C&W in Business September 2015

Issue 49 September / October 2015

Sir Clive Woodward - from Cup-winning rugby coach to keynote speaker - page 38

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Foreword

Interesting times ahead after leadership vote?

Dear Member, Well no surprise at the outcome of the Labour Party election with the leadership appointment of Jeremy Corbyn MP. Businesses across Coventry & Warwickshire want a strong, effective opposition, no matter the political colour of the government of the day, so it's a congratulations to Mr Corbyn MP and a promise that we will be looking to the opposition to support the role of British business in both a local and global economy.

Britain’s businesses are, indeed, the engines of job creation and economic growth and Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to read the recent statements, by the Labour Party, which favour much needed and ongoing investment in infrastructure and skills.

With the issue of devolution and combined authorities rumbling on, your Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of business, simply wants to see strong partnerships exist on issues that matter most to business. Business Leaders I speak to understand the bold move of Coventry City Council to look at the opportunities that a combined authority might bring, whilst acknowledging that Warwickshire County Council currently believe their best position is to remain outside a Birmingham, Coventry and Black Country alliance. Above all else, the continuation of strong partnerships across our great sub region is critical in order that sensible decisions can be made about local infrastructure investments and the nurturing of a supportive, business friendly environment.

Of course, our role, as your Chamber of Commerce, is to support local businesses, whether you are a start-up business, an existing business, a business aspiring to great growth and/or an exporter.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

CONTENTS Sept/Oct 2015 Combined Authorities

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Corporate Membership

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Service of the Month

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News

7

Events

8-10

CWT

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We do this in all kind of ways, both oneto-one support and our one-to-many events & networks.

Indeed, we have, for you, two of our largest events on the horizon.

On Friday 2nd October 2015, I will be kicking off our Trade Expo with an Economic Breakfast and the launch of our new Corporate Membership Package.

Our Trade Expo at Warwickshire Exhibition Centre will be packed with b2b opportunities, with over one hundred and twenty exhibitors and over three hundred Business Leaders joining us throughout the day. I look forward to seeing you there.

Very exciting is our forthcoming annual Economic Conference, on Friday 6th November, 9.30 am to 1 pm, at the newly erected Rugby Fan Zone in Rugby.

As always, we have a great line of up speakers. We will hear about the local and global economic forecast; learn about how we can all better use technology to grow our businesses; get a chance to hear from our local Leaders on the issue of devolution; receive a Ministerial address and a reflection on 'policies not politicians'; and then the morning will culminate with our key note speaker, Sir Clive Woodward, former Coach of the England Rugby Team.

You must come along and so get in touch with Beth, Chamber Events, on 02476 654321 or bethanydt@cw-chamber.co.uk.

I look forward to hearing from you or seeing you soon.

Kind regards Louise

Mrs L Bennett-Bayliss OBE, DL Chief Executive

International Trade

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Awards

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Business Support

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Legal &Finance

16-17

Property

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Profile

20-21

Policy

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Around the Region

23-31

Business Direct

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News

37-43

President & People

44-45

New Members

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Combined Authorities

CONTACTS At the Chamber

News desk

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

Businesses urged to remain vigilant over proposal

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

Advertising Contact Karen Hall karen@benhampublishing.com 07801 788880 Production Manager Mark Etherington Accounts Director Joanne Casey Media Number 1432 © Benham Publishing 2015.

C&W in Business is produced on behalf of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce by Benham Publishing Limited and is distributed to members free of charge. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in C&W in Business, neither Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, nor the publisher can accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies it contains. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Chamber.

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

(Left to right): Louise Bennett (Chamber), Ian O’Donnell (FSB), Jonathan Browning (LEP), Larry Coltman (Chamber)

Business leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire believe the region should keep its “eyes on the prize” when it comes to Combined Authorities.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce organised a meeting with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP and firms from a cross range of sectors at the Holiday Inn, Kenilworth.

The two-hour session was designed to capture the mood of companies from across Coventry and Warwickshire around the proposed West Midlands Combined Authority and also to present the current state of play.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Business has to be at the heart of this moving forward. There is a great deal of discussion and debate around what a Combined Authority will look like, what its function will be and how big or small it can be.

“But, actually, what this meeting and every other conversation we have with business about this told us is that we must be looking towards the prize. What can this devolved power deliver in terms of economic growth for our patch?

“Businesses want to see the benefits a Combined Authority can bring set out clearly. They want to know what it means if we become part of the West Midlands

Combined Authority, what the picture would be if we ‘stay out’ and how Coventry and Warwickshire continue to work together as a natural economic partnership.

“Naturally, the debate gets bogged down in the name of the authority and the politics but business really wants to be able to judge the economic impact of being ‘in’ or ‘out’.”

Jonathan Browning, the chairman of the CW LEP, said: “It was great to bring businesses together in this way and to have a really lively, healthy discussion.

“We heard a number of different perspectives which will prove very useful as the process moves on.”

The official publication of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

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

“Business has to be at the heart of this moving forward.

There is a great deal of discussion and debate around what a Combined Authority will look like, what its function will be and how big or small it can be.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Policy Corporate Membership

Chamber unveil new corporate membership package

(Left to right): Peter Deeley (Deeley Group), Elizabeth Belhadj (Coventry Chemicals), Louise Bennett, Hazel Pilling (both Chamber), Johanne Thomas (RadioStation Rugby), Edward Hudson (Deeley Group).

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has launched a new form of support for medium to larger sized businesses in the region.

The Chamber has unveiled a corporate membership that offers additional benefits to members - and already five firms have signed up.

It is the first package of its type to be offered by the Chamber and will help to link companies together and help to enhance the profile of those businesses who take it up.

The Coventry-based Deeley Group, RadioStation Rugby, CovPress Assembly Ltd, Coventry Chemicals and HSBC have all signed up to corporate membership.

Louise Wall, Group Commercial Director at the Chamber, said: “We have led the way in offering this new package to medium to larger sized companies and the fact that we have had such a good take-up already illustrates the strength of the offering.

“The Chamber is the voice of business for companies in Coventry and Warwickshire but it is also the organisation to be a part of in order to grow your firm.

“Our essential membership has always provided a host of services that the vast majority of SMEs require – from networking opportunities through to legal support, should it be needed.

“The corporate membership builds on that but brings greater opportunities to connect businesses with one another where we see real benefits of those firms working together.

“We are confident it is going to be a great success.”

As well as the corporate membership offer, the Chamber has also created a group of Strategic Partners for more than three years.

That includes some of the city and county’s larger companies and organisations.

For more information on the range of services available from the Chamber, telephone 024 7665 4321.

Commitment to the community for almost 80 years The Deeley Group, based in Coventry, has been building relationships as well as homes and public and commercial properties for almost 80 years.

The company was formed by bricklayer George Deeley in 1936 and the business, which is still run by George’s son Peter, has gone from strength to strength, now occupying purpose-built premises at the Coventry Business Park in the city.

Its development arm – Deeley Properties – continues to thrive and has helped to regenerate sites across the region, bringing employment, retail, leisure space and homes to all four corners of Coventry and Warwickshire and beyond.

Deeley Construction, the company’s contracting division, continues to carry out work on behalf of a range of clients on a host of projects including at HORIBA-MIRA, Warwickshire College, the University of Warwick, Coventry University and on a series of retail parks for LondonMetric Properties.

But the Deeley Group’s foundations are laid on its commitment to its community

and that is part of the thinking behind the decision to become a corporate member of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

“The Chamber has the economic wellbeing of Coventry and Warwickshire at its heart,” said Peter Deeley, “and we are fully behind that. Our roots are in this area and we want to support the Chamber every step of the way in bringing further prosperity to the region.

“More than that, we always look to use local suppliers wherever possible and the Chamber network is a great place to meet other businesses in the area. The new corporate membership will also give us a chance to develop new relationships which is something we have prided ourselves on for nearly 80 years.”

He added: “There is a great deal of talk at the moment about the role business plays in society and we have always taken the

view that you have to work with the community around you – whether that’s other businesses, groups or individual people.”

To that end, the company is a big supporter of organisations such as the Heart of England Community Foundation, the Grace Research Foundation and Theatre In Education (a programme led

by Belgrade Theatre) which supports youngsters in Coventry and Warwickshire to develop through drama.

It’s the sign of a company that wants to play its part in more ways than one.

For more information on the Deeley Group, log onto www.deeley.co.uk

A formula for continued business expansion

Coventry Chemicals Ltd (CCL), a local manufacturer for more than 50 years, is the latest business to become a Corporate Member of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

The business has been built around domestic cleaning products and own label manufacturing – encompassing everything from washing up liquid to bleach and oven cleaners to car screen wash. It’s built up a broad business portfolio supplying products to regional distribution channels and leading stores across the UK. Several years ago the company diversified into the pet sector, acquiring Veterinary Health International, which added the world-leading animal and veterinary disinfectant Omnicide to its product range. A patented product, Omnicide, is an established brand that sells on 5 continents and helped underpin CCL’s exporting activities.

Committed to the local economy and employing mainly local people, CCL values its connections to the surrounding community and continues to expand its labour force. In the last year alone, it’s kick-started a large investment programme to make its production lines faster and more efficient to meet growing demand. It aims to double its export business following the formation of a healthcare division that will deliver products to the human health market, in particular, promoting the established Hycolin brand that’s widely used in hospitals, as well as its established veterinary products in the Middle East and South America.

CCL views its enhanced relationship with the Chamber as an integral part of its ongoing expansion. Working closely with Business Relationship Manager, Hazel Pilling, it aims to achieve a higher level of connectivity with local business and organisations and explore new marketing and exporting opportunities. In particular, it hopes that the peer-to-peer Director Days will help to raise the company’s profile and establish business connections that will help CCL achieve its short and long-term objectives.

RadioStation Rugby and the Chamber are sending out all the right signals

A local landmark for more than 75 years and clearly visible from junction 18 of the M1 motorway, the former Rugby Radio Station site was a groundbreaking development for long wave radio when first constructed.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Radio, like every other technology, has moved on significantly since then and the brownfield site is about to undergo a radical transformation, bringing more than 6000 new homes, much-needed community infrastructure and green spaces to the outskirts of Rugby.

The partners behind the aptly-named development, RadioStation Rugby, are strategic land developers Urban&Civic and Aviva Investors. The partnership recently became a Corporate Member of the Coventry & Warwickshire

Chamber of Commerce. Having secured outline planning consent last year, the development is gearing up to start in autumn 2015. Johanne Thomas, who oversees Communications, Communities and Partnerships for RadioStation Rugby said; “It’s a project that will present many opportunities for Rugby and the wider area’s businesses. We’re supporting Rugby’s ambitions for growth through housing and infrastructure delivery, and investment in local business and skills are an important part of that growth. We see our relationship with the Chamber as a key factor in helping to tap in to the local knowledge and connections that will play a critical role in the success of the project.”

One huge advantage of the site is its location in the heart of the country. It provides

fantastic access to motorways and other transport links and RadioStation Rugby believe that its location, rich heritage and attractive green spaces will make it one of the UK’s most unique places to live. And with preparations already under way, RadioStation Rugby is convinced its relationship with the Chamber will help to boost the project’s profile. “Working alongside the Chamber has already presented us with many opportunities to engage effectively with local businesses, as well as raising awareness about the development and its long term vision,” said Johanne. “With the support of the Chamber we’ll be able to get our message out there that something fantastic is happening in the region and there are a host of opportunities for local suppliers, service providers and businesses in general to get involved.”

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Service of the Month

Comprehensive Legal, HR & Tax Support for your Business As a chamber member you’ve got it covered! Your membership includes a comprehensive legal support package that could make all the difference to your business if you need high-quality legal advice.

And it’s help that’s always within easy reach thanks to a 24/7 Legal Advice line.

Should you ever have any legal concerns, such as a HR issue, a lease-related dispute, a query about a contact or even a tax or VAT question, help is on hand at the end of the phone. All you need to do is call the Legal Advice line to speak to a qualified adviser who will guide you through the support options available.

Perhaps your issue is a contentious one that may require legal representation?

Well that’s covered too. All chamber members automatically qualify for a Legal Expenses Insurance policy providing £100,000 of cover per claim up to a maximum of £1,000,000 per annum, and there’s no excess to pay either.

The insurance covers the cost of a solicitor or consultant to represent your business in defending the following disputes:

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• Employment Tribunal Claims • Criminal Prosecutions • Landlord and Property • License & Registrations • Data protection • HMRC tax/VAT investigations.

It even offers a facility to pay up to £100 a day if a member of staff is called up to attend jury service.

It also includes two useful employee benefits: motoring legal protection and personal injury cover. Motoring legal protection covers the cost of pursuing your legal rights following a non-fault accident, which may include recovering your policy excess, pursuing a claim for personal injury or providing a replacement vehicle for your employee.

So if you ever feel that you need some legal, employment or tax advice then remember you have already paid for this service through your membership and should treat it as if it was your own inhouse legal department. It’s vitally important that you contact the Legal Advice Line as soon as you become aware of any potential issue, and especially so when it relates to a member of staff.

There is also an option to enhance the insurance to cover contractual disputes, debt recovery and restrictive covenants if you feel you’re in need of even more protection. Simply contact Composite to find out more.

This service, which is just one of a range of benefits chamber members enjoy, is accredited by the British Chambers of

Commerce and provided by Composite Legal Expenses Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

To find out more about the Legal Advice helpline or any other membership benefit contact the membership team 02476 654321 for more information.

Just one call was all it took Denton’s Repair & Restoration, based in Coventry, specialises in restoring all sorts of leather, ranging from car interiors to three piece suites and everything in between.

Craig Denton, the man behind the business, was persuaded to join the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber in May 2015 because of the range of business services and opportunities it would provide for the business. Little did he know that he would be taking advantage of the 24 hr Legal Helpline within a couple of weeks.

He had an issue with a customer that he was struggling to resolve and was keen to sort it out before it escalated. He called the helpline and within an hour they’d got back to him with advice on how to progress. He took their advice and resolved the issue with a minimum of fuss. “I know that the Chamber provides a range of services for businesses, and I’ll probably take advantage of some of them further down the line. But I have to say, the 24hr Legal Helpline has proved to be invaluable from my perspective.

And I can’t thank them enough for the sound advice I was given,” said Craig.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

sponsored column

Visit to careers fair worth the effort

Students enjoying the CWLEP organised Jobs, Apprenticeships and Careers Fair last year

Employers have been urged to attend the area’s largest free jobs, apprenticeships and careers fair organised by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership at the Ricoh Arena in the autumn.

The Wasps-sponsored Jobs, Apprenticeships and Careers Fair will take place in Hall 3 between 10am-6pm on Thursday, October 15 to coincide with the nationwide Work Experience Week.

Companies to have already confirmed their attendance range from Travis Perkins and the NHS to BAM Construction and Willmott Dixon as well as City College College, Henley College Coventry, the Warwickshire College Group, Hereward College, Stratford College and North

Warwickshire & Hinckley College plus Coventry University and the University of Warwick.

The event has been organised by the CWLEP once again following the success of last year when over 2,000 young people and 400 parents attended which led to a total of 500 apprentices being signed-up by local firms.

CWLEP board members and chairman Jonathan Browning along with members of the CWLEP’s Jobs and Skills Business Group will attend the event which will be compèred by Free Radio Coventry breakfast presenter John Dalziel.

Rachael Stewart, of the CWLEP, said the fair was free to attend and free for exhibitors to come along.

“The Jobs, Apprenticeships and Careers Fair was a tremendous success last year and we have already started organising the event for 2015,” she said.

“It is aimed at students in years 10-13 and their parents/carers and this year it is being held during national Work Experience Week.

“We have already had 30 employers confirm they will be coming along which underlines just how useful they found it.

“It is great that employers make their stands as interactive as possible because that really engages with students and the CWLEP organises the fair to improve skills in the area.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for students to be inspired by the range of options and opportunities that are available for their future careers.

“Students and their parents/carers can talk to employers from local and national businesses in a wide range of industries and find out about apprenticeships, training and impartial careers advice as the Government has set a target of three million new apprentices to be hired over the next five years.”

There will be free car parking in car park B at the Ricoh Arena and employers, colleges, universities and training providers wishing to attend should email contact@cwlep.com

Company merger goes ahead The boards of directors of Nuneaton Training Centre Limited and Midlands Professional Development Ltd have approved the merger of the two companies and a relaunch under a new name.

The organisation will now be known as Midlands Training and Development Limited. This follows an in-depth review of national, regional and local skills needs and how the organisations would be best placed to meet these demands.

The merger will allow Midlands Training and Development Limited to grow and develop its position as a leading provider of training in the Midlands, supporting employers seeking professional/business training courses and further developing training programmes for organisations in the health and care sectors.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Annual Investment Allowance - a welcome increase Summer Budget 2015 announced a permanent Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) of £200,000 from 1 January 2016.

As a result of this increase businesses benefit from 100% capital allowances on the first £200,000 of expenditure on plant and machinery and integral features.

Finance Act 2014 had provided a temporary increase in AIA to £500,000 with the threshold due to fall to £25,000 from 1 January 2016. The AIA will now only reduce to £200,000 from 1 January 2016, however it is still important that businesses review their capital expenditure requirements and seek to align their acquisitions, where possible, with the changing AIA rules.

Whilst the reduction to £200,000 is a ‘cliff edge’, with differing AIA entitlements for acquisitions on 31 December 2015 and 1 January 2016, the reduction in AIA is far less severe than had been anticipated before the Summer Budget.

An example – for the year ended 31 March 2016 the maximum AIA entitlement would be £425,000. A single machine purchase of £350,000 would obtain full relief if acquired on 15 December 2015, however, if the acquisition was delayed until 5 January 2016 the AIA entitlement would only be £50,000 with the balance of expenditure qualifying for writing down allowances at 18%.

The introduction of a permanent AIA at £200,000 will be welcome news for businesses.

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

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

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Events

Time is right for a new challenge

(Left to right): Sharon Walpole (Walpole Media Group), Judy Groves (Rigby Group Plc), Louise Bennett (Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce) and Sharon Redrobe (Twycross Zoo) at Studley Castle

Businesswomen were urged not to be afraid to take up a new challenge later in life, at an event organised by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

Sharon Walpole, chief executive of Walpole Media Group, started Moving On magazine in 2011 to provide information on apprenticeships, work experience, gap years and higher and further education, after her three sons had grown up.

Around 80 businesswomen at the Business is Good for Women lunch and networking event at Studley Castle in Warwickshire, heard Sharon’s inspiring speech which chronicled her move from lecturing at Stratford-upon-Avon College, to leading a company made up of six businesses, over the last four years.

“When Moving On was launched, I had two employees working from my living room and we now have over 35 members of staff,” she said.

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“It is never too late to take on a challenge later in life and I was very much focused on providing young people with independent information so that they could make their own career choices which didn’t necessarily have to include going to university.

“Our main rival was Not Going to Uni and after meeting the owner at the Skills Show at the NEC, I found out he was looking to sell so I put in an offer and acquired the business.

“We also now have a new media and app division called Appadoodle and a business called Vocendi which provides assistive technology for young people with disabilities and learning difficulties.

“Not everyone wants to go to university and we give them independent information to make the right choice for them.

“My goals have not changed but the direction of my business has changed and it has certainly got a lot bigger.

“It is not always easy to look at the bigger picture but it is important to sit back and think about upscaling.

“We have a high positive profile because we work with young people and that’s really my passion.”

The audience also heard from Twycross Zoo chief executive Sharon Redrobe and Rigby Group plc marketing director Judy Groves.

Sharon said: “Twycross Zoo has been on my radar all my life. We are a massive jewel in the heart of the Midlands but for some reason, it has been a great big secret even though we attract 500,000 visitors a year.

“We are a conservation charity which runs a zoo and I am really proud of the conservation and scientific work that Twycross does.”

Judy Groves encouraged businesswomen attending the event to enter themselves or nominate their boss, colleague or friend in the 2015 Businesswoman of the Year Award at www.womenoftheyear.org.uk Angela Tellyn, partnership manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said the Business is Good for Women lunch and exhibition had been another inspirational event.

She said: “The drive and passion for their business was clear to see from Sharon Walpole and Sharon Redrobe and their talks were extremely interesting and informative.

“The Business is Good for Women events are an ideal platform to network, debate issues and raise the profile of your company over lunch.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Events

sponsored column

Why asking for help makes sense Companies across Coventry and Warwickshire are showing their appetite for export and aren’t afraid to ask for help – that’s the view of one of the leading figures in international trade in the region.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s International Trade Hub hosted its second ‘meet the export expert’ event after a successful launch in the summer.

And, such was the interest, the Chamber had to move it to larger conference space at Cheylesmore House to accommodate the experts and more than 50 firms that booked on.

The event allowed businesses to book 20minute one-to-one meetings with experts in a range of fields – including UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) advisers, language experts and freight delivery.

Ajay Desai, who heads the Chamber’s UKTI international trade team, said: “We held our first event of this type earlier in the year at our HQ at the Chamber.

“But there was such strong interest in this one that we had to move it to Cheylesmore House’s conference space.

“It proved a wise move because we had more experts and more companies wanting to attend. It’s a format that works really well because it gives businesses the chance to tap into a wide range of expertise in a very short space of time.

“Of course, when it comes down to serious advice about overseas trade, you need longer than that initial 20 minute chat but it’s a great starting point.

“What’s really pleasing is the fact that businesses are showing such a great desire to export and that they are recognising the help that’s available.

“Exports are absolutely key to growing the economy in this region and the more firms

Inheritance Tax Threshold Changes

In this summer’s budget, the inheritance tax threshold increased to £1M. Although slightly more complex than it initially sounds, this new tax threshold will be positive news for most families that have been drawn into the IHT net by rising property prices.

Let’s take a look at the current rules and how these are set to change over the next few years

What are the rules now? that we can get trading overseas the better.

On top of that, we want to get those companies who are already exporting to start to explore new markets too – which again boosts their business and our economy.

“The support is here for them, they just need to get in touch.”

A recent report from the British Chambers of Commerce suggests that access to finance was one of the biggest barriers to exporting that most companies listed.

Ajay agreed but said there are solutions.

He said: “You can understand where companies are coming from because access to finance, generally, has been an issue over recent years.

“However, if companies get in touch with the team we can support them and put them in touch with the right experts who can help them overcome this barrier.”

For more information on trading overseas, call 024 7665 4321

“Exports are absolutely key to growing the economy in this region and the more firms that we can get trading overseas the better.

On top of that, we want to get those companies who are already exporting to start to explore new markets too – which again boosts their business and our economy.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Inheritance tax (IHT) is currently charged at a rate of 40% on the value of an estate above the tax free threshold which is currently £325,000 per person.

This £325,000 allowance can be transferred to the surviving spouse, provided none of this allowance was used on the first death. At present a couple can pass on assets worth up to £650,000 before IHT is payable.

How will this change?

This year’s summer budget introduced a “family home allowance” where a residence is passed on death to direct descendants such as a child or a grandchild.

This allowance will be phased in as follows: • £100,000 in 2017/2018 • £125,000 in 2018/2019 • £150,000 in 2019/2020 • £175,000 in 2020/2021 This allowance can only be used in respect of one residential property which has, at some point, been a residence of the deceased. This takes the potential inheritance tax allowance up to £500,000 per person. The £175,000 “family home allowance” is also transferable to the surviving spouse. So this new IHT allowance may enable a couple to pass on assets worth up to £1M, including a family home, without having to pay any IHT at all.

How will it affect your family?

If you would like to discuss how these changes might affect you and your family, please contact Brian King, Tax Partner, on 024 7622 1046 orbrian.king@dafferns.com

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Events

Gearing up for Expo Mixing spaghetti and glue doesn’t normally offer a recipe for success – but they were the right ingredients to help whet the appetite of Coventry and Warwickshire businesses for a major event next month.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Business & Trade Expo is taking place on Friday, October 2, at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre and about 150 exhibitors and 600 visitors are expected to attend.

The Chamber held a preview event at the Holiday Inn (Coventry South) to offer advice and tips to firms. Graham Todd, director of the Spaghetti Agency, and Rob Harrison, Director of Glued Ltd, told companies how to make the most of the expo in advance, on the day and after the event.

Tips included engaging on social media with those exhibiting and attending in advance of the expo to save on some of the ‘getting to know you’ time during the day.

Paul Carvell, the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s vice president, said it was great to see more than 50 businesses in attendance for the preview and that it had provided food for thought ahead of the expo in October.

He said: “It was a really worthwhile event. It really asked the question of what businesses want to get out of the expo in October and then helped them to explore ways they could make the most of it.

“Graham and Rob gave a really engaging presentation and there was certainly plenty for people to take away and digest.

“There is a real chance at the expo to meet new contacts and to explore new business opportunities and it promises to be a great event.

“I think the point about using social media in advance is something everyone should think

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Paul Carvell, Rob Harrison and Graham Todd

about. It’s a really easy way of making initial contact and means you can spend more time on the day talking about what really matters.”

There are still a few spaces for exhibitors at the Expo on Friday, October 2, at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre (CV31 1XN).

For more information log onto www.cwexpo.co.uk

“It was a really worthwhile event. It really asked the question of what businesses want to get out of the expo in October and then helped them to explore ways they could make the most of it.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

CWT

sponsored column

New Brand to Reflect a Business-Focused Vision

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training staff in the new training centre social space

Its business all the way for CWT, as it completes a major refurbishment of its training facility in Coventry and undertakes a re-branding to bring it closer to its roots as part of the Chamber of Commerce.

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training is on its journey with a business-focussed ethos towards training and skills development.

This move is a key element of the organisation’s vision of being the first choice for business focussed learning and development. Over many years the organisation has grown into a uniquely positioned, specialist training company for business, delivering exceptional standards of business integrated learning and development.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, it brings together a unique connection into the business

networks across the region. These unique links enable Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training to build on its leading position in the training market, by understanding the skills needs of local businesses and developing training solutions that offer a real return on investment.

As one of the largest providers of Apprenticeships, training courses and qualifications in Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training have established an enviable reputation for delivering high quality learning and development. Established over 30 years ago, the organisation has developed a wealth of knowledge and expertise, designing services around latest employment trends and changing technology.

The re-branding comes at a key time for the training company, coinciding with a major re-fresh of its training

venue, creating a modern learning facility, steeped in a business-centric culture.

Skills are one of the biggest challenges for employers, attracting new talent with the right skills to take the business forward. Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training’s approach of listening to customer needs and recommending the right training solution, results in real business benefits.

To ensure that your business has the latest skills and techniques that benefit your business and budget, call 024 7623 1122 or email enquiries@cwchambertraining.co.uk today.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

The IiP assessment found that Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training has; • Developed and implemented a clear strategy for enhancing the capacity to compete in the market • Presented a positive image of innovation to employers and learners • Made more effective use of ICT to improve efficiency • Leadership inspiring passion and pride Senior managers have been increasing the use of technology in the organisation to maximise efficiency in its communication with Apprentices and to reduce costs in training delivery.

The mangers have also recognised that people have different levels of user skills and confidence in the use of technology. In response to this they have ensured that training and support is available from more experienced colleagues and specialists.

The report highlighted that best practice and tips are shared across

Picture this: you know what you’re selling and to whom. You know exactly what you want them to think of you. Everything you say gets the message across, but no one feels harangued.

You’re seen in all the right places; the media relevant to your customers and the social media platforms they engage with.

Your team is on side; they understand what you’re trying to achieve and know exactly what’s expected of them. They trust you; they’re willing to put in the effort for you.

Are you there already? Yes? Brilliant. You’re a Communication Champ.

If it’s ‘no’ or ‘not quite’ then you’ve more work to do.

And if you’re an ambitious business without a limitless budget then I can help.

My Communication Champ programme is for you.

My Communication Champ programme will help you create and run effective communication and PR programmes in which every penny you spend delivers a return.

It’s perfect if you don’t have the time or resource to buy in the expertise or if you have a promising junior who’s ready for a new challenge.

For just £145 + VAT per month you’ll get: 1.

High Performance through People Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training (CWCCT) firmly believes that good, well planned training and development can provide a company with a considerable return on investment, after all, people are usually the biggest asset an organisation has.

Unlocking the untapped potential locked inside employees and channelling this effectively, will surely boost any company’s performance a great deal.

CWCCT has recently been awarded the Investors in People (IiP) accreditation, a prestigious accreditation that is recognised across the world as a mark of excellence. This accreditation has been secured through championing best practice in people management and equipping the organisation with the tools it needs to succeed.

In mid-2015, the organisation was put through its paces in a rigorous and objective assessment to determine its performance.

Want to be a Communication Champ?

teams, with a dedicated project team drawn from staff across the organisation ensuring that new and modified systems are relevant and pragmatic.

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training’s Marketing Assistant George Faulkner said, “The strategy and implementation for investing in people development is outstanding. I have been given a host of opportunities to develop my skills in a wide range of business areas over the years which have in turn directly benefitted the business, providing a clear return on investment. I am currently studying for the HNC in Business and my effectiveness at work has already greatly improved. I would like to thank the organisation for its investment in me and I am fully committed to delivering an ever better service in my area of work.”

A structured online one-hour strategy meeting with me every month. We’ll be focused. What do you need to achieve? What have you done this month? Did it work?

If not, why not? What needs changing? What’s on for next month?

2. Expert insights to make you think. Using my contacts I host a monthly webinar, each one given by a different marketing or communication specialist. If you can’t make the webinar you can always catch up by viewing the archive. You’ll be learning from the best and can put their insights to work in your business.

3. Case studies. Every month I broadcast a critique of a communication campaign. Tune in and you’ll find out why the campaign worked or failed. You can apply the lessons in your business.

4. Weekly Q&A. Send in your questions. Preferably ones about marketing and communications but I might just give it a go anyway if it sounds interesting! I bring them all together and answer the lot in my weekly Q&A. If you can’t make the broadcast catch up in the archive.

5. Ideas, ideas. Every week I send an email packed with ideas to my Communication Champs. The ideas come from all sorts of places; great stunts and stories I’ve seen, books I’m reading, conferences I’m attending or just chats at the ‘coffee machine’.

And finally … if you want feedback on one of your news releases, a newsletter, an internal notice or something else you’ve done I’ll do it on the proviso you’ll to let me broadcast the critique. That way we can all learn from each other.

Get in touch if you want to become a Communication Champ.

Contact Cathy Connan of Communication Strategy on 07976 669089 or email cathy@cathyconnan.com.

11

International Trade

Practical Action Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

Beware of Diseases when Travelling Overseas

A leading authority on infectious diseases is cautioning business travellers to be aware of the risks involved in foreign travel, especially yellow fever, rabies and malaria.

Dr Ravi Gowda, consultant in infectious diseases at University Hospital Coventry and a specialist in tropical diseases, said: “It’s terribly important that business people travelling overseas are made aware of all the risks and have been individually medically assessed and vaccinated.”

Dr Gowda, who lives in Warwick, said anyone travelling to Africa or South America should be vaccinated against yellow fever and should also consider the added precaution of taking mosquito nets and insect repellents, which will also reduce the risk of malaria.

“Yellow fever is carried by a species of mosquito that bites during the day unlike the malaria carrying mosquitoes which attack at night - and is mainly confined to Africa and South America.

Once symptoms of yellow fever develop there is only a 50 per cent chance of survival.”

Rabies – which can be caught from a variety of animals, including dogs, foxes, monkeys and even cows - has a 100 per cent fatality rate if left untreated. Rabies vaccine is given to people at high risk to protect them if they are exposed, or to prevent the disease if it is given quickly to someone after they have been bitten.

“Rabies is one of the most significant and dreaded diseases in the world, killing an estimated 60,000 people a year.

India has the highest rate of human rabies in the world, primarily because of stray dogs.”

“With all these diseases the message is the same: if you return from overseas feeling unwell contact a doctor,” he said.

Dr Gowda, in his capacity as director of Travel Klinix in Coventry, advises blue chip companies, diplomats, members of the Armed Forces, medical teams travelling to disaster areas and airline crews, as well as students working overseas.

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Access to the internet, mobile phones and renewable energy are technologies that should be available to everyone, whoever, and wherever they are.

This was the message from Warwickshirebased international development charity, Practical Action, at a reception hosted by The Prince of Wales, Practical Action’s Patron, marking the organisation’s 50th anniversary.

According to Helena Molyneux, the Chair of Trustees: “We have come a long way in 50 years, but we have retained our passion for the principles of Technology Justice – people being able to choose and use technologies that assist them lead a life they value,

without compromising the ability of others and future generations to do the same. This year is a crucial one for the planet and the people on it. The debates and agreements due to be signed this year on the UN Sustainable Development Goals for eradicating poverty and on climate change, are vital. Practical Action works at the crossroads of development and the environment and our approach has never been more relevant.”

Practical Action, which uses technology to help people out of poverty in the developing world, was set up by the influential economist Fritz Schumacher, following an article published in The Observer in 1965

‘How to help them help themselves’, calling for a radical change in the way in which international development was done.

Schumacher’s influential book, ‘Small is Beautiful’, published in 1973, sparked the green movement and inspired organisations around the world to rethink economics and development theory.

Today Practical Action is active in 45 countries across the world delivering clean water and sustainable energy, improving food security and reducing the risk of natural disasters, demonstrating that technology has the power to transform lives.

Anglo-Indian partnership enables manufacturer to expand An automotive component manufacturer in Warwickshire has extended its range of products and operations by setting up a joint venture with an Indian manufacturer.

The new partnership enables the company to make parts for the automotive supply chain in both the UK and India for distribution across the world.

The Autins Group and Indica Industries have joined together to set up Indica Automotive, part of The Autins Group, which will operate from the group’s headquarters in Rugby.

Autins specialise in the development and manufacture of lightweight acoustic and thermal materials for the automotive and other industries. Indica Industries has 25 years of manufacturing experience and is a leading converter of foam and technical materials with 11 plants across India.

Indica Automotive began production at the start of 2015, manufacturing a range of acoustic and thermal foam products to complement The Autins Group’s current portfolio of materials.

The set-up of Indica Automotive joint venture has also enabled The Autins Group to expand into new markets, including construction and architectural. The group are able to supply global OEMS and tier one companies with a product portfolio that includes EPDM seals and gaskets, heavy layer dampeners, low emission foam absorbers, heat shields and architectural absorption panels.

“The Autins Group are firmly established as a market leading manufacturer within the automotive supply chain and this new venture will enable us to expand into other sectors,” said Jim Griffin, CEO of The Autins Group.

“Indica Automotive is able to draw on over 25 years’ experience manufacturing quality products in the highly competitive Indian marketplace. We are delighted that the company is now able to bring this expertise into The Autins Group to expand our materials range.”

Indica Automotive is currently working within the Autins Group’s new 65,000sq ft.

factory with plans to relocate to a new site nearby as the company expands. Being based on the site enables the company to make use of some of the Autins Group’s state of the art equipment which includes research and testing facility Lab 2000 as well as water jet cutting machines and a specialist moulding oven.

Indica Automotive is the latest addition to the British owned Autins Group which has expanded from the original UK company Automotive Insulations, set up in 1966, to now include overseas sites Scandins in Sweden and RI in Germany.

“The addition of sites on the continent has enabled us to become competitive within the global marketplace by sustaining production across Europe and beyond, as well as entering new sectors of industry,” said Jim. “With the advantage of rapid tooling and rapid prototyping as well as the availability of onshore and offshore manufacturing, we are able to support a wide range of projects, offering a quick turn around and JIT delivery.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

International Trade

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Company enjoys growth in the Chinese market A Coventry manufacturer is enjoying growth in China after taking part in a trade mission to the Far East.

(Left to right): Jonathan Douglas (ITG), Peter Burns (Chamber), Richard Clews (ITG), Kevin Maton

Induction Technology Group (ITG) develops air filter technology for road and race vehicles from its Siskin Drive base in the city, where it employs 23 staff.

Cllr Kevin Maton from Coventry City Council and the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and Peter Burns, the president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, paid a visit to the company and heard how support from UKTI through the Chamber’s International Trade Hub had helped the firm develop its international markets.

ITG’s general manager Richard Clews said the help offered by international trade adviser Brian Mountford had improved the way the firm goes about its overseas business.

He said: “We were already in France and America, but Brian helped to get us funding to be able to go out to those markets and that made a big difference.

We were working with dealers there but the fact that I made the trip to those countries and had the support of UKTI helped to focus their efforts and, therefore, grow sales.

“I made the most of a visit to China too and flew to Beijing where I met a dealer and that was important.

We are seeing strong growth and there is the potential for even further expansion.

“Working with Brian and UKTI has been extremely helpful. Having the backing of a government body when working overseas definitely opens doors but, also, it’s been useful in developing contacts regionally.

“Brian has been great at suggesting other people and organisations to work with – we had similar support from MAS too.”

Peter Burns said: “It was great to meet a manufacturer based in the region that is now trading in three continents.

“It’s absolutely vital that businesses make the most of the support that is available because the more exporters we have in Coventry and Warwickshire, the better it will be for the region’s economy as a whole.

“It was also good to hear that the support through UKTI and other organisations in the area has proved to be beneficial to ITG and that they would recommend those services to other companies.”

Cllr Maton, Coventry City Council Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Employment and CWLEP board director, added: “It’s invaluable to be able to come out and meet businesses to find out where support is working, especially when it is in a joined-up way.

“International trade is certainly something we must continue to promote but this was also a great chance to chat to the business about other matters and where we can all work as one to try to solve them.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

13

Awards

Region’s tourism and culture sector proves a real winner From the RSC to the Ricoh Arena and from Coombe Abbey to Coventry Cathedral, the region’s finest in culture and tourism was celebrated at a major awards.

The inaugural Coventry and Warwickshire Tourism and Culture Awards was organised by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Quidem, which owns Touch FM stations and Rugby FM, and was hosted at the Ricoh Arena.

Three special ‘global icon’ awards were handed to the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), the Ricoh Arena and Coventry Cathedral while the Ricoh’s Alan Diaz also picked up a special rising star prize.

The event, which was also supported

by Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, also saw the Godiva Festival the free festival in Coventry - pick up the award for best tourism event.

Avonlea Guest House won the award for best guest house while Coombe Abbey scooped the gong for best hotel.

The best experience prize was won by Fargo Village and the best pub was claimed by the Merchants Inn. The Cross in Kenilworth was honoured with the best restaurant award while the business tourism award was handed to Woodland Grange Meeting and Conference Centre.

The Belgrade Theatre took the award for best venue for music, arts and theatre with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust winning the customer service prize.

Coventry Transport Museum claimed the history and heritage award while the Warwick Arts Centre picked up the kids and families award. The bright idea prize went to The Mad Museum while the culture award was presented to

both the RSC and Warwick Arts Centre’s Mead Gallery.

Peter Burns, president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It was wonderful to celebrate those organisations and people that make a massive contribution to our leisure, tourism and cultural sector.

“Not only is that vital to the wellbeing of our city and our county, it is also crucial to our local economy.

“It’s right that we celebrate this sector and the work done to attract visitors

(locally, nationally and internationally), to keep them here and to get them spending their money here.

“I am very proud of this region’s heritage and many of the attractions here are known the world over but there were also some less well-known names on the shortlist and I am pleased that they were in the spotlight too because it is the diverse mix that makes what we have to offer so special.”

Lady Cobham, the chair of VisitEngland, was the special guest on the night.

Reverend Cannon Stephen Fielding receives a Global Icon Award from Steve Orchard of Quidem

Lady Cobham

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Sara Aspley of RSC receives a Global Icon Award from Steve Orchard of Quidem

She said: “Coventry and Warwickshire is home to an outstanding collection of arts, theatre, music and cultural venues. Visitors can delve into history and heritage that would rival any destination, from museums to grand castles, cathedrals, abbeys and stately homes, exploring remnants of Roman, Elizabethan or Victorian eras.

“Tourism in Coventry and Warwickshire is worth over £250 million in spend to the local economy – and given some of the exciting product, events and celebration on offer, I’m sure everyone can see why.”

Peter Burns

David Armstrong of Ricoh Arena receives a Global Icon Award from Steve Orchard of Quidem

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Business Support

sponsored column

Reasons why It's about people, not numbers 5questions are your

Not Just A Number Recruitment, launched in March, with support from the Chamber’s Business Start Up Team, hopes to change perceptions of recruitment in the local area.

Based in Attleborough, Nuneaton, Not Just A Number was created by ex secondary school teacher, Julie-Ann Simms, to find and foster people with potential into permanent, meaningful employment.

A top priority for the agency is to support the transition of young people from education or training into good quality jobs where they can develop and flourish.

Understanding the unique and individual needs of each business, and treating people with respect, integrity and openness is central to Not Just A Number Recruitment.

Julie-Ann Simms personally meets all clients and applicants, provides a fee free mentoring service during the crucial settling in period, and places support and hard work as a priority, rather than fast and easy wins.

Not Just A Number offers competitive fees with the guarantee of an excellent service, including the security of a refund package if a candidate doesn't remain in post.

Flexible enough to serve any size or sector of business, Julie-Ann Simms believes the strength of Not Just A Number lies in its ability to make connections across local communities and to actively seek potential talent to suit the needs of employers.

As a teacher, Julie-Ann was concerned about the lack of connections young people can maketo the world of employment.

She is passionate about helping those under

most powerful Sales Tool

30 years to find their future, and aims to promote the benefits to business of sustainable employment, where people can grow and develop for the long term. JulieAnn says: “The changing face of employment and the uncertainty that many people face in terms of the quality and permanence of work is a real concern, especially for the younger generation. Many of my candidates are looking to find their niche and want to be given the chance to prove their capabilities and worth in a meaningful situation. When an employer uses our

service they are fully supported during recruitment and after the new employee enters the workplace. A good start is crucial to productivity and well being and creates a firm foundation for a successful employment relationship. Companies that recognise that people and teams create success are companies that will benefit from using our service.”

For more information, contact Julie-Ann Simms on 02477 045954, jsimms@notjustanumberrecruitment, www.notjustanumberrecruitment.co.uk

Chamber helps entrepreneur realise dream A local entrepreneur has been able to turn his business idea into a reality whilst also caring for his son full-time at home, following support from Coventry and Warwickshire’s Chamber of Commerce.

Zac Laurent blogs, writes and creates digital designs from his Bedworth home which means he can also take care of his seven-year-old son, Gaura, who has been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome.

After receiving business guidance from the Chamber, Zac has been able to expand his online blog Touch and Create - which celebrates Apple iOS software and its potential for creative production - into a full-scale business which offers services in copywriting and digital design.

“Support from the Chamber has encouraged me to pursue a career in a field I am passionate about while also allowing me to work from home and not sacrifice time with my son, who is very dependent on me and requires round the clock care,” he said.

“To be able to work on this project from home and be my own boss is therefore an ideal situation for both of us, allowing me to focus on the site and expand my services in my own time while also home schooling Gaura.”

Touch and Create originally featured news and reviews of the creative apps available on iOS, discussing their diverse and professional capabilities, and uploaded examples of his own work using the software.

But following guidance from the Chamber, Zac has expanded the site’s offering to provide a comprehensive portfolio and creative service which uses iOS software exclusively.

“There are common misconceptions about iOS apps, with many viewing them as limited for recreational use only,

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

but Touch and Create is proving this is no longer the case.

“The Chamber has been a huge support in terms of helping me to recognise my best assets in digital design and copywriting as well as visualise my aims.

“Looking to the future, I am now working to build a solid network of clients as well as creatives who visit and learn from the site and share the same interests in terms of iOS creativity.

“Touch and Create provides a range of copywriting services whilst also using iOS software to create stimulating digital design, and I am excited about its future.”

Margaret Bull, a business adviser at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chamber provides a

host of help to start-ups and SMEs in the region, and we are delighted to have helped Zac turn his idea into a business in a way that can help him also take care of his son.”

“September, like January, is a very busy month for start-up enquiries as it signals the end of people’s summer holidays and children returning to school, resulting in a transition period which can often leave people contemplating a new career move.

“In response to that, we will have a presence at Ropewalk Shopping Centre in Nuneaton on September 16 and 19, to encourage potential entrepreneurs to pay us a visit and find out how we can help turn their ideas into a reality.”

For more information, contact the Chamber on 024 7665 4321.

Every prospect eventually buys because of the credibility of the salesperson. In the traditional world salespeople believe they develop credibility by 'telling.’

They 'show up and throw up.'

It's all about their product, their features and benefits.

Professional salespeople learn and apply a secret that amateurs never learn or fully understand. The secret to successful selling (and developing credibility) is not remembering what to say, but rather remembering what to ask.

1. Questions focus on the buyer, not on your product 2. Questions uncover real reasons to do business 3. Questions represent positive psychological strokes 4. Questions are more conversational, natural, & less manipulative 5. Questions give you a chance to think Ask better questions and you will close more sales. How many times this week were you asked for a demo, a quote, or a sample?

Before you gave the prospect what they asked for, did both you and the prospect have a clear understanding of what would happen next?

When you want to know the future, bring it back to the present. One way to know the future is to ask this question. "Let's suppose that you have just seen my demo/quote/samples and you like it, what happens next?"

Remember...no mutual mystification. Become a "sales clairvoyant". Know why you are doing something before you do it and both you and your prospect agree on what happens next.

Master this technique and your income will increase. You may even save some time by quickly qualifying out people who are never going to buy.

For more valuable information on creating the right mind-set for success in sales, register for one of our upcoming events.

Please contact us by phone at: 0845 0573563 or by email at: nliddell@sandler.com

••• Written by Neil Liddell of Sandler Training.

Providers of Sales and Management Training E: nliddell@sandler.com T: 0845 0573563 M: 07547 227442

•••

15

Legal & Finance

Law firms target growth

Will decision a concern A Midlands law firm has warned that there could be a substantial increase in the number of people contesting wills following a high-profile case in which a claimant successfully overturned her mother’s will.

Heather Ilott received no inheritance from her mother’s estate following her death in 2004. The estate - which amounted to £486,000 - was left to three animal charities to which she had no connection during her lifetime.

Although the two had been estranged for 20 years, Ilott won her claim to receive a share of her mother’s estate in the sum of £164,000. Concerns are now rising over the outcome and what it means for both adult children and those making wills.

Anna Sutcliffe, inheritance specialist at Leamington-based Wright Hassall, said: “Due to the high levels of publicity surrounding the case more adult children may now be encouraged to make claims, particularly if the will does not make financial provision for the child’s maintenance and they are of small means.

“The important thing to remember about Heather Ilott’s case is that the appeal’s result was a fact specific decision that had exceptional circumstances.

“Not only this, Ilott was able to claim against her mother’s estate under the Inheritance (Provision For Family And Dependants) Act 1975, so really the outcome has brought to people’s attention the existing Act, rather than evolving the law.

“Claimants should however bear in mind the time limit for making a claim, which is six months from when a grant of probate is secured.”

Anna said courts will continue to handle each dispute on a case-by-case basis and advised anyone in doubt about their will to seek professional advice.

Miles Barker-Davies (Richardson and Davies), Robert Brown (Payne Skillington) and Richard Pomfret (Revees & Partners)

Two long-standing law firms in Coventry plan to modernise and create growth after moving into new city centre office premises.

Neighbouring law firms Richardson and Davies and Payne Skillington, which were both established in the 1930s, have relocated to the top floor of Park House in Station Square.

Commercial property agent Reeves & Partners arranged the lettings, as the law firms’ previous premises located in Park Road and Manor Road, which were adjoining, will be demolished as part of the Friargate development.

Richardson and Davies employ 10 members of staff and Payne Skillington nine members of staff and both plan to expand their teams over the next 12 months.

Both firms have completed a number of renovations at the 4,672 sq ft office including the installation of meeting rooms and storage facilities.

Miles Barker-Davies, partner at Richardson and Davies, said: “Our intention is to modernise and to expand the services available to clients. We have been established since 1936 and it is nice to have a change of environment, but the main attraction of Park House was that we were able to remain in the Station Square area.

“We thought long and hard about our business requirements and we seem to have achieved a balanced working environment.

“The office has been tailor-made to meet the necessary requirements. It was important for us to have a storage facility and we have also installed cell type offices in the west wing, which offer a greater degree of privacy, as well as a number of modern meeting rooms in the east wing.

“Reeves & Partners has also helped us to secure a number of on-site parking spaces which is hugely beneficial for our clients and there is potential to expand this further.

Reeves & Partners, which has offices in Coventry and Leamington, has let over 30,000 sq ft of office space with the last six months to companies having to relocate due to the Friargate development.

The major redevelopment scheme, which covers a 37-acre site adjacent to Coventry railway station, will see the development of new offices, hotels, homes, shops and restaurants and include a new pedestrian route into the city centre.

Richard Pomfret, of Reeves & Partners, said: “Richardson and Davies and Payne Skillington are set to enter a new chapter in their long-established histories with access to extended office facilities which will enable them to modernise their services.

“Sharing the office space with Payne Skillington has also worked well. We are both small firms and offer a similar range of services including commercial law and private client work. We occupied neighbouring houses in Park Road for a number of years so we have a shared history.

“The two firms first moved to Station Square in the 1960s and are keen to support the ongoing redevelopment of Coventry’s city centre and the advantages this will bring for the city.

“We have started to notice a pick-up in activity which is growing gradually with business confidence. Now that we have a bigger base from which we can create growth, we would also like to focus on succession planning and recruit younger members of staff over the next 12 months.”

“Reeves & Partners has assisted more than 10 firms which have been affected by Friargate and we are pleased to have sourced suitable office space to meet their requirements in various locations around Coventry.”

Double accreditation honours for Lodders Law firm Lodders, which has offices in Stratford upon Avon, Cheltenham and Henley in Arden, has retained accreditation from Lexcel, the Law Society’s international practice management standard, and Investors in People (IIP), both for the sixth consecutive year.

16

The independent joint Lexcel and IIP assessment involved a detailed review and investigation to ensure the firm has maintained the necessary standards of good compliance practice, high standard of client care, excellent legal advice, staff development, and case management.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Legal & Finance

Two more qualified Accountants for Burgis & Bullock

Left to right (front) Troy Kashaya and Aman Hayre the two newly qualified accountants at Burgis & Bullock seen here with Daniel Smith and Steph Charnell.

Burgis & Bullock, chartered accountants and business advisers with offices in Leamington Spa, Leicester, London, Nuneaton and Rugby, are celebrating after another two members of its team became qualified accountants and other employees achieved success in exams.

The newly qualified accountants are Aman Hayre, who joined B&B in February 2012 as a trainee accountant after

obtaining a bachelor of honours in accounting and finance. He has now passed the final stages of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualifications. Aman is part of the corporate services team based at the firm’s Leamington Spa office.

Troy Kashaya joined B&B in June 2014 as a Personal Tax Assistant and has now also passed the final stages of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualifications. His other qualifications

include a BSc (Hon) in Accounting and Finance, an Advanced Diploma in Computer Science (ACP) and he is also embarking on the Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) qualification. Troy is a member of the specialist taxation team based at Burgis & Bullock’s Leamington Spa office.

In addition to Aman and Troy’s success, Daniel Smith is now part-qualified in accountancy after passing papers in performance management and financial management and Steph Charnell has also gained two papers in performance management and tax. They are continuing their work towards becoming fully accredited over the coming months.

Sean Farnell, Partner, said: “We are incredibly proud of all of our students and to have gained another two qualified accountants together with further exam success within the team is testament to the hard work and dedication that all of our trainees possess. The Partners and management team at Burgis & Bullock are always keen to develop talent, and are committed to helping our people develop from trainees to fully qualified accountants.

“Our internal training programme offers an excellent platform for understanding of business as well as the more technical aspects and it helps to deliver a strong and professional service to our clients. We look forward to a continued level of success across the firm in the future.”

Local business to benefit as Dafferns goes Global Leading local accountancy firm Dafferns, has joined the prestigious accountancy association AGN International to help meet the growing international needs of its clients.

The firm which marks its 120th anniversary this year, has seen a rise in the clients that trade internationally from exporters, companies considering establishing an overseas operation through to multinational groups of companies.

Dafferns is the fourth member in the UK and the only firm outside of London to join the AGN International association, the sixth largest worldwide association of separate and independent accounting and consulting firms.

By joining AGN, Dafferns is well placed to extend its full service offering for both their UK and internationally owned clients. If a client has a need for cross border accountancy and tax services anywhere in the world, then Dafferns can connect with another member firm who are experts in the relevant country to assist.

Martin Gibbs, managing partner at Dafferns, said “Dafferns has always evolved to meet the needs of its clients.

It’s one of the reasons the firm has been around for 120 years!”

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“We joined AGN, because like us, they are passionate and committed to meeting clients’ objectives regardless of geographic boundaries. By joining an association, our current clients get the benefit of working with a local independent firm that can meet their UK and international requirements directly or through trusted association partners.

We hope it will also appeal to new clients who are looking for a local firm with an international reach.”

As part of AGN, Dafferns will be looking to encourage inward investment into the local area by promoting Coventry and Warwickshire as an ideal location for international businesses looking to set up in the UK.

Local bookkeeping business shortlisted for national award After studying Modern Languages at Leeds University and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with Coopers & Lybrand Deloitte, Caroline O’Brien is now practising the language of bookkeeping, having successfully launched her Rosemary Bookkeeping franchise in July 2013.

Since then, her business has gone from strength to strength and, in March 2015, she was chosen as a finalist in the New Woman Franchisee category - EWIF 2015 Awards.

Caroline has grown her business through active networking and has developed excellent working relationships with several local accountancy firms with whom client work has passed in both directions. “I think it is important that these relationships are mutually beneficial.”

To strengthen the growth of her business, she took on an accountancy apprentice in November 2014. “I really love the idea of nurturing a young person and helping in their education and personal development.”

“What excited me about the franchise was the opportunity to gain experience in things I have not done before such as marketing and how to win clients. I love the freedom of being my own boss - it is very hard work but ultimately, I know that only I can make a success of this through my hard work, determination and sensible choices.

17

Property

Complex development under way Taking to the air to give a new insight into historic site Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is a stunning, thatched roof, timber frame Tudor building with beautifully maintained gardens.

The cottage is a magnet for tourists, with buses rolling in regularly to drop off visitors who look round the cottage and gardens, visit the shop then leave.

Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Operations at The Trust, felt that visitors weren’t experiencing everything the cottage had to offer and asked Balsall Common-based commercial UAV operators fireFLY aerial innovation to provide new images and video of the whole site that would not only appeal to tourists, but also encourage the local community to visit the cottage and enjoy the grounds.

They delivered some stunning images and provided a new perspective of the entire site, delivering images and a promotional video that capture the essence of this important heritage building and its grounds.

Drones offer a more efficient and less invasive inspection option than traditional methods. Scaffolding and cherry pickers are unsightly, difficult to employ without the risk of damage to heritage buildings and their grounds and would result in sections of the site being closed to the public. A drone, operated by a highly skilled and professional team, will deliver exceptional results, without the impact on the environment and in a much shorter time span.

18

Work is under way on a new student complex on a key site in Coventry.

Beechfield Estates, based in Kenilworth, is creating one of the most environmentally-friendly student accommodation developments in the UK in Paradise Street, Parkside.

The new building, which will feature 155 bedrooms – a mixture of study bedrooms and studios – is being built on the site of the former London Road Social Club, which used to be at the heart of the aero engineering plants which played a key role in Britain’s war effort.

Work will be completed in time for the start of the academic year in 2016.

The company was advised on the purchase of the plot, the acquisition of some additional land and development finance by Leamington-based law firm Wright Hassall.

David Wheeler, of Beechfield Estates, said the complex is set to be a leading example of a sustainable development.

“Our architects and construction professional team Eco-Res is very confident that this will be one of the most

eco-efficient student accommodation buildings in the UK, which is great for the students who will be based here,” he said “When we bought this plot the social club had failed. In decades past it was surrounded by factories and it is now at the heart of a technology park and much of its custom base has disappeared as a result.

“We have invested heavily to ensure we are creating a building which will be a striking and contemporary gateway to the technology park.

“Coventry University is going through very exciting times not only with its climb up the rankings, but also with the new developments underway and the expansion announced last month which will reshape a key part of the city centre.

“The university is a massive contributor to the local and regional economy and students expect the best in accommodation.

“We believe this is a perfect location, one of the closest residential units to the university’s new Science and Health Building, and we plan to build a development which will give students a very positive impression of the city.”

Wright Hassall Partner Mark Miller, who led a team of specialist lawyers at Wright Hassall on the transaction, said the development was an example of brownfield development at its best.

He said: “This is a classic brownfield site, which will be returned to positive economic use, and is a great outcome for all of the stakeholders.

“This part of the city has undergone a radical transformation in recent years, largely led by the university, and this is the next step. It will now be very rewarding to see this development take shape.

Wright Hassall Senior Associate Christopher Jones, who leads the firm’s Banking and Finance Practice, added: “We have worked with and advised Beechfield Estates throughout in relation to all aspects of the development, overcoming a variety of challenges along the way.

“Our work has included assembling various component land parcels, securing permission for demolition works at the site and sourcing specialist development finance for the development.”

“This part of the city has undergone a radical transformation in recent years, largely led by the university, and this is the next step. It will now be very rewarding to see this development take shape.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Property

Business Sun Rising in the East The East side of Coventry is set for an unprecedented period of business activity over the next decade in the opinion of commercial property surveyor Martyn Howard of Drake Howard Property.

As the benefit of infrastructure improvements centring on Tollbar Island and Whitley become clear, so the rationale behind major inward investment and jobs creation in this part of the City is revealed.

Jaguar Land Rover announced plans to expand its advanced engineering and design centre at Whitley, early in the year.

This announcement was followed by Travis Perkins decision to become neighbour to the iconic motor manufacturer and invest in a 21 acre site for a major distribution hub.

At Middlemarch Business Park Penso Engineering has literally risen from the ashes and is producing high volumes of Vito Taxi’s, vehicle wire harnesses and interiors. This premier estate continues to perform well and land and buildings are in short supply. Pressure will continue until planning restrictions preventing a major expansion to Middlemarch are relaxed.

Over the last two to three years, Prologis Ryton has attracted logistic facilities for Network Rail, LG electronics, UK Mail and recently, JLR has secured a 225,000 sq. ft. facility for its specialist vehicles operation.

On Ansty Business Park, the London Taxi Company is constructing a massive, 37,000 sq. m. assembly, research and office plant, to create up to 1,000 new employment opportunities. At the adjoining Sainsbury’s regional office more jobs are in the pipeline with a facility for technology and digital design. Rapid expansion of the highly successful Manufacturing Technology

Centre (MTC) is a source of pride and excitement for the City, with so many new global manufacturing companies signing up to membership.

The activity represents an exponential recovery from recent recessionary years and fuels potential for supplier and service sector industries, close to the cluster of new engineering, manufacturing, research and development enterprise.

This Eastern Promise has drawn Drake Howard Property to Binley, adjacent to the A46 Eastern by-pass. The commercial property consultancy had a need for larger office space and has leased space at Leofric Court. In Martyn’s words, “Binley was the obvious choice and well worth the pain of congestion at Tollbar for twelve more months. The A45 and A46 are fantastic links to routes into the city centre, Birmingham, motorway network and London. The business parks, industrial estates and development schemes of the area are thriving and enquiry levels for commercial property is strong”.

The sting in the tail is the lack of stock available to offer and the lack of choice this presents to companies relocating, or opening new facilities in Coventry & Warwickshire. “I can only see this pattern continuing over the next 12 months and into the next decade, given no increase in anxiety over growth in Euro-zone and the Far East.” It is to be hoped that new land is released to allow development of commercial property to fill the current void and the planning regime recognises the need to move quickly to alleviate pressures and restrictions on growth.

Available Office Space East Coventry 1 Leofric Court, Binley

2020 House, Middlemarch

2,135 sq. ft.

4,510 sq. ft.

C2 Brandon Court, Binley

3,520 sq. ft.

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19

A Prime place to do business There are few better at giving business advice than Kevin Johns - but listen to your father and follow your wife are not near the top of his usual tip list.

However, had he not adhered to those golden rules himself he wouldn’t be running Prime Accountants Group, which has grown into a 70-strong accountancy practice with its HQ at the Whitley Business Park in Coventry.

Kevin, who joined the firm when it was Pilley & Florsham in 1993, had a knack for numbers as a young graduate fresh out of university but he originally sniffed at the idea of becoming an accountant.

“When I was at university, I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” he said.

“My father kept telling me that I should go and be an accountant but I kept saying no. I didn’t want to do another three years of exams.

“I went to a careers adviser, as you do, and he asked what I enjoyed doing.

I said maths, statistics, business, economics and marketing and wanted to do something in business or finance and he said: ‘why don’t you become an accountant?’

“I explained again that I didn’t want another three years of study! But he said: ‘here’s a lesson for you little boy you’re going to have to do another three years of study whatever you decide – the degree is just the start’.

“It suddenly hit home and when I asked what would give me the best option going forward, he told me to train to be a Chartered Accountant.

I didn’t know where that was going to take me and I certainly didn’t realise it would bring me to this region.”

Kevin trained with a top 20 accountancy practice in Milton Keynes but with his wife-to-be, Helen, working at the former MG Rover in Longbridge, he made the move to the Coventry and Warwickshire area around the time they were married.

“I’ve been here 22 years almost to the day,” he said.

“I joined in 1993 as partner potential and turned a partner in 1996, at the age of 29. I was probably one of the youngest partners in the Coventry and Warwickshire area at the time.

“In 1993, it was a four partner firm employing 20 staff working out of Warwick Road in the city centre in a very old, traditional accountancy business. A bit of a stereotypical practice.”

Pilley & Florsham, as it was known then, had been in existence for more than 40 years with the name Prime coming into being in 2007.

Kevin explained: “It was a merger of Pilley & Florsham in Coventry and Raftery & Co in Solihull. The partners at the time felt they needed to make a strategic change in the business so

Biography: Kevin Johns Date of birth: Birthplace: Married: Children: Hobbies: Favourite book: Favourite film: Last holiday: Car: Favourite gadget:

20

1/8/66 Lichfield Yes, to Helen for 22 years Owen (14) and Scott (12) Skiing and Rugby Race of My Life by Hermann Maier Cool Runnings Skiing in Austria Land Rover Discovery Ski tracks app on iPhone

“Most of the professional services in Coventry and Warwickshire stick to Coventry and Warwickshire and we felt we had quite a presence in this area so to differentiate ourselves from our peers, we were looking for something over towards Birmingham or maybe towards Northampton and found a perfect fit with Raftery & Co in Solihull.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Profile: Kevin Johns

sorted. If the Midlands can get that right and work as one, it can really move forward. Some of the businesses we have here aren’t just the best nationally, they are the best in the world.”

Prime’s core client base remains in Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull and, hence, the activity within the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and the recent decision to become strategic partners.

For those clients – and those further afield – they continue to benefit from a forward-thinking approach to accountancy and business advice.

“In the 22 years I have been here, there has been an explosion in IT solutions to the profession,” he said.

“When I joined in 1993 the firm had its own internal email system and electronic diary system. I was saying: ‘you’re only next door, can’t you just talk to people? You don’t need this.’

“It was something which my previous firm as a national top 20 firm hadn’t even got in place. So there is a lot of credit to Laurence Moore, Prime’s IT Director, who has pushed the IT of the firm from early days and we were farther ahead than most of our competitors. went to look for an acquisition, one which differentiated our practice over our competitors.

“Most of the professional services in Coventry and Warwickshire stick to Coventry and Warwickshire and we felt we had quite a presence in this area so to differentiate ourselves from our peers, we were looking for something over towards Birmingham or maybe towards Northampton and found a perfect fit with Raftery & Co in Solihull.

“They had a situation where a couple of partners wanted to retire so it was an agreed merger. Then the whole debate of the name came up and nobody could really spell Pilley & Florsham or Raftery & Co and nobody could get the websites to agree so we said we’d get rid of both names and come up with something new and simple which is where the name Prime came from. We’ve been trading in that style since 2007 but the form of the business went back over 65 years.

“We’ve now got two offices employing 70 people in two bespoke, brand new, modern offices. So it’s been quite a transformation, really, from that small start.”

That size and being able to bridge the region’s geographic divide has proved a perfect model for Prime and Kevin

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believes it’s time for the Midlands to realise its potential by working together.

“A business doesn’t have a boundary,” he said. “Councils have boundaries. Businesses don’t. You serve your clients’ needs wherever they are.

“We’ve got clients in the Isle of Wight, in Lanzarote, in Greece and all over this country too, so as long as we can serve them correctly, to the right standard, we’re quite happy to serve a client anywhere in the country or all over the world.”

He added: “This area eventually needs to agree what it’s going to call itself and work together. Manchester has made a massive steal with their branding globally. I feel the Midlands has lost an opportunity over the past 10 to 15 years by not marketing ourselves as a region.

“Your business person in Tokyo doesn’t know where Coventry, Birmingham or the Black Country is and doesn’t understand the difference.

“All he wants to know is where do I fly into and how can we do business? Manchester has done a good job on that.

“The local economy might be different but, globally, they’ve got it

“And, as a result of that, I think it gave us a competitive advantage. We’ve used that as we’ve gone forward to simplify the way we do business and the way we help clients to simplify their businesses.

“We were the first firm nationally to file a corporation tax return online.

We were instrumental in advising Microsoft some 15 years ago on their offering to SME businesses.

“So this was all before the cloud and again, we’ve embraced that technology to help clients.

“We’ve got a specific offering of a virtual accounts office where we can do anything for a client from answer their phones, to processing sales invoices, their purchase invoices, and make all their payments for them.

“Again, it’s all those extra little bits which gives a complete service rather than just being an accountancy company in its pure sense. We’re just trying to simplify everything for the client so they can concentrate on what their core is, which is providing their own goods or services.”

It all sounds so simple – just like following your father’s advice.

Working Day “I try and have breakfast with my family before leaving for the office and get in for around 8:30, at which point I reply to emails that may have arrived overnight.

“During the day I will be in and out of meetings, either with clients or internal planning meetings with our team.

“I split my time between both

of our offices and will catch up with the partners at both on a daily basis.

“Unless I have a networking event to go to, I try to be away by 6.30 at which point I take up one of my other part time positions as either a rugby or skiing coach.”

21

Policy

Jobless figures will keep falling Unemployment will continue to fall Business leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire have welcomed another fall in unemployment across the region.

The figure dropped from 7,614 in July to 7,443 in August across the city and the county, with Warwickshire dipping below 3,000 to 2,959 JSA claimants.

In Coventry, it fell from 4,571 to 4,484 and Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said it was further positive news for the area.

She said: “Our last Quarterly Economic Survey suggested that businesses would continue to grow and take on new staff and the figures are bearing that out, which is great news for Coventry and Warwickshire.

“In order for the trend to continue it is vital that companies seek out new opportunities to grow their business and one of those is tapping into the international trade support on offer at the Chamber. The evidence shows that companies who export are more likely to expand and grow the team.

“Our business start-up team is also enjoying a very busy period, which suggests that more and more people are seeking the opportunity to set up on their own which, again, is positive for the local economy.

“Overall, we should not be complacent about the fall in unemployment because it will only continue to come down if the conditions are right for businesses to grow and have the confidence to take on new people.”

22

Unemployment will continue to fall in Coventry and Warwickshire according to a new survey that shows strong business confidence in the region.

Firms across the city and the county are, however, scaling back plans to invest in equipment and training, which is thought to be because of uncertainty around international markets.

The information comes from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s second Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for 2015. The survey acts as a barometer for the economy across the region and also feeds into the British Chambers of Commerce’s wider QES for the whole country. The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is now working with Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council to produce the survey.

It shows that 43.5 per cent of companies in the manufacturing sector say advanced domestic orders are up and 39.1 per cent say they have remained constant. In the service sector, 45.7 per cent of businesses say orders are up and 45.2 per cent say they are the same.

Advanced overseas orders are steady rather than spectacular in both manufacturing and the service sector but overall business confidence is strong.

In manufacturing, 63.5 per cent of the businesses surveyed said turnover would rise in the next 12 months and 73.9 per cent of companies in the service sector believe turnover will increase.

That has led to 40 per cent of manufacturers saying they will increase their head-count in the next quarter, while

33.2 per cent of service sector companies will do likewise. Just 2.7 per cent of manufacturers said they would be decreasing staff numbers and only 3.2 per cent of businesses in the service industry said they would be cutting back on numbers.

The main area for concern from the survey is the expectation that firms would be cutting back on investment plans. More than 57 per cent of manufacturers said they would be reducing investment in plant and machinery and 68 per cent of companies in the service sector said they would be cutting back in that area.

Just over half of the companies surveyed from the manufacturing sector said they would be scaling back on training investment and almost 64 per cent of service-based businesses said the same.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Generally, this is another positive QES that shows companies across Coventry and Warwickshire are forecasting growth over the next 12 months.

“It’s also good news on the labour market front that the vast majority will be either increasing or maintaining head-count numbers.

“However, there is some concern of the investment forecasts. We believe that this might be due to the economic uncertainty overseas – particularly in Greece – that might have led some firms to show caution in this area.

“Hopefully, the changes in the summer budget around the Annual Investment Allowance moving to £200,000 will have a positive effect and will help to encourage further investment.”

“Generally, this is another positive QES that shows companies across Coventry and Warwickshire are forecasting growth over the next 12 months. It’s also good news on the labour market front that the vast majority will be either increasing or maintaining head-count numbers.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Coventry

Coventry recruitment firm lays path to new business

A Coventry recruitment and training firm has announced it is expanding with the launch of a new specialist division which will focus on permanent recruitment to help fuel the booming economy.

Employment group eResponse has launched Path Selection – a side of the business focussing on permanent roles in the accountancy, HR, technical, engineering and IT sectors.

The specialist venture will also see expert consultants supporting applicants with CV tips and career advice.

The move by eResponse, which has its Coventry base in Greyfriars Road, sees it branching out for the first time from its established training and recruitment expertise for industrial work and into more senior professional roles.

Path Selection will be led by respected recruiter Chris Folly who has been appointed general manager. With 15 years’ experience in the region’s finance recruitment market, he will work closely alongside head of commercial, Tina White who has held a variety of senior commercial and marketing roles at eResponse since joining in 2011.

He will lead a new team of nine across eResponse’s six branches in Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

Chris Folly, said: “The economy is growing but to make the best of it, businesses need the right mix of skills to fill the vacancies they have.

“At eResponse we have led the way for years in industrial roles and in training people for warehousing, manufacturing, logistics and office based jobs.

“But Path Selection brings something different to the group. It allows us to partner with clients and candidates on the permanent roles previously un-catered for in finance, accountancy, technical, engineering, HR and IT. “We’ll be expanding our offering across the business as we grow and bring in even more recruiters who are experts in their field. We are very excited for the new venture and look forward to supporting local businesses with building their teams.”

The unveiling of Path Selection is the latest in a long line of good news for eResponse.

It’s only weeks since the firm was ranked 31st in the prestigious 2015 Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies survey.

Last November they were also placed at number 45 in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 – the second year in a row eResponse had featured in the national business barometer since being founded in 2003 by brothers Paul and Joe Alekna.

Training boost for charity A homeless charity in Coventry has been awarded £10,000 to boost training opportunities available to young people.

Windsor’s and Refreshed, in Far Gosford Street, is run by leading local homeless charity Cyrenians which provides accommodation for over 120 homeless people in the city as well as delivering employment, volunteering, skills and educational opportunities for young unemployed people.

The coffee bar and retail shop has already supported more than 50 disadvantaged young people by providing basic training and work experience placements. Over half of these volunteers have either subsequently returned to full-time education or secured permanent or temporary employment.

And now the charity, which is being supported by accountants and business advisors Harrison Beale & Owen (HB&O), has received a £10,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund to expand its training programme.

The funding will enable the charity to offer an accredited training programme, delivered by Henley College in Coventry, in food hygiene, health and safety, and retail and customer service to around 30 unemployed young people over the next 12 months.

Mike Fowler, chief executive at Coventry Cyrenians, said it is a great opportunity for the charity to invest in the future of unemployed or disadvantaged young people in the city.

He said: “Windsor’s and Refreshed offers a unique volunteering and learning experience combining structured and accredited training with real life working practice which will not only help to improve the practical skills of young people but their confidence too.

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“We are proud to have already supported more than 50 volunteers with over half of these successfully returning to education or employment. Many of the participants are clients of Cyrenians and have received support following a period of homelessness.

“With the support of additional Big Lottery funding and the advice of HB&O, I am confident that we will be able to build on our success and create clear pathways where young people will have greater access to training and volunteer work to enable them to progress into a successful work or educational environment.”

In recent years, Coventry Cyrenians has seen an increase in the number of young people aged between 16 and 24 accessing its services and continues to deliver essential accommodation and support to this group.

Last year it received a gold award for innovation by Voluntary Action Coventry for its work at Windsor’s and Refreshed which also sells clothing products produced from recycled counterfeit clothing as part of a project set-up with Coventry University and Coventry City Council’s trading standards.

Mark Ashfield, director at HB&O which has offices in Coventry and Leamington, said: “It is a really exciting time for the charity since it is not only looking to build on the success of its current projects but it also has new projects in the pipeline.

“Charities are always conscious of making every penny count and we hope that by providing our services it will allow the team to operate efficiently and concentrate on delivering projects that help to enhance the skills of young people within the local community.”

Wasps announce new 15-year partnership Wasps, the professional rugby union club and owner of the Ricoh Arena, has announced a 15-year extension to the existing partnership between Compass Group UK & Ireland and Arena Coventry Ltd (ACL), the club’s subsidiary company, which runs the Arena, in a deal expected to generate £195 million in total turnover.

Levy Restaurants UK, the sports, leisure and hospitality sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland, will provide all catering services for match day, conferencing and events until 2030, having retained and extended the contract which previously ran from 2007.

Compass Group UK & Ireland is one of several service partners of the Wasps Group, as well as official club partners; Land Rover, EMC2 and DS Smith, plus the club’s new Technical Wear Partner, Under Armour, which was confirmed last month.

Wasps recently announced a series of planned improvements for the Ricoh Arena, including a partnership with Hilton Worldwide to convert the Ricoh Arena Hotel into a DoubleTree by Hilton. When all upgrades have been completed by the end of 2015, the Ricoh Arena will offer visitors a total of five bars, three restaurants on-site and over 20 food and beverage outlets.

David Armstrong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Wasps, said: “We are very pleased to have extended our partnership with Compass Group UK & Ireland. The increased length and investment of this new contract reflects the upward curve Wasps and ACL have followed since Wasps acquired the Ricoh Arena and aligned the brands. It also indicates a firm belief in what we can achieve off the field at our new home, through the powerful combination of sport, business and entertainment.

“Alongside the tripling of match day attendances, hospitality has increased by over 500% in comparison to Wasps’ offering the previous season and the Ricoh Arena’s Conference & Exhibition business turnover has increased in the first six months since Wasps’ acquisition of the venue. We are confident both businesses will continue to grow as we aim to establish the Ricoh Arena as the UK’s leading venue for sport, business and entertainment.”

Colin Bailey, Managing Director, Levy Restaurants UK, said: “We are pleased to have extended our partnership with ACL and to be part of this exciting new chapter with Wasps at the Ricoh Arena. Wasps’ arrival at the Arena has generated huge excitement among the local and sporting community.

“We pride ourselves on our powerful partnerships that create legendary experiences and this is a great example of how we’ll be bringing this ethos to life working to put the guest first at the Ricoh Arena to ensure they have a unique experience every time.”

23

Area Focus: Coventry Arthur J. Gallagher strengthens Coventry presence with deal Insurance broker Arthur J. Gallagher has acquired the renewal rights to the commercial and personal lines portfolio of independent Coventry broker Pinnock Bell.

The deal further strengthens Gallagher’s presence in the local business community and will better support customers’ increasingly diverse risk management and insurance needs.

Established in Coventry more than 40 years ago, Pinnock Bell specialises in providing a wide range of general insurance services to SME clients, such as fleet insurance, professional indemnity and property owners as well as the standard commercial property and liability protections that businesses seek.

Founder and director Alastair Pinnock and the team responsible for the book of business will join Gallagher as part of the deal to ensure consistency of service for customers and a seamless transfer of business as it looks to grow under Gallagher’s ownership.

Cheryll Rawbone, Chairman of Arthur J. Gallagher in Coventry, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alastair and his team to the Gallagher family. Their focus on SME clients provides a great complement to our own Enterprise team and various in-house specialisms – serving as we do as a national centre of excellence for the IT, telecoms, life sciences and motor trade industries.

“As a UK community broker, backed by a national network with international reach, we are well-placed to look after everyone from the newest start-ups right through to large multi-nationals. With various multimillion pound developments underway here in Coventry and a general upturn in economic activity, investment and emerging opportunities, it’s important we strengthen our local presence to ensure we’re on hand to devise the right insurance solution for every client - whatever their industry, whatever their risks.”

Alastair Pinnock added: “The financial strength, resources and stability we gain from being part of Gallagher means our customers will reap the benefits of being part of a much larger group, which can pull in specialist teams from specific sectors and access difficult insurance markets as required. We look forward to growing the business from our new home.”

Pinnock Bell also has a financial services business, led by co-founder and Director Peter Bell. This business is not being transferred to Gallagher.

Bishop launches fundraising campaign A £250,000 fundraising appeal has been launched to inspire the next generation of children and young people in Coventry and Warwickshire through drama.

Campaign patron the Bishop of Coventry, the Rt Rev Dr Christopher Cocksworth, helped to launch the three-year appeal to secure the future of the Belgrade Theatre’s Community & Education programme.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Coventry, Cllr Michael Hammon and his consort Mary Maginniss, also attended the official launch which took place at the headquarters of Deeley Group in Herald Avenue, Coventry.

Current participants of the various Community & Education Company groups including the Asian Youth Theatre, Acting Out and the Senior Youth Theatre gave performances to showcase their talent and explain how the programmes have made a difference to their lives.

Bishop Christopher said the work of the Community & Education Company had an immeasurable impact on the lives of the young people who were involved in the Belgrade Theatre’s pioneering work.

“The performances at the launch were extraordinarily moving from these young people for whom life in Coventry has become fulfilling and life changing,” he said.

“It was a remarkable example of young people whose lives are not being unspent but are being noticed, supported and lifted.

“The message was that Coventry is a place where something happens, something that’s life transforming and I think there are many people in Coventry who want to see young people raised to the full stature of their humanity.”

Justine Themen, Associate Director of the Community & Education Company, said the groups supported the education, inspired the imagination and developed key social and employability skills of those who attended.

“At the Belgrade Theatre, we try to provide space to allow children and young people to explore their own identity and the world around them through drama,” she said.

Back, from the left, Peter Deeley (Deeley Group), Joanna Reid (Belgrade Theatre), Justine Themen (Community & Education Company) and Stuart Ferguson (Chairman of the Trustees of the Belgrade Theatre). Front, from the left, Tia Hibbert (18), Dev Soni (13) and Danielle Power (16) who performed at the fundraising launch

“We strongly champion the right of every child and young person to engage with their world through drama.

“Much of the work is devised with the children and young people we work with as we use theatre to broaden their experiences.

“Confidence is part of who we are as individuals and if we don’t have confidence, we don’t have the ability to communicate with each other. Drama is a fantastic way of building confidence in young people.”

Local businessman Peter Deeley, who is supporting the fundraising appeal, said he

hoped the valuable work of the Community & Education Company would not only survive but thrive.

He said: “I was inspired to help our youngsters in Coventry and Warwickshire because I have seen the hugely positive effects and invaluable life skills that are taught through the Community & Education Company.

“We’re aiming to raise £250,000 over the next three years because of the nationwide funding cuts in the Arts to keep this valuable work going.”

Time for tea A leading Warwickshire hotel has got the art of al fresco eating down to a tea.

Coombe Abbey Hotel, near Coventry, took advantage of the summer weather to build on huge growth in its afternoon tea business.

Just a couple of years ago the hotel was serving tea to 35 people a week – but that number has grown to 150 a day!

Now the hotel has devised a way to allow more customers to enjoy its afternoon tea – and its superb parkland grounds.

“Afternoon Tea To Go” contains a selection of freshly made sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream and cakes. that are available as part of the hotel’s indoor afternoon tea, but its comes in its own box allowing customers to take it out into the 500 acres of parkland and enjoy at their leisure while catching some sunshine.

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Manager Ron Terry said: “We have been really pleased with the way we have grown our afternoon tea service. We have people coming from outside the local area because of the quality of the offer and the surroundings.

“As you can imagine, serving up 800 afternoon teas a week is a major operation and it would be hard to accommodate many more customers indoors but we have some fantastic gardens and parklands.

"The Afternoon Tea To Go comes in its own box which is ideal to take it out and enjoy within the 500 acres of parkland around Coombe.

“Our grounds are a major attraction in themselves, so it makes sense to combine the two together and give people a really memorable experience. I have to say that the weather has not harmed our prosecco sales either!”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Coventry

Jaguar Land Rover contracts O’Brien

O’Brien Contractors Limited, a leading civil engineering and groundworks contractor, has been appointed to work on the expansion of Jaguar Land Rover’s i54 Engine Manufacturing Facility in Wolverhampton and also at the Advanced Engineering and Design Centre in Whitley, Coventry.

The two developments are part of a wider drive by the luxury vehicle manufacturer to invest over £600m across its’ Midlands operations – including: new and upgraded facilities at the Castle Bromwich plant, a new National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC) in Warwick, additional capacity at the i54 Engine Manufacturing Facility in Wolverhampton and double the operational footprint of its Advanced Design and Engineering Centre in Whitley, Coventry.

Appointed as principal contractor by Jaguar Land Rover, O’Brien will provide bulk earthworks and soil stabilisation services at the i54 Engine Manufacturing facility in Wolverhampton. The works include "Cutting and filling" of circa 140,000m3 of site won material to form a plateau level for a proposed new build development to extend the existing engine manufacturing plant. The work also involves lime/cement stabilising of circa 150,000m2 of formation and subsequently importing of 34,500 tonnes of Mot type 1 to cap the platform, with circa 65,000m3 of spoil being disposed off-site.

Additionally, O’Brien Contractors will deliver infrastructure services at the Advanced Design and Engineering Centre in Whitley, Coventry – including the

construction of two car parking facilities amounting to 1000 spaces. An initial 700 space temporary facility will be constructed to allow vehicles to park thus allowing the permanent solution to be constructed.

Our works also include all security fencing, lighting, surfacing and associated white lining.

Stuart Chamberlain, Director, O’Brien Contractors, said: “Jaguar Land Rover is one of the most successful Global businesses in the region and we are delighted to be chosen to deliver bulk earthworks, soil stabilisation and infrastructure works at two significant manufacturing and engineering facilities.”

Established in 1958, O’Brien Contractors is a second generation, family-run business that has gone from strength to strength and expanded into a range of new sectors.

From commercial units and Olympicstandard sports facilities, to railway stations, hospitals, universities, highways and commercial housing developments, O’Brien’s extensive experience consistently leads to the delivery of class-leading solutions.

Stuart Chamberlain added: “In recent times we have successfully completed £6m-worth of work for Jaguar Land Rover at sites in Coventry, Gaydon, Birmingham and Solihull. The new contract wins are further evidence of our on-going commitment to using innovative new technologies allowing us to continually improve the quality of our work and the speed of installation, saving Jaguar Land Rover both time and money.”

Product makes TV bow More than four million TV viewers have seen how an innovative Coventry company’s product can help the healing process after surgery.

Fans of the popular BBC One programme Holby City have been keeping a close eye on Dr Harry Trussler’s recovery from a nasty fall which saw him sustain facial injuries.

After undergoing surgery to his face, cooling masks – provided by Hilotherapy UK based at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Venture Centre – were placed on him to help keep the temperature in his face low, which is proven to reduce swelling and pain therefore reducing the need for painkilling drugs and cutting down the recovery time.

Tony Ley, the Managing Director for the firm, which moved into the Science Park in 2013, visited the Holby City studios at the end of last year to advise on the use of the Hilotherm treatment and episodes featuring the product have recently been aired.

Katharine Stein, of Hilotherapy, said: “Holby City often asks specialist consultants for recommendations of new innovative treatments that can be featured on the show to ensure it reflects what is really happening in hospitals.

“The use of Hilotherapy for facial surgery/facial trauma patients has grown dramatically in the UK recently and we were delighted to be contacted by the show’s producers who said that they had heard about our treatment from consultants who have been using it effectively with their patients. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

“Tony went down to the studio and showed them the product and gave them a full demonstration of the way it should be used and when.

“That was a several months ago but we were all delighted to see the show air in the past few weeks and that the masks were used in the right way. It’s very exciting for us and was great to see our product given such prominence.”

Hilotherapy is the UK distributor for a German company, which developed the technology to lower the temperature of damaged tissue by sending cool water from a standalone device to a ‘cuff’ which is placed on the affected area of the body.

The German manufacturer holds 23 international patents on the technology and Hilotherapy UK is the only company licensed to sell the product in the UK and Ireland.

University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire was among the first NHS hospitals to buy the technology along with Chelsea & Westminster, King’s College Hospital, University College

London Hospital, Nottingham, Sheffield, York, Leeds and Bradford.

Further hospitals have since invested in the technology along with private clinics and sports clubs.

Karen Aston, Venture Centre manager at the University of Warwick Science Park, said: “Hilotherapy came to the Science Park because they wanted to grow here by using the flexible space and saw the ties with the University as a major plus.

“We are delighted to see them expanding and I was very excited to see them on Holby City! I nudged my partner when the product appeared on the TV screen and told him: that’s one of our companies!”

Ricoh Arena and Wasps toast new partnership with brewery Award-winning craft brewer Purity Brewing Co. is marking its tenth anniversary by forming a new partnership with the Ricoh Arena and Wasps.

The Midlands’ based market leader in craft ales, based in Warwickshire, has joined forces with the Ricoh Arena’s owners, Wasps, as it looks to extend its support of rugby throughout the West Midlands – in the year when the Ricoh is also celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Purity, which has established a range of successful partnerships with rugby clubs in the area, has already been working alongside Wasps to trial the offering to supporters and visitors to the Ricoh Arena, with tremendous feedback.

Purity beers will be available throughout the arena and the Wasps faithful will be able to enjoy Purity’s Pure UBU and Pure Gold brands, with Pure Gold being an appropriate tipple for fans of the ‘men in black and gold.’

Andy Gibb, Managing Director of the Ricoh Arena, said: “Purity has developed a regional and national reputation for providing high-calibre craft beers from their headquarters in nearby Warwickshire and, just like the Ricoh Arena, are constantly looking to develop new markets.

“This partnership is a perfect fit for both parties and their beers will be really popular with visitors to the Ricoh Arena.”

Luke Organ, Group Commercial Director, Wasps, said: “Since arriving at the Ricoh Arena, we have conducted many fan surveys and a recurring request has been for a wider range of ales. We are delighted to have fulfilled this request, partnering with one of the most popular and successful breweries in the Midlands and we have no doubt Wasps supporters and visitors to the Ricoh Arena will be delighted with the extensive range of ales that Purity will be supplying.”

Paul Halsey, Managing Director, Purity Brewing Company, said: “We have seen how much value craft beer has added to the supporter experience with the likes of the Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants and the Portland Timbers in the US and want to emulate and surpass that.”

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Area Focus: Coventry Coventry University receives Queen’s Award for Enterprise Coventry University has been awarded one of the most coveted accolades in UK business in recognition of its international growth and success over the past six years.

The University receives a Queen’s Award for Enterprise – which is decided and awarded by Her Majesty the Queen – making it one of only a select few higher education institutions in the history of the awards to be honoured.

In the awards’ 50th anniversary year, Coventry University will be commended in the international trade category in recognition of its ‘continuous achievement’ since 2009 in growing and supporting its international student population in the UK and overseas.

The University draws students from more than 150 nations – making it one of the top ten UK universities for the size of its international population – and it operates teaching programmes abroad for over 12,000 students at 14 different locations.

The award also recognises the positive contribution subsidiary company Coventry University Enterprises has made to the institution’s international operations, as well as the University’s research programmes.

Dr David Pilsbury, deputy vicechancellor for international development, said: “The growth in scale and breadth of our international activities is something we’re immensely proud of and it is wonderful to have it recognised by receiving the UK’s most prestigious business and enterprise award.

“The University has embedded ‘international’ in all that we do, opening up new and exciting global opportunities and partnerships for the benefit of students, staff and other stakeholders.

We are delighted that the talent and relationships we bring enrich the city, the region and the UK as a whole, and we look forward to further successes as we continue to roll out our 2020 international strategy.”

The Queen’s Award scheme was originally inaugurated in 1965 as the Queen’s Award to Industry scheme, having been instituted by Royal Warrant following the recommendations of a committee chaired by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.

Each award is decided by HM the Queen following recommendations from the Prime Minister’s Advisory Committee. The first Queen’s Awards for Enterprise were made in 2000.

For further information about the awards, visit www.gov.uk/queensawards-for-enterprise.

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Coventry PR firm scoops a hat trick of new contracts A national PR company based in Coventry has ended the first quarter of 2015 on a high after winning three new contracts.

Bridge PR & Media Services will deliver integrated campaigns using traditional and digital PR methods to support three new clients who operate within the technology and manufacturing sectors.

Bridge has been appointed by leading open source specialist Opus VL, designer and manufacturer of turnkey hydraulic and lubrication systems, MGR Fluid Power, and European market entry experts, .

Individual trade focused PR and marketing campaigns will see Bridge work closely with each company to raise their profiles among their respective key markets and audiences, as well as working alongside Opus VL to promote the company’s upcoming open source event in May. Neil Windross, Sales Manager at MGR Fluid Power explained why the company selected Bridge PR to implement and deliver a tailored PR and marketing communications strategy. He said: “As a designer and manufacturer of hydraulic systems we needed a PR company that firstly understood our business, but also had extensive knowledge of the way the manufacturing sector operates. Bridge has a wealth of experience in both of these areas which is combined with their innovative approach to delivering PR for traditional businesses like ours. Working alongside Bridge we will be able to position MGR as an industry leader in our key markets both in the UK and internationally, and raise our profile as a UK designer, manufacturer, and testing house.”

Bridge has been working with businesses in the manufacturing and technology sectors for the past 20 years and as a result, has detailed knowledge of what PR methods prove to be most efficient in these sectors.

Commenting on the new contract wins Bridge PR Managing Director, Denise Taylor said: “We are delighted to have won not one but three new PR contracts in our

key industry sectors. Having operated in the manufacturing, IT and technology sectors for over twenty years, we have developed an in-depth understanding of these markets, which, coupled with our innovative and strategic PR campaigns, deliver results for our clients. We are looking forward to working with all three new clients over the coming months, and sharing some of their very exciting stories with their key audiences.”

Honour for company Netmetix Limited of Coventry was awarded the “Rising Star of the Year” accolade out of more than 65 Silver, Gold and Platinum WatchGuard partners at the UK & Ireland WatchGuard Partner Conference. The event was held at the Williams F1 Conference Centre in Grove, Oxfordshire.

The team at Netmetix have established themselves as leading experts in the field of IT security and threat management and defence in the Midlands region and this award recognises their expertise and commitment to protecting small and medium sized businesses from ever more sophisticated cyber threats and attacks.

WatchGuard® Technologies, Inc. is a global leader of integrated, multi-function business security solutions and provides easy-to-use protection to hundreds of thousands of businesses worldwide.

Cyber criminals are increasingly targeting small to medium sized businesses (SMBs) and agencies with sophisticated attacks with serious consequences and far reaching repercussions. These crimes don’t always make headlines like the hacks that hit nation states or huge entities like Sony or Target, but they’re far more pervasive and cause real damage to people’s lives and businesses.

Today’s cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever, making it easy for big-time villains to target small-town businesses. Cyber criminals may be hacktivists with social agendas who want to disrupt your day-to-day business or organised criminal groups going after your customers’ financial or personal data.

Up to date research shows that 44% of small businesses have been victims of cyber-attacks with the average attack costing nearly £6,000. It is also a fact that

60% of small businesses that fall victim to a cyber-attack go out of business within 6 months.

In 2014, small and medium sized businesses reduced their security spending by 20%, while larger companies increased their investment by 5%, making them an even easier target for cyber criminals. The vast majority of attacks are automated and constantly scan the Internet looking for vulnerable data and under-protected computers that can be used as a resource.

Netmetix says that there are three easy steps to take to help protect your business from cyber-attack: Step 1 - Upgrade your protection: Despite the increased sophistication of cyber-attacks, most SMBs still rely on legacy or simple firewalls for their perimeter protection. The first step is to upgrade the firewall to a next-generation firewall (NGFW) or unified threat management (UTM) device.

Step 2 - Break the kill chain: Today’s sophisticated security devices have controls to catch different parts of an attack, but attackers can still find ways to evade defences. Defence-in-depth fills the gapsbreaking the attacker’s kill chain. The theory behind the kill chain is that the more layers of defence you create, the better your protection.

Step 3 - See the threat to defend against it: Small businesses are breached every day, but a third of them admit to being uncertain about whether or not they were attacked. For both small and large organisations, it takes an average of 80 days for businesses to notice they’ve been breached. By that time, the damage is already done. These breaches are being missed because we’re drowning in an ocean of data.

Since you can never have perfect defence, it is critical that you implement suitable discovery-and-response tools to help you see and handle the incidents that get past your main gates.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Warwickshire

Thanks for the memories Musical memories are to be created at a new café in Warwickshire which has been launched to support people with dementia and raise awareness.

Age UK Warwickshire will host its new Musical Memories Café at The Moorings Bar and Restaurant on Myton Road in Leamington on the last Monday of every month (excluding bank holidays) from 10am until 12pm.

The café aims to support people with memory problems, along with their families and carers, through music, which is recognised as being important in helping to bridge memories.

Volunteer musicians will play requests, with guests welcome to join in and share experiences and emotions in relaxed, informal surroundings.

The Musical Memories Café has been launched with the support of solicitors Wright Hassall, Calor, The Moorings and Nicola Smyth Hair and is free to attend and includes tea or coffee on arrival.

Linda O’Sullivan, from Age UK Warwickshire, said: “We’re really excited by the launch of the Musical Memories Café.

“The idea for the café all stemmed from when Wright Hassall helped us to create our first charity calendar and raised proceeds to get the idea off the ground.

“We want the café to be extremely social and be a great place for people with dementia, their

Left to right – Toni Hall (Calor), Mitra Mann (Wright Hassall), Linda O’Sullivan (Age UK Warwickshire), Will Johnson (musician), Richard O’Grady (General Manager, The Moorings), Caroline Bates (Wright Hassall), Dan Humphriss (Nicola Smyth Hair).

families and carers to drop in and relax and enjoy a drink and some music.

“We’re really lucky to have The Moorings on board to host the café and Wright Hassall, Calor and Nicola Smyth Hair have also been tremendously supportive in the project.

“The volunteers who will be playing music for us are brilliant, and we’re delighted musicians from Warwick School will also be playing for us.”

Wright Hassall has eight trained dementia champions across the firm and will play an active involvement in the Musical Memories Café.

Caroline Bates, private client lawyer at Wright Hassall, said: “One in 14 people in the UK currently have dementia, which can be a lonely and isolating condition for many.

“We were delighted to help Age UK Warwickshire through the launch of the calendar last year, and it’s great to be involved in the Musical Memories Café which is a fantastic idea and we believe will work really well.”

If you would like to support Age UK Warwickshire’s Musical Memories Café through volunteering, or for more information contact Linda O’Sullivan on 07789003450.

New building will meet engineering demand

From the left, John Vickery (Warwickshire College Group), Rachael Stewart (Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership), Angela Joyce (Warwickshire College Group) and Cllr Izzi Seccombe (Warwickshire County Council)

Warwickshire College Group’s new building at their Warwick Trident College will build further capacity for supplying additional engineers into the region’s workforce.

The £3 million to build the 1,800 sqm building is being jointly financed by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership through the Government’s Growth Deal and by Warwickshire College Group. The state-of-the-art college facility is being created to meet demand.

Apprentices for Jaguar Land Rover and SMEs across Coventry and Warwickshire will be taught in the new high-spec college building with its industry-oriented learning environment.

The building includes specialist engineering workshops and 18 teaching, computer and specialist engineering technology labs tailored to the high quality courses demanded by industry.

Rachael Stewart, of the Jobs & Skills Business Group at the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP), said the centre was being built to cope with a 350 per cent growth in demand for engineering apprenticeships at Warwickshire College Group since 2010.

She said: “This is the first Skills Capital project funded by the CWLEP and we are extremely proud of the new building.

“One of the main focus areas for the CWLEP is reducing the skills gap and this year there is at least a 20 per cent increase from 2013 needed by employers for engineering apprentices.

“Coventry and Warwickshire is renowned across the world for advanced manufacturing and engineering and this building in Warwick will help to train the next generation of apprentices to learn the skills they need.

“The first intake of apprentices will be focused on drive train engineering and product design and the CWLEP is delighted to be supporting a new apprenticeship centre through our Skills Capital budget and the Growth Deal which is designed to unlock growth and development.”

Angela Joyce, Group Principal and Chief Executive of the Warwickshire College Group, said the demand to enrol on full-time

engineering courses at the Warwickshire College Group was up by 20% from 2013.

She said: “Jaguar Land Rover is experiencing significant growth and their apprentices at the centre will be working towards different levels whether it is a three or four-year apprenticeship programme or a six-year degree apprenticeship. We are delighted to be working with JLR who are an excellent partner and to be able to support their business growth.

“Just as importantly we are working with SMEs to support their skills requirements; the new Warwick Trident College development will support both global companies and local businesses of all sizes in the region.

“Engineering remains a popular choice for students throughout our sites and our existing facilities are full to capacity which is why this new build is so important.”

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, CWLEP board director and leader of Warwickshire County Council, said this was the kind of project which the Growth Deal was designed to set-up.

“It is vital we address the skills gap in Coventry and Warwickshire particularly in the engineering sector,” she said.

“This new apprenticeship centre will have a major part to play in teaching the practical skills which employers need and it is fantastic to see the building taking shape.”

AC Lloyd from Warwick is the developer of the new building which is being built by Coventry-based Deeley Construction.

Family Tree opens its doors to Leamington Spa’s Woman in Business

The Family Tree in Leamington Spa is opening the doors of it’s historic grade II listed building to create an exciting hub for local businesses to get together and share what they have to offer.

The Woman in Business EXPO take place on the 25th of September and offers some fantastic guest speakers, workshops, and a host of information for local businesses to tap into.

As well as providing valuable information for those who already run businesses the EXPO will also offer a range of information for those wanting to start their own ventures. From legal advice to how to get your first customer this event will cover it all.

The Family Tree launched just two years ago and had proven to be a fantastic venue for bringing local families together within the community. This has been an amazing achievement but now it’s time to expand on this and bring together a larger proportion of the community.

Business women are often the unsung heroes in society contributing massively to local trade but often being overlooked.

The Family Tree along with other local businesses aims to showcase and recognise these women and what they achieve.

The event will run from 10am till 4pm and tickets are free but need to be prebooked at www.eventtree.org.uk exhibition stands are limited but some are still avaiable at just £50 for the day.

Local rising star Dean’s hoping for national recognition Geotech, a Leamington-based environmental monitoring equipment manufacturer and supplier, has a rising star on its staff.

Dean Kavanagh, Geotech’s Programme Director, scooped top prize in the West Midlands Region Young Director Award 2015 and is now in the running for the National Awards. He’ll find out if he’s topped the poll when the winners are announced at a prestigious ceremony hosted by the Lancaster London Hotel on 23rd October 2015.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Dean’s nomination recognises not only his contribution to Geotech’s continued export growth but also the voluntary work he does as Chairman of the Positive Youth Foundation and his contribution as Vice-Chair to a Multi-Academy Company recently created with 8 schools in NE Coventry, The Romero Catholic Academy.

Dean said, “It’s great to win the regional award and get shortlisted for the national award. It’s also hugely satisfying that a local business is getting the recognition it deserves. Being recognised for the work I do by the IoD is clearly a great accolade

and I’m extremely proud. It reinforces the work we’re doing in export markets, which are now almost 2/3 of Geotech’s sales and is vital when it comes to ensuring continued business growth and securing the future for Geotech as a local SME. Membership of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber is crucial to our export success and the advice and guidance we receive makes all the difference.

“I think it’s also important to see Coventry and the surrounding areas being recognised regionally – it reinforces the fantastic work being carried out

locally and its importance to the economy as a whole. On a personal level, winning the West Midlands award and being shortlisted nationally reflects the importance of having fantastic and committed teams to work with, both on a professional level with the likes of C&W Chamber and through the voluntary work I carry out. It all contributes to a strategic understanding that helps to underpin the work I do and helps in the development of clear plans for the organisations I work with.”

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Area Focus: Warwickshire

Time is right to be involved David Myskow, branch chair of the Mid-Warwickshire branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

As the summer starts come to a close – and with it the main holiday season – I am sure everyone in business is looking forward to the return to normality (apart from the extra traffic on the roads!).

The Chamber has a couple of great events to look forward to this autumn and they are going to give companies across this area a fantastic opportunity to network, market themselves and also learn a great deal about economic trends locally, nationally and internationally.

Firstly, the business & trade expo is taking place on Friday, October 2, at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, and already more than 140 exhibition stands have been booked for the event.

That means there are just a few spaces left for potential exhibitors to put themselves in front of over 600 business people, who are anticipated to attend the expo.

On the back of that, Sir Clive Woodward, the man who led England to Rugby World Cup glory and oversaw Team GB’s success at London 2012, will be the keynote speaker at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Conference on Friday, November 6.

The event is taking place at the Rugby World Cup Fanzone in Rugby and will have a theme of growing business through technology. Adam Marshall, executive director of policy and external affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce, will host the event while further speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

The fact that the Rugby World Cup is being staged here in England this year means it’s a great time to welcome Sir Clive to the area at this time and for businesses to hear about his experiences in the world of sport and in industry.

It promises to be one of the biggest and best conferences the Chamber has staged so I’d urged companies to get in touch as soon as possible to book their place.

Finally, I was delighted to see the release of the shortlist for the Coventry and Warwickshire Culture & Tourism Awards this month.

We have a wonderful array of attractions, events and venues here in the city and the county and it’s only right that they are celebrated because culture and tourism play a huge part in the success of our region.

And, even though summer’s coming to an end, this is still a great time to get out and try some of them!

For more information or to register your interest in the Expo or the Annual Conference call 024 7665 4321 or log onto www.cw-chamber.co.uk

28

Investigations agency continues to grow A Midlands-based commercial detective agency is on course for further expansion after a profit rise of more than 1,000 per cent in the space of three years.

Expert Investigations, which is based at the University of Warwick Science Park’s Business Innovation Centre in Binley, has been operating since 2000 and carries out investigations on behalf of businesses on everything from fraud and theft to false absenteeism.

The company, founded by David Kearns – formerly of the police service – has now opened a further office in Leeds and is expanding within the Business Innovation Centre due to demand.

It has six people based in its Coventry headquarters and a further 16 ex-military staff and 22 ex-police staff on the road carrying out investigations on behalf of clients.

David said the growth had also led to the firm being shortlisted in the small business category in the IOD West Midlands awards.

He said: “We are growing at a very good rate and the beauty of being based at the Business Innovation Centre is that we can grow within the building rather than having to look elsewhere.

“That’s important to us because, as a base, it gives the professional image our clients have come to expect from us because of the service we deliver.

“Turnover is rising, profit is up and we were also shortlisted for the IOD award which is a great testament to what we do.”

He added: “We work for small and medium sized firms right up to a large supermarket chain.

“False absenteeism is quite a big area for us but we’ve also seen a big rise in investigating metal thefts on behalf of business. Data retrieval from mobile and tablet devices is also an area that is growing for us as it can reveal a great deal of information in breach of contract cases.

“In some instances, our investigations are handed over to police and can lead to prosecution. Some ask why the police aren’t doing the investigations themselves but they are so stretched, they just don’t have the resources to do so. We can do the background work and then pass them the details when it’s the right time.

“At other times, our work can lead to the dismissal of a member of staff who has been lying to their company on why they are absent from work – it’s all very varied.”

Penny Robb, the manager of the University of Warwick Science Park’s Business Innovation Centre, said: “It’s great to hear David talking so highly of the centre and we are delighted that they have been able to expand here with us.

“As well as benefiting from the flexible office space, they very often take advantage of meeting space we have available to all tenants to deliver seminars and hold meetings.”

Technology to make a difference New technology expected to make a ‘huge difference’ has been introduced to a Leamington care home thanks to a relationship that began in the 19th Century.

The charitable trust of Leamington solicitors Wright Hassall has donated five iPads to Castel Froma care home on Lillington Road, an organisation it has worked with since soon after the centre’s opening in 1874.

The iPads carry key software, which can provide residents with an effective means of

communication, if abilities such as speech and motor skills have been inhibited.

The two organisations have worked together for more than 100 years, in which time Castel Froma has grown to care for more than 400 people every year, all of whom have complex neurological conditions such as brain injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease and require 24-hour assistance.

The registered charity also provides important therapy at its Helen Ley centre and employs around 250 people across both sites.

Marie Bawden is the interim deputy chief executive at Castel Froma and feels the donation will have a big impact.

“This means a huge amount to our residents as the iPads will be able to help those who may have difficulty holding a pen to write,” said Marie.

“It will make a huge difference to what they are able to do and it will

dramatically change their daily routine.

“Previously we had just one iPad to share between 55 people. This will give a lot more residents access to the technology that is so beneficial so we are very grateful to Wright Hassall.”

Rachel Gwynne, head of charities at Wright Hassall, is delighted that the firm has been able to make a contribution that will have such a positive impact on the lives of Castel Froma’s residents.

Rachel said: “With Wright Hassall involved in so many charitable initiatives from sponsorship of the annual Regency 10k Run to campaigns that staff take on individually, we run a charitable trust to organise such efforts and identify worthy causes.

“We have worked with Castel Froma for a very long time so we know all about the great work they do and they told us that these iPads would make a big difference to their residents.

“It is fantastic to be in a position to offer support to such an important local charity, which does so much great work in our community.”

Honour for media company Formation Media, a web design and digital marketing agency based in Warwick, and the company’s director Martin Gordon were nominated for the Touch FM Pride of Warwick District awards.

Formation Media were one of four finalists in the Best Business category whilst Martin was nominated for Best Business Person.

The competition was fierce this year with every nomination a worthy contender and although Formation didn’t pick up the trophy for best business on the night, Martin won the title of Best Business Person of the year and was pleased with his achievement.

Martin said, “I am delighted to be presented with this award but no individual is a business and this is recognition of a great team effort”.

The whole team thoroughly enjoyed the night which took place at the Chesford Grange Hotel who provided a hearty three-course meal, plenty of drinks and a beautifully decorated setting.

Martin has worked relentlessly to bring Formation Media’s services up to the current level of excellence that they offer today. The agency has grown significantly,

since the business first started moving, from 3 to 10 employees. Formation Media is now in the 1% of businesses in the UK that has grown consistently by 20% year on year for over 5 years.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Warwickshire

Company continues expansion An award-winning Nuneaton logistics company has gone full speed ahead with expansion with the purchase of new work premises as well as a drive in staff recruitment.

Independent Freight, which specialises in imports and exports for a range of companies, recently moved to new premises on the Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate and added three new members to its team after doubling turnover year on year to its current six figure annual turnover. Plans are in place to take on another apprentice by the end of the year.

The company has been steadily expanding since its inception 11 years ago and support from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has helped to speed up the firm’s growth.

The chamber’s help has included assistance from the UK Trade and Investment team (UKTI) at its International Trade Hub which organised a trade mission to the Middle East where Independent Freight explored business opportunities that will secure further growth in future.

The firm also received advice and guidance from the Chamber’s training arm, CWT, which boosted company growth by assisting with the recruitment and training of a new apprentice. The team are now working towards recruiting another in the next six months, which will be the company’s third in just two years.

Jenny Hooper, managing director of Independent Freight, said: “I started Independent Freight 11 years ago and since then have built a national and international customer base.

“To have doubled our turnover year on year during tough economic times is a massive achievement and would not have been possible without support from the Chamber, UKTI and CWT. “Their guidance has helped us to multiply and upskill our team as well as purchase larger warehouse premises, which has allowed us to provide a more integrated service for our customers that covers all parts of the logistics process.

“Our trade mission with the UKTI also proved invaluable. We were given insight into trading in territories we hadn’t seen

Expo provides great opportunities

Left to right – Jenny Hooper (Managing Director, Independent Freight) and Brian Mountford (of UK Trade & Investment) holding Leader of the Year Award.

before and significantly increased our knowledge in the area.

“We even gained major new contacts as well, ensuring we continue to grow our client base and provide the best service to our customers in future.”

Jenny and Independent Freight recently celebrated a prestigious award win after being recognised for their outstanding contribution to the logistics sector, with Jenny named as Leader of The Year at the Freight Transport Association’s (FTA) annual Every Woman in Transport and Logistics awards evening.

Brian Mountford, an international trade adviser at the Chamber’s International Trade Hub, said: “We are delighted to see Jenny pick up this award and with the way Independent Freight is growing.

“It’s great to see our support assisting a firm in the region discover new markets and we look forward to working with Jenny in the future.”

For more information on support from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and the UKTI team call 024 7665 4321

Bigger things come to Pack Smart

Pack Smart Ltd has announced that, following a sustained period of growth and continued success, a significant expansion in its logistics operation with a new dedicated 12,000 sq. ft.

Distribution Centre.

The new operation continues in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, benefiting from central transport infrastructure and good local employment.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

The planned expansion and associated investment marks a new phase in the company’s order capacities and service capabilities.

It is expected that pick & pack operations will commence from the new facility in late September 2015 ensuring the seasonal peaks are comfortably and efficiently managed.

Co-Founder and Director Seánna Holland confirms “…the importance of planning ahead for the annual growth in ecommerce and the greater favour of outsourcing noncore elements of a business is at the heart of our growth…” and adds “…it is and remains our ethos to maintain our flexible approach and personal touch to each and every client.”

Paul Carvell, branch chair of the NorthWarwickshire branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

I hope everyone has had a fantastic summer and for those looking to get back into the business swing then there are two great events coming up this autumn.

We held a really well attended speed networking event at the Stewart Fletcher Barrett offices this month which shows there is a real thirst for companies to get out there and network.

And I am sure that businesses across the area will be looking to make sure they make the most of the two major events in October and November.

Firstly, the business & trade expo is taking place on Friday, October 2, at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, and already more than 140 exhibition stands have been booked for the event.

That means there are just a few spaces left for potential exhibitors to put themselves in front of over 600 business people, who are anticipated to attend the expo.

I attended the Chamber’s expo back in the spring at the Ricoh Arena and it was a great way to promote your business as well as the opportunity to meet other firms and possible suppliers too.

On the back of that, Sir Clive Woodward, the man who led England to Rugby World Cup glory and oversaw Team GB’s success at London 2012, will be the keynote speaker at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Conference on Friday, November 6.

The event is taking place at the Rugby World Cup Fanzone in Rugby and will have a theme of growing business through technology. Adam Marshall, executive director of policy and external affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce, will host the event while further speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

The fact that the Rugby World Cup is being staged here in England this year means it’s a great time to welcome Sir Clive to the area at this time and for businesses to hear about his experiences in the world of sport and in industry.

It promises to be one of the biggest and best conferences the Chamber has staged so I’d urged companies to get in touch as soon as possible to book their place.

It’s vitally important that the north of Warwickshire is well-represented at events of this nature so it would be great to see plenty of local companies there.

For more information or to register your interest in the Expo or the Annual Conference call 024 7665 4321 or log onto www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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Area Focus: Warwickshire

Acquisition International Hedge Fund Awards 2015

Company continues growth

Stratford-upon-Avon based Quotidian Investments has been awarded the prestigious “Best Balanced Fund of the Year” award in the Acquisition International Hedge Fund Awards 2015.

In 2014 the Quotidian Balanced Fund was up 5.80%, in contrast the FTSE 100 was down -2.79% over the same period.

In 2015 the same fund was up 8.53% for the first quarter vs the FTSE 100 which was up just 3.15% to end March.

Robert Vaudry, one of two Stratford based Quotidian Partners, said “We are delighted to have won this award.

The Quotidian Team has worked extremely hard on behalf of our clients to help manage their finances and in 2014 it is fair to say that, without exception, they were delighted with the results”.

Peter Richards, the other Stratfordbased Partner, said “Stratford may not be well known for its Fund Management capabilities – but we are keen to put it on the map. The more successful we are the more staff we can hire and the more employment we can create in Stratford”.

The Hedge Fund Awards recognise the achievements of those working within the investment and financial services community. The awards pay homage to the leading professionals for going above and beyond in assisting their clients with managing their wealth, planning for the future of their business or their family and for providing sound advice in all areas of finance.

Acquisition International has welcomed nominations for firms throughout the globe, from very small niche practices to large corporations and have ensured that those who won one of these highly sought after awards have been selected on merit and are based upon the votes received, the further evidence supplied and based on Acquisition International’s own in-house research.

Quotidian also run a Growth Fund which has topped the EuroHedge League tables for the last 3, 6 and 12 months, posting a positive return of 13.13% in 2014 and 13.63% in the first quarter of 2015.

Stratford electronics manufacturer AES has been a recipient of a small business loan from CWRT. The Mason Road business received £50,000 in 2010 and has since grown to 24 employees.

The company is currently expanding its premises with a £165,000 investment in new factory building and automated, manufacturing technology to service its growing client base.

The firm picked up the Best Company Award at the national Engineering Design Show earlier this year and Small Business

of the Year award from Made in the Midland.

It also received two, Highly Commended awards from the Coventry Telegraph and is celebrating its order book with a year-on-year increase in revenue of 103%.

Nigel Maris, Owner and Managing Director of AES, said: “I was referred to CWRT by our financial advisor. I had an exciting business idea and had put together a business plan.

CWRT really believed in me and my commitment to make my business succeed.

I am grateful for their service, funding and early advice, after all my business is still here and thriving even after the financial crisis.”

CWRT provides loans for local start-ups and small businesses and Mike Musson, Chief Executive of CWRT, said of the anniversary: “It’s extremely rewarding to see businesses that we have supported prospering five years on. We have invested £4.8 million since our first loans in 2005, with more than 350 businesses, leading to the creation of 500-plus jobs.”

European and government loan funds are available through CWRT as an alternative to high street bank lending to businesses.

Available to a wide range of sectors within Coventry & Warwickshire, the start-up or small business loans can be used for a variety of purposes, including equipment purchase, moving to new premises or growing a workforce.

Mike Musson said: “We are committed to our role in growing the local economy by supporting small and start-up businesses with finance. As a not-for-profit specialist finance provider, we have gone from strength to strength over the last 10 years as we provide fledgling businesses with access to critical affordable funding which they might not be able to get elsewhere.”

CWRT lends between £1,000 and £75,000.

The application is straightforward and personal.

Design and Branding Company moves to Leamington Award-winning design and branding consultancy Imaginate Creative has moved to larger premises in Leamington.

Imaginate, who have worked on some of the largest campaigns in the UK with clients who include global blue chip companies, has opened the doors to its new warehouse studios in Oxford Street, having previously been on Warwick Technology Park.

Founder Joanne Derviller, who launched her company 14 years ago in Warwick town centre, said the move was inspired by the ‘creative presence’ that Leamington has.

She said: “There is a vibrant creative environment in Leamington and we wanted a building right in the heart of it, a place where we could build our creative hub, not only for ourselves but somewhere where other creative minds could utilise it, too.”

Simon Hain, a director of Leamington-based property consultants ehB Commercial, who handled the deal, said the property was ideal for creative companies, providing a spacious and creative working environment.

He said that Imaginate was keen to promote excellence in design and wanted to collaborate with other creative firms

and start-ups. The company has already been joined at their new premises ‘The Warehouse’ by advertising photographer Simon Derviller Photography; social media

firm Media Beard, run by Sarah Law; and Deasil, an art gallery and agency for local artists, run by Kate Livingston and Kate Bramwell.

It’s a family affair that keeps on growing Keeping it in the family is what the Reid’s are all about. Since Robert Reid established what was to become the Reid Group in Northern Ireland in 1900 it’s gone from strength to strength. So much so that the 4th generation of the family is now at the helm.

Stratford Self Store, based on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon, is just one of arm of the business, alongside the Group’s Industrial Equipment and Commercial Property Services business.

Despite the difficult economic outlook of the last few years the self-storage business has continued to grow throughout its 15 year history.

Robert’s son Cyrus carried on the good work started by his Father, showing a similar entrepreneurial aptitude which he then passed on to his son Orland who,

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alongside his wife Heather, set up Stratford Self Store. The couple’s daughters, Rachael and Nicola, now play an integral role in keeping the company heading in the right direction and seem to have inherited the business success gene as well.

Business is so good that the company has recently kicked off a new phase of expansion. A brand new 12,000 Sq. ft. facility is currently under construction at its site. Rachael Reid said, “We’ve always done our best to meet and hopefully exceed our customer’s expectations. Self Storage is increasingly seen as the sensible way for businesses and individuals to cope with short term storage requirements or longterm business needs and we aim to deliver exactly what the customer wants.”

Stratford Self Store offer a range of storage options, everything from small

individual lock up rooms to high-capacity commercial warehousing. A variety of associated services are also provided, including goods on/off loading, forklift facilities, palletising, van hire and removals.

And of course everything is competitively priced to help ensure that Stratford Self Store keeps delivering the best value and services to its growing customer base.

2016 sees even more expansion plans in the pipeline, therefore continuing to grow their customer database and company profile is a high priority. As Nicola Reid is keen to point out, “As a family we’ve always worked hard to provide what new and potential customers need. It’s served us well for more than 100 years and we’re confident that our new facilities and range of services will keep the company focused on growing for many more years to come.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Rugby

Warwickshire company demonstrates Plenty to look lightweight solution for the automotive industry forward to A 50kg reduction in weight equates to a drop in CO² emissions of around 1g per km, making weight a key issue for the industry moving forward.

Jim added: “We sent the Mini around Europe to showcase our capabilities in both materials and processes so people within the industry are aware of what we are able to achieve with the cutting edge technology we have available. We believe these innovations will help change material production within the industry.”

Having made its debut at the IZB international suppliers fair in October last year, the Mini has visited most of the world’s largest vehicle and component manufacturers, including Honda, Nissan, Aston Martin and JLR in the UK as well as Toyota in Belgium and BMW and Ford in Germany. It then travelled to London to exhibit at the SMMT Meet the Buyer event at the QEII conference centre in London.

It recently returned to the Autins’ Rugby headquarters after making a trip to the GTG training centre in Wolverhampton to exhibit at a Made in the Midlands event.

With Goldman Sachs predicting that reducing weight in vehicles would be one of seven megatrends within the automotive industry, a local manufacturer has been showcasing its own lightweight technology across Europe.

The Autins Group develop and manufacture acoustic and thermal insulation components for the car industry amongst other The company has been touring Europe and the UK for over three months with a specially adapted Mini One which demonstrates the technology that the company uses in their manufacturing processes..

The Mini has been on the road visiting major car manufacturers as well as significant automotive industry events across Europe and the UK since February to demonstrate how manufacturers can make their vehicles lighter and quieter whilst maintaining and improving performance.

Jim Griffin, MD of The Autins Group, said: “The Midlands has long been a major development centre for the car production and manufacturing innovation. The predictions from Goldman Sachs that the requirement for lightweight vehicles will drive automotive production bear out our own experience.

With manufacturers and consumers demanding increased economy, one of the best ways of achieving this without compromising on safety is by using lighter materials with great acoustic and thermal insulations properties.”

The specially adapted Mini was designed to demonstrate first-hand how the company can use technology to create a range of sound and thermal solutions all whilst reducing weight. It includes 3D and 2D NVH parts which showcase a range of technologies such as cut and seal and reaction moulding. There is also a monitor under the bonnet and a surround sound kit in the boot, as well as a wireless touchpad inside the car itself.

“The Mini is always a great talking point wherever we go,” adds Jim. “More importantly, it enables manufacturers to see the practical application of lightweight technology in action. As a solutions provider, we feel it is important to show people how those solutions could help them. We may be relatively small, but we have earned a reputation for innovation and fast turnaround amongst our customers.”

The Autins Group is based in Rugby with partner companies in Germany, Sweden and India. The company expanded into new £6 million premises last year and has also invested round £2million in state of the art equipment which enables them to carry out a range of processes including research, testing, development and manufacture on site.

Developed in-house at their Rugby site, the technology on show in the Mini has also been used in some of the world most respected brands including JLR’s new XE model as well as their award winning Evoque SUV.

More than a thousand trained and in work A training and recruitment firm has celebrated its first year in Coventry and Rugby after placing hundreds of people in to jobs and training hundreds more in vital industry qualifications.

Jobs specialist eResponse branched out to open an office on Coventry’s Greyfriars Road last March, closely followed by the opening of their Rugby base in May 2014. They now employ 9 people in Coventry and have built a team of 11 at their Valley Drive office and training centre in Rugby.

In its first 12 months the firm has gone on to place over 1500 local people into temporary and permanent positions, including 350 posts for UK Mail’s new national hub in Coventry.

Its blue-chip clients include Concorde Logistics, Hi Logistics, Coventry Chemicals, Freemans and wholesaler Palmer & Harvey.

Three hundred people have also been trained in eResponse’s Rugby-based Fork Lift Truck Training School so far. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Nicky Grogan, regional manager for eResponse in Coventry and Warwickshire, said: “It has been an absolutely outstanding first year for us in both Coventry and Rugby.

“We’ve built on the success of our other branches and importantly for the local economy here in Coventry and Warwickshire, the quality of candidates coming through our doors has been exceptional. That has helped us place them into a variety of manual and office roles in and around the local areas.

“It is a source of enormous pride that we have helped literally hundreds of local people into work as well as providing hundreds more with the training and industry qualifications they crave.

“We’re proof that the right job and the right applicant are only ever just around the corner from each other.”

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

Even though the summer is coming to a close, the Chamber has a couple of great events to look forward to this autumn.

They will give companies across Rugby and beyond an opportunity to network, market themselves and also learn a great deal about economic trends locally, nationally and internationally.

Firstly, the business & trade expo is taking place on Friday, October 2, at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, and already more than 140 exhibition stands have been booked for the event, meaning there are just a few spaces left for potential exhibitors to put themselves in front of over 600 business people, who are anticipated to attend the expo.

On the back of that, Sir Clive Woodward, the man who led England to Rugby World Cup glory and oversaw Team GB’s success at London 2012, will be the keynote speaker at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Conference on Friday, November 6.

We are delighted that, this year, the annual conference will be staged right here in Rugby.

The event is taking place at the Rugby World Cup Fanzone and will have a theme of growing business through technology.

Adam Marshall, executive director of policy and external affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce, will host the event while further speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

The fact that the Rugby World Cup is being staged here in England – and that Rugby is a host city – this year means it’s a great time to welcome Sir Clive to the area at this time and for businesses to hear about his experiences in the world of sport and in industry.

It promises to be one of the biggest and best conferences the Chamber has staged so I’d urged companies to get in touch as soon as possible to book their place.

Finally, we were delighted to see the release of the shortlist for the Coventry and Warwickshire Culture & Tourism Awards this month, in which the Chamber is playing a very big part.

We have some great attractions, events and venues here in the city and the county and it’s only right that they are celebrated because culture and tourism play a huge part in the success of our region.

For more information or to register your interest in the Expo or the Annual Conference call 024 7665 4321 or log onto www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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Business Direct: Commercial Property

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

35

Business Direct: Business Services

Warwickshire Employee of the Year Awards 2016 The countdown to the prestigious Warwickshire Employee of the Year Awards 2016 has begun……..

Plus One Personnel is delighted to announce the launch of the 2016 Warwickshire Employee of the Year Awards. Following on from last year’s hugely successful sell-out Event in the Great Hall at Warwick Castle, Plus One Personnel is now offering local companies the chance to help the judge nominations and present a winner with an Award at the ceremony, by sponsoring one of categories.

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To find out more about sponsorship, please call Zoe Baldwin on 01295 262266.

The awards, which launch on Monday 2nd November are free to enter and open to all companies within Warwickshire regardless of size or industry sector - it their chance to stand out from the competition and be recognised within the local Community. Hosted by Plus One Personnel and supported by the Leamington Courier, Touch FM and Chris White MP, the Warwickshire Employee of the Year Awards are an

opportunity to publicly recognise and reward those individuals or team within a company who have really gone the extra mile and shown outstanding achievement and dedication over the past 12 months.

It does not matter in what capacity the person (or people) are employed within a company as the award is open to all, only that you are able to demonstrate to the judging panel the reasons why you feel you nominees should receive an award.

Entries open at 9am on Monday 2nd November and close at 5pm on Friday 18th December 2015.

The winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony at Warwick Castle on the evening of Thursday 4th February 2016. This highly esteemed event, is respected as a benchmark of achievement and excellence within the Warwickshire area and gives companies the opportunity to build commercial and professional respect and enhance their local business profile.

For more information about these Awards, please visit the Plus One Personnel website: www.plusonepersonnel.co.uk

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

WMG - an international role model Recognition This October, WMG, at the University of Warwick, celebrates 35 years of applying academic rigour to real life challenges.

Over that time, the Group has grown into an international role model for how universities and business can successfully work together.

Driven by research teams that combine both industrial and academic excellence, WMG has continued to have a global impact delivering conventional and nonconventional solutions that make a significant impact both on economic growth and society.

Established in 1980 by Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya, WMG’s Chairman, the Group collaborates with entrepreneurial leaders in companies and organisations of all sizes. Many of these are global leaders in their respective markets.

An academic department of the University of Warwick, today WMG is one of the world’s leading research and education groups. Over 500 people work across six buildings on the Warwick campus plus collaborative centres in seven countries.

Currently, WMG has an annual programme of £180m which includes industrial and in-kind support.

In September, WMG announced a ground-breaking education partnership with Jaguar Land Rover as the founding partner in the new Jaguar Land Rover Academy for Lifelong Learning and Development. Based at WMG, this builds on Jaguar Land Rover’s strong ties with the University.

Professor Lord Bhattacharyya said: “We have a symbiotic relationship with Jaguar Land Rover and I admire the company’s vision in providing this focus and governance for its learning and development.

“The Academy will be the first of its kind in the UK automotive sector and will provide excellent opportunities for the

for fast growing company

West Midlands customer engagement company Rant & Rave has been named in the 2015 Inc. 5000 Europe, featuring the fastest-growing privately held companies on the continent.

The Coventry tech company, which is company’s current workforce and future employees.”

This announcement coupled with the Group’s partnership in the unique National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC), due to open in spring 2017, highlights its commitment to being a pioneer in shaping the future.

A sum of £150 million is being invested in the NAIC capital building and its research activities through a long-term commitment between Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Motors European Technical Centre, and WMG. The Group also recently announced three new projects working collaboratively with industry; these are the Advanced Steel Research Centre, the Make-LikeProduction Facility and the National Plastics Processing Centre.

The continued success and growth of WMG, now means that it is seeking to hire 120 new recruits, something that Professor Lord Bhattacharyya feels is essential to ensure future development.

He said: “As we continue to grow and expand we are seeking individuals who thrive on a challenge and who aren’t afraid to defy conventional thinking. We are investing in, and creating, several new world-leading facilities to support these new projects. So we also need to invest in more talented people to take these projects forward.”

WMG’s international reputation shows no signs of waning. It’s pioneering approach to research and the forward thinking vision of Professor Lord Bhattacharyya is safeguarding WMG as a beacon of manufacturing R&D and business education.

He added: “I want to train as many people as possible for them to continue this journey. Then we get a critical mass of people and then I have no reason whatsoever to think Britain can’t be a first grade manufacturing nation, because we have all the ingredients to be successful.”

growing at a rate of 40% year-on-year, first launched in 2000 and now lists half of the FTSE as clients.

Dennis Fois, CEO of Rant & Rave says: “We have experienced massive financial growth over the past three years and it’s fantastic to be added to Inc.’s prestigious list, and to be one of the only companies in the West Midlands to be so. We are honoured to be recognised amongst some fantastic fast-growing businesses, including Microsoft, Timberland, Pandora and Oracle, who have also won the accolade of being an Inc. 5000 honouree.”

Rant & Rave is the UK’s leading

New agency is launched

The internet can often feel like the Wild West for businesses. Thankfully, the team at Spaghetti Agency are in town to set folk on the right track.

Specialising in social media, marketing, copywriting, and training/speaking, the www.cw-chamber.co.uk

agency has grown from two employees with no funding to a team of ten in just two years.

With multi-national clients and proven success under their belt, Spaghetti are showing businesses large and small the

ropes in the ever-changing world of digital marketing.

Spaghetti Agency manage marketing for small businesses, and offer fun and interactive training courses.

Speaking at the company’s launch event, Co-Director Jo Ciriani explained about the background to the new brand: “With my Italian heritage and love of Spaghetti westerns, the Spaghetti Agency concept was born. It makes more sense when you look at the website!”

Client Lucy Wager, from pudding creators Pudology, said: “Working with Spaghetti Agency is one of the best decisions I have made since starting my company.

“Their passion for all things social is evident in all that they do. Never short of relevant and engaging ideas, Jo and Todd are a pleasure to work with. I've finally found a way of increasing our social media presence and driving brand awareness and we're seeing real results.

I can't recommend them highly enough."

providers of SaaS Customer Engagement solutions, with clients including Papa John’s, Scottish Water, npower, OVO Energy and West Bromwich Building Society.

Eric Churenberg, President and Editor-in-Chief of Inc. Magazine, said: “For 34 years, Inc. has welcomed the fastest-growing private companies into a very exclusive club. To be sure, considering the millions of private companies operating throughout Europe, being listed on the Inc. 5000 Europe is a significant achievement.”

The Inc. 5000 Europe is an expansion of the hugely prestigious Inc. 5000 in the US, which ranks the country’s top 5000 fastest-growing private companies, ranked according to the percentage revenue growth over a four-year period. .

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News

TCB Training Services secures yet another contract Hard work really does pay off!

The team here at TCB, after working diligently for many long days in preparation, managed to land a lucrative contract with Gainsborough based timber firm, John Brash Timber LTD. Providing them with all their first aid supplies and training needs.

It was the months of solid toil previous to this that laid the foundations. After hearing about us from a company we had worked with in the past, the HR department at John Brash decided to give us a call.

Following that phone call, they liked what they heard, a meeting was set up, and our director and a representative went to visit them at their site, to assess their needs. The very same day, a large order for supplies was made, and people booked in for our training courses. Director, Brian Lee said, “It’s a fantastic result and I can safely say, on behalf of all the team, that we are looking forward to working with such a well-respected business” Further to this, we are also currently setting up our amazon shop to supplement our own website, and hoping to buy some space in the Amazon fulfilment centre. Which, if takes off as we’re hoping, would be a huge help in getting orders dispatched as promptly as possible.

Cup-winning rugby coach to be keynote speaker Sir Clive Woodward, the man who led England to Rugby World Cup glory and oversaw Team GB’s success at London 2012, will be the keynote speaker at a major business event in the region this autumn.

Woodward, who has enjoyed a career in business as well as sport, will be speaking at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Conference on Friday, November 6.

The event is taking place at the Rugby World Cup Fanzone in Rugby and will have a theme of growing business through technology. Adam Marshall, executive director of policy and external affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce, will host the event while further speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to announce Sir Clive Woodward as our keynote speaker at this year’s conference.

“His sporting success – with the England rugby team in 2003 and then later with Team GB – is very well documented and sets him apart from almost any other management figure in sport.

“But he has also had a very successful career in business too and is now Chairman

In other news, we are pleased to announce that, we have a new training room set-up and ready to go joined to our Lincoln office. So, it’s fair to say, it’s been a rather successful month for TCB and we hope we can keep this brilliant momentum going.

and Founder of Captured, a technology business with links to sport.

“It will be absolutely fascinating to hear his insight into the similarities and differences between business and sport and, because it will only be a few days after the close of the Rugby World Cup, I am sure he will have plenty of views on the tournament which is being hosted here in England.

“As ever, our conference will bring together businesses from across the region as well as key civic figures such as our MPs and council leaders. This is certainly a date to be put in the diary immediately.”

Woodward played rugby during the amateur era so alongside representing England and the British & Irish Lions, he also had a successful career in business – starting with Xerox before going on to run his own sales and leasing company.

He became England’s first full-time head coach in 1997 and a hugely successful period under him culminated in winning the World Cup in Australia in 2003. He later led the British & Irish Lions on a tour of New Zealand before crossing over to football for a brief period at Southampton.

In 2006, Woodward became Team GB’s director of sport and worked with a range of partners in the build-up to London 2012 and the country’s most successful Olympics.

For more information on the Chamber’s annual conference on November 6 or to register your interest call 024 7665 4321 or log onto www.cw-chamber.co.uk

“As ever, our conference will bring together businesses from across the region as well as key civic figures such as our MPs and council leaders. This is certainly a date to be put in the diary immediately.”

Optimistic future for motor dealership A motor dealership – with branches in Stratford-upon-Avon, Banbury and Evesham – is looking to drive business growth after being bought out by Vauxhall Motors.

Bridge, which was established in the 1980s, was bought by the UK car manufacturer earlier this year and chairman and chief executive of the company, Tim Tozer, paid a visit to the Stratford dealership on Birmingham Road.

Tim met management and staff as well as representatives from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, which will be working with the company to help raise its profile among the business community.

Ian Govier, the dealership principal, said: “It was great to welcome Tim here and for staff to meet him.

“Vauxhall’s investment in Bridge is a great boost to the business and will mean we can

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drive forward with our plans to increase sales and grow the company.

“We will also be working with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce because we feel its network will bring great benefits to the business.”

Louise Wall, group commercial director at the Chamber; Julie De Thierry, membership and business adviser at the Chamber; and Larry Coltman, the chair of the Chamber’s South Warwickshire branch all visited the company, which employs 75 people across the area.

Louise said: “We are very pleased to welcome Bridge into Chamber membership, especially on the back of such positive news.

“The company has great potential to grow sales over the coming weeks, months and years and our team will work with them to see how they can make the most of the Chamber’s services to assist that growth.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Leamington business coach asked to restore public confidence in financial advisors Leamington business coach Bernie De Souza has been chosen by the professional body for the UK financial planning community to run a series of workshops to help financial advisors win back public confidence.

Mr De Souza, who specialises in coaching the financial industry, will initially speak at 30 workshops for the Londonbased Personal Finance Society (PFS) in the first quarter of next year.

Keith Richards, chief executive officer of PFS - a not-for-profit organisation – said its 35,000 members were committed to the highest professional standards through undertaking rigorous qualifications and continuing personal development.

“Our purpose is to secure and justify the confidence of the public and to lead the financial planning community towards higher levels of professionalism - ethical and behavioural standards, skill and technical knowledge. This will ultimately benefit both the consumer and the advisors,” said Mr Richards.

Keith Richards (right) with Bernie De Souza and his latest business coaching book outside the London office of Personal Finance Society Personal Finance Society

“Bernie has spoken at our events across the UK before, helping our members to engage more with clients and the feedback has been great. We now want him to teach soft skills to our financial advisors, helping them to have a better relationship with clients and giving the public more confidence in them.”

Mr De Souza, an international speaker on coaching methods whose latest book is Stop Selling and Get Clients, is a main platform speaker at the Million Dollar Round Table in Hong Kong later this year, an annual event which attracts more than 5,000 people.

He said: “Many people think financial advisors have lost the ability to communicate. The society wants to rebuild public confidence in them and has asked me to coach them in client engagement skills.

These are not hard selling techniques, just ways of forming better relationships with their clients,” he said.

"Our purpose is to secure and justify the confidence of the public and to lead the financial planning community towards higher levels of professionalism - ethical and behavioural standards, skill and technical knowledge."

Nuneaton business celebrates milestone A firm of chartered accountants is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

Stewart, Fletcher & Barrett Chartered Accountants began trading in 1955 and was based on Manor Court Road in Nuneaton until its relocation to Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate last year.

To celebrate SFB’s 60th birthday, the firm’s directors showed off their culinary skills by cooking breakfast for the whole team at SFB’s head office on Townsend Drive.

Managing Director Paul Carvell said, “It’s fantastic to be celebrating SFB’s 60th birthday this year. To mark the occasion, we wanted to give something back to the staff, as without them, we wouldn’t be the firm we are today. “ Stewart, Fletcher & Barrett is part of The SFB Group, which offers a wide range of services including accountancy, wealth management, commercial insurance, corporate finance, business start-up and marketing services. SFB has offices in Warwickshire, Leicestershire, the West Midlands and Yorkshire. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Businesswoman has designs on success A soft-toy designer in Rugby is set to grow her business after receiving startup support.

Plushiemorphs, which was founded by Sarah Parr in 2013, specialises in the design and trade of plush toy animals which change costume to transform into heroes.

And following business support from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Sarah is now looking to expand her team and take on a business partner who will handle the sales side of business.

“The Chamber has supported me in various ways, most significantly by giving me one-to-one advice which helped me see new opportunities for the business, such as presenting Plushiemorphs at trade and business expos,” she said.

“Presenting the toy line at trade shows has helped me to not just raise the company’s profile but also introduce the toy line to people who handle international sales.

“Customers and businesses alike have been impressed by Plushiemorphs and I am currently working to find more traders to retail the toy line.

“Looking forward I am now hoping to take on a business partner who will handle sales so I can focus on designing more toys and adding to the product range.”

The Plushiemorphs venture is one that is particularly ideal for Sarah, since her diagnosis of Fibromyalgia - a condition which affects her health and can leave her fatigued – makes it hard to find traditional office work.

“The fact that the business allows me to be my own manager and work from home in my own time is an ideal situation, helping me to focus on growing Plushiemorphs in a stress-free environment,” she said.

The Chamber provides business guidance and a support network for business owners, including start-ups.

Wendy Brown, business adviser at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chamber provides a whole host of help to a range of entrepreneurs and SMEs and we are delighted that our support has enabled Sarah to develop Plushiemorphs and pursue a vocation which suits her needs.

“September, like January, is a very busy month for start-up enquiries as it signals the end of people’s summer holidays and children returning to school, resulting in a transition period which can often leave people contemplating a new career move.

“In response to that, we will have a presence at Ropewalk Shopping Centre in Nuneaton on September 16 and 19, to encourage potential entrepreneurs to pay us a visit and find out how we can help turn their ideas into a reality.”

For more information, contact the Chamber on 024 7665 4321.

To find out more about Plushiemorphs, visit www.plushiemorphs.com.

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News

New charity receives warm welcome

Midlands engineering expert one of the first to gain new IED recognition A Midlands engineering design specialist has become one of just a dozen professionals in the UK to be awarded Chartered Technological Product Designer (CTPD) status.

Rob Marchant, the Managing Director of design and development expert MarchantCain Design, has become one of the first engineering designers in the country to receive the recognition from the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED), after it received a Royal Charter in 2012.

The accolade is only awarded following a strict peer review which evaluates that Marchant can use technical knowledge and humanistic design understanding to optimise the application of latest advances, including a critical evaluation in design thinking, and an ability to create and challenge a client brief.

The application process, which takes an average of three months to complete, also challenges product designers to apply a range of creative and scientific design methods to solve a product design problem, demonstrate leadership and effective interpersonal skills, and prove their commitment to professional standards.

Sue Sloan, head of membership enquiries and applications at the IED explained: “The Chartered Technological Product Designer award is a very new recognition that we have so far only awarded to a select number of people.

Rob registered his interest a few months ago and, because he is very good at what he does as technological product designer, he went through our assessment process very easily.”

Rob Marchant has played a key role in the growth of MarchantCain Design over the last ten years as the company has introduced a number of new products to the niche vehicle market. Over recent months, the company has released an active aerodynamic system and a new diffuser system to the international automotive market, both of which are improving the performance of new vehicles and their fuel efficiencies.

The company’s diffuser system is already included in the design of the Porsche 918 Spyder model.

On gaining Chartered Technological Product Designer status, Rob Marchant said: “This is a great achievement for me and everyone at MarchantCain. We pride ourselves on providing innovative design engineering solutions. To become a Chartered Technological Product Designer demonstrates that I have the track record and experience required to help manufacturers experience new methods of design.”

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A leading figure in the UK Emergency Services has heralded the formation of a new national charity for the ambulance services as “meeting a very definite need” in the industry.

Sir Graham Meldrum, Chair of the West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation (WMAS) Trust for almost ten years, met staff of TASC, The Ambulance Services Charity, on a visit to its new Midlands Head Office.

He was on a fact-finding mission to the Coventry-based charity which was formed in March to help provide vital support services and advice to serving and retired ambulance personnel and ambulance service families in times of severe difficulty or bereavement.

Before joining WMAS, Sir Graham was involved in the fire service for more than 50 years which included being HM Chief Inspector of Fire Services for England and Wales and Chief Fire Officer of the West Midlands Fire Service as well as being appointed Chair of the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund, which is now known as the Fire Fighters Charity.

Sir Graham discussed ideas for TASC’s future development with Chief Executive Lorna Birse-Stewart, and how the two organisations can work together to promote and develop the UK charity.

He said: “I contacted TASC because I thought this was a great opportunity for me to give them any benefit I can from my experiences.

“We grew the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund from small beginnings into a large organisation which provides support and grants for firefighters and their families which is a similar mission to TASC except their focus is on the ambulance service.

“There are a lot of small regional benevolent funds and associations which carry out their own fundraising.

“TASC provides the opportunity for the whole ambulance services community to come together and get behind their own national charity which is dedicated to helping and support them.

“It also gives the general public, who want to show their appreciation and thanks to paramedics and other ambulance staff who have helped them, the opportunity to make a donation for the benefit of the ambulance personnel and ambulance service families it supports.

“I think TASC is meeting a very definite need because ambulance service personnel are facing increasing challenges and significant demands and this impacts in the same way as in other emergency services.”

Lorna Birse-Stewart, Chief Executive of TASC, said Sir Graham had also met Chairman Cliff Randall and Trustee Gordon Enstone during his visit.

“It was a productive and informative meeting and gave us the opportunity to explain the services we aim to provide to help support men and women throughout the ambulance service at times of crisis or severe difficulty,” she said.

“There is a real need for a national ambulance services charity and TASC will play a vital role in focusing on the issues that are facing our ambulance staff and help address the significant impact that the daily stresses and challenges have.”

The TASC Freephone Support Line telephone number is 0800 1032 999.

For further information or if you would like to support the work of the charity, please visit www.theASC.org.uk

Logistics users turn to air freight following Calais chaos

More and more logistics users are turning to rapid air freight solutions in light of the ongoing disruption to cross channel services.

That’s the view from pan-European time critical logistics specialist BDA (Bespoke Distribution Aviation), which has more than tripled the number of dedicated charter flights it has provided across Europe over the past month alone, with the majority coming from automotive OEMs with an urgent requirement to move freight throughout Europe.

Group Managing Director at BDA, Kevin Turner, said: “We are finding that the

disruption to cross channel services is forcing a lot of automotive OEMs to consider air freight as the only viable option for meeting tight delivery deadlines. Lots of automotive businesses affected by the disruption are being forced to make last minute changes to their delivery schedules and on demand air services like ours are enabling them to continue to deliver sustained levels of service.”

And it’s not just automotive OEMs affected by cross channel disruption that are turning to air freight for urgent, time critical deliveries.

Over the past two months, BDA has significantly increased the volume of charters it is providing to other industries, deploying time critical flights for a range of sectors from medical to agricultural. The flexible and innovative logistics solutions

BDA is providing to businesses are proving vital at a time when the Freight Transport Association has warned that supply chain disruption has reached unacceptable levels.

Recently the organisation has warned that the scale of delays, and disruption to supply chains has become very serious.

Kevin said: “Innovative logistics users use a combination of both sea and airfreight to ensure that they always have a successful route to make on time deliveries. Air freight provides a really effective option to businesses when other routes become blocked and can complement other routes to provide a complete logistics solution.

“When road routes become blocked, this can cause knock-on effects with long term delays in freight transit. Air freight solves this problem and can provide businesses with much faster, easier to plan material flow.”

BDA has offered nightly scheduled freight flights between Coventry, Frankfurt, Maastricht and Dublin Airports since 2007, and actively started offering Europe-wide air cargo charter flights from mid-2013 after acquiring German freight airline NightExpress. With its strategically located European hubs, BDA is uniquely positioned to also fly dedicated charter flights for urgent freight between European airports for same day, night time and next day deliveries.

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Business success is child’s play for couple

Warwick's Lauren Taylor took inspiration from her baby to create a natural and organic coconut oil baby skincare range.

After launching Kokoso Baby with her husband, Lauren secured a deal to stock their products in 200 Boots stores nationwide.

To help the company grow quickly and fulfil the Boots order, Lauren then applied for and received a £10,000 governmentbacked Start Up Loan and mentoring support from the Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust (CWRT).

Kokoso Baby uses coconut oil from an ethical family-run farm in Thailand and is made using a unique coconut-friendly process.

As with many new pre-profit businesses, it can be challenging to convince a bank to lend start-up capital, and this is where CWRT stepped in.

Lauren said: “CWRT listened, got excited by the potential in our business plan, and offered advice and support – and that’s worth a lot to a new business. We had support throughout the whole loan application process, from advice on

writing a business plan to creating financial forecasts.”

CWRT also assigned the fledgling company with a business mentor, Robin Underhay, to guide the company through its first year.

Taking a major gamble, Lauren was joined by her husband, Mark, and determined that the business model would not succeed on a small scale.

She said: “This meant giving up our comfortable lifestyles with a young family and reasonably well-paid jobs, and dedicating every spare minute to making it work. That’s a scary prospect and the decision didn’t come lightly.”

Mike Musson, Chief Executive of CWRT, said: “Kokoso Baby is an inspiring business and their organic products are sure to be a hit with parents across the country. We are proud to have provided not only finance, but the business support necessary to take the company from a product company selling to a small community, to one that is now stocked in a leading national retailer.”

CWRT’s start-up loan programme is specifically designed to help new businesses like Kokoso Baby lending between £1,000 and £75,000, and providing mentoring support pre and post loan application to help entrepreneurs start their own business and to encourage employment across the region.

To find out more about the loan fund, contact Mike Musson, CEO of CWRT email: mikemusson@cwrt.uk.comth

Break the cycle of disadvantage by welcoming and integrating immigrant children to UK schools What can schools do to help their immigrant pupils succeed in the UK education system? Fleur Sexton, a former teacher and now joint managing director of PET-Xi, leading provider of intensive results-based interventions for young people at risk of not achieving their academic potential, shares her thoughts Immigration remains a contentious topic and is rarely out of the headlines. But like most professional educators working in this country I am absolutely clear about one thing - whatever the political reasoning over the levels and conditions under which people enter the country, once they are here it’s our clear responsibility to welcome them and ensure their children are successfully integrated into British schools.

After all what’s the alternative? If these children don’t join and fully participate in their schools and communities their cycle of disadvantage will continue. Education is the strongest, surest means of rebalancing social justice.

So the first thing to do is to welcome them and teach them English. When schools tell us that they have young people who are not in a place where they can take part in school life or access the community it’s usually because of language barriers. Much of the ‘bad’ behaviour reported is down to the fact that a young person with no English simply doesn’t understand what is going on, nor what is expected of them by their school and their new community.

Our High 5 English as an Additional Language courses get language skills moving straight away. A fast pace is crucial as there is actually quite a brief window of time available to engage new pupils

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before they lose heart and interest.

Many immigrant pupils are able linguists, but because they have typically not acquired their language skills in a structured way their progression is limited. Our aim is to tap into their linguistic abilities and maximise them.

We also work to ensure school pupils understand what is expected of them culturally. The rules of behaviour within British schools are often alien to immigrant pupils – even aspects such as sitting and listening need to be learned. Different courses will be developed for different situations – but always involve three elements, some physical activity, a focus on self discipline, and a reward for good behaviour.

Once they have the language skills all things are possible! It’s vital we support these children, in their efforts to gain the 5 A*- C GCSEs which will be their passport to further education and new social situations.

Children will be trapped in poverty if they don’t get their Cs in English and maths.

The issues around NEETs (young people Not in Education, Employment or Training) and RONIs (pupils demonstrating Risk of NEET indicators) are well documented.

A recent study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on the cost of educational underachievement demonstrates that Britain would be £2.3 trillion richer if school results improved so that all teenagers achieved basic educational skills. At PET-Xi we use the analogy that RONIs have their feet set in treacle – and so can be pulled out.

NEETS have their feet in concrete, but concrete which is not quite set, so we can

still pull them out – it’s just harder.

After a year they will have established bad behaviours, typically including a lack of routine and bad friends which can lead to drugs use and crime.

However, it’s important to remember that most immigrants are very resilient and aspirational young people with skills and strengths which will play an important role in our country’s future economic success.

In many ways they are the new pioneers – often in an immigrant family it’s the children who are the ones out in the world, making links with the community Mix everyone together and you will get the best of everything, making for a stronger society overall. PET-Xi’s main bases, in Coventry and Sheffield, are great examples of places with generally good integration. And PET-Xi as a company is another – we are proud to practice what we preach and have a fantastic mix of cultures, with many different languages spoken throughout our staff.

I often remind my team about the principles of the Education Act of 1944 which aimed to remove inequalities by providing free secondary education for all pupils - and I stress the word all.

We achieve social movement through education. Equip immigrants with the skills they need to access economic success and then they won’t be a problem or drain on the economy.

Most immigrants came to the UK with a dream to better themselves and improve their lives, but without education little will change for them.

Quiz night to support charity Chamber Member Expectations!

Recruitment Services is hosting a charity quiz night for the second year running, in aid of local charity Molly Olly's Wishes.

The agency, which makes regular monthly donations to the charity, is hoping to beat last year’s record of £746, with business teams and groups of colleagues entering for a bit of fun.

All money raised will be given to the charity to help fund the purchase and distribution of 'Olly The Brave' soft toys to children with life-threatening or terminal illnesses.

Each 'Olly the Brave' toy costs £15 and last year, Expectations! was able to fund 73 of the toys thanks to both their own donations and the success of the quiz night.

This year, the business has raised their target from £1,000 to £1,500 in a bid to fund another 100 soft toys.

Branch Manager Dawn Walker said: “Molly Olly’s Wishes captured the hearts and minds of the team in our branch and they couldn't wait to get fundraising. In our first year we exceeded our £1,000 target, donating a total £1,091, but this year we want to go further and raise £1,500 for such a fantastic cause.”

The quiz will be held at 7.30pm on the 24th September at the Irish Club in Leamington. Teams of four can enter for just £10 and should contact leamington@expectationsrecruitment.c o.uk to sign up.

More information about the quiz can be found at www.expectationsrecruitment.co.uk and more on Molly Ollys can be found at http://www.mollyolly.co.uk/ Anyone unable to attend the quiz night but who would still like to donate can do so on the Expectations!

JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/Expectatio ns-Recruitment-Services-Ltd1/ or file a permanent vacancy with the company, who will donate an additional Olly the Brave toy on your behalf once the placement is filled.

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News New client for AuthiMKMarketing The Business and Trade Expo 2015 at the Ricoh Arena on 13th March seems like a lifetime ago. However, the event will never be forgotten by Manjinder Kaur Authi from AuthiMKMarketing.

After an email, a phone call and a couple of meetings, AuthiMKMarketing gained a client from the Expo.

Food and Hygiene Ltd. was an exhibitor at the Expo. They have now also become a member of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

Food and Hygiene Ltd, who are based in Warwickshire, provide accredited food safety and health & safety courses.

Kaur wrote a marketing strategy for them.

This researched the food and hygiene market; the organisation at present including their target audience; their positioning in the marketplace; competitors; SWOT analysis and how the marketing mix could help their business in the future.

Paul and Kris Warren from Food and Hygiene Ltd. were very happy with the marketing strategy. They have now asked AuthiMKMarketing to work with them to implement the strategy. AuthiMKMarketing is now working on assisting Food and Hygiene Ltd. to expand their customer base.

AuthiMKMarketing, marketing specialist based in Birmingham, offers marketing services: market research; marketing strategies; direct mail marketing; PR; proof reading and email marketing to any sector wherever the client is in the United Kingdom.

Small rural businesses getting grant help Rural businesses throughout Warwickshire are going from strength to strength with more than 30 new firms created already this year with the support of the Warwickshire Rural Growth Network (WRGN).

During the first three months of 2015, 31 rural businesses started up in the county with WRGN backing, taking the total number created with the network's support since April 2013 to 150.

Existing businesses have also benefited.

Between January and March, 228 businesses were engaged with, or supported by WRGN, taking the total since April 2013 to 656.

A major strand of that support comes through Micro Enterprise Grants (MEGs), a third round of which were recently awarded and which have underpinned many success stories in the last two years and continue to help small rural businesses become established or expand.

Already this year MEGs, totalling £641,088, have created or safeguarded more than 250 jobs in all parts of the county from Polesworth to Shipston-on-Stour and from Studley to Rugby.

Among companies to have benefited are Wolston design company Smallfry (2.5 jobs created, 9.5 safeguarded), Napton-based compressor manufacturer Lontra (3 created, 11 safeguarded) and North Cotswold Brewery in Stretton-on-Fosse (3 created, 6.5 safeguarded).

A diverse range of enterprises have profited from WRGN backing. Most are small, with over 75 per cent having three or fewer

permanent staff, but the network also welcomes approaches from bigger firms with 5 per cent of those supported so far this year having ten or more permanent employees.

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council and board director at the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP), said: “The continuing success of businesses assisted by the Warwickshire Rural Growth Network is excellent news. It is a tribute to both the businesses themselves and the support they are receiving through WRGN. "Warwickshire's economy continues to grow and if we can encourage small

Warwick Business School Professor nominated for award

A Warwick Business School academic has been shortlisted for a national education award backed by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Qing Wang, Professor of Marketing & Innovation, was shortlisted as one of four candidates for the education category at the annual Asian Professional Awards.

Just under 4,000 nominations and votes were received this year, paying tribute to inspirational individuals from the Asian

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community that contribute in every conceivable sector of national life.

Mr Cameron said: “These awards recognise just some of the many thousands of Asian professionals who are excelling in Britain today. Whether it’s in the court room, the newsroom or the classroom, Asian men and women are not only providing expert services, skills and capabilities; they are delivering for Britain too.”

Professor Wang has been at Warwick Business School for 15 years and has held visiting professor positions at several universities including Fuqua School of Business, Duke University (2004-5), Tsinghua School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University (2002-3), Insead, Singapore (2009), and Lingnan College, Sun Yat-sen University (2014). Professor Wang has become a leading academic in the field of consumer research and luxury brands.

She has published in leading journals including the Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Product Innovation and is Director

of the Marketing, Innovation and the Chinese and Emerging Economies (MICEE) network.

Professor Wang is on the board of several companies including Warwick Learning Ltd and House of Britannia, plus she has consulted for companies in the UK, US and China on marketing and is regularly quoted in the media.

Professor Wang said: "This is a great honour and I look forward to the awards ceremony.

The awards highlight the significant contribution that British Asians make to the country and will hopefully inspire a new generation of young Asian men and women.

"I came to this country in 1988 to study for a PhD and to work in academia. I have stayed ever since, becoming part of the great multicultural mix of modern Britain, as a woman, a Christian, a member of the Chinese intellectual family, and as a Briton."

The Grange City Hotel, London will play host to the prestigious black-tie event on October 9 2015, to honour the outstanding achievements of Asian professionals nationwide.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London said: “For centuries, our vibrant and diverse Asian community has been a vital part of what makes our city so great, contributing to its economic prosperity across a wide variety of sectors and helping to make it the success that it is today.”

The winners will be announced on the October 9 at The Asian Professional Awards 2015 ceremony, taking place at the five-star Grange City Hotel, London.

businesses through grants to expand then this will benefit the local community through new jobs and greater business productivity.”

Cllr Philip Johnson, Chair of Communities Overview & Scrutiny said: “Many of these small and rural businesses are still trading in difficult economic conditions so I am encouraged that this grant system is ensuring growth and benefiting the local community in all parts of the county.”

For more information on Warwickshire Rural Growth Network please go to www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ruralgrowthnet work or call 01926 412709.

Free EVP Factsheet

Leading HR consultancy Talentsmoothie is offering a free factsheet on Employee Value Propositions (EVPs) aimed at helping employers better understand them, and their importance in attracting new talent and achieving an engaged and motivated workforce.

An EVP is the jargon commonly used to describe the characteristics and appeal of working for an organisation, and describes the mix of characteristics, benefits, and ways of working in an organisation. It is the deal struck between an organisation and employee in return for their contribution and performance.

This ‘People Deal’ characterises an employer and differentiates it from its competition.

Talentsmoothie founder Justine James said: “Most organisations encounter two main problems when it comes to their EVP. Firstly, they struggle to differentiate themselves from their competition. Differentiation is crucial if an organisation is to stand out from the ‘sea of sameness’ that characterises some sectors.

“Secondly, their branding is appealing, but it does not accurately reflect the reality. An effective EVP enables an organisation to stand out as different, but it also ensures that the ‘packaging’ reflects the ‘contents’. All too often people join organisations tempted by the ‘branding’ and are disappointed when they experience the reality. You know when you’ve got it right – you become a magnet for talent, and have engaged and motivated employees.”

Talentsmoothie’s new EVP factsheet can be downloaded from www.talentsmoothie.com/insights

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Charities are winners at tournament A hat-trick of charities were the winners as Coventry and Warwickshire professionals took each other on in a major new football tournament.

Sixteen five-a-side teams competed in the Lloyds Bank Banking Group Charity Outdoor tournament at Central Ajax in Warwick and raised almost £3,000 for Children In Need, The Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Help Harry Help Others.

The tournament was the first in a series of charity events organised by Lloyds, with the aim of raising £70,000 in a year with events across the region.

But as well as collecting the charity cash, they also took the silverware as their Real Estate team were victorious in the final.

Organiser Phil Davies, who lives in Warwick, said the event could well become an annual fixture after its successful debut.

“The evening went really well and we had great support from a whole host of professional companies from Coventry and Warwickshire and further afield.

“It is fair to say that there were a range of abilities on show – and I am sure the area’s offices were full of some aching muscles the day after!

Fire Protection Coatings Ltd launches new range of fire safety signs

Phil Davies (Lloyds Bank), winning skipper Demetrious Demetriou and Hannah Alexander (Lloyds Bank).

“Several of the companies fielded mixed teams and the whole event was played in a good spirit and we were delighted to have made so much money for such worthy causes.”

The companies taking part included

Luckmans LDP, Harrison Beale & Owen, Wright Hassall, Band Hatton Button, Advent Communications, Arthur J Gallagher, Freeth Solicitors, Cranfield Business Recovery, Burgis & Bullock, Colliers International and Askews.

New CAT D6T takes the highway to St. Modwen’s Longbridge Scheme Volvo A25G articulated haulers, three Volvo EC140DL excavators and a CAT D6N GPS controlled dozer.

Mick O’Brien, Director, O’Brien Contractors, said: “Throughout the years, our expertise has grown but our aims remain much the same – to work with our clients as an expert partner and provide industry-leading staff, technology and skills to deliver end results that exceed expectations.”

O’Brien Contractors Limited, a leading civil engineering and groundworks contractor, has strengthened its earthworks service and plant hire division with the acquisition of a new GPS controlled CAT D6T dozer.

The new D6T will be put to the test at St. Modwen’s £100 million town centre masterplan at the former MG Rover site.

The development will feature the Midlands’ largest Marks & Spencer store comprising 150,000 sq ft, a six floor multi

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storey and 500 space car park and an additional 45,000sq ft of retail, restaurant and café space.

Appointed by principal contractor, Morgan Sindall, O’Brien will deliver a highways package – including earthworks, 1606m of drainage up to 6m deep and 4500m of kerbs and edgings.

The new CAT D6T takes O’Brien’s outlay in state-of-the-art equipment and machinery to an impressive £2.2m during the last 12 months, including: two new

“To achieve our goals, we believe we must continue to invest in our people, software and machinery to ensure we continually improve the quality of our work and the speed of installation, saving our clients both time and money. “ The investment is part of an ongoing diversification strategy which is transforming the business and seen the contractor win countless awards in recognition of its innovation, including ‘Tomorrow’s Company’ and ‘Specialist Contractor of the Year’ by Construction News and ‘Contractor of the Year up to £300 million by Building Magazine.

Fire protection Coatings Ltd, a leading Coventry based fire protection company, has expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of a brand new range of fire and safety signs.

The new range was launched at the prestigious Firex International Exhibition held at London’s Excel Centre on 16 and 18 June. Fire Protection Coatings Ltd were exhibiting as part of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) fire protection village, which brought together seventeen specialist fire protection companies and organisations representing a wide cross section of the fire protection industry.

This new range of products which includes fire safety signs for fire doors; extinguishers and directional exit; first aid; mandatory safety and instruction; hygiene notices and danger signs are photo luminescent, so will remain visible in very low light and in the dark.

Formed of a 1mm ridge and durable construction with excellent weatherability characteristics, these signs can be affixed with accompanying strong self adhesive backing or may be screw mounted.

The range also includes notice signs for offices and reception areas which can be customised to suit individual customer requirements.

All of the range is available for next day delivery.

Managing Director, Clive Atkins explained; ‘this exciting new range of products will be marketed alongside our existing range of established fire stopping products and fire protection coatings through our Web Shop, increasing our services to a wider customer base that require such signage for fire and safety reasons.

The service will also provide the option of bespoke solutions should our customers so wish.’

For information contact the FPCL online shop at www.firesafetysignshop.com or the main website at www.fireprotectioncoatings.com

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President & People

Getting the word out makes for a busy summer Dear Member, I have been kept very busy working on your, and the Chamber’s behalf, promoting our Chamber whenever and where ever possible.

During the week of the 6th of July, I attended a “Chancellor’s Budget” meeting at Chamber House where a group of Business leaders listened to what the Chancellor had to say about our economy and how he was intending to assist productivity and growth.

We followed his Statement with a robust discussion on whether we felt his announcements were helpful, or not, and we then made the appropriate comments to the media, ensuring that a strong voice of local business is heard on issues of such importance. I hope you got a chance to see some of our press coverage on the Budget Statement alongside a helpful synopsis of the Budget that we sent out to all Members via an e-zine.

Later that same week I attended a VIP Lunch hosted by the Coventry Telegraph at the Ricoh for the winners of their awards evening of the 19th June. One of those occasions, I am afraid, when my President’s diary was double booked and so, for the first time ever, I had to miss the Chamber’s Women in Business lunch held at Studley Castle, with superb female Business Leader speakers from Warpole Media and Twycross Zoo. On the 15th July, I was off down to London to attend the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) AGM, which was followed by a workshop on the ‘UK energy needs’. Then a Summer Reception where

the BCC’s audience hosted a visit by Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.

I continue to be flattered to be invited to the Civic Dinners held by our City Council and, on Friday 17th July I attended a civic dinner hosted by the Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor Michael Hammon, and the Deputy Leader of the City, Councillor Phil Townsend, to celebrate Coventry University winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise (International Trade). This was a great event and a huge and warm congratulations to Coventry University.

The 31st July saw me at another Civic Dinner, this time celebrating Jaguar Landrover winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise (Sustainable Development).

Another great award and well deserved.

You might know that the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce work with the West Midlands and Warwickshire Lieutenancy, to organise Masterclasses for local businesses interested in applying for Queen’s Awards alongside the work we do to submit candidates for Queen’s Honours, where we think they are most deserved.

A big day, on Tuesday 4th August, because I played an integral part in the judging of the BCC Business Awards for our region, this was not an easy task with so many high calibre entries. Good luck to all those that have entered the BCC Business Awards, this year.

Later in the week, Thursday 6th August, I was invited to a private Business Working Luncheon where the thorny

subjects of devolution, delegated powers and combined local authorities was to be debated. Organised by the Chamber of Commerce for the Chamber, CW Local Enterprise Partnership and the Federation of Small Businesses, this working lunch was ably facilitated by Adam Dent, Advent, and attended by some 20 business leaders.

On that the same day, I stepped in to chair the Rugby Chamber Branch as their Chairman, Jim Griffin, has stepped down due to business commitments and their vice chair Glen Bourne was not available.

A huge thank you to Jim for the time and commitment he has afforded the Chamber and we look forward to working with Glen. At the Branch meeting, we were given a fascinating presentation by Michael Berine on the Rugby World Cup and what Rugby are doing throughout the event in the form of a Festival starting on the 12th September to the 6th November.

Very exciting is the fact that the Chamber’s Annual Economic Conference and AGM is to be held in Rugby, this year, on the 6th November at the newly erected Rugby Fan Zone. We have already announced our key note inspirational leader and speaker, Sir Clive Woodward, Coach to the England Rugby Team. I hope to see you all there as, I know, we will have a great conference line up for you.

I found myself judging more Business Awards, on 11th of August, for our Coventry & Warwickshire Tourism and Culture awards. This is a brand new event run and hosted by Quidem, owners of Touch FM. We had a large number of entries over several categories.

Peter Burns MBE

The awards will be presented at a dinner on the 24th of September at the Ricoh Arena so make sure you get a ticket or reserve a table.

On 13th of August, I attended a roundtable breakfast meeting, at the Ricoh Arena, to discuss how businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire are grabbing the opportunities created by better digital access. We looked at how much awareness there is of the possibilities that ultra-fast connectivity will bring to business; what are the next big developments in digital that will change the ways in which businesses work; and where do we stand in the UK compared to the rest of the world on data speed.

I hope you have had a good summer break and I look forward to seeing you all at our Trade Expo on the 2nd October at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre and at Economic Conference on 6th November.

Peter Burns MBE

NSL Automotive components recruits five apprentices A fast-growing Coventry engineering firm at the hub of exciting changes in the automotive component re-conditioning market has recruited five new apprentices to help steer the company through its next chapter.

NSL Automotive Components, formerly Coventry Power Steering Specialists, are training the new recruits in readiness for electric power steering, which is forecast to overtake the more established hydraulic steering within the next couple of years.

The apprentices are just one of a series of measures implemented by NSL to support the company’s expansion.

Charlie Schofield, aged 18, a former Coundon Court pupil who lives in the Coundon area of the city, is one of the new recruits.

Although he fully qualified as a bike technician he grabbed the opportunity to join NSL, believing the company offered more scope for growth and development.

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Now through his apprenticeship with NSL he is studying a City & Guilds in advanced electrical engineering, a four-year course which by the end Charlie will be a fullyfledged advanced electrical engineer.

Zachariah Brooks, aged 20, of Canley, had already completed Uniform Public Services Level 3 by the time he discovered NSL. Despite his success he realised a life in uniform was not for him. He signed up to another course in engineering – which he passed at Level 2. But he quit his studies at Level 3, realising he was more suited to the opportunity of an apprenticeship with NSL. Rupert Russell, aged 18 of Canley Gardens, is a former Blue Coat School pupil who achieved 5 A* to C grades at GCSE but turned down a place at 6th form. Although he wasn’t sure exactly what he wanted to do he knew A Levels were not right for him. He had also previously worked with his uncle in plumbing and had been offered to join his business, but said that didn’t feel right either.

Elliot Cockburn, aged 16, found out about

NSL and the opportunity for an apprenticeship through his school friend Adam Sadler.

The former Cardinal Newman pupil, who lives in Holbrooks, said a general chat about Adam’s new career with NSL sparked his interest. Upon Adam’s advice, he sent his CV

in to NSL and was delighted when called for an interview.

Adam, who lives in Keresley End, had always known he would like to enter into a career in engineering. He focused on one application only – to NSL – and was delighted when he landed the position. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

President & People

PR team grows A West Midlands-based communications consultancy has added to its team following a period of growth.

Advent Communications has recruited Christie Garratt after expanding its client base in recent months Christie (22), an English Studies graduate, has experience working both in-house as well as agency side.

Adam Dent, managing director of the firm, which is based at Electric Wharf in Coventry, said: “We are delighted to be expanding the Advent team as we continue to win new work and expand our offer to existing clients.

“Christie’s joining the team is part of our vision to further establish ourselves in the

wider area and beyond, as a trusted communications agency that consistently achieves outstanding PR coverage.”

The award-winning agency was founded in 1998 and provides media services to a range of industry sectors, including construction, entertainment, business management, hospitality, law, travel and commercial as well as the public sector.

Christie, born and bred in Coventry, will work across the client base in traditional and social media. “I am thrilled to be joining the team at Advent. I knew of the agency through some of its high-profile clients both in the region and across the UK,” she said.

“After living in the West Midlands all my life,

I am not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the area and so am looking forward to working with the major clients in this region as well as those elsewhere in the UK.”

Experts join property agency

A leading commercial property agency in the West Midlands has landed two industry experts in key roles.

SP+M, which has offices in Coventry and Birmingham has appointed Roger Stanway, a Chartered Valuation Surveyor and Registered Valuer.

Roger spent almost 30 years working for the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) which is an executive agency of HM Revenue & Customs.

He was also Head of Valuation Services at DTZ in Eastern Europe which saw him working with all of the main European banks

and several global investment companies and funds.

Roger’s most recent role was with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) within the Professional Groups and Forums team where he was responsible for shaping policy and best practice in the valuation and commercial property sectors.

He also worked within the RICS regulation department to develop and implement the worldwide Valuer Registration Scheme.

SP+M has also appointed Stephen Dallimore BSc MRICS as a Commercial Valuation Surveyor.

Stephen is a Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer with more than 25 years’ experience in commercial property. He has spent 13 years in private practice as an expert adviser to external clients as well 14 years as an in-house property professional – principally for national high street retailers including Boots and Holland & Barrett.

Further to that, he has expertise in providing professional advice to landlords and tenants of all types of commercial premises as well

as experience in preparing expert’s reports for court in connection with lease renewal proceedings.

Jon Moore, director at SP+M, said: “The lack of valuers is a real industry issue so to have attracted professionals of Roger’s and Stephen’s experience is fantastic news.

“Roger knows commercial property inside out – he has developed much of the industry policy around valuations – and is a great addition to our team. Stephen has dealt with all types of property from shops and retail warehouses to industrial and offices and is another asset for the team.”

Roger said: “I am delighted to have made this move to SP+M and I am looking forward to bringing the experience and knowledge I have built-up over many years to the team.

“The market continues to improve and I am anticipating a very busy time.”

Stephen added: “I am joining the company at a time when it has the potential to grow and offer a range of further services to clients.

“I am looking forward to being part of that and bringing my knowledge in areas such as arbitrations and independent experts’ determinations in connection with rent reviews.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Racecourse as it is so steeped in history and off the back of a thriving first season as an alljumps track.

“I am eager to build on the racecourse’s reputation both as a racing and a non-racing venue with a full calendar of events to attract racegoers and non-racegoers.”

Sheryl is the new business development executive and brings marketing experience gained in roles since graduating with a business degree from Coventry University.

Sheryl, aged 23, who lives locally in the neighbouring town of Kenilworth, said: “I am really excited to be part of the team at Warwick Racecourse and am particularly looking forward to developing relationships with businesses in the region.

“Warwick Racecourse caters for a host of corporate and private functions in between jumps fixtures.

“It has fantastic facilities set against a stunning backdrop and I’m looking forward to making the most of those for more to enjoy.

We already have some exciting plans to

Steering specialist PEL has appointed a new Managing Director to accelerate the company’s drive to attain worldclass manufacturing status.

Cy Wilkinson has a wealth of experience both in global exporting and in the lean manufacturing methods that the Coventry-based company is now adopting to make it more competitive on a world stage.

A former craft apprentice in toolmaking, he swiftly rose through the ranks at several manufacturing companies to become the Managing Director of a global power resistor manufacturer before joining PEL. He has an MSc degree in Automotive & Automotive component manufacture, with a focus on lean manufacturing, and an MBA in Engineering Management, both from Coventry University.

He will be responsible for driving forward higher standards of efficiency and productivity at the company which already has a global reputation for engineering excellence of its bespoke steering systems.

New additions at racecourse Warwick Racecourse is building on the success of its first season as an all-jumps track by strengthening its own stable with a double appointment.

Rachel Kirkby and Sheryl Caswell have joined the team at The Jockey Club racecourse to enhance its year-round offering.

The duo will be involved in developing Warwick Racecourse’s racing programme, as part of its ambition to become one of the UK’s leading small jumps courses.

They will also be building upon its reputation as a venue for non-racing events by attracting more corporate and social functions, from meetings and conferences to weddings and celebrations.

Rachel is a recent history graduate of Newcastle University and has been appointed sales and marketing co-ordinator with responsibility for overseeing operations at events throughout the year including the racing season from September to May. Rachel, aged 23, who has moved to Warwick from Lincolnshire, said: “I have a real passion for horse racing and so was keen to pursue a career in the industry.

“It is great to have joined Warwick

Steering Specialist PEL appoints new Managing Director

That reputation has won it a host of blue chip customers in the bus, military, construction and off-highway sectors including Alexander Dennis, Force Protection, JCB and Dennis Eagle.

enhance the racecourse offering.”

Huw Williams, general manager of Warwick Racecourse, said he was delighted to welcome Rachel and Sheryl to the team.

He said: “Warwick Racecourse has recently enjoyed a successful and historic first season as an all-jumps track with plans to make it an elite track in the coming years.

“As part of that, we are expanding our team to enable us to deliver a greater experience for racing and non-racing visitors by adding to the attraction of our quality jumps fixtures and encouraging more organisations and individuals to use it as a venue.

“With their experience and enthusiasm, Rachel and Sheryl are welcome additions to our team and will play an important part in the development of Warwick Racecourse.”

Cy Wilkinson said: “I am delighted to be joining PEL at this exciting time in its development and I am sure the company will become even more wellknown around the world for the reliability and quality of its products.

“Lean manufacturing and the drive for continuous improvement will help us deliver efficiencies that will ultimately allow us to offer an even better service to our customers.”

The move to lean manufacturing is already underway at PEL. Last year PEL brought in a new team of managers who are experienced in lean manufacturing methods developed in the Japanese car industry.

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New Members

Welcome to new members

Active Process Management The Technocentre, Puma Way, Coventry, CV1 2TT www.activeprocesses.co.uk 07510 291464 jonathan@activeprocesses.co.uk

Fretus Facilities Management Portway Close, Tile Hill, Coventry CV4 9UY www.fretus.co.uk 02476 697795 info@fretus.co.uk

Lyson Design Ltd Elliot Park Innovation Centre, 4 Barling Way, Nuneaton, CV10 7RH www.lysondesign.co.uk 02476 629192 paul@lysondesign.co.uk

Risk Evolves 29 Myton Crescent, Warwick, CV34 6QA www.riskevolves.com 07710 820721 info@riskevolves.com

Advena Ltd Pure Offices, Plato Close, Warwick CV34 6WE www.advenamedical.com 01926 800153 info@advenamedical.com

Fyrefly Graphics 6 Phillippes Road, Warwick, CV34 5TR 07704 407 600 danbudden@msn.com

Maid In Stratford Ltd 7 Manor Road, Coventry, CV1 2FW www.maidinstratford.com 07840 309995 info@maidinstratford.com

Simply Advanced Limited Valiant Office Suites, Valley Drive, Rugby CV21 1TQ www.simplyadvanced.co.uk 01788 297131 lynn@simplyadvanced.co.uk

Appoint Us Services CIC 3 Siskin Drive, Middlemarch Business Park, Coventry, CV3 4FJ 02476 214439 julie@appointusservices.co.uk Assembled Electronic Solutions Ltd Masons Road, Stratford-Upon-Avon CV37 9NF www.assembled-electronics.com 01789 204879 nigelm@assemtron.com Big On Road 4 Mill End, Kenilworth, CV8 2HP www.bigonroad.co.uk 07482 580337 ma@bigonroad.co.uk BPI 9 Parade, LEAMINGTON SPA CV32 4DG www.bpiagency.com 01926 422002 rhoda@bpiagency.com Data Productions 1 Birmingham Road, Ansley, Nuneaton CV10 9PS www.dataproductions.co.uk 02476 397934 joshua@dataproductions.co.uk Elegant Clutter Ltd 1 The Old Mill, Emscote Wharf Wharf Street, Warwick, CV34 5LB www.elegantclutter.co.uk 01926 403530 info@elegantclutter.co.uk Eneco Wind UK 3 Athena Court, Athena Drive Tachbrook Park, Warwick, CV34 6RT www.eneco.co.uk 01926 331210 angus.harley@eneco.com Envisage Promotions Lumonis House, Valley Drive, Swift Valley, Rugby, CV21 1TQ www.envisagepromotions.co.uk 0844 800 0071 lee@envisagepromotions.co.uk Evasitters 133 Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry CV3 2DX www.evasitters.co.uk 02477 712407 evasitters@outlook.com FireFly The Grange Frog Lane, Balsall Common, Coventry, CV7 7FP www.fireflyai.com 07913 819283 info@fireflyai.com Floors 4 All 183 Allesley Old Road, Allesley, Coventry, CV5 9PL 02476 691511 eddiefloors4all@hotmail.co.uk Food and Hygiene Ltd 41 Spon Lane, Grendon, Atherstone CV9 2PD www.foodandhygiene.co.uk kris@foodandhygiene.co.uk

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Genssen Ltd 73 Waller Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 6JP 07741 852266 marcel.genssen@gmx.com Gracious Luxury Interiors Unit 7 & 8, 15 Allesley Old Road, Coventry, CV5 8BU www.graciousluxuryinterior.co.uk 02476 678185 enquiries@graciousluxuryinterior.co.uk Green Fairy 45 Othelia Drive, Stratford Upon Avon CV37 0BL 01789 336111 john@greenfairyuk.co.uk Haswell Shoes (Nuneaton) Ltd 29 Newdegate Street, Nuneaton, CV11 4EJ 02476 382525 mgaccountancy@hotmail.co.uk I.H. Buying Solutions Ltd 35 Larkfield Way, Coventry, CV5 7QB ian.hughes59@gmail.com Imperial Candles Cotton Drive, Kenilworth, CV8 2HE 01926 855749 imperialcandles@gmail.com Independent Advocacy Avenue M, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth CV8 2LG www.independentadvocacy.org 024 76 697443 mike.lee@independentadvocacy.org Innovationers Ltd 433 Avon House, Solihull, B90 4AA www.innovationers.co.uk 0121 3693696 dita@innovationers.co.uk Ironing Board 2 The Old Bakery, Rugby, CV22 7LY www.ironingboardrugby.co.uk/ 01788 811585 Jennifer Greer 26 Pebblebrook Way, Bedworth CV12 9HF www.tropicskincare.co.uk 07964 064602 jennyellen@live.com Jim Doran Hand Controls 229 Torrington Avenue, Coventry, CV4 9HN www.jimdoranhandcontrols.co.uk 024 76460833 colin@jdhc.co.uk Koco Community Resource Centre Unit 15 Arches Industrial Estate Spon End, Coventry, CV1 3JQ www.kococommunity.org.uk 024 76714988 derek@kococommunity.org.uk KSB Precision Ltd t/a Protek Engineering Unit 1 & 3, Waterloo Industrial Estate Waterloo Road, Bidford On Avon, B50 4JH www.protekeng.co.uk 01789 490490 gina@protekeng.co.uk

Managed Virtual Assistant & PA Service 11 Grangemouth Road, Radford, Coventry, CV6 3EZ www.managedtasks.co.uk 02476 596965 info@managedtasks.co.uk Me Coaching Ltd Valiant Office Suites, Lumonics House Valley Drive, Rugby, CV21 1TQ www.actioncoach.com 01788 297004 mattewer@actioncoach.com Miromedia 11 Abbey House, Kenilworth, CV8 1LU www.miromedia.co.uk 01926 358200 elliott@miromedia.co.uk Morag Francis 99 Chaytor Drive, Nuneaton CV10 9SU www.moragfrancis.com 07789 714574 cat@utilitywarehouse.org.uk My Virtual Assistant 8 Woburn Close, Sydenham Leamington Spa, CV31 1XW 0843 8866986 avriljames@my-va.com Notio Ltd Sir Frank Whittle Business Centre, Great Central Way, Rugby, CV23 8DZ www.notio-design.co.uk 07884 353533 joy.mitchell@notio-design.co.uk Novus Kitchen & Bedrooms Russells Garden Centre, Mill Hill, Baginton, CV8 3AG 07525 061733 dmgcarpentry@hotmail.co.uk Number 11 Restaurant 11 Warwick Road, Kenilworth, CV8 1HD www.number11restaurant.com 01926 863311 info@number11restaurant.com Old Black Bank Coventry Road, Exhall, Coventry CV7 9NY 02476 491787 cvtraders@hotmail.co.uk Online Toolbox Ltd Eastlands Court Business Centre St Peters Road, Rugby, CV21 3QP www.onlinetoolbox.co.uk 01788 422 023 emily.k@onlinetoolbox.co.uk Orton Marketing Ltd 41 Shillingston Drive, Nuneaton, CV10 7GA www.ortonmarketing.weebly.com 07969 469073 rk.orton@talktalk.net Quantock Clothing Ltd 80 Hillmorton Road, Rugby, CV22 5AF www.quantomclothing.com info@quantomclothing.com Regal Dry Cleaners Unit 18a , Hunters Lane, Rugby, CV21 1EA www.regaldrycleaners.co.uk 01788 440014 enquiries@regaldrycleaners.co.uk

Spycam CCTV 269 Sewall Highway, Wyken, Coventry, CV2 3PD Staffbase Recruitment Limited Lumonics House, Valley Drive, Swift Valley Industrial Estate, Rugby, CV21 1TQ www.staffbase.net 01788 297987 garry.shipman@staffbase.net Stratford Self Storage Welford Road, Long Marston, StratfordUpon-Avon, CV37 8RA www.stratfordselfstorage.co.uk 01789 720027 rachael@reidgroup.co.uk Sun & Land Ltd Unit 129, 41 Oxford Street, Leamington Spa CV32 4RB information@sunandlandgroup.co.uk Sunshine Recruitment Group Ltd 15 Sycamore Grove, Southam, CV47 1EY www.bright-people.co.uk 07758 844311 info@bright-people.co.uk The Coventry Wood Pellet Company Ltd 41 Wyke Road, Coventry, CV2 3DT 07763 414091 peterj.turner@yahoo.com Thomas Guise Haydon House, Alcester Road, Studley, B80 7AN www.thomasguise.co.uk 01527 912912 pav.clair@thomasguise.co.uk Tommies Childcare Ltd Unit 10 Colliers Way, Spring Hill Business Park, Coventry, CV7 8HN www.tommieschildcare.co.uk 01676 540244 lewis.wale@tommieschildcare.co.uk UK Dedicated Servers Ltd Unit 22, West Park Industrial Estate, 211 Torrington Avenue, Coventry, CV4 9HN www.ukservers.com 0800 6101620 david.howes@ukservers.com Uptime Consultant Ltd Techno Centre, Coventry University Technology Park, Puma Way, Coventry, CV1 2TT www.uptimeconsultant.co.uk 07866 385281 andy@uptimeconsultant.co.uk Viezu Technologies 31 Bidavon Industrial Estate, Bidford-OnAvon, B50 4JN 01789 774444 linda@viezu.com www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Events Chamber Member

Non-Member

Duration

October

£175

£195

Full Day

5

Effective Communication

£95

£120

Half Day (am)

6

Conducting Team Briefing / Buzz Meetings

Microsoft Word -- Intermediate to Advanced

£95

£120

Half Day (pm)

6

£110

£140

Full Day

7

Succcessful Sales Techniques

£215

£240

Full Day

12

Building the Team

£95

£120

Half Day (am)

13

Motivating the Team

£95

£120

Half Day (pm)

13

On Line Marketing

£215

£240

Full Day

15

Setting Goals & Targets

£95

£120

Half Day (am)

20

Training & Coaching the Team

£95

£120

Half Day (pm)

20

Appraising People & Performance

£215

£240

Full Day

21

Managing Difficult People

£95

£120

Half Day (am)

27

Understanding Discipline in the Workplace Export Documentation -- Getting it Right

£95

£120

Half Day (pm)

27

£260

£295

Full Day

29

Finance for Non Financial Managers

£215

£240

Full Day

2

Internal Quality Auditing ISO9001:2008

£215

£240

Full Day

3

Understanding Budgets

£95

£120

Half Day (am)

3

Problem Solving Skills

£95

£120

Half Day (pm)

3

Microsoft PowerPoint

£110

£140

Full Day

4

Investment Appraisal / Financial decision making

Social Media Strategy -- Facebook, Twitter and Blogs

£215

£240

Full Day

11

Letters of Credit for Exporters -- A Practical Guide

£215

£240

Full Day

12

£260

£295

Full Day

12

Presentation Skills

£215

£240

Full Day

16

Communicating Assertively

£95

£120

Half Day (am)

18

Complaint Handling

£95

£120

Half Day (pm)

18

Negotiation and Persuasion Skills

£215

£240

Full Day

30

Practical Social Media

£110

£120

Half Day (am)

3

Principles of Manual Handling (CIEH Accredited Level 2 Award)

£90

£100

Half Day (am)

7

Microsoft Project (An Introduction)

£110

£140

Full Day

9

Time Management and Delegation

£215

£240

Full Day

14

Import Procedures

£260

£295

Full Day

17

CWT Training Dates 2015

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

November

December

Course dates for the quarter are shown above, please contact CWT Chamber Training on 024 7623 1122 or visit www.cwtcov.co.uk for other course dates and further information

Events Business and Trade Expo 2 October 10:00 am -3:00 pm The Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, The Fosse, Fosse Way, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV31 1XN Join us at one the biggest Business and Trade Expo’s in Warwickshire.

With 150 exhibitors and an expected footfall of over 500 businesses this is the perfect networking opportunity. Generate business awareness, raise your company profile and expand your business network.

If you would like to exhibit then visit our website to book your stand www.cwexpo.co.uk •••

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Chamber Networking 12 October 4:00 pm -6:00 pm OaktreeGarages, A46 Eastern Bypass, Coventry, CV3 2RR

Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce 2015 Economic Conference

This year we will be joined by key note speakers on the economy, government ministers and leading experts in the field of technology, and much more.

Do you want to showcase your business to local companies, create new professional contacts and generate new business leads? Then don’t miss out on this fantastic networking opportunity!

6 November 10:00 am -2:00 pm The Rugby Fan Village, Rugby, Warwickshire.

Member rate £37 + VAT Non member rate £50 + VAT

We are pleased to announce that Sir Clive Woodward, the man who led England to Rugby World Cup will be a keynote speaker at the Annual Conference.

Chamber Networking

The Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating 112 years of supporting business in the sub region a tour EconomicConference, the annual highlight in the events calendar for Coventry & Warwickshire.

19 October 11:30 am - 2:00pm 4:00 pm -6:00 pm Number 11 Restaurant, 11 Warwick Road, Kenilworth, CV8 1HD Chamber networking is the perfect way to create new business leads and build longlasting business relationships. Join us for this excellent networking opportunity and make new business contacts!

•••

It is a conference which focuses on issues that matter most to business, not least the prospects for growth for business in our local economy.

As a Chamber member you can exhibit at any of our events for just £50 + VAT. Stand out from the crowd and book your stand today.

•••

Find out more information or to book a place please see the events pages at www.cw-chamber.co.uk or contact events@cw-chamber.co.uk •••

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