C&W In Business

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Foreword

Welcome to 2014

CONTENTS January/February 2014 Chamber News Service of the Month

4-19 6

Events International Trade CWT Business Support Legal & Finance Policy Profile Property

8-9 11-13 14 15 16-17 18 20-21 22-23

Dear Member,

Welcome to 2014. I hope all of our Members and Clients have had a wonderful Christmas and New Year break.

Looking back, I think that, overall, 2013, was a good year for business. We saw moderate growth in the economy, strong growth in certain sectors such as manufacturing and engineering largely due to exports, interest rates have remained low, inflation needs to be carefully monitored, unemployment fell albeit much work to do to tackle growing youth unemployment and broadly a businessfriendly Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.

Your Chamber of Commerce continued to improve and enhance its services, particularly around networking and business to business opportunities, but also with a strong focus on supporting businesses that want to export for the first time or, indeed, grow their export markets.

During its 110th year in business, your Chamber of Commerce delivered some high-profile events, including a successful Trade Expo in the very beautiful surroundings of the Mallory Court Hotel and an Economic Conference with a Ministerial address from Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills.

I hope, like me, you are feeling upbeat about 2014. It will be a year in which we will see our Local Enterprise Partnership launch its Business Clearing House, a single point of access for all business support which is an initiative strongly supported by the Chamber of Commerce

already being committed to building on what we do best by delivering the new Clearing House sign-posting and brokerage service to all businesses.

Some of our clients may not know that your Chamber of Commerce puts a lot of resource and effort into working with young people in terms of education and training and gaining employment.

Indeed, we are the largest deliverer of apprenticeships in our locality and we are also engaged in a European-wide project on Youth Enterprise and Unemployment (YEU). YEU offers our clients on-line material and support on starting your own business which complements the strong ‘new business start-up service‘ that the Chamber offers through start-up workshops and one-to-one mentoring.

In 2014, your Chamber of Commerce will be delivering the Government’s new pilot ‘Growth Voucher’ programme, which I hope enhances all that is being done, by the Local Enterprise Partnership, to offer access to finance opportunities to local businesses with investable propositions.

Most important in 2014 is that we continue to serve the best interests of our Members and wider client base here in Coventry & Warwickshire and we will be keen to reach-out to as many businesses as possible in order that we can work with you to sustain and grow your business and, therefore, grow our local business base.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch on 02476 654321, louiseb@cw-chamber.so.uk or log on to www.cw-chamber.co.uk Kindest regards Louise

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Around the Region 24-32 Business Direct 33-39 Chamber Events Diary 43 President & People 44-45 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.

Investment pays dividends for firm ago. Peter and his brother, Michael, got involved around 35 years ago and, in 1995, took it from a partnership to a limited company.

In recent years, Phil Griffiths and Stuart Chamberlain have become shareholding directors in the business.

“It was a brave step to take in the midst of the recession, but they could see the strength of the business and vision of where we were going”, Peter added.

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

At the publishers

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Advertising Contact Alison Seymour alison@benhampublishing.com 07841 115444 Media Number 1347 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

The decision to invest at the depths of the recession has led to a major national award for a Warwickshire firm – as well as a significant rise in turnover.

Cubbington-based O’Brien Contractors, a specialist civil engineering company, scooped the company of the year prize at the British Chambers of Commerce National Chamber Awards.

On the same night, managing director Peter O’Brien won the outstanding personal achievement award while the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce was a finalist in the Chamber of the Year category.

Peter said: “We certainly didn’t expect to win and we were very surprised to win both awards. Everybody on the table was over the moon.”

“We certainly didn’t expect to win and we were very surprised to win both awards.

Everybody on the table was over the moon.”

But there was good reason for the honour and £25,000 prize, which will be spent on bringing through apprentices in the company.

Like many other firms – particularly in the construction sector – O’Brien Contractors was feeling the ill effects of the recession but instead of retrenching, the firm invested.

“We had to take tough decisions, but we also wanted to invest to be ready for the upturn,” he added.

“We invested in the skills of our staff by training them, we invested in new equipment and we invested in diversifying the business so that when the recovery started we could take advantage.

“However, it was the longest recession I can certainly remember and there were times when we wondered whether we were doing the right thing but we stuck by the plan because we knew that a recovery would have come at some point. The world couldn’t stay on its knees forever.

“Our diversification saw us add to the services we offer. Previously, we would offer only the groundwork on a project – now we offer a full design and build service too – and we have developed some great relationships.

“Also, we have moved into the laying of specialist sports pitches for schools, sports centres and local councils. We have since won sole supplier status for Astroturf – the leading brand in this market place.

“Our turnover heading into the recession was around £15 million and it dropped to £11 million. Our projection for this year (ending March 31) is £20 million and to go beyond that in 2014/15.”

O’Brien Contractors was established by Peter’s father, Thomas O’Brien, 55 years

“Our diversification saw us add to the services we offer.

Previously, we would offer only the groundwork on a project – now we offer a full design and build service too – and we have developed some great relationships.”

“It is great that all of our efforts have been recognised by the Chamber Award and it will spur us on to work even harder in the coming months and years to grow the business.”

Coventry and Warwickshire based companies The Ricoh Arena, Pailton Engineering and Serious Games International were all finalists at the National Chamber Awards.

Peter O’Brien with Christina Murphy, Business and IP Centre Project Manager at the British Library.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Chamber News

Peter O’Brien with Peter Ibbotson, Chairman of Small Business Banking at RBS.

“It is great that all of our efforts have been recognised by the Chamber Award and it will spur us on to work even harder in the coming months and years to grow the business.”

Welcome for Autumn statement Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said the Autumn Statement had brought welcome news for businesses.

She said: “The Chancellor has very little room for manoeuvre and we all know he is not going to be able to give handouts to businesses or individuals because there just isn’t the money to do it.

“Despite the improving economic picture, there is still a long way to go in terms of fixing our finances and the Chancellor was at pains to point out that we are only starting out on the road to a ‘responsible recovery’, as he put it.

“But, in terms of our members and the many thousands of businesses we work with across Coventry and Warwickshire, there were some interesting and welcome points.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

“We would have liked a reduction in business rates and that was very much what the British Chambers of Commerce has been calling for ahead of the statement.

“That said, the capping of the rise in rates is welcome, especially with changes in the way they are collected coming into force by 2015, which will see greater local control of the rates.

“Again, the changes announced around High Street business rates might not make a massive difference, it was a move in the right direction and it was good to hear some of the work undertaken by local MP Marcus Jones given credit on this front.

“Ultimately, it was pro-business

statement and also very much a pro-work statement, particularly focussing on young people.

“The scrapping of employer NI payments for staff under the age of 21 is both good news for business and should be helpful to our younger people in their bid to find work.

“There were also announcements around apprenticeships and support for younger people in finding traineeships or further education or training.

“It was very much a statement that said there would be help for those young people who needed it as they look to find their way in the world of work.

“Will it solve the skills issue in the UK? Not on its own but it is another move in the right direction.

“The one subject I would have liked to hear more about was international trade. There was a passing mention of export finance but I don’t think that’s a particularly easy scheme to navigate.

“It will be good to see the impact of Lord Livingstone who takes over from Lord Green as the Minister for Trade and Investment and we certainly want to see the continued and, indeed, increased support and resource for UKTI which operates on the ground, working with local businesses to increase exports in UK PLC.”

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Service of the Month

ChamberHR website re-launched

Toni Robinson

Qdos Consulting, the providers of ChamberHR, a human resource (HR) advice line and website available exclusively to Chambers of Commerce members, has enhanced the online support available to members Chamber members will be able to access a new online human resource document library with access to more than 400 improved and enhanced documents, policies, letters and template forms.

Head of Business Development at Qdos, Steve Charles said: “Over recent months we have been working hard on re launching our HR document provision.

“Many members rely on the HR support we provide as part of the Chamber membership and we want to ensure that the site is as comprehensive as possible for the.”

The new online library will see the introduction of a number of new documents and subject areas, with the number of documents available increased to just over 400. The website also benefits

from an improved navigation and search facility system which also allows members to access documents from a number of different locations on the website.

Head of Operations at Qdos, Toni Robinson, said: “We wanted to enhance the user experience. The new website allows members to find what they are looking for more easily. We are confident that members will find the website simple to use and will find the service a lot quicker and user friendly. In the coming months we hope to enhance the service further by adding audio and video content and guidance as well re launching our newsletter services’.

ChamberHR was first launched in 2005 and has over 40,000 Chamber of Commerce members who have access to the website through their membership to the Chamber’s of Commerce.

For those members who also have access to the Chamber Health and Safety service, the service has also been enhanced to include over 150 new template documents, policies and forms as well as a new ‘Getting Started with Health and Safety’ section.

The ChamberHR and health and safety service is provided by Qdos Consulting, employment law, health and safety, tax and VAT specialists based in Leicestershire.

In August, Qdos also launched ChamberHRPlus which provides members with access to an enhanced level of cover and bespoke support.

As part of the re-launch we are offering Chamber members a discount of 15% on all HR and Health & safety products. For further information on the employment law, human resource and health and safety services and to claim a discount of 15% contact Qdos Consulting on 01455 852028 or email sales@qdosconsulting.com

Member to Member Offers Did you know that as a member of the Chamber you can use our free Member 2 Member offers service? Here’s a reminder of this great money saving chamber service, and how you can use it to benefit your business!

Are you looking for a web designer? Or maybe you need advice from a business consultant? Through our Member 2 Member offers, you have the opportunity to browse through hundreds of offers that will

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no doubt prove beneficial to your business.

With a wide range of exclusive offers that you can access free of charge, whilst also saving your business money, what are you waiting for?

Please contact us if you would like to find out more about our Member 2 Member offers or if you would like to submit an offer for your business, please contact us on 02476 654 321, where you can speak to a member of staff in our support team.

Coach company on the road to success

“Knowing I can access 24 hour support provides me with peace of mind that I can get legal advice or can double check compliancy and awareness as and when I need to.”

An award winning Midlands bus and coach operator has been able to accelerate its human resource procedures with the support of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

Established for more than 100 years Johnsons Bus and Coach Travel is an award winning, local family run company, which employs over 200 people and specialises in top quality door to door coach holidays, coach hire and local bus services.

As a Chamber member, the company is able to take advantage of a variety of employment law and human resource services to strengthen its department – including access to online reference manuals as well as 24 hour specialist employment support.

Louise Furlong, Human Resource Manager at Johnsons Bus and Coach Travel, said: “As the sole HR person at the company it is extremely useful to be able to access additional employment support and guidance through the Chamber.

“Knowing I can access 24 hour support provides me with peace of mind that I can get legal advice or can double check compliancy and awareness as and when I need to.”

“The Chamber’s HR website is particularly beneficial and I regularly take advantage of the generic letters and policy information which is available to download.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News Congratulations Expedient Recruitment, Entrepreneurs of the Month

Left to right, Mark Greig (EC Coventry), Darren Stanbridge (Expedient), Andrea Kinsella (Expedient) and Nick Howes (EC Coventry)

Having been members of the Entrepreneur’s Circle for just five months, Andrea and Darren have thrown themselves 100% into the local meetings.

They have noticed a significant boost to their business, which has led to them taking on two new full time employees at their office in Earlsdon, Coventry.

Andrea and Darren have proved that with the right changes, even to established businesses like theirs, over a relative short period of time you can start to see great results.

Andrea and Darren commented: “Being involved with the EC has helped us set clearer than ever goals for our business and develop a plan to break this down into small, achievable steps. As directors, we’ve started to focus more of our time in the right areas that will see this growth continue.”

They are both highly valued and appreciated members of the Coventry Entrepreneurs Circle group and welldeserved winners of the Entrepreneur of the Month award!

Lea Marston & Abbey Hotel wins at Family Business Awards The 4-star Lea Marston Hotel & Spa in Sutton Coldfield, along with its sister hotel, The Abbey Hotel Golf & Spa in Redditch, were winners at the Midlands Family Business Awards 2013.

The Abbey and Lea Marston Hotel entered the ‘Service Excellence’ category, sponsored by Fraser Brown Solicitors.

After a tough final, which was judged by a panel of ten at the Great Hall at Birmingham University, the Abbey and Lea Marston were announced as the winners.

The Service Excellence award recognises and rewards family businesses across all industries that can demonstrate a sustained commitment to providing excellent service.

The Abbey and Lea Marston Hotel Chairman, Mark Blake, said: “We are immensely proud to receive this accolade; in our hotels real Service Excellence is at the heart of our culture”.

Now in its fourth year, the Midlands Family Business Awards is a charitable initiative organised by Nottinghamshire family business The Wilson Organisation.

Through the awards they aim to create an ethical, friendly and supportive community. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Sponsor deal for striker Coventry City striker Callum Wilson has just penned a new contract – and the club has signed up a sponsor for their top scorer.

Wilson has made himself at home in the Sky Blues first team this season and property agency Shortland Horne, long time supporters of the club, have chosen to sponsor the 21-year-old for the season.

The deal sees the company’s logo feature in the club’s matchday programme PUSB and a logo and a link on the club’s website, as well as a range of other benefits.

David Shortland, managing director of Shortland Horne – one of the city’s leading home sales and letting agents, said: “The whole city has been really excited by the

young talent coming through the club’s academy and Callum epitomises that.

“It’s been great to see Steven Pressley giving him his opportunity this season and to see Callum grasping it with both hands.

“We are delighted to be supporting him in this way and look forward to seeing him scoring many more goals for the club this season and beyond.”

Tynan Scope, corporate sales manager for Coventry City, said: “Our homegrown players have been a credit to the academy and the whole club.

“It is great to see a city firm recognising that and backing a player that has a big future with the club.”

Pictured: Callum Wilson with David Shortland.

Downing Street invite for Kerry Kerry Field, the founder of Southambased The Warwickshire Outsourcing Centre, was invited by Chancellor George Osborne to represent the area at a reception at 11 Downing Street to celebrate Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday was designed to increase public support for local independent firms, and Kerry was chosen as one of 100 small companies from across the UK. “To be part of an exclusive group invited to attend a reception at Downing Street with the Chancellor was a great honour,” said Kerry.

“It made me realise how far I have

travelled since 2007, when I first set up my business, and how exciting the future is.”

The trip to Downing Street completed another exciting year for Kerry, and The Warwickshire Outsourcing Centre - a company that sources and provides specialist services to businesses.

In April her business became a limited company, and since then she had seen a 10% increase in turnover.

Indeed, such has been the growth, she moved into local managed offices at Kineton Industrial Estate, Southam in December and will be recruiting an inhouse team of staff to work with her there in addition to the virtual team she already has in place.

sponsored column

Year-end tax planning ideas Having regard to the proposed changes announced within the Autumn Statement there are a number of tax planning actions that can be undertaken in order to reduce your overall tax burden.

Give income generating assets to your spouse With a top rate of income tax of 45% it can be highly beneficial to transfer income bearing assets to a spouse who is subject to income tax at a lower rate (0%/20%/40%).

No capital gain or loss should arise on the transfer by virtue of the spouse exemption.

Salary sacrifice Tax free benefits can be taken in the place of salary, saving income tax and NIC for both the employee and the employer.

Examples include childcare vouchers and pension contributions.

Give up ‘free’ fuel In many cases the car fuel benefit costs more in tax for the employee than the underlying cost of the fuel used. The fuel multiplier has increased significantly in recent years, and is forecast to rise further; meaning that all except those with very high private mileage will be worse off than with the cash alternative.

Maintain entitlement to child benefit Child benefit is clawed back where an individual’s taxable income rises above £50,000 and is completely lost where income exceeds £60,000. Where possible, a couple’s income should be managed through the use of tax free benefits to keep taxable income below £50,000.

Reconsider business status The Government proposes to tighten the rules for partnerships. Broadly, these changes are likely to affect partnerships with corporate or non-resident members and also those with partners that do not shoulder economic risk. With the further reduction in corporation tax rates the argument for incorporating partnerships becomes ever more compelling.

Invest in EIS, SEIS or VCT An investment under EIS/SEIS or through a VCT attracts income tax relief at up to 50%, and may also qualify for a CGT exemption on an eventual sale and certain CGT deferment avenues.

Fund grandchildren’s pensions Stakeholder pension contributions can be made for all UK residents, irrespective of whether or not the grandchild works. A net contribution of £2,880 can be made annually for members of your family, including those without earnings.

Use Annual Exemptions Each individual qualifies for an annual exemption for capital gains of £10,900 in 2013/14, rising to £11,000 in 2014/15.

Assets can be transferred between spouses to ensure that both exemptions are fully utilised.

Entrepreneurs’ Relief The sale of qualifying business interests or shares in a qualifying company may qualify for the 10% rate of CGT if the conditions for Entrepreneurs’ Relief are met.

Individuals wishing to know more should contact Paul Spencer or David Thomas on 02476 257481 or ps@sgduk.com/ dt@sgduk.com respectively.

The gathering at Downing Street.

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Events

Heathrow expansion ‘needed to complement regional airport growth’

Pictured (left to right): Doug Squires, Claire Harbord, Larry Coltman.

Firms across Coventry and Warwickshire have been urged to support Heathrow Airport’s expansion plans – or risk losing trade overseas.

Representatives from Heathrow presented the case for a third runway at the airport and said that the UK was already falling behind Holland, Germany and France as a ‘hub’ for international traffic.

Heathrow has been seeking to be shortlisted by the Airports Commission as one of the options for aviation expansion in the UK and says that the country is ‘turning away’ airlines because of the lack of capacity at the Heathrow hub.

Clare Harbord, Corporate Affairs Director at Heathrow Airport, said it was a case of now or never.

She said: “This is not a case of ‘us’ against the regional airports. We support airports like Birmingham in their expansion plans but this is about the UK having an international hub.

“Businesses across the UK and here in

Coventry and Warwickshire must see that this is not a London/South East issue.

“It might be in terms of the politics, but in terms of the economy and jobs it affects the whole country.

“Future global economic growth will be driven by the emerging markets and we have to provide a gateway, or hub airport, for airlines to link the UK with those emerging markets.

“If we can’t, those routes will go to Paris, Amsterdam or Frankfurt – and the jobs will go with them.

“The commission has said any expansion to ‘hub’ status is going to be in the South East and it makes absolute sense that it happens at Heathrow because of the infrastructure already in place and the businesses that have grown up around the UK’s hub.

“Of course, we will face challenges but we are already losing ground on our overseas competitors and we have to make a decision and get on with it before the opportunity is lost.”

“Future global economic growth will be driven by the emerging markets and we have to provide a gateway, or hub airport, for airlines to link the UK with those emerging markets.”

Larry Coltman, a Chamber board member, chaired the event with a range of business leaders from across the region from both the service and manufacturing sectors.

He welcomed questions and points from the floor and many expressed frustration at the length of time it takes to get major infrastructure projects off the ground.

Duncan Eldridge, of Coventry-based Morgan Advanced Materials, Composites and Defence Systems said he wanted to see action at Heathrow as soon as possible.

He said: “We are a Coventry company trading across the world, and I see the affect this is having on the UK economy.

“I use Heathrow on a regular basis but, because of capacity, I find myself using Schipol as an alternative because Gatwick and Stanstead are too far away.

“Had we wanted a hub there or in the Thames Estuary, we should have started work on that 20 years ago – now it is too late and Heathrow is the only option for expansion.

“We won’t let it affect our business – we will find an alternative – but the UK economy must be suffering if companies like ours are using overseas hub airports to meet because of congestion here.”

Doug Squires, of Squires Gear and Engineering, said overseas trade was crucial to his business.

He said: “UK companies are being encouraged to export and trade overseas and rightly so but if we don’t get the infrastructure right, it makes it harder particularly in the emerging markets.

“While we carry on talking and putting things off, other countries are expanding their hubs and the UK is losing business.”

Larry Coltman added: “This is not a debate around London versus the regions, this is about the UK and our competitive advantage.

“The problem is that this is a hugely political issue in London but when you look at this from the point of view of the economy and jobs, it is the only plan that makes any sense.

“Of course, in our region, expansion at Birmingham would be positive news too and, as a Chamber, we have backed their plans to grow but it’s not a case of one or the other, in our view.”

Businesses enjoy networking event More than 70 business owners and managers made it to the Dun Cow in Dunchurch, despite the inclement weather, for a late afternoon networking session.

Timed to start at 4pm this proved a popular way to round off the working day and provided an opportunity for the Dun Cow to showcase its newly refurbished restaurant and bar.

Manager of the Dun Cow Steve Evans

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said “it was great to see so many people especially those who had not visited us before. The place was really buzzing which was unusual for a wet November Monday afternoon. It was certainly a successful event from our perspective and we would love to hold a similar event next year.”

The Dun Cow recently joined the Chamber and has already started to reap the benefits of membership. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Events

Cautious welcome for Chancellor’s statement

sponsored column

Pensions and planning for your future

Harvey Williams, of the RICS, agreed: “Building more new homes is crucial and there is certainly not the explosion in prices that many are talking about.

“We have two markets – London and the rest of the UK – and what is happening in the South East doesn’t reflect the rest of the country.

“More new homes are required but that means we need to see a release in planning to get more properties built.”

Judy Groves, of the Rigby Group, said: “I was enthused by the announcement of making it easier for younger people to get a job.

Business people from a range of sectors gathered at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to give their views on the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.

Companies ranging from property to IT were on hand to say how the Chancellor’s statement might affect their sector at the event, sponsored by Burgis & Bullock.

They got to chew over a range of announcements – from cutting employer National Insurance contributions to a freeze on fuel duty.

Anne Rose, a tax specialist at Burgis & Bullock, said: “As ever, a great deal of the headline grabbing announcements had already been made before the report.

“We are awaiting more details to emerge on elements such as the Capital Gains Tax changes but an attack on this was rather unexpected.

Anne Rose.

“There was also an attack on partnerships and the use of agency workers because the Government fear they are losing tax revenues but there is a fear that this will mean genuine partnerships will have to jump through hoops to prove that they are bona-fide.

“The National Insurance changes will be popular – particularly among certain industries such as the leisure and retail sector who would tend to employ more under-21 year olds.

“I was also interested to hear his continued push to offer tax relief to the creative arts industry. This is an area where the Chancellor is having to compete with countries such as Canada and shows how even the tax system is now driven by market forces.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Brian King, Tax Partner at Dafferns LLP

Judy Groves.

Patrick Murtagh and Harvey Williams.

Patrick Murtagh, of Cranfield Business Finance, said: “I was interested in the tone, as much of the individual announcements.

The phrase ‘we have to fix the roof while the sun is shining’ demonstrated a sentiment I very much agreed with.

“We have to get the debt down in the long term for the good of the whole economy.”

Adam Shuter, of Exact Logistics, said: “Of course, a freezing of fuel duty is welcome but it is very much overhyped. In our industry, that is one of the few costs you can pass on because people can see when it has gone up.

“I was disappointed not to hear about more help for exporters. If we are going to see the type of recovery the Chancellor talked about, it will be through more companies selling their goods and services overseas.”

Doug Squires, of Squires Gear and Engineering, said: “Investment in infrastructure and housing cannot come soon enough. The knock-on effect that will have for the whole economy will bring many benefits.”

Doug Squires.

“But I think there are two issues that were relatively untouched that will come back to bite us – energy prices and exchange rates – which are making life difficult for business.”

Wayne Russell, of Karus Systems said: “The most important and encouraging measure was the scrapping of employer NI payments for the under-21s.

Wayne Russell.

“Increasing skills and employability of our young people is vital.”

Jon Fletcher, of Alphaquad, said: “Broadband remains a major issue which I am not sure has been addressed but I was also very interested in the announcements on energy, particularly around shale gas.

“That may cause something of a u-turn in some R&D departments.”

People in their 20s, 30s and 40s can expect to have to work longer before they receive a state retirement pension.

Individuals planning to retire earlier than the state retirement age may need to plan how they will fund their own retirement.

This may include a mix of investments such as property, equities and pensions.

The way assets are owned and used can have significant tax benefits so it is beneficial to seek advice early so that the correct structure can be put in place.

The news does not get any better for people approaching retirement. Many people have spent years investing in pensions. They have been responsible, planning for the future by putting money aside in the hope of securing a comfortable retirement. Unfortunately, those who are now close to retirement may be punished because they just happen to be retiring at the wrong time, unless they are lucky enough to be in a “final salary” pension scheme.

This is because the fund that has been built up will be used to buy an annuity designed to provide a guaranteed income for life. The current problem is that annuity rates have steadily fallen over the last 20 years and now offer as little as 1/3 of the income they did in the early 1990s!

In 1992 a 65 year old retiring with a pension fund after tax free cash of £50,000 would have enjoyed a pension of around £540 per month. Today someone retiring with the same fund could expect less than £200 per month.

It seems that with pensions you just cannot win!!!

With careful planning this may not be the case as there are options available to people who are approaching retirement and already considering buying an annuity. To meet for an informal discussion with a Dafferns tax partner and Dafferns Financial Services IFA please contact Brian King at brian.king@dafferns.com or telephone 024 7622 1046.

Jon Fletcher.

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News

Chamber Members do business together

David Armstrong, left, and Jerry Leach – Director of Sage Roofing on the right.

Sage Roofing recently conducted its first ever Reverse Auction through a link up with fellow Chamber member Purchasing Auctions.

A reverse auction is a requirement for goods or a service that is put to auction; would be suppliers are then invited to bid to deliver the commodity using an online auction platform. The prices start high and reduce in the face of competition. The purchaser then selects the contractor (not necessarily the lowest bidder) at a competitively lowered price.

Jerry Leach, Director of the Coventrybased roofing company, said: “When Purchasing Auctions first approached me with the idea of running our procurement through the Reverse Auction concept, I was initially sceptical.

“My thoughts were that the types of products and services we tend to purchase would not lend themselves to the Reverse Auction tool.

“However, given the No Win No Fee approach adopted by Purchasing Auctions, we were able to run an auction with no financial risk. If we did not save any money, I had at least benchmarked our current prices.

“We saved 10% on a low margin, pricesensitive product. We kept on thinking that prices had reached rock bottom, then someone bids lower. Brilliant!

“Purchasing Auctions made the process simple and ensured that we achieved value for money and not just the cheapest possible cost. Their help in understanding how best to use the auction concept was invaluable.’

Students support Children in Need

David Armstrong, from Purchasing Auctions, said: “‘Reverse Auctions attract a number of misconceptions, particularly ‘It’s all about price, service goes out the window’.

“In reality, the winning bid is only contracted to supply on 30% of occasions.

Other factors valued more highly than any ‘price’ difference come in to play; it just so happens that the ‘price’ has been reduced by an average of 30% over the many auctions we have run.

“The auctions themselves are simple to set up and run and provide benefits for suppliers as well. In normal circumstances, once a quote has been submitted that is it, whereas in an auction, the supplier gets an opportunity to see where they sit in the process vs. other anonymous competitors, 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc..

“At the very least, it provides real-time market intelligence. In addition, once registered on our system as a supplier, they may get invited into other auctions for the products and services they have to offer.

“Many of the FTSE top 100 companies use Reverse Auctions because they work.

Our platform gives the opportunity for companies whose spend profile is not so large to experience the financial and operational benefits that the Reverse Auction concept offers.”

• Sage Roofing is an industrial and commercial roofing, cladding and rainscreen contractor with specialist experience in new build installation and refurbishment projects within the Midlands.

• Purchasing Auctions is owned by Jonathan Rollason, ex-president of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply. It is a small company, the backbone of which is its Reverse Auction platform.

Pack Smart expands UK distribution operations Pack Smart has announced the opening of a second Distribution Centre in Coventry specialising in palletised stock and shipments.

The company has successfully managed a continued period of significant growth including installation a new mezzanine at its Pick & Pack Centre in Kenilworth and additional staff.

The Distribution Centre provides extra capabilities to its service offering including container delivery, palletised storage & shipping and stock handling.

Pack Smart was founded in 2009 by Nick Walker and Seánna Holland who have extensive experience in fulfilment and logistics.

For more information on the services Pack Smart provides please visit http://www.packsmartltd.com

Abdul Shaikh, Candice Davies and Ashley Riley

Students and staff from City College Coventry came together to deliver everything from a Sumo-Suit wrestling tournament to Pudsey face painting and a pool tournament to raise funds for BBC Children in Need.

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Newly-elected representatives from the College Student Council organised a whole day event to raise money for Children in Need.

With the help of the College Volunteer Team they ran a cross-college event that got students and staff joining in the fun and games.

The company has successfully managed a continued period of significant growth...

Business is Good for Women Inspiring Change

Margaret Mountford best known for her role in the apprentice

Important date for your diary – 6 March 12.00 noon – 2.30 pm.

The Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating International Women’s Day at a luncheon with keynote speaker Margaret Mountford.

Margaret is a British lawyer, businesswoman and television personality best known for her role in The Apprentice.

She was educated at the voluntary grammar school, Strathearn School in Belfast, then at Girton College, Cambridge.

Returning to education later in life, she completed her PhD in 2012 at University College London.

The Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating International Women’s Day at a luncheon with keynote speaker Margaret Mountford.

Margaret spent a number of years as a lawyer with Herbert Smith, before taking on roles as non-executive director at Amstrad and Georgica. She chairs the board of governors of St Marylebone, an inner-London Church of England Comprehensive School.

Margaret also chairs the Bright Ideas Trust. BIT was set up by the first Apprentice winner Tim Campbell, and helps young people start their own businesses.

In April 2012, Margaret completed her PhD in Papyrology at University College London with her thesis entitled Documentary papyri from Roman And Byzantine Oxyrhynchus.[7] From 2005 to 2009, Margaret was one of Lord Sugar’s advisers, alongside Nick Hewer, in the UK version of The Apprentice television show, a role with which she achieved increasing public popularity.

Margaret also took part on the panel in The Apprentice - You’re Fired on 27 May 2009 for the first time, during which she hinted that Lorraine would not make the final.

For further details and to reserve your place please contact the events team at events@cw-chamber.co.uk www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

International Trade

Leading in international trade

Bob Hughes and Helen Caton-Hughes, of The Forton Group.

A Warwickshire-based leadership coaching and consulting company has expanded across four continents after accessing international trade support.

The Forton Group, based in Willoughby, Warwickshire, provides leadership and executive training programmes to senior managers, middle managers and graduates.

And the company is now helping to develop leaders across the globe after the UKTI international trade team at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce helped it to extend its reach.

The firm initially accessed the passport to export programme, which helps to give firms their first taste of global trade.

It has since moved on to the gateway to global growth programme, which offers support to those companies which have already tested the water in exporting.

The Forton Group now has more than 200 associates around the world, who help

deliver leadership and executive training programmes in countries including Italy, Canada, Australia, Chile and Turkey.

Bob Hughes, MD Europe and global chairman at The Forton Group, said: “Our challenge has been to continue to grow, without overstretching, in a difficult economic climate.

“We believed we had the potential to develop and expand internationally and we were keen to make our leadership programmes accessible to companies around the world.

“We had the know-how and the positive attitude. The Chamber supported and encouraged us by delivering export support programmes. They have provided us with invaluable support and advice through a number of seminars and project based training. This has enabled us to continue to expand successfully across a number of countries.

“We are thrilled to have established partnerships with a variety of firms and charities that have received professional training. They are now delivering our leadership training courses in their local language to their clients.”

Mick Page, head of international trade at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, encouraged more firms to export.

“The Forton Group has been extremely successful in their development and expansion internationally and we are pleased that both passport to export and gateway to global growth have helped them at different stages of their development,” he said.

“The company first enrolled on our 12month passport to export support programme and then were then able to progress onto the gateway to global growth programme which provides master classes designed to help support companies with two to ten years’ export experience.

“They are a great example of a knowledge-based business with completely open scope for international markets.”

The ten most important languages to Midlands’ business

Sophie Howe.

A Midlands-based translation company has revealed the most important languages for West Midlands’ businesses that want to capitalise on international trade opportunities.

Comtec Translations, the leading language partner to West Midlands’ exporters and urges companies to avoid relying too heavily on English and invest in www.cw-chamber.co.uk

building their language capability.

Sophie Howe, director of Comtec Translations, said: “Although English is widely spoken in business circles, we cannot afford to rely on this.

“To be competitive and seriously build our international profile, we need to communicate in our customers’ own language. Our reluctance to build language capability is holding us back and means we are losing business to our competitors in other countries who are prepared to invest.”

Comtec’s suggested top ten languages for Midlands business are: 1. Chinese (Mandarin) 2. Portuguese (Brazilian) 3. Arabic 4. German 5. Spanish 6. French 7. Russian 8. Japanese 9. Korean 10.Vietnamese

West Midlands continues to be the fastest growing English region for exports “These figures show we are continuing to grow our exports at an impressive rate.

China is now the region’s most important export market - we are the only English region with a trade surplus with China.”

West Midlands exports have once again reached more than £6.5 billion, according to the latest export statistics published in December by HM Revenue & Customs for the period 1 July to 30 September 2013.

This equates to an increase of 22% compared to the same period last year.

While there’s been a slight decrease of 0.5 % in exports from the West Midland compared to the previous quarter, this compares favourably with the rest of the country where there has been an overall decrease of 5.4%. In the last year, ending September 2013, the total annual value of West Midlands exports has increased by 14 % to £25.4 billion - the largest percentage increase in the English regions.

China continues to be the region’s largest export market with sales worth over £1 billion, followed by the US, also at just over £1 billion. There were further increases in exports to non-EU markets which now account for 60% of the region’s exports; including increases in exports to SubSaharan Africa; the Middle East and North Africa.

Paul Noon, Regional Director for UKTI West Midlands, said: “These figures show we are continuing to grow our exports at an impressive rate. China is now the region’s most important export market - we are the

only English region with a trade surplus with China.

“While JLR continues to lead the field 20% of everything the UK exports to China is from JLR - others are also performing extremely well. Delcam has just signed its 2,500th deal in China, while Chinese investment in companies like the London Taxi Company are retaining skills and iconic brands in the region. The opportunities for growth in exports to, and investment from China are very significant.

Many smaller and mid-sized firms can benefit from exploring the Chinese market and UKTI is here to help them.

“Although the trend continues upwards compared to last year, the slight dip in exports from the region compared to the last quarter, shows we need to maintain the momentum of success and build on it whether that’s by trading with our traditional partners in the EU; or by venturing into the high growth markets of China, other Far Eastern countries and Asia. There is plenty of help and support available to local firms - UKTI, Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), Chambers of Commerce, MAS, Growth Accelerator and private sector service providers can all provide support and advice.”

Nulux spotlighted at global link-up “I was pleased to be able to participate...”

Nulux Technologies Ltd.’s Technical Manager, Adrian Fisher.

A global business link up between British embassies and business forums in nine countries was staged in November and Chamber member the LED lighting company Nulux Technologies Ltd was at the hub of it.

The West Midlands Economic Forum, in conjunction with UKTI, Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre and Find it B2B, hosted the inaugural ‘World Trade Fair in the Black Country’ and Nulux’s Technical Manager Adrian Fisher was one of the panel members.

The focus of the event was to connect local suppliers with overseas buyers and showcase the best from the Black Country and West Midlands to a worldwide

audience.

During the event, web seminars were set up with Australia, Japan, South Korea, India, Bulgaria, Turkey, Nigeria and the USA; Adrian was on the UK panel for the Istanbul session.

Each represented businesses that are looking to establish export links with businesses in the Midlands.

Adrian spoke about the general acceptance, throughout Europe and many other countries, of the need to transfer from traditional incandescent and fluorescent lights to LED alternatives, the like of which is broadly supplied by Nulux Technologies Ltd. He outlined some Nulux Technologies Ltd., products and the savings that can be achieved, which raised a lot of interest from representatives from Turkey.

Adrian said: “I was pleased to be able to participate because clearly there are very big markets abroad, as well as in just the UK and Europe, and it is very interesting to realise to, that there are organisations like Chamber and the West Midlands Economic Forum there, ready willing and able, to help small to medium sized companies to take advantage of it.”

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International Trade

Coventry firms praised for global trade

Left to right: Tim Luft (SGI), John Latham (Coventry University), Christine Hamilton (UKTI), Lord Green, Ajay Desai (Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber).

we are using and how we have taken something that began as entertainment and turned it into a very serious business tool for training and marketing purposes.

“We are now working in several countries across the world and are looking to expand our reach in the New Year.

“The UKTI team at the Chamber have been a great help in identifying and researching new markets and it is certainly a key driver for growth for the company.

“We would certainly recommend that other businesses make use of the services available because there is definitely a world of opportunity out there.”

As well as the meeting with SGI and Harper Chalice, Lord Green spoke to and took questions from a range of businesses at Chamber House including manufacturers and service sector firms.

Topics ranged from skills to Europe and Lord Green, who will hand over the reins to Baron Livingston in December, answered openly and honestly while constantly delivering the message of the importance of global trade.

“In my opinion, it would be a grave mistake for Great Britain to pull out of Europe,” he said, responding to a question from Doug Squires, of Squires Engineering and Gear. “But I do believe that the EU is in need of reform and that this need for reform is recognised across the 28 Member States.

“Of course, we have to cut back on the regulation and when I talk to my opposite numbers around Europe, they agree with that.

“But to think we can get out of Europe and paddle our own canoe is absurd because much of the investment that comes into the UK is because we can act as a bridge head to the European market.”

Terry Spall, of MIRA, said talk of an EU pull-out was undermining investment confidence.

Lord Green added: “That concern is real but when the British public have the facts laid before them in a sensible debate, I believe they will make the right choice.”

Sir Peter Rigby, chairman of Rigby Group, was a special guest at the event. He said: “I would like to thank Lord Green for his leadership as a real ambassador for the country. He has been an advocate and ambassador for international trade.

“From my point of view as a businessman, 65 per cent of our revenues are from outside the UK so I understand the great importance of export.”

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Chamber, said: “Export Week is a very important period to highlight the importance of overseas trade but our efforts when it comes to export are 365 days a year.

“That is why we have launched our Coventry and Warwickshire International Trade Hub here at Chamber House because we want more and more companies to benefit from selling their goods and services overseas and we thank Lord Green for highlighting that message over the past three years.”

Left to right: Christine Hamilton (UKTI), Graham Harper (Harper Chalice), Lord Green, Mick Page (Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber).

One of the foremost figures in international trade met two Coventry companies who are proving how exporting boosts business.

Lord Green, the Minister for Trade and Investment – who is retiring from the post – was in the city as part of Export Week, which promotes overseas trade to firms across the country.

Lord Green launched the new Coventry and Warwickshire International Trade Hub at Chamber House and met around 20 local business leaders to discuss the benefits and issues around exporting.

He also accompanied members of the Chamber’s UKTI international trade team to meet staff and directors at Harper Chalice, in Binns Close, and Serious Games International (SGI) at Coventry University Technology Park.

The firms are from two entirely different fields but both are great examples of the importance of trading in international markets.

Harper Chalice is a manufacturer and supplier of high-tech perimeter security and fencing, which is now deployed around the world at everything from palaces to sports stadia.

Managing director Graham Harper said: “We’ve had support from UKTI, the

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Chamber and MAS in a very joined up way and we now have systems in North Europe and the Middle and Far East.

“Our security systems were used in the Olympic project – not just protecting the Games themselves, but protecting the building projects in the run-up to the Olympics.

“That meant that when the recession hit, we had a good stream of work and could invest in technology and development.

“It is paying off now and it was great to share our story with Lord Green and he encouraged us to look at further markets now.”

SGI offers businesses the chance to use the latest technology for learning, simulation and problem solving in the virtual world.

On the back of support from UKTI, 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 of SGI, said: “It was great to welcome Lord Green to our offices.

“We highlighted the kind of technology

Left to right: Lord Green addresses the lunch at the new Coventry and Warwickshire International Trade Hub.

Left to right: Lord Green addresses the lunch at the new Coventry and Warwickshire International Trade Hub.

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

International Trade

International Trade Hub launched by Lord Green

John Nollett, Louise Bennett, Lord Green, Sir Peter Rigby.

One of the leading figures in overseas trade has helped to launch a new hub that will be the centre of assistance for firms looking to export from Coventry and Warwickshire.

Lord Green, the Minister for Trade and Investment, was visiting the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce as part of Export Week.

And, following a round-table discussion with around 20 business leaders from across the region – including special guest Sir Peter Rigby, of the Rigby Group – Lord Green agreed to formally launch the Coventry and Warwickshire International Trade Hub at Chamber House.

The new hub will see the Chamber continue to successfully deliver the UKTI service to more than 1,000 businesses each year as well as engaging with 5,000 firms on either exporting for the first time or increasing their export potential.

The new hub will also see the Chamber broker other Government support such as export finance and Export Vouchers.

It means the Chamber will be the first port of call when it comes to export documentation, letters of credit, online tools for exporters, brokerage to language support, cultural awareness and training.

As well as that, it is working with partners such as Coventry University and the University of Warwick to deliver grants and assistance to fund product development, market research and market visits.

Louise Bennett, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome Lord Green who has been a wonderful supporter of overseas trade from the UK. “He has been a key figure in ensuring that British business punches its weight

“It was great to welcome him here on the opening day of Export Week and to launch our new Coventry and Warwickshire International Trade Hub.”

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across the world.

“He has done so by not only travelling across the globe but going across the length and breadth of the country talking to UK firms and finding out the types of goods and services they can export and any issues they may have in doing so.

“It was great to welcome him here on the opening day of Export Week and to launch our new Coventry and Warwickshire International Trade Hub.” Lord Green said ‘Brand Britain’ had great standing around the world.

He said: “In my three years, I have been to 56 countries and in every single one, the British brand is held within very high regard, without exception.

The Olympic Games has helped that. It showed the whole globe, that when the eye of the world was on us, we could deliver a complex project.

“And while we have improved at exporting over recent years, there is still much more to do – it’s a marathon not a sprint.

“It is the job of Government, Chambers of Commerce and other organisations to be as supportive as possible of companies in their export efforts.”

John Nollett, a Chamber board member, chaired the event as part of his role as chair of the Chamber’s International Trade Forum.

His own firm, Pailton Engineering, exports to more than 30 nations across the world and he said the new hub would mean even greater opportunities to highlight the advantages of global trade.

John said: “As a company, we have had great success overseas and I can see massive untapped export potential in other companies around the region.

“There is lots of help available, particularly through the UKTI team based at the Chamber and we want to highlight that support through the International Trade Forum.

“Equally, we want to show real-life stories of businesses which are trading overseas so other companies have that ‘Eureka’ moment where they think: ‘if they are doing it, why can’t we?’

“Exporting is something I am passionate about – not just for my business but for the economy as a whole – and I am very much looking forward to working with this forum to support our region’s businesses with exports.”

The week the West Midlands looked to a world of opportunity An estimated 1,250 West Midlands firms attended events as part of UK Trade and Investment’s (UKTI’s) Export Week in November, the country’s biggest regional turnout .

ExploreExport, which took place at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, saw 350 firms from across the region attending, many of whom had one-to-one meetings with commercial trade specialists from 65 countries throughout the day.

During Export Week, 20 events designed to encourage more firms to export, took place across the region.

UKTI also launched a new national campaign, Exporting is GREAT targeting almost 3 million people to generate 3,000 appointments with UKTI Advisers and drive £1.2 billion in export revenue.

BCC launches new online export resource As part of Export Week, the British Chambers of Commerce announced the launch of a new website designed to support businesses at every stage of their export journey. Alongside partners Cathay Pacific, DHL Express UK, and Experian, Export Britain (www.exportbritain.org.uk) showcases the opportunities in key international markets, and the support available from British Chambers and British Business Groups in the UK and around the world.

“UK Exporters tell us that they need personal connections to help them enter new markets and open doors to opportunities.”

This follows the announcement from Vince Cable, Business Secretary of the renewed commitment from the government in the creation of a global business to business network, to support UK exporters.

David Riches, Commercial Director at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said: “UK Exporters tell us that they need personal connections to help them enter new markets and open doors to opportunities. With the UK Chambers, and the British Chambers Overseas, being the go-to business network for businesses looking to export, the British Chambers of Commerce is delighted to launch Export Britain to put UK exporters in touch with the support they need.”

Paul Noon, UKTI’s Regional Director for the West Midlands said: “Export Week was fantastic and has shown us that exporting is certainly alive and kicking across the six West Midlands counties.

“A few key themes emerged from the week: there’s huge interest from West Midlands companies in the opportunities arising from the upcoming major sporting events and infrastructure projects in places like of Brazil and Qatar.

“The London Olympic Games showed the world that we could deliver a successful and complex project on time and on budget. This has led to hosting nations turning to the UK to help deliver their own events with supply opportunities running into the billions. We’ll continue to play a key role in helping West Midlands firms maximise these opportunities.”

Pailton steers towards expansion Fast-growing steering systems specialist Pailton Engineering has started exporting to Japan and India for the first time in its history.

The company is now exporting its highdemand products to an impressive list of 32 countries.

The move further strengthens Pailton’s aim to expand its share of the global market, working in collaboration with bigname companies.

Award-winning Pailton Engineering is recognised as a leading force in the design, development, testing and manufacturing of bespoke steering systems, supplying its unique range of products to a diverse range of sectors including the construction, agricultural, military, marine and commercial vehicle markets.

Pailton Engineering Managing Director John Nollett said: “This expansion into India and Japan will help reinforce our position as a trusted and truly global brand.”

Other recent initiatives at the company include the launch of a separate windscreen wiper division.

Initial success with the production of wiper systems for specialist vehicles led to Pailton earmarking this area as a significant opportunity for growth.

Pailton, which has operations in North America and Germany, in addition to its facility in the UK, has won major awards for its exceptional standards of engineering excellence.

Pailton has been named as both Export and Manufacturing Company of the Year as well as Company of the Year in regional business awards and has also been shortlisted for the Import/Export category in the European Business Awards.

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CWT

Traineeships – The NEW Springboard to Success

Billie-Jo Grier (photographed far left on a CWT induction day) joined CWT Chamber Training in 2013 on the Traineeship programme, a new initiative which has provided her and many other learners with a fantastic springboard to progress into a range of exciting career opportunities.

Traineeships are a new programme for young people aged 16-24 seeking an Apprenticeship. Traineeships give young people the chance to develop employability skills in a vocational context, and gain a better chance of securing an Apprenticeship by beating off the fierce competition.

As part of the Traineeship programme, Billie-Jo went out on work placement at I

Can Day Nurseries and secured an Apprenticeship within just 6 weeks. An amazing achievement in today’s world!

The new Traineeship programme gives young people throughout Coventry & Warwickshire the chance to try out job taster activity sessions and consider their career goals and aspirations. The young people are guided through common employer expectations and undertake various team building activities with the CWT training team.

Billie-Jo’s Traineeship group was also given an insight into the real working world from a leading local employer. CWT Chamber Training aim to deliver the richest possible learning experience for learners, one way this is achieved is by

working in partnership with local companies, utilising expert guest speakers in our classroom sessions.

Anita Tomsett, Sector Specialist Lead at CWT Chamber Training said “Programmes such as Traineeships give our young people that vital boost, bridging the gap between education and employment.”

“The groups are supported by experienced CWT staff who make the learning experience fun, engaging and relevant. Training advisers are always on hand to support learners, ensuring career aspirations are recognised and learners are put on the right path to a successful career.”

Traineeships offer a range of exciting progression opportunities including moving onto an Apprenticeship at Level 2 (like in Billie-Jo’s case), an Advanced Apprenticeship at Level 3 and even into Higher Education thereafter.

For more information about how Traineeships can benefit you and your business speak to CWT Chamber Training’s Recruitment Ream on 024 7623 2211 today.

“Programmes such as Traineeships give our young people that vital boost, bridging the gap between education and employment.”

Did you see CWT Chamber Training at the 2013 World Skills Show?

The World Skills Show inspires and transforms young peoples’ lives through a series of interactive events held across the UK, changing the way we think about skills, training and Apprenticeships. This national show, the UK’s largest skills and careers event, was held at the NEC in Birmingham, and was attended by an amazing 82,149 young people looking for inspiration!

The CWT Chamber Training team descended on the show with Training Advisors taking to the floor to host exciting have a go’s in Childcare, Hairdressing & Health and Social Care. The team made use of the latest technology, featuring interactive hair styling apps and an ultra violet hand washing test.

Nina West of CWT Chamber Training said, “The hairdressing iPad apps were fantastic and everyone who visited the CWT stand had great fun trying out new hairstyles on their faces! The aim for us is to inspire young people and show them that there’s a world of opportunities out there waiting for them.”

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The skills competitions were amazing, featuring hairdressing, web design, health and social care, accountancy and nearly any other work skill you can think of! CWT Chamber Training Apprentices are now preparing for the opportunity to get involved in the competitions at the 2014 show – a fresh challenge for our Apprentices to look forward to!

The hairdressing competition got a great deal of attention. Watch this space - our learners will be competing in 2014. This is a great opportunity to discover first-hand

what it’s like being in the spotlight, a valuable asset when it comes to employment in the hairdressing sector.

We will also make our interactive taster activities for the young people to try available at our Apprenticeship Open Day on 31 January 2014 too.

To find out more about Apprenticeships and to register your interest for the Apprenticeship Open Day, speak to our Recruitment Team on 024 7623 2211 or visit www.cwtcov.co.uk now.

CheyrlScott.

In today’s busy world, developing your career may not be as difficult as you think!

Does a demanding work/life balance mean you’re constantly battling to stay ahead of the competition? Are you trying to progress your career but are struggling to find the time to push it forward?

Who in their right mind would take on a higher education qualification on top of all these demands?

CWT Chamber Training student Cheryl Scott is a busy Quality Team Administrator in the Pathology Department at University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire and was in this exact situation.

With the determination to succeed and after a 1 to 1 consultation with a Business Development Advisor at CWT Chamber Training, Cheryl took the decision to undertake a Higher National Certificate in Business.

The Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Business is an innovative and flexible part-time course enabling individuals to follow a higher educational experience, studying a wide range of business-related topics such Marketing, Finance and Leadership Skills. The HNC in Business offers great opportunities for career progression as well as providing a sound basis for further study, for example through the Foundation or Honours Degree in Leadership & Management.

With hard work and the support of the CWT Chamber Training team, Cheryl successfully completed the HNC qualification with flying colours, juggling work, home and student life.

“The HNC proved very challenging and enabled me to have a better understanding of how different aspects of a business/organisation works, group/team dynamics and new ways of working” said Cheryl.

Cheryl reaped many benefits from completing the course, adding; “The qualification has helped my personal development, broadening my knowledge and skills in report writing, researching topics and academic writing etc. With the excellent help and support of the course tutors, it has given me the incentive to progress further and I have now started a Foundation Degree course in Leadership and Management at CWT Chamber Training.”

Course tutor Tracy Sawrey added, “The HNC provides an excellent foundation in core management topics and our learners work experience allows theory to be applied to practice delivering real business benefits.’

Now ask yourself the question – could YOU be the next HNC success story and take your skills, knowledge and career to the next level?

ENROLLING JANUARY 2014

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Business Support

Grant gives company chance to expand A fledging Midlands manufacturing company has been given the seal of approval after securing a six-figure grant through a business support programme.

CeraCon Ltd, which is located in Leamington, provides contract gasketing services including specialist liquid foam sealing technology for the automotive sector.

The company was established by Rob Jones in April 2013 after he identified a gap in the UK production market.

Operating alongside its German counterpart CeraCon GmbH, the firm will now work with major UK clients that had previously shipped their products abroad, including Jaguar Land Rover.

CeraCon Ltd has been assisted in its growth by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, which has helped the firm to secure a £100,000 investment through the Accelerated Growth business programme, supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The funding will now help to boost the company’s production facilities as well as supporting its ongoing research and development of new liquid foam technology.

Rob Jones, Managing Director at CeraCon Ltd, said: “Our service of applying 3D, closed cell foam that seals directly onto customer parts is unique in the UK. “Many companies still rely on manually fitted, self-adhesive foam gaskets but there are significant labour savings and quality improvements to be realised for potential customers.

“Our liquid foam sealing technology has been widely adopted across Europe where we continue to sell foaming systems.

However, when customers have lower production volumes and want the best technology, but cannot justify the capital

Pictured (left to right): Howard Anderson, Helena Bassett (both Chamber), Rob Jones and Roland Borst (both CeraCon)

investment, this is where our contract gasket service fits into the equation.

“Our 6-axis robot systems guarantee repeatable sealing for parts across all industry sectors.

“Having a production and manufacturing facility in the centre of the UK makes logistics sense. Also customers who had previously shipped their products to Germany for this service will now have a more cost effective solution.

“Our services are used by a wide variety of clients including designers who want to validate seals on prototype parts, as well as customers with tens of thousands of parts.

“As a newly established company we

have been extremely fortunate to have already secured such a major investment and this will help us to double the number of robotic systems we have in operation by early next year.

“The business support we received from the Chamber has been paramount in driving forward our development.

“Our business advisor Helena Bassett was fantastic. She not only identified the funding opportunities available but also guided us through the application process.”

CeraCon Ltd, which currently employs two people, hopes to add an additional eight members to its team over the next year as well as taking on an apprentice

before the end of the year.

Helena Bassett, of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are thrilled that CeraCon has been successful in obtaining a large capital grant through the Accelerated Growth programme.

“The investment of £100,000 will be a fantastic boost for the start-up and we are happy to have been able to provide assistance.

“We are now helping the firm to identify networking opportunities within the electronics and automotive sectors to enable it to further build up its client base across the UK.”

Chamber support helps duo start business Two local women are looking forward to a prosperous 2014 after launching their own business.

Michelle McVey, from Nuneaton, and Patricia Allen, from Coventry, have just established Allvey Estates – a letting and property management company for Coventry, Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands.

The dynamic duo have launched the

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business via their website www.allveyestates.com and are gearing up for a major push at the start of 2014.

The pair, who are based in Cash’s Lane, attended start-up courses and networking events led by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s

business support team before establishing the company.

Michelle said that help had been invaluable and that Allvey Estates was planning for a busy start to the New Year which will also include property sales.

She said: “My previous contract was coming to an end and Patricia had been running her own coach valeting company.

“We had worked together previously and decided we should launch a company together and thought we should go for it.

“I have a background in property and with Patricia’s experience of running businesses, we complement each other well.

“But we thought we also needed some external support; we saw the Chamber courses on marketing, business and finance and thought that they would be useful to attend.

“They were invaluable and gave us a real insight into aspects of business that we were unaware of which put us in a much stronger position to launch.”

She added: “We are based in Coventry but we have knowledge of Warwickshire and the Birmingham area.

“Every new company needs a USP and ours will be very much based around a personal one to one service. We will treat each of our clients’ homes as if they were our own and will only find tenants who treat them with the care and respect they deserve.”

“We pride ourselves on going the extra mile for our clients and: ‘we are not number one you are’ is our motto.”

Keely Hancox, of the Chamber, said it is always beneficial to seek advice before starting a new company.

She said: “We are delighted that Patricia and Michelle got so much out of our start-up courses and have now joined the Chamber as members.

“Everybody has a different approach to launching a business. Some are very confident, while others can find the prospect very daunting.

“Either way, it is always useful to seek advice and support before launching just to get some guidance on a range of matters – from marketing to finance.”

For more information on support from the Chamber call 024 7665 4321.

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Legal & Finance Law firm continues with Legal 500 success Coventry and Warwickshire law firm Alsters Kelley LLP is celebrating after eight of their service areas have been recommended in the world’s largest independent legal guide.

This is the third consecutive year that the firm has maintained the eight listings in the Legal 500 and particular mention is made of the strength of the Commercial Litigation, Clinical Negligence and Criminal departments.

Corporate, Commercial Property, Employment, Family and Private Client have also been listed.

Cathy Wahlberg, Operations and Finance Member at Alsters Kelley LLP said, “We are delighted with the outcome of the latest Legal 500 survey. The listings highlight the broad range of services we provide and the recommendations reflect the hard work and commitment we have towards achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Our priority continues to be providing an excellent team of lawyers who are able to offer an exceptionally high standard of work that is easily accessible to all businesses and individuals within our local community.”

Legal 500 is an annual directory, now in its 26th year and provides the most comprehensive worldwide coverage currently available on legal service providers. It is an entirely independent assessment based on impartial reviews from clients and customers.

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Law firm secures hat-trick of awards

David Pugh.

Coventry law firm Keoghs, the leading provider of claims-related legal services to the insurance sector, enjoyed an evening of unprecedented success at the 2013 Eclipse Proclaim Personal Injury Awards (Tuesday 26 November) by scooping all three categories it entered.

Keoghs’ disease team – which negotiates claims for work-related illnesses - was named Defendant Personal Injury Team of the Year for the second time in three years; disease Partner, David Pugh, who is based at the firm’s offices at Binley Business Park on Harry Weston Road, won the Defendant Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year (the second year in a row the firm has won this award); whilst Helen Tinsley triumphed in the hotly contested new category of Young Achiever of the Year.

The firm’s disease team in Coventry has grown rapidly in recent years – expanding from just two people in 2007 to 53. The team numbers over 100 nationally and is one of the most dominant forces in the

market The team, led by Partner Stephanie Berry, believes that the way in which many law firms approach the handling of disease claims has failed to keep pace with improvements in medical knowledge, case law and the objectives of insurers in terms of cost and speed of resolution.

They base their approach on streamlining the handling of disease claims in a structured, process-driven way so that cycle times are reduced, customer service is improved and costs, for both defendants and claimants, are lowered.

Stephanie Berry said, “We are delighted that our disease team have been recognised by winning three different categories at this year’s Personal Injury Awards. It is an indication of the significant progress we have made in a number of areas; whether leading debate and shaping future strategy for our clients, as David does, or minimising client costs and indemnity spend which is the team’s overall strategy, we feel that this area of

Gary Fitzpatrick.

Helen Tinsley (centre right).

our business is the best in the market.”

She added; “I am particularly pleased that one of our young solicitors, Helen Tinsley, has also been recognised. We take training and development of our staff very seriously. Her win underlines our approach and determination to train and retain our best staff so they can expand their knowledge and expertise and so advance within the firm. Last year eight members of our Coventry office were promoted from admin roles to full fee-earners and we expect many more to follow. ” This is not the first time that Keoghs has enjoyed success at the Personal Injury Awards. Partner Andrew Underwood was heralded as Defendant Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year at the inaugural awards in 2008; the firm’s dedicated Fraud Rings unit was crowned Personal Injury Team of the Year in 2009 – a category the Disease Team won again in 2011 - the same year Partner Neil Southern won Outstanding Case of the Year.

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Legal & Finance Honour for Charlotte A Coventry legal professional is celebrating after picking up a prestigious regional award.

Charlotte Fisher, a solicitor at Band Hatton Button on Warwick Road, has been named Warwickshire Law Society’s Young Lawyer of the Year 2013.

The 25-year-old was presented with the award during the Warwickshire Law Society’s Annual Dinner, which was held at the Hilton Hotel in Walsgrave.

She beat off competition from a host of legal professionals from across the region and was praised for her recent charity work including her appointment to the NSPCC Coventry and Warwickshire Business Group Board.

Charlotte works as part of the wills, trusts and probate team at Band Hatton Button after qualifying as a solicitor in July.

She was also previously appointed Chair of Warwickshire Law Society Young Lawyers Group where she continues to hold a committee position.

Charlotte said: “I am really honoured to have been selected for this award. There are so many talented young lawyers in this region and the competition was tough.

“It is a great personal achievement for me particularly as I only recently completed my training and qualified as a solicitor in July.

Philip Costigan, partner at Band Hatton Button said he is pleased that Charlotte’s hard work and commitment has been recognised by such a prestigious award.

“We are extremely proud of Charlotte for everything she has achieved this year. She continues to work closely with senior partners at the firm and has become a valuable asset to the team.”

Guide seeks to help dementia sufferers A landmark guide for banks and insurers to help improve the everyday lives of people affected by dementia has been launched by Lloyds Banking Group and the Alzheimer’s Society.

The ‘Dementia Friendly Financial Services Charter’ has been designed to help financial services organisations recognise, understand and respond to the needs of customers living with dementia and their carers.

Together, Lloyds Banking Group and Alzheimer’s Society are appealing to banks building societies, insurance companies and other financial institutions across the sector to join them in making a commitment to families affected by the condition, so that people with dementia can plan ahead, access financial services and get help to remain independent for as long as possible.

Three quarters (76 per cent) of people with dementia have difficulty using banks and confusion over necessary legal documents such as ‘lasting power of attorney’ often stop carers from carrying out financial decisions on behalf of their loved one. The charter lays out a number of ways financial services organisations can work towards becoming more dementia-friendly, such as appointing a ‘Champion’ to

Reasons to be cheerful

Front – Bryan Gardner and Jayne Hutchings Back – Jasmine Lumby, Debra Knighton, Paul Spencer, Paul Dickins, David Thomas, Chrissie Duxson and Jade Spencer

A Midlands accountancy firm had three reasons to be cheerful ahead of its tenth anniversary in business.

Spencer Gardner Dickins has strengthened its operations by bringing in experienced tax consultant Jayne Hutchings, while three of its team have celebrated exam success.

The firm, which was launched in 2004 by partners Paul Spencer, Bryan Gardner and Paul Dickins,is also running a series of activities to mark a decade in business.

Jayne is working with Spencer Gardner Dickins following 12 and a half years as a tax director with BDO in Birmingham.

The move will see Jayne link up again with former colleagues Paul Spencer and David Thomas having worked with them previously as part of a successful team in a major national accountancy firm.

Jayne, who lives in Sutton Coldfield, is a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation and will be working with SMEs and high-network individuals across the Midlands.

Spencer Gardner Dickins trio Chrissie www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Duxson, Jasmine Lumby and Jade Spencer have also enjoyed recent exam success.

Chrissie has been admitted as a full member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), Jasmine has completed her AAT level 3 qualifications, while Jade has successfully passed the first stage of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants exams.

Paul Spencer said the firm, based on Coventry Innovation Village, is pleased to be growing ahead of its 10th anniversary.

He said: “From launching with just a handful of staff the firm has grown to be 40-strong.

We’ve expanded the team and in turn the office to support this growth and presence across the West Midlands and bringing Jayne in to be part of the team will only serve to strengthen our offering even further.”

drive forward the initiative in each branch. Customers with the condition will also be given more choice, including the option to flag up to the bank that they have dementia so customer service can be tailored appropriately.

Jeremy Hughes, Alzheimer’s Society Chief Executive and co-chair of the Dementia Friendly Communities Champion Group, said: ‘Since David Cameron announced his Challenge on Dementia in March, 2012, we have been working with organisations from across all sectors to help make their operations more dementia-friendly.

“Innovations in finance have undoubtedly led to greater convenience for customers, but all too often we hear that people with dementia feel locked out of their own finances. Lloyds Banking Group, working with others, is leading the way for the financial services industry in order to change this picture.”

António Horta-Osório, Group Chief Executive, Lloyds Banking Group said: “By embedding the principles of the charter in our working practices and training our staff in dementia awareness, we aim to help make day-to-day life easier for people with dementia and their carers.”

Double appointment strengthens bank team Yorkshire Bank has strengthened its business and private banking team in the West Midlands, with the appointments of a new Corporate Banking Director and Business Development Manager in Birmingham.

Jamie Stuart rejoins Yorkshire Bank as Corporate Banking Director, after a period working with chartered accountants Grant Thornton, while Richard Hornsey joins as Business Development Manager.

With more than a decade’s experience arranging corporate and acquisition finance packages for some of the region’s largest companies, Jamie Stuart is well-known in the local business community.

Building on this experience, he will focus on providing facilities to companies with turnovers in excess of £25m throughout the Midlands and South West.

Jamie said: “With optimism among the region’s companies increasing, this is a great time to be rejoining a business and private banking team which has a real appetite to support growing local businesses.”

Richard Hornsey joins Yorkshire Bank from The Cooperative Bank. Having previously held similar roles with Allied Irish Bank, Richard has almost thirty years’ banking experience with more than a decade managing financial packages for some of the region’s leading healthcare and manufacturing businesses.

Richard said: “I’m pleased to be joining a team which places a real emphasis on building long term relationships with the region’s businesses. Having worked with Midlands healthcare businesses for more than a decade, I’m particularly keen to continue to support investment in the sector.”

Brian Colquhoun, Regional Director for Yorkshire Bank in the Midlands, said: “With extensive experience of the Midlands market, both Jamie and Richard bring with them a wealth of knowledge and an enviable appreciation of this region’s business needs.

“As well as being welcome additions to our team, I know they will both be invaluable additions to Yorkshire Bank in our support of growing local businesses.”

sponsored column

Outsourcing trend

Laurence Moore

As the year comes to a close, at Prime we have been looking at the trends that have emerged over the last twelve months.

We talk to many businesses every day, get asked every question under the sun, and have become far more business problem solvers and solution providers, than just accountants.

The main shift we have seen in 2013 is the move to outsourcing. Using technology in a proactive way, niche solution providers can be an integral part of the team without being in the same building or, in some instances, the same country.

So, for example, the retirement of a bookkeeper, internal accountant or credit controller, now acts as a trigger to look at all the alternatives rather than just replace like for like.

Business owners have realised the costsavings achieved through outsourcing but increasingly value it as a way of reducing business risk, removing the uncertainties or service interruption caused by holidays, sickness or lack of technical skills.

They can obtain a resilient, reliable and consistent service for a fixed cost.

For many the main advantage is allowing them to focus on their business utilising their core skills, rather than getting dragged into recruiting staff to carry out a task which they themselves have no technical knowledge or experience of.

As an example, one real life case study allowed a senior family member to retire as they had the comfort that the day to day admin was in safe hands. Before they realised that outsourcing to an already trusted advisor was an option, they had felt tied to the business which was beginning to affect their health and quality of life.

If you would like to discuss how outsourcing could benefit your business, contact us today on 02476 518 555 or email info@primeaccountants.co.uk to hear more about our Virtual Accounts Office teams.

17

Policy

Brussels visit opens up opportunities

A business delegation from the West Midlands has been in Brussels to discuss the UK’s place in the Europe.

About 15 business people and representatives from the West Midlands Chambers of Commerce – including Coventry & Warwickshire, Birmingham and Staffordshire Chambers – met local MEPs Philip Bradbourne and Anthea McIntyre during a day-long visit of the Belgian capital.

The visit came on the back of a recent survey by the British Chambers of Commerce that said that most companies want to remain in the EU but with specific powers transferred back to Westminster.

Angela Tellyn, partnership manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said it had been a worthwhile visit.

She said: “Europe is a very hot topic at the moment and businesses across

Coventry, Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands were keen to speak to some of our MEPs. “There were many topics on the agenda – including the UK’s place in Europe, the structure, how to access funding and, also, how to access business opportunities in Belgium specifically.

“There was also a discussion about the skills shortage not just here in the UK but Europe too – which could lead, for

Drop in unemployment across Coventry and Warwickshire Business leaders have welcomed figures that say unemployment is falling across Coventry and Warwickshire.

In Coventry, the number of JSA claimants fell to 8,183 from 8,494 between September and October and in Warwickshire they dropped from 6,814 to 6,389 – their lowest level since August 2008.

Louise Bennett, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said it was yet more positive economic news but said there was still more work to be done.

She said: “This is encouraging news and very much reflects the surveys we have

undertaken with business over recent months.

“Many companies we have spoken to have said they intend to take on new staff and expand and we are seeing that in the unemployment figures.

“But we should be under no illusion that this trend will just persist without continued hard work and pro-business policies, which we hope to see more of in the Autumn Statement next month.

“It is worth saying what a crucial role our international trade will play in the months and years to come in bringing down the unemployment figure still further.

“Companies who export are more likely

to grow and, therefore, it’s important that many more businesses do utilise the services of the Chamber and UKTI to see how they can sell their goods and services overseas.

“Also, we do have to strive to solve the skills crisis and that means a range of organisations including Government, schools, colleges, universities, LEPs and, of course, businesses all working together to deliver the skills that our growing companies need.

“We want unemployment to carry on falling and the economy to keep on growing but that means a continued, concerted effort.”

“Many companies we have spoken to have said they intend to take on new staff and expand and we are seeing that in the unemployment figures.”

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example, to a shortfall of up to 750,000 IT professionals alone over the next five years.

“Another subject on the agenda was the gold-plating of EU regulation in the UK that means firms here are hit harder by red tape than others.

“It was a very worthwhile event and extremely positive visit.”

Seeking answers on skills The largest review of skills in Coventry and Warwickshire has been launched by the Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP).

The Skills Board of the CWLEP – a private sector led partnership designed to drive forward the local economy – spent three months drawing up a skills strategy.

Mariane Cavalli, the principal of Warwickshire College and chair of the Skills Board of the LEP, said the exercise was the largest ever review of skills in the Coventry and Warwickshire area.

She said: “We have identified three strategic priorities for the area - using skills to drive growth and create jobs, developing skills to tackle unemployment and ensuring a better fit between education and employment.

“The strategy aims to promote the development of a highly-skilled workforce with the attitudes and ambitions needed to gain and keep a satisfying job in an increasingly competitive world and to ensure the development of skills is in line with our economic priorities.”

The draft strategy is available on the CWLEP website at www.cwlep.com/downloads www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

sponsored column

Businessman fights back After operating as a successful business partnership since 1996, offering Payroll and Bookkeeping services Alpha Administration were at the top of their game. That was, until life took over.

In this article, owner Adrian Elson explains what happened.

My wife and I started the business in 1996 after observing how ‘out sourcing’ seemed to be the new ‘in thing’.

I was working for an oil company in Warwick at the time, and I witnessed the entire finance area being put out to tender.

So we thought: let’s beat them at their own game.

However, the early years were tough yet by the start of the new Millennium we had a full order book and had taken on a member of staff. The birth of our first child coincided with us achieving record sales but then all of a sudden came the ‘credit crunch’.

Virtually overnight we saw our turnover cut by 40% and, despite efforts to turn the downturn around, we were unsuccessful.

But, if we thought that was bad, then the real body blow both financially, and more importantly emotionally, would arrive not long after when we decided to separate. As a consequence, the business was split in half and so from a personal point, given the other associated costs, I really was down to

National recognition for company boss

The managing director of a Midlands construction firm has taken up a new role within a leading industry organisation.

Julie White, the MD of diamond drilling and concrete sawing company D-Drill, is the new chair of the National Specialist Contractors’ Council’s (NSCC) Training Committee.

The organisation brings together 29 specialist trade organisations within construction and is the voice of more than 7,000 contractors across the UK. Julie said: “One idea I have put forward to Government which has received positive ministerial feedback is to have a database of apprentices who have been released by other companies within our industry.

“In principle, everyone agrees with the idea because it means people who have shown an interest in construction but haven’t yet got a permanent job could be picked up by another company who are looking to recruit.

“The sticking point, however, is data protection and that is where I have asked the Government to step in and change the rules.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

my last farthing... and with not a lot of regular income to subsidize it.

So, what did I do? Sit in a corner and cry, go cap in hand to the Government for a hand out? No. Instead I set about a strategy to get the business back to where it was, long before we’d ever heard of a sub prime market!

Like I say, the most important area was cash flow, but I no longer had an order book to service it, or not where my main business was concerned. So, instead, I decided to diversify. I began by selling utilities, and when that didn’t prove ultimately successful - I started doing car boots - as I concocted deals with my friends where they gave me their hand me downs and I went 50/50 on the back of every sale.

Some weeks, I would do as many as four car boots while at the weekends I would turn my talents to commentating at cycle races which I had also recently started being paid for.

So, the income was getting better but, it was still very erratic, and what I craved most of all was a business with a thriving order book. As a result, and on the back of all the other things I was doing - I started to market. But not any old marketing ...as I

RNIB Pears Centre works on inspirational new music TV programme The Royal National Institute of Blind People’s (RNIB) Pears Centre for Specialist Learning has teamed up with a TV production company to create a new series for the BBC’s CBeebies channel.

Melody, a partially sighted girl with an incredible imagination, is designed to introduce pre-school children to a variety of classical music through stories and colourful animation. In each episode the lead character, Staff who work with the children at RNIB Pears Centre have been working with producers from Wish Films and LAAH Productions throughout the development process to help them understand and reflect the needs of children who are blind or partially sighted, including those with additional disabilities.

Their support included a piece of research to find out which animation styles are easier for blind or partially sighted young people to follow.

Andy Moran, Executive Headteacher at RNIB Pears Centre said, “It is really exciting that a children’s TV programme is helping to raise awareness of what it might be like to be a child who is partially sighted.”

began to market like mad!

In the past, I had literally walked the streets of the whole of the West Midland, dropping off brochures...introducing myself personally. However this time, I decided to use ‘Social Media’ as I let the mouse take the strain.

For six to seven days a week I would use every available moment to blanket coverage my business via the likes of Linkedin and Twitter as I became almost ‘punch drunk’ with it all, and yet despite all that, I was sober enough to realize that the phone wasn’t ringing.

Then, one day last February, the phone did go, then the next day it went again and again...until finally, over a period of six days...it rang once a day...and I was able to secure the contract that each contact was proposing...Yes!!

Nearly nine months on from there, I haven’t looked back, and although I am still very cautious...last month saw the largest turnover for over ten years. Proof perhaps: that where there’s a will there’s a way, and coupled with a clear strategy and an almost dogged determination not to be beaten. You can fight back.

Putting something back One of the largest grant making bodies in Coventry and Warwickshire has announced an ambitious plan to increase its funds.

The Heart of England Community Foundation, which helps to support community projects across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire, has built up a £4 million endowment fund and gives out grants from the interest it generates.

New chairman Paul Belfield, who has taken over the role from Brian Holt, announced at the group’s annual live showcase that it planned to grow that pot by 50 per cent.

He said: “We are implementing a threeyear business plan with some stretching challenges. We aim to increase our endowment funds from £4m to £6m during that period.

“To achieve this we need the support of individuals, local businesses and our supporters, who wish to put something back into the community. It seems a huge amount of money but what a difference we can make to our local communities if we were to achieve this feat.

“In the past 12 months we awarded 148 grants totalling £284,000. In total, we received 244 applications. The average grant is around £1,500 and 61% of all applications were successful.”

The foundation also administers funds for local companies including Peugeot, Jaguar and Coventry Building Society, and filled a similar role for the former Lord Mayor of Coventry Tim Sawden, during his year of office.

Campaign driven by safety concerns October saw the annual Tyre Safety Month which was supported with a high profile PR campaign by Leamingtonbased Red Marlin.

Running throughout the month, the campaign aimed to educate and remind drivers about the importance of keeping their tyres properly inflated.

Front left to right: Tim Zimmerman (Peugeot), Tina Costello, Brian Green.

Back left to right: Brian Holt, Paul Belfield.

All from Heart of England Community Foundation, otherwise stated.

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“I am very keen to ensure that the voice of the smaller ownermanager is heard within organisations like the LEP.” By his own admission, Sean Farnell fell into accountancy by accident. Indeed, had his career strategy gone to plan, he would have ended up working on North Sea oil rigs.

Initially, he trained as a geologist, achieving a university degree in the subject, and spent three years working in the field all around Europe.

He was offered a job as a “mud-logger”, someone who analyses sediment brought up by the drills on oil rigs, information which tells the drillers how their operation is proceeding, but opted for a less adventurous life back in the Midlands selling vacuum cleaners.

Then everything changed. Now a Partner in Midlands accountants Burgis & Bullock, based at the Nuneaton office, Sean said: “I fell into accountancy by accident really. I’d trained as a geologist for the oil industry but the idea of four weeks on, four weeks off, stuck out in the North Sea on an oil rig, did not really appeal to me.

“I was in my early twenties and had just become engaged and my then fiancee, now my wife, introduced me to her employers who were already running an accountancy practice and I thought ‘I can do this.’ The rest, as they say, is history.”

Sean’s clients tend to be owner-managers of businesses and the career path he took after discarding the idea of geology, including a stint running a company weaving horseblankets, helps him understand some of the challenges that they face on a daily basis.

Throughout 1999, he was a self-employed chartered accountant, brought in to turn around the fortunes of a small accounting practice in mid-Warwickshire. He restructured staffing, marketing and internal procedures and worked on rebuilding existing client relationships, turning round a six-figure loss into a six-figure profit before the firm was sold in the December.

Sean said: “Before I came to work for Burgis & Bullock, I also had a spell as a selfemployed accountant, advising a client that had a lot of problems, which was a useful experience.

“I have been at Burgis & Bullock for fourteen years now. Oddly enough, I took over from the person who first gave me the information on accountancy, so my career really has come full circle.”

Sean specialises in business growth services and has a portfolio of clients including small businesses, family-owned limited companies and larger clients. Clients range from lawyers to engineers, high technology companies to construction firms, and those working in the automotive sector, as well as many foreign companies seeking to invest in the Midlands.

His main area of responsibility focuses on non-regulated services for clients, in particular on providing business advice, profit growth support and advice on wealth retention.

Sean also runs the business coaching and development arm of the Practice, covering all the firm’s offices, working one-to-one with clients and making presentations at events across the UK. Other specialisms include the firm’s internal IT and marketing.

Through performing those roles, Sean has watched as the local economy has started to emerge from recent dark times.

He said: “The market place has changed over the past six years and things are definitely picking up having been very quiet during the tough times.

“Having said that, during the difficult times we still had clients who would have expanded but they either went to the banks and were not granted the money or they said ‘we will not even try the banks because they will only say no’ and did not even try.

“Now, though, things are changing and we are seeing more confidence, more companies ready to take advantage of new opportunities and looking to grow.

“Access to finance does still remain a massive issue for them, though. The banks are still fairly cautious and there are some sectors they are not interested in but we are seeing more flexibility in the system both from traditional lenders and from new entrants to the market.

“As a Practice, we tend to be in the middle of the banks and the business owners and whilst the banks are prepared to lend and we are seeing more companies prepared to consider growth, there is still an expectation gap between the two.”

“I fell into accountancy by accident really. I’d trained as a geologist for the oil industry but the idea of four weeks on, four weeks off, stuck out in the North Sea on an oil rig, did not really appeal to me.”

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www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Profile: Sean Farnell

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

To support those clients, the company is able to offer a wide range of services. Sean said: “We deal with just about everything, apart from insolvencies. It really depends on the type of business but my role is primarily to work with owner-managers, the SMEs, helping them with everything from compliance to accessing finance, business development to internal systems and procedures.

“One growth area for us is in recent years has been not-for-profit and education sectors. The market place is changing a lot and we are seeing opportunities opening up for charities and similar organisations.

“However, it can be complicated for trustees and we are doing more and more work to guide them through the processes, telling them about their responsibilities and what they need to be doing.

“It is a very specialised market and we have started running training sessions for those involved in not-for-profit organisations. The feedback so far has been very good.”

Sean is also a member of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), a role which he regards as important because of the opportunity it gives him to speak up for smaller businesses.

He said: “I am very keen to ensure that the voice of the smaller owner-manager is heard within organisations like the LEP. “There can be a tendency to look just to the big businesses and you can see the argument for that because they employ tens of thousands of people.

“But we should not forget that we also have thousands of smaller businesses, all of whom employ one or two people, often more, and their voice needs to be heard as well. That is really important.”

Biography:

Sean Farnell Date of birth: 7 February 1965 Birthplace: Stockport (only member of my family NOT born in Nuneaton) School: Higham Lane, Nuneaton Married: Yes, Corina (25 yrs) Children: 2, Tom (23) Alexandra (Alex, 20) Favourite book: Probably anything by Terry Pratchet Most recent film: Hunger Games, Girl on Fire Car: Audi A4, Avant Favourite gadget: iPad/phone

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

21

Property

New development opens its doors A new development which could bring 200 jobs to Warwick has opened its doors – and already attracted its first tenants.

Pure Offices, a leading national provider of serviced offices, has invested £3 million to create a serviced office complex on Sackville Developments’ site at Tournament Fields.

The company operates 18 centres across the UK and hosts 53 businesses at its complex in Leamington.

Among the first visitors at the new building were Warwick and Leamington MP Chris White and Alan Cockburn, deputy leader of Warwickshire County Council, who has responsibility for economic development. They were given a guided tour of the 17,600 sq ft building which was started less than a year ago.

Chris White said: “This is a really welcome investment by Pure Offices. I think it says a great deal about the local economy that the company has enough confidence to make an investment of this size when they have another similar operation so close.

“Providing this sort of flexible accommodation is vital to help breed the type of the successful companies which we have thriving here in our area.

“It is great to see that already there is strong interest from people who could easily have decided to move outside Leamington and Warwick.”

A handful of businesses have already moved in and the company is hoping the centre will be 30% occupied for the New Year Roger Thomas, of Pure Offices, said: “We may well see some companies move from Leamington to here for reasons of personal convenience, but we have a strong demand for both centres and are very confident that we will attract maximum occupancy.”

The building is the latest in a line of successful developments on Tournament Fields which is owned and development by Sackville Developments (Warwick) Ltd., part of the CWC Group Sackville Developments (Warwick) is represented by Leamington-based Wareing & Company and Savills.

A room with a view Thriving sector could in office development lead to units shortage How many offices overlook a manicured bowling green and are yet within three miles of Coventry City Centre?

This is just one of the attractions of CV5 Offices, a newly completed, select development of nine offices, each suitable for 2 to 5 people, in Elliott Court, Coventry Business Park just off Fletchampstead Highway (near Sainsbury’s).

It is a perfect location for business, within easy reach of motorways, airports, train stations and a range of shops and restaurants.

The offices, varying between 150 and 300 sq ft, are located over two floors of an extensively refurbished, purpose built, quality, office building. Accessible 24/7 and 365 days per year, offices are available on a short term license basis, requiring only 1 month’s notice (after 3 months). As well as kitchen facilities on both floors, there is a 6seater meeting room on the 1st floor. All offices benefit from allocated car parking spaces and use of a visitors’ space. A range of internet and VOIP phone services, delivering reliable broadband speeds of up

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to 80MB, are provided by WarwickNet on a ‘plug and play’ basis.

Heating and lighting is included in the license fee which starts from £80 per week for the smallest offices, with the licensee responsible only for separately metered electricity sockets and business rates. All the offices qualify for Small Business Rates Relief. The building’s landlords occupy an office on site running their Corporate Finance business which means that any issues that arise can be dealt with without delay.

Incidentally, the bowling green belongs to the Standard Triumph Club and during the season hosts a busy schedule of matches – a pleasant diversion for CV5 Office occupiers!

Chamber Members, who would like an office at CV5 Offices, can benefit from a special deal.

For details contact Richard Anderson or Chris Elliott to read more about the offices go to www.cv5offices.co.uk.

A leading commercial property expert in Coventry says a thriving manufacturing sector means demand is outstripping supply on industrial units.

David Penn, the managing director of Shortland Penn + Moore, said industrial and warehouse deals are rising throughout Coventry and Warwickshire.

He believes that total deals for his firm will have increased by 28 per cent by the end of March 2014 and said his firm is ‘eager’ for more stock to meet demand.

David said: “There is no doubt that we are now coming out of recession locally and the property market supports this, particularly in the Coventry and Warwickshire area.

“Take-up in newly available industrial and warehouse stock is now exceeding fresh

supply for the first time since prerecession.

“We have let or sold a higher amount of floor space than in many years. Average property sizes on deals done are up 19 per cent on last year, freehold sales are up by 11 per cent and we project the total number of deals to have increased by 28 per cent at the end of March 2014.

“We have interest in just about all industrial and warehouse stock that we are currently marketing and, quite frankly, we are eager for more stock to meet demand.

“This is at a time when there has been virtually no speculative development, but developers are now beginning to announce new speculative schemes such as at Prologis Park Ryton, Birch Coppice and Tachbrook Link.”

He said that the office market was still lagging behind the industrial sector.

He said there was a slight return in the investment side and that, eventually, there would be a problem with more demand than supply.

“The time will come when we also have a shortage of office supply,” he said. “Much like my predictions for the housing industry, I believe a shortage of construction will lead to over-inflation in pricing, especially for industrial stock.

“It surely is then the time to invest and manufacturing has proven to be the bedrock.”

“We have interest in just about all industrial and warehouse stock that we are currently marketing...” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Property

Company Inspired to Orbit Heart of England move into new offices welcomes new residents A fast-growing insurance company based in Coventry has moved into new headquarters within the city to accommodate future expansion.

Inspire Insurance Services, a leading independent commercial insurance broker, has doubled the size of its premises to 2,000 sq ft by relocating to Westwood Business Park in Canley.

The move to larger offices signals the company’s ambitious plans for further growth into new markets with its workforce being strengthened to meet the forecasted increase in business.

Inspire Insurance Services provides a wide range of products and risk management services to organisations and individuals throughout the UK. The company was founded by managing director Leigh Mackey in 2010 who built the core business on the manufacturing sector after identifying a gap in the market.

It has since diversified into more sectors and product ranges, which included launching a private client division this year, and was recently recognised with the top accolade of Commercial Lines Broker of the Year at the West Midlands Insurance Institutes Awards.

Leigh said: “With a hunger to succeed and to set ourselves apart in the industry, we have achieved 100 per cent growth year-on-year based on our innovative and professional approach.

“In the last year alone, we have made huge strides which have been recognised within the insurance industry at a regional and national level and we have exciting plans to take the company even further forward in the next few years.”

Leigh added: “This move to significantly larger premises will enable us to expand our business and our team of staff, who have been fundamental to our success.”

Orbit Heart of England has taken ownership of 174 affordable homes as part of a transfer of housing stock from Hampshire-based social housing provider Guinness Hermitage.

In addition, Guinness Hermitage has also transferred 93 shared ownership properties and one leasehold property. All bar one of the properties in the transfer agreement are in the Stratford-upon-Avon District (with one in the Wychavon district) and will be managed by the Orbit Heart of England housing teams based in the Stratford-upon-Avon office.

Robert Stronge, Guinness Hermitage’s Managing Director, said: “In reaching this agreement, the Board of Management has taken into account the views of residents expressed during a consultation period, and undertaken an assessment of the ability of Orbit Heart of England to provide the service standards set out in their proposals. We are confident that the

change will result in long term improvements and localised services for residents.”

Elaine Johnston, Director of Operations, Orbit Heart of England, added: “As the largest provider of affordable housing in the district, our strong position enables us to provide a responsive and inclusive service to these customers, and we are delighted to welcome them to Orbit Heart of England. We offer a range of housing options for our customers as well as investing nearly £500,000 in the local communities in the last five years.”

The transfer formally came into effect on Monday 28 October and affordable housing staff from Orbit Heart of England, who will be working in the area and providing a local service to customers, will be visiting the affordable homes personally to welcome customers and provide them with information about the range of services offered.

Dual Appointment David & Peter Holt Limited have welcomed two well known Chartered Surveyors, Luke Hedderwick and Peter Goodchild, to join their property management team at a senior level, to expand the business and serve D&P Holt’s increasingly diverse client base.

The management team is keen to talk to potential new and existing clients in the Coventry, Warwickshire and wider Midlands area Luke Hedderwick was senior property manager at Network Rail, responsible for managing a large part of their extensive property portfolio, with particular focus on generating value through proactive management. Peter Goodchild has considerable experience in the commercial property, development and asset management sectors.

They join D&P Holt’s management team who look after institutional charitable, private & public estates with the aim of mitigating risk and maximising financial returns from their client’s property assets.

The expanded team has specialist knowledge in all property sectors including office, industrial, leisure and retail premises. The management team is complimented by D&P Holt’s valuation, agency and investment teams, which provide a high degree of professionalism and reliability, for which D&P Holt are well recognised since their origins going back over 110 years.

The management team is keen to talk to potential new and existing clients in the Coventry, Warwickshire and wider Midlands area, to explain what they can do to improve the performance of commercial property assets both from a cost and income point of view.

The Company manage over 50 properties and they are looking to double the size of the portfolio over the next 12 months. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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Area Focus: Coventry

Arena wins award

Liz Cooper from the Ricoh Arena (left) with Viki Stapleton, event manager of Schroders Investment Management.

The Ricoh Arena in Coventry has scooped a bronze award at a prestigious national marketing ceremony.

Marketing director Liz Cooper was presented with the prize for the Best Integrated Marketing Campaign at the Meetings Industry Marketing Awards (MIMA) 2013 at the Novotel London West.

The Ricoh Arena’s submission was based on its joint marketing campaign with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Coventry City Council for the hugely successful Davis Cup by BNP Paribas tie in April.

Liz said it was great to collect the bronze award on behalf of the team who had put together a creative marketing plan to drive ticket sales and create a legacy for the sport in the region.

“For the last five occasions the Davis Cup ties had been held in Glasgow so it was a massive achievement to bring the competition to Coventry and we were determined to provide an event that would be memorable,” she said.

“We worked closely with the marketing teams at the LTA and Coventry City Council in the months leading up to the Davis Cup and this joined-up approach played a vital

“The MIMA categories are judged by experts in the industry... and to receive a bronze award is a significant achievement for the Ricoh Arena.” part in attracting thousands of spectators to watch the three days of action at the Jaguar Indoor Arena.

“The MIMA categories are judged by experts in the industry who studied each submission’s objectives, campaign strategy and execution, creativity, use of budget and return on investment and to receive a bronze award is a significant achievement for the Ricoh Arena.

“The cardio tennis and introduction to tennis sessions held in the city centre and at clubs across Coventry introduced newcomers to the sport while the LTA donated equipment to nearly 150 schools in the city to ensure youngsters will play the game for years to come thanks to the Davis Cup. “On court, we couldn’t have asked for a more thrilling tie as Great Britain fought back from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 against Russia for an historic victory which was the platform for their return to the World Group.

“Overall, we have so many positive memories of hosting the Davis Cup at the Ricoh Arena and now thanks to MIMA 2013 we have an award as well!”

The silver award was won by the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre and the winner was Wyboston Lakes.

Coventry students enter the Dragon’s Den Five teams of Year 10 students from Grace Academy Coventry entered the Dragon’s Den to put their business ideas up for scrutiny before a panel of business experts.

They pitted their entrepreneurial skills against students from Grace Academy Solihull who also took part in the competition to find the best original business idea.

The Dragon’s Den final was judged by Damian McGann, Head of Santander Business Development, and Chris Hallam, Santander Regional Business Development Director. The winning team secured a £300 investment from Grace Academy and received the coveted Dragon’s Den trophy.

Damian McGann from Santander, said:

“We are keen to help young people access and understand the world of business and we can add real life business experience to help bring their ideas to life.

“Five Santander staff were involved in judging the heats and, following the initial presentations, the students were coached in how to improve their business cases and their pitches.”

Leon Kokkinos, Student Development Coordinator, Grace Academy, added: “The Dragon’s Den project fits with our business curriculum and is closely related to our business and enterprise specialism.

Students get to practice presenting an idea to an expert panel of judges, find out how businesses design new products, learn how to put new business ideas forward, and how to make a profit.”

Pictured from left to right: Damian McGann ACIB, Head of Business Development (UK), Santander Corporate and Commercial Banking, Ryan McGibbon, Grace Academy student, Liam Hughes, Grace Academy student, Jack Earl, Grace Academy student, Chris Hallam, Regional Director, Business Development, Midlands and Wales.

30th Anniversary Success Story Chris Christou and Matt Keeling of Leigh Christou Accountants, were delighted to join long standing client, the Premier Group earlier this month in celebrating a historic milestone in Coventry manufacturing, with the production of the 1000th Morgan 3 wheeled car. At its state of the art manufacturing facility at Walsgrave, Coventry, Group Chairman, Denis Meagher welcomed The Lord Mayor of Coventry and was also joined by major automotive customers including Morgan Cars, Jaguar Land Rover and McLaren.

Two years ago Leigh, Christou LLP were instrumental in assisting The Premier Group in securing funding for its state of the art 2D and 3D laser cutting and welding equipment, as well as assisting in securing premises to house the new 20,000sq ft

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facility at Cross Point Walsgrave. The overall investment of £2 million was required as a result of winning the contract to manufacture the Olympic Torch for the 2012 Games.

The company is now reaping the rewards of the investment made and with the continued support and assistance of Leigh, Christou LLP the Company is now planning to invest in a further facility in Coventry to build on its existing facilities at Walsgrave and Exhall.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the partners of Leigh, Christou LLP believe this client success story is testament to the skills the partners and staff of the practice have to offer and the perfect way to further celebrate their anniversary year.

Chris Christou senior partner said “I am thrilled and extremely proud to be able to support and assist the company through its

Denis Meagher, Chairman, The Premier Group pictured with Matt Keeling(seated) and Chris Christou (right), Leigh, Christou LLP with the iconic Morgan 3 wheeler

remarkable growth and look forward to enjoying a continuing and successful

relationship supporting The Premier Group in its exciting times ahead”.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Coventry New executive dean for Coventry University’s Faculty of Engineering and Computing Coventry University has appointed a new executive dean for its worldrenowned Faculty of Engineering and Computing.

Professor Michael Fitzpatrick CEng CSci FIMMM is currently the Lloyd’s Register Foundation chair in materials engineering and head of the Department of Engineering and Innovation at The Open University. He will take up the post on May 1.

Professor Fitzpatrick joins at a time of exciting developments within the faculty.

His appointment follows the announcement of a pioneering new engineering and manufacturing institute established jointly with Unipart, which will offer students a unique opportunity to work on industry’s front line, as well as a major collaborative research and development programme.

His arrival also comes just a year after the faculty’s state-of-the-art £55 million Engineering and Computing Building was formally opened by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal.

The Faculty of Engineering and Computing scored particularly well in 2013’s National Student Survey, with three of its departments scoring 90% or higher for teaching quality – as voted by students.

The appointment of Professor Fitzpatrick will build on these successes, strengthening the University’s position as a forwardthinking, innovative institution applying fresh and original approaches to research, teaching and business engagement.

Professor Fitzpatrick said: “I am delighted to be leading this faculty at such an important time. The faculty has groundbreaking new facilities and a talented team of staff supporting the student experience and the research agenda. I am looking forward to using my experience to help it to grow further and flourish.”

Professor Madeleine Atkins, vicechancellor of Coventry University, said: “I would like to congratulate Michael on his appointment as executive dean.

Michael has strong experience in the sector as an outstanding researcher and academic leader and I am sure that the faculty will continue to excel, offering a compelling learning experience for students, together with very high quality research.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Company is shortlisted for awards

Lee Thomas.

An events staffing agency, based in Coventry, has been shortlisted for a regional award.

Aesthetics Event Staff Ltd, which has offices at , has made the final in the Service Provider of the Year (turnover above £1million) category at the Midlands Business Awards.

The company, which was founded by female entrepreneur Lee Thomas in 1996, now supplies staff to a range of venues, events and businesses including Wembley Stadium, the All England Tennis Club at Wimbledon, Arsenal, Tottenham, Silverstone, Fiat, Ferrari and Samsung.

The firm is up against five other companies from across the region in its category and will find out in February if it

has picked up the award.

Thomas, who was also a runner-up in the 2013 Businesswoman of the Year this month, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for this award.

“We have grown into a very successful company with a range of clients that are a who’s who of the sporting, motoring and corporate world.

“That success is based solely on our commitment to customer service. We provide great service to our clients but, also, we are more often than not the face of their brand to their customers.

“That means we have to provide great service on two levels and the fact that, in the space of the past 18 months, we’ve had staff at the Olympics, the Champions League Final and a series of corporate and promotional events, shows the quality of work we are doing.

“In the past, we’ve hidden our light under a bushel somewhat but over recent months we have decided that it is time to actually give the company and our staff the credit they deserve for the work they put in.

“Of course, we would be thrilled to win the award next February but we are up against some fantastic companies and organisations so we know it will be tough.

“The shortlisting is further recognition of the work we are doing and that is a tribute to our office staff and to the many thousands of staff on our books worldwide.”

Aesthetics employs ten permanent staff at its base in Coventry and has 8,000 staff on its roster from across the globe.

The final of the Midlands Business Awards is being held on February 28 at the Birmingham Metropole Hotel.

Sandra set to champion business as branch chair

A Coventry businesswoman has taken up a new role to help champion the cause of firms in the city.

Sandra Garlick, the Principal at De Marco Solicitors, is the new chair of the Coventry branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce – taking over from Dhiran Vagdia, of Vagdia and Holmes, who has come to the end of his stint.

Sandra, who has played an active role in the Chamber in recent years, paid tribute to her predecessor and said she wanted to continue to build the strength of the branch.

She said: “I am very pleased to become the new chair of the branch because I am very passionate about Coventry and its business.

“Dhiran has been, and remains, a great ambassador for the city and particularly for the importance of construction to the wider economy.

“He will continue to play a very active part in the branch committee as we all look to highlight the needs of companies to help make Coventry an even better place to do business.

“From my point of view, I see huge potential for the city to grow economically and business has to be at the forefront of that.

“We all know the issues – the city centre, skills, housing, to name but a few – and this branch, as well as the wider Chamber, wants to work with the City Council and other partners to find solutions that benefit the whole city.”

Sandra launched De Marco Solicitors in 2007 and has been expanding the business since.

It is now highly renowned in the Legal 500 and has solicitors in Coventry, Warwickshire and Oxfordshire.

sponsored column

Henley College Coventry’s

first IT apprentice gets the job!

Kieran Nanra has just finished his ITQ apprenticeship with Henley College Coventry and is celebrating being taken on as a permanent member of staff by his firm eLearning Studios based at the Innovation Village Cheetah Rd Coventry.

Managing Director Nitin Thakrar who is also a College governor came to one of the College’s employer breakfasts last year and decided to find out more about taking on his first apprentice. The College came out and did a training analysis with him and then sent three suitable candidates for an interview. Nitin said “Kieran stood out as he was well dressed, enthusiastic and he had the IT skills we needed. He is planning on going to University in September to study multimedia computer systems and will continue to work for us part time. We have trained him to liaise with customers and he has created our new website which is now live.

I would say to other employers don’t be afraid to take on an apprentice as you can mould them to your business. The College assessor visits regularly and provides good support and has adapted Kieran’s training to the practical requirements of the job.”

Henley College Coventry has a bank of young people looking for IT apprenticeships so if you are a local business ring 02476 626306 or email mbastock@henley-cov.ac.uk for more information about the grants available for taking on an apprentice.

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Area Focus: Coventry A new chronological history of Coventry, the first for a decade, has been published

Bringing games alive for young people with disabilities Students studying the BTEC Level 3 Games Development at City College Coventry have been raising money for Special Effect, a charity that gives young people with disabilities the opportunity to play computer games.

They sold home made cakes and set up a ‘guess how many jelly beans are in the jar’ challenge to raise money for the charity and are planning more activities through the academic year.

The Story Of Coventry, published by The History Press, has been written by former Coventry Telegraph journalist and city promotions manager Peter Walters, who is also a Coventry branch member.

Aimed at the general reader, the 250page book traces the story of Coventry from Roman times up to today.

It’s illustrated with more than 130 images, drawn from the city’s art and photographic collections. Many of them have never been used in a book before.

The story includes all the familiar highlights of Coventry’s history – the tale of Lady Godiva, the city’s defiance of Charles I, the coming of modern industries and the blitz of November 1940.

However, it also sheds light on many lesser known episodes, exploring, for instance, the impact of the dissolution of the monasteries, and it features an amazing array of colourful figures, from

rapacious Anglo- Norman bishops and stiff-necked Puritans, to ‘Canary’ girls and purveyors of witchcraft.

Peter said: “I knew Coventry had an interesting and colourful history, but until I explored it in detail I hadn’t realised how wonderful it was.

“This is not a work of original historical research. I’ve tried to write it as a narrative, featuring many of the fascinating characters who have shaped that narrative.

The book is a story of triumph and tragedy, riot and war, inventiveness and high achievement, ceremonial and starvation.”

The Story of Coventry is available from book shops and museums in Coventry and the surrounding areas, priced at £17.99.

Honour for apprentice G & N Tools, a well-established small engineering company based in Coventry decided to take on an apprentice for the first time – and what a good decision that turned out to be.

Andrew Barnacle, a 19-year-Coventry lad had undertaken a 2 year full time BTEC Level 2 course at Henley College.

From September 2013, he became an Apprentice with G & N Tools and is now on

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a day release at Henley College studying for a Level 3 course in Engineering. Now, he has been awarded Engineering Student of the year or 2012/13.

The person awarding the trophy to Andrew is Karl Stevens, Programme Manager Engineering at Henley College and the picture was taken in the new-build workshop at the college.

“All of us on the course love gaming; it’s why we been drawn to studying games development,” said City College student Ayrton Totten.

“Lots of young people though are effectively excluded by their disabilities.

Special Effect helps them achieve the same quality of life and enjoy gaming like everyone else. We wanted to support their work and so came up with this idea for raising money.”

Front Row: Ayrton Totten, tutor Shoubna Naika-Patel, Elle Knaggs Back row: Jarrod Oldham

Historic car takes its bow Midlands manufacturing company Premier Group helped reach a historic milestone by producing the 1,000th bodyshell for the Morgan Motor Car Company’s legendary Morgan 3 Wheeler.

The iconic design of the Morgan 3 Wheeler has been updated with 21st Century technology and Premier Group has been instrumental assisting the car bodyshell design and manufacture.

In 2010 the Morgan Motor Company decided to revisit an icon that had not been produced for 60 years, by re-engineering the Morgan 3 Wheeler.

Taking inspiration from the original car, the initial plan was to build 400 Morgan 3 Wheelers, but due to its incredible global success, November saw production of the 1,000th Morgan 3 Wheeler.

Premier Group has been working with The Morgan Motor Company for the past five years. This contract has seen Premier Group work with Morgan throughout the initial design stage of the 3 Wheeler to ensure all body panels could be manufactured to the highest standards expected by Morgan’s loyal customerbase.

Wayne Woolford, MD at Premier Group, said: “The manufacture of the 1000th 3Wheeler body at our Walsgrave facility marks the continuation of a significant automotive build process representing a major success story for British and Midlands manufacturing.”

“One of our key suppliers in the development of the Morgan 3 Wheeler has been Premier Group.”

Graham Chapman, Technical Director at Morgan, said: “One of our key suppliers in the development of the Morgan 3 Wheeler has been Premier Group. We’re delighted with the strategic counsel, design and manufacturing expertise they provide.”

Premier Group also manufactures the bespoke coach built bonnets and boots for Morgans other iconic production vehicles.

Based in Coventry across several major sites, Premier Group has a client list ranging from Bentley Motors, Jaguar Land Rover and The Ford Motor Company to Alstom, GKN and Bombardier. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Coventry

Construction work starts on research centre

“We have worked with the University of Warwick previously and also have experience with other technology businesses, so we have developed an expertise in this kind of development.”

Coventry firm Deeley Construction has started work on a £2.3 million Automotive Composites Research Centre for WMG at the University of Warwick.

WMG (Warwick Manufacturing Group), a department of the University of Warwick, has created the new Centre to extend its work with the West Midlands’ automotive supply chain to exploit the opportunities offered by lightweight vehicle technologies.

The new Automotive Composites Research Centre will provide local industry with hands-on technical expertise and equipment to develop its manufacturing capability for polymeric composites.

The requirement for lightweight structures will soon become the industry standard as automotive manufacturers seek to reduce emissions over the life-time of their vehicles.

By tapping into these new opportunities, the centre will help create jobs and growth in the West Midlands’ advanced manufacturing and engineering sector.

The Centre will work with local companies to ensure they are at the forefront of this technology in order to best www.cw-chamber.co.uk

service their existing customers as well as open up new markets.

The two-storey, 4,000 sq ft extension, which is expected to be complete by April of next year, will feature workshops, laboratories and offices and will be an extension of WMG’s current IMC building Martin Gallagher, managing director of Deeley Construction, said the firm was well-placed to deliver the IMC building extension.

He said: “We have worked with the University of Warwick previously and also have experience with other technology businesses, so we have developed an expertise in this kind of development.

“There is much more to it than simple bricks and mortar – the new extension must be in-keeping with the architecture of the current IMC building as well as the surrounding properties within the university’s portfolio.

“We have worked closely with BMJ Architects and Scott White & Hookins, the structural engineers, in the planning stages and look forward to delivering the project on time and on budget in the spring

of 2014.”

Professor Lord Bhattacharyya, Chairman of WMG, said “As WMG continues to expand, our new Automotive Composites Research Centre will help keep the region’s automotive sector at the cutting edge of the latest manufacturing technology. We welcome the funding from the Growing Places scheme which will assist in the development of this new centre.”

WMG’s Academic Director Professor Richard Dashwood said: “This is great news for the West Midlands’ automotive supply chain.

“It is vital to the region’s competitiveness that companies develop the knowledge to introduce polymeric composites into automotive structures.

“The Centre will allow the automotive supply chain to experiment with low volume try-outs of materials and equipment and to gain experience before committing to significant capital investment without disrupting their production operations.”

Cash awards to boost companies’ development Three businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire are to receive a total of over £2.5 million from a government project designed to boost the economy and create jobs.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) has approved the financial assistance through Growing Places Fund 3 (GPF3) which will lead to an extra 138 jobs in the area.

Engineering company Penso – which provides consultancy services and manufactures parts for customers including Jaguar Land Rover, BAE and Mercedes-Benz – will expand its facility at Middlemarch Business Park in Coventry to create more production and research and development space for its specialised automotive products.

King Automotive Systems in Chelmarsh, Daimler Green, Coventry, will introduce a high-tech production facility to manufacture key automotive components.

Genesis Technical Systems, which is based at The Venture Centre at the University of Warwick Science Park in Sir William Lyons Road, Coventry, will invest in extensive research and development as part of its global expansion of superfast broadband connection equipment.

All three companies are also making their own contributions to the investments, which total over £18 million.

Sir Peter Rigby, chair of the CWLEP, said the applications to benefit from GPF3 had emphasised the highly skilled jobs being carried out in Coventry and Warwickshire.

Freeman wins arena contract Freeman, a US events company who recently acquired So Group, has been appointed the exclusive mains provider and preferred supplier for exhibitions and events business at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

Freeman recently announced up to 350 jobs will be created when it moves its UK headquarters from Wellesbourne to the old Peugeot site at Prologis Park in Ryton.

Now, the company which provides event services, has signed a six-year contract to become the nominated supplier for mains electrics to service all exhibitions and also the preferred supplier of exhibition services held throughout the Ricoh Arena.

This will involve Freeman’s being the preferred supplier for shell schemes, carpet, furniture and the power supply for UK-wide organisers holding exhibitions at the Ricoh Arena which range from bluechip companies to niche industry shows.

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Area Focus: North & South Warks

Stratford’s Citizen Advice Bureau advised to ‘Get an Apprentice’ Hat-trick sees company end year on a high A leading Midlands IT company rounded off a positive 2013 with a hattrick of new contracts worth close to £100,000 collectively.

Coleshill-based ACUTEC, which offers everything from managed IT services to software and web development, has landed deals with two Walsall-based companies – Jones and Woolman; and Valen Fittings – as well as Jarrobs Limited in Stoke-on-Trent.

ACUTEC has grown rapidly over the past 12 months which has seen the creation of several new roles at its Warwickshire base.

The latest new contracts, which include the provision of a range of services from back-up to full support for the company databases, have sealed a positive year for the IT company.

Managing Director Chris Roche said: “We have set ourselves very ambitious growth targets and the team are working extremely hard to achieve that growth.

“That growth comes from our everimproving service for our clients as well as in winning new business.

“So we are delighted to have secured three new contracts as we approached the end of 2013. Our geographical spread takes us right across the Midlands and beyond.”

Jones and Woolman are cladding specialists who use a specific database for its business. It needed an IT company that would support that database as well as developing other aspects of the company’s system.

Jarrobs Limited is a growing sheet metal company and ACUTEC is providing a full server upgrade and virtualisation, effective backup and disaster recovery as well as new network cabling.

ACUTEC is providing local manufacturer Valen Fittings with a range of services including migrating the company onto a new server, improved back-up facilities and a cloud exchange, which will mean all users are operating the latest software.

Chris added: “We are very much looking forward to working with our new clients and while a great deal of our work can be done remotely and virtually, we still pay great attention to personal service.

“People still want to deal with people and that service is firmly built into our strategy for growth as we approach 2014.”

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ICT apprentice, Andrew, with Maria Veitch, a project worker at the Stratford-upon-Avon and District Citizens Advice Bureau.

An advice organisation in Stratford-onAvon district has itself taken advice on taking on an apprentice.

Stratford-upon-Avon and District Citizens Advice Bureau wanted help with their business processes and successfully secured funding from the Big Lottery to take on a young person as an ICT apprentice.

The only problem was that they didn’t know how to go about employing one – until they heard about a service offered by Warwickshire County Council.

Warwickshire County Council’s ‘Get an Apprentice’ service consists of a virtual Apprenticeship Hub including a website, Twitter and Facebook accounts, supported by an advisor who can provide independent and objective advice to businesses interested in taking on an apprentice.

The service is focused on encouraging and helping employers across Warwickshire to take on an apprentice and is a key part of Warwickshire County Council’s Going for Growth initiative to tackle youth unemployment.

Sue Green, Manager of Stratford-uponAvon and District Citizens Advice Bureau said: “Torin Spence, the Apprenticeship Hub Manager at Warwickshire County Council, visited our organisation and worked through all the detail, answering our many questions.

“We concluded that taking on an

“Torin Spence, the Apprenticeship Hub Manager at Warwickshire County Council, visited our organisation and worked through all the detail, answering our many questions.” apprentice was a route we wished to go down, but for it to be effective we needed to find another organisation that could help mentor the young apprentice for us in preparation for the work we needed them to do in our Bureau.”

The Council’s ‘Get an Apprentice’ scheme also specialises in bringing businesses and organisations together with training providers to ensure that the apprenticeship is a success for everyone involved.

Sue continued: “We had no in-house ICT skills ourselves but we have a good working relationship with Stratford District Council. Talking through the options with Torin we approached the council and now the apprentice will spend two days with their ICT team, two days with us and one day at college.

“The Hub Manager also put us in touch

with a training provider who then helped us with the recruitment process and our ICT apprentice, Andrew is now in post and is already proving to be a valuable asset to the team. Stratford District Council also report that he is doing well there.”

Torin Spence, Apprenticeship Hub Manager, said: “We’re delighted that we’ve been able to help Stratford-upon-Avon and District’s Citizen Advice Bureau to recruit an apprentice and give a young person the opportunity to start their career through an Apprenticeship.”

For more information on Warwickshire County Council’s ‘Get an Apprentice’ initiative, visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/getanapprenti ce, follow @WarksApprentice on Twitter or search ‘Get An Apprentice’ on Facebook. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Area Focus: North & South Warks

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Helicentre Aviation’s new hanger facilities.

Lodders advises on Helicentre Aviation growth and expansion Helicopter operator Helicentre Aviation has announced a £500,000 expansion of its operations at Leicester Airport.

Advised by partners Paul Mourton and Victor Matts at Lodders Solicitors in Stratford-upon-Avon, the company has developed a new hangar and won a major £20 million contract with National Grid. It means a number of new jobs to add to the existing 20-strong workforce.

“This is a very significant expansion,” said Capt Christopher Line, managing director of Helicentre Aviation.

“It brings us exciting new facilities while the National Grid contract takes turnover to a different level and we are now able to tender for bigger contracts.”

Leicester Airport is run by Leicestershire Aero Club and is predominantly for small fixed wing aircraft and gliders. The growth of Helicentre Aviation has added a heliport to the airfield’s offer.

The 20,000 sq ft hangar will be officially opened next Spring but it will be used to house and maintain helicopters.

Helicentre Aviation specialises in private and professional helicopter pilot training, charter, aerial survey and aircraft sales and management in the UK. Lodders real estate partner Paul Mourton handled the lease and development agreement work for the hangar.

He said: “Helicentre Aviation is probably the biggest helicopter training organisation in the country. This is a big step forward for the business.”

The new hangar enabled the firm to have the facilities in place to bid, and successfully win, the National Grid contract which involves inspecting the whole national gas network, surveying the lines from the air identifying infringements and possible issues that may affect the country’s gas supply.

Mr Matts advised Helicentre Aviation on this aspect, reviewing the contract with National Grid.

He said: “This was a hugely important deal for the company and it was imperative that all the legal aspects were absolutely correct. It was a great boost to the business which continues to go from strength to www.cw-chamber.co.uk

strength.”

Tom Bromwich, of Coventry-based agents Bromwich Hardy, handled the property aspects.

Helicentre Aviation trains both commercial helicopter pilots and those who want to learn to fly a helicopter as a hobby. It caters for that extra special and unique gift in the form of a trial helicopter flying lesson or sightseeing tour. And it also meets the needs of those who simply want to relax, beat the traffic and let someone else transport them in style and luxury to a business meeting, wedding, sports event or special occasion.

Helicentre is currently offering up to £100,000 worth of training scholarships for professional pilots with the strong potential to gain full-time employment with the company for the successful candidates.

The company has been operating for more than 12 years, initially at Coventry Airport before in 2009 switching to Leicester.

Capt Line said: “The move was a great success, bringing new opportunities and a far better, and more cost effective training environment for student pilots.

“Now we are building on that for what we are convinced will be an exciting future.”

“Helicentre Aviation is probably the biggest helicopter training organisation in the country. This is a big step forward for the business.”

The site before the expansion of Helicentre Aviation’s facilities at Leicester Airport.

Welcombe Spa raises £200 for Macmillan at shopping event!

Guests enjoyed listening to a live band playing Christmas carols as well as enjoying a complimentary drink and mince-pie...

More than 50 ladies attended the Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa annual Christmas shopping evening, which raised over £200 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Guests enjoyed listening to a live band playing Christmas carols as well as enjoying a complimentary drink and mince-pie, special Clarins and Elemis retail offers and a mini manicure, pedicure or hand and arm exfoliation for just £5.

In addition, various independent local retailers and crafts were present offering a host of elegant gifts for guests to purchase for friends and family.

The Menzies Welcombe Spa is set in 157 acres of beautiful parkland on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon.

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Area Focus: Mid Warks

Aston Martin seeks to use more local suppliers One of the world’s most iconic car manufacturers wants to increase local procurement.

Aston Martin, which is based in Gaydon, near Warwick, produces around 4,000 premium vehicles each year – threequarters of which are sold overseas.

The company hosted the latest Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Group meeting with around 18 companies present.

The Chamber-led group has brought together a range of partners including EEF, MAS and UKTI. Gary Archer, Aston Martin’s Purchasing Director, told the gathered firms that procurement with the company was based on high-quality and trust.

He said: “We want to increase our EU and UK supply chain by ten per cent and local firms can benefit from that.

“Our procurement comes down to trust that the products will meet the very highest quality that you would expect with Aston Martin but our door is always open to local suppliers.”

Aston Martin employs 1,700 staff directly and is also supported by around

Getting to know you event a success

James Ojiem, Helen Kendrick (Community Investment Officer, Orbit Heart of England) and Jasmine Urry check out the application forms

Apprenticeship starts have increased at a record rate. There are more than 100,000 employers offering Apprenticeships in more than 160,000 locations.

One such organisation is housing association, Orbit Heart of England, who ran a ‘Getting to know you’ event for their residents who are interested in becoming apprentices.

More than 30 residents signed up for the event. The day was an opportunity for Orbit Heart of England to get to know the candidates and for the candidates to learn more about the roles available. The housing association also ran application form and interview workshops.

Simon Lieberman, Community Investment Manager at Orbit Heart of England said: “In the current economic climate many of our residents are finding it difficult to secure meaningful employment.

Our apprenticeships will provide the skills and qualifications to help people kick start their careers.”

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100 UK suppliers, which it hopes to increase.

Past Chamber president Paul Sullivan, of Penso, chaired the event at Aston Martin’s HQ. He said: “We were extremely grateful to Gary and the team for hosting our latest Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Group and it was a very welcome message from such a major international company.

“This Chamber-led group has really strengthened over the past year and is offering members very real, tangible advice and information to help them in their business.”

The event was organised alongside the Rural Growth Hub as part of a series of events to inform businesses about the support available from the Rural Growth Network, Elaine Weston, of the Rural Growth Network (RGN), outlined how to access grants via the network, with the next round closing on January 6.

Businesses can find out whether they qualify for support through RGN by visiting www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ruralgrowthn etwork

Pictured (left to right): Paul Sullivan, Elaine Weston, Gary Archer.

Exciting development for Warwick company One of the UK’s leading electronics manufacturers based in Warwick is buying its premises for more than £1 million after receiving a grant from a government initiative designed to boost the economy and create jobs.

SMT Developments in Heathcote Way on the Heathcote Industrial Estate was among ten projects approved by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to receive funding from round two of the government’s Growing Places scheme.

Established in 2000, SMT Developments assembles microelectronic printed circuit boards for a broad range of sectors offering bespoke solutions from design and prototyping through to volume manufacture of complete units.

Using leading technology, state-of-the-art PCB production and inspection equipment, strict quality testing and structured PCB manufacturing processes, SMT Developments produce and assemble products of the highest quality so that they are ready for market quickly and cost effectively.

Since inception SMT Developments has grown from a two-man operation to a business showing a £2.8 million a year turnover.

Phil Rowley, Managing Director of SMT Developments, believes a further 30 per cent growth is anticipated during the current financial year.

The family-owned firm is purchasing the 13,200 sq ft unit which it currently leases and is set to increase its workforce from 30 by a further 13 employees by January 2016.

“The grant of nearly £165,000 from Growing Places has helped us to buy our

premises which, including VAT, will be in excess of £1 million,” Phil said.

“This purchase allows SMT Developments to justify further investment into the building and machinery required to service the anticipated customer growth.”

Phil, who runs SMT Developments with his fellow directors, his wife, Elaine, and son, John, said Business Development Adviser Rob Bent of Coventry City Council’s Business Investment team had been extremely helpful in assisting with the successful funding application.

He added: “The help of Rob Bent and the team at Coventry City Council was crucial in receiving the grant and this is only the first part of the story because we plan to invest around £200,000 in further machines before the end of 2013.”

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council and CWLEP board member, said SMT Developments is

a superb example of a business which had grown from a sole trader to employing highly-skilled employees working on exciting projects.

She said: “Small enterprises such as SMT are crucial to the prosperity of the county as they create and sustain jobs in the area.

“SMT Developments is now at its fifth premises in Warwick having steadily grown over the last 13 years and they continue to evolve and offer more employment opportunities to our residents.

“Buying their premises thanks to receiving a grant from Growing Places is another sign of the company’s success and this is exactly the kind of business which CWLEP wants to support in our aim of improving the economy in Coventry and Warwickshire.”

Pictured from the left, John, Phil and Elaine Rowley from SMT Developments with Cllr Izzi Seccombe , leader of Warwickshire County Council and CWLEP board member.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Rugby

Manufacturer stages groundbreaking event at new site

Jim’s door is open as branch chair The new chairman of the Rugby branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has told firms in the area that his ‘door is always open’.

Jim Griffin, the managing director of Automotive Insulations, has just taken over from Simon Leech, of Perry Appletons, as chair of the branch.

Griffin paid tribute to Leech, who had chaired the branch for seven years, and said he would build on the work of his predecessor.

He said: “Before I start my time as chair, I must congratulate and thank Simon for all of his efforts in the role – he is a big act to follow.

“I’m not sure he realised when he took on the job in 2006 that he would still be chair come 2013 but he is very passionate about Rugby, business and the role of the Chamber.

“I am a very different personality to Simon, but I share those passions and want to ensure this branch gets even stronger and continues to be the voice of business in Rugby and the wider borough.

“But I can only put forward the issues businesses are facing here if they come and tell me what they are. I can then feed them into colleagues at the Chamber as well as the other relevant authorities and organisations.

“That’s why my door will always be open to businesses who want to let me know any difficulties they are facing. I run my own company and, therefore, know the issues we see but they are very different to those affecting other businesses.

“So my advice to my fellow Rugby companies is not to sit on the sidelines, complaining about issues to your friends or family, come and get involved with the Chamber and make a real difference to your business and to other companies here.”

Automotive Insulations, which manufactures and supplies products that make vehicles quieter, is based on the Somers Road Industrial Estate but is set to move to state-of-the-art new premises next year as part of major expansion plans.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Pictured left to right: Kevin Westwood (AI), Matthew Small (Hamdon Gate), Mark Pawsey MP and Jim Griffin (AI).

A Warwickshire automotive component manufacturing company held a groundbreaking event to mark the start of construction at its new UK headquarters, which are due to open in spring 2014.

Automotive Insulations (AI) are currently based at the Somers Road industrial estate in Rugby, but are expanding to the new site at Coton Park on the outskirts of town to accommodate additional staff and equipment.

The 65,000 sq ft site will almost triple the

space that the company currently has.

The groundbreaking was attended by Mark Pawsey, MP for Rugby, as well as senior management from Automotive Insulations, developers Hamdon Gate and contractors Winvic Construction.

The move comes as Automotive Insulations celebrate the most successful year in their 47 year history. The company has opened two overseas sites over the past year and has also moved to 24 hour working for the first time to meet increased demand from the automotive industry. The company anticipate employing around 200 people at the new site when it opens.

MP Mark Pawsey, who was at the groundbreaking, said: “It’s great to see a local company expanding and taking this bold initiative which is set to create jobs in the area.”

AI’s directors Jim Griffin and Kevin Westwood were also on site to witness the groundbreaking.

“This is a major step forward for all of us at AI. It is a very proud moment in the history of the company,” said Managing Director Jim.

Brethertons appoints commercial healthcare lawyers as part of growth strategy Regional law firm Brethertons LLP continues to grow despite the fact that many law firms are scaling down their operations.

Ranking in the Top 200 UK Law Firms, in the past year alone the firm has created seven new partner roles and more than 50 new positions, now employing 247 people.

The firm has now announced the appointment of three senior healthcare industry lawyers to join its expanding Commercial Healthcare department.

Commercial Lawyer and Healthcare Centre restructure consultant Colin Witherall will head the department, supported by health sector commercial property lawyers Colin Frowd and Andrew Watts.

Collectively, they have nearly 70 years’ experience in Commercial Law and join Brethertons as a fully-fledged, successfullyworking team from Alsters Kelley, a large, regional West Midlands’ firm.

A senior corporate and commercial lawyer for more than 25 years, in the past seven, Colin Witherall has successfully developed a regional and national niche and reputation in healthcare practice corporate structuring; including some of the country’s largest and most impressive healthcare practice restructures. Before joining Brethertons, he was respectively Consultant, Partner and Head of Commercial Law at a large, regional practice in the West Midlands.

Colin Frowd has acted on about 50 healthcare developments to date for both owners and lenders; both where GPs are building their own health centre, or where third-parties are developing with the GPs moving in upon completion of the build.

Accordingly, he has an in-depth understanding of the requirements of both the NHS and funders, which is paramount in terms of processing the complex property, lease, loan and construction documentation.

Andrew Watts has considerable expertise in advising GPs and other health professionals on new developments of

multi-use primary care centres and pharmacies. Equally, he regularly acts for lenders, which gives him a dual perspective of the many issues to be considered in order to successfully complete builds or redevelopments.

With the recent abolition of Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) in England and Wales and the subsequent roll-out of Clinical Commissioning Groups, healthcare professionals have nevertheless retained their funding streams and are increasingly taking the opportunity to become shareholders, owners/landlords of their own multi-disciplinary premises.

Brethertons’ new Commercial Healthcare Team will be working closely with GPs, dentists, chiropractors, pharmacists and other professionals to help them to structure their practices – both premises and people – in a more corporate way; with little or no financial investment necessary from the practice or onus of personal liability for their partners.

Chief Executive Officer for Brethertons, Michael Dibben, said: “We’re really excited to welcome Colin W, Colin F and Andrew.

As a firm, Brethertons has a reputation for continually observing market sectors and responding to demand by means of creating and developing new specialist legal services. Integrating our existing skillsets with their proven and impressive company commercial law and healthcare practice knowledge is a really exciting prospect.”

Head of Commercial Law Healthcare Colin Witherall said: “Working with healthcare professionals for almost a decade in the corporate structuring of their health-centre practices – some worth in excess of £10m – has been tremendously fulfilling. Combining my legal experience and expertise with Brethertons’ innovative, successful and refreshing approach is really exciting for me, my team – and my clients.”

Brethertons LLP Solicitors employs its people at offices in Rugby, Banbury, Bicester and London.

sponsored column

Rugby World Cup 2015 - a chance for your business to be involved in the birthplace celebrations

In 2015 the Rugby World Cup comes to England and the town where it all began will be looking to showcase cultural events alongside its rich local heritage.

There are lots of attractions for fans of the game to take advantage of, including The Close at the historic school, a rugby football museum, a pathway of fame and the much loved William Webb Ellis statue.

Visitors during the tournament will experience a real feel good factor – there’ll be festivals and plenty of screens around to watch the games whilst sampling some fine local ales!

We are encouraging you to think about how your organisation could be involved in unique and spontaneous ways. One of the things people will notice in the town will be the amount of colour and decoration paying homage to the twenty competing nations – this will be supported by local businesses. Rugby’s offer to the World Cup 2015 is already being recognised by Visit England and there could be sponsorship opportunities for you to join in on this exciting time for the birthplace.

International groups might be interested in social events to make their trip even more memorable and there could be opportunities to participate in matches against local rugby clubs. In November this year 120 New Zealand fans were given a Mayoral welcome to the town before attending a tour of Rugby School. This was a great ending to a weekend where they had watched the Kiwi’s triumph against England at Twickenham. Gracious in defeat, this is just one example of the hospitality on offer in the birthplace.

If your organisation would like to be involved in the birthplace’s Rugby World Cup 2015 celebrations, please contact Michael Beirne at Rugby Borough Council by telephone on 01788 533734 or email Michael.beirne@rugby.gov.uk

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Area Focus: Rugby

George marks ten years with offer

This year, George Houguez celebrates ten years in his hypnotherapy practice in Bank Street, Rugby.

This year, George Houguez celebrates ten years in his hypnotherapy practice in Bank Street, Rugby.

A large part of his work is the treatment of anxiety related problems. Anxiety may result from a variety of causes, but the symptoms and defensive mechanisms it produces are very similar, allowing relaxation based desensitisation and resource building protocols, such as hypnotherapy, to be very effective.

Until the end of December 2014, patients that have discussed their anxiety with their GP and agreed to give hypnotherapy a try, will receive a considerable discount.

Please contact George to discuss hypnosis and its therapeutic applications on 01788 553060.

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Company reaping the benefits as it seeks success abroad

As British manufacturing makes its slow recovery from the challenges of the past seven years, the automotive sector has emerged as one of the UK’s success stories.

In fact, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders recently reported that the industry is now the UK’s largest sector in terms of exports by value, trading with more than 100 markets worldwide and accounting for 11% of total UK exports.

Rugby-based Automotive Insulations (AI), which develops and manufactures lightweight acoustic and thermal components for vehicles, is an example of a company that has successfully set up abroad, firstly in Sweden in 2012 and more recently, in Germany.

MD Jim Griffin said that his company has achieved growth by expanding to overseas sites.

He said: “Having experienced a period of rapid growth, we had been considering expansion abroad for some time. Despite all the attention being focused on places further afield such as India and China, we decided that Europe would be a good place to set up.

“Not only has British manufacturing maintained its reputation for quality in Europe, but having looked at other markets, the cost of research and due diligence was extremely high when compared to carrying out our own more qualified research in Europe. We were also concerned about the time lapse between the set up process and actually selling products into non-European markets.“ Jim was keen to dilute the company’s dependence on one market and setting up abroad was an idea that came out of his participation in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme.

He said: “Having identified an over exposure in the UK automotive market, we

“Not only has British manufacturing maintained its reputation for quality in Europe, but having looked at other markets, the cost of research and due diligence was extremely high when compared to carrying out our own more qualified research in Europe. We were also concerned about the time lapse between the set up process and actually selling products into nonEuropean markets.“ realised that there was significant potential for repeating our core business in a range of European markets.

“So, when the opportunity to form a joint venture in Sweden arose, we decided to go for it. The capital risk was low and the opportunity was high.

“Finding the right local partners was crucial, so we chose to work with organisations that we already knew. In Germany, our partners put us in touch with local inward invest teams who assisted in finding everything from property through to people and licences – and all for free.”

With its high cost of living, Sweden might not seem to be the ideal location for setting up operations, but for AI, it has proven a great place to start a business.

Jim said: “Sweden has a solid business culture and entrepreneurial spirit.

Furthermore, the automotive industry is one of the country’s most successful growth sectors.

“Our enterprise in Gothenburg provides products for the Scandinavian market, as well as a place where we can transfer and warehouse products for the local market in

addition to our UK and German businesses.

“We found that our products would sell if we were actually in place in the local market with a manufacturing and warehouse base.”

The Swedish site now supports AI’s UK site by taking on work that had previously been placed with a German supplier, as well as developing a customer base in and around Scandinavia. AI also has more than £3 million of business to place in the German site by the middle of 2014.

Jim said: “We have yet to encounter any problems in Germany, mainly due to learning from our experience setting up in Sweden. I think that the next site, and there will be another, will be much easier again.”

Automotive Insulations Ltd was established in 1966. The company design, develop and manufacture acoustic and thermal insulation products for a wide range of manufacturers in the automotive and marine industries. It makes acoustic absorbers using new technology for Range Rover’s award winning SUV, the Evoque and also works with Bentley and Jaguar. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Business Direct: Business Services

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Business Direct: Finance

In our last article, we looked at the ‘return to work’ after the summer break – did it happen?

Well, yes it did. Enquiry levels are up, finance is still being sought and most importantly, the ability to get deals done continues to increase. New entrants continue to flock into the P2P marketplace with various web based offerings emerging. Businesses continue to seek finance and banks continue to either take a long time approving it or alternatively say no altogether.

Peter Everitt of Powerkut (front) with (left to right) Adam Smith of RBS, Ludgate Finance Director Richard Mason and Phil Ewing, Director of Accountants and business planners Harrison Beale & Owen assisted Coventry based Powerkut to successfully expand out of rented accommodation and buy two new bases including a state-of-the-art headquarters in Coventry. The expansion was put in motion after the firm successfully negotiated a major investment with RBS as well as securing funds from peer to peer network ThinCats, organised by Ludgate Finance.

To bring some context to the situation, it is also fair to say that a couple of P2P lenders have sunk without trace. What some seem to forget is that you need two things, funds to lend and a business wanting to borrow them – one recent failure went for the big opening deal but attracted very little support from the lender community - the lesson being to start small and build rather than trying to make a big splash.

Talking of lenders, rarely a week goes by without the press having another session of bank bashing. In recent months the shortcomings of Co-op and the RBS GRG business have both highlighted challenges in the sector. What does appear to be missed though is the opportunities – there is a saying that you cant change history, only learn from the mistakes made.

Some are calling for restitution – I don’t think that is easy in the circumstances and no doubt scapegoats will be found for the recent issues – there will undoubtedly be more.

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Looking forward, the P2P market continues to grow. I was part of a panel answering questions at a recent P2P conference – the question was asked about whether this is a bubble or is there longevity in the marketplace. I think the failure of banks to satisfy the requirements of both savers (no capital growth) and borrowers (no funds available) has led to the return of the ‘double coincidence of wants’ to use an economic term, hence the emergence of the P2P sector.

With the Government now regulating the sector in 2014, this indicates an acceptance of the marketplace – the Government often seeks to ‘help’ by imposing certain legislative requirements – having seen the draft proposals, it is clear that they don’t understand it and as ever, regulation seeks to catch up rather than break new ground the innovators will no doubt find ways round different issues whilst the legislators are left behind trying to work out how to deal with the challenges of a dynamic marketplace.

So what of the final quarter of the year?

Traditionally this has been a strong quarter for finance companies and this year is no exception. I have never worked out why we need to get deals done for Christmas (none of them involve presents) but is a time which people focus on resulting in lots of activity.

It is also conference season and as we undertake a round of conferences that we first visited last year, it is clear that the P2P message is spreading. Accountancy firms are much more in tune with the finance marketplace and recognise the space that P2P finance fills – whilst there was some scepticism to start with , once proof of concept and evidence of capability have been delivered, then deal flow often improves and recent levels of enquiries support that view.

With the advent of regulation in 2014, there is no doubt that the sector is going to change significantly in the next 12 months.

Whether it changes for the better is a different matter. Ironically, it seems that even the banks are recognising the

capability of P2P, we have had numerous introductions from banks where they have recognised that we can get a deal done whilst they keep a client who is happy – invariably we are quicker in delivering what the client needs and some banks are even talking about investing in the sector – which would indicate their acceptance that it is here to stay!

Birmingham and Coventry: 0845 071 0854 Wolverhampton: 01902 482 456 info@ludgatefinance.co.uk www.ludgatefinance.co.uk

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Business Direct: Business Services

Kite Packaging Invests ÂŁ3.5 Million in Branch Expansion

The growing Coventry site has sparked a recruitment drive which will double the telesales team Kite Packaging Group, the premium UK packaging supplier, has recently announced a huge investment in to its Coventry site. The ÂŁ3.5 million deal has meant that the branch will expand from 69,000 sq. ft to 179,000 sq. ft - more than doubling the site that is home to KES (Kite Environmental Solutions), Kite Online, Midlands Sales, Telesales, Accounts, IT and HR departments.

The investment is a huge milestone for the company, who are based in Torrington Avenue in Tile Hill, Coventry and have six other branches across the UK including Sheffield, Swindon, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Wantage and Harlow. The expansion has meant Kite now own the address next door to its current operation, the Alliance

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Trading Estate. The ownership of this estate is big news for the company who have been based in the Torrington Avenue building since 2007.

The expansion is part of significant growth for the packaging company, where, as an employee-owned business, Kite has generated shareholder investment that has been regenerated back in to the business. Building work has already begun

inside one unit, which will be completely stripped back and refurbished in to modern office spaces and a second warehouse space for the Kite team. The warehouse space in particular will mean a more efficient packing and delivery operation from the company, who already offer free standard delivery on all online products, full service solutions such as JIT for branch customers and a next day delivery option on its website.

The growth will also create a host of new job opportunities for the Midlands area, and already Kite Packaging has a recruitment drive underway, actively looking for staff to join its Telesales division.

Kite Telesales began operation in February 2012 and has generated more than 2,000 new customer accounts in this year alone for the business; it has also become the heart of customer relationships and regularly receives positive feedback from happy customers.

Kite Packaging is looking to double this team by the end of January 2014, and interest in the roles, which offer a competitive salary and commission package, looks to be incredibly high. Kite is looking for enthusiastic, experienced sales personnel that have a passion for telesales and second-to-none customer service skills. Individuals looking to apply for the role should contact Christina Maher at cmaher@kitepackaging.co.uk.

The business is also looking for star sale representatives, warehouse operatives, a website programmer, business development executives, admin roles and a class one truck driver.

For more information about Kite Packaging, including access to goods and services and job vacancies please visit: www.kitepackaging.co.uk

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Business Direct: Commercial Property Birmingham Office Victoria House 114-116 Colmore Row Birmingham B3 3BD

Coventry Office 7 Osbourne House Queen Victoria Road Coventry CV1 3JD

T: 0121 366 9223

T: 024 7623 2970 F: 024 7625 1984

Bannerbrook Local Centre, Phase II Land, Gramercy Park, Banner Lane, Coventry, CV4 9AE Last remaining development plot available freehold + Design and Build occupational solutions considered + 0.258 acres total (0.104 hectares) + Planning exists for Doctors Surgery / Children’s Day Nursery + Other uses possible subject to planning

17 Mercia Business Village, Torwood Close, Westwood Business Park, Coventry, CV4 8HX Offices to Let 1,277 sq ft (118.58 sq m) NIA + Popular business park location + Flexible terms available + 4 car parking spaces + Close to University of Warwick

Sutherland House, Matlock Road, Coventry, CV1 4JQ Office Suites to Let 831 to 10,173 sq ft (77 to 645.10 sq m) NIA + Landmark, well managed secure office building with ample designated car parking + Impressive ‘front of house’ reception, cafeteria and meeting rooms + Highly competitive rents and terms + On site concierge, 24 hour security and access and control to the building

Ernesford Grange, Willenhall, Coventry, CV3 2JU Offices to Let 1,182 sq ft (109.00 sq m) NIA + First floor self-contained office suite + Fully refurbished including WC’s and kitchen area + Ample car parking spaces available + Additional storage suite by separate negotiation

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www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Business Direct: Commercial Property

Unit 1, 2A & 2B Daimler Close, Royal Oak Industrial Estate, Daventry, NN1 8QJ Industrial/Warehouse Premises for Sale 10,696 to 44,192 qs ft (993.72 to 4,105.65 sq m) GIA + Three units available + Excellent large yard/car park area + Extensively refurbished internally and externally + Popular industrial area Also available with prop-search.com (Richard Baker, 01604 492000 or richardbaker@prop-search.com)

Millers Road, Warwick, CV34 5AE Industrial/Warehouse Premises to Let 14,344 sq ft (1,333 sq m) GIA + Regular square shaped unit + Working height 4.70m + Frontage yard + Available on new lease

Unit 1 Crondal Road, Exhall, Coventry, CV7 9NH Industrial/Warehouse Premises for Sale/to Let 10,847 sq ft (1,007.70 sq m) GIA + Secure property on popular industrial estate close to junction 3, M6 + Working height to eaves 4.75m + Includes mezzanine with office space + Yard with extra storage unit to the rear

+ We do deals Offices + + + +

SP+M have transacted circa 200,000 square foot in 2012/2013 Deals include an increasing number of acquisitions which reflects improvement in demand There has been an increase in lettings by 10% due to fewer buildings being available to buy SP+M have let or sold the most office space within Coventry and a 10 mile radius, in the last 365 days

Industrial + + + + +

SP+M have sold or let in excess of 150,000 sq ft since April 2013 Average property sizes on deals done are up by circa 19% on last year Freehold sales are up by circa 11% whilst leasehold deals remain prominent in the market SP+M project total deals to increase by 28% for the end of March 14 We are 1st on the CoStar Industrial Transactions Leaderboard

Source : FOCUS Disclaimer: As at December 2013 with transactions recorded within a 10 mile radius of Coventry. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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Business Direct: Business Services

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Business Direct: Business Support

The advantages of taking advice?

Eliminating bad debt risk It’s all about risk assessment; identifying the signs of a potential bad debt before it becomes a threat to your cashflow. Once a potential risk has been identified its then essential to have the systems in place so that debt is chased in quickly and that everyone from the sales team through all to departments are aware that that customer is on ‘stop’. If in identifying the risk you find a loophole in your system make sure you plug it! One should always learn from ones experience, the bad experiences are often more memorable and sobering!

This is the advice of Paul Miles Rogers, who has seen since the mid-1990’s many worst case scenarios where businesses close as a result of bad debt. Paul said “The signs of a bad debt can be subtle or obvious; we have all heard the phrase ‘the cheque is in the post’, the less subtle are for example changes in customer buying patterns. Such changes may be due to that customer getting into financial difficulties.

When that customer has poor cashflow they either buy only what is essential or they place a huge order for fear they will shortly be put ‘on stop’. I am a firm believer that everyone in a business should be enlightened to identifying the signs of a potential bad debt. So from the sales team seeing people face to face, educating your entire workforce to report their observations of your client’s is an essential risk assessment. It’s in your employees’ interests if they want their jobs to be risk free. So what if your employee reports an observed risk in one of your customers.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

The appropriate course of action is for your credit controller to check out the current credit worthiness of that customer.

All too often I have seen suppliers extend credit to customers, when I am fairly sure they will have observed the signs of trouble. Then the supplier doesn’t get paid and sometime later that company enters into liquidation which then puts the supplier in a vulnerable position.” As a partner at Bottomley & Co licensed Insolvency Practitioners Paul Miles Rogers has seen the consequences of when a bad debt becomes an insolvent one. The prospects of recovery from an insolvency have been published by Bottomley & Co in their publication Liquid News™; the prospects of repayment in full is very rare.

Paul has become an increasingly prolific writer on how to avoid bad debt and how to chase in debt, these can be found at www.liquidnews.info. So to reduce risk it is advantageous for everyone in business to take advice.

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News

Florist Zoe named Best in the UK at The Skills Show

Zoe Rowlinson.

“I was over the moon and completely surprised when my name was called out as the gold medal winner – and my family were really proud and happy for me.”

Florist Zoe Rowlinson, 19, from Warwickshire College, has been named the ‘Best in the UK’ in floristry after winning Gold at the WorldSkills UK National Competitions at The Skills Show 2013.

WorldSkills UK Competitions inspire young people and adults to be ambitious in their pursuit of skills to the highest level.

The competitions are the highlight of The Skills Show, the UK’s largest skills and careers event, which took place at the NEC Birmingham.

More than 800 of the UK’s most talented apprentices and learners battled it out in 70 competitions ranging from Floristry to Mechanical Engineering to be named the ‘best in the UK’ in their chosen skill.

Floristry Level 3 student, Zoe, won a regional heat to claim her place in the final, where she had to demonstrate a range of skills over three days of competition, including knowledge of principles of design and colour harmony, originality, wiring and wiring techniques.

As well as studying at Warwickshire College’s Moreton Morrell centre, Zoe, who is from Bicester, also works at The Garden florist in Oxford’s famous Covered Market.

Zoe said: “I was nervous in the lead up to the competition but also excited to see the flowers and sundries for creating our pieces. I was over the moon and completely surprised when my name was called out as the gold medal winner – and my family were really proud and happy for me.

Fund fuels private sector investment boosting West Midlands economies and jobs Latest figures show how targeted government public funds have been used to attract triple the amount of private sector investment, Communities Minister Kris Hopkins announced as he praised the role of local leaders in turning around local economies.

The Minister used the latest figures from the Government’s Growing Places Fund, which reveal that £650million of Government funding has secured a further £2.6billion of extra investment with £1.8billion from private sector partners, to show the strides local economies are now making.

That investment is funding 305 local projects across the country which the partnerships believe will create up to 77,000 new homes, 5.3 million square metres of retail, industrial and office floor space, 217,000 jobs and 5,300 businesses.

Local Enterprise Partnerships in the West Midlands used £66million of Growing Places Fund to bring almost four times that amount in private sector investment – nearly £230million - as well as an extra £66million in public sector funds. The money is being used to fund 54 projects, build 2,600 houses and create 1.2 million square metres of commercial floorspace to attract new business and boost local jobs.

For instance Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership is using a grant of £230,000 from their Growing Places Fund to unlock £1.4million in private sector investment to support the Expert Tooling and Automation Project.

The project involves the acquisition of a freehold on new 929 square metres of industrial premises and the purchase of additional manufacturing equipment. The project will enable the business to develop new advanced manufacturing technologies, enabling the business to access new markets in the automotive and aerospace sectors. It will lead to the creation of 21 new jobs and the safeguarding of 10 existing jobs. The project is expected to be completed in December 2015.

Kris Hopkins said: “I believe that local economies should be led locally, with a focus on bringing private sector investment right across the country. That’s why we gave local enterprise partnerships not just the money but the powers to end their dependency on Whitehall and drive their own economies.”

Company launches design consultancy

Hogan’s Cider teams up with Pukhraj to satisfy spicy palates!

A new engineering design consultancy called Pevotech has been launched to offer bespoke solutions to a range of vehicle manufacturers across several different sectors.

Pevotech is the brainchild of Pailton Engineering, the global leader in the design and manufacture of steering systems, and an award-winning company based in Coventry, UK. With a reputation for flexibility, short lead times and engineering excellence Pailton has won a roll call of blue chip customers in the bus, truck, public service and military sectors.

Many of these have very exacting requirements and over the years Pailton has developed considerable expertise in working closely with its customers, often from the design stage.

Now Pevotech is taking that approach to the next level by offering a full technical service right through from the initial design concept to product validation, projectmanaging production along the way.

Pevotech is the brainchild of Pailton Engineering, the global leader in the design and manufacture of steering systems, and an award-winning company based in Coventry, UK. 40

“When Suresh approached me about cider making I really liked his enthusiasm...”

Allen Hogan, the award-winning Warwickshire based cider maker, has teamed up with a local entrepreneur to create a cider blended to compliment Indian cuisine.

Suresh Patel, founder of Pukhraj Cider, saw a gap in the market when he visited his local Indian Restaurant and wanted a cider to accompany his curry.

He said: “I was offered a huge selection of Indian beers to compliment my meal Cobra, Tiger, Kingfisher - what I really wanted was a good quality cider.

“Given the continued growth in popularity of cider and the complimentary nature of cider with spicy food it seemed crazy that I couldn’t find what I wanted. I couldn’t believe I was alone in this and after some market research confirmed not only was there a gap in the market for such a product but also that cider is the perfect accompaniment to spicy Indian dishes.”

After much research into local ciders Suresh found Hogan’s Cider and began discussions with Allen about creating a cider for the Indian restaurant market.

Allen said: “When Suresh approached me about cider making I really liked his enthusiasm and saw, as he did, a gap in the market. At Hogan’s Cider we don’t know the Indian Restaurant market but we do understand cider, and that is why we decided to team up with Suresh to blend a cider specifically for this market.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Luca picks up prize at Student of the Year awards

Luca with the Warwickshire College executive team.

Warwickshire College student Luca Frondella, 19, is celebrating after scooping second place at the national Association of Colleges Student of the Year award.

The award seeks to celebrate the successes of college students from across the country and places particular emphasis on students whose academic, vocational or extra-curricular achievements are truly remarkable and deserve recognition on a national stage. It was presented at the AoC’s annual conference gala dinner at the ICC in Birmingham.

The teenager, who studied 3D Design at the college, was one of only three finalists in the awards, and he picked up the award and a £650 prize.

Luca, from Leamington, overcame dyslexia to become a D*D*D* student (the

highest grade possible in the BTEC extended diploma) and is now at Coventry University studying a BA/MDes in Product Design.

Luca said: “Dyslexia really held me back at school because it’s a different way of learning, but at college – and now university – I’ve found it helps me to be creative in a way, because I have to look for ways to solve problems.”

Mariane Cavalli, Principal and CEO of Warwickshire College, said, “We are absolutely delighted and extremely proud with Luca’s success in winning second place in the AoC Student of the Year awards. His achievements have been spectacular - getting the highest grade possible in his qualification, while at the same time impressing industry experts with his product designs and gaining experience working on live projects.”

Energy company expands offer

Chris Davidson.

GI Energy, the UK market leader in the design and installation of Ground Source Energy Systems for heating and cooling in the UK, is extending its portfolio to offer customers complete energy solutions.

The company which pioneered the use of Ground Source Energy Systems in the UK will utilise a range of extra technologies to offer customers bespoke energy solutions to maximise cost and carbon savings.

These will include Combined Heat and Power; air source heat pumps, demand reduction, power conditioning, solar photovoltaic and thermal and biomass in www.cw-chamber.co.uk

addition to Ground Source Energy Systems.

Chris Davidson, Development Director of GI Energy, said: “This is an exciting new development for GI Energy which has already demonstrated that it has the capability to deliver comprehensive and leading sustainable energy solutions.

“Our installation at Mansfield Hospital is the largest of its kind anywhere in the world and our systems have been proven to be far more efficient than conventional central heating and air conditioning.

“At the new Oxford Earth Sciences building at Oxford University, for example, 3.6 kilowatts of heating and 4.7 kilowatts of cooling are produced for every kilowatt of power required to run the Ground Source Energy System.”

“Our installation at Mansfield Hospital is the largest of its kind anywhere in the world...”

Move will help fledgling business to thrive A fledgling digital marketing and social media agency is helping businesses to thrive online from its new hub at the University of Warwick Science Park.

Media Beard, which offers social media and digital marketing support, has expanded into Ignite space at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Warwick Innovation Centre on Gallows Hill.

Leamington woman Sarah Law initially launched the company from her home in December 2012 after identifying a growing market across the Midlands.

With previous experience as a marketing manager the 25-year-old helps companies to increase their online brand positioning including social media platform set up, search engine optimisation (SEO), content writing, and community management.

Media Beard currently works with a range of clients across the education, music and e-commerce sectors to deliver creative digital marketing solutions.

Sarah said: “It is fantastic that I have been able to turn something I love into a career. I really wanted take on more responsibility and launching Media Beard has allowed me to be really creative.

“The name Media Beard was inspired by the bearded bohemian media types that work in an area of London called Tech City.

It is quite ironic as I am probably the opposite of what you would associate with a typical social media wiz but the name has definitely made the business stand out.

“I’m hoping that our move to Ignite space at the Warwick Innovation Centre will help take the company to the next level.

“I have already welcomed Kaitlyn Rikkers to the team, who is helping to look after SEO, branding and social media and within the next year I am looking to add an additional three members to the team.”

Media Beard has already taken advantage of a range of networking opportunities across the online marketing sector and recently attended Social Media Week in Chicago.

Karen Aston, manager at Warwick Innovation Centre said Media Beard fits the creative ethos of the science park.

“We are delighted to welcome Media Beard to the Innovation Centre and we are certain that they will be able to benefit from the advice and support available through the Ignite programme,” she said.

From left to right: Tom Blount (University of Warwick Science Park), Sarah Law (founder and CEO at Media Beard), Karen Aston (University of Warwick Science Park) and Kaitlyn Rikkers (brand and business development manager at Media Beard)

Private sector ‘must do more’ says report The private sector must do more to help strong, smaller British businesses to develop or accelerate their plans for growth if the UK is to achieve a sustainable economic recovery, according to a new report published by Dods and sponsored by Santander UK. Growth Britain: Unlocking the potential of our SMEs highlights that the banks and other private sector institutions need to support small businesses in five key areas – encouraging exports; access to the appropriate kind of finance; the guidance and support available in the market; access to the right skills; and the tax and regulatory environment. This follows a fivemonth research project which brought together the views of SMEs from across the country with those of policymakers from the three main national parties.

Among the key recommendations in the report are for banks to do more to raise awareness of, and increase confidence in, the sources of alternative finance that exist in the market; and for the private sector to do more to help SMEs reach new export markets.

Steve Pateman, Head of UK Banking at Santander UK, said: “While Government interventions in the SME sector are generally to be welcome, this report puts the emphasis back onto the private sector to find market-based solutions.

“Santander UK understands the importance of using our networks and our knowledge to help customers realise their business ambition. Whether this is by using our knowledge of emerging markets to help customers make the first steps to exporting, or whether it is using our local networks to refer a business on to an alternative finance provider, this is exactly the kind of support which the SME market needs to flourish” The report also makes recommendations for actions the Government can take to remove some of the barriers which might be holding back SME growth potential.

These include ensuring trade services are permitted inside the ring-fence under the Banking Reform Bill; simplifying the tax system for SMEs; and examining further ways to make the procurement process more applicable to smaller firms, including means of reducing the cost of compliance.

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News

Manufacturing growth welcomed Company’s success comes A rise in manufacturing output has been welcomed in Coventry and Warwickshire but business leaders say even more has to be done to rebalance the economy.

Manufacturing output rose by 1.2 per cent between August and September and there was only a modest 0.1 per cent jump compared with the same time last year.

Louise Bennett, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said that the city and the county had made great strides in enhancing its manufacturing and engineering base but more work needed to be done.

She said: “We knew, after the recession, that there had to be a strong focus on growing our manufacturing and engineering sector but we also knew that rebalancing wouldn’t happen overnight.

“You only have to look around the region to see that excellent progress has been made and the success of everyone from the likes of Jaguar Land Rover to smaller, niche manufacturers bodes extremely well.

“These figures reflect the national picture and show that the economy is moving forward when it comes to manufacturing and engineering but now is the time to redouble our efforts.

“The Chamber’s Manufacturing and Engineering Network here in Coventry and

Warwickshire brought together leading organisations such as MAS, EEF, UKTI and the LEP to make sure companies of all sizes can access support and guidance.

“That network meet regularly and continue to provide regular masterclasses and manufacturers and engineering companies in our region are welcome to join us to find out more about all the support that is out there, whether it’s trading overseas, skills, accessing finance, assistance in expanding – or any other help that is required – this group has such a diverse range of expertise, it is the perfect place to begin.”

For more information on the Chamber’s support for manufacturing and engineering, contact Angela Tellyn on 024 7665 4371.

“We knew, after the recession, that there had to be a strong focus on growing our manufacturing and engineering sector but we also knew that rebalancing wouldn’t happen overnight.”

Hotel gets is skates on for sports sponsorship deal A leading Warwickshire hotel is putting its skates on to support another of the region’s sporting teams.

Coombe Abbey hotel, on the outskirts of Coventry, has just signed up to sponsor the city’s ice hockey champions, Coventry Blaze.

The former Cistercian Abbey, which already supports Coventry Rugby Club and Nuneaton Town Football Club, will now serve as Away Team Penalty Box Sponsor at the Skydome Arena, Croft Road, where the four time Elite League winners play their home games.

The hotel’s owner, No Ordinary Hotels, has also announced it will be running a number of special offers for Blaze supporters during the 2013/2014 season, starting with a 10 per cent discount on Christmas events.

Ron Terry, General Manager at Coombe Abbey hotel, said: “Coombe Abbey hotel has received a lot of support from the Warwickshire community over the years and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to give something back by supporting several of the region’s sporting teams.

“Coventry Blaze have been flying the flag for the region at the highest level for many years and have brought much success to the area. We wish the team continued success in the months and years to come.”

Coombe Abbey hotel, which sits within 500 acres of historic parkland, boasts 119 individually-decorated bedrooms, as well as a restaurant and a variety of function rooms, including a recently erected 300-seat marquee.

As part of its sponsorship deal with Coventry Blaze the hotel will receive a

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Coventry Blaze players Ross Venus (left) and Kenny Kallstrom (right) with Coombe Abbey’s Director of Sales, June Picken and General Manager, Ron Terry.

variety of benefits, including advertising online, in the Blaze’s monthly magazine and at the Skydome Arena.

In return, it will be running a number of offers and discounts exclusively for Blaze supporters, more details of which can be found by searching for Coventry Blaze on Facebook or Twitter.

Sarah Hancock, Marketing Manager for Coventry Blaze, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Coombe Abbey. We like to think that we are both well known for being an integral part of the area so it seemed a very natural thing for us to work together.

“Coombe Abbey is an extraordinary venue and we hope that our players and supporters will have the opportunity to enjoy their unique events and facilities during the year.”

More details about Coventry Blaze can be found at www.coventryblaze.co.uk

with words of warning

Mask-arade’s Directors (L-R) Chris O’Nyan, Ray Duffy and Dean Walton, with new products.

Warwickshire company Mask-arade has reported another excellent year.

The business only moved into its new distribution centre, Nelson Mandela House, in September, and the building is already bursting at the seams.

In the run up to Christmas, additional staff were recruited to cope with demand with the team working around the clock to ensure that every order was despatched on time.

Mask-arade is achieving strong sales with its officially licensed pop acts; One Direction, Little Mix and Union J party masks and standees have been among the top sellers this season.

The business has recently secured more of the UK’s most sought after licenses, including Wallace & Gromit and Shaun The Sheep from Aardman Animations, characters from adult comic Viz, as well as WWE and the successful TV series Breaking Bad with Sony Pictures.

It has also taken the English Premier League by storm with the ‘Changing the Face of Football’ campaign and now has the image rights for leading players from Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea to add to the portfolio.

Licensing Director Ray Duffy said: “It’s been another fantastic year. Not only have we managed to tie down licenses for some of the biggest names in the world of sport and music but we have also become an official supplier to top TV show X-Factor.“ However, he had words of warning to retailers looking to stock up with these top brand names.

Ray said: “I would encourage all shop owners to ensure they sell only officially licensed products.

“We have encountered a lot of unofficial, copycat companies infiltrating the market, selling inferior masks and cut-outs. This practice is illegal and we have heard of large penalties being incurred by retailers.”

Mask-arade already has distributors in several European countries and in 2014 is looking to develop further partnerships across the continent when the company exhibits for the first time at The Nuremberg Toy Fair in February.

Swedish firm’s arrival a landmark for technology park MIRA Technology Park, the 1.75 million sq ft technology park near Hinckley, reached another major milestone in its development as it announced the latest international business to be based at the site.

Swedish firm Haldex – which develops and provides reliable and innovative solutions that improve safety, vehicle dynamics, and environmental sustainability in the global commercial vehicle industry – will create its new European Technical Centre in the first bespoke facility to be created at MIRA Technology Park.

The creation of the 25,500 sq ft Technical Centre, which will enable Haldex to undertake research and development for their global products, will include laboratory facilities and allow Haldex engineers direct access to MIRA’s test facilities and its engineering expertise.

The announcement is a key landmark in the first phase of the £300 million technology park development, which was granted Enterprise Zone status in 2011.

George Gillespie, CEO at MIRA Ltd, said: “MIRA Technology Park has been purposely created to offer international businesses the ideal location for their European research and development operations and having made significant progress in the last 18 months with the successful completion of phase one of the development. We believe Haldex, who are making a substantial investment into MIRA Technology Park, really are placing themselves at the very heart of Europe’s automotive research and development community.”

Government minister Eric Pickles celebrates the arrival of Haldex.

“The relocation of our European R&D Centre to MIRA Technology Park will allow us to expand our engineering capabilities...”

Bo Annvik, President and CEO at Haldex, said: “The relocation of our European R&D Centre to MIRA Technology Park will allow us to expand our engineering capabilities and benefit from integrating at one site our world class design and development resources with the multiple test track facilities at MIRA. We look forward to be a part of the MIRA community, and we believe that this initiative will be a key strategic step in supporting our development that will benefit both Haldex and our customers.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Events & Training

Events Wednesday 15th January

Friday 31st January

Wednesday 22nd January

New Year Networking

4:00pm-6:00pm Pure Offices, Tachbrook Park, 36 Plato Close, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV34 6WE Begin your New Year with a bang by attending our first networking event of the year! Located at Pure Offices, a new contemporary business centre situated in Leamington Spa. Networking is one of the most effective ways to promote your business, and the tried and tested method of face-to- face communication is always a perfect opportunity to meet new business contacts! Finish your working day by coming along to this informal event at Pure Offices- get ready to network!

New Year Networking

Meet your Chamber

4:00pm-6:00pm Coventry & North Warwickshire Sports Club Binley Road, Coventry, CV3 1HB Set your New Year off to a positive start by meeting with local representatives in a relaxed environment. Build new contacts through networking, which is one of the most effective ways to promote your business! Coventry & North Warwickshire Sports Club is a perfect place for networking, providing an informal environment, in a popular location for nearby businesses! This event will give you the opportunity to take part in some Speed Networking along with the chance to host your own promotional stand.

To find out more, please contact us at events@cwchamber.co.uk

12:00pm-2:00pm Twycross Zoo, Burton Road, Atherstone CV9 3PX This Event will give you the opportunity to hear from a Chamber representative on the services and benefits Chamber membership can offer! Network with other likeminded business representatives from across the region in an excellent environment. Speak to representatives from our service providers, together with Chamber staff who will be on hand to offer you advice on getting the most out of your membership. Come along and learn more about all the initiatives available to help and support 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

CWT TRAINING DATES 2013 January

Telesales - Getting Results

Full Day

8

Microsoft Excel - Basic to Intermediate

Full Day

9

Managing Change in the Workplace

Full Day

16

Training Coaching & Mentoring

Full Day

23

3 Full Days

28

Customer Service Essentials

Full Day

29

Communicating Assertively

Full Day

30

Microsoft Excel- Intermediate to Advanced

Full Day

6

Business Email Writing

Half Day

12

Effective Communication

Half Day-am

13

Briefing the Team

Half Day-pm

13

2 Full Days

18, 25

Planning & Monitoring the Teams Work

Half Day-am

20

Managing Difficult Customers

Half Day-pm

20

Full Day

21

Inward and Outward Processing Relief NEW

Half Day-am

21

Understanding Workplace Behaviours

Half Day-am

27

Understanding Discipline & Grievance Procedures

Half Day-pm

27

First Aid at Work (Accreditation for First Aiders)

Strategic Business Planning

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

March

Duration

February

Friday 28th February

10:00am-3:00pm Ricoh Arena, Phoenix Way, Coventry, CV6 6GE 4, 11

14

Microsoft Excel Advanced Plus NEW

Full Day

4

Google Analytics NEW

Full Day

5

Developing a Team

Half Day-am

6

Motivating the Team

Half Day-pm

6

Emergency First Aid in the Workplace (EFAW) HSE Approved

Full Day

7

Professional Telephone Techniques

Full Day

11

Maximising Team Potential

Half Day-am

13

Making Business Decisions

Half day-pm

13

Marketing Today

Full Day

18

Health & Safety in the Workplace (CIEH Accredited Level 2 Award)

Full Day

21

Understanding Export and Import Procedures

Full Day

25

3 Full Days

26

Full Day

27

Train the Trainer (Level 3 Award in Training Skills & Practice) Appraising People & Performance www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Business & Trade Expo

After the success of our Business & Trade Expo in June 2013, we are pleased to confirm the details for our next event!

Coventry & Warwickshire’s Chamber of Commerce free Business & Trade Expo is the perfect opportunity to meet new business contacts and promote your business! Our Expo attracts a wide variety of businesses, where you get the chance to network and attend business seminars which run throughout the day. (Seminar Information to follow) Exhibition stand information- Standard Stand with Pop Up Banner Member Cost - £95 + VAT Non Members £200 + VAT Electricity will be priced at £25 per stand (on a first come, first served basis) Please contact us directly for any larger banner stand requirements If you wish to promote your business at our Expo, please email events@cwchamber.co.uk Further to last years feedback from the event, more space will be allocated for the business stands.

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President & People

Putting faith in the young

Claire Stacey-Connor, who has been promoted at Baldwins accountants.

Peter Burns MBE

Here’s to a prosperous 2014 Happy New Year and, after the tough challenges of 2013, I hope that all our businesses enjoy a prosperous 2014.

Many businesses in this area are already showing that good growth is possible and my particular focus as President will be to champion the prosperity of Coventry and the towns across Warwickshire as we build on that foundation.

Indeed, it was good to hear the Chancellor take an element of that message on board when he delivered his Autumn Statement just before Christmas, in which he said he wants town centres to be vibrant places to live and to do business. That chimes with our philosophy.

I wish to commend to you the great work done by our Branch Committees as the Chamber supports the drive towards prosperity.

We have five Chamber-led branch committees across our sub-region, Coventry, Mid Warks, North Warks, South Warks and Rugby, and they do huge amounts of work to promulgate the voice of business.

It is my intention during my Presidential years to visit all of the branches and meet local members.

I would like to take the opportunity to identify for you the branch chairs who are leading the work - Sandra Garlick, Coventry; Larry Coltman, South Warks; Sophie Howe, Mid Warks; Jim Griffin, Rugby and Paul Carvell, North Warks.

A big thank you also goes to a couple of eminent business leaders who recently stood down from branch duties, Simon Leech, Rugby, and Dhiran Vagdir, Coventry.

I also wish to highlight to you our new Incoming Vice President, Paul Carvell, of Stewart Fletcher Barratt Accountants, who runs a successful local practice based both in North Warks and Coventry.

Finally, a huge congratulations to Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce for being one of the finalists in the 2013 Chamber of The Year Awards.

Just as exciting, congratulations go to Peter O’Brien, of O’Brien Contractors, who won the British Chambers National Business of The Year Award with prize monies of £25,000. Well done - a real coup for one of our local Members.

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An accountancy firm is putting the ethos of its major new campaign for young entrepreneurs into action by appointing its youngest female partner.

Claire Stacey-Connor, aged 28, has taken up her new position in the Leamington office of Baldwins accountants.

Her promotion comes hot-on-the-heels of the Baldwins Kick-Start programme which will see the firm give away £300,000 over the next decade to 30 aspiring young entrepreneurs across the Midlands.

Claire joined Baldwins’ former Nuneaton office as a trainee accountant after leaving John Cleveland College in Hinckley in 2002.

She passed her Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) exams before progressing onto the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ACA) qualification, to become

a fully-qualified member in 2010, before moving to the Coventry office in Binley Road, Binley, last April and her client portfolio has continued to grow.

Claire, who lives in Hinckley, said: “The promotion of young people fits in with Baldwins’ support of young entrepreneurs who will be able to realise their aspirations through our Kick Start scheme.

“I have been able to achieve my career ambitions after joining Baldwins from college as an 18-year-old by passing my accountancy exams and working hard to work my way through the company.

“One of the key skills that I think has helped me gain this promotion is the strong relationships that I have built with colleagues, existing clients and prospects and that won’t change in my new role.”

She will be the third partner at Baldwins’ premises in Waterloo Place, Leamington, along with Kevin Brevitt and Roger Tay. “I am looking forward to starting my new role as a partner in Leamington,” Claire said. “It will be a new challenge and it is a chance to get involved in the local business community by attending networking events.

“I will also be maintaining some of my clients and looking at the growth potential for Baldwins in and around Leamington as well as assessing the systems and procedures we have in place as a company.

“It is an exciting time and I can’t wait to get started.”

New challenge for Nauris A UK and European distribution specialist in Rugby has announced the expansion of its workforce to coincide with the nationwide Export Week campaign.

Exact Logistics on the Dunchurch Trading Estate has recruited Nauris Janulis to work as traffic supervisor.

The graduate from the Technical University of Riga in Latvia, who speaks Latvian, English, Russian and German, will also be working alongside academics at Coventry University as part of the Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise Network (KEEN) to develop Mobile Proof of Delivery and Driver Briefing programmes.

Adam Shuter, managing director of Exact Logistics, said: “Nauris also has experience of international transport and a degree in logistics and his work with Coventry University is the start of a partnership which we believe will be hugely beneficial.

“Nauris will be working on Mobile Proof of Delivery which means Exact Logistics knows within minutes that goods have arrived at their destination and Driver Briefing will ensure drivers are able to deliver the highest levels of service to both senders and receivers. “ Nauris’ employment means Chris Bennett has been promoted to business process improvement manager to help Exact Logistics work more efficiently by reviewing their in-house systems to support the developing business.

“Chris joined Exact Logistics when we started in 2009 and as the business has developed, he has developed as well and he fully deserves this promotion,” Adam said.

“His role is to support the growth of the business going forward to make us run more efficiently and to ensure we continue

to prioritise customer service which is one of the key reasons for our success.”

As part of UKTI’s national Export Week, Exact Logistics has produced a top-ten practical tips factsheet on its website at www.exactlogistics.co.uk based on their exporting experience.

Adam said Export Week was a perfect opportunity to urge other local businesses to consider trading overseas.

He added: “The UKTI provides great support for those dipping their toes into the overseas markets and we are about to start its Export Communications Review to make sure we are communicating effectively with all our customers.”

Agency takes on marketing expert

Tamara Reidford – PR & Marketing Manager and Expert Investigations Logo.

Expert Investigations, a commercial detective agency with a Head Office in Coventry and other office locations in Birmingham, Warwick and London, is continuing to grow.

It has employed Tamara Reidford as PR & Marketing Manager, to build on the continued success of the company and progress opportunities so that Expert Investigations can keep the momentum going.

Company receives commendation Networking Mummies UK Ltd, which has its headquarters in Warwickshire, was recently awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in the Regional HP Smart Business Awards.

They were invited to the glitzy awards ceremony at The Serpentine Gallery in London to find out they had been named second place winners.

These annual awards continue to recognise the best achievements of the UK’s small and medium sized businesses and celebrate their contribution to the UK economy.

Since winning the award, the company has also been given a prize of £3,000 to spend on HP products to help their business grow, along with a mentor.

Networking Mummies UK Ltd was started by two busy mums in 2010, in Bournemouth, who ran their own businesses and realised that there wasn’t enough support for mums who ran their own business or were thinking of starting one.

Now nearly four years later the business is ran by Co-Director and Founder Laura Morris and Co-Director Stacey Calder and has now gone nationwide, with 20 branches.

All the branches are run by branch leaders and provide free networking events, affordable workshops, support, advice and lots more and no membership costs are involved.

Laura said: “We are over the moon to have come ‘Highly Commended’ for these awards. We are so happy to have formed a business connection with HP and are looking forward to working with them in the future.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

President & People

Award ceremony is a family affair Nick joins

accountants

Pictured with the Gary Neville Award are Carol Thomas and Marc Neville with, from left to right, Emma Rowlands, Peter Deeley, Julie Neville, Martin Gallagher (managing director, Deeley Construction) and Ann Thomas.

An annual award in memory of a respected figure within the construction industry has been bestowed upon his son.

The Gary Neville Award was introduced by the Deeley Group to recognise the employee who has demonstrated the most commitment to their role within the company over the previous year.

The fitting tribute, which is voted for by employees, was presented for the first time in 2012 following the untimely death of Gary Neville who had joined the Deeley Group as an apprentice before progressing to become a senior contracts manager.

This year’s award has been shared between Marc Neville and Carol Thomas after they received the same number of votes.

Marc followed in his father’s footsteps in 2006 when he joined the Coventry-based Deeley Group and has since advanced from trainee manager to site engineer.

He said: “I am very proud. It makes me feel there is a bit of dad in me, like I’m a chip off the old block, and that I have got some of his attributes which are remembered in this award.

“I like to think that I get on well with everyone on site and try to help my colleagues as much as I can. It’s nice that it’s the people you work with day to day that vote for the award.

“He would be delighted that I’m sharing it with Carol. The three of us were among of group of employees who completed a 75mile coastal walk for charity in 2011 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Deeley Group.

“As well as knowing Carol from the office, dad also got to know her on a personal level when we did the trek.”

After 40 years in Practice and 25 years with AJA Architects LLP, Mike Blakeman has stood down as Senior Partner Fellow Partners for the last nine years, Simon Poole and Andy Smith will now lead the Practice forward as joint Senior Partners with Martin Lakin joining them in Partnership.

In addition, Keith Fitzsimmons has been promoted to an Associate to further strengthen the senior management team in a re-structured AJA. In order to maintain continuity and aid the smooth transition of the day to day business over the next couple of years, Mike Blakeman will remain as a Consultant.

Carol, a contract administrator, has just celebrated her 20th year with the Deeley Group having joined as an office junior from secondary school.

She said: “I was totally surprised but over the moon to receive the award. I worked with Gary for a long time and it was a great experience when we did the coastal walk together so it really does mean a lot.

“I had some nice comments about my attitude and how I get on well with people at work. Apparently, I don’t complain either but I’m not so sure about that!”

Gary’s wife, Julie, presented Marc and Carol with their trophies and was joined by her daughter, Emma Rowlands, and Carol’s mother, Ann Thomas.

Julie said: “Gary would be so proud of Marc. It was a lovely surprise when I found out and I’m sure his dad would also have been a bit shocked.

“Marc and Carol are both obviously highly thought of by their colleagues and I think it’s great for them to be recognised by those they work with in this way.”

Peter Deeley, managing director of the Deeley Group, said it was the first time that the votes had been tied for the award.

He said: “Carol and Marc received some excellent comments from their colleagues stating their particular willingness to help and support everyone they deal with during the working day.

“Their absolute commitment and natural ability to help people fit into the team shone through. They stood out for going the extra mile for others which was one of Gary’s many fine qualities and so it is very fitting that they should both receive the award to honour his memory.”

Ettington Park Hotel welcomes new Head Chef, Nick Orr AA 4 Red Star Hotel, Ettington Park recently appointed Nick Orr as their new Head Chef. Nick joins Hand Picked Hotels with an impressive CV that all started at Stratford College in 1996.

Apart from gaining experience in Brisbane, Australia, Nick has been based mainly in Warwickshire and the Cotswolds since College.

Nick said: “My passion is for freshness on the plate. Nature gives us some wonderful produce.. My aim is to build on our reputation by creating menus which will surpass my diners expectations.”

Prime Forensic, part of the Prime Chartered Accountants Group have expanded their team of specialist forensic accountants with the appointment of Nick Baker.

Nick joins an already established and highly experienced team of Adrian Pym, Alf Pare, and Ruth Chapman. The team provide dispute resolution services nationally, including expert witness, advisor, expert determination and mediation services.

Adrian Pym, head of Prime Forensic, said: “Nick and I have worked together previously and it’s great to have him back in the team, helping us grow the Prime Forensic offering.”

New recruit for Red Marlin

Leamington Spa-based PR and communications agency Red Marlin is set to go up another gear following the appointment of a new account manager.

Piers Roache is the latest member to join the team at Red Marlin, which specialises in working with clients in the automotive and related sectors. Piers has a background in consumer and business-tobusiness PR, as well as experience of developing traditional and digital marketing communications and trade publications for print. He has previously worked with clients in the home technology, commercial print, housing and oil industries.

New Corporate Tax Partner appointment at Burgis & Bullock

Wende Hubbard. Managing Partner at Burgis & Bullock welcomes Anne Rose as the firm’s Corporate Tax Partner.

Midlands-based Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, Burgis & Bullock has further strengthened its corporate tax expertise with the appointment of new Partner, Anne Rose.

As a Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Tax Adviser, Anne has particular expertise in complex corporation tax issues including acquisitions, disposals, employee share options, Research and Development claims and Patent Box relief and also has considerable experience in tax advisory planning for medium sized companies, including foreign owned subsidiaries.

Anne joins the firm from Ernst & Young, where she had been a Tax Director since 2008 working across the East and West Midlands in Birmingham and Nottingham as well as further afield. With over 20 years experience in corporate tax, her

appointment will enhance the firm’s existing tax capabilities to its wide and varied client base across the UK and overseas.

Wende Hubbard, Managing Partner at Burgis & Bullock said: “Anne joins us from a top tier firm and brings with her an excellent reputation for results driven advice. Anne’s market knowledge and tax experience will make her a significant asset to the firm and we are delighted to have her on board.”

Anne said: “Burgis & Bullock is a forward thinking regional practice that is keen to expand its corporate client base and I am delighted to be joining them. I am really looking forward to helping the firm continue with the successes of the past few years and to help them grow and develop even more solutions for local businesses.”

New Members sponsored column

Interview Golden Rules

Welcome to new members Access UAV Limited Cottage Two, Lodge Farm, Bilton Lane, Long Lawford, Rugby, CV23 9DU E: blake@accessuav.co.uk Aesthetics Events Ltd C12 Generator Hall, Electric Wharf, Coventry, CV1 4JL T: 0845 246 1166 E: info@aesthetics.co.uk W: www.aesthetics.co.uk

Hays 188-190 Spon Street, Coventry, CV1 3BB T: 07801 994345 E: tamara.stewart@hays.com W: www.hays.com

AGS Gas Limited Unit 24 Arden Business Centre, Arden Road, Alcester, B49 6HW T: 01789 766200 E: agsgaslimited1@btconnect.com W: www.agsgaslimited.co.uk

House of Colour - Dawn Burton Room 4 Ground Floor, Business Resource Network, Whatley’s Drive, Kenilworth, CV8 2GY T: 07915843156 E: dawn.burton@houseofcolour.co.uk W: www.houseofcolour.co.uk

Alpha Administration 4 Keyes Drive, Bilton, Rugby, CV22 7ST T: 07581 885960 E: adrian@alphaadministration.co.uk Armadillo Social 33 Rugby Road, Dunchurch, CV22 6PG T: 07801816793 E: louise@armadillosocial.com W: www.armadillosocial.com

In today’s competitive job market, you are doing very well when you are invited for an interview. Your CV has finally made it out from the depths of the applicant tracking software and landed in the ‘potential candidates’ pile. If you’re really serious about the job you’ve applied for, thorough interview preparation is a must – not merely for the things you should say, but also for those you shouldn’t. Here are three that fall into the latter category.

My boss is a real idiot.

The golden rule of interviews – never badmouth any of your colleagues, your manager or your company. It only reflects badly on you. You may feel you have been badly treated/bullied/unrecognized for your contribution but you must remain positive and professional at all times.

Could you tell me about the job please?

This screams out that you haven’t done any research on the job. Lack of preparation for an interview will guarantee your progress for this particular application has just been brought to a grinding halt.

Employers expect you to have researched the company and have at least a basic understanding of their vision and ethos.

Excuse me one moment while I just respond to this text/tweet/call: Another golden rule of interviewing is – turn off your Phone, in fact all means of communication with the outside world. You may be surprised at how many candidates regard it as acceptable to take a call during a crucial interview. It’s not! I am sure your friends or Twitter followers can live without you for one hour.

On behalf of all the staff here at Charles Peters Recruitment we wish you a prosperous 2014 and if you are looking for any recruitment advise or help please get in touch.

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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Handelsbanken Myton House, 40 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa, CV32 4HY T: 01926 882686 E: pabr13@handelsbanken.co.uk

Arthur Rank Training Princes Drive, Kenilworth, CV8 2FD T: 01926 852111 E: jan@arthurranktraining.org.uk W: www.arthurranktraining.org.uk Audley Binswood Ltd Binswood Hall, Binswood Avenue, Leamington Spa, CV32 5SE T: 01926 889656 E: nicka@audleyretirement.co.uk W: www.audleyretirement.co.uk Blue Ridge Films Ltd Flat 2 Central Buildings, Warwick Road, Coventry, CV3 6AJ T: 02477220638 E: info@blueridgefilms.co.uk W: www.blueridgefilms.co.uk/the-team/ Chase Meadow Consultants Ltd 46 CYGNET COURT, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 9NW T: 01926 350050 E: sue.grant@chasemeadow.com W: www.chasemeadow.com Click Express Limited Rear 96 Swan Lane, Coventry, CV2 4GB T: 024 7663 3903 E: sales@clickexpressltd.co.uk W: www.clickexpressltd.co.uk Dennis Eagle Ltd Heathcote Way, Heathcote Industrial Estate, Warwick, CV34 6TE T: 01926 458503 E: mary.edwards@dennis-eagle.co.uk W: www.dennis-eagle.co.uk Find A Biz 1 Coleshill Street, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1SD T: 07748 135401 E: amanda@findabiz.co.uk W: www.findabiz.co.uk Fullers 24 Albert Street, RUGBY, CV21 2RT T: 01788 542288 Gilly’s Vintage Living Brookhouse, 20 Brookside, Stretton on Dunsmore, CV23 9LY T: 07967342666 E: gilly@gillysvintageliving.com W: www.gillysvintageliving.com/ Gold Star Media Gold Star Media, 15 Arbour Close, Kenilworth, CV8 2BA T: 07802839925 E: clive@goldstarmedia.co.uk W: www.goldstarmedia.co.uk/index.html

Rubber4Roofs Ltd Unit 7b , Kingswood Close , Holbrooks, Coventry, CV6 4AZ T: 02476667234 E: tom@rubber4roofs.co.uk W: www.rubber4roofs.co.uk Scandinavian Travel Suite 60 Lake View House, Wilton Drive, Warwick, CV34 6RG T: 07584321011 E: matt@scandinavian-travel.co.uk W: www.scandinavian-travel.co.uk Simple Pharmacy Simple Pharmacy, Ashlands, Stoneleigh Road, Coventry, CV4 7AD T: 0800 848 8777 W: www.simplepharmacy.co.uk

Hygenie Ltd 3 Eastboro Way, Attleborough Fields Ind Estate, Nuneaton, CV11 6GL T: 02476 101600 E: c.wright@hygenieuk.com W: www.hygeniewashrooms.co.uk

Skillscase Limited 3 Haytor Rise, Coventry, CV2 3LE T: 07976750936 E: trish.adudu@skillscase.com W: www.SkillsCASE.com

John E Wright Co Ltd 52A Earlsdon Street, Coventry, CV5 6EJ T: 02476 674775 E: tim.foster@johnewright.com W: www.johnewright.com

Sterling Shave Club Ltd 20 Collingwood Road, Earlsdon, Coventry, CV5 6HW T: 07523878649 E: mike_slade_25@hotmail.com W: www.sterlingshaveclub.com

Ladies First Professional Development Ltd T: 07852 347833 E: julierichardson@ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk Loft Photography T: 07595161751 Logo Promotions 24, Slingsby Close, Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate, Nuneaton, CV11 6RP E: info@logoprom.co.uk W: www.logoprom.co.uk

Tessa Lukehurst 11 Quorn House, 56 Warwick Place, Leamington Spa, CV32 5DF T: 07773394487 E: tess@lukehurst.com The Furry Farm 30 Bath Street, Rugby, CV21 3JF T: 07870 853725 E: hannahpriest68@gmail.com The Olde Coach House

MI8 15 Ashcroft Close, Coventry, CV2 2PU E: dipesh@designmi.co.uk

The Sweet Consultancy 18 Harebell Way, Rugby, CV23 0TT T: 01788336710 E: tinasweeney18@gmail.com

Networking Mummies UK Ltd 72 Mallory Drive, Warwick, CV34 5AU T: 07909 534000 E: mail@networkingmummies.com W: www.networkingmummies.com

Truly sumptuous Centenary Business Park, Attleborough, Nuneaton T: 07825 012186

Peter Hancock Pitch Doctor T: 07920 888872 E: peter.h25@btinternet.com Poddlepod UK Limited Unit 23 Webb Ellis Business Park, Woodside Park, Rugby, CV21 2NP T: 01788578570 E: charlotte.marshall@poddlepod.com Predosam Ltd ICE, Parkside, Coventry, CV1 2NE T: 07454446949 E: africanlokole1@yahoo.com Purchasing Auctions 2c Copt Oak Close, Coventry, CV4 8GS T: 07525 275706 E: david.armstrong@purchasingauctions.co.uk Reginson Engineering Ltd Whitacre Road, Nuneaton, CV11 6BX T: 02476 356386 E: mikestripp@reginson.com W: www.reginson.com Reginson Engineering Ltd Whitacre Road, Nuneaton, CV11 6BX T: 02476 356386 E: mikestripp@reginson.com W: www.reginson.com ROM Consultancy Ltd Eastlands Court Business Centre, St Peters Rd, Rugby, CV21 3QP T: 01788 577344 W: www.rom-consultancy.co.uk

Utility Warehouse Discount Club 145 Clifton Road, Rugby, CV21 3QN T: 01788 220601 E: sarahquinton43@gmail.com W: www.simply-save.co.uk Valpak Ltd Unit 4, Montague House, Stratford Business and Technology Park, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7GW W: www.valpak.co.uk Warwick Street Kitchen 102 Warwick Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 4QP T: 07799152588 E: info@lawtonsfinefoods.com W: www.lawtonsfinefoods.com Warwickshire EPC 7 Jourdain Park, Heathcote Industrial Estate, Warwick, CV34 6FJ T: 08456050855 E: info@warwickshireepc.co.uk W: www.warwickshireepc.co.uk Whitley Academy Whitley Abbey School, Abbey Road, Coventry, CV3 4BD T: 02476 302580 W: www.whitleyabbey.com WSP CEL Group CEL House, Westwood Business Park, Coventry, CV4 8HS T: 02476 862317 E: richard.linacre@wspcel.com W: www.wspcel.com

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