C&W in Business March/April 2016 by Benham Publishing Limited

Issue 52

March / April 2016

Supporting the next generation - page 9

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Foreword

Concern that the Midlands is not being given enough priority

CONTENTS March - April 2016 Go for Growth

4-5

Service of the month

News

Events

8-10

Dear Member, It has been a busy first quarter, 2016, for your Chamber of Commerce, but busy is good! Alongside representatives of the Chamber’s Strategic Members, I attended the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Economic Conference 2016, where it was interesting to hear from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osbourne MP, and also the Leader of the Opposition, Jeremy Corbyn MP. Of course, many of our clients will now be aware that the BCC Director General, John Longworth, resigned from his post shortly after Conference, where he made his personal views - on Europe - known to the audience and media. I am pleased to report that the BCC has moved quickly to appoint Dr Adam Marshall as its’ Interim BCC Chief Executive. Adam is a real friend of Coventry & Warwickshire and is best-known as the host of the annual Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Economic Conference, so we are delighted with his appointment. Adam would remind us – as Chambers that our job is to inform and educate when it comes to the big policy issues such as Europe! It was great to see so many of you at our Business Trade Expo, at the Ricoh Arena, on Friday 11th March. The event was packed with 160 exhibitors and attended by some four hundred business delegates. Throughout the day, we ran a Corporate Client Breakfast for our Corporate Members where we debated the economy, Europe and the Chancellors forthcoming budget. We had a lunchtime Women in Business event with keynote speakers, Sharon Redrobe, Chief Executive of Twycross Zoo, and Marianne Culver, Managing Director of TNT, UK. There was export advice and advice on how to improve your business potential through the better use of technology. The Trade Expo was sponsored by Coventry Core, a huge investor in our locality.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Well, what did you think of the Chancellor’s Budget Statement on 16th March? Let me know your views on louiseb@cw-chamber.co.uk . I was disappointed to note that the ‘Midlands Engine’ was overlooked by the Chancellor as he moved to strengthen the ‘Northern Powerhouse’. However, it was pleasing to hear announcements of reductions in business rates, in capital gains tax, in corporation taxation and stamp duty for small companies. The fuel duty freeze should also be a popular measure for you, our Members, and for your staff. As your Chamber, we were keen that the Chancellor recognised the uncertainty in our economy around Europe and, therefore, the importance of delivering a budget that would allow businesses to move forward and grow. Do you think he did that?

Business Support

International Trade

Chamber Training

Legal & Finance

16-17

Property

18-19

Profile

20-21

Budget Statement

Skills

Around the region

24-31

Of course, some of the pain for businesses has already been announced such as the apprenticeship levy as well as the changes to taxation on dividends. I would have liked to hear the Chancellor talk about the importance of export and the brilliant work undertaken by UK Trade & Investment, a service that is available to you by contacting the International Trade Hub here at Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, which brings me to my all-important reminder that we are here to help you “Go for Growth”. So, for your business support needs, give us a call on 02476 654321. Kind regards Louise Mrs L Bennett-Bayliss OBE, DL Chief Executive

News

Business Direct

News

Business News

40-43

President & People

44-45

New Members

Go For Growth ‘16 Campaign

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. Whilst every effort will be made to publish submitted articles, we cannot guarantee inclusion.

Overseas growth creates new jobs

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 1439 © Benham Publishing 2016 C&W in Business is produced on behalf of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce by Benham Publishing Limited and is distributed to members free of charge. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in C&W in Business, neither Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, nor the publisher can accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies it contains. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Chamber. C&W in Business is printed and distributed by Headley Brothers Limited The official publication of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

David Whitby (centre) with Steven Cunnane (left) and Ajay Desai (right) from the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

Up to 10 new jobs have been created at a Stratford business following a strong year that has seen them expand into nine other European countries. Maxim B2B, a firm based on Stratford Enterprise Park that helps retailers to find new corporate revenue streams, has boosted its client base from around 40 retailers to over 170 retailers in the space of 15 months. The business’ recruitment drive will continue with additional jobs throughout the year, and to help with the expansion, account managers are needed to oversee and develop relationships with new clients such as SuperDry and Sports Direct.

Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland and Austria. David Whitby, chief operating officer at Maxim B2B, said: “Our overseas expansion has been nothing short of remarkable and it has led to strong growth within the business. “We networked with different embassies, who helped to provide us with essential information on each country and the markets pertinent to our trade. This included things like types of retailers, currency differences, taxation, culture, language and legalities.

MaximB2B’s expansion comes after the Chamber recently revealed that companies in the region were at their most confident in quarter four of 2015 than they had been at the turn of any other year for the past decade, according to its Quarterly Economic Survey (QES). It’s also a boost for the Chamber’s ‘Go For Growth 16’ campaign, which aims to ensure the region hits is growth potential in 2016.

The European expansion was made possible thanks to support from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce International Trade Hub including the UK Trade & Investment team (UKTI), who helped to put the business in touch with a series of British Embassies.

“Most importantly though, under strong briefings, the different embassies made approaches to selected overseas retailers to introduce us for new business.

Ajay Desai, Head of International Trade at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, added: “MaximB2B’s overseas expansion shows what can happen if companies tap into the support that is available.

“The Chamber and UKTI have been indispensable to us, and without them introducing us into the network of British embassies, we simply wouldn’t be where we are today.

“The Chamber is committed to doing everything it can to help businesses have a successful year and our International Trade Hub can play a major part in that.”

Although Maxim B2B was only founded three-and-a-half years ago, it now has a presence in Germany, France, Italy, Spain,

“This is set to be a very exciting year as we look to grow even further and bring more resources on board.”

For more information on international trade support, call the Chamber on 024 7665 4321.

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

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Policy Go For Growth ‘16 Campaign

Growth campaign paying off A Warwickshire business is celebrating the best growth in its history after doubling its export sales every year for five years running. Potters Poultry, a family-run poultry business based on Leigh Road, Rugby, has seen consistent yearly growth after they began exporting equipment to overseas markets in 2011 following support through UKTI at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s International Trade Hub. As well as rearing two million chickens each year in several farms around the Midlands, the firm manufactures equipment for chicken sheds to support a relaxing, free range environment for the birds. Demand is being driven from farmers in ten overseas countries, more so in North America and Australia, who need new facilities as they look to improve the welfare of their flock. The best-selling products include automated nests with the right environment to attract birds to lay eggs, and flat chain feeding systems that ensure an entire flock has access to the same amount of food. Potters Poultry International’s exporting journey began six years ago when managing director Justin Potter started

to think of ways to expand beyond the UK market they had been serving for over 50 years. Justin said: “After concentrating on the UK market for so long, we knew there was potential to grow our business overseas but didn’t quite know where to start, so I contacted the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to seek advice. “The Chamber’s International Trade Team were really helpful and encouraged me to pursue my idea. I was invited on to their Passport to Export scheme which helped me to understand the basics of exporting. “It touched on the benefits of exporting, right through to the ‘dos and don’ts,’ right through to setting a series of aims for the business. “I was also provided with a market assessment in selected overseas markets that were relevant to our trade – the local market knowledge was really valuable. This helped me to understand which companies I really needed to reach out to when attending trade exhibitions. “Now in addition to our 50 customers in the UK, we are trading with 14 farming suppliers in ten different countries, helping us reach a much larger range of potential end users.”

From left, Mick Page and Justin Potter

News of Potters Poultry International’s growth is also a boost for the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Go For Growth 16’ campaign, which aims to ensure the region hits is growth potential in 2016. Mick Page, international trade advisor at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, added: “This is a great example of a company that has evolved with growth over time, with engineering products developed by farmers for farmers.

“Potters Poultry saw that the industry’s needs were changing, and spotted an opportunity to sell their equipment abroad. The fact that this business had no past experience of exporting makes this achievement even more remarkable. “They’ve shown long-term commitment to growing their company, and this shows what can be done if firms search for the help that is available.” For more information on international trade support, call the Chamber on 024 7665 4321.

Campaign drives forward The Go For Growth campaign to get firms across Coventry and Warwickshire growing is continuing to drive forward across the region. The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce launched the campaign at the start of the year and staged an event with Solihull Chamber of Commerce at Coombe Abbey Hotel to help raise its profile even further. Alan Volkaerts, Director in Product Development at Jaguar Land Rover, was the keynote speaker at the event and he encouraged companies to look at every way possible of

growing – whether it’s utilising new technology or finding new markets. Louise Wall, group commercial director at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We were delighted to hear from Alan on how Jaguar Land Rover continues to make impressive strides. “Go For Growth is really gathering momentum and whether it’s JLR or an SME, the more we can get companies on our patch growing, the better.”

“We were delighted to hear from Alan on how Jaguar Land Rover continues to make impressive strides.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Alan Volkaerts (left) with Louise Wall and Paul Faulkner (chief executive of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce)

Service of the Month sponsored column

How to Avoid Sale Prevention

Your Chamber can help you with your FX needs through its partnership with Moneycorp There’s no better way to move money overseas, especially at cost effective prices. It’s even better when you have a foreign exchange service that makes it easier on your bottom line.

Have you ever jumped in with a great idea that ended up killing your sale? Each prospect comes to the table with a mental picture of his or her needs before the meeting even begins. As the conversation progresses, be careful what sort of ideas or solutions you’re inserting into the conversation – if the possible client feels that you’ve added options or plans they don’t want (or don’t yet know they need), you could waylay your sale. If a change or addition would be relevant to your potential customer, suggest it indirectly. Your guidance can help them discover the need themselves, rather than them feeling they are being sold to. How do you direct the conversation without getting in the way of the prospect’s own picture of their needs? Ask questions. Appropriate questions will allow you to measure your possible client’s reaction. Some ways to structure your questions: • Do you suppose (product or service) would allow you to (meet the need) effectively? • I don’t suppose (product or service) would be of any value, would it? • You didn’t mention (product or service) - is there any reason why you didn’t? • It probably doesn’t make any difference if we could (solution), does it? In each of those examples, if your possible customer responds positively, you could then ask “Why is that?” and hear the explanation of why they want what you just brought up. If your prospect responds negatively, it’s no problem.

Moneycorp, partnering with the British Chambers of Commerce, is able to offer some fantastic benefits to Chamber members who conduct business with any aspect of foreign exchange. With more than 35 years’ experience, £22bn traded in foreign currency during 2015 and dealing in 90 currencies Moneycorp is a trusted and recognised company within the business foreign exchange market.

The online system allows multiple transactions to take place in multiple currency at a click of a button. Each client has a dedicated account manager assigned allowing for Moneycorp’s expertise to guide every client smoothly and effectively through any foreign exchange transaction. Other benefits: • Exchange rates that beat the bank • Expert market advice at the end of the phone

• Safeguard client funds If you are currently doing business abroad and using foreign exchange services regularly, or just starting out Moneycorp has all of your foreign exchange requirements covered. For more details about Moneycorp services call 02476 654321 or email info@cw-chamber.co.uk visit www.moneycorp.com/chamberfx

Moneycorp works with organisation of all sizes from blue chip to sole traders and are able to tailor foreign exchange needs to any individual. Along with tailoring to an individual’s needs, Moneycorp covers all aspects of foreign exchange including: International payments, Travel Money, Retail and wholesale. Offering a comprehensive range of foreign exchange services means they leave no foreign exchange stone unturned. 90% of today’s business now is conducted digitally and/ or online. Moneycorp offer an easy-to-use webbased system that means transactions can take place at a time that suits you.

If a particular solution becomes part of the sale, it should be because your potential client asked for it. Would you like to learn more about how to make the best use of your time while closing even more sales? To attend a 2 hour workshop in your area, as our guest, please email or call us for further details. ••• Written by Neil Liddell of Sandler Training. Providers of Sales and Management Training

E: nliddell@sandler.com T: 0845 0573563 M: 07547 227442 www.central.sandler.com •••

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

sponsored column

-Learning Studios take virtual reality learning to San Francisco!

Something has changed in the world of ISO Business Management Systems On 15th September 2015, two greatly revised management system standards were launched.

Nitin Thakrar, Managing Director, e-Learning Studios and Ajay Desai, Head of International Trade, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber.

A learning technology company from Coventry specialising in Virtual Reality, serious games and simulations attended the prestigious Games Development Conference in San Francisco. e-Learning Studios, based at the Coventry Technology Park attended as part of a UKTI delegation organised by the international trade team based in Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, delivering on behalf of Northern Powerhouse. The event , held between March 14th-18th, is the world’s largest gaming

industry conference that attracts more than 26,000 delegates from across the world and e-Learning Studios intends to utilise this platform to showcase their work on an international scale. The learning technology company has a history of creating solutions for learning and development and has expanded its services entering into the lucrative Virtual Reality market with VR solutions including Public Speaking, Fire Safety and compliance. The solutions can be accessed via R headsets and take the user into a

simulated experience enabling them to practice and train for real life scenarios in a controlled and safe environment. Nitin Thakrar, Managing Director, e-Learning Studios said: “We’re delighted to be part of the UKTI delegation and their help and support has been invaluable in helping us to reach out Internationally with our products and services.” Ajay Desai, Head of International Trade at Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for them to identify new clients and partnerships on an International level.”

“We’re delighted to be part of the UKTI delegation and their help and support has been invaluable in helping us to reach out Internationally with our products and services.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

These were the popular standards ISO9001 Quality Management (QMS) and ISO14001 Environmental Management (EMS). Any existing certified QMS & EMS standards you have will end on 14th September 2018. One of ALO Management Ltd clients is the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). The work with UKAS has been to assess certification bodies and their ability to audit the new standards effectively. It has become increasing obvious that the new standards will make a step change to management systems. Certification bodies will soon be looking for these significant changes and businesses must be prepared. Auditors will also find it more of a challenge to audit, as the requirements for documentation have been relaxed to make the systems more flexible. However you must demonstrate an effective management system and your certification body is prohibited from providing any consultancy. How will you prepare for the new standards? Your requirements will be unique to your business and a different approach may be required dependent upon you having an existing system or if you are implementing a new one. ALO Management Ltd is working with clients to make transitioning to the new standards easier, avoiding any unnecessary misinterpretations, which could hinder certification. The new standards put the management system at the heart of your business, where the full benefit can be realised. The management system must be integrated with business processes, and a clear linkage to business strategy made with demonstrable involvement of top management.

Contact ALO Management now to discuss the impact on your business. simon@alomanagement.co.uk or phone 07961150631 www.alomanagement.co.uk https://uk.linkedin.com/ in/simon-tagg-wilkinson-3582313

Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training

International Trade Apprentice Accelerates Local Export Company Local business One Source has taken on a new International Trade Apprentice to help them cope after a sustained period of growth for the organisation.

Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training Bridge the Gap between Education and Employers

The International Trade Apprenticeship provides an exciting opportunity to support businesses to grow their export potential. The Apprenticeship can support both new and existing staff and is an ideal way to build capacity and develop skilled individuals, with practical expertise around international markets and trade. It allows individuals to learn and develop the skills required for employment and career progression in the international trade and logistics sector. The off-the-job training element of the Apprenticeship provides an understanding of different modes of transport, customs documentation, as well as developing an appreciation of wider skills and knowledge associated with trading internationally. One Source, who supply award winning products to organisations of all sizes across all sectors and to sites across the world (including across Europe, the US and Hong Kong), were won over by Paris Calder who attended an interview after choosing Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training as her Apprenticeship training provider. The organisation’s plans for Paris are very exciting, including travel to the Far East to visit their head office in Hong Kong. One Source were looking for an Apprentice that would be outgoing and passionate about customer service and shows a willingness to visit and get to know their customers first hand. Paris fitted the bill perfectly and will also have the opportunity to attend a host of exhibition events throughout the country and represent One Source. The International Trade Apprenticeship is for those who are in administrative roles within the international trade and logistics sector and who are involved in arranging the international transportation of goods. It offers a great way for organisations to attract new, young talent as well as develop the existing workforce.

Sidney Stringer Academy students have gained an invaluable insight into the world of work through an inspirational, interactive careers day delivered in partnership with Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training. The careers day enabled the students to develop their knowledge and understanding of career paths, vocational opportunities and exactly what real business employers are looking. With year 11 enjoying a specific range of careers interviews and lessons on CV techniques, and 16+ experiencing a range of workshops that will support them as they very soon embark upon their preferred careers choices, the day proved to be an immense success for both pupils and staff alike.

‘The day was amazing. I found it so useful to have a formal job interview with an employer and the feedback I received after it has really helped to boost my confidence’ said a Year 11 student whilst another student told us, ‘the day really was such fun. We spent the day not only on arts and crafts, but how the skills we learned could be translated to a real life job situation. It was awesome’. Programmes such as this ensure that young people are better informed, more aware and more focussed in their transition into the world of work. Bringing employers and education together is a vital part in supporting young people on their journey into employment. Over 60 employers from a range of industries freely gave their time to go back into the classroom and work alongside

young people undertaking mock interviews, CV advice, career insights and advice on standing out from the crowd. After conducting mock interviews with the students as part of the session, Nikki Hagan from HMRC said, “The students I spoke to were inspiring and a credit to the school with their politeness and attentiveness. It certainly challenged my preconceptions of teenagers and made me appreciate the difficulties some of them had faced at such a young age.” Jodie Ward from Coventry City Council added, “We thoroughly enjoyed participating in the careers event both interviewing and taking part in ‘what’s my line’. We got as much out of the day as the young people that we assisted and what a great group of young people they are.”

“Tens of thousands of people visit Stoneleigh Park every year - whether for work or to be part of one of the 360 events the site hosts every year.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training

Coventry & Warwickshire in business sponsored column

Molly wins Apprentice of the Year Award

What does your E-mail Signature say about your Business?

I'm often surprised how little investment is made in compliance and brand consistency when it comes to corporate email signatures. The information in e-mail signatures is not only a legal requirement, it should be seen as a valuable marketing tool. Often a basic set of rules are set out by the business, however enforcement of these is often at best casual, with employees simply left to figure it out for themselves. New members of staff are given instructions to copy and paste a signature template from a colleague and then told to edit their personal details. While this process can work, it fails to deal with changing disclaimer statements, new logo’s or font styles all which are likely to change over time. This makes enforcement of brand guidelines almost impossible. To effectively deploy e-mail signatures across the entire organisation Zenzero use Exclaimer. Used correctly signature variations based on the specifics of the sender or the department they work within are dynamically created.

Apprentice Molly Alcock from HR Dept has scooped the award for ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at the Warwickshire Employee of the Year Awards 2016, after helping to develop the business by transforming the company’s social media strategy. Molly joined The HR Dept in summer 2015 after completing her A-levels at Coundon Court Academy. “After considering the option of going onto University, I decided an apprenticeship would be more suitable for me as I was very keen to start my career as soon as possible.”

“The apprenticeship has given me the chance to further my education whilst starting on the career ladder and has been very rewarding for me in so many ways. I can see my own achievements and development, but to have so many other people see them too makes it even more special. I’m thrilled to have won this award." Molly’s employer organisation, The HR Dept South Warwickshire, was established in 2005 and offers a wide range of outsourced HR services, tailormade to suit business needs. Tracey Hudson, Director of The HR Dept in

Kenilworth said: “We are very proud of Molly. She has worked so hard on the development of our social media platforms and the marketing side of the business, helping with our workshops and exhibitions.” Molly is currently completing the Business Administration Apprenticeship with Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training. Business Administration provides a diverse range of opportunities, operating in all types of businesses; many of which can develop into managerial positions

E-mail systems such as Office 365 don’t provide Marketing or I.T departments with an automated platform to manage e-mail compliance. Using rules that you set, e-mail signatures are created based on system information, such as job title, phone number etc. and always within brand guidelines. In addition, this solution also delivers consistency across devises, so regardless of what platform (PC, iPhone or Android tablet) you use the same signature is applied. To learn more about how Zenzero can help improve your I.T Systems or deploy Signature Manager then call the team on 0333 3209 900 or visit www.zenzero.co.uk

“The apprenticeship has given me the chance to further my education whilst starting on the career ladder and has been very rewarding for me in so many ways. I can see my own achievements and development, but to have so many other people see them too makes it even more special. I’m thrilled to have won this award." Zenzero Solutions are a Microsoft Gold partner, based on the Warwick Technology Park www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Legal

Employability charter launched to support young professionals Alsters Kelley LLP announces new office to open in Southam Coventry & Warwickshire law firm Alsters Kelley LLP has announced it will be opening a new office in the centre of Southam in the next few weeks. Cathy Wahlberg, Operations & Finance Member at Alsters Kelley LLP, said: “The opening of this new office in Southam is important as we aim to be more accessible to our existing and new clients. We are able to deliver specialised legal advice in a manner that is kind, helpful and excellent which is very important to us. We are looking forward to being an active part of the local community in Southam and the surrounding areas.” The office, which is located in Daventry Road, is being refurbished but will be open every day Monday to Friday from 10.00am – 6.30pm and every Saturday from 10.00am – 1.00pm. The firm already has offices in Leamington Spa, Coventry and Nuneaton and employs over 90 people providing a full range of legal services for most individual and family issues and some commercial services.

A leading Coventry and Warwickshire accountancy firm has become one of the first companies to sign a new charter to help budding young professionals. Harrison Beale & Owen (HB&O), which has offices in Coventry and Leamington Spa, has put its name to the Warwickshire Employability Charter which pledges to provide young people with vital employability skills which will prepare them for the working world. The charter is a collaboration between businesses, education providers and partners to offer a variety of opportunities for young people. They pledge to give insight into their respective industries and inspire young people, recruiting directly from schools and colleges to offer work experience with companies. The scheme is designed to enable young people to develop and enhance a host of employability skills including numeracy, self-motivation, team work and interpersonal skills. The Warwickshire County Council initiative is supported by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Federation of Small Businesses. Sarah Wilson, a director at HB&O said: “This scheme is a great way to offer employability skills to young people and allow them to get a taste of the working world. We have always prided ourselves on the standard of training we provide to our staff of all ages and levels. “Nowadays young people are increasingly under pressure to have a set of skills that companies need, but without work experience it can be hard to get your foot in the door and develop those skills in the first instance.

Sarah Wilson (HB&O), Peter Burns (Chamber of Commerce), Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Rob Kendall (HB&O), Cllr Philip Johnson, Brandon Tatlow and Elliott Webster (both from HB&O)

“We feel that this is a great stepping stone into the working world, which will equip the young people with the skills that will serve them well throughout their careers. “At HB&O we have committed to supporting this charter and are really excited to see how the scheme will benefit everyone.” The scheme is hoping to significantly reduce youth unemployment and address skills shortages by the end of 2018. Councillor Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council said: “Our vision is for every young person to have the opportunity to gain employability skills which will help them to secure and sustain employment in a vibrant economy. “By doing this, businesses will be able to recruit young people more easily as

they’ll already have many skills that companies look out for. “We believe this will boost their confidence and raise the aspirations of young people. Reducing youth unemployment is very important in this economy. “We’re delighted that HB&O are on board with the scheme as they’re setting a great example for other local companies in the area which can also help young people.” Harrison Beale & Owen signed up after hearing about the initiative and launch of the new Young Chamber. Peter Burns, past President of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber, said: “We are keen to see as many companies embrace the principles of the charter and pledge their support by signing up.”

Real estate team is strengthened formerly of Shoosmiths, as an associate with a focus on social housing. Planning solicitor Ben Arrowsmith has been recruited from Pinsent Masons, while Lauren Perkins, Daniel Macleod and Harinder Kundhi have been appointed solicitors. Paralegal Raminder Kaur completes the new arrivals. Wright Hassall’s real estate team acts for developers, registered providers of affordable housing, land owners, investors, banks and corporate occupiers across the UK. Wright Hassall’s new real estate team recruits, with partners Sat Bhandal, Claire Waring and Mark Miller at the front centre In the last six months the development team has New partner Terry Dickson has joined from Midlands law firm Wright Hassall has been involved in a string of important Birmingham practice Emms Gilmore strengthened its real estate team with the developments including Tata Technologies recent appointment of a further 10 lawyers. Liberson, while James Richards and Andrew Beresford, both formerly of Gowling WLG, and £16m European HQ development in Warwick, The Leamington-based firm now has one of the relocation of Birmingham Wholesale Andrew Jones, from HCB, have all been the largest real estate team in the region Markets, the relocation of cleaning technology appointed as senior associates. outside of Birmingham. company Karcher UK and Warwickshire Development solicitor Fiona Martin joins The team now draws together more than 30 College’s new state-of-the-art automotive and from London-based Charles Russell specialist real estate, construction, product creation engineering facilities. Speechlys as an associate and Natalie Owen, environmental, and planning lawyers.

The team has also continued to be involved in the region’s largest strategic land residential development transactions. Development Partner Mark Miller said: “Wright Hassall’s Real Estate Development team continues to grow from strength to strength offering developers and other clients involved in land development a credible alternative to the law firms they may have considered using previously. “Developers no longer have to look to the second city or London to find the development specialists that they need to make development deals happen. We offer all of that expertise under one roof. Miller added: “The last year has been a very strong 12 months for Wright Hassall generally and specifically for the real estate team. The firm advised on over 50 bank lending deals during the year with a funding value of £175m, completed a significant number of development land transactions including acting on some very exciting development projects across the region. “We are able to attract real estate lawyers to the firm who have worked in City and national practices and are excited to work with our fantastic client base. “We expect 2016 to be a strong year for the region from a real estate development perspective in particular and Wright Hassall’s real estate team is well placed to play an integral part in supporting this growth.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Finance

Principal welcomes new law to promote apprenticeship equality Angela Joyce, Warwickshire College Group Principal and CEO, has welcomed the Government’s legislation to end what Education Secretary Nicky Morgan calls an ‘outdated snobbery’ towards apprenticeships and the need for independent careers advice in schools. The announcement laid out the details of the new legislation which will ensure that schools give equal airtime to the nonacademic routes pupils can take post-16, under government plans to end the ‘second class’ perception of technical and professional education (TPE). Also, the new law would see apprenticeship providers and staff from colleges visit schools as part of careers advice from early secondary school, to talk to pupils about the opportunities open to them through apprenticeships or other TPE routes. The move follows concerns from Ministers about careers advice, with some schools currently unwilling to recommend apprenticeships or other technical and professional routes to any but the lowestachieving pupils – effectively creating a two tiered system of careers advice. Angela Joyce said: “We welcome this new legislation which will help young people

make an informed choice about their future, whether it’s Alevels, technical and professional courses or apprenticeships. “We have a great relationship with the majority of schools in our area but this will mean we can work together with even more to ensure that our young people understand all of their options and can make the right decision for their career ambitions. “With the Government pledging to deliver three million new apprenticeships by 2020, they are a vital part of our national economy, and as one of the leading providers of apprenticeships in the West Midlands, we know that they are not a ‘second best’ option. In many cases, our apprentices are getting a head start on their counterparts who have chosen the university route as they benefit from experience in the workplace, a salary and no student debt. “Our apprentices have often secured an apprenticeship in a company through a competitive process and then achieve high level qualifications, including degrees, and on this basis we must ensure young people are aware of the apprenticeship pathway and celebrate their success in the same way as we do for those who have gained a degree.”

Local accountancy firm celebrates exam success

Local chartered accountants firm Stewart, Fletcher & Barrett (SFB) are having a double celebration as two of their colleagues have enjoyed success in their professional exams. Karlie Jones has passed her final chartered accountancy exams, completing the ACCA qualification through HTFT Partnership in Birmingham. Also, Marcia Carla Neto from SFB’s book-keeping department has also passed her ACCA exams and is set to

become CIMA Professional qualified within the year. Karlie, who has been with SFB for three years said: "I am so happy that all my hard work has paid off. At times its been a struggle carrying out my studies whilst working full time in a demanding job but all the effort has been worthwhile.” SFB Managing Director Paul Carvell said: “We are delighted with Karlie and Marcia’s success. They have both worked extremely hard

from the moment each of them arrived at SFB and both are invaluable members of the team.” Stewart, Fletcher & Barrett has been established for 60 years. As part of The SFB Group, the firm offers a wide range of services including Accountancy, Wealth Management, Business Growth, Corporate Finance, Commercial Insurance and Marketing services. SFB has offices in Nuneaton, Coventry, Hinckley, Wakefield & London.

“We are delighted with Karlie and Marcia’s success. They have both worked extremely hard from the moment each of them arrived at SFB and both are invaluable members of the team.”

Wright Hassall’s new real estate team recruits, with partners Sat Bhandal, Claire Waring and Mark Miller at the front centre

Trio see bright future at Lodders

The latest new appointments and promotions at law firm Lodders reinforce the firm’s commitment to fostering the talent of the future as part of its ongoing professional development programme. The firm has appointed Ravinder Heer and Scott Parmenter as Paralegals in its top ranking Real Estate team, whilst Lauren Pearson has been offered a formal training contract after 18-months as a paralegal at the firm. In their roles, Ravinder will work directly with Real Estate partner Alastair Frew, who works with local and national house builders, specialist commercial developers and private investors and is a members of Lodders’ HS2 Advisory Group, whilst Scott will support Steven Baker, a Partner in the Business Property team in Lodders’ Commercial Property Department. Formerly paralegal for Alastair Frew, Lauren joins Lodders’ flagship trainee programme that has an impressive track record for the firm, with 70 per cent of its trainees staying with Lodders post qualification, and many joining thefirm’s partnership.

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New role for Clare A new tax partner at one of the region’s largest independent accountancy practices has a double cause for celebration.

Clare Allen has been promoted from tax consultant to tax partner at Baldwins Accountants to cover its offices in Tamworth, Derby, Ashby-de-la-Zouch and Nottingham. The 35-year-old, who is also busy planning her wedding this year, has become the expanding business’s fourth tax partner alongside Mike Brown, Praveen Gupta and Jeni Bramley. It is a well-earned success for the 35-year-old who joined the company when she graduated from the University of Warwick.

“I started working as a trainee accountant at Knight Arnold Wall in Nuneaton which was taken over by Baldwins Accountants in 2008 and then I became a tax manager,” Clare said. “We merged with Coventry four years later so I moved over there and then when I joined the corporate services tax team, I transferred to Tamworth last year. “I am responsible for overseeing the four-strong tax team in Tamworth and I also meet clients and give advice on higher end tax issues and personal and corporate tax. “I am really enjoying it and it has always been my ambition to be promoted to tax partner so it is brilliant I have achieved it.”

David Baldwin, a partner at Baldwins Accountants, said Clare’s promotion was fully deserved.

Property

Property company acquires sites Spring growth at local property agency Commercial property surveyor Marie Farrell MRICS has joined Drake Howard Property Limited. Growth of business at Drake Howard Property has surpassed expectations in the first two years since being established. Another surveyor is needed to handle commercial property agency and management instructions. Marie Farrell qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in September 2008 and has gained valuable experience in subsequent years, managing all types of commercial property; overseeing refurbishment and repair projects; negotiating lease renewals; handling dilapidation claims and rent reviews and; marketing vacant properties for sale and to let. Marie said, “I am delighted to join Drake Howard Property at an exciting time for the business and growth in commercial activity in Coventry & Warwickshire. I am keen to continue my career in the region. The profile of clients and properties at the practice is a perfect fit to my ambition to build on successes and create new business.” Martyn added “I needed help as I had come to a tipping point on instructions coming into the business. It was an essential for me to employ a qualified and experienced surveyor, rather than a trainee or graduate, to handle tasks with the minimum of supervision. The benefit of having worked with Marie for a number of years in the recent past, is that I know she is a capable and confident surveyor. I can also make good use of fantastic IT and media skills, where by current trends, I may be considered a bit of an old relic!” Marie Farrell will handle a broad spectrum of property management, Landlord and Tenant and agency instructions as Drake Howard Property moves into the next phase of growth.

James Brookes of Bromwich Hardy (left) with The Wigley Group director James Davies (right)

A leading Midlands commercial property company has invested more than £4 million to acquire two major sites in the region. The Wigley Group has purchased the freeholds for Centrovell Trading Estate in Nuneaton and the former RSM Industries site in Exhall, Coventry. The 60,000 sq ft Centrovell Trading Estate is currently fully let to three businesses Britannia Tyres, Freeman and Proctor and Caterers Supplies. The site was purchased for The Wigley Group by independent commercial property agency GVA. The industrial warehousing in School Lane, Exhall is adjacent to the Bayton Road industrial estate and extends to 53,525 sq ft on a 2.7 acres. Previous occupier RSM Industries manufactured metal components for the car industry on the site. The Wigley Group, based at Middlemarch Business Park, owns and manages business and industrial parks across the Midlands including Coventry and Birmingham as well as providing a range of services relating to commercial property, facilities management and risk.

Director James Davies said the purchases reflected strong demand in the area’s commercial property market. “This region has enjoyed a sustained period of growth in terms of investment and development and demand for quality sites from companies relocating to the area or expanding is very buoyant,” he said. “The Centrovell Trading Estate is a longterm investment for The Wigley Group and its location – close to the heart of the region’s transport network – means it has been enduringly attractive for businesses. “The site in Exhall is next to the Bayton Road Industrial Estate which remains one of the largest commercial and industrial locations in the West Midlands and is home to a range of small and large business. “Having our own in-house facilities management team means we will be able to ensure these investments are maintained to a very high standard. “Our company ethos is to invest in the long term and with room to improve both sites we felt that they met all of our requirements.” Bromwich Hardy has been appointed as commercial property agent for both sites.

Senior commercial surveyor James Brookes said a shortage of property to service strong demand is having a major effect on the market in the area. “Industrial property in the Coventry and Warwickshire area has vastly increased in price due to a shortage of suitable properties and land for new developments,” he said. “Therefore purchasing larger older stock has become a necessity and the former RSM Industries building was probably one of the largest available in Coventry if not the West Midlands. “The site will need some work to bring it up to specification but there is a rare opportunity to create a really interesting scheme. “As well as enquiries from manufacturing businesses we have also had a number of approaches from companies who want to locate a leisure business on the site. “The flexibility of the property means there is a chance to create a destination development which would be very exciting for the area.”

“Having our own in-house facilities management team means we will be able to ensure these investments are maintained to a very high standard.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Property

Rent reviews in a rising market “Property investors and their agents are now enjoying a turnaround in the rising commercial property market with increasing rents adding to investor returns and agents earning fees from rent review work. “

In the years 2007 to 2015 commercial property rents saw a sharp decline. As much as 30% to 40% in some sectors, before rallying as the economy came out of recession and the slack in the market was taken up. Increases on lease rent review dates during these years were rare indeed. Almost unique! Property investors and their agents are now enjoying a turnaround in the rising commercial property market with increasing rents adding to investor returns and agents earning fees from rent review work.

The experienced Chartered Surveyor with professional expertise in lease structures and rent review mechanics will apply market knowledge on behalf of an informed property owner to maximise the rent increase and return. As a case study, an owner of a long leasehold industrial property at Stonebridge Industrial Estate, occupied by National Crash Repair Centres Ltd, instructed Drake Howard Property to instigate a rent review provision in

Lease is sold

the lease, to value the open market rental effective from September 2015. The premises are in use as a vehicle body and mechanics workshop, for insurance repairs and extend to 14,000 sq. ft. Research established recent letting evidence across industrial estates in Coventry to support an increase and after a short period of negotiation with the agent acting for the National enterprise, a 6% uplift on the passing rent was agreed. Martyn Howard considers this an excellent return for the property owner.

Proof positive of rising market In the years 2007 to 2015 Commercial Property rents saw a sharp decline, as much as 30% to 40% in some sectors, before rallying as the economy came out of recession and the slack in the market was taken up. Rent increases on lease review dates which arose during these years were a rare animal. Almost extinct!

The long leasehold on seven units at an industrial estate in Coventry has been sold for £835,000. A Midlands property company has disposed of units 3 to 9 on the Alpha Industrial Estate in Deedmore Road through commercial property agents Shortland Penn + Moore (SP+M) who were joint agents with Franck-Steier Price. A private buyer, represented by Bromwich Hardy, has purchased the units – the

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majority of which are let – that range from around 2,000 to 3,500 sq ft. The units currently generate an income of £101,724 (£82,923 net, after ground rent) and the deal represents a net initial yield of 9.4 per cent. David Allen, director of SP+M, said: “The market for this type of industrial investment was robust in 2015 and this deal – along with several other deals we are currently working on – suggests that it will continue into 2016.”

“The percentage may not sound astounding, but if it is set against a back drop of acquisition of the property for the client 8 years ago at a 10% investment yield; with a small increase on rent achieved September 2010 (at the height of the recession!) and; retaining the ground rent at no increase on a 10 year review pattern, the value of commissioning an expert surveyor to handle rent review negotiations is overwhelming. Our fee for this instruction? Just 60% of one years’ rent increase.”

Property investors and agents alike are now enjoying a resurgence in the rising market with increasing rents adding to investor returns and agents earning fees from rent review work. The experienced Chartered Surveyor with professional expertise in lease structures and rent review mechanism will apply, market

knowledge on behalf of an “informed” property owner to maximise the increased return. Like the golfer that calls on the rules official to explore relief alternatives, the wise property owner will exploit the skills of the experienced surveyor to negotiate the most beneficial return. On one particular long leasehold industrial property at Stonebridge Industrial Estate, Drake Howard Property has been able to achieve rent review increases in 2010 (during the recession!) and 2015, while maintaining the ground rent at the current figures for the next 10 years. Entirely as a consequence knowing that specific phrases and words in a lease can impact on the value!

“Like the golfer that calls on the rules official to explore relief alternatives, the wise property owner will exploit the skills of the experienced surveyor to negotiate the most beneficial return. ”

The zig-zag road Nobody expects an easy ride when they first take over at the helm of a company. But nothing could prepare for the baptism of fire that met Marianne Culver when she began her first managing director post at electronic components business Macro Marketing in 1994. “When I was appointed, I asked the chairman why he’d hired me,” she said. “I hoped it might be because of my focus on results or track record of customer and supplier relationship management. Alas, it was neither! He told me that he hired me for my resilience – that was the long and short of it. He said I would need every ounce it. “So, when, in my first 90 days, we lost three franchises and circa $15 million in sales, when our rep in South Africa was shot dead on his doorstep by car thieves in front of his kids, when a global Canadian predator competitor launched in the UK and hired 30 per cent of our internal sales staff so we couldn’t answer the phones and, to top it all, we had a ram raid at our UK warehouse, I knew he was right. “I was going to need resiliency in spades. As a team we bounced back, but boy were those first 90 days challenging.” Challenge is something Culver appears to thrive on. She joined TNT in January 2015 to lead the turnaround of the Atherstone-based parcel and freight delivery company. TNT

employs circa 9,000 people in the UK – generating 1 billion euros of sales on these shores alone – with worldwide turnover of around 7.5 billion euros. “There are effectively three businesses within TNT Domestic UK,” she says. “Two are doing very well and one is in transformation. “There is an eye-watering passion for excellence in customer service and loyalty to TNT across our People Network! This is why I joined TNT, for the passion of the people and for the undoubted potential.” Her arrival at TNT is the latest move in what Culver describes as her zig-zag career, which began with her teaching modern languages to 12 to 18-year-olds in Scotland and which has taken her across the globe in a variety of posts. Her first challenge was convincing her parents that leaving teaching – and her native Scotland - was a good idea. “A few eyebrows were raised when I said I was moving to England to sell semiconductors,” she said. “I said if all else failed I would go back to teaching which seemed to appease them as a cogent Plan B. “Always have a Plan B - or at least say you have one!” Teaching, says Culver, gave her a great grounding for the world of business.

“There is an eye-watering passion for excellence in customer service and loyalty to TNT across our People Network! This is why I joined TNT, for the passion of the people and for the undoubted potential.” 20

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Profile: Marianne Culver

to success “Teaching 12 to 18-year-olds French and German, when most of the kids would never need or use a foreign language, taught me a huge amount about engaging and enrolling people,” she said. “It taught me about forwardplanning, being clear on goals, working to deadlines, working out what success looked like, finding solutions and developing individuals and teams. I had to find new, fun ways to get buy-in too, so there are many parallels between teaching and leading businesses from that point of view.” It was in 1987 that Culver made that first move into business at Macro, where she would later become MD and then oversaw the integration with US multi-national Avnet Inc, when it bought out the company in 1999. Four years later and, after a stint in Paris, Marianne was on the move to FTSE 250 company Premier Farnell, where she led turnarounds in the US and Australia, global multi-channel transformation and worldwide product and supplier marketing, asset management and logistics. “We also acquired the group’s first software company,” said Culver. “It was a German company where almost no-one spoke English and no-one on our board spoke German – except me! “And I chaired the launch of the exciting, innovative and disruptive technology start-up – the Raspberry Pi computer business, our first foray into the B2C marketplace.”

The latest zig (or zag) was to join TNT at the start of last year. But while her career has taken her in different directions, her grounded home-life has been the perfect foil for her business success. “I was already the MD of a $200 million semiconductor distributor in Thames Valley when I married Peter, my husband of 20 years and my rock,” she said. “Without Peter to support and challenge me, and he certainly knows how to do that from his background in corporate finance, who knows how my career might have panned out? “It’s true to say I’ve always worked ferociously long hours – too long as I am frequently told.” Looking back from her most trying of starts as an MD, what did Culver learn from that fateful beginning? “The chairman understood how I felt about all of those disastrous events,” she said. “But, he also said something that I can still hear to this day, more than 20 years later. “He told me ‘you’re not responsible for any of this Marianne, but it’s all happened on your watch, now what’s the plan?’ “So, along with my team, I built a plan. Or, rather, a series of plans and we steadied the ship and sailed on. “I believe how you make your way through the inevitable hassles, annoyances, frustrations, obstacles, set-backs, failures, negative events and disappointments of corporate life will define your leadership style.

“I try to be authentic at all times, and positive. Positivity is infectious. People love to follow good leaders, so you have to try to be the very best leader you can be, day in, day out. “You have to be willing to learn new things, embrace new experiences

and reinvent yourself. In business, complacency is a killer.” And that’s certainly an accusation you’ll never level at Marianne Culver!

About Marianne Culver “I am married to Peter, a strategy consultant, have two teenage children and live near Windsor. A chorister parent, I enjoy choral and classical music as well as sailing, bridge, skiing, rugby and cooking.”

“I try to be authentic at all times, and positive. Positivity is infectious. People love to follow good leaders, so you have to try to be the very best leader you can be, day in, day out. You have to be willing to learn new things, embrace new experiences and reinvent yourself. In business, complacency is a killer.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Budget

Welcome for focus on growth

Mixed reception for budget

Paul Carvell in his capacity as SFB Managing Director and Chamber president. “I am delighted to see that growth was a key message in today’s budget. Despite the OBR’s downward forecast for productivity, the Chancellor stressed how well our economy is doing compared to the rest of the world. With reference to a newsagents in Nuneaton, he announced measures to help small businesses including a reduction in business rates expected to help 250,000 small businesses, an additional reduction in corporation tax rates to 17%, and an extension of entrepreneurs relief for investors as well as reduced capital gains tax rates, which would seem to be designed to encourage more investment into the UK. Further measures to tighten up on tax avoidance to ensure multinationals they pay their fair share of tax were also announced. Whilst these are welcome changes for businesses across Coventry & Warwickshire, it was disappointing that no additional support was offered for exporters. Encouraging companies to export is my theme as Chamber president, and I would encourage local businesses to make use of the fantastic support the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce offers.”

Firms from a range of sectors across Coventry and Warwickshire have delivered their verdict on George Osborne’s latest budget. Members of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce fed back their thoughts on the Chancellor’s statement which he described as being for stability, the long term and the next generation. The Chamber had asked for a budget that would help the region’s businesses Go For Growth and Anne Rose, a partner at accountancy firm Burgis & Bullock, said: “The Chancellor announced a number of measures to boost growth and support smaller businesses. “The long awaited business rate review has been released and introduces an extension of the smaller company reliefs, which will be welcomed by many businesses in the region. There is a longer term further cut to the corporation tax rate to 17 per cent in 2020. Companies of all sizes will benefit from this change. “For individuals there is an apparently generous reduction in the headline Capital Gains Tax rates from 20 per cent and 28 per cent for higher rate tax payers to 10 per cent and 20 per cent. However, this excludes disposals of residential properties. “There is also an extension of the existing entrepreneurs’ relief to those who invest for three years in unlisted businesses, even if they don’t actually work in the business themselves. This will be a clear incentive to business angels and others to help support and grow smaller companies.” Amrik Bhabra, of ADECS, said there were several positives to pick out for business but was disappointed with a focus on the north of England. He said: “It was good to hear the chancellor talking in terms of the long term rather than the short term and wanting to put stability over short term fixes. “There were several announcements around the reduction of business taxation and that’s welcome.” David Penn, of commercial property agents Bromwich Hardy and chair of the Coventry branch of the Chamber, praised the tone and some elements but also raised concerns. He said: “The biggest announcements or me are the massive raising of the business rates for small businesses from £6,000 to £15,000 and the higher rate from £18,000 to £51,000.

“On top of this, a massive change to commercial property stamp duty bands, raising tax on slices, rather than slabs, similar to those for residential. “There’s a small improvement for small businesses, but a big hike for larger business properties and leases. This will not help the construction industry one bit, when we have a massive shortage of land and development for employment. So good for small businesses, but not medium to large ones. “Furthermore, there is still no reinstatement of void business rate relief for empty properties; again not good for development – and stamp duty is still charged on VAT which is tax on tax!” Peter Deeley, of property and construction company The Deeley Group, said: “There was good support for the SME sector, this will certainly help new businesses – hopefully this will extend into new investment, into property, into training and into new employment. “To move productivity we need long term investment and hopefully some of Mr Osborne’s proposals will help. We certainly need new infrastructure in roads and railways which is a Government commitment. “The message of new housing was supported by Mr Osborne but we still need the practical help from all of the Authorities

involved – the delivery needs all parties’ commitment as well as the Government.” David Burton, a past president of the Chamber and of Sherbourne Solutions, said: “There are some useful improvements to small business rates relief and stamp duty on smaller business premises as well as incentives for entrepreneurs with capital gains tax reductions and corporation tax reduction. “The personal income tax threshold rises are good for increasing incentive to work and potentially retail sales. “It’s not clear, yet, whether the announcements balance, but large business appears to be subsidising smaller ones. Nick Abell, of Leamington law firm Wright Hassall said: “As ever, the devil will be in the detail, but I worry about the pledge to raise significant sums from “anti-avoidance” measures. “For me, the highlight is the alteration in commercial stamp duty land tax coupled with the announcement on business rates. Outside London this may help commercial development emerge from its slumbers, if only in a small way.” Harvey Williams, of the RICS, said: “Small businesses were certainly the winner here but I must admit there is frustration that there was not a single mention of the Midlands Engine.”

Disappointment as Midlands is overlooked Business leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire say George Osborne’s budget will be popular with small firms. But Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, was disappointed once again to see the ‘Midlands Engine’ overlooked as the Chancellor moved to strengthen the ‘Northern Powerhouse’. Osborne announced reductions in business rates, in capital gains tax and stamp duty for small companies describing his budget as putting a ‘rocket boost on enterprise and productivity’. He also announced a drop in corporation tax to 17 per cent by 2020.

Bennett said: “There were some very positive announcements from the point of view of small businesses – Mr Osborne even made reference to ‘newsagents in Nuneaton’ being better off! “As a Chamber, we wanted the Chancellor to recognise the uncertainty in our economy – around Europe and international difficulties – and to deliver a budget that would still allow businesses to move forward and grow. “I think many of the measures have been designed with that in mind. “That said, some of the pain for businesses and business owners have already been announced such as the apprenticeship levy – which could hold

some businesses back from taking on apprentices – as well as the changes to taxation on dividends. “The fuel duty freeze will be another measure that is also popular with businesses and their staff. “From our region’s point of view, it was disappointing to hear so many major announcements regarding the Northern Powerhouse and London – and yet nothing for the Midlands Engine. “We, therefore, have to find a new way of catching the Chancellor’s ear when it comes to what this region needs.” She added; “I would also have liked to have heard much, much more about international trade and the support for

business. That is something we, as a Chamber, are delivering for companies across the patch all the time, with a delegation out in the USA right now. “Export is crucial if we are to Go For Growth as a region and as a country and it’s vital that this is not forgotten. “On the whole, it was largely a budget that will be welcomed by small business but I am concerned that he might be slightly too bullish when it comes to falling unemployment. “I don’t believe that is something we can take for granted and that is why it is vital that businesses have every ounce of support to grow and take on new staff.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Skills

2016 UK recruitment trend predictions Employee referrals, counter-offers and downgraded expectations will be top of the UK recruitment trends for 2016, while our international counterparts will be focusing on the quality and speed of hire and their employer branding. That’s according to UK recruiter Expectations! Recruitment Services who predict that UK employers will have to radically change the way they hire talent in 2016, and will also have to invest more in specialist recruitment to ensure they remain fully staffed and able to grow. According to Expectations! Recruitment Services, UK employers are set to face a unique set of challenges, which are frequently at odds with expected international trends. While a survey by LinkedIn posed that internationally, quality and speed of hire and employer branding will be top priority for businesses, in the UK, Expectations! own client studies reveal that current market conditions mean some of these options will simply not be available to UK businesses. Born from a period of post-recession buoyancy and the ensuing skills shortage, UK businesses can expect less choice of candidates in 2016, and can expect to pay more to acquire the candidates they most desire.

In fact, while LinkedIn predict that brands internationally will be hungry to employ quickly and will place talent quality above all other measures, UK businesses will regularly be needing to reassess job roles and their ideal candidates, and will often be forced to ‘settle’ for a candidate that meets most, but not all, of the criteria. Victoria Maddock, Director, Expectations! Recruitment Services, said: “Our impartial assessments of a number of UK employment sectors has found that the UK is once again diverging from the international trends, as our very specific and innovative business community creates a unique employment market. The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics demonstrate that employment is at the highest rate since records began in 1971 and this inevitably has a knock-on effect onthe ability to employ. As a result, 2016 will most likely see a rise in the amount of and need for specialist recruitment teams and campaigns, of which employer branding will be a part. “For many big employers, there will inevitably be some overlap with the international trends and they will, of course, remain relevant, however in general UK businesses will also need to consider areas where roles can be restructured within existing teams, or altered to fit the best available candidates.

“While this is perhaps a new way to hire, these predictions aren’t all bad for businesses; successful recruiting is likely to create a leaner, meaner workforce, with improved efficiencies and the opportunity for new roles that support

expansion and diversification, and when it comes to the employees themselves, they will be rewarded with employers whose focus is on being a good employer and providing desirable employer benefits.”

How do you make flexible working work? Choosing the right tools for flexible working

The Device

To do business anywhere, reliable tech tools that are accessible anywhere are a bare essential. Be it attending customer calls or accessing files on the move, it’s vital to choose the right flexible working technologies for your business. Here are three flexible working technologies that make flexible working more efficient.

The Cloud Whether it is a swanky tablet that can do backflips or a simple notebook that purrs, choosing the right device is important to achieve the ultimate flexibility solution. Windows 10 mobile devices range from laptops, notebooks, tablets and phones and come with handy features such as touch, type, write or speak depending on where you are and who you are with.

The Padlock

Hark back to the time you’ve had the best ideas of your professional life. Where were you at the time? Taking a walk? Having a discussion with your friend over a pint of beer? Or, better still – in the shower? The notion that you’re most productive at your job in the office is becoming outdated. Chief Envisioning Officer at Microsoft, Dave Coplin, says: “The basic issue with flexible working is just what is it? One of the challenges I consistently see is that when I say “flexible working”, most people hear

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Cloud computing means storing and using data and programmes over the internet instead of your computer’s hard drive. Sound complicated? It isn’t! “working from home”. And actually, If you checked your email on your flexible working is not necessarily working smartphone this morning, then chances from home. Flexible working is about being are the data was stored in the cloud. able to make a choice, on any given day, Organisations who want to embrace flexible about the most appropriate location working should be embracing the cloud for the work you’re about to do.” and equipping their teams with tools that To make flexible working work there allow them to communicate effectively, are two important question a business access and share files wherever they are owner must ask. Does my organisation (with or without internet connection) and have the right culture to adopt flexible make them more productive than ever. working and do I have the right tools to You can try Office 365 for free to test enable effective flexible working? out these useful features. Let’s start by looking at the tools.

Make it safe to work anywhere and avoid any disasters should you or someone in your business lose their device. It happens! With useful tools like Microsoft’s Enterprise Mobility Suite (EMS) you can have peace of mind that your devices and any sensitive information on them is protected. It is just one easy to manage package which is affordable for any small business and works seamlessly with Office 365.

Area Focus: Coventry

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band announce Ricoh Arena date Gangmasters website protecting vulnerable workers Award-winning web, marketing and communications agency BIT 1O has created a responsive and interactive website designed to protect vulnerable and exploited workers. The company, based in Coventry, was chosen by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA), a non departmental public body that exists to protect vulnerable and exploited workers.

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street band will be returning to the UK this summer to bring their ‘The River Tour’ to stadiums across the country, including a visit to the Ricoh Arena. Starting in Manchester on the 25th May at the Etihad Stadium the tour will then continue to Glasgow’s Hampden Park, Coventry’s Ricoh Arena on June 3 and will culminate at London’s Wembley Stadium on 5th June. David Armstrong, Group Chief Executive Officer of Wasps, said bringing world-class performers such as Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band to the region was a major part of the plans for the future of the venue. He said: “Since we acquired the Ricoh Arena, we have been working hard behindthe-scenes to bring high-profile concerts to the Midlands and Bruce Springsteen is one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time. “The fact Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are returning to the Ricoh Arena underlines how much they enjoyed themselves in Coventry. “This is really exciting news and we are expecting another special night when we

New initiative is just champion

Gangmasters, ensure that businesses who supply workers including labour providers, gangmasters or agencies and the businesses that need workers such as labour users, farmers, pack houses and factories meet the employment standards that are required by UK law. One of the main challenges of the project was to make the website content more accessible for each user group. Bit 10 ensured that the website was created with the user experience firmly in mind and that it could deliver a better experience for the user. Paul Fearn, Communications and Information Officer GLA, said: “From the very first approach I made, to the delivery of our new site, Bit10 promised a quality service at extremely competitive rates and they delivered on both counts. “The BIT 10 team certainly went the extra mile in creating a website that is responsive to the needs of our users. I certainly feel that the relationship we have is a proper partnership with all members of the team we worked with exhibiting a ‘can-do’ attitude and a genuine desire to help us achieve our goals. The Bit 10 team works quickly, efficiently and to a high standard and I would have no hesitation in recommending their services to any other prospective clients.” Mark McKeever, Commercial Director, BIT 10 Ltd, said: “It’s been fantastic to work with the GLA, a really informative and essential organisation providing vital information to vulnerable and exploited workers.”

welcome visitors to the city from across the UK and the globe to watch Bruce Springsteen and his talented band rock the night away at the Ricoh Arena.” Andy Gibb, Managing Director of the Ricoh Arena, said The River Tour is among a series of big music events coming up at the Ricoh Arena with MTV Crashes Coventry on May 27 and 28 and Rihanna’s Anti World Tour on June 25. He said: “Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will be entertaining new and old fans alike with their string of classic hits spanning from the 1970s to their latest tracks,” he said. “Everyone who was at the Ricoh Arena for their Wrecking Ball world tour three years ago will remember their stunning tribute to their good friend and Sopranos actor James Gandolfini when they played the Born to Run album from start to finish. “No other artist has played for so long at the Ricoh Arena – particularly without a break – which is testament to his massive catalogue of songs.”

The transformation of two of Coventry’s most famous businesses - and the birth of a key new organisation - were spelled out at a meeting of business leaders. The Coventry and Warwickshire Champions, established to develop and promote the area, held its largest ever meeting at the new Lloyds Bank Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre (AMTC) at Ansty Park.

The £36 million training centre, which includes conference facilities, has been designed to help address the skills shortage in manufacturing and technology. The event, attended by more than 150 business people, heard from new Coventry City managing director Chris Anderson , Peter Johansen, executive vice president for LTC's UK operations and Paul Rowlett, managing director of the AMTC. Chris, an accountant and academic, took over the role at the Sky Blues late last year. Peter is overseeing a £250 million investment by Chinese company Geeley, which owns London Taxis. Its new research and manufacturing plant is being built at Ansty and is due to come on stream next year. Coventry and Warwickshire’s presence at MIPIM – the world’s leading commercial property development and investment show – was also outlined and the opportunities it presents for the area were showcased. The Coventry and Warwickshire MIPIM Partnership is made up and funded by companies and organisations, and it allows the area to have a significant presence at the show which is attended by more than 21,000 delegates.

Les Ratcliffe, chair of the Place Board which runs the Champions initiative, said: “These sessions are designed to ensure that the Champions are equipped with the news and information about leading companies, individuals and organisations in our area. “The AMTC is a superb venue, and the work it is undertaking is vital for the future of the economy. Hopefully the presence of so many prominent businesses will help spread the word about its work. “Everyone attended drove in past the new Geely plant and was able to see the scope of the investment which will see 36,000 of the iconic cabs rolling off the production line. “They will be destined for all corners of the globe and provide a worldwide testament to the engineering capabilities of Coventry and Warwickshire. “Chris analysed the recent history of Coventry City highlighting that it has been in decline for several years, but also spelled out the plans to return it to the Championship and hopefully even higher. “Of course, Coventry and Warwickshire, like everywhere else, has challenges but there is a massive amount to celebrate and champion, and that is exactly what these meetings are designed for.”

A milestone year for PAB Coventry A new year always signifies a fresh start, a chance to set new goals and resolutions for the year ahead. For PAB Coventry, a new year also provides an opportunity to reflect on the successes of 2015. Since 1986, PAB has grown and adapted to meet the changing needs of UK manufacturing and last year PAB was rewarded by generating its highest turnover ever. 2015 also saw the achievement of another milestone as PAB became recognised as the UK’s leading producer of HFQ with production starting on Lotus car parts.

PAB’s growth is not only reflected financially; the business has also expanded into new premises after purchasing the building next door to its workshop in Coventry. The new building houses the Tooling Division, a section dedicated to the design and production of bespoke tooling, and born from the growing demand from clients for bespoke tooling solutions. PAB is committed on a path of growth and innovation and along with the new building has invested in cutting edge equipment, which included the purchase of a new Prima 5-axis Laser, ensuring

that its workshop remains one of the most up to date in the Midlands. PAB’s success has been helped by the support and recognition PAB receives from industry peers. Lloyds Bank has been particularly supportive, helping PAB to secure the investment needed to grow and develop. Mark Brazier, Managing Director, said: “I am looking forward to building on the successes from 2015 and with new R&D projects already on the horizon I am really excited about our plans for 2016.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Coventry

Bollywood superstar to headline the MELA Coventry at the Ricoh Arena A global singing superstar will headline the new Mela Coventry, a two-day South Asian cultural festival, at the Ricoh Arena in the Midlands in August. Bollywood favourite Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who sells out shows across the world, will headline the Mela Coventry and take centre stage in a concert on Friday, August 12 to open the festival. Rahat has followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, iconic Pakistani musician Fateh Ali Khan, and world-renowned uncle Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, to become a pioneer in Qawwali music, captivating fans across the world. The show with the legendary performer on August 12 will launch the highlyanticipated Mela Coventry which will include Bhangra dance classes, fashion shows, a South Asian lifestyle exhibition, street food and a UK premiere of a latest Bollywood film. The Mela Coventry will culminate on 13 August in an evening of Bhangra music and dancing in association with Touch FM, and will include top Bhangra acts Abrar Ul Haq, Shazia Mansoor, Sukshinder Shinda, Malkit Singh, The Legends Band and Dhol Drummers. The Mela Dance School will host a series of free lessons in Bhangra and Bollywood dancing; and for the latest fashions and trends, you can visit the ‘Mahal’ for a free South Asian lifestyle exhibition featuring around 25 Midlands-based retailers and

Businesses support culture bid

manufacturers and showcasing three Mela fashion shows on a specially constructed catwalk. The tastes and smells of South Asian cuisine will fill the festival as the best of Asian street food is on offer to visitors, with acclaimed local and regional restaurants and chefs serving guests in the ‘Baajaar’ throughout the day on Saturday, August 13. The day-time activities will also feature the UK premiere of a Bollywood film with

650 tickets priced at £10 per person available, starting at 2pm, in a specially created cinema. The Mela Coventry will be a celebration of music, dancing, fashion, film and wonderful cuisine. Tickets for the concerts go on presale on Monday, January 25 and on general sale on Tuesday, January 26. Registration of interest for tickets is available online now at www.ricoharena.com

Excitement grows for event

Thousands of music fans who pre-registered for MTV Crashes Coventry received priority access ahead of tickets going on sale on Tuesday in early February.

More than 6,000 people from across the UK contacted the Ricoh Arena to register their interest and buy tickets for the spectacular live music event over the Bank Holiday weekend on Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28.

First image of Bishop Gate development released The first artist impression of the new £73m Bishop Gate student accommodation development has been released by Coventry University and Barberry Developments. The aim is to transform the former Royal Mail sorting office into highquality accommodation for more than a thousand students. Rob Talliss, director of estates development at Coventry University, said: “We’re very much looking forward to seeing the new building taking shape as we progress this www.cw-chamber.co.uk

development in a part of the city that has not seen a great deal of investment in recent years. “We remain very aware of the concerns of the people of Coventry, but are keen to reassure that the longterm benefit of the city is at the heart of this development. More specifically, we anticipate that by locating our students into this new development we can make significant steps towards reducing the numbers moving into housing in the city.”

The first day of the event will feature some of the hottest acts in live music. The second day will be dedicated to a Club MTV event and bring together some of the best DJ’s around. Andy Gibb, Managing Director of the Ricoh Arena, said the response to the announcement was not surprising. “MTV Crashes is a huge event and we have been inundated with enquiries from all corners of the UK as well as having international interest which underlines its popularity,” he said. “MTV Crashes will be one of the highlights of the year for the Ricoh Arena and the excitement is already building!” Get your tickets now at www.ricoharena.com

Property and construction professionals across Coventry and Warwickshire are putting their weight behind the UK City of Culture bid. Coventry-based Deeley Group, which has property development and construction divisions, hosted the team behind the city’s bid to become City of Culture in 2021. After hearing from steering group chair David Burbidge and bid adviser Andrew Dixon, a gathering of 40 professionals from the sector saw a short, dramatic piece from a group of young people from the Belgrade Theatre. Peter Deeley, of the Deeley Group, said: “The city – and the county – needs to be right behind this bid because it could do so much for the area, culturally, socially and economically. “We were delighted to host the team and to hear more about what the bid might look like and the real benefits the whole region would feel. “The time feels right for Coventry to have the confidence to put its heart and soul into this bid and win the title of UK City of Culture for 2021.”

College receives extra funding to support lifelong learning experiences Learners at Hereward College in Coventry will benefit from additional trips to support their education thanks to a £2,000 grant from the Heart of England Community Foundation’s Torrington Fund. The grant was awarded to the college’s charitable arm, Friends of Hereward, which plays a crucial role in fundraising for additional resources and activities not covered by statutory funds. Hereward is a college for young people with disabilities and additional needs and the extra funding will go towards all-round cultural and learning experiences for the learners in areas they wouldn’t normally be able to access. Rachael Bermingham, Trustee for Friends of Hereward, said: “Hereward’s aim is to ensure the young people that come to college leave with the life skills and independence to realise their potential. “This grant means they can provide appropriate and wheelchair-enabled transport and continue to offer learners the first class opportunities, experiences and activities they need to make their way in the world.”

Area Focus: Coventry

Zenith Hygiene Group named as one of Britain’s most inspiring companies

Council re-emphasises commitment to economy

Zenith Hygiene Group, the UK’s largest independent manufacturer and supplier of cleaning and hygiene chemicals and products, has been named as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ in the third edition of a report put out by the London Stock Exchange. In order to be considered for the list businesses needed to demonstrate not only positive growth in revenues over the last four years, but also “significantly outperform their sector peers.” This is the first time Zenith Hygiene Group has been included in the report. Headquartered in Hertfordshire, Zenith Hygiene employs in excess of 360 people across its head office and sites in Kent, Somerset, Worcestershire, Lancashire, West Yorkshire, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Zenith produces more than 240 cleaning and hygiene products covering ware washing and floor cleaning, to personal care, and has more than 3,200 customers operating more than 17,500 sites across the UK, including the Houses of Parliament. The third edition of ’1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ has received strong cross-party political support, with Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills, Sajid Javid and Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Angela Eagle contributing to the report. Ringo Francis, Chief Executive of Zenith, said: “We are delighted to have our hard work in growing Zenith recognised in such a prestigious report from the London Stock Exchange. Since I founded Zenith two decades ago I have been hugely committed to the development of both the team here, as well as the company as a whole, and to have this development recognised is a huge honour. Last year was a record year for us, with Zenith launching export activities across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and I look forward to the company’s bright future.”

Kevin Maton, David Penn, Chris West, Paul Carvell, David Cockcroft, Blake Timms.

Coventry City Council has underlined its commitment to keep the local economy growing at a meeting with business leaders. Cllr Kevin Maton, cabinet member for business, enterprise and employment, David Cockroft, assistant director for city centre and development services, and Chris West, executive director for resources, met the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Coventry branch. Part of the meeting was an opportunity for

the council to consult local business on its budget for the next financial year which West said would be a ‘consolidation year’ for the City Council. He outlined how the reduction in the grant from central government had changed the way local government across the UK could raise money for services but said there would be little impact on business. Companies also heard how a proposed devolution deal for the West Midlands could

bring additional investment to Coventry in terms of infrastructure, the city centre development and new homes. Cllr Maton said: “Growing the economy is vital for jobs and, in the changing financial landscape, is crucial for the city council to be able to fund services. “We are committed to doing everything we can to ensure that the conditions for growing the economy are set and that does, at times, mean some tough choices. “We believe there are clear benefits from the route we are taking and that the benefits will be felt by the whole of the city.” David Penn, the chair of the Coventry branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said it was a positive meeting. He said: “The Chamber has set its agenda for 2016 as the year that this region must Go For Growth and we are pleased to hear that the City Council is actively pursuing economic growth. “We heard about matters such as HS2 and devolution and while they are controversial it’s important that, as businesses, we can see how we can make the most of them to help Coventry’s economy grow. “There are barriers to growth, however, and it’s important that we continue to work with the City Council – as well as bodies such as the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership – to see where we can find ways of overcoming them.”

Boost for community groups The voluntary and community sector in Coventry is set to benefit from a £1.9 million boost. Heart of England Community Foundation has taken on the running of Jumping Through Hoops, which was established to support young people’s groups in the city. The charity had reached the point where it needed a full-time infrastructure – rather than being run on a voluntary basis – and the trustees decided its future would be best served in the hands of the foundation. That will mean three programmes being launched in the city in the spring of 2016 to support groups and programmes for 18 to 30-year-olds across the city within the community and voluntary sector. Tina Costello, director of the Heart of England Community Foundation, said: “Jumping Through Hoops was established to help disadvantaged people in Coventry, who haven’t had the best start in life.

“It was run on a voluntary basis but came to the point where it need full-time management to maintain the level of support it wanted to offer. “This is a huge amount of money for us to be entrusted with and we are delighted that the Trustees of Jumping Through Hoops recognise our ability to reach out to the voluntary and community sector and develop grant programmes which will have a real impact on the lives of young people in Coventry.” Sherod Williams, Chair of Jumping Through Hoops, said the Heart of England Community Foundation was the ideal organisation to entrust the funds to. He said: “Jumping Through Hoops had reached a stage of maturity where, in common with many charities, it needed a greater resource to support its work than the incumbent trustees were able to provide on a purely voluntary basis.

“As Chair of Trustees, I would like to thank all trustees past and present who have given their time and their expertise in reaching this point. “As a trust board, we came to a unanimous decision that the interests and objectives of our charity would now be best served through the highly-regarded Heart of England Community Foundation. “We will keep in contact with Tina and her colleagues in supporting the hopes and aspirations for the young people of Coventry and Warwickshire.” The Heart of England Community Foundation celebrates its 21st anniversary in 2016. In that time the charity has grown and supports groups and projects right across the region. It receives money from a range of organisations that want to see their donations directly impact and improve communities in their area, with the money distributed to a range of local projects.

Manufacturer expands exporting operation West Midlands manufacturer Safetyflex Barriers has ticked another country off its exporting hit list. Safetyflex Barriers has developed a growing reputation as a world leader in hostile vehicle mitigation crash rated bollards and crash fences, tested to PAS68 and IWA14 British Standards.

Marcus Gerrard, director at Safetyflex, said being approached by an international client to produce the new product is testament to Safetyflex’s growing reputation.

“We are regularly being approached by international organisations which is a huge show of faith in what we are doing and the quality of our work.”

“We are the only company in the world who could provide this specialist product,” he said.

The latest export win follows Safetyflex securing new work in South America and North America.

The firm, which is part of the GME Springs group and is based in Boston Place in Coventry, has been specially commissioned to design and manufacture a new product to protect high-profile infrastructure in Norway.

“Our client commissioned us to design a new type off bollard which could withstand a vehicle terrorist attack, so we developed the tank-stopper using the same spring technology used in our truck-stopper bollards.

The ‘Tank-stopper bollard’ has been manufactured using Safetyflex’s innovative Design technology and is to be used at multiple sites in Norway.

“Safetyflex’s reputation as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of anti-terrorist security products is continuing to grow.

Its patented products protect key infrastructure from vehicle attacks or accidental damage, including stadia, financial centres and utility companies.

Safetyflex Barriers are experts in security consulting on hostile vehicle mitigation, and the manufacturing of crash rated bollards and crash fences, which have been tested to British standards PAS68 and IWA14, for high-security facilities around the world.

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Coventry

Sneak preview of new scheme

David Penn (second from the right, front) with members of the Coventry branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce at Pilot Trade and Business Park

Companies in Coventry have been given a sneak peek of a new industrial/warehouse scheme in the city – but have been warned that commercial development opportunities are drying up. The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Coventry branch met at the Pilot Trade and Business Park, which is being developed close to Coventry Airport. The scheme features 14 trade and industrial units and, it was revealed, planning permission has been given on another

standalone building of 15,000 sq ft close by. Another ‘shed’ of 75,000 sq ft could also be in the offing. David Penn, the Coventry branch chair - and also a commercial property expert said more development of this kind was necessary in order to ensure economic growth. A lack of development land for commercial use has been highlighted in the Chamber’s Go For Growth campaign as a barrier to growing the region’s economy.

Penn said: “There is a shortfall right across the board. Each year, we need to produce around 25 million sq ft of commercial space in the UK and, right now, there is a land supply for 50 million sq ft. “So we have two years’ worth of land that’s chronic if you ask me. “Here in Coventry we have a situation where companies want to grow and move into new properties but there just isn’t enough quality stock. “The Gateway development, close to Coventry Airport, was blocked after being called in before the last general election, but I have no doubt that development will have to happen there in order to meet the demand to allow Coventry and Warwickshire to grow. “As a Chamber, we want to hear from companies who are growing but, also, we want to highlight the plight of businesses who want to expand in the area but are being prevented from doing so because the right property isn’t available to them. This will help us to build a picture as part of our Go For Growth campaign.” He added: “There is very strong demand for the units at the Pilot Trade and Business Park even though they are still being built. “Further development is set to take place in this area but then, when you look around, there isn’t much more new employment land coming forward and we need that if we want to be able to grow our businesses.”

Shoppers gather for new food store

The Co-operative customers braved the cold and queued patiently outside the retailer’s newest store which opened its doors for the first time in Coventry. Eager shoppers gathered ahead of the opening of store, on the site of former pub The Grange, in Alfall Road, in the Wyken area of the city. The site has undergone a £1.8 million transformation as part of the Heart of England Co-operative Society’s plans to upgrade and expand its network of food stores and funeral homes across Coventry, Warwickshire, south Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. During their visit shoppers met with key Society employees and directors, including Chief Executive Ali Kurji and Store Manager Lee Cummings. Peter Fletcher, General Manager of the Society’s Food Division, said: “Our new store was given a fantastic reception by members of the local community yesterday and we were delighted with people’s responses. “Until the closure of The Grange the building had been at the heart of its community for more than 80 years. Since the closure it has stood derelict and was falling into disrepair, so we were delighted to restore the building and reinstate it as a community focal point.” The new development includes 3,000 sq ft of retail space. Last year Society bosses created 20 new jobs in readiness for its opening, with the majority of recruits coming from the local neighbourhood.

Coventry’s universities unite Local charity celebrating their 50th Anniversary with the launch with council to benefit city of corporate membership A local charity helping people with mental health problems is celebrating 50 years in the business. Coventry and Warwickshire Mind (C&W Mind) who are affiliated to Mind: the leading mental health charity in England & Wales, is marking 50 years with various celebrations. They are launching their very own corporate membership to commence in April 2016 and a new logo specifically for this year. C&W Mind was established in 1966 (known back then as Coventry Association for mental health) by a group of volunteers to deliver a service for people with mental health problems. Kay St. Clair the first CEO who joined in 1989 said, “In 1970 the charity opened a day centre in Coventry with 1 employee and a drop in centre in 1983 when 3 employees were recruited. In 2010 the charity became known as C&W Mind after taking over Rugby Mind. We now have 4 sites in Coventry and 1 in Rugby. In addition, we work out of community venues across Warwickshire and are fortunate to employ 140 staff and have 160 volunteers helping us.” Kay said “our aim was to develop services for people with mental health problems. 15 years ago there was a gap in services for 16 – 18 year olds. Having highlighted this, we then raised money to establish services for children and young people.” “We now provide a variety of services f or people with mental health problems: befriending service, courses, improving access to psychological therapies, supported accommodation, although this is not an exhaustive list.”

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“We have had many achievements including bringing hundreds of thousands of pounds to the area through funding bids e.g. 9 successful lottery bids. We have helped thousands of adults and children. For example, in 2014 -2015 alone we helped 13,000 adults and 2250 children and young people.” To mark the 50th anniversary, C&W Mind has launched corporate membership. They would like to recruit 50 members this year to celebrate 50 years. There are 7 good reasons to becoming a corporate member. You will receive many benefits: • support a local independent charity. The money raised is spent locally in Coventry and Warwickshire • receive an annual membership certificate to say you are a corporate member of C&W Mind • receive the annual report • receive newsletters • free 1/4-page advertising space in one newsletter per year • news article on the website / social networking sites • 10% discount on training courses and invitations to events “The normal cost for this would be £100 for the year. However, as we are celebrating 50 years, the cost will be £50 for this year only.” “We are here to ensure no one has to face a mental health problem alone, this underpins what we have done over the last 50 years. So with your support we look forward to the next 50 years."

Coventry’s two universities and the city council are joining forces to significantly enhance how they work and plan together to achieve the best possible future for our city and its communities. Professor John Latham and Professor Stuart Croft – the vice-chancellors of Coventry University and the University of Warwick – met council leader Ann Lucas to discuss ways the organisations can collaborate further for the benefit of the city. Both universities already bring considerable revenue to the city, support a vast array of local businesses, provide significant sporting and cultural facilities, and draw a great many medical, teaching and other professionals to Coventry. The universities’ community engagement activities have also seen a raft of initiatives in the city, spearheaded by successful volunteering programmes which regularly see thousands of students from each institution support local charities and community groups. Ongoing developments in the city by both universities are set to see a combined investment of over £1 billion during the next five years on a range of academic, commercial and accommodation buildings.

Warwick’s and Coventry’s recent successes have put the city firmly on the global map for higher education, with the Times and Sunday Times ‘University of the Year’ and ‘Modern University of the Year’ accolades won by two institutions in the same city for the first time in their history. Professor John Latham said: “It’s a source of great pride for both universities that Coventry is our home and that we’re both so involved with driving positive developments in the city. Alongside these developments – which include our recently-completed Gosford Street public realm improvement scheme – initiatives like volunteering programmes and community-focused research projects are just some of the other ways Coventry and Warwick are contributing to the local area. At Coventry we’re very excited to continue these efforts in close collaboration with our neighbours at the University of Warwick and the city council.” Professor Stuart Croft said: “Coventry City Council, Coventry University and the University of Warwick are three of the biggest employers in Coventry and they also have an enormous impact on the city's economy. The two universities alone bring in significant revenue, and many skilled professionals such as doctors, nurses and teachers to Coventry. We also carry out research and training that significantly benefits companies and organisations both large and small connected with our city.” Councillor Ann Lucas said: “Coventry is lucky to have two world-class universities committed to working with us to deliver further growth and prosperity that everyone in the city will benefit from. “Both the University of Warwick and Coventry University contribute so much already in terms of the economic impact they have here, the positive message they tell about Coventry across the world and the work they do in our communities.”

Area Focus: Mid Warwickshire

Midlands Tech Professional proves she has the IT Factor Emerald wins Team of the Year as turnover reaches £950,000 A Midlands technology company has reached record levels of turnover and won a prestigious regional award, thanks to the hard work and unity of its people. The Emerald Group in Leamington Spa has hit £950,000 turnover in the last year and was recently named Best Team in the Warwickshire Employee of the Year Awards. The company puts its success down to the strength and unity of its 15strong workforce, which has gone through a journey of change over the last 18 months after embarking on a team building initiative with local Organisational Development Specialist Jav Mohammed. The business, which is dedicated to helping SMEs leverage technology as a force for good in their business, has been focused on motivating and inspiring its team over the last year and a half, bringing its people together towards achieving the common goal of business growth. And the results speak for themselves with the company reaching almost a million pounds in turnover and revealing that over 95% of its customers are so satisfied they will refer the business to their own networks. CEO of the Emerald Group, Sarah Windrum, has likened the company's journey to when England won the Rugby World Cup final in 2003. Although it was Johnny Wilkinson who kicked the drop goal that sealed success, it would not have been possible without the team and support behind him. Sarah said: “We recognised 18 months ago that if we really wanted to achieve our growth ambitions, we needed to make sure that everybody in the team was motivated towards the same goal. That’s why we brought in Jav Mohammed to engage and motivate the team and ensure that everyone realises how important their role in the business is. It's easy to hire and develop great individuals but it's far more effective to develop a great team. That's been the key to our success over the last year and a half.” Jav Mohammed, Managing Director of Arhine Solutions, who has partnered with Emerald and played a key role in developing Warwickshire's Team of the Year, said: “A lot of businesses, and particularly SMEs, need to take a more focused approach when developing their staff in order to truly help their people realise their potential and improve overall business performance. It’s been really rewarding watching Emerald transform from a business that has lots of individual talent, into an award winning team that is working together to help grow the business, its reputation and its finances.”

As the number of women working within the technology industry in the UK continues to decline, one Midlands IT professional is bucking the trend, after becoming only the third female in the West Midlands to train for Apple Accredited Engineer status. June Briscoe-Reynolds, of Leamington-based The Emerald Group, may have left school with very few qualifications 15 years ago, but she is just one exam away from a fully competent Apple Certified Technician, working with Emerald to service, maintain, and repair Apple products used by its customers. As only the third female in the West Midlands to train for such a status, June joins a unique group, with just 27% of UK digital workers who are female, according to the latest report from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills. Her accolade comes at a time when the UK has 800,000 unemployed women. June said: “From an early age I had a real interest and aptitude

for all things technical, but when it came to exploring career options I felt intimidated by the prospect of entering into such a male dominated industry and as a result I did not pursue IT at school and beyond. Meeting the team at Emerald changed all preconceptions I had.” Instead June opted for a career in the retail sector, working her way up from a store assistant at a popular high street store, before earning a management role. After leaving to have a child, a chance encounter with Sarah Windrum, Managing Director of Emerald, led June down her chosen career path, working in the technology sector. After approaching Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub to enquire about the support available to small businesses to develop skills, Emerald was able to secure funding from the Skills For Growth programme to enable June to study for her Apple Accreditation. The Emerald Group is a business that has long championed the role of women

in technology. With a female Managing Director and a strong apprenticeship scheme, Emerald looks to fill the gender gap in technology where it can, through finding and nurturing talent. Sarah Windrum said: “Technology companies are struggling to recruit and the industry still suffers from a maledominated image preventing women from thinking it is a career

for them. People like June prove the talent is there but many IT businesses focus their recruitment on those who have technical skills already in place. As I transferred to technology from publishing myself, I am keen to ensure Emerald looks for anyone with the right attitude. Digital skills can be taught: so if the passion and enthusiasm for technology is there, the rest will follow.”

Business success is music to the ears

Two Leamington businesses are hoping to drive future growth by making sweet music together. Totally Rad Music is set to drum up its music offering with support from local accountants and business advisors Harrison Beale & Owen (HB&O). The up-and-coming music studio has launched a new retail arm selling a wide range of musical instruments from its base at Victoria Business Centre in Leamington, and plans to expand by opening an additional studio in Coventry in the New Year. Totally RAD Music was established in 2013 by session musicians Chris Rush, Tom Mayo and Tom Yeoman, and now provides one-to-one tuition to around 200 customers every week. With a team of 10 teachers on its books, the business is highlyregarded as one of the most contemporary music studios in Warwickshire, offering lessons on drums, piano, guitar, vocals, violin, cello, ukulele, music theory, and composition and song-writing. The studio recently won the New Business Award at the prestigious Leamington Business Awards, and was subsequently approached by

award sponsor Harrison Beale &Owen which offered to complete a strategic review of the business and identify future opportunities for growth. Chris Rush, a director at the studio who plays and teaches drums and percussion, said: “We really wanted to create an inspiring environment where both professional and budding musicians can to be creative and develop their skills. “The majority of professional musicians have to teach on the side in order to make a living and we spotted a gap in the Warwickshire market to establish a contemporary music studio. “All of the teachers we hire are working session musicians which means that they are in-tune with modern music and have good connections in the industry. “This has made us more attractive to budding musicians and we currently teach around 200 clients every week. “As growing business we are really pleased to be

working with HB&O. We have recently launched our retail line and have plans to establish an additional studio in Coventry next year so it will be extremely beneficial for us to utilise their support.” Mark Ashfield, director at HB&O which has offices in Coventry and Leamington, said he was impressed with Totally Rad Music’s growth in the Warwickshire music sector. “The company has grown from strength to strength after carving a niche by offering

contemporary music tuition on a wide range of instruments. “The team has ambitious plans to expand its offer by providing a retail arm and opening a new studio and will benefit considerably from the strategic business review which will look at opportunities for future growth. “HB&O has vast experience advising start-ups and SMEs in Leamington and we are very pleased to be able to support Totally RAD Music.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: North Warwickshire

Unity reigns at meeting

Paul Carvell (centre) flanked by Ian Powell and Chris Lawes with members of the Chamber’s north branch committee

Businesses and the borough council were singing from the same hymn sheet at a meeting in Nuneaton. The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s north Warwickshire branch invited Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council (NBBC) along to its latest committee meeting at the offices of accountancy company SFB. Both the Chamber and representatives outlined their desire for the economy across the area to grow and the Borough Council presented an outline of its Borough Plan and Economic Development Strategy.

Ian Powell, director of regeneration and public protection at NBBC, and Chris Lawes, economic development officer at NBBC, spoke to the committee and said that the plan was to create 5,400 new jobs on 52 hectares of new employment land. The pair also highlighted the plans for Nuneaton and Bedworth town centres, including potential development sites in Nuneaton and a move towards an improved café and leisure offer. The meeting came on the back of the recent launch of the Coventry and Warwickshire

Chamber of Commerce’s Go For Growth campaign, which is aiming to highlight business success stories across the region but also to help remove some of the obstacles from economic growth. Paul Carvell, the branch chair and the president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We’ve kicked off the year with a real momentum and purpose to help keep our economy growing through Go For Growth. “I believe this area has a great deal going for it and when you look at some of the names we have in the region – Holland & Barrett, Triton Showers and HORIBA MIRA, to name but a few – it shows that we have a very strong offer for a range of businesses. “We have to build on that and look at ways to help our economy grow in the short, medium and the long term. “We were extremely grateful for the update from Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council and we were very pleased to see the ambitions for growth that the borough has. “Of course, there are lots of different opinions on how to get fresh businesses into our town centres and we welcome the fact that there are plans to address that.” Ian Powell said: “Engagement with our business community is vital and we want its input on how we move the borough forward. “The Chamber is a very important business voice and it was great to be able to hear the views and thoughts of the committee.”

Regeneration under way in town centre street

Zoe Holland, Hardeep Sandhu, baby Jake, Georgina Hurley, Jamie Harley.

A crop of new independent business which have opened in the space of three months are helping to regenerate a town centre street in Nuneaton. Bijou Babies, a baby clothing shop, Cream on the Green, an ice cream parlour, and Zen Of Essence, a hairdressing salon, have all launched in Abbey Green and have given the street a business boost. Each store has received start-up support from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce which has allowed owners to not only develop their respective businesses but also share advice to ensure they’re supporting each other’s growth for the better of the high street. Workshops and one-to-one sessions from the Chamber, as part of a programme funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Warwickshire County Council, have helped Zoe Holland, owner of unisex salon Zen Of Essence, with a host of business management skills including cash flow, marketing and planning. Zoe, formerly a lecturer in hairdressing at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College, said: “After having previously managed a salon before, taking the plunge into opening my own was an exciting experience but I recognised I needed

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refreshing in some areas, which the Chamber made straightforward. “The workshops were a great resource which helped me form a marketing plan, and since then I’ve visited schools, churches and community centres to introduce the business to people and build a client base.” Owners of Cream on the Green, Jamie Harley and Donna Beard, have received support in terms of competitor analysis and advice on how to both attract and retain customers. The guidance helped Jamie to identify ideas which are sustainable for the business long-term. “One-to-one sessions with the Chamber helped us identify which of our concepts will offer the most return on investment and work best with other businesses on the street,” he said. “Subsequently we now host children’s parties and offer tea and toast to the homeless – two unique ideas - which has expanded our level of service and established the parlour as a community hub that customers return to.” And Bijou Babies, which specialises in baby clothing from premature up to two years, received networking advice.

Georgina Hurley, who runs the store along with daughter Sarah, said: “We were inspired to start a business after Sarah’s son Jacob was born seven months ago. “With no previous experience of running a business before, the Chamber has been a valuable resource which helped us identify manageable targets and put us in touch with relevant local groups to help us build a professional reputation.” The Chamber regularly hosts workshops, funded by Warwickshire County Council, to support potential entrepreneurs in turning their dreams into a reality. The next workshops for start-ups will take place at Hatters Space Community Centre in Abbey Green on February 24 and March 29. Hardeep Sandhu, programme manager at the Chamber who advised the three businesses, said: “It’s great to hear of three businesses which are doing well respectively but that also have brought together a street in a lively area of the town to create a thriving business community. “Launching a new business can be daunting but through our support and by working together cohesively we hope the businesses will continue to build their names and prosper.” Cllr Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council and portfolio holder for Economic Development, said: “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving growth, opening new markets and creating jobs. “Workshops like these, which support those in the early stages of starting a business are vital, and we’re delighted to provide assistance. We want to encourage and support as many small firms as possible to start and flourish, and many certainly are. “Confidence is improving and we are seeing more and more small businesses coming forward. However, there are undoubtedly challenges on the path to building a successful new company. “These workshops are designed to provide those thinking about starting a new businesses with the information they need to start their journey on the path to success.” For more information about the free workshops and start-up support, contact the chamber on 024 7665 4321.

Warwick business coach addresses global finance conference

A Warwick-based international speaker and business coach for the financial community addressed more than 8,500 delegates at a global conference in Hong Kong. Bernie De Souza, whose clients list ranges from firms such as Barclays, HSBC, Prudential and Towergate to Manchester United and the England Women’s Cricket Team, was a keynote speaker at The Million Dollar Round Table, an international network of leading insurance and investment financial services professionals and advisors. He said: “These annual MDRT conferences offer one-of-a-kind information, the opportunities to share ideas with people from around the world and the chance to learn new strategies for even greater success. “Delegates hear inspiring speakers, learn insights from some of the best minds in the world and share their best practices and innovations.” Such was the demand for places that more than 1,000 others were put in an overflow room and watched the speeches on a giant screen. While in Hong Kong Mr De Souza was invited to give a masterclass to the Hong Kong Partnership of St James’s Place Wealth Management, teaching key skills such as getting appointments on the phone, advanced closing skills and building solid trust. Back in the UK, he will be running a series of 30 workshops for the London-based Personal Finance Society (PFS) - the professional body for the UK financial planning community with 35,000 members - to help financial advisors win back public confidence. Keith Richards, chief executive officer of PFS, 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. “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.”

Company is awarded Big Lottery funding YourSchoolMind, a Warwickshire-based social enterprise comprising two experienced mental health professionals in child and adolescent mental health, has won funding from the Big Lottery England. They will deliver training sessions on young people’s mental health and wellbeing in North Warwickshire including Nuneaton, Mancetter and Coleshill. The project will focus on being able to differentiate between normal adolescence and mental health problems. Sessions will be offered to parents, teaching staff, health professionals and community groups in each area between February and October 2016 Dr Julia Moss, Child Psychiatrist, said: “Young people at school can often experience emotional problems and poor mental health, which can interfere with their learning and self-confidence – and adversely affect their whole lives. Our Q&A sessions will offer parents much-needed support and advice on early intervention and family relationships.” Janet Kennedy, Consultant Mental Health Nurse, added: “By talking honestly about mental health issues with parents and local health and education professionals, we can help them identify behaviours which may indicate a mental health disorder. Lottery funding for this work in the North Warwickshire area –statistically, a deprived local authority district - is a help to the community and a boost for our young business.”

Area Focus: South Warwickshire

Companies ‘must go for growth’

Hallmark Welcombe Hotel wins prestigious Pride of Stratford Award The Hallmark Welcombe Hotel Spa & Golf Club has won one of the prestigious Touch FM Pride of Stratford Awards which were announced at a glittering awards ceremony on 5 February at the Holiday Inn in Stratford-upon-Avon. The country house hotel scooped the award in the Hospitality Business of the Year category. The Hallmark Welcombe Hotel previously won a Pride of Stratford Award in 2013 and was also a finalist in 2015. In their fifth year, the awards celebrate the best achievements in business and the community across the District. In the presence of the 'who's who' of Stratford-upon-Avon, the prestigious swan awards are given out to the best businesses, individuals and organisations in 14 different categories. Graeme Nesbitt, General Manager at The Hallmark Welcombe Hotel, said: “We are all delighted that the Welcombe has been recognised as Hospitality Business of the Year. We are blessed at the Welcombe with a beautiful property and fantastic grounds as well as being extremely fortunate with our owners who have invested heavily into our product. “But the above is underpinned by our people. Hallmark and The Welcombe firmly believe in investing into their people and we have robust development programmes in place to stretch and develop our team members. We are in a people industry and it’s our people that make the true difference.” Set within a private estate of 157 acres, the 4 star Hallmark Welcombe Hotel Spa & Golf Club is acknowledged as one of the leading luxury country house hotels in the Heart of England, located on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon.

One of Coventry and Warwickshire’s leading business figures has told commercial leaders they have to “Go for Growth” or risk their companies failing. Denys Shortt OBE, who has built his health and beauty distribution and manufacturing company, DCS Group, from a start-up to a turnover of £186 million, was a guest speaker at the South Warwickshire branch

of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. Shortt, who was awarded an OBE in the 2013 New Year’s Honours list, spoke as the Chamber rolled out its Go For Growth campaign across South Warwickshire. The year-long campaign is looking at key areas of business growth but also highlighting and campaigning on issues

which could hamper commercial success for local companies in 2016. Larry Coltman, chair of the branch, said DCS was the perfect venue for the event. “DCS is a company which has grown strongly in Stratford, bringing jobs, income and opportunity and that is what we need across the board,” he said. “At the end of 2015 businesses expressed more confidence about the year ahead than they had done for any time in a decade. But they also knew there were threats in the form of factors such as the future of EU membership, interest rates and international volatility. “Go For Growth will help lobby on those issues and highlight those problems so businesses are aware of them, while at the same time celebrating success.” Businesses heard from Shortt before being given a guided tour of his operation in the town which includes both manufacturing and also distribution for many of the leading health and beauty brands. “We are constantly pushing for growth and if you don’t do that you go backwards – your company will wither and die,” he said. “We are always competing to increase our market share and that means we are on a constant drive to improve customer service and all areas of our operation. That’s what keeps us sharp.”

Accolade for owners of The Globe in Warwick

Oakman Inns, the owners of The Globe in Warwick, has been recognised for its efforts in 2015. With a handful of nominations at the pub industry’s biggest awards event in March, and having been named as the highest ranked Pub Company in “The Sunday Times

100 Best Companies To Work For”, Oakman Inns’ founder and CEO Peter Borg-Neal said: “I am just so proud of my team. They are young, clever, enthusiastic, fun and inspire me all the time. My managers are great leaders, my chefs are skilful and talented, my graduate trainees are aspiring to running great hospitable venues in their own right and every one of my team wants to give their customers the best experience they can.” Alex Ford, Operations Director, said: “To be in the top 50 in ‘The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For’ for the second year running is a credit to every one of our team – they are our business – we are, after all, a people business - and we’re determined to be there again next year.” The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2016 commendation reads: “Encouraging the 487 staff - 60% of whom work full-time -- to nurture their talents and bring craft back to the hospitality industry

has been a focus this year for the Hertfordshire-based chain under its newly introduced ‘Oakmanology’ scheme. The learning platform uses YouTube films, inhouse videos and factsheets to educate staff in a skill, guiding their expertise in the likes of wine, barista knowledge and butchery. This initiative is an example of the personal benefit employees feel they receive from inhouse training (a 75% positive score). Within the same scheme, information is available on work-based issues such as the effects of alcohol, standing for long periods and stress at work. Stress is also minimized by the realistic deadlines set by managers (75%, a top-15 score). The recent introduction of online health audits for managers, an employee assistance programme offering counselling and a confidential helpline have all contributed to Oakman Inns’ 16th place among mid-size Best Companies for Wellbeing (69%).”

Hotel supports charity Throughout 2015 all the team at The Ardencote Manor Hotel at Claverdon, Warwick, worked hard to raise as much awareness as possible for their local charity of choice, Molly Olly’s Wishes. Molly was sadly diagnosed with cancer at a very young age and Molly Olly’s Wishes helps to deliver wishes to children diagnosed with terminal illness. Molly enjoyed ballet lessons at The Ardencote which will always be remembered by her mother Rachel as a special place and a time of happiness. A cheque of £3,000 was exchanged at The Ardencote Business Networking event in January. More than 45 businesses across the region attended the event and as Rachel explained Molly’s story to all the guests there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

The Ardencote Spa created an exclusive spa package, The Molly Olly Spa Day, and nearly 300 spa guests supported this tremendous cause.

A fashion show was held at the hotel in partnership with Revolve of Leamington Spa which helped raise significant awareness for such a great cause.

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Rugby

Love is in the air

Love has been the key for two companies that have been set-up in Rugby with support from a local business organisation.

New Wave Flowers, a floristry business, launched in Victoria Road ahead of Valentine’s Day and has enjoyed a successful start while Fellow Velo, an independent cycling touring holiday company based in Grendon Drive, has been created out of a passion for pedalling and France. Both have received support from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Enterprise Coach, Wendy Brown, and she is urging others who want to start a business to take advantage of the support on offer.

That includes a start-up workshop on Tuesday, March 8, at Rugby Town Hall from 9.30am until 1.15pm, which is free to attend. Wendy said: “It’s important for individuals who are starting a business know that there is support available to them. The support programme we run in conjunction with Rugby Borough Council has been a great success and if anyone is thinking of starting a business they should get in touch. “New Wave Flowers and Fellow Velo are very different businesses but both have got off to a great start and it is very pleasing to see new firms establishing themselves in this way. “Having a great business idea is just the beginning – having a love and passion for what you do, coupled with seeking out the right advice and support, can go a long way in turning an idea into reality.” New Wave Flowers, which offers floral arrangements for weddings and corporate clients, was started when Lynsey Kirby was unexpectedly made redundant from her previous job.

From an events venue into a fully-fledged country house hotel Catthorpe Manor Estate, just outside Rugby has been completely transformed. In 2015 the Edwardian manor house underwent an extensive renovation and, following several set-backs, including the discovery of asbestos, which had to be removed before the project could move forward, the venue re-opened on the 8th February 2016. The manor house at Catthorpe and The Banqueting Suite, a spacious facility situated within the old coach house, have hosted wedding receptions since the mid-1970’s, when there were few establishments offering such a service. In 2011 The Banqueting Suite and Bar were completely renovated and the business diversified to offer civil ceremonies, a programme of special events and a range of conference rooms, ideal for meetings from just half a dozen delegates to 150 plus. In 2014 Head Chef, James Craggs, was appointed who introduced exciting new menus and brought in many excellent local suppliers. With fabulous food on offer, spacious meetings and weddings facilities and light airy

reception rooms, the venue had almost everything. However, accommodation was always lacking. But no longer… Catthorpe Manor Estate now offers 20 beautiful bedrooms and has grown from its roots as, primarily, an events venue into a fully-fledged country house hotel, along with a brand new restaurant open to residents and nonresidents alike. This delightful new eatery overlooks the gardens and countryside beyond and is complimented with a comfortable bar and lounge area. Focusing on serving delicious food from local suppliers and using fresh seasonal ingredients, The Linden Tree Restaurant is open for Sunday Lunch, Afternoon Tea (from Easter) and A La Carte Dining, whilst private dining is also available.

Catthorpe Manor will be hosting several Chamber events later this year and the team will be delighted to welcome members to come along and find out more about what this small friendly hotel has to offer. In the meantime, for accommodation, events, meetings and restaurant enquiries, please visit www.catthorpemanor.co.uk

Clinic celebrates birthday Pure Harmony Clinic in Regent Street, Rugby, has celebrated its’ first birthday.

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The staff were joined by the mayor of Rugby, Councillor Richard Dodd, Mark Pawsey MP and Jon Bass, from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, who had helped make the dream a reality. Glasses were raised by the owners Paulina Worgacz, Dariusz Srednicki and Marek Rabcan and their guests to the future success of the business.

Mark Pawsey, who is Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Minister of State for Small Business, Industry and Enterprise, commented that they had done well to reach this milestone given that many businesses fail in their first year of trading. The owners agreed that the first year had been a challenge but they feel they are very well placed to move the business forward in 2016. The celebrations continued throughout the day with demonstrations of beauty therapy and wellness and fitness procedures. The day finished with a prize draw in aid of the Friends of St Cross.

Instead of pursuing alternative employment, she decided to turn it into an opportunity to start a business. Lynsey said: “It was hard work getting my business up and running in just six weeks but I was determined to launch in time for Valentine’s Day. “I have been grateful for all the help and advice from my Enterprise Coach Wendy Brown from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. There is a wealth of information and support for start-ups.” Fellow Velo’s launch has also had a positive knock-on effect for the local economy as its fleet bicycles, web design, vehicle livery, printing and other marketing materials have all been supplied by Rugby businesses. For more information on start-up support from the Chamber or to attend a workshop call 024 7665 4321 or email startyourbusiness@cw-chamber.co.uk

Business in the Community

Business in the Community have two Business Connectors in both the Rugby and Coventry area. Gillian Cross and Dawn Hall are on secondment from their respective employers for 12 months. The BITC Connector programme increases the positive impact of industry in local communities by harnessing the expertise and energy of business people to tackle local challenges. This model of long term secondments creates deeper and more effective relationships between business and communities. As a free resource, businesses wishing to increase or enhance their corporate social responsibility involvement within the community have the opportunity to discuss suitable connections available to them through their local BITC Connector. The nature of connections can vary in both style and size, although this still benefits both the provider and recipient. For example, recently a local retailer was linked to a homeless shelter. The shelter benefitted from the surplus food supplied by the local retailer who then did not need to incinerate thus reducing their costs. Another example is where redundant office furniture and commercial kitchen appliances were donated to several local charities. On a grander scale the BITC Connectors are also working on some larger projects involving some pro bono support from local businesses. Gillian Cross, Business Connector Rugby, said: “The ways of supporting your local community are endless and it is surprising how small gestures of assistance can make such a great difference to your local area.” If you are interested and would like to find out more, Rugby please contact Gillian.Cross@bitcconnect.org or in Coventry please contact Dawn.Hall@bitcconnect.org

News

Honour for company Success underlines value of outsourcing The success of mother and daughter family business The Absolute Works demonstrates the benefits of outsourcing HR and Health and Safety for any size of business. CEO Joy May, who has held Group HR Director roles, started the company in 2013 in the office of her Kenilworth home with her daughter Amy Martin, who was formally an employment law solicitor, joining her at the end of 2013. Since this time they have been delighted with the growth of their business, supporting both national and international businesses with all their outsourcing requirements. They are still based in Kenilworth but have moved to purpose-built offices with a team of ten experienced and highly motivated HR, Recruitment and Health and Safety professionals. Joy said that as an experienced Coach for Small businesses, she hears time and time again that company owners and directors find that they are spending too much time dealing with HR issues along with HR administration and that it becomes a drain on their essential resources. Research suggests that in small businesses of 50 employees or less, owners can spend in excess of seven hours a week alone sorting out personality conflicts between staff, and unfortunately it doesn’t stop there. As most business owners will know they also need to deal with anything from ensuring that they hire and retain the right people, deal with legal requirements in terms of paperwork and policies, grievance and disciplinary procedures, employee training, development and coaching, through to re-structure and redundancy. Knowing how you are going to deal with HR and what is required is a must for any business and especially small businesses where people work as part of a tight knit team and are in close daily contact. HR needs to be part of the business plan as effective HR management is integral to the success of any business.

Leeson Polyurethanes Ltd has been identified as one of London Stock Exchange’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain. The report is a celebration of the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium sized businesses. To be included in the list, companies needed to show consistent revenue growth over a minimum of three years, significantly outperforming their industry peers. Established in 1986, Leeson Polyurethanes Ltd is the UK’s largest manufacturer of MDI polyurethane one component (moisture curing) and two component structural adhesives. The company also manufactures a wide range of other polyurethane products including polyurethane binders for playgrounds and sports pitches, industrial and decorative coatings, and polyurethane reactive (PUR) hotmelts for panel lamination. Leeson Polyurethanes Managing Director Joel Leeson said: “We are delighted to be included in the 1000 companies to Inspire Britain, it is a recognition of the hard work and dedication of all the staff

and their contribution to the continued growth of the company.” Xavier Rolet, Chief Executive, London Stock Exchange Group said: “High growth SMEs are the driving force behind the UK economy, developing the skills, jobs and growth we need. But ambition alone is not enough; their success must be highlighted and their growth properly supported with appropriate finance. That’s why today’s event is so important: demonstrating the strong alliance between UK Government, financial market participants, investors, entrepreneurs and companies to support these inspiring businesses.” Writing in the publication, The Rt. Hon. George Osborne MP said: “UK high-growth businesses are leading the charge in rebuilding our economy. These companies are the backbone of the British economy. They create high-quality, well paid jobs, innovate and drive economic growth. This government fully understands the need to support ambitious entrepreneurs and ensure they can access the finance they need to grow.”

Masterclass aids Chamber members with Cyber Security worries With the increasing amount of cybercrime dominating news headlines, local IT company ACUTEC provided a Masterclass to Chamber members on 23rd February to ensure that they are fully aware of the dangers that are out there. The company has pledged itself to educate local businesses about the issues they may be facing and to help them overcome them. Companies like Talk Talk, V-Tech and Hyatt Hotels have all suffered from cybercrime recently but it is important to acknowledge that it is not just household names that can be affected. According to a UK Government report, 60% of small businesses in 2014 experienced a cyber breach and the average cost of the worst of these breaches was between £65,000 and £115,000. Chris Roche, the Managing Director at ACUTEC, said: “There’s no getting away from cybercrime at the moment, it’s everywhere. Spear phishing is getting more and more sophisticated and that’s how people are being affected. Emails with malicious links are becoming an increasing problem. There are, of course, measures to put in place but end user education is essential and that’s why we wanted to provide our Masterclass.” The Masterclass covered a range of topics regarding cyber security such as phishing and ransomware. The event featured Brandon Madeley from Dell discussing the technical aspects of the issue as well as Detective Sergeant Gary Sirrell, the Cyber

Crime Protect and Prevent Officer from the Regional Organised Crime Unit. According to a Survey for Get Safe Online Week that was conducted last year, 57% feel that it is easier to become a victim of cybercrime. It is essential that small businesses make sure that they are taking the necessary steps to avoid their security being breached. It is not always just money that is at risk with this kind of crime but also businesses’ data, equipment and, critically, their reputation. For businesses, it is also important to remember that it is not always a stranger that could be targeting you. According to the Get Safe Online report, 21% of cybercrime victims feel that they have been specifically

targeted for criminal activity. There have been scenarios in the past where rival companies have used the information that is freely available on websites and social media to send targeted phishing attacks. These attacks have then installed malware on the other company’s systems to extract vital information about them. Detective Sergeant Gary Sirrell said: “Cybercrime is everywhere and is a hot topic at the moment. Police and law enforcement are treating the matter as a Tier 1 threat the same as terrorism. Massive amounts of resources are being pushed towards it but we recognise that we can’t solve the problem on our own. We need to work in partnership with businesses, academia and the public.”

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Business Direct is sponsored by Micro Plastics, Inc

Micro Plastics International Ltd

Our Parent Company Micro Plastics, Inc., manufacturer of industrial-quality plastic components, announces a new product, DualZip Cable Tie. The DualZip cable tie not only incorporates the best and easiest to use releasable lock on the market, but also combines the dual functionality of both a releasable and permanent tie in one part. The permanent lock is the timeproven conventional lock, which is so strong that under normal circumstances, the part will fail with the strap breaking, not slippage within the lock.

The releasable lock has been engineered so that the lock can be ratcheted and released many times and will continue to reliably lock. The releasable lock is wedgeshaped so that you can release it with your thumb even without using a fingernail. The other outstanding difference in this design is that it is opposite of a conventional cable tie. The teeth are on the outside of the bundle diameter. In addition to the smooth strap surface being on the inside of the bundle, this reversal puts the releasable action of the lock outside of the bundle diameter, for much easier access to release.

With other releasable designs, you really need access behind the cable tie head (inside the bundle diameter) to get your finger in a position where you can easily release the tie. That is difficult or can be impossible when the part is fastened onto a bundle. This new design puts the release tab up and away from the bundle, for easy access every time. Although this part is a natural for consumers at the retail level, there are many industrial applications for it as well. The DualZip Cable Tie is currently available in 8â&#x20AC;? length.

The DualZip cable tie not only incorporates the best and easiest to use releasable lock on the market, but also combines the dual functionality of both a releasable and permanent tie in one part.

The permanent lock is the time-proven conventional lock, which is so strong that under normal circumstances, the part will fail with the strap breaking, not slippage within the lock.

For further information please call Tel. 024 76 614 320 www.microplastics.co.uk www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Business Direct: Business Services

Entrepreneurs' Relief to end soon You may wish to consider a sooner-rather-than-later approach to winding up with the threat that Entrepreneurs' Relief is to end soon for many shareholders in Members’ Voluntary Liquidations ("MVL"). who would ordinarily qualify for Entrepreneurs' Relief can gain this relief obtaining an attractive rate of tax at only 10%.

A MVL is almost always a tax driven process to extract funds from a company in a tax efficient manner. At the time of writing (February 2016), the Draft Finance Bill 2016 is in consultation and is likely to propose much tougher restrictions, in the form of anti-avoidance regulations, upon shareholders seeking to extract funds via a MVL. Currently, any shareholder

The Draft Finance Bill 2016 proposes restrictions to prevent qualification for the Relief in the following circumstances: • where a shareholder is a member of a close company (note that most SME's are close companies) • where a shareholder becomes involved in a similar trade or industry within two years from the date the company was wound up (e.g. phoenixes)

• one of the main aims of the winding up was to pay less tax (as is the case in almost all MVLs) At the time of writing, it is expected that the legislation will be enacted on 1 April 2016. To enable you to benefit before this date we can distribute cash at bank or assets (debtors, property, vehicles, stock, directors’ loans - often in specie and without selling them) as per the directors'/shareholders' requirements. We would be happy to plan out any proposed distributions and timings as required. Finally, to ensure that you benefit from legal and qualifying tax efficient

distributions please speak with me, John Rimmer, or any of the other members of the BRI management team without delay. Tel 024 76226839 or Email jrimmer@briuk.co.uk.

John Rimmer is an accountant and licensed insolvency practitioner with BRI Business Recovery and Insolvency. Please contact John or any of the BRI management team on 02476 226839 or jrimmer@briuk.co.uk and visit us at www.briuk.co.uk to find out more.

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Business Direct: Business Services

Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Who do you think of as a great leader? What qualities do they show? Many will be trusted by their staff and have engaged employees. They listen and are easy to talk to. They don’t lose their temper and always to seem to be in control. These people have high emotional intelligence, which has been identified as being more important than IQ in terms of leadership. Emotional intelligence has five elements. Self-awareness Being able to recognise our own emotions and those of others, being aware how we affect the people around us. It is about recognising our own weaknesses as well as our strengths. Self-regulation Once we are aware of our own emotions we can control our responses to others. Leaders with good self-regulation don’t verbally attack others. They reflect before making decisions rather than

responding emotionally. They don’t blame others when things go wrong and have clear values. Motivation They focus on their goals and have very high standards. They are motivated to lead and generally have an optimistic outlook, even when the going gets tough. Empathy The ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. This is essential for help employees to develop. It requires active listening, giving constructive feedback and dealing with people who are acting unfairly.

Social skills Great communication is key to great leadership. Leaders with good social skills are good at managing change, leading from the front and getting the team motivated about new challenges. So how good is your emotional intelligence? Are you trusted and respected by your team? Can you control your emotions in challenging situations? If not, coaching can support the development of all these skills to improve your leadership.

Carolyn Reily is an experienced coach who works with business leaders to identify a clear strategy, develop their leadership skills, and support business growth and development. She has worked with businesses for the past 25 years and as a Member of both the Institute of Consulting and the Association for Coaching she has a broad range of skills to support businesses. Please contact Carolyn to discuss how she can help both you and your business to grow. e-mail: carolyn.f.reily@gmail.com Tel: 02476 306 943

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Business Direct: Business Services

An open letter to the business community of Coventry and Warwickshire from the Very Reverend John Witcombe, Dean of Coventry

Coventry Cathedral is known throughout the world for being ruined and rebuilt, and for promoting reconciliation not revenge. Coventry has become a city of peace and reconciliation, with its Cathedral physically and spiritually at its heart. The events of November 1940 and the inspiring story of their aftermath continue to bring people to Coventry from around the globe year after year. All this, and the defining impact on our City’s reputation and economy, are of course well known to us who live and work in Coventry.

Our Cathedral is a place where people gather to worship God, to rejoice, to mourn (we recently held the celebration of the life of the late and loved Jimmy Hill), to find solace and meaning for their lives. Others just come to see, to explore, and most leave in awe and wonder.

organisations in 30 countries promoting our message of reconciliation in their local contexts. Over 700 people across the world have become members of the 'Friends of Coventry Cathedral' as a means of keeping in touch with us. But we need to do more.

It costs about £30,000 a week to run our Cathedral and the ruins - and on top of this we need to keep our buildings in good repair. Our 'new' Cathedral is in many ways beginning to show its age. Our visitors, through entrance charges and their donations, contribute generously to our work. But for many years now we have had to call on our limited reserves to make our books balance, and our ability to continue this is running out. Unlike in many other European countries, we receive no regular funding from the state.

We would love to develop more partnerships with businesses in our City. We also welcome staff from business organisations who volunteer their time and expertise as part of their career development.

Our ability to maintain our presence effectively depends on partnerships with many people and organisations. We have a regular cathedral community of some 300 people who generously give their time and money to support our work. Through the Community of the Cross of Nails, we have links with 200

May I ask you to think about what Coventry Cathedral and its presence means to our city and its business life, and consider supporting the Cathedral in some way? If you would like to discuss supporting us, please contact me at dean@coventrycathedral.org.uk or at the Cathedral on 024 7652 1200. It would be great to hear from you. Yours sincerely The Very Reverend John Witcombe Dean of Coventry

P.S. - you may also wish to consider purchasing a special limited edition print of the iconic John Piper paintings of the ruined Cathedral, which we have recently produced with Goldmark Gallery. Piper was working as a war artist and arrived in Coventry on 15th November 1940 – with the fires still burning – and began the two paintings. They would suit any (and all) office walls in Coventry!

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News

Nettitude gains approved threat intelligence provider status

Celebrations mark Women’s Day

Nettitude, the international leader in the delivery of cyber security testing, risk management, compliance and incident response services, has achieved CBEST Approved Threat Intelligence Provider status. This latest accreditation follows Nettitude’s existing certification as a CBEST Approved Penetration Testing Provider to the UK financial services sector, which it was awarded in November 2014. Developed by the Bank of England and supported by CREST, CBEST is an intelligence-led testing framework, which is designed to improve and test resilience to cyber-attacks across the financial services industry. CBEST accredited companies undergo rigorous organisational and personnel assessments. The standards of an approved organisation’s security professionals need to demonstrate extremely high levels of technical capability, experience and communication skills. In order to achieve CBEST Threat Intelligence Provider status, Nettitude has built a sophisticated platform for delivering both geo-political and technical threat intelligence to clients. Nettitude focuses on looking at attacker tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs), so as to deliver Cyber Threat Intelligence that is highly actionable by both Security Operations Centres, Red Teams, and wider Incident Responders. “We were extremely proud to be one of the first UK companies to achieve CBEST Approved Penetration Testing status in 2014 and are delighted to once again, be one of only a handful of firms to be approved to provide CBEST Threat intelligence services in 2016.” said Rowland Johnson, CEO of Nettitude.

(Left to right): Gathered to mark International Women’s Day are female leaders from Stoneleigh Park businesses Elizabeth Williams (The Stoneleigh Partnership), Tracy-Jane Delaney (Millington & Hope), Pip Kirkby (Pony Club UK), Susan Butler (iVentiv), Jane King (AHDB), Helena Pettit (Grandstand Group), Nicola Reece (Farmers Fayre), Penny Shaw (Wren Nursery), Claire Maclachlan (Wallis Lynch), Liz Burkinshaw (Rural Innovation Centre)

A leading Midlands science park had good reason to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8. The number of businesses on the site run by women is nearly twice the national average. Recent figures show that women account for 17 per cent of business owners in the UK. At Stoneleigh Park, in Warwickshire, nearly a third of businesses are owned or managed. The park between Coventry and Leamington has a long history as a centre of

excellence for the agriculture industry and many of the site’s tenants are from the agriscience sector. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, a statutory levy board funded by farmers, growers and others in the supply chain, is the largest employer on the site. Its chief executive Jane King said there has been a real shift in the gender balance in the farming industry which is reflected in its leadership.

“We’re seeing more and more women coming into the agricultural and rural industries. For example Cirencester University has had an increase of more than 40 per cent in female students starting its agricultural courses,” she said. “That’s a sign that this is an industry capturing the imaginations of women from all walks of life not just people from agricultural backgrounds. “It’s also important that they’re from backgrounds other than agriculture and horticulture, because the sort of challenges the industry is facing are so enormous and that we do need a lot more diversity to be able to exploit the opportunities. “Women are making a huge difference in this industry – they’re often risk-takers, good communicators, team players and they like leading, decision making and change.” She added that it was also important that Stoneleigh Park, which has a café, nursery and gym, was an attractive place to work. “I previously worked in a high-rise block of offices in South London and crikey this is a much more pleasant place to work!” she said. “Looking out on green space, having good access routes and the exciting plans LaSalle Investment Management has for the site all make this a dynamic place to work.” Colin Hooper, estates director at Stoneleigh Park, said: “International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women and I hope highlighting the number of women in leadership roles on the park will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

Corus hotels welcome new cluster sales manager for the Midlands Corus Hotels has reinforced its team with an exciting new appointment. The recruitment of a Midlands Cluster Sales Manager underlines the commitment to future growth through dedicated account management for both the Chace Hotel, Coventry and The Regency Hotel, Solihull. Cahla Fields stated she was delighted to accept this exciting new role. Cahla is from the local area, and brings with her years of experience within all areas of the business, along with experience of Coventry and Solihull as destinations, and surrounding areas. Bradley Shough, General Manager commented, “this appointment reflects our continued focus and commitment to all our clients, ensuring they receive the best possible rates, service and level of support that meets their requirements, and exceeds their expectations.” The Chace Hotel, Coventry is a fascinating and charming venue with individual character. Its impressive Victorian architecture, lovely landscaped gardens, and ideal location make it the perfect place to stay or to hold your weddings, meetings, or events. Offering 66 bedrooms, 5 well equipped meeting rooms, onsite car parking and free Wi-Fi.

The Regency, Solihull boasts 111 rooms, along with 7 recently refurbished, wellpresented meeting rooms, onsite leisure facilities, Car Valeting, onsite car parking and free Wi-Fi. The public areas have recently been refurbished, and a stylish coffee lounge that’s perfect for catching up

with business associates or friends. Also in a great location, it really is an ideal venue choice for all requirements. For further details or to arrange an appointment you can email Cahla at cfields@corushotels.com

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Education and Development

Get the Aston Edge At Aston we’re different. As well as teaching the fundamentals of business, the Aston MBA includes a specialist personal and professional development programme based on the latest thinking in behavioural science. The programme, known as the “Aston Edge”, consists of a mix of workshops, team challenges, reflective learning, networking, speaker events and other activities to develop your skills portfolio and become a better performer. This approach is based on the work of the Aston Behavioural Science Laboratory, a unique initiative among European business schools. The laboratory is led by Professor Richard Crisp, an international authority on social psychology and winner of the British Psychological Society Presidents’ Award for Distinguished Contributions to Psychological Knowledge 2014. Professor Crisp is Associate Dean for Research and Enterprise at Aston Business School. He specialises in the psychology of social influence and behaviour change, and his current projects include developing science-based solutions to business problems. His research has provided groundbreaking insights into how society shapes our behaviour, beliefs, attitudes, and values. He said: “In 2015 we set up the Aston Behavioural Science Laboratory to leverage insights from behavioural science faster than has traditionally been achieved. By shortening the distance between basic science and application, we can help foster better leadership practice, inspire confidence and improve performance. “Our cognitive training techniques free the mind to innovate, to see new possibilities, to adapt and grow. They weaken the psychological power of stereotypes, mitigating the impact they have on confidence, self-efficacy and the ability to achieve success. They help people appreciate their dazzling mixture of possible selves, and see this same potential in others.”

There is a choice of study routes to suit your individual circumstances: • Full-time MBA – immersive learning for dedicated professionals • Executive Part-time MBA – a flexible programme that enables you to combine study with a full-time career • Online MBA – maximum flexibility enabling you to study at one of the world’s leading business schools from any location. Join us at our exclusive MBA open evening on Wednesday 4 May to find out which route is right for you. The evening’s programme includes a short talk by influential business expert David Bailey, Professor of Industry at Aston Business School. David is an author, regular media commentator and newspaper columnist who provides articles and commentary on key economic and regional policy issues.

There will also be a drinks and canape reception and the opportunity to network with members of the MBA team, alumni and other professionals considering the Aston MBA.

Book your place at www.mba.com/openeve. Or contact our dedicated recruitment manager by emailing mba@aston.ac.uk or calling 0121 204 3100.

“The brain is a muscle - you can train it, to help you perform better in the future.” Professor Richard Crisp, Aston Business School

Professor Richard Crisp

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News

Initiative will help young people Seventy years of delivering quality printing

Throughout 2016 Warwick Printing Company are celebrating seventy years of continuous operation as a print company in Warwickshire..

From humble beginnings just after World War Two, when they printed in small premises behind a bookshop in the centre of Warwick, to the current facilities in Sydenham, Leamington Spa, the company’s underlying principle has always been to ensure financial strength and stability with the continuous reinvestment of profit. The Company was founded by Moric Schwarz, a Czechoslovakian Jew who escaped to England during World War Two. Using the experience he had in the printing industry, he set up Warwick Printing just after the war. The bulk of the early work was for the Midlands motor vehicle industry and included promotional literature and manuals. As the company expanded, more space was needed and so new premises were built on Theatre Street in Warwick. In 1974 John Young joined the firm as General Manager with the main objective of developing new business opportunities – the focus being magazines, journals and short run books - which has remained a core part of the work produced by Warwick Printing. Following a management buyout, John became the owner of Warwick Printing and has continued to this day as the company’s Managing Director. John said: “I have witnessed many changes to the industry over the years such as the replacement of the hot metal typesetting machines with phototypesetting, which significantly sped up the process. Another step change in the process was the introduction of desktop publishing which then required us comprehensively retrain our existing team with very new skills.” “Whenever these technological advancements have taken place, we have invested in the necessary equipment and training to ensure we have continued to deliver the best quality product to our clients. “Over the years there have been some very difficult times for the print industry but we have worked very hard at developing and maintaining our relationships with customers, some of which we have served for more than 30 years.”

Local businesses are being called on to support the launch of a major new initiative to help young people in Coventry and Warwickshire. The HITZ programme is being delivered nationally by Premiership Rugby and aims to get youngsters back into education, vocational training and apprenticeships by building their skills.

HITZ has proved highly successful at the clubs which have run the initiative and Wasps, who moved to the Ricoh Arena, are now launching it in Coventry. World Cup winner Lewis Moody and Wasps winger Christian Wade joined 60 businesses to launch HITZ at the Ricoh Arena. Anthony O’Reilly, Wasps HITZ Officer, said the local business community could help the

initiative and their companies by signing up to the scheme which offers the chance of work placements, employment with training and apprenticeships. He said: “HITZ uses the core values of discipline, respect, teamwork, enjoyment and sportsmanship. to engage young people aged 16 to 19 and help them reach their potential. “The scheme provides practical training alongside employability sessions on skills including CV writing, interview techniques, presentation skills and time keeping alongside tuition in maths, English, sports and leisure. “The young people have great potential but not always, for a variety of reasons, the skills to help them realise it. HITZ uses a combination of training and the core values of the sport to help enable them to play an active role in society for everyone’s benefit. “It is achieving some great results around the country and we are confident that it will do the

same here in Coventry. “Wasps have made a big impact in the area since their arrival a year ago and have great links with businesses in this area who we hope will play a part. “That might range from just coming to one of our sessions to talk about the life skills needed to work inside their organisation or to help with interview techniques. “The ultimate aim is that HITZ will provide potential members of their workforce to help their companies move forward.” HITZ, which is supported by Barclays, Comic Relief, Land Rover and Wooden Spoon, is based at the AT7 centre in Bell Green run by Coventry Sports Foundation, which also runs the Engage! rugby initiative that works with younger children across the city. Anyone interested in learning more about HITZ or wishing to take part should contact anthony.oreilly@wasps.co.uk or log on to www.hitzrugby.com

Steve leads the way to park

An international leadership consultant is ready to develop the next generation of business leaders after moving to a new base in Warwickshire. Steve Adlard who runs Motive Consulting has moved into the Rural Innovation Centre at Stoneleigh Park. The business was started seven years ago and draws on Steve’s 18 years’ experience in corporate learning and development roles across all sectors internationally.

Steve, who lives in Coventry, said: “Motive Consulting is about helping organisations lead people better, manage people better and just work with people better. “One of the things I’m lucky to do is work in a variety of sectors – manufacturing, the NHS, pharmaceuticals and banking – and that’s because before I started this business I worked in a number of different employed training positions. “I picked up lots of experience and the common thread has been developing leaders and management. When I go into an organisation, regardless of the sector, I appreciate they will all be different, they’ve all got brilliantly diverse cultures and therefore they need to manage their people differently. “What I do is identify the culture of the organisation, the way it works now and the way it wants to work and can give them something that fits.” Steve, who has just written a book about leadership – ‘How the River Flows: Discovering

Intuitive Leadership’ – said an effective leadership style can be developed but passion and conviction are the key building blocks. The Rural Innovation Centre is part of the Warwickshire Rural Growth Network, funded by DEFRA and led by Warwickshire County Council on behalf of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership. The building was refurbished by LaSalle Investment Management as part of its ongoing transformation of Stoneleigh Park and an additional 19 serviced offices will open in June. Liz Burkinshaw, manager of the Rural Innovation Centre, said: “This centre was established to enable small and new businesses to grow and flourish by providing professional serviced offices in a supportive and flexible environment. “Motive Consulting has quickly made itself part of the business community on the park and we look forward to supporting Steve to grow his business.”

CWRT launches Enterprise Fund for loans over £25,000

Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust (CWRT) has launched an Enterprise Loan Fund targeting Coventry and Warwickshire’s established businesses that require finance for working capital, refurbishment, property development, machinery or equipment. CWRT’s Enterprise Fund is available for existing business and lends between £25,000 and £75,000. Tim Powell, Chairman of the Access to Finance business group at Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “CWRT is an alternative source of funding for growing enterprises unable to attract the funds they require from more traditional lenders. “Special Bolt is a prime example of how CWRT was able to step in with an uncomplicated approach to fill the funding

gap the company faced and has stayed with them as they have grown. “Coventry & Warwickshire LEP has recognised the importance of encouraging and facilitating the growth of our businesses particularly in the priority areas of advanced manufacturing, low carbon and digital sectors who have potential to significantly increase employment in the region and CWRT is playing a major part in achieving that objective with their funding solutions.” A recipient of the new fund is Coventry’s Special Bolt Ltd, a family run UK bolt manufacturer that produces components in various materials. When seeking £50,000 to grow its business, Special Bolt was unable to obtain finance through its business bank. Tim Bayliss, Managing Director at the company commented that ”the whole process was extremely complex.”

Tim explained how the experience with CWRT has helped Special Bolt to flourish: “We have received four loans from CWRT which we have used for growth capital and investment in machinery. Critically, the loans have helped us to move away from an invoice factoring company, and this has led to a cost saving that is 1.5 times larger than the money we borrowed originally.” The loan has also helped Special Bolt to create jobs, expanding from 22 to 29 people. Mike Musson, Chief Executive of CWRT, concludes: “We are geared towards growing the local economy and provide a reliable and flexible source of alternative finance. It’s rewarding to see how Special Bolt has grown using four of our loans.” To find out more about the loan fund, please visit http://cwrt.uk.com

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Devolution sparks a lively debate

Coventry and Warwickshire businesses have been told that their interests will be at the "centre of the action" as a combined authority moves towards reality. About 80 businesses from across the area were brought up to speed on the devolution powers offered by the creation of a West Midlands Combined Authority and were able to voice issues and concerns to key players during a business engagement session at the Ricoh Arena. The meeting – organised by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Coventry City Council, the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses – was part

of a wider engagement process which will help inform decision-makers as the authority comes to fruition this summer. Jonathan Browning, chairman of the CWLEP, said it was vital that businesses understood what devolution would mean for Coventry and Warwickshire both in terms of investment which could be attracted as well as how its governance could impact on commerce. He said: "The whole emphasis of a devolution deal is to attract more investment into the wider West Midlands so that the whole area can benefit and fulfil its potential and, obviously, business plays a central role in that.

"We have some fabulous economic assets in the shape of some of our leading companies, our people, our two universities, our cultural attractions and our location, yet our economic performance is only average. We need that to change and the devolution deal will play an important part in making that happen. "It is the largest devolution deal done to date and will bring £36.5 million of funding per year for the next 30 years. It will unlock an £8 billion investment plan. There will be £500 million of investment for Coventry City Council in key developments and schemes, as well as major advancements in areas such as skills and transport which are cross regional. "But there are factors which are, for business, unknowns at present. Warwickshire, for example, has elected not to join the combined authority and that is clearly a concern for business as the county and the city is a strong economic unit, and many of our institutions span the whole area. Also, an elected mayor, who will only cover the seven cities area, can propose to raise business rates, but only if the three LEPs across the relevant area agree, and that provision is crucial for business." Browning was joined on the panel by Coventry City Council leader and LEP board member Cllr Ann Lucas, Cllr Dennis Harvey (leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council), Sean Farnell (Chamber and FSB representative on the LEP board) and LEP chief executive Martin Yardley. Browning added: "It was a good, lively session and allowed businesses not only to be kept up to speed, but also to put their views personally to people who will be directly involved in the on-going process.”

Record year for hotel A 12th century Warwickshire hotel has experienced a record year of growth after hosting more than 1,500 events – the most in its 21 year history. More than 65,000 guests have visited Brinklow-based Coombe Abbey for a host of public, private, business and leisure events such as medieval banquets, weddings, conferences and Christmas parties. Afternoon teas recorded the biggest growth across all events held at the former Cistercian Abbey, rising by 36 per cent after serving hours were extended and the menu developed to include both savoury and vegan options. However, weddings continue to be the most popular functions at the venue, with nearly 200 staged in the last year catering for over 15,000 guests – a nine per cent increase on the previous year. The hotel has also built its presence and reputation in the business events market, increasing delegate numbers by 13 per cent

and hosting more than 250 conferences in its meeting and conference halls. The most popular year in Coombe Abbey’s 21 year history as a hotel has also created 40 new jobs, taking the total number of staff to more than 280 to meet the extra demand. Plans have also been submitted to extend its popular wedding facilities. The hotel hopes to launch an external wedding venue in the parkland later in the year, which will have a stone structure and overlook the picturesque lake and gardens. Ron Terry, general manager of Coombe Abbey, said: “As business demand has grown we have also received more recognition on a regional and national scale, as well as within the industry. “This is reflected by the string of awards we have won or been shortlisted for, such as the Coventry and Warwickshire Tourism and Culture Awards where we took home the Best Hotel title.

“Meetings and events trade body, M&IT, has also shortlisted us for three titles including Best UK Unusual Venue, and at the beginning of the year we also received news that we had received Gold Standard Accreditation by leading market research consultancy BDRC Continental.”

To Seal or not to Seal that is the question? To be fair, all of CeraCon Ltd customers want to seal there components. The question is; at what point did they consider they needed to seal, or improve the seal on the parts they make? Fortunately CeraCon’s 6 axis robot foam sealing system, is generally the answer to the question – no matter what phase the part life is at. CeraCon have been manufacturing 1K Foam Application Systems for a wide range

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of industry for over 15 years. Although CeraCon's "Foam system" technology is relevant to all industry types, from white goods to electronics; its most significant impact has been within the European Automotive industry. Their unique 3D foam application system represents the highest performance technology on the market. CeraCon's New Leamington Spa based facility has not only been created to support the UK customer base for foam system

sales, it also specializes in offering a Contract Gasket Service to apply foam seals directly to customer parts. From one-off prototype / design validation parts to high volume production runs. There rapidly growing business represents a unique resource for OE part manufacturers to adopt the latest foam seal technology without the associated capital investment. For further information visit www.ceracon.com

Warwickshire firms take regional lead Warwickshire’s largest businesses contribute more to the West Midlands economy than any other county, according to a new report from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP. The BDO West Midlands Report 2016 found that just over a quarter of the region’s largest 200 companies are based in Coventry and Warwickshire. Combined, these 52 companies generate £62bn in revenues; a £4.8bn increase from last year. This accounts for almost half of the top 200’s £130.5bn total. Birmingham is home to 48 large firms and is the second biggest contributor in the West Midlands Region with revenues of £21.4bn – significantly less than Warwickshire which benefits from Jaguar Land Rover’s Coventry base. The good news continues for the local economy and jobs market, with firms in Coventry and Warwickshire continuing their post-recession revival. According to the BDO analysis, top companies’ revenues in the local area have increased by over 8% and more than 18,000 jobs have been created during the reporting period, resulting in over 155,000 people being employed by Warwickshire’s largest companies. The BDO West Midlands Report 2016 compiles the latest published accounts from the West Midlands’ largest 200 companies based on revenues, and serves to create a barometer of economic health for the region. Roger Buckley, partner at BDO LLP in the West Midlands, said: “The financial success of these firms, combined with the impact they have had on employment, should be welcomed by all. They have built a sustainable foundation for growth over the last few years and are continuing to forge ahead with their growth ambitions “The West Midlands Combined Authority and the building momentum of the “Midlands Engine” must see Coventry & Warwickshire as a vital piece in the economic jigsaw. This combined focus would result in increased opportunities for local businesses, both in domestic markets and on the global stage.” He adds: “With careful planning, we can look forward to regional prosperity for many years to come, however the government must ensure firms' aspirations are not stymied by red tape, poor infrastructure or unnecessarily complex tax systems. “A tax system designed to support ambitious mid-market businesses to get over the hurdle of their first sales abroad could transform our export success.”

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Time Gentlemen, Please!

After working for 22 and 27 years respectively in the licensed trade for various global brewers, Simon Grant and Ian Webb decided to call time on their corporate careers in 2012. Having gained considerable sales and commercial experience in the pub and brewing sectors, they put this wealth of knowledge to good use and set up their own Cost Management Consultancy business, focusing, not unsurprisingly, on the licensed trade initially. After much investigation and research, Ian and Simon decided to buy a tried and tested franchised operation from the UK’s largest independent cost management consultancy, Auditel. Their primary objective is to ‘help businesses reduce the cost of doing business and retain a share of the savings they uncover’. Three years on they now have 30 clients with more than 100 sites altogether. Given their backgrounds, a number of their initial clients were Multi-site Pub Companies. Accountant, Kevin Thornton, of Leisure Accounting and Consultancy Limited based in Tamworth, recalls his first meeting with Simon and Ian. Kevin recalls that it was “refreshing to work with the chaps who had the benefit of years in the Licensed Sector and could also talk to two of my clients about ‘cost management’ specifically. Ian took on Electricity and Gas Procurement across 10 sites in total.

Ragley Hall re-opens for the 2016 season Ragley Hall, Warwickshire’s most popular and stunning stately home, is open for the season. With a new House Manager supporting the team, visitors can look forward to a number of exciting events and initiatives including the ever popular children’s playground, Game Fair, Classic Car & Motor Show, Battle Proms Concert, Great British Food Festival and Camper Calling, a brand new family festival held over the August bank holiday. In addition there will be regular garden open days and tours of the stately home plus sporting events such as the avenger triathlon, open water swimming and extreme cross country running as well as boat hire on the lake during the summer. With the appointment of a new Head Gardener, visitors can enjoy guided walks and talks about the gardens including its links to the famous landscape designer, ‘Capability Brown’ which is timely as 2016 celebrates the 300th anniversary, the tercentenary of Brown and his work in this region. The gardens display a spectacular array of tulips and daffodils in the spring and a Rose Garden and Prairie Garden throughout the summer months. As part of the Government higher level stewardship scheme and in partnership with Natural England, Ragley has entered a scheme to improve the parkland by £250,000 this year. The team are replanting 4,000 trees,

Ian and Simon have now expanded the business and diversified into other sectors including Multi-site Petrol Stations, Care Homes, General Medical Practice, Small manufacturing businesses as well as Restaurants and Hotels. Another client, Dr. Nerinder Narhlya, GP and owner/operator of three Care Homes in the West Midlands, said: “Working with Auditel has ensured optimum market rates have been achieved with all our main suppliers whilst allowing me time to continue to develop both my Medical Practice and my Care Home business.”

Café. These will include light lunches, afternoon teas, cakes, and ice-cream as well as preparing for Corporate Lunches, Events and Wedding breakfasts in the Hall. Visitors can also enjoy guided tours of the state rooms which are adorned with impressive art, ceramics and furniture. The tours take in the Great Hall, Red Saloon, State Dining Room, Prince Regent’s Bedroom, the Mauve Siting Room, Music Room, Breakfast Room and Green Drawing Room as well as the South Staircase Hall and its spectacular mural, ‘The Temptation’ by Graham Rust.

Now that’s convenient

“He managed the termination and contract end dates, introduced new suppliers and has saved the business significant sums of money over the past two years. One highlight was a saving of £28,000 having unearthed a metering issue at our biggest site going back three years. “We would not have found the issue if Ian had not found it and negotiated with British Gas on our behalf. I am planning to introduce Ian and Simon to other clients in the coming months as they have proved they can save both time and crucially money given the opportunity.”

a mix of 80% oak and natural broadleaf, to the original park design. Together with reinstating 1,000 metres of paling fencing, restoring the lake cascade, the Victorian Pump House and original bathing hut, together with the clearance and restoration of a Victorian decoy pond. This will return the area to the original plan from the ordnance survey 1st Edition of 1881. On-going works will continue over the summer months. Ragley Hall is also joined by a talented Head Chef (and former Pastry Chef), to create home-cooked dishes for visitors in the Terrace

A major Warwickshire business and events estate is feeling flushed with success after opening a new facility which will prevent thousands of visitors from getting caught short.

Stoneleigh Park has opened a public convenience as part of owner LaSalle Investment Management’s £50 million transformation of the 250 acre site. Two appropriately named workers from the site were chosen to formally open the building – Lou and John. The ‘Lou’ in question was Louise Arculus, a communications coordinator at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. She was joined by John Finnegan, the security supervisor from the site’s gatehouse.

Twenty-two refurbishment projects have now been completed and a new 35,000 sq ft headquarters built since LaSalle Investment Management took over the site with a 15year masterplan to create an internationallyrenowned science park and centre of excellence dedicated to sustainability, rural and agricultural innovation. Stoneleigh Park facilities director Richard Wood said: “Tens of thousands of people visit Stoneleigh Park every year - whether for work or to be part of one of the 360 events the site hosts every year. “That means we’re always looking for ways to ensure our visitors have the best experience and we are certain these new facilities will be a welcome addition. “Already more than £6.5 million has been spent refurbishing old buildings and dozens of businesses have relocated to the site.”

Exploring new ways of working Imagine hosting an event with attendees from across the world with no travel time or costs. Midlands-based BFRS CIC and Zarr Ltd have put virtual innovation to good use to facilitate a global reach platform through the medium of the Omnivil. Omnivil is a versatile, comprehensive and holistic suite of services, that combines the ‘expo’ and global reach experience of BFRS with state of the art Technical capability of Zarr to provide an adaptable online facility, where the commercial world and a designated target audience can be brought together electronically to engage / communicate with each other using IM,

Voice and Video, irrespective of where they are located around the world. This platform, which can be adapted to a wide array of uses that include showcasing products and services, running recruitment/careers fairs, delivering online workshops/webcasts or simply conducting employment interviews, it has been designed as a ‘white label’ facility to enable a sponsor/host organisation to get the best out of its corporate marketing. Omnivil helps to save on travel time and associated costs, but one key benefit in an environmentally conscious world, is the way

in which, it can compliment an organisations Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) policy and practice, by helping to reduce ‘carbon footprint’ and to this end incorporates a ‘Carbon Footprint Calculator’ Harry Dean, CEO of BFRS, said: “BFRS is a social enterprise providing military transition expertise and solutions to the Armed Forces Community through a range of engagement platforms, Omnivil will enable us to be more inclusive, in reaching members of the Armed Forces, who are deployed around the world and starting to consider their second career options.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Warwickshire Employee of the Year 2016 Awards

Knight of Success at Warwick - benchmarking Warwickshire’s best Castle

The historic setting of The Great Hall, Warwick Castle was the location for the second Warwickshire Employee of the Year Awards, organised by Plus One Personnel. On Thursday 4th February, some of the most inspirational local business people gathered in the Great Hall to recognise and reward achievement and excellence from their employees, team and employers. Stuart Moore, Managing Director of Plus One Personnel, said: “The Awards are a chance to stand out from the crowd and to honour all the hard work of your staff and to celebrate achievements over the past 12 months. It is also gives companies the opportunity to show the local business community they offer a great place to work.” The judges were Stuart Moore, Chris Lillington, Editor of Leamington Courier, Steve Orchard, CEO of Quidem and owner of Touch FM and Leamington & Warwick MP Chris White.

The first category was Warwickshire Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Emerald Group and presented by Chris White MP and the winner was Molly Alcock from the HR Dept for seeking out gaps in the strengths of the business and building on them to transform the company’s social media strategy. Molly says “My apprenticeship has been very rewarding for me in so many ways. I can see my own achievements and development, but to have so many other people see them too makes it even more special. I’m thrilled to have won this award.” Paige Howitt from Coventry & Warwickshire First Young Professionals was crowned the 2016 Charity Fundraiser of the Year sponsored by Way Ahead for working tirelessly to fundraise and raise awareness for the Myton Hospices by entering herself and colleagues in several events including the Wolf Run and the Myton Hospice Moonlight Walk. Paige said: “I most certainly wasn’t expecting to win, as in the grand

scheme of things, I am just another person supporting our local charities.” The Award for Warwickshire Team of the Year sponsored by Warwickshire Country Council was presented by Chris Lillington Editor of the Leamington Courier. The winner was the Technical Support Team from Emerald Group for coping admirably with the pressure of significant growth over the year, dedicating their own time to completing training and for designing a new in-house CRM system which has saved the company thousands of pounds in investment. Shakespeare Birthplace Trust took away two awards, Employer of the Year sponsored by HR Dept and the Plus One Personnel Award for Commitment to Employment. Becky Cund, Director of HR & Administration, said: “2016 is a very special year for the Birthplace Trust as it marks the 400th Anniversary of Shakespeare's Death and the re-opening of Shakespeare's final home - New Place. We have, therefore, started this special year of celebrations with these two achievements, which is fantastic.” Stuart Moore, Managing Director of Plus One Personnel on announcing Shakespeare Birthplace Trust as the Commitment to Employment winner, said: “Shakespeare Birthplace Trust currently provides employment for over 250 people in the Warwickshire area and really place a focus on the engagement of their employees.” The ultimate award of Warwickshire Employee of the Year sponsored by Coast & Country was awarded to Steve Allison from Zenzero Solutions for his can-do attitude and willingness to help both colleagues and customers and for dedicating a massive amount of personal time to researching and learning new skills. He said “Being named Warwickshire Employee of the Year for 2016 was a real shock and came totally out of the blue.”

Midlands Training and Development Marketing Co-ordinator Ellie-May Mountford celebrated her achievements at the Plus One Personnel Employee of the Year Awards. Ellie-May achieved a well-deserved Highly Commended Status in the Apprentice of the Year Category. Ellie-May’s success demonstrates how an Apprenticeship can be an excellent route into a professional career and is now continuing to gain Marketing qualifications with support from Midlands Training and Development. Midland Training and Development Commercial Director, Claire McKenzie said: “We are very proud of Ellie-May, she has brought a lot of energy and commitment to the business and showed a flair for marketing from the outset. She has shown what an asset an Apprentice can be to a small business and we were delighted to be able to offer her a permanent role in the Sales and Marketing team.” Ellie May said: “Being Highly Commended as a finalist in the apprentice category is a fantastic achievement and an endorsement of which I am extremely proud. For me it not only symbolises the completion of a successful apprenticeship but heralds a very exciting future ahead. I look forward to what the next chapter of my career will bring.”

Qualifications put recruitment experts at the forefront Recruitment consultants and managers from a Warwickshire recruitment agency have boosted their skills by achieving one of the qualifications they offer to their clients. Seventeen employees from eResponse Group have completed the Level 3 Diploma in Recruitment Practice which will assist them to progress and develop their own careers. The qualification means all 17 are now members of the Institute of Recruiters, the professional body for recruitment and human resources professionals. Trudy Harding, Branch Operations Director for eResponse Group, which has offices in Coventry and Rugby, said: “We know the value of a highly skilled workforce and we’re demonstrating that by investing in our own people. “Many of our team have now completed the Level 3 Diploma in Recruitment Practice and it’s www.cw-chamber.co.uk

a qualification which is all about demonstrating their ability to complete tasks, organisational skills and contribute to decision making along with showing their competence within the industry.” Amy Byng at eResponse was one of the 17 who completed the qualification. She said: “We were all encouraged to achieve the qualification as we know you should never stop developing and investing in your skills. It covered in-depth knowledge of the recruitment industry including legal and ethical matters. “The diploma demonstrates that we’re even more capable than before to assist our clients whilst also giving us the opportunity to develop our own careers.” Founded in 2003, eResponse Group employs more than 100 people across seven branches and training centres in Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Northamptonshire.

President & People

Europe set to dominate thoughts In February, I attended the Pride of Stratford Awards. It was great to see so many businesses and individuals being rewarded for the contribution they have made to our local community. The Chamber Expo that took place in March was extremely successful. With 164 exhibitors and over 500 visitors on the day, it was an amazing platform allowing our Coventry & Warwickshire firms to generate business. The seminar programme also provided some useful information and tips to help member firms to grow. At the recent BCC Conference, I was very interested to hear what the German Chancellor had to say. Angela Merkel called Britain a ‘natural ally’ and described the benefits British membership brings to the European Union’s 28 members. This demonstrates one of the UK’s core values – that we are one of the most adaptable business nations in the world.

Dear member, What a fantastic couple of months! I am honoured to have represented the Chamber at a number of exciting and fascinating events.

There is no doubt that the ‘European question’ will be the topic of debate over the next few months. The outcome is a major concern to business. Of those Chamber members I have spoken to, the majority want to remain in the EU. However, there are a large number of businesses locally who feel they don’t know enough about what’s at stake.

New Chamber member Logistat UK Ltd recruits Global Sales Director One of the Chambers’ newest members, Logistat UK Ltd, is a specialist logistics management company which provides international freight management solutions to organisations in numerous sectors. 2015 was a hectic year for the team at Logistat – topped off with the recruitment of new Global Sales Director, Mark Workman. The Warwickshire based consultancy can boast a solid list of clients it has built up during the past 11 years since being founded in 2005 by Managing Director Peter Marsh. The business has steadily expanded its portfolio of customers encompassing numerous sectors. Some sector examples include health care equipment, construction equipment, packaging, security print. Peter Marsh said: “2016 will be a key year for us. With Mark’s arrival we are already gaining new business. We are looking to the future and planning how to increase our reputation as a logistics specialist who delivers savings on international freight spend.” Logistat is now planning to move offices in the first half of 2016 to obtain more space for the future growth of the operation. “ “This is the next stage of our five-year plan for expansion of the business. We are very much looking forward to Logistat’s continued success,” said Mark Workman.

The last national referendum was in 1975 when 66% voted in favour of remaining in the European Community. Although the vote was made by many of our parents and grandparents, it is business people like me and you, that have seen how EU membership has shaped our country over the years. So, it is worth remembering that this vote isn’t for us, it’s for the next generation. However, despite this uncertainty, the current value of the pound against the euro is a great opportunity for local businesses. There has never been a better time to export. The Chamber’s International Trade Hub, which includes our regional UKTI advisers, provides fantastic support for businesses. I would encourage every member thinking about exporting to make contact to find out how the team can help. As mentioned in my first column, a variety of exporting services are available including valuable assistance with completing export documents. I’m sure that many of you tuned into the Chancellor’s budget. I am pleased that he has listened to business on the topic of pensions. The move by the Chancellor to abandon a package of pension reform, including reducing tax relief for higher earners, is very much welcomed.

However, we still need more help for exporters and further support for inward investment is essential if the UK is to successfully increase productivity levels. On the whole, I feel the budget was good for small businesses. In particular, I was delighted with the movement on business rates and the announced reduction in corporation tax. It was disappointing to note that growth forecasts for the whole country are down. However, I am always optimistic of the growth potential of the Coventry & Warwickshire area. The cut in Capital Gains Tax was encouraging, especially as there had been rumours of changes to entrepreneur’s relief. Although this change didn’t materialise, this may be something the Chancellor looks at in the future. To close, I’d like to reiterate – the Chamber truly is the voice for business across Coventry & Warwickshire. I would implore anyone with any business related issues to contact me directly on president@cwchamber.co.uk so that we can get your message across to the right people!

Paul Carvell

Lodders grows its marketing team

Midlands law firm Lodders has grown its Stratford-based in-house marketing team with the appointment of a new Marketing Assistant. Kate Higginson takes on the new role, providing marketing and administrative support for the firm’s activities across its three offices in Stratford upon Avon, Henley in Arden and Cheltenham. Reporting to Marketing Executive Hollie Coyne and part-time Marketing Director Hilary Campton, the new

position will see Kate working on a diverse range of internal and external marketing activities for the firm, with key tasks and duties ranging from planning and management for Lodders’ extensive, popular annual programme of events and seminars, to digital and social media marketing, database management, and sponsorship. Lodders is one of the premier and oldest law firms in Warwickshire and the North Cotswolds and in particular works with private individuals, family businesses, landowners, rural

communities, real estate and property owners, developers and investors. Hollie Coyne said: “The firm’s extensive marketing activities play a key part in driving and supporting Lodders’ ongoing growth. In this new role, Kate will provide invaluable support to the busy marketing department, as well as our specialist teams of fee earners and lawyers in our offices in Stratford, Cheltenham and Henley in Arden.” Kate, who lives in Shipston on Stour, previously worked at the luxury Spa at Stratford’s Welcombe Hotel, where her role covered managing the venue’s social media marketing platforms, alongside day-to-day reception, administrative and customer service activities, event and promotion planning and delivery. “I have been looking for a specialist marketing role for some time,” said Kate of joining Lodders, “and this is a great opportunity to realise my career ambitions, develop my skills, experience and knowledge, whilst working for an established law firm which highly values its marketing activities.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

President & People

New deputy vice-chancellor to lead research at Coventry University

Coventry University has appointed a new deputy vice-chancellor to lead and develop its wide-ranging research portfolio.

Professor Richard Dashwood is set to join the institution from Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the University of Warwick, where he is currently academic director, head of engineering materials and manufacturing, and chief technical officer of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. Bringing with him a wealth of experience spearheading high-profile research programmes, Professor Dashwood – who will start his role as deputy vice-chancellor for research in May – will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Coventry University’s ambitious research strategy. He will replace Professor Kevin Warwick, who is retiring at the end of March and who has played an instrumental role both in growing Coventry’s research capability and managing its successful performance in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF)† – the government initiative for assessing the quality of research across universities.

Professor Dashwood will take up the reins for the next phase of the University’s research activity as the institution’s sights shift to the next REF which is anticipated to take place in 2021. Professor Dashwood said: “I am very excited to join Coventry University and am looking forward to working with the leadership team to continue growing Coventry’s reputation as an institution that carries out impactful research which has influence across the globe.” Vice-chancellor Professor John Latham said: “I’d like to congratulate Richard on his appointment, and look forward to welcoming him into the role of deputy vice-chancellor for research. Richard has considerable experience heading up research programmes and a wide range of high-profile projects funded both from Europe and through UK government and industry, so we anticipate that Coventry’s research capability, influence and impact will continue to strengthen and excel under his leadership.”

New job for Sarah Leading Midlands law firm Band Hatton Button has bolstered its team with the appointment of a new marketing manager. Sarah Jordan joins the firm in a newlycreated role as part of efforts to adapt to the different ways clients are now doing business. She will oversee Band Hatton Button’s marketing and business development strategy across a variety of channels when engaging with existing clients and attracting new business. Sarah, who lives in Balsall Common, arrives after spending 15 years at Shakespeare Martineau, where she began as an events assistant in 2001 before working her way up to become Marketing & Business Development Manager. Sarah said: “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to help Band Hatton Button grow its reputation in the Coventry and Warwickshire area. “Our client base spans across five different generations, all of which have different ways that they like to do business, so the

challenge is to ensure we’re providing wide ranging services that are available to people on the right platform for them.” Band Hatton Button, based on Warwick Road, is one of the largest law firms in Coventry with 16 partners and in all over 75 employees now based at the firm. Mark Moseley, Managing Director at Band Hatton Button, added: “Communicating to a varied client base requires marketing expertise, and we believe that Sarah has the experience we need to be able to reach the different generations which will help us to retain our position as a leading Coventry law firm.” The firm offers a wide range of legal services to

businesses and individuals. Specialist areas include corporate and commercial, commercial property, litigation, employment, residential property, personal injury and wills, probate and family matters.

Wright Hassall has appointed two new partners as part of ten senior promotions at the Midlands law firm.

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Warwickshire College Group have welcomed Andrew Cropley to the college group as their new Group Deputy Principal (Curriculum). Andrew, aged 49, was most recently the Executive Director for Strategic Planning and Business Development at The Sheffield College and Chair of the UTC Sheffield Governing Body and Academy Trust. As the Executive Director for Strategic Planning and Business Development at The Sheffield College, Andrew led the college’s response to policy changes and challenges, developed new streams of income, achieved rapid and sustainable growth in apprenticeships, managed the college’s reputation with stakeholders and positioned the college as a “thought leader” in response to developing Government policy.

Firm makes key appointments Michael Hiscock and Monica Macheng are both promoted to partner at the Leamington-based firm. Hiscock is a specialist construction lawyer and joined Wright Hassall in 2014 as a senior associate, while Macheng advises on corporate transactions, with a specialism in the health and social care sector, and has been with the firm since being appointed senior associate in January 2015. Hannah Carey, Russell Spencer, Anna Sutcliffe, Nathan Talbott, Tracie Udall have all been promoted to

New Deputy Principal joins Warwickshire College Group

senior associate level, and Adam Hiscox, Tom Romecin and Jennie Wheildon to associate. Wright Hassall, which is celebrating its 170th anniversary this year, now has a 270-strong team, including 145 lawyers and 39 partners. Nick Abell, chairman at Wright Hassall, said: “We are delighted to confirm these ten promotions at the beginning of Wright Hassall’s 170th anniversary in business. “All of these solicitors have worked extremely hard to deliver excellent levels of service to our clients and contributed to the success of the firm over the last 12 months. “As a firm it is hugely important to us that Wright Hassall offers clear career paths to attract and also retain the most talented solicitors and support teams. We congratulate these staff on their achievements and look forward to them playing a major part in the future success of the firm.”

This greatly enhanced employer engagement with The Sheffield College has earned Andrew a national reputation, often being invited to speak on a national stage. Andrew said: “I’m thrilled to have joined Warwickshire College Group this week as their new Deputy Principal. Warwickshire College Group has an outstanding reputation for teaching and learning and some amazing facilities that provide a first class experience for thousands of students and apprentices each year across Warwickshire and Worcestershire.” Group Principal and Chief Executive, Angela Joyce, said: “We are delighted that Andrew has joined us. He brings much experience and will be a great addition to the team here at Warwickshire College Group.”

New Members

Welcome to new members Corporate Members Marks & Clerk LLP Fletcher House (2nd Floor), Heatley Road, The Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX2 7DY scollins@marks-clerk.com 01865 397900 www.marks-clerk.com

ALS Environmental Torrington Avenue, Tile Hill, Coventry CV4 9GU nick.barsby@alsglobal.com 02476 421213 www.alsenvironmental.co.uk Anderson Shaw Corporate Finance Ltd 1160 Elliot Court, Herald Avenue, Coventry CV5 6UB ra@anderson-shaw.co.uk 02476 100476 www.anderson-shaw.co.uk Autogas Limited 20 Chestnut Court, Jill Lane, Sambourne, Warwick B96 6EW lgomersall@autogaslimited.co.uk 01527 895160 www.autogaslimited.co.uk Brigade Clothing Ltd 15 Binns Close, Off Torrington Avenue, Coventry CV4 9US sales@brigade.uk.com 02476 421083 www.brigade.uk.com Castle View Design Ltd 47 Turberville Place, Warwick CV34 4JZ nick@castleviewdesign.co.uk 08454 590805 www.castleviewdesign.co.uk

Simplify IT Solutions 6 Arrow Court, Adams Way, Springfield Business Park, Alcester B49 6PU info@simplifyit.co.uk 03451 243440 www.simplifyit.co.uk

Crocotta R&D Ltd Wellington Street Cambridge, Cambridge CB1 1HW james.murphy@crocotta.co.uk 02032 397007 www.crocotta.co.uk Elizabeth Mossemenear Consulting Ltd 33 Malvern Road, Balsall Common, Coventry CV7 7DU elizabeth@emconsulting.co.uk 07890 318713 www.emconsulting.co.uk Find A Biz 1 Coleshill Street, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham B72 1SD 07748 135401 amanda@findabiz.co.uk Finesse Coaching 2 The Laurels, Fairlands Park, Coventry CV4 7PA priti_parekh@hotmail.co.uk 07811 043905 www.finessecoacing.com Hassle Free HR Ltd 1160 Elliott Court, Herald Avenue, Coventry Business Park, Coventry CV5 6BU ehedley@hasslefreehr.co.uk 02476 992869 www.hasslefreehr.co.uk

Clements & Church 23 Park Street, Leamington Spa CV32 4QN 01926 887668 richard@clementsandchurch.co.uk

Headtech Solutions Binley Business Park, Business Innovation Centre, Harry Weston Road, Coventry CV3 2TX phil@headtechsolutions.co.uk 02477 712040 www.headtechsolutions.co.uk

Code 8 Software Development Ltd 150 Railway Terrace, Rugby CV21 3HN imtiaz@code8.co.uk 01788 537453 www.code8.co.uk

Kenilworth Chiropractic Clinic Flat 2 The Cloisters, 55 Kenilworth Road, Leamington Spa CV32 6JL ryan_stephenson187@yahoo.co.uk 01926 865985 www.kenilworthchiropractic.com

Stadium Group UK The Design Hub, Coventry University Technology Park, Puma Way, Coventry CV1 2TT training@stadiumtm.co.uk 02476 158139 www.stadiumtm.co.uk

Leader Communications Ltd The Old Stables, Unit 2-4, Newhouse Farm Business Centre, Henley In Arden B95 6DL james.holden@leader.co.uk 01789 739240 www.leader.co.uk MKUK2 Ltd 49 South Green Drive, Stratford Upon Avon CV37 9HP med.badr.s@mkuk2.org 01789 205153 www.mkuk2.org R1se Ltd 5 Potts Close, Kenilworth CV8 2SD leon@r1se.net 07460 432978 www.r1se.net Seltech Engineering Products Ltd 4B Harriott Drive, Heathcote Industrial Estate, Warwick CV34 6TJ sales@sep.uk.com 01926 428967 www.sep.uk.com Shield Logistics Ltd Unit 2, 24 Bayton Road, Exhall, Coventry CV7 9EJ 02476 363366 sam@shieldlogistics.co.uk Site Vision Surveys Ltd 19 Warwick Street, Rugby CV21 3DH simon.bailey@svsltd.net 01788 575036 www.svsltd.net TC Gill Coaching 82 Montrose Avenue, Leamington Spa CV32 7DR tc@tcgill.com 07977 007350 www.tcgill.com

Tech-Ex Systems Limited Coventry Technology Park, Puma Way, Coventry CV1 2TT harnak.sandhu@techexsystems.com 02476 792620 www.tech-exsystems.com The Duke of Edinburgh's Award First Floor Offices, Arthur House, Mere Green Road, Sutton Coldfield B75 5BL andrea.lynch@dofe.org 01213 089470 www.DofE.org The Forton Group College Farm, Main Street, Willoughby CV23 8BH bob.hughes@thefortongroup.com 08450 772980 www.thefortongroup.com The Leadership Whisperers 14 Caudlewell Drive, Shipston On Stour CV36 4NT michelle@theleadershipwhisperers.com

08001 701810 www.theleadershipwhisperers.com World of Bumpers 44 Ambleside Road, Bedworth CV12 8RR info@worldofbumpers4x4.co.uk 02476 618689 www.worldofbumpers4x4.co.uk Xreflow 6F Southfield Road, Southam CV47 0FB david.r@xreflow.co.uk 07845 471220 www.xreflow.co.uk

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Events CWT Training Dates 2016

Chamber Member + VAT

Non-Member + VAT

Duration

April

May

June

Managing Effective Meetings NEW

£110

£120

Half Day AM

Succcessful Sales Techniques

£215

£240

Full Day

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

£175

£195

Full Day

Microsoft Word - Intermediate to Advanced

£110

£140

Full Day

Export Documentation - Getting it Right

£260

£295

Full Day

Online Marketing

£215

£240

Full Day

Finance for Non-Financial Managers

£215

£240

Full Day

Investment Appraisal / Financial decision making NEW

£215

£240

Full Day

Social Media Strategy - Facebook, Twitter and Blogs

£215

£240

Full Day

Microsoft PowerPoint

£110

£140

Full Day

Internal Quality Auditing ISO9001:2008

£215

£240

Full Day

Professional Telephone Techniques

£95

£120

Half Day AM

Business Email Writing

£95

£120

Half Day PM

Presentation Skills

£215

£240

Full Day

Letters of Credit for Exporters - A Practical Guide

£260

£295

Full Day

Customer Service Essentials

£95

£120

Half Day AM

Account Management NEW

£95

£120

Half Day PM

Effective Communication

£95

£120

Half Day AM

Conducting Team Briefing / Buzz Meetings

£95

£120

Half Day PM

Negotiation and Persuasion Skills

£215

£240

Full Day

Practical Social Media

£110

£120

Half Day AM

Building the Team NEW

£95

£120

Half Day AM

Motivating the Team

£95

£120

Half Day PM

Microsoft Project (An Introduction)

£110

£140

Full Day

Principles of Manual Handling (CIEH Accredited Level 2 Award)

£90

£100

Half Day AM

Setting Goals & Targets NEW

£95

£120

Half Day AM

Training & Coaching the Team NEW

£95

£120

Half Day PM

Time Management and Delegation

£215

£240

Full Day

Managing Difficult People

£95

£120

Half Day AM

Understanding Discipline in the Workplace

£95

£120

Half Day PM

Import Procedures

£260

£295

Full Day

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 Meet Your Chamber Networking Lunch Friday 8th April 11:30 am - 2:00 pm Mallory Court Hotel, Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV33 9QB Free to attend This event will give new and existing Chamber members the opportunity to understand how we can support your business and help you make the most of your membership. It offers members a fantastic chance to network with local companies and expand their business networks over lunch.

Chamber networking Tuesday 12th April 4.00 pm – 7.00 pm Warwick Castle, Warwick, CV34 4QU Chamber networking a fantastic way to create new business leads and build long-lasting business relationships. Join us for this free networking session and expand your business network. Join us at the stunning Warwick Castle and experience some of the unique entertainment and enhancements they offer.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

info2grow event - Use your animal instincts for business success! 13th April 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm Twycross Zoo, A444 Burton Road, Atherstone, CV9 3PX You are invited to attend our animal themed Info2Grow event! This event brings together all of our Nuneaton & Hinckley Info2Grow contacts, so it will be a fantastic networking opportunity. To register for this FREE event, please email: events@sfb.uk.com

Networking with the Neighbours Friday 15th April 9:00 am - 11:00 am National Motorcycle museum, Solihull, West Midlands B92 0EJ Member rate £15 + VAT Non member rate £25 + VAT Would you like to expand your business network? Promote your business and gain new contacts in a new area. Solihull Chamber and Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber are joining forces to bring you Networking With The Neighbours. Businesses are increasingly using social media and online networking as a means of growing their circle of business contacts, however many professionals still tend to prefer the tried and tested face-to-face networking with the potential for building quality relationships, knowing and meeting who they may intend to do business with and ‘putting a face to the name’.

Networking with the Neighbours

Top tips for Networking Skills

Monday 9th May 11:30 am - 2:00 pm Croner Wolter Kluwer (UK) Ltd, Croner House, Wheatfield Way, Hinckley, LE10 1YG Member rate £10 + VAT

Wednesday 25th May

Would you like to expand your business network? Promote your business and gain new contacts in a new area. The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber are joining forces with The East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire) to bring you Networking with the Neighbours. The purpose of this event is to encourage attendees to: •

Establish connections with clients and prospects from a neighbouring borough

•

Raise your profile and make new contacts

•

Share ideas and experiences

Chamber Networking Thursday 19th May 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Costco Wholesale, 51 Torrington Avenue, Coventry, West Midlands, CV4 9AQ Free to attend Chamber networking a fantastic way to create new business leads and build long-lasting business relationships. Join us for this free networking session and expand your business network.

8:00 am - 10:00 am Stewart fletcher and Barrett Offices, Manor Court Chambers, Townsend Drive, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV11 6RU Free to attend Businesses are progressively using social media tools as a means of growing their network of business contacts, however many professionals still tend to prefer the tried and tested face-toface networking with the potential for building quality relationships. Hear from a panel of speakers who will teach you how to successfully build and develop relationships and grow your network.

•••••• 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 ••••••