Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce by Benham Publishing Limited

Warwickshire County Counccil wins business friendly award Warwickshire County Council for the second consecutive year has won the Best ‘All Round Small Business Friendliness’ award as part of the Federation of Small Businesses’ Local Authority Awards. At the Federation of Small Businesses annual ‘Small Business Engagement’ lunch, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council and Monica Fogarty, Strategic Director for Communities accepted the award on behalf of the council. Leader of Warwickshire County Council, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, said: ‘Warwickshire County Council is committed to supporting innovation and stimulating economic growth. We do this in a number of ways and this award recognises the diverse strands of support that we offer to small businesses. They are integral to strengthening our econ nomy and we are with them every step of the way, as winning this award two years running demonstrates.’ Among the work that Warwickshire highlig ghted to support businesses across the county was the range of activities and programmes, that included:

RGN helps small businesses b and enterprises in rural a areas to access funding and expert business support. As well ass peole who are looking to start a b business. The RGN is funded by DEFRA & the EU & led by Warwicksshire County Council on behalf of the CWLEP P. www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ruralgrowthnetwork e: ruralgrowthnetwork@warwickshire.gov.uk t: 01926 412709 Business -2- Busin ness (B2B) Portal – linked to procurement the authorities ‘B2 2B’ procurement portal, enables loccal businesses to promote their own sub-contracting opportunities and vacancies to other local compan nies encouraging trade at a local level. To find out morre visit or call: www.warwick kshire.gov.uk/businesss e : business@w warwickshire.gov.uk t : 01926 418027 4180 027

L to R; Monica Fogarty, Clllr Seccombe, Mark Ryder

‘The judges were again delighted with Warwickshire County Council’s app applica lication as it highlighted a number of ke key initiatiives that support small firms.......the judges said aid that Warwickshire County Council stood out as aan authority that is always thinking about the im mpact on small firms and making practical efforts to heelp them flourish.’ Ian O’Donnell, FSB Warwickshire and Coventry Chairman

The council‘s ongoing commitment to support local businesses by enablling the provision of superfast broadband to suppo ort their business activity on a day to day basis. To find out more visit the website: www.cswbroadband.org.uk/

Apprenticeship Hub – suppo orting young people in gaining employment and enabling g local SME’’s to take advantage g off the apprenticeship programm me and experiencce the benefits emplo oying an apprentice can brin ng to their company. For more inffor ormation n: www.warwickshire.g gov.uk/getanapprenttice t: 01926 412649

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Foreword

CONTENTS July/August 2014

Ensuring that the recovery is sustainable

Chamber News Chamber Services

4-43 6

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

8-9 11 12-13 14-15 16-17 18 19 20-21

Dear Member, In this edition of CW in Business, we have continued to offer you lots of great examples of local companies thriving in the current strengthening and growing economy. I was pleased to see that, in August, our own British Chambers of Commerce upgraded their GDP forecasts for the next two years. The British Chambers can now evidence that Britain has become one of the fastest-growing developed economies in the World, which is fantastic news and a real opportunity for all businesses. Of course, there is more to do. As businesses we need to invest more; export more; and innovate more. Export growth will be key to economic growth and, therefore, it still astounds me that when I meet with groups of businesses, so few have thought to explore export as a route to growing their business. Here at your Chamber of Commerce, we operate an International Trade Hub offering the credible and highly recommended UKTI (UK Trade & Investment) services, export documentation, letters of credit, culture awareness training, access to language & translation services and more. Please believe me when I say that our International Trade Team, delivering UKTI services, can work with any business to overcome, often perceived, barriers to export. Why don’t you put us to the test and come in and meet one of our Trade Advisors at any time or, indeed, during UK Export Week which is w/c 10th November 14. Contact the Team via mick.page@mobile.ukti.gov.uk. Key to sustaining economic growth will be maintaining stability in the economy. As your voice of business, we will continue to lobby for the Bank of England to keep rates low for as long as possible as this instils confidence in our potential investment decisions. Without a doubt, any future rate rises must be gradual and must be modest. The other key to sustaining economic growth will be a supportive and businessfriendly Government and some stability around Government decisions which have

a direct impact and cost on business, such as business taxation and the introduction of business regulation. Working with our Branch Network, we will be organising a number of key events with local MPs and Politicians in order to ensure we hear their pre-election speeches around managing the economy and they clearly hear what businesses have to say about what matters to business. Locally, all of the Partners engaged in the work of the Local Enterprise Partnership are focused on assisting growth in local businesses and, consequently and where possible, the creation of more jobs. I was really pleased to hear about the appointment of Cllr Craig Humphrey to the post of Managing Director of the Coventry & Warwickshire Clearing House (growth hub for business) as I believe Craig, with his private and public sector background, will work in the interests of local businesses and the local economy. Your Chamber of Commerce remains proud to play its part in the ongoing and early successes of the Coventry & Warwickshire Clearing House (growth hub for business). Finally, I must announce the exciting news that Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, working on behalf of its members, will help fund and support the Coventry & Warwickshire Champions Programme. This unique programme of activity encourages Leaders, within our local economy, to better understand all that is great about the sub-region; to understand what we have to ‘offer’ the world in terms of a great place to do business; and then, as Leaders, to utilise this information to help promote our great City of Coventry and County of Warwickshire. I look forward to meeting many of you, Members and clients of the Chamber, at our forthcoming Trade Expo on 26th September 2014 and, of course, at our Economic Conference on 17th October 2014. If you have not already booked to join me, please get in touch on louiseb@cw-chamber.co.uk or by calling on 02476 654321.

Around the Region 24-31 Business Direct 33-39 Chamber Events Diary 43 President & People 44-45 New Members 46

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Chamber News

CONTACTS At the Chamber

13th Annual Economic & Business Conference Friday 17th October 2014

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.

You are kindly invited to the Chamber’s prestigious Annual Business & Economic Conference. The conference will focus on the future economic prospects, locally, nationally and globally as well as identifying ways we can achieve economic growth throughout our great city and town centres.

Whilst every effort will be made to publish submitted articles, we cannot guarantee inclusion. Send them to: news@cw-chamber.co.uk Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Chamber House Innovation Village Cheetah Road Coventry CV1 2TL T: 024 76 65 4371 F: 024 76 45 0242

At the publishers

Publisher

Ian Fletcher

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

13th Annual Economi c

& Business

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Advertising Contact Alison Seymour alison@benhampublishing.com 07841 115444 Production Manager Fern Badman Accounts Director Joanne Casey Media Number 1373 © Benham Publishing 2014.

You are kindly invited to the Chambe er’s prestigious Annual Business & Economic Conference. ence. The conference will focus on the future economic conomic prospects, locally, nationally and globally as wellll as identifying ways we can achieve economic growth throughout hroughout our great city and town centres. This years’ event will bring together ke ey y business and civic leaders to consider the economic mic health across Coventry & Warwickshire against the background of national and international trends.

C&W in Business is printed and distributed by Headley Brothers Limited

A keynote k address will be e given by nationally ac cclaimed business expert, co olumnist and chairman of leading retailer Timpson, John Timpson, who will provide an insight into his unique business ph hilosophy ‘Upside-down ma anagement’.

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The official publication of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce 4

Entry fee: M Members: b £37 + VATT Non-member: £55 + VAT

Chamber members, bring g along a nonmember and secure theirr space for member price of £37.

Speakers

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.

Date: Friday 17th October 2014 Time: 9:30 am - 2:00 00 pm Venue: Belgrade Theatre, eatre, Belgrade Square, Coventry, CV1 1GS

Join us at the Conference erence for your FKDQFH WR ZLQ ÁLJKW WLFNHWV ZLWK 7XUNLVK Airlines 02476 654 321 info@cw-chamber.co.uk co.uk www.cw-chamber.co.uk co.uk

Jona athan Browning Cha airman C & W Local Ente erprise Partnership Tom Vosa Chieff Economist Yorkshire shire Bank

MP Marcus Jones Chairman All Party arty Parliamentary amentary Group for To own Centres Selim m Ozturk Gen neral Manager Turkish sh Airlines

sponsored column

Pensions Liberalisation

Richard Tubey

In Budget 2014 the Chancellor announced sweeping reforms to the way in which withdrawals can be made from defined contribution pension funds. Under the current rules individuals are able to withdraw 25% of their pension pot as a tax free lump sum with the remainder being used to buy an annuity (a fixed sum per annum over the remainder of their life) or being drawn down at prescribed levels. Annuity rates have fallen significantly leaving retirees often loathe to acquire an annuity when they do not feel that it provides value for money. From April 2015, retirees will still be able to withdraw 25% of their pension pot tax free, however they will have greater flexibility in relation to the remainder. Individuals should ask themselves the following questions: • Do I want to minimise my income tax bill? • Do I want the certainty of a fixed income? • Do I want to pass on a pension pot to my spouse and/or children? • Do I want to finance a significant acquisition? Whilst a pension fund is outside of an individual’s estate, funds withdrawn are still exposed to inheritance tax at up to 40%. Without planning there is the risk that the withdrawal of significant funds not only triggers a large income tax bill on extraction but may also significantly increase the individual’s inheritance tax exposure. For some the purchase of an annuity may still be appealing as it offers certainty and can take away the risk of fluctuations in the stock markets. Funds left unused on the individual’s death can be passed to a spouse or dependant free from income tax and inheritance tax. Any remaining funds passed to other beneficiaries are subject to a tax charge of 55%, however there are plans to reduce this to 40%. Individuals wishing to discuss the options available to them should contact Richard Tubey on 02476 257481 or rt@sgduk.com. For more information please visit our website www.sgduk.com.

Events

Sharing the secrets of business growth New Business Development expert Caroline Suggett, of ROM Consultancy, shared the secret to successfully winning new business through strategic telemarketing. The 4 Steps to winning Great Business masterclass was delivered as part of a Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce event, held at Chamber House. The masterclass, was attended by more than 35 member businesses who were invited to try their hand at identifying ‘hidden’ key buying criteria through a questioning exercise. Attendees also learned that by following ROM’s proven 4 step model, they can closely identify their target audience, approach key prospects and build relationships; while highlighting quality opportunities and utilising a set of skills which lead to a win-win conversion into new business. Caroline Suggett, Managing Director, said, “To Winning Great Business masterclass; At ROM we have worked with a number of senior business executives, across a wide variety of sectors, so our strategic approach to telemarketing is tried and tested. It was fantastic to be able to deliver our programme to local business members, and I look forward to hearing about the successes they achieve by adopting it.” ROM is an established new business development consultancy, based in Rugby, operating nationally. Offering outsourced high level telemarketing services, tailored

workshops and people development, all designed to grow their clients businesses. ROM has successfully developed many ££millions of quality new business opportunities for clients over the last 20 years.

For further information please contact Caroline Suggett, Managing Director on 01788 577344 or mobile 07712 536718 or email caroline@rom-consultancy.co.uk

Hat trick for marketing department A hat-trick of new appointments is set to bring a new twist to the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s events programme. Hana Darlington, Bethany de Thierry and Blake Timms have joined the Chamber and have already set about improving the organisation’s events diary to offer new ways for members to network and get tips for helping to run their business. They will also be bringing a fresh approach to the way the Chamber communicates with members via the web, in print, over email and on social media. Hana, the Chamber’s new marketing manager, moved to the UK in 2004 from the Czech Republic and, after gaining a Masters Degree, has since worked for a range of firms – most recently an international construction firm. She is putting together a focus group of Chamber members to get feedback on the services they use and how it can help other firms to benefit from what the Chamber has to offer. Hana said: “I am delighted to be here at the Chamber. Until I joined, I didn’t realise the amount of ways it could help businesses on a day-to-day basis – whether it’s with assistance with legal and HR matters or helping companies to export around the world. “One of the biggest benefits that many members I have spoken to appreciate is the networking opportunities provided by the Chamber at a range of events around the region. “We are working as a team to expand those opportunities to fit in with what

“One of the biggest benefits that many members I have spoken to appreciate is the networking opportunities provided by the Chamber at a range of events around the region.” different businesses want. Some want tips for their business, some want to learn what’s happening in the region and some simply want to let their hair down and network in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. All of them want to generate new business opportunities through the Chamber. “I am putting together a focus group of members to discuss all of their needs and what more they would like to get out of the Chamber. That will help us to develop the events calendar as well as the way we communicate everything else the Chamber offers.” Beth joins the Chamber’s marketing team after a stint as a brand assistant for a major retailer, while Blake’s responsibilities include managing the dayto-day running of Coventry and Warwickshire First, of which the Chamber recently took over the administration. For more information on the Chamber, its events and its services, call 024 7665 4321 or log onto www.cw-chamber.co.uk www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Events

Events team enjoys a busy summer Summer may be a quiet time for some businesses but for the Events team at the Chamber it tends to be quite hectic. Not only do we have to organise, invite and run variety of engaging networking events but also summer is the time of preparation for the Trade Expo, which takes place in September, and the Annual Economic and Business Conference held in October. Both events are a key to our members as they bring together local companies, expert speakers and seminar presenters and allow for a true business to business engagement. The Expo is an excellent platform for local businesses to exhibit or come along to expand their business network and also interact with invited industry presenters. During the Conference visitors can hear from a panel of professional speakers from variety of industries and governmental departments and share opinions during networking. During July and August we have organised exciting events engaging our members with local businesses. Our networking event held at the Guide Dogs in Leamington Spa raised an important awareness of funding for specialist training required for dogs destined to enrich and improve the lives of blind people. The attendees heard a real case study of the change a specially trained dog can bring to a person’s life and potential employability. The attendees interacted with the dogs and puppies and learned about their journey from training to becoming a life companion. This networking event, taking place at an unusual venue, provided a different atmosphere for business networking: “It was nice to see so many enthusiastic people and to have a completely fresh perspective at a totally different venue. More please!” commented Seanna Holland from Pack Smart Ltd. On Friday, 15th of August, Chamber held an exciting Summer Networking event at the Heart of England Conference Centre near Fillongley. The organisers truly embraced their opportunity to showcase their venue and prepared theatre style presentation, delicious home-made burgers and an afternoon packed with activities. Over 20 people participated in the after networking activities and were escorted on an open monster trucks around the 160 acres of land to the fun packed destination. Ideal for team building the attendees tried the air rifle, clay shooting, archery and everyone’s favourite quad biking. It was a truly great day where everyone could showcase their out-ofoffice skills. Taruna Chauan said: “ I had a brilliant day, it was a mix of networking and fun activities. The activities were a great way to get to know fellow members! Our group certainly had a great time. It would be great if we could have more of these activity based networking.” Well Taruna, the events team has got a plenty of events coming up and the challenge is to exceed expectations. For event photos please search Facebook for Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

sponsored column

How to save 30-50% of your time when implementing strategies

Brian King, Tax Partner at Dafferns LLP

Each year the pressure grows on all areas of a business - including its ability to implement strategies successfully. This pressure can ultimately impact its overall growth and profit potential. Standing back from all the specific issues stemming from this ‘high pace’ of doing business, most can be traced back to an inability to implement ‘change’ successfully. So what does a business leader or owner do? What strategies should be implemented to ‘adjust’ the business to this NEW environment for doing business? How can time be saved? Here are three strategies that can help firms cope with the high pace of doing business: Strategy 1 - Focus on Micro tasks Too often planning sessions lead to broad statements such as: ‘Do a marketing plan’, ‘Refine our sales process’ etc. but rarely outline HOW to achieve those outcomes or the micro steps / tasks required. Try breaking down broad tasks into micro tasks in your next planning session to see the benefits. Strategy 2 - Provide just-in-time learning Two day residential training sessions are becoming a thing of the past. Instead businesses are exploiting ‘just-in-time’ learning. As a training need arises, a 30-60 minutes online or quick internal training session is organised. Learnings are applied immediately and therefore more is retained. Best of all, solutions are provided quickly, allowing the ‘change’ momentum to continue without delay. Strategy 3 - Capture and track your strategies / actions using innovative technologies Using the latest cloud technologies / applications to track projects is now critical. Don’t rely on files of old meeting notes or emails! Time savings and productivity gains will be felt immediately and will free you up to focus on the growth and profitability of your business. To discuss how Dafferns can assist you to implement change more effectively in your business, please email: richard.miller@dafferns.com.

Business & Trade

EXPO

Sept 201 4

Your Exclusiv e

Coventry & W Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce mmerce would like to invite you to our biggest

Invite #cwexpo

Business & Trade Expo, September 26th 2014

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Programme: 08:00 - 08:30 - Breakfast & Networking (Tea, Coffee, Bacon Sandwiches). Chaired by John Nollett from C&W Clearing House 08:30 - 08:45 - Ruth Waugh - Twintech 08:45 - 09:00 - Dana Davies - Atlantic Flight Training *DVWRQ &KHH %(*2 09:15 - 09:30 - Imran Hassan - Lilly Sid 09:30 - 10:00 - Networking

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

CWT

Success by Degrees

2011

2013

Working With Schools For A Brighter Future

2014

Congratulations to CWT Chamber Training’s Degree students, who graduated on 16 July 2014 at the Trentham Garden Estate in Staffordshire.

CWT Chamber Training Roll of Honour 2014 B.A. (Hons.) Degree in Business Management Dayle Adams B.A. (Hons.), FdA Christopher Alexander B.A. (Hons.), FdA Martin Bannister B.A. (Hons.), FdA David Gilmour B.A. (Hons.), FdA Rosemary Kyberd B.A. (Hons.), FdA Darren McCafferty B.A. (Hons.), FdA Paul Miles B.A. (Hons.), FdA Michelle O’Hare B.A. (Hons.), FdA James Robbins B.A. (Hons.), FdA Foundation Degree in Leadership and Management Carol Benson FdA Sue Henson FdA Stephen Walker FdA Helen Wyatt FdA Success and progression as an individual often goes hand-in-hand with success of their business. Over a number of years of delivering the Leadership and Management Foundation Degree, validated through Staffordshire University, CWT’s graduates have gained promotions to directorship level, moved into senior jobs at leading global organisations and even put their new skills and knowledge to practice into expanding their own businesses.

In addition to the FD’s graduating students, this year’s ceremony also featured CWT’s first cohort of B.A. Honours Business Management ‘Top-up’ Degree graduates. Having successfully completed the Foundation Degree themselves the previous year, the group benefitted from the unique opportunity of being able to gain two degree level qualifications over a period of three years. The ‘Top-up’ course has proven to be a great success, with this first group of nine students achieving outstanding results including three First Class Honours Degrees and two 2:1 degrees. All nine participating students gained their B.A. Business Management degree.

“I’ve had many light bulb moments during my studies for the Foundation Degree in Leadership and Management.” Before undertaking the Leadership and Management Foundation Degree, Emma Lawrence FdA, held the Operations Director post at DSA Design, a family run exhibitions company that provides global event solutions. After completing the degree, Emma told CWT, “I’ve had many light bulb moments during my studies for the Foundation Degree in Leadership and

Management” and has since accepted the role of Managing Director of the company. Business Management Degree student Paul Miles B.A. (Hons.), FdA successfully completed the Honours Top-up course and subsequently landed his dream job at Jaguar Land Rover, adding “having a proven track record was vital in my being considered by JLR for this particular post. Undertaking and successfully completing the Honours Degree was pivotal in my appointment. I would not be working at JLR without it”. With business demands ever increasing, the need to perform effectively in the workplace, contribute ideas and seek the opportunity for improvement is crucial to keeping ahead of the competition. The Leadership and Management Foundation Degree is an excellent option for aspirational professionals and managers, across a wide range of industry backgrounds, to gain valuable skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, managing projects and financial management, to name a few. The business-focused way in which the course is delivered at CWT also ensures minimal disruption to the workplace for Higher Education students. For a conversation with one of our experienced leadership and management trainers, to see if a CWT Leadership and Management course could be right for you, please contact the Business Development Team on 024 7623 1122 or email events@cwtcov.co.uk today.

Apprentices Congratulated For Going Above And Beyond As a leading provider of Adult Care Apprenticeships, CWT Chamber Training recently hosted its annual Health and Social Care Awards Evening, celebrating the outstanding achievements of its Apprentices in the sector. The awards recognise the achievements of Health and Social Care Apprentices (Levels 2, 3 and 5), workplace learners (Levels 2 and 3), as well as the employers that have provided excellent support and guidance for their staff. CWT Chamber Training values all its partners and Apprentices however special recognition is given on an annual basis to those who contribute above and beyond what is expected. Olivia Redgrave of Skills for Care (the employer-led workforce development body for adult social care in England) who presented the awards said, “It was a delight to be involved in the evening. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Developing skills and knowledge is a critical part of delivering high quality social care services, and Skills for Care are proud to celebrate the commitment of individuals and organisations in achieving their qualifications.” Congratulations to Anita Irvine (Level 5) from Four Seasons, Katherine Molloy (Level 3) from Galanos House and Dawn Kinlan (Level 2) from In Touch Home Care who were awarded the Apprentice of the Year in Health and Social Care for 2014 for their respective levels. Pauline Ncube (Level 3) from In Touch Home Care and Julie Dixon (Level 2) from Alexandra House were awarded the Workplace Learner of the Year in Health and Social Care for 2014. Congratulations to Trinity Lodge who were awarded the Health and Social Care Apprenticeship Employer for 2014. The Adult Care industry is rapidly

growing and offers many fantastic opportunities. It is a very satisfying and rewarding area to work in with many CWT Chamber Training Apprentices in this sector going above and beyond – providing an outstanding level of service for the people in their care. If you want to be a part of this success and find out more about Apprenticeship opportunities in this sector, call 024 7623 1122 or email enquiries@cwtcov.co.uk and speak to a CWT Recruitment Advisor.

Careers education and guidance helps young people gain the knowledge needed to make their future career choices. CWT Chamber Training recently partnered up with Coventry based Barrs Hill School and Community College to deliver an inspirational, interactive careers day for the students. Careers education and guidance helps young people gain the knowledge needed to make their future career choices. CWT is responding to the call for careers advice. A recent poll, commissioned by The Student Room, has shown that thousands of young people believe their future careers could be hampered because of a lack of guidance from teachers? The poll also found that just under a quarter of young people complained that they had not received enough advice about how the subject choices they made after their GCSEs could affect their future options. This is an issue that is high on the agenda at CWT Chamber Training, who are committed to ensuring individuals are provided with current, relevant and appropriate information, enabling them to effectively progress their learning and career pathways. Alongside valuable CV advice, career insights and advice on standing out from the crowd, the students were also given an insight into the working world by a range of local employers and Apprentices. These local employers gave students an invaluable insight into the world of work, developing their knowledge and understanding of career paths, vocational opportunities and exactly what employers are looking for. Fred Butler (also a Leadership and Management Foundation Degree Graduate with CWT) caused a stir during his talk when he unveiled an official London 2012 Olympic torch from his employers Premier Sheet Metal who manufactured the torches. Bringing employers and education together provides a vital part in supporting young people on their journey into future training and employment, such as an Apprenticeship. Sessions such as these help ensure that young people are better informed, more aware and more focussed in their transition into the world of work. This is just one of a series of partnership events that CWT Chamber Training facilitate to bring employers and education together.

International Trade

International success for computer company

Metalogic 4: (from left to right) Leigh Harrison (Metalogic) with Karen Aston (University of Warwick Science Park)

“Metalogic has witnessed steady growth over the last few years and secures around three to four new clients annually.”

The UK’s leading supplier of computer systems for the metals industry has sealed international success and landed a major contract. Metalogic, based at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Warwick Innovation Centre on Gallows Hill, specialises in providing a range of software, hardware and network products for the metals manufacturing, processing, distribution and stockholding industries. The company, which was formed as the result of a merger with Beacon Computer Services (metals division) and Planmatics PLC in 2000, has significantly grown its client base to work with more than 90 businesses across the UK and abroad. Metalogic has also secured a major contract with Nippon Steel, the second largest steel manufacturer in the world, and is set to install IT systems at 21 of its divisions including manufacturing bases across Asia, Europe, America and Africa. Metalogic moved its head office to Warwick Innovation Centre in 2006 as part of a plan to operate the business on a virtual cloud-based system. Two admin staff are now based at the premises while more than 30 developers, software consultants and salesmen work from home using cloud based services which enables them to work as if in one large open office environment.

Leigh Harrison, managing director at the firm, said: “Metalogic has witnessed steady growth over the last few years and secures around three to four new clients annually. This can be from the growth of an existing customer or from new business orders. We recently secured an order with Nippon Steel which is a great achievement for the business. “Our plans going forward are to continue to develop the company, maintaining the Warwick presence, and growing the business in the cloud.” Karen Aston, centre manager at the Warwick Innovation Centre, said Metalogic is a great example of a company which is using an innovative business model to evolve its services. She said: “Warwick Innovation Centre provides a great location for Metalogic to operate in the cloud. Not only is the company able to take advantage of on-site meeting rooms to host annual and monthly meetings, the base also offers great transport links for customers travelling from across the UK. “Metalogic can also feel safe in the knowledge that its IT infrastructure is housed in a secure location, providing staff the ability to work remotely and grow the international client base - implementing systems in the UAE and Eastern Europe.”

Overcome the barriers Founder of Emerald Business Communications and feel the benefits Businesses must overcome export barriers to fulfil economic potential and secure future growth. That’s the view of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on the back of results published in a major international trade survey highlighting the challenges faced by UK exporters. The findings announced by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) at the International Festival of Business reveal that while 90 per cent of firms have ambitions to grow domestically, less than half are looking to expand their business overseas. The survey also revealed more than half of current exporters (55 per cent) said they recorded a positive impact on their bottom line within just 12 months of expanding into new markets abroad. And 75 per cent of exporters have traded internationally for more than five years while businesses exporting for up to two years only account for 11 per cent of current exporters. Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “International export is seen as one of the main drivers of economic growth which means it is vital that we get the message out to businesses

“They offer practical advice on all aspects of international business assisting companies taking their first steps into international trade as well as those who are seasoned exporters.” 12

across Coventry and Warwickshire that they can do it. “The BCC’s survey highlighted a number of barriers that are holding businesses back from going global. “Domestic business is often deemed far simpler than international trade and many non-exporters feel they do not have the right product or service for exporting. “However if your goods and services can be sold domestically – there is every chance they can be sold internationally too. “Operating globally can make sense for a large variety of businesses and there are huge benefits to trading overseas including increased customer base, substantial growth potential and a large market. “We will be looking to work with the British Chambers of Commerce to overcome export barriers and unlock the potential of businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire. “We have a team of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) advisers based at the Chamber who can offer expert guidance on how to get started. “They offer practical advice on all aspects of international business assisting companies taking their first steps into international trade as well as those who are seasoned exporters. “It is important that we continue to promote and encourages overseas trade as it not only helps individual businesses expand, it also leads to more jobs opportunities and more money coming into the country. “We are urging businesses across the region to make the most of the services of the UKTI team at the Chamber and to find out how they can grow through international trade.”

selected for trade mission

Founder Sarah Windrum of Emerald Business Communications in Leamington Spa has been selected by UKTI to take part in their trade mission to China. Sarah will travel with other businesses selected for the Technology is Great programme to champion UK technology at the Shanghai World Expo Center in October. Sarah said: “I was invited to attend a UKTI webinar regarding Smart Technology and

they then invited businesses to put in an application for the trade missions to Asia. I had not thought about exports being applicable to service industries like mine but after speaking with Kati Hope from the UKTI West Midlands team it became clear that it was something worth pursuing. I was thrilled to be accepted on the mission to China and I am very excited about championing Leamington and UK technology.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

International Trade

Firms grasp the export nettle Companies across Coventry and Warwickshire are grasping the exporting nettle – according to new figures from the Chamber. Growing exports is key to a sustained economic recovery and the Government wants to reach £1trillion worth of overseas sales per year by 2020. And, according to the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s latest statistics, more firms in the region are taking their goods and services overseas. In July, the Chamber processed 433 export documents on behalf of companies across Coventry and Warwickshire which is way up on its usual monthly figure. Gurpaal Virdee, the Chamber’s Export Document Officer, said: “We’d normally process between 250 and 300 export documents per month – so to hit 433 for July shows that companies in this area really do appear to be pushing forward with exporting. “The Chamber is now using an online processing system called ‘e-z Cert World’ and 90 per cent of the documents we helped to process in July were done in this way. “It’s such a simple and easy way for companies to obtain the necessary documentation and accreditation they require when exporting and anything that helps companies to do that has to be good

for the individual firms, Coventry and Warwickshire and the country as a whole. “Many other Chambers use this same system and from looking at figures from other regions, Coventry and Warwickshire is performing extremely well.” Overall, the exports carried out with the support of the Chamber’s document service amount to around £22.5 million worth of sales for the region with firms from a broad cross-section of industries taking advantage of the service. They include everything from chemicals to telecommunications. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, Kazakhstan and the UAE proved to be the most popular destinations for exports utilising the documentation system. Members of the Chamber receive a discount on the export documentation service – one of the many services companies receive through their membership. The Chamber also has a UKTI international trade team based within its

International Trade Hub at its Coventry-based headquarters. Gurpaal added: “Members of the Chamber receive a discount on the service but any company can access it and can also benefit from the UKTI international trade team’s services. “It’s vital for the economy that we get more companies exporting and while these figures are excellent news for Coventry and Warwickshire we are, by no means, becoming complacent about the fact that we have to let more businesses know that this service is available to them. “Exporting is a crucial ingredient in sustained economic growth and the Chamber is determined to increase the number of companies in Coventry and Warwickshire who sell their goods and services abroad.” For more information on the export documentation service at the Chamber, call 024 7665 4321.

“It’s vital for the economy that we get more companies exporting...”

Investment drive brings in almost 2,500 jobs “We are pleased with these figures because attracting this level of inward investment from across the globe highlights the attractive place that Coventry and Warwickshire is to live and work.” Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership has helped to create nearly 2,500 new jobs through inward investment across the area in 2013/14. The 26 per cent increase in jobs due to overseas investment compared to the previous 12 months in Coventry and Warwickshire, was spread throughout advanced engineering and manufacturing, business and professional and financial services. The Inward Investment Annual Report from the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) has revealed that the CWLEP has worked with its local partners – including UKTI, Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council, the district councils and two universities – to attract 43 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects in 2013/14 which created 2,427 new jobs and safeguarded 719 jobs, securing a total of 3,146 jobs in Coventry and Warwickshire. Nineteen of the 43 overseas businesses which were set-up in the www.cw-chamber.co.uk

area came from Europe, the Middle East and Africa, fourteen from the Americas and ten from the Asia Pacific. Inward investment projects were stretched across a range of different sectors with the majority in manufacturing, research and development and services. Thirty two of the 43 projects came from existing investors and eleven were new investors. Companies to have benefited include Coventry taxi maker LTI through the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, CovPress following their sale to Shandong Yongtai, logistics company Deutsche Post AG at Swift Valley Park in Rugby, Domestic and General in Bedworth and Bosch motorsport in Warwick. Martin Yardley, chief executive of the CWLEP, said the big increase in FDI projects was due to greater collaboration between the LEP, UKTI and its local partners over the last 12 months. He said: “We are pleased with these figures because attracting this level of inward investment from across the globe highlights the attractive place that Coventry and Warwickshire is to live and work. “Funding from the Government’s City Deal and Growth Deal has enabled the LEP to concentrate on the sectors in which we excel to attract inward investors and the launch of the Clearing House will be key in focusing on investment opportunities in the advanced manufacturing sector. “The automotive sector in Coventry and Warwickshire is thriving but we do not want to stand still, which is why we organised for UKTI staff who work in all corners of the world promoting trade and investment into the UK, to visit our area on an awareness tour. “This two-day trip which was organised with help from UKTI and our private and public sector colleagues was a perfect example of collaborative working. “In the last 12 months we have also worked more closely with the UKTI to ensure we meet regularly to review our successes and look at opportunities which are available to promote Coventry and Warwickshire at UKTI’s national and international events.”

Bridging the language gap Businesses are being urged to help address the growing foreign language skills gap. A Government report has revealed that only nine per cent of English 15-year-olds are competent in their first foreign language beyond a basic level and that the number of students taking language degrees is also at a record low, with 44 universities scrapping courses since 2000. The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) report estimates that poor language skills costs the UK economy as much as £50 billion a year, as a result of businesses losing out on millions of pounds worth of exports and failing to fill job posts. The report also says employers should be involved in improving language skills, and maintaining and developing UK expertise in modern languages and cultures in university language departments Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has welcomed a pledge by MPs as a result of the report, to encourage all political parties to make a commitment in their election manifestos for next year, to improve the country’s language skills. Sophie Howe, Mid-Warwickshire branch chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and director of Comtec Translations, believes it is crucial that foreign languages are given more prominence in the National Curriculum. “Businesses need people with language skills to enable them to expand into new export markets by using the language of their customers to sell goods and services,” she said. “Foreign jobseekers are nearly always ahead of their British counterparts when it comes to the number of languages spoken. In order not to disadvantage our own job seekers, we need urgently to address this deficit. “I see at first-hand, when I recruit new staff, that at the top end of the academic scale candidates may have language degrees or a Masters in translation, but this knowledge is of limited use if these candidates can’t communicate effectively with customers or don’t know how to write a business email. “It’s imperative for the business community to work with universities to show future graduates what skills employers need. “Languages also provide wider benefits in the form of improving cultural understanding, open mindedness and facilitate adjustment to new surroundings and new people. “It’s imperative that languages are made a compulsory subject both in Primary and Secondary schools to GCSE level. I therefore welcome the pledge by MPs to do more to address this problem before we fall even further behind our European neighbours.”

“Businesses need people with language skills to enable them to expand into new export markets by using the language of their customers to sell goods and services.”

Business Support

Access to a grant opens up growth opportunity

Pictured (left to right): Austin Stone (Profab), Peter Burns (Chamber), Karen Birch (Profab) & Adrian Allbrighton (Profab)

A European grant is set to open the doors to rapid growth for an expanding Atherstone manufacturer. Profab Access ltd, which makes a range of metal panels, riser doors, steel doors and loft hatches that allow access to services within buildings, has been awarded a European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) grant of £20,775. The firm, which has provided panels to the Shard, the Cheese Grater and the Walkie Talkie in London, has put the grant towards a metal folding machine to enhance its manufacturing capacity to fit in with its ambitious growth plans. Profab was supported in its efforts by Helena Bassett, a business adviser at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, and now hopes to double turnover over the next four to five years. Peter Burns, the president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, visited the company and was impressed by the ambition, quality and skills on show. He said: “Profab is a great example of what this region and – indeed – this country needs. “It is a company that has a great set of products, an excellent skill-base and a willingness to invest in its people and technology to help it grow in the short, medium and long-term. “I was absolutely delighted to get a glimpse of what they do and to hear about the fantastic projects the company has

worked on.” Karen Birch, a director at Profab Access Ltd, said the company – which has grown to 49 employees – is expanding its export markets, with Qatar proving to be a fruitful area for business. She said: “We are grateful to Helena for making us aware of this grant and supporting us in accessing the money. The new machine means we now have three folding machines which means we can work faster and more efficiently and, ultimately, continue our growth. “We want to double our turnover and that means continuing to grow here in the UK and overseas. We are undertaking a great deal of work in Qatar currently, but we are also in Canada, Australia, the USA and Ireland to name a few. “Furthering our exports is an area where we feel we can achieve stronger growth for the business.” Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership board director and leader of Warwickshire County Council, paid tribute to Profab. She said: “The growth of companies such as Profab is vital for the economy of Coventry and Warwickshire and they are certainly a wonderful example to others. “The Local Enterprise Partnership continues to work hard to help create the best possible conditions for growth in this area but it is the drive and ambition of firms such as Profab that will actually take the economy forward.”

Buy British trend puts the wheels in motion for Pashley A Warwickshire bicycle manufacturer is expanding thanks to a growing trend of overseas customers wanting to ‘buy British’. Pashley Cycles, which is based in Stratford-upon-Avon and is nearly 90 years old, is set to increase its team from 50 to 60 over the next two years thanks a rise in orders – especially from abroad. The firm has already increased its manufacturing capability by investing in new machinery and expanding into a unit adjacent to its current premises in Masons Road. Pashley Cycles, which makes a range of bikes for both individuals and industry, has been supported in its growth by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The company, which makes around 10,000 bikes a year, is now exporting to 50 countries worldwide and is being assisted with further overseas sales – again by the Chamber, this time through its UKTI international trade team. Managing director Adrian Williams said: “We are growing and it’s a real success story for manufacturing in this area and, indeed, in the UK. “There was a move around 20 years ago for some British companies to start making their products overseas in, say, China or India. “We stuck to our traditions because Pashley bicycles have always been made here and the irony is that consumers in those countries now want to buy into that heritage. “They are not just buying a great bicycle

Pictured (left to right): Dave Hawkeswood (Export Development Manager, Pashley Cycles), Mick Page (Head of International Trade Team, Chamber), Adrian Williams (Managing Director, Pashley Cycles), Karen Heap (Business Adviser, Chamber)

that’s hand-built here in the UK, they are buying into the history of the company.” As well as selling bikes to individuals around the world, they are also known for being utilised as delivery vehicles for everyone from postal delivery workers to ice-cream vendors and as the famous ‘Hovis’ bicycle. Adrian added: “We are expanding the team and our markets but we still see great opportunities to grow even further

and the support from the Chamber has been a great help. “When it comes to overseas trade, we’ve had grant support to attend trade shows but, actually, having an expert at the end of the phone who knows the market place we are trying to break into has been extremely useful.” Karen Heap, of the Chamber, said the success story at Pashley Cycles highlighted the benefits of seeking support.

She said: “It is a great story for manufacturing in Warwickshire, the West Midlands and the country and we are delighted that we have been able to support them along the way. “There is help out there for businesses – whether it’s investing in machinery or exporting overseas – and we’d urge companies of all sizes and sectors to contact the Chamber to find out how we can support their plans for growth.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Business Support

Chamber support helps start-up to cut it

Rock Paper Scissors: (from left to right) Zakiya Saiada (Chamber) with Louise Cockell (Rock Paper Scissors).

A Coventry woman’s start-up business is proving to be a cut above the rest. Louise Cockell set up hair and beauty salon, Rock Paper Scissors Hair Design, on Norman Place Road in Coundon, Coventry, after 10 years working as a lecturer in hairdressing. The 50-year-old decided to take voluntary redundancy as she wanted to embark on a more flexible career path after the birth of her first grandchild. Rock Paper Scissors Hair Design opened in February 2013 after Louise was able to develop her business skills with the help of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s start-up programme, which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund and local councils. Louise attended a number of Chamber business start-up training seminars and was also assigned to business mentor Zakiya Saiada, who has provided expert

one-to-one support on how to establish and grow the business. The salon has since built-up a strong client base in the area and Louise has already expanded the business to include a beauty room and nail bar. Louise said: “After 10 enjoyable and rewarding years of teaching I felt it was the right time for a change. “I was working long hours and after the birth of my granddaughter I wanted to achieve more flexibility in my work life balance. “A client who works in the finance sector recommended that I contacted the Chamber as they offer business support to those looking to set-up their own business. “The Chamber training sessions provided invaluable support on all aspects of running a business including how to write a business plan and a variety of marketing tips. “We have focused on establishing a client

base in the area by using Facebook and distributing flyers and we also offered a 25 per cent discount during the first month of trading – and the books were full. “Initially, it was just myself and my daughter, Gabrielle, who is also a fullyqualified stylist, working at the salon offering hairdressing services but after the first few months as we started attract more customers, I rented out another hairdressing chair as well as a beauty room and nail bar.” She added: “The most challenging aspect of setting up the business has been juggling it all with a very busy personal life. Both my son and daughter have got married in the past year and my daughter also gave birth to her second child a couple of weeks ago. “The on-going support provided by the Chamber has been invaluable particularly as I have been able to obtain advice around the lease of the property as well as arranging maternity pay and cover for my daughter. “I have been very lucky and it is very much a family business with my daughter working in the salon, my husband helping out with weekly bookkeeping, my step-son with maintenance and repairs and my son with marketing. “I am now looking forward to continuing to grow the business and hopefully rent out an additional two hairdressing chairs in the next six months and take on an apprentice within the next year.” Zakiya Saiada, business advisor at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, added: “Louise has put all of the skills and advice she gained throughout her business start-up training into practice which has ensured that the business grows from strength to strength. “Louise came to us with a wealth of experience in the hair and beauty sector and was keen to use her skills to develop a business. “It was really a case of focusing on developing the business plan and taking full advantage of marketing opportunities in order to further develop the business. “It is really important for new businesses to receive the right advice and support and the Chamber’s start-up programme offers a great platform to obtain expert advice to get your business idea off the ground.” For further information on setting up in Business, contact the Start Up Team at Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on 02476 654321.

Valiant office suites Valiant Office Suites provides serviced office spaces with on-site parking and business services and is based in Rugby, Warwickshire. They joined the C & W Chamber of Commerce two years ago and took a full advantage of the services right from the onset. In the first formative months of the company the Chamber provided them with a vital grounding via new contacts of other local businesses enabling to expand the business. The networking opportunity is a great platform for businesses to meet new partners, suppliers and potential buyers and it is also a service that Valiant Office Suites values greatly. In return the Valiant team offered to contribute to the Rugby www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Chamber meetings hoping to provide support to other local businesses. The Chamber provides a platform for businesses to thrive and expand and it is down to individuals to explore the potential and discover which services suit the business the most. Valiant Office Suites & Conferencing discovered the free credit referencing service and is using it on regular basis. This service is free to members and also hassle free as a Chamber adviser does all the searching on their behalf. Another valuable service that Valiant is using is the member 2 member offers where companies provide a discount, offer or a deal to fellow members. As Alison Franzoni, the manager at Valiant

Office Suites, explains: “We have provided an offer and in return received numerous sales. I would not hesitate to recommend the Chamber, I feel that the membership is great value for money.”

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Legal & Finance

Shaun Jardine appointed Chief Executive Officer of Brethertons LLP Brethertons has announced the appointment of Shaun Jardine as Chief Executive Officer. A vigorous interview programme was adopted to ensure that the new CEO embraced the desired qualities of the role. This included staff interview forums whereby the CEO candidates fielded questions from a panel of 20 staff. The process was overseen by HR Partner, Deborah Atkins in conjunction with the former CEO of a global company, brought in to assist in the recruitment campaign. The appointment follows a period of rapid growth for Brethertons. Within the past two years, it has invested significantly within a number of successful strategic lateral hires and mergers. This has further supported and enhanced its increasing strength and depth across a broad range of commercial and personal legal services. In the past 12 months alone, Brethertons has recruited 66 people, of which 35 were employed within new positions, consolidating the 28% growth achieved by the firm in 2013-2014. This is further cemented with its physical expansion into Bicester and imminent move into brand new, purpose built offices in the heart of Rugby. Mike Dibben, Partner and outgoing CEO, said: “As we embark on this exciting new chapter for Brethertons, the other Partners and I are very confident that, with his candid passion, Shaun is the right person to lead the firm forward.” Mike has led the firm as CEO since 2010 and announced earlier in the year that he would step down from the role once a successor was named. He said: “Shaun has a proven ability and flair to drive innovation and growth, and a talent for bringing people together and delivering results. His vision for how legal services will be used and purchased in the future is exactly what we need to take the firm throughout this next chapter of our development as one of the UK’s

‘From your wardrobe, not your wallet’ campaign

Avoid the Employment Tribunal, use a Settlement Agreement

backed by solicitors

When bringing an employment relationship to an end, it is important to take steps to protect your business from disgruntled employees, warns Amrit Rama, solicitor in the Dispute Resolution team at Lodders Solicitors. Settlement Agreements are legally binding contracts which can be used to end employment on agreed terms, usually in return for some form of payment to the employee. If drafted correctly, once the Agreement has been signed, an employee will be unable to make an employment tribunal claim

about any type of claim which is listed in the agreement. The Agreement can also be used to reinforce or introduce post termination covenants, such as confidentiality and non-compete obligations, to safeguard your relationship with key customers, suppliers and clients.

For more information, please contact Amrit Rama on 01789 206 933 or amrit.rama@lodders.co.uk

Stratford upon Avon office Cheltenham office Henley in Arden office www.lodders.co.uk

01789 293259 01242 228370 01564 792261

@LoddersLawyers

leading legal services providers.” Since Brethertons merged with Auld & Jardine in 1995, Shaun has spearheaded major strategy and shifts in income streams across the firm’s range of services; most notably through the development and implementation of new services in niche areas of law. This has been achieved through a combination of innovation, good practice and a clear and unwavering focus on excellent client service. Shaun has been Partner and Head of a multiple award winning team of lawyers which include the Commercial Litigation, Property Management and Commercial Recoveries teams, as well as a member of the Management Team, leading up to this appointment. He said: “I am delighted that the Partners have given me the opportunity to lead the firm within this exciting new CEO role, and extremely excited about the possibilities that lie within our future here at Brethertons,” said Shaun. “Our established experience in delivering excellence in legal services coupled with our innovative approach and our strong client-centric ethos, positions us well to act upon the opportunities during this time of dynamic change within the legal industry. I look forward to working with our entire Brethertons team, who I firmly believe have great ideas and hold the key to our future success.”

s olic it or s

When Grapevine advertised the ‘From your wardrobe, not your wallet’ campaign, to raise funds through the recycling of used clothes, Coventry and Warwickshire-based law firm Alsters Kelley LLP were the first to sign up. The firm has already filled several bags of clothes all donated by their staff from their offices in Leamington, Coventry & Nuneaton. Erica Kemp, one of the Members at Alsters Kelley and also the Head of Family Law said:, “It’s been a great to be able to support Grapevine in a way which raises money and is also environmentally sound. They have managed the whole process for us, it was so easy – nearly everyone has put in at least one item of clothing with many of us using the opportunity to have a real clear out at home and it all adds up” As well as the donated clothes raising money for Grapevine - a local charity supporting people with learning disabilities - the scheme also supports the environmental benefits of recycling unwanted clothing. If each business in Coventry donated just one bag of clothing, over 70 thousand bags could be prevented from ending up in landfill, and thousands raised for local good causes. “We’re so grateful to Alsters Kelley Solicitors for supporting the scheme – we recognise that people want to help local

charities like ours, but with less money in your pocket it’s hard to do so,” said Kirstie Nichols, Fundraising manager at Grapevine. Could your wardrobe help a great local cause? Contact Kirstie Nichols for information, on 024 7663 1040 or email knichols@grapevinecovandwarks.org

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Legal & Finance

B&B Congratulates two more Insolvency newly qualified accountants firm reaping

the rewards of physical activity

Pictured from left to right: Lucy Elliott and Dale Southworth are shown with Wende Hubbard, managing partner at Burgis & Bullock

A Warwickshire firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers which has offices in Leamington Spa, Leicester, London, Nuneaton and Rugby is celebrating as another two members of its team have recently become qualified accountants. Burgis & Bullock, who have a vast range of expertise and experience of providing business, financial and taxation advice, has a fully comprehensive training package in place for its team members. The newly qualified accountants are Lucy Elliott, 27, who joined B&B in 2011 as a trainee accountant. Prior to joining the firm she obtained a BSc honours degree in Maths, Accounting and Financial Management at Loughborough University. Lucy has now passed the final stages of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) qualifications. Lucy is a member of the corporate and specialist services team based at Burgis & Bullock’s Leamington Spa office. Her role focuses primarily on the audit of financial statements for owner managed businesses and group companies but she also specialises in Solicitors Accounts Rules for legal services firms.

Dale Southworth, 22, joined B&B in November 2008 as a trainee accountant to complete the AAT qualification. He has now passed the final stages of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualifications. Dale is also part of the corporate services team based at the firm’s Leamington Spa office. As part of his role Dale supports owner managed limited companies with their accounting and taxation compliance requirements. Dale is also encouraging other local young professionals to extend their network of contacts by creating events that will bring young professionals together. Wende Hubbard, managing partner, said: “We are immensely proud to have gained another two qualified accountants within Burgis & Bullock’s team. As a firm we are always keen to develop talent and help to deliver a strong and committed service to our clients. Our training programme offers our team a sound knowledge and understanding of business as well as the more technical aspects. We see this as an extremely good platform for B&B’s future success.”

Businesses across the Midlands are being urged to follow in the footsteps of Coventry based recovery and finance experts, The Cranfield Group, and increase their workforce productivity by raising activity levels amongst their employees. As a company that actively encourages its workforce to engage in physical activity, Cranfield recently enjoyed success at the World Corporate Games, the world’s largest multi sport festival for businesses and organisations which was held in Liverpool, with two of the company’s employees competing in, and winning, the 5km and 10km events. Both Ben Jones who is a manager at Cranfield and Tom Madden, who works as an administrator won their respective events. Both are keen runners, and have previously competed in the UK Corporate Games in 2013; with Ben, who is a member of the Coventry Godiva Harriers, having previously finished first in the Coventry half marathon. Ben said: “Physical activity away from the office helps me to focus in the workplace and can be a great stress reliever, too. I train most days before starting work, and as a result I find myself able to deal with whatever the day may throw at me. Aside from the physical benefits I also feel that my mental state benefits too. After a run I feel mentally stimulated and motivatedready to begin my working day” These sentiments are echoed by Cranfield, which believes in positively encouraging physical activity efforts amongst the workforce. Company Director Brett Barton said “It is in our company ethos at Cranfield that a physically active workforce is a productive one, and both Tom and Ben are testament to this - with Ben holding a managerial position at a comparatively young age.” To further compound the company’s ‘active ethos’, the Cranfield Group has embarked on a number of physical activities for charities already this year, with Brett Barton recently competing in the Warwickshire WOLF run in aid of the company’s chosen charity for 2014.

In the running for award A leading Coventry and Warwickshire firm of accountants and business advisors is in the running for a prestigious industry award. Harrison Beale & Owen (HB&O), which has offices in Leamington and Coventry, has been nominated as a finalist in the Midlands Independent Accountancy Firm of the Year category of the British Accountancy Awards 2014. HB&O is one of four accountancy firms to have been shortlisted for the title and the winner will be announced at a ceremony taking place at The Brewery in London on Tuesday, November 25. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

The British Accountancy Awards celebrate excellence in the profession over the last 12 months. Rob Kendall, managing director at HB&O, said: “It is a great achievement to be nominated in these awards which recognise firms that have provided the highest quality of service to their clients. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team at HB&O and underlines the quality of care we provide as well as our commitment to delivering the very best expertise.”

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Policy Unemployment fall welcome Business leaders have welcomed another fall in unemployment across Coventry and Warwickshire. In Coventry, unemployment fell from 6,752 to 6,613 and in Warwickshire it dropped from 4,783 to 4,620. Angela Tellyn, partnership manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “In our last Quarterly Economic Survey, many firms said that they would be increasing staffing numbers and these figures bear that out. “Another fall in unemployment is very welcome news as it means more companies are, indeed, growing and taking on new people. There is also a move by many to establish their own businesses and our start-up team are certainly seeing fresh enquiries on that front. “In the long run, that is also good news for Coventry and Warwickshire and the wider economy.”

“In our last Quarterly Economic Survey, many firms said that they would be increasing staffing numbers and these figures bear that out.”

All eyes turn to Election 2015 Business leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire have helped set out a new manifesto for growth ahead of the General Election in 2015. The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has been working with colleagues at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) to set out business priorities to ensure that the improvement in the economy continues. The Chamber has set out seven key business priorities which it feels can help deliver a range of aspirations for the country, which will bring additional economic benefits to the region. Those aspirations include having the lowest rate of youth unemployment in Europe by 2020 and fastest GDP growth rate in the G7 over the lifetime of the next Parliament. Angela Tellyn, partnership manager at the Chamber – who leads the organisation’s policy work, said: “There is no doubt that the economy is improving and that companies across Coventry and Warwickshire are, in the main, much more buoyant than they have been at any other time over the past six or seven years. “But the message from the Chamber here in Coventry and Warwickshire and at national level is that there is absolutely no room for complacency. That is why we have worked with the BCC to put together this manifesto for all of the political parties ahead of next year’s election. “We didn’t want to leave it until any closer to the election because we want politicians to see the views of businesses and very much take them on board when setting out their own manifestos.” Preparing young people for work and investing in skills, as well as supporting those currently in work through a new childcare contribution scheme. Growing exports – to help reach £1trillion of sales by 2020 – is also a key priority including a new fast-track passport issue scheme for exporters to help businesses respond to opportunities quickly. Improvements to infrastructure are already taking place across Coventry and Warwickshire but the Chamber wants a

“There is no doubt that the economy is improving and that companies across Coventry and Warwickshire are, in the main, much more buoyant than they have been at any other time over the past six or seven years.” further commitment from parties to ensure that Britain’s infrastructure as a whole reaches world class standards. Cutting business costs – including freezing business rates until 2017 – is also in the Chamber’s manifesto along with a commitment to review the whole business rates system ready for implementation by 2022. Supporting long term business investment as well as delivering a new settlement for UK in Europe are also high on the agenda. At a more regional level, the manifesto calls for businesses to be placed at the heart of local growth including a business ratepayers’ vote on local economic strategy, including a vote on proposed changes to business taxation. Angela said: “This is a very fulsome manifesto and we are very pleased with the input we have had, which has been directed by our regular conversations with companies across the city and the county. “Businesses don’t expect Government to deliver growth but we expect it to put in place the right conditions to help foster growth and we believe that the proposals set out in the manifesto will help the ruling party – or parties – to achieve that in the next Parliament.”

Growth through prosperity plans backed The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has backed Coventry City Council’s growth plans for the city. Peter Burns, the Chamber president, said that the decision to build 36,000 new homes by 2031 would give the city the opportunity to grow and prosper for decades to come. He said: “When I became president of the Chamber, I said I wanted to use my time in this prestigious role to really strive for prosperity through growth across Coventry and, indeed, Warwickshire. “The two are interlinked. We as a business community know that and it is vital that both the city and the county can grow in order to bring greater prosperity to the region. “We have not yet seen the full details of the new plans to build 36,000 homes in Coventry over the next 17 years but it is a very bold and brave statement from the city council. “As a Chamber, we will study the new plans carefully when the council come out to consultation on September 9 and we will offer feedback from the business community in a clear and constructive way. “But our initial feeling is that the city council is grasping the nettle when it comes to housing growth and, as we have said for some time, that is absolutely vital if we want to bring new jobs and prosperity to our great city and the wider region.”

“As a Chamber, we will study the new plans carefully...”

Businesses provide an honest appraisal A small group of business people from across Coventry and Warwickshire have given the Bank of England their view on the current economic climate. The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce invites a handful of companies to meet Graeme Chaplin, the regional representative of the Bank, every six months in order to help gauge the

economic fortunes in the area. Angela Tellyn, partnership manager of the Chamber, said: “The panel offers businesses an opportunity to give an honest assessment of the way they see the current climate and how that may shift in the next six to 12 months. “It’s good for the Bank of England to hear from companies across Coventry and

Warwickshire as well as other regions across the country in order to get a balanced view of the way the economy is performing and what factors may affect that. “There is no doubt the economy is much better placed than it was 18 months to two years ago but this certainly not the time for complacency.”

“It’s good for the Bank of England to hear from companies across Coventry and Warwickshire...”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Property

New home for landscape association The headquarters of the UK’s leading trade association for the landscape industry has moved into a newlyrefurbished building within Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), which has a membership of over 760 professional garden designers, landscapers and suppliers of products and services to the landscape industry, has been based at Stoneleigh Park since 1999. BALI’s new Landscape House will continue to be a central hub for membership services from where its team of around a dozen staff will provide members with business, technical and promotional support, as well as handling

Pictured, from left to right, are Colin Hooper and Wayne Grills in front of the new BALI headquarters at Stoneleigh Park.

enquiries from potential members. The building provides improved meeting facilities and will host member workshops and training opportunities. Wayne Grills, BALI’s chief operations officer, said: “We are delighted with our new headquarters at Stoneleigh Park as it will enable us to provide an even better service to members. “We were keen to remain at Stoneleigh Park as it is such a good central location for an association with nationwide reach. It is also home to other major organisations that are aligned to our industry. “The old building had served us well but it no longer met the needs of the association, which has come a long way since we moved here in 1999. The new headquarters will provide a better home with improved office and meeting space.” Colin Hooper, estates director at Stoneleigh Park, said: “The building has undergone a full refurbishment to the highest environmental standards which is a main focus of LaSalle’s transformation of Stoneleigh Park into a centre of agricultural excellence. “Stoneleigh Park is home to a number of leading national organisations within the land-based sector, including the Agriculture Horticulture Development Board and LANTRA, and we are delighted to have created this new home for BALI.”

Merrick Binch Estate Agents celebrate their 5th Birthday The team at Coventry-based Merrick Binch Estate Agents are in the mood for a party as they celebrate their 5th year in business. Merrick Binch opened for business in 2009 from their highly prominent offices on the corner of Hearsall Lane and Earlsdon Avenue North. Managing Director-Trevor Binch said: “My friends and family thought I was crazy setting up an Estate Agency in the middle of the financial meltdown and the biggest recession seen in this country for 25 years. “However, I was confident we had something different and better to offer the people of Coventry & Warwickshire.

From starting the business in 2009 with just two staff, Merrick Binch has now grown to employing more than 14. The current directors - Trevor Binch, Michael Binch, and Nick Williams - are also very involved in the community of Coventry. Trevor and Nick are both members of the Coventry Three Spires Round Table who organise the prestigious annual Coventry Fun Run. Trevor has been the event chairman of the Coventry Fun Run in 2012 and 2013 raising over £85,000 for the children and needy of Coventry. Merrick Binch also make a regular monthly donation to their preferred local charity - The Baby Lifeline. To celebrate the 5th anniversary of trading, the directors of Merrick Binch are making an exclusive offer to Chamber members and their friends and family. If anyone is looking to sell their home in the near future, simply contact us and quote ‘Chamber Offer’. You will receive an amazing deal on the sales fee of just 0.85% plus VAT of the selling price. You can arrange your free no obligation valuation through our website www.merrickbinch.co.uk

Yazaki Europe Commit to key facility in Coventry

A Japanese owned manufacturer and automotive supplier to Jaguar Land Rover has set pen to paper on a contract to occupy an extended office facility at Brandon Court, Coventry. In return for a new lease, property owner R.W.Estates is buildIng an extension and refitting the current office of Yazaki Europe Limited at Binley, to create a 12,000 sq ft facility with energy efficient heating and cooling equipment, high grade IT and communication installations and even two charger stations for electric vehicles. YAZAKI Europe Limited first established in the UK in 1980 and has facilities in Derby, Newcastle, Hemel Hempstead and 14 countries across the continent, with a total of more than 33,000 employees. It is a supplier of a broad range of products that support automotive electronics, with a focus on wire, wiring harnesses, instrumentation and electronics subassemblies. The Company now has global leadership in the sector and has diversified to establish competencies in various products that support the supply and use of new energy’s, such as solar heat, electricity transmission cables, gas security systems, air-conditioning equipment and absorption chillers. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Construction is well under way and the new facility will be home to approximately 120 staff. Yazaki General Manager Paul Spencer said, “The extension to our office has been essential as our business has expanded rapidly with increased volumes of business with our key customers which include Jaguar Land Rover, Honda, Aston Martin Lagonda and McLaren. To service our clients and contracts we have taken on a number of new highly skilled staff and our ideal location for these employees and the operation has always been the East side of Coventry. We are delighted to have found a solution to our need to expand and limit the upheaval of a move away from Brandon Court which has been our home in the Midlands for many years” Martyn Howard of Drake Howard Property Ltd, representing R.W.Estates expressed his Client’s delight at retaining a prestige occupier and breathing new life into the office estate. “There has been tremendous goodwill from both parties to make this project work and overcome serious complications during the course of negotiations and design. R.W.Estate has committed substantial financial and time resources to the project to create grade A efficient office space to a low environmental impact specification and to minimise disturbance to the occupier business.” Drake Howard Property and North Rae Sanders are now following up the development and marketing E3 Brandon Court, a 4,020 sq ft open plan office premises. The agents hope to attract more automotive manufacturing, supply chain and service companies to the site, as the sector is generating improved office space enquiries on the East side of Coventry on the back of the economic upturn and major developments planned at the Gateway and Ansty Park.

A business reborn By Lee Corden

“I always had an interest in construction but I trained to be a mechanic. My father asked me to work with him for a spell to sort out various bits of equipment that he’d got and that spell just lengthened and 30 odd years later I am still here.”

It would be impossible for Peter O’Brien to forget his family roots when he heads into the office each day. Peter is the managing director of O’Brien Contractors, a multi-disciplined construction company based in the Warwickshire village of Cubbington, who along with his brother, Michael, has overseen growth from £1million in 1995 to a forecast of £25million at the next year end results – driven through a number of significant contracts with the likes of Nestlé UK, Jaguar Land Rover and Aston University. And as he arrives at work each morning, after passing a chocolate box churchyard setting that dominates the village, it’s not just where he comes to do business – but a place of family memories and ties. The company address is Manor Cottage, which it turns out, is where Peter was born and grew up. The cottage sits to the front of the company’s rural headquarters and behind

it there are now offices and yards that are a visual example of the firm’s expansion from the days when Peter’s father, Tom, formed the business. “I came into the world just there,” Peter said, pointing to the cottage just 30 or 40 yards away from his office door. “So you could definitely say I was born to work in the family business!” “One of my brothers still lives in the house today and I live not far away. My father started the company here and over the years it has just grown and grown.” Peter’s early years suggested he would go on to take his place in the family firm but, when he left school, he trained to be a mechanic rather than a construction worker. He was, however, drawn back to the company for a ‘short spell’ that has now

lasted more than 35 years. “I joined the company many years ago,” he said. “I was 21 at the time and I’m 57 now. I left school and trained to be a mechanic. Whilst not being academic, I was always interested in taking things apart and putting them back together again and understanding the best process to do this. This interest and my ability to do so, has served me well in the construction industry. “So I left school as early as I could. I always had an interest in construction but I trained to be a mechanic. My father asked me to work with him for a spell to sort out various bits of equipment that he’d got and that spell just lengthened and 30 odd years later I am still here. “I’d always worked for my dad in the holidays and at weekends. I enjoyed it. I loved anything that took me outdoors,

whether it was work or sport. “I’ve got four brothers and when my father used to supply turf, he had us out earning our crust. It was a good experience. Did we get paid? In a fashion! And when my father wanted!” By the mid-1990s Peter and Michael were no longer earning pocket money from the family business but had taken over the running of it with Tom’s retirement ‘well into his 70s’. “My father retired in 1995 and our turnover had just reached £1million so we formed a limited company on the advice of our accountant,” said Peter. The company has evolved since then from groundwork contractors to offering a range of services in the construction industry – from design and build projects to all-weather sports pitch installation.

Working Day Peter’s working pattern changes slightly from winter to summer but business tends to dominate his day whatever the weather! “I can be here at 6am and then leave at 7pm at night,” he said. “In the winter, I’ll arrive at 7 or 7.30am and leave at 5.30pm. I take a bit of work home with me. “There are people here in the office from 5.45am on a regular basis and by 7.30 this morning there were nine people here. None of them are obliged to be in at that time but I think that shows the type of working atmosphere that there is here.” A nice meal out and rugby are his two passions away from the office. “To relax, my partner, Wendy, and I like to eat out at the weekend,” he said. “We like to socialise too. I have a passion for rugby which I played until I was 45. “When I was in my 30s, I could never

foresee enjoying watching it. I was never a particularly good watcher but I now love it. “I played for Harbury and Southam a bit later on. It was a reasonable standard but the sport overall involves spectators and opposing supporters and players, where football tends to divide. “I love watching it now. Being of Irish heritage and with the name O’Brien you are branded as Irish whether you are or not, over the years I have followed Munster and we regularly have days out for anybody within the business. “We recently went to the Heineken Cup Final in Wales and there were about 40 of us there. We met at about 9am in the morning and got back some time the next day!”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Profile: Peter O’Brien And it was during the recent economic downturn that key decisions were made to put the company on a strong footing for the future. Instead of retrenching, like so many did, O’Brien Contractors began investing even further in machinery, technology and people. “We made direct decisions five or six years ago when things were particularly difficult in the economy,” said Peter. “It was the right time to find the right sort of staff that would give the business significant benefits. “At that point, we went out and looked at what was in the market. There were a lot of people who’d been made redundant or whose jobs were insecure but they were people with a lot of skills and we sought to employ the better people. “There was a cost involved and we may have been paying out salaries at that time that were not completely necessary but it did give us the right basis to take the business forward as and when we could benefit from a stronger presence in the market place. “I don’t believe that talent would have been there ordinarily. As a consequence of us looking for new talent at the same time as others were cutting back, we managed to strengthen our team. “At the time, you can never be sure what is ahead but without any doubt whatsoever, that was the absolute right decision and it’s an investment that has benefitted us dramatically. “That’s not just on turnover and profit but as a business too, people are comfortable working here. It’s an open atmosphere and I feel overall that the business is better now than at any time I have been involved. “There were a number of times when we doubted ourselves! We continued to invest in machinery and technology but there were difficulties. What were previously good clients were struggling with cash flow, so our cash was starved the same as everybody else’s. “At the same time, we were still spending money and many would have viewed some of it as unnecessary. But that’s been a major benefit to the business as we’ve moved forward.” Not only has it led to improvement on the bottom line, O’Brien Contractors has won a string of awards – including a national prize from the British Chambers of Commerce in 2013. And the business continues to press ahead with change, improvement and diversification.

“We held specialist equipment that lent itself to the installation of all-weather sports pitches so we moved into that area and it’s been very successful,” he said. “We brought a manager in for that side of the business about two years ago. It’s a very difficult market to break into but it’s evident now that we are making some significant headway. “At our year end next year, we will most likely decide to break that business away from the Contractors and let it run as its own independent business under the O’Brien Group. “We’ve always looked at residential development too and we’ve now set that side of the business up. We did a particularly pleasurable project in Long Itchington that was the conversion of some barns which we finished in around 2011/12 and found that to be a success. “We are now looking at growing that business significantly and we’ve recently bought sites in Southam and are looking at other sites nearby. “So from O’Brien Contractors, which started out as purely groundwork contractors, we’ve diversified considerably. Also, within Contractors itself we’ve pushed quite hard to become main contractors and also design and build specialists.” Despite all that success, Peter is regularly asked if he feels any weight of expectation in running the family company, started by his father, but he’s philosophical in his answer. “Various people have said to me that there must be pressure in running the family business and taking the family name but all of us in our daily lives have a degree of pressure and it’s all relative to what you want and who you are personally,” he said. “Over the last few years, one of the best moves I made was taking on two shareholding directors. They were two guys who already worked here and bringing them in has benefited me as a person and the business overall. With the four of us working together we can divide up contracts more easily. “We now employ 18 office staff and in the region of 140 people working on site. You can come in on any given morning and find people here before 6am. I came in at 7.30am today and already there were nine people in, which shows the kind of atmosphere we have. “So I enjoy coming to work. I really do. There are times when it is pressured but it’s that stress and pressure that make the good times so much better.” You might say, it’s a labour of love.

“Various people have said to me that there must be pressure in running the family business and taking the family name but all of us in our daily lives have a degree of pressure and it’s all relative to what you want and who you are personally.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Biography: Peter O’Brien Birthplace: I was born in Leamington Spa in 1956 and raised in the thatched cottage at the front of the office. Education: I had four brothers and we all went to Princethorpe College, a private Catholic school run by the Sacred Heart Fathers. Whilst Priests may not have been trained as teachers, I believe they gave everyone a good grounding in the principles and morals of life. I was not academic and left at the earliest possible opportunity without any qualifications. Sitting in a classroom didn’t really suit me. Married: I have a partner, Wendy, who I am lucky enough to have been with for the past seven years. Children: I have three. The eldest being my son, Tom, at 25 who works for O’Brien Contractors as a site manager, the intention being to work his way up to become a key figure in the business. My eldest daughter, Vicki, is 24 and is at Stafford University training to be an Osteopath, whilst at the same time working in our office three to four days a week depending on University commitments. I think the best way to describe her role is a problem solver and organiser. My youngest daughter, Emily, is 19 and works in London for a recruitment consultant. She has just started the job and loves being in London along with her work. She regularly starts at 8am and finishes at 8pm but does it through choice and thinks her employees are great. Wendy has a daughter, Jennie, who I am very close to as well. She lives near Cambridge with her fiancée and has lived with us on a couple of occasions over the years. Hobbies: Both Wendy and I love socialising and going out for meals along with entertaining at home. I have a passion for rugby as a spectator now. Favourite book: I am not a big reader but my favourite book has to be Sir Alex

Ferguson’s autobiography. I have followed Manchester United since the days of George Best and Bobby Charlton. Sir Alex Ferguson strove to succeed under adversity in his early days there, but was strong enough mentally to make his own decisions and stand by them without backing down. Possibly the best piece of management I have seen in my lifetime was to bring Eric Cantona, who had a brilliant talent but a volatile personality, back from the infamous Kung Fu kick into the United team and to have made him an even better player than he was before the event. Nine out of 10 of us would have taken the easy route by giving into media pressure and dismissed him. Favourite film: A favourite film that I relate to is The Field set in Galway, Ireland, in the 1960s. It relates to the overwhelming desire of the father of a family to retain a piece of land at any cost that he rented and nurtured throughout his life and how such desire can overtake reality and the terrible consequences that individual’s blinkered desire had on the rest of his family and the people around him. Maybe it serves as a reality check for me as well. Car: I drive a Range Rover which I purchased recently and it’s possibly the best car I have owned. I am not an automobile fanatic but enjoy quality and a comfortable ride which is what the Range Rover gives me. Last holiday: Our last holiday was in June and we went to Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus. We have a three-bedroom house on the harbour and love it there. It’s not commercialised and the people are easy going and friendly. Jennie, Wendy’s daughter, is getting married there this October. Favourite gadget: My favourite gadget has to be the sat nav. I am terrible at finding my way around. Now I can just sit there and be told where to go. It’s a bit like having Wendy in the car.

News

Coventry University shortlisted for prestigious award Coventry University is in the running for a leading industry award in recognition of the excellent work it does to help its students to secure international opportunities during their time there. The University has been shortlisted in the ‘Outstanding Support for Students’ category in the Times Higher Education Awards 2014 for the activities of its International Experience and Mobility Service (IEMS), which gives students from all disciplines the chance to study, volunteer or work abroad, learn languages, and experience different cultures. Now in its 10th year, the Times Higher Education Awards celebrate excellence within the sector and once again hundreds of nominations for outstanding institutions, departments and individuals across the country were submitted across 18 categories covering the full range of university activity. Coventry University’s nomination follows its strong showing in the latest National Student Survey. The independent survey, which was published last month, saw satisfied students voting the University into the UK’s top 10. Coventry’s performance in the survey – which was completed by over 320,000 students around the country – also marked the fifth consecutive year that student satisfaction levels have risen at the institution. The winners of the Times Higher Education Awards 2014 will be announced on Thursday 27 November 2014 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London at which over 1,000 guests are expected to attend, including politicians, senior sector figures, and academic and university staff from across the UK.

Coventry University’s nomination follows its strong showing in the latest National Student Survey. The independent survey, which was published last month, saw satisfied students voting the University into the UK’s top 10.

Company targets growth

PIictured back, from the left, Foleshill Plating’s Kuldip Aojula and Chris Waterhouse with Rob Bent (Coventry City Council) and Cllr Kevin Maton and, front, from the left, Gurpal Thadwal and Mohan Singh.

One of the UK’s top plating and metal finishing companies is expecting to double its turnover and its staff after receiving a government grant to help with expansion plans. Foleshill Plating Company Ltd was set-up in 1978 by Mohan Singh and Sohan Aojula to focus on chrome, nickel and decorative plating but has diversified into e-coating for the automotive industry. The company in Bayton Road, Exhall, Coventry, is now extending its factory to create an e-coat plant line after receiving a grant for nearly £270,000 from the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) which is supported by the government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF). The new 16,560 sq ft plant, which is due to open in February 2015, will mean Foleshill Plating Company’s premises will be extended to 36,000 sq ft. Chris Waterhouse, technical director at Foleshill Plating Company, said the production area was being built with help from the RGF to unlock opportunities to bid for new contracts.

“Our turnover is currently £2 million a year and we are expecting it to double after this investment once the plant is fully operational since we have already secured a five-year contract with Brose worth ¤7 million,” he said. “We currently have 40 members of staff and we will be taking on up to 50 more people in maintenance, logistics, manual labour and supervisors as well as increasing our shifts from two to three. “Traditionally, we have been a plating company but we have branched out into the automotive industry to paint body parts. “We paint body panels for Aston Martin and Bentley, seats for Jaguar Land Rover, the yellow front grills for cabs produced by JCB and bulkheads for Renault Vans. “We were approaching capacity and couldn’t bid for larger contracts because we would have been letting customers down and without the funding we wouldn’t have been in a position to invest in the extension as quickly as we have been able to. “We will be installing a new e-coat paint line which involves cleaning the metal, painting, baking it and storing the products for our customers in the plant – construction has already started on the site which was previously derelict land. “We will have some of the most high-tech equipment in the UK and it means we have won a larger contract with Brose. “This is the first time we have applied for funding towards a major contract and the whole process has been easy and smooth.” Cllr Kevin Maton, Coventry City Council Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Employment and CWLEP board member, said the RGF grants were designed to create economic growth and jobs. He said: “Foleshill Plating Company is a cracking business and it is a great example of a company benefiting from Coventry and Warwickshire’s status within the global automotive industry. “It was really interesting to be taken on a tour of the factory and to see all the plant and machinery and skilled workers in action. “To be on course to double its turnover and its staff is testament to the standard of the work Foleshill Plating Company produces for its clients and they will now be in a position to tender for larger contracts in the future thanks to the RGF.”

“We will have some of the most high-tech equipment in the UK and it means we have won a larger contract with Brose.”

The game is on A Warwickshire fitness centre with a special sporting heritage is helping Coventry Rugby with its challenge for promotion to The Championship this season. The National League One club held its gruelling pre-season training regimes at Stoneleigh Performance Fitness Centre (SPFC) based at Stoneleigh Park. Players used the facilities intensively for eight weeks for their strength, conditioning and practical skills ahead of the new campaign, using specialist equipment and the indoor and outdoor facilities within the 1,050-acre estate. And the club was so impressed that it has decided to carry on using the fitness centre for conditioning and rehabilitation throughout this playing season. Phil Maynard, rugby director and general manager at Coventry Rugby, said: “Stoneleigh Performance Fitness Centre is a perfect venue for us because it is away from the club and has a wide range of facilities and access to outdoor space which is ideal for our needs. “The pre-season training was intensive and will hopefully serve us well for this season as we look to get back to The Championship.

Pictured, left to right, are Colin Hooper (Stoneleigh Park), Daniel Rundle (Coventry Rugby), Chris Riley (Kenilworth Rugby Club), Henry Sandys (Coventry Rugby), Pierre Ferre (Coventry Rugby), Chad Thorne (Coventry Rugby), and Iain Exeter (SPFC).

“The players will carry on using the centre for continual conditioning and some rehabilitation for those injured. In fact, it’s been so popular that our spouses and partners are now using it as well!” The gym is run by Iain Exeter, who has a strong sporting background. His father was an international athletics coach and Iain has played and coached rugby at both professional and amateur level. Iain’s son, Tim, played rugby for Scotland, an international career cut short by a broken neck, and went on to become the fitness coach at Coventry City and Wales football teams and Northampton Saints Rugby Club for eight years. And that sporting history is reflected within the facilities, with a focus on functional and performance training as well as general rehabilitation which attracts members of other local rugby clubs including Kenilworth, Leamington and Old Leamingtonians. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Bridge to design PR strategy for growing engineering firm A nationwide PR company based in Coventry has sealed a deal working alongside a growing design engineering consultancy. Coventry-based design engineering consultancy MarchantCain has contracted Bridge PR & Media Services to raise its profile within the design engineering and manufacturing sectors.

MarchantCain produces innovative solutions for engineering challenges and has various links with manufacturing and engineering businesses in Europe, as well as working with a large German first tier supplier. The company is currently working on a number of projects in the niche vehicle manufacturing sector and contributing to innovative engineering design projects across the globe. After meeting Denise Taylor, Managing Director at Bridge PR, at a recent manufacturing event, Pamela Cain, Marketing and HR Director at MarchantCain, did some research on the company and was impressed by its track record in manufacturing. She said: “Bridge is active in a lot of manufacturing circles and has extensive knowledge of the industry. This makes them the ideal PR partner for us as we raise our company profile within the trade.” Bridge has been working with businesses in the manufacturing and engineering sectors for the past 20 years and as a result, has a detailed knowledge of what PR methods prove to be most efficient in this sector. The company will be helping MarchantCain to position the business as a thought leader in UK engineering and raise awareness of some of the exciting projects the company is currently working on. Denise Taylor said that she was thrilled to be working with MarchantCain. “With innovation in the manufacturing industry being highlighted as a barrier to sector growth, it’s great to be working with MarchantCain who have innovative design and engineering at the core of everything they do. We’re looking forward to helping them raise their profile in the trade over the coming months.”

Gymnasts set to star The next generation of gymnasts are heading to the Ricoh Arena to wow spectators of the sport. GymFusion, the British Gymnastics National Festivals Programme, was launched in 2011 to give youngsters the chance to display their acrobatic skills in a fun and friendly festival. More than 3,000 performers have taken part in the noncompetitive show, which brings together performers of all ages, abilities and gymnastic disciplines, across the UK over the last three years. Tickets are now available for the festival between 2pm-5pm on Saturday, October 18 and from 11am-1pm and 3pm-5pm on Sunday, October 19 in Hall 5. Liz Hawker, North West and West Midlands Area Manager for British Gymnastics, said “GymFusion is guaranteed to wow the audiences at the Ricoh Arena. “British Gymnastics has had fantastic feedback from the participants and spectators since GymFusion started. You can’t fail to be impressed by the enthusiasm of everyone taking part and the huge amount of effort they put into their routines. “There is always a real feel-good factor and we’re excited to be bringing GymFusion to the Ricoh Arena since it allows gymnasts to show their creative side but in an environment which is not competitive so they can really express themselves. “It gives gymnasts the opportunity to form a team to showcase all the different elements of the sport as well as encourages youngsters to perform all their disciplines in a creative manner.” Kayleigh Biggs, event manager at the Ricoh Arena, said this was the second event the organisation had brought to the venue

Gymnasts taking part in GymFusion

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following the British Gymnastics Spring Event Series in May. “Hall 5 is a perfect location for the fun and friendly GymFusion festival and we are looking forward to welcoming one of its events which are taking place across England and Northern Ireland,” she said. “Throughout the country there have been themes inspired by a whole range of subjects ranging from wizards to fairy tales since it really allows the gymnasts to show their creative side. “GymFusion will give spectators the chance to experience the sport like never before and it promises to be a dazzling spectacle.” Advance tickets priced at £10 for adults and £6 for concessions aged over 65 or between five-to-16-year-olds are on sale from www.theticketfactory.comor by ringing 0844 338 8000. Under-fives can gain free entry but must share a seat with the ticket holder. Tickets will also be available on the day priced at £12 for adults and £8 concessions while the same condition applies for under-fives.

HR dept and Silver Lobster accept the challenge!

“Without the amazing support of people like Tom and Tracey, the MND Association simply would not be able to provide its vital support services.” Chamber members, Tracey Hudson of The HR Dept and Tom Dillon of Silver Lobster Ltd have raised money for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association by doing the Ice Bucket Challenge together. Following in the frozen footsteps of David Beckham, Justin Timberlake and Steven Gerrard, the pair were doused in icy water by willing helpers from the offices at Camden House in Kenilworth, whilst supporters pledged their donations to the Association. Denise Davies, Head of Community Fundraising and the MND Association, said: “Without the amazing support of people like Tom and Tracey, the MND Association simply would not be able to provide its vital support services. Together we are making a real difference to people affected by this devastating disease.” Donations to the Motor Neurone Disease Association can be made by texting ICED55 £5 (or other amount) to 70070.

Busiest month ever for Ettington Park Hotel

Ettington Park Hotel broke all records in August with occupancy levels at an impressive 92%. The operations team rose to the challenge and successfully maintained their high standards and regularly served more than 100 breakfasts each day throughout the month. Ettington Park Hotel is in Warwickshire and convenient for Stratford Upon Avon and the Cotswolds. The hotel is one of the Hand Picked Hotels collection which recently announced the acquisition of the 5 Star Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa, St Helier, overlooking St Aubin’s Bay in the Channel Islands.

Area Focus: Coventry

Arena in the running for award The Ricoh Arena has been shortlisted in a national award to be crowned Exhibition Venue of the Year. The venue will be competing against the NEC and ExCeL London to win the accolade at the Event Awards 2014 which will take place on Thursday, October 2 at The Troxy in London. The Event Awards is the only industry awards ceremony that celebrates the creative, experiential and supplier sectors of the live events industry over the past 12 months – a period in which industry experts agree has led to significant growth for the sector.

The venue will be competing against the NEC and ExCeL London to win the accolade at the Event Awards 2014...

Now there’s something to keep you awake at night A record crowd was set at the UK’s largest gaming festival at the Ricoh Arena as fans travelled from as far away as Australia and America. Insomnia52, organised by Multiplay, attracted tens of thousands of gaming enthusiasts to take part in a variety of competitive gaming tournaments, play the latest PC and Console games and meet YouTube stars such as Syndicate of TheSyndicateProject, Ali-A and The Yogscast. The entire Ricoh Arena was taken over by Insomnia52 with a huge marquee being put in the stadium which featured a Festival Arena Stage with a variety of shows including DJs to entertain fans on the opening night for the first time. In the Jaguar Exhibition Hall, gamers of all ages were involved in fierce prize competitions while booths from major companies showed off their wares, including the upcoming FIFA 15 from EA Sports and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel

from 2K Games. Organisers are already planning their return to the Ricoh Arena for the Winter Gaming Festival between Friday, November 21 and Monday, November 24. “At this event we’ve had more activities than ever before, allowing us to pull in our biggest ever audience with a footfall of almost 30,000,” said Craig Fletcher, CEO and Founder of Multiplay. “We had a main stage in a marquee for the first time, allowing us to best utilise the space at the Ricoh Arena. All our activities, especially the evening ones, were greatly received by the crowd. “We are still collating customers’ feedback but so far everyone has said it was the best gaming festival they have been to. We’re looking forward to continuing that success through our upcoming winter event Insomnia53.” Justine Hewitt, stadium manager at the Ricoh Arena, said the venue had been buzzing throughout the four days of the

festival. She said: “This was the biggest and best Insomnia Gaming Festival yet and the second we have held at the Ricoh Arena. “The Insomnia Gaming Festival showcases the flexibility of the Ricoh Arena since every hotel room was booked along with all the conference and exhibition suites as well as the outdoor space – and the camping sites on the perimeter of the venue were well used once again. We enjoyed it almost as much as those who attended!” Early bird BYOC tickets for November 2124 are already available, with all other ticket types launching soon. For more information visit: http://insomniagamingfestival.com/tickets Staff will now turn their attention to preparing the Ricoh for the next programme of events taking place which includes the return of Coventry City on Friday, September 5 when they play Gillingham.

Local support from a national business

Gamers at Insomnia52 at the Ricoh Arena

Binley Industrial Estate get in the fast lane Foleshill Athletic F.C. t-shirt sponsored by Datum Fitout and Refurbishment

Coventry-based Datum Fitout and Refurbishment Limited has become the kit sponsor for Foleshill Athletic Football Club. Barry Smith, Club Manager, said: “The support from Datum will give us all confidence for the future of the club and we can push on to move forward and achieve a strong partnership between club and sponsor.” Nigel Uttley, Director of Datum, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Foleshill Athletic FC has accepted our sponsorship in an effort to help the club and, ultimately, the community in raising awareness of the benefits that company sponsorship of sports clubs brings”.

Businesses on Binley Industrial Estate, situated on the outskirts of Coventry are now celebrating the arrival of superfast broadband. The new high-speed broadband is being supplied by Coventry-based WarwickNet, one of the UK’s fastest-growing businessgrade broadband providers. WarwickNet business development manager Mark Davison said that twothirds of the industrial estate – some 100 businesses – would be covered by the new provision. Colin MacLeod is managing director of Mustard Presentations, which provides audio visual equipment and digital innovations for conferences, exhibitions and events in the UK and Europe and is based at the Herald Business Park within Binley Industrial Estate. He said: “We have major issues and frustrations with our current Internet provider. As a supplier to the conferences and events sector we have data heavy files

WarwickNet managing director Ben King with Colin MacLeod of Mustard

and graphics and it has been a real challenge to send them. Speeds have been a nightmare. “We also have an IP-based telephone system and keep losing the signal and therefore losing calls, which is not helpful in business! “We very much welcome the arrival of WarwickNet and look forward to better things to come and to being able to become more productive,” said Mr

MacLeod. Ben King, managing director of WarwickNet, said his company would also soon be rolling out superfast broadband to the nearby Charter Avenue Industrial Estate and Seven Stars Industrial Estate. Chief operating officer Jon Earnshaw said: “We have several more parks in the pipeline where tenants are desperate for business-grade broadband, high-speed leased lines and multi-site MPLS networks.” WarwickNet is also providing superfast broadband - between 10 and 40 times faster than the existing provision to companies on a wide range of business and industrial estates in the Midlands, including: Tachbrook Park in Warwick, Coventry Business Park, Meriden Business Park, and University of Warwick Science Park in Coventry, Blythe Valley Park and Monkspath Business Park near Solihull, and Corbygate Business Park in Northamptonshire. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Coventry

Students encourage sport in Ugandan schools A group of Coventry students have helped to kick-start sporting activities at primary schools in Uganda. Eleven pupils, along with deputy head teachers Sue Webb and Andrew Morgan, from Caludon Castle School on Axholme Road in Coventry have taken part in a project to boost sports and learning activities at primary schools in the Ugandan capital, Kampala. The 12-day trip was organised as part of Africa Inspires – a London 2012-inspired project, led by Coventry Sports Foundation, which aims to establish the delivery of sport and PE activities in Ugandan schools and provide pupils with clean drinking water. Throughout the trip students delivered a variety of sports coaching sessions along with classroom-based activities and also helped to maintain a 30,000 litre water harvesting tank which had been installed at Family Primary School in 2012. The group raised £12,000 for the project with Coventry and Warwickshire based accountants Harrison Beale & Owen among the first to pledge their support. A donation provided by the firm helped to buy 320 new reading books for the school along with 190 mosquito nets, new shoes for the schoolchildren and additional sports equipment. Harriet Cummins, who lives in Coventry, was one of three student leaders to embark on the trip having first taken part in the project back in 2012. The 18-year-old said: “It is such a fantastic project to be involved in and all of the primary schoolchildren really benefit from the additional sport and learning opportunities. “It is incredible to see the children eager to take part and learn a new sport. Before the project started a lot of the children had never played sport before and now they can play tag rugby, netball and football on a regular basis.

“One of the highlights included the sports festival which is organised by five primary schools in the area every year. It was held at a big stadium where a professional Ugandan football team play and it was great to see hundreds of children taking part. Wayne Gutteridge, of HB&O, added: “Africa Inspires is a terrific local project that really helps to make a difference to the lives of the children living in Uganda. “We really wanted to help support the youngsters in Coventry who were volunteering their time to such an important cause. “We are delighted that the schoolchildren in Uganda have benefited from our contribution which helped to provide necessary supplies to enhance their school experience.”

Harriet Cummins with Ugandan primary school children.

Couple make a splash as pool opens A Coventry couple were among the first to take a splash in the city’s newest swimming pool when it opened. Dev Singh Gill and Harbhajan Gill attended the opening of the newlyrefurbished Centre AT7, on Bell Green Road, to take a look at the new facilities

and take a dip in the new 25m swimming pool. The centre, which is managed by Coventry Sports Foundation, has undergone a major redevelopment project to extend the building and the new facilities include a 25m swimming pool, a splash pool with water features and racing slides

“The opening of the new centre has been a great success and we have already started to receive really positive feedback from members and the public who have tried out the new facilities.”

Pictured from left to right: Harbhajan Gill and Dev Singh Gill.

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along with a health suite featuring a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. The couple, who live in Longford, Coventry, were among the first to complete a length of the pool and said that they were impressed with the new facilities. Dev said: “We had previously been members at Foleshill Leisure Centre for around 35 years and when we heard about the opening of the new pool at Centre AT7 we wanted to come and have a look at the new facilities. “We arrived at the centre for the opening very early to have a swim in the new pool and we have now swapped our membership over to Centre AT7. “The new building is very nice and the water is also very clean as well and we are looking forward to taking part in more regular swimming activities here so that we can keep up a healthy lifestyle.” Wendy Jackson, community development officer at Coventry Sports Foundation, added: “The opening of the new centre has been a great success and we have already started to receive really positive feedback from members and the public who have tried out the new facilities. “Both Dev and Harbhajan were among a number of keen swimmers that were first to enter the pool and swim those very first lengths. “It is fantastic to see the redevelopment project completed after months of preparation and we are really proud of the new facilities. “We are sure the centre will prove popular with individuals and families living in the local area and we will be hosting a community open day on Saturday, August 30 to showcase all of the activities available.”

ParentPay makes the move Fifty staff at the UK’s leading online payment service for schools have moved to new offices at the Ricoh Arena. ParentPay was founded in 2002 to enable parents to pay schools securely online for items such as school meals, trips and clubs using credit and debit card or to pay cash at 23,000 PayPoint stores across the UK. The system is now used in more than 4,000 schools and by one million parents. More than 70 staff are employed by the company across the UK with 50 of those previously located over two sites at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Business Innovation Centre in Binley and the Middlemarch Business Park in Siskin Drive, Baginton. The company has now moved all its technical operations, customer service, marketing and software development teams in Coventry into 6,500 sq ft of office space at the Ricoh Arena. Finance and administration teams will continue to be based in the South West at new offices in Bridgwater, Somerset. The company has recruited a dozen new staff in Coventry this year, including a team dedicated to developing a new product for parents and children due to launch in 2015. More staff are expected to be employed within the next 12 months.

Read C&W In Business online by visiting the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce website: www.cw-chamber.co.uk 25

Area Focus: Coventry

Charity tournament is a success

Picture caption (from left to right): Richard Pomfret (Reeves & Partners), John Garrett (Guide Dogs) Eddie (the dog), Adrian Stapley (Olton Captain), Tom Mallet (top goal scorer) and Rob Pomfret, (Warwick Old Boys Captain).

Hockey teams from across the region netted success at a charity tournament held in Warwick. More than £1,000 was raised when commercial property agent Reeves & Partners hosted its third annual sponsored charity tournament at Warwick Club hockey pitches at Gallows Hill, Warwick. The event, which raised money for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, was supported by teams from Warwick, Olton, Coventry and North Warwickshire as well as a Warwick School Old Boys team. Olton were crowned winners of the round-robin event, while Warwick Hockey Club secured second place. John Garrett, who works locally for Guide Dogs, was accompanied by his dog Eddie and presented the winning team with the trophy. Richard Pomfret, managing director of Reeves & Partners, which has offices in Coventry and Leamington, said: “With the start of the hockey season fast approaching, the tournament provided teams with a great opportunity to hone their skills at the same time as helping to raise money for a local charity. We are grateful for their continued support for this annual event. “The tournament is an enjoyable way for us to show our support for charities operating locally and we hope that the money raised will contribute to the excellent work of this charity.”

“With the start of the hockey season fast approaching, the tournament provided teams with a great opportunity to hone their skills...”

City ready to take advantage of rapid connections Coventry is on the road to becoming one of the fastest connected cities in the world with the launch of the ‘Gig Up Coventry’ roadshows. Businesses at Electric Wharf, on Sandy Lane, in Coventry were the first to attend a ‘Gig Up Coventry’ roadshow event hosted by the Coventry CORE. The event was held at De Marco Solicitors and gave businesses on the development a chance to find out how they can benefit from ultra-fast gigabit speed connectivity. The Coventry CORE pure fibre network is set to transform Coventry into one of the most digitally advanced locations in world, providing access to gigabit speed connectivity 100 times faster than the UK

average and on a par with the world’s fastest cities such as Hong Kong and Stockholm. More than 200 businesses have already registered an interest in the Coventry CORE network but expansion will be demand-led and the ‘Gig Up Coventry’ campaign aims to ensure businesses don’t miss out on ultra-fast speeds. The event included a presentation delivered by the Coventry CORE’s city development manager Andy Starnes while telecommunications specialist Brett Marshall was also on hand to answer any questions. Andy said: “The first Coventry CORE roadshow event was a great success and provided us with the perfect opportunity to give businesses at Electric Wharf an

Pictured from left to right: Brett Marshall (Coventry CORE), Chris Bonsor (Jalapeno), Sandra Garlick (De Marco Solicitors), Heaten Mistry (Shiva Technology) and Andy Starnes (Coventry CORE)

insight into how ultra-fast connectivity can help to enhance their operations. “The Coventry CORE network will allow seamless online communication, almost immediate file transfers and a switch to cloud computing and we have already attracted interest from a wide variety of businesses including those in the creative sector, finance sector and IT industries. “Over the next few months we will be visiting a number of key business and industrial parks situated within close proximity to the existing Coventry CORE network and where we have seen a highlevel of interest from businesses looking to receive ultra-fast connectivity. “It is vital that businesses continue to register their no obligation interest so that we can prioritise our investment in the network expansion to meet the demand.” Sandra Garlick, of De Marco Solicitors, is supporting the ‘Gig Up Coventry’ Campaign and has registered her interest in the service. She said: “Having access to gigabit speed connectivity will be of huge benefit to De Marco Solicitors. “We went paperless a couple of years ago and more recently transferred to cloud computing and VoIP technology. With access to ultra-fast broadband speeds we will be able to enhance our productivity even further. “The roadshow event provided a great platform for businesses to meet with the Coventry CORE team and find out more about how the network will be able to benefit them.” Businesses can register their no obligation interest www.coventrycore.com

Deal is a tasty one for businessman Fish and chips will be back on the menu for residents in the Bannerbrook area of Coventry on the back of commercial property deal. Huseyin Cevik, who runs Café Italia in the city centre, has agreed a deal to rent the final retail unit at Bannerbrook, a recently developed community on the former Massey Ferguson site. The property, which has previously housed a fish and chip shop, was let through commercial property agents Shortland Penn + Moore and Huseyin is confident his new venture will be a success. He hopes to have the fit-out completed in time to open at the end of September and will offer traditional fish and chips as well as twist from his native Turkey – including Turkish kebabs. Huseyin said: “I was in the area one day and I saw the to-let board up and I thought it was a great location with really good potential. “The opportunity went away for a while but then, I was back in the area and it had become available again and I thought ‘this must be fate, I must have it!’

Pictured: James Compton (left) with Huseyin Cevik

“I was in the area one day and I saw the to-let board up and I thought it was a great location with really good potential.”

“I got in touch with Shortland Penn + Moore and had great help from James Compton there. I am now really looking forward to getting started – this is an exciting new venture for me and I believe there is the potential to be a huge success.” James Compton, of Shortland Penn + Moore, said there was potential for further commercial units at the park. He said: “We are delighted to have secured this new venture at Bannerbrook – the retail units are full now and it’s been an extremely successful project from that point of view. “There are a good mix of national names – such as Spar and Subway – mixed with local independent outlets. “There is still land available and that has the potential for further retail units, which I believe will bring further investment and choice to the area.” For more information on commercial property call Shortland Penn + Moore on 024 7623 2970. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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Area Focus: North Warks

Kenilworth Feeling positive about China Replacement the future Service opens improved showroom

Paul Carvell, North Warwickshire Branch Chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. There is a real sense of positivity and confidence among businesses in this area at the moment – and long may that continue. From my own company’s point of view, Stewart, Fletcher and Barrett has just expanded into a new headquarters and business is very vibrant for us – and I get the sense both anecdotally and from seeing the figures that there is a buoyancy across the region. The Chamber’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey showed many companies’ order books are filling up both in the manufacturing and the service sector. Domestic orders are rising but the big jump comes for those businesses who are exporting and, once again, I urge companies across Nuneaton, Bedworth and the whole of North Warwickshire to find out more about how they can sell their goods and services overseas. The UKTI team based at the Chamber offer support and guidance to companies of all sizes and sectors and can get your business on the export trail much more quickly than you would imagine. Many business people only see the barriers to exporting overseas but they can be overcome – with help – and the benefits far outweigh any barriers you think you may hit. On the jobs front too, many companies across the region say they will be adding to staffing numbers over the next quarter while CWT – the Chamber’s training division – say there is a record number of vacancies available for apprentices and are urging young people to get in touch. This is all very positive but it’s vitally important that confidence does not turn into complacency. That’s why I was very pleased to see the Local Enterprise Partnership awarded around £74 million from the Government’s Local Growth Fund. The Chamber has long campaigned for further investment in areas such as skills and infrastructure and some of this money will go towards starting to address that. Here in the north of Warwickshire we will feel the benefit of the fund as money is being towards improvements on the A5 locally and, also, in enhancing the Nuneaton-Bedworth-Coventry rail service. It’s important that we continue to invest in skills and infrastructure to make sure we have the best possible conditions to do business so we can grow, employ more staff and continue to grow the economy. Businesses should also speak to the Chamber to find out how it can help support their growth – either domestically or internationally or both – and also keep their eye out for our next meeting in this area to come along and find out more.

“We want to give our customers the complete tableware experience. When you visit us, you get new and old tableware, formal and casual patterns, as well as a great selection of gifts and kitchen gadgets.” One of the UK’s largest china and tableware showrooms is being opened in Kenilworth by Chinasearch. The Warwickshire-based china replacement service and tableware specialist is opening a new shop and showroom at its HQ on Princes Drive Industrial Estate in Kenilworth. Managing director, Jon Ward, said “There is a complete lack of places today where you can buy or view a large range of china and we are aiming to become a one-stopshop for china lovers in Warwickshire, the West Midlands and beyond. As well as expanding our clearance warehouse and vintage collection at Chinasearch, our sister company Tablewhere will be new stocking china, crystal and cutlery from all the major brands including Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Denby and Villeroy & Boch, alongside some lesser known ones such as Vista Alegre and Atlantis Crystal. “We want to give our customers the complete tableware experience. When you visit us, you get new and old tableware, formal and casual patterns, as well as a great selection of gifts and kitchen gadgets. You can rummage through Chinasearch’s famous pound shelf, browse vintage china gifts, or find your dream dinner set – all in one place.” Chinasearch is Europe’s largest retailer of discontinued china: they have been helping customers across the globe to find replacements for lost or damaged pieces of china since 1988. In 2009, they added Tablewhere to their portfolio in order to include new tableware in their offering. It is this combination of replacement and new tableware that gives Chinasearch and Tablewhere their edge. In celebration of the expansion of the shop, Chinasearch and Tablewhere will be holding a launch event on Saturday 27th September from 10.00 to 16.00. Richard Randall from ‘Sixty Minute Makeover’ will be opening the shop, and will be on hand throughout the day to offer flower arranging advice and interior design tips. There will also be the opportunity to try your hand at pottery painting with local business Crazy Kiln, and Kenilworth-based artist Helen Clues will be running a mosaic making workshop throughout the day.

Landmark events are celebrated

One of the UK’s largest 2 and 5 axis laser profiling companies Nuneaton based Subcon Laser Cutting Ltd, has just celebrated two landmark events. 2014 has seen the company make a £1million pound investment in the very latest technology available, plus it is 25 years since the company was formed by Bill and Christine Brown in 1989. This major investment in a 5kw Trumpf Brightline fiber laser cutting machine and a state of the art nitrogen generating system, the first of its kind in the UK, has seen the company create 10 extra jobs

whilst also significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Marcus Jones MP seen here with Bill Brown Managing Director at Subcon Laser, was invited to unveil a commemorative plaque at the company’s headquarters in Nuneaton Warwickshire. This recent ceremony attended by representatives from some of the UK’s leading manufacturing companies including Honda, Volvo, JLR and TATA, were given a guided tour of Subcon’s impressive manufacturing facility. The local region was also well represented with the likes of MIRA, Penso and Aermotive in attendance, all of whom are investing millions of pounds in their own impressive expansion plans. Tom Mongan General Manager at Subcon said “That it was quite fitting that in our 25th Anniversary year the company had made this major investment in the very latest technology available”, he also said “A major part of the company’s success is down to its staff, a lot of them having been at Subcon for at least 15 years, therefore their knowledge, their knowhow and loyalty is priceless.“

MP visits cyber security firm Chris White, MP for Warwick and Leamington, paid a visit to Nettitude to find out about the rapidly growing local business that is creating new jobs in the highly skilled field of cyber security. CEO Rowland Johnson, welcomed Chris to Nettitude and explained the advanced ways in which they are helping customers to keep their information as secure as possible, as well as showing a commitment to supporting the local area by creating new jobs via growth.

CEO Rowland Johnson, welcomed Chris to Nettitude...

Chris White MP and Rowland Johnson (left to right).

College hosts US furniture expert’s first UK “Anarchist’s Tool Chest” course Furniture enthusiasts from across the UK and Europe flocked to Warwickshire College’s Leamington centre to attend the renowned US woodworker Christopher Schwarz’s first course held in the UK.

The college hosted two intensive woodwork courses – a five-day course to build “The Anarchist’s Tool Chest” and a two-day course to build “The Dutch Tool Chest” – both of which focus on getting back to basics. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Mid Warks

Monica digs for the future “I love working for Kigass...” Long-serving Kigass accountant Monica Evans turned the first sod of a multimillion pound development that will convert a former engineering plant in Warwick into a job-creating enterprise centre. Monica, 86, who started work 67 years ago as an accounts clerk at Kigass Ltd in Leamington Spa when she was 19, is still managing the books at the family-owned company which today runs a world-beating engineering business and an extensive property portfolio that includes industrial, commercial and residential locations. With the help of Leamington property

consultants ehB Commercial, Kigass Ltd has already sold five of the 11 industrial units at a long-established former dumper truck factory in Lower Cape, Warwick, which has lain idle for the last decade, but is scheduled to become the £3 million St George’s Business Park Monica, who lives in Leamington, said: “I love working for Kigass – it has been my life and will continue to be important to me. Looking back, I have only ever not been able to account for twopence, which is quite an achievement really. Now, looking forward, I am very honoured to be a part of the future as the business continues to grow and create new jobs for the area.” Simon Hain, a director of ehB Commercial, said: “We have a wide range of businesses interested in the mixed site – from doors and window manufacturers to automotive companies – watch this space.”

Simon Hain and Victoria Mawer of ehB Commercial with Monica Evans and Joanne Smith of Kigass Ltd at the site of St George’s Business Park

Guide Dogs Leamington holds network event

Guide dog owner Penny Hefferan and volunteer consultant

The Guide Dogs training school at Leamington Spa held its first Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce breakfast networking meeting. This was attended by 42 companies, some of whom experienced the challenges of sight loss by wearing a blindfold during the meeting, with some interesting feedback - loss of confidence being one of the most important to them. Community Fundraiser Liz Gilbert welcomed the group and gave a short talk about the cost of running the service and most were amazed to learn that the lifetime cost of a dog is £50,000 and Guide Dogs receives no government funding. She asked the members to consider fundraising to naming their own puppy. Guide dog owner and Volunteer Consultant, Penny Hefferan talked about how much her guide dogs meant to her and how they had enabled her to succeed in the workplace. She encouraged companies to consider employing those with sight loss.

Wigley make major regional investment A Coventry-based property company has bought a high-profile industrial estate in Birmingham – its first investment in the second city. The Wigley Group, which owns and manages business and industrial parks in the Midlands, has invested more than £2 million to buy the Aston Express Industrial Estate. The estate, which lies just minutes from the M6 and is on the main A38M route into the city, is home to tenants including Wolseley, Hilti and Goliath Engineering and totals around 42,000 sq ft in five units. Wigley, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, purchased the freehold interest from Bedford-based property investment company Kindale. James Davies, head of Estates at Wigley Group, said: “We have made no secret of the fact that we are looking to acquire business and industrial holdings, and we feel that Aston Express Way Industrial Estates meets our requirements. “It is in a very good location, benefits from some solid and successful tenants, but we also feel that it offers room for potential. “There is currently one unit vacant and we are very confident that we will be able to find a similarly suitable tenant.” Wigley Group, which has just moved to a new headquarters at the Middlemarch Business Park in Coventry, specialises in property development, construction, management and also financial and insurance products for the property industry. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Left Barry Riley; GVA / Right James Davies; Head of Estates

Davies added: “Our company ethos is to invest in the long term and we look very much at the underlying value of property, and certainly this fits all our criteria. “While we are based in Coventry, we are prepared to invest anywhere in the Midlands if properties meet those requirements. “This is the first time we have invested in Birmingham, and there could well be other similar investments over the next 18 months or so.” GVA acted for Wigley while Kindale were represented by GBR Phoenix Beard.

Putting our area on the map Sophie Howe, mid-Warwickshire branch chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. I did a news search on Google this week for ‘national bowls, Leamington’ and I was absolutely delighted with the results. Of course, the Leamington Courier’s coverage of the national event here in the town came high on the list but I was so pleased to see dozens of ‘hits’ from news websites up and down the country. Bowls might not, of course, be everybody’s cup of tea just as everyone isn’t interested in the Chelsea Flower Show. But what the bowls and our recent entry at Chelsea show is that if Leamington and the whole of this area of Warwickshire is active in sport and other events, the profile of the region is raised outside the area. That has to be a good thing and anything we can do to bring the spotlight to Leamington, Kenilworth, Warwick and the surrounding area, and the wonderful attractions we have, will bring economic benefits to the region. Of course, companies also trade with fellow local businesses and the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has a great track record in bringing firms together to do business. Some of that is through member to member offers via the Chamber’s website but much of it comes about through face-to-face networking at events across the region. In the next couple of months, two of the biggest events in the Chamber calendar are taking place. Firstly, the Business & Trade Expo at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire is happening on Friday September 26, from 10am until 3pm. Hundreds of visitors are expected to attend the event, which includes networking opportunities as well as expert seminars on social media and presentation skills. More than 120 businesses from a wide-range of sectors including engineering and manufacturing, financial services, professional services and leisure and tourism will also be exhibiting on the day. That is being followed by the Chamber’s thirteenth annual conference at the Belgrade Theatre on Friday, October 17. A keynote address will be given by nationally acclaimed business expert, columnist and chief executive of leading retailer Timpson, John Timpson, who will provide an insight into his unique business philosophy ‘Upside-down management’. Guest speakers will include Jonathan Browning, chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership and Tom Vosa chief economist at Yorkshire Bank. Attendees will also hear from a panel of experts including Catherine Malyon of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), a representative from Turkish Airlines, and MP Marcus Jones, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Town Centres. Both promise to be great events and, by going, you could meet that client or partner you have been looking for. See you there!

Area Focus: South Warks

Centre team aim for target A centre for archery in Warwickshire is aiming to score a bullseye with an innovative target for arrows. Stratford Archery Centre has pioneered the use of new technologies to create an archery target, known as a boss, which is made from recycled materials. Unlike other foam-based archery targets, it is made from waste materials which provide an environmentally-friendly alternative to those traditionally made from straw. The company has been helped with £4,000 from Funding 4 Innovation, a scheme offering grants to SMEs in rural Warwickshire, which has enabled its ecofriendly boss to now be taken to market. The recycled boss was the brain child of Paul Hadley, a lifelong archer who gave up his career as a sound engineer to set up Stratford Archery Centre in 2012 to capitalise on a surge of interest in the sport generated by hit movies The Hunger Games and Brave, and the London Olympics. Stratford Archery Centre is based in the grounds of Stratford Manor Hotel on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon, with an outdoor shooting range used by around 3,500 people a year. Paul, a qualified archery coach and instructor, started off with traditional straw targets but found them heavy and difficult to move as well as deteriorating rapidly

and giving off an unpleasant odour. He wanted to create a boss from recycled materials and experimented with a few ideas before hitting on foam that had been used in the automotive accessory manufacturing process. He found a local company that could supply waste foam materials destined for landfill. The first prototypes made at Paul’s home

Paul Hadley is pictured with Judy Lambourne with the recycled boss on the shooting range at Stratford Archery Centre.

Stratford must grow –

but traffic issues must be addressed Business leaders are concerned Stratford will come to a standstill with the level of new housing earmarked for the district unless serious forward planning is given to improving the road infrastructure. The South Warwickshire branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce believes it is vital that longterm consideration is given to the impact that over 10,000 new homes planned for the Stratford district by 2031 will have on traffic congestion. The traffic problems facing Stratford was the main focus when members met to discuss business issues affecting the area. Larry Coltman, chair of the South Warwickshire branch of the Chamber, told the meeting he had written to Stratford MP Nadhim Zahawi who chaired the recent ‘traffic summit’ to discuss traffic concerns. Members of the branch now plan to invite a representative from the transport group of the Coventry and Warwickshire

We cannot afford to ignore the fact that the housing issue is going to have a major impact on the transport issue.”

near Wellesbourne proved successful as they were more mobile and resilient, and so he stepped up development into a converted milking parlour on a nearby farm. He then approached Funding 4 Innovation for a grant to upgrade equipment, which involved moving production into a unit at the Arden Forest Industrial Estate in Alcester and installing a

Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) to share their views and discuss the strategy for the area. Mr Coltman said: “We cannot afford to ignore the fact that the housing issue is going to have a major impact on the transport issue. “The roads are already unable to cope and unless some serious forward planning is given to improving the road infrastructure then there is no way in which the district can cope with the increased housing needs.” Mr Coltman says it is crucial that the voice of local business is heard in the development of a transport strategy to ensure future prosperity for the district’s economy. “The location of lorry parks was one concern raised by a member who is a major exporter and relies upon HGVs. Rather than being at Long Marston, they should be nearer the motorway or major trunk roads to avoid the problem of lorries clogging up small towns and villages in the district,” he said. “As well as taking the concerns of existing businesses into account, consideration also needs to be given to making the district attractive for new businesses to set up here and provide local jobs. If traffic is seen as a major problem then businesses will be put off. “It needs action now to avoid the difficulties we are all going to face as the situation gets worse.”

bespoke press-compressor to squash layers of foam under intense pressure. Paul said: “There is nobody on the market that has got the green credentials that we have. Other bosses are constructed from products that are specifically made for the target whereas ours is a by-product of waste material.” The sustainability of the boss stretches to its frame which is made from wood locally sourced from the Ragley Hall estate in Alcester. Paul added: “The real buzz for me is the feedback from archers who say it performs really well and is kind to them and their arrows as it’s easier to remove them from the target. It’s twice as durable as straw targets in terms of the number of shots it can take.” Funding 4 Innovation is managed by Coventry University Enterprises. The scheme is part of the Warwickshire Rural Growth Network, funded by Defra and led by Warwickshire County Council on behalf of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership. Judy Lambourne, project manager for Funding 4 Innovation, said: “Stratford Archery Centre is among the first to benefit from Funding 4 Innovation, which offers grants of between £3,000 and £5,000 to SMEs in rural Warwickshire who are working with another local SME on a new product, process or service.”

Company expands again A Warwickshire automotive software firm is expanding again as it accelerates its presence across the UK. Cooper Solutions, based in Barford, has created four new jobs for individuals living in the area to support the company’s ongoing growth and presence across the UK automotive industry. The quartet is made up of new account managers Tom Binley and Suzanne Merchant, operations support executive Alison Newman and client support executive Dan Lane. Tom, who lives in Daventry, and Suzanne, who is from Shirley, have boosted the account management team which works with car dealer’s to optimise their use of Cooper Solutions systems. Suzanne has more than eight years of experience in the automotive industry, while Tom has previously worked in the

hospitality sector. Alison Newman, from Wellesbourne, has joined the FullAuction operations team, Cooper Solutions’ trade car auction platform, to help buyers and sellers reach deals. Dan, from Shipston-on-Stour, is providing first line support across all the firm’s web-based products having previously worked in vehicle sales and credit management. Cooper Solutions provides web-based automotive software to more than 1,600 dealerships across the UK. The latest appointments follow a strong period of growth which has seen the company take on new clients across its car fleet management, tax-banding compliance software, used car stock management, forecasting, financial and cash management products.

Pictured left to right: Dan Lane, Suzanne Merchant, Alison Newman and Tom Binley from Cooper Solutions

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Rugby

sponsored column

Using events to raise profile Jim Griffin, Rugby branch chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce The Commonwealth Games was a wonderful sporting event and helped to raise the profile of Glasgow and Scotland throughout the world. I am a big believer in using events to help enhance the image of a town, city or nation because it can bring economic benefits. In some cases, they can be immediate but very often it can be a slow burn. Next year, England is hosting the Rugby World Cup and I genuinely believe this is an opportunity for our great town to highlight to the globe our historic links to the sport. The opportunities for tourism throughout the World Cup will be vast as supporters flock from the four corners of the globe to watch their teams compete and this is a very real opportunity for Rugby. As I said above, it can also raise the long-term profile and that can only be good for the people and businesses in this town. Of course, while the majority companies are look for overseas opportunities, they also trade with fellow local businesses and the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has a great track record in bringing firms together to do business. Some of that is through member to member offers via the Chamber’s website but much of it comes about through face-toface networking at events across the region. In the next couple of months, two of the biggest events in the Chamber calendar are taking place. Firstly, the Business & Trade Expo at Stoneleigh Park in

Warwickshire is happening on Friday September 26, from 10am until 3pm. Hundreds of visitors are expected to attend the event, which includes networking opportunities as well as expert seminars on social media and presentation skills. More than 120 businesses from a wide-range of sectors including engineering and manufacturing, financial services, professional services and leisure and tourism will also be exhibiting on the day. That is being followed by the Chamber’s thirteenth annual conference at the Belgrade Theatre on Friday, October 17. A keynote address will be given by nationally acclaimed business expert, columnist and chief executive of leading retailer Timpson, John Timpson, who will provide an insight into his unique business philosophy ‘Upside-down management’. Guest speakers will include Jonathan Browning, chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership and Tom Vosa chief economist at Yorkshire Bank. Attendees will also hear from a panel of experts including Catherine Malyon of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), a representative from Turkish Airlines, and MP Marcus Jones, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Town Centres. They both promise to be informative events at the same time as offering great opportunities to network, and do business, with other companies in the area and it would be great to see you there.

Brethertons move to new Rugby home More than 100 of Brethertons staff have finally come together under one roof in Rugby Brethertons LLP has consolidated three town centre offices into Montague House, a single energy-efficient, purpose-built building on Clifton Road. Richard Pell, Brethertons Senior Partner said: “It was the right time to make this significant investment into the long term future of the firm. “The decision to move has been made for the benefit of staff, colleagues and above all else, for the benefit of our clients and our local community. “The new offices allow us to accommodate more staff, including specialist Commercial and Private Client departments, but still keep us at the heart of the Rugby community. “We are very excited to be progressing into this new era and look forward to welcoming new and existing clients to our new home. Our focus continues to be the delivery of an excellent level of service to each of our clients and our new home allows us to do that by offering an accessible and friendly location right in the heart of the town.” Designed by Rugby-based HB Architects and built by civil engineering firm Stepnell Ltd, the 1,616m² building has been designed to be sympathetic to the local conservation area. The offices benefit from an open-plan flexible design with break-out rooms and individual client meeting rooms. Sited on its own detached plot, there is access from Moultrie Road and car parking to the rear. Nigel Poulton of Stepnell Ltd said: “It has been highly rewarding to help create this www.cw-chamber.co.uk

“It was the right time to make this significant investment into the long term future of the firm.” state-of-the-art office which will enable Brethertons to provide the best possible environment for clients and staff and accommodate the firm’s continued expansion, while maintaining its historic roots in Rugby. As a Rugby-based firm ourselves, we are particularly proud to have worked on this prestigious new building and played a part in Brethertons’ continuing success story.” For over 200 years, Brethertons history has been closely aligned with Rugby’s own. Before the move, Brethertons had been located within the same building - 16 Church Street - for 160 years.

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Businesses needed to support careers planning in school

In the new academic year a project will be piloted at Avon Valley School to link businesses to careers planning lessons. This aims to raise the aspirations of young people with the following objectives: 1 Encourage pupils to think about career choices and make informed decisions. 2 Promote the range of employment opportunities available in the area. 3 Increase awareness of skills and experience needed for different occupations. A number of businesses are already signed up to the scheme including Alstom, Morgan Sindall, Manufacturing Technology Centre, Sainsbury’s and Co-operative. We would like others to come forward, no matter how large or small, and work together to address skills gaps in the local economy. The project provides a number of opportunities for organisations to be involved: • Workshops – both encouraging Key Stage 3 (11 – 14 year olds) pupils to think about their careers with more focused sessions for Key Stage 4 (14 – 16 year olds) on the job seeking process. • Assemblies – reaching a greater number of students to those involved in the workshops and providing a platform for inspirational talks. • Site visits – pupils visiting employment sites and new developments to become interested in working environments. • Information sharing – guidance on career paths and training opportunities. • Careers advice fair – open to businesses wishing to exhibit and provide information about career paths. • On-going evaluation – giving pupils the opportunity to reflect on what they’ve learned and receive advice on next steps. If you are interested in becoming involved in this exciting project, please contact Michael Beirne, Economic Investment Officer at Rugby Borough Council on telephone 01788 533734 or email Michael.beirne@rugby.gov.uk.

Commerce website: www.cw-chamber.co.uk 31

News

Mask-arade wins Homegrown Business of the Year Award Leamington Spa business Mask-arade has beaten hundreds of other companies to win the Homegrown Business of the Year prize at the Nectar Business Small Business Awards 2014, judged by a panel of experts including star of BBC1’s The Apprentice, Karren Brady CBE. Mask-arade produces celebrity and personalised masks, desktop cutouts and life-size cutouts, which are ideal for stag and hen parties, birthdays and corporate events. The company won the Homegrown Business of the Year Award due to its overall performance, with a particularly strong demonstration of being able to secure business exclusives for growth. Karren Brady said: “Mask-arade is a very deserving winner of the Homegrown Business of the Year prize in this year’s Nectar Business Small Business Awards. The company is a shining example of what this category stands for and a great business to inspire others to do something similar, to grow and to be a success – especially in the current economic market. “This year’s Awards have given me the opportunity to meet some of the UK’s brightest business stars and I hope seeing the success of these engaging and insightful winners will inspire others to start up the business they have always dreamed of, but never acted upon. It’s not easy running your own business but these six winners have proven that it’s possible with a clear vision, determination and hard work.” Founder of Mask-arade Ray Duffy said: “Winning the Homegrown Business of the Year Award at the Nectar Business Small Business Awards is a great honour for our company, which has grown up from humble beginnings at our kitchen table. The award win has already given the team here such a boost as it recognises all the hard work that each staff member has put into the company.” Mask-arade was judged by a panel of business experts, including; Karren Brady, Nectar Managing Director, Will Shuckburgh; Nathan Palmer of BOC, Richard Carvell of Viking and 2013 winner and founder of Goody Good Stuff, Melissa Burton.

Projecting the right image

Optical components are in abundance at Photonex.

The UK’s premier event for the light and imaging technologies will attract exhibitors from across Europe to the Ricoh Arena. Photonex is returning to the awardwinning venue for the fourth successive year on Wednesday, October 15 and Thursday, October 16, with a larger exhibition than ever before ahead of notable recognition of photonics as an important technology by the United Nations who are making 2015 the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies. Around 100 exhibitors are to attend the high technology conference and exhibition, organised by Xmark Media Ltd, in the Jaguar Exhibition Hall at the Ricoh Arena which brings together industry and research and design companies connected with photonics – the science and technology of light. Laurence Devereux, of Xmark Media Ltd, said photonics is used in our lives at work and home and is second only to electronics in its importance. “The United Nations’ International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies in 2015 will raise the profile of photonics to the general public and to industry,” he said.

“Photonics touches on everybody’s daily lives from when we switch on a light and the TV, to our camera and solar power, capturing photons. In science and industry it has many uses, which is why it attracts exhibitors from as far away as the USA, China and notably in Europe from Bulgaria and Germany. “Photonex is an opportunity for the industry to showcase its strengths and expertise including growth market sectors where the UK has great expertise; imaging and lasers for example in clinical analysis, surgery, in the quest for greater capabilities in monitoring and care of the elderly, in cancer diagnosis and treatment. “The show gives experts and professionals the chance to network and discuss research and new technologies in a supporting conference as well as meet suppliers from across each spectrum of photonics. “The exhibition has been running for over two decades and for the last four years we have been at the Ricoh Arena since it is extremely accessible and because 30 per cent of those involved in the industry are based in the Midlands region.” Last year 1,000 visitors attended the show which will once again be run in conjunction with Vacuum Expo, a further 40 exhibitors, which provides education and training, an exhibition and conference for suppliers, innovators and leading science groups centred on the industrial processing, science, space and energy industries. Laurence added: “Vacuum Expo attracts visitors and exhibitors from education,

“Photonex is an opportunity for the industry to showcase its strengths and expertise including growth market sectors...” government research establishments and industry who require their processes and physical measurements to be carried out under conditions of below-normal atmospheric pressure: in a vacuum. “It gives delegates the chance to get a first-hand look at equipment, instruments and components as well as watch demonstrations while exhibitors can launch new products, and meet current and potential customers.” Chris Owen, senior events manager at the Ricoh Arena, said the organisers of Photonex and Vacuum Expo had already booked for 2015 and 2016 which was a big show of faith in the Ricoh Arena. He said: “There is no doubt Photonex and Vacuum Expo are the UK’s leading shows in their specialist sectors because of the range of areas which are covered by exhibitors and in the conference programme which last year had over 100 speakers. “Visitors are welcome to attend the shows for free which shines a light on an interesting subject because photonic technology is increasingly important for scientific research, for industry and for the consumer.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Event celebrates 50 years of excellence Global leaders in the engineering industry attended a high-profile event to hear about cutting-edge technology and celebrate 50 years of the Grand Prix at Silverstone. Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) was among the partners of the Driving Technological Change within British Manufacturing event in the build-up to the British Grand Prix at the Northamptonshire circuit. About 240 delegates attended the oneday event which attracted industry leaders and organisations to discuss a wide range of topics in a series of seminars and question and answer panels. Paul Bostock, senior manager, hybrids and electrification at Jaguar Land Rover, and Mark Amor-Segan, principal engineer at Warwick Manufacturing Group, were part of a discussion on energy capture and storage while Dominic Cartwright, managing director of Prodrive Composites, spoke about innovations and developments within the sector.

Pete Richings, Director of Engineering Technical Services at Jaguar Land Rover and CWLEP board member, said it had been a fascinating day which had identified advances in technology and new opportunities for the UK supply chain. He said: “Coventry and Warwickshire has a global reputation in the engineering world for its innovative work which is constantly raising the bar. “It was interesting to hear how state-ofthe-art technology can be transferred from motorsport to automotive and other areas.” The one-day event was developed by Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership in association with Local Enterprise Partnerships in Coventry and Warwickshire, the South East Midlands, Oxfordshire, Leicestershire and Bucks Thames Valley together with UK Trade and Investment, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Automotive Council, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and the Motor Industry Association.

Members of Local Enterprise Partnerships and organisers involved in the Driving Technological Change within British Manufacturing event at Silverstone.

Community to benefit from fund

Pictured: (Back left to right) Former High Sheriff Keith Sach, Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire Tim Cox, Paul Belfield from Handelsbanken, (Front left to right) High Sheriff of Warwickshire Clare Hopkinson and Tina Costello from the Heart of England Community Foundation.

Community groups across Warwickshire will be boosted by a £6,500 donation following a charity lunch and running challenges – and the total is still rising. Clare Hopkinson, High Sheriff of Warwickshire, and her husband, Adrian, hosted a range of civic and business guests at their home in Norton Lindsey.

Proceeds raised at the lunch, along with funds collected from their charity running exploits, will all go into the High Sheriff of Warwickshire Endowed Fund, which is managed by the Heart of England Community Foundation – the leading grant-awarding body in the region. The High Sheriff of Warwickshire’s

Endowed Fund started in 2010 and aims to be a legacy for community groups across Warwickshire in order to make the biggest positive impact for local people. Guests at the lunch heard from Patrick Derham, headmaster of Rugby School, and from Jackie Oglethorpe, from Futures Unlocked – a project funded by the Heart of England Community Foundation which helps individuals recently released from prison. Tina Costello, Heart of England Community Foundation Director, said: “It was a lovely occasion and we are delighted that the event, along with Clare and Adrian’s fantastic running exploits, helped raised so much money for the High Sheriff’s Fund. “We are extremely grateful to Clare and Adrian for hosting the event and to all those who attended – from the president of the Chamber to a local MP. “It shows the reach we have as a Foundation and that, ultimately, it is great news for all of the community groups who benefit from our support.” Clare added: “We are delighted that the lunch proved to be such a success. “We are huge supporters of the Heart of England Community Foundation through the Endowed Fund because of the fantastic work it does across the whole community.”

Kite Packaging and Audion Swissvac announce new partnership Kite Packaging, one of the UK’s leading distributors of packaging, and Audion Swissvac, the leading name in automated packaging solutions and machinery, will be partnering for the first time ever at the PPMA Show. The partnership comes at a time when both businesses have been experiencing a high rate of growth, and for Kite in particular, expanding its range to allow for more automated machinery that offers a complete packaging solution. The PPMA Show is now in its 23rd year and takes place on 30th September – 2nd October at the Birmingham NEC, showcasing the best in packaging machinery to more than 8,000 visitors. Kite Packaging & Audion Swissvac will be collaborating on stand F90 – a 64m sq. space which will display a huge 21 machines to stand visitors. On the stand will be both businesses engineers who have many years’ experience in the field, and will be demonstrating the machinery and advising visitors. To find out more about Kite Packaging please visit www.kitepackaging.co.uk, alternatively to find out more about Audion Swissvac please visit: www.audionelekro.co.uk

Creative AV Solutions for Hire, Conferences, Events & Installations that really cut the mustard 7/10 Herald Business Park, Binley, Coventry CV3 2SY 0845 166 2310 | www.mustard.uk.net

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Business Direct is sponsored by HB&O This issue we feature branding

Getting the message right Branding is crucial for businesses of any size because a product or company whose name is ingrained in the public consciousness has dramatically increased chances of success. Yet despite its importance, branding can sometimes be overlooked by businesses that are confident about the quality of their product but do not invest the necessary money in developing it in the public eye. They may see it as an expensive luxury or they may simply not see the point because they assume that their product will speak for itself. They may well be right about the quality of their product but good branding does not happen by accident. So what are the key issues in establishing a good brand? Well, for a start there is the name of the product. Is it one that can be instantly remembered or is it too wordy, too obscure? If you examine some of the great brands, some with strong Midlands connections, they are usually short and snappy. One word usually, two at most. This was underlined when the most recent annual Consumer Superbrands league tables were published. The tables are based on the opinions of marketing experts, business professionals and thousands of British consumers and there are two sets of results, Consumer Superbrands (the UK’s strongest business to consumer brands) and Business Superbrands (the UK’s strongest business to business brands). Apart from an easily-remembered name, another of the key messages for those that advise on branding is that everyone associated with the company in question should understand the thinking behind it so that they can convey the right image to the public. Nothing destroys all that work more effectively than promotional materials going out with mixed messages. This is about a uniform approach to placing an image of the product in the consumer’s mind. Vary it and the consumer becomes confused. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, there may still be those who wonder why all this preparation matters. Take the humble baked bean as an example. Heinz leads the market and, yes, there are other similar products, yes they may be just as good, but where does the shopper’s hand go first? The one with the strongly defined branding. The one with the positive connections, the instantly recognisable colour scheme that has not changed on its labels in years and the name everyone remembers because it’s short. That kind of thinking can translate into income for a company. It is estimated that good brand name recognition can increase profits by between 10 to 20 per cent.

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The Consumer Superbrands 2013 top twenty was: 1. British Airways

11.Cadbury

2. Rolex

12.Andrex

3. Coca-Cola

13.Amazon.co.uk

4. BBC

14.Apple

5. Heinz

15.Boots

6. Microsoft

16.Nike

7. Google

17.Sony

8. Gillette

18.M & S

9. Kellogg’s

19.Shell

10.BMW

20.Mercedes-Benz

The Business Superbrands 2013 table was: 1. Visa

12.American

2. Google

Express

3. Apple

13.Rolls-Royce

4. MasterCard

Group

5. British Airways

14.FedEx

6. Microsoft

15.Royal Mail

7. BP

16.PayPal

8. Samsung

17.Barclaycard

9. Virgin Atlantic

18.BT

10.Shell

19.DHL

11.Bosch

20.Caterpillar

Business Direct: Business Services

Building Awards 2014 Specialist Contractor of the Year Finalist Company background Uni-safe Access was established in 2011 by Tim Goodbody (Operational Director), and Wayne Sweatman (Maintenance Director). Both of us have worked in the permanent access industry for 30 years, starting as apprentices and working our way up to management in various construction firms. Our services Uni-Safe Access is a specialist contractor providing the installation, maintenance and testing of permanent access equipment to the roof tops of buildings. Our services protect employees working at height through the use of equipment including man-safe systems, gantries and cradles. Recent projects Our most successful contract has been with Network Rail. This £400k contract sees us carry out planned maintenance of their permanent access systems at 70+ sites across the UK including London, Wessex, Sussex, Kent, Anglia, Devon, Cornwall and the North West. We regularly provide innovative solutions to site-specific projects. For example we recently invested £30k in installing six high level gantries to provide safe access to high level areas at Liverpool Street Station. Innovations • Providing free site surveys and reports to anywhere in the UK This service innovation is a sector first • In-depth and first class customer care • Detailed pictorial reports • Cost effective pricing • 24 hour call out across the UK • We are one of only 5 companies in the country who are approved to install Safe-line systems. We are also approved installers for Kee Safety products. Partnering with clients We have formal partnerships in place with our key clients and our exceptional performance has resulted in us loosing zero contracts since establishment, achieving 100% customer retention. Our success has been down to maintaining a consistently high performance, ensuring all works are completed on time and ensuring any necessary modifications to the systems are as cost effective as possible through value engineering and the sourcing of competitively priced materials. Partnering with suppliers We have formal partnerships in place with key suppliers including Kee Safety, Spanset, Steadfast and Transmission of Power. We ensure our relationships remain strong through regular communication, fast payment and annual performance reviews. Supplier testimonials include: “Uni-Safe access provide strong communication and flexibility when needed. They continually pay on time and I am happy to endorse them for this award.” Carl Smith, Director, Steadfast Anglia - Tel: 01473 834144 “It’s been a pleasure working with you throughout 2013 and I hope to build a long-standing relationship with you in the coming years.” Michael Brown, Director, FABtech Limited - Tel: 01454 615919 Our approach to the recession Setting up a new business in the middle of the recession was a daunting task that presented many challenges. We knew that the key to our success would be securing a place on our potential clients’ strict list of approved contractors. To do so we sought specialist advice from health and safety consultants Just Safety

and HCC. With their support we were able to develop our standards in line with industry best practice and secure a wealth of accreditations including: • SAFE Contractor • CHAS • Achilles Link Up • Constructionline • Buying Force • Builder’s Profile • Kee Safety Approved Installer • Span Set Approved installer These benchmarks in turn positioned us as approved contractors and opened the door to numerous new clients. After securing our initial contracts, our commitment to best practice throughout the business ensured that we didn’t lose a single client, and as a result we have been able to thrive despite the turbulent times in the economy. Company policies We aim to lead by example, and have developed and signed company policies detailing best practice for key aspects of our business operations, all of which are on display at our headquarters. Key policies include Training, Health & Safety, Quality and Environmental. Awards Our achievements have been recognised with the following awards: • Coventry Telegraph Business Awards 2014: • SME of the Year: Winners • CSR Excellence Award 2014, Winner • Green Apple Award 2014 Winner • International CSR Excellence Award 2013: Winner • Pride of Warwick Awards 2013, Business of the Year: Finalist • Midlands Business Awards 2014, Service Provider of the Year: Finalist Customer satisfaction We measure customer satisfaction regularly through project reviews. Every project is assed upon completion and to date we have consistently received positive feedback. Our exceptional customer satisfaction has led to the following business results in 2013: • Tender success rate: Improved from 40% to 50% • Customer acquisition: Improved by 66%, resulting in a total of 20 clients and 250 sites • Customer retention: Achieved 100% Every single customer we have secured has stayed with us for ongoing projects. • Negotiated contracts: Improved from 50% to 60%

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Business Direct: Business Services

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Business Direct: Business Services

IPP Logipal heralds the launch of Pooling Partners New 'PP' logo unveiled IPP Logipal, one of the leading pallet and box rental providers to fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) supply chains and to industrial sectors across Europe and the UK & Ireland’s second largest pallet pooler, heralds the launch of the Pooling Partners brand by parent Faber Halbertsma Group. All parts of the group, including IPP Logipal, will operate under the single global new brand Pooling Partners and adopt the new ’PP’ logo. Carl McInerney, IPP Logipal’s country director in the UK & Ireland, commented: “As a group we have a long and rich heritage stretching back over 100 years in designing, producing and pooling pallets and boxes. We are uniquely able to offer a wide range of services to simply make it easier to use pallets and boxes, at a lower cost and in a more environmentallyfriendly way. Our new name reflects these capabilities and brings them together under one brand that reflects the sustainability benefits that are inherent in using pooling. “Pooling Partners, as the new brand for the Faber Halbertsma Group, perfectly encapsulates the activities of the group from designing and producing reusable and recyclable items to extensively pooling pallets and boxes across Europe. It will help us to convey the scale of our operations and the value that we can add to customers who want to benefit from pooling. “The new brand identity sees a change in colour too. Gone is the traditional orange, replaced by a modern green to reflect our sustainability credentials.

“Pooling sees us design, provide, facilitate and execute supply chain systems that reuse, return, recover, repair and recycle. The systems are regenerative but we go further by smart use of pallets and boxes, and by seeking ways to minimise transport by working together across the supply chain. We aim to remove empty transport legs wherever we can to reduce CO2 emissions and thus help safeguard the environment. “We may have a new brand that reflects the sustainability of pooling but we also retain our day-to-day values; quality, simplicity, service, flexibility and value are hallmarks of our business approach. We have based our success on being proactive and responsive to our customers’ needs, allowing them to concentrate on what they do best. The message from Pooling Partners could not be simpler; Streamline your business. Benefit from pooling.”

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Vivo’s er summ of fer

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Links of London *Offer terms and conditions apply. See website for details.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Business Direct

Local Support from a National Business “Datum become Kit Sponsor” By Barry Smith, Club Manager “Datum Fitout and Refurbishment Limited have become Kit Sponsors for FAFC this is a real boost for the club with a new kit expected soon.

“Support for your Business” Datum Fitout and Refurbishment Ltd can support your business locally and nationally. As a Coventry based office fit out company specialising in the design and refurbishment of commercial premises, we can offer service and installation individually designed to meet your specific needs. The areas where we can support include: • Dilapidations • Flooring • Move Management • Office Furniture • Partitioning • Project Management • Suspended Ceilings Our projects can vary from full scale fitouts, to simple space planning to maximize the space in an office with existing furniture, to creating a simple office via partitioning, to installing a kitchen and to decoration.

Foleshill Athletic F.C. t-shirt sponsored by Datum Fitout and Refurbishment

With the next football season just around the corner and the team, Foleshill Athletic F.C. in training, it seems that both business and pleasure run side by side. Here at Datum Fitout and Refurbishment Ltd, we are busy planning our next “season” which seems to be all about “away fixtures”, namely Glasgow, Stirling and the north of England. It is all about tactics and preparation - the team, with their new kit and plenty of potential and us providing all round office solutions to include partitioning, glazing, raised access floors, basically turn key solutions. Dedication, commitment and experience provided by both teams, Datum Fitout and Refurbishment Ltd and Foleshill Athletic F.C. all go to make the next season even more successful and here’s to more home fixtures. Your support is always valued.

Nigel Uttley, Director at Datum Fitout and Refurbishment

The support from Datum will give us all confidence for the future of the club and we can push on to move forward and achieve a strong partnership between Club and Sponsor”. http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/ foleshillathletic

Fitout project recently completed in Glasgow

To discuss how we can support your business please visit www.datum-fitout.co.uk and call 0845 302 6440 or 07718 984501.

“Thank you for your help and support over the past few months. I know you are doing a job but you have done it with empathy, kindness, understanding and humour and I feel I have really benefited from our sessions”

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Feeling low and not sure where to turn for help? At All About People, we offer a calm, confidential and supportive environment for you to explore your work and/or personal problems.

Our cost effective, short, medium and long term counselling services are specifically tailored to ensure you get access to the right therapies to help with: •

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To talk to someone today, to arrange an appointment or to find out more, please contact us on 01926 882521. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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info@allaboutpeopleltd.co.uk www.allaboutpeopleltd.co.uk

News

Online library helps businesses A new online library giving businesses instant access to risk management tools to enable them to protect their assets has gone live. The virtual bookshelves are filled with nearly 1,000 categorised documents that provide up-to-date information for firms to better understand and manage their compliance and employment responsibilities. Many of the downloadable documents, covering topics from health and safety to cyber liability, are available as templates so that they can be customised for companies to produce their own policies and manuals. The library has been launched by independent commercial insurance broker Inspire Insurance Services, following the success of an online tool that it developed last year to help SMEs comply with health and safety legislation. Leigh Mackey, managing director of Inspire Insurance Services based at Westwood Business Park in Coventry, said: “Many SMEs are not able to employ a health and safety officer and even those that have an employee who is dedicated to that role found the support to be extremely beneficial. “The main difference is that rather than us sending out the information to businesses, they can access exactly what they need and when to help protect their assets, minimise their risks and ultimately increase their bottom line.”

Recruiters to help shape the future Recruiters will have more of a say on the future of Microsoft Dynamics after the company behind Mercury xRM became only the second UK member of the Microsoft Partner Advisory Council. Coleshill based Crimson Limited, the company that develops rapid recruitment software Mercury xRM, has joined 19 other exclusive partners from across the globe as part of Microsoft’s Global Advisory Council. This means the company will be in a position to offer early feedback on current and future products for Microsoft

Food and drinks firms plan more than 65,000 new jobs Firms in England’s food and drink sector are planning to create tens of thousands of new jobs in the next five years, according to a new study by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. The report, Global Ambitions, found an industry with soaring confidence and plans to invest, innovate, create new jobs and expand across the globe. The study, which surveyed English producers and manufacturers of alcohol, fresh produce and food and drink products, was completed to understand the opportunities and challenges faced by companies in the UK’s largest manufacturing sector. Optimism in the sector is high with 98 per cent of respondents saying that they expect to grow over the next five years. The majority plan to take active steps to grow by developing new products (77 per cent), entering new markets (70 per cent) and creating new jobs (70 per cent). The research indicates that food and drink firms will create a startling 66,942 new jobs in England over the next five years. More key findings include: More than three-quarters (76 per cent) of firms will target new markets in Western Europe, with more than half (54 per cent) focusing on the Far East and Asia. Just less than half (49 per cent) will seek new markets in the Middle East Eight in ten firms (83 per cent) are confident they already have the capacity in place to cope with an upturn in production should the opportunity arise to expand into a new market Almost two-thirds (62 per cent) said that they need marketing and brand awareness support to succeed overseas, while three in five firms (60 per cent) need better “on the ground” knowledge of their target markets More than half (51 per cent) of respondents said that they need to invest in their production facilities to grow, while 40 per cent need to access finance 83 per cent said the cost of raw materials is a potential threat to the sector’s growth plans, while 77 per cent highlighted sustainability and 68 per cent ingredient security David Richardson, Regional Director, Head of Manufacturing, Mid Markets at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “England’s food and drink industry weathered the recession well and has the same optimism and tenacity that has underpinned its success so far. The report paints a positive picture for the long-term – this is an innovative and ambitious industry set to create a huge number of employment opportunities. “At Lloyds Bank, our relationship directors really understand our food and drink customers, helping deliver the mix of local understanding and global expertise they need to achieve their ambitions. Food and drink is without doubt a sector that will help Britain grow.” Melanie Leech, Director General of the Food and Drink Federation, the organisation that represents and advises UK food and drink manufacturers, said: “Product quality, brand heritage and a growing demand for our produce in international markets means that English food and drink manufacturers are well placed for the future. “If we can foster increased innovation, create a pipeline of skilled and talented individuals to support the businesses of the future and improve our export performance within a robust industrial strategy, then we can do a lot to sweep away the barriers to growth. “This, coupled with the right entrepreneurial approach, will help our largest manufacturing sector to write the next chapter in this great British success story

LLOYDS BANK RESEARCH SERIES – FOOD AND DRINK Global Ambitions Food and drink is the largest manufacturing industry in the UK.

£92billion annual turnover

18% of total manufacturing turnover

400,000 people employed by the sector

Source: Food and Drink Federation statistics at a glance

Job creation

Growth

66,942

62%

English jobs forecast to be created industry-wide in the next five years.

of English manufacturers forecast up to 15% growth in the next five years.

58%

77%

of English manufacturers intend to hire between one and 50 staff in that time.

plan to achieve growth through new product development

International expansion

63%

76%

54%

of English manufacturers plan to engage new international customers in the next five years.

may invest in or engage new customers in Western Europe

may invest in or engage new customers in The Far East and Asia

Industry challenges Biggest challenges for the food and drink industry in the next five years:

New job for Richard Persistence has paid off for a budding property professional after landing a position at one of the area’s leading commercial agencies. Warwickshire-based property experts Wareing & Company have appointed 21-year-old Richard Sidaway as trainee chartered surveyor. The former Princethorpe College pupil, who is currently studying part time for a Real Estate degree at Birmingham City University, approached the company for a week’s work experience and impressed the management so much they offered him a permanent role.

83% cost of raw materials

77% sustainability

68% ingredients security

Left to Right: Richard Sidaway, Mark Thompson and Andrew Wall – all of Wareing and company.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

BRING YOUR PARTY TO OUR PARTY! Autumn & Christmas Party Nights 2014 SEPTEMBER Fri 5th

‘SUPREME’ MOTOWN & SOUL DIVA PARTY with THE MOTELLAS

Sat 13th

‘MICHAEL BUBLÉ’ TRIBUTE with JAMIE FLANAGAN

Fri 19th

‘THE LEGENDS’ PARTY with ABSOLUTE LEGENDS

Fri 26th

BRIEFCASE BLUES SOUL BROTHERS THE ‘SOUL MEN’ !!

Enjoy a night full of toe tapping Motown classic hits, incuding Diana Ross and The Supremes, Tina Turner & Aretha Franklin.

£32.50

A mesmerising tribute show to one of the best Jazz, Swing & Pop artists of our time, Michael Bublé. A stunning & romantic swinging performance from Jamie Flanagan. Enjoy all the hits. £32.50 Enjoy a night of sheer brilliance! A tribute to four of the greatest Icons in one night! Hits from Elton John, Tom Jones, Bryan Adams & Robbie Wiliams.

£37.50 £32.50

OCTOBER AUTUMN SOUL PARTY with THE SOUL SURVIVOURS & MEL DAY

Fri 10th

ELVIS TRIBUTE by KEVIN PAUL

£37.50

60’s & 70’s non-stop classic hits. Classic soul music & good old British Rhythm & Blues. ‘The King’ is back by popular demand! Breath-taking Elvis Vegas Show featuring Kevin Paul and after show Disco.

An ideal opportunity to meet a large number of suppliers. Including a stunning fashion show of bridal gowns.

Sat 25th

PINK BALL AT THE HALL with BROTHERS OF SOUL

Enjoy our ‘Black Tie’ Charity Ball raising funds for breast cancer. With our tribute to the greatest hits, the move, the smooth vocals and toe-tapping tunes of the Temptations and other Motown legends. Wear something PINK!

£49.50

‘MAMMA MIA’ PARTY with ‘SENSATION’ AN ABBA TRIBUTE

Enjoy a great party with our tribute to ABBA. Sensation perform ABBA’s greatest hits including ‘Mamma Mia, Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Thank You For The Music’ and many more.

£37.50

NOVEMBER Sat 1st

DISCO THROUGH THE DECADES with DJ IAN ROGERS

Over the last 18 years Ian has been performing as a local DJ and has a unique ability to entertain any crowd across a vast spectrum of music genres.

NEW ACT

£27.50

Sat 8th

‘HEART & SOUL’ PARTY with HARRY CAMBRIDGE

Sat 15th

RICK’S ‘CHILDREN IN NEED’ PARTY with MANHATTAN (Formerly Smackee)

Fri 21st

SWINGING 60’s & MOTOWN PARTY with THE KRYSTALETTES

Sat 29th

THE SNOWBALL CHARITY PARTY with THE RICHIE SAMPSON’S DRIFTERS TRIBUTE REVUE

Tribute to Luther Vandross from ‘Stars In Their Eyes’ winner Harry Cambridge, including hits from Barry White, Lionel Richie & many more. Plus after show Disco.

£32.50

Don’t miss Rick’s spectacular ‘Black Tie’ Charity Ball. Cabaret with ‘Songs from the Musicals’ followed by dancing through the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. In support of Children In Need.

£49.50

Enjoy a swinging night with our amazing Female Trio, a great show that will take you back in time to the Swinging 60's with great songs like 'Da Do Ron Ron, Heatwave, Be My Baby’. Tribute to the greatest hits of the Drifters and other Motown legends. Please donate a wrapped gift for a child. These gifts will be collected by The Salvation Army at the event.

£32.50 in aid of THE SALVATION ARMY

£49.50

DECEMBER Fri 5th

THE ULTIMATE SOUL PARTY with THE BOOZE BROTHERS

Sat 6th

‘THE LEGENDS’ PARTY with ABSOLUTE LEGENDS

TRIBUTE TO THE 80’s PARTY with 80’s EXPERIENCE

Fri 12th

‘TAKE THAT’ & ‘WESTLIFE’ SHOW with THAT’S LIFE

Fri 12th

AMERICAN DREAMZ

Sat 13th

£39.50

An amazing tribute to the ultimate boy bands, featuring all the huge hits from Take That and Westlife. Capturing the true essence of the timeless Soul and Motown era, the American Dreamz present a kaleidoscope of vocal harmony and choreography with superb presentation.

£37.50 NEW ACT

£45.00

Enjoy a night full of toe tapping Motown classic hits, incuding Diana Ross and The Supremes, Tina Turner & Aretha Franklin.

Fri 19th

SWINGING 60’s & MOTOWN PARTY with THE KRYSTALETTES

Fri 19th

LET THE MUSIC PLAY WITH WILLIAM HICKS as BARRY WHITE

Sat 20th

BOOTLEG ABBA with BOOTLEG ABBA

£35.00 NEW ACT

Enjoy a swinging night with our amazing Female Trio, a great show that will take you back in time to the Swinging 60's with great songs like 'Da Do Ron Ron, Heatwave, Be My Baby’. Direct from the USA, William Hicks celebrates the music of the legendary Barry White. Featuring, the fabulous Supreme Divas of Motown. William is a big man with a big voice.

NEW ACT

Enjoy a great party with our tribute to ABBA. BOOTLEG ABBA perform Abba’s greatest hits including ‘Mamma Mia, Waterloo, Dancing Queen and many more.

£37.50

FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE £35.00

Plus After Show Disco with DJ Franco

Saturday 1st November DISCO THROUGH THE DECADES with DJ IAN ROGERS

£27.50

FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE £25.00

Saturday 15th November RICK’S ‘CHILDREN IN NEED’ PARTY with MANHATTAN £49.50

FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE £45.00

Saturday 29th November THE SNOWBALL CHARITY PARTY RICHIE SAMPSON’S with THE DRIFTERS TRIBUTE REVUE

£49.50

FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE £45.00

in aid of THE SALVATION ARMY

Plus After Show Disco with DJ Franco

Friday 5th December THE ULTIMATE SOUL PARTY with THE BOOZE BROTHERS

£39.50

FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE £37.50

£32.50

Plus After Show Disco with DJ Franco

£49.50

Friday 12th December AMERICAN DREAMZ MOTOWN EXTRAVAGANZA

£39.50

FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE £37.50

£45.00

FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE £40.00

Plus After Show Disco with DJ Franco

£39.50 NEW ACT

£29.50

TRIBUTE TO FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS with JERSEY 4 Paying tribute to the iconic music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons and the award winning musical ‘The Jersey Boys’. The falsetto singing and energy of ‘Jersey 4’.

Saturday 25th October ‘MAMMA MIA PARTY’ with ABBA SENSATION

Saturday 6th December TRIBUTE TO THE 80’s PARTY with 80’s EXPERIENCE

£39.50

Enjoy a tribute to the greatest hits, the move, the smooth vocals and toe-tapping tunes of the Temptations and other Motown legends. The UK’s Number One Show dedicated to the iconic song book of Rod Stewart. With all the Classics such as’ Maggie May’, ‘You Wear it Well, ‘Hot Legs’ and ‘Sailing’.

Plus After Show Disco with DJ Franco

£32.50

CHRISTMAS SOUL PARTY with THE BROTHERS OF SOUL

Mon 22nd ROD STEWART with GARRY PEASE

£49.50

FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE £45.00

Plus After Show Disco with DJ Franco

‘SUPREME’ MOTOWN & SOUL DIVA PARTY with THE MOTELLAS

Without a doubt, the unprecedented replica of the voice of Whitney Houston. The incredible Nya King brings her amazing Soul and R & B style to pay tribute to this wonderful soul lady.

Tue 23rd

£37.50

Celebrate a night of nostalgia with the greatest hits of the80’s. The 5 piece band will take you back to the days of fun, frivolity and great music from the 80’s era.

Thu 18th A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO WHITNEY HOUSTON with NYA KING

Sat 20th

£39.50

Enjoy a night of sheer brilliance! A tribute to four of the greatest Icons in one night! Hits from Elton John, Tom Jones, Bryan Adams & Robbie Wiliams.

£37.50

FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE £35.00

Saturday 18th October ‘PINK BALL AT THE HALL’ with THE BROTHERS OF SOUL

Plus After Show Disco with DJ Franco

A guaranteed non-stop dancing all night, music extravaganza. Come and ‘Shake a tail feather’ at our party. A tribute to all the hits of the Blues movies.

Sat 6th

Saturday 4th October ‘SOUL PARTY’ with THE SOUL SURVIVORS AND MEL DAY Plus After Show Disco with DJ Franco

£32.50

Sun 12th PERFECT BRIDES WEDDING FAYRE Sat 18th

£37.50

FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE £35.00

Plus After Show Disco with DJ Franco

Dance the night away with non-stop movie hits with our sensational duo, party with all the hits such as ‘Can’t Turn you Loose’, ‘Gimme some lovin’ and ‘Soul Man’.

Sat 4th

Friday 19th September ‘THE LEGENDS PARTY’ with ABSOLUTE LEGENDS

£35.00

Friday 19th December LET THE MUSIC PLAY with THE DIVAS OF MOTOWN & WILLIAM HICKS AS BARRY WHITE

£49.50

FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE £45.00

Plus After Show Disco with DJ Franco

Wed 24th CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER with MICHELLE FRENCH

Enjoy a delightful Candlelit Christmas Eve Dinner in the Oak Room Restaurant with Christmas music and carols from pianist & soloist Michelle French.

Sat 27th

£39.50

‘MOTOWN’ LEGENDS PARTY with SOUL LEGEND

Enjoy all the moves, the smooth vocals and dance to the hits from Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye & more with ‘Soul Legend’.You won’t be able to stay off the dance floor. Plus after show Disco.

£32.50

Saturday 20th December CHRISTMAS ‘SOUL PARTY’ with THE BROTHERS OF SOUL Plus After Show Disco with DJ Franco

£39.50

FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE £37.50

ALL TICKET PRICES INCLUDE 4 COURSE MEAL - WE WILL CATER FOR ANY SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT

BOOKING HOTLINE CALL: 02476 466174

www.nailcotehall.co.uk

info@nailcotehall.co.uk Nailcote Hall Hotel, Nailcote Lane, Berkswell, Warwickshire CV7 7DE

News

IT specialists SMEs to provide jobs boost in West Midlands benefit from developments Clients of a Warwickshire IT company will be among the first to benefit from software giant Microsoft’s developments after becoming one of its most trusted UK partners. ACUTEC, which is based in Coleshill, was already one of only 3,000 Gold Partners to Microsoft in the UK and the company has now been invited to be a Managed Partner. The move came because ACUTEC has dramatically increased its spend on Microsoft products over the past two years and the company, which has offices in Reading and London, now wants to explore further opportunities with the firm It makes the Warwickshire company among just one per cent of Microsoft’s 33,000 partners nationwide which have Managed Partner status. Urfaan Azhar, of ACUTEC, said: “It’s great news for us and it is great news for our clients. “This will mean an even greater level of engagement with Microsoft – they are even going to be business planning with us on how we can take this forward.

The West Midlands’ jobs market is in line for a welcome boost after it emerged that more than four out of 10 of the region’s Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) intend to recruit new staff in 2014. According to research by Yorkshire Bank, 41% of SMEs intend to recruit new employees. The research found that on average, West Midlands SMEs expect to grow staff numbers by 3.6%. If this figure is applied to the region’s SME workforce of 1.2 million* this means that 43,200 new jobs could be created across the West Midlands. The recruitment intentions highlighted by the research were supported by significant investment plans. Almost a quarter - 24% of West Midlands SMEs questioned said they would spend additional money over and above existing budgets on new staff in the coming year. The research also revealed considerable regional variations. Job prospects are especially positive in London where 49% of SMEs intend to hire more staff. Recruitment is also set to be strong in the North East, where 47% of SMEs signalled plans to increase staff numbers, with Scotland (44%) following closely behind.

Across the UK, the survey found that on average, Britain’s 4.9m* SMEs expect to recruit 3.1% more staff. If this figure is applied to Britain’s total SME workforce of 14.4 m* more than 446,000 new jobs could be created across the UK. The survey shows that small businesses (50-99 employees) are the most likely to grow staff numbers, with 69% of firms in this category saying they plan to create jobs. Medium-sized businesses (100-249 employees) were close behind with 65% of these firms saying they intend to recruit new staff. Some sectors are set to benefit more than others from the anticipated jobs boom, with more than half of construction firms (59%) and manufacturing SMEs (53%) citing plans to create jobs. Recruitment intention was also significant within the food and drink sector with 43% of firms saying they are likely to hire new staff. While the majority - 52% - of businesses surveyed have no immediate plans to recruit staff, just 3% said they would cut staff numbers, suggesting that the economic recovery continues to gain ground.

The survey suggested that SMEs also plan substantial investment in staff development with 44% of those who maintain a separate budget for training saying they expect the amount that they set aside to grow. Overall, the research indicates that businesses are growing increasingly optimistic about the UK’s prospects with nearly three quarters (72%) of SMEs saying that they expect the economy will grow over the next year. Almost half – 49% - of firms expect their turnover to increase. Brian Colquhoun, Midlands Director of Business and Private Banking with Yorkshire Bank, said: “West Midlands SMEs are now planning for growth and their desire to increase recruitment and invest in their staff is a clear sign that business confidence is building. The creation of new jobs will help boost productivity and competitiveness as well as strengthening the improving economic recovery. “As confidence continues to grow, we remain focused on supporting SMEs and investing in their growth ambitions.”

Schoolchildren embrace the learning message Children’s University offers the perfect opportunity for children to learn new skills. “Lots of schoolchildren want to take part in extra-curricular activities and increasing the number of opportunities available across the city is really important to us,” she said. Carolyn Lloyd, Children’s University strategic manager, said she is delighted to have Coventry Sports Foundation onboard. Four primary schools across Coventry are enrolled on the Children’s University programme – Finham Primary School on Green Lane, Stanton Bridge Primary on Oliver Street, Frederick Bird Primary on Swan Lane and Stivichall Primary School on Coat of Arms Bridge Road. Two secondary schools also take part in the programme including President Kennedy School on Rookery Lane and Finham Park School on Green Lane.

“We now have an account manager and direct access to Microsoft and have been to meetings with them already – it’s a very exciting step for us. “And this means our clients will now be among the first to make the most of new developments from them because we will have access to any new products in advance of most other companies. “We can even, where necessary, take clients to Microsoft’s offices in Reading and London or their data centre in Dublin. They will work with us and help find new solutions for our clients. “This is a huge testament to ACUTEC – we are very proud to have achieved this status and we are very confident it will bring added benefits to our clients and help us to achieve our very ambitious growth targets.”

Pictured from left to right: Wendy Jackson (Coventry Sports Foundation) with Carolyn Lloyd (Children’s University).

Coventry’s largest sports and leisure provider has kick-started a drive to help schoolchildren boost extra-curricular learning. Coventry Sports Foundation has been recognised as a key learning destination by Children’s University, a national scheme that awards children, aged seven to 14, for participating in innovative learning opportunities outside normal school hours. Students on the scheme are given a “Passport to Learning” and are encouraged to earn credits by participating in a wide-range of extra-curricular activities available at key learning destinations across the country. Coventry Sports Foundation is the latest organisation to sign-up to the programme with children across Coventry now able to top-up their learning experience and take part in a variety of high-quality sports and leisure activities at Centre AT7 on Bell Green Road, the Alan Higgs Centre on Allard Way and Xcel Leisure Centre on Mitchell Avenue. Wendy Jackson, community development manager at Coventry Sports Foundation, said

“Lots of schoolchildren want to take part in extracurricular activities and increasing the number of opportunities available across the city is really important to us.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Events Chamber Networking 4.00-6.00pm The Rugby Hotel, Sheep Street, Rugby, CV21 3BX

1st October

Exploring Growth in Europe

09.00am – 1.00pm The Welcome Centre, 47 Parkside Street, Coventry, CV1 2HG Join us to discover the opportunities that await your business in Europe at this practical and informative seminar. Attendees will also hear about the support available from UK Trade & Investment and the Enterprise Europe Network, to assist companies in accessing opportunities in European markets. 17th October

Annual Business & Economic Conference

9:30am – 2:00pm Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Coventry, West Midlands, CV1 1GS Members £37.50 + VAT Non-members £55.00 + VAT Join us at the Chamber’s prestigious Annual Business & Economic Conference. The Conference will importantly focus on the future prospects & opportunities for economic growth, locally, nationally and globally. The conference will include a Ministerial Address and Member of Parliament input. Key note addresses will be given by John Timpson and Jonathan Browning. The programme will offer networking and a buffet lunch. 20th October

Masterclass Brilliant Business Presentation Skills

with Tom Dillon 9.30am - 12.30pm Chamber House, Innovation Village, Cheetah Road, Coventry CV1 2TL Learn how to overcome your nerves and deliver powerful and memorable presentations that will leave your audiences hungry for more. The Master Class will touch on ways to perfect preparation and planning, conquering your nerves, finding your voice, using body language and winning business after your presentation. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Want to network with local businesses in a relaxed environment? Networking is one of the most effective ways to promote your business, and the tried and tested method of face-toface communication is a great way to meet new business contacts.

21st of November 4th November

Chamber Networking 4-6pm Lea Marston Hotel, Haunch Lane, Lea Marston, B76 OBY

Free of charge

Get the chance to raise your company profile and network with local businesses. This event will provide excellent networking opportunities and is a great way to create new business contacts.

Chamber Networking

8.00 - 10.00am Ramada Hotel and Suites Coventry, The Butts, Earlsdon, Coventry, CV1 366

Free of charge

Get the chance to promote your company and make new business contacts at this informal networking event. This event is the perfect opportunity for you to make new business relationships and grow your customer portfolio.

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.

CWT TRAINING DATES 2014

Customer Service Essentials

Full Day

Professional Telephone Techniques

Full Day

Business Email Writing

Half Day

Succcessful Sales Techniques

Full Day

Professional Negotiation Skills

Full Day

Online Marketing

Full Day

Social Media Strategy - Facebook, Twitter and Blogs

Full Day

Practical Social Media

Half Day

Professional Presentation Skills

Full Day

Inspirational Leadership

Full Day

Time Management

Full Day

Finance for Non Financial Managers

Full Day

18 6 30 2 9 7 12 27 16 11 5

Effective Communication

Half Day-am

Briefing the Team

Half Day-pm

Planning & Monitoring the Teams Work

Half Day-am

Managing Difficult Customers

Half Day-pm

Understanding Workplace Behaviours

Half Day-am

Understanding Discipline & Grievance Procedures

Half Day-pm

Developing a Team

Half Day-am

Motivating the Team

Half Day-pm

Maximising Team Potential

Half Day-am

Making Business Decisions

Half Day-pm

Internal Quality Auditing ISO9001:2008

Full Day

Risk Assessment - Principles & Practice (CIEH Accredited Level 2 Award)

Full Day

Principles of Manual Handling (CIEH Accredited Level 2 Award)

21 3

Half Day-am

Basic Food Hygiene Level 2 Award NEW

Full Day

Export Documentation - Getting it Right

Full Day

Payment for Export including Letters of Credit

Full Day

Import Procedures

Full Day

Microsoft Word - Intermediate to Advanced

Full Day

Microsoft PowerPoint

Full Day

Microsoft Project Management (An Introduction ) NEW

Full Day

December

10:00am - 3:00pm Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ Our 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. If you are interested in exporting join us for the Export Breakfast prior the Expo from 8am

Free of charge

October

Business & Trade Expo

Duration

26th September

Manufacturing event

4.00-6.00pm MGTS Coventry, Gulson Road, Coventry, CV1 2JG We are hosting a Manufacturing Networking event at MGTS Coventry. MGTS are a well established engineering apprenticeship provider who are providing the market place with a new generation of engineers with the potential to solve practical problems and push the boundaries of technology. This will be the perfect opportunity to network with people in the manufacturing industry and create business contacts with like minded people. There will also be a tour of MGTS.

November

Events

13th November

23rd of October

4 25 28 11 16 3 4 9

President & People

Software company strengthens team Peter Burns MBE

Out and about in an inspiring area As I continue to work on your behalf as valued members of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, it has been a busy few weeks since my last report. It started with the 29th of June when I attended a garden party given by the High Sheriff of Warwickshire Clare Hopkinson to promote the High Sheriffs Endowment Fund, a vehicle set up to encourage businesses in Warwickshire to support local projects whose primary objectives are to give certain segments of our communities a feeling of self-worth and direction in life. The fund is managed by the Heart of England Community Foundation, an organisation the Chamber sponsors. On the 2nd of July I attended the Queen’s Award for Enterprise presented to the Rhead Group by the Lord-Lieutenant Paul Sabapathy CBE. Many congratulations to the Rhead Group from all of us at the Chamber. On the 3rd of July I attended the Community Cohesion Awards Ceremony at St. Mary’s Guild Hall; this was about recognising all of the great work done by the Voluntary Sector in the city with five awards being presented. The 4th of July saw me attending The Touch FM Pride of Warwick District Awards 2014 at the Chesford Grange Hotel, near Kenilworth. I was asked to present the Business of the Year Award which went to Woodland Grange Meeting and Conference Venue, again a prestigious event showcasing all that is good in our region. On the 9th of July Louise, Angela and I attended the British Chambers of Commerce General Meeting 2014 at Central Hall, Westminster. This was followed by a Summer Reception at the Institute of Contemporary Arts with the guest speaker Lord Finkelstein. The 10th of July,I attended a Queens Award Workshop hosted by the Rhead Group with presentations by Jaguar Landrover, Rhead Group and Alumet followed be a speech by Lord Digby Jones. As a region we do not get as many Queen’s awards as we should so it is now time to punch above our weight and tell the rest of the country how good we are here in Coventry and Warwickshire. We were also supported at this workshop by our two Lord-Lieutenants Paul Sabapathy for the West Midlands and Timothy B Cox For Warwickshire. On the 15th July I attended another Spotlight Lunch and networking event at Catthorpe Manor, near Lutterworth, with a big thank you to them for hosting the event. This was a great event put on by your chamber and apart from all the networking that went on and everyone saying how much they enjoyed it, it also gave me the opportunity to meet many of our members and potential members that I would otherwise not get to see. The 30th of July saw me doing another factory visit of one of our members the company was Profab Access Ltd Atherstone. They are a company who manufacture a wide range of plastic and metal Access Panels which can be made up to two hours fire delay. They do standard and bespoke depending on the customers requirement. Over the past 12 months they have taken on new premises going from 13,000 sq. ft. to 45,000 sq.ft. and have purchased and installed new plant helping them meet their increasing order book which also includes international business. On the 14th of August Angela Tellyn and I met with Bill Hunt, Deputy Chief Executive Warwick District Council, Tracy Darke, Head of Development, Dave Barber, Senior Planner and Ken Bruno Housing and Strategy Development Manager, to talk about housing figures for the county, in particular Warwick District, the relationship with Coventry and furthering my theme as President, of, Prosperity Through Growth for Coventry and Warwickshire. This was an informative meeting and it would appear that we are all singing from the same hymn sheet if not the same line however we are moving in the right direction and have now opened up a dialogue with each other. I now look forward to seeing you at our Annual Conference on the 17th of October 2014

“David will play a key role supporting the company’s client base to extract the right data, while increasing productivity and profitability.” Automotive software specialists Cooper Solutions has expanded its senior team with the appointment of a new development manager. The new role has been created by Cooper Solutions following a surge in new business - and has been filled by a man who is a perfect fit for the company. David Cooper - no relation to managing director Barry Cooper - has joined the Barford-based firm and brings with him 25 years of experience in the automotive industry. The 53-year-old has enjoyed time with Mercedes-Benz UK, Toyota and BMW during his career and has been brought in to help strengthen Cooper Solutions’ inhouse and client based support. David previously worked with Barry Cooper while at BMW and will be working closely alongside fellow development managers Andrew Whicher and Simon Whicher. “Cooper Solutions is a hugely progressive

company which I’m delighted to be part of,” he said. “The support products the firm has developed are adding immense value to the everyday processes of dealerships and it’s no surprise the company is continuing to grow in size by around 20 per cent year on year. “I’ve known Barry for many years and have been impressed with the success Cooper Solutions has achieved over the last 13 years and I’m pleased to have been given the opportunity to help strengthen the company’s offering to dealers across the UK.” Barry added: “David will play a key role supporting the company’s client base to extract the right data, while increasing productivity and profitability. “David brings with him a wealth of dealership experience and technical knowhow and we’re really excited about the value he will add to Cooper Solutions.”

David Cooper, development manager at Cooper Solutions

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

President & People

New chair for land and business organisation Read C&W In Business online by visiting the Coventry & Warwickshire

Paul Rice (left) and the Marquess of Hertford.

A leading agricultural lawyer and rural business expert has taken over as chair of the Warwickshire branch of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA). Paul Rice, a partner at Leamingtonbased law firm Wright Hassall, has taken over at the helm from the 9th Marquess of Hertford, Lord Hertford of Ragley Hall, who held the position for two years.

The CLA is the leading membership organisation for those responsible for land, property and business throughout rural England and Wales. Paul Rice, who worked for DEFRA before moving to Wright Hassall 10 years ago to lead its agriculture and rural business team, has been the vice chair of the CLA for two years.

He said: “Our role as a voice for our members has never been more important with serious issues such as HS2, the state of the rural economy and the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy.” The Marquess of Hertford said: “The CLA is as relevant as ever and plays a major role in representing the interests of all who depend on the countryside.”

Jane learns to juggle challenges

VAT specialists: (from left to right) Jane Deeks with Helen Coombes

A Midlands-based tax specialist is looking to juggle a new career after landing a job at a leading firm of chartered accountants. Harrison Beale & Owen (HB&O), which has offices in Coventry and Leamington, has appointed Jane Deeks as a VAT consultant at the firm. Jane, whose family come from a fairground background and whose parents are members of the Showman’s Guild of Great Britain, decided to leave the fairground fraternity in order to complete her education. Despite having no formal education from www.cw-chamber.co.uk

“It is great to be able to add Jane’s skills and knowledge to our already highlyskilled workforce.”

the age of 12, Jane returned to education when she was 17 and successfully completed her GCSEs, A levels, LLB (Hons), a Diploma in legal practice and completed her chartered tax exams. The 41 year-old, who lives in Walsall Wood, started her career in VAT as a graduate trainee with one of the ‘Big Four’ accountants. Jane continued to work within the ‘Big Four’ accountancy practices for a number of years, within the Midlands. Jane most recently worked for a fee protection company, providing consultancy advice to clients on all aspects of VAT. With more than 15 years’ experience in the industry Jane has been hired to strengthen HB&O’s tax department. She will be based in Coventry and Leamington and will advise clients on a wide range of VAT issues, including international trade and property matters. Jane said: “When I was 17 I read a book called ‘You And The Law” which is a basic guide to consumer law and decided I wanted to be a solicitor. “I asked my parents if I could return to education to complete my studies and they were really supportive. People always find my background quite interesting particularly as I chose to return to education and pursue a career in VAT- but I just loved learning.” Helen Coombes, who is tax director at the firm, said: “It is great to be able to add Jane’s skills and knowledge to our already highly-skilled workforce.”

Chamber of Commerce website: www.cw-chamber.co.uk

benham publishing If you wish to promote your company in C&W In Business please contact

Alison Seymour on

0784 111 5444 alison@benhampublishing.com

3tc House, 16 Crosby Road North, Crosby, Liverpool L22 0NY Telephone: 0151 236 4141 Facsimile: 0151 236 0440 www.benhampublishing.com @Benhammedia

New Members

Welcome to new members Accounts Solutions Ltd 79 Sandy Lane, Coventry, CV1 4EX 02476 990030 rob@accounts-solutions.com www.accounts-solutions.com Active Construction 44a Shakleton Road, Earlsdon, Coventry, CV5 6AS lesley@activeconstruct.co.uk www.activeconstruction.co.uk Aim GB Ltd Unit 2 Bermuda Park Innovation Centre, St Davids Way, Nuneaton, CV10 7SD 2477670244 services@aimgb.co.uk www.aimgb.co.uk Ainsworth Accounting Services 5 Lister House, Ivy Grange, Bilton, Rugby, CV22 7XG 1788811124 raca007@btinternet.com Aquarius Interiors Limited 44 Finham Green Road, Coventry, CV3 6EP 7974250036 info@aquariusinteriors.co.uk www.aquariusinteriors.co.uk Barrs Hill School & Community College Barrs Hill School And Community College, Radford Road, Coventry, CV1 4BU www.barrshill.coventry.sch.uk Blythe Electrical Casa Mia, 9 Station Road, Whitacre Heath, B46 2JA 01675 467464 blytheelectrical@aol.co.uk www.blytheelectrical.co.uk Brookfield Classics Unit 2 & 3 Brookfield Road, Burbage, LE10 2LL 01455 636900 sj.johnson1@sky.com www.brookfield-classics.co.uk Charles Peters Ltd 42 Warwick Road, Kenilworth, CV8 1HE sales@charlespeters.co.uk www.charlespeters.co.uk CityFibre Holdings Limited Head Office, 15 Bedford Street, London, WC2E 9HE 7703734998 info@coventrycore.com www.coventrycore.com Constance Clara Beechwood House, Pit Hi, Bubbenhall, Coventry, CV8 3BF 7587182345 daharris@live.co.uk Coventry Aeroplane Club Rowley Road, Baginton, Coventry, CV3 4FR 02476 301428 awillis@mtsuk.eu www.covaero.com Dale Consultancy Ltd 78 Malthouse Lane, Kenilworth, CV8 1AD 1926258151 marie.scott@daleconsult.com www.daleconsult.com Dealer Systems Ltd 11 Market Hill, Southam, CV47 0HF www.dealersystems.co.uk Detroit Electric UK Limited Spa Park, 5-6 Harrison Way, Leamington Spa, CV31 3HJ 7734324564 martin.haywood@detroit-electric.com www.detroit-electric.com

Fire Protection Coatings Limited 1-3 Highway Point, 239 Torrington Avenue, Coventry, CV4 9AP www.fireprotectioncoatings.com Forever In The Pink 5 Hedges Close, Ladbroke, Southam, CV47 2BE 7887661747 foreverinthepink@hotmail.com Frames Express Picture Framers Ltd 304 Kingfield Road, Coventry, CV1 4EP 02476 225504 sales@frame-express.net www.picture-framesexpress.co.uk G Casino Coventry Ricoh Arena Ricoh Arena, Phoenix Way, Coventry, CV6 6GE 02476 684747 sm_gc-coventry@rank.com www.gcasino.co.uk/coventry Glory Design 53 Wyken Croft, Coventry, CV2 3AB 7900888470 info@glorydesign.co.uk www.glorydesign.co.uk Greenwood & Dodsworth Services Limited Sole End Farm Industrial Estate, Astley Lane, Bedworth, CV12 0NE 7946500807 mdodsworth@gdssolutions.co.uk www.gdssolutions.co.uk Hallmark Carehomes UK Anya Court Carehome, 286 Dunchurch Road, Rugby, CV22 6JA 1788851525 karen.handley@hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk www.hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk Henley Business Group 253 High Street, Henley-in-Arden, B95 5BG wl@henleybusiness.com www.henleybusiness.com Home Improvement 2 Fairbanks Close, Coventry, CV2 2DN 7449549526 rafbiznes@gmail.com

Mercia Facilities Management Ltd Unit C, 19 Bayton Road, Bayton Road Industrial Estate, Exhall, Coventry, CV7 9EL sales@merciafacilities.co.uk www.merciasecurities.co.uk Midland Group Training Services Ltd Gulson Road, Coventry, CV1 2JG 02476 630333 weatherly@mgts.co.uk www.mgts.co.uk Mohammed Amrani 41 Beckfoot Drive, Walsgrave, Coventry, CV2 2QD 7456054004 mohammed.amrani.ma@gmail.com Morgan Roofing 326 Allesley Old Road, Coventry, CV5 8GH morgan-roofing@hotmail.co.uk www.morganroofingcoventry.co.uk NB 2014 Ltd 74 Brays Lane, Upper Stoke, Coventry, CV2 4DW 7565153684 nblackwell54@gmail.com NDT Consultants Ltd Middlemarch House, Siskin Drive, Coventry, CV3 4FJ 024 76511151 linda@ndt-consultants.co.uk www.ndt-consultantsco.uk New Level Results Ltd 8 Scots Close, Bilton, Rugby, CV22 7QY 07770 322112 fiona.white@newlevelresults.co.uk www.newlevelresults.co.uk/fw Nollett Business Solutions Limited Imperium House, Roman Way, Coventry, CV3 6RD 8006785624 contact@nollett.com www.nollett.com Phoenix One Consultancy Health Design Technology Institute, Coventry University Technology Park, Puma Way, Coventry, CV1 2TT 8001957521 info@phoenix-one.co.uk www.phoenix-one.co.uk

IC Solutions 24/7 Ltd Hammond Close, Attleborough Fields Ind Estate, Nuneaton, CV11 6RY 024 76347722 sales@icsolutions247.com www.icsolutions247.com

Pockos RPL Unit 1 & 2 Eastboro Fields Estate, Hemdale Business Park, Nuneaton, CV11 6GL 02476 641927 sales@pockos.co.uk www.pockos.com/

J L Information Technology Ltd 81 High Street, Hillmorton, Rugby, CV21 4HD 7775792241 info@jlit.co.uk www.jlit.co.uk

Quality Of Life Charitable Trust 5 Daly Avenue, Hampton Maena, Warwick, CV35 8SE 7787126164 info@quality-trust.org.uk www.quality-trust.org.uk

Jacana ProduceLtd Archway Cottage, 23A Shottery Road, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 9QA edward@jacanaproduce.com http://jacanaproduce.com

Reed Accountancy 14 Parade, Leamington Spa, CV32 4DW 01926 331329 sonia.chong@reedglobal.com www.reedglobal.com

Jackson West Solicitors The Old Pump House, Clifford Mill, Clifford Chambers, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 8HW www.jacksonwest.co.uk

Reed Business School The Manor, Little Compton, Nr Moreton in Marsh, GL56 0RZ 1608674224 rbs@reed.co.uk www.reedbusinessschool.co.uk

Jas Solutions for Business Techno Centre, Coventry University Technology Park, Coventry, CV1 2TT 7789530036 admin@jassolutions.co.uk www.jassolutions.co.uk Lorax Compliance Ltd Vienna House, International Square, Birmingham International Park, Solihull, B37 7GN 7763940746 dmarkham@loraxcompliance.com www.loraxcompliance.com

Richard Utley Ltd Euro Park, Watling Street, Clifton Upon Dunsmore, Rugby, CV23 0AL chris.utley@rultd.co.uk www.europark.co.uk Rock Paper Scissors Hair Design Ltd 56 Norman Place Road, Coventry, CV6 2BT 02476 333121 louisecockell@gmail.com www.rockpaperscissorshair.co.uk

Dynamic Design Development Ltd The Priory, Priory Road, Wolston, Coventry, CV8 3FX 7730451074 andy.webb@3-d.uk.com

Lucy Rumble Associates 3 Shuckburgh Road, Priors Marston, Southam, CV47 7RS info@lucyrumbleassociates.co.uk www.lucyassociates.co.uk/about-lucy-rumbleassociates

Ruth Stern Consulting Ltd 6 Parrish Close, Bishops Itchington, Southam, CV47 2YR 7715423245 ruth@ruthsternconsulting.co.uk

Feldon Dunsmore Solicitors Business Innovation Centre, Binley Business Park, Harry Weston Road, Coventry, CV3 2TX 02476 991719 paul.harrison@feldondunsmore.co.uk www.feldondunsmore.co.uk

Metanoia Business Services 21 Rochester Road, Coventry, CV5 6AB 7860567940 dennis.scott@metanoia-partners.com www.metanoia-business-services.co.uk

Schimmelpfennig Motion Ltd 28 Raleigh Road, Coventry, CV2 4AA 7853356084 office@schimmelmotion.com www.schimmelmotion.com

Sequrit Ltd 7 Blondvic Street, Coventry, CV3 5EQ 07989 742167 ian.anderson@sequrit.com Shape Systems 211-213 Rotherham Road, Coventry, CV6 4FL 024 76682882 dave@shapesystems.com www.shapesystems.co.uk Sino International Products 4 Benford Court, Lower Cape, Warwick, CV34 5DA 01926 499508 suzie.siddall@sinointernational.co.uk www.sinointernational.co.uk Stewarts MOT & Repair Centre Unit 4 Blackhill Industrial Estate, Black Hill, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 0PT 01789 730920 info@stewartsmot.co.uk www.stewartsmot.co.uk Styles Creative Ltd Midland House, Wharf Road, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 0AD 01789 296800 ben@stylescreative.com www.stylescreative.com The Brook Farm Shop Stoneleigh Road, Coventry, CV4 7AB 024 76 410 378 info@thebrookfarmshop.co.uk www.thebrookfarmshop.co.uk The Rugby Hotel Sheep Street, Rugby, CV21 3BX 01788 573244 kevin.mullan@therugbyhotel.co.uk www.therugbyhotel.co.uk The Tess Group 14b Bassett Court, Loake Close, Grange Park, Northampton, NN4 5EZ 1604210500 bobby@thetessgroup.com http://thetessgroup.com TLDC Sherbourne House, Rear of 247 Humber Avenue, Coventry, CV1 2AQ 02476 016 500 tracy@leafletdeliverycoventry.com www.leafletdeliverycoventry.com Touch FM Honiley Farm Business Park, Honiley, Kenilworth, CV8 1NP 01926 485600 www.intouchfm.co.uk Trade 4 Trade Ltd 4 Thornton Close, Coventry, CV5 7ED 07582 790749 help@trade4trade.org.uk www.trade4trade.org.uk Trident Design The Silk Warehouse, Druid Street, Hinckley, LE10 1QH adam@tridentdesign.co.uk www.tridentdesign.co.uk Ubi-tech Ltd Unit 7 Chestnut Court, Jill Lane, Sambourne, B96 6EW 01527 893558 rob@ubi-tech.co.uk www.uni-safe.co.uk Uni-Safe Access Unit 2 Innage Park Industrial Estate, Abeles Way, Atherstone, CV9 2QX 01788 811869 enquiries@uni-safe.co.uk www.uni-safe.co.uk Warwick Street Kitchen 102 Warwick Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 4QP 07799 152588 adamtlawton@btinternet.com adamtlawton@btinternet.com West Midland SaBRE Tennal Grange, Tennal Road, Harborne, Birmingham, B32 2HX wm-empsp@rfca.mod.uk www.sabre.mod.uk Workroom Solutions Ltd 232 Sladepool Farm Road, Birmingham, B14 5EE 7507414204 johnreid@parkhill.pl

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

1964

Est.