economywhen Ifirstset sail as ayoung andenthusiasticcorporate lawyer in the90s
Business festival to return in 2026
TheWestMidlandsBusinessFestivalisset to return in 2026,following thesuccess of thefirst-ever event earlier this year.
Thousandsofsmall-and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs)and thewider business communitywill getanother opportunitytounite for afortnight of inspiration, innovation, learning,showcasingand networking betweenFebruary2and 13,2026.
The2025inaugural festival exceeded expectations with 1,500 businesses gettinginvolvedand 4,000 ticketsbookedfor almost 100events andthe 2026 eventpromisestobe even biggerand better
RichardParker, Mayorofthe West Midlands,said“SMEs arethe foundationsofour economyand this festival is aboutbringingthemtogetherto learn, collaborateand celebratethe successesthatwill getour economy firingonall cylinders.
"The response to this year’s event wasphenomenal so we’rebringingit
back in 2026 –bigger, bolder andeven better
“Thisisa region that backsambition,drivesinnovationand provides opportunitiestoput successwithin everyone’s reach, whatever their background. Thousandsofbusinesses,start-ups andentrepreneurs whoattendedeventsatthe inaugural festival back in Marchhelpedmakeit thebiggest andmostinfluentialevent
of itskindevertobeheldinthe region Thoseattending highlightedthe value of thenetworkingopportunities offered by theevent whiletwo thirds said they wouldimplement changesintheir businesses thanks to theknowledge they picked up.”
Businesses canbookfreetickets to theprogramme of more than 100 workshops, expos, panelsand networkingeventsbyvisitingwmbf.co.uk.
We are aleading independentaccountancy firm, foundedinthe heartofDudley,and have been helping businessesfor over70years.
Midlands-based InspiringGroup is lining up more senior leadership forums for2026tobring together seasoned andaspiringleaders for a“motivational”day of networking andlearning.
Thebusinessimprovement consultancy, foundedin2019, that specialises in helpingorganisations grow, cutcosts andimprove productivity, held twosuccessfuleventsin2025at ArdencoteManor Hotel, Warwickshire.
Speakers have included former Stourbridge MP andex-government minister Margot James, author and CEOBrian Mooreand SallyGibson, managing director at business process outsourcer Dawleys.
Founderand managing director Adam Smith, fromKidderminster,said: “The format of having threeexperiencedCEO speakers sharetheir stories, followed by apanel session with audience interaction, wasvery well received by attendees.
“The speakers have allbeenof
ahighcalibre,comingfromvaried backgrounds includingpolitics, manufacturing,electronics,marketing and aerospace.”
Mike Beirns,seniormanager at Henley Engineers, attended two events this year andsaid: “I personally take alot from theseleadership sessions.Itreminds me just howmuch I’ve done in my career andstill have lots to give.It’samotivationalexperi-
ence whichisgreatly appreciated.”
Lookingahead to 2026,Inspiring Groupplans to extend theformatinto specificbusinessdisciplines including finance,human resourcesand intellectual property management.
Anumberofspeakershavebeen linedupfor 2026 andfurther details will be announcedsoononwww inspiringgroup.co.uk/events. Email info@inspiringgroup.co.uk forqueries
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‘EVERY
THREAD LOCALLYLED’
MD Adrian Garrettisknown locallyas the"locallad done good"and hisstory is oneofdetermination,dedication andanenduringpassion forbothhis profession andhis community
ADRIAN GARRETT
Union Fasteners is a manufacturer and engineering firm whose roots date back to the 1970s but one which is looking firmly to the future on the back of a fresh round of investment
ALCA Fastenerswhose name was taken from Alan and Carolerebranded to its current name Union Fasteners in 2018 and was sold to TGM Industrial in 2022
TGM had previously purchased RCF Bolt & Nut just before Covid hit and, because it worked in a similar field, the
parent company decided to buy Union Fasteners and merge the two companies together
Today, Union Fasteners makes and supplies fasteners into a broad range of industries and hostile environments, working with clients in sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, defence and construction
The team pride themselves on creating ‘Made To Deliver’ solutions quickly and effectively while putting customers' needs at the centre of the business It holds more than 20,000
products in stock and offers rapid, next-day delivery, supporting customers in over 20 different global market sectors.
In recent times, Union Fasteners has made significant investment into its plant in Wednesbury while striving to support the local supply chain
The company has accelerated its production capabilities with the addition of several stateof-the-art machines including two Star CNC Sliding Headstock Lathes, for a combined
FE AT UR E
£290,000, and a Doosan Lynx for £50,000. The business has also invested a further £250,000 in a Star SK51 Type A Fixed Head Lathe, totalling more than £600,000 worth of investment in brand new machinery between 2024 and this year
These major investments highlight Union Fasteners' long-term strategy and commitment to enhancing its in-house manufacturing efficiency, improving accuracy and expanding capacity for bespoke and large-volume orders
38 FEATURE
Subcontractplanners,platers andindependenttesthousesare allutilisedfromwithin a15-mile radius of the main site in Wednesbury,ensuringboth sustainability andlocal communitysupport and acatch phrase of 'Every Thread LocallyLed'.
Thebusinessplan forthe coming year is to invest furtherinmore machinerytokeep production in house alongsideour continual addition to stockranges on theshelf.
Theaim is to work closelywithour customers, doingmoreonsite visits enabling it to work with them on repeatable partsand intelligent stocking
Leadingthe charge will be Managing DirectorAdrianGarrett and hisseniorteamcomprisingSales Director David Barber,Purchasingand TechnicalDirectorPaul Hill andCommercial
Director Tara Nicholls
Adrian is known locallyasthe "local lad done good"and his storyisone of determination,dedicationand an enduring passionfor both hisprofessionand hiscommunity Hiscareerinthe fastener industry began quitebychance. What startedasatemporary role "justuntil something better came along" soon evolvedintoalifelong vocation spanning 35 years.
Ajourney that reflectsbothhis natural aptitude forthe trade andhis relentless drive to excel. As Managing Director,hebringsa wealth of experience andapractical,grounded leadership stylethat inspires thosearound him.
Hisdeepunderstanding of thefastener industry's complexities -built throughyears on theworkshopfloorand
in salesand senior management- equips himto navigate challenges with confidenceand clarity.
Underhis guidance, theintegratedbusinesses continue to strengthen theirmarketposition, driven by innovation, customer focusand operationalexcellence.
Neverone to shy away from rollinguphis sleeves, he remainsactively involved in day-todayoperations, ensuring theteam'sgoals aremet andstandards neverslip.
Away from the factoryfloor, he is a long-serving volunteerin search andrescueand hasdedicated countless hourstohelping locate andsaveindividuals in distress -often in harsh, demandingand dangerousconditions
CommercialDirectorTaraNichollsjoined Unionthe year it was incorporated andhas witnessedits evolution over 25 years.
Sheisproud to saythe companystill operates with thesame strong work ethicand many of theoriginalprocesses introducedover 25 yearsago -atestament to theprinciple that thereisnoneedtofix what isn't broken
Tara remainsdeeply committedtostaff developmentand training, championinginitiatives that strengthen employees' skillsand support theirgrowth.
This dedicationis especially vitalnow as Unioncontinues to invest in newmachinery andadvancedmanufacturingsystems that enableprecise shopfloor data captureand best-in-classproduction planning
Tara's leadership helps ensure theteam is equipped to make the most of theseinnovationswhile maintaining thevaluesthatdefine thebusiness.
40 NEWS
HOW ITEMS ARE PUTIN PARCELS TOGETHER
If your Amazon order involvestwo separate items fromtwo differentsellers, andyou’veasked forthem to arrive together,aclever synchronisationsystem kicks in.Thisuseslights andsignals to make sure both sets of products meet at theright pointin the process, alevel of co-ordinationthat’salmosttoo intricate to putintowords
Forsingle-item orders, theproduct movesstraight to packing. Here,the process is ledbypeople, but with precisetechnological support: machines cutthe exactlengthoftapeneeded foreachbox,calculate theright amount of paper paddingand displaythe instructionstothe packer, speeding thejob up while avoiding waste.
Next,the parcel is weighed, checkedand given its addresslabel.Thisisan automatedprocess known as SLAM:Scan, Label, Apply, Manifest.Atthe endofSLAM, thesystem decideswhich gate the packageshouldheadfor, readytobeloadedontoa HGVbound forasortation centre.There,itissorted againbeforetravellingtoa local delivery station, where an Amazon partnercollects it and brings it to your door
This sequence playsout thousandsoftimes every hour across theUK. If anythingfalters –ifthe delicate balancebetween inbound andoutboundshifts–an engineering team,based in theheart of thebuilding, responds instantly. Most operations staffare trained across multiple roles, ready to switch tasksatamoment’snoticetokeepthe flowmoving. Andwhileit pauses briefly each dayfor routinemaintenance,this system remainsthe very definitionofkeeping things moving.
AviewintoAmazon’s polished engine room
The true scaleofAmazon’sEMA4fulfilment centre only hits youas yousweep past on the A38and seeitrising on thelandscape MARK MORRIS pays thecomplex avisit
Pulling into thecar park feelsalittlelike crossing into aborder zone –partairport,part shipping port –a place with itsown rhythmsand itsown rules.
Thebuildingin Sutton Coldfield has been open twoyears andisroughly 650,000 sq ft over four floors. Inside,the welcomeis warm.The airsmells faintlyofnewness and freshlyscrubbedfloors Everything is factory-clean,asisthe norm in modern manufacturingand logistics, and thesafety-first culture is unmistakable, giant greensigns greeting youstraightoff.Endless banksoflockers hint at thesheer number of people whoworkhere. In thelarge staffroom,
there’s aSuper Mariothemed corner,asplash of playfulnessinwhatis admittedly acathedral of efficiency.
Circa2,500 people areemployedatEMA4–interestingly, more than at anon-roboticscentre.
Before Iget into how Amazon’svastmachine actually works, andthe role fulfilmentcentres like EMA4 play in that complexyet strangely simple jigsaw,there’s a smalldetailortwo worth pausingon.
Stepping through receptionand collecting your visitor’spass, the first thingyou notice is that theHRdepartment isn’ttuckedawayin some back-office suite. It’s rightthere,onthe shop floor.Not in the corporatesense,either –itlooks more like a customer servicecounter, thekindyou’d seeat abig Europcar desk in an airport.
Amazonsaysthis is deliberate.Itmakes HR more visibleand more approachable.In line with thecompany’s “customerfirst” mantra, theemployees here are thecustomers Similarly, atraining anddevelopment hub sits just afew steps
away,alsoinplain view
Most employeeswill work four days on,three days off; shifts are10 hours.
On thetrainingfront, everyone –yes,even thesuits –goesthrough thesamerigoroustwoweek induction. The idea is that anyone can roll up theirsleeves and pitchinoperationally as well as administratively.DuringBlack Friday,for instance,you mightsee thebuilding’s management team right alongsidethe packers, sealingupboxes fordispatchacrossthe region andbeyond
On thegroundfloor, perhapshalfthe space is givenovertoinbound goods. Like most Amazonfulfilment centres, Sutton Coldfieldhandles smalleritems,while other UK sitesspecialisein larger products,clothing andfootwear, andfood anddrink
Everyitemis checked, placed into a blackstorage box, and setontoone of thecentre’smiles of conveyor belts. Thebelts carrythe boxestothe next stage, wherepeopleloadthem onto tall storagecarts Thecentrehas 15 miles of conveyor belts.
HOW AMAZON WORKSIN 5STEPS
OUTSIDEAMAZON’SLOOMING
EMA4 FULFILMENT CENTRE IN SUTTON COLDFIELD
From there, thereal magicbegins. These cartsare whiskedaway by independentrobots. Thereare no tracks,just codedmarkers on the floor andaremarkably smartalgorithm guiding them to theright storage location. Bigsupermarkets usenot dissimilar technology butit’s
tricky to relate just how advanced Amazon’s system is.The Amazon robots areself-sufficient: they take themselves to ascanner –akindof X-raymachine –which updatesthe system on howmuchspace remainsintheir cart
When theirbatteries run low, they roll themselves
over to acharging stationand plug in until they’reready forduty again
Seeingthe sheer volume –thousands of products –passing throughEMA4every singleday,it’shardnot to be awed.The choreographybetween human hands, algorithms and tireless machines is so intricate, so seamless, it’s almostbeyonddescription. Andall of that happensbeforeyou’ve even clicked“BuyNow” on Amazon.co.uk
Once youdo, an entirely newchain of processessprings into life.The system knows exactlywhere your item is –itwas logged and stored by robots themoment it arrived. Arobot headstothe location, retrievesitand sendsit glidingalong theconveyorbelts back down to thegroundfloor.
Part of thereasonfor detailing theseworkflows,beyondsheer,is that theirsophistication andefficiency areona levelmostorganisations couldnever even hope to replicate. Buttheycan stillserve as inspiration. Amazon attracts its shareofcriticism,but on thelogistics front, it’s hard to arguewiththe results. This is efficiency andbusinesstechnology at itspeak, andwhen it comestobest-in-class operations,there are very fewinthe world that come close.
1. Products from enterprisesand othersellers arrive at Amazon’sReceive Centres– onein Coventry,one in Doncaster.
2. An algorithm analyseshistorical salesdatatodecide howmuchstock to send to each of Amazon’s32UK fulfilmentcentres, includingSutton Coldfield
3. ReceiveCentres don’tstore products. Instead, stockissent to fulfilmentcentres, whereit’sstowed, by acombination of advanced robotics andhuman workers, untilordered
4. When an orderis placed,robotslocate theiteminstorage. A humanpacks it,then theSLAMcomputer system checks it, applies an address labeland decides whichgateitgoes to fortransport to a sortation centre.This is very airport-esque
5. From thesortation centre,where it is givenamoreultralocalfinal destination, it movestoadelivery station, from where Amazon’sdelivery partners collectit andtakeittothe customer’s door
Sustainability,Technology andInnovation (in partnership with HalesowenCollege)
Winner:iBiotech Business of theYear (in partnership with The University of Wolverhampton)
Winner: RunFlatInternational
THERUNFLATINTERNATIONAL TEAM AT THECHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS2025
Bostin’businesses crownedatawards
Eleven of theregion’s leading businesses ‘madehistory’when they were namedthe ‘Bestinthe Black Country’ at aglitteringceremonyatthe University of WolverhamptonatThe Halls.
RunFlatInternational in CradleyHeath was crownedBusinessofthe Year at theBlack CountryChamber Business Awards –inrecognition of itsrapidexpansion across theglobe
Thefamily-runfirm produces innovative tyre insertsthatcan withstandextreme conditions andballistic threats -and theseare nowsold in 45 global markets.
Ahigh-profile judgingpanel also citedthe company'scontribution to theeconomy,helping to supportmorethan50 highly skilled jobs.
With 13 trophies presented in total, Wolves Foundation came outas double winners in the Business in theCommunity andBusiness in Schoolscategories, whileIsaac HGrainger walked offwithManufacturing Champion, Pallet-Track (Employer of theYear) andRobert HopkinsEnvironmental
Services (FamilyBusiness of theYear) iBiotech’s work in drivingmedical innovation withground-breakingresearchthatcould transformtreatment for neurological conditions like Parkinsons and Alzheimer’scontributed to it securing theSustainability, Technology andInnovationtitle
SarahMoorhouse, CEOofBlack Country ChamberofCommerce, said:“It hasbeen anotheryearofglobal challenges andeconomic uncertainty,yet our region hasonceagain shownits resilience, determinationand ambition to create jobs,drive international expansion andpushthe boundaries of innovation in new emerging sectors.
"Our 11 winners this year illustratethe very best of theBlack Countryand it wasfantastic to celebratetheir achievements.”
Staged by theBlack CountryChamber of Commerce since2001, this year’s Business Awards wasbased on thetheme‘Making History Everyday’tomark theregion’sheritage whilelooking forwardto
thesectors moving firms into thefuture.
Dudley Canals and Caverns, Stourbridge GlassMuseumand HalesowenCollege provided decorative bargeware, vasesand itemsmadebystudents as historical centrepieces,withthe award-winning Male Voxchoir performing ‘a cappella’ versions of ELO’sMr Blue Skyand TheBeatles’ Blackbird.
Lauren Shepherd, marketingand communicationsmanager at the Chamber, said:“What an eveningand what a fantasticway to mark 24 yearsofthe BlackCountryChamber Business Awards.
"Wehad ourlargest ever number of applications across all categories anditreally illustrated thediversity andstrengthofcompanies that call theBlack Countrytheirhome.
"There areanincredible number of businesses doingamazing things here,yet many continue to go underthe radar.”
Business appoints newapprentices
BlackCountry-based KeyTracker,the UK’s leadingdesignerand supplier of securekey andasset management systems, hasexpanded itsteamwiththe appointmentof four newlocal apprentices.
Keen to ensure it is providingprogressiveemploymentopportunities in theregion, KeyTracker hasappointed GraceGodwinand Edmund Goode, who will be workingwiththe sales team in abusinessdevelopment role.
Chelsea-LeighLangfordhas joined thecompany as business admin assistanttohelpwiththe day-to-day runningofthe firm, whileDeclan Room hastaken on adigital marketing apprenticeship to promoteupcoming products to newand existing customers.
KeyTracker hasregularly hiredapprenticesfor more than adecade, with many previous recruits still working with thebusinesstoday
Andy Smith, director of KeyTracker, said thebusinessiswell-equipped to provideapprentices with thetrainingprogramme andinternal support
He added: “Asalocal employer,we seeitasakey responsibility to offer thetools andresourcestoensurepeopleexperienceahealthy andhappy professional developmentjourney "Withsomanyofour previous apprenticesstill workingfor us here at ourheadquartersinRowleyRegis,
we’reconfidentour latest cohort will also feel welcomed into thebusiness andgiven thesupport they need to excelintheir respective newroles.”
Chelseasaidofher newjob:“I’m thoroughly enjoying my apprenticeship with KeyTracker,asithas provided me with valuable opportunitiestodevelop my professional skills within adynamic andsupportiveworkplace."
Proudly Builtinthe BlackCountry
From theheart of Britishmanufacturing, KeyTracker proudly designs, builds, anddistributes theworld’s largestrange of keyand asset managementsystems.Trustedacrossindustries worldwide, oursolutionscombine reliability,innovation,and craftsmanship. Allengineered righthereinthe BlackCountry
It hasbeenayearofinvestment, award wins,increased turnover andrising profits forthe long-running Walsall basedvending machinebusiness
MD TOMWILLIAMS
It’s been arecordyear forBlack Country basedvending machinecompany CoinadrinkLtd which has been goingstrongfor more than 60 years.
Underthe direction of second generation family member Tom Williams,the business basedinWalsall,has enjoyedaward wins, an increase in turnover from £7.5mlastyearto £8mthisyear, andarise in profits too.
It’s been three steady yearsofgrowth forthe family-run firm, whichhas invested in
Managing director Tomhas worked tirelessly to keep alivethe legacy of hisfatherRoger Williams whofounded thebusinessin1962 when vendingmachines were arelativelynew technologicalinvention in theUK.
Willenhall-bornMr Williamsseniorstarted thecompany from his bedroomafter completinganapprenticeship with alocal vending
machinemanufacturer
He quicklydecided he didn’t want to make vendingmachinesbut wanted to distribute them –and that marked thebeginning of Coinadrink.
Having started outselling hotdrinks machines issuingbasic teaand coffee,hemade sure to keep up with industry developments andensureheincluded thelatesttechnologyin theportfolio of Coinadrink whichwas one of thefirstcompanies ever to offerfresh food from itsmachines. The
introductionofthe Smart Fridge in summer 2024 revolutionisedfresh food vendingbyoffering healthieroptions in the workplace.
Thecompany’s first premises were in Bloxwich in thelate 1960sand Coinadrink then movedtoLeamore before moving in 1985 to thefirm’s existing premises in Walsallwhere thebusinesshas been basedfor 40 years.
SadlyMrWilliams passed away in 2022, aged 81,while stillatthe helmofCoinadrink.
SonTom,who was
IN TE RV IE W
46 INTERVIEW
previously astore manager fortoy company Toys RUs, hadalready begunworking forthe family firminamarketingroleand decidedto step up andtakeover thereins as MD Today, with his step-mum Yvonne Williamsand hispartner Dani Pereiraworking as director andcredit controller respectively, Coinadrink remainsa family affair with afamily oriented culture.
Theentiremanagement team hasbeen with thecompany for 25 yearsormore, with theaverage length of serviceofemployees around 14 years.
Thefirm’s emphasis on staffwellbeingis credited forthisand the focussaw thebusiness, whichemploys 78 peopleand pays theReal Living Wage,shortlisted forthe Employee Wellness awardatthe 2025 Express& Star Business Awards.
Thecompany was also afinalist in the Business of theYear andGrowthand Inno-
vation categories;and it also recently made the shortlistfor theSustainability,Technology andInnovationaward at the2025Black Country ChamberAwardsand wasafinalist forthe Innovation Awards 2025, both in November.
Coinadrink andits achievements were also recognised at TheVendies in London in June when thefirm came away with twoawards -BestOverall LargeOperator andExcellencein Communication.
Theaward wins and nominationscameas Coinadrink celebrated achievingaturnoverof £8mthisyear–upfrom £7.5mlastyear.
Profits have also increased–withstaff rewarded with an extra month’spay as athank youfor theparts they have played in thefirm’s successthisyear.
Tomsaid: “2025has been arecordyear. We managedtogrowour marginstocreateareally healthybusinessand at theend of Octoberwe just paid allour staffa
bonustosay thankyou, so pretty much everyone gotanextra month's wagesasareward.”
With AI,automation andother newtechnology helping to drive thebusinessforwards –2026shouldprove equallyprosperous.
Tomadded:“Since ournew financial year startedinAugustit's been apositive start. We’reahead of budget, whichmeans we're growing, andaslongas things keep goingwe're on target to have another record year.”
Forthe year ahead, Tomsaid: “We've got some quitegrand plans andprojectsthatare ongoingatthe moment andthey're allaimed at making thebusiness more efficient.Weare a tech focusedbusiness. We'vegot areallygood in-house IT andcomputing department that writes allour ownbespokesystems software forus. We buildasmuch as we caninhouse, technology wise.”
Thecompany hasspent £700,000
in upgradingall of its vendingmachineswith newtechnology– with AI beingusedtohelp profile customers, suggest pricechanges and plan improvements and Tomsaid: “Wethink we canadd about15to20 percentextra capacity in thebusinesswithout needingtoemployextra operationalstaff.”
He’s keen to stress, however, thecompany hasnot lost thehuman touch. He said:“We are aservice-led business We stillpride ourselves on thefactthatsomeonewillanswerthe phonetoyou,a human, nota voicemailtype scenario.Westill have receptionists. We’ve kept very traditionalbut alongsidetechnology.”
Thefirm offers a rangeofvending machines,tabletopoffice coffee machines and watercoolers too–with around 3,000 machines in theWestMidlands andsurrounding areas. Despitethe firm’ssuccesses,ithas kept its operationregionaland this haspaiddividends
48 NEWS
VINEYARD’S TRIBUTE TO FOUNDER
HalfpennyGreen WineEstatehas unveiled alimited edition commemorative red wine honouringits late founder.
As thevineyard prepares to welcome up to 20,000 visitors in December,the finishingtouches have been appliedtoits MCV Reserve, dedicatedto thememoryofMartin CharlesVickers –one of themostinfluential and respectedfiguresinthe Englishwineindustry.
Thered wine,taken fromthe 2022 harvestof rondograpes, is theestate’s biggest tributeto Martintodate, with the idea first mooted after hisdeath at theage of 82 in September2024.
Bursting with blackberry,plumand forest fruits,the wine also boasts agentle warm spice, with only a
limited number of bottles available.
In 1983,Martinand his sonClive planted 400vines on theirfamily farm.Today,it’sathriving 30-acrevineyard, producinghundredsof thousandsofbottles each year
Clive, daughter-inlaw Lisa andgrandchildren Imogen and Emilydescribed himas a much-loved dadand grandadwhose “forward thinkingand indefatigablespirit” shaped everything theestate hasbecome.
Documentary-maker turnsvideo mentor
An award-winning former TV documentary makerisputting her videography skills to good usetohelpthe localbusinesscommunity by sharingtop tips on howtocreate top-qualitycontent forsocialmedia and online use.
SusanJones,a former ITVCentral producer anddirector, runs RedheadBusiness Filmsmakingcorporate videos forbusinesses, charitiesand otherorganisationsand Family Legacy Films-helping people to preserve preciousmemoriesoftheir lovedonesbyfilming specialmoments
Recently she’s branched outinto sharingher skills with business owners to help them create standout social content.
Susan, whohas 30-years of programme-makingskills experience,said: “We areall movedbystories, real life experiences andinbusiness, case studiesand testimonials
“Working as an award-winningdocumentary producer/ director it wasmyjob to identify good storiesand angles to keep people watching during the 30-minutebroadcast. Attentionspans maybe shorterthese days,but smallbusinessescan reachtheir target audience with meaningful andengagingcontent
“A bigpartoftelling storiesonsocialmedia is visual,which is why Iadvisetakingwell framed photographs andlearninghow to talk naturallyoncamera.
With asmart phoneyou have afilm crew in your pocket andthere are lots of hintsand tips I offerpeopletoget the most outofusing it Themajorityofpeople areinitially very nervousspeakingonvideo, that’s normal.I'vebeen workingwithprofessionals, non-professional presenters making corporatevideosand coaching interviewees formorethan30years It takesawhile to be-
come confident andI'm confident Ican helpanyone become better and actually startenjoying making videoblogs.”
Thesessions, which have been held in the village, featurepracticaltipstohelppeople master theiron-camera presence so they are able to better connect with theircustomers and target audience effectively.Susan said:“My coaching is forcreators,professionals and entrepreneurswho want to standout andspeak withimpact.”
Susanplans to hold hernextsession in Dudley in February,with corporatephotographer Bill Bishop.She canbe contactedvia herFamily Legacy Filmswebsite www.familylegacyfilms. co.uk
SUSANJONES OF REDHEAD BUSINESS FILMS– AFORMER TV DOCUMENTARY-MAKER
Wavensmere Homeshas sold 60 off-plan houses to Clique members -aclubofexistingcustomers who have alreadyboughttwo or more of itshomes
With atotal valueof£15.7million, thecollectionofthree-bedroom homes -located in newterracedstreets within WolverhamptonCanalside South-will be buildcompletefromQ1-Q3 2029
Work startedonsiteatthe £150m regenerationschemeinFebruary 2025,withmorethan£20malready invested on land assembly andremediation, site enabling,groundworks and construction.
Wavensmere is transforming the former BritishSteel andCrane Foundry site,which haslainderelictfor 15 years, into more than 530energy-efficient homes, complemented by a rangeofnew commercial andcommunity amenities. Theregionaldistribution andstockholdingcentrehad stood emptysince thecollapseofthe British Steelbusinessin2019.
DonnaSmith,sales director for Wavensmere Homes, said:“Wolverhampton CanalsideSouth has been so well received by ourClique members. We were proudtoinviteour loyalcustomers to theUniversityof Wolverhampton’sNational Brownfield Institute–close to thesite–where the
developmentplans came to life within thefuturistic360°Igloo
“Weoffered preferential access to alimited releaseof60plots,which were allassignedtopurchasers within 48 hours. This laterphase of houses won’tbebuild complete for threetofouryears,which suitsClique members, as they have alreadybeen throughthe investment journeyonother Wavensmere developments. They appreciate that purchasing quality homesoff-planinmixed-use city centredevelopmentscan reap significant dividends.”
TheCliqueconcept wasestablished by theBirmingham-headquarteredhousebuilderin2024, as away of formalisingthe gratitude Wavensmere hasfor itsrepeatcustomers.The fee-free membership platform hasalready amassedover 1,000repeatcustomers.Wavensmere provides Clique memberswithadedicatedsales relationshipmanager,access to exclusivemortgageproducts, andtenantbenefitsfromthe pointof completion.
Establishedthrough apartnership betweenWolverhampton Counciland theCanal &River Trust, WolverhamptonCanalside Southislocated off Qualcast Road,close to thetransport interchange. It hasaprime waterside
position andenjoysfrontageontothe Wyrley &Essington Canaland the WolverhamptonBranchofthe BirminghamMainLineCanal.
Wavensmere reportsthathalfof the378 CanalsideSouth houses have nowbeenmatched with purchasers during 2025.The first home handovers will take placeduringQ22026, within phaseone of thedevelopment,which comprises153 contemporary two- and three-bedroomhouses.
Thedevelopment is beingdelivered in threephases–progressing from east to west,withthe full regenerationand buildprogramme projected to complete by summer 2030
CanalsideSouth is oneofthe biggest regeneration projects of itskind in theregion. Theoverall visionfor the WolverhamptonCanalside masterplan is thedeliveryofaround1,000 homestomeetboththe city andwider region’s housingneeds,withsustainability andplace-makingatits heart.
Designed by Glancy Nicholls Architects,the low-rise development emulates thesurrounding conservation area andmaximises thecanalside setting. On completion,itwillinclude sevenacres of vibrantgreen space andopenupanew walkingroute to thecity, igniting newinvestmentintoa commercialcorridor.
CGIOFTHE WOLVERHAMPTON CANALSIDESOUTH SCHEME
HireanApprentice andnurture newtalent foryour business
Designed with businesses in mind, apprenticeshipsoffer ablendof hands-on experience within your industryand offthe jobtrainingto develop keyknowledge, skills and behavioursthat your business requires to thrive.
Open to anyone aged 16 andover, apprenticeships cansupportyou in notonlyrecruitingnew talent,but can also be theanswertoupskilling your current staff to meet skills gaps within your business.
Engage with us andyou will benefit from:
•Access to apool of candidates who have been screened forsuitability
•Anopportunity to trainnew talent andworktowards long term success
•Adviceongovernment fundingand grants to supportthe training of your apprentice
•A cost-effective solutiontoaddress growingdemands on your business andplugskills gaps
Contactour ApprenticeshipTeamtofind outhow we can help yourbusiness. Email: apprenticeships@halesowen.ac.uk
