Managing Director Bolesworth Estate Company Ltd
Quarterly Business Magazine Autumn 2022 Together, We’re Well Connected Accredited ChambersBritish Commerceof
The InterviewBig Barbour
with Nina
We provide first class legal solutions for and individuals in West Cheshire and North Wales. Some of the areas we cover... § Corporate & Commercial Law § Employment Law § Dispute Resolution & Insolvency § Planning & Environmental aaronandpartners.com CONNECT WITH US... @AaronsLegal aaron-&-partners-llp A wealth of legal experience right on your doorstep. We provide first class legal solutions for and individuals in West Cheshire and North Wales. Some of the areas we cover... § Corporate & Commercial Law § Employment Law § Dispute Resolution & Insolvency § Planning & Environmental aaronandpartners.com CONNECT WITH US... @AaronsLegal aaron-&-partners-llp A wealth of legal experience right on your doorstep. We provide first class legal solutions for local businesses and individuals in West Cheshire and North Wales. Some of the areas we cover... § Corporate & Commercial Law § Employment Law § Dispute Resolution & Insolvency § Planning & Environmental § Real Estate § Personal Legal Disputes § Family Law § Wills, Trusts & Tax Advice Contact us for more information aaronandpartners.com CONNECT WITH US... @AaronsLegal aaron-&-partners-llp @AaronsLegal Offices: Chester 01244 405555 Shrewsbury 01743 443043 Manchester 0161 537 3324 West Cheshire and North ChamberWales MEMBERS A wealth of legal experience right on your doorstep.
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PLEASE NOTE: Some articles in this edition may have been written before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Article and image content therefore reflects this time lapse.
INSIDE: @ChamberWCNW/wcnwchamberWestCheshire&NorthWalesChamberofCommerceWCNWChamber
if you have any questions. I wish you well for the quarter ahead! Welcome to the Autumn edition of our Quarterly Business Magazine. WHAT46 WE PASSIONATEAREABOUT CHAMBER4-5 NEWS GETTING28-29STARTED INSIGHT34 INTO... THE41PEOPLE BEHIND THE BUSINESSYOUNG18-19CHAMBER
WELCOME
It has also been all change in UK Government since our last edition and by the time you are reading this, a new Prime Minister will be in position. While at the time of writing the person is not yet known, you can rest assured that I will be working extremely closely with colleagues at the British Chambers of Commerce to ensure that the voice of businesses in West Cheshire & North Wales is heard by the new PM and their cabinet, whoever that might be.
Design Peter Wilkinson t: 0151 236 4141 e: peter@benhampublishing.com
Disclaimer The magazine is mailed without charge to all Chamber members and distributed to businesses in the region. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce. Views expressed in publication are not necessarily those of West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission of the Editor. © 2022. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content. Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.
The new Prime Minister arrives at an incredibly challenging moment for business with inflation threatening long-term growth, supply constraints caused by global Covid lockdowns and conflict in Ukraine, coupled with soaring energy costs, creating a perfect storm that many small businesses are struggling to weather. That’s why it is becoming critical for the Government to take action as soon as possible. Despite the current economic challenges, it has been brilliant to see the nominations flood in for this year’s Chamber Annual Recognition Awards. It is really inspiring to see the success stories of Chamber members and we are incredibly excited to reveal the shortlist for the awards in the next couple of weeks.
All eyes then turn to our Annual Ball and Recognition Awards ceremony taking place on 11th November at Chester Racecourse. It would be amazing to see you and your colleagues there as we look forward to another brilliant night of celebration and entertainment. You can find information and book your place here: https://bit.ly/3ds31Zo
To those that have previously received a copy of our magazine, you may be thinking there is something different about the one you are currently holding compared to our earlier editions…and you would be correct!
always, the team is here to assist you in any way possible and please get in touch on
As part of our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, we have changed the front and back covers so they are easier to recycle.
Publisher Benham Publishing Limited Suite 5 & 6, Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ t: 0151 236 4141 f: 0151 236 0440 e: admin@benhampublishing.com w: www.benhampublishing.com
Contact Matthew Hodgson Churchill House, Queen’s Park Campus, Queen’s Park Road, Chester CH4 7AD t: 01244 669988 e: info@wcnwchamber.org.uk w: www.wcnwchamber.org.uk
Helsby High School Girls in Computer Science Event 12th July Young Chamber were delighted to support Helsby High School, inspiring a group of Year 8 girls to consider careers in Computer Science. Simone Thomas, Strategic Data Systems Senior Manager and colleague Joanne Carr from Cheshire West and Chester Council led an interactive session giving students a range of activities to do including thinking like a computer and bubble sorting. In the afternoon, students were able to get on board the University of Chester’s Digital Bus and try out cutting edge technologies including augmented reality and virtual reality before trying their hand at being a drone pilot. In 2020, the number of girls choosing to study computer science GCSE was 16,919 just over 21.4% of total entrants compared with 61,540 boys. It’s hoped that activities at Helsby High School with support from Cheshire West and Chester Council and University of Chester will help to reduce the gender disparity in this subject.
Notes to editor Please use Helsby images 1 & 2 with caption: Year 8 girls at Helsby High School gained an insight Computer Science at the event in July 3
Published September 2022 © Benham Publishing Media no. 1918 Advertising and Features Karen Hall t: 0151 236 4141 e: karen@benhampublishing.com
Dessert Raspberry & white chocolate cheesecake, dark chocolate cookie base, pistachio gel, Afterraspberriestheirbrilliant performance last year, the superb live band Skyknights will be returning to wow guests once again! The 5-piece party band turn their musical skills and onstage charisma to almost any style of music you can think of: pop, folk, rock, funk, soul, Motown, indie - even a dance tune or two! So be sure to wear your dancing shoes!
Sales Club
The highlight of the Chamber’s events calendar, businesses from across the region will come together to celebrate the success of the last year. Awards The night will see the Chamber’s Recognition Awards return, which celebrate our Chamber members’ success. 12 winners will be announced on the night for the following awards: n Protos Networks Award for Digital Innovation n Start-Up Business of the Year AwardSponsored by Zodeq Ltd n Young Person/Apprentice of the Year Award - Sponsored by Altimex Ltd n Export and International Trade AwardSponsored by ITAS n Business Growth Award - Sponsored by NatWest Business Banking n Made a Difference Award - Sponsored by The Alternative Board n Customer Excellence AwardSponsored by Leonard Curtis n Young Chamber Award - Sponsored by Russell Taylor Group n Excellence in Sustainability AwardSponsored by S.L. Procurement Solutions n Business of the Year Award - Sponsored by Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers n Kickstart Employer Award - Sponsored by Azets n Kickstart Trainee Award Meal & Entertainment A fantastic three-course meal will be provided by the Racecourse’s culinary experts, Horseradish: Starter Pressed corn fed chicken ‘coq au vin’, red wine onions, smoked mushroom, crisp cured ham MarinatedOr feta, tomato panna cotta, saffron aioli, olive & caper vinaigrette (v) Main Roast loin of moorland beef, stockpot short rib, tarragon emulsion, sticky port glaze, Peter Jones’ Wirral watercress, Heritage carrot, herb mashed potatoes MushroomOr Wellington, tarragon emulsion, sticky port glaze, Peter Jones’ Wirral watercress, Heritage carrot, herb mashed potatoes (v)
CHAMBER NEWS
Tinna Arnardottir, Policy and Commercial Director at the Chamber, said “We are so pleased to announce the new Sales Club which aims to support professionals with one of the most crucial aspects of business. We are very much looking forward to getting started and hope to see businesses, of any size, in attendance”.
Raising funds for The Joshua Tree
The Joshua Tree is a Cheshire based Children’s Cancer Charity who provide bespoke programmes of support to improve the emotional well-being and mental health of all immediate and extended family members who are affected by childhood cancers, across North-West England and North Wales, for as long as they need it. We hope to see you on the evening as it is set to be an unforgettable night! Book ticketsyourhere!
Further Details n Parking: Free on-site parking available n Dress Code: Black Tie If you or your company would like to donate a prize for the charity auction or raffle taking place on the evening, please email info@wcnwchamber.org.uk Any members who donate a prize will be included in the programme on the evening and in the next edition of the Chamber’s Quarterly Business Magazine. (Deadline for donations - Friday 28th October).
It is not long now until we welcome members to our Annual Ball & Recognition Awards Ceremony taking place at 6:30 pm on 11th November 2022 in the Pavilion at Chester Racecourse!
Aaron Sussex, Director at Sales Geek North Wales, said “Developing sales skills for business is vital to ensure growth and future success, irrespective of the economic climate. Sales Club, in partnership with the Chamber, creates an environment for people in business to meet and develop skills which will benefit sales and nonsalespeople alike. I am very excited to work alongside the Chamber to add as much value to the membership as I can over the four scheduled events”.
For more information or to book your place please email info@wcnwchamber.org.uk
A4 Night of Celebration Awaits at this Year’s Annual Ball & Recognition Awards
With thanks to our Headline Sponsor - Protos Networks
The first event is scheduled for 9:30am –12:00pm on 11th October and will focus on understanding customers and prospects on a more emotional level.
ChamberThememberstolaunchedsupportWestCheshire&NorthWalesofCommerceispleased to announce the launch of its new Sales Club which will be held in collaboration with Sales Geek North Wales. The Sales Club will be a quarterly event and will provide members, and non-members alike, a chance to learn about diverse topics such as goal setting, building a pipeline and selling through stories.
“The Chamber quickly became an integral part of Protos, offering incredible support and advice and providing introductions to new business contacts. This advice and support has directly impacted Protos over the last six years and has played a significant part in our growth and success.
“We want to utilise the Patron membership as a vehicle to repay the support the Chamber kindly afforded us. We aim to aid new and current members on their business
The analysis will provide businesses greater visibility into the cyber threats on and off their network while adding an extra layer of security to their systems.
“Protos Networks is excited and honoured to become a Patron member of the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce,” said Damien Sansom, Sales Director. “Our Patron membership signifies an incredible journey for Protos. We remember our first meeting almost six years ago at the Start-Up Club.
The West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce that Chester based networks and security services specialist, Protos Networks, have further strengthened their relationship with the Chamber by becoming Patron Members.
growth journey the same way the Chamber supported us.”
Protos Networks become Patron Members of West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
Protos Networks offer a wide range of services, including managed network services, managed security services, cyber security testing and certification, and have been Strategic Members of the Chamber of Commerce for over five years. During this time, they have been extremely proactive, having regularly attended networking events, supported the Chamber’s Start-Up Clubs on numerous occasions and offered advice to fellow members when needed.
Debbie Bryce, Chief Executive Officer at West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the news saying; “It has been amazing to see Protos Networks’ growth during their time as members of the Chamber. From attending our Start-Up Clubs as a new business, to now presenting at them and passing on their experiences to others. We are delighted to now welcome Protos Networks as Patron members and are really excited to work even closer with them going forward.”
5 CHAMBER NEWS
The move has seen Protos Networks launch a new support offer for members of the Chamber where they can access a free 30day security analysis and summary report.
When I started Sales Geek North Wales, the plan always was to align my business with the “SinceChamber.thebeginning of the year, the Chamber has given me many opportunities to network with like-minded businesses across Cheshire and North Wales through its many fantastic events that run throughout the region. I very much look forward to adding as much value as I can to the other many Chamber members for the coming year.”
The HR GeekChesterWrexhamDeptandandSalesNorthWales
Welcomed as Strategic Members
n L to R Níamh Kelly of The HR Dept Wrexham and Chester with Debbie Bryce n Debbie Bryce welcoming Aaron Sussex of Sales Geek
The HR Dept Wrexham and Chester As expert HR consultants, The HR Dept Wrexham and Chester have a deep understanding of employment law and offer support to employers across the area.
The Chamber was delighted to welcome The HR Dept Wrexham and Chester and Sales Geek North Wales as new Strategic Members with both businesses making the move since the last edition of the Quarterly Business Magazine.
Debbie Bryce, Chief Executive Officer at West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the news saying; “We’re delighted to have The HR Dept Wrexham and Sales Geek North Wales become our latest Strategic Members. They have both been tremendous supporters of the Chamber of Commerce from the day they joined and we are really excited to work even closer with them moving forward.”
CHAMBER NEWS 6
The move to become a Strategic Member of the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce will enhance the relationship between the two organisations and will also see The HR Dept play a leading role in the Young Chamber programme, which aims to bridge the gap between education and business.
“I started the business in 2020 as a sister company to our team in Shropshire and from our first day in business, we have been overwhelmed with the support and advice we’ve received from the Chamber,” said Níamh Kelly FCIPD, Director at The HR Dept Wrexham and Chester. “Membership of the Chamber is very important to us – it is the premier organisation for businesses in the region and its inclusivity means that SME’s such as ourselves have a voice. Community and engagement are at the heart of what the Chamber does and I must confess, the Young Chamber Programme has been a key driver of our decision to become Strategic Partners. It’s an opportunity for us to be able to ‘give back’!”
Aaron Sussex, Sales Director at Sales Geek North Wales, commented on the announcement; “It’s very exciting to take my business relationship with WCNW Chamber of Commerce to the next level.
Sales Geek North Wales Sales Geek North Wales have been helping their clients in the SME space improve turnover and profitability and are looking forward to supporting businesses across North Wales and Cheshire for many years to Bycome.becoming a Strategic Partner, Sales Geek North Wales will be supported by an enhanced level of Chamber membership and will also be playing an important role in the Young Chamber programme.
7 CHAMBER NEWS
I have a very eclectic work career, having my first job at 10 years old and have worked ever since. My previous roles have ranged from agriculture to psychiatry and software licensing consultancy to business innovation support.
The WelcomesChamberTinna as its new Commercial & Policy Director
During my career, I have sat on the board of directors for a number of organisations, both as a Non-Exec Director and as a consultant on advisory boards.
The rain did not put off the participants and although neither team made it to the final, both consistently improved on their times in each Thankrace.you to those who supported us with a donation and a massive thank you to the below members that took part on the day: n Armadillo Events n Cheshire College - South & West Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers LMNts Marketing Ltd n Lavinia Stamps Ltd n Platts Agriculture Limited PR Lift Equipment n Umbrella Marketing Team
I moved to the UK in 2014 and initially worked for the University of Chester, first as Entrepreneurship and Innovation Manager at Thornton Science Park site. Then later, as the Project Manager for Eco Innovation, a project offering applied research projects in collaboration with SMEs in the Cheshire and Warrington area.
I have known the Chamber as a member since 2015 and have personally and professionally benefited from the amazing networking opportunities and support they offer. In my new role as Commercial and Policy Director, I look forward using my experience to continue to develop the good work being done by the team and very much look forward to engaging with our members over the coming months.
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Tinna Arnardottir recently joined the West Cheshire & North PolicyCommercialCommerceChamberWalesofas&Director and here we gain an insight into her background and her new role.
My most recent role was with RTC North, where I worked as a Senior Innovation and Growth Specialist. I specialised in delivering Innovate UK EDGE in the North West region through coaching and mentoring innovative to high-growth companies.
My last role in Iceland was working as a Project Manager for Nyskopunarmidstod Islands (the Innovation Centre, Iceland), the national innovation agency at the time. In my role, I was focusing on rural and regional development by working with regional authorities and stakeholders, as well as national government in generating economic growth through innovation.
I have an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Reykjavik University, I then went to the University of Edinburgh for my postgraduate studies and have a master’s degree in International Business and Emerging Markets.
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I am originally from Iceland and have lived and worked there for most of my life. I grew up in the capital region in a town called Kopavogur, but more recently I lived and worked in rural Iceland before coming to the UK.
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raise over £2800 for St HospiceDavid’s Chamber of Commerce staff and members participated in St David’s Hospice’s Dragon Boat Festival on 25th June and raised £2853 for the charity! Support from Chamber members meant that the Chamber had enough people to form two teams and they competed against other organisations in timed races throughout the day.
FestivalDragonChamber’sBoatTeams
How does it help businesses on their journey to net zero?
More information on the NatWest Carbon Planner: The NatWest Carbon Planner is available online to all UK businesses and is not limited to NatWest customers. Search Natwest Carbon Planner to find out more or contact Sarah Bailey, Director of Business Banking at sarah.bailey@natwest.com
Sales Geek North Wales supports Start-Up Club
At the second session, in Cheshire, they delivered a workshop entitled ‘How to Make your Business Stand Out” which helped the many business owners who attended understand how to add value to their products and services. They also focussed on developing their unique selling points and how they would like to be perceived by their customers.
Also a start-up business, Sales Geek North Wales has regularly attended the Start-Up Club since the beginning of the year and benefited from the free advice and support on offer in areas such as funding, marketing, cyber security and the many other topics that are covered.
n Aaron Sussex, Director of Sales Geek North Wales, presenting to the Start-Up Club in Chester
As a Strategic Partner of the Chamber, Sales Geek North Wales has recently delivered sessions for the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce’s Start-Up Club at the Conwy Business Centre and Chester Boughton Hall Cricket Club. In the first session in North Wales, they helped businesses learn about SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) and how this simple business tool can help businesses stay relevant and thrive.
The platform was customer-led in design and developed with the support of more than 1,000 businesses. Feedback from both NatWest and nonNatWest business customers revealed that more than half (58%) of businesses surveyed think they will need financial help in order to reduce their carbon footprint and 77% believe the new Carbon Planner will be ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ valuable to their organisation
8STRATEGIC MEMBERS NEWS
NatWest has announced the launch of its Carbon Planner, a free to use digital platform designed to help UK businesses manage their future fuel and operational costs, and reduce their carbon footprint to help them go and grow greener.
The Carbon Planner takes a business through four practical steps to help them take action: n Inform – lets businesses know their current emission hotspots and suggests alternatives n Diagnose – helps businesses understand what is best for their business n Plan – supports businesses in developing a plan of actions n Deliver – signposting potential options available to help them to take actions that can help their business and have the potential to reduce impact on the environment
n The new Carbon Planner platform from NatWest
Aaron Sussex, Director of Sales Geek North Wales said, “As a business working predominately in North Wales and Cheshire, it was a clear ambition and goal to become a Strategic Partner with the West Cheshire and North Wales Chambers of Commerce. Having the opportunity to offer support and learning for businesses at the Start Clubs across the region, helps our collaboration deliver as much value as possible to the Chamber’s membership. We’re excited to be attending and delivering valuable content for many more years to come”
NatWest research revealed that more than 72% of businesses expect they will face increased difficulty in light of inflationary challenges, citing increased costs of energy (56%), increased costs of materials (56%), and increased interest rates (37%) as the most challenging effects of inflation.
NatWest launches digital Carbon Planner to help UK businesses manage future fuel and operational costs
The launch follows the bank’s broader commitment to lend £100bn to businesses in Climate and Sustainable Funding and Financing by 2025.
There are different stages to the scheme and employers can be eligible for gold, silver and bronze awards depending on their level of support.
“Unlimited paid holidays: In practice, it’s not as simple as it sounds, and sometimes the advantages may actually favour the business more than the staff.
“Others may feel awkward about judging how much time they should take off...which may lead to either taking too few days to sufficiently recharge, or suffering anxiety for taking time off at the very time they are meant to be relaxing!
For enquiries on this topic, please contact Níamh Kelly from The HR Dept Wrexham & Chester at wrexches@hrdetp.co.uk
Mr Tony Fish, the MOD’s Regional Employer Engagement Director for North Wales said, “The strength of the ERS continues to grow and we warmly welcome new employers who wish to take their first step and pledge their support. These employers provide inspiration for others to follow in their footsteps.”
Níamh Kelly from The HR Dept Wrexham & Chester digs a little deeper.
“The term ‘unlimited’ is a little misleading as of course there are limits. It is just they are not measured in days, but rather in productivity. As long as employees hit the targets expected of them, they can take as much paid leave as they want.
Private employers from across the country have been singled out for celebration, along with public sector employers, emergency services, NHS Local Health Boards, small medium-sized enterprises and major commercial companies.
Since the scheme began nine years ago, in Wales a total of 46 employers have won a Gold ERS Award including 12 this year, and a total of 71 employers have won a Silver ERS Award including 21 this year.
Wrexham and
Are you considering introducing unlimited holidays to your staff?
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme goes from strength to strength
“But there’s a problem with this: the kind of high-performers who deliver enough productivity to the company to justify extended spells of holiday, may not be inclined to take them.
“Of course, it could go the way some will expect, and lead to slackers abusing the policy.
“As with so much in HR, a large part of the answer to successfully introducing unlimited paid holidays is to have a clearly communicated policy underpinning it. This should provide guidance on expected minimum levels of holiday to be taken, as well as how performance is measured to justify a higher number of days off.”
9 STRATEGIC MEMBERS NEWS
More and more employers in Wales are signing up each year to support the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). The ERS recognises those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their efforts to support the armed forces community. It’s the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) prestigious badge of honour for organisations that have demonstrated and advocated outstanding assistance to reserves, cadets, veterans and their families.
Netflix, LinkedIn and JustPark are three companies with UK offices which offer unlimited paid holiday. At face value, it is a bold, simple and head-turning policy. It will horrify some employers and intrigue others… and there may be unintended consequences.
n Gold ERS winners 2021
Among the Gold winners this year are: n Denbighshire County Council n Ebarr Foundation CIC n North Wales Fire and Rescue Service n Wrexham County Borough Council And among the Silver winners this year are: n Allan Morris Transport Limited n Bangor University n Clecs Media CYF n Delyn Safety UK Ltd n Excel Civil Enforcement Ltd n Myddleton College n West Cheshire & NW Chamber of Commerce n Wurkplace Limited
To find out more about the ERS and how your organisation could support Defence personnel in the workplace through the Armed Forces Covenant contact: Tony Fish, Regional Employer Engagement Director for North Wales, wa-reed2@rfca.mod.uk HR Dept Chester
n The team at
Cyd Innovation founding director Steven Reynolds said: “We’re really excited by the next phase in our development, and a strong team will be key to our continued success. Cyd means together in Welsh, and it is our values that will ensure we stay true to our purpose to support people and communities who need help most. We’re excited about what we can achieve in partnership with the team at JVP Group”.
Of these, one site is already under construction; site 4 with units ranging from 800 to 6,000 sq ft, half of which has already been pre-let.
GrowingNEWS businessesWelsh
Milestone as first buildings complete at new industrial development sites
10MEMBERS expected to create minimum 100 jobs
Cath Harrison, Managing Director at JVP Group comments: “It’s fantastic to see businesses such as Cyd Innovation thrive and expand. We have seen a dramatic increase in demand for our job advertising services and recruitment support solutions, as employers search for the best ways to attract their own talent in this ‘war for talent’, whilst reducing costs when faced with the real threat of a financial crisis. This demand has led to the expansion of our own team in North Wales, to support the many employers that reach out to us each week, and we’ve created more jobs in our team this month.”
Building work, which is being delivered by FIREM’s construction division, FI Construction, began last summer and has become a catalyst for local employment and training. In February this year, the site team welcomed the first apprentice to the site, Kimroy Louie, a Construction Management student from Glyndwr University.
But for the first time since ONS records began, there are fewer unemployed people than job vacancies, making those specialist positions especially harder to fill. Following recent success hiring with the support of St Asaph-based rapidly growing job advertising company JVP Group, Cyd Innovation look ahead to expand their team further.
Plans to invest in Wales’ largest industrial development are progressing at pace as building work reaches completion at FI Real Estate Management’s (FIREM) development sites. The new 25,000 sq ft and 45,000 sq ft buildings, which are pre-let to two individual companies, are the first to be delivered by FIREM at Wrexham Industrial Estate where the developer and asset management company has a number of further development sites in the pipeline.
Tim Knowles, Founder and Managing Director of FI Real Estate Management commented: “There is huge demand across Wales for high quality commercial space and we are dedicated to catering to the growing needs of businesses to support their growth and success. Our investment in Wrexham and Wales as a whole is not just about pace of build; our development strategy is to ensure businesses have access to a diverse variety of space that suits their needs.
Start-Up business Cyd Innovation recently opened new offices in Holywell, which will serve as a base for the growing team as demand increases rapidly. The organisation helps deliver low carbon housing and fuel poverty programmes, with an aim to bring energy improvements to 50,000 homes by 2025, delivering projects with a total value of £100million, and creating a minimum of 100 jobs.
Two North Wales businesses experience rapid growth in the face of a changing economy, creating job and business opportunities across Wales.
The positions created at Cyd Innovation will have a vital role to play in the organisation’s goal to secure investments into Welsh communities. Employees will have the opportunity to make a real difference at a time when, according to a recent Bloomberg article, almost 12 million households are to experience fuel poverty.
Completion is expected later this summer. Designed to create 2.2m sq ft of new build commercial space, FIREM’s investment will bring roadside retail, leisure, industrial and trade counter units to Wrexham Industrial Estate.
“Above all things, our work is intended to stimulate local economies and this goes beyond the physical build. Through our work in Wrexham we are creating opportunities for local employment and training, the aim of which is to ensure that our presence positively impacts the local community and economy.”
New data published by Chamber Patron member Begbies Traynor indicates a short-term levelling off in distress rates for firms as company directors fight hard against the impact of spiralling inflation.
“It will be a relief for many businesses to see a levelling off in distress rates in the past quarter but it remains to be seen whether this trend continues and company directors across our region should remain cautious.
However, experts at Begbies Traynor say that despite the small increase in the number of firms entering significant financial distress during the past quarter (67) across the region, more than 55,000 businesses are on the brink – with more than 1,000 of them in Chester alone… Danger ahead?
“Many businesses in West Cheshire and North Wales have been agile in their response to rising inflation and hopefully will have planned for costs of raw materials in particular to continue rising during the remainder of this year.
“Labour shortages and supply chain issues may also have an impact on the bottom line for a lot of companies and the working capital and cash availability will need to be monitored closely.
“Given these circumstances, it would be wise for company directors to stay alert during the remainder of the year and act quickly and decisively in the event of a sudden cashflow squeeze or demands from creditors.”
Begbies Traynor Group plc is a leading business recovery, financial advisory and property services consultancy, providing services nationally from a comprehensive network of UK locations. The group has more than 900 staff and partners and the professional staff include licensed insolvency practitioners, accountants, chartered surveyors and lawyers.
Contact Keith Tully or Jason Greenhalgh on the free confidential hotline 0800 056 1059.
Jason Greenhalgh, Partner at Begbies Traynor, adds: “Smart directors have used the opportunity since the start of the year to look at their banking facilities and debt arrangements and have been proactive in restructuring their debts and operations.
Keith Tully, Partner at Begbies Traynor
“Our message to business owners out there is that even if you are one of the firms in financial distress there are plenty of actions you can take swiftly to get a positive outcome. Fresh funding is certainly accessible for many companies and re-financing and restructuring can give directors a platform for stability and survival in the final quarter of 2022.”
Distress rates ‘level off’ but dangers lurk ahead for local companies
The Red Flag Alert data, published by Begbies Traynor, has analysed the health of companies across the region for the last 15 years.
It confirms more than 55,000 firms (55,183) remain in ‘significant distress’ (with 1,191 of them being from Chester). This is a 12% drop on the same period last year (62,784) which followed a period of national lockdown.
PATRON FOCUS 12
“Ambiguity over which tax policies will be enacted in the UK looks set to continue as the new Prime Minister sets out the agenda.
As well as uncertainty over domestic politics, there’s the international aspect to consider including the situation in Ukraine and the increasing cost of energy as we progress into Autumn and Winter.
Biggest falls in levels of significant distress amongst North West firms over the past 12 months have been in the Food & Drug retail sector (19% reduction), Health & Education (19%) and Wholesale (18%) as demand in these sectors continue to increase in the post-pandemic era. Local trend Real Estate & Property (7,455), Construction (7,441) and Support Services (9,005) were the three sectors that contained the highest volumes of distressed firms from the 22 analysed in Q2 of 2022.
This reflects the local trend in Chester where 173 Construction firms, 167 Real Estate firms and 213 support services companies are in danger. Nationally, more than half a million firms are now in significant financial distress (582,452).
Keith Tully, Partner at Begbies Traynor says:
To help them settle into life in the UK, the College’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) team have provided classes to approximately 50 Ukrainian refugees during the remaining weeks of the academic term to help those signed up to improve their reading, writing and listening, and gain a nationally recognised qualification.
Two ESOL students at the College, Yuliana and Arvind, are married and left the Ukraine with their daughter. Commenting on the course at the College, they said: “We are very happy to be here, and we want to say thank you so much to the UK Government and British people for the opportunity to improve our English and learn something new.”
Cheshire College – South & West has offered fully funded English classes to Ukrainian adults and their family members before welcoming them back in the new academic year in September.
Cheshire College provides free English courses to Ukrainian refugees
Cheshire College is enrolling now for courses starting in September 2022. To explore the breadth of courses the College offers and the in-person enrolment dates available, visit. www.ccsw.ac.uk
staff and students has resulted in the highest number of A* grades achieved in the history of the College, marking yet another year of academic excellence and momentous personal achievements.
13 PATRON FOCUS
has also provided a safe space for the new students and their families and introduced them to fellow Ukrainians who have found themselves in a similar position.
As part of an enhanced package, Cheshire College are also providing free transport to the Campus and meals whilst they are on TheCampus.programme
An dayextraordinaryfor hardCrewe200CheshireItstudentsCollegeCheshireALevelhasbeenanextremelyrewardingdayatCollege–South&West,asoverALevelstudentsattendedtheCollege’sCampustocollecttheirresults.Theworkanddeterminationofboththe
Achieving over 180 A*-A grades, the College continues to deliver outstanding results for its students, including 30 that achieved A*- A in all chosen subjects such as Economics, History and English. These extraordinary results ensure that several students will be continuing their studies at some of the UK’s most prestigious universities.
off a great year that marked the fifth anniversary of Cheshire College – South & West and myself and the team are incredibly excited to continue to build on the positive impact the College has had so far on our students, with regional and national employers, and the wider community.”
Principal and CEO of Cheshire College, Dhesi, said: “We are delighted with the brilliant results our students have received this year and it couldn’t have been possible without the hard work and determination of both the staff and students; many of whom will be continuing their studies at some of the UK’s most prestigious universities or heading for a range of Apprenticeship and full-time employment opportunities with industry
Gareth Edwards, Assistant Director of ESOL at Cheshire College, says: “We could see that there was a great interest in our ESOL course starting in September from Ukrainian adults and their families, but we wanted to help as soon as we could and provide tools that will help them integrate with UK culture and the community.
“Thispowerhouses.newstops
“It has been incredibly rewarding to teach these new students, learn more about their stories and offer our support where we can.”
Principal and CEO of Cheshire College, Dhesi, added: “We’ve been completely inspired by the resilience, commitment, and positivity the Ukrainian students have demonstrated and we’re looking forward to helping them further as they build on their qualifications and explore career opportunities in the UK.”
Andy Oldfield, Productivity Manager at PrintHub said: “It was a terrific event today. To be fair, all the Chamber meetings are great! Since I joined late last year, I’ve met numerous like-minded business people who have supported my printing business, as I have theirs. Chamber membership offers fantastic value.”
Jackie Whittaker, 20 Twenty Business Development Manager and Facilitator at Bangor Business School, said “It was great being back face-to-face at the Chamber of Commerce event at Rossett Hall. A great talk by Penderyn Whisky and an opportunity to network over lunch. Chamber events are of great value, giving everyone the opportunity to meet like-minded businesses.”
Networking
Networking Lunch at Boughton Hall Cricket Club 25th May
Networking Lunch and AGM at Rossett Hall 21st June
Round the Table Networking at Cheshire College – South & West 9th June
14 CHAMBER EVENTS It has been another busy few months of Chamber Networking Events at some brilliant venues which you can view below!Networking Lunch at Coke Busters Ltd 9th August
Round the Table Networking at Lion Salt Works 6th July Lunch at Flint Mountain Park Hotel 14th July
Networking and Tour at The Joshua Tree 29th June
Thursday is the Friday Networking returns as remainderfulleventsChambercalendarfortheof2022!
The Chamber of Commerce, NatWest Business and Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers are pleased to announce the return of Thursday is the New Friday Networking! This informal networking event in the heart of Chester takes place from 5pm-7pm on 15th September at Moxy Hotel Chester and is a completely FREE to Members and NonMembers of the Chamber.
Tinna Arnardottir, Policy & Commercial Director at the Chamber, said “This is a great opportunity for business owners, professionals and colleagues to come together and enjoy informal networking after a day in the office. look forward to welcoming guests with a complimentary drink and encourage you to share details of this event with anyone you feel could benefit.” The Thursday is the New Friday Networking event can be booked onto via the QR code on this page where you will also see the Chamber’s networking events for the rest of 2022, and the first few months of 2023. For any events enquires please email info@ wcnwchamber.org.uk or call 01244 669988
“We
Upcoming NetworkingChamberEventsWestCheshireWomensNetwork–22ndSeptemberNetworkingLunchatCroesHowellRestaurant&Bar–28thSeptemberRoundtheTableNetworkingatMercureChesterAbbotsWellHotel–4thOctoberNetworkingLunchatArtezzanRestaurant&Bar–18thOctoberRoundtheTableNetworkingatBrewhouse&Kitchen,Chester–1stNovemberChamberAnnualBall&RecognitionAwards2022–11thNovemberNetworkingLunchatLeonardoHotelChester–16thNovemberAfternoonTeaandCelebrationEventatChesterCathedral–6thDecemberChamberFestiveLunchatRamadaPlazaWrexham–13thDecemberSCANTHEQRCODETOBOOKYOURPLACE!
New
When asked about the challenge Alan said “We are delighted to have such a special partnership with the fantastic Protos Networks, who really showcase the special role that businesses can play to support our community Hospice. We wish the team all the very best in their 3 Peaks adventure, and everyone gets right behind their fundraising plans.”
Protos will be travelling to Fort William on Friday 23rd September and tackling Ben Nevis the following morning of Saturday 24th September, Scafell Pike will be next, finishing with Snowden in the early hours of Sunday.
The hiking team consists of Managing Director Joe and his daughter Halle, Technical Director Darren, Solutions Director Neil, Sales Director Damien, Senior Network Security Engineer Sean, Network Security Analyst Rob, Lead operations Analyst Hollie and her dad John.
The Hospice of the Good Shepherd offers a wide range of services across the West Cheshire and Deeside area, such as end of life palliative care, living well services and bereavement to adults and children. In the last year the Hospice supported near 300 inpatient stays, 1000-day therapy attendances and cared for almost 1000 families with social, psychological, and spiritual support, needing to raise £4 million pounds a year to offer free care and support.
Protos networks is very excited to announce, later this month, they will be supporting fellow WCNW Chamber member, The Hospice of The Good Shepherd, by attempting (and conquering) the “24hr National 3 Peaks Challenge”.
To complete this, they will be tackling: 23 miles of walking 3048 meters of elevation 450 miles of driving - all in 24 hours, and with the aim of raising £5000 for the hospice –you can support the teams effort at www.justgiving.com/team/ProtosNetworks
When asked about her experience in recently visiting the hospice Hollie explained “I’d never actually stepped foot in a Hospice before and it really has changed my whole view of what a Hospice is. The Hospice of the good Shepherd want to get rid of the general stigma that is associated with hospices, and help people to realize, it is so much more than end of life care. The staff are worth their weight in gold.” Alan Knell from the Hospice has very kindly volunteered as driver and will be providing much needed moral support when travelling between mountains.
16PATRON FOCUS
Participants presented their business idea and model to judges from: RTC North; Santander; Hems de Winter Consulting; Forresters IP; the University and more - before three businesses received a share of the £5,000. More than £11,000 worth of business support prizes were also won, with generous support from Forresters, the Riverside Innovation Centre and the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce.
n Scale Up Bootcamp - Going for Growthonline - Mon 12th, 19th and 26th.
Free business support
Did you know that the University of Chester’s Business Growth Programme (BGP) team offers comprehensive, free business development support for Cheshire and Warrington-based entrepreneurs and SMEs who register?
Sally has more than 30 years’ executive level experience across the banking and financial services sector globally, including at Barclays, Bank of America and MBNA, and is passionate about banks doing more to support net zero, sustainability and vulnerable customers.
Entrepreneurial students and graduates were awarded a share of £5,000 start-up funding, courtesy of Santander Universities UK, as part of the University of Chester’s Programme.Venture
The Venture Programme equips students and graduates with the skills and knowledge to start up a business or develop their freelance careers. It comprises nine modules including Sales and Marketing and Business Responsibility, as well as one-to-one business advice surgeries.
BGP registration is free. For more information contact Louise Goodman: l.goodman@ chester.ac.uk
A Senior Managing Director in financial services, who has campaigned and led Government change for the better treatment of vulnerable customers, has joined the University of Chester’s Business School.
At Barclays, she was Global Operations Lead, with accountability for teams across the US, UK and Asia, and delivered transformational change in a highly complex regulatory environment. As a Managing Director, she campaigned for the improved treatment of vulnerable customers and led government change in the Money and Mental Health Act. This saw customer communications from banks being written in user-friendly language, without industry jargon.
Sally said: “I joined the financial services sector 35 years ago and have had the pleasure of working with amazing entrepreneurial leaders in the UK, Ireland, the US and India. “I love learning and seeing people develop and grow, so bringing this combination together, I’m excited to develop the Banking and Finance programmes, educating the banking leaders of the future.”
Successful pitchers included Business Management and Leadership student Shima Ami, who was awarded £2,200 for AR Inc, an advanced restructure management business utilising community assets for community benefit. Shima was also awarded one-to-one marketing consultancy, a professional logo design, branded merchandise and start-up website.
September’sCollection.include:
risecontinuesChester GuideUniversityin
n New Product Development and Launch Masterclass - online - Weds 21st.
17
Sally is also a member of the Institute of Directors and a Fellow of the Forward Institute, where she has worked to deliver business change for societal good.
studentsEntrepreneurial share £5,000 fundingstart-up
n Effective Leadership Workshop - onlineThurs 22nd.
The University has achieved the biggest rise in the 2023 national position, out of all North West institutions. Up 12 places to 60th nationally (out of 130 institutions) and from sixth to fourth regionally (North West), the University continues to build on its success from last year’s guide and leaps 34 places from its 2021 ranking.
As part of support in a range of specialisms, the team runs a series of free events which can be viewed at: Cheshire and Warrington BGP Events
n Business Networking Event - in-personChester city centre - Thurs 29th.
Sally offers expertise on new Banking and Finance courses
Ten shortlisted students and graduates attended a two-day event supporting their business ideas and marking the 10th annual Venture Pitch celebration.
The Guide highlighted the University’s particular areas of strength and improvement, placing it nationally in the top five for Health and Social Care programmes and 11th for Tourism, Transport, Travel and Heritage Studies.
She is helping students get to grips with the fast-paced nature of banking, understand the challenges, risk management, ethics, latest technology and financial regulation.
After holding senior positions in global banking operations and transformational change, Sally Moran has been welcomed to Chester Business School to offer her expertise on two new courses - BSc (Hons) Banking and Finance and MSc Banking and Finance.
n Selling Online - Introduction to Digital Marketing Workshop - online - Weds 28th.
Amber Gaffoor, Entrepreneurship Co-ordinator within the Careers and Employability team, said: “Each individual showed true commitment and passion in pursuing their business ideas and I am honoured to have been part of their journey. I would like to thank our Venture partners and Santander Universities for their continued support.”
The University of Chester has continued its rise in the Complete University Guide rankings for the third year, placing in the North West top four and in the top half nationally.
Christleton High School 27th and 28th June
Please use Christleton images 1&2 with caption: Emma Donell, Silverling Furniture, Lotay, Managing Director of Altimex Ltd, presented to students at Christleton High Christleton High School 4 Young Chamber Sponsors were again called into action at Christleton High School, the turn of the Year 12s had inspiring talks from our sponsors. mock interviews sponsors and contents
It has been a busy final term for Young Chamber careers activities. We have been pleased to support a number of events across a range of school ages with the help of our fantastic Young Chamber Sponsors. Christleton High School 27th and 28th June Approximately 200 year 10 students were put through their paces with a range of activities including CV writing, interview techniques, psychometric testin g, careers talks and team building activities
Simone Thomas, Strategic Data Systems Senior Manager
Young Chamber Sponsors were again called into action at Christleton High School, this the turn of the Year 12s talks from our sponsors. sponsors, followed by on their interview of their CV
n Year 12s at Christleton High School received support from Young Chamber Sponsors through career talks and mock interviews n Emma Donell, Silverling Furniture, & Davinder Lotay, Managing Director of Altimex Ltd, presented to students at Christleton High
Christleton High School 27th and 28th June
Notes to editor
Notes to editor
Young Chamber Sponsors were again called into action at Christleton High School, this time it was the turn of the Year 12s to be put through their paces. On the first day they had inspiring careers talks from our sponsors. The second day consisted of students having mock interviews with sponsors, followed by feedback on their interview performance and both the contents and layout of their CV. The students rose to the challenge and showed professionalism and enthusiasm. For many, this was their first experience of an interview due to Covid. Chamber sponsors who supported the event were Cheshire West & Chester Council, NatWest Business, Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors, HR Department, SHEQ Health and Safety Consultants Ltd and The University of Law.
Approximately 200 year 10 students were put through their paces with a range of activities including CV writing, interview techniques, psychometric testing, careers talks and team building activities. Thank you to Russell Taylor Group, Silverlining Furniture, Altimex, NatWest Business and Cheshire West & Chester Council for providing such vital careers support.
It has been a busy final term for Young Chamber careers activities. We have been a number of events across a range of school ages with the help of our fantastic Young Sponsors.
Notes Pleasetouse
Christleton High School 4
Thetheirstudents rose to the challenge and showed professionalism and enthusiasm. For their first experience of an interview due to Covid. Chamber sponsors who supported were Cheshire West & Chester Council, Nat , Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors, Department, SHEQ Health and Safety Consultants Ltd and The University of Law.
Thank you to Russell Taylor Group, Silverlining Furniture, Altimex, NatWest Business and Cheshire West & Chester Council for providing such vital careers support.
Christleton images 3, 4 & 5 with caption: Year 12s at Christleton High School support from Young Chamber Sponsors through career talks and mock interviews
Please use Christleton images 1&2 with caption: Emma Donell, Silverling Furniture, & Davinder Lotay, Managing Director of Altimex Ltd, presented to students at Christleton High
Notes to editor Please use Christleton images 3, 4 & 5 with caption: Year 12s at Christleton High School received support from Young Chamber Sponsors through career talks and mock interviews
Young Chamber were delighted to support Helsby consider careers in Computer Science.
Thank you to Russell Taylor Group, Silverlining Furniture, Altimex, NatWest Business West & Chester Council for providing such vital careers support.
We have been pleased to support a number of events across a range of school ages with the help of our fantastic Young Chamber Sponsors.
18 YOUNG CHAMBER
4th and 5th July
Helsby High School – Girls in Computer Science Event
The students rose to the challenge and showed professionalism and enthusiasm. For many, this was their first experience of an interview due to Covid. Chamber sponsors who supported the event were Cheshire West & Chester Council, Nat Department, SHEQ Health and Safety Consultants Ltd
It has been a busy final term for Young Chamber careers activities.
Christleton High School
Approximately 200 year 10 students were put through their paces with a range of CV writing, interview techniques, psychometric testin g, careers talks and team building
HiltonFIDesignCydBrownlowBolesworthArtezzanFurnitureInnovationRealityLimitedRealManagementSnowdoniajoined in the 2021/22 School Year Young Chamber Sponsors and we are looking next generation of employees and entrepreneurs:
Welcome to our Young SponsorsChamber that joined in the School2021/22Year
We are delighted to welcome the following new Young Chamber Sponsors and we are looking forward to working with them to help inspire the next generation of employees and entrepreneurs: Watch this space… We will be working with schools in September to confirm a schedule of activities for the new academic year. Please get in touch if you have any ideas for activities or if you would like to be involved in Young Chamber, we would love to hear from you!
n Artezzan Restaurant & Bar n Bolesworth Events Ltd n Brownlow Furniture n Cyd Innovation n Design Reality Limited n FI Real ManagementEstate n Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia n The HR Dept Wrexham and Chester n Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors n Leonardo Hotel Chester n OES n Sales Geek North Wales Ltd
YOUNG CHAMBER19
Helsby High School – Girls in Computer Science Event 12th July Young Chamber were delighted to support Helsby High School, inspiring a group of Year 8 girls to consider careers in Computer Science. Simone Thomas, Strategic Data Systems Senior Manager and colleague Joanne Carr from Cheshire West and Chester Council, led an interactive session giving students a range of activities to do including thinking like a computer and bubble sorting. In the afternoon, students were able to get on board the University of Chester’s Digital Bus and try out cutting edge technologies including augmented reality and virtual reality, before trying their hand at being a drone pilot. In 2020, the number of girls choosing to study computer science GCSE was 16,919 – just over 21.4% of total entrants – compared with 61,540 boys. It’s hoped that activities at Helsby High School, with support from Cheshire West and Chester Council and University of Chester, will help to reduce the gender disparity in this subject. n Year 8 girls at Helsby High School gained an insight Computer Science at the event in July Email us at youngchamber@wcnwchamber.org.uk
Welcome to our that joined in the 2021/22 School Year We are delighted to welcome the following new Young Chamber Sponsors and we are looking forward to working with to help inspire the next generation of employees and entrepreneurs:
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Remember the role is what the previous candidate made of it; so what new qualities and initiatives could a new candidate bring to your team, and how can you raise their interest in joining your company? The pandemic has also had a significant influence on job seekers’ attitudes towards employment. More flexibility surrounding when and where work can be completed is desired, with the work life balance very much more weighted on the life side of the Gonescale.are the days when you can set out a structured recruitment campaign, with a set closing date, interview date, and date for collaborative decisions to be reached. If you want to hire the best talent, this is now a race, and you must be quick with meeting your candidates and securing an offer. How can WR Partners help? Feel free to complete our HR MOT, which will highlight if your recruitment approaches are the best they possibly can be, to support with attracting, recruiting, and onboarding the best talent, to keep you and your company ahead of the game.
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Gemma Davies, CWaC Director of Economy and Housing, welcomed them recognising and praising the agility and innovation the business community had shown in the face of several years of disruption. Gemma highlighted the Council’s response to the pandemic which included the business support programme, using some of the top-up Additional Restrictions Grant, targeting businesses to develop and expedite their growth plans.
Highlighting the support provided to 200 businesses and managing the administration of over £700K of grants, supporting 322 new jobs created as a result of the programme and over £2m additional investment by the businesses supported.
21
There were artisans and small businesses exhibiting, enabling delegates to engage with the businesses supported.
There were fabulous raffle prizes provided by local businesses including; craft beer from Bluestone Bar, Boughton, T-Shirt from Goliath XXi ethical fashion brand, vouchers from Spencer’s Friends Mobile shoe fitting and a gift pack from Woodfords Aromatherapy.
On arrival guests were welcomed with samples from Big 5 Catering, South African-inspired BBQ and wood-fired Pizzas by Crust & Tipple with samples from Kingdom Recommends a small batch premium spirits company from Chester.
Debbie Bryce, CEO of West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber, added “It was a fitting event to acknowledge the success of the programme and testimony to the business who made it so successful.”
June Potts, Menopause 360: “Thank you so much for inviting me to take part in the celebrations, such a lovely event and a great celebration of the amazing collaboration of businesses in the region.”
More traders are officially announced for new Chester Market
West Cheshire Business Support Programme Celebratory Event
Delegates heard from the programme’s delivery partners, West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce and Blue Orchid, about the pivotal roles they played in delivering the programme.
Eleven further stalls are now contracted or are under offer to trade, with five taken by existing Chester Market traders.
The line-up includes a florist, bakery, vintage clothing, hand-crafted cosmetics, handmade stationery, grocery and a zerowaste refill store alongside three food and beverage traders serving fresh pasta, vegan and Mexican foods.
Just Footprints, relocating from the Forum Shopping Centre, recently accessed support through the West Cheshire Business Support Programme. The eco-friendly refill store, which pioneers plastic-free and zero-waste, accessed bespoke advice and a small scale-up grant through the programme, which helped with the purchase of new equipment.
Director and owner, Debbie Groom, said “This support and small grant was really important for us. Carol, from the Chamber, made the process easy. Nothing was too much trouble and she helped us with all our
All remaining stalls in the market are under offer and leases are expected to be concluded for all 39 stalls in the new market before it opens in late autumn.
PATRON FOCUS
Delegates heard James Merrick, All About Me Marquess, illustrate the positive impacts the support had on his business and a programme video captured the feedback and the diversity of businesses Wesupported.alsoworked alongside partners in the Third Sector; John Buchanan, from Cheshire West Voluntary Action CWVA, shared how the support received had enhanced and re-energised development within this sector.
“Wequestions”alsoattended one of the Net Zero workshops as part of the programme. The workshop was helpful and allowed us to meet other like-minded businesses”.
Paula Marshall, Woodfords Aromatherapy: “Everything from the venue to the people who attended was perfect. Great atmosphere and the presentations showed how far we’ve all come since the pandemic.”
n Gemma Davies, CWaC Director of Economy and Housing, praised the agility and innovation the business community
Attendees left with a goodie bag containing a selection of treats from businesses who’d supported including; miniature gin from Kingdom Recommends, sustainable straws from Just Footprints and brownies from Luke Jones at TVJ Bakery.
Lifestyle store, Daily Wares, providing authentic Americana-inspired vintage clothing, and their own brand designs, also received support through the business support programme. They have opened in the existing market before moving over into the new market.
In July, Cheshire West & Chester Council’s Economic Growth Team alongside West Cheshire Business Support Programme delivery partners; West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber and Blue Orchid, hosted an event marking the end of the programme.
Tim McCloud, CE of TMC Strategic Communications, introduced the work TMC and the programme delivery team had been working on creating a legacy that businesses can access through the Let’s Talk Business website. The Knowledge Hub pages enable businesses to access bite-sized, doable content which can easily be applied and used to help a business develop and grow.
Visit the Let’s Talk Business website for information about the programme and outcomes and hear from the businesses supported in the video to support the report, About-the-Area/Business-Case-Studieshttps://www.letstalkbizcw.co.uk/Home/
Announcing the second tranche of traders taking stalls at the new Chester Market, due to open in late autumn 2022.
Celebrating the hard work and resilience of the businesses supported. Over 60 delegates came together at Chester Boughton Hall Cricket Club, a recipient of support through the programme, for afternoon tea and networking.
To learn more about the Tech Tyfu ScaleUp and other projects please visit http:// techtyfu.com or contact David via david@mentermon.com or 07534 687 632
“After testing the market with small quantities, we sold out, and within five weeks business took off to the point we are now at maximum capacity continuously.
Using hydroponic vertical farming, since 2020, Tech Tyfu has explored the potential of CEA in Welsh food supply chains and is now operating across Wales for the first time.
creation of the new Tech Tyfu Scale-Up Project, which aims to continue building upon the programme’s successes.
Warren added: “We now grow a good selection of microgreens, herbs and exotic mushrooms having faced a few challenges early on which encouraged us to change the crops from leafy greens.
Warren Priestley, who together with Len and Gareth Griffith-Swain, were among those involved with the pilot project, launched Snowdon Valley Farm in Waunfawr. Warren hails from an organic growing background and was drawn in by the benefits vertical farming could offer, namely the reliability and predictability of harvests, reduced water use and fewer pest issues.
Pioneering the use of vertical farming technology, the Tech Tyfu Scale-Up Project aims to develop new supply chains for vertically farmed produce across Wales.
Tech Tyfu is a controlled environment agriculture (CEA) programme, delivered by the not-for-profit organisation, Menter Môn.
Individuals, growers, and businesses from across Wales will receive a package of support from the Menter Môn, Tech Tyfu Scale-Up Project.
The initial Tech Tyfu Pilot Project launched in 2020 and saw growers from Anglesey and Gwynedd participate in developing fresh microgreens using sustainable, waterbased hydroponic growing methods. The successes of this pilot have since seen the
“Working with Tech Tyfu has taken it to another level, they’ve always been on hand with support and advice, organising brilliant webinars with market leaders in the sector and even taking us on a study trip to Light Science Technologies horticulture research laboratory.”
“The support we have received from the local hospitality sector has been fantastic and the success of our produce means we will now double the space for growing mushrooms and build a new grow room for microgreens that is five times the current size, with space for research and development.
“They have demonstrated there is an appetite for tasty, fresh microgreens while securing sales from restaurants, independent stores and consumers at food fairs and events.
“The next step is to open this up to more supply chains across Wales and measure success in other areas; along the way, we will be exploring research and development opportunities and continuing to push the boundaries of innovation to highlight the benefits of vertical farming and open another channel for farmers, businesses, and the food industry to diversify.”
“Vertical farming is one of the fastest growing sectors and we are fortunate to have Tech Tyfu promoting it”.
Tech Tyfu Scale-Up received funding from the Welsh Government Rural Development Fund (RDF 2014-2020).
“We are delighted with the results and positive feedback received from the growers,” he said.
Vertical farming allows growers to control the environment of their crop, which improves water and nutrient efficiency by up to an order of magnitude, as well as allowing growers to create the conditions necessary to grow out-of-season crops, reducing pressure on the food supply chains as well as transport, packaging, and refrigeration costs.
An open call was launched in Spring 2022 inviting aspiring participants to express their interest in receiving a package of support from Tech Tyfu. Successful applicants have now joined the Tech Tyfu Scale-Up Project, forming a pan-Wales growers cluster. The programme’s participants have access to bespoke equipment provided by Tech Tyfu, specialist support through the form of one-to-one business consultation, skills development, and workshops. All of which will help develop their skills within the CEA industry and aid the development of fresh food supply chains which integrate vertical farming into the Welsh food economy.
An Innovative Vertical Farming Project is set to grow further with the launch of a new programme.accelerator
Promoting food tourism and strengthening local supply chains, project officer David Wylie, based on Anglesey, says Tech Tyfu will give the agriculture sector a post-pandemic boost.
22PATRON FOCUS
“I had experimented with the concept six years ago on a basic level and noticed the plants started in a controlled environment were stronger and healthier,” he said.
3) Improve Business Operations with Advanced Features
Need to scale your system up or down to accommodate the number of users?
Communication needs have also advanced to a point where integrating business applications, CRM systems and features, such as video conferencing or instant messaging are required in order to facilitate efficient productivity.
5) No More Costly Outages
The lack of adequate disaster-recovery and business continuity may be the most serious issue caused by PBX that poses the biggest risk to your business. On-site PBX is not designed to provide continuous connectivity in the event of disruption caused by issues like aging infrastructure or major construction projects. Outages are costly and have a negative impact on the experience of both your employees and your customers and can cause lasting damage to your brand and reputation.
With traditional PBX, there’s very little in the way of reporting and analysis. What scarce insights you can squeeze out of it is slow, difficult to produce and not really suitable for any real, practical use. Without this information gauging the success of your communications and identifying areas for improvement is tricky and unlikely to be accurate.
Most legacy communications systems are made of various, separate solutions for specific essential capabilities. A typical system may include: n A PBX for call control Plus different solutions for services such as: n Instant messaging n Directory/Presence n Web collaboration n Video conferencing n Contact centre solutions With information siloed across multiple platforms, vendors and systems, managing your solution is complicated, with various separate contracts and costs to keep track of.
PBX telephony has the flexibility of an iron rod and modern businesses need an agile solution that can bend, flex, scale and adapt to: n Business changes (especially those that are unpredictable, like the pandemic) n Hybrid work models n Mergers and acquisitions n New locations n Accommodating new hires
For Your Business
The versatility and agility of cloud communications allows you to deploy the full range of features, applications and tools that empower your team to be productive from anywhere. Even highly-sophisticated features are easily integrated, such as mobile collaboration, hot-desking and business apps. Features are simple to deploy from any location, remotely, over the internet with minimal IT assistance, which reduces frustration, confusion and IT costs.
For cloud systems, the only connection required is the internet – no phone wires to run, no infrastructure to babysit and all of the complexity is moved off your premises, off your plate and into the cloud.
With cloud VoIP (Voice over IP) you unify your communication needs into one platform on one, easy-to-manage bill for simple management.
23 5 Reasons to Swap Your 1)bestareanalogueworkforceyourtobusinesstechnologicalandthisusTraditionalthePhoneTraditionalSystemforCloudPBXlandlinetelephonyhasservedwellovertheyears.However,nowadaystired,legacysystemisn’tjustoutdatedunabletokeepupwithacceleratinginnovation,it’sputtingyouratrisk.Movingyourcommunicationthecloudisnowimperativetosafeguardbusiness,meettheneedsofthemodernandavoiddisruptionwhentheoldlines(PSTN)thatsupportthissystemswitchedoff.Here’s5reasonswhynowisthetimetoswitchtocloudcommunications.SimplifyYourCommunications
Trying to change or expand your traditional PBX system is labour-intensive, slow and involves nests of wires, routers and switchers and, even then, it is unlikely to meet the exact needs of your business.
4) Better Insights Into Your Communications
Cloud-based communications replace guesswork and estimations with realtime, data-driven insights, created from advanced analytics and rich reporting capabilities that enable you to make informed business decisions. With better insights, you will have a clearer understanding of your customer’s journey and experience with you.
Calls within a cloud-based system can automatically route to mobile phones, should an issue like a fire or severe weather cause an issue with your connectivity. If the location of your headquarters go offline, cloud VoIP offers the flexibility to connect to the internet remotely, so no matter what is thrown in your way, your employees can still connect with your customers and each other.
Within business and the wider world, communication has changed vastly. Callforwarding, ring-groups, auto-attendants and mobile voicemail notifications are all classed as basic voice features nowadays, but for legacy PBX systems, introducing them is complex.
Communication is Key – Let Us Help You to Unlock Opportunities
Setting up and deploying new locations and adding/removing users takes a few minutes without the need for specialist help.
With over 20 years’ experience in the telecoms industry and a vast cloud communications product suite, we’re here to help you find the best solution for your business and its needs. Call us today on 0344 875 8880 and let’s work together to safeguard your communication for the future.
PATRON FOCUS
2) Scale with Ease
24THE BIG INTERVIEW
I work closely with Matt Bates who is Managing Director of Bolesworth Events. We both have a great team of skilled individuals around us. I head up the marketing side of Events but I also have significant responsibilities within the Estate and commercial side of the business too.
WCNW: What attracted you to the company? My father, Anthony Barbour, made it his life’s work to bring Bolesworth back to its former beauty, restoring buildings where possible and adding features across the estate. He was responsible for huge diversification across the portfolio. Obviously, it is a family business and I shared my father’s vision. I joined the company soon after leaving university. I’ve always had a passion for horses and I love riding, but I’ve always had a real interest in running big events and doing great things at Bolesworth. WCNW: Once you started, what did you do next? I wanted to develop the events side of the business, and it felt natural to start with equestrian events. They are still a really important part of the plan today, but what they have enabled, is an amazing platform from which we can build, to produce shows and experiences that will appeal to a wide range of interests.
WCNW: What does a typical day involve?
WCNW: What are your main responsibilities?
WCNW: To begin, tell us a little about yourself and your background. I graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Masters in Geography. I’m the Managing Director of all entities at Bolesworth but along the way have held posts as a director of Harthill Stud and of Bolesworth Events. I’m passionate about leading Bolesworth into a new era.
I typically start working any time from 6.30am and will check in with my team first to work with them on latest campaigns, creative, budget planning and so on. Then there’ll be various Event meetings and I’ll often need to attend Estate meetings such as finance and trustees. If we have an Nina Barbour Managing Director Bolesworth Estate Company Ltd
Our target audience for events falls into different categories. For example, Equestrian events have a committed following of horse-loving enthusiasts and fans of the sport of show jumping, along with the owners of the horses which align with an audience similar to flat racing with many business owners amongst them.
Other events, such as the Movies weekend which has just finished, and our upcoming summer-into-autumn events such as Summer Maize-Maze with Sunflower picking, Halloween maze, Gandeys Halloween Circus, a huge Fireworks display and then our December month-long Christmas, dare I say extravaganza … are totally aimed at families and having fun. Our aim is to grow the Events but also invest in the Estate itself and build on its sustainability and growth moving forwards.
Sometimes we may think along these lines, however, we can react quickly and if it means tweaking the size of an event, or dates, then we are usually well-placed to do so.
WCNW: Looking ahead, what are your main aims for the organisation and how would you like it to develop?
We’re currently working on a whole new calendar of events for 2023 and putting plans in place for the future of the Estate, which include a new tourism and leisure project starting with converting an old school into a pub/restaurant with cycling and walking trails connecting with the Sandstone trail.
WCNW: Did you ever think ‘I’ve taken on too big a risk’? If so, how did you overcome it?
In addition to growing the Events portfolio, we have ideas to develop the corporate side of the business. There are currently over 150 commercial businesses based at Bolesworth, employing over a thousand people and this is an area that we intend to focus on more. We also have long-term plan for taking the Estate off the grid and making it truly sustainable, but that’s a discussion for another day … !
In addition to the above-mentioned pandemic, we often struggle with the great British weather. The majority of our events are held outdoors and so always susceptible to the elements.
WCNW: How have businesses and individuals responded to what you’re offering?
There is a lot that I would like to achieveMatt and I are just at the start of our events journey, and we have started an exciting partnership with Australian based company Ticketek, with whom we are hoping to do great things, including launching new festivals and making Bolesworth the ‘Goodwood of the North’!
WCNW: Who are your target audience and what is the main aim of the organisation?
So far we have had a great response to our extended calendar of events and also within local consultations surrounding our new leisure project in Harthill.
WCNW: How have things gone so far?
WCNW: What message would you give to other people in business?
The weather is of course beyond our control. However, we find that, once at an event, everyone involved whether working behind the scenes, or visiting, just want to have fun and they usually, in typical British fashion, get stuck in!
WCNW: What projects are you currently working on?
WCNW: Are there any particular people, business leaders or others you look up to? What have you learned from them?
My father was a huge inspiration, and I have huge respect for local businessmen Steve Morgan and Malcolm Walker - both of them live within a couple of miles of us, and you don’t get much more successful than the businesses that they have both built.
WCNW: Any difficulties? If so, how did you overcome them?
Obviously, as an Events company, we had to overcome the financial and health issues caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. We have managed to bounce back and have already staged two successful Equestrian events this year. We are hopeful that our end-of-year family events will be popular – feedback thus far appears to indicate they will be.
WCNW: What are your career aims and aspirations? Is there anything else in particular you’d like to achieve in your lifetime?
I am very fortunate to be in the position that I am, but at times it’s still really tough when things don’t go right. I think that everything is a learning curve and success is often getting it wrong, realising your mistakes and just pushing harder and harder.
“I wanted to develop the events side of the business, and it felt natural to start with equestrian events. They are still a really important part of the plan today, but what they have enabled, is an amazing platform from which we can build, to produce shows and experiences that will appeal to a wide range of interests.”
25 THE BIG INTERVIEW event running, then I’ll be on site and if it’s an equestrian event, I will still enter the odd show jumping competition too.
However, with regard to the difficulties caused by the pandemic, we did manage to run our Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show in 2021 and the end result made our efforts worthwhile. We obviously had a huge responsibility in terms of keeping our competitors and visitors safe and implemented strict Covid-19 guidance – it worked!
Now settled and happy in her role as a Fibre Planner with network provider Freedom Fibre at their headquarters in Irlam, she said: “Starting this job has been an absolute dream come true.
MEMBERS object as
DistanceNEWSno
“The rapidly-moving digital world in which we operate means we can now fast-track employers and job-seekers into employment.
The perfect job may have been more than 8,000 miles away –but distance was no object for NMS Recruit achieving Shannon Gray’s dream of a new start for her family by working in the UK’s booming Telecoms fibre industry. Within only a matter of days of making the decision to find employment here, Shannon was planning a life-changing move to Manchester from their home in South Africa. A chance CV posted online, picked up inside an hour by NMS principal consultant Rachel Powell, an internet interview date the following day – and Shannon had a job offer two days later.
“Going the extra mile – in this case more than 8,000 of them – and setting Shannon and her family on the road to a new life has been a very rewarding experience for Rachel and the team here at NMS
NMS bridges 8,000-mile recruitment gap
“However, creating that perfect fit for Freedom Fibre and Shannon was more than a job-matching exercise. It was a unique challenge and one where Rachel’s people skills and precise knowledge of the Telecoms market brought such a speedy, successful result for everyone.” L to R Rachel Powell with Shannon Gray
26North Wales MakeDevelopmentSoftwareTeamFirstHire
New COC member, Edward Aslin, recently started Carnedd after six years as a fully booked, contracting Technical Lead and Web Developer. At the start of 2022, he decided it was time to expand, and Carnedd was born.
Carnedd’s new Junior Developer, Megan Jones, decided to make a career switch at the start of the first lockdown. She is finishing her Diploma in Web App Development and has had further training and placement opportunities from the M-Sparc Skills Academy.Speakingon her new appointment, Megan Jones said; “It was important to me to find a company with a supportive and progressive culture, and I am delighted to have found that at Carnedd. It has been inspiring to follow the growth of the tech sector in North Wales, and I look forward to being part of what comes next.” Edward added, “I am really excited to have Megan on board and to be able to give opportunities to local talent, rather than having to look further afield. In the growth of the business, I am determined to continue giving opportunities to those that call the area home, encouraging tech growth in North Wales, and embracing Welsh in the business”. For more information, please visit https://carnedd.io.
Rachel has literally helped me and my family achieve our dream of coming to the UK.” Lisa Carew, Operations Director at Burton Manor-headquartered NMS Recruit, added:
“Although I am still battling with the emotional roller-coaster of moving so far away, being here is like a home from home.
Based in North Wales, the company offers outsourced development and technical leadership to businesses throughout the UK.
“At first I was shocked as it all happened really fast but, at the same time, I was so excited.
n
Carnedd Director Edward Aslin said: “Making your first hire is always difficult. Finding the right person is so important at this crucial stage of the business’s development. We were fortunate enough to receive help from the Skills Academy at M-Sparc and were lucky enough to have our new candidate with us on placement for a short time ahead of their contract commencing. I cannot speak highly enough of the scheme and would wholeheartedly recommend it to those looking for new tech talent in North Wales”.
Add smart meters to your business cash flow strategy
Award-winning heritage steamship
For more information, visit www.thedanny.co.uk
Don’t let the temperaturessoaring mean businessforenergysoaringusageyour
where you spend your money, helping with planning and projection of costs in the short, medium, and long term. They allow you to spend less time worrying about cash flow and more time running your business.
“Our 2022 cruise schedule promises to be our biggest and most diverse yet. We are thrilled to link up with the iconic Anderton Boat Lift on a regular basis this year for the first time, offering passengers a double historic waterways treat. It’s also great to return to Liverpool’s South Docks too after a break of nearly six years.
Trips aboard the restored Art Deco tug vary in length from two-and-a-half-hour cruises along the River Weaver Navigation between Sutton Weaver and Acton Bridge to six-hour voyages through to Ellesmere Port, River Mersey and Liverpool. Run by the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society, the ship relies heavily on a dedicated team of nearly 100 volunteers, including skilled boat skippers, engineers, deckhands, fundraisers and educators. So successful is the group, that it has just been awarded a coveted National Historic Ships UK volunteering prize, in recognition of its valuable work to combat isolation and develop wellbeing, particularly during the Covid pandemic.
Director Andrea Ward said: “We can’t wait to get this amazing ship back on the water and give people the thrill of enjoying a wonderful cruise through beautiful countryside again.
‘The Danny’ fires up for a record cruising year Award-winning heritage steamship, the ‘Daniel Adamson’, has fired up for a new record-breaking season of leisure cruises along the wonderful waterways of Cheshire and Merseyside.
The recent heatwave has had a real impact on businesses who have seen energy usage increase with the need for additional air conditioning and cooling equipment to keep staff, customers, and products fresh.
“With so many events and experiences cancelled over the last two years, we look forward to sailing full steam ahead in 2022, welcoming lots of new guests on board, extending our schools and training programme and making the most of this special historic steamship.”
The last couple of years have been very difficult, so it’s fantastic to win the Historic Ships volunteering award in recognition of our incredible team who have kept The Danny and each other afloat through trying times.
This summer we’ve faced scorching temperatures across the UK and Europe.
The county’s specialist food and drink producers are also celebrated on several cruises, which feature opportunities to sample Nantwich gin, Nomad cheese and wine.
Firms with 10 employees or less could be eligible for a smart meter. To find out more please follow the link here: https://bit.ly/3KGINrh. You can also contact your energy supplier or broker.
So, no matter what the weather’s like, now is the time to start thinking about how you can control your energy usage. Making small steps, like installing a smart meter, could help your business avoid spending more on energy than it needs to.
How do I find out if I am eligible for a smart meter?
Every business owner knows that cash is king, and this is as true in hot weather as it is in the depths of winter! Installing a smart meter can help you closely monitor
After all, who’s going to want to come into a stifling shop or a boiling office? And that’s before you start to consider the challenges of keeping your chilled products chilled and your frozen products frozen.
How can a smart meter help me?
27 MEMBERS NEWS
For the first time, The Danny will be making regular journeys from its base at Sutton Weaver, near Frodsham, up the River Weaver Navigation to Anderton Boat Lift, the world’s first boat lift, in Northwich. A major river dredging project by the Canal & River Trust has now enabled the ship to link up with Cheshire’s Cathedral of Canals, allowing visitors to enjoy two historic waterway attractions in one day.
Affectionately known as ‘The Danny’, the 1903 steamship launched its 2022 programme on Good Friday 15 April, with a rare visit to Liverpool’s Canning Dock, followed by up to six boat trips a month, ending on Sunday 9 October.
If your business has been running fans or airconditioning units 24/7 in the hot weather, you may be thinking about how much energy you’ve been using. A smart meter could give you valuable insights into how your business uses energy, day, and night. Smart meters can help your businesses take control of energy bills as they enable accurate, not estimated billing. This means that you will only pay for what you use, helping to take the stress out of business budgeting.
28GETTING STARTED
I chose Mimes Reusables because Mimes is short for Jemima. My colleagues, friends and family all call me Mimes so it was the perfect name. Your position? Business Founder and Owner About your business?
A huge achievement was engaging and winning the Venture Pitch organised with the University of Chester. The prize of almost £6000 enables me to register Mimes Reusables as a trademark and develop the brand.
Why did you decide to start your own business? Following family breakdown and estrangement, it was hard for me to move forward and starting a business was therapeutic for me. It gave me motivation and a reason to wake up in the morning and go about my life. I made my business my biggest priority and every decision I made thereafter was to get me closer to making it a reality.
Linking with the Chamber has given me a chance to attend valuable workshops and I secured ARG funding to develop my Carbon Neutral credentials for the business and supported me to launch the business.
About you! My name is Jemima, I’m 23 and I was born in Ghana. My parents had been living in Italy since I was a baby, leaving me with grandparents and aunties back in Ghana. When I was 11, I moved to Italy to be with them, where I went to secondary school and high school. In 2016, my family moved to the UK as they had lost their jobs in Italy and chose to relocate to the UK because they wanted to give me and my siblings a better future and they felt like the UK offered the best opportunities. Once we moved here, the relationship between my parents and I became incredibly strained and I was made homeless. Sadly, I have been estranged from them since then.
Getting Started with Mimes Reusables Ltd and Factr
Biggest challenges?
The West Cheshire Start-Up Club is a place for people in their first two years of operation to come together, share experiences and learn key aspects of running their business. As part of this feature, we hear from Mimes Reusables Ltd and FACTR about their background, why they established their businesses and their plans for the future.
Anyone interested in supporting the environment and creating less waste, if just one person switches to a reusable water bottle, they help save on average 150 single-used plastic bottles every year! Best moment so far?
Lessons learnt… Looking back, I am happy my first business failed because it forced me to look for a real problem to solve and also bridge a real gap in the market.
Mimes Reusables Ltd
Mimes Reusables is now carbon neutral certified by Positive Planet. Through the carbon neutral program, Mimes Reusables plants trees, picks plastic from the ocean and supports four selected UN sustainability initiatives every month.
What’s in a name?
Mimes Reusables is a reusable brand providing individual customers and businesses with reusable stainless steel water bottles, all accessories included. Mimes Reusables provides businesses with a drop shipping service that are UK based. Therefore, no more going through hurdles to get products to their customers. According to a 2017 study, the UK uses about 38.5 million water bottles every day and less than half of this is recycled. This is clearly a huge problem, with the climate crisis intensifying I wanted to do something that will help solve a real problem.
Benefits of the Chamber Start-Up club since you joined?
Who is your ideal client/customer?
In 2020, I started my first business - Golsem Shoes, an online fashion brand providing customers with stylish shoes at an affordable price. Business was going well with regular sales, but on Jan 1st 2021 Brexit hit. Suddenly, I could no longer trade as drop shipping the shoes from Poland became too costly to ship and also took too long for delivery. This was a challenging period for me, I’d put my heart and soul into the business and I was baffled that I could no longer trade due to Brexit complications The light bulb moment! My issues with drop shipping were not unique, there are about 140,000 UK drop shipping businesses and about 80% of them get their products from outside the UK. These businesses were affected by Brexit one way or another. I decided to start a business that would help bridge this gap by helping small businesses, that do not have a huge capital to buy a large inventory, drop ship from a UK supplier.
Biggest challenges? Finding commercial property in Chester was really tough. Luckily enough we found the premises we are in now which is perfect and was well worth the wait.
Lessons learnt… To be honest I am quite happy with our decision making up until this point, but we still have time ha!
We had a soft launch party in April for some of our previous personal training clients on an invite only basis, and they were allowed to bring friends and family. Over 100 people came to show their support and celebrate with us, that was pretty special.
I continued to build this business for seven years, working with many different types of clients, in many different areas / gyms until it became what we now know as Factr. A 5,000 square foot gym, housing 4 trainers, a sports therapist and 130 personal training clients. I no longer take PT sessions; my job is to grow the business and develop the team.
The light bulb moment! Myself and my business partner, Rich, had been working together previously for four years before setting up Factr. We always spoke about the idea of going into business together in the future. We both have a background in personal training and have both worked in a commercial gym. Through many years of working with clients in the traditional 1-2-1 gym setting, we thought there must be a better way to provide clients with real value. That is when Factr was created. Who is your ideal client/customer?
I left school when I was 17 and joined a sales company, I was essentially a freelance salesman. I had never been super passionate about anything in school, but I had found a spark for something here. It was around this time that I discovered an absolute passion for business/enterprise. I much preferred working for myself as opposed to someone else and found that I didn’t need a Uni degree to do well in life, just a bit of determination. At 18, I set up my own personal training business as I wanted to combine business with something I was passionate about, which was fitness. I had been crazy into fitness since the age of 14 and thought it would be cool to help other people make the same transformation that I made for myself many years prior. At age 19, my books were full as I utilised the skills learnt in the previous sales role.
29
What’sFactrin a name? Nothing unfortunately! Your position?
We are looking to work with people that are scared/intimidated of entering a gym and do not know what to do when they get there (which is most people). We are looking for people that want more help, support and guidance than a traditional gym is prepared to give.
Co-founder, Director. About your business? Most people that attend a traditional gym don’t know how to use the equipment, exercise properly, eat correctly and manage their lifestyle to help them achieve the result they want. As a result, most gym members pay for a subscription they do not use, and eventually give up. Factr is born from this problem, and is the solution. Each client is given the tools, resources, knowledge and expertise needed to achieving lasting change. We are a results based personal training package that takes a client from A to B.
Benefits of the Chamber Start-Up Club since you joined? Had loads of help, support and advice, there is a vast network full of knowledgeable and resourceful people.
Best moment so far?
Carol has been especially helpful throughout the whole process and was on hand (or over the phone) to help with anything. She has passed many contacts my way that have been really useful!
About you!
AmbassadorInternationalHonoraryAppointed
Phil Harris said: “I feel highly honoured to be asked to take on this role. It is a privilege to live in this wonderful area of North Wales and Cheshire and to support the great breadth and depth of companies and people with the local Chamber who want to develop their international business and exports.”
To give regular strategic advice/briefings, where appropriate, on international markets and trends impacting upon businesses in the region and how they can be managed by the Chamber and its members. He will continue to publish occasional articles of interest to the Chamber and make these available to its members.
30
PhilProfessorHarris
Phil is a member of several boards and charity trust governing bodies and has researched, taught and worked in Australia, Canada, China, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore Sri Lanka, Turkey, United States and across Europe.
Phil is regarded as one of the founders of research and theory development in strategic public affairs management, political marketing, and societal communication. He is the founding editor of the Journal of Public Affairs and is a member of several international editorial and advisory boards.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Living in Chester with his wife Irene, Phil is currently involved in advising on Comic Reliefs Community Grants and the work of the Medical Mission Sisters who provide female healthcare in many poor communities in Africa, Latin America and Asia. Phil also has a focus on China and Indian business development, enablement of the vulnerable and with entrepreneurship, family business, international trade, and doctoral student development, having supervised or examined over 40 doctoral students to completion during his career. He is a Freeman of the City of London.
Debbie Bryce, Chief Executive Officer at the West Cheshire & Nort Wales Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are delighted that Phil has taken the role of Honorary International Ambassador at the Chamber. Phil’s expertise on the international stage is invaluable and will ensure that our members are kept up to date with the latest opportunities and insights.”
Phil Harris has been appointed an Honorary International Ambassador of the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce. He served on the board of the Chamber for 9 years, standing down in 2021, and was given a Special Recognition Award at its awards Dinner in 2021 for service to the Chamber. In his new role, Phil will report to and support the Chief Executive Officer, Employees and Board of Directors of the Chamber on international business and associated public affairs matters, such as briefing on core markets, trends and lobbying opportunities. His focus will be to support the international initiatives of the Chamber and its members.
Phil is Editor in Chief of the transnational Palgrave Encyclopedia on Interest Groups, Lobbying and Public Affairs (Harris, Bitonti, Fleisher and Skorkjaer Binderkrantz) which was published in 2022 as two hardback volumes and is available as a live text on the Springers Nature platform. The text is truly global and has over 250 authors from around the world. See lobbying-and-public-affairspalgrave-encyclopedia-interest-groups-https://www.ipsa.org/na/book/
He has advised governments on Small and Medium Sized Businesses and helped found in the UK the Educate North Awards in 2015 and University Enterprise Challenge in 2016. Phil has focused on developing high-quality entrepreneurs regionally and internationally in the not-for-profit, private and public sectors.
He founded the annual think tank, The Chester Forum, with its focus on Economic and Regional Affairs in 2010 and was organizing chairman for a decade of the High Sheriff of Cheshire Enterprise Awards which has supported over 800 companies and third sector organisations across his home region. He launched the Marco Polo Initiative in 2016 in Beijing which is a group to aid Communication and Trade between Asia and Europe.
Professor Phil Harris’ Bio Phil is Professor Emeritus in Marketing & Public Affairs at the University of Chester, Professor Extraordinarius at the University of South Africa (UNISA), Pretoria, RSA and a Fellow of the Good Governance Institute, London. He is a past Chairman of the Marketing Council (UK) PLC, Board member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Professor of Marketing at the University of Otago, New Zealand and Founding Director of the Centre for Corporate and Public Affairs at Manchester Metropolitan PhilUniversity.wasborn in Southall, Middlesex and left school at 16 to work in the broadcasting and pop music industry for Radio Luxemburg, based in London. He gained his O and A levels at night school at Birkenhead Tech and established a Trade Union branch before going to York University. Phil was President of the Students Union and became involved in campaigning against Apartheid and discrimination and is a keen supporter of human rights, sustainability and refugees. Before becoming an academic, Phil held positions in the international chemical and foods industries with ICI and RHM and has chaired, or been a board member of, the American Marketing Association, Academy of Marketing, and the Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy.
n BCC Introduction to Import 5th October, 09:30 - 16:30
n BCC Customs Procedures and Documentation 19th October, 09:30 - 16:30
STEP 3: PREPARE FOR CDS DATA
STEP 1: Subscribe to CDS In this step, you will need to subscribe to CDS. It’s free and easy to do -
n BCC Incoterms ® 2020 Rules 14th September, 09:30 - 12:30
STEP 2: SETTING UP DUTY PAYMENTS ON CDS
availableFunding to Welsh businesses for TradeInternationalTraining
n BCC Customs Special Procedures 9th November, 09:30 - 16:30
Funding is available from the Welsh Government to Wales-based businesses that wish to improve their capability to export their products and/or services. The programme is aimed at those businesses that either currently export or plan to start exporting in the near future. In line with the governing Flexible Skills Programme principles, the Welsh Government is able to support up to 50% of the cost of eligible training up to a maximum contribution of £25,000.
In this step, you will need to n Set up a new Direct Debit to enable your Deferment Account on CDS n Delegate ChamberCustoms to use your Deferment and Cash accounts on CDS You can complete this step heresignin/credshttps://www.access.service.gov.uk/login/
n BCC Methods of Payment and Letters of Credit 12th October, 09:30 - 16:30
Note: Your existing deferment account, if you have one, will work on CDS. However, you will need to set up a new Direct Debit. It is important that you don’t cancel your CHIEF direct debit.
CHIEF, the current system for Import and Export declaration used by HMRC, is closing its doors after 30 years of service. The new Customs Declaration Service CDS is replacing it.
The West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce is pleased to inform you that this funding can be used for its International Trade Training courses listed below and bespoke training packages. For more information and to apply for the funding, or if you are not based in Wales and would like information on possible funding opportunities, please contact Hayley Gray on 01244 669985 or email h.gray@wcnwchamber.org.uk
n BCC Export Documentation 27th September, 09:30 - 12:30
n BCC Understanding Rules of Origin 2nd November, 09:30 - 16:30
31 INTERNATIONAL TRADE
In this step, you will need to familiarise yourself with the additional information required when completing Import/Export Declaration on CDS. In addition to the standard information, CDS will also require: Export n Carrier information n Country of Routing (to the extent known) n Gross Mass n CDS references for authorisations held (IP/OP/etc.) n Nature of transaction Import n Gross Mass n Incoterms n Nature of transaction n Guarantee Details (for deferment) n Relationship between buyer/seller n Commercially agreed Exchange Rates
ChamberCustoms is urging importers and exporters to prepare for the closure of HMRC’s CHIEF platform.
ChamberCustoms is running CDS and CHIEF in parallel and to ensure we can continue to assist you; we need you to register with HMRC to access CDS. It is important you follow the steps below to ensure you are ready to produce Customs Declarations.
Ahead of the 31 March 2023 complete closure, services on CHIEF will be withdrawn in two stages: n 30 September 2022: import declarations close on CHIEF n 31 March 2023: export declarations close on CHIEF / National Exports System (NES)
Note:customs-declaration-servicewww.gov.uk/guidance/get-access-to-the-https:// You will need to use your company’s Government Gateway to log on. If you don’t have one, you can obtain one very easily. However, it is likely that someone in your company - typically the finance teamwill already have one.
Are you ready for CDS?
If you need any help, please contact ChamberCustoms on 01244 669985 or email internationaltrade@wcnwchamber.org.uk
Note: ChamberCustoms will need a copy of any authorisation letter you hold for Deferment Account and/or Special procedures (i.e. Inward Processing, Outward Processing, End Use, Customs Warehousing, Temporary Admission, etc.). If you don’t have the authorisation letter to hand, please obtain a copy from HMRC as this will contain the CDS-specific codes needed.
n BCC Understanding Commodity Codes 28th September, 13:30 - 16:30
Something must be done to understand and ease the issues that businesses face.
LIFTKET UK Ltd is a new business based in Ellesmere Port that distribute electric chain hoists to companies involved in Industry, Wind and Entertainment lifting. Below, we hear from Director John Jones on his response to the Chamber’s Quarterly Business Report and the wider BCC QES: You’ve indicated that sales have increased over the last 3 months. Are there any specific reasons behind this?
Unsurprisingly, this declining confidence in business performance has affected firms’ plans to increase investment, with 3 in 4 (75%) saying they have no plans to do so (up from 73% in Q1). This metric has remained largely unchanged since Q2 2021. Inflationary pressures continue to exceed record highs 65% of firms now expect their prices to rise in the next three months, up from 62% in Q1, a record high and a 23-percentage-point rise on a year ago. Only 1% overall expect a decrease in their prices. Business activity remains buoyant but on downward trend 41% of respondents overall reported increased domestic sales in Q2, down from 42% in Q1, and the third consecutive quarterly fall. 18% reported a decrease, the same as the previous quarter.
Pressures On Business Reaching New Heights – Quarterly Economic Survey Q2 2022
For an importer the costs of bringing shipments into the UK are a major issue - they have tripled and the time taken has increased from a few days to often now 7-10 days.
I started off working from home through Covid and once we moved into the factory unit, we recruited a General Manager and Workshop Technician. We have just started a new 17-year-old apprentice and plan another qualified Workshop Technician in the next month or so.
The’ B’ word that few talk about - Brexit - has been a disaster for importers and Inexporters.mylast company we had lots of orders from EU based clients. So far, we have had only one, it is far too complex for them to buy from the UK with the new rules and regulations that govern exports.
32ECONOMY
Finding staff is very hard currently and this industry is notorious for having an ageing workforce, we have to get youngsters into our Engineeringbusinesses.and solving lifting problems is interesting and once people join the industry they tend to stay. I am proud to have employed an apprentice seven months after we started trading. What would you say is the biggest challenge facing businesses in your industry at the moment?
LIFTKET carry out far more of the manufacturing process than our competitors and we have greater access to stock whilst most of our competitors suffer from supply chain issues.
The BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Q2 2022 shows key economic indicators flashing red. The survey of over 5,700 firms revealed a weakening in the proportion of firms reporting increased domestic sales, investment intentions, and longer-term turnover confidence. Measures for investment and longer-term business confidence have slipped back Indicators for turnover and profitability confidence, as well as investment, all worsened from their Q1 positions. Firms expecting an increase in turnover over the next twelve months dropped from 63% to 54%, this is the lowest figure since Q4 2020 when much of the UK was under some form of lockdown.
Confidence in profitability also took a significant knock with 43% predicting an increase, down from 50% in Q1. More than a quarter (28%) are now predicting a decrease in profits.
We are a real niche industry; the last UK manufacturer was bought out and manufacture moved out of the UK some years ago, since then every chain hoist used in the UK is imported, we compete with companies who import, just like us - mainly from the EU.
In Focus With LIFTKET UK Ltd
We have gained sales and market share by being more agile with greater stocks ready for fast despatch. You’ve recruited and looking to recruit further in the next 3 months. Can you explain why this is the case?
MEMBERS NEWS
n Solar Panels have been installed on the roof of Chester Cathedral
The company works with clients predominantly based in the North West.
A Cheshire-based insurance company is celebrating a successful first full year of trading. Highlights since the launch of Vista North West have included building a portfolio of more than 50 clients and placing nearly £2m in insurance premiums, as well as supporting local and national good causes.
Work to install the solar panels began on Thursday 7 July and continued throughout the month.
brokerinsuranceChester looks to the successfulafterfuture first year
The Church of England, in recognising the climate emergency called on all parts of the Church to become net zero carbon by 2030. The solar panels are one part of the Cathedral’s activity towards becoming net zero carbon.
Solar Panel commencesInstallation at Chester Cathedral
Dean of Chester, the Very Revd Dr Tim Stratford says “Chester Cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Chester and has a responsibility to be sustainable. For us, sustainability includes ensuring that we are doing everything we can to reduce our carbon footprint and lessen our negative impact on our planet. It also means ensuring that we can fund the essential work carried out on our magnificent cathedral. The installation of solar panels on the roof will achieve both aims, in reducing the amount of fossil fuels burnt to heat our building; and in the longer-term reducing the cost required to provide this fuel.”
Chester Cathedral has undertaken a significant step towards reducing its carbon footprint by installing roofmounted solar panels to the ancient monastic building.
We have assisted a number of clients with challenging claims matters and developed risk management strategies to help businesses contain cost in what has become a challenging insurance market for some sectors – particularly important at the moment with so many other costs going up.
“We believe this is the true test of a broker and the area we add the most value to all of our clients’ businesses.”
“We’ve acquired a number of clients of varying sizes and quickly established a presence in the local insurance market.
Dan said: “Offering a personal and local service to our clients is absolutely central to what we do. “Claims and risk management support for our clients has been and continues to be a strong aspect of our offering.
Dan said: “We’re proud to have sponsored Chester Nomads FC, which is one of the longest established clubs in the city.
“As the new guys in town, the priority for us remains building relationships with our clients and the wider community.”
Managing Director Dan Stockley said: “It’s been a fantastic first year for us.
Alongside establishing the business, there has been a focus on developing community links.
The solar panels themselves will be in three sections on the Cathedral roof and will be able to provide a significant portion of the electricity required to run the site, generating a reduction of approximately 12.39 tCO2 each year.
Chester Cathedral is the principal place of Christian worship in Cheshire and the largest heritage site in Chester, welcoming over 300,000 visitors per year. Costs to fuel historic buildings such as the Cathedral are always high and Chester Cathedral – which relies principally on public donations – is no exception.
“Along with my wife I also raised £500 for Autism Awareness by taking on the challenge of doing 16,666 steps every day for a week – no mean feat for someone spending a long time at a desk every day. Autism Awareness is a cause close to my heart, and one that Vista North West will be supporting in the coming year.”
With their help, the watch turned from an idea into a reality and soon became known as “The Few”, in honour of the name given by Winston Churchill to those pilots who saved Britain during her darkest and finest hour.
TheINTO...Great British Watch Company
By prioritising authenticity and sympathetic use of both the materials and the stories of the pilots, I seem to have hit the right note. I grew an enthusiastic audience who followed the development of the watch. The initial batch of watches have all been ordered and I have opened a second reserve list for further orders.”
Below, Colin talks us through one of his recent projects “The Few”, a watch handmade from a WW2 Spitfire. “As the Second World War raged in Europe, the world’s most famous aircraft – the Spitfire – was at the forefront of operations to liberate the continent. Soon after D-Day on 30th July 1944, one of these Spitfires, registered as ML295, was being flown by pilot Harold Kramer over Nazi-occupied France. After having just successfully attacked a German convoy, his squadron heard Kramer exclaim over the radio that he’d been hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire and his engine had stopped. They watched as Spitfire ML295’s propellor spun to a stop and the aircraft silently glided out of formation and out of sight.
Thankfully, Kramer skilfully managed to bring his damaged Spitfire down in a marshy field and emerged from the aircraft unharmed. Now far behind enemy lines, he made a dramatic escape and managed to evade capture for a month before making his way back to Allied lines. Since its crash in 1944, Spitfire ML295 had remained where it landed; submerged in the middle of a pond in Northern France. Almost 75 years later, the wreck was recovered and transferred to Biggin Hill Airfield in Kent to undergo a full restoration. Using parts of the Spitfire that could not be reused in the restoration I worked on the idea to incorporate some of that material in a series of unique commemorative watches. By creating an emotional link to the DNA of the Spitfire and her pilots, it was my intention that the watch was not just a timepiece, but also a visceral reminder of those pilots and the sacrifices they made. I also aspired to build the watch entirely in Britain. This was certainly a challenge, but with persistent enthusiasm, I found world-class artisans and engineers who were eager to be part of the project - the majority being from within Cheshire.
Find out more about the project and The Great British Watch Company on their website: https://www.great-british-watch.co.uk/ 34
In 2011, the Great British Watch Company was founded with the ultimate goal of helping to regain some of the ground Britain has lost as a centre of horology. Since then, Owner and Watchmaker Colin Andrews has been educating and informing the public about Britain’s historic role in horology whilst creating a limited range of bespoke British-designed, hand-crafted and assembled watches using only 100% British sourced materials, skills and technology.
34INSIGHT
35Halfpage-Outlines.indd 1 26/08/2022 12:15 SERVICESPRINTING FOR YOUR 0330SALES@PRINTHUBSERVICES.COMBUSINESS33262905STARRATED As a new PrintHub client, you will be assigned to a Personal Print Specialist who will help you: Get quick, bespoke quotes Make your designs print-ready Fine tune your projects Arrange delivery logisticsGRADEPREMIUMMATERIAL BANNERSPULL-UP ANY SIZE ANY QUANTITY STAPLEDBOOKS PVC & MESH PREMIUM MATERIAL FOR OUTDOOR USE OUTDOORBANNERS TO MAKERSTOYOURSHOWCASEBUSINESSKEYDECISIONINWESTCHESHIREANDNORTHWALESCONTACT Karen Hall Sales Director Tel: 07801 karen@benhampublishing.com788880
UP TO 60% LESS ON MY FAVOURITE BRANDS all day with my favourite people THIS IS WORLD.MY discover yours. www.mcarthurglen.com/cheshire_oaks/outlet UP TO 60% LESS ON MY FAVOURITE BRANDS all day with my favourite people THIS IS WORLD.MY discover yours. www.mcarthurglen.com/cheshire_oaks/outlet
With up to 60% off all designer brands including, Polo Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss and Zadig and Voltaire, you can get your fill of seasonal staples for the whole family. Shop sustainably from the likes of Levi’s, Dr Marten’s and Barbour or invest in a wardrobe classic from All Saints or Burberry to carry you from season to season. Make a day of it with delicious brunch and lunch options from Leon and Mowgli, grab a pizza from PizzaExpress, or an afternoon drink that stretches into the evening. Isn’t that what the long days are for?
If that wasn’t enough there is also a schedule of live performances from local artists at Under the Oak container village, plus a whole host of tasty food traders for all the family to enjoy, from gyros, loaded fries, wood fired pizzas and much more.
37
Enjoy a day out browsing the latest season’s arrivals from your favourite designer brands at Cheshire Oaks Designer outlet. Find the fashion you love in the freedom of the open air and shop the hottest trends this season. RETAIL
Open 9am-8pm Monday -Friday, 9am-9pm Saturday and 10am-6pm Sunday there’s plenty of time to refresh your wardrobe whilst enjoying a great day out at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet this season.
Nuffield Health Chester Hospital, The Grosvenor We have your health covered from A-Z A Ambulatory care (minor ops) B Breast care/surgery C Cosmetic surgery D Dermatology E ENT and eye surgery F Foot and ankle surgery G General surgery and gynaecology H Hernia repair I Irritable Bowel Disorder J Joint replacements K Keyhole surgery L Lumps and bumps (removal) M Mole and skin lesions N Neurology O Orthopaedics P Paediatrics and private GP service Q Qualified experts R Respiratory and rheumatology S Spinal/back care T Tailored treatment U Urology V Varicose veins treatment W Women’s health and men’s health X X-rays Y YAG laser for eyes Z Zzzz – sleep apnoea Our prices are all-inclusive.* Your confirmed price is all you’ll ever pay. We will equal any comparable price.* If you find a better price for the same package, we’ll match it. There are no time limits on your aftercare.* We’ll be there for as long as you need us. * For full terms and conditions please see our website. Whether you have private medical insurance or pay for yourself, at Nuffield Health Chester Hospital, The Grosvenor, you can get swift, all inclusive hospital treatment at a time to suit you. If you don’t have private medical insurance and are self paying, you’ll be covered by the Nuffield Health Price Promise with no limits on your aftercare.** Contact our team to book an appointment Call 01244 457366 Email outpatient.appointments@nuffieldhealth.com Visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/chester Nuffield Health Chester Hospital The Grosvenor, Wrexham Road, Chester CH4 7QP ** For full terms and conditions please see our website.
39
“Driven by our purpose to build a healthier nation, our experts have been working together for more than 60 years to make the nation fitter, healthier, happier and stronger.
We also have an on-site Fitness & Wellbeing centre, which offers a range of services including a gym, swimming pool, health assessments, health screenings, physiotherapy and classes. We are pleased to be able to offer a regular Private GP service. We know the importance of seeing a GP face to face rather than over the telephone, our GPs are experienced in a wide range of medical conditions and can offer advice and treatment on a range of health issues. If you have any concerns about your health or wellbeing, please do not hesitate to contact us.
As a trading charity, we do not fundraise and we invest all our income back into our purpose to build a healthier nation. With our purpose at the heart of everything we do, we always focus on the wider impact of our actions on our people, on those who benefit from our flagship programmes, on local communities and on the environment. “
Spring girl photo created by jcomp - www.freepik.com
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Nuffield Health’s Purpose
Nuffield Health Chester Hospital, The Grosvenor is committed to providing the highest quality of care for our patients. Our hospital is located on the outskirts of Chester and provides a wide range of services including outpatient care, inpatient care, surgery, pathology services and diagnostics. To help promote the importance of health and wellbeing we are able to offer the local community, health education, outreach sessions and complimentary patient events.
We achieve this through our industry-leading network of 37 hospitals, 114 fitness and wellbeing centres, medical centres and workplace wellbeing facilities. We believe that the best healthcare should help prevent illness by looking after mind and body. Our holistic wellbeing offering spans physical and mental health — from personal training, health assessments, GP services, and physiotherapy to providing mental health support or hospital treatments for serious conditions. We also use our expertise to support the NHS and help people to prevent illness and injury, working in collaboration with all parts of the health service.
What makes us truly different is our commitment to our unique flagship programmes, where we respond to developing national unmet health and wellbeing needs in local communities and widen access to our services, experts and resources to give more people the tools to live a healthy life. Our flagships help young people understand and improve their own health, help people living with joint pain, and, most recently, help rehabilitate people experiencing the long-term effects from COVID-19. Through all our education, research and flagships we are building the evidence base for a holistic approach to healthcare that helps prevent physical and mental illness in the future.
Holiday pay for workerspart-year
LEGAL
This means that holiday pay for part year workers must meet at least the statutory minimum annual leave entitlement under the WTR of 5.6 weeks, even if they do not work all year round and calculating the rate of pay for that holiday should be done by looking at the average pay in the preceding 52 weeks (the reference period has increased from 12 weeks to 52 weeks under the WTR).
Whilst this judgment is likely to affect a lot of employers in the education sector, employers in other industries such as those that employ seasonal workers, may find they are affected to. Those employers with part-year workers, term-time or seasonal workers who are not using the correct method of calculating holiday pay will need to make adjustments accordingly and consider how they may deal with potential claims from employees for backdated holiday pay. Should you require further advice please contact Claire Brook, Partner in our Employment Team: Tel: 01244 405 clare.brook@aaronandpartners.com575
40 The Supreme Court recently issued its long-awaited decision in the case of Harpur Trust v Brazel. This case deals with the important issue of calculating holiday entitlement for workers who work for varying hours during only certain weeks of the year but have a continuing contract throughout that year. This arrangement is often found in educational settings with employees only actually working during term-time or seasonal workers.
Mrs Brazel made a claim for unlawful deduction from wages claim asserting that the Trust had not acted in accordance with the Working Time Regulations 1998 (“WTR”) by calculating her holiday pay in the way it had and she had therefore been underpaid. Mrs Brazel asserted the previous averaging method was correct.
Claire Brook Partner, employment Team
Mrs Brazel was entitled to 5.6 weeks’ paid annual leave, which she was required to take during the normal school holidays in three equal tranches in the winter, spring and summer school holidays. From 2011 the Trust changed the way her holiday was calculated by taking 12.07% of the the total number of hours worked at the end of each term and paying her the hourly rate for that number of hours. This left Mrs Brazel significantly worse off than when compared to a previous method used of taking the average pay for the 12 weeks preceding when she took the holiday (disregarding any weeks she did not work outside of term-time).
What does this mean for employers?
Background The Harpur Trust (“the Trust”) runs Bedford Girls School where Mrs Brazel worked during the relevant time as a visiting music instructor. During the school terms, Mrs Brazel worked different hours each week for which she was paid on an hourly basis. During the school holidays she did not teach any lessons to the school pupils and was not required to work.
The Supreme Court held that holiday pay for part-year workers should be calculated using the averaging method as asserted by Mrs Brazel even though this method will often result in workers with atypical working patterns receiving a higher proportion of their annual pay for leave than workers with normal working hours.
Was a role like this always what you aspired to?
This is Steven and Mercè Cozens, founders of Think Beyond, an award-winning management consultancy based in Knutsford, Cheshire that works with boards and senior leaders to enable accelerated time to value with our research, plan and change services. From strategic business planning to transformation, from market profiling to neuroscience and lead generation to assurance, we offer best in class options for senior leaders.
An overview of yourself and your current role.
Steven and Mercè Cozens Co-Founders of Think Beyond
Steven Cozens is one of the consultants at Think Beyond with expertise in Business and Finance. With over 20 years’ experience in business, Steven offers business and finance consultancy to organisations that need support to enhance performance.
Steven: I am a very business-oriented person and I do enjoy business, including reading up on business outside of work. I also like hiking, gardening, afternoon tea and computer gaming.
There are lots of consultants and coaches who overlook research to support business plans. This is one of the biggest weaknesses and the reason for so much untapped opportunity for businesses.
Mercè: Delighting our customers. Every time we deliver a piece of work for our customers, I can see how much they smile and how pleased they are with the work.
Mercè: A philosopher! Unfortunately, neither I nor my family could see how to make money from it! So, I went down the business route instead. What advice would you give to anyone else in Steven:business?
Mercè: Take a baseline on where you are today, establish where you want to be and draw a plan to get there. These three simple tips are ignored by the majority of businesses, many of whom set ambitious goals but have no means of measuring how well they are doing.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BUSINESS41
Steven: The freedom to help in almost any part of a business. Business problems often stem from a lack of collaboration, engagement and inter-departmental projects. Working as a consultant enables me to bring teams together with frameworks and plans to deliver outcomes.
Tell us about your previous roles/business Steven:journey.
Mercè: I started my professional career as a consultant living in Andorra. Before that, I dabbled in translation and business administration. Becoming a Chartered Marketer was a great step towards senior marketing roles. However, where in some companies marketing leads the way, in others it follows or is almost non-existent. That is why I wanted to become a consultant, to work in many different areas of businesses. Tell us a bit about what you do outside of work to relax.
If you are in employment, consider that third-party consultants are unhindered by organisational politics, complexity and inertia. It is also important to remember that third-parties don’t get paid a penny until you place an order.
Mercè: I was looking for versatility and running your own consultancy gives you exactly that. As we support directors from medium to large organisations across several industries, each of them has different challenges they need support on, which makes it very interesting and varied.
Sadly, I always wanted to become an accountant. There are such varied career paths in finance that it is difficult to chart a clear way ahead. All I knew was that I enjoyed working with non-finance teams immensely, had a habit of turning around financial performance and a trackrecord of putting structure in place where there was none.
Mercè Cozens is also another consultant at Think Beyond with expertise in Business and Marketing. With over 20 years’ experience in business, Mercè offers business and marketing consultancy to organisations that need support in finding new opportunities.
Steven: Not entirely, no. Early in my career, I viewed management consultants with suspicion. It was not until one of my final roles that I came into very close contact with a management consultant in day-to-day work. We were treading on each other’s toes to such an extent that it made me realise how far beyond a ‘typical accountant’ I would take things.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Mercè: I love hiking, eating out, travelling and reading. When I get the chance, I visit my family in Spain. I am quite a social person so I am very happy to have moved on from COVID restrictions.
In an ideal world, what else would you like to be?
Steven: In an ideal world, I would like to be able to champion socio-economic diversity in the boardroom. Our clients can’t believe how hands-on, action-oriented and rapid I work compared to other consultants.
If you are working for yourself or thinking of a change, there is great uncertainty right now. Bear in mind that some agencies or groups of consultants can add 30-40% on top of your day rate.
WCNW
CLENG LTD Unit Quarrybank10 Street www.cleng.co.uk/01513CH41WirralBirkenhead2ZD456784
Docea Contract Review Services Ltd 4 Diane Drive 07776LL18DenbighshireRhyl2NG148719
https://docea-contract-review-services-ltd. co.uk E2E - Integration Limited
ECOLAB Winnington Ave 02920CW8CheshireNorthwich4DX852000 businesses/pest-eliminationhttps://en-uk.ecolab.com/about/our-
42 NEW MEMBERS
www.e2e-integration.co.uk
Bodhi Yoga and Wellness LTD 07585 https://bodhiyogaandwellness.co.uk/553371
Deva CH2CheshireChesterLightfootCourtStreet3AD Brownlow Furniture 5 Barrowmore Enterprise Estate Great www.brownlowfurniture.co.uk01829CH3CheshireChesterBarrow7JA740077
www.jcl-insurance.com Kingsley Solicitors Limited 20 Nicholas Street 01244CH1CheshireChester2NX960210 Knowledge Factory UK 07880 538343
Viscount House River 01244CH4CheshireChesterSaltneyLane8RH261380
FI Real ManagementEstate 01257 263010 www.fi-rem.com Fieldway ManagementWealthltd Rodney Chambers 40 Rodney Street Liverpool Merseyside L1 015199AA530090 https://fieldwaywm.co.uk/ Fitz Asset Finance Ltd 4 Maes Pinwydd 07852CH5FlintshireDeesideEwloe3XQ392494 https://fitzaf.co.uk
Welcome to Chamber of Commerce
AAG Events Ltd Unit 4, 6 Davey Way Llay Industrial Estate WrexhamWrexhamLlay County Borough LL12 https://aagevents.co.uk077120PG763622
JCL Insurance Brokers 7A&B Castle 01948SY14CheshireChesterCholmondeleyFarm8AQ820000
NEW MEMBERS Welcome to WCNW Chamber of Commerce
Design Reality Limited 81 Bowen Court St Asaph Business Park St www.designreality.co.uk01745LL17DenbighshireAsaph0JE584865
Hoole Health Hub
Daktela UK Office 18, Chester West Employment Park Minerva Avenue www.daktela.co.uk08004CH1CheshireChester4QL702159
BarnsChapel Ltd 01244 www.barnschapel.co.uk256865
NEW MEMBERS 43 Welcome to WCNW Chamber of Commerce Llandudno Bay Hotel East Parade The llandudnobayhotelwww.everbrightgrouphotels.com/01492LL30ConwyLlandudnoPromenadeCountyBorough1BE499500 Mimes Reusables 01244 941757 Moxy Chester 01244CH3CheshireChesterBoughtonMoxy5AF646002 https://moxy-hotels.marriott.com Pure Tributes LTD 07841 www.puretributes.co.uk704022 R&A Championships Ltd The www.theopen.com/Hospitality202301334KY16FifeshireSt.GolfBeachR&AHousePlaceAndrews9JA460223 SSAFA, The Armed Forces Charity SSAFA Chester Dale Barracks 15 Percival Road https://www.ssafa.org.uk07376CH2CheshireChester4AN130743 Tappers Tappers Distillery Unit 9, Arrowe Commercial Park Arrowe Brook Road www.tappersgin.com01244CH49WirralUpton1AB966100 Teare-Jones Coaching 11 Taliesin Avenue www.tearejonescoaching.co.uk/07538CH5FlintshireShotton1HX878786 Wilderness Tribe 07838 www.wildernesstribe.org187889
“We are also thrilled to see gold standard scores in all areas of the evaluation, putting us in the top quartile of law firms ever assessed by the IIC.
44HM Legal GOLDAchieveAgain
MEMBERS NEWS
RealCanada.Ice visit Iqaluit
Danny Pickering, Managing Director of Smile Customer experience who facilitated the assessment comments: “This is a fantastic achievement for everyone at HM Legal. It is such a pleasure to see the very hard work and dedication shown by both the Senior Management Team and all employees rewarded with such a great IIC score. This is all the more so when comparing the improved scores from both customers and employees. “I have no doubt at all that everyone at HM Legal will act upon customer feedback and ensure continuous commitment to the IIC process in the years ahead. I look forward to continuing to work with them. Well done everyone!”
Having the support of the indigenous people is a vital aspect of Real Ice, given that it is these people who will service and use the Real Ice Machine. It is also the indigenous people who will gain the most from the Real Ice Machine, with the aim of the devices to initially be repairing ice tracks, allowing indigenous people to travel and hunt without the fear of the thin ice causing injury or worse, fatalities.
We are delighted to announce that HM legal has been awarded Investor in Customers (IIC) Gold accreditation for a fourth time, with increased scores from all stakeholders and across all principles in the Investor in Customers (IIC) methodology.
Cian Sherwin, Real Ice Managing Director said: “We went to Iqaluit to meet and collaborate with local Arctic communities. We successfully met with the Mayor of Iqaluit, Mayor Kenny Bell, to discuss the project and see how we could be work with the people of Baffin Island. The Mayor was very interested in the Real Ice project and we have made a genuine connection in the Arctic because of his interest in the project.”
The team went to the region to engage with local stakeholders in the Real Ice project, which aims to re-ice parts of the Arctic in an attempt to reverse the effects of climate change!
Three members of the Real Ice team visited Iqaluit, the capital of the Nunavut region of Canada. Arctic regions are disproportionately affected by climate change and although in the sub-arctic, Nunavut is no exception.
n The Real Ice team visited Iqaluit, the capital of the Nunavut region of
The gold accreditation is the highest level awarded by the IIC, and is based on feedback from HM Legal commercial clients, employees and senior managers as well as an independent review by IIC themselves. In terms of clients, the comprehensive assessment covered how well HM Legal understand and meet their needs, delights them and engenders loyalty. The analysis also includes how the team at HM Legal demonstrate they are acting in the best interests of their clients.
Richard Burnett, Commercial Director at HM Legal adds: “When we first undertook this rigorous assessment, we wanted unfiltered feedback about our service and what it’s like to work at HM Legal. We were delighted to receive gold in 2019 and it is equally important in 2022. Our team admirably supported each other and clients through the challenges of covid, and we continue to help them run successful businesses today. To see such incredible comments from both clients and colleagues is heart-warming.
“I’m proud to say that our team is committed to providing a ‘wow’ service to clients, demonstrated by our six new standards; we realise we don’t get things right 100% of the time – which is why this independent assessment is so valuable. Alongside listening to our clients, this IIC award result is allowing us to spotlight areas for attention on our continual journey of improvement.”
Coleg Cambria celebrate at annual awards ceremony
Alyn and Deeside MS Jack Sargeant was a special guest at Coleg Cambria’s Student Awards, where he handed out prizes to 29 winners in a range of categories, from Engineering and Construction to Childcare and Business Administration.
He went on to endorse the value of apprenticeships and work-based learning, while also thanking Nick Tyson, Vice Principal for Technology, Engineering and Construction, for his support.
“You can build and design the next generation of sustainable products to help address the climate crisis. You can repair
MEMBERS NEWS 45
Cambria’s Principal Sue Price added: “Thank you to Jack for presenting the awards and congratulations to all our work-based learning prize winners for your amazing achievements during your time with the college.
Tappers’ Founder, Dr Steve Tapril, said: “We’re thrilled that our Brightside Gin has been recognised with this award by the world’s spirits experts at Concours Mondial. Only six UK distilleries received an award this year – it’s a tough competition and only 30% of entries receive an award, so we’re absolutely over the moon to be among them.”
n 29 winners received prizes from MS Jack Sargeant
Tappers brings home medal from global spirits competition
Independent checks in place on entries and the profile of each judge are designed to ensure consumers the highest level of satisfaction from spirits endorsed by a Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial award. Brightside is independently distilled by Tappers in their 500L Holstein Still to the strictly regulated London Dry standard.
Using botanicals inspired by their coastal home on the Wirral Peninsula, including freshly grown sea beet, chickweed and red clover flowers, the team have created a classic gin with a crisp, refreshing, flavour.
“Whatever you choose to do, I want you to be bold and ambitious. When opportunities present themselves, don’t be timid – grasp them and make the most of them.”
You can find out more about Brightside on Tappers’ website (https://www.tappersgin. com/) and it can also be found in-store and online at Waitrose.
During an inspirational speech at the Hafod building in Wrexham, Jack reflected on his own time at Cambria, which he joined as a 14-year-old on a work-based learning pathway in 2008, before winning the School Links Award in 2010 and going on to become a talented apprentice engineer.
“Careers do not always take a straight path of course and you can’t always predict which turns you will take along the way,” said Jack.
“It may not feel like it yet, but you are equipped with the solutions to these challenges.
“For instance, I am a trained research and development engineer who worked in industry locally, but I stand in front of you tonight as a Member of the Senedd – and I can tell you, when I completed my apprenticeship, I could not have foreseen that.”
“Eight years ago, I was proud to win Coleg Cambria’s Apprentice of the Year Award, and Jason Mohammad was guest speaker!” said Jack, from Connah’s Quay. “Well, I’m no Jason, but I’m honoured to follow in his footsteps and to be handing out the awards this evening.”
He added: “As you begin the next steps in your career, you will know that these are not easy times. We as a society face a series of unprecedented challenges – inequality, the impact of poverty, an unstable world politically and the climate crisis to name a few.
“Our links with business and industry grow stronger every year, and every year our apprentices never fail to impress with their skill and talent – well done to you all.”
The competition, recognised by the European Union, is a global benchmark for spirits judged by a panel of reputable drinks experts internationally renowned for their ability to rigorously assess spirits.
the next generation of electric cars; help build businesses that employ people in their communities whilst growing the local economy – and most importantly, you could be the next generation of leaders who tackle the challenges we face head-on.
Tappers Distillery, based on the Wirral Peninsula, has secured a silver medal for their flagship Brightside Coastal London Dry Gin in this year’s prestigious Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial.
46 WHAT WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT
Sustainability is, of course, important in its own right; but we genuinely believe it makes our business and our products better. Opinions, in the skincare industry, often view Organic and/or Natural products as having a lower efficacy than less natural products. Or view Luxury products as being unsustainable and risking potential damage to the skin, and environment at large, in return for short-term gains in looks. We disagree on both counts.
When the Chamber asked us to write this article, we were clearly thrilled. We are obviously passionate about our amazing products but also wanted to take this opportunity to showcase our incredible sustainability story. The heart of that story is the fact that it is not a ‘story’ at all, it’s very real; and to us it’s the core of everything we do. So, we beg your indulgence for a short while, whilst we give you a little insight into what sustainability really means to us here at Rhug Wild Beauty. We shall start with a very simple example. The image above is of our Nourishing Eye Cream with Elderflower. In the image it’s sat on my desk, in our office, here on the Rhug Estate in North Wales. That bottle sits 6 feet below the Solar panels that help to power our office. It is 400 meters from the Beehives that provided the Honey that moisturises and nourishes the skin and 500 meters from the fields where we grew the Organic Oats that thicken the Eye Cream. It is only 2.6 kilometres from the Spring, here on the Estate, that provides every drop of water in this (and every other) Rhug Wild Beauty product. In fact, every drop of water we use on the Estate. There are seven wild foraged ingredients in our Nourishing Eye Cream; the Hawthorn Flower for the actual batch of the physical bottle in the photograph was foraged, by hand, just 86 meters from where this image was taken; and yes, we know the location of the forage collection that precisely. If you are interested, it was collected at SJ052436 at 9:30 am on 18th of May; the weather was warm and dry with a slight breeze and cloud cover was around 60%. Out of the other six wild foraged ingredients, four came from within 500 meters and the furthest was only 2.3 kilometres from where this article is being typed. Only that final ingredient, Heather, required the Foragers to drive from the Estate, all the others were collected within walking distance of our Office. This is what sustainability means to us. Our commitment to sustainability obviously goes much further and wider than this. We are a highly Certified, Organic and AwardWinning Luxury Skincare Brand, but we wanted to show the ‘geek-out’ information above to emphasise that this is far from just a box-ticking or logo-generating exercise for us. We are lucky that the Rhug Estate (our Home) has such an amazing sustainability story; it generates huge amounts of renewable energy and the Rhug Organic Farm itself is already certified carbon negative. At Rhug Wild Beauty we continue this work and ethos, at all levels, in our Products and our Brand. From the most sustainable, recycled (and recyclable) packaging we can find, to our constant efforts to source the most sustainable ingredients, with the highest efficacy, that we can. It is also important to us that our sustainability story is not a static one and we are constantly working to reduce all aspects of our environmental impact. We have recently been awarded the Positive Luxury Butterly Mark for our sustainability and our commitment to improving our position. We are currently undertaking a carbon assessment of our company and its products, whilst already looking at ways to make considerable inroads into cutting our carbon. Our new product outer packaging has its carbon cost offset through the World Land Trust; and the supply chain is now mostly based in the UK. We select those suppliers based on their ethical and sustainable efforts just as much as the excellence of their work.
We strive to create products that are as exceptional as they are beneficial, using sustainably sourced ingredients. By doing so, we can demonstrate to consumers that Natural and Organic products, that are sustainably produced, can have amazing and long-lasting benefits for the skin (a fact we have proven through clinical trials) as well as for the environment.
Iain Russell, Operations Manager at Rhug Wild Beauty
Rhug Wild Beauty products are innovative, differentiating and have the most targeted efficacy we can offer. Yet these are created with ingredients that, although active and powerful, are not damaging to the skin. We also utilise business practices that ensure that we create these products and deliver them to customers in an as sustainable and ecologically sensitive manner as possible, whilst maximising our positive impact on the social, environmental and economic world around us. This is what sustainability means to us.
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