West Cheshire & North Wales March 23

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Welcome to the Spring edition of our Quarterly Business Magazine.

The start of 2023 has seen challenging conditions for businesses across the UK with concerns around price pressures, recruitment difficulties and energy bills all having an impact on business confidence.

Depending on when this magazine edition reaches you, the Chancellor’s Spring Budget may or may not have been announced. I have been working closely with colleagues at the British Chambers of Commerce to put forward 24 recommendations for the Chancellor that could create the conditions businesses need to power the UK’s economic recovery, including the issues of childcare, energy costs, business rates and green funding. I will continue to represent our members to ensure that the business environment is suitable to unlock firms’ growth potential.

One positive sign that we have seen over the last few months is the brilliant start to the year for our Chamber networking events with a number of events reaching max capacity, such is the demand from members to make those all-important business connections. We have been working hard to plan events for the rest of the year so please visit the events section of our website to secure your places.

In terms of events to highlight in the coming months, we will see the return of our North Wales Dinner on 12th May. This is set to be a fantastic occasion to come together and celebrate the success of businesses in North Wales during a night of fine dining and entertainment. We will also be raising funds for Nightingale House Hospice through a charity raffle and please do get in touch with the team via info@wcnwchamber.org.uk if you would like to donate a prize, your support is, as always, hugely appreciated.

Our Annual Golf Day is also set to return on 5th May and with places going fast it is strongly advised to book now to avoid disappointment. We were delighted to relaunch our International Trade Forum in March to give those that import and export an opportunity to come together and share best practice. The next forum will take place on 24th May and if you are looking to start or grow your exports this is a great opportunity to hear from industry experts on how to do so.

We have a lot planned in the coming months and if there is anything that the Chamber can do to support your business please do not hesitate to reach out on 01244 669988 or info@wcnwchamber.org.uk.

Contact Matthew Hodgson Churchill House, Queen’s Park Campus, Queen’s Park Road, Chester CH4 7AD

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Published

March 2023

© Benham Publishing Media no. 1982

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WCNW Chamber’s Annual Ball & Recognition Awards raises £7500 for The Joshua Tree

The West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce was delighted to recently present The Joshua Tree with a cheque for £7500 following the fundraising that took place at its Annual Ball & Recognition Awards.

Founded

The charity was selected as the chosen charity for the Chamber’s Annual Ball & Recognition by the Chamber’s Focus Group. An auction and raffle took part at the event for items that were kindly donated by Chamber members and local businesses. Money was also raised through the classic heads and tails game. In total, an incredible £7500 was raised on the night

and the Chamber Focus Group recently presented a cheque to Richard Driffield, CEO of The Joshua Tree.

Richard commented;

“We are extremely grateful to West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce for choosing to support The Joshua Tree at their annual awards dinner, the amount raised on the night was fantastic. In 2022, we received over 90 new referrals from families affected by childhood cancers across Cheshire and North Wales. The funds raised will help to ensure we can continue to deliver a range of activities for families, providing them with vital support during

difficult times. Thank you to everyone who donated.”

Director of Business Banking at NatWest and Deputy Chair of the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, Sarah Bailey, commented;

“Raising £7,500 for The Joshua Tree is a truly fantastic achievement for a well-deserved charity. Having visited the centre, it truly is an incredible place and the work they do for local children is invaluable, so I am very proud to be able to support them this year and hope these funds will help them to continue with their plans through 2023. Thank you to everyone who donated.”

n The Chamber Focus Group presented The Joshua Tree with a cheque for £7500

in 2006, The Joshua Tree is a Cheshire-based Children’s Cancer Charity that operates across the North West and North Wales and is dedicated to working closely with families affected by childhood cancers.

Equals Money Become Strategic Members with the Chamber of Commerce

The West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce that financial services company, Equals Money, have become Strategic Members. With a range of solutions to help you make the most of international payments and expense management, Equals Money work with firms to help take the stress out of finances so they can get back to what’s really important: growing their business.

The move to Strategic Membership will see a closer relationship formed between the two companies with Equals Money also becoming a sponsor of the Young Chamber programme, which aims to bring the education and business sectors closer together.

“We’re excited to be partnering with the WCNW Chamber, to better provide payments services to other local businesses from our office in Chester. Equals Money is a challenger in the payments sector and is part of Equals Group PLC which is AIM-listed on the London Stock Exchange.

“If your business has an international footprint, Equals Money can support by providing competitive rates of exchange on currency payments and by strategising your international transfers correctly, to mitigate the risk associated with market volatility.

“Currently, every penny counts for local businesses, and I would be happy to discuss how Equals Money can assist any

members with our portfolio of services and competitive exchange rates.”

- Ashley Salisbury, Equals Money

Chief Executive Officer of the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, Debbie Bryce, said: “Equals Money have been heavily involved

with the Chamber since they joined as members and I am delighted that we will have the opportunity to work even closer going forward as part of their Strategic Membership. I also look forward to them engaging with students at upcoming Young Chamber events and passing on their experience of the financial industry.”

n Equals Money being presented with a Strategic Member plaque and certificate, (L to R) Matthijs Boon, Chief Operating Officer at Equals Money; Molly Lewis, People Business Partner at Equals Money; Ashley Salisbury, Senior Sales Manager at Equals Money and Debbie Bryce, Chief Executive Officer at WCNW Chamber.

Our Golf Day is returning this May and it’s set to be tee-riffic!

The West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce can’t wait to be back at the Macdonald Portal Hotel Golf & Spa on their 18-hole Championship Course for our second ever Chamber Golf Day and we’d love for you to join us there!

After the success of last year’s event where we welcomed 100 guests, Thursday 4th May is set to be another fantastic day, with amazing prizes up for grabs, plenty of networking opportunities and a delicious two-course meal to top it all off, this is certainly not one to be missed!

Jennifer Kennedy, Head of Membership at the Chamber, commented: “Last year’s Chamber Golf Day was a huge success, with a great time had by the many in attendance and we are

really excited to once again welcome members to what will hopefully be a beautiful sunny spring day and definitely be a wonderful event for all attendees!

“Thank you to Foster4 Recruitment Hub for kindly sponsoring the prizes and to Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf & Spa for helping to make this event possible.”

The Portal’s championship course is full of unique and distinctive holes, expansive water hazards and cascading waterfalls, all surrounded by beautiful Cheshire

countryside, making it the perfect location for our golf day and we hope you can join us there on May 4th.

Spaces are available for Members & Non-Members, either as an individual for £50 + VAT or as a team of four for £200 + VAT. For more information and to book your place, visit the events page on our website.

Chamber to host North Wales Dinner at The Quay, Deganwy

Book now! On the 12th May we’re hosting our North Wales Dinner which is set to be a great event as we welcome guests to The Quay Hotel & Spa in Deganwy!

Overlooking both the River Conwy and Conwy Castle, The Quay has recently spent over one million pounds on refurbishment and makes a beautiful

location to bring together businesses from across the region for an evening of fine dining and brilliant entertainment. Guests will enjoy a delicious three-course meal, made using fresh local ingredients before having the chance to get their dancing shoes on and enjoya DJ long into the night.

This year, we’re raising funds for Nightingale House Hospice through a charity raffle. Nightingale House is an independent charitable hospice based in Wrexham, that provides specialist palliative care to patients with life limiting illness living within the catchment area of Wrexham, Flintshire, East Denbighshire and Shropshire border towns. They are committed to providing care of the highest standard in order to promote the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of patients and their loved ones.

If you would like to donate a prize

for the auction, please email info@wcnwchamber.org.uk.

Debbie Bryce, Chief Executive Officer at the Chamber, commented the following on the event: “We can’t wait for our North Wales Dinner to return for another year. This is a great event and gives us an opportunity to celebrate with some of our many fantastic members that we have across North Wales, thank you to the event sponsor Sales Geek North Wales for helping make this event possible.”

“Last year’s event was a great night and we will certainly be hoping for another one this year at the beautiful Quay Hotel & Spa, and we hope you can join us there!”

Tickets are available to members for the price of £35 + VAT and to non-members for £40 + VAT. For more information and to book your place, visit the events page on our website.

n Golfers will again take to the course on May 4th

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week with our Members

The Chamber of Commerce was delighted to support National Apprenticeship Week between 6th & 12th February by sharing success stories from its members.

Below we hear from these members on how they, and the apprentices themselves, have benefitted from the scheme.

Brownlow Furniture

Brownlow Furniture Managing Director, Andrew Barton:

“We are immensely proud of our apprentice strategy with 40% of all our employees present or past apprentices. Presently we have three apprentices all training to be Cabinet Makers. Our most senior apprentice, Sophie was recently awarded ‘Apprentice of the Year’ by the Chamber of Commerce for her dedication, determination and drive to succeed.

“Any business should be looking at a future strategy in terms of its customers, products and people. We made the decision over 10 years ago to proactively recruit, coach, mentor and develop apprentices to be our next generation skilled workforce.”

Countess of Chester Hospital

Molly Whelan, Vocational Development Manager at the Countess of Chester Hospital:

“Apprenticeships are a great way for us to nurture and grow our own workforce with embedded Trust values and the skills to deliver high-quality care. Apprenticeships help us to attract talent with new skills and fresh ideas and helps us tackle potential skills gaps that we have in the workforce whilst helping to widen access and participation into the workforce and professional roles”

Emily Lewis- Level 2 Healthcare Support Services:

“I completed my clinical assistant apprenticeship in Audiology in 2020 and soon after won the ‘Apprentice of the year award 2021’. After winning the award it opened so many doors for me to further my clinical skills and I was lucky enough to be offered a band 2 position doing what I love full time.

“My interest in Audiology grew, and I was able to apply successfully for a band 3 position as an Assistant Audiologist. The help and guidance I received from the Audiology Staff was amazing, and my manager Jane Beavan was always there to support me.

“I would encourage anyone to apply for an apprenticeship, it opens doors you didn’t know could be opened.”

The HR Dept Wrexham & Chester

A University of Chester student is celebrating after accepting an apprenticeship with The HR Dept Wrexham & Chester and its sister company, The HR Dept Shropshire.

Níamh Kelly – Director of The HR Dept Wrexham & Chester:

“We’re thrilled that Harriet has accepted an offer to join us as Apprentice HR Consultant as we complete our third year supporting Wrexham and Chester businesses.

“We’re delighted to be celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2023 with this promising appointment. We know many of our clients are facing difficult challenges; but it’s important businesses plan for the future. Apprentices can be key to a business’s success and we can certainly testify to that as Harriet is the second Apprentice HR Consultant to join us! She will be mentored by Aleesha Skett, who qualified as a HR Consultant last Summer following a successful Apprenticeship with us.”

Harriet said, “I am so very grateful for this incredible opportunity and cannot wait to start in the summer!”

Platts Agriculture

Nerys Price-Jones, People and Engagement Director:

“Supporting apprenticeships throughout Platts is a key initiative for the company as we continue to grow. Apprenticeships Programs in various traditional skillsets yet

innovative businesses are key to ensuring we support the next generation of our up-andcoming workforce. By being able to develop talented and skilled members of staff, they in turn are motivated by what we do and want to continue with us once they have gained their relevant qualifications.”

Less Common Metals

Sam Lee, their first apprentice, and now an official LCM team member:

Would you recommend doing an apprenticeship in Engineering?

“Absolutely. I personally think it’s the best way to learn and develop new skills. You can learn in the classroom and then apply what you’ve learned straight away in the real world. You also have the freedom to work straight away, earn money and get a job lined up for the end of the apprenticeship. For me, every day is different as there are several forms of engineering, but you could also use the opportunity to learn a new trade.”

How has LCM supported you through the apprenticeship?

“I have learned so much from my colleagues. It helps to work with such a great bunch of people as I know it’s ok to ask for advice and guidance if I’m not sure what’s required for the job. LCM has helped me to advance my skills and I have completed some training courses to add to my skill set. These include the IOSH Managing Safely course, Manual Handling Awareness, Working at Height, and FLT Counterbalance Awareness course.”

Find out more about apprenticeships on the below links:

England: https://bit.ly/3Euj57v

Wales: https://bit.ly/3lZLhJi

n Sophie Foster (centre) of Brownlow Furniture received the Young Person/ Apprentice Award at the Chamber’s Annual Awards in November

Army Apprenticeship Challenge Days

Back at the end of Aug 22, a group of intrepid apprentices took up the challenge of attending the Army Leadership Challenge for Airbus apprentices delivered by the 160th (Welsh) Brigade, the headquarters of the Army in Wales. Set in Kinmel Park Training Camp, the aim was to increase the leadership potential of the younger apprentices in a challenging but fun environment.

The activities were designed to test their mental agility and technical capabilities as well as provide a physical test for the apprentices where they took on challenges set by the Army. Aimed at engineering apprentices, but open to others, the tasks were based on military engineering activities and equipment and were led by members of the Royal Engineers Engagement Team.

They were also taught the basics of living out in the field, using military equipment, eating Army rations (maybe with a few bags of sweets sneaked in!) and camping out under the stars. After a mixed night of varying amounts of sleep, the apprentices were really put to the test showing all they had learned the day before in a series of ‘tests’ – in front of their managers, and after morning PT!

There were lots of tired but smiling faces at

the end of the two days, with new friendships and networks created; it was amazing to see the confidence and personal resilience they took from such a short time.

We are able to offer the Leadership Challenge to Defence-friendly and supportive Employers across Wales, to those businesses and organisations who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and who have gained recognition under Defences Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Awards.

We are looking to broaden the activity and challenge level, creating an offering not only at junior/apprenticeship level but also to middle and senior managerial/executive levels for future events.

For further information regarding the Armed Forces Covenant, the Defence Employer

Recognition Scheme Awards or information about the broader MOD engagement piece, please contact Tony Fish, MOD Regional Employer Engagement Director for North Wales wa-reed2@rfca.mod.uk

Office 01352 755309

Mobile 07508 193902

How can employers manage disruption during the 2023 teachers’ strikes?

Earlier this year, seven days of teacher strikes were announced. This may hit productivity more than the rail strikes for some businesses, as parents are stuck with a childcare conundrum.

Níamh Kelly from The HR Dept Wrexham & Chester suggests ways for employers to manage this tricky situation.

“The first action for employers is to speak to staff about potential problems. Once you know how your company will be impacted, it’s time to look at solutions.

Working from home might not be the best solution as of course, children will be in the background. It may be that someone else

is available to look after them, but if that is not an option, there are other types of leave that can be explored.

Dependant’s leave allows, by law, for anyone to take unpaid time off work in unexpected circumstances to look after a dependant. There is no prescribed limit to

how much time can be taken off, other than what is ‘reasonable’ (and strike days would be considered reasonable).

Employees who have a year of service with you might want to consider unpaid parental leave but it must be taken in blocks of one whole week…

Then there’s annual leave if the employee has enough allowance and wants to be paid for time off.

Or how about some kind of flexi-time where they can make up their hours elsewhere?

Our advice is to be sympathetic to your employees’ plight. The teachers’ strike may be a source of considerable stress to them and an understanding employer is likely to benefit from staff loyalty and goodwill.”

For enquiries on this topic, please contact Níamh Kelly from The HR Dept, at wrexches@hrdept.co.uk or on 07741 640504.

n Níamh Kelly, Director at The HR Dept Wrexham & Chester sustainability project

n Apprentices take part in Army Leadership Challenge

Top tips to achieve your personal and professional goals

Sales Geek North Wales were proud to conduct the second of four planned Sales Clubs at the Xplore! Science Discovery Centre in Wrexham. The two sessions focussed on Goal Setting and the attendees left with valuable tips to help them achieve their personal and professional goals.

Aaron Sussex, Director of Sales Geek North Wales said, “Sales Clubs are a great opportunity for members to build relationships with other members and learn skills that will further their personal development and help them achieve success in their respective businesses”.

Achievement of your personal and professional goals requires constant development of your mindset and skillset and the skill in setting realistic goals in the first place! Attendees of the Sales Club enjoyed

lively discussions in each of these areas and individually worked in some detail to create a roadmap of personal development and refinement of their goals.

Here are some Geeky top tips on achieving your personal and professional goals, Unlock your potential.

Analyse your skillset at least once per year. Your weakest skill sets the height of your performance so breaking down the skills you require to achieve your goals is important. This will help you put together a personal development plan.

Start with your ‘why?’. Linking your goals to your values and beliefs will create a stronger motivation for you to achieve them. Surround yourself with the right people and achieve a growth mindset.

Use SMART to set Goals. Many people can tell you what SMART means (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timebound) but few set goals truly using this structure.

Make an action plan and review it daily. Goals are the start point. Actions help achieve them. Write down your goals and share them with someone you know, like and trust and you’ll likely achieve them.

Upcoming Sales Clubs take place on 25th/28th April and 4th/7th July, for more information and to book please visit the Chamber website.

Damehood for Alison, NatWest’s CEO

NatWest Group Chief Executive, Alison Rose, has received a Damehood for services to Financial Services in His Majesty King Charles III’s New Year’s Honours List.

The official citation refers to Alison’s position as the first female CEO of a major UK bank and the author of the Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship, leading to the establishment of the Investing in Women Code.

The honour also highlights Alison’s work in championing the Dream Bigger programme, which has been designed to activate the recommendations of the Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship, with a mission to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs by embedding

entrepreneurial education in the curriculum across the UK.

Alison’s steering the bank’s response to the pandemic and cementing NatWest’s place at the forefront of tackling climate change are also referenced in the honour.

NatWest Group Chief Executive, Alison Rose, said:

“It is a tremendous privilege to receive a Damehood in His Majesty’s New Year’s Honours List and I am immensely proud to lead an organisation that plays such a positive role in the lives of people and families across the UK.

“This honour is a reflection of the fantastic work of all my colleagues at NatWest Group and the support we provide for the customers and communities we serve;

promoting enterprise, building financial capability and channelling the power of finance to tackle climate change.”

Sarah Bailey, Director of Business Banking at NatWest, added: “Rose Review initiatives have now seen tens of thousands of female founders benefit from increased access to funding and expanded advice and mentoring schemes. Meanwhile, thousands of students have received enterprise training, contributing to significant year-onyear growth in female-led start-ups. Both are really powerful, exciting programmes to be involved with and are really helping more businesses thrive while supporting the UK economy.”

If you would like any further information, please contact Sarah at sarah.bailey@natwest.com

n Sales Geek North Wales Director, Aaron Sussex

Julie Littler of Chester based The Littler Places Art recognised by Theo Paphitis award

Julie Littler has received recognition and a business boost from Retail Entrepreneur Theo Paphitis.

Julie Littler was recognised by Theo during ‘Small Business Sunday’ and was chosen by Theo himself who retweeted to his near half a million Twitter followers. The weekly initiative, set up by Theo in 2010, now has over 3,000 #SBS winners and supports small businesses in the UK.

Julie’s artistic influences are from when she was an assistant cruise director with Princess Cruises and she travelled to many parts of the world including the Caribbean. She specialises in architecture and iconic buildings, handdrawing them and then painting using bright and cheerful colours in gouache.

Hidden cameras capture birth of rare Sumatran tiger twins at Chester Zoo

The tiny twins were born to first-time parents Kasarna and Dash on 7 January and the new family has since been bonding in their den – with all of their adorable early-life antics caught by the zoo’s CCTV cameras.

Zookeepers say the new arrivals are yet to be sexed and will be named once they start to gain in confidence and venture outside, which experts estimate will be in early April.

Just 350 Sumatran tigers are thought to remain in the wild – making them one of the world’s rarest tiger subspecies. They are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – the most severe conservation category and highest priority.

According to carnivore experts, the birth is a significant step forward for the conservation breeding programme working to save the species from extinction.

Dave Hall, Carnivore Team Manager at Chester Zoo, said:

“We’ve been closely monitoring Kasarna on our CCTV cameras as she gets to grips with motherhood and her first litter of cubs – it’s a real privilege and incredibly special to watch. She’s a great mum and is very attentive to her new infants, keeping them snuggled up in the den and feeding them every few hours. It won’t be too long until they gain enough confidence to start venturing outside for the very first time as a family, which is really exciting.

“The birth of two more healthy Sumatran tiger cubs is another significant step forward in the long-term efforts to protect these incredible animals. One day, the pair will

hopefully go on to themselves make a vital contribution to the endangered species breeding programme, which is now playing a critical role in preventing these majestic animals from becoming extinct.”

The expansion of unsustainable palm oil and coffee plantations has seen more than 90% of the Sumatran tiger’s habitat wiped out, bringing tigers into close conflict with the human population.

As a result, the carnivores are more exposed and often killed when they come into contact with villagers, farmers or livestock. The species is also heavily poached for its skin, bones and canine teeth, which are sold illegally on the traditional Asian medicine markets.

n Cub cam! The birth of two critically endangered Sumatran tiger cubs is caught on camera at Chester Zoo

Hft Supported employment team supports people with learning disabilities and autism through their employment journey, assisting people to reach their full potential. Providing vocational support, job searching, interview skills and in work support.

The team provide guidance to companies around recruitment and employment of people with disabilities and neuro-diverse conditions, offering Tap into talent information sessions to bust the myths associated with employing people with additional needs. Disability awareness and neuro-diverse training sessions.

Want to learn more and get involved?

Could you offer some C.V advice, offer mock interviews, provide work trials, visits to your company and talks about the work you do, could you offer employment?

For further information please contact: Julia Hawkins - 07795304758 hftflintshire@hft.org.uk

Cheshire College Celebrates Exceptional Apprentices

Several apprentices and employers were recently commended at Cheshire College – South and West’s Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony. The annual event celebrates the outstanding contributions of apprentices, as well as the positive impact of their employers.

Cheshire College hosted the Apprenticeship Awards at their Crewe Campus for the first time in the event’s eighteen-year history. Coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week, the ceremony saw more than one hundred guests in attendance, and twelve awards presented to the winners.

The awards ceremony was supported and sponsored by local employers.

Reflecting on the importance of apprentices in the workforce, Dan Hardy, Manager at Greif UK, said: “I think it’s really important that we support young people and give them a good start to their career. Apprenticeships allow you to grow and develop, and that’s what it’s all about for us.”

The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2023 was Skills For Life. When asked about this, Joshua Hallam, winner of the Business Administration Apprentice of the Year award commented: “You really learn the value of hard work as an Apprentice, and you learn to put yourself out there and throw yourself at every opportunity. I think anyone can apply to be an Apprentice and everyone has it in them to do it. Cheshire College has put me in a really good position to succeed.”

Sustainability also played an important role in the event, in accordance with the College’s commitment to go green. The trophies were made from recycled materials and guests were given ecofriendly gift bags.

Karen Roberts, Assistant Principal – Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement, commented: “The Annual

Apprenticeship Awards provide a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the hard work, determination and development of our students. All the award winners are living proof of just how valuable apprenticeships are to the community, businesses and the wider economy.”

Jasbir Dhesi OBE, Principal and CEO of Cheshire College, added: “We are all exceptionally proud of last night’s winners; a sentiment which I’m sure is shared by their friends, families and colleagues. All the nominated apprentices have worked incredibly hard, and their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

Our Apprenticeship Award winners demonstrate the varied opportunities that our high-quality apprenticeship programmes can provide. The College currently has over 1,000 apprentices,

works with over 500 local, national and international employers, and delivers apprenticeships across a wide range of subject areas. As a College, we are very proud of our apprenticeship offerings and we will continue to champion the work of apprentices and their employers going forward.”

The Apprenticeship Awards marked the end of Cheshire College’s National Apprenticeship Week activities which highlighted the achievements of Apprentices, their employer partners and the positive impact they make to communities, businesses and the wider economy.

Events and activities hosted by the College included apprenticeship panels at its Ellesmere Port and Crewe Campuses, featuring local employers such as Essar Oil, Altimex and Mid-Cheshire NHS Trust.

n Exceptional Apprentices celebrated at Cheshire College Awards Ceremony

Working effectively with your accountant in 2023

As we near the end of 2023’s first quarter many of us will be gearing up for the new financial year come the 6th of April. Of course, with the new tax year on the horizon, this brings with it its own round of deadlines and forward planning for businesses.

Your accountant will likely take on many different roles that aim to benefit your business. From supporting your growth plans, ensuring you are compliant with HMRC regulations, helping you to become more tax efficient and so many other areas of your business, your accountant will prove to be an invaluable asset, but they can only do this if you know how to work effectively with them.

For the Ellis & Co. team this time of year represents an opportunity for our clients, to reflect on the previous year’s performance and set key goals for the coming financial year. To achieve this we work closely with our clients all year round to ensure their business is on track to meet these goals established at the beginning of the financial year.

We have found such success in this that we are often asked for our top tips on how businesses can work with their accountants more effectively. So how can you ensure that you’re working successfully with your accountant in the 2023/24 financial year? Let’s take a look…

Ensure they’re the right fit

First and foremost, in order to work effectively with your accountant, they have to be the right fit for your business. You want to ensure that your accountant is knowledgeable, experienced and responsive but also that they understand your business and the industry in which it operates. This should feel like a partnership and therefore you must make sure that you can work effectively together all year round.

Treat them as part of your team

The right accountant will act as an extension of your existing team, and this is exactly how you should view them. Of course, while communication around deadlines is crucial, this level of communication should occur year round. Ultimately, this will ensure your business is in the best possible position throughout the year, improve your cash flow and not to mention reduce stress.

Understand your deadlines and requirements

Whilst your accountant will work tirelessly to ensure you know and understand your deadlines and obligations, you must also endeavour to contact them at the earliest opportunity should an issue arise. Failing to notify them or ask for advice when problems arise can ultimately lead you to miss a deadline and incur penalties. This is why maintaining lines of communication is so vital.

Utilise their expertise

The downfall for any business and its accounting relationship is only communicating in the run-up to deadlines; this means that the expertise of the accountant isn’t being utilised to its fullest potential. Your accountant can offer so much more than tax guidance, they can support you in sourcing finance, building

or amending your business plan, analysing avenues for growth and so much more, so don’t be afraid to ask for advice and guidance where necessary.

Know where your cash flow stands

Cash flow forecasting is a crucial component when it comes to running and growing your business, but particularly at the moment following the turbulent and challenging few years for the business world, this has never been more important. In working alongside your accountant to do this, together you will be able to identify areas for growth, not to mention any issues so that these can be rectified quickly.

Set goals

What are your ultimate goals for 2023/24? And how will you achieve these? With a clear view of your business’ financial data plus significant experience in supporting businesses through similar events, your accountant is perfectly placed to work with and guide you in the right direction to increase the chances of achieving this and to analyse progress each step of the way.

For the Ellis & Co. team, we are dedicated to ensuring we provide the most responsive and tailored service to each and every client. We aren’t just here to support during filing deadlines (although we do this very well), but rather we guide our clients through the peaks and troughs that go hand in hand with running a business.

From accountancy and audits through to payroll, choosing the right software or finance for the individual business and even business consultancy, we actively work with clients to ensure they can operate efficiently and grow successfully.

Director John Farrell has commented:

“We are expecting another busy year here at Ellis & Co. and look forward to supporting all our clients. As we also enter our first year as Patron members of the Chamber we’re excited to be supporting the team and members as well.”

If you’re looking for an established, local accountant to support your business in the new financial year, get in touch with the team at Ellis & Co today on 01244 343 504.

n L to R Ellis & Co Directors (L to R) John Moorhouse, James Ellis and John Farrell

Chamber Festive Lunch at Ramada Plaza

Chinese New Year Lunch at The Slowboat Chester

Round the Table Networking at Chester Cathedral

Protos Networks; guiding organisations through Cyber Essentials

Cybercrime is a significant threat to all organisations in the UK, with nearly 40% of businesses reporting a cyber breach or attack in the last 12 months. Cyber Essentials Certification helps to protect organisations of all sizes from a wide range of the most common cyber threats.

Hollie Joinson, Senior Administrator at Protos Networks:

“Whether your organisation consists of a single device or numerous devices in multiple locations, Cyber Essentials Certification is necessary to protect organisations and reassure stakeholders. Protos has developed a simple approach with bespoke guidance, practical outcomes, and received positive feedback from customers along the way.”

“Darren and Gareth, Protos’ lead assessors, have built strong relationships throughout the Cyber Essentials process, bringing customers back year after year and awarding over 300 certifications in 2022.”

Cyber Essentials focuses on five technical controls that have been proven effective against up to 90% of cyber-attacks, detail of which are below.

• Firewalls - Firewalls stop unauthorised access to and from private networks but must be set up correctly to be effective. Boundary firewalls and internet gateways allow you to control who can access your system and where your users can go. Antivirus software defends against viruses and malware, while firewalls protect against external threats. The security provided by the firewall can be adjusted like any other control function (in other words, the firewall ‘rules’).

• Secure configuration - Web server and application server configurations play a crucial role in cyber security. Failure to manage the proper configuration of your servers can lead to a wide variety of security problems.

Configure computers and network devices to reduce vulnerabilities and only provide necessary services. This will help prevent unauthorised actions from being carried out. It will also ensure that each device discloses only

the minimum information about itself to the Internet. A scan can reveal opportunities for exploitation through insecure configuration.

• User access control – It is important to keep access to your data and services to a minimum. This should prevent a criminal hacker from being presented with open access to your information. Criminals want to get administrator rights so they can break into applications and access confidential information. Convenience sometimes results in many users having administrator rights, which can create opportunities for exploitation. User accounts, particularly those with special access privileges, should be assigned only to authorised individuals. They must be managed effectively and provide the minimum level of access to applications, computers, and networks.

• Malware Protection – It is vital that you protect your business from malicious software, which will seek to access files on your system. The software can cause chaos by stealing private data, corrupting files, and blocking access until you pay a fee. Protecting against a broad range of malware will protect your computer, your privacy, and important documents from attack.

• Patch management - All devices and software are prone to technical vulnerabilities. cybercriminals can rapidly exploit vulnerabilities once they’ve been discovered and shared publicly. Criminal hackers exploit known vulnerabilities in operating systems and third-party applications if they are not properly patched or updated. Updating software and operating systems will help to fix these known weaknesses. It is crucial to do this as quickly as possible to close any opportunities that could be used to gain access.

Why customers choose to work with Protos to achieve their certification… Protos Networks offer one-to-one guidance from experienced assessors, who advise and guide the customer through the process. The Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus Assessments can now be completed remotely, which makes the whole process much quicker and less demanding for organisations, although just as accurate.

Debbie Bryce - Chief Executive Officer – of West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, shared their experience, “The protection of data is incredibly important to the Chamber, and we are delighted to renew our IASME and Cyber Essential certifications once again with outstanding support from Protos Networks. They have provided brilliant guidance throughout the assessment and made the process very straightforward.”

Jennifer Scott, Russell Taylor Group Ltd’ Quality & Facilities Manager, said, “Working with the wonderful team at Protos Networks to attain the accreditation was an extremely smooth process, with special mention to Darren, who was extremely helpful and supportive. We would have no hesitation in recommending Protos Networks and hope to work with them again soon.”

To find out more about Cyber Essentials, you can visit www.protosnetworks.com or call 0333 370 1353.

High Sheriff of Cheshire Awards for Enterprise winners to be announced

The winners of the region’s premier awards for enterprise will be announced at a ceremony this month (March). The winning businesses and charities, along with all of the finalists in the High Sheriff of Cheshire Awards for Enterprise, will be celebrated at the event on Friday, March 31st at Churchill House, the home of the University of Chester Business School.

High Sheriff, Jeannie France-Hayhurst, launched the Awards for 2022/23 in partnership with the University during the autumn, to celebrate innovation, initiative and impact across Cheshire, Halton and Warrington.

The shortlisted businesses and charities are:

• High Sheriff’s Award for Excellence in EnterpriseBi0 & Me and p3od

• High Sheriff’s Award for Exceptional Start-Up10:10 Games and Real5Digital

• High Sheriff’s Award for Best Sustainable Business Practice - Fish and Chips@Weston Grove and Impact Monitor Limited

• Outstanding Cheshire and Warrington Business LeaderJamie Christon and Sam Westgate

• Apprentice of the YearT ia Williams and Joseph Worthington

• Survive and Thrive Award for CharitiesRossendale Trust and Ruby’s Fund

• Young Business Person of the YearTolulope Arobieke and Joe Onions

• High Sheriff’s Award for Best Family Business Best Friends Day Nursery and the Nantwich Clinic

• High Sheriff’s Award for Outstanding Community EngagementMotherwell Cheshire and Passion for Learning.

Jeannie said: “I look forward to hearing more about the individuals and teams which are behind the region’s success stories and celebrating their innovation and endeavour.”

Master of Ceremonies at the awards event will be Chairman of Boodles, Nicholas Wainwright MBE, DL. The Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, Lady Alexis Redmond MBE, will also be in attendance to add her congratulations.

Sponsors of the awards, now in their 16th year, include the University, Encirc, EA Technology, Mornflake, Barlows and Warrington Borough Council.

n High Sheriff of Cheshire Jeannie France-Hayhurst

Mock Interview

Day at Queen’s Park

High School

The West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce’s Young Chamber programme recently helped to deliver a mock interview day for sixth-form students at Queen’s Park High School in Chester.

Castell Alun High School students show their creative si de

West Cheshire & North Wales Young Chamber sponsor, Platts Agriculture, recently delivered an engaging presentation along with a thought-provoking marketing activity to students at Castell Alun High School in Hope, North Wales.

“I was really impressed with the creative ideas they came up with when set a task to develop a marketing plan for launching a new range of branded clothing for farmers! Both myself and Platts are glad to be able to support a school so local to us and hopefully inspire some other young people into studying business further!”

The students were given the opportunity to be interviewed by a representative from one of the seven different Young Chamber Sponsors in attendance. The aim of the experience of being interviewed by a business professional was to give students an idea of what they can expect when making the step from education into the working world. The students also received feedback so that they could leave the day, not only with the experience of an interview but also with an idea of where they can improve when it comes to a future job, College or University interview.

Andrea Watts, Careers Lead at Queen’s Park High School commented the following about the event: “I would like to thank all of the employers who gave up their time to provide such a valuable experience for our Sixth Form students. This opportunity has enhanced their understanding of the interview process, how to engage positively in an interview situation and through the feedback provided from the employers, to take positive steps forward”.

Platt’s Sales & Marketing Director, Nadia McKane, started the session by introducing herself and giving the students some information on what Platts does, how they were set up, and some of the important day-to-day activities that her job entails. Nadia also provided details on some of the areas of her role that take a longer time, such as converting a lead from a trade show into a full business-to-business working relationship.

The students then had the chance to get creative when Nadia set them a task to plan a marketing campaign for the launch of a clothing range aimed at farmers aged 17 – 25. The students used useful skills and information that Nadia gave them in her presentation.

Nadia had the following to say about the event:

“It was great to be able to share with these students some examples of campaigns we run at Platts to bring the theories the students have been learning to life.

Ellesmere Port Catholic High School Appretiship Talks

Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, The West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce’s Young Chamber programme helped to spread the word about apprenticeships to the entire year 9 group of students at Ellesmere Port Catholic High School.

The students were given the opportunity to listen to an expert panel of Young Chamber Sponsors who explained what apprenticeships are and why businesses value apprentices within their workforce. The aim of the experience was to help students understand the benefits and career opportunities that vocational educational pathways can provide as they make their decisions about their GCSE options. The students heard from two employers who both regularly recruit apprentices, Molly Whelan from The Countess of Chester Hospital and Andrew Barton from Brownlow Furniture. Both Molly and Andrew were able to share their experiences of successful career pathways for young people through apprenticeships within their organisations.

Lexi Adamson, Careers Lead at Ellesmere Port Catholic High commented: “thank you for the support you provided in organising the event this morning at EPCHS. The range of providers and employers that students had the opportunity to hear from was fantastic, and it was a great way to introduce students to the variety and value of apprenticeships in the

area”

local

n Representatives from Young Chamber sponsors interview students

n Nadia McKane before presenting to the students

Students at Chester International School gain valuable experience from Young Chamber Sponsors

Over 70 Year 12 students from Chester International School recently gained some important employability skills as they took part in mock interviews with Young Chamber Sponsors at an event on 3rd February.

In preparation for the day, the students were asked to apply for a specific job and prepare for a mock interview around this role. The interviewers were provided with the job descriptions for reference and the students brought along their own CVs before taking part in a 10-minute mock interview. The students were able to gain a sense of what potential

employers could be looking for when recruiting new inexperienced staff.

Head of Careers at Chester International School, Abbey Peers, had the following to say after the event: “The Year 12 mock interview day at CIS was a huge success. 100% of students identified that the event was useful in making them aware of the things that employers look for and 100% of students believed the day was well organised.

“The students described the interviewers as ‘kind and helpful’ and ‘useful and supportive’, and one even described the interview as ‘even kinda fun’. Employers described the students as ‘a credit to the

school’ and said that they ‘exceeded expectations’. Overall, the event helped to form an important part of our strategy and commitment to ensuring that our students are fully prepared for life beyond CIS.”

Welcome to our new Young Chamber Sponsors

Upcoming Young Chamber Events

Young Chamber was established to tackle the skills gap that businesses were reporting and to help pupils, at schools and colleges from across the region, develop the necessary skills to hit the ground running when they leave education.

It does this through the running of events at schools and colleges that are part of the programme. These include career talks, interview days and workshops, all designed to give students an insight into the world of work and to help them as they start their careers.

Sponsors of the programme can support these events and below you can view

the upcoming ones which you can get involved in. If you are not a sponsor of the programme but would like more information, please email

youngchamber@wcnwchamber.org.uk.

n Young Chamber sponsors prepare for the interviews

We work with you to understand your ambition and help you grow your business.

Enterprise/Business Name: Satori People Development

people decisions, whether that is identifying and retaining the right people to fit your business or working with you to create the next leaders of your business, the results are the same. I minimise attrition, maximise retention and improve the bottom line.

About you!

didn’t at least try.

The light bulb moment!

What’s in a name?

Satori is the Japanese Buddhist term for personal enlightenment and awakening. I feel that through my workshops and development programmes, I take individuals on a journey of self-discovery and self-awareness and they become more confident both emotionally and psychologically. Self-awareness is also the key to personal enlightenment

About your business?

I help businesses get better results from their

I am a mum, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a business owner and a cancer survivor. It was my experience with cancer in 2019 that really made me stop and evaluate my life and my career. It was the reason I realised that life is too short to not follow your dreams. I have 20 years’ experience in the Learning and Development sector and am also working towards my black belt in Kickboxing. Why?

I had always wanted to set up my own company right from when I first started out in the Learning and Development sector. I loved the idea of traveling up and down the country delivering solutions to businesses, however it had always seemed like a pipe dream as I didn’t know how I would actually do it. When the stars aligned and I had the opportunity, I decided it was now or never and I knew I would regret it if I

The idea was always there to set up my own business, but when I became accredited as an Insights Discovery practitioner, I knew I had to share this gift and had to tell as many people as I could about the power of Insights Discovery and how it can transform workplaces and their people.

Biggest challenges?

Everything that wasn’t designing and delivering training… marketing, business development, strategy…it’s all been a challenge, but I am getting there with the support of so many other amazing small business owners who want to help.

Benefits of the Chamber Start-Up club since you joined?

I have made so many new connections and friends. It is brilliant how the Chamber offer such a great opportunity to new businesses to get the knowledge that they really need at the beginning of their journey It is also very reassuring to chat to people who are in the same boat as you and are facing the same challenges even though their business could be wildly different to yours.

Business Name: Maira Azhar Photography

About you!

I’m a mum of two (+ a fur baby) based just outside of Chester. I moved to the UK with my husband from Qatar almost six years ago where I was working as a sustainability consultant. I love meeting new people, trying out new places to eat, and experiencing new adventures and holidays with my family.

Why?

What’s in a name?

Everything! My name means that I am the face of my brand.

About your business?

I help startups increase their visibility and create a high-quality professional brand identity to help stand out from the crowd and grow their business. I do this by creating a bank of on-brand images and graphics that the business owners can use across their digital marketing platforms.

Since having kids, my priorities have shifted and like many other women in business. I was looking for something where my hours were flexible and I could be my own boss. Bonus points if I could do something that sparked my creativity and passion for meeting new people (and boom! I found it and have never been happier! You can tell I’m an extrovert, right?!)

The light bulb moment!

I fell in love with brand photography when I was trying to grow my ecommerce business and realised how important good quality brand images were for my growth. Since I was already trained as a professional photographer (I had previously worked as a family photographer), I believe I could serve others better by helping them create a unique brand identity through professional brand shoots.

Who is your ideal client/customer?

Startups and solopreneurs who understand how important it is to be visible to their ideal clients, because they realise that people buy from people. They know that they can have the best product or service in the market but unless they show it to the world and are visible with high quality professional brand imagery, its only then they can spread the world and grow their business as it was meant to.

Best moment so far?

When I booked my first client I did a happy dance with my husband…I knew that this was my calling and I had finally found what I was meant to do.

Biggest challenges?

Time! I want to do so much more but have to remember that it’s not a race but a marathon.

Lessons learnt…

I have learned to be extremely detail oriented when I am engaging with my clients. I have to put it down on paper every time so that they understand what I will deliver and I am able to manage their expectations.

Philippa Fairbrother, Founder of Satori People Development.

Maira Azhar, Personal Brand Photographer

New Senior appointment to lead the Council’s ambitious Growth Plans

Hayley Owen is the newly appointed Head of Economic Growth for Cheshire West and Chester and will be responsible for regeneration, business growth, skills development and digital infrastructure across the Borough.

in its first few weeks of opening. Winsford has secured investment from the Government’s Future High Street Fund to improve the Town Centre and the recent success of the Levelling Up Fund for Ellesmere Port. UK Shared Prosperity Funding offers an exciting opportunity to support businesses and places to develop innovative programmes and projects across Cheshire West”.

Hayley added “The Council cannot do this alone and collaboration and engagement with our public and private sector partners will be key to delivering our programmes. In my previous role, I worked alongside a range of organisations including the Business Improvement Districts, Chambers of Commerce, FSB and Local Enterprise Partnership as well as the voluntary and community sector to ensure we worked together to support our businesses and communities to thrive.

restore people’s pride in the places where they live, and spread opportunity more equally.

The Council has successfully secured £13,378,478 to support the transformation of Ellesmere Port market hall and pedestrian links, as well as to help bring forward empty and underused sites for new housing. With the addition of Council funding, this represents a total investment of £14.8m. It was a very competitive process, with a strong case made for the need to invest in the town centre alongside the private sector-led investment in industry and housing in the wider area.

The programme will now look at unlocking new housing sites around Coronation Road and Civic Way, which will make it a more attractive area and help bring new footfall to the town centre and exciting plans for updating the market hall. This includes transforming the flea market into a flexible space for specialist markets and events, creating an entrepreneurial start-up space and importantly changing the fabric of the building so that it will be much more energy efficient and fit for the future: this includes new large windows to let the daylight flood in, new insulation, green walls and photovoltaic panels to generate clean energy.

Hayley previously led on Economic Growth at Shropshire Council delivering a range of programmes and schemes from town centre redevelopment, a county-wide business park programme to support businesses to grow and thrive and attract new business to locate and invest and strategic infrastructure investment. Before Shropshire Hayley worked for Wirral Council and the private sector.

Hayley said “I am really excited about the role and the opportunities that it brings as the Council continues to develop robust and ambitious plans to develop our key centres in Chester, Ellesmere Port, Winsford and Northwich alongside supporting small business and attracting new investment across the County.

The One City Plan for Chester was launched in November and shortly after the first phase of the Northgate scheme opened with a new market attracting over 300,000 visitors

Whilst Cheshire West and Chester has a relatively successful economy there are several challenges that need to be addressed including part-time work low wages, access to affordable housing and improving connectivity in the rural areas. The Council continues to implement a set of measures to support the inclusive growth agenda which will include improving basic skills, in work progression and connecting residents to opportunities created by the major regeneration schemes in the borough”.

Levelling Up Fund to spark transformational change

More than 100 projects across 111 areas in the UK have been awarded funding from the second of the government’s flagship Levelling Up Fund, providing greater investment in communities that will create new jobs, drive economic growth, help

It also includes providing new ‘changing place’ facilities for disabled customers and their carers. The plans will also improve pedestrian and cycle links. with secure bike storage to make it safer and easier to walk or cycle into the heart of the town centre.

The detailed plans are still at an early stage, and over the coming months, an architectural team will be appointed that will work closely with officers, market traders and residents to progress the plans.

The government has also confirmed there will be a further round of the Levelling Up Fund, providing more opportunities to level up places across the UK.

Further information:

Landmark Levelling Up Fund to spark transformational change across the UKGOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Transforming Ellesmere Port Town Centre | Cheshire West and Chester Council

n Hayley Owen is the newly appointed Head of Economic Growth for Cheshire West and Chester

Calls for more local produce in School Meals

At the beginning of a new year, Larder Cymru is calling on the public sector and schools in particular, to increase their use of Welsh produce in meals.

A Wales-wide project run by Menter Môn, it aims to put pressure on public sector bodies to review their food supplies and work with providers to increase local food and drink on offer.

The new campaign comes in the wake of a recent announcement of new procurement guidelines and resources by Vaughan Gething, Welsh Government Minister for the Economy. A practical support package, the guidelines promote more sustainable food and drink procurement whilst keeping within relevant rules and regulations.

Dafydd Jones the Menter Môn Food Projects Manager, said: “Our aim is to keep

the supply chain local, in order to keep the benefits local as well as protect jobs. We welcome the Government’s commitment to sustainability and ask public sector bodies to review how they purchase produce and to put more emphasis on regional food and drink.”

With the Welsh Government also committing to providing free school meals to all primary children by 2024, Dafydd recognises that there are further opportunities to promote local food. He added: “This is another chance for us to change policy and practice, and to secure more Welsh produce through shorter supply chains, specifically in schools. Larder Cymru lets us support food businesses to develop new supply contracts and take advantage

of this opportunity. Serving high quality, healthy local food is important, with a long list of positive impacts, including a healthy diet for children and tackling climate change through reduced food miles.”

Larder Cymru has been collaborating with one local authority in north Wales to explore the feasibility of increasing Welsh produce on school menus. Conwy County Borough Council is already serving Llaeth y Llan, Edwards of Conwy and Henllan Bakery produce and are working with their main supplier, Harlech Food Service, to see look at what more they can do.

Councillor Julie Fallon, Cabinet Member at Conwy Council with responsibility for Education, added: “This is an exciting partnership with Menter Môn through Larder Cymru – and positive news for the local food and drink sector as well as our school pupils. With the cost-of-living crisis making the headlines and putting pressure on families we are pleased that we can provide free school meals for foundationstage children. Ultimately, our goal is to give them the best possible start and the opportunity to reach their potential in terms of their education.”

A series of recipes that comply with Healthy Eating in Schools regulations has been developed by Larder Cymru with an emphasis on Welsh produce. The recipes are available to local authorities and to schools that are looking to introduce new menus and procure more sustainably.

Larder Cymru is funded by the Co-operation and Supply Chain Development Scheme through WEFO and the Welsh Government. Menter Môn is looking to have a positive impact on communities through this scheme and other innovative projects, by creating and providing opportunities for businesses and local people.

Andrew Barton Managing Director of Brownlow Furniture and Young Chamber Sponsor

WCNW: To begin, tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I grew up in Barnlsey, South Yorkshire, in a mining village, my dad was a factory worker making squash balls for Slazenger’s and mum in charge of quality at a small sewing workshop in the next village.

I attended a local comprehensive school where I met influential friends and teachers including, Holin Hammerton. A music teacher who threw out all the rules of the curriculum and concentrated on performing. I played piano and eventually became lead singer of a 24-piece big band that played every weekend in the region’s Working Mens Clubs.

I realised too late that music couldn’t be everything and I needed a backup plan after very poor exam results and so studied part-time in College in Business Studies for 4 years and then onto university for my degree and then finally achieve a Masters in HR at Leeds.

From University I worked for a Metal Stockage company called Aalco where I was given the responsibility of Quality Assurance and then moved to Slough to be their Customer Service Manager.

After Aalco, I decided I needed to change direction and was appointed to be a Management Consultant based in the heart

of London. The role of a Management Consultant is incredible. You are assigned projects based anywhere around the country and Europe (most of mine were up North as they said I spoke the language!!!) and you needed to develop a high degree of knowledge, perception, people skills and tenacity to succeed. All my projects were a minimum of 9 months so you embedded yourself in their traditions, norms and, at times, behaviours. Additionally, the variety of industries was amazing with change programmes delivered in the Manufacturing, Chemical, Food and Service sectors. This university of knowledge then and now shapes my day-to-day business and personal life.

WCNW: What attracted you to Brownlow Furniture?

In the beginning, Brownlow Furniture was a 2-week favour for my friend who came over to me in Kelsall School playground whilst waiting to pick up my son. I was now a freelance Management Consultant and just coming off projects with Kellogg’s and a cheese packing plant in Leek.

I explained to my friend that I helped businesses develop processes, systems, and their people to succeed. She asked if I would meet the business owner Rob Bennett and see if I could help. So, I did. Rob and I immediately hit it off and he appreciated a little help in understanding what was going on in his business and where he could improve. After a 2-week analysis, I offered to support further in implementing some of my recommendations for 4 months up to April 2012.

Things were very slowly starting to turn around but there was much more to do. I decided that I enjoyed the 5-minute commute from home and really felt I could make a difference to this business. So, I offered to buy in and provide some funds to support the business development and Rob was happy for me to come on board.

WCNW: Once you joined how did you get to start Change?

There were some fundamentals that needed to be done. We needed to optimise the processes and start to ensure all manufacturing sectors were always productive and efficient.

Secondly, we needed to communicate and engage with everyone status of the business. So daily briefings were set up to review how we did the previous day and what was planned that day. Everybody attended this meeting in the workshop first thing in the morning. On Friday this also included, and does today, a breakfast butty made on-site.

Thirdly, we needed to invest in the showroom and demonstrate the quality of work Brownlow’s skilled workforce produces. So, the showroom was ripped out with a new ‘high-end’ working kitchen installed. Some people left and some asked to leave. We all needed to be going in the same direction with the same set of values, skills and optimism.

One of the great successes today is the recruitment of Apprentices. Brownlow needed to develop a succession plan for an ageing workforce that had amazing skills and knowledge. As part of the HR strategy, Apprentices then and now have been critical to its success.

WCNW: What are your main responsibilities?

My responsibilities have changed over the years from the management of daily planning and operations, to now supporting the governance of the business through management of HR, HSE and financial systems. I also act as a brand ambassador for Brownlow at events and educational talks to schools in the area. Our growth and success are now being led through our Directors Hannah, Nick and of course Rob who, with their energy, passion and determination, drive the business forward.

WCNW: Who are your target audience and what is the main aim of the organisation?

The evolution of Brownlow has gone from a volume-driven-low-end furniture manufacturer to now an established creator of inspirational bespoke interiors. We design, manufacture, and install cabinetry in every room.

We also offer interior design products and services to ensure a complete solution. This has been a vision for a few years now and we are respected and acknowledged for being a leader in this sector. So, our customers are people who want to create, through collaboration, life fulfilling furniture.

WCNW: What projects are you currently working on?

We are presently working on a variety of projects based in the local area. From large-scale full house solutions including all cabinetry requirements and internal fittings to one-off kitchens and cabinetry. Our projects are bound by our passion for quality, customer service and unique designs.

WCNW: Looking ahead, what are your main aims for the organisation and how would you like it to develop?

Recently we invested in a CNC nesting machine, and we are now looking to expand our capabilities to engage with developers who need quality products for multi-occupancy projects. With our award-winning designers (Northern Design Awards 2022) and our cabinetry skills we know we can support this sector in the future.

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

I am at the stage of my career for sharing and guiding my work and personal life to support the growth and development of others. I actively support talks in schools, development of employees and apprentices at Brownlow and offer guidance to my other Directors when they are knee deep in business challenges. I, also, still need to learn and develop new skills and gain more knowledge. This being critical to driving my tenacious energy and enthusiasm for at work and life.

WCNW: What message would you give to other people in business?

Ask yourself ‘did I have a good day or a bad day?’. Good days can get better and bad days are a gift to set up improvement.

Also, always communicate and talk to others. A journey to success is based upon everyone working in the same direction and at the same pace. Here, at Brownlow, I believe we are achieving success through our collective effort to deliver beautiful furniture with pride and respectfully challenge where we can improve.

A WEB design agency celebrating 25 years in business has expanded after opening new offices.

Based at Hanover House in St Asaph, Designweb grew its team last year having secured a raft of clients in multiple sectors across the UK and overseas.

months and has put the company in a strong position moving into the Spring.

Paul is now looking to take the company to the next level.

“Approaching such a landmark anniversary gave us the impetus to reflect on our services and focus on how we can do even more for current and prospective clients,” said Paul.

response as we welcome new customers and strengthen the connections we have in place with some of the leading organisations in Wales, the UK and beyond.”

Director Paul Lyons, from Rhyl, has also developed the company’s offering to focus solely on the development, hosting, and support of WordPress websites, in addition to existing digital marketing services, including SEO and consultancy.

Collaborating with businesses including WCNW Chamber Strategic Member, Sales Geek North Wales – whose director Aaron Sussex has worked closely with Paul on the innovative strategy and growth of Designweb in past

“We have emerged from the pandemic with a clear vision and now concentrate on SME business websites using WordPress (and WooCommerce) given the expertise of our team and that is the most used application on the internet.”

He added: “Taking a step back with Aaron and the team has been a learning curve but incredibly useful and inspiring.

“Refreshing aspects of the business and the services we provide has been a breath of fresh air and is already receiving a positive

With customer service at the core of its plans, Designweb has won business in many different arenas over the last 25 years – including education, manufacturing, childcare, engineering, and hospitality – and Paul says their dedication has never shown signs of wavering.

“If anything, we are more determined than ever to go the extra mile,” he added.

“Whether it’s branding, web design, e-commerce, digital marketing and complementary services, we can give clients a unique end-to-end experience thanks to our talented and experienced team and our renewed focus on providing a fast, secure and reliable platform for hosting our clients’ websites.”

New Year – New Business and Office

At the end of 2022, Inspire by Sbarduno CIC was created by Director, Awen Ashworth. The company, set up and based at Pioneer House, delivers hands-on Science workshops for schools, community groups and the wider community.

Awen commented: ‘Starting Inspire by Sbarduno CIC has been on my agenda for a couple of years but has been delayed due to the pandemic. This time allowed me to develop additional workshops and also offer an online platform. As a consequence, “Sbarduno” has expanded across Wales, with workshops now being delivered to children from as young as 6 months old to adults – not just to schools as initially planned.’

The workshops allow attendees to engage in fun experiments, learn about the world around them, develop STEM and key skills, as well as develop an interest in Science,

with the possibility of a future career.

Awen has been running her sister company ‘Sbarduno’ successfully in Wales for nearly 4 years, delivering workshops to Nursery groups; schools and the community.

Sbarduno also runs successful Maths Academy for pupils during the school term, and a Science Academy in preparation for the Year 10 and 11 GCSE exams. It has also provided training for Primary school teachers as well as sessions for the Nursery group leaders and staff.

‘Having been a member of the WCNW Chamber since becoming self-employed, I have been very fortunate to attend many

networking meetings and having a base at Ellesmere Port will allow further connections and partnerships.’

Through the development of Inspire by Sbarduno CIC, Awen is really looking forward to supporting the Young Chambers during the upcoming months.

‘I am looking forward most to becoming a young chamber sponsor as delivering to schools and inspiring pupils in the world of science is what I am the most passionate about!’

n Paul Lyons (Right Centre) & Aaron Sussex (L) with two members of the Designweb team

24 Hours at The Open

Tell us about the Open’s rich history.

On 17 October 1860, eight professional golfers assembled at Prestwick for a tournament to determine who would be the Champion Golfer and receive the Challenge Belt. The competitors played three rounds of 12 holes, with Willie Park Snr. beating Old Tom Morris by two shots. A year later, Prestwick announced that the tournament should be open to all.

Today, The Open is still considered the place where reputations are built and history is made as the world’s top-ranking players battle it out for the title of Champion Golfer of the Year.

How long has Royal Liverpool participated in the Open?

This year, the 151st Open takes place at Royal Liverpool from 16-23 July, in Hoylake, Wirral, England. The Open was first hosted there in 1897, and legends like Bobby Jones, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy are among those who won the Claret Jug at Royal Liverpool.

Robert Chambers and George Morris laid out the original Hoylake nine-hole course, which was opened in 1869 and extended to 18 holes two years later. In 1871, the Club was granted its royal designation, thanks to the patronage of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught.

For the first seven years, the links land still performed its original function, doubling as a golf course and a horse racing track - indeed, echoes of this heritage can be found today in the names of the first and eighteenth holes, Course and Stand, while the original saddling bell still hangs in the clubhouse.

What’s new at Royal Liverpool’s links?

Tweaks throughout the course, with additional bunkering, harsher run-off areas in places, new tees, and an eye-catching new hole, will keep players on their toes this year.

Hoylake’s new 17th hole, ‘Little Eye’, is a stunning creation at just 140 yards, with an

These are all part of a day at The Open. Upon arrival, the first thing that typically strikes spectators is the sheer scale of this premier golf event. But as soon as you walk in, you’ll feel like you’re in the heart of it all.

The days start early with gates opening at 6:00 am on Day One with the first tee-off of Round One taking place shortly after. Spectators can watch the action from the grandstands located throughout the course, from one of the large screens at the Spectator Village with some food and drinks, or from a private balcony in one of the Origins Premium Experiences that are available.

The 151st Open promises to be a thrilling and competitive sporting spectacle, where Rory McIlroy will look to defend his title, having won The Open in 2014 when it was last played at Royal Liverpool. Can he keep the world-class field at bay to lift the Claret Jug on Championship Sunday? He will be up against the unpredictable elements of Links golf as well as some of the world’s top players such as Tiger Woods, Jon Rahm, Shane Lowry, Collin Morikawa and Jordan Spieth to name a few. The competition will undoubtedly be fierce.

infinity green on a par-3 that plays directly out towards the ocean.

The green is raised above the player, and the sea of bunkers and fall-off areas provide a striking scene. It is essential to hit the green, as any miss will leave a tricky up and down. Once on the green, the undulations are considerable, and making putts is not easy, nor is finding the right location with the tee shot.

What can spectators expect during a day spent at this year’s Championship?

Unrivalled golfing action. Guaranteed drama. An unforgettable atmosphere.

With play continuing well into the early evening, there are plenty of activities on offer to keep fans entertained including free 15-minute lessons with a PGA professional at The Open Swingzone. Overall, spectators can look forward to a world-class display of golf and hospitality.

Don’t miss your chance to soak up the spectacular on-course views and nail-biting atmosphere.

For more information visit The Open’s website www.theopen.com or to find out more about the premium experiences on offer, please contact Ross Campbell on RossCampbell@TheOpen.com or call +44 (0)1334 460090.

Anglesey entrepreneur is named ‘Entrepreneur For Good’ 2022:

Anglesey-based Frankie Hobro the owner and Director of Anglesey Sea Zoo has been recognised as one of this year’s most exceptional business leaders at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards Grand Final in November.

Frankie, the Owner and Director of Anglesey Sea Zoo & Marine Resource Centre limited won Entrepreneur for Good 2022.

The Anglesey Sea Zoo & Marine Resource Centre is an all-native marine aquarium with an entirely natural seawater supply directly from the Menai Strait. Frankie has transformed the business into a unique exclusively British aquarium, housing and specialising in captive breeding of endangered native species for reintroduction into the wild, including both species of endangered British seahorses and spiny lobsters. Frankie has become a sustainability and conservation champion by leading by example in positive environmental change, influencing the local and wider community, engaging the public and carrying out regular community beach cleans and voluntary marine animal rescue activities.

The programme, in partnership with Starling Bank, has recognised the UK’s most inspiring entrepreneurial success stories for a decade and developed a community-oriented network of alumni which grows year after year.

The ceremony was held at Grosvenor House in London and saw 1,400 entrepreneurs and colleagues join together to celebrate a collective £2 billion generated in turnover and over 17,000 jobs.

One of the judges, James Taylor, said: “Frankie has shown great resilience and passion to build her dream in her local community”.

This award is for making a positive difference,

leading by example and being an inspiration to others. It acknowledges the dedication and care that Frankie and her team have given to sustainability and environmental issues, not-for-profit work within their local community, conservation and animal rescue.

Frankie said: “I am extremely proud of this award as it isn’t just about profits, it is about making a positive difference to individuals, the community and the environment. Inspiring and encouraging others and leading by example have always been extremely important to me and it is wonderful that my long-term efforts in conservation work and sustainability are paying off”.

Flintshire primary schools open their doors to care for Foster Bear

Primary schools across Flintshire have welcomed Foster Bear into their classrooms, a new campaign launched by Foster Wales Flintshire to promote fostering.

The Foster Bear campaign aims to raise awareness of local authority fostering and

outline the urgency to recruit more foster carers in Flintshire.

Foster Bear is part of the fostering team and is joining primary schools across Flintshire to take part in daily activities with the children in class. Children in years 3 and 4 will be given the opportunity to take Foster Bear home for a weekend during which they will look after and care for the bear. They will also receive a Foster Bear Booklet full of fun activities to do in class and to record their weekend adventures.

The children’s families will also have the opportunity to participate in this campaign by sharing photos and stories on social media of how Foster Bear has adapted to life with their new family, using the hashtag #fosterbear.

Flintshire’s Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Social Services and Wellbeing, Councillor Christine Jones, said:

“It’s great to work with Foster Wales and local primary schools on this excellent initiative to encourage a greater understanding and awareness of the benefits of fostering.

I hope that the children will enjoy caring for Foster Bear and find the activities engaging.”

Ysgol Y Waun is one of the first schools to open their doors to Foster Bear, Louise Ankers, Headteacher said:

“We were privileged to launch this initiative at our school with visitors from Foster Wales, Flintshire Social Services and some of our Governors. Our children were very engaged during a whole school assembly where they shared their current knowledge about fostering, learnt new facts and asked very thought-provoking questions.”

n Frankie Hobro, the Owner and Director of Anglesey Sea Zoo

n Foster Bear has been welcomed into classrooms across Flintshire

BCC: Spring Budget must ease the squeeze

The BCC is calling on the Chancellor to use his Spring Budget to relieve cost and recruitment pressures on business. It follows the release of new research which reveals how low business confidence has fallen at the start of 2023.

Among the findings from the survey, of more than 1,000 firms, are:

n Two-thirds of businesses (65%) plan to raise prices due to cost pressures

n Almost half (47%) say paying energy bills will be difficult when the current business support package ends

n More than half (52%) are consistently

experiencing difficulties recruiting staff

n Concerns around regulation and taxation are regularly troubling a third of firms (30%)

The survey backs up findings from the BCC’s most recent Quarterly Economic Survey of more than 5,000 companies which found business confidence

remains at Covid-crisis levels.

It found that only one in three (34%) businesses believed their profits will increase over the coming year, and more (36%) expected a decline. While a quarter of firms reported a decrease in sales in the last quarter of 2022, with hospitality firms the least likely to report improvements.

Commenting on the findings, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:

“This snapshot of the state of play for business at the start of 2023 sets out exactly why the Chancellor must act in his budget to fuel investment in the UK.

“We know we have a tough year ahead. With costs piling up on their doorsteps and so much uncertainty on Government policies, there is currently little incentive for firms to risk either their dwindling cash reserves or fresh loans on new projects.

action on childcare, energy costs, green funding and Solvency II, then the future could soon look a lot rosier and greener.”

The BCC has set out four key areas where the Chancellor must act in the budget if businesses are to make headway in bolstering the economy in 2023.

These are:

remove the upfront financial squeeze they face.

n Setting a framework for Solvency II investment that helps direct funds to SMEs where they can have the most impact, leveraging the opportunities of green innovation.

n Funding to help businesses become greener and more energy efficient.

“Firms know that the UK’s finances are tight, but the Chancellor needs to show more faith in the ability and talent of our businesses.

“If they can see the Government is prepared to invest in them, by taking

n Unlocking talent and easing pressure in the labour market by making childcare more affordable for cashstrapped parents and guardians.

n Boosting the UK’s start-ups by further reforming the business rates system to

The BCC’s four non-negotiables form part of its wider budget submission to the Treasury. It contains a list of 24 recommendations for the Chancellor that could create the conditions businesses need to power the UK’s economic recovery. Join

*QBR = Quarterly Business Report - A significant economic indicator for West Cheshire and North Wales and contributes to the largest independent business survey in the UK.

We are delighted to bring back our ‘face to face’ QBR Breakfast Briefing, sponsored by PageGroup - Global Leads in Recruitment and Employment.

Join us for an insight into the economic landscape of West Cheshire & North Wales and the UK as a whole.

The highly respected Quarterly Business Report monitors key economic indicators across the West Cheshire & North Wales region, this networking session gives you our latest update. It will also be a great opportunity to connect with fellow business leaders and discuss the UK’s economic climate.

Our sponsor, PageGroup, will be sharing their economic insights and we will also hear from Stuart Morrison, Policy and Research Executive at British Chambers of Commerce, who will be sharing findings from the BCC’s latest research.

We very much look forward to seeing you at this informative networking event. To book your place please visit the Chamber website via the QR code on this page.

The International Trade Forum Returns!

The West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce’s International Trade Forum has been relaunched with the first session having taken place on 2nd March in Ellesmere Port.

The aim of the forum is to give businesses involved in international trade the opportunity to come together, network, share best practice and to also hear updates on key topics along the way.

The first session, sponsored by Innovate UK EDGE, focussed on the theme: Innovation

+ Export = Growth. A formula for success.

Innovation is the act of harnessing creativity within a business and using this to commercialise new products, services and processes. Companies embracing innovation are more likely to develop a stronger competitive edge, and as a result of this, will be able to penetrate new markets both at home and abroad.

Companies thinking of, or already engaged in, international trade can benefit from innovation as a way to help

to grow their business - and ultimately increase profits. Innovation helps firms stay ahead of the competition, and also helps take advantage of new technologies and industry developments.

The event saw businesses from across the region attend with opportunity to enjoy breakfast and connect with other in attendance before hearing from the speakers at the event.

Dr Angela Smith, Team Leader North West at Innovate UK Edge, spoke about the work she does with SMEs in the area especially those looking at applying for grant funding or operating in the biotechnology sector. Angela helps them avoid mistakes and take their innovations to commercialisation.

“It’s great to have the chance to talk to innovative companies, share experience and expertise and help them to take their

innovations and their businesses to where they want to be, literally and figuratively,” said Dr Angela.

Following the presentations, there was further time for businesses to connect with each other and network before the event came to a close.

Hayley Gray, Export Documentation Manager/Customs Agent at the WCNW Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the return of the International Trade Forum saying “It was brilliant to see so many businesses at our first forum of the year! The forum is all about giving those involved in international trade a place to exchange ideas, tips and best practice whilst also hearing from industry experts and local business success stories.

“Whether you’re a novice or experienced; this forum will give you some ‘tools and tips’ to support your ambition to trade globally, so come along to our next event on 24th May!”

For more information about the International Trade Forum and to book onto our next event, scan the QR code on this page.

nThe presenters and organisers of the first International Trade Forum

Get Hot on International Trade with our new Hot Topic briefings!

Following the success of our previous suites of industry briefings, the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce is pleased to

announce a whole new series of International Trade briefings for 2023!

Covering current Hot Topics including Rules of Origin, Single Trade Windows and Export Controls, these one-hour online sessions will broaden the knowledge of attendees in topics that are crucial to understand when trading internationally. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask those allimportant questions in a Q&A session with expert course deliverer Becky Stark from Stark Export Focus.

Hayley Gray, Export Documentation Manager and Customs Officer at the Chamber, commented the following about the upcoming Hot Topics: “When exporting or importing it is imperative that you possess a good understanding of the many different areas that are so crucial to a successful international trade transaction. These Hot Topic briefings are a quick, free way for you to learn new information and brush up on existing knowledge. Don’t miss out!”

On the 14th February we launched the first of these brand-new exciting briefings as we covered everything Export Controls and Tariffs, including licenses, dual use goods and customs compliance. The event was a great success as we were joined by over 25 people who thoroughly benefitted from the expert knowledge and vital Q & A session.

Our upcoming sessions will take place at 9:30am on Zoom every two-months.

To ensure topics are current and reflect emerging issues, the theme of each session will be published on a rolling basis closer to the time of the event. Our upcoming confirmed topics are:

n 19th April: Rules of Origin.

n 14th June: Single Trade Window.

To find out more about these free briefings and to book your place please visit the events page on our website https:portal. wcnwchamber.org.uk/events.html or email internationaltrade@wcnwchamber.org.uk.

Chamber’s upcoming International Trade Training Course Dates

an additional date for Introduction to Exporting on the 3rd May.

There are a total of nine accredited courses covering a whole host of topics and with new dates now on our website for later this year, you can make sure that you are fully trained in the most important areas of international trade.

Visit our website or email internationaltrade@wcnwchamber.org.uk to find out more.

Are you ready to say a final goodbye to CHIEF? And a warm hello to the full use of CDS?

Our British Chambers of Commerce accredited International Trade Training Courses give delegates a clear understanding of the key areas that underpin the world of International Trade. These courses run twice a year and there are still a few spaces left on the remaining three sessions from this set of courses taking place over the next few weeks. These are:

n 22nd March: BCC Customs Procedures and Documentation.

n 29th March: BCC Understanding Rules of Origin.

n 5th April: BCC Customs Special Procedures.

We are also delighted to announce that due to popular demand we are holding

In September 2022, the first phase of the transition from CHIEF to CDS began as all import declarations for goods coming into the UK had to be declared on the brandnew Customs Declaration Service (CDS) system.

Now it’s nearly time for the next phase as CHIEF closes its doors after 30 years of service and a full switch is made on 31st March when all import AND export declarations must be declared on the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).

If you haven’t already registered to use CDS, please email internationaltrade@ wcnwchamber.org.uk to learn more about the steps that you need to take to be prepared for a full switch over.

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Action on Net Zero held back by lack of understanding

A BCC survey of more than 1,000 businesses, of which 96% are SMEs, has found that 9 out of 10 don’t fully understand what the Government’s target of making the UK Net Zero by 2050 means for them.

But there is a substantial divide between firms with more than 50 employees and those with fewer than 50, in terms of understanding and progress.

A total of 56% of the bigger firms have a ‘complete’ or ‘some understanding’ of the Net Zero target, compared to just 35% of the smaller ones.

Almost twice as many firms with more than 50 employees (36%) have developed a plan for reaching Net Zero compared to those with fewer than 50 (19%).

The research also showed that planning for the future skills needed to help businesses make the transition to greener and more sustainable operations has taken a backseat. Fewer than one in 20 firms (4%) have carried out a written assessment of the green jobs or skills they will need in-house over the next 10 years.

One in five businesses (21%) also think that, on balance, green technology will decrease the productivity of their company, whereas 10% think it will provide a boost.

Firms with a negative view of making improvements said they were worried about the extra costs or time required in adopting green technology.

For instance, a small retailer in Norfolk said: “Electric Vans have too limited a range to be effective for us, meaning we will have to waste time to re-charge during delivery rounds, reducing productivity.”

Whereas those who had embraced changes cited cost savings and improved efficiency, with a micro information and comms firm in Herefordshire saying: “Over the last 18 months we have changed the majority of our lighting to LED, and as a result have achieved a net saving of over £1,000 per annum even after the cost of [installation] is taken into account.”

The survey also revealed many firms are using new technology or adopting greener policies even if their overall understanding of reaching Net Zero is incomplete.

The research showed that:

n More than two thirds of SMEs (69%) have installed LED lighting

n More than a third (34%) are investing in greener vehicles

n Just under a third (30%) are using solar panels

n Almost half (46%) are using recycling and waste management strategies

n Over a quarter (28%) use renewable energy providers or tariffs

n Two out of five SMEs (42%) thinking about Net Zero will speak to Chambers of Commerce and almost a fifth (19%) to their banks, lawyers or accountants.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:

“The cost-of-living crisis means many smaller firms are focussed on keeping their heads above water. So, it is perhaps no surprise that researching and planning for Net Zero has slipped down the list of strategic priorities.

“But if the UK is to stand a chance of hitting its 2050 Net Zero target, then businesses must

be put at the heart of the strategy to do that. They will provide one of the biggest dents in CO2 emissions by making the transition.

“Yet, there is a real danger that smaller businesses will get left behind unless politicians, banks and business leaders come together to galvanise action.

“Many chambers are working with their members to help them develop their plans to become carbon neutral. And this research shows that businesses are turning to Chambers and their banks for advice.

“We have a position of responsibility here and it is up to us to use our influence to improve awareness of the benefits of becoming more energy efficient and how to do it.

“Clarity and certainty will drive confidence to invest. As it stands, it is alarming that a sizeable number of firms think investing in green tech will damage their productivity.

“Our work with Lloyds Bank will help pinpoint the main drag factors holding companies back and then set out in clear terms what business and the financial sector can do to change the dynamics.”

Insight Into FI Real Estate Management

Wrexham has a diverse and rich industry. If we help nurture this, we support economic prosperity, business growth and job creation.

responding with a high-quality property that allows them to operate efficiently, innovate and grow.

Leading the Industrial Boom in North Wales and West Cheshire

With the recent completion of a brand new £30m business park in Winnington and with investment at Wrexham Industrial Estate now reaching £165m, with further investment planned of £145m, FI Real Estate Management (FIREM) is reinventing the regional commercial market, creating over 2.5 million sq ft of high-quality space for businesses to thrive. The company’s founder and managing director, Tim Knowles, shares his thoughts on the regional market and unlocking its growth potential.

“Wrexham is a city on the rise, and it has without a doubt been given a new lease of life thanks to the global spotlight on Wrexham AFC. But the potential of this incredible city was there to see long before the arrival of the club’s new Hollywood owners. At FIREM we are very proud to be one of Wrexham’s largest landowners, and our true passion is in using this privileged position to raise the bar for businesses looking to relocate, expand and grow here.

“We bought our first portfolio in Wrexham in 2005, and in the years since, we have grown to 1.3m sq ft of property assets with a development pipeline of 1.9m sq ft; last year alone we completed three new industrial sites at Wrexham Industrial Estate totalling approximately 105,000 sq ft. With a further two new sites to be built at Wrexham Industrial Estate this year, our commitment here is as strong as ever, but we are only one piece of the puzzle. Investment in our estate is about much more than our assets;

“We have purchased a further 120 acres of land over the past 12 months, at Wrexham Industrial Estate and I’m really excited about the potential we can unlock here. Heavy industry may be in Wrexham’s past but the estate is home to high-tech manufacturing, biotechnology, food, automotive and engineering, and by developing highquality commercial space, we will attract new industries to North Wales. Wrexham has so much to offer, not least of which is its excellent connectivity. Businesses want to be here, and they want and deserve a commercial market that meets their needs. We are very proud to be leading the charge on that front.”

A new flagship business park for Northwich

“Wrexham may be in the spotlight, but in terms of its potential for businesses to thrive, it most certainly isn’t alone. Just over the border in West Cheshire, we recently launched Winnington Business Park, another jewel in the crown of our property portfolio. This new £30m business park was a special project for all involved because we took it from land acquisition to design and construction through a real period of change due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This is where listening to businesses is absolutely vital. A big part of our process is understanding what businesses need and

“At Winnington Business Park we have created 51 new industrial units across 7.5 acres with a mix of start-up, industrial and trade spaces with individual units ranging in size from 785 to 6,240 sq ft. We were 30% pre-let when we launched and the interest at Winnington has proven that there is a growing demand for high-quality commercial space locally and regionally.

“More and more businesses want their landlord to offer flexibility and solutions, anything that will help them get off the ground and make their lives easier. For one of our tenants at Winnington Business Park, we have delivered a bespoke fit-out, and this is where we can really add value. Our commitment is to boost businesses by giving them the perfect space that suits their needs. Sometimes that means a flexible lease arrangement; it could mean helping them to expand by adapting their space or perhaps helping them with their utility connections. If something is important to our tenants, then it is important to us.”

For more information about FIREM’s property portfolio, including available space at Wrexham Industrial Estate and Winnington Business Park, please visit https://fi-rem.com/ or contact the business development team on 0845 500 6161.

FIREM have purchased 120 acres of land over the past 12 months at Wrexham Industrial Estate

Tim Knowles, Founder and Managing Director of FI Real Estate Management

LJLA recognised as a Gold Investor in People

are positive about their work and proud to work for the airport.

LJLA directly employs just over 200 staff across a number of disciplines including, operations, fire and rescue service, engineering, air traffic control and administration.

Carol Dutton, Liverpool John Lennon Airport’s HR and Community Director commented, “On behalf of the Airport we are delighted to have achieved the We invest in people gold accreditation. This is a testament once again to all the hard work of colleagues from across all departments and demonstrates how our staff are involved in supporting each other and doing their best to make working here better for everyone.”

After winning awards and high praise for how it looks after its passengers over the past 12 months, Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) has started 2023 with another award – but this time for being a great company to work for, having now received the We Invest In People Gold Accreditation award.

Investors in People is the international standard for people management, defining what it takes to lead, support and manage people effectively to achieve sustainable results, enabling organisations to benchmark against the best in the business on an international scale.

Having previously achieved the Silver accreditation in 2019, the Airport Company has continued to improve how it develops and supports its employees. This latest Gold accreditation recognises this further progress and that LJLA has an engaged workforce who

Ande Macpherson from Investors In People added, “Liverpool John Lennon Airport has shown a real commitment to improving the culture in the business over recent years. Despite all the challenges for this industry, leaders took bold decisions to prioritise people through the pandemic. It was clear that this approach and the established people and cultural practices are paying dividends. This is a business which people are proud to work at –as one staff member said to me “I feel like I’ve won the lottery by working here.”

Local professional training provider receive all important CIPS accreditation

Local professional training provider S.L. Procurement Solutions Limited has been granted Study Centre approval as part of the company’s 5-year growth plan.

S.L. Procurement Solutions Limited is a training company delivering Procurement and Supply chain training for professionals who want to gain their CIPS qualifications.

The training provider decided to apply for approval with CIPS – and now have the accredited stamp of approval for the delivery of CIPS qualifications, and hosting exams for their learners.

The company have been working in the region since their inception in 2019 and has seen vast growth in the region with a huge need for learners wanting to study at the centre.

The approval means that the training company, which delivers modular CIPS training courses in the region have now got plans to develop satellite centres at its multiple classroom sites across the UK.

Stephen Lovatt, Director of S.L. Procurement Solutions Limited said, ‘We do so much work with professionals and businesses in this region. Not only the modular CIPS courses for learners but moreover there’s a huge demand for procurement and supply chain consultancy work, with much focus on sustainability, the cost of living and recession. It’s imperative that businesses and their dedicated professionals are equipped with all the knowledge and skills to navigate these really difficult times. As a CIPS-approved centre, we are now able to bring our classrooms sessions that seal of approval from CIPS.’

Stephen continued ‘We set this achievement as part of the 5-year business plan and so it’s a real delight to see it come to fruition for us as a team. We are now setting our sights on approval for all our classrooms across the UK’.

This means that the training company are now listed as an approved provider of CIPS qualifications at:

n Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply

n Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply

n Level 6 Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply

‘We are excited to get started with our new accreditation and to welcome even more learners throughout the region’ Stephen added.

LJLA recognised as a Gold Investor in People

S.L. Procurement Solutions Limited receive CIPS accreditation

Cheshire Geoenergy Observatory construction heats up

The UK Geoenergy Observatory in Cheshire is taking shape: seven of its 21 boreholes are complete and its on-site laboratory is already sampling cores and compiling data.

The Cheshire Observatory, located in the University of Chester’s Thornton Science Park, will provide scientists with at-scale test facilities that can be used to optimise and de-risk a range of subsurface energy technologies, including geothermal energy.

It’s one of two observatories being built as part of the £31 million UK Geoenergy Observatories project led by the British Geological Survey (BGS); the other is in Glasgow.

Construction is being carried out by AECOM, who arrived on site in July 2022. The observatory should be complete and fully operational by late 2023

100m boreholes give unprecedented look below ground

The 21 boreholes at the Cheshire Observatory will provide a variety of functions for scientists and researchers.

Rachel Dearden from BGS, project manager at UK Geoenergy Observatories, explained what’s been installed so far.

“We’ve installed seven boreholes and the eighth is underway.

“The first borehole drilled was in the centre of the borehole array and gave us an opportunity to take core samples ahead of any further drilling.

“Then we moved onto one of our multilevel sampler boreholes, which allow us to sample groundwater in the aquifer at different depths. That’s important so that we can understand how groundwater chemistry varies with depth. Also, when we start heating or cooling the aquifer, we can track how the chemistry changes.

“We then drilled and installed four boreholes with sensor strings that will monitor temperature and electrical resistivity at high resolution.”

The most technicallychallenging borehole for the team so far was the multilevel sampler borehole. This involved threading eight water sampling tubes and wires through 50 mm tubing before lowering the tubing into the ground, all while

attaching multiple fibre optic and resistivity sensor cables. The borehole was backfilled with repeating layers of gravel, sand and bentonite, a task that took a number of days.

Dearden explained: “Our next task is to install the ground source heat boreholes, which will allow us to heat and cool the ground. The boreholes will be installed with a 100 m deep U-tube, through which fluid will pass down one limb and up the other, to heat or cool the rock. Fluid will pass through the U-tube, heating or cooling the rock.

“We designed this borehole so that we can measure the temperature at every point along this U-tube. To do this we set AECOM and Silixa the challenge of threading a 200 m long fibre optic cable down one limb of the U-tube, round the bend, and back up the other side. Installing this was quite a challenge, but successful! Once all the boreholes are installed, the temperature change created by these boreholes will be measured by sensors in the other boreholes allowing us to see how the heat plume moves through the aquifer.

On-site scientific testing

The Cheshire Observatory is already providing data from the 100 m deep borehole drilled during the ground investigation stage, which is available to researchers on the project website (www.ukgeos.ac.uk). More data will be released in due course.

British Geological Survey scientists work in the on-site laboratory to examine and catalogue the cores of aquifer material recovered during the drilling process.

Dearden said: “We want to characterise the core in immense detail. We sample it as it comes out of the ground so that the properties measured are as close as possible to those in the ground. The on-site laboratory can sample the rock for its microbiology and geochemistry, and then it goes to BGS headquarters to our Core Scanning Facility.

Borehole with heat exchanger installed prior to surface completion works.

Complex operation

The Cheshire Observatory is a complex, atscale research facility that will provide scientists, researchers and developers with the data that will help de-risk geoenergy technology.

The boreholes are just one piece of the puzzle.

“On the surface, pipes and cables will connect the boreholes to a heat centre and a data centre. Using this infrastructure, which was designed by scientists in collaboration with Ramboll, we will be able to modify groundwater flow and create thermal plumes in the aquifer, which can be monitored by the hundreds of sensors installed below ground.

The Cheshire Observatory is one of two facilities being delivered as part of the £31 million UK Geoenergy Observatory programme. The Glasgow Observatory is already operational and provides open-access data for scientists and researchers around the world.

To find out more about the Cheshire Observatory, visit www.ukgeos.ac.uk or contact ukgeosenquiries@bgs.ac.uk.

The first borehole drilled was in the centre of the borehole array and gave us an opportunity to take core samples ahead of any further drilling.

- Rachel Dearden

Ground source heat borehole in progress. The yellow cable is a fibre optic cable, the black cable includes resistivity sensors and the black pipes are the limbs of the U-tube.

A Covid Success Story

After only two and a half years, AlphaStor has grown from ground zero to a turnover of £1m, by supplying and installing pallet racking and shelving systems to warehouses across the North West and the Midlands. This is not a new concept, nor is it a new product. On the face of it they aren’t doing anything ‘new’ at all. So, what happened?

Brendan, the founder of the company, has been working in the industry since 2003. He has worked his way through the ranks of one of the biggest racking manufacturers in Europe, by selling pallet racking systems in multi million pound transactions. Even before the pandemic, and any sort of lockdown, he was becoming increasingly frustrated with red tape, and the inability to respond to his customers’ needs. Brendan comments: For me the most important quality in business is to ‘do what you say you’re going to do’. We all get judged on our actions, not on our intentions.

It became clear to Brendan that in order to be able to maintain this stance in the marketplace, he had to have complete control of the process. In doing so, Brendan resigned from his employer during the first Covid Lockdown and set up AlphaStor in August 2020. But being subject to a noncompete clause, and being a brand new company, how do you compete with one of the biggest manufacturers in Europe? The answer is you don’t.

Brendan continues the story: I made the promise to myself and my previous employer that I would not approach any of my previous clients. My thoughts were also that there was no way that I could compete with a manufacturer, selling directly to a client. While we are also buying from the same manufacturer and selling on – it turns out I was wrong on that one.

My business model was to stay local, within one hours drive of my home in Chester, to approach smaller, local companies, and to forge relationships with local Industrial Estate Agents. To offer a high level of service from repairs and racking inspections to full installations. As well as offering guidance and additional support throughout the process to make our clients experience is as smooth as possible.

My goal was to find and build relations with clients that would stay for the long term rather than one off projects. So, I took the approach of doing the smaller jobs that my competitors weren’t interested in, such as damage repairs and reconfiguration works.

Throughout the 20 years of experience in this industry I have gained knowledge of high level, large projects. This has allowed me to pass on that knowledge to smaller clients who often make do and mend.

We also work with some of the local Commercial Estate Agents and do free racking layout drawings. This can make it easier for them sell or let their warehouses. This service has been a great success for us and led to us winning several projects.

We have now expanded our geographical area to the Midlands and are still looking for clients that we can work with on a long term basis. If we can start small, and help them to grow, it normally leads to a long term relationship that benefits us both.

Pallet racking is often over simplified. ‘It’s just a big version of Meccano – how hard can it be?’ is a phrase that I hear regularly. In its most basic form, this is true. However, if you want the most efficient use of you space, do you just want to put up the cheapest thing that you can find, and store 500 pallets of stock? Or would you rather get AlphaStor to look plan it properly, and store 800 pallets of stock, in exactly the same space and probably at a lower cost per pallet space?

The issue is that when someone moves into a new warehouse they always think ‘we will never fill this’. This results in them not putting much effort into being space efficient at the beginning, which inevitably catches them up later. We will always work with our clients to show them how to be space efficient from the outset, and how they can add to the racking system as they need it. It doesn’t all have to be done in one go, as long as it is planned

properly. We have devised an Infinity Loop which shows all of the stages that a client is likely to go through with their storage system, and how AlphaStor can help along the way. Now I have had the time to take a step back, I took the decision to join the Chamber of Commerce. Although the idea of being a business leader is still new to me, I know firsthand what a lonely place it is, and I think this is a great opportunity to network in my local area.

It will also allow me to listen to and learn from other people in a similar position, and if I can, to help and support others. I am particularly interested in getting involved with the Young Chamber as I wish I had the opportunity at a young age to learn the basic mechanics of business. That way, I may have taken the AlphaStor leap a lot sooner.

From a business point of view, I am hoping to be able to meet businesses of any size, who have a storage requirement, and may need my help improve their space efficiency. This is something that I am happy to do for Chamber members with no cost or obligation.

I look forward to meeting and working with the members of the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce, and can hopefully contribute something to the Chamber and to the region we are in.

QA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF)

• 1 day course

• Certificate valid for 3 years

• Ofqual regulated

Is your Workplace Prepared?

Did you know that an estimated 441,000 workers in Britain sustained an injury at work in 2021/22?

The QA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF) qualification is designed for individuals who wish to act as an emergency first aider in their workplace. Upon successful completion of this qualification, candidates will be equipped with the essential skills needed to give safe, prompt and effective first aid in emergency situations.

• Ofqual regulated.

• Certificate valid 3 years.

Emergency First Aid – 1 day course

At your venue - £450.00 plus travel expenses, for up to 12 people

At Richmond Training - £90.00 per head

Contact us on: 01244 344 322 https://richmondtraining.org/ enquiries@richmondtraining.org

‘Creating a Mindful Culture in the Workplace’

Corporate Mindfulness Programmes with Samantha

The interactive workshops include:

• The neuroscience supporting mindfulness and emotional intelligence.

• The role of attention training in enhancing focus and developing empathy.

• Foundational exercises to focus attention, calm the mind and enhance connection and compassion.

“Our workplace should be a place that not only protects the safety and wellbeing of employees but also provides them opportunities for better long-term health and growth.’ Mindfulness

Book a discovery call info@innerartmindfulness.com www.innerartmindfulness.com

As training providers, we work with organisations of all sizes to deliver workplace mental health awareness workshops.

Each year approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health condition and at least 1 in 6 employees experience common mental health problems in the workplace.

Research has shown that work is the biggest cause of stress which can stop people performing at their best.

Mental health conditions are often hidden due to stigma and fear of discrimination and research has shown that a culture of fear and silence around mental health is costly to employers.

Here at Inspiring Your Future we offer a range of Mental Health First Aid Qualifications for organisations to empower themselves and their employees and help them to understand mental health better and reduce the stigma around it.

We offer;

FAA LEVEL 1 AWARD IN AWARENESS OF FIRST AID FOR MENTAL HEALTH (RQF) (1/2 day)

FAA LEVEL 2 AWARD IN FIRST AID FOR MENTAL HEALTH (RQF) (1 day)

FAA LEVEL 3 AWARD IN SUPERVISING FIRST AID FOR MENTAL HEALTH (RQF) (2 days)

FAA LEVEL 2 AWARD IN FIRST AID FOR YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH (RQF) (1 day) We can deliver on-line or on site, whatever your business needs.

Pricing for courses.

½ day £80 per delegate

Full day £150 per delegate

2 days £250 per delegate

Until 30th April we are offering 25% off if booking more than 10 delegates onto any course. The qualification is valid for 3 years and will count towards CPD. To enquire or book please email info@inspiringyourfuture.org.uk Quoting code APR25 www.inspiringyourfuture.org.uk

• Working

logistics projects and management

medium size

energize their supply chains to work for them, with military precision

is for everyone!”

YOUR FUTURE is a community interest company with people’s mental health at the heart of everything we do.

Imposter Syndrome –10 top tips to banish it for good!!

Have you ever felt unworthy of the position you’re in? Like someone is going to “find you out” and expose you as a fraud?

Around 75% of us experience imposter syndrome. When a new promotion began causing a client of mine called Claire daily stress, anxiety and feelings of panic, she knew it was time to seek support.

“I was feeling almost constantly panicky and like such a failure, I would recommend seeking support to anyone, thank you Cat” Claire Murray

Claire and I explored what the ‘root cause’ of her feelings could be, as well as working through these 10 top tips:

1. Feelings are not facts

Just because you might feel stupid at times it doesn’t mean you are. No one likes making mistakes, but the only difference between a person with ‘imposter syndrome’ and someone who doesn’t have it, is their thoughts. You could call yourself a ‘failure’ or you could think like Michael Jordan and say “I’ve failed over and over and over again and that is why I succeed”

2. Reframing is key.

‘Reframing’ means looking from more than one perspective. Claire would say “I can’t speak up in meetings, everyone is better than me” but another perspective is, so what! A person without imposter syndrome knows that no one is good at everything, we are all equal but different and Claire had simply found an area she could develop, not evidence that she was an imposter.

3. Banish shame by talking about it.

Feelings of shame keep us silent, and this makes things worse. The fact that most of us feel like an imposter sometimes makes us human, and when we share how we feel the load is lightened and becomes much more easily managed

4. Recognise your strengths

Claire is a natural thinker and introvert, but she wasn’t acknowledging these as strengths. She learnt to celebrate her qualities and also find the right people to help her develop.

Learn to LET IN kind words by simply saying “thank you” and LET GO of the negative inner voice by saying to yourself “I don’t think like that anymore”.

10. Feel the fear and do it anyway.

5.

Stop strengths going into ‘overdrive’.

Claire is naturally a detail-orientated person, but in overdrive, this is perfectionism, which can be damaging. Through increased self-awareness, Claire was able to find the right balance so that she didn’t ‘get in her own way’.6. Write your own rules.

If you’ve been working under rules such as “I should always know the answer” or “I mustn’t rely on others” then it’s time for an update! We explored where these unconscious limiting beliefs had come from in Claire’s past and she changed them to be supportive mantras that she actually wanted and believed!

7. Choose your own story

Become aware of the conversation going on in your head when you’re in a situation that triggers your imposter feelings. You might be thinking “everyone else is brilliant, they’re going to find me out” but a better and more helpful story would be “I’m bound to find it hard at the beginning, I’m going to learn so much!”

8. Visualise success

Do what professional athletes do and visualise what you want so that your mind has no choice but to move towards it, e.g. visualise speaking confidently and being successful and it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

9.

Celebrate your wins

How many times has someone complimented you and you’ve dismissed it with words such as “don’t be silly it was nothing”. When we do this we are implying the other person is such a total idiot that they would pay us a compliment or thank us!

Our body doesn’t know the difference between fear and excitement. When you feel ‘butterflies’ or ‘stress’ it is just your body getting ready. Claire’s favourite mantra, which transformed her imposter syndrome was to say, “these butterflies mean I’m excited and full of anticipation to show what I can do”, she then went out and did exactly that, and so can you!

If you would like a no-obligation chat if you have any questions please get in touch.

Cat Williams, Rapid Transformational Therapist & Speaker

NEW MEMBERS Welcome to WCNW Chamber of Commerce

Adjuto

Hill Stream

Penmaen Park

Llanfairfechan

Conwy

Conwy County Borough

LL33 0RN

07710 928886

AlphaStor Ltd

The Old Rectory St. Mary’s Hill

Chester

Cheshire

CH1 2DW

07798 944076

http://alphastor.co.uk

Atlas Coaching & Consultancy ltd

07793 809083

http://www.atlascoachinguk.co.uk

Barclays Bank

273

High Street

Bangor

Gwynedd

LL57 1UE

07788 358103

http://www.barclays.co.uk

Barclays Bank Plc

30 St Werburgh Street

Chester

Cheshire

CH1 2DY

03332 027455

http://www.barclays.co.uk

Bloci Ltd

Wrexham Enterprise Hub

11-13 Rhosddu Road

Wrexham

Wrexham County Borough

LL11 1AT

01978 437040

https://bloci.io/#about

Capital Options

Groesffordd

Tremeirchion

St Asaph

Denbighshire

LL17 0UN

03339 398405

https://www.capitaloptions.co.uk/

CFG Growth - Lead Generation Specialists

Unit 2a Rosehill Offices

Erbistock

Wrexham

Wrexham County Borough

LL13 0DE

07716 598890

https://cfggrowth.co.uk

CognitvExplorer

07772 706807

https://www.cognitvexplorer.co.uk/

Complete Education Solutions

Hooton Farm House

Hooton Road, Hooton

Cheshire

CH66 1QU 01512 452754

https://completeeducationsolutions.uk/

Darwin Gray LLP

InTec

Ffordd y Parc

Parc Menai

Bangor

Gwynedd

LL57 4FG

02920 829100

https://www.darwingray.com/

Designweb

Hanover Business Centre

The Roe

St. Asaph

Denbighshire

LL17 0LT

01745 508588

https://designweb.co.uk

Eden Rainsford Retail Partnerships Ltd

C/o McEwan Wallace

6 Abbots Quay

Birkenhead

Merseyside

CH41 5LH

07985 043616

Flavell Wealth Management Ltd

0151 2248700

http://www.flavellwm.co.uk

Industry Chester Coworking

1 Overleigh Road

Handbridge

Chester

Cheshire

CH4 7HL

01244 455285

https://www.industrychester.co.uk/

Inner Art Mindfulness

The Industry

1 Overleigh Road

Handbridge

Chester

Cheshire

CH4 7HL

07935 164648

https://www.innerartmindfulness.com

Interalia Marketing Ltd

07740 611843

http://www.interalia-marketing.co.uk

iPET Network

71 Clifton Drive

Leftwich

Northwich

Cheshire

CW9 8BQ

08004 334700

https://www.ipetnetwork.co.uk/

John Naish Chartered Building Surveyor

Regus House

Herons Way

Chester Business Park

Chester Cheshire

CH4 9QR

01492 596498

http:/www.johnnaish.co.uk

Mandy Sinclair Coaching and Development

07985 558707

https://www.mebestlife.co.uk

Marketing PRojects

Projects House

Skips Lane

Chester

Cheshire

CH3 7BE

01244 330000

http://www.marketingprojects.co.uk

Mid Cheshire Mind

1A Dene Drive

Winsford

Cheshire

CW7 1AX

01606 863305

Minerva Secure Limited

Chester House

Lloyd Drive

Cheshire Oaks Business Park

Ellesmere Port

Cheshire

CH65 9HQ

01618 182770

https://minervasecure.co.uk

Mouse Product Design

1 Overleigh Road

Handbridge

Chester

Cheshire

CH4 7HL

07515 831887

https://mouse.design/contact/

Platts Transport Limited

Parkleigh Offices

Llay Industrial Estate North

Llay

Wrexham

Wrexham County Borough

LL12 0PJ

01978 854666

https://plattstransport.co.uk/

Pür Sereniti

5 Greenfield Lane

Chester Cheshire

CH2 2PA

07746 817763

https://pur-sereniti.co.uk

Say it with Print

45 Station Road

Queensferry

Deeside

Flintshire

CH5 1SU

07969 076561

Taylor Waste Solutions Ltd

105, Pioneer House, Pioneer Business Park

Ellesmere Port

Cheshire

CH65 1AD 07930 470377

https://taylorwastesolutions.co.uk

The Fencing Bloke Ltd

Church Road

Chester

Cheshire

CH4 9LF

01244 726516

https://thefencingbloke.co.uk/

The Happiness ClubEmotional Wellbeing & Resilience Trainer

07930 333891

https://thehappinessclub.co.uk

The Wellbeing Lighthouse Ltd

07523 345124

Theatre Porto

Whitby Hall

Whitby park

Stanney lane

Ellesmere Port

Cheshire

CH65 6QY

01513 572120

http://www.theatreporto.org

Vcore Solutions Limited

5 The Oaks

Llangollen

Wrexham County Borough

LL20 7TX 07540 418752

Victorian Ventures

Experience

19 Collier Street

Runcorn

Cheshire WA7 1HB 07427 123945

Village Hotel Chester St

David’s St Davids Park

Ewloe

Deeside

CH5 3YB

01244 560640

http://www.village-hotels.co.uk/hotels/ chester-st-davids

We Are The Boardies

23 Meadow Avenue

Buckley

Flintshire

CH7 3EA

07857 522030

Webadoodle

07879 375175

https://www.webadoodle.co.uk/

Wurkplace Ltd

The Enterprise

Hawarden Business Park

Manor Road

Deeside

Flintshire

CH5 3US 0844 8117050

http://www.wurkplace.co.uk

I’m 55 and fed up!

I had planned to start winding down in terms of my working life at age 60, but the last five years have brought Brexit, Covid and now a ‘cost of living crisis’. All of this continuing uncertainty has meant the value of my pension has fallen considerably - does it mean my retirement plans will have to change?

Well Brian, I’m sure it isn’t going to make you feel better when I tell you that you are not alone – thousands of investors have experienced large falls in their pension values in recent times, and it doesn’t seem to matter which asset class you choose – pretty much all sectors of the economy are having tough times right now, so unlike previous times it isn’t as simple as saying “you should have stayed in cash” or, “you should have been in the stock market”. These are the usual messages from the experts in hindsight, but let’s not look to the past and instead let’s try to answer the question that you’ve posed here…

The first thing that strikes me is, you mention that your pension value has fallen but that, in itself, is only a small part of a bigger story and it doesn’t help me to answer what this actually means in terms of financial planning. We here at Wood & Associates are specialists in cashflow modelling and without my constructing a coherent model for you, I wouldn’t be in a position to be able to tell you the consequences of the drop in value , if any, nor what you ought to do over the next few years until your retirement begins.

Importantly, this is not a cashflow of the type an accountant might mean. These cashflows are far more powerful, and can truly make

a difference to a person’s life, so it’s not just about recording and replaying a set of numbers.

Of course, nobody can predict the future, but what a cashflow model does, is set out a range of different and possible scenarios that can help you decide what to do, how to do it and when you should act. This takes into account all the resultant impacts of product charges and fees, performance growth, interest rates, taxation and inflation – much talked about today because of the ‘cost of living crisis’, as you termed it.

What you haven’t considered quite yet is whether you even need to act at all - and this depends completely on your lifestyle aspirations.

Consider this.

You may already have enough in your pension to enable you to live the lifestyle you want to live comfortably, without any fear of retiring too early, or running out of money at some future point.

What you need to do now, before any more time elapses, is really look closely at your income and your expenditure and think what this needs to look like when you arrive at age 60. Ask yourself “what type of life and lifestyle do I really want ?” – what sort of things do you want to be doing throughout your golden years and how much is that likely to cost.

Only when you know these numbers can you plan your own future and that’s what our cashflow modelling service can do for you.

It may be that by using some prudent assumptions, you could discover that you are on track to do all the things you want to, which means you can relax and live a little instead of being down in the dumps about pension values.

It’s time too, to consider carefully your views about investment risk as well as your financial capacity to take knocks such as this when you are so close to retirement.

After all, life’s too short as they say – so you owe it to yourself following a lifetime of work to know ‘what’s what’ and the starting point needs to be one of clarity and nothing brings a clearer vision than a well completed cashflow. Yes, it might mean that you need to save more. It might mean that you have to work on a bit longer, or, and imagine this for a moment – you might be in a much healthier position than you ever knew and could begin to de-risk and start looking forward with confidence to a happy and prosperous retirement.

The starting point is finding out, so get in touch and let’s start talking about your aspirations and future lifestyle without any further delay…

The value of a pension with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.

Local video production company celebrates 25 years in business

Wrexham based corporate video production company and Chamber members, Knew Productions, recently celebrated 25 years of business, with a party for its film crew. The evening, held at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel in Rossett, marked 25 years of filming thousands of promotional videos for clients across a variety of industries from manufacturing, construction and pharmaceuticals, through to sport and education. The company has also recently provided archive footage of Wrexham for use in Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary, which premiered on Disney Plus last year.

Sebastian Coe, Andrew Marr, Rhys Ifans and Sir Lenny Henry.

Initially set up in 1997, working on music videos, television for BBC and ITV Wales and corporate videos, the company incorporated to become Knew Productions Ltd in 2004. One of its highlights was in 2009 when it was chosen to produce recruitment videos for The Royal Engineers and The Royal Signals, with one of the videos going on to win Best Corporate Video at the Institute of Videography (IOV) Awards in 2010.

Filming has taken the ‘Knew Crew’ to many locations across the UK and globally, including Italy, Poland, Spain, France, Thailand and Australia. The team has also worked with numerous well-known faces including

Knew Productions enjoys a hard-earned reputation, and its client base has continued to expand and includes companies like Visit Wales, Savills, Village Bakery, Jones Bros and AstraZeneca.

Richard Knew, founder and managing director at Knew Productions commented: “Knew Productions has seen a lot of change over the last 25 years, and it has been an exciting journey. Filmmaking has advanced a lot in that time too, and we have adopted the changes as they have been introduced, embracing the digital transformation of the industry. Drone footage and animation now regularly feature in our finished product,

something that would not have been possible without a huge time and cost attached to it, when we first started out.”

He continued: “We thought it was important to mark and celebrate our 25 years in business. Our talented, hardworking freelance camera teams and video editors are a huge part of what has made the journey so enduring and successful. And, as we embrace the new chapter in our story, we are keen to continue to develop ongoing relationships with our clients, many of whom we have worked with repeatedly over the years. We thank them for their business and continued trust.”

For further information on Knew Productions visit the website: www.knewproductions.co.uk

Frodsham-based LMNts Marketing Receives Prestigious Award and Makes it to the List of Top 100 SMEs in the UK

LMNts Marketing is no stranger to awards, but this one – according to the directors – came out of the blue. The Cheshire-based full-service marketing agency received the recognition in January and results were announced in February. The judging panel consisted of top UK entrepreneurs, including ex Dragon’s Den investor Piers Linney and award-winning UK author, international speaker, and businessman, Daniel Priestley.

“It really came out of the blue. I vaguely remember Al coming to the office in the last quarter and asking me to fill out a form and send it back. I didn’t really check what it was for until we received a call in January that we made it to the top 100 SMEs; a list compiled by

Elite Business Magazine” – Confirmed CMOdirector, Laura Farkas

Elite Business Magazine is a prestigious publication for startups and entrepreneurs at a growth stage. The selection criteria includes employee support, financial performance, longevity, and innovation within the organisation.

LMNts Marketing was ranked #90 out of 100 SMEs on the national list. It is a huge achievement and a great recognition of the brand’s achievements. The award was sponsored by multinational enterprises, including Vodafone Business, Avery, and British Business Bank.

You can check out the official ranking of the top 100 SMEs on the Elite Business website. https://elitebusinessmagazine.co.uk/eb100winners

You can find out more about LMNts Marketing by visiting their website: https://marketingfunnel.website

Knew Productions, recently celebrated 25 years of business

LMNts Marketing made it into the top 100 SMEs in the UK

Steve Tapril, Managing Director at Tappers

An overview of yourself and your current role.

I’m the Founder and Managing Director at Tappers, with responsibility for leading a small team at our family-run distillery, producing craft spirits with unique stories inspired by the natural world around us. I look after the product lifecycle from NPD to implementation and the use of our beautiful 500L Holstein Still (along with all the associated regulatory and legal compliance that goes with that!).

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Meeting people who we have managed to touch in some way with what we do – whether that’s a special occasion celebrated with us at the Distillery Gallery Bar, or hearing stories from people about their first experience enjoying Tappers and where that was/who it was with. The personal connection is what makes it all worthwhile.

Was a role like this always what you aspired to?

The truth is I fell into it! I used to be an avid

gin drinker and gin festival goer but when I discovered back in 2014 that the majority of spirits on the market were manufactured by third-party distilleries and simply branded with hyper-local marketing and stories, I became disillusioned with it all. My friends insisted that I either stopped ranting or did something about it – so I decided to set up my own gin company and it spiralled out of control from there!

Tell us about your previous roles/business journey.

I worked primarily in managerial roles within Higher Education settings, from academic libraries through to IT services and student administration. A world away from spirits production but the skills I obtained from my previous career have come in very handy –from strategy and planning through to project management and of course working with all sorts of different people.

Tell us a bit about what you do outside of work to relax.

I really enjoy long walks – it’s the perfect way to empty my mind and find some calm away from the hectic workday. I treated myself to a

treadmill to keep up with exercising over the winter months and have enjoyed taking part in virtual hikes, from walks in Snowdonia to treks across Namibia – all from the comfort of my own home.

In an ideal world, what else would you like to be?

The natural path after completing my PhD was to step into academia and continue my research. While I think about how different (and probably a lot more sedate!) life would have been, I also know I’d have craved the handson aspects that my current role offers so I prefer to think that I am where I am meant to be.

What advice would you give to anyone else in business?

Be prepared for the fact it can be a bit of a rollercoaster, and that you’ll need to wear many different hats every day. It may sound a cliché but your passion is what will carry you through: always remember why you started off. You’ll meet some amazing people along the way, and you’ll need a thick skin to shrug off the naysayers! Stay focused and stay determined!

L to R Steve Tapril, Managing Director at Tappers, with Mayor of Liverpool, Steve Rotheram

Business Conference

Thursday, June 15th

Attendees will make connections for future opportunities and take back examples of best practice and solutions to help them in their organisations. Sessions focus on jobs and skills and how organisations can support the major green activities taking place in the region.

GREEN EXPO 2023

Companies, corporations, organisations, communities and a growing number of individuals are ‘going green’ to reduce energy, consumption and waste, but are we leading the way and moving fast enough as a region?

Green Expo June 15-17, 2023 in Chester is great news for the North West and Wales and will help us all focus attention on this important topic.

Over 100 organisations in the North West and Wales are coming together to illustrate progress on Net Zero in all walks of life. They will be joined by community initiatives and conservation charities, electric vehicles and other modes of transport you can try for the FREE 3-DAY EXPOSITION.

Explore topics like Active Travel and The Circular Economy. Come and see how energy and resource use in the home, office, communities, towns and cities is changing and meet the organisations driving this forward.

ESG Sustainability Survey

This quick and easy online survey will provide an up to date snapshot of progress local organisations are making towards Net Zero. Everyone participating will be sent a copy of the findings which will be revealed at the Green Expo Business Conference in June. More details:

Save the dates! Register for updates

http://greenexpo.uk

Awards Dinner

Thursday, June 15th

The awards will highlight great work that is making a difference in green energy and innovation. 8 awards: Green Startup, Innovation in Energy, in the Built Environment, Transportation, Commercial and Industrial Markets and Community Engagement and Inward Investment.

Highlight an organisation you know is doing great things on the green agenda.

Photo Competition

Many competitions focus on the negative aspects of climate change but Green Expo would like to focus on the positive aspects of renewable energy, innovation, the natural world and positive steps towards Net Zero. Open to all ages and both amateur and professional photographers. More details: