C&W In Business January 2021 by Benham Publishing Limited

Issue 81

January - February 2021

Wende Hubbard

Counting on motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advice leads to success

Page 20

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Foreword

Contents

Dear Chamber of Commerce Member, Firstly, I’d like to wish you all a safe, happy and, genuinely, hopes for a better, brighter and prosperous New Year.

by Louise Bennett OBE DL Chief Executive Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

We enter 2021 with mixed feelings when it comes to business in Coventry and Warwickshire after the most challenging 12 months we have faced collectively in our lifetimes. A year ago, we were looking ahead to a more certain period for our economy but the Covid-19 crisis meant we had to endure the reverse and that continues at the beginning of 2021. After returning to work from Christmas in Tier 4, the country was quickly moved back into lockdown until at least the middle of February. I suspect it may be longer and I continue, on your behalf, to lobby for clarity and a road map to the future from our Government. This means many businesses closed and those who can are working from home – many with the ongoing ‘joys’ of home-schooling to contend with once again. There are many companies across our patch who spent a lot of time and money in 2020 getting themselves Covid-19 secure, only to find themselves unable to operate once again. The leisure, hospitality and events sector has been particularly hard hit and we continue to call for more help for this crucial area of our economy. The light at the end of the tunnel for all of us is the fact that the vaccination programme is underway and we wish Nadhim Zahawi, our MP for Stratford, all the very best in delivering this roll-out as quickly as humanly possible in order to start seeing life return to some sense of normality. That roll-out is the key to opening up our economy once again. None of us know exactly what ‘normal’ will look like and while we have been praising of the Government for the short term support to help businesses survive the crisis, the time has now come for a longer-term plan that shows businesses across our patch that they have a strategy for the economy to grow again after the crisis.

Companies we speak to want the opportunity to invest and grow and want to see that there is going to be support from the Government in getting the economy back on its feet after such a painful year. Of course, against this backdrop we have also seen the Brexit transition period come to an end and a deal struck with the EU. Businesses were very keen to see a ‘no deal’ Brexit avoided but that doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges ahead when it comes to trading with the EU – there is still a lot of work to be done on that front. For companies needing help, they can contact our International Trade Hub and also utilise our new ChamberCustoms service if they need support in exporting to or importing from EU. So, despite the ongoing challenges that businesses are facing there is room for optimism as we begin 2021, particularly in this region where we have UK City of Culture to look forward to followed by the Commonwealth Games in 2022. My advice to you, our members, is to make full use of the Chamber and all of the services we have to offer. Our team is ready to support you whether that is with surviving the difficult months ahead or starting to plan for growth when we come out of the crisis. Finally, I’d like to welcome our new President, Mr Tom Mongan, into the role and thank David Penn for all of his leadership and work over the past two years. Tom’s background is in manufacturing – an industry so crucial to our region – but he’s already shown that he wants to work with and talk to companies from all areas of our economy in order to understand the challenges and the needs of businesses right across the board. Bringing business together is what this Chamber has done for well over 115 plus years in Coventry and Warwickshire and that is what we will do as we move out of the crisis and into more prosperous times ahead. Kind regards, Louise, Mrs L Bennett-Bayliss OBE, DL Chief Executive

January - February 2021 Economy News

4 5&7

Events

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Corporate Profiles

10-11

News

12-13

Chamber Training

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15 -18

Profile

20-21

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22-23

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International

New

UK Business Heroes 2020

29-31

Around the Region

32-35

Education & Training 36-43 President & People

44-45

New Members

Members Offers

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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. 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 654321 F: 024 76 450242

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New president makes vow to companies across the region The new president of the Chamber says he will leave no stone unturned to help firms across Coventry and Warwickshire emerge strongly from the Coronavirus crisis. Tom Mongan, General Manager of manufacturing company Subcon Laser in Nuneaton, has taken over from property expert David Penn, of Bromwich Hardy, as the president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce who has held the post for two years. Tom praised the work of his predecessor and there were good times ahead for business on the back of the worst economic and health crisis in living memory. He said: “It really is an honour for me to take up this role. David has done an incredible job in difficult circumstances and I have big shoes to fill – and that includes those who have filled the role going back in time. “I become president at a time of crisis but, hopefully, as we are emerging from it with

an opportunity to start our economy growing again. I am a local lad and have great confidence in this region to come back strong. We have City of Culture on the horizon, which I am really looking forward to, and then the Commonwealth Games, but will provide some added impetus. “We have so many amazing businesses, two great universities and we are at the forefront of so many industries and initiatives – we are even the place where the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine was given. “That said, we cannot be complacent and believe that the economy will simply rebuild itself once the vaccine is rolled out. It is going to take a great deal of hard work and the region coming together as one. “In my view, the Chamber of Commerce has a more important role to play than ever before in speaking up for businesses and supporting them to grow out of this crisis. “As president, I will make myself available to any business that wants my help – no matter

how big or which sector they are in. I will leave no stone unturned to help businesses across the patch to start growing again. “There is such a strong team at the Chamber offering help for start-ups, for those that trade internationally, for firms that need to go digital, for companies that need to take the next steps in their growth and in providing opportunities to find new customers and suppliers through networking. “There is no question that there are challenges ahead but I am a positive that Coventry and Warwickshire can meet those head on and our economy can emerge stronger in 2021.” Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It’s great to welcome Tom Mongan as our new president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. “He has a passion for manufacturing, which is a crucial sector for our patch, but he will serve firms of all sizes and sectors across Coventry

and Warwickshire, supported by our board that is made up of business people that represent a wide variety of businesses in the region. “Having that range of people on our board means we can understand the needs to companies across Coventry and Warwickshire and be their voice to decision-makers. “As well as welcoming Tom as president, I would also like to thank David Penn for all of his work during his time in the role and I know he will continue to play an active role within the Chamber.”

Slowing growth highlights the need for path to recovery The slowdown in economic growth should serve as a timely warning to Government that it needs to clear a path to recovery. Figures revealed (December 10) show that GDP grew by 0.4 per cent in October, meaning economic output in the UK is still eight per cent short of pre-pandemic levels. And the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce believes that the figures for November will see a contraction in output due to the second lockdown. Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said it is vital that the Government gives businesses the right conditions to grow against a backdrop of the Covid-19 crisis and the end of the transition period with the EU. She said: “The slow growth in October came as the economy was becoming more restricted after opening up slightly in the previous two months. In November, the so-called second lockdown began so we can expect those numbers to be even more stark. “We were all given hope for the future as we saw the first Covid-19 vaccines being

administered right here on our patch this week. Hope that in the not-too-distant future we will be able to return to normality and get our economy really moving again. “However, that is still some way off so Government has to develop a plan that clears a path to economic recovery before the full roll-out of the vaccine. As we have said previously, the support on offer has been quite unprecedented – but it doesn’t replace being able to trade. “So, companies across Coventry and Warwickshire – especially those in our crucial leisure, hospitality and tourism sectors – need to be given the opportunity to open up in a Covid secure way. “And, as businesses, we can only hope that in these next few crucial days a deal can be struck between the UK and the EU to avoid a disorderly end to the transition period on January 1. “It’s vital to all of us that we can begin 2021 with optimism and confidence that we can rebuild our economy after the crisis.” British Chambers of Commerce Head of Economics Suren Thiru said: “The sharp slowdown in economic output in October

reflected the squeeze on activity from the re-introduction of tighter coronavirus restrictions, including the tier system in England. Firms in hospitality, who are most acutely exposed to the renewed restrictions, suffering particularly badly in the month. “October’s slowdown is likely to be followed by a significant contraction in economic activity in November as the effects of the second coronavirus lockdown are felt, despite the prospect of a temporary boost from Brexit stockpiling. “While a vaccine offers real hope, failure to avoid a disorderly end to the transition period or further lockdown restrictions before a mass vaccine rollout is achieved would severely drag on any economic recovery. “Mass testing remains crucial to keeping the economy moving until the Covid-19 vaccine is fully rolled out. Achieving a UK-EU trade deal is critically important to avoid a damaging cliff edge for the UK economy. With time running out, government must work urgently to close the major gaps in the guidance available to help businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period.”

Chamber calls for evidence on COVID-19 restrictions Business leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire have thrown their weight behind calls for the government to provide more evidence, clarity and support when it comes to COVID-19. The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has given its views to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) on whether the government is passing five tests to help them not only survive the pandemic but start an economic recovery. Set out by the BCC in October, the tests include whether the restrictions are evidence-based and targeted effectively; whether they are clear to businesses and

give them time to prepare; and whether support for businesses is commensurate with the impact on them. The final two tests are whether the time that restrictions are in place will be used to significantly improve the test, trace and isolate system; and whether there is an exit strategy that shows a clear process for increasing and decreasing restrictions. On each of the tests, the government is scoring either amber or red in the eyes of the BCC. Louise Bennett, of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce,

said the recent shift to the tiered system was a case in point. “The recent move to the tiered system is a good example, with very little explanation on how conclusions had been reached that led to areas being placed into the highest tier and a need for even greater support. “So, it’s vitally important that the government works even harder to pass all of the tests as quickly as possible because it’s not clear how soon life will get back to normal – even with the positive news of a vaccine on the horizon. Businesses have to be given the support, clarity and information to get on and drive an economic recovery.”

Latest unemployment figures should be a warning to Government The Chamber said the unemployment figures released in December highlight the need to allow more companies to operate during the crisis – and why it’s crucial that a Brexit deal is done. Figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that the national unemployment rate rose to 4.9 per cent from 4.8 per cent in the three months to October and that there were 800,000 fewer employees in

November than in February, with a third of job losses in the hospitality sector. Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said the latest figures were a stark warning for Government about the challenge ahead. She said: “Many businesses will have taken decisions about redundancies with the initial end date for furlough being October.

“Just as we can’t be complacent around health purely because we have had good news of the vaccine roll-out, the same goes for our economy too – which these figures underline. “The leisure, events, tourism and hospitality sector has been hit hardest across our patch and support for businesses must remain in place through to the end of the crisis. At that point, new help will need to be in place to drive on a recovery.

“Until we get to that stage, we have to find a way of getting more businesses trading in a safe way as they can’t wait for the vaccine to have been rolled out in full. “And, of course, we need to finally agree on a trade deal with our EU partners and closest market in order to give businesses some sense of certainty as we head into 2021 and look to build an economic recovery from this crisis.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Safetyflex Barriers completes prestigious project in London

Anti-terrorism bollards installed in the Tower Bridge area of London by Safetyflex Barriers.

A Coventry company at the forefront of protecting high-profile locations against terrorist vehicle attacks has completed another prestigious project in London. Safetyflex Barriers won the contract to install hundreds

of its award-winning Truckstopper anti-terrorist bollards in the Tower Bridge area of the capital. The innovative design and aesthetic appearance of the bollards, capable of stopping a very large truck travelling at high speed whilst also

impacting less on the street scene, was key to landing the contract. Marcus Gerrard, director at Safetyflex Barriers, said: “We are incredibly proud to be helping to secure more of London against the threat of terrorist vehicle attacks with this latest installation in the Tower Bridge area. “This is a very prestigious location in the heart of the capital and an anti-terrorist bollard that did not look too imposing and overbearing was a key requirement. “Our slimline Truckstopper bollards were the ideal choice due to the innovative design which has a slimline appearance whilst using specialist steel to absorb high impact.” One of the company’s first major projects involved the protection of 22 venues for the

London 2012 Olympics and since then its bollards have been installed in towns and cities across the UK, Europe and further afield including the US and Australia. Other installations by Safetyflex Barriers in London have included Horse Guards Parade, Canary Wharf, and more recently, the famous Broadway Market in Hackney. Safetyflex Barriers is a UK leader in the supply of antiterrorist bollards to stadiums, public realm projects, city centres and other key areas that require protection from vehicle attacks. The firm is experiencing a rise in demand for its unique anti-terrorist bollard and crash-rated street furniture – which looks aesthetically pleasing, unlike the old-style bollards that have deep foundations and are very large and overbearing.

Coventry event specialist clinches Twickenham deal

A Midlands-based event management specialist has signed a six-figure deal with one of the world’s largest purpose-built rugby stadiums. Stadium, which is based on Bodmin Road in Coventry, has landed a two-year contract with the Rugby Football Union to supply 100 specially-trained staff to Twickenham each match day. It will see Stadium’s stewarding and security personnel supporting with crowd management at England’s friendlies and

Six Nations matches, as well as the Gallagher Premiership finals along with future music concerts. The agreement with the home of English rugby comes hot on the heels of a separate deal with The FA to supply 70 experienced stewards and security staff to Wembley Stadium. Scott Metcalfe, managing director at Stadium, said: “This deal with Twickenham underlines the strong reputation that Stadium is developing within the live events sector, along with

our ambition to be working with some of the biggest brands in the events industry. “The deals we have struck with the RFU and the FA now mean we are about to undergo a major recruitment drive in these areas and carry out detailed training programmes so that by the time crowds are allowed back into stadiums, we will have a workforce that is ready to welcome spectators back safely. “Both contract wins are a real vote of confidence in the stewarding, security services and training that we offer, and

we look forward to working with both venues in the near future on behind-closeddoors events whilst also preparing for the return of spectators.” For more information about Stadium visit www.wearestadium.com

Shakespeare Martineau scoops top spot at family law awards

Shakespeare Martineau has won the prestigious Law Firm of the Year Award at one of the sector’s most highly regarded family law events. The LexisNexis Family Law Awards 2020 took place on November 25, with the firm scooping the coveted title.

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Shakespeare Martineau was celebrated for its excellent client service, acting on some of the most complex national and international family matters of the past year. Its rapid and comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic was also recognised, as was its broad range of free seminars on offer to clients within days and its free information helpline. The awards are in their eleventh year and were held virtually for the first time. They celebrate the contributions of lawyers, barristers, and family law professionals to the complex world of family law. More than 500 guests were in attendance at the virtual event which, even online, captured the excitement of the occasion.

The judging panel was made up of members from the Association of Lawyers for Children, the Family Bar Association, Resolution, the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, and the family legal press. Helen Bowns, national head of the family team at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “We are absolutely thrilled and delighted to have won this prestigious award. To be recognised by our peers for the complex and vital work we do, making huge differences to the lives of our clients and their families, is gratifying and hugely rewarding. “Our wonderful team is a delight to be part of and to have won the award in this, the most trying of years for many of our clients, is testament to their expertise, empathy and dedication.”

AoC Sport announces new transport partnership AoC Sport, the membership organisation for college sport and physical activity, has announced a new partnership with transport provider National Express Accessible Transport (NEAT). NEAT provides home-to-school transport for more than 1,500 students with special education needs and disabilities on behalf of local authorities across the West Midlands and Warwickshire. In line with AoC’s sport-led strategy to remove barriers to physical activity for disabled students, the exciting partnership with NEAT provides new opportunities for disabled students to enjoy sport where they might otherwise face transport challenges. AoC Sport and Natspec member colleges across the West Midlands will benefit from preferential rates on NEAT services, providing muchneeded relief at a time of funding pressures and significant changes. Shannon Howarth, disability development officer at AoC Sport, said: “In our Active for College, Work and Life strategy we found that a lack of transport is a major barrier to being active for disabled students. This partnership with NEAT will help us support the transport needs of colleges that will be attending our disability and inclusive sport events when they hopefully resume next year.” NEAT services will support the unique transport needs of students and colleges attending multi-sport disability events once the events are able to resume. With a fully accessible fleet, minibuses can accommodate up to six wheelchairs with ramps or lifts for easy access. Initially aimed at West Midlands college members taking students to disability sports events and fixtures, the partnership and services could be expanded to other areas during 2021. Vinay Parmar, managing director of NEAT, said: “We’re really excited about this new partnership with AoC Sport and look forward to working together to deliver the best possible services for members, once sporting events can restart. “As one of the largest accessible transport providers in the West Midlands, we believe this is a brilliant opportunity to ensure each and every student has the opportunity to access and enjoy the sporting activities and events that they deserve.”

#TaxSpecialists

2021

Cashflow Vaccine for Businesses

SMEs in Coventry & Warwickshire, you are not alone! During the Coronavirus pandemic, businesses throughout the UK have been successfully claiming cash rewards from HMRC through R&D Tax Credits with Access2Funding, ensuring sustainability in this extremely difficult time. As the government’s announcement of Lockdown 3.0 still rings loudly in our ears, many are looking at new avenues to source much needed cash or income for their businesses. Without the right help they may unfortunately be forced to close. We can Support you with Cashflow Access2 Access2Funding understand the huge impact that the Covid-19 crisis is having on SME’s across the country, successfully returning over £11m to business during the previous lockdown and £18m throughout 2020 was brought to businesses nationwide. Team of R&D Tax Specialists Remotely R&D tax specialists can identify R&D activities with the expertise and resources of dedicated R&D Writers to prepare R&D claims remotely, from start to finish, delivering claims despite COVID-19. 30 minute ROI

Businesses who have benefited West Midlands sportswear brand GymPro Apparel Ltd successfully claimed over £34,000 back from researching new materials and put them through vigorous testing. manufacturing firm Cheese manu claimed back £20,000 for creating a cocktail infused cheese. Unusual project scope to a p sports hall within a school resulted in a £109,047.16 return to building firm.

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

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Improvement specialist adds value to charity

Simon with the Ugandan in-country team of Tools with a Mission

Mobius Improvement is a consultancy that’s focused on business improvement. It is led by Simon Danks, an engineer who has developed into an operations professional

and business improvement specialist throughout the course of his career. By nature, Simon is always looking for something else to do and this led him, in 2010, to get

involved with the charity Tools with a Mission (TWAM). Over the last 40 years, the charity has given thousands of people in Africa greater financial security by providing them with refurbished tools and equipment so they can create a livelihood. In 2019 Simon became chairperson of the charity and worked with the chief executive to create a new strategic plan. As a result of this, they visited Uganda together early in 2020 to establish the first in-country team to represent the charity. Simon said: “Having visited in 2017 it was great to return, renew friendships and make some new ones. Commissioning our first team to formally represent us was an important

milestone as we seek to provide tools to many more people. It was very clear that my business skills of linking strategy to operational performance, being able to define, measure and improve processes, and encouraging problem-solving across the whole organisation would all add value in the life of TWAM. It’s also a charity that values quality and integrity, both of which are important to me.” “I discovered the often terrible conditions that people face in daily life and the impact that a toolkit can have in helping them to earn a living and start to overcome some of the poverty traps.” For more information visit www.twam.uk

Local security firm helps to safeguard schools One of the Midlands’ premier fire and security companies has been working with local schools and colleges to ensure their premises are safe and secure using the latest integrated technology. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, it has been another good year for MES Systems. The company has welcomed two new team members into its service department and plans to recruit two more in the new year to help drive its trade counter and online sales and maintain its unrivalled after-sales service. Established in 1988, MES Systems supplies, installs and maintains a wide selection of fire and security products for more than 6,000 customers, including large monitored intruder and CCTV systems for blue-chip organisations and integrated access control systems for school and college campuses.

Over the past year, the company has successfully worked with a number of local education facilities, designing, installing and maintaining CCTV, fire protection and perimeter systems, automatic gates, door access controls and intruder alarms to suit individual customer needs. The service provided includes any combination of these solutions in one package, reducing the need for schools to appoint and manage multiple contractors. MES managing director Andy Morgan said: “Most of our work, over 90%, comes from recommendations or repeat business. All of our staff understand the importance of treating customers with the respect they deserve. Our approach is based on the premise that the customer is king.” MES is also looking into ways of supporting schools and colleges by offering work experience and technical days to students.

This exciting initiative would involve students gaining experience while the MES engineers are on site carrying out installation and routine maintenance work. The idea is to help inspire a new generation of future fire and security engineers, and further strengthen the relationship the company has with local schools and colleges. For more information visit https://www.mes-systems.co.uk/protectyour-business/education/

Coventry IT firm expands team despite pandemic

Justine Chadwick and Chris Tyler outside Syscomm’s offices in Electric Wharf, Coventry

A Coventry IT firm that was able to attract new clients during the pandemic is now aiming to expand its team. Syscomm, based in Electric Wharf, was able to retain its key clients as the pandemic

began to worsen, and acquired new clients who found their previous IT firms were unable to cope with demand as the crisis deepened. Thanks to support from the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise

Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub, Syscomm has now connected with many new local businesses and is hopeful of finding excellent candidates for senior vacancies within the company. Chris Tyler, managing director of Syscomm, said: “As we came out of the first lockdown, we believed we could focus on the future with confidence and stability. While the last six months have not been easy, we were in the fortunate position of going into the pandemic on the back of our most successful year to date, with a balanced and varied portfolio of sturdy clients. “Looking ahead, we are taking a strategic approach to grow the business over the next five years. “What remains key is that we continue to be a responsible employer and we are committed

to ensuring that young talent is harnessed and moulded ready for long-term, sustainable work in the industry. We are planning to take on even more staff over the coming months.” Throughout this difficult period, the growth hub was able to provide support to Syscomm through the Coventry City Council Employer Hub, which is enabling the firm to access a wider pool of talent for its senior vacancies. Syscomm was also introduced to the FinditinCw portal, which allows businesses to look locally for other firms to help with supply chain issues. Further help was given through the growth hub’s connections with nearby schools to allow Syscomm to get involved in their open days or career fairs once the pandemic has subsided.

A breakthrough in technology finance Many businesses develop and grow through the scalability of technology. Recent studies have shown that businesses that have invested in CRM and other software solutions have grown exponentially. Although many providers of such services boast that they have a low-cost, easy implementation solution, this is hardly ever the case. A bespoke CRM or alternative software solution usually requires consultancy, planning, development and testing before it can be implemented – so it’s

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no surprise that this kind of technological advancement often requires significant investment. Jefferson Finance believes that such solutions should be more affordable. To tackle this barrier, the company has formed a partnership with The Falcon Collective, a Northamptonshirebased IT consultancy, to create a new product: Jefferson Technology Finance. With more than 20 years’ experience in the software industry, The Falcon Collective has assisted numerous SMEs

throughout the Midlands and beyond, with business requirement analysis, project scoping, management and implementation. In a joint approach, the two companies have managed to negotiate with several specialist lenders to agree that the whole package should be a fundable proposition – a move that has been given the green light by lenders. The package is intended to enable technology suppliers and their clients to attain their goals, which to date may have been hampered by a lack of

understanding or imagination from the funding sector. Many SMEs are now seeing technology advancements as a way of levelling the playing field or creating a competitive advantage. The aim of Jefferson Technology Finance is to allow businesses of all sizes the opportunity to invest in smart technology in a format that can be adjusted to suit individual cashflow requirements – thereby making technology advancement a reality where previously it had only been an aspiration.

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Society unveils new-look Earlsdon store following major refit Elaine Mlotkiiewicz, sales assistant with The Co-operative at Earlsdon; Mark Borrill, store manager; Sam Buxton, Area Manager for the Heart of England Co-operative Society; Mike Kendall, Sales Assistant, and Janet Arnold, Deputy Store Manager

Customers at the Heart of England Co-operative Society’s Earlsdon store will notice a raft of changes during their next shop following the completion of a £664,000 refit to boost the offering to the local community. The society has introduced several new features to the store, which has served the Earlsdon community for more than

120 years. There is a water refill station as the society aims to reduce the use of plastic water bottles, as well as a packaging free zone where customers can take their own containers to fill with selected items. Other facilities include USB charging stations, a seating area and Amazon lockers, following suggestions from customers. The investment goes against the grain in the retail industry, coming at a time when many retailers consolidate. It follows a major refit of the store over the past six weeks. Steve Browne, general manager of the society’s food division, said: “Our Earlsdon store has played a huge role in the local community for well over a century. Many of the new features we have introduced have

been inspired by the needs of the modernday consumer and will ensure the store will continue to play a vital role for many more years to come. “It’s more than just a local store; our aim is for the residents of Earlsdon to view their local co-operative as a vital community hub. We asked our customers to think of additional features they would like to see in the store. We received some great suggestions and have done our best to accommodate them, so we are making excellent use of our space.” The society supports local suppliers wherever possible – from the produce on the shelves to the installation of energyefficient lighting, heating and refrigeration – to reduce its carbon footprint.

Engineering firm pipes new life into COVID-19 response A family-run engineering company in Coventry is playing a major role in the UK’s response to COVID-19 after supplying more than 120 miles of medical gas copper pipes in just six months. Lawton Tubes, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018, switched the majority of its production to cater for unprecedented demand from the NHS and healthcare providers for its copper tubes, which are the preferred natural, 100% recyclable, safe means of carrying medical gasses from the plant room to the patient’s bed. In the UK alone, the firm supplied enough product – laid side by side – to equal that of phase 1 of HS2, whilst supporting the response of 30 countries across the world. It has been a whirlwind period for the fourth generation-owned business, which has seen export levels grow from zero to more than £13.5m in just over a decade. Rob Lawton, business development director at Lawton Tubes, said:

“The biggest NHS project by far was the work we did at Nightingale Birmingham, where we successfully supplied ten miles of our copper tube and thousands of our copper fittings for a massive medical mains gas ring. “This represented a fantastic effort from all of our staff, with many continuing to work throughout the pandemic and going above and beyond to deliver huge volumes of products on extremely tight timescales.” Throughout Lawton Tubes’ rapid expansion, which has seen year-on-year growth at the firm for the last decade, the company has been assisted by Haines Watts Chartered Accountants – a partnership that dates back 15 years. Haines Watts tax partner Terri Halstead said: “We have worked hard to understand what makes Lawton Tubes different, putting in place a specialist advice package that has underpinned its growth.

Apprentices from North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) have started their training with just months to go before the launch of events to mark Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture. Apprentices had their first taste of training at the NWSLC’s Digital Skills Academy in Coventry, where they started to learn how a range of events and experiences will showcase the city between May 2021 and May 2022. The 15 new apprentice roles will offer a range of exciting opportunities to work in the

Rob Lawton (Lawton Tubes), John Crabtree (Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands), Terri Halstead (Haines Watts) and Giles Lawton (Lawton Tubes)

“Over the years we have added more and more services, making the management team aware of new financial support opportunities and advising on key issues, the most recent one being access to government assistance during COVID-19.” For more information, visit www.lawtontubes.co.uk and www.hwca.com/accountants-birmingham

proven track record of delivering strong apprenticeship programmes and the fact that it already delivers training at a Coventry venue. The college’s Digital Skills Academy operates from a base at the Coventry University Technology Park in the heart of the city’s technology zone. Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, principal and chief executive of NWSLC, said: “I am pleased to hear that our apprentices have started their training during a period of great excitement and anticipation for Coventry. This experience looks set to be life-changing for them as they will be exposed to some extremely high-profile activities and real-time challenges.” For more information visit www.nwslc.ac.uk

Arthur appoints ADAO as digital marketing partner Arthur Online is one of the UK’s premier cloud-based property management platforms. The Arthur Online platform was built and designed by a core team of landlords, agents, tech enthusiasts and property managers who wanted to be able to manage their property portfolio from one platform – anywhere, anytime and on any device. Consisting of a rich suite of apps and countless integrations, Arthur Online allows all aspects of property management to be conducted within one platform. Designed to boost efficiency and save time, it has helped to streamline the property management of companies

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such as AH Field, CoSector and Victoria Housing. Arthur has ambitious growth plans for the future and has enlisted the support of ADAO, a web design and digital marketing agency, in a bid to achieve them. ADAO has already helped Arthur create a cutting-edge website that has set it apart from its competitors. The website recently won a 2020 WebAward and was praised for its design, information and user experience, with the judge claiming it to be “one of the best sites [they’ve] reviewed as part of the WebAwards.” ADAO’s team is now using its digital marketing expertise and in-depth understanding of the market to help

Dafferns Chartered Accountants, the Coventry and Warwickshire accounting firm approaching their 125th anniversary, are Charity and Not for Profit (Third Sector) sector specialists, advising a substantial number of high-profile charity and not for profit organisations.

TSSG

Training underway for Coventry City of Culture apprentices critical skill areas required to deliver a memorable and professional experience for all those taking part in the 2021 city-wide celebration. The apprentices will support events, music, dance, theatre and large-scale spectacle, and work across several areas from accounting and customer service to events, marketing and business administration. Martin Sutherland, chief executive of the Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “This is a ground-breaking apprenticeship programme for a City of Culture. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young people to work on an event of such scale, in their region, and to develop crucial skills for their future careers.” The trust chose NWSLC as its apprenticeship partner because of its

Helping charities connect to embrace change and maximise impact

Driven by a desire to further allow people in the charitable sector to connect and succeed, TSSG (Third Sector Strategy Group) grew from the imagination of Dafferns Chartered Accountants and Lodders Solicitors and was launched in 2015. Our goal with TSSG has been to allow charitable organisations to maximise impact in their chosen field and help them reach their potential by learning, developing and collaborating with others. Dafferns Partner Richard Miller says “TSSG provides a forum for key executives and decision makers in the not-for-profit sector, allowing them to discuss the issues facing their organisations and the opportunity to share ideas and best practice”. Originally meeting face to face every quarter, in 2020 TSSG quickly pivoted to an online model during the COVID crisis, initially allowing charities to check in on a weekly basis to seek reassurance and bounce ideas off others in the sector. The group now meets every month (virtually), and provides a safe space to learn, share best practice, celebrate success and share failures (which we can all learn from!). The TSSG model continues to evolve, hosting its first online conference in Autumn 2020 with guest speakers on fundraising, change and mergers and collaborative working. Highlights can be found on the Dafferns YouTube channel.

TSSG Online December 2020 has seen the launch of TSSG’s own dedicated online platform, TSSG Online. This new network model has some great features for creating exclusive content, deeper conversations, richer polls, and online or in-real-life events. By building this community through social media, members can have a more efficient and valuable experience with each other. If you are in the not-for-profit sector and want to contribute to, and benefit from, the knowledge and ideas of your peers, you can find more information at www.dafferns.com/tssg/ or by contacting Richard.Miller@dafferns.com Dafferns Chartered Accountants Trusted Advisers since 1896 Authentic, Agile, Connected

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Arthur make sure it is the go-to property management software for all property managers. Harriet Taylor, head of communications at Arthur, said: “ADAO has really become an extension of the marketing team. They took the time to really understand the company and the market, which really shows in the exceptional work they have done for us. They have been invaluable for positioning Arthur at the forefront of the market.

Corporate Profiles

Bringing waterways to life A charity which looks after and brings to life 2,000 miles of waterways is set to hold a programme of events to help people explore and learn about Coventry Canal. The Canal & River Trust is supporting the celebrations for Coventry City of Culture 2021 and the Commonwealth Games in 2022. The charity is currently working on a programme of events and activities

that will allow local people to take part in the celebrations while exploring and learning about Coventry Canal. The programme will not only teach people about the canal itself, but how spending time by the water can have a positive impact on wellbeing. The Canal & River Trust is working to transform canals into spaces where people want to spend time and feel better.

It also works with local businesses, community groups and residents who want to help care for their local canals or towpaths. Terry Hodgetts, West Midlands business and corporate engagement partner at Canal & River Trust, said: “We’re proud to be supporting the celebrations for the Coventry City of Culture 2021 and the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and look forward to announcing our full programme of activities and events. “Our canals run through some of the most heavily populated communities in the West Midlands and provide accessible green and blue space where it’s needed the most. “They provide green traffic free routes in and around the city centres and direct paths to the countryside. “Our work involves not only looking after our waterways, but promoting them widely to the eight million plus people who have waterways on their doorstep so that many more people benefit from our free, accessible and local source of wellbeing.

“Research shows that spending time by water, whether it be your lunchbreak, daily commute or just a weekend stroll, really does make us feel happier and healthier. “That’s why we’re working with volunteers, local communities and businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire to transform our canals into spaces where people want to spend time and feel better. “With ever increasing rates of obesity, stress and declining mental health in the UK, we are uniquely placed to make a significant contribution to improving the wellbeing of millions of people. “Today, our canals are still important and we’re the charity making sure our canals are here for everyone to enjoy, now and forever.” Further information about the Canal & River Trust, holding a sociallydistanced team day on the canal, or how community groups and residents can show their support is available at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

“With ever increasing rates of obesity, stress and declining mental health in the UK, we are uniquely placed to make a significant contribution to improving the wellbeing of millions of people.”

Global firm opens European manufacturing facility in Warwickshire A leading manufacturer and supplier of power transmission products and bulk material handling components and systems based in the United States has continued its global expansion by opening a manufacturing facility in Europe. Martin Sprocket & Gear has launched its new facility in Spa Park, Leamington, to service existing and new customers in Europe, Middle East and Africa. This new venture complements the company’s global footprint, having facilities in USA, Mexico, Brazil and China. Established in 1951, the family-owned company is known for its dedication to quality, inventory and customer service. Martin Sprocket & Gear provides a one-stop-shop that offers quick deliveries, quality service and modifications that are machined to precise specifications. The UK facility will support these company values through the hiring of a local, service-oriented team, a machine shop to re-work standard products to customers’ requirements, and an extensive inventory of stock and made-to-order power transmission, material handling and conveyor pulley components. The extensive Power Transmission inventory includes sprockets, grooved

pulleys, bushings, synchronous pulleys and couplings. Conveyor pulley and components are also available, such as Martin’s Elite Drum Pulleys, Clean Flight Wing Pulleys, keyless lockers and a variety of lagging options. When looking for screw conveyor, drag conveyor, bucket elevator or other bulk material handling systems or components, the Martin Sprocket & Gear UK team can assist with stock or custom needs. The company has spent more than 65 years serving the power transmission and material handling industries, working on projects in wide variety of industries throughout the world including agriculture, food processing, mining, cement and aggregate, waste management and more. It employs leading experts in each industry and continually innovates to deliver value-added solutions that minimize downtime, reduce maintenance costs, and solve countless other daily operations challenges. Phillip Hewitt, general manager – EMEA at Martin Sprocket & Gear, said: “Our dedication to innovation is not only valued externally, but it is a commitment to internal operations and safety as well. “As seen through the utilisation of the Lean manufacturing methodology

and membership in amfori’s Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI), we endeavour to create a culture where employees share thoughts, ideas and information to improve how we do business. “In compliance with government requirements, the company has had to adapt to follow all Covid-19 protocols. “However, where other companies are slowing manufacturing and decreasing inventory, Martin Sprocket & Gear UK

continues to hire and add product to our already large inventory. “We are ready to meet the everchanging needs of the international market with this simple but steadfast philosophy – make a quality product, have plenty of it available and be easy to do business with.” For further information about Martin Sprocket & Gear UK, visit www.martinsprocket.com or contact EMEASales@martinsprocket.com

“As seen through the utilisation of the Lean manufacturing methodology and membership in amfori’s Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI), we endeavour to create a culture where employees share thoughts, ideas and information to improve how we do business.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Corporate Profiles

Award-winning Family Law team shows sensitive side The sensitive handling of family law issues during the Coronavirus crisis helped to land a Corporate Member of the Chamber a major national award. Shakespeare Martineau picked up the Family Law Firm of the Year Award (England and Wales) at the prestigious Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards in November. The firm’s Family Law department operates across all of the firm’s offices and is headed up by Partner Helen Bowns and includes a further 10 lawyers, three of whom are also Partners. The department deals with everything from divorce right through to pre-nuptial agreements, an area of work that has grown in recent years due to the number of high-profile cases. And, at the start of the Coronavirus crisis, the company launched a helpline for families and offered webinars to help families understand some of the legal issues arising such as the movement of children between households when people were being told to stay at home and not mix. Helen, who is based in the Stratford office, said: “As a Family Law department, we pride ourselves on offering very sensitive and supportive advice to our clients because, with each case, there are real people and real families involved.

“When the crisis hit, we wanted to reach out to the community to let them know that they could come to us for advice at a time that’s extremely difficult for everyone. “The crisis has had an impact on what we do. There were couples just at the beginning of divorce proceedings who were then forced to stay indoors with one another for several weeks on end, which is naturally very tough. “There were also married couples who were, maybe, considering separation and the Covid-19 crisis has amplified their issues and, therefore, accelerated divorce. “In all instances, it’s absolutely vital to be understanding of every case and to be extra sensitive when there are children involved. “On the other side of the coin, we are seeing growth in pre-nuptial agreements which also have to be handled very sensitively. Very often, this is couples on their second marriage who are bringing assets into the relationship with them that they want to preserve for children from the previous marriage. “You also get the Bank of Mum and Dad who may be lending money to buy a property for a couple before they are married but will only do so on the basis that a pre-nup is signed. Again, this is

something to be handled sensitively which our team is trained to do. “Winning the Lexis Nexis award is a testament to the way we work and was a real endorsement to the whole team after a tough 12 months for everyone.” Shakespeare Martineau also offers a mediation service for couples wanting to avoid court proceedings when it comes to divorce cases, and the firm works with business owners when it comes to divorces to help settle what happens to the company in the wake of a split. It has offices across the UK including Nottingham, Leicester, Birmingham, Milton Keynes and London as well as in Stratford-upon-Avon. For more information on the Shakespeare Martineau Family Law team go to www.shma.co.uk/for-life/family/

“As a Family Law department, we pride ourselves on offering very sensitive and supportive advice to our clients because, with each case, there are real people and real families involved.”

Safetyflex Barriers strengthens overseas market share A world-leading manufacturer of antiterrorist security bollards and barriers is on track for exports to surge to 50 per cent of all its business with deals continuing to be struck around the globe from its Coventry headquarters. At the start of its 2021, Safetyflex Barriers is poised to build on its international dominance within the market with further contracts expected from existing and new territories to take it to the predicted 50 per cent export mark by 2022. Safetyflex’s pioneering crash-rated technology protects sites around the world and its Truckstopper series has revolutionised the anti-terrorism bollards market. Low-cost, easy to install and aesthetically pleasing, they can be found in major cities and high-profile locations in the UK and overseas to protect the public from vehicle attacks. Over the last 12 months - and off the back of winning ‘Company of the Year’ and ‘International Trade and Export of the Year Award’ at the Coventry Telegraph Business Awards - it landed its first order in Finland and secured contracts in Norway and Australia, making it the main supplier of antiterrorist bollards in both countries.

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In the UK, its award-winning Truckstopper range has become the security bollard of choice for more towns, cities and venues, with the Tower Bridge area of London and Blackpool Tower among high-profile locations for recent installations. The design and appearance of the bollards, capable of stopping a very large truck travelling at high speed whilst also impacting less on the street scene, has been key to landing the contracts at home and abroad. And its new fully-automated bollard, Truckstopper Auto 50, and Truckstopper London Bridge Bollard, a fixed bollard designed to protect key bridges from vehicle attacks, both added to its range in 2020, are attracting strong interest, with the first Auto 50s already installed at city centre locations. Marcus Gerrard, director at Safetyflex Barriers, said: “We are continuing to revolutionise the anti-terrorism bollards market by designing products which meet the specific needs of certain types of locations for protection from hostile vehicle attacks. But most of all, they look aesthetically pleasing.

Installation of anti-terrorist security bollards by Safetyflex Barriers in the Sydney area of Australia.

“Since the terrorist attacks on Westminster and London Bridges, there has been a requirement for extra antiterrorist measures to be put in place. “By combining our decades of expertise and latest technology, we have invented an ultra- shallow London Bridge bollard to specifically protect bridges and in the case of the Truckstopper Auto 50, a fully-automated bollard which offers protection and flexibility for access. “Both have been successfully crashtested to tough industry standards and the market response has been

extremely encouraging with a number of installations in the UK expected in the coming year. “The overseas market is developing extremely well with a particularly strong presence in Australia, the US and parts of Europe which we expect to broaden during 2021. “We are incredibly proud to be at the forefront of protecting people and places both in the UK and around the world from the threat of vehicle terrorist attacks, and look forward to enhancing our reputation further with new products and in new territories.”

“We are continuing to revolutionise the anti-terrorism bollards market by designing products which meet the specific needs of certain types of locations for protection from hostile vehicle attacks.” 11

News

Post-COVID economic rebuild will need a kickstart The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber has echoed national calls to provide incentives for firms to invest in growth as a way of rebuilding the economy in the aftermath of the coronavirus crisis. Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said the British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) plea to government for further support for businesses on the back of the Chancellor’s spending review would be welcomed by companies in the region. She said: “The spending review underlined much immediate economic damage that the COVID-19 crisis has caused, as well as the lasting effect it will have on our economy for many years to come. “This Chamber, and others up and down the country, has given credit to the government for the unprecedent support measures it has introduced over the past eight months but we’ve also ensured that gaps in help have been highlighted to decision-makers. “The BCC is quite rightly pointing out that businesses will have been in survival mode for a year when we get through to the spring and they are going to need incentives and support to be able to invest in future growth, which will also lead to an economic uplift too.” BCC director general Adam Marshall said: “This spending review comes at a critical time as business communities are fighting for survival in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. “The launch of the National Infrastructure Strategy is an important step in overcoming the longstanding infrastructure deficit. We’ve spent long enough discussing infrastructure projects – it’s now time to focus on delivery. “Measures to help people return to work at this challenging time will help limit long-term unemployment but government must waste no time in putting these plans into action.”

Football kit celebrates Coventry’s UK City of Culture status Coventry City and Hummel have unveiled the Sky Blues’ new third kit for the 2020/21 season. The striking design celebrates Coventry being chosen as the UK City of Culture for 2021 and is available to order at ccfcstore.com. The UK City of Culture branding on the shirt takes inspiration from the city’s story and its built environment. It celebrates the people, cultures and histories that have contributed to its international reputation, including the jet engine, the bicycle wheel and the 5G symbol.

On the shirt, the part of the brand that represents Coventry’s digital innovation, the 5G symbol, emanates from the Coventry City crest as the football club is the heartbeat of the city – and for many fans the club is central to many aspects of their lives. The new Sky Blues third shirt also shows the Coventry skyline on the back too, including the city’s famous three spires, Lady Godiva and the Whittle Arch. Inside the neckline of the shirt, images of Coventry City legends who have played a prominent role in the club’s history feature – with

Steve Ogrizovic, John Sillett, Tommy Hutchison, Clarrie Bourton, Dion Dublin, Bill Glazier, Jimmy Hill, Mick Coop, Cyrille Regis, George Mason and George Curtis all shown. Coventry City chief executive Dave Boddy said: “We’re delighted to unveil our new third kit, celebrating Coventry being the UK City of Culture 2021. “It is another fantastic kit from our partnership with Hummel, with the City of Culture branding featuring prominently in the design.” Laura McMillan, director of operations and legacy at

Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “The Sky Blues play such an important part in Coventry’s identity so working with them on the 20/21 third shirt has long been our ambition. “The fans’ passion for the city is what Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture is all about, celebrating and having pride in this extraordinary place we call home.”

Impact on home-working at Leamington development

Stephanie Green and Alistair Clark from AC Lloyd Homes

A Warwickshire property company has responded to the increase in home-working due to COVID-19 by reconfiguring the design of its properties on a new development. A survey by the Institute of Directors showed that 74% of just under 1,000 firms it

contacted are planning on maintaining the increase in their staff working from home, with more than half considering reducing their use of workplaces in the long term. With a permanent shift in home-working being one of the expected knock-on effects of the coronavirus pandemic, AC Lloyd Homes has transformed one of the bedrooms in its showhouse at The Cricketers in Radford Semele, Leamington, into an office for the first time. Extra points have been added to plug in laptops, printers and mobile phones in the office, which fits two people working at home within the 67 two, three,

four and five-bedroom home development. AC Lloyd Homes managing director Alistair Clark and sales and marketing manager Stephanie Green went along to The Cricketers to spend a day working from the showhouse to road-test it before it was open to the public. Alistair said: “The coronavirus pandemic has led to a permanent move to more flexible working due to the national lockdowns and advice when the tier system was introduced. Everyone has proved they can be highly productive working from home. “When the vaccination programme is rolled out, I think

more and more people will be dividing their time between their office environment and working from home instead of everyone returning to their office desks full-time. “The last nine months has resulted in more people assessing their homes with people working from either the kitchen, the dining room table or a spare bedroom. “Transforming one of the bedrooms at the showhouse at The Cricketers into an office shows prospective buyers how they can combine work and home under one roof and, just as importantly, separate the two.”

Gallagher Coventry recognised in FirstPro Awards Gallagher Coventry has been crowned Team of the Year at the annual FirstPro Awards, which celebrate the best professional and financial services in Coventry & Warwickshire. The awards recognise excellent teamwork in the region and FirstPro is seen as the gold standard event for

professionals locally. As well as being named Team of the Year, Gallagher’s Coventry team also made it through to the final of three other categories: Contribution to the Community, Deal of the Year and People Excellence. The judges noted the firm’s consistently strong performance, team spirit and

strength of purpose, as well as its commitment to look after each other and provide a supportive environment. Cheryll Rawbone, chairman of Gallagher Coventry, said: “It is an honour to receive this award on behalf of our Coventry team. This external award recognises the team’s client-first approach and entrepreneurial spirit in

Two solicitors listed on review website Review website ThreeBestRated.co.uk has ranked two solicitors at Band Hatton Button in the top three in their specialist fields in the Coventry area. The site handpicks the best individuals using a rigorous 50-point inspection, which looks at everything from reviews, business reputation, cost and satisfaction to general excellence. Kristy Ainge, a solicitor advocate in the litigation team, has been recognised as one of the top three personal injury solicitors. She has been listed on the site since 2017.

Kristy offers legal guidance and representation to ensure that her clients receive all of the benefits owed to them without worrying about expenses by entering into no win no fee agreements where appropriate. She provides a cradle-to-grave service including representation at court hearings without the need to instruct a barrister. She advises claimants on road traffic accidents, employer liability claims, public liability claims, fatal accidents, occupiers liability claims, industrial disease and clinical/medical negligence. Kristy said: “I feel honoured to have received this accolade for another year. It shows that hard work, dedication and compassion do not go unnoticed.”

the face of adversity caused by the pandemic, along with our strong ethos of helping each other and the community. A massive congratulations to our award-winning team!”

Meanwhile, partner and head of employment Mark Ridley is listed on the site as one of the top three employment law solicitors. Mark specialises exclusively in this area of law, managing a broad range of contentious and non-contentious work. This includes the preparation of contracts of employment, company handbooks and policies and procedures. Mark offers practical advice to employers and employees on the conduct of disciplinary and grievance procedures, including appeals. He is also able to advise on sickness procedures and performance improvement systems. Mark said: “I am delighted to have been recognised in my field. Employment is a dynamic area of law and I approach it in a practical and personable way.”

Cast iron welding specialist unlocks R&D tax incentives A firm that specialises in welding cast iron has earned a £10,000 windfall from the government after the work required for a special project proved so complex that it qualified as R&D. Cast Iron Welding Services (CIWS) had been told repeatedly by tax professionals that its activities didn’t qualify under HMRC’s R&D tax credit scheme. But after agreeing to a third review of the company’s activity by tax relief specialists Catax, the innovations finally got the recognition they deserved.

CIWS had been approached by a client who needed repairs to a huge cast iron industrial strainer that was five feet in diameter and 40 years old. It had developed a substantial crack due to repeated heating and cooling over many years. The object was large and heavy and was not uniform in shape or thickness. It also contained impurities and other materials, mainly nickel. This meant the CIWS team couldn’t just rely on techniques developed in the early days of the company for joining and repairing cast iron objects.

Further experimentation was required, which involved adjusting the temperature and the rate of cooling to suit its unique composition. As the company was attempting to solve a technological uncertainty, its work qualified as R&D, which resulted in a claim for £9,700 in R&D tax credits. These credits were introduced by the government in 2000 to incentivise innovation, and result in either a reduction in a limited company’s corporation tax bill or a cash lump sum. Peter Palmer, managing director of CIWS, said: “Making a claim for R&D tax credits

has opened our eyes to the way we can use the scheme to support our work on more complex projects in the future.” Kully Nijjar, associate director of Catax, said: “The overall size of this claim wasn’t as important to CIWS as knowing that R&D tax credits could allow them to take on many more clients with complex repairs in the future.” For more information, please visit: www.catax.com and www.castironwelding.co.uk

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Law society recognises Lodders lawyer’s fifty-year landmark

In recognition of 50 years in the legal profession, Birmingham Law Society has presented Michael Orlik of regional law firm Lodders with a special award.

Michael was admitted as a solicitor in October 1970 and has been a member of the commercial property team at Lodders since 2002. Marking Michael’s fifty years in legal practice, the Birmingham Law Society has awarded him a commemorative plaque in recognition of his achievement. The society planned to present the award at a special event, but this had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 restrictions, and Lodders’ managing partner Paul Mourton presented Michael with the award on the society’s behalf. A specialist in local government, planning, highways, public and private

rights of way, compulsory purchase, compensation law, common land and village greens, Michael is known as one of the country’s leading experts on highway law. His book, entitled An Introduction to Highway Law, is now in its fourth edition. He spent the first half of his career in local government working for four different councils, the last being the Surrey Heath Borough Council in Camberley, where he was chief executive and town clerk. In 1990 he entered private practice as a partner at Birmingham-based Needham and James, which merged with Dibb Lupton Alsop in 1993, before joining Lodders

in Stratford upon Avon in 2002. Michael said: “Whilst slightly mystified that it is now fifty years since I was admitted to the legal profession, I can honestly say that I have enjoyed the whole of my career very much, both in the public and private sector.” Becky Lynch, head of operations at Birmingham Law Society, added: “We’re very proud to present the award to Michael for recognition of fifty years in legal practice. We look forward to welcoming him to a presentation in the new year when the restrictions are lifted.” For more information visit www.lodders.co.uk

£2,000 charity donation in memory of employee’s late father In October 2020, Stoneleigh tech consultancy Tisski raised £2,000 for The Myton Hospices as part of an ongoing charity initiative that sees a different employee choose a charity to receive a set donation each month. For Tisski’s senior account manager, Tracey, Myton is a cause she holds close to heart. She said: “When doctors confirmed my late dad had to go into palliative care, we were grateful to be given the opportunity for him to spend his last few days at Myton Hospice

in Coventry. The volunteers, doctors and nurses were amazing and so very caring. “The company I work for, Tisski, believes that charitable giving is so important, and I had the opportunity to choose a charity to receive a £2,000 donation. Of course, I didn’t hesitate to put forward Myton; they truly deserve this and I hope it will help to go a little way during these testing times.” For several years now, charitable giving has been an important part of Tisski’s organisational culture.

Its CEO, Anna Assassa, said: “Donations mean so much to charities like Myton Hospice, especially in difficult times. It’s incredible to hear how well they cared for Tracey’s dad and to be able to give a little something back in return is a real honour. “At Tisski, we’re very proud of our charitable nature. We’ve made regular donations for several years and would greatly encourage other organisations to do the same. Allowing your employees to choose charities is a fantastic way to support causes you may not have even heard of. In doing so, you

uncover stories like Tracey’s and support the people who essentially help your business make money.”

Mecalac unveils new transmission for MCR crawler skid excavators The Mecalac 6MCR, 8MCR and 10MCR tracked skid excavators are now equipped with ‘Speed Control’ travel management system as standard. This all-new feature allows the operator to set a maximum travel speed – regardless of engine speed. With 20 speeds available, the transmission essentially acts as a limiter, making it easy to drive at very low speeds for applications such

as mowing or planing. This enables operators to concentrate on the task in hand and prioritise safety. This technology evolution forms part of Mecalac’s ongoing commitment to simplifying the lives of users without compromising on performance. For more information, or to find your nearest UK dealer, visit www.mecalac.com/en

Baby boom at local wealth management firm Integrity Wealth Solutions (IWS) is getting used to the patter of tiny feet! Over the last year, three members of the team have welcomed their first babies. Tom Sykes, an independent financial consultant specialising in SIPP and SSAS pensions and business protections, welcomed a baby boy in April. Frankie Bates, another independent financial consultant who specialises in estate planning, also welcomed a little boy and client account executive Amie Cooper has just

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returned from maternity leave after having her daughter last November. Tom said: “Having children at the same time as a couple of my colleagues has been fantastic. It has meant getting to know them – in particular, Frankie and her partner – much better on a personal level and has led to friendships between us and our partners outside of work.” IWS prides itself on being a family-orientated company so for three of its close-knit team to be able to go through this

special journey together has forged an even stronger bond. Managing director Martin Lindsey said: “It really has been an exciting year for IWS. Not only have we moved premises and rebranded, we have welcomed three new babies into the team. Whilst the last few months have been difficult for everyone in the world, our business has continued to thrive and, in fact, grow. “We are always looking for inventive ways to support our clients and staff. Being able to

continue working from home throughout lockdown has contributed to helping staff with and without children. I am extremely proud that our fantastic team has carried on helping clients through these difficult times and that we have been able to be flexible to accommodate home-working. “We are all looking forward to the day when we can be together again and meet the new additions to the IWS extended family”. For more information visit www.integritywealth.co.uk

Sprint to success with Athletic Thinking Cleaning and hygiene specialist Mirius has teamed up with management consultancy Athletic Thinking in a bid to become a highperformance organisation. Athletic Thinking will offer bespoke high-performance coaching, interactive workshops and wellbeing programmes to Mirius’s leadership team and employees. By bringing an elite sports approach into a corporate environment and embedding high-performance principles into the workplace, Athletic Thinking and Mirius hope to optimise performance, productivity and profitability across the board. In doing so, Mirius is confident that the company will continue to drive innovation within the industry and provide a valuable contribution to human hygiene globally. The partnership aims to inspire Mirius employees to adopt a new way of thinking, improving their sense of worth, wellbeing and knowledge and allowing them to contribute to the company’s continued growth and development. Darren Langdon, commercial director at Mirius – a pioneer in the manufacture and supply of cleaning products – said: “We are thrilled to be working closely with Nick and Athletic Thinking to develop our approach to business. By adopting new strategies, we believe that our already committed team of employees will continue to thrive and be capable of driving our future growth and expansion.” Nick Johnston, director of Athletic Thinking, said: “We are thrilled to be able to form this partnership and offer a comprehensive performance and wellbeing package to Mirius. For a collective to be successful, every individual has to be engaged on multiple levels in a psychologically safe environment that nurtures development in a positive, constructive manner. “I hope that by working closely with Mirius we will be able to help them reach their goals to become a highperforming organisation, with effective leadership and stakeholder ownership across the business.”

To find out more, visit https://www.mirius.com/

Chamber Training

Specialised Training for Property Development L-R: Efstathios Larios, Haider Akbar, Georgios Papastamopoulos and Alan Glaister from Embed Limited.

Project Management Solutions with Chamber Training

Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training is working in partnership with Embed, an automotive embedded systems designs consultancy, to provide a specifically designed training solution for creating new processes and procedures across its workforce. Established in 2005, Embed Limited designs bespoke solutions for the automotive market which are aimed at improving quality and productivity. Their customers range from small startups to established Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers. Tracy Sawrey, the Management Trainer at Chamber Training engaged with the senior management team to examine current issues and a desired outcome for the training. After careful consideration, a tailored, hands-on training solution was created to provide Embed Limited with the fundamental support and guidance they were looking for. The bespoke package encompassed the ILM 5 leadership and management qualification, which encourages strategic thinking and is designed to provide clear, measurable benefits to career-minded individuals. Commenting on the bespoke training package, Efstathios Larios, Operations Director at Embed Limited said: “The ILM 5 project management training covered the basics and more complex project management topics. It was created in accordance to our organisation’s specific requirements and has led to an improvement of internal processes and the way in which we deliver projects. The ILM module assignment offered a hands-on experience in running real projects in the workplace and helped to identify areas where project managers can improve on. “Our team found the training extremely useful and delivered points that have been instrumental in making changes to the policies we have in place. It also offered a fantastic way to re-baseline project management skills and provided a very good mixture of theory and real-world practices. Collectively, we were really impressed by Tracy Sawrey’s business experience and her knowledge of what style of training would work for us. Her teaching style was excellent and provided a good mixture of theory and real-world practices. We found the training extremely beneficial and instrumental in making changes to the project management practices and providing an avenue to take Embed forward in a very positive way.” Tracy Sawrey from Chamber Training remarked: “It is great to see that Efstathios and his team are already reaping the benefits of the ILM Level 5 training. The training covered a wide range of tools and techniques which will help the team at Embed to focus on enhancing their skills and experience in managing projects for the company.” Chamber Training’s bespoke training solutions are available from the main suite of seminars. Alternatively, the team can research and design training and development programmes to help your workforce meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Prior to course delivery, one of our Business Advisers and Trainers will discuss your individual requirements and tailor a programme to meet specific business needs.

A Coventry-based property development, investment and construction firm has worked in association with Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training, to develop succession planning strategies and build staff leadership and management skills. The Wigley Group, based in Stockton, Southam was formed in 1964 and the management team quickly recognised the growth potential of commercial property. The company has doubled in size over the last three years and continues to invest in additional training opportunities with Chamber Training. The latest training initiative, the ILM 3 Award in Leadership & Management, included modules such as effective ways to motivate staff to improvement performance. Members of the management team at The Wigley Group who benefited from the ILM 3 Award were Jean Swidryk, Alexis Considine and Laura Branson. Commenting on the ILM 3 training opportunity, Jean Swidryk remarked: “After having a family at a young age and starting my career later on in life, I was lucky enough to join The Wigley Group in January 2018. Although I was excited about the prospect of returning to studying, it had been a long time since I’d been in a classroom.

The ILM 3 training was a great opportunity to prove myself and my abilities. I persevered with the assessments and assignments and looked to Tracy Sawrey, from Chamber Training for guidance and inspiration. My hard work certainly paid off when I achieved 70% in my first assignment.” Commenting on how the training has helped her career progression, Jean said: “Tracy Sawrey has a beautiful way of teaching and she really helped me to understand and apply the training to my job role. During a problem solving assignment, I was able to stop duplication, save time and ultimately produce cost savings. I feel more confident now about working with new processes and the training has certainly been instrumental in helping me to gain a recent promotion too. I am so grateful to Wigley for giving me the opportunity.” Tracy Sawrey, a Management Trainer at Chamber Training remarked on Jean’s progress: “The ILM 3 Award in Leadership and Management is ideal for the individuals who are seeking to build their key management skills, develop leadership capability, understand team motivation and confidently manage people. It is an ideal foundation to start building a career in management and it was a perfect platform for relevant staff at The Wigley Group.

L-R: Jean Swidryk, Alexis Considine and Laura Branson from The Wigley Group.

“Jean’s learning journey was inspirational and evidences wherever someone is in their life it is possible to achieve a qualification that delivers practical benefits to them and makes a difference to their organisation. Although nervous at the start, Jean has developed a newfound confidence and a determination to succeed. I’m sure this is not the end of her learning journey, just the beginning. “Alexis and Laura also found the training extremely useful and beneficial. They have all found the modules in ILM 3 relevant, engaging and applicable to their job roles. We are delighted to hear that the training has provided them with practical, hands-on experience that can help them develop and grow.” To find out more about how Chamber Training can help your company to develop its workforce, please contact a member of our Business Development Team on 024 7623 1122, enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk

Congratulations to our advanced apprenticeship stars At Chamber Training, we would like to congratulate our outstanding Apprentices who have achieved a Distinction in their Advanced Apprenticeship Programme. In addition to achieving their Level 3 AAT exams, all four students had to pass an additional test which involved a professional discussion with an End Point Assessor. We are extremely proud of them and wish them every success with their continued studies and their future careers.

Jack Baker Jack Baker began his accountancy career as an Accounts Apprentice at McGlone Wardzynski Limited in Coventry in 2017. “Being part of the Apprenticeship Programme has really helped to build on my confidence, increase my knowledge and gain further experience in the accountancy sector. I am now able to enjoy a more complex accountancy role and look forward to continuing to grow and flourish.”

Deeqa Maigag Deeqa is a trainee accountant at Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership Trust (CWPT) and thoroughly enjoyed being involved with the Apprenticeship Programme. “Although the course was challenging, the specialists at Chamber Training were able to help and advise me on the best resources and revision notes available. I was delighted to pass my exams with flying colours and I am now able to conquer new challenges and continue to develop in my role.”

Nathan Ellis Nathan started as an accounts apprentice at Thomas & Co in Coventry in 2018 and found the Apprenticeship programme extremely rewarding.

“My current role involves completion of advanced accounts and VAT returns alongside supporting new junior apprentices with training and support. The Apprenticeship Programme has helped me to further develop in my current role and become more effective at monitoring and reviewing the apprentices’ progress.”

Euan Quinney Euan, a trainee accountant at TGFP found the experience at college a very different one to what he expected, due to Covid-19. “When all classes were delivered remotely in March, I found it quite daunting but with the support of Chamber Training and my workplace, I was still able to achieve the desired result. I am looking forward to continuing my studies in January 2021.”

To find out more about the Apprenticeship Programme with Chamber Training, contact a member of the Business Development Team on 02476 231 122 enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk

Training Courses 2021 Professional Telephone Techniques (AM) Professional Email Writing (PM) Key Account Management (PM) Microsoft Excel - Basic to Intermediate Effective Communication Training and Coaching the Team Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems Building the Team Motivating the Team Managing Difficult People Understanding Discipline in the Workplace Time Management ILM Level 2* Setting Goals and Targets Microsoft Excel - Intermediate to Advanced Emergency First Aid in the Workplace Microsoft Excel - Advanced Plus Appraising People and Performance

Chamber Member Price + VAT £110 £110 £110 £130 £110 £110 £175 £110 £110 £110 £110 £220 £600 £110 £130 £115 £130 £220

Non-Member Price + VAT £135 £135 £135 £160 £135 £135 £195 £135 £135 £135 £135 £245 £600 £135 £160 £140 £160 £245

Duration Half Day - AM Half Day - PM Half Day - PM 1 Day Half Day - AM Half Day - PM 3 Days Half Day - AM Half Day - PM Half Day - AM Half Day - PM 1 Day 4 Days Half Day - AM 1 Day 1 Day 1 Day 1 Day

Jan 21 26 26 27 27

Feb 21

2 2 8, 15, 22 9 9 16 16 17 17, 24 23 24

Mar 21

2, 9 12 23 24

Prices subject to VAT. Please note: Chamber Training courses will be delivered remotely unless otherwise advised.

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Teenagers take national New title in boat challenge

Students from WMG Academy Coventry have been crowned national champions in an engineering competition to design a boat to assist people in a hurricane. The five students, all aged 15 and 16, took first place in the Royal Navy Engineering Challenge to design a vessel capable of delivering humanitarian aid – such as water, food and medicine – in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

This is the second year in a row that WMG Academy, based in Mitchell Avenue, has won the UK 14-16 title in the annual competition, which featured 60 teams from across the country. Team member Lawrence McCoy-Phelan, 16, said: “It’s an honour to win this competition with my teammates as we have worked very hard for a long time on the project.” The team – known as HMS Seals - designed their

vessel and created a working model, which was praised by Royal Navy engineers for its directional propeller mechanism, manoeuvrability, reliability and loading system. The event usually takes place in Portsmouth, with competitors demonstrating their working models in water before a panel of judges. This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the boats were collected by the Royal Navy and tested by engineers. As well as scooping the national title, WMG Academy’s team also won three of the four available category awards in innovation, sustainability and manufacture. Matt Brady, WMG Academy’s associate principal, said:

“We are delighted to have won this prestigious national title for the second year running. Our students are incredibly talented young engineers with bright futures ahead of them and this award is well-deserved recognition for their creativity, teamwork and technical skill.” Commodore Andy Cree, the Royal Navy’s lead for training projects, said: “ We are delighted to have completed the final of the 2020 Royal Navy Engineering Challenge, which remains a key component of our schools STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] programme.”

New financial director at steering system manufacturer Steering system maker Pailton Engineering has appointed Karen Birch as finance director. The appointment aligns with a five-year growth plan, reaffirming the company’s unique position in the vehicle design market as it looks ahead to a post-COVID economic recovery. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a swift and severe impact on the globally integrated vehicle manufacturing industry. While the bus sector has been hard hit with commuters working from home, road freight has seen a surge attributed to the £5.3 billion boost in online shopping and e-commerce. One business that is pivoting with market changes is Pailton Engineering. The company has made a series of strategic appointments to remain strong during the economic volatility, including the recruitment of Karen Birch.

Karen is no stranger to niche manufacturing and global exports, with more than two decades of experience in the financial field. She is responsible for implementing changes that push growth, improve profitability and promote financial stewardship at Pailton Engineering. Karen said: “In one respect, Pailton Engineering is unlike any businesses I’ve directed before. The level of design flexibility it offers its vehicle original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers is unparalleled. “We will look to add value at every opportunity in the next five years to ensure quality, profits and growth, even in these uniquely challenging times. Pailton intends to fully exploit every avenue of growth and has ambitions to build its customer portfolio through carefully considered opportunities.”

Coventry-based Pailton Engineering designs and manufactures steering system parts for heavy duty vehicles, including military vehicles, commercial vehicles and buses. The business has logged record-breaking growth in the last three years, attributed to several major project wins spanning the UK, Europe and North America. For more information visit www.pailton.com

ISO compliance boosts confidence in open source for UK healthcare Applications and software are increasingly being developed using open source. This means that licence confidence is now critical in open source applications for health and social care. The Develop in the Open (DITO) project team has asserted that an ISO standard awarded to OpenChain will enable best practice sensible defaults to organisations that invest in open source. OpenChain is an auditable system of recording provenance, modification and license of digital assets and has now been approved as ISO standard ISO/IEC DIS 5230. This ISO certification is based on the ability to audit software to ensure it can be used for its intended purpose. Compliance

enables the user to understand their licence obligations, which is vital when using open source for professional and business critical applications. Stuart Mackintosh, DITO lead, said: “Without a licence audit such as OpenChain, an organisation can’t confidently determine if they can use, support or distribute software without inadvertently contravening a licence.” Open-e-REACT, an electronic patient observation solution developed using the DITO process under the custodianship and governance of the Apperta Foundation, is open source and stores clinical data using open standards. It is due to be launched to the market in 2021. Through the Custodian

Model, all health and care organisations can use the product and contribute to its development, either directly or through an implementation partner. David Jobling of Apperta Foundation said: “The OpenChain process is crucial in the development of an application like this. As part of the DITO project we’re creating automated tools that will enable organisations to complete the audit of open source code required for the Openchain ISO certification, in a manner which is more effective to implement than if the auditing was attempted with manual or human processes. Any software developed through the Custodian Model will be automatically scanned to ensure ISO standards are met.”

Premier Education announces new project in Atherstone Premier Education has announced it will be running a new project for unemployed women in Atherstone and the surrounding areas. The Premier Education – Active Tutoring project is part of the European Social Fund (ESF) Community Grants programme, which gives funding to small organisations in the voluntary and community sector to support unemployed and inactive individuals.

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The programme is funded by the ESF and Education Skills Agency, and led by community charity, Groundwork. Each week, local unemployed women will have the chance to take part in fun, active sports sessions and learn new skills in workshops on health and safety, first aid, safeguarding, equality and diversity, autism awareness and more. The tutors will work closely with the participants to give them the best

opportunity to move into employment or training with interview preparation and support. The project will also provide healthy snacks each week as well as the chance to socialise and relax in a safe, secure environment. Premier Education’s Active Tutoring will run for six months and begin week commencing January 11, 2021. More information will be released in due course.

partnership set to boost energy efficiency Utility Team and Clearworld have forged a new partnership aimed at helping their customers to become more energy-efficient. The ground-breaking collaboration will also help customers to reduce their energy costs and take big strides towards achieving net zero. Award-winning energy consultancy Utility Team has implemented several carbon reduction strategies for organisations such as DPD and Thales over the last 12 months. These strategies have delivered significant commercial and environmental benefits. The Coventry-based organisation has been strengthening its portfolio of services over the last 18 months and, with the formation of the Clearworld partnership, says it now has a market-leading carbon reduction and net zero offering. Clearworld, a sustainability and energy reduction specialist, has been helping multi-site organisations such as Morrison’s and BP realise the environmental and commercial benefits of implementing energy reduction solutions. By utilising the energy strategy, procurement and lowcarbon investment expertise of Utility Team, Clearworld says it can deliver an end-to-end solution to its customers. Delvin Lane, CEO of Utility Team, said: “We are delighted to be working with Clearworld and their team of sustainability and energy reduction practitioners. We are fully committed to helping our customers become net zero and know the expertise Clearworld have will help us accelerate our plans.” Gary Scaife, director of Clearworld, said: “We are looking forward to a joint approach to making net zero happen. A partnership between Utility Team and Clearworld will enable us to offer our clients the benefits of years of experience and realise the operational, environmental and financial benefits of energy reduction. “The partnership will also enable us to work with clients on strategic plans as we move towards government and client targets of becoming net zero.”

News

Expansion for EcoClean & Maintenance

Electric Zoo presents e-bike to Mayor of Leamington Spa

Commercial cleaning firm Eco-Clean & Maintenance has expanded in many different ways during the pandemic, from winning big contracts and taking on a new apprentice. Throughout both lockdowns, the Coventry-based company has helped to keep its existing and new clients as safe as possible, giving them peace of mind while working and being at school. During the second lockdown, Eco-Clean gave extra support to multiple schools to keep children and staff safe while putting worried parents’

minds at ease. The company believes that it is important to give an extra helping hand to schools to help combat the spread of COVID-19 and stave off the potential closure of educational sites. Eco-Clean has also gained several contracts in recent months, including a big win with Syncreon, which specialises in the design and operation of supply chain solutions for automotive and technology customers. Syncreon deals with many high-profile companies including Apple, Dell and Samsung.

The mayor will be conducting her ceremonial duties in the town of Leamington Spa on her new Electric Zoo-branded e-bike whilst also promoting the Leamington Spa clean air programme. Electric Zoo said: “We hope that the mayor’s Electric Zoo e-bike will encourage others to take up cycling. The electric assistance removes the strain of riding around a varied landscape whilst reducing our carbon footprint by not using petrol or diesel road transport. “We hope many other people will see the benefits of e-bikes around our local towns and cities for the short journeys that many people tend to use a car for, even though it’s not needed. “During the pandemic we have all been making changes to our daily lifestyles. Thinking about how you travel will make a huge impact on everyone’s health and we can breathe clean air once again.”

Meanwhile, Jamie Atkins has been recruited to beef up Eco-Clean’s team of mobile cleaning operatives. He delivers a high standard of cleaning to a range of clients and has already become a fantastic asset to the company. For more information visit www.ecocleanservice.co.uk

Innovative site set to transform dating industry

Electric Zoo had the pleasure of presenting the Mayor of Leamington Spa, Cllr Susan Rasmussen, with a new e-bike earlier this year. This was one of the first Vanmoof e-bikes in the UK and is now being ridden daily in and around Warwickshire. It will be very easy to spot with its distinctive pink zebrastriped artwork all over the frame. This e-bike has the future tech that’s expected from an innovative company such as Electric Bike, with full GPS tracking and a personal app that can be used to lock and unlock the bike.

Not only is Eco-Clean expanding on the back of contract wins, it is also strengthening its team of staff by recruiting new hires. Rebekah Peach has joined as digital marketing apprentice and is responsible for managing marketing campaigns, social media and the company website.

One of the first dating sites in the world to require every one of its members to verify their identity through a valid photo ID is on a mission to help singles find genuine and lasting relationships this Valentine’s Day. DateSmart® has partnered with Yoti, an award-winning British digital ID company, to make it as simple and secure a process as possible. Using the Yoti app, people keen to join DateSmart® verify their identity

by matching their personal biometric features with an existing government photo ID. They can then share that result to DateSmart® with just a tap. Users can also be reassured that DateSmart® is designed to protect their privacy so that they can feel safe in sharing sensitive information online. The need for greater transparency in the online dating world has been apparent for many years. In the BBC1 programme For Love or Money (series1, episode 3, November 2019), it was reported that up to 20% of profiles online can be fake. DateSmart® is one of the first dating sites to address this by banishing the fear of fake profiles and only allowing verified users to connect.

Iona Anderson, founder of DateSmart®, said: “We are incredibly excited to have a dating site that makes online dating safer, more secure and ultimately more authentic. Trends are shifting towards online dating, which has escalated because of the global pandemic. “The idea behind DateSmart® is to make finding real connections with real people straightforward, as it should be.” John Abbott, chief business officer at Yoti, said: “It’s great to partner with DateSmart® to make it safer for people to find love. We have a safe way to verify people’s identity without compromising their privacy. With Yoti, you’ll always catch a catfish.”

Coventry breeds engineering excellence Feraru Dynamics is one of many success stories that have come out of Coventry University. In August 2016, a young mechanical engineering student was starting his placement secured with the help of EC Futures at Rolls-Royce Derby. In his words, the experience was career changing: ‘’I have learnt so much from being part of the product safety team at Rolls-Royce. It was here that I understood the industry problem revolving around Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome. This exposure to the real industry world has changed my career path and awoken my ambition to innovate and improve health and safety standards.” The founder of Feraru Dynamics started a research project as part of his mechanical engineering degree at Coventry University. Entitled Enhancement in Hand Arm Vibration Monitoring Technology and Technique,

the thesis was produced alongside a working prototype that conformed to current BS-ISO-5349 and BS-ISO-8041 standards. The novel monitoring technique and innovative mathematical additions to the standardised exposure assessment were patented. Shortly afterwards, a group of creative people with complementary skills was formed with the aim of developing a revolutionary product to benefit the tool operator. The initial team of five volunteered daily for six months to keep the vision alive and seek funding. The company was incorporated in August 2018, before the founder and the team graduated from their degrees at Coventry University in November 2018. With an existing team fully engaged in synchronising their individual passion for entrepreneurship, engineering, programming and design, Feraru Dynamics embarked on a journey of commercialising the intellectual

property to ensure employees maintain resilience in the face of inevitable hazardous exposures at the workplace. Fast-forwarding to October 2020, after two years of intensive product development, product trials with industry partners and many validation tests, the Coventry University-bred team successfully launched HAV-Sentry, a revolutionary wearable technology product.

HB&O launches new website as part of brand refresh Accountants and business advisors, HB&O, has launched a new website showcasing a new logo and refreshed brand. After months of hard work, the new site offers a simplified user experience, a modern interface and a fresh design to allow users to easily find information about the company and its services. It contains a dedicated knowledge hub that HB&O will be regularly updating to help

business owners access advice to help them run their business. Mark Ashfield, managing director at HB&O, said: “Our old site was not reflecting our brand or our personality so we wanted to make sure this was a priority on our new site, which we feel does now shine through. We have always said that our team is what truly sets us apart, as well as our commitment to the local community, both in terms of business and in the wider sense.

“Our new site will now provide a platform for us to bring a better experience, not only to our existing clients but to those who are looking for resources to help them run their business.” Visit www.hboltd.co.uk to take a look around the new site or get in touch with HB&O’s team of specialists to find out how the company can support your business.

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Leamington chosen for new business programme

From left to right, Clare Green (University of Warwick); Toby Flynn (Icycle); Rachel Davis (University of Warwick); Emilia Moniszko (Blunt & Brave); Kirk Hastings (Blunt & Brave); Chris Knight (Creative Leamington); Martina Bussi (Creative Leamington); Shaquira Lue (Open A cappella Community); Beth Newell (Common Story); Catherine Callicott (1 Mill Street)

A new vibrant co-working space in the heart of Leamington is set to help hone the next generation of regional entrepreneurs as part of a new programme. 1 Mill Street is working with the University of Warwick,

BT and Warwickshire County Council as part of the university’s Creative Futures Incubator initiative, which is helping to educate and incubate start-up businesses in a bid to support the largest creative cluster outside of Greater London.

Over the next 12 months, ten new businesses will have access to state-of-the-art offices, meeting spaces and collaboration networks at 1 Mill Street, which is based on the corner of Mill Street and Leam Terrace. As part of the partnership, each business in the Creative Futures Incubator will be given six months of free access to 1 Mill Street to work with the university to develop their business. This will include weekly coaching sessions, access to enterprise experts and mentors and the ability to network and learn from other businesses in the incubator and Mill Street members. Each start-up will be able to benefit from the transformation of the 12,000 sq ft Victorian building into a modern creative enterprise hub, incorporating flexible offices, dedicated desks and hot-desking, a

video and sound studio, The Muse Coffeehouse, meeting areas and a worldclass events space. Rachel Davis, director of Warwick Enterprise at the University of Warwick, said: “1 Mill Street offers a glimpse into the collaborative nature of the future working world. The time these microbusinesses spend here will no doubt serve as a launchpad for them to grow their organisations further.” Nigel Shanahan, founder of 1 Mill Street, added: “This partnership with the University of Warwick helps to build upon the broad variety of organisations that we have operating out of the complex - not just in terms of their sectors, but also the varying stages of development that they are at. For more information visit www.1millstreet.com

Alchemie investment is key to survival Alchemie is a privately-owned business located in the rural village of Kineton, Warwickshire. The company specialises in the formulation, manufacture and supply of epoxy and polyurethane resin systems used throughout a diverse range of industrial sectors. These include oil & gas, nuclear, automotive, aerospace, film & television, rapid prototyping, electronics, Formula 1, hobby & crafts, modelmaking and patternmaking. Due to a number of successful innovative product developments, the company has seen significant increases in demand for its diverse product range. This demand has seen the company operating at full manufacturing, warehousing and dispatch capacity and as such has seen its product lead times increasing – which is ultimately

negatively affecting the company’s existing customer base as well as hampering its plans for new product development. At the beginning of 2019, Alchemie took the decision to invest its capital in a large-scale development that would see its current manufacturing site double in size. The development would allow for increased manufacturing capacity with the purchase of new bespoke mixing equipment. It would generate more than double the space for the warehousing of raw materials and finished goods, and provide a state-ofthe-art research and development facility and a new sales office. Aimed at future-proofing the business, the development was intended to facilitate the company’s ambitious expansion plans within its existing

Deal of the Year honour for property specialist

An artist’s impression of the new Coventry Telegraph site

A partner at commercial property specialist Bromwich Hardy has scooped a prestigious award for his work on the redevelopment of a landmark city centre site. James Brookes took the Deal of the Year honour at the FirstPro 2020 awards with client Complex Development Projects for the deal behind the £120 million redevelopment of the Coventry Telegraph site. Judges heard that the prestigious scheme had

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transformed 2.5 acres in the heart of the city to create a four-star boutique hotel and 1,200 student bedrooms. James brokered the deal for the site, working with Ian and Brian Harrabin of Complex Developments Projects and Coventry City Council. James – who was also named Dealmaker of the Year for the West Midlands for the second year running earlier this year – said he was delighted with the latest success.

markets and targeted new ventures. Alchemie took full possession of its new factory in November and is already reaping the benefits. It now has sufficient space to store extra raw materials and additional machine capacity to manufacture finished goods to cope with the potential issues of Brexit. The company has also been able to attract new business in toll manufacturing products for other companies. For more information on Alchemie visit www.alchemie.com

“The Coventry Telegraph deal is one of the most challenging I have been involved with and one of the most satisfying to have achieved,” he said. “It involved a complex network of stakeholders, imaginative cross-funding and the need for a series of related land deals all to come together at the same time, but we knew the result would be a development which the whole city could be proud of. “The creation of a prestigious boutique hotel in the heart of the city not only adds to Coventry’s visitor offering but makes a significant political and social statement ahead of the City of Culture experience and brings around 120 new jobs with it. “It also regenerates a major city centre site and historic building of some importance, bringing jobs and a stamp of quality to the city. None of this would have been possible without some very creative thinking and Ian and Brian Harrabin and their team deserve particular praise for the work they have done.” For more information visit www.bromwichhardy.com

Comedy festival to bring laughter back to Coventry Coventry University Students’ Union is delighted to announce that the Coventry Comedy Festival will be returning in May 2021. Forming a key part Coventry UK City of Culture 2021, it will be one of the first events on the calendar. With world-class comedy coming to Coventry, the festival will be bringing the funny back after a difficult 2020. It will focus on wellbeing, both mental and physical, and how laughter can have a positive effect – they do say that laughter is the best medicine! There are plenty of ways local companies can get involved and support the event. This could include joining the list of corporate partners as festival sponsors; bringing employees together and getting engaged; or taking advantage of the corporate block booking ticket scheme. Taking place over 11 days, the event will appeal to a wide demographic and includes family-friendly and kids’ shows in the schedule. It’s a celebration of comedy and will include famous faces as well as new performers and homegrown talent too! Previous acts include Tom Allen, Tez Ilyas, Darren Harriott and Catherine Bohart. Further details of the event can be found at www.enjoycoventry.com

CALGAVIN wins national accolade

CALGAVIN has won the collaboration category at the annual Energy Industries Council (EIC) 2020 Awards. The specialist provider of heat transfer solutions was also a finalist in the exports category. The virtual event took place on Thursday December 3 this year and was hosted by Stuart Broadley, CEO of the Energy Industries Council. The finalists and winners for each category were pre-recorded a few days prior to the broadcast event, with the announcement given by the collaboration category sponsor PX. All of the finalists in all categories had been interviewed via video link in the summer of 2020 by Stuart Broadley, prior to the publication of an article in the annual EIC Survive & Thrive magazine edition IV.

CALGAVIN managing director Martin Gough said: “This is just a wonderful award for CALGAVIN as we are celebrating our 40th anniversary this year and have been growing each year. “The most marvellous part is that I always dreamed of having our own specialist headquarters; we are signing a £6 million contract this month for new premises. This new facility will encompass the Centre for Flow Processing, which will include work with a number of universities, or consortia of them, in the area of fluid flow. “I would hugely like to thank the EIC, whom I have been involved with for 35 years, as well as category sponsor PX.”

News

Royal Mail and WCG launch new apprenticeship scheme

Coventry College invests £70k in science facilities A five-figure investment has been made in Coventry College’s science facilities to attract and hone the next generation of talent. Around £70,000 has funded state-ofthe-art equipment to support students who are studying one of the college’s science-related BTEC or Access to Higher Education courses. Coventry College is one of only a few further education institutions to boast a cutting-edge Compact FT-IR Spectrophotometer, which can analyse samples in 40 seconds to identify contents using infra-red technology, and is widely used for testing pharmaceuticals, forensics, food and other substances. The college is also the first education provider to have MiniOne Systems – a portable piece of innovative equipment that enables students to be taught in finer details about the workings of DNA, as well as concepts that can be applied to various areas of science. More than 100 pieces of bluetooth data logging equipment have been funded – enabling students to digitally record onto mobile devices data related to breathing, respiration, heart rates and temperatures. Medical testing equipment including ultrasound machines, electrocardiogram and vein scanners have also been purchased, so that students can create their own understanding of how it works and build upon the knowledge learned in theory lessons. Science and public services students will also be able to benefit from a digital finger print scanner, and simulate in lessons how modern-day biometric identification is carried out by police forces. Kayleigh Vice, lecturer in forensic science at Coventry College, said: “This is a game-changing investment, not just for the college’s ability to attract further talent, but for our students too. They will be using industry-leading equipment that will help them to be one step ahead of competition when studying at university and going for a job in the real world.” For more information visit www.coventrycollege.ac.uk

A college in Warwickshire is helping to keep the Royal Mail fleet moving nationwide with a new apprenticeship training scheme for its technicians. Warwick Trident College, which is part of WCG (formerly Warwickshire College Group), is helping apprentices from the postal service complete their technician qualifications for heavy goods vehicles. The first cohort is made up of 16 apprentices who work day-to-day as technicians in depots all over the UK. Royal Mail has provided the college with two trucks for the apprentices to use for the training and continue their development in repairing and maintaining heavy goods vehicles. The apprentices have already completed their light vehicle qualifications and study at the college for nine weeks over the course of the year.

WCG is the largest apprenticeship training provider in the region, training over 2,500 apprentices each year and working with more than 1,100 employers annually. Mark Eden, director of work-based learning at WCG, said: “We’re excited to be working in partnership with Royal Mail on this scheme and helping to keep their trucks on the road up and down the country. “Our facilities at Warwick Trident College are excellent and it is the perfect location for these technicians to progress their skillsets with heavy goods vehicles. “We work with businesses from a wide range of backgrounds, from SMEs to large companies such as the Royal Mail, supporting the progression and development of workforces. “We look forward to continuing to work with Royal Mail in the future and strengthening our partnership on the apprenticeship scheme.”

From left to right: Front – Michael Baillie (Inverness depot), Katie Malin (Leicester depot), Doug Parkes (WCG) and Mark Eden (WCG). Back – Stewart Lawton (Royal Mail), Sam Chandler (Gloucester depot), Marc Roberts (Exeter depot), James Nutt (WCG) and Muhammed Waterfall (North London depot).

Stewart Lawton, fleet apprenticeship manager at Royal Mail Group, said: “We are looking forward to working closely with Warwick Trident College to build an apprenticeship scheme that is market-leading and delivers the highest quality technicians.” For more information visit www.wcg.ac.uk/apprenticeships

Wright Hassall solicitor supports world-leading institution

A Leamington-based construction solicitor has been called upon to support a world-leading institution that is dedicated to resolving international commercial disputes. Philip Harris, partner and commercial arbitrator at Midlands law firm Wright

Hassall, has been appointed by the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) as an arbitrator to help resolve a multi-million-pound dispute within the energy sector. Arbitration is where parties involved in a dispute agree to an out-of-court process where an impartial tribunal delivers a fair and binding resolution. The LCIA has been using the most experienced arbitrators, mediators and experts to resolve high-profile disputes ever since the late 1800s, and it’s the first time that Philip has been appointed by the LCIA in his 35-year legal career during which time he has undertaken

more than 100 arbitrations. Philip – who has handled several £20 million-plus arbitration cases in his career and sits on panels for the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, the Law Society and the Institute of Chartered Accountants – spoke of his pride at being selected by the LCIA. He said: “Bodies such as the LCIA handle various multimillion-pound cases, including disputes between countries and global organisations, so I am honoured to be given a seat at what is an incredibly prestigious table. “What makes it more humbling is that I was

recommended to the LCIA by a third party so hopefully this can lead to involvement in further LCIA-based cases for both myself and Wright Hassall in the future. “I see coronavirus acting as the catalyst for more and more businesses to turn to arbitration. The virus is likely to trigger a future rise in demand for arbitration services because there will be more creditors seeking owed money from struggling businesses, coupled with a realisation that arbitration can provide a quicker, easier and more cost-effective alternative to formal litigation through the traditional court system.”

Chamber member plays key role in COVID-19 vaccine roll-out A Warwick-based medical supplies company is playing its part in the historic fight against COVID-19. Warwick Sasco, which is based on the Heathcote Industrial Estate, is supplying 40,000 medical trays to the NHS for use in the coronavirus vaccination programme. The firm’s tray was used during the historic moment that 90-year-old Margaret Keenan received the first vaccination in the UK at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire. Warwick Sasco produces a range of products for use

in the medical sector, from kidney dishes and gallipots through to instrument trays and instrument protection and transportation units. The company’s products also include bed pans and urinal bottles, all of which are made by suppliers in the UK, particularly in the West Midlands. It’s not the first time the firm has been part of the fight against COVID-19, having answered a call to supply the Nightingale hospitals at the start of the crisis. Now its trays are being sent to a distribution hub in Coventry and, from there,

will go to vaccination points all over the country. Managing director Darby Booth said: “It was a wonderful moment for everyone to see the first vaccination against COVID-19 being administered here in the UK after such a difficult period. “Of course, it was a very proud moment for us as a business to see one of our products being beamed all over the world as it was used in that very first vaccination just down the road from our HQ in Warwick. “We are providing an initial 40,000 trays to the NHS for

use with the vaccine all over the country. We are very pleased to be playing our part.” For more information visit www.sasco.co.uk

Warwickshire launches Tech Challenge to aid economic recovery Warwickshire County Council is set to launch an £80,000 project to support digital initiatives that will encourage people to visit the county’s town centres for leisure and business post-lockdown. The Town Centres Tech Challenge fund is to be established after a business survey undertaken by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) identified the need for digital products which help support and promote town centres, engage existing and new customers and boost consumer confidence following the end of the current national lockdown. The scheme will be looking at projects that will reinvigorate town centres in the future when lockdown restrictions are again lifted. The innovative scheme will support proposals that address one or more of the following goals:

• helps to create a town centre’s sense of place • helps consumers to feel confident about visiting their favourite businesses in town centres • supports the promotion of businesses both individually and collectively • increases engagement between the local community and town centre businesses • increases engagement between a wider audience and town centre businesses The council is to begin the search for businesses to kick-start a bigger project to identify and support an initiative that will focus on promoting the county’s town centres as places to visit, enjoy and engage with safely. Funding between £10,000 and £80,000 will be available for companies that clearly demonstrate they can address at least one of the goals which have been

highlighted and the council is welcoming everything from start-up ideas to an existing initiative which needs to be scaled or accelerated. Cllr Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council and portfolio holder for economic development, said: “Our town centres were already facing significant challenges and the announcement of further restrictions to the hospitality sector and non-essential retail will be another blow. “The increased difficulties that businesses are facing has accelerated the need for creative and innovative approaches to redefine how town centres promote themselves and our reasons for visiting them.” For more information visit: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ coronavirusbusinesssupport

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Nimbus DTI

Top 5 tips

for planning your Digital Strategy Amid the backdrop of a global pandemic, businesses putting their people and digital strategy first are more likely to thrive. By creating a workplace environment that provides security, motivation, and belonging, they are more able to weather the fiercest of storms. Many leaders have announced their intention to make their businesses more resilient. But how? In this article, we examine the case for building digital resilience for the digital economy and why every leader should consider developing a digital strategy. A digital strategy is effectively how you are going to use technology to integrate with your business in any shape or form through processes, sales etc. Some organisations may have very detailed strategies in place and road maps of perhaps two years from now to where they want to be, whereas others might be responding to challenges as they come, this is more common within SMEs (small to medium enterprises).

Our top 5 tips for planning your digital strategy: 1. Define your process and operation

By Jack Hazell, Director of Operations

The first step in building a robust digital strategy is deciding how? What? And why? This is very crucial as ultimately, technology can solve problems, but it can only solve what is asked to be solved. Ask the wrong questions, and your business can find itself with the wrong advice and technology. It is essential to know what your business problems are, start by outlining your business needs, goals, high-level objectives and what can be solved with technology. The importance of this step cannot be overstated; the most successful organisations align their IT planning and strategy with their business strategy to make both a success.

Without defining your strategy from the start, you can end up with the wrong technological answers for your business.

2. Choose your technology There are often two clear technology choices, out of the box or bespoke technology. Out of the box, technologies are ready to go and designed for a specific purpose such as the Xero accounting software range. Bespoke applications are ones that are specifically designed, configured and built to meet a businesses needs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; these usually come with a hefty cost. By understanding your businesses processes and needs, your company can select the right technology and find ways to leverage it creatively.

3. Use of technology and agile ways of working Businesses tend to be used to being in an office, with a calendar and notice boards on the wall. These are replicable in digital platforms, in particular, Microsoft Teams which we at Nimbus use, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not only a platform for video chat. Microsoft Teams has functions that improve agile ways of working, which helps your business to maintain delivery. Microsoft Teams has a fantastic task function, where you can assign tasks to individuals and update and track progress. Teams also has a whiteboard functionality helping businesses host workshops and team meetings.

4. Embrace the cloud This pandemic has highlighted the need for flexibility of working location. As a cloud expert firm, we have seen a significant increase in businesses bringing cloud technologies to the forefront of their IT strategies. These technologies allow for flexibility of location, scale up and scale down. Understanding and implementing cloud technologies can help your business prepare to quickly adapt to unprecedented change. How your IT can utilise and embrace cloud technologies should be at the forefront of any digital strategy.

5. Security Last but not least, security. Security is a complex and very in-depth topic, simply put. The impact of a security breach to a business can be devastating for both the business and customers. Our top recommendation of where to start is to pursue Cyber Essentials Certification. This Government recognised certification acts as a security audit and remediation of your organisationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IT security. Which is a great start point, and it will start your thought process about what else can be implemented to ensure systems and data are safe.

If you are considering how your business might start benefiting from cloud computing or you are part way through your journey and would like some expert guidance about what your cloud journey may entail, including challenges, costs, risk and timescales, please get in touch with Jack Hazell, Director of Operations Jack.hazell@nimbusdti.co.uk

Nimbus lead the way in providing collaborative, agile and adaptive digital and technological innovations that enables our customers to benefit from running their business and IT services in the cloud.

We work in partnership with you to provide industry leading cloud solutions that future-proof your organisation.

nimbusdti.co.uk

Profile: Wende Hubbard

Counting on mother’s advice leads to success for Wende Wende Hubbard will have had plenty of business advice and commercial tips during her four decades with accountancy firm Burgis & Bullock – but the one idiom which has determined her career is the age-old “Mother knows best”. The teenage Hubbard had eschewed ambitions – fuelled by watching episodes of TV drama Quincy – of becoming a forensic scientist but decided to move into the legal profession and was offered articles by Leamington law firm Wright Hassall. But there were doubts. She had performed well in the accountancy part of her business studies course at what is now Warwickshire College and it was her mother who suggested she explored accountancy before pinning her sails to the legal mast.

Wende explains: “My mother was an accountant and had previously worked for Burgis & Colbourne – the local department store which became House of Fraser – and the Burgis was the same family as Burgis & Bullock. She suggested I just explore the accountancy route before making up my mind. “I wasn’t that sure to be honest, but arranged a meeting with one of the senior partners at Burgis & Bullock, John Francis. We mostly talked about Coventry City FC and, despite being a Liverpool fan, I managed to hold my own and emerged having accepted a post as a trainee accountant.” It not only proved a wise move – but also started a strong working relationship which was to serve both parties well.

Once Hubbard had qualified, which took five years in-house, she began to move up the ladder. “They were very different days. There had been no female partners in the firm, as was typical in the profession at the time, and it was very formal with partners referred to by their initials or formal titles “I didn’t have a grand plan. Yes, I was ambitious, but really because I wanted to progress and push myself rather than having a set goal of becoming a partner.” She worked in audit and progressed quickly, becoming a manager just a few years later and worked under Francis. The forensic nature of auditing perhaps satisfying the original desire to become Quincy!

“John – along with Jim Lord at Wright Hassall – was very much a senior figure in the Leamington business scene,” said Wende. “John was a director of the Leamington Building Society and was chair of governors of King’s High School and those outside interests served me well because it meant that I picked up the void that he was leaving. “Therefore, in turn, I was able to prove that I could successfully undertake work at that level and that really helped me when I pressed my case to become a partner.” Times have clearly changed since those days in the late 80s, and Hubbard’s elevation came at the perfect time for her to push forward the transformation of Burgis & Bullock, both attitudinally and structurally. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Profile: Wende Hubbard “From when I started, really through to becoming a partner, there was very much a culture of them and us in the professional world,” she said. “Partners were predominantly male and usually came from the same sort of background and there was still some resistance to me becoming a partner in the 90s. “I vividly remember having to go for lunch with a partner of the firm who was based in our Banbury office to prove to him that I was suitable to be a partner. “As you can imagine it wasn’t one of the most comfortable lunches I have had.” The mid to late 90s saw the professions transformed, throwing off many of the “old-school” attitudes and practices, and Wende was at the forefront of change at Burgis & Bullock. She said: “By that stage it was clear that firms had to change. They had to be less top heavy, more commercial, and have the ability to flex and react to meet client needs. “Partnerships are actually one of the world’s worst structures to run a business. Trying to get 15 partners, as we had in those days, to agree unanimously on something can be tortuous. Even getting 15 people together was logistically very difficult and slowed the whole process down. “The then managing partner asked if I would become his deputy, which was a new role, and he realised that change was going to happen and it was for a younger person to drive it forward. “It had to become a more commercial operation. The old model had everything led by individual partners working in isolation to each other. “It needed pulling together and be far more cohesive. There used to be little empires with each partner having their own staff and it simply didn’t work in a modern, and more technologicallydriven world.” Part of that change included the spinoff of the Banbury office, and meant the partner who had vetted Wende over that infamous lunch no longer fitted in – news she had to deliver. Change was helped by a move to open-plan working at a new base in Chapel Court in Leamington, although the firm recently returned back to its original roots in Waterloo Place. It now also has offices in Nuneaton, Stratford, Rugby, Leicester and London. “That time was quite scary for those involved, because we, along with most other professional services firms, were having to change generations of working practices and that level of change is never easy,” she said. “Our strength is our people. We have a family culture and we want people to enjoy coming to work, and clients

to enjoy dealing with us. Personality is probably the number one criteria when we are recruiting. If someone is able then they can be trained in the technical aspects of the job, but if they don’t have the personality and character that we are looking for they will not go anywhere. “You can see it early. For example, we have taken on a trainee in September of this year which, as you can imagine is not easy in the circumstances, but already we know she is going to be a star. That is purely through her interaction with colleagues, albeit remotely, and they know that she will progress. “We want ambitious people. There appears nowadays to be a shortage of people who want to work their way to the top. I don’t know if it is complacency or if people are more easily satisfied when they reach a certain level, but we need, as partners, to have people knocking on our door. It’s how companies evolve and progress.” The firm operates in all sectors but has a long-established expertise in manufacturing and charities. “Some of the clients I work with now, I started on as a junior and it is immensely satisfying to have seen them go through so much change and to have hopefully helped them thrive,” said Wende. “By and large, touch wood, last year was not too bad business-wise. We’re getting good feedback from clients and some feel the new way of remote working is actually more productive so some of the changes will undoubtedly stick when we hopefully return to more normal times. “We are very lucky with the spread of our client base and we have never had many hospitality or retail businesses, the sectors which have suffered the most. It is just awful to see how many firms in those areas have been decimated. “Like most people in the first few days and weeks of the pandemic, I wondered what this would do to business and whether there could be anything other than a bad ending, but things did settle down. We had invested in technology and that served us well, and the team embraced all the changes superbly well and we made sure we constantly communicated with clients. “Even when there was huge uncertainty, it was best to make a decision and stick to it, rather than not to take a decision. By and large, as much as we could, we appear to have got the majority of them near enough right and that has stood us in good stead.” The same could be said of her mother’s advice all those years ago.

“Our strength is our people. We have a family culture and we want people to enjoy coming to work, and clients to enjoy dealing with us. Personality is probably the number one criteria when we are recruiting. If someone is able then they can be trained in the technical aspects of the job, but if they don’t have the personality and character that we are looking for they will not go anywhere.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Working Life Wende is, by confession, not a morning person and a few cups of coffee are needed to bring her up to pace, but then… “By the same token, I am very much a night owl. “I have two dogs and three cats at the moment, so my early morning is spent getting them all sorted before hitting the laptop on button. However the off button is rarely used until past midnight.” Away from work, Wende is a massive motorsport fan with particular interest in F1 and Moto GP – she is a huge admirer of Valentino Rossi. “I did vote for Lewis Hamilton in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year – but was tempted to go for Tyson Fury, as I am a boxing fan as well. The competitive nature in me means I am a huge sports fan.” She is also a fan of tech – so much so that one of her cat’s goes by the name of Gadget! (the other two being aptly named Lewis and Rossi). Born:

Chesterton, Warwickshire

Live:

Long Marston, near Stratford upon Avon

Married/Partner:

Married

Children:

One son

Hobbies:

Motorsport fan and collecting art

Favourite Book:

The Jigsaw Man by Paul Britton

Favourite Film:

Can’t choose! Got it down to two The Shining or Die Hard

Last Holiday:

South of France

Gadget:

Have so many but have to say my cat, Gadget

21 21

News

SOS answered through Chamber inter-trade service Tom Mongan (left) with husband and wife Rick and Sue Cressman

Hotel owner makes plea to government: help us survive! The owner of a leading regional hotel is calling on the government to provide businesses with a blueprint for the future so they can survive the coming months and then plan for growth.

When the only disabled toilet at Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice in Ash Green, Coventry, started leaking, the charity was braced for a big bill to replace it at a time when they were feeling the ongoing knock-on effects of the coronavirus pandemic. So Tanita Mistry, corporate and major donor fundraiser, turned to fellow Chamber members through its intertrade service to seek a second opinion after being told the ten-year-old toilet had exceeded its life expectancy. That SOS was picked up by Gary Heath, of Alan Heath and Sons Bathrooms, a long-time Chamber member based just seven miles away. After a phone call with the hospice’s maintenance team and a visit to inspect the problem, the

This has led to the business, which is in the Meriden area, making redundancies due to the nosedive in income but the couple are determined to keep hold of as many staff as possible in order to build back up when the opportunity arises. But Rick, who met with Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce vice president Tom Mongan prior to the latest round of ‘lockdown’ restrictions to discuss the issues facing Nailcote Hall, said central government needed to give businesses the opportunity to plan. He said: “At the start of the crisis, I thought the government’s furlough scheme was excellent and helped us to keep hold of staff. You have to give credit where it is due. “However, there has been little support for businesses like ours in terms of grants because of our rateable value. Now, I think we are able to access £2,000 a month but when you look at our overheads that doesn’t scratch the surface. “Government needs to let us know what is happening so we can plan. For example, it could come out now and say that VAT is going to stay at five per cent – that would help us to plan our cashflow for the coming months.”

Tanita Mistry and Cheryl Cooke from Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice, and Gary Heath from Alan Heath and Sons.

scheme of things, it was a small job in terms of cost and time, so it felt good to know we were helping out a charity and fellow Chamber member in need.” Tanita said: “We’d never used the Chamber’s inter-trade service before so when I filled in the form, I didn’t know what to expect. We’d been delighted with his professional advice, we certainly never expected him to fix it free of charge, we’re so grateful.” For more information visit https:// www.cw-chamber.co.uk/membership/ essential-membership/cost-saving/ chamber-inter-trading-service/

Growth is a piece of cake after digital support

Rick Cressman runs Nailcote Hall Hotel, Golf and Country Club with his wife, Sue, and the business – like so many – has been hit hard by the coronavirus crisis. Weddings have been postponed, leisure club memberships have halved and overnight stays have significantly fallen while flagship events such as the Farm Foods British Par 3 Championship have been cancelled.

leak was quickly fixed and the toilet was given a quick service before being put back into action. Gary’s company, well aware of the charity’s work, also decided to pick up the bill for a repair job that he described as “a couple of parts and a bit of elbow grease”. It was the first time that Zoë’s Place and Alan Heath and Sons have used the Chamber’s online inter-trade service, which allows members to source products and services from each other, and gives them the opportunity to develop trading links and partnerships. Gary said: “I wanted to help because I get frustrated when people are given advice that suits the tradesman more than it suits the customer. In the grand

Hardeep Sandhu, enterprise coach team leader / programme manager at Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, and Gemma Diper, owner of The Cakery

A cake shop in Leamington has seen its sales rise perfectly despite the coronavirus pandemic — and it’s thanks to an increase in online orders. Trade at The Cakery on Regent Grove in the town centre fell away significantly at the start of both lockdowns, but when

the first set of restrictions hit in March owner Gemma Diper, who previously worked in TV, decided on a digital re-tune to help the business survive. In 2011 mum-of-two Gemma took over the well-established business, started by her mum in 1982, and now has a team of seven staff. The bakery had a website and Facebook and Instagram pages, but like many independent businesses Gemma admitted she did not pay enough attention to its online presence. It was at a series of free digital workshops that she refreshed her e-knowledge and picked up tips on how to grow her following and online sales. The online workshops were delivered by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Stories Marketing,

on behalf of Warwickshire County Council through the Warwickshire Towns Network Programme. They share insights into how businesses can use social media and other digital tools to drive traffic to their website. Gemma said: “When lockdown came, I had more time to think about social media and an online shop. I knew what I needed to do, but going to the workshops made me realise that I had to put proper resources into it and it’s paid off, especially when I look at the amount of trade I’d done online over the summer. It was income that I just wouldn’t have had. “Now I’m regularly delivering to local universities and getting orders from people who want to send cakes as a gift to others.”

Shakespeare Martineau announces major growth strategy Law firm Shakespeare Martineau has announced a major strategy update that will see the firm more than double in size by 2023 and pursue bigger ambitions beyond that. Proactively seeking mergers, acquisitions, team recruitment and lateral hires – but with a difference – the firm is becoming a “house of brands” group with the mindset that each brand will be able to “have their cake and eat it” as the structure offers other firms an alternative route to growth. Already within the multi-brand model group LLP – alongside Shakespeare Martineau – is debt and loss recovery business Corclaim, personal injury and clinical negligence specialist firm Lime, and town planning consultancy Marrons Planning. The immediate priority for the group is to grow the current brands and welcome new

brands under a new group holding LLP, across legal and complementary services. Sarah Walker-Smith, CEO of Shakespeare Martineau, said: “What we’re trying to achieve, for the brands we have and those like-minded people who join us, is the best of both worlds. “So often in our industry, large and aggressive businesses will acquire firms only to destroy the very heart of that brand and the reason they have loyal clients – we want to reverse that. “We will have heavyweight brands across the major UK regions, each playing a key role in their communities while together providing national reach and strength – providing clients with a superior integrated experience. “What is crucial, however, is that any brand or people we work with share our values and purpose. Culture is

absolutely critical to us – so ensuring a strong fit and believing in a shared culture code is an absolute must. “The benefit of a portfolio, “house of brands” approach helps mitigate risk for those businesses, brands and people that join us; having a wider sector and service offering means we’ll be in a better position to weather future economic shifts and enable individual brands to focus on what they do best without limiting the broader group’s growth trajectory.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

CityFibre names £1.5bn broadband contractors

Fifteen contractors have been selected to share in a £1.5bn programme of utility work to support full fibre broadband. CityFibre has awarded construction contracts for full fibre rollouts across 27 towns and cities across England. The awards will create more than 3,750 new local network construction jobs. These form part of CityFibre’s previously announced recruitment and training programme, through which it expects to create up to 10,000 network construction jobs over the next three years to support its national rollout. The conclusion of the first phase of its accelerated tender awards programme

(ATAP) brings the value of CityFibre’s total build contracts to up to £2.5bn. With 26 build partners now under contract, its construction supply chain is secured for rollouts targeting more than five million premises across 66 towns and cities. Mobilisation of its new partners and projects is already underway, and all projects are scheduled to be in build by summer 2021. The construction companies awarded contracts under the CityFibre’s accelerated tenders award programme are: Construction Partner Towns/cities Callan Solihull CCN Chichester & Arun, Poole & Christchurch Instalcom Reading IQA North Tyneside J McCann Nottingham Kier Bath, Cheltenham & Charlton Kings, Gloucester, Weston super Mare, Worcester

Lanes

Brighton & Hove, Chatham & Gillingham, Crawley & Horsham, Eastbourne MAP Middlesbrough Network Plus Bradford NMCN Barnsley, Halifax O’Connor’s Sheffield Oakway Plymouth PMK Renfrew & Glasgow South Telent Blackpool, Chester, Preston Volker Bracknell, Maidenhead Greg Mesch, CEO at CityFibre, said: “By awarding these full fibre network construction contracts, we can ensure we have the construction resources we need to get the job done, bringing worldclass digital infrastructure a step closer to millions across the UK.” This work is part of CityFibre’s £4b Gigabit City Investment Programme, which is targeting up to eight million premises to upgrade to full fibre, and supports the government’s own full fibre ambitions of delivering super-fast broadband speeds across the country by 2025.

Coventry College supports scheme to boost employment Further education colleges across the West Midlands, including Coventry College, have joined forces to help get local people who have lost their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic back into work. More than 5,000 adults are set to benefit from free training over the next year in a major new programme, funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority, to help them gain jobs in one of the region’s growth sectors. In the first initiative of its kind in the country, all 20 colleges across the West Midlands have pooled their expertise to offer a region-wide skills recovery

programme called Reignite Your Future. Any adult living in the West Midlands can join short sector-based work academy programmes, which usually last up to six weeks. Sectors include construction, digital, health and social care, engineering and logistics, with a guaranteed interview for everyone who completes the course. All the courses are free of charge, and unemployed residents can take part without losing their benefits. Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, who launched the initiative at a virtual event with all of the colleges, said:

“It’s great that all 20 colleges across the region are working together to help get local people into the jobs of the future. I would urge anyone who has fallen out of work, is worried about their job prospects or just wants to increase their skills, to think about retraining for a new career.” Gemma Knott, assistant principal for business growth at Coventry College, added: “As Coventry’s leading further education provider we are extremely proud to be supporting this vital initiative.

“Colleges play a vital role in nurturing existing and future generations of talent, and their presence is important now more than ever as thousands of people made redundant by the COVID pandemic look for new routes back into employment.”

For further information visit www.collegeswestmidlands.org.uk/reigniteyourfuture

MTI poised to fulfil electric vehicle skills demand

The MIRA Technology Institute (MTI) has reaffirmed its readiness to deliver the skills urgently needed by the automotive industry to help address the anticipated future spike in sales of electric vehicles. The MTI was responding to an open letter from the Institute

of the Motor Industry (IMI) calling for urgent support to address “the lack of EV-trained technicians”. In the letter, the IMI’s CEO, Steve Nash and president Prof. Jim Saker, said the skills challenge was one of the most significant issues affecting the UK’s ability to meet its net zero targets and deliver the government’s Green Plan. They said currently only 5% of technicians working in garages and dealerships are trained to work on electric vehicles. Lisa Bingley, operations director at the MTI, said: “We welcome the IMI’s appeal for greater investment in this type of training. Our provision has

been designed precisely to address this demand and we are already delivering training and supporting apprenticeships that will help the UK to achieve its goals. “We offer level 1 to level 3 CPD courses in electric and hybrid vehicle system repair and replacement and these are accredited by the IMI itself. This training has been specifically designed for the maintenance and repair technicians that the IMI has identified as in greatest need. “The courses run every month and businesses can arrange closed sessions dedicated to their own employees. We can also provide advice on

how to access support for apprenticeships, including how to get the most out of the apprenticeship levy.” The MTI is the result of a unique collaboration led by North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College and its partners, HORIBA MIRA, Coventry University, the University of Leicester and Loughborough University. Built with £9.5m investment from the UK government’s Local Growth Fund (LGF) via the Leicester and Leicester Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), the MTI is a specialist facility designed specifically to train the next generation of engineers in the latest automotive technology.

Sean Farnell, Partner at Burgis & Bullock

Peer Networks programme hailed as a huge success A programme that aims to support businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire has seen a hugely successful start to sessions facilitated by a leading accountancy firm. Burgis & Bullock, which has offices in Leamington, Nuneaton, Rugby and Stratford-on-Avon, is delivering six cohorts of The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Peer Networks programme. The first session went ahead with businesses from a variety of sectors taking part – including IT services, recruitment, office supplies, food distribution and more – and immediately benefiting from the support on offer. Burgis & Bullock is delivering the sessions through its Business Mastermind Group programme, which launched in 2017 to bring business owners and leaders together from a wide range of sectors for presentations, discussions and action planning to improve their businesses. The Peer Networks programme is funded through BEIS and delivered by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub. One business that thought the network programme could benefit other organisations was PTI Worldwide. Managing director Luke Hall said: “I think now more than ever people need somewhere they can talk, so I see this being very beneficial for many businesses out there. “For leaders and owners of businesses it can be a very lonely place, so this kind of event is a chance for them to talk to people in the exact same position.” The sessions are open to any SME that has at least two employees, has operated for at least one year, has a turnover of at least £100,000 and an aspiration to improve. Sean Farnell, partner at Burgis & Bullock, added: “We were only too pleased to be able to deliver this programme and I am thrilled with how our first session has gone and that businesses are already getting so much out of it.” For more information visit www.bb-bmg.uk/peer-networks

Love Leam campaign supports local community Rustic Food and Countrywide Tax & Trust Corporation are supporting the local community with food donations to local charities and key workers, surprise dropoffs for ‘Local Heroes’ and much more. In the run-up to Christmas, Rustic Food, a café in Leamington Spa, has been running its Love Leam campaign to spread joy around the community in difficult times. It is doing this with the support of rapidly growing legal services provider, Countrywide Tax & Trust Corporation, which has pledged generous support towards the campaign.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Having recently moved to Gables House on Kenilworth Road, Countrywide Tax & Trust Corporation is keen to contribute to the local community through the Love Leam campaign and by providing new career opportunities across several specialist areas. The Love Leam campaign is designed to help members of the local community via various initiatives, including: • “Local Heroes” – Rustic Food is asking people to nominate people who deserve recognition for their hard work in difficult times. Nominees will receive

a surprise drop-off which includes cakes and other treats as well as a handwritten, heartfelt message from their nominator. • Donation drop-offs – Rustic Food is using its shop as a drop-off point for food and clothing donations for homeless people in the area. • Cake and a cuppa – on Wednesdays, Rustic Food is opening its shop to provide a free slice of cake and a drink for over-60s and blue light workers, supporting both the elderly and our vital emergency services.

• Key worker picnic baskets – each week throughout the campaign, Rustic Food will be delivering picnic baskets to local primary schools and other nominated key workers. The campaign continues to grow, with Rustic Food and Countrywide Tax & Trust Corporation constantly seeking new ways to help the community. Already there has been an influx of nominations for “Local Heroes” as well as contributions from local charities and engagement on social media.

MOTIVATE, INSPIRE, RETAIN

TAKE ADVANTAGE

OF THE GOVERNMENT APPRENTICESHIP INCENTIVE You only have until 31st March 2021 to take advantage of the Government incentive payment available to all employers who hire a new apprentice. Age Of New Apprentice

Incentive Payment

16 - 24

£2,000

25 +

£1,500

This payment will be in addition to the existing £1,000 incentive payment that the Government already provides for new apprentices aged between 16-18, and those aged under 25 with an Education Health Care Plan, where that applies. At WCG Apprenticeships, we offer the widest range of apprenticeship standards in the region, allowing us to meet the needs of almost all businesses. We are able to offer apprenticeships within the following sectors: • Agriculture • Health & Care • Animal Care • Horticulture Inc. Golf Greenkeeping & Sports Turf • Business & Professional • Hospitality • Construction • IT • Engineering • Motor Vehicle • Equine & Farriery • Veterinary Nursing • Hairdressing

BE QU ICK

ENDS 31ST MARC 2021! H

Contact our Business Development team who will be able to help you negotiate the new incentives so that they benefit you in the best way possible:

0330 135 6940 | employerenquiries@wcg.ac.uk Visit wcg.ac.uk/apprenticeships for more information. info@wcg.ac.uk

wcg.ac.uk/apprenticeships

WE SUPPORT PEOPLE AND FINANCE BUSINESSES SUPPORTING COVENTRY AND WARWICKSHIRE INDIVIDUALS, START-UPS AND BUSINESSES THROUGH THE PANDEMIC FINANCE • Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme • Start Up Loans • Business Loans • Duplex Investment Fund • Personal Loans

BUSINESS SUPPORT

• Creative Businesses - The Creative Springboard project, • Pre-starts - The JumpStart part-funded by the European project, funded by Warwickshire Regional Development Fund County Council and CWRT, (ERDF), provides freelancers offers a ‘pre’ start-up support and businesses in the creative package that is designed to sector hands-on support with a give you an insight into what it practical approach to enhance means to be your own boss and their business foundations. start up your own business

Coventry & Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust (CWRT) is a not-for-profit ethical lender supporting entrepreneurship and jobs in communities under-served by mainstream providers.

Our mission is to create a positive and beneficial impact upon the local community.

www.cwrt.uk.com | enquiries@cwrt.uk.com | 02476 551 777

News

Latest QES shows Coventry and Warwickshire businesses entered 2021 with more positive outlook New Year – New Start for Businesses

The Covid-19 crisis led to a jump in the number of people starting a business in Coventry and Warwickshire. The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s start-up team helped more than 300 new start businesses since April 2020 and it is expecting another influx as 2021 begins. The Chamber also delivered more than 50 online workshops in that time, with around 550 individuals attending to get help and tips on what to do when starting a new venture. New businesses started during the pandemic included everything from an interiors business through to a company delivering nature boxes for children. Many were being started because of either redundancy or uncertainty around employment due to Covid-19. The Chamber always sees a rush of individuals looking to start a new business in January and that, coupled with the ongoing Coronavirus crisis, means the team is preparing for a busy start to the year. Hardeep Sandhu, Enterprise Coach Team Leader at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Once the crisis took hold and people began to either lose their jobs or started to feel uncertain about their existing employment, our start-up service saw a real increase in demand. “In some cases, people had been thinking about setting up on their own any way and all of the uncertainty had acted as a spur for them to get in touch with the team at the Chamber to access our free help. “That said, establishing a new business is not easy and should never be taken lightly – even at the best of times – so our team will always go through the reasons for an individual starting up on their own and offer help and advice. “It’s been great, even in these incredibly difficult times, to help people achieve their dream of starting up a business and becoming their own boss. “We expect another rush in January. This is already a very busy time for us as people have had the break to consider what they want to do and have a plan for a ‘new year, new start’. “Our team is prepared for that and will talk through those plans and ensure that each individual goes into it with their eyes open. From there, we can help with everything from business planning through to marketing and sales to give each business not only the best chance of getting started, but flourishing too.” The Chamber is holding 11 workshops in January for those individuals looking to start up, or those that have been trading for less than twelve months, from business vision and strategy through to creating a brand. For more information or to book on go to https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/o/coventry-and-warwickshirechamber-of-commerce-start-upsupport-11874476531

The news of a Covid-19 vaccine gave business confidence in Coventry and Warwickshire a shot in the arm coming into 2021, according to a regional survey. The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) acts as the barometer for business sentiment across the region and feeds into the national statistics collated by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). The survey, which is delivered in partnership with Prime Accountants Group, is analysed by the Economy & Skills Group at Warwickshire County Council. Its analysis uses a similar score to the national Markits Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) where 50 is the balance and anything above means the majority feel positive and anything below means the reverse. The final survey of 2020 saw business confidence increase dramatically in both the manufacturing and service sectors. In the service sector it jumped to 67.9 from 54.4 and in manufacturing it hit 71.0, bouncing back from 47.7 in the third quarter. It was a dramatic rise after a year of record low confidence among businesses in the region brought on by the Coronavirus crisis. All measures that create the overall economic outlook for the region had risen from the previous quarter – although some still remain below the crucial 50-mark. It meant that the final economic outlook for Coventry and Warwickshire in 2020 was 51.5 which was the first time it was in positive territory since the crisis took hold. Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “There is no doubt that the emergence of the vaccine in the final quarter of the year gave businesses more confidence coming into the New Year. “However, the survey was conducted before the discovery of the new variant of Covid-19 and the chaos that ensued with the UK borders closed and before the final outcome of Brexit.

“So, while it is good to see businesses feeling more upbeat about their prospects in 2021, there is still a long way to go before normality returns. “Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire are going to need support to reach a time when the world feels like it is returning to some kind of normality – and then further help to get back up to speed as the economy emerges from this pandemic. “We’d encourage firms across the region to make full use of the support available at the Chamber to help them to survive and then recover and grow when the opportunity arises.” Steve Harcourt, of Prime Accountants Group, said: “As the toughest year many businesses have ever had to face came to an end, it was clear that the imminent announcement of the vaccine rollout had a positive impact on the outlook held by business leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire, however this was before the new, more infectious strain emerged. “Assuming the vaccine is effective against this new strain and the spread is reduced by the third lockdown we have entered, we should remain hopeful that this positive outlook will become reality, as we head towards normality, or what will be the new normal. “With the Brexit deadline approaching during Q4 and a light at the end of the tunnel in regards to Covid-19, we can see that a majority of respondents to the survey predicted business to improve in the next 12 months, and in the short term, 93 per cent of businesses expected their sales to rise, or remain the same. “With only seven per cent predicting decreases prior to the third lockdown, we can hope that despite the new challenges, the outlook remains

Pictured (taken before the pandemic): Louise Bennett with Steve Harcourt

promising for the majority. Export sales for many were expected to stay consistent or increase, with a third predicting a decrease, a figure that was to be expected whilst uncertainty surrounding the Brexit deal continued throughout Q4. As we head into 2021 with a Brexit deal finally in place and hope that the destruction caused by Covid-19 will begin to be repaired for those who were fortunate enough to continue in business, we can only hope that this year will eventually return to pre Covid levels in the economy. “However, a few hurdles still remain at present; the impact of the third lockdown, the end to the furlough scheme and other Government support schemes being phased out. With a resilient local economy being more optimistic than the national average, there is a real sense of pent-up demand to be realised and progress to be made in Coventry and Warwickshire.”

“Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire are going to need support to reach a time when the world feels like it is returning to some kind of normality – and then further help to get back up to speed as the economy emerges from this pandemic.”

Summary of 2020 Q4 Key Numbers: Economic Outlook: Overall, 51.5, up from 42.6. Service Sector 51.4, up from 42.4. Manufacturing Sector 57.5, up from 43.2.

Employment Service Sector 52.8, up from 49.2. Manufacturing Sector 54.8, up from 38.6.

Domestic Sales: Service Sector 40.4, up from 34.9. Manufacturing Sector 73.4, up from 42.2.

Investment & Cashflow Service Sector 45.4, up from 35.3. Manufacturing Sector 41.6, down from 45.6.

Overseas Sales: Service Sector 41.7, up from 32.1. Manufacturing Sector 48.3, up from 38.8.

Business Confidence Service Sector 67.9, up from 54.4. Manufacturing Sector 71.0, up from 47.7.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

International

Gallagher named Security Software Manufacturer of the Year standards. The company’s world-class site management software, command centre, and the revolutionary proximity and contact tracing report were hailed as standout software solutions that secured Gallagher the award. Gallagher’s security portal for online training also achieved industry recognition as a finalist in the Security Training Initiative of the Year category.

World-leading security specialist Gallagher has again proved its excellence in the design of security software after taking home Security Software Manufacturer of the Year at the prestigious Security & Fire Excellence Awards 2020. Gallagher is widely recognised as a trusted provider of security solutions around the globe and has developed innovative perimeter, access control and intruder alarm solutions that are used to protect some of the world’s most significant assets and locations. The award recognises Gallagher’s outstanding innovation and commitment to high physical, integration and cyber security

Gallagher’s UK regional manager, Richard Huison, said the award and nominations for Gallagher across multiple categories was testament to its ability to innovate on many fronts. “It’s great to receive this award and be recognized as a leader in the market for world-class security solutions,” he said.

“Our team continue to go the extra mile to deliver innovative products that really help organisations. Our proximity and contact tracing report, which was delivered in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is a fantastic example of this.” Identifying its inherent need during the pandemic, Gallagher made its proximity and contact tracing utility available to customers free of charge following its welltimed launch in May 2020. Mark Junge, global general manager at Gallagher, said: “We’re all very proud of what the Gallagher team continues to achieve despite the disruptive nature of this year. We place incredible importance on producing forward-thinking solutions of the highest quality, which continue to position us at the forefront of security solutions worldwide.”

New hire brings service boost

A H Spares, the world’s original and largest supplier of Austin Healey spares, has appointed a customer service manager to further enhance its well-respected reputation among Healey enthusiasts. Amanda Banfield, whose automotive career spans more than 20 years, has been appointed to the newly created role at the A H Spares head office in Warwickshire. In her new role, Amanda will be responsible for liaising with the sales team to handle customer questions and providing information about the A H Spares products and services, together with improving internal systems and procedures.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Amanda said: “A H Spares is the longest established Austin Healey spares supplier in the world and I’m delighted to be joining its knowledgeable and passionate team. “Indeed, it already enjoys a high reputation among Healey enthusiasts in the UK and around the world and I hope to be able to further enhance this by providing a level of customer service that acts as the benchmark in the classic car sector.” Among Amanda’s previous automotive experience are customer service managerial roles with premium brand manufacturers, including in

the aftersales arena, together with internal training positions. Rebecca Kemsley, director at A H Spares, said: “We are delighted to welcome Amanda to A H Spares. Her level of professionalism and commitment to excellence are second-to-none and will help all of our customers around the world, helping to bring their vehicles back to life and back on the open road.” A H Spares was formed in 1972 and is now in its third family generation. It also supplies Sprite parts, as well as those for the iconic Austin Healey marque. For more information, visit www.ahspares.co.uk

“Indeed, it already enjoys a high reputation among Healey enthusiasts in the UK and around the world and I hope to be able to further enhance this by providing a level of customer service that acts as the benchmark in the classic car sector.”

New service launched to help exporters navigate customs paperwork A new brokerage service has been launched for businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire to help them navigate the world of customs after the Brexit transition deadline. The number of annual customs declarations is forecast to increase from 55 million to around 300 million, with businesses that import and export goods facing an increase in administration. To help combat this, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has harnessed the reach, expertise and knowledge of its network to launch ChamberCustoms, a compliance-led service for members and non-members. Started in partnership with the British Chamber of Commerce, it is a one-stop-shop with direct links to all sea, air and road ports and terminals in the UK, with experts on hand to offer help as the amount of paperwork required to import and export goods from overseas increases in volume and complexity. To lead the initiative, the Chamber has taken on Kimberley Towle as customs declarations officer as well as training three other members of staff. Kimberley, who worked in the aviation industry for seven years before moving on to customs compliance, wants to make sure that businesses are ready for the changes and confident in what they are doing. She said: “A lot of work has gone into Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce launching ChamberCustoms and making sure it is there to help and advise businesses during this time. “Overseas trade is crucial to the economy in our region and, as the EU is our biggest and nearest trading partner, it’s vitally important that companies – no matter how small or large – are ready to do business with Europe as quickly as possible now that the rules have changed. “Customs formalities are challenging and there are many organisations that don’t fully understand where to find all the information, so we are here for them, staff have been trained and we have a network 53 Chambers across the UK that can provide support.” For further information visit https://cw-chamber.co.uk/ international-trade/coventrywarwickshire-eu-transition-hub/

News

Queen’s Award winner finally gets hands on the prize

Local consulting firm scores triple gold with new partnership Sales Growth Consulting, a data and insights consulting firm and C&W Chamber member, is excited to share news of enhancements to its research services. By partnering with a researchas-a-service (RaaS) platform, with more than 5,000 registered experts globally including PhD students, consultants and industry veterans, Sales Growth Consulting will be able to compile relevant data to answer business critical questions faster. This will yield: 1. enhanced data quality 2. faster delivery lead times by up to 50% 3. lower client fees by as much as 30% Sales Growth Consulting helps SMEs by providing independent market and competitor landscape data that supports business planning, decision-making and crucial funding requests. Victor Chauhan, managing director of Sales Growth Consulting, said: “Previously, compiling such detailed and meaningful data like this was labour-intensive and timeconsuming. Now, we’re able to enhance the quality of our research by leveraging these experts, reduce our lead times and offer lower fees; it’s a huge win for our clients.” To celebrate the launch of its new partnership, Sales Growth Consulting is offering fellow members from the C&W Chamber of Commerce 10% off the total fee for any research project commissioned before 28th February 2021. To learn more about Sales Growth Consulting and how the firm helps local SMEs grow, visit www.sgc-ltd.com

An aerospace company finally received its coveted Queen’s Award for International Trade – more than six months after finding out it had landed the prize. Arrowsmith Engineering won the award – one of the most prestigious business prizes on the planet – after recording a 996 per cent increase in export activity over a three-year period. But, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the company had to wait until December before it could actually lay its hands on the prize as it welcomed Craig Tracey MP, Louise Bennett, Chief Executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber

of Commerce, and the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire Timothy Cox, to present the award at the company’s base in Exhall. Jason Aldridge, Managing Director of Arrowsmith Engineering, said: “This is a massive achievement for everyone here at the company and, although we’ve had to be patient and wait to receive it, it was well worth it. “We’ve also had another bit of good news this week with the company successfully securing the Fit for Nuclear (F4N) Accreditation to help us increase market share in this sector.”

Jason Aldridge, Louise Bennett, LL Timothy Cox, Craig Tracey MP, Martin Porter (Arrowsmith)

Louise Bennett added: “The Queen’s Award is one of the biggest prizes a business can win anywhere in the world. It opens doors across the globe like no other award can and we are very pleased and proud to see Arrowsmith Engineering receiving it. “The company continues to innovate and look at new markets which is exactly what businesses need to do as we look to grow out of the Covid-19 crisis.”

The Lord Lieutenant said: “I am delighted to present the Award on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen. Arrowsmith Engineering are an excellent company and I am pleased that they have been recognised for their outstanding achievements. The Lieutenancy is always keen to find similar companies of all sizes to consider putting themselves forward for this prestigious award.”

Alchemie invests in Warwick site

Alchemie has invested £70,000 in a new high-speed vacuum mixer machine at its Warwick site. With more than 30 years’ manufacturing experience in

the polymer resin industry, the company was finding that it was encountering bottleneck issues in the production process, something caused by batch size productions. As a result, it was having a direct knock-on effect of customer lead times slipping. Therefore the company, which formulates, manufactures and supplies epoxy and polyurethane resin products, identified the need for a machine that could offer the flexibility of mixing volumes. With the new machine, Alchemie has unlocked the ability to be adaptable in its approach to the mixing of small

and large mixing volumes. In turn, this has allowed the company to increase its offering to clients in industry sectors such as composites, Formula 1, rail, oil & gas, pattern-making, foundry and modelmaking. The machines will be used primarily for filled and unfilled epoxy resin formulations and filled and unfilled polyurethane resin formulations. The power of this new mixer will enable materials of low and high viscosity to be mixed thoroughly while under vacuum, resulting in a mix which is a smooth air void-free material. Cliff Jones, general manager at Alchemie, said: “With the

development of specially designed attachments, the machine will give Alchemie the flexibility in the mix volumes it can produce efficiently. This flexibility will reduce the bottleneck created in the production of materials, improve the overall manufacturing process and reduce customer lead times. “This purchase forms part of a large-scale investment the company is embarking on to futureproof our business and help us deliver higher levels of customer satisfaction in the coming years.” For more information visit www.alchemie.com

Driving the future of transport and logistics Serco has engaged with key stakeholders and businesses from the transport and logistics sector in Coventry and Warwickshire to understand future challenges in the labour market, skills shortages and skills gaps as the industry moves towards automation. This work is part of the Skills Support for the Workforce Programme which Serco’s Employment, Skills & Enterprise business manages in Coventry & Warwickshire. Skills Support for the Workforce is a programme developed to upskill employees within small and mediumsized businesses, providing

recognised accredited qualifications and bespoke training courses to enhance employees’ skills, increase the competitiveness of businesses and boost the local economy. As the programme is cofinanced by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), a wide range of training can be accessed at no cost to the business. Through survey work and delivery of an online roundtable event, which was attended by more than 30 delegates, Serco was able to engage key strategic partners including the Local Enterprise Partnership,

Growth Hub, Chamber of Commerce and a range of small and large businesses. The event comprised an impressive breadth of presentations from key stakeholders and businesses working in the transport and logistics sector. As a result, Serco has gained first-hand insight from the sector to inform the design of future regional service delivery that puts employer needs at its heart. Serco is now in discussions with key stakeholders and businesses that attended the event with a view to organising further roundtables to engage with industry on topics such

as the labour market and the future of employment and skills programmes in the region. To get involved with future roundtable events, or to find out more about the Skills Support for the Workforce and Skills Support for Redundancy programmes, please contact Laura Johnson, partnership coordinator, at laura.johnson3@serco.com

Award-winning business broadband with Glide In one of the first awards events of the season, Glide walked away with the award for Best Infrastructure at the 2020 Estates Gazette Tech Awards. Glide’s national network provides 1,500km of uncontended fibre to around 100,000 addressable premises on large, underserved business parks across the country. Thanks to its affordable gigabit technology, Glide brings competitive advantage to its customers, particularly in areas that are harder to reach or neglected by the bigger players. As one of the very few ISPs physically laying its own fibre on its national 100Gbit/s core network, Glide is,

according to CEO Tim Pilcher, “very proud of our network and the benefits it brings to our customers – and we are delighted to have its excellence recognised by Estates Gazette.” However, it’s not just Glide’s infrastructure that wins awards - it’s the whole package, which is why Glide was awarded SME Service Provider of the Year at this year’s Connected Britain awards. This award is given not just for excellent connectivity, but to the company that best meets the needs of the business customer with a wider portfolio of ICT products. It’s reflective of Glide’s broadband not just being faster and more reliable, but its focus on enabling businesses to harness

a range of technology more effectively to ensure they’re ready for the challenges of their industry. According to Connected Britain’s judges, “by providing ultrafast broadband to almost 1,200 businesses in some of the country’s most difficult-to-reach SMEs, Glide was the clear forerunner in this category, helping to keep businesses competitive wherever they are situated.” Glide is committed to continuing the build of its fibre network to support SMEs – the backbone of the UK. To learn more about Glide ultrafast broadband and to check if your postcode is covered by our network, visit glidegroup.co.uk/fibre-leased-lines-voip

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

UK Business Heroes 2020

Recognising businesses. One story at a time. doing, in the most challenging of times. We’re pleased to say that we’ve received some fantastic stories about businesses and individuals across the region. We’re paying tribute to them and recognising their contributions by giving them our UK Business Heroes stamp which demonstrates that that they have gone the extra mile to support their local community during the Coronavirus outbreak.

In late 2020, we were proud to recognise Business Heroes across Coventry & Warwickshire.

The initiative is supported by HRH The Countess of Wessex who has personally congratulated each UK Business Hero and said in a letter to those awarded the stamp, “I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your positive contributions, congratulate you on your recognition as a UK Business Hero and wish you every success in your endeavours in the weeks and months ahead as we look to the recovery of our country.”

Led by the British Chambers of Commerce, the campaign recognised the incredible work that UK businesses are

Across the UK Chamber Network of 53 accredited Chambers of Commerce, over 1000 businesses were nominated to

receive the stamp across all sizes and sectors of business. Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said “There are so many businesses out there doing fantastic things to help others, but they aren’t always recognised in the way they should be. That is why, as a Chamber Network, we recognised a selection of companies going above and beyond to help others during the Coronavirus pandemic. Examples of those awarded the stamp included businesses adapting their production lines to manufacture critical PPE, donating to local NHS hospitals, care services and frontline staff, or lending a hand to support the more vulnerable in the local community. They’re all heroes in their own way!” For more information, head to https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/ page/uk-business-heroes #UKBusinessHeroes

Coventry & Warwickshire UK Business Heroes 2020 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Arrowsmith Engineering Coombe Abbey Hotel Coventry BID Coventry City of Culture Trust Coventry City Council Coventry University Eskuta Heart of England Co-operative Lodders Solicitors LLP Merchandise Branding Mirius PET-Xi Training Ltd Staeger Clear Packaging The Leadership Coaches WCG Whiteley Brooks Engineering Wright Hassall LLP Your Safe Harbour

Mirius recognised by the British Chambers of Commerce as a UK Business Hero for its Covid-19 response work We are pleased to announce that Mirius has been recognised by the British Chambers of Commerce in their ‘UK Business Heroes’ campaign. Out of more than 38,000 eligible businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire, Mirius is one of just 25 businesses to be awarded the prestigious UK Business Hero title. The campaign launched earlier this year recognises the incredible work that UK businesses are doing, in the most challenging of years. Paying tribute to them and recognising their contributions by giving them the ‘UK Business Heroes Stamp’ demonstrates that the Mirius team has gone the extra mile to support the UK during the Coronavirus outbreak. Darren Langdon (Commercial Director) – “This recognition would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our teams across all departments who share a combined passion and understanding of the difference our products make -

I am deeply proud of every single person who works for Mirius”. At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mirius quickly made the decision to commit its manufacturing facility to the production of antiviral cleaning products, vital for healthcare providers in the fight against the spread of the disease. Mirius received a letter from HRH The Countess of Wessex, who has actively supported the British Chambers of Commerce’s Campaign, advising them of their selection and thanking them for being a business that has gone the extra mile in recent months. Steve Quinlan (Mirius C.E.O) “It is a great honour to have received this recognition from HRH The Countess of Wessex, the British Chambers of Commerce, and the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. Every member of the Mirius family should be immensely proud of

their contribution and the difference they are making in these challenging times.” Mirius continues to leverage its knowledge and experience in chemical product formulation and manufacture and is committed to supporting its customers across the

UK and around the world in these challenging times. For more information about Mirius’s extensive range of cleaning products and professional services please visit www.mirius.com Tel: 02476 639739

Staeger Clear Packaging, UK Business Hero, pivots to Cardboard Packaging

RECOGNISING UK BUSINESS HEROES 2020 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Over the last 20 years Staeger Clear Packaging has traditionally produced plastic packaging made from recycled Ocean Waste PETas shown in the photo of M&S Easter eggs.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Being an approved Marks and Spencer supplier, has also meant we have also been asked to produce the cardboard elements as well, which can also be seen in the photo.

During 2020 we pivoted to 100% cardboard packaging in addition to the plastic to spread our net wider. If there any Chamber members needing this type of packaging, perhaps they could contact us at info@staegerclear.co.uk or ring and speak to Sophie or Brendan on 02476 581197. We would be very pleased to help. There are no minimum order quantities! I have retired from full time work with Staeger this Christmas, and would like to thank the Chamber for their efforts over the years, I remember going on a trade mission to China with Louise Bennett in the 1990’s. They are an incredibly professional organisation. Thank you. A slightly political point to end with. As you know I am a Governor at Whitley Academy in Coventry and

I really feel that the key to a successful future for our country is a successful education system, where kids feel, with confidence, that they can set up businesses and take failure or success (hopefully) in their stride. In my opinion, we need a much more entrepreneurial system and a more respected technical education system, that blends/integrates well with industry. I may be in contact to ask for your help!

Staeger Clear Packaging

Staeger Clear Packaging helping to prevent ocean plastic waste Fully Recyclable British Green Shields made from Ocean Waste As a supplier of face visors to the NHS we have now launched our Green Shields - a sustainable and more permanent solution perfect for all sectors, as well as the general public. Our Green Shield sets consist of a headband and ten recyclable inserts. Further inserts can be bought separately (see website). These are both skin-friendly and environmentally responsible as the inserts are made from flake

sourced under the Prevented Ocean Plastic initiative. The initiative aims to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans. Locals in countries with poor waste management systems are employed to collect washed-up plastic items from the shores to be turned into flake.This not only helps create sustainable jobs in those communities, but it also makes our Green Shields ocean-friendly.

You can learn more about the Prevented Ocean Plastic initiative at www.staegerclear.co.uk/prevented-ocean-plastic Each Green Shield set can be purchased directly from our website for only ÂŁ9.99

Staeger Clear Packaging: a UK Business Hero We are humbled and honoured to announce that Staeger Clear Packaging has been recognised as a UK Business Hero and has been awarded the UK Business Hero stamp. The initiative has been widely supported by HRH The Countess of Wessex and the stamp has been designed to distinguish UK businesses who have gone the extra mile during the Coronavirus outbreak by supporting their Chamber and their local business communities.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to thank Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce for the nomination, and for the support and partnership that has been constant and ongoing, especially in the past year. We will continue to do the best that we can to support the local businesses and the NHS for the remainder of the pandemic by supplying green shields and face visors that are both medically graded and planet friendly!

RECOGNISING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

UK BUSINESS HEROES 2020

For more information visit www.staegerclear.co.uk/ppe-equipment You can also contact us at info@staegerclear.co.uk or give us a call at 024 7658 1197 At Staeger we specialise in producing high-quality transparent plastic packaging also known as acetate packaging for businesses. From plastic boxes, sleeves, lids & bases, tubes, to vac forms: we produce and have produced a wide variety of solutions for products of all shapes and sizes. For more information please contact us on 024 7658 1197 or email info@staegerclear.co.uk Unit 1, Swallowgate Business Park, Coventry CV6 4BL www.staegerclear.co.uk

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Area Focus: Coventry

Coventry City of Culture Trust signs MOU with industry union bodies

Front l/r

Stephen Brown, Martin Sutherland, Millicent Stephenson. Middle l/r, Tonia Daley Campbell, Michael Corfield, Fanklyn Spencer. Back l/r Paul Fleming, Ian Manborde, Lee Barron, Ian Bayes

Midlands TUC Cultural & Leisure Industries Committee, Equity, BECTU and Musicians’ Union. The trust and the unions shared aspirations to ensure that all creatives and freelancers are paid and recognised appropriately and signed an agreement that commits the trust to offering terms that “exceed those in recognised industrywide contracts and rates”. This MOU is the foundation of a Fair Pay Manifesto that the trust aims to launch early next year. This will seek to further promote the need for those working in the creative and cultural sector to be appropriately and fairly compensated for their time and experience. Coventry City of Culture Trust will also encourage its partners and stakeholders to engage with appropriate unions to create agreements for creative sector workers they employ.

Martin Sutherland, chief executive of Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “This is a very important commitment by the trust, one which recognises that those who work in the creative and cultural sectors have a right to be employed with good terms and conditions. “Coventry 2021 seeks to leave a legacy of a stronger arts and culture sector in the region and that can only be done if the work of artists and creative freelancers is valued, both through recognition and conditions of employment.” Paul Fleming, general secretary of Equity, said: “This ground-breaking MOU sends a really clear message. Not only are today’s artists doing important work which deserves proper terms and conditions, but the artists of tomorrow, inspired by the City of Culture, can rely on the union movement to build a stable and inclusive industry.”

Cabinet Office recognition for Coventry engineering Coventry’s apprenticeship boost company Coventry City of Culture Trust has signed a pledge to ensure that all artists and creatives who work on their projects, as part of Coventry UK City of Culture 2021, will do so on terms that exceed the industry standard. The trust signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) after working with the cultural sector union bodies including

Whiteley Brooks Engineering has been awarded a certificate from the Cabinet Office thanking it for the invaluable contribution to its Ventilator Challenge UK team on behalf of Penlon. The Coventry-based engineering company, which specialises in CNC machining, wiring and grinding, produced components for a company for its ventilators. The components were manufactured with many design changes and there was an increase in numbers produced. This work meant that the company didn’t have to furlough as many staff as first thought, given that the main customers are predominately motorsports companies and this industry has been affected by the pandemic. The company utilised a number of machines and hours available to produce parts for the ventilators. Time was critical and colleagues pulled together to work around the clock to hit deadlines and in some cases exceed them. The duration of the project was two months. The company has a real sense of pride to have been able to help in a time of need. Gear Purewal, managing director, said: “I’m delighted with the recognition we have received and for the company to have helped in these unprecedented times. As a company, we take great pleasure in how we can diversify our skills and knowledge to meet customers’ needs.”

Coventry is experiencing the beginnings of an apprenticeship recovery, according to the city’s leading further education provider. Coventry College – which teaches around 8,000 students – has enrolled nearly 100 apprentices since September, despite the ongoing challenges faced by the region’s businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic. The construction, plumbing and automotive sectors are driving apprenticeship demand at the college. It follows the introduction of the government’s Kickstart scheme, where employers receive state funding for taking on 16-to-24-year-olds

who are on Universal Credit for a six-month job placement. This includes a £1,500 grant if needed, while each apprentice’s national minimum wage is also paid for by government. Lorraine Cole is a team leader for sales and recruitment at Coventry College, and helps to connect employers with the next regeneration of talent. She said: “The business community has been in damage limitation mode for quite some time, so to see nearly 100 of our apprentices securing placements in industry over the past three months is a really encouraging sign – and a strong platform to build on.

“The financial aid provided by the government’s Kickstart scheme has undoubtedly helped small businesses to be able to recruit young people, while others are sole traders who have had to carry on working through the pandemic when they’ve been allowed to, and have turned to an apprentice to help them meet demand. “For example, our motor vehicle apprentices have been assisting their wider industry’s efforts to meet a backlog of demand for MOTs and vehicle servicing, while some plumbers have needed extra resource to respond to more domestic enquiries

because more people are now spending more time at home. “We are also starting to see more companies using the government’s traineeship programme, where they receive a £1,000 payment for each young person they provide work experience to for six months before potentially offering them an apprenticeship.”

A crucial time for the events and exhibitions sector

The events and exhibitions industry in Coventry and Warwickshire is facing disaster without a clear roadmap to reopening. The warning was sounded at a virtual round-table meeting between members of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana. Representatives from the 16 businesses that attended

said they felt they had been pushed to the back of the queue and needed to lobby harder for a clear timetable of when events and exhibitions will be allowed to begin to take place. They questioned why similar sectors had been allowed to open up over the summer while events and exhibitions companies had been forced to stay shut, despite proving they could operate COVID-19-safely in a national pilot. Among the other issues raised were the need for a bespoke financial package that included more grants rather than loans that were currently on offer, an extended business rate holiday beyond the current financial

year, and for the VAT reduction to five per cent to continue for the foreseeable future. Sean Rose, Policy Officer at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is a very crucial time for the events and exhibitions sector, which in 2018 was reported to be worth £42.3bn to UK plc. While there is the need for further financial support, the clear message is that the best way forward for them is to have a clear timetable for reopening. “Our members say want to know the Government understands their situation and want it to acknowledge that. This is a sector of the economy that feels it can play a major role in

post-Covid-19 recovery, but one that is left scratching its head as to what their future looks like.” Zarah Sultana, MP for Coventry South, said: “It’s an understatement to say this sector has missed out on the support that’s been available so far. There is clearly a need for a bespoke financial package from the Chancellor with more grants crucial, otherwise by taking on debt they will be simply kicking the can down the road. “But more importantly they need a reopening date that they can work with. Exhibitions and events cannot simply open up overnight, businesses need a clear timescale to work to. At the moment they don’t have that.”

Manufacturing Technology Centre wins top placement award The Coventry-based Manufacturing Technology Centre has won a top university award for its commitment to providing exceptional opportunities and support for students on industrial placements. The MTC was named “Best Large Placement Employer” in the University of Leicester’s Placements Awards 2020. Presented at a virtual ceremony, the awards were created to recognise the invaluable industry experiences that employers give degree students out on placement. The in-work experience gained by students on the placement

element of their degree builds on their academic training so they can apply their knowledge and deliver tangible value to employers in the workplace. George Cattle, one of the latest University of Leicester students to embark on a placement at the MTC, said the university’s judges were looking for a company that showed dedication and encouragement to placement students while helping them gain transferable employability skills. He said: “The university chose the MTC as the award winner because of the brilliant

opportunities and support that the centre offers to young people. I’m just one of many lucky students from all age groups and backgrounds who have had an opportunity to gain fantastic practical experience in both engineering and business within an innovative, exciting organisation.” Over the past eight years, the MTC has provided placement opportunities for more than 40 students from academic institutions including its founding universities, the University of Birmingham, Loughborough University and the University

of Nottingham, as well as others including Aston, Cambridge, Coventry, Sheffield and Swansea. Dr Clive Hickman, MTC chief executive, said: “The MTC’s core purpose is to create a significant positive impact on society. Providing high-quality placements that provide real-life experience of our emerging technologies is a natural part of our commitment to helping to empower industry through skills, and creating the next generation of engineering professionals.” For further information visit www.the-mtc.org

George Cattle with the University of Leicester student placement award

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: Coventry

Café and legal services provider team up to support community Rustic Food and Countrywide Tax & Trust Corporation is supporting the local community with food donations to charities and key workers, surprise drop-offs for local heroes and much more. In the run-up to Christmas, Rustic Food, a café in Leamington Spa, ran its Love Leam campaign to spread joy around the community in difficult times. The company did this with the support of rapidly growing local legal services provider, Countrywide Tax & Trust Corporation, which pledged its support towards the campaign. Countrywide recently moved from Kenilworth to the fantastic Gables House on Kenilworth Road, and is keen

to contribute towards the local community through the ‘Love Leam’ campaign, and by providing plenty of new career opportunities across a number of specialist areas. The Love Leam campaign is designed to help members of the local community via initiatives including: • Local heroes – Rustic Food is asking people to nominate local heroes who deserve recognition for their hard work in difficult times. Nominees receive a surprise drop-off package which includes cakes and other treats as well as a handwritten, heartfelt message from their nominator

• Donation drop-offs – Rustic Food is using its shop as a drop-off point for food and clothing donations for homeless people in the area • Cake and a cuppa – on Wednesdays, Rustic Food is opening up its shop to provide a free slice of cake and a drink for over 60s and blue light workers, supporting the elderly and vital emergency services • Key worker picnic baskets – each week throughout the campaign, Rustic Food is delivering picnic baskets to local primary schools and other nominated key workers The campaign continues to grow, with Rustic Food and Countrywide constantly

Area Focus: Rugby

seeking new ways to help the community. Already there has been an influx of nominations for local heroes as well as contributions from local charities and engagement on social media. Contact Rustic Food or Countrywide Tax & Trust Corporation for more information: www.rusticfood.co and www.countrywidegroup.co.uk

City of Culture gives apprentices “opportunity of a lifetime” Beth Kiddie, production team apprentice; Chloee French, creative apprentice producer for the commercial team; Noof Alhashemi, creative apprentice producer for the dynamic city team; Samuel Williams, ticketing apprentice; Bushra Khan, programme assistant apprentice; Zahra Khalifa, creative apprentice producer for the collaborative city team

Fourteen apprentices have started on the ‘opportunity of a lifetime’ after being appointed to help deliver Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture in 2021. The apprentice programme sees the 14 individuals deployed across the different departments which make up the Coventry City of Culture Trust team.

All positions have been filled by Coventry and Warwickshire residents aged between 16 and 27, which is a major investment in the future leadership of the creative sector for Coventry and the West Midlands. As well as all being given training within their specific role, whilst working towards the appropriate apprenticeship standard with the support of the North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, the apprentices will be fully immersed in the events, planning and delivery of Coventry UK City of Culture 2021 and the wider arts and culture sector. The apprenticeship programme has been made possible through the support of the trust’s core funders, including Coventry City Council, DCMS, Arts Council England

and West Midlands Combined Authority. Cadent Foundation has also supported the apprentice programme, funding one of the apprentice roles in the production team. Martin Sutherland, chief executive of the Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have appointed 14 extremely talented apprentices to deliver Coventry 2021. “This is a ground-breaking apprenticeship programme for a City of Culture. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young people to work on an event of such scale, in their region, and to develop crucial skills for their future careers. “It is wonderful to be able to fulfil our promise to the people of Coventry to invest in the skills and talent of the City.”

Area Focus: Mid Warwickshire

Mid-Warwickshire branch given insight into exciting plans Investment in skills and capital projects will help the economy of Mid-Warwickshire recover from Covid-19 more quickly, businesses have heard. Andrew Day, the Leader of Warwick District Council, and Fay Winterburn, the Lead Commissioner on Employability and Skills at Warwickshire County Council, both addressed the MidWarwickshire Branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. They explained how the region had adapted to life during the Covid-19 crisis but how they believe the regional economy has the potential to grow in the future. Winterburn outlined a new package of support that is on offer to businesses that may be considering making redundancies – including the potential to have staff seconded to other workplaces until their skills are required again; the opportunity to upskill employees; and also a focus on wellbeing for staff a

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nd employers during the stressful period. She also highlighted how Warwickshire County Council has adapted how it highlights careers opportunities to schoolchildren, who cannot currently access work experience, including businesses being filmed by a media team to showcase the roles within their firms, which are then shown in schools. “We want to do everything we can to prevent as many job losses as possible,” she said. “We want to be in a position, once the crisis is over, that we have the skills we need to grow the regional economy. Councillor Day outlined some of the major investments coming to Leamington including improvements at the railway station ahead of the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and progress on the Creative Quarter. He said: “There is significant capital investment taking place in Leamington. It forms a big part of the

Linda Malik, owner of Eliza Doolittle Childrenswear

Online move helps popular store survive lockdown A childrenswear shop that began selling homemade girls’ clothes from a market stall in Rugby over 40 years ago is surviving a second lockdown thanks to a move online. Linda Malik runs the family business, Eliza Doolittle Childrenswear, which was set up by her mother, Isabel Gill. Initially trading on the town’s market, several premises later it is now located on Albert Street and sells brands that are not available elsewhere on the high street. With the rise of online shopping in recent years, Linda said she was aware of the importance of having a digital presence, but admitted that it was her self-confessed generational lack of knowledge of the internet that meant it was not her top priority — until she was forced to close her shop when the coronavirus pandemic forced the country into lockdown in March. At the start of lockdown, she took the opportunity to sign up to a free series of digital workshops delivered by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Stories Marketing, on behalf of Warwickshire County Council through the Warwickshire Towns Network Programme. The online workshops shared insights into how businesses can use social media and other digital tools to drive traffic to their website. With the help of a separate council grant, Stories Marketing created an e-commerce website for the Eliza Doolittle shop and provided training on managing the site independently.

An artist’s impression of the new look Leamington Railway Station

region’s recovery plan that will help to protect jobs and create new opportunities in Warwickshire.” Sean Rose, Policy Officer at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We were very grateful to Andrew and Fay for updating businesses in Mid-Warwickshire on the

latest developments on skills and on some of the capital investments. “While all businesses are working extremely hard to come through the current crisis it’s important to have an eye on the future and how we recover and grow the economy.”

Linda said: “I went to two workshops and the practical tips and creative advice just gave me the confidence to have a go. The people running the workshop, Sam and Emma from Stories Marketing, had retail experience themselves so getting working examples of what they’d done made them easier to understand. “Now I engage with my followers on Facebook, just as I would if they were customers in my shop, and I’ve had more enquiries and more sales so it has paid off.”

Area Focus: North Warwickshire

Nuneaton business in line for top retail accolade

One of Nuneaton’s oldest family businesses is in the running to be named Britain’s Best Small Shop of 2020. Cawthornes, which has been trading since 1868, is in the shortlist of retailers that could pick up the prestigious crown. For more than a century the firm has been serving the town and has evolved over the years. When it first opened, the business printed items from auction sale posters, card catalogue bill-heads, note paper cards and the Nuneaton Parish Church monthly magazine, all from the market place shop in Newdigate Street. In 1908, the firm moved to Corporation Street, where it still can be found today and now supplies print, graphic design, office goods and promotional gifts. It also does its bit for the community as it has a collection point for Nuneaton foodbank in store and also holds fundraising days for the Mary Ann Evans Hospice. Mark Walmsley, chair of the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC) – which runs the competition – said: “This has been a particularly challenging year for small independent retailers and many have come through to this point through innovation, quality of product and service, a commitment to serve their local communities and a large dose of determination. “As more and more people have been forced to stay home and work from home, we have seen just how much we all value local independent shops and want to see them not just survive, but also thrive. “These shops offer choice, diversity and genuine customer service – and, after what has been a rather dark year, that has to be worth celebrating.” The annual competition highlights the best of Britain’s independent retail sector, celebrating the commitment and creativity of independent retailers and the central role they play in their local communities.

Chamber introduction is a win-win for two SMEs During these lockdown times, good news is hard to come by – but there has been positive news for the Chamber, Nuneaton Signs and Chamber corporate member Glued. Hazel Pilling, membership manager at the Chamber, discovered that Nuneaton Signs was looking for a partner to help it create a brand for the commercial side of its signage business. With her knowledge of the Chamber membership, Hazel recommended brand specialists Glued of Leamington Spa to provide assistance on the project. Michelle York, commercial director at Nuneaton Signs and Rob Harrison, consultancy partner at Glued, met during the easing of the lockdown in the summer.

Following a four-way pitch, Glued was appointed to work on the naming and branding of Nuneaton Signs’ commercial division. Michelle was keen to express her excitement for the project and said: “Glued picked up on our mission as a social enterprise to employ as many people with other abilities as we can. We are already debating a raft of possible new names, which we will be sharing with staff, customers and the board in due course.” Rob Harrison said: “This is testament to the value of Chamber membership and the organisation’s genuine contribution to SMEs in the region at grass roots. We are proud and excited to be working with Nuneaton Signs, a brand with national capability.”

Michelle York of Nuneaton Signs, Rob Harrison (on screen) and David Wilson meet to kick-off the project.

“Glued picked up on our mission as a social enterprise to employ as many people with other abilities as we can. We are already debating a raft of possible new names, which we will be sharing with staff, customers and the board in due course.”

Digital apprentice shortlisted for national award Pippa Culverwell, a digital marketing apprentice at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, has been named as a finalist in the Association of Colleges’ Student of the Year Awards. Pippa has been shortlisted in the Apprentice of the Year category of the national awards, which are sponsored by the NOCN Group. Pippa, from Leicester, started her role as an apprentice for 21-year-old Billesdon print and graphic design business, Soar Valley Press, last year. Digital marketing whiz Pippa not only managed to complete her apprenticeship while working mainly from home, she also achieved an eightfold increase in traffic to her employer’s website. After being furloughed for a short time and then working remotely, Pippa achieved her

CIM Level 4 marketing qualification while also making a huge impact on her employer’s business as it pivoted its skills in response to the coronavirus crisis. Pippa is the only marketer employed by Soar Valley Press so she relied a great deal on her college tutor and assessor to guide her in the right direction while learning on the job, acquiring vital skills in SEO, social media marketing and web design. Pippa’s employers have already seen the benefit of her skills, and her manager Chris Goodman from Soar Valley Press plans to offer her a permanent position leading on marketing for the company once she has completed her final assessment. Chris said: “Pippa has performed brilliantly since she joined us. I gave her a really wide range of tasks to work on and she has developed new

strategies and seen some great results from the campaigns she has put together for us.” Marion Plant, OBE FGCI, principal and chief executive of North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, said: “I am delighted to hear that Pippa has been shortlisted for this prestigious award. She has made a real impact on her employer’s business in spite of difficult circumstances and has demonstrated the incredible difference that talented apprentices can make in contributing to the recovery of the UK economy.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Area Focus: South Warwickshire

Keep supporting hospitality sector to help it bounce back

Key figures in the tourism sector are urging people to continue to show their support for South Warwickshire hospitality businesses. The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce held the latest meeting of the South Warwickshire Branch online and heard from councillor Matt Jennings, the new Portfolio Holder for Tourism and Economic Development at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, and Helen Peters, Chief Executive of Shakespeare’s England, the Destination Management Organisation for South Warwickshire and the surrounding areas. The speakers highlighted how the district council has been supporting businesses through grants, how tourism has been adapting to the ‘new normal’, but the message was clear - the area was having to battle on and organisations still need backing from the public. Cllr Jennings said: “Our district was one of the worst hit local areas in the

West Midlands after the Coronavirus outbreak, because of its reliance on the tourism sector. “In our district alone, there was 21,200 on the government’s furlough scheme and 5,500 on the self-employed income support scheme. “But even with these figures, Stratford district has a lot to offer, we are still working on a number of projects such as the Canal Quarter regeneration, the World Shakespeare Centre, Stratford Riverside Green Corridor project and the Wellesbourne Campus for the University of Warwick. “But we are all going to have to do our bit over the coming weeks and months as it is going to have to be a collaborative recovery between the councils, businesses and members of the public. “To quote a certain Mr Shakespeare – ‘It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves’.” Helen Peters agreed with the sentiment that everyone needs to continue to offer their support locally, but said it had not been all doom and gloom. “We are not expecting to see visitor figures bounce back to what the levels were in 2019 until somewhere around 2024,” said Helen.

“This is because of the huge restrictions in place as a result of Coronavirus, quarantining and waiting to find a vaccine – not to mention Brexit which will also have a major impact, so there are definitely big challenges ahead. “But it is not all doom and gloom, we have had many businesses who acted swiftly after the first national lockdown, adapting and changing their offer to meet the new criteria, many of them have received some support from the Culture Recovery Fund. “It is support like this and the innovation and agility of businesses, and working in collaboration that will keep them viable for the future.” Larry Coltman, Chair of the South Warwickshire Branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We held our meeting just before the second national lockdown was announced, but the message is still an all-important one that people should be listening to. “When the second lockdown is lifted, we need to be supporting the local tourism and hospitality sector as it is a massive employer for the area. “But not only that, the sector is another way that helps to put our area on the map and we need to make sure that this continues.”

Warwickshire couple get a pizza the action

Rammy Arafa, owner of Fire and Fizz, Hardeep Sandhu, Enterprise Coach Team Leader / Programme Manager at Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

A husband and wife from Sambourne near Studley who launched their business selling wood-fired pizzas from a converted horsebox have harnessed the power of social media to ensure their first six months of trading was a success despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Rammy Arafa, 34, was furloughed from his job in medical sales when the country was suddenly plunged into lockdown at the end of March. Fearing redundancy, which eventually came, he decided to pursue his lifelong passion for cooking as a new career, setting up Fire and Fizz with his wife Sally-Anne, 32. The couple who have two children aged three and five, immediately began work on building a profile for their new business on social media ready for when the national restrictions were lifted. They signed up to a free series of digital workshops delivered by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Stories Marketing, on behalf of Warwickshire County Council through the Warwickshire Towns Network Programme. It paid off, too, helping Fire and Fizz to reach 1,000 Facebook followers

and 750 on Instagram, which, in turn, led to healthy orders and a number of bookings at events held by other businesses in and around Studley throughout the summer. Delivered by Stories Marketing, the online workshops provide insights into how businesses can use social media and other digital tools to drive traffic to their website. Rammy said: “I was on social media myself but I didn’t really know how to use it to promote a business. The workshops taught me how to use it more efficiently. Their ideas for content, how to use the right hashtags and the need to be more engaged with our followers, were quite simple looking back, but really effective. “Within the first week of putting them into practice when restrictions were lifted, we were getting more followers, which meant more orders and bookings.”

Land sale brings housing target nearer

The sale of a prime residential development site in Warwickshire with planning permission for 500 new houses, including 175 affordable homes, is an important step for Stratford upon Avon to achieve its new homes target. Local law firm Lodders acted for one of the three landowner entities involved in the land sale. The firm’s Dan MacLeod, associate in the real estate practice, explains: “The 62-acre site just outside Stratford upon Avon at Bishopton is one of Warwickshire’s largest sales by a multi-landowner group to be completed recently, and will deliver desperately needed housing for the community. “Lodders has worked with the landowner of 26 acres of the total site for a considerable number of years, initially negotiating the latest option agreement for the site in 2002 and, since then, the various changes to the agreement to reflect the evolving planning proposals for the site. “The site has been bought by two major housebuilders, Taylor Wimpey and Miller Homes, for a significant sum.

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MP tells #PolicyHour that more help is needed

Businesses will need more support from Government until life returns to normal, a local MP has told firms in Warwickshire. Matt Western, the MP for Warwick and Leamington, spoke to companies on the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s latest #PolicyHour call ahead of the new tier system coming into force. He said that the positive news around vaccines had given hope to businesses and individuals but that more help would be needed until such a time that they could be rolled out to the whole country. Mr Western said: “There is good news on the horizon and the developments we have seen in recent weeks are very exciting. The Oxford vaccine is particularly exciting because it is easier to store and distribute. “But, until such time that a vaccine is completely proven and ready to go, I believe we are going to be in a cycle of lockdowns and other restrictions. “That means businesses are going to need more support to help get them through this. They also need to be able to continue operating unless what they are doing has an adverse effect on health.” He also welcomed the arrival of the ‘Megalab’ in Leamington and said it highlighted the need to maintain strong levels of employment land in the region. “I am really proud of that decision,” he said. “It says something very positive about our region. When Wolseley closed it could have easily been turned into houses but it’s such a fantastic piece of employment land and I always believed it could provide high quality jobs for local people. “It’s a reminder of just how important it is to have a good stock of employment land in the region.” Sean Rose, policy officer at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said firms on the call had found it an engaging #PolicyHour event.

The 61-acre site just outside Stratford upon Avon at Bishopton, is one of Warwickshire’s largest sales by a multi-landowner group.

Its development of 500 new homes, to include 175 homes, will now go ahead, marking an important and significant step towards delivering the requirements of Stratford’s Local Plan that’s so important for the housing needs of the local community.” James Walton of Sheldon Bosley Knight, which represented two of the landowners, added: “This site has been considered an obvious extension to the Stratford settlement for more than 30 years, since the construction of the adjacent A46

bypass. The development provides for an attractive scheme, albeit of relatively low building density compared to some other recent housing schemes allowed in Stratford. “The negotiations over the terms for purchase have been hindered by the pandemic but we are very pleased to have been able to join with Lodders in concluding this sale.” For more information: www.lodders.co.uk.

He said: “We are grateful to Matt Western for joining us on our latest #PolicyHour call – they have proven to be extremely popular since the beginning of the crisis, giving businesses a direct line to decision makers at a local, regional and national level. “Of course, the response to Covid-19 was the hottest topic but it was good to look at other issues such as the need for more employment land – something which the Chamber has been calling for over many years.”

Education and Training

The Importance of Education and Training Never has the need for developing skills of new and established staff been more apparent as the economy changes from the challenges presented by the pandemic. As a region all pulling together, it is a joined up process which begins with schools, colleges, universities and training providers

who aim to motivate and support in aspirations to achieve more and develop an understanding of the world of work. Education does not stop when you leave school or college with current courses and initiatives vital as workforces adapt. The importance of ‘fresh blood’ and new apprentices into a business can provide

a different perspective in helping a company thrive and survive both now and in an uncertain future. It is important that businesses continue to work closely with the education and training providers in our region to come out of the current difficulties. By working together we can look forward.

The MTC launches new SME Support Service in partnership with Lloyds Bank

Transform yourself and your career with the Warwick MBA

WCG urges businesses to take advantage of the apprenticeship government incentive

Free support for manufacturing SMEs to future proof their workforce and working practices The Manufacturing Technology Centre and Lloyds Bank have joined forces to offer a package of free support and resources to help UK manufacturing and engineering SMEs to embrace innovation and increase productivity. With SMEs accounting for 60% of jobs and 52% of turnover in the UK, their success is central to the country’s post-COVID economic recovery. However, for many of these businesses, identifying the best opportunities to level up in an already challenging climate can feel overwhelming. The new SME Support Service will help smaller firms to demystify and unlock innovative solutions to future-proof their business and drive sustainable growth. Including advice, guidance and access to additional funding and resources, the scheme will help SMEs to recruit their next generation of talented apprentices, upskill their existing workforce, and identify opportunities to deploy emerging technology to solve productivity challenges and improve business performance. The service is the latest initiative in a five year partnership between Lloyds Bank and the MTC’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre. We aim to provide the knowledge, skills and support that industry needs to implement the technology of tomorrow, today. Lloyds Bank has a long history of supporting the UK’s manufacturing sector, and is committed to backing the ambitions of a wide range of manufacturing SME’s and helping them to prosper despite the current challenges being thrown at them. The SME Support Scheme will help us to work together to reach even more businesses and to empower the UK to realise its potential in advanced manufacturing.

For more details about the new SME Support Service and to find out if your business is eligible to receive assistance, please visit https://the-amtc.co.uk/lloyds-sme

The global economy, and how we do business has been disrupted but in times of change, there is always opportunity. If you are excited to challenge existing ideas, diversify your skill set and expand your global network, then an MBA with Warwick Business School is for you. Equipping you with the tools to tackle emerging global business challenges, the Warwick MBA will provide you with a truly transformative experience, both professionally and personally. With international exposure, access to leading companies and a peer group from a diverse range of industry sectors and cultures, whatever your career goals, our MBA will provide you with the knowledge, skills, contacts and confidence to start your own business, fast track to the C-suite, or transform yourself and your career. We will support you in unlocking your full potential by providing intensive leadership development throughout the programme enabling you to take the ideas, theories and solutions you have learned in the classroom straight into your place of work, so you can make an immediate positive impact. Our dedicated Careers team will listen to your career goals, and help shape the right pathway, whether you need a career coach, support with networking, or are looking for an inspirational mentor to help define the next phase of your career. Available in full-time, part-time and distance learning formats, you will be inspired by and learn from some of the world’s leading academics alongside senior business people who join us as Professors of Practice. You’ll discover new thinking, access global networks, and invest in your future when you choose to study your MBA with us. During your time with us and beyond, we’ll support and motivate you, as well as push, critique and challenge you to bring out your inner Change Maker.

Find out more at https://www.wbs.ac.uk/courses/mba/

‘With SMEs accounting for 60% of jobs and 52% of turnover in the UK, their success is central to the country’s post-COVID economic recovery.’

Apprenticeships will be vital in supporting the economic recovery in Coventry and Warwickshire and now is the right time to invest to support the future development of your business. That’s the message from the region’s largest apprenticeship training provider college group WCG ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from 8 to 12 February 2021. The college group delivers apprenticeships in the region from Royal Leamington Spa College, Warwick Trident College, Moreton Morrell College and Rugby College.It works with 2,500 apprentices each year and 1,100 employers of all shapes and sizes. WCG offers a range of specialisms across its four colleges in the region, ranging from agriculture and engineering, to hospitality and business administration. The college group has an excellent track record of high-quality training, with more than 75 per cent apprenticeship success rate. Krishna Parekh, Head of Business Development at WCG, said: “We’re supporting businesses every day by developing tailored training programmes as they prepare for operating in a post-pandemic world. “We are a trailblazer training provider and have worked on the development of new apprenticeship standards. This puts us in the perfect position to pass our expertise back onto the businesses that we work with. “Our team understands how to best utilise apprenticeships to help business move forward, and to develop and future-proof their workforces.” Businesses should also be aware that the Government’s apprenticeship incentive scheme closes on 31 March 2021. Ahead of the deadline businesses will be entitled to payments of £2,000 for apprentices aged between 16 and 24 and £1,500 for apprentices aged 25 and over.

To find out more about apprenticeships and how they could benefit your business, contact WCG’s Business Development Team: T: 0330 135 6940 E: employerenquiries@wcg.ac.uk www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Education and Training

‘Education does not stop when you leave school or college with current courses and initiatives vital as workforces adapt. The importance of ‘fresh blood’ and new apprentices into a business can provide a different perspective in helping a company thrive and survive both now and in an uncertain future.’ WMG invites SME manufacturers to join the discussion on sustainability Helena Simmonds, Innovation Manager at WMG, University of Warwick, talks about the upcoming Sustainable Production Innovation Network (SPIN) event series and the brand new SPIN cohort model to support businesses to become more sustainable. There is currently much discussion in the media concerning the green recovery and net zero initiatives. Climate change is, arguably, one of the most urgent societal challenges we face today, but it can be daunting for small manufacturers to shift to environmentally friendly practices. At WMG, we want to help small businesses understand how environmental improvements can be profitable also. The benefits of adopting sustainable manufacturing practices are numerous. Increasing process efficiencies raises productivity and can reduce waste and energy costs too, freeing up cash for the business. Complying with current environmental legislation and staying up to date with future policies ensures longevity in a rapidly changing landscape. Furthermore, acting now to implement sustainable manufacturing practices will strengthen and protect brand and reputation, potentially giving competitive advantage. We set up the Sustainable Production Innovation Network (SPIN) event series to connect small businesses and catalyse discussions about the shift to sustainable manufacturing. Our next virtual event, on 24th February 2021, will look at alternatives to landfill for manufacturing waste. Our industrial guest speakers will present case studies and interactive break-out sessions will give you the opportunity to explore the topic with your peers.

To register for your free place, visit: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/ mediacentre/wmgevents/spinfeb2021

Join a SPIN Cohort WMG wants to work with West Midlands manufacturing SMEs to support them to adopt sustainable production. In 2021, WMG will launch Sustainable Production Innovation Network (SPIN) Cohorts, where SMEs can work together in their sector to implement sustainable improvements benefitting the environment and the bottom line.

To join a cohort or simply to learn more, email Helena Simmonds at H.C.C.Simmonds@warwick.ac.uk WMG has recently launched the Sustainable Production Innovation Network (SPIN) Cohort: please see page 43 for more details. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Heart of England Training Ltd With over 50 years of experience, Midlands based, Heart of England Training, offers businesses a range of top-quality apprenticeships, among a variety of other training opportunities, in the fields of Business, Schools and Salons. Heart of England Training are very proud of the quality and range of apprenticeships they offer, which fall into three main areas, Business, Salons and Schools. From apprenticeships suitable for school leavers just starting out on their career path, to those seeking to gain additional qualifications in their industry and Higher Apprenticeships suitable for candidates aiming for a management role. Working with a range of over 500 employers from small businesses to multinational organisations and local authorities, Heart of England Training are able to offer a great range of Business apprenticeships. Talk to one of their Business Development Advisors who will be happy to discuss the needs of your organisation and come up with a training plan to suit your business. The Beauty and personal care industry is booming and standards are rising. Employers, therefore, need well trained professional staff. Whether your new employee needs training up from scratch or you are simply looking to upskill members of your existing team, Heart of England Training can help and support your business. When it comes to apprenticeships in the education sector, Heart of England Training works with over 75 schools, academy trusts and local authorities across the Midlands, to deliver apprenticeships in school specific areas as well as their traditional office and managementbased qualifications. Heart of England Training is urging employers to take advantage of all the benefits of employing apprentices while funding the process through the fantastic government incentives available. The Chancellor has announced extra incentives for employers to take on new apprentices. Available until March 31st, for an apprentice aged between 16 – 24, employers will receive £2,000, and for older apprentices, 25+ £1,500. These payments are in addition to the existing £1,000 paid for a 16 – 18 year old. The Apprenticeship Levy applies to any business paying a wage bill of more than £3 million per year, and requires them to pay 0.5% of their payroll each month as a levy tax, to be reinvested into their workforce in the form of Apprenticeship training.

Employers with a wage bill of less than £3 million will not be subject to the Apprenticeship Levy, but will be able to access funding for up to 10 employees with the government contributing 95% towards the cost of Apprenticeship training. Further if you employ fewer than 50 employees, the government will pay 100% of the apprenticeship training costs up to the funding band maximum for apprentices aged, 16 – 18 or 19 to 24 with an education, health and care plan provided by their local authority or has been in the care of their local authority For Levy and non-Levy payers alike, this scheme is a brilliant way of enabling employers to gain from all the benefits of bringing apprentices into their organisation at minimum cost. Heart of England Training is far more than a training provider, they work with their learners and employers every step of the way to ensure that all parties gain the greatest benefit from their training partnership.

To find out more contact Heart of England Training on www.hoet.co.uk

Aston Programme for Small Business Growth Limited spaces available – apply now! Receive free industry-leading business support from world-class academics at Aston Business School. Past participants of the Aston Programme for Small Business Growth consistently increase business turnover, take on new employees and expand their companies into new exciting markets – in some cases even during a pandemic! Take control of your business’s future with the support of online workshops, one-to-one mentoring and peer-to-peer learning as part of the premier business support programme of the Midlands. As an Aston Programme for Small Business Growth participant, you become part of the Aston Business School network and will benefit from a range of resources to help your business continue to reach new heights long after completing the programme. We are looking for small business leaders with an operational address in Birmingham and Solihull or Coventry and Warwickshire LEP who have the ambition to grow their company! Businesses must have at least 12 months’ trading experience. Manny Athwal, Aston Programme for Small Business Growth, Cohort 5, 2018/2019: “Implementing learnings from the programme has resulted in our business turnover increasing by 380% in less than a year.” “My vision has always been to grow School of Coding into an international corporation. In order to do that, I needed to increase my own knowledge and understanding on how to develop the business. The Aston Programme for Small Business Growth programme was the perfect option to get high-quality education from an outstanding institution and share ideas with like-minded business leaders.”

Find out more and apply today www.aston.ac.uk/smallbusinessgrowth

3737

Aston Programme for Small Business Growth Positioning for the Future

Applications Open n Develop your leadership skills at webinars delivered by industry experts* n Receive one-to-one support from an experienced business mentor n Build a clear action plan for the future of your business n Share experiences with other business owners and build your SME networks n Provided free of charge to business leaders; the programme is part-funded by

the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

Our membership business grew by 98% in the six months after we finished the Aston Programme for Small Business Growth.

Finance and marketing were some of the key areas of improvement I noticed as a result of completing the programme.

Kat Carrick

Parminder Bal

Managing Partner, Concierge Medical Practice Ltd Programme Participant 2017

Director, Drawing Desk Ltd Programme Participant 2018

Receive expert support for your business provided by world-class academics and experienced business leaders. Email centreforgrowth@aston.ac.uk to find out more *Workshops may be delivered face-to-face or online dependent on coronavirus restrictions

MOTIVATE, INSPIRE, RETAIN

EXPAND

YOUR BUSINESS

TAKE ON AN APPRENTICE Attract new talent and skills

Increase productivity & performance

Upskill your current staff

Build a loyal workforce

APPRENTICESHIPS AVAILABLE INCLUDE: •

Business Administration

•

Electrotechnical

•

Land-Based Service Engineering

•

Stockperson (Beef, Pigs, Sheep, Dairy)

APPRENTICESHIPS STANDARDS ALSO AVAILABLE IN: Accounting Adult Care Agriculture Animal Care & Veterinary Nursing Bricklaying Carpentry & Joinery Customer Service Dental Nursing Early Years Education Engineering Equine Events Farriery Golf Greenkeeping Hair Horticulture Hospitality Human Resources IT Marketing Motor Vehicle Plumbing Sports Turf Team Leading Welding

Contact our Business Development Team:

See back cover for Government Incentive Info!

employerenquiries@wcg.ac.uk | 0330 135 6940

wcg.ac.uk/employers www.cw-chamber.co.uk

...training for a brighter future

RECRUIT AN APPRENTICE

AND YOU COULD RECEIVE UP TO £3,000! THE EXTRA INCENTIVE IS DUE TO END ON MARCH 31ST 2021 SO ACT FAST!

Our FREE recruitment service has grown each year and we hope this year to offer more apprenticeships than ever before. With the current situation and challenges we face, establishments need to plan and look at budgets more carefully than ever. ■ For a 16-24 year old you will receive £2,000 paid through your digital account* ■ For a 25+ you will receive £1,500 paid through your digital account. *Payments are in addition to £1,000 for a 16-18 year old.

Our FREE recruitment service includes:

Apprenticeships includes:

• Assistance with Job Description creation • Free pre-interview screening of candidates • Careful shortlisting to find the best candidates for you • Admin support for application process • Careful planning and detailing to meet recruitment deadlines • Flexible process remotely

• Business Administration • Office Practitioner • Customer Service • Marketing • Management

Visit hoet.co.uk or call 0800 0281 576 to find out more today… Heart Of England Training HEAD OFFICE: Eleven Arches House, Leicester Road, Rugby Warwickshire CV21 1FD Tel: 0800 0281 576 COVENTRY: 28 Market Way, COVENTRY CV1 1DL Tel: 02476 223442 RUGBY: Temple Buildings, Railway Terrace, RUGBY CV21 3EN Tel: 01788 544146 BIRMINGHAM: 12 Priory Walk, BIRMINGHAM B4 7LJ Tel: 0121 236 8595 LEICESTER: James House, 55 Welford Road, LEICESTER LE2 7AR Tel: 0116 2856182

Learner & Employer Satisfaction*

91% 93% Employers

Learners *18/19 ESFA Survey

THE MTC SME SUPPORT SERVICE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LLOYDS BANK

Lloyds Bank is actively working in partnership with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) as part of its commitment to supporting the UK manufacturing industry. The newly launched MTC SME Support Service is set up to provide SMEs with access to a number of apprentice and training support services including: SME Salary Support Scheme | SME Apprentice Support Service | Lloyds Bank Levy Transfer SME Training Support | Manufacturing Support Services To find out more how Lloyds Bank and MTC Training can support your business visit the-amtc.co.uk/lloyds-sme T: 02476 701781 E: Employers@the-mtc.org

The Warwick MBA

For the Change Makers

The Warwick MBA enables you to apply the latest leadership thinking to a changing and uncertain world. Available in a full-time format at Warwick, and executive or distance learning formats in Warwick or London. W

wbs.ac.uk/go/commerce

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Education and Training

Sustainable materials: A step in the right direction The UK government have now set their sights towards 2050 to achieve a 100% reduction of UK’s carbon emissions and therefore, a legislation has been passed to that effect by the parliament in June 2019. In view of the aforementioned, sustainable materials have now become a key factor in many industries because they create fewer environmental issues, leading to a greener planet and reduced carbon emissions.

Minimising the negative impact on natural resources and people Sustainable materials can be manufactured and supported by natural means. Sustainability, in whatever capacity (be it in materials, energy or practices) implies that the negative impact on natural resources and people is minimised; ensuring that the environment is not depleting. Some materials are quite eco-friendly whereas others are less sustainable. For a material to be said to be truly sustainable, it must yield environmental, economic and social benefits; thus constituting the ‘Three Pillars of Sustainability’.

The lifecycle: Effective decomposition Products undergo a lifecycle that starts with production and culminates in disposal. Raw materials are obtained from nature, converted into useful products and have a productive life, and are then disposed of. Sustainable practices seek to evaluate every step in the cycle with a view to avoiding harm to the environment. Materials are said to be sustainable through recycling and repurposing, if they undergo some decomposition that

is eco-friendly. It is always challenging to precisely work out the lifecycle of a plastic product; however, the lifecycles of singleuse plastics (such as wrappers, straws and bags) are quite short as they are meant to be disposed of immediately after use, in a matter of minutes in some cases. A product’s durability may be a disadvantage at the end of the product’s lifecycle. For instance, plastics have longchain molecules that can take decades to break down, leading to waste that lasts a long time. To solve this challenge, chemists have developed biodegradable synthetic materials that can be decomposed by sunlight and microorganisms.

Recycling plastics Alternatively, when plastics have completed their use, they can be recycled. Recycling of plastics is quite sustainable because it lowers both the need for the use of virgin materials at the beginning of the lifecycle and landfill space at the end of the lifecycle. Plastics make a huge contribution to environmental sustainability through their recyclability and energy-recovery potentials. In the context of the UK, plastics are a major part of the economy and are an important export product. Socially, the plastics industry is an important employer, which also contributes to training and education of the UK’s workforce. Using plastics The use of plastics in the packaging industry has yielded significant benefits. Plastics are lightweight and offer excellent barrier properties, leading to the reduction

SPIN COHORT

MEs

HORT

Accelerate the uptake of sustainable manufacturing in WMG YOUR business through innovation and collaboration.

wmgsme@warwick.ac.uk warwick.ac.uk/wmgsme

Effective use of materials It is important to note that other materials such as wood, bamboo and other plant-based materials are sustainable because they are naturally grown. Metals such as aluminium and copper are easily recyclable. Paper and related products can also be recycled and they decompose quickly when disposed of. During my time at WMG, I worked with an SME interested in the compounding of dry malt waste (from brewery processes) with polypropylene (PP). The malt waste and PP were compounded at different concentrations using the extruder at WMG. The final extruded product could be used to make reinforced plastics/composites. Pellets were made from the extruded product and sent to the company to be injection-moulded into parts.

Chinemelum Nedolisa, Technology Transfer Engineer The thermal and mechanical properties of the injection-moulded parts would then be evaluated in order to ascertain the right application for the injection-moulded parts. Waste malt was used in this project in order to have a final product with positive environmental effects. The importance of sustainable materials cannot be over-emphasised. Businesses should embrace the culture of incorporating sustainable materials in their manufacturing processes, as many customers are on the lookout for businesses that proactively seek to improve their production processes in alignment with green objectives. I am personally passionate about sustainable materials, and see the increased use of these as a step in the right direction. To contact Chinemelum for more information, please email Chinemelum.Nedolisa@warwick.ac.uk Alternatively, email wmgsme@warwick.ac.uk to get directly to the WMG SME Group.

Collaboration Events

Innovation Project

Road Map

SMEs

Large Business

SPIN

WMG

COHORT

Partner Organisations

Get in touch

PartnerTo become part of a SPIN nisationsCohort, contact us on

of waste and increased energy saving. For example, food waste in the UK is at 2% due to the plastics packaging systems as compared with 40% to 50% food waste seen in developing countries. In the construction sector, plastics play a significant role in sustainable construction. Plastic foams have very good insulation properties and are very cheap to purchase. For instance, the use of PU foam insulation saves a considerable amount of energy, thereby saving cost incurred by continuous heating. In the area of transport, especially in the automotive sector, the increase in the use of plastics has led to the reduction in weight of vehicles, CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

Readiness Assessment

Energy Survey

Best Practice Visits

@WMGBusiness WMG Business

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

President & People

Burgis & Bullock welcomes new team members A Nuneaton accountancy firm has strengthened its workforce with two new additions to its tax and client services teams.

Happy New Year to you all and welcome to my inaugural column New year, new start and new President, thankfully David Penn the outgoing Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce President was somewhat more gracious than another certain President, whom at time of writing is making headline news for all the wrong reasons.

Burgis & Bullock, which also has offices in Leamington, Stratford-uponAvon and Rugby, welcomed Brandon Jacques and Morgan Hill to the team based at Eliot Park. Brandon is AAT-qualified and will be completing his ACCA studies during his time with the firm. He joins the company in a combined account and personal tax role. Morgan is part-way through her AAT studies and joins the cloud and client services team, further strengthening the firm’s bookkeeping and Xero accounting offering. The appointments, who are both from Nuneaton, are part of Burgis & Bullock’s

continued commitment to providing development opportunities for young people in the area. Brandon said: “It’s a big step up for me from my previous roles, but the work culture is great here and I’ve already seen how everyone supports each other during my short time with the firm.” Morgan, who joins from another local practice, said: “I’ve built up good experience over the last couple of years working in practice and will continue to build that valuable experience at Burgis & Bullock.” Sean Farnell, partner at Burgis & Bullock, added: “We’re pleased to have brought Morgan and Brandon on board at our Nuneaton office. They both have a bright future in the industry and we hope they will have an impact on the business for years to come.

And I guess I have become the first President in the history of this chamber to take over the role remotely, via Zoom. A bit of a strange feeling if I’m honest, as I put the chain of office over my own head, quietly congratulating myself as I did it! But these are strange times, we all face challenges like never before. There is a lot of fear and uncertainty, with whole sectors being decimated; however, with the vaccine roll out there does now seem to be light at the end of a very dark and long tunnel. Indeed, never before has the role of the Chambers of Commerce been more important and they will undoubtedly have a significant role to play going forward. Our own Chamber to date has been totally outstanding with the help, guidance, support and information offered to businesses and I, for one, am immensely proud to be associated with this fabulous institution and the members of staff who drive it.

Best regards Tom Mongan

“We have heard a lot from government about skills and supporting the development of young people in industry recently, so we’re delighted to be able to support Brandon and Morgan through the next stage of their training and development. “The firm is always looking to provide opportunities for young people and we will continue to do so despite the pandemic and difficult economic circumstances.”

Royal recognition for training specialist

Therefore, I will start my column by paying tribute and thanking David for the outstanding work and contribution he has made over the past couple of years as President and indeed he continues to do as a member of the Chamber board; congratulations on a job well done sir. It goes without saying that it is without doubt a huge honour to take over the role of President of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, a chamber that is widely recognised as one of the very best in the whole of the U.K. I look forward to not only contributing and being involved, but also helping and advising companies and individuals, having myself been involved in business for nigh on 50 years.

Brandon Jacques and Morgan Hill at the Burgis & Bullock offices in Nuneaton

A Coventry-based national training provider has received royal recognition for its work to support local communities throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

PET-Xi Training has been awarded a UK Business Heroes Stamp after being nominated by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. Back in the summer, the Chamber nominated PETXi as part of a national UK Business Heroes campaign by the British Chambers of Commerce, a campaign which has been hugely supported by HRH The Countess of Wessex. The campaign recognises the incredible work that UK businesses are doing in the most challenging of years to support their Chamber,

the local business community, clients and colleagues. Fleur Sexton, managing director of PET-Xi, said: “We are delighted to announce we have successfully been awarded a UK Business Heroes Stamp! The UK Business Heroes stamp demonstrates that we have gone the extra mile to support and rebuild our communities by reskilling and upskilling during the coronavirus outbreak. “We’re delighted to be recognised in this way as a valued Chamber strategic partner in Coventry & Warwickshire.”

Top director award for MTC chief executive Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) chief executive Dr Clive Hickman has received the top award in the Institute of Directors (IoD) 2020 Midlands Director of the Year awards. Dr Hickman received the Chair’s Award for Excellence and Board Practice for the West Midlands at a virtual awards ceremony presentation which linked the West and East Midlands for the first time. Brian Hall, chairman of the IoD in the West Midlands, said: “Congratulations go to all of our winners who demonstrated outstanding success. We were delighted to showcase and celebrate their achievements during our virtual awards ceremony which was run across the whole of the Midlands to achieve a wide audience and maximum exposure for all of our finalists.”

Dr Hickman, who heads the Midlands Manufacturing Resilience Commission, has been chief executive of the MTC for more than ten years. He has more than 35 years’ experience in the automotive industry and was head of engineering for Tata Motors in India. He also established the Tata Motors European Technical Centre in the UK. He began his career as a senior engineer with the Rover Group before becoming engineering and group operations director at MIRA. He subsequently joined Ricardo, where he held a seat on the board and was managing director of Ricardo UK. Born in Coseley in the West Midlands, he is a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and a fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

The MTC was founded by the University of Birmingham, Loughborough University, the University of Nottingham and TWI. The MTC’s industrial members include some of the UK’s major global manufacturers. The MTC aims to provide a competitive environment to bridge the gap between university-based research and the development of innovative manufacturing solutions in line with the government’s manufacturing strategy. It is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult supported by Innovate UK.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

President & People

Vat specialist lands Prime role

Gill Yates, who has joined Prime Accountants Group, which has offices in Birmingham, Coventry and Solihull, as head of VAT

A West Midlands-based independent accountancy firm has followed a raft of appointments made earlier in the year by welcoming a new head of VAT as it continues to thrive in the face of COVID-19.

Prime Accountants Group, which employs more than 100 staff across its offices in Birmingham, Coventry and Solihull, has appointed Gill Yates to lead its VAT team. Gill has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry after starting her career as a VAT inspector for HMRC. She later joined Deloitte’s London VAT team and, while there, spent time on secondment with Lloyds of London, before moving to KPMG. After relocating to the Midlands, Gill worked for Mazars and later became VAT director for BDO in the West Midlands before joining Prime last month. Gill said: “I’m pleased to be joining Prime at such an eventful time. A lot has happened in the last year and I’m sure a lot will happen over the next few months due to Brexit.

“Prime has worked hard to support its clients during what has been a very tough time, and has been able to assist them in several areas through its variety of departments and experts. “By joining the team, I will be able to help the company support its clients even further with my VAT knowledge, especially with the challenges Brexit will bring.” Kevin Johns, managing director of Prime, added: “Gill’s knowledge of VAT has developed whilst assisting her vast range of clients from FTSE 100 multinationals through to sole traders. “It’s this broad and considerable experience that will be of huge benefit to our clients and I’m sure Gill will be a real asset to the team here. We’re delighted to welcome her to Prime.” For more information visit www.primeaccountants.co.uk

New appointment at steering system specialist Steering system specialist Pailton Engineering has appointed Stephen Moore as its new business development manager. Stephen brings with him more than 20 years of experience in mechanical and design engineering roles and commercial positions. Merging an engineer’s mind with sales proficiency, he is set to nurture and expand Pailton Engineering’s customer portfolio. By trade, Stephen was a qualified mechanical and design engineer of tools, forgings and aerospace parts. In 2004, he transitioned into the commercial side of the aerospace sector but hasn’t ventured too far from his engineering roots. His new role in the land vehicle sector will involve maintaining and developing Pailton Engineering’s key accounts,

many of which include well-known military vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and bus manufacturers. He will also source new business opportunities for Pailton Engineering and is open to speaking to any chassis design engineers in need of bespoke steering parts. This will be of particular relevance to the electric vehicle sector, which is celebrating and contending with a lack of standardisation. Stephen said: “I’m slowly but surely understanding Pailton Engineering’s customers. This is a unique client base. These customers aren’t just ordering from a catalogue; they are discussing the geometry, weight and material options for their specific vehicle requirements. “While it feels like a lifetime ago, my design engineering experience

Stephen Moore, newly appointed business development manager at Pailton Engineering

will no doubt come in handy as I navigate existing customer accounts and reach out to new prospects. My medium-term goal is to build great relationships with our existing customers and turn that into profitable business for Pailton Engineering.” Pailton Engineering designs and manufacturers bespoke steering system parts for military vehicles, buses and trucks. For more information visit pailton.com

Community church garden gets makeover

Front – Georgia Allen and Joe Greenwell, High Sheriff of Warwickshire. Back – Students on the Prince’s Trust Team Programme

Young people working with The Prince’s Trust have helped to lay the foundations for a valuable community church garden in Brownsover. Christ Church Brownsover issued a call-out on social media for donations and help to renovate the garden in the church grounds.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Thirteen students enrolled on the Prince’s Trust Team Programme answered the call and have helped to create a safe space in the community for families, the elderly and members of the church to visit for outdoor recreation. The Prince’s Trust Team Programme is based at Rugby College and is delivered in the area by college group WCG, which is the largest provider of programmes for the trust in England. The work involved a range of activities, including the construction of decking, planters, walls, benches and bird tables, and the creation of raised beds and a wildlife area. The students had no previous experience and planned the project themselves. Now the garden is ready to welcome members of the community to plant seeds, tend flowers

and vegetables, and use as a valued community meeting space. Liz Hopkin, secretary of the church council, said: “We can support our local community now in a way we couldn’t do before and we hope that the space will help to bring people together.” Georgia Allen, The Prince’s Trust team leader at WCG, added: “We initially saw the advert on Facebook and got in touch with Christ Church right away to see how we could help. “Many of the young people enrolled on the programme are in difficult circumstances themselves, so to know they are making a real impact with a project like this has been a big confidence boost for them.” For more information visit https://wcg.ac.uk/page/25/princestrust

Midlands law firm expands tax team A leading Midlands law firm is expanding its specialist tax team with a major appointment. Kevin Hall – who has more than 22 years of VAT experience and is a published author – has joined Leamington-based Wright Hassall as a partner from a national independent tax consultancy firm. Alongside helping businesses to navigate Brexit-related VAT changes, Kevin will also be providing VAT advice to businesses and their advisers across all areas, including property, cross-border transactions, financial services, mixed supplies, aircraft/yachts and margin schemes. Kevin said: “A great deal of SMEs – including many of Wright Hassall’s clients and intermediary contacts – are seeking guidance on how they can navigate the regulatory obstacles posed by Brexit when the transition period ends on December 31 2020, and this will be an immediate focus of mine. “There are going to be VAT changes for businesses that are buying and selling goods internationally, as well as those who are buying and selling services with the EU27, so it’s important that they are seeking advice to ensure they aren’t penalised. “I’m thrilled to be joining a growing and progressive firm such as Wright Hassall where I can use all my expertise and experience to make a difference to thousands of their clients and contacts across the country.” Kevin’s arrival at Wright Hassall takes the firm’s specialist tax team to eight staff, and includes other services such as SDLT and VAT on property transactions, employee incentives, and tax litigation and disputes. John Dormer, head of employee incentives & tax at Wright Hassall, added: “Kevin has unrivalled VAT knowledge and a loyal client base. His appointment is a real coup for us and will enable us to expand our expertise and client reach even further and to work with a greater number of intermediaries on specialist areas of tax.”

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Cromwell & Co Insolvency Practitioners Legal & Financial 08000 614002 info@cromwellinsolvency.co.uk www.cromwellinsolvency.co.uk

International Members Christy Hydraulics (Warwick) Ltd

RAM Enterprise (Wholesale) Ltd

Hydraulic Hose Assemblies 01926 642071 sales@christyhydraulics.co.uk www.christyhydraulics.co.uk

Wholesalers 02476 335091 info@ramenterprise.co.uk www.ramenterprise.co.uk

Essential Members Alphaquad Ltd

DOTS Technical Solutions Ltd

Marketing Services 01789 491969 office@alphaquad.co.uk www.alphaquad.co.uk

Engineering, Design & Manufacture 02038 273424 enquiries@dots-technical-solutions.co.uk www.dots-technical-solutions.co.uk

Attract Business Solutions Marketing Consultants 07590 233021 hello@attractsolutions.co.uk www.attractsolutions.co.uk

B to B Events Exhibition Consultants 02476 158100 jamie.hill@btob-events.com www.btob-events.com

Baker and Baker Recruitment Limited Recruitment Advisers 01926 674059 contact@bakerandbakerrecruitment.com www.bakerandbakerrecruitment.com

Best Property Investments Ltd Property 08006 996036 Hello@bestpropertyinvestments.org www.bestpropertyinvestment.org

DateSmart Ltd Online Dating 07485 623822 iona@getdatesmart.com www.getdatesmart.com

Decision Praxis Limited Business Consultants 07726 116646 david.reindorp@decisionpraxis.com www.decisionpraxis.com

Diamond Crossing Recruitment Ltd. Recruitment Advisers 02476 993132 hello@diamondcrossing.co.uk www.diamondcrossing.co.uk 46

ES HR Consultancy Ltd Human Resource Consultants 07932 780616 info@es-hr.co.uk www.es-hr.co.uk

Ink Virtual Support Virtual Assistant 07554 138355 enquires@inkvs.com www./inkvs.com

Pathway Recruiting Limited Recruitment Advisers 07740 656573 info@pathwayrecruiting.co.uk www.pathwayrecruiting.co.uk

Sky Blue Safety Ltd Health & Safety Consultants 07722 270166 neil@skybluesafety.co.uk www.skybluesafety.co.uk

The Dreamy Elephant Company Ltd Manufacturer of Plush Toys info@thedreamyelephantcompany.com www.thedreamyelephantcompany.com

Warwick HR Human Resource Consultants 07342 916458 kathryn.brooks@warwickhr.com www.warwickhr.com

WorldFirst Foreign Exchange 02038 691093 nicholas.palmer@worldfirst.com www.worldfirst.com www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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C&W In Business January 2021

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