17 minute read
President & People
Where has this year gone?
I truly cannot believe it has been a year since I had the honour of becoming President of this great and historic Chamber of Commerce, and, in my humble opinion, there are none better!
What a year it has been, I am probably the first President in our Chamber’s history that had to put the Chain of Office over their own head due to the Covid restrictions in place at the time.
Fast forward nearly 12 months and due to the success of the vaccine we are in a slightly better position, not that we can take anything for granted, as the virus is still with us and people are still testing positive; even those who have been double jabbed.
I should know, as I was one of those individuals, although double jabbed that still tested positive after attending a public event and had to isolate for ten days. Thankfully, I had extremely mild symptoms, however people are still losing friends and family, indeed sadly I lost a very good friend to Covid in late October.
So, my message to everyone especially over the festive period, is simply to remain aware, don’t be too blasé, if you feel comfortable wearing a mask and regularly sanitizing your hands, just do it and don’t be swayed by peer pressure, stay safe and stay well.
As I reflect on my first 12 months in office, I can genuinely state that after restrictions eased somewhat, that I have thoroughly enjoyed getting out and meeting Chamber members, either at events or through visiting their premises.
I have enjoyed being able to support and promote a wide range of businesses through the Chamber’s initiatives of “Building Back Stronger” and “Let’s Talk Business”.
I have also enjoyed getting to know the Chamber of Commerce staff, those that I have met are truly outstanding in everything that they do, hardworking, personable and a credit to this organisation; thank you to each and every one of you that has helped me during this first year, especially Chris, Hazel, Sean and Gemma and I look forward to working with you all over the next 12 months.
Although late starting due to the pandemic, I would also say congratulations to Chenine Bhathena, Martin Sutherland and the team for the truly brilliant work they have done and continue to do during our City of Culture year.
In my opinion, the city has been transformed, there have been many highlights; including The Assembly Festival Garden, The Choir of Man, The Turner Prize and, for me, the most moving was Little Amal (The Walk). I had the good fortune of witnessing the event with Louise Bennett on a quite chilly windy evening, but it will live long in the memory, as it was in equal measures one of the most moving and spectacular events to date.
Speaking of Louise, I cannot let it pass without saying a huge thank you to her for the help and support offered to me during my first year in office. I don’t think I have ever met such a hardworking and totally dedicated person as Louise, she is one exceptional lady.
Finally, as President of the Chamber I want to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous New Year.
Metcloud shortlisted for Investors in People award
Metcloud has made the final shortlist for The Investors in People Awards 2021, in the UK Employer of the Year Gold category.
In a record-breaking year for entries, with nearly three hundred organisations involved, this is an outstanding achievement and one that everyone at the company is proud of.
The Investors in People Awards celebrate the very best organisations and individuals from around the world across various organisational, people, wellbeing and leadership categories. Each year, hundreds of organisations from the UK and abroad battle it out to take home one of the soughtafter trophies to show their award-winning commitment to investing in their people.
Sonia Vickers, head of HR at Metcloud, said: “It’s a privilege to be shortlisted for this prestigious award, a clear indication of the dedication and hard work the team has invested in the business.”
Paul Devoy, CEO of Investors in People, aid: “Now in our eighth year, it always makes me feel immensely proud to see so many fantastic organisations staking their claim to be the best. Every year, the entries do get more and more competitive and the judging even tighter. Reaching the final shortlist is a testament to the amazing commitment these organisations are making to make work better for their people, and they truly deserve this recognition.”
The winners will be announced at an online ceremony on November 23. For the full shortlist and more information about Investors in People, visit www.investorsinpeopleawards.com.
The Investors in People Awards 2021 are proudly sponsored by Activate Apprenticeships, Ambu, Boost Awards, CIPD, Fineprint, Gaudio Awards, Make a Difference Summits, The Youth Group, Troup Bywaters + Anders, United Grand Lodge of England, WAVE Refrigeration and Working Families.
Charlie Higgins, Tina Chander (both Wright Hassall) and Matthew Hammersley (C&W Chamber)
A leading Midlands law firm led a toast to the unsung professional heroes of the pandemic, celebrating the work of HR departments across the region.
Leamington-based Wright Hassall hosted more than thirty-five workforce professionals at its recent HR Leaders Networking and Afternoon Tea event, with plenty of cuppas, cakes and tips of the employment trade shared amongst peers.
The two-hour event was held as a way to highlight the work of HR departments
The unsung professional heroes of the pandemic
across Warwickshire and the West Midlands during and after the pandemic, as well as resolve any burning employment law questions.
Guests were given the chance to talk to Wright Hassall’s employment law team and meet other HR professionals in a relaxed and informal setting at the law firm’s Leamington offices at Tachbrook Park.
Tina Chander, Head of Employment Law at Wright Hassall, said: “This event was an excellent way to celebrate the incredible work that the region’s HR teams have done since the start of the pandemic.
“It allowed peers to reflect on some of the biggest issues they have faced and talk shop about the latest challenges in the HR profession, with the added bonus of free treats and refreshments for all.
“HR departments have worked continuously throughout the pandemic to support us as we adapted to new ways of working and kept businesses going during a prolonged period of uncertainty.
“There were naturally a host of employee issues in response to the pandemic, and these people were tasked with coping with and resolving all of these, which no one could have foreseen before the first national lockdown.
“I’d like to thank all who attended for the fantastic work they have done over the last 18 months.”
For more information about Wright Hassall’s work in Employment Law and HR visit wrighthassall.co.uk/expertise/ employment-law-and-hr
Two Neil’s Collaboration
Two local businessmen have been collaborating over recent months as they seek to highlight some of the hidden gems of Coventry and Warwickshire. The businessmen, who coincidentally are both called Neil, met at a recent business networking event.
Neil Porter, a local photographer from “Capture Life” was proudly displaying his t-shirt which had a photo of Chesterton Windmill from South Warwickshire at the event. Neil Young, a local independent Financial Adviser at “Plan with Neil”, was unaware of the windmill’s existence and thought it would be ideal for his “Hidden Gems” series on his YouTube Channel, Elephant & Bear.
Neil Young said, “Coventry and Warwickshire, has so many hidden gems that I want to find them and highlight them to viewers through my YouTube channel and podcast, when I spotted the Windmill, I knew it would make great content for it”. “I asked Neil to help me with the video as his photos of the Windmill are so fantastic”.
Neil Porter was delighted to support so they met up to record a video at the site in October. Neil Porter said “Chesterton Windmill is a real highlight of Warwickshire; it is such as tranquil place. It is a joy to visit it at any point of the year”.
The windmill is located south of Leamington on the aptly named “Windmill Hill Lane”. It is available to visit at any time, and twice a year the windmill building is open for the public to see inside.
Since recording the video, Neil Porter has also appeared on Neil Young’s Elephant and Bear Podcast, which is launching in the coming months. This podcast has guests on from across the area such as Aaron Ashmore from Etch & Pin and Steve Tyrell who hosts popular YouTube channel “Narrowboat Precious Jet”.
The podcast and YouTube channel are all focused on Coventry and Warwickshire. Neil Young set it up for two reasons, one is to promote his new financial planning business, Plan with Neil and the second is because Neil is passionate about showing off all the things the area has to offer.
Neil Young said “I have lived in Coventry, practically all my life and I’m proud to be a local business. When I was thinking about ways to promote my business, I wanted to do things a bit different. So, I decided that promoting the local area, with small adverts about my financial advice business could work”.
Neil Porter’s photography has also been used by Plan with Neil client reports.
Neil Porter told the Chamber “This type of collaboration is exactly the type of thing I was looking for when I started networking. For my photography, I work with individuals and companies, taking photos of people, their homes for sale as well as iconic locations across Coventry”.
You can find out more about Neil Porter’s photography at www.CaptureLife.uk. Neil Young’s Financial advice firm can be found at www.planwithneil.com. The YouTube channel and podcast can be found by searching for “Elephant & Bear”.
Glide Group appoints Bruce Girdlestone as Sales Director for Higher Education Sector
Glide Group, a market leader in ultra-fast broadband connectivity and deploying fibre infrastructure today announces the appointment of Bruce Girdlestone as the organisation’s Sales Director for Higher Education.
Bruce Girdlestone joins Glide having previously worked in the fixed and wireless telecommunications industry leading sales, business development and product teams. With over 25 years of experience in telecommunications, Girdlestone has spent the past 2 years setting up a new sales team at Wireless Infrastructure Group to deliver mobile connectivity to commercial, hospitality and residential sectors. Prior to that, he ran a number of sales teams at Virgin Media Business.
This announcement marks the continued strengthening of Glide's senior management team. Earlier this year, Glide also added three other members to its leadership team, Chief Financial Officer, Chris Bates, Chief Technology Officer, Sean Lowry, and Chief Operating Officer, Phil Duggan. These announcements were soon followed by Glide Group’s acquisition of fibre network builder, Concept Solutions People (CSP).
Now, continuing the organisation’s 2021 momentum, Girdlestone will be responsible for leading the Student sector sales team focussing on PBSA and Higher Education requirements for student accommodation. He will be ensuring that student communities and providers benefit from the market leading connectivity and managed service solutions Glide offers.
“Glide is the leader in a growing market serving customers with high expectations. It's great to be part of such an exciting market that requires the smart and innovative solutions Glide can provide. What we do has a real positive impact on student communities.” said Girdlestone. “Glide has many strengths and great people with a can-do attitude. This places us strongly to scale our business as demand for fibre based connectivity, internet access, and smart technologies continues to grow. I look forward to the challenge of being the best in class provider.”
Tim Pilcher, CEO of Glide Group, said: “We are delighted to have Bruce join the Glide team during this great period of growth. With an extensive background in the telecommunications Industry, Bruce will add extraordinary knowledge and expertise. His appointment is a significant next step forwards for Glide in being the best in class provider - it’s great to have him on board and we’re excited to see what the future holds.”
Midlands accountants help local businesses claim almost £14m in furlough pay
A leading Midlands accountancy firm has helped businesses claim a staggering £13.6 million in furlough payments since April 2020.
Prime Accountants Group, which has offices in Solihull, Birmingham, and Coventry, helped local employers with more than 2,600 claims which substantially helped keep their businesses afloat during a period of acute uncertainty.
At the height of the pandemic, the UK government announced a series of wide-ranging measures to assist businesses and employees through the COVID-19 crisis, including the coronavirus job retention scheme, otherwise known as the furlough scheme.
Many businesses in the region signed up to the scheme and most required assistance with submitting claims, particularly at the beginning.
Kerrie Given, senior payroll manager at Prime Accountants Group, said a lot of research went into understanding the process so the business would be in the best position to submit claims on behalf of its clients as quickly and efficiently as possible.
She said: “The scheme was introduced at a time when there was a lot of change and uncertainty going on around us.
“The country was effectively shut down and we wanted to assist our clientele as much as possible to make sure they didn’t have to close down their business permanently.
“When we were approached with a request to help with furlough, our entire team went above and beyond to provide the client with as much advice and information as possible to make the submission of a claim easier.
“I am happy to report that we made a total of 2,666 claims resulting in £13,599,999 being claimed from the government to help several businesses in the Midlands survive.”
Prime director, Jamie Skelding, who oversees Prime’s payroll department added: “We are so incredibly proud of our team who really pushed themselves at a particularly difficult time to make sure our clients were well looked after.
“There were several occasions where we answered calls and helped clients out very early in the morning or late at night to make sure they met the right procedures in the right time frames.
“It is this commitment to client success that helps us stand out in the crowd and we are humbled to have been able to provide the right help to deserving businesses in the region.”
For more information about Prime Accountants Group visit www.primeaccountants.co.uk
Midlands’s accountancy firm completes exciting business merger
A firm of chartered accountants based in Warwickshire has merged with a national awardwinning Midlands firm.
Bishop Simmons, a longstanding practice based in the north of Warwickshire, has come together with Armstrongs Chartered Accountants and will now be known as Armstrongs Bishop Simmons.
Jim Simmons and Jane Biggs have run Bishop Simmons together since 2005 and have recently made the decision to join forces with a larger firm.
Paul Farmer, Director at Armstrongs Bishop Simmons commented “As a firm, we have been looking to grow our North Warwickshire presence for some time. So, when the opportunity arose for Armstrongs to merge with Bishop Simmons, we knew this would be the ideal route for expanding our Nuneaton practice.
“We are excited about the merger and look forward to working with the existing Bishop Simmons team and their clients from our offices on Bond Street, Nuneaton.”
Jim Simmons, who is remaining with the firm as a consultant said “Armstrongs is highly regarded across the Coventry & Warwickshire area and shares similar values to Bishop Simmons, so it was a natural fit for both companies.”
Armstrongs Bishop Simmons Director Jane Biggs said ‘I am looking forward to the future and being part of a bigger practice. Our clients will still receive the same high level of service as before and will now have access to specialist services such as wealth planning, cloud accounting, corporate finance and inheritance tax planning.
With Armstrongs and Bishop Simmons coming together in Nuneaton, there is an enhanced offering of accountancy and tax services to individuals and businesses across North Warwickshire, with Armstrongs Bishop Simmons becoming the largest independent firm of accountants based in the town.
Armstrongs was a finalist in the Professional Services Firm of the Year category at the recent Coventry Live Business awards 2021 and was a finalist at the last British Accountancy Awards in the Independent Firm of the Year category. The firm has offices in Nuneaton, Coventry & Hinckley
Armstrongs Bishop Simmons provide a wide range of services including accounting, tax, bookkeeping, payroll, corporate finance, wealth planning, audit and assurance, business support and business development.
For more information on Armstrongs Bishop Simmons please visit www.armstrongs-bishopsimmons.co.uk
Apex Connected opens Midlands office with the appointment of Richard Lamb as Sales Director
Apex Connected Ltd (Apex) is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Lamb as Sales Director. Located in the vibrant and creative offices of Mill Street, Leamington Spa, Richard will develop the company’s sales strategy and support the sales team as the company gears for growth.
Richard will help schools, charities, and businesses in the Midlands to save money and refine their business processes by providing cost effective photocopying, managed print, document, and production print solutions.
Richard commented: “I am delighted to be joining Apex Connected having worked with directors Chris Hutchings and Mike Catterall previously, as well as Apex’s recent accreditation as a Konica Minolta Elite partner it seemed like an opportunity not to be missed.
In my role as Sales Director, I intend to use the knowledge I have gained over the last 12 years in the various sectors of the industry. From solidifying Apex’s already outstanding reputation within Education to using my understanding of the Commercial Print sector to bring Apex’s excellent service levels to clients in that area.
Apex’s core principles, Simple, Ethical and Transparent stuck a cord with me. It’s those principles myself and my team will be working to when we partner with businesses to provide their managed print service”.
Chris Hutchings, Apex’s Managing Director added: “We are delighted to announce that Richard has joined our management team as Sales Director.
Having worked with Richard for over 6 years previously, I have seen at first hand, Richard’s business professionalism and excellence in delivering valuable sales propositions and strategic sales partnerships”.
For more information about Apex Connected visit www.apexconnected.com
Warwickshire-based automotive communications specialist, Red Marlin, has added three new members to its growing team in support of a number of new client wins.
Red Marlin’s grid row of new clients includes a vehicle manufacturer, an original equipment manufacturer and an international motorsport
Red Marlin puts the pedal to the metal with new recruits
team. To support activity on the expanding account roster, Joe Slinn and Holly Sennett have been appointed as public relations and social media account executives, respectively.
While studying Business MSc at Aston University, Joe interned at an awardwinning Hong Kong-based communications specialist, where he worked on accounts in the engineering, renewable energy, and lifestyle sectors. After graduating, Joe furthered his experience in PR with a specialist SEO agency.
Holly joins the team following a successful period as a freelance social media manager, specialising in the motorsport and automotive industries. Holly has worked with a variety of national and international clients to increase brand awareness and develop social strategies, including working as part of the Goodwood Festival of Speed social media team in 2021.
Meanwhile, new office manager, Debbie Onions has swapped a career working with blue-chip companies for a new chapter with Red Marlin. With 40 years’ experience working for a variety of high-profile companies in London and the Midlands, including as PA to the Duke of Westminster, Debbie’s new role will be to oversee the day-to-day smooth running of the office.
Danny Rughoobeer, managing director and founder of Red Marlin, commented: “Despite the economic and practical challenges the industry has faced throughout the pandemic, we are delighted to have come out the other side of the tunnel in such a strong position.
“We are excited to welcome a great group of talented people to join our team at such an important time for the company.”
Red Marlin, founded in 2009, is an independent PR and digital marketing agency specialising in the automotive sector based at the heart of the UK’s car industry inLeamington Spa, Warwickshire.
