President & People
Double fellowship award for WCG
Happy New Year! This time last year I was writing New Year, new start and new president...new me! I wrote about the vaccine roll out and how it potentially gave us a way out of what seemed a very long dark tunnel. Well three jabs in and having tested positive for COVID in early October, I am really starting to believe we are on a road to recreating a life as we knew it prepandemic. While Omicron, the very latest variant, would appear to be ripping through the nation, thankfully early analysis would appear to suggest it is not as severe as what has gone before. So, coupled with the vaccine/booster roll out, I sincerely hope we are approaching the end of all the various rules and restrictions. Here in the UK, we seem to be more divided than ever, with England having one set of rules and restrictions with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland administering their own set of rules and restrictions. This division is not helping, it just causes widespread confusion and anger and it is totally counterproductive! I have said previously only time will tell how well governments have handled the situation, however, what cannot be denied is the global impact this pandemic has had on society in general, and, in my opinion, we now have to start living with it, for the sake of everyone, whether they be young or old, fit and healthy or sick and vulnerable. Those people who need extra care and that have to shield, naturally have to be looked after, but we cannot continue to interrupt the education and mental health of our young whilst also jeopardising the financial stability of our business communities and all the people working therein! So, bring on 2022, as I know the Chamber team have some absolutely fantastic events planned. I cannot wait to once again get involved in helping the team in promoting, assisting and advising all types of member businesses. Finally, as President of the Chamber I want to welcome to the board of directors Trish Willetts and Tim Squires, whilst also acknowledging and thanking David Penn and Kathryn Clarke for their invaluable contribution during their time on the board. So, I’ll finish as I started and wish all Chamber staff and all Chamber members a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Best regards Tom Mongan
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Two key figures at a regional college group have been awarded fellowships from the Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE). Angela Joyce, CEO of WCG, and Peter Manford, chair of the corporation at WCG, were invited to become fellows of CIFE in recognition of the duo’s excellent leadership and governance of the college group, which operates across Warwickshire and Worcestershire. The CIFE is devoted to developing the potential, reputation and standing of the further education (FE) sector. It brings together exemplary training providers that are committed to developing the skills required in modern Britain and dedicated to sharing that knowledge with fellow training providers to improve best practice. WCG joined as members of the CIFE in 2018 and to now have two fellows within
the chartered institution underlines the college group’s commitment to enhancing and developing FE training provision locally, regionally and nationally. The college group is a large provider of further and higher education as well as apprenticeships, delivering these across its six colleges. It places a strong focus on meeting individual student and wider industry needs, working with businesses and employers to ensure training is supporting skills needs in the areas it operates in. Peter Manford said: “To receive a fellowship from the CIFE is a great honour for me personally and recognition of the tremendous work that staff across our college group have been doing to push the boundaries of FE training delivery. “Since joining the CIFE three years ago it has given us access to a network of like-minded, high-quality colleges and
training providers. We have worked in partnership with many members of the CIFE to make a positive impact on the present and future of FE in the UK.” To find out more, visit www.fecharter.org.uk
Local business owner receives highest honour from Rotary Club
Robert Villette, Managing Director of the FPM Group, has been awarded the Paul Harris Award by the Rotary Club of Coventry in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the community, going above and beyond what would normally be expected as a member of the Rotary Club.
Rotary was started in the US in 1905 from the vision of one man, Paul Harris. A Chicago lawyer who wanted to bring together professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds so, according to the Rotary Club’s website, they could “exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.” The modern-day Rotary takes a more active role in society, with its 35,000+ clubs working together to promote peace, improve global health and hygiene, support education and grow local economies. The Paul Harris Award is the highest award given out by Rotary and Robert is in good company, sharing his accolade with people such as former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Russian President Boris Yeltsin and U.S. astronaut James Lovell. As a member of Rotary, Robert Villette is part of a global community of
1.2 million members as he explains, “I joined Rotary in 2013 to meet like-minded people and help with community initiatives. I have enjoyed getting involved in local community and international projects over the years and it is worthwhile to feel I have made a difference, even in a small way. Receiving the Paul Harris Award came as a complete shock, and I feel very honoured and privileged to have been recognised in this way.” Rotary is just one of the volunteer roles undertaken by Robert. Alongside running his successful construction and facilities management business, he is also on the board of the Coventry Heritage Trust, using his property knowledge to provide expert advise on local restoration projects.
Record period of deals for Lodders’ corporate team The corporate and commercial team at law firm Lodders has completed a record-breaking £50 million total value of deals since August 2021. Notable deals for the team include the completion of the sale of diaphragm pump business Flotronic Pumps by its owners Whitehouse Industries in August, followed by the sale of furniture and props hire business Granger Hertzog for the sellers to a newco owned by management and the sellers, in September. In October, Lodders’ team advised LDCbacked Solid Solutions on the acquisition of Desktop Engineering (DTE), with several other high-value completions following in November including the sales of Cotek Papers to German manufacturer Laufenberg, and Avanta UK to the existing management team via a Vendor Initiated Management Buy-out (VIMBO).
Corporate partner Graham Spalding says the “very active period” began in August 2020, with further deal highlights in 2021 when Lodders’ team advised the founders on the sale of Chrysalis Automotive to automotive software business Autofutura, the buyout team on the purchase of Nottingham-based Print Solutions, the sellers on the disposal of agricultural machinery business Murley Agriculture, and LDC-backed Solid Solutions on the purchase of Design Rule. Graham Spalding said: “It’s been a very busy and rewarding period for the corporate and commercial team, which has sustained this year’s trend of winning high-value, high quality work. “We have completed a record-breaking number of deals for companies and owner managers in the US, South Africa, London, Leeds, the Cotswolds and across the Midlands, in sectors including
automotive, manufacturing, industrial engineering, and film and broadcast. “2022 is looking to be another very busy year for corporate activity for the team. We’re already instructed on several transactions set for completion early in the new year.” For more information: www.lodders.co.uk
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