C&W In Business

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Foreword

Working to support you

CONTENTS March/April 2014 Chamber News Service of the Month

4-34 6

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

8-9 12-13 14 15 16-17 18 20-21 22-23

Dear Member,

I hope that your start to 2014 has been a fantastic one and has set the foundations for a prosperous and successful year.

It is certainly good to hear in the news that our economy is now one of the fastest growing economies in Europe, albeit that economic growth is not yet at a level we would all want it to be.

Please remember that we, your local Chamber of Commerce, are here to help and can work with you to deliver on your aspirations to grow your company, be that through export or accessing finance or upskilling your workforce or simply spending time with someone who has the credibility and experience to help you and your business plan for the future.

If you contact me on louiseb@cwchamber.co.uk, I will endeavour to broker you on to the right person or right solution for you.

I hope you are all joining me at out Trade Expo on 28th February at the Ricoh Arena.

We have sold out on all of the Trade Exhibition opportunities and are expecting more than three hundred footfall throughout the day. It should be a good event and networking opportunity.

Amongst our many great events, I am looking forward to our next Women in Business luncheon (also attended by gentlemen in business!) on 6th March where our guest speaker will be Margaret Mountford, a British Lawyer, a businesswoman and a television personality, best known for her role in The Apprentice.

There is lots of exciting initiatives happening in our locality this year,

including the launch of a new Clearing House (Growth hub) on 1st April, which will be predominantly focused on proactively working with our manufacturing and engineering sector to ensure that we (the Chamber, universities, local authorities, the Manufacturing Advisory Service, UKTI and others) all work together in the best interests of our manufacturing and engineering companies with a single aim of helping such companies grow and create more local jobs.

Also, this year, we have seen the launch of the Government’s business support product called Growth Vouchers. This is where a company has the chance of accessing up to £2,000 when investing in some strategic priority areas, such as looking at your new ICT infrastruture, upskilling or reskilling your business, sourcing new and high level marketing resource. What have you got to lose? If interested, log on to www.gov.uk/applygrowth-vouchers Finally, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank our Members for their continued and valuable support of the Chamber of Commerce and also thank our Strategic Partners, Adecs, Burgess & Bullock, Cranfields, Coventry Newspapers, Morgan, Ricoh Arena, Touch FM, UKTI and Wright Hassall, MIRA and NP Aerospace.

Your support means that we can continue to do what we do best. and have done for 110 years, and that is offer you, our clients, support, advice and information and, most importantly, networking and trade-to-trade opportunities.

Kindest regards Louise

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Around the Region 24-32 Business Direct 35-43 President & People 44-45 Chamber Events Diary 45 New Members 46

3

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.

Construction companies make their point in Parliament members of the delegation, which included SMEs, larger contractors – including Costain Group – Coventry University, E.ON and FORCE (Forum for Constructing Excellence) and the MPs. Issues raised included the taxation on construction companies, how to reduce payment time to contractors – starting with Government and local authorities – and the image of the industry.

Skills and apprenticeships were also raised as well as the industry working together more collaboratively throughout the supply chain.

Pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQs), the paperwork required to apply for public projects, was one of the key issues of the day.

Nigel Robinson, the chair of FORCE, said: “PQQs are so off-putting to smaller businesses. There are reams of paperwork to fill in and that’s before you are even tendering for individual work.

“I wonder if there is a way that they can be weighted so if it is smaller value work, the PQQ is less onerous and then, understandably, if it is very high value, more information might be needed. That would help SMEs.” Sajid Javid responded: “We are moving

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

Publisher

Ian Fletcher

Benham Publishing Limited 3tc House, 16 Crosby Rd, Crosby, Liverpool L22 0NY 0151 236 4141

Advertising Contact Alison Seymour alison@benhampublishing.com 07841 115444 Production Manager Fern Badman Accounts Director Joanne Casey Media Number 1348 © Benham Publishing 2014.

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 delegation arrives at the Houses of Parliament.

Procurement, skills and tax were three key issues raised by construction industry firms from across Coventry and Warwickshire as they visited Parliament.

More than 30 delegates from a range of firms within the construction sector joined the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce at Westminster to raise a range of issues affecting the industry with MPs. They met Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones, who is the Prime Minister’s small business ambassador for the Midlands; Stratford MP Nadhim Zahawi, a member of Department for Business, Innovation & Skills select committee; and Sajid Javid, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

Tom Nolan, from the British Chambers of Commerce, also joined the group inside the Houses of Parliament and said that the GDP figures which showed a 0.3 per cent drop in construction figures in the final quarter of 2013 were a ‘blip’.

That opened up discussions between

“We are moving towards a level playing field because not only does it help smaller businesses, it is beneficial to the whole economy...”

Sajid Javid addresses the group of companies.

Nadhim Zahawi speaks to the construction delegation

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Chamber News

sponsored column

Colin Witherall.

It’s a Small World, After All…

Advice for businesses trading overseas

You will have heard before that the “world is getting smaller” and that is certainly the case in relation to the legal aspects of international trade. Cross border transactions are the norm. The dramatic increases in the use of technology allow us to communicate and transfer data and documents at the click of a mouse.

Employees and individuals are far more willing to relocate to parts of the world which, until a few years ago, were thought of as remote. However, the differences in legal entities, legal systems and business practice coupled with the cultural differences which arise when doing business or living in a foreign country, can cause problems for the unwary if appropriate legal advice is not obtained.

If you are a UK business looking to expand your operations abroad, or an international company seeking a presence in the UK, it is vital you seek guidance from an advisor with specialist knowledge of both the UK and relevant international market.

Ideally, you should look upon your legal advisor as part of your team – someone who travels abroad alongside you to negotiate contracts and effect introductions to third parties to help you with your market research. You should look to instruct a team of lawyers that has very good working relationships with overseas lawyers and experience of working with them on a wide range of international legal transactions. An extensive network of contacts including financial advisers, accountants and property investment/surveyors is also beneficial.

Brethertons has an experienced team of lawyers specialising in advising companies on the legal aspects of overseas trade, be they UK based or international looking to set up in the UK, and welcome the chance to get to know you, understand your business and help you to achieve your goals.

Contact Colin Witherall, Associate Solicitor. Tel: +44 (0)1788 559501 Email: colinwitherall@brethertons.co.uk.

Nigel Robinson makes his point.

towards a level playing field because not only does it help smaller businesses, it is beneficial to the whole economy and, very often, to the taxpayer too.

“We are heading in the right direction but more needs to be done.”

Paul Carvell, the Chamber’s vice president, said the Chamber would work with the MPs to keep pushing the message of construction.

He said: “It was a great event and there were a lot of suggestions, ideas and opinion and that made for a really healthy discussion.

“We have regular dialogue with our MPs – especially Marcus Jones in his role – and we will ensure that the issues raised are followed up.”

Marcus Jones said: “Construction is a very important sector not just for our region but for the UK as a whole.

“It was great to meet such a crosssection of companies from within the industry here – from very small businesses to larger businesses. All have very strong views and I will certainly be following-up many of the points that were made.”

“It was great to meet such a cross-section of companies from within the industry here – from very small businesses to larger businesses.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Pictured left to right: Paul Carvell, Jon Bass, Angela Tellyn (all Chamber), Matthew Rhodes (Encraft), Marcus Jones MP, Jeremy Wright MP, Dhiran Vagdia (Vagdia & Holmes)

Brethertons LLP, The Robbins Building, 25 Albert Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2SD

5

Service of the Month

Chamber AA Fleet Assistance If you are a Chamber member and have company cars, then you can save hundreds of pounds a year on your breakdown cover.

In partnership with the AA, the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce offer its members exceptional preferential rates on a range of Roadside Assistance options with savings of up to a massive 63%

Service level

Roadside Relay

Fleetwide 1

P

P

Fleetwide 2

P

P

Fleetwide 3

P

P

Fleetwide 4

P

P

Fleetwide 5

P

Fleet Europe

Chamber Fleet Assist gives you: • Breakdown cover regardless of the size of your company fleet - from one vehicle to five hundred • Flexible breakdown and recovery packages under the AA Fleetwide scheme at discounted rates • You can select the correct level of cover for your needs whilst keeping within your budget • Vehicle based cover - any authorised driver is covered Terms and conditions apply offer prices are available for new customers only and available while your Chamber membership is current. Employees who assign their car to their company policy only can take advantage of this scheme. They must demonstrate that their vehicles are used for company business, are involved in their company policy and have business motor insurance.

Please contact the membership team on 024 7665 4321 or info@cw-chamber.co.uk for more information on how to take up this exclusive offer.

6

Relay Plus

P

P

Home Accident Offer Start Management Price

Standard Saving Price

P

P

£81.32

£199.50 £118.18

P

P

£72.84

£174.00 £101.16

P

£59.27

£161.50 £102.23

P

£50.91

£136.00

£85.09

P

£42.55

£97.50

£54.95

£14.54

£34.00

£19.46

Abraxa Staff Coventry continues to expand Due to continued growth over the past two years, Coventry company Abraxa Staff has announced the relocation of its offices in Warwick Row to Coventry Point as of March 1.

The new 2,000 square feet open plan office boasts meeting and interview rooms together with training and assessment facilities for both clients and candidates.

The success of the business has been built upon long-term strategic alliances with both SMEs and corporate clients across the Commercial and Industrial sectors.

More recently, Abraxa Staff has also launched new disciplines including Engineering &Technical, IT, Finance and Accountancy and HR.

“Abraxa Staff was founded in 2009 with a goal of being the local recruiter of choice delivering innovative recruitment solutions which by far exceeds the expectations of the customer. ” Abraxa Staff recognises the need for Recruitment Consultants to have had experience of working within their chosen sectors in order to truly understand and engage with the customer and their specific recruitment needs of a local recruitment partner.

Abraxa Staff was founded in 2009 with a goal of being the local recruiter of choice delivering innovative recruitment solutions which by far exceeds the expectations of the customer.

Should you require further information about Abraxa Staff and the services they provide, please contact Steve Smith-Howes Operations Manager.

Email: steve@abraxastaff.co.uk www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

sponsored column

Foundation is Margaret Mountford to speak at event It’s not too top of the class late for a investment The Princethorpe Foundation is investing £4.65 million in developing a new classroom block at its Warwickshirebased senior school and sixth form, Princethorpe College.

The development forms part of a £10 million 10-year capital expenditure programme and the organisation has secured a £3.5 million funding package from HSBC to support the project.

Princethorpe Foundation operates two independent Catholic schools, Princethorpe College in Rugby, and Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery in Kenilworth.

The development at the college includes 14 new classrooms for English and modern foreign languages, including two new IT suites. Development is under way and work is due to be complete by the start of the 2014/15 academic year.

Princethorpe College is a member of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference, which is a kite mark of excellence in education, and is home to over 850 pupils. The nursery and junior school accommodates 220 pupils. In addition to the development of the new classroom block, the school is upgrading some of its existing facilities and will develop a state-of-the-art technology centre, additional sports pitches, a new theatre and more science laboratories over the 10- year programme.

The development at the college includes 14 new classrooms for English and modern foreign languages, including two new IT suites.

The foundation secured the finance package from HSBC’s Warwickshire Commercial Centre in a deal led by Senior Commercial Manager Matthew Craddock.

Princethorpe College was established in 1966 as a boys’ school and is housed in a Grade II listed building which dates back over 200 years. The school merged with St Joseph’s Convent School, Kenilworth in 2001 and alumni includes England cricketer Ian Bell.

Foundation Bursar Eddie Tolcher said: “This programme is aimed at improving the facilities at the school for existing pupils. The school has reached its optimum size and we want to ensure our pupils learn and development in the best environment possible.

“We are very excited about the new classroom block, and the future developments in the pipeline. We have worked closely with HSBC to secure a suitable funding facility and we look forward to opening the doors of the new block in September.”

Andrew Franklin, HSBC’s Coventry and Warwickshire Area Commercial Director, said: “Princethorpe has a record of achievement and innovation, this latest development programme is a continuation of this. The school has some exciting plans in the pipeline over the next 10 years and we are delighted to have been able to support this project.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

New Year’s resolution!

One of the UK’s most prominent female business figures will be speaking at a Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce event in March.

Margaret Mountford, best known as one of Lord Sugar’s advisers in the hit TV show ‘The Apprentice’ will be speaking at the Royal Court in Coventry on March 6 as part of the Chamber’s Business is Good For Women events programme.

The event is just a few days before International Women’s Day and will take place from noon until 2.30pm.

Angela Tellyn, of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said the event was expected to prove popular.

She said: “Margaret Mountford is a well known figure because of her time on The Apprentice but she also has wonderful business experience away from the glare of the cameras.

“Our Business is Good for Women events have been extremely well-attended over the past couple of years and we are anticipating very strong interest in this one too because we have such a great guest speaker.

“We are very much looking forward to hearing from Margaret and learning about her experiences in business and on TV.” Margaret was educated at the voluntary grammar school, Strathearn School in

Belfast, then at Girton College, Cambridge.

She returned to education later in life and completed her PhD in 2012 at University College London.

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 is chair of Argent Group Europe, a privately-owned company in the food sector. Margaret is also chair of The St Marylebone CE School, an inner-London Church of England Comprehensive School, and 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.

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.

For further details and to reserve your place please contact the events team at events@cw-chamber.co.uk or call 024 7665 4321.

22 Years in Business and ROM Consultancy is Turbo Charged

Caroline Suggett creator of Turbo Charge Your Board

Warwickshire business development firm, ROM Consultancy Ltd is celebrating 22 years in business with the launch of their new “Turbo Charge Your Board” Series of interactive results oriented workshops designed for leaders of

forward thinking SME businesses.

ROM’s Managing Director, Caroline Suggett is a qualified and respected management consultant, executive coach and local businesswoman. Caroline has designed six half day inspirational sessions that will “turbo charge” entrepreneurial business owners and their Boards to be reenergised, re-focused and increase their skills to lead their businesses to greater success. Sessions can be booked individually or as a series with titles Turbo Charge Your Personal Vision, Effective Decision Making, Flexibility in Your Leadership Style, Developing A Resilient Board, Managing Tensions & Conflict and Company Lifecycles – At What Stage Is Yours?.

“Our clients tell us our professional personal development coaching has been the catalyst that has changed their personal lives and propelled their businesses to greater success. The new Turbo Charge Your Board Series represent over 20 years of my experience of working with businesses of all sizes at all points in their lifecycle distilled into short results focused sessions. Having been in business for a long time I understand the anxieties business owners have and help them achieve the life and success they want.

Paul Dickins

The usual: 1 Get to bed early 2 Eat healthily 3 Exercise 3 times a week Here is one more for the list: 4 Get my tax affairs up to date Are you one of those people who had a shock in the last week of January or just before Christmas?

“How much do I have to pay? I can’t believe it!”

Not everyone is aware that if you prepare your tax return in May or June you still don’t have to pay your income tax until January 31st but at least you will have plenty of warning and time to plan.

Imagine, no more panicking in January when you’ve only just got Christmas out of the way.

We can help you have a relaxing festive season this year. If your tax affairs involve a business, whether sole-trader, partnership or limited company, and accounts need to be in order before your personal tax can be finalised, then we are happy to help you with this too.

We have a friendly approachable team of people that can help with your bookkeeping, or train you in the mysterious art of bookkeeping yourself. We can also assist with regular management accounts for businesses, giving you the added bonus of knowing your financial position throughout the year and enabling effective tax planning for the future.

Let us help you with your fourth resolution.

If you would like to know more please contact Paul Dickins or Debra Knighton on 02476 257481 or pd@sgduk.com/ dk@sgduk.com respectively.

7

Events

New Year Networking gets off to a great start!

Coventry & Warwickshire’s New Year Networking events in January have hosted great numbers of companies looking to set their New Year off to a positive start and make new business contacts.

The first event of the year at the contemporary Pure Offices in Warwick hosted over 80 companies from a variety of businesses, all looking to promote their business and get talking to new contacts.

As well as our regular member attendees, non-members also got the chance to get a taste of what joining the Chamber would entail, with the exposure to other businesses in the Coventry & Warwickshire area being a huge benefit. Thanks to Pure Offices for hosting the event!

The next networking event of the year was located at Coventry & North Warwickshire Sports Club, where the element of Speed Networking really brought the event to life! Over 50 companies from the local area attended,

where part of the event included one of our Business Advisors Manjinder Johal with his stopwatch! This proved really beneficial for companies who got the chance to network with as many people as possible, and something we will definitely be including in our future networking events. Thanks to Coventry & North Warwickshire Sports Club for hosting the event and their hospitality!

Taking RLS to RHS Award-winning floral designer Sarah Horne and garden designer Debbie Cooke have joined forces to create a garden at the Chelsea Flower Show which illustrates Leamington’s historic association with beautiful gardens and horticulture as well as its Regency heritage, river and lakes.

The plan is for the garden to then be brought back to a permanent spot in the Pump Rooms Gardens.

Debbie and BID Leamington executive director Stephanie Kerr outlined the plans to MP Chris White and a host of local businesses at the mid-Warwickshire branch of the Chamber of Commerce at Mallory Court.

Debbie and Sarah have been helped by several local businesses who have donated time, products or building space for the project.

Debbie and BID Leamington executive director Stephanie Kerr outlined the plans to MP Chris White...

8

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Events

Businesses Meet the Chamber

sponsored column

Year End Tax Planning and Beyond

“Sometimes companies do not realise just how much they can gain from their Membership.”

Brian King, Tax Partner at Dafferns LLP

Around 50 businesses from Coventry & Warwickshire gathered to hear just how they can benefit from Chamber Membership.

The Meet Your Chamber event, held at the wonderful conferencing facilities at Tywcross Zoo – which sponsored the event, attracted businesses from a wide range of sectors.

Howard Anderson, Deputy Chief Executive of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce informed members of the services and benefits available to them through their Membership.

Members heard from fellow member, Samantha McFadden - Code Angel, who told of her experiences with the Chamber and how Membership has benefited her ‘up-and-coming’ business by offering a platform to promote the business, whilst gaining new contacts, through networking.

Member service providers were also on hand to discuss some of the services available and offer one-to-one advice on how to make the most of what is available.

Howard said “Sometimes companies do not realise just how much they can gain from their Membership. This event helps members to see what’s available to them and speak to members of our Membership Support team to get face-to-face advice. I was especially pleased that Samantha was able to speak from experience about the positive benefits of being a Chamber member. This really gave a practical dimension as to what Chamber membership is all about” We are very grateful to Twycross Zoo for hosting and sponsoring the event. It was a great chance for them to showcase their fantastic venue.”

“This event helps members to see what’s available to them and speak to members of our Membership Support team to get face-to-face advice.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

At this time of year it is worthwhile considering some tax planning opportunities that can be implemented by 5 April 2014 or put in place for the 2014/15 tax year.

Brian King, Tax Partner at Dafferns LLP highlights 20 planning opportunities below: 1. Making pension contributions.

2. Utilising personal allowance and basic rate band.

3. Tax efficient investments, for example ISAs or Gilts.

4. Investing in companies that attract relief under VCTs, EIS or SEIS. 5. Borrow against assets that attract tax relief or interest.

6. Mitigating the child benefit tax charge where income is in the range £50,000 £60,000.

7. Wherever possible, deferring income beyond 5 April.

8. Transfer income producing assets between spouses to secure a lower tax rate on income of the recipient spouse.

9. Salary sacrifice arrangement for childcare vouchers or pension contributions.

10.Consider using trusts to make income distributions to grandchildren to fund school fees.

11.Timing of dividends from family companies.

12.Have different classes of shares for family members.

13.Averaging of profits for farmers.

14.Review company car and fuel to minimise the benefit in kind.

15.Choice of accounting date.

16.Choice of cessation date.

17.Incorporate your business and trade as a Limited Company.

18.Using your capital gains tax annual exemption.

19.Business owners should ensure business assets qualify for Entrepreneurs’ Relief.

20.Mitigating inheritance tax by making gifts, using trusts and ensuring business assets qualify for 100% tax relief.

To discuss any of these or other tax planning opportunities please contact Brian King: brian.king@dafferns.com or telephone 024 7622 1046. Visit: www.dafferns.com

9

News

Vouchers available to help firms grow

Pictured: Jerry Blackett (Chief Executive, Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce), Mike Ashton (Chief Executive, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce), Margaret Corneby (Chief Executive, Black Country Chamber of Commerce), Louise Wall (Growth Vouchers Regional Co-ordinator), Louise Bennett (Chief Executive, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce), Richard Sheehan (Managing Director, Shropshire Chamber of Commerce), Sara Williams (Chief Executive, North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce).

Small businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire are being given the chance to access new ‘vouchers’ to help them grow.

The £30 million Growth Vouchers scheme, which is being launched by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS), is available to businesses which are VAT registered, have been trading for over a year and have 49 employees or less.

They can apply for up to £2,000, to match

their own investment, to be spent on strategic business advice to support their growth aspirations.

The advice available can cover five key areas, raising finance and managing cash flow; recruiting and developing staff; improving leadership and management skills; marketing, and making the most of digital technology.

In the first instance, businesses need to visit www.gov.uk/apply-growth-vouchers to establish the eligibility and register their

LEP secures City Deal The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership has clinched a major City Deal for the region after a successful bid to Government.

A five-strong team – led by CWLEP chair Sir Peter Rigby – presented the area’s City Deal proposition, which is designed to stimulate and enable growth in the regional economy – to ministers in October and it has now been given the green light by the Government.

City Deals are designed to put cities and areas in control of the economic opportunities and challenges they face and to give them increased powers to meet local and regional needs.

The CWLEP’s proposition is centred around the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering sector with a major emphasis

on encouraging growth by making it easier for companies to realise expansion plans through simplifying routes to advice, finance and skills It has devised a way to provide business with a single point of contact - “the Clearing House”. The CWLEP intends to use this function to connect local and central government, educational institutions and others with businesses and can achieve that through their positive and proactive relationship with central government.

The Clearing House will provide access to advisors on key matters relating to business support, access to finance, planning related matters and contacts related to employment requirements and skills.

Sir Peter Rigby said: “We devised and presented a very strong proposition which was well received and understood and we

interest. They will then receive a free business assessment either on-line or from an advisor.

West Midlands Chambers LLP has been chosen as the delivery partner for this region.

Louise Wall, Regional Coordinator for the scheme said: “The Growth Voucher programme has been devised to test whether firms who access strategic business advice grow quicker than those that don’t and, we will also look at the best way to deliver the advice.

“Businesses which meet the criteria just need to take a few minutes to visit the gov.uk website and apply online for their free business assessment. Following the assessment the business will be notified within a matter of days as to whether they have been selected for a Growth Voucher, which the business themselves will match.

“It is open to companies across the UK but we are delivering the project here in the West Midlands – so businesses from Staffordshire, Birmingham, Black Country, Shropshire, Hereford & Worcestershire and Coventry & Warwickshire can all apply.

“This is a very important project because not only will it help individual companies across this region to grow, it is also going to help to shape the way strategic business support will be delivered in the future.”

For more information or to apply, log onto www.gov.uk/apply-growth-vouchers are delighted to be given the full go ahead.

“The ministers and officials are aware of how, in the last 18 months, the LEP really has made strides in helping to create growth and we believe our City Deal proposition is a very exciting way of ensuring that it continues and gains further pace and momentum. ”There is a myriad of advice and support out there, but it is a very cluttered and confusing landscape and we believe that puts many companies off or directs them wrongly. That inhibits their ability to gain the support they need and therefore hampers growth.

“The Clearing House will cut through all that and present a clear and concise service to ensure companies are directed to the relevant support, quickly and accurately.

Businesses need to be able to concentrate on what they do best, and this will allow them to do that while also accessing what they need to help them grow.”

Specialist Green IT Consultancy wins West Midlands TIF Contract IT company Carbon³IT Ltd won a Technology and Innovation Futures contract offered by Coventry University, in conjunction with the European Union.

The contract gives Carbon³ IT the opportunity to offer companies within the West Midlands, 50% grant funding for consultancy costs around the implementation and use of innovative technology to help reduce outgoing costs, be more productive and give the opportunity for future expansion.

This could be as straight forward as when looking to replace technology in house, using Carbon³IT to advise on the sorts of technology available and to help project manage roll outs; or be more complex in terms of utilising energy management software across your IT base or doing usability testing on a website to ensure it is effective for your customer’s needs.

Carbon³IT are a specialist Sustainable IT Consultancy, based in Hatton just outside Warwick and formed in 2009, they started with the idea to provide green IT consultancy using sustainable IT products and services.

John Booth, MD, said: “After winning the Technology and Innovation Futures contract offered from Coventry University, we are looking for interested local businesses with a base inside the West Midlands who would like to benefit from the funding offered and who are also interested in working with Carbon³IT to provide them with an assessment of what opportunities they have for taking cost out of the business, potentially improve their product offering and increase their capacity for new work in a competitive market.”

If you would like to talk through this opportunity please call us on 01926 843835 or ask to join our mailing list on info@carbon3it.com. You can see our website at www.carbon3it.com

Council leader speaks at launch of Declaration on tobacco control The Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control was launched at the House of Commons on Wednesday 11 December.

Warwickshire was the first county council to sign up to the Declaration which commits local authorities to take concerted action to protect their communities from the harm tobacco causes. The chair of the county’s Health and Wellbeing Board, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, spoke at the launch event.

Cllr Seccombe, Chair of Warwickshire’s Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “I am delighted to have been invited to speak at the launch of the Declaration and demonstrate Warwickshire’s commitment” “The Declaration is an opportunity for local authorities to show their commitment to protecting local communities from the

10

harm caused by smoking. Smoking is the single greatest cause of premature death in our communities.

“As well as the health benefits, reducing smoking significantly increases household income and benefit’s the local economy.

“Tackling smoking is imperative to improve health and reduce health inequalities and I would like to encourage all local authorities to endorse the Declaration.”

In Warwickshire the declaration was signed by Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Chief Executive, Jim Graham and Director of Public Health, Dr John Linanne.

Dr John Linanne, Warwickshire County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “In Warwickshire every year there are 800 preventable deaths as a result of smoking.

“Every year in Warwickshire 1200 babies

are born who, because their mother had smoked throughout their pregnancy, have effectively been smoking for 9 months.

“People can be reassured that here in Warwickshire we will be doing all we can to tackle smoking and its causes.

“Approval of the Declaration by the Health and Wellbeing Board has helped with extra support and enable us to focus even further on tackling the challenge of smoking in Warwickshire.”

In Warwickshire there is a free Stop Smoking Service for people wishing to quit.

For help and advice on stopping smoking call 0800 0852917, text LIFE to 80800 or visit www.smokefreewarwickshire.org Smokers can visit smokefree.nhs.uk to order a free Smokefree Kit. Facts, tips and tools are also available on the site to help them on the way to a smoke-free future.

Photo taken at the House of Commons, shows from left to right; Luminita Sander Medical Officer, World Health Organisation, Paul Hooper, Group Manager Community Safety and Substance Misuse, Warwickshire County Council, Sue Weston, Tobacco Control Co-ordinator, Warwickshire County Council, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Chair of the Warwickshire Health and Wellbeing Board, Nick Forbes, Leader of Newcastle City Council.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

International Trade

Business success - we’ll drink to that!

Allen Hogan.

Hogan’s Cider, the Warwickshire based craft cider maker, is celebrating a bumper 2013 and looking forward to the future by investing in new fermentation vessels to increase production capacity.

Last year saw domestic sales rising steadily whilst interest in Hogan’s Cider abroad gathered apace with exports expanding from the US to Russia, Hong Kong, Germany, Australia, Finland and Ireland.

Allen Hogan said: ”We are delighted to be getting recognition in so many foreign markets. We are now taking a more proactive approach identifying markets that are receptive to English craft cider.”

With this in mind Hogan’s Cider signed up to the Passport to Export scheme being run by the UKTI (UK Trade and Industry), based at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, which assists SMEs (small and medium enterprises) who are new to export to target potential markets. The twelve month programme supports agreed activities to drive sales abroad.

Sarah Edmunds, Marketing Manager for Hogan’s Cider, said: “The tailored programme covers a diverse range of topics. Amongst other things the UKTI support has helped fund a trip to Ireland to get in front of buyers to showcase our products, recommended an export

12

“We are delighted to be getting recognition in so many foreign markets.

We are now taking a more proactive approach identifying markets that are receptive to English craft cider.” documentation course to bring us up to speed on the latest legislation in own chosen markets and opened up export days where we could tap in to the local knowledge of UKTI people in the markets we are considering.”

Brian Mountford: “UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) is the Government Department that helps UK based companies to succeed in the global economy. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its network of specialists in the UK and through its offices around the world. Since working with Hogan’s we have been able to pull together an export plan to focus the company on a couple of key markets, arrange one-to-one meetings with our overseas specialist and help fund a visit to Ireland which directly resulted in a substantial export order. It is a pleasure to work with companies like Hogan’s who

have such a proactive approach to exporting.”

The uplift in both domestic and foreign sales meant that capacity needed to be increased and last September Hogan’s Cider invested in two new fermentation vessels adding a further 100,000 litres. The vessels were partially funded through a grant from Coventry City Council through their Coventry & Warwickshire Enterprise & Business Growth Package.

Working with Karen Heap, a Membership & Business Advisor at the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Hogan’s Cider have benefitted from the scheme which aims to help existing businesses to grow more quickly, develop networks in growing sectors and helps to access finance for growth.

Quote from Karen Heap: “It is great that businesses such as Hogan’s Cider can

obtain support through programmes like ‘Accelerated Growth’ to grow their business. Often grants can be the difference between a business being able to invest and put their business plans into action or not.”

Hogan’s Cider have won 13 awards in the last 12 months, including a first place for their Medium Bottled Cider at the Royal Bath & West Show for the second year running, earning them the coveted title of Reserve Supreme Champions Cider.

Allen Hogan commented: “We had a fantastic 2013, our bottled ciders and perry continue to delight customers and judges.

Our recently released traditional ciders and perry are also proving to be very popular. At Hogan’s Cider we take a genuine delight in the recognition our products are receiving and feel this rewards our dedication to creating authentic cider from 100% fresh pressed English cider apples and precious little else. We are looking forward optimistically to further growth in our business in 2014.”

For more information about Hogan’s award winning products or for details on where you can enjoy Hogan’s cider and perry please contact Allen Hogan or Sarah Edmunds on 01789 488433, email us at allen@hoganscider.co.uk or visit our website www.hoganscider.co.uk. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

International Trade

Export figures top £22m

“Of course, Coventry and Warwickshire will have exported much more than that figure during the course of January – this is simply the amount that has come about through our help with Export Documentation.”

More than £22 million worth of exports from Coventry and Warwickshire were administered by the Chamber of Commerce’s documentation service last month.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce offers assistance to firms wanting to sell their goods overseas through an Export Documentation service through its international trade hub.

Just under 350 documents were issued through the Chamber to companies from a range of sectors – from aerospace to medical goods – that saw products sold into 28 nations worldwide.

Gurpaal Virdee, service support officer at the Chamber, said that £22.2 million worth of export had been achieved with the help of documentation supplied by the Chamber.

He said: “Of course, Coventry and Warwickshire will have exported much more than that figure during the course of January – this is simply the amount that has come about through our help with

Export Documentation.

“When exporting goods and services, different countries and regions require different levels of documentation depending on the product being sold.

“The Chamber offers Export Documentation as a service to all members via our International Trade Hub and we are delighted to have facilitated so much trade in this way.

“The Chamber also delivers UKTI support through our international trade team that helps to open up new markets to a range of companies of all sizes and sectors.

“These figures will be helping organisations such as the Bank of England, the Office for National Statistics and the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills to measure export activity.”

In 2013, a total of 3,848 Export Documents were completed by Coventry and Warwickshire firms through the Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on Export Documentation, call 024 7665 4321.

Explore Business in the Baltics Businesses are invited to explore export opportunities in the Baltic States with a series of events being led by UKTI Coventry & Warwickshire.

The Baltic States can represent a promising export market for UK companies. English is widely spoken across Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia and there are particular opportunities for UK firms in sectors such as ICT, Education and Skills, Energy, Construction and Consultancy. The Baltic States are also used by UK firms as a platform to launch their business into North-Eastern Europe. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

The UKTI International Trade team at Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce will be taking a trade mission to investigate opportunities in these markets in June 2014 and are inviting companies to attend a briefing event on the 10th April at the Chamber. The event will provide an opportunity meet with trade specialists from the Baltic States and discuss opportunities for your business.

To find out more and register your interest please contact Kati Hope k.hope@uktiwm.co.uk / 02476 654328.

Finding Overseas Partners Made Easy Discover UKTI’s Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) and take a giant step to transforming your business through international trade…

Accurate and up-to-date market information is crucial to the success of taking a product or service to any new market. Desk research and intelligence from trade associations can get you started but at some point you have to see what is going on in-market. UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) has teams based in UK Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions around the world to help open doors, access contacts and gain information whilst saving your business time and money. OMIS gives UK businesses access to this international network of trade experts and acts as a lowcost ‘bridge to market’ before making the first visit.

To find out more contact Mick Page, Head of International Trade at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on 02476 654272 or email mickp@cw-chamber.co.uk

Explore your international potential Coventry and Warwickshire businesses are being encouraged to explore their export potential during UK Trade and Investment’s (UKTI) latest “Export Week” – part of an ongoing campaign to get more UK companies involved in international trade.

“Export Week is targeted at both new and experienced exporters, so whatever the size of your company there’s bound to be something for you. ” UKTI is running a series of events across the West Midlands during the week of 7-11th April 2014. This follows on from the success of previous Export Weeks – which have been attended by over 8000 companies at events across the UK. Throughout the week there will be a variety of export focused seminars and workshops, including an Overseas Business Opportunities event at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry on 10th April.

Other event highlights around the West Midlands include: a food & drink sector ‘meet the buyer’, a World Trade Fair, and an event on the ‘MINT’ high growth economies.

Export Week is targeted at both new and experienced exporters, so whatever the size of your company there’s bound to be something for you.

Log onto http://www.exportweek.ukti.gov.uk/ to find out more and get involved.

sponsored column

Over 30 years of exporting your goods - worldwide experts

BK are an experienced privately owned company formed in 1982 to offer tailor made services to commercial customers and the general public.

Our professional team can quote for international movement of goods, export packing, UK road haulage and a dedicated overseas service.

We offer weekly services to most major ports and share containers with other forwarders to ensure that your consignment is shipped without delay and is not held back due to lack of cargo. We also provide a Full Container Load service to any destination worldwide.

Door-to-port and door-to-door services are available. If you choose door-to-port then we have agents at each port of entry who can arrange clearance and delivery of your cargo at your cost. This is obviously the cheaper option. A major advantage with us is that as an independent freight forwarder we are not tied to any specific shipping line nor restricted by agency agreements.

Together with this service, we offer marine insurance and legalised documents.

BK International have an onsite export packing facility which can offer made to measure pallets and cases to suit your consignment. All cases are marked with international shipping marks to meet with regulations, rules and requirements. We have specialist knowledge in the packing and casing of various consignments ranging from antiques, furniture, to automotive equipment and commercial machinery.

Speak to us today about your packing and removals needs.

Call BK International on 024 7646 4983.

BK International Freight Ltd Maguire Industrial Estate, 219 Torrington Avenue, Maguire Industrial Estate, Coventry CV4 9HN Tel Fax Eml: Web:

024 7646 4983 024 7669 4184 admin@bkfreight.co.uk www.bkfreight.co.uk

13

CWT

CWT Apprentices Shine at B2B Expo Representing your company at a large scale business exhibition is a major development opportunity that comes hand in hand with a lot of responsibility. We were recently delighted to find two CWT Chamber Training Accountancy Apprentices showcased on their company’s business stands at the B2B Expo at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.

Opportunities such as these, along with off the job training, offer young people the chance to develop a wealth of wider employability skills, also known as key competencies or soft skills. These are the skills necessary for getting, keeping, and doing well in a job. These skills and attributes enable Apprentices to get along with their fellow workers and supervisors, help them to make sound business decisions and stand out from the competition.

Larissa Shelley was working on the Pentlands Accountants and Business Advisors stand. Larissa has been working as a trainee Accountant at Pentlands for 3 years, and is now in the final year of the AAT accounting qualification. During her time with CWT

Chamber Training, Larissa gained a wealth of knowledge and skills in all the aspects of business Accountancy.

Pentlands Accountants and Business Advisors are a keen supporter of the Apprenticeship programme and have employed a number of Apprentices through CWT Chamber Training over recent years, some of which are now fully qualified accountants.

Salmaan Khan (another of CWT’s past apprentices) who was working on the Dafferns Accountants stand achieved his full AAT qualification with CWT Chamber Training. The Apprenticeship route provided him with practical, skills-based accounting knowledge, and he is now well on the way to completing further professional qualifications with CWT Chamber Training.

As well as the main business exhibition, the event hosted a number of topical and interesting business seminars and a networking breakfast that the Apprentices benefitted from.

Hundreds of local firms also took advantage of the event which included top-class speakers and a jam-packed schedule of topical business seminars.

Apprenticeship Open Day Goes Down a Storm Despite the winter weather, CWT Chamber Training’s first Apprenticeship Open Day of 2014 was a great success, with nearly a 100 young people dropping in to CWT’s Coventry training centre to hear more about the range of careers on offer.

The students arrived undeterred on one of the wettest and windiest afternoons we can remember for a long time, determined to learn more about Apprenticeships. The attendees got the chance to get involved in a host of have-a-go activities in some of the vocational areas CWT Chamber Training has to offer including: Hairdressing, Information Technology, Accountancy, Early Years Care and Health & Social Care.

A Close Shave - Lauren Coyle having a go at the Health & Social Care balloon shaving activity.

Picture Perfect - Georgia Allsopp taking part in the Early Years Care activity.

14

CWT’s Operations Director Jan Ryan commented “We were really pleased to have such a good turnout of high calibre, enthusiastic young people, who are keen to take up Apprenticeships now that they recognise them as a credible alternative to staying on at school or going to university” CWT Chamber Training is celebrating another fantastic year with over 90% of their students achieving their 100% of their Apprenticeship qualification, compared to a national average of 73%.

If you are interested in learning more about Apprenticeships or know a young person looking for an exciting career opportunity, call the CWT Chamber Training recruitment team today on 024 7623 1122.

CWT Training on the Thin Blue Line CWT Chamber Training has been working in partnership with Warwickshire Police delivering Apprenticeships to both operational and non-operational staff in Customer Service, Business Administration, Information Technology and Management since 2008.

Originally offered as a small pilot programme, the Apprenticeships have since been offered throughout the force as a whole due to the success of the initial cohort and the measureable benefits achieved.

CWT Chamber Training has enrolled over 150 employees throughout Warwickshire Police onto Apprenticeships since 2008. The Apprenticeships have been well received by the force as a whole and the individual staff members who have been signed onto programme.

With an ethos on providing the right service, first time, Warwickshire Police have embraced the local policing model, creating a more visible and responsive service with more officers on duty at any one time.

This has led to an increased recognition of training and development for all force officers and police staff to ensure that optimum levels of customer service are provided to the community.

Sharon Whiting, Communications Supervisor and NVQ Co-ordinator explains “The Apprenticeship program has motivated staff to take on additional learning and enhance their skills. Although staff undergo structured training when they join the organisation, it is naturally based on the environment in which they work.

CWT Chamber Training offer qualifications that link in with their everyday role but also gives individuals tools to enhance their skills and look at things from a different perspective.”

After the success of the Apprenticeship programme throughout the force over the last 5 years, CWT Chamber Training also offers the PTLLS and CTLLS teacher training qualifications for staff who are training in the workplace. A number of operational and police staff have enrolled onto the program and are now applying what they’ve learnt into their training sessions. Working in close partnership with CWT Chamber Training has enabled Warwickshire Police to recognise the skill sets and talent of their officers and staff and provide them with the recognition that they deserve for a job well done.

The partnership with CWT Chamber Training continues to go from strength to strength and the future staff development plans aim to ensure Warwickshire Police provide the right service to the Warwickshire community.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Business Support

Healthy Employees boost productivity in Coventry and Warwickshire businesses A Warwickshire-based business has been helping local companies boost productivity and reduce absenteeism by providing healthy eating workshops for staff. One such company has reported that 85% of its people taking part in the programme have improved energy levels.

More than 185 million working days are lost each year in the UK due to ill health, at a cost of £17.3 billion to the economy. The Healthy Employee, based in Warwick, is run by nutrition experts who enable companies to improve the health, energy and productivity of their people which can transform the atmosphere of the workplace and help employees to achieve a high level of personal performance, both at work and in their personal lives.

Anna Mason, managing director of The Healthy Employee, said: “Coventry’s work and health initiative, part of the Coventry Health Improvement Programme, has done a lot to raise employers’ awareness of the link between health and well being and bottom line profit. By improving the health of staff, they can keep their business healthy too.

“The demands of work can have a considerable impact on employees’ eating habits. Many people will skip breakfast or lunch because of a long commute or time constraints at work and will feel sluggish later in the day as a result. Similarly, drinking excessive amounts of caffeine is very common in office environments to boost energy, but can actually be detrimental to performance.

“We demystify healthy eating and educate people in the practicalities of fitting it into their working and family life, whether it’s energising breakfasts, brain-boosting lunches or choosing healthy snacks.”

One business that has been helped by The Healthy Employee is SCC, Europe’s largest independent IT company, chaired

by Sir Peter Rigby who is also Chairman of the Coventry LEP. As part of a Corporate Social Responsibility programme, SCC worked with Anna having identified two areas that needed addressing;

Free Digital Training for Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Members Are you a small or medium sized business in Coventry or Warwickshire and want to improve your online business presence, be that through either social media or a web site? Workpays can help and the good news is that it is free for Chamber members!

Anna Mason.

absenteeism and the post lunch energy dip.

The Healthy Employee coaches delivered one to one programmes for SCC staff as well as short workshops for up to 25 people at a time on subjects such as: The benefits of healthy eating; Blood sugar explained; How to snack healthily.

Tracy Westall, UK sales director for the public sector and executive board member for SCC, says: “Healthy eating education has inspired the workforce to take control of their physical wellbeing which has improved their productivity and generally made them feel good about themselves.

We have seen a new level of motivation and improved moral and our employees have really appreciated the investment we have made in them.”

Evaluation of the programme run by SCC has shown that 85% of the people involved felt their energy levels had increased with them also reporting better sleep.

You can find out more at http://www.thehealthyemployee.co.uk/ http://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/10096/h ealthy_living/256/coventry_health_impr ovement_programme_chip/1 http://www.scc.com/

Through a new Government funded initiative called Skills Support for the Workforce there is currently funding available to support SMEs in the region improve the digital skills of their workforces.

Workpays is a local independent training provider and currently provides the following two free programmes: • Introduction to Social Media for Business • Setting up a Business Online Introduction to Social Media for Business will teach you about web site analytics, social media management tools, mobile technologies, search engine optimisation (SEO) and a number of the other latest digital tools.

Setting up a Business Online will teach you how to plan and build your own web site from scratch, or enhance your existing online capability; giving you the option to use one of the mainstream web site design and content management systems: Wordpress, Drupal or Joomla.

Both the aforementioned programmes are taught via elearning, meaning no time is required away from the workplace, meaning an excellent and efficient solution for smaller businesses.

Should you be interested in this free training then please contact Workpays on 07506 618575.

Mani Johal, business adviser at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

The New Year is often the time when people start to think starting their own company but, of course, there is a great deal to consider before you can say you are ‘open for business’.

Writing a business plan is one of the most important tasks when starting up a new business.

It will help you set targets, collate all your ideas, plan for the future of your enterprise and confirm that your idea for a business is realistic and workable.

The business plan is an essential tool for attracting funding to get started. It is a dynamic document that should be reviewed regularly to help you monitor and measure the performance of your business.

The benefits of writing a business plan are: • It brings together your ideas and research into a structured format. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

• It helps you to decide whether or when your business will be commercially viable.

• It clarifies your business purpose to yourself and communicate it to any funders.

• It predicts future scenarios and pitfalls and address them before they threaten the success of your business.

• It sets out your strategy for your business, particularly your marketing strategy.

• It sets targets and objectives, including sales and financial targets, so you can monitor your business’s performance on a continuing basis.

It is important to make your plan stand out from the crowd, so make it easy to read, comprehensive, yet concise and ensure there is no contradiction.

For example, check that the figures you include in the plan for expenditure on

equipment are the same amounts as you put in your financial forecasts – all too often these do not match so the business plan loses credibility.

The difference between dreamers and entrepreneurs is that entrepreneurs do things. Entrepreneurs jump over fences that people in employed jobs will often refuse.

They will keep jumping over these fences too. They are persistent and, usually work very hard. Indeed, their staying power and positive mindset is as important to their success as previous business knowledge.

Most entrepreneurs admit they’ve learnt more from their mistakes than anything or anyone else. The real fun lies in running your own business to achieve your business and personal goals. Indeed, making serious money isn’t the main reason most people start and run their own business. The main reason is to control one’s own destiny.

Enterprise essentials include: Spotting and seizing opportunities.

Winning and keeping customers.

Building positive networks.

Making goals.

Planning to achieve those goals.

Most entrepreneurs, including serial entrepreneurs, don’t have a ‘eureka’ totally original business idea. They have a good, viable idea – they see or are shown an opportunity for a product or service with a market for it – and they make it happen using these enterprise skills.

If you feel that you do have a business idea that you would like to explore, the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has a number of knowledgeable business start up advisors, and have supported many individuals to get their venture up and running.

Please get in touch with us on 024 7665 4321.

• • • • •

15

Legal & Finance

Lloyds Banking Group and the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative launch new national mentoring qualification

David Lodder

Lodders’ county charity focus Law firm Lodders is to focus its charity push on local Warwickshire projects.

Via Heart of England Community Foundation, the Stratfordupon-Avon solicitors are to throw their fund-raising effort behind The Buzz Arts and Community Centre and Support Sport Ltd. Based in the town’s Henley Street, and catering for the needs of a range of individuals and groups, Buzz provides a venue for leisure activities, support bodies, training, charity events and conferences.

The complex is for the public generally but in particular those who are young, old, infirm or disabled, in financial hardship or living in trying social or economic circumstances.

Lodders will fund a part time chef to support the centre’s Go Enjoy Project which aims to help those of limited mobility get into Stratford, meet others, get a bite to eat and enjoy some activities in an affordable setting.

“Every year we try to do our bit for charity. These are two great local causes, where hopefully we can help to make a difference.”

Support Sport Ltd is a not-for-profit organisation enabling children and young people to benefit through sport and leadership activities.

The aim is to develop tomorrow’s community leaders, boosting ambitions, goals and confidence.

Lodders will back workshops for children aged 9, 10 and 11 at five different primary schools across Warwickshire, targeting those in areas of either high deprivation or rural isolation.

Senior partner David Lodder, head of the firm’s charity committee, said: “Every year we try to do our bit for charity.

“These are two great local causes, where hopefully we can help to make a difference.”

16

Lloyds Banking Group has joined forces with the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI) for the national roll out of a new enterprise mentoring qualification designed to support volunteer mentors across the UK. The new Enterprise Mentor Champion qualification will be made available to all enterprise mentors involved in the national mentoring initiative – a programme set up by the five major high street banks, the British Bankers Association and the Business Finance Taskforce. The scheme is designed to train banking professionals to share their skills and experience with entrepreneurs.

The qualification, which was successfully piloted with Lloyds Banking Group mentors across London and the Midlands last year and in 2012, will be made available nationally from the summer when all volunteer mentors will be invited to qualify as an Enterprise Mentor Champion.

With modules specifically created by Lloyds Banking Group and SFEDI, the training programme aims to enable mentors to give high quality help and support to entrepreneurs by focusing on the different strategies and approaches to handling a mentoring relationship.

Volunteer mentors will also learn how they can promote the mentoring scheme within their own organisation and encourage other employees to join the scheme.

Speaking about the qualification Jackie Jenks, senior manager, enterprise mentoring at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “The introduction of the new Enterprise Mentor Champion qualification will see a significant amount of mentors across the country benefit from additional training and support that is specifically designed to help them form productive and effective relationships.

“Mentoring is a two-way process and it is vital that our volunteers are given access to support that will not only allow their mentees to get the best out of the relationship, but also benefit the mentors as well.

“The course covers a wide range of topics from dealing with sensitive or challenging issues and exercising good judgement, to networking with other mentors to share experiences and learn from each other.”

One volunteer who has already benefited from qualifying as an Enterprise Mentor Champion is IT manager within Lloyds Banking Group’s transaction standards monitoring team, Duncan Webster.

Duncan participated in the pilot scheme in 2012 and, through mentoring organisation Business Mentors South West (BMSW), he was then partnered with the fast-growing, Plymouth-based digital design company, Mutant Labs.

Through a series of regular meetings, Duncan used his years of experience at the bank, and the skills gained from his mentor training, to help support Mutant Labs in a range of areas including the development of a growth strategy, the creation of a marketing plan and the diversification of their product offering.

Duncan has also gone on to mentor several other growing businesses in his area and, along with the Mutant Labs team, won the award for innovation at the 2013 inaugural Enterprise Mentoring Awards.

Duncan said: “Enterprise mentoring is such a rewarding experience, but it is not without its challenges – particularly when it is so different to your day job and an area where you may have little or no experience.

“Having training programmes in place to help you refine your skills and approach is an incredibly important resource and definitely worth participating in.

“My role as an Enterprise Mentor Champion now means that I am also well positioned to promote the scheme amongst my colleagues which will hopefully result in even more mentors signing up.”

Ruth Lowbridge, chief executive at SFEDI, added “We are thrilled that this new qualification will be rolled out on a national basis.

After seeing the success of the pilot and the number of mentors and mentees that benefitted hugely from the training, we are keen to ensure that as many other volunteers have access to the course.”

Law firms announce promotions

Back row: Harminder Judge, Jennie Loynes, Daniel Jennings, Steve Halkett, Pete Maguire.

Front row: Rachel Gwynne, Emma Easton, Richard Lane, Ellie Crofts, Monica Kapur.

A Midlands law firm has made ten senior promotions, including promoting two senior solicitors to partner, following the firm’s strong business performance in 2013.

Leamington-based Wright Hassall has promoted outsourcing and commercial solicitor Pete Maguire and dispute resolution solicitor Daniel Jennings to partners, taking the firm’s total number of partners to 36.

Wright Hassall’s commitment to developing its people through continued

investment in skills training has also seen it make a further raft of senior associate and associate promotions.

Rachel Gwynne, who has a strong track record of advising charities and not-for-profit organisations on corporate and governance matters, is promoted to senior associate and takes on the responsibility for the firm’s significant charities and not-forprofit sector group.

Corporate solicitor Steve Halkett becomes senior associate as does insolvency solicitor Emma Easton alongside her fellow insolvency solicitor Monica Kapur who is promoted to associate.

The 35-strong real estate team has also been bolstered by the appointments of Jennie Loynes, Harminder Judge and Ellie Crofts as associates and property solicitor Louise Dearling is promoted to senior associate.

Richard Lane, Wright Hassall’s managing partner, said: “We are delighted to be able to promote these solicitors, all of whom have worked extremely hard to deliver excellent client service and support our clients during the tough economic times of the last few years.

“We are definitely seeing much more activity in the market as confidence returns to the economy. These promotions reflect our commitment to supporting our clients’ plans for growth by retaining excellent solicitors with the specialist skills they need.

“The firm has worked very hard to deliver such great results and these promotions are a reflection of our commitment to the future prosperity of the firm. After all, these young men and women are the leaders of tomorrow.”

Wright Hassall has a 230-strong team including 100 solicitors and 36 partners. Established in 1846, it’s a full service commercial law firm advising corporates, SMES, not-for-profit and public sector organisations. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Legal & Finance

Business gives backing to charity

Left to right: Rob Kendall (HB&0) with Phil Ewing (Heart of England Community Foundation.

Coventry and Warwickshire’s leading finance specialists have made a hearty donation to support a Midlands charity.

Harrison Beale and Owen (HB&O), which has offices in Coventry and Leamington, has helped to raise £4,058 for The Heart of England Community Foundation – one of the largest grant-making organisations across Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull.

The money was raised during a number of fundraising activities organised by the

firm throughout 2013, including a corporate charity golf day as well as a ‘free wills’ initiative.

And to round off the charitable year employees also donated their last hour of pay to help boost the funds raised for the charity, which was nominated as HB&O’s sponsored charity for 2013.

Rob Kendall, director at HB&O, said: “We are delighted to have been able to present a cheque for £4,058 to the Heart of England Community Foundation.

“We held a variety of activities throughout 2013 to help boost our fundraising and everyone did a fantastic job to raise money and show their support for the charity, which supports local causes.

“It is important for us to continue to support charities across the region and we look forward to working with the Heart of England Community Foundation in the future.”

The Heart of England Community Foundation helps to distribute money raised by a variety of organisations to supporting community projects across Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull.

Tina Costello, director of the Heart of England Community Foundation, said: “We are extremely grateful to HB&O for their generous donation, which will help to make a huge difference with the local community.

“Without the generous contributions from companies such as HB&O we would not be able to see what a wonderful effect their donations can have on a whole variety of groups.”

Phil Ewing, trustee of the Heart of England Community Foundation, collected the cheque on behalf of the charity.

“This donation will remain at the heart of the region and help a number of new community-led projects make positive steps towards supporting their local community.”

Accountants’ quiz night helps local hospice

THE WINNING TEAM: (from left to right): Craig Element, Danielle Cartwright, Kamaljit Singh, Sue Ryrie, John Humphreys and Partner at Burgis & Bullock, Sean Farnell.

Warwickshire-based accountancy firm, Burgis & Bullock recently held its 9th annual quiz night to help raise vital funding for a local hospice.

Burgis & Bullock, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, who have offices in Leamington Spa, Nuneaton, Rugby, Leicester and London, recently hosted another one of its hugely successful annual charity quiz nights at The Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

The charity event which raised £1,360 for Mary Ann Evans Hospice in Nuneaton, Warwickshire attracted over 250 guests again this year, including a large number of the firm’s clients, local banking and solicitor contacts and prospective clients.

Commenting on the amount of money raised on the night, Liz Hancock, Chief Executive at Mary Ann Evans Hospice said: “We are extremely thankful to the staff and partners at Burgis & Bullock including everyone who attended the quiz night for making such a wonderful contribution towards the Hospice. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

“The Mary Ann Evans Hospice is an independent Charity, we have a Day Hospice in Nuneaton which provides care for up to 15 patients a day, a Hospice at Home team who visit patients in their own homes for respite and end of life care, Lymphoedema and Bereavement Services. Our services are provided completely free of charge, but it costs approximately £770K per year to keep it running.

“We do receive some funding through the NHS, but this only 28% of our care costs and the remaining 72% is raised through donations, fundraising events and our charity shops. The monies raised at these types of events are vital in helping us to continue to provide our care services, which is why the support of local businesses such as Burgis & Bullock is so important to our future.”

Andrew Chadaway, Corporate Partner at Burgis & Bullock added: “Mary Ann Evans Hospice provides such a vital role in the community and we will happily continue to offer our support in the future.”

sponsored column

Top business tips for 2014

Jamie Skelding

As we look forward to the forthcoming year the businesses most likely to succeed are those that have a defined strategy and consider all elements of their business, even those that are out of their “comfort-zone”. Here Prime director, Jamie Skelding, gives an insight to his top tips for 2014…

Make use of the cloud Embracing the cloud can make the running of your business more efficient.

More accessibility to data allows it to be leveraged, significantly increasing the value derived from that information. Data kept in the cloud is arguably more secure than that held locally and is automatically backed up etc. However, it’s important that you carry out due diligence on proposed cloud partners before using them.

Know what your customers think of you and make improvements How do you know if customers are satisfied without asking them? Can you afford to muddle along in the dark, thinking all is OK? Here at Prime we recently carried out an online client survey to identify any areas that could be improved.

Define a direction for your business – regularly review and adjust accordingly Take a step back and think about the direction you want your business to be going in. Once you know this, make sure you carry out regular reviews. You need to put the necessary systems in place to provide you with the data required for this.

“What you can measure, you can improve”!

Develop a marketing plan that supports your intended business direction Once you’ve agreed the direction for your business, develop a marketing plan that takes an integrated approach. Try different campaigns and measure their success to see what works – you want to know you are getting a return on your investment.

Strive to motivate/train your employees – they are your sales force!

Motivated and well trained employees will ultimately help your business grow.

The ‘buzz’ amongst your staff will be passed on in their contact with your customers.

Prime’s Directors own and run the business, so first and foremost are businessmen themselves, running an accountancy practice. If you would like to talk to Prime about your business, please contact us today on 02476 518 555 or info@primeaccountants.co.uk.

Left to right: Representing Mary Ann Evans Hospice – Brian Fulleylove, John Mills, Duncan Phimister & Managing Partner at Burgis & Bullock, Wende Hubbard.

17

Policy

Branch Positive mood chairs heading into 2014 meet “On the whole, the figures paint a positive picture as we enter the New Year.”

Business leaders from across Coventry and Warwickshire have met to discuss issues affecting the region.

The five branch chairs from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s local committees came together to talk about their own area’s individual issues and also where there is common ground.

Jim Griffin, the Rugby branch chair; Sandra Garlick, the Coventry branch chair; Paul Carvell, the North Warwickshire branch chair; Sophie Howe, the midWarwickshire branch chair and Larry Coltman, the South Warwickshire branch chair met at Chamber House in Coventry.

Angela Tellyn, the Chamber’s partnership manager, said: “It was great to get the branch leaders together to discuss what is happening in the region.

“Of course, there are issues affecting every area which are individual to them but there are also common issues that they want to work together to solve.

“Transport links across Coventry and Warwickshire affect each branch area and have an impact on the whole region, for example, so that is certainly one instance where they can work together.

“Skills is another issue that is not unique to Coventry or any of our four Warwickshire branches so that is another example of where a common effort will bring benefits.”

“The branches have grown in strength over the past 12 to 18 months.”

She added: “The branches have grown in strength over the past 12 to 18 months.

While the Chamber centrally acts on behalf of all its members, the branches are a great way of giving businesses a very local voice and a forum to raise issues.

“We would urge firms to get in touch to find out more about their local branch and, possibly, even become part of the committee.

“We are now looking to appoint vice branch chairs in each area to support the work of the chair and also to succeed the chair at the end of their term.”

For more information email angelat@cwchamber.co.uk or call 024 7665 4321.

18

The majority of firms in Coventry and Warwickshire are heading into 2014 in confident mood, according to a new survey.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) provides a barometer to the regional economy and also feeds into a national survey conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce.

The latest poll for the final quarter of 2013 suggests that firms in both manufacturing and the service sector are optimistic about the year ahead – especially those who trade overseas.

In manufacturing, 67 per cent of companies believe that turnover will rise next year while 68 per cent of businesses in the service sector are anticipating a rise.

When it comes to advance orders or bookings, 47 per cent of service sector companies have seen an increase for the next three months, rising to 74 per cent on advanced export orders.

In manufacturing, 29 per cent of firms say advanced domestic orders are up but that rises to 63 per cent on advanced overseas orders.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “On the whole, the figures paint a positive picture as we enter the New Year.

GDP rise positive news Business leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire say the latest GDP figures show the economy is on the road to recovery – but there is still considerable work to be done.

The figures show that the UK economy grew by 0.7 per cent in the final quarter of 2013 and by 1.9 per cent across the year.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “When you take the GDP figures alongside recent news on unemployment and our own Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), they all show the improving economic picture.

“But the hard work is far from over – in fact, we have only just begun.

“Rebalancing the economy towards a stronger manufacturing and engineering base, towards increased exports, with an improving infrastructure network, has all started but rather than paring back efforts on these fronts we need to redouble them.

“We are seeing in this region a renaissance in manufacturing and engineering and it’s vital that the economic balance continues to shift that way.

“When it does, it will not be to the detriment to the service sector but will strengthen that too. So while we are pleased to see GDP rising and that the recovery is underway, this is no time for celebration, it is a time to look at further ways of building on the foundations that have been laid.”

“There is no doubt that life has been extremely difficult for companies for a sustained period so no firm that we speak to is getting carried away by the fact that the economy is improving.

“Many difficult decisions have been taken over the past four or five years and companies will remain prudent as they look to grow.

“Our latest QES shows that confidence is returning but there is certainly a great deal of work to be done – especially in manufacturing.

“It’s interesting, once again, that those companies who export – in manufacturing and the service sector – have seen stronger increases in orders from overseas.

“It underlines the point of just how vital it is for companies of all sizes and sectors to look to overseas markets to grow their business and we will continue our efforts in the New Year to get more firms exporting via our international trade hub.”

When it comes to employment prospects, 29 per cent of manufacturers expect to expand their workforce in 2014 with just five per cent predicting a cut.

In the service sector, 35 per cent of companies expect to add more employees with just three per cent anticipating a cut to the workforce.

Unemployment drop welcome The recent drop in unemployment figures has been welcomed.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We welcome yet another fall in the unemployment figures across Coventry and Warwickshire and this is yet another indicator of an improving economy.

“Warwickshire’s figures are the best for almost six years which, again, highlights the fact that we are on the road to recovery although nobody is getting complacent.

“There is still much to be done and as more companies start to grow, it’s vital that we have the skills to back up the growth and meet the demands of those firms.

“On top of that, we are also seeing strong enquiries for our start-up services, which suggests that individuals see an opportunity to ‘go it alone’ and set up a business.

“Of course, any advice or support they need in that is available from the Chamber.”

Chris White MP talks to CWLEP Warwick and Leamington MP Chris White praised the role of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) in ensuring positive steps have been taken in the first 12 months of the Social Value Act. He introduced the Act as a Private Members Bill which became law on January 31, 2013 and it means for the first time public organisations such as local authorities have to consider social value ahead of procurement.

This gives voluntary organisations, social enterprises and SMEs a greater chance of winning contracts that are put out to tender by councils since the economic, social and environmental well-being of the area has to be considered and not simply the financial cost.

“If the social and environmental aspects of an area are moving forward in the right direction then that is good news for the local economy...”

“The CWLEP has an important role to play in making sure the Social Value Act is a success in this area,” Mr White said.

“If the social and environmental aspects of an area are moving forward in the right direction then that is good news for the local economy because of the positive knock-on effects.

“As we know, the CWLEP is focused on boosting the economy and creating jobs and we need to have the right conditions for that to happen which is where the Social Value Act has an important role to play.

“If the values behind the Social Value Act are achieved then employment will follow which means it is a very important tool in providing some of the services which are looked after by local authorities.”

Amrik Bhabra, chairman of the SME Business Group of the CWLEP, said the Social Value Act was a meaningful and important piece of legislation.

He said: “The CWLEP is happy to support the Social Value Act which is a cultural change for those making decisions when awarding contracts.

“It is in everyone’s interests if we have a process which is more socially and environmentally aware because it will have an encouraging impact in the local community in which we live and work.

“It is important we continue to push the positive messages of the Social Value Act so that it makes a real difference when contracts for public services are put out to tender.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

The sky’s the limit for new Midlands Business

sponsored column

Aerial photography and filming has historically been the domain of light aircraft and helicopters but recent years more and more drones or UAV’s (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) are increasingly being used to ‘get the shot’.

The Civil Aviation Authority has started regulating this rapidly growing sector by creating a recognised industry standard qualification, the BNUC (British National UAV Certificate) for aircraft under 20kgs.

Because of the recent inclusion of these UAV’s into the aviation industry the requirement for operators who wish to work commercially is they must hold the BNUC, Public Liability Insurance and CAA permission for aerial work certificate.

There are only currently around five hundred operators in the UK. Rugby based Access UAV Ltd are one of these licensed operations.

Run by a former professional Stuntman and Royal Marine, Blake Sporne, Access UAV has completed the CAA requirements and has launched the business to provide low level aerial media to clients across the Midlands and the UK. With initial assistance from the British Legion programme ‘Be the Boss’ and funding from The Coventry & Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust, Blake was able to complete the two part CAA courses, exams and flight test at a time of personal hardship and tragedy.

“I came to Rugby as the Rugby Lions

Video Analyst in 2011 under Neil Back and Ben Gollings, but as we all know that didn’t turn out as well as we hoped’. Blake, as all the backroom staff at the club, didn’t receive his salary for that year and struggled during the season to keep a roof over his head. In September 2012, with mentoring from the British Legion small business start-up team, he began the journey with the idea of flying cameras from his work in over ten years in the film and TV industry.

“The technology is now accessible to the general public and you see more and more TV production teams using them to great effect in natural history programmes and sports. I want to give that same accessibility to a wider audience and market” Personal tragedy struck in the planning phase with the loss of his Mother in October 2012. However, this only motivated Blake to make the project succeed and he forged ahead with his plans and is pleased with the result so far.

“It has been a massive learning curve. I understand the value that the aerial images we produce can be for potential clients. You simply can’t get these stunning shots from anything else. Potential clients

Investment pays off for manufacturer

Pictured left to right – David Spears (Brandauer), Paul Fenner (Chantrey Vellacott DFK) and Leigh Cresswell (Brandauer)

The acquisition of £800,000 of state-ofthe-art technology is already paying off for a leading precision component manufacturer – with backing from accountants Chantrey Vellacott DFK. Brandauer, which is part of the Midlands Assembly Network (MAN), has acquired two GF Agie Charmilles wire EDM machines to support its strategic expansion and desire to win contracts in new markets.

The installation of the two Cut 3000 machines gives the company the ability to offer tolerances of 1 micron, whilst providing faster and more flexible production when making technical changes to problematic tools.

Despite only being operational for three months, the machines played their part in helping the 151 year-old Birminghambased firm manufacture £200,000 worth of progression tools for projects that range from surgical device blanks to microsurveillance component applications for clients in the life protection sector.

Rowan Crozier, Sales and Marketing Director, said: “This is an important milestone for us and reinforces our desire to be a world leader in precision components.

“These machines are very rare in the UK and are a direct response to what our existing and new customers want and expect from their suppliers. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

“Our new Wire EDM cell has been specified to a world-class level, with temperature controlled environment, new flooring, lighting and additional space added. The new technology ensures we can achieve exacting quality faster than ever before.

“The other big selling point is the technical flexibility. We can make the required technical improvements to problematic tools both quickly and seamlessly and this will be a major attraction when we are bidding for potential tool transfer opportunities.”

Brandauer, which has been assisted on the acquisition by business and tax advisors Chantrey Vellacott DFK, has been developing a complex component tooling set for use in zero emission, remote power generation that can be used as a back-up power supply in countries where regular interruptions occur.

It has now had the prototype part approved for pre-production and the firm plan to be manufacturing more than 60,000 units per month for shipment and assembly in China in late 2014.

This should be worth £720,000 alone next year, with the potential to eventually surpass £1m, as volumes increase to cope with demand.

Paul Fenner, partner at Chantrey Vellacott DFK, added his support: “Brandauer has achieved really strong growth and enjoyed great success exporting into new markets across the globe.

“We’ve worked alongside the company as auditors and tax advisors for some time, so we’ve witnessed their success at close quarters.

“The latest major investment outlines Brandauer’s strong growth and its confidence in the UK and international markets and we’re pleased to be supporting the continued expansion of the business.”

can range from Golf courses to chimney surveys, from promotional or corporate videos to an archaeological dig. The scope for the use of the UAV is incredible and the challenge now is to make people aware of its flexibility.”

With all the boxes ticked as far as legality and safety go, any client can have peace of mind Access UAV operates within the CAA regulations of no higher than 400 feet and within 500 metres of the pilot who remains in visual contact with the UAV. Access UAV has ambitious plans to add to its fleet of aircraft with larger models so larger cameras can be carried over the next two years. But sometimes bigger is not always better as smaller cameras are coming on the market which can be attached to smaller UAV’s so they can be flown almost anywhere. Infa-red and heat source cameras can be integrated too so the applications of the service are ever expanding.

Blake also intends to add Sports Analysis to the business but right now, his feet are firmly on the ground, as he concentrates on marketing a business that can truly take his clients ‘above the competition’.

If you would like to contact Blake: Access UAV Ltd blake@accessuav.co.uk.

Warwickshire launches new B2B portal Warwickshire County Council’s Economic Development Team launched its new Business-2-Business Portal at the Federation of Small Businesses’ B2B Expo at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry.

The aim of the B2B portal is to give local businesses the opportunity to promote their own sub-contracting or tendering opportunities and connect to other local companies.

The County Council is encouraging local businesses with sub-contracting or tendering opportunities that they want to advertise to make use of this new free resource to; • PROMOTE - subcontracting and tendering opportunities • ADVERTISE – job vacancies • CONNECT to other businesses • VIEW - local events and news Available over the internet, the B2B portal is accessible using mobile devices, providing a flexible solution to link with old and new business partners.

Cllr Alan Cockburn, Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “This is a great opportunity for Warwickshire’s businesses to link up with one another and work together, ensuring that we keep business in the county.”

To register visit https://intendhost.co.uk/WarwickshireB2B/aspx /B2B_Home For more information please contact Warwickshire B2B, email business@warwickshire.gov.uk or telephone 01926 418027.

19

“If you go back to the initial rationale behind the Arena, the idea was to regenerate this part of the city and contribute to the economy of the local community.”

Jacky Isaac has been working at the Ricoh Arena since 2007, during which time it has established itself as one of the primary conference, exhibition and sporting venues in the country.

“When I first came to the Ricoh Arena, it was as a consultant working two days a week but it quickly turned into a full-time job. I love working here...”

It has also experienced turbulent times with the loss of the city’s football club but the message from Jacky is that the complex is going from strength to strength.

What keeps her eager to come into work each day is the sheer variety of the job, involving everything from dealing with major exhibitions to overseeing football tournaments.

Biography:

Jacky Isaac Married: Yes Children: three, two boys, one girl Favourite film: Jack Nicholson in ‘As good as it gets’ Car: Mercedes SL Favourite gadget: iPad

20

Prior to coming to Coventry, Jacky worked in the Sports Leisure and Hospitality Division for Compass Group UK in HR with responsibility for 36,000 casual workers and headed major events for labour planning and labour logistics.

She had also been Head of Corporate Human Resources for Delaware North Company UK and worked as a consultant at Manchester United, the NEC and Middlesbrough Football Club.

Jacky, a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, said: ”I have always worked or been associated with the hospitality sector.

“Apart from a brief departure into HR, it is the industry in which I have worked for my entire career.

“When I first came to the Ricoh Arena, it was as a consultant working two days a week but it quickly turned into a full-time job. I love working here, I love the place and I love the fact that every day is different. You do not quite know what is coming next’.

She arrived in the early days of the Ricoh Arena, known as the Ricoh, which is a stadium complex situated in the Rowleys Green district of the city of Coventry housing a 32,609-seater stadium, a www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Profile: Jacky Isaac

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

6,000m2 exhibition hall, a 121 bedroom hotel and one of the UK’s largest casinos. The Arena Park Shopping Centre is also located on its doorstep.

It was opened officially by Dame Kelly Holmes and sports minister Richard Caborn on 24 February 2007. By that time the Ricoh Arena had been open for a year and had already hosted a sell-out England U21 football match against Germany and a full season of Coventry City football matches. Coventry City Football Club moved from Highfield Road to the new stadium with a larger capacity and better road links and parking facilities.

The Arena is operated by Arena Coventry Limited (ACL). Jacky, who became Interim Chief Executive in October 2012, said: ‘The beauty of the job is the variety. One day you could be dealing with a major exhibition or a conference - recently the venue was full of hire machinery - and the next it could be a trade show or major concert.

“Last year, Bruce Springsteen played here, which was a sell-out and one of the few dates on his UK tour. During 2012, Coldplay performed in the stadium bowl whilst later in the year 12,000 people came to see Florence + the Machine inside the Jaguar Hall.

“These kind of major events can take ten months to a year to plan. Either you are directly approached by a promoter or event organiser to host an event or ACL will we proactively pitch for them.

“These events attract a lot of publicity and this helps raise our profile. I think that the Olympics 2012 helped position us as a serious event venue; We hosted 12 football games in eight days which was a great experience for everyone involved. One of the big advantages in attracting sporting events is the flexibility of the space and we have had everything from football and weightlifting to gymnastics and snooker.

“I think people see the potential of the space and it helps that we have an onsite hotel as clearly these are important for two or three day events. When I arrived, there were 71 rooms available, now there are 121.

“All of this has helped us establish ourselves as a major event venue. Previously, for instance, Coventry was outside the national top 20 for staging conferences and exhibitions, a recent survey shows we are now seventh. This year at the Ricoh we are 45 per cent up on bookings for conferences and exhibitions compared to 2013.

“We are growing the business. The geography helps. Coventry is easy to get to. Even if you are in Edinburgh or Brighton, you can get here and back in a day - we are close to the M6 - and that is important to some event organisers. We are also growing the local business. Yes, we have the big national and international events but we want local organisations to be involved, that has included boxing championships and local bands.”

Which, inevitably, takes the conversation onto Coventry City Football Club. The club moved from the Ricoh Arena in April 2013 after a long dispute over rent and access to match-day revenue.

From the start of the 2013–2014 football season, with the dispute ongoing, Coventry City have been playing ‘home‘ matches at Sixfields Stadium, the home ground of Northampton Town Football Club.

“...although we are still on a journey, we can all be extremely proud of what we have achieved.”

Jacky said: ‘The story around Coventry City Football Club is well documented and it’s no secret that the doors remain open for the club to return and we hope they do at some point in the future.

“In the meantime, we will continue to grow our business and make sure we utilise the Ricoh Arena to its full potential.“ Despite the fall-out, Jacky, who was voted Team Player of the Year at the Stadium Business Awards 2011, sees much to be positive about.

She said: “If you go back to the initial rationale behind the Arena, the idea was to regenerate this part of the city and contribute to the economy of the local community.

“I think we have done that - when Bruce Springsteen came it was impossible to book an hotel room within a 35 mile radius, or a taxi. It is the same with other events, trade shows or major conferences. We have played our part in regenerating the city and I think that, although we are still on a journey, we can all be extremely proud of what we have achieved.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

21

Property

Architect entered for regional awards

Regional award for Chris

Martin Gallagher and Chris Newman.

“We are delighted to be given the opportunity to showcase our work.”

A Coventry and Warwickshire-based architects has entered the West Midlands Built Environment Hub Constructing Excellence Awards.

Vagdia and Holmes Chartered Architects, has been entered into the prestigious Celebrating Construction Awards for 2014.

The Practice has been run since 2007

by Directors Dhiran Vagdia and Kenneth Holmes and hosts a rich history of working for and serving churches, community groups, third sector trusts, public and private sector clients, for more than forty-five years.

The firm will be up against the best in the West Midlands for the highly sought-after awards, which attracts entries from industry leaders across the whole region.

Vagdia and Holmes have entered four award categories, including Heritage, Integration and Collaborative Working, The Legacy Award for Sustainability, and Value.

Director, Dhiran Vagdia, whose Practice projects were shortlisted for the Awards in 2011 and 2012, said: “We are delighted to be given the opportunity to showcase our work.

During a time when the Industry is fluctuating at great rates, public spending remains low, and unsustainable low profit margins, it is great that we have clients will to commit to architectural excellence”.

Winning an Award means entries are automatically submitted for the National Constructing Excellence Awards, where the West Midlands offerings go up against the best nationwide.

Winners of the West Midlands Celebrating Construction 2014 Awards are announced at the Awards Dinner at the ICC Birmingham, on the 25th April.

22

A part time, construction management student from Coventry University is celebrating after picking up a prestigious regional award.

Chris Newman from Coventry has received an award from the Institute of Civil Engineering for the best dissertation in the West Midlands.

The 27-year-old, who works as part of the site management team at city-based Deeley Construction, was awarded the accolade for his research into the ‘effects of the 2008 recession on the construction industry’, which he completed as part of a HNC in building at Coventry University.

The report offered a detailed exploration into the development of the construction industry since the recession looking at private sector businesses and public sector

investment, as well as highlighting a lack in funding for future projects.

Chris was presented with the award during an awards ceremony, which was held by the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, in addition to Coventry University’s graduation ceremony.

He is now studying a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management.

He said: “It is fantastic to have received such a prestigious award. The team at Deeley have been really supportive and it is great that I have been able to develop my practical skills whilst also studying for my degree.

“The recession has had a profound effect on the construction industry. The overall output has reduced, compared to previous years and the public sector was found to be

most effected with wide scale pay freezes as well as an increase in compulsory redundancy.

“The Government’s short-term austerity package also poses a considerable threat to the long-term prosperity of the industry.

Research discovered that large scale investments are needed to kick start growth in construction.

“It is also important for the industry to invest in funding schemes for the training of qualified and experienced professionals to ensure that the foundations of the sector are strengthened.

“I now hope to further develop my own skills by working within the industry at Deeley Construction, alongside studying for a degree in construction management.”

Martin Gallagher, managing director at Deeley Construction, attended the award ceremony where Deeley Group also presented an award to students for the ‘best group project’.

“Chris’ dissertation has highlighted how important it is for us to continue to support and encourage young people throughout their progression within the sector. Chris is one of five members of staff we currently have going through a structured training programme which includes attending college or university on a part-time basis.

“The construction industry represents a massive 10% of the country’s GDP and although the industry is showing signs of improvement it is essential that we are able to invest in future projects as well as improve the skill set of those young people entering the sector.”

Property professionals to benefit from new partnership

Left to Right: James Greenaway, Team Manager, Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards, Cllr Les Caborn, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Warwickshire County Council, Janet Faulkner, Group Manager Trading Standards, Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards, David Lovell, Account Manager, Better Regulation Delivery Office, Ian Potter, Managing Director, Association of Residential Letting Agents, Mark Hayward, Managing Director, National Association of Estate Agents, David Oliver, Head of Compliance, National Federation of Property Professionals

Warwickshire based National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP) has teamed up with Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service, to deliver clear and consistent business advice to the UK’s property industry, cutting red tape and helping businesses grow.

Organisations representing small and medium sized businesses, can now build a ‘co-ordinated partnership’ with their local Trading Standards Service, to ensure that all the firms they represent, where ever they are based, receive the same advice and guidance.

From now on, any Estate Agent or Residential Letting Agent that is a member of the NFOPP (over 4.500) will be able to seek advice on trading laws direct from the NFOPP who will in turn obtain expert guidance from Warwickshire Trading Standards – a simpler and more efficient

business advice model.

These smaller businesses will no longer need to contact their own local Trading Standards Service on an individual basis, reducing inconsistency of advice and enforcement.

National and multinational businesses with retail outlets across the UK are already able to benefit from an advisory relationship with a single Trading Standards Service. This relationship helps ensure that inspection, advice and enforcement is consistent across the business’s entire organisation.

Now smaller businesses, will, through their professional organisations, be able to access the same consistency of legal interpretation and advice as large companies already do.

Warwickshire County Councillor Les Caborn, Portfolio Holder for Community

Safety said: “I am delighted that we have established our first Primary Authority coordinated Partnership with the NFOPP. “Good regulation via assured advice removes red tape and inconsistency for small businesses, which is what businesses need as they seek to grow in the current financial climate.”

“This new partnership will now mean that many more small businesses will have access to the same the clear and consistent advice, wherever they are based in the Country.”

A spokesperson for the NFOPP, incorporating the ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents) and the NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents), said: “We very much welcome this strengthened relationship with Warwickshire County Council and view this as a huge benefit for those of our members who wish to avail themselves of the service.”

“We have long had concerns about the potential and actual varied interpretation of regulations by Trading Standards across the country. Now we have the opportunity to eradicate that for the benefit of both our members and the consumers.”

Graham Russell, Chief Executive, Better Regulation Delivery Office, said: “The changes of October 1st 2013 bring the benefits of Primary Authority and better regulation to the businesses that most need them – the small operators.

“The expansion of Primary Authority, and its extension to include new areas of regulation, has been given a strong early endorsement with the enthusiastic take up by major trade organisations and business groups representing more than 30,000 small businesses.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Property

Orbit Heart of England get ASB gold standard Housing association awarded HouseMark ASB accreditation with their first submission Orbit Heart of England has joined the ranks of 39 select few housing associations that have achieved national recognition for the way they deal with Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB).

The housing association has been awarded with HouseMark’s ASB accreditation – the gold standard for best practice in social housing.

Natalie Robertson, Regional Housing Manager, said “I am delighted that we achieved this with our first submission. It shows Orbit Heart of England’s commitment to making sure that all our customers have a safe place to live and it’s a recognition of the hard work our housing teams do to tackle ASB.” Lynn Dexter, Head of Consultancy at HouseMark, said “Our ASB accreditation is a robust, rigorous and challenging process and we commend Orbit Heart of England for their considerable effort in achieving this accreditation.”

In 2013, Orbit Heart of England dealt with 177 complaints of ASB, ranging from dogs barking and parking disputes to drug dealing and excessive noise.

As part of the accreditation process, HouseMark highlighted the work that the organisation is doing to help tackle ASB in the Coventry area. Orbit Heart of England

has supported boot camps in Coventry in partnership with Midland Heart and Whitefriars housing associations, the Fire Service, Youth Offending Service, West Midlands Police, Jobcentre Plus and Coventry City Council. Boot camps are a 2 week intensive programme for young people who are NEETs (not in education, employment or training), enabling them to gain vital employability skills and address poor motivational skills and peer pressure.

To date 90% of participants have moved from being NEETs to non-NEETs by the end of the camp. Destinations include apprenticeships, training and full-time education, paid work placements and fulltime employment.

Orbit Heart of England manages around 16,500 properties for families, couples, single and older people living in a mixture of rented, leasehold, supported and home ownership properties. Orbit Heart of England operates over a wide geographical area working with 25 local authorities and 9 County councils. Within those areas, the Housing Teams work closely in partnership with local councils and police to provide a co-ordinated approach to tackling ASB. HouseMark pioneered this, the only nationally recognised ASB accreditation, which is delivered in partnership with SLCNG (Social landlords’ Crime and Nuisance Group) and assessed against the Respect – ASB Charter for Housing, the sector owned ASB standard.

Taste of success for restaurant

Pictured from left to right: Lance McIntosh (Head Chef), Kirsty Wilcox (General Manager), David Penn (Shortland Penn + Moore).

A commercial property deal in Coventry is proving to be the recipe for success for a new restaurant venture.

Shortland Penn + Moore has let a 3,000 sq ft property on Corporation Street in Coventry, to a local businessman who has used the site to launch Frango’s Restaurant in the heart of the city.

Inspired by the traditional Portuguese ‘Churrasqueira’ restaurants in the Algarve, Frango’s is named after the Portuguese word for chicken and offers a variety of flame-grilled meat and fish dishes.

Spicing up its offering, the restaurant has combined traditional Portuguese dishes with a wide selection of technology –

including a virtual jukebox system which allows customers to select music choices via their own phone, as well as HD digital display screens, free charging points and free wifi.

Frango’s has also created around 25 new jobs within the city to help get the business off the ground.

David Penn, of Shortland Penn + Moore, said: “We are delighted to have agreed the letting and it is fantastic to see that Frango’s is bringing something a bit different to Coventry’s restaurant culture.

“We hope it proves to be popular in the city and is another example of the fact that there is increasing demand for all types of commercial property.”

Accolade for hotel from the people who matter

Coombe Abbey county house hotel, Warwickshire, has been officially recognised as one of the leading meetings and events venues in the UK. The four-star hotel, which sits within 150 acres of parkland on the outskirts of Coventry, has been Highly Commended in the VenueVerdict Accreditation Programme for 2013.

The scheme, run by leading independent market research consultancy BDRC Continental, is the only industry accreditation scheme based entirely on customer feedback and rates venues on a number of factors relating specifically to meetings and events.

The results are based on 22,000 individual responses from event planners and cover 360 different venues across the UK and Ireland.

Coombe Abbey, which offers meeting and corporate event space for between eight and 300 delegates, was one of 42 hotels to achieve Highly Commended status, with respondents commenting specifically on www.cw-chamber.co.uk

the personable and efficient approach of the hotel’s dedicated staff.

This follows similar recognition from hotel booking website www.laterooms.com, which awarded Coombe Abbey hotel Top Rated status in its recent Simply the Guest awards, which are also based on customer satisfaction.

Ron Terry, General Manager at Coombe Abbey hotel, said: “We take customer feedback extremely seriously at Coombe Abbey hotel and are absolutely delighted to have been highly commended in the VenueVerdict Accreditation Programme and recognised as Top Rated by users of www.laterooms.com.

“I am particularly thrilled that the respondents from the BDRC Continental survey recognised the hard work of our events staff and I would like to congratulate them on a job well done.”

Coombe Abbey was originally built as a Cistercian Abbey in the 12th Century.

For more information or to enquire about an event visit www.coombeabbey.com.

23

Area Focus: Coventry

Company launches new division Coventry’s oldest company is cleaning up after the successful launch of a new division.

Astleys, which supplies workwear, cleaning products, hand tools and health and safety equipment, has been trading in the city since 1730 and is still owned and run by the Astley family.

The company, based on Coventry Business Park, launched a specialist Cleaning and Hygiene division in 2010, supported by Coventry and Warwickshire accountants Baldwins, which has now become one of the most successful parts of the business.

Astleys moved from its city centre location – where it had a landmark building – to a new-build headquarters in 2005, and the venture into the care sector has helped it trade successfully through the recession.

David Astley, operations director with the company, said that the healthcare sector contributes 30 per cent to the overall turnover of the group which employs more than 30 staff.

“It has been a massive growth area for us in the last 18 months or so, during what has been a very difficult time for many sectors,” he said.

“There are very specific requirements in the care and hospitality sector in terms of the types of products which can be used to ensure hygiene standards.

“We have a highly experienced, specialist team whose vast knowledge of the

products as well as the sector requirements has been vital in the new division growing so quickly.

“Baldwins have been key to helping us steer through what has been a difficult time for business in general. It has been vital in the last few years to really have your finger on the pulse and that requires accurate and meaningful accounting information.

“We have a very long standing relationship with Baldwins and in recent years they really have been our accountancy rock.”

Astleys Cleaning and Hygiene division has recently retained the contract to supply all cleaning and janitorial products to the University of Birmingham for a further three years.

The company also has an Industrial and Safety Division which specialises in other sectors including Personal Protective Equipment, workwear, hand and power tools, and over the last couple of years has developed a successful range of Health and Safety training courses in height safety, access and CoSHH. Claire Stacey -Connor, a partner at Baldwins’ Leamington office in Waterloo Place, said Astley’s ability to innovate is a lesson to all firms.

“To have survived and thrived for close to 300 years is a feat in itself, but to still be diversifying to find and exploit new markets is truly remarkable,” she said.

Left to right: Claire Stacey-Connor (Baldwins), Jonathan Astley, Karen Thompson (Astleys), David Astley.

“David and his brother, Jonathan, know the significance of the business to the Coventry area and during their time at the helm they have taken the bold decision to move the company’s well-known headquarters to something more suitable for modern industry.

“The recession then hit the industry, but they have guided the company through that and are constantly looking to explore new areas.”

Company diversifies into new markets

CWLEP board director Councillor Lynnette Kelly and Angelo Luciano at Expert Tooling and Automation.

A Coventry company which has thrived supplying the automotive sector is to diversify into new markets after winning funding from a nationwide government project.

Expert Tooling and Automation, which specialises in the design and manufacture of production equipment and robotic automation for the automotive sector, is expanding into the supply of automated machinery for the manufacture of medical devices and supplies.

The company, based at Banner Park, Wickmans Drive, has received a £230,000 grant from the second round of the Growing Places initiative after receiving approval from the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP).

The business will now invest a further £1.2 million in refurbishing and upgrading

24

10,000 sq ft of its entire 50,000 sq ft premises to meet the quality requirements of the medical sector so that it can begin to manufacture medical equipment next summer.

Twenty-one jobs for project managers, project engineers, assembly technicians and machine operators will be created when the work gets underway and 57 other jobs have been safeguarded by the funding.

Angelo Luciano, managing director of Expert Tooling and Automation, said the 106-strong company in Coventry and the North East would no longer be so heavily reliant on the automotive sector.

“We currently design and manufacture product equipment predominantly for the automotive industry and our clients include Jaguar Land Rover, Ford, Aston Martin, McLaren and Bentley,” he said.

“We have an opportunity to undertake work in other industries including manufacturing equipment for the medical industry such as inhalers.

“In 2009, we bought Modular Automation International out of administration who worked with medical suppliers but we have not had the facility to take advantage of their contacts with companies such as Procter & Gamble and OralB but we will be

“We have an opportunity to undertake work in other industries including manufacturing equipment for the medical industry such as inhalers.”

able to target them again.

“We have just started the refurbishment of one of our units which has a 20-year lease because it needs to be a clean environment to undertake this new work and we are looking to increase our manufacturing capacity as well by bringing in CNC Machining Centres and measuring equipment plus CAD software.”

He said the Growing Places grant had sealed the company’s decision to invest in the diversification plans.

“I think it made the difference between making the investment and deciding not to,” Angelo said. “We probably wouldn’t have made the investment without the Growing Places grant so it made it easier to make the decision.”

Councillor Lynnette Kelly, Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Employment and CWLEP board director, said Expert Tooling and Automation was a perfect example of a specialist business that has the skilled workforce to diversify.

“Angelo and his team has built an excellent reputation within automotive circles for the high level of work they produce but it is important not to put all your eggs in one basket in case there is a downturn in the industry,” she said.

“The funding from Growing Places means the company will be moving into the medical sector to enhance its long-term future as well as building its profile in another industry.

“Creating and safeguarding jobs as well as boosting the economy are among the goals of the CWLEP and Expert Tooling and Automation certainly fits the bill which is why their application was backed by the CWLEP.”

Venue switch pays off for show The UK’s top show for the pool and spa industry sold out two months before it opened after moving to a new location at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena.

A combination of pool and spa builders, installers, retailers, designers, architects, distributors, builders and manufacturers along with staff from local authorities, leisure centres, hotels and holiday complexes attended the show from Sunday, February 2 to Tuesday, February 4.

Michele Bridle, the show’s organiser, said: “The move to a more central location at the Ricoh Arena has certainly paid dividends with all the exhibition space having been sold.

“The industry has spoken loud and clear in its support for the move to the Ricoh Arena. The sell-out reinforces the fact that SPATEX is the wet leisure industry’s original and most representative show.”

Chris Owen, senior events manager at the Ricoh Arena, said it was fantastic news that SPATEX 2014 sold out its exhibitor space.

He said: “Our purpose-built Jaguar Exhibition Hall is ideal for this kind of exhibition and our central location and on-site car parks take the hassle away from attending for visitors.”

PET-Xi win regional awards An education training provider, based in Coventry, has won two Family Business Awards.

PET-Xi training is a family run business in Coventry, based on Westwood Business park that has gone from strength to strength over the past 10 years.

The company was founded by Fleur and Chris Sexton in 1995 and now supplies a range of products and services to schools nationwide to help students improve their grades.

PET-Xi were nominated for two Family Business Awards ( Best Small Family Business and Fastest Growing Family Business).

The event was held in Birmingham and the night turned out to be a complete shock for the PET-Xi team who had 10 staff members in attendance!

Fleur Sexton, Joint Managing Director said: “It is an absolute honour and privilege to of even been shortlisted yet alone won two of these prestigious Family Business Awards. We had a fantastic year and the business has continued to grow in the direction Chris and Myself envisaged it.

PET-Xi is one of the leading educational experts which provides intensive GCSE, SATs and other exams to students through intensive, motivational programmes, tailored to fit the needs of individual students in the UK. Since 1995, the business has excelled in learner engagement with a 98% success rate on their highly effective courses.

PET-Xi training now employs 22 permanent staff at the head office in Coventry and has a roster of over 300 staff across the whole of the UK. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Coventry

Home sweet home for Institute’s new Product Designer

James Miles who has been appointed Industrial Product Designer at Coventry University Health Design & Technology Institute.

A Coventry University graduate has taken up the post of Industrial Product Designer at the University’s Health Design & Technology Institute (HDTI).

Award-winning designer James Miles is familiar with his new surroundings, having spent six months as an intern working on product designs in 2010 at the HDTI while studying at Coventry.

After graduating with a First Class Honours in Consumer Product Design from the University in 2011, the 24-year-old joined JMDA in Worcester as a Junior Product Designer.

Now, the Stratford-based designer will be working alongside HDTI Senior Product Designer Paul Magee on projects centred on community healthcare and assisted living.

James, who won the Nanjing Innovation Design Prize in 2011 awarded by the University of Singapore, is excited about returning to HDTI to develop new technologies.

He said: “My internship was a massive help and gave me invaluable experience for my studies in my final year. This was really valuable in improving my design thinking and overall skill set.

“I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead as I really enjoy working on projects which bring benefits to users because it can make a real difference in improving their day-to-day lives.

“My job involves concept generation, design development and designing for manufacture to create innovative healthcare products and assistive technologies.

“It is really interesting to watch your initial designs progress into prototypes for products which can be used to improve people’s lives.”

The Health Design & Technology Institute has recently been awarded a second phase of funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) of £341,500 to extend its support to SMEs in the West Midlands for a further 18 months.

Guy Smallman, Commercial Development Director at HDTI, believes James will be a very welcome addition to the team.

He said: “The ERDF funding helps the Product Design team develop innovative products in the community healthcare and assisted living sector and James will play an integral part in continuing our innovative and cutting-edge work.

“James will be using state-of-the-art technology in our studio and workshop to design products which are then turned into prototypes, tested and evaluated for assessment before hopefully entering the market.

“SMEs in the West Midlands region, covering Warwickshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, are eligible for five days of funding from the ERDF. “This entitles companies to free consultancy for product development and testing of assistive technologies and community healthcare products and we are always keen to talk to entrepreneurs about their ideas.”

For further information about the work of HDTI contact Guy Smallman at guy.smallman@coventry.ac.uk.

Record year for car dealer Mercedes-Benz of Coventry has seen a record number of customers visit its Wheler Road showroom and take a test drive.

A total of 1,138 customers took test drives last year and, although the retailer was busier than ever keeping up with demand, there was no question of its quality of service ever slipping.

In fact, in a ‘mystery shopper’ test drive exercise conducted by the leading motoring magazine What Car?, MercedesBenz of Coventry was commended for its approach.

Through its ‘test drive special’ feature the magazine posed as a normal customer and contacted Mercedes-Benz of Coventry to request a test drive of the A 180 SE – an A-Class model that is in particularly high demand. Commenting on its experience, What Car? said: “Full marks to MercedesBenz of Coventry, which offered us the opportunity to ‘Drive it Your Way’ – a programme operated by all Inchcape dealers, where you choose not only the cars you test but the route you test them on.”

The ‘Drive it Your Way’ test drive initiative operated by Mercedes-Benz of Coventry allows customers to do just that, offering them the chance to experience their ideal Mercedes-Benz on a range of routes and under different driving conditions. These routes are ‘quick familiarisation’, ‘stop & start’, ‘complete experience’ and there’s even the ‘route you are familiar with’ option where you can use the car for your commute or even take it home and see how it sits on your drive.

A refreshing break from the quick spin round the block offered by many automotive retailers, ‘Drive it Your Way’ certainly left a lasting impression on What www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Car?. The magazine summed up its article by saying: “....we can’t help wondering why more don’t offer bespoke test drive schemes such as Inchcape’s Drive it Your Way.” Sarah Middleton, Sales Director at Mercedes-Benz of Coventry is delighted with the unprecedented interest from customers in taking a test drive.

“Buying a new car is a very big decision so we strive to offer our customers the very best opportunity to discover if the Mercedes-Benz they’re considering is 100 per cent right for them,” explained Sarah.

“We’re thrilled that we were able to help so many people experience a Mercedes-Benz in their natural driving environment and that we’ve also received praise from a very respected motoring publication for our service.”

Sarah continued: “It’s been the best ever year for Mercedes-Benz since it began retailing cars in the UK and with new models like the exciting GLA and new C-Class just around the corner, we’re expecting even more people to request test drives in 2014.”

Enjoying a testing time... Mercedes-Benz of Coventry’s Business Manager Chas Gill (left) and Sales Executives Ruth Wardhaugh and Nathan Reeves with the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class – one of the models most requested by customers to test drive in 2013.

Multiplay expands the Insomnia series as it partners with Ricoh Arena The UK’s biggest gaming festival will be staged in Coventry for the first time in 2014 when the Insomnia gaming festival takes place at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena.

The Insomnia series attracts tens of thousands of gamers from across the UK to compete in the UK’s most competitive eSports tournaments, and see the best games first. The first Insomnia festival at the Ricoh Arena takes place over Easter Bank Holiday weekend, Friday 18th April to Monday 21st April 2014.

Insomnia will be taking over the Ricoh Arena to give visitors the chance to sample new games, watch live product demonstrations, buy the latest products and merchandise or watch the eSports tournaments unfold, streamed live to millions on Twitch.TV. Offering the same unrivalled atmosphere, visitors will be able to camp in their thousands across the weekend, bringing their own PCs and consoles with camping facilities and security on-site.

Craig Fletcher, chief executive officer of Multiplay, said: “At Multiplay, we’re always looking to grow our business, and choosing a location that gives the Insomnia festivals strategic growth opportunities is of paramount importance to us, as well as our loyal community that attend our events.”

He continued: “We’ve worked closely with the passionate staff at the Ricoh Arena and Coventry City Council to deliver a new home for Insomnia.

“We are also delighted to be able to welcome back the Easter weekend dates which we haven’t been able to secure since Insomnia 42.

“It’s incredibly exciting to be able to hold an Easter weekend extravaganza full of new content and awesome activities.

“We’re really pleased with the commitment and drive shown in bringing the UK’s largest gaming festivals to Coventry, and it’s a partnership we’re excited to move forward with in 2014.”

Jacky Isaac, Interim CEO at the Ricoh Arena, said she was thrilled one of the biggest dates in the calendar for gaming fans was being held in Coventry.

“It is the first time we will have held a gaming festival at the Ricoh Arena and this is great news for the venue and for the city,” she said. “This is a festival for gaming in all its formats and is due to attract over 10,000 visitors from around the country.”

Cllr Lynnette, Cabinet Member (Business, Commerce, Enterprise and Employment), said: “This is another tremendous coup for the city, and once again it demonstrates what a fantastic facility we have in Coventry. Events like this are an important way to raise the profile of Coventry and support economic growth.”

25

Area Focus: Coventry

Lord Edmiston advises students to save money The Coventry winners of a Post 16 Stock Market Challenge, should only invest in companies or markets they understand and have thoroughly researched, according to Lord Edmiston, Chairman of the IM Group.

The winning students from Grace Academy Coventry, who turned their initial £15,000, into a staggering £99,100 on a fictitious Stock Market, were invited to visit Lord Edmiston at IM House to learn some more tips for success.

Lord Edmiston advised students to work for people who are earning a lot more than them, so they have room to progress, and also said they should always be aware of the external risks to any business before they get involved.

Talking about the need for students to identify growth industries to work in so they get to the top more quickly, and maximize their chances for success, Lord Edmiston said:

“The winners of the Stock Market Challenge meet Lord Edmiston, Chairman, IM Group, and talk Currency Market.”

From Left to Right: Alec Tawengo, Grace Academy Coventry student, Salim Hamed, Grace Academy Coventry student, Drae Black, Grace Academy Coventry student, Lord Edmiston, Chairman, IM Group, Abu Jaffary, Grace Academy student, Yvonne Perry, Grace Academy, Emma Evans, Head of 6th Form, Grace Academy, Jack Green, Grace Academy Coventry student.

“The team with their business mentors after finding out they had won.”

From Left to Right: Alec Tawengo, Grace Academy Coventry student, Salim Hamed, Grace Academy Coventry student, Drae Black, Grace Academy Coventry student, Mark Leonard, Project Manager, MACE, Abu Jaffary, Grace Academy Coventry student, Lucy Allcoat, Assistant Relationship Director Corporate Banking, RBS, Jack Green, Grace Academy Coventry student.

“Getting to grips with the effects of the Japanese Yen on world trade.”

From Left to Right: Salim Hamed, Grace Academy Coventry student, Alec Tawengo, Grace Academy Coventry student, Drae Black, Grace Academy Coventry student, Abu Jaffary, Grace Academy Coventry student, Lord Edmiston, Chairman, IM Group, Jack Green, Grace Academy Coventry student.

“Those who got into the rapidly growing internet business early are probably sitting at the top of the tree right now. However, a student’s number one priority is to get a good job, put down roots, get a house, save money and not spend it all on pleasures.

“This will give them time to get to know more about the industry they are in, and find out the key factors and drivers of the industry, before making any investments.”

Drae Black, one of the winning students in the Stock Market Challenge from Grace Academy Coventry, added: “We played quite a high risk strategy but we invested quite wisely in the end. Sometimes you have to invest big to win big, and that is what we did. We are over the moon with the results.”

The Stock Market Challenge was a realistic game of stocks and shares, and was supported by staff from: Royal Bank of Scotland, MACE, MITIE, ASDA, and the NEC. The Challenge portrayed 10 companies whose share values went up or down according to business activity and changes with the market and the competition. The idea was for the teams to make as much money as possible! The winning team fought off stiff competition from Grace Academy Solihull and Grace Academy Darlaston.

Company highly commended in energy awards GI Energy has been highly commended in the prestigious Energy Awards for its sustainable heating and cooling system that has cut the carbon footprint of Oxford University’s new Oxford Earth Sciences building.

The Coventry-based company, the UK market leader in the design and installation of Ground Source Energy Systems, was a runner-up in the Excellence in Carbon Reduction category.

The innovative company was also shortlisted in a second category, the Renewable Project of the Year, for the heating and cooling systems it recently installed for the Orkney Schools

26

Investment Programme.

Chris Davidson, Director of Development of GI Energy, said: “GI Energy pioneered the use of Ground Source Energy Systems in the UK and I am delighted that we reached the final shortlists of two separate categories.

“Reducing carbon footprints – and in the process reducing building running costs – is what GI Energy is all about and our excellent results at Oxford Earth Sciences prove that we can achieve significant savings on both fronts. ”Whether the technology is Ground Source Energy Systems, Combined Heat & Power, Biomass, Air Source Heat Pumps or Solar Photovoltaic and Thermal, we can

“GI Energy pioneered the use of Ground Source Energy Systems in the UK and I am delighted that we reached the final shortlists of two separate categories.” provide a tailored sustainable energy solution.”

Careful monitoring of the system at Oxford Earth Sciences showed that the carbon footprint was 23% lower than expected, despite the finished building requiring far more heating and cooling than originally anticipated when it was on the drawing board.

The Orkney Schools Investment Programme was completed more recently so there has not been time to collate yearround measurements. GI Energy installed Ground Source Energy Systems in four buildings – Stromness Primary School, Kirkwall Grammar School, the associated Papdale Hall of Residence and Pickaquoy Leisure Centre in Kirkwall. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: South Warks

Ragley launches Garden Open Days

Ragley, the family home of the 9th Marquess and Marchioness of Hertford, is launching a series of Garden Open Day’s throughout 2014.

Visitors can attend different Open Days which include an opportunity to meet with the Head Gardener plus learn about specific plants throughout the seasons.

In addition, visitors can see how Ragley works to optimise habitats and food resources for insects, birds and small mammals. All Open Days cost just £5 per person including access to the Gardens and Café and just an additional £2 per person for a guided tour of the Ragley Hall state rooms.

The Gardens occupy 10 hectares and

surround the magnificent Hall which dates back to 1680. Although the 170 hectares of parkland were designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown during the 18th century, little is known of the gardens prior to 1873.

Ragley opens its gardens to visitors on select days throughout the year, giving them the opportunity to immerse themselves in the seasonal delights the gardens offer and meet Ross Barbour, the Head Gardener. Time: 11am – 3pm.

They include: • Snowdrops & Winter Garden - 26 & 27 February • Tulips & Daffodils - 28 & 29 April • Rose Garden - 23 & 24 June • Summer Bedding & Prairie Garden - 24 & 25 September Ragley is located two miles South West of Alcester just off the A435/A46, eight miles from Stratford-upon-Avon. For more information, please visit the website at www.ragleyhall.com.

College lecturer is an international hit

Tom Haines with his award-winning score.

Stratford-uponAvon College lecturer Tom Haines has won a prestigious international Jazz competition and f3,000 in prize money.

Tom, 34, who has worked for the College’s music department since 2004, won both the International Composition Award and the Audience Award at the Brussels Jazz Orchestra International Composition Contest.

Tom’s composition ‘Whistleblower’ was shortlisted as one of four finalists from 78 entries spanning 26 countries. The finalists’ compositions were performed by the Oscar-winning Brussels Jazz orchestra who previously performed on the

soundtrack to 2011 ‘Best Film’ winner The Artist.

Tom’s eight-minute winning entry, which took ten months to compose, was chosen by an international panel of judges including Grammy-nominated American Jazz producer and journalist Jeff Levenson.

Looking back on the event, Tom said “I feel very proud and honoured to have won these international awards. It was great to spend time with such a fantastic orchestra and a real privilege to have them play my own composition. I was told by an audience member that I looked like I was dancing while I was conducting the piece. All four finalists’ compositions were very different but I think it’s fair to say mine was the most fun!”

James Maiden – Head of Music said: “It is great to have such talent within the College. We hope Tom’s success will really inspire our Music students to progress in their chosen career paths after college.”

RSC executive director joins LEP board

Sir Peter Rigby, chair of the CWLEP, welcomes new board member Catherine Mallyon.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) has appointed a new board member from the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Catherine Mallyon has joined the CWLEP’s 16-strong board which is madeup of representatives from the private and public sector.

She was appointed as executive director of the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2012 and is a governor of the company and a member of its board.

Catherine was previously deputy chief executive of Southbank Centre, the largest single-run arts centre in the world, where she led all its operational activity and her major projects included re-opening the Royal Festival Hall after its refurbishment in 2007 and the renewal of Hayward Gallery in 2010.

In her earlier career in arts management, Catherine was general

manager of arts and theatres at Reading Borough Council which involved managing all theatre and arts operations, programming drama and classical music for the Hexagon and Concert Hall, and coproducing the WOMAD festival.

Catherine said the LEP was an important organisation in driving forward the local economy, particularly culture and tourism.

“We have great art, cultural and visitor attractions which draw millions of people from right across the UK and all corners of the world to Coventry and Warwickshire,” she said.

“It’s vital we maximise the opportunities to promote our area, encouraging economic growth, stimulating inward investment and celebrating our area as a fantastic place to visit, live and work in.

“The value of tourism and the cultural industries we have here is well recognised by the CWLEP. I look forward to being part of the CWLEP Board as we set an exciting agenda for further growth and prosperity and help to encourage more visitors to stay longer.”

Sir Peter Rigby, chair of the CWLEP, said Catherine’s expertise in the cultural and visitor experience sector was a welcome addition to the board.

“The CWLEP’s strategy is to maximise all expanding and growing sectors which means culture and tourism is key because of the wealth of attractions we have across Coventry and Warwickshire,” he said.

“In the short and medium term we want to encourage businesses to compete nationally and internationally and encouraging cultural activity and tourists to visit is a key component.”

DCS celebrates 20th Anniversary with new name and new look This week Stratford-upon-Avon based DCS Europe celebrates its 20th Anniversary and has taken the opportunity to change its name to DCS Group (UK) Ltd with a new web domain dcsgroup.com Alongside this the company has launched two further new websites.

Founded by Denys C. Shortt OBE in 1994 DCS has grown from humble beginnings to the £180 million sales and 320 employee company it is today.

DCS is the official UK sales and distribution company for major brands such as P&G, Gillette, Unilever, Colgate, PZ Cussons, SC Johnson, Osram and more. It also owns a factory making toiletries as well as a portfolio of brands which include Enliven and Natural Essences.

Denys Shortt OBE comments “20 years on is a great time to make some changes and to further focus the business. We decided to simplify from sixteen websites down to just three!”

He continues “We have a strong focus on www.cw-chamber.co.uk

design and creativity at DCS so all the website photography was taken in-house.

We have also utilised the latest web technology called ‘responsive design’ which automatically aligns the website according to the device you are using” DCS has launched its all new Corporate website at www.dcsinc.co.uk as well as a new site for their brand Enliven at www.enliven.co.uk

27

Area Focus: Mid Warks

Boom towns but no bubbles

Commercial properties in great demand across Mid Warwickshire.

2014 could be the strong year for business regeneration as demand for commercial property in Coventry and Warwickshire is growing – and could soon outstrip supply.

As confidence in the economy increases so does the number of new business start-ups and expanding companies looking for local property to rent or buy.

Simon Hain, a director of Leamington commercial property consultants ehB Commercial, said there was growth in demand across all commercial sectors – retail, office and industrial.

In recent weeks ehB Commercial has witnessed a mushrooming of larger commercial deals on its books, including a 18,200 sq ft office sold to the Midcounties Cooperative to further expand on Tachbrook Park, and the letting, with deposits paid, on 13 of the 14 new start-up business premises on the new Trident Park development – before any have even been built!

“We have seen an organic and sustained growth in interest in commercial premises in the Leamington area, which is always a good sign of economic recovery – but it is too early to pop any champagne bottles yet,” said Mr Hain.

“We could soon see a situation where demand outstrips supply as stocks of such properties are dwindling and there is too little to choose from,” he said.

“In recent years it has been a buyers’ market with office values, for example, falling below the actual build costs. Businesses have been offering substantially less than the asking price and negotiating significant reductions on rent.

“This has led to many landlords being reluctant to let or sell as they wait for the market to pick up. Well that time has arrived, or at least we are in the early stages of a recovery. The market is definitely thawing and, as the economy has done much better than expected, there is more bank finance out there.”

The traditional high street - which has flatlined in some parts of the UK because of the economy - has been buoyant in Leamington.

Mr Hain added: “In recent weeks we have been so busy, particularly in the retail and office market. We have successfully let six Leamington town centre shops, which is good news for a sector that has had some bad press.

However, this could be against the national trend, because Leamington is very much a destination location for shoppers looking for something different.”

“Likewise, start up businesses are enjoying a revival with the majority of Trident Park already let before a sod of earth has been turned – they are not due to be completed until the middle of 2014.” ehB Commercial has again been named Warwickshire’s ‘Most Active Agent of the Year’ for a record fourth time by leading trade journal Estates Gazette. The magazine also named ehB’s Victoria Mawer as the county’s ‘Deal Maker of the Year’ – the second time she has won the award.

28

Offering opportunities for area’s artists Matt Howe, of Gallery Squared, explains how his business came about I had spent four years at University completing my degree in Fine Art, it had come to the end and I was faced with the reality that I had become qualified in a profession that is being continually bombarded with cuts from the Government.

At a time hard enough for anyone to get a job I decided to move from Devon, my childhood county, in pursuit of a locale to start my career.

I moved to Warwickshire where my business partner is based. This was the point that I decided, with my business partner, Kate, to start Gallery Squared.

Gallery Squared represent 17 artists, some of whom are local, and others from the length and breadth of the UK, exhibiting art work as a touring art gallery.

In creating Gallery Squared, Kate and I were hoping to support artists from all over the UK in an ever more difficult industry. Artists only seemed to get representation once established, once they have become famous, or once they have a plethora of artistic endeavours under their belt, this makes for a very difficult struggle to become successful.

Gallery Squared artists are of a

“In creating Gallery Squared, Kate and I were hoping to support artists from all over the UK in an ever more difficult industry.” very broad range of styles, all of our artists create and complete their own artworks, produce work of the utmost quality, and are truly talented in their field of art.

We choose to represent on ability instead of the usual “brand names” and feel we are challenging the status quo and in doing this we hope to inject refreshment into the monotonous “high street” art scene. With many chain galleries the ethos appears to be almost mechanical, with a conveyor belt of “artist embellished” artworks, which can be over priced and occasionally questionable in terms of originality.

Gallery Squared intend to seek permanent gallery space in Leamington Spa in 2014 and hope to bring an opportunity to local artists, and customers, offering representation based on a persons ability, not their qualification or name, we feel its about time the pomposity of the branded art scene were challenged with a revolt of artists naturally qualified to produce breathtaking art work and we feel that Royal Leamington Spa, with it’s enviable and thriving existing art market, is the best place to start.

You can find out more at www.pinterest.com/gallerysquared/ gallery-squared-art-work/ www.facebook.com/gallerysquared twitter.com/Gallerysquared2 www.gallerysquared.co.uk

Talking the right language Sophie Howe, Mid-Warwickshire branch chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

Firstly, I would like to wish businesses across the area a very happy and prosperous 2014.

As individuals, we tend to make New Year’s resolutions – usually less chocolate and alcohol and more time in the gym!

But, as companies, I think the vast majority come back after the Christmas break and get straight back to work without really considering what they might do differently in the year ahead that could see them generate business in new ways and new areas.

International trade is going to be key for the whole economy to grow and, in my opinion, it should be the New Year’s resolution of every business to look at how they might start to export their goods and services overseas.

I know we have talked about this at length previously and I do believe that there has been a shift in mentality and that exporting is no longer seen as being too difficult or daunting for many.

Of course, for some, they will still look upon international trade as out of their reach but I do think more companies are starting to believe they can do it but aren’t getting round to My advice would be to get in touch

with the Chamber’s UKTI team because they can offer all sorts of support to businesses who want to start exporting.

Further to that, and this is a real passion of mine, the UK must start to embrace other languages in order to ensure our future economic success.

The British Council published a report recently that listed ten languages we must learn in order for our economy to have a bright future.

They are: Spanish, Arabic, French, Mandarin Chinese, German, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Turkish and Japanese.

The chosen ten were selected based on a number of economic factors, including current UK export trade, the language needs of UK businesses, future government trade priorities and emerging high growth markets.

Additional criteria such as languages favoured by the general public, foreign destinations adored by British tourists and the prevalence of languages used on the internet were also considered during the selection process.

With the complete list and report now public, the findings suggest that it’s high time we encouraged our young people to learn some of these languages and perhaps, as businessmen and women, we considered picking up a new language ourselves; the report startlingly reveals that 75% of the British public are unable to speak any of these languages well enough to hold a conversation.

The report concludes that Britain needs to start building on its existing language learning profile; this means a wider range of languages taught and greater numbers of people encouraged to learn them.

Otherwise, a continuing lack of language skills could threaten the UK’s position and influence on the international stage, and hinder our ability to compete in the global economy.

Starting today, UK businesses can start preparing themselves for working internationally by supporting their staff in developing language skills.

So while it might seem a world away to businesses across Warwickshire, they will have a very real impact on the economic well-being of all of us if we don’t take heed. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Mid Warks

RNF Digital Innovation drives Bridgestone business success Leamington-based RNF Digital Innovation is proving to be right on track for Bridgestone as the apps they developed help drive the tyre giant’s sales success.

The Firestone Tyre Pressure Calculator app for use by farmers and the Bridgestone Challenge app developed for use by Bridgestone’s sales teams, are delivering impressive results since being launched a couple of years ago.

Revolutionising Bridgestone’s sales force, assisting customers and helping to land new contracts, RNF Digital Innovation – located next to Bridgestone at the Pure Business Park in Leamington - is proving a major driving force for Bridgestone’s business.

The Firestone Tyre Pressure Calculator app is already proving an invaluable aid to farmers. It helps them to identify the correct pressure to set their tyres with benefits including reduced soil compaction, less wear and tear on their tyres and increased fuel economy.

Since its launch in 2011, the app has been downloaded 29,000 times at a rate of around 1,000 a month. It has also be used across 143 countries including Germany,France, Afghanistan and the Middle East.

The Bridgestone Challenge app is helping transform the way in which the company’s sales team works.

The app, used by all 40 of Bridgestone’s field sales staff, allows the user to calculate the true cost of tyres, and provides performance comparisons and reports, all on the user’s tablet device in front of the customer.

Andy Mathias, Bridgestone’s Product and Marketing Manager, said: “The Bridgestone Challenge app has revolutionised the way our sales teams work.

“Before the app, our sales staff were compiling their data using individual spreadsheets, but now they are able to access uniformal data from a variety of global locations including our own UK, Ireland and Scandinavian teams.

“It aids transparency and enables the

fleet or commercial vehicle customer to make a really informed choice about the right tyre for them, on location. It’s making a huge difference on the ground and has helped us win two or three large fleet contracts.”

The success of the Challenge app has been recognised within the automotive industry, with a shortlisting for the Motor Transport Awards 2013. The tyre pressure calculator has also enjoyed industry acclaim, with the global farming community embracing the technology.

Barry Coleman, Bridgestone’s Product Manager for Northern Europe, said: “In the past, when farmers wanted to know what tyre pressure they should run at, tractor and tyre manufacturers tended to say ‘go and have a look at the technical data book’.

“Now they can put all the data into the Firestone Tyre Pressure Calculator and get the correct tyre pressure at the touch of a button. It’s quick, simple and easy to use and does what it says it does.

“We are getting really good feedback from those using it and it is clearly successful as our competitors are now

trying to emulate us.”

Rob Mannion, RNF Digital Innovation’s Managing Director, said: “We are very pleased to see these two apps performing so well for Bridgestone and that they are proving to be a real asset in delivering direct, user friendly solutions for their staff and customers.

“The Firestone Tyre Pressure Calculator has enjoyed tremendous user engagement.

The numbers of downloads and countries in which it’s being used highlights it as a perfect example of an app which supports a business customer base.

“It also showcases RNF Digital’s ability to deliver high end, mobile technology applications to the heart of a business and deliver real, tangible results to help take that business forward.”

RNF Digital Innovation is an awardwinning, high-growth company providing mobile applications to help businesses realise the potential of mobile technology.

For more information about RNF Digital and its portfolio of products visit www.rnfdigital.com.

Voith Indusrial Services wins £2 million contract with Peugeot Citroen Automobiles UK Ltd Warwick-based Voith Industrial Services, a leading service provider to the UK automotive industry, has won a £2 million facility management contract with Peugeot Citroen Automobiles UK Ltd. in Coventry.

The two-year contract – with a possibility of a one-year extension - is a further expansion of Voith’s UK business which has grown considerably in facilities management and specialist technical areas of the automotive industry.

The Peugeot Citroen contract takes place in two locations. At Pinley House, the UK headquarters which employs 600 people for Peugeot Motor Company, Voith will carry out the cleaning of offices, post room, and reception as well as managing security and on-site facilities maintenance.

At Peugeot’s Tile Hill distribution centre, a 30,000 sq. metre warehouse that handles thousands of parts and accessories for www.cw-chamber.co.uk

dealer networks throughout the UK and Ireland, Voith will be responsible for cleaning, battery charging, and security services.

Dave Metcalfe, Peugeot’s facilities manager, said: “One of the reasons we chose Voith was that they demonstrated a pro-active approach to continually improving their procedures as they gained a detailed understanding of the tasks involved.”

Phil Spencer, Voith Industrial Services’ sales and business development director, said: “The Peugeot contract illustrates that we offer a wide range of specialist services to major international automotive companies and we are delighted to add Peugeot Citroen to our growing portfolio of major automotive customers.

“This announcement follows hot on the heels of the contract that Voith secured with Vauxhall to design and operate part of

the engine assembly line for the Vivaro van in Luton.”

He added that Voith Industrial Services is the world’s leading provider of specialist technical cleaning services to automotive paint plants. Voith manage over 80 paint shops globally, and customers in the UK include Vauxhall, Jaguar Land Rover, Ford and BMW. Voith Industrial Services, based in Tournament Fields, has increased its sales turnover significantly over the past three years. It provides services in four main areas – facility management, technical cleaning, wheel and tyre assembly, and managed processes.

Earlier this year Voith Industrial Services, which now has more 2,100 employees at 35 locations across the country, acquired Coventry-based ThyssenKrupp Services Ltd.

Company makes the big move to hub development A company started at home is among the first to move into an innovative hub designed to help small businesses in rural Warwickshire thrive.

LSW Associates, a health, safety and environmental management specialist, has outgrown the home of its founder Lawrence Webb in Hampton Magna, Warwick, within three years of being established.

The company, which provides training and consultancy, has now relocated to the Rural Innovation Centre which was recently opened at Stoneleigh Park as part of a major initiative to boost the rural economy.

Lawrence, who has built his company on more than 25 years of experience in HSE management, said the facilities, support and location of the Rural Innovation Centre made it the ideal base for expansion.

He said: “Due to the company’s on-going success and steady growth, it needed larger premises but also supporting infrastructure and facilities such as access to training rooms and accommodation.

“Remaining in a central location was also important to stay accessible to our clients who are based across the UK and Europe.

“The Rural Innovation Centre was the ideal solution as it provides a whole host of new facilities to help develop both the training and consultancy sides of the business and being based at Stoneleigh Park also gives it a prestigious and respected address.”

The Rural Innovation Centre is part of the Warwickshire Rural Growth Network, funded by DEFRA to support small firms in rural areas and led by Warwickshire County Council on behalf of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

The centre has a range of offices available for small businesses within any sector and provides services from free advice to access to high-speed broadband and state-of-the art meeting rooms.

Lawrence works across a range of industries but specialises in construction and hopes the improving economic outlook will support his business growth.

He said: “Confidence is returning to industry and businesses want to keep their best people and to do that they have to be savvy about health, safety and environmental management. “ Lawrence, who is also a part-time university tutor and professional institution representative, is planning to expand upon the interactive accredited training he delivers alongside his own client-led bespoke courses.”

The new base will also allow me to work with more local businesses and support those on site with the essentials of sensible and practical day-to-day HSE management, which is the basis of my approach, he added.

Liz Burkinshaw, manager of the Rural Innovation Centre, said: “LSW is a prime example of the type of business that we are here to help. After being successfully established at home, it needed to take the next step up and we have been able to provide that.

“As well as a serviced office, the centre offers a wide range of facilities and support to help it thrive. LSW Associates will be a great addition and I look forward to helping with its development.”

For more information about the Rural Innovation Centre, visit www.ricoffices.co.uk or email enquiries@ricoffices.co.uk.

29

Area Focus: Rugby

Dragons Lair – Young Enterprising Teams vie for cash

The Rugby Branch of Young Enterprise, the business and enterprise education charity, took up the suggestion of Alistair George, a local Chartered Surveyor, to give students in the area a boost for their business ideas.

Under the title George & the Dragons, each Young Enterprise team presented to the ‘Dragons’ their proposals why their business idea should warrant parting with cash. The reward was the local Dragons provided £300.

Six teams made up of students from schools across Rugby went into the

spotlight before the Dragons. The lair was in deep within the Mexican quarter of Rugby town centre at La Casa Loco.

Paul Miles Rogers, a volunteer Business Advisor for Young Enterprise, assembled a team comprising students from Rugby High School and Harris School. Wood-You, the team he co-advises with Kallum Bell, training specialist from ProED, won the competition.

Paul said: “This win is a big boost to the team, they are producing personalised kitchenware, starting with chopping boards and expanding to garments and utensils.

“The Dragon’s cash will enable them to develop their range of products. The goal of impressing the Dragons has inspired the team to think big.”

Wood-You has Board Meetings at HSBC’s Church Street branch in Rugby so the team have the added experience of passing through the security at the bank. Young Enterprise aims to give the students the fullest experience of the business world which is so important to gain a practical educational grounded for their careers.

A special thanks went to Alistair George & the Dragons for their expertise; Julie White, Managing Director of D-Drill, Rob Henderson, Principal Partner at Astute Services, Shirley Gale, owner of Casa Loco, Malcolm Freeman, owner of Oxygen Graphics.

Looking forward to a prosperous year

By Angela Tellyn, partnership manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

I would like to wish a happy and prosperous New Year to businesses across Rugby and the surrounding borough.

Apologies, to start with, that it’s me and not Jim Griffin, the recently appointed chair for this branch who is writing this first column of the year. He’s away at the moment so I am stepping in but, because of my role within the Chamber, I am heavily involved with the work of the branch and the issues in the local area.

In terms of Rugby as a whole, it’s exciting to see plans moving forward at the mast site and we are sure that it is going to have a hugely positive effect on the borough’s economy.

Also, I know this branch has lobbied hard over the years for improvements to the Catthorpe Interchange and, again, it is good to see that work is getting underway there.

Generally, most indicators suggest the economy as a whole is starting to pick up. That was certainly the sentiment we picked up in our final Quarterly Economic Survey of the year – where firms are saying they believe there will be steady if not astronomical growth in 2014.

Of course, for the economy to grow, we need our businesses to grow and that means increasing their client-base. That can mean finding new customers domestically or by trading overseas which, while it might seem daunting at first, is a great way of adding to the bottom-line.

The UKTI international trade team at

the Chamber can offer all sorts of free help and advice whether you are taking your first steps into the global trade or whether you are experienced at exporting but are now looking for new markets overseas.

Another way of the economy growing is by seeing more businesses being established and then flourishing.

Again, some individuals may want to start their own business but might be put off by scare stories or the lack of a regular, fixed income. That is understandable and nobody should go into business without undertaking a great deal of research and taking the right advice.

The Chamber is running a series of free workshops aimed specifically at people in Rugby and the wider borough who are thinking of starting up on their own.

They began on January 15 and further events will take place on February 19 and March 19.

They are being run by an experienced business adviser who will take individuals through the first steps of starting a company and they can then sign up for further advice and support if they should need.

The workshops will take place in the Town Hall in Rugby from 9.30am until 1pm and I would advise people to register their interest by emailing info@cw-chamber.co.uk Thank you for reading and Jim will be back next month!

Read C&W In Business online by visiting the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce website: www.cw-chamber.co.uk 30

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Rugby

New venture sees business riding high A new venture has been launched by a Willoughby business which allows dressage riders to enter affiliated shows at its equestrian centre near Rugby via the web.

The Dressage UK website has been setup by Philip Baker and Jayna Henderson to give a comprehensive monitoring and tracking process of horses, riders and owners after receiving advice from Baldwins accountants in Leamington.

Philip, who runs the increasingly popular Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre in Willoughby, Rugby, for dressage, showjumping, polo and polo cross at the 1,000 acre site, with his brother, David, has spent the last year developing the website.

Phil said the plan was to encourage equestrian centres throughout the UK to sign-up to the www.dressageuk.org website.

“We are currently attracting in excess of 80 dressage riders per show which we hold once a fortnight and the website will encourage competition among club riders,” he said.

“Members will be able to track their winnings, their placings, find out the top 20 riders and horses at every level and the top 20 owners as well as enter affiliated competitions online.

“By clicking on a horse you will be able to find out its entire history such as where it has won, who was riding the horse and who it belongs to so the website will be extremely interactive.

“We are really excited by this project and the initial feedback we have had from those involved in dressage has been very encouraging.

“Baldwins accountants has been very supportive and has offered advice every step of the way which is important for any start-up business.”

Phil has been busy helping to set-up the

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Employment land comes forward at Rugby Gateway Work is well under way to develop 36 hectares of employment land as part of the Rugby Gateway urban extension. The site is ideally situated next to Junction 1 of the M6 and is well placed in the heartland of the Midlands logistics and manufacturing industry. Units will accommodate business requirements of 50,000 sq ft to 1 million sq ft and will offer bespoke design & build facilities.

Kevin Brevitt from Baldwins accountants (left) with Philip Baker who helped to set-up the Dressage UK website.

Dressage UK website while overseeing major improvements to Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre.

A new access, indoor and outdoor arenas, a viewing platform, 60-seat restaurant, farm shop, teaching rooms and cafe are due to open by January 2014.

Phil added: “We will monitor the website closely to make sure riders are competing at the right level and we will be talking to the best dressage centres in each part of the UK to encourage them to come on board.

“We have had interest from as far away as Essex and we are confident it will lead to the expansion of more dressage shows at Onley Grounds.”

Kevin Brevitt, partner at Baldwins

accountants in Waterloo Place, Leamington, said the launch of the website was an exciting development in the world of dressage.

“Phil and David have a great deal of equestrian experience and they have also talked to dressage riders and owners before putting together this comprehensive website,” he said.

“Dressage UK will be run independently from Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre and we have been able to provide accountancy advice and support to ensure everything was in place from a business perspective before the website went live.

“At Baldwins, we are always happy to provide advice to help our clients expand or set-up another business and these are exciting times for Phil and David.”

Arrival of the new Peugeot 308 Hatchback at Wycliffe Peugeot Drivers are being given the chance to discover more about the new Peugeot at Wycliffe Peugeot in Rugby.

Despite Peugeot retaining the same designation as it predecessor, the new 308 is a completely new car from the ground up.

Developed on Peugeot’s revolutionary new EMP2 platform (which will be used for all new medium sized Peugeot & Citroen Cars & LCVs for the foreseeable future), the new 308 is 140kg lighter than the old

sponsored column

model, which means that it can offer class leading fuel economy, and Co2 emissions, which will be important to Company Car Users.

Wycliffe’s Business & Fleet Specialist Gary Newey said: “The all new Euro6 1.6 120bhp BlueHDi Turbo Diesel engine emits only 85 g/km of Co2, and returns a healthy 91.1 MPG on a Combined Cycle. This is the most efficient conventional diesel car in the M1 sector, and more economical than a Toyota Auris Hybrid.”

With the new 308, Peugeot haven’t just gone to town on the technology under the bonnet. The Active variant comes as standard with a Touchscreen System in the dash which integrates many of the cars functions including Satellite Navigation, DAB Radio, Bluetooth Connectivity, Traffic Updates, 2 USB Audio Connections, Tyre Pressure Monitoring, an Internet Browser and the Dual Zone Climate Control System.

Alloy Wheels, Auto Lights & Wipers, and Height Adjustable Seats with Lumbar Support for both Driver & Front Passenger all add to the comfort and premium feel of this new car.

Manufacturing techniques including the use of Aluminium & Composite body panels, a revolutionary new method of applying paint to the vehicle, and the use of anti-static materials within the cabin to prevent the build up of dust mean that the new 308 will look and feel as good as new for years to come.

Wycliffe Peugeot Rugby have available a range of 308 Demonstrator vehicles for appraisal of Business & Fleet users across the region. To arrange a test drive, or a quote for the new 308, contact Gary Newey.

The project - a joint venture between Roxhill and SEGRO - has already attracted significant interest from potential occupiers because of the site’s desirability to businesses: • Well connected by road and rail • Suitable for warehouse/distribution and manufacturing space • Responds to demand for these type of units locally • Units built to bespoke requirements • Visibility from M6 and prominent location • Working age population of 170,000 within 10 miles • Provides possibilities to champion a development bringing significant numbers of jobs to the area • Opportunity to be located alongside esteemed regional and national organisations in a flagship scheme The first phase of the development (capable of accommodating circa 750,000 sq ft) will be ready in the first quarter of 2014 with the remaining plots following from the third quarter of the year. If your business wants to be part of this exciting opportunity, please contact the agents working on Rugby Gateway using the below details.

David Binks, Cushman & Wakefield Telephone: 0121 232 4900 Email: david.binks@eur.cushwake.com

Richard Meering, CBRE Telephone: 0121 609 7666 Email: Richard.meering@cbre.com

31

Area Focus: North Warks College and Chamber develop entrepreneurial spirit Students from North Warwickshire & Hinckley College created business plans as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week.

The event was designed to encourage a future generation of entrepreneurs to move forward with their business ideas and introduce entrepreneurial attitudes amongst students.

The students were given a host of advice sessions with professionals offering guidance on themes such as generating the big idea, compare the market, get it out there, and do the mathsfinancing your idea.

Margaret Bull, Enterprise Coach for Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce presented a Business Start-up Workshop to the students and provided a number of invaluable 1:1 sessions to those students with business aspirations or already in business and wanting advice to move their business forward.

During the week students hosted lunchtime showcases, ranging from free hair and

beauty mini- treatments, to ‘The Great Christmas Make Off’, where creative arts students and staff made Christmas cards and festive decorations for sale. Marion Plant OBE, Principal and CEO at North Warwickshire & Hinckley College, said; ‘There is a real enthusiasm for enterprise across the College from both staff and students.

The range of activities during the week was designed to inspire students to think about taking a step towards becoming entrepreneurs and running their own business’.

To add to the success of the week, North Warwickshire & Hinckley College was awarded the Global Entrepreneurship Week Badge of Honour for delivering a High Impact Event.

The College was also successful in winning £2,000 from the National Association of College and University Entrepreneurs, after submitting a bid for funding, which will support the establishment of a Student Enterprise Group, run by students for students to be launched in the New Year.

Putting the area on the map Paul Carvell, North Warwickshire branch chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

I would like to wish a belated happy New Year to everyone across the region, especially fellow businesses.

And what a start to the year it has been. Since I start writing this column for the Nuneaton News, I have been banging the drum for this area and saying how I feel we need to start to talk up this region as a place to do business.

I think Nuneaton, Bedworth and North Warwickshire needs to put itself on the map and shout about all of our success stories.

The fact that the Chancellor George Osborne came here to talk to businesses in this region and find out the issues we all face was a great way to kick-off 2014 and to highlight all that is good about this area.

The Chamber is very much a non-partisan organisation – it simply wants the best for business – but the profile the Chancellor brings is almost unrivalled and a credit to MP Marcus Jones for arranging that.

I was delighted to be invited to meet him for lunch and it was interesting to see such a high-profile politician away from the media glare because it meant he could be a little less guarded about his answers to our questions.

One of the points he made was around planning for the future and that you don’t always see the positive results of those plans immediately.

When it comes to business, forward planning is absolutely vital.

The clients that I see who plan ahead are the ones who are most likely to achieve success. Those who don’t plan are taking a pot luck approach to their business and that’s certainly not a policy I would advocate as it probably has about a ten per cent success rate.

My advice would be to use the New Year as a way of making a resolution for your business, to look again at your plan and, if necessary, take expert advice.

Equally, for individuals who are looking to start their own business now is the time to start making serious plans to do so and the Chamber has a range of support, advice and courses to offer free of charge to those people who want to ‘go it alone.’

Again, the more businesses we see thriving in this area, the better it is for the whole economy and the greater chance we have of raising our profile as a great place to do business.

For more information on start-up support and, indeed, help for established businesses, email info@cw-chamber.co.uk or call 024 7665 4321.

32

Councils win award

Two council support services have won a prestigious award for a joint project to deliver improved employment related help to people with learning disabilities.

Warwickshire County Council’s WEST (Warwickshire Employment Support Team) and Coventry City Council’s TESS (The Employment Support Service) team have won the European Social Fund (ESF) Equal Opportunities Specialist Project Award 2013.

The award was presented at a ceremony that took place at the end of last year as part of WorldSkills UK – The Skills Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

The teams received the award for the work they have done to increase and improve resources to help disabled people find work.

Disabled people face major barriers when seeking employment and although many people want to work and have a wide range of skills and abilities to offer employers, unemployment rates are still far higher for disabled people than that of other groups within society.

Recent government reports suggest unemployment rates among people with learning disabilities is as high as 95 per cent. In addition, disabled people are

more than twice as likely as non-disabled people to have no qualifications.

Recognising a lack of support, the teams developed a new approach to attract employers and help adults with disabilities get employment. They did this by bringing in a specialist trainer from British Association for Supported Employment (BASE), who helped the staff develop the skills and confidence required to be able to build strong longer-term relationships with employers.

The trainer worked with both teams separately and jointly to develop the concept of a 4 stage approach: • Engage – Identify different ways they could engage with employers and gain access to decision makers.

• Assess – Undertake a survey with the employer to understand their business needs, how they worked and potential areas where they could work in partnership.

• Analyse and Match – Spend some time in the business analysing the types of opportunities that may be available, what were critical success factors, the culture, environment and crucially, the personality traits they would need to match to potential clients.

• Maintain – Embedding the importance of relationship development and maintenance.

Cllr Jose Compton, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care at Warwickshire County Council, said: “I am thrilled to hear that the WEST team have won this award. It is testament to their hard work and dedication to improving people with learning disabilities employment opportunities and a great example of sub-regional working.”

“Warwickshire County Council is committed to helping all areas of society to reach their potential. Hopefully this project will help people with learning disabilities to find work and independence by breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes.”

The project has helped raise the expectations and aspirations of disabled people and their parents/carers, challenge discrimination and demonstrate that with the right support, people with significant impairments or health difficulties can make a valuable contribution to the community and economy.

Creating a Personal & Executive Brand What is personal branding? How do you create a compelling executive presence?

Why is it important? Do you want to find out about how businesses and business executives use the power of personal brand to help develop and grow their potential and give them a competitive edge?

I am writing to you to introduce a new interactive and experiential training workshop that has been designed by House of Colour to support you and your employees. Our workshops can be run within a group setting or with individuals on a one to one basis. Each participant is provided with learning materials to support their learning needs and any on-going development. Training can be tailored to meet with you company’s business objectives ensuring that your goals and expectations are met through group and individual learning outcomes.

The workshop includes modules on: • Personal Branding • Circles of Influence • Developing Powerful Visual Brand Statements • Using Colour and Creating Positive Visual Impact • Creating Interest and Difference • Taking Action DAWN BURTON Dawn Burton is a Personal Brand Specialist for House of Colour and divides

her time through domestic work as an Elite Personal Style and Colour Consultant working with corporate clients and working within the domestic market. Dawn works with teams and individuals at all levels within business and helps individuals to achieve their full potential. She works with her clients to show them how to use their personal brand to give them a competitive edge and create compelling visual impact.

Dawn is a member of the House of Colour in Training Team and holds a Professional Excellence Certificate with House of Colour.

Dawn’s background in quality management, counselling, TA and CBT allows her to create inspiring, effective, interactive and compelling workshops for her clients. Her clients include Jaguar Landrover, Lighterlife Weight Management, Ladies Business Connections and Educational Services.

TESTIMONIAL Dawn has given me my identity back and has made wearing different styles and colours more fun. I just love the new me – I’m full of confidence and I actually enjoy shopping again now.

DC – Brinklow As a customer facing person it is important for me to look and feel my best and now I have had my colours and style done I can actually say that my business has boomed! I am just so much more happier in myself – I would recommend anyone to do this.

LR – Rugby For some while now I have been seeking a promotion at work so when I found out about Personal Branding I just thought – why not, I’ve got nothing to lose? I got so much out of the session with Dawn and I was able to identify many gaps. It’s amazing how just making a few simple changes can make huge changes to your life including that long awaited promotion.

HW - Nuneaton If you would like to know more about this and have the opportunity to discuss how this may be implemented into your business, then please do not hesitate to contact me to arrange a mutually convenient time to discuss your business needs. I shall look forward to hearing from you. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Start-up sign sent Claire to the Chamber!

Etiquette Guru advises staff from Solihull Academy

William Hanson speaking at an etiquette training seminar for staff and business partners of Grace Academies in Solihull, Coventry and Darlaston.

Claire Hartry with Margaret Bull.

The woman running the new Brook Farm Shop in Stoneleigh was not thinking about starting her own business until she saw a sign – literally!

Claire Hartry, who has a Masters Degree in global journalism, was running a journal for the Association of Applied Biologists in Wellesbourne when she spotted a ‘to let’ board at the farm.

“I hadn’t thought about going into business but I was driving home from work and saw the ‘farm shop for rent’ sign at Brook Farm,” she said.

“It got me thinking. I love food, I love cooking and just thought it was me. I wanted it to be very much about local produce – good quality, organic meats and vegetables.

“But I had no idea about business plans or how to get it all started so I rang the local council and was put in touch with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.”

Last summer, Claire attended a one-day start-up course in Nuneaton, which was part of a programme supported by the ERDF and local councils, before being assigned business advisor, Margaret Bull, by the Chamber.

Margaret was a constant source of support both in terms of confidence and helping to hone Claire’s business plan ahead of a pre-Christmas launch.

The Brook Farm Shop opened its doors on December 6 and following strong festive trade has continued to be popular since the turn of the year.

She said: “Margaret was absolutely amazing. She gave me technical advice with regards to my business plan but also kept saying how much she believed in me and the idea. That really gave me the inspiration to keep going.”

Claire’s produce – all sourced within 30 miles of the shop – including beef from Ettinginton and free range eggs from Kenilworth – is now flying off the shelves.

She’s already taken on a member of staff and has plans to expand into supplying vegetable boxes to customers in the area.

“I’m delighted with the start we have made here,” Claire said.

“People really seem to love what we’re doing here and long may that continue.

“The Chamber support has been brilliant – so much so that I’ve even recommended that Claire, who works for me, speak to Margaret about setting up her own business too!”

Margaret said: “It does sometimes happen that someone who isn’t really thinking about setting up a company gets a flash of inspiration. Claire, quite literally, saw a sign that suddenly got her thinking.

“It’s important not just to jump in but to plan strategically. Claire was a pleasure to work with and took on board all my advice when it came to planning the business.

“With a great idea, a business plan and a lot of hard work, I have every confidence The Brook Farm Shop will be a major success.”

For more details on the shop log onto www.thebrookfarmshop.co.uk and for more information on establishing a business call the Chamber on 024 7665 4321. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Two thirds of people in Britain don’t have the correct table manners according to William Hanson, one of the UK’s leading etiquette gurus, who was invited to speak at an etiquette training seminar for the staff and business partners of Grace Academy Solihull.

William Hanson, who has appeared on BBC Breakfast, ITV This Morning, CNN, and ITV Let’s Do Lunch with Gino & Mel, was offering his expert advice to staff from Grace Academy Solihull, so they can train their students to dine out with confidence.

In an inspiring two hours, Mr Hanson dispelled the fears surrounding conversation starters, courtesy, glassware, crockery, and dignity at the dinner table, and said: “One of the worst etiquette mistakes I have ever seen is people on their mobile phones at dinner parties. This is so rude when you have come to socialise with friends.

“The other one I heard about was at a seminar held in a bank where one of their graduates was spotted eating peas off the knife. I ended up having to give a seminar on how to eat peas.

“There is a widely held belief that employers are just looking for good academic grades when they come to hiring graduates from schools, academies or universities.

While that may be part of the case, what they also look for is good people skills.

“People do business with people. An employee could have the best set of grades going but be useless at interacting with others. Knowing the politesses and having refined social skills gives the upper edge in business and social situations.”

Yvonne Perry, Business Partnerships Manager for Grace Academy, added: “There is often, even for adults, a sense of mystery around what is expected with regards to table etiquette. Our Business Etiquette Lunches for Year 11 students dispel any fears and leave our young adults feeling confident and practiced, aware of what they should know and assured that what they don’t, won’t trip them up.

“You wouldn’t believe the difference in a young person, coming in daunted and

Sydney Adams, Year 11 Grace Academy student, serving Deborah Brown and Sabaoh Phiri.

uncomfortable to finding new friends around the table and standing before strangers to make their toast.”

Among the local businesses offering their support at the seminar, held at IM House, were TESCO, Xoserve, NEC Group, Laser UK, Landrover, ASDA, IM Group, Aspens, Coombs Catering, and RBS. Mr Hanson has recently trained Grace Academy’s leading students, with a likely career in the service industry, and they were asked to serve at the event.

William Hanson, who is widely regarded as one of the most trusted authorities on etiquette and protocol, has recently released an irreverent and indispensable manual of modern-day social climbing, ‘The Bluffer’s Guide to Etiquette’, which was released to high praise in January.

Grace Academy staff and business partners learning the table etiquette ropes from William Hanson.

33

News

College bucks the national trend with big increase in higher education applications With latest figures showing a drop in university applications across England, Warwickshire College is bucking the trend with a 28% increase in applications this year this year compared with the same time last year.

This impressive increase comes at a time when the latest data from UCAS - the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service - shows applications from English students are at their lowest since 2009, and down 6.5% from 2012.

Warwickshire College offers a range of more than 70 higher education courses including HNCs, HNDs, Foundation and Honours Degrees.

These can be achieved through a range of study options including part-time, fulltime, work-based and distance learning in subjects including animal science, equine, business and enterprise, computing, horticulture, fine art, sport, care and counselling at our centres in Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

Investment in a new equine rehabilitation and therapy centre has contributed towards applications to the BSc (Hons) Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation rising from 35 last year to 72 this year. New facilities including a water treadmill and equine spa are currently being installed at the college’s Moreton Morrell centre, giving students access to the best facilities during their studies.

Ann Cotterill, Director of Higher

Education at Warwickshire College, said, “We are absolutely delighted to be bucking the trend with the increase in applications to study higher education at Warwickshire College.

“The flexibility of studying with Warwickshire College is an attractive option for many of our students. Our course fees are often significantly less expensive than university, saving students up to £3,000 a year, but with high quality teaching, smaller class sizes and more individual time with their tutors and lecturers.

“As a Gazelle college, we are also committed to equipping our students with more than just a qualification, enabling them to develop employability skills and real-world business experience. Our courses are designed with input from industry experts so students will be ‘work ready’ when they graduate. The fact that 91% of our graduates are employed or undertaking further study speaks for itself.”

Like all English universities, Warwickshire College is regularly reviewed by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) to ensure high quality and academic standards. The QAA Quality Mark confirms that our higher education courses have met UK expectations of quality and standards.

For more information on studying higher education at Warwickshire College, go to www.warwickshire.ac.uk/he

Your Call magazine wins Inspirational Business Owner Your Call Magazine was shortlisted for a National Award at the National 2013 Magazine Publishers Awards hosted by Quay Systems, who provide software for magazine publishers around the country.

Lynne and Steve Heard of Your Call Magazine attended a conference followed by a black tie award ceremony at nigh, and went on to win the award for ‘Inspirational Business Owner’.

The judges recognised Lynne and Steve’s passion and personal drive to make things happen. Your Call Magazine is a constant source of support for local businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire, offering advice and helping local businesses to grow through marketing their products and services around the area, through print, online marketing and Social Media.

They also support and promote many charities, local groups and community events through print, online and social media each year.

Having taken 12 months to recover from Viral Meningitis, Lynne sought a ‘work/life’ balance, and the business was established independently in 2005.

With the business growing, Lynne left her corporate career whilst her children were still young in 2007, to pursue her dream of

34

growing the business further. Three years later she was unlucky enough to be struck down with Viral Meningitis for a second time.

Despite being incredibly ill, she still managed to keep the business ticking over, not wanting to let any customers down.

Lynne even carried out some work from hospital once she was over the worst, and as soon as she was fully recovered 12 months later, her husband Steve also joined her in the business, to expand and grow the business together.

Eight years later, one magazine has grown to seven magazines covering different areas across Coventry and Warwickshire, and the business has expanded further, to include a community website with an online business directory, a smartphone mobile App, a Social Media presence and a promotional company dealing with leaflet and stationery printing and distribution.

Lynne and Steve are a constant source of support and inspiration for other likeminded magazine owners across the UK, and this was also recognised by the judges.

Lynne and Steve are keen supporters of the Meningitis Trust Charity.

Free consultancy advice for West Midlands SMEs Entrepreneurs, inventors and SMEs in the West Midlands have been urged to take advantage of free consultancy advice to transform their ideas into reality.

The Health Design & Technology Institute (HDTI) at Coventry University has secured £341,500 of second phase funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to continue its support across the West Midlands, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.

The additional funding has been awarded for a further 18 months for innovative ideas connected with the assisted living and community healthcare market.

Highly skilled staff at HDTI will provide up to five days’ worth of product development consultancy free of charge for product design and usability testing.

Guy Smallman, commercial development director at HDTI, said SMEs, entrepreneurs and inventors in the West Midlands shouldn’t be shy about coming forward with their original designs connected with the healthcare sector.

He said: “We are here to offer five days’ worth of free advice and support to help turn their ideas into reality to help people with disabilities and long-term health conditions as well as their carers, relatives and healthcare professionals to transform their lives.

“The Assistive Technologies and Community Healthcare Development Project has helped develop products by providing initial designs, prototypes and usability support to minimise the risks involved with launching any new product and improving the chances of it being a commercial success.

benham publishing

“The Phase 2 funding applies to companies and individuals based across the region including the West Midlands and the ERDF project has already proved its success in having a positive impact in the healthcare industry.

“We want to build on the achievements of Phase 1 and we are keen to hear from West Midlands-based inventors and SMEs with entrepreneurial flair to develop healthcare products whatever stage their idea is currently at to benefit from this next stage of ERDF support.”

Norman Price, deputy chair of the West Midland ERDF Local Management Committee, said: “Phase 1 of this project demonstrated the success that can be achieved when you support businesses that have new concepts and ideas with access to high quality research, development and expertise. There are also real benefits to the community and quality of life that can be drawn from this work.

“Allowing businesses to develop and test their ideas out before launching them on the market helps to reduce the risks and increases the chances of success.

“It’s important that we give local businesses every possible chance to grow and I’m delighted that we have been able to help continue the provision of this support.”

For further information contact Guy Smallman at guy.smallman@coventry.ac.uk or visit www.coventry.ac.uk/hdti The HDTI Assistive Technologies and Community Healthcare Development Project is supported by the European Regional Development Fund under Priority 2 - Promoting Innovation and Research & Development.

Mask-arade aim to be ‘Pride of Stratford’

If you wish to promote your company in C&W In Business please contact

Alison Seymour on

0784 111 5444 alison@benhampublishing.com

3tc House, 16 Crosby Rd, Crosby, Liverpool L22 0NY Telephone: 0151 236 4141 Facsimile: 0151 236 0440 www.benhampublishing.com @Benhammedia

Three directors (left to right), Chris O’Nyan, Ray Duffy & Dean Walton.

Mask-arade, the Southam-based mask making company, have been working with The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust preparing a range of licensed products ready for Shakespeare Week, the charity’s new campaign to celebrate Shakespeare in primary schools nationwide which will take place on March 17-23.

“We are proud to support the local area and our partnership with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is one that we are particularly excited about,” said Licensing Director Ray Duffy.

Mask-arade now have distribution outlets worldwide and they hope to spread the word about Stratford and Shakespeare around the globe. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Business Direct: Business Services

Finance

Trail Blazers

Recruitment Legal Services Business Services Healthcare IT Services Engineering Security Sport Commercial Property www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Bradley Doublelock sales director, Lee Bott with Martin Gordon, managing director of Formation Design.

Warwick web designers helps UK trailer giant ‘pull its weight’ to maintain market leader role.

A Warwick-based digital design agency is helping the UK’s leading manufacturer of trailer components to fight back against cheaper foreign competition.

Formation Design was called in after Bradley Doublelock, a British manufacturer producing components for the light trailer market, recently came under increasing threat from cheaper, overseas competitors who sell on price rather than quality.

So now the Yorkshire-based traditional British manufacturing icon, whose high-quality engineering solutions have secured a clutch of industry awards (including the Queens Award for Enterprise), has gone on the offensive, investing heavily in marketing and research & development.

It brought Formation into the attack with a £50,000 campaign to convert its web presence into a potent online marketing tool that delivers a broader technical and commercial communication with its customers.

Martin Gordon, founder and managing director of Formation Design, said: “Bradley is like the ‘Rolls Royce’ in its own field but it has suffered at the hands of cheaper competitors who have delivered reasonable quality products at cheaper prices, which is always going to appeal in a depressed economy.

“We wanted to provide three new websites and deliver an online marketing campaign to really start afresh and educate the market once again about who Bradley is rather than who it was, although its 65-year-old heritage does play a fundamental role in the rebranding.”

“We wanted to provide three new websites and deliver an online marketing campaign to really start afresh and educate the market once again about who Bradley is rather than who it was, although its 65-year-old heritage does play a fundamental role in the rebranding.

“It’s been fantastic for Formation to work with such a receptive and responsive client – they wanted change and to reinforce their market position in a brand new way to engage their existing and prospective customers who can now get all the technical know-how at the click of a mouse.”

Bradley Doublelock sales director Lee Bott said the three websites had taken the company to a new level and helped fly the flag for the iconic brand.

“We are a manufacturer rather than a marketing company and we recognised that we needed to bring our innovation, such as our new brake, to market in a way that our existing and future customers would not only understand, but completely identify with,” said Mr Bott.

Formation – which specialises in business branding, website design and development, social media and search engine optimisation - currently has more than 60 clients, ranging from Mazda car dealerships, Mitsubishi and ETG (Engineering Technology Group) to Space Healthcare in Leamington Spa and a luxury French chateau in Dordogne.

35

Business Direct: Finance

Fuelling Growth I attended a very uplifting manufacturing breakfast in Coventry last week.

There is no question, both anecdotally and statistically, that parts of the economy are picking up as the GDP figures last week proved.

There will always be arguments – especially in the political arena – as to what exactly is fuelling recovery but there is little doubt that in this area manufacturing and engineering is certainly playing its part.

The meeting was at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry, which played host to the Chancellor a couple of weeks ago when he revealed a £60 million investment in two projects, both linked to engineering and manufacturing.

The breakfast was aimed at SMEs in manufacturing and while there was widespread optimism among the businesses present, there was also concern that while bigger companies were clearly getting government support through a raft of different grants, that for the small players little had changed.

The schemes announced by the banks are welcomed but there is a suspicion – maybe unfair – that they are fuelled by PR as much as real concern and that often it is old money being recycled.

Whenever we speak to switched-on bankers there is recognition that in many cases they do not have the freedom to help but they are happy to signpost to people

The Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry.

like Ludgate and peer-to-peer lenders so that their clients receive what they need, and the banks keep their customers.

The fact they can point clients in the direction of people like us, adds value to what they are offering to those clients.

Another factor is that while there are monies available through government support you often have to find match funding. That proves difficult for many small firms, particularly when all their efforts have to be concentrated on actually running their businesses.

They are not big enough to have staff spending time completing the process, and are not in a position to employ consultants to do it.

The message came out that bigger companies get support, but those companies are not easy to access for the smaller and less sophisticated firms.

It appears that the help has reached some of British manufacturing but then stops at level and does not filter down.

Even if that is not factually the case it is certainly the impression that businesses have been left with.

Also, there seems to be a concern that the larger companies apply for money and that takes time but when it comes through there is an expectation that the supply chain must gear up very quickly to cope, and, in some cases, that is simply not possible.

We can often be a good barometer of the economy as often expansion needs funding. January is normally quite a quiet

36

time but we have noticed no let-up at all.

Work is flowing well and there is plenty of fresh business which bodes well for the year ahead.

For more information, please contact Richard Mason on T: 07894 621 190 E: richardm@ludgatefinance.co.uk W: www.ludgatefinance.co.uk

Richard Mason.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Business Direct: Business Services

Local businesses look to the future with intelligent staffing Every business owner knows that their company is only as strong as its staff.

Employees are the key to business progress, and while many industry leaders have expressed concerns about the skills shortage in the UK, companies across Coventry and Warwickshire are benefiting from a different approach to temporary staffing while also contributing to the training and development of Britain’s future workforce.

Unitemps is the University of Warwick’s own temporary staffing service, and its unique proposition is helping to change the way local employers recruit into their businesses. A unique campus-based franchise network gives Unitemps access to a large resource of quality candidates from the student population as well as graduates and skilled workers from the wider community. However, it is the company ethos which makes it really attractive to a broad spectrum of clients across the region.

With offices at the university and in central Birmingham, Unitemps Warwick seeks to combine a community-oriented philosophy with efficient and professional services. Unlike commercially-focused employment businesses, it places greater value on the client experience than on sales targets. This priority is reflected in the business model – Unitemps consultants do not work on commission,

instead concentrating on finding topquality candidates and providing excellent service to clients, while all revenues generated are reinvested in the university, helping to fund student employability projects and improvements to campus facilities.

“Unitemps offers a socially responsible approach to temporary staffing, helping students and local businesses engage productively with one another to the benefit of all. We are proud of our ethical, quality and community approach, and genuinely excited by the way Coventry and Warwickshire’s business community has embraced this ethos over the last 15 years.” explains Unitemps Warwick’s Business Development Manager, Andréa Skelly.

The company has placed thousands of candidates locally in part-time and fulltime temporary assignments from onehour shifts to full-time work, as well as

permanent posts, graduate positions and internships.

“Our candidates are reliable and motivated people who are keen to learn and improve their skills and employability, and our professional team offers consultancy to ensure that clients get the best solution for them, as well as helping to train and educate the workforce of tomorrow,” continues Andréa.

“The business community has been really supportive of our aspirations; we have great long-term relationships with some really innovative firms and are continually growing new business links across the region.”

For more information about Unitemps and its links to the Coventry and Warwickshire business community, contact Andréa Skelly at Unitemps Warwick on 024 7615 0015 or email a.skelly@warwick.ac.uk.

Mason Bullock Solicitors Open New Office in Coventry Mason Bullock Solicitors are pleased to announce the opening of a new office in Coventry.

Andrew Crisp, partner, said "We've been based in Northampton for 20 years, providing legal services to businesses of all sizes.

"As members of the Law Society’s ‘Lawyers for Your Business’ panel, we offer a wide range of commercial services, so I'm delighted that we're expanding into Coventry and we look forward to serving local businesses".

Mason Bullock also helps individuals with any aspect of dispute resolution or employment law. Andrew has particular expertise in the area of settlement agreements.

The firm was founded in 1991 by long term friends Ian Mason and Michael Bullock. Andrew Crisp joined the practice in 2002 as an assistant solicitor. In February 2006 he became a partner with Ian. Mason Bullock's head office is in Northampton Town Centre, not far from the Derngate Theatre. The Coventry office opened in January this year at Citibase, 101 Lockhurst Lane.

101 Lockhurst lane, Coventry, CV6 5SF Telephone 02476 481018 www.masonbullock.co.uk www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Ian Mason and Andrew Crisp partners at Mason Bullock Solicitors.

37

Business Direct: Business Services

John Rimmer, BRI Business Recovery and Insolvency

The team at BRI Business Recovery and Insolvency frequently consult with owner managed businesses that are experiencing a combination of these issues.

Cash flow problems?

Creditor pressure?

Director/shareholder disputes?

HMRC arrears?

Finance issues?

Restructuring advice?

Bad debts?

We pride ourselves in providing an independent review of the options available to companies and their directors/shareholders where such problems arise.

We are here to work with the local business community to ensure that businesses survive and grow in what remains tough and uncertain times.

Remember, the earlier we speak to you, there are likely to be a greater number of options available to you.

For an independent, confidential, free of charge and without obligation chat, call John Rimmer or any other member of the team at BRI Business Recovery and Insolvency on 02476 226839 to discuss your situation. www.briuk.co.uk

Primary care for the 21st century Over the last four decades, the National Health Service has been through a number of changes.

The aims and objectives of the organisation have altered, adjusted and been re-invented throughout this time. The pressures on staff to deliver care have grown, within the bounds of limited resources and constrained budgets.

Despite the huge advances in theory and technical developments, the staff who provide NHS care often find themselves frustrated by the situation they are in.

Healthcare provision in the future is a significant question at this time.

In April 2013, Nuffield Health Warwickshire Hospital in Leamington Spa developed a service with a group of Warwickshire General Practitioners to meet the needs of patients. This would help those who cannot wait, those who find the NHS inconvenient or those who are not eligible for NHS care. This growing number of people includes those from abroad studying at university or working for multinational businesses, as well as people who have little time to wait for appointments at their surgery.

The service from Nuffield Health Warwickshire Hospital offers time as its most important commodity. Time to discuss ideas and concerns about health and also the time to understand the expectations patients have of their doctor.

Each patient has 30 minutes with the GP at

38

the hospital but home visits and telephone conversations are also available.

The support of the established secondary care services at Nuffield Health Warwickshire Hospital allows for ready access to imaging and pathology services.

Referrals to hospital consultants are dealt with as a priority and the links between private GP and secondary care consultants are growing steadily. The staff at the hospital are experienced, knowledgeable and committed to achieving a premium provision of healthcare.

Since its initiation, this service has met the needs of many people with significant health needs. We have also helped those looking for reassurance with efficient and convenient appointment times. Continuity with their chosen clinician is of great importance to the staff of this service. A leading difference between this service and other private healthcare providers is full week coverage that is offered.

Appointments are available early mornings and evenings, as well as during the day, Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings.

The service is still in development and is therefore flexible in its ability to meet the needs of a growing population by offering medical examinations, vaccinations, investigations and peace of mind. However this provision should not be viewed as a

competitor to the NHS, as the GPs all work in the NHS and remain in tune with the local and national guidance and priorities in healthcare provision.

This service is a step towards the long held principles and priorities of general practice. The key objective has always been time spent with patients to communicate effectively in order to understand their

worries and provide a gold standard service.

For more information or to make an appointment please call 01926 436303 or have a look at the website: www.nuffieldhealth.com/warwickshiregp.

Nuffield Health Warwickshire Hospital The Chase, Old Milverton Lane, Leamington Spa CV32 6RW www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Business Direct: Business Services

Family Engineering Firm in Coventry continues to grow!

G & N Tools Ltd, a Coventry engineering firm established since 1985 has undergone a new lease of life. Following the retirement of one of the two directors in April 2012, Norman Eaves, his son Dean Eaves, also now a director, have invested in new machinery, and taken on an apprentice for the first time.

With the help of the Chamber G&N have secured RGF grants to help with the purchase of a Trutech Centreless Grinding machine and a Nikken Measurement machine. The new machines were installed on site at their unit in Napier Street, Coventry where they have 4 ANCA CNC Tool & Cutter grinding machines.

The ANCA machines allows them to manufacture large quantities of tools to customers specifications, to modify tools with Rads, Chamfers, non-standard sizes or using customers DXF files for profiles.

The trutech centreless grinding machine allows their engineers to spin tools to size with zero run out OR prepare blanks ready for manufacture on the cutter grinding machines - alternatively they can leave as is for punches or probe tips.

The Nikken measurement machine with a top mounted camera helps them produce tools with much tighter tolerances and they can import DXF files to the measuring machine to use as a layout.

Using a camera system they can measure the side profiles and with a top mounted camera and they can inspect the ends of tools. The camera allows magnification of 26 x with up to 4 x the digital zoom.

40

Director, Norman Eaves said “this is an exciting and challenging time. With the help of the Chamber we have been able to invest in new technology which has allowed us to produce tooling to a higher specification and tighter tolerance levels, producing precision tools we previously had been unable to produce for our existing

customers - and as a result of our investment, we have attracted some new customers. Taking on an apprentice seemed the next logical step, as a way of investing our time in a young Coventry man who would gain knowledge and experience of working with the new machines whilst completing his engineering apprenticeship�.

G & N Tools Ltd Telephone/Fax: 02476 231500 Email: gandn4tools@btconnect.com Web: www.gandntools.co.uk

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Business Direct: Business Services

50 years of engineering innovation for WSP CEL WSP CEL is proudly celebrating fifty years of engineering innovation and achievements. Today WSP CEL employs 240 employees in Coventry and is committed to developing the next generation of world class process engineers by investing in apprentices and graduates.

WSP CEL focuses upon supporting clients with quality consultancy, design, engineering, project management and project delivery for clients in the pharmaceutical, energy, waste, food, beverages, industrial, chemical and oil industries. We not only understand our clients manufacturing processes but we go beyond this and challenge, explore and innovate. We look for possibilities that can transform our clients business.

This excellence has resulted in the production of a diverse range of products such as titanium, Kevlar, body armour, acrylic fabrics, chocolate bars, breakfast cereals, whisky, cider, marine paints, wall insulation, aerospace engines, car tyres, flu vaccines and insulin to name but a few.

Our recent project awards include: • International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineers - Facility of the Year Award 2013

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

• European Construction Institute (ECI)Project of the Year 2013 • Midlands Region Institute of Structural Engineering – Project Award 2013 Further, our staff are the best in class winning Apprentice of the Year 2013, ISPE Member of the Year 2013 and the ECI Young Professional of the Year 2013.

Although celebrating its fiftieth birthday the Courtaulds Engineering Ltd (CEL) part of the company has its roots in the company founded by Samuel Courtauld in 1826.

WSP CEL started life in its own right in 1963 as an in-house element of Courtaulds, building factories for companies around the world. Based in Coventry, one of the richest cities for engineering heritage, it soon began offering services commercially and today provides process engineering services to blue chip clients globally.

In 2007 CEL International joined the WSP family, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, working with governments, businesses, architects and planners and providing integrated solutions across many disciplines. Its expertise ranges from environmental remediation to urban planning, from engineering iconic buildings such as the Shard, to designing sustainable transport networks, and from developing the energy

sources of the future to enabling new ways of extracting essential resources. It has 15,000 employees, mainly engineers, technicians, scientists, architects, planners, surveyors, other design professionals, based in more than 300 offices, across 35 countries, on every continent.

WSP CEL is now growing its workforce by over 20% in the next two years and at this new and exciting juncture in our history we are looking for all grades of professional engineers along with apprentices and

graduates to become the talented engineers of the future.

For more information please visit www.wspcel.com or contact susan.swain@wspcel.com on 024 7686 2000 CEL House Westwood Way Westwood Business Park Coventry CV4 8HS

41

Business Direct: Business Services

10 Years in a Changing World Who would have predicted the changes which have occurred locally and in the wider World over the last 10 years? There is a saying often quoted that if you can make a success of a business in a recession then you can survive anything.

Well back in 2004 colleagues David Halstead Bottomley and Paul Miles Rogers set up Bottomley & Co as a specialist insolvency firm. In March they celebrate 10 years in business.

Over those years adapting to the changes in the World have been a challenge. Paul said “Setting up on our own I now appreciate more the challenges every business faces, very quickly you had to learn how to do everything from the back office tasks to the marketing and doing it all at the same time”. So what have been some of the challenges over those 10 years, Paul highlighted these as; • Out of town at the end of 2006 we moved, initially as a ‘stop-gap’ but we have been in Cawston ever since. The challenge was it took time to educate the council that people seeking advice about debt don’t want to be seen walking into a high street office. For us in a competitive marketplace it has had financial benefits.

• Changes in insolvency regulation– it makes matters more complicated for

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

“Our Advice is Take Advice™” us and difficult for the public to fathom.

However there have been benefits, we are now permitted to use electronic communication to report to creditors.

This has great benefits as all our reports can be emailed directly to the stakeholder decision makers or on our online portal. We now have no photocopier!

• The ‘Age of the Internet’, if you want to know something about someone where do you look today, you look at their profile and see who they know and what other people say about them. So we have embraced social media and we educate the public and bust some myths through our Liquid News™ publication.

Paul sums up Bottomley & Co’s journey over the last 10 years; “The public perception of insolvency is changing, people now realise that the ravages of the recession has affected us too. The lessons we have learnt are; don’t put all of your eggs in one basket, adapt with the changing World and advertise who you are.

Then if people need help they can follow our motto, ‘Our Advice is Take Advice™’”.

43

President & People

Richard joins software testing team Peter Burns MBE

Prosperity through Growth As you may already know, my theme for my term as president of the Chamber is ‘Prosperity Through Growth’ and, as part of that, I want to see both the city of Coventry and the county of Warwickshire prosper.

We should all be working together to ensure that this is the kind of place in which companies from outside the region wish to come and invest. This area has a great deal to shout about and it’s vital that we get that message out there but also, where we can, make it an even more attractive place to come and do business.

I also hope it is seen as an area in which our local authorities do all they can to help business to thrive while, at the same time, the Chamber is here to support businesses of all sizes and sectors.

A key part of our future growth is housing because, if we truly want to grow and be prosperous, we need to make sure that there is sufficient housing to meet the needs of new businesses moving into the area.

This housing needs to be a mix of affordable and aspirational homes and if we, as a city and a county, do not get to grips with this challenge we will struggle to attract new businesses and, therefore, the growth we aspire to will not be achieved.

In Coventry, for example, the Friargate development is a major boost and will kick-start our growth but if we don’t supply the right housing locally we will not reap the full benefits of that because companies and their staff will look elsewhere.

Coventry has already fallen from ninth place to 12th place in terms of its size compared to other cities in the country and if we don’t get to grips with our housing growth, we will be overtaken by other areas.

On the positive side, I have met various local politicians since becoming president and it would appear we are all embracing the same message even in light of some of the cuts to local authority budgets.

We, as a Chamber, recognise their challenges for funding but also welcome the chance to influence their priority areas through the discussions we are having with them. Indeed, now more than ever, the engagement between business and the councils locally is absolutely vital.

We also have very strong ties with our local MPs and we are working hard to ensure that issues facing business are at the forefront of their agenda.

The Chamber recently led a visit to the House of Commons which helped to raise several issues facing the construction sector with several of our local MPs as well as with Sajid Javid, the financial secretary to the Treasury.

Of course, it’s not every day that we are visiting Parliament but it does highlight that we are constantly speaking up with and for our members on issues affecting them which, in turn, affect the whole economy.

The Chamber’s strength lies in the fact that we have so many members and we can speak with a stronger voice because of it.

My advice to you, our members, here at the Chamber so we can ensure any issues you face can be raised with the relevant organisation and together we can ensure this region prospers.

44

New software tester Richard Pickering.

A Midlands automotive software firm is heading into 2014 as it started 2013 - by expanding its team.

Cooper Solutions, based in Barford in Warwickshire, has strengthened its team considerably over the last 12 months and created five new positions across the business.

The firm’s latest recruit is Richard Pickering who has boosted Cooper Solutions’ software testing team.

The 29-year-old, who lives in Coventry, has worked in software development for 10 years, during which time he has enjoyed spells with firms in the insurance and gaming sectors.

Richard is providing key support across Cooper Solutions’ full range of web-based automotive dealer management systems used by more than 1,400 car dealerships across the UK. The systems, which include functions to support fleet management control, financial control, daily insurance, used car

stock control and an electronic trade auction site, enable dealerships to be more efficient, saving them time and money in the process.

Richard said: “The support systems Cooper Solutions have got in place to make dealerships’ day-to-day processes as easy as possible really impressed me.

“To be honest I wasn’t aware how in-depth each of the products actually are and it has been really interesting learning about all the support systems and the functionality behind them.

“It’s great to be part of a tight-knit team at a really progressive company and I’m looking forward to playing a major part helping to develop and further enhance our offering to the market.”

Barry Cooper, managing director of Cooper Solutions, said the company has grown its headcount every year since launching in 2001.

“We’ve grown the company substantially since our launch and the team is now 30-strong – the biggest it’s ever been,” he said.

“Richard brings considerable experience to the software testing team and we’re pleased to have him on board.

“The last 12 months have been good for the company and we’re excited by the prospects for further growth in 2014.

“We’re constantly enhancing our products and are working on some exciting new projects which we look forward to rolling out to our clients very soon.”

Santander appoints new business development directors Santander Corporate & Commercial has appointed Rav Bagri and Tom Addyman as new Business Development Directors in its Coventry & Warwickshire and Birmingham Corporate Banking Centres respectively.

Both Rav and Tom will specialise in working with local businesses with an annual turnover of between £250,000 and £50 million across all sectors but with a specialism in manufacturing business which already operate, or are seeking to operate in key overseas markets. They will be responsible for initiating and developing new customer relationships as the bank looks to expand further across the West Midlands.

Rav previously worked for Nationwide Building Society and has 24 years’ experience in commercial lending and the development of new client relationships, both nationally and in the West Midlands.

Tom previously worked for Barclays in Birmingham and for Gulf Finance in Dubai. He is well known in the local market and will bring his international experience and expertise to benefit businesses in and around Birmingham.

Chris Hallam, Regional Director, Business Development for Santander Corporate & Commercial, said: “I am delighted to welcome Rav and Tom to our team. Santander Corporate & Commercial has established itself as a major supporter of UK businesses and is committed to building long-lasting relationships with our customers so that we are able to provide tailored support at every stage of their business.

“The bank is committed to growing its team across the West Midlands in 2014 and providing dedicated support for more local businesses. Both Rav and Tom are highly experienced in helping local businesses grow and develop and I wish them every success in their new roles.”

Local businesses in the Coventry & Warwickshire area wishing to speak to Rav can do so on 07715 089142. Local businesses in and around Birmingham wishing to speak to Tom can do so on 07808 116629. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

President & People

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

A former Coventry schoolboy who went on to become a multi-award-winning chef is returning to his home county to take the helm at one of the region’s most celebrated restaurants.

Paul Foster, 31, who has worked in some of the world’s finest kitchens, has been appointed as Head Chef of The Dining Room at the AA red star Mallory Court Hotel, near Royal Leamington Spa. He joins the luxury Relais & Chateaux property, part of the Eden Hotel Collection, from Tuddenham Mill near Newmarket, where he has achieved several top accolades in the past four years – including three AA rosettes, The Good Food Guide 2011’s UK Best Up and Coming Chef, and Observer Food Monthly Young Chef of the

Year 2011.

Former Finham Park School pupil Paul started life as a chef at Coventry’s Henley College when he was just 16, taking his first job in a small two rosette restaurant near Coventry (formerly Haigs Hotel).

Paul’s career has included periods at Raymond Blanc’s two-Michelin starred Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxford – an experience he says “helped shape me into the chef I am today” – and a number of two and three rosette restaurants in the Midlands.

In 2006, Paul won the coveted William Heptinstall award, which led to internships at the ground-breaking WD50 in New York, The French Laundry in Napa Valley, and L’Auberge de L’Ile in Lyon.

But it was getting the chance to work at two-Michelin Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham in 2008 that proved to be the highlight of his career.

The chef has since appeared on BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen and BBC2’s Great British Menu, and has earned high praise from some of the industry’s most highly regarded food critics, including Observer reviewer and MasterChef critic Jay Rayner.

Mark Chambers, the Eden Hotel Collection’s Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted that Paul is joining us. His appointment marks an important stage in Mallory Court Hotel’s hugely successful journey to become one of the most respected fine-dining venues in the Midlands. Paul’s flair, passion and commitment will make him a valuable asset to the business.”

Paul said: “Mallory Court is the ideal place for me to grow as a chef and mature and I’m excited about carrying on with the amazing things that Simon Haigh has achieved there.”

May

CWT TRAINING DATES 2014 April

A new Director of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship has taken up her post at Warwickshire College.

Marla Nelson joins Warwickshire College in the role which reflects the college’s commitment to enterprise and entrepreneurship. As a founder member of the Gazelle Colleges Group, Warwickshire College offers students more than just a qualification – equipping students to be confident, innovative, resilient, enterprise-aware and willing to ‘have a go’, in order to prepare them for personal, social and economic success in their future careers.

Marla, who grew up in Warwickshire, brings a wealth of experience from previous roles within the enterprise arena, where she specialised in economic regeneration, developing projects and initiatives aimed at increasing the numbers of people successfully starting and growing their own businesses or social enterprises.

As an entrepreneur herself, Marla is also listed in the “One World Action” Top 100 Women: The Unseen Powerful Women Who Change The World (Business & Entrepreneur Category).

Most recently she has been running her own successful marketing and business development consultancy, which has included advising aspiring and existing business owners and social entrepreneurs on how to survive and thrive in difficult economic times.

She said: “I’m passionate about creating the conditions and opportunities for young people to become dynamic and innovative business leaders of the future; whether they become their own boss, or are working for somebody else.

“I look forward to working with everyone to ensure the college not only meets its entrepreneurial college goals, but is an example of best practice in doing so.”

For more information about Warwickshire College and the courses on offer, go to www.warwickshire.ac.uk

“We’re delighted that Paul is joining us. His appointment marks an important stage in Mallory Court Hotel’s hugely successful journey...”

March

“I’m passionate about creating the conditions and opportunities for young people to become dynamic and innovative business leaders of the future...”

Homecoming for Paul

Duration

College welcomes new Director of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

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

Microsoft Excel - Intermediate to Advanced

Full Day

14

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

Appraising People & Performance

Full Day

27

Microsoft Word - Intermediate to Advanced

Full Day

8

On Line Marketing

Full Day

10

Export Documentation - Getting it Right

Full Day

16

Successful Sales Techniques

Full Day

17

Finance for Non Financial Managers

Full Day

23

Inspirational Leadership

Full Day

24

Risk Assessment - Principles & Practice (CIEH Accredited Level 2 Award)

Full Day

25

Social Media Strategy - Facebook, Twitter and Blogs

Full Day

9

Microsoft PowerPoint

Full Day

13

Basic Food Hygiene Level 2 Award NEW

Full Day

14

Communicating Assertively

Full Day

15

Payment for Export including Letters of Credit

Full Day

20

Internal Quality Auditing ISO9001:2008

Full Day

21

Professional Presentation Skills

Full Day

22

Telesales - Getting Results

Full Day

29

Train the Trainer (Level 3 Award in Training Skills & Practice)

2, 9

45

New Members

Welcome to new members ARSN Company Limited 29 Berry Street, Coventry, CV1 5JT T: 07402 951311 E: wulkum@gmail.com Britacademy Tutoring 51 Gunton Avenue, Coventry, CV3 3AF T: 07808667681 E: jimenezlcfspanish@yahoo.co.uk Carbon3IT Ltd 5 The Elms, Station Road, Hatton, Warwick, CV35 8XN T: 01926 843835 E: john.booth@carbon3it.com W: www.carbon3it.com Coventry University Enterprises Ltd The Technocentre, Coventry University Technology Park, Puma Way, Coventry, CV1 2TT T: 02476 236000 ESOS Ltd Meriden Hall, Main Road, Meriden, Coventry, CV7 7PT T: 01676 525201 E: info@esos.co.uk W: www.esos.co.uk FGI Training Ltd Warwick Innovation Centre, Gallows Hill, Warwick, CV34 6UW T: 01926 405 797 E: ellie.thompson@fgiltd.co.uk W: www.fgiltd.co.uk FW Recruitment 3 The Quadrant, Coventry, CV1 2DY T: 02476243722 E: jeannette@fwrecruitment.co.uk W: www.fwrecuitment.co.uk Gallery Squared TANNERS HOUSE, Tanners’ Lane, Coventry, CV7 7DD T: 07965 337605 E: matt.howe@gallerysquared.co.uk W: www.gallerysquared.co.uk

Events Thursday 6th March

International Women’s Day

Luncheon with Margaret Mountford 12:00pm-2:00pm The Royal Court Hotel, Tamworth Rd, Coventry, West Midlands CV7 8JG Members - £35 + VAT Non-Members £55 + VAT The Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating International Women’s Day at a luncheon with keynote speaker Dr Margaret Mountford, a British lawyer, businesswoman and television personality best known for her role in The Apprentice.

She is Chairman of Argent Group Europe, a privately-owned company in the food sector.

Places are limited and on a first come first served basis. If you are a non-member and would like to attend, please contact our membership team on 02476 654 321.

Hallimond Associates Ltd 17 Hinckley Road, Dadlington, Nuneaton, CV13 6HU T: 07905535127 E: johnwhittingham59@gmail.com Identity Fashions PO Box 6260, 155 Station St East, Coventry, CV6 9JS T: 02476 661166 E: nissariqbal@identity-fashions.com W: www.identity-fashions.com Jo’s Correctional Facility 29 Hanworth Road, Warwick, CV34 5DY T: 07920 877777 E: todd@warwicktweetup.co.uk W: www.jcfacility.co.uk Julianne Property Styling 21 Oak Avenue, Leire, Lutterworth, LE17 5HN T: 01455 209714 E: juliannepropertystyling@gmail.com LSW Associates Office 11 The Rural Innovation Centre, Avenue H, Stoneleigh Road, Kenilworth, CV8 2LG E: info@lswassociates.co.uk W: www.lswassociates.co.uk Mason Bullock Solicitors 101 Lockhurst Lane, Coventry, CV6 5SF T: 02476 481018 E: andrew.crisp@masonb.co.uk W: www.masonbullock.co.uk My Purple Pig Burley House, Church Road, Grandborough, Rugby, CV23 8DH T: 07775743135 E: carinjackson@uwclub.net W: www.mypurplepig.co.uk

Rev Marketing 51 Hickory Close, Walsgrave, Coventry, CV2 2NY E: rosie@revmarketing.co.uk W: www.revmarketing.co.uk Rosemary Bookkeeping 49 Ivybridge Road, Coventry, CV3 5PF T: 02476 100 192 E: carolineobrien@rosemarybooks.co.uk W: www.rosemarybookkeeping.com/coventry S Kent Accounting 28 Peterlee Walk, Coventry, CV2 2HA E: skent@skentaccounting.co.uk W: www.skentaccounting.co.uk Silver Lobster Ltd 71 Greatheed Road, Leamington Spa, CV32 6ET T: 01926 730033 E: tomdillon@silverlobster.co.uk W: www.silverlobster.co.uk Small Firms Services Limited The Apex, 2 Sheriffs Orchard, Coventry, CV1 3PP E: steve@sfsgo.com W: www.smallfirmsservices.com Sunflower Communications 6 Cedar Tree Farm, Fosse Way, Radford Semele, Leamington Spa, CV31 1XQ T: 07814 577217 E: vicky@sunflower-comms.com W: www.sunflower-comms.com Sunkissed Toning 124-126 Walsgrave Road, Coventry, CV2 4AX T: 02476 453924 E: info@sunkissedtoning.co.uk W: www.sunkissedtoning.co.uk

Piars Properties 10 Copperfield Road, Coventry, CV2 4AQ T: 02476 889034 E: piarspropertiesltd@gmail.com W: www.piarsproperties.co.uk

The Business Traveller 211 Station Road, Balsall Common, Coventry, CV7 7FE T: 01676 533233 E: lynne.tucker@businesstravelleruk.com W: www.businesstravelleruk.com

Friday 7th March

Friday 28th March

CWLEP Inform & Engage

7:45am-9:00am Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Corporation Street, Coventry CV1 1GS Join Cllrs Lucas and Kelly for an update on the Local Enterprise Partnership, including how to access finance and business support to grow your business Wednesday 19th March

Budget Panel

Tisski Ltd Hilltop House, 302 Ringinglow Road, Sheffield, S11 7PX E: martha.king@tisski.com W: www.tisski.com Valentine Occupational Health 4 The Colbalt Centre, Siskin Parkway East, Middlemarch Business Park, Coventry, CV3 4PE T: 02476 516084 E: adam@valentineoh.co.uk W: www.valentineoh.co.uk Voluntary Action Coventry 29 Warwick Road, Coventry, CV1 2ES T: 024 76220381 E: info@vacoventry.org.uk W: www.vacoventry.org.uk Wallis Lynch Ltd Rural Innovation Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, CV8 2LG T: 02477678100 E: tim@wallislynch.com W: www.wallislynch.com

7.45am-9.30am Mid Warwickshire Venue TBC Join Nick Abell CWLEP board member for an update on the Local Enterprise Partnership, including how to access finance and business support to grow your business.

Friday 4th April

Monday 7th April

CWLEP Inform & Engage

Legal and Finance Sector breakfast

Venue TBC What are growth opportunities for professional and business services in this area? What are barriers to local growth?

More details to follow…

Friday 21st March

4:00pm-6:00pm The Olde Coach House Main Street, Ashby St Ledgers Main Street, Ashby St Ledgers, Rugby, CV23 8UN Want to network with local businesses in a relaxed environment? Chamber Networking is the perfect opportunity! The

Tuesday 1st April

Chamber Networking

Meet Phil Bennion, local MEP

The Sweet Consultancy 18 Harebell Way, Rugby, CV23 0TT T: 07979 218205 E: info@thesweetconsultancy.co.uk W: www.thesweetconsultancy.co.uk

Olde Coach House, located in Rugby, is the perfect place to meet with other businesses.

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! Get ready to network!

Supported by Harrison Beale & Owen 11:30am-2:30pm Chamber House, Innovation Village Unit 8 & 9, Cheetah Rd Coventry, CV1 2TL Join our panel of experts to watch and comment on the Chancellors Budget here at Chamber House

8.00am-9.30am Chamber House, Innovation Village Unit 8 & 9, Cheetah Rd Coventry, CV1 2TL More details to follow…

The Olde Coach House Main Street, Ashby St Ledger, Rugby, CV23 8UN T: 01788 890349 E: info@oldecoachhouse.co.uk W: www.oldecoachhouse.co.uk

Spotlight Lunch

12:00pm-2:00pm The Ardencote Manor Hotel, The Cumsey, Lye Green Lane, Warwick, CV35 8LS This Networking event will give companies the opportunity to put themselves into the spotlight! Enter the business card draw to be in with the chance to have the spotlight on your company and help increase your business using your best elevator pitch! Nonmembers attending the event can get automatic entrance into the draw when joining the Chamber at the event. The chance for you to exhibit a stand will also be available to members at £20 + VAT (Please email events@cw-chamber.co.uk to book a stand).

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 see the events pages at www.cw-chamber.co.uk/events or contact events@cw-chamber.co.uk.

Remember to book onto member only events you will need to log-in to the website.

46

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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

153-161 New Union Street, Coventry CV1 2NT City Centre Offices to Let 2,250 sq ft (209.11 sq m) NIA + Popular City Centre professional location + Flexible terms available + Close to central retail precincts and railway station

Unit 1, 2A & 2B Daimler Close, Royal Oak Industrial Estate, Daventry, NN1 8QJ Industrial/Warehouse Premises for Sale 10,696 to 44,192 sq 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)

Sigma House, Burnsall Road, Coventry, CV5 6BU Industrial/Warehouse Premises with offices to Let 9,564 sq ft (888.54 sq m) GIA + Ample parking + Excellent access to the motorway network + Good office content

5 Bodmin Road, Coventry, CV2 5DB Ground and First Floor Offices to Let 984.2 sq ft (91.43 sq m) NIA + Self-contained office building + 4 car parking spaces + Located within a popular industrial estate

To Do Property Better

USP

We add value

+ + + +

+ First Class Client Service + Extensive Local Knowledge + We Exceed Expectations

+ We comprehensively analyse and record data + We fully research take up and availability in Coventry & Warwickshire + We know our marketplace

Thinking Differently Continuous Improvement Shrewdness with Integrity Quality in Everything