ATelford manufacturer has installed twonew high-speed charging points forstaff and membersofthe communityto powertheir electric vehicles thanks to council funding.
FabweldSteel Products, whichmanufacturers access coversfor thewater,energyand security sectors, securedmore than £8,000 from Telford& Wrekin’s ClimateChangeFund whichwere fitted at theMadeley factoryatthe endoflastyear.
FSP’snew equipment will be usedprimarily to charge electric vehicles andbikes belonging to thecompany’s workforce,but membersofthe publicwillalso be givenaccess to thechargers.
Managing director Wayne Carter says that FSPare on a missiontomaketheir operationsas greenas they canbe, to not only save money,but to help theenvironment.Hesaid: “With theassistanceofthe Climate Change Fund grant, we are nowsupportingthe roll-out of EV charging infrastructure in Telford, by providingaresource forour ownstaff to encourage them to switch to electric cars andbikes, whilealso giving our localcommunity access to afast chargerontheir doorstep
“Thiswill allhelptoencouragemorepeopletomakethe switch to EVs.”
matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk
Theheadofaschool’sambitious business department wantsto transformitintoa“national asset” as he laid outhis planstohelptackle therecruitment challenges companies arecurrently facing
Areyou able to access appropriateeducation andtrainingservices in yourlocal area?And areskills shortages forcingyou to change the wayyou work?
Theseare justsome of thecrucial questionsShropshireChamber of Commerce arelooking to answer as part of aproject called theLocal SkillsImprovementPlan.
Thechamber hasbeenselected by theDepartmentfor Education to undertakethisworkacrossthe Marches area,which coversShropshire, Telford& Wrekin,and Herefordshire. Themission is to gain a better understandingofthe skills trainingrequirements over thenext 3-5years in specificsectors,includingengineering,manufacturing, professional services,construction, environmentaltechnologies, and health andsocialcare.
RosieBeswick,the Marches LSIPsProject Manager, said:“We arelooking to do this througha combination of questionnaires,text polls, andone-to-oneinterviews with ourresearchers, allintotal
confidence. We need to engage with as many employersaspossible, to ensure this vitalinformation-gatheringexercise is relevant,and truly reflective of thewhole economy. The more informationweare abletoput into ourreport, themorebenefit businesses standtoreceive from it “The LSIP projecthas been sparked by anew Government WhitePaper whichsetsout an ambitious plan to putemployers firmly at theheart of theskillssystem. It is absolutelycrucial,inthe current economic climate, that businesses andworkers have access to the skillstheyneed,tothriveand progress. Many employersare telling us that this is simplynot thecase.
“Thingscan only change forthe better if decision-makershad a clearunderstanding of currentgaps in trainingprovision,barrierstoaccessingtraining, andthe suitability of theeducation curriculum to prepare students forthe 21st century business world
“Our aimistocreatean environment forthe sharingofbestpractice to create thebestpossibleoutcomes forbusinessesand workers across allcorners of Shropshire,Telford & Wrekin andHerefordshire.”
Businesses whocan find afew minutes to help with research can emailRosieatr.beswick@shropshire-chamber.co.uk,oremail lsip@shropshire.chamber.co.uk
Darren Blanch, whobecamedirector of Wrekin College’sBusiness School in September,wants to boost theemployability skills of itsstudents.Itcomesas many businesses acrossawiderange of sectorshave reported strugglesto fill jobvacancies as well as retain staff.
Mr Blanch said:“Ithought this wasafantastic opportunitytofurther developabusinessschoolwhich is similar to auniversity business school,withits ownset of agendas about promoting employability and boosting theemployability of our students
“Itisnot just aboutpromoting employability within ourstudents though,but also by identifyingwhat thoseemployability skillsneedtobe forlocal employers andeventually national employers as well
“WithindaysofstartingI was talkingtolocal employers whowere saying they were having majorproblems with recruitment, particularly in Shropshire whereyoung people go to university or do an apprenticeship andoftendon’t come back They really struggletoget people with therightskills.”
Workplaces have been transformed over thelastyearasbusinesseshave needed to adapttothe waytheyoperateinthe wake of Covid–withone successfulShropshirecompany saying more is on theway in 2023
Office furnitureand stationery suppliesspecialistChrisbeon hasbeen ideallysituatedtomonitor theunprecedentedshift andislooking forwardto continuing working with businesses of allsizes as they settle into newworkingroutines, whetherthatbewith staffworking remotely,teams fully back in theoffice or firmsoperating a hybrid amalgamation of thetwo.
RichardHughes, of Chrisbeon, based on Stafford Park in Telford, said:“It hasbeenaverybusyyearfor us and we have seen some interestingchanges in theway business leadersare thinkingabout how they work. Trends have shifted significantly andmany firms have used theeventsofthe last couple of yearstotakestock andreboottheir operation. We canonlysee this continuing in 2023
“Manyare carrying on with allowingstaff to workremotely, some are adopting thehybridworking approach whilemanyhaveseenareturntothe office –but with greaterimportance placed on theworking environment andstaff wellbeing.
“A lotofemployees arenow getting to experience ahome-from-home feel as theresimercialtrend –a mixofresidential andcommercialdesign–increasesinpopularityinthe workplace We workedwithone business that had 100desks in rows within theoffice but wanted afacelift
“Theyallowed stafftoworkfrom home permanentlyiftheywanted to create amorecomfortable space forthose goingintothe office.They part-exchanged 70 deskswithusand broughtinsofas andboothstogivea more comfortable, homely feel.”
He added: “Aswenearour 50th anniversaryin2024itisinteresting to reflectonhow much haschanged over thoseyears, butwehaveremainedsuccessfulby adapting to meet theneeds of ourclients –and we arerelishing the prospect of supporting even more.”
Howeasyisyourbusiness findingittoemploy theright kind of staffat themoment?Recruitmentissomethingmanybusinessesare facing challengeswith
Construction company Besblock is on course to massivelyreduceits carbonemissions thanks to a£3.2m investment in a newenergyplant.
TheTelford-based firm created thefacility aboutsix monthsago as part of itscommitmenttoloweringemissions further. Theplant usesthe lowest gradeofwaste wood availableand is settohelpthe company reduce itsemissions by 65% andsave2,200 tons of CO2inthe first12months.
Besblock manufactures concrete blocks forthe construction industry andhas increasinglybecome synonymouswithefforts to enable the sector to reduce itscarbonfootprint viaits rangeofproducts
It haspreviouslybeenhighly commendedinthe NetZerocategory at theMidlandsConstructing Excellence awards forits workon Project80–ahousing development
in Birmingham that will be among the firsttomeetthe Future Homes Standard.The company, which hasbeencelebrating 50 yearsin business, works with some of the UK’s leadinghouse builders and construction companies. It hasexpanded considerably recently with extensiveinvestmentinits facilities andprocesses
SalesdirectorMartinFulwell said:“We have grownatafastpace and, whileweare pleasedwiththe
path we’reon, we haven’t lost sight of keepingour carbon footprintas lowaspossiblealong theway
“Wehaveinvested millionsinto thebusinesstoreduceour environmental impact andhaveadedicated sustainabledesignteamthatis helpingtoprove that traditional construction canstill be green.
“Weare delightedwiththe performance ofthe plant sofar.Weare predicting a65% reductioninCO2 emissionswhere thebiomass plant hasreplaced natural gasasthe primary fuel.Our fuel is classified as C Gradewaste wood whichisthe lowestgrade ofwaste wood available.
“There arelotsofcompanies in Telfordthatneed to disposeoftheir wood wasteand throughour plant, we arecreatingalocal chaintoensure itsre-use effectively in theproductionofenergy.”
Foundedin June 1972,and owned by Andrew Huxley,Besblockbegan producingconcretebuilding blocks at HalesfieldinTelford,which at thetimewas a fledglingnew town Thecompany became akey supply chainpartnerofthe TelfordDevelopment Corporation.
Asouth Shropshirebrewery has announced amajor expansionover theyearahead, potentiallydoublingcapacity.
Ludlow BrewingCompany recently addedkeg beerstoits productportfolio afterproducingcask ales sincethe company’sinception in 2006.Worktoinstall four new state-of-the-artbrewing tankshas begun, with thebrewery setting itssightsonlaunching its firstlagerbysummer
This month, asales manager hasbeenappointed to supportthe brewery’sgrowthplans.Current-
ly thebrewery,housedinarenovatedVictorian railwayshedin Ludlow,can produce25,000 pints perweek, around 1.3million pints annually
Expansionwillenablethe brewerytopotentially double itscapacity to 2.6million pintsper year
Head brewer Cody Palin, who hasbeenleading theproject,said that thenew system will maximise efficiency both in termsoflabour andenergy. He said:“This is our toppriority, as we’retryingour best to keep ourpricesaslow as we canfor customers. Expectedly
we’vehad to increase ourprices duetothe rising cost of energy Thecostofall of ourraw ingredients hasgone up 30-40% in 2022.”
Despite undeniably, andunprecedented, toughtrading times forbreweries,and theirbreadand-buttercustomers –publicans, 2022 wasa “good year”for Ludlow Brewery, so thereiscause foroptimism in theyearahead
“Fortunatelywe’dbeenplanning this expansionfor some time before Covidhit,so financiallywe were in agood position to begin theproject,” said Mr Palin.
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Journalist-ledcommunications consultancyBeBoldMedia is launchinga rangeofnew content, videoand socialmedia services afterinvesting morethan£100,000 in agrowthplanfor 2023
Thecompany,led by former ShropshireStarbusinesseditor AmyBould andthe Star’s former digitaleditorMarkWaugh,has alreadycreated threenew jobs at itsNewport base with afourth this month.And thedirectors say that despitechallenging economic conditions forbusinesses, demand forits strategicPR, contentand agilesocialcreationisdriving innovativewaysofdeliveringfor clients.
Managing director Amysaid: “Lastyearwas ayearofchange forBeBold. We movedintofantastic newofficesand broughtvid-
newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk
eo workin-housewhilesecuring greatnew talent to shapeour content marketingand socialmedia offertoclients We’rebuilding thebusinesswiththe help of two newseniorappointments– Jon Simcockisnow Be Bold’s head of strategiccommunicationsand PR managerMel Boulterbecameour head of operations anddigital
“Wealso wonsignificant contracts with national andregional organisations. Thegroundwork waslaidwitha£100,000 investment last year to launch newcontent marketingand socialmedia services in 2023 whichwill help support businesses navigating the economicdownturn.”
Oneofthe country’sleading driver trainingspecialists has experienced a‘manicyear’ –working flat outtodoits part in addressing thecountry’s continuing HGVdriver shortage
DulsonTraininghas opened twonew centresinShropshire, undergoneamajor management restructure, launched a completely newand innovative bespoketrainingprogramme andiscontinually adapting its services to ensure it keeps pace with an ever-increasingdemand.
This year is shapinguptobe
even busier.The companyprovidesall typesoftrainingatits centres, includingHGV,PCV, towing,driver CPC,forklift, FirstAid,and ADRcourses, and also takesits specialist expertise on theroadwithcertain courses beingavailable at client premises allover thecountry
SteveDulson, of DulsonTraining, said:“It hasbeenmanic,so much hashappenedbut Iamdelightedthatwehavebeenable to maintain thehighest quality of serviceand trainingprovision whichisalwaysexpected of us
“Wealwayshaveawatching briefonwhatwedoand how we do it andare quicktoadapt when necessary–itiswhatkeeps us aheadofthe game
“Thisapproachwill continue in 2023 with earlyindications alreadypointingtonolet-upinthe number of people signingupfor ourextensive rangeoftraining courses
“Weare runningfullyaccredited RTITBprogrammesevery week to deliver training and qualificationsonall themajor forklifttypes,” Mr Dulsonadded.
AShropshirebusinesssupplyingcheeseand dairyproductsto manufacturersand thefood service sector hashad anothergreat year,asthe doublingofcapacity at itsTelford production facility broughtbusinessdevelopment andarecord-breaking12months forturnover.
Bridge Cheese’smanagingdirector MichaelHarte said the completion of the firstphase of itslong-awaitedexpansion plans, whichincludedasecondproduction line andextra warehouse storageatthe headquarters in Stafford Park,had createdthe capacity forgrowth.
Mr Hartesaid: “Afterafew delays during Covid, we finallyadded ournew state-of-the-art cheese
formatting line.We’ve been able to launch twomajor newproduct linesfor thefood service andmanufacturing sectors in 2022 andincreasedour production of bespoke cheeses.”
Bridge Cheese’snextdevelopment plansincludea dedicated Research andDevelopment lab, newchangingrooms forstaff,an upgradetothe canteenand arevamp of reception.
Oneofthe leadingbuildingcontractors in Shropshireand MidWales has marked thestart of its 50th anniversaryyearby gainingthe prestigiousInvestorsinPeopleaccreditation.
Knockin-basedPaveAways has been awardedthe accolade forthe first time.Itrecognisesorganisations that arecommitted to thesupport anddevelopmentoftheir people as well as striving forcontinuousimprovement andhigh levelsofcustomerservice
Pave Awaysbegan in 1973 as a groundworks contractor andhas grownintoone of theregion’smost successfulprivately-owned construction firms.
It works on avariety of developmentsincluding newbuild andrefurbishment projects in sectorsincluding healthcare,education,manufacturing, commercialand residential Managing director Steven Owen said theInvestors in People title demonstratedits commitment to building asustainable future forthe business
MATTHEWPANTERmatthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk
“Wehavealwaysbeenclear that our best assetisour people andithas been aprioritytoprovide theframeworkfor theirdevelopment,” he said.“That has enabledustobuild on ourreputation establishedoverthe past 50 yearsand create asolid business with apositive future
“Wehavedeveloped astrong leadership teamwiththathomegrowntalent that will lead us into thenextchapter of thePaveAways story.”
Steven added: “Our team hasbeen oneofthe foundationsonwhich we have builtour business.Other keystones includeour commitmenttothe communitieswhere we live andwork–80 percentofour sub-contractorsand supplierscome from within a50-mile radius of ourprojects– andour support forgrass rootsorganisations
“Butwe’re not afraid to evolve and we adaptasweneed to do.We’ve developeda specialisminzeroand net carbon andPassivhausconstruction in recent years, as well as focusing on ourown carbon reductionplans so we canbuild agreener future foreveryone.”
An award-winningShropshirelaw firm is celebratingrecordturnover as it looksforward to anotherbig year
FBCManby Bowdler, whichhas officesinShrewsbury andTelford as well as around theWestMidlandsregion,turnedover arecord£13.6 million andadded30new membersof stafflastyear.
Managing director Neil Lloyd said: “Wehavehad agreat year,especially consideringthe difficulttradingconditionsatthe moment
“Novembersaw thehighest number of newenquiriesfor ourservicesfor twoyears, but2023won’t be without itschallenges.Weare aiming forfurther growth across allbusinessareas and, locally, plan to broadenthe servicesweoffer in Telford.”
Oneofthe region’s most established firmsofestateagents, valuersand charteredsurveyorshas rebrandedin amove that continuesthe company’s evolutionsince itsinception in 1862.
BowenSon &Watson, whichhas officesinEllesmere,Oswestry, Wrexham, Llangollen andChirk,will now simply be knownas Bowen.
Bowenbegan tradingasMessers Whitfield& Son, openingits firstoffice in Oswestry. Sinceits original incarnation, Bowenhas growntobecome one of themostrespected estate agents in theregion, with five offices and34staff coveringsix counties
TheBowen rebranding workand websitedesignwas executed by Shrewsbury-basedcreativeagency, TheCurious
Awedding andeventsvenue is anticipatinga hugely successful 2023 with datesquickly bookingupafterarecord-breakingengagementseason.
TheWroxeterboaststhree beautiful Shropshirevenuesideal forweddings, familyorworkparties,conferences andteambuildingevents –the hotel, Kata tipi,and barn andfarmatMorrellsWood Farm
Whilst allthree venues were popularchoices lastyear, theKatatipiwas really well received by guests,with many couplesoptingtoblendthe venue with alternativewedding packages Hannah Hall,ofThe Wroxeter,is alreadylooking forwardtoawonder-
fulyear, with many couplesalready booked to tiethe knot at one of the threevenues.
“Aftersuchafantastic summer last year,withour wildflowersmaking theirmuchanticipated appearance in June andJuly, we’reexcited to reach thosesummer monthswiththe wildflowers framingthe aisleatour woodland ceremony area expected to be morebeautiful than ever,” said Hannah.
“Wealso anticipate arise in the number of conferences, with companies lookingfor somethingthat’sa little bit differentfrompreviousaway days andevents.”
Weston Park –the stately home on theShropshire/ Staffordshireborder–goes into 2023 with a freshnew look afterundertakinga comprehensive brandre-positioning throughout 2022.
Thebusinesshas evolvedand changed dramatically in recent years with theestatenow delivering adiverse rangeofexperiences.
WorkingwithAlisonDuckworth from EponaMarketing, adestination marketingspecialist, theteamhas undertaken arootand branch exercise in fullyunderstanding the wide rangeof audiencesthatengagewiththe Weston Park product.
Weston Park marketingmanager
Andrea Webster said:“Ourproduct portfoliohas expanded in recent years andpost-Covidwewanted totruly understand what Weston Park is, what is stands forand how ourcustomers feel abouttheir experienceswithus.
“From enjoying lunchinthe Granary to celebratingmilestone events in theHouse –and everything in between.
“Wedidn’tinitially plan to undertake afullre-brand.
“But, as theproject developed, it became increasingly clearthata new brandmarkwould help reinforceour
MATTHEWPANTER matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.ukpositioningasadestination in itsown right.
“Wefeelthatthe newbrand mark will cement ourposition as an independentcharity with everypenny we make goingtowards preservingand maintainingthe estate forfuturegenerations to cherishand enjoy –justas we do today.
“Our newbrand showcases Weston Park as adistinctive,inclusive and welcomingdestination andhighlights ourextraordinary heritagecombined with aversatility to experience Weston Park –YourWay.”
Thenew brandmarkhas been rolled outacrossall digitalplatforms andwillcontinuein thenew year with thelaunchofthe newwebsite
Chiefexecutive ColinSweeney added:“We have hadasuccessful2022.
OurHouse events business hasbeen particularly strong seeing agreat post-Covid recoveryunder way.
“All otherareas of thebusinessare tradingwellabove 2019 levels andwe were delightedtowelcome newPark events to ourportfolio includingCamp Bestival Shropshire.
“I am confidentthatthe newbrandingwillmakeWestonParkmorewidely accessible to everyone,however they wish to enjoy theestate.”
Formoreinformation about everything that Weston Park hasto offervisit weston-park.com/
Thecompanywasfoundedin1845underthenameofHall, Wateridge and Owen. Having traded successfully forover 160 years, the present companytrades as ‘Halls’ and still offersthetraditionalandprofessionalserviceourreputation hasbeenbuilton.
We have alsoembraced the best modern technology has to offer,allowing us to provide afast,efficient service while retainingourhighlyprizedpersonaltouch.
Halls’ various departments arebased in 9regional offices in Bishops Castle, Ellesmere, Kidderminster,Oswestry, Shrewsbury, Welshpool, Whitchurch, ShrewsburyLivestock Centreand our ShrewsburyHead Office and Auction Sales Rooms.
Our highly experienced staff can adviseyou on awide varietyofissues related to the sale and purchaseof yourassets,sopleasedon’thesitatetogetintouch.
‘Duetoanunprecedenteddemandforplanningservices,Halls is expanding its already successful Planning Department
Having recently appointed Paul Watson as Senior Planning Consultant,the excellent results being achievedbythe department throughout the area is necessitating further expansionofthe‘PlanningTeam’.Hallshasbeensuccessful inawidevarietyofplanningapplicationswithsomenotable examplesdetailedbelow.
Halls Planning and Development was engaged by a developertoattainplanningpermissionfortheconstruction of acommercial building measuring 7,000 sqmcomprising 5x commercial units of B8 and Class EusesinaShropshire town,withtheaimofbringinggreateremploymentandlocal economicbenefitstothearea.
The challenges included the sitebeing is surrounded by a designated Conservation Area as well as severalGrade II ListedBuildings,possiblywithinanareaoflandcontamination, and whereparking provision maybeconstrained given existingusesonthesite,allofwhichwasconsideredduring thedesignphasepriortosubmissionoftheapplication.
The outcome was planning approval, though importantly, due to the work prior to submission and during the life of the application, the outcome was aso-called “shovelready”permission. This meant the landowner could get the permissionandstartworksstraightaway,withoutanyfurther time or cost with anyfurther applications to the Council to discharge “pre-commencement” planning conditions (as wouldbetypicalonlargerscaledevelopments).
Halls was engaged to supportinestablishing awedding venue by an experienced wedding planner.The applicants worked foramainstream hotelchain, and having gained plentyofexperience plus keen to provide employment opportunities in the same wayshe was when she started, decided to begin her entrepreneurial journey, supported by Halls. The chosen building was alarge residential dwellinghousewhich required afull planning application for achange of useovertoa Wedding Venue (sui generis use class).
Followingappraisalofthebenefitstoincludetheemployment opportunities,andsupportforthelocalsupplychaininterms of caterers,musicians and hotels/local accommodation for weddingpatronstostay,therewerealsochallenges.
The challenges included the design alterations and scope of worksfor the conversion and safeoperation of the building as aweddingvenue,plus considerations including the highways access, parking and frequencyof trafficmovements, afull independent noiseassessment with associated mitigations designed intothe proposals ensuring the operation is appropriatefor its surroundings, and supporting the Council with the information to makea fullyinformeddecision.
Following local opposition to the proposals, which were addressed in further submissions of information, the outcome was planning approval at Planning Committee subject to planning conditions regarding noise, biodiversity andlandscaping,plushighways.
Halls Planning and Development was engaged by afarm owner to supportthe diversification of the main agricultural business, and createsomethingdifferent which would be unique and attractiveto thearea, whilst alsosupporting employment and the local economy. Following the design considerations with the applicants, Hobbit homes was reached as the preferred option, and was one of the firstin theUK
Ideally located within the PowysCountryside,therewere challenges including the design and layouts of thehobbit homeswithinthesitetopography,biodiversityconsiderations and assessments, highways analysis, and providing the drainagedetailsandinformationwhichensuresthepreferred drainage solution is notcapable of an effect upon the River WyeSpecialAreaofConservation.
Theoutcomewasplanningapprovalfor7xhobbithomesat thesite,deliveringsignificantvalueforthelandowneraswell as the wider communityattracting tourism and associated economicbenefitstolocalbusinessesinruralPowys.
We have acomprehensiveknowledge of ourmarkets developed overmanyyearsoperating in this sector.Our service is forwardthinking,personal and professional, designedtoachievethebestresultsforourclientswhatever theirrequirements.
Although we operate nationwide,weretain aparticular emphasis on the Midlands and canadviseoncommercial propertysales,lettings,valuationsandmanagement
We also adviseonplanning,development and investment matters, acquisitions, dilapidations and asset management issues.
FormerGreenhousCarShowroom,OldPottsWay, Shrewsbury,Shropshire,SY37ET
Prominently located former carshowroom suitable for avarietyofcommercial and roadside uses (subject to statutoryconsents)
Rare opportunity to let a prominently situated high quality former carshowroom fronting ontoone of themain arterial roadsintoShrewsburyTownCentre
Availableasawholeorinpart
TotalGrossInternalFloorAreaofapproximately33,420ftsq (3,109msq)inclusiveofallthemezzanineareas
Sitefrontageofapproximately75metresontoOldPottsWay and aTotal SiteAreaofthe whole siteofapproximately 1.2 hectares(3acres)
Suitableforavarietyofroadside/leisureandretailshowroom uses(subjecttothereceiptofstatutoryconsents)
Formoredetails,pleasecontactHallsCommercial departmenton01743450700
Halls Rural Professional team has been trusted to provide independentandexpertadviceonallmattersrelatingtothe agricultural industrysince 1845. Our client baseincludes privateindividuals, limited companies, public bodies, institutionsandcharities.
We arenow fullywithin the “Agricultural Transition Period”. By the end of 2023, all Basic Payment Scheme payments will have reduced by at least 35%, with the money(over £700m) being redirected to deliver other schemes that focus on sustainable farming practices and improving the environment,productivity,efficiencyandanimalwelfare.
2023 will alsobethe final year of BPS entitlements, with all paymentsbeingde-linkedfromlandfrom2024onwards.
Our Rural Professionals canhelp youplough through this timeofchangeanduncertaintyandsupportyouinnavigating your waythrough the existing and newfarming support schemes that areavailable,whether as one-off grants for projectsorlonger-termstewardshipschemes.
DEFRAhasrecentlyandquiterightlyannouncedanincrease inpaymentratesforbothannualrevenueoptionsandcapital itemswithinCountrysideStewardshipwhichwearesurewill maketheschememoreappealing
The Sustainable Farming Incentive(SFI)isalsoavailable to help deliver on-farm environmental benefits and we will see moregrantsandschemesemergeastheyearmoveson. GetintouchwiththeHallsRuralProfessionalteamfor moreinformationandsupporton01743450700
Shrewsbury-basedIron&Fire
Coffee enjoyed significant growth in 2022,and 2023 looksset to be equallyassuccessful.
Having launched TheHatch coffeeshopalongside Shrewsbury Station during thepandemic, areturn to commutingand increasedvisitor numberssaw footfall more than doubleinthe spring as remaining restrictions lifted.Thissuccess continued andculminatedinNovemberwiththe teamexpanding its rangeofproductsavailable to buy direct from TheHatch
KevBurrows,DirectoratIron& Fire,said: “Duringthe pandemic, ourdirect-to-consumersubscription coffee business boomed. People desiredquality coffeeat home even if they couldn’t go outand this has remained strong since.
“Not only hasthe subscription business continuedto flourish –it’s nowthree timesthe size it wasbefore Covid–but interest in getting thebestfroma coffee hasincreased too. Visitors to TheHatch now ask foradviceonthe best machines and accessoriestouse at home whichis whywedecidedtomakeour range of Sage coffee machinesand peripheralsavailable to buyonsite.”
Iron &Firesupportsits trade customers by supplyingnot only coffee,but also equipment,machineservicing,and baristatraining. This trainingisalso available to consumers. Increasedinterest hasled Iron &Firetorelaunchits training offeronsiteatits roastery facility in Shrewsbury.
AndRichard Sheehan, chief executiveofShropshireChamber of Commerce,isinnodoubt thosein theregionwill shinethrough
“There’s no doubtingthe next fewmonthswillcome with ahealth warning,”hesaid. “The past few weekshavepresented yetmore challenges forbusinesses.Intimes of challenge, though,history shows businesses always shinethrough with theirinnovationand agility
“Theyalso seegreat valuein beingpartofcommunity,sharing ideasand advice,and learning best practice from each other. As we said at ourannualmeeting recently,together we arestronger,and therole of Shropshire ChamberofCommerceistoconnect,support and enable businesses to thrive
“We’ve seen asharp rise in numbers attendingour events andwe want to buildonthatmomentum.”
MorrisPropertysaysitiscommittedtoproviding staffwellbeing andmentalhealthsupport to ensure itssites andteams areprotected,informedand safe ThePropertyteamisworking with Shropshire Mental Health
Shrewsbury Tel: 01743 241281 Telford Tel: 01952 216100
E: info@dykeyaxley.co.uk www.dykeyaxley.co.uk
Supportcharity (SMHS) andThe Lighthouse Construction Industry charity. In addition to numerous fundraisingactivitiesfor SMHS –frombaking cakes, dressdown Fridaysand discoveringtheir innerelvesfor National ElfDay
–someofthe team have recently been welcomingthe charity’snew WellbeingBus to threeoftheir construction sites.
MorrisPropertyhas also recently introducedanEmployeeAssistanceProgramme
StaffataShropshireaccountancy firm have welcomeda newdirectorto theteamattheir head office in Shrewsbury.
Audrey Williamshas joined Dyke Yaxley Chartered Accountantsand brings with hermanyyears of industryexperience. Sherelocated to ShropshirefromGlasgow after finishing university andbegan heraccountancy career in Telford, whereshe gained her Association of CharteredCertified Accountants qualifications.
Audrey workedfor anumberof smallaccountancy firmsinShropshire before becoming apartnerina firm basedinBridgnorth whereshe worked with agricultureclients andcommercialbusinesses. At Dyke Yaxley,she will be advising awiderange of clients, incorporatinglimitedcompanies,partnerships andindividuals,todeliver business andtaxationadvice.
“I am so excitedtojoinacompany likeDykeYaxleythatisrenownedfor itshighlevelsofcustomerservice and whichhas such awell-deserved reputation forits effectiveand knowledgeable advice,” said Audrey.“I’mlooking forward to helpingour clientstoachieve theirgoals andtoworking with colleagueswho have alreadymademefeel part of theirclose-knitteam.”
Part of Audrey’s newrolewill also includementoring membersofher team andhelping them to develop their skills. Dyke Yaxley managing director MarieBramwellsaidAudrey’sexperienceand industry knowledge made her agenuine assettothe company’sgrowingworkforce
“We’re delightedtohaveAudreyon board, andwe’re sureher skillswill prove invaluable when it comesto working closelywithour varied portfolioofclients,”she said
Battle-hardenedbusinesses in Shropshireare ‘rolling up theirsleeves in readiness’ forthe challenges of 2023.AudreyWilliams andMarieBramwell Maree Cottrell,Shropshire MHS, with site managerLee Evason andcontractorsatHortonwood West, Telford
Businesses in Shropshireare beingurged to discover fundingoptions available to them as the cost of tradingcontinuestorise.
As theUKheadsintorecession, theMarches Growth Hubisurgingstart-ups, sole tradersand establishedbusinesses to investigate supportonoffer to help them survive andthrive.
TheMarches Growth Hubisthe business supportservice of the Marches LocalEnterprise Partnership.The hubboaststhe region’s largestsearchabledirectory of business supportvia themarchesgrowthhub.co.ukand works with localauthority teams in Shropshire andTelford &Wrekintodeliver direct help to businesses on the ground
Businesses supported in 2022 includeBridgnorth’s WormSoil and Telfordstart-upMassTechSolutions.
Luke andSteph Boxall launched theirWormSoilbusiness–thought to be theonlyone of itskindinthe UK –froma smallholding,selling sellsbags of natural, eco-friendly fertiliserand soil improver producedbyaround100,000 worms from theirfour-acreplot AndLukesaysthe business would neverhavegot offthe ground withoutthe help of theMarches Growth Hub–the business supportservice of theMarches LocalEnterprise Partnership.
Luke said:“Iwill be eternally grateful fordiscoveringthe Marches Growth HubwhenIdid –liter-
TheMarches LocalEnterprise Partnershipcontinued to deliverrealresults forthe region throughout2022– despitea challengingbackground.
Andthe LEP–and itsbusiness supportarm TheMarches Growth Hub–saysitwillwork alongsidethe wholebusiness communitythroughout2023to help shapefutureinvestment plansfor theregion.
TheLEP hasnow invested more than £196million across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford&Wrekinasitdelivers on arange of programmes from skillstoenergyaswellasofferinga comprehensivebusiness supportservice
Both theLEP andthe growth hubwereworking againstthe backdrop of aGovernmentreview into theirfuture, as well as ayearofpolitical andeconomic turmoilnationally.
Despite this, thepartnership celebrated thereopening of the Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings aftera£28millioneight-year restorationand sawNewport’s innovativeNi.PARK welcome its firstbusinesses.
ally everypiece of advice andsupport that hasenabled Worm Soil to launch is becauseofthisincredible service.”
Nathan Farlow started MassTech Solutionsafterbeing made redundant. Thestart-upspecialises in themanufacture of precision-engineered components forscientific instrumentsand equipment.The companyrecentlyreceived£7,200 Business Growth Programme2 (BGP2) grantsupport to purchase capitalequipment.
He added: “I heardabout the fundingfromthe MarchesGrowth Hub, so Icontacted them directly andtheyput me in touchwithEnterprise Telford. We beganthe process of goingthrough ourrequirements, what we needed fundingfor, whichthenled us to theBGP
“Further supportIreceivedfrom theMarches Growth Hubwas via aStepUpprogramme with Good 2 Great. Pre-start-up,itwas weekly sessionsofbusiness mentoring. I foundthatextremely useful,espe-
ciallywhileIwas goingthrough the processofinitiatingthe business
“Myadvicefor companieslookingfor additional supportis, get in touchwiththe Marches Growth Hub, look at what’s availableand take whatever help is availableto you.Atthe endofthe day, it’s going to help thebusiness.”
TheMarches Growth Huboffers FREE supportand guidance to businesses.Visitmarchesgrowthhub.co.ukorcontact enquiries@ marchesgrowthhub.co.uk
Telfordrenewable energy andbattery specialist AceOn hasenjoyed itsbestyearever with amassive 60 percentincreaseinturnover over thepast12months.
Therecord-breakingyearhas seen thecompany growingonall fronts –including aseven-figure increase in thevalue of itsexports
AceOn GroupmanagingdirectorMarkThompsonsaid2023 wouldbethe Year of theBattery as demandsoaredfor renewable andenergystorage technologyin thefaceofthe growingclimate and energy crisis
AndhesaidAceOn hadits sights setonfurther growth as it remained at thecutting edge of developing newgreen technology.
“Following Russia’s invasion of UkraineinFebruary, whichleft energy marketsinturmoiland gasand electricitypricesreaching all-time highs, interest in renewableenergygenerationand battery
storagehas grownmassively,” said Mark.“It presentsa more affordable– andgreen –way forbusinesses to powertheir operations.It’sa greatsolutionfor homeowners and socialhousing too, wherefuelpov-
erty is on theincrease.”
Whilethe roll outofthe company’s commercialbattery storage offerand anew partnershipwith RebelEnergytoprovide solarand batterystorage to socialhousing
providerscontributed to itssuccess in 2022,Marksaidthe export success wasparticularlypleasing.
He said:“We’vebeentryingto crackthe export market forsome time and2022was theyearitreally took offfor us.The ‘Madein Britain’ labelisstill arecognised sign of qualityand we’vebeen able to leverageour reputation as aBritishmanufacturertosecure some big ordersand aseven-figure increase in thevalue of ourexports business in 2022
“Wewereevenselected as a Regional ExportChampionby theDepartmentfor International Trade(DIT) to shareour experienceswithother Midlands’business,which is ahugecompliment.”
Behind AceOn’s success is a growingteam, basedatthe company’s head office.Overthe last year, theworkforce has increasedby10 percentpluswithhigh profile appointments acrossthe board.
Otherhighlights included £14million of investmentinto sixkey projects to improve town centres, tackle fuel poverty, boostthe environmentand help developanew world-leadingengineeringcampusfor NMITE in Herefordshirethrough theGetting Building Fund.
In addition,morethan15,000 businesses were supported through theMarches Growth Huband anew £4million energy fund launched to help releasecapacity onto theenergygrid, support businesses to reduce their energy useand increase green skills. It included thelaunchof the£1.5million Marches Energy Granttohelpbusinessescut energy costsand emissions.
ThepioneeringTelford Land Deal– apartnership between theLEP,HomesEngland and Telford&WrekinCouncil –continuedtocreatenew opportunitiesand hasnow delivered grosslandsales of £41.9million, supporting thecreationof1,926 newjobsand 1,284 newhomes, over thepastseven years.
TheMileEnd roundabout in Oswestry opened as part of a £17.7million projectsupported by £5.7millionofLEP investment to ease congestion,improve thegatewaytothe town andopenupcommercialland for655 homesand thedevelopment of Oswestry Innovation Park,creating128 newjobs.
Chiefexecutive Rachel Laver said:“These resultsspeak for themselves.Despite thechallenges,the LEPhas delivered real success forShropshireand thewider region over thelast 12 months– andwill continue to do so over thenextyear. We arecommitted to working with –and for– ourentirebusiness community.”
Forfurther details, go to marcheslep.org.uk
AceOn’sAlexand Mark Thompson andRichard Partington Luke andSteph Boxall launched theirWorm Soilbusiness with supportfromthe Marches Growth HubAhoney brandcreated in Newtown hasbeenawarded BCorp status
Hilltop has been given B Corp Certification,which is a qualification whichrequires a review of abusiness’ socialand environmentalperformance,accountability andtransparency.
It is basedonavisionofcreatingacommunity of for-profit companiescommitted to redefining success in business
Sincelaunching in 2011,Hilltophas been on amission not just to make award-winning honeybut to do it sustainably andsafeguard thefutureand development of thebusinessand thepeopletheyemploy.
ScottDavies, Managing Director at Hilltop,said: “Being awardedwithour BCorpstatusunderlinesour long-term commitmenttobeing aforce for goodand notjustabout profit.
“We’re incredibly proudof what Hilltop hasachievedin ourjourney so farand we promise to keep doingour part to continue beinga forcefor good andmakeameaningfulimpact in theindustry.”
BCorporations(or BCorps) arebusinesses verified to high standardsofsocialand environmental performance, transparency andaccountability
Keepingveterinary surgeryin general practice wassurgicalmentors MSMVets’ focuswhenitlaunched in 2022 –and 2023 will be no different
Thebusinesswas foundedby multi-award-winningsurgeons, Robert Hamilton andRyanDavis, on NewYear’sDay last year.Since then,ithas movedintonew headquarters, visitedveterinary practicesacrossthe country, and, more recently,playedits part in performinglife-saving surgeryona homeless dogfound in Herefordshire.
Thecommitmentofthe co-founderswillcarry on in 2023 with intentions to expandthe team and continue mentoringservicesto veterinary surgeons andnurses in Shropshire andbeyond.
Robert said:“It’s been an incredibleyearfor MSMVets. We launched in 2022 hoping to improve thesurgicalknowledge andskillsofvets andveterinarynurses in independentpractices,and Ibelieve we’ve achieved that goal
“Over thepastyearwehave workedwithnumerousvetsin Telfordand Shropshire, as well as thosefurther afield. Most practices intended to useusoncefor our training,but many keptusasmentors andwenow visitperiodically.”
In itssecondyear, MSMVets hopes to grow itsteamaswellasits surgical mentoringand trainingofferingsinShropshire.
Award-winningdigital marketing companyAscendancyiscelebratinganother successfulyearwhich hasseenthe officialopening of new officesand ateamexpansion
TheNewport-based company hasalso seen agrowthinbusiness as it continuestoplaya leadingrole in supporting firmsofall sizesto buildtheir business
Ascendancy director HelenCul-
shaw said:“Ascendancy marked 18 yearsinbusinessin2022and I couldn’t be more pleasedwiththe progressionofthe company. Alot hashappenedduringthe year but ourgoalas always is to maintain thehighest levelofservice andsupport to clients.
“Our client-basehas continued to increase andwehavealso hosted aseriesofsuccessfulwebinars
to supporte-commercebusinesses across theUKas firmslookto developand improve theire-commerceoffering.
“Weofficiallyopenedour newly-refurbished offices, with Newport MayorIan Perrycutting the ribbon.Itwas aproud dayaswe invitedclients, suppliersand local guests to join theteaminsidethe companybaseatChetwyndEnd
“The business hastaken on threeapprentices over thelastyear –partofour ongoingcommitment to providetrainingand placement opportunitiesfor youngpeople.
“Weweredelightedduringthe summer to celebratethe double achievementoftwo theteampickinguptheir degreesata graduation ceremony in London,” Helen added.
Athriving firm of Shropshirearchitectsislookingforward to celebratingits 20th anniversary in 2023 as it enjoys ongoinggrowthinthe face of recent economic challenges.
Having started offasteamoftwo in Shifnalin 2003,BaseArchitects hasgrown into apracticeofnineteen working acrossits officesin Shrewsbury,Chester andConwy andisnow aleading playerin architecture andplanningacrossthe region
The firm haswitnessed significant growth in itscommercialarm sinceitlaunchedits free feasibility servicefor developers last January, seeing itsshare of workinthe commercialsectorgrowto44% of the firm’s totalworkin2022, further expandingits networkofprivate andcommercialclients.The service,which helpscommercialclients maximise theirreturn-on-investment,has proven popularoverthe past year andworkhas continuedto roll in forthe firm despitethe more recent challenges posedbyrising energy prices andinflation.
In October2022, Base Architects also managed to achievesomething that many architecturalpractices canonlydream of by successfully gainingthe full supportofthe planners at ShropshireCouncil who
gave them planning permission for arare‘Paragraph80’ GrandDesignshome in thecountryside near Pitchford.
Managing Director HarryReece said Base’s establishedreputation andexperienceinthe commercial andresidential sectors, together with itsin-houseplanningexpertise,meant developers andhome-
owners hadthe confidencein them to make themostofthe opportunities presented by each andevery project.
Harryadded: “Reputationis everything forusand we arevery much lookingforward to our20th birthday year andgetting our teethintoarange of exciting new projects.Clients look foraproven
track-record andreliability in their chosenarchitect andgetting aParagraph 80 newbuild acrossthe line hasfurther increasedour clients’ confidencein us
“We’ve seen a flurry of newenquiriesfor this type of buildand we now have several other‘Grand Designs’schemes in thepipelinefor 2023”.
AthrivingShropshirefreightbusiness is lookingahead to 2023 with planstohelpeven more smalland medium-sized businesses to grow theirexporttrade
Telford-basedGlobalFreight enjoyedabumper2022despite the ongoingglobalchallenges created by Brexit,Covid,supplychain issues causedbythe warinUkraine, driver shortagesinthe haulageindustry as well as thecostofliving crisis
Managing director Anton Gunter said:“Whilst some businesses undoubtedly steeredaway from pushingforward with their import andexportplansin2022,
GlobalFreight hashad abusyyear andislooking to moresuccess over thenext12months.
“I thinkmorebusinesses will be lookingtopushintonew markets andgrowtheir export andimport tradethisyearas thecountry tries to getbackontrack afterthe uncertaintyofrecent months.”
“The signsare good foranimprovementintrading conditions this year.”
On theGlobalFreight agenda forthisyearisanexcitingplanfor anew expert advice portal,which
will provideadditionalsupport for smallerbusinesses trying to get startedinexportand import
Thenew portal is duetolaunch by earlyspring, andwill be aonestop advice centre forthose who areinvolvedinimportand export business
Themainaim is to make international trade easy forsmall to medium-sized businesses –the advice andinformation will be easily accessible andcovera rangeoftopicsand issues
Formoreinformation about GlobalFreight or foradviceon importingorexporting, visittheir websiteglobal-freight.co.uk/
HarryReece says that reputation is everything forBaseArchitectsasitprepares to celebrate20years AntonGunter at GlobalFreight
MATTHEWPANTER
matthew.panter@mnamedia.co.uk
heart of Shrewsbury is settohost afullcalendarofeventsin 2023,attractingthousands of visitors to thetown.
TheannualShropshireCounty Show,ShrewsburyFolkFestivaland Camp Severnwill be back–along with awidevariety of entertainmentthat will be held at theShropshireand West Midlands Agricultural Society’sshowground in BerwickRoad
TheShropshireand West Midlands AgriculturalSocietyhas playedaleadingroleinthe development of agriculture andthe ruraleconomy in Shropshireand thewider region forover a centurysince itsformation in 1875
It continuestosupport therural communitywith five charityshops raisingfunds acrossShropshireand regulardonations to ruralprojectsand theShropshireYoung FarmersFederation.
TheSocietyisnow seekingbusinesses to take advantageofsponsorship opportunitiesasitanticipates arecord-breakingyear.
CEO IanBebbingtonsaid: “We know many businesses have struggled afteradifficulteconomicyear butthe eagernessfor events like the county show to continue,and thesupport we’vereceived over thepastfew months, show us how much ourlocal
communityisbehindus, andfor that we areextremely grateful
“Thisyearthere area number of ways in whichlocal businesses canget involved with theshowgroundand its events, such as oursponsorshipopportunitiesorsigning up to become a member of theShropshireand West Midlands Agricultural Society.”
Packages includesponsoring parts of theshowground,orspecificevents hosted by thesociety,and includeVIP ticketstoeventsaswellascompany branding andPRopportunities.
Formoreinformation aboutsponsorship, emailadmin@westmidshowground.com or call 01743289831.
Thursday
By kind instruction of DJDigwood and Sons followingthe partnership dissolution
SATURDAY4TH FEBRUARY 2023 AT 10:30AM AT NEW BUILDINGS,MORVILLE, BRIDGNORTH, WV16 4RL
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Chapel Down,England’s largestwinemaker,saw salesrise 7% last year
Revenue grew from £16.6million in 2021 to £17.7m.There wasstrong growth in traditional method sparkling wine sales revenue,up53% on 2021.Arecord 790,000bottles were sold Off-traderevenue wasup 9% despitereduced availability of still winesfollowing thechallenging2021harvest
Audioboom, theglobal podcast company, sawrevenue rise 25% to £60.8 million in 2022
Adjusted earnings before tax were up 16%on2021to£2.9m
Chiefexecutive Stuart Last said:“2022 wasayearofsignificant cashgeneration, profit, and 25%revenue growth forAudioboom.Onpaper averysuccessfulperiod, butour performance wasrestricted by global economic headwinds.”
Fashionbrand Sosandar has teamedupwithSainsbury’s to sell acurated collection of its products through thesupermarket,which will includeits first in-store presence.
Thetie-upwill seea range from Sosandar sold through Sainsbury’sthisyear, initially online only,withselected stores plannedlater this year as the supermarket increasesits collaborationswithfashion brands
Pubgroup said salesoverthe festive period fell 5% compared with pre-pandemic
Pubgroup Fuller’s has warned overannual earnings aftertrain strikes left it nursinga saleshit of around £4 millionand impactedits festive trading.
Thegroup said salesinthe four weeksover Christmasand newyear fell 5% compared with thesameperiod in 2019 before thepandemic struck
It blamed thedroponthe train strikesinthe lead-uptoChristmas
It said that,sincethe startofOctober, industrial action hasreduced itssales by some £4 millionand addedthe “consequent impact on profitability meansthatwenow expect to report earnings belowmarket expectations forthe full year”.
SimonEmeny,chief executiveof Fuller’s,saiditwas “frustrating that thetrain strikeshaveset back ourreported salesand earnings”.
He said:“Whileongoing strike action will dampen sales, demand from customersremains good and we areoptimisticthat2023will deliver furthersales growth through abusycalendarofevents, andas
JOHN CORSER john.corser@mnamedia.co.ukoffice workers andtouristscontinue to return to thecapital.”
Thegroup said on an underlying basis, like-for-likesales in the43 weekstoJanuary 21 were at 97%of thelevel of thoseseenin2019-20, butup20% year-on-year
Pubs andrestaurants were hit hard by thetrain strikesthroughoutDecember,impactingdemand in thecrucialChristmas period and seeing swathesoffestive parties cancelled. Thesectorisalsounderpressuredue to soaringenergy bills, costsand wage demands.
Mr Emenysaid: “Weare operatinginahigh inflationenvironment andthatcontinues to impact our operatingcosts andmargins
“Whilesome of thesecosts may be temporaryinnature, others –such as thenationallivingwage increase– aremorepermanent and we arefocusedontakingactionto mitigatethese costswherever we can. Although strike action andthe cost-of-living crisiscreateshortterm hurdlestoour post-pandemic recovery, we remain confident.”
BalfourBeattyhas been awarded a£1.2billion contract by National Highways to deliverthe Roads Northofthe Thames package. It will create anew connection underthe River Thames to increase capacity andeasecongestion in theSouth of England.
BalfourBeattywill be responsiblefor thedesignand delivery of more than10miles of new
highways,connectingthe M25at Junction 29 andthe A13withthe LowerThamesCrossing tunnel at Tilbury,Essex
LeoQuinn,group chiefexecutiveofBalfour Beatty,said: “Our deep domain knowledgeand long-standinghistory in complex road construction makesusideally positioned to deliverthisproject to thehigheststandard.”
ledthe wayasLondonstocks pickedup wheretheyleftoff on Friday with modest gains.
Europeantechstockswere boostedbypositivityinSilicon Valley whiletraders were also more broadlyupbeatamidupward pressureonoil andgas prices helpingsupport oiland commodity firms.
TheFTSE100 finished the dayup14.08 points, or 0.18%, at 7,784.6. TheDax improved 0.46%bythe endofthe session, andthe French Cac finished 0.52%higher
TheUSmarketswerebroadly higher on theopening bellasa result of thetechbounce, having seen valuations forfast-growing tech firmscome underheavy scrutiny in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, sterling started offonthe frontfootbut sank during thesession amid trepidation as to whetherthe Bank of England is still likelytoconfirm a0.5 percentage pointincrease to interest ratesnextweek.
In companynews, cinema groupEverymanmadestrong gainsafteritrevealedrocketingprofits despiteaslowdown in film production over the past year.The companyclosed 7.5p higher at 93.5p as it said earnings were aheadofmarket expectations in theyeartoDecember 29
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