Black Country Business Magazine Spring 2023

WE CONNECTTALENTED PEOPLE WITH GREAT COMPANIES

Whether youare looking foranew challenge or have an immediate gap to fill, as skilled experts we will direct youtothe right solution. We offer invaluable support, adviceand guidancetoensurelong lasting business partnership.

When we takeona newclient we spend time speaking to the management to find out how the companyoperates, what drives it and what theyrequirefromarecruitment agencyand from their newstarters.Wewill listentoyour requirements to makesureweunderstand your business. Only then areweinthe bestposition to help yourecruit the right people.

OurValues

Passion

We’repassionateabout recruitment and we know you’repassionateabout your business. That’s whywegoto great lengths to ensurethe staff we provide arepassionatetoo.

Reliability

Youneed to know youcan rely on us and thestaff we supply. That’s why we offer 24 hour supportand regular visits to ensureeverything is going smoothly. If thereare anyissues, just tell us and we’lldeal withthem foryou.

Commitment

Our commitment to youishonesty and transparencyinour dealings. We will communicateclearlyand conciselywithyou as oftenas required to ensureyou get thebest results from working withus.

Flexibility

Things don’t always go to plan, and we’realways readytoreact to changes in requirements. Our emergencyservice will make sure you’refullyequipped to deal withthe occasional curve ball.

Loyalty

We want to supplyyou withloyal members of staff wo meet your requirements. That’s whywemake sureweunderstand your business beforewedoanything else. That way, we onlysupplyindividuals that match what you’relooking for.

Honesty

The bedrock of anyworking relationship. We will always be honest withyou and respect the integrityofour partnership.

CONTENTS EDITOR’S WELCOME

Welcome to the spring edition of Black Country Business.

It has been atough few months for the business community in the region with rising energy costs and inflation now biting hard.

Thereisstill confidence out therewith businesses large and small still prepared to invest in the Black Country with hopes of better times ahead.

Many exciting regeneration projects are pressing on and our special section covers some of these and the businesses that are supporting them.

THE TEAM

EDITORIAL

JOHN CORSER 01902 319481 john.corser@mnamedia.co.uk

SALES

PETE HAZEL 01902 319589 pete.hazel@mnamedia.co.uk

PUBLISHED BY MIDLAND NEWS ASSOCIATION 51-53 QUEEN STREET, WOLVERHAMPTON WV1 1ES

PRINTED BY PRECISION COLOUR PRINTING HALESFIELD, TELFORD TF7 4QQ

LEAMORE WINDOWS IS CELEBRATING 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS -PAGES 16-18

LEGIONELLA &FSS:INTERVIEW -P32-34

MARSTON’S MOVES HOME -PAGE 5

CHANGE OF LEADERSHIP AT SECURITY PRINTER CARTOR

Leading security printing group Cartor Security Printers has made changes to its leadership structureaspart of its succession plans.

Andrew Brigham, previously the company’scommercial director,took up the new position of managing director from the start of the year,in place of his father,Ian, who becomes the firm’schairman, with key responsibilities for the French division and technical sales.

Ian became involved in stamp production in the mid-90s when he joined Walsall Security Printers. As athen competitor,Cartor was prevalent in Asia and some European countries, until in 2004, they wereacquiredby Walsall Security Printers.

In 2008, following a management buyout, Ian became managing director.In 2021, the group, consisting of International Security Printers,

Walsall Security Printer and France-based Cartor Security Printing, rebranded to become Cartor Security Printers which has its base at ValiantWay on the i54 Business Park to the north of Wolverhampton.

“This move is all part of planned progression, as I found myself taking moreofa back seat and leaving Andrew to look after the day-to-day running of the company,” commented Ian. “Weboth very much look forwardto the next chapter in Cartor’s history.”

After completing his undergraduate studies in the US, which was interspersed with time working in financial institutions, Andrew worked as asenior associate at PwC UK in Birmingham, before joining his father at Cartor in 2016 as commercial director and ashareholder.The pair have worked closely together in collaboration with the rest of

the Cartor team to implement adiversification strategy into other markets and industries.

“Clearly,this is astepchange that both of us have anticipated for some time,” added Andrew.“And despite changing roles, Ian will remain pivotal in the company in looking after our international interests and providing

IAN

guidance and advice.

“Weare both very clear on our futureresponsibilities and will be collectively

orchestrating Cartor’splans.” Cartor’sunique reputation, built from delivering innovative printing solutions to over 180 administrations in the postal sector,has seenthe company expand in key markets where it can create highly innovative, secureprintingsolutions for businesses with high monetary or intellectual value products and services. Over the years, ongoing investment in machinery has enabled the company to achieve high productivity rates in the provision of wide-ranging and unique solutions to help their customers combat fraud and better protect their brands and revenues.

Historic stamps depicting King Charles arebeing printed by the specialist firm. Its specialist printing press produces broad sheets of stamps that arethen distributed to shops and post offices across the UK.

ANDREW AND IAN BRIGHAM AT CARTOR ON THE I54 BUSINESS PARK

WILL REMAIN PIVOTAL IN THE COMPANY

MARSTON’S OPENS NEW HQ

All head office employees of pub group Marston’s have moved to their new headquarters in Wolverhampton.

St John’sHouse is located in St John’sSquare.

Marston’sHouse is now just the headquarters for the CarlsbergMarston’sbrewing joint venture.

Marston’schief executive Andrew Andrea said the new head office, where300 are based, has enabled everything to be integrated on one site

It has enabled Marston’s, which has 12,000 employees, to bring all its central facilities on to one site. Mr Andrea said that he felt it was important to bring teams together.“We areremoving the separation between head office and

pubs teams and people in the training centreand making us one team,” said Mr Andrea.

“Weneededahome and this will provide that and a heart and soul for our pubs business,” he added.

The 1970s building now features abar on the training floor is quipped with exactly the same kind of pump mechanisms as the group’s pubs.

Thereisalsoatraining cellar wherepeople will be training on cellar management to ensureaperfect pint is served across the whole Marston’s estate.

“It is areally important part of our strategy.Although we sell alot of food our customers have got to be comfortable to come in and

get aperfect pint,” explained Mr Andrea.

One floor houses the training and development kitchens which areall electric as part of Marston’sjourney to net zero. All the kitchens in its estate of 1,500 pubs –1,200 of which aremanaged or franchised –willhaveefficient electric kitchens within three to four years as well.

Thereare 275 desk locations in open-plan spaces across the three floors and up to 200 moreseating locations. Staffwillbeable to work from any desk with all equipped with monitors linked by wi-fi to the operating system. Each of the main meeting rooms, equipped with technology to enable people to connect from outside

through Zoom or Teams, is beinggiven adifferent name related to the Marston’s estate. The boardroom is The Red Lion Room and others include The King’sHead, Queen’sHead, Pitcher and Piano and Crown.

Thereare 13 meeting rooms across St John’sHouse.

“The pandemic revealed the need for having fewer physical and morevirtual meetings. We have also developed our virtual training as well,” said Mr Andrea.

The building was bought for £2.5 million and the costs of adapting it and fitting it out totalled £6.9m. Demolition and asbestos removal work took 12 weeks to compete. Director of property Andy Kershaw has masterminded the project.

SPONSORSHIP LIFT FOR RACING TEAM

The University of Wolverhampton Race team benefited from asparkling sponsorship lift recently when local company,Mercia Lifting Gear Ltd, gifted them arange of automotive cleaning products –all of them personalised for students and staffmembers of theteam.

Mercia Group, based in Willenhall, specialise in a range of services including large lifting equipment, the supply of solar panels, battery storage, electrical wholesale and have just launched a range of consumable cleaning products. the company was

founded in 1982 as afamily businessheaded up by Don Mead and Ron Clarke, akeen motorsport enthusiast. Ron passed away in 2022.

The company has pledged morethan £30,000 to various projects across the university, but theUWR team is close to the company’sheart, with the late founder,Ron, having never realised his dream of going to see aFormula One race.

Steve Clarke, Ron’sson, who heads up the company alongside other family members, said: “This is avery poignant partnership for us

because my dad was akeen motorsport fan, which is why we got involved with the team. sadly,hepassed away last year without seeing the team race.

“Weare alocal company and we arecommitted to putting things back into our community.it’sabsolutely fantastic what the university is doing with the team on the engineering courses, and if we can help secureyoungsters a future, we areall forthat.”

The company recently introduced arange of cleaning consumables into the business.

During the past year the company has sponsored UWR with the cleaning consumables and anew gearbox worth £14,000 for the student team’sPraga R1 car,but is also extending its support of the students by sponsoring aroom at the university’sSchool of Architectureand Built Environment.

Jamie Fereday,contracts manager at Mercia, said: “Weare working on acouple of exciting projects at the university in relation to energy solutions, and some have a crossover with the race team.”

WE NEEDED AHOME THAT WILL PROVIDE AHEART AND SOUL FOR OUR PUBS BUSINESS

PROVIDING BUSINESSES WITH SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

SandlandPackagingspecialisein bespokeboxmanufacturingmaking sureeveryboxisaperfectfitfor customerrequirements,eliminating wasteandensuringthemaximum numberofitemsarepackagedand transportedsafelyandsecurely withoutdamage.Thistiesinstrongly withtheircommitmenttoreducing theirimpactontheenvironment.

bymeasuringandoffsettingALL carbonemissionsacrossScope1and 2andall15categoriesinScope3. ForSandlandPackagingcustomers, thismeanseverythingpurchasedis certifiedCarbonNeutralandcanbe reportedasemission-free.

ManagingDirector,MartinHickman, confirms,“Wewantedtotakethemost importantstepenvironmentallyand sotookthetimeandefforttobecome fullyCarbonNeutral.Thisdoesn’tjust benefitusandourimpact,italsohelps ourcustomersimprovetheircarbon footprint.Everythingpurchasedfrom usisCarbonNeutralsocustomers canreportzeroemissionsintheirown GHGaccountingonthepurchasesof products,thusreportingareductionin emissions.”

Helpingbusinesscustomersdesign bettersustainablepackaging

LargeCasesandStitchedBoxes

Withover30differentmachines, SandlandPackagingcreatesawide rangeofbespokeboxdesigns includinglargecasesandstitched boxes.Thesetypesofboxesare particularlygoodforitemsthatare large,heavyanddifficulttohandle

Theyaredesignedtofitaroundhigh valueproducts,ensuringtheyreach theirdestinationinperfectcondition.

Businesscustomerscannowbuy

CarbonNeutralpackaging

Itisalmostayearsince,Sandland Packagingbecamefully CarbonNeutral.Thiswasachieved

Sometimescustomersapproach SandlandPackagingwithabrief toreplacesingleuseplastic, foamorpolystyrenepackaging. Martincontinues,“Increasingly ourcustomershavetheirown environmentalgoalsandoneofthem willbetousethemostsustainable materialforpackaging.Corrugated cardboardismadeofsustainable materialandiseasytorecycle

soit’sawin-win.Wechecktheir requirementsandthendesignthe bestfitcorrugatedcardboardasa replacement.Customersarethrilled withhoweasyitisandhowwellit works.”

CarbonNeutralFAQs

Inadditiontotheirsustainable packagingsolutions,Sandland Packagingalsoprovideseducational resourcesandguidanceto helpbusinessesbecomemore environmentallyfriendly.Theirwebsite includesarangeofhelpfulinformation andtipsonsustainability,aswellas casestudiesandsuccessstoriesfrom businessesthathavesuccessfully implementedsustainablepackaging solutions

SandlandPackaging’sdedication tosustainabilityhasearnedthema reputationasaleaderintheindustry. Byprovidinginnovativeandecofriendlypackagingsolutions,the companyishelpingbusinessesreduce theirenvironmentalimpactandbuilda moresustainablefuture.

Unit5,PhoenixIndustrialEstate, LoxdaleStreet,Bilston,WV140PR Tel:01902496925

www.sandlandpackaging.co.uk

e:sales@sandlandpackaging.co.uk

HONOUR FOR FRANCHISEE DOUG

McDonald’sfranchiseeDouglas Wright, who owns and operates 23 restaurants across the West Midlands, has received his MBE from Prince William at aceremony in Buckingham Palace

Mr Wright, from Aldridge, was recognisedin the Queen’sBirthday Honours list, following the Platinum Jubilee, for services to the economy and charity in the West Midlands.

In 2021, Mr Wright celebrated his 40th anniversary working for McDonald’s, wherehe began his career as acleaner at the age of 16.

It was the beginning of aremarkable career journey which led to him being appointed McDonald’syoungestUKrestaurant manager by the age of 20.

He now employs morethan 2,500 people.

His charitable initiatives include asixyear 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 receiving careatthe nearby Birmingham Children’sHospital.

This was done by setting up the first virtual and hybrid events, which raised morethan £300,000.

As aboardmember for the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, Doug spends alot of time with local businesses and, during the pandemic, he was able to help them navigate new government initiatives, whilst managing the safe operation of his own stores.

In 2016, Mr Wright was recognisedasone of the best franchisees in the global system after being the recipientofthe prestigious Fred LTurner Golden Arch Award, the highest accolade in the global McDonald’sempire.

Mr Wright said: “Being presented with an MBE for services to the economy and charity in the West Midlands is agreat honour formyself 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.”

DOUGLAS WRIGHT WITH HIS MBE

NEW CHIEF FOR FAMILYBUSINESS

Anew chief executive has been appointed for Willenhall-based AF Blakemore, one of the UK’slargest privately owned family businesses.

Carol Welchwill join in April, succeeding Jerry Marwood who is leaving to focus more time on his non-executive directorships and consultancy roles.

Carol joins the business from Odeon Cinemas Group, whereshe is managing director UK and Ireland and commercial officer Europe.

Over the last six years, she has transformed Odeon’scustomer and colleague experience, introducing Luxe recliner cinemas, new digital systems, moreefficient operating models, and apurpose driven, inclusive culture. She has overseen growth of commercial revenues across nine European markets and successfully navigated through the pandemic.

Carol brings asignificant depth and breadth of experience from branded food and drink, retail, and foodservice, having held positions at Costa Coffee, Associated British Foods, Cadbury-Schweppes, and PepsiCo. She is also anon-executive director at Hammerson.

She said: “I am thrilled to be joining AF

BlakemoreasCEO. It is afantasticbusiness with adeepunderstanding of retail, wholesale and foodservice and an enviable values-led culture, fuelled by morethan 7,000 colleagues and partners who arepassionate about delivering great food and drink solutions. I’m excited to be working with the shareholders and team to deliver their business ambition.”

Chairman Peter Blakemoresaid: “We’re delighted that Carol is joining, she brings a wealth of experience from multiple sectors, astrong strategic vision combined with an approach aligned to the BlakemoreWay and values. Carol joining sees the culmination of our CEO succession plan following Jerry’sdecision to leave the business at the end of this financial year.Jerry has done an outstanding job for Blakemore’sover the last 11 years.”

Outgoing CEO Jerry added: “I’ve had a fabulous time at AFB and had the privilege of working with an outstanding group of people. Together we have proven that aprivately owned family business can succeed in one of the most competitive markets in the UK and still uphold corevalues that make us all proud to be part of the team. Carol is agreat recruit and clearly demonstrates our shareholders’ ambition for the future.”

AF BLAKEMORE’S NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE CAROL WELCH

ACT NOW ON CYBER SECURITY MEASURES

Asuccessful cyber security breach not only hurts acompany’s bank balance, but also seriously damages its brand and reputation.

In today’sdigital world, cybercrime has become an increasingly prevalent threat, with an estimated 90 billion cyber-attacks launched every day

This threat affects businesses of all sizes, with the average UK company experiencing at least two significant network hits each month.

Mike Cook, Chief Operating Officer at EBC Group, says: “Businesses tend to fall into two camps over cyber-attacks: those that have taken positive steps to protect themselves (including insurance cover), and those who think –orhope –itwon’t happen to them.”

The truth is, every business is vulnerable to cybercrime, regardless of their size.

Mike explains: “Phishing is still one of the most common threats.

“For example, an ‘actor’ (cybercriminal) can infiltrate a company’se-mail address and then sit monitoring company data for days, weeks or even months.”

Phishing attacks occur when acybercriminal attempts to trick people into providing

sensitive information by posing as atrustworthy entity through emails, text messages, or phone calls.

Mike points out that even businesses with cyber insurance can be vulnerable, as three businesses in Worcestershirealonefell victim to cybercrime in just one week.

“They all thought they were protected, they all had cyber insurance.

“But as with all insurance, it is avery good idea to check the small print.

“Some cover is excluded if your IT infrastructureisn’t up to certain standards, and these exclusions are escalating almost monthly as attacks spiral,” he explained.

Having insurance cover against cyber-attacks is hugely beneficial, and most insurance companies now mandate Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus for businesses.

This Government-led scheme uses five key technical controls to reduce 80 percent of common cyber threats.

Once this has been achieved, the accreditation can then be underwritten by a managed service partner like EBC and shows an insurance firm that its client is fully compliant in cybersecurity best practice.

Compliance is particularly

important in the legal and financial sectors, where cybercriminals areconstantly trying to infiltrate processes and information.

Stafftraining and awareness arealso crucial in the fight against cybercrime.

New hacks and scams are coming to light every day, and artificial intelligence is increasingly being used as a tool to get into networks, with “self-learning” compounding the challenge.

Diligent research and development areneededto spot these trends early on and keep one step ahead of the game.

To counter these issues, EBC Group organises training sessions, cyber security awareness campaigns and video presentations to help local businesses.

Looking ahead to 2023, EBC anticipates ahuge year of growth.

Mike explains: “In just under three years, BT is moving all its exchanges and networks over to acloud-based IP solution and, as with the security aspect, thereisno room for complacency

“It’svital that businesses areawarethat this is 100 per cent happening, and act quickly to avoid the rush.

“EBC is in avery strong position to help them do just that with our Unified Communications platform.”

MIKE COOK COO OF EBC GROUP

MY CHALLENGE IS TO FILL THE SKILLS GAP

The phrase “It always seems impossible until it’sdone “isuniversally attributed to Nelson Mandela, but thereisno source for exactly where or when it was said.

This makesitnoless true, as at some point splitting the atom, sequencing DNA, having 17 number one singles like The Beatles did, would have seemed astretch too far and beyond imagination. But they wereonly impossible at a certain point in time.

That’swhy in my role as principal of Dudley College of Technology Itry toget both the young people we work with as well as the adults to believe they can succeed in almost anything they try

It may just be my experience but the only things in life Ihave found to be impossible aretobecome taller,drive atthe exact speed limit, and have an unshaking belief that Wolves will win the Premier League. Almost everything else can be possible with sufficient time and the resources to make it happen and awilling heart.

And it’sthis belief that leads me to have faith that new targets from Government, about the amount of work experience or employer exposureevery learner in school or college has, is achievable.

Targets that prescribe that for the new Tlevel qualifications alearner has at least 315 hours or 45 days industry placement and for every year of their education alearner should have a minimum of three employer encounters. To many training providers these requirements have seemed “impossible.” And it would of course be truly impossible without the co-operation of businesses. So, for that reason Iwantto challenge every business in the region to support the next generation of employees by offering such experiences, going into classrooms or online and helping them understand employment prospects.

The most significant way an individual organisation can contribute to closing the skills gap, that is predicted for the future, agap in which thereishigherdemand for certain types of skilled labour than supply,isbyofferingthe opportunity for someone to enter their work place and get arealistic view

And of course, work experience doesn’tcost the employer asalaryand hosting aplacement can also benefit a business in another way –by allowing existing employees the opportunity to improve their own organisational and leadership skills or develop new mentoring or assessing

ones. If you can get involved with any of the many local initiatives around industry placements and careers exposure, then please speak with your local college or the Black Country Careers Hub.

The Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) currently being drawn up by employer representative bodies (in our region, the Black Country Chamber of Commerce) will ensurethat the employer voice is heardin shaping the educational offer and training opportunities that local businesses and individuals can access.

It will be down to training providers to respond to these plans and deliver the training and skills, businesses in the region need to succeed into the future. These plans are likely to run to many pages, but one thing is clear is that they will not succeed in isolation.

If every business, whether that be asole trader or a multi-national, plays their part in creating capacity to offer work experience placements and wider industry engagement for local people then we really canstart to turnthe impossible into the possible.

l Design, surveying and planning TLevelstudent, Billy Jinks, left, recentlystarted his industry placement at the Harper Group.

NEIL THOMAS DUDLEY COLLEGE CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND PRINCIPAL

STATION HUB IS OPEN FOR CITY

Anew unit for use by businesses and the community has been opened at a railway station.

The Change Makers Hub is next to Costa Coffee at Wolverhampton Railway Station in Railway Drive.

Cherry Shine, the managing director of Wolverhampton Business Improvement District, and the station manager,Mel Bryett, cut the ribbon.

The hub, which has presentation facilities and wi-fi, will be open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, with bookings through the enjoywolverhampton.com website.

Cherry said it was funded through the BID, Cross Country Trains and West Midlands Trains.

She said it was hoped the project at the heart of the city centrewould help withrail recovery in the city,bring shoppers back and help connect the business community and wider Wolverhampton community to the station.

It is available to use for business events, employment advice, training and community and arts activities.

Access 2Business will be thereon

Thursdays to offer business start up and enterprise support.

“Weare looking to work with the creative sector to bring in community activities,” added Cherry.

“Change Makers is in areally good position at the station with the Metroextension passing outside as well,” she explained.

Mel said: “The station is not just aplace to catch trains.

“It is part of the community and aplace that can bring people together

“I am proud to have been involved in this project right from the start.”

Nick Chadwick, regional director for the West Midlands and North West at Cross Country Trains, added: “The hub is at the heart of a fantastic new station. Wolverhampton should be really proudofthis new building.

“The hub can only be positive for Wolverhampton.”

The work to fit out Change Makers was carried out by Interiors Direct of Wednesbury with Michael Morgans leading the project management and design.

Businesses can contact cherry@ wolverhampton.bid.co.uk to find out more about Change Makers.

CELEBRATING ARE CHERRYSHINE, JODY BALL, FAYEASTON, MEL BRYETT AND NICK CHADWICK

INVESTMENT BY MYWORKWEAR

Based in Telford, MyWorkwear has been supporting businesses across the UK with their bespoke workwear and uniforms requirements for nearly half acentury.

And now the Telford-basedcompany is continuing its recent fast-paced growth thanks to a£190,000 investment.

The investment has enabled the business to implement anew customer relationship management system, update its customer portal and purchase further storage facilities and machinery including three new embroidery machines.

The focus is to ensurethat as the business maintains its growth MyWorkwear can continue to offer the high level of quality and service their customers have come to expect.

Eight new roles have also been created within the company covering marketing, sales, IT and customer services.

James Worthington, co-managing director of MyWorkwear,said: “Overthe last few years we have seen really strong year-on-year growth.

MYWORKWEAR IS STEPPING UP ITS INVESTMENT

“This has been aresult of the hardwork of our dedicated team and building strong relationships with our customers.

“The investment has enabled us to complete even moreprojects aimed at further growth, allowing us to take on morestaffand more clients.

“Wealready work with thousands of firstclass companies across the UK, from awide range of industries, including well-known brands such as Vimto, McLaren, the National Health Service, OxfordUniversity and the local Ironbridge Museums.

“With this increased capacity we arelooking to support even morecustomers to take pride in their workwear and uniforms.

James added: “Having grown from the small manufacturing company started in Telford in 1976, from apersonal perspective, it is fantastic to give back to the West Midlands community by offering so many new jobs in the area.

“Wewill also be focusing on the future generation of engineers through our involvement in STEM activities in the region and will continue our support for local charities, as well as our national charity,RaceAgainst Dementia.

For moreinformation regarding what MyWorkwear can offer to business customers in the West Midlands visit www.myworkwear

Circus, Face Painting, BouncyCastles and more wolverhampton-racecours

. se.co.uk

TRAM IS NAMED FOR TWINS

Anew West Midlands Metrotram has been named after Roy and Don Richardson.

The twin entrepreneurs and philanthropists established a West Midlands business that now invests in real estate and growth capital around the world.

Their development activity, which famously included the Merry Hill Shopping Centre and Star City in Birmingham, has created tens of thousands of jobs in the regionover many years.

As well as being business giants, Roy,who is 92, and Don, who passed away in 2007, arealso being recognised for their work through the Richardson Brothers Foundation which

has supported the region’s less fortunate through dozens of community groups and charities.

They werenominated for the honour by Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, who welcomed Roy and his family as guests of honour for the name unveiling in Centenary Square, Birmingham

The brothers founded their business in Oldbury 75 years ago during the 1940s and today the Richardson business is known the world over as being aleader in real estate and growth capital investment, focusing on opportunities in North America and Australasia as well as in the UK and WesternEurope.

They made their names

taking former industrial sites few other developers would touch due to the poor economic conditions of the time and transforming them.

The Richardson Foundation was set up to help those less fortunate and has backed a wide range of good causes across the Midlands including foodbanks supporting the less fortunate, disabled people, young people and children, and ex-service personnel.

Roy Richardson said: “On behalf of my family,and particularly my late brother,I am delightedand honoured to have aWestMidlandstram named after us.

“While the family business now invests all over the world, we remain extremely proudofour Black Country

roots. Whenever we are doing business overseas we always aim to talk up the West Midlands, and arepleased that our activities have supported thousands of jobs for people in the regionover the years as well as boosting the Treasury’scoffers –we understand that Merry hill alone has generated over £1 billion in business rates since it opened.

“When we installed the monorail at Merry Hill there was aplantolink that up with the Midland Metronetwork, as it was known at the time, so we do have some history with transportation in the area.

“It is great to see trams once again running across the region, linking up communities”

REDUCING RISK IN MATERIALS HANDLING

From the enduring effects of Brexit to the lasting impact of the Covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the UK logistics sector experienced aseries of new and ongoing upheavals that caused significant disruption to supply chains throughout 2022.

As aresult, in 2023, businesses in the industry will be looking to implement several factors to improve efficiency,with afocus on prioritising risk reduction, says leading provider of materials handling equipment, Midland Pallet Trucks in Kingswinford.

The company’smanaging

director Phil Chesworth said: “Risk management will become increasingly important for businesses along the supply chain this year

“In particular,warehouse managers will be looking to mitigate possible risks by preparing themselves by investing in the equipment required to handle possible risks and mitigate hazards, so that they can optimise their operations.”

In 2022 alone, 477,000 workers developed aworkrelated musculoskeletal disorder.While notall of these

individuals areemployees in the logistics industry,working in logistics and warehouses significantly increases the risk of developing a musculoskeletal disorder

When employees have a musculoskeletal disorder,their health, well-being, production rate, and motivation will suffer As aresult, warehouse productivity will also be affected, as absences will increase. Additionally,some employees may be reluctant to perform particular tasks for fear of developing an injury

Mr Chesworth added: “In addition to providing

the equipment needed for employees to perform their tasks risk-free, employers can undertake additional measures to reduce workplace injury risk.

“These measures include providing vigorous training, ensuring employees take appropriate breaks, and appointing aspecialist health and safety manager to oversee operations.”

Midland Pallet Trucks, part of Midland Bearings Group, areleading providers of highquality materials handling equipment including electric pallet trucks.

IAMDELIGHTED AND HONOURED TO HAVE A WEST MIDLANDS TRAM NAMED AFTER US

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS DELIVERING QUALITY WINDOWS AND DOORS

LeamoreWindows in Bloxwich was started by brothers Martin and Gary Hackett who arestill running thebusiness that serves the whole of the Black Country

BY JOHN CORSER

March marks aproud anniversary for a Bloxwich business that specialises in tailor-made windows, doors and conservatories.

LeamoreWindows, which now employs aworkforce of 75, was started 40 years ago by brothers Martin and Gary Hackett (above left and right).

It has grown steadily over the years to have annual turnover of £10 million and is now making 1,000 doubleglazed units and about 450 window frames and door frames each week.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary on March 17,

IN TE RV IE W

management and staffwere joined by many long-standing trade customers and former employees for acelebration event at the head office at Reaymer Close wherethe business has been located for three decades.

The premises, which house its showroom, underwent a facelift last autumn so it had afresh new look readyfor its big year

The Walsall brothers started up as an installation business from premises in High Street, Bloxwich and over the years opened ashowroom and started manufacturing themselves.

They made window frames

WE HAVE HAD STEADY NATURAL GROWTH OVER TIME

first at premises in Dudley Fields beforemovingto their current purpose built showroom and factory Gary,aged60, and his brother who is 11 years older,

arejoint managing directors of the business.

“Martin had started out in building with our father, Stanley Hackett, and, at that time, Martin had started doing glazing and then Ijoinedup with him to start the business.

“At that time therewas a boom in double glazing and people werechangingfrom old single glazed windows. Initially we werebuying in the units from amanufacturer,but we then saw the opportunity to make our own glass sealed units.

“It gave us the advantage of being in control of getting products when we needed them,” explained Gary.

“Wehavebeenthrough a few recessions over the years and have had to cut our cloth accordingly,but we have had steady natural growth over that time.”

LeamoreWindowsnow has 36,000 sq ft of space in Reaymer Close, Bloxwich, including its own glass factory wherethe cutting takes place.

Leamore’sshowroom over two floors features full-size houses, conservatories and avariety of room layouts. It is refreshed every year

Manufacturing currently takes place at two factories at Reaymer Close with a third– already owned by the business –currently being renovated for use for composite door manufacture.

“About 50 per cent of our turnover is from retail domestic installations with the rest from selling frames to the building trade and to other window companies.

“The bulk of the domestic enquiries we get arestill from recommendations from satisfied customers and from people who know that we have been about for along time and arestill based in Bloxwich.

“People also see our vans about and about in the area –wehave20vans out every day on fittings and deliveries to site,” said Gary LeamoreWindowsmainly has its custom base within a20-mile radius of its base, covering the Black Country

and as far afield as Stafford, Great Barr,Sutton Coldfield, Albrighton and Halesowen.

Leamoreisalwayslooking to keep its products modern and in recent years has upgraded locks and hinges to meet increased security demands.

“Often we arechanging windows for customers that we fitted 20 years ago because people arelooking to improve security and energy efficiency,” added Gary “Westarted out serving the local area and then going from glazing to double glazing and then uPVC frames when that got big in the 1980s and from that we started out own manufacturing.”

Leamorenow makes more

than 30 different designs of doors and the same amount of windows using uPVC and composites.

In the last decade it has expanded into providing tiled roofs for extensions and re-roofing existing conservatories. The lightweight insulated roofs areBuilding Regulations approved.

Gary said that Leamore had adapted with the times and aimed to provide its customers with just what they wanted.

The showroom is open 7am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm on Saturdays with the manufacturing taking place Monday to Friday and involving ateam of around 30.

THE BULK OF THE DOMESTIC ENQUIRIES WE GET ARE STILL FROM RECOMMENDATIONS FROM SATISFIED CUSTOMERS

FORMER STEEL SITE CHANGING

The Mayor of the West Midlands was welcomed on site to view the progress of the highly anticipated Cookley Worksscheme, which is being developed by Lovell Partnerships in collaboration with the West Midlands Combined Authority alongside Platform Housing Group.

Cookley Worksisone of four brownfield sites unlocked through astrategic partnership between the WMCA and Lovell, which is driving the region’s‘brownfield first’ policy

This is helping to regenerate acres of derelict industrial land for affordable new homes, supporting the region to meet its housing needs.

Andy Street, who is also chairman of the WMCA, visited the development in Brierley Hill following the completion of remediation work ahead of

construction starting on the new housing plots.

When complete, Cookley Works willbecome athriving community offering amix of affordable rent and low-cost home ownership.

The scheme is part of amultimillion-pound investment deal agreed between Lovell and WMCA that will see the delivery of 4,000 new homes over eight years and help the region towards meeting its target of building 215,000 homes by 2031.

The WMCA has invested £1million into the Cookley Works scheme that will feature71new homes.

Itis being built on land that had remained derelict for morethan a decade.

The last business on the site closed in 2007, ending morethan 150 years of steel industry for the area.

ThompsonfrictionweldingmachinesfromKUKA:

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PURITY CELEBRATES 130 YEARS

Wednesbury-headquartered Purity Soft Drinks is celebrating the completion of its 130th year in business.

West Bromwich West MP Shaun Bailey visitied the main manufacturing facility to mark the occasion.

The manufacturer behind popular soft drink brands JUICEBURST and Firefly was originally founded in 1892 and is one of the oldest companies in the UK. Both brands arestocked nationwide, with JUICEBURST available in Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda and Tesco as well as schools, offices and thousands of cafes across the UK. Firefly is available in Booths, Co-op and Waitrose and through Ocado.

Beginning life by supplying soft drinks by horse drawn dray to people across Wednesbury,Purity was bought by RAF Pilot Douglas Cox on his returnfromthe Second World War. It remained under the ownership of the Cox family until it was acquired by private equity firm Langholm Capital in 2012. In 2021, the business was acquired by Verdane, who are focused on building on the brands history and growing it further

Throughout this time, it has remained one of

the region’skey employers. Today, the business has ateamofmorethan 60 people, with roles ranging from manufacturing operations at its main site in Wednesbury through to finance, marketing and business management.

Mr Bailey was given atourofthe company’s headquarters and manufacturing facility from chief executive Sarah Baldwin, and met a number of long-standing employees.

Speaking about the anniversary,Sarah said: “Purity Soft Drinks has afantastic heritage hereinWednesbury and, as we celebrate completing our 130th year in business, it’s agreat opportunity to reflect on all that the business has achieved over those years.”

Mr Bailey said: “Purity Soft Drinks arethe embodiment of Black Country ingenuity.The longevity of the business comes down to the continued drive for excellence in its processes, in-built resilience as aresult of continuing to adapt and its commitment to the community in Wednesbury

“It is great to see that the company’sreach extends far and wide, including to the Houses of Parliament, whereJUICEBURST is proudly on sale.”

With over 35 years’ experienceweprovide high qualitytoolingatcompetitive prices.Our highly skilled workforceand stateofthe art CNC machinerymakes PembertonEngineering thesupplier of choice formany OEMs from a diverserange of industrysectors

MP SHAUN BAILEY

WARNING FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

Business owners across the Black Country have been urged to make reviewing their succession planning strategy akey priority in 2023 –orrisk having to rely on potentially unsuitable rules of which they areunaware.

Planning for any futurechanges in the ownership or management within the company may not have been on the immediate agenda for many in the first quarter of the new year

However,Paul Hunt –who heads the business succession planning team at Brierley Hill law firm Higgs LLP –has urged businesses to act swiftly,regardless of whether thereare any imminent changes in the pipeline.

He said: “Wetotally understand that, occupied with the task of building and operating asuccessful business, it is not always easy to find the time and headspace to step back to review the structureofthe business you own or aremanaging and plan for the future. Failing to deal with succession planning, however,can create commercial uncertainty and unwanted personal difficulties in years to come.

“Business aren’tstarting with ablank sheet

of paper.Therewill be acurrent or default position whichwill apply for key events, including ownership changes. In many cases, owners of businesses will not be awarewhat that position is and it may not be what they would expect or want.

“For example, every company has its own Articles of Association, which contain important governance rules. That may be adocument created on incorporation which shareholders and directors have never properly considered. In our experience, business owners are rarely satisfied with the position we find. By understanding that, we have the opportunity to create something which works for them. It’svital that all companies areawareofthe documents and rules which apply and, if necessary,amend them to reflect everyone’s objectives and plans.”

Higgs’ succession planning service guides business owners through the process and may result in revised structures or an updated set of documents –including Articles of Association, Shareholders’ Agreements and Cross-Option Agreements –being finalised to shape the operation and futuredirection of ownership.

PAUL HUNT,BRIERLEY HILL’S HIGGS LLP

AFREE BRANDING GUIDE IS AVAILABLE FROM MNA DIGITAL

If you’reabusiness owner, it’ssoeasy for other priorities to take over with moreofafocus on things such as product development and sales.

However,ifyou’relooking to stand out from the crowd one of the focuses that you can’tforget is branding. Branding is acrucial factor in the success of your business and ultimately gives you personality

It’savital part of business, branding is so much morethan colours and fonts; it allows you to build the aspects of your business and lay the foundations of trust and credibility

81 per cent of consumers need to trust abrand to consider buying, and shoppers have alot

of options out there, which means brands must do morethan just offering valuable products and services to win them over

So wheredoyou start?

MNA Digital’steam consists of experts that work within web design, SEO, PPC and paid social services. They provide a whole host of digital marketing resources for businesses and all of these fantastic resources help businesses to keep the marketing momentum going.

Their most recent guide ‘A small business guide to branding’ is here to help. It will enable you to learn the basics, including on how you can create aunique identity to establish consistency.Along with how you can gain acompetitive edge by having abrand that truly resonates with your audience.

Establishing trust and credibility is heavily important and is more deeply covered in the guide, this free resource will inspire confidence and will enable you to build long term relationships.

Lastly,and most importantly,the guides arefreeand packed with valuable insights and tips that you can start implementing straight away

Natalie Coughlan head of marketing and client services at MNA Digital says: “In acrowded marketplace, it can be challenging for small businesses to stand out from competitors. Astrong brand can help differentiate your business and make it easier for customers to remember and recognize your company

“By creating amemorablelogo, tagline, and visual identity,you

can make your business stand out from the crowd and attract new customers.

“Weknow how difficult it can be to find the time to get started, and strengthen your businesses understanding and we aim to combat this with the best free resources possible!

“Our free guides, arehereto help, we want to ensurethat all of the expertise we provide is easily accessible for those would need it, and we aren’tstopping here.

“All of our guides and resources such as website audits and blogs areall foryou to enjoy.”

So why wait? Download their latest guide today and take the first step towards building a successful brand at: https://www mnadigital.co.uk/guidebook-smallbusiness-guide-to-branding/

NEW HOME FOR FURNITURE FIRM

HereatRepose Furniture, we have been manufacturing bespoke furniture for morethan20years, focusing on the design and build of healthcare chairs and riser recliners.

Recently,werelocated to amajor Black Country industrial estate.

We have now found ahome on Pensnett Trading Estate, at Building 21, after establishing growth opportunities for the business.

The move from Cradley Heath, sees our team operating from a63,000 sq ft unit, allowing us to increase our capacity and potential.

All our models, from traditional to contemporary,are British-made by fully trained craftspeople.

Every member of our team, from experienced upholsterers to our delivery team, is committed to ensuring we deliver quality every time, which is why we have the reputation we aresoproud of.

Moving to Kingswinfordmeans we can bring high-quality,bespoke products to the area that make adifference in the quality of life of those with health and mobility conditions.

It also allows us to enhance our

manufacturing capabilities and increase our productivity,allowing Repose to take on more orders and expand our product range.

The larger facility offers ample space for us to develop our products and better organise our workflow,resulting in faster production times, and amoreefficient supply chain.

It has also been beneficial to our workforce; we have invested in new equipment and facilities, including state-of-the-art machinery and apurpose-builtwell-being area.

Through these enhancements, we are committed to creating an optimal work environment that prioritizes the well-being and comfort of our employees.

We now have alarge showroom, recently launched as The Care Hub. Ourshowroom now showcases an array of products from not just Repose, but arange to demonstrate the products available within the Prism Healthcare group.

The CareHub is aone-stop solution for healthcareand mobility needs.

The move to alargerpremises in Kingswinfordisasignificant development for us, and hopefully the local community too, which is atestament toour ongoing success and commitment to growth.

THE REPOSE FURNITURE TEAM HAS MOVED TO PENSNETT ESTATE

GROWING SMALL BUSINESSES

Rapid Pack Fulfilment is athirdparty logistics and ecommerce order fulfilment company that provides B2B services for B2C and D2C stores.

Our USP lies in catering to small but ambitious online brands, actively coaching and providing their total fulfilment and data needs. We handle the picking, packing and shipping, freeing up our clients’ time and energy to focus on sales, customer service and marketing. In addition, we provide business support where needed to our clients in the form of insurance and finance partners, as well as in-house marketing support and advice.

We cater to adiverse range of industries, including fashion, beauty &cosmetics, electronics &tech, homeware, furniture, toys and gifts, footwear,pet supplies and accessories and ambient food and drinks. Our service packages aretailored to our clients’ specific needs, including storage specifications, packing instructions, and returns handling.

We launched an in-house monthly newsletter which includes digital marketing tips and a business and ecommerce focused podcast called ‘Brand &Boost’ which is available

to listen to on anumber of podcast hosting platforms as well as available to watch on our YouTube channel. We work closely with our clients to troubleshoot problems and prioritise fulfilment, whether relatedtologistics or business support.

We were voted ‘Best eCommerce Order Fulfilment Specialists’ at The Business Concept’sLogistics Warehouse and Supply Chain Awards 2022. In the same year we won the Black Country Chamber of Commerce’s Pitch Your Business event and have been featured in the Express &Star as well as Black Country Chamber’smagazine. We werefinalists in this year’sMinerva Birmingham Pitch Up Event competition.

Rapid Pack Fulfilment is an ecommerce fulfilment centrethat caters to small-sized businesses, providing comprehensive services, freeing up their time and energy to focus on growing their brand. With astrong track record of growth and aclear plan forthe future, we are seeking investment to take the company to the next level, delivering value to our clients and investors. For moreinformation be suretovisit our website www.rapidpack.co.uk

BEN SLATER IS THE FOUNDER OF RAPID PACK FULFILMENT

EXPERTS IN MOVING HAZARDOUS GOODS

“A lot has changed since Istarted this company over two decades ago, but one thing that has always remained at our coreisour customer care,” stresses managing director John Donovan, the man who founded JJX Logistics back in 1997.

“As atime-critical business, we have to be readytoadapt as quickly as the industry we operate in does in order to ensuresuch a strong service,” he added.

One area JJX is keeping avery close eye on is hazardous goods, specifically the market surrounding lithium-ion batteries in which the global demand for their use is estimated to increase elevenfold between 2020 and 2030.

“It is clear to see just how fast the market for lithium battery transportation is becoming and above that, the ever challenging requirements for the safe transport of hazardous goods,” explained Mr Donovan.

Since 1968, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe has governed the international carriage of dangerous goods by road across the continent with the ADR agreement, something that Mr Donovan and the team at JJX Logistics have worked tirelessly to meet.

“Weare now one of very few logistics companies in the country who can move all nine ADR classes and even fewer that can do so in atemperaturecontrolled environment,” added Mr Donovan

Covering almost two million miles last year, the Kingswinford-based logistics company’s efforts in meeting the strict EU requirements have certainly paid dividends with JJX experiencing its most financially successful year to date in 2022 and the introduction of daily routes to some of Europe’smajor commercial cities including Paris, Frankfurt and Barcelona.

The company’simpressive growth has also seen the arrival of bespoke kitted new generation class-leading DAF trucks (pictured above) to its existing fleet of morethan 40 vehicles ranging from aMercedes-Benz Sprinter to 40-tonne truck

JJX Logistics is based at Unit 66 on Pensnett Trading Estate, Kingswinford.

JJX HAS ADDED THE LATEST DAF TRUCKS TO ITS FLEET

TIME TO EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALFEATURE 29

Central Scanning Limited has released abrand-new #HandsOnMetrology hand-held 3D Scanner

The Zeiss T-Scan Hawk 2, lightweight 3D laser scanner is designed and manufactured by Zeiss, who arerenownedfor high accuracy,and repeatable measuring equipment.

The new scanner,weighing less that 1Kg provides ahighly portable 3D Scanner that is travel friendly and provides auser-friendly scanning experience working directly within the highly acclaimed Zeiss Quality Suite software.

Scanning is performed using remote workflow; thereare four buttons on the scanner that allows the softwaretobenavigated without using the laptop from up to 10m away

Youcan also ‘GOBIG’with the new Satellite mode which enables the scanning of larger objects without the need of traditional photogrammetry.This has no compromise on accuracy and is made even easier using the positioning laser grid projected from the scanner onto the object being scanned.

Thereare different laser modes and a‘deep pocket’ mode allowing you to scan deep into the features on parts and ahigh-resolution

mode called scan details, allowing targeted captureofhighly detailed items such as text on castings or engravings on acoin for example.

As abusiness, Central Scanning is very excited by this new scanner as it provides metrology grade accuracy,combined with a large volume and un-paralleled portability.The Zeiss Quality Suite software, not only allows for the collection of scan data but also the full measurement of the data compared to either a nominal 3D model or another approved sample part. For the morein-depthanalysis of the data, the ‘Pro’ version of the softwareprovides the ability to write inspection templates and report trends from the results.

Data collection, reverse engineering, inspection and validation of awiderange of objects arewherethese types of 3D Scanners areused and being highly portable, this increases the applications wherethis technology can be deployed. Gone arethe days when the item has to be bought to the ‘measuring room’.

If you would like to know more, please visit www.central-scanning.co.uk or call 01527 558282.

15PC DISCOUNT FOR YOUR HIRING WITH STAR JOB SEARCH

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Star Job Search serves the people, businesses and communities all across the region in assisting them with recruiting to avastaudience of job seekers. What sets them apart from other job search websites is that they’re backed by the region’slargest independent media organisation, the Express &Star and Shropshire Star –and your job posting can be in front of their audience.

By using Star Job Search, you

areable to access aone stop shop for all of your recruitment needs. They don’tjust offer print recruitment services, but you are also able to promote your job to a vast number of digital services and is aprime position to promote to job seekers.

Star Job Search provides avast amount of features, if you wereto advertise you will experience:

l Online self-serve job listings that post your vacancy on Star Job Search

l Enhanced options to promote your company and vacancy further,giving you more opportunities to attract the right candidates to fit your roles.

l An extended network of jobs boards to bring awider offeringof increased value for money

With packages such as SelfServe from £99, Smart from £425 and Smart VIP from £795 there is something for everyone. From featuring yourself in the Express & Star and ShropshireStar,having adedicated Account Manager to even having your own candidates pre-screened -you’ll be finding your perfect candidate in no time. Youreally would be mad to miss out on advertising with Star Jobs Search!

Star Job Search aims to make the recruitingprocess easy for you and most importantly –affordable.

Kylee Russon, Head of Star Employment Services, said: “Not only areyou able to benefit from the region’smost trusted and biggest news publisher,itmeans that you arealsoabletorecruit

easily and seamlessly with our unique offering.

Star Job Search, in close collaboration with Star Employment works closely with leading employers in awiderange of industries that offer excellent career growth opportunities.” If you like what you arereading then simply visit www.starjobsearch. co.uk to register use the code BCSTAR15 and follow the steps for posting your vacancy you’ll be live within minutes. Star Job Search has everything you need to give yourself the best chance of success in your job search and finding the right applicants for you.

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ATEAM DELIVERING GREATSERVICE AND LOTS OF GOODWILL

Legionella and FireSafe Services is an ever expanding safety business that is winning new customers across the West Midlands

BY MATTHEW PANTER

Thereare many traits you need to create a successful company

Steel, grit, determination, passion, belief and even a slice of luck at times.

And kindness and respect shouldn’tbeunderestimated in business either.That’s certainly something which Legionella and FireSafe Services believe.

“Weare nothing without our people” is the message the management team at the multi-awardwinning and ever expanding Lichfield business arealways keen to push forward.

Staffare very much the fabric of the business, helping create the success which sees the company forecasting up to £6m in turnover this year

It has certainly come along way since it was set up in 2017 by compliance industry specialist Steve Morris, who had adesiretoimprove service excellence in the sector.He was joined by Danielle Bayliss (both pictured left) and LFS was bornwith two laptops and an oil heater in asmall

rented office in Lichfield. The pair secured major contracts in several industries, including with Birmingham City Council, retail, education, manufacturing and hospitality, and the firm leads the way in innovative new products and processes.

In June 2021, the business moved from its then Rugeley office to anew standalone HQ at Britannia WayinLichfield to accommodate the growth and continued success means a further move could be on the horizon next year

They have built success from humble beginnings and, last year,LFS received a national award, winning silver for Contractor of the Year (contract value up to £5 million) in the 2022 National Building and Construction Awards at aglitzy ceremony in London. The company was also named Sustainable Installer of the Year

Mr Morris said: “The secret to our success is caring for our clients and our staff.

Danielle and Icould have the best ideas but unless you have the right team

THE SECRET TO OUR SUCCESS IS CARING FOR OUR CLIENTS AND OUR STAFF

underneath you then you can’t achieve success.

“Wehave agreat team and thereisa good vibe here.

“Wealways say,wedon’t want to just hear typing on a keyboard, we want to hear people talking. We all have a job to do but if we can enjoy it as well, that’simportant.

“My dad, Johnny,was a stand-up comedian in the 1970s. So Iwas brought up with humour and Ifeel a massive part of working here is that we all enjoy it. It helps us have agood retention of staff.”

Business manager Kym

Darby agrees, adding: “Our staffand customers areso important to us.

“No matter how big we get, we always say nobody will ever be anumber.That’show we think.Wepromote from within and we invest in team members.

“On National Employee Appreciation Day,webought every single person in the company lunch and those on construction sites had meals delivered to them.

“Wedolots of employee recognition events such as team building days and, during Covid, we didn’t furlough anyone.

“They worked from home and we had daily meetings and gave them carepackages with little treats, positive motivational books and chocolates.

“Weprovide free private healthcare, 24/7 private GP service for staffand their families, Perk box discounts and access to anew wellness hub.

“Wetry to look after our customers too. We have 100 Easter eggs, which we

INTER VIEW

will shortly be taking out to residents on the blocks we have been working on, just as athank you.”

It’svery much avisionof ‘service above profits’ as the company looks to sharethe rewards of agreat year with its 60 employees.

And it’scertainly been a fantastic year

Danielle, operations director at LFS, said: “Winning a prestigious national award was huge recognition for every single member of the team and their contributions to the business.

“The judging criteria recognised how the business has developed in the last 12 months in areas of innovation, how obstacles have been overcome, and overall success in delivering key projects. From starting less than six years ago to being recognisedata national awards ceremony is an achievement we areextremely proud of.”

Pride is certainly something the team should feel. This is afantastic business success story

After Covid, the company grew by 45 per cent in 2022, with forecasted growth of another 50 per cent this year

“Weare proud of what we have achieved,” adds Steve. “Wehavegreat passion for thebusiness and our staffdo as well, right the way to field level.”

As abusiness, it continues to expand. It originally had afocus on Legionella compliance, led by ahighlyskilled team of corporatelytrained technicians and senior management team with nearly 30 years of water industry experience.

They deliver high quality service, backed by an assurance that they will always give you the best, and most transparent advice to prevent the growth of Legionella Bacteria to help keep staff, customers and the wider public safe.

In 2018, the company then invested in its FireCompliance Division which includes Passive FireProtection, Fire Door Installations, firerisk assessments and more.

It also has aconstruction element, including specialist work in soil and vent pipe replacments, and since January has added an Energy Reduction, Decarbonisation Division.

Danielle, who was inspired to join the construction industry after seeing her dad Peter at work, said: “Decarbonisation is obviously abig focus.

“Weare helping Birmingham reachits 2030 target. We are, for example, installing smart technology hot water tanks to reduce energy bills by 35 per cent. We areworking alongside infra-red panel manufacturers and other technology to bring in. We arefocused on this and want to be at the forefront of it.”

Steve adds: “Wefeelwe aremaking abig impact on fuel poverty for the residents we work with and that’sa journey we areproud of. To be apart of that is really good.”

Decarbonisation work is very much part of the plan, moving forward, along with bringing through more apprentices and creating jobs for the local community

Danielle explains: “Weuse local suppliers and employ skilled workers on the patch and that’ssomething that is important to us. Hopefully we arelooking at another 30 job opportunities this year.”

“Wecreatealot of local employment,” adds Steve.

“I always say we want to help keep the pound in the Midlands. It’snice to be able to do that and it’sapartof the business whereyou feel rewarded –creatingjobs and giving people opportunities.

“Later this year,weare looking to launch atraining academy.Skilled labour is short across the country but rather than moaning for three months about not be able to find someone, we think, why not spend those three months training someone up?

“Weinvest in people so this is something we arekeen to do to help us continue on our journey.”

South StaffordshireCouncilcelebrates thesuccess of their Enterprise Parks

South Staffordshire Council positivelyencourages the growth and diversification of businesses, contributing astaggering £1.9bn to the localeco system, and is proud to support over 130 businessacrossseven enterprise parksand businesshubs. Almost5,000 businesssuccessfully operateinSouth Staffordshire, employing c.35,000 people, 14.7%ofwhich aremanufacturing contributing 10.9%tothe West Midlands region and 7.9% nationally

Home to successful companies such as Energy Bolting, arapidlygrowing manufacturer of special fastenersand machine components,and The PrintBox who specialise in vehiclegraphics, signage,embroidered workwear, graphic design and digital printing.

South Staffordshireisathriving entrepreneurial district, whereahuge 60% of businesses survivelonger than 3years,significantly above the national average

South StaffordshireCouncil’s BusinessHub offers acomprehensivepackage of free businesssupport, tailored to meetyour needs. If youare looking fornew businessaccommodation, South StaffordshireBusinessHub canofferyou excellentfacilitiesathighly competitiverates.

The prominentdevelopmentwillconsist of a24,000sqftLidl Food Storewhich willbeaccessedoffthe Bridgnorth Road and a 10,000sqftoffurther retail space with morethan 198shared car parking spaces.

The unit willbebuilttoadeveloper’sspecification and benefit from excellentvisibility,open plan space, excellentnatural light, capped offservices and free parking.

Forfurther details contact: Cordwell,Tom Wilcox, tom@cordwellgroup.com 01562734120

Four Ashes is apopular and established industrial and commercial area

Fronting Station Road with access to the staffcar park and main offices, with parking forupto50vehicles.

The rear warehouse has asteel portalframe construction and was constructedintwo partsin1976& 1988 and willbeundergoing refurbishmentin2023with a£3m investment. The Unit has LED lighting and benefitsfromatotal of 75,673sqft.

Forfurther details email commercialdevelopment@sstaffs.gov.uk

Element Court -Unit 4,

Located at the northernfringe of the Wolverhamptonand Black Country conurbation, ElementCourt has directsiteaccess from the A460 Cannock Road onto the M54 Motorway (Junction 1) which connects the M6 (Junction 10a) The M6 Toll is approximately 4 milesnorth at Junction 11a of the M6

The ground floor comprises open plan spacewith apartitioned meeting room to the rear.Raised access flooring and suspended ceilings areprovided along with fitted firealarms, security systems and remote roller shutters forall windows

Forfurther details contactBulley’s Chartered Surveyors, 01902713333,oremail rod.spiby@bulleys.co.uk

Wombourne Retail Park - 10,000sqftretailunitavailable

Four Ashes -Unit 4E Station Road - Total floor area of 75,673sqft

HiltonCross BusinessPark - Officetolet 1,609sqft

WE ST MI DL AN DS

HIGHLIGHTING SOME OF THEMAJOR PROJECTS,HOMES ANDTRANSPORTSCHEMES TRANSFORMINGOUR REGION.

We’re expanding the West Midlands Metro depot…

…and growing our Commercial Team, and roles in our Construction and Delivery teams as we work to transform the West Midlands’ public transport network.

Youcan find out more about the exciting opportunities to join the depot expansion and other Metro projects across the region, at: www.metroalliance.co.uk/careers

CHANGING THE FACE OF AREA

Regeneration projects of all sizes aregradually changing the face of the Black Country.

Some major schemes areset to reachfruition in 2023, including the long-awaited reopening of the former Civic Hall in Wolverhampton city centreasThe Halls Wolverhampton.

It will be great to see some of the biggest names in music and entertainment performing at the city’sbeloved main live music venue once again.

Thereisareal sense of purpose across the Black Country and surrounding areas with fresh investment coming on stream all the time.

2022 was atough year for the Black Country,but efforts to progress schemes that will create new wealth and deliver

employment arereally getting into gear

The setbacks from the Covid-19 pandemic now look to be behind us and the confidence to invest in regeneration projects has been renewed.

As well as the schemes to bring in new businesses and create the new homes that the area needs, thereare also many major developments in the pipeline to transform public transport, including new railway stations across the Black Country

The Midland Metroisalso continuing to extend and infrastructureprojects arealso goingahead to upgrade the road network.

Also morecompanies are coming into the West Midlands and looking for sites close to the motorway system from which to operate.

NEW STATIONS ARE ON TRACK

New railway stations for Darlaston and Willenhall form part of the West Midlands Rail Programme.

The £54 million project for the new stations aims to open up rail travel to the local community

It will create morethan 120 jobs during construction and will also restoremorethan ahectareof brownfield land.

Birmingham to Crewe services could call at Darlaston and Willenhall stations, which aredue to open in 2024, by 2026.

The Walsall to Lichfield railway line could also be reopened between 2040 to 2050 with new stations being built under draft plans, which have been submitted for consultation by the West Midlands Rail Executive.

The plan has been developed with rail industry partners including

Midlands Connect and the Department for Transport.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, chairman of WMRE, said great progress was being made on developing the rail network including the Darlaston and Willenhall stations.

Another major proposal is for astation in Tettenhall. It would be the first after trains leave Wolverhampton, beforetravelling on to Bilbrook and Codsall and into Shropshire. The village previously had astation on the Wombourne Branch Line, which opened in 1925 but closed seven years later due to low usage.

Government funding has now been secured to out together a business case for it.

The WMRE says its updated rail investment strategy would deliver better rail services across the wider region.

FOCUSONTHE REGENERATION OF BRIERLEY HILL

2023 MARKSTHE STARTOFABRIGHTNEW FUTURE FORBRIERLEYHILL.

MULTI-MILLIONPOUND IMPROVEMENTWORKS GOTUNDER WAYEARLIER THIS MONTHWITHA FOCUS ON IMPROVINGTHE TOWN’S HIGH STREET AND SURROUNDINGAREAS.

It will seemajor improvements to transportlinks, enabling easieraccess to thetown. Therewillbe aspruceupofthe High Street,the town’s library is beingrefurbishedand therewill also be new public toilets. Alink will be createdfromthe High Street to theplannedMetro terminus in thetown, which will runfrom BrierleyHill to Wednesburyvia Dudley town centre when completed.

Councilbossesand communitygroupshope theresultofthe improvements will be to boost footfall into thetowncentre.

TheHighStreetistoget acompleteoverhaul. Pavementsare being ripped up andre-laid, andnew public seatingalong withtrees and planterswill also go in.Facilities to store cycles will be introduced,while an appealing andusefulnew communityopenspace will be createdatthe endofthe High Street, which couldbeusedinthe future foroutdoor performances in conjunction withthe Civic Hall.

We’vegot youcovered THEEXPERTS IN ROOFING&CLADDING

PhoenixConsortiaare expertroofing and claddingcontractors youcan trust, delivering value forover50yearsinthe UK refurbishment market.

Underneath thePhoenix Consortia umbrella operates a collection of four specialised construction companies,withafifth organisation designatedfor thecontinual training and up skilling forafuture-proofed workforce:

CAR PARK WILL BE REPLACED

Amulti-storey car park in Wolverhampton city centre is to be demolished to make way for new housing development.

Plans for 145 new flats to replace the former Beatties car park and ground floor Gorgeous nightclub in Skinner Street were given the go-ahead by city council planners last year

Planning approval had previously been granted in 2021 to transform the landmark department storebuilding in Victoria Street into an apartment complex consisting of morethan 300 luxury flats.

The car park site at the junction with School Street is now set to be redeveloped into residential apartments, with the nightclub to be relocated.

London-based SSYS Beatties

Ltd, which was formed in 2019, plan to add acar parking basement with acommercial ground floor and six full floors of between 19 and 21 flats per floor

The seventh and eighth residential floors will have shared amenity space.

Nearly all the flats will have at least one balcony and all of them will have access to the communal open space.

The nightclub will be replaced by commercial floor space and relocated to adifferent site within the Beatties’ estate

The iconic store, which had been in the city since 1877, closed in 2020 and it was later sold offby then owners Frasers Group for £3 million.

Wolverhampton Council signed offonproposals for 306 apartments within the former store and the car park.

SHAPING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Leading the way in infrastructure, housing and property services

We take pride in helping our clients create communities people enjoy being part of by providing the essential services to the owners and operators of critical utility infrastructure and property assets.

Delivering essential services, we employ more than 1,100 people nationally and have asupply chain network of over 2,000 colleagues supportingall of our projects.

The work we deliver in Property Services revives homes and communities through the regeneration of living spaces, whilst Infrastructure Services ensures the safe and reliable operation of utility assets and crtical infrastructure. OurNew Homes business is atrusted development partner to the largest UK social landlords and build to rent communities.

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CONSTRUCTION: ARICH CAREER

“Who wants ‘just ajob’ these days? No one. We allneedtofeelwe’re part of something bigger when we’re working,” says Darren Perry,director of construction, Building Services Now (BSN) Group, based in Brierley Hill.

BSN is aprincipal contractor that creates environments for people to live, work, learnand heal all over the country

The company’sgrowthmeans it’salways looking for people who align with its values and culture.

“Tosucceed in building these days, you must deeply understand what your client wants and translate that into action.

“That calls for soft skills as much as technical prowess –and,asweall know,those soft skills can be very hardto come by

“A career in building is rich with opportunity With us, you start earning decent money relatively quickly in one discipline, and we’ll invest in you to help you move into another until you find your niche –all at apace to suit you.

“Our training programmes areamix of formal education and on-the-job coaching. Your average 18-year-old starting as an apprentice

sets out above minimum wage, and we’ve team members who have progressed to management salaries in just afew years.

“Whenyou’reworking with high calibre clients, in mission-critical environments, you need people you can rely on to plan everything diligently because mistakes arecostly in more ways than one.

“Regards sustainability,weperform to the triple bottom line: people, profit, planet. We take careofour team because they areour business.

“Wecontribute to our communities –bothto those locally and to those we serve.

“Wemake sustainable profits and we do all of this while we’reonour journey to net zeroby 2030.”

BSN would love to hear from you if you’re interested in an apprenticeship, you’realready experienced or qualified, either in the trades, professions or management and you’relooking for your next move.

E-mail BSN training manager Maxine Robinson on max@bsn-group.co.uk to tell her why BSN’scode of conduct resonates with you: team, diligent, caring, positive, real

BSNGroupisaprincipalconstructioncontractorwhichbuilds longtermrelationshipswithitsclientsbyunderstandingthemand theirbuildings.

Weworkdiligentlyindifficult,sensitiveandmission-critical environmentswhereitisimperativeconstructionprojectsrun smoothly.BSN’sM&Edivisionexcelsattechnicallydemanding projectsandattheforefrontofdecarbonisation.

MECHANICAL,ELECTRICAL,PLUMBING CONSTRUCTION DECARBONISATION MINORWORKS

DARREN PERRYWITH TRAINEE QUANTITY SURVEYOR, SAM GREEN

NEW VILLAGE IS CONSTRUCTED

Asite in the Black Country will provide 472 new homes.

The development –being built byPersimmon Homes –will be known as Coseley New Village. It will sitonthe 65.1 acreformer brownfield site of Newey Business Park and the Bean Foundry on Birmingham New Road and Sedgley Road West.

Nick Wilkins, technical director at Persimmon Homes Central, said: “This is afabulous site which will bring much needed homes to the Tipton /Coseley area. Wewill be offering arange of homes to suit local needs.

“Within the design of our development, we have incorporated anetwork of new public open spaces that link to the adjoining canal, which will make it aniceplace for people to live.”

Of the 472 homes, therewill be

72 two-bed apartments, 144 twobed houses, 221three-bed houses and 35 four-bed houses.

Persimmon Homes has started sales for the new development from acabin on Sedgley Road West.

As part of the development, Persimmon Homes will also be pledging over £571,000 to the improvement of local education, highways and sports pitches in the local area.

During preparatory works, the site was visited by Councillor Patrick Harley,leader of Dudley Council who said: “This development will bring arange of homes for the local people of Dudley and will go some way towards addressing the housing shortage in our borough which is a priority for the council.”

The properties start at £140,000 for apartments.

We area best-practicepublicly owned and managed framework delivering significantcost &time savingsfor clients across theWest Midlands.CWM is acollaborativeventurebetween Sandwell Council, Solihull Council,and AcivicoLtd.

As along established framework,with aproventrack record, we deliver impartial,expert advice from ateam youcan trust. We ensurecommitmenttosocial value, focusing on training and sustainable employment, with payment of theReal Living wage throughoutthe supply chain akey partofevery project.

To discuss your capital or R&M needs please contacta member of the team on: CWMenquiries©acivicogroup.co.uk 07880180261 constructingwestmidlands.co.uk

SAYGOODBYE TO THE DARK AGES WITH AHPG ROOFLIGHT

WednesburyHealth Centre Development

Towns Fund update

West Bromwich-DigitalDen

West Bromwich-Urban Greening

The Urban Greening project will deliver anumber of initiatives over afiveyear programme, to enhance the existing greenspace and improve the appearance of the town centre. The first set of improvement works started in August and have now completed. Work undertaken so far includes: removal of the outdoor marketstalls and repairs to paving as well as the restoration of both the Farley Fountain and the Dartmouth Clock Tower.Four new seating structures (parklets) have been installed and new trees have been planted in the town centre.

The Digital Den project at Wood Lane Community Centrewas officially opened in August 2022. The investment has provided an improved training room with new computers, new laptops, furnitureand interactive screens as well as upgraded and refurbished hospitality facilities. Digital skills educational classes have already started.

Email info@ggce.co.uk if you areinterested in attending.

WednesburyHSHAZupdate

In the Wednesbury High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ)project, the majority of the works arecomplete on the markets, the public realm and Clock Tower refurbishment.New trees will be planted and street lighting changed imminently

The council is still working with anumber of properties on the Historic Building Renovation programme to assist in reinstating some of the historic features. The cultural programme and community engagement continues with arecent lantern procession for the Christmas lights switch-on event

Astudy is also under way looking at the potential expansion of the Conservation Area which should be completed in 2023.

Rowley Regis -Canal NetworkConnectivity

Workscommenced on the Canal Network Connectivity project in October 2022 and will be completed in Spring 2023. The project will deliver 7km of resurfacing for canal towpaths alongside the Dudley No. 2inOld Hill and the Old Main Line in Oldbury

Smethwick -Ron Davis Centre Expansion

Workscommenced on the Ron Davis CentreExpansion project in October 2022 and the extension that will deliver two new classrooms is due to be completed in Spring 2023. The investment will allow Sandwell Adult and Family Learning Services to expand the services it already offers, and allow local people access to modernlearning facilities, digital courses and the chance to obtain valuable qualifications.

www.regeneratingsandwell.co.uk

MAIN MUSIC VENUE IS REVAMPED

Wolverhampton’smainmusic venue will finally be back in action in June when rock and pop acts will begin thrilling audiences again.

The refurbishmentofthe Civic and Wulfrun halls,which has cost around £48 million, has now been completed to the relief of live music fans after eight long years.

The Halls will have acombined capacity of around 5,000, with 3,400 in the Civic.

Both it and the adjoining Wulfrunhave had an extra seated gallery built as part of the project that was commissioned by the city council.

The refurbishedvenue is expected to host around 300,000 visitors ayear and bring in an estimated £10 million ayearinto the economy of the city

Anumberofactshave already been announced with the first scheduled concert on June 3, when British electronic music duo Leftfield will perform.

Siouxsie, formerly of Siouxise and the Banshees, sold out in aday for her concert on June 22. Other big names for the opening month include McFly,Sparksand Chris Isaak.

The venue is being operated by AEG Presents, one of the leading companies in live entertainment.

Steve Homer,the chief executive of AEG, who is originally from the Black Country,said: “We’rethrilled to be able to play arole in restoring this iconic and historic venue, bringing live music back the Midlands.”

Wolverhampton Council leader Ian Brookfield said: “These areexciting times for this muchloved venue in our city –and is what all the blood, sweat and tears have been for.

“AEG Presents’ passion for The Halls and ambition for the futurematches our own and this fantastic opening month of shows will ensurethe new-look venue bursts back into life in style after our multi-million pound transformation works.”

The official ticketing partner for the venue is AXS, AEG’sglobal ticketing platform. Details of the full programme at the venue areon yourwolvescivic.co.uk

The long-delayed Civic Halls project was completed by Willmott Dixon who took over the contract in 2019 after the original contractor, Walsall’sShaylor Group collapsed.

THE HALLS WILL BE ROCKING AGAIN THIS SUMMER

GROWING KEON HOMES AIMS FOR RECORD FIFTH YEAR

2023 is set to be an exciting year for Keon Homes, one of the West Midlands’ fastest-growing providers of affordable homes and social housing.

The Burntwood-based company,which was formed by industry experts RichardWilliams, Warren Bolton and Noel Sweeney,isoncourse to celebrate its fifth birthday in style by passing the £30 million turnover mark.

In addition to sustained growth in affordable housing, private rentaland niche open Market projects, the firm has also secured alandmark deal in the ‘Extra Care’ sector for the first time.

This has been akey focus since the business was formed in 2018 and the new £15m agreement with The Wrekin Housing Group will see Keon Homes build a70-strong mix of one and two-bed apartments, private gardens, and communal café.

Keon Homes, which alongside Cameron Homes and Chasetown Civil Engineering is part of The Tara Group, has recruitedafurther 17 people to cope with the continuing increase in demand.

The company’sforte is medium to large scale projects with ahigh degree of complexity.

DIRECTORS WARREN BOLTON AND RICHARD WILLIAMS

Keon Homes is adivision of the Tara Group, which includes CameronHomes and Chasetown Civil Engineering. Keon Homes worksthroughout the Midlands regions with Registered Providers, Local Authorities and other partners to deliver Affordable, Open Marketand Private Rental Sector Housing, including specialist Care and Retirement Living projects.

We have aproven track record of workingwithin the sector and experienced Land, Design, and Construction teams whounderstand the needs of thesector and ourregion.

keonhomes.co.uk

Deciding on thetraining your employees need andthen finding asuitable course can be atime-consuming process-but City of Wolverhampton College’s dedicatedand experiencedemployer engagement team is theretosupportyou everystepofthe way.

Services include:

○ FREE training needs analysis

○ Apprenticeship training

○ FREE apprenticeship recruitment service

○ Financial supportfor apprenticeships

○ Shortcoursesand commercial training

○ Work experience andindustryplacements

○ Sector-based work academyprogrammes (SWAPs)

Forfurther information: call 01902 836000 (Option 5) email employerservices@wolvcoll.ac.uk visit www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/employers follow us on social media

CONSTRUCTION SITE SECURITY

Unfortunately,construction sites have long been atarget for thieves and criminal gangs.

AGovernment survey found that morethan 92 per cent of construction sites had been targeted by thieves. Whether it is expensive machinery,tools, fuel or building materials, everything on your construction site can be a target for theft.

At Yellow HatSecuritySolutions, we have arange of products and services which have been designed to protect your construction site from theft, damage and arson.

K9 SECURITY TOWERS

Installing mobile CCTV units, such as our solar powered K9 Security Towers offers a very visible deterrent to would-be thieves and vandals. The units aretall enough to cover your entireconstruction site and use full, colour-view cameras with strobe alerts and voice activated technology to alert you if someone does attempt to break in.

VEHICLE PROTECTION

Protect the tools and materials stored in your company’svans with our specially designed remote CCTV systems for commercial vehicles.

As well as the cameras, our system works over 4G or WiFi to alert you remotely if someone tries to break into your vehicle and is supported by our Blood-Hound asset tracking system.

ROLE CALL

Make sureyour construction site is secure by installing one of our contactless Role Call sign in/sign out management systems. This customisable system allows you to decide who has access to specific sections of your construction site such as your site office or equipment storage areas. Role Call can also be used in conjunction with our Hikvision Facial Recognition solutions for added security

FUEL MONITORING SYSTEMS

Prevent fuel theft from your site by installing our Fuel Bund Monitoring System which monitors and detects fuel theft in real time and notify you immediately via sms and email.

KEEP YOUR SITE SECURE

Yellow Hat Security Solutions protect people, property,and the planet.

Get in touch today for afree, no obligation site-survey

Visit www.yellow-hat.co.uk or call 01952 303 103 or e-mail hello@yellow-hat.co.uk

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