Black Country Business Autumn 2022

Is

Taxbreaks forbusiness investments

Businesses,partnershipsandindividuals cancuttherealcostsofinvestingforthe futurebysecuringvaluabletaxbreaks. Butatatimeofgreatglobaluncertainty, thechallengeistoensurethatthosetax breaksarereliableenoughtobuildintoany forecastsofcashflowandworkingcapital, whichiswhereSixForwardcanhelp.

Theuncertaintyisobviousenough,withthe pandemicandwarinEurope,nottomention risinginterestratesandthechallengesof tryingtomeetenvironmentaltargets.And evenourdomestictaxrulesarefarfrom stable,ashasbeenclearlyshownbythe differingviewsintherecentcontestto chooseournewprimeminister.

theyoffertaxsavings–bywayof“capital allowances”–thatarenotonlyvaluableand certain,butthatarealsofullyapprovedby thetaxman.

Thesetaxbreaksareespeciallyvaluablefor thosethatbuy,buildorimprovecommercial propertyincludingholidaylets,offices, hotels,warehouses,doctors/dentistsand evenfarmbuildings.Inmanycasesthe rulesmayalsoallowtaxbreaksforolder costs,perhapsevenfrommanyyearsago

Investingforthefutureisabigdecision

dependablecontributionfromthetaxman of(typically)5-10%ofthecostisavaluable prizeinrealcashterms.SixForwardare theCapitalAllowancesExpertsproviding certaintyinuncertaintimesforusall.

OFFICIAL OPENING FOR BROWNFIELD INSTITUTE

Partners have celebrated the official opening of the National Brownfield Institute at the University of Wolverhampton’s flagship £120 million Springfield Campus.

The Interim Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Ian Campbell, and Professor Chaminda Pathirage from the University’s School of Architecture and Built Environment, welcomed Councillor Ian Brookfield, Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street and Jane Stevenson, MP for Wolverhampton North East to open the building.

The ‘shovel-ready’ project benefited from £14.9m of funding from the Government’sGetting Building Fund for the West Midlands.

City of Wolverhampton Council worked closely with the Black Country LEP and

West Midlands Combined Authority to securethe funding with the remainder provided by the Government’sTowns Fund.

The NBI is aworld-class institute that provides the facility to develop modern methods of building through innovation and partnership with the construction industry,focusing on the practical application of future brownfield regeneration and remediation through the work of research teams, leading policy development and commercial services.

The new institute is ideally placed to identify and address gaps in current provision, with aparticular focus on the digital skills needed to transform the industry,bringingtogether expertise from across the region and further afield with greater focus on construction design, building information modelling, modular

construction, and lean construction methodologies.

Professor Ian Campbell, Interim Vice-Chancellor at the University,said: “The NBI will be at the heart of aWest Midlands construction training offer –providing the industry with the skills needed both now and in the future.

“As well as being at the

research around the world on modernconstruction and remediation technique.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Brownfield first regeneration has long been akey part of my mayoral mission as it helps us to bring derelict sites back into productive use and crucially at the same time helps us to protect the greenbelt.

FOR OUR REGION

forefront of atransformation of the way we will build homes and communities, it will also ensurethat we learnfrom

“That’swhy this centre of excellence for brownfield is great news for our region –reinforcing our already widely regarded track record in urbanregeneration, pioneering modernmethods of construction to accelerate affordable housing supply and equipping local people with the skills they need.”

The campus is also home to the Thomas TelfordUniversity Technical College, Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills and the School of Architectureand BuiltEnvironment.

WOLVERHAMPTON NORTH EAST MP JANE STEVENSON CUTS THE RIBBON

IGNITE OPENS ITS DOORS

City of Wolverhampton’s new Business Workspace and Start-up Centre, IGNITE, has been officially opened in the city centre’scommercial district.

City of Wolverhampton Council has launched the new business and enterprise hub to help inspirestart-ups, growth and support more people into employment and training.

IGNITE (Innovate, Grow, Navigate, Ideas, Technology, Entrepreneurship) is located in ground floor units 3and 4 of the council’si10 office and retail complex at the heart of the city centre’s£150 million award-winning transport Interchange.

The council has funded the new hub, which will be

run in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton and Black Country Chamber of Commerce to join up the business support infrastructureinthe city

It provides free co-working and meeting space, events, training –virtual and physical –and support to inspirestartups and business growth.

City residents can visit the hub to get advice and guidance on training and employment opportunities and utilise the free workspace.

IGNITE also supports the council’s£3million Wolves at Work 18-24 programme to tackle youth unemployment in Wolverhampton.

Council Leader,Councillor Ian Brookfield, said: “I am delighted to have opened

IGNITE which will help the wealth of creative and innovative talent we have in the city flourish.

“Around 97 per cent of businesses in the city employ less than 50 people and the need for morejoinedup business support for SMEs is critical –and with funding cuts to other provision in the city we know this will be well-used by budding entrepreneurs, start-ups and those that requiresome support to establish and grow their business or to develop their ideas.

“IGNITE provides aspace to work with like-minded individuals and to access support.

“The aim is that it will deliver morebusiness registrations,

prevent start-ups from failing, and create and safeguardjobs in the city.

“Wealso want to engage with local training providers and develop amentoring programme and I’d appeal to potential business mentors to get in touch with us if you think you can offer support to fledgling businesses.”

Olivia Simpson, an entrepreneur from the University of Wolverhampton and wellbeing check practitioner,added:“Ibelieve IGNITE is an invaluable asset to the city of Wolverhampton.

“It will allow start-ups to meet clients in aprofessional working space without the need to pay high fees for an office, which most start-ups simply cannot afford.”

DX TO

Deliveries group DX is to open anew depot in West Bromwich to support the continuing growth of its freight business.

Another depot is opening in Paisley,Scotland. The new sites will support the freight division, which provides parcel freight services and specialises in the delivery of irregular dimension and weight freight.

DX also provides secure courier,two-man and logistics services. The investment in the depots will enable the freight division to support increased volumes and

WEST BROMWICH DEPOT

service levels across the two regions, and together will create 80 new jobs.

In the financial year ended July 2revenues at DX Freight grew by 15 per cent, significantly ahead of initial management targets.

The new 37,000 sq ft depot at West Bromwich is on a 1.3-acresite. It will support the group’sdepot in Cannock, which has secured significant new business.

The Paisley depot comprises is 22,000 sq ft on a 2.3- acresite and will enable DX to drive increased volumes and service levels to the west

of Glasgow,aswell as freeing up capacity at the group’s existing depot in Motherwell on the south-easternside of Glasgow

These two sites take the total number of depots DX has opened so far in 2022 to five. Further site openings areplanned as well as major upgrades to existing sites as the group’scontinues to invest in its delivery network.

The expansion of the network is acoreelement of DX’spreviously-announced £20 million to £25m investment programme. The programme is also investing

in the group’svehicle fleet, handheld technologies, and IT systems.

Paul Ibbetson, managing director of DX Freight, commented: “Weare pleased to have opened two new DX Freight depots in Paisley and West Bromwich, taking the total number opened in 2022 to five. The sites boost capacity and enhance service levels in their respective regions. We plan further sites openings as well as major upgrades to existing sites as we scale our delivery network to support the group’s ongoing growth.”

GREEN REVOLUTION WITH LETS-SANIFY

Lets-Sanify Ltd was established in 2020 (the height of the pandemic) to deliver world class natural disinfection after chemically based disinfectants were viewed as harmful in the long term.

The company is based in the UK and areone of the largest suppliers of organic sanitising and cleaning solution that is kind to you and the planet.

Why we started?

It is becoming increasingly apparent that environmental sustainability requires morethan reducing the amount of toxic chemicals used, we need to replace them with safer,non-toxic cleaning solutions that support the wellness of everyone. A

cleaner,safer,healthier world is our passion. Hence why we are dedicated to making the world ahealthier place and we believe that everyone should have access to products that can make this happen.

We feel strongly about leading positive change in health and hygiene and championing products and systems that can protect the environment. This dedication has led to winning two prestigious awards for business innovation and sustainability in 2022.

Our ethos is keeping our selling prices down (affordable) to make it accessible for all clients/ businesses having anatural and sustainable products for all.

What makes our product unique?

Our products areproduced fromthree everyday components: water,saltand electricity.When used for disinfection, it oxidises and is consumed with the only by-product of using our products being slightly salty water.Because they arenon-irritating, our products can be handled without protective equipment and are easy to dispose of. Our product replicates organic particles created by our own immune system in order to eradicate invasive organisms and fight infection.

The result is astable antiseptic and antibacterial solution that kills all types of germs and viruses on contact, without being harmful to humans or animals. This disinfectant has also been certified to be vegan and Halal friendly, making it suitable for everyone.

Our science focuses on creating

acomprehensive ecosystem of products that not only work towards making the spread of infectious diseases and pathogens moredi-cult, but, that arealso: organic, non-toxic, hypoallergenic and safe for the environment.

Why we love what we do?

Your family.Your clients. Your employees. They arenot just your livelihood. They arealsowhat helps you keep going. Whether you aremotivated by love or passion protecting your loved ones is our top priority

We areaBritish manufacturer of sanitising liquids situated in the West Midlands, that distributes worldwide. We sell and supply to our sub-distributors and direct to end users and order white label products for companies.

TONY SELLS ESTATEFOR

An industrial estate created by a businessman to ease the job losses from the closureofthe old Round Oak steel works has been sold for £7 million.

Tony Whittaker,ofUnit 67 Ltd, said that the work of building asuccessful estate had now been completed at Delph Road Industrial Estate in Brierley Hill.

“I set out to help create 200 jobs at the start in 1982 and 40 years on it is employing more than 400,” said 78-year-old Tony who now plans to move on to fresh challenges.

The seven-acreestate, which has 40 fully let units, has been bought by an arm of the giant Telereal Trillium property group.

The new owners plan to keep the distinctive 64-tonne Chieftan tank that stands proudly at the gates to the estate.

Tony,who was borninDelph Road, is fiercely proud of his Black Country roots –his family have lived at the Delph for 200 years and said he was determined to help people made redundant from Round Oak when he started the estate which took in parts of an old brickyard, gas works and sawmills.

“It was aderelict site that had been for

sale for 10 years. We built up the estate from scratch –every bit. Its now complete and our work is done.

“It has been along hardroad with three major recessions, Brexitand Covid to contend with,” Tony explained as he and his family wife, Lyn, son Steven, daughter Shirley Shipley and granddaughter Grace Shipley –celebrated with champagne by the tank.

“I’m readytomove on to other projects,” added Tony,who also built the giant Nine Locks and Chainmakers pub –now The Corn Exchange –inAmblecote Road, Brierley Hill in 1983. It was then the biggest pub in the Midlands and was later sold to Greenall Whitley

Tony,who was famed for flying his own helicopter in and out of the estate, is proud of all the famous names he brought to visit the area including an Archbishop of Canterbury,the late comedian Bill Maynard, who opened the Nine Locks and Chainmakers, and Emmerdale actor Stan Richards.

The former weightlifting champion says he has no plans to retirefromthe business world and is relishingfresh challenges.

The family also still run Midland Fabric and Bar on the estate.

TONY AND LYNWHITTAKER TOAST THE DEAL WITH CHAMPAGNE

FIRM IS CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

A&M

in Smethwick

from atwo man start up by Arthur

Mark Wingfield in

Mornington Road, Smethwick

alargerfactory

MiddlemoreRoad.

The company now has 76 employees and achieved

of £7 million in the year to the end of

The Black Country Economic Intelligence Unit has produced an independent report on A&M’seconomic impact over 20 years.

The unit believe this report is one of the first to provide adetailed analysis of the growth of amanufacturing small ormedium-sized enterprise.

It found the company has delivered an estimated £5 million Gross ValueAdded in the latestyearand up to £50 million over 20 years.

It has achieved an annual average growth rate of eight per cent in jobs over the last 10 years, and by continually investing in innovation and research and development, including £10m spent on capital expenditureand £4mvia R&D

tax credits since 2010. In 20 years, A&M EDM has used 750,000 miles of EDM brass wire, equivalent to three journeys to the moon.

Professor Delma Dwight, director of Black Country Economic Intelligence Unit, said: “Manufacturing is acritically important industry in the Black Country and wider West Midlands, providing high levels of good employment and added value to the economy

“As this impact report shows, A&M EDM is a great example of the entrepreneurship, growth and resilience of manufacturing, readytotake on thechallenges and opportunities of the future. Over 20 years, the company has driven strong economic value as well as cultivating a committed, skilled workforce at the heart of the local community.”

Mr Wingfield, managing director of A&M EDM, said: “In 2002 my ambition was to become asustainable sub-contractor offering electronic discharge machining services to West Midlands manufacturing. The reduction of the Midlands toolmaking and automotive industries created opportunities to grow the business into other sectors.”

MARK WINGFIELD, LEFT, AND ARTHUR WATTS

Remediation work for Phoenix 10, the former James Bridge Copper WorksinWalsall, is well underway,with developer HBD celebrating initial progress at the site.

HBD, along with its partners Walsall Council and Homes England, is delivering the major brownfield remediation and subsequent redevelopment works at the 44-acresite, which is located between Junctions 9 and 10 of the M6.

The project will see the delivery of amodern employment scheme that will eventually create around 1,000 new jobs and 620,000 sq ft of employment space.

Initial clearance works began in March, led by contractor John FHunt, which is now carrying out earthworks and mine shaft stabilisation.

These works areexpanding across the remainder of the land. Remediation will finish in early 2024.

Simon Raiye, director at HBD, said: “We’repleased with initial progress at the site; the scheme will create up to 1,000 new jobs and has already begun delivering economic benefit for the local area.

“Around 80 per cent of people currently working at the site arelocal, whilst our contractors arealsousing nearby businesses and welcoming university graduates on work placements.

“Local school visits and a programme of charity support is also being planned.”

HBD will continue to keep the community updated as works progress through the project website phoenix10walsall

VIDEO ROLE IN GAMES FOR STONE’S THROW

Leading video, animation and livestreaming agency Stone’sThrow Media put in agold medal performance by filming behind the scenes footage of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, including the journey taken by the giant mechanical bull.

The team from Wolverhampton-based Stone’sThrow recordedthe late night effort to transport the bull, one of the highlights of the opening ceremony at Alexander Stadium, to its Birmingham city centre display as part of aseries of videos to promote the Games.

Supporting the Birmingham 2022 team, the video team recorded the two-hour escorted trip by lorry from the athletics stadium to Centenary Square, which began at 1am.

The mechanical bull had caught the imagination of the public after it appeared in the ceremony to kick offthe sporting celebration.

Working to the Games organiser’sbrief to document some of the behind the scenes work for Birmingham 2022, Stone’sThrow,based at Wolverhampton Science Park, also shot footage of the preparations for the opening and closing ceremonies, including filming rehearsals in Birmingham by choir Black

Voices as they practiced their performance. Ahead of the opening ceremony on July 28 Stone’sThrow filmedthe female choir,led by Music Director Carol Pemberton, preparing for the show

The video team also recorded dress rehearsals by performers for the closing ceremony

Stone’sThrow Mediawas launched in 2011 by founders Mike Chinn and Matt Weston after they met on aUniversity of Wolverhampton media course.

Mr Weston said: “Everyone at Stone’sThrow Mediawas delighted to be part of the highest profile event in our 11-year history.”

SCHEME PROVIDES WAREHOUSING

Work has completed on a £7.7 million scheme in Dudley, bringing high-specification warehousing to the Black Country to meet the ongoing demand for premium industrial stock in the Midlands.

Harris Lamb’sbuilding consultancy team has overseen the construction of three distribution/industrial units and two terraces of trade/industrial units at

Grazebrook Park, Peratree Lane, on behalf of AEW Paul Wells, Head of Harris Lamb’sbuilding consultancy team, said: “This project was launched in response to the region’swell-documented industrial stock shortage, and we aredelighted to have reached practical completion on the scheme.”

The first plot is occupied by two units, 28,632 sq ft and

15,995 sq ft respectively,with the potential to be combined as one facility.Unit 1A has three level access loading doors and 38 car parking spaces, while Unit 1B has two level access loading doors and 19 parking spaces. The warehouses include first floor offices and a30m service yard. The 39,224 sq ft distribution centreisatplot two.

THE ICONIC MECHANICAL

CLOUD CAN REDUCE YOUR ENERGY COSTS

With the hike in energy costs this autumn and winter,manybusinesses arehavingtosearch for new ways to reduce their electricity consumption across the board.

Previously,most businesses have probably not been particularly focused on the running costs associated with their on-premises hardware and software.

Your business may not even have looked into exactly how much you arespending on electricity to run your servers 24 hours aday,aswell as the lighting and air-conditioning needed to keep everything at the right temperature.

However,the amount of energy that is required to power this equipment represents asizeable overhead.

One way of reducing your costs is by moving from an on-premises IT infrastructure to acloud solution, which could decrease your energy consumption significantly and could also save your business money

What arethe benefitsof cloud over on-premises IT?

If you have an on-premises IT infrastructure, your organisation’selectricity costs arelikelytoincrease substantially due to the

amount of energy that is required to run all of your software.

Moving your storage to the cloud and outsourcing to aspecialist cloud provider will allow you to transfer the responsibility of running your own hardwareand software over to your provider

According to Microsoft Corporation and WSP Global Inc, cloud computing is 93 per cent moreenergy-efficient than on-premises data centres.

Furthermore, research by Berkeley Lab and NorthwesternUniversity, funded by Google, found that businesses could save between 60 per cent and 85 per cent in energy costs when they change over to cloudbased services.

Due to the current energy crisis, the supply of energy may become unstable, particularly over the winter, with the possibility of blackouts in the worst case scenario. If this does happen, acloud provider is more likely to have better resilience in terms of back-up power generators and equipment, ensuring that your business can stay working.

How do cloud providers keep costs down?

As specialist cloud providers aredealing with

numerous customers, the cost of the energy that they areusing to run their servers is shared between their customers so that they can benefit from economies of scale.

They arealsolikely to get wholesale energy rates, which means that their energy will be less costly per unit than that of the average business.

Since their business is IT, they will also be morelikelyto be using the latest energyefficient servers within their data centre.

Moving to the cloud reduces the amount of hardwareyour business requires, lowers your energy consumption and saves your business money.Soitis certainly worth considering making the move beforethe next energy price increase hits.

At EBC Group, we provide the full range of cloud hosting services. This includes private cloud hosting, hybrid cloud hosting, managed cloud services and enterprise cloud services.

EBC Group will help you to exploreall of the cloud options that areavailable to you and assess what will work best for your business, whether that is hosting a few of your systems with us or all of them.

OF EBC

lAlbert Jagger,aleading manufacturer,and supplier of commercial vehicle components is celebrating 135 years of business.

The company was known as makers of coach and motor body fittings

Today it is associated with innovation and the highest quality products for vehicles of all types.

The Walsall based company has been family-owned since 1945, with the fourth generation involved today lIn-Comm Training is opening its new precision tooling academy on November 11.

It has been set up at InComm’sAldridgesite in Vigo Place with Birmingham precision stamping business Brandauer

Guests on the day from 12 noon will see six different demonstrations and be able to view the letest technology lWolverhampton Business Forum is returning after a break of morethan three years.

The first meeting will be held on December 8atCarvers Building Supplies, Littles Lane, at 6.30pm.

ALAN AND JACKIE NUTTALL

FOUNDER OF DUDLEY COMPANY WASAN INDUSTRYPIONEER

An Oldbury firm, which is the UK’slargest specialist cold roll forming company,took home one of the top prizes from the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. voestalpine Metsec in Broadwell Road won the large business of the year awardatthe gala evening at Wolverhampton Racecourse. Small business of the year was Brierley Hill-based construction experts Building Services NOW

The founder of alongestablished shopfitting business that is based in Dudley has died at the age of 80.

TheAlan Nuttall Partnership’sformer chairman Alan David Nuttall died on September 11 in hospital following ashort illness.

The partnership –now an employee-owned company with morethan 200 people –includes retail interior and display specialist Nuttall in Hall Street and Flexeserve in Hinckley

Mr Nuttall, of Hinckley,was apioneer within his industry and was involved in the business for 56 years before taking aless active role earlier this year

The Yorkshireman was born on July 3, 1942 and created aself-service fruit retail model in 1975 which is still in common use today –having been adopted by many major supermarkets, including Asda and Morrisons.

He started Alan Nuttall in 1966 with just £137 and

specialised in greengrocery shopfitting.

The partnership boardsaid: “Hispresence was enormous and undeniable. We shall remember him as avisionary, whose commitment to both his business and his family weresecond to none.

“Much loved and respected, his legacy and passion for the business will continue to live on.”

Akeen innovator,hewas inspired by the self-service fruit shops he saw in the United States and developed the UK’sfirst ever self-service system for fruiterers in 1975.

Ayearlater,thisled him to create Fruity Fruits, which went on to be the largest independent fresh produce wholesale and retail business, employing 650 people in the UK when it was sold to Birmingham Co-op in 1989.

Among his many achievements, Mr Nuttall celebrated two Queen’s Awards forEnterprise, awarded twice in the innovation category –first in

2005 and again in 2022. He also met Queen Elizabeth II and members of the Royal Family at the opening event for one of his landmark shopfitting projects for the prestigious Fortnum &Mason

He beganthe process of transitioning the business to employee ownership in 2015 believing it made the business stronger,.

Alan leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Jacqueline, as well as two daughters, a grandson and great-grandson.

Matt Hornblower,chief executive of Nuttall, said: “It is moreimportant than ever to acknowledge Alan’s commitment to creating a partnership that recognises theteamoftalented and dedicated individuals who can continue to drive it forward. The steps we have taken together with him in recent years towards becoming employee-owned have ensured that, long-term, the business is in safe hands –those of its passionate partners.”

DEVELOPER FOR CANALSIDE

City of Wolverhampton Council has announced its preferred developer from astrong field of contenders for one of the largest city centre residential development opportunities in the Midlands.

The council has now entered into an exclusivity agreement with Legal & General Modular Homes, a subsidiary of Legal &General Capital to build around 400 new homes, subject to planning approval, at Wolverhampton’sCanalside South –aformer industrial site fronting on to the Wyrley and Essington Canal and the Wolverhampton branch of the Birmingham Main Line Canal.

The decision followed market tendering process alongside partners Canal & River Trust.

Legal &General’sproven track recordinthe property sector made it the clear choice to take on what will be agame-changing Net Zero Regulated Carbon residential development offer for the city.Precision-engineered in L&G’smodular factory in Leeds, every modular home will include an air source heat pump, PV panels and electric vehicle charging point

as standard– all supporting the city’sclimate change commitment to be net carbon neutral by 2041.

The 17-acrewaterfront development opportunity sits on the easternedge of the city centreand is made up of the Canal &River Trustowned former Crane Foundry site, and the Council’sformer British Steel site and its land offQualcast Road –all brought together under a collaboration agreement designed to ensurea comprehensive development takes place.

Legal &General will also seek to deliver commercial uses alongside the new homes, such as acoffee shop, co-working space, bike hire and water activities, while landscaping will create a green corridor and promote biodiversity

It has committed to delivering significant social and economic benefits in accordance with the Wolverhampton Charter It includes delivering local labour and supply chain opportunities, enhancing skills and employability,creating apprenticeships, promoting cohesion and activities within the community,and supporting health and wellbeing.

City of Wolverhampton Council deputy leader and cabinet member for city economy,Councillor Stephen Simkins, said: “Legal &General has a strong background in the property sector,investing in urban regeneration, financing affordable housing and building modular homes.

“The tendering process demonstrated thereisastrong developer appetite to deliver a transformational project in this part of Wolverhampton.”

Rosie Toogood, who is the chief executive of Legal

&General Modular Homes, added: “In the face of a chronic housing shortage, steep energy bill increases, and alooming climate crisis deadline our mission is to reduce costs to consumers and the environment by producing the best quality homes in the most efficient way possible.

“The City of Wolverhampton Council shares this ambition.”

ACOMPUTER GENERATED IMAGE OF WHATCANALSIDE SOUTHCOULD LOOK LIKE

FIRST PHASE OF NEW HQ COMPLETED

Property developer Stoford has completed the first phase of Sandvik Coromant’s new UK headquarters in Halesowen.

The new 18,015 sq ft high-tech innovation centre for metal cutting has been supported by a£5million investment from West Midlands Combined Authority

The leading commercial property developer has delivered the purpose-built building on aself-contained plot on the A456 Manor Way, whereSandvik, the Swedish engineering company,has been based since 1958.

It will become ahub for manufacturing innovation and customer interactions, forming part of the established Sandvik Coromant Center global network, and is ready forimmediate occupation.

The scheme, which was unlocked by the £5 million investment from WMCA, benefits from strong sustainability credentials.

It replaces an existing warehouse building with office accommodation that is being demolished as part of the second phase of development, which will deliver 130 new car parking

spaces, including an initial 26 electric vehicle car charging points.

Work is expected to be completed beforethe end of the year

Angus Huntley,director at Stoford, said: “This is a modernand energy efficient headquarters building, which has transformed the site and retained many high quality jobs in the West Midlands.

“Weare pleased to have worked in partnership with Sandvik Coromant to deliver the scheme and look forward to completing the final phase of works.”

David Harbon, UK sales director at Sandvik Coromant, said: “This is astate-of-the-art facility designed to advance metal cutting machining knowledge and innovation.

“The Sandvik Coromant Centreisakey part of our strategy and plays an important role in bringing people together,whether in-person or virtually,and connecting them with our leading offer

“Weare delighted to complete the first phase of this development working together with Stofordand the WMCA.”

GO LOCAL FOR AN EAP PROVIDER

appointments. Our therapists live near to our clients, so have local knowledge and often understand the cultureofthe companies in their area. Essentially we get to know the employees and treat them as individuals, rather than statistical resources.

celebrates its 20th anniversary,founder Sharon McCormick talks about the benefits of using alocal EAP.

beforehas well-being been more on the agenda within businesses across the Midlands.

Over the last 20 years, The Listening Centre has become the EAP provider of choice for a wealth of organisations in the region, from small private sector businesses to large NHS Trusts and local authorities.

We know that67per cent of organisations use an EAP service to help increase staff productivity and morale, while reducing sickness levels and workplace stress. The problem comes when national EAPs stick to a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’talways meet an employee’sneeds. Thankfully The Listening Centreisdifferent.

We provideacaring, personal service and can respond quickly with face-to-face

National EAP providers work with hundreds of companies, and millions of employees. So, thereisarisk that an employee may see adelay in accessing vital services. At The Listening Centrewe’ve been determined to keep our focus on the Midlands, so that we can support our clients quickly and easily

Our recordspeaks for itself –98% of our clients areseen within10 miles of their home or work location, while the average number of days to wait for afirst appointment with one of our professional counsellors is just seven working days. We apply fair and transparent pay-as-you-go fees to ensure clarity while guaranteeing value for money.Our longstanding and valued customers recognise thequality and effectiveness of the services we offer

For moreinformation visit our website: thelisteningcentre.co.uk. Get in touch by emailing: enquiry@thelisteningcentre.co.uk or calling: 01543 300068.

local EAP

THE LISTENING CENTRE’S FOUNDER SHARON MCCORMICK

FOOTBALL LESSONS FOR ALL BUSINESSES

Employers sometimes tell me that as the chief executive of acollege Idon’tunderstandthe challenges they face and of course Ibeg to differ.

As an employer of over 800people in asectorwhich is buffeted by government changes in policy (just last week Kit Malthouse became the fifth Education Secretary in less than ayear), as well as the global economic context –fuel prices, material costs (the price of materials for learners in construction trades has increased on average by 30 per cent this year), and labour shortages (unemployed teachers of electrical installation arerarer than unicorns), Iunderstand too well, these aretough times for business, but Istill urge them to have faith in the future.

And thereisnobetter way to demonstrate that faith than by investing in the skills of their staffand providing opportunities for young people as they enter the workforce.

As the deliverer of abroad range of apprenticeship programmes Dudley College, works with hundreds of employers who see the value of upskilling their existing work force to drive productivity Employers such as Tesco Maintenance, who have trained over 72 maintenance engineers with us in the

last 12 months, so they are multi-skilled and can resolve most common in store issues in one visit or Thomas Dudley whose apprentice Reece Walker, joined the company after completing our summer apprenticeship academy,despite being very unsureabout what his career ambitions were.

He now says this was the best thing he ever did.

And all of these apprentices have been supported by the foresight of their managers who have continued to invest in stafftraining at atime when such budgets areunder pressure.

In fact, they have embodied the wisdom of one of the most successful managers the UK has seen in recent years –Arsène Wenger OBE, who said: “Any manager’s approach must be to educate. One of the beauties of our job is the power to influence the course of aman’s (woman’s) life in apositive way.

“You and me have been lucky enough to meet people who believed in us and led us forward.

“The streets arefull of talented people but who didn’thave the luck of finding someone who placed their faith in them. Ican be theone that facilitates life, that gives an opportunity.”

The ability to shape someone’slifethrough

providing opportunities is also agift that employers can give by providing work experience placements for young people who have yet to securetheir first full time role.

The new Tlevel qualifications have a substantial mandatory work experience element between 315 and 750 hours depending on sector,which gives students the chance to really understand whatworking life is like, and if the subject they arestudying is really forthem.

It also gives employers the chance to test out potential recruits and, in many cases, offer them permanent positions if they prove they have what it takes to fit into their business.

So, if you areanemployer feeling overwhelmed by the daily challenges you face, I urge you to pay it forward.

Remember the person in your own life who showed faith in you, told you, you had promise, invested in your training and extend that to someone else.

If you areinterested in finding out moreabout apprenticeships or are interested in offering a work experience placement please contact amemberof our business development team on 01384 363808 or contact by e-mailing to employerservices@dudleycol. ac.uk

RECRUIT THE BEST WITH STAR SUPPORT

For businesses to be successful there’sone key ingredient –having the right people in place who perform at the top of their game.

However,itcosts time and money to bring the best people into your business –and the bad news is that it’sonlygoing to get more expensive. As the cost of living increases, so arethe charges of the UK’stop recruitment sites.Ifyou wanttohiretop talent without busting your budget then you need ateamof recruitment experts that can create abespoke package.

Star Employment Services is based in Wolverhampton and can offer employers a range of services designed to attract the best candidates. The agency is linked with two of the largest regional newspapers in the country –the Express &Star and ShropshireStar wherethe job section online and in print on a Thursday has an impressive 178,000 readers.

KyleeRusson, head of Star Employment Services, said thereare some fantastic cost-

effective ways for businesses to hirenew employees. “Time and again we speak to businesses that aretired of the hidden costs associated with recruitment,” she said.

“From screening and interviewing candidates to conducting background checks –thereis so much moretorecruitment than putting out ajob advert. Star Employment Services is at the heart of the business community and we areproud to be the agency that dozens of companies turntofor all their recruitment needs.”

Star Employment Services offers advertising across the Express &Star and ShropshireStar as well as national online job boards, such as Indeed, CV library and Totaljobs, plus Facebook and LinkedIn promotions. The team of experts has some of the best contacts in industries spanning industrial, technical and commercial.

With nearly half amillion more vacant jobs available now,compared to beforethe pandemic, it’sclear that employers need support to fill those roles and get their

businesses running at their best. Kylee said that hiring the wrong person can have amassive detrimentalimpact on abusiness.

“For businesses, time is valuable and it’s easy to underestimate the hours you have to put into finding high-quality candidates. If the process takes too long it can lead to lost productivity time and adecrease in output as you filter through applications. Then, if a new employee doesn’tfitinto the business it can be costly.Not only could it mean losing a member of staff, but the repercussions could lead to lower staffmorale, work being put on hold and adropinproductivity. On top of that, the recruitment process has to start again. Businesses that work with Star Employment know they aren’tjust saving time –they are making surethe right people areplaced in the right jobs,” she explained.

If you arelooking to find the right person to fill arole in your business then -email Star Employment Services: info@ staremploymentservices.co.uk

THE STAR EMPLOYMENT SERVICES TEAM

BY JOHN CORSER

The move to abrand new home and distribution centrewill provide the launch pad for the next phase of growth of USP Steels.

The steel sheet and plate stockholding company based on Gibbons Industrial Park, Kingswinford, led by owner and chief executive Glyn Costigan, has already enjoyed an exciting journey since its establishment in 2016.

“The journey has been difficult at times but we have created luck by hardwork and determination to succeed,” he explains.

Wednesbury born-and-bred

Glyn’soriginal dream was to be aprofessional footballer and he signed YTS and pro forms at West Bromwich Albion. The promising centre half’s career was cut short at 20 when he suffered aserious injury in areservegame.

Initially Glyn thought that he could do nothing else but looking at the jobs pages in the Express &Star he spotted that Dutch company MCB was opening new steel business Precision Steel in Wednesbury

“Steel was in my blood my grandad worked in the industry

“It was only astone’sthrow from whereIlived and that

THE JOURNEY HAS BEEN DIFFICULTAT TIMES

he moved to Sebden Steel in Lye. After three years he was head hunted to work form ASD in Tividale for four years.

When the chief executive moved to Corus –now Tata Steel –hetook Glyn with him to be business development manager at the Steel Park in Wednesfield.

One of the companies that Corus outsourced work to was United Steels at Kingswinford, which was run by the Cashmorefamily

was the start of my career in steel, starting in 1997 as a production planner– my first step on the steel ladder.”

When Precision Steel left the UK market four years later

When they wanted to start a new steel and plate division they recruited Glyn to run it.

United Steel and Plate started in October 2008 at Gibbons Industrial Park and grew

successfully over the following years until in 2016 Glyn approached the Cashmores with the idea of breaking away

They agreed to him buying the steel stockholding business and it was rebranded and renamedasUSP Steels.

2017 saw the new company achieve £19 million turnover and handle 34,000 tonnes of steel. By last year USP was achieving £96m and 105,500 tonnes. This year is expected to see as afurther rise to £138.5m and 121,000 tonnes with sales reaching12,500 tonnes amonth.

USP Steels outstanding recordofgrowthhelpeditto land the Young Business of the Year awardatthe Express

&Star Business Awards earlier this year

As USP grew it needed a new site and found land on the same estate.

“Wedecided to build apurpose-built factory using A&HConstruction,” explained Glyn.

Work on the project on the four-acresite began in August 2021 and was completed in 14 months. It has represented a£12 million investment with a further £10m being invested in new stock for the 40,000 sq ft stock area for the distribution centrewith offices making up another 10,000 sq ft.

Glyn, aged 45, is proud of his Black Country roots and is also proud that USP’s 50-strong workforce is from

the area.

USP,which offers a24/7 service, made the move into the new premises on October 24.

“Wenow have what is effectively the largest steel supermarket in the UK,” said Glyn.

USP purchases 12,500 tonnes of steel coil from partners including Swedish Steel, thyssenkrupp and Arcelor.USP canthen offer customers achoice of sheet steel in morethan 100 sizes of varying grades.

The new site will be able to hold 8,500 tonnes of finished steel readyfor next day delivery

The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Sue Greenaway,

joined the directors to cut the ribbon following the completion of USP Steels’ purpose-built offices and warehouse.

USP works with colleges and schools to run its apprenticeship scheme.

The former Wood Green High School pupil said: “For me akey to success is investing in youth and training. Like in football you have to invest in your squad.

“For every first team player you have got to have areserve and youth player coming through.”

Further growth is expected next year of between 12.5 and 15 per cent and recruitment is underway with at least another 12 stafftobeadded.

AHELPING HAND FOR BUSINESS

Dudley Building Society has been powering the lives of our members in and around the Black Country since 1858.

From helping our customers to reach theirsaving goals, to providing them with a mortgage for their dream home, we arehereto help make dreams areality

We’rededicated to supporting businesses in and around the Black Country with their saving goals.

Our friendly customer service advisors are on hand to guide you through our application process, so that you can get back to focusing on your business.

Youcan open one of our business savings accounts either by posts or at one of our five local branches.

We offerarange of business savings accounts, which allow you to save up to £1 million*.

Whether your business is acorporate or unincorporated entity,you can rest assured that your savings areinsafehands with us.

Our range of unincorporated products are also available for sole traders, charities, and churches.

Finding the right savings product to suit the needs of your business is important, which is why we offer arange of fixed term and notice accounts.

Our fixed term products allow you to benefit from higher returns on your savings over a longer period, and our notice accounts provide you with moreflexibility

Higher interest rates areavailable for larger balances.

Visit dudleybuildingsociety.co.uk/savings/ business-savings to take alook at the range of savings products that we currently have available.

If you have any questions at all or need any kind of guidance, then please get in touch with our very helpful team of customer service advisors today to begin your savings journey with us.

Youcan call us on 01384 231414, e-mail us at enquiries@dudleybuildingsociety.co.uk or visit one of our five branches which arelocated at Stone Street, Dudley; High Street, Brierley Hill; Abbey Road, Gornal Wood; Townsend Place, Gornal Wood and Anders Square, Perton.

*Please refertothe specific product details for maximum savings balances.

Your trusted partner through everymilestone

For business needs, personal matters, and everything in-between

At CK, we arethe chartered

who really gettoknowour clients –often as partners for decades.Working closely withyou, we build adeepunderstandingofyour challenges andthe opportunities coming your way. It means that we can offer proactive advice to help youface the future with confidence.

We are here to help

would

talk with an expert,

get in touch.

£3M INITIATIVE AIM

LOG JAM ON YOUTH

A£3million investment in creating fresh opportunities for young people aged 18 to 24-yearsold is underway in Wolverhampton.

It is in response to the city’shigh levels of youth unemployment and also to help ensureits current and futurebusinesses can find the skilled workforce that they will need to thrive.

Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield said that the city had asad recordofhaving the highest youth unemployment figures nationally

“Wedowell up to the age of 18 but thereisamassive drop offafter that,” he explained.

The Wolves at Work 18-24 project is already making inroads into the high level of unemployment among that age group, but Councillor Brookfield said therewas a lot of work still remaining to be done.

He said the council was determined to open

doors and smooth ways for the Department for Work andPensions and other organisations to get young people into work.

“I and my group felt we had to disrupt the market and do something positive because high levels of unemployment can cause other problems.

“Weare putting £3 million in to this to try and make areal difference to our youngsters’ life chances,” he explained.

Aproject boardisinplace with big businesses in the area helping.

“All involved arecommitted to see what they can do to break the log jam on youth unemployment,” explained Councillor Brookfield.

An initial £100,000 was doubled to £200,000 as the council asked people to come up with ideas and projects that they think will help.

“Wehavealready had many ideas for breaking the chain –doing something real and tangible,” said Councillor Brookfield.

An element of the project will see organisations, charities and voluntary groups

helping to get young people ready for work.

He said that the first three months of any new job were difficult and the council was working with businesses on this. It had already been identified that transport costs wereabarrier for some young people.

The council is working with local employers to support them with transport costs for their young staff.

As part of the project anew team has been recruitedto talk to individuals and groups in the 18 to 24 age group and 400 people have already been spoken to, to find out what they need at apractical level.

“Weare looking at helping all types of young people, all occupations and the self employed.

“Weare also looking for abig expansion in apprenticeships. They have got to be areal experience to show youngsters what work life is like. They will get proper training and they will have a guaranteed job at the end.

“Wehaveexpanded our apprenticeship intake and

Councillor Ian Brookfield, the leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, explains the ongoing efforts to reduce the high level of youth unemployment in the city

IS

taken on 111 18-24 year olds in the past 12 months for the council itself –an83per cent increase on the year before’ he said.

The council is also looking at other activities that will improve the employability skills of young people, such as work experience, workplace visits and mentoring.

“Wehaveadecent relationship with big business and want to get to small and medium-sized businesses as well. They employ 85 per cent of the people in the city,” he explained.

Councillor Brookfield said that the recently-opened IGNITE enterprise hub could play abig part in that.

It is working with the Chamber of Commerce and the University to offer help not just to 18 to 24-year-olds. It is looking at awhole range of ideas.

“Weare hitting the pavements and taking a roadshow around the city We aregoing to every wardin the city with Wolverhampton born-and-bred people talking to young people.”

The next phase will see work being done in schools to explain to youngsters that if they don’tget thegrades they hope for then doors to opportunities will not be closed and the council will be prepared to spend money to help them.

Councillor Brookfield said that any successful projects that wereworking in creating opportunities would be carried on long term.

“The commitment is there as long as it is making a difference, but it is the people of the city’smoney and has to make areal difference,” he added.

Councillor Brookfield said the city council was continuing efforts to attract investment from outside and inside the city which was key to futuresuccess.

“Wehaveamulti-billion pound wave of investment coming on line and my number one aim is that by the time Iretirewehave ended the scourge of unemployment. Iamlooking at something which long after Iamgone will be continuing to deliver for the city Ilove and whereIlive.”

Councillor Brookfield said that key to the long term success of Wolverhampton was encouraging young people to stay in the area. The council is working with the university and the Department for Levelling Up to ensurethe opportunities aretherefor highly-qualified young people to begin careers in the city

He said the message was already going out that people looking to be top civil servants did not need to go to London with up to 80 young people already taken on at Government offices in the city

Councillor Brookfield said that reviving the city’snight time economy was going to be another part of that work.

The reopening of the Civic Hall will be abig part of that as a new programme of concerts and major entertainment is attracted to the city

BY JOHN CORSER

Black Country business Malthouse Engineering celebrated its 75th anniversary in traditional style

The 60 members of staff, who aremainly from the Black Country,wereamong the 130 people invited to the Black Country Living Museum on October 8tojoin in aspecial celebration evening.

The company,which occupies a28,500 sq ft site in Hainge Road, Tividale, invited many of its customers and suppliers to join in the fun which included entertainment from asinger,magician and Black Country comedian

Jonny Cole in the Workers’ Institute.

Abus took guests to the museum village wherethey wereable to enjoy drinks and fish and chips and by bags of sweets and cakes from the shops on the company Guests included LordMike Whitby,chairman of Made in the Midlands of which Malthouse is amember,and West Bromwich West MP

Shaun Bailey

Managing director Roy Taylor,aged 78, originally from Dudley and now living in Kingswinfordsaid that Malthouse was named for the malthouse in Oldbury by the side of the canal wherethe

business originally started in 1947. It has been at its current home since 1950.

Roy is only the second managing director in the firm’s history.Hesucceeded founder

Hubert Hands in 1983 and will celebrate 40 years in post on March 1, 2023.

Aspecial book telling the story of Malthouse Engineering has been produced to mark its 75th anniversary.Itfeatures many photographs taken over the years and was written by Martin Yates Acopy was given to everyone who attended the museum event.

Roy said that the company –the UK’slargest independent steel profiler –was still proudly going forwardwith work now underway on an extension project.

The neighbouring 4,600 sq

WE ARE MOVING FORWARD CONSTANTLY –YOU CAN’T STAND STILL IN THIS INDUSTRY

ft William Freeston site, which had been leased since 1990, was purchased in June.

The offices aretobe demolished and re-built once planning permission is finalised to extend the Malthouse office space.

Anew ramp is currently being constructed that will be used by forklifts moving steel in the yardatthe rear

Theoverall project is due to be completed during 2023.

Malthouse brings in steel from around the world to its site and has the capacity to house 2,000 tonnes at any one time in avariety of grades and sizes.

The company has 14 Lumsden grinders to finish the top surface of the steel and

carries out flame cutting on site and edge milling.

Director and general manager Paul Taylor,who has been with the business since 2011, is the company’ssales specialist and also handles the buying.

He said Malthouse was aone-stop shop that was continuing to attract new customers that wereseeking a full service.

“A lot of people arelooking for new suppliers with steel prices going up nearly 100 per cent this year “Wedoalot of repeat work and have been very fair to customers. When we can we have dropped prices to help them,” he explained.

Roy said that Malthouse

supplied 42 different markets including automotive, aerospace, plastics, agricultural, defence, nuclear power and wind farms.

“Wesell all over country and into Ireland now as well,” he added.

Malthouse has four lorries which arebeing replaced in May next year with new vehicles of 28 and 15 tonnes.

The family-oriented business aims to look after its staffand has recentlyadded abrand newcanteen to its facilities.

“Weare constantly taking on new young blood. We work with the University of Wolverhampton and Birmingham City University on Knowledge Transfer

Partnerships. “Our first KTP was 12 years ago and since then we have brought in graduates on specific projects for atwo-year period and many then chose to stay with us including our sales manager and works manager

“Weaim to bring young talent through so that we have skilled people as we lose our older workers through retirement.”

Roy added: “Weare moving forwardconstantly–you can’t stand still in this industry.”

Steady growth has partly come from acquisitions over the years with brands brought into the Tividale site.

The business is constantly investing in its machines.

START-UP TO SUCCESS STORY

Homegrown talent and local business

VOiD Applications turned 10-years-old this August.

Based at the Wolverhampton Science Park, VOiD was created by Chris Carter and Neil Cooper who arebothgraduates from the University of Wolverhampton.

The business has gone from strength to strength, seeing in its tenth year as afour-man team alongside work experience attendees turned team members, Nathan West and Ketan Patel.

VOiD Applications is adigital agency dedicated to delivering online solutions to businesses. It builds, optimises, supports and consults on all things web with atalented team of developers and designers.

Owners and marketing managers that need web design, mobile app development and digital design services have used VOiD over the last 10 years to grow their business.

They have developed and maintained relationships with businesses in the Midlands such as Cox &Plant, Aproderm &Skinny Dips, as well as fruitful endeavours with Ritchie and Carwood.

VOiD, which started out as VOiD Games –a mobile game application developer for iOS and Android, and then pivoted into providing digital media services –began life on the SPEED Plus Incubation program provided by the University of Wolverhampton.

This programme allowed them to incorporate the business officially and provide them with vital training and base knowledge to run abusiness via courses and networking opportunities.

From graduates to celebrating 10 years in business is no small feat.

With all the intricacies that come from running abusiness they have excelled to grow the team and service offering, at ararefirst attempt.

Through hardwork and amazing support the business has completred its first decade and the team have their sights firmly set on the next 10.

Continued success is on the horizon with morebusinesses needing aweb presence than ever before, VOiD aretheretobring their unique approach and help businesses drive leads and sales with web.

AGENCY RATED THE HIGHEST IN REGION

2022 has proved afantastic year for MNA Digital, which has been listed as the top-rated digital marketing agency for the West Midlands on Google.

The Wolverhampton-based business has received ahuge number of 5-star Google reviews from clients of various shapes and sizes, putting them at the top of the search engine’srankingsfor the region.

MNA Digital is an expert in digital marketing, covering web design, search engine optimisation, pay per-click and paid social.

These solutions areperfect for any business looking to showcase its services digitally and grow online.

And with 2023 on the horizon, there’snosign of theteam at MNA Digital starting to slow down.

So, what did 2022 have in storefor MNA Digital?

It was an exciting start to the year as the company unveiled its new website.

Packed with information, the new site showcases their range of services –italso makes room for the digital marketing hub, so businesses have one place to go for all of their digital marketing advice, tips and tricks.

During the year,MNA Digitalwelcomed a host of new staffincluding web designer Ryan Davies, senior PPC manager James Keeney Wilson, SEO executive Emma Gaiffe, new digital marketing apprentice Jade Andrews, media sales consultant Andy Morris and, more recently,PPC executive BriannaDacres.

This amazing group of digital experts have

already really made their mark on MNA Digital.

MNA Digital has partnered with dozens of new businesses this year,often working with them across arange of solutions and services.

For example, the team worked with Leons Coaches on amixture of local and website advertising, paid social media and local SEO, while Dudley College sought MNA Digital out to help with advertising across arange of websites and social media platforms.

Throughout 2022, the team have held webinars on topics such as: Boost your sales online with Social Media Advertising, Five steps to strengthen your business with SEO, The beginners guide to driving sales from your website and how to maximise your Christmas sales with Google Ads.

These webinars have proved to be amassive hit –withall recordings available for business owners to watch at their leisure.

MNA Digital continues to keep the momentum going by also offering free guides on their website, each one answering arange of digital marketing questions.

The agency aims to help businesses with as many free resources as possible to help them get started and brush up on their skills.

Natalie Coughlan, head of marketing and client services at MNA Digital, said: “Weare really happy with how 2022 has been for us, and with an ever-growing team we know that 2023 will be an even stronger year

“Weare adigital marketing agency that can help you get on the digital ladder,boost your

rankings on Google and get your business noticed.

“Weare proud to now be the top-rated digital marketing agency in the West Midlands on Google.

“Being at the heart of the region’sbusiness community we make sureweprovide digital support to everyone –not just the clients we work with.

“It’swhy our webinars have been so popular –because businesses know they aregetting the right information and the most up-to-date guidance from acompany they can trust.”

Hereisjust one of MNA Digital’stop reviews on Google: “MNA Digital have been great with the set-up of our requirements, they arevery knowledgeable in the digital marketing space and always provide clear details of how and what they can support with to help grow our business.”

MNA Digital will continue to provide the latest news on trends as well as arange of marketing advice.

It has free guidebooks on everything digital and host even morefreeevents to get businesses on the digital roadmap.

It is also offering afreeSEO audit of your website to increase your ranking on Google.

Youwillreceive: one-to-one advice with their experts, bespoke marketing review documents and key takeaways to improve your marketing performance.

Find out morehere: https://www.mnadigital. co.uk/marketing-consultation/

MNA DIGITAL

VASLINKS UP WITH GERMAN FIRM

capable of

ranging between

furnaces areused for

glass and other applications.

headquarters in Lilienthal, Nabertherm’sengineering offer combines in-house manufacturing with individual project planning. Nabertherm produce standard furnaces through to tailor-made thermal process systems.

Nabertherm promote how their “state-of-

the-art technology” improves temperature uniformity,energy efficiency,reliability and durability of systems “with the goal of enhancing competitive edge”.

Atrusted partner for leading brands, VAS was launched in 2000 by two engineers to offer vacuum and atmospherefurnace services and has progressed to offer the full service package for the heat treatment industry,ranging from bespoke new furnaces to spareparts. VASwill partnerNabertherm in offering their products and services to clients in the UK.

VASmanaging director Mike Long welcomed the opportunity to support Nabertherm.

“VAS will be working closely with Geoff Sargeson of Nabertherm UK to provide a comprehensive after careservice, including servicing, repairs and refurbishmentaswell as calibration work and spareparts.

“VAS have just secured an order for a new Nabertherm furnace for aUKcustomer, Sigma Precision Components based in Leicestershire,” he explained.

Employing 35 staffand providing furnace services for the likes of Mercedes, GE Power, Moog and Collins Aerospace, VAS, which was launched in 2000, is promoted as an engineering company run by engineers.

FRANK MURKEN, LEFT AND GEORGE

SAGESSON, RIGHT,WITH THE VASTEAM

which employs morethan 100 people at its continuously growing factory in Wednesbury,has invested nearly £500,000 in new technology to ensurethat it now offers customers access to Magmasoft casting simulation, prototyping and heat treatment.

The company has also expanded its CNC machining capacity to offer five-axis machines and non-destructive testing, including X-Ray and dye-penetrant testing.

This strategy is boosting sales and the management team forecasts an additional £800,000 of turnover through customers accessing one-offservices or using one element that then leads on to volume production in sand, gravity and high and low pressurecastings.

Tony Sartorius, chairman of Alucast, said: “Manufacturing is extremely competitive, so the morevalue we can add to the customer,the morechancewewill have of building strong,

eady unique fully and machined castings from one source, and we decided to build on this by embracing servitization, developing new services that would deliver extra revenue streams.”

He added: “Working with Aston University, we created afive-year strategy that would see us add adifferent offering every six months

tap anything simulation softwareand advanced metrology to our recentlylaunched full assembly offer

“This approach will soon account for £800,000 of our turnover.”

Part of the Manufacturing Assembly Network, the company is currently enjoying the strongest order book in its 55-year history

WOLVES DEAL MARKS LAUNCH

Aprint and graphics specialist has launched his own business and has already hit the net with astring of new contracts.

Dave Purcell, who has worked in the industry for morethan 27 years, has enjoyed awhirlwind start to Wolverhampton-based Purcell Branding, consulting TelfordUnited on maximising its commercial advertising revenues and scoring amajor early goal by being named the official print partner of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

This means the former director of DIS is responsible for working with the Premier League team on anything from changing room makeovers and training ground signage to delivering the latest commercial solutions that maximise advertising and print space.

The entrepreneur is actively targeting the sporting world due to his understanding of the unique environment it operates in.

“I think we have an unrivalled knowledge of sport and what it takes to get things done,” admitted David, who has also worked on major boxing events.

“It’snot like the rest of the commercial world. Youmust react at aminute’snotice as anew

deal can be struck, and the new sponsor wants their branding in place for the next match and TV audience. You can’tsay ‘that’snot possible’, you must make it happen.

“That single-mindedness and experience is reinforced by astrategic network of our European specialists in print, graphics and installation, meaning we have some of the fastest response times in the industry.”

Purcell Branding gets involved in the earlystage design work, bringing the latest print and lighting suggestions to the table and, with clients keen to be moreeco-friendly, sustainable materials and processes.

David believes there’sagap in thesector for anew levelofpersonal service, backed up by the best print, the best graphics, the best designs, the best project managers and the best installation teams.

“This is what Iwant Purcell Branding to become known for and we’ve had agreat start with the Wolverhampton Wanderers contract that came about after Ihelped my former company DIS to create amemorable players tunnel that embodied what the club stood for.”

Whilst it’searly days, Purcell Branding has ambitious expansion plans in place to hit £1 million turnover in the next 12 months.

DAVE PURCELL HAS SET UP PURCELL BRANDING

IG NA GE /I NTE RIORS

VENT

CHANGE OF ROLES AT CHAMBER

Therehas been achange of roles for leading Wolverhampton businesswoman Sarah Moorhouse at the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.

Former president Sarah Moorhouse has become the new chief executive.

Sarah, marketing and operations director at Chamber Platinum Group member,BCRS BusinessLoans, has taken over the role following the departureofCorin Crane, who left at the end of June to head up the Coventry and WarwickshireChamber of Commerce.

Astrong advocate of the chamber’swork for many years, 39-year-old Tettenhall-based Sarah is agraduateofthe University of Wolverhampton.

She now heads up the 22-strong team at the region’slongest serving business support organisation.

Sarah is looking forwardtoa fresh new challenge at the chamber

“I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed chief executive and to be joining a talented team, doing such important work for our region. Our members will always be at the

heart of everything the chamber does, and Iwill be immenselyproud to be their advocate and champion in the region and beyond, together we can build astronger region.

“Businesses across the region have been hardhit by thepandemic and many of our members aretrying to make Brexit work at a time of spiralling inflation and costs of doing business.

“Wemust do all we can to shape afuture that enables our amazing businesses to flourish and achieve their full potential.

“I also hope Ican continueCorin’sworkwith government to deliver alevelling-up agenda.”

Sarah began her career in PR and communications with Wolverhampton Wanderers and later as an account manager with Connect PR prior to moving to BCRS in 2011.

Phil Purssey,chamber chairman, said:

“Following avery competitive process Iam delighted to welcome Sarah as our new CEO. Sarah’sexperience as achamber member and latterly as President will serve her well in the new role. These areexciting times for our organisation.”

SARAH MOORHOUSE IS THE CHAMBER’S NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE

CCR FORMING IS SET FOR ARECORDYEAR

ABlack Country manufacturer has surpassed its targets to achieve a recordyear after winning astring of new aerospace contracts.

CCR Forming, which is aworld leader in precision cold roll formed metal rings, has sealed deals to supply high quality engine components to several global primes and tier ones, which has boosted their sales towards £1 million by the end of 2022.

The ‘wins’ mark the start of aconcerted strategy from the Tipton-based company, which employs 13, to target opportunities in the sector,asector that is desperately trying to work through abacklog of orders andvolumes that have been caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Aerospace customers arelooking for greater security of supply and shorter lead times, two attributes that the family-owned business has built its 42-year reputation on.

“Our technical expertise is really in demand by thebig aeromanufacturers, and this has seen our sales accelerate from £700,000 per annum to an expected £1m turnover this year,”

explained Paul Harper,managing director of CCR Forming.

“That’sjust the start for us. We believe there arelots of new opportunities out thereand we areinvestingheavily to ensurewecan attract them by delivering world class quality,precision parts, short lead teams and on-time delivery performance.”

He continued: “The new branding and rename to CCR Forming Ltd reflects amore modernapproach and we arejust aboutto press the button on a£100,000investment in an in-house welding shop.

“This will give us morecapacityand the agility to turnaround emergency jobs.”

CCR Forming, which is AS9100 accredited and holds supplier approvals with Leonardo, Rolls-Royce, and ITP,took its new-look and range of critical components to Farnborough International Airshow in July when it exhibited as part of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance Cluster

Experts from the firm wereable to to talk to visitors about its roll forming capabilities, working with material thicknesses ranging from 0.20mm up to 4mm.

It can also manufactureinall grades of alloys, carbon steels, stainless steels, aluminium and titanium, with the roll forming and circling methods comparefavourablywith moreexpensive techniques including machined forgings and spinning.

Craig Fullwood, who joined in 2021 as the new operations director,continued: “Farnborough was an excellent place to showcase what we do and gave us the ideal platform to talk to existing and potential clients about how we can solve their pain points, whether that is complexity of part, cost savings or ensuring they get components when they need them.

“The process starts with our CAD specialists who can support with product development and then we can offer clients access to forming, tool manufacture, expanding, welding and pressings. It’sproving avery attractive offer.”

Employing 13 people at its Railway Street factory,CCR Forming also supplies into heating and ventilation, telecoms, rail, renewables and its traditional market of couplers for chimney flue manufacturers.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR CRAIG FULLWOOD

CCRForming ltdhas been in business for over 43 years nowand startedfromhumble beginnings.Manufacturing engine liners for Rolls-Royceand locking bands forchimney flues theyhavegone on to become one of the leading suppliers of sheet metal roll formed parts in the world. Using averyuniqueskill of circular roll forming theycan manufacture sheet metal round profiles from anumber of differentalloys,including Titanium, Stainless Steel and Inconel.Theycan roll form diameters from typically 100mm up to 4Metres in metal thicknesses ranging from 0,2mm to 4mm thick. They have grownorganically over the years with an extensivelist of loyalcustomers.

Craig Fullwood came into the business in September 2021 after20years’serviceatanother local Aerospaceengineering firm in Netherton. Realising the potential CCRhas with it’s unique skill set,Craig joined CCRwith asole purpose to grow the Aerospacesales and introducehis extensive contactlist and formed relationships into the business and to securelong term growth, helping to make CCRamajor playerinthe sector. This has gone very well over the past 12 months targets forthe year being surpassed by of September,the largest ever sales mon in the companies historyinSeptember and arecordsales year for2022 in total.Initial forecasts for2023 show thatthe business is likely to double in sizebetween nowand then, needing to employmorestaff and look forbigger premises

NEW SIGN IN PLACE AT STADIUM

home of greyhound racing in Wolverhampton

hoping for abusy

to the year after boosting its presence with abrand-new stadium sign.

MonmoreGreen,also known as the Ladbrokes Stadium, will now be morevisible to rail users passing through the city,having updatedits tower block with astriking bright redlogo.

Themove comes as the track at Sutherland Avenue –also home to Wolves Speedway on Monday nights and first opened in January 1928 –gears up for an exciting final couple of months of 2022.

Monmorerecently hosted aWear It Pink evening raising funds for Breast Cancer Now

many morecharity events on the calendar along with various themed nights of greyhound racing planned over the festive period.

Stadium manager Paul Mason said: “We aredelighted to have the new stadium sign in place while we aim to continue to provide an excellent night out for customers as we see out the year

“The past 12 months have seen us make

strong progress after the impacts of Covid-19 and the new tower sign brings amuchwelcome fresh look to the track.

“Wehope those visiting us on Thursdays and Saturdays for our thrilling nights of greyhound racing will enjoy their visits as we look to end 2022 in style.”

Monmore’sWear It Pink night on Thursday, October 20 saw it pledge a£500 donation to Breast Cancer Now while collection buckets werealsoinplace at the track for people to donate.

The stadium is one of four in the country owned by the Ladbrokes Coral Group –part of thehuge betting and gambling group Entain –along with tracks at Hove, Romfordand Crayford.

It hosts several major greyhound races during the year including the Ladbrokes Gold Cup in August.

The big race has been held at Monmore since 1994.

The stadium, which has atrackside restaurant, also offers corporate facilities.

For moreinformation on all of the upcoming events that arescheduled at Monmoreand how to book, you can visit monmoregreyhounds.

com

PEMBERTON PLANS FOR FUTURE

awhole, Pemberton Engineering is now beginning to see amuch morepromisingyear ahead.

how astrong

like many

Willenhall-based company strives to put customer

at the forefront of its business.

proud to be afamilybusiness and like to ensureour customers receivea friendly helpful service backed up with great knowledge and experience”

The company is now well placed and strong in its ability to support the UK pressings industry as aresult of careful investment, over the past five years in particular.

Pemberton Engineering has invested heavily in plant and softwareand also in training itsr younger team, who arekey for the company’s future.

Despite many headwinds over the past few years, including the pandemic, Brexit and supply issues within the automotive industry

Pemberton’smanaging director Darren Pemberton points out: “Wehavebeenhaving some great conversations with exciting new customers that arenow starting to convert into solid orders.”

Pemberton’scurrent customer base is also starting to gain some real traction and the company is excited for the next year with plenty of “irons in the fire”.

Pemberton now has one eye on the future and is planning further investment within the next 12 months into the CNC side of the business.

The company’stooling offering is constantly growing in both size and complexity,sothe business is looking to add in the necessary machining capacity

Alarge proportion of business is done in the automotive supply chain, although the business is beginning to diversify,and re-shoring is making it easier to do this as moreindustries arelooking towardshortening supply chains and sourcing morelocally

HEARS POSITIVE

The sixth Nachural Summer Business Ball and Awards at Wolverhampton Racecourse wereattended by nearly 500 guests.

Main winners on the night wereRamfoam, aTividale-based business that manufacture, convert and supply foam for avariety of sectors.

Ramfoam operates from two sites serving the UK and Europe with another depot which serves Dubai and UAE.

Judges noted their response to the Covid pandemic and how they reactedtoassist in producing face masks and other products for the health service and their investment in tooling and equipment to ensurethat this happened in atimelyfashion.

The business continues to invest in machinery and people and arewell placed to continue their impressive growth. The judges also noted the positive cultureofthe organisation as it championed diversity with women and young people at the coreand continues to be well led by Tim Mulqueen.

Ninder Johal, chief executive of organisers Nachural, spoke about the fall out of the Covid pandemic and ongoing cost of living crisis. He

said despite the testing 26 months, the future of the region was bright. He pointed out many positive indicators including the full letting of high premium office space like i9 and i10 in the city of Wolverhampton. He also spoke about the recordnumberofstart ups and the decision by the Government’sDepartment for Levelling up,Housing and Communities to set up its second headquarters in Wolverhampton.

“This is asignofthe positivity shown by national government for the City of Wolverhampton,” he explained.

He added that as chairman of the Wolverhampton Towns Fund, he was pleased at the £25 million granted to the City as part of the Towns Fund deal.

He also told the audience of the additional monies given as part of the Towns Deal to the other boroughs in the region namely,Sandwell, Dudley and Walsall which collectively exceeded £100m.

“This was afantastic fillip for the region,” he added.

Other awardwinners included Wednesburybased Alucastwho wreinternational business of the year and Bz Kooner,ofdrinks firm Jatt Life in Kingswinford, who won entrepreneur of the year

BAZ

CLEARING OUT THE BAD GUYS WITH R&D

As the popularity of the Government’s research and development tax claims scheme has increased, so too have the opportunities for unscrupulous ‘advisers’ to profit from submitting incorrect claims on behalf of companies.

The extent of the abuse has now been unveiled, with an official report stating at least £311 million of fraudulent claims had been made in asingle year.FromApril 2023,new ruleswill come into force which will require additional details to be completed as part of each claim –designed to root out those misusing the system.

But R&D expert Mark Evans says this shouldn’tdeter companies who legitimately undertake research and development activities –instead they must be morecautious about selecting an adviser to support them with their claims.

An accountant of many years, Mark set up R&D TaxClaims Ltd adecadeago and hassince helped countless companies to

submit approved claims, specialising in the manufacturing and engineering sectors.

On amission to help drive up standards (and drive out dodgy advisers handing out incorrect information), Mark has recentlyreleased afree guide on his website to help anyone seeking an adviser.And he’salso launched anew support servicefor accountants.

His team is offering free third-party expertise, in cases wherecompanies have approached their accountant to say they’ve been advised they may be able to make an R&D claim.

If the accountant doesn’tfeel this claim would be legitimate, they can call in the R&D TaxClaims specialists to give an independent opinion on whether their client should proceed or not.

Mark explains: “Weworkclosely with many accountants who refertheir clients to us because of our specialisms within manufacturing and engineering R&D claims.

“So many times, I’ve heardthat aclient has been told (often by acold-calling adviser) that they should make aclaim;theymay then mention this to their accountant –who may

disagree. It can be difficult for the accountant to dissuade their client, who will simply see the opportunity to claim back asignificant sum of money

“That’swhy Idecided to launch our free advisory service, so we can independently assess whether thereisaclaim opportunity or not.

“Wehope to see areduction –and preferably acomplete eradication –ofunscrupulous advisers submitting bad claims as aresult of the new rules coming into place next spring. But in the meantime, we can hopefully stop companies falling foul.

“It’seasy to think it’sano-risk endeavour, but in realityHMRC can re-investigate the claim for up to ayear after they’ve paid out the money –and the first acompany would know about it would be aletter landing on their desk demanding the claim money back…money they may have already invested back into their business.”

To access Mark’sfreeguide to choosing an adviser,simplyvisit www.rdtaxclaims.co.uk and click the ‘read guidance’ button.

MARK EVANS IS THE FOUNDER OF R&D TAXCLAIMS

THE HALLS NEAR RETURN TO LIFE

The newly renamedThe Halls Wolverhampton is set to open next summer

Formerly the Wolverhampton Civic Halls, AEG Presents’ and Wolverhampton Council’s investment sees the restoration of an iconic local institution, economic and cultural regeneration and ahome for live music.

AEG Presents is adivision of AEG Europe’s global sports, entertainment and venue operator family

The first shows will be taking place in June at the new 3,404 capacity ‘The Civic at The Halls Wolverhampton’ and 1,289 ‘The WulfrunatThe Halls Wolverhampton’.

It will bring world-class artists back into a Grade II listed space, with arichand varied musicalhistory

Wolverhampton local and AEG Presents chief executive Steve Homer,says: “Having hosted artists from The Clash, Bowie and Nirvana to the Manic Street Preachers and Morrissey who debuted his first solo performance post The Smiths at ‘The Halls,’ it’sincredible to be able to bring an iconic venue back to life and as alocal lad, this is all the morespecial. Isaw TheClash performherein1978and it was an

event that forever cemented my love of music. We can’twaittoopenthe doors of The Halls Wolverhampton and bring the world’sbest artists to the West Midlands stage.”

Wolverhampton Council leader,Councillor IanBrookfield said: ”A beloved part of our city for multiple generations, it was vital for us to bring on the right partner –apartner that understands and respects the role The Halls play in the hearts of Wolverhampton citizens. We’rethrilled to be working with AEG Presents on this, who understand the venue’srich heritage and shareour vision of reimagining an iconic institution that will continue to bring joy to the lives of locals for years to come, helping shape our city centre, creating jobs and boosting local businesses.”

The council is handing over the keys to the restored and improved venue to AEG Presents on November 21.

Sustainability and accessibility areatthe heart of AEG Present’splans and The Halls Wolverhampton will use new mechanical and engineering services resulting in the venue running to the utmost efficiency

Overall, visitors will enjoy morecomfortable seats, agreaternumber of bars, enhanced space to socialise and revamped toilet facilities.

MOVER KEEPS SPOTLIGHT ON UK

The international shipping market was badly affected by the pandemic and the subsequent global supply chain crisis.

The ramifications have been strongly felt across the removals and storage industry but as the world gets moving once again, Wolverhampton-based Burke Bros Moving Group is the platinum sponsors of the annual Latin moving conference being held in Atlanta at the end of October

The Pan American International Moving Association is an exclusive network of international moving companies, who meet excellent quality standards in terms of providing relocation and international moving services.

This year saw the returnoftheir annual convention held from October 30 to November 1inAtlanta, Georgia. The organisation works to represent, protect and promote the activities of those companies committed to improving the international moving industry.PAIMA not only offers coverage to Pan American companies, but also supports those international moving companies located in key locations around the world. Members of PAIMAwillbeflying in from every Latin country to the United States, which

Burke Bros Moving Group has very close ties with.

Gary Burke, managing director of Burke Bros, said: “Overseas we shareaglobal partnership with agents in morethan 100 countries and the PAIMA network is an important component in our international work. Burke Bros Moving Group areproud to be platinum sponsors and we arealso pleased to be able to meet up again, in person, with so many worldwide colleagues. Our international manager,Anthony Foy and myself will be representing the UK moving industry in Atlanta.”

Burke Bros Moving Group have along standing history with PAIMA, joining in 2001 and last year reaching its 20th anniversary with the organisation. In 2006 Burke Bros wereproud recipients of the Juan Peralta Ecology AwardinSan Francisco for the best contribution from amovingcompany on global environmental issues. Chris Burke presented to the assembly on the company’senvironmental project. Adecade later,they won the awardfor asecond time in New Orleans for sending none of the waste they handle to landfill. Gary Burke also became involved with the PAIMAboard, becoming Vice PresidentofPAIMA in 2010.

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GARYBURKE IS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BURKE BROS

RAIL SECTOR SEEKS GIRL POWER

One of the UK’sleading providers of rail-related training has made arallyingcall for morewomen to get involved in asector that has thousands of immediate jobs available.

Davie Carns, managing director of National InfrastructureSolutions,believesthe industry needs to work harder to create more opportunities to ensurefemaletalent can succeed.

The former Royal Marine is working with City of Wolverhampton College and the West Midlands Combined Authority to help change perceptions and to highlight the vast array of roles available across the rail industry

As well as many positions available on work sites across the country,thereisalsoadiverse range of ‘offtrack’careers, such as office roles, project management, health and safety and digital marketing,

Part of the recruitment drive is providing flexible training courses with start and end times that fit around paternal activities and educating employers on creating work conditions and shift times that aremore accessibletowomen.

“With major infrastructureprojects, including

HS2 and the Midland MetroExtension well underway,therehas neverbeen abettertime for amoreinclusive workforce,” explained Davie, who started NIS in 2020.

“If you take the total rail workforce in the UK, only 14 per cent arewomen –astunning stat that we need to change,

“It’snot just about digging holes on track, there’ssomany different opportunities for women looking for acareer change or those entering or re-entering the workplace.”

The partnership between City of Wolverhampton College and National InfrastructureSolutions is into itsthirdyear and offers apioneering approach to academic/ industry training.

Sector-specific and designed with employment at the forefront of the learner journey,the tailored courses areoffered at different levels depending on the experience of the individual.

Supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority,the relationship also benefits from a dedicated rail training centreatthe college’s Wellington Road Campus in Bilston. This is equipped with installation and maintenance equipment and astandardrail track to support courses.

DAVIE CARNS AND SOME OF THE TEAM RECRUITING WOMEN