West Cheshire & North Wales Business June 2021 by Benham Publishing Limited

Together, We’re Well Connected Quarterly Business Magazine

Summer 2021

The Big Interview STEVEN MORGAN Managing Director at The P&A Group

British Chambers of Commerce Ac

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We are a nationwide group of local insurance specialists. The County Group has five community focused insurance brokers in North Wales and West Cheshire. As a leading UK insurance group, we offer a complete spectrum of business and personal insurance products.

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A u t h o r i se d an d r eg ula ted b y the Fi n a n ci a l Co n duct Aut horit y (305560) . Regist ered in England & Wales (No. 4787941) . Reg i ster ed o f f i ce: 7 th Flo o r , C orn Exchange, 55 Mark Lane, London, EC 3R 7NE.

WELCOME

Welcome to the Summer edition of our Quarterly Business magazine Summer is upon us and there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel after the incredibly challenging year we have all faced. The successful vaccine programme has led to an easing of restrictions which, at the time of writing, are due to come to an end in a matter of weeks. As companies begin the slow process of rebuilding following the pandemic, it is vital that they are given the support they need to kick start their recovery. We will work with Government to maintain a focus on the delivery of the priorities of business and ensure a strong economy as we build back from the pandemic. The ease of restrictions has meant that the Chamber has begun the process of returning to face-to-face events with our Walk and Talk event taking place at the end of May. Our Round the Screen Networking events have been crucial in keeping members in touch over the last year, but the importance of businesses being able to build relationships in person cannot be understated. With further events planned in the coming months, it is amazing to be able to offer members the opportunity to connect face-toface once again. West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce celebrated an incredible

milestone on 11th March as we marked our 100th year of supporting business. We were delighted to give members an insight into the history of the Chamber at our virtual Birthday party and outline our celebration plans for the year. We wouldn’t be here without your support and we aim to celebrate with our members throughout the year! You can find out more about our plans in this magazine and by visiting our dedicated website 100years. wcnwchamber.org.uk. Our centenary celebrations will culminate at our Annual Ball & Recognition Awards which will take place on 12th November 2021. Not being able to host the showpiece Chamber event last year, and the fact it ties in with our 100th year of supporting business, makes the occasion even more special than usual. Entries for our Recognition Awards launch on 1st July 2021 and with a host of different categories available for nomination, I would strongly recommend you enter. You can find more information on our website wcnwchamber.org.uk/about-us/wcnwchamber-recognition-awards/. As always, the Chamber is here to support you in any way possible so please get in touch with the team on 01244 669988 or info@wcnwchamber.org.uk if needed. I wish you all the best for the upcoming Summer.

PLEASE NOTE: Some articles in this edition may have been written before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Article and image content therefore reflects this time lapse. Contact Matthew Hodgson Churchill House, Queen’s Park Campus, Queen’s Park Road, Chester CH4 7AD t: 01244 669988 e: info@wcnwchamber.org.uk w: www.wcnwchamber.org.uk Publisher Benham Publishing Limited Suite 5 & 6, Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ t: 0151 236 4141 f: 0151 236 0440 e: admin@benhampublishing.com w: www.benhampublishing.com Published June 2021 © Benham Publishing Media no. 1789 Advertising and Features Karen Hall t: 0151 236 4141 e: karen@benhampublishing.com Design Peter Wilkinson t: 0151 236 4141 e: peter@benhampublishing.com

INSIDE: 8-9

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YOUNG CHAMBER

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CELEBRATES 100TH BIRTHDAY

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24-25

GETTING STARTED

THE BIG INTERVIEW Steven Morgan

Managing Director at The P&A Group

Disclaimer The magazine is mailed without charge to all Chamber members

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

WHAT I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT

and distributed to businesses in the region. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce. Views expressed in publication are not necessarily those of West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission of the Editor. © 2021. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content. Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

@ChamberWCNW West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce /wcnwchamber WCNWChamber

#WCNWChamber100 |

ECONOMY

Quarterly Business Report: Firms Fighting for Survival but More See a Route Out of Crisis The latest Quarterly Business Report from the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce found that business conditions remained historically poor in quarter one of 2021 as the third national lockdown severely limited activity. However, the survey of 103 firms, who employ almost 9,000 people across the region, revealed that business confidence has been boosted in the first three months of 2021 amid the strong vaccine roll-out and the government’s roadmap providing some ability for companies to forward plan. The report, published in partnership with Cheshire West & Chester Council, indicates

that the re-introduction of national lockdowns at the start of the year continued to weigh heavy on key drivers of growth but there is also cautious optimism from some firms going forward.

n Both domestic and export sales and orders rose but remain substantially below levels seen a year ago.

Key Findings

n Firms’ investment intentions have recovered slightly but many firms remain focussed on preserving cash levels.

n Business confidence in the region has continued to strengthen, returning to similar pre-pandemic levels.

n Employment expectations in the next three months showed a strong recovery returning to pre-pandemic levels.

ECONOMY The survey fieldwork took place between 15th February and 8th March. During this time the vaccine rollout had starting gaining momentum and the roadmap for recovery gave firms more clarity of the months ahead.

In Focus with Biking Bookkeeper Ltd

Although we understand that with so many people working from home and increases on the local infrastructure, the response from the internet providers has been very disappointing and has led to most of the staff running home computers tethered to their mobile phones as mobile networks have reacted well to the increased demands. As all of the team at Biking Bookkeeper Ltd are parents, juggling tax returns with home schooling has brought along its own challenges however the team is both resilient and remorseful so they have coped well under the additional pressures of the increased client numbers. Despite the challenging business conditions, you’ve indicated you are confident heading into the next three months. What were your reasons behind this?

Debbie Bryce, Chief Executive Officer at the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, commented on the report: “Our latest Chamber Quarterly Business Report indicates some positive signs for WCNW businesses as the UK slowly starts to relax lockdown restrictions. Both confidence and employment expectations have returned to, or near to, pre-pandemic levels. However, investment intentions and sales and order, although starting to recover, remain below levels in Q1’20. Our findings demonstrate that businesses are becoming more optimistic though much remains to be done to ensure that optimism is borne out into prosperity, and many businesses still face a fight for survival in the coming months. Now is not the time for complacency, there must be a coherent strategy for growth which empowers businesses to lead the economic recovery from Covid-19.” Gemma Davies, Director of Economy and Housing at Cheshire West & Chester Council, said “The Council welcomes the quarterly survey as it provides an invaluable insight into the current issues affecting businesses and will help to inform our future recovery plans in supporting the local economy as lockdown eases.”

Our client base increases on almost a daily basis. We attribute this to the success our system and processes provide for our clients. We have found our clients to be incredibly loyal and recommend us on a regular basis.

Biking Bookkeeper Ltd is a cloud-based, paperless bookkeeping practice certified and regulated by Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB). Biking Bookkeeper specialise in mentoring business start-ups, XERO training and providing support for small to medium size businesses. Below we hear from Managing Director, Ing. Alice Mason, MSc., AICB CB. Cert PM Dip, who gives us an insight towards their input into the Quarterly Business Report. The coronavirus outbreak has had a dramatic impact on businesses, how have the last twelve months been for Biking Bookkeeper? Our services extended to include training on various accounting software from sending quotes and sales invoices to administrative solutions, cloud-based filing systems and paperless communication. We assisted almost all our existing clients as well as our new clients with providing a totally paperless service therefore reducing contact between all parties. Have there been any particular challenges? One of the main challenges has been substandard internet speeds and reliability.

Have you been able to take anything out of the situation that you can use in the business for future planning? We have always been proud to be a progressive business and the current situation has only reinforced our belief that all businesses must move with technology and training. This ensures that we, as a successful business, provide the latest advice and guidance for our clients. One predominant element to emerge has been the requirement for very flexible working hours and adapting to clients who work throughout the evening and into the early hours of the morning. Looking forward, how do you see the next 12 months for your business? Growth, growth and more growth! Both in client numbers as well as team members. We will, of course, continue to provide support for our clients, helping them to navigate all the changes HMRC and the Government present. We will be training in the latest technology trends, therefore, enabling business owners to concentrate on growing their ventures and not worry about bookkeeping, tax returns and payroll!

“Growth, growth and more growth! Both in client numbers as well as team members. We will, of course continue to provide support for our clients, helping them to navigate all the changes HMRC and the Government present” 5

Make your worries our business. Whatever problems you are experiencing in your business, we can help. Contact us for a consultation: Jason Greenhalgh, Partner M: 07810 751 788 E: jason.greenhalgh@btguk.com

Keith Tully, Partner M: 07969 905 654 E: keith.tully@btguk.com

Offices across the UK. www.begbies-traynor.com Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP, a limited liability partnership, registered in England and Wales No: OC306540. Registered Office: 340 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LY. A member of the Begbies Traynor Group: Specialist Professional Services. www.begbies-traynorgroup.com

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CHAMBER NEWS

Chamber Annual Recognition Awards Open on 1st July! The West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that entries will open on 1st July for its Annual Recognition Awards 2021 – Sponsored by Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers.

Unable to take place last year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Recognition Awards are returning and will give members the opportunity to nominate themselves for eight different award categories. Finalists will be revealed on 20th September with the winners announced at our prestigious Annual Dinner & Recognition Awards ceremony on 12th November.

Visit wcnwchamber.org.uk/about-us/wcnwchamber-recognition-awards/ for more information and to enter.

With thanks to our Headline Sponsors – Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers

So why not share your business’s story and have the chance to receive the recognition you deserve?

2021 Award Categories

Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers Award for Business of the Year

Export & International Trade Award - Sponsored by Edge Transport Ltd

Customer Excellence Award - Sponsored by Chrysalis People Solutions

This is the premier award for businesses in West Cheshire & North Wales and is open to companies of any size, working in any commercial or industrial sector.

This award recognises the strength of exporters in West Cheshire & North Wales. Entrants for this award must stand out from the crowd on the international stage and demonstrate that they have generated significant and/or sustained increases in their export activity.

Recognising organisations with a focus on customer service and care, this award has been designed for businesses who can demonstrate excellence and commitment in the everimportant area of customer service.

Start-Up Business of the Year Award- Sponsored by Zodeq Ltd This award is open to businesses that have been trading for less than 2 years and seeks to recognise the determination and hard work of entrepreneurs across West Cheshire & North Wales.

Young Chamber Award - Sponsored by Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association For Wales Business Growth Award – Sponsored by NatWest Business Banking This award is open to businesses of all sizes and recognises those that have experienced exceptional growth in sales, profit, market share, jobs or international trade. Judges will be looking for an organisation that can demonstrate the highest levels of growth with a strong plan for sustainable financial performance.

Excellence in Sustainability - Sponsored by Wrexham Glyndŵr University

Young Person/Apprentice of the Year Award Sponsored by SQR Group Ltd This award is to highlight the exceptional contribution of a young person or an apprentice, aged 25 or under, to the success and growth of a business based in West Cheshire and North Wales.

As we bring the education and businesses closer through our Young Chamber programme, we look forward to celebrating the achievements of Young Chamber students and the involvement of one of our Young Chamber schools or colleges over the previous year.

Made a Difference Award - Sponsored by Acton Edocs Systems Limited

This award recognises businesses that are leading the way to a low carbon, low waste and sustainable future.

This award recognises a business, or one of their employees, that have made a difference to the social well-being of their local community. This could be through volunteer and charity work or by any means where the business or employee has gone above and beyond to support their community.

#WCNWChamber100 |

YOUNG CHAMBER

New online career platform set to inspire students in West Cheshire & North Wales Young Chamber Online, a new career guidance platform for schools in the region to access free of charge, has been launched by West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce. Forming part of the Chamber’s Young Chamber programme, the online platform has a host of resources for students to access, giving them an insight into the world of work and the opportunity to receive advice and guidance direct from business professionals in the region. “It is imperative that we bring the education and business sectors closer together to ensure that students have an understanding

of the local professional landscape, whilst also giving them access to advice and guidance from local professionals” said Debbie Bryce, Chief Executive Officer at West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce. “This has always been the aim of our Young Chamber programme and we are delighted to now be able to offer this online resource as we look to continue inspiring West Cheshire & North Wales students’ career aspirations”. Young Chamber Online will give students guidance on the following; n Finding a job – CV writing, tips and templates, cover letter guidance and information about the interview process and interview techniques. n Qualifications – information on further qualification avenues after leaving school, from apprenticeships, T-Levels and A-Levels up to university degrees and beyond. n Sector Specific information – an in depth look at over 20 sectors with information about the types of jobs available and the skills and any qualifications needed to enter them.

Young Chamber Centenary £100 Enterprise Challenge The West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce has donated hundreds of pounds to schools across the region to help them kickstart and invest in their enterprise projects. As part of West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce’s 100th-anniversary celebrations, schools participating in the Young Chamber programme have been invited to join in the £100 Enterprise Challenge. The schools each received a donation of £100 to help them establish an in-school enterprise and convert the initial investment into as much money as possible for a good cause. The Challenge puts young people in charge of the conception and running of a brand-new micro-business to develop their confidence and aspirations for what they can achieve in the future. The Challenge will also increase students’ understanding of the world of work and their ability to positively impact their wider community and society whilst building essential skills such as teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving.

“We’re really excited to be able to give students the experience of running their own business. There are so many benefits that this opportunity will provide young people, from the social development aspects to helping them develop essential skills needed when starting their careers. Who knows, we may also help to inspire leading entrepreneurs of the future!” said Debbie Bryce, Chief Executive Officer at West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce. The schools decide where any profits from the Challenge go, whether to a local

n Real Business Interviews – the Chamber has pooled together a number of interviews with local business professionals to give in-depth insights into their jobs and companies, highlighting some of the opportunities available in the region. n Skills Research – local, regional and national skills research has been compiled so students and teachers can identify the skills that businesses desire. Debbie continued “There is no doubt that the last year has been tough for the educational sector as schools and colleges have faced closures due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is crucial that students are able to access careers guidance to help inform their next steps after leaving education and we are glad to offer Young Chamber Online free of charge to schools across the region to help make this happen.” Schools can register their interest in accessing Young Chamber Online by emailing youngchamber@wcnwchamber. org.uk or calling 01244 669988. Businesses can also email or call to express their interest in providing content to feature on Young Chamber Online.

charity of their choosing, a specific item the school needs to enhance pupil learning and experience, or the Chamber’s Charity of choice for its centenary year- Neuro Therapy Centre. The schools will be judged on how innovative the business ideas are, how ethical and sustainable they are, and the amount of profit made. A winner will then be announced at the Chamber’s Annual Ball & Recognition Awards on 12th November 2021. Debbie Bryce added, “With the UK’s focus on young people, key skills gaps and indeed the environment, we felt it was important that sustainability formed a key part of the projects. We will also be looking for business ideas that consider the needs of their customers and create a buzz around their product or service. We are looking forward to seeing their creations!” One school that has launched its business already is Penrhos Avenue school in Colwyn Bay. Their enterprise project is selling products made from recycled goods, with one student commenting, “I can say with confidence that everyone here at Penrhos is ecstatic about the official launch of our new line under ‘Penrhosupcycled4U’ and look forward to a bright and prosperous future”.

YOUNG CHAMBER

Young Chamber Welcomes Three New Sponsors!

the area and so we are really looking forward to being involved with this great initiative. It will enable us to reach so many more students and help to bridge the gap between businesses and the education sector.” Adam Wilson, Financial Director at Jolliffes & Co:

CityFibre, The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Jolliffes & Co are the latest business to support the Young Chamber programme as Sponsors.

“Jolliffes & Co are delighted to support Young Chamber. We recognise that investing in young talent and developing that talent at grassroots level is critical to business success. We are proud to help the Chamber bridge the gap between education and employment to give young people the skills they need to become our future business leaders.”

All three organisations will now be supporting the programme which seeks to give students at local schools and colleges the experience and skills needed to succeed in the world of work. The Young Chamber programme has adapted over the last year, providing students from 15 schools and two colleges with a series of online events which local businesses support.

Debbie Bryce, Chief Executive Officer at West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce:

Bill McKenzie, Director of Design at CityFibre:

“We are delighted to welcome our three new Sponsors to the Young Chamber programme and are excited to work with them to provide students an insight into the digital, financial and healthcare sectors. They will be working closely with both our Young Chamber Members and the other Young Chamber Sponsors to provide invaluable industry knowledge, helping to bridge the gap between business and education in the region.”

“CityFibre is delighted to work with the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber to support the Young Chamber programme. Developing and harnessing the ability and skills of young people across the nation is paramount to the success of any business and here at CityFibre it is at the core of our future growth.” Molly Whelan, Vocational Development Manager at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust:

To find out more about becoming a sponsor of the Young Chamber programme, please email: youngchamber@wcnwchamber.org.uk

“We are really excited to become a Young Chamber Sponsor. We are extremely proud of the work we do with schools and colleges in

Christleton High School Student receives 1-1 careers guidance from Delve Recruitment As part of the Young Chamber programme, operated by the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce to bring education and business closer together, a student from Christleton High School has recently received one-to-one careers advice from Delve Recruitment, a Sponsor of the programme. Louis Mullineux, a sixth form student at the school, had asked if he could receive additional support and guidance before he took part in an interview as part of his application to attend Loughborough University in September. The school contacted Young Chamber and the programme was able to put Louis in touch with Gareth Foden, Director at Delve Recruitment. Gareth made an ideal match for Louis as Delve Recruitment specialise in finding talent for companies in the life science, semiconductor and engineering sectors. This meant that Louis could ask

an industry expert questions about his choice of subject, Quantity Surveying, and for advice on how to prepare for a video interview. Gareth was able to talk to Louis about what a typical day may look like as a Quantity Surveyor and also give tips on how to prepare for the interview, including making sure Louis treated it the video interview as he would a face-to-face one by dressing appropriately and making sure he had questions to ask about the course and campus. Gareth also recommended having a notepad beside Louis’ laptop to jog his memory about key points if he needed it during the interview.

“For me the call with Louis was great. I remember being in his position and not having a clue where to turn for some direction, guidance or even suggestions of where different courses or universities could take me in life. It was brilliant to answer questions and generally give my insights” said Gareth. Events and Young Chamber Manager at the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, Jenny Davidson, was delighted to be able to connect Gareth and Louis saying “The aim of the Young Chamber programme is to give students an insight into the world of work and provide them with advice and self-belief when leaving school. “We are so happy that we were able to offer the further guidance Louis asked for and we are incredibly thankful to Gareth for giving his time in order to support him.” #WCNWChamber100 | 9

STRATEGIC MEMBERS NEWS

Zodeq is supporting businesses in bouncing back from the pandemic Now with a return to normal life very close, recovery is underway and the business world is optimistic for the future, with a recent poll carried out by Deloitte found that confidence has hit a record high. Those businesses impacted by the pandemic are seeking the most appropriate path to bounce back to pre-COVID levels and beyond, and many are turning to Chester based finance and back-office support company, Zodeq for help.

The business world has faced challenges of an unprecedented nature over the past year as the global pandemic halted our normal lives, both on a professional and personal basis. With many businesses having to quickly adapt to working from home and others forced to close their doors entirely during numerous lockdowns, the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly put a strain on companies, but it has also highlighted their resilience.

At the outset of the pandemic, the team at Zodeq quickly put their business continuity plan in action, meaning that it has been very much business as usual in the year that has followed. This quick adaption put Zodeq in the ideal position to continue supporting businesses across the region, particularly those with cash flow difficulties as a result of restrictions. Despite financial support put in place by the government, a number of businesses were unable to receive adequate funds and therefore have sought alternative finance schemes, such as invoice finance or

asset-based lending, from Zodeq in order to maintain and boost their cash flow. The pandemic has even inspired a new generation of start-up recruiters, who have opted out of their full-time employment, seeking to establish their own business. Once again this is something that the team at Zodeq has been supporting with through financial and back-office administration, to ensure these fledgling business ventures get off to the best possible start. Speaking of supporting new and established clients, MD at Zodeq, Paul Cooney has said: “Supporting businesses during these crucial steps back to normality will be a key component to giving the economy the boost that is needed following the slump we have seen over the past few months. It’s great to see so many new businesses being established and many others actively looking to grow, it gives us great hope for the coming months and years.”

MEMBERS NEWS

Groundwork North Wales celebrate 30 years May 24th, 2021 saw Groundwork North Wales celebrate 30 years of supporting people facing multiple challenges, living in isolation, with significant health issues, limited employment prospects and those who are vulnerable to the economic and environmental uncertainty of today’s society. Over the past 30 years Groundwork North Wales has delivered over 1,750 projects, engaged over 187,203 young people in those projects, planted in excess of 24,500 trees, and since being accredited with Investing in Volunteers in 2012 has facilitated in excess of 145,050 volunteer hours (figures available since 1997). Karen Balmer Chief Executive of Groundwork North Wales since 2011 explains how the charity is still committed to the communities of North Wales.

“As an organisation, we are committed to improving the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales. As a nation, we continue to face unprecedented levels of political and economic uncertainty and the recent global pandemic can only add to the situation. This makes our mission to transform lives in those communities most in need more pressing. We remain grateful to everyone who has invested in our organisation and thank our volunteers, our trustees and our dedicated team of staff for your commitment to our work”.

Groundwork North Wales will continue to recognise their anniversary year through revisiting previous projects across their social media and online platforms and plans to mark this milestone through engagement events for the public, stakeholders, partners and funders over the forthcoming 12 months. To keep up to date with Groundwork North Wales projects, events and volunteering opportunities you can visit www.groundworknorthwales.org.uk or look for Groundwork North Wales on your social media.

Understanding and facilitating the effective management of risk is our core business. Only when the risk facing an organisation is well understood can it be effectively managed. Key to the successful identification, assessment and management of risk is engagement with the right people, using the right processes at the right time. We believe we are different to many of our competitors and that our approach is distinctive; we don’t always walk the well-trodden path but look at each client’s particular risk context and develop a tailored solution, working in partnership with our client.

Who we are

RAS Ltd is an independent firm of risk specialists established in 1993. We are founded on a set of simple principles: recruit the best people in the industry, only work in our areas of expertise, and work with our clients, not for them. It’s an approach that has seen us grow from being a handful of specialists in the North West to a rapidly developing company working with the leading companies in the oil & gas, pharmaceuticals and specialist chemical sectors across the world. Our team have worked on some of the biggest and most influential projects in the industry, and continue to expand their specialist knowledge. We’re proudly independent. Our independence gives us the freedom to do what’s right for our clients without being slowed down by corporate structures and consultancy models. That’s not to say that we don’t have our own methodology and risk models – we do – but we approach every single project differently, and don’t provide uniform services ‘off the shelf’. We also work closely with a number of specialist consultancies when the need arises, to ensure we provide best practice advice. We’re quick, efficient and cost-effective. Why not put us to the test?

What we do

Everything we do is about managing risk in three areas: safety, business and environment.

As you’d expect, we work to internationally recognised standards. We have particular capabilities in accident risk in the oil & gas, pharmaceutical and chemical sectors and work with the key industry players. Because we specialise in these core areas, our clients can be certain of up-to-date knowledge and an undiluted focus on the specific risk challenges of their business. A lot of organisations initially come to us with a regulatory compliance need, but they come back for support on wider risk issues. Our entire approach is about adding value to your business. By understanding your challenges we can provide best practice advice – and by sharing our past experiences and knowledge, we can help you better manage the risk within your organisation.

How we work

Every report, strategy or project we undertake is bespoke to our clients’ needs and unique set of circumstances. Only when we understand your challenges fully can we provide best practice advice and apply our skills and creative thinking to problem solving. Often, we find this leads us down a different path than was expected. We don’t see ourselves as suppliers, we see ourselves as partners. Not in a clichéd ‘we’ll hold your hand’ way, but more in a pragmatic, practical way: one that’s all about giving you the tools and knowledge to manage your own challenges. As your risk partner, our job is to make sure you are protected and your best interests are looked after. Which is why we question everything and don’t work in isolation, looking at a project holistically to see how it impacts on the entire organisation. It’s the only way we can confidently say ‘we’ve got your back.’

T +44 (0) 1244 674 612 E enquiries@ras.ltd.uk W www.ras.ltd.uk

RAS RISK & HAZARD MANAGEMENT

Safety Risk

Environmental Risk

Business Risk

Our safety risk assessment and

Our services in the Environmental

Whatever risk is being

identification techniques, predictive

assessment of the risks in relation

environmental, commercial

management expertise covers hazard modelling and analysis of risk control measures. Control of Major Accident

Hazards (COMAH) and the Dangerous

Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations (DSEAR) are particular specialisms within the company.

Risk area range from the

to Major Hazards through to the preparation of Environmental

Permits – both variations and full applications – particularly

in relation to planning for new developments.

considered, whether safety, or financial, if it’s not

understood and managed effectively it becomes a

risk that affects the whole organisation.

STRATEGIC MEMBERS NEWS

Getting back to business The team here at Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers have been working hard to help, support and guide our clients during the Coronavirus pandemic and throughout the national lockdowns. With daily announcements of government backed business support we were eager to ensure our clients were aware of the different types of funding available to them. As part of our service, we started to send our clients a roundup of news and announcements concerning Coronavirus and the world of business, as well as keeping everyone up to date on our website and social media channels. Our website was, and still is, being updated regularly with articles including information on the Job Support Scheme, as well as grants and loans available. As restrictions are lifted and we are all looking at ‘getting back to business’ there is still a lot of support available for you and your business.

PLEASE NOTE: Further details on the above can be found at www.gov.uk

challenging, but more rewarding 12 months ahead.

Here at Ellis & Co, and like the rest of the UK, it has been a challenging time but we are thankful to have been able to help so many businesses and individuals.

We are still offering all members of the Chamber a free 30-minute consultation with one of our team, please contact our office if you would like to book a spot on 01244 343504.

We look forward to continuing to support them in what we hope is a less

Remember, we are all in this together. John Farrell, Director at Ellis & Co.

7 Marketing Lockdown Lessons Learnt! So, marketing … For the first time in a long time, it felt like most businesses genuinely valued the importance of marketing and communication services during the lockdown, and long may it continue!

2. We see things differently! We look at things with fresh eyes with taking time out to look at the bigger picture, and we have worked out our priorities.

Throughout this period and together with our clients, we have adapted, changed and developed.

n There is more joined-up thinking.

We thought we would share a few observations over the last 12 months, along with some pointers to ensure you and your marketing stay on track.

n We are different.

1. Complacency is not an option. We all know that the world around us changes and lichen through uncertainty, but we are all a little too comfortable with that thought - until it happened - and boy, did the panic button get hit! n Habits changed n People’s perception is changed n Technology changed n The world as we knew it changed However, those who adapted survived. We have seen business models changes, products and services of our clients adapt and change, and even helped change their tone of voice.

n Businesses have reviewed their purpose. n We look at employees and processes differently.

3. Reputation is vital to surviving. Brands that don’t just say but do! Brands are being held accountable - how many times did we judge the more prominent brands with the most money on how they treated their employees during the early days of the pandemic? How many headlines stuck in our minds, and how many are fighting to regain those customers who walked away from a brand following the mishandling of their decisions during the lockdown? 4. Businesses need to be relevant. With so much noise out there - being heard can be hard! In marketing, we constantly preach about the importance of being relevant to your audience and target market. Test if it’s working (your landing pages, social posts, email responses, forms etc.) Work out your engagement levels and set benchmarks.

5. Embrace Creativity Learn new skills, apply new techniques to your marketing and get creative! Creativity helps to move forward, connect with new audiences and get the most out of your budget. 6. Collaboration ‘We are in this together’, and together we are stronger - has never been as strong a message as it is now. Partnering with likeminded people and businesses will allow you to get your message out to a broader audience. Be kind. Help others. 7. Change is Constant Investment in communication and technology is vital. Staying agile is vital. To do that, you’ve got to invest in digital. Companies embracing a digital-first approach are starting to build on their lead- because, as we’ve seen, the digital landscape is only getting busier, more expensive, and as a result, makes it more difficult to stand out. Here at Umbrella, we have grown as a team, we have added new skills and people, and we are constantly changing. We do this for our clients, for ourselves, and we are stronger.

GETTING STARTED

The Sunrise Patisserie

I’ve spent the last few years working as a crane operator and worked away a lot. I decided to make a change to spend more time with family and enjoy my work. This led to the creation of The Sunrise Patisserie. Why? I was sick of working away in a faraway city and, having been self-employed before, I missed the buzz of a busy day and the excitement of big events. The light bulb moment! I was on holiday three years ago in Portugal and became addicted to Portuguese tarts while there! When I came home, I could not find anything that even came close to the ones offered in Portugal, so I thought how hard can it be!! Who is your ideal client/customer? We service a large range of clients and events. Some of the bigger ones we’ve attended were in Brighton, Bristol and Twickenham food festival. We also work at events across the North West and we are also lucky enough to work with lots of nice cafes and a few restaurants, but we’re always looking for more! We often find that many of our customers have been to Portugal, for holiday or work, and are looking for tarts or other baked goods that they tried whilst there. Best moment so far? Recently getting our own mini-warehouse and walk-in freezers. This will enable us to serve more wholesale customers and cafes throughout the UK. Biggest challenges? We regularly have stands at markets and working outside can make the weather one of our biggest challenges. Different temperatures can affect the products and the wind can also pose its own problems!

What’s in a name? We called our business The Sunrise Patisserie as we knew we would be up early with the sunrise and our Natas look like a little sun, so we thought it was a great fit! Your position? The boss, van driver, salesperson; it’s all in one role which is testing. About your business? We offer the best Portuguese tarts which are

sourced directly from Portugal. We also offer other baked goods including donuts, cakes and brownies from the UK. We are all about offering our customers the best products and pride ourselves on the range we have to offer. About you! I’m 40 years old and I have a passion for baked goods! I have an amazing supportive wife Sophie and daughter Ruby who is two.

Benefits of the Chamber Start-Up club since you joined? The Start-Up Club has supported me with HR and gives you someone to talk to when you need help. Lessons learnt ………. what would you do differently and why! Everything costs twice as much as first thought and takes twice as long to happen. Plan, plan, plan and then get cracking. #WCNWChamber100 |

BCC NEWS

Landmark skills training report calls for wide-ranging reboot of UK system A major new report is calling for a root and branch reform of the UK’s training system to help businesses access the skills they need to boost productivity. The final report from the Workplace Training and Development Commission (WTDC), set up by the British Chambers of Commerce in partnership with Indeed, follows an 18-month in-depth study of what businesses want from adult skills training provision in the UK. The Commissioners, drawn from a range of business and skills backgrounds, believe it offers a blueprint for policy makers, trainers and firms to finally develop a system that works for both employers and employees. Hundreds of companies from a wide range of sectors joined Chambers of Commerce, colleges, universities, independent training providers, Local Enterprise Partnerships and education professionals in giving evidence to the Commission. The report identifies solutions to a series of obstacles for employers in using the current skills system, including issues of complexity, cost and inflexibility. It also highlights a need for improved trust and co-operation between the different parties involved in skills planning and training provision – especially at the local level. Other key recommendations include: n Help for smaller firms to identify and invest in the skills needs of their workforce n More bite-sized, flexible learning which supports people in work to gain new skills faster n A greater say for businesses on what skills training is needed at the local level n Better support for people to retrain and move into higher earning roles. n A renewed focus on digital skills and innovation The report calls on policymakers to adopt its recommendations and encourages businesses to act decisively to resolve their skills needs, to help bolster productivity and growth as the economy rebuilds following the pandemic. Its findings will now be shared with government education departments across the UK, Chambers of Commerce, and key stakeholders in the skills training sector.

Commenting on the findings, Jane Boardman, Chair of the Commission, said: “The problem of skills shortages has long hampered the UK economy, leaving employers struggling to fill job vacancies and raise productivity. The workplace is rapidly becoming more digital and automated, so businesses need more people with the technical skills for these changing jobs. But too often employers cannot access the training they need and, as a result, are spending less and less on training each year. “The impact of the pandemic has made investing in adult skills more important than ever. Employers need a more joined-up and flexible system that can respond quickly to skills needs and opportunities. “The last year has seen the economy placed under the greatest strain it has experienced in decades and the full impact on employment and growth has yet to be seen. As businesses rebuild and respond to the challenges ahead, a more agile skills training system will be crucial.” Hannah Essex, Co-Executive Director of the BCC and a member of the Commission, said: “For too long, smaller businesses have struggled to navigate the skills system and get what they need, when they need it.

Now is the time to put employers’ needs first and transform the system for the better. Apprenticeships and technical qualifications are highly valued by businesses across many sectors and are key to resolving some skills shortages. But full qualifications are not always the right solution when it comes to wider adult workforce training. “A more modular and agile approach will help businesses address skills shortages more quickly. And, as the economy emerges from the pandemic, individuals looking to change career and move into higher earning roles need more opportunities to upskill and retrain. “Solving the UK’s skills crisis requires coordinated effort across business, government and the skills sector. Crucially, we need to create a more relevant, joined-up and flexible skills system that meets the needs of businesses wherever they are based in the UK. This means helping businesses to understand their employees’ training needs and ensuring the skills system delivers what is required both now and in readiness for the changes ahead. “Key to success will be the full involvement of employers in local decisions on how we plan, deliver and fund the skills needed. But we are already seeing positive change in the skills system with recommendations from our interim report being reflected in the Government White Paper on Further Education.”

CHAMBER EVENTS

Virtual Networking Set to Stay with Faceto-Face Events Around the Corner Over the past 15 months, the Chamber has adapted to the times whilst still providing the local business community an excellent service to connect with each other, holding regular Round the Screen networking events. These have been critical for both Chamber members’ businesses and their mental wellbeing during one of the most stressful and difficult periods in most of our lives. As coronavirus restrictions ease and we start the process of returning to face-to-face events, our Round the Screen networking will continue on a monthly basis. This will give members added flexibility and provide an additional avenue to grow connections with fellow Chamber members. This has also been a time where people have adapted to circumstances, leading to an increase of businesses being established, which has seen the Chamber’s Start-Up Clubs, in both West Cheshire and North Wales, grow from strength to strength. Start-Up Club members get together once a month (virtually for the time being) to connect with each other, share best practice and to hear from guest speakers who provide invaluable support and advice. Last month, we welcomed members to a Walk and Talk at Chester Zoo, sponsored by Aaron & Partners LLP. Walking can have a host of benefits to your mental and physical health and this guided walk gave members a great opportunity to do so with likeminded business people. Guests were welcomed to our Walk & Talk by Events & Young Chamber Manager, Jenny Davidson, who commented:

“It was amazing to see members in person for the first time in 15 months and we were so pleased that we were able to offer the Walk and Talk whilst following social distancing measures. “Our Walk and Talk was a great first step to having our regular events calendar back, providing our members with a great platform to create business connections whilst also benefitting their physical and mental wellbeing.”

UPCOMING EVENTS

Chamber Economic Briefing & Networking - 9th July

There will be time for networking at this event where we will share the results of the Chamber Quarterly Business Report for Q2 of 2021 with firms from the region.

Chamber Lunch at Village Hotel Chester St David’s - 14th July This is set to be a superb event bringing businesses from across the region together to build connections whilst enjoying a delicious two-course meal.

Our Round the Screen networking events have been a hit with members but the importance of being able to meet in person to form connections cannot be understated. Over the coming weeks, our regular schedule of events will start to take shape and will reflect the coronavirus restrictions at the time they take place. Below, you will find our planned events for the next few months. Please note, this information is correct at the time of writing.

Breakfast & Networking at Boughton Hall Cricket Club 4th August

Networking Tour around Chester - 29th June

Xplore! Science Discovery Centre will be the host for September’s Chamber Breakfast Networking event, sponsored by Altimex Ltd and MJ Lighting Technology Ltd. Chamber members will be welcomed to the North Wales Science Discovery Centre with refreshments of Tea, Coffee and Bacon rolls.

An easy-paced, informative guided walking tour of Chester. There will be plenty of time for networking with fellow members whilst the tour takes place and after the tour, you’ll be able to enjoy a tea or coffee and a cake from one of the city’s independent food and drink outlets, included in the price!

Networking at Chester Zoo 6th July

We will be hosting our first breakfast networking event in over 12 months at Chester Zoo on and we are so excited! It will also be a fantastic opportunity for all of our new members to experience a true Chamber networking event for the first time!

This event will take place in a brand-new marquee on the grounds of Boughton Hall Cricket Club, where members will be welcomed with tea, coffee and bacon rolls.

Networking at Xplore! - 14th September

Jenny added “Following an incredibly challenging year, we are thrilled to be able to offer face-to-face networking events to our members. We understand how important these are to our business community and we are really looking forward to helping members connect in person once again!” The Chamber is working hard to add to the above events so be sure to visit our website - portal.wcnwchamber.org.uk/events.html - as this page will have the most up to date information.

Environmental works at Blacon Adventure Playground

Work has been taking place to make Blacon Adventure Playground more environmentally friendly. The revamp of the Avenue Services-owned site – known locally as ‘The Venny’ – is being carried out with an aim of making the site carbon free. The upgrades, designed by sustainability consultancy Anthesis and installed by Hewer FM, include a grid that will generate its own electricity, an air source heat pump and new, energy-efficient lighting. The refurbishment, carried out thanks to funding from national housing provider Sanctuary Group, forms part of a wider climate change project which will involve the launch of community initiatives for local people of all ages across Blacon. Paul Knight, Head of Avenue Services, said: “With climate change becoming ever more

important, we are committed to doing our bit to combat it. “We are very excited about the educational projects that we will soon be launching – they are set to show people the real impact of climate change and how everyone can play a part in saving our environment.”

The project will see Avenue Services work with Cheshire West and Chester Council to help the borough become carbon free by 2045. Avenue Services, which is a not-for-profit organisation, is a joint venture between Sanctuary Group and Cheshire West and Chester Council. The funding used for this project is part of a pilot linked to Sanctuary’s sustainability strategy.

For more information about Blacon Adventure Playground, including the latest opening hours, visit www.blaconadventureplayground.co.uk.

PATRON NEWS

New recovery support for West Cheshire and North Wales businesses

Of course, a major appeal of a Recovery Loan is that a personal guarantee is not required for loans taken up to £250,000. So, if your business is unable to repay the loan, you, as the business owner, will not be personally liable for the money owed. That being said, the Recovery Loan is not riskfree, and if you already have any CLBILS, CBILS or Bounce Back Loans, you must be sure that your business is in a position to make all of the necessary repayments. How you can apply. You can find a lender accredited to offer Recovery Loans from the list on the British Business Bank website and apply to them directly. Not every accredited lender can provide every type of finance available under the scheme, with the amount of finance offered varying between lenders too. As with any loan application, lenders will conduct credit, fraud, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) checks for all applicants. Given the eligibility factors of the scheme, lenders are expected to take a longer-term view of your business’ performance and suitability, assessing the application on the basis that the pandemic had not happened to ensure viability. You will need to provide evidence that proves you can afford to repay the funds, including management accounts, historic accounts, details of assets and your business plan.

Many businesses in the West Cheshire and North Wales region are experiencing significant financial distress due to the pandemic but the Government’s new Covid-19 Recovery Loan Scheme is garnering some attention as a much-needed lifeline. Keith Tully of Begbies Traynor explains… After a year of the most challenging business climate in living memory, company directors are understandably exploring every financial support option available. However, is the recovery loan suitable for your business? What is the Recovery Loan Scheme? Launched on 6th April 2021, the Recovery Loan Scheme replaces the original coronavirus loans, which provided invaluable emergency funding from the start of the pandemic. The government has now shifted focus to provide financial support that enables business recovery and growth as we take the tentative steps out of lockdown. The government will provide an 80% guarantee for all loans, with no personal guarantees needed for borrowing up to £250,000. Interest rates are capped at 14.99%, with loan terms ranging from three to six years, depending on the type of funding used. These include:

n Term loans and overdrafts of between £25,001 and £10 million per business n Invoice finance and asset finance of between £1,000 and £10 million per business. Who is eligible? The loan is designed to be accessible for businesses across all industries. It is open to all companies trading in the UK, except for public sector bodies, state-funded primary and secondary schools, banks, building societies, insurers and reinsurers. Eligible businesses must have been adversely affected by Covid-19 in some way and show they would be viable were it not for the pandemic. Additionally, while it is expected that a business may have dealt with some form of financial distress, it must not be in collective insolvency proceedings at the time of application. What if you have already had a CBILS or Bounce Back Loan? Even if you have previously taken out a CLBILS, CBILS or Bounce Back Loan, you are still eligible for the Recovery Loan Scheme if your business requires additional funding. However, it is worth noting that there is no interest-free period with this loan like there was with the other coronavirus schemes.

Where can you find additional support? The Recovery Loan Scheme goes some way in helping businesses across our region to overcome the effects of the pandemic and stay afloat. Directors of companies in distress that are unable or not in a position to take advantage of the scheme need to tackle any fundamental cash flow problems in their business now before it is too late. If you are running a business that is suffering from cash flow problems or you are unsure about its future viability, it is crucial that you reach out for help and support. In April, Begbies Traynor launched a confidential hotline for company directors needing help to resolve the challenges they face in repaying CLBILS, CBILS, Bounce Back Loans, deferred tax bills, or impatient creditors. In short, do not suffer in silence - there is support out there to help you navigate this challenging time and ensure your business not only survives but prospers in 2021 and beyond.

Begbies Traynor’s confidential hotline is open to directors of businesses of all sizes across all sectors. The number is 0800 056 1059. #WCNWChamber100 |

PATRON NEWS

First management degree apprentices celebrate success have all gained Distinctions and Merits in their End Point Assessment after being awarded Firsts and Upper Seconds in their degrees. They have overcome challenges posed by COVID-19, in both their workplaces and studies, to excel and look forward to a bright future.

n Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship students celebrating their success at ILM Level 5 with staff in July 2019. The first cohort of a pioneering University of Chester degree apprenticeship has set the bar high with top grades achieved across the board. The students completing the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA)

Business and University leader shares a high five for success With entrepreneurial spirit thriving despite the pandemic, an award-winning business leader in a key enterprise mentoring role at the University of Chester has shared five tips to help young people succeed in their endeavours. Graham Shapiro, internationally celebrated British inventor, designer and digital entrepreneur, and the University of Chester Business School’s Entrepreneur in Residence, has offered the insights in a short video. Graham’s five top tips for students and entrepreneurs are: 1. Make a plan. 2. Surround yourself with good people. 3. Believe nothing is impossible. 4. Adapt to change. 5. Stay positive. Graham talks about the five areas in more detail in a video which can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=nw4Ez-UWZsA.

The University was one of the very first to launch the CMDA in September 2016, enabling people to earn while they learn. Run by the University’s highly acclaimed Centre for Work Related Studies, in collaboration with the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the course provides the opportunity to work in some of the region’s leading organisations while studying. Uniquely in the UK, apprentices who complete the course at Chester not only gain a BA (Hons) in Business Management and

His advice comes as data highlights promising UK business start-up figures, with experts predicting a continued vigour for new enterprises. Despite the events of the year, nearly half a million businesses were registered in the UK in 2020, according to Companies House. Graham’s guidance is based on a raft of experience in the business world. For the past 25 years, his company, Graham Shapiro Design (GSD), has created branding and websites for some of the world’s leading companies including Fiat Chrysler, Liverpool FC, Rolex, and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, which Graham is a Partner of. The tips and video are just one of the many ways he is supporting budding business minds as part of his Entrepreneur in Residence role and beyond. About his role and its impact, he said: “I have found my work with aspiring entrepreneurs to have been constantly rewarding and endlessly fulfilling. “The Business School is founded upon a tradition of excellence but one that encourages students to look to the future with confidence. It has been very much my privilege to be a part of the University and to have the opportunity to encourage young entrepreneurs to become who they want to be.”

Leadership, but also the highly valued ILM Diploma at Level 4, 5 and 6, as well as the achievement of Chartered Manager status. Having attained outstanding degree results in 2020 - seven First Class and two Upper Seconds - the students registered 100% End Point Assessment success this year, with more than half achieving Distinctions and all others a Merit. Bob Meakin, the cohort’s Programme Leader for the CMDA said: “The first cohort are a credit to themselves, to their employers, to their tutors and mentors, and to the University as a whole. I wish them all the success they deserve in their future careers.” Student Emilia Hoyle added: “It is with great pride, I have completed my Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship, and receiving a First and Distinction makes all the hard work worth it. “The skills and experience I have gained during the course have enhanced the quality of my work and I have developed as a person. My degree has catapulted me to the next level of my career.”

Graham’s own innovations include the invention of the interloopmailer which transforms ordinary publicity material, and Reggie - a pioneering school registration app. He has also established The Graham Shapiro Foundation to enable greater wellbeing and inspire entrepreneurial spirit among young people in the UK.

Online business events Online events for businesses on social media and branding are being held as part of the Cheshire and Warrington Business Growth Programme. To take part you just need to be eligible to register on the ERDF-funded initiative. A four-hour Creating and Planning Social Media Content That Stands Out workshop, running over four days, takes place from July 6 to 9. For further information please visit: http://bit.ly/BGPsocialmediaworkshop. The four-hour Brand Thinking and Design (Products) workshop is running over two days, on July 22 and 23. More details are available at: http://bit.ly/BGPbrandthinking.

PATRON NEWS

The future workplace and employee wellbeing: Managing hybrid working – Elite Group’s advice and solutions It is clear to business leaders that the coronavirus pandemic has changed things for us all forever. As life slowly but surely begins to return to some semblance of normality after a tumultuous 12 months, the ‘new-normal’ ways of operating and working are the hot topics of conversation and debate. In March 2020, Covid-19 forced an unprecedented workplace transition whereby everyone was directed to work from home if feasible. For many people, dining room tables, bedrooms and front rooms were transformed into ‘offices’.

part-time. This presents forward-thinking organisations with many opportunities to establish new ways of working which are favourable from both the employee’s and the employer’s perspective. It has led to the emergence of a relatively new term: hybrid working. Organisations across the country are now considering what ‘hybrid’ means specifically for them, how they might meet this new employee preference for flexibility, and what will need to be in place in order for these new ways of working to be effective.

Why Hybrid?

However, lockdowns are easing and society is gradually opening up. Thorough research is now taking place to establish how best to handle the overall return-to-work, both in terms of the well-being and safety of employees and also how and where they wish to work. The focus is on how businesses can best facilitate this and find the most beneficial and workable solutions from all perspectives.

The significant interest in more flexible forms of working - hybrid working in particular have created new employee expectations. Organisations that do not support flexible forms of working may risk increased employee turnover, reduced staff engagement and limitations on the ability to attract talent in the future. Hybrid working also provides other advantages for organisations, such as reducing the costs of facilities, supporting employee well-being and providing opportunities for diversity and inclusion.

The belief that employees can only be productive in an office or physical work environment is now out-dated. Productivity levels in many organisations stayed the same over the past year (and notably in some cases they increased) despite staff working remotely. Employees have also reaped the benefits of working from home, such as saving cash through not having to travel to the office and costs associated with take-out beverages and lunches. The associated environmental benefits are significant and must be considered also. Not forgetting the importance of having the flexibility to spend more time with families.

The introduction of hybrid working will require a significant culture shift, the potential to establish fresh working patterns and the creation of new policies and practices. We can take some of the learning and experience from working from home during the pandemic. However, in some ways the hybrid model is likely to pose different challenges for managers and organisations. Time is of the essence: it is generally expected that because of the success of the UK’s vaccine roll-out, there will be a potential return to the workplace for current homeworkers later in 2021.

A recent YouGov survey and research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) indicate that, postpandemic, the majority of workers want to continue to work from home at least

Elite Group is now reaching out and working with organisations to help establish what needs to be done in order to implement the most successful hybrid approach to working.

Despite there being many advantages of remote and hybrid working, it undoubtedly poses its own challenges compared with the traditional office workspace. When working remotely it can be difficult for employees to collaborate and interact with each other as easily as they would do in the office. Remote working can also be isolating for some people, due to the lack of social interaction. At Elite Group, we feel comfortable advising other organisations as hybrid working has been a part of our business model for several years. Microsoft 365 and in particular Microsoft Teams and Sharepoint continue to be vital platforms and applications for us. Not only do they allow us to communicate freely and effectively, but when configured correctly, they also allow productive and secure collaboration. Our other go-to hybrid enablers include Windows Virtual Desktop which provides users with a consistent desktop experience wherever they log-in. As hybrid working evolves, the technology will keep pace and facilitate organisations in achieving their goals of working not only flexibly but efficiently and effectively. Ultimately this will ensure successful hybrid working will be here to stay and will be of maximum benefit to both organisations and their people. Elite Group will continue to support businesses with whatever form of working bests suits them, providing advice and help when and where organisations need it most. It’s good to talk and our friendly team is always available - get in touch with us for a no-obligation conversation on 0344 875 8880 or visit our Contact Us page at www.elitegroup.com.

PATRON FOCUS

Enterprise Hub @M-SParc set to reach 300th member! The Enterprise Hub (Hwb Menter in Welsh) @M-SParc is aiming to reach and surpass the 300th new member in the region by Summer 2021. Since launch, the Hub has supported 275 clients to date to take their business ideas forwards. The businesses range from Doormats to Breweries, Jewellery to Design, and Marketing to Web Development.

By providing these clients with a 1to1 with a Business Advisor and inviting them to become part of a community of likeminded people, we’ve seen amazing new start-ups from all sorts of sectors.” The community has been very active online during the last year, but we are excited to see everyone again in real life as the Hub locations re-open!

Events The events programme is another essential part of the Enterprise Hub @ M-SParc’s offering. The events cover a range of business topics and have included “Building a Marketing Strategy”, “Digital Bookkeeping”, “Financing the First Year”, “Pricing your Product and Service” and “Photography for Beginners”. Crucially, all events are run by people who themselves are entrepreneurs, and even Hub members take the lead, sharing their knowledge and giving practical advice that can be put to use as soon as the event comes to an end. High profile events have also taken place over the years, with speakers including Microsoft, Alana Spencer from Ridiculously Rich, discussing her time on The Apprentice and her cake business, Colin Jackson sharing his experience as an Olympian and how this drove him to start a charity organisation, and Lee Byrne on how he retired from Welsh International Rugby and started a construction company. A highlight of the events calendar is Pitch Perfect, where Hub Members are invited to pitch their business solutions for feedback and prizes as well as a chance of investment. These events are also open to the local student community, working closely with Bangor University, and are always an exciting events to attend. Miwtini

Space for Business The locations are M-SParc on Anglesey, Conwy Business Centre, Clwyd Chambers in Rhyl, Congl Meinciau in Botwnnog, Business @ GLLM in Dolgellau, Clwydfro Business Centre in Ruthin, and Menter Mon in Porthmadog. Now opening with covid-safe regulations, the spaces provide co-working desks, meeting rooms, business advice, and of course free wi-fi.

With all co-working locations re-opening in April, Hub Co-Ordinator, Sara Roberts, said “It’s the perfect time to meet that milestone. During the pandemic, we saw so much entrepreneurial spirit emerge, many due to furlough or redundancy but also many simply re-evaluating their life and making a change. These were people from all over North-West Wales who had an idea and knew they wanted to take it further.

“Although we’ve been hosting events online, two or three events a week for the past year, nothing beats that community feel and networking you get within a physical space.” Community One Enterprise Hub member who’s seen the benefit is Kirsty Roberts of Sea Kayaking Wales; “After so long working at home, it will be brilliant to get back out into a focussed workspace and be able to separate work and home life once again.”

Pronounced ‘Mutiny’ in English, the Miwtini programme has been especially designed to take people from idea to business in a space of a few months. Anna Openshaw, Senior Project Officer at the Enterprise Hub, explains “A journey which can take two years can take as little as three months on the Miwtini programme. We provide people with support on everything from marketing to finance, so that at the end of the programme they have a business plan in place and a clear idea of what their business focus is, and where they want to be.” Members If you’d like to become an Enterprise Hub member, and potentially become that 300th member, then get in touch with the team by calling 01248 858070, e-mailing post@hwbmenter.cymru or checking out the website www.hwbmenter.cymru. The Enterprise Hub is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. The project is run in partnership between Menter Mon and M-SParc, two Patron members of the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce.

Third anniversary marked by HR firm with further expansion A specialist HR firm is marking a successful three years in business by announcing news of a further expansion in Mid Wales. Award-winning The HR Dept Shropshire was originally launched by Niamh Kelly in May 2018 to provide human resources and employment law support to small and medium sized businesses. During that time the firm has continued to see an increasing demand for its services, taken on more staff, expanded with the launch of sister company The HR Dept Wrexham and Chester and supported the local community through a sponsorship deal to back Wrexham FC’s female section. The latest expansion will see Ms Kelly join forces with Lee Monroe of The HR Dept Abergavenny, Brecon, Blaenau Gwent & Cwmbran with a move whereby the expert duo will cover the Mid Wales region.

“It’s been an incredible three years and I really couldn’t be more pleased with the way things have gone,” she said. “We have filled the need to provide businesses with a quality HR and employment law support programme - and we haven’t stopped there! “The expertise, experience and solutions we provide are an essential part of how businesses operate in today’s world and as more companies realise that, the greater the demand for our services. “During the last three years I have taken on staff to help meet this demand and am in the process of recruiting a Kickstart employee, which will help us to meet the needs of an ever-growing client base. “The move to launch The HR Dept Wrexham and Chester with the area’s own designated office and senior HR consultant Laura Bray was the right decision at the right time and has already proved to be a valuable asset to businesses in that area. “That success and the continued success of The HR Dept Wrexham and Chester has sparked a further expansion into Mid Wales. Fellow The HR Dept franchisee Lee Monroe provides an exceptional service and it will be a joy to work together. “We are both getting so much work from our respective areas that it’s just a logical progression to

meet in the middle and share the missing part of the jigsaw, bringing our expertise to Mid Wales.” The HR Dept Shropshire won the Start-up Business of the Year category at the 2019 Midlands Business Networking Awards and Ms Kelly has been a two-time finalist at the National Business Women’s Awards. “It’s onwards and upwards and I’m delighted at what we have been able to achieve with local businesses in and around Wrexham and Chester,” Ms Kelly added. “I like to think we are playing a significant role in the communities we serve and the businesses we support - especially during the last 12 months. Businesses have needed us more than ever to navigate their way through furlough, closing businesses, starting new businesses and the Government guidance which has been overwhelming for many. “It’s been a wonderful three years and I would like to thank the ongoing efforts of the team and continued support of our clients - we are extremely optimistic about what the future holds - not just for my business but for the businesses we are working with - they have worked so hard and deserve every success as the world of business bounces back.”

Is it time to update your contracts and handbooks? Having the correct contracts for employees is a legal requirement. Ask us about reviewing yours.

PATRON FOCUS

Cheshire West Crowd offers new way for businesses to bring community-led project ideas to life Created by Cheshire West and Chester Council in partnership with Spacehive, the Cheshire West Crowd empowers people to create projects that will make a positive difference in their community. Working in partnership with Spacehive, the UK’s leading civic crowdfunding platform, local residents with an idea to improve their community will have the opportunity to gain funding via Spacehive’s crowdfunding platform. So far, Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed a £75k contribution towards the Autumn crowdfunding round - £25k towards a general fund and £50k towards projects tackling climate change. Further Council funding pots may also be confirmed soon. The deadline to put forward project ideas for the first round is 15 September 2021. Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council and Cheshire West Crowd Ambassador said: “We are excited to launch the Cheshire West Crowd with Spacehive and I can’t wait to see the range of ideas that our residents put forward. Local people are best placed to understand the challenges and opportunities in their area and this model puts them and their ideas in the driving seat. “By running a crowdfunding campaign, projects can attract funds to enable ideas to be brought to life. This new platform also offers businesses the opportunity to contribute to these local projects and to connect with their local communities

alongside the Council and other backers. We understand that it has been a challenging time for many businesses. For those that can, we ask you to consider joining the Cheshire West Crowd which offers a creative and collaborative way to fuel Cheshire West and Chester’s recovery. “I am also calling on companies that care about Cheshire West to consider offering support to project ideas, in-kind, so we can turbocharge the success of locallyled campaigns. The more people that get involved in the Cheshire West Crowd the more inspiring local places we can create together.” Misha Dhanak, CEO of Spacehive, said: “Hearing ideas directly from residents as they reimagine their local areas - with the backing of their community - is incredibly inspiring. Spacehive is proud to work in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council and we are ready to support the ambitious change people want to make happen in their local area.” Pledging to projects could be a lowresource route to: n deliver your corporate social responsibilities n

demonstrate Social Value impact

deepen employee engagement and boost volunteering

develop positive PR through campaign success stories.

If your business is interested in supporting projects alongside Cheshire West and Chester Council, contact: partner@spacehive.com

PATRON FOCUS

Cheshire College supports learners to lay the foundations of their future Helping adults retrain and gain in-demand skills for FREE...

enhance their Digital skills and are offering programmes in this area too, as well as supporting new business start-ups to access the knowledge needed to grow their enterprises.” Any adults aged 19 and over who want to achieve their first full Level 3 Qualification can access the College’s fully-funded courses. To find out more about Cheshire College’s National Skills Fund offer visit www.ccsw.ac.uk or email info@ccsw.ac.uk.

Higher Education Degree Apprentice learns and earns... With a rich and engaging Higher Education experience for those looking to advance

Cheshire’s largest further education provider, Cheshire College, has launched a range of fully-funded flexible study programmes as part of the National Skills Fund to meet the skill requirements across the region and boost job prospects within Construction, Health, Digital, Business and Engineering. Supporting the economic recovery, as well as enhancing the supply of skills employers increasingly require in such a competitive landscape, £2.5 billion is being invested in the National Skills Fund by the Government to help adults across the UK gain the valuable knowledge required to enter key sectors. This is part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee, a long-term commitment to remove the age constraints and financial barriers for adults accessing education. Cheshire College’s National Skills Fund courses comprise of varying lengths and delivery methods ensuring adults, regardless of their circumstances or current commitments, are able to easily access the study programmes. Dhesi, Principal and CEO of Cheshire College, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer these fully-funded study programmes for adults and have carefully selected qualifications in key sectors across Cheshire and Warrington, which we know address the skills employers require and also offer good prospects for those seeking employment or looking to progress within their current roles. “As well as providing Construction, Health and Engineering qualifications as part of our National Skills Fund offer, we also appreciate the importance and need for adults to

starting his Apprenticeship James has achieved a Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) both to distinction level and is now currently working towards a top-up degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering. Commenting on his Higher Education experience James said: “I have learnt so much since starting my Apprenticeship and continue to do so every day. Completing my HNC and HND in two years allowed me to further develop my understanding of specialist sector knowledge which has proved to be a strong foundation for the new learning I have embarked upon this year. “Whilst studying, I’ve also been able to work in many areas within Bentley and build a strong contact network who have helped me develop the skills and tools I will need for my future career in the industry. Completing my Degree Apprenticeship with Cheshire College has come with so many added benefits to help me progress from full-time education into the world of work.” Cheshire College provides a wide range of industry-relevant courses within their Higher Education undergraduate study programme from Business and Construction to Engineering and Education, and work alongside their university partners to offer a range of Foundation Degrees, Top-Up Degrees and full Degree qualifications too.

their studies, Cheshire College offers a range of study programmes from Higher National Certificates (HNCs) to full Degree qualifications for over 400 learners who are progressing from Level 3 courses, returning to education as mature learners, as well as those looking to enhance their current career opportunities. For one of Cheshire College’s learners, completing a Degree Apprenticeship has been the perfect opportunity to learn and earn. Third-year Apprentice James Millington had a desire to start working straight after completing his A-Levels and with the opportunity to gain higher level qualifications at the same time, which would stand him in good stead to progress within the motor industry, he joined Cheshire College as a Higher Education learner. Working with Bentley Motors in their Powertrain Engineering department, since

Claire Barton, Dean of Higher Education at Cheshire College, said: “Higher Education at Cheshire College provides fantastic opportunities for so many different learners. James’ experience is a fantastic example of how our learners can successfully progress through the various stages of undergraduate study with us whilst working at the same time.” As well as gaining support through the Higher Education programme, both Apprentices and their employers are helped by the College’s expert Apprenticeship team who can also assist businesses in recruitment, ensuring they utilise the Apprenticeship Incentive Payment. With the Government having recently extended the payment window for hiring new Apprentices, the College’s team can help employers receive up to £4,000 per Apprentice. To find out more about Higher Education at Cheshire College visit www.ccsw.ac.uk. For more information on Apprenticeships email employers@ccsw.ac.uk. #WCNWChamber100 |

My passion for sport continues to this day. I eventually gave up playing rugby, but took up cycling and marathon running, before moving to the triathlon. I’ve completed many events for charity often in silly costumes: completing eight Iron Man distance challenges and also a number of shorter triathlons including half distance Iron Man triathlons in Poland alongside suppliers. I ran in the first anniversary celebration of the original Greek marathon which finished in the Olympic Stadium running from Marathon to Athens. On entering the Olympic stadium in the heat of the day, having carried an olive branch the whole way, my pace quickly shifted from a shuffle into spring chicken. This challenge was in aid of patients suffering from Lupus. I have a black belt in karate originally starting to train alongside my two young children Sam and Nell (now teenagers). WCNW: What attracted you to the company? The P&A Group was established by my father, Malcolm Morgan in 1985, and I’m continuing in the family tradition as we have roots going back five generations in timber manufacture and owning timber yards in Scotland and Ireland. WCNW: What are your main responsibilities? I am the Managing Director of the P&A Group, and there are four group directors. Each division has a head who reports into me and I also take on the Commercial Director’s role which encompasses the marketing team, products design team and sales. WCNW: What does a typical day involve?

WCNW: To begin, tell us a little about yourself and your background? I’m committed, hard-working and very competitive, I enjoy success, deal with adversity, take a hands-on approach to life and to work, look out for family and colleagues and raise money for charity, all with equal gusto. For someone labelled as an underachiever at school, I was really only good at sport, but I did get my O-Levels and later acquired a diploma in timber technology and then a degree. I went on to play rugby for North Wales; and always excelled at team games. I also had a strong ‘will not fail’ drive, backed up by

an equally strong conviction from my father, Malcolm Morgan, that you do not quit. I found that out when I threatened to pack in my first ever job, which was washing up in a local hotel. The gist of his response was “Don’t quit! You can do this” and I remember the scene to this day. In between county level swimming and rugby, I had a passion for sport which endured even after I had to give up playing rugby in my mid-thirties. The army beckoned but I decided against it. I spent some time travelling in America and working on building sites and appearing in two Hollywood films, even being included on the credits of one of the Freddie Kruger films!

In terms of day to day, I like to start with some form of exercise, as it’s a great way to engage the brain for the day ahead. Thoughts, opportunities and issues pop in and out of my head while exercising and, at the end, I usually have a plan of how to proceed. After that, I’ll have a number of appointments and meetings, either catching up with my team on their areas of responsibility or on a more business development topic. I like to ensure that there is enough time in the day to think about the business and the different divisions and potential opportunities, and I also try and ensure that I can give people the time that they deserve. WCNW: Who are your target audience and what is the main aim of the organisation? The P&A Group has grown significantly and we have added specialist divisions focussing on different target audiences. The Woodworks Garden Centre and Café is a popular destination garden centre and café based on the outskirts of Mold

THE BIG INTERVIEW “We are pleased to say that all individuals have responded well to the development plan and work well together as a team for the common goal, and this is important to P&A.” -

P&A Pallets continues to produce pallets to support key customers operating in ‘essential services’. These include food, medical, agriculture, chemical, building and nuclear, operating both in the UK and internationally

The Group established Zest 4 Leisure in 2005 to bring high quality timber garden products to consumers via garden centres, online retailers and major purchasing groups across the UK. Its FSC-certified sustainable timber range includes outdoor furniture, arbours and obelisks, fence panels and a ‘grow your own’ range

St. Andrews is a business centre with serviced and virtual offices ranging from 80 to 500 square feet.

WCNW: What projects are you currently working on? We’re currently working on the strategic development for the Zest 4 Leisure brand. The biggest consumer-facing opportunity now is Zest 4 Leisure and here, the focus is product innovation and understanding the future needs of our customers and the garden market sector that we supply. Zest’s product designers have spent time designing quality products that customers will get plenty of enjoyment out of for years to come. This includes the many new gardeners entering the market as a result of lockdown. WCNW: How have things gone so far? Things are going well; the Zest design teams meet frequently online to present ideas and findings from focus groups. The importance of responsibly sourced timber is as much of a focus to me as it was to the Morgan ancestors in 1870 and I’m proud that it remains at the forefront of the way we do business. The P&A Group operates a zero-waste policy with any unrepairable pallets, chipped and used to fuel our five 200-kilowatt biomass boilers that heat our offices and warehouses. We have solar panels on most of the roofs within the business and the aim is to put solar panels on all of our buildings and the combined effect will be heating, lighting and hot water throughout the P&A Group. WCNW: Any difficulties? If so how did you overcome them? I’d be lying to say that every business decision has gone smoothly over the years. When we expanded to our second Zest 4 Leisure site in Saltney, there were bumps along the road. Due to the condition of

the site we had to invest in the buildings to ensure that products would be kept in clean and secure locations, but we took time to look at the operations teams and employed people with the right skillset so we could continue to develop the business. Things have worked out well - expansion is always a risk but it’s been worth it.

I have always looked up to my parents, my father taught me to always try and do the right thing, appreciate life, be generous and be fair - kindness costs nothing.

WCNW: How have businesses and individuals responded to what you’re offering?

I’m also inspired by my grandfather on my mother’s side who was a code breaker in Bletchley and an all-round fantastic man, dedicated, generous and always encouraging me to do maths or puzzles whilst never making it a chore.

We are pleased to say that all individuals have responded well to the development plan and work well together as a team for the common goal, and this is important to P&A.

WCNW: What are your career aims and aspirations? Is there anything else in particular you’d like to achieve in your lifetime?

As a company, we also work as a team in fundraising and have raised thousands of pounds for many charities such as Hope House and Ty Gobaith, Save The Children and Macmillan, which is this year’s chosen charity for P&A. I’m proud of the ways employees choose to raise money from sky diving to marathons. This year we’ve also sponsored a new hot air balloon with Nightingale House Hospice, but if anything, I’m even more proud of the fact that 21 employees signed up to run the marathon for a charity in Manchester - some who had never run anything like that distance before – and all 21 finished the challenge in great style. WCNW: Are there any particular people, business leaders or others you look up to? What have you learned from them?

My aim is for continued strategic development and growth and allowing those that work within the business to flourish. I am committed to making the P&A group an employer, customer and supplier of choice. WCNW: What message would you give to other people in business? The best way forward as a business is to make things work in a way that everyone can enjoy being part of it. Yes, there are times to be serious, but it’s important to make sure that there is a good balance with a clear common goal. It’s vital that you have a good team of people around you and trust that they’ll give you their honest feedback - this works both ways. #WCNWChamber100 |

Chamber of Commerce celebrates

100th birthday with new North Wales office Debbie continued, “Our Chamber is immensely proud to have supported and represented businesses in the West Cheshire and North Wales for the last 100 years. There have been many changes and challenges along the way, but the fact that we have been a constant figure in the region for such a long time is an incredible achievement”.

The West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce marked its 100th birthday on 11th March 2021 and, as part of the celebrations, announced the opening of its first office based in North Wales. Since its incorporation on 11th March 1921, the leading business membership organisation has recognised the uniqueness of the region and how interconnected North Wales and West Cheshire’s economies are. This has seen the organisation support businesses across North Wales from the very beginning and the new office will only enhance this going forward.

“We are really looking forward to what the future holds and hope that we will be able to continue supporting business for another 100 years!” The event on 11th March also revealed further plans for the rest of the year as the Chamber looks to continue its 100 years of supporting business celebrations. You can find out more about the Chamber’s upcoming events and the history of the Chamber on our website: www.100years.wcnwchamber.org.uk.

A Year of Celebration We are very keen to make this a year of celebration for all Chamber members and want to hear from you! The new office will be based in the outstanding M-SParc Enterprise Hub in Anglesey and will act as a platform to deliver the Chamber’s vast range of support to businesses which include; a North Wales Start-Up Club, International Trade Support and Networking opportunities. “Our new office will give us a great platform to further support businesses in North Wales as we work closely with our newly announced Patron members, Menter Môn and M-SParc, to improve growth and prosperity in the region,” said Debbie Bryce, Chief Executive Officer of West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce.

The announcement was made at an online birthday event which saw over 70 members register to attend. The event gave members an insight into the Chamber’s history, which was established in an incredibly challenging period for business following the end of the 1st World War and, coincidently, as the world recovered from the Spanish Flu pandemic. Since then, the Chamber has been a constant figure and has supported businesses through a number of challenging periods, including the 2nd Word War, strike action, the 2008 financial crisis and more recently, Brexit and the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Are you also celebrating a key milestone this year? Do you have photos that date back to the ’20s, ’30s, ’40s or more recent? Let us know! We’d love to hear about your history and showcase the story of our members. Send your stories to info@wcnwchamber.org.uk. We have a number of plans in the pipeline for ways we can celebrate together and we are also encouraging members to engage with us on social media using #WCNWChamber100.

CHAMBER NEWS

100 Years of Supporting Business A Step Back in Time

As Britain entered the 20th century, times were changing and the first world war would reveal some severe weaknesses in the British economy. The British economy relied heavily on overseas trading and when countries turned inward following the end of the war in 1918, Britain’s foreign markets collapsed and caused unemployment to soar above 10%, where it would remain until the start of the second world war.

The Chamber celebrated its 100th birthday on 11th March. This is an incredible achievement and we wanted to take you back 100 years to give you a taste of what the business conditions were like at that time and the reasons and events that led to the creation of the Chamber. For many years before the first world war, Britain was the world’s trading superpower with the economy strongly based around heavy industries that had fuelled Victorian prosperity in the 19th century including: cotton, coal-mining, steel and shipbuilding.

In 1921, Britain, and the rest of the world, were also recovering from the 1918-1920 Spanish flu pandemic. Thought to have been spread by soldiers returning home from the war, the virus claimed over 50m lives worldwide and 228,000 in Britain alone. It is remarkable to think that 100 years on we are in a similar position as we face the challenges posed by the Covid-19 Pandemic. The flu, and struggling British trade, had a dramatic impact on GDP which is estimated to have dropped by over 20% for the 19191921 period. As well as these two major events, there were large social changes happening at this time which would alter how businesses operate going forward.

With factories and mines hungry for workers during the 19th century, many children were employed to undertake simple tasks and it wasn’t until 1878 that children were prohibited to work before the age of 10. It wasn’t until 1933 that legislation restricted the use of children under the age of 14 in employment. Women over the age of 30 were given the vote in 1918 and a wider range of occupations opened up to them following the work they did in factories during the war. This hastened the collapse of traditional women’s employment at the time which was primarily domestic services. However, with unemployment levels soaring and men returning home from war, there was growing anger towards women as they were seen as “taking” jobs from men. This led to increased feminist movements as they fought for the right to work and for equal pay, something still being fought for today. This was a period of great change for Britain as its economy struggled following the end of the war and as businesses adapted to changes and increased diversity in the workplace. It was during this time that a Chamber of Commerce was incorporated for Chester and North Wales.

From the Beginning, 7th May 1920 An invitation was sent from the Mayor of Chester, Councillor H.F. Brown. He asked business representatives to attend a meeting on the 19th June at 2:30pm where a proposal to form a Chamber of Commerce for Chester and North Wales was scheduled.

The Proposal 2:30pm, 19th June 1920 The meeting was addressed by Mr Edwin F. Stockton, the then President of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, on the principals of a Chamber of Commerce and the advantages of establishing one for Chester and North Wales.

Provisional Committee Meeting 19th July 1920 In the meeting, a memorandum and articles of association for the Chamber were considered at length and finally agreed. Other things agreed on were yearly membership fees of three guineas for firms, associates or companies and two guineas for an individual. The Old Bank Buildings in Chester were also confirmed as the Chamber’s first registered address.

Incorporation Day 11th March 1921 Chester and North Wales Chamber of Commerce was incorporated!

First general statutory meeting at Chester Town Hall 3pm, 27th June 1921

First meeting of the Chamber in North Wales at the Llandudno Grand Hotel 3:15pm, 26th September 1921

n The original minute book used by the Chamber

#WCNWChamber100 |

Chamber Members THR As part of our centenary celebrations, we look back through the years at the history of 10 members that were established in each decade that the Chamber has operated.

1920’s

1930’s

1940’s

LV Shipping Ltd – Founded 1921

Liverpool John Lennon Airport – Founded 1933

Adoption Matters – Founded 1947

LV Shipping was founded in 1921 in Vlaardingen, The Netherlands, by the Lensveld family, under the name J Lensveld & Zonen BV. The company originally used a horse and cart to transport sand and cement in supporting the growing Dutch infrastructure sector at that time. Now in its 4th generation of family ownership, Vlaardingen remains the company’s global HQ.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) is one of the UK’s longest established operational Airports having been officially opened on 1st July 1933.

Adoption Matters journey began in 1884 when the Duke of Westminster donated a piece of land to the Chester Diocese. In 1886, a building named the ‘Diocesan House of Mercy’ was opened in Chester and used as a refuge for young women. In 1933, the house became a long stay home for young women who were pregnant and in need of support.

The company grew rapidly in The Netherlands, developing expertise in the project logistics sector and started trading in the UK in 1986 after securing an energy project in the UK North Sea. Now in 2021, and with the onset of Brexit, the company is set to continue its growth as it provides the full logistics package to UK companies looking to export and import to and from the EU.

Originally called Speke Airport, the location of the airport some 7.5 miles to the south of the City Centre was chosen due to the geography of the land in the area, its access and proximity to the City and for its good weather record – a benefit that remains important today. Early services included a mix of domestic destinations including to London, Glasgow, Belfast and the Isle of Man – the latter two of which still make up an important part of the airport’s business today. Flights also included a link to Amsterdam via Hull by KLM which was the first service flown by a foreign airline to provincial points in the UK. In recent times the airport has gone from strength to strength growing from around 500,000 annual passengers in the 1990s to over 5 million per year in 2019 and flights to over 70 destinations, having been at the forefront of low-cost air travel with based operators easyJet and Ryanair.

In the early 1950s, the house was renamed St. Bridget’s Mother & Baby Home. Our Blackburn and Durham offices historically became involved in adoption when Deaneries in the Diocese of Blackburn and Durham provided a moral welfare service that included work with single pregnant women who wished to place their babies for adoption. Adoption today champions inclusion, different lifestyles and sexualities, myriad ethnicities and cultures, reflecting a modern Britain where single parents achieve highly positive outcomes for the children they nurture, sometimes against all odds.

ROUGH THE DECADES

1950’s

1960’s

1970’s

Nuffield Health – Founded 1957

Wockhardt – Founded 1967 (Wockhardt UK Ltd – Incorporated 1999)

Platts Agriculture Limited – Founded 1971

On the 14th January 1957, the British United Provident Association (BUPA) established the Nursing Homes Charitable Trust with money donated by the major provident associations of the time. The trust wanted to acquire or build community hospital facilities properly equipped for the demands of modern medicine. In 1959, Lord Nuffield (the motor tycoon William Morris) then President of BUPA, suggested that the new charity might benefit from incorporating his name in its title and so it was re-registered as the Nuffield Nursing Homes Trust (NNHT). Today, Nuffield Health Chester provides excellent private en-suite rooms and facilities including an on-site gym and physiotherapy. Nuffield Health also offers several flagship programmes which support local communities by widening access to our services. Whether we are supporting school children through our “schools wellbeing activity programme” or helping those with arthritis manage their pain through exercise.

Founded in India in the 1960s, Wockhardt’s mission has always been to provide affordable, highquality medicines to help everyone on the planet manage disease and illness better. Its tagline – Life Wins – highlights its commitment to saving and improving lives worldwide. Wockhardt UK was incorporated in 1999 and more recently, in Spring 2020, they received a call from the UK government asking if they could deliver the fill finish requirements of the COVID-19 vaccine. By August 2020, the contract to fill finish COVID-19 vaccines was signed. As we approached Winter, the machines were running in Wrexham and the vials were being filled with the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, before being taken across the country to be jabbed into people’s arms. In February 2021, the contract was extended for another six months. Wockhardt will continue fill finishing vaccines or booster jabs to help keep the nation immunised against COVID-19.

Starting as farmers selling sawdust to neighbouring farms, it soon became apparent that the supply of animal bedding was more than a part-time job alongside farming for the Platts. In 1973, R A & C E Platt Limited was established and Robert and Christine began hand-bagging sawdust, delivering locally in hessian sacks. Fast forward to 2021 and the business is hardly recognisable, employing over 50 staff across 3 sites on the Llay Industrial Estate, supplying dairy farmers Nationwide and in Ireland with quality products. In 2020, Chris Whittaker, Grandson of Robert and Christine and son of Caroline Platt (MD) joined the business as Director and says: “I’m excited to sustain the success and growth we’ve seen in recent years. We have exciting plans for the business and everyone within. The aim is to create a culture where everyone is invested within the company and share the same common goals to sustain our continued success as a family business.”

#WCNWChamber100 |

Chamber Members THR

1980’s

1990’s

2000’s

Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers – Founded 1989

Less Common Metals Ltd – Founded 1992

Cokebusters Ltd – Founded 2005

Next year marks thirty years of LCM. Over this time, LCM has experienced many developments, including three changes of ownership, two relocations, installation of major items of new equipment and processes, and migration to ISO9001 Quality and ISO14001 Environmental Standards. As a result of these activities, we have been able to introduce new products into our portfolio and enjoyed periods of significant and rapid growth.

Formed in 2005 with just a handful of staff, Cokebusters has steadily built up its business presence to now employ some 80 people between offices in Hawarden, North Wales and Houston, Texas (opened in 2011).

Robert Ellis set out to build a firm that would support its clients with a full range of accountancy services, but additionally through gaining an understanding of their business and plans for the future. Today Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers is one of the leading accountants and advisers in Cheshire and North Wales. It was in London in the late 1980s, after ‘cutting his teeth’ with KMPG, that Robert’s dream of running his own accountancy practice came true. Two years later, and acting upon a gap in the market in Chester, Robert brought Ellis & Co to the city and into Northgate Street; which is where he and the team remain today. It looks like the firm has no plans to slow down with Robert appointing three new directors in June 2020. John Moorhouse, James Ellis and John Farrell, who are all long-standing employees, are all keen to continue the growth of the company, by providing a first-class service and building on their networks.

Today LCM continues to focus on core values of ethical business practice, technical strengths, strong customer focus and relationship building. We have a loyal, committed and highly talented workforce. Whilst the challenges facing the industry are as intense now as they have ever been, also with Brexit and Covid-19, LCM is well equipped to adapt to the ever-changing environment.

Cokebusters provide technological integrity solutions to the international energy sector. Its founding principles were ‘decoking’ operations, where through a combination of high-pressure water and ‘Mechanical Pigs’ they remove hard scale in the extensive network of metal tubes in furnaces and boilers, typically located on refineries and power plants. A single ‘clean’ can remove up to a tonne of scale from over 1km of tubing. The worldwide energy renaissance is progressively reducing the demands on carbon intense fuels. With its network of affiliates and nimble operating model, Cokebusters continues to take its experience of the last 17 years forwards, finding more efficient ways to tackle old problems and introducing its technology learnings to new incumbents and alternative infrastructure.

ROUGH THE DECADES

A Year of Celebration Share your stories with us.

We are very keen to make this a year of celebration for all Chamber members and want to hear from you!

2010’s Zodeq Ltd – Founded 2016 As a brand-new business, Zodeq was created to service a demand for a Chester based Invoice Finance company to service West Cheshire and North Wales and we established ourselves as the first company headquartered in the area to achieve this. We quickly joined the WCNW Chamber of Commerce as Strategic Members and began getting to know the local business community in the area, attending lots of events and making our presence felt. Our biggest challenge was to build credibility as a trusted Financial Services provider and having risen to this challenge, we were made very welcome and quickly grew to 50 live clients in our first year, expanding to 150 live clients at the end of 2020 servicing over £200M of client turnover. For the future, we also wish to be a responsible and sustainable business and have already embarked on a move to upgrade our company car fleet to electric vehicles to truly make us a business fit for the next century!

Send your stories to info@wcwnchamber.org.uk or use #WCNWChamber100 #WCNWChamber100 |

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Education and business – the perfect combination? Wrexham Glyndŵr University has a longstanding and highly regarded reputation for delivering quality KTP projects, supporting innovation and helping companies across the region to achieve their goals through a KTP project. The University has expertise in a wide range of areas and to date has collaborated in projects relating to: IT Development, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, Marketing, Creative Industries and a host of other disciplines. Wrexham Glyndŵr’s Enterprise team has secured two (KTPs) so far this year, and are waiting on a bid for a third which was submitted in April. The team’s comprehensive package of support in the form of a ‘Ladder of Innovation’; a flexible, “stepped” approach to academic collaboration, provides businesses with a range of KTP solutions depending on the business need. Businesses are invited to collaborate with Wrexham Glyndŵr for one or four of the steps on the ladder which have proven to be an extremely effective way to work progressively towards a longer term project.

Wrexham Glyndŵr University sits at the heart of the business community in North Wales. The University actively works with organisations of all sizes and sectors from small start-up enterprises to global corporations and have a great track record of offering high quality business support and opportunities for learning and development. These businesses and organisations play an equally important role themselves in supporting the University through partnerships, placements for students and graduates and collaborations. At a time when businesses have faced great disruption and change, the Enterprise team at Wrexham Glyndŵr have strived to broaden the wide range of initiatives and business support to ensure that both businesses and individuals are supported throughout this time of economic uncertainty and instability. With traditional workplace training and live events on hold, businesses were actively seeking ways to accommodate training and upskilling virtually. Wrexham Glyndŵr’s online accredited business short courses have proven to be extremely popular throughout the pandemic, with some also serving as taster sessions to more in depth courses and qualifications such as the part time Applied Business Management and MBA .

The online ‘Future Leaders’ 16 week short course was by far their most popular course for 2020-21 and testament to the fact that businesses and individuals were turning their focus onto Leading for the Future. Wrexham Glyndŵr have also been able to support skills development across areas including I.T, Digital Marketing, Business Operations as well as Co-production and Co-working both of which are fast growing initiatives playing their part in the post pandemic recovery. With this in mind, the Enterprise team at Wrexham Glyndŵr University launched a new ‘Development Ladder’ setting out the initiatives on offer to support skills development and people growth; enabling businesses to maximise employee skills, expertise and productivity. In addition, the team also launched FREE bespoke training plans meaning that business owners are able to focus on other areas of the business whilst the Enterprise team identify the best course of action to support CPD within their business at this time and for the future. These upskilling opportunities play a crucial part in business growth and development and ensure that businesses remain competitive in their field. Also testament to the benefits of combining the world of business and academia are Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP).

Wrexham Glyndŵr University also have decades of experience in work placed learning and educating industrial students. Things have moved on enormously in the world of work experience placements over the years as have apprenticeship schemes and programmes and now in 2021 at Wrexham Glyndŵr, they have SIX Fully funded* (*in wales) Degree Apprenticeship Programmes starting in September as well as a brand new module that forms part of the international postgraduate master’s degree in the Business, Engineering and Computing subject areas in the form of ‘Advanced Practice’ which are 12 week placements within businesses, also commencing from September ’21. Wrexham Glyndŵr University are incredibly passionate about the importance of both education and innovation and how each of these plays a key role in the growth and survival of businesses and their stakeholders. The University strongly believe that the more knowledge you gain, the more opportunities that will open up to allow individuals to achieve better career possibilities and personal growth and for businesses to flourish and thrive. To explore learning opportunities, business support and collaboration with Wrexham Glyndŵr University contact the Enterprise team via enterprise@glyndwr.ac.uk.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

20Twenty Business Growth Programme Bangor University in collaboration with Cardiff Metropolitan University are offering North East Wales businesses the opportunity to attend either a fully funded or partfunded 20Twenty Business Growth programme. Micro and Small businesses can sign up for a fully funded leadership and management qualification that is valued at £4000. People living or working in Flintshire, north Powys and Wrexham are eligible to join the 20Twenty Business Growth Programme’s Level 4 CMI (Chartered Management Institute) course starting in September 2021. Taking place virtually, there will be an initial two-day schedule followed by four days over the following months, with modules

including innovation, creativity, and marketing strategies, making a difference in the workplace, managing finance, coaching, and action planning for success. Funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) via Welsh Government, 20Twenty Business Development Manager Jackie Whittaker said they are looking to attract micro firms, charities, and social enterprises which might previously have found the qualification inaccessible. All modules will be held online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “We have welcomed businesses of all sizes and for this upcoming cohort would like to see more micro businesses join us, companies that might not previously have signed-up because of the cost or other barriers”. Business Owners, Directors and Managers also have an opportunity to attend the

e: j.whittaker@bangor.ac.uk. t: 01248 382569

20Twenty Flagship programme which is accredited by the CMI (Level 7), which is valued as a 1/3 of an MBA. This programme is 70% funded for businesses in Flintshire, Wrexham and north Powys. The level 7 programme looks at strategy, growth, and future-proofing business among the pivotal themes. Over 200 businesses have attended the programme from North East Wales. As well as learning from the speakers, delegates share best practice and create their own networks, discussing ideas and being there with support and advice. Delegates also get assigned an Executive Coach. This Level 7 programme for Directors and Managers also starts in September 2021. 20Twenty makes a real difference to North East Wales companies, from operations and profits to managing staff and culture.

For information and to register for a fully funded/part-funded place on the 20Twenty Business Growth Programme, visit www.20twentybusinessgrowth.com or email j.whittaker@bangor.ac.uk

wwww.20TwentyBusinessGrowth.com

Rhaglen Twf Busnes - Business Growth Programme

20Twenty

Wedi’i ran-ariannu hyd at 70% ac ar gael i fusnesau yng Ngogledd Ddwyrain Cymru. Up to 70% funded and available and delivered to businesses in North East Wales. Cymhwyster CMI Lefel 3 – 4 - rhaglen 3 mis • Datblygwch eich sgiliau arweinyddiaeth • Delio gyda materion perfformiad yn hyderus • Wedi ei ariannu yn llawn. yn cychwyn ym mis Medi Cymhwyster CMI Lefel 5 – 7 – rhaglen 10 mis • Rhaglen 10 mis a chymorth i ddatblygu Strategaeth Twf Busnes ar gyfer eich busnes.

Wales’ Flagship 20Twenty Leadership Programme

CMI Level 3-4 Award– 3 month programme • Build your leadership capabilities • Confidently tackle common performance issues • Fully funded. Starts September CMI Level 5-7 Award – 10 month programme • A 10 month programme to help develop and implement a Business Growth Strategy for your business

#WCNWChamber100 |

The Enterprise Team at Wrexham Glyndŵr University Wrexham Glyndŵr University sits at the heart of the business community in North Wales, actively working with organisations of all sizes and sectors from small start-up enterprises to global corporations. The Enterprise Team deliver a suite of services to support business growth and career development, providing funding to enable innovative projects and offering access to our wealth of academic expertise.

Business Services: • • • • • • •

Professional Development Short Courses & CPD Consultancy Funded Projects Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Degree Apprenticeships Placement Opportunities

To find out more about how we could support your business contact

enterprise@glyndwr.ac.uk or visit our website at www.glyndwr.ac.uk/en/business/

EMPLOYMENT AND CORPORATE LAW Taylors solicitors is a niche commercial law firm based in the North West acting exclusively for businesses throughout England and Wales. We have identified that there is currently limited support for the owner managed business based in South Cheshire and North Wales and in respect of employment law and corporate law. Sarah Williams is a partner and head of Taylors Employment law team. She lives with her husband, whose family are from Anglesey. They are both keen mountaineers and with their teenage son Chris spend all their spare time in North Wales based out of Abersoch. Sarah is keen to help businesses in North Wales and Cheshire areas during the post Pandemic period and will be providing free actual live seminars in the region on topical employment issues for Directors and HR professionals over the next few months (regulations permitting). In the meantime if you need advice, employment law advice or are considering selling your business why not give Sarah a call on 07920 801463 or email her at sarah.williams@Taylors.co.uk She has a real understanding of client needs, business priorities and commercial objectives.

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE

International Trade Department welcomes Joe to the Team 38

INTERNATIONAL TRADE ChamberCustoms launched at the beginning of the year to support the surge in demand expected for customs declarations following the end of the Brexit transition period. Since 1st January 2021, UK companies trading with countries around the world (including the EU27) are required to complete customs declarations for both imports and exports.

Joe Jones has joined the Chamber’s International Trade department to support the region’s exporters with their documentation requirements. Here, Joe gives us an insight into his journey to becoming the latest member of the team. Growing up in the Chester suburb of Upton, I attended the local high school and stayed all the way through to Sixth Form where I studied Politics, Business Studies and Media Studies. My employment career started when I joined GAP in October 2017 where I worked part-time, parallel with my academic studies. I later took up the opportunity to join Puma in Cheshire Oaks, where I would then work for the following 12 months, originally part-time as I was still focusing on completing my A-Levels to the best of my ability. However, after I finished at Sixth Form, I began working more hours on a variety of days while looking for where my next step would be. In December 2019, I made the decision to leave Puma and start a new role as a Business Administrator for a local payroll company where I enhanced my customer service skills and also learnt many aspects of working in an office environment. However, this role didn’t work out and I continued my journey in the working world. I joined the International Trade team at the Chamber in February 2021 and since then I have learnt lots of new information, as well as getting to know my colleagues. I will soon be qualified in Customs Declarations and also as an Export Documentation Officer. I am looking forward to what the future brings and am excited to continue my journey. The addition of Joe into the International Trade Team now means that four members of staff are fully qualified Customs Officers that can support businesses with import and export customs declarations.

Demand for the service has been high following the launch, with Export Documentation Manager, Hayley Gray, commenting “We have had a great reaction from businesses throughout the region and have seen a large number of firms enquire about ChamberCustoms. Having four members of staff fully qualified means that we can now help even more firms with their customs declarations.” As well as the new customs declarations requirements for shipments to and from the EU, a number of other significant changes have occurred as a result of Brexit. The Chamber has been helping businesses adapt to these changes and has recently launched a new series of international trade training courses, called Power Up Your Business, to help with this. The courses have been designed specifically to improve the knowledge of those involved in international trade and give some much-needed perspective, whilst covering key trade areas to support firms.

Upcoming courses include: n Incoterms in Context - 17th June 2021 9.30/12.30 Incoterms® are not just another set of acronyms in world trade. n Rules of Origin in context - 22nd June 9.30/12.00 In this session we will explain how the rules work and when/where to find the information you need. n Import in Focus - 29th June 2021 9.30/12.30 Whether you are an experienced importer or have historically only purchased goods from the EU, these changes affect you. For more information about the training courses or ChamberCustoms, please get in touch with Hayley Gray on 01244 669985 or email h.gray@wcnwchamber.org.uk. #WCNWChamber100 |

Natalie Lawrence of Nuffield Health with Nicola Stubbs from The Countess Charity

Nuffield Health pledges £1,000 Toward Countess Rainbow Appeal Chester healthcare company Nuffield Health has pledged its support to The Countess Charity’s Rainbow fundraising initiative.

“The team here at Nuffield Health Chester are looking forward to seeing the finished rainbow.” The Countess Charity Rainbow fundraising initiative has so far raised just over £24,000 for the Blue Skies Balcony appeal. The appeal is currently at a total of £184,058 towards the target of £500,000. Nicola Stubbs, Corporate and Events Fundraiser at The Countess Charity, said: “We are extremely grateful to Nuffield Health and their continued support to us at The Countess Charity.

The team, which is a long-term supporter of The Countess Charity, has sponsored 100 green hearts on the Rainbow structure due to be built later in the summer this year.

“A £1,000 donation for sponsorship of 100 green hearts is such a fantastic way to support us at this time.”

This structure is to commemorate and remember 2020 and all those who played a part in taking care of others. Funds raised from the rainbow project will go towards the Blue Skies Balcony appeal.

There are many hearts remaining to sponsor if your business would like to get involved in the project – please contact Nicola on n.stubbs@nhs.net or call 01244364341.

This appeal is a £500,000 project to build a balcony on to the Intensive Care Unit at The Countess of Chester Hospital.

To put a heart into the Rainbow:

Natalie Lawrence, Sales and Marketing Coordinator at Nuffield Health, said: “It is wonderful to be able to support the rainbow project and the Blue Skies Balcony appeal.

“The balcony will be a huge benefit to many patients at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Send a cheque made payable to The Countess Charity to The Countess Charity, Countess of Chester Hospital, Liverpool Road, Chester, CH2 1UL

Or give online at justgiving.com/ fundraising/putaheartinourrainbow2020

Nuffield Health, Wrexham Road, Chester, CH4 7QP Registered Charity No 205533 (England and Wales)

Visit www.nuffieldhealth.com

HOW TO HELP ● Follow the Facebook page – The Countess Charity

● Make a collecting tin for your business ● Adopt Blue Skies Balcony as your Charity of the Year ● Join in with fundraising activities ● Create your own fundraising fun at home or work ● To contact email coch.fundraising@nhs.net

KIRSTY CRAIG

How do you make sure YOUR company is THE Employer of Choice in your sector? The pandemic has really laid bare the frailties that exist within the SME sector when it comes to recruiting, managing and developing people. Recent surveys have shown that almost half the workforce will be looking to change jobs and companies this year as a direct result of how they were managed during this very challenging period we have all gone through. The cost of losing great employees is not insignificant. Kirsty Craig Associates work with SME businesses who want to understand how to manage their people brilliantly because they recognise that their business is only as good as its people. The importance of having the right processes and systems in place from the moment you decide to recruit your first person and making sure that the whole employee experience from start to finish, is the very best it can be, is business critical. Being an Employer of Choice is what every company should aspire to. After an unprecedented year across the world, never has the focus on being a first-class employer been more relevant or crucial. So engaging with your people

Our employees are much more empowered because they each have personal managers, and they have regular meetings with them which helps keep communication open and fluid. We have also established three separate power groups that strategise and facilitate key issues which feed directly into the Senior Management team.”

should be at the heart of your growth strategy, and helping you to do that is where Kirsty and her team come in. ‘I have been an SME employer for 30+ years’ says Kirsty ‘so I really do appreciate the people challenges that can arise but I also recognise that it doesn’t have to become a major issue if you start as you mean to go on. Its never too late to do things differently and as your business grows, you should regularly review your people management processes to ensure they are delivering the right outcomes for both you and your employees.’ KCA work with their clients to help them recruit, manage and develop their employees in the right way for their particular business. It isn’t a one size fits all approach because the personality of each business is different with trust and open, honest communication on both sides key to a successful partnership Kirsty says. “Communication across our organisation has been transformative as a result of the work delivered by Kirsty Craig Associates.

As an SME owner and employer of many years, Kirsty is someone who knows all about the importance of having the right people in the right place doing the right things at the right time. She understands the need for all businesses, large and small, to have ‘best practice’ HR systems and processes in place to recruit, manage and develop employees, and to create an environment that encourages and empowers excellence at all levels. Kirsty qualified as a professional recruiter in 1995 and as business mentor and coach in 2015. She is a director of TEAM UK, a national organisation of independent recruiters operating across all sectors of recruitment, which gives her access to almost any skill a company could need.

The biggest challenge companies could face, particularly when furlough ends, is hanging onto people. A recent survey suggests that 84% of people could be looking to move jobs and companies. Helping you to become THE Employer of Choice in your sector! l l l l

Create a culture of engagement for success Upskill your managers to be brilliant leaders Have the right people management systems and processes in place Encourage continued learning and development for great retention

If you are looking to visit Kirsty Craig Associates, please feel free to contact us

Tel: 01244 732070 | Email: hello@kirstycraigassociates.co.uk 9 The Old Rectory, St Mary’s Hill, Chester, CH1 2DW

www.kirstycraigassociates.co.uk #WCNWChamber100 |

PRESENTS

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INSIGHT INTO..

Helping amputees Stand Out Stand Proud Former Paralympic swimmer, Mark Williams, reflects on how LIMB-art started following a chance meeting, successes over the last three years and the positive emotional impact LIMB-art’s vibrant prosthetic leg covers have on amputees all over the World. Founded in 2018 and based in the heart of beautiful North Wales, LIMB-art is dedicated to the design and manufacture of cool prosthetic leg covers. Born out of an overwhelming desire to help other amputees raise their confidence, be proud of what they have and very simply, but equally importantly, have fun showing off whilst doing so. Mark’s journey started back in 1982, aged 10. Whilst cycling home from school he was involved in a serious road traffic accident, resulting in the amputation of his left leg. His life was changed forever. However, Mark looks back and insists, “It was the best day of my life.” “It set me on a different path. I started swimming as part of my rehab and swimming quickly became my life. I developed from a shy little boy into a superconfident athlete. I spent 10 years on the British Squad, the pinnacle of which was winning silver and bronze medals in the 1988 Seoul Paralympics and three golds at the 1989 Miami World Championships.”

After retiring from competitive swimming, Mark entered corporate life. During this time, having to wear suits all day, Mark often experienced an annoying problem: his trousers would never quite hang right over his prosthetic and would blow in the wind like a flag around a flag pole. Mark eventually solved the problem by making a leg shaped fibreglass cover to strap onto his prosthetic. Then, one day, after finishing restoring his beloved 1962 Land Rover, Mark recalls, “I had some green paint left over, sprayed my leg cover, put Land Rover badges on it and posted some photos online. Immediately other amputees started asking where I got it from and could I make them one too? I started thinking there may be a business here.” “The real lightbulb moment came though after I added flashing lights and got stopped by a little boy who had escaped from his mum to come and tell me how “cool” my leg was. He was fascinated. We chatted and it took me right back to when I woke up in hospital and the feelings of dread I had realising my leg was gone. I thought how different it could be now for someone like that little boy: if the same thing happened to him, he would wake up and ask could he have one of those “cool” legs now? I knew I had to do something serious about starting the business.” Mark set about gathering a team who could help develop a range of affordable, durable but very importantly “cool” prosthetic leg covers and so LIMB-art was born. Working in collaboration with industrial design consultants and injection moulding experts, Mark embarked on an 18-month Research and Development programme and launched October 2018 to critical acclaim with orders quickly following from the UK, Europe and USA.

Almost immediately LIMB-art experienced success winning local and National awards: Stelios Disabled Entrepreneur, Daily Post Business Start-up of the year 2019, Wales Manufacturing Start-up of the year 2019, two Conwy County Business Awards and awards for Innovation and Social Inclusion. “The responses and feedback we have had from our customers have been the most rewarding though,” says Mark. “We had expected lots of comments about quality and design, but we hadn’t expected all the comments about how our covers made people feel and their impact on confidence and self-esteem. It’s very special when a customer sends a video to tell you how your product has literally “changed their life!” One gentleman hadn’t worn shorts since he was a teenager… he’s now 60 years old… that’s a long time to hide yourself away, but as soon as he got his carbon fibre LIMB-art cover he felt proud to show his leg off and is now wearing shorts again. We get this type of reaction from people all the time. Our motto is “Stand Out Stand Proud” and amputees really are doing that.” #WCNWChamber100 |

THE SUNSET PLAN

UK’s new practical end-of-life planning service launches in North Wales The Sunset Plan, the UK’s first practical end of life planning service, has launched a new online platform allowing people to upload, organise, store and share important information, wishes and memories for the future. The ‘digital vault’, launched by the Gwynedd based female-led start-up business, modernises end of life planning, with the aim of protecting people and preparing their loved ones for the future. Traditionally, end of life planning services centred around drafting wills, Lasting Power of Attorney and formal financial and legal estate planning. However most people don’t make any further practical plans that can provide families with the detail they need when bereaved. With loved ones struggling to locate important paperwork, finding personal and practical details or knowing what decisions to make, the administrative and practical burden that falls to families can be tough. What is a digital vault? Founder Kerry Jones has exposed a gap in services that can support people with structured, end of life and legacy planning. The launch of The Sunset Plan’s digital vault platform bridges that gap, by helping customers identify what information they

need to organise and capture, to relieve some of the stress for their friends and family when they’re no longer around.

1:1 consultations, practical administrative support to professionals and wellbeing assistance to employers.

The legacy planning service enables future wishes and decisions to be recorded, and even allows you to store and share memories. Customers could also extend account access to other professional services that are involved in their end of life planning. This can help diffuse any future conflict and help manage relationships, as all personal, legal and financial documents will be securely stored in one place.

Why was The Sunset Plan created?

The customer stays in control of their data and who can access it. Loved ones will have a clear road map to follow through with the deceased’s wishes and bring administrative closure to their life.

Coinciding with the outbreak of Coronavirus, Kerry received a keen interest from people of all ages across the world, who were suddenly thinking about their own mortality. The service received immediate attention due to the fresh and creative approach taken in discussing what has always been a taboo subject: death. Encouraging positive future planning has helped people feel more in control of their lives at a time of such global uncertainty.

What does The Sunset Plan offer? The service offers structured resources to help people with life organisation and legacy planning. The digital vault service offers both a free basic and premium chargeable plan. The vault prompts people to organise their data with categories including About me, Finances, Legal, Tax, Property & Vehicles and Legacy Planning. The Premium plan is available for a monthly cost of £3.99 or £39.99 per year inclusive of VAT. Other resources available include printed booklets and PDF templates. The service is now looking to expand to offer bespoke after-loss support services,

Founder Kerry Jones, who launched the company in early 2020, said “I myself have experienced many unexpected challenges in dealing with after-life matters following a family bereavement. The website was launched to provide a central directory of ‘how to’ resources focusing on dealing with admin tasks, which I found out first-hand can make a difficult time even more stressful.”

Kerry continued: “After experiencing the huge challenges with unravelling a life after death, you realise just how little people actually plan ahead. We spend so much time planning for life’s other major events, but many still struggle to deal with proactively planning for death. This exciting service will enable our clients to easily and securely prepare and protect their loved ones for the future.”

LIFE ORGANISATION AND LEGACY PLANNING SERVICES Support to create practical end of life plans, that prepare and protect your loved ones for the future. Our services provide structure to your life planning and organisation tasks. • Personal Information - Organise your personal information to help others easily resolve your affairs

• Funeral wishes & last days - What would you like your last days to look like? Consider your funeral wishes and make a plan

• Home Life - Household bills, paperwork, vehicles, personal pos sessions and de-cluttering – we look at how to plan ahead

• Digital Life - Who would be able to access your digital accounts and services after death? We look at plans you can make to help your loved ones access your information

• Money & Legal Matters - Finances, work and income, legal paperwork – get your important paperwork organised

• Pets - Consider who you would want to care for your pets when you are gone

Create your Sunset Plan today! Contact Kerry Jones on info@thesunsetplan.com or visit https://thesunsetplan.com @thesunsetplan

@thesunsetplan

Proud to be a new member of the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

MEMBERS NEWS

Gallagher and Bollington join forces to grow together The acquisition of Bollington by Gallagher has brought together one of the North West’s leading insurance brokers, with a global risk management industry leader. Chris Patterson, Regional Managing Director for Gallagher’s North West operations, discusses what benefits the deal will bring to clients in Cheshire and North Wales.

the largest independent brokers in the North of England, with offices in Bollington, Sale, Liverpool, Bolton and Harrogate, as well as operating two West Midlands branches in Birmingham and Stafford.

Looking to the future The acquisition of Bollington marks an exciting new chapter for Gallagher, its people, and its clients – helping to cement its position as the UK’s leading insurance broker, and providing a platform for further growth in the North West. At a time which has brought many unprecedented challenges for businesses across Cheshire and North Wales, the role of an insurance broker has perhaps never been so important. Today, clients are, understandably, focused on weathering the economic impact of the pandemic, but they are also increasingly aware of other emerging challenges, such as supply chain disruption, the rise of the digital workplace and how the use of the office is changing as a result, and the threat of cyber-attacks, to name just a few.

In February 2021, over 400 Bollington employees joined an existing 2,600 strong team of risk professionals in Gallagher’s UK Retail division, which looks after the insurance needs of more than a million customers, through an extensive network of offices across the UK. Although Gallagher is one of the world’s largest insurance brokerage, risk management, and consulting firms, the business is firmly embedded in the local regions it serves in the UK as a trusted advisor to clients. Gallagher’s Chester

team, based in Boughton and led by Branch Director Dan Launder, provides insurance and risk management expertise to organisations of all sizes across Cheshire and North Wales and covers a wide range of industries, including motor trade, commercial property and construction. Bollington, like Gallagher, has had a significant presence in Cheshire for many years as a local community insurance broker, beginning life in a bicycle shop in Bollington in 1973. In the decades following, the business grew, both organically and through acquisitions of its own, to become one of

Now more than ever, clients need a specialist broker who fundamentally understands their business, to help them manage the evolving risks facing them as a result of the pandemic. Having had a presence in the city since 1999, Gallagher’s Chester team is committed to providing local, specialist advice to clients, as well as competitive premiums and insurance and risk solutions that are bespoke to individual firms. #WCNWChamber100 |

MEMBERS NEWS

The Company Bringing Brilliantly Fast Full Fibre Broadband To Every Corner of Chester Chester is set to become a gigabit city. CityFibre might be a company you haven’t heard of before, but they’ve been working constantly throughout the pandemic to lay a full fibre broadband network that will bring gigabit speeds to homes and businesses across Chester. It’s a huge project, but they’re making great progress – with more streets being built every day, and the first live connections expected by Summer 2021. This is a game-changer for Chester because full fibre is the fastest and most reliable broadband available – and CityFibre is one of the only companies doing it here. In fact, even if you think you have full fibre, you probably don’t, because while lots of providers use the terminology “fibre”, they often use copper cables, which means you’re using outdated and less reliable technology.

n Fibre Splicing in a Rural Area

With CityFibre, “full fibre” really is full fibre; even the cable from the street to your home is fibre, so when you ask for a gigabit connection, you get a gigabit connection. And it’s not just speed. Full fibre broadband is up to five times more reliable than alternatives, there’s no such thing as “peak times” meaning it’s less likely to slow down when lots of people use it at the same time, at any time in the day, which is great news for busy homes with lots of devices trying to use the internet at the same time. In the UK, we’re now online for an average of 21.5 hours per week. From Teams and Zoom calls to internet banking, home schooling and gaming, it’s become an essential part of our lives – and we’re always finding new ways to use it. With the latest technology, you can turn on your dishwasher, control your heating, or even do a load of washing, all through an app, so a good connection is needed to be able to cope with our lifestyle needs.

Some of us think of broadband in terms of download speeds, but what do those speeds really mean? With a gigabit connection, you can download a highdefinition film in less than a minute and get the latest video games, which can be over 100 gigabytes in size, in just 10 minutes. The full fibre infrastructure being put in the ground now will last for generations and help to power the city’s growth. They’re future-proofing the city’s connectivity, which means the cables they lay today will open up a world of opportunities in the future. It’s great for Chester, a city renowned for its history, it will provide the fast, reliable and modern connection needed to harness new technology and become a smart city. CityFibre is already building its full fibre network in Chester. Construction work started in March 2021, some homes will be able to access the CityFibre network from Summer 2021, and they will be expanding out across the city.

MEMBERS NEWS

Local Sage Partner wins national award! “We consider Sage’s cloud-based financial management software to be ‘Best in Class’, so we are absolutely over the moon to receive this latest recognition from a multinational company with truly British roots,” said Itas Solutions’ Co-Founder & Managing Director Hannah Munro, 34, who lives in Denbighshire.

A local leadership team are celebrating after their Mold-based software company won a prestigious national industry award. Itas Solutions, located on the High Street, was crowned ‘Sage Intacct Partner of the Year’ at the Sage Partner Awards FY20. Its most recent accolade marks a five-year streak in which the team have either reached the finals or won at the Sage UK Awards.

in strengthening our physical presence nationwide and growing our product range, as well as continuing to invest in our team and support our local community.” Originally founded in 1995 by Hannah’s father Ron Lincoln, who worked as a sole trader, Itas Solutions rode the wave of cloud-based technology to become a nationwide enterprise after Hannah joined the business 10 years ago. Today, the team is on a mission to help SMEs across multiple industries to build scalable and profitable businesses using Sage Technologies.

“Itas Solutions became the first ever UK partner of Sage Intacct less than six months ago. Since then, we have been working with both the Sage 200 and Sage Intacct teams to deliver a number of successful projects. We have also been involved in helping to shape the future of Sage Technologies with our involvement in various partner panels.

“It was rare to be a female co-founder in tech when I came on board with dad at the age of 24,” explains Hannah, who now works alongside Head of Operations Sarah Kneale. “Ten years on, our all-female leadership team is still uncommon in what continues to be a male-dominated sector, but I believe that our diverse, inclusive and growing workforce is what has helped us to achieve our success.”

‘On behalf of everyone at Itas Solutions, I would like to express our sincerest thanks to Sage UK. In addition to successfully expanding our client base and increasing turnover by 15% over the last year, we are proud to have participated in local employment schemes such as Jobs Growth Wales. Our ambitions now lie

Itas Solutions’ previous accolades include a Daily Post Business Awards ‘Business of the Year (up to 50 employees)’ win in 2019 and a finalist placing in the ‘Small Business of the Year’ category at the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Awards that same year.

Nominations open for Wales’ Wonder Women The people of Wales are being asked to champion the nation’s most inspirational women, as nominations open up for the Chwarae Teg Womenspire 2021 awards. The gender equality charity runs the celebration to recognise and highlight the achievements and contributions of remarkable women from all walks of life. Now in their sixth year, the awards will take place online for the second year running, due to Covid -19, but are sure to once again provide an epic night of inspirational stories and entertainment. Streaming over ITV’s Facebook Live and Twitter has secured the event an audience of thousands from across the world. Taking place on Thursday 30 September, women will be awarded in the following categories: n n n n n

Community Champion Woman in Sport Rising Star Learner Entrepreneur

n n n n n

Leader Woman in STEM Board Member Woman in Health and Care Womenspire Champion 2021

There will also be two categories for organisations and businesses who are committed to gender equality and provide the support required for women to achieve and prosper: n Gender Equality Champion (for an individual) n FairPlay Employer© To make a nomination for the Chwarae Teg Womenspire Awards 2021, or for more information, go to www.chwaraeteg.com/ womenspire. Nominations close at noon on Monday 21 June. Cerys Furlong, Chief Executive, Chwarae Teg said: “Womenspire is an awards ceremony like no other that celebrates and showcases the talents, passions and achievements of women in Wales, and aims

to inspire future generations. It worked so well as a virtual event last year that we had no hesitation in deciding to run the awards again online – and to make them bigger and better than ever! “We want to hear about as many special women from across the nation as possible, who have made a real difference to their own lives and the lives of others. I’m urging people from every corner of Wales, who know an inspirational woman, or a business which goes above and beyond, to get nominating. All the details are on our website including the nomination form which is very easy to complete!” #WCNWChamber100 |

NEW NEW MEMBERS MEMBERS

Welcome Welcometo toWCNW WCNWChamber ChamberofofCommerce Commerce

Accted Ltd

EA Technology Limited

83 Cassidy House

Capenhurst Technology Park

Richmond Training Academy Ltd

Station Road

Capenhurst

Unit 9

Chester

Rossmore Business Village

Cheshire

Cheshire CH1 6ES

Ellesmere Port

CH1 3DW http://www.accted.co.uk

http://www.eatechnology.com

07767 324991

01513 394181

Balfour Beatty Living Places The Curve

EY Breakthrough Incentives

Axis Business Park

08007 720800

Sandstone Brewery

Gaea Land Services

Unit 5

Veracity Marketing Ltd

http://www.gaealandservices.co.uk/

Ash Road North

Oak House

07718 691101

Wrexham Industrial Estate

Sutton Quays

Slough Berkshire SL5 8AG https://www.balfourbeatty.com/ 07850 952465

Boughton Hall Cricket Limited Boughton Hall Avenue Chester Cheshire CH3 5EL

Circles Health Riverside Innovation Centre 1 Castle Drive Chester Cheshire CH1 1SL 07932 535848

Cityfibre 15 Bedford Street London Greater London WC2 E9HE http://www.cityfibre.com 08000 836160

Crust and Tipple Ltd

http://www.richmondtraining.org/ 01244 344322

LL139JT

Technology

07415 409625

Lancashire LA1 4YW https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/ 07811 832770

CH1 4NP

Clifton Road Runcorn Cheshire WA7 3EH http://www.veracitymarketing.co.uk

07968 069897

https://sastech.co.uk

Vista NW Ltd

03332 241124

Regus House Herons Way

Spotted Dog

Chester Business Park

01606 889629

Chester

Property Promises Limited

SQR Group Ltd

CH4 9QR

07939 206221

Springhill House Ffordd Brynffynnon

Cheshire https://vnwl.co.uk/ 01244 662025

Q-Vet Ltd

Holywell

https://www.q-vet.co.uk

Westinghouse UK Ltd

Flintshire

07545 588093

12a White Friars

CH8 7EH

Chester

http://www.sqrgroup.co.uk

Cheshire

03332 244586

CH1 1NZ

R A S Limited Suite B, First Floor, Poplar House Park West Business Park Sealand Road Chester Cheshire

07970 892821

Taylors Solicitors Rawlings House Blackburn Lancashire

http://crustandtipple.com/

CH1 4RN

BB1 7JN

index.html

https://www.ras.ltd.uk/

http://www.taylors.co.uk

07557 973003

01244 674612

01254 696589

Cheshire

07939 965952

Faculty of Science &

Lancaster

Unit 1 Europa Court

http://www.urbantricycles.co.uk

Wrexham County Borough

Sastech

Urban Coffee Culture Ltd

Chester

CH65 3EY

Lancaster University

Bailrigg

https://thesunsetplan.com/

Dee View Boulevard

Cheshire

Wrexham

Lancaster University

The Sunset Plan

Welcome to WCNW Chamber of Commerce

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the magazine you are currently reading!

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2. Download your membership logo Login to your profile on our Portal and download your Membership logo and display on your website, email signature etc. 3. Check out our series of Networking events The Chamber holds regular networking events that enable members to connect with each other and build business relationships. Members can join monthly Round the Screen events and will soon be able to meet at face-to-face events once coronavirus restrictions are eased. Be sure to check out our website for the latest information!

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WHAT I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT Hft is a national charity supporting adults with learning disabilities to live the best life possible. In 2018, the charity opened its first service in Wales, Hft Flintshire, which offers 275 people day services, various work opportunities and job coaching, aimed at supporting people to gain work experience while building confidence, developing skills and widening social networks. to find and sustain. Our highly skilled staff teams are committed to supporting people to find activities and work opportunities that they enjoy, while helping individuals to set and achieve personal goals to boost their independence. Within our own services we have several small businesses across a range of different industries. These include: n Rowley’s Pantry in Shotton and Freshfield’s Café in Greenfield - We build people’s skills in all aspects of the business - from preparing and cooking meals and ensuring hygiene standards are met, to waiting on customers and handling payments. n A charity shop in Flint - This is a shared venture with NEWCIS, a carers charity, where we support people with retail skills, including customer service, stock rotation, marketing and working on the till.

People with learning disabilities often don’t have the same access to employment opportunities as everyone else. According to research from the British Association for Supported Employment from 2020, just 5.6% of people with learning disabilities are in work. At Hft we believe that anyone who wants to work should have the opportunity to do so, because we believe in supporting people to live the best life possible, and for some, an important part of that is gaining the skills to take forward into full-time employment. Having a job isn’t just about earning an income – it can help to build confidence, develop skills and widen friendships. But the right employment opportunity can be difficult

n A horticulture service in Bretton, TriFfordd - This offers a range of activities, from a maintenance crew who look after the grounds of three large care homes in Flintshire, to working with Flintshire County Council’s park rangers to collect trees that have been felled to create logs and kindling which are supplied to local garages to sell to the public. We also produce hanging baskets and flower planters, and grow perennial plants which are sold or used in competition displays. One of our biggest successes to date has been supplying the local town council with their hanging baskets for the last two years. To support people through their employment journey, we have a team of nine employability coaches. They work with people on a one to one basis, looking at their skills, attributes and interests to build a CV based around the type of work they are most suited to. Where there are gaps we will support the person to take part in internships, volunteering opportunities, work experience placements, as well as training and mentoring. Once a person is ready to take their first step into the world of work, we support them to start to apply for vacancies using traditional methods, or will reach out to

employers through our networks to identify appropriate vacancies. When needed, we support employers to make adaptations and reasonable adjustments to their recruitment processes so they are fully inclusive for people with disabilities. From applying to a role to interviewing and settling in at a new workplace, we are there for people for the whole of their employment journey. We help people to complete preemployment checks, attend training sessions, and then provide practical hands-on support to teach the person the job role using a model of support called Training in Systematic Instruction (TSI). This stays in place for as long as the person and the employer need, and we continue to check in with them to monitor their progress and act as a point of call for the duration of the employment. This ongoing support to both the employee and employer ensures long term success and allows any changes or concerns to be dealt with quickly. We are proud to currently support 109 people in a huge variety of roles including hospitality, retail, administration, construction, manufacturing and groundskeeping. The most rewarding element of supported employment is the role we play in enabling the people we support to achieve their potential. Quite often people come to the service with low expectations of themselves, and the journey they go on is transformative. Work helps give people a real sense of identity and belonging, which in turn has a positive effect on other areas of their lives. Often a job is just the start, we regularly see real examples of how work has enabled people to move to independent living, increase social networks and gain independence with their local and wider communities. We’re passionate about working with forward-thinking organisations to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces, and would really welcome the opportunity to engage with more employers who would welcome the chance to transform the life of a person with a learning disability and gain a talented and loyal employee. To find out more about Hft and our supported employment opportunities visit: www.hft.org.uk/hftflintshire

Would you walk over ho t

coals for your Hospice?

Hospice Fire Walk Friday 15th October, 6pm - 9pm Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Chester, CH2 4DG £20 Registration Fee & £100.00 minimum sponsorship or £75 Self Fund (no minimum sponsorship amount) Make this your first team building exercise of the year or sign up individually! Sign up at www.hospicegs.com call 01244 851 811 or email fundraising@hospicegs.com

HOSPICE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Reg Charity No. 515516