C&W In Business March 2021 by Benham Publishing Limited

Issue 82

March - April 2021

Paul Blore

The cloud that helped weather the storm Page 20

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Foreword Dear Chamber of Commerce Member, It was not long after the Prime Minister’s announcement of a ‘roadmap’ out of Covid-19 (subject to a number of conditions) that we had the Chancellor’s Budget Statement which has been broadly welcomed by local businesses. All credit to our British Chambers of Commerce, working on behalf of UK accredited Chambers of Commerce and you, our Members, for achieving some significant lobbying ‘wins’ in the Chancellor’s Budget, not least the further extension of the job retention scheme (furlough) until September, a £5bn fund to support the hardest hit sector of the economy (devastated by Covid-19), hospitality, tourism and leisure, a new Recovery Loan programme, continued business rates discounts and holidays, the doubling of the incentive for employers to take-on apprenticeships and more.

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

Whilst no business, or individual, wants to see tax hikes and hits, I believe we all have an expectation that, at some point, we have to pay-back the debt in the economy, created by Covid-19, but it was helpful that such plans were not in-year and businesses have been given time to plan for any increased taxation on their business. For Coventry and Warwickshire, it was very welcome to hear the news that Nuneaton would receive circa £24 million in contribution to a £140m package of investments that will regenerate the town and local infrastructure. The Chamber President, Tom Mongan, and our North Warwickshire Branch has stayed close to the ‘Transforming Nuneaton’ project and worked hard to support and influence those in local and national Government, so we were delighted with this announcement. There were, as always, gaps in the Chancellor’s Budgetary announcements and, for me, I was disappointed that we did not hear (and have not heard yet) that the proposed new Gigafactory is coming to Coventry and Warwickshire, so we continue to nervously wait for news of this desired investment (and creation of jobs), an investment which, in my view, belongs here as it would sit alongside some amazing sub-regional assets such as Warwick Manufacturing Group, HoribaMIRA and the Manufacturing Technology Centre and also a leading-edge business base already working in the space of autonomous vehicles, new battery technologies, electrification and decarbonisation. Your Chamber of Commerce has continued to remain open for your business throughout the pandemic and, indeed, we have seen a tripling of Members and clients joining our online ChamberLIVE programme, networks, roundtables, and #PolicyHour events. One of my highlights of early March was International Women’s Day (8th March) where many of us celebrated and highlighted women leaders in business and our communities. I particularly enjoyed a network organised by Chenine Bhathena,

Creative Director of the Coventry City of Culture Trust, where we explored how the arts, creative and digital space has become a home for many women in business, but there is still much to do to level the playing field for women entrepreneurs and women in business in, and across, all sectors and industries. I am delighted to be one of the Mentors in the Chamber’s own 21in21 Mentor Programme for young women leaders and I was very flattered and proud to be identified, by BusinessLive (Reach Plc), as one of their 46 inspirational women leaders across the UK. As the UK economy begins to open-up, this year, there is much to do in business and, indeed, the wider economy. The pandemic, like any crisis, continues to teach us lessons around resilience, not least cash-is-king, diversification of our businesses and retaining that all-important connectivity with customers, prospective customers, suppliers and stakeholders. In Coventry and Warwickshire, I have seen an amazing joined-up approach in ensuring grants and business support are speedily accessible to local businesses alongside the work of our Public Health Teams (within Local Authorities) to engage, through your Chamber and others, with businesses on the issue of being Covid-19 safe, workplace testing and updates on a highly successful vaccination roll-out in our locality. The end of March will see the collective power of the West Midlands Chamber Network coming together for our inaugural West Midlands Business Week & Virtual Expo. Taking place from 22nd - 26th March, over the course of 5 days over 250 businesses will man their virtual stands with thousands of visitors attending from across the region. Each day will have a regional focus with Coventry & Warwickshire being in the spotlight on Thursday 25th March. I would urge you to register now to attend as a visitor for fantastic opportunities to view our exhibiting companies, connect with new businesses, and join sessions in our Virtual Seminar Room. For more information on how to register, speak to our Events Team or email events@cw-chamber.co.uk. There are still huge challenges out there for many of our businesses, the impact of the pandemic, trading with the EU, and generally opening-up our markets, once more, in, hopefully, a post-Covid newnorm world. As always, your Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is here to support you, so please do get in touch on 02476 654321 or drop me a line on louiseb@cw-chamber.co.uk. Stay safe. Kind regards, Louise, Mrs L Bennett-Bayliss OBE, DL Chief Executive Chamber of Commerce

Contents March - April 2021 Economy

News

5&7

Events

News

8-9

10 -11

Corporate Profiles 12-13 Chamber Training

News

15-18

Profile

20-21

News

22-23

News

26-28

Around the Region 32-35 Education & Training 36-41 News

President & People 44-45 New Members

Members Offers

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Economy The official publication of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce ••••

CONTACTS At the Chamber News desk Members are encouraged to send any news about their firm - new orders, staff, new products, expansions or relocations for publication in C&W in business. Whilst every effort will be made to publish submitted articles, we cannot guarantee inclusion. Send them to: news@cw-chamber.co.uk Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Chamber House Innovation Village Cheetah Road Coventry CV1 2TL T: 024 76 654321 F: 024 76 450242

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Prompt payment lifeline for smaller businesses The Chamber says the Government’s stricter Prompt Payment Code (PPC) could be a lifeline to smaller firms struggling with cashflow. The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the reforms to PPC designed to ensure that suppliers are paid on time – including slashing the time to pay an invoice to 30 days. The Government says that despite 3,000 businesses being signed up to the code, poor payment practices remain rife and hopes by tighteningit up, it will improve the plight of smaller firms. It adds that Finance Directors or CEOs will be required to take personal responsibility by signing the Code, acknowledging that suppliers can charge interest on late invoices under the Code and that breaches will be investigated.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Cashflow is always a critical issue – particularly for smaller businesses – and the Coronavirus crisis has brought that into even sharper focus over the past 12 months. “By tightening the Prompt Payment Code, and strengthening the case for bigger companies to pay their suppliers within 30 days, this could be a real lifeline to those smaller firms which are desperately trying to get as much cash into the business as possible. “We’d really like this to be the beginning of a culture change that sees prompt payment become standard practice for all businesses because it not only benefits individual firms, it keeps money flowing around the wider economy and increases efficiency. “We would encourage any companies struggling with cashflow to speak to

the team at the Chamber so that we can see what help is available to help them survive the current crisis.” Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “With firms continuing to face major cash flow difficulties, and our research suggesting that late payments have risen during the pandemic, businesses will be encouraged by the launch of a reformed prompt payment code. “The improved code must be the first step in creating a culture of prompt payment where affected firms feel confident to call out bad practices, government uses its convening power to tackle this issue in sectors where it is clear that problems exist, and where there is a clear focus on improving relationships between businesses to address the problem of late payment.”

Little cheer in GDP figures The latest GDP figures show that the economy grew in the final quarter of 2020 by one per cent but, overall, it shrank by 9.9 per cent throughout the year. Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said the focus must remain on helping businesses survive the crisis but also giving them a clear path to reopening the economy. She said: “Despite the avoidance of a second recession in quick succession, the figures make bleak reading – but they will come as no surprise. “This has been the most difficult year any of us can remember with many businesses having to close their doors for significant periods of time and others having to adapt to the changing guidance. “There is no question that businesses still need support to get through the

crisis but it’s vitally important that they also see a roadmap to reopening so that we can start to rebuild our economy.” British Chambers of Commerce Head of Economics, Suren Thiru, said: “The UK economy recorded stronger than expected growth in the final quarter of 2020 as the squeeze on output from the November lockdown was more than offset by a temporary boost from the release of pent-up demand from the subsequent easing in restrictions, increased activity from the coronavirus testing schemes and Brexit stockpiling. “Despite avoiding a double-dip recession, with output still well below pre-pandemic levels amid confirmation that 2020 was a historically bleak year for the UK economy, there is little to cheer in the latest data.   “Modest growth at the end of 2020 is set to be followed by a substantial fall in output in the first quarter of this year as

the current lockdown, the unwinding of Brexit inventories and disruption to UK-EU trade flows combine to suffocate activity. “While the vaccine rollout offers optimism, with the scarring caused by the pandemic likely to crystallise as government support winds down and the prospect of persistent post-Brexit disruption, any recovery may be slower than the Bank of England currently predicts. “The current drip-feed approach to support measures means firms cannot plan for more than a few weeks ahead. It is critical that the government swiftly implements a package of measures that support businesses and the economy for the whole of 2021, including removing the cliff-edges for business rate reliefs, VAT deferrals and furlough.”

Jobless rate highlights economic fall-out of Coronavirus crisis A further rise in unemployment shows that firms will need more help before the Covid-19 crisis is over. The UK’s unemployment rate rose to 5.1 per cent – a five year high – in the three months to December, with 18 to 24-year-olds the hardest hit. Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The rise in unemployment is another indicator of just how difficult this past 12 months have been for businesses and for individuals. “The business support package from Government, particularly furlough, has prevented the unemployment rate being even higher and that’s why it is crucial that the tap isn’t turned off too soon.

“In setting out his roadmap, the Prime Minister said there would be more support for businesses but we don’t know exactly what that is going to look like yet. Businesses need clarity as soon as possible so they know that they are going to be able to survive the next few months and to avoid further job cuts. “Once again, it is our younger generation that has been hit hardest by the latest rise in unemployment and over the coming weeks and months, we have to develop a long-term plan to help our young people come through this crisis with opportunities to fulfil their potential.” British Chambers of Commerce Head of Economics Suren Thiru said: “While the furlough scheme is limiting job losses, the rise in unemployment and decline in employment levels are

further evidence that coronavirus continues to weaken the UK labour market. “With firms facing a renewed cash crisis amid the current lockdown and the prospect of several more months of diminished demand and revenue before many can fully reopen, substantial job losses maybe inevitable if the support schemes wind down as planned. “Although the government’s roadmap provides a way forward, the lack of clarity over the future path of fiscal support has left a damaging cliff edge for jobs and livelihoods. “It is vital that the government support schemes, including furlough and business rates relief, are extended through the summer and wherever possible throughout 2021 to help protect jobs and power the recovery.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Businesses back Chancellor’s budget Business rates review delayed

Business leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire have given a broad welcome to the Chancellor’s budget as he announced initial support to help firms survive the COVID-19 crisis and then invest in an economic recovery. Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivered his budget in three parts, announcing further support measures for businesses and individuals before moving on to how he would fix the UK finances and concluding on how the government intended to build the future economy. The speech was watched by an online panel organised by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, supported by Prime Accountants Group. An extension to furlough until September and new restart grants were announced prior to the budget but were welcomed, while the Chancellor also revealed an extension on who qualified for support under the help for the self-employed. He also announced a new government-backed recovery loan scheme. There were further incentives on offer to take on apprentices, and for businesses to invest through a new ‘super-deduction’ that reduced tax by 130 per cent of the cost over the next two years. The Chancellor also revealed that the business rates holiday would continue until June and that VAT for hospitality firms would remain at five per cent until September. He did reveal, however, that corporation tax would rise to 25% in 2023. There were also announcements around investments in skills, digital

development and a new levelling-up fund for regions to apply for. Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chancellor has clearly heard the calls from our members in Coventry and Warwickshire, and businesses up and down the country, that more help was needed to get through the crisis and then to invest in the recovery and the future. “It was a very upbeat speech, considering the health and economic crisis we have all faced over the past 12 months – one designed to give businesses confidence that they can survive and then grow. “As ever, some of the announcements had already emerged but we certainly welcome the extension to furlough, the new restart grants and many of those policies designed to help support cashflow for those still struggling. “Investment from both the government and businesses is going to play a huge role in getting our economy moving again once we start to open up so it was very welcome to hear the new ‘superdeduction’ on business investment and plans for a levelling-up fund. “Of course, the rise in corporation tax will be highlighted and no business wants to pay more in taxation, but when you take it in the rounds with the support for firms struggling due to the crisis and the incentives to invest, it was almost inevitable. “There will be a long-term issue around tackling government debt but getting businesses and the economy growing again is absolutely vital.

“The devil is always in the detail when it comes to the budget, but it appears the measures within it will play a key role in the recovery. That said, the roadmap out of COVID restrictions and getting the economy to open up once more is even more crucial.” Steve Harcourt of Prime Accountants Group, said: “It was a very supportive budget for businesses and individuals. Hopefully there will be enough in there to see us through getting back to full capacity. “There were positive predictions of getting the economy back to pre-pandemic levels by mid-2022, which is welcome. “There was positive news on taxation for business, including being able to carry back £2 million losses for three years, which will help businesses from a cashflow point of view, as well as the super deduction to help drive investment.”

Call for help from businesses Coventry and Warwickshire firms have called for more assistance from Chancellor Rishi Sunak to help them recover from the coronavirus crisis. Businesses from across the region came together for the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Economic ‘Bring Your Own Breakfast’ event, which was staged online, to analyse the regional economy and the effect the COVID-19 crisis has had. Attendees heard from Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce; Sunny Parekh, economist at Warwickshire County Council; and Steve Harcourt, director at Prime Accountants Group. There were also contributions from other key figures in the regional economy including Nick Abell, chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and Tom Mongan, president of the Chamber. After looking back at the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for the final quarter of 2020 – which had been the most positive since the crisis began – attention turned to how businesses in the region might perform over the next 12 months. Steve Harcourt said: “The Chancellor has already supported businesses with an incredible £330 billion to help firms survive and avoid many more job losses than those we have seen already. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

“The COVID-19 crisis has not only taken its toll when it comes to health, it has had a much bigger economic impact than any of us were predicting this time a year ago. “The roll-out of the vaccine started to see optimism return to some businesses at the end of 2020 – it was the light at the end of the tunnel that we all needed. But we are not out of the woods yet. “Since the final QES of 2020, we’ve moved into another lockdown and the transition period with the EU has come to an end. “It means that businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire – and beyond – are still facing huge uncertainty and are going to need more support.” Louise Bennett added: “It was great to engage with so many businesses from a broad range of sectors at our economic breakfast. We are constantly listening to our members to understand their

ongoing challenges and events such as this give businesses a direct voice to influence our campaigns and lobbying at the highest levels. “It’s clear that good, viable businesses are still going to need help in order to survive the next few months as we hopefully start to return to some kind of normality. “I’d also encourage businesses to make sure they take part in our latest QES because that is another way for us to gain tangible insight into the bigger picture across the region. It also provides us with important data and business sentiment when we are speaking up for companies on our patch to local, regional and national government.”

The latest QES can be completed here: https://link.webropolsurveys. com/Participation/Public/b83c5179e320-4b4c-b1c7-5a9b7b2deac8?displ ayId=Uni2205262

“It’s clear that good, viable businesses are still going to need help in order to survive the next few months as we hopefully start to return to some kind of normality.”

The Chamber has urged the chancellor to extend business rates support for those firms hardest hit by COVID-19 – after announcing a delay to reforming the whole system. The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has, along with the British Chambers of Commerce, championed reforms to the business rates system. But chancellor Rishi Sunak has delayed releasing the findings of review until the autumn, with an interim report being released in March. Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Business rates is an issue that is raised with us by members all of the time and has been in need of review long before the pandemic hit. “As the chancellor will now release the findings of the review in the autumn, it’s vital that businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure are given additional help with business rates to help them with cashflow over the next few months before they can start to grow again.” Suren Thiru, head of economics at British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Delivering fundamental change to this longstanding drag on business has become only more pressing in light of COVID-19. “Delay in reforming a broken system will hamper any recovery by exacerbating business cashflow concerns as part of the fixed cost base that firms can do little to push downward. “The delay in the review underscores the need to urgently extend business rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses and provide rates relief to all firms whose ability to generate revenues are severely impaired by the pandemic.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Turnover record for catering outlets It means the park’s catering operation has recorded its third consecutive year of growth since Coombe Abbey Park – which is the operator of Coombe Abbey Hotel – took over the running of the park’s catering facilities in May 2018.

Catering outlets at a landmark Midlands country park have beaten their own annual turnover record – despite the ongoing challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. Coombe Abbey Country Park’s three catering outlets generated more than £490,000 of income in 2020 compared to £400,000 of income in 2019, despite a two-and-a-half month closure as part of the national lockdown.

Coventry City Council, which owns the freehold of Coombe Country Park, appointed Coombe Abbey Park under a collaborative agreement to develop the commercial potential of the catering outlets within the 500-acre park, which at the time had a sole loss-making cafe. Since then Coombe Abbey Park has rejuvenated the park’s catering offer which has led to the park outlets turning over in excess of £1 million in additional income so far – with around 40% of the park’s 350,000 annual visitors now using its catering facilities. This has included opening two further permanent catering outlets in addition

to the existing cafe at the main visitor centre, including ‘Kiosk in the Park’ at the opposite end of the park selling drinks and sandwiches, as well as a dedicated ice cream kiosk. The council is confident that these facilities have attracted more visitors to the park. In addition, pop up food and beverage offers are now a feature of the park with a pizza bike regularly seen serving freshly made pizzas to visitors. The company has also partnered with the city council’s park team to deliver live events including an outdoor cinema, music concerts and theatre, with a festive light trail called Luminate also planned for later this year. Richard Harrison, managing director at Coombe Abbey Park, said: “A desire to attract our own footfall rather than relying on sunny weather has underpinned our success.”

Coventry firm supports city’s new COVID testing sites A Coventry-based event management specialist has joined the national effort against COVID-19 by committing resource to a new network of lateral flow testing sites across the city. Stadium, which is based on Bodmin Road, Coventry, is providing around 80 of its experienced events staff to help facilitate lateral flow COVID tests for asymptomatic individuals, which produce results after 30 minutes. The new testing sites that Stadium staff will be supporting include Coventry Transport Museum, The Alan Higgs Centre and Moat House Leisure & Neighbourhood Centre, with more sites to follow. Coventry City Council, which is overseeing the running of the sites,

enlisted the support of Stadium to help the sites collectively cater for up to 20,000 lateral flow tests a week. Stadium’s staff will be assisting with the registration of visitors to each site and managing social-ly-distanced queues, as well as guiding individuals through the self-administered test and pro-cessing test results. Scott Metcalfe, managing director at Stadium, said: “We are really proud to be able to play our part in helping the city of Coventry to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. “All of our staff are experienced in safety management and working on large, high-profile events, making them ideally placed to provide the efficiency and attention to detail that the operation of these new testing sites require.

Stadium National operations manager Sam Wilson (front) and his team of supervisors

“Our staff have a crucial role to play in helping the city of Coventry to drive down the COVID infec-tion rate, since the more people that are tested, the higher the chances are that asymptomatic carriers can self-isolate before infecting others. “We’re extremely honoured as a business to be asked to support in this way, and hopefully more testing such as this can have a positive impact on reducing infections while the vaccine continues to be rolled out.”

Local business leaders take stake in Coventry United Ladies FC The three owner-directors of Coventry firm Mirius have confirmed they are to take a 49% stake in Coventry United Ladies Football Club, with the aim of accelerating CULFC’s ambition to turn professional. Steve Quinlan, Darren Langdon and Paul Marsh, who own and run Mirius, a global manufacturer of cleaning and hygiene products, initially chose to support the club via a shirt sponsorship

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arrangement, but once involved in the club took the decision to increase their commitment by taking an ownership stake. The new partnership will see existing CULFC directors, Jason Timms and Marcus Green, retain majority control but the Hycolin team will be closely involved and will utilise their extensive business network and experience for the benefit of the club. The initial investment will be used to help the club bolster the squad in the January transfer window, with the aim of helping the team improve results in the second half of the season and avoid relegation. The club then has its sights firmly set on turning professional in the short to medium term, with the

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MTC apprentice project to aid lockdown learning A team of apprentices at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre has redesigned a DIY hydraulic arm kit so an educational charity can continue to reach schoolchildren despite COVID-19 restrictions preventing school visits. Twelve learners undertook the project for the Imagineering Foundation in partnership with engineering experts from the MTC as part of their MTC apprenticeships level 3 programme. The aim of the project was to redesign the STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) kits’ components, packaging and guidance to enable parents, teachers and schoolchildren to buy the kits from large online retailers. The apprentices worked in small teams to make the kits more environmentally and financially sustainable. They also created

instruction media so the kits could be completed independently, away from the classroom, and without the support of Imagineering staff, as well as marketing material to promote the product. Their final design is now in production so it can be CE marked against the latest criteria. Once certified, the first batch of commercial kits will made available for sale. The project was funded by the MTC and has been so successful that further funding has already been made available for learners in MTC Apprenticeships’ 2020 cohort to develop a second kit. The team is hoping to make the initiative a permanent part of the MTC apprenticeship programme. Senior research engineer, Sarah Heaven, who oversaw the project for the MTC, said: “The apprentices

The DIY hydraulic arm kit redesigned for lockdown learning

brought new ideas to the project that have made the kit more accessible and relevant to our target audience. In particular, their social media and gaming input will increase the product’s accessibility, helping to promote STEM skills and careers throughout the next generation.” Bob Shanks, chairman of Imagineering, said he had been very impressed with the enthusiasm and professionalism of the MTC team and the innovative thinking the apprentices had brought to the project. For more information visit www.the-mtc.org

Warwick site fully occupied

Athena Court at Tachbrook Park

Small businesses are investing in their future and increasing demand for office space in Warwickshire, according to a property expert. Athena Court at Tachbrook Park in Warwick is now completely full after Complete Building Control signed a three-year lease to move into an 840 sq ft premises.

Fourteen employees of the Midlands regional office of the building control business have moved into unit 26. Tony Hargreave, property asset manager at Warwickbased AC Lloyd Commercial, said enquiries from SMEs looking for offices in Warwick and Leamington was high. He said: “It’s been very encouraging to see SMEs

thinking about their longterm future despite all the uncertainty caused by COVID-19 by relocating to larger or smaller offices depending on their requirements and maybe more staff working from home once the lockdown ends. “It emphasises that they are optimistic for their businesses and underlines that Athena Court is a fantastic central location in the heart of the UK. “The market is competitive for office space between 500 sq ft and 1,000 sq ft. There has definitely been an upturn in enquiries following the vaccine announcement and the news that large numbers of people have had their injections.

“Athena Court is now 100 per cent let following Complete Building Control taking up the final unit but we have some more space becoming available shortly at nearby Bishops House for premises ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 sq ft. Interest is strong, which is encouraging.” Pete Hogarth, director at Complete Building Control, which moved almost next door from the Pure Offices site, said: “Complete Building Control opened a regional office here six years ago with a single staff member and there are now 14 of us. “We had kept extending by taking on next-door offices because we have been growing every year. Even last year, we still continued to expand.”

NEAT assists vaccination roll-out National Express Accessible Transport (NEAT) is playing its part in the COVID-19 immunisation programme by taking vulnerable customers to get their vaccinations. NEAT operates the Ring and Ride service on behalf of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM). With many customers staying at home and the number of trips reduced, NEAT is making dedicated vehicles available to take vulnerable customers to their COVID vaccination appointments. Vinay Parmar, managing director at NEAT, said: “The NHS is doing such a fantastic job giving out vaccinations and we want to do all that we can to play our part in the fight against COVID. “We’re always looking at the different ways we can provide support in our communities and I’m proud

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that we’re able to help those who rely on us to get to their vaccination appointments. “Our drivers have completed over 150 vaccination trips already, with many more booked in the coming weeks. And with our strict COVID measures and dedicated vehicles in place, our customers can travel in confidence that we’ll get them there and back safely.” Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “We know that some vulnerable and elderly people are struggling to get to their vaccination appointments, so working with NEAT we have repurposed a number of Ring and Ride services to help address this problem. “We know just how important getting people vaccinated is to bringing the misery of the last year to an end,

Athena Court at Tachbrook Park

which is why we announced earlier this year that we have lifted the 9:30am concessionary travel pass restrictions on buses and trams, meaning anyone who needs to use public transport to get to a vaccination appointment pre-9:30am now has several options to do so.” Ring and Ride is a door-to-door transport service for anyone who lives in the West Midlands and finds it difficult to use conventional public transport. To use the service, customers need to register by phone or online at www.ringandride.org

Has Import/Export Trade Ground to a Halt post Brexit? Dafferns Chartered Accountants, the Coventry and Warwickshire full-service accounting firm approaching their 125th anniversary. Business and international specialists, advising a substantial number of clients with international trade. With the Coronavirus pandemic still ongoing, the UK’s actual exit from the EU has gone under the radar somewhat, but has it really been as painless as the lack of news articles would suggest? Well, we haven’t suddenly stopped being able to buy the things we take for granted as being available, but there is no doubt there have been an awful lot of teething problems. The public face of this is perhaps not being able to get hold of certain fruits or vegetables on a particular visit to the supermarket, but that has become commonplace during the pandemic, so it has largely gone unnoticed. A slight irritation perhaps, but no more than that. For many businesses up and down the country and throughout the EU, the reality is that an awful lot of head scratching and urgent intervention has been required since January 1st in order to keep goods flowing in and out of the country. Necessity is the mother of all invention of course, so whatever was needed, a way has been found to get around the obstacles, but this has certainly not been without pain. I have been fielding many calls over the course of the last three months from clients in desperate need of import VAT/duty advice to keep their purchases flowing in, as well as helping clients to develop efficient processes and structures for handling exports to EU customers. Without this time and effort from all people involved in the logistics of moving goods in and out of the UK, the import/export trade really would have ground to a halt. Whilst you might not have much sympathy for the extra time and effort businesses will have been putting in, there is a real cost to this which will ultimately have to find its way into the prices being paid by consumers. Also, I wonder whether the lifting of Covid restrictions is going to place significant pressure on supply chains when all of that pent up demand is released and that is when the real impact of Brexit will be felt. I suspect we will just shrug it off because we will be so happy to be allowed to socialise again, but once the initial euphoria has passed, what then? There is still much hard work ahead, but I’m sure our capacity for invention will keep the wheels turning. For further information or advice please contact Brian Jukes, on 02476 221 046 or email brian.jukes@dafferns.com Dafferns Chartered Accountants Trusted Advisers since 1896 Authentic, Agile, Connected

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Corporate Profiles

Covid crisis makes health and wellbeing a priority for businesses

James Henson, Managing Director at Health Matters

A Coventry company which provides businesses with a tailored range of employee health benefit packages has experienced growth as firms across the UK and beyond look to prioritise the health and wellbeing of their staff. Health Matters, based at the Cobalt Centre on Middlemarch Industrial Estate, is an employee health and wellbeing intermediary. The firm was already experiencing an increase in conversations with businesses looking to support their staff, but Covid-19 has seen this accelerate further, with many companies now making employee health and wellbeing a key priority. Health Matters offers a range of services to businesses including group medical insurance, group life assurance, group income protection, health cash plans and employee assistance programmes.

It has clients based across the UK and overseas, and supports businesses from all industries. It works with companies to not only implement new benefit packages, but also to appraise what is already in place to ensure that they are applicable to both the employer and employees. The firm is built on five pillars – ‘Make a Difference’ emphasising that each individual at Health Matters has the ability to make a difference, ‘Quality Service’ which ensures the firm only works with the very best, ‘Pure Transparency’ to show the firm has an honest approach with its team and customers, ‘People Focussed’ demonstrating that Health Matters cares about its staff and clients and ‘Forward Thinking’ to show that the firm is at the forefront of the latest developments. James Henson, Managing Director at Health Matters, said: “We offer tailored support to our clients and begin by discussing any existing benefits, looking at how or if they add value to both the employer and employee. “Based on information gained from our initial discussions we then devise a report with recommendations before implementing and managing the schemes should they wish to progress.

“We often engage with companies that have had benefits in place for a number of years. We find that many continue to renew schemes which aren’t necessarily right for the business or don’t meet the needs of their staff. “There are also a vast number of new benefits or enhancements to existing schemes which businesses are not necessarily aware of which for instance not only provide support, but also encourage and reward healthy lifestyles or address topics such as financial wellbeing. “Looking after employee mental health and wellbeing is more important than ever, and at Health Matters we keep abreast of the latest industry developments to ensure we are providing the best service for our clients. “Covid has definitely seen employers focus more on the health and wellbeing of their employees and realise the benefits of looking after their staff.

“While some employees are unable to work from home so are concerned about their health, others are on furlough and some are working from home, potentially juggling home schooling or finding it difficult to switch off at the end of the day – all of which can have a significant impact on mental health. “Because of this we have not only seen our client base grow, we are also more engaged with our existing clients – something which will likely see us expand our team in the second half of the year. “Employees don’t just prioritise pay rises, but want to work for an employer which puts their health and wellbeing first, so I would advise any business, even those with benefits already in place, to see what is available.” Further information about Health Matters is available by visiting https://www.health-matters.co.uk/

“There are also a vast number of new benefits or enhancements to existing schemes which businesses are not necessarily aware of which for instance not only provide support, but also encourage and reward healthy lifestyles or address topics such as financial wellbeing.”

Bright start to the year for Advent Leading PR and communications firm Advent Communications has made a bright start to 2021 despite the continued impact of the Covid pandemic. The firm, which is based in Coventry, has landed several new contracts since the start of 2021 and added a senior member of staff just before the Christmas break. Advent, which was founded in 1998, offers a range of services including public relations, social media, video and photography, case study and ezine production as well as corporate communications strategy and advice, and crisis media handing. It works across a wide range of industries and for private and public sector organisations and has been heavily involved in a series of projects aimed at helping the regional economy weather, and then recover from, the Covid pandemic. Managing director Adam Dent, who founded the company, said the firm had used a host of communications methods to ensure companies and organisations were able to

communicate with customers and their own staff. “I think the pandemic has only served to highlight the importance of communications – both internally and externally,” he said. “Suddenly working from home saw staff separated from colleagues and support networks, and it was vital that they were kept in the communications loop both for their own welfare but also to allow their organisations to successfully manage the huge transition. “Equally, it was important that companies and organisations ensured that there was continuity of service to their customers, and with face-to-face meetings ruled out, that meant flexing and strengthening communications.

“That saw us helping clients with increased social media, case studies, newsletters and videos, and with more input to directors and senior management teams. “That work, which is ongoing, has proved very successful and it has been inspiring to see how clients have responded in such a testing time.” Advent’s new work has come across a variety of sectors including business support, innovation, mental health and education. Adam added: “Like most companies we had to re-adjust the scope of our long-term planning, to firstly concentrate on negotiating the early weeks and months of lockdown and then pushing ahead.

“Our team has responded magnificently to the challenge and, in fact, have strengthened relationships with our clients. We operate very much in a people industry and we are looking forward to getting back into our offices – and no doubt being able to raise a glass together.” Advent has strengthened its team with the appointment of Chris Smith who has joined the company after two years working in media relations for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford-upon-Avon. Prior to that, he spent 20 years in journalism, and has a wealth of contacts in the public and private sector, and at regional, national and international media outlets.

“Suddenly working from home saw staff separated from colleagues and support networks, and it was vital that they were kept in the communications loop both for their own welfare but also to allow their organisations to successfully manage the huge transition.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Corporate Profiles

Village Hotel looking forward to showing off investment

A Coventry hotel which has stayed open throughout the pandemic to provide essential accommodation to key workers has made substantial investments to become Covid-secure and is anticipating a strong recovery when it can re-open to the public. Village Hotel, based at Coventry Business Park, has successfully secured a number of contracts to provide accommodation to key workers and those travelling for business purposes since the lockdown began last March. Although the hotel has only been able to open its bedrooms to key workers for the majority of this period, it has made a considerable investment in PPE to make all of its facilities Covidsecure and has implemented new detailed health and safety systems. The hotel, which opened in 2000, features 146 bedrooms, conference facilities, a bar and grill, on-site Starbucks, VWorks co-working space and leisure facilities including a state-of-the-art gym, fitness studio, 25 metre swimming pool, steam room and sauna. Senior general manager Steve Cresswell said that being a multi-faceted hotel puts it in a strong position when government restrictions are lifted. He said: “We now have a roadmap out of lockdown, and although the government has been clear that they will guided by data, not dates, it is

extremely positive to know more about when restrictions will ease. “If plans stay as they are, leisure and hospitality will see a gradual re-opening and we’re well-prepared to welcome customers right across the business once again. “Not only have we purchased thousands of facemasks for both staff and guests, we’ve invested in protective screens, increased the regularity of cleaning across the whole hotel and its facilities, have implemented very detailed health and safety protocols and are temperature checking staff every day. “Our wide range of facilities means that we appeal to a variety of people, so we would anticipate that our recovery should be quite strong. “Our popular pub and grill serves meals from 7am to 11pm and we also benefit from an on-site Starbucks. “Fitness has become extremely popular during the pandemic, with the lockdown giving people extra downtime to focus on their health. People are also making the

association between fitness and having a greater chance of fighting disease. “Our state-of-the-art gym offers everything under one roof and had around 5,000 members pre-pandemic. “Although people have inevitably taken up new hobbies and found new ways of keeping fit, we would expect that our wide range of classes and facilities such as our 25-metre swimming pool will see people return to the gym when we are able to re-open.” Steve added that the hotel’s VWorks co-working space, which was launched just six months before the first lockdown, could also prove popular as flexible working continues.

“Fitness has become extremely popular during the pandemic, with the lockdown giving people extra downtime to focus on their health. People are also making the association between fitness and having a greater chance of fighting disease.”

He said: “Whether people return to the office or continue to work from home, our VWorks facility offers a flexible co-working space. “We’re hearing of a lot of companies closing offices completely in favour of home working, but this doesn’t always suit employees on a full-time basis. “VWorks can offer a change of scenery or a quiet space to work and has both day rates and membership options which include refreshments, free WiFi, free parking and there are also meeting rooms available to hire.” Despite the current challenging circumstances, Steve concluded that Coventry has a lot to look forward to. “Large-scale conferences and events have been one of those hardest hit by the pandemic, but Coventry has a lot to be excited about as UK City of Culture 2021,” he said. “We, as a city, will be best-placed to host some fantastic events when restrictions ease which will help bring visitors back to Coventry, and there will be elements of this that businesses right across the region will be able to capitalise on.”

IP company aiming for more growth

Intellectual property company Pure Ideas anticipates another year of growth in 2021

An intellectual property company in Stratford which exceeded targets in 2020 is anticipating another year of growth in 2021 as it continues to support businesses across the globe. Pure Ideas, based in Meer Street, is dedicated to reinventing the way that people and businesses protect their ideas, providing expert advice in an accessible way. It achieved steady growth throughout 2020 and is predicting that this trend will continue in 2021 as businesses continue to recognise the importance of IP protection. Pure Ideas is part of a wider group of intellectual property firms and provides a range of services including patents, trademarks,

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and design protection, formalities, ownership management, commercial optimisation, and IP training. The firm works across a range of sectors including engineering, emerging technologies, green technologies, and transport. It has clients based across the world, particularly in the UK and USA, and can provide support for a range of businesses from lone inventors and start-up companies to larger corporations and universities. An area which has seen recent growth is the IP Audit Plus service which gives companies the opportunity to audit their business and receive expert advice on which aspects require IP protection. The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has specific funding available for this service, for qualifying businesses, which keeps the cost to the business of obtaining an audit to a minimum. Katia Douglas, of Pure Ideas, said that although IP can be thought of as being complicated, getting the right information and protection in place can pay dividends for businesses.

Katia said: “Intellectual property can be complex, but we want to make it accessible and easy to understand for our clients. “Our transparency around pricing also means that clients know how much they will be charged for services up front so they can budget for this. “Protecting ideas is integral to all businesses and we strongly believe in helping clients to maximise the commercial value of their IP. We are very fluid in our ability to provide tailored support, giving the right level of service to each client.” Sam Jinks, a Senior Patent Attorney at Pure Ideas, added: “2020 was a

good year, and we saw steady growth despite the pandemic. “IP is key to the success of a business, and innovation needs to be protected. The market is very interesting at the moment, and we are seeing particular growth in green and emerging technologies. “We are predicting that 2021 will be a busy year and we are very excited to join the Chamber as a corporate member. “We already work with a lot of companies across Coventry and Warwickshire, so we are delighted to be part of a network which will enable us to support even more local businesses.”

Further information about Pure Ideas can be found at https://pure-ideas.co.uk/ or by contacting Katia.douglas@pure-ideas.co.uk or Sam.jinks@pure-ideas.co.uk

“Protecting ideas is integral to all businesses and we strongly believe in helping clients to maximise the commercial value of their IP. We are very fluid in our ability to provide tailored support, giving the right level of service to each client.” 13

Chamber Training

Further accountancy apprenticeship success Advice, support and funding for businesses Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training is working in partnership with Tow-Trust Towbars Ltd, a manufacturer of towbars and towing accessories, to provide training solutions to upskill their existing workforce and support the company’s future expansion plans. As one of the largest providers of training and development in Coventry and Warwickshire, Chamber Training has a strong track record in supporting businesses to design the right training solutions. Elaine Miller, a Director at Tow-Trust Towbars Ltd says: “We continuously examine ways to develop our team’s skill set and the introduction of small changes can have a big impact on our company’s progression. We recently turned to Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training and with their advice and support, we were able to access funding for non-accredited training. This has enabled the management team to adopt a strategy for effective time management training, which has proved extremely beneficial.” The first member of the team at Tow-Trust to access the funding for non-accredited training courses was Michael Hill, Office Manager. Commenting on the time management training, which was delivered by Rob McDonald from Chamber Training, Mike said: “After the training sessions with Rob, one of the areas I have organised is my emails as these are one of my main points of contact. I constantly struggle to find historical emails and the training has made a huge difference to how I now work. I now also include time limits when compiling a ‘to do list’ to ensure that the work I set myself each day is achievable. “One of the other main aspects of the training I focus on is when delegating a job, I always ensure to set a time frame. Rob said if you give someone all day to do a job it takes all day if you say I need that back by 1pm, it usually gets done by 1pm. I haven’t yet had a chance to produce my time log however this will be something I will do shortly. Some of the above is common sense, however it is something I wasn’t doing before the training. I have gained practical, real-life results that are certainly helping me in my daily routine.” Natalie Lane, Account Manager at Chamber Training commented: “We look forward to our continued business partnership with Tow-Trust and the opportunity to provide the team with further, beneficial training. Through Skills4Growth, eligible businesses are able to access 50% ESF funding towards non-accredited courses and accredited courses from our main suite www.cw-chambertraining.co.uk “We would urge SMEs to get in touch with us to find out if they are eligible for the funding. Our team will work with you to identify your organisation’s training needs and recommend an appropriate solution, with 50% of the costs being met through Skills4Growth.” To be eligible for Coventry & Warwickshire Skills4Growth, companies must employ a maximum of 249 people operating in sectors including Business & Professional (including accountancy), Health and Social Care, Digital and Creative Industries, IT Services and Retail and based in Coventry & Warwickshire. To find out more about Chamber Training’s accredited and non-accredited training courses and if your company is eligible for Skills 4 Growth ESF funding, please contact Chamber Training’s Business Development Team on 024 7623 1122 or enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training is celebrating another apprenticeship success with accountancy firm, Burgis & Bullock. Cameron Ross has passed his final ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) exams and achieved Chartered Certified accountant status. Cameron is another Apprenticeship advocate after joining Burgis & Bullock aged 20 with no accountancy experience and embarking on an Apprenticeship through Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training. Six years on, he is now based at the firm’s Leamington Spa office as part of the audit and corporate services team. As the leading provider of apprenticeships and business to business training courses in Coventry & Warwickshire, Chamber Training has a strong track record of supporting businesses to design and deliver a plan of learning that meets their specific requirements. Apprenticeships are designed around the needs of employers and enable businesses to grow their own talent and become more productive.

Commenting on Cameron’s success, Kate King, Partner at Burgis & Bullock, added: “We’re all very pleased for Cameron, he is very dedicated and we know how much work he has put in in order to pass his exams. “As a firm we place great importance on developing our staff and giving them opportunities to take on responsibility, and Cameron has taken those opportunities with great success and become a key asset to the corporate services team. “To see a young member of the Team grow from an individual with limited experience to a confident accountant, giving clients great service like Cameron does is fantastic, and is a great example of the firm’s commitment to giving young people opportunities and supporting their development.” Nicky Cheshire, Account Manager at Chamber Training remarked: “Cameron is another example of how Apprenticeships offer a valuable pathway to rewarding careers. We are delighted to have been able to support him in his training and development and wish him every success in his future career development.

Cameron Ross, Burgis & Bullock

“We are currently working with a wide range of accountancy firms to provide a structured pathway to training and developing qualified accountants. If you are looking to recruit an apprentice or train new staff, we welcome your call to discuss the various options available.” To further information about Chamber Training’s Apprenticeship Programme, call 024 7623 1122 or enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk

Apprenticeship success for Direct Air

Lauren Elston, Direct Air

At Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training, we are celebrating Apprenticeship success at Direct Air in Coventry. Lauren Elston started a Level 2 Business Administration Apprenticeship with Chamber Training in October 2019. She chose the Apprenticeship route as it offered a valuable pathway to a rewarding career. After successfully completing her training, she is now a Customer Service Administrator at Direct Air. During her Apprenticeship, Lauren worked closely with Christine Cusick, a Training Advisor/Tutor at Chamber Training who was able to offer her the support and guidance she needed to succeed. Throughout her Apprenticeship Lauren has been praised for the way in which she has handled customers and their enquiries. She has also increased her IT knowledge and experience by

Training Courses 2021

attending Microsoft Excel training courses and embarked on a telephone techniques course through Chamber Training. Commenting on her Apprenticeship training, Lauren Elston said: “I have never known what kind of career I wanted to pursue and I have never really had much of a plan. All I knew was I really enjoyed business. The idea was to attend college, study business and see what would come from that. However, I wasn’t looking forward to it. I decided to go for an Apprenticeship and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. It has offered me a real-world experience rather than spending another two years at school. “I chose Chamber Training because they offer some great Apprenticeships, highly skilled employees and a wide range of great courses. Chamber Training has been massively helpful in growing my communication skills and I am so thankful. I have recommended Apprenticeships to many people and I will continue to do so, because I think it is one of the best ways to go after school. I am so proud of what I have achieved at only 17 and I know wouldn’t feel this way if I made the decision to go to college. “I have a good relationship with my Training Advisor/Tutor Christine Cusick and she is extremely friendly and supportive. Christine was very helpful when I was struggling to get the 20% out-of-office hours towards the end. She sent me multiple resources and helped me understand what kind of learning activities I could add. She has a great

knowledge of business as a whole and I was lucky to also have her support.” Commenting on her continued development and progression within Direct Air, Emma Dolby, Marketing Manager said: “Direct Air really benefitted from Lauren’s learning programme as it has given us the opportunity to develop an Apprentice in line with our way of working and processes. We work closely with Chamber Training to source the most suitable Apprentices for the business. It really helps us to mould the individual right from the start, and know they are achieving a foundation in general business administration. “Lauren quickly adapted to working in a business environment and learning new systems and processes. Also recruiting an Apprentice has ensured we have a team member who is hardworking with time-management and the ability to prioritise. The entire team and I have been so impressed by Lauren’s development throughout her Apprenticeship and can’t wait to see her continue to flourish in her permanent role.” Following the Budget announcements on 3rd March 2021, it is anticipated there will be some exciting apprenticeship incentives for businesses. To discuss how Apprenticeships could benefit your business, contact Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training’s Business Development Team on 024 7623 1122 or enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk

Chamber Member Price + VAT

Non-Member Price + VAT

Duration

Mar 21

Appraising People and Performance Understanding Sales Level 2 Accredited Microsoft Excel - Basic to Intermediate Microsoft Excel - Intermediate to Advanced Professional Telephone Techniques Professional Email Techniques

£220.00 £300.00 £130.00 £130.00 £110.00 £110.00

£245.00 £300.00 £160.00 £160.00 £135.00 £135.00

1 Day 1 Day 1 Day 1 Day Half Day - AM Half Day - PM

ILM Level 2 Accredited Award

£600.00

4 Days

Apr 21

May 21

6 14 12 19 19 20, 27 May & 1, 8 June

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

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Accountants acquire new offices to accommodate growth

From left: Phaedra Elson, Lucy Hawkins, Anne Wordsworth, Amy Gould, Lucy Clayton Photo Credit: Annie Johnston Photography

Rugby-based accountants Cube Accounting has acquired new office premises to accommodate the growing needs of its business. The small business started by Anne Wordsworth in 2013 is thriving and has seen a real period of growth leading up to and during the pandemic, which

has resulted in this move. In addition, there is also a need to recruit two new team members to be able to confidently manage the increased number of new clients. Anne Wordsworth, owner of Cube Accounting, said: “Since starting the business in 2013 and working from my home office, I quite quickly realised that there was a need for a plainspeaking accountancy service that offered a quality service at affordable prices. Small businesses owners in particular that outsource their finance requirements don’t want to be baffled by complicated terminology; they want a straightforward approach that they can understand and in turn better manage their business. “For many business owners the pandemic has resulted in things slowing down and they have had time to review how they operate. Expensive retainer

fees charged by some practices that offer little support in return for, in many cases, simply filing tax returns are no longer considered acceptable. Owners are looking for a more supportive service.” The new premises in Davy Court, Castle Mound Way, Rugby are easily accessible by major road links, offer plenty of parking and can not only accommodate the existing team but are of a size that will meet the continued growth and space requirements predicted by the business over the next three to five years. The move marks an important milestone for Cube Accounting and supports its commitment to staying in Rugby and serving the business community in Warwickshire and the wider Midlands area. For more information visit www.cubeaccounting.co.uk

The ever-changing digital transformation landscape New technology is so exciting. Constant innovation and an upgrade culture have taken its grip. We subscribe to more things than ever before – movies and TV, music, storage, software, hardware and smart phone apps. Not only do we rent apartments, cars and our gym, we now pay an online rental for our daily life. The latest solutions and introduction of high-tech products, superfast broadband and instant content communication is routine. We can look at the roll-out of social media and the change it has brought to marketing and communications and how content is delivered, we can look at latest innovations through automation, digitisation, 3D printing and industry 4.0. However, there is something missing. With clever innovation should come clever communications solutions, but

companies forget this. Are things better or are they just quicker and cheaper? Products are now often almost instantly obsolete, only built to last a limited time, not a lifetime! Customer support is more important then ever, especially with online purchases. We rely on the instruction manual but we also require a drip-feed of content to help us step-by-step. What is needed is excellent after-sales and customer service. These improved services will lead to more effective presales and improvement of our products.

What can make a difference? Product life-cycle specialists now offer extremely cost-effective, clever and innovative e-commerce apps. For instance, Innovadome apps are based on various pre-built, customizable, AI modules, ready to inject into your new app.

Les Ratcliffe MBE TD DL MD at Community Engagement Limited

The objective of this app is to simplify e-commerce development by adding ready-made modules such as registrations, warranty upgrades, a spare parts and accessories catalogue, product documentation, push notifications for content marketing and more. Finally, we have something to match innovation, something that provides a connection directly to your customer’s back pocket!

Society appoints HR specialist

Nicky White

The Heart of England Co-operative Society has appointed Nicky White as human resources manager. Aged 41, Nicky brings a wealth of experience to the position and will oversee the

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roles and responsibilities of the teams within the society’s human resources (HR), training and development and payroll departments. After leaving school in Nuneaton she went straight into employment, working for Boots where she worked her way up, gaining experience in all areas of the business. She started on the shop floor and over a period of 16 years rose through the ranks, becoming store manager and area manager and also working in HR, learning and development and customer services. Nicky went on to work for an occupational skin care and

hand hygiene manufacturer, Deb, which later merged with household cleaning firm SC Johnson. After working in training and HR roles at the company, she spent a year as head of HR at Warwickshire College Group. During her career and while raising her family, the mother-of-four also studied for a degree in HR and went on to complete a master’s degree in 2019. Nicky said: “I was delighted to be offered the position at the Heart of England Cooperative Society as I’m of an age where I’m keen to work for a business that fits with my own values.

“Whilst customers and members come first, the society also operates a culture where its employees are valued. There is a community feel, a family feel, and it’s a business that has been able to enjoy continued growth by placing itself at the heart of its communities.” Nicky said the events of the past year had prompted her to look at employee wellbeing as a priority, building on the society’s progress in this area to date. She is looking to implement an employee assistance programme and an annual wellbeing calendar that will address different topics each month through the company’s intranet.

Breathing new life into fight against COVID-19 Nobody could have predicted what 2020 had in store for us, with COVID-19 creating the largest global pandemic in living memory. The sudden onset of the virus in so many countries put massive pressure on national health systems in every corner of the world and prompted many governments to explore new ways of treating huge volumes of patients outside of traditional hospitals. In England, seven Nightingales were established to create additional capacity in areas that were under significant medical pressures and these impressive facilities were devised and built-in record time. It quickly became apparent that the one thing COVID-19 patients relied heavily on for their care was oxygen and all of these temporary super hospitals needed to create a safe and secure supply. Lawton Tubes’ reputation for supplying medical gas copper pipes saw it quickly approached by the government, NHS and healthcare providers to supply products that would safely transport oxygen to people who needed it most. The family-run engineering company, a copper pipe manufacturer, was open throughout every stage of the pandemic. This meant that it was front and centre in the supply of these vital copper pipes to the Nightingale Hospitals and dozens of other locations across the UK, including nursing homes, pop-up clinics and existing hospitals. Robert Lawton, business development director at Lawton Tubes, said: “I don’t think we’ve ever seen a period like we faced in March. Usual lead times were cut in half even to same-day deliveries, our stock make-up had to change beyond all recognition and staff were asked to work flat out, at weekends and during holidays. “Thankfully, investment in technology and new equipment gave us the agility we needed and our manufacturing processes meant we could move people around the factory to get the most throughput.” Lawton Tubes’ role in the pandemic wasn’t purely restricted to the UK. The firm’s pipes were supplied to 35 different countries including Ghana, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.

News

IWS adapts to new flexible working Integrity Wealth Solutions (IWS) has shown how being a forwardthinking financial advisory firm has helped it adapt to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the first lockdown was announced in March 2020, managing director Martin Lindsey made the decision to allow all of his staff to work from home if they wanted to. He said: “I felt the health and safety of our staff and clients was paramount, so we made the decision to close our office and introduce home-working. At that time, we had one person who continued to work in the office, keeping the IWS cog turning by handling all incoming and outgoing post – even collecting it each day from the sorting office during the first lockdown! The office team has since grown to four people and they share the day-to-day office jobs between them.” The use of up-to-date technology has meant that the remaining staff are able to work effectively from home. IWS is making the most of Microsoft Teams and has been holding all staff and client meetings on Teams since lockdown began. Director of operations Natalie Sheahan said: “We’ve been extremely lucky that we were already using systems that allowed us the flexibility to work from home effectively, meaning we could continue to conduct business as normal, just in a more technical and virtual way. Everyone has really embraced the changes but if clients have been unsure of video calls, we’ve still been able to have teleconferences with them.” The flexibility of working from home and the processes that IWS has in place have encouraged Martin to reduce the company’s office space at Eliot Park Innovation Centre in Nuneaton. He said: “With the introduction of home-working and hot-desking in the office, the last year has shown that we can be a more energyefficient company. Reducing the paper that we use means we need less storage space, which has meant we can reduce the size of our office.”

Voice of business placed at the heart of decision-making over skills The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has welcomed Government plans to put the voice of business at the heart of decision-making when it comes to future skills policy. The Government’s Skills for Jobs White Paper enshrines the Prime Minister’s new Lifetime Skills Guarantee, setting out a blueprint for a post-16 education system that aims to ensure everyone, can gain the skills they need to progress in work at any stage of their lives. Business groups, including Chambers of Commerce, are being asked to work alongside colleges to develop skills plans to meet local training needs. Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We welcome this white paper from the Department for Education and its commitment to listen to the voice of business when it comes to future skills policy. “Firms across our region and, indeed, all over the country are at the coalface on a day-to-day basis and have a clear understanding where there are skills shortages and what is needed to improve productivity. “It’s clear that the future workforce is going to need constant training and upskilling to meet new challenges and, again, we at the Chamber hear direct from businesses on what they and their staff need to have the skills required for the current and future economy.

“Working with our colleagues in education, we are committed to furthering the work around business engagement and aligning the needs of business with the supply of skills.” The white paper includes plans to offer the chance for adults without a full level 3 qualification (A-level equivalent) to gain one from April 2021 for free in a range of sectors including engineering, health and accountancy. Meanwhile, Skills Bootcamps - free, flexible courses of just 12-16 weeks - are giving adults the opportunity to build up sector-specifics kills and fast-track to an interview with a local employer. A Lifelong Loan Entitlement will also make it easier for adults and young people to study more flexibly, which can be used over their lifetime and for modules of a course. BCC Director General Adam Marshall said: “We welcome these ambitious plans to put the skills needs of businesses at the heart of the further education system.

As local business leaders look to rebuild their firms and communities in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, it is essential to ensure that the right skills and training provision is in place to support growth. “Chambers of Commerce can play a leading role in developing local skills plans that reflect the needs of employers in their areas, working closely with colleges, councils and other partners. “Together, we can increase the focus on skills for the workplace - the digital, technical and broader skills that help businesses grow, succeed and create good jobs.   “We look forward to working with the Department for Education, training providers, businesses and other stakeholders across the FE sector to further develop these proposals, making sure more people can train and retrain for new and emerging jobs in their local communities.”

“It’s clear that the future workforce is going to need constant training and upskilling to meet new challenges and, again, we at the Chamber hear direct from businesses on what they and their staff need to have the skills required for the current and future economy.”

Hospice launches Pay for a Day campaign The UK’s only baby-specific hospice is calling on West Midlands businesses to get involved in its Pay for a Day scheme.

care as they wish, whilst having the option to choose the specific day(s) they would like their care to be provided, availability depending.

Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice is launching the scheme at its Coventry hospice, which is encouraging organisations in the West Midlands and across the UK to pledge to pay for a day of care, which currently costs the hospice £3,300.

Once a pledge has been made, the participating organisations will receive a tour of the hospice on the day for which they have donated care, a certificate acknowledging their pledge and a chance to leave a message to the families the charity cares for in a dedicated guest book. They will also benefit from regional and national publicity opportunities; receive mentions on the charity’s social media accounts and will be featured on the Zoë’s Place website.

The campaign comes during the Coventry hospice’s tenth year anniversary, which the charity will be celebrating with a series of events and initiatives. The charity is aiming to secure 100 pledges from organisations by June which, when combined, would fund at least one hundred days of care to the children it looks after throughout 2021 and beyond. Each organisation that gets involved will be able to pay for as many days of

Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice operates three hospices in Coventry, Liverpool and Middlesbrough, and provides palliative, respite and end-of-life

care to babies and infants suffering from life-threatening and life-limiting conditions – in addition to offering support to their families. Ian Carr, head of fundraising at Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice, said: “By pledging to pay for a day of care, businesses will not only be helping the charity to achieve its mission, but also give their own employees something meaningful and exciting to be involved in at a time where motivation, engagement and excitement may be lacking.”

For more information visit https://www.zoes-place.org.uk/coventry/getting_involved/pay_for_a_day.aspx

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

Manufacturer sets sights on growth

Kevin Duffy (left) with Chamber president Tom Mongan

A Coventry manufacturing business has its sights set on growth after facing an uncertain future. Based on Alderman’s Green Industrial Estate, MPL Fabrications is a light sheet metal company working in a range of sectors, making parts for lifts and working on bespoke prototype projects for the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The company, which employs 15 staff, is run by director Kevin Duffy who

has kept the business going as a legacy to his father-in-law, Roy Hill, who started the business 35 years ago but passed away eight years ago.

His successor died last year, leaving Kevin, who had taken early retirement from Jaguar Land Rover, to manage the company. Kevin said: “We are a highend fabrications business – working on everything from one-off prototypes through to batch runs of a few thousand for smaller products such as hinges. “My father-in-law started the company 35 years ago, initially running it as a one-person business but gradually he started to employ people. We’ve got five or six staff for whom this has been their only job, including one who started as an apprentice and is now

“I was told that it might be best to close the business last year but I couldn’t do that. I wanted to keep it going because it is Roy’s legacy and, also, because I wanted to be able to keep the team employed.”

our production manager. “I was told that it might be best to close the business last year but I couldn’t do that. I wanted to keep it going because it is Roy’s legacy and, also, because I wanted to be able to keep the team employed.” Kevin signed the company up to membership of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, which is supporting MPL Fabrications in a range of ways to help it achieve growth. It has put him in contact with a digital marketing company to help grow its customer base with a new brochure and marketing strategy. The Chamber is also assisting with grant funding to improve the firm’s website. On top of that, the MPL Fabrications team is gaining access to Chamber masterclasses and Kevin is receiving advice from Chamber president Tom Mongan.

Online agency opens virtual pub for local firms Warwick-based digital marketing firm Spaghetti Agency is encouraging local businesses to stay visible and connected during lockdown. The agency is offering free daily training and tips in its supportive online Facebook Group, Spaghetti Besties. The company has also set up a virtual pub on a new piece of software so members of the community can meet online every Friday afternoon to chat and informally network without leaving their homes. Anyone in business is welcome

New business gets off to great start after help from the Chamber An automotive and engineering specialist in the world of sales, supply chain management and brand support which launched during the coronavirus pandemic is already seeing huge success. CRMi officially launched in Stratford-upon-Avon in September 2020 with support from the start-up team at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. Already the business is looking to expand and take on more clients. The company, which has more than 45 years’ experience with niche automotive clients, offers a bespoke service with connections and understanding of automotive, aerospace and rail throughout the UK, Europe, USA and Asia Pacific. It offers technical sales and growth strategy support, buying and sourcing services for companies looking to expand or optimise their manufacturing supply chain, and

independent STA services – a rapid, specialist resource support for key business functions in the pursuit of growth. CRMi may have only been trading for a matter of months, but it is already at full capacity with customers – many of whom are bigname brands – and is looking to grow and even take on another employee. Sam Jeffreys, CRMi business director, said: “With two years of careful planning, we have created a firm with a laser focus that can help companies to thrive. We are very much filling a gap in the market

place, which is why we generated so much interest from the beginning. “We are already supporting several companies of varied scale and we are looking to branch out and take the business forward during 2021.” Sam, who is an ex-Tata employee, was provided with start-up support from Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, via the CW Business: Start, Grow and Scale Programme, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Warwickshire County Council and the district & borough councils.

“CRMi may have only been trading for a matter of months, but it is already at full capacity with customers – many of whom are big-name brands – and is looking to grow and even take on another employee.”

The Chamber has a range of start-up workshops to support people to build sustainable businesses. For more information or to book, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/coventry-and-warwickshire-chamber-of-commerce-start-up-support-11874476531

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to join; whether employed, selfemployed or a company director. Co-director Jo Ciriani said: “Many of the people in businesses we speak to are feeling exhausted, as well as anxious about the future. We’re trying to encourage people to make the most of their online presence and come out stronger when things open up.” Co-director and partner Graham Todd added: “Online marketing, including social media, gives businesses the chance to carry on trading. Don’t stop marketing now because what you do online now will be remembered for months to come. We’re here to offer our support with free advice and free networking in our online community.” Specialising in online marketing, content writing and training/ speaking, Spaghetti Agency has grown from two employees with no funding to a team of talented locals who are currently working remotely. To find out more, visit www.spaghettiagency.co.uk

News

Insolvency, you must be busy… Government continues to financially support the majority of those businesses in need. We’ve had grants, loans, rate reliefs, tax deferment plans, the list goes on.

The insolvency industry must be busy… • businesses shut • staff furloughed • unemployed highest since 2014 and forecast to peak at almost 8% later this year • huge national debt • Brexit disruption …not so.

As well as financial support, various legislation has been introduced to stop companies being wound up, to stop landlords evicting both commercial and residential tenants and to prevent directors from being prosecuted for wrongful trading thereby allowing companies to trade on for longer than they might otherwise have done. The combination of the above financial and legislative reliefs has meant that, thankfully, there hasn’t been the tsunami of insolvencies that some were predicting.

The level of formal insolvency work likely to arise all depends upon how we exit the restrictions imposed, what continued support is available and how businesses plan for the exit. Corporate insolvencies for 2020 were down 27% compared to 2019 with the lowest rate of creditor voluntary liquidations and compulsory liquidations since 2007 and 1973 respectively. Is this the tide going out before the wave comes in?

At the time of writing the government announced it intends to extend the power granted through the Corporate Governance and Insolvency Act to make temporary amendments to the corporate insolvency legislation for an additional year until April 2022. To ensure that your clients don’t become one of the next insolvency statistics please ensure that they seek advice early, plan and consider their options.

‘Corporate insolvencies for 2020 were down 27% compared to 2019 with the lowest rate of creditor voluntary liquidations and compulsory liquidations since 2007 and 1973 respectively. Is this the tide going out before the wave comes in?’

For a free and confidential initial discussion please contact John Rimmer or any member of the BRI Business Recovery and Insolvency management team on 02476 226839 or email jrimmer@briuk.co.uk

New venture launched to help remember loved ones A unique way to honour lost loved ones has been created by a South Warwickshire businesswoman with the launch of a new venture. Spiritual Designs aims to design unique handpainted memorials to celebrate the lives of people and animals who have passed away. The company was launched by Ruth Davies in September with support from the start-up team at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. The support came via the CW Business: Start, Grow and Scale Programme, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Warwickshire County Council and the district and borough councils. Based in Southam, Ruth has ten years’ experience in the creative backgrounds of fine art, graphic design, videography and photography. After experiencing loss herself, she decided to use her artistic skills in a meaningful way and so launched Spiritual Designs.

Ruth’s work is unique as she mixes the ashes of the loved one in with the paint to create a piece of artwork that can be a lasting tribute. She has templated designs or can come up with something that is completely bespoke for the individual. She said: “What I do is something completely different and unique. After doing research, I found that there are no services out there like this. “I can work with people to come up with a design, whether that’s a silhouette or mural, but something that is right for them.” Ruth worked with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to help launch her business. She came across the organisation when she went freelance as a graphic designer. She added: “I worked very closely with the Chamber to make sure that we got everything right and I could not be happier with the help, advice and support that I got. The team have been so amazing and supportive.” For further information visit www.spiritual-designs.com

Ruth Davies who has created Spiritual Designs in some of her work

“Ruth’s work is unique as she mixes the ashes of the loved one in with the paint to create a piece of artwork that can be a lasting tribute. She has templated designs or can come up with something that is completely bespoke for the individual.” 18

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

TISSKI

The Warwickshire tech company helping SMEs take a step up in financial management When it comes to business success, financial management is something organisations of all sizes must get right. With a wealth of digital platforms designed to introduce smooth financial management processes available, this shouldn’t prove too difficult – but small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are making one common mistake.

By delaying making the leap to a comprehensive finance system like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, SMEs are draining valuable time, resource and, ultimately, money on painstaking manual processes. While many have outgrown an existing finance system, others still foster a reliance on spreadsheets, leaving them at risk of human error. For SMEs, making the decision to upgrade a legacy finance system can be daunting but if you’re a finance director or similar, it could be one of the most business-savvy decisions you ever make.

Key considerations Warwickshire-based tech consultancy and Microsoft Gold Partner, Tisski, pride themselves on their understanding of the challenges organisations face. Their enterprise resource planning (ERP) team know just how difficult it can be for SMEs to commit to a finance system upgrade. “Over the last year, we’ve been doing a lot of research into Business Central and its place in the SME market and, as a result, have found numerous difficulties SMEs currently face with smaller-scale financial management systems,” said Tisski’s chief financial officer (CFO), Richard Baxter. “As a finance director, CFO or even a business owner, you have several key things to consider and perhaps the most important of those is the accuracy and timeliness of data.

How Tisski can help With their independent research into Business Central and the SME market behind them, Tisski not only understand the challenges smaller organisations face in adopting technology like Business Central, but also the business impact an all-encompassing ERP system can have. It was with SMEs in mind that Tisski crafted their Business Central package offerings, which hit the market in February. “There’s no doubt that this can feel like a large, costly and sometimes unachievable step for SMEs,” said Richard. “That’s exactly why we’ve created preconfigured packages – to help these small and medium-sized businesses get to that next step without the need for a migration programme that lasts six to 12 months.” By opting for a package with Tisski, organisations have the opportunity to adopt the Microsoft ERP solution at a fixed price and spread the cost of implementation, licensing and support over 36 months.

“Long gone are the days when you should be waiting three weeks to unearth information on your business’s position three weeks ago; you need to be able to face forward and use that timely information to help you make key business decisions. “Automation is another thing finance professionals shouldn’t underestimate the power of,” Richard said. “Laborious tasks can hinder employee productivity and investing in a finance system that can automate those tasks will increase time spent carrying out activity that drives the business forward, in turn generating a cost saving.”

Introducing Business Central For organisations who are fast outgrowing their finance system and feel they’re lacking in the timely information and automation Richard called out, Business Central can provide a natural ‘step up’. “The thing about Business Central is that it’s a genuine ERP solution with the ability to grow alongside your organisation. As an SME, you may only need the core features on day one. General ledger, purchase ledger, sales ledger and VAT are all vital to financial management – but Business Central offers a far more diverse range of features, which you can access as and when you’re ready to. “Importantly, this prevents the need to go back out to market for additional technology when you experience a period of growth.” The Core package covers the aforementioned ledger and VAT features, and there are eight available add-ons, two of which have been designed in-house by Tisski’s expert team. Additional modules cover fixed assets, banking, approvals, inventory management, resourcing, jobs, deferrals and charity accounts; organisations can choose as many or as few add-ons as they’d like. “Speaking to SMEs, we’ve discovered they need that capability to really drive themselves forward but don’t necessarily have the confidence to make a big investment, so they continue to live and breathe in a small finance system and an abundance of spreadsheets. “For organisations wanting to move away from this way of working but unable to overcome that fear factor, Tisski’s packages allow you to get the ERP system your organisation deserves on a subscription-type model, lowering the risk, making costs more manageable and delivering a return on investment in next to no time at all. In today’s climate, it’s a smart way to move your financial management forward.”

To find out more about Tisski’s Business Central packages, please visit: www.tisski.com/business-central-packages or email the team on hello@tisski.com www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Richard Baxter Tisski CFO

/Tisski

@Tisskiltd

/Tisski

Profile: Paul Blore

“We live or die by our technical competence. We’re not big enough in size to just keep going and getting new customers so it’s our technical expertise that brings in new clients.”

Paul Blore with Albert

The cloud that helped weather the storm When the rules allow, there will be dozens of people up and down the country lining up to shake Paul Blore’s hand. For the past ten years, Blore – who runs Coventry-based IT company Netmetix – has been working hard to get businesses and organisations to understand the benefits of cloud computing to replace physical servers and storage in an office. He, and others, were doing a pretty good job in changing mindsets around the cloud but with Covid-19 forcing millions of people to work from home, the payback has become even more obvious and has led to some very satisfied and relieved customers. “All of our clients that were in a cloud-based environment transitioned very easily to working from home,” he said.

“We were busy for a month or so, while people moved to homeworking. That was with simple stuff like setting up local printers and home Internet connections but, in terms of the operational aspects, it was smooth and seamless. “We have had great comments back from customers. We had one architectural client who we’d just completed their migration to the cloud the week before lockdown so they just went home and carried on working. That really saved their bacon. “We’ve helped businesses get up to 300 people working from home in the space of a few days and it was all very smooth and it meant they could just carry on with their work.” Blore started Netmetix in 2001 as a reseller of CAD software but shifted to networking in 2008, before, as he puts it, going feet first into the cloud in 2010.

Not everyone was convinced, as business owners and organisational leaders felt comforted by the fact that they could see their IT servers in their office rather than based in, as they saw it, a mythical cloud. “I was absolutely convinced that cloud was the way to go,” he said. “But it’s only in the past three years where it has really started to pay dividends. The uptake was very cautious early on and, while we were growing, it was growth on small numbers, whereas last year we grew by 23 per cent year-on-year.” In pounds, shillings and pence, it’s been a jump from around £700,000 turnover four years ago to over £2 million in the past 12 months – while the world was in the eye of the Covid-19 storm. “The plan is to keep growing,” he said. “We are tentatively looking at possible acquisitions. That’s not to acquire technologies or skills, it would be for their client-base. I’m not tied to a region either, it would very much depend on the opportunity. “We’ve rolled out systems all over the world without leaving Coventry so geography isn’t an issue. There are around 60 Microsoft Azure data centres all around the world and we just pick the nearest one to the client and provision services from there. “So, depending on acquisition, I’d like to be looking towards being a £10 million company in five years. What we do scales really well. We couldn’t have reached £2 million working the way we used to and doing what we used to do. We are now much smarter with our resources in a cloud infrastructure which allows us to scale up. “We also support a small local charity called Alex’s Wish, which raises funds for research into a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by donating a share of our revenue every month. So, as we grow, so does the amount we donate.” In terms of headcount, the company has grown to 12 but size isn’t everything and investment in expertise and training is what continues to set Netmetix apart. “We are now recognised as one of the UK’s leading specialists in the field,” said Blore. “We’re not the biggest but Microsoft recognise us as real experts in this area. “We do a lot of consultancy work for some of the big UK players and we do all of the Microsoft Azure (the company’s cloud platform) migrations for the UK’s largest software company. “Our client base is spread all over the world – from the Queensland Government in Australia through to South America, North America, Middle East and all over Europe.

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Profile: Paul Blore “We work through partners and a lot of that is through software vendors around the world. They might have an application that they would host in the cloud but they don’t want to become experts in cloud services so they will sell their products and we’ll provide all of the hosting services and support for them.” Blore believes more organisations will follow suit and that there will be even greater uptake of the cloud as the world begins to return to normal. He said: “We’ve not seen a sudden uptake in migrations to the cloud in the past year as most companies have been battening down the hatches and weathering the storm. What I suspect we’ll see is a significant pick up when the brakes come off. “A lot of people will have recognised over this period of time that cloud computing offers significant benefits. So, where they might have been struggling to log into office-based systems over this period, we might see them looking to cloud-based services in the future. Cloud computing provides fantastic flexibility, which I feel will be hugely important in a post-pandemic world.” Skills, expertise and levels of service will be the driving force behind Netmetix making the most of that growth in take-up of the cloud. Every Netmetix engineer sits an external examination every quarter as part of their contract to ensure they are true experts in their field and keep all of their skills up-to-date. “We’ve got one of the most qualified workforces per head in the country,” said Blore. “We’ve got seven Microsoft Gold Certifications in a 12-person headcount, while most Microsoft Partners aspire to get one and some larger companies might have three or four. “We live or die by our technical competence. We’re not big enough in size to just keep going and getting new customers so it’s our technical expertise that brings in new clients. “A fundamental part of our business is that we don’t have long term contracts with clients, the only time we do is when it is dictated by third party suppliers. This means our customers are free to walk away whenever they want, and it keeps us on our toes when it comes to providing the best possible service. “All of the services that we provide are done so on a rolling monthly basis and our client retention over the past year has been 100 per cent, which is in a period where most of our team have been working from home. It proves that customer service is ingrained in the team. We haven’t been able to watch over their shoulders, and yet everybody has just done it because that’s what we do. It’s habitual.” However, people with the right skills are few and far between in the jobs market, so the company has begun a policy of growing their own. Blore said: “One of the challenges we’ve found is getting people with the skills we need. We are ahead of the curve which means people with ready-made skills aren’t out there. “Our strategy now is to develop skills through apprenticeships. We take them on, put them through our training programme and that’s our conveyor belt now for bringing our skills level up. “We’ve got two who have come through the apprenticeship already and we want to keep them and develop more. We don’t lose staff!” February marked the company’s 20th anniversary but the Covid-19 crisis put paid to any plans for a celebration, which may have to wait until the summer. And, on a personal level, the past 12 months has also denied Blore the opportunity to enjoy one of his passions away from the office. “Somebody told me when I started the business that it takes 20 years to become an overnight success,” he said. “So, I’ve been waiting for that moment to come along! We wanted to have a celebration but we’ll make sure we do something when the regulations allow.”

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He added: “I run the Cobra Register, a classic car club, and it seems such a long time since we’ve been out in our cars. We normally do quite a few events each year but they have all been cancelled due to Covid, so we can’t wait to get back out there. “I’ve had a Vincent 500 motorbike for 40 odd years and I bought a Vincent 1000 last October, which is the one that I’ve always wanted. I’ve still got a Cobra and we bought a Dino Ferrari too, but they’ve been nowhere for a year.” So, instead, he’s been honing his driving skills in something a little slower paced at his home near Lutterworth, Leicestershire. “We bought a tractor in the past couple of years,” Blore said. “We’ve got about ten acres and we were killing the ride-on mower by trying to mow the paddocks with it so we decided we needed something a little bit bigger. “Like all these things, you start off modest, so I was thinking I’d buy an old-fashioned tractor and ended up buying a brand-new John Deere, with all the whistles and bells! Spending three or four hours in the early morning sun cutting the grass is a real antidote to the pressures of everyday life.”

“Our strategy now is to develop skills through

About Paul Blore: Born:

Nottingham

Live:

Gilmorton, Leicestershire

Married:

Wife, Selina, is the F.D. at Netmetix

Children:

Daughter, Charlotte (Charlee), also works at Netmetix

Hobbies:

Classic cars & bikes and keeping fit

Favourite Book: Cold by Sir Ranulph Fiennes Favourite Film: The World’s Fastest Indian Last Holiday:

A road trip in our Dino through Germany, Austria, Italy (including a visit to the Ferrari factory in Maranello), Switzerland and France in September 2019

Gadget:

Probably my iPhone, I do so much with it

apprenticeships. We take them on, put them through our training programme and that’s our conveyor belt now for bringing our skills level up.”

News

Timeline welcome but crisis not over for business Lee and Jo Prescott from Velo Atelier

Digital support sets wheels in motion for growth

The roadmap out of lockdown has been welcomed by the Chamber – but the organisation has warned that firms in the region will still need more support to survive the COVID-19 crisis. In an address to Parliament in February, prime minister Boris Johnson set out the timeline when restrictions could be gradually lifted but said the easing of lockdown would be guided by data not dates. He said he wanted the current lockdown to be the last and the easing of restrictions to be irreversible, beginning with the reopening of schools and other education establishments on March 8 and building to a potential full reopening of society and the economy on June 21.

Lee, 47, who studied product design at Coventry University, has a good pedigree in the bike industry, with a CV that includes working as head of design for the world-famous Stratford-uponAvon-based Pashley Cycles. After establishing his own full design and fit service, Velo Atelier, he also created his own brand, Meteor Works - named after the factory in Coventry where J K Starley invented the modern bicycle. Both are based at Hatton Technology Park and have a growing customer base, locally and nationally, which appears to be as keen as ever to spend time and money on their bikes. The business has also been boosted by government guidelines that have allowed bike shops to remain open for much of the pandemic. But it was during last year that the couple also decided that the next stage of the company’s development was to move their online presence up a gear. They signed up to Warwickshire County Council-funded workshops and one-to-one support to improve their digital skills, delivered by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Stories Marketing, and funded through the council’s Warwickshire Towns Network programme. Jo, 48, said: “Purely looking at the metrics, the number of hits, likes, follows and shares have gone up since we started to employ the tactics we took away from the workshops. The level of detail in them was incredible and we came out with a clear road map of how we’d be able to better use and improve our social media.” For more details visit www.towncentres.eventbrite.com

of cash between now and when they are able to reopen.” Ahead of the Budget, Louise Bennett called for extensions to the furlough scheme and business rate holidays to give companies breathing space. She added: “Further to that, we must have a plan of support for when the economy does reopen. For many firms, it won’t simply be a case of flicking a switch as so many have lay dormant for a big part of the past year.”

The Wigley Group wins training HQ contract

An ongoing commitment by amateur cyclists to invest in their bikes has seen a Warwickshire business that designs, makes and fits them emerge as a COVID pandemic success story. Velo Atelier, which was set up in 2015 and is run by bike designer Lee Prescott and his wife, Jo, has also been supported with digital skills training that has helped it to grow its market share during the crisis.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It has been a huge challenge for the government to get the balance right and those in business will welcome the sentiment that this should be the final lockdown and will, therefore, support the cautious reopening of the economy based on the data at the time. “The vaccines – one of which was famously administered for the first time here in Coventry – has given us a light at the end of the tunnel and, hopefully, a summer we can look forward to, particularly with UK City of Culture getting underway in May in Coventry. “However, that optimism will be shortlived for many businesses if they run out

James Davies (The Wigley Group), Stephen Vaughan (Wasps Group), Charlie Brooks (Wigley Building & Development)

Gallagher Premiership rugby club Wasps has appointed Warwickshirebased construction firm Wigley Building & Development to create its new highperformance centre. Wasps bought a former sports and leisure centre in Henley-in-Arden, after choosing it as the site for a state-of-the-art training base. The construction firm, part of The Wigley Group in Stockton, will carry out all of the

building, renovation and improvement works including upgrading an artificial pitch into an RFU compliant 3G+ surface, converting an existing area into a new training pitch, and the transformation of a former storage area into a new full-size training pitch. Internal works on the site on Stratford Road will include the creation of a purpose-built gym, offices for coaching and administration staff, media centre and medical complex. The £2m construction contract will also see extensive renovations of the 13-acre site. When finished, it will be the first permanent training ground for the club, which has been based at Broadstreet Rugby Club in Coventry since moving to the region in December 2014. Charlie Brooks, construction director at Wigley Building & Development, said: “This is a major project for the future of

Wasps, for the region and also for our company. “We are delighted to have been selected not only as it is a prestigious contract for us to undertake, but also because, as a group, we are big supporters of Wasps and it is great to see them put down more roots in our area.” Work on the pitches will be completed in the summer with completion due for the start of the next season. Stephen Vaughan, Wasps group chief executive, said: “We are really excited to see The Wigley Group starting work on a home for our men’s first team and academy. “It has been the missing part of the jigsaw for us and we believe it will help accelerate our plans to build a team which is consistently pushing for honours at the top end of the game.”

Safety success for National Express National Express Coventry is celebrating recognition for its continued commitment to safety. The region’s largest bus operator has been awarded a top five-star result from the British Safety Council for the fifth year running. Organisations from more than 77 countries put themselves forward for a gruelling health and safety audit by an external assessor. The challenging tests go beyond legal health and safety minimum requirements to judge companies on absolute best practice in safety culture, leadership and wellbeing. A company must score 92% and above to get five stars. National Express Coventry achieved a result of 96.14%. The report identified “a very high standard of occupational health and safety management across the organisation, excellent and compliant systems in place

for the management of significant hazards and a good health and safety culture”. Mark Heffernan, National Express UK operations & safety director, said: “The safety of our passengers, employees and the general public is our number one priority and we set ourselves high standards to work to. “To once again be externally recognised for our efforts in this area is testament to our commitment and the effort of every individual at National Express Coventry. We believe everyone is responsible for safety, which is key to us keeping such high standards.” David Parr, policy and technical services director at the British Safety Council, said: “The award of a five-star grading following our occupational best practice health and safety audit is an outstanding achievement and is reflective of a proactive organisation which is committed to continual

improvement in its health and safety arrangements and managing risks to workers’ health, safety and welfare. National Express should be very proud of this achievement.” The business was also granted continued ISO 45001:2018 certification – an international standard that specifies requirements for an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system.

Strictly star backs charity’s call to tackle waterways plastic pollution Waterways and wellbeing charity Canal & River Trust and Strictly Come Dancing winner Bill Bailey are calling on people across Coventry & Warwickshire to boost their health and happiness and make a difference in their local communities by joining the fight against plastic pollution. Canals and rivers have been havens for mental and physical health during the pandemic, with more weekly visits to local towpaths since last March in many urban areas. However, this has been accompanied by a rise in littering, up 68% in 2020, putting the nation’s precious waterway wildlife habitats at risk and causing an unsightly problem.

By combining a Plastics Challenge litter pick with their local daily exercise, people can help stop 14 million pieces of plastic and litter from entering the canals and rivers each year. The charity has teamed up with Bill Bailey and other celebrities including Deborah Meaden, Eamon Holmes, Saira Khan, Helen Glover and Nicola Thorp to share this important message and encourage people to get involved. The Wombles characters, who famously help the environment by collecting and recycling rubbish in creative ways, are also supporting the campaign with a short, animated film.

Comedian and keen paddle boarder, Bill Bailey, said: “Plastic is a huge issue and it’s only going to take a massive effort of will to make an impact. If everyone gets involved by doing a little bit when they are out on the towpath, we can make a significant difference, catching it at source before it floats out to sea. Please join the Canal & River Trust’s Plastics Challenge to help make your local canal a place all of us can enjoy.” To make a pledge to support the Canal & River Trust’s Plastics Challenge, visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/plasticschallenge

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

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Advanced technology to fast-track recycling revolution

Intelligent and affordable robotics can revolutionise waste management

Intelligent waste management start-up Recycleye has worked with the Coventry-based Manufacturing Technology Centre to bring artificial intelligence (AI) and affordable robotics to bear on the waste management industry.

The link-up between London-based Recycleye and the MTC to develop an easy retro-fittable robot waste picker, which scaled from research and development to industrialisation within a year, combines Recycleye’s vision system with AI and robotics to sort waste efficiently. Manual waste picking is no longer equipped to handle the two trillion tonnes of waste produced globally each year. The repetitive nature of waste sorting has exposed pickers to long-term health conditions, leading to a high labour turnover. Health hazards have been further exacerbated by COVID-19 as the spread of the virus has threatened entire plant closures. In addition, Brexit is expected to place a significant strain on the ability to find and recruit pickers, leaving recycling facilities unable to keep up with the demands of waste sorting. Recycleye’s intelligent picking system is powered by Recycleye Vision - a world leading AI computer vision

“Working with the MTC has been pivotal in helping Recycleye move closer to achieving its mission to accelerate the world’s transition towards a circular economy. “

system which detects all items on waste streams by material, item and even brand. As a modular, automated sorting solution, Recycleye Robotics successfully adapts to changing waste composition without any need for retrofit. Matthew Arnold, software engineer at Recycleye, said: “Working with the MTC has been pivotal in helping Recycleye move closer to achieving its mission to accelerate the world’s transition towards a circular economy. The low cost of Recycleye’s picker is de-risking the automation process for the waste management industry, enabling more materials to be recycled. “The deployment of Recycleye’s robotic waste picker successfully mitigates the risks and costs associated with manual sorting. In particular, admin costs such as hiring and training are eliminated. While manual pickers work in shifts, Recycleye’s robotic picker can work continuously without any need for breaks, increasing total throughput of material recovery facilities by up to 110%.” For more information visit www.the-mtc.org

Volunteer Expo to go virtual in 2021 The UK’s new national volunteering show is coming to life on May 7 and 8 to celebrate those who love to give something back. COVID-19 has shown how vital the dedication of key workers, volunteers, charities and social impact organisations has been in keeping society together. At a time where income streams are less reliable, but the demand for services has increased, organisations providing vital support are more stretched than ever. Originally scheduled to take place in May 2020 but postponed, Volunteer Expo is now going virtual, bringing you everything a live event has to offer in the comfort of your own home. Hosted by Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland, Volunteer Expo Online is totally free, so whatever cause you’re interested in and if you’ve never volunteered before but aren’t sure where to start, there is something for you to see, do or learn. Amanda Watkin, general secretary of Rotary, said: “The idea behind Rotary launching this event a few years ago was to highlight the amazing impact that volunteering makes to society. “Although much has changed since, the coronavirus pandemic has thrown into sharp focus, not only the need for volunteers, but the appetite people have to pull together in their community.” Volunteer Expo Online will offer the opportunity to meet with over 60 leading local, national and

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global charities and organisations in a virtual exhibition. There is also an inspiring programme of speaker sessions and Q&As with celebrity campaigners, charity leaders and real-life volunteering heroes. In addition, you can engage in interactive online workshops covering topics such as mental health and the environment.

Volunteer Expo Online also presents a great opportunity for businesses with a social conscience, employee volunteering scheme or those that encourage continued professional development for employees. To book free tickets, visit www.volunteerexpo.vfairs.com

“Although much has changed since, the coronavirus pandemic has thrown into sharp focus, not only the need for volunteers, but the appetite people have to pull together in their community. Volunteer Expo Online will offer the opportunity to meet with over 60 leading local, national and global charities and organisations in a virtual exhibition.”

New gamechanging energy efficiency software solution Utility Team has officially launched its new ARC (Automated Response Command) energy efficiency software – a solution designed and built to optimise the cooling loads of commercial and industrial chiller plant. Live field tests of the ARC software across a range of sectors have delivered impressive reductions in energy usage of between 8 and 20%. As cooling loads often account for some 60% of the total energy site consumption, the savings delivered by ARC profoundly benefit a business’s commercial and environmental performance. ARC is a self-learning software that constantly monitors and logs plant output, total energy consumption, and common header temperatures. ARC then uses this data to predict what is going to happen within the plant, based on historic events under the same ambient conditions and then recommends optimal adjustments accordingly. The software constantly monitors its own performance to account for seasonal demand changes and adiabatic conditions. It is important to note that ARC does not replace the existing controls on the plant but rather uses them to optimise performance. Christopher Toze, managing director of ARC and head of energy services at Utility Team, said: “During the development process, we were excited about the anticipated energy savings ARC could deliver. Having undertaken months of real-world testing, the efficacy of ARC has exceeded all expectations. “ARC is a fully packaged solution that is simple to install, is backed with performance guarantees and robust measurement and verification, and has an innovative Software as a Solution (SaaS) model that removes barriers to investment. “Whilst initially launching in the UK, the ARC team has global ambitions. We believe ARC will have a significant positive impact in the fight to combat climate change by reducing the energy usage of commercial and industrial chiller plant as demand for cooling increases.” For more information visit https://www.utilityteam.co.uk/arc

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The Armed Coventry training provider growing after successful 2020 despite pandemic Forces Covenant is good for business A ‘Call to Arms’ to all Employers and Businesses… Our mission; to encourage businesses to sign the Armed Forces Covenant! Why? Because pledging support for the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) makes sound business sense. Aligning values to those of the Armed Forces Covenant can bring tangible rewards, both hard and soft, and we are keen to see if we can accelerate the rate of awareness amongst businesses and organisations from Coventry & Warwickshire who are business leaders and can influence. As members of the Chamber, YOU ARE THAT COHORT! Businesses strive to recruit applicants who can demonstrate good leadership and resilience, who possess skills in organisation, communication, problem solving and teamwork, as well as demonstrating a strong work ethic. Members of the Armed Forces community, which not only includes Service leavers, Reservists and veterans, but also military spouses and those that volunteer to support the nation’s Cadet Forces, all have these key personal attributes. Members of the Armed Forces are trained in a variety of diverse trades, which can help add value to your workforce. At the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association we build and maintain relationships with employers in the region by creating strategic partnerships. Promoting the skills that our Armed Forces community can bring to your business and encouraging employers to cement this partnership through the Armed Forces Covenant: a voluntary pledge, which builds a two-way relationship between business and Defence By supporting the Armed Forces in any or all of these ways, you are supporting and directly contributing to the UK’s Defence operational capability and its people agenda, in a positive and extremely valuable way. When you do so Defence is keen to reward and recognise that support through their Employer Recognition Scheme, but more about that in a future edition! If you would like to learn more, please contact our Regional Employer Engagement Director, Bobby Birdi via wm-reed@rfca.mod.uk

A leading Midlands training provider is set to build on virtual development with some very real growth in 2021. Coventry-based PET-Xi is to expand its team across the UK with eight new senior roles, after a successful 2020 despite the disruption caused by the pandemic. The firm works with adults and young people in schools to teach them key skills to help them find quality work and fulfil their potential. But over the last year, PET-Xi has had to adapt massively to the challenges posed by the coronavirus crisis. It moved much of its training work online by developing its own virtual learning environment, with features that allowed for better interactions between trainers and trainees than were available on standard platforms. PET-Xi loaned out more than 750 laptops to leaners who were not able to access the virtual learning environment from their homes. It meant that more than 400 adult learners found work after completing PET-Xi’s courses, and more than 1,000 young people took part in NEET (not in employment, education, or training) programmes.

PET-Xi’s support in training people during the pandemic also saw it awarded a UK Business Heroes Stamp after being nominated by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. Its commitment to quality online learning has seen the firm finish 2020 in a stronger position that initially expected, and it is now adding to its team to reflect that success. Simon Fitzgerald, Head of Funding at PET-Xi, said: “Like many other businesses, the pandemic forced us to find new ways of doing things to keep going. “A year ago, we were planning on improving our online capabilities to give our trainees more options when it came to accessing our courses. “This ended up being a crucial decision when the country went into lockdown and the pandemic caused all sorts of problems for our trainees. “Thanks to our specialist virtual learning environment, we have been able to deliver our courses to trainees remotely without compromising on the quality of our teaching. “With further demand for our services because of the upheaval caused by COVID-19, it was especially important that we were able to find a way to help as many people as we could.

“Because we were able to use our online platform successfully, we are now in a position to strengthen what we have at PET-Xi by creating eight new jobs to help bolster our company. “Receiving the UK Business Heroes Stamp was a lovely surprise too – it’s really nice to be recognised like that after such a tough year. “We’re very proud of our success in 2020 and we hope to continue to help as many people as we can get the skills they need to get back into work as we head into 2021.”

How can an intellectual property audit help your business? Pure Ideas recently carried out an IP Audit with a Warwickshire based company called torcProtective Ltd. The audit is to help them identify the intellectual property within their growing business portfolio and how best to protect and commercialise this to meet their future growth plans. One way that we assist clients with an audit is via the IP Audits Plus Scheme, which gives financial support to businesses who are looking to identify opportunities across all aspects of their IP. The scheme covers the “lions share” of the Audit costs (providing you meet the criteria) and gives your business a really

good insight into all of the intellectual property that you own and what you should consider protecting for the future. We often find that business owners are unaware of the commercial value of their intellectual property. Our advice is that you carry out a simple audit of your company’s intellectual property to check that you are properly protected. This can be from the more obvious things like patents and trademarks to discussing licensing opportunities. This is what the CEO of torcProtective Ltd had to say: “We have now worked with several members of the Pure Ideas team following our other Company being granted

a European Patent. The whole experience to date has been a very enjoyable one with their approach being very personable but still extremely professional and instructive whether that be handling the validation process or discussing a range of IP opportunities going forward. I would be very happy to recommend the services offered by Pure Ideas to any company contemplating entering the Intellectual Property minefield.” Gary Blundell CEO, torcProtective Ltd & torc2 Ltd If you would like to find out more, please contact Pure Ideas. Katia.douglas@pure-ideas.co.uk www.pure-ideas.co.uk

Glide Group strengthens leadership team

Glide Group, a market leader in ultra-fast broadband connectivity and deployment of fibre infrastructure, has announced the senior leadership appointments of Sean Lowry and Phil Duggan. Sean joins as group chief technology officer (CTO) and

Phil Duggan takes on the role of chief operating officer (COO). Sean joins Glide having previously worked in the student broadband industry at Keycom and most recently as CTO at business internet service provider, Solar Communications. In his new role as group CTO, his experience will complement all of Glide’s market segments: student, residential and business. He will lead and direct Glide’s product innovation, future technology strategies, and software development and data insights. Sean said: “I am confident that our team will continue to grow our fibre footprint rapidly whilst driving innovation and change which the UK deserves.”

Phil Duggan has more than 25 years’ experience deploying and maintaining large infrastructure projects at large tier one carriers. In his new role at Glide, he will be responsible for all operations including logistics, provisioning, fibre delivery, field maintenance and customer services. He said: “I am excited to be joining the Glide Group at a time where best-inclass connectivity is more important than ever. I look forward to helping our team deliver a superior customer experience to UK and European customers.” Tim Pilcher, Glide Group CEO, said: “We are delighted to have Sean and Phil joining us here at Glide during this

exciting growth period. They both have outstanding backgrounds in the fibre sector, plus a strong track record of outstanding operational performance. “We look forward to scaling our business growth to meet the flourishing fibre demand in 2021 and beyond.”

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Coventry & Warwickshire in business

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Shakespeare Martineau raises £2.1m in two days on deal duo

Welcome for SME fund to ease EU trade A multi-million pound fund to help SMEs adapt to new trading rules with the EU has been welcomed. The government has announced a £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund to support small and medium sized businesses who trade exclusively with the EU in adjusting to new customs, rules of origin and VAT rules. It means that from next month traders will be able to apply for a grant of up to £2,000 to pay for practical support and training related to importing and exporting, and the funding will also help businesses to prepare for the implementation of import controls which come into force from April and July. Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This will be welcome news to those SMEs who were facing the prospect of having to dip into their already depleted cash reserves caused by Covid to then seek professional, technical advice on how to navigate new trading rules with the EU. “Whilst this will help some businesses to carry on trading with the EU as they continue their recovery from the pandemic, those businesses that trade both domestically and with the EU appear to have been omitted – which needs clarity.

“It is going to take time for this support to have a positive impact on businesses cash flow – which needs to be recognised by government when reviewing future financial support packages – but it is an important first step nevertheless in helping firms to acclimatise to these complex rules. “The Chamber will, as always, be liaising closely with its members over the coming weeks to help those that qualify for the funding to maximise its use, as well as relaying back to government any concerns that businesses are having in adapting to the new rules. “On top of that, businesses can come to the Chamber’s International Trade Hub for support when it comes to advice, support and training while our recently launched ChamberCustoms service is already helping businesses with the new declaration processes that have come into force since the Brexit transition period ended.” Commenting on the announcement of the fund, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “This is a welcome first step in dealing with some of the major issues that small businesses trading with the EU are facing. With their finances already under a significant squeeze firms, particularly those which export, are inevitably

Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce

encountering difficulties in adapting to the complexities of the new arrangements. “It is now crucial that the grants provide sufficient funds to make a real difference and the government should stand ready to increase their size if needed. We will continue working closely with government to make sure this scheme is delivered as quickly and smoothly as possible for firms still adapting to the new EU trading arrangements and the impact of the pandemic. “The BCC will also continue to offer as much direct support as we can to SMEs especially through ChamberCustoms – our dedicated customs advisory, training and brokerage service.”

Get your culture fix with Compton Verney’s online flix

If you’re fed up with home schooling and box set bingeing but still want to learn, look at beautiful things and be motivated to try something different, then look out for Love Compton Verney – a series of short films about the incredible objects, idyllic landscape and unusual wildlife to be discovered at the historic location. Every week a new film reveals something different about the gallery’s famous collection and 120-acres of Lancelot

‘Capability’ Brown landscaped grounds: from vibrant, sulphur-yellow aconite flowers to the rare, bejewelled Trapani casket that was made in Sicily and contains a secret compartment. Five films are scheduled for March, with a focus on Compton Verney’s fabulous forest school, how x-ray technology revealed that Lucas Cranach the Elder’s Venus and Cupid hasn’t always looked the same, and planting a new hedge with ace gardeners Adam and Chris. Also featured is a behind-the-scenes look at the Mary Newcomb exhibition as it is installed in the gallery and a featurette about willow tunnels and other favourite aspects of our park, as recommended by some of our most discerning visitors, kids! Julie Finch, Compton Verney’s director and CEO, said: “The ongoing lockdown

restrictions mean that visiting many places is very difficult at best. So, for those people who aren’t able to visit our grounds, which are currently open, we’re bringing some of the highlights and wonders of the gallery and park directly to their homes via our website. Each film lasts less than two minutes but shares what our experts, volunteers and visitors love most about this unique place. “We hope you feel inspired and please do join the conversation by sharing what you love about Compton Verney with the hashtag #LoveComptonVerney. Your recommendation could even be made into one of our next films.” You can access each film for free via Compton Verney’s website: https://www.comptonverney.org.uk/

Do something amazing to support The Myton Hospices If winter lockdown has given you the urge to get out there and get active, The Myton Hospices has a fantastic line-up of events and challenges to help you banish the blues. Just like many of your businesses, Myton’s finances have been hit hard by the global pandemic and we know many people may not be in a position to be able to help. But if you do have a little spare time and some generous friends, family, colleagues and companies, we would be ever-grateful for your support We’re working hard – and can’t wait to get back to – our usual face-to-face fundraising events. In the meantime, however, we hope the many COVID-safe

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offerings we have will inspire you to hit the fundraising trail for us. Our events calendar – www.mytonhospice.org/our-events features all the fun ways you can get involved. From abseiling down Coventry Cathedral to taking on one of our many challenges and running events, we hope there will be something to suit everyone. But, if these don’t take your fancy, we have devised two great new challenges we hope will. Our Myton Mountain and Myton Marathon campaigns are the perfect way to raise the much-needed money we need to continue caring for terminally ill patients across Coventry and Warwickshire, by putting your best foot forward for the cause.

The challenges are simple. The Myton Mountain campaign features six challenges, ranging from the Malvern Hills to Everest, to ensure there is something for everyone and can be completed in your own home or in the office, simply by walking up and down your stairs (a lot). Meanwhile, the Myton Marathon is asking supporters to run, walk or jog a marathon over the course of the month of March. It doesn’t matter if you do a marathon in a day or a mile a day at your own pace – all we ask is that you complete the 26.2 miles at some point in the month.

Law firm Shakespeare Martineau helped raise more than £2.1 million in just two days by advising a pair of businesses on placings and subscriptions on the Standard List and Alternative Investment Market (AIM). Clients of the firm, Crossword Cybersecurity and One Heritage Group, announced the share issues on February 10 and 11 2021. Both had high demand from new and existing investors. Property developer One Heritage Group undertakes development and re-development of new and existing buildings, as well as facilities management and managing the letting of the properties. The new shares generated an additional £548,500 investment in the business to expand its property portfolio. Crossword Cybersecurity, a cybersecurity and risk management expert, undertook an oversubscribed fundraising of more than £1.6 million. The technology commercialisation company will invest the funds into sales and marketing resource for product development and support for general working capital purposes. Hybridan acted as broker to both companies in connection with the placings. Keith Spedding, partner and business transaction and growth specialist at Shakespeare Martineau, who advised on both deals, said: “These deals go to show that money is out there and available for good companies with good stories, and there is no sign of it drying up. Property and technology sectors are seeing a huge amount of investment, with other sectors such as medtech and fashion also making stock market headlines. We are very pleased to have helped these two excellent companies on their growth plans.” A specialist in fast-growing businesses, Shakespeare Martineau is reporting high levels of transactions in the Midlands and nationally – with the corporate team having supported several multimillion-pound sales and mergers across the property, biotech and finance sectors. In addition, the company has advised the founding family of Dr Martens on its recent admission to the market as well as on One Heritage Group’s original submission in December 2020.

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Digital skills boost for retail, hospitality and tourism firms

Emma Woodward (left) with Sam Yair of Stories Marketing

More Warwickshire businesses are set to get help with improving their online presence after a successful scheme was extended and is now being offered to more sectors.

The advice and training are being offered as part of a larger package of support from Warwickshire County Council to continue to support economic recovery within the county. This includes the Survive, Sustain and Grow programme, Adapt and Diversify grants and the business start-up programme. Independent businesses in retail, hospitality and tourism can benefit from the new programme of workshops and one-to-one support being delivered by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the county council through the Warwickshire Towns Network Programme. The Chamber is working with Stories Marketing to deliver the

programme, which includes a taster session, two three-hour workshops and one-to-one help. Previous programmes run in 2020 were aimed at independent retailers but, such was their success, they have been extended to incorporate hospitality and tourism which has been so badly hit during the coronavirus crisis. The workshops will cover a range of topics, such as how social media marketing can help businesses connect with customers, and how to use online tools to blend with a “bricks and mortar” business and drive customer footfall.

Councillor Izzi Seccombe, leader of the county council and portfolio holder for economic growth, said: “It’s vital that our businesses embrace the possibilities that digital marketing offers to reach new markets and respond to consumers’ rapidly changing habits.”  Keely Hancox, operations manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are delighted to be working with Warwickshire Towns Network and Stories Marketing to deliver a new phase of digital skills support for businesses.”

To book your place on a workshop, go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/digital-town-centres-27905402961

TruTac proves cyber credentials with multiple accreditations

TruTac has achieved further accreditations to demonstrate its industry expertise and reliability in the safe, secure handling of customer data. Adding to its ISO 9001 accreditation – the internationally recognised standard for quality management – TruTac has been awarded ISO 27001. This is the equivalent standard of recognition developed to help organisations of any size or industry protect their information in a systematic, cost-effective manner through the adoption of an information security management system (ISMS).

Commensurate with this security accreditation comes another datarelated credential in the form of Cyber Essentials: a simple but effective government-backed scheme designed to protect organisations against a whole range of the most common cyber-attacks. A fourth and equally important recent attainment is G-Cloud 12 status. Aimed primarily at users in the UK public sector, the service helps businesses find and buy cloud computing services from approved government suppliers.

For TruTac, this means official approval to supply the latest technology and innovation to the entire UK public sector – including TruTac’s expanding customer base of councils and other public sectorfunded clients. TruTac is part of the Microlise group and a designer and supplier of compliance software for PSV and HGV compliance control. Jemma James, TruTac’s commercial operations and marketing director, said: “Our ISO and cyber accreditations serve to reassure vehicle operators that TruTac designs and delivers

software solutions for them to manage compliance, data accumulation and analysis to the highest standard. Furthermore, our customers can be guaranteed provision of bespoke tachograph analysis, training and consultancy services, knowing their confidential information will always be safe and secure in our hands.”

Property firm appoints finance specialist after period of growth West Midlands property firm Lets Delight has continued its expansion with the appointment of finance specialist Adam Revill.

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Adam has experience of leading successful businesses and consulting with a wide range of companies within property, international trade and banking. He will work remotely to support Coventry-based Lets Delight as part of the senior management team. His role will include further developing the firm’s investment opportunities and supporting those who are interested in beginning their journey into property investment. Ian Boddison, director of Lets Delight, said: “Adam is a great addition to the Lets Delight Team. His experience within the property sector and finance solutions is invaluable to us as we grow our number of holiday lets and shared living projects.” In 2020, Lets Delight expanded its portfolio. The properties are divided between furnished holiday

lets for short-term guests, including corporate and leisure travellers, and shared living projects which provide longer term accommodation for young people beginning their careers. Due to the diversity within the business offering and customer types, Lets Delight has reported its most successful year despite COVID-19 affecting the hospitality sector. Adam said: “Joining Lets Delight is an exciting opportunity to work with an ambitious property investment company. Alongside managing my own buy-to-let portfolio, I have assisted companies to raise funding in excess of £25 million and look forward to bringing some of these ideas and structures to Lets Delight. “I will be focusing on developing products to give investors healthy returns, whether they are property experts or dipping their toe into the water to increase their personal wealth.” To find out more visit https://www.letsdelight.co.uk/

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WE SUPPORT PEOPLE AND FINANCE BUSINESSES SUPPORTING COVENTRY AND WARWICKSHIRE INDIVIDUALS, START-UPS AND BUSINESSES THROUGH THE PANDEMIC SUPPORT

FINANCE

• Pre-starts - The JumpStart project, funded by Warwickshire County Council and CWRT, offers you informal, flexible support designed to give you an insight into what it means to be your own boss and gives you the tools, knowledge and resources to make that all important decision about whether starting up a business is for you.

Our packages include:

• Access to Finance - CWRT has a range of loan packages specifically designed to support you through volatile markets and tightening credit conditions. We take a transparent, fair and relationship-based approach in our decision-making process because we know that accessing the right support and finance can be transformational for your businesses.

• Traditional Commercial Loans – from £1,000 to £100,000. • Duplex Investment Fund – a grant and loan in one easy deal. Loans are typically between £30,000 & £100,000. • Start Up Loans – loans from £1,000 to £25,000. • Enterprise Loans – new loan fund available to pre-starts and newly started businesses that assists with covering start-up costs and initial running costs. Loans from £1,000 to £7,500. • Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme – Government-backed loans starting from £50,000 up to £250,000.

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

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

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Conference Coventry and Warwickshire

Conferences, Meetings, Incentives and Events After being apart for the last few months, we are now looking forward to welcoming you back to Coventry and Warwickshire, so let us help you to Meet in the Middle. Whether you want to plan a socially distanced team building day or a longer event, we are here to help you find the perfect location in one of the most accessible destinations in the UK. Our venues can offer indoor and outdoor space, so social distancing can easily be assured. Whatever your needs, our region’s diverse array of hotels and conference facilities has all the necessary preparations in place to allow you to deliver a highly successful event, with confidence. Coventry will be the UK City of Culture in 2021, so bringing your delegates here will offer something truly unique to your event and enhance their experience. Our expert team is on hand to help with: • venue finding • negotiating costs • accommodation requirements • team building • social programmes The Coventry and Warwickshire Convention Bureau is a free service, so why not let us work with you to create an outstanding experience? Our extensive local knowledge will help to make your event a success - delivered on time and within budget.

Email: cwconference@coventry.gov.uk Twitter: @cw_conference

Telephone: +44(0)24 7697 5526 LinkedIn: @cwconference

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Heart of England Conference and Events Centre

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Garden Studios launched by Heart Pods The Heart of England Conference and Events Centre has been hit hard by Covid like so many other businesses. With a loose timeline and roadmap set out although yet to be confirmed on when the hospitality industry is likely to be reopened, the Managing Director – Stephen Hammon has had to be innovative in looking for ways to diversify to keep the business ticking along whilst protecting jobs. On top of doing some remodelling work and maintenance on the buildings and grounds, Stephen and the team have utilised their pod building creative expertise and designed an outdoor bar, dining pods

and toilets ready for the reopening on the 12th April of The Quicken Tree Bar & Grill for Alfresco Dining set in the beautiful grounds of the Heart of England. While that work is ongoing by his busy team, he is putting a lot of work into designing and building Pods, Domes & Garden Studios and has created a new addition to the offerings at Heart of England with ‘Heart Pods’. They’ve just launched their new range in Garden Studios. These high-quality flexible spaces can be installed and ready to use very quickly. Available in three sizes and specifications, they are built in a contemporary design with floor to ceiling windows and doors and are fully lined and insulated. Whether you need office space, a gym, playroom, bar, man cave or somewhere to escape and relax, the Garden Studios are a great alternative to an extension and at just under 2.5m high, in most cases, no need to apply for planning permission.

The Garden Studios are a great addition to the fantastic Glamping, Office & Dining Pods and Shepherd Huts already on offer at Heart Pods. Along with the new Garden Studios, they’ve also just added Dining Domes which are individual domes with a clear front, perfect for restaurants wanting to add quirky outside space for private dining. Stephen Hammon said “I wanted to offer something different. Something high quality and adaptable. Our range of pods, huts and garden studios are only limited by your imagination, we can adapt them for whatever purpose you require. We are in talks with some care homes at the moment who want to add a room separate to their main building so that residents can meet their families in a safe and controlled environment.

You can see the entire range of Pods, Shepherd Huts and Garden Studios on their new website at www.heartpods.uk To arrange a show-round on site, Email info@heartpods.uk or call 01676 540333.

heartp ds

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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

Safetyflex Barriers granted UK patent for new surfacemounted crash planters The Safetyflex universal slimline planter — the world’s smallest crash-rated security planter — in situ outside a UK shopping centre.

Safetyflex Barriers, the Coventrybased manufacturer of antiterrorism bollards and barriers, has added a uniquely designed surfacemounted product to its innovative crash-rated range of street furniture that can stop vehicle threats in public places. The surface-mounted barriers do not require any foundations or ground fixings so can provide instant protection on a permanent or

temporary basis, and are supplied with a bespoke cladding which means they can also be used as functional street furniture and attractive planters. They are crash-tested to industry standards BSI PAS68 and IWA14 to withstand impact at speeds of up to 50mph. Safetyflex has already received orders to install them at key buildings, public realm spaces and shopping centres across the UK.The company has also been granted a UK patent, meaning that it now has more than 30 of its products patented in the UK and around the world.

Marcus Gerrard, director at Safetyflex, said: “We’ve been asked by many city centre projects for a crash-rated planter solution with a shallow foundation, so our design team came up with a surfacemounted, crash-rated product that can be used as a planter or street furniture with absolutely no need for foundations. “After a year of research and development, we believe they are truly innovative and a real gamechanger because of the flexibility and functionality they offer while still providing industry-leading security protection.

“They can be picked up and relocated to suit changing needs, as we have seen in town and city centres during the COVID-19 pandemic, and adds to our range of crash-rated street furniture which already includes bike racks and signposts. “As the world begins to open up and large-scale gatherings slowly resume, our latest products will allow us to help our customers react quickly to emerging and changing threats to public safety and security, with a desirable effect because while these new products will look pleasing to the eye, no-one will be aware that what is hidden inside is a crash-rated, anti-terrorist solution.”

New figures reveal Bromwich Hardy success story A thriving independent commercial property specialist has been revealed as one of the most successful in the country. Coventry-based Bromwich Hardy outperformed many of its larger rivals in 2020 according to new figures compiled by industry publication Estates Gazette – and has also made a hugely impressive start to 2021. The figures – which compare all agents signed up to Radius Data Exchange – show that Bromwich Hardy was the eighth most successful agent nationwide last year for both retail and hotel & leisure sales and lettings. The firm concluded retail deals covering 83,248 sq ft and hotel &

leisure deals running to 20,671 sqft. It also recorded the fifteenth best figures in the country for industrial sales and lettings, with 609,270 sqft of deals concluded. Regionally, Bromwich Hardy was the second most successful agency in retail, with 83,248 sq ft of deals in the West Midlands, third for industrial deals at 463,448 sq ft and fourth for office deals with 117,735 sq ft. Figures for January this year show the agency is the top-performing firm in the industrial sector in the West Midlands, having already clinched deals for 67,538 sq ft of property – the sixth best across the country. Founding partners Tom Bromwich and Richard Hardy said the figures

underlined the agency’s reputation for punching above its weight – and its growing role on the national stage. “We have a first-class team with decades of experience behind them and the knowledge and expertise that clients are demanding in these difficult times,” they said. “Our ethos of always working in the best commercial interests of all of our clients means that we become a trusted partner and the results speak for themselves. In many cases, we are outperforming much larger competitors and working across all parts of the country as our reputation grows.” For more information visit www.bromwichhardy.com

Tom Bromwich and Richard Hardy

‘Founding partners Tom Bromwich and Richard Hardy said the figures underlined the agency’s reputation for punching above its weight – and its growing role on the national stage.’

Donation boosts education of Coventry schoolchildren Pamela Cain, Group Director of the Marchant Cain Group, with Lynn Lee, headteacher and pupils Jordan, Georgia and Josh.

Coventry schoolchildren are being assisted with their learning thanks to a generous donation by an engineering design and manufacturing company. The Marchant Cain Group has provided much-needed digital devices to a local primary school, Leigh Church of England Academy.

The company moved to Wickmans Drive in Coventry two years ago and wanted to make sure it was part of the community and build relationships, so the firm got in touch with the school to see how it could help. After discussions with headteacher Lynn Lee, it was revealed that the school was very much in need of some Amazon Fire tablets to help support children during the zCOVID-19 pandemic. Pamela Cain, group director of the Marchant Cain Group, said: “We heard on the news that pupils

who are trying to learn from home during the pandemic are often trying to do so without any digital devices, or schools are operating with too few so we wanted to do something to change that. “We got in touch with Mrs Lee who asked if the company could provide some Amazon Fire tablets as that’s what the children were already using. We were only too pleased to help.” In total, Marchant Cain donated 17 tablets to the school and it is hoped that now there is a relationship there, the firm can help the local school in the future.

What made the donation even more poignant for Pamela is that she is a former pupil of the school with extremely happy memories. The Marchant Cain Group is a member of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. Hazel Pilling, membership manager at the Chamber, said: “It is always fantastic to see members giving back to the community and being part of it. Businesses do play a massive part in their local area, from offering employment through to supporting good causes.”

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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

Coventry City signs up apprentices to bolster groundskeeper team Coventry City Football Club has signed up two new apprentices to help future-proof the club’s groundskeeper team. The Sky Blues have forged a new relationship with college group WCG (formerly Warwickshire College Group) to expand the grounds staff department and give young people an opportunity to join the profession. The apprentices are based at the Championship club’s Ryton Training Ground and will be studying at renowned horticulture centre

Pershore College during the two-year sports turf apprenticeship. College group WCG includes seven colleges across Warwickshire and Worcestershire and is the nearest provider of apprenticeships of this type for Coventry City FC. The club decided to introduce apprentices to the groundskeeper department after a senior member of staff left, leading to a reshuffle and a need to expand the team. Colin Wilson, head of grounds at Coventry City FC, said: “We had

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Colin Wilson (Coventry City Football Club) and Peter Dawson (Apprentice).

a senior staff member leave the department and after shuffling around current job roles, we were able to bring in two new apprentices to expand our team. “The football club as a whole builds its foundations on bringing through young talent. We are pleased to be a part of that philosophy and it’s great to see young people coming into the turf industry. “It gives everyone in the department a lift as we can nurture the next generation of grounds people through the early stages of their career, with

the support of the local college, and hopefully see them go on to achieve great things in the future.” Dave Coutts, sports turf and golf greenkeeping trainer assessor at WCG, said: “The apprenticeships with Coventry City FC provide a fantastic opportunity for young people to get their foot in the door of a competitive industry and learn their trade in a professional sports club environment.” For more information visit www.wcg.ac.uk/apprenticeships

Kindness project celebrates 175th anniversary milestone

Sarah Perry, managing partner at Wright Hassall

An initiative aimed at spreading kindness throughout Coventry and Warwickshire is underway to celebrate the anniversary of one of the Midlands’ top law firms. Leamington-based Wright Hassall is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year and to mark this major milestone, the firm is appealing for the general public to support its drive to carry out and recognise 175 acts of kindness in the community during 2021. Throughout the year, members of the public are being asked to complete a form via www. wrighthassall.co.uk/175-acts-of-kindness to share the acts of kindness that they or others have recently carried out in their community. www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Each month one entrant will be selected to receive a £175 prize that they can donate to a charity of their choice. The chosen act of kindness from each month will then go into an end-of-year vote where Wright Hassall’s staff will vote on their favourite gesture - with the winner receiving £1,175 to donate to a charity of their choice. In addition, the firm will be running several events throughout the year. Some of these will involve fundraising for four local charities that have been chosen by Wright Hassall staff, and include Warwick District Foodbank, Tiny Tim’s Children’s Centre, Helping Hands Community Project, and Warwickshire Young Carers. Sarah Perry, managing partner at Wright Hassall, said: “Our local community has been the bedrock of our success over the years and as we celebrate this momentous occasion, we wanted to ensure that we recognised this. “We would, of course, have liked to have been celebrating against a more positive economic and social backdrop, but there is no doubt that the pandemic has brought communities closer together and brought out the best in people. We hope that our 175 acts of kindness initiative will help to spread this strong sense of community spirit even further.”

“The chosen act of kindness from each month will then go into an end-of-year vote where Wright Hassall’s staff will vote on their favourite gesture - with the winner receiving £1,175 to donate to a charity of their choice.” 33

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

St. Modwen secures occupier to let speculative scheme in Tamworth

St. Modwen Industrial & Logistics has completed a deal to bring an international e-commerce solutions provider to St. Modwen Park Tamworth, signing a 15-year agreement to occupy the 321,204 sq ft speculatively-built unit. Providing integrated supply chain solutions for cross-border e-commerce companies, the

Familyowned firm opens new facility in Leamington Spa Martin Sprocket & Gear has formally opened a new 40,000-square-foot facility in Leamington Spa. The newest venture for the familyowned company will focus on bringing its renowned dedication to quality, inventory and service to new and existing customers throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. With over 70 years of experience, the firm has proven it is ready to meet the ever-changing needs of the international market with this simple but steadfast philosophy – “make a quality product, have plenty of it available and be easy to do business with”. Managing director Phil Hewett said: “Whilst Martin have been servicing the EMEA market for many years from our factories around the globe, the new UK facility means we can offer same day/ next day service for standard and re-worked power transmission products in small or large batches. This new flexibility will be a huge benefit to our existing and new customer base.”

international e-commerce solutions provider will use the space as a distribution centre. With warehouses in China, the UK, United States, Germany and Australia, the business has more than 700 employees worldwide. The lease follows a strong 2020 when St. Modwen Industrial & Logistics completed 1.2m sq ft of developments and reported good customer demand going into 2021, with 78% of the £7.5m ERV associated with 2020 completions already let or under offer. The company is continuing to target the delivery of at least 1.5m sq ft in 2021 and is already on site with the majority of these schemes. Known as T321, the global e-commerce solutions provider’s new unit at St. Modwen Park Tamworth boasts a 53m yard, 15m haunch height, enhanced Grade A office accommodation and an “excellent”

BREEAM rating, while the inclusion of solar panels allows for the building to be operationally carbon-neutral. St. Modwen identified and brought forward this speculative build in response to the lack of supply of “big box” industrial units in the immediate area. Gregg Titley, development director at St. Modwen Industrial & Logistics, said: “The completion of T321 – one of our largest speculative industrial and logistics builds – was a significant moment for us last year and signified our growth plans as a business. We’re delighted to be welcoming a global logistics firm to St. Modwen Park Tamworth and look forward to working in partnership with them as they take advantage of the site’s range of additional benefits.”

Homeless centre to transform lives in Stratford A state-of-the-art homeless centre which is set to transform lives in Stratford-upon-Avon is due to open its doors this summer. The iconic building at 41 Guild Street, formerly the Fred Winter department store, has been converted to provide a food bank, office space, café and specialised accommodation for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The ground-breaking project has been masterminded by Springs Housing Association after it secured the building on a 15-year lease from Leamington-based commercial property experts, ehB Reeves. Two housing associations, along with Citizens’ Advice and Job Centre Plus, will all be based at the site, which is earmarked for a lateJune opening and will be called the Fred Winter Housing Plus Centre. Dominic Bradley, group chief executive of Springs Housing Association, said: “The big thing for us was creating a housing partnership and also employment, which is key to keeping people out of long-term homelessness.

An artist’s impression of the new Fred Winter Housing Plus Centre

“It’s a situation which has been brought into sharp focus by COVID-19. Stratford has a lack of affordable housing and has seen a huge increase in Universal Credit applications, which can be a precursor to homelessness. “The Fred Winter Centre can be a big help to the town and will be a one-stop shop for people who need its help.” Simon Hain, director of ehB Reeves, who brokered the deal with Springs Housing Association, said: “This development is a stateof-the-art homeless centre that

will transform lives in Stratford. It’s a wide-reaching partnership between the town council, several charities and other organisations, who are all coming together to offer a ground-breaking service. “The Winter family were faced with competition for the landmark building and felt this was an ideal use for it, so we were delighted to secure the deal with Springs Housing Association on their behalf and pave the way for this development to go ahead.” For more information visit https://ehbreeves.com

“The big thing for us was creating a housing partnership and also employment, which is key to keeping people out of longterm homelessness.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

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

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Alsters Kelley opens fifth office with acquisition Coventry and Warwickshire solicitors Alsters Kelley has announced the acquisition of Stratford-based Bonell & Co Solicitors, further extending its presence across the region as it brings its total number of offices to five. It is an exciting development for the Legal 500 firm which already operates in Coventry, Nuneaton, Leamington Spa and Southam and represents its first acquisition for 15 years. The move has resulted in Alsters Kelley becoming one of the largest solicitor’s firms in the region and will increase turnover by an anticipated 10% in the first year. Six members of staff at Bonell & Co, including founder Andrew Bonell, will remain at the firm, taking the total Alsters Kelley workforce

to more than 80. Bonell & Co, which is situated in Chestnut Walk, Stratford, has been established for over 30 years. It currently offers services in conveyancing and family law. The deal will allow the firm, which will become known as Alsters Kelley incorporating Bonell Co, to extend its range of services to the region whilst continuing to provide a high level of personal service for which it has always been renowned. Cathy Wahlberg, managing director at Alsters Kelley, said: “The acquisition of Bonell & Co marks the start of an exciting new chapter for both firms. “Bonell & Co boasts an impressive pedigree and has a highly talented and experienced workforce. It has an excellent reputation throughout the

Alsters Kelley team raises a glass to celebrate the acquisition of Bonell & Co. From left to right: Top row: Neil Raiseborough, Andrew Bonell & Alma Nicol. Bottom row: Julie McGarrigle, Cathy Wahlberg & Erica Kemp.

Stratford region and the acquisition seemed like the next natural step in Alsters Kelley’s own journey. “It provides us with an excellent platform for growth and we look

forward to welcoming every member of the workforce to our team and developing the business in the years to come for the benefit of both the staff and our clients.”

Warwick business receives regional award Four key men behind the success of a landmark Leamington development have collected a regional award. Construction Director Dave Henley and site managers David Pearson,

Chris Hill and Steve Lydall were the driving forces for Warwick-based property development company AC Lloyd throughout the 30-month building of phases one, two and three of the eye-catching Station Approach.

From the left, Steve Lydall, Chris Hill and David Pearson from AC Lloyd Homes with the LABC Award

The company was voted the winner of the Best Social or Affordable New Housing Development in the West Midlands region of the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence Awards 2020 which were announced via social media due to the coronavirus pandemic. The trophy was posted to AC Lloyd and David, Chris and Steve returned to the £22 million project to pick up the building excellence award. The LABC Awards have a number of categories to recognise a high standard of technical work as well as reward the talent of people working within the building industry. The two-and-three-bedroom homes and apartments were built by AC Lloyd for Platform Housing Group in partnership with Warwick District Council close to Leamington

Spa Station – and will be seen by the thousands of visitors who flock to the town during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Alistair Clark, the managing director of AC Lloyd Homes whose headquarters are at Tachbrook Park, said the high standard of the work of the quartet had been crucial in the creation of the development. “Dave, David, Chris and Steve fully deserve to be recognised for the integral role they played day-in, day-out during the creation of the development,” he said. “Like many phased developments, it wasn’t always straight-forward since we were dealing with a site that dated back 400 years.”

Houlton expands selection of homes with Civic Living launch A new range of contemporary modular homes are coming to Rugby’s new neighbourhood, Houlton. The launch of Civic Living this year will see the growing community, delivered by main developer Urban&Civic, further expand its offering of highquality homes to prospective homebuyers. Part of the Urban&Civic group, the selection of two and three-bed homes will offer open-plan flexible living space at an affordable price point in the heart of the desirable development. Delivered in partnership with modular construction firm, Top Hat, Civic Living will join Houlton’s four premium housebuilders – Davidsons Homes, Redrow Homes, Morris Homes and Crest Nicholson – which are already offering a selection of three, four, and five-bed homes on site.

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

With a host of amenities already available to residents, including its first primary school St Gabriel’s, award-winning eatery The Tuning Fork, community centre The Barn, state-of-the-art adventure play park and acres of outdoor space, nature trails and cycleways, the newest addition means even more homeowners will be able to enjoy the idyllic lifestyle Houlton offers. Committed to creating communities with quality homes, first-class facilities and extensive outdoor spaces, Urban&Civic will also deliver a wide range of additional amenities on site, including a secondary school opening this September, a further two primary schools, a nursery and a coop convenience store. Mike van den Berg, senior development manager at Urban&Civic, said: “Through our role as master developer at Houlton, we are dedicated

to bringing a range of different housebuilders onto our site, to provide people with high-quality homes in a variety of tenures and styles. The addition of Civic Living to our already impressive portfolio of housebuilders will further diversify the choices at Houlton – especially to those looking for contemporary, low-carbon homes.” For more information on Houlton visit www.houltonrugby.co.uk

Digital T Levels at WCG are due to begin in September 2021 and are set to bring about the biggest change to technical training in a generation. Designed with employers, T Levels give students aged 16-19 the practical skills, knowledge and attitude to excel in work and deliver the skills that organisations need. And what’s more, by offering a T Level industry placement you could have access to the brightest talent entering the market and improve your business overall.

You’re invited to WCG’s virtual T Party Join our first set of online live chat for employers discussing the upcoming Digital T Levels on Tuesday 23 March 2021, 11am-12pm. Our T Levels team will discuss everything you need to know about Digital T Levels, whilst giving you the opportunity to ask any questions.

To book your free tickets visit wcg.ac.uk/tlevelemployers

For more information, contact our Business Development Team:

0330 135 6940 | employerenquiries@wcg.ac.uk

CENTRE FOR DIGITAL & CYBER TECHNOLOGY

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

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Education and Training

Employers are invited to WCG’s Digital ‘T Party’ Employers are being offered the chance to find out how they can help mould the next generation of workers at a digital event hosted by a leading college group in March. Digital support service T Levels will be offered from the college’s facility at Malvern Hills Science Park in Worcestershire and at Royal Leamington Spa College in Warwickshire. T-Levels, equivalent to three A-Levels, are new national qualifications that form part of the Government’s flagship reforms to technical education in England. They combine classroom theory and practical learning with industry placements of at least nine weeks to give students real experience of the workplace.

By offering work placements, employers will get early access to new talent and ideas in the workplace, support the development of their existing employees through mentoring opportunities, improve productivity by getting help with specific projects, and get the opportunity to offer masterclasses at WCG to help shape skills and knowledge of their potential future workforce. WCG virtual ‘T Party’ takes place on Tuesday 23 March, between 11am-12pm, to talk in more detail to employers across the region about T Levels and the benefits of being involved. The event is free to attend, but places must be booked in advance at wcg.ac.uk/tlevelemployers.

of bringing talented young people into their business to assess them as a potential employee, as well as benefiting from new ideas that they could bring to help them grow their business. “We hope to see as many employers as possible from our area join us at our online ‘T Party’ so they can hear first-hand the long-term benefits that these are new qualifications can offer.” To find out more about T Levels, contact WCG’s Business Development Team: T: 0330 135 6940 E: employerenquiries@wcg.ac.uk W: wcg.ac.uk/tlevelemployers

Steve Ellis, head of WCG’s Business and Digital Technology department, said: “Employers should see T Levels as a way

WARWICK TRIDENT COLLEGE

strengthens apprenticeship relationship with Telent Warwick Trident College, part of college group WCG, has partnered with one of the country’s largest telecommunications companies to provide a stream of new talent for its railway infrastructure division. Telent, which is headquartered in Warwick, will be working with the college to train new apprentices to support its railway telecommunications workforce. The firm, which employs nearly 100 apprentices across the business, is already training five rail apprentices through the college and is expecting that number to nearly double next year.

Apprentices will complete their rail engineering technician qualifications over the course of a three-year apprenticeship through WCG, which involves working trackside all over the country for Telent and studying in blocks at Warwick Trident College. Richard Giddings, Graduate and Apprenticeship Manager at Telent, said: “We’re excited to be strengthening our relationship with WCG and working closely with the college to bring through the next generation of workers for our rail telecommunications provision. “We were previously working with a provider based in London because there was a belief you had to go there for high-quality apprenticeships. However, after meeting with WCG we realised that wasn’t the case and we were able to support a local institution by moving our apprentices up to Warwickshire.

“By working with the college, we are hoping to be able to bring a steady stream of rail specialist skilled apprentices through to future proof our workforce. “ Andrew Moore, Work Based Learning Manager for Engineering at WCG, said: “We’re working in partnership with Telent to ensure the training being delivered is tailored to the requirements of the business and perfectly prepares students for their day-to-day roles. “It has been a strong start to the relationship, and we look forward to further strengthening that partnership over the next few years.” To find out more about apprenticeships, contact WCG’s Business Development Team: T: 0330 135 6940 E: employerenquiries@wcg.ac.uk W: wcg.ac.uk/employers

“We’re excited to be strengthening our relationship with WCG and working closely with the college to bring through the next generation of workers for our rail telecommunications provision.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Education and Training

Heart of England Training receives “excellent” reviews on Government website

Mentoring scheme smashes 10,000 target

All apprenticeship providers are impartially rated by the employers they work with on the Government website, and the staff at Heart of England Training are delighted with their reviews so far. Celebrating pass rates more than 10% higher than the national averages, Heart of England Training offers businesses a range of top-quality apprenticeships and professional courses, including administration, customer service, leadership and project management, as well as salon and school-based apprenticeships. You can read reviews, compare pass rates and explore training offerings on the Government’s apprenticeship website: https://findapprenticeshiptraining. apprenticeships.education.gov.uk Heart of England Training’s mission statement is “to deliver outstanding training and support throughout all our sectors”, driven by a common set of values: to continually strive for excellence, to act with integrity and be respectful at all times, to be responsive and flexible to learner/employer needs, and to encourage and support high aspirations. Matthew Barry, Marketing & Recruitment Director for Heart of England Training, said: “We are one of the region’s leading providers of business apprenticeships and we are dedicated to helping businesses and individuals alike achieve success. We have over 50 years of experience in delivering business training and development programmes and we’ve worked with over 500 employers from small businesses to multinationals and local authorities.” Thanks to the new cash incentives available from 1st April this year (whereby employers can receive £3,000-£4,000 for each apprentice hire), businesses are now presented with an exciting opportunity to hire and train new members of staff. These cash incentives can be used to pay for uniforms, apprentices’ travel or their salaries. They do not have to be repaid. Furthermore, Heart of England Training is pleased to be working alongside the Warwickshire Apprenticeship Progression Programme, which is designed to support small to medium-sized businesses by offering a £1,000 incentive to Warwickshirebased businesses who want to invest in the progression of their staff and build upon a previous qualification which contributes to the new needs of the business (the learner must have completed a previous apprenticeship with the current employer within the last 3 years). Heart of England Training is far more than a training provider; working with learners and employers every step of the way to ensure that all parties gain the greatest benefit from their training partnership. To learn more and make contact, go to: www.hoet.co.uk

Pictured at the Mayor’s Mentors round table event are (clockwise from bottom left) Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, mentor Iain McGhee, mentee Emma van Dun, mentor Gordon Shipley and mentee Luis James More than 10,000 young people have received personal mentoring on how to kickstart their careers or get back into work thanks to a flagship scheme led by Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street. The Mayor’s Mentors programme has smashed its original target of recruiting 10,000 people willing to draw on their life and work experiences to personally guide and inspire a young person setting out on their own life journey. But the scheme has taken on added significance in recent months as young people bear the economic brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our Young People Need You” rallying cry, urging even more people to get involved in the scheme. The Mayor said: “When we launched Mayor’s Mentors, we knew our 10,000 target was ambitious but we also knew how big a heart this region has. That has been borne out in the way people have come forward in such big numbers. “But our young people now need our help more than ever. Many of them work in those industries hardest hit by the pandemic, such as hospitality and retail, and many have lost their jobs or been furloughed.

The annual Prince’s Trust Tesco Youth Index Report, which researches young people’s happiness and confidence level, showed almost a quarter of young people do not feel confident about their future work and that a quarter felt unable to cope with life.

“Whilst we are putting a variety of schemes in place to help our young people get back into work as soon as possible, a guiding hand and words of wisdom from someone with years of employment experience would also go a long way at such a difficult time. I would urge anyone who thinks they can lend a helping hand to get involved in Mayor’s Mentors.”

Now the Mayor and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have issued a

To find out more visit www.wmca.org.uk/mayorsmentors/

“When we launched Mayor’s Mentors, we knew our 10,000 target was ambitious but we also knew how big a heart this region has. That has been borne out in the way people have come forward in such big numbers.” www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Education and Training

How do you grow and evolve your business in the COVID era? As COVID-19 continues to change the way in which companies do business, it has never been more important for leaders to think strategically and adapt quickly to address new challenges. This is why at Warwick Business School (WBS), we have designed the Senior Leaders Business Growth Programme, to equip participants with the latest tools and theories to navigate this rapidly evolving business landscape. Whether you are a company looking to upskill your senior management, or an individual looking to futureproof your career and business, this programme will enable participants to develop personal and organisational strategies that build resilience and create sustained growth for their business.

The programme focuses on five key themes that are critical to business performance; Innovation, Productivity, Digital, Resilience and Leadership. These themes will be explored in the current business context along with considering how to deliver them strategically, particularly during periods of uncertainty and a challenging economy. It will be essential that participants bring along an identified strategic challenge they are facing, so the programme can be directly applied to their business needs.

Commencing in September 2021, these workshops will be taught in two-day blocks hosted by WBS, at Warwick Conferences, an in-house conferencing centre that is fully committed to delivering a safe and engaging in-person experience.

For further information about the programme and to download a brochure, please visit: www.wbs.ac.uk/go/SLBGP

Throughout six workshops, participants will gain access to learning focused on practical outcomes, and the opportunity to apply sessions to real issues facing their businesses. The workshops will feature expert faculty, peer-learning, and executive coaching to ensure learning is both direct and indirect from the group of senior leaders who will participate.

“The programme focuses on five key themes that are critical to business performance; Innovation, Productivity, Digital, Resilience and Leadership. These themes will be explored in the current business context along with considering how to deliver them strategically, particularly during periods of uncertainty and a challenging economy.”

Employers can help Coventry Crosshairs reach Next Level Coventry College’s Esports team is reaching out to employers to help them progress to the next level. Coventry Crosshairs are making giant strides on the sports gaming scene as they pit their wits against competitors online.

The group have put themselves firmly on the national map and the College is also launching a new Esports National Diploma programme from September 2021. Now Coventry Crosshairs are looking for businesses to back the team and new qualification as they go from strength-to-strength. The group have already brought together the best of UK Esports talent by hosting the Coventry Crosshairs Arcade Festival (in

collaboration with Vulpine Esports) in February. Plans are also in place to create the Coventry Crosshairs Esports Academy for current college learners. Esports is a combination of sport, skill, professionalism and competitive video gaming which has become extremely popular. Shoubna Naika-Taylor, Esports Team Manager for Coventry Crosshairs, said: “Our Coventry Crosshairs Esports team

continues to evolve and with that comes the launch of our new Esports qualification at Coventry College. “These are exciting times, but to take us to the next level we would be really grateful to any local businesses who can sponsor the team, events that we deliver and support us and our learners in any way to enable our future progression.”

To find out more about Coventry Crosshairs and Esports, or if your business is interested in supporting Coventry Crosshairs or the new Academy please email Shoubna Naika-Taylor: snaika-taylor@coventrycollege.ac.uk

A 12-day development programme for senior leaders who have the drive and ambition to take their business to the next level.

Senior Leaders Business Growth Programme

Our faculty team will engage directly with you and your business to develop personal and organisational strategies, build resilience and create sustained growth for your business, in a time of unprecedented global challenges. W

wbs.ac.uk/go/SLBGP

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Creating job descriptions Pre-interview screening candidates Careful shortlisting Administrative support

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Business Administration Associate Project Manager Customer Service Management / Team Leader

Visit 宫宲宨宷孱宦宲孱宸宮季oor call 孳孻孳孳季孳孵孻孴季學孺孹季tto find out more today. 宋守宄宇季宒安安完宆守孽季守宯宨容宨宱季宄宵宦宫宨家季宋宲宸家宨孯季宏宨宬宦宨家宷宨宵季宕宲室宧孯季宕宸宪宥宼孯季定室宵宺宬宦宮家宫宬宵宨孯季宆宙孵孴季孴安宇宗宵室宬宱宬宱宪季宄宦室宧宨宰宬宨家季宬宱季宕官宊宅宜宿季宆宒宙守宑宗宕宜宿季宏守完宆守宖宗守宕宿季宅完宕宐完宑宊宋宄宐

COVENTRY & WARWICKSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE COVENTRY &

GREEN BUSINESS BUSINESS PROGRAMME NETWORK PROGRAMME NETWORK

Free energy efficiency efficiencyand andenvironmental environmental Free energy grants up to to £50,000 £50,000 grants up IfIf you small to to medium mediumsized sizedbusiness businessininCoventry Coventry you are are aa small and thenyou youcould couldbe beeligible eligiblefor foraagrant grant and Warwickshire Warwickshire then up to improve improveenergy energyefficiency, efficiency,and andreduce reduce up to to £50,000, £50,000, to water waste consumption. consumption. water and and waste

Grants of between between £1,000 £1,000and and£50,000 £50,000 provided for: • Lighting – LED, LED, controls, controls,sensors sensors • Heating - replacement replacementboilers boilers • Compressors • Ventilation – fans, fans, distribution distribution • Refrigeration • Renewable technologies technologies--solar solar • Recycling and and waste waste--compactors, compactors, balers and balers and crushers crushers

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The Coventry and Warwickshire Green Business Programme is part funded by the European Regional Development The Coventry and Warwickshire Green Business Programme is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is delivered by Coventry City Council, Coventry University and Coventry University Enterprises Ltd. Fund and is delivered by Coventry City Council, Coventry University and Coventry University Enterprises Ltd.

Enterprises Limited

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

News

£10,000 community fund to support local projects supported by our own staff, as well as larger corporate events such as our annual Golf Day which has raised over £100,000 for the official Parachute Regiment charity, Support Our Paras, since 2013. “We want to add to this activity by establishing a fund that is dedicated to the good causes and organisations in Stockton and surrounding villages.

Groups, individuals and projects within this five-mile radius from The Wigley Group’s headquarters in Stockton can apply to the new £10,000 annual Community Fund

A £10,000 annual fund is being established by Warwickshire-based property and development company The Wigley Group to support community projects.

Today, the group develops, owns and manages commercial properties across the Midlands region and the wider UK. It has been based in Stockton since 2019.

The company will invite individuals and groups who are based within a five-mile radius of its headquarters in the village of Stockton to apply for a slice of the new fund twice a year.

James Davies, managing director of The Wigley Group, said: “As a company, we are very proud to support a number of charitable organisations through events held or

Applications for the first round of £5,000 were submitted between March 1 and March 10 and the second round will be open in September. The Wigley Group has evolved from its beginnings as an agricultural plant hire company that was established in 1964 by John Wigley, father of the group’s current chairman, Robert.

“The past year has been a challenging time for us all. We hope that by making this money available to worthy causes in the immediate area around our headquarters, this will help us make a meaningful contribution to improving the lives of people in a community that we are proud to be a part of, not only in 2021 but for many years to come.” An application form and the terms and conditions of the Wigley Community Fund can be found at www.thewigleygroup.com/csr/ wigley-community-fund

“As a company, we are very proud to support a number of charitable organisations through events held or supported by our own staff, as well as larger corporate events such as our annual Golf Day which has raised over £100,000 for the official Parachute Regiment charity, Support Our Paras, since 2013.”

Accountancy firm joins Made in the Midlands A West Midlands accountancy firm has thrown its support behind an organisation which aims to promote the thriving manufacturing industry across the region. Prime Accountants Group, which has offices in Solihull, Birmingham and Coventry, has just become a patron for Made in the Midlands, a membership group designed to promote, inspire and share best practice within the manufacturing sector. Made in the Midlands is based on a pledge signed by manufacturers to open a channel of communication with regional businesses, take on apprentices and export to new markets, in a bid to support and further boost this critical industry. As part of its role with the group, Prime will be offering support, advice and financial services to those firms which are part of Made in the

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Midlands, a crucial boost at a time when business across the region is being affected by Brexit and the national COVID-19 lockdown. Morgan Davies, director at Prime Accountants Group, said: “As a firm that began here in the Midlands, we are always keen to support the work of the thriving industries on the doorstep of our offices across the region. “As a large proportion of our client base is made up of manufacturers in the surrounding area, we have vast experience in dealing with their needs and requirements and have used our expertise to support them year after year.

Prime Accountants Group, which has offices in Solihull, Birmingham and Coventry, has joined Made in the Midlands as a patron

“In turn, this has helped them to develop their businesses and contribute even more to this dynamic and fast-paced industry.

excited to meet more of its members that make up this incredible industry and offer any financial assistance that they may need to make improvements within their organisations.”

“We’re proud to be joining Made in the Midlands as one of its patrons and are

For more information visit www.primeaccountants.co.uk

Anna Power

Law firm bolsters in-demand commercial property team A Midlands law firm has strengthened its commercial property team with a senior appointment to meet increasing demand for its services. Anna Power has joined Leamingtonbased Wright Hassall as a senior associate in the firm’s real estate group, which now has 45 lawyers within the commercial real estate, development and securitisation, construction, planning, rural estates and residential teams. She arrives with more than ten years of commercial property experience, including acting for real estate investors, owner occupiers and developers. Anna will be responsible for supporting the expansion of the firm’s commercial property arm and mentoring younger members of the team. Her arrival comes at a time when there is increasing activity in the real estate sector. Anna said: “I’m really excited to be joining Wright Hassall at this time, as it’s a fantastic firm with a great reputation and an impressive client base. “The real estate sector has remained resilient throughout the pandemic and is set for another busy period of activity. “The retail and leisure sectors have been the hardest hit by the pandemic, with almost half of businesses looking to renegotiate lease terms, whilst landlords’ options to recover unpaid rent are curtailed by the Coronavirus Act. “However, investment volumes have continued to rise month-on-month since the end of the second quarter, as property yields have started to stabilise. “Commercial property is a key part of the UK’s economy, and I’m looking forward to helping clients navigate the recovery and embark on new opportunities.” Andrew Jones, head of commercial real estate at Wright Hassall, added: “Anna’s arrival at Wright Hassall is a coup for us. Her in-depth experience and range of industry contacts will be instrumental in helping us to expand the commercial real estate team and provide the best service for our clients.”

President & People

Wadsworths Solicitors makes new appointment Wadsworths Solicitors has announced that Gemma Dempsey has joined the board of directors alongside John Wadsworth, Alexandra Tait and Michael Wadsworth.

Postive signs At time of writing, Spring is nearly upon us and we dare to hope that restrictions will be finally over in a few short months. Schoolchildren have returned to their classrooms and the vaccine roll out continues at pace, in fact I had mine last week and I am pleased to report that not only was it painless, but I had absolutely no reaction whatsoever apart from a sore arm for a couple of days afterwards. So, a big thank you to all the NHS staff, volunteers and teams involved in distributing and administering the vaccination programme, you are all doing a superb job. Since my last column there has just been so much to focus on, what with the phased plans to end lockdown, the Budget, the programme launch announcement from the City of Culture and a £23.2 million pound windfall from the Government Towns Fund for Nuneaton, to name but a few! The Budget will obviously affect different people in differing ways but overall, in my opinion it could have been a lot worse. The two stand out points for me was firstly how vitally important it was to avoid a cliff-edge with regards to potential job losses, therefore an extension to the furlough system until September had to be welcomed. Secondly was the incentive for firms to invest in the very latest technology available, through a new “super deduction” that reduces tax by 130% over the next two years. There was obviously other loans and grant schemes announced which I sincerely hope will help all our businesses, as they start to plan out a road map to recovery. I also think it is important to say a massive thank you to all the hard-working local authority personnel, whom are working tirelessly to help, advise and distribute grants and funds to businesses. You have my utmost respect, especially when trying to understand all the rules and regulations normally attached to such governmental announcements and documents. Closer to home and during my role as President I aim to liaise with as many Chamber members as possible, so it was great to finally have a virtual catch up with Declan Allen Managing Director at HoribaMIRA, they truly are a world class organisation and we are extremely lucky to have such an outstanding company on our patch. It was fascinating to hear about some of the projects they are currently working on and the calibre of companies they are attracting to the region. Therefore I make no apology when asking our local MPs to take a message to government and to request greater support and investment for institutions such as HoribaMIRA, they truly are a crucial asset to this region.

Best regards Tom Mongan

Gemma joined the family-run firm in 2004 as a conveyancing secretary. Over the years she has worked her way up, first becoming a conveyancing caseworker, then becoming head of Wadsworths’ busy residential conveyancing department. Now she has been appointed director of the firm. Gemma’s promotion comes during an exciting time for Wadsworths, which continues to expand across the West Midlands and Warwickshire to meet demand. The company has recently opened new offices in Henley-in-Arden, Warwick and Tamworth.

Gemma said: “I’m extremely happy to step up to this role at what is proving to be a positive and exciting time for the firm. Together with my co-directors and dedicated team, I’m looking forward to continuing to build on the successes we’ve had over the last 34 years.” John Wadsworth, managing director of Wadsworths Solicitors, said: “Alexandra, Mike and I are thrilled to have Gemma joining us on the board of directors. After a busy 2020 juggling the intricacies of three new offices, staff safety and maintaining a consistently high client experience despite the pandemic, it is wonderful to start the year with such positive news.” Gemma has assisted thousands of satisfied clients with the process of buying and selling their properties throughout her time at Wadsworths

Solicitors, helping to maintain the firms’ outstanding reputation in the local community. With its head office in Shirley, Solihull, Wadsworths Solicitors was established in 1986. The firm now has four directors with a dedicated team of staff across four offices. For more information visit www.wadsworthslaw.co.uk

Integrity Wealth welcomes new team member He brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked his way through the ranks and becoming a financial adviser in 2012. His areas of expertise are complex pensions, estate planning, charities and trusts. Integrity Wealth Solutions is delighted to welcome Alex Bolton into its team. A chartered financial planner and fellow of the Personal Finance Society, Alex has been in the industry since 2006 upon graduating with a law degree from the University of Bristol.

Since achieving chartered status, Alex has been driven to continually develop his skills and knowledge by gaining additional industry qualifications and has recently added the Investment Management Certificate and a qualification with the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners to his already impressive portfolio.

Since becoming a financial adviser, Alex has not only worked within financial services companies, he has also held in-house positions as an adviser at a chartered accountancy firm and within a national investment management firm. This gives him an in-depth working knowledge of these industries and the areas they and their clients may need assistance with. Although we are still working remotely, our technology means we have all been able to “meet” Alex and we are confident he will soon be an integral member of the IWS family.

New starter at Katronic Martin Harwidge has joined clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter specialist Katronic to take on the role of global sales manager. In his new role he will work to grow demand for the company’s portable and fixed non-invasive systems in the UK and across the distributor network, especially in southern Europe, Asia and South America. Martin is a familiar face in the industry, having worked in process control and instrumentation since the late 1980s. He said: “I’ve worked either for or with some of the big players in the instrumentation industry, so I’ve seen ultrasonics up close

and personal for the best part of thirty years.” For the last seventeen years he has run his own business, supporting process measurement and other technical companies with their marketing communications activities. Katronic is well-known locally, winning the Professor Lord Bhattacharayya Award as Manufacturer of the Year in 2019 in the Coventry Telegraph Business Awards. Outside of work, Martin is married with three grown-up children. He and his wife Julie are both keen golfers and he also occasionally plays guitar in a pub rock band.

He said: “Right from the first time I met everyone at Katronic I enjoyed the atmosphere and it really feels that people value being part of this team. I’m delighted to be involved.” For more information visit www.katronic.com

www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

President & People

New partner appointed at Warwickshire accountancy firm A regional accountancy firm has bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of a new partner to support the development of its corporate services division. Burgis & Bullock, which has offices in Leamington, Nuneaton, Rugby and Stratford-upon-Avon, has made the internal appointment of Kate King to the position of partner at the firm. Born and bred in Leamington, Kate is a qualified chartered accountant and joined the firm in 2006 as an audit senior, progressing to senior manager and now partner. She will be based at the Leamington office and work with managing partner Wende Hubbard on leading

the development of the company’s corporate services division. This includes taking a lead role on the training and development of trainee auditors and technical training for the corporate services team. During her 15 years with Burgis & Bullock she has overseen the delivery of statutory audit services for the firm’s large corporate clients, as well as acting as an outsourced financial accountant for other clients. Kate said: “I’m excited to take on this role and build on the success I have already had with the firm. “I joined Burgis & Bullock early in my career and after 15 years of service have a clear understanding of the culture and goals of the

Kate King, partner at Burgis & Bullock

firm. I’m committed to supporting its growth and expansion over the coming years.” Wende Hubbard, managing partner at Burgis & Bullock, added: “We are very pleased to have appointed Kate to our group of partners. She has proven herself time and time again since joining the firm and has established herself as a key asset in our corporate services division.”

New hire bolsters Lodders’ in-house HR team

Andrew Busst takes on the new role of Training & Development Manager at Lodders Solicitors

Midlands and south west law firm Lodders Solicitors has boosted its in-house human resources (HR) operation with the creation of the new role of training & development manager. The move will support its team of 150 fee earners and support staff across its four offices. Training and development specialist Andrew Busst takes on the new role, working alongside Lodders’ HR director Sarah Naffine who coordinates the creation and delivery

of Lodders’ strategic and operational HR support and initiatives, and talent management activities. In his new role, Andrew will initially focus on refreshing the firm’s induction and onboarding processes – much of which is currently done remotely and online because of COVID-19 restrictions. He will identify professional development requirements and opportunities for every member of staff working across its specialist corporate, business and private client legal teams, and work with them to create individual and personalised training/learning and development programmes that will fulfil their potential. Andrew brings years of dedicated training and development experience to the new role. He joins from automotive supplier Brose, where he was most recently training & development coordinator, and has legal sector experience from his ten years at Birmingham law firm Beynon & Co.

He said: “Lodders is a highly progressive firm. It’s rare for a law firm to have a role dedicated to overseeing training, something that’s really refreshing, appealing and exciting. The role allows me to maximise my experience in a way that will add real value to the firm, its people and talent management strategy.” Lodders’ managing partner Paul Mourton said: “Lodders continues to be passionately committed to resourcing, supporting and investing in our solicitors, particularly when we can develop and grow our own – a strategy that supports our investment in learning and development and the firm’s succession and future plans. This rationale is a key part of Andrew’s recruitment, and he will add focus and energy to tailored development for our new starters, trainees, apprentices, fee earners and support staff.” For more information: www.lodders.co.uk

Gallagher strengthens Coventry team with double hire Insurance broker Gallagher has welcomed two risk management specialists to its Coventry team, further increasing the firm’s presence in the Midlands. The new joiners will specialise in providing insurance solutions to startup businesses in the life sciences and technology sectors, two areas of expertise in Gallagher’s Coventry office, as well as servicing small business clients in Coventry and Warwickshire. Gallagher’s 20-strong Coventry team, based at Prologis Park close to the city centre, has had a presence in the city for more than 30 years, serving a range of local and national clients. James Henley and Anharul Ali have been appointed as enterprise account managers, with James joining from insurance broker A-Plan Insurance in Shirley, and Anharul joining from Simple and Smart Insurance in Small Heath. With a background in supporting small businesses with their insurance and risk management requirements, James and Anharul will be partnering with growing companies in the www.cw-chamber.co.uk

life sciences and technology industries, as well as local small business clients, to help them identify their current risks and anticipate risks they may face in the future as they reach key milestones, and provide them with bespoke insurance solutions accordingly. Debbie Moss, Coventry head of office at Gallagher, said: “As an insurance broking partner to companies of all sizes, including businesses in the early stages of development, we recognise that stepping out on your own can be a daunting but exciting prospect. As businesses grow, so do their risks, and we work with clients to ensure they stay on a firm footing throughout their growth journey – keeping abreast of the shifting sands of emerging risk, regulation, legislation and compliance. “We’re delighted to be welcoming James and Anharul to our first-rate team. Bringing our two new colleagues on board, who each offer a great deal of local market expertise, reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in talent to support our expanding client base in the West Midlands and beyond.”

James Henley

Anharul Ali

Prime Accountants Group has promoted Paul Guise to the role of associate director

Prime promotion for Paul

An independent accountancy firm in the West Midlands has promoted one of its most experienced account managers to a directorship role. Prime Accountants Group, which has offices in Solihull, Birmingham and Coventry, has appointed Paul Guise as associate director after six years with the firm. It’s a ringing endorsement of the career pathways on offer at Prime as Paul joined the firm in July 2015 as an accounts manager, becoming a senior audit and accounts manager in July 2017 before his promotion to associate director last month. Paul, who has a wealth of experience advising ownermanaged businesses, began his accountancy training in 1998 at a large independent firm in the Midlands. He first worked in the audit department before a promotion to accounts department manager shortly after qualifying in 2005, working with an SME client base. Paul said: “My role involves advising and helping ownermanaged businesses on all a spects of their finances. “It’s all about taking the burden away from the owner or director, allowing them more time to run their business more profitably and providing access to better financial information to allow them to do so. “Prime is a very flexible, supportive environment and has enabled me to work my way up through the ranks. I’m delighted with my new role and the faith the company has shown in me.” Kevin Johns, managing director of Prime, said: “The working culture is a huge part of our offering here and Paul’s latest promotion is further proof of that. “He’s been with us for nearly six years and his hard work has been rewarded. His promotion is richly deserved and we wish him every success in his new role.” For more information visit www.primeaccountants.co.uk

New Members Corporate Members Kopek Security Ltd

Pure Ideas Limited

Security Services 08000 560873 enquries@kopeksecurity.com www.kopeksecurity.com

Intellectual Property 0203 696 0945 katia.douglas@pure-ideas.co.uk www.pure-ideas.co.uk

International Members Acumen Automotive Logistics Limited Logistics Management 02476 516840 r.waring@acumenlogistics.com www.acumen-dist.com

Catlogix Ltd Jewellery Manufacturer/Retailer 07775 698905 jim@catlogix.com www.catlogix.com

darock Projects Limited

Hoverdale UK Ltd

International Financial Consultants CNC Machinists 07920 262165 01162 841113 aoredope@darockprojects.com mail@hoverdale.com www.darockprojects.com www.hoverdale.com

Fincher Ltd Manufacturing 02476 375474 walter@fincherlimited.com www.fincherlimited.com

NDE Clarke Pitchline Ltd Gears 02476 222272 sales@ndepower.com www.ndepower.com

Mariat & Partners Manufacturers’ Agents 07977 147266 whitehousea@btconnect.com

Essential Members Advantage HR (Wendy Toon)

Coventry Baby Store Ltd

GSLC Ltd

Purple Planet Packaging

Human Resource Consultants 07798 631136 wendytoon@advantage-hr.co.uk www.advantage-hr.co.uk

Wholesalers 02477 103359 sales@covbabystore.co.uk www.covbabystore.co.uk

Importer & Exporters 07581 440869

Packaging Specialists 08000 614432 sales@purpleplanetsupplies.co.uk www.purpleplanetsupplies.co.uk

Diamond Crossing Recruitment Ltd

H & G Technology Ltd

Ramsgate Consultants T/A Industrial Temporaries

AG Forward Consulting Ltd Financial & Business Consultants 07715 705074 andrew@griffinfc.co.uk www.griffinfc.co.uk

Avena Group Shredding Services 08455 219892 elliott.day@avenagroup.co.uk www.avenagroup.co.uk

Bayven Studio Limited Graphic Designers & Commercial Artists 07762 366118 info@bayven.co.uk www.bayven.co.uk

Beauty Courses 4 U Beauty Salons & Consultants cindy@beautycourses4u.com www.beautycourses4u.com

BLB Advisory Limited Legal & Financial 02475 097627 info@blbadvisory.co.uk www.blbadvisory.co.uk

British Forces Resettlement Services CIC Recruitment Advisers 02476 939931 harry.d@bfrss.org.uk www.bfrss.org.uk

CLA & Associates Ltd Business Consultants 07854 490486 carlylelatty@gmail.com www.carlylelatty.com

Recruitment Advisers 02476 993132 hello@diamondcrossing.co.uk www.diamondcrossing.co.uk

E N Tooling Limited Independent Cutting Tool Supplier 02476 351444 sales@entooling.com www.entooling.com

eleVAte Virtual Assistant Services Virtual Assistant 07835 422912 hello@elevate-va.co.uk www.elevate-va.co.uk

Exhibit 3sixty Ltd Exhibition Consultants 02476 473663 alan@exhibit3sixty.co.uk www.exhibit3sixty.co.uk

For Little Paws Ltd Charities & Benevolent Organisations 07983 432657 torialouise@hotmail.com www.forlittlepaws.org

Growth Plans Ltd Executive, Management & Business Coaching 07788 582573 lizwhitfield@growth-plans.co.uk www.growth-plans.co.uk

info@globalsourcingcompany.co.uk www.globalsourcingcompany.co.uk

Business Consultants 07774 200321 graham.freakes@ handgtechnology.co.uk

J E Monk Human Resource Consultants 07801 660766 jackiemonk@ymail.com www.harwoodhrsolutions.co.uk

Kindred CSR Business Consultants 07725 503479 ali@pipsly.org www.pipsly.org

Lavata Group Land & Property Professionals 07809 583921 info@lavatagroup.com www.lavatagroup.com

Lococo Creative Limited Graphic Designers & Commercial Artists 07734 822681 joannecoope@locococreative.co.uk www.locococreative.co.uk

Nuneaton Regrinds Limited Specialist Toolcutting 02476 351444 nuneatonregrinds@hotmail.com

www.nuneaton-regrinds.business.site

Pin Sharp Limited Video Production 07851 605852 pinsharp@hotmail.co.uk

Recruitment Advisers 02476 651651 staff@indtemps.co.uk www.industrialtemporaries.co.uk

Sky Blue Fixings Ltd Construction & Development 02476 448864 sales@skybluefixings.co.uk www.skybluefixings.co.uk

The Beard Sauce Company Limited Health Care Products & Equipment 07854 490486 carlyle.latty-alleyne@sky.com www.thebeardsauce.com

TrailGain Ltd Business Consultants 07531 036169 enquiry@trailgain.com www.trailgain.com

Unique Woodcraft Limited Woodworkers 07947 858035 uniquewoodcraftltd@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/ uniquewoodcraftltd/

Warwickshire Young Carers Charities & Benevolent Organisations 07563 243893

amy@warwickshireyoungcarers.org.uk www.warwickshireyoungcarers.org.uk www.cw-chamber.co.uk

Coventry & Warwickshire in business

Members Offers Featured Offers from our Chamber Members:

Health Matters (UK) Ltd

AHR Consultants

XL Motors Ltd

Discounted BUPA’s Health Assessments Expiry Date: 31/03/2021

Free Health & Safety Risk Report for Chamber Members Expiry Date: 31/03/2021

£30 for your MOT when booked and carried out before the end of March 2021 Expiry Date: 31/03/2021

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Mental Health in Business Ltd

FREE Health Check - Business Energy (Gas, Electric, Water) Expiry Date: 30/04/2021

10% off your first month with us for Chamber Members Expiry Date: 11/03/2021

15% Discount on all Mental Health services Expiry Date: 30/04/2021

Pin Sharp Limited

Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI)

Decision Praxis Limited

Free Discovery Call for Chamber Members Expiry Date: 31/03/2021

Online Business School Ltd 20% off Management Training Courses Expiry Date: 31/03/2021

Want to share your Member Offer? Email the details and your logo to info@cw-chamber.co.uk

20% discount for bespoke filming Expiry Date: 31/03/2021

Sustainability help for Coventry and Warwickshire businesses Expiry Date: 31/03/2021

Johnsons Quality Bus & Coach Travel

Free 1 hour decision support consultation Expiry Date: 30/06/2021

Member Offers are included in our Utility Team Trading Ltd Utility Team’s COVID-19 Support Fund Expiry Date: 31/03/2021

The Business Partnership Free Market Appraisal & Valuation of your Company Expiry Date: 31/03/2021

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 www.cw-chamber.co.uk

MOTIVATE, INSPIRE, RETAIN

TAKE ADVANTAGE

OF THE GOVERNMENT APPRENTICE SHIP INCENTIVE You now have until September 2021 to take advantage of the increased Government incentive payment, available to all employers who hire a new apprentice. Age Of New Apprentice

Incentive Payment

16+

£3,000

This payment will be in addition to the existing £1,000 incentive payment that the Government already provides for new apprentices aged between 16-18, and those aged under 25 with an Education Health Care Plan, where that applies. WCG Apprenticeships are the only training provider in Worcestershire to offer apprenticeships in the following areas:

• • • •

• Horticulture Inc. Golf

Agriculture Animal Care Arboriculture Equine

• •

Greenkeeping & Sports Turf Land-based Engineering Veterinary Nursing

Contact our Business Development team who will be able to help you negotiate the incentive so that it can benefit you in the best way possible:

0330 135 6940 | employerenquiries@wcg.ac.uk CENTRE FOR DIGITAL & CYBER TECHNOLOGY

wcg.ac.uk/apprenticeships

C&W In Business March 2021

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