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www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Foreword
Chamber Conference celebrates 110 year anniversary
CONTENTS November/December 2013 Chamber News Service of the Month
4-19 6
Events International Trade CWT Business Support Legal & Finance Policy Conference Property
8-9 12-13 14 15 16-17 18 20-21 22-23
Dear Member, I would like to begin this column by reflecting on the Chamber’s Annual Economic Conference, on 4th October, and by saying a huge thank you, once again, to all of you who attended. The room was packed with more than three hundred leaders from business and partner organisations. A heartfelt thank you goes to our speakers, notably our keynote speaker Sir Peter Rigby, and also to our great sponsors, Santander, Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Hot Dog Presentations. Also a thank you to our host, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of the British chambers of Commerce. Those that attended will have noticed that the Chamber was also celebrating its 110 Years Anniversary and published a special anniversary brochure offering some amazing facts and insight into the history of the area and its Chamber. As we approach Christmas (where does time go?) it is pleasing to see that business confidence is relatively robust, unemployment in this area is falling and, overall, sales, exports and forward orders are looking promising. Please remember that if you are business needing support and/or a business aspiring to growth and need to discuss your growth plans, or your access to finance needs, then please do get in touch with us on 02476 654321. Your Chamber of Commerce has, of late, been working for the Local Enterprise Partnership and alongside its partners to develop what is called a City Deal proposition around the launch of a ‘Hub’ which will focus on working with and supporting advanced manufacturing and
engineering companies. I think we would all agree that Coventry and Warwickshire is world-class in terms of its advanced manufacturing, engineering and design sectors and by further growing these specialisms we can create the sort of wealth that will benefit the overall local economy and many other businesses and individuals within it. To ensure that all businesses can access advice and support (not just the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector), your Chamber of Commerce will soon be seeking to enhance its own resource, so that the Chamber can be wholly available to all businesses who need to talk-to a single point of contact - a ‘sign-post‘ service to direct you to who can help with your need Of course, in addition to sign-posting, Chamber Members receive in-depth support and advice and a massive array of networking and business-to-business opportunities. You will see in this edition of CW in Business that some of our Members have been selected as regional finalists in the British Chambers of Commerce Annual Business Awards. Congratulations to Pailton Engineering, Ricoh Arena, SGI and Peter O’Brien of O’Brien Contractors. Can I take this opportunity to welcome your new President of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Mr Peter Burns MBE. Peter took up his role as President on 4th October and is looking forward to working with us, and for you, over the next two years. Finally, I must wish you all a wonderful Christmas. I hope business is good and life is good. Kindest regards Louise
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Around the Region 24-31 Business Direct 34-41 President & People 44-45 Chamber Events Diary 45 New Members 46
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Chamber News
CONTACTS At the Chamber
News desk
Members are encouraged to send any news about their firm – new orders, staff, new products, expansions or relocations – for publication in C&W in business. Whilst every effort will be made to publish submitted articles, we cannot guarantee inclusion. Send them to: news@cw-chamber.co.uk Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Chamber House Innovation Village Cheetah Road Coventry CV1 2TL T: 024 76 65 4371 F: 024 76 45 0242
Calling all future engineers! Local businesses are encouraged to spread the word about a Taster Event on Saturday 23 November for The WMG Academy for Young Engineers, a brand new school for 14-19 year olds. A bit like an open day, prospective students and parents/carers can come along to our Taster Event to find out more about the new school, meet the Principal and some of the businesses like Jaguar Land Rover and Prodrive who they will get a chance to work with at the Academy.
There will be some exciting interactive exhibitions from our partner companies, and a chance to take a look behind the scenes at WMG – part of the University of Warwick - and see what the student researchers and academics are working on. There’ll also be a chance to experience a lesson WMG Academy-style, and find out how different learning will be at the Academy compared to other schools. Designed to embed business within education, the WMG Academy will work alongside a range of employer partners to
Green Building Skills Initiative on the cards A new national database of green building skills could be established after a group of regional construction figures met Cabinet Minister Vince Cable. They met the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills to explain the development of two Eco Houses in Coventry and what has been learned from their creation.
At the publishers
Benham Publishing Limited 4th Floor, Orleans House Edmund Street Liverpool L3 9NG 0151 236 4141
Advertising Contact Alison Seymour alison@benhampublishing.com 07841 115444 Media Number 1346 C&W in Business is produced on behalf of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce by Benham Publishing Limited and is distributed to members free of charge. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in C&W in Business, neither Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, nor the publisher can accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies it contains. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Chamber. C&W in Business is printed and distributed by Headley Brothers Limited
The official publication of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce 4
help students develop a range of employability and engineering skills – helping to bridge the skills gap and encourage the next generation of engineers. Students from Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull going into Year 10 or Year 12 in 2014 will all be eligible to apply for a place at the WMG Academy. To register for the event or find out more about the WMG Academy visit: www.wmgacademy.org.uk.
Pictured left to right: Angela Tellyn (Chamber), Vince Cable, Peter Deeley (Deeley Group), Nigel Robinson (FORCE).
The two properties in Canley have been built for Orbit Homes as a test bed and showcase for the design, build and operation of energy efficient, low carbon homes. Both are being built to Passivhaus standard, which is the world-leading building benchmark in energy efficient construction, combining comfort and affordability with high ecological credentials, but one of the houses will also meet Level 6 criteria – the most demanding level of the Government’s Code for Sustainable Homes. But the group – which met under the auspices of FORCE (Forum for Constructing Excellence) – warned Cable that skills developed by individuals and firms working on the project could be lost unless the Government takes action. Nigel Robinson, the chair of FORCE, said: “One of the driving forces behind this project was to hone the skills of contractors and sub-contractors working on the project so that they could become leading practitioners in this type of eco building. “The main contractor, Beattie Passive, has worked extremely closely with Orbit and FORCE to ensure that the project helps to build the capability of local firms working on it. “But there is a fear that this skill base is not being captured and when similar developments start across the country the developers will not have knowledge of the skilled people who have helped
this to be such an important project. “The UK has been behind many of its European counterparts in the construction of low carbon and carbon neutral homes, and the Coventry Eco House project has been a landmark in proving that we can develop the necessary skills. “But it would be a crying shame if those skills are not then fully utilised on projects across the country.” Mr Cable, who also heard about other construction industry issues from the group, has promised to look into
establishing an eco-construction version of the Engineering Council’s register of technicians. The meeting was organised by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and was held at the headquarters of the Deeley Group, a leading development and construction firm. Angela Tellyn, of the Chamber, said: “The minister wanted to hear directly from people who are working on the project, from Beattie Passive to tradespeople. “It was obvious that he was impressed by what has been created here in Coventry from the support of Coventry City Council, the involvement and backing of Orbit Homes and the partnership approach to developing capabilities. “Energy and fuel efficiency is something that is only going to continue to become more important both to individual households but also Government policy. “The group could demonstrate what can be done with the right backing and determination, but underlined how important it is that the intelligence gained through the project should be captured for the good of the industry as a whole. “We will be working now with the relevant Government departments to see if a register of eco building skills capability can be developed.”
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Chamber News
Export Week 2013 Coventry and Warwickshire businesses are being encouraged to explore their export potential during Export Week 2013 - part of a campaign to get more companies in the West Midlands involved in International Trade. UK Trade & Investment has teamed up with partners and business organisations to organise a series of events across
Warwickshire and the West Midlands between 11 and 15th November as part of “Export Week 2013”. During the week businesses will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of export focused events including “Explore Export” where trade advisers from over 50 international markets will be available to discuss export opportunities with UK firms.
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Other highlights of the week include master classes on Language and Cultural Awareness and International Marketing, as well as country-specific seminars on opportunities in high growth markets such as Brazil and Mongolia. For full details of all the events available and information on how to register please visit www.exportweek.ukti.gov.uk. Mark Ashfield
‘Cloud’ accounting offers a silver lining If you’ve been using your current accounting software for some time, you may be wondering if there’s anything out there that offers you an easier, more efficient way of working. The good news is that there is an alternative and you’ll find it “in the cloud”. Put simply, cloud accounting involves using services delivered entirely over the internet, with the applications involved hosted online. For businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), cloud accounting offers real advantages. They don’t need to invest in or install software on their computers and can reduce hardware upgrading needs, because web-based services are available even to older computers. HB&O director Mark Ashfield said: “We have particular expertise in cloud accounting, which is a safe, secure way of working that offers benefits including: • you can view your financial records from anywhere with internet access • no upfront costs – you pay a low monthly subscription • easy transfer of information from your bank • real time information on cash flow • automatic invoicing • no software updates to worry about • we can also have access to your accounts, so we can keep your records under review or view them at the same time if you have a query or problem. “At HB&O, we are experts in all the market leading cloud software solutions, including IRIS OpenBooks, powered by FreeAgent, Xero and Sage. “These systems bring all a business’s finances together in one place, yet are easy to use and all data entered is stored at the very highest security levels. “To help businesses see for themselves the benefits of cloud accounting, we are offering them a free review of their current software, along with advice on the best solution for their business.”
Please visit www.hboltd.co.uk for more information. www.cw-chamber.co.uk
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Service of the Month
Westfield Health – employee health cover from just £1.10 a week The Chamber Primary Health Plan partnered with Westfield Health is an exclusive membership benefit of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. With employee sickness continuing to be an expensive problem for businesses and PMI costs rising, companies are looking for a different and affordable way of providing healthcare to their employees. The Plan offers a valuable, low-cost employee benefit and with cover starting at £1.10 per employee, per week, you can keep your workforce happy and healthy at work. Leah Dobbie, Business Development Consultant for Westfield Health, said: “Money can be claimed back towards essential health costs including; eyesight tests, glasses and lenses, dental treatment and a variety of therapy treatments and counselling services. “The Plan has also been enhanced to
include Best Doctors®, an expert second medical opinion service and Westfield Rewards, an online discount shopping portal. “What’s more, you can now enhance cover even further with the innovative and affordable Hospital Treatment Insurance, providing quick access to surgery and medical procedures, helping you to manage staff absence levels more effectively.” From just £1.24 per employee, per week, this groundbreaking health offering can be purchased as a standalone benefit or combined with The Chamber Plan for even more comprehensive health cover. Established in 1919, Westfield Health is one of the most successful and secure health insurance companies in the UK. For more information please visit www.westfieldhealth.com/chamber, or contact Leah Dobbie on 07771500075, ldobbie@westfieldhealth.com.
Ivan Bartolo. Leah Dobbie, Business Development Consultant for Westfield Health.
Chamber member has health of their staff at heart
Pictured from left to right – Demi Crabbe (Commercial Account Advisor), Ange Lennox (Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce) Shelley Harris (Commercial Service Manager), Gemma Steed (Commercial Account Advisor).
FHG IPP Logipal UK & Ireland has been a Chamber Member for the past eight years. As one of the largest pooling supplier in the UK and Ireland, it has established itself as a leading high quality pallet pooling specialist. Their UK office opened in 2005 where it started as a small startup business and since then the Chamber has been invaluable in providing support and benefits – helping to increase the company’s turnover and employee size. One benefit which has been popular with the company and its employees is the Westfield Health Cash Plan. Carl McInerney, Country Director at FHG IPP Logipal UK & Ireland, said: “Westfield Health provides simple support for items
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QuickFocus.com A virtual knowledge base
such as eyecare and dentistry care which can sometimes generate expensive costs for everyday treatment and needs. “Having the plan means our staff can take care of these needs promptly without the worry of fees. Westfield Health is an affordable benefit that is appreciated by our employees and consequently well utilised. “Our people are our greatest asset and a real competitive differentiator and so recruitment, development and retention have been a key criteria for success as we grow.” “Undoubtedly the Chamber has played a vital role in supporting our business during this challenging and successful time.”
QuickFocus.com offers an inpractice knowledge base, training services, self development and productivity tools to help develop business solutions within timeframes and to fixed budgets. The suite of products is built on the QuickFocus Agile methodology, based on DSDM, which is mainly about people striving to pursue their personal journey to improve themselves and achieve their goals. It consists of interviews with professionals who share their work and life experience, downloadable templates and guides that are useful in areas such as Projects Management, ‘How to’ videos, case studies and an interactive quiz. QuickFocus.com also offers Professional Mentor - a step-bystep guide on how to achieve desired personal and business benefits on time and to budget; and the After Action Review - a selfdevelopment tool for analysing oneself. The webinars aim to help improve one’s understanding about agility and project management. More products and services will be added to the QuickFocus suite by the end of the year. QuickFocus provides Agile training courses to help people achieve business goals. Courses can either be delivered onsite or online or customized accordingly. QuickFocus.com is the brainchild of entrepreneur Ivan Bartolo, who has been involved in the ICT industry and business since 1985 and is currently the CEO of 6PM Group.
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
News
sponsored column
It’s child play Skyfall DB5 goes on Patent Box – as company display at motor museum Nurturing innovation scoops prize Party company Love Lucia’s Parties has been crowned as one of the best in the UK’s leading parenting awards. The party and workshop provider was voted the West Midlands and Warwickshire WINNER for ‘Best Children’s Party Entertainment’, in the National Party Awards from the UK’s largest parenting site, Netmums.com. Dubbed the UK’s ‘Parenting Oscars’, more than a million parents and child carers were eligible to vote for the huge UK prize. The party services company run by Sharon Park, beat hundreds of established rival businesses from across the area to win the prestigious award. As a winner, Love Lucia’s Parties will now get free advertising on the parenting site, a winners special certificate as well as the knowledge that they are a firm Netmums favourite.
The Aston Martin DB5 which appeared in the James Bond’s film Skyfall has gone on display at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon until spring 2014. It is the actual car that was used for most of the driving sequences in the film, which stars Daniel Craig as 007. The museum also has the Land Rover Defender 110 double cab pick-up, driven in the opening sequence of Skyfall, amongst its collection. Ever since its first appearance in Goldfinger in 1964 with Sean Connery, the DB5 has become the archetypal 007 car. A DB5 has appeared in four out of the five most recent 007 films. Prior to filming Skyfall the car was prepared in just seven weeks by Aston Martin Works, transforming a green car into the familiar silver of the MI6 agent’s favourite automobile.
The car was not fitted with any of Q’s trademark gadgets; however visitors can see a black line on the roof as the outline of the panel for the ejector seat. In the film, the DB5 met a fiery end outside Bond’s Scottish childhood home but, fortunately, this was only by use of a model and camera trickery. Stephen Laing, Curator for the Heritage Motor Centre stated “We are delighted to have the Aston Martin DB5 and Land Rover Defender amongst our prized collection.” Museum entry fees apply: Adults £12, Child £8 (5-16 years) under 5 free, Concessions £10 & Family £34 (2 adults & up to 3 children). Buy one day and get 12 months free if you Gift Aid your entrance. For more information about the HMC please visit www.heritage-motorcentre.co.uk or call 01926 641188.
“Organising parties for children is very big business and the competition has been intense although, Love Lucia’s Parties really stood out.” Sharon, owner of Love Lucia’s Parties, set up the party and workshop company in 2012 after inspiration from her eight year old daughter, Lucia. With an events background spanning over 20 years working with a number of high profile clients and luxury brands, Sharon injected her experience into children’s parties with the added unique insight from a child’s perspective, through her daughter. Sharon said of the award: “It’s fantastic news, we are so proud and humble that parents have taken the time to vote for us and express how much they love and appreciate our events.” The national Netmums Awards were set up to recognise the best firms in the growing children’s party market, which is now worth £750 million a year in the UK. Netmums founder Siobhan Freegard said: “Organising parties for children is very big business and the competition has been intense although, Love Lucia’s Parties really stood out. Parents couldn’t praise them enough, so they are an absolute worthy winner.” Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Louise Bennett said: “We are delighted for Sharon Park and Love Lucia’s Parties. To be recognised for excellence in your industry is a great achievement and one the company should be extremely proud of.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Luvly jubbly day at Mask-arade If you ventured into Southam, Warwickshire, recently, you would have been forgiven for thinking that you were in Peckham, London. The opening of Mask-arade’s new distribution hub took on an Only Fools and Horses theme, complete with Del Boy ‘cushy’ cocktails. The highlight of the day was the appearance of the TV sitcom’s much-loved car dealer Boycie, who was there at the ‘Nags Head’ bar with a yellow three wheeler outside Nelson Mandela House. Actor John Challis was invited to carry out the official opening ceremony at the site, which is next door to the firm’s headquarters. The personalised and celebrity mask
making firm, which is celebrating its fifth year in business, made the £200,000 investment after enjoying another year of growth. The three company directors – Dean Walton, Ray Duffy and Chris O’Nyan - first met John Challis after launching their officially licensed Only Fools and Horses range, which includes Del Boy, Rodney, Boycie, Trigger, Uncle Albert and Marlene. Mask-arade became a household name after appearing on Dragons’ Den in 2009. Despite being snubbed by the Dragons, the company has gone on to become the world’s leading personalised, celebrity and character mask company. Other products have been added to their portfolio including life-sized and desktop standees.
Paul Spencer
The Government are providing further support to the technology industry by phasing in a new relief, the Patent Box, over a five year period from 1 April 2013. This relief will apply a reduced rate of corporation tax (10%) to the worldwide ‘profits’ generated by patented products. Patent Box ‘profits’ can arise from a number of sources, including licence and royalty fees, the sale of goods incorporating patented components, or the provision of goods or services using a patented process. The calculation of Patent Box profits can be a fairly complex process and thus it is important that companies maintain comprehensive records. In order to qualify a company must meet three criteria: • It must hold an interest in a qualifying UK or EU patent; • It must make a significant contribution to the development of the patent or a product incorporating patented components; and • It must devote significant management time to the development of the patented product. Companies that passively hold intellectual property will not qualify for this relief. Relief is only given once a patent has been granted; however, relief can subsequently be obtained for profits generated whilst the patent was pending. Where annual Patent Box profits are ‘small’ (<£1,000,000), companies can benefit from the reduced requirements of the ‘small claims’ treatment. There are further conditions for companies with profits exceeding this level; however larger claims can generate greater tax savings. This relief has no bearing on existing or potential Research & Development claims, and thus, providing the various requirements are met, relief may be available under both regimes. The Patent Box rules, together with reliefs for the creative industries and the existing Research & Development regime, make the UK tax system highly efficient for innovative businesses. Companies wishing to know more should contact Paul Spencer or David Thomas on 02476 257481 or ps@sgduk.com / dt@sgduk.com respectively.
The Mask-arade team meet Boycie and the masked Only Fools characters.
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Events
M&E Access to Finance masterclass
Pictured: Mark Swift (WMG), Paula Deas (LEP), John Nollett, (Chamber), Chris White MP, Paul Noon (UKTI), Richard Halstead (EEF), Maxine Chapman (MAS).
Jim Griffin
“The information from UKTI and the LEP highlighted just how much support is out there when it comes to both trading
Coventry and Warwickshire is a great example of how the UK economy can rebalance towards manufacturing, engineering and exports – but more still needs to be done. That was the overriding message from a major event at the University of Warwick’s IIPSI building, organised by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber, with partners from MAS, EEF, UKTI, and supported by the LEP are offering a series of masterclasses to firms in the manufacturing and engineering sector. The latest event was based around the issues of international trade and access to finance and included presentations from Chris White MP, Andy Williams, from the LEP, and Jim Griffin, the MD of Automotive Insulations. Paul Noon, UKTI regional director, and Tony Peterson, of UK Export Finance, gave advice on how to enhance exports and how to gain the finance to do so before Chris Hallam (Santander), Matthew Lawrence (Grant Thornton) and Ian Downing (Business Growth Fund) underlined the different ways companies can fund their growth. Richard Halstead, of EEF, then facilitated a question and answer session from the 60 delegates. John Nollett, of Pailton Engineering and a board member of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It was a very informative and, indeed, inspiring event. “The information from UKTI and the LEP highlighted just how much support is out there when it comes to both trading overseas and accessing finance. “The message, when it comes to exporting, is if you are not doing it already, you need to contact the international trade team at the Chamber and get started as it is a great way to achieve further growth. “And, if you are exporting already, tap into support to find new markets too. “On the access to finance side, Andy Williams gave a great presentation on the types of local grants and loans available. “As well as some great information, the inspiration came from Jim Griffin of Automotive Insulations. He gave a very
finance.”
Pictured: Adam Dent, Phill Potter, Sandra Garlick, Amanda Morris, Nick Abell, Alan Malin.
Companies across Coventry and Warwickshire have been told not to be shy in bidding for new business. About 40 firms attended a top tips marketing masterclass organised by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to hear advice from three experts in marketing and public relations.
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honest account of how his business had come through the recession and is now growing in a range of markets across the globe. “There was one very powerful slide which simply featured the logos of all the organisations that have helped the company along the way. It shows the support is out there if you know where to look and, again, speak to one of the partners involved in this group as a starting point.” Chris White MP, a champion of the manufacturing and engineering sector, told delegates: “This region has fantastic heritage but I also believe we have a fantastic future. “We are turning the corner economically but we are not there yet and I sense no complacency among the business people here – that is why you were all up early for a 7.30am event because you still want to drive forward. “The job of rebalancing the economy towards the manufacturing sector and in getting more of our businesses to export is underway but we know there is more to be done.” Richard Hutchins, of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The importance of manufacturing and engineering to the future of Coventry and Warwickshire cannot be overstated. This is recognised nationally as we recently hosted Business Secretary Vince Cable on the day the Government’s industrial strategy was launched. “It is great to see key organisations from across the region coming together in this way to help support, advise and nurture companies in this critical sector and, also, to see the firms learning from one another too.”
Businesses urged to be bold in search for business
overseas and accessing John Nollett
Chris White
Amanda Morris, of Jam Creative, Sandra Garlick, of DeMarco Solicitors, and Adam Dent, of Advent Communication,s dispensed advice on on-line marketing, social media and public relations. The session was introduced by Nick Abell, of leading law firm Wright Hassall. He said: “There were some nuggets of really useful advice on areas that are vital in today’s business environment. “Getting the right marketing mix is key to businesses in all sectors and there is a great deal companies can do themselves, and that is what this session centred on. “The underlying message was that companies all have their strengths and selling points, and they should not be shy in making sure that those are transmitted through all the channels which marketing and the media provide.” The event, which was hosted and sponsored by the Royal Court Hotel, also heard from UKTI about the support available to businesses looking to expand their export sales. www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Events
Meet the Chamber at Wroxall Abbey
Coventry & Warwickshire in business sponsored column
Tax Free Second Home
Brian King, Tax Partner at Dafferns LLP
Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the season when second homeowners often review the pros and cons of their investment. Others have found themselves in front of estate agentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; windows in favourite holiday spots over the summer wondering, could we, should we? From a tax point of view, there are two major questions to be answered: 1 you let out a second home, how are you taxed on the rental income? 2 When you sell, how do you minimise the payment of capital gains tax? In answer to the first question you pay income tax on the rental profit. This is the amount of rent received less allowable expenses. Expenses can include letting agents fees, insurance, advertising repairs and loan interest. If you have to carry out major refurbishment in order to get the property ready for letting it is surprising how much expenditure can be classed as repairs. Costs incurred in obtaining a loan such as arrangement fees and valuation fees can be claimed. The loan interest incurred in order to acquire a property to let will also be allowed. However, in certain circumstances, it is also possible for loan interest to be allowed as a deduction against rental income, irrespective of what the loan is used for e.g. payment of school fees, repayment of a loan on the main residence etc. In answer to the capital gains tax (CGT) question, it may surprise you to know that, under certain circumstances, it is possible to sell a second home completely free of CGT. If the property has at some stage been your only or main residence, you can claim private residence relief on the proportion of any capital gain on the sale of the property. The final 36 months of your period of ownership always qualifies for relief, regardless of how you use the property in that time. Nominating this property as your main residence for just 1 week, secures this 36 month exemption for CGT. Further CGT relief is also available if you have let the property. For more information on this topic, contact Brian King, Dafferns Tax Partner on: 024 7622 1046 brian.king@dafferns.com or visit www.dafferns.com.
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
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News
Minister praises new business centre A Government minister has hailed an innovative rural hub in Warwickshire as a perfect example of a launch-pad for new and small businesses in rural areas to thrive. Owen Paterson MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, officially opened the new Rural Innovation Centre at Stoneleigh Park which is part of the Warwickshire Rural Growth Network. The Rural Growth Network is among five pilot projects across England which has been created to support small firms in rural areas as part of a major initiative to boost the rural economy. The cutting-edge centre has 16 offices for businesses from any sectors based in rural areas of Warwickshire and will provide a range of services, from finance and support delivered by a range of partners to meeting rooms and ultrafast broadband. It is part of the Rural Growth Network funded by DEFRA, and led by Warwickshire County Council on behalf of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership and will create or safeguard 500 jobs over the next few years. Mr Paterson said: “Stoneleigh Park is a great business and local employer. With our £150,000 investment I hope it will become even better, creating more jobs in the area. Our rural communities have a massive role to play in helping us to compete with other countries. “That’s why we have invested £400 million in rural businesses helping to create over 8,500 new jobs in rural areas.”
L to R: Sir Peter Rigby (chair of the LEP), Colin Hooper (Stoneleigh Park), Owen Paterson, Alan Cockburn (Warwickshire County Council), David Gardner (Royal Agricultural Society of England), and Liz Burkinshaw (centre manager).
Sir Peter Rigby, Chairman of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The sole aim of the LEP is to grow the economy of Coventry and Warwickshire. Part of that involves helping to attract funding from Government, and the Rural Growth Network is a prime example. “Stimulating growth in the SME sector is vital, especially at a time when the
economic indicators are positive. The Rural Innovation Centre will help businesses establish their own base and will offer a wide range of support to help them grow and thrive.” Stoneleigh Park is an established hub for the agricultural sector where a ten-year, £50 million programme by LaSalle Investment Management is underway to revitalise the site as an internationally-
renowned centre for agriculture, rural business, science and innovation. Stoneleigh Park is part of BEST Network (the Business Environments for Science and Technology Network), the largest privately-owned portfolio of science and technology parks in the UK, assembled and managed by LaSalle Investment Management. Colin Hooper, Estates Director at Stoneleigh Park, said: “We believe we have created the ideal environment for a very dynamic business centre to serve the needs of young and growing firms from a wide range of sectors within rural Warwickshire. “Stoneleigh is being transformed into a thriving science and technology park, and we hope that the businesses which base themselves at the Rural Innovation Centre will grow with us here.” Cllr Alan Cockburn, Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “We are delighted to be able to work with LaSalle Investment Management on the delivery of this flagship project. “The centre is also just part of a wider package of support including specialist advice, one-to-one mentoring, coaching, grants and loans. “We would encourage rural businesses in any sector and people looking to start their own business to contact us to find out how the Rural Growth Network can help.”
Design agency wins hospital contract
Yoga – the ultimate health booster It’s undeniable, yoga is very dominant in today’s world especially in the multibillion market in America and in the rapid-growing market in the UK. Many factors are included as to why yoga has become the new “fashion” these days, but mostly because anyone can practice it. From individuals to businesses, yoga can teach us all how to keep our health and fitness levels up. Businesses do indeed adopt yoga in the corporate world, where lunch breaks are divided and teachers will come to practice yoga with the employees to help stimulate the brain function as well as maintain the body. On a business front, this is crucially important because there is a need to keep the group-force in high spirits so as to be able to deliver a great end-product on all fronts. Yogamasti has qualified instructors onthe-go for businesses who need to carry out yoga and fitness activities. Yogamasti is new to chambers and is a yoga and fitness brand that sells clothing for men and women as well as holistic statues and many other health & fitness gear for all activity practices (such as mats, meditation accessories, as well as upcoming blocks, belts, blankets, mat carriers, and much more). The company is definitely going places, selling all over Europe, including: Sweden,
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France, Italy, Austria, The Netherlands and Germany as well as Australia and soon America. On the domestic front, the business is taken to as many yoga shows & conferences as possible, exhibiting all of its products and services to new potential customers. Its manufacturers are based in India and China, with specialised hand-painters for its hand-painted range. Yogamasti’s name is depicted from Yoga origins, however it aims to please the health & fitness market. This means that whether you practice yoga or any other fitness activity, Yogamasti’s range caters for everybody’s needs. The company finds its uniqueness from creating clothing out of as much cotton as possible instead of nylon. Yogamasti is currently offering a new members discount, just type in RELAX15 at the checkout and you will receive a fantastic 15% discount. Yogamasti welcomes wholesale trade enquiries, for more information contact info@yogamasti.com. For more information on the products and services available go to www.yogamasti.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/yogaclothes Twitter: www.twitter.com/yogamasti
Formation account director Eva Gordon (right) with Space directors Robert and Sue Morgan.
Warwick digital design agency Formation has been creating the branding and website of the new private hospital for eyes and dentistry in Leamington. Space Healthcare has more than £1 million worth of equipment and uses the latest innovation and technology for a range of eye and dental procedures, including laser eye surgery, intraocular lenses, cataract treatment and a wide range of dental procedures. The centre, in Clarendon Avenue, has also introduced Raindrop, a new technique pioneered in the United States which can correct reading prescriptions using a miniature lens placed in the cornea of the eye. Robert Morgan, a director who runs the dental unit and also lectures in dentistry at the University of Birmingham, said they had chosen Formation because of the agency’s reputation for creativity. He said: “We were impressed by their ideas and the way they quickly got to understand our business and what we wanted to achieve. They have created some amazing ideas for branding and some
stunning website designs for us. “We are at the very forefront of laser vision correction and cosmetic dentistry and it’s important that our branding reflects that. For example, Mark Wevill, clinical director of our eye unit, is a preeminent eye surgeon with an international reputation who has carried out more than 20,000 laser eye operations. “We are highly skilled, use the very latest techniques and our hospital is fitted with the most up-to-date equipment available. We need to get that message out there and we believe that Formation is the right agency to do that for us.” Martin Gordon, the founder and managing director of Formation, said: “This is a very exciting project for us at a time when we are taking on more design and administrative staff to handle all the new clients we are winning.” He said that the agency currently had more than 60 clients, ranging from Mazda car dealerships, Mitsubishi and ETG (Engineering Technology Group) to a luxury French chateau in Dordogne. www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
News
Close working the key for Chamber and politicians
Left to right: Phil Townsend, Louise Bennett, Peter Burns (Chamber), Ann Lucas.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Commerce has vowed to work closely with the area’s new political leaders in a bid to ensure a successful commercial future. Representatives of the Chamber and several of its key member businesses met Coventry City Council’s new leader Ann Lucas and her deputy Phil Townshend to hear of their plans for the city and its economy. Councillor Lucas has issued a 20 point action plan which includes introducing a “living wage” for all council staff as well as reducing the number of senior officials. Lucas and Townshend said the message was that the city was “very much open for business” and both pledged to work closely with the business community. She said: “The 20-point plan was a way of getting our thoughts into some sort of order and establishing our priorities. “We know that we have to work together with the business community to help improve the city. We are prepared to be enablers for the business community and we will certainly not sit here say: ‘no, you can’t do this’. “We want successful business who are happy to take on local people and local apprentices, providing them with the terms and conditions which will allow them to develop and thrive.” Lucas told the business people that Coventry had joined a group of core provincial cities, each with a population of more than 250,000, to lobby government more powerfully. The firms, who represented a wide range of sectors, pressed Lucas and Townshend
on a range of issues including housing, planning, manufacturing, Coventry’s relationship with Warwickshire, skills, access to finance, the city centre and visa regulations for international workers. Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Chamber, said the businesses had agreed to meet again to continue to lobby and guide the new political leadership. “This was an immensely valuable session which I think was very useful not only to the politicians but also allowed businesses to put across issues which are not only affecting them but they believe are impacting on the city,” she said. “We had representation from local, regional, national and international businesses who have a strong presence in this area. It was a good cross section in terms of size and sector. “There is a great will among our business community to see the city succeed. Of course, our members know that operating in a commercially successful city is good for their business, but the will to see Coventry thrive runs far beyond individual concerns. “We all have a vested interest and there are things the council can either do, or at least influence, to help make that happen. That’s why this close contact is essential. “That actually runs far beyond just Coventry. We want to repeat this exercise in Warwickshire – where they have new leadership – and with the districts as well. “I cannot over-emphasise how important it is for politicians to hear issues directly from businesses – and we are perfectly positioned to provide that.”
Accolade as company increases productivity The UK’s leading dairy processing and icecream machinery experts have been awarded accreditation following a move to increase productivity. Wolvey-based Machinery World, which specialises in sourcing and selling new and used dairy processing and ice cream machinery, has received ISO (International Organization for Standardization) accreditation following a bid to improve internal efficiencies. The ISO 9001:2008 certificate recognises the firm’s quality management processes including its strong customer focus and desire for continual internal improvement. A £15,000 investment helped to enhance customer service operations as Coventrybased IT company PS4B completed a system upgrade to improve its processes. Paul Crowter, managing director at Machinery World, said: “To have received our ISO accreditation is a fantastic achievement for us. “We are always seeking ways to improve our internal procedures and the new IT system has definitely enabled us to continue to operate with maximum efficiency and provide the best quality of services to our customers.
Pictured left to right: Kerry Hooper (PS4B), Paul Crowter (Machinery World), Richard Hooper (PS4B).
RoSPA judges present Instarmac with Gold Award
An independent adjudication panel at RoSPA has confirmed that Instarmac has received the highly sought-after GOLD AWARD. RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) has agreed that Instarmac’s www.cw-chamber.co.uk
“Processes cannot replace good, oldfashioned customer service, but they can certainly help to deliver it. “PS4B have been great to work with because they fully understood what we wanted the system to do and have come up with a solution to match. “Not only that, but their staff came in during unsociable hours to complete the work because they wanted to make sure we were up and running as quickly as possible. “In business, it’s vitally important that you have the right partners supporting you and that was definitely the case in this instance.” Richard Hooper, the managing director of PS4B said he was pleased that the IT upgrade has helped Machinery World to achieve major accreditation. He said: “We provided Machinery World with a complete IT upgrade including the installation of a wireless link between their main offices and warehouse which has helped to further increase their efficiency. “It is important to work with clients to find out their needs and deliver the best possible solution and that is exactly what has happened here.”
health and safety processes and longstanding record awards them gold status in this year’s Occupational Health & Safety Awards. The panel measured Instarmac’s impressive performance indicators and ‘excellent health and safety management systems’. The health and safety of all those who work, visit and deliver to their Tamworth facilities, has long been of the highest priority. Instarmac’s QHSE team have worked intensively to ensure their processes reflect the high class levels already achieved by the company’s production, customer service and logistics departments – all award winning in their respective areas. The judging panel have awarded this gold level to Instarmac based on very strong audit results, and a phenomenally low figure of ‘zero lost time accidents’.
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International Trade
Midlands export expert Helping welcomes food and drink plan to break One thousand British food and drink firms will benefit from a new exports action plan which aims to deliver a £500m boost to the UK economy. The Food and Drink International Action Plan will be delivered by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), as part of the Government’s overall ambition to raise UK exports to £1 trillion and to get 100,000 more UK companies exporting. Food and drink is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector with a turnover of over £90bn. The industry employs up to 400,000 workers. This represents 15 per cent of the overall manufacturing workforce in the UK. However, there is huge untapped potential for export among small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) with 90 per cent currently not exporting and primarily only with close European neighbours. Christine Hamilton, Deputy Regional Director for UKTI in the West Midlands, said: “In the West Midlands we have a wide range of fantastic food and drink companies - many of which we’ve supported to trade successfully overseas. Some of these include, drink firms Story Brands of Codsall and Chase Distillery of
Herefordshire, Frozen food specialists Yearsley Group based in Coleshill, pasta firm, Fun Foods 4 All of Warwickshire, and online grocers and cookware suppliers, Cooking Marvellous of Shropshire. “These, and many other firms from across the region, supply products which have become popular around the world. The new Action Plan will support more regional food and drink firms to tap into the exciting opportunities to export and grow.” Lord Green, Trade and Investment Minister said: “Demand for British food and drink products overseas is growing fast; a 15 per cent increase in overseas sales in the last two years is a clear sign of the opportunities available to the British food and drink manufacturers working in this sector. “This Action Plan reinforces the UK Government’s support for such a prosperous sector with an emphasis on how together with industry, we can support businesses in the global export markets.” The Food and Drink International Action Plan includes: • Creation of one team across government and industry to drive forward action on exports and to steer priorities. • A single strong UK brand identity to help increase the visibility of UK food
and drink at the world’s major food events and exhibitions. • Well-publicised and focussed campaigns on the largest opportunities for the UK sector matched to its strengths. • More support and advice on exporting – with simple access points for UK firms – to speed the pace of international growth for UK firms. • Faster export certification process for animals and animal products. • Continued work to lift trade barriers, promote trade and maintain access to open markets already opened. The plan also sets out specific support for the dairy industry; beer, cider, wine and spirits exports; meat and seafood industries and UK food brands. The Food and Drink International Action Plan has been devised jointly between Government and industry after six months of consultation. In July 2013, the Government published the Agricultural Technologies industrial strategy. The UK agri-tech sector has the capability and capacity to get ahead in the global race. We have research that is world leading in many agri-tech disciplines and we have global and trusted brands and world-class businesses in food and farming.
down the barriers
Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce can provide a comprehensive and cost effective, fully managed Letter of Credit Service. The service includes: All terms checked and compliance ensured with any amendments advised All paperwork created for you Arrangement of transport and liaison with your freight forwarder Liaison with third parties such as Inspection Agents Documents submitted to the bank on your behalf This will run alongside our high quality, fast and efficient Export Documentation Service. For more information, contact Keely Hancox, Programme Manager, on 024 7665 4128.
Companies urged to look abroad
Export focus pays off for rubber products manufacturer
Businesses in Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands are being encouraged to explore their international growth potential. UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is hosting a series of half-day ‘Incubate for Export’ workshops, in partnership with the West Midlands Chambers of Commerce LLP to explain how international trade can kick tart business success. UKTI is a UK Government department, which has global representatives and helps UK businesses break into international markets. With 44 per cent of companies already trading abroad reporting increased turnover and 11 per cent being more likely to survive because of doing so – Mike Page of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce said businesses need to be made aware of the tools available. He said: “More UK based businesses need to start trading overseas to enable maximum growth and expand their presence globally. “Here in Coventry and Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of firms with the potential to export and aren’t doing so. “That means there is a huge potential for growth but it is a case of getting those companies to see benefits that exporting can bring to their business.” The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce will be holding the workshop at its offices on November 19. They are suitable for companies of all sizes from all sectors and are designed for those with no previous export experience. “The Incubate for Export workshops have not been created to force businesses to export, but to provide information on how to begin,” added Mick. “The workshops will also feature testimonials from businesses who have already began exporting and how it has effected their productivity- and for those interested, details on the UKTI’s Passport to Export Programme will be provided.” For more information contact the Chamber on 024 7665 4321.
A Midlands company has proved that it’s not only its products that are flexible by scoring an export success. Artel Rubber, based in Bidford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, is one of the UK’s leading silicone hose manufacturers supplying the automotive, motorsport, rail, truck and bus industries. The firm, which employs 37 people, embarked on an export drive two years ago and now sends 40 per cent of its production overseas. Most are bound for mainland Europe but the company has also achieved the feat of producing parts which are exported to China. The export drive has been helped by accountants and advisors Harrison Beale & Owen and the UKTI team based at the Coventry
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l/r, Robin Gould (Artel), Simon Lavin (Artel), Mick Page (Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce), Phil Ewing (HB&O).
and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. Artel director Simon Lavin said the level of exports was set to grow again in the next 12 months. “We wanted to explore new markets both in terms of territories and sectors, so that has been a very strategic drive to grow the business,” he said. Harrison Beale & Owen has advised Artel Rubber for 13 years and recently helped Simon Lavin buy into the firm as a shareholder and director. Phil Ewing, of HB&O, said: “Artel have a great reputation for producing the highest quality products, but this focus on export has spread that reputation wider than ever before and it is certainly paying off. It does prove that if you produce the right product and really explore every avenue, you can be successful. People may not associate Bidford with the heartland of manufacturing, but Artel’s reputation really is international.” Artel’s export drive was supported by UKTI which helped in the investigation of new markets. International trade adviser Mick Page, said: “This is a really good example of a company looking at export as a key and long term constituent of the business, and planning that export drive very strategically. Our area is full of companies with export potential – both in services and manufacturing – and Artel are an example of the success it can bring.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
International Trade
Hi-tech games company looks to foreign markets A high-tech Coventry company that helps its clients in the virtual world is landing contracts right across the real world, too. Serious Games International, which is based at the Coventry Innovation Village and is a spin out from Coventry University, offers businesses the chance to use the latest technology for learning, simulation and problem solving in the virtual world. The company, which employs 27 staff from video game and academic backgrounds, has tapped into the expertise of the UKTI international trade team based at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. Serious Game International signed up for an OMIS – which gives detailed research into a potential new market – and has also been offered support through the passport to export scheme. The scheme helps firms ‘get ready’ for overseas trade and offers training and advice before exploring further international opportunities. On the back of the programme, the company has landed contracts in Asia – with United World College of South East Asia and are in development talks with Singapore Airlines. It is also in talks over possible deals in the USA after taking part in a UKTI trip to Washington earlier this year. Tim Luft, managing director at Serious Games International, said: “Working with UKTI has enabled us to significantly increase our markets and develop business on an international basis. “Their financial support alongside their business expertise and key contacts has been invaluable in ensuring that we can get in front of the right audiences to promote our innovative work and securing new business.That’s not only good for us – but it
Pictured: Tim Luft, of Serious Games International
brings benefits to the whole economy.” He added: “Our contract in Asia came about on the back of a UKTI event in Singapore and it was through them again that we have started to establish a foothold in the USA. “We have very ambitious plans to increase our international market – we are targeting Europe, India, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, as well as increasing the work we do in America and Singapore.” Serious Games International will move onto the Gateway to Global Growth scheme with UKTI in January next year. Ajay Desai, of the Chamber’s international trade team, said: “We are delighted to have played such a positive role in Serious Game International’s
overseas trade and we look forward to helping them even further. “They will move across to our Gateway to Global Growth programme in the New Year. That is where we support – both through advice and, in some cases, finance – companies who have exported before but are looking at new markets. “Passport to Export is a great starting point for those who are inexperienced when it comes to overseas trade but Gateway offers more in-depth advice to those looking to take it a stage further. “It’s crucial that we see more businesses taking up the opportunity to do both. We need more new exporters and, indeed, we need those who are trading overseas already to do even more of it!” For more information on exporting, contact the Chamber on 024 7654 4321.
Company’s US move is hot stuff A Warwickshire firm is warming up the US market after agreeing a new deal for its revolutionary wood burning stove to be assembled and finished in America. Landy Vent, based in Studley, produces a range of Ecco Stoves which are made from Silicon Carbide that allow very high internal temperatures to be achieved but the heat is then radiated over a long period of time. That has two major benefits – the stoves can heat between twoto-five-bedroom houses across the range with no pipework or connection needed and the high temperatures mean that the stoves are hugely efficient, being DEFRA exempt. The company produced its first prototype just five years ago but now has a range of stoves in four different sizes which are supplied across the continent and North America. David Ashmore, the founder of Ecco Stoves, says the deal to have the stoves assembled across the Atlantic will mean a more efficient supply to its network of dealers and agents. “We have nine agents and dealers in America and three in Canada and at present we are shipping the completed stoves over to satisfy orders. While that has worked well, we are keen to grow our market share and to be more responsive to the market,” he said. The stoves are entirely made in the Midlands with the Silicon Carbide being produced in Leicester, the ironwork in Dudley and the assembly and finishing being done at the Landy Vent base in Studley. www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Dave Ashmore and Stove Engineer Daniel Hunt (dark hair).
Helping businesses with the paperwork Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce can provide a comprehensive and cost effective, fully managed Letter of Credit Service. The service includes: • All terms checked and compliance ensured with any amendments advised • All paperwork created for you • Arrangement of transport and liaison with your freight forwarder • Liaison with third parties such as Inspection Agents • Documents submitted to the bank on your behalf This will run alongside the Chamber’s high quality, fast and efficient Export Documentation Service. For more information on this service, contact the Chamber on 024 7654 4321.
Fact-finding mission for trade experts
The delegation and members of the Envisage Group management team during the tour.
Experts from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) working across the globe spent two days on a fact-finding mission in Coventry and Warwickshire focusing on the subregion’s automotive sector. Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) hosted a delegation of UKTI staff who work in China, India, Canada, America, Germany, Spain, France, Korea and Italy promoting trade and investment into the UK. The group met the management teams at the Warwick Manufacturing Group at the University of Warwick, Ricardo UK in Leamington, MIRA in Nuneaton, BWM at Hams Hall in North Warwickshire and the Envisage Group in Coventry to find out more about their work in the automotive sector. They also attended a dinner organised by the West Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership and a business breakfast held by CWLEP at Coombe Abbey Hotel in Coventry.
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CWT
Hairdressing Apprentices ‘Sent to Coventry’ CWT Chamber Training’s Hair Academy recently held its annual hairdressing competition. The Apprentices were challenged with the theme of things made in Coventry. In the build-up to the competition, the Apprentices gained some fantastic insights into Coventry’s rich and diverse culture and history. In preparation, the CWT Chamber Training Hair Academy students were ‘sent to Coventry’ on the lookout for some creative inspiration! The Apprentices delved into some of the City’s many legacies. They discovered the background to the blue ribbon, met a representative from the Coventry Watch Museum and visited the Coventry Transport Museum to soak up Coventry’s manufacturing heritage and experience the amazing Blitz simulator. They also visited Coventry Cathedral and the 2Tone Village, Ball Hill, where the Apprentices were treated to a live song by Coventry musician and The Specials star, Neville Staples! On the day of the competition, CWT Chamber Training tutor, Jayne Powell said: “The Apprentices produced some fabulous work. Styles included an ambitious black swan to represent the Swanswell, a Jaguar for Jaguar Land Rover and a unique multicultural look to represent the diverse residents of Coventry.”
Fun in the sun: Children enjoying the Playday festivities.
You can see photos of all the models that were styled by the talented CWT Chamber Training Hairdressing learners on the CWT Chamber Training Facebook page: www.facebook.com/cwtcov The competition was judged by representatives from the Coventry Watchmakers Museum and Affinage Salon Professional, as well as three leading hairdressing experts, two of which were previously trained by CWT Chamber Training!
Congratulations to the Competition Winners
1st year - 1st place to Danielle Butcher of Touch Hair salon 2nd year - 1st place to George French of Sweeney Todd Hair salon 3rd year - 1st place to Sohie Bell of Sbellz hair salon Well done to all of the CWT Chamber Training Apprentices and a big thank you to all who contributed to make the day such a success.
CWT delivers 100% success rate for Hospital Apprentices
University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire have teamed up with CWT Chamber Training in up-skilling their staff through the apprenticeship programme across a range of vocational areas including Business, Information Technology and Management. Key areas for development as part of the Apprenticeship programme are Maths, English and IT. CWT Chamber Training Tutors Holly Bayliss and Jenny Jones have been running weekly sessions to up-skill
staff in these business critical areas, resulting in a 100% pass rate. Jayne Harris said: “I found the sessions really helpful, it has increased my confidence and I certainly don’t feel phased by Maths as I did in the beginning. The onsite support and training for elements of my Apprenticeship is brilliant, it takes the pressure out of learning new skills, whilst accommodating the demands of my workload. I would recommend an Apprenticeship to staff within the trust.”
Coming soon Watch out for our very own Don Doman, interviewing Foundation Degree in Leadership & Management First Class Graduate Helen Wyatt of Goldcrest Cleaning on our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/CWTChamberTraining/videos
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Tracey Bennett Learning & Development University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire added:, “Working with CWT Chamber Training has been a successful partnership over the years, our staff have gained valuable on site training and qualifications, from CWT‘s dedicated team.“ The sessions are an integral part of the staff training and development strategy within the University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire. Apprentices undertake a combination of online, independent and classroom learning in the subjects they require (Maths, English, ICT or a combination of these). This approach is both beneficial to the hospital and the learner, making it an effective way to learn and work at the same time. CWT Operations Director Jan Ryan said: “Due to the success at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, we are now using this model in other large employers including National Grid. We are aiming to mirror the outstanding success rates we have achieved at the hospital.” The hospital are pleased with the skills that the Apprentices have developed through the Apprenticeship programme and are now reaping the rewards from the on-going partnership with CWT Chamber Training.
Playday Event Defending Children’s ‘Right to Play’ CWT Chamber Training Playwork specialist, Tracey Beasley collaborated with the owner of Ducklings Day Nursery in Wroxhall, rural Warwickshire, in hosting a Playday event. National Playday is an event organised by Play England to highlight the needs of children for places to play in their local communities. The event not only helped highlight the importance of play in children’s lives, but also brought people to the nursery setting raising the profile of the business within the locality. Nursery owner, Diana Hastings said: “As a small, rural business it is difficult to get the word out that you exist, so when our Apprentice’s Training Advisor suggested to me that we collaborate to host a National Playday 2013 event at the nursery, it was a great way for us to tap into a wider audience through their (CWT Chamber Training) social networking channels & raise the profile of the business without spending funds we haven’t got on major advertising campaigns. Having the backing of CWT Chamber Training also gave me the confidence to approach a local newspaper, which also covered the event. It’s great that CWT Chamber Training doesn’t just get you an Apprentice & then leave you to it. The Training Advisors are always interested in my business, helping me to develop it.” Tracey Beasley added:, “It’s really important to all the staff at CWT that if a business chooses to work with us, we try to add some value to that business & not just work with our apprentices alone. Our relationship with the employer is of equal importance to us.” CWT Chamber Training is one of the leading providers in Early Years Care delivery across Coventry and Warwickshire. For more information contact the recruitment team today on 024 7623 2211 or by emailing enquiries@cwtcov.co.uk
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Business Support
Career change that is paying dividends By Lee Aldrich At 10:30pm, on a scorching Friday night, whilst x-raying bags as a security officer, searching highly excited stag and hen do participants and clearing the search area at Coventry Airport, little did I know that a few years later, I’d be running my own business, following a different career path. Following on from Coventry Airport, which was slowly winding down with the withdrawal of Thompson Airlines, I started a new role at Coventry University, employed as a protection officer. Based on the university’s investors in people, I applied several times for funding from my then manager to complete a BTEC Level 5 Professional Award in Security Management. I finally got my way, the course was agreed, completed and within a few weeks we were told the university was looking to outsource its security requirements, under TUPE process. This lasted almost two years with negotiations, meetings, union strikes and a lot of stress and worry. During this time, my partner gave birth to our first child, Oliver, in 2009. The university had made their decision and the work was outsourced to contract security. I wasn’t too keen on this idea, with a new child, facing working days of 12 hours, a pay cut of £10,000 and no holiday or sick pay. This wasn’t the career path for me, not great for the family life I wanted. I spent months researching the sameday and courier business, looking at all the ads and companies which promise earnings of £275 per day. My dad spoke words of wisdom; like most father and son conversations, it was in one ear and out the other. So whilst still employed at the university, I started my business, Freightways-UK. On my days off I was king of the road in my small van. When I was working at the university, my dad jumped in and saved my reputation, much to his pleasure as an avid antique dealer and restorer. Driving to new pastures, auction houses and shops, while getting paid suited him to the ground. Along came the point where the repeat work Freightways-UK had gained and the poor morale at the university, meant I accepted my redundancy and started up
full time, bought a bigger van and took over the spare room for months. Little did I know I would soon have to move out, due to the birth of our second child, Emily in 2013. This was the time to invest in office space, and for peace and quiet! With a small turnover of under a £70,000, and with a business plan, contacts and the signing of guaranteed work for the next two years, Freightways-UK turnover is expected to increase by £800,000 per annum, if not slightly more with ad-hoc work. With this in mind, and scrolling the internet, I came across the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, where I spoke with Helena Bassett, a Membership and Business adviser from the Chamber of Commerce . The chamber was ‘sold’ to me, so the following day we were members. Freightways-UK attended its first networking meeting the other week which was great, informative and well worth the time out, certainly worth attending in the future. I have just employed a new manager, Jan Sichman, who has joined me from Geodis, speaking seven different languages. His expert knowledge in logistics and the
various routes we can take, and his knowledge in technology has enabled us to plan together new dispatch and POD software, iPhone apps for tracking items and vehicles, taking away the need to flood the office with paperwork. Through word of mouth, reputation and service quality we have become preferred suppliers to national companies on a multi-drop basis, and overnight depot to depot trunk runs, as well as our dedicated same day vehicles, where we have adopted an all out policy on staff being CRB cleared, and some drivers also having an (SIA) security industry authority license. Freightways-UK application for the Authorised Economic Operator scheme through HMRC is now being processed; this will assist us with our dedicated work into Europe Over the past few years, Freightways-UK have had several non-payments and late payments of invoices, tears and tantrums, good ideas, and some bad, but I think Freightways-UK made me who I am now, made the business stronger and with the predicted growth, I can hopefully offer the same chances and career paths to new employees. Over all, I don’t think I’d change anything I’ve done to date.
Fund allows company to grow
Paula Deas from the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) with David Keene from Richmond Design and Marketing (RDM).
An innovative Coventry engineering company is nearly doubling its premises and recruiting extra staff as part of a national initiative to kick-start the economy and improve growth. Richmond Design and Marketing (RDM) www.cw-chamber.co.uk
was among ten projects in Coventry and Warwickshire to have applications for grants from round two of the Government’s Growing Places funding scheme approved by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The company – which marked its 20th anniversary this year – is growing its premises on the Bilton Industrial Estate in Humber Road by leasing an 18,000 sq ft unit which will house a £200,000 five-axis CNC machining and turning facility and further equipment. The investment will allow RDM, which is jointly owned by brothers David and Graham Keene, to increase its workforce from 36 to 53 over the next three years. David said that the funding from Growing Places along with investment from the company meant work which was currently sub-contracted to a firm in China could be
carried out at its new unit. He said that Coventry City Council’s Business Investment team had provided great support in its application to secure the Growing Places grant. David said: “We are really pleased to have secured the funding and the support we got from the council’s expert team helped us to understand the process during the application because they gave valuable, pragmatic advice.” Councillor Lynnette Kelly, Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Employment, said RDM was a perfect example of a forward-thinking company that had the expertise to grow with additional financial help. “Growing Places funding gives LEPs the opportunity to award grants to businesses that will boost their local economy and create jobs,” she said.
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Julia goes beyond what you would expect from an accountant
Business IS changing, so businesses now need to navigate through more complex issues. The quality of business information governs the quality and size of annual profit. Chartered Management Accountants, like Julia from Leask Accountancy Solutions, add value by blending financial expertise with business insight. Opportunities and risks are managed by using Management Accounting research, tools and techniques. Complex information is translated and communicated effectively, guiding critical business decisions and creating sustainable success. By listening to and understanding the business needs a range of services are tailored to ensure the biggest advantage is gained, working to:• Advise about the financial implications of projects. • Explain the financial consequences of business decisions. • Formulate business strategy. • Monitor spending and financial control. • Conduct internal business audits. • Explain the impact of the competitive landscape. • Bring a high level of professionalism and integrity to business. What people say about Julia “Challenged wasteful accounting practices resulting in us providing better value for money.” “A very knowledgeable and approachable person. She has been very thorough and responsive throughout.” “Produced reports for a new business area that supplied accurate, timely and business critical information in an easy to read format for non-financial managers” “A highly professional and ethical attitude to her work. She demonstrates a clear understanding of how businesses work, not just adding up numbers. “ “Uses the information from the numbers to inform her suggestions in relation to growing a business, very refreshing!” “Always goes the extra mile. Her integrity is second to none.” “A mine of information, totally reliable.” “Very proactive on our behalf and has become a very important link in our team. We pay as we go which helps cashflow.” If you would like to know more about how your business would benefit from working with Julia contact her today to arrange a free no-obligation review. Phone: 01926 298829 Email: julia@leaskas.co.uk Web: www.leaskas.co.uk
15
Legal & Finance
Santander announces key appointment
Law firm stands up for property owners’ rights
Paul Rice, partner at Wright Hassall
A Midlands law firm is standing alongside the rural community in fighting for the rights of property owners on the proposed route of HS2. The recent safeguarding of the proposed route of HS2 by the Department for Transport protects it from any conflicting development. It also triggers the statutory rights of property owners within 60 metres of the route to serve a Blight Notice on HS2 Limited, the government-owned body charged with the overseeing the construction of the railway. This allows property owners to request that the government purchase their property at market value, under the terms of the Compensation Code. However, Leamington Spa-based solicitors Wright Hassall agree with the Country Land & Business Association (CLA) that this measure does not go nearly far enough to fully compensate all affected property owners along the proposed route. The CLA is campaigning for a Property Bond Scheme to help all property owners adversely affected by projects such as HS2. Its main purpose will be to give certainty to property and business owners. The intention would be to underwrite the open market, unblighted value of the property. Property owners along the route have already suffered enormous difficulties due to the length of time large infrastructure projects take to complete –the earliest suggested completion date for HS2 is 2027. Andrew Shirley, Chief Surveyor with the CLA, said “Those living on, or close to the route of HS2 have already suffered many years of disruption and uncertainty. “Having your land, business or house affected is a deeply traumatic experience – these are not just properties, but homes and livelihoods. “The Government must move quickly to establish a Property Bond Scheme to underwrite property values and not just rely on the inadequate Blight Notice provisions currently on offer. “Addressing the impacts of those being deprived of their property, or their enjoyment of their property, needs to be first, not last priority.” Not only that, but under the current compensation criteria, only properties within 60 metres of the route will have a statutory right to compensation leaving many outside this boundary could face years of disruption and blight possibly without any recompense. Paul Rice heads Wright Hassall’s agricultural team and deals with farms and rural businesses, as well as private property owners. He is urging those affected to seek advice and not automatically accept any offer put forward by government. He said: “Now that the route has been safeguarded, affected property owners will be very unlikely to get planning permission to develop, upgrade, improve, extend or in any way alter land or premises along the line. This will leave many farming and other rural businesses in limbo while the compensation package continues to be fine-tuned. “The experience of negotiating compensation packages on behalf of several property owners when the M40 extension was built in the 1980s gave us, as a firm, an invaluable insight into the way in which governments can fudge – or even try to avoid – their obligations. “We will be doing everything we can to achieve the best possible compensation package for our clients and will add our voice to those of others campaigning for a better compensation deal.” For more information, property owners can contact Paul Rice on 01926 880777 or email paul.rice@wrighthassall.co.uk
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David Lodder
Lodders rated top tier for legal advice Lodders Solicitors has retained its top spot in key areas of legal advice. The Warwickshire and Gloucestershire firm is rated in the top tier for agricultural and private client work, and this year the real estate team is rated in the second tier of legal firms outside of Birmingham. Legal 500, the trade ‘bible’ for lawyers, comments that Lodders ‘has a sizeable and highly knowledgeable team.’ The guide describes senior partner David Lodder as ‘exceptional’ and partner Alex Robinson as ‘very efficient‘. Partners Martin Green and Stephen Brignull are described as ‘technically very strong and pragmatic‘. Commenting on the firm’s growing real estate work, Legal 500 notes that Lodders’ ‘driven team is ‘very responsive‘ and is appreciated for its ‘partner-led approach‘. Team head Nick East is ‘very experienced‘ and Mark Lee ‘thrives on getting the deal done‘. Lodders managing parter Rod Bird said: “Once again this is most welcome recognition of the firm’s strengths and we are particularly pleased that our growing real estate team is getting the attention it deserves.“
Legal company rises up the rankings A leading employment law firm in Coventry and Warwickshire has risen up the rankings in the latest edition of The Legal 500. De Marco Solicitors, one of the largest employment law teams in the area, has achieved a higher placing in the employment category for the West Midlands than last year. Principal Sandra Garlick and specialist employment law solicitors Lianne Payne and Natalie Sandra Garlick, Principal Roach have also been individually of De Marco Solicitors recognised in the renowned guide which is based purely on merit. Sandra said: “We are delighted to once again be recognised as one of the top employment law firms in the West Midlands and to have risen up the rankings. “The Legal 500 is an independent guide and firms and individuals are recommended only on merit after extensive research based upon interviews with clients, referrers and barristers as well as mystery shopper exercises. “Our higher position within the guide recognises our high standards of service and expertise which now stretches to 60 years of practice experience within our team.”
Santander Corporate & Commercial has appointed Tim Pezzack to the role of Divisional Managing Director for the Midlands & Wales. Tim has 26 years, banking experience and was previously Santander Corporate & Commercial’s Regional Director for Wales. In his new role, Tim will lead a team of Corporate & Commercial Banking experts located in the East and West Midlands and Wales. The 156-strong team is responsible for managing existing customer relationships and sourcing new business throughout the division and includes experts in various sectors such as Real Estate, Healthcare, Deposits, Asset Finance and Invoice Finance. In his previous role, Tim was responsible for establishing and growing Santander Corporate & Commercial’s presence in Wales, doubling the size of the team and overseeing the expansion of the Cardiff Corporate Business Centre. In the year to the end of June, Santander grew lending to SMEs in Wales by 65 per cent, providing £170 million of new lending to business in the region. Previously Tim worked as a Director on the Lloyds TSB Commercial Board as the UK Head of Key Markets.
“I am delighted to have been appointed to this new role.” Tim said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to this new role. Over the last couple of years, Santander Corporate & Commercial has established itself as a major supporter of UK businesses in this key region and I am confident the next few years will bring even more success. At Santander, we pride ourselves on offering a service shaped entirely around our customers, with a full relationship management approach. This is something I intend to build on as we continue to grow our presence in the region to enable us to support even more of our successful local businesses.”
“At Santander, we pride ourselves on offering a service shaped entirely around our customers, with a full relationship management approach.”
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Legal & Finance
Directors warned about taking early dividends Company directors who take a proportion of their salaries as dividends could be building up a significant liability if things do not go according to plan, warns insolvency experts Cranfield Business Recovery. It is common practice for accountants and financial advisers to recommend to owner directors of companies that they take a minimum salary and the rest of their annual remuneration as dividends, which are posted to the directors’ loan account. Dividends can only be declared out of retained profits and, while the business is doing well, it saves money on the PAYE and National Insurance bills, and is acceptable and legal practice. However, Cranfield is warning directors that problems can arise if the business starts to struggle and the directors’ loan account becomes overdrawn. This typically happens when a company enters an insolvency process, with directors being personally liable for any outstanding debts showing on directors’ loan accounts.
If profitability is in question, the answer, according to Cranfield, is to incur the extra PAYE income tax and National Insurance by drawing a full salary rather than build up an overdrawn director’s loan account which may not get repaid via dividends at the end of the year. Profitability is one of the key indicators of whether a company is about to hit troubled times. Towards the start of this year the insolvency body R3 stated that 37% of small businesses were experiencing decreased profits, and almost a quarter of small firms were regularly using their maximum overdraft. These worrying statistics suggest that many business owners could be liable to repay their overdrawn director’s loan accounts when profits do not achieve expectations and dividends cannot be declared. Tony Mitchell, managing director of Cranfield Business Recovery said: “During uncertain times, my advice to all owner directors is that if there is any doubt at all about the solvency or profitability of your company, consider very carefully whether
the savings that can be made in PAYE Income Tax and National Insurance contributions are worth the risk of having to repay an overdrawn director’s loan account.” Cranfield states that other factors indicating a company may be struggling include cash flow pressures and staffing pressures as a result of pay cuts and freezes or redundancies creating discontent within the workforce, which can ultimately affect the viability of a business. Tony concludes: “Similarly, accountants and financial advisers should review all their clients’ arrangements, where directors receive minimum salaries and take drawings in anticipation of future dividends. They need to evaluate the solvency of client companies and where necessary advise clients to pay additional PAYE Income Tax and National Insurance, even if this incurs more costs for the business. In the long run, this might actually work out as a better option for directors.”
Success for accountants
From left to right: Liam Morris, Aman Hayre, Steph Charnell, Gemma Morris, Lucy Elliott and Dale Southworth.
A leading firm of chartered accountants and business advisers with offices in Leamington Spa, Leicester, London, Nuneaton and Rugby is celebrating as a number of its employees have achieved further success in their recent accountancy exams. Burgis & Bullock, which has a range of experience and specialist knowledge of providing business, financial and taxation advice, has a comprehensive training package in place for its team. The exam passes were gained by www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Gemma Morris who is now a qualified Chartered Certified Accountant. In addition, Steph Charnell has gained Level 3 AAT, Lucy Elliott passed two papers in business strategy and financial reporting, Dale Southworth and Aman Hayre passed two exams towards becoming ACCA qualified and Liam Morris is now at Level 2 AAT. They are continuing their work towards becoming fully accredited over the next 12 months. Sean Farnell, Partner, said: “We continue to be proud of the exam successes of our
Students across the firm. These results show that our commitment to training is paying dividends and will continue to further build on our team’s success over coming months and years. “As a firm, we are fully committed to training people and ensuring that our team have a solid appreciation of business fundamentals as well as the high levels of technical expertise required to be successful in the current marketplace. We look forward to announcing further successes in the near future.”
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Auto Enrolment Explained
Jamie Skelding
Prime Accountants Group director, Jamie Skelding, explains the new duty businesses have to ensure their employees have pension provision. New Auto Enrolment legislation, introduced in October 2012, has been designed to encourage up to 11 million workers across the UK to adopt a retirement savings culture. Commencing with larger employers and followed by medium and small employers, the scheme will be rolled out progressively over the next six years. All employers will be required to automatically enrol some or all members of their workforce into a pension scheme that meets certain minimum standards. Depending on the worker’s age and salary level, employers may be required to make contributions to this pension scheme, adding to the contributions made by their workers. If a worker opts out or stops paying into the workplace pension their employer has a duty to automatically enrol them back into their pension scheme at regular intervals, usually every three years. This is to give those workers who have stopped saving into a workplace pension the opportunity to reconsider their finances and pension saving options. They can choose to stay in this time or opt out again. As a BACS accredited Payroll bureau, Jamie comments ‘Prime will be looking after the requirements of new legislation on behalf of many clients so they can continue to focus on their business and not have to worry about yet another administrative burden laid at their door” The Pensions Regulator are responsible for ensuring employers comply with the new law and have produced guidance to help employers to do this. If they see persistent or intentional non-compliance they will take action and it is suggested that escalating penalties could range from £50 per day to £10,000. If you have any questions or queries, or would like Prime to manage your payroll, please contact Jamie Skelding on 02476 518555.
17
Policy
Council leader given warm welcome by businesses
More companies looking ahead with confidence Coventry and Warwickshire companies are reflecting the more positive economic mood in their outlook for the next 12 months. Firms across the city and the county were polled in the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES). The QES acts as a barometer for the regional economy and the results are fed into a national survey conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). In the third quarter of 2013, both the manufacturing and service sectors across Coventry and Warwickshire, the results show improved confidence among businesses. In the service sector, 78 per cent of companies are predicting a rise in turnover in the next year while in manufacturing, 67 per cent of firms believe turnover will grow in the next 12 months. The figures are a strong improvement on the survey conducted in the second quarter of the year.
Pictured: Izzi Seccombe and Amrik Bhabra, with the delegation of Warwickshire businesses.
Business leaders have called for authorities from Coventry and Warwickshire to ensure they are working as closely as possible for the good of the region. The call came from businesses at a meeting with Izzi Seccombe, the new leader of Warwickshire County Council. Izzi Seccombe, who was chosen as leader after the election in May, met with a dozen businesses from across the county at a special session organised by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. Seccombe said that cuts in council funding meant the authorities were working closer than ever with business, and looking at ways in which services could be delivered in partnership with the private sector.
She said: “Just like business, we are having to be very innovative in the way we work because the scale of cuts means that there are bound to be gaps. “That means delivering services in innovative ways and working closer than ever with the private sector. “That is the day to day running of the council, but my other priority is ensuring that we keep developing a positive economy in Warwickshire that enables existing businesses to thrive, and also attracts inward investors. “That involves a whole mix of factors such as the environment, transport, infrastructure and leisure. The balance has to be right. “We do have to work very closely as authorities, because people live and work in both Coventry and Warwickshire.”
A wide range of issues including skills, transport, infrastructure, retail, the Local Enterprise Partnership and tourism were discussed by the group. Amrik Bhabra, president of the Chamber, said: “This was a really good session. It was the first time many of us had met Izzi, and it was valuable to hear what she had to say and for us to get our thoughts and concerns directly to her. “To be frank, businesses do not really care where they operate in terms of local political boundaries and it is absolutely key that all the local authorities – who now work together on the LEP – are pulling in the same direction with the same aims. “There are massive common interests for Coventry and Warwickshire – especially in areas such as tourism – and that must be reflected as much at local authority level as it is in the commercial world.”
“Just like business, we are having to be very innovative in the way we work...” 18
“... businesses are beginning to feel that the economic recovery might be strong enough to become a period of sustained growth.” Louise Bennett, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “There is certainly a gathering momentum and growing confidence among companies across Coventry and Warwickshire. “After a few false dawns, businesses are beginning to feel that the economic recovery might be strong enough to become a period of sustained growth. “That said, that doesn’t mean the hard work is done and we must continue the process of rebalancing the economy and, particularly, getting more of our firms exporting.” The concept of improving exports as a driver for economic growth is backed up in the survey as 81 per cent of manufacturers who export said their overseas sales had risen in the past three months. In services, 73 per cent of firms who sell abroad said their overseas sales had increased in the last quarter. When it comes to employment, 57 per cent of service sector businesses said they would be expanding their workforce in the next three months compared with just five per cent who said staffing levels would fall. In manufacturing, 47 per cent of companies said they expected to increase their workforce in the next three months compared with seven per cent who said staffing numbers may be reduced. www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
News Sponsorship deal tops off exciting year A budding badminton player has topped off a successful year by netting a sponsorship deal with one of the Midlands’ leading accountancy firm. It has been a fantastic 12 months for Rhys Walker from Nuneaton after he won a bronze medal at the European Junior Championships in Turkey – the only British player to medal – before being selected to join the full-time ranks with the senior England team. And the 19-year-old is celebrating once more after extending his sponsorship agreement with Coventry and Leamingtonbased financial experts and chartered accountants Harrison Beale and Owen (HB&O). The financial support from HB&O over the past three years has allowed Rhys to focus on his training while competing as a junior athlete. But now the former Higham Lane School student has set his sights on building on his experience among the senior ranks. “It’s perfect when you have someone backing you in this way as not only does it help in terms of money for training and travel but it also shows that people believe in you,” said Rhys. “It’s been a good year. I was extremely pleased to hit one of my main targets, which was to win a medal at the European Junior Championships in Turkey. “I am now a part of the England senior team, training full-time in Milton Keynes after being the only under-19 athlete selected as a singles player to make the step up. “There is a huge difference between junior and senior competition and the experience I have gained over the past year-and-a-half, taking part in senior competitions thanks to HB&O’s funding, helped me gain valuable experience ahead of the transition.
Pictured left to right: Phil Ewing, Coventry director at Harrison Beale and Owen with Rhys Walker.
“I am playing against senior professionals so there are greater demands in terms of physical and mental strength and things are a lot more serious. “I just want to keep improving now, settle into my new training schedule and pick up as many good results as I can over the coming year.” Phil Ewing, Coventry director at HB&O, has been delighted to see the strides Rhys has made over the past 12 months as he has risen to be ranked as England’s number three men’s singles player. Phil said: “As a firm, we have always supported a lot of local sporting talent and have sponsored Rhys for some time so we are delighted to be able to continue and strengthen that relationship. “We were particularly pleased that he was able to achieve such magnificent success this year and he has put himself in a fantastic position to build on that by being selected for England. “Rhys’ commitment and enthusiasm for the sport is second to none so we are really looking forward to tracking his progress as a senior player and we will be here to support him as much as we can.” For more information on Rhys or to keep up to date with his achievements visit www.rhyswalker.com.
Helicopter firm looks to the future
sponsored column
West Midlands-based Rigby Group PLC has completed a reorganisation of its aviation division, unifying all helicopter operations under the British International Helicopter Services (BIH) brand.
“Following a period of rapid growth through acquisition, we have now fully aligned the group’s aviation assets...” The move will see the BIH brand at the head of the group’s helicopter-led aviation activities as it continues to pursue its strategic goal of building a large domestically owned commercial helicopter operator in the UK, leading a planned expansion of the group’s existing military and commercial helicopter business. Rigby Group founder and CEO Sir Peter Rigby said: “Following a period of rapid growth through acquisition, we have now fully aligned the group’s aviation assets to create a balanced, full-service commercial air operation ready to meet the challenges of the sector. “The British commercial aviation sector, which is important to both the regional and national economies, is currently dominated by overseas companies. From a strategic perspective UK PLC must address that, and it is clear to us that only a proven company of genuine scale and with real breadth of expertise can mount a credible challenge.” British International Helicopters, headquartered at Coventry Airport, employs more than 150 people.
Make sure your business is accessible to all Accessibility doesn’t just mean having a ramp to your business’ entrance – as Grapevine Coventry and Warwickshire will tell you. It’s also a case of making your services available to anyone who might need to use them – mentally, and physically. With 1 in 40 people in the UK having a Learning Disability, this is a fair amount of the UK market. The charity, which has been operating in
Coventry since 1994, is a local authority when it comes to the needs of people with Learning Disabilities. Clare Wightman, Director at Grapevine, said: “People with a learning disability are often overlooked – it’s assumed that they’ll have someone to do things like going to the
Part of the Grapevine team (from left): Gordon Lowe, Mia Docker, Adam Hives, and Kirstie Nichols.
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
bank, or the weekly shop for them, but increasingly they don’t. “Grapevine does practical, hands-on work that tries to give those of us who have a learning disability independence, and access to the good things in their communities. We’d like to offer businesses the chance to work with us, to widen their understanding of people with a learning disability in order to strengthen their customer services.” Grapevine is offering to visit local businesses to educate the local workforce in the difficulties surrounding Learning Disabilities, to understand how they could communicate their business better, and have a more welcoming outlook. They will also do a follow up ‘mystery shopper’ visit to enable you to evaluate your services. To discuss your business’ accessibility or to find out more about supporting Grapevine, contact Kirstie Nichols, Fundraising Manager on 024 7663 1040 or email knichols@grapevinecoventryandwarwick shire.co.uk
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Anniversary is celebrated at a conference full of optimism
Pictured (left to right): Amrik Bhabra, Chris White, Sir Peter Rigby, Louise Bennett, Barry Naisbitt, Marcus Jones, Gerald Ratner, Adam Marshall
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 110th anniversary by looking to future growth. Chamber members marked the anniversary at their annual conference at Stoneleigh Park where key business and civic leaders from across the region gathered. Speakers at the conference, sponsored by Santander and the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), included Chamber president Amrik Bhabra, MPs Marcus Jones and Chris White as well as a video address from Business Secretary Vince Cable. Barry Naisbitt, chief economist of Santander, LEP chairman Sir Peter Rigby and Gerald Ratner were the three keynote speakers while the event was facilitated by Dr Adam Marshall, head of policy, at the British Chambers of Commerce. Amrik kicked off the event by paying tribute those who had supported the Chamber over the course of the last 110 years in its efforts to help businesses
across the region. He said: “I am in awe of any organisation that is capable of reshaping itself, responding constantly to clients’ needs, reforming itself and being, at all times, relevant to its customer-base and that is exactly what the Chamber of Commerce has done – and done successfully – for 110 years. “This is a tribute to the generations of business leaders who have served as board and committee members for the Chamber, and as presidents, ably supported by Chamber staff. “Their combined efforts – in good times and bad – have made a major contribution to our area’s economic strength.” It is an economic strength that appears to be returning after the downturn, according to the subsequent speakers. Barry said that Coventry and Warwickshire was well-placed to take advantage of the recovery, which is expected to continue into next year at a ‘sustainable pace’.
About 250 business and civic leaders gathered for the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s 12th annual conference at Stoneleigh Park. The Chamber was celebrating its 110th anniversary at the conference, sponsored by the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Santander, and included speeches and presentations from Barry Naisbitt (Santander), Sir Peter Rigby (LEP), Amrik Bhabra (Chamber president), Gerald Ratner and MPs Chris White and Marcus Jones. He said the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee’s decision to peg rates at 0.5 per cent unless unemployment fell below seven per cent had removed one of the ‘uncertainties’ for many families. “The challenges remain,” he said, “but the economic outlook is more positive.” He added that Government should engage with business on a more consistent basis, which was met with unanimous approval from the more than 250 business people congregated at the event. Barry Naisbitt’s speech was followed by a video address from Secretary of State for Business Vince Cable, who said that Chambers of Commerce across the country had a critical role to play. MPs Marcus Jones and Chris White then took questions from Adam Marshall and from the floor. Marcus said that politicians from all sides should have a more consistent message to business while Chris said that there was a ‘need to build on the growing optimism’ and that continued dialogue with the Chamber was crucial to that. Sir Peter Rigby was questioned by Adam Marshall and after providing a background
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to his own business portfolio, he spoke at length about the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s part in growing the regional economy. He said: “We have had to bring together the private sector, the public sector and our universities – and it has been a challenge. “But, broadly speaking, we have managed to do it and have got everybody working together. The LEP is very much business led, but working for collective aims is crucial. “We’ve raised £122.9 million of investment for the region through various funds and pots of money such as RGF, ERDF and Growing Places. “The City Deal proposal we have been working on is the single most important piece of work we are doing. It is a sustainable business support strategy which will offer a single point of contact for manufacturing and engineering companies to access support to grow their business. “We would start with advanced manufacturing and engineering www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Conferences
Businesses urged to look to export trade
He said: “It was a really interesting and optimistic event. Whenever I come and speak to Chambers, you get a sense of what is going on in the real economy rather than the one they talk about on TV. “There were several pointers to take from the conference but I would say that this region has to shout more loudly about the things it is good at.”
companies but there is no reason why it couldn’t work in other sectors.” Throughout the event Adam Marshall put several questions to the audience where they had to answer using a red and green cards. In those votes, the vast majority of business people felt more optimistic about the next 12 months but there was a split when asked if the country had a problem with successful businesses. The final keynote speech was given by Gerald Ratner, who gave an amusing insight into his famous mistake and how he fought back from it. The conference was closed by Adam Marshall, who rounded up the event and paid tribute to Coventry and Warwickshire and its Chamber
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Pictured left to right: Paul Noon, Tim Luft, Adam Shuter, Mick Page
Firms in Coventry and Warwickshire have been challenged to increase exports from the region at a major conference. The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce held its 12th annual conference at Stoneleigh Park on Friday October 4 with speakers including Chamber president Amrik Bhabra, Santander’s Chief Economist Barry Naisbitt, LEP chairman Sir Peter Rigby and MPs Marcus Jones and Chris White. The main conference was preceded by a breakfast meeting – attended by 50 firms – staged by UKTI to highlight the opportunities for export and inward investment in the region. Mick Page, who leads the international trade team at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, hosted the breakfast which featured presentations from UKTI regional director Paul Noon, Tim Luft, of Serious Games International, and Adam Shuter, of Exact Logistics. Paul Noon set out the UKTI role in growing overseas trade and said he had been challenged to double exports from the West Midlands by 2020. He said that would mean ten per cent growth year-on-year – which would be unprecedented for the region – but that he was determined it could be achieved. Paul said: “We have a great team here in Coventry and Warwickshire. They are working every day to help companies export. They will look for the low hanging fruit for businesses to ensure that companies get more bang for their exporting buck. “The challenge is there to double exports by 2020 but we have already done as much work this year as we did in the whole of last year and are supporting more companies in the region. “There is no other period in our history when we’ve set out to achieve growth at this rate but we are determined to meet the challenge. “We are ramping up our trade mission programme because we know there are real opportunities out there and we are confident that we can get more and more firms trading overseas. “I am confident that we can get double digit growth when it comes to exporting from this region this year.” Paul added that creative companies could take advantage of support being offer in the ‘Great Weeks’ programme of events that would be taking place across the globe over the next 18 months. Tim Luft, the managing director of Serious Games International, said he drew
inspiration from firms based in Silicon Valley whose plan from the outset was to be global. He said: “We don’t have the £40 million to £50 million start-up budget that they had but they immediately set out to be international businesses – companies such as LinkedIn. “We knew immediately that Asia would be a key to our growth and we went to UKTI and they were a huge support. We have an office in Singapore and have seven staff out there. “I do sometimes sound like a member of the UKTI staff but I would urge other businesses to make full use of their services – whether its market visits or OMIS reports, which are affordable and easy to access.” Adam Shuter, a director of Exact Logistics, urged firms to find the right partners when exporting products. He said: “I believe you have to have a horses for courses approach. We are good on European Transport – and very good when it comes to Germany. “But we are not the company to come to if you want to send a container to China – I would just point you in the right direction of a company who can help. “Some firms will say they are one-size, fits-all but I would be wary of that promise. “I would say make a positive choice and select a partner and make it a real partnership.” Mick Page rounded off the breakfast event by urging companies to make the most of the services available – including a range of events coming up in the autumn. He said: “I always think it is much more powerful to hear from businesses who have had support from the team because they can tell the story better than I can but it’s important that we get the message across that the support is out there. “We have a range of events coming up but the help is there for companies on a daily basis. “During Export Week in November, there is a great opportunity to take part in an event at Edgbaston when we are flying more than 80 overseas business advisers over to speak to businesses. There are still spaces for that event, but they are going fast. “The challenge is there for us to get more companies exporting and trading globally. We are here to meet that challenge and help firms to grow through overseas trade – which will benefit the whole economy.” For more information on international trade call 024 7665 4321.
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Property
Barn conversion a new lease of life for Cromwell’s old stamping ground Companies looking for a rural location with a slice of history need look no further than a barn conversion near Balsall Common, where Oliver Cromwell camped before his assault on Kenilworth Castle. Pheasant Oak Barn in Hob Lane is on land once known as Camp Farm, named after Cromwell rested his army there before attacking the Royalist stronghold during the Civil War.
“.... where Oliver Cromwell camped before his assault on Kenilworth Castle.” Rod Adlington, who owns the farm, converted the historic two-storey barn in 2004, retaining some of the original features and putting in double glazing, underfloor heating, air conditioning and a kitchen with electric hob, dishwasher and refrigerators. Scott Blake, a director of Leamington property consultants ehB Commercial, said the two ground floor offices totalled 737 sq ft (68.43 sq m) and could be let separately from the first floor, which totals 816 sq ft (75.89 sq m). Information available from ehB Commercial or Barlow Associates
Pheasant Oak Barn.
Commercial property agents triumph at national wards Leamington commercial property consultants ehB Commercial have again triumphed in national awards and been named Warwickshire’s ‘Most Active Agent of the Year’ for a record fourth time by leading trade journal Estates Gazette. This is no mean feat for an independent firm of chartered surveyors and commercial property consultants which was only established five years ago. More than 60 agents in the region were entered for the award. The magazine also named ehB’s Victoria Mawer as the county’s ‘Deal Maker of the Year’ – the second time she has won the award. The ‘deal maker’ prize has only run for three years and the firm has won it on all three occasions with Victoria lifting the trophy this year and in 2011, and director Simon Hain picking up last year’s award. Mr Hain said: “We have remained very busy over the last four years despite the economic situation, mainly because we handle all kinds of property – large and small – and don’t restrict ourselves to just the large lucrative deals, coupled with great client care and service. “We have successfully handled sales and lettings of all sorts of commercial property, from the single office and corner shop to large office blocks and extensive
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“We are expecting to become even busier as improving market rents and property values lead to more properties being placed with us.” warehouses. “We are expecting to become even busier as improving market rents and property values lead to more properties being placed with us. There is a general improvement in the market and a shortage of supply in certain sectors. But confidence is returning and we have clients who are soon to start two major developments in the area.” ehB Commercial currently handles a raft of properties - including retails units, offices, warehouses and industrial units as well as providing such services as valuations, acquisition & corporate property advice, development, investment & commercial property management and landlord & tenant. www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Property
Tributes to a true gentleman One of the region’s most respected business figures has passed away aged 82 after a short illness. Gordon Nicholls, the chairman of Leamington based-builders and developers A. C. Lloyd, had been with the company for just over 60 years after joining the firm on a 12-month basis in 1953. The company, which had been started just after the Second World War by Cyril Lloyd, was responsible for much of the development of present day Leamington Spa, including the Sydenham, Heathcote and Tachbrook Park estates. The company also worked on the post war restoration of many of Leamington’s historic buildings and carried out the major refurbishment of Rossmore House and the Leamington Pump Rooms in the 1980s and 90s. It recently moved to new headquarters on Tachbrook Park – named Nicholls House in his honour. Gordon was made a director of A.C. Lloyd (Builders) after three years with the firm when he was just 25 years old. He became Group Managing Director in 1976, and chairman of the group in 1991. He was married to Thelma for 57 years, and the couple have two daughters Michelle and Karen. He also has four grand-daughters. Gordon was a keen sportsman. He boxed in his youth, played cricket for Newbold on Avon for almost 40 years from 1945 and rugby for Old Laurentians. He also played squash, real tennis and golf and entered various sporting events to raise money for causes including the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Myton Hospice and Castel Froma. Peter Beddoes worked with Nicholls for 30 years as a lawyer and, for the past 10 years, as a fellow director of the A C Lloyd Group. He said: “I have been inundated with
Pictured left to right: Alistair Clark, Gordon Nicholls and Des Wynne from A C Lloyd outside Nicholls House.
emails and messages since Gordon’s death – and the one word mentioned in almost all of them is ‘gentleman’. “He was the most honest and genuine person I have ever come across in my working life. He really was a gentleman who had integrity running right through him. “In all the time I worked with him I can’t recall him ever losing his temper. He was a thoroughly genuine man.” Alistair Clark, a director of A.C. Lloyd, who has worked with Gordon for over 30 years said: “Gordon has been my inspiration and mentor throughout my career. He had integrity in the way he carried out his business which set the philosophy and reputation for A.C. Lloyd. Gordon’s word was most definitely his bond. That is the way business was done when he first started, and that is the ethos that he instilled in the company and will continue as his legacy. He was a true gentleman in everything he did.”
Company opens new regional office
Pictured left to right: Mike Divers (Brooks Macdonald); Bill Wareing (Wareing & Company)
A specialist asset management firm has extended its UK office network after opening a new regional office in Leamington. Brooks Macdonald Asset Management (BMAM) has moved into its new office –at Hamilton Terrace, – taking its total number of bases to 11 across the UK and Channel Islands. Commercial property agents Wareing & Company marketed the detached building and arranged the letting to the firm, which comprises the investment management division of Brooks Macdonald Group Plc. The two-storey period building boasts a private rear car park and high quality office interior following the completion of major refurbishments in 2009. Brooks Macdonald Plc employs 376 staff
across the UK and offshore and the opening of its Leamington office is expected to enable further recruitment opportunities later this year. The new office will be led by Mike Divers, who has relocated from their London Mayfair office. He said: “The property is a great reflection of our corporate image and its central location enables us to extend our services right across the Midlands. “Our move to one of Leamington Spa’s prime business areas allows us to establish new relationships with clients in the region, while ensuring that our existing local clients receive the highest possible standards of service. “We are also looking forward to continuing to expand the Leamington team and hope to create a number of employment opportunities in the local area.” Bill Wareing, director of Wareing & Company said: “Hamilton Terrace is an extremely popular business location and has become a hub for professional businesses, particularly those within the financial and legal sectors.”
“The property is a great reflection of our corporate image...”
Property agents are riding high The Warwickshire residential property market has received a “leg up” thanks to a high profile national jump jockey. Residential property agents ehB Residential, which has offices in Leamington Spa and Warwick, are set to be seen on racecourses across the country after sponsoring former Welsh Grand National winner Charlie Poste. The 30-year old jump jockey, who lives in Wilmcote in Stratford, has taken part in the sport since he was 16 and competes in both national and international jump race meetings.
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And now he will be sporting the ehB Residential logo for the forthcoming National Hunt season. It is the first time the sportsman has been sponsored by a property agent and the ehB Residential logo will now feature across his breeches and necktie during the season which will get into full swing in October. Charlie rides out regularly for trainer Robin Dickins at Great Alne in Warwickshire and rode one of his first winners at Warwick race course. He said: “I’m so pleased to have been sponsored by a local firm and I am really looking forward to working with the team. “It is great to be able to promote the firm both within the local area where I spend a lot of the season and also at major race meetings such as the Grand National meeting which will take place in April.” Edward Bromwich, managing director at ehB Residential, said: “Charlie is a fantastic jockey and it is great that we are able to support him this season.”
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Area Focus: Coventry
Coventry firm lands contract Lloyds goes the extra for local community mile for Myton Hospices
Comux UK, which won the Ofcom licence to set up as many as 60 local community television stations, has appointed a Coventry firm to provide the broadcast capability. WarwickNet, the region’s largest independent Internet Service provider, beat competitors BT, Virgin Media and SSE to win the multimillion pound six-year contract. The central Comux hub will operate from Birmingham Science Park, which will house the broadcast operations and the servers required to power the local TV stations across the UK. Comux chief operating officer Clare Bramley said that they had chosen the Innovation Birmingham Campus because of the 2Gbit/s broadband connectivity there, which was installed by WarwickNet. Her team is working with WarwickNet which specialises in providing superfast broadband to science and business parks to install the broadcast capability of each of the local television station across the UK. There will be 19 stations in the first phase, some of which are due to go live by the end of the year. The local channels have been allocated to Freeview Channel 8 in England and Wales. Very large data files of TV content from the local production companies will be sent via WarwickNet’s private network to the Comux facility at the Birmingham Science Park in Aston and, from there, the programming will be streamed directly to local TV transmitter sites. Additionally,
“This initiative is one of the most exciting changes to the UK’s television landscape for many years.”
some live TV will be streamed directly to Comux from the local studios. Comux chief executive Ed Hall said: “We needed an organisation with a very high level of technical expertise in building complex, bespoke, multi-site networks and that we could work closely with as a long term partner. WarwickNet has a great reputation for real customer service and a proven ability to deliver really high-speed data connectivity” WarwickNet managing director Ben King said: “This initiative is one of the most exciting changes to the UK’s television landscape for many years. Previously, local TV had been limited to a handful of cities, but soon there will be up to 60 towns and cities with their own dedicated channel, serving the local community. “Comux awarded us the contract because we were able to offer a more technically appropriate solution and more flexibility than the competitors by offering both the design and the management of the project,” he said. Originally conceived by former Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt, the local TV initiative aims to create a vibrant network of stations that can service local communities, improve local democracy and provide an alternative to the BBC’s services.
The Lloyds Bank Commercial Team in Coventry raised more than £3,000 for The Myton Hospices after completing a gruelling 10-mile walk in challenging weather conditions, together with two influential local business owners. Denise Taylor, Managing Director of Bridge PR & Media Services, and independent growth coach Anne Wilkinson joined Gary Saxon, senior manager of Lloyds Bank Commercial Coventry and his team, in a testing 10 mile hike across the Malvern Hills in aid of The Myton Hospices on October 4th. Pledged donations from local businesses totalled over £1,500 and Lloyds will be matching it pound for pound at a time when charities are experiencing a period of unprecedented hardship with donations falling. Every year The Myton Hospices care for more than 2,000 local people and their families at hospices in Warwick, Rugby and Coventry, providing support and reassurance, relieving symptoms and controlling pain for sufferers of life limited illnesses. The charity is aiming to raise a total of £7.5 million by the end of the year and large donations like this should help the organisation reach its goal. The challenging walk saw the team sport waterproofs and walking boots in a hike from the Malvern Hills Hotel to the Beacon and back, taking in the natural landscapes, brambles and fountains of the hills. Faced with misty October squalls and periods of heavy rain, the team kept going in order to
reach its goal and deliver much needed funds for the charity. Gary Saxon, Senior Manager of Lloyds Commercial Coventry organised the event and has been raising money for The Myton Hospices for the last few years. Gary said: “It was great to be joined by two local business figures on this charity walk and we are delighted to have raised in excess of £3,000 for a very worthy cause. The Myton Hospices rely on donations and anyone who has ever received their help knows how vital it can be. They provide a positive supportive environment to patients and their families. We were delighted that we could do our bit to contribute to the cause.” The website to make donations will remain open for the next two weeks for anyone wishing to support this worthy cause. Visit www.justgiving.com/LloydsTSBCoventry
Double Celebration for Coventry Accountants Leading independent Coventry accountancy practice Leigh Christou LLP is celebrating 30 years in business with the renewal of the prestigious Quality Checked Kitemark awarded by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the body which regulates and monitors practising accountants. Leigh Christou were the very first firm of accountants in the UK to originally receive this prestigious award following its launch back in 2000. In order to achieve the Quality Checked Seal award, the firm had to demonstrate the highest level of standards in all aspects of its practice, as part of a stringent monitoring process by the ACCA. The standards are set extremely high and to successfully achieve a renewal of this for a third term is a major coup for Leigh, Christou LLP, reflecting well on the calibre of the partners, staff and the levels of service offered to its clients. Chris Christou Senior Partner said
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“We are justifiably proud of this achievement, particularly coming in our 30th anniversary year. It is a great credit to all of our team and testimony to the ethos and culture of the firm. Leigh Christou has come a long way since the practice was first established back in 1983. We have always believed that the recipe for success is putting client service first and setting the highest standards of attainment across all areas of the firm. However, success can only be achieved by developing a strong team of capable and talented people who share this desire to deliver a quality service to the highest standards. Receiving this award for the third successive time over this period goes some way to demonstrate that the firm is continuing to achieve the fundamental goals on which the firm was originally founded.” For further information on the services offered by Leigh Christou LLP, please contact the Coventry office on 02476 251333.
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Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Area Focus: Coventry
sponsored column
Investment good news for growing company Work placement
Pictured left to right: Cllr Lynnette Kelly and Dave Pound (General Manager, Kautex Unipart).
A leading manufacturing company in Coventry is investing in a £6 million machine from Europe and leasing new premises after receiving funding from a Government project to help grow the economy. Kautex Unipart, which makes more than 640,000 fuel tanks annually for BMW, Honda and Jaguar Land Rover, was among ten projects approved by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) to receive grants from round two of the Growing Places initiative. The manufacturer has ordered a twinsheet Next Generation Fuel System machine from Germany to support Jaguar Land Rover’s growth in the UK which will be housed at its base in Renown Avenue, Canley, after receiving a helping hand from Growing Places. The investment means around 45 of its 300-strong workforce will be moving to
Coventry ranked top modern university Coventry University has been rated the ‘Modern University of the Year’ by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2014. The University has leapfrogged into 45th place in the overall rankings – up ten places from its position in the current guide and the highest listing ever for a modern university in the history of these guides - to seal its place as the country’s top modern university. Coventry, which was named ‘Entrepreneurial University of the Year’ in 2011 by The Times, also made the final shortlist for the title of ‘University of the Year’ in the 2014 guide. The University’s enhanced standing in The Times and Sunday Times guide follows on from its improvement in the Guardian newspaper’s university guide for 2014, which saw Coventry climb 13 places to 33rd spot overall – its highest ever position in that publication. The Times and Sunday Times guide identifies high student satisfaction levels in recent years as a significant factor in the University’s rise, alongside its innovative approach to delivering affordable,
alternative routes into higher education through its subsidiary, Coventry University College and the success of Coventry’s London Campus. Consistently high employment rates in graduate level jobs combined with strong ratings in teaching quality, academic support, and personal development also contribute to the upward movement in the rankings in 2014. Professor Madeleine Atkins, vicechancellor of Coventry University, said: “The Times and Sunday Times league table marks yet another significant improvement in our performance in the national rankings and we’re delighted that our continued efforts have been recognised in this latest guide with the award of ‘Modern University of the Year.’ “This latest improvement is a reflection of the hard work of our staff in ensuring that we not only meet, but exceed, our students’ expectations.”
Bridge awarded new contract
“We are delighted to be working with BDA...” www.cw-chamber.co.uk
A Coventry PR firm has continued to enjoy a year of growth after being awarded the public relations account for time critical logistics expert BDA (Bespoke Distributio n Aviation).
Bridge PR & Media Services, which has already taken on five new clients so far this year, will spearhead a corporate campaign for the UK arm of BDA, to position itself as a leading business within the logistics sector. BDA is domiciled in Ireland and Germany and is a specialist logistics service provider, offering air-bridge and express final mile solutions for delivery In-night, early morning, same day and next day, with hubs and depot locations in Germany, France, Ireland, the Netherlands and UK. Denise Taylor, Managing Director Bridge PR & Media Services, said: “We are delighted to be working with BDA and promoting some of the excellent work that they are doing to the trade press. For a long time BDA has been under the radar and one of the Midland’s best kept secrets.”
new leased premises in nearby Torrington Avenue in October to continue the assembly of fuel systems for Jaguar Land Rover. Gordon Newton, financial controller at Kautex Unipart, said the new machine would allow components to be placed inside fuel tanks more effectively for Jaguar Land Rover vehicles. Gordon said the Growing Places funding had played a key part in Kautex Unipart deciding to go ahead with its investment plans. He added: “The company and the board is really pleased with the support that Growing Places has been able to offer to us to bring new technology to the UK.” Cllr Lynnette Kelly, Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Employment at Coventry City Council and CWLEP board member, said the Growing Places grants were making a real difference to innovative companies who had successfully applied for funding.
Companies renew rugby club sponsorship
Pictured from left to right are Leigh Mackey, Matt Price, Coventry Rugby player and head of the club’s community department, Philip Costigan, and Nick Button, partner and head of commercial property at Band Hatton Button.
Coventry Rugby Club got their season off to a flying start as the National League One side signed up two local firms as sponsors. Independent commercial insurance broker Inspire Insurance Services and law firm Band Hatton Button are both back on board at the Butts Park Arena for a third successive season. Inspire Insurance Services has increased its support by extending its sponsorship to the main stand and a first-team player throughout 2013-14. Jon Sharp, chairman of Coventry Rugby Club, said: “We are delighted to have the continued support of Inspire Insurance Services and Band Hatton Button. Having these two local firms renew their sponsorship for a third season is a fantastic commitment to Coventry Rugby Club as we look to build on what has been a great start to our league campaign.”
helps Laura find her dream job!
Laura Finch’s work placement set her career on a positive path thanks to the opportunity that University Hospital gave her. Through this she gained valuable experience of how a busy office operates and learnt key working skills. She secured a full time job at the hospital working in Radiology for two years before moving to the Maternity department where she worked as the administrator for the “C2 Project” for ante natal and post natal care. While working at the hospital Laura discovered she had an interest in Personnel, so she volunteered to work in the HR department to gain a better understanding. From this she decided to return to Henley College Coventry, to enrol onto the Certificate in Human Resource Practice CIPD qualification. Laura now works as a resourcing assistant in the HR department. Laura says “During my course I learnt a great deal of what it takes to work in an office environment and feel competent with administrative duties and responsibilities. I am very happy that I studied with Henley College Coventry as my hard work and dedication has definitely helped me get my dream job.” If you are a local business and can offer work placement opportunities for students please contact Henley College Coventry on 024 7662 6362 or email marketing@henley-cov.ac.uk Henley College Coventry offers a Certificate in Human Resource Practice as well as a wide range of Business and Professional courses, for more information visit www.henley-cov.ac.uk
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Area Focus: Coventry
Up, up and away as company secures finance BDA strengthens position in Europe Coventry-based specialist time critical logistics provider BDA (Bespoke Distribution Aviation) has strengthened its position in Europe with the acquisition of NightExpress GmbH and N.E. NightExpress Limited.
The acquisition enables BDA to further extend its infrastructure and service propositions to provide customers with unrivalled air and road supply chain solutions and delivery services from mainland Europe into the UK and Ireland. BDA has worked with NightExpress since starting operations in 2007, combining the country-specific expertise of NightExpress with BDA’s own dedicated air-bridges and road line haul routes to establish service supply chain gateway offerings from Germany, the Benelux and France to the UK and Ireland. Steve Court, Sales and Marketing Director at BDA said: “This acquisition is a logical progression within our business model that continues to strengthen our infrastructure and service propositions for the benefit of all our customers.” Yvonne Boag, Managing Director of Nightexpress, said: “We are excited by the new extended opportunities this relationship provides, especially being able to add further services that BDA already has in its portfolio, to those that we have offered for so many years out of Frankfurt.”
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A Coventry based flight experience company is ready for lift off after securing financial help through a business support programme. Flight Simulators Midlands, which is based on the north-side of Coventry Airport, at the Coventry Aeroclub on Rowley drive, provides flight experiences for anyone over the age of 14. People from all walks of life are able to live out their dreams by booking a slot in a genuine Boeing aeroplane simulator, to fly anywhere around the world, from Hong Kong to the mountains of Salzburg. The company wanted to expand its offer to clients by including a Boeing 747 simulator as well as its existing Boeing 737 model. The firm approached the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and was able to take advantage of the Accelerated Growth business programme, which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and local councils. After working with Helena Arundel, a business adviser at the Chamber, the company successfully applied for a grant through Accelerated Growth. That money has been put towards the new simulator and already it is paying off for the company – and others around it. Chris Rigby, managing director of Flight Simulator Midlands, said: “Originally we only had one simulator which constrained the services we could offer. “With the help we received from the Accelerated Growth Business Programme, we were able to gain financial support through a grant which allowed us to purchase a second simulator, which has doubled our custom and revenue. “It has enabled us to increase the amount of staff we employ as well as generate extra business for our host landlords, the
Chris Rigby with Helena Arundel.
Coventry Flying Club. “We are now attracting people from all over the country and many visit the Midlands Air Museum afterwards. “The Accelerated Growth business programme guided us through all aspects involved in applying for a grant, as when you are not familiar with such documentation it can be a very daunting progress. “I would like to say a special thank you to the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce for helping pave the way for our business growth and would fully recommend the business growth programme to anyone wanting to expand.” Helena Arundel, of the Chamber, said: “Over the past few years, there have been
It’s all in the name You don’t have to be called David to be a director of commercial property specialists Shortland Penn + Moore and be recognised by your industry body, but it certainly helps! David Penn, managing director of the company – which has offices in Coventry and Birmingham – has been made a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The organisation is the world’s leading professional body in property, construction and land, and being made a Fellow is recognition of career achievements. David Penn joins fellow SP+M directors David Shortland and David Allen in achieving the status. He said: “I am delighted to have been recognised by the RICS in this way. As a company and as an individual, the very highest professional standards are something I hold in very high regard and this is recognition of that.” David Penn, who is also a board member of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, has overseen the expansion of SP+M over recent years. He recently picked up the Property Professional of the Year at the Coventry and Warwickshire First ‘First Pro’ awards – the second time he has received the award following his triumph at the inaugural
ceremony in 2007. David Penn has topped the league table for most industrial transactions over the past 12 months within a ten-mile radius of the city. The data, provided by CoStar, a leading industrial property information provider, says that he concluded 18 industrial deals
fewer opportunities for companies to access grants but they are still out there. “Here at the Chamber, we have a team of people supporting businesses in a range of ways that includes help and advice to help them grow, which means identifying any opportunities to access financial support.” For more information contact Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce by calling 024 7665 4321 or visit www.cwchamber.co.uk The programme is jointly funded by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council with support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). in the area – the most of any agent based within a ten-miles of Coventry. Those 18 transactions translate into more than 215,000 sq ft of space. Not far behind the boss is agent Justin McVeigh, who concluded 12 deals which amounted to just over 185,000 sq ft of industrial space. As well as claiming the top two places in the industry league table, Shortland Penn + Moore also took fifth spot with James Compton completing four deals which combined to close to 25,000 sq ft of space.
Davids Shortland, Penn and Allen, all of Shortland Penn + Moore and all fellows of the RICS.
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Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Area Focus: Coventry
All it takes is a bit of imagination A global creative business is moving its Midlands office to Coventry and creating new jobs at a unique commercial property development. Imagination EMEA’s new home will be at Hazel Tree Barns in Kings Hill Lane when Deeley Construction has completed the renovations. The two-storey property was one of two derelict barns, which were given to the Heart of England Community Foundation in 2009 to be converted into high-quality office space with the rental income being given back to the charity. Imagination staff are transferring from their current base in Hurley, Atherstone, to the 5,000 sq ft environmentally friendly premises and employee numbers will triple with new staff being recruited locally. James Manley, account director at Imagination and head of the new Coventry office, said Hazel Tree Barns would become a key hub of their experiential business and be closely connected with their offices in London, Hong Kong and New York. He said: “This will be our 19th office. We’re re-locating our staff because we have out-grown our current base and we want to be located nearer our Midlands’ clients, particularly Jaguar Land Rover, and our suppliers. Imagination has a track record of adding value to our clients so the decision to move premises is another example of how we continue to serve their needs. “We loved the feel of Hazel Tree Barns and the story behind it. It reflects our business and it is great to support the local economy. We are working closely with Deeley Construction and his team on the interior design, which gives us the flexibility to put our mark on it. There will be a
“We loved the feel of Hazel Tree Barns and the story behind it. It reflects our business and it is great to support the local economy.”
Pictured left to right: Malcolm King, Contracts Manager at Deeley Construction and Edward Hudson, Business Development Coordinator at Deeley Construction.
Pictured left to right: Brian Holt (Chairman, Heart of England Community Foundation), David Green (Trustee, Heart of England Community Foundation), Peter Deeley (Deeley Construction). Front, left to right: Paul Scott (Imagination), James Manley (Imagination), Martin Gallagher (Deeley Construction)
central atrium, design studios and meeting rooms and the interior will match the fact we cover design across many boundaries.” Brian Holt, of the Heart of England Community Foundation, said it was fantastic both barns had now been let – by Nick Holt of D&P Holt – after Autobahn International moved in to the first barn last year.
Martin Gallagher, managing director of Deeley Construction, said: “This will be one of the most energy efficient buildings in the locality. An air to water heat pump will be fitted for the central heating with underfloor heating and PV panels on the roof to provide power for the heating and general lighting so it is extremely environmentally friendly along with a general office fit-out.”
Technology company seeks to expand A fledging interactive technology company is set to expand and develop its electronic business card software after ‘tapping’ into local support. Blendology, which has recently moved to the University of Warwick Science Park, is set to further develop its tap-toconnect technology which enables users to transfer personal and business data electronically. The lanyard styled gadgets can be tapped together in one simple swipe to exchange the information which can then be uploaded to form a concise digital timeline of real-life business and social connections. The software has already achieved success at several networking events across the country as organisers are able to track, analyse and improve event interactivity. Accountants and business advisors Harrison Beale & Owen have supported the firm throughout its continued expansion offering business and financial advice to help the firm obtain investors in the West Midlands. Bill Munday, CEO of Blendology, said: “I first came up with the idea for the software when I ran out of business cards at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. I thought there must be a way to make this simpler. “Since then I have been working with a small team to develop the software and we have already achieved success at a number of networking events across the country. “It has been a long road to get here and we still have an exciting journey ahead of us. The team at Harrison Beale & Owen have been fantastic and have provided important support and advice throughout the development of both the company and the product.
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Construction firm building for the future
“I am now looking forward to continuing to develop and market the software across the business networking sector and I am sure Harrison Beale & Owen will continue to be an important part of our development.” Helen Coombes, associate tax director at Harrison Beale & Owen, said they are thrilled to have been able to offer important help and financial advice to the firm throughout its early development. “We are extremely proud to have been able to help Blendology develop into a promising SME and we are thrilled that they have been able to secure investors within the West Midlands,” she said. “The software has great potential and we are looking forward to continuing to work with the firm.”
A Coventry construction company has built on its best ever first quarter figures by taking on 13 new staff. Coventry Business Park-based Deeley Construction has strengthened its foundations in several areas with a group of new starters after taking on more work between January and April than ever before in its 77-year history. The firm is one of few in the construction industry to experience such growth as the sector as a whole shrank in the first quarter. More than £35million worth of new work came in during the first four months of the year, including around £20million from an Orbit Housing Independent Living development in Leamington. The firm is also working on an office project in Toft, Cambridgeshire, a Volkswagen Showroom for Listers Group in Evesham and a new sports hall at the Holly Hall Academy, Dudley.
“We are pleased to be in a position which allows us to offer fresh opportunities to graduates and apprentices...” The new appointments are Edward Hudson (Business Development Coordinator), Malcolm King (Contracts Manager), Mike Thompson (Contracts Manager), Mitchell Smith (D&B Coordinator), Anton Endall (Asst Buyer), Bob Hodgkiss (Site Management), Stephen Adams (Site Management), James Donavan (Site Management), Kevin Gallagher (Site Management), Chris Newman (Site Management Trainee), Kayleigh Marston (Administrative Assistant), Amanda Deavey (Accounts Clerk) and Tobias Peake (Apprentice). They take the firm’s total number of direct employees above 50 while they also contract in skilled work tailored to specific jobs. Martin Gallagher, the Managing Director of Deeley Construction, said: “We are pleased to be in a position which allows us to offer fresh opportunities to graduates and apprentices but also those with more experience, who may have been hit by the downturn in the industry.”
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Area Focus: North Warks
Best of business is honoured
The best of business in Hinckley and Nuneaton was celebrated at an awards ceremony. Two hundred guests, including MPs Marcus Jones and David Tredinnick, attended the inaugural Oak FM Pride of Hinckley and Nuneaton Awards supported by Triton Showers at The Hinckley Island Hotel. Mark Rowley, Oak FM’s Breakfast show host, took to the stage to host the ceremony which celebrated the best of businesses and individuals within the area. He was joined on stage by the judges, Steve Orchard, Chief Executive of Oak FM, Lorna Fellowes, managing Director of
Marion Plant OBE receiving award from Angela Tellyn of Coventry and Warks Chamber.
Lorna Fellowes Managing Director of Triton Showers addressing crowd.
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Marcus Jones and David Tredinnick.
Triton Showers, Angela Tellyn, Partnership Manager for the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, and Jacqueline Leake – Fundraising Coordinator from The Mary Ann Evans Hospice. Lorna Fellowes said that the high standard of entries had been phenomenal and that selecting finalists and winners had not been an easy task. The awards recognised the work and successes of individuals and businesses from across the district, including Marion Plant OBE, who picked up the Business Person of the Year Award. Before the Pride of Hinckley and Nuneaton Awards were announced, Steve Orchard, Chief Executive of Oak FM, announced some special awards that had not been listed in the programme. The first was to Tyler Wickenden for his academic success at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College and the second special award of the evening was to celebrate the life of Susan Taylor. After a standing ovation, Susan’s father Arthur Wright delivered an emotional speech in which he honoured his daughter. After the special awards, The Hinckley Pride Award was presented to The Concordia Theatre. The Nuneaton Pride Award was presented by MP Marcus Jones to Om Parkash Gurung MBE and a special message was delivered on behalf of
Rhys Walker receiving award from Tina Simpson of Triton Showers.
Arthur Wright.
Joanna Lumley, saying: “It is with the greatest pleasure that I add my congratulations to Om Parkash Gurung this evening. His excellent service in the Brigade of Gurkhas is on record and now his support and dedication to his local community is being recognised in this quite wonderful way. Such a man deserves all the praise and respect we can offer. He has enriched many lives, and his tireless
Om Gurung and Marcus Jones.
concern has brought happiness to so many people.” A raffle on the evening raised more than £700 for The Mary Ann Evans Hospice with prizes donated from Triton Showers as well as other companies. Photos from the evening are on Facebook at @oakfmradio.
Success at Pride of Hinckley & Nuneaton awards for The SFB Group
L-r: The SFB Group team at the Pride of Hinckley & Nuneaton awards.
A local firm of chartered accountants, wealth managers and business advisers won the ‘Business of the Year’ category at the recent Pride of Hinckley & Nuneaton awards. The SFB Group, which incorporates Stewart, Fletcher & Barrett chartered accountants, received the award at the inaugural ceremony for the Nuneaton & Hinckley area.
L-r: Paul Carvell of The SFB Group with Dr Michael Motley, Vice Principle, Corporate and Business Development at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College who presented the ‘Business of the Year’ award.
SFB’s Managing Director Paul Carvell said: ‘It’s an honour to receive the Business of the Year award. “It is credit to the hard work and dedication of the whole SFB team. The evening was a huge success and demonstrated the great work that happens in our local community. We all know of individuals and community organisations that make a huge contribution to this local area, so it was great to see them get the recognition they deserve.” The Pride of Hinckley & Nuneaton Awards 2013 were organised by Oak FM, backed by the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and were supported by Triton Showers. Winners were announced at an awards dinner held at The Hinckley Island Hotel. SFB has been established for nearly 60 years and offers a wide range of services including Accountancy, Audit, Wealth Management, Corporate Finance, Business Start Up and Marketing services. It has offices in Nuneaton, Hinckley and Coventry, providing a base for clients across Warwickshire, Leicestershire and the West Midlands. For further information, please contact SFB by calling (024) 7638 4171 or emailing enquiries@sfb.uk.com www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Area Focus: North & South Warks
Save the date for ‘Business New Executive Head Chef joins Growth’ event in Nuneaton The Menzies Welcombe Hotel A number of leading businesses and support organisations will shortly be running their fifth business growth event. If you’re based in Nuneaton or the surrounding areas and you want to grow your business, the forthcoming Info2Grow event is not to be missed. Info2Grow: Opportunity Knocks will be held at The Chase, Higham Lane, Nuneaton on 28th November and will run from 4.30pm until 7pm. The event will provide delegates with a range of practical tips for maximising their business growth potential. Presentations on the evening will include demystifying grants and funding, crowd funding, accessing local authority opportunities and protecting your business for growth. This free event is being organised by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Stewart, Fletcher & Barrett chartered accountants, Lloyds TSB Commercial, Cambron Limited, Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council and the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. If you would like to receive further details about the event, please email Cheryl Stanley at SFB on events@sfb.uk.com.
Delegates enjoying a previous Info2Grow event.
IT firm continues to grow A West Midlands IT firm is already looking towards further growth after taking on six new members of staff in 2013. Coleshill-based ACUTEC has continued to expand during the double-dip recession and the company has its sights set on additional growth during the second half of 2013. As well as the six new appointments, three members of staff have moved into new roles. Urfaan Azhar has joined as business development executive, Neil Porter has moved from technical into sales as senior account manager, Richard Hopkins has come on board as software developer, Paul Shirley has also moved across from technical in to sales as account manager and joining the marketing team, senior marketing executive Diane Doolan. Scott Thorpe has been promoted to ACUTEC’s infrastructure manager, David Brown and Mark Powell have joined
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technical support and Sara Parker has joined as technical pre-sales support. The ACUTEC team has now grown to 24 and managing director Chris Roche said the firm’s commitment to excellent customer service had helped it to ride out the recession. He said: “Times have been tough for many West Midlands companies and we have seen that in our client base. “We have continued to grow and that is because we have committed to working with our clients – finding out what they need as a business and delivering that with expertise and service. “We are delighted to have brought in six new members of staff in varying roles and it sets us up perfectly for the second half of 2013. “They all blend perfectly with the team here, support the ethos that it’s not just a case of providing the right IT solutions for businesses, but strong personal service too.”
The Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa & Golf Club has announced the appointment of a new Executive Head Chef who joins the team of 12 Chefs employed by the hotel. Matt Warburton has more than 19 years’ experience of the catering industry.After training at Birmingham College of Food, Matt spent several years at Swinfen Hall Hotel in Staffordshire, an ‘AA Inspectors Choice Red Star hotel’, where he worked his way up to Head Chef. Before joining The Welcombe Hotel, Matt was lead Chef Consultant for Rouge Recruitment based in Loughborough. Matt said: “There are very few venues that can eclipse The Welcombe Hotel in terms of size, stature and facilities. The staff are part of a loyal, dedicated and hardworking team, many of which have worked here for decades including Terry, the
Store-man who has worked here for 40 years and Michael, the Concierge who celebrates his 37th year of service. I am immensely proud to join The Welcombe and be part of this exceptional team.” Greg Fehler, General Manager at The Menzies Welcombe Hotel, said: “We are delighted that Matt has joined our team of experienced and talented Chefs. Matt has extensive experience and knowledge of the catering and hospitality industry and will be a valuable asset to our dining offer at the Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa & Golf Club.” Located on the outskirts of Stratfordupon-Avon, the Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa & Golf Club is situated just five minutes from junction 15 of the M40. For more information please visit the official website at www.menzieshotels.co.uk.
New start-ups and SMES can reduce their carbon footprint and printing costs Environmental and retail services Ltd was launched in September 2012, specialising in the sale and service of multifunctional printers and photocopiers and operating out of Alcester near Stratford upon Avon. The company has noticed since it began the number of small businesses and sole traders that have a need for multifunctional printers, whether it’s for network printing, faxing, scanning or copying. It has been able to help these businesses by providing one multifunctional printer that can do all of these functions and help reduce printing and running costs. The ERS Ltd team of Ross Masters and Rob Williams look to offer customers a Managed Print Service. Basically, they manage your printer fleet, allowing you to spend time doing what you are good at. They find that most businesses have copiers, printers and fax machines all from
different suppliers and all with various costs to keep on top of such as service bills, ink cartridges etc. ERS offer the solution to consolidate these costs and devices through our managed print service. When the company meets a business for the first time, it looks to audit their current printing costs and equipment, and offer them equipment that is eco/energy saving and a service contract which covers consumables and maintenance in line with their needs. In a lot of cases, people are paying for equipment they don’t need. Environmental and Retail Services Ltd has recently partnered with K&M Computer Systems Ltd to offer a complete Managed Print and IT solutions Service. If this topic is of interest to you, contact Business Development Manager Ross Masters on Tel: 0800 999 8038 or email ross.masters@ersoffice.co.uk
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Area Focus: Mid Warks
Homes scheme reaches ‘golden’ phase Law firms A new development of affordable homes in Leamington Spa has reached a ‘golden’ phase. Deeley Construction is working with Waterloo Housing Group to create 72 new homes on the site in Kingsway, which was formerly home to the Trinity Street Storage company. The site is owned by Deeley Construction’s sister company, Deeley Properties, which was bought by the firm to develop. But when each of the plots reaches two courses of bricks above the damp stage, ownership is transferred from Deeley Properties to Waterloo Housing Group. The first of the properties are already at the so-called ‘golden brick’ phase which triggers the legal transfer and the whole development will be at that stage before the end of this year. Deeley Construction will continue with the rest of the build on behalf of Waterloo Housing Group and the whole development should be complete before the end of 2014. Mike Thompson, of Deeley Construction,
said: “This is a key landmark for this development. “When this type of transfer of ownership is triggered we call it the golden brick in the industry and it is a significant moment for everyone involved in the project. “We have been on-site since July of this year and work has progressed extremely well. We are aiming to have the whole development completed by this time next year and certainly by the end of 2014.” The development will offer affordable, sustainable homes – including 14 apartments – to local people. The scheme will benefit from having 10 per cent renewable energy in the form of photovoltaic panels on each of the properties. Jenny Crowther, project manager at Waterloo Housing Group, said: “This exciting housing development with Deeley Construction is helping us to provide more new affordable homes in the area. “It is one of a number of housing schemes Waterloo is developing as part of our W2 Partnership with Warwick District
rewards Julie with new position Pictured (left to right): Steve Turner (Deeley), Jenny Crowther (Waterloo), Mike Thompson (Deeley).
Council and with investment support from the Homes and Communities Agency. “The attractive new properties will include 45 for rent to local people waiting for a home and 27 homes available to partbuy and part-rent through shared ownership.”
Company opens base in Warwick Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Member, and Chartered Financial Planner, Paul Morgan has opened an office in Warwick to offer a high street service to local individuals and small business owners, who are looking for quality financial planning. Chamber Members. He said: “In the context of greater financial uncertainty, low interest rates Paul said: “All too often, people I meet tell and rising taxation, people still feel they me that whilst they have previously need face-to face advice about financial received face-to-face advice, typically from planning matters such as seeking their high street bank or building society, income and long term investing – as well many are now being told this service is no as protecting their families or businesses longer available to them.” – yet people are being left in the dark as Paul, who already has a number of expert guidance is less available than it clients in the area, has a law degree and is was. also a Chartered Financial Planner, which “This was a driving force behind me means he has a higher level of qualification looking to have a base in the centre of and experience than many in his field. Since 2010 his firm has also been a partner Warwick - providing good accessibility for practice of St James’s Place Wealth clients in the town as well as Mark Harwood said: “We have Management - a FTSE 250 company which surrounding areas.’ welcomed Paul opening up a base in our allows him to provide ongoing tailored offices It provides an opportunity for Paul’s business, PRM Wealth financial advice, access for his clients to a Michael Harwood & Co as one of the Management Limited, is based in the distinctive approach to investment leading firms of accountants in Warwick offices of Warwick accountants Michael management, and a guarantee of the the ability to offer our clients access to Harwood and Co, who are in the heart of suitability of any advice that Paul provides. town in Jury Street – who are also high quality financial planning advice.”
Accountancy firm in running for award
One of the region’s largest independent accountancy firms is in the running for a prestigious industry accolade. Baldwins Accountants, which has an office in Binley Road, Coventry, and in Waterloo Place, Leamington, has been shortlisted for the Mid-Tier Firm of the Year in the British Accountancy Awards 2013. The British Accountancy Awards attracted a record number of entries in their third year of recognising firms that have demonstrated excellence in the profession during the past 12
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months. David Baldwin, a partner at Baldwins Accountants, said: “To be shortlisted in these Awards which recognise firms that have provided the highest quality of service to their clients is a fantastic achievement of which we are really proud. “It is testament to the hard work and dedication of all of our team which has seen our business grow as a specialist in accountancy and business advisory services.” The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on Wednesday, November 20 – the night before the inaugural winner of Baldwins Kick Start 2013 is unveiled. Baldwins Kick Start is an initiative launched this year to help young entrepreneurs start their own business. The firm will give away £300,000 over the next decade to 30 budding entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 25 years from across the Midlands, with the winner receiving a grant of £10,000 along with £10,000 worth of mentoring and accountancy advice. Two runners-up will each be awarded £5,000 of mentoring and accountancy advice. All profits from the gala dinner being held at Villa Park on Thursday, November 21 to announce the first Kick Start winner will go to HelpHarryHelpOthers, official charity partner of Baldwins Accountants. More details can be found at www.baldwinsaccountants.co.uk.
Alsters Kelley LLP, one of Coventry and Warwickshire’s leading law firms, has announced the promotion of Julie Stanley, one of their Family Law solicitors to Associate. Erica Kemp, Head of Family Law, said: “Julie has made a substantial contribution to the Family department and the wider firm since joining us three years ago. She has built an excellent reputation specialising in dealing with both financial and children issues arising from family breakdown. “She has also played a major part in promoting Alsters Kelley externally through developing and building strong relationships across the local community and this promotion is in recognition of all her efforts and achievements to date. We are sure she will continue to make a significant contribution to the future success and development of the practice.” Julie, who qualified in 2006 and joined the Family department at Alsters Kelley in October 2010, said: “I am extremely pleased about my promotion and I am looking forward to helping the Family department and the firm to build and develop further and to take advantage of the opportunities that the changing legal market currently faces.” Julie will continue to be based at the Leamington Spa office in Hamilton Terrace. Alsters Kelley also has offices in Coventry and Nuneaton providing clients with a full breadth of quality services from qualified specialists.
“I am extremely pleased about my promotion and I am looking forward to helping the Family department...” www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Area Focus: Rugby Game changing appearance at party conference for Rugby Green Energy company
Danny Jones (L) and James Buckland, directors of Off Grid Energy.
A Rugby green energy company has described the contacts it made at this year’s Conservative Party Conference as ‘game changing’. Off Grid Energy, based in Central Park, won a national competition to demonstrate its ideas at the Conference Start Up Hub and was one of only 12 businesses to have been awarded the opportunity. The competition, open to businesses less than three years old, had the support of the Prime Minister and was judged by a panel of business leaders. Entrants had to demonstrate original ideas or concepts, a passion for their company and a desire to grow the business. Danny Jones, managing director of Off Grid Energy, said: “Our products have the potential to revolutionise the way in which industry uses power where grid connection isn’t available whilst saving them money and reducing their emissions. “But when you are a small business reaching the informers and decision makers that is key to our strategy isn’t always easy. “When we saw a tweet about the competition from our local MP, Mark Pawsey, it seemed an ideal opportunity to get in front of thousands of influential people – something a start up with small marketing budgets can only dream of. “It’s been an amazing opportunity for us on many levels. It was interesting to see how big businesses interact with politicians – they have whole departments with that responsibility. “Discussions we had at the event and subsequently have been game changing. This ranges from straightforward introductions to unconditional offers of support in terms of expertise across the whole spectrum of business activities.”
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Town centre improvements ‘an opportunity’ Rugby has been urged to seize an opportunity to improve the town centre through pedestrianisation – or risk losing the chance forever. That was the message from Robin Richter, the chair of Rugby First, when he met the Rugby branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. Robin outlined plans to pedestrianise an area between North Street and Church Street in order to create a ‘focal point’ for the town that would offer a space for civic events, de-clutter the market and make St Andrew’s Church a part of the town centre. He said that the scheme was expected to cost between £374,000 and £500,000 and that money had been allocated for the project, which is set to go out to consultation. Robin said the opportunity may be missed if the plans were not taken up this time. He told the branch committee: “We have been talking about this for nearly a decade and I think it’s a case of now or never. “We are hopeful that we get a big ‘yes’ from the town because we can only see positives in the scheme and, in the grand scheme of things, it is relatively inexpensive. “This is a great opportunity for the town and I believe we have to grab it with both hands.” Simon Leech, the chair of the Rugby branch of the Chamber, said the organisation would gauge views from its members. He said: “The reaction from the committee was positive and, from a personal point of view, I have always been in favour of pedestrianisation. “We will seek the views of fellow Chamber members in Rugby before submitting a response to the consultation.” “We are hopeful that we get a big ‘yes’ from the town because we can only see positives in the scheme ...”
It doesn’t get better than that A Warwickshire freight company has lived up to its name after impressing its German partners with its efficiency. Last October, Exact Logistics, based on the Dunchurch Trading Estate in London Road, Rugby, linked up with German transport system CTL, which is owned by 120 individual transport firms who join forces to deliver and collect pallets across Germany and Europe. Exact Logistics achieved a rare 100 per cent service performance in June for on time delivery and collections – less than a year after linking up with the organisation. Adam Shuter, managing director of Exact Logistics, said: “As a new member of CTL we are delighted to achieve 100 per cent on time performance for our partners as it
gives them real confidence in our service quality. “We have achieved this performance through careful attention to detail, by checking all delivery or collection information and by providing the maximum amount of information to our delivery
partners to nip any potential problems in the bud before they leave our depot.” The Rugby company is stepping up its overseas marketing after launching a new German website and starting a quarterly newsletter. Exact Logistics has been working with Asset Language Management from Henley-in-Arden after finding out about its translation services at a UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) seminar organised by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. “Whilst we want to maintain our British identity we recognise that it is important to communicate with our customers in their language,” explained Karen Shuter, sales and marketing director.
Automotive company doubles turnover with Government-backed scheme A Warwickshire automotive component manufacturing company has seen its turnover more than double after taking part in a Government backed scheme designed to create rapid growth. Automotive Insulations, known as AI, has also seen its workforce double over the past 12 months. Based in Rugby, AI develop and manufacture products to manage sound and temperature across the automotive, marine and industrial sectors. The www.cw-chamber.co.uk
company has been part of the GrowthAccelerator scheme since 2012. Following a management buyout in 2006, AI’s MD Jim Griffin was looking to create a new plan for growth. He said: “The business really needed a new direction We had a turnover of £5million but profitability was low. Something needed to change.” Taking part in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme enabled Jim to create a plan to reach a turnover of
£41million by 2017. He then worked with manufacturing expert Clive Reynolds from the GrowthAccelerator programme to bring AI’s senior management team on board. As a result, the 2011 turnover of £5million has more than doubled, with forecasted figures of £11.5-12million for 2013. The company has also moved to 24 hour working and has opened its first overseas operation in Sweden this year with another site due in Germany.
Meet Rugby’s new Economic Investment Officer
Michael Beirne has joined Rugby Borough Council to lead on economic investment. The role fits into the Council’s wider focus of growth and includes promoting a vibrant town centre and encouraging new businesses to locate in the borough. The key to Rugby’s success to date has being strong partnership working and a commitment to a growth agenda. The council works closely with Rugby First to provide moving in grants to businesses looking to occupy empty shops. Other initiatives include working with the C&W Chamber of Commerce to organise workshops for start-ups and linking to the FSB to promote networking between small businesses. Michael was previously involved in community development at the council and made close links to work clubs. These are informal groups which provide one-to-one support for residents looking for work, including application and interview advice. The council would be eager to hear from businesses that could provide support to employment services in the community. This might be guidance, presentations, workshops, funding or taking on volunteers and work experience placements. In his new position, Michael’s attention switches to 2015 when the Rugby World Cup comes to England and this is an ideal opportunity for the birthplace of the game to show people what it’s about – a great place to live and work. During the tournament, cultural events and festivals will attract people to the town centre and visitors will be able to take advantage of the area’s local heritage. Rugby is the place where William Webb Ellis, with a fine disregard for the rules, picked up the ball and ran with it – a testament to the town’s ambition to innovate and develop. If you have any questions or ideas of how to work with Michael, he can be contacted by telephone on 01788 533734 or by email at michael.beirne@rugby.gov.uk.
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News
Memorable Training Applying Long-Term Memory Techniques
Italy beckons for competition winner
For the last 15 years, Goodfoot have been designing and delivering imaginative and impactful training programmes across the globe and have prided themselves on their ability to delight customers and provide great learning experiences for the participants of their programmes. However, making programmes memorable enough to enable participants to easily retrieve and apply learning to their lives has always preoccupied them. It is a problem not unique to Goodfoot Training, but faced by anyone involved in the world of teaching and training. Steve Kelsey is a Senior Consultant at Goodfoot Training and 2013 saw him set about tackling this issue and looking for a new reputable methodology that could be applied to both the design and delivery of training programmes. His research eventually led him to Marilee Sprenger - one of the leading writers and thinkers on applying memory to learning. One aspect of Sprengers’ work that has particular relevance was on how to move information from the short-term sensory memory to long-term memory. Steve find that “we are well aware that no matter how interesting and well presented our materials were, unless we can fix it into the long-term memories of our participants it will soon be forgotten”. To help achieve this, Sprenger created a 7-step process to aid the design and delivery of learning. The first step is Reach; here the aim is to grab the learner’s attention in a meaningful and significant manner. “There are a number of ways of achieving this for us at Goodfoot, and we apply it through quick and simple questioning that enables the participants to see the relevance of our programme content to their situation” comments Kelsey. The next step is Reflect; for Sprenger this is about providing opportunity for the individual to connect the new content with information and experiences they have already learnt or come across. It is about bringing information already stored in long-term memory to the front, and creating a connection with the new material. Steve approaches this in a variety of ways including group work focussed on sharing experiences. Sprenger’s third step is Recode: this is all about enabling the learner to put the new material into their own words, providing a further hook to long-term memory and retrieval. “At Goodfoot we use a number of creative and imaginative exercises to enable this and also to provide additional interest around the materials”. Then comes Reinforcement: this is where the learner establishes personal meaning to the material. Goodfoot make this step a key feature of their programmes and use a variety of approaches, materials and mediums to ensure that all the participants are able to reinforce the learning, and establish meaning. Sprenger’s fifth step is Rehearse: where learners not only repeat but apply higher levels of thought to the material, enabling further breakthroughs in understanding and increasing retention. Here we explore the materials by providing further connections and applications from organisational and individual case studies and stories. The last two steps for Sprenger are Review and Retrieve which revolve around providing the learner with opportunity to reexamine material and then apply it to a real situation or experience. “At Goodfoot we often extend these steps back into the workplace, by providing opportunity for the participant to work with the material in real tangible ways”. For Goodfoot Training, Steve feels that “using Sprenger’s methodology means we are aiming to provide development and learning that really sticks in memories of our participants. It is learning that is relevant, useful and that can readily retrieved”.
A first trip to a new gym has resulted in a maiden voyage to Rome for one Coventry couple.
Steve Kelsey is a Senior Consultant for Goodfoot. He has worked around the world in the field of people and organisational development. He is a fluent speaker of Japanese, has a Masters degree in War Studies and is currently studying for his PhD in psychology.
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Picture caption: (l-r) Sam Gorrie, Lifestyles’ Membership Advisor and Lifestyle Lion with competition winners Annette McCarthy and Michael Sergeant.
Annette McCarthy, from Stoke, is the first winner of Coventry Sports Foundation’s Mystery Holiday competition – despite not even realising she had entered. Coventry Sports Foundation manages three sites; the Alan Higgs Centre, in south-east Coventry; Xcel Leisure Centre, in south-west Coventry and Centre AT7 in the north of the city and has Lifestyles Health Clubs at each venue. Lifestyle Health Clubs operate a Wellness Key system, which allows members to design a guided workout and monitor their progress. In order to encourage members to make the most of the system, Coventry Sports Foundation is automatically entering anyone that uses their key into a prize draw to win a weekend break at a top European destination. Annette said: “I thought it was a wind-up when I first got the call. Even when it was explained to me, I couldn’t believe it as I had only recently joined the gym at Centre AT7 and I won after I was entered following my first visit.”
When the going gets tough... Two charities have received a boost after two men from a Warwickshire firm wracked up a combined 166 miles - on bike and foot. Dean Pipitone and Tom Eaton from automotive software provider Cooper Solutions took on charity challenges in memory of friends and family close to their hearts. Tom, an account manager at the Barford-based company, was part of a ten-strong team which took on the Three Peaks Challenge, while director Dean took to the saddle to tackle the Coast 2 Coast (C2C) cycle challenge. Dean and his friend Paul Evans completed the 140 mile cycle from Whitehaven to the east coast, via the Lake District and Pennines, in just two days. The duo took on the gruelling route to commemorate the life of Dean’s father-in-law Peter Andrew who sadly passed away last year after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Pictured left to right: Dean Pipitone and Tom Eaton from Barford-based Cooper Solutions.
“It was a fantastic experience even if we ended up doing more miles than anticipated...” And despite a small hiccup along the way, which resulted in Dean and Paul, taking a detour to finish near Sunderland, the pair completed the cycle on time and more than doubled their fundraising target to make £2,000 for Parkinson’s UK. Tom’s Three Peaks team also smashed their target of £2,500 to raise over £5,000 for mental health charity Mind in honour of university friend Phil Saravanamuttu who took his own life last year after a battle with depression and anorexia. Tom said: “We encountered severe weather warnings on Snowdon and extremely tough conditions ascending Scafell Pike which slowed us up, but we were chuffed to finish and overjoyed to raise more than £5,000 for Mind in memory of Phil.” Dean added: “It was a fantastic experience even if we ended up doing more miles than anticipated after a few wrong turns! “My father-in-law loved the Lake District and the Pennines and could often be found on a bike during his youth, so the C2C was an apt challenge to do to remember him and raise funds for a fantastic charity.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
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Construction industry ‘faces another year before real growth’ A leading construction figure believes it will be another year before the industry starts to see real growth. Julie White, the managing director of diamond drilling and concrete sawing company D-Drill, said the most recent GDP figures had revealed modest growth of 0.9 per cent in the sector. But Julie, who is vice-president of the International Association of Concrete Drillers and Sawers (IACDS) and is on the committee of the National Association of Women in Construction, thinks the industry will face another 12 months of stagnation. She said: “It is well documented that construction has been one of the hardest hit sectors during the recession and we are still struggling to get a sustained recovery underway. “At D-Drill, we lost 40 per cent of our turnover almost overnight when the recession hit and it’s been extremely hard work to grow again. “As a company, we have achieved growth year on year for the past five years but the market is still very, very tough. “We’ve diversified by introducing new divisions to the business such as concrete scanning and cracking and seating of concrete roads and slabs, and we’ve also strengthened our reputation in our more traditional areas of work too. “It is good for confidence that the GDP figures have revealed growth this week but I am convinced it will be another 12 months before real growth in construction starts to take shape. “The Government has talked a great deal about infrastructure projects but much of that will not start for another year at least. That is when, I believe, our industry might genuinely be able to say it is growing again. “There is still a shortage of overall confidence and that means investment decisions are being put off by some and that is stalling growth. As an SME too, we are also finding it is really difficult to get paid because, again, companies are holding on to their cash for as long as they
physically can because they are watching the pennies. “From their point of view, that is understandable but it puts real pressure on SMEs like mine. “So, ultimately, confidence is going to play a significant part in achieving sustained growth in construction and, also, the long-awaited investment in infrastructure. “The situation is nowhere near as difficult as it was five or six years ago but it feels as if the market has gone static and I believe it will be another year before we start moving again – it’s a real rollercoaster ride. “Once that happens, we will have the issue of whether there are enough skilled people out there to help the industry grow. In 2012 alone, 60,000 construction workers lost their jobs and many of them will have gone on to do other things or into retirement so we will need to replace those skills – that could be the next big issue to face the industry.”
“I am looking for a further increase of 20% in the forthcoming financial year...” www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Did you know that the manufacture of traditional incandescent lights – the products you have been replacing regularly for years - have been banned? Very soon you will have no choice but to change over to energy-savers. Whether it is offices, factories, venues, warehouses, or security and car park lighting, all will effectively have to be changed as soon as stocks of the old, obsolete lights run out. But actually, this is not all bad news. When you change over to LED lighting for example, complete systems or retrofit replacement, you will be saving in excess of 70% of your lighting energy. Managing Director of Rugby-based Nulux Technologies, Gillian Larner said: “In most cases the cost of the lighting, which is very competitively priced now, will be paid for from the energy savings you make, and depending on your usage, the return on investment is likely to be under three years. Looking at the expected lifetime of LEDs, the guarantees, the reduction in maintenance costs, you will make massive savings.”
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As most business owners will come to know, obtaining a business loan can be a trying ordeal. Small businesses are caught up in the collateral crisis, as banks continue to focus on healthy credit scores and tangible assets like property, two of the hardest hit casualties of the recession. Some statistics state that 74% of all small business loan applications get turned down. Maybe as high as 90%. Banks are fighting over cream of the crop borrowers -companies that have been around a long time with steadily increasing gross income year after year. Fewer small businesses have access to credit than larger companies because lending to them is riskier and more expensive than extending credit to larger companies.
Get yourself switched on to LEDs
Julie White.
Investigations company announces more than 50 % turnover Coventry based Expert Investigations Ltd has announced a 53% Increase in turnover for the past year. The commercial detective investigation agency will be increasing Its staff for the forthcoming 12 months to meet demand for its services. Managing director David Kearns said: “I am delighted with the results and it has proven that utilising investigative resources in the legal and commercial sector can have cost effective benefits for our clients, in dealing with issues that impact on their
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business”. The commercial sector sees Expert Investigations Ltd as a viable alternative for investigating employee theft and fraud as well as employment issues. In addition, the company supports the legal sector with their bespoke requirements and has invested in technology to support the traditional investigate techniques and investigative staff. The results have resulted in further staff being employed and an increase in office and operational space at the Head Office in Binley, Coventry. David said: “I am looking for a further increase of 20% in the forthcoming financial year and to open an office in Leeds to compliment our regional London and Birmingham offices.”
She explained that even more savings can be achieved if you currently use air conditioning. The heat generated by old style fluorescents often means that the AC is on more of the time. LEDs run with significantly less heat and in some cases, depending on usage an additional saving of 30% can be achieved on your general electricity bill. Gillian explained that there is a general lack of knowledge and confusion about the changes going on in the lighting industry, adding: “We, at Nulux Technologies Ltd., would be more than happy to help and advise Chamber members, and offer a free survey, to show the savings that can be achieved, “ she said. You can contact Gillian Larner, MD; Peter Aengenheister, Sales and Marketing and Adrian Fisher, Technical specialist on info@nuluxtechnologies.com
Washroom service specialist cleaning up Coventry-based washroom services specialist Pure Washrooms has significantly expanded all areas of the business since its re-location in January. Pure Washrooms, based in Exhall, has won 147 new customers this year as well as expanding the team with new staff in sales, administration, customer service, and operations. The company moved premises in January as it had outgrown its warehouse and offices in Binley due to increased customer demand on its wide range of bespoke washroom services. It then went on to be shortlisted for the Coventry Telegraph Business Awards in May in recognition for its green credentials and corporate social responsibility.
This issue is forcing businesses to look elsewhere. The Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust (CWRT) understands that in order for a small business to get off the ground, or to keep operating, it must have financing. Unlike most high street banks, our lending is not credit scored, but is based on the presentation of a comprehensive viable business and financial plan. We have been providing ‘loans of last resort’ for 10 years to new and existing small businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire and if you’re one of these businesses that are looking for finance, whether it’s for expanding your operations, obtaining new premises, purchasing new equipment, purchasing inventory, increase working capital, etc, but have been turned down by mainstream lenders, then CWRT can help. Get in touch today for further information about our commercial loans. Call 0845 606 6216 or email Andrew Scarborough andrew@cwrt.uk.com
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Business Direct: Finance
Peer-to-peer lending? It’s here to stay The financing marketplace for small and medium-sized businesses is full of challenges. Banks are under pressure to lend but also need to increase capital ratios and as a result entrepreneurs can face real difficulties in raising finance to grow their businesses. September is traditionally a time when banks and other finance organisations expect to see an upturn in enquiries, following a quiet time over the summer holidays, and develop some idea of whether the final quarter of the calendar year will be successful. That has certainly been the case at specialist business finance firm Ludgate Finance. July and August saw deals being completed, although not at a particularly high level, while September has seen a record number of loans being funded, with a significant number of new enquiries and increasing interest in peer-to-peer lending. As a sponsor for the ThinCats online peer-to-peer lending platform, Ludgate has already assisted businesses to secure millions of pounds in loans provided by syndicates of private investors to support development and growth. Richard Mason, director at Ludgate, said: “Many people ask us why should they consider peer-to-peer lending – it may be something they have not heard of before and banks and established finance companies have always been the bedrock of the small business finance world. “Our answer is always the same. If you want funds, and want them quickly, then peer-to-peer lending is a very dynamic marketplace that delivers the answer in an appropriate time frame. “Many businesses we talk to complain about the amount of time it takes a bank to respond to an application for additional funding. When there is a response, it is inevitably along the lines of ‘What additional security can we take?’ “Too often, banks focus on only one element of a proposal, but when we consider a proposal for a peer-to-peer loan, we look at three issues: • enterprise value • ability to repay • security. “We regard this as the three-legged stool – if all the elements are strong, then the proposal should stand up well. If one element is weak, then the
36
Ringing the changes on finance: (From left) Sarah Ward of ThinCats, Ludgate Finance’s David Grocott, Paul Stokes of Partner Commercial Finance and Duncan Hay, managing director of Midlands-based mobile phone network operator Shebang, which secured £600,000 of investment through ThinCats with Ludgate Finance’s support.
other two elements need to be stronger to compensate for this. If there are two weak elements, then we have to question whether the proposal makes sense. “In the current marketplace, banks are focussing too heavily on security and ability to repay and miss the enterprise value of many proposals. Of the £16 million of peer-to-peer funding that we have achieved, most, if not all, the proposals are ones that banks would find a reason not to do. Our view has always been to find a reason to do them – and that tends to give credence to the enterprise value of the proposal. “A good example is a local business that sells products into the automotive consumables marketplace. When we first met the owner in June 2012, he was faced with a deadline from the bank to refinance his business. There was no future with his existing bankers
but we recognised the strengths of his business and provided a loan of £380,000 through ThinCats to repay his existing debts. “Six months later and the business had won orders of over £250,000, which required finance to import the goods. We arranged a further loan of £250,000 in a matter of days to fund this, the goods have now been delivered successfully and the customer is so pleased that further orders have now been placed, which have enhanced the turnover and profitability of the business. “As a result, the projected performance to the end of this year is far in excess of what the client was envisaging in June 2012, when he was struggling to keep his business afloat. “Peer-to-peer finance made this happen – all the bank wanted was its money back and provide no further support for this business. Is it any
wonder that the culture amongst small business owners is that there is no finance available? “Currently the marketplace has an oversupply of funds: what it lacks is enough people with the vision to embrace the opportunities it provides. In this environment, there can be no doubt that peer-to-peer lending is here to stay.” Birmingham and Coventry: 0845 071 0854 Wolverhampton: 01902 482 456 info@ludgatefinance.co.uk www.ludgatefinance.co.uk
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Using our national power to help the local community With over er 120 of offices ffices fices nationwide nati - we ar are e passionate about keeping localism at the core cor e of how we do business. W We e understand the dif difficulties ficulties businesses face in the curr current ent economic climate, and the challenge to rreduce educe margins and cost. As a large national br broker oker we ar are e best placed to negotiate and obtain keen pr premiums emiums fr from om insur insurers, ers, whilst maintaining high service levels. For mor more e information contact your advisor, Browne: ur dedicated advisor r,, Rob R Br owne:
Call: Dir Direct ect dial: 01926 439 536 Mobile: 07912 997709 Email: Rob.br Rob.browne@towergate.co.uk owne@towergate.co.uk TTowergate owergate Insuran Insurance nce is a trading name of Towergate Towergate Underwriting Gr Group oup Limited. Register Registered ed in England with company number mber 4043759. V VA VAT AT Registration Number: 447284724. Registered Address: Authority.. owergate House, Eclipse Park, Sittingbour ne Rd, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN. Authorised and rregulated egulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Registered Addr ess: ss: TTowergate SSittingbourne
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Business Direct: Business Services
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41
News
Highly commended honour for Tina
Tina Riley receiving her highly commended award in the KBSA Kitchen Concept Designer of the Year category, pictured left-right: David Dalglish - KBSA National Chair, Simon Purves – Director, Independent Sales 2020 Technologies, Tina Riley, Owner Modern Homes, Graham Ball - KBSA CEO.
Tina Riley, from Leamington Spa-based Modern Homes, has been highly commended for a prestigious national award, which recognises outstanding design skills in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom sector. Tina was highly commended for the KBSA Kitchen Concept Designer of the Year award, sponsored by 20:20 Technologies, awarded by the national trade association the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association. “It is fantastic to have been recognised in these awards which showcase the very best talent in our industry,” she said. The award was presented at the KBSA AGM which was held in Warwickshire. KBSA CEO Graham Ball said: “KBSA members offer outstanding professionalism and expertise and these awards provide us with an opportunity to recognise and reward the high standards of design that they achieve. It is part of our remit to drive up standards and promote best practice and these awards are an important part of this strategy.”
Business people contribute to great local causes Communities across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire have benefitted from more than a quarter of a million pounds’ worth of funding thanks to one of the largest grant-making organisations in the region. The Heart of England Community Foundation supported 148 projects across the area in 2012/13, with grants awarded from £250 up to nearly £12,000, totalling £284,185. The foundation receives the money from a variety of organisations, including many local businesses who want their donations to remain local and make a difference to communities across the region. Heart of England Community Foundation then identifies the greatest needs across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire and advises where that money can be best spent. In the financial year 2012/13, grants were awarded to a range of projects from art classes for people recovering from strokes to organisations helping to improve employability. Heart of England Community Foundation director Tina Costello said: “As with any grant making body, there are criteria to be met but, to put it very simply, we want to make a positive difference to a community. “That can mean a few hundred pounds to support a sporting club or charity for disabled people, or up to several thousand pounds to create new opportunities for areas of high unemployment to help get people into work. “We find that businesses – from small and medium sized companies to major international firms based locally – like being involved with the Heart of England Community Foundation because they see exactly where the money is going and that, as our strapline says, we are creating thriving communities. “In fact, we find many business people – who are used to dealing in a hard-nosed way on a day-to-day basis – actually become quite emotional when they see where the money is being spent and the unbelievable difference it makes to local groups and their communities.” Government austerity measures have led to an even greater reliance on businesses and individuals supporting the foundation. “We were the Big Society long before anyone gave it that title,”
Division launched to help high earners An expanding insurance specialist has launched a new division to cater for the cash-rich and time-poor. Inspire Insurance Services, an independent commercial insurance broker operating all over the UK from its base in Coventry, has assembled a bespoke package for high-earners. The private client division provides cover for personal possessions – from multiple homes and vehicles to fine art, jewellery and pets – in one policy and with one renewal date each year. Managing director Leigh Mackey said: “The launch of our private client division has been borne out of demand from company directors. “It is aimed at cash-rich and timepoor individuals who want a single broker to provide a single insurance policy for their personal belongings and requirements. “The package that we have developed also means that there is just one renewal date each year so it saves time and inconvenience of updating as well as shopping around for different policies for top-end cover.”
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said Tina. “And now, more than ever, we need the support of our business community.” That support goes towards clubs and bodies such as Longford Short Football club, which took part in the Coventry Community Games to celebrate the 2012 Olympics, benefitting many local, disadvantaged youngsters. “Anything is possible and it is amazing what a voluntary group can achieve with the help and support of local funders such as The Heart of England Community Foundation,” said Jim Sweeney, a coach at Longford Short Football. The Pailton & District Young Farmers Club received a £1,600 grant from a fund set up by Peugeot through the Heart of England Community Foundation. That money went towards helping young people from rural communities take part in an adventure weekend to develop new skills and meet new people which is an opportunity they would, otherwise, not have had. Elsewhere, a £500 grant was awarded to the Nuneaton & Bedworth Healthy Living Project which gives older people the chance to meet at a weekly luncheon club, helping to avoid isolation – especially during the winter months. Tina added: “These are just a few examples of how our grants can make such a great difference to individual communities.”
Warwickshire business provides ‘ultra’ apprenticeship thanks to Council’s help A Warwickshire company has recruited a new apprentice almost a year after it first considered the idea, thanks to a service offered by Warwickshire County Council. Ultracars, based in Southam, specialise in leasing cars to people who have difficulties getting finance. The company, which was set up in 2003, decided to investigate how it could take on an apprentice to help with their growing business at the end of last year. However, their initial attempts to get the advice, support and information they needed proved fruitless, until they used Warwickshire County Council’s ‘Get an Apprentice’ service and brought Johnny Percy on board. In July, owner Dave Riches had heard about Warwickshire County Council ‘Get an Apprentice’ service, a virtual Apprenticeship Hub including a website, Twitter and Facebook account supported by an advisor. Dave made contact with Apprenticeship Hub Manager Torin Spence, who helped explain how the apprenticeship programme works. Dave said: “With the help of Torin we managed to get in touch with the learning provider very quickly, establish a strategy and recruit our apprentice who is now employed and working towards a qualification in business administration.” Torin said: “We’re delighted that we’ve
Apprentice Johnny Percy at work at Ultracars.
been able to help Ultracars to recruit an apprentice and give a young person the opportunity to get paid work and training on the job.“ Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council, Cllr Alan Cockburn, said: “It is vitally important that we encourage the business community to get behind apprenticeships in Warwickshire and make it as easy as possible for employers to take on a young person.” For more information on Warwickshire County Council’s ‘Get an Apprentice’ initiative, visit the website www.warwickshire.gov.uk/getanapprentice. www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
News
Conference set to change mindsets Franklin-Hackett Ltd. are setting the tone for 2014 with a one-day conference that will focus on changing mindsets within organisations to unlock their true potential. The “Mindsets to Maximise Your Performance” conference will take place at The Windmill Village Hotel in Coventry on Friday 24th January 2014. The event will focus on deconstructing the most common mindsets that influence business thinking and presenting alternative approaches that will result in greater effectiveness. Speakers will include change leaders from industry and academia, who will bring a wealth of insight and experience to the conference. John Hackett, Managing Director of Franklin-Hackett Ltd, said: “There is much received wisdom about how we should use our minds in various business situations. In fact, it’s often the case that everyone thinks in similar ways in
Car sets the pace again
our organisations. The purpose of this conference is to help people overcome this invisible barrier to progress by exposing the most common mindsets and presenting profound alternative ways of thinking that will transform the way they approach their dayto-day experiences in the future. We think that changing mindsets is the best way to unlock the potential of our organisations to become more effective, innovative and ultimately, successful” The event is open to anyone who is involved with decision making at any level within an organisation of any size within both public and private sectors. For more information and to book a place at the conference visit www.mindsetstomaximiseyourperforma nce.eventbrite.co.uk To contact the organisers visit www.franklinhackett.co.uk
Small Business Saturday, Can you afford not to be involved? Independent businesses across the UK are busy preparing for ‘Small Business Saturday’, a campaign aimed at encouraging people to ‘shop local’ and ‘support independent businesses’. Established in the USA in 2010 and initiated by American Express, this event takes place traditionally on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving and has been credited for creating millions of dollars of additional income for small businesses in the busy run up to Christmas. In the United Kingdom, the event has been introduced and championed by the Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Chuka Umunna MP, and has gained the support of Prime Minister David Cameron and five other key organisations; the Association of Convenience Stores, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Forum of Private Business, the British Chambers of Commerce and the National Federation of Retail Newsagents. The first Small Business Saturday event for the United Kingdom will be held on Saturday 7th December, one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Consumers are encouraged to visit and explore small businesses in their communities and shop local on the 7th December and thereafter. The aim is to encourage a higher spend with local small businesses, but also to celebrate and support the diverse range of small independent businesses within the United Kingdom, which add character to the High Street and offer consumers with more choice. Small businesses provide almost two thirds of private sector employment and contribute almost half towards private sector turnover; something that many feel is not acknowledged and celebrated enough. Small Business Saturday is a new event in the calendar, which will undoubtedly add value to other existing retail campaigns and programmes being undertaken by Town Centre Managers, Chambers of Commerce and Local authorities in Towns and Cities across the U.K. For more information visit facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturdayUK
Mercedes-Benz of Coventry unveiled the new generation S-Class at its Wheler Road showroom. Long regarded as the best luxury car in the world, the S-Class is also synonymous with debuting features that shape the specification of future cars produced by all manufacturers. For example, the S-Class showcased the now common standard features of airbags and anti-lock brakes as long ago as the early 1980s. The new generation S-Class continues this groundbreaking trend. Safety features of the new S-Class that are certain to be adopted in years to come by the automotive industry include rear seat belts that are actually bags that inflate on impact and cameras at the back that detect an imminent rear-end collision and instantly apply the brakes to stop the S-Class hitting the car in front. There is even a night vision camera that not only alerts drivers to living creatures at the roadside in the dark but can also
Accolade for energy company GI Energy, the UK market leader for the design and installations of Ground Source Pump heating and cooling systems has been named Ground Source Installer of the Year in the Energy Efficiency & Renewables Awards. The glittering Awards ceremony held at the Ricoh Arena was hosted by Nick Hewer with entertainment provided Jimmy Carr. It is a tremendous accolade for the Coventry company, providing recognition for its skills and innovation in the sector. Having installed more than 200MW of systems in a wide range of buildings, GI Energy is a trailblazer in harnessing ground source energy building up an unrivalled expertise in the sector. Indeed GI Energy is probably the only company in the UK marketplace today that
offers a full turnkey solution, from initial feasibility studies of geology and hydrogeology through drilling, procurement, sizing, design, installation, finance to ongoing remote monitoring, repair and maintenance. With installations as diverse as a school in Orkney to the iconic One New Change in London, the company has developed an enviable reputation for designing and sizing systems for the most complex of sites, and its flexibility is reflected by the diverse commissions it has won – from Stonehenge visitor centre to the new Sackler Gallery in one of the Royal Parks in London to the new Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.
“It is a tremendous accolade for the Coventry company.” ...training for a brighter future
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distinguish between human and animal life forms. Sarah Middleton, Sales Director of Mercedes-Benz of Coventry, said: “The SClass has always been exceptional but the new generation model is on a whole new level. “Groundbreaking features such as the use of Mercedes-Benz LED lighting that does away with the need for bulbs and the Magic Body Control suspension system mean that the new S-Class is undeniably the most advanced car in the world.”
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43
President & People
Four C&W firms take Chamber Awards 2013 success
Peter Burns MBE
Welcome I am absolutely delighted and privileged to have taken up the position as your Chamber President, particularly at such an exciting time for our local economy. Leading the Chamber is a big job and I have a very clear view of my role, which is to help the businesses of Coventry and Warwickshire prosper as the economy recovers from recent tough times. My chief role is to foster effective collaboration; there are plenty of bodies and companies across Coventry and Warwickshire that genuinely want the best for the region and coordinating all their energy and vision is vital if we are to achieve growth. From local authorities and universities through to the LEP and the wider business community, and not forgetting the Chamber, are all key to business growth. I look forward to working with all of them and I believe that the Chamber is uniquely placed to play a part in bringing these organisations together because of the depth of our experience and the wide range of our contacts. Why is that role so important? Well, I believe that it is only through working together that can we truly improve the fortunes of the region. Take an example. The Chamber recently brought the leaders of the City Council and the County Council together to discuss the future of the region. The experience was hugely beneficial, experiences were shared, challenges discussed, relationships forged. I know that every organisation and every company has its own priorities, some of which compete with each other, but if we can work together we can create the conditions in which all can thrive. Although investment is crucial, it is not the be all and end all. In many cases it’s the will to work together that truly fosters the conditions for growth. It promises to be an exciting challenge.
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Pictured (left to right): Keith Kruger (KPK Associates), John Nollett (Pailton Engineering), Peter O’Brien (O’Brien Contractors), Amrik Bhabra (former Chamber president), Louise Bennett (chief executive of the Chamber), Jenny Shortt, Liz Cooper (both Ricoh Arena), Tim Luft (Serious Games International)
Four firms from Coventry and Warwickshire have been crowned winners in the West Midlands heats of the Chamber Awards 2013. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Chamber Awards, now in their tenth anniversary year, is one of the showpiece events in the business calendar, highlighting the role of business as a positive force for the UK recovery, and for local communities. The Ricoh Arena, Peter O’Brien (of Peter O’Brien Contractors), Pailton Engineering and Serious Games International all picked up regional prizes and will now go forward to represent the West Midlands in the
national finals, which take place in London in November. Nora Senior, President of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “I visit businesses up and down the country and am constantly impressed by their determination, innovation and the contributions they are making to their local communities. “Many of them are optimistic and looking for opportunities to grow and find new markets for their products and services both at home and abroad. “These are the kinds of businesses that will become the wealth creators of tomorrow, and will play a crucial role in helping the UK economy move from being
good, to being great in the months and years ahead. The Chamber Awards, now in its tenth anniversary year, is the perfect platform to showcase the amazing work of UK firms across the country, and show the world why Business is Good for Britain.” The Ricoh Arena won the Marketing Campaign of the Year award while Serious Games International picked up the prize for the Most Promising New Business Award. Pailton Engineering won the award for the Commitment to People Development Award and Peter O’Brien won the outstanding Personal Achievement award for the region.
New Partner Announcement at Leigh Christou LLP Coventry based accountants Leigh Christou LLP has announced the appointment of Matt Keeling to the position of partner. Matt joined the practice as a trainee in 1999, qualifying as an ACCA member with the firm, progressing through the practice taking roles of audit manager and latterly that of Associate before accepting a partnership role. Matt specialises in FSA clients, solicitors and specialist assignments. Matt’s position as a partner will see him build further on this role. Matt said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of Partner at an exciting time for the practice in this anniversary year. I am very much looking forward to the new challenges partnership will bring with the key focus being on maintaining and building existing client relationships as well as developing new ones”
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Events & Training
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Events Wednesday 6th November
Thursday 14th November
Top Tips to Workplace Wellbeing
Spotlight Lunch
7:45am-10:00am Xcel Centre Coventry Mitchell Avenue, Coventry CV4 8DY This event will focus on employees wellbeing and how certain lifestyle factors can ease stress at work.
12:00pm-2:00pm Studley Castle, Castle Road Studley, B80 7AJ This networking event will give member companies the opportunity to put their company in the spotlight. Enter the business card draw to be in with the chance to have the spotlight on your company and help increase your business using your best elevator pitch!
Monday 11th November
Chamber Networking 4:00pm-6:00pm The Dun Cow in Dunchurch, The Green, Dunchurch, Rugby CV22 6NJ Meet with local representatives in a relaxed environment at this informal Chamber Event. Networking is one of the most effective ways to promote your business. Face to face communication is a perfect way to build quality business relationships. Wednesday 13th November
Language and Cultural Awareness 09:00am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12:30pm Chamber House, Innovation Village, Cheetah Road, Coventry CV1 2TL A Master Class focused on exploring the issues companies face with language and cultural differences, when engaging in overseas markets or building relationships with buyers from a multitude of markets.
Tuesday 19th November
Explore your Growth Potential 9:00am-1:30pm Chamber House, Innovation Village, Cheetah Road, Coventry CV1 2TL Are you ready to grow? Are you looking for ways to grow and develop your business? Considering growth through selling internationally? The half-day workshop has been designed to help you recognise the benefits of International Trade and start your journey of growth via doing business overseas. Friday 6th December
LEP Inform 7:45am-9:30am Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa & Golf Club, Warwick Road, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 0NR A CWLEP board member will be opening this event with a presentation about the CWLEP and City Deal and what the LEP means to your business.
Join the Chamber at one of the events and receive 10% off your annual membership fee. Find out more information or to book a place please visit www.cw-chamber.co.uk. Remember to book onto member only events you will need to log-in to the website
November
Professional Telephone Techniques
Full Day
21
Successful Sales Techniques
Full Day
14
Professional Negotiation Skills
Full Day
Social Media Strategy - Facebook, Twitter and Blogs
Full Day
Practical Social Media
Half Day
Professional Presentation Skills Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTTLS)
11 19 9
Full Day 5 Full Days
6 5 12
Time Management & Effective Delegation
Full Day
Finance for Non-Financial Managers
Full Day
8
Recruitment & Selection
Full Day
29
Introduction to Decision Making
Half Day-am
1
Managing Budgets
Half day-pm
1
Principles of Manual Handling (CIEH Accredited Level 2 Award)
Half Day-am
4
Internal Quality Auditing ISO9001:2008
Full Day
26
Emergency First Aid in the Workplace (EFAW) HSE Approved
Full Day
28
Payment for Export including Letters of Credit
Full Day
7
Import Procedures
Full Day
4
Microsoft Excel- Intermediate to Advanced
Full Day
6
Microsoft PowerPoint
Full Day
10
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
December
Duration
CWT TRAINING DATES 2013
18
45
New Members sponsored column
Advantages of using a Recruitment Consultancy
Welcome to new members Accelerated Production Systems Limited Unit 9c, Webb Ellis Business Park, Wood Street, Rugby CV21 2NP T: 01788 568086 E: rob.crofts@acceleratedproduction.com Afriwest Services Uk limited Heathcote Industrial Estate, 7 Athena Court, Athena Drive, Warwick CV34 6RT E: cpatterson@energoldgroup.com W: www.energold.com AGG’s World Ltd 58 Far Gosford Street, Coventry CV1 5DZ T: 02476 222201 E: akintoyeg@aol.co.uk W: www.agg.co.uk
Good candidates are still a precious commodity, even in the market today. The majority of them will not always use the internet or read the recruitment pages in the press. Generally however, they will however register with a good recruitment agency and leave the looking to them as it saves them a huge amount of time & effort. The modern recruitment agency will work with a client, with the aim of forming a solid and long lasting partnership - this ensures that the candidates they source will hopefully be an ideal fits for their business, both professionally and personally. One of the big advantages to the clients of using a recruitment consultancy is that by using an established agency you don’t incur any of the recruitment advertising upfront, as these are included within the recruitment fee. Therefore failure to attract the right candidates with media used is not your concern. Agencies also have relationships with a diverse range of job boards and can attract a large range of candidates, than if the client sources themselves from one job board. Time issues are one of the main benefits and why companies use recruitment agencies. Recruitment is one of the more time consuming aspects within the work place & takes clients focus away from their business, invariably inhibiting business growth. Recruitment agencies nowadays can also be an invaluable source when it comes to employment law. Charles Peters Recruitment are centrally located in Kenilworth, Warwickshire and are specialists in the recruitment of Sales and Marketing professionals throughout the UK. We are completely independent and therefore don’t have the restraints that some agencies may have - we are flexible and adaptable and our approach is fairly unique, some may say ‘we are a breath of fresh air’. Whether you are a Client or a Candidate we promise to make a difference.
Richard Hales, Charles Peters Ltd Richard@charlespeters.co.uk www.charlespeters.co.uk T 01926 857000 Warwick Corner, 42 Warwick Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 1HE
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Aim GB Ltd Unit 28 Centenary Business Centre, Attlebough Fields Ind Est, Hammond Close, Nuneaton CV11 6RY T: 02477670244 E: services@aimgb.co.uk W: www.aimgb.co.uk Arden Construction Ltd 5 Adams Way, Springfield Business Park, Alcester B49 6PU T: 01789 400137 E: info@ardenconstruction.co.uk Aviasys Ltd 2 Innovation Village, Cheetah Road, Coventry CV1 2TL T: 07545310000 E: sailesh@streetcloud.net Business In The Community - Area West C/O Mondelez International, 83 Bournville Lane, Birmingham B30 2HP E: jayne.magee@bitc.org.uk W: www.bitc.org.uk Castle Keep Kitchen Bar 6 Castle Street, Warwick CV34 4BP T: 01926 258878 E: bookings@castlekeepwarwick.co.uk Code Angel Coventry University Technology Park, Puma Way, Coventry CV1 2TT T: +44 0 24 7501 5049 E: sam@codeangel.co.uk W: www.codeangel.co.uk Compressor Tech The Stables, Hockley Road, Shrewley, Warwick CV35 7AT T: 01217665006 Coventry & North Warwickshire Sports Club Binley Road, Coventry CV3 1HB T: 024 76451426 Duncan Jones Jasmine Cottage, Bascote, Southam CV47 2DU T: 07966 387381 E: duncan@duncanjones.co.uk Elizabeth’s Care Services Suite 21, 21-23 Clifton Road, Rugby CV21 3PY T: 07812666032 E: ekemp@elizabethscareservices.com Flavour Catering Unit 7, Hornchurch Close, Coventry CV1 2QZ T: 02476 545568 E: info@flavourcatering.co.uk W: www.flavourcatering.co.uk
Flight Simulators West Midlands Coventry Airo Club, Rowleys Road, Coventry CV3 4FR T: 0783 116 1477 E: info@crigby.f9.co.uk W: www.flyfsm.co.uk
Residential Security Solutions 79 Sandy Lane, Coventry CV1 4EX T: 02476019469 E: darren@residentialsecuritysolutions.co.uk W: www.residentialsecuritysolutions.co.uk
Freight Ways UK 101 Lockhurst Lane, Coventry CV6 5SF T: 02476 590313 E: info@freightway-uk.co.uk W: www.freightways-uk.co.uk/
Sarah Horne Flowers 86 Warwick Street, Leamington Spa CV32 4QG E: hotflowers_@hotmail.com W: www.flowers@sarahhorne.net
Handytrician 58 Ribble Road, Coventry CV3 1AU T: 07531031005 W: www.handytrician.com
Senturian Security Ltd Desai House, 9-13 Holbrook Lane, Coventry T: 02476 667677 E: senturian@btconnect.com W: www.senturiansecurity.com
Holiday Inn Coventry M6 M6 J2, Hinckley Road, Walsgrave, Coventry CV2 2HP T: 08719 429021 E: sally.winston@ihg.com W: www.holidayinn.com/coventrym6
Sintech Ltd 31 Longstork Road, Rugby CV23 0GB T: 01788 567806 E: info@sintech.co.uk
Itseeze - Coventry 70 Henley Road, Coventry CV2 1LP T: 02476 720937 E: hatem.wafi@itseeze.co.uk Justyna Iwaniuk English Courses 4 Lady Lane, Longford, Coventry CV6 6AZ T: 07411122390 E: info@jiec.co.uk Kew Retail 11 Noble Drive, Cawston CV22 7FL T: 07790 154227 E: kewretail@gmail.com W: www.kewretail.wordpress.com Kilimanjaro Supplies & Services Ltd 33 Wyken Grange Road, Coventry CV2 3BT T: 02476 455627 E: info@kilimanjaro-ssl.co.uk W: www.kilimanjaro-ssl.co.uk Liz Drake Photography E: info@lizdrakephotography.co.uk Nicocigs Ltd Unit 19, Wainwright Street, Aston, Birmingham B6 5TJ T: 0121 382 2285 W: www.nicolites.co.uk Ollis & Co Nelson House, 2 Hamilton Terrace, Leamington Spa CV32 4LY E: simon@ollisandco.com W: www.ollisandco.com On Line Business School 19 Mercia Business Village, Mercia Business Park, Coventry CV4 8HX T: 02476 855955 E: JH@onlinebusinessschool.com Paxton Brown 1St Floor, 7 Coventry Street, Nuneaton CV11 5TD T: 024 76382880 E: victoria@paxtonbrown.co.uk Prestige Cleaning Services 78 Villiers Street, Coton, Nuneaton CV11 5PJ T: 07582296731 E: prestigecleaningservices@outlook.com
SN Bookkeeping Elliot Park Innovation Centre, 4 Barling Way, Nuneaton CV10 7RH T: 02476 796550 E: info@snbookkeeping.co.uk W: www.snbookkeeping.co.uk STWise Technology & Science 22 Meadowside, Whitestone, Nuneaton CV11 6NF T: 02476 346163 E: theresa@stwise-ts.com W: www.stwise-ts.com Supreme Estates Management Ltd t/a Allvey Estates SUITE 2A, Second Floor, Cash’s Business Centre, 228 Widdrington Road, Coventry CV1 4PB T: 07989 953570 E: Patricia.allen@allveyestates.com W: www.allveyestates.com Swinton Commercial 202 Holbrook Lane, Coventry CV6 4OD T: 01746 765214 E: jordan.maskell@swinton.co.uk The London Road 25-27 Paradise Street, Coventry CV1 2JU T: 02476231585 The Tyre Company Unit 4 Bermuda Trading Estate, Nuneaton CV10 7RA T: 077/716-6578 W: www.thetyrecompany.co.uk Thomas Jacks Ltd Unit B2, The Bridge Business Centre, Timothy’s Bridge Road, Stratford upon Avon CV37 9HW E: martin@thomasjacks.co.uk W: www.thomasjacks.co.uk Workplace Associates Ltd 20 Blackthorn Grove, Nuneaton CV11 6UX T: 07799406736 E: waynelloyd1@virginmedia.com
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