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News
The Fair Chance
Employer Programme
A leading business organisation in Coventry and Warwickshire is backing a programme to support employers to be more inclusive.
The Fair Chance Employer Programme, launched by the Warwickshire Skills Hubs in November 2021, has been busy running a series of extensive support packages for businesses and those looking for work.
The programme is proving to be popular as it deploys its team of Inclusive specialists to shape support packages for all employers wanting to sign up as a Fair Chance Employer.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is lending its support to the programme and is encouraging businesses to sign up.
Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is one of those great programmes that really is a win-win.
“And there are people across our region who are keen to find employment but may, for a whole myriad of reasons, need some additional support to get into the workplace.
The programme offers employers: * A dedicated Skills Advisor to carve barrier breaking and inclusive roles
* Advice on Salary Support and
Incentive Schemes
* Unique Jobs Board * Funded Recruitment films The programme offers those looking for work: * Employability support * Job and Interview coaching * WCC Training Support Package * Travel Support
If you would like to explore how the Fair Chance Employment Programme can help your business, then please contact the team on skillshub@warwickshire.gov.uk
“This is one of those great programmes that really is a win-win. Businesses across the region are telling us there is a recruitment crisis and that they need people to be able to grow." DECLARATION OF WAR
ON WASTE!
By Graham Freakes hg technology ltd
The war in Ukraine is a cause for concern for all of us running businesses here in the UK. However there is a war we can all fight here - a war against waste. I am continuing my march through the 7 wastes in a relentless battle to eliminate it from your businesses.
To remind you, familiar to all in the automotive sector, the 7 wastes are just as relevant to your business whichever sector it's in – it's all about eliminating anything that doesn't add value from the client perspective.
In the last issue I dealt with Transportation and Inventory. Now for Motion and Waiting.
In contrast to Transport, wasted Motion takes place within the workplace. In manufacturing environments walking between workstations wastes time and shoe leather. Equally, movement of equipment and work in progress around the shop floor is a waste of motion. Eliminating this led to cellular manufacturing where movement is minimised and each workstation is ergonomically optimized.
What relevance is this to your business?
Think of a pub bar – most of these are models of optimized workspaces – glasses and bottles within easy reach, pumps at the optimum height, snacks in boxes on a shelf below the bar, till on shelf behind the bar. Bar staff need minimal motion to fulfil sales. Next time you visit a pub see how much waste of motion you can spot.
While we're at the bar, our next waste is Waiting – waiting to be served is a waste of drinking time but is the same as waiting for any other operation to be performed. Waiting for something to be copied or printed is common in office environments, while waiting for a batch of widgets to be fettled individually is a waste of time for the rest of the batch. Better management of flow – be it batches of one in manufacturing or more staff at the bar - means there is less of the Waiting Waste.
I can assist you identify and interpret these wastes in your business to help you reduce waste and improve productivity and customer value - just contact me.
www.handgtechnology.co.uk
Society celebrates record festive sales
The Heart of England Co-operative Society has once again celebrated a recordbreaking festive sales performance.
The society recorded a sales increase of 6.5 per cent in the four weeks to January 8 – a strong performance amid an ever more challenging market.
Best-selling products in that time included Food to Go, which includes lunchtime meal deals and takeaway coffee. The society recorded a 21 per cent increase on the same period last year and believes that as well as more people returning to work, it is also down to a rise in the number of home-workers taking a break and treating themselves at lunchtime.
Impulse chocolate buys rose by 11.5 per cent. The increase is believed to have been aided by the manufacturers expanding their range of novelty chocolates, such as Malteser reindeer, to give consumers more choice for reasonably priced stocking fillers.
Beers and spirits recorded an 8.0 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, with many people still preferring to drink at home.
The protein category, including turkeys, beef joints and legs of lamb, saw sales increase by 3.0 per cent.
Meanwhile, non-food items – in particular, toys – exceeded society expectations, with Lego and other lower-value toys aimed at people on a budget putting in a strong performance.
Best-performing stores were Wellesbourne near Warwick, and Attleborough in Nuneaton, which each showed significant growth over the period. Rotherham Road in Coventry and New Bilton in Rugby were also among the best-performing stores.
Steve Browne is the general manager of the society’s food division, said: “This Christmas saw another strong festive performance by the society, despite the fact that we’re still in the midst of challenging times.
“COVID continues to create a difficult market with an adverse effect on the supply chain and customer shopping habits, which have become more unpredictable in line with the changing restrictions.”
Rugby First launches new service to cut business costs
Rugby First has launched a free Business Savings Programme to help town centre businesses recover from the pandemic.
The scheme enables businesses to identify where they can save money on core costs such as gas, water, electricity, telecommunications, insurance, pest control and merchant fees. The new service, offered to levy paying town centre businesses, was launched at Rugby Central with Place Support Partnership (PSP).
Jo Kemp, operations director at Rugby First, said: “As we’re all fully aware, it has been extremely difficult and challenging for town centre businesses throughout the pandemic. This free programme has been rolled-out in other areas of the country and proved to be very effective and well received by businesses in those areas, which is why we’re introducing it in Rugby.
“By engaging in the scheme, businesses will not only save money and time but also be able to reduce their carbon footprint and become more environmentally friendly through some of the green supplier options. Over the next few weeks, PSP will be contacting businesses to gauge their interest in getting involved with this free service. From there they’ll work with those businesses to identify ways to save them money and recommend how best to realise those savings. We’d encourage any businesses interested in finding out to get in touch with Rugby First.”
Rishi Sood, managing director of PSP, said: “Due to our collective approach, working with councils, BIDs and trade bodies, we can negotiate better rates and prices for all services that sole traders and SMEs may not be able to achieve or even have the time to address themselves. We’re a one-stop-shop for business services, whether small, medium or large well-established businesses or those just starting a new venture.”
For more information visit www.placesupportpartnership.com and www.rugbyfirst.org.
Rob overcomes social fears
Rob Harrison of Retail Transport Services managed to overcome his fears in the boxing ring once and for all.
He is overcoming a social phobia he lives with on a daily basis to help and inspire others to show there is hope.
Alongside this, it was all being filmed for our entertainment; the BBC documentary aired recently on BBC West Midlands.
Rob Harrison said: “The whole purpose of why I am doing this is to help people who’ve had similar problems in their life. "This is for all of the people struggling with their mental health. You have Covid, Brexit, the Prime Minister allegedly doing things he shouldn't be – I just wanted to do something positive and inspiring.”
The NHS describes social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, as a long-term and overwhelming fear of social situations.
Rob was diagnosed with social phobia in his mid-teens and didn't leave his bedroom for months.
He learned ways to cope with his phobia; he would arrive early to places or establish a routine of what he wanted to do in his head before doing it. This can now be seen on the BBC iPlayer. The programme is called We Are England and his episode is called Fighting my Phobia, which was episode one of the new series.
It’s a real in-depth look at how social phobia can affect your life and how Rob managed to go from the lows of his life to rise to such a momentous occasion.
The price of everything seems to be going up, but in the West Midlands there’s one thing that isn’t – bus tickets.
A National Express day saver still costs £4 - the same as it did in 2014. It still gets you to anywhere in the West Midlands - from Merry Hill to Coventry, as well as out to Cannock and Lichfield; Nuneaton, Rugby and Leamington.
The cost of living has gone up by over 27% since 2014 but savvy travellers can benefit from years of price freezes on the bus – as well as a fares cut from July last year.
If petrol, gas and electricity prices are all hitting record highs, how can a bus company keep its fares so low?
David Bradford, managing director of National Express Bus, said: “Since 2017 we’ve been absolutely determined to keep our bus fares as low as we possibly can. Last year we went further and cut them back to 2014 levels.
“It’s the right thing to do for our customers; we know bus passengers are incredibly smart about value for money. They need to be able to count on us to keep the cost of bus tickets low. We know our low-fare policy is working because since we dropped our prices in July 2021, we’ve seen 6% more passengers on our buses as a result.”
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “We know that the cost of living is a real concern for people across the West Midlands at the moment, and transport is amongst the biggest household costs for families.
“That’s why I’ve been working closely in partnership with National Express to keep bus fares low. Since 2017 prices haven’t risen, and last year we even secured a cut that takes fares back to 2014 levels.”
Partnership helps to boost staff wellbeing
Employment and safety specialist AHR Consultants has teamed up with CiC Wellbeing, which has inspired a focus on health and wellbeing across all areas of the organisation.
Alongside its training course for mental health first aid, the Rugbybased consultancy firm has added a market-leading employee assistance programme (EAP) to its growing s ervice offering.
The EAP provides access to a 24/7 support service, where any issue from an employee’s work or home life can be discussed. This covers everything from physical to mental health, with the service accessible via telephone, email, live chat or mobile app.
Employees at AHR Consultants have been making use of the service since its launch, with clients of the company now able to include it within their HR or H&S Retainer Packages. The EAP can also be purchased as a standalone service.
The firm has also participated in National Work Life Week, providing further opportunity to raise awareness of potential health and wellbeing issues. In addition to this, AHR Consultants recently delivered a free webinar on supporting health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Available to re-watch on the AHR Consultants website, the session provided further guidance on recognising potential issues amongst employees, while outlining effective HR procedures for managing them.
Simon Howes, managing director at AHR Consultants, said: “Considering the impact of the pandemic, providing personal support within organisations is arguably more important than ever before.
“We’re proud to make this support accessible through our partnership with CiC Wellbeing, helping employers to maintain a healthy, productive and motivated workforce.”
For more information on providing health and wellbeing support in your organisation, visit www.ahrconsultants.co.uk
fireFLYAI showcases innovation in virtual visit videos
Warwickshire videography firm fireFLYAI has been leading the way in the innovative use of drones since it was formed in 2015.
Working closely with Culture Coventry, the company recently delivered a series of ‘virtual visit’ videos using small FPV (first person view) drones to bring the exhibits to viewers in a new and engaging way.
Videos highlighting Coventry Transport Museum, The Herbert Art Gallery and Lunt Roman Fort have caught the attention of online visitors. The fluid and dynamic flights are crafted from a single continuous take and have allowed each of these landmark venues to be explored and promoted.
The most recent commission to produce a video showcasing the world-renowned Turner Prize exhibit at The Herbert Art Gallery presented some interesting challenges given the high-profile and delicate nature of the exhibits. See the final video here: https://vimeo.com/638023024
Joy Corcec of Culture Coventry said: “The fireFLYAI team have made it possible for visitors to see Culture Coventry’s offer from a completely new angle and supported us in bringing permanent sites and exhibitions to life online. This included Roman re-enactments, close-ups of memorable vehicles and the promotion of internationally acclaimed exhibitions, such as Turner Prize 2021.
“No matter what was thrown at them – including pitch-black corridors and abstract modern art installations – they took it all in their stride and we’re really looking forward to working with them in the future.”
Paul Trainor, director of fireFLYAI, said: “Flying in these environments is always a challenge. Through the use of our designed and built aircraft, an experienced pilot, and our professional risk assessment and planning process, we ensure that every flight is delivered safely with stunning end results.
“FPV flying of this style shows the potential to use drones to highlight venues and any internal space in a new engaging light, capturing locations in a way that traditional filming doesn’t allow.”
For more details visit https://www.fireflyai.com/
Full service law firm Shakespeare Martineau has welcomed new partner Joanna Lee-Mills to head-up its social housing development team.
Joanna, who qualified in 2001, joins the firm following a career break, prior to which she worked at Anthony Collins Solicitors in Birmingham as departmental manager for the built environment team. Joanna’s expertise encompasses complex housing acquisitions and disposals, and she has a breadth of experience in larger scale projects including stock rationalisation transactions, stock swaps and transfers.
Having led property teams in delivering projects within strict budgets and timescales, Joanna also has a keen interest in value-added services, having often been the primary interface on multi-disciplinary projects involving cross-departmental working.
Joanna said: “I’m delighted to be joining Shakespeare Martineau and extremely excited to be part of its vision, particularly at a time when the legal sector is having to adapt strategically and intuitively to the ever-changing landscapes perpetuated by the pandemic and its resulting challenges.
“At Shakespeare Martineau, there’s incredible strength and breadth of expertise spanning all office hubs and associated intermediaries, with a real focus on finding new ways to work collaboratively with clients to meet actual and aspirational objectives.”
Joanna will be primarily based at the firm’s Birmingham hub but will be working with clients nationally. As part of her role, she will be drawing from her experience acting for private developers, corporate occupiers and the public and third sectors to provide advice and support to registered provider clients on the broad spectrum of real estate issues that are often a necessary part of the landscape relating to the acquisition, sale and development of housing stock.
Joanna’s appointment is the latest in a string of new partner hires as part of the firm’s growth strategy, which includes broadening its footprint in the north and south of the country.
Coventry Building Society Arena teams up with creative experiences agency
Coventry Building Society Arena has partnered with an innovative creative experiences agency to improve and expand the service it can offer to event organisers.
The multi-year deal with production agency PYTCH is part of the agency’s national expansion and is the first time it has worked with a stadium in this capacity.
PYTCH specialises in ground-breaking live events, media, AV, broadcasting, digital content and mixed reality – and through Coventry Building Society Arena will be working directly with events taking place at the venue.
The new partnership will enable the arena to deliver high-level and innovative hybrid events while improving the customer experience of delegates and visitors attending physical events.
This ranges from traditional AV and lighting services to live-streaming and VR avatar-based experiences.
PYTCH has three of its own broadcast television studios in Bristol which it uses to produce virtual events. It also has a technology package which enables easybuild temporary live broadcast studios from the show floor at conferences, exhibitions and other events in the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Through the partnership, the arena aims to expand the reach of events it hosts at the venue. Delegates and presenters will easily be able to dial-in virtually to speak with those attending the event physically.
Paul Michael, commercial director at Coventry Building Society Arena, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with PYTCH and this new partnership is the latest in a long line of exciting developments at the arena.
“This deal will expand what we can offer to event organisers and will further establish our venue as a leader in the sector.”
Jordan Tomkins, managing director of PYTCH, added: “We’re incredibly excited about this partnership. We’ve always felt that there is a huge opportunity for venues to offer innovative and creative solutions to clients over and above the standard audio-visual offering, and we’re glad to have found that Coventry Building Society Arena shares our vision.”
Sandell celebrates landmark year
Nissar Khan, Andrew Stanier, Adrian Stanier (all Sandell) with Alex Kerr (Chamber)
A Warwickshire company is celebrating its 50th anniversary in business – and is forecasting significant growth for the coming financial year.
Sandell, which is based at Tachbrook Park in Leamington is a fit-out and refurbishment specialist across a range of sectors – from commercial and industrial premises to motor dealerships and hospitality.
The company was established in 1972 by Robin Sandell, focusing mainly on installation of ceilings and partitions within commercial premises, before current owners Adrian and Andrew Stanier purchased the business in 2004.
Growth was kerbed by the Covid-19 pandemic, with many organisations forced to work from home meaning some put development plans on hold.
As restrictions have eased, the company – a long-standing member of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce – has seen enquiries and work levels rising again.
Sandell is now anticipating its 2022/23 turnover to be 20 per cent up on the year before the pandemic hit and is recruiting once again to meet demand.
Adrian Stanier, managing director of Sandell, said: “Enquiry levels are starting to return strongly and we are feeling very positive about the future.
“This latest financial year will still feel the effects of the Covid-19 restrictions but all the indications are that the next 12 months are going to be the strongest for a number of years and significantly ahead of the final year before the pandemic hit.
“The business has evolved over the past 50 years and has grown from its specialism of the installation of suspended ceilings and demountable partitioning systems to offering a range of services and working on behalf of a whole host of clients, across many sectors. It now offers a full turn-key solution.
“We now have 22 members of the team and we are looking to add to that over the coming months to ensure we make the most of the growth potential on the back of restrictions lifting.
“It has been great to carry out work across our region recently, including refurbishment projects at the Bullring, Birmingham; Motor Dealerships in Tamworth, Solihull and Erdington and a number of large Industrial units.
“That said, we are very much a national company and work across the whole country on a wide range of projects.”
Alex Kerr, membership adviser at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, paid a visit to the company to check on its plans for growth.
He said: “It’s a great achievement for Sandell to reach 50 years in business and the company continues to go from strength to strength.
“Surviving the last two years has been an achievement in itself for businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire but hopefully now we can see a period of sustained growth.
“We discussed how we can support Sandell in its plans to grow over the coming months and years to build on its half a century in business.”
High Sheriff gives thumbs up to employment support scheme
A scheme which helps prisoners at a Midlands young offenders’ institute to improve their prospects upon their release has been praised by the High Sheriff of the West Midlands.
Louise Bennett OBE DL learned of the success of Inside Job – a collaborative effort between Wolverhampton charity Beating Time and HMYOI Brinsford, to help young offenders find employment upon their release.
Working with local employers, Beating Time liaises with the young men inside the Category B and C institute to identify suitable opportunities. Upon their release they are offered employment, which in turn can improve their mindset and greatly reduce their chance of reoffending and being sent back to jail.
During her visit Louise presented High Sheriff Awards to three key figures who have helped deliver the scheme at HMYOI Brinsford and made it a success.
Jordan Sobalski is one of the two serving prisoners at HMYOI Brinsford who were recruited and trained as internal recruitment agents. The role involves being an advocate for the scheme, explaining the benefits to fellow prisoners, organising interview surgeries and liaising with employers when they visit the prison.
Jordan and his fellow prisoner Jackson are enjoying spiralling success in their roles.
They received their training from Phil Martin, who once ran an in-prison employment desk for 20 months inside HMP Spring Hill and wrote the leading reference book – How to Get a Great Job with a Criminal Record. Beating Time has since paid for copies of the book to be placed inside every prison library.
Along with Jackson, Jordan recruited potential interview candidates to the scheme. Six were offered interviews, five of which were offered jobs on release. This resulted in an increasing number of young men queuing for their help with a view to achieving similar success upon their own release.
Louise said: “Inside Job is a fantastic scheme which really gives these young men the opportunity to turn their lives around.”
National training provider sees rise in applications after website revamp
A national training provider has seen a dramatic rise in the amount of application courses after totally transforming its website thanks to a collaboration with a local web design agency.
PET-Xi, a Coventry-based organisation that specialises in training to support schoolchildren and jobseekers, as well as businesses looking to upskill, reached out to Rugby-based web design agency Oxygen Graphics after identifying a vital need to improve its current website.
Within months, the partnership between the two businesses saw the PET-Xi website develop from an “unresponsive and outdated platform” to a “crisp, modern, engaging and fully-functional design” which successfully engaged with the firm’s target audience.
Speaking about the project, strategic partnerships manager at PET-Xi, Eddie Cottis, said: “We, like many others, had an existing website that was getting tired and didn’t reflect what or how PET-Xi currently delivered.
“We were looking for a site that would be modern, innovative and portray PET-Xi’s commitment quality and flexibility of delivery. We needed a website that matched our reputation, goals and mission.”
Triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, Eddie and the team at PET-Xi recognised the need for a user-friendly website, which better supported the needs for their customers to access online courses.
With the website such a hit, the team at Oxygen Graphics were tasked to create a second platform for Metropolis Bar and Restaurant in Coventry.
Malcolm Freeman, Oxygen Graphics director, said: “It’s always a pleasure to work with locally-based businesses, supporting them to enhance and improve their online presence. What made this partnership such a success was the regular input we received from the team at PET-Xi. While they respected our professional abilities, their constant feedback and involvement meant we were able to create two very different websites that really reflect the individual goals of both PET-Xi and Metropolis.”
