Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks - South Warks - Rugby
Businesses in the north of Warwickshire want key infrastructure projects to move forward Businesses in the north of Warwickshire are appealing to the Government to press ahead with key infrastructure projects such as the shift to electric vehicles to protect the long-term interests of the UK economy.
Dragon Boat Race event a huge success The Shakespeare Hospice is once again celebrating a hugely successful Dragon Boat Race event, which has seen over £34,000 raised to support its vital community services. 24 teams of differing backgrounds and abilities took to the River Avon for the event in a bid to become 2023 Dragon Boat Race champions. The competition culminated in an exhilarating six-boat final, where Coventry-based company, The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), emerged as the victors, beating their nearest rivals by 0.03 seconds. Bridget Richards, Events & Community Fundraiser at The Shakespeare Hospice, expressed her gratitude, saying, "We are overwhelmed by the incredible turnout and support for this year's Dragon Boat Race. It's heartwarming to see so many people coming together to support our hospice and the vital services we provide to our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the teams, sponsors, volunteers, and spectators who made this event possible. The funds raised will make a significant difference in improving the quality of life for our patients and their families." Annie Kerwin, Senior Research Engineer at the MTC, said: “It’s unbelievable. We’ve never sat in a boat together until today. This is an absolute rag-tag group of people we have persuaded at work, so I’m absolutely gobsmacked. We will definitely be starting a boat club at MTC now and we will be coming back next year. It’s a great event for a wonderful cause. It’s the best team event you can do and not only that, it’s also a great day out!” The Shakespeare Hospice would like to extend its appreciation to all the teams, sponsors, volunteers, and spectators who contributed to the success of this event. Your generosity and enthusiasm have made a profound impact on the lives of those we serve.
For more information about The Shakespeare Hospice and how you can continue to support their vital work, please visit TheShakespeareHospice.org.uk.
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Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce held its North Warwickshire Branch meeting at the MIRA Technology Institute which sits right on the A5 border between Warwickshire and Leicestershire. Businesses heard from Tom Mongan, North Warwickshire Branch Chair and Chamber President; Marcus Jones, MP for Nuneaton; and Sarah Windrum, the Future Mobility Cluster Lead at MIRA Technology Park. Among other businesses present was IM Properties, who shared plans for a new campus made up of manufacturing, logistics and high-growth companies next to junction 9 of the M42 in Curdworth. Sarah gave an insight into the workings of HORIBA’s recently-opened Hydrogen Hub - a 240m2 hydrogen fuel cell and electrolysis automotive test facility – whilst also addressing any impact that the delay on banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars could have. She said: “It is a case of when, not if, we make the transition to electric vehicles,
and so I do not expect to see research and development into electric and autonomous vehicles slowing down because of the delay. “Could this latest delay have an impact on where other firms invest? Possibly, which is why the industry needs to be given longterm financial incentives for other overseas businesses in this space to commit to the UK.” The meeting also marked Tom Mongan’s last as Chair of the North Warwickshire Branch after five years at the helm. Tom added: “This meeting was a fantastic way to bow out as the conversations typified why these meetings are so important as an outlet to lobby government. “Businesses from the region were able to share their views with Marcus Jones MP on not only the short-term barriers to growth, but ones that will impact future generations too. “IM Properties also highlighted that while a lot has also been made about there being skills shortages, employment land is also in short supply too, which poses a barrier to growth unless greater collaborative working is implemented. “I’d like to thank the Chamber and all of its members for their contribution to these meetings while I have been Chair, and especially to Marcus Jones MP, who has
consistently attended these meetings to take on board business views.” Marcus Jones MP also delivered his Westminster update, particularly regarding the ongoing support for the national economy. He said: “Inflation is now starting to come down quickly which is good news, particularly as the Government’s economic policy is closely aligned to the Bank of England’s activity in order to get both inflation and interest rates under long-term control. “However, I am aware that there are other challenges businesses are facing – particularly regarding high energy and fuel prices – which I am raising with Ministers.”
Law firm serves up networking lunch for Stratford business community Stratford business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals came together this week at the first of a new series of networking lunches, supported by local law firm Lodders. Hosted at the prestigious Arden Hotel, Stratford, the first Stratford Business Lunch took place on the 19 September, with businesses in and around Stratford coming together to meet faces old and new, expand their network, and gain insights into the latest business trends. The event marked the beginning of a quarterly networking series, with future lunches planned on 16 January, 21 May, and 17 September 2024, also hosted at the Arden Hotel.
Stuart Price, partner in Lodders’ Commercial team, says: “The first Stratford Business Lunch was a great success, with business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals in the community coming together to meet face-to-face and forge new connections.
“Businesses are experiencing unprecedented pressures in the current economic climate, so it is more important than ever that we support each other. As an active member of the Stratford business community, Lodders is keen that local businesses and entrepreneurs continue to meet and build connections. We look forward to seeing everyone again at the next lunch on 16 January 2024.” Lodders is a premier law firm in Stratford upon Avon, Cheltenham, Henley in Arden, and Birmingham. Founded more than 235 years ago, the firm offers expert legal advice across a range of legal services including private client, business law, real estate, and family law.
For more information, visit: www.lodders.co.uk
Surefyre Laser Design gives Spaghetti Agency their bottle Having seen some of their sample items in the wild, Rugby-based Surefyre Laser Design Ltd were approached by Spaghetti Agency Ltd of Leamington Spa to produce branded sports bottles for the staff members, helping to make sure everyone stays hydrated and on brand. The aluminium bottles were laserengraved at print resolution, a process during which the laser strips the coloured coating from the bottles back to the bright aluminium beneath creating a smart shiny silver result which contrasts perfectly with the original coating. Said Jo Ciriani, Director at Spaghetti Agency, “When I saw Guy had made these
I knew we had to have some for our team. We’re all trying to drink more water and we love some branded merch, so they’re a great option for us - and a nice bit of extra brand awareness when we’re out and about.” Guy Eastwood, CEO-Founder of Surefyre, added “We’ve wanted to make something for the brilliant guys at Spaghetti for some time and this was the perfect first item. As an extra feature we also personalised each bottle with its new owner’s name, so no arguments over which is which!”
items such as branded trolley tokens and keyfobs.
Surefyre pride themselves on short turnaround times without compromising quality of output and are equally able to produce short runs of items like awards for events and signage to many hundreds of
If you’re looking for branding inspiration or themed event items, especially with the festive season rapidly approaching, you can contact Surefyre Laser Design Ltd via www.surefyre.com
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
