Black Country Business Summer 2022

25 years experience as a leading supplier of cable harnesses wiring looms and panel assemblies

we provide a world class service to a range of industry sectors throughout the united kingdom & internationally, with quality at the forefront of the company ’ s operations whatever your cable wiring requirement, from ‘ one off ’ specials to volume manufacture, our totally flexible approach enables us to offer a first class, cost effective and quality assured service.

EXPERTRETIRES AFTER HIS LONG CAREER IN BREWING

After acareer spanning 47 years with the business, RichardWestwood has retired from CarlsbergMarston’s Brewing Company

He has moved to an adviser role to Wolverhampton-based CMBC’sboard.

Mr Westwood began his career with Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries in 1975 at Banks’sBrewery, having completed auniversity placement with the business in 1975 and gaining his Masters in brewing science and biochemistry.He progressed into avariety of roles including head brewer for Banks’sand Hanson’s, brewing and logistics director and from 2004 supply chain and commercial director

Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries was renamed Marston’sin2007 having grown to be one of the most successful pub operators and brewers in the UK, rapidly

expanding through multiple acquisitions. These included Cameron’s(1992), Marston’s Brewery (1999), Mansfield Brewery (2001), Jennings Brewery (2004), Ringwood (2007), Wychwood (2008), Thwaites (2015) and Charles Wells (2017).

In 2013, Mr Westwood was appointed managing director for Marston’sBeer Company, building beer brands that remain at the heart of the CMBC portfolio today

In 2019 he played akey role in the discussions to create ajoint venturewith Carlsberg Group to create Carlsberg Marston’sBrewing Company, launching in November 2020.

Mr Westwood has maintained his broader industry contribution as aFellow of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling and continues to sit on the boardofexaminers with the IBD whereheassesses

prospective Master Brewers.

He was also crowned brewer of the year by the British Guild of Beer Writers and recognisedfor his contribution to local business by Wolverhampton City Council and enrolled as one of its Famous Sons and Daughters.

Mr Westwood said: “It

talented people throughout these decades. Iamtruly proudofMarston’sheritage and in my contribution in forming CMBC.

IAMTRULY PROUD OF MARSTON’S

“This is the only industry Iknow,and Iwill never lose my passion for it; for most of my career my job has been a hobby.Asthischapter closes, Iamexcited to continue to support the boardtoensure that CMBC has the best brands, service and people, backed by an incredible heritage in brewing.”

has been an incredible 47 years with the business, and Ihave worked with so many passionate, dedicated and

Paul Davies, chief executive of CMBC, added: “Richard is one of akindand aclear founderofCMBC. We are fortunate to have had Richard at the heart of our business during our first 18 months as anew company.His knowledge, expertise and strong relationships across the industry have given us the solid foundations from which to grow.”

RICHARD WESTWOOD HAD A 47-YEAR CAREER WITH THE BREWING BUSINESS

MBE FOR BUSINESS FIGURE

Renowned Aldridge businessman Douglas Wright was made an MBE for services to the economy and charity in the West Midlands.

The McDonald’sfranchisee, who owns and operates 21 restaurants across the West Midlands, was been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list following the Platinum Jubilee.

His honour recognisedhis efforts and services to bring people together to help the community

Last year,Douglas celebrated his 40th anniversary working for McDonald’s, wherehebegan his career as acleaner at the age of 16.

It was the beginning of a remarkable career journey

which led to him being appointed McDonald’s youngest UK restaurant manager by the age of 20, beforegoing on to become one of the largest franchisees in Europe.

He now employ morethan 2,500 people in the area and this year is also celebrating an extraordinary milestone of 20 years as aMcDonald’s franchisee.

His charitable initiatives include asix-year role as chairman for Ronald McDonald House Birmingham, wherehehelpedthe organisation navigate through incredibly difficult times by establishing new ways to fundraise to help provide ‘home away from home’ accommodation for families

with children receivingcare at the nearby Birmingham Children’sHospital.

This was done by setting up the first virtual and hybrid events, with one evening last November raising more than £300,000. Doug’swork with RMHC was recognised globally this year,with a special awardbeing presented to him at the McDonald’s worldwide convention.

The awardhighlights thevital role Doug plays in the communities in which he operates ando his commitment to working with local businesses, often as a mentor or special advisor

As aboardmember for the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, he spends alot of time with local businesses.

During the pandemic, he was able to help them navigate new government initiatives, whilst managing the safe operation of his own stores.

Doug said: “Being presented with an MBE for ‘services to the economy and charity in the West Midlands’ is agreat honour for myself and my family and I’d like to thank everybody across the business community who has been so generous with their time, advice and support along the way

“I take great pride in being committed to the local communities around our restaurants and look forwardtocontinuing to help contribute towards making them even better places to live and work.”

ITAKE GREATPRIDE IN BEING

CHAMBER CHIEF MOVES TO COVENTRY

The chief executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce has left the organisation after six years.

Corin Crane, aged 50, has moved on to lead the team at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber

He led the Black Country organisation during aperiod when the demand for business support had never been greater,asbusinesses tackled Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I was offered this role in the same week as the Brexit vote and my time leading the Black Country Chamber has been

dominated by big national and international events.

Three Prime Ministers, two national elections, two West Midlands Mayoral elections, lows of post Brexit worries, highs as the West Midlands businesses outperformed all contenders, the paradigm shifting experiences of the Covid pandemic, record vacancies but high youth unemployment, high levels of inflation and energy and fuel costs spiralling out of control.

“Through all this, the one thing that has remained consistent is the incredible resilience of our businesses.

Our business community adapts, innovates, finds new markets, solves problems, keeps astraight face when confronted by policy announcements which fail to hit the mark and battle hard when changes need to be made. Workingfor achamber of commerce is avery privileged position and Ihave been incredibly proud of the people and businesses I’ve represented since 2016,” said Mr Crane.

During his time at the chamber he was the driving force behind the creation of the Black Country Business

Festival, which was held for the first time in 2018 and is due to run again this autumn.

Phil Pursey,chairman of the chamber’sboardofdirectors said: “Corin brought energy and enthusiasm to the Black Country and set the chamber on acourse which has seen us rapidly modernise as an organisation across many areas of our operation.

“Going on to become a well-known and respected business figure, Corin’s leadership has meant that the chamber remains primed to deliver the types of business support our members rely on.”

THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES AROUND OUR RESTAURANTS

COLLEGE EQUIPPING

Sandwell College is supporting the next generation of employees by ensuring that our students are“work ready” when they graduate from their studies.

The college’sfamily of campuses located across the West Midlands areall supporting programmes designed with the employer in mind, and offering highly flexible solutions to work seamlessly with your objectives.

Employability initiatives we areactively promoting include CDF,plus our new T Level courses which incorporate training on employability and industry placements of up to 45 days that can help you find and develop new talent.

It’sawin winfor all as students get valuable experience in the workplace, while employers get early sight of the new talent in their industry TLevel students spend 80 per cent of the course in their learning environment, gaining the skills that employers need.

The other 20 per cent is ameaningful industry placement, wherethey put these skills into action.

FULL POTENTIAL

To ensureopportunities areprovided for early-career talent to shine through, Sandwell College is always looking to align with

corporate partners able to support our young people, many of whom will be readyfor an apprenticeship or full-time employment as soon as their course is complete.

We believethat by far the best route for businesses everywheretoimprove efficiency, drive conversions and create positive results for succession planning, is to tap into the full potential of career starters and benefit from a strong pool of candidates to recruit.

Ourinitiatives arebacked by incentives for employers of up to £1,000 per student, making them asmart investment for businesses and student employability apriority,sowecan ensurelearnersleave with the right skills for the workplace.

CASE STUDY: WILLMOTTDIXON

Olivia is one of the stand-out success stories of early-career talent initiatives. Aspokesperson for her initial placement provider Willmott Dixon said: “During our recent construction project, we collaborated with Sandwell College to provide opportunities for early-career talent.

“Wefacilitated employability sessions and hosted work experience placements for five NEETs(Not in Education, Employment or Training) to support them in fulfilling requirements for their traineeship programmes.

“A stand-out success story from this initiative is Olivia. Having completed her work

experience placement with us, we wereso impressed with Olivia that she was offered a summer internship.

“Following the completion of her internship Olivia decided to pursue acareer with us and applied for afour-year management trainee programme which will see Willmott Dixon sponsoring Olivia while she completes a degree in her chosen field, as well as providing the opportunity to apply her learning through hands-on, real-world experience on our sites.”

DISCUSSWITH

looking at

in touch with

engagement team

in the

discuss work

apprenticeships, recruitment and

e-mail business.

TRUST

£100K PRODUCTION INVESTMENT

Aworkwear specialist is continuing its fast-paced growth thanks to an increase in investment and the acquisition of new machinery and technology.

MyWorkwear,which is based in Telford, has been supporting businesses across the UK with their workwear and uniforms for nearly 50 years. Following aslightchange in ownership during 2021, it opened its new production area and the business is now setting its sights on £5 million in sales by 2025.

With a£100,000 capital expenditure investment, MyWorkwear has purchased three new embroidery machines and adirect to film print machine, along with other technologyrelated items, which will enable it to increase production substantially in 2022 and beyond. The new capacity will allow it to secure new contracts from companies looking for personalised workwear and uniforms.

The growth has also supported an increase in local jobs with employee numbers increasing by over 60 per cent in the last year alone.

James Worthington, managing director,said: “Overthe last few years we had seen 20 per

cent year-on-year growth, which was as aresult of the hardwork of our fantastic team and our commitment to providing our customers with an excellent level of service. This last year, however,wehave seen this growth reach50 per cent compared to the previous year which is exceptional.

“Having grown from the small manufacturing company my father started in Telfordin1976, it is fantastic to be able to give back to the local community in Shropshirebyofferingsomany new jobs.”

“The investment and the resulting increased capacity means we can now take on more customers and much larger orders whilst still maintaining our high-quality standards and service levels,” he added,

The £100,000 investment is only the start of things to come with plans in place for anew enterprise resource planning system and an extended sales and marketing team.

James added: “As apersonal advocate of manufacturing, and as part of our growth, Iwill also be ensuring we continue to support STEM activities in the region so we can generate and retain the next generation of engineers.”

JAMES WORTHINGTON

AGOLDEN ANNIVERSARYYEAR

“Midland-House” in Halesowen –a£250,000 job. It considerably improved cashflow and helped us ride out the peaks and troughs in the middle 70’s.”

The air conditioning specialist has racked up 50 years of operation, amilestone that reflects the strength, stability,and success only afew companies ever achieve.

Founded in 1972 by current chairman John Whitehouse, Weatherite’searly days of business werecarried outinaconservatory with his late business partner,Lou Simmonds, and over the last 50 years as John recalls“it’s been quite ajourney”.

The company began life selling Daikin air conditioning equipment, and as John recalls, hisfirst ever order “was ajob at Combe Abbey, Coventry and was designed, installed and wired by himself and worth just £585.”

Weatherite soon began rapidly expanding by selling moreHVACequipment, so much so, that six years later the company moved to larger premises and started its journey into manufacturing its own equipment. “This was a game changer when we received an order for ahuge Centrifugal Chiller plus Cooling Tower andafan-coil unit order for alocal office block,

Then came 1980 when Weatherite builtits first free-cooling telephone exchange cooling unit for telecoms giant BT– still one of its flagship products, albeit somewhat evolved, 42 years on. dthe workforcetocope with the expanding demand as the retailers wereboth developing their sales floor areas and needed air conditioning.

The 90s wereaperiod of considerable growth and in order to expand its’ opportunities, Weatherite acquired DLT Shopfronts &Shutters Ltd, in order to develop potential opportunities with the retail sector.Itis now named WeatheriteAluminium Solutions.

Today the business turnover is over £34 million as agroup, primarily through Weatherite Air Conditioning, which represents the major proportion of that turnover with about £25 million. “Wesurvived the effects of the pandemic in good shape and arelooking forwardtogrowing our marketshareinvery interesting times,”said John.

JOHN WHITEHOUSE WALKING INTO HIS 50TH YEAR

TEEPEE EYES ITS SECOND SITE

Asupplier of complex harnesses and wiring looms is eyeing asecond manufacturing site as it looks to keep up with demand from the electric vehicle market and customer growth.

Teepee Electrical, which works with clients in the automotive, blue light and rail sectors, has notched several reshoring successes in recent weeks and these contracts, combined with extensions to existing agreements, could deliver a£1million sales boost in 2022.

The firm’sagility and recent investment in harness softwareand aworld class manufacturing system is paying dividends and the management team now want to capitalise on this with apossible expansion.

Asecondfacilityhas been earmarked nearby that will deliver morethan 8,000 sq ft of additional product space and could house a dedicated cell for supplying assemblies to train builders.

Steve Clarke, managing director, commented: “An increasing number of manufacturers arelooking at their offshoring policies, especially in light of Covid-19 and now the conflict in Ukraine. This represents amajor opportunityfor UK manufacturers, who arenow

alot moreproductiveand in abetter position to offer security of supply and shorter lead times.”

He went on to add: “We’ve definitely seen an influx in interest and orders, and this has given us the confidence to invest and explore the possibility of asecond site that will give us morecapacity.”

“A decision will be made in the next month, with view to being fully operational by the last quarter of 2022.”

Teepee Electrical is looking to grow 20 per cent in 2022, taking turnover past the £3m mark as morecustomers tap into its ability to supply low,medium and high volumes.

Following the purchase of £100,000 worth of automatic crimp presses, ancillary tooling and acable cutting and process machine, the Bloxwich-based company has started supplying volume cable assemblies to a second tier UK automotive supplier with plans in place to be involved in new vehicle platforms by Spring 2023.

It has also signed an extension with one of the UK’sleading emergency appliance manufacturers that will see it support a concerted roll-out of its new electric vehicles.

For further information, about Teepee please visitwww.teepeeelectrical.co.uk

STEVE CLARKE, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF TEEPEE ELECTRICAL

RICHARD LANE

PROTECTING AGAINST NEW CYBER ATTACKS

How to protect your business against zeroday cyber attacks

Didyou know that four malwareattacks happen every minute in the UK and out of these, ahuge96per cent of them arezero-day attacks? Let’stake alook at the steps you can take to help protect your business.

What is azero-day threat?

Azero-daythreat is a malwarethreat that hasn’t been seen beforeand doesn’t matchany known malware signatures which means that it can’tbedetected by traditional cyber security software. This threat might exploit an unknown software vulnerability

Why should you be concerned about zero-day threats?

Cyber attacks arebecoming moreand more prevalent and new zero-day threats areoriginating at an alarming rate. In order to protect your network, applications and data, it is vital to have an advanced threat prevention system in place.

How can you protect your business against zero-day attacks?

Although the natureofzeroday malwarethreats mean that we cannot see them coming, thereare still various ways you can help to protect your business.

1. Keep your softwareup to date to ensurethat security patches areinplace and reduce the risk of malware infection

2. Use afirewall to monitor and block suspicious activity

3. Use an antivirus software to protect you against known and unknown threats

4. Ensureyour team is educated on zero-day threats and seek out solutions when zero-day vulnerabilities are discovered

5. Limit the amount of applications you use, as the less you download, the less data you areputting at risk

Advanced Security Protection

In today’sclimate,abasic firewall is no longer enough to protect your business against cyber security threats; you need afull set of scanning engines to safeguardyour network against viruses, spyware, malicious apps and data leaks.

What should your security protection include?

Cloud Sandboxing:

Organisations of all sizes arefalling victim to sophisticated cyber attacks. Cloud sandboxes simulate physical hardware, exposing malwarewhich is designed to recognise and evade traditional network security defenses.

AI-Powered Anti-Malware: Signature-based anti-virus solutions areonly able to detect known threats, whereas AI-powered anti-malwareuses amachine-learning engine which can predict threats. As modernmalware mutates at an incredible rate, humanproduced signature-based virus detection is rapidly becoming obsolete.

DNS Filtering: Hackers rely on DNS to carry out cyber attacks. DNS filtering detects and blocks potentially dangerous sites, protecting your network and team from damaging malwareinfections. Cloud-based DNS filtering services areefficient and save time and money

EBC Group offer the most advanced cyber security solutions to provide your business with the maximum possible protection against cyber attacks. Contact us online, call 0121 368 0119 or email us at hello@ebcgroup. co.uk to find out more.

CBI TEAM IMPROVED

The Midlands Confederation of British Industry has bolstered its regional team with the appointment of anew associate director –who aims to help the region’sbusinesses navigate apath through the current economic challenges to renewed prosperity

Nicola Adams has worked across anumber of different industries, and has spent the past eight years in trade associations primarily supporting the UK’sDIY, housewares, electrical and footwear sectors.

She brings extensive experience in account management, recruitment, businesssupportand event management.

In her new role, Nicola will work closely with CBI Midlands director RichardBlackmore and member businesses to advance the CBI’sambitions for economic growth, regional prosperity and social equality, as laid out in its strategic vision Seize The Moment.

Regional priorities will include action to boost skills, increase investment and drive infrastructureimprovements.

MBO AS SERVOSTEEL MOVES INTO NEW ERA

Edwards Chartered

Accountants and law firm George Green have directed the successful management buyout of Steelstrip Services, which trades as Servosteel.

They advised the senior leadership team of on the transaction, for which financing was provided by HSBC UK.

The management buyout saw the team –made up of Steven Dickens (commercial director), Darryl Macready (operations director), Sarah Ostins (finance and HR director) and RichardBurton (IT and systems director)

take full control of the Dudley business, with its former owners Mark Anderson and Phillip Guest stepping aside, following asuccessful eight-year tenurethat saw the business returnto independent ownership.

With extensive industry knowledge, the new ownership team arewell placed to take the business forward, ensuring asmooth transition between owners, continuity and delivery of a business-as-usual approach.

The MBO team has nearly 60 years of working for Servosteel and has awealth of experience and knowledge within the steel industry and in steel processing.

Mr Dickens said: “Weare delighted to have completed the MBO and areexcited to build on the excellent platform already established. We are confident we can lead the business into anew and even moresuccessful era through further growth and diversification.

“Our advisers, Edwards Chartered Accountants and George Green LLP supported us through every step of the MBO –and as ateamwe knew we wereinsafehands. They worked tirelessly to deliver on atight timescale.”

Servosteel oversees an annual capacity of morethan 500,000 tonnes of steel all situated in its warehouse.

She said: “It’sbeena turbulent few years for business with Covid-19, Brexit and now a growing cost-of-living crisis as inflation rises and energy costs soar.Long-term challenges around levelling up and transitioning to net zeroalso loom large.

“I’ll be working closely with businesses across the Midlands to not only help them overcome these challenges but also to make the most of the opportunities in front of them too.”

NEW SITE HELPS PRINTFUL GROWTH

For many businesses the Covid lockdowns were anightmare, sparking fallingsales andinsome cases closures as footfall disappeared for months on end.

But for all the heartache some firms flourished, with millions of people being stuck at home all day opening up a whole new customer base.

On-demand printing

company Printful fits neatly into this category

The firm –which produces items including t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs and posters for acustomer base dominated by e-commerce stores –opened its first UK fulfilment centrein Wolverhampton last year

According to Printful’s international development lead Davis Vasilevskis, the

firm’sbusiness model could almost have been designed for lockdown.

“The growth has been very fast over the past years and I think it will remain that way in the future,” he said.

“Printful came in quite handy.You can upload your design and make sales without having to meet customers or production workers.

DIRECTORS AND THOSE INVOLVED IN THE MB0 AT SERVOSTEELINDUDLEY

NEW ERA FOR DREADNOUGHT

Hinton Perry &Davenhill, manufacturer of Dreadnought roof tiles and Ketley bricks, has made major changes to its senior management team as part of its ambitious growth plans for the future.

As awell-established local family business, which has manufactured on the same site in Brierley Hill since 1805, the company has continuously adapted by diversifying and investing in modern production lines, whilst preserving craftsmanship and traditional skills.

With the appointment of anew managingdirector and three new directors, the company will be responding to the challenges of today’s

market through energy efficiencies and carbon reduction initiatives.

Kevin Preston who has been integral to the technological development of the company as production director,has takenonthe role of managing director Mark Bifield, having overseen ahugely positive culture change for 15 years as works manager,has been promoted to production director.Richard Dyer is commercial director, having successfully steered the commercial development of business for several years and David Sherry has taken on the role of sales director,a promotion which recognises thesignificant contribution he has made to developing sales at Dreadnought Tiles as

sales manager.Alex PatrickSmith the existing managing director has become executive chairman, RichardDavenhill, the former chairman, is now honorary chairman reflecting his nearly 60 years of continuous service in the industry.Christopher Davenhill remains as finance director

Mr Patrick-Smith said: “Continuity is one of the most valuable assets of afamily business, and this managed transition demonstrably delivers this by enabling fresh ideas and energy to flow through the organisation whilst tapping into the wealth of experience of the older directors at hand.

Already well established and highly respected industry names, Ketley Brick and

Dreadnought Tiles have built an impressive reputation for the quality and longevity of their clay bricks, roof tiles, and quarry tiles range.

In recent years the company has also been associated with numerous high-profile and award-winning projects.

“With our dynamic team cultureand ongoing commitment to producing market leading clay products, Iamconfidentofa very strong and stable futurefor Dreadnought Tiles and Ketley Brick and the many local people that we will continue to employ,” added Mr PatrickSmith.

Hinton Perry &Davenhill currently employs 67 staffacrossboth of its manufacturing operations.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR BLACK COUNTRYINEXPORTING

Dave Atkinson, regional director for the West Midlands at Lloyds Bank, looks at some of the benefits of exploring overseas trade opportunities and how Midlands firms can make the most of these.

“In the Queen’sSpeech, the Government said it will “continue to champion international trade” over the next Parliamentary term, with new trade deals set to be implemented over the next year

“This will bring moretrade in new markets, and we hope that it will open the door for moreWest Midlands

firms to exploreexporting opportunities. While it may feel like astep into the unknown for those dipping their toes into foreign waters for the first time, international trade can provide additional revenue and growth opportunities when the economy and customer demand in the UK might be uncertain.

“For those looking to exploreinternational markets for the first time, thereare a few simple steps they can take to help them preparefor and make the most of these opportunities.

“One of the first steps to

selling overseas is identifying the right markets to target. It is important to thoroughly research factors such as market trends and local competition to determine wherethe strongest demand for your products lies.

“At Lloyds Bank, we’ve developed an International Trade Portal, which gives firms information on everything from trade shows to potential overseas business partners to help inform export strategy right from the start. Lloyds Bank business customers can access this via our website or through their app.

“Another important step is to understand how selling to customers overseas can be different from within the UK. For example, export deals can take longer to complete than domestic trades, in part due to the distances involved. Slower deliveries, and as aresult slower payment, can put a squeeze on cashflow,making it moredifficult to turnassets into cash.

“Thereare opportunities abroad, and by planning ahead and making the most of support available, more firms can step into the global marketplace.”

NEIL THOMAS DUDLEY COLLEGE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

COULD IGNORANCE REALLYBEBLISS?

The Dunning- Kruger effect proposes that thereisarelationship between our level of ignorance and our confidence.

In essencethose people with alow competence at something overestimate their ability.Whereas the high performers tend to underestimate their skills.

I’m surethat many of us will recognise the person who comes out of atest saying how badly they feel they have done, only to get top marks when the result finally comes in.

In the past Ihave thought of this as modesty on their part but perhaps they aresimply displaying the Dunning Kruger effect.

This cognitive inaccuracy is an example of just how poor we aremaking judgments about ourselves.

When we embark on anew task or learning anew skill, most of us lack confidence at the start because we recognise our own inexperience.

However,after awhile of doing something, we can start to feel we aremastering the task –gettinginto acomfort zone.

But if we arebeing pushed after atime; we often begin to realise that thereissomuch moretolearnthan we first

thought and we look fondly back to those early days of ignorance.

Hopefully,ifwepersist in our learning; our skills and confidence begin to converge until they intersect, and we recognise our own competency because we have actually achieved it.

In my day job as the chief executive of Dudley College of Technology Ifrequently see learners who fall into the overestimaters or the underestimaters of their abilities all the time, and recognise that each has something vital to learnabout themselves and the process of education.

Isimplywant them to stick with the task so they can gain amoretruthful understanding of themselves.

And Iknow that however much we learn, however many skills we master; all of us are simply scratching the surface of knowledge.

The moreexperiences you have, the morethings there arethat you know.But also, the morethings you know you don’tknow.

No matter how long you live therewill be an infinite amount of knowledge of which only you can grasp asmall amount.

Even Stephen Hawking had his limitations with an IQ of 160 the same as Albert Einstein but two points lower than Birmingham schoolgirl

Freya Mangotra, who took the test when she was just 10-years-old in 2019.

Hawking famously lost abet to the American theoretical physicist John Preskill on the natureofblack holes and he was cheerfully forced to acknowledge his own limitations. Concluding like Isaac Newton beforehim: “What we know is adrop, what we don’tknowisan ocean.”

Ihave heardknowledge described as an expanding circle the moreyou learnthe moreyou push the boundaries of the circle but as you do so the circumference of the circle expands and the moreyou come into contact with things you don’tknow.

So, in learning you arealso paradoxicallyexpanding your ignorance.

But Ifirmly believe that is not an argument for choosing not to expand our skills and knowledge. In fact we cannot avoid doing so.

Whether it be consciously or unconsciously life is learning.

So, Iwould encourage everyone to try to expand their own boundaries, learn anew skill and be just alittle bitmoreinformed on just one thing.

We allhave to start somewhereafter all and who knows to whereitmightlead us?

THE FUTURE IS NOW

THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IS STILL CONTINUING TO GROW

Social media networks are becoming moreand more popular by the minute, as morethan80per cent of the world with access to the internet areusers of social media!

This is still expected to grow over time.

In previous years, we were happy to receivecomments and friend requests from friends and family,now it has been so engrained within all of our daily lives we can promote services, businesses and buy products and goods. Many companies use social media to communicate with their customers and to promote their business through different social media platforms. With the vast number of changes happening in adigital world –what will happen next?

Social media platforms arenot just creating coverage for your brand whereyou can promote your services directly,itisnow becoming easier and easier to conduct direct sales through your platforms. For example, you can now buy products straight through Instagram, WhatsApp and TikTok.

With the rise of mobile users, advertising can be used for specific types of targeting using these devices to increase spontaneous purchases.

Nearly 95 per cent of all social media users access their favourite channels on mobile devices, and as social networks have ad formats specifically for this, mobile advertising will continue to become even morepopular.There has already been aslowdecline of PC and desktop users in recent years

Video and visual information has always been morepopular than standardtext. Visual content is rising faster than any other type of content with the huge increase of platforms like TikTok that offer small quick snippets of video, and anewsfeed that is personalised to your tastes over time. These features arepivotal in the development of social media marketing, as reaching your target audience is easier than ever

If you have an online business then chatbots areone of the most beneficial tools. They can have awiderange of features, for example: displaying aproduct

gallery to encourage purchases, answer simple FAQ’sand find a location of aservice. They will soon take over the digital world.

Influencer marketing is on the rise fast, and with the huge amount of advertising online that is on everyone’sscreens it is refreshing to see aperson sharing aproduct with us as it doesn’treally feel like advertising at all, strengthening the personal connection.

Looking to buy something but you can’tfind anywherethat sells locally? Local brand social media pages will be on the rise, as it increases the option for businesses to communicate with individuals on apersonal level. For example, Instagram has implemented location pages meaning that it is easy to search and explorelocal products.

Thereare awhole host of aspects that areonthe rise for social media and businesses must keep up in achanging digital world.

James Keeney-Wilson, senior PPC manager at MNA Digital says: “No one can predict how social media is going to change in a

large span such as five to10 years’ time, nor would it truly benefit a business to start thinking up a social media campaign now to be used in that time period. The most reasonable approach is to keep pace with the changes and trends as they happen, adapting your marketing strategy to the constantly evolving online world.

“Fundamentally,the key to this is don’tbescaredtotry new features or platforms, test them on asmaller scale wherepossible, learnwhatyou canabout them to improve your skills or performance and then scale up whereyou can.”

If you arelooking to expand your knowledge on social media advertising then MNA Digital has the perfect free webinar for you to attend on September 22 at 10.30am. Your speaker will be James Keeney-Wilson who will cover everything you need to know on boosting sales online. Save your space on the website events page.

MNA Digital host events to help brush up on your digital knowledge, or lend ahand with your digital marketing. The future of social media is now

BY JOHN CORSER

INTER VIEW

The loss of founder Roger Williams at the age of 81 in March was abig blow to familyrun Walsall business Coinadrink –just as it was in the midst of celebrating its 60th anniversary year

Hisson TomWilliams, aged 35, who lives in Essington, was announced on May 5as his successor as managing director of the vending machine company,which now employs morethan 70.

Roger started Coinadrink, which is now one of the most respected vending businesses in the UK, in 1962 after an

apprenticeship with Joseph Sankey in Bilston which made avariety of vending machines in the 1950s and 1960s.

The family now runs the business through Tom, previously sales and marketing manager,who returned to the family business six-anda-half years ago, and his stepmother Yvonne Williams who is general manager and a director

Coinadrink, which has supplied morethan 560 million hot beverages for its customers since 1962, has always been located in the Walsall area and has been at its current home at Maple Leaf Industrial Estate, Bloxwich

IWANT TO CARRYONTHE SUCCESS THAT COINADRINK ACHIEVED UNDER MY FATHER

will enable it to expand its warehousing.

“Nothing suitable has yet been found but we still have an eye on abigger site,” he explained.

Coinadrink’scustomers are within an 80-mile radius of it headquarters with businesses supplied with machines across the West and East Midlands and in south Manchester

Lane, for morethan four decades.

Tomsaid that Coinadrink had been on the lookout for quite some time for suitable bigger premises that

“Our model is to be abusiness-to-business operation. Our sales and marketing team generate enquiries and win contracts to supply machines to businesses,” explained Tom.

Coinadrink buys the machines in from suppliers,

mainly in the UK, and resells them with aservice contract.

“Wenow do everything from hot and cold drinks to fresh food. We also offer water coolers and table top office solutions and have started micromarkets –ashopwithin abusiness. “Our business model has evolved and broadened over the years,” added Tom

The company is now also starting to supply machines that can meet the growing demand for vegan and healthy eating products. Coinadrink has this year returned to trading at above the pre-Covid levels of 2019.

“Weare on target for achieving turnover of £5.8 million for the financial year to

the end of July,” said Tom.

He saidthat he would no rush into making any changes to the family business after taking on the managing director’smantle.

“I have ideas but we will see how this financial year goes and ensurethat we have the right people in the right places for the futurefirst.

“I really want to carry on the success that Coinadrink achieved under my father’s leadership. It is achallenging time for people with everything that is going on in the world with soaring energy bills and the cost of living on the rise,” he said.

Morethan 50 of the Coinadrink team areinvolved in theoperations and technical

support department which includes servicing and stocking of machines.

New technology means that the machines Coinadrink supply can talk to the business about stock levels which enables the company to manage visits to customers moreeffectively and efficiently Coinadrink has always been at the cutting edge of vending machine technology

“The machines we supply areever more sophisticated. The hot drink in the latest machines areso technologically developed that you can get coffee shop quality in the workplace,” added Tom.

“Losing my father was a massive blow to everyone

here. Many in our workforce had worked with him for an awful long time.

“Wehavemorethan 20 who attend our annual long-service dinners for those who have worked for us for morethan 25 years,” said Tom, who worked in retail management in London beforemaking his returntothe family business.

Roger’sfuneral was held at Streetly Crematorium on April 8withdonations invited for Well Wishers Charity which supports the work of Walsall HealthcareNHS Trust.

Nearly £5,000 has been raised for the charity as a result.

Aspecial event to mark Coinadrink’ssix decades is planned for January

JJX CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF SUCCESS

This year marks aquarter of acentury for Black Country business JJX Logistics.

The business, which operates from a 150,000 sq ft site on Pensnett Trading Estate, Kingswinford, was started by John Joseph Donovan in 1997.

He began as aman with avan and aplan growing from JJX Small Haul to an international time critical logistics business with hubs at Heathrow,Paris and in Ireland.

Managing director Mr Donovan has plans for the continued growth of the 24/7 business as it enters its 26th year in September Services in the UK and Europe have grown extensively in recent years with the move to its current site, providing much morewarehousing, taking place three years ago. It is asecure facility with four units that enables segregation of its chemical, aerospace and healthcare storage contracts. Brexit created demand in the market for additional storage capacities.

JJX’sgrowthsaw theacquisition of Express Light Haulage in 2007 and in 2009 it became JJX Logistics.

Today JJX offers atotal warehouse and storage solution with short to long term storage at very competitive rates. The warehouse management system enables it to control the fulfilment with real-timemanagement of activities and consumption. The system provides multi-channel order processing with automated EDI –electronic data interchange kitting and item configuration.

In addition it can provide customers with inbound and outbound serial tracking, pick planning, consolidated picking, order packout, cross-docking, carton packing, RFID, and manifesting interfaces along with returns sortation and waste management. It has even integrated vehicle and trailer tracking into the system.

The company can carry everything from just 1kg in size to 28,000kg to destinations

across the UK and Europe. All drivers are ADR qualified, and JJX Logistics is part of the Hazchem Network ADR infrastructure.

Its main clients include aerospace, defence, rail, automotive, chemical and pharmaceutical companies.

They areserviced by JJX’smodernfleetof vehicles that consists of small, medium and large vans, temperature-controlled vans an both articulated and rigid HGV trucks.

JJX also operates its own large trailer fleet with temperaturecontrolled and tautliner trailers.

The trailers provide sliding roof capabilities for any special jobs that need crane or lifting through the roof.

All vehicles aretracked 24/7 for both GPS location and internal temperature.

To contact JJX Logistics telephone 01384 221642 or e-mail info@jjxlogistics.co.uk

The JJX website can also be seen at www jjxlogistics.co.uk

PROUD OF JJX LOGISTICS ANNIVERSARY IS FOUNDER JOHN DONOVAN

Therewas plenty of fun and laughter alongside wild celebrations as the Express &Star Business Awards made its long awaited returnataglittering black tie evening event at the Wolverhampton Racecourse on Thursday 9th June.

The regions premier Business awards werestaged for the first time since 2019 after the 2020 and 2021 awards had to be called offdue to the coronavirus pandemic.

Read all about this years celebrations on the following pages.

E&S AWARDS RETURN IN STYLE

Homeserve FurnitureRepairs took home two of the top awards as the Express &Star Business Awards came back in style with aglittering ceremony.

The company,which has moved to new bigger premises on Waterfront Business Park at Brierley Hill, took home the Business of the Year trophy,sponsored by the Express &Star Editor Martin Wright made the presentation at Wolverhampton Racecourse at Dunstall Park, following athree-course dinner attended by morethan 300 guests.

HFR’sfounder James Lane was also named as Business Person of the Year in the category that ws sponsored by Oldbury-based Richardson.

Burntwood packaging firm Lesters also took home two 2022 awards, winning the Manufacturing Champion and Small-toMedium Sized Business of the Year categories.

GMS Security Services, based at Tividale, landed the new Best Marketing Campaign awardand GMS employee Megan Winup was the winner of Apprentice of the Year

TheYoung Business of the Year accolade went to USP Steels in Kingswinford, with the

Growth and Innovation Awardtaken home by the Little Dessert Shop chain, which has its head office in Wolverhampton.

Family Business of the Year wastube manipulation specialists Formbend, based in Great Bridge and formed in 1966.

Mr Wright said the awards, which recognise innovation andsuccess, wereawelcome chance to celebrate after what had been “an unprecedented and incredibly challenging period for the business community in the region”.

He said the standardofentries in 2022 had been particularly high, which gave the judges from the sponsors and the Midland News Association atough taskindetermining the winners.

Mr Wright also thanked all the sponsors that also included Carvers Building Supplies, Collins Aerospace, Homeserve FurnitureRepairs, Crowe, MNA Digital, Higgs and the Black Country &Marches Institute of Technology in Dudley Comedian Aaron James welcomed guests as the host for the awards, which also raised £3,000 for 21-year-old charity Promise Dreams, which helps seriously and terminally ill children and their families turnadream intoreality.

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER JAMES LANE WITH JAN JENNINGS OF RICHARDSON

BY JOHN CORSER

Tube manipulation specialists Formbend took home the Family Business of the Year trophy from the Express &Star Business Awards 2022 on June 9.

The Great Bridge business, which was founded in 1966, is now led by managing director James Hateley and manufacturing director Stuart Sefton after asuccessful management buy-out in 2020.

James is the third generation of his family to be at the helm. His grandfather John Hateley started the company at a6,000 sq ft factory in Oldbury.Mark

Hateley,James’ father took over the business in 1986 and relocated the company to their current 20,000 sq ft factory at Charles Street, Great Bridge in 1995.

James said: “Winning this awardisanhonour and a great achievement. Without my father’sinfluence on the business, we wouldn’tbe whereweare today.I’d also like to thank our fantastic employees for their continued hardwork and dedication”.

Stuart, who has been with Formbend for 15 years, said the company now employed 40.

“Wehave got agreat team around us. Thereisa team

ethos which is really important to us. Around 30 per cent of our workforce have worked for us for 20 years. Our production manager Graham Upton has been with us since 1976.”

Formbend is known as being ‘world class’ when it comes to tube manipulation, however as well as tube bending, they also excel in tube end forming, MIG/TIG/ robot welding and brazing. Stuart said “Our diversity and flexibility held us in good stead during the pandemic.”

The company prides itself on being afamily business at heart with regular team building exercises, charity

work and employee outings.

John Hateley passed the helm onto his son Mark in 1986 along with technical director Paul Welborn, Paul was amonumental figure within Formbend and sadly passed away in 2018.

Formbend hold acharity golf day in his memory every year

When Mark took over it was his aspiration to grow the business to become a supplier to major OEMs and increase the annual sales to over £1 million. In just two years Mark achieved this, securing major contracts with some of the UK’sleading manufactures and generating annual turnover of £1.1m in

INTER

1988. Hitting these targets within such ashort period of time enabled the business to relocate to the new larger premises in 1995.

Mark’sdetermination, drive and passion did not stop, and success continued as the business increased its turnover year on year.These successes lead to doubling the annual turnover within 10 years of Marks tenure. Further implementations allowed the business to continue to grow and over the following 10-year period, the turnover doubled again.

The company image was transformed on the back of50 years celebrations in 2016 with afullre-branding which made the company

moreappealing to potential customers and along with the factory renovation, Formbend was well and truly brought into the 21st Century

Re-investment has always been at the forefront of the business principles, ensuring that Formbend is investing in the latest technology throughout the decades. Formbend purchased their first CNC bending in 1997 and now to date they have 14 CNC machines, with the latest being several all-electric CNCs.

Latest investments also include, all electric tube end forming machines to offer complex end forms, latest technology in 3D measuring equipment and 3D printer to

aid rapid prototyping.

In 2017 James joined the business after completing an apprenticeship at a large hydraulic engineering company and gathering 10 years of experience within the industry.Hejoined as the operations director and quickly settled in, assisting with the growth by obtaining new and managing existing client relationships.

Stuart Sefton joined Formbend in 2007 after completing his apprenticeship at alarge manufacturing company wherehegained 11 years of experience beforestarting as operations manager.InNovember 2020 James and Stuart successfully completed amanagement

buyout, allowing Mark to enjoy his retirement on the golf course after 34 years. Mark is now chairman of Formbend.

James and Stuart are both highly motivated and ambitious with aclear vision for the company,which has been reflected after turning over £4.4m in their first official year as owners.

Stuart said “The target for our current financial year is to achieve aminimum of £4.7m.”

James adds: “Our ambition is to continue to grow,remain profitable and stay in business for another 50-plus years. Ihave two sons aged four and one who could become the fourth generation owners of Formbend –what an achievement this would be.”

CLOSING THE DIGITAL SKILLS GAP

Matt Weston, managing director of Vantage 365, Brierley Hill, says that with moreand morecompanies embracing automation technologies to streamline their processes and practices, those organisations that areslow to adapt will likely find their productivity trailing that of their competitors ultimately.

Improving the skillis of employees so that they areable to create their own automations is essential for ensuring that processes areboth fitfor purpose and robust.

Mr Weston says the Black Country is still aregion dominated by manufacturing, construction, and other sectors that are generally further behind the technology curve than others. In the region, thereisstill an overreliance on performing tasks in the same way that they have been performed for decades, with many organisations continuing to rely heavily on the use of pen and paper to recordimportant information, without any kind of formal filing system.

With technology continuing to shape the futureofthe UK’sbusiness landscape, Black Country businesses run the risk of falling

behind their competitors from different corners of the country if they fail to adapt through digital transformation.

He says that automation at all levels of an organisation, when correctly implemented, can open up ahuge number of opportunities –not only for the organisation itself, but for the wider community too.

“The key part of addressing the digital skill gap is, first of all, to understand the benefits that aretherefor you and your organisation. Thereare still many businesses that do not realisethe potential that investing in technology can bring for them, and as such arefalling behindwhen it comes to embracing automation and training staff.

“The sooner that these organisations learn the time and cost saving benefits of technology, and having aworkforce that is well equipped to work alongside it, the sooner the digital skills gap can begin to be bridged,” explains Mr Weston.

“Organisations of all sectors arenow going through arevolution in terms of their use of technology.Some sectors aremovingmore quickly than others, and those companies who lag behind in this period of transformation risk becoming obsolete,” he warns.

Vantage 365 is aspecialist consultancy that helps businesses of all sizes get the most from their investment in Microsoft 365’spowerful suite of business tools and productivity apps. We’re on amission to help all our clients realise their true potential by optimising their technology,capabilities and performance.

Our expert team of Microsoft 365 consultants has years of experience in creating bespoke solutions and strategies to future proof client businesses and help them thrive.

To findout more about how we

01384 593720 or email

business

Court South,The Waterfront,Brierley Hill,

acall

MATT WESTON IS WARNING COMPANIESNOT TO BE SLOWTO ADAPT AND RISK FALLING BEHIND

NEW STEPS TO WORK CHAIRMAN

Employment support specialists Steps To Work have appointed Professor Paul Cadman as chairman of the Walsall-based charity’sboardof trustees.

Committed to championing opportunity for all, Professor Cadman is anational and international award-winning business leader with ademonstratedhistory of success working in the technology,manufacturing and consultancy sectors.

He has taken businesses from conception to turnover of morethan £100 million based largely on organic growth, experience, strategy and contacts.

Professor Cadman also owns and operates numerous companies across abroad range of sectors –both wholly and jointly with others and supports several organisations in various capacities, including as apatron, as anonexecutive director and in select ambassadorial roles.

He succeeded Mike Gahir as chairman after hee decided to step down from the role in order to pursue new opportunities.

During Mr Gahir’sthree-year tenure, Steps

To Work transformedinto ahighly successful and financially robust charity that was ready fora freshperiod of prolonged growth and new impact.

“I am delighted to have been invited to the role of chair of the boardoftrusteesatSteps To Work. Iamvery proud of having been atrustee since 2017.

“Iwould like to extend my thanks to my predecessor,Mike Gahir, who has done an outstanding job in turning the charity around and leaving us in astable position,” said Professor Cadman,who is determined to see Steps to Work progress.

“I am excited by the prospects ahead and will be working closely with the boardand executive team to engage with and develop 10,000 people, so they can help us win the war on talent.

“In apost-pandemic and post-Brexit world, charities such as Steps To Work must collaborate and partner with others to ensure that employer needs for skilled employees are addressed, and that every individual has the opportunity to find sustainable, rewarding and meaningful work,” he added.

PROFESSOR PAUL CADMAN AT STEPS TO WORK

From Supply Chains to Networking, Skills Gaps to Saving Money,

Chambernetwork

STAR HELP TO HIRE

STAR EMPLOYMENT SERVICES HELPS FIND THE RIGHT PERSON

The process of recruiting the right person can often feel like trying to find a needle in ahaystack.

Companies often find they either don’thave any applicants for a role, or so many that they don’t know wheretobegin.

Both these problems cost businesses valuable time and money

If you areinthis position then now is the time to snap up the opportunity to partner with one of the Midlands’ leading recruitment agencies –atanunbelievable price.

Star Employment Services offers aone-stop shop for hiring just the right candidates, and they pride themselves on taking the hardwork out of recruitment for theclient.

The team of employment experts know that times aretough for alot of businesses right now, which is why they areeven more determined to help employers to find the right person, at the right price.

They have aunique £345 package, and areofferinga25per cent discount if you quote ‘Black

Country 25’, taking the price to £259.

This includes both national and local jobs boardadverts, together with advertising in local newspapers.

It is teamed with resources that deliver CVs to exactly match the specific job requirements of employers.

Star Employment Services is unique as it is apartner business with the Express &Star

Being so closely linked with the Express &Star puts them in a fantastic position for being able to find your next candidate.

According to the latest figures, Expressandstar.com has a weekly audience of 539,208 which would fill Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux Stadium morethan 17 times.

Jobseekers areable to find the Star Employment Services website easily through the newspaper’s website.

The recruitment agency also has its own job portal –starjobsearch. com.

It allows local people to search through morethan 45,000 career opportunities and all the new roles

that arebeing added on adaily basis

KyleeRusson, head of operations at Star Employment Services, said: “Recruitment has been difficult for the last few months.

“Wehearfrombusinesses how they either have no candidates applying, or those that put up online adverts areinundated and then find that 99 per cent of applicants areunsuitable, timewasters or even bots that use fake CVs and apply for jobs on certain sites.

“Wewant to take the hard work out of recruitment by offering companies an honest and trustworthy service that will save them both time and money –while finding them the right candidate for the job.

“Weare the only local recruitment agency that offers advertising in two of the largest regional newspapers in the country –the Express &Star and its sister paper the ShropshireStar

“Thursday’s‘jobday section’ has an impressive 178,000 readers and this combined with national online job boards, such

as Indeed, CV library and Totaljobs as well Facebook and LinkedIn promotions, gives local employers the best opportunity to source the right candidates.”

The businesses that Star Employment already works with say they couldn’tbemorepleased with the results that have been achieved.

Matthew Kent, director at Emerge Design said: “I have found the Smart Search Service successful and agreat fit forour small business needs.

“The Star team arevery helpful, providing advice as they supported Emerge throughout the whole process.”

The opinion of the recruitment team at Shrewsbury Colleges Group is: “Wealways receive a fast and efficient response from the Star recruitmentteam, nothing is too much trouble, even our frequent requests for last minute edits.”

It’snowonder Star Employment Services has a4.7-starGoogle rating

To findyourideal employee why not give Star Employment Services acalltoday on 01902 319333.

MNA MD TO RETIRE AT YEAR END

The print managing director of the Midland News Association –owners of the Express &Star –isretiring at the end of this year.

Graeme Cliffordhas been with the Wolverhampton-based MNA for 44 years.

Since joining the Express &Star as afreshfaced 18-year-old in 1978, he has played asignificant role in anumber of milestone projects.

He was appointed as adirector of Shropshire Newspapers at the beginning of 2003.

Notable highlights of his career include the installation of new colour presses at Ketley in Telfordwhich paved the way for all MNA titles to be printed in full colour

Having joined the boardofthe MNA in 2008, he assumed the MD role in 2015.

He was then appointed as MD at MNA and Wolverhampton-based Press Computer Systems in 2018.

Digital managing director Louise Burns, who has clocking up 32 years, will also be leaving the MNA at the end of 2022.

She will take up the MD role at HPCi Media the business that Claverley acquired at the end of 2021.

Louise has gained significant commercial experience, firstly through managing the national sales team and subsequently the advertising teams at the MNA for 10 years.

She thenassumed the role of digital MD in 2019.

Matt Ross will be appointed as MD across both the MNA and Jersey Evening Post.

He has worked with the JEP team for the past two years and has played akey rolein growing audience and profitability

He has extensive experience of the newspaper industry,havingworked for both Northcliffe and Reach beforesetting up a consultancy business in 2018.

Mr Ross will join the MNA in July and work alongside Graeme and Louise beforetaking on day-to-day responsibility from January 2023.

Matt Whiles has been appointed as MD of PCS from January 2023.

He joined PCS in September 2018 as operations director and the business has made significant progress since then and has seen profits grow in each of the past three years.

Matt has adetailed knowledge of PCS and will provide continuity as the business develops products in order to cement customer relationships.

Enrolthissummer!

GRAEME CLIFFORD WILL BE LEAVING THE MNA AT THE END OF THE YEAR

As one of the region’s leading employers, Oldburybased cold-roll-forming company voestalpine Metsec is proud to be sponsoring the Engineering and Manufacturing category at the Ladder for the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards.

voestalpine Metsec is the UK’s biggest construction specialist cold roll-forming company and part of the largest globally-leading steel and technology group, providing products for the construction and manufacturing industries across the world.

The company remains passionate about the recruitment and development of young talent.

Young people who are fortunate enough to gain places on voestalpine Metsec’s apprenticeship scheme can look forwardto ahigh-quality,structured training programme.

Environmental safety and training manager Steve Giles said: “Sponsoring the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards underlines our commitment to the development of local talent.”

Phoenix Consortia operate agroup of specialist companies within the commercial, industrial, retail and educational sectors within the UK refurbishment market.

With over 50 years of experience in the Industry and an excellent reputation, Phoenix Consortia prides itself on its professional, superior quality of service, high standardofworkmanship and our ability to always working very closely with all our clients.

Phoenix Consortia is known for its expertise, in-depth knowledge and for an extremely high standard of work; qualities which result in exceptionally high levels of repeat business and personal recommendations.

Incorporating SPV Special Projects Ltd, HowardEvans Roofing Ltd, Ivor Parnham Building Services Ltd and SPV Energy Management Systems Phoenix Consortia offers amultitude of disciplines and services to provide the complete building package

Phoenix Consortia has a combined workforce of morethan 150 operatives.

AWARDS SPOTLIGHT

The brand new Ladder for the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards 2022 will put the best apprentices, employers and training providers in the region very firmly in the spotlight.

It is being organised by the Express &Star in conjunction with the Ladder for the Black Country and City of Wolverhampton Council.

The elegant Grand Station in Wolverhampton city centrewill host the first awards night in its Grand Hall on November 3when the winners of the 11 categories will be announced.

The awards areopento apprentices and organisations based in the Express &Star circulation area in Wolverhampton, the Black Country and Staffordshire.

The closing date for entries for the apprenticeship awards is September 11.

Asupplement will be featured in the newspaper just beforethe awards that will detail all of the finalists.

The inaugural Ladder for the

Black Country Apprenticeship Awards aredesigned to showcase the great work being done in creating apprenticeships across the Black Country

The presentation evening will be acelebration of the best and brightest young and mature learners and those organisations who arefinding new ways to drive aspiration and education through their vital apprenticeship programmes.

The Express &Star ‘Overall Apprentice of the Year 2022’ will be chosen from one of the six Apprentice of the Year categories by representatives of headline sponsor,Wolverhampton City Council.

To enter the Ladder for the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards visit apprenticeshipawards. expressandstar.com

Chairman of the Ladder Apprenticeship Foundation Kevin Davis, who was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the Ladder for the Black Country campaign, said that he was delighted that Ladder awards werefinally coming to the Black Country

KEVIN DAVIS, LEFT,AND ROB COLBOURNE FROM THE LADDER TEAM

“The Ladder Apprenticeship Foundation is championing the ‘Ladder of opportunity’, the mobility of learners through, education and work. We believe a diversity of apprenticeships area key factor towards amoremobile, andjust society

“This is moresothe case given the pandemic’sdisproportionate impact on some of those communities, and we have to address the misbalance, and the misbalance of the matching vacancies to those potential apprentices.

“These awards will magnify the best of those championing this effort,” he enthused.

The awards mark another step in the Express &Star’scontinuing backing to the Ladder for the Black Country campaign which sees weekly coverage in the newspaper

Each Thursday thereisapage featuring the latest news from the campaign.

It covers businesses that are creating apprenticeships, new initiatives to support apprentices and the success stories of many of the apprentices that areshowing

such great promise across the region.

Youcan findout all about Ladder for the Black Country campaign from its recently upgraded website ladderforblackcountry.co.uk

It is hoped that the brand new apprenticeship awards will help the campaign on to another level and help encourage even more employers to get on boardand help moreyoung people take the step into an apprenticeship.

Midland News Association head of advertising Kim Hazel said: “The Express &Star wanted to give our full support to the important efforts to increase the number of apprenticeships in the Black Country through these awards.

“Unemployment rates among young people arecurrentlyhigh and the campaign is helping address that, but it is also encouraging apprentices across every age group as well.

“The Ladder is agreat community project that is playing avital part in helping to create the skilled workforce that is so importantly needed in the Black Country in the 21st Century.”

Leading regional law firm Higgs LLP is proud to be sponsoring the Apprentice of the Year: Professional Services category for the Ladder for the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards 2022.

The firm, based in Brierley Hill, is along-standing supporter of the Express &Star Business Awards so was keen to be involved and to champion the region’sbestperforming apprentices.

Nick Taylor,managing partner at Higgs, said: “We’redelighted to be asponsorinthese exciting new awards which will shine alight on some of the Black Country’smost impressive apprentices.

“The Express &Star Business Awards have always been a fantastic occasion and one we’reproud to be involved in. Throwing our support behind the apprenticeship awards is anatural extension of that. As afirm,wesee apprenticeships as an important way for us to nurturetalent and ensureweplayour part as alocal employer and have the skills to keep maintaining growth and continue to provide the best legal services in the region.”

BCTG Group aims to

Better

BUILDING BETTER PEOPLE

Across the group we work with 2,300 employers offering over 160 different traineeship, apprenticeship and vocational courses for young people and adults.

Each year,wesupport almost 10,000 individuals in areas like accounting and business, construction, engineering, logistics, warehousing, early years and adult health care.

Every business relies on the skills of its stafftoremain competitive, and companies face the challenge of finding ways of improving performance with less resource. So having the right staff, with the right skills is crucial to achieving this.

Our health, education and care programmes, support individuals and employers that have been crucial in helping and caring for the most vulnerable. So we believe that it is important that we recognise andcelebrate the contribution made by everyone in the sector

HELPING YOUNG TO FIND JOBS

City of Wolverhampton Council’s‘Wolves At Work 18-24’ employment initiative is helping unemployed young people to be job readythrough aseries of free two-hour workshops.

The council’sEmployment Information Workshops arefor anyone who is looking to find out what it is like to work at the council, but with afocus on those aged 18-24 who areinterested in the job opportunities available and the support on hand when applying for arole at the council.

The workshops areespecially aimed at people applying for an apprenticeship or arole wherethe annual salary is £18,333 to £27,514 (Grades 2-5).

Sessions aremonthly, with the next Employment Information Workshops taking place on July 13 and August 10, both from 11am to 1pm.

To booka place on either of the above sessions, please email the organisational development team

at od.team@wolverhampton.gov. uk stating your name and preferred workshop date.

Cabinet member for education, skills and work, Councillor Chris Burden, said: “These free workshops arejust one example of how the Council is leading the way in supporting unemployed young people in Wolverhampton to get job-ready and provide them with the chance to secure

well-paid jobs with abright future. One of our key priorities is to reduce unemployment among 18 to 24-year-olds in our city and this can only be achieved by working closely with city partners and employers to better connect young people to jobs, training and learning opportunities.”

Thereare avast array of apprenticeship vacancies available every week across the city,and

City of Wolverhampton Council and partners arehelping recruitto these positions. Apprenticeships start from Level 2(GCSE equivalent) andrun all the way through to post-graduate level.

Apprenticeships provide real opportunitiesfor people of all ages who aremotivated to work, enthusiastic to learn, and want to earnacompetitive salary while gaining anationally recognised qualification. They offer aunique opportunity to develop your skills in an area you arepassionate about, enhance your confidence, learnfromleading professionals and reachyour potential.

The successful Wolves at Work programme, that has helped more than 6,900 people into work in the City of Wolverhampton also offers support to employers in recruiting apprentices.

Businesses that wish to discuss support available or the contribution they can make to Wolves At Work canemail recruitment@wolverhampton.gov uk

Shaun Aldis,left, and Councillor Ian Brookfield, right, with apprenticesJaedyn Henry-Mapp, TiaJohns andSam Gregg

Wearedelightedto announcethelaunchof theLadderfortheBlack CountryApprenticeship Awards.

Thisbrandnewinitiativefor2022is backedbytheExpress&Starandrun inpartnershipwithLadderforthe BlackCountryandWolverhampton CityCouncilasheadlinesponsor

With11categoryawards,thiswillbea celebrationofthebestandbrightest youngandmaturelearnersandthose organisationswhoarefindingnew waystodriveaspirationandeducation throughtheirapprenticeship programmes

OurApprenticeshipAwardsareopen toanyapprenticeororganisation thatisbasedlocallyinandaround Wolverhampton,theBlackCountry andStaffordshireregion,reflectingthe Express&Starcirculationarea.Simply selectthecategoryyouwishtoenter, fillintheentryformandfollowthe criteriarequiredforeachcategory

Thereareelevencategoriesyoucan choosefrom,andit’seasytotake part.Visitapprenticeshipawards. expressandstar.comtochooseyour categoriesandsubmitanentryfor eachcategoryyouhavechosenbefore 5pmontheclosingdate–Sunday, September112022.

Whencompletingtheform,tryand ensureitcontainsalltherelevant pointsandsomeoftheindividual’s/ company’spersonalitytoo(remember thatthejudgeswillreadahuge amountofinformation,soitwillhelp ifitreallystandsout).Youhavea maximumof1,100wordstoexplain whyyouorthebusinessshouldbe selected

WHATHAPPENSNEXT?

AftertheclosingdateonSunday, September112022,representatives ofthecategorysponsorswillread throughallthenomineeswhohave enteredandchoseashortlistofthree finalistforeachcategory.

Thefinalistsineachcategorywillbe informedw/cMonday,September19 thattheyhavemadetheshortlist. Allfinalistswillbeinvitedtothe ApprenticeshipAwardsEvening 2022hostedintheGrandHall,Grand

Station,Wolverhamptononthe eveningofThursday,November3 2022,wherethewinnersofeach categorywillbeannounced

TheExpress&Star‘OverallApprentice oftheYear2022’willbechosenfrom categories1-6byrepresentativesof ourheadlinesponsorWolverhampton CityCouncilandwillalsoberevealed ontheeveningofNovember32022.

JustbeforetheeventtheExpress& Starwillcarryaspecialsupplement in-paperfeaturingallofthefinalists Ifyouarefinalist,youwillreceive twocomplimentaryticketstothe awardseveningwiththeoptionto buyextraplaces Thewinnerswillbe revealedatGrandHall,GrandStation, WolverhamptononThursday, November3,2022

PLEASENOTE

Contactdetailsofallapprentices/ businessesthatsubmitentrieswill bemadeavailabletoallcategory sponsorsofthecampaignwhomay getintouch

Informationwillbetreatedinthe strictestofconfidenceandwillbe sharedonlywiththejudgeswho includecategorysponsors.

Sponsorsandtheirbusinessmembers canentertheirowncategorybut willrelinquishtheirresponsibilityof judgingthecategory

Apprentices/Businessesmustbe preparedtotakepartinanyrelevant publicity.

AWARDSPROJECTTEAM

Shouldyou

W/CMONDAY,

THURSDAY,NOVEMBER

THURSDAY,

Grand

APPRENTICEOFTHEYEAR CATEGORYCRITERIA(1 6)

ToentertheApprenticeoftheYear categoriesapprenticesmustbe currentlyonaprogrammethat startedbefore01/03/2022and finishesonorafter11/11/2022

Yourentrymustbealignedtothe sectorthatyouworkin.Judgeswill belookingforapprenticeswhocan demonstratetheirachievements, contributionandtheimpactthey havemadewithintheindustrythey work:

• Thinkofyourteam,howthey operateandyourpersonal contributiontoteamobjectives.

• Outlinetheskillsyouhave developedsinceyoubeganyour apprenticeship.

• Howhasyourapprenticeship impactedonyou,especiallyin termsofyourambitionsand motivation?

• Howdoesyourapprenticeship helpyouremployermeet organisationalobjectives?

• Includeyourpersonalaspirations andplannedcareerpath.

EDUCATIONAND ENGAGEMENTCRITERIA(7)

Thisawardwillrecogniseproactive organisationswhogothatextra miletoengagewiththecommunity aroundthemtohelpshapeour futureworkforce.

• Inyournomination,please describethemethodsyour organisationusestoengagewith thebusinesscommunityandthe levelofthisengagement.

• Whyisengagingwith businessanddevelopingyour pupils/students/customers’ employabilityandsoftskills (e.g.communication,teamwork, resilienceetc.)importantfor yourorganisation?Howisthis reflectedandpromotedinyour leadership,managementand governance?

• Describehowemployability andsoftskillsarepractically incorporatedintolearningand/ ortraining.Whatisinnovative aboutyourapproach?

• Listyourorganisation’srecent achievementsinrelationto developingsoftskillsand engagingwithbusiness. Describeanychallengesyou haveovercometoachievethese results.

• Pleasedescribewhyyour organisationshouldwinthe EducationandEngagement Award.

EMPLOYEROFTHEYEAR CATEGORYCRITERIA(8 10)

Thisawardrecognisesoutstanding commitmenttoapprentices andapprenticeshipswithinan organisation.Thejudgesare lookingforproactiveemployers whocandemonstratehowthey havedeliveredanapprenticeship programmethathasbenefited theorganisationandthatofyour apprentices(s).Pleaseexplain yourstrategythatdrivesyour apprenticeshipprogramme. Evidenceisrequiredasto:

• Whydoyoubelievethe deliveryofyourapprenticeship programmeisexceptional?

• Examplesofhowyoumakeyour apprenticeshipsaccessibleto peoplefromallbackgrounds.

• Whatsetsyourorganisation aboveandbeyondother employers?

• Howhasyourapprenticeship programmehelpedmeetyour organisationscurrentandfuture skillrequirements?

TRAININGPROVIDEROFTHE YEARCRITERIA(11)

Thisawardwillrecogniseexcellence inthedeliveryofapprenticeships. Applicationsareencouragedfrom alltypesofproviders,irrespective ofsize.Judgeswillbelookingfor providerstodemonstrate

• HighLevelsofengagement withemployersandapprentices

• Sustainedcommitmentto workingwithemployersin yoursector,particularlyhow yourprovisionadaptstomeet employerrequirements

• Evidenceofhighlevelsof learnerretention,progression, andpositiveoutcomes

• Howdoyoustandoutfrom otherproviders?

The launch of the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards, lands perfectly in timing with Marston’s continuing commitment to developing and growing its apprenticeship talent pool across its nationwide estate of pubs.

The company has been developing young people through apprenticeship for morethan 10 years and many former apprentices have progressed their careers within the company to become general managers and assistant managers across its 1,500 pub estate.

Marston’srecently unveiled the Apprenticeship Chef Academy –aprogramme which takes its apprentices to specially selected, high-quality venues where they receiveanengaging and informative, practical day of skills training.

The Wolverhampton-based company currently has 280 apprentices, 260 in pubs and 20 in our pub support business, the target number for 2022 is to have 350 apprentices in learning and 450 next year

Homeserve Furniture

Repairs was started in 2004 by local businessman and entrepreneur James Lane, and has been on an incredible journey over the last 18 years –fromone man in avan to nowhaving over 250 people within the Homeserve family

Homeserve FurnitureRepairs is proud to announce the opening of our new head office and training academy building at Waterfront Business Park in Brierley Hill.

We arecurrentlyonafullnational recruitment campaign to expand the Homeserve FurnitureRepairs team and arenow the largest furniturerepair company in the UK.

We arealsoworking with local colleges to offer and encourage the opportunity for people who will be fully trained to become afieldbased furnituretechnician.

We currently visit over 7,000 customers aweek, repairing and restoring all types of furniturefrom sofas, cabinets, dining tables, beds and bedroom furniture.

Homeserve works with most of the furnitureretailers and manufacturers in the UK.

Openreach is proud to support the Ladder for the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards 2022 and looks forwardto applauding all this year’s worthy winners.

Openreach is the UK’sdigital network business. We’re37,000 people who connect homes, mobile phone masts, schools, shops, banks, hospitals, libraries, broadcasters, governments and businesses –large and small –to the world.

And we believe in creating aworkforce as diverse as the communities we serve. That’swhy we’retaking on 4,000 new trainee engineers this year,including many across the Black Country –ontop of the 3,500 trainees who joined us last year

We want to attract the aspiring engineers of tomorrow from all walks of life, and areworking hard to bring morewomen andBlack, Asian and minority ethnic people into our workforce. There’smore to do, and we’ll keep striving to do even better

We’realsoinvesting millions of pounds in regional training centres.

We’rethe people behind the UK’s digital network

We connecthomes and businesses,large and small,tothe wider world. We work everyday to get faster broadband speeds,broader coverage and better servicefor everyone

openreach.com

Collins Aerospace is proud to be sponsoring the Education and Engagement category.

As alocal employer in the city of Wolverhampton, we employ over 1,400 people in the city and arecommitted to making a positive and long-term impact to both STEM education and apprenticeships in aerospace.

Over the last three intakes, we have recruitedmorethan 40 apprentices at our Wolverhampton site. They arenow excelling in their careers in aerospace in a range of areas. From finance to engineering, we appreciate the impact apprentices have across the business.

In addition to this, Collins Aerospace has awarded STEM Learning funding to create anew partnership over the next two years to support between six to eight primary and secondary schools in the Wolverhampton area to make apositive and longterm impact to STEM education whereitismostneeded. Thenew partnership will support teacher professional development and raise engagement and achievement in STEM subjects.

Wolverhampton Homes is responsible for managing morethan21,000 homes across the city of Wolverhampton, on behalf of the council.

As one of the largest employers in the city,with morethan 650 colleagues, it is committed to nurturing local talent and helping people to get on in life through developing the next generation of housing and trade professionals.

This year,the company has pledged to support 41 young people into work through its apprenticeship and work experience programmes.

An apprenticeship programme typically takes between two and four years to complete and is the perfect way for young people to build coreskills which help them to achieve their full potential, while earning in afull-time job.

The company has recently launched severalmanagement trainee opportunities, giving GCSE, BTEC or ALevel students the opportunity to gain experience while completing a degree or professional chartered membership.

Aartee Bright Bar is the number one independent bright/cold finished bar producer in the UK.

It specialises in the manufacture of high quality products in a comprehensive range of sizes in engineering steels.

As amajor European bright bar producer it manufactured aunique range of products including rounds, hexagons, squares and flats.

Its hallmark is flexibility,with the aim of being able to ensurethat customers get the products they need when they need them.

The company considers its employees its most valuable asset.

In order to ensurethat their team feel valued, the company believe that succession planning is key to retaining great staff. As part of this, Aartee Bright Bar has looked to the apprenticeship programme to ensurethat it continues to bring new ideas to the business.

Once comprising of four production sites in the UK, over the years, as part of the company’s policy to improve efficiency and drive down costs, it has concentrated the business onto one highly productive site, covering the full range of products.

you’re passionate about people and looking to earn while you learn, this could be the opportunity for you! You’ll need to be dedicated to creating positive change through putting customers

the heart of everything

looking to kickstart

people

Grand Station –anevent venue in Wolverhampton city centre–isproud to be supporting the Ladder for the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards 2022.

Originally opening in 1854, Grand Station is aGrade II listed building.

It was originally Wolverhampton’s low level railway station that welcomed travellers from all over the country.After being derelict for 30 years, the building was then transformed in 2013 into an irresistibly opulent venue and opened its doors to shareits forgotten beauty

The astonishing crafted ceiling alongside the gracefully sculpted arched windows leave our guests in awe and form the perfect backdrop to any event.

Grand Station in Sun Street now plays host to morethan 300 events each and every year.Its multifunctional space can transport you from acorporate event for just asmall number to afiestafor 1,000 guests.

Grand Station is honoured to support getting young people back into work.

WesternPower Distribution is the electricity distribution network operator for the Midlands, South West England and South Wales, responsible for the power lines, poles, transformers and substations that deliver electricity to customers’ homes.

It is the largest DNO by geography in the UK and employs around 6,500 staffwithanannual intake of around 100 apprentices.

It currently has almost 200 level 3apprentices studying the Power Network Craftsperson Standard as well as anumber of level 4 apprentices studying the Electrical Power Network Engineer Standard.

Its training facilities have a reputationfor excellence and are some of the biggest and bestequipped in the country for the provision of skills and operational training within the industry

As amajor employer across the Black Country,WPD believes it has aresponsibility to play afull and active role in the communities it serves. That is why it supports initiatives like the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards

Malthouse Engineering was set up in 1947 and has sustained growth to the present.

Due to the excellent management, the company has been resilient in the face of uncertainty –Covid-19 being the most recent.The expansion involved exciting projects of breadth, based on internal growth and the purchase of other businesses, thereby securing jobs.

The following businesses are now part of the Malthouse Group: Rapid, Keiton, Empyrium, Lynrose and Midland Steel Profiles.

Currently,Malthouse offers an extensive range of products and services including fabrications, flame cutting, grinding, heat press, furnacing and more. Malthouse offer steel profiles from 6mm to 500mm in thickness, with the capability of providing grinding services of up to 126mm in diameter.This has allowed Malthouse to provide its competencies to morethan 40 British industries.

The company currently employs 80 staff, who work flexibly to achieve the standardMalthouse hasset for its customers.

Rob Colbourne, managing director of leading Midlands training provider Performance Through People, was awarded an OBE in the Queen’sBirthday Honours.

Mr Colbourne has headed PTP Training, part of the BCTG Group, for nearly 18 years, and was behind the launch of The Ladder campaign that has created morethan 4,000 apprenticeships across the region since 2018.

He has received the honour in recognition of his services to the training and apprenticeship sector

Mr Colbourne, aged 52, who is married with three children and lives in Walsall, said: “I was genuinely surprised but very honoured when Ireceived aletter telling me Iwas to receiveanOBE. Ihave never sought such an award, but am nevertheless very proud, especially because of the emotive response from my parents.

“But most of all, Iwas very proud of all my colleagues at PTP who have worked so hardover the years to enhance the provision of training and apprenticeships across the Midlands regions.”