33 minute read
Around the Region
Coventry Building Society Arena joins ABPCO
Coventry Building Society Arena has joined The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) after passing the robust accreditation process to become part of the professional body.
ABPCO is the professional body for the organisation of association conference and not-for-profit events. Members of the association are selected based on peer assessment and Coventry Building Society Arena has passed the accreditation process to join the body. It comes as the arena gears up for the opening of its new multi-millionpound Commonwealth Convention Centre later this year. Work is ongoing to complete the new south pavilion gateway to the convention centre, which will provide access to the new Convention Centre Lobby, an open plan multi-purpose reception space and seamless access to the 7,750 square metres of indoor conference and exhibition space at the arena. The project has already seen work completed to renovate the 6,000 square metre indoor srena, transform 1,750 square metres of space beneath the arena and create the popular new sports bar, The Anecdote. Ross Stewart, business development manager for agency & associations at Coventry Building Society Arena, said: “Joining ABPCO allows us to increase our profile within the association market. “The membership gives us a stamp of approval which shows we have gone through, and passed, the robust accreditation process which ensures professionalism within the community and recognises excellence. “I’ve worked in the events industry for over five years and, in that time, I’ve worked with multiple associations. I understand the requirements and needs for an organiser, and Coventry Building Society Arena is a perfect Midlands venue for associations.”
ABPCO’s industry members and partners are made up of some of the UK’s top venues, convention bureaus and suppliers in the conference industry.
For further information visit www.abpco.org/
British film icons awarded freedom of Stratford status
Two icons of British film and theatre had the ancient honour of “herding sheep” in Stratford’s streets after they were given the freedom of the town in a special ceremony.
Dame Judi Dench and Kenneth Branagh, Kt were granted the honour at an unveiling of the town’s restored David Garrick statue of Shakespeare as a preview to the bard’s birthday celebrations.
The statue, donated to the town by Garrick in the 18th century, had been taken away to London for much-needed restoration work after a project led by Dr Paul Edmondson from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust – called Shakespeare’s Coming Home – helped to raise part of the £45,000 needed to restore the statue.
In ancient times, “freemen” of Stratford-upon-Avon were given the right to herd sheep along the town’s streets as they pleased.
So just after their freedom was conferred and the statue was unveiled, the Oscar-winning pair exercised those rights by leading a couple of sheep along Sheep Street, much to the delight of the watching public.
Dame Judi Dench said: “It was absolutely wonderful to receive the freedom of Stratford-upon-Avon, and I very much enjoyed exercising my rights by herding the sheep along Sheep Street.
“Stratford has been the place nearest to my heart, not only for work but for my family and friends, so I felt very honoured to be given the freedom of this wonderful place."
Kenneth Branagh added: “Unveiling the restored David Garrick statue was the perfect way to start the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations in Stratford-upon-Avon.
“I have to thank Stratford Town Council for giving Dame Judi and I the freedom of the town. It’s been a huge part of our lives for so long, and it was fantastic to share the occasion with so many people.”
Dame Judi Dench and Kenneth Branagh at an unveiling of the town’s restored David Garrick statue of Shakespeare
Alps challenge to raise funds for NHS trust
Local business Sky Blue Adventures has partnered with University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Charity (UHCW) to help raise vital funds for patients and their families at UHCW NHS Trust.
The Meriden-based outdoor pursuits specialist will be helping to guide twenty UHCW staff members and supporters on the Tour du Mont Blanc Challenge; a forty-mile mountainous trek through three countries in four days.
Sky Blue Adventures owner Paul Reeve said: “As a small local company, we’re immensely proud to be working with the UHCW charity to bring the event to life. It’s an honour to support hospital staff to undertake this fantastic worldrenowned challenge in the Alps.”
Among the staff taking on the challenge is the UHCW chief executive, Prof. Andy Hardy. He said: “Our UHCW staff have risen to the challenge over the last two years. Now I’ve decided to push myself to the limit and take on the Tour du Mont Blanc Challenge to show my support and thanks for all that they do.”
NHS staff from across the hospitals, including the physiotherapy department, acute medicine and operating theatres, will be joining local supporters including Coventry Building Society in this gruelling high-altitude trek.
Heather Tysall, a consultant nurse in acute medicine, said: “I’m joining the UHCW Mont Blanc Trek Challenge as a way of showing my appreciation and thanks to the charity team for providing an incredible amount of well-being support to the staff at UHCW and in particular those in my area of acute medicine during the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
To sponsor the trekkers on their challenge, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/team/uhcwcharitytrekkers To find out more about UHCW Charity, visit www.uhcwcharity.org
Fashion guru expands presence in Coventry
An award-winning Coventry-born fashion designer has launched a new and bigger shop in the city’s Creative Quarter.
The acclaimed Ashley Raynor and her popular childrenswear brand Wear Milo’s has moved from a small unit at FarGo Village to larger premises at the haven for independent creative businesses.
Wear Milo’s specialises in childrenswear from infants all the way up to children aged 12. It has now also added adult sizes and a variety of home furnishings to its impressive portfolio of bright, funky clothing ranges tailored to the younger members of families.
When making a trip to Wear Milo’s, visitors are thrown into an enchanted forest setting, with the newest tenants at FarGo Village looking to fit in with its innovative and independent business neighbours by creating a unique, fun shopping space that people of all ages can enjoy.
Visitors step into a multi-use space that also gives an insight into the working studio behind the garments, with customers seeing the journey their purchase goes on, from the various materials being cut and sewing machines pulling it all together to when it enters their hands at the till point.
The business is the brainchild of Ashley Raynor, a local girl who has made an impression in the UK and across the Atlantic. She has had her fashion collections exhibited at New York Fashion Week and in Vogue Magazine – supplemented by pop-up stands showcasing her work at John Lewis department stores across the UK.
Ashley, owner of Wear Milo’s, said: “I’m really pleased to have brought Wear Milo’s back to Coventry and to FarGo Village in particular.
“The opening of our new base gives us a great platform to expand our operations in the region, collaborate with exciting local creators and designers on future collections and ultimately build on the experiences we’ve had with leading UK clothing retailers to gain even greater access to the high street.”
For more information visit www.wearmilos.com. "When making a trip to Wear Milo’s, visitors are thrown into an enchanted forest setting, with the newest tenants at FarGo Village looking to fit in with its innovative and independent business neighbours by creating a unique, fun shopping space that people of all ages can enjoy. "
Safetyflex enters new market
A Coventry business that keeps people safe from the threat of vehicle attacks has branched out into a new market with the launch of its first ever flood protection product.
Safetyflex Barriers – an industry specialist in anti-terrorism bollards and barriers – has launched the new Flood Stopper in response to customer demand and following several high-profile floods across the country.
The portable steel blocks can be placed on feeder streams to main rivers, slowing down the flow and creating a mini dam to stop flooding before water reaches towns and cities.
Nearly two million properties in floodplains along rivers, estuaries and coasts in the UK are potentially at risk of river or coastal flooding, with flooding – and flood management – costing the UK around £2.2 billion each year, according to government figures.
Rob Gerrard, technical director of Safetyflex, said: “The impact of a flood can lead to devastating consequences for communities, and sadly we’ve seen flood warnings become more and more frequent in recent years.
“Following conversations with a number of different companies regarding this problem, we’re really excited to introduce the Flood Stopper to Safetyflex’s innovative range, marking the first for us in the flood protection market.
“While many of the traditional flood defences target defences within towns and cities themselves, our Flood Stopper can be installed quickly to hit the source before it has the chance to build up momentum, saving homes, businesses and communities from flooding.”
With an installation time of just two hours, the flood barriers can be set up easily as part of a quick response to a flood warning.
Its design includes lifting arms to ensure they can be carried into place, while a diversion hose can also be fitted to help re-route river flows.
Further information can be found at www.safetyflexbarriers.com.
The new Flood Stopper
hmv Empire wins big at prestigious tourism awards
Coventry’s premier touring venue, hmv Empire, scored a brace of gold trophies at the recent West Midlands Tourism Awards.
The annual ceremony, now in its second year, celebrates the best of the region’s accommodation, arts, food and drink, visitor attraction and heritage destinations with 13 categories recognising the best the West Midlands has to offer.
Empire scooped gold awards in the New Tourism and the Accessible & Inclusive categories, becoming the only entrant to receive two prizes and the top award in each of its nominated categories. As award winners, hmv Empire automatically qualifies for the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, to be held in the summer.
Andrew Lovett, chair of the West Midlands Regional Board for Tourism, said: “The tourism community has shown remarkable resilience and ingenuity in the way it has responded to and come through the pandemic. With restrictions and rules now removed, I hope that more people choose to visit the West Midlands and enjoy the once-in-a-generation summer of great festivals and events.”
Despite only opening at its new city centre site 10 months ago, hmv Empire has played host to many globally famous acts and tens of thousands of fans.
Operations director Phil Rooney, said: “We’ve overcome incredible challenges to build this venue and open successfully in the wake of a pandemic. It’s a great testament to our team and acknowledgement of their efforts to be recognised in this way.
“We were all especially honoured to be given the ‘Accessible & Inclusive’ Gold Award as we’re dedicated to making the venue available to everyone in the West Midlands and beyond.” hmv Empire goes from strength to strength with an extensive programme of shows including Brit Award winner Emeli Sande, Bombay Bicycle Club, 2 Tone legends The Selecter, Frank Turner, James Bay, Sleeper, Joanne Shaw Taylor, guitar virtuoso Albert Lee, Turin Brakes and Blancmange.
For more information visit http://www.hmvempire.com
Volunteering scheme set to benefit worthy causes
A Midlands-based online retailer has launched a major volunteering programme for its staff.
UK Flooring Direct, which employs around 200 people across sites in Hinckley and Coventry, has developed a new employer supported volunteering (ESV) programme that will see every member of the team given a fully-paid day to offer their services to a charity or good cause.
The company, a premier online retailer for wood and laminate flooring, has partnered with four organisations across the Coventry, Warwickshire and Leicestershire area to offer its team options for their day of volunteering.
They include the RSPCA Coventry and District Branch, Hinckley Homeless Group, Shine A Light (a Coventry-based charity that supports families with children affected by cancer), and Warwickshire-based Make Good Grow.
Make Good Grow was founded two years ago as a social enterprise and offers a matching service between businesses and individuals who want to volunteer and good causes that need support. It means the individual can offer their own skillset to a charity or good cause, from building a website to accountancy services. Make Good Grow already has 170 organisations signed up and looking for support.
Faye Summers, UK Flooring Direct’s HR director, said: “We’ve always prided ourselves on being a positive contributor to the local economy and to the local community and our new ESV programme really builds on that.
“Every member of our team will be given a fully paid day where they can go and volunteer and make a difference to a good cause.”
Rob Langley-Swain of Make Good Grow said: “It’s great to be partnering with UK Flooring Direct in this way.
“We’ve seen all of the exciting news coming out of the business over the past couple of years so we’re really pleased to have them on board as a partner.
“Being a volunteer and utilising your professional skills is so impactful to good causes.”
Louise Adams (Hinckley Homeless Group), Ashleigh McKenna (UK Flooring Direct), Charlotte Hawthorne (RSPCA Coventry and District Branch), Rob Langley-Swain (Make Good Grow)
Great British spring clean backed by Rugby First!
As the ‘Great British Spring Clean’ comes to a close, Rugby First’s Cleaning team, have asked residents, businesses and visitors to continue to support the team’s efforts to keep the town centre clean throughout the year.
The two-week initiative, organised by ‘Keep Britain Tidy’, ran from March 25 to April 10 and encourages people to improve and look after the environment on their doorstep.
Rugby First’s cleaning team, work Monday to Saturday six days a week throughout the year and operate within the Rugby Business Improvement District. The three-person team, two full-time and one part-time, are funded by local businesses through the BID levy.
The team provides a variety of proactive and reactive cleaning services to the town centre generally, and businesses specifically. These include litter, leaf and chewing gum removal, the deep cleaning of pavements and walkways, as well as more specialised services such as graffiti removal. The cleans are achieved by using a variety of hi-tech, eco-friendly, batterypowered, cleaning equipment with unusual names such as the ‘The Powerflex’, ‘The Metro Deep’ and ‘The Glutton’.
Jo Kemp, Rugby First operations director, said: “The cleaning team are one of the core services Rugby First provides to the town centre and businesses within it. A clean, safe and welcoming town centre is fundamental to its operation, growth, economy and success. It’s also worth noting that the majority of the equipment used is battery powered, so eco-friendly, with zero emissions, helping to make our town centre greener for everyone.”
“From a business perspective, the cleaning team offer significant savings and ensure there’s a fast, professional cleaning team on hand when they need them. They deal with a variety of issues which mean companies do not have to employ their own cleaning teams or get specialist contractors in for graffiti, saving them thousands of pounds a year.”
More information can be found at www.rugbyfirst.org. "The cleaning team are one of the core services Rugby First provides to the town centre and businesses within it. A clean, safe and welcoming town centre is fundamentalto its operation, growth, economy and success."
First year for hotel proves to be a commercial success
A Coventry hotel which defied the Covid odds to open and has won national acclaim is marking its first birthday with an extra cause to celebrate.
The Telegraph Hotel, a 4-star hotel situated in the city centre, opened in May 2021 after its original launch date was postponed several times because of the Coronavirus pandemic lockdowns and the tier system.
The plight of the hotel was featured in national and international media as opening plans were repeatedly shelved, but the first year has proved a commercial success.
Since then, the hotel, recently named as one of the prestigious Sunday Times 100 Best British Hotels, has taken 30,000 room bookings and welcomed 50,000 overnight guests - who have got through over 44,000 toilet rolls.
The Generators outdoor rooftop bar at the Corporation Street-based hotel is proving to be a smash hit, with more than 16,000 cocktail lovers purchasing one of the hotel’s signature cocktails in the last 12 months.
Those figures have seen it record in excess of £2 million in sales, surpassing targets and expectations – and cause for further celebration.
Amy Windsor, General Manager of the Telegraph Hotel, said the commercial success was the ideal birthday gift at the end of the first year.
She said: “It’s been a whirlwind journey for us so far, and I can’t quite believe we’re celebrating our first birthday and to hit that figure is a real bonus.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the great feedback we’ve received from visitors in our first year of inception and are delighted by the support shown by our fellow Coventrians and the rest of the public over the past twelve months. “To record over £2 million in sales, surpassing targets and expectations along the way, is something we’re proud of and indicates to us that our efforts to provide an elite level of service to all of our guests are bearing fruit.
“Our cool Mid-Century style and 1950s theme has been received well– and we’re looking forward to welcoming Telegraph Hotel newbies, as well as old friends, to sample the atmosphere and immerse themselves in our hospitality.”
The Telegraph Hotel, created by Complex Development Projects from the then-unused former Coventry Telegraph offices as part of a two-year, £20 million investment programme, have 88 individually designed air-conditioned bedrooms available to prospective guests, including loft style penthouse suites on two levels.
The hotel is operated by Bespoke Hotels, the largest independent hotel company in the UK, and features an all-day cocktail bar and restaurant dining experience called Forme & Chase, a rooftop bar with unique views over Belgrade Plaza and versatile function rooms that can cater up to 140 delegates.
For further information about the Telegraph Hotel visit www.telegraph-hotel.com
Smart Systems UK Pioneering Solar Technology from one of Coventry and Warwickshire’s Leading Lighting Brands
Smart Systems UK are rightly proud of our heritage and in 2022, we’re celebrating 22 years here in Oban Road, Coventry.
With energy bills spiralling and almost every business looking to control costs, Smart Systems are pleased to be launching our new sustainability division, Smart Solar Solutions later this year.
Smart Solar Solutions is working with regional, national, and international partners to deliver the latest, newgeneration solar technology designed to reduce your energy bills and environmental impact.
Harnessing Power from the Sun
If all commercial premises in the UK adopted Solar PV Panels today, 40% of the nation’s power needs would be addressed immediately. When combined with battery energy storage, the ebbs and flows in energy demand would be smoothed – benefitting all of us, and the environment.
Everything under the Sun
Solar PV Panels and associated energy storage are just part of the picture. With Electric or Hybrid vehicles accounting for up to 50% of all traffic from 2032, your employees, visitors and guests will expect the convenience of charging whilst on your premises.
Our long-standing relationship with innovative lighting suppliers also means we have access to LED, wire-free solar street lighting, bollards, and waymarking. Perfect for lighting the way to easy and convenient illumination on your premises.
Solar solutions are hot news!
With no end to energy price increases in sight and continuing shortages in diesel likely, the demand for Solar Energy and Electric Vehicles has never been higher.
Everyone who owns their own roof should consider the installation of Solar PV and if you rent commercial premises, lobby your landlord!
For most properties, Solar PV offers a great return on investment. A complimentary software survey will help you understand what can be achieved even on the dullest of days, and real-time dashboards display what’s being generated – and even sold back to the grid!
Glued celebrate success at the Leamington Business Awards
Local brand agency Glued celebrated success – the theme of the night – with Nimbus Maps at the seventh Leamington Business Awards.
The awards returned to a live event for the first time in three years where 11 winners were revealed from more than 180 nominations.
The Leamington Business Awards is a not-for-profit awards scheme designed and developed to celebrate local business success in the town.
Rob Harrison from Glued sponsored the Innovation of the Year Award and presented Nimbus Maps with the coveted award.
Nimbus Maps, which paves the way for property professionals to access data quickly and efficiently, pivoted its product during the COVID-19 pandemic and innovated to meet demand. As more people turned to virtual support, Nimbus Maps reacted in kind and the team focused on creating a better and even more efficient way for clients to access data.
Rob said: “It was a pleasure to read about and meet the team behind the innovation at Nimbus Maps. The team, the product and the strategy really stood out to me. They have an excellent brand, a breakthrough innovation and their efforts to adapt in line with changing economic and consumer trends is award-winning. A very well-deserved win for the team at Nimbus Maps!”
All the winners were chosen by a panel of five judges and announced at a dinner and awards ceremony at The Drawing Board and 1 Mill Street in Leamington. Every winner received a bespoke award designed by
Rob Harrison (Glued) Mr and Mrs Simon Davis (Nimbus Maps) and Kirsty Leahy (host).
3D design student, Ollie Hill from Warwickshire College.
For more about the winners and the awards, visit www.leamingtonbusinessawards.co.uk
Metropolis Bar and Restaurant served 50 FREE children’s books instead of chocolate eggs over the Easter weekend to celebrate the launch of their new children’s menu!
They teamed up with local children’s author Aaron Ashmore, owner of Etch and Pin to feature one of their famous Coventry artworks on the back of the new kids’ menu for everyone to colour in. Fleur Sexton DL, CEO of multiaward-winning PET-Xi Training and co-founder of PET-Xi Restaurants said: “The best and probably only way to get children to love reading is by introducing them to amazing books, so we’re giving away for free our favourite books about Coventry heroes with gorgeous illustrations in because we love children, love Coventry and love reading so want to pass it on!”
Book now visit https://metropolis-restaurant.co.uk
Destination Coventry
A new destination management organisation (DMO) has brought together its six founding Patrons to help it drive the visitor economy in Coventry and Warwickshire.
Destination Coventry, which officially launched in December 2021, is bringing together private and public sector organisations, in a bid to capitalise on the packed schedule of international events coming to the region this year.
Six founding Patron members from across the private and public sectors have signed up to support the new DMO – with organisations representative of Destination Coventry’s support throughout both Coventry and Warwickshire.
No Ordinary Hospitality Management, Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry Business Improvement District (BID), Warwickshire County Council, CV Life and Coventry City of Culture Trust are the inaugural Patrons.
The Patron members have pledged to support the DMO in its efforts to raise the profile of Coventry and the wider region to national and international audiences, while also aiding Destination Coventry in focusing its support to the needs of both leisure and tourism businesses in the region through its two brands – ‘Visit Coventry’ and ‘Conference Coventry and Warwickshire’.
The DMO is a collaboration between Coventry City Council and Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
In 2021 Destination Coventry’s marketing campaigns resulted in more than 1.9 million YouTube views, over 318,000 broadcast TV impressions, 524,552 broadcast radio reach and saw posts reach more than one million social media accounts.
Paul Jones, managing director of Destination Coventry, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming some of the biggest and most influential organisations in Coventry and Warwickshire as our founding Patron members.
“Our Patrons are perfect examples of what we are working to achieve with Destination Coventry – bringing together organisations from across our region and from different corners of the visitor economy to drive the sector’s future.
“Coventry and Warwickshire is hosting a hugely exciting schedule of major national and international events this year. We will be working with the sector to help it to capitalise on this incredible opportunity, and having our six inaugural Patrons on board will support us in that effort.
“We’ll be working closely with our partners at Coventry City Council and Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to expand our membership over the coming months and continue to mould the services we offer to the needs of businesses in our region.”
Cllr Heather Timms, portfolio holder for environment, climate and culture, Warwickshire County Council said: “Warwickshire County Council is delighted to be able to pledge its support to Destination Coventry through a Patron membership.
“Our organisations already work together across administrative boundaries in supporting the visitor economy and this membership extends this collaborative approach. Coventry and Warwickshire is an exciting area to visit, boasting a diverse range of leisure attractions, business and conference facilities, and world class cultural and heritage venues.
“We look forward to working closely with Destination Coventry to grow the value of tourism to our region, and building on our countywide Visit Warwickshire marketing campaign, in partnership with the county's destination organisations - Shakespeare's England and Northern Warwickshire Tourism.”
Coventry Building Society Arena is the largest venue in the region, with 7,600 square metres of flexible indoor space, and is set to open the doors on its £6.3 million state-of-the-art Commonwealth Convention Centre later this year.
Paul Michael, commercial venue director of Coventry Building Society Arena, said: “To be one of the founding patron members of Destination Coventry is a great honour. It is an organisation committed to driving the visitor economy in our region, which will benefit all venues of all sizes.
“With major international events taking place in Coventry and Warwickshire throughout 2022, we have a great opportunity to grow our region as a visitor destination. We look forward to working closely with Destination Coventry to help it achieve its goals over the coming months and years.”
No Ordinary Hospitality Management (NOHM) is a heritage attraction specialist, adding innovation and expertise to some of the region’s most treasured historical jewels. It operates Coombe Abbey Hotel and commercial outlets in Coombe Abbey Park, manages six restored historic buildings turned accommodation and runs St Mary’s Guildhall.
Richard Harrison, managing director of No Ordinary Hospitality Management, said: “As a newly launched addition to the hospitality sector in the region, we’re pleased to be doing our bit for Coventry’s visitor economy as a founding Patron of Destination Coventry.
“With our portfolio continuing to expand through the opening of new NOHM led venues across Coventry and Warwickshire, we want to pass on the skills we as a business have picked up on our journey to fellow members of the initiative and to the wider project, with the aim of driving increased revenue to the local area through tourism.”
Coventry Business Improvement District (BID) is an elected body which works alongside business and other stakeholders in Coventry city centre to drive change within the city centre ring road.
Coventry BID director Trish Willetts said: “As an organisation whose aim is to shout about Coventry and its wonderful businesses and to encourage visitors both locally and further afield, it makes sense for Coventry BID to play an active role in Destination Coventry, which is why we’ve joined as a Patron member.
“Having a DMO which focuses on promoting Coventry to audiences near and far can only be a good thing for the city. It should be yet another tool in Coventry’s toolbox when it comes to attracting visitors and increasing footfall.
“More people coming to Coventry means more visitors to our BID businesses as well as all the other cultural, retail and hospitality hotspots in our city, so we’re looking forward to working with Destination Coventry for the benefit of everyone.”
Coventry City of Culture Trust is an independent charity which led the city’s successful bid to be UK City of Culture 2021 and has led on its delivery.
Laura McMillan, director of audience strategy at Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “We are thrilled that the Trust is among the first Patrons for Destination Coventry. Coventry is the perfect city break destination and with Assembly Festival Garden now open, followed by the UK’s first immersive digital art gallery, The Reel Store, opening on 13 May, there has never been a better time to plan a trip.
“We look forward to working with Destination Coventry, and its members, to welcome visitors to Coventry to experience ground-breaking digital art and West-End quality shows in the heart of the UK.”
CV Life operates culture and leisure venues around Coventry, including The Wave, Coventry Transport Museum, Herbert Art Gallery and Museum and many more.
Aman Surey and Ruark Jon-Stevens, Marketing & Communications Managers at CV Life, said: “As a trust operating several of the city’s largest visitor attractions, we have worked with Destination Coventry on a variety of initiatives and campaigns and can directly see the impact that their work has in attracting national and international audiences to the city.
“We are delighted to be a founding Patron and look forward to continuing to work with them.”
To find out more about Destination Coventry visit www.destinationcoventry.co.uk
Stratford-upon-Avon hosts visit from Business Minister Paul Scully MP
Pictured outside the main entrance of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon (L-R) Erica Whyman, (RSC), Business Minister Paul Scully MP, Keely Hancox (Chamber of Commerce), Cllr Heather Timms, (Warwickshire County Council) and Cllr Kam Kaur, (Warwickshire County Council).
Business Minister Paul Scully has been hearing how the Royal Shakespeare Company and tourism attractions in Warwickshire have been faring following the pandemic.
The Minister recently visited Stratford-uponAvon, where he toured the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the RSC Tower and the RSC’s Costume Workshop, followed by a trip to the newly reopened Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall.
Mr Scully met with the RSC’s Acting Artistic Director Erica Whyman and members of the Shakespeare’s Schoolroom Trust to learn more about how each venue is approaching its Covid-recovery.
Erica Whyman, RSC Acting Artistic Director, said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of communities around the country and feed off each other to create vibrant and great places to live and work. It has been staggeringly challenging for all, and the theatre sector is no exception.
“We are slowly beginning to recover from the pandemic, but it will take time whilst confidence grows amongst audiences and visitors. Ongoing support is needed and welcomed, and we will work together with Stratford and the wider region to make sure we emerge with strength and showcase everything our county has to offer.”
Mr Scully also discovered more about Warwickshire County Council’s Project Warwickshire, a scheme to aid the recovery of small businesses in the tourism, hospitality and leisure industry following the pandemic.
The Minister discussed Project Warwickshire with Cllr Kam Kaur, Portfolio Holder for Economy & Place, Cllr Heather Timms, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Climate & Culture, Helen Peters, Chief Executive of Shakespeare’s England and Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
Business Minister Paul Scully said: “Local businesses have been receiving a real boost from Project Warwickshire which is providing help including advice, networking and a range of masterclasses.
“Alongside government support like Help to Grow, we’re helping businesses recover from the slings and arrows of Covid-19 so we can level up every part of the country.”
Speaking about the Ministers’ visit and Project Warwickshire, Cllr Kaur, said: “Stratford-Upon Avon is one of the many jewels in the Warwickshire crown and a big contributing factor to making this county the best place to live, visit, work and play.
“We were very happy to welcome the Minister today and to showcase the many things that make Stratford such a fantastic town.
“We were particularly happy to share with the minister the progress with the Project Warwickshire initiative, which was primarily funded by the Council.
“We are proud to say that the project has already assisted 53 businesses across the County including a new gin distillery in Warwick, a camel farm and dairy, a cidery, cat café, narrow boat firm and a glamping site in offering one-to-one business coaching, and practical workshops on subjects including social media, marketing, recruitment and creating an online presence.”
Lindsey Armstrong, General Manager of Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, highlighted the support provided by Project Warwickshire to the 16th century building where Shakespeare went to school.
She said: “Project Warwickshire provided the business with valuable insights towards developing its marketing strategy as well as great knowledge about social media management. The support from the team, particularly Russell Grant, is hugely appreciated.”
Helen Peters, CEO of Shakespeare’s England, the regional tourism organisation for South Warwickshire and surrounding areas, said: “We very much enjoyed showing the minister Paul Scully around some of the sights in beautiful Stratford-upon-Avon.
“Project Warwickshire has been a useful tool in helping many small tourism businesses across Warwickshire to get back on their feet after the pandemic. We were delighted to partner with CW Chamber in providing the business engagement and ensuring not only Shakespeare’s England Members but all tourism and leisure businesses were aware of the opportunity.
“It is brilliant that so many of our tourist attractions and hospitality businesses have embraced and benefited from the scheme already. There has been some very positive feedback.”
Project Warwickshire is funded by Warwickshire County Council and the European Regional Development Fund as part of the CW Business: Start, Grow and Scale project. It is delivered, on behalf of Warwickshire County Council, by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Shakespeare’s England also working with Northern Warwickshire Tourism.
Local firms call for Government help through the cost-of-doingbusiness crisis
Businesspeople across Coventry and Warwickshire have called on a Government minister and other local leaders to help them fix the issues that are holding back economic growth – in the short, medium and long term.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce brought businesses together from across its five branches of North Warwickshire, Rugby, Coventry, Mid-Warwickshire and South Warwickshire at an event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford.
They were joined by local council leaders; representatives from the Local Enterprise Partnership; Mark Pawsey, MP for Rugby; and Nadhim Zahawi, MP for Stratford-on-Avon and Secretary of State for Education.
Mr Zahawi told the gathered businesses that, through policies on skills, he wanted to help make the UK economy the most dynamic in the world.
He said: “I always welcome the chance to meet with the Chamber and its members because they are at the frontline of business.
“One of the key issues that comes up time and again is around skills and that is why I was pleased to set out some of the ways that we are addressing this.
“We are starting to model the skills need of the economy – for the next six months, 12 months and five years – and that will help us to educate and train people in those areas that businesses need.
“The golden thread, when it comes to skills, is placing businesses at the heart of whatever we are doing as a Government because businesses know the challenges they are faced with every day.”
Attention then turned to gathered businesspeople who were given time to discuss the major issues before feeding back to Sean Rose, the Chamber’s Head of Policy.
Skills, training and recruitment concerns were all highlighted but the cost of doing business was also raised as an immediate and major concern, particularly with rising fuel and energy costs.
Sean said: “We are grateful to Nadhim Zahawi, Mark Pawsey and other regional leaders for joining us to hear the views of businesses from right across Coventry and Warwickshire.
“Our branch network means we are able to hone in on very localised issues for our members and, also, understand the bigger picture for the wider economy.
“Skills and training are something that do crop up regularly so it was great to have the Secretary of State for Education with us to hear those issues and to set out some of the ways Government plans to tackle them.
“But there is no doubt that, with costs rising both for businesses and individuals, firms are facing massive challenges and this was an opportunity to raise that with decision-makers in the room.
“It is why we are now calling, through colleagues at the British Chambers of Commerce for an emergency budget to support firms through the current cost-of-doing-business crisis.”
Karen Shuter, the Chamber’s Rugby branch chair, said: “Our branches are a vital voice for local businesses and, by speaking collectively, it adds weight to that voice and means we can get things done.”
Larry Coltman, the Chamber’s South Warwickshire branch chair, said: “I’ve been involved with the Chamber for many years now and events such as this show how we can pull businesses and decision-makers together to make sure the issues we are facing are understood at a local, regional and national level.”
Tim Squires, the Chamber’s Coventry branch chair, said: “Businesses have faced an unprecedented couple of years with Covid-19 restrictions but life hasn’t got any easier with costs going up and it’s vital that the Chamber speaks up on behalf of companies across the patch.”
Peter Burns MBE, the Chamber’s Mid-Warwickshire branch interim chair, said: “Business needs a voice and it is great that we can bring local companies together with Government ministers with the aim of improving conditions for all of our members
Front - Nadhim Zahawi MP and Mark Pawsey MP with, left to right, Larry Coltman, Sophie Brew, Peter Burns MBE, Sean Rose, Karen Shuter, Tim Squires.
