C&W Jan 25 by Benham Publishing Limited

WE ARE NAMELESS

Nik Ellwood & Steve Lambert explain which Hollywood superstar gave them their company name. Page 20

Dear Member, Happy New Year to all our brilliant members and to all those businesses that will hopefully join their local Chamber of Commerce in 2025!

We start this year once again appealing for certainty and stability and this year we’re challenging the new government to act on their promises and quickly build a platform from which to grow in 2025.

Because, although our latest

– from forward-thinking, global manufacturers through to some of the most amazing places for leisure and tourism. We know that this is a great place to invest and to grow a business, and that, as a region, we offer lots of support to companies that want to expand, create jobs and serve their local communities.

But if we are going to see genuine growth this year, we ask for three things:

• Immediate action on business rates reform

shortlisted from an astonishing 175+ entries, and our amazing judges have shortlisted around 50 finalists.

We are creating something very special with these awards. An event that celebrates the best of Coventry and Warwickshire culture, business and community, a night that will be unmistakenly local and that will be a joy filled night of unique entertainment. Think of ‘The Oscars’ for Coventry & Warwickshire and we’re sure it’ll become the most important business event of the

The official publication of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

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

The future’s bright for Futura after five-figure funding

An automotive prototyping firm based in Coventry is gearing up for accelerated growth after landing a five-figure grant for new equipment to meet rising demand.

Futura Design, which is headquartered on Stonebridge Trading Estate, has received a £25,000 grant from the Business Growth West Midlands team at Coventry City Council with funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund - after receiving support from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

The company manufactures prototype models predominantly for the automotive industry, and the money has helped to fund nearly half the cost of a new state of the art paint booth to help with the development of new colours and finishing of high-end prototypes.

It means the firm can now meet the rising demand for its paint development and finishing services from major names such as Jaguar Land Rover, Bentley and Aston Martin, as well as emerging electric vehicle manufacturers.

The latest investment follows hot on the heels of the firm expanding its footprint with the opening of a purpose-built design centre in Leamington Spa earlier this year which will increase their modelmaking capacity, as well as their growing paint and colour development services. The new facility will include a CMF suite, a polishing/inspection tunnel, and a viewing garden.

Futura Design was founded in 1987 and has an annual turnover of £22 million – up

from £18 million the year before - and employs over 50 staff.

Daniel Abel, Director at Futura Design, said: “This additional paint booth means we now have more capacity, while also being able to recruit additional staff – and is a key part of our growth plans, alongside the new design centre to ensure we are at the forefront of emerging technologies.

“Electric vehicles are soaring in popularity, and this is reflected in the demand for prototypes, and is an area we are gearing up to support over the coming years, while also supporting other sectors such as aerospace, marine and public transport.

“We’d also like to thank not only Coventry City Council for granting us this crucial funding just weeks after submitting the application, but also to the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce who not only signposted us to this financial support when we approached them, but also took the time to help us full out the application form.”

Councillor Jim O'Boyle Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change said: “This is a great example of how collaboration between local organisations can boost our economy. Like many companies in the city – Futura Design is making a name for itself in a rapidly growing sector. The green industrial revolution is here and it’s great to see another local company leading the way and using a grant to grow and create new jobs for local people.

“This is a really important new sector and that’s why our emerging Climate Change Strategy and our work in partnership with E.ON is so important. This is not only where there will be new jobs, it’s also where we can work to ensure a just transition across the city and tackle inequalities.

“Our expert team offers financial and non-financial support, and I would encourage any local business looking to grow to get in touch so find out more about the full range of support.”

Futura Design were made aware of the grant by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s business advisors, who, after understanding the company’s growth plans, conducted a comprehensive search for relevant investment opportunities and also helped them to fill out the necessary paperwork and liaise with the council on their behalf – all within.

Russell Grant, Business Advisor at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, added: “As a chamber we pride ourselves on doing everything we can to create opportunities for local businesses to grow, and Futura Design is a great example of a business tapping into the collaborative network of support that is available to all types of firms in our region.

“Having to turn custom down due to being too busy is a bitter-sweet situation for business owners, so I am glad we were able to help Daniel and his team address this swiftly, and we would urge other businesses in a similar position to reach out to us for support.”

Kierandeep Bal (Coventry City Council), Russell Grant (Chamber), Daniel Abel (Futura Design), Gurprit Singh (Chamber).

Digital Transformation

Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce partners with EBC Group: Delivering a Modern IT Transformation

In April 2024, Chamber Chief Executive, Corin Crane, set out an ambitious vision for Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to become one of the most digital Chambers in the UK by 2030, as part of a 5-year business plan.

Following the appointment of a Digital Transformation Manager, the Chamber embarked on project to review its existing infrastructure and usage of IT, as well as understanding the future needs and requirements. Staff at the Chamber were invited to complete an online survey as well as being interviewed about their workflows, system usage and, importantly, the pain points.

Following the review, a plan was put into place to address three key objectives: Education, Integration & Automation. That’s where EBC Group, a Business Influence Partner of the Chamber of Commerce, came in.

It all started with a simple coffee and a chat. Mike Bridges, Director of IT at EBC Group, sat down with us to discuss potential IT solutions. There was no pressure, no deep dive— just an open conversation about how modern technology could make our operations smoother and more secure. From that moment, it was clear that there was an opportunity to revolutionise the Chamber’s IT infrastructure.

At Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, enabling seamless collaboration, secure hybrid working, and modern IT solutions is fundamental to serving our growing network of businesses. To support this mission, the Chamber has partnered with EBC Group as its official IT provider, undertaking a complete transformation of our IT infrastructure to align with their operational goals and security needs.

This strategic partnership has already delivered tangible benefits, modernising workflows, enhancing user experiences, cutting costs and creating a more agile and efficient working environment for the Chamber’s staff.

A Tailored IT Strategy Focused on User Experience

Following a detailed review of our systems and user requirements, EBC Group proposed a solution that simplified operations while introducing advanced tools to future-proof our existing IT environment.

EBC Group implemented Microsoft 365 Business Premium across all users, unlocking a suite of collaborative tools tailored to both office and remote working. By leveraging Microsoft SharePoint and OneDrive, C&WCC now benefits from a uniform file and folder structure accessible securely from anywhere, removing the need for expensive physical servers.

These changes have made everyday processes easier, quicker, and more cost-effective, allowing staff to focus on what matters most—supporting the business community across the region.

Empowering Hybrid Working

A key priority for C&WCC was ensuring staff could work seamlessly across multiple locations without compromising productivity or security. EBC Group provided new client laptops equipped with Microsoft’s advanced security tools, including Intune for device management and Defender for endpoint protection.

Through Microsoft Autopilot, devices are now deployed and managed efficiently, ensuring rapid onboarding for new users. This new IT environment not only empowers hybrid working but also enhances security through EBC Group’s 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC), which monitors activity and proactively mitigates potential threats.

Enhanced Connectivity and Security

EBC Group installed a private, dedicated leased line with a cloud-hosted virtual firewall to strengthen our network security. This offers faster and more reliable connectivity while protecting our systems against cyber threats. Importantly, this solution removes reliance on third-party providers, giving us a fully managed and monitored IT environment supported by EBC Group’s expert team.

Benefits Beyond Technology

While technology has been central to this transformation, the true benefits for us lie in the impact on people and processes. Staff now experience a simplified, user-friendly system that supports their day-to-day tasks without friction. From faster logins to seamless file sharing, every aspect of the IT environment is designed to be intuitive, efficient, and secure.

EBC Group’s proactive approach also ensures that we receive ongoing strategic guidance and support, helping us adapt to evolving challenges and opportunities. With a dedicated account manager and technical support team, we can now plan confidently for the future, knowing our IT is in capable hands.

A Partnership for the Future

EBC Group’s commitment to providing tailored, innovative solutions has allowed Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to embrace a secure, future-ready IT environment that meets the demands of a modern workforce. This collaboration is not just about technology; it’s about empowering the Chamber to continue its vital work in supporting local businesses across the region.

As the Chamber’s official IT provider, Mike Bridges from EBC Group explains “We’re proud to be both IT partners and influence members of the chamber and we look forward to building on this success, ensuring the Chamber remains at the forefront of innovation while delivering exceptional value to its members”.

The Importance of Keeping Up with Technology Keeping up with technology is no longer optional—it’s essential. Outdated systems can slow down processes, create frustration among employees, and expose businesses to significant security risks.

Modern IT solutions, like those implemented for Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, not only enhance day-to-day efficiency but also provide robust security against evolving cyber threats. By adopting the latest technologies, organisations can streamline operations, enable flexible working, and protect sensitive data, ensuring they remain competitive and resilient.

Corin said: “As a Chamber of Commerce, we want to provide an excellent experience for our members, our staff and our partners. Ensuring our digital infrastructure is fit for purpose and can support efficient and effective engagement is a key priority for us. Working with Mike and the team from EBC Group has already opened our eyes to how important it is to have the right digital foundations in place to enable growth, increase engagement and improve productivity.

“The world is only becoming more digital, and I would recommend that all businesses undertake a review of their current IT provision. Mike has offered any Chamber member the opportunity of a review of their IT and Telephony, with the aim of providing cost savings whilst implementing more secure and up to date technology. Please contact hello@ebcgroup.co.uk for more information or if you would like to arrange a review.”

Who Are EBC Group?

EBC Group are a Managed Service Provider with over 35 years of experience and a commitment to innovation. From IT infrastructure, cyber security, and cloud solutions to unified communications and managed print, they ensure your organisation runs efficiently, securely, and without disruption. For more information, contact EBC Group on 0121 368 0154 or visit www.ebcgroup.co.uk to discover how we can help your business thrive.

Presidential visit to Grade II listed venue

A leading business figure has been given the lowdown on a historic Coventry venue that has just reponed in the Cathedral Quarter.

Steve Harcourt, president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, was given a full tour of the Grade II listed Drapers’ Hall, which has opened again under new management.

The 19th century building is interwoven into the city’s economic heritage and has now come full circle to be the perfect location for business events, conferences, celebrations and award ceremonies as well as weddings, thanks to a joint venture between Chris Hartley of Hartley Consulting & Events and Arum Javed of Sovereignty Venue & Event Management as DH Venues.

Its history, coupled with its £5 million restoration in 2021 by Historic Coventry Trust, make it the perfect addition to the events scene in the region, according to Steve. He said: “I was absolutely thrilled to get a look behind the scenes at Drapers’ Hall and it reminded me how fortunate we are to have buildings with this kind of history in Coventry

and, also, that there are people like Chris and Arum who are giving it a new lease of life.

“It really has to be seen to be believed and I am anticipating that it will be a real hit for business and private events in the coming weeks and months.

“It also makes you take stock of what a wonderful area of the city centre the Cathedral Quarter is that really brings to life the city’s history.”

Steve got to see all around the building in its full Regency glory including its Ball Room, Tea Room, Reading Room, Card Room, Dining Room and Card Room many of which include original features from the 1830s.

DH Venues is a new venture but between the partners it as collectively nearly 40 years’ experience working with and for a wide range of event venues, including The NEC Group, NAEC Stoneleigh, Wicksteed Park and many more.

Chris said the visit from Steve was an opportunity to showcase everything that Drapers’ Hall has to offer and underlined the commitment to partnerships in the city and the wider region.

He said: “When we decided to take on Drapers’ Hall we knew that we couldn’t do this on our own. The only way we will make this the success it deserves to be is by working with partners to help us get the message out there and by creating a real critical mass of venues in the city and the region.

“Steve was really excited by what we have to offer here and we’re looking forward to working with the Chamber and others in the region to bring in the kind of events befitting of this wonderful historic venue.”

For more information on Drapers’ Hall, go to: https://dhvenues.events/

Join the payment solutions revolution!

Small and independent businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire can now follow in the footsteps of some of the UK’s largest leisure, hospitality and retail companies when it comes to taking payments.

Regionally-based omnigo, a respected partner of multi-billion pound fintech company Dojo, is able to offer up to three free card

machines to businesses – opening them up to a new world of effortless payment, access to finance, data, support with google reserve driven bookings attracting new and returning customers.

Businesses with an annual turnover of between £100,000 and £300,000 are being offered one free payment machine, those between £300,001 and £900,000 can receive

two machines and those with a turnover of £900,001 and £1.2 million are being offer three for free.

The Dojo system is seamless and speedy, enabling leisure, hospitality and retail companies to serve more customers in quicker time and the set up is swift and easy too, and can be effortlessly synched with a business’s current EPOS tech.

Not only that, they will be offered access to real-time data on their earnings as well as instant access to payments taken, supporting cashflow – especially important during peak periods.

Furthermore, omnigo and its partner Dojo offer a service which allows businesses to attract more customers, to get them booked in and then keep them happy with a swift, secure and simple service.

It is why Dojo has become one of the UK’s market leaders in the SME sector with around £34 billion worth of transactions processed annually and one in eight of all high street payments made via the platform.

Nicholas Gould, the founder of omnigo, said the Dojo platform provided a foundation for growth with more than 150,000 customers boarded since Covid and that the new offer means more and more companies across Coventry and Warwickshire can be supported locally by omnigo to take advantage of the solution.

He said: “I am thrilled that we are able to make it even easier for businesses to make the most of all of the features that come with being an omnigo and Dojo client.

“The free terminal offer is a really exciting one that I know will draw in many new clients but, actually, there is much, much more to it than that – we will become a partner to the business and help them to achieve their growth plans with a whole range of services. We understand their pain points and help them to overcome them.

“If they are worried that they are in an existing contract with a provider, we can support up to £3,000 per legal entity with exit fees and can immediately integrate our system with the existing technology they are using.

“We’re also able to offer access to finance with just a set-up fee and no ongoing interest which, again, means we can support them with their growth plans making us much more than a card machine provider.

“I’d urge businesses across the region to get in touch and join some of the most respected high street names in our payments solution revolution.”

For more information go to https://omnigo.tech/ or email nicholas.gould@dojo.tec

Steve Harcourt, Arum Javed, Chris Hartley

Nicholas Gould with Mike Tarn at his golf shop at Coventry Hearsall Golf Club – a customer of omnigo.

Deal Ends 28 Feb 2025

The must-read for businesses taking less than £100k per month in card payments

We know it’s no accident that our partner Dojo has added more than 150,000 customers since Covid and is outperforming all its competitors to become the market leader in the SME sector.

We have built that reputation on speed, quality, robustness and security backed-up by award winning customer service.

Our investment in cloud-based architecture has made sure we have delivered for our customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

That’s no outages – and all funds cleared into our customers’ banks from 6.30am the very next day, every day – including weekends and bank holidays..

Our award-winning app brings everything to our customers, enabling vision of payments

or past payments in real time with the ability to send links or take payments remotely. If you or your staff have an iPhone, you can turn them into payment devices with tap and pay, to cover busy periods, queue-busting or if you want to take payment off site.

We have removed every pain point you can think of, including reducing PCI compliance to two ticks. You can manage everything under one MID if you wish and it’s just one organisation you need to speak to. And one direct debit too.

If you use EPOS or are considering QR codes we are ahead of all the competition.

At omnigo we are building our customer-base day by day and we want to talk to everyone who is not with us with some really special offers.

Visit www.omnigo.tech, hit the WhatsApp call logo or be put through to our hotline on 0808 284 9096.

Or you can speak directly with the founder personally on 07889 252717

Don’t worry if you’re in a contract either, we can cover up to £3,000 per legal entity.

And, for a limited period, the card machine is on us!

You can get a Dojo Go on us when you make the switch; with card machine service fees waived, forever! We can also offer you a rate guarantee. The offer is for new customers only and terms and conditions will apply

Eligibility criteria is very simple:

If your monthly card turnover is:

£8,333 – £25,000 one free card machine £25,000 – £75,000 two free card machines

– £100,000 three free card machines

Exciting new regional awards

Around 50 businesses, community organisations and individuals in Coventry and Warwickshire are on the shortlist for an exciting, new awards event for the region.

The Coventry & Warwickshire Business and Community Awards, which have been developed by Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, has announced the finalists in nine out of the ten categories. The winners will be announced at the Awards Celebration Evening taking place at the Belgrade Theatre on Thursday, March 27.

The selected finalists are from across all areas of the region and cover everything from manufacturing and technology through to professional services, and leisure and hospitality. There are also a series of community groups shortlisted, recognising the not-for-profit sector.

The finalists for the Inspirational Individual will be announced later in January.

It follows a rigorous, independent judging process that saw nearly 200 entries submitted for the new awards that have been designed to celebrate the impact businesses, community organisations and individuals make in the region.

The event itself will feature much more than a series of award presentations, with arrival drinks, bowl food and snack bags on offer as well as a show – co-created with the Belgrade Theatre – to highlight some of the amazing local talent from across the region.

Tickets for the event will be priced at £45 (shortlisted organisations will receive two complementary tickets) with a discounted rate for charity and community groups.

Corin Crane, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Firstly, I have to thank all of our sponsors and judges who supported us in the run up to Christmas in going through raft of entries we had. The number and the standard of entries received was incredibly high.

“The fact that this is our first year meant we were taking a leap of faith that this kind of awards event was something the region wanted and needed, and the sheer level of

interest and number of submissions has proved that to be the case.

“Now, it is all systems go as we build towards our inaugural celebration event in March which will showcase so much of what is great about Coventry and Warwickshire through the food on offer and the show on stage – and that’s before we even get to the awards!

“We’ll have more exciting announcements to make in the coming weeks but, for now, I’d urge everyone to get their tickets for what promises to be a fantastic night and to find out who will be crowned the winners!”

Neil Murray (Belgrade Theatre) with Corin Crane (Chamber)

The Coventry & Warwickshire Business and Community Awards

The full shortlist for the awards is below:

The Global Player

The Not-for-Profit Champion

Dragon tells conference to embrace AI

A former BBC Dragon has told business leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire to embrace a ‘once in a species’ opportunity to make sure they don’t get left behind.

Piers Linney was the keynote speaker at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Economic Conference which took place at the IXL Events Centre in Southam.

The event, sponsored by Prime Accountants Group, heard from a range of business and civic figures covering topics including the local economy of the future, international trade and Coventry and Warwickshire’s live, work and play offering.

Linney is known for his time on Dragon’s Den and the Secret Millionaire and he’s the co-founder of Implement AI.

He told the audience: “This is the fourth industrial revolution. It is about intelligence.

“We are at the very earliest stages of AI but I would say to businesses you need to be using it now to augment yourself and your people.

“Over the next two to five years it is going to seep into everything we do but this is not a once in a generation opportunity or a once in a lifetime opportunity. It is once in a species. That’s how important it is. That is how big it is.

“So, go away and learn how to use it. That is the first step.

“I don’t do anything without consulting AI because it gives me so much time back in the day. You can use this technology to make yourself better and make your business more productive and profitable.”

Earlier in the day, Corin Crane, the chief executive of the Chamber opened the event before introducing Rt Hon Sir Jeremy Wright KC MP for Kenilworth and Southam who said the region was in a strong place to grow in the future due the mix of industries across the city and the county.

Emma Wilks, UK Economist with HSBC, looked at the wider economic picture before joining a panel with Steve Harcourt, director of Prime Accountants Group; Julie White, managing director of D-Drill & Sawing; Sukhy Carey, director of Talent Labs; and Lash Saranna on the Local Economy of the Future.

Paul Noon OBE, of Coventry University, hosted a panel on international trade with David Hooper, of Independent Freight Solutions; Fiona Begley, of UK Export Finance; and Tom Marren, of WOMAG; which encouraged companies in the region to trade globally.

The final panel before Linney’s keynote speech looked at Coventry and Warwickshire as a destination and including contributions from Nicola Said, of Visit England; Tom Screen, of Birmingham Airport; Paul Michael, of the CBS Arena; and Atul Lakhani, of the IXL Events Centre. It was chaired by Coventry City Council’s Andy Williams.

More than 200 people attended the conference and was supported by media partner PLMR Advent and a range of business exhibitors including Talbots Law, Dr Ashok’s, West Midlands Trains, Coventry City Council, Destination Coventry and Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training.

Corin said: “This is an exciting time for Coventry and Warwickshire and, while we know there are challenges, we know this is a very special place to do business.”

“I don’t do anything without consulting AI because it gives me so much time back in the day. You can use this technology to make yourself better and make your business more productive and profitable.”

Business Engage Profiles

EZOO set for an electric year

A Coventry business which offers flexible and affordable electric cars is set to expand as an increasing number of drivers look to make the switch to electric vehicles.

EZOO, a premium salary sacrifice provider for electric cars, is set to take on new members of staff in sales, finance and social media and marketing to cater for increasing demand.

The business was founded by Lash and Charnjit Saranna, who have extensive experience in the automotive industry having built Europe’s largest independent Porsche dealership, formerly based on the A45 in Coventry, before transitioning into electric vehicles in 2014 and incorporating EZOO in 2018.

EZOO provides electric vehicles via a salary sacrifice scheme – a way for employees to lease a vehicle, with the payments deducted from their monthly gross salary, saving on both tax and national insurance.

Businesses can sign up to EZOO, enabling employers to benefit from the scheme while also saving on their own national insurance contributions.

EZOO can offer any electric vehicle available in the UK, including budget, mid-range and premium models, with a specialism in the Porsche brand.

Uniquely, the business also has its own fleet of 200 electric vehicles to choose from, meaning that it can offer the shortest salary sacrifice term of just 12 months and consumers can receive a car seven to 14 days after selection.

EZOO has offices in Coventry, Kenilworth and Glasgow as well as individual team members across the country, catering for the whole of the UK.

It is now looking to grow its team in Coventry and is actively recruiting for a number of positions.

Lash said: “We are extremely pleased to be recruiting for new team members as we grow the business, and we would urge anyone interested to get in touch.

“The new Labour government’s renewed focus on electric vehicles as part of the drive towards Net Zero means that they are increasing in demand, and we anticipate that this is only going to continue.

“Salary sacrifice is one of the best kept secrets when it comes to vehicles, and can offer employees savings of up to 60 per cent made up of tax deductions based on their tax banding.

“For businesses, it not only saves on National Insurance contributions but can also help with staff recruitment

and retention as well as ESG credentials, and we look after the whole implementation process.

“Our cars are available right across the UK, but being a Coventry-based business means that we can provide a very personal, hands-on service to businesses based across the region.

“We tailor deals to each individual before delivering the car, doing a full handover and also taking care of the home charging point if required.

“We work with businesses right across the UK – with one of our cars even located in Inverness - and are extremely pleased that Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has also recently signed up to our scheme.

“We’re really keen on continuing to grow our business alongside other local businesses, while creating jobs for people across the area.”

Further information about EZOO is available at https://www.ezoo.uk/

Coventry hotel celebrates first anniversary

A boutique hotel in Coventry is celebrating a successful first year as it marks its first anniversary.

Hotel Indigo, part of the IHG luxury and lifestyle portfolio, opened in January 2024 and hit the ground running after creating a hospitality experience which draws on Coventry’s vibrant heritage.

The hotel also features Cogs Restaurant, a stand-alone restaurant which is open to members of the public as well as guests at the hotel.

Open seven days a week from 7.00am, the restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and an evening a la carte menu, and the bar area provides a perfect location for pre and post dinner drinks.

Chefs at the restaurant focus on creating diverse, flavour-driven menus to cater for all palates and occasions, using locallysourced ingredients.

Sunday lunch is also served from 12pm until 4pm and afternoon tea is also available daily between 12pm and 4pm.

Once a month the restaurant opens its doors for steak night, featuring a special menu and live music for diners to enjoy, and a bottomless brunch menu is set to be launched in the coming weeks.

The hotel also boasts 101 rooms, a fitness suite and a meeting room for up to 10 people.

Paige Coton, of Hotel Indigo, said:

“We’ve had an extremely successful first year. We opened on January 26, 2024 and the hotel was full by the following week, which demonstrates the need for luxury accommodation in the city.

“We are an extremely modern hotel, but are very connected to the community, and all of our décor ties to the heritage of the local area – including a penny farthing which we have on loan from Coventry Transport Museum.

“Our staff are given training to ensure they have a strong knowledge of the area

and are promoting our wonderful city to guests.

“We also pride ourselves on using fresh, local produce and products from local suppliers, including having Sky Blue Army lager from Dhillon’s Brewery both on tap in the bar and in cans in the mini fridges in our rooms, as well as stocking Warwickshire Gin Company gins.

“Our restaurant is one of the main draws of the hotel, and we have a fantastic team of chefs who have created some excellent menus which cater for all.

“Our steak night is a particular favourite, and we have had some brilliant live entertainment, with more booked for 2025 – all of which is advertised on our social media channels.

“We can also cater for small meetings in our boardroom and utilise space in our bar area for informal networking.

“We are extremely excited for the year ahead and look forward to welcoming even more guests to both the hotel and restaurant in 2025.”

Further information about Hotel Indigo and Cogs Restaurant, including bookings, is available by visiting https://coventry.hotelindigo.com/

Warwick accountancy firm unveils

new service to boost profitability

Leask Advisory Solutions (LeaskAS), a Warwick-based accountancy and business advisory firm, has introduced a new service aimed at helping businesses improve their profitability and cashflow.

Specialising in supporting business owners and entrepreneurs, the firm provides tailored solutions designed to help clients make the most of their enterprises.

The new service involves a detailed review of a company’s financial performance over the past year, pinpointing small but effective adjustments to enhance profitability and cashflow.

This service is designed especially for businesses that need additional support to complement their current inhouse or outsourced finance teams.

LeaskAS was founded by Julia Leask, who brings decades of financial expertise to her role as a fractional Chief Finance Officer (CFO) and Finance Director (FD).

Julia works closely with start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offering a wide range of strategic financial services.

These include business and investment structuring, cashflow analysis and optimisation, forecasting and budgeting, benchmarking and performance reviews, systems and process evaluations, assistance with securing finance and funding and support for Research and Development (R&D) tax relief applications.

Julia also helps businesses with international ambitions to expand into new markets, leveraging her extensive global experience to navigate the challenges of crossborder growth.

Beyond financial expertise, Julia offers confidential advice on exit strategies and preparing companies for sale, serving as a trusted sounding board for business owners.

Adding to the firm’s comprehensive offerings, Julia’s husband, David Leask, provides IT strategy and advisory services.

With over 25 years of experience working with global technology providers across the UK, Europe, the USA,

and Japan, David’s expertise complements the financial services at LeaskAS.

He assists businesses in maximising their technology investments and guides them through digital transformation.

Speaking about the new service, Julia Leask said: “We’re thrilled to launch this new analysis service, which allows us to demonstrate our expertise while giving businesses actionable insights to improve their profitability and cashflow.

“Our broader aim is to help businesses achieve their goals through bespoke strategies that enhance their financial operations.

“Many of our clients approach us during periods of significant change, such as rapid growth or major investment decisions, when they need strategic support but don’t have an in-house Finance Director.

“We pride ourselves on building strong, trusted relationships and offering creative solutions to help businesses thrive.”

Julia also highlighted the firm’s ability to integrate financial strategy with technology, enabling clients to modernise and streamline their operations effectively. For more information about how Leask Advisory Solutions can support businesses, visit leaskas.co.uk. People can also connect with Julia on LinkedIn or reach her directly at julia@leaskas.co.uk.

Leading innovation in further education

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) has long been at the forefront of providing industry-relevant education to prepare students for the careers of tomorrow.

With seven campuses across Nuneaton, Hinckley, Wigston, Coventry, and Lutterworth, the college offers a wide range of full-time courses, T Levels, apprenticeships, higher education, online provision and adult learning options.

At NWSLC, the learning approach is clear – students are taught in real-life environments that mirror the industries they aim to work in. From training kitchens and salons to fully equipped engineering labs and clinical care rooms, students are putting their skills into practice.

The college’s state-of-the-art facilities also include media and music studios, all of which ensure that students leave college career ready. This hands-on training is critical to transforming students’ talent into a promising future, offering success through learning and practical application.

The college recently expanded its offering with the introduction of T Levels, including courses in engineering that are supported by a newly-built engineering block. Additionally, the development of a real-life hospital training environment is set to further strengthen NWSLC’s health and social care programmes. These developments demonstrate the institution’s commitment to innovation and staying ahead of industry demands.

NWSLC’s strong links with local businesses provide a significant advantage for students and employers alike. Partnerships with major organisations such as Jaguar

Land Rover, Wincanton, Winvic, and the NHS ensure that the curriculum is constantly informed by industry needs.

This collaboration helps students gain valuable work experience and equips them with the skills that employers are looking for.

The college is also making significant strides in digital innovation. Plans for a new Digital Skills and Innovation Centre and training restaurant in Nuneaton have taken a major step forward after planning approval was granted by Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council.

The new £8M facility, funded through the government’s Towns Fund, will include digital skills training and serve as an incubation space for business start-ups.

Marion Plant OBE, who has been Principal and Chief Executive of NWSLC for the past 19 years, has played a pivotal role in leading the college’s growth and success.

Under her leadership, NWSLC has consistently maintained ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ ratings from Ofsted and earned numerous regional and national accolades.

Under her guidance, NWSLC students consistently top the WorldSkills UK medal league tables, excelling in both advanced and entry-level foundation skills competitions, which were originally founded at the College.

Marion's commitment to creating strong ties between education and industry is evident in initiatives like the MIRA Technology Institute (MTI), a unique partnership between the college, industry, and higher education to deliver cutting-edge automotive engineering training.

Looking ahead, Marion’s vision for NWSLC remains ambitious. She said: “We're focused on sustainability,

digital transformation, and ensuring that our learners are equipped with the skills to thrive in an increasingly technological world.

“Currently, we’re developing a pioneering formal partnership with Coventry University to enhance advanced skill levels within local communities and provide a more agile, holistic response to meeting the skills demands of our partners.

“The college has a critical role to play in developing talent for the region’s growth, and I’m excited to see how we can continue to push the boundaries of what further education can achieve."

Business Engage Profiles

Stop press! Why the Telegraph Hotel is perfect for meetings and events

Coventry’s Telegraph Hotel is proving to be a hit for meetings and events in the city – thanks to its flexibility and versatility.

The hotel, which was once the hub of local news as the home of the Coventry Evening Telegraph, is now enjoying a different kind of daily buzz – from overnight guests through to restaurant diners and those who simply pop in for coffee to sit back and relax and enjoy the 1950s-style surroundings that were carefully maintained when the building was transformed into a hotel and opened back in 2021.

It is also alive with businesses and organisations booking meeting spaces and holding events due to its perfect location and its tailor-made packages.

For example, the versatile Editors meetings and events space can accommodate up to 140 delegates and can be split with a soundproof partition wall to enable two meeting spaces.

It is ideal for small to large meetings, networking events, team training days, presentations and private lunches and dinners.

Editors can also be transformed for special events such as private parties, gala and conference dinners as well as awards ceremonies.

The Boardroom and Directors rooms offer a throwback to yesteryear as Lord Iliffe’s (a former owner of the Evening Telegraph) original meeting rooms.

They include many of the original features and are perfect for private meetings, interviews or training and can accommodate up to 12 delegates.

Package details are available via the Telegraph Hotel’s website and include everything from room hire and AV equipment through to high-quality food and drink options, as well as a dedicated member of staff to ensure the event or meeting runs smoothly.

Amy Windsor, General Manager at the Telegraph Hotel, said it is the versatility of the meetings and events offer – as well as the cool surroundings – that makes the hotel stand out from the crowd.

She said: “Over the past three and a half years, the Telegraph has brought something new to the city centre. An iconic building that has been painstakingly transformed into a hotel that reflects the history of the former newspaper office but also offers great facilities.

“People love it here – whether they are staying for the night or holding an event with us – and they come back regularly.

“When it comes to meetings and events, we host a whole range of different businesses and organisations. Some who need a meeting space for the day for a board meeting, while others who are putting on training or a conference.

“While we do have delegate rates to view on our website, we value the opportunity to speak to each individual client to tailor a package to their needs and to their budget.

“Again, that’s something that gets great feedback and we’re really looking forward to welcoming more and more organisations in 2025!”

noun Pronounce: Shuh-bang

1. INFORMAL A matter, operation, or set of circumstances. “The Leamington based design & marketing agency delivered The Whole Shebang“ 2. MEANINGS

The works / The whole ball of wax / The full monty / Everything but the kitchen sink* / The whole kit and caboodle / The whole nine yards / The whole thing…

Empowering Growth through Apprenticeships: TGFP’s Journey

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting TGFP in Southam to explore how Accountancy Apprenticeships are making a real impact on their business. With over 30 years of experience and offices in Southam and Leamington Spa, TGFP is a trusted name in Chartered Accountancy, Tax Advising, and Statutory Auditing. Known for their client-focused approach, they pride themselves on delivering tailored solutions to businesses of all sizes.

Currently, TGFP employs five apprentices through Chamber Training, a partnership that Department and Training Manager Laura Morse describes as invaluable. “Apprentices are fantastic because they’re cost-effective, they learn while working, and we can mould them to fit our business needs. They really demonstrate our commitment to a culture of training and development.”

The apprentices at TGFP each bring a unique story to the team. Thomas, who has been with the firm for

three years, is nearing the completion of his Level 4 apprenticeship. Reflecting on his experience, he said, “The environment here is brilliant. You get to try lots of different areas—payroll, audit, VAT, and more. It’s given me a well-rounded view of accountancy.” Thomas also helps mentor new trainees, contributing to TGFP’s collaborative culture.

Maisie, 10 months into her apprenticeship, transitioned into accountancy after studying music and working in retail. She appreciates the clarity of the progression path and reflects, “After deciding to pursue an apprenticeship, Chamber Training quickly secured me an interview with TGFP. I’m amazed at how far I’ve come!” For Maisie, the combination of hands-on work and online learning has been invaluable in tackling the challenging coursework.

Joe joined TGFP 14 months ago after completing a degree in sports science. He describes the company as a supportive environment where “you can speak to anyone at any level and feel free to ask questions.” He

also praises the tutors at Chamber Training, adding, “They make sure you understand everything.”

Ben, who is currently working through his Level 3 apprenticeship, plans to continue to Level 4 and eventually Level 7 to become fully chartered. Having previously completed A-Levels in further maths and physics before working as a chef, Ben has found his place at TGFP and values the welcoming atmosphere. “Everyone here is very approachable. I like that I can speak openly to the partners, and the training complements the work well.” Already preparing accounts for sole traders, Ben is gaining valuable practical experience alongside his studies.

TGFP’s commitment to apprenticeships highlights the mutual benefits for businesses and individuals. To find out more about how apprenticeships can help grow or upskill your team, you can get in touch by emailing enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk or by calling 024 7623 1122.

“Apprentices are fantastic because they’re cost-effective, they learn while working, and we can mould them to fit our business needs. They really demonstrate our commitment to a culture of training and development.”

Unlock the Future with Chamber Training’s Expanded Digital Skills Courses

Recently, we introduced you to our 2025 Course Directory. Today, we’re turning the spotlight on our updated digital offerings, designed to help professionals and organisations navigate the fast-evolving demands of the modern workplace.

This year’s highlights include Introduction to SharePoint, a course designed to enhance team collaboration and boost productivity, and Using AI in Business, which focuses on applying artificial intelligence to drive innovation and unlock competitive advantages.

The transformative potential of AI was a key topic at our recent Annual Business and Economic Conference, where Piers Linney, former Dragon’s Den investor and co-founder of Implement AI, shared his perspective:

“This is the fourth industrial revolution. It is about intelligence.

We are at the very earliest stages, but businesses need to start using it now to augment themselves and their people.

This is not a once-in-a-generation opportunity. It’s once in a species. That’s how big it is.”

Linney’s remarks underline the importance of preparing for the changes AI will bring. In the next two to five years, AI is set to influence nearly every aspect of life and work, making this the ideal moment for businesses to explore its potential and integrate it into their operations.

Our expanded courses reflect this urgency, offering practical training to help individuals and teams adapt and thrive. Whether you’re interested in mastering collaborative tools like SharePoint or exploring AI’s vast potential, these programmes are designed to provide

If you’re ready to future-proof your skills and embrace the opportunities ahead, our 2025 courses are an excellent place to start.

Building Careers with Path 2 Apprenticeships: £250 Incentive now available

Coventry businesses currently have a unique opportunity to make a difference in their community while accessing fresh, motivated talent through the Path 2 Apprenticeships programme.

Delivered by Chamber Training, this initiative supports Coventry residents aged 19–29 who are unemployed, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and work experience needed to embark on careers in sectors such as Health and Social Care, Customer Service, Early Years Care, and Business & Finance.

The success of this programme relies on collaboration with local employers, who have been playing a crucial role by offering short-term, fourweek work experience placements. These placements require no long-

term commitment from businesses, providing flexibility and a low-risk opportunity to trial fresh talent. To further support employers, Chamber Training offers a £250 incentive for each work experience placement, making it even easier to get involved.

Participants in the Path 2 Apprenticeships programme receive tailored training from Chamber Training, ensuring they are prepared to contribute effectively in their chosen sectors. Work experience placements allow candidates to apply their skills

in a professional environment, gaining valuable hands-on experience while demonstrating their potential to future employers.

Sally Lucas, Executive Director at Chamber Training, comments that “By getting involved with our Path 2 Apprenticeships programme, you’re not just helping an individual take their first steps into the working world— you’re also making a meaningful investment in the future of your business and the wider community.”

To learn more about Path 2 Apprenticeships, get in touch by calling 024 7623 1122 or emailing enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk

actionable knowledge and skills for a transformative era.

Tallon International’s new showroom

A Coventry-based international supplier of stationery and seasonal goods which has grown significantly in recent years has expanded within the city.

Tallon International, which now has two sites at Cyan Park, supplies a wide range of stationery and seasonal products to wholesalers and retailers both in the UK and abroad.

After being founded in 1972, the family-owned business is now 50-strong while turning over £18 million annually, and is fondly remembered as a former kit sponsor of Coventry City FC.

It has opened a new showroom in its recently acquired second site after making a significant investment on a six-week fit-out to create a premium space for its customers.

Tallon International’s previous showroom at its warehouse on the other side of Cyan Park was in need of an upgrade, according to its CEO Steve Clay.

“While our business has been strong for a number of years, we felt that our older showroom was not doing our products justice or providing a comfortable environment when customers were visiting us,” he said.

“It was a little bit sterile, and the warehouse environment in which it was situated was not particularly attractive for customers to look at.

“In April, our group was able to purchase the building opposite our existing HQ in an off-market deal, which was a major win for us.

“It not only meant we could provide our office staff with a more inviting working environment, but also gave us more flexibility in what we could do with the interior.

“We felt the second floor would be the perfect place for a new dedicated showroom. After a six-week fit-out, the room is now merchandised with all of our product ranges and now feels like a warm and inviting space that we are proud to invite customers to.”

Steve now hopes the new showroom will bring renewed success for Tallon International and more opportunities to experiment with new product lines.

He added: “We’ve been on an upward trajectory for a number of years, and we actually performed very well during COVID thanks to sales of children’s craft supplies, such as crayons, stickers and colouring books, dramatically increasing.

“In recent times, it has been the

that has made us consider our

volatility

of

“In recent times, it has been the volatility of importing that has made us consider our strategy more carefully. We also purchase a great deal of products in US dollars, which meant our costs could massively fluctuate depending on the strength of sterling in foreign exchange markets. Other global factors have also impacted us.

“However, we are in a good position thanks to our agility and industry leading stock availability that supports our core group of around 900 repeat customers who regularly view Tallon as their supplier of choice.

“This, along with the new showroom, will give us more freedom and entitlement to experiment with different kinds of products, such as Christmas roll wrap this year, to see how they perform alongside our best-sellers.

“We’re still just as ambitious as we’ve always been, and we’re confident the new showroom will help set us up for further success.”

importing

strategy more carefully. We also purchase a great deal of products in US dollars, which meant our costs could massively fluctuate depending on the strength of sterling in foreign exchange markets. Other global factors have also impacted us."

Steve Clay inside Tallon International’s new showroom

Coventry businesses given global support

Small businesses in the West Midlands can benefit from a new support programme that will help them to trade overseas.

The West Midlands Combined Authority has awarded £632,000 to the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to lead a programme of support in Coventry, Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country to help businesses take their first steps into exporting or to support firms in growing their international markets.

It is aimed at both manufacturers and service sector businesses and will feature a mix of one-to-one advice from expert export advisors, online workshops and face-to-face events.

Greater Birmingham and Black Country Chambers will support the delivery of the programme in their regions.

The support will help to boost exporting from the region, which is proven to boost the bottom line of individual businesses but also enhances their longerterm resilience and success and drives efficiency and innovation.

Evidence shows that businesses that export, and those that seek support with exporting, are more productive than those that don’t.

The programme is targeting businesses in specific areas – such as aerospace, electric light vehicle

manufacturing, health tech/med tech, logistics/ distribution, professional/financial services and e-commerce – but the Chamber is urging all businesses who are looking for help to export to get in touch.

Funding for the programme was awarded through Business Growth West Midlands and is designed to support growth in the regional economy.

Keely Hancox, of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that this new support is available to businesses across our patch.

“Exporting benefits individual businesses, the local economy and UK plc and that is why we want to encourage companies who have never traded internationally to get in touch to see how they can benefit from this help. It could be a game changer for them.

“Equally, there might be businesses who are trading in some markets around the world but would like support in broadening those markets and, again, we can help.

“My advice would be to get in touch because this is an incredible opportunity to take your business to another level through tailored, one-to-one support from genuine experts in this field.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Helping local businesses step into international

markets is key to building a strong economy and creating good jobs for local people.

“For many smaller firms, expanding abroad can be a springboard to success, giving them the chance to develop new products, boost competitiveness, and secure overseas customers. This programme provides the targeted support needed to make those first steps easier, paving the way for growth that benefits communities across the West Midlands.”

Tom Marren, of Coventry-based WOMAG – which now exports to the Middle East, Far East and Africa, said: “Exporting can bring major benefits to your business but you can't do everything by yourself. If you ask for help and bring in support it means you can move a lot more quickly when it comes to growing your overseas markets.”

The project is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and delivered by the Coventry & Warwickshire, Black Country, and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

For more information on how to access the support go to https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/internationaltrade/Exporting-Starts-Here or email exporting@cw-chamber.co.uk

Ian McLaughlan (Business Growth West Midlands), Keely Hancox (Chamber), Giuliana Famiglietti Pipola (Coventry City Council)

Free support to enhance exports in 2025

Coventry businesses have been urged to take advantage of free support designed to enhance their exports in 2025 – with time to apply running out.

International trade consultancy Hooper & Co has helped a range of businesses in the city receive free export training courtesy of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Exporting Starts Here Programme –and opportunities are still available.

The project is delivered by Coventry & Warwickshire, Black Country, and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce to empower small and medium-sized businesses across Coventry, Solihull, Birmingham, and the Black Country to thrive internationally.

David Hooper, managing director of Hooper & Co, said many firms who have taken part have been able to instantly implement new strategies and make use of advice as part of the programme,

which is provided by Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

David, who has over 25 years’ experience in international trade, providing training and advice to businesses of all sizes in customs, logistics, and supply chains, said: “Firms have been really engaged and enthusiastic about boosting their

skillsets and arming themselves with more knowledge to be successful in overseas markets, and this support has come at a great time for those looking to up their game in 2025.

“It can be challenging for businesses in any sector to make the leap to global trade or to grow their existing export operations, but with the free support on offer, it means they can tackle these scenarios head on with tailored advice.

“Businesses have nothing to lose by reaching out and seeing how we can work together before the programme ends in February, and we’d love to hear from more in the next few weeks.”

“Businesses have nothing to lose by reaching out and seeing how we can work together before the programme ends in February, and we’d love to hear from more in the next few weeks.”

The support will help to boost exporting from the region, which is proven to boost the bottom line of individual businesses but also enhances their longer-term resilience and success and drives efficiency and innovation.

For more information, contact David Hooper on david@hooperandco.com

Key economic challenges for businesses in 2025

One of the main challenges for businesses in 2025 will undoubtedly be the “huge increase in employment costs” following the Autumn Budget.

Higher employer National Insurance contributions combined with an increase in the National Living Wage from April 2025 mean companies across Coventry & Warwickshire – and the UK – are faced with some difficult decisions.

Taxation and inflation are also significant concerns for businesses in the year ahead, according to research conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Our research shows that taxation and inflation remain the top two concerns for businesses. Many businesses think the recent announcements such as the NICs increase, and Employment Rights Bill will lead them to increase their prices as they struggle to manage input costs.

“Our latest forecast expects CPI to remain above the Bank of England’s target until the end of 2026, mainly due to increased business costs and global trade uncertainty.

“Business investment will remain challenging unless firms are given extra help to deal with rising costs.

Pushing forward with business rate reform would be one crucial step to take, coupled with a clear industrial strategy to unlock growth.”

Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the BCC, added that the latest ONS Labour Market data revealed that the unemployment rate has also risen slightly, showing ongoing challenges in the labour market.

“Higher employer National Insurance Contributions and an increase in the National Living Wage from April, means firms are facing difficult decisions,” she said.

“Many say they will have to raise prices, put recruitment and investment plans on hold and look for other ways to reduce their costs.

“Although the level of vacancies in the economy is now fast approaching the pre-pandemic level, this does not mean the recruitment crisis is over. Our latest research shows that over three quarters of SMEs are still struggling to find staff with the skills they need.

“With firms reconsidering their recruitment plans due to rising employment costs, there is a risk this could impact the labour market in the months ahead. But it is crucial the Government continues to take action to tackle the skills crisis, boost workforce health and ease economic inactivity.”

“Many say they will have to raise prices, put recruitment and investment plans on hold and look for other ways to reduce their costs."

New Year Outlook

Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire are appealing for certainty, stability and a platform from which to grow in 2025.

That’s the view of Corin Crane, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, who is in regular contact with firms across the region.

He said Coventry and Warwickshire continued to enjoy a more positive outlook than other parts of the country but that companies in the city and the county were crying out for stability.

Corin said: “We live, work and play in an incredible region that has everything – from forward-thinking, global manufacturers through to some of the most amazing places for leisure and tourism.

“And, when we conduct our Quarterly Economic Surveys with businesses across the city and the county, the outlook is normally well ahead of the national average.

“So, we know that this is a great place to invest and to grow a business, and that, as a region, we offer lots of support to companies that want to expand, create jobs and serve their local communities.

“All that said, there is no doubt that the past few years have been tough – going all the way back to the uncertainty around Brexit, followed by Covid and then a series of global events that have impacted here.

“There was a feeling that the new Government would bring stability but the messaging around the Budget followed by the increases in business costs have had a further impact on confidence.

“We ended 2024 with very mixed economic news – GDP has been flat, interest rates have stayed at 4.75 per cent when we hoped they might have come down further and interest rates has just ticked up to 2.6 per cent.

“Therefore, the majority of businesses we speak to across the region are really hoping that 2025 brings some certainty and stability so that they can plan for growth.

“Of course, the Government isn’t responsible for global circumstances but when it comes to messaging and policy around business over the next 12 months, certainty is the key word.

“Above all, we need to see policies that drive economic growth and quick reactions to those that are holding this growth back – we know our local businesses are world beaters, they just need political decisions to be made to help them on their way.”

Profile: Nik Ellwood and Steve Lambert

Opposites attract to deliver fast-growing marketing agency

C&W in Business caught up with Nik Ellwood and Steve Lambert, of We Are Nameless, to discover how their polar opposite personalities make them function as business partners and which Hollywood superstar gave them their company name.

When it comes to ‘how did your business get its name’ Top Trumps, Nik Ellwood and Steve Lambert have got a story that will beat allcomers.

The pair of brand strategy and marketing experts had been working together on and off in various roles for around a decade when they launched their own marketing company just before the Covid lockdown of March 2020.

Their first major pitch to a client not only delivered a contract, but gave birth to their company’s name.

“It was early 2020, just before the pandemic,” said Steve. “I was busy looking for jobs and I was lined up to go and work for a lovely luxury brand which ended up not materialising.

“Soon after, Nik got in touch about a project. He’d been doing a little bit of work for a motorcycle brand called ARCH in the USA, which is owned by Keanu Reeves.

“We went over in mid-March, did some strategy work with Keanu and his business partner talking about how they were going to expand. They really liked everything we discussed and then Keanu said: ‘fantastic, what’s your company called?’

“We hadn’t even thought of a name at that stage so we told him we hadn’t got one.

“He said: ‘so, you are nameless?’

“We told him: ‘that’s right, we are nameless.’

“And Keanu said: ‘there you go, that’s your name. We Are Nameless’.

“So, Keanu Reeves is responsible for our company name!”

Profile: Nik Ellwood and Steve Lambert

Nik added: “Yes, and when John Wick tells you what to call your company, you just do it!

“But then we got back to the UK and the whole world stopped. Thankfully, we’d signed up ARCH Motorcycles for the first year so we could do lots of work with them over Zoom. All of Keanu’s filming had stopped so we could just get on with the brand/strategy work.

“It all came together and then we picked up other businesses along the way.”

The fact that there is a great story behind the company name tells you a lot about the business itself. Nik and Steve are experts at telling a tale and it’s something they’ve been doing for businesses throughout their careers.

Steve started at Peugeot at Aldermoor House in Coventry and enjoyed various roles that eventually took him to Paris. When he reached the halfway stage of his career, he was thinking about a change and got a call about a role with Triumph Motorcycles to head up its brand and marketing.

Nik had a passion for motorcycles from the age of ten but actually got a degree in animal science, nutrition and physiology. The BSE crisis put paid to him pursuing a career associated with his formal education and he took up a role in PR for a bike clothing business.

He moved to an agency but realised spreadsheets weren’t for him. That’s when he approached Triumph about a possible role – and just wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“When I was recruiting I was getting fed up of people who kept saying the same thing,” said Steve. “They loved the brand, their dad had a Triumph, but I needed someone who was really good at marketing.

“The recruitment consultant came to me one day and said that he’d got a guy who loved motorcycles and loved the brand and my first instinct was ‘no’!

“He said he’d got a lot of agency experience and I was just thinking that I’d heard it all a million times.

“But then this guy persuaded the recruitment consultant to meet me at the Birmingham Bike Show and we got on like a house on fire. It was Nik and he came on board.”

Nik said: “Steve and I have worked together for around 15 years in different roles. It was at Triumph where we first joined up although Steve initially refused to give me an interview for the job.

“I had to persuade him how wrong he was! But we had a really good time at Triumph over the course of around four years.”

It turned out they are yin and yang – and the combination worked perfectly. Steve’s head for strategy was the perfect foil for Nik’s creative ideas.

The pair delivered a successful rebranding exercise for Triumph that saw them do everything from attempting land speed records through to David Beckham riding through the jungle on a motorcycle ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

They parted ways when Steve left for McLaren and Nik toyed with the idea of setting up a motorcycle magazine but ended up working on a contract basis with Harley Davidson.

“Halfway through that, the whole thing got ruined because they got a new international marketing director – none other than Steve Lambert!” said Nik. “So, we were back working together!

“We were then doing wild things for Harley and that’s always been how it works.

“Steve’s background has always been OEM manufacturer side. I’ve done a mix of agency and OEM side. I’m quite creative and idea-driven – and quite chaotic – whereas Steve is the best strategic planning thinker that I’ve worked with.”

Steve said: “Everything about us is different. I drink coffee, he drinks tea. I have brown sauce, he has red. We’re opposites. I’m order. He’s chaos. But we have never, ever fallen out.

“I’m mostly right! But seriously, I know if I’ve got a massive problem I can solve it 80 per cent on my own, but together we can get to 120 per cent and we can do it in an hour. We’ve just got a way of working together that begins with a nugget of an idea that grows into something really big.

“It was only a few weeks ago when Nik was driving home which is about 40 minutes away and I phoned him about a challenge that was really getting at me. By the time he got home, it was all mapped out! We’ve just got a knack of working together and producing results bigger than the sum of our parts.”

This perfect combination is why We Are Nameless has now grown to a team of 17 as of January 2025 and is based in the beautiful surroundings of Braunston, near Daventry. The company has worked predominantly in the automotive sector and has pulled off some major coups –including supporting BYD, one of the world’s largest electric vehicle brands.

Steve said: “We did loads of strategy for them for their European launch. Now, we look after their UK marketing and they're a big client for us.

“We’ve accelerated really quickly with automotive –between motorcycle brands and car brands we grew rapidly.”

Over the past year, the company has shifted into more sectors.

“We built up the skillsets internally,” said Nik. “We’ve got content creators, we’ve got social media expertise and actually the theory and the activation of any strategy or campaign is all the same.

“You are motivating consumers to make a decision. It doesn’t really matter if it’s a car or a washing machine. You need to understand the motivations, understand the needs and then find the messages that will compel them to engage with the brand or product that you are serving.

“It’s brilliant working in automotive. We love it. We’re car and bike fans and we’ve got a unit full of different toys but there was so much more we could do and when you look at what’s out there, we knew there were great businesses in this region we could work with.”

And while their expertise in brand and strategy is crucial to their success, they believe it’s their agility and honesty that are helping to set them apart.

Nik said: “Our approach is to be totally transparent. When we started the company we said it would incorporate high effectiveness and expertise.

“If someone comes to us with a brief and we don’t think it’s for us or a good spend of their money, we won’t do it. If that

person or project walks away, we know we haven’t wasted their money. That feels like a good place to be.”

Steve added: “We’re also used to doing things at the very last minute and at pace.

“In 2023, on the day before Christmas Eve, we got a call from China saying that BYD had just sponsored the Euros (football) and they needed a TV advert creating by Boxing Day!

“We were about to leave the office for Christmas and they wanted to send us the script on the 25th! We had to say we couldn’t quite do that and pushed the deadline back to the 28th. So, throughout that Christmas we were working and got a local football team, professional players and studios all sorted, making everything happen really quickly. And we delivered the goods!

“We say yes and then figure out a way of doing it. I like working in a planned way but we’ve been successful in leaning into all of our experience, a massive black book of contacts of people who can help and just having an attitude of making things work.

“And, somehow, our personalities just work perfectly together and even if we start at different points, we’re always on the same path.”

"We built up the skillsets internally. We’ve got content creators, we’ve got social media expertise and actually the theory and the activation of any strategy or campaign is all the same."

Stars of The Red Shoes celebrate the launch of new RSC cocktail masterclass

The Red Shoes cast members Dianne Pilkington and James Doherty snuck away from the stage to celebrate the RSC’s new cocktail masterclasses, whilst making two new show-themed cocktails at the RSC Rooftop Restaurant.

The pair are currently making their RSC debuts as Mariella and Bob, the social climbing couple who adopt the orphan Karen in The Red Shoes. This new version of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale by Nancy Harris runs in the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon until 19 January 2025.

The themed cocktails are The Last Dance, which includes raspberry and pink peppercorn vodka, sugar and lime and Red Swan, a mocktail with notes of pomegranate, grenadine, and lime. The drinks are available from the cocktail bar in the Rooftop Restaurant.

Mixologists in-the-making can follow Dianne and James’ lead and experience a unique insight into the science of cocktailmaking with the launch of the RSC’s new Cocktail Masterclasses, running weekly on Fridays from 8pm in the Rooftop Cocktail Bar. Set against the panoramic backdrop of Stratford-upon Avon’s historic skyline, visitors are invited to master classic recipes and work alongside the RSC’s expert bartenders, while enjoying a selection of hot and cold snacks available to order throughout the class. Classes are priced at £25 per person.

For more information and to book, visit https://www.rsc.org.uk/rooftoprestaurant/cocktail-masterclass/

HB&O makes the cut for top 100 accountancy rankings

Coventry and Warwickshire accountancy firm

HB&O has broken into the top 100 rankings in the UK for the first time.

The independent firm, which has offices in Coventry and Leamington, has been named in the prestigious Accountancy Age Top 50+50 rankings for 2024.

Firms are ranked by total UK fee income for the last financial year, with the ranking determined by voluntary submission of data.

It follows a period of significant growth for HB&O with 2024 signalling a 13 per cent increase in UK income fees compared to the previous year.

The firm offers a wide range of services to businesses and individuals, including audit, tax, transaction tax services, payroll, business advisory services and Virtual Finance Office.

HB&O has been listed at number 99 on the list and its debut appearance in the rankings comes in a milestone year for the firm, as it celebrates 20 years since a merger brought together DA Owen and Harrison Beale to form HB&O in 2004.

The firm can trace its roots back to 1924 and employs more than 110 staff across its two offices in Coventry and Warwickshire.

The league table from Accountancy Age, one of the leading trade media titles for the

accountancy and finance sector, also includes five firms from DFK UK & Ireland. DFK UK & Ireland is an association of independent accounting firms established in 1996 and is chaired by Mark Ashfield, Managing Director at HB&O, with the firm having been a member of the association for nearly 10 years.

Mark Ashfield said: “We have seen significant growth across the business over the last couple of years and being named in the Accountancy Age 50+50 rankings is a result of the hard work, dedication and high standard of work delivered by our teams for clients.

Driving sustainable growth: Wylde Connections guides businesses to ESG success

Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to welcome Wylde Connections as a new member.

Warwickshire-based, Wylde is a familyfounded sustainability consultancy and learning organisation that is driving transformative change in businesses for the benefit of people, planet and prosperity.

2024 has marked major milestones for the consultancy as it scales up its support services to help clients embed environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles throughout their organisation. From recruiting new talent to enhancing its learning and consultancy solutions, the business is on an impressive growth trajectory. Founded by mother and daughter team Denise and Charlotte Taylor, Wylde helps clients navigate an ever-shifting landscape and respond to increasing pressure from regulators, customers and supply chains to embrace sustainable practices.

Over the past 12 months, Wylde has expanded to support a growing portfolio of clients. The company has continued to refine its five-step sustainable business model, designed to develop and implement effective sustainability strategies. These services not only assist businesses in meeting compliance requirements but also position them to demonstrate their ESG credentials, unlocking contract potential for competitive advantage.

To complement its expanding learning offer, Wylde has become an accredited training centre for the internationally renowned Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). Its team of specialist trainers now delivers highly sought-after qualifications like the IEMA Certificate in Environmental Management (PIEMA).

“Becoming an IEMA-accredited training centre has been a significant step for us,” said Wylde MD Dr Denise Taylor.

“We are training the next generation of sustainability practitioners with internationally recognised certification and equipping businesses with the knowledge and skills they need to meet their ESG objectives and win new business opportunities.”

As Wylde Connections looks to the future, it has also launched its new Enveglas ESG Assessment Tool. This diagnostic tool is designed to help companies identify their current position on the sustainability journey and outline the steps needed to achieve compliance with both existing and upcoming legislation. By leveraging this tool, companies can take practical steps towards turning compliance into a competitive advantage, positioning themselves as leaders in sustainable business practices while unlocking contract potential.

“It’s a proud moment for everyone at the firm and fantastic that it comes in what is already a landmark year for the business.

“To see four of our fellow members at DFK also named on the list is excellent and highlights the strength and expertise we have in the alliance.

“We will seek to build on this success in the years to come as we continue to expand our offer and team at HB&O.”

Dr Taylor added: “We have built our reputation on delivering bespoke consultancy services, advanced digital tools, and comprehensive training support. 2025 will prove pivotal as companies address critical challenges such as climate adaptation, biodiversity loss, carbon reduction and compliance with sustainability reporting standards. We are calling on Coventry and Warwickshire businesses to get ahead of the game and make this a year of transformation.”

For more information, visit www.wyldeconnections.co.uk

Charity band night to support children’s hospice

A popular charity band night in Coventry, which has raised £34,000 since it was first held, is set to support a hospice which provides vital care for seriously ill babies, children and young people.

Deeley Group, a construction and property development company headquartered in Coventry, will be supporting Acorns Children’s Hospice at the fourth edition of its charity band night.

The event, which raised £16,500 when last held in 2023, is set to return on Friday, April 4 2025.

It will take place at Coventry Rugby Club and the larger venue means it is expected to attract more guests than ever before, with 300 people expected to come along for an evening of live music and fundraising.

Organisers have set an initial fundraising target of £10,000, the same amount raised by the 2022 event. Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for life limited and life threatened babies, children and young people and support for their families.

Abi Coulson, Senior Partnership Fundraising Manager at Acorns, said: “This will be a truly fantastic evening and a chance to not only enjoy great music and entertainment, but to also support our vital care for seriously ill children and support for their families.

“We’re thrilled that Deeley Group has chosen to support our charity and their help makes a huge difference to the local children who urgently need us within Coventry and the wider region. Thank you so much for

putting Acorns centre stage and for shining a spotlight on the important work we do across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire.”

The band night, which is open to all, will feature a live performance by four-piece band Coco Magic. There will also be an auction and raffle, with prizes donated by businesses and individuals including signed shirts from World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst, football icon Paul Gascoigne and England Rugby star Jason Robinson – with a Martin Johnson England Rugby shirt also on offer.

Organisers are still calling for further donations for the charity raffle.

The Trustees of the Deeley Group Charity who are organising the event are Carol Maughan, Matt Lynch, Chris Newman, Vicky Hancocks and Joshua Hendy, with support from committee member Alain Kodjo.

Carol Maughan, Contract Administrator at the Deeley Group, said: “We have aimed to support a different charity for every edition of our band night and after a visit to Acorns Children’s Hospice in Birmingham we knew that we wanted to support them this year.

“We deliver developments all over the Midlands and the work that Acorns does makes a massive difference to children and families all across the region.

“This will be our fourth band night since launching in 2019 and we are incredibly proud to have raised £34,000 during that time.”

Tables and tickets are now available, please email carol.maughan@deeley.co.uk to purchase tickets.

RWVS returns to refurbished office

Warwickshire Vision Support (WVS) has returned to its newly refurbished office in Warwick Market Place.

The charity, which has been supporting blind and partially sighted people across Warwickshire since 1911, acquired the building in 2021, thanks to a generous legacy bequest.

The refurbishment work began in January 2024 and the office re-opened in early December. WVS’s head office is now located at the front of the building, opening directly from Warwick Market Square.

The upper floors of the building comprise offices for an insurance broker and another charity. At the rear of the ground floor there is now a training kitchen for visually impaired service users to learn about adaptations and equipment. There is also a community space that will be used by other community groups.

Being in such a prominent and historic location will make WVS more accessible to service users and volunteers; as well as raising the charity’s profile in the community.

Martyn Parker of WVS said: “This is an exciting opportunity for WVS to promote

We are planning a ‘Grand Opening’ in the

For more information on WVS, visit: www.warwickshire.vision or email martyn.parker@warwickshire.vision.

RSPCA Coventry & District and Cats Protection Gala Ball raises £3,000

An intimate evening of fundraising was held at St Mary’s Guildhall for the RSPCA Coventry & District and Coventry Cats Protection.

The Gala Ball brought together 110 guests for an evening of glamour, entertainment and fundraising, resulting in an impressive total of £3,342.60 raised for the two charities.

The event was originally due to take place at Coombe Abbey, but with the economic climate and initially slow ticket sales, No Ordinary Hospitality was able to accommodate a change of venue to the prestigious St Mary’s Guildhall. The venue hosted a glamorous evening with a festive touch featuring a three-course dinner, DJ, auctions, raffles, choir and a selfie photobooth.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support of our community and thrilled to have given them such a wonderful evening where we could say ‘thank you’ whilst also raising much needed funds,” said Wendy Harris, Coordinator of Coventry Cats Protection.

Emma Davies, Marketing and Fundraising Manager of the RSPCA Coventry & District branch, added: “The RSPCA Coventry & District is a great believer in working with other charities. Holding this event with Coventry Cats Protection was a brilliant way to do exactly that while raising awareness alongside creating a fabulous evening.”

Trustees of the RSPCA Coventry & District were in attendance alongside the CEO of Cats Protection to see over £3,000 being raised which will make a difference to each charity. There has been a dramatic increase in cat abandonments across the region, alongside the cost-of-living crisis impacting on all pet owners. The funds will help each charity rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals across Coventry and beyond.

The event was sponsored by Coventry’s Dawson Group, Baxter Baristas and DogTherapy UK as well as corporate volunteers including Selfie Photobooth, TV Trevor Photography and the Nexus Institute of Creative Arts.

To support the charities, visit www.rspca-coventryanddistrict.org.uk/donate/ or www.cats.org.uk/donate?b=98 or to support a future event contact Emma Davies at emma.davies@rspca-coventryanddistrict.org.uk

Chris Newman, Lily Chedgey, Carol Maughan, Matt Lynch and Peter Deeley at the last Deeley Group charity band night.

Can Beneficiaries claim against a Personal Representative?

At Askews Legal LLP, we know that Beneficiaries of a Will can feel vulnerable. Particularly if the Personal Representative of an Estate is making decisions, they believe are jeopardising what they are entitled to receive or are taking too long to administer the Will.

It is crucial to know that the law can assist you with resolving a dispute with a Personal Representative, and in most cases, a resolution is achieved outside of Court.

Why do disputes between Beneficiaries and Personal Representatives develop?

Disputes between Beneficiaries and Personal Representatives can be caused by a variety of circumstances, but often arise around the value of property in the Estate, leading to common tensions over:

Delays in seeking a Grant of Probate and/or distributing the property and assets of the Estate.

The Personal Representative does not appreciate that volatile assets such as shares and cryptocurrencies must sometimes be quickly sold to ensure their full value is realised.

• Disagreements over the sale of the family home.

For example, the Personal Representative pricing it too low or engaging an inexperienced estate agent.

The Personal Representative is also a Beneficiary (which is often the case), and their actions are giving rise to suspicions of a conflict of interest.

A lack of communication from the Personal Representative.

The Personal Representative fails to seek financial advice when appropriate.

The Personal Representative does not follow the instructions set out in the Will or behaving inappropriately and/or exhibiting bias towards one Beneficiary over another.

Can I bring a claim for breach of trust against a Personal Representative?

Although the offices of Trustee and Personal Representatives are similar, some differences mean a breach of trust claim is not appropriate. Unlike a Trustee, a Personal

Representative does not simply hold the legal title of the assets in trust for the Beneficiaries; they are in charge of the entirety of the interest and take care of the Estate as a whole. A Beneficiary’s only right is to have the Estate correctly administered. Therefore, the proper cause of action when bringing a claim against a Personal Representative is a devastavit claim.

What is a devastavit claim?

A devastavit (Latin for ‘he has laid waste’) claim is brought against a Personal Representative in situations where Beneficiaries believe they have squandered assets and/or made an unauthorised profit for their own benefit. Misusing assets, breaching fiduciary duties, and negligence by a Personal Representative can all result in a devastavit claim. Maladministration of the Estate can also give rise to a devastavit claim.

Will I need to go to Court?

Most disputes between Beneficiaries and Personal Representatives are resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution methods such as negotiation and/or mediation. Experienced Dispute Resolution and Private Client Solicitors know how emotionally fraught these types of disputes can be and will work tenaciously to avoid formal litigation which is not only expensive but is likely to lead to a permanent breakdown in relationships.

How can a Solicitor help in a dispute between Beneficiaries and a Personal Representative?

Disputes concerning a deceased’s Estate are always complex, often expensive, and seldom pretty when it comes to personal relationships. Emotions typically run high, and frustrations can result in hasty decisions being made that are frequently later regretted.

Private Client teams, like our experienced professionals at Askews, can look at your dispute objectively and provide pragmatic advice on how to resolve issues. This can help mitigate the risk of personal relationships imploding and save you a great deal of time, money and heartache.

If you require legal advice, email enquiries@askewslegal.co

Please note that this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Huge Funding Boost for UK’s Elite Winter Sports Programme

GB Snowsport has secured full funding for its elite Ski Cross team for the 2024-25 season thanks to the generosity of a West Midlands accountancy practice.

Prime Accountants Group has been announced as a partner for GB Snowsport for the upcoming season to fund its elite athletes’ coaches, technicians and expenses.

Prime, which has offices in Solihull, Birmingham and Coventry, has stepped in to support GB Snowsport and provide muchneeded additional investment in the run-up to the Milan-Cortina Olympic qualifying period.

GB Snowsport’s goal is to manage and develop the programme to put British world class skiers and snowboarders onto World Cup podiums and win Olympic and Paralympic medals.

Most of its funding comes from UK Sport, but this comes down to whether athletes are judged to have ‘podium potential’ at major events.

Morgan Davies, Managing Director of Prime Accountants Group, said: “Ski Cross is a sport where hundredths of a second matter and can be the difference between qualifying for major events.

“Countries such as Canada, France and Switzerland provide significantly more funding to their athletes and for GB athletes to compete at this level without backing is an impossible task.

“Supporting the team is bigger than looking after one individual and is simply about providing the athletes with an environment to deliver. It is increasingly up to businesses to help fund those dreams.”

Alongside its backing for Team GB ski cross athlete Ollie Davies, who took silver at the Reiteralm World Cup, and the GB Snowsport team, Prime has supported Solihull skier Scott Johns – son of Prime Director Kevin Johns – since he first qualified for the Winter Youth Olympics in 2020.

Vicky Gosling, GB Snowsport Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Prime Accountants Group on board for the 2024-25 season.

“Our Ski Cross team has delivered some impressive results in recent years, and the support that Prime bring coming into the new season will allow us to invest in the team set-up as the critical Milan-Cortina Olympic qualifying period gets under way.”

The world championships are set to take place in St. Moritz in March 2025.

Simple Steps to Strengthen your Cybersecurity in the Age of AI threats

With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, businesses must take proactive measures to protect themselves. From the rise of AI-generated phishing emails to voice cloning scams, it is critical to strengthen your digital defences.

EBC Group has essential tips to reduce your vulnerability and enhance your security posture:

Minimise email dependency and watch for AI-driven phishing

Email remains the most exploited tool by cybercriminals, with the dangers now amplified by AI. AI-powered phishing emails are incredibly convincing, mimicking writing styles, branding and even creating personalised attacks. To reduce risk:

Unsubscribe from junk mail to reduce your attack surface. Avoid ticking unnecessary marketing boxes when signing up online.

• Use tools like Microsoft Teams for internal communication, keeping email strictly for external use.

• Additionally, be cautious of AI-driven phone scams. Voice cloning technology can create highly believable impersonations of colleagues or clients, so always verify unexpected requests through alternative channels.

Be ready for AI voice cloning scams

AI voice cloning has emerged as one of the most concerning advancements in cybercrime. This technology allows cybercriminals to replicate someone's voice with alarming accuracy using just a few audio samples. Once a voice is cloned, scammers can use it in social engineering attacks, making fraudulent phone calls sound completely authentic.

For instance, cybercriminals may impersonate a CEO, manager or family member to request urgent financial transfers, sensitive information or access to secure systems. Because the voice sounds genuine, victims are more likely to comply without questioning the request.

How to protect against AI voice cloning scams:

Verify unusual requests: Always verify unexpected or high-risk requests received via phone, even if the voice sounds familiar. Use a second method of communication, such as an email or text, to confirm the identity of the caller.

• Implement callback procedures: For sensitive transactions, establish a policy that requires employees to call the person back using a known, verified phone number rather than relying on the incoming call.

Educate your team: Train your employees to recognise the signs of voice phishing (vishing) and stay alert for unusual or urgent-sounding requests.

• Leverage multi-factor verification: Avoid relying solely on voice authentication for sensitive access. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) or secure PIN codes to confirm identity.

Secure public voice data: Minimise the amount of voice data available online by limiting audio recordings or speeches shared publicly.

Achieve Cyber Essentials Certification

Cyber Essentials certification not only provides peace of mind but also builds trust with your clients. Achieving certification is a worthwhile investment, especially when compared to the cost and stress of recovering from a cyber-attack.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to bolster your defences. By requiring a second form of verification, you significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access. Use apps like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator.

Set MFA on a work device rather than a personal one, ensuring accessibility in cases of absence or turnover. Find out more at www.ebcgroup.co.uk

This entire Image is AI Generated

MIRA Tech Park expands with new occupiers and new opportunities

It was an incredible year for MIRA Tech Park and 2025 looks set to continue that journey for the transport R&D location on the border of Warwickshire and Leicestershire.

HORIBA MIRA was awarded the King’s Award for Sustainable Development in recognition of the work they do supporting zero emission vehicle development across road transport using virtual engineering and simulation to remove carbon from the development process and investing in a sustainable location with clean energy, zero waste-to-landfill, and natural areas of habitat. They were also awarded the Wildlife Trust’s Biodiversity Benchmark and the Green Apple International Environment Gold Award for Climate Change Benefits at the close of 2024.

Alongside this recognition, MIRA Tech Park forged new partnerships in clean energy - working with public and private organisations to deliver green hydrogen production on site through the 7MW solar array and 1MW electrolyser - and decarbonised heat - working with

Severn Trent and E.ON on a testbed for heat recovery from sewage on the Warwickshire side of the site. Further environmental projects included working with parent company HORIBA on surface water run-off from our roads and how to reduce the pollutive impact brake dust and tyre wear have on our water system.

Visitors to MIRA Tech Park in 2025 will also notice a significant change as soon as they leave the A5 as 150,000 square feet of new larger footprint buildings are under construction as grow-on space for expanding tenants and new-to-UK businesses bringing new opportunities for high value employment and local supply chain. Along with this new development, the site will also shortly open a new Welcome Centre for visitors.

“This latest development is a step change for us at MIRA Tech Park and we are excited to welcome new businesses here and facilitate the growth of current tenants,” said Jack Bartlett, Head of Commercial & Partnerships.

“The opportunity to benefit from our heritage of expertise in engineering and testing for vehicle development is a real attraction for tenants alongside our ability to provide a competitive path to Net Zero from a sustainable location. We look forward to working with new partners in clean energy, decarbonised heat, water recycling, and the circular economy as we build on our positive environmental impact over the last five years.”

For the latest news on MIRA Tech Park, follow their LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/ mira-technology-park-new/

Law firm is a ‘Great Place to Work’

Call for housing developers to receive new tax breaks over disposal of non-native invasive plants

Property developers in Coventry may be more inclined to take on financial risk with sites if tax relief was brought in for other invasive plant species as well as destructive Japanese knotweed.

HMRC should consider land remediation tax relief on giant hogweed, Himalayan balsam and other non-native flora recognised by the Government as invasive.

The call for wider tax break eligibility comes from Vicki Brook, a Tax Partner for the property and construction sectors at Azets, the UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm.

“The Government wants to build 1.5 million homes over the next Parliament, including affordable units, to address the well-documented shortage of housing,” she said.

“Property developers in Coventry are understandably supportive but there is considerable financial risk with housing developments because of the huge upfront costs.

“Even small tax break measures could make the difference between a spade going in the ground or not. A number of sites, including urban brownfield and grey belt [low-quality green belt land], will have non-native invasive plants that require legally compliant – and expensive –disposal.

“It is not a case of dumping Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed or Himalayan balsam in a compost heap to rot down because they cannot be eradicated. Developers have little choice but to hire a specialist contractor, using chemicals which are deemed hazardous waste, with the

A Midlands law firm has received a prestigious international accreditation in recognition of its exemplary workplace culture.

Wright Hassall, based in Leamington, is celebrating after being certified as a ‘Great Place To Work’.

Great Place To Work is an ‘employer-of-choice’ certification scheme which gives recognition to companies providing a great workplace environment and is based entirely on feedback from current employees.

Wright Hassall launched its own internal anonymous employee engagement survey in 2022 as part of the firm’s vision to become an exceptional place to work.

Run every six months, the survey saw the firm make several changes to improve the workplace and benchmark improvements in staff satisfaction year-on-year.

Wright Hassall then made the decision to benchmark itself against external organisations, with an aim to achieve independent accreditation from Great Place To Work.

Every employee was given the opportunity to participate in an anonymous survey featuring 60 set questions, with the firm being required to achieve a 65 per cent response rate.

Wright Hassall achieved significantly above this, with a 76 per cent response rate – the highest response rate of any staff survey it has ever run.

Great Place To Work then analysed the results, and confirmed that Wright Hassall had achieved accreditation.

The firm will now be required to achieve re-accreditation every 12 months.

Mark Shrimpton, Chief People Officer at Wright Hassall, said: “This achievement highlights the dedication, passion and commitment of all of our staff who contribute to making our firm not only a leader in legal services, but also a fantastic workplace.

“The feedback from the survey has also given us some fantastic ideas for areas we could improve further, and we will now be taking steps to look at this.”

subsequent contaminated soil disposed of with relevant environmental permits and documentation traceability. Any broadening of land remediation tax relief regarding nonnative invasive plants, not just Japanese knotweed, would be welcomed, given these particular challenges.”

Other non-native invasive plants include rhododendron ponticum and New Zealand pygmy weed, outcompeting native flora and fauna and damaging local biodiversity. Claimants of land remediation relief can receive up to 150 per cent relief on qualifying expenses, with tax refunds on capital gains.

Introduced for companies that are subject to corporation tax, the tax break was set up to encourage the development of contaminated land and buildings.

Tina Chander, Lucie Byron, Phil Wilding, Mark Shrimpton, Peter Lowe and Matthew Davies, of Wright Hassall, celebrate the achievement.

Legal Status of Crypto Assets in Insolvency

Crypto assets, such as cryptocurrencies and nonfungible tokens (NFTs), are increasingly treated as property under English law. While traditional assets fit neatly into the categories of "things in possession" or "things in action," digital assets often fall outside these definitions due to their intangible nature. The team at Debt-Claims.com take a look at some of the key points of difference of Crypto assets.

Recognition as Property

English courts and legal bodies have affirmed that crypto assets can be recognised as a form of personal property. This recognition is essential for their inclusion in a debtor’s estate during insolvency, enabling these assets to be identified, valued and distributed to creditors.

Challenges in Treating Crypto Assets as Insolvency Property

Despite their recognition as property, crypto assets present distinct challenges for insolvency practitioners due to their unique characteristics.

Ownership and Control

Ownership of crypto assets is often evidenced by control of private keys, the cryptographic tools required to access and transfer the assets. Establishing ownership can be particularly difficult when:

Private keys are lost or withheld by the debtor.

• Transactions occur pseudonymously on blockchain networks, obscuring the true owner.

In such cases, insolvency practitioners may need to employ forensic blockchain analysis to trace transactions and determine ownership.

Access and Liquidation

The ability to liquidate crypto assets depends on access to private keys. Without these, the assets cannot be transferred or realised for the benefit of creditors. Courts may issue orders compelling the debtor to disclose private keys, but enforcement can be challenging.

Jurisdictional Issues

Crypto assets exist on global, decentralised networks, making it difficult to determine their legal location. This complicates questions of jurisdiction and the enforcement of court orders in cross-border insolvency cases.

Control as Security

Security over crypto assets typically involves controlling the private keys associated with the assets. Legal agreements define the rights and obligations of the parties, but the lack of a centralised register for recording such interests can lead to disputes about priority and enforcement.

Proving Ownership and Title

Establishing ownership of crypto assets is critical in insolvency, particularly when there are competing claims.

Evidence of Ownership

Ownership is generally demonstrated by control of private keys. However, insolvency practitioners must also consider:

• Whether the debtor holds the assets in a personal or fiduciary capacity.

Documentation or agreements supporting claims of ownership.

Challenges in Proving Title

The lack of physical or traditional legal markers for crypto assets can lead to disputes about ownership. Insolvency practitioners must navigate these disputes carefully, as errors could expose them to personal liability.

Practical Considerations for Insolvency Practitioners

Practitioners must take steps to identify crypto assets as part of the debtor’s estate, including:

• Reviewing financial records and transaction histories.

• Engaging blockchain forensic experts to trace assets. Given the complexities of crypto assets, insolvency practitioners should collaborate with legal experts and technology specialists.

To find out more, email: info@debt-claims.com

Please note that this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

"The lack of physical or traditional legal markers for crypto assets can lead to disputes about ownership. Insolvency practitioners must navigate these disputes carefully, as errors could expose them to personal liability."

Warwickshire’s record-breaking scheme at getting people into work

A leading business figure in Warwickshire has been finding out how a scheme in the area is helping a record number of people into work.

Corin Crane, the chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, paid a visit to PET-Xi’s recently opened office in Leamington’s Parade, where it runs the government’s Restart Scheme for Leamington, Kenilworth and Warwick on behalf of Jobs 22.

The Restart Scheme sees people referred from the Jobcentre to the team at PET-Xi who offer a range of support, including help with CVs and interviews through to assistance with health and personal development.

It can even support with transport to jobs or with technology where roles might be performed from home, or suitable clothing for an interview.

People have been placed into a whole host of jobs on the back of the scheme, including everything from retail through to education.

Corin said the service being offered by PET-Xi was supporting individuals and the wider economy.

He said: “The work being carried out under the Restart Scheme by the team at PET-Xi is setting a fantastic example of how people can be supported back into the workplace.

“Its reputation in the region is a testament to the team’s hard work and the genuine support they are offering to each individual.

“Of course, that means help with getting CVs right and the dos and don’ts of interviews but the support here goes beyond that. They get to know every individual and offer tailored help to give them the best opportunity to not only find a job – but to stay in it too.

“They even look at an individual’s physical and mental health and can refer them for help if it’s needed. It’s a real model for how we can get more people back into meaningful employment which helps them individually but has a positive knock-on effect for the local economy too.”

Fleur Sexton, CEO and founder of PET-Xi, said: “It was great to welcome Corin to our offices in Leamington. We are based just a short walk from the town’s Jobcentre so it makes it really easy for people who are referred to us to come and find us and that was one of the reasons we moved here.

“Dean Hatton, our Restart Scheme Contract Manager, does an amazing job with the whole team in supporting people back into work and giving them the skills and the confidence to remain in the workplace.

“It was great to be able to showcase this to Corin who recognises the importance of not only growing the economy but making sure it works for everyone.”

Ayden Sims, of Jobs 22, said: "Jobs 22 has a well-established and rewarding partnership with PET-Xi supporting the local community of Leamington Spa and Warwick. They are one of our leading performing partners and it's great to see them welcoming local stakeholders in to see the impact the scheme is having in the area.”

"The work being carried out under the Restart Scheme by the team at PET-Xi is setting a fantastic example of how people can be supported back into the workplace. Its reputation in the region is a testament to the team’s hard work and the genuine support they are offering to each individual."

Fleur Sexton (left) with Corin Crane

ENGINEERING APPRENTICESHIPS KEY TO ADDRESSING SKILLS SHORTAGES

Make UK, the organisation representing British manufacturing and engineering, has emphasised the urgent need for more apprenticeships to address critical skills shortages in the sector. With the UK engineering industry facing an ongoing talent gap, Make UK is calling for stronger investment in recruitment to futureproof the workforce.

The sector contributes nearly 20% to the UK’s GDP and relies on a skilled work force to maintain its competitiveness. However, recruiting challenges continue, with employers struggling to fill roles requiring expertise in emerging technologies like robotics, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. A Make UK survey revealed that nearly two-thirds of manufacturers cite difficulties in finding workers with the right skills.

Apprenticeships are being seen as the solution. Make UK supports engineering apprenticeship programs that combine hands-on practical experience with classroom based learning, letting young people to develop skills while earning a wage. These programs not only benefit individuals but also provide businesses with a pipeline of talent tailored to their specific needs.

“Apprenticeships are the backbone of engineering,” said a Make UK spokesperson. “Investing in young talent is the key to closing the skills gap and ensuring our industry thrives in the future.”

With all the above in mind, MAKE UK is proud to host their open day on 1st Feb 2025, to allow future learners to meet potential employers and view their state-of-theart facilities.

Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks -

Coventry law firms doubles in size following significant regional expansion

A Coventry-based law firm is expanding its offer across the region after acquiring three businesses as part of a significant investment in the area.

Askews Legal LLP has recently bought Cocks Lloyd Solicitors in Nuneaton, Smalleys Solicitors in Nottingham and John Mohamed & Co in Bedworth.

The size of the business has doubled as a result of the move, both in terms of revenue and number of employees, which has increased from 60 to 120.

Key to the acquisitions is the desire to maintain the identities of the local businesses, which each have long-standing histories in their towns, while helping them to expand their offer to their communities.

In each case, the existing partners were retiring and wanted their practices to be taken on by someone who would protect the brand and reputation they had spent years developing. All staff and the physical office locations have been retained and retiring partners are assisting with the transitions.

Askews Legal LLP is a highly accredited, Legal 500 recommended, full-service law firm, taking care of legal matters across criminal law, civil litigation, commercial property, public family law, conveyancing, wills, estates and trust, and all aspects of corporate and employment law.

By pooling resources across the group, clients in Nuneaton, Bedworth and Nottingham will now have access to a wider range of legal services via their local firm of solicitors.

New dates released to see comedian Paul Smith

The

Friday,

May

Saturday,

He will first play to two sold-out crowds in the stadiums’

on 31 January and 1

2025. Paul was previously crowned Liverpool's New Comedian of the Year and was also a finalist in the prestigious Leicester Comedian of the Year competition.

Askews was formed 12 years ago by Pritpal Chahal, Kuljeet Sandhu and Teerath Gill. While the founders always had their sights set on growth, they first wanted to establish a solid foundation, based on high levels of expert, yet personal, support for a full range of legal matters.

During the past decade, the founding partners have been joined by more than 60 employees representing a variety of ages, backgrounds and sectors to become a diverse and supportive team. The partners’ team has also been strengthened by the addition of Lianne Payne.

Practice Manager Pritpal Chahal said: “We felt the time was right to accelerate our plans for growth and these acquisitions are a massive step forward. We put a lot of time and effort into finding the right businesses to bring into the Askews group, and equally, they had to choose us too.

“The partners at Cocks Lloyd, Smalleys and John Mohamed & Co have all put their heart and soul into these businesses over many years and they didn’t want them to be swallowed up by a big regional business. It was important to them to see their names and reputation continue because they have built up so much respect in their communities, and we are also keen to see that continue.

“The acquisitions allow us to expand the Askews offering into new locations, while bringing more legal services to the Nuneaton, Bedworth and Nottingham areas.”

Askews will also be looking to bring efficiency improvements to the three businesses, including going fully digital to improve profitability, as well as adding flexibility to employees around their working locations.

The business has also built a bespoke online debt recovery platform – Debt-Claims.com – which enables businesses to recover debt in a just a few clicks via an affordable legal route and a new HR service - HR Geniewhich provides a one-stop solution for SMEs looking for technological support with employment record management and storage.

Tickets have been in high demand across the country and the shows come as Coventry Building Society Arena ramps up its schedule of live events and entertainment under CBS Live, with events booked in its Indoor Arena and Auditorium.

Paul Michael, Managing Director at Coventry Building Society Arena, said: “We’re excited to announce two further nights of Paul Smith at the venue after seeing huge demand for tickets to his shows at the start of next year.

“As a venue we are committed to growing and developing our live events proposition, which will enable us to be a destination for the very best live music, comedy and events.

“The sellout dates for Paul Smith prove that there is a real passion, desire and demand for comedy in Coventry. We

will be looking to bring more acts of Paul Smith’s calibre to Coventry as we establish the Arena as a premier venue for live comedy.

“We’re expecting tickets to sell fast again for the new dates and would recommend fans get in quick to secure their seats.”

Paul Smith’s shows at Coventry Building Society Arena are restricted to age 16 and over. The shows will be fully seated in the Indoor Arena, with the performance starting at 8pm. Tickets are priced at £31 plus fees. Tickets for the new dates are now on sale at https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cbsarena

Mat Jones, Cocks Lloyd Solicitors, Pritpal Chahal, Lianne Payne, Kuljeet Sandhu, all of Askews Legal LLP, Deanne Taylor, Sharon Wilkinson, both of Smalleys Solicitors, Colin White, part of the Takeover Team, Andrew Mathie, Cocks Lloyd Solicitors, Jodi Aitken, Neil Askew, both of Askews Accountants and Matthew Blood, Cocks Lloyd Solicitors

Comedian Paul Smith has announced new dates at Coventry Building Society Arena after his first two scheduled nights sold out.

Liverpool comedian has added two new dates to his Pablo Tour and will return to the popular Coventry live entertainment venue on

and

31 May 2025.

Indoor Arena

February

Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks - South Warks - Rugby

Corporate event experts Eventurous take home record number of awards

Corporate event management agency, Eventurous has had a year no-one predicted.

Eventurous started out as a small team building company, going on to excel and expand into a multi-award-winning corporate event agency, offering premium corporate event management services.

The agency has been recognised as experts in sustainable events, going on to win two Sustainability Awards in 2024 alone.

Director and Sustainability Lead Joanna Garland said: “The team is delighted to have won the Famtastic Green Initiative of the Year for two years running and the MIA Sustainability Award after coming second place last year.

“It really motivates us to continue to put in the extra work around sustainability alongside our busy day-to-day roles. The team takes on these additional responsibilities because they really care, and it is engrained as part of our culture here. To be seen for the passion we put in to considering people and planet in everything we do feels really rewarding.”

However, sustainability was not the only thing Eventurous was commended for this year. The team was privileged to attend the Meetings & Incentive Travel Awards in

September along with 800 other industry professionals and were elated to walk away with the Silver Award for Best Mid-Sized Agency especially as it was only their second year attending.

However, the surprises didn’t stop there –prior to this, the thriving team also won the Award for Best Event Management at the PA Show Supplier Awards at the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) in London in July

after being told they had been nominated by a network of UK PA and EAs just weeks before the event. With Sales Director Kieron Bowen in attendance alone as a last-minute stand in, the team was shocked to leave having beat stiff competition such as Cvent and AMEX.

In November, to finish off a busy awards season, the team headed to Liverpool for the Meeting Industry Association List Awards held at the Hilton Liverpool City Centre. Emotional as the industry cheered them on, the team headed to the stage to claim the most awards of the evening including awards for Sustainability, Agency of the Year and Supplier of the Year.

Judge Leo Lloyd of Leopold Marketing said: “Eventurous deserves to win these awards. The judges enjoyed reading about the great things they are doing as a modern and forward-thinking event agency. As for the votes, they spoke volumes about the team’s relationships with their clients and industry peers!”

For more information, visit www.eventurous.co.uk

Drapers’ Hall reopens under new management

An historic Coventry venue has reopened under new management with plans to re-establish it as a premier event space in the Cathedral Quarter.

DH Venues has signed a deal with owners Historic Coventry Trust to run Grade II listed Drapers’ Hall.

The new management company is a partnership between Chris Hartley of Hartley Consulting & Events and Arum Javed of Sovereignty Venue & Event Management.

Drapers’ Hall, which underwent a major £5 million restoration project in 2021, is recognised as one of the finest Regency buildings in the city and was built in 1832.

DH Venues’ appointment will host a wide range of events, from award ceremonies, exhibitions and conferences, to weddings, celebrations and concerts. It is also set to continue hosting small music events and continue the venue’s rich musical heritage.

DH Venues will be seeking to partner with local suppliers to the hospitality sector on events and collaborate with city centre hotels on accommodation for guests.

Chris Hartley, who is also a member of the oversight board for Destination Coventry, said: “This is a venue with incredible

heritage and huge potential. We are proud to be taking it on and excited about what we can achieve in this wonderful space.

“The spaces we have at Drapers’ Hall are really beautiful, it’s unlike anything else in the city and perfectly suited to hosting a wide range of events.

“While we are a new business, as a partnership we have collectively nearly 40 years’ experience working with and for a wide range of event venues including The NEC Group, NAEC Stoneleigh, Wicksteed Park, ACC Liverpool, Eastside Rooms and many more.”

Coventry BID works with its levy payers to make the city centre a vibrant and safe place to live, visit and work. The BID will be supporting DH Venues and Drapers’ Hall as they ramp up operations.

Joanne Glover, Chief Executive of Coventry BID, added: “As a city, heritage and history is an area where we are incredible strong and Drapers’ Hall is right at the heart of that. This is a true ‘wow’ venue which is perfectly positioned to thrive, providing an incredible backdrop for a vast range of events.”

Historic Coventry Trust is a charity founded in 2011 to bring new life to the city’s heritage by finding innovative ways to sustain Coventry’s historic buildings.

Ian Harrabin, Chairman of Historic Coventry Trust, said: “We completed the £5 million restoration of Drapers’ Hall in November 2021 while we were still in the Covid pandemic, which must be the worst possible time to launch a new venue.

“I am really pleased that the events world is now getting back to normal and Drapers’

Hall can reach its potential. We needed managers with both the experience and enthusiasm to provide a fresh start and are very pleased to have secured DH Venues to manage the buildings into the future.”

To find out more about Drapers’ Hall and hosting events at the venue, visit www.dhvenues.events

Kavita Chauhan (Coventry BID), Chris Hartley (DH Venues) and Geoff Willcocks (Historic Coventry Trust).

Coventry restaurant ranked in top 10 per cent of the world by Tripadvisor

A Coventry restaurant in the heart of the historic cathedral quarter has been ranked among the top 10 per cent of restaurants in the world by Tripadvisor.

Tales of Tea, located in the vaulted undercroft of 13th century Grade I listed building St Mary’s Guildhall, has picked up a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award after receiving consistently positive reviews from guests over the past 12 months.

The restaurant, which opened in 2023, is located in one of the oldest parts of the building opposite the main entrance to the Guildhall, and serves a range of high-quality, seasonal dishes including its acclaimed afternoon teas as well as a la carte dining, lunches and brunches.

It comes after St Mary’s Guildhall picked up a Travellers’ Choice Award of its own, with the heritage attraction ranking alongside locations such as the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum as a top place to visit according to visitor feedback.

Reviewers have described Tales of Tea as a “hidden gem in a lovely setting” with “amazing ambience” and “brilliant service”.

Abi Moore, Heritage and Venue Manager at St Mary’s Guildhall, said: “The fact that three quarters of customers who left a review gave the full five stars is incredible to see, and we are incredibly grateful to our team for consistently delivering such high standards.

“We hope to welcome even more guests in the coming months and years as we continue to establish ourselves as one of the top restaurants in Coventry, and would like to thank all those who left a positive review for their support.”

John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor, added: “Congratulations to Tales of Tea on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2024. Travelers’ Choice honours businesses that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence.”

For more information and to book a table, visit www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk/tales-of-tea

Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks -

Children in care enjoyed a pantomime visit thanks to company’s gift

A Warwickshire business rounded off a year of community work by helping bring some Christmas cheer to families.

People Arches Ltd, the company that runs the Warwick branch of McDonald’s on Emscote Road, funded the purchase of 64 pantomime tickets for children in care and their foster families to enjoy a festive day out together in Leamington Spa.

Melissa Phillips, from Warwickshire County Council who led the initiative, said: "It's this sort of kindness that helps spread more love and care towards the children we support and really helps them to enjoy family time with each other. We are very thankful and so happy to have received such help as it meant we were able to offer children the chance to visit the Leamington Spa Theatre again this year to enjoy what is always an incredible time."

The gesture from People Arches Ltd is part of ongoing efforts by the business to support the community in the local area. The work has included litter picks, sponsoring local children’s football teams and working with Coventry & Warwickshire Mind on mental health initiatives. Volunteers also spent a day volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Birmingham.

On top of this, the business has been working closely with Warwick Chamber of Trade and Warwick Town Council to get involved in the local business community and to help promote the town as a great place to live, work and visit.

People Arches Ltd Founder Dawood Ibtehsam said: “I have always believed that

business is about more than profit and can be a way of helping people, engaging with the community and being a force for change. Helping the people around us is key to what we do, and while a pantomime ticket might seem like a small gesture for some, enabling these children and their families to go to the panto and experience some Christmas cheer means a lot - to them, and to us.”

1500th Armed Forces Covenant milestone reached

West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (RFCA) are pleased to announce their 1500th Armed Forces Covenant signatory as NESO, the National Energy System Operator.

The Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

The Covenant is a national initiative for governments, businesses, local authorities, charities to pledge their support to the Armed Forces community. The organisations who hold a Covenant recognise the value serving personnel, both Regular and Reserve, veterans, military families, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and Cadets contribute to their business and our country.

To demonstrate and solidify their support for the Armed Forces community NESO signed the Armed Forces Covenant on Monday 9th December 2024 at their Headquarters in Warwick.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO), previously the Electricity System Operator (ESO) and part of National Grid, was established on 1st October 2024. Its creation was driven by legislation in the UK’s 2023 Energy Act which set out the need to create an independent, impartial, public corporation with responsibilities for energy system planning, operations and to help accelerate Great Britain’s energy transition. NESO's role sits at the centre of Great Britain’s energy system taking a whole system view to create a world where everyone has access to reliable, clean and affordable energy.

Fintan Slye, Chief Executive of National Energy System Operator, said: "To have signed the Armed Forces Covenant is extremely

important to NESO. We are delighted to hear we are also the 1500th signatory of the AFC.

"At NESO, and across the energy industry, we employ many veterans and Reservists and benefit immensely from the skills that colleagues with military experience have developed from their time with the Armed Forces. We are incredibly proud of the longstanding contribution they make to our workforce and also the important role our SeRVe Employee Resource Group plays in supporting the veterans, Reservists, cadet leaders and their spouses and families here at NESO."

Cat Suckling, Regional Employer Engagement Director at West Midland RFCA, added: “Attending the NESO Armed Forces advocacy and Covenant signing event felt incredibly poignant and relevant at a time in which we are facing such geopolitical instability, with real repercussions seen in the price and supply of our energy.

“Listening to members of the Armed Forces network speak about their civilian roles felt incredibly similar to speaking to a group of soldiers due to the common values of responsibility, leadership and teamwork.

“I am in no doubt that NESO will continue with this momentum in working with the Armed Forces community and will go on to become advocates.”

The type of pledges made vary from endeavouring to work with defence-funded recruitment agencies, supporting existing staff to become Reservists or Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, promoting the fact the organisation is forces-friendly and much more. Organisations of all sizes and sectors can support the Armed Forces community. In return they can develop mutually beneficial relationships with Defence, and gain a wealth of interpersonal and transferable skills from employing personnel in the forces community.

West Midland RFCA’s Engagement team work with interested organisations in our region who wish to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and those who wish to progress up the Employer Recognition Scheme ladder, increasing the support they offer to the Armed Forces community.

On behalf of the West Midland RFCA and the Ministry of Defence thank you to all of the organisations who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, your support means so much to the Armed Forces community.

To find out more please contact the West Midland RFCA Employer Engagement Team on wm-ee@rfca.mod.uk.

Bromwich Hardy recruits Rob and Layla to drive 2025 growth plans

Warwickshire commercial property agency has launched into 2025 with two new appointments.

Rob Lord, who was previously with Bromwich Hardy on a year-long work placement, and Layla Bhayat have joined the Coventry-based business.

Tom Bromwich, founding partner of Bromwich Hardy, said: “Rob spent a year with us on placement during his studies for a degree in real estate at Sheffield Hallam University, so we knew the quality of his work

and his client-focused attention to detail.” Rob, aged 24, lives in Leamington Spa and attended Princethorpe College in Rugby. He enjoys football and cricket and has recently become a member of Coventry Golf Club.

He said: “Having enjoyed my placement year with Bromwich Hardy and got to know the business, the clients and the team here, it was just a natural progression to come back….if they would have me!”

Layla Bhayat, aged 21, has joined Bromwich Hardy as a graduate property asset surveyor,

having graduated in the summer of 2024 with a BSc 2.1 with Honours in real estate from Birmingham City University.

Brought up in Coventry, she attended Finham Park School and lists among her hobbies, modifying cars.

“I only have a Seat Ibiza at present so there is a limit to what you can do with it, but I can dream!” she said.

“I am really pleased to have joined Bromwich Hardy because when I first made contact, they were not actively looking for

Creating thriving workplaces

At Targeted Help, we understand the vital role of inclusivity and cultural diversity in creating thriving workplaces.

Our mission is to support organisations in embracing these values, empowering employers to better understand and meet the needs of their teams. Recently, Targeted Help had the privilege of collaborating with the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman to address the specific needs of their Muslim employees.

This partnership resulted in a strong and meaningful relationship, delivering positive outcomes for both the business and its employees.

Abrar, Managing Director of Targeted Help, shared: “We specialise in providing tailored support for organisations through courses that educate employers on effectively managing and meeting the needs of their Muslim employees. Working with the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman was a truly rewarding experience, and we look forward to helping many more businesses achieve similar success. Our comprehensive program is carefully designed to equip employers with the knowledge and tools needed to foster a harmonious work environment where every individual feels valued and respected.”

Through expertly designed workshops and engaging content, our courses explore cultural nuances, religious practices, and effective communication strategies. These insights provide employers with a deeper understanding of the unique perspectives and needs of their Muslim team members. By participating in our course, employers can not only enhance their cultural competence but also cultivate an environment of inclusivity that drives employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall organisational success.

To learn more about how Targeted Help can support your business, visit: www.targetedhelp.com

someone for this position, but we had a very positive chat and a job offer eventually came of it.”

Dawn Cooper, partner in Bromwich Hardy, said: “Layla impressed us the more we spoke and so as we became busier during 2024 it seemed a natural and right choice to offer her a post.”

Bromwich Hardy is one of the country’s largest independent commercial property agencies, regularly featuring in independent lists of the most active firms in the industry.

Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks -

Mastering the balance

Time management is crucial for Cathy Homer when balancing the responsibilities of being a Business Advisor at the Chamber of Commerce and launching a new business in the food industry.

Both roles demand significant attention, creativity and precision, making the ability to prioritise and allocate time effectively a key skill.

“As a Business Advisor, the role involves supporting multiple clients, each with unique challenges and timelines,” she says.

“This requires meticulous scheduling to ensure every client receives the guidance and resources they need without compromising quality. Deadlines, meetings and problem-solving sessions must be managed efficiently, leaving room for follow-ups and strategic planning.

“In the food industry, particularly when starting a new business, the demands are equally intensive. From product development and branding to sourcing ingredients and managing suppliers, each step is timesensitive. Add to this the need for compliance with food safety regulations and ensuring high-quality standards, and time becomes an even more valuable asset.”

Juggling both roles requires clarity of priorities, delegation and leveraging tools like project management software and calendar systems. Setting boundaries and maintaining focus ensure neither role is compromised. Effective time management allows for progress on both fronts, ensuring success as a trusted advisor and as a food entrepreneur passionate about crafting memorable experiences.

Posh Pudding Pots is a luxury dessert brand that creates indulgent, high-quality puddings, combining sophisticated flavours, premium ingredients and elegant presentation.

“The journey to developing Posh Pudding Pots has been a labour of love, creativity and dedication,” she adds.

“From crafting indulgent, luxurious dessert recipes that tantalise the taste buds to securing a trademark that embodies sophistication, every step has been carefully curated. Designing the brand meant capturing the essence of elegance and indulgence, ensuring every detail – from logo design to packaging – reflects the premium quality of the product.”

Photography played a key role in bringing the vision to life, as well as marketing strategies meticulously planned to create buzz and excitement among boutique hotels and wedding planners for the launch.

Launching in January 2025, Posh Pudding Pots aims to be the go-to choice for anyone seeking indulgence and sophistication in a single, exquisite pot.

Business Growth Warwickshire supports local businesses

A patisserie business in Warwickshire is cooking up plans for growth in 2025 after receiving support.

The Pinwheel Patisserie, which is run by pastry chef Keira Roe, has just enjoyed its best year on record selling everything from cakes to quiches to a range of retail and hospitality businesses across the region – from farm shops through to Compton Verney.

The company, which is based at Chesterton Fields Farm off the Fosse Way and employs six people, has seen a positive rise since tapping into support through the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

Keira, who set up five years ago with her mum and business partner Trixie Roe, received help through the Business Resilience and Growth programme, which forms part of the Business Growth Warwickshire programme. It is delivered by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire’s five District and Borough Councils.

She received one-to-one help from business adviser Saffron Medway and it has helped to shape the business’s marketing activities as well as financial planning.

It has led to a growth in the Pinwheel Patisserie’s regular clientbase to around 25 cafes and outlets across Warwickshire and the wider region as well as an increase in contracts for events.

The patisserie is now making more than 3,500 products a week, which is also having a positive knock-on effect with the regional economy as it buys around 90 dozen eggs and 100 kg of flour from local suppliers.

The team also made well over 1,000 mince pies in the run-up to Christmas.

Now, Keira is looking ahead to a positive 2025 with plans to stage baking classes at venues that sell her cakes and pastries. She also has an eye on opening a shop to sell direct to the public.

Keira said the growth has all been made possible by the support she received.

She said: “Working with Saffron has made me think differently about the business and has helped us to develop so many new ideas to move forward in a positive way.

“I received help through the Chamber during Covid and so got back in touch to see if there was any support I could access because I wasn’t sure what to do next.

“It’s the best phone call I could have made because the support has been invaluable and has really given me the confidence to take the business to the next level.

“For example, Saffron has encouraged me to set aside time for marketing and to plan what I am doing. I’ve made sure I’ve stuck to this and we are seeing the benefits of that.

“Now, we’ve got some really exciting plans for 2025 and we can see a real opportunity for growth.”

Saffron said Keira had embraced the support and was reaping the rewards for that.

She said: “It has been great to see the impact the help has had. Keira is an amazing pastry chef and has developed a great team around her and everyone who sees and tastes their products come back wanting more.

“The support we offered helped the business to focus on areas such as marketing and finance which are crucial when you are looking to grow. Keira took everything on board and has stuck to it, which has led to growth already with the potential for more in the future.”

Councillor Martin Watson, portfolio holder for Economy at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Business Growth Warwickshire supports businesses with bespoke guidance and information to help them reach their goals.

“It is great to see the impact of the support provided to Pinwheel Patisserie. Following the one-to-one support Kiera has developed marketing plans allowing her to generate new ideas and business opportunities to create continued business growth.”

Cllr George Cowcher, Deputy Leader of Stratford on Avon District Council and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: “It is great to see another successful company developing in Stratford District. Their products are excellent, and I have sampled them at Compton Verney!”

The Business, Resilience and Growth Programme is part funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (via Warwickshire’s five District and Borough Councils) and Warwickshire County Council. To find out more about the programme and your businesses eligibility please go to https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/business-support/business-resilience-and-growth/

Rebecca Corr (Warwickshire County Council), Keira Roe, Trixie Roe, Saffron Medway (Chamber), Anne Solomon (Stratford District Council)

A change of Managing Partner at Dafferns

A new era begins for Dafferns in January 2025 as Martin Gibbs, the firm’s Managing Partner for the last 17 years steps aside to pass the baton to Brian Jukes and Geoffrey Cox

Joint Managing Partners

Brian Jukes and Geoffrey Cox take over as Dafferns new Joint Managing Partners, with Geoffrey focussing on internal practice management, finance, systems and compliance and Brian focussing on the external, public and client facing side of the role.

Brian Jukes

Brian Jukes, is a hugely experienced trusted adviser to clients and the Head of Corporate Tax, with extensive experience in cross border taxes, R&D tax credits, corporate finance and business valuations. Hugely respected as a tax advisor, Brian has deep connections with AGN International member firms around the world, helping Dafferns clients do business worldwide.

"There is, and always has been, something about the ethos of Dafferns that engenders deep loyalty to the firm. I am very proud to have been a part of maintaining that culture over the past 20+ years and welcome the opportunity to pick up where Martin has left off to lead the firm forward with that same strong sense of community. In a turbulent world we need stability, integrity and certainty wherever we can find it and I will be working hard with Geoffrey to ensure that Dafferns remains a supportive, welcoming firm for our staff and a valuable, trusted resource for our clients."

Geoffrey Cox

Brian Jukes – Joint Managing Partner

Geoffrey Cox, brings a wealth of experience as Head of Audit and a specialist in charities and not for profit organisations. He has a passion for developing new practical processes and procedures for Dafferns and clients, leveraging cloud technology.

"Having been with Dafferns all my working life, that is 30 years, I have a deep passion for what Dafferns stands for, its ethos, and ensuring its continued success and maintaining our exceptional client service."

Geoffrey Cox – Joint Managing Partner

Our new Chairman

Martin Gibbs

After 17 years as Dafferns managing partner, in 2025 Martin has become our new Chairman, supporting Brian and Geoffrey to ensure a smooth succession, assisting with strategic planning, facilitating effective communication and representing the firm.

"I have had the privilege of leading Dafferns as Managing Partner for the last 17 years and have seen huge changes and growth within the firm, including our big office relocation in 2010, our adventures travelling the world with AGN International since 2015, leading the firm through the pandemic and the new business world that emerged post pandemic. Now it is time to pass the baton to Brian and Geoffrey."

Martin Gibbs – Chairman

Accelerate growth with Destination Coventry

Businesses in the tourism, leisure and hospitality sector can accelerate their growth and marketing reach through Destination Coventry’s new partnership initiative.

The new partnership model, launched by the destination management organisation (DMO), will give companies access to a fullsuite of marketing support to provide a boost regionally, nationally and internationally.

Through the new model, businesses and organisations across Coventry and Warwickshire can tap into the DMO’s vast reach, which has seen significant growth over the last three years, and a wide range of other marketing and business development services.

It is forecasted that Destination Coventry’s marketing reach will total more than three and a half million across its print media and digital channels in 2025.

Through its new marketing vehicle, the DMO will be offering a wide range of support for business in leisure and business tourism,

from digital marketing, advertising and branding, to sponsorship, corporate growth support and BID writing.

Destination Coventry is working with businesses and suppliers from across Coventry and Warwickshire to provide specialist services to partners – with businesses able to tap into a range of service levels, from Platinum Impact to Bronze Impact.

The DMO will soon be launching a new suite of websites which are designed and optimised to complement the new model, providing return on investment and access to additional marketing services. It is projected the websites will attract more than one million views next year.

It will be introducing regional marketing opportunities, seasonal promotions and a calendar of breakfast forums to help businesses build new connections.

Destination Coventry, a collaboration between Coventry City Council and Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce,

will also be working with regional partners West Midlands Growth Company to facilitate further growth opportunities for businesses.

Paul McMahon, Managing Director of Destination Coventry, said the new partnership model is designed as a targeted extension for partners’ marketing activity and will enable partners to reach diverse new audiences.

He said: “We will be working with businesses to accelerate their growth through access to specialist and targeted marketing support, and social and corporate engagement.

“To make this support accessible we are launching four levels of packages, which can be flexed depending on the needs of each individual business. Whether it is a regular event listing on our website or full management of digital marketing annually, we are positioned to provide a wide range of support.

“After close consultation with our partners, we have made the decision to enhance our

traditional destination activity and to ensure Destination Coventry is the experts in digital visibility locally, domestically in the UK and internationally for our city, and ensure our partners are positioned directly in the flow of both the business and leisure visitor economy.

“This is a partnership model which is designed as a targeted extension of our partners’ marketing activity, with the aim of increasing referrals and footfall to ultimately drive business growth.

“By working in partnership, we can support the development of businesses in the tourism, leisure and hospitality sector which will, in turn, contribute to driving the continued rise of Coventry.”

Destination Coventry includes consumer facing brands Visit Coventry and Conference Coventry & Warwickshire.

To find out more about Destination Coventry and its new partnership opportunities, visit www.destinationcoventry.co.uk

“To make this support accessible we are launching four levels of packages, which can be flexed depending on the needs of each individual business. Whether it is a regular event listing on our website or full management of digital marketing annually, we are positioned to provide a wide range of support."

Company shows commitment in supporting the armed forces community

Dawn and Peter Quick from No Boundaries Disability Consultancy Ltd have proudly signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

They wanted to show their commitment in supporting the armed forces community, especially after having both served in the Royal Air Force as part of the Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service. Dawn and Peter said that they recognise the value serving personnel, both regular and reservists, veterans and military families contribute towards our country. No Boundaries Disability Consultancy Ltd will endeavour in their business dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.

No Boundaries Disability Consultancy was set up as it was felt that disability awareness still needs more recognition. We are a consultancy advising businesses on disability access and teaching

awareness to increase social value, reputation and revenue. We offer a unique training experience by using interactive and immersive resources from the inclusive design toolkit designed by Cambridge University.

Over 12,000 organisations have signed the Armed Forces Covenant. The AFC is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or have served in HM Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. In December 2024 No Boundaries Disability Consultancy Ltd became the latest organisation in the Coventry and Warwickshire area to sign the Armed Forces Covenant. Managing Director, Dawn Quick, said, “Following our combined service of 26 years in the Royal Air Force, we knew that we had to do something to give back to the Armed Forces community once we had established our company.”

Anna Sedgley to join Royal Shakespeare Company Board

RSC announces that Anna Sedgley will join the RSC’s Board, subject to approval at the Company’s next AGM.

Anna’s most recent executive roles were as Chief Financial Officer at Bauer Media Group where she led portfolio and technology transformations across fifteen markets, and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Dow Jones. Her career spans finance, operations and corporate strategy in the media and business intelligence industries. Anna will join the RSC Risk, Audit and Finance Committee as part of the succession planning for the Committee.

Anna Sedgley said: ‘I'm thrilled to be joining the RSC Board of Trustees and its Risk Audit and Finance Committee. I look forward to collaborating with fellow trustees and the entire RSC community to inspire future generations through the transformative power of Shakespeare's work and the arts.’

RSC Chair, Shriti Vadera added: ‘I am very much looking forward to working with Anna and welcoming her to the RSC’s Board. Her financial and change

management experience will provide great support to the Company as it navigates future changes which are key to the RSC’s ongoing ambition and success’.

During her executive career overseeing financial activities and governance, Anna has focused on leveraging technological advances to create value for customers and transform business processes. Anna is currently a non-executive board member and chair of the audit committee at FiscalNote Inc. She also serves on the board of the global vaccine alliance, GAVI, which helps vaccinate more than half the world’s children against deadly and debilitating infectious diseases, and the board of trustees for the Army Benevolent Fund. Anna also supports Happy Doggo, a social media led charity dedicated to alleviating the suffering of street dogs in Thailand.

Anna graduated from the University of Adelaide, qualified as a chartered accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Warwickshire College Group leaders share expertise in South Africa

Senior leaders at a Midlands college group have been sharing their expertise in developing entrepreneurial students to colleges in South Africa.

WCG (Warwickshire College Group) has been working with the British Council to introduce the T-Shape Entrepreneurial Framework to two colleges in South Africa.

Assistant Principal Mark Bonham, Head of International Ben Fairhurst and International Recruitment Manager Jon Vincent visited Boland College near Cape Town and Motheo College in Free State.

They presented the framework to more than 250 students, 30 staff and 12 senior leaders across the pair of colleges.

The programme has been launched in response to unemployment challenges in South Africa. The framework aims to encourage students to be more entrepreneurial and support in developing essential soft skills to improve employability after leaving college.

It is hoped that students will be inspired to set up their own small businesses and create employment opportunities.

Leaders from WCG will be staying in contact with representatives of the colleges in South Africa and reporting back to the British Council on the success of the initiative.

The college group hopes to maintain and strengthen partnerships with both Boland College and Motheo College as a result of the scheme.

Mark Bonham said: “Unemployment is a major issue currently in South Africa, particularly in rural areas, and education leaders in the country are looking at new methods to help tackle the challenge.

“Our partners at the British Council identified two colleges which were interested in learning more about how we develop programmes at WCG and we flew out to meet them.

“The T-Shape Learner is all about entrepreneurial skills, highlighting to students what they need to thrive in addition to their academic studies. It’s getting learners to think about what skills they have to be successful in work, whether that is proactivity, resilience, listening or creative thinking.

“It was well-received by students, tutors and senior leaders. Tutors could certainly see the benefits and are planning to adopt the framework as part of an add-on to the curriculum. Students were all engaged and participated, it was clear that they understood that a qualification alone isn’t enough to succeed.

“We found it really insightful as well, we learned a lot and it made us think about alternative curriculum for WCG too.”

WCG works closely with the British Council on a range of initiatives. Two years ago, the college welcomed a delegation of 50 education decision makers from all around the world, including from South Africa, to showcase how the college works in partnership with employers to develop technical and vocational education programmes.

Jobs 22 and PET-Xi Training to deliver Destination Work programme across Warwickshire

Jobs 22 has been awarded a new contract by Warwickshire County Council to deliver the Destination Work programme, a targeted initiative supporting economically inactive residents across Nuneaton and Bedworth, Rugby, Warwick, and Stratford-on-Avon council areas.

The programme is commissioned by the Warwickshire Skills Hub, the skills team of Warwickshire County Council, and funded through the UK Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Jobs 22 will act as the prime contractor, overseeing the delivery of services across Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Rugby Borough Council areas, while its delivery partners will manage the other two areas.

PET-Xi Training will be responsible for participants in Warwick District Council area and Coventry and Warwickshire Community Development Agency (CWCDA) will cover Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council area. Together, these partners will offer a range of services, including job clubs, digital skills training, financial literacy and soft skills workshops, all tailored to the needs of residents.

Running from October 2024 to 31 March 2025, Destination Work aims to provide personalised employment support to 172 residents aged between 25 and 67. The programme will assist participants in gaining vital employability skills, boosting confidence and ultimately guiding them towards meaningful employment.

This new programme complements Jobs 22’s ongoing work in the region, including the Restart Scheme, which supports jobseekers in re-entering the workforce. With a shared mission to create a well-skilled population that meets the evolving needs of Warwickshire's economy, Jobs 22 will work closely with the Warwickshire Skills Hub and its local delivery partners to ensure Destination Work offers targeted support to those who need it most.

Samantha Saunders, Regional Operations Manager for Jobs 22, said: "This contract represents a significant step forward in our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities across Warwickshire. We are thrilled to work alongside Warwickshire Skills Hub and our trusted delivery partners to offer personalised support to economically inactive residents and help them move closer to employment."

Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy, Cllr Martin Watson said: "Warwickshire County Council is pleased to partner with Jobs 22 on this important initiative. The Destination Work programme will play a vital role in addressing the needs of our economically inactive residents, providing them with the tools and support they need to move towards employment."

The service is designed for economically inactive residents — individuals not currently seeking work and not claiming benefits related to active job-seeking, such as Employment Support Allowance (ESA) or Income Support (IS). Participants will receive weekly one-to-one guidance, group activities and employability training to address both personal and professional barriers to employment.

For more information on the Destination Work programme, visit: https://jobs-22.co.uk/destination-work.

For information about the Warwickshire Skills Hub, visit: https://skillshub.warwickshire.gov.uk/

Education and Skills

NWSLC offers new short courses to address local skills needs

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) is proud to be part of a transformative initiative to address critical skills gaps identified in the Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs).

Supported by the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF), this initiative aligns with the Government's Skills for Jobs White Paper, which outlines a 10-year vision for improving education and training systems to meet employer demand.

Research from the LSIP highlights employer frustrations, such as a lack of understanding about available training and a perception that colleges don’t understand their business needs.

Through direct engagement with employers and deeper exploration of priority sectors, NWSLC is working to deliver courses that are relevant, accessible and impactful.

As part of this initiative, NWSLC has recently launched several short courses designed to address skill gaps in critical industries:

• Electric Vehicle Essentials: Aimed at technicians transitioning from internal combustion engines to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), this course focuses on electronics, electrical circuitry and key ZEV components.

• Automated AI & Robotics: A three-day programme for technicians and operational staff to develop skills in robotics and automation, staying ahead in this rapidly evolving field.

• Navigating AI in Business: A comprehensive introduction to generative AI, focusing on real-world applications to streamline processes and solve business challenges.

Through initiatives like LSIF and LSIP, NWSLC aims to redefine the relationship between education and industry, driving long-term economic growth and community prosperity.

For more information about these courses, contact be@nwslc.ac.uk

Shape your workforce, invest in your future

Whether you’re seeking fresh talent or aiming to upskill your existing team, apprenticeships provide a cost-effective, flexible way to build a workforce tailored to your needs.

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) empowers businesses to harness the full potential of apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships combine practical, on-the-job training with structured education, enabling apprentices to develop the specific skills your business requires. They help bridge critical skills gaps, reduce recruitment costs, and foster employee loyalty by creating a pipeline of skilled professionals aligned with your goals and culture.

The benefits go beyond filling immediate vacancies. Employers can access funding support through the Apprenticeship Levy and the Education and Skills Funding Agency, making the process even more affordable. With programmes spanning industries such as engineering, marketing and human resources, NWSLC’s apprenticeships are designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s business landscape.

NWSLC provides an industry-led curriculum, state-of-theart facilities, and expert trainers. They integrate cuttingedge practices, from robotics to sustainability, into their programmes, ensuring apprentices are job-ready from day one. Additionally, employers gain access to a pool of pre-screened candidates eager to embark on their apprenticeship journey. Contact be@nwslc.ac.uk to find out more.

"Apprenticeships combine practical, on-the-job training with structured education, enabling apprentices to develop the specific skills your business requires."

Enjoy an Open Day at Hatton Locks in February

Hatton Locks, the iconic set of canal locks in Warwickshire, are holding an extraordinary Open Days event this February.

Hosted by the Canal & River Trust charity, the week-long event offers a rare glimpse into the fascinating inner workings of canal lock repairs and maintenance.

The event begins with exclusive Open Days from Monday 10 to Friday 14 February, designed for schools. These visits provide an unparalleled opportunity for young people to explore the intricate process of dewatering a canal and witness the essential repairs that keep Hatton Locks running smoothly. Whether you are a student eager to learn, a history enthusiast, a teacher planning your next outing, or simply curious about the canal's operations, this is an experience not to be missed. There will also be an Open Weekend for the public on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February, where visitors can explore a host of activities and attractions.

Highlights include:

• Special sessions with experts: Timed sessions in the conservatory/hub led by passionate volunteers, including published author Sue Law, a talented canal artist, engaging waterways history talks and waterflow demonstrations.

Let’s Fish Angling Competitions: Dive into the joy of fishing with friendly competitions that welcome participants of all ages and skill levels.

• Heritage Work Boat: A star attraction on the Wharf, showcasing the rich history and legacy of canal transportation, offering bookable boat trips.

The Open Days celebrate the heritage and community spirit of Hatton Locks while shining a spotlight on the crucial work of the Canal & River Trust charity. It is also a fantastic chance to learn, connect and enjoy a day out by the water.

Sponsorship opportunities are available to local companies.

For more details and to book a visit: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

LTS Global Solutions moves into ambient food sector after securing AA BRCGS grade

Logistics, transportation and shipping specialists LTS Global Solutions has secured a highly coveted BRCGS AA Grade for Storage and Distribution following a recent audit.

Attaining its AA grade enables the Coleshill-based business to push forward on its plans to expand its presence in the ambient food sector, providing freight, warehousing and distribution services to domestic and international businesses. Designed for logistics operators dealing with food, packaging and consumer products, BRCGS’ Storage and Distribution Standard aims to reflect best practice as well as facilitate a process of well-designed riskbased product safety management systems.

Setting international standards for food safety, the standard serves as evidence that organisations can adhere to regulatory mandates for the safe storage and distribution of food products, ensuring that the quality and safety of food products remains optimal throughout this process.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary last year, this achievement follows a series of positive milestones for LTS Global Solutions.

In 2022, it moved into a brand-new 131,780 sq. ft Prologis site in Hams Hall as a part of ambitious expansion plans. Since the move, the fast expanding business has undergone substantial change, catalysed largely by a major investment programme to drive improvements across every facet of its evolving operation.

Alongside this, it has also devoted significant time and resource into reducing its emissions, having recently been awarded Planet Mark Business Certification in recognition of its commitment to sustainability.

According to Dave Hands, Managing Director at LTS Global Solutions, being awarded a BRCGS AA grade comes at a poignant time for the business. With consumers increasingly turning to more affordable and convenient options due to the cost-of-living crisis as well as shifting habitual buying behaviours, the ambient food market is tipped to achieve significant growth over the coming year.

Dave Hands believes that the company’s pedigree and infrastructure will place it in strong stead to support businesses within the sector.

Dave commented: “For businesses within the ambient food space, maintaining product quality and safety throughout the supply chain is non-negotiable. Securing the AA grade enables us to tangibly demonstrate commitment to the highest standards in food safety, handling, distribution and storage. It gives our clients the confidence that we have the systems and processes in place to protect the integrity of their products while they’re in our care.

“The ambient food sector is a growing market, and we feel that our offering, experience and infrastructure positions us as a reliable logistics partner of choice for businesses both large and small across the industry.

“Our AA grade comes at an exciting time for the business. The recent programme of investment has been made to ensure that we have the infrastructure in place to not only future proof LTS but also support our customers successfully by providing the scalable and efficient logistics solutions that they need to thrive in an ever-competitive marketplace.”

“The ambient food sector is a growing market, and we feel that our offering, experience and infrastructure positions us as a reliable logistics partner of choice for businesses both large and small across the industry."

Steve Harcourt

President of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

Happy New Year to all of our members and partners!

The start of a new year often brings the opportunity for businesses to reflect on their successes and challenges in the previous 12 months, and to pull together the business plans and strategies for the coming year.

In my role as a Director of Prime Accountants Group, I’ve been speaking to many of our clients who echo the sentiments described in the new year message from Chamber Chief Executive, Corin Crane.

Businesses now want certainty, stability and an economic environment in which they can be confident of investment and growth. As a Chamber of Commerce, we’re committed to supporting economic growth in our region and will continue to challenge national, regional and local government to deliver on promises set out in the election campaign last year.

However, we also have reason to celebrate at the start of this year as we head towards the inaugural Coventry & Warwickshire Business and Community Awards, taking place on Thursday 27th March 2025 at the Belgrade Theatre.

These awards recognise the immeasurable impact businesses, community organisations and individuals have in our region – shining a spotlight on the ambition, the innovation, and the dedication that drives our local economy and communities forward.

With nearly 200 entries received across 10 categories, after an independent and impartial judging process, the finalists in each category have now been announced and all that remains is for the winners to be announced at the Awards Celebration Evening.

I would like to thank everyone who submitted an entry in a category, and I wish the very best of luck to all of the finalists. Whatever the result on the night, the Celebration Evening will bring together hundreds of people, from across the region, to celebrate and recognise the amazing region we’re all proud to call home.

As always, if there is anything the Chamber of Commerce can do to support your business, please do get in touch with the team and I hope to see many of you at the Awards Celebration Evening in March!

Steve

Commercial property contractor makes new hires

Midlands-based commercial design, build and fit out contractor, McCarthys has made new hires to support its ongoing growth.

This marks an increase in McCarthys’ permanent employee count of more than 30 per cent, as the business welcomes a Senior Business Development Manager, Contracts Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Assistant Accountant, as well as a Project Administrator, and Marketing Administrator.

Alison Biott has been appointed as Senior Business Development Manager to identify new market opportunities, cultivate high value partnerships and drive sales initiatives across the business. She brings more than 15 years’ experience across property, legal and accountancy sectors, having worked for Rider Levett Bucknall and Shakespeare Martineau.

Also joining McCarthys is Darren Williams, as Contracts Manager, who brings 42 years of industry experience, with more than two

decades in management. He has an extensive background managing new builds and large refurbishments worth between £1 million and £25 million.

Experienced Quantity Surveyor, Jack Newbold-Yates also joins the team, alongside Shah Vasta as Assistant Accountant. With a background in purchasing and furniture refits, Jo-Ann Mead joins as Project Administrator, and recent graduate Olivia Owen has been appointed Marketing Administrator.

Steven McCarthy, Managing Director at McCarthys, said: “Following a period of growth and in response to the demands of our developing client portfolio, we’ve expanded our team of talented individuals. We’re incredibly excited for the future with a workforce that is well placed to support new opportunities.”

McCarthys has worked with several highprofile clients including SEGA, BMet College, the Ministry of Justice, Air Liquide, Rolls

New appointment at Johnsons & Whittles Coaches

Johnsons & Whittles Coaches has appointed Ashley Brown as its new General Manager.

Ashley, who has dedicated over seven years to the company across two key periods, brings a wealth of industry experience and a deep commitment to operational excellence.

Having started his journey with Johnsons Coaches as a coach driver, Ashley progressed to Head of Operations, where he led initiatives that significantly enhanced performance and operational efficiency.

After a thorough recruitment process led by The Coach Travel Group, which considered both internal and external candidates, Ashley’s promotion reflects the company’s commitment to recognising and nurturing talent from within. His leadership has been instrumental in transforming Johnsons Coaches’ operations, making him the ideal choice to lead the company into the future.

Ashley said: "I am thrilled and deeply honoured to take on the role of General Manager at Johnsons Coaches. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, thanks to the

WOMAG appoints new Sales Director, Mark Clifford

WOMAG has appointed a new Sales Director to help drive further business growth.

Mark Clifford joins WOMAG as the experts in weighing equipment target opportunities in several existing and new markets.

With more than 25 years’ experience in business development and sales leadership within the weighing industry, particularly the food and beverage sector, Mark has successfully delivered customer-centric strategies which have driven revenue growth.

In addition, Mark was a former Board Director of the UK Weighing Federation, an industry body which aims to promote and improve understanding of modern weighing technology.

“I am thrilled to join WOMAG at such an exciting time,” said Mark.

“The company’s reputation for quality, customer service and cutting-edge solutions is unmatched, and I look forward to working

closely with our talented team to accelerate growth and deliver exceptional value to our customers.”

Mark will oversee the company’s sales operations, with a focus on expanding market share, strengthening customer relationships and spearheading new business initiatives.

“Mark’s deep industry knowledge and passion for customer success make him the ideal leader to drive our sales strategy. We are confident that his vision and expertise will play a pivotal role in helping shape the future of WOMAG as we continue to innovate and grow,” said Daniel Egan-Sheath, Managing Director at WOMAG.

WOMAG provides cutting-edge products and services tailored to a wide range of challenges and industries in the UK and worldwide including food production, automotive, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, logistics, motorsport and more. They are also members of the UK Weighing Federation and

dedication and talent of our team. I’m excited to lead us into this next chapter, where we’ll build on our strong traditions, discover new ways to deliver excellence to our passengers, and create meaningful opportunities for everyone to thrive.”

Tom Stables, CEO of The Coach Travel Group, said: “Ashley is a great example of homegrown talent. The Coach Travel Group's people are our greatest asset, and we will invest in developing talent to deliver on our commitment to high-quality and professional coach travel. Ashley brings to Johnsons a calm focus on quality and has made great strides in leading both Operations and Engineering. He has significant prior experience as a General Manager, growing a coach business prior to rejoining Johnsons two years ago.”

accredited by quality management systems such as UKAS 17025:2017.

“By expanding our leadership team, WOMAG is well-positioned to build on its strong momentum and explore new opportunities across industries, including pharmaceuticals and food. With Mark’s help, we hope to use our innovative weighing technology to enable even more industries to gain accuracy, reliability and efficiency,” added Daniel.

More information about WOMAG can be found at: https://www.womag.co.uk/

Movers & Shakers

Fellowships awarded to two leading business figures

A university centre has recognised two leading business figures in the Midlands with fellowships.

Warwickshire College and University Centre (WCUC) has awarded fellowships to Louise Bennett OBE and Colin Hooper.

WCUC is the Higher Education arm of college group WCG, which includes Royal Leamington Spa College, Warwick Trident College, Moreton Morrell College, Rugby College, Pershore College and Evesham New College.

Fellowships are awarded by the university centre in recognition of external achievements and for contributions made to the college over extended periods of time. They are recognised as ambassadors for the institution.

Louise Bennett, former CEO of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, is the Vice Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands.

She has held the position of President for WCG for the past two years and worked closely with the college group for nearly 20 years during her time at the Chamber of Commerce.

Louise said: “I’m flattered to have been awarded a fellowship and this will allow me to continue to be an ambassador for the college in an official capacity.

“I have had a strong relationship with the college group for more than two decades and I will continue to campaign for further investment in skills and training as a Fellow.”

Colin Hooper, formerly Estates Director at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, is a Chartered Surveyor with more than 45 years’ experience in property management, development and master planning.

He was a member of the Board of Governors for WCG from 2018 to 2024 and also sat on the advisory board for Moreton Morrell College.

Colin said: “It’s a great honour and really unexpected. When I started out volunteering to support the college, I didn’t expect to be given an accolade such as this.

“I’ve brought my property expertise to the board over the last six years and through being a Fellow will be able to continue advising on those matters where required.”

The fellowships were awarded in a ceremony at St Mary’s Church in Warwick, which saw students graduating from across the university centre.

WCG CEO and Principal Sara-Jane Watkins added: “Our Fellows uphold the standards and values of the group and are recognised ambassadors, representing the college group locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

“A fellowship is the highest accolade that we can present at a college group and university centre.

“We are delighted to be welcoming Louise and Colin to our group of fellows. They have both had a significant positive impact on the college group for many years and their experience will be valuable as we continue to drive the institution forward.”

“Our Fellows uphold the standards and values of the group and are recognised ambassadors, representing the college group locally, regionally, nationally and internationally."

Leamington lawyer wins Lawyer of the Year award

A Leamington lawyer has been presented with the highest accolade at a top regional awards ceremony in recognition of her professional excellence and commitment to supporting others.

Katie Alsop, Partner and Head of Disputes at Wright Hassall, was named Lawyer of the Year at the Warwickshire Law Society Awards at Nailcote Hall, in Berkswell.

The awards are held annually and recognise excellence across the region’s legal sector.

Katie joined Wright Hassall in 2004 as a Junior Secretary and studied part-time at Coventry University in the evenings to obtain her law degree. She has since progressed to Partner in the Contentious Probate Team, now specialising in contested agricultural estates and Practice Lead for the Disputes Group, overseeing all disputes teams and their business development. She is also a fully qualified member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists.

Katie was presented with the Lawyer of the Year award as a result of her excellent attitude to supporting and mentoring more

junior members of staff within their practice, shaped by her own experiences of moving from a junior role to Partner within Wright Hassall.

Katie said: “I am extremely proud to have received this award, and I couldn’t have done it without the support of my colleagues throughout the years. I am very passionate about my work, nurturing young talent and sharing knowledge to help the next generation grow, and it is wonderful to receive this recognition from the society.”

The Warwickshire Law Society was established in 1914 and represents more than 750 solicitors, trainee solicitors and legal executives in Coventry and Warwickshire.

Robert Lee, Corporate Partner at Wright Hassall, is the current President of the society.

More than £1,700 was raised at the awards evening for his chosen charity Young People First, based in Leamington, which provides support to some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people living in Warwickshire.

Robert said: “I would like to congratulate Katie and all of the other award winners at a fantastic celebration of the legal talent across our region.

“The event was once again a great success, with around 200 people in attendance, demonstrating the strength of the Warwickshire Law Society. We were also pleased to welcome the Presidents of Birmingham, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire to the event.

“It was wonderful to hear from Young People First Managing Director Jo Squires and raise more than £1,700 for the charity on the evening, bringing the total raised during my two-year tenure as President to around £6,000.

“This was my final awards evening before I hand over to the next President in February, and it has been an incredibly enjoyable two years. We are one of the UK’s leading regional law societies, and I am incredibly proud to be part of this.”

Katie Alsop, Partner and Head of Disputes at Wright Hassall, is named Lawyer of the Year at the Warwickshire Law Society Awards.

Business Engage

Cemex UK

Building Materials Manufacturer/ Supplier

01788 517000

https://www.cemex.co.uk/

Members

DH Venues Ltd

Corporate Venue/Hospitality 07736 107770 events@dhvenues.events www.dhvenues.events

Business Global Members

AW Technology Ltd

Fire Alarm Equipment

01455 841116 enquiries@awtechnology.com www.awtechnology.com

CIF Global Ltd

Food Importers & Exporters 07859 288287 info@avinfood.com avinfood.com

Business Connect Members

Anchorstone Organisational Development

Management & Business Consultants 07921 717090

yolanda@anchorstone.co.uk www.anchorstone.co.uk

Blabers Hall Wine Estate

Wines & Spirits 01676 463344 sales@blabershall.co.uk www.blabershall.co.uk

Bragborough Hall Business Centre

Corporate Venue/Hospitality 01788 892000

info@bragboroughhallbusinesscentre.com https://bragboroughhallbusinesscentre.com

Business Doctors Business Consultants 07964 667550 darren.downes@businessdoctors.co.uk www.businessdoctors.co.uk

Coventry Coffee Company Wholesalers 07519 560322

info@coventrycoffeeco.co.uk

https://www.coventrycoffeeco.co.uk/

FD4

Financial Services 07889 645900

sud@fd4.co.uk

https://fd4.co.uk/

Business Talent Members

Brody Coetzee

Hotel Indigo Coventry Hotels 02475 102350 enquiries@coventry.hotelindigo.com https://coventry.hotelindigo.com/

Reed Specialist Recruitment Recruitment Advisers 024 7625 6097 rachel.oldfield@reed.com http://www.reed.co.uk

fortysix ai

Artificial Intelligence (AI) 07897 749526

hello@fortysixai.com www.fortysixai.com

IDataMaze

Artificial Intelligence (AI) 0333 303 4487 commercial@idatamaze.com https://www.idatamaze.com/

Mastergraph Ltd

Printing Services 07480 329033

info@mastergraph.co.uk www.mastergraph.co.uk

MJ Classic Engineering Ltd

Precision Engineers 07933 596136

info@mjclassiceng.co.uk www.mjclassiceng.co.uk

Network International Cargo

Logistics Management 07823 419518

phil.arnold@networkinternationalcargo.com www.nic.ie

Nish Marketing

Marketing Consultants 07713 642739

manisha.patel@nish-marketing.com nish-marketing.com

Procurement Training Ltd

Procurement Agents 07713 647601

Info@findyourikigai.net www.findyourikigai.net

Prune Software

Computer Software 07941 911682 hello@prunesoftware.com prunesoftware.com

Techsol

Digital Transformation 03300 245 447 info@techsol.co.uk www.techsol.co.uk

The Pinwheel Patisserie Ltd

Food Manufacturer 01926 651825

info@thepinwheelpatisserie.co.uk www.thepinwheelpatisserie.co.uk

Traffix Limited

Traffic & Events Management 0800 819 9001

info@traffixuk.com www.traffixuk.com

Warwick District Council

Local Authorities 01926 456760 http://www.warwickdc.gov.uk

omnigo

Free card machines for Chamber Members! Expiry Date: 31/01/2025

BUSINESS CONNECT Members

Wylde Connections Ltd

10% discount for our next PIEMA course!

Expiry Date: 31/01/2025

The Marketing Trainer Free marketing recruitment service

Expiry Date: 31/03/2025

Orange Accountancy Services

25% discount on first year fees! Expiry Date: 31/01/2025

Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa

Sleep, dine & relax with our January Offers! Expiry Date: 31/01/2025

Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Get your 2025 meetings off to a flyer! Expiry Date: 31/03/2025

Coaching 360

Free Sales Masterclass in February! Expiry Date: 05/02/2025

Inspire

10% off your first order over £1000! Expiry Date: 21/02/2025

Soft-Focus Productions Ltd 20% off a Virtual tour or Video production for your business! Expiry Date: 27/02/2025

Want to share your Member Offer?

Email the details and your logo to info@cw-chamber.co.uk

Member Offers are included in our Online Marketplace and shared to over 18,000 followers across social media.

To view these and all of our Member Offers, head to cw-chamber.co.uk/marketplace

MEMBERS EVENTS February - March 2025

Saturday Workshops

with The Percival Guildhouse

The Percival Guildhouse,

St Matthew’s Street, Rugby, CV23 0WS

Date: 01 February 2025

Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm

Foundations for organisation excellence

The Venture Centre, University of Warwick Science Park, Coventry, CV4 7EZ

Date: 06 February 2025

Time: 1.30pm – 4.30pm

Free Sales Masterclass

The Warwickshire Golf Club, Leek Wootton, CV35 7QT

Date: 06 February 2025

Time: 10.00am – 2.00pm

ICAEW Midlands: Career Journey

Wright Hassall, Olympus Avenue, Warwick, CV34 6BF

Date: 06 February 2025

Time: 9.00am – 11.30am

ECD Gin Making Experience

East Chase Distillers, Chase Lane, Kenilworth, CV8 1PR

Date: 08 February 2025

Time: 2.00pm

Psychic Night

Weston Hall Hotel, Mill Lane, Bulkington, CV12 9RU

Date: 09 February 2025

Time: 7.00pm

Mental Health Group Session

Silence of Suicide, Abbey End, Kenilworth, CV8 1QJ

Date: 17 February 2025

Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm

Navigating key performance trends for 2025

Hybrid Event- Online and Dafferns LLP, Binley Business Park, Coventry, CV3 2UB

Date: 25 February 2025

Time: 9.00am – 1.00pm

Songs & Stories

Draper’s Hall, 11 Bayley Lane, Coventry, CV1 5RN

Date: 12 March 2025

Time: 7.30pm

Ends 28 Feb 2025