C&W In Business

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Foreword

Working to support you

CONTENTS May/June 2014 Chamber News Service of the Month

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Events Budget Special Youth Project International Trade CWT Business Support Legal & Finance Policy Profile Property

8-9 10 11 12-13 14-15 15 16-17 18 20-21 22-23

Dear Member As we move into a new financial year, for most businesses, I want to take this opportunity to say that I hope 2013/14 was a decent year for your business and, more importantly, I hope your aspirations and plans for business in 2014/15 are great ones.

Please remember on 02476 654321 your Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, employing over 110 highly professional staff, is geared up to making sure that your aspirations and plans for growth can be realised. We provide support for new start-up businesses; mentoring for existing and growing businesses; services for businesses who export including export documentation; and a huge array of events and networking opportunities. Indeed, in February, we held our best-ever Trade Expo with 160 exhibitors and over 500 Business Leaders attending and, in March 14, we welcomed Margaret Mountford (previously The Apprentice) to our Women in Business network. There is no doubt that over 75% of our Members belong to our Chamber of Commerce because of the excellence we provide in our networking and trade opportunities, so do not miss out.

I am pleased to announce that on 1st April 2014, the CW Local Enterprise Partnership, working with the Chamber of Commerce and other partners, launched the new Growth Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering businesses. This Hub will work with manufacturing businesses to overcome barriers to growth such as access to finance, export, local planning, skills, the need to innovate and much more. Working with the Chief Executive of the CWLEP, Mr Martin Yardley, I have been proud to lead the implementation of the new Growth Hub; am delighted that the Chamber of Commerce must and will be integral to the delivery of this Hub; and know that the Hub will make a difference to many businesses who need an impartial service which can source solutions to their business needs.

I couldn’t complete my CW-in-business column without a comment on the recent Chancellors Budget, in March 14. It would be interesting to hear your view on the Budget. Actually I think the Chancellor missed a trick and could have said more about how the Government is working to

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help localities such as Coventry and Warwickshire! The Chamber did welcome the Government-backed export finance initiative of £3billion. We often talk about the need to increase our overseas trade as a means to growing individual businesses and the economy as a whole and so this was good news and this support and finance can be accessed via your Chamber International Trade Hub by contacting mickp@cw-chamber.co.uk.

Your Chamber, as the largest deliverer of apprenticeships in Coventry and Warwickshire, also welcomed the increased support for apprenticeships with a further 100,000 apprenticeships being committed by the Government. The fact that it will now go up to degree level was also welcome.

There was support from our manufacturing Members to the cutting energy costs and the increase in the Annual Investment Allowance was a pointer to supporting long-term, sustained growth as opposed to a ‘quick-fix’ in the economy. So, in my view, not a bad Budget for business.

Finally, an important call to any Business Leader who wishes to engage and network in our Chamber Branch activity. Your Chamber of Commerce has five local Branches, all business-led. Sandra Garlick, Managing Partner De Marco Solicitors Chair Coventry Branch. Paul Carvell, Managing Partner Stewart Fletcher Barrett.and Vice President of Chamber, Chair North Warwickshire Branch. Larry Coltman, Managing Partner Coltman Warner Cranston, Chair South Warwickshire Branch. Sophie Howe, Managing Director Comtec, Chair Mid Warwickshire Branch. Jim Griffin, Managing Director Automotive Insulations, Chair Rugby Branch. Your local Branches hold local network events and act as a voice of local business through to MPS and all the way to Whitehall. If you would like to get involved in this important and valuable work, please contact Angela Tellyn on angelat@cw-chamber.co.uk.

I, or any of my Team, look forward to working with you.

Around the Region 24-31 Business Direct 34-41 President & People 44-45 Chamber Events Diary 45 New Members 46

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Chamber News

CONTACTS At the Chamber

News desk

Members are encouraged to send any news about their firm – new orders, staff, new products, expansions or relocations – for publication in C&W in business.

Businesses urged to put themselves forward for award

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

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Advertising Contact Alison Seymour alison@benhampublishing.com 07841 115444 Production Manager Fern Badman Accounts Director Joanne Casey Media Number 1349 © 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

Pictured (left to right): Dean Walton (Alumet), Adrian Cadman (Jaguar Land Rover), Paul Sabapathy (Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands), Andrew Ferguson (Rhead Group), Tim Cox (Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire).

Companies across Coventry and Warwickshire are missing out on raising their profile at home and abroad – by failing to nominate themselves for one of the most prestigious business awards in the world.

That was the message from a meeting held at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber House headquarters in the city.

Around 60 high profile business and civic leaders attended the event at the invitation of the Lord Lieutenants of Warwickshire and the West Midlands to discuss the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The Coventry and Warwickshire region, they heard, is one of the least represented areas when it comes to nominations for the awards and the Chamber, Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and regional Lieutenancies want to address that.

Guests heard from previous winners, including Rhead Group and Jaguar Land Rover, who recently picked up Queen’s Awards, and Alumet, who won in 2009.

David Burbidge, Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands, said the purpose of the event at the Chamber was to raise the profile of the awards regionally and to demystify the nomination process.

He said: “There are so many great businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire and they can benefit from the great profile and credibility that comes with a Queen’s Award.

“There could be a number of reasons why this region doesn’t produce as many nominations as others so it is important that we raise the awareness of the process.

“Companies need to nominate themselves and there is no great mystery to it – it can be done by filling in a form online and I believe it’s absolutely worth the

Pictured: Angela Tellyn with David Burbidge

time and the effort to do it.

“This is one of the most prestigious awards in the world and while it certainly helps companies domestically, it’s looked upon extremely favourably when businesses are trading overseas.

“The Royal Family has such wonderful standing around the world so to have a Queen’s Award signature on a company’s literature is extremely impressive and helps to open doors.

“It was great to be able to hear from recent and past winners because they are the best example that this region can be successful when it comes to the Queen’s Award.

“We will be holding an event in July that looks in more detail at how to nominate yourself as a business but this meeting

was very much about beginning the process of raising awareness and trying to get more Coventry and Warwickshire companies to put themselves forward.”

Angela Tellyn, partnership manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “As we emerge from recession, it’s vital that companies shout about their achievements and awards are a great way of setting yourself apart from your competition.

“The Queen’s Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the world so we would urge as many businesses as possible to nominate themselves.”

For more information on the event in July or for more information on the Queen’s Award email angelat@cw-chamber.co.uk. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

CWT CWT and Sidney Stringer join forces for Deeper Learning Day CWT Chamber Training recently partnered up with Ofsted Outstanding rated Secondary School Sidney Stringer in Coventry to deliver an interactive careers day for the students. The aim of the Deeper Learning Day was to give students valuable employability skills and understanding that they can apply to life after school.

The day’s activities included; mock interviews giving valuable feedback to students, CV preparation with advice on standing out from the crowd, a ‘what’s my line’ group activity and a careers fair featuring many of Coventry’s leading employers, training providers and universities.

Jackie Wilson, careers advisor at Sidney Stringer Academy commented: “For most of our students, this was their first experience of working with people from the world outside school and they certainly learned a great deal from the day. They found the interviews particularly rewarding. Some have changed their career idea; many have said they are going to work even harder to achieve their aims.”

Feedback from the students included one student telling his mentor that he now realises “the power of a GCSE” and another student commented that he now understands that you “make an impression in 2.4 seconds.”

CWT Chamber Training coordinated the careers fair as part of the Sidney Stringer Deeper Learning Day, bringing together leading employers, training providers and universities from Coventry for students to engage with. Employer feedback from the event included: “Given their age, I was really impressed with the students that I interviewed. It was a rewarding experience for me and I hope the students learned something from my experience that will help them in the future.” Steve Ward, Business Analyst at Coventry City Council.

Kevin Unitt, Jaguar Land Rover, added; “The students were focussed on their career paths and had researched the jobs and

grades they required. They all seemed at ease to talk during the interview and asked questions.”

“The students enjoyed the day, and it has had a positive impact on their attitudes towards school and exams etc. It was a pleasure to spend the day with the students and to pass on the lessons that I’ve learnt through my own experiences.” Christopher Kerr, Jaguar Land Rover.

For more information about CWT Chamber Training career day opportunities please contact the Recruitment Team on 024 7623 1122 or email enquiries@cwtcov.co.uk today.

CWT Apprentices Striving for Excellence Fifteen CWT Chamber Training Apprentices have been selected for the new NCFE Award for Achieving Excellence thanks to the outstanding levels of skill and ability they have demonstrated in the workplace. The NCFE Achieving Excellence qualification aims to recognise the achievements of learners, whatever their chosen vocational area and wherever they are learning.

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Presentations for the launch of the Excellence Award were held both the CWT Coventry and CWT Leamington branches.

Thomas Richman (Business Administration Apprentice) stated “I am very excited at the prospect of completing the Excellence Award and delighted that my Training Advisor Kevin Costello nominated me for this opportunity.”

John Lowden (Practical Action) thinks “the Excellence Award will recognise the individuals who show outstanding skills in the work place.”

Gina Vincent (The Cut Above) who attended the CWT Coventry launch with her Apprentice Lauren Uddin explained that “the Excellence Award will promote the recognition of skills shown by outstanding individuals.”

This opportunity has been made possible through working in partnership with North Warwickshire and Hinckley College. Based on the original Performance Excellence qualifications, the NCFE Achieving

Excellence qualification has been developed by North Warwickshire and Hinckley College and NCFE as a result of demand from training providers.

The Excellence Award will be due for completion in June 2014 and monthly progress meeting are scheduled for all of the CWT Coventry and CWT Leamington Apprentices that are involved.

CWT Chamber Training are looking forward to presenting the awards to the first cohort of NCFE Award for Achieving Excellence Apprentices in July 2014.

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Getting the most from your exhibition presence “It’s not what you have, it’s what you do with it” – say DSA Design, Exhibition, Design and Marketing Experts in Stratford upon Avon.

Exhibitions represent the best return on marketing investment (If you get it right!)

Participating at a tradeshow or exhibition is a major decision for any business. It can be even more costly if you get it wrong.

Simply turning up and hoping people will visit your stand is often fruitless.

Similar to having a dinner party with all the trimmings but forgetting to send out the invitations. Pretty pointless and very expensive.

As Exhibition, Marketing and Events specialists DSA have evolved over 19 years to offer intelligent stand design, integrated marketing and project management – something not everyone can offer.

So how can DSA help you?

We are able to think strategically from a design and marketing perspective, managing all aspects of the campaign if necessary or simply handling the element you want help with. We do not just build stands we create a memorable and impactful experience.

Our integrated approach means we consider tools, techniques and technologies combined with project management, design and customer service to create an effective event, from start to finish.

We understand brands, audience engagement, messaging, marketing material production, lead generation and much more.

Our view is that integrated marketing drives results.

We help create effective marketing campaigns and events to drive your business results, before, during and after your show.

So who do DSA work with?

We work alongside many global brands across multiple sectors. From broadcast and media, to consumer electronics to aerospace and composites. Clients include Wyndham Hotel Group, Hitachi, Eutelsat, Viglen and many more.

We’d love to talk to you about how we can help you grow your business across the world through the power of exhibitions and marketing.

If you feel you might benefit from the experience of DSA Design then please call or contact us at www.dsadesign.co.uk hello@dsadesign.co.uk Telephone: 01789 293930

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Service of the Month

Getting the best out of people

When did you last relax?

So, there’s a rush order to complete, the phone’s ringing, and two of your people are off ill. How would you cope?

Cheryl Bradbury and Jane Frost, of QCF Training, have completed their Packtypes Self Awareness Instructor Training.

They completed their first Packtypes Programme with Automotive Insulations (Rugby). The programme “Social Fitness for Managers” has been recognised by the Institute of Leadership & Management and match funded by Growth Accelerator.

Feedback has been exceptionally positive.

Automotive Insulations are already using Packtypes as a tool to support recruitment and employee engagement during a period of rapid growth.

The Packtypes approach is based on the fundamental principle that in order to change attitudes, behaviour and ultimately performance we need to equip people with the tools to become accurately self- aware.

Cheryl said: “Packytypes Self Awareness Cards are an engaging and a fun way for people to develop self awareness that builds on the identification of strengths. We know it works but it’s something that you have to experience for yourself. It’s a process and the beauty of it is that it’s sustainable”.

“We never fail to be amazed by the lightbulb moments that occur using this process and our vision is to share this process for personal transformational change with as many people as possible”.

The ladies from QCF Training came along to the CW-Chamber International Women’s day event and were able to share the Packtypes experience with Dr Margaret Mountford – Keynote Speaker. Over lunch Margaret talked about how women tend to be “more modest” about putting themselves forward and the need for

“We never fail to be amazed by the lightbulb moments that occur using this process...” women to develop confidence in themselves.

On May 8th at Whittlebury Hall they will host the first:

Packtypes Self-Awareness Spa: The Empowered Women Workshop

“As women and business coaches we witness the symptoms of low selfawareness and self- esteem much too often. Being able to improve esteem, confidence and motivation so quickly at work, particularly with women in business feels really good.”

Will Murray Founder of Packtypes said “I am so excited about what they are doing pushing back the frontiers of awareness and esteem and empowering women to achieve their full potential”.

These workshops aim to provide a relaxed introduction to Strength Based Living. Set in luxurious and relaxing spa facilities, women can learn more about becoming more confident by developing accurate self -awareness and share their Packtypes “wow” moments with like minded women.

This will feature as a Chamber Member to Member offer – Don’t forget to book your place!

New firm launched A new web-based company is being launched that will revolutionise the way the exhibition and events industry finds and books its event day staff.

Events staffing entrepreneur Lee Thomas has launched link2staff.com to put

Stress is an inevitable part of life. A little bit of stress can even be good for us. However it is important to recognise when stress is becoming too much and affecting you in the workplace. Stress can stop people from performing at their best.

Right now: • 1 in 6 employees is dealing with a mental health problem such as stress or anxiety* • 1 in 5 employees feel they couldn’t tell their boss if they were overly stressed.* Your Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber and AXA PPP healthcare work closely together to offer you a wealth of support to you and your team from free vital business resources to a series of in-depth health and wellbeing hubs, full of useful information, factsheets and expert advice.

It’s good to know you’ve done all you can to ensure you and your staff are in the best possible frame of mind for work.

Protecting the health of you and your business Whether you’re a sole trader or a small business with a team of employees, we offer a range of flexible and affordable business health insurance plans tailored to meet your needs.

Find out more online or call 0800 387 754 quoting the name of your Chamber. When you join you’ll also get 50% off your Chamber membership fee. http://www.mind.org.uk/employment

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Pictured left to right: Olivia Kreigenfeld, Shannon Doherty, Stacey Cannon.

budget sensitive businesses and available staff in direct contact with one another to make finding the right people quick, easy and hassle-free.

She had the idea 18 months ago and is now targeting the company towards a different sector of the market to her current business and will focus on the exhibition, marketing and sampling industries.

Lee developed her plan before contracting IT software specialist Arquila to build and code the system which will allow industry professionals to find the type of staff they are looking for anywhere in the world by setting a series of criteria online which match against staff details.

More than 4,500 events staff – including hosts, hostesses, models, drivers and artists – have already signed up to the system and have included their availability, skills and working criteria, such as pay rate.

Warwick Printing achieves two certifications Warwick Printing Company was awarded both the ISO 12647 Colour Management Certification and the FSC Chain of Custody Certification.

Both of these awards demonstrate the business’ ongoing commitment to improving the quality of the product they deliver to the end user.

Last year, Warwick Printing took the bold decision to invest in the Heidelberg Speedmaster SX 102 litho printing press, the first of its kind to arrive in the UK. The new machine has enabled Warwick

Printing to take to a new level the quality of product it is able to offer to its customers with more reliable, reproducible print production.

Paul Baxter, managing director designate said: “Although achieving these certifications involves a huge commitment from a business, I believe they are vitally important, as they demonstrate to the customer our commitment to quality colour printing and the need to fully understand and be responsible for the source of our main raw material.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Bowled over Group leaders from across Solihull received a one-to-one coaching session with an England International bowls champion.

About 18 senior bowlers from the Friends in Retirement Group Solihull (FIRS) attended the indoor short mat bowling session, which was organised

by CSW Sport at Knowle Village Hall in Solihull.

Former World under-25s singles winner Jamie Chestney hosted the event and was on hand to provide expert advice and tips on how the group could improve their techniques and tactics.

Ian McLean from CSW Sport said: “Bowls sessions are a fantastic way for older members of the community to engage both socially and competitively in a sport.

“Through the support of Sport England we are working with FITS to encourage more people to take up indoor social bowling across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire.

“FIRS helps to provide social and sports activities for people aged 50 and over and are always looking to take on new members- and you don’t have to be retired to take part.”

“Bowls sessions are a fantastic way for older members of the community to engage both socially and competitively in a sport.”

Businesses speak out Businesses across Warwickshire and the Midlands believe that auto enrolment and employee issues are two of the major challenges facing them today, according to an opinion poll run by Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers, Burgis & Bullock.

The findings were revealed at the company’s Budget Seminars held in Leamington Spa, Coventry and Leicester.

The poll also revealed that 85% of the businesses questioned expect their businesses to grow in the next twelve months, which is very encouraging in today’s climate.

In addition, other measures that they believed could help them invest and grow in the future were to introduce NIC changes, making it cost free to employ, tax credits for investment and employment and more assistance on training for businesses.

Many businesses also continue to believe that social marketing and the internet is improving communications with their customers, providing more direct access to product information. There is also a marked increase in access to funding and help for smaller businesses.

Sean Farnell, Partner at Burgis & Bullock, said: “After attending the Budget presentations, a number of businesses expressed an interest in the changes to the payment of VAT on internet purchases and downloads. Buyers, for instance of e-books

will now have to pay the VAT rate of their own country, not that of a retailer such as Amazon.

“From 1st January 2015, UK purchasers will be charged the 20% British VAT rate.

This means that there will be higher charges for some UK internet shoppers and it will raise about £300m more each year for the Treasury.”

The Budget Seminars were attended by more than 300 business people from Warwickshire and the West Midlands to hear how the Chancellor George Osborne Budget would affect them and their businesses.

The winner of the champagne draw at the Budget events was Ms Sapna Popat at Reign Real Estate Agents.

CSW Broadband Project update

Pictured from left to right: Jim Bumstead (chairman of FIRS), Margaret Currier (group leader), Jamie Chestney (Bowls Development Alliance), Moira Blohm (group leader) and Ian McLean (CSW Sport).

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Selling your business – watch out for hidden tax traps!

From left to right: Julie de Thierry, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Anne Rose, Gill Yates and Sean Farnell from Burgis & Bullock.

The Budget team from left to right: Gill Yates, Sean Farnell and Anne Rose from Burgis & Bullock.

The CSW Broadband project has now released a new map and the first rolling 12-month plan on the project website: http://www.cswbroadband.org.uk The map shows current and future areas for survey, whilst the 12-month plan shows cabinets that are due for upgrade in phase one of the project, and exchange areas for the following three phases.

The team are working hard to escalate the rollout so that even more areas can be connected to superfast broadband in the coming months.

Both the map and the plan will be updated regularly to reflect the latest position as this is a rapidly moving project.

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In the meantime, the project team are looking forward to announcing the first cabinets to go live over the next few weeks.

Work is also progressing on bringing additional funding to the project, with an application due to be submitted to government in June for funds to extend the rollout to cover 95% of Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire premises by 2017.

It is recognised that the current project is a stepping stone to the EU targets for 2020 of all Europeans having access to broadband above 30 Mbps (which is above the current upper threshold) and 50% connected to and using 100 Mbps.

Paul Spencer

It is often said that selling your business is one of the most stressful things you can do. When you add to that the complexities of the UK tax legislation, it is no wonder that entrepreneurs are often confused as to how their sale proceeds will be taxed and when the tax is due to HM Revenue & Customs.

It is never too early to plan for tax on a sale and we recommend that you undertake a tax ‘health check’ for both the shareholders and the company at least a year before the expected sale.

Key questions that need to be addressed include: For the company: • Are there any ongoing tax enquiries – if so try and settle?

• Are all tax filings up to date?

• Is there surplus cash in the business – if so consider leaving it in as it may be more tax efficient to extract as sale proceeds rather than dividends?

• Are there any additional reliefs that I may be able to claim (e.g. tax deductions for share option exercise)?

For the shareholders • Do I qualify for Entrepreneurs’ Relief (meaning a lower rate of tax on the proceeds)?

• Is there anything I can do with my shareholding to improve the after-tax position?

• Will I pay tax on non-cash consideration before I receive it? And at what rate?

• How do I report the sale to HM Revenue & Customs to ensure that I get the correct tax treatment?

• Will the proceeds benefit from a favourable Inheritance Tax treatment?

At Spencer Gardner Dickins we have a wealth of tax expertise in connection with the sales of businesses and are more than happy to have an initial discussion with you to understand your own requirements.

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

For more information please visit our website www.sgduk.com.

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Events

Castle witnesses a piece of business history History was made at Warwick Castle when a powerful new business alliance was formed.

For the first time, the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and the Chambers of Trade for Warwick, Leamington and Kenilworth met to network and exchange ideas.

Individual Chambers of trade have attended Chamber of Commerce meetings before and are all members, but the networking session – attended by around 50 businesses – was the first joint event between all four bodies.

Peter Burns, president of the Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chambers of Trade have a very local geographical remit, whereas we represent businesses from right across Coventry and Warwickshire.

“This means we have different but very complementary perspectives on the business environment so it makes perfect sense for us to network and share our views and opinions. It was a very worthwhile event in a stunning setting.”

Pictured: l/r, Simon Rowley, Paul Carvell, Louise Wall, Nick Abell, Jeff Sinclair, Chris Tollady

Pictured: Mark Davidson (Warwick Castle), Sue Butcher (Chair of Warwick Chamber of Trade), Peter Burns MBE (President of CW Chamber of Commerce), Maxine Howe (Committee Member of Leamington Spa Chamber of Trade), Richard Hales (Chair of Kenilworth Chamber of Trade)

Sue Butcher (Warwick Chamber of Trade), Sue Price-Jones (Ceri Jam), Mandy Littlejohn (Fenetres Etcetera), Selwyn Rowley (The Flexible Marketing People)

Peter Hancock (Pitch Doctor), Edward Wilde (W.S. Promo), Stuart Skelly (De Marco Solicitors)

Richard Hales (Charles Peters), Helen Delaney (MayChild), Gary Delaney (MayChild), Seanna Holland (Pack Smart Ltd)

Anita Dalton (Think Utilities), Tony Dalton (Think Utilities), Angela Roberts (ARHR)

Julie Leask (Leask Accountancy Solutions), Julie de Thierry (Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce), Julie Richardson (Alsters Kelley)

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Help to overcome barriers to growth

Companies in the professional services sector across Coventry and Warwickshire have heard how a range of bodies will help them overcome barriers to growth.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) held an event in the region with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Coventry and Warwickshire First.

The summit was staged at Chamber House and while other sectors may be hitting the headlines nationally, professional and business services were told that they are a key priority in growing the economy.

Firms heard from Chris Tollady and Simon Rowley, both of BIS, as well as from, Jeff Sinclair of UKTI, Louise Wall, regional co-ordinator of Growth Vouchers, Nick Abell, from the LEP, and from Paul Carvell, a board member of the Chamber and chair of Coventry and Warwickshire First.

Both Paul Carvell and Nick Abell emphasised the vital importance that professional and business services companies remain very high on the agenda because they are key to the success of the economy.

Angela Tellyn, partnership manager at the Chamber said: “If they are growing, then that is good for everyone, and they also work with companies in all sorts of sectors. Manufacturing and engineering is attracting the limelight and the Government has made it clear that rebalancing the economy in that direction is important.

“That is why here in Coventry and Warwickshire we have dedicated a strategic group to that sector and work on a daily basis with firms in professional and business services.”

Paul Carvell said: “It’s a crucial sector and we have to make sure that it is a priority when we all look at how we grow the local, regional and national economy.

“The fact we had such important figures here to discuss the sector shows just how important it is.”

Nick Abell added: “Professional service companies are a vital cog in the economic fortunes of this region. If the sector is successful, it bodes well for the whole of the economy in Coventry and Warwickshire.”

“The fact we had such important figures here to discuss the sector shows just how important it is.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Events

The Taste of Success for New Business A Coventry woman, who has launched her own company called Butterfingers, made sure she kept a tight grip on her prize at a business event.

Farida Williams, who started Butterfingers Cakepops from her home in the city six months ago, entered a prize draw at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Business & Trade Expo.

Farida was the lucky winner of a Google Nexus tablet, which she picked up from Chamber president Peter Burns at a Spotlight Lunch at the Ardencote Manor in Warwick.

She said: “I’ve never won anything before so I was delighted. My husband has been playing with it but I’ve told him that it’s going to be used for the business!”

And in business, Farida seems to be onto a winning idea too after being helped by Mani Johal, from the Chamber’s business start-up team.

“Cakepops are a relatively new idea in the UK,” she said. “They are very popular in America. They are a mix of cake and buttercreams that are rolled together into a ball, put on a stick and dipped in chocolate.

“I’ve been making them for friends and family for quite a while and someone said to me that I should go into business.

“Mani at the Chamber has been mentoring me and helping me to get started.

“We’ve got 20 flavours – from red velvet to

Pensions - You are back in control

Brian King, Tax Partner at Dafferns LLP

Pictured: Farida Williams and Peter Burns

chocolate chip cookie dough – and people absolutely love them.

“When we first started, we were targeting shows and fetes but we are now, through the advice of Mani, steering towards special occasions and events such as weddings.

“With wedding season approaching we are hoping to pick up some business and we think once word of mouth starts to kickin, it will really take off.”

Chamber president Peter Burns said:

“I was delighted to award the prize to Farida and I was lucky enough to sample a selection of her Cakepops and they were absolutely fantastic! Delicious!

“I wish her every success in the business and I will certainly be seeking her out again so I can get hold of some more!”

For more information on Butterfingers Cakepops email butterfingerscakepops@hotmail.com, call 07591 435304 or look for ‘Butterfingers UK’ on Facebook and Instagram.

Businesses prepare for Election run-in

Pictured: Louise Bennett, Peter Burns (both CW Chamber), Mike Spicer (British Chambers of Commerce) Ben Richards (SMF)

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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A range of businesses from across Coventry and Warwickshire have had their say in helping shape business policy in the run up to the next general election.

Around a dozen business members of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce aired their views on a range of selected subjects at the session held at The Charterhouse.

Their opinions will help shape the British Chambers of Commerce Business Manifesto which will be used to help put the perspective of business to politicians before the next election.

Planning, business taxes and public procurement were the subjects discussed by the firms which came from the law, recruitment, financial, engineering and media sectors.

Angela Tellyn, partnership manager at the Chamber, said: “The BCC is visiting various Chambers in the network so it can accurately canvas views on key policy areas with which it can canvass the parties in the run up to the election.

“Fixed parliaments mean that the BCC can plan accurately ahead and have the strongest lobbying case prepared. All Chambers are feeding in nationally but are also leading on individual areas for the manifesto.

“It was a very lively and valuable session that looked at the overall business environment but with focus on key areas.

“Proposals put forward included making Chambers statutory consultees when councils draw up local plans to ensure business views are fully taken into account, businesses having a vote in local elections, new businesses being exempt from business rates for three years and making it easier for smaller local companies to bid for government and public sector work.”

In a budget speech that took us all by surprise, George Osborne may have revolutionised the way we think about, plan for, and draw our pension benefits.

Annuities are generally seen by the public as giving poor value, inflexible and a disincentive to funding a pension plan for retirement. However, unless an individual’s pension fund was either very small or very large, annuities were the only realistic option and are currently purchased by 75% of the retiring population.

Assuming the changes come into effect, there will be a more flexible regime allowing individuals to access their pension benefits, after the age of 55, how they wish and without limit on the amount that can be drawn out. In this way, the entire pension pot can be extinguished in the member’s lifetime. The Government’s desire is to allow individuals to make their own decisions on how to access their pension savings and this will hopefully encourage pension saving in the future.

Common objections to pensions saving include: • My money is locked in. I will never get it all out before I die • I buy an annuity and when I die the Insurance Company keeps all my money Many thousands of retirees will now be able to commute their pension pots for a lump sum (25% tax free) with the excess being taxed as earned income at the individual’s marginal rate of tax. No one need purchase an annuity unless they choose to do so.

With the freedom to withdraw your pension savings at whatever level you deem appropriate, it once again becomes ‘your money’, you are in control. This will now mean that the interaction between pension planning and tax planning will become even more vital.

Advice on the making of pension contributions are back on the agenda as an attractive form of tax planning.

Furthermore, the timing of realising a pension so as to correspond to a tax year when a person is paying basic rate tax becomes an important consideration in retirement planning.

To meet for an informal discussion with a Dafferns tax partner and Dafferns Financial Services IFA please contact Brian King at brian.king@dafferns.com or telephone 024 7622 1046.

9

Budget Special

Budget ‘not exciting’ but encouraging

Business leaders assemble at the Chamber for the 2014 Budget.

Business leaders from across Coventry and Warwickshire gave their verdict on the Chancellor’s Budget.

Twenty business people were at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Budget panel event – sponsored by Harrison Beale & Owen – to watch George Osborne deliver his speech that he said was for the ‘makers, doers and the savers’.

The consensus from the Chamber that, while not ‘exciting’, there was enough for businesses to continue to drive the economic recovery.

The Chancellor announced support for apprenticeships, an increase in the Annual Investment Allowance, an increase in the export finance available, an extension of the Help to Buy scheme and help for manufacturers with their energy bills.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “An increase to the Governmentbacked export finance available to £3billion and is very much welcome.

“We often talk about the need to increase our overseas trade as a means to growing individual businesses and the economy as a whole.

“We have seen a steady rise of companies trading overseas through our own International Trade Hub at the Chamber, which includes our UKTI international trade advisers who support businesses on a day-to-day basis with their export efforts.”

She added: “The Chamber at a local and national level was very keen to see further support for apprenticeships and the Chancellor delivered on that with support for a further 100,000 apprenticeships. The fact that it will now go up to graduate level was also welcome.”

Judy Groves, of the Rigby Group, hoped to see further detail on increased infrastructure investment. She said: “It is a sentiment we all welcome but there wasn’t a whiff of detail on subsidies or cash help – and that is what will make that happen. Hopefully that will emerge in the detail that comes out after the Budget.”

Doug Squires, a former president of the Chamber and director of Squires Engineering and Gear, welcomed the support for manufacturing.

He said: “I was very encouraged by the changes to energy bills for manufacturers. That will affect us directly and, also, it should cut the cost of producing steel and, hopefully, that will be passed on to companies like ours too.

“It helps to keep us competitive and, all of that, along with the additional support for exporting should help with all of our overseas efforts.”

Patrick Murtagh, of Cranfield Business Recovery, said: “The Chancellor said it was a Budget for makers, doers and savers and I think there was a certain amount of truth in that.

“Considering we are not too far away from an election, he actually said more than I thought he might. I hoped he might do more to get the banks to increase the amount of money getting into the businesses.”

Paul Carvell, vice president of the Chamber, said: “As ever, much of the devil is in the detail but I believe announcements such as the extension to the Annual Investment Allowance to £500,000 sends out the right signals.

“There was a great deal of talk at the beginning that set the scene, the section on business and, then, what I felt was the election campaign to start winning over pensioner voters at the end.”

David Penn, of Shortland Penn + Moore, said: “There was some talk about changes to planning but, again, we need to see the detail of what form that could take.

“In this region, we have a shortage of industrial and warehouse buildings and it’s important that we address that in order to continue to attract companies here.”

Phil Ewing, from Harrison Beale & Owen, said “The increase in the Annual Investment Allowance to £500,000 will encourage people to invest and certainly provide them with more comfort.

“Of course, there has to be risk involved because that is where the rewards are achieved, but anything that gives a little more assurance when making those hard investment decisions can only be good.”

Sean Farnell, of Burgis & Bullock, said: “The R&D tax credit relief is very positive news. When you are not making a profit and you are having to keep investing, it is not easy and you have to keep the faith. This will help to some degree.”

Patrick Murtagh.

Phil Ewing.

Paul Carvel

Sean Farnell

10

‘A wait and see Budget’ Two leading Finance experts in Coventry and Warwickshire say they are waiting to see if the Chancellor’s Budget will match the rhetoric.

About 20 businesses chosen from different sectors attended the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Budget panel and listened to Chancellor George Osborne’s hour-long budget.

Phil Ewing, from sponsors Harrison Beale & Owen, said there were several key measures which could help regional businesses but hopes to see further details emerge.

He said: “I thought, on the whole, it was a budget which would be good for business but was aimed at people right across the board – we just need to dig deeper into the detail as the becomes clear.

“The increase in the Annual Investment Allowance to £500,000 will encourage people to invest and certainly provide them with more comfort.

“Of course, there has to be risk involved because that is where the rewards are achieved, but anything that gives a little more assurance when making those hard investment decisions can only be good.

“Most of those investments will be in plant and machinery and capital equipment and it cannot be for property.

“We can definitely see people in the region investing and hopefully this measure will give that some more impetus.

“There were other measures such as the energy help for manufacturers which will also hit beneficially in Coventry and Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands, as will announcement on apprenticeships.

“There were not many surprises as so much of announcement is released in the days preceding, but items such as the ISA changes had not been heralded.”

Sean Farnell, of Burgis & Bullock, said the measures on research and development could be valuable to a wide range of companies in the area.

He said: “The R&D tax credit relief is very positive news. When you are not making a profit and you are having to keep investing, it is not easy and you have to keep the faith. This will help to some degree.

“The higher rate allowances are welcome and even though they were miniscule, they are recognition to business owners and others in that bracket and I think that is important.

“In the past allowances have been restricted at the top end of the scale and that does not send out the right impression.

“The simplification of the Class 2 National Insurance is interesting and hopefully it is just that – a simplification – and we will only know that in the coming days.”

“There were other measures such as the energy costs to manufacturing that should help companies in this area.

“I felt that with the economy improving, this was a budget to help push it in the right direction and that’s certainly what we all want to see in the weeks, months and years ahead.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Youth Project

Tackling youth unemployment -

there is a long way to go Business Start-Ups

The Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber has been working to help gather information for one of the most important research projects ever conducted into youth unemployment across Europe.

Now, the Youth Enterprise and Unemployment (YEU) Project has published its findings based on information from young people and groups of stakeholders representing them.

The results, which show that much work needs to be done to encourage young job-seekers and would-be entrepreneurs, will be used to develop e-learning materials to provide young people with more effective online training on entrepreneurship so that they are able to consider starting their own businesses.

The YEU project is a partnership between seven European countries, including Chambers of Commerce, higher educational institutions, educational establishments and young people’s organisations, and funded from the Leonardo Lifelong Learning Programme.

Fifteen stakeholders and 65 young people participated in research for this Chamber, their answers feeding into the overall report.

According to the report: “Rising youth unemployment figures across Europe and the persisting current economic climate reveal, more than ever, the urgent need for our young people to develop the strategies and tools that will empower and enable them to successfully enter the job market.

“The goal of the YEU project, however, is to go further. In a climate where there is little choice in the type of jobs available and a mass of competition, we hope to inspire and assist young people to look to themselves as a resource- as an entrepreneur.”

Findings include: • The vast majority of respondents planned to continue in training or education or acquire more skills but a significant majority had no opportunities for vocational study at school • A large proportion of young people felt that they received inadequate careers advice at school, which led to unrealistic expectations of the job market • Most young people did not know what a good CV looks like, and those who have one do not keep it up-to-date • A large percentage of young people surveyed had no work experience, even voluntary work, leading to inexperienced and unskilled graduates and young people • In rural areas in most partner countries, young people have the desire to set-up their own businesses but are encouraged to advance to university and are not given other options • In urban areas, a notable percentage of young people want to work and earn a ‘Good’ wage. 95% plan to go to university and 40% of these want to set-up their own business • 68% of respondents have thought about setting up their own business, but more than half did not know where to get help • The current economic climate does not stimulate young people to view independent entrepreneurship as a viable career path www.cw-chamber.co.uk

The report suggests that • A vast majority of young people would like to start a business but don’t know how to go about it • Young people are put off by the processes and procedures one has to go through when starting a business • In most of the partner countries, young people are not aware of the support that is available to them. As such, young people look to, or depend on, their families to provide financial support when setting-up a business • Entrepreneurship is seen as an option to very few involved in the research • A lot more needs to be done to support educational institutions in encouraging, helping, supporting and guiding potential entrepreneurs • There are initiatives and organisations to support young people into business but their target audiences are unaware of their existence The research suggested that Governments are investing a lot into entrepreneurship and view this as having a role in dealing with high youth unemployment figures but the support structures do not seem to be achieving the intended results.

As a result of the findings, the project proposes that governments do more to improve education, training and advice and guidance services for young people, including: • The exposure of pupils to Careers advice and support, and business and entrepreneurship, earlier in their school life • Ensure that there is clearer sign-posting to provisions of business start-up/support initiatives for young people • A more effective and signposted structure for Careers Advice, whether at school, further education, or third party training providers is needed • A more structured and diverse pathway into higher education and the job market should be created • A more targeted and effective marketing strategy to ensure young people and lifelong learning partners know about the support networks available to support students • Schools and business need to work closer together to ensure that resource is fit for purpose and targeted towards markets and employment sectors that can provide opportunities and development for young people • An investment in supportive ITC infrastructure that increases access to opportunities and training, regardless of geography, i.e. internet access in rural areas • More vocational-based business training, with a focus on business set-up is needed The full report can be downloaded at http://www.y-e-u.eu/en/resources

The research found that: • Youth unemployment is in a dire state across Europe. As a result, young people who are academic are continuing in education as long as they can • University graduates and young people are often branded by employers as lacking the essential skills needed for work. It is argued that education establishments sometimes concentrate too much on students passing exams rather than equipping them with essential ‘life skills’. Indeed, the research showed that there is a large percentage of unskilled graduates and this is certainly the business world’s perception • Graduates feel massively cheated by their higher education qualifications as employers have no confidence in graduate employees.

This is leading to a high level of emigration as graduates see no other option of finding work • Opportunities for young people are changing. However, this view is, not shared between much of the NEET population • Young people don’t seem to be attracted to the vast majority of jobs on the market, for example jobs that rely on physical work, those that aren’t considered reputable and less skilled employment in relation to their education • Those young people who are not so academic, lack the correct guidance and support to allow them to make the right career choices.

Almost 98% of young people sampled in the research are computer literate but a large percentage of those do not know how to effectively utilise these skills in order to secure employment, (e.g. to create a CV).

11

International Trade

West Midlands exports reach a record high

Businesses urged to seek overseas markets

UK Trade & Investment Regional Director Paul Noon has congratulated West Midlands firms for helping the region’s exports reach a record high of £7.5 billion during the final quarter of 2013, up by £887 million.

“The EU remains the largest single market for West Midlands goods with sales over the last 12 months, worth more than £11 billion, followed by the Asia Pacific region, at just over £6.3 billion.”

Latest figures released by HM Revenue & Customs show that by far the largest percentage increase in exports for the English regions is for the West Midlands, where the export of goods increased by 18.4 per cent during the year and are now worth £26.9 billion up by 4.2 billion from 2012.

Paul said: “These are, once again, smashing figures for exports from the West Midlands. They cap-off a bumper year in 2013 for exports, demonstrating sustained growth from companies across the region.

“Exporting is in the DNA of companies in this region and is the heartbeat of the economic recovery.

West Midlands companies are continuing to lead the way in terms of breaking into new markets across the globe. We are well on our way to meeting the national economic challenge of doubling the value of exports by 2020.”

“The EU remains the largest single market for West Midlands goods with sales over the last 12 months, worth more than £11 billion, followed by the Asia Pacific region, at just over £6.3 billion.”

12

Louise Bennett, Peter Burns, Liz Cooper (Ricoh Arena).

The Expo in full flow.

Businesses from across Coventry and Warwickshire have been urged to look overseas to help continue the region’s improving economic fortunes.

That was the message from a breakfast seminar which opened the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s annual expo that attracted 500 business people to the Ricoh Arena.

More than 100 companies and organisations were exhibiting at the event, which also included a workshop on social media and the international trade breakfast.

The breakfast was organised with the British Chambers of Commerce and NatWest Bank to underline the importance of exports to the UK economy.

Ian Fletcher, international trade director at NatWest, said: “Around a quarter of all UK jobs are linked to overseas trade and around 60 per cent of UK GDP growth comes from exports.

“So if this region, and this country as a whole, is to continue to grow then we must have exports at the centre of our thoughts.”

Ian said that once firms were planning to export, they should seek professional advice – particularly from the UKTI team based at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s international trade hub.

He said: “It’s important to develop an export plan just as you would write an ordinary business plan.

“The advisers from UKTI are a huge help and I would advise any business with even a hint of an idea of exporting to speak to them.

Peter Burns (president of the Chamber), Louise Bennett, Ian Fletcher, John Nollett.

“Of course, trading overseas is different to doing business domestically but companies shouldn’t be daunted – again it comes down to getting the right advice.

“There are some excellent schemes available from UK Export Finance, the Government’s export credit agency, who are able to provide guarantees to banks to enable them to support the funding requirements of exporters.

“Inevitably, exporting can put a strain on working capital facilities and banks work closely with their clients to provide the right blend of banking facilities.

“It’s vital when doing business abroad that you consider how factors such as exchange rates can affect your profit margin – again your bank can help here.”

John Nollett, a leading manufacturing figure in the region, spoke about the lessons he had learned in international trade having dealt with 33 countries during his career.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, spoke to delegates about the new ‘City Deal’ which will offer a one-stopshop of support for advanced manufacturing and engineering companies.

That was before the main expo, which lasted from 10am until 3pm, kicked into action.

Louise said: “It was a great day and there was a real feeling that companies in Coventry and Warwickshire are ready to get out and keep this promising economic recovery going.

“It also underlined the strength of the Chamber in the variety and number of companies we can bring together to their mutual benefit.”

Louise Bennett explains the new City Deal to delegates.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

International Trade

sponsored column

Coventry firm finds success abroad Refreshing Standards

A Coventry based company that helps to secure cyclists’ bikes with a range of innovative locks is now securing business around the world.

John Abrahams and Ben Smith came up with the idea of a ‘wearable’ bicycle lock five years ago, just as the recession was taking hold.

But rather than putting the brakes on their innovation, the pair set about designing, developing and testing their invention in a bid to get the product to market.

In 2011, the Hiplok brand was born and the company started selling in the spring of that year. Within nine months of trading, Hiplok was attracting interest from overseas.

The company received help and advice from the UKTI international trade team at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce through the Passport to Export programme. As part of the scheme, Hiplok was supported to conduct overseas market research and exhibit at key trade shows in the USA and Germany.

There are now four different products under the Hiplok name and they are being sold in 25 countries across four continents.

About 65 per cent of the firm’s annual turnover is generated in export sales with a recent research trip to North America leading to the company securing repeat orders with one of the biggest national outdoor retailers in the US. John said: “We are cyclists ourselves and saw there was a market for secure yet easy to carry bike locks. We took the idea and made it a reality – doing all of the research, design and development in house.

“Hiplok works for us as cyclists – we use them every day – so we knew it would work for other people too. As soon as we launched, the interest was there both here as well as overseas and we had great support from James Ahearne and the UKTI team at the Chamber in turning initial international interest in to exports.

“Exporting has been key to the growth and success of our business and having someone there to help and support us made it easier than if we had gone it alone.”

James Ahearne, an international trade adviser at the Chamber, said Hiplok was ready to move to the next stage of exporting.

He said: “This is a great success story and proves, again, that if the product is right it will not only sell in the UK but all over the world too.

“Taking a product overseas can sometimes seem complicated but UKTI offers a great range of services for both new and

John Abrahams and Ben Smith with James Ahearne (centre) of the Chamber’s UKTI team.

experienced exporters and tapping into the kind of support we offer can be invaluable to a business. We can help with everything from export training to market research to market visits.

“Hiplok was supported through our Passport to Export programme which helps companies to begin on the export trail.

Now, as their business develops, we are continuing to work with them through our Gateway to Global Growth programme – which is targeted to support more experienced exporters looking to take their business to the next level.”

Company eyes US market

Marcus Gerrard and Rob Gerrard from Safetyflex Barriers with the US patent.

A fast-growing security manufacturing firm is taking major strides into the US market after gaining a highly coveted international patent.

Safetyflex Barriers, based on Boston place in Coventry, is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of anti-terrorist barriers and bollards and has landed a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

The patent protects the firm’s spring-steel technology behind its innovative security products - which can be seen protecting highsecurity sites across the UK - for ten years and will enable the firm www.cw-chamber.co.uk

to penetrate the lucrative US market.

Managing director Rob Gerrard said the company, which is part of the GME Springs group and also has a base in Sheffield, has attracted enquiries from across the US on the back of gaining the patent.

“Securing this patent is massive for us,” Rob said, “It’s the holy grail of our industry to get this endorsement and paves the way for us to accelerate our expansion in the US. “We’ve attracted a massive amount of interest from security manufacturers in the US and we expect to launch a partnership with a distributor very soon.”

Safetyflex has now secured six patents on its security products with the latest endorsement capping a productive period for the firm, following on from winning the Innovation Award at the National Business Awards in November, along with new business across the world.

Director Marcus Gerrard added: “We won the award for the UK’s most innovative company last year, and winning that accolade coupled with the exposure it brought us has seen us attract masses of international interest.

“Ever since we secured work to protect 20 Olympic sites at London 2012 business has really snowballed, and we’ve gone on to win work across the Middle East and Asia.

“Securing this US patent is just as big news for us as winning the award and the Olympic contract, if not bigger. It took seven years to earn it and opens up massive growth potential for the company.”

Safetyflex Barriers was launched in 2008 and its barriers and bollards are designed to stop vehicle borne terrorist attacks against any key asset.

The firm’s bollards can be seen at high-security sites including shopping centres, financial districts, tourist attractions such The Titanic Centre in Belfast along with stadia including Edgbaston Cricket Ground.

Many companies have management systems consistent with ISO requirements and on a regular timetable these are reviewed and updated.

Sometimes the updates are minor and other times significant. In 2015 we will see a significant update to two of the main standards; ISO9001 Quality Management Systems, (QMS) and ISO14001 Environmental Management System, (EMS). Both are currently at a draft stage but indications from professional bodies such as the Chartered Quality Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment suggest a number of changes that will significantly impact businesses using the standards.

Another environmental standard to be aware of is for energy management.

Certifications to ISO50001:2011 are set to increase with the first certification body accredited by UKAS for ISO50001 being announced at the end of March this year.

Obtaining certification to ISO50001 is being driven by increasing legislation and cost reduction activities.

Are you preparing for the updated standards and are you ready to tackle energy efficiency and reduce energy costs to your business?

ALO Management LTD are a small but dedicated consultancy, now in its fourth year. Our focus is on management systems support, carbon reduction activities and resource efficiency. Our client’s include a number of companies who rely upon benefiting from good management systems, where we help to design, implement and maintain. Other clients need specialist support for projects such as carbon footprint, efficiency improvement, environmental permitting etc. We also supply technical expertise to UKAS giving us a unique insight into UK certification activities.

ALO Management Ltd, Bishops Itchington, Warwickshire CV47 2RE e-mail: simon@alomanagement.co.uk Tel: 07961 150 631 www.alomanagement.co.uk

13

Starting your own Business

Time to get started

The turn of the year is often the catalyst for change and one organisation across Coventry and Warwickshire is ready to support individuals who want to transform their lives.

Starting a company is one of the biggest professional decisions a person can make but help is out there for individuals who think they can cut it in the world of business.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce offers a range of free support and advice to start-ups and is running courses in Coventry, Nuneaton and Rugby to give an insight into the issues of establishing a business – from finance to marketing.

Keely Hancox, of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said the beginning of the year often brings enquiries from potential business start-ups.

She said: “Very often, people have a business idea nagging away at them but they are unsure whether they want to give up the security of a job and go it alone.

“We find that they will have chatted through the idea over Christmas with friends and relatives and come back in the

14

New Year determined to make it happen.

“The most daunting thought is that you will be on your own but, actually, that’s not the case. Professional support in settingup a company is vital and the Chamber is a great place to start.

“We have a team of advisers who are able to help with a range of matters from business planning to accessing finance.

“It’s such a huge help to have experienced advisers to bounce an idea off and look at the best way to establish a business.

“Over the years, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has helped hundreds of start-ups and it’s wonderful to see them go on and make a success of their business.”

Tim Pearson is a perfect case-in point.

He approached the Chamber in 1993 with an idea of establishing a new cleaning company after working in the industry.

Tim believed that the culture in the sector failed to support and motivate its staff and believed he could start a business that would put right those wrongs and, ultimately, be a success.

After assistance with business planning

and attending one of the Chamber’s start up, he established Goldcrest Cleaning.

Fast forward more than 20 years and the company, based in Warwick, is one of the most successful firms of its type in the region – employing around 235 people with clients throughout the West Midlands.

Tim, who is now using his experience with Goldcrest to live out his dream of owning his own vineyard in South Africa, said the Chamber had been vital in the early years of the business and has continued to be a source of support.

He said: “After getting advice from a friend to speak to the Chamber before I started up, they were there to help from day one and we still utilise their services 20 years on.

“I have always had that entrepreneurial spirit but the Chamber was there as a safety net for advice and as a reference point for information and networking opportunities.

“If I was starting a business from scratch for the first time, I would definitely make full use of their services again and would wholly recommend that others do the same.”

Keely added: “The business world has changed almost beyond recognition since the Chamber first helped Goldcrest Cleaning back in 1993.

“But many of the fundamentals remain the same and we are delighted to have played such a positive role in their success as a business from start-up through to today.

“We would therefore say to anyone who wants to get started and live their dream of running their own business, to get in touch.”

Start-up courses are taking place on the following dates: St Peter’s Centre - Coventry 5th June, 17th June, 3rd July, 16th July, 6th August and 19th August Hatters Space - Nuneaton 11th June, 24th June, 9th July, 24th July, 13th August and 26th August.

For more information on start-up support and advice, contact the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on 024 7665 4321 or email info@cw-chamber.co.uk. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Starting your own Business

Food for thought A Rugby business didn’t have to bust a gut to get off the ground thanks to start-up support from the Chamber.

Susan Sandall decided to launch Guttbusters, her own catering business, after being made redundant following a short period in employment.

Her husband, a chef, had always wanted to launch his own roast pork bap shop but Susan decided to take it a step further and enlisted the help of the Chamber after speaking to Rugby Borough Council.

“We decided to offer proper, homecooked style food delivered to your door or workplace,” said Susan “Now we also have a café, which offers sit-down food, takeaway or delivery.

“Guttbusters is a small café in Rugby town centre which offers high-quality,

freshly cooked food and we have seating for 23. We strive to put the customer first each and every time.

“I found out about the Chamber’s startup service and CWRT through Rugby Borough Council when I was looking for help with funding.

“CWRT suggested that I talk to the Chamber about the support they could offer through workshops and one-to-one coaching. CWRT provided a business loan, without which I could not have started the business.

“Jon Bass, of the Chamber, has been my mentor and has continued to provide expert advice since we opened.”

Guttbusters is open from 10am until 11pm, Monday to Thursday. It is open from 10am to 12.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

You’re Hired!

CWT Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week What a celebration of achievement it was on 6 March 2014! CWT Chamber Training took four outstanding Apprentices to the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Lunch where they were presented with awards by guest of honour Margaret Mountford formerly off of BBC One’s ‘The Apprentice’. The four Apprentices had all exceeded expectations in their own right and were nominated by their respective employers to receive the award. Have a look, they look so proud!

Congratulations to the winners: Susanne Shepherd who works for EUA has developed considerably with CWT Chamber Training. She has gone from Business Administration to the Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Business Level 4 and is now working towards the Foundation Degree in Leadership & Management.

Natalie Evans works at The Cut Above hairdressers in Coventry. She completed her Apprenticeship and now trains her fellow colleagues in the art of colouring hair. She undertook a Master Colour Programme (MCP) with Wella which gave her a qualification that is recognised by the

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Hairdressing Industry as well as achieving a Customer Service qualification.

Aimee Harper started working for AGCO in September 2011 and quickly progressed from Accountancy Level 2 through to Level 4. She has been successful across a variety of departments including accounts payable, cost accounting analysis and trade receivables.

Katie Ball joined Ricardo in 2011 and has completed Business Administration Levels 2 and 3. Whilst also being fully committed to her Ricardo duties, through her commitment to personal development her Level 4 Diploma and HNC in Business are due for completion this year.

There were a whole host of nominations from a wide spectrum of employers who currently employ apprentices with CWT Chamber Training and it was very hard to narrow it down!

Margaret Mountford was a joy, as well as being a very interesting lady who took a genuine interest in the young people being awarded. After an amazing lunch the audience had opportunity to ask questions.

It was very interesting and a great insight to her career to date; of course speaking about the element we are all very familiar with, her time with Sir Alan Sugar on BBC One’s ‘The Apprentice’.

What really stands out is the difference an Apprenticeship makes to a young life and the opportunities they present. It’s fantastic that these employers have moulded and shaped these young people’s careers. Lord Sugar would be proud!

New business start-up service in Stratford Upon Avon Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has been awarded funding by Stratford District Council to deliver Business Start Up advice to residents of Stratford Upon Avon and individuals looking to start a business in the area.

If you have recently been made redundant, are looking for a career change,

want to turn a hobby into a business or have a fantastic idea that you think could make you some money we can help.

We can provide support and advice on marketing and sales, business planning, finance and much more. Please call Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber on 02476654321 to speak with one of our Business Advisors.

Motivated to go into business Coventry man Dean McAlister has spent most of his life seeing the world – but he looked closer to home for support when he decided to start his own company.

Dean has travelled the globe through his time in the Merchant Navy, the armed forces and, for two decades, as an electronics engineer but decided it was time to put down roots.

After initially looking to find employment, he turned his thoughts to establishing his own company and was supported by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s start-up team.

Through the support of the team – particularly his enterprise coach Margaret Bull – he has now launched Saxon Websites Ltd in Lockhurst Lane, which offers web design services to small and medium sized businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire.

Dean said: “I left school with the intention of seeing the world and I achieved that. Being in the Merchant Navy, the armed forces and my time as a contract electronics engineer took me to some wonderful places so I have no regrets there.

“Recently however, I have attempted to settle down and found that real life had an unexpected set of new challenges in-store for me.

“I spent a year looking for meaningful employment in Coventry but finding a good job, it appeared, wasn’t a small task.

“I tried working in local warehouses through employment agencies, claimed unemployment benefit when there was no or little work available and completed various government ‘get back to work’ initiatives.

“This new lifestyle, I soon realised, wasn’t for me, so I decided to take the initiative and start my own, new business.

“What motivated me to start my own business was the lack of quality employment options. I am a professional person with drive and ambition and want to be able to make a

difference in the markets that I choose to work in.

“The 12 months that I spent looking for work really opened my eyes.

“I required a job that provided stability and a level of financial security with a wage that you can live on, not merely exist. I required a job that gave me a valid reason to get out of bed in the morning, a job around which I could plan a future.

“I couldn’t find that job out there so I decided to create it myself.”

And, following support from the Chamber, the company is officially open for business, offering established and start-up companies affordable, business-class, modular websites.

Dean said: “I was looking for initial funding and found out about the Chamber’s start-up service through the local council website.

“Starting up a business today can be very off-putting when you see the amount of red tape and hoops that you need to jump through.

“I contacted the Chamber to seek advice about start-up funding and was allocated Margaret as my enterprise coach.

“She immediately took control and guided me through the remaining obstacles in my way – not only providing invaluable advice but also supplying names and contact details of people who could physically help.

“She put me in contact with CWRT and between them helped me turn an idea into a proper business. Additionally, the Chamber has introduced me to potential new clients and provided awareness of local business community networking.

“It has to be said that the help that I have received from the Chamber to date has proven invaluable and I am extremely grateful.

“A special thank you has to go to Margaret Bull and Andrew Scarborough at CWRT.” Margaret Bull, of the Chamber’s startup team, said: “Starting a business can seem daunting but it is also extremely rewarding as Dean is finding.

“It’s important to know that there is support out there when people are looking to establish their own company and here at the Chamber we can help overcome many of those initial hurdles.

“There is no doubting that it requires a lot of hard work and planning but, with the right support and assistance, starting and running your own business is extremely rewarding.

“I would advise anyone looking to start their own company to get in touch with the team here at the Chamber because, just as in Dean’s case, we can help get them off to the right start.”

15

Legal & Finance

Warwick Law Clinic opens its doors on the Sydenham Estate Leamington solicitors, Wright Hassall, are to work with law students at the University of Warwick in a new scheme to give local people the opportunity to get answers to their legal problems.

The Law Clinic, based at the Sydni Centre in the heart of the Sydenham estate, will be open every Wednesday from 12-3 pm as a drop-in clinic where people can come for legal advice free of charge.

Trainee solicitors from Wright Hassall and the Warwick law students will listen to people’s legal questions, before going away to research the answers and then checking their findings with qualified solicitors at the firm.

Clients can then return to the Centre the following week to hear the advice or, if

Martin Oliver (middle, from Wright Hassall) with trainee solicitors from both Warwick University & Wright Hassall from left to right: Priyanka Moonesinghe, Matthew Sharp, Mhairi Hay, Ivan Chik, Emma Mc Cartney.

“...people using the service will have access to answers they may have struggled to find by themselves.” urgent, arrange to receive a letter.

Martin Oliver, Wright Hassall’s partner overseeing the project, said: “With legal aid becoming increasingly scarce, most ordinary people are worried about speaking to a solicitor for fear that it will be unaffordable.

“This clinic gives people the opportunity to find out whether or not their legal problem can be sorted out quickly or whether there is something more serious that needs to be dealt with.

“This should be a win-win situation: our trainees, working alongside the law students will learn invaluable client handling skills and, although they won’t be able to give advice at the time, the research they will need to carry out will be hugely beneficial.

“Likewise, people using the service will have access to answers they may have struggled to find by themselves. They will also be reassured that the advice they do receive will have been through a proper checking process with a qualified solicitor before it is delivered to clients” For more information on the service, please contact the manager of the Sydni Centre on 01926 422071 or email manager@sydni.org

Union challenge to employment tribunal fees fails The failure of a union challenge to employment tribunal fees will give businesses some comfort, according to a Midlands lawyer.

But, despite Government reforms, costs continued to weigh heavily on small and medium sized enterprises, warned Sonia Mangat, part of the employment team at Stratford-upon-Avon solicitors Lodders.

Her comments follow a landmark hearing, Unison v the Lord Chancellor, where the bid to block the charges was dismissed by the High Court.

Ms Mangat said: “The introduction of fees has helped produce a large drop in the number of tribunal claims.

“It seems many speculative ones, where the person is simply ‘trying it on’ in the hope of securing a settlement, are being eradicated, which employers will regard as very welcome.

“However a lot of firms, particularly SMEs, still feel the system remains a burden. In most circumstances there are no costs awards against claimants if the case is withdrawn or fails. Indeed, the cost of defending claims is generally still disproportionate to the level of awards which average between £5,000 and £7,000 depending on the type of action.”

Fees to bring employment tribunal or Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) claims were introduced last July. Parties have to pay an upfront fee to raise a claim followed by a further ‘hearing fee’ once the case is referred to a tribunal.

Fees start at around £160, rising to £250, to issue a claim; hearing fees range from £230 to £950.

Sonia Mangat.

It is suggested that the fall in claim numbers to date is the result of the initial fees. The impact of the further fees required to progress to a full hearing remained to be seen, something Lord Justice Moses accepted, saying the proceedings were premature.

However, he noted, the Lord Chancellor was “under a duty” to keep the scheme under review and to take “remedial measures” if necessary. The union could still make a further challenge once the full impact was clear.

Unison had argued that the introduction of fees breached EU law by making it excessively difficult or virtually impossible for workers to exercise their rights.

The union has said it intends to take the matter to the Court of Appeal.

sponsored column

Insuring Vacant Property A Question of Condition?

Maurice K Adams

Maurice K Adams ACII, and Chartered Insurance Practitioner, as our in-house Consultant, is able to draw upon considerable experience in helping our clients to make sure they understand their risks and get the best protection possible.

16

Commercial landlords, especially those with a portfolio, will need to manage their vacant units from time to time, pending re - lets or disposal, and maintain insurance protection accordingly.

In certain circumstances, insurers will extend that duty by imposing additional requirements, embodied by clauses in the policy known as Conditions, either in their standard policy wording or specifically by endorsement.

The insurance of unoccupied property will inevitably be subject to an Unoccupancy Condition, which, amongst other requirements, will specify the need to secure the property, visit regularly and turn off, drain, all services, etc., save for power needed to run Landlord controlled intruder/fire alarm systems.

Installed systems controlled by the Landlord, will inevitably be subject to an additional Intruder/Fire Alarm Condition under the policy which must be complied with. In essence, if such a system is installed, it must be switched on and monitored.

A policy Condition is also known as a Condition Precedent to Liability, which means that if the Insured is found to be in breach of its requirements after an incident or loss, the insurer has the right to avoid any claim arising. However, the insurance policy otherwise remains unaffected and stays in force.

In special circumstances, an insurer may choose to reinforce the Insured’s compliance by imposing, usually by endorsement, a ‘Warranty’ – usually in a clause prefixed by the words – “It is warranted that……”.

Eg – ‘it is warranted that the intruder alarm is switched on whenever the premises are unoccupied’. What’s the difference between that and a ‘condition’?

Unfortunately, it’s huge! A Condition can avoid a claim arising from a proven breach; a Warranty can avoid the entire policy, even if the proven breach does not relate to a specific incident or loss!

A warranty is regarded as a ‘promise’ – and a proven breach of ‘promise’ is regarded as tantamount to a breach of contract, at whatever time that may arise – not just after a loss occurs!

In other words…

Breach of a condition precedent to liability gives the insurer the opportunity to avoid any loss created by the breach, whereas breach of a policy warranty gives the insurer the opportunity to avoid the policy in its entirety, whether the breach is relevant to the loss or not, and at any time during the policy year.

The Wigley Group, successfully manage our own vacant properties from time to time, in compliance with our own insurers’ and risk management protocols, as well as our serving the needs of our Vacant Property Management clients, through our specialist body, WCS. If, as a Landlord, you are unsure whether you are subject to a Condition or Warranty in insuring your unoccupied property, you need to speak to a member of our team! We’re there to help on 02476 224600.

“Commercial landlords, especially those with a portfolio, will need to manage their vacant units from time to time...” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Legal & Finance

Michelle joins the team A city law firm has made a senior appointment to head up its wills, trusts and probate team.

Michelle Gavin joins Band Hatton Button LLP Solicitors on Warwick Road, as an associate and head of the wills, trusts and probate department.

Michelle, who lives in Coventry, brings a wealth of experience to the firm with expertise in wills, trusts, estate planning, home protection trusts, the administration of estates and trusts along with lasting powers of attorney and court of protection matters.

She joins the firm having most recently spent five years as an associate solicitor at top 70 Birmingham city law firm, SGH Martineau.

Michelle is also a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) – the leading worldwide association for practitioners dealing with family inheritance and succession planning – with only a small number of members based in Coventry.

Having started her career studying Law at Coventry University, Michelle went on to complete a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies at Birmingham University before completing her training at a Coventry law firm and qualifying as a solicitor in 2002.

Michelle also sits on the Birmingham branch committee of the Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) and is a member of the private client section of the Law Society.

She said, “I grew up and completed my training in Coventry so it is great to be back working in the city.

“I was attracted to the role at Band Hatton Button as the firm encompasses a progressive and ambitious attitude as well as a great team of people who help to drive the firm forward.

“I am looking forward to the new experiences and challenges that my role at the firm will bring and hope to continue to deliver a high-quality service.”

Band Hatton Button is one of the largest law practices in the city with over 70 employees now based at the firm.

Philip Costigan, senior partner at Band Hatton Button LLP, said: “Michelle has already settled in well at the firm and her wealth of experience will greatly help to strengthen the wills, trusts and probate department.

“She is also one of a small number of Coventry-based members of STEP and her experience in the areas of retirement planning, family inheritance and succession planning will help to further boost our development in this important area of work.”

Pictured left to right: Philip Costigan (Band Hatton Button) with Michelle Gavin (Band Hatton Button).

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Insurance firm launches new division An insurance specialist based in Coventry has launched a transport division after identifying gaps in complex cover for commercial fleet and private vehicles.

The motor, transport and fleet division has been established by Inspire Insurance Services to provide specialist policies for commercial vehicles ranging from company cars to HGVs and for cargo in transit ranging from household furniture to heavy machinery.

Leigh Mackey, managing director of the independent broker named Commercial Lines Broker of the Year at the West Midlands Insurance Institutes Awards, said: “The company was built upon gaps being identified in the market and this new transport division is an extension of that.

“We recognised that there was a potential shortfall in insurance cover for commercial fleets both in terms of the level of protection and replacement transport being available in the event of a vehicle being taken off the road which can be extremely costly for business.

“We have developed a complex offering which encompasses those elements along with all-year round claims assistance, legal protection, excess waiver, breakdown cover and insurance for goods in transit including imports and exports.”

With more than 15 years of experience in the motor and fleet business, Simon Ward has been appointed to head up the new division at the company’s headquarters at Westwood Business Park in Canley from where it operates throughout the UK. Simon said: “The difference is that we are building value into standard policies by for instance, providing cover for on-board tools and equipment and guaranteeing like-forlike replacement vehicles which applies to company directors as well as fleet drivers.

“We are also supporting fleet managers and company directors who face a high level of exposure from their duty of care for multiple vehicles and drivers with up-todate information on their health and safety and risk management obligations.”

Pictured from left to right: Leigh Mackey, Simon Ward, Simon Jones, lettings director at Archer Bassett, and Peter Moore.

The enhancements within the company’s new division stretch to individual drivers facing steep premiums as a result of having a company car, a criminal conviction or a high-performance vehicle.

Leigh added: “It is becoming increasingly common for employees to choose an allowance towards buying their own vehicle but when they opt out of a company car scheme they can often find that they do not have any no claims bonus which can make their insurance costs sky high.

“We have secured a deal with a couple of insurers whereby ex-company car drivers can qualify for a five-year introductory no claims bonus which can reduce their premiums by up to 60 per cent.”

Independent letting agent Archer Bassett, which has offices in Coventry, Rugby and Solihull, is among the first to sign up to the new division.

Managing director Peter Moore said: “We have recently introduced our first mini-fleet of company cars and Inspire Insurance Services were able to provide a comprehensive policy that was price competitive and with a good level of service.

“We are testing the water with our first two cars but their distinctive company branding has already had an impact on passing trade and if that continues, we will be looking to expand the fleet and build up our policy with Inspire.”

Solid year for NFU Mutual In another year of extreme weather and challenging trading conditions, NFU Mutual has delivered another very solid performance.

Lindsay Sinclair, Chief Executive said: “I am pleased to report that not only has premium income grown but, despite the negative impact of the weather and bodily injuries on our claims bill, we have made an underwriting profit for the third year running.

“General insurance premium income grew from £1,266m in 2012 to £1,288 in 2013. Although motor premium income reduced by 2.9% (as we continued to exit some poorer risks), commercial and personal business grew by 6.8% and 3.5%, respectively.

“Our philosophy is to provide our members with the insurance cover they need, at a fair price and with a first-class personal service, so it was with great pride that I accepted the 2013 Which? award for the UK’s Best Financial Services Provider.

“We continue to do well with the companies and individuals that value the local, personal service we are known for.

When they need our help they know they can count on us to provide it quickly, with no fuss - that was particularly the case last year with the extreme cold spell in March and the storms and floods in December.

“In 2013, we also saw a substantial increase in large claims. Many involved a fall from height, resulting in extensive bodily injury and a requirement for life-long care. We are working closely with our members to help them to better manage the risks they face.

“Underwriting profit amounted to £120m in 2013 and the financial position of the business was further strengthened as a result of a strong performance from our investment team to deliver a total profit of £635m for the year.

“On the Life side, we also saw good sales growth of 3% for the year and total funds under management increased from £6.8bn to £7.2bn.

“All in all, NFU Mutual enters 2014 wellplaced to meet the challenges ahead and to continue to provide our members with the insurance cover and investment advice they need.”

sponsored column

SEIS - Why so attractive to investors and those seeking investment?

Ruth Chapman

Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) was introduced in 2012 as a way of encouraging equity investment in small, early stage businesses. This relief was originally introduced for a period of five years, but following the Chancellors recent budget announcement, has now been made permanent in respect of both the income and capital gains tax reliefs available.

So why is SEIS so attractive to both investors and businesses looking to attract external investment?

Investors, who are prepared to invest in more riskier, early start up businesses can obtain up to 50% income tax relief on their investment.

For example, if an investor invests £50,000 in SEIS shares, then they would receive a reduction on their tax liability of £25,000. If tax is already paid at source, then they would get a refund.

Providing SEIS shares have been owned by the investor for three years at the time of sale, then any gain is tax free too.

Previously reinvestment relief was only available when SEIS shares were purchased in the 2012/13 and 2013/14 tax years. This is no longer the case and can be applied to all tax years.

The investor must have held the SEIS shares for a period of 3 years otherwise the tax benefits will be lost.

For example, if the investor makes a gain of £60,000 and invests all of this in qualifying SEIS shares then £30,000 (50%) is not taxed. Based on the current 28% CGT rate on a £30,000 gain, the tax saving would be £8,400.

Small, early stage businesses looking to develop their business, but are struggling to obtain investment from the more traditional funding routes can use the reliefs associated with SEIS to attract external investment. SEIS allows these businesses to raise up to £150,000 via the issue of SEIS shares.

We are advising early start up businesses seeking external investment and investors looking to make tax efficient investments to strongly consider SEIS. If you would like to understand more about SEIS please contact either Ruth Chapman or Sarah Grandison at Prime on 024 7651 8555.

17

Policy

LEP outlines vision Artistic tribute to for the future business leader Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) has outlined the key projects which will create over 50,000 new jobs, build 75,000 houses and invest in transport infrastructure in its bid for a share of government cash.

Sir Peter Rigby’s final act as chair of the CWLEP was to submit its Strategic Economic Plan to the government which outlines how the private and public sector will work together to turn their plans into reality.

All 39 LEPs across England are bidding for a share of government cash by outlining their economic plans with the CWLEP bid focusing on the future and bringing manufacturing home.

The SEP outlines the development of 50,099 new job opportunities by creating new businesses, encouraging innovation and developing new and existing employment sites with the Coventry and Warwickshire Gateway, Friargate, Lyons Park, Whitley Business Park and Bermuda Park outlined as the area’s top five priorities.

The CWLEP’s newly-formed Joint Committee and the area’s local authorities have agreed to build a minimum of 75,000 new homes by 2031.

There is also a pledge to invest in the road network, the north-south rail links, the A46 and the redevelopment of Coventry Railway Station and to continue developing the Clearing House which focuses on giving targeted support to businesses and increasing the number of start-up businesses.

Sir Peter said the Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) has the full support of the public and private sector as well as the area’s MPs following extensive consultation.

“We are keen for the key projects detailed in the SEP to deliver economic growth, housing and improved transport infrastructure to put Coventry and Warwickshire at the heart of the current recovery and its future growth,” he said.

“We look forward to negotiating a strong growth deal with the government for the projects and schemes that we have outlined to get them underway in spring 2015.”

“The SEP enables us to negotiate with the government a Local Growth Deal. It is recognised that the investment requested is significant but the SEP identifies a prioritised set of proposals, projects and powers that have been agreed locally and will enable growth.

“We have identified specific investment in capital infrastructure that is central to local economic growth and productivity.

“Coventry and Warwickshire is very supportive of the government’s desire to exploit new opportunities in the global economy which are leading towards enticing supply chain companies in advanced manufacturing and engineering to come back to the UK and we will be further exploring ways this can be accelerated in conjunction with UKTI and the Manufacturing Advisory Service.

“We look forward to negotiating a strong growth deal with the government for the projects and schemes that we have outlined to get them underway in spring 2015.

“Locally the private sector, our local authorities and our two universities are keen to participate in a collaborative approach to turn this plan into reality and are confident it will be successful.

“Our goal remains to deliver our vision and grow the economy faster and further than would otherwise be the case, securing a high performing and sustainable economy for Coventry and Warwickshire.”

The government will announce the funding allocations in July after considering the proposals of all 39 LEPs.

Read C&W In Business online by visiting the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce website: www.cw-chamber.co.uk 18

Ann Lucas (CW LEP board director and leader Coventry City Council), Michael Murphy, Sir Peter Rigby.

A young Warwickshire artist has created a painting to mark an important event in the area’s commercial history and pay tribute to a business leader as he steps down from a major post.

Seventeen-year-old Michael Murphy, who is studying a BTEC extended diploma in Art & Design at City College Coventry, was asked to depict the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s (CWLEP) vision ‘Reengineering engineering’ as a gift to CWLEP chair Sir Peter Rigby before he stepped down.

The artwork combines a variety of images associated with the engineering and manufacturing industry across the region and was presented on the day the CWLEP signed a City Deal with central government.

Michael, who comes from Bedworth, said: “It was a great opportunity and a real privilege to have been asked to design the

“It was a great opportunity and a real privilege to have been asked to design the artwork and to present the finished piece to Sir Peter.”

artwork and to present the finished piece to Sir Peter.

“The artwork was inspired by the City Deal slogan ‘Re-engineering engineering’ and I completed a lot of research into the industry before deciding how to structure the design.

“I used water colours to create the illustrations and combined a variety of images which I feel encapsulate the changes and advancements that have taken place within the industry over the last century.

He added: “Although I was a little nervous and apprehensive to present the piece to Sir Peter, it was such a great experience and everyone seemed to be really pleased with the design.”

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.

It is hoped the agreement which was formally signed by Minister for Cities Greg Clark and Sir Peter Rigby during a presentation at Cheylesmore House in Coventry, will help to create more than 15,000 jobs by 2025.

The City Deal centres 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 via a Clearing House.

Sir Peter said: “It is fantastic to see ‘Reengineering engineering’ brought to life in a painting and I would like to thank Michael for presenting such a wonderful piece of artwork.

“The illustrations are a great representation of the changing landscape of the manufacturing and engineering industry within Coventry and Warwickshire over the last century and help to portray the endless possibilities if we continue to expand and innovate the sector in the future.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Major investment by manufacturing company A Leamington company is investing more than £4 million in a new manufacturing headquarters.

Leeson Polyurethanes is the UK’s largest manufacturer of formulated polyurethanes which are used as binders and coatings by a range of industry sectors.

The firm, which was started by David and Kathleen Leeson in 1986, is moving to a new custom-built complex just yards away from its current base at Tachbrook Park to allow it to continue its current expansion.

It moved to the park in 2001 into a 25,000 sq ft unit built by Leamington-based A C Lloyd, and the two firms have teamed up again to create the new 52,000 sq ft manufacturing and headquarters facility.The firm’s products – which are used in floor coatings, waterproofing, anti-skid surfaces, sports pitches and as adhesives in a range of sectors including construction and leisure – are now exported to more than 50 countries.

The company, which employs 27 staff, won the Queen’s Award for Export in 2007.

David Leeson said the company had continued to grow through the recent downturn and recorded some 20% growth last year.

He said: “We have had more than a decade of growth since moving to our current unit, so it made total sense to

expand but remain in the same locality.

“It is a significant investment for us but we are very confident that we will continue to drive the company forward and increase our rate of growth.

“We have very good staff and moving literally just yards away will mean as little upheaval as possible and, of course, we will have a totally bespoke unit tailored to our needs.

“It also means that we have been able to watch the new building rise from the site over the last few months which is exciting for all of us.

“We had a very good relationship with AC Lloyd when we first moved to Tachbook and had no hesitation in linking up again for our new headquarters. Again it has all gone very smoothly and we are looking forward to completion later in the year.”

The new unit is scheduled for completion at the end of August, and Leeson will undertake a phased move which will take around three months.

Des Wynne, director at A C Lloyd, said: “We are delighted to be part of this manufacturing success story.

“This really is an example of two companies working very well together. A C Lloyd was delighted to be involved in the construction of the current unit more than a decade ago, and it has clearly helped Leeson go from strength to strength.

sponsored column

From left to right: James Drew (AC Lloyd), Des Wynne (AC Lloyd), David Leeson, Kathleen Leeson, Joel Leeson, Tom Bromwich (Bromwich Hardy), Robert Rae (North Rae Sanders).

“Tachbrook Park has become an extremely vibrant business park supporting a remarkably wide range of occupiers, and has become a very important factor in the growth of employment in this area.

“Leeson Polyurethanes is an outstanding example of a local company which is successful on a global scale, and when that happens the whole economy prospers.

“We are now seeing this in the number of new enquiries from companies that recognise the attractiveness of the area with first class connectivity both in terms of location and in the availability of high speed data services” Commercial agents Bromwich Hardy and North Rae Sanders acted for A C Lloyd on the deal.

Women urged to seek inspiration

One of the UK’s most prominent female business figures has urged women in business to draw as much inspiration from men as they do from women.

Margaret Mountford, famous for her role as Lord Sugar’s special adviser in the hit TV series The Apprentice, was speaking at the Royal Court in Coventry as part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Business is Good For Women events programme.

While Margaret, who has enjoyed great success as a lawyer and in business in general, says women should inspire one another, she believes they should also draw on the example of men who have been a success in their field too.

She said: “I think shows such as The Apprentice have shown everyone – men and women – that there is the opportunity to start your own business, you don’t simply have to find a job working for someone else.

“I’ve never started a business of my own – as a lawyer I don’t have that sort of creative brain. We can think laterally in order to solve a problem but I wouldn’t be able to come up with a new product and take it to market.

“And while I believe women can be an inspiration to one another and be role models, we can equally draw inspiration from men who have achieved success in the same field. I think it would be sad if we couldn’t.

“That said, I do believe there is a place for networks and groups of business women.

Hopefully, one day, we won’t need there to be but I still think it’s the case where men build up networks through sport and through education that women, maybe, don’t and this is a good way of addressing that.

“I never joined such a group myself and I

don’t believe I came up against any barriers in my career because I am a woman but it was possibly different in my profession.

“I never felt like I needed a role model to inspire me but if it works for others and if I can inspire people, then that is great. I think the best thing I can do is take some of the mystique out of being successful in business – it’s mostly down to hard work!

“But I am looking forward to meeting some interesting people in Coventry because I am always interested to hear about people’s businesses and their ideas.”

And as for a future return to The Apprentice, Margaret joked: “I’m certainly not going to take Karren Brady’s place and I might be a bit old to be a contestant!”

Angela Tellyn, of the Chamber, said: “We were delighted to welcome Margaret Mountford to our Business is Good for Women network event.

“We have always said that this is not a ‘club’ exclusively for women but it is a way of inspiring women and helping to break down some of the barriers they feel they face in industry.”

Why is a dinner party like an exhibition?

Well, You plan the dinner party, consider the menus, plan and buy the finest food and delicious wines.

You create a seating plan, select the most beautiful flowers, get out the family silver.

You dress the room, arrange the furniture, prepare the courses, change and finally sit down at the head of the table.

Only to discover you are all alone.

Why, well silly you... forgot to send out the invitation, tell people to come, what it was for and what they could expect.

Sound familiar.

All too often we discover clients who have www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Daphne and Herbert suddenly realised after 3 weeks of planning their dinner party that they hadn’t invited anyone…..

completely forgotten to tell anyone that they are at an exhibition. That they have a story to tell, new products to talk about and would really love to engage with clients.

So, if you don’t want to be at an event that no one knows you are at... consider an integrated marketing campaign with DSA Design.

Designing superb, high quality exhibition stands and presented with integrated marketing and events that will make your attendance an event to attend and remember.

If you think we could help you then RSVP to DSA Design.

19

“I have been in and out of the UK for my entire career so when I was approached about the LEP opportunity I was intrigued as to what it was, what its role was and how it could drive growth and prosperity in this region.”

Browning is still getting his feet under the table as chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the private and public sector body charged with bringing growth and jobs to Coventry and Warwickshire.

It is a rare, but lasting, return home for a man who has worked in the United States, Turkey, Switzerland and Germany. It’s also his first role outside the automotive sector.

Browning is back in the UK after more than three years as president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, and his new role could not be more different.

He has moved from leading a collection of global brands with more than 6,000 staff under his control, to being the chair of an organisation, which, as the name implies, has a local focus, and directly employs just a handful of people on a full-time basis.

But after 30 years in some of the top jobs in the automotive world, his decision to take on the role recently vacated by Sir Peter Rigby is not driven by career

advancement but by a different ideal.

“I had the hope and ambition for this latter phase of my career to return to the UK and Warwickshire to re-establish contacts and strengthen my roots here,” he explains.

“I have been in and out of the UK for my entire career so when I was approached about the LEP opportunity I was intrigued as to what it was, what its role was and how it could drive growth and prosperity in this region.

“I wanted to see if I could contribute in a meaningful way and the timing was perfect with what I was hoping to do and Sir Peter stepping down.

“It might seem on paper that this is very

different but if I look back on my career there are two constants – automotive and international. This means you often deal with big, broad issues but you are also dealing with a lot diverse conditions and looking to bring together people who may have different backgrounds and pressures.

“For example, when I headed up General Motors in Turkey, that started from a very small base just after the first Gulf War. We had to work quickly with small independent dealers and suppliers to set new plans in place to turn around our and their businesses.”

Turkey was one of the more exotic outposts in a career which saw Browning graduate from Nottingham University and win a post with Vauxhall in the early 1980s.

On a journey, which eventually took him from rookie to chairman, he started with a number of roles around the business, mostly, to begin with, in sales and marketing.

He then was given the chance, at the age of 26, to head west and work for General Motors in Detroit, allowing him a global perspective working in a company whose turnover was larger than the GDP of Belgium.

A key move came when, having returned to the UK, he was put in charge of final assembly at Luton.

“It was an experiment at the time to give people cross-functional experiences so they could learn different aspects of the

Biography: Jonathan Browning Date of Birth: 21 June 1959 Birthplace: Taunton Education: Nottingham University, Duke University Business School US Married: to Maxine Children: Lucie (24) and Sam (21) Hobbies: Cycling and walking.

Favourite Book: Steve Jobs Biography Favourite Film: Senna: No Fear. No Limits. No Equal Car: Audi A5 Last holiday: Walking in Patagonia Favourite gadget: iPhone

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Profile: Jonathan Browning business and it was a major step for me in my career development,” he said.

“It took me from the commercial area to manufacturing and it really taught me the disciplines needed, the mind-set you have to have to run the detail and run that detail in every moment of every day.”

That was the catalyst to him running the operation in Turkey. The plant had been mothballed during the Gulf War and Browning was selected to re-energise it and develop the market.

“My wife, Maxine, and I were married before we had gone to Detroit and we had a great time. But by the time Turkey came around we had a two-year-old and a 10month-old with all that entails,” he said.

“The prospect of upping sticks as a family was, to put it mildly, an interesting conversation – especially as on the night I proposed this idea of relocating, there was an item on the news about a large earthquake in Turkey!

“But credit to her, she was up for it and I have to pay tribute to her really for supporting my career and career development at a time when we moved quite often and it was not easy.

“We had a really wonderful time in Turkey which is a very energetic and very resourceful country. It was also great because you got such quick feedback from the market because everything was developed so quickly.”

After a spell in Zurich, he was lured by Ford and when Jaguar CEO Sir Nick Scheele was promoted by the company’s hierarchy, he was appointed as managing director and moved to Warwickshire.

“Nick had done a superb job over an extended period of time,” said Browning, “I arrived just as the company was expanding but also making some big changes such as bringing Halewood on line as a Jaguar production plant and developing a capability in aluminium for the new XJ. “Land Rover was acquired from BMW in the developing stages of what is now Jaguar Land Rover. It really is wonderful to see JLR doing so well now and really competing globally.

“We had moved the kids around quite a bit at that stage but we wanted them to do their secondary school education in one place, so when I returned to GM in Zurich heading up sales, marketing and after sales for the whole of Europe, we kept our family base here.”

That meant a weekly commute through Birmingham Airport – now run by fellow LEP board director Paul Kehoe – but it ended with promotion to the chairmanship of Vauxhall Motors and then a move to the US at the start of the recession.

After that role he moved across to VW and, in less than a year, was promoted to the top job in the States.

He said: “In the US, VW has historically under-performed and was looking to change that, so it was a key opportunity.

They really had a rollercoaster time. They had great success with the Beetle and the Camper Van but they had come and gone and their market presence and really been impacted by volatile exchange rates.

“Also 50 per cent of the US market was pick-ups and trucks and they had always been focused on passenger vehicles so they were really only competing in subsegments of the market.

“Our task was to grow the business, smooth out those ups and downs and put things in place the infrastructure to offset that volatility, that included measures such as manufacturing locally and getting the supply base dollar dominated.

“The great thing about the US is the cando spirit. Sometimes it can get a bit over the top in terms of patriotism but there is a spirit and a sense of opportunity which is really powerful.

“There is an energy that you see time and time again in US businesses. I think that is increasing here.”

It is something that Browning will want to see in his dealings with the CWLEP. LEPs were implemented while he was on the other side of the Atlantic, so he is approaching the role with few preconceived ideas.

He said: “I am still getting my feet under the table, listening and learning, and not in a position yet to cast judgements or take strong positions. I am looking in these early weeks to listen and take a perspective on things that have gone well, and things we can learn from.

“The workings of the LEP appear to have matured a great deal in the last 18 months or so, and it is clearly an organisation that is becoming a catalyst for change across the public and private sector “It is clear that what the LEP has done in securing the City Deal and preparing the Strategic Economic Plan, is put in place some strong foundations. But there is also a lot of work still to do.

“We have to make sure we have a common set of objectives, a shared understanding of the issues and then, despite the different perspectives, that we focus on the same goals and that we work hard on achieving them.

“We have to be clear on who is doing what and how we progress it, and make sure we work every day to deliver what we set out to achieve.”

Something which he has clearly mastered.

“There is an energy that you see time and time again in US businesses. I think that is increasing here.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Biography: Jonathan Browning Jonathan Browning and his wife, Maxine, moved to Warwick four years ago after living in Stratford and then Moreton Morrell.

“I like to get up early,” he says, “and if I have the strength of mind I like to exercise. In the States I would always be in the office for 7am, but am not in any particular pattern yet back here in the UK. “I am in discussions about other roles at the moment, but really wanted to get my teeth into the LEP job first.”

To relax he likes nothing more than taking his bike out on the road.

“As a kid I used to race cyclocross, so I have really gone back to my roots with cycling. I did a John O’Groats to Land’s End event a few years ago and enjoy the challenge of taking on different cycle events.”

He has another planned for later this year – from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean across the Pyrenees in just five days on some of the highest roads in Europe.

“We have always enjoyed going to the RSC and we like a wide variety of theatre and music. We also like getting out and walking, which we hope to do more of locally.”

And does he need his eight hours of sleep a night?

“When you have travelled like I have for work, it really helps to develop the ability to sleep in planes and cars, so I grab my sleep when I need it!”

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Property Life begins at 40 for new firm They say life begins at 40 – but for one of the partners in a new firm of commercial property lawyers, it started just a few days before.

Feldon Dunsmore has just been established by former colleagues Paul Harrison and Steve Petty to assist businesses and individuals in a range of commercial property deals.

The pair worked together around a decade ago but decided last July to form their own practice. In November, they took space at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Business Innovation Centre in Binley as part of the Ignite programme, which is aimed at fledgling firms.

The plan was to launch on January 1 this year – ahead of Steve’s 40th birthday four days later – and they managed to hit their target.

Paul said: “We both felt the time was right to launch our own company and although five or six months was pretty good going, I think we were tough on ourselves in terms of timescales to launch.

“The aim was always the first day of 2014 and Steve was really keen to have his own business before he turned 40 so we managed to meet that target too!

“Over the years, we’ve developed a wealth of experience and contacts in the commercial property world and believed we could make a real success of a new company.

“We’ve already seen many of our existing contacts come to us with instructions but we have already picked up new work too and we are less than a month into our existence.

“That is not just a positive sign for us but for the whole commercial property market. I am not saying we are at prerecession levels yet, but things are certainly picking up which bodes well.

“If the commercial property sector is improving, then it’s a good sign for the economy.”

As well as traditional legal services, Feldon Dunsmore is also planning to launch a website which will offer offthe-peg, fixed fee services such as a standard lease.

“The plan is that our base here will be a hub for the whole UK,” added Paul. “We pride ourselves on a personal service for clients but we believe that can be supplemented by what we offer via the web.”

Dirk Schafer, of the University of Warwick Science Park, welcomed Feldon Dunsmore.

He said: “Innovation does not always come in the form of the invention of a new product it can be taking an existing service and improving it and offering clients something new.

“We are delighted to welcome Feldon Dunsmore to the Science Park in our Ignite space but, by the way they are growing already, I expect they will be expanding within the Business Innovation Centre very quickly.

“The great thing about the centre is that it is flexible enough to accommodate that growth very easily.”

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New homes scheme reaches topping out A major development of new homes in Leamington has reached a high point.

Orbit Homes’ Independent Living development of 178 one and two bedroom apartments – a mix of social rent and shared-ownership – at Queensway has reached the topping out phase after work began last spring.

Topping out is a common construction landmark, which signifies the highest point in the development has been reached.

The work is being carried out on behalf of Orbit Homes by Coventry-based Deeley Construction, which has strong experience in the social and affordable housing sector.

The Mayor of Leamington, Councillor Judith Clarke returned to perform the ceremony after laying the first brick last May. She said: “It is fantastic to see how the development has progressed since I was last on site.

“There is a very wide variety of homes available providing a pleasing choice of accommodation. It is good for Leamington to have a range of affordable homes – it is the sort of development we need.”

As well as the homes, a new restaurant, therapy room, hair salon and IT suite are all being created as part of the development which is designed specifically for the over 55’s. Once complete, the scheme will be managed by Orbit Heart of England.

Paul High, Executive Director of Orbit Homes, said: “We are delighted with the progress being made at Queensway and topping out is the latest milestone to be reached.

“The partnership with Deeley Construction is proving very fruitful.

We pride ourselves on working in partnership and this is a very good example of how that approach can bring great results for all parties.

“We are all very much looking forward to seeing the development

take further shape because we believe it is going to prove a very popular scheme for the local community.”

The land at Queensway has been developed by the Deeley Group – parent company of Deeley Construction.

The company has developed a new trade park in the same area as well as a new supermarket.

Peter Deeley, of Deeley Group, said: “The regeneration, currently one of the largest in this area of Leamington has been nothing short of dramatic and is an exemplar of brownfield development.

“A previously unused industrial site has been transformed into a new development of affordable housing and independent living homes, which is great news for the local area.”

Surprising accolade for hotel

Good start for estate agent

A former Cistercian Abbey in Warwickshire has been recognised as one of the most extraordinary hotels in the UK. Coombe Abbey country house hotel, just outside Coventry, has been named as one of the country’s 10 most surprising stays by travel website Booking.com.

The site, which holds more than 25 million reviews worldwide, asked Britons to rate what was important when planning a holiday at home, with 77 per cent stating they looked for something a little more unusual when choosing a staycation venue.

Coombe Abbey, which was built as a Cistercian Abbey in 1150AD, was listed as one of 10 unique and highly rated properties able to fulfil this brief, with Booking.com highlighting its historical connections and unusual bedrooms, many of which offer hidden surprises such as bathrooms hidden behind

bookcases.

The hotel, owned by the aptly-named No Ordinary Hotels Group, was also commended for its distinctive events programme, which includes regular murder mystery evenings and ghost hunts.

Ron Terry, General Manager at Coombe Abbey hotel, said: “We’re absolutely honoured to have made it onto Booking.com’s list of the top 10 most surprising UK stays and hope visitors from across the country will enjoy discovering what we have to offer.”

This is the latest in a series of national accolades to be awarded to Coombe Abbey in recent months, with the hotel also receiving Top Rated status in laterooms.com’s Simply the Guest awards and a high commendation in the VenueVerdict Accreditation Programme for 2013.

Councillor Judith Clarke, Paul High (Executive Director of Orbit Homes), Councillor Alan Wilkinson, Peter Deeley (Deeley Group).

A Coventry estate agent has hailed an ‘incredible’ start to business in the city just months after opening.

Allsopp & Allsopp was launched in Coventry last October by brothers Carl and Lewis Allsopp to build on the success of their agency in Dubai.

From a standing start, the firm, which is based New Union Street, has been selling homes across the city at a rate of more than five a week and is now looking to ramp up trade into the spring and summer.

Nikki Eaton, Allsopp & Allsopp branch manager, said: “We have been blown away by the incredible start we’ve made since launching in the autumn.

“Carl and Lewis could see that the residential market was starting to pick up in the area and, with this being their home city, decided to launch an office in Coventry.

“The upturn in the market is

Nikki Eaton.

certainly evident by the start we have made but the team here have to take much of credit for the performance so far.

“We have taken a very proactive approach with vendors and buyers. Within a few weeks of launching, we’d got more than 400 potential buyers registered and as soon as we receive an instruction they are matched against the potential buyers.

“It has meant that ‘for sale’ boards have quickly been replaced by ‘sold’ boards and, as a result, we have many very satisfied clients already.

“The autumn and winter is often considered a lean time for the residential property market but it’s certainly the busiest period those of us in the industry have experienced over recent years.

“We are now very much looking forward to the coming weeks and months as we turn our new instructions into the further sales.”

Allsopp & Allsopp’s sales have ranged from first-time buyer properties to family homes.

“Clients are certainly noticing we have a different approach and it is right across the board,” added Nikki. “It’s an improving market and this is certainly the time for vendors to take advantage of that.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Property Rural centre a big draw for businesses A centre designed to help small firms in rural areas is attracting a crop of new companies.

The Rural Innovation Centre at Stoneleigh Park was opened just five months ago to provide a base for businesses from any sector in the rural areas of Warwickshire.

It includes offices and meeting rooms but also provides a range of services from finance and support to growth advice and ultra-fast broadband.

The centre is part of the Rural Growth Network (RGN) – funded by DEFRA, and led by Warwickshire County Council on behalf of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership - which will create or safeguard 500 jobs over the next few years.

The RGN is among five pilot projects across England which has been created to support small firms in rural areas as part of a major initiative to boost the rural economy.

Three companies have just moved into the centre which is now three quarters full and attracting high levels of interest.

The wide range of new tenants underline the broad appeal of the centre. iVentiv organises international summits on learning and development for senior HR figures within some of the world’s biggest companies, LSW Associates is a health, safety and environmental management specialist, while Wallis Lynch specialises in recruiting accountancy staff for a range of companies across the West Midlands.

All are now benefiting from the centre and have access to a string of partners supporting RGN who are available to offer assistance including specialists at PERA Consulting, University of Warwick Science Park, Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust, Coventry University Knowledge Exchange and Warwickshire Rural Hub. Several business courses have also been offered at the centre’s new meeting room which is also available to hire to external

businesses and organisations.

Liz Burkinshaw, who manages the Rural Innovation Centre, says it is a combination of factors which attracts the businesses.

She said: “The whole drive of RGN is to help companies in rural areas in Warwickshire achieve their potential by offering a range of tailored services, many of them hinged around the Rural Innovation Centre.

“The quality of our offices, the location and ease of parking are a big draw, but topped up with the flexibility of the lease terms and the support that companies can tap into add up to a very attractive combination.

“We have already attracted a massively wide range of companies – but the thing they have in common is the desire to grow and thrive and that is so important for the Warwickshire economy.”

Lawrence Webb, who has built LSW Associates 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.”

Stoneleigh Park is an established hub for the agricultural sector where a ten-year, £50 million programme by LaSalle Investment Management is underway to revitalise the site as an internationallyrenowned centre for agriculture, rural business, science and innovation.

It is also part of BEST Network (the Business Environments for Science and Technology Network), the largest privatelyowned portfolio of science and technology parks in the UK, assembled and managed

by LaSalle.

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

Stunning stately home provides exclusive venue Ragley Hall, Warwickshire’s stunning stately home, can now be hired exclusively as a spectacular venue for conferences, product launches, gala dinners and outdoor events. Located on the Warwickshire and Worcestershire border, Ragley is enviably positioned and within easy reach of Birmingham (1

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

hour’s drive) and central London (2½ hours’ drive).

The stately home, which dates back to 1680, is the family home of the 9th Marquess and Marchioness of Hertford.

Ragley offers a competitive day delegate package which includes meeting room hire, tea, coffee and refreshments, 2course buffet lunch, car parking and access to the Park and Gardens from just £45 per person. Ragley has its own team of dedicated and passionate event staff who are responsible for ensuring that events run successfully and memorably. Ragley also offers a range of outdoor teambuilding activities including quad biking, 4 x 4 driving, raft building, clay pigeon shooting and archery making meetings more memorable and enabling delegates to network.

Business park gets superfast broadband

WarwickNet managing director Ben King (left) and Cornerstone’s Christian Smith at Monkspath.

The region’s largest independent provider of ultrafast Internet services has launched a broadband initiative in support of landlords trying to make their hightech tenants more globally competitive.

WarwickNet has delivered high speed broadband to Monkspath, a 42-warehouse industrial park spread across 375,000 sq ft near Shirley, Solihull, which is the home of a mixed range of firms, including component and distribution businesses serving the motor industry.

The company has praised landlord Cornerstone for its forward thinking because most business parks lag behind domestic Internet speeds.

Graham Barker of Cornerstone said: “So many businesses today rely upon superfast connectivity to stay in touch and keep on top of their game.

“For example, component companies serving world leaders like Jaguar Land Rover require state of the art CAD design technology in order to compete for contracts on the world stage. We are delighted we can now offer this to tenants at Monkspath in response to their needs.”

WarwickNet managing director Ben King

said: “We hear daily anecdotes from tenants across the region that they often have to drive home to download large files on their domestic PCs - because they have faster broadband there - and then return to the office – it’s a scandal.

“So we are delighted to work with visionary landlords who recognise the pain of their tenants in not being able to fairly compete on a level playing field because the traditional technology lets them down.

“Sadly, there are too many parks that will remain forgotten backwaters who need a heroic approach to solve the problems.

Where this has happened, we have generated bundles of orders and we have several more in the pipeline from Leamington Spa to Birmingham and North Coventry.”

WarwickNet have helped businesses gain a global competitive foothold and the company is now looking at nearby Cranmore Business Park, also located in the so-called M42 ‘golden triangle’, to complement its work at Monkspath and with up to 30 businesses on Blythe Valley business park, which already have superfast connectivity from WarwickNet.

Award for property firm Chantrey Vellacott is celebrating winning a global property award.

The accountancy firm, which has offices across the Midlands, London, South East and Thames Valley, has been named Property Sector Advisory Firm of the Year in England at The Corporate INTL Awards.

The prestigious annual industry awards run by Corporate INTL magazine -mark excellence for the world’s leading advisers and financiers globally.

Chantrey Vellacott’s client roster boasts more than 300 property and construction organisations, including the likes of Mace Group.

In the last 12 months, the firm’s Property Group has made 17 successful Research and Development (R&D) tax credit rebate claims for clients within the sector, and also hosted round table events in partnership with leading industry professionals.

Paul Fenner, head of Chantrey Vellacott’s Property Group, said: “Our standing and presence in the property sector is going from strength to strength, and being named advisor of the year is a fantastic endorsement of our support for the industry.

“Our Property Group is made up of specialists in the sector which means we

are extremely well placed to help companies of all sizes to respond to challenges they face and to develop their businesses.

“We’ve grown our property arm of the company tremendously over the last 18 months. We have exciting plans for the future to continue this growth and this award will be a great platform for us to develop our offering even further.”

Paul Fenner, head of Chantrey Vellacott’s property group.

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Area Focus: Coventry

Time to get motivated!

Employees from a leading financial service provider in Coventry have banked on increasing workplace motivation after taking part in a healthy corporate lifestyle workshop.

Barclays Bank in Coventry is the first company to sign up to a health and wellbeing day – organised by the Coventry Sports Foundation as part of its Corporate Fitness Package.

More than 40 employees took part in the event which was held at Barclays Bank on Westwood Business Park on Longwood lane.

Health and fitness experts from the charity helped to deliver the three-hour health session which offered employees a ‘Full Body MOT’, which included measuring their body mass index, body fat, blood pressure, height, weight, strength and flexibility.

Amy Ingram, property service coordinator at Barclays Bank, organised the event to help boost motivation in the workplace.

“After a lot of us over-indulged during the festive period the workshop was a great way for people to find out how they can improve their health and wellbeing and feel good about themselves.

“People don’t always have the opportunity to take part in health and fitness activities and we found it was a great way to boost moral within the workplace and also bring people on site together.

“We have had great feedback from the staff that took part in the event and we are hoping to start hosting regular sports and social activities on site.”

Coventry Sports Foundation’s Corporate Fitness Packages can be tailored to meet the objectives of individual organisations and companies can choose from a variety of programmes, including nutrition advice and specialist exercise classes within the workplace.

Sam Gorrie, lifestyle membership advisor at Coventry Sports Foundation said: “Barclays are the first company to sign up to our revamped corporate health and wellbeing days and we are thrilled to have attracted such a widely recognised corporation.

“The Barclays wellbeing day was a real motivator for employees who were able to put their New Year fitness resolutions into action and start 2014 with a positive step forward.

“Businesses that have access to information on fitness testing and healthy living are able to encourage a healthier workforce and often reduce staff sickness, absenteeism and stress.

“It was great to hear the fantastic feedback from the staff at Barclays and we are looking forward to hosting more workshops with the team in the future.”

Corporate Fitness members are able to use the facilities at each of Coventry Sports Foundation managed sites including the Alan Higgs Centre, in south-east Coventry; Xcel Leisure Centre, in south-west Coventry and Centre AT7 in the north of the city.

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Cloud computing company doubles client base A Coventry cloud computing company has strengthened its network connections and doubled its client base in just six months.

Code Angel, which is based at Coventry University Technology Park, on Puma Way, was established in March 2013 and specialises in the development of software, systems and IT infrastructure in the cloud.

And the fledging company has been able to expand its growth after receiving support from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

Managing director Samantha McFadden secured two additional clients after attending a range of networking events organised by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

Samantha said they provided the perfect environment to promote the company and meet other local businesses.

“As a new company I felt it was really important to mix with other businesses and raise the profile of Code Angel in the local area,” she said.

“I have attended a number of networking events across the region as well as the Chamber’s annual conference. It is a great way to network with potential clients and I was thrilled when two local companies decided to adopt our IT services.”

Samantha, who had previously worked as a nursery nurse, has also signed up to the Chamber’s business coaching programme and has attended a variety of master-classes to help improve her marketing, networking and sales techniques.

She said: “I had worked as nursery nurse for over 16 year so it was a big change in my career to become the managing director of my own company.

“The master-classes were a great way for me to improve my business techniques and provided the safety net I needed to get the company off the ground.

“I am now providing cloud computing services to four clients across Coventry and Warwickshire and one of our new clients

Samantha McFadden (left) with Julie De Thierry (of the Chamber).

recently decided to upgrade their service to include both IT Support and a Microsoft Office 365 system.

“I am now hoping to continue to expand the company and attract additional customers as well as adding new members to the team within the next year.”

Keely Hancox, of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber offers vital support and expert advice services to help small businesses such as Code Angel grow.

She said: “It is fantastic that Samantha has been able to double her client base in just six months. Our business networking events are designed to connect businesses across the region and it is great that Samantha has been able to meet and secure new clients during these events.

“The Chamber offer a whole range of services including free business coaching and advice to growing businesses and this is yet another example of the success of that help.”

Investment fund promoted at event Businesses in Coventry heard about the £50 million Coventry Investment Fund designed to boost SMEs and create jobs at an event organised by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP).

The latest Inform event held throughout Coventry and Warwickshire heard about the innovative fund from Coventry City Council – just one of the products that have been launched to ensure Coventry and Warwickshire’s economy is performing strongly.

Around 70 businesses at the event, which was held at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry, were given a presentation by David Cockcroft, assistant director of City

Services and Development at Coventry City Council, about the Coventry Investment Fund.

The second round of applications to receive funding is now open until May 9 and SMEs have been encouraged to put forward their business case which will be assessed within six weeks of being submitted.

David said the Coventry Investment Fund had been set-up to give a helping hand to businesses who had been denied finance through the usual avenues as well as to improve the area’s economy.

He said: “Each business case should outline why they should be given a commercial rate loan from the scheme.

“It is aimed at encouraging businesses to

Pictured from the left, David Cockcroft (Coventry City Council), Martin Yardley (chief executive of CWLEP), Cllr Ann Lucas (Coventry City Council and CWLEP board director), Michael Collins (Penso) and Cllr Lynnette Kelly (Coventry City Council and CWLEP board director).

re-locate to Coventry, to increase their premises within the city and to take on extra members of staff.

“The benefit to council tax-payers is that units which were previously empty will then be occupied or businesses will be extending their site and that will mean an increase in business rates so it is a win-win situation.

“We are helping business owners who have been turned down by their bank for a loan to take their business forward, which will boost the economy and create more jobs.

“We are particularly keen to encourage applicants who are ready to act as a catalyst to development immediately because we all want to see a city which is moving forward in the right direction.

“The forms are not complicated and once the Coventry Investment Fund board gives the green light after receiving the initial business case, we will invite applicants to submit a detailed business case and the whole process will take between four and six weeks.”

Cllr Lynnette Kelly, Coventry City Council Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Employment and Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) director, added: “We recognise that when business owners have the opportunity to expand their company, they don’t want to be left waiting for months while a decision is made which is why we don’t leave people waiting for an answer for a long time.

“All this reinforces the message that there are funding options available to businesses whatever sector they specialise in because this scheme is intended to help projects which can proceed immediately.”

To download an application form, visit www.coventry.gov.uk/cif www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Coventry Coventry logistics firm strengthens its position in Europe Coventry based specialist time critical logistics provider BDA (Bespoke Distribution Aviation) has started 2014 with a new European Managing Director, as part of its strategy to strengthen its position in Europe, as it looks to grow its international presence.

The company, based at Coventry Airport, is going through an extended period of Kevin Turner. growth, which has seen it significantly expand in its night Air and Road operations divisions with increased levels of distribution business over the past six months. Spearheading the company’s growth strategy throughout 2014 is newly appointed European Managing Director Kevin Turner who brings 25 years’ experience in the Same Day and Next Day delivery markets. Kevin’s expertise in European Air and Road express services and Warehousing Solutions will strengthen BDA’s team to grow its international presence over the next 12 months.

BDA already operates an extensive end-to end supply chain network, with airport based hubs throughout the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe, accommodating pan-European time-critical deliveries daily. Kevin Turner has been appointed to the company’s Maastricht Air-Hub in The Netherlands, to further grow the company’s overseas market presence and continue to deliver market leading customer supply chain solutions. With a lifetime of experience, having previously worked in European and UK distribution, logistics warehousing and air freight, Kevin will lead BDA’s strategy for increased growth and market share across European and International markets.

British Weight Lifting confirms Ricoh Arena will be the new home of the British National Championships British Weight Lifting has confirmed a new long-term partnership with the Ricoh Arena which will see the Midlands venue host the British National Championships for the next three years, starting in 2014 with the dates confirmed for May 10-11.

The championships will be a real celebration of the sport, with the men’s and women’s competitions taking place alongside the IPC Powerlifting Championships for the first time ever.

This means all of the country’s best lifters in the same place, at the same time, for the first time ever in the history of the sport in the United Kingdom.

Kevin Turner said, “BDA has a great structure in place to allow it to grow its capacity throughout its UK, Ireland and European divisions. The company’s service offering is unique and tailored to every customer and this is why it is an international market leader for bespoke distribution services and supply chain solutions. The company has plans to increase its market presence further and I am excited to become an integral part of this.”

The new appointment comes at an exciting time for the local company, which has achieved unprecedented levels of growth not just with the acquisition of German Airline and In-night freight specialist NightExpress last year, but also by moving into new markets, after recently beginning work in the B2C sector with an established e-commerce client.

BDA operates nightly cargo flights complemented by daily road express linehaul routes, between its Coventry hub, Dublin, and Frankfurt in Germany. The five nights a week flights give customers a guaranteed overnight and early morning delivery for time-critical cargo working with sectors typically in then hi-tech IT and printing, medical equipment, materials handling equipment, agricultural machinery and automotive industries, and more recently for direct selling e-commerce businesses.

Steve Court, sales director at BDA said, “Last year was a fantastic year, during which we further established our infrastructure and platform for growth, and we are looking forward to continued growth and success in 2014. He continued: “We’re growing all the time and with Kevin heading up our European division, we will continue to offer an unrivalled service throughout Europe and add value to the supply chain markets. We are prepared for a very exciting year ahead.”

The British National Championships are also the final opportunity for athletes from all the home nations to qualify for the upcoming Commonwealth Games. The two-day event promises to be one of the most competitive championships for years as Team England look to select a maximum of 15 athletes plus a team of six for the IPC Powerlifting event, with both competitions taking place simultaneously in Glasgow.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

It’s all systems go for a Coventry manufacturer that is exporting around the world.

Atritor, which is based on the Blue Ribbon Park, supplies processing equipment to a range of industries across the globe including mineral, chemical and food processing sectors.

More than 95 per cent of its trade is overseas including Western Europe, USA, South America, the Far East, Malaysia, Indonesia and New Zealand.

The company has also recently launched a recycling division and, as well as growing its traditional area of business, it has helped to grow turnover by 30 per cent over the past two years.

Atritor’s growth has seen them grow to nearly 40 staff and has also had a positive knock-on effect for local suppliers, including Warwickshire IT firm ACUTEC, which has been called in to upgrade the company’s server and systems.

£2m funding to improve employment prospects A grant making organisation based in Coventry has been awarded just over £2million of European funding to help improve the employment prospects of people across the West Midlands.

The Heart of England Community Foundation has been granted £2.075million by the European Social Fund

(ESF) that will be spent on projects designed to get the long-term unemployed closer to the jobs market.

Grants of up to £15,000 will be made available to community projects across the West Midlands area where they can demonstrate how they will support people towards long term employability.

Arthur J. Gallagher cements position as major force in UK retail Arthur J. Gallagher has announced the acquisition of The Oval Group (Oval) for a total net consideration of approximately £199 million payable in cash.

Oval have a local Coventry office with 25 experienced and qualified staff headed up

by Cheryll Rawbone, which will move to new offices in the centre of Coventry in the early summer, with space for further

Rebekah Tiler, who will be competing at the British National Championships at the Ricoh Arena.

Company invests in expansion

expansion.

Oval’s Coventry office have a specialist team in both technology and niche life science sectors, with corporate team led by Kathryn Moon. Additionally, within their Enterprise team, managed by Lisa Evans, Oval focus on the needs of the smaller companies from start-up to those paying up to £10,000 a year in premium.

Father and son team open centre One of the leading names in training and development officially launched a centre in Coventry.

Pitman Training, which stems from the world-famous brand of shorthand developed by Sir Isaac Pitman in the 19th Century, is based in Greyfriars House in the city centre.

It has an extensive range of courses including Microsoft Office; book-keeping & accounts (including Sage); executive, legal & medical secretarial; keyboard skills; audio typing; marketing & social Media;

communication skills; IT technical support; web design; and graphic design.

These courses lead to qualifications accredited by AAT, City and Guilds, OCR, the Chartered Institute for IT, Microsoft, CompTIA and Adobe.

Pitman Training Coventry, which will serve Coventry, Warwickshire and surrounding areas, is being headed up by a father and son team of Nigel and Brendan Turner and will offer the full range of Pitman diplomas, awards and courses.

ACUTEC has also improved the company’s secure VPN system because so many of the business’s staff operate from overseas due to the high volume of exports.

Director John Wilkinson said: “When I joined the company 22 years ago, the company was firmly focused on export even then and around 70 per cent of the business was overseas.

“That has grown to being around the 95 per cent mark now and that has helped to insulate the business from the recession. We’ve grown all through the downturn.

“We’ve recently launched a new recycling business and that is growing both domestically and internationally.

“With growth also comes investment and we felt that the time was right to upgrade all of our IT systems and ACUTEC came very highly recommended.”

Chris Roche, the managing director of ACUTEC, said he was delighted to be working with Atritor.

Bridge PR elevated by first new contract of 2014 A Coventry based PR firm has got 2014 off to a bright start after being awarded the public relations account for crash energy management expert Oleo International.

Bridge PR & Media Services, which already has a significant presence within the construction and engineering sector, will manage a campaign for the Coventry based engineering firm to position it as a world leader within energy absorption.

25

Area Focus: Coventry

Mum makes New headquarters for company Flabelos fabulous marking tenth anniversary

Fiona Bayliss is a mum on a mission.

Nothing too drastic, just keeping a home of three boys, running a toddler’s music business and trying to look good and feel fabulous about herself all at the same time.

Many women with heavy responsibilities say something has got to give and usually that’s the part about looking after themselves.

It was the same for Fiona as she struggled to fit in time for herself and her quest of a healthier lifestyle.

Her struggle led her to find a gap in Coventry’s market because she could not find what she was looking for, exercise that leads to results in a short amount of time.

She introduced Flabelos, a new way to take time restraints and make them into minutes well used towards your health.

Sunkissed Toning offer private booths with the Flabelos machines that gain results in only ten minutes.

Along with services such as nutritional guidance, monitored sun beds, and Wellness Counselling, Sunkissed Toning has a studio for guest instructors and personnel on hand to help with toning programmes.

Fiona and her team opened her new studio at a ceremony with special guest World Judo Champion and two time Silver Olympic Medalist, Coventry’s Neil Adams MBE.

“People can have their running machines, rowers, or cross trainers.

That’s all great but many end up being used for hanging wet washing on.”

Neil said: “People can have their running machines, rowers, or cross trainers. That’s all great but many end up being used for hanging wet washing on. You have to use them to get results, and many people just don’t have the time. I’m all for timesaving ventures geared for increasing one’s health.

“These machines are suitable for people of all ages, sexes and sizes, even those rehabilitating from surgery or unable to exercise in a more traditional way. What a great way to gradually get back into a healthy routine from doing nothing at all.

“It’s good to know that there is an alternative when I am squeezed for time. I can still get a work out in.”

Adams and his wife, Niki, also a former Judo Olympian, helped Fiona officially open Sunkissed Toning during the ceremony at its location 124-126 Walsgrave Road.

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A leading financial advice company is celebrating its tenth anniversary by moving to new headquarters in Leamington Spa. Simpson Financial Services, which has been based in the Coventry Technocentre for five years, has bought new offices in Cross Street, Leamington.

The new two-storey complex will give the firm increased office space and a suite of meeting rooms for clients.

The firm gives advice all on financial matters including pensions, retirement, mortgages and other investments.

It was founded by Rob Simpson who worked for Commercial Union and Aegon before starting the firm. It currently employs seven staff including Simpson’s fellow director Natasha Phillips, but they expect to add to their numbers this year.

Rob and Lisa Simpson.

Rob said: “We have established a very firm base of customers, and around 80 per cent of them live in the mid and south Warwickshire area so it was a natural move to look to move to Leamington.

“We have retained a presence at our current base in Coventry but Leamington is now very much our headquarters.

“We have grown well year on year during what has been a very difficult time for the economy generally and I am confident that this move will help us continue to expand.

“It is a significant investment for us in the town but we believe it will be the springboard for further success.”

And Rob believes that Chancellor George Osborne may have helped the firm increase its workload in the coming months – and ensure the meeting rooms are full!

“There were some highly significant measures announced in the budget and many of the personal financial changes had not been widely heralded.

He said: “The change in ISAs comes into force in July, while the announcement that people with pensions no longer have to buy an annuity will mean a major change for anyone who has contributed into a private pension.

“That has sparked massive controversy and came as a total surprise to the industry. It will be imperative for people to get sound advice.

“It was initially welcomed, but I think the enormity of the announcement is now hitting home to both individuals and the industry.”

With a little help from their friends

Pictured left to right: Mary Cantillon (president of the Rotary Club of Coventry Jubilee), Simon O’Brien, Muna Chauhan, Mike Shuttleworth.

Coventry firms have combined forces with a local Rotary Club to provide the building blocks needed to boost play facilities at a local children’s hospice.

Listers Toyota Coventry has teamed up with construction and development firm Deeley Group, Briant Curtaining and the Rotary of Coventry Jubilee Club to help support the refurbishment of an outdoor play area at Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, in Ash Green.

Listers Toyota Coventry presented a cheque for £2,625 to the charity, which provides 24-hour palliative, respite, and end-of life care to babies and toddlers from birth up to five years of age, with lifelimiting and life-threatening conditions.

The money will help to fund a number of renovations at the hospice, including the installation of an external canopy as well as providing additional outdoor toys for the

children.

Deeley Group has also donated a set of aluminium doors for the play area which will be installed to improve accessibility.

The Coventry Jubilee Rotary Club helped to facilitate the project and brought Listers Toyota Coventry together with Briant Curtaining and Zoe’s Place.

Mike Shuttleworth, of Listers Toyota Coventry, said it was great to team up with other local firms and help make a real difference in the community.

Muna Chauhan, corporate manager from Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, said: “The wonderful donation from firms across Coventry as well as the support from the Jubilee Rotary Club will make a big difference in supporting the hospice with refurbishing the play area. This kind of support is greatly appreciated and we thank all involved for making a difference.”

Travel company looks to the future with confidence Coventry-based Mike de Courcey Travel, known as Travel de Courcey, one of the leading bus and coach companies in the UK, is to capitalise on strong growth by investing further in the business.

The move came after receiving a significant seven-figure funding package from Santander Corporate & Commercial. In addition to the funding provided by Santander, the bank will also support Travel de Courcey with a full banking relationship.

Founded in 1972 by Mike de Courcey, who still works in the business, Travel de Courcey has grown into the leading coach operator of its type in the Midlands and a major player in the UK. The firm, which has depots in Coventry, Newtown, Birmingham and the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), operates 140 vehicles.

It is forecasting turnover to grow to £16 million in 2014 due to strong growth and high demand for its services from established and new clients.

Now led by Adrian de Courcey, the firm was named Coach Express Operator of the Year 2013 and was included in a recent report by The London Stock Exchange and Daily Telegraph newspaper as one of the ‘1,000 Companies to Inspire Great Britain’.

Travel de Courcey is now set to further invest in its business, including developing its fleet. The firm, which employs 293 people across its sites, saw 107 new jobs created over the past 12 months due to contract wins and organic business development.

Adrian de Courcey, CEO, said: “We were very impressed with the entrepreneurial and forward thinking approach of Santander Corporate & Commercial and felt that Santander is a bank which can support our company’s future growth ambitions. We had offers from many banks but Santander was clearly the outstanding and preferred choice.”

Michael Durkin, Relationship Director for Santander Corporate & Commercial, said: “Travel de Courcey is a very well established business and a leader in its sector. It has a clear strategy which is successfully executed and a top quality management team.

“The business is a leading player in its main markets and Santander is delighted to be a key partner in its future growth.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: North Warks

Heart of England Co-operative chooses Stepnell for Nuneaton funeral home scheme Work is under way by Rugby construction company Stepnell to create a modern new funeral home in the centre of Nuneaton for the Heart of England Cooperative Society.

Stepnell has been awarded a £448,500 contract to convert a former youth centre at the junction of Riversley Road and Coton Road into the new funeral ‘hub’.

The existing two-storey Edwardian building – previously the Park House Youth Centre which closed in 2012 – is undergoing a significant programme of alteration and extension designed by Nuneaton-based architects Alan C Riley Associates.

The work is set to be completed in August enabling the Co-operative Society to move its existing funeral home in Central Avenue, Nuneaton, into the transformed building which will provide 6,400 sq ft of space.

The building will undergo a comprehensive internal conversion to

“The extended building will have a more architecturally sympathetic external appearance while the interior will be fully converted to the highest standards...”

An artist’s impression of the Nuneaton funeral home. Image courtesy of Alan C Riley Associates.

create a modern funeral home housing chapels of rest, reception rooms and office accommodation. The scheme, which was awarded to Stepnell through a competitive tendering process, will also include the creation of off-road parking.

Stepnell contracts manager Paul Charnock says: “We are now in the process of stripping back the building to its core.

The extended building will have a more architecturally sympathetic external appearance while the interior will be fully converted to the highest standards with modern and comfortable facilities.”

Student Daniel wins Life just got sweeter with inSPIREd design in Nuneaton The Visitor Centre of Coombe Country Park will soon feature a new interactive exhibit designed by one of Warwickshire College’s Furniture Crafts students.

Students from the college’s Leamington centre were invited to take part in a design competition to create the exhibit for the centre at Coombe Country Park near Coventry.

The winning design, chosen by furniture maker Keith Sealey and Joe Taylor, Coombe Country Park manager, was an innovative project by 18-year-old Level 2 student, Daniel Chinn, which was inspired

by Coventry’s three spires and aims to help visitors understand about the trees in the park.

The seven foot tall creation includes ‘discovery pods’ about the park’s tree species, which will include a carving of the leaf, the lid made from the bark of the tree,

“I wasn’t expecting to win at all so I’m really pleased.” and information inside about the different species. Daniel will be assisted by the experienced members of Coombe Abbey Woodturners group, who practise their skills their workshop in the Visitor Centre, to help bring his designs to life.

Daniel, who is from Birdingbury, said, “I wasn’t expecting to win at all so I’m really pleased. I was looking for a way to support it when I got the idea to use the three spires of Coventry, and at seven feet tall, they will make the piece a real focal point to attract visitors. It’s going to take a lot of work to create it but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Truly Sumptuous SweetZ and TreatZ Ltd are about to launch their new Luxury fudge brand – aptly named ‘Oooh!

FUDGE’.

Mark Johnson – Director and Fudge maker , said “when deciding on a name for the fudge, everyone I that mentioned fudge too – went ‘Oooh!.. Fudge’ so the name stuck, what could be better?

And - Oooh!..FUDGE was born”.

Mark spent many months looking for suitable premises and finally found what he

was looking for in The Centenary Business Park, Nuneaton He added “I source my ingredients locally – I truly believe in supporting fellow businesses around us wherever possible” “Being new to the area, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce were fantastic in providing support. The networking events have really helped me to find suppliers and the Expo event at the Ricoh gave me a well timed opportunity to launch ooh Fudge and showcase our products.”

“I source my ingredients locally – I truly believe in supporting fellow businesses around us wherever possible” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

27

Area Focus: Mid Warks

Heading in The Emerald Group is expanding! the right direction Sophie Howe Mid Warks Branch Chair As I write this, the sun is shining in Warwickshire and, according to all of the indicators, we are heading in the right direction and the economy is set to grow again this year.

And just as we look at the weather forecast to see if it’s going to be rain, wind or shine the following day, we still only believe it when we see it with our own eyes and feel the sun pouring in through the office window.

When it comes to business we are just the same. The economic forecasts are great at providing an insight into what is to come but we also like to get out there and feel and see the economic climate for ourselves.

Networking, particularly through the Chamber, is a great way of developing new contacts, generating new leads and winning new business.

It’s also the best way to find out how other local companies are feeling about the current economic climate.

At both the Chamber’s Business & Trade Expo and the excellent event with Margaret Mountford recently, the sense I got from other firms from across Coventry and Warwickshire is that they are feeling much more positive than at any stage over the past five or six years.

It’s been a long, hard slog to come through the recession. Despite the downturn, many companies have still grown and still enhanced sales during that time but it was against a gloomy economic backdrop.

Now, there is genuine anticipation and excitement at the year ahead but in business, it is never a case of basking in the sunshine – the good times will only happen if we all work hard and find new markets and customers to deliver our goods and services.

Again, networking is key to that when you are looking to grow domestically, especially locally.

There are lots of opportunities to get out there and meet fellow firms through the Chamber and they are a great starting point to not only find potential new clients but also to share ideas and learn from one another.

Then, of course, there is the chance to export and do business overseas.

There is, quite literally, a world of opportunity out there and companies from across Warwickshire do have the skills, the knowledge and the products to take their business overseas.

It’s not easy (nothing in business ever is) but there is a great deal of support and assistance available through the UKTI International Trade Team at the Chamber’s International Trade Hub. By exporting, it not only benefits the individual business but also helps the economy and can be another driver for growth and jobs.

So while we have no control over when the sun shines, we have to do all we can as the economy recovers to give ourselves the best chance of sustained economic growth in the years to come.

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Leamington-based company Emerald IT Managed Solutions has taken on two new members of staff since the start of 2014 as they continue with their expansion plans.

Hannah Wiltshire and Steve Light are newly employed as part of the mobile communication division following closely after the recruitment of Luke Hewitt as an additional first line IT support engineer in September last year.

“It’s exciting times for the Emerald Group,” saids director Sarah Windrum, who started the new mobile communication division in 2012.

“We are celebrating five years of Emerald IT this year and the new Business Communications side is going from strength to strength.

We hope to recruit at least one if not two more members of staff in the next 12-18 months and that will mean a move to larger offices so we’re on the hunt for suitable premises in Leamington.”

Emerald IT Managed Solutions Ltd was established by Darren and Sarah Windrum in 2009. The Emerald Group provides a complete technology solution for small to medium sized businesses, advising them on all aspects of their IT and

Pictured from left to right: Hannah Wiltshire, Sarah Windrum, Darren Windrum, Luke Hewitt.

telecommunications to substantially improve efficiency. They are currently based in the Pure Offices building on the Tachbrook Park in Leamington.

Garden plan given support A project – supported by local businesses – to create a Royal Leamington Spa garden at the Chelsea Flower Show underlines everything positive about Warwickshire, according to local MP Chris White.

Award-winning floral designer Sarah Horne and garden designer Debbie Cooke have joined forces to create a garden which illustrates the town’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 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.

White, speaking at the meeting at Mallory Court, said the project summed up the area.

He said: “This sort of project is what makes this area so alive.

Someone has come up with a very good idea, had the drive and determination to make it happen, and local people and businesses rally round to give what help they can.

“This area just goes out and gets things done – people show tremendous determination and energy and that is a very powerful combination.

“This is a really great project that will now only help raise the profile of Leamington but will also have a lasting benefit to the town.”

Kerr said that while the project was well underway, support of various kinds was still needed in the three months before the Chelsea Flower Show.

“We have had great support so far and are in conversations with local firms over a range of help. But as everything moves on we will need more assistance in a host of areas,” she said.

Pictured left to right: Stephanie Kerr, Debbie Cooke, Peter Burns( Chamber President), Chris White MP, Sophie Howe.

“We will be posting a wish list on the www.bloomingleamington.com website and if anyone would like to contribute in any way, they can get in contact with BID Leamington.”

Sophie Howe, chair of the mid-Warwickshire branch, said: “The new garden will be a great way to showcase Leamington Spa on several levels and it is really encouraging to hear that businesses have offered support.

“The Chamber has offered to help in anyway it can – and we will happily send out any appeals from Debbie and Sarah if they need any special assistance.”

White also asked businesses to support or attend a Jobs Fair at Leamington Town Hall on March 4. The event aims to bring together a range of local employers and potential employee and there will be sessions on CV writing and job applications.

Milestone for software specialist

Pictured left to right: Adrian Houslop from Vines BMW Group with Cooper Solutions director, Dean Pipitone.

It is a case of six of one and half a dozen for another after automotive software specialists Cooper Solutions celebrated a major milestone.

For the first time in the firm’s 12 year history Cooper Solutions, based on Wellesbourne Road in Barford, has signed up a customer to all six of its web-based products.

South East dealer Vines BMW Group became Coopers’ landmark client after implementing FullCompliance – designed to meet national HMRC requirements that

dealers account for all company car driver activity and fuel use – into its dealerships in Gatwick, Guildford and Redhill.

The privately owned family-run company has worked with Cooper Solutions since July 2005 when it started using FullControl and has since gone on to use FullCover, FullForecast, FullFinancials and FullAuction, along with FullCompliance.

Dean Pipitone, director at Cooper Solutions, said the milestone was a key moment in the history of the firm. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: South Warks

CPBigwood celebrating growth in Stratford CPBigwood celebrated the doubling in size of its Stratford-upon-Avon office when the Lady Mayor Cllr Diane Walden officially declared the Union Street premises open with a toast to “Business in Stratford”.

Stratford office partner Simon Gibbs told guests and staff that the opportunity to double the frontage of their offices only came because of the success of another town business.

“The Fourteas tea room next door had become so successful that they took the opportunity to move the business to a larger location nearer to the RSC at the heart of the tourists trail, and their expansion gave us the opportunity to expand as well,” he said.

Senior partner Rory Daly said that CPBigwood had a history stretching back over 100 years in Stratford and he outlined how the business had grown, from a merger with Curry & Partners in 2011, with acquisitions of businesses in Leicestershire and Hampshire and the opening of an office in London, which coincidentally had also recently doubled in size.

“Despite what many have been described as a challenging time for the property market in recent years, we have continued

Rory Daly, senior partner of CP Bigwood with Cllr Diane Walden, Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council, Simon Gibbs and Nigel Curry, both of CP Bigwood.

“We congratulate the Stratford team on the way they have built the business...”

to invest in both people and our businesses.”

In the past 12 months, CPBigwood has grown from 135 staff to 185 and is committed to helping its young staff to grow, particularly through the apprenticeship programme run by the firm, he said.

“We congratulate the Stratford team on the way they have built the business in recent times – particularly in residential sales, and in residential lettings which is enjoying a boom period in Stratford and Henley.

“The story is not over and with these newly refurbished, spacious premises, we see Stratford office as continuing to grow – particularly in property management in which we are now a top ten UK firm,” he said.

CPBigwood offers the complete property service including commercial and residential agency, property management, valuations, auctions, agricultural, professional consultancy, building surveys and development and planning. The firm has seven offices in Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Henley-in-Arden, Shepshed in Leicestershire, Eastleigh in Hampshire, and London.

Guy Salmon Land Rover New Stratford clubhouse takes on Sales Trainees conference and wedding Guy Salmon Land Rover Coventry and Stratford-upon-Avon, part of Sytner Group, have taken on graduate sales Trainees in 2014 as part of a pioneering new training programme in partnership with the National Dealer Academy and accredited by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

The Motor Industry has always had a notably high staff turnover rate. This programme which is an industry first, sets out to carefully and slowly develop Sales Trainees from ground level and is designed to help bring not only brand loyalty to Land Rover, but to retain and develop the best employees within Guy Salmon and Sytner Group.

The Trainees will complete a 12 month ‘on the job’ training with dedicated Mentor

support, as well as joining up with other Guy Salmon Land Rover Trainees across the country to develop their knowledge. At the end of the programme, they will have all the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver exceptional customer service for these prestigious dealers.

The chosen candidates have beaten hundreds of applicants from all walks of life to win their places and after initial training have been able to hit the ground running in both dealerships. The successful candidates are Emily Rudd (Coventry), Amy Bradbury and Oliver Hayden (Stratford) all of whom are very excited to start their new careers. They will be learning not only sales skills but spending time in each department to get a rounded view of the business as a whole.

centre now has global reach

Lodders Solicitors has helped one of the country’s top holiday park businesses clinch a major deal with the NEC Group’s catering arm, Amadeus.

Avon Estates Ltd, advised by Lodders partner Alastair Frew, is to operate the new £3.2 million Riverside Clubhouse, in

partnership with Amadeus.

The clubhouse was designed by architects Emission Zero, manufactured in Russia and constructed on site by Evesham contractors Desert Oak who are finishing the interior, fitting all internal packages including the windows, ceiling and heating.

Students use their skills to teach kids about internet safety Performing Arts students from Stratfordupon-Avon College have been touring local schools to help teach children about the importance of internet safety through a number of originally devised performances.

Working to support the UK Safer Internet Day the Level 2 Acting and Musical Theatre students collaborated on a Theatre-inEducation project to devise and perform a piece to help educate young people about the perils of the internet. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Themes such as cyber-bullying, identity theft, financial scams and viruses were covered during the short performances which were put on for school children at a number of schools across the district.

Nicola Sparkes, the College’s E-Learning Leader, said “The students explored how Performing Arts can be used to pass on the message of how to stay safe online to youth groups and Schools. Our students were rewarded by the response they received from their audiences.”

29

Area Focus: Rugby

Cain is Rugby’s Apprentice of the Year Motor Vehicle apprentice Cain Jones has been awarded the title of Rugby Apprentice of the Year at a special ceremony during National Apprenticeship Week.

Cain, 20, who works for Moserve Ltd in Rugby while also studying with Warwickshire College, impressed the judges with his excellent attitude and commitment towards both his work and study. Having progressed from a Level 2 to Level 3 Apprenticeship successfully, his assessor described him as ‘a model apprentice’ and following Cain’s progress, his employers are planning on taking on another apprentice in September.

The award, which is sponsored by Rugby Borough Council in association with Warwickshire College, saw apprentices from fields as diverse as IT, fitness, business administration, engineering and HR nominated.

The other shortlisted nominees were: • James Cox, engineering apprentice from Manufacturing Technology Centre at Ansty • Josh Davies, Apprentice in Instructing Exercise and Fitness with the

WoodLand Wellbeing Centre at Jaguar Land Rover in Gaydon • Daniel McGahey, Business Administration apprentice at Rugby Borough Council • Laura Parkin, Advanced Apprentice in Business Administration with Suretech Ltd • Joe Pitt, Higher Apprentice in IT & Telecoms with DHL Supply Chain • Abigail Smith, Apprentice in Business Administration at Rugby Borough Council • Sam Thompson, Apprentice in Business Administration at Rugby Borough Council Cain said, “I‘m really happy and excited to have won the award – I wasn’t expecting to win at all, just happy to be a finalist, so it was a really nice surprise.

‘I chose to do an apprenticeship as I enjoy working with cars, but I’ve also learned lots of other skills – such as dealing with customers.

“Winning the award is absolutely brilliant – it will help me in the future and it’s given me a real confidence boost.”

MEP hears EU trade and local transport concerns on visit to expanding Rugby firm

Pictured from the left to right: Karen Shuter (Exact Logistics), West Midlands Euro MP Phil Bennion and Adam Shuter (Exact Logistics).

OCH wins award The Olde Coach House, Main Street, Ashby St Ledgers, Rugby has received an AA 4 star rating for its bedroom accommodation and an AA Dining award for the quality of its food.

30

In June 2013 the converted stables at OCH opened with 11 new boutique bedrooms following a fire in 2012, in what was then the old staff house.

The new en-suite rooms are all individually designed with the facilities you would expect from a top Hotel but located in the converted stables of this lovely country inn.

Mark Butler, the owner of OCH, said: “Obviously, the fire in July 2012 was devastating. However, I took the opportunity to convert the staff house to letting bedrooms, because our existing six bedrooms were always popular and we were constantly turning business away.

“With the help of Charles Wells Pub Company we invested 450k building these unique bedrooms and I am delighted to say that they have really taken off with the rooms nearly always fully booked Monday to Thursday with the corporate market and now I need to concentrate on developing the weekend leisure business”

West Midlands Euro MP Phil Bennion visited an expanding Rugby logistics company as part of a fact-finding mission to listen to their experiences of trading in the European Union and to see their operation in more detail.

The MEP, who is Liberal Democrat Employment and Transport spokesman in the European Parliament, met owners Adam and Karen Shuter at Exact Logistics on the Dunchurch Trading Estate in London Road.

Phil Bennion MEP said: “Transport and employment are two sectors which are closely linked and it was a very informative discussion with Adam and Karen to hear their perspective as a small-sized business with extensive connections in the EU single market.

“Exact Logistics has a great deal of experience trading and working in Europe and access to finance remains a hot topic to make sure SMEs know about the EU funding available.

“We talked about the need for foreign visitors to access the region easily and for local businesses with export ambitions to travel abroad affordably and easily. The cost of flying from local airports and the lack of affordable rail links to airports such as Stansted is a barrier to export growth. which puts the whole region at a disadvantage.

“The company is growing and creating jobs. But the location of Exact Logistics on

the edge of Rugby means they are struggling to find people to work at the company who use public transport.

“Developments are sometimes built without public transport links or where there is only a limited bus service which staff on early shifts cannot use. I will be discussing this issue with the local council to see whether, in the case of Exact Logistics, the local bus service could be extended to serve their trading estate.

“It was a worthwhile and positive meeting and I will be feeding back their thoughts as part of my work on the Employment and Transport committees in the European Parliament.”

Karen Shuter said improved transport links to export markets were an important issue for the future growth of Exact Logistics, which is a finalist in the Small Business of the Year category for the 2014 Pride of Rugby Awards, organised by Rugby FM. She also called for joined up thinking on job creation. “EU funding is available to support new employment,” Karen said.

“But if jobs are created where staff can’t physically get there, it is restricting the numbers who can apply particularly young people who can’t drive or afford a car.

“It was great to be able to discuss the issues affecting us with an MEP and to hopefully play a small part in shaping any policy changes at EU level which could help SMEs such as ours.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Rugby

Rugby company looks close to home A rapidly-expanding automotive company in Rugby didn’t have far to go to meet its demand for an export service after setting up a new factory site in Germany.

Automotive Insulations (www.autins.co.uk) manufacture noise and thermal insulation components for the automotive industry from their Somers Road head office. The company launched Rheinland Insulations in Hilden near Dusseldorf last September to produce materials for use in vehicle engine bays, interiors, underbodies and exteriors.

Automotive Insulations’ managing director Jim Griffin and purchasing manager Garry Faulkner needed a flexible and reliable way to transfer raw materials and finished products between its Rugby site and Hilden.

The answer proved to be along the A4071 in the shape of freight firm Exact Logistics, who are based on the Dunchurch Trading Estate, London Road, Rugby, and specialise in exporting to and from Germany.

Karen Shuter, sales and marketing director at Exact Logistics, said they had initially developed a business relationship with Jim through networking at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

“Jim spoke at a Chamber networking event about their growth and wanting to use local businesses – so we immediately contacted him,” he said.

“We met Garry last summer and went to look round their factory in Rugby because we wanted to be thorough and understand their logistics needs.

“We looked at the freight they would be transporting, gave advice on how best to pack all the consignments as well as the most cost-effective way and gave them various options in a full proposal.

“Automotive Insulations thought they might need smaller vehicles to and from

The Benn Hall Rugby’s ideal business venue Looking to organise a business or commercial function? The Benn Hall offers a professional venue alongside competitive rates and a service flexible to your needs. The three function rooms at this location can accommodate meetings, networking events or conferences.

Quality catering and a fully licensed bar is available for your convenience. Located in the town centre, the venue has easy access to local amenities and adjoining parking.

Karen Shuter and Adam Shuter (right) from Exact Logistics with Jim Griffin from Automotive Insulations.

Germany when they couldn’t fill a full artic lorry. However, we advised that smaller vehicles are very expensive to send abroad and provided an option where they only need to pay for whatever space they use.

“Because we have daily departures and a lot of freight going to the Ruhr, we can combine it with our other freight and always deliver the next day.

“The first load left Rugby on a Friday and was waiting at the factory gates in Hilden on Monday morning to unload tools, raw materials and finished products ready for production to begin that week.”

Adam Shuter, managing director of Exact Logistics, added: “Our German knowledge and link up with German transport system CTL, which is owned by 120 individual transport firms who join forces to deliver and collect pallets across Germany and Europe, has meant we have built a partnership with Automotive Insulations and Rheinland Insulations rather than just

being a supplier.

“We now have regular business with them because we have proved our flexibility and responsiveness and the fact we are only just over four miles away means we can give advice and assistance really easily and because we are local we believe we provide a much better service.”

Jim Griffin is delighted with their new transport partner saying: “It’s always good to be able to support local companies. We chose Exact Logistics because of their commitment to the local business community as well as the high service levels that they are able to offer. Our partnership has helped ease our entry into the German market, enabling us to work seamlessly between our two sites in Rugby and Germany.”

The Hilden site is Automotive Insulations’ second overseas site, following on from the opening of their Swedish site in 2012.

Reasons to be cheerful

By Jim Griffin, Rugby Branch Chair

We were all delighted to see the recent figures from Duport, which suggested Rugby was doing extremely well in terms of new businesses starting up.

“The encouraging statistics,” said the report, meant that: “business confidence is growing and an increase in UK company share indicates it is becoming a bigger player within the national economy.”

Of course, those of us based here in Rugby know just how important we are already but it’s great to see that the importance of the town and surrounding borough is being recognised by others too.

There is certainly a feeling among the businesses we speak to that confidence is increasing and that more companies are looking to expand.

The recession almost made confidence a dirty word – no-one dare say they felt that business was good for fear that they would be left with egg on their face. Who wants to be the first to say they can see the green shoots of recovery?

But the recovery is in full swing now and we saw at the Chamber’s recent Business and Trade Expo that companies from across the region are now starting to get themselves out there to look for new contacts and new clients.

The power of networking cannot be underestimated and one of the many benefits of being part of the Chamber is the opportunity to meet people from a variety of businesses and backgrounds.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

sponsored column

You don’t always have to ‘do business’ with one another, simply finding out what has worked for some companies and, on occasions, the types of mistakes they have made can be equally as useful.

Another factor in the economic improvement is, I believe, down to more companies seeing the benefits of overseas trade and realising that exporting is possible – whether you’re a small service sector firm or a major manufacturer.

Of course, there are lessons to be learned and, again, mistakes to be made along the way but there is so much help and support for companies who want to trade overseas that really there should be no barriers to put them off.

The report from Duport was focused mainly on start-up businesses and I was very pleased to see that Rugby is doing well from this point of view too.

I know the business support team from the Chamber works very hard in the town and the borough, offering free advice and courses to individuals who want to establish their own company.

Their feedback is that more and more people are looking into this route and the report certainly backs up what they are saying.

Nobody is becoming complacent about the economic recovery but the more businesses that get out and network, look to grow their domestic and overseas markets and, indeed, the more companies that are established, the better the chances of sustaining growth.

The Benn Hall is a versatile venue and each of the below rooms can be hired out depending on your event requirements: • Main Hall Measuring 15 x 25m the Main Hall seats up to 350 people for formal dinners or up to 430 people using a theatre layout. It has a wooden stage, adjoining bar facility and access to fully equipped kitchens.

• The Rokeby Room Measuring 17.5 x 7.5m the Rokeby Room is suitable for meetings or events accommodating up to 80 people. It has access to fully equipped kitchens.

• The Caldecott Room and Bar Measuring 7.5m x 7m this room is ideal for smaller meetings for up to 20 people seated or 50 people standing.

If you are interested in hiring the Benn Hall for your next business event, our friendly team will be happy to help. A meeting can be arranged to view the facilities and discuss your requirements.

Please contact Julie Booker, Business Manager by telephone on 01788 533717 or email Julie.booker@rugby.gov.uk for more information.

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News

Business and charity collaborate to launch conference series A local company joined forces with a Coventry-based charity to show how businesses can think differently through an innovative new conference.

Franklin-Hackett Limited, a business helping companies to improve by changing mindsets and Grapevine Coventry and Warwickshire, a charity helping people with learning disabilities to grow their lives, collaborated to deliver Mindsets to Maximise Your Performance at The Windmill Village Hotel in Coventry.

The rule-breaking one day business conference, organised by Franklin-Hackett Limited, helped a number of local small to medium sized companies to think differently about business, challenging preconceptions about issues such as decision-making, mental attitude, problem solving, public speaking and marketing.

The conference was the first in a series of similar events designed to equip businesses with the mental skills needed to succeed in the rapidly changing economic environment.

Delegates enjoyed profound and thoughtprovoking presentations from a number of highly qualified and experienced speakers, including John Hackett of Franklin-Hackett Limited, Adrian Reed of BlackMetric Business Solutions, Arpinder Bansi of Kaur Values Associates, Bernard Keavy of System4Results, John Borthwick of 4Dimensions Training and Theresa Kendall of TK Social Media.

However, the most innovative aspect of the event was the pioneering collaboration between Franklin-Hackett Limited and Grapevine Coventry and Warwickshire.

Unlike many charity and business collaborations, the unique partnership saw no exchange of funds or resources.

Instead, both organisations focussed on supporting the other’s aims - FranklinHackett Limited providing Grapevine with the opportunity of speaking at the event and Grapevine helping to provide hospitality and staff support during the day.

In keeping with Grapevine’s objectives, two of their clients, Rishard Beckett and Heidi Crowter greeted and looked after delegates as they arrived.

“We are so pleased to have been involved in this innovative event – Heidi and Rishard did a great job as the welcome team, and put everyone at their ease. John has created an interesting platform on which to build discussion around how we can all ‘do business better’, and as a charity we’re delighted to have contributed to the day,” said Kirstie Nichols, Fundraising Manager at Grapevine.

“Success in the new economy that is now emerging is dependent on doing things differently. It was great to share such new thinking with some great local companies and to prove, along with Grapevine, that the way we all think is not necessarily the only way we should think,” said John Hackett, Managing Director at Franklin-Hackett Ltd.

Park reaches anniversary The University of Warwick Science Park is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the opening of its first building this year and wants to help more firms than ever start and grow.

The founders of the Science Park wanted the Venture Centre to build upon the joint strengths of a well-established scientific community and a skilled workforce to play an important role in the economy of the West Midlands region.

Since then, the park itself has expanded to over 20 buildings across four sites, the home for more than 130 businesses today.

The success of the park’s Venture Centre – which offers accommodation and a range of support services to small and growing businesses – led to the building of similar innovation centres in Warwick, Binley and Blythe Valley. Overall 750 businesses have been based at the University of Warwick

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Science Park (UWSP) since it was created.

It now offers an even broader range of business support to companies across the region, not just Science Park tenants or university spin outs. The support can be in marketing, finance, strategy or mentoring or any combination.

As a result, the UWSP’s business support team has helped raise £36.7m in financing and helped to secure more than 750 jobs in the last decade.

The ‘incubation’ service Ignite gives office space, business support and time to grow on flexible terms to not only start-ups, but also early stage companies.

David Grindrod, acting director at the University of Warwick Science Park, said the ethos that saw it established in the mid-1980s was driven by the need to regenerate the local economy through the nurturing and creation of new businesses.

North Warwickshire & Hinckley College and Coventry & Warwickshire 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 maths- financing 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.

Ambitious plan to re-invent Coventry unveiled An ambitious plan to create a heritage trail focused on Coventry’s ‘hidden treasures’ has been outlined at the latest Coventry and Warwickshire Champions meeting.

CharterHouse Coventry Presentation Trust Chairman Ian Harrabin detailed the vision for a heritage-led campaign to transform the city in his presentation entitled Re-inventing Coventry Through Heritage.

The ambitious plans were revealed to an audience of more than 100, attending the monthly Coventry and Warwickshire Champions event at the Coombe Abbey Hotel.

Ian urged Coventry and Warwickshire to use its rich history and heritage to attract new businesses and investment into the city.

His presentation highlighted how cities such as Liverpool, Sheffield and Glasgow had used their cultural assets to attract new companies and professional people into their respective regions.

The presentation showcased some ambitious new ideas including creating a new 70-acre country park with adjoining woodlands.

He also called on Coventry to make more of its ‘hidden treasures’ such as its Guildhall and collection of medieval paintings, to transform the city into a major tourist attraction.

Ian said: “Coventry needs to make more of the cultural assets it has.Coventry is very much like an onion, in that the more you peel it back the more you uncover these different layers.”

David Connell, Group Operations Director for PSA Peugeot Citroën, also gave a presentation chronicling Citroen’s relocation of its head office from Slough to Coventry.

He told how the move helped cement the two brands to the Coventry area and

he outlined plans for PSA Peugeot Citroën to increase its support and involvement in local charitable projects.

David said: “With Citroen’s commercial operations having relocated to Coventry, it very much feels like home now.

“The PSA site in Coventry is a national centre of excellence and we have just committed to a 15-year lease on the site, so we are very much set for a future here in Coventry.

“We are already involved in supporting worthwhile projects such as the Heart of England Community Foundation and we are looking at increasing our involvement in corporate social responsibility projects in the region. It would be good to do something connected to the city’s cycle links in the future.”

The Coventry and Warwickshire Champions scheme unites businesses, organisations and individuals across the area in a powerful network to help develop and promote Coventry and Warwickshire. Champions are pro-active advocates for the area who want to help influence how the area is perceived and play an active role in raising its profile.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Managing property expectations

Martyn Howard is pictured outside the most recent addition to the property portfolio under management, Victoria Court, Royal Leamington Spa, home to Tata Consultancy Services and Sega Games.

A specialist commercial property consultancy has recently launched to provide property owners across Coventry, Warwickshire and the wider Midlands region, expert advice to get the most out of their business premises and property assets.

Drake Howard Property Limited has been formed by Martyn Howard, a well- known Chartered Surveyor and Chamber Member with more than 30 years’ experience handling instructions ranging from acquisitions to disposals, refurbishment to development, lease structuring to service charge construction, rent income management to expenditure budgeting and control.

“There are many tasks we become involved in as the mechanics of property ownership and occupation produces an infinite number of challenges. Our specialism is commercial property management where an in depth knowledge of property law, finance, valuation, construction and book-keeping is fundamental to maximise income returns for investors and building efficiencies for business occupiers.

Property managers are not at the glamour end of the commercial property market and do not tend to record the trophy deals which hit the headlines. The victories we achieve are none the less important to our clients and over time can be more productive and valuable. Our aim is to apply our experience to produce a return or outcome which is several fold more valuable than the cost of our service. It is an over-used cliche in football that managers stand or fall in a results driven game.

The same is true for commercial property managers. I am proud that Drake Howard Property has secured the following of long and not so long established clients since launching and I believe this is testament to past results and future expectations.”

The full range of commercial property services offered to Chamber Member owners and occupiers and are detailed on the company web site drakehoward.co.uk.

iSTEAD win award from Theo Paphitis Entrepreneur and ex-Dragon’s Den investor Theo Paphitis runs a competition on Twitter called Small Business Sunday. To enter, businesses have to send a tweet to @TheoPaphitis between 5:00 & 7:30pm using the hashtag #SBS. Theo reads all the entries and personally selects his six favourite to retweet to his massive list of followers that currently stands at over 400,000.

Neil Sayer, Operations Director at Coventry based event audio visual company Istead Business Presentations Ltd, sent one of the six winning tweets chosen by Theo Paphitis.

Neil said: “I’m thrilled that we have won the #SBS Award. It’s great that Theo is helping support UK businesses in this way and if nothing else, our social media streams have gone crazy since winning!” @IsteadAV’s winning tweet, “We’re the AV team taking the technical stress out of the events. Stage design and technical support. www.istead.co.uk” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

New invoicing app set for industry-wide roll out A new invoicing app which has helped build business success for a West Midlands construction company is set for an industry-wide roll out.

The Gemini App, developed by Leamington based RNF Digital Innovation for Birmingham construction company Coen Ltd, is already building a reputation for efficiency within the construction sector.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has described the app as “pioneering in the sector” and it has also been lauded by university academics.

The Gemini App was developed in response to Coen’s need for an improved system to manage and verify over 100 invoices a week submitted by contractors and sub-contractors. It has produced a transparent system that enables supervisors and management to track, check and sign-off work at the touch of a button.

An independent study by Warwick University’s Business School found the app produced annual cost savings of £100,000 for Coen, a 250 per cent increase in profitability and a 20 per cent revenue growth for the company.

With the startling results achieved so far, RNF Digital Innovation’s team now plan to release the app for use across a whole range of sectors.

Revolutionary lighting breakthrough

Gillian Larner, MD of Nulux Technologies.

If this doesn’t dazzle you, nothing will... no-rewiring, plug ‘n’ play LED lighting replacements.

A major breakthrough in the viability of LED replacement lighting, it is a retro-fit revolution in the industry which brings massive installation savings, and Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce members can benefit. You won’t see this anywhere else.

Up to now, the cost of installing your LED lights added a considerable amount to the bill, and for some it was just too much to make a new lighting project do-able.

But Nulux Technologies Ltd., can do what even the mightiest manufacturers, can’t yet do, and that is, provide you with retro-fit lights which are totally ‘plug ‘n’ play’, with NO RE-WIRING – you simply take out the

old fluorescent bulb, click in the new LED replacement, and throw the switch.

Not only that, but the unit price is £35 but to Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber members who want to cash in on this new opportunity, Nulux, the sole UK distributor, is offering it for just £29.99.

Gillian Larner, MD of Nulux Technologies Ltd, of Bilton Road, Rugby, said: “This really is a revolutionary event in the history of the lighting industry, a complete breakthrough.

“There just isn’t another product, or another company that can do what our ‘plug ‘n’ play’ does. Built to work without a ballast, or with, there is no re-wiring whatsoever, and this means very little installation cost.

“This makes the LED option more viable than ever before. The barriers to transferring over to LED options have just come crashing down.”

If you are interested in talking about these lights, contact Gillian on 0779 467776 or Peter Aengenheister, Sales and Marketing, on 07973 984967.

“The barriers to transferring over to LED options have just come crashing down.”

It’s still all about the human touch Face-to-face networking is still key to winning new business – and firms are being urged to make the most of one of the best opportunities in the region.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce held its annual Business and Trade Expo at the Ricoh Arena where more than 100 companies and organisations exhibited.

Warwick Print, which is based at the University of Warwick, is testament to the fact that the event can generate new business as it landed print and design work with Goodfoot Training as a result of last year’s Expo.

Caroline Taylor, of Warwick Print, said: “Following our meeting at the Chamber’s Expo, Goodfoot got back in touch and invited us to come and meet them and discuss their requirements further.

“They are a global training programme provider and pride themselves on their ability to provide their customers with great learning experiences and they wanted to produce a range of training and marketing materials that would really wow their current and potential customers.

“Over the course of several meetings with the company’s directors we explained the variety of services we could provide and we were delighted that they chose us as their partner.

“Of course, the follow-up meetings were important but that initial introduction at the Expo was vital and the start of the business relationship.”

Keely Hancox, of the Chamber, said: “We are delighted that our Expo led to a productive partnership between Warwick Print and Goodfoot Training.

“Of course, social media and the web are very important marketing tools and we actively encourage our members to make the most of them.

“But people still do business with people and that is why events such as the Expo are so important.”

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Business Direct

Development Finance Business Services Recruitment Health & Safety Engineering Accountancy Legal Services Commercial Property 34

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Business Direct: Development

After more than 20 years in industry, Lawrence Webb formed LSW Associates from his home in Warwick in January 2011. 3 years later, he is the Managing Director of a Limited Company operating from its office based in the Rural Innovation Centre on Stoneleigh Park.

Since moving there at the start of 2014, the business has expanded along with its client base and additional staff are planned.

The main LSW Associates Team outside of their offices on Stoneleigh Park (l to r) Colin, Lawrence, Julie and Chris.

He has spent his years working across a range of industry sectors including utilities, food manufacturing, engineering, defence, transportation and logistics and nuclear; but specialises in construction. He also works in Higher Education and is a Registered Consultant on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) database.

Lawrence explains the company approach to business. ”Our ethos has always been the same. We offer two simple services. One is a no nonsense consultancy support service that provides a range of services including risk assessment review and development, accident and incident investigation, management system and policy development and implementation.

The second is interactive and motivational training provision including both bespoke training and also licenced courses from respected and recognised organisations including the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and from May onwards (subject to accreditation), the much sought after ‘NEBOSH National General Certificate”’.

Lawrence says: “Both business streams have one thing in common – a lively and enthusiastic approach to HSE support that aims to meet a need; not introduce unnecessary additions or bureaucracy into a company’s arsenal. Everything we do must add value, and focusing on people and their behaviours achieves that.

Additional paperwork often doesn’t”. There are huge business benefits to be gained from sensible HSE management but the company fully understands and appreciates that they are sometimes fighting against bad PR that has been prevalent in industry over recent years.

Having held senior management positions in industry himself, Lawrence explains: “Much of it has been driven by a need to protect oneself from the claims culture that began to spiral out of control, and because of this, I think that some have lost sight of what our profession is in place to do; protect industry’s most important asset: its people. There is often an www.cw-chamber.co.uk

expectation of paperwork burden, more red tape and the excessive use of the words ‘no’ or ‘you can’t do that’. This simply isn’t the case and it’s certainly not the way we work.”

The company approach to training is one of enthusiasm. They firmly believe that the experience must be an enjoyable one and without these two essential elements, it will only have limited value. Company Director Chris Webb says: “We don’t run courses just to tick boxes – they have to be enjoyable and tailored to the experiences and wants of the delegates throughout whether over a two hour briefing or two week course such as in the case of the NEBOSH General Certificate. We will soon be running courses from Stoneleigh Park in association with Stoneleigh Events. We already extensively work ‘in-company’ providing standard or bespoke training but can now also offer open courses in a great learning environment with excellent facilities, in semi-rural surroundings”. In addition, LSWA tutors are a popular choice for input on seminars and briefings across all sectors and can often be found supporting local businesses, the legal profession and major blue chip companies alike.

LSW Associates has an extensive range of experiences and competency. To enable the greatest degree of support and flexibility, the organisation is supported by a solid and established management structure. Lawrence says: “We work with a number of highly competent Associates.

Time served and at least Chartered Members of IOSH, they bring specialist knowledge to the business which is invaluable. Importantly; they are realists and fully support our approach to HSE management.” Colin Preston, one such Associate adds: “The need within industry is one of enablers, not dis-enablers. We want to leave the bad press behind and show that this essential area of business management will help growth and save money, not hinder it.” He goes on to say, “Staff are the most important asset.

Without them, you are lost; so what could be more important than their health, safety and welfare?”

Being customer focused is important, as Lawrence explains. “We take time to get to know our clients and attempt to integrate into their culture. In fact, we often get asked how long we have worked for the organisation we are supporting as those we meet are convinced that we must be full time members of staff. For us – that is a winning sign!” He goes on, “use of client systems, examples and case studies help bring our service to life and also ensures that it is delivered in context.”

Chris also acknowledges that environmental management is inextricably linked to health and safety performance.

He says: “The two often go together, especially health and environmental implications. Separately, they carry very similar penalties for failure but both offer sound business benefits associated with the financials, legal and moral obligations”.

The company also seeks outside expertise in its development through NonExecutive Director Karen Baxter. A highly experienced business woman who is also a time served Occupational Hygienist, she and Lawrence have worked together on a number of occasions including major projects such as the Olympic Park in London. He says: “She brings a wealth of

experience, an additional network and an external voice of reason that is invaluable”.

Being members of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has proved essential. Although they already had a well-established UK and Europe wide client base, recent attention has been firmly fixed on the local area. Going forward, that is where they want to offer the greatest degree of support and valueadd – within the very business community in which they are centred.

Details of their training and consultancy offerings can be seen via their website: www.lswassociates.co.uk which can be accessed by scanning this link:

Getting in touch won’t cost the earth, but failing to just might!

Office 6, The Rural Innovation Centre, Avenue H, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth CV8 2LG. Tel: 02476 998820 info@lswassociates.co.uk

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Business Direct: Finance

The changing face of business finance As 2014 rolls forward, the funding marketplace continues to grow. Many banks are talking a different language this year – maybe because they recognise that they have a responsibility to help small businesses trade out of the current economic difficulties, but possibly because they recognise there are new kids on the block, and this time, they are game changers. whereby the technology can replace the human in managing the recovery of funds.

It can certainly assist, but it is the old grey matter that is best at recovering funds. I may be proved wrong and if so, then I am happy to accept defeat, but the lessons have been learned many times and will no doubt come to the fore again as evolution and revolution take place.

2014 will be an interesting year for the finance industry – banks will continue to do what they have always done and consequently get the same results. The disruptives will continue to generate new marketplaces, but it will still require the human to manage, monitor and maintain the integrity of a lending portfolio – this is the real challenge of 2014.

Richard Mason

In the Peer to Peer industry, there have been many developments in the early part of 2014. The implementation of regulation in April further enhances the credibility of the industry and with regulation there is also interest from the institutional investors. This has the capability of bringing serious capital into the marketplace such that the ability to provide loans at a lower rate for larger businesses is much easier. This has always been a barrier in the past where the availability of funding has been more about pricing to the liquidity of the marketplace to attract funds rather than credit risk of the borrower.

This could well be the game changer.

Factor in the emergence of more peer to peer platforms and the regulation that exists to provide some protection and suddenly there is a multi-billion pound industry where four years ago there was nothing.

Some might call it disruptive, others

36

would call it entrepreneurial. Many see the disruptives as unwelcome and upsetting a stable marketplace that has functioned perfectly well for many years. But look at the technology factor here – for many, Facebook and Twitter are the accepted norm but less than a decade ago they weren’t around – how they have changed the game is beyond comprehension and there is a whole generation seeking to exploit the opportunities that new markets bring.

So, how does this apply to the funding marketplace? The early part of 2014 has evidenced that there is a revolution and it is not being led by the traditional players.

Within the peer to peer marketplace, different funding structures and facilities are coming to market on an almost weekly basis and here at Ludgate, we endeavour to understand what can and can’t be done and do our bit to help with innovation.

Much of what we do is communicate what can be achieved with those who deal with those who need it. There is the inevitable

scepticism from those new to the ideas, but once accepted many see the ‘new way’ as the only way when they compare it to what has been before.

All this is good news, but there has to be an element of caution here. Many who are the game changers also need to understand the marketplace and the events that have haunted the finance industry during various recessions. There is an old saying that any fool can lend the money, the skill is getting it back. This is where the challenge will emerge over the coming 12 months as portfolios mature and losses start to appear. Technology is well utilized in generating the idea and capturing the interest, the challenge is that there still needs to be management of the risk and ultimately it is difficult to generate an algorithm that is capable of dealing with the multitude of issues that a business can face.

That is where it comes back to the human factor. I have yet to see a scenario

Richard Mason Director Ludgate Finance 35 Ludgate Hill Birmingham B3 1EH Mobile: 07894 621190 Tel: 0845 071 0854 Email: richardm@ludgatefinance.co.uk Website: www.ludgatefinance.co.uk

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Business Direct: Business Services

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Kite Packaging Opens New Midlands Office New building will be home to Kite Midlands Group Accounts and Kite Environmental Solutions This month, leading UK packaging supplier Kite Packaging held a Grand Opening of its brand new building on the Alliance Trading Estate in Coventry. Part of a £3.5 million investment, the new building includes a brand new Warehouse facility and office space and will be home to the Group Accounts operation, that looks after multi-site or high users of packaging, and Kite Environmental Solutions, who offer a consultancy service on the Packaging Waste Regulations.

Just a few months ago Kite made a significant investment in its Midlands operation – the £3.5 million spend means Kite now fully owns the whole of Alliance Trading Estate, which is based on Torrington Avenue in Coventry, next door to the company’s main building. Occupying the main building since 2007, company growth meant new space was needed to house the three arms of the expanding

Chairman Bruce McInnes and Kite Packaging Partners cutting the ribbon at the new building Grand Opening.

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Inside the new building.

business – Group Accounts, Kite Online and KES. The business has more than doubled its property footprint in the Midlands from 69,000 sq. ft to 179,000 sq. ft and since the investment has recruited a number of new members of staff. Kite’s Telesales division alone has gained 12 more call centre agents who offer packaging advice and process orders for new Kite Online customers. The business has also injected fresh talent in to the team with a number of new Account Mangers looking after Group customers, and Graduate Trainees as part of its development scheme.

The opening took place at Kite’s most recent management meeting, which saw the Managing Partners from each Kite branch – of which there are seven including Midlands, cut the ribbon on the newly renovated building which has been refurbished in the Kite colours of green and white. The new warehouse facility too has been given a makeover, and includes a scissor lift so that trucks can easily transfer stock, as well as narrower lanes to

allow for more storage space and new forklift trucks.

The warehouse space has created even further jobs, with extra pickers, packers, drivers and stock controllers in place to ensure a smooth service. It will also allow for a more efficient packing and delivery operation from the company, who already offer free standard delivery and a next day delivery option on all online products, as well as full service solutions such as JIT for branch customers.

A new division has also been created for 2014 – Kite Specialist Services and Solutions have already launched two new products this year which aim to offer a complete packaging solution. The Kite Air Shock, an inflated pack designed for fragile products, is sold online and through the branches, and the Kite Wrap & Hold offers a packaging solution that completely eliminates the need for void-fill.

A spokesman from Kite Packaging Midlands said; “The new building is a real milestone for our business, it allows us to welcome new partners to grow our market share and service our customers better.

Since Kite Online started it has grown in to

New Warehouse

a huge part of our business, and now has taken over our main building which historically housed Central Admin, Kite Online, KES and our Group Accounts. We have big plans for the whole of the Kite Packaging Group – this is just the beginning.”

For more information about Kite Packaging’s products and services please visit www.kitepackaging.co.uk or call 02476420065.

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Business Direct: Business Services

FHG IPP Logipal Achieves 9th successive year of double digit growth FHG IPP Logipal, the UK & Ireland’s second largest pooling supplier and leading high quality pallet pooling specialist, last year achieved its ninth successive year of double-digit growth since its foundation in 2005.

Carl McInerney, country director, FHG IPP Logipal UK & Ireland commented: “Although 2013 was another challenging year, we successfully attained our ambitious growth targets. Double-digit volume growth was sustained for a ninth consecutive year through winning new business on a weekly basis across a broad range of sectors.

“Our sustained growth has been achieved on the basis of a clear value proposition of delivering high quality pallets using a simple process to service the whole supply chain at a competitive price. Quality, simplicity, service, flexibility and value are hallmarks of our business approach.

“Key highlights of the year included a move to new larger premises on the same

38

Meriden Business Park, near Coventry, prompted by a doubling in business size since 2009 and the launch of a new range of reusable box solutions - the FHG Bulk Box, FHG High Protection Box plus handling and packaging accessories.

“During the year, we strengthened our asset and quality management teams, upgraded associated control processes in line with growth, continued our new depot opening programme to be close to our customers and extended our Trade Direct offer to more customers. And for the first time, we began working directly with retailers to service their own production flows.

“As a group, greater emphasis was placed on the electronic waste and recycling pooling market. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) business unit specialises in providing environmentally and cost efficient solutions and pools its reusable bulk boxes and high protection boxes for handling large flows of e-waste in a range of European countries including the UK, where we now have a specialist primary point of contact.” www.ipplogipal.co.uk

CarlMcInerney, Country Director of FHG IPP Logipal UK & Ireland

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Business Direct

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39

News

Company extends digital reach One of the world’s oldest professions is learning from one of the youngest as Leamington law firm Blythe Liggins has engaged Warwick digital marketing agency Media Beard to provide guidance on promoting their services through social media.

Partner Claire Kirwan is at the vanguard of helping the practice to better market its legal services though its website and digital platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn. “Online marketing tools such as top tips on writing wills can assist online consumers

many of whom are a younger demographic who may need legal advice - although, like the Internet itself, it is for all ages,” said Media Beard director Sarah Law. Claire Kirwan said: “Everyone seems to have a digital footprint, a LinkedIn profile, a Facebook page or is using Twitter, not just for pleasure, but to communicate professionally. Media Beard is helping us harness the potential of these platforms to reach our existing clients as well as our potential news ones. Even though we have been established for over a hundred years, we are a modern law firm and want to embrace the world of social media.”

Local businesses encouraged to enter Chamber awards NFU Mutual, the UK’s leading rural insurer, has announced that it will be supporting this year’s British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) Awards.

The insurer, which already has strong connections with local business communities across the UK through its network of over 300 local offices, will sponsor the ‘Small Business of the Year’ category.

Open to entries from organisations employing up to 75 full-time members of staff, the ‘Small Business of the Year’ category will champion flourishing local businesses which have made a real impact within their market and communities.

Gina Fusco, Director at NFU Mutual, and one of the National Awards judges said: “NFU Mutual is committed to supporting local business communities across the UK and many of our Agents already have strong connections with their local

Chamber. According to The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, SME’s account for 99.95% of all private sector businesses in the UK employing over 24 million people across the country. Our sponsorship of the Small Business of The Year category in the 2014 BCC Awards further underlines our support for local businesses.

“NFU Mutual insures a diverse range of businesses, from restaurants and hotels right through to farm diversification schemes and food manufacturers. We would encourage as many businesses as possible to enter the Awards and help us to recognise and reward the contribution local businesses make to the UK economy.”

Entry to the BCC 2014 Awards is open to members and non-members of the BCC and the closing date for entries is 27th June 2014. For further information visit www.chamberawards.co.uk.

Ready to Zumba!

Claire Kirwan of Blythe Liggins (centre) with Katie Mellers-Hill and Sarah Law of Media Beard.

Law firm strengthens healthcare offer Regional law firm Brethertons LLP has announced the appointment of three senior healthcare industry lawyers to join its expanding Commercial Healthcare department. Commercial Lawyer and Healthcare centre restructure consultant Colin Witherall is supported by health sector commercial property lawyers Colin Frowd and Andrew Watts.

Collectively, they have nearly 70 years’ experience in Commercial Law and join Brethertons as a fully-fledged, successfully-working team from Alsters Kelley, a large, regional West Midlands’ firm.

Brethertons’ new Commercial Healthcare Team will be working closely with GPs, dentists, chiropractors,

pharmacists and other professionals to help them to structure their practices – both premises and people – in a more corporate way; with little or no financial investment necessary from the practice or onus of personal liability for their partners.

Chief Executive Officer for Brethertons, Mike Dibben, said: “We’re really excited to welcome Colin W, Colin F and Andrew. As a firm, Brethertons has a reputation for continually observing market sectors and responding to demand by means of creating and developing new specialist legal services. Integrating our existing skillsets with their proven and impressive company commercial law and healthcare practice knowledge is a really exciting prospect.”

A fundraising Zumbathon has stepped up to the beat and raised more than £500 for a city charity.

About 85 people dressed up as Minnie Mouse to take part in the two-hour Zumba marathon to raise money for Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice in Ash Green.

The charity provides 24-hour palliative, respite and end-of life care to babies and toddlers aged up to five-years-old with lifelimiting and life-threatening conditions.

And the mammoth dance workout, which mixes aerobic fitness with Latin moves and music, was held at the Coventry Sports Foundation-managed Alan Higgs Centre on Allard Way. Angela Barron, lifestyles manager at Coventry Sports Foundation, said everyone was extremely energetic and ploughed through the challenge to show their support.

“We initially set the event theme as red for ‘love’ and then a couple of the members discussed the idea of dressing up as Minnie Mouse which really took off,” she said.

“The Disney character is well-loved by young children all over the world so it really reminded us of the amazing support Zoë’s Place provides to families with babies and young children across the region.”

Event organiser Claire Dickerson said the afternoon was a huge success and everyone really got into the swing of things.

She said: “The event wouldn’t have been possible without the support and enthusiasm of our fantastic members.

“We all worked extremely hard to put on a great Zumba marathon and hope that the money raised will help to make a difference to the lives of those supported by the hospice.”

Jane McGaffney, community fundraiser for Zoë’s Place, looked in on the Zumbathon.

“I couldn’t believe so many women took part and gave up their time for such a worthwhile cause,” she said.

“Zoë’s Place relies so heavily on people and communities to raise not only muchneeded funds but awareness of where and what services the hospice provide.

“We have launched an ‘open doors’ appeal where our aim is to significantly increase our income to enable us to open our doors more often to more families.

“For every hour we look after a child the cost is £25 therefore the £500 raised from the Zumbathon will obviously help us enormously and we can’t thank the ladies enough.”

Deals offer cause for optimism A hat-trick of deals has been struck at one of Coventry city centre’s prime office locations.

Greyfriars Court, which is owned and managed by Hortons, has attracted Newmans Estate Agents, CIP Recruitment and Pitman Training Coventry.

The property, which is off Greyfriars Road and Queen Victoria Road, features offices of between 1,000 and 5,000 sq ft is now 86 per cent full.

Commercial property agents Shortland Penn + Moore and D&P Holt helped to attract the new tenants to the office property which is situated in the heart of

42

the business district in the city.

Nina Meeks, of Hortons, said it was a positive sign for the office market. She said: “We are extremely pleased to have attracted three growing Coventry companies into the offices at Greyfriars Court.

“In each instance they have said that the quality of both the space and the location helped to attract them to the property and that is great to hear.

“The general success of Greyfriars Court is positive news for the office market in Coventry and we are receiving good interest in the final few remaining offices.”

Coventry Sports Foundation members step up to the Zumba challenge.

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Property expert sets 30th anniversary causes for celebration up new business A Midlands property expert has launched a new company designed to help landlords across the UK let their homes more quickly and easily.

Jane Morris, who runs successful North Warwickshire estate agency Longshoot Properties, has established www.propertyletbyus.com for landlords who want to rent their homes privately.

Ordinarily, homes available for private rent cannot be viewed on sites such as Rightmove, Zoopla and Prime Location, but by signing up with the new company it offers landlords access to those websites.

Jane said that meant there was a greater chance of achieving a speedy rental for

Jane Morris of Propertyletbyus.co.uk

clients.

She said: “Longshoot has been established for 15 years and we have developed a very strong reputation and have built-up great experience in the industry.

“There will always be landlords who want and require a full service from agents such as Longshoot but there are many out there, particularly now with the web, who want to rent their property privately.

“That is where the new business comes in because private landlords are unable to get their properties listed on the key websites but, for a small fee, they can register the home with us and it will be featured on all the major sites for six months.

“Traditional methods of advertising – such as boards, newspaper advertising and window ads – all remain an integral part of any agency’s marketing strategy.

“But you have to tailor the service you offer to the needs of the individual client and we have seen some major players in London and around the UK offering this kind of facility and we believe we are the first company in the Warwickshire area to launch a company like www.propertyletbyus.co.uk.

“There are additional services that we can offer and it was vital that we stayed ahead of the trend and we are confident it will be a very popular site among landlords.

“Our roots are here in North Warwickshire and the Midlands so we anticipate our early business will be with clients in this region but we see no reason why we can’t operate nationally – that is certainly the aim.”

New home for company A family-run Coventry company has moved to larger offices in the city as part of its expansion plans.

Jackson Office Products has switched from Humber Road in Stoke to Unit B4, Stag Industrial Estate, Endemere Road, Holbrooks, with advice and support from another Coventry business, Baldwin McCranor accountants.

The firm, which has supplied a range of office items from scanners and copiers to general stationery for 68 years, has also

extended its workforce with the appointment of field sales executive Shawn Nicholas.

Steve Beard, managing director of Jackson Office Products who runs the business with his wife and fellow director, Sue, said the company’s 12-strong workforce were settled into the 5,000 sq ft unit.

Peter West, a partner at Baldwin McCranor in Binley Road, Coventry, said the move would enable Jackson Office Products to expand and raise its profile in a different part of the city.

Peter West from Baldwin McCranor (left) with Steve Beard from Jackson Office Products.

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Adam Steadman (left) with Louis Smith.

The upturn in the commercial and residential property markets means one Coventry company has a positive 30th anniversary in store.

Self Store Ltd offers businesses and individuals a safe, secure place to store items either on a short or longer term basis.

And the company, which has been based in the city since 1984 and in Swan Lane since 1996, is enjoying one of the busiest periods of its history with more than 100 of its 155 secure units now occupied.

It’s partly down to individuals storing household items as they prepare to move, owner-managed businesses storing equipment and firms such as The Tech Factory making use of the space as it prepares to expand.

Adam Steadman, director of the IT company – which was established in Rugby and now has clients across the UK, said the firm was set to open a London office.

He said: “We started around six years ago and have been growing ever since. We have clients all over the UK but we have taken the decision to expand into London.

“The company has grown to ten staff and we anticipate that doubling over the next two years.

“We utilise the space at Self Store regularly but that has enhanced recently because of the expansion – it’s great to be able to rely on their service.”

Acting manager Louis Smith said Self Store was a strong barometer for the local economy.

He said: “When we are busy, it generally means things are happening and that businesses and individuals are on the move and require our space.

“We do have, what you might call, ‘regulars’ including skilled tradesman who aren’t quite big enough to have their own yard so will store tools and equipment here.

“But the majority use the service temporarily – either when they are moving home or moving to a new base for their business.

“The Tech Factory is a classic case of the type of business that we help. It is the process of expansion and just needing the peace of mind that they can store files and equipment here while that takes place.

“This is our 30th year in Coventry and it’s great that our anniversary is coinciding with one of the busiest periods in the company’s history.”

Red Marlin serves up new PR strategy for Autobutler

City charity hits the jackpot with Community Funding Fair

Specialist automotive PR and marketing communications agency Red Marlin has been selected to launch Autobutler.co.uk, a brand new online concept in qualityassured car servicing, maintenance and repair.

The website is launching in the UK with a proven background in Germany, Sweden and Denmark, where it was founded. Since it was formed in 2010, Autobutler has built a network that includes a quarter of all garages and workshops in Denmark, and has sent its members more than 135,000 requests for jobs.

The first stage of the ongoing campaign will be to target garages across the country in signing up to the website with a consumer campaign focusing on drivers coming later on this year.

Voluntary Action Coventry (VAC) hosted a successful Funding Fair at its office in Warwick Road.

More than 90 people from Coventry’s voluntary and community groups attended the Fair to meet with funders including Heart of England Community Foundation, BBC Children in Need, WREN and many more.

The focus of the fair was to introduce VACs members to funders who are seeking to fund groups working in Coventry; and to support funders who have less applications from Coventry to increase the number and quality of applications they receive.

43

President & People More exam success at Stewart, Fletcher & Barrett!

Peter Burns MBE

These past few weeks have been most interesting for me with a highlight being the opening of the Chamber’s Trade Expo at the Richo Arena in February, which was very successful.

All credit to the Chamber staff for all their hard effort in putting together such a fantastic event. In fact, everyone I spoke to both on the stands and among the visitors found it to be a great event.

This was followed by meeting Margaret Mountford at the Women in Business network lunch. Margaret is a very interesting person to talk to and I deemed it a great privilege to have had the opportunity to do so.

I also attended the Coventry International Peace Prize dinner at St. Mary’s Guild Hall, whose organiser plan to make it an international event as opposed to local/national. This fits very much with the Cathedral’s work in Peace and Reconciliation which is known throughout the world.

On the 31st March, along with David Penn of Shortland Penn and Moore and Ian Harrrabin, I had the opportunity to address The Labour Group Of Coventry City Council about the regeneration of the city centre, our heritage and promoting Coventry and Warwickshire as a place to do business.

I emphasised the importance of The Friargate development and at its importance in kick-starting the city’s regeneration, as well as the need for more homes to meet the city’s needs, especially aspirational homes.

I was also able to tell them a little bit about the Chamber and our training arm in CWT and the fact that we are delivering 1,000 apprenticeships a year.

This was the first time the Chamber had done this and it went down well, so much so that we are going to meet with them two or three times a year to give them an update on how business is faring.

I would like to do the same thing with other local authority council members because only by talking to each other and sharing our views and aspirations can we start to make our city and towns succeed.

On the 1st April a group of us went to the British Chambers Of Commerce annual conference at the Queen Elizabeth conferencing centre, Westminster. This event was well supported by about 800 delegates from chambers across the country. There was a good line-up of speakers ranging from politicians to business leaders with a reasonable opportunity to ask questions.

We also took a group of students from Ashlawn and Lawrence Sheriff Schools in Rugby to the conference. They met Karren Brady and enjoyed lunch with former Dragons Den star Theo Paphitis.

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Chartered accountants firm Stewart, Fletcher & Barrett (SFB) is celebrating once again after another member of its team passed their final chartered accountancy exams.

Dean Cart recently completed the ACCA qualification at BPP in Birmingham. ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants.

Dean, who is a Senior Accountant at SFB, said “Studying whilst holding down a demanding full time job was quite challenging at times, but to qualify as a chartered certified accountant has definitely made it worthwhile.”

Senior Partner Paul Carvell commented “Since joining Stewart, Fletcher & Barrett 10 years ago, Dean has been a valuable and dedicated member of the SFB team. We are confident that his new skills will add value to the excellent service he already provides to his clients. ” Stewart, Fletcher & Barrett has been established for nearly 60 years. As part of The SFB Group, the firm offers a wide range of services including Wealth Management, Corporate Finance, Business Start Up and Marketing services. SFB has offices in Nuneaton, Hinckley & Coventry.

Dean Cart.

Honour for Ali The Chief Executive of the Heart of England Co-operative Society has been named the Midlands Business Person of the Year.

Ali Kurji won the prestigious accolade at this year’s Midlands Business Awards ceremony at the Metropole Hotel in Birmingham.

The award comes as Mr Kurji celebrates 10 years at the helm of the Society this year.

Judges heard that while the recession has claimed a number of longestablished businesses in recent years the Society, under Mr Kurji’s leadership, continues to buck the national trend, not only recording increased profits for 10 consecutive years but investing more than £19 million in the past five years alone in re-branding and refurbishing its outlets.

Gross sales in the 12 months to January 2013 reached an all-time high of £93 million, profits increased by 11 per cent and the Society’s net worth topped £41 million – an increase of £4 million in four years.

Institute appoints first director

Carl Perrin, Director at the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering.

Coventry University and Unipart have appointed a director for the recently established Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME), located at Unipart’s Foleshill site in Coventry.

Carl Perrin will head up the new institute, which will be welcoming its first cohort of undergraduate and postgraduate students in September this year.

The £32 million initiative is set to pioneer a new higher education model for manufacturing engineering degrees, offering a blend of innovative activity-led teaching, product development and research to create a unique learning environment.

Its aim is to develop the next generation of highly skilled, specialist engineers and operational leaders by providing up to 40 students every year with direct access to Unipart’s operations, allowing them to work on ‘live’ issues in a real world manufacturing production environment.

Carl, who is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, is moving from RollsRoyce where he was Head of Technology at a joint venture based in Nottingham.

Mask Makers welcome a new face Mask-arade has expanded its team with the appointment of International Sales Manager, Tanya Folliot.

Tanya’s key areas of responsibility will include developing international business with Mask-arade’s broad portfolio of licensed products.

She joins Mask-arade from Vivid Imaginations where she spent five years as International Sales Manager in their Crayola division.

Tanya said: “I am delighted to have joined the fantastic team at Mask-arade. I feel there is huge potential for our range in international markets and am very excited to be a part of it.”

Ray Duffy, Licensing Director at Maskarade, said: “We are seeing significant interest in our products from overseas markets and are delighted to have Tanya join Mask-arade. Her role is part of an expansion of our business that will see us supplying Europe, North America and beyond. Tanya brings with her a wealth of knowledge and understanding of international markets and is part of a long term strategy of international growth for the Mask-arade brand.”

“I feel there is huge potential for our range in international markets and am very excited to be a part of it.”

Tanya is welcomed to Albion House in traditional Mask-arade style.

Keeping it in the family A Coventry teenager is following in her mum’s footsteps by joining the family business as an account administrator.

Seventeen-year-old Emily Thomas has joined Electric Wharf based events planning and staffing agency, Aesthetics, which was established by her mum, Lee, in 1996.

Emily had previously worked for the company at events while in sixth form and when the opportunity came along to join the firm permanently, she decided to move into the world of work full-time.

Her role includes working with major venues such as Wembley Stadium on events such as concerts and sporting fixtures, including domestic and international football matches.

Emily Thomas and Lee Thomas outside Aesthetics HQ.

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

President & People

Vice-chancellor and CEO New senior manager appointed at Coventry University appointed at Burgis & Bullock Coventry University has appointed its acting vice-chancellor John Latham to the permanent position of vice-chancellor and chief executive officer.

Mr Latham, who was the University’s deputy vice-chancellor for business development prior to stepping into the interim role in December last year, has taken over the position following the departure of Professor Madeleine Atkins who joined the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) as chief executive.

Pictured left to right: Carl Allsopp, Lewis Allsopp, Matthew Costelloe, Nikki Eaton, Ardalan Ebrahimpour, Clint Nykamp.

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John Latham.

Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers Burgis & Bullock (Leicester) LLP has further strengthened its corporate and specialist services team with the appointment of a new Senior Manager, Matt Wayte.

After originally working at Burgis & Bullock’s Nuneaton and Leamington Spa offices, Matt joined the Leicester office of Grant Thornton, where he worked in their Audit Team. After gaining a wide and varied spectrum of knowledge and experience from working with a variety of clients, Matt re-joined Burgis & Bullock (Leicester) LLP in January.

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

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Professional Presentation Skills

Full Day

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Telesales - Getting Results

Full Day

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Business Email Writing

Half Day

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Effective Communication

Half Day-am

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Briefing the Team

Half Day-pm

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Principles of Manual Handling (CIEH Accredited Level 2 Award)

Half Day-am

5

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Planning & Monitoring the Teams Work

Half Day-am

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Managing Difficult Customers

Half Day-pm

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Customer Service Essentials

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Time Management

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Understanding Workplace Behaviours

Half Day-am

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Understanding Discipline & Grievance Procedures

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Practical Social Media

Half Day

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Professional Negotiation Skills

Full Day

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Developing a Team

Half Day-am

25

Motivating the Team

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Import Procedures

Full Day

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Microsoft Project Management (An Introduction ) NEW

July

May

CWT TRAINING DATES 2014 Duration

A newly established estate agency in Coventry has created four new jobs – and an award-winning team.

Allsopp & Allsopp recently launched its first UK branch after it was originally set up in Dubai five years ago by Coventry brothers Carl and Lewis Allsopp.

The pair has now established a branch on New Union Street in the city and has put together a four-strong team of Nikki Eaton, Ardalan Ebrahimpour, Clint Nykamp and Matthew Costelloe, who will work with them to get Allsopp & Allsopp off to a flying start.

Carl said: “Our team always have always been and still are our biggest asset so in that respect we are delighted with such an experienced team we have put together. One of the key elements we are bringing back from our offices in Dubai is a total commitment to professionalism and customer service.

“Whether you are the seller or the buyer, we want people to know they will receive a very professional service from start to finish.

“That is why we have taken such great care over bringing together the team because while technology plays a big part in what we do, buying and selling a house still comes down to personal service.”

Branch manager Nikki Eaton has been in estate agency since 2010 and quickly rose from trainee negotiator to acting residential sales manager as well as winning negotiator of the year for the Midlands area in 2012.

Assistant branch manager Matthew Costelloe has been in the business for a decade and was a top achiever at his previous company year after year because of his commitment to customer service.

Clint Nykamp is Allsopp & Allsopp’s property sales consultant has also spent near a decade in estate agency, working particularly but not exclusively with investors, after joining from another city-based agent where he was a valuer and branch manager.

Ardalan Ebrahimpour is also a property sales consultant and has 15 years’ experience in estate agency having worked in the hugely competitive London market as well as running his own branch.

Burgis & Bullock’s New Senior Manager, Matt Wayte (centre) is seen here with Andrew Taylor, Consultant (left) and Sean Farnell, Partner (right).

June

Four new jobs created at agency

Maximising Team Potential

Half Day-am

2

Making Business Decisions

Half day-pm

2

Full Day

8

3 Full Days

11, 18, 25

Microsoft Excel - Basic to Intermediate

Full Day

16

Managing Change in the Workplace

Full Day

17

Training Coaching & Mentoring

Full Day

30

Professional Telephone Techniques First Aid at Work (Accreditation for First Aiders)

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New Members

Welcome to new members 21st Century Clothing Ltd ICE, Coventry University, Coventry, CV1 2NE T: 02476 15 83 38 E: lisa@21centuryclothing.co.uk W: www.21st centuryclothing .co.uk

FS1 Ltd UNIT 11 Bilton Industrial Estate, Humber Avenue, Coventry, CV3 1JL T: 07759651725 E: ian@fs1uk.com

AMW Site Services Ltd 1 Estate Yard, Alscott Estate, Atherstone on Stour, CV37 8NB T: 01789 459400 E: david@amw-services.org.uk W: www.amw-services.org.uk

Fair Train 29 Warwick Road, Coventry, CV1 2ES T: 02476 101004 E: jessica.dodson@fairtrain.org W: www.fairtrain.org

ATA Recruitment THE DERBY CONFERENCE CENTRE, London Road, Derby, DE24 8UX T: 0845 880 8120 E: info@ata-recruitment.co.uk W: www.ata-recruitment.co.uk Absolute HR Services Ltd 1 Whateley’s Drive, The Business Centre, Kenilworth, CV8 2GY T: 07900 224990 E: hr@absolutehrsolutions.co.uk W: www.absolutehrsolutions.co.uk Aureate Digital Consultancy Limited Lumonics House, Valley Drive, Rugby, CV21 1TQ T: 033 3121 2818 E: info@aureatedigitalconsultancy.co.uk W: www.aureatedigitalconsultancy.co.uk Bees Knees Private Hire Ltd Sir Frank Whittle Business Centre, Great Central Way, Rugby, CV21 3XH T: 01788561212 E: admin@beeskneestravel.co.uk W: www.beeskneestravel.co.uk DSA Design 17 Timothy’s Bridge Road, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 9NP T: 01789 293930 E: emma.lawrence@dsadesign.co.uk W: www.dsadesign.co.uk Drake Howard Property Ltd 5 Brook Business Park, Brook Hampton Lane, Kineton, Warwick, CV35 0JA T: 01926 640790 E: martyn@drakehoward.co.uk wW:ww.drakehoward.co.uk Embrace Property Ltd The Techno Centre, Puma Way, Coventry, CV1 2TT T: 07818 598817 E: geoff@embraceproperty.com W: www.embraceproperty.com

Football CV STEEL PARK, Rockingham Road, Corby, NN17 2FB T: 01933 420000 E: dmallinger@footballcv.com W: www.footballcv.com Glenmore Consultants Ltd First Floor, Payton House, Guild Street, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 6RP T: 01789 548044 E: louise@hollywoodmarketing.co.uk Housing Leadership Foundation 14, THE COURTYARD, Timothy’s Bridge Road, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 9NP T: 01789 264951 E: nicolette.whittaker@hlfoundation.org.uk W: www.hlfoundation.org.uk JGT Design & Photography 98 Ash Green Lane, Ash Green, Coventry, CV7 9AJ T: 07891170292 E: james@jgtphotography.com W: www.jgtphotography.com JHVAC 1 Strath Close, Rugby, CV21 4GA T: 07810 543553 E: johnharvey@jhvac.co.uk W: www.jhvac.co.uk Longshoot Properties Ltd 22-26 Coleshill Road, Nuneaton, CV10 0NY T: 02476 395888 E: jane@longshootproperties.com W: www.longshootproperties.com Mitchell Heating & Cooling Ltd 80 Hotchkiss Way, Binley Industrial Estate, Coventry, CV3 2RL T: 024 7644 0270 E: admin@mitchellsheating.co.uk W: www.mitchellsheating.co.uk

Mulberry Design Mulberry House, 209 Dunchurch Road, Rugby, CV22 6HP T: 01788 846442 E: sarah@mulberry-design.co.uk W: www.mulberry-design.co.uk

Sandler Training Suite 7 Feldon Edge, Halford, SHIPSTON ON STOUR, CV36 5ET T: 01789 227442 E: nliddell@sandler.com W: www.central.sandler.com

Muse:HR 74 Daleway Road, Coventry, CV3 6JE T: 02476 411313 E: judi@mcsweeneysonline.co.uk

Saxon Websites Ltd 101 Lockhurst Lane, Coventry, CV6 5SF T: 02476 610917 E: postroom@saxonwebsites.co.uk W: www.saxonwebsites.co.uk

Nadine Rose Unit 2 Churchside Arcade, 7 Little Church Street, Rugby, CV21 3AW T: 07789274389 E: nadinecrose@yahoo.com W: www.nadinerose.co.uk

SeaChange Communications 12 Marystow Close, Allesley, COVENTRY, CV5 9EA T: 02476 407422 E: words@seachangecommunications.co.uk W: www.seachangecommunications.co.uk

OM Safety Solutions Ltd Business Innovation Centre, Binley Business Park, Harry Weston Road, Coventry, CV3 2TX T: 02476 270188 E: info@omsafetysolutions.com W: www.omsafetysolutions.com

Switchwise Ltd T: 07798 800658 E: richard.eden@switchwise.co.uk W: www.switchwise.co.uk

Pitman Training 6 Greyfriars Road, Greyfriars Court, Coventry, CV1 3RY T: 024 7655 9152 E: nigel.turner@pitman-training.net W: www.pitman-training.com QCF Training Solutions Ltd T: 024 76 249112 E: info@qcfts.com W: www.qcfts.com Quest Debt Recovery Ltd Quest Debt Recovery, The Mansley Business Centre, Timothy’s Bridge Road, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 9NQ T: 01789 207 410 E: info@questdebtrecovery.co.uk W: www.questdebtrecovery.co.uk Research Garage Group Ltd Barling Way, Elliots Park, NUNEATON, CV10 7RH T: 024 7637 7170 E: rcallagher@researchgarage.co.uk W: www.researchgarage.co.uk

The Care Bureau Ltd 15 Waterloo Place, Leamington Spa, CV32 5LA T: 01926 427423 E: s.plant@groupbureau.co.uk W: www.carebureau.co.uk The Merchants Inn 5-7 Little Church Street, RUGBY, CV21 3AN T: 01788 571119 E: scottwhyment@hotmail.com W: www.merchantsinn.co.uk Total Telecoms Solutions 4 Barling Way, Griff, Nuneaton, CV10 7RH T: 08444176050 E: sales@totaltelecomssolutions.com W: www.totaltelecomssolutions.com Trident Hydraulics Ltd Unit 12 Holywell Business Park, Northfield Road, Southam, CV47 0FP T: 01926 811395 E: info@tridenthydraulics.co.uk W: www.tridenthydraulics.co.uk Uni City Lodge 161 Corporation Street, Coventry, CV1 1GU T: 02476 229 393 E: info@unicitylodge.com W: www.unicitylodge.com

Morton’s Vintage Hire 40 Mill Lane, Bulkington, CV12 9RU T: 07764847644 E: mortonsvintagehire@gmail.com W: www.mortonsvintagehire.co.uk

SWAPDROP UK LIMITED Coventry University Enterprises, Coventry University Technology Park, Puma Way, Coventry, CV1 2TT T: 07968462664 E: swapdropuk@gmail.com

Window Machinery Sales Ltd Unit 3C, Hadrians Way, Glebe Farm Industrial Estate, RUGBY, CV21 1ST T: 01788 577577 E: scott.haslingden@promac.co.uk W: www.promac.co.uk

Friday, 26th September

Wednesday 11th June

Tuesday 15th July

Business & Trade Expo

Business is Good for Women Network

Spotlight Lunch

Events Monday, 2nd June

Chamber Networking 4:00pm-6:00pm Ettington Park Hotel, Alderminster, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 8BU Start off your Summer with a great networking opportunity meeting local representatives in a relaxed environment.

Build new contacts through networking, which is one of the most effective ways to promote your business! Ettington Park Hotel is a superb place for networking, providing an informal environment, in a popular location for nearby businesses! To find out more, please contact us at events@cw-chamber.co.uk

10:00am-3:00pm Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ After the success of our Business & Trade Expo in February, we are pleased to confirm the details for our next event!

Coventry & Warwickshire’s Chamber of Commerce free Business & Trade Expo is the perfect opportunity to meet new business contacts and promote your business! Our Expo attracts a wide variety of businesses, where you get the chance to network and attend business seminars which run throughout the day. (Seminar Information to follow) Exhibition stand information available upon request, please contact a member of the Events Team for more information.

12noon – 2pm 11.30 am – 2.30 pm Ricoh Arena, Coventry Members £10 + VAT Non-members £20 + VAT Please join us over a buffet lunch to hear from our prestigious panel of leading Women in Business, Nora Senior President British Chamber of Commerce, Wendy Bowers, Enterprise Council and Jacky Isaac Chief Operating Officer Ricoh Arena.

Catthorpe Manor, Catthorpe LE17 6DF Free of Charge 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!

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.

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www.cw-chamber.co.uk