IoD West Midlands Winter 2020

West Midlands www.iod.com

January 2020

Director of the Year Awards launched Africa’s ready for economic boom Recruiting and retaining talent

AI’s future has youth on its side CyberQ’s advisor to address Spring Dinner

EVENTS | DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT | ADVICE AND INFORMATION | NEWS

Whichever ship you’re sailing, good leadership matters Brian Hall Chair, IoD West Midlands Happy New Year to you all. I hope you are looking forward to 2020 with a renewed sense of optimism and purpose, and we can put some of the concerns and confusion of 2019 firmly behind us.

Last year was a very political year, one that was hugely frustrating for the business community as we watched the often chaotic and short-sighted actions of the country’s politicians. They didn’t set a good example of leadership, and I found myself comparing their conduct with that of the many directors I meet through the IoD, particularly on my ‘Chair’s Best Practice Visits’, during which I got the chance to go behind the scenes at some of our most successful businesses.

There I found shining examples of how to run an organisation that was in stark contrast to the way Westminster was running the country. A focus on your team, clear communications, an understanding of roles and expected outcomes, all backed by a desire to bring their people with them, with no surprises, to ensure smooth delivery of products and services to customers.

Compare that with our politics during the past 12 months. Chaotic U-turns, fragmented communications, an alienated customer base kept in the dark over likely outcomes… if you ran your business like that, you’d go bust!

Perhaps MPs should take a leaf out of the directors’ books and learn how to truly lead.

One organisation that could certainly teach our politicians a thing or two about leadership at a time of tension and crisis is the Royal Navy. I was privileged to observe a naval training exercise on HMS Albion before Christmas, accompanied by our regional director, Calum Nisbet. It was an eye-opening experience; indeed, I’d say it was the most exciting and impressive visit I’ve made anywhere. It offered an exemplar in leadership – after all, this is leadership at the sharp end, where mistakes lead to casualties. To ensure that nothing is left to chance the Navy trains its staff to the nth degree, to ensure that, come a real engagement, every crew member knows how to respond to every situation, almost by muscle memory, leaving the mind free to focus on other challenges.

The Navy has a clear structure to its training. It explains what will happen, why it will happen and each crew member’s role in the response. The crew know where they fit into the big picture and

why their actions are crucial to the sum of the whole. Forget that the example comes from a Royal Navy training exercise; those are rules that can apply equally to any organisation, and they are an example of leadership in its purest sense.

So if we agree that 2019 was a very political year, will 2020 be the same? Well, we’ve still got Brexit and trade talks to get through but I’m probably not alone in hoping that, now the General Election has returned a Prime Minister with a healthy majority, we could leave some of the backbiting and rancour behind us.

However, the year hasn’t got off to the best start with a new outbreak of criticism for HS2, just when we were thinking the review had given the project the green light – albeit with caveats.

The New Year opened with leaks, whispers of cost over-runs and more sniping from the sidelines, with little concerted effort to get a job done. Again and again HS2 has failed to follow the simple lines laid down by, among others, the Royal Navy: not communicating efficiently, not taking stakeholders with them, no structures, no surprises…

There are a range of views across the West Midlands about HS2 but pretty much every business leader I speak to backs the overall concept behind the project. It’s not just a fast rail link to London; it’s a regenerating engine for multiple brownfield sites across the region; it is the catalyst for inward investment; it is a vehicle for new colleges and training places, for thousands of jobs and a huge boost to the region’s GDP. So why are we still driving HS2 with the brake on?

One of the things that is crucial is for Boris Johnson, buoyed by his majority in the House, to not waste this opportunity to unlock investment outside the capital and push on with promised major infrastructure projects such as HS2 and its counterpart, HS3. It’s time the government got off the fence and gave its full, unwavering support to HS2 and saw it for what it is: a chance to level the economic playing field and deliver real benefits to the economies of the Midlands and the North.

On IoD matters, I’m delighted that we are continuing with our Chair’s Best Practice visits in 2020, with a look behind the scenes at the Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) at Aston University the first in the diary. This visit is perfectly timed, as environmental issues are today’s hot topics and the EBRI is looking at highly innovative ways it can help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and waste while delivering bioenergy as a renewable fuel.

Continued on page 4

CONTACTS IoD West Midlands: iHub, Colmore Gate, 2-6 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2QD T: 0121 643 1868

Chair: Brian Hall e: chair.westmidlands@iod.net t: 0121 629 1210 Regional Director/Editor: Calum Nisbet e: Calum.Nisbet@iod.com t: 0121 643 7801 Regional Events and Community Manager: Jo Dukes e: Jo.dukes@iod.com t: 0121 516 3155 / 07718 584205 The Institute of Directors West Midlands membership magazine is published on behalf of the IoD by: Chamber Media Services, 4 Hilton Road, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire SK7 3AG. Advertising sales: Colin Regan t: 01942 537959 / 07871 444922 e: colinregan001@yahoo.co.uk Production enquiries: Rob Beswick, t: 0161 426 7957 e: rob@chambermedia services.co.uk Please note...

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material contained within this magazine, neither the IoD nor Chamber Media Services can accept any responsibility for omissions or inaccuracies in its editorial or advertising content.

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the IoD. The carriage of adverts in this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.

All articles within this publication are copyright IoD West Midlands.

Editorial consent must be obtained before any are reproduced either in printed form or electronically.

IoD West Midlands Patrons Cover picture: Guest speaker at our IoD Spring Dinner, cyber and AI expert Kari Lawler

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News

Whichever ship you’re sailing, good leadership still matters Continued from pg 3 It’s a wholly different sector to ones we’ve looked at previously and should be as informative as our previous Chair’s Best Practice vists.

If you would like to open your doors to the IoD and be a host for a future Best Practice visit, please contact Calum at the regional office.

This is an event we’re hoping to expand in the coming months, possibly taking members outside the region for the first time as we look to learn from the very best examples of business leadership, wherever they may be.

Two final points: first, you’ll see on page 8 that we’re open once more for nominations to the IoD Director of the Year awards. Please enter or nominate a colleague, as previous winners will confirm how these awards can raise your own profile as well as that of your organisation.

And finally, a word of thanks to Jordan Lowe, who left the IoD at the start of the New Year, to take up a new role in PR. She was a valued member of the regional office team and will be sadly missed by IoD colleagues and the wider membership.

Our directors lead the way At the end of 2019 a number of prominent IoD West Midlands business leaders were winners at various awards ceremonies.

Huge congratulations to Dara McCarthy of RMF Construction Services who, having won CSR Director of the Year in the West Midlands, went on to win the IoD National Award in October.

We were delighted that Matt Jones of Oxbridge Ltd (right) was also highly commended in the Start Up category at the IoD Director of the Year awards.

Across the region, a number of our members have been recognised in other award ceremonies that highlight the talent we have in the West Midlands.

Apologies to any we have missed, but the people we have noticed include: Neal Male, CEO GMS Group (left) who was named Transformational Leader at the West Midlands Leadership Awards.

Mark O’Sullivan, CEO Banabay was named ‘Man of the Year’ at the Birmingham Awards (left).

Eman Al-Hillawi, Director at Entec Si (right) was named Businesswoman of the Year (less than 50 staff) at The English Women’s Awards.

Stacey Barnfield, Director, Edwin Ellis Creative Media was named Businessman of the Year at the same awards ceremony (pictured far right).

Teresa Boughey, CEO of Jungle HR (right) was named Most Influential Business Woman of the Year at the Midlands Business and Community Charity (MBCC) Awards.

Andy Wilkinson (right) and the team at digital marketing and creative agency OWB were winners of the Sales & Marketing category at this year’s Birmingham Business Excellence Awards (BBEA).

Finally, Ian Vickers, founder and chief executive of MetCloud was named ‘Cloud Innovation Provider of the Year’ at the UK IT Industry Awards. More on Ian on page 11.

Christmas Social brings curtain down on over 100 events in 2019 Our final event of the year saw 45 members and guests gather at iHub, our home in Birmingham, to celebrate the achievements of 2019 and look forward to a new decade.

Regional Chair Brian Hall reflected on the eclectic mix of events we have hosted in the past year, covering topics such as mental health, productivity, Brexit and governance through to workshops looking at negotiation skills, 21st Century stress, fraud and commercial property. We visited engineers, saw autonomous vehicles and hand-built cars and heard from engaging speakers from the Bank of England, the world of cyber security,

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Aston Martin, Coventry University and the Lord Lieutenant.

Our Student mentoring programme entered its 10th year and our Mastermind groups continue to support leaders across the region.

Overall, we ran 103 events throughout the year, which engaged with over 2,700 individuals.

We are incredibly grateful to our Committees, Members, Patrons and Sponsors who have helped us make IoD West Midlands a thriving community of supportive business leaders, and look forward to an exciting 2020.

Regional chair Brian Hall addresses members at the Christmas social, which brought to a close another successful year of IoD events

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RationalFX becomes the latest Patron of IoD West Midlands A warm welcome to RationalFX who have become the latest Patron for IoD West Midlands and to Jaspaul Bains, their Foreign Exchange Strategist, who is based in the Midlands.

With over a decade of foreign exchange experience combined with dynamic entrepreneurialism, RationalFX has become one of Europe’s leading FX companies. RationalFX provides

businesses and individuals with a more convenient and cost-effective way to make international payments compared to conventional banks, helping clients to make significant savings thanks to their competitive rates. Clients can send money in over 50 currencies worldwide through their online platform that’s operational 24/7, or by speaking to a currency specialist who will give them guidance on

a range of FX products that will suit their needs.

Jaspaul has experience with both corporate and private clients and believes that RationalFX’s market knowledge and competitive pricing enables them to give business and individual clients greater control over the impact of currency volatility, helping turn risk into a competitive advantage. He works closely with wholesale, retail and commercial customers to provide them with FX product solutions and currency risk management guidance to help maximise their profitability by mitigating against unfavourable exchange rates as a result of negative market movements.

We look forward to working with RationalFX throughout 2020 – and you’ll see their presence at many of our events.

To find out how RationalFX can help you and your business, get in touch with Jaspaul (left) via the contact details below.

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News

Beacon goes live as Staffordshire’s first full fibre business park Lightning fast fibre-optic connectivity with Gigabolt capacity has now landed at Beacon Business Park in Stafford, making it the first full-fibre business park to offer the next generation of broadband technology in Staffordshire.

Beacon Business Park has always embraced technology at the forefront of its vision to provide diverse and innovative manufacturing and working spaces for businesses in the area.

In this latest stage of development, the park created a set of 16 new office suites in a range of sizes, most of which have already been let. Recognising that the current internet speeds in the area were unimpressive, the park teamed up with Internet Central to offer the Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) fibre in conjunction with the government’s gigabit voucher scheme.

Scott James, Enterprise Solutions Manager at Internet Central, commended the owners of the business park, ISE Estates Ltd, on their forward planning to meet the needs of local business: “ISE are bringing this park into the future to enable faster growth, valuing the internet as a vital asset to the success

of every business,” he said.

Businesses on the park will be able to enjoy full end-to-end fibre connectivity, providing the stable higher-speed internet needed to support cloud-based applications, along with next generations telephony, ultra HD video and conferencing facilities.

Gigabolt promises an average speed of 900Mb/s compared with the UK average of 48Mb/s (Ofcom data May 2018). This completely new infrastructure is perfect for use with the latest generation of WiFi with an IC core network uptime of 99.997 per cent in the last five years.

For more information about commercial property in Staffordshire, contact ISE Estates on 01785 256098 or email info@espleys.co.uk.

Smith & Williamson building its team to support growing Midlands client base Financial and professional services group Smith & Williamson is in the middle of a phase of rapid growth.

Earlier this year Stephen Drew was appointed professional services regional managing partner in Birmingham, and was joined by Matt Watts, who heads up business tax services. Stephen brings an audit and international focus to the office and Matt specialises in technology, manufacturing and construction sectors.

In addition, the Birmingham office has welcomed a record number of new joiners over the last six months to its corporate tax, transaction services, assurance and business services, private client and investment teams, including new director Krista Woodman to strengthen the private client tax team. Committed to developing its people, the office has also recently announced six senior strategic promotions as part of its drive to become one of the most recognised financial and professional services firms in the region.

All of this comes against the wider backdrop of the announcement of Smith & Williamson’s merger with financial planning and investment firm Tilney. The merged business, which on completion will be named Tilney Smith & Williamson, will be the UK’s leading integrated wealth management and professional services

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Back row, Mark Willis (head of investment management at Smith & Williamson in Birmingham), Chris Allen, Edward McKinnon, Steve Cole and Stephen Drew (professional services managing partner at Smith & Williamson in Birmingham).

Front row: Amanda Grace, Edward Harbach and Rebecca Elnaugh.

group, offering an unrivalled breadth of value-added services focusing on private clients, businesses and charities.

“It’s a really exciting time for the firm as we embark on our ambitious growth phase and our investment in our team demonstrates our commitment to growth in the West Midlands,” says Stephen Drew.

“We are investing heavily in our people in response to our growing number of local, national and international clients, and as a result we will need to consider our property needs in the near future.”

“Helping businesses successfully grow is at the heart of our agenda so it’s fantastic

to be experiencing this first-hand ourselves, alongside our clients.”

Investing in the city and wider region itself has been key to Smith & Williamson’s success – not least its continuing partnership with the world-famous City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), which celebrates its centenary in 2020.

“Smith & Williamson has deep roots within the city’s business, professional and charity community, so our sponsorship of the orchestra for a second year is a natural fit for us at a time of growth when we are investing in our people and infrastructure - and in the city itself,” added Stephen.

www.iod.com/westmids/events

Lasting power of attorney - what, when and why Build your brand go global!

Join an exclusive webinar for IoD members on Wednesday, 12th February - Going global, investing in translation to build a global brand One of the most significant barriers to building a global brand is handling language. In fact, 61 per cent of businesses cite a lack of language skills as a key barrier to international expansion.

Companies often struggle to manage translations to communicate their brand message effectively in new overseas markets. However, language and cultural differences can be overcome with the right strategic support.

Comtec, a specialist translation service provider, has been helping dynamic, high growth businesses go global for over 35 years. On Wednesday, 12th February at 11am, Comtec Translations’ Director Sophie Howe and Account Manager Emily Decker will be delivering an exclusive webinar for IoD members on going global and the benefits of investing in translation.

They will explain how to develop an effective language strategy for business development and marketing materials, and ensure you are getting a return on investment. You will learn how investing in translation can help you grow your brand overseas, the key steps to understanding your requirements for translation and how to work effectively with your chosen translation partner The Comtec team will also share a case study to provide context and demonstrate how with the right strategy and support, language and cultural differences should not be a barrier to global success.

Who are Comtec Translations?

Comtec has been providing language support to multinational organisations for over 35 years. Clients include SMEs across a wide range of sectors, from manufacturing to digital services companies and everyone in between.

Take part in the webinar - go to iod.com/westmids/news and click on the Comtec link.

www.iod.com/westmids/events

It may not be the easiest conversation but talking about what should happen if one of your nearest and dearest becomes incapable of looking after their own affairs can save a lot of pain in later life ...

That’s why courts grant a Lasting Power of Attorney, to ensure that managing finances doesn’t create an additional burden. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) gives another individual the legal authority to look after specific aspects of your affairs should you lose the capacity to do so. They are an important part of later life planning and should be taken into consideration when speaking to your adviser.

Different LPAs for different purposes Two types of LPA exist: 1. Covering health and welfare matters 2. Property and financial affairs When appointing someone to have a lasting power of attorney, you can choose to make that person (or more than one person) have the LPA power and responsibility in one or both areas.

LPA responsibility about health and welfare matters usually relates to decisions about medical care, support at home for someone’s daily routine such as eating, dressing, etc, moving into a care home or the refusal of life-sustaining treatment.

In relation to financial matters, the LPA responsibility can cover aspects such as paying bills, collecting benefits, running a bank account, investing money or selling your home.

A key difference is that a property and financial affairs LPA can be used while the person still has capacity, whereas a personal welfare LPA can only be used once they have lost it.

LPAs are legal documents that can be set up relatively easily, with or without the help of a solicitor. Without the help of a solicitor, registration can take up to three months and cost £82 per LPA. You could also consider having one alongside your will.

Choosing your attorney You may choose anyone you trust as your attorney, such as a family member or close friend, provided that they are over 18, not bankrupt and they are willing to take on the role.

An LPA conveys a serious legal responsibility; it is the duty of the holder(s) to make all decisions in your best interests. They must follow certain principles set out in the Mental Capacity Act aimed at making sure you are encouraged to make your own decisions where possible. As the donor, you can restrict or specify the types of decisions the attorney can make, or you can allow them to make all decisions on your behalf.

To protect your interests, an LPA must be signed by a certificate provider – a solicitor or someone else of your choosing – who certifies that you understand the LPA and have not been pressurised into signing it. You could choose close friends or relatives (other than your chosen attorneys) who must be formally told that you are setting up an LPA and given the opportunity to raise any concerns. If you decide to use a solicitor in setting up an LPA, it’s likely there will be additional charges for their services and the costs vary.

Lasting Powers of Attorney are not exclusively for the elderly, either.

Younger people may become incapacitated through accident or illness and without an LPA in place, relatives may face long delays and expense in applying to the Court of Protection to get access and take control of assets and finances.

Want to know more?

Regardless of whether you or your family are facing the prospect of needing an LPA, it’s always good to be in the know. Contact Ascot Lloyd if you would like further information or to discuss this with one of our advisors.

Please call us on 0345 475 7500, email info@ascotlloyd.co.uk or visit www.ascotlloyd.co.uk.

Ascot Lloyd is a trading name of Capital Professional Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA Number 578614. Registered in England and Wales No. 07584487. Registered Office: Reading Bridge House, George Street, Reading, RG1 8LS.

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Our winning line-up from 2019.

Who will be in this photograph later this year?

IoD West Midlands Director of the Year Awards Launch Event

Launch event opens Awards 2020 for nominations!

Date: Wednesday, 29th January Time: 6-8pm Venue: Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill

55 Colmore Row, Barwick

Street Entrance,

Birmingham B3 2AA Cost: Free of charge Please join us on 29th January to celebrate the launch of our Director of the Year Awards 2020!

You’ll get a chance to meet winners from previous years and hear what this accolade has done for their profile and that of their business, as well as find out more about how you can enter or nominate a colleague in a short presentation by the IoD West Midlands team. This will include top tips from previous winners on submitting a successful application.

So join us for what will be an inspiring evening of networking with some incredibly successful directors.

While this event is free of charge we’d still like you to book on so we can accommodate the numbers in attendance. To book: online at www.iod.com/westmids or contact Jo.dukes@iod.com

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Here what previous winners say about our awards....

“The awards are a superb accolade, you become part of an alumni and get to talk to wonderful winners in other businesses” Andy Wilkinson, OWB “It’s something to be proud of, to be recognised among my peers... the award hangs proudly in my home office.”

Ahmed Farooq, Wesleyan (pictured)

Director of the Year Awards 2020 Date: Time: Venue:

Cost:

Tuesday, 30th June 2020 7:30am - 10am Edgbaston Stadium, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B5 7QU Early Bird prices now on sale! £35 + VAT before end of January; £45 + VAT from February onward

We are delighted to invite you to this year’s Awards Champagne breakfast as we celebrate the best-of-the-best among West Midlands businesses and acclaim those directors who are at the forefront of leadership excellence.

The morning will commence with a Champagne reception at 7.30am followed by a full English breakfast. The award presentations will take place from 8.30am and we aim to finish by 10am.

Book now to secure your place and join us for this extra special celebration.

Contact Jo Dukes at Jo.dukes@iod.com or see www.iod.com/westmids

www.iod.com/westmids/events

Lend a hand to boost the region’s young police cadets Do you, or one of your team, have a couple of hours to spare a week during school term time to inspire young people in the region?

West Midlands Police established its cadet scheme in 2017, recruiting 13-17 year olds from a diverse range of backgrounds and providing them the opportunity to learn new skills and help others.

Following a national curriculum, they get to visit specialist police units and volunteer at community events such as Remembrance Day and Religious Festivals. Over the next few years the cadets will be involved in the Commonwealth Games and Coventry City of Culture.

They currently have 10 units across the region with around 200 cadets and 55 volunteer leaders. In order to keep expanding the scheme, they are keen to attract more cadet leaders from the business world who will be a positive influence to the cadets while developing their leadership skills and gaining a better understanding of our communities and the police.

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We all know the difference a good mentor or role model can make to a young adult and this is an opportunity to make a real difference. No prior knowledge of policing is necessary, just a desire to encourage Cadets to become active citizens by building on values such as confidence, emotional awareness and teamwork.

Want to get involved?

If this is something you feel you could support, or if you have a member of the team who would like the opportunity, then contact Mark Allen, Recruitment & Engagement Co-ordinator, Citizens in Policing, West Midlands Police, at m.r.allen@west-midlands.pnn. police.uk

• https://west-midlands.police.uk

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News

IoD West Midlands Spring Dinner 2020

IT prodigy breaks new ground as Spring Dinner focuses on AI’s future Date: Thursday, 19th March Time: 6:30pm – 11.00pm Venue: Hogarths Stone Manor Hotel,

Bromsgrove Road, Kidderminster,

DY10 4PJ Cost: £50 + VAT Members

£65 + VAT Non-members We are returning to the stunning Hogarths Stone Manor Hotel near Kidderminster for our 2020 IoD Spring Dinner, at which we will hear from two speakers who are in the Zeitgeist of the modern megatrends within AI and cyber security and will enlighten us about the impact machine learning will have on business in the next few years as well as illuminate some of the more complex areas of the dark web.

Aged 16, Kari Lawler is rapidly becoming an in-demand inspirational event speaker, bringing a welcome air of optimism about the potential for AI to improve our lives. Kari helps start‐ups and SMEs understand and deploy AI within their business through education, development and training. She is on a mission to make tech more diverse and drive inclusion and is passionate about getting more young people to choose a career in tech by demystifying AI. At just 14, Kari was accepted onto the Entrepreneurs for the

Future (e4f) incubator where she became the youngest start-up entrepreneur on the Innovation Birmingham campus. In 2018 she established Youth4AI, a youth outreach programme with the sole aim to encourage more young people to explore and understand the world of AI. Her rapid rise within the tech world has been acknowledged with multiple awards, including her winning the coveted UK Space Agency SatelLife challenge 2018 for her AI proposal.

Our second speaker, Chris Woods, is the founder and director of the CyberQ Group, an award-winning exciting new disrupter cyber security start-up in the UK, with international reach.

Having previously managed elite security teams at the European Space Agency, HP and Fujitsu, Chris brings over 20

years of information security experience developed within the EU and MENA regions.

An entertaining speaker, Chris has a refreshingly pragmatic approach to cyber security, helping clients understand their information and cyber risks and providing appropriate, effective, timely and discreet cyber security services to discerning clients, safeguarding their information assets and protecting their brand.

Please book early to avoid disappointment!

See www.iod.com/westmids or contact Jo.dukes@iod.com

Special offer to stay over

Hogarths Stone Manor Hotel is delighted to offer rooms for dinners at £90 B&B for single or double occupancy. There is limited availability: book direct with the hotel, at https://www. hogarths.co.uk/stone-manor/ or 01562 777555

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www.iod.com/westmids/events

Cyber security firms have their USA growth plans locked down for 2020 Two West Midlands cyber security firms are poised to embark on ambitious expansion plans into the USA this year.

MetCloud, a cloud solution built around the highest level of cyber security technologies available, will open an initial office on the University of Maryland’s College Park campus, followed by the opening of a major office in Baltimore in December 2020.

And CyberQ Group, providers of artificial intelligence and automated cyber security, has raised $2.5 million to take the business to the USA, starting in Ohio.

Partnering with the Vora Group, they will provide knowledge, capability and services to the US market from the UK. Ian Vickers, founder and chief executive of MetCloud, who were recently awarded The UK IT Industry ‘Cloud Innovation Provider of the Year’ award (see pg 4), said the USA is looking for international talent.

“The USA, like every country in world, is in catch-up mode. The cyber sector is in its infancy and as a result the talent pool globally is incredibly shallow. There are

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currently over one million cyber jobs unfilled and this is estimated to rise to 1.8 million by 2022. In a direct response to this, METCloud was specifically designed for SMEs because they often do not have the technical or financial resources to defend themselves against the exponential growth of cybercrime.

“US businesses are racing to source the best cybersecurity and stay ahead of cyber criminals and aggressive nation states.”

This was a view echoed by Chris Woods, founder & CEO of the CyberQ Group. “The US is a huge marketplace and is looking for partners with a proven track record of innovating to protect against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

“Organisations want to better understand the attack vectors relevant to them and how adversaries operate in their industry so they can implement effective security processes and protocol. Our work unites an organisation’s cyber protection Ian Vickers celebrates his Cloud Innovation and we are delighted to be introducing Provider of the Year Award with actress our services and new ideas to US and awards host Sally Elizabeth Phillips businesses in 2020.”

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Corporate governance

Keeping governance at the top of the boardroom agenda A new IoD West Midlands Knowledge Sharing Initiative (KSI) has been set up to promote best practice in corporate governance...

The first session, led by Gary Cowdrill (MD of Board Evaluation Limited), introduced a new project led by IoD member Clive Bawden (Founder of BoardSecure), focused on the basics of corporate governance. It centred on four key areas: • What is corporate governance?

• Who is responsible?

• What does ‘good ‘look like?

• What are the dangers of getting it wrong – and how to stop this happening!

Gary emphasised that corporate governance is ‘the system of rules, practices and processes by which a firm is directed and controlled’ and that directors, are responsible for all aspects of governance in all areas of our businesses.

While good governance is crucial to ensure directors ‘promote the success of the company’, research shows that it also brings numerous benefits. For example: investors will pay for good governance; stakeholder satisfaction is higher; borrowing costs are likely to be lower and well-governed businesses perform better.

While good governance contributes to value, the reverse also applies, and we can all think of businesses that have failed because the board was not in control.

Lessons can be learnt from Enron, Barings, AIG, Northern Rock – the list goes on.

Boards should regularly assess their effectiveness, asking whether it continues to have the right mix of skills, expertise, gender and ethnicity; whether it is wellstructured and well-run; and is the Board kept up-to-date with relevant information?

Pictured at the event are Gary Cowdrill and Clive Bawden, flanking event host Ray Abercrombie from Smith & Williamson

Clive shared details of his new project which is aimed at helping IoD members, particularly SMEs and smaller charities.

Acknowledging that the typical business leader is not an expert in governance, Clive noted that most ‘don’t know what they don’t know’. Unfortunately, this is not a sound defence in court and hence the motivation to create BoardSecure; as risk and regulation continue to increase, ‘innocent’ mistakes can threaten any organisation’s existence and lead to personal liability. Clive’s platform is one way to mitigate those risks and help improve your efficiency and de-risk yourself.

His platform, quickly summarised as “like a Quickbooks or FreeAgent for Governance”, helps organisations with their structure and processes such as meeting management, induction routines (making sure people complete what you need them to complete!) and risk tools, as well as templates and modular training (core director duties, what are conflicts of interest, etc).

The platform focuses on smaller charities and growing SMEs with a trigger point ahead (for example, raising funding or appointing a new/inexperienced director) which are keen to professionalise the governance of their business.

Clive’s project will seek to work with up to 25 IoD members and their ventures (whether charitable or SME) in Q1, helping improve their processes with the platform offered for free to the members taking part.

If you are interested in finding about more about this cohort and/or volunteer to take one of the free places, or how the KSI project will evolve into other areas where we can help members in 2020, contact the Regional Office for more.

Our thanks to Gary Cowdrill (gary.cowdrill@board-evaluation. co.uk) and Clive Bawden (clive@boardsecure.co.uk) for supporting the IoD, and to Smith & Williamson for hosting the event.

Krista latest to join Smith & Williamson team Financial and professional services firm Smith & Williamson has bolstered its team in Birmingham with the appointment of Krista Woodman.

Krista joins the Birmingham office as a director of private client tax services, after previously leading the same team at Smith & Williamson in Cheltenham.

Her core specialism involves managing the tax affairs of high net worth individuals, their families, business interests and trusts, both within the UK and for those who are

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non-resident, non-domiciled and internationally mobile.

Krista said: “I am thrilled to be joining Smith & Williamson in Birmingham at such an exciting time of growth for the office. The team here has established an exceptional reputation and I look forward to working both with them and with the impressive array of experts across the rest of the firm.”

Her arrival is the latest in a series of high-profile appointments, including Stephen Drew as Professional Services

Managing Partner, Matt Watts as the new head of Birmingham Business Tax Services and the promotion of Rebecca Elnaugh to Director in the Transactions team .

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Invoice finance can put you back in control of your business cashflow Prompt payment remains crucial for companies’ good financial health

It’s as true a statement as there ever was: whether a start-up or established concern, without appropriate cash flow, a business is hamstrung.

Suppliers need payment, HMRC requires its cut, employees have earned their wages, and the business needs to grow. Without the means to meet its obligations, businesses can become stuck in a cycle of just getting by, or worse.

One popular solution for providing finance to small business is selective invoice financing. A typical example of this is a straightforward purchase of an invoice for work completed. Rather than wait 30 days or more for payment of a job completed, the financier will purchase an invoice, advancing 80-90 per cent of its gross value.

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Upon payment by the customer, the financier will take its fees and forward on the residual.

In this way, businesses are paid more promptly for their completed services, and are able to meet their obligations more quickly, and set themselves for further growth.

Combined with small business loans, this

kind of finance can have a powerful effect. A recent example was written for a young company which won a council project by tender, worth in excess of £150,000. A business loan of £20,000 was advanced for the purchase of material, which was repaid through the purchase of staged invoices until completion. With no need to invest his own capital, the business owner was able to service the project and continue to build both his business and reputation.

Invoice finance is offered by a good number of lenders, from High Street Banks to specialist Invoice Financiers. Some will insist on whole-of-ledger factoring, others will purchase only those invoices requested by the client.

Some require long-term contracts, others one-off purchases.

If invoice finance is of interest to you, speak with a commercial finance broker or accountant, who will be able to talk you through the various options and models available.

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Business briefing: Mindfulness

Mindfulness: The new secret to business success

In our ever-frenetic business world, we are bombarded constantly with new demands for our attention. But do these interruptions mean we’re losing focus on our goals – and detracting from our business performance?

As business leaders today we are faced with being in a state of near constant change. There’s the daily challenges of business environment uncertainty; new legislation; ongoing political change; fickle trends in our clients’ behaviour and demands; technological advancements; and all the time, teams to inspire and support, while somehow all moving towards achieving our own targets.

We live in a globalised, volatile, hyperconnected age. We design the world to distract us. We make decisions through a fog haze of challenges and overwhelm, yet still need to consistently perform.

This is our new ‘normal’.

It is said we experience 40,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day. The pace and complexity of our workday often induces feelings of stress and threaten to overwhelm us. Research shows we are interrupted once every eight minutes – an email, the ping of a mobile, incoming calls, a colleague with a query – and it can take us up to 23 minutes each time to re-focus on what we were originally doing. In addition we interrupt ourselves, by checking our mobiles/emails approximately 150 times per day.

Taken together, these interruptions can

mean we can be ‘off-task’ for 47 per cent of the day, – meaning we are only ‘on task’ for 53 per cent, effectively meaning that, although we are in work, we are not ‘present’ for half of our day!

It’s no wonder our concentration and wellbeing can be severely affected.

We have a natural ability to move into autopilot to multi-task – but when we are in autopilot we can zone out for a few seconds and we miss things. It’s like having too many windows open on your PC and everything crashes. That could have a big impact on our business risk profile, eg, when we miss our client/ colleague’s tone of voice (which would have indicated that something is wrong), when we are working with figures or the financial market (could cost us £000s), on a production line (huge health and safety risk), or we feel pressurised and rushed to make major decisions.

Mindfulness for Leaders Workshop Date: Thursday, 23rd April Time: 1:30pm – 5.00pm Venue: Hogarths, Hogarths Hotel Ltd,

Dorridge, Solihull, B93 8QE Cost: Members: £30+VAT; Non-Members: £50+VAT Join us at the Music Room at Hogarth’s Hotel in Solihull for an afternoon of Mindfulness, where you can learn more about this popular way of reducing stress and overwhelm, improving focus and performance, balancing energy, leading to enhanced wellbeing.

You will come away knowing how to create a more Mindful Day. All of this and three simple daily

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techniques to use immediately from our guest speaker, Caroline Suggett, (right) Mindfulness Consultant at ROM Consulting.

This is a fantastic opportunity to get an insight to this powerful technique, while meeting fellow professionals to discuss how adopting Mindfulness could contribute to business success.

Ticket price includes refreshments.

Please book early to avoid disappointment, via www.iod.com/westmids or contact Jo.dukes@iod.com

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“Many companies see better mindfulness as a key pillar of their wellbeing strategy. It is like gym training for the brain”

Caroline Suggett

So we ask: “Where are we now ….. as we begin 2020?” How are we, as leaders, going to stay grounded, connected and clear about our vision? How do we ensure that we, and our teams, have the tools we need to feel strong, stable, focused, energised and confident?

IoD member Caroline Suggett of ROM Consultancy works with SMEs and Corporates across the Midlands, delivering Mindfulness in The Workplace training and consultancy. Caroline says: “Many companies now are turning to ‘Mindfulness’ as a key pillar of their wellbeing strategy. Mindfulness is like gym training for the brain. It is a series of simple techniques and meditation that can be practised daily. These are easily incorporated into your working day and some take only one minute”.

The effects of Mindfulness practice are cumulative. It helps us become more self-aware of our thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and allows us to choose more appropriate responses, rather than being pulled into reacting. We become skilled at noticing our own ‘state’ and how to become more grounded, calm, mindful and communicative. Mindfulness builds our resilience and equips leaders and employees with knowledge and skills to benefit from increased resilience, better collaboration, reduces stress and improves focus and energy, leading to enhanced wellbeing.

Birmingham-based Wesleyan is one company that has seen the benefits. Kristy Rowlett, talent leadership & development manager at Wesleyan, says: “We asked Caroline to run our Mindfulness for Leaders programmes and they have been very successful. We have had great feedback highlighting benefits including improved ability to focus, communicating more mindfully with teams, increased collaboration and an ability to switch off more easily after working hours.”

Caroline also provides face-to-face mindfulness coaching sessions for executives. One Leamington Spa-based client and IoD member, Sophie Howe, director of Comtec Translations said: “I was interested in how mindfulness might help.

“I found that learning to slow down, notice what’s actually happening in the ‘now’, then choosing a considered response made a difference.

“Once mindfulness techniques and practice become a habit they can stick. I found it took me only a matter of minutes per day over time to notice a positive gain”.

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Exports

Africa’s entering the new decade open for business The global press tends to focus on negative news emerging from Africa, with little coverage of positive developments. But as the continent enters a new decade there is good reason to be bullish about its future and the opportunities it presents.

Ivan Vickers explains why Africa’s economy is expected to grow by 41 per cent over the next five years, reaching US$3.5 trillion by 2024. By then there will be eight African economies over US$100bn and another six over US$50bn. Four of the fastest growing economies in the world in 2019 were African: Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Rwanda.

Africa is also witnessing rapid urbanisation. Urban areas currently comprise 472 million people, a figure projected to double over the next 25 years. In 2010, only 38 cities had population exceeding a million inhabitants – in 15 years that figure will reach 104 cities. This economic growth, coupled with rapid urbanisation, represents a sizeable opportunity for UK suppliers of goods and services.

Africa is the new oil and gas frontier with developments creating opportunities at many levels. East Africa, from Mozambique to Eritrea, could see over US$200bn spent on the sector in the next decade. Downstream opportunities and ancillary infrastructure could add US$70bn to that. Think Qatar, on a grand scale.

Many of Africa’s new extractives are ‘stranded’ – in areas with little or no infrastructure. This creates areas of exponential growth and potentially new cities developing in hitherto unknown places such as Mtwara, Palma, Pemba, Arusha, San Pedro, Lake Albert, Kolwezi, Pointe Noire, Port Harcourt and Takoradi.

As an example, Mozambique offers a tantalising glimpse of the future. It is developing three of the world’s largest ever LNG projects with total short-term investments estimated at US$128bn. It is anticipated that the combined investments will add US$15bn per annum to the country’s GDP – that’s the equivalent of current GDP. But it is not only about LNG, though.

The resource is located in a remote location in northern Mozambique and all the infrastructure to support a project of this size, including an airport, housing, roads, ports, power and water systems, will have to be built from scratch.

The Africa House International project database alone includes projects to the value of US$1.85 trillion, with 75 per cent of this activity in the oil and gas, transport and power sectors.

Nimble technology suppliers from the UK and elsewhere are already tapping into it, and this will drive development across a myriad of other sectors.

Combined with deepening regional integration, diversifying economies and growing urban populations, it is set to be a transformative decade for African economies.

To find out more, speak to IoD member Ivan Vickers on 07900235144, via ivan@ triphasebusiness.co.uk or see www.africainfo.co.za

The Mozambique capital of Maputo will be transformed over the next decade as major infrastructure projects take hold

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Business briefing: Inclusivity

Inclusivity is great for business Sally Dhillon, co-founder of CM Talent Ltd, champions gender diversity to help businesses become truly inclusive employers.

Here she explains more Reducing gender gaps in the workplace will add £55 billion to the UK economy by 2030. Companies in the top 25 per cent for gender diversity on their executive team were 21 per cent more likely to experience above-average profitability than companies in the bottom 25 per cent. And if that evidence isn’t enough for you to push for true gender inclusivity in your business, remember that we’re now in the third year of formally and publicly reporting gender pay gaps, along with action plans to close gaps, for organisations employing over 250 employees.

Whether you are required to report on gender pay gaps or not, we recommend that all employers actively work towards becoming a more inclusive organisation in order to gain the business benefits of attracting, retaining and developing a broader talent pool.

Despite doing better in education, women are over three times more likely to work part-time, are less likely to progress in work, generally work in lower paying industries and occupations and as a result have lower pension wealth. Women take more time out of the labour market to care for children and are more likely to take on additional caring responsibilities and unpaid work than men.

So what can be done to change this imbalance? Here are five ways you can become more inclusive to attract, retain and develop more women: Dive into your employee data to ascertain who gets hired, who gets promoted and who leaves. Do you have some teams dominated by one gender over the other? Do you have a predominance of men in certain functions or levels and women in others?

Having teams consisting of at least one-third to two-thirds gender split will provide sufficient gender diversity to make a difference.

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Review your recruitment methods to ensure your assessment and selection process do not unfairly disadvantage one gender from being hired.

Expand the sourcing of your candidates and insist on having gender-balanced shortlists.

And then ensure you are equipped to welcome your new hires and make them feel like they will belong to your organisation.

arrangements but these can be used as a competitive advantage and a way to improve commitment and engagement from your team.

Flexible working arrangements come in many different forms – choosing options that work for your organisation is key.

Over 70 per cent of the working population value flexibility at work and this is set to rise as flexible working becomes the norm.

Use a returner programme to bring experienced talent back to the workplace. Historically most organisations have shied away from hiring people with career gaps but career returners are now seen as being a significant route to filling roles where experience is valued.

A returner programme involves an adapted recruitment process and an initial period of support to enable the new hires to successfully transition to a substantive role.

Recognise the specific pressures of working parents and carers, not only in terms of offering flexible working arrangements to all but also creating a culture which understands their stage in life especially as the working population gets older. Encouraging more men to be actively be involved as parents and carers, recognising the needs of the sandwich generation, supporting returners from maternity and paternity leave, knowing more about the impact of the menopause.

The most significant factor to enabling the retention and development of more senior women has been identified as flexible working. Many business leaders are fearful of offering flexible working

Becoming a more gender-inclusive employer involves many small commitments that can make a significant difference to how the careers of half the population flourish.

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For further information on how you can attract, retain and develop more gender-diverse teams, visit Midlands-based, IoD member www.cmtalent.co.uk.

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ART Business Loans

Share offer’s 9.1% return takes some beating

Dr Steve Walker has an investment opportunity for you that he thinks will prove attractive...

Steve – Chief executive of ART Business Loans – has launched a new shares offer to raise funds to finance loans to West Midlands- based small businesses and social enterprises – and if you invest and are a higher rate taxpayer, that investment could return up to 9.1% per annum for five years.

That’s a healthy return in the current investment market when compared to other possibilities open to you. The FTSE 100 Tracker reported a return of 6.5 per cent between December 2018 and

December 2019 – not bad, but not brilliant either. But that’s better than you’ll find in the mainstream banking world: building societies are doing well if they offer anything above 3 per cent to tie your money in for years – and there’s tax to pay on the interest accrued.

And while poor, that’s miles ahead of the high street banks, even when compared with ISAs and five-year bonds.

So against that backdrop, you can see why Steve reckons shrewd investors will jump at the chance of accessing that eye-catching 9.1 per cent return.

Even better, it’s a completely ethical investment in a social enterprise that helps start-ups and small but growing businesses led by entrepreneurs who often hail from the inner city and find themselves excluded from traditional avenues of financial support.

ART Business Loans has been operating for 22 years and has proved a great success, lending over £28m to West Midlands businesses. This equates to over 1,400 firms, and has created/safeguarded over 7.500 jobs. In 2019/2020 it expects to lend another £3m.

It’s that combination of a healthy return

“If you invested £10,000 in ART Business Loan’s shares for 2019-20, you would receive tax relief of up to £500 every year against your tax bill – that’s £2,500 over the five-year period.

on your investment and the knowledge that your cash is used to back the growth plans of small businesses that has appealed to many prominent business leaders. One of those to back ART with his own cash is former BHSF chief executive Peter Maskell, who described the chance to provide capital to ART through the share offer as one “that makes sense as an investment. I get a good return from the tax relief and I know my money is being put to good use, helping to support the region’s small businesses,” while Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Paul Faulkner described the decision to invest in ART as “a chance to support local business.”

Sounds good… so what’s the catch? IoD West Midlands had a chat with Steve to find out more Q: If I invest in ART Business Loans, where does my return come from?

SW: “It doesn’t come from the performance of the businesses we offer loans to; your return comes via a form of tax relief called Community Investment Tax Relief (CITR). This was set up by the Government to create a tax-efficient way for individuals and businesses to help finance small and growing businesses in a socially responsible manner.

CITR provides a deduction from your tax bill every year for five years of 5% of the amount you’ve invested, which equates to a return of up 9.1% for the highest rate taxpayers (45% bracket).

The only requirement is that you have to keep your money invested for five years.

At the end of five years, your money is returned to you in full, or you can re-invest it for another five years.

So how does that work in practice?

SW: If you invested £10,000 in ART Business Loan’s shares for 2019-20, you would receive tax relief of up to £500 every year against your tax bill – that’s £2,500 over the five-year period.

That’s an equivalent financial return of up to 9.1% per annum for five years for higher rate payers.

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Q: Is this style of investment exclusive to ART? SW: As we said earlier, the Government created CITR to encourage investors to back small businesses, and there are a number of organisations that have used CITR in this way but mostly borrowing from banks. ART is the first to issue community shares and CITR linked to the British Business Bank Enterprise Finance Guarantee. ART’s share issue is run through the Ethex investment platform.

We offer a good return and you know that in addition to that, you are investing in the future of British business – that’s a win-win situation. For full details of how the investment works, see the ETHEX website at www.ethex. org.uk/ART2020.

How much are you looking to raise?

SW: We are looking to raise additional share capital of £500,000

by March 24, 2020; this money would then be used to support increased lending through 2020-2021.

Previously, ART Business Loans has raised in excess of £350k with the benefit of Community Investment Tax Relief (CITR) from individuals and companies and earlier in 2019 raised a further £250k with the benefit of CITR through a Community Share Offer using the Ethex platform.

What type of businesses do ART loans support?

SW: ART Business Loans focuses its lending on those who have been traditionally deprived of access to business finance, for example, enterprises geographically located in areas of disadvantage or led by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) people, women or disabled individuals. At least 75% of the businesses that ART Business Loans lends to fall into these categories.

When we started out the businesses coming to us for finance were mainly start-ups but that situation has changed in the past decade. We still have start-ups applying but increasingly, small businesses, many trading successfully for several years, have turned to ART after having either no luck with high street finance providers or being unable to source their full needs from the banks.

These are businesses looking to grow, to take on more staff or expand product lines Peter Maskell (right), former chief executive of BHSF, is an ART investor, as is Ninder Johal DL (above, centre column), CEO of the Nachural Group of Companies, and Paul Faulkner, CEO of Greater Birmingham and Solihull Chambers of Commerce ( above right)

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and premises, and they struggle to find funders who will support their ambitions. As one loan applicant said to me recently, “the banks said ‘no’ to my request for a loan before I’d got my business plan out.”

It’s very frustrating, particularly because the market for peer lending is tight at the moment, too. That’s where we come in. We can offer the financial support businesses need – always provided that they can show us how the loan can be repaid. For our investors, that makes it a really positive decision that can be seen as delivering a ‘social’ as well as financial return.

Do investors have to be West Midlands based?

No. In previous years we’ve received as much interest from outside the region as within it; the appeal is the tax relief and the knowledge the investment is helping fledgling businesses.

What happens to the money I invest in the shares issue?

SW: All the money invested in ART’s shares is used to make loans. ART’s experienced team views all requests from businesses and looks to support them financially if at all possible. We like to think ‘yes’ before we’re saying ‘no’.

Is my cash at risk?

SW: It is an investment, and so carries a

modicum of risk, but your cash isn’t lost if an individual business goes bust. You are investing in ART, not the businesses we lend to. We work hard to ensure businesses that receive our loans are best placed to make it work for them. Our current Community Share Offer is backed in part by the Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme and ART itself has reserves of around £1 million, both of which should provide comfort to any investors.

How easy is it to take advantage of the tax relief?

SW: ART Business Loans will issue a tax certificate to investors, which will include their name, address and size of their shareholding in ART Business Loans. A personal investor then claims the tax relief from HMRC through their self-assessment tax return for each tax year for which relief is due. If they do not normally complete a tax return, they will need to request one from HMRC. A corporate wishing to claim relief should claim as part of its Corporation Tax return for each appropriate accounting period.

Find out more

More information on CITR and how to claim can be found at www.responsiblefinance.org.uk/ the-community-investment-tax-reliefcitr, and www.gov.uk/government/publications/ community-investment-tax-relief-citr

ART’s share offer is now open on the Ethex Investment Platform See www.ethex.org.uk/ART2020 to find out more about how you can invest

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Business briefing: Recruitment

Recruitment, and how to win the battle for talent Businesses’ ability to attract and retain top talent can be the difference between success and failure. Jamie Wills, managing director at Culture Recruitment, highlights the areas employers have to focus on to ensure they have the best talent on their team For quite some time now, the goal posts for business have had to change. Not just in terms of how they need to operate in order to meet customer or client expectations, but also how they attract desired talent, and perhaps more importantly, retain them by meeting employee expectations.

Here are Culture’s top tips to attract and retain top talent.

What message does your business communicate?

Nothing hurts a business’s credibility more than inconsistency and mixed messages. This is no less true when considering it from the context of attracting a future employee.

Is the message your company gives out on its website in line with what’s present on your other platforms? Does the content and tone of an advert for a new role tie in with what a potential candidate will see when researching your company as a potential match?

Will their conversation with your people

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resonate with what they have previously read, seen and heard?

A consistent message and picture of what your organisation values, across all touch-points, be it in the form of text and images on line, to what they hear and see during an interview process will give your business a clear, defined and coherent voice when attracting new people.

The role of a company’s culture in retaining top talent Consider what type of culture you want to create within your company. Your recruitment process and the type of individual you employ will directly influence this. We’re all aware of terms such as ‘engaged employees’, ‘inclusive culture’ and ‘flexible working hours’. And it seems virtually obvious to say that if your company can create a culture whereby its employees feel valued, they will be actively engaged.

More than 80 per cent of millennials have said they are actively engaged at work due to an inclusive culture. The take away

from this is, the more your company can create a culture where your employees feel valued, work in an inclusive environment, and have a voice that wants to be listened to, the better you’ll do. Your staff will positively promote your company, work harder and want to remain with you far longer.

‘It’s all about perception’ As Bob Hoskins once said, ‘it’s good to talk’. Well, be under no illusions, any perspective candidates will be using a myriad of platforms to research your company and will weigh a company’s own self-portrayed image; the one they see on your website, on LinkedIn, etc, with that of what actual employees, past and present, say about you.

You cannot please everyone all the time but these platforms can be a source of valuable feedback and insight into a specific area(s) which needs focus to put right.

If left unchecked, it could prevent that right-fit candidate from applying.

Will your existing employees be credible advocates?

We are more likely to listen to our peers than an organisation’s marketing department, irrespective of how slick it may be. It is therefore paramount that the message and inclusive, valued employee culture your company should be striving for is not only credible but is reflected in your employees and workspace.

Just like you can tell if someone is genuinely smiling by looking in their eyes, a prospective employee will be able to decipher whether the blurb coming from the interviewer regaling them with how good the work place, environment and culture are, is genuine or not.

Your goal should be to want to have your prospective employee walk through a vibrant workspace, witnessing your current employees working, being able to soak up either that hive of activity or simply seeing another person genuinely turned on and engaged.

Have your interview rooms in a space of the building so you can show off this genuine, healthy working environment. Be mindful to how you may also capitalise on this good culture, and employee engagement, by providing a defined space your employees can ‘own’ on professional

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Carbon reduction/Energy

How much value is in your business’s waste?

“Make sure you’re in the space where your top talent is...” networks and intranets.

Everyone’s a customer Remember when we spoke about perception? Well, a candidate who didn’t end up becoming an employee is just as able to review your company on what their experience was up to the point of going your separate ways and placing this in the public domain for others to read and take note. It is therefore important to deliver a positive, consistent and well managed journey.

Be transparent with not only what you expect and are looking for in a potential employee, but what they can expect from the interview process, timelines, stages and when the final decision is due to be made.

Are you visible?

Make sure you’re in the space where your top talent is. It seems an obvious one, but as that sticker on the back of an HGV says, ‘if you can’t see my wing mirrors, I can’t see you’. You may have to be creative in order to create this visibility, be it through sponsoring professional events, facilitating social or industry ‘best practice’ networking, or good old-fashioned advertising on an industry-relevant website or in a trade magazine.

Specialist recruiters are invaluable in this area and will be a brand of their own in a given space. Today, many businesses like to use the word ‘partner’ more and more when describing their ideal client / customer relationship, but never has this word been more relevant or important to how a company should view its own recruitment relationship.

Invest time in the relationship, not just to gain applicants with the desired skill set, but as we’ve spoken about here already, getting the right cultural fit to complement your existing workspace environment should be just as high on a clients list of wants.

It’s no coincidence that Culture Recruitment’s strap line states: ‘It’s all about the fit’

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Masterclass will put you on the path to ‘Net Zero’ while examining growth opportunities in a new, vibrant market sector How much value is in your business’s waste? That’s the question that will be answered at a new masterclass called Value from Waste, to be hosted by the Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI), from 25th-26th March.

Based at Aston University, the EBRI is at the forefront of helping business meet ambitious Government targets to slash carbon emissions, with a final goal of all business becoming carbon neutral.

The Value from Waste masterclass will provide exclusive content for entrepreneurs and business leaders on the technical and commercial fundamentals of creating energy from waste, bioenergy, bioproducts and energy systems.

Why is this important?

The government has set ambitious targets to improve the security of the UK’s energy supply at the same time as it looks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and as part of these joint goals turning more of our waste into energy and bioenergy will play a key part.

According to the Committee on Climate Change, bioenergy alone could provide up to 15 per cent of the UK’s energy in a low carbon economy by 2050. Waste-from-energy is the largest contributing renewable technology in the UK, providing 7.4% of primary energy supply.

To help you tap into the commercial opportunities this will

offer, EBRI’s world-leading scientists and researchers have designed a tailor-made course to introduce the practical skills and strategies your business needs to access these increasingly vibrant market sectors.

The two-day course covers: • Technologies & feedstock • Supply chains • Business opportunities • Carbon reduction strategies It is ideal for SME business leaders seeking new opportunities in the bioeconomy marketplace including biomass, biorefining, bioenergy, with expert advice to help develop solutions that are right for their organisation For qualifying companies*, this course is free of charge Register your interest now by emailing bioenergy@aston.ac.uk, calling 0121 204 3383 or visiting www.bioenergy-for-business.org * Check before booking for eligibility criteria, but it will be free for all SMEs located with the West Midlands Local Enterprise (LEP) areas.

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Commercial Finance

Commercial financiers can keep SME owners’ dreams alive Paul Michel Since moving into financial services, my greatest discovery has been how absolutely dedicated small business owners are.

It is not just the financial and time commitments they make, but a whole range of dreams, values, relationships and sense of self that is “on the line”.

Coming from a career in education, I know the personal growth bred by success, and the cost born of failure.

In surveying a range of clients, colleagues and business owners, I find that ideas around Commercial Finance vary widely. Some are familiar and comfortable with it, others slightly suspicious. Some know the range of funding options, others only one or two. Not all know whom to contact, nor what the costs or security required.

In all cases, concern over cash flow takes top priority. Without cash, a business is hamstrung. Matt Bull, a business coach with years of company turnaround experience, told me: “Companies are often ‘stuck’, either from distress or in their growth.”

Companies need the right people in their corner. Granted a clear vision and set of values, meaningful key performance indicators and a solid business plan, companies need to know their numbers well, and know where and when to seek help. Relationships with bankers, brokers, accountants and coaches are key.

Emphatically, Matt tells me they must be trusted, as they are fundamental to helping face challenges and giving support.

Commercial Finance is a primary tool for fuelling growth. Traditional business loans and bank overdrafts will always be part of the picture, but a greater variety of products is available today: asset finance, development and bridging loans, commercial mortgages, selective or whole of ledger invoice finance, lines of credit, procurement and supply chain finance.

The pool of lenders has grown to include

institutions, crowd-funding, angel investors, and private funds.

A great pitfall with commercial finance is to align your company to a product.

“The product is there to support you and what you do best,” Matt says, “not the other way round.”

Just as golfers need the right club for their swing, so businesses need the right finance. They must use commercial finance in the right way. An overdraft facility, for instance, can be a blessing or a curse. Explains Matt, “It is mindset dependent – some use it judiciously, others see it as a ‘new zero’.”

Speaking with a trusted broker or bank manager enables business owners to find the right product for their company, and for their patterns of behaviour. Another popular facility, Invoice Finance, can be tailored to meet the particular requirements of companies.

A ‘whole of ledger’ factoring approach offered by banks and larger financiers can be very useful for high-turnover businesses with predictable flows of cash.

Entering invoices through a portal keeps a consistent and easily checked account of debtors and creditors, and allows

“Companies are often ‘stuck’, either from distress or in their growth... they need the right people in their corner... relationships with bankers, brokers, accountants and coaches are key ...”

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businesses to draw down on funds they’ve already earned.

Alternatively, selective or spot invoice finance can be used more sparingly, enabling cash flow at times when it’s needed and to a level comfortable for the company. It can often be mated with business loans or supply chain finance – keeping the structure neat, and with a discernible end-point.

Returning to an earlier point, businesses need to know their numbers well and be aware of the security required and costs associated with commercial finance.

Eligibility is judged differently among lenders, and rates or fees must always be determined at the time of application.

Some lenders are more flexible than others around allowable risk profiles, and it is often the case that companies can find funding if they are willing to seek it from some of the less traditional lenders.

Consulting with a good commercial finance broker is a useful first step in understanding the breadth of products and lenders in the market.

I began this editorial paying respect to the level of commitment shown by business owners, evident in so many aspects of their lives. It is the role of commercial financiers and brokers to give appropriate opportunity for this commitment to bear even greater fruit. I hope this article has given you a deeper insight into the field, and has helped you begin to question how commercial finance might benefit your own business.

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Commercial Finance Solutions Strapped for cash when you want to grow?

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Testimonial

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Contact Paul Michel T 0116 4736944

E paul.michel@b2bfinance.com

West Midlands Events

Warwick Castle played host to our Annual Dinner in November where, under the watchful eye of Henry VIII and all of his wives (awkward?), guests were welcomed to the stylishly festive State Rooms for a drinks reception before moving into the Great Hall for suitably-themed entertainment, a three-course dinner and the chance to hear from two great speakers.

We were delighted to welcome Nikki Rimmington, VP & Chief Planning Officer at Aston Martin Lagonda. She recognised that she had benefitted from spending most of her career based in the very heart of the British automotive industry, the West Midlands. After studying mechanical engineering in Warwick she started her career at Rover Group, moving to Land Rover and then JLR before joining the world’s only luxury automotive group, Aston Martin Lagonda, in 2007.

Those two illustrious brands have a history spanning more than 100 years yet in that long and rich history has produced fewer than 100,000 cars …. far below what Nissan produces in a week, worldwide! Rather, it has built up a client base of hugely discerning car buyers around the globe, and to maintain them it is vitally important that Aston Martin Lagonda understands and responds to emerging technologies to ensure they remain relevant to the luxury customer.

In 2015, under the leadership of CEO Andy Palmer, the organisation embarked on its Second Century Plan, to expand the range of beautiful and technologically advanced cars to seven models across three product segments: Sports cars; SUVs and sedans. To achieve this and open up further growth, a second manufacturing plant has been built in Wales.

They are, of course, also continuing to develop electric vehicle capability through the Rapide E programme. The knowledge gained here will feed into the development of future full battery electric Lagondas.

Nikki also focused on the challenging year the business has faced. Starting with Brexit, she explained that while it is having less of an impact for them compared to mass market manufacturers, it has had an impact in terms of sales in the UK and Europe caused by wavering consumer confidence, driven by uncertainty.

Beyond Brexit, Nikki talked about the media interest in their IPO, with the huge amount of external speculation about their ability to deliver the Second Century Plan. Describing it as “distraction for the business”, she expressed disappointment in the reaction of British media when they have consistently demonstrated their success in delivering new products

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The atmospheric Great Hall of Warwick Castle

History and the future meet over dinner IoD West Midlands Annual Dinner, Warwick Castle

to market, as the launch of the SUV in China the day before shows. “The path to long-term sustainable growth is much more than a simple 12-month snapshot of time.”

Nikki concluded by returning to the importance of the West Midlands capitalising on the opportunity to increase the skills of home-grown engineers and scientists. Future engineering talent directly benefits our R&D capability and supply chain development. “It is in these spaces where the value add exists and we must continue to nurture and grow this area for the long-term success of the UK.” Our second speaker was Paul Noon, pro-vice chancellor for Coventry University (Enterprise and Innovation) who provided a very entertaining and informative talk around ‘Leadership in Crisis’. No stranger to the challenges that leadership presents, Paul has a relatively unique perspective, having spent over a quarter of a century working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office

representing British business all over the globe.

A staunch ambassador for our region, Paul will be known to many members as a former regional director for UKTI in the West Midlands, supporting export activities in addition to attracting inward investment to Birmingham and beyond.

Paul spoke candidly around his time as Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Kinshasa, the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uncannily, on a number of occasions when the Ambassador went away leaving Paul in charge, circumstances outside of his control took a dangerous turn. These included being taken hostage along with a selection of Ambassadors from other nations and having to ‘lock down’ the embassy during a siege.

Paul elaborated that he had to make key decisions that he knew would be unpopular, such as refusing to let Embassy staff leave the compound to go and collect

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Event speakers Nikki Rimmington and Paul Noon

Zeynep Turudi with David and Isabel Martinson

Entertainment included a knights’ battle at close quarters their families or to use their own military to assist, while then trying to win hearts and minds to ensure the group stayed positive and constructive. He assigned everyone tasks and responsibilities, including journalists who happened to be at the Embassy when it went into lock down, to help keep them focused and motivated.

Concluding his speech, Paul referred to his key learnings from his experience in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

You don’t have to make decisions instantly, even when it seems like you should. Rather, take a breath and give yourself some time.

Keep people busy... and then plan, enact your plan, and be prepared to change your plan.

The last point can be the most difficult to do, but vital if the situation changes.

Finally, if you can’t keep people busy, keep them well supplied with gin and fags!

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Aston Martin’s Dean Spragg and Georgina Cook with Warwick Castle’s ‘Sir Jay’

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IoD Events round-up Commercial Property of property Breakfast: Supported by a trio

ed at the best experts, our breakfast seminar look mercial com your ing ider options when cons property. cial Property Clive Read, Partner in the Commer ussed the disc e, team at VWV’s Birmingham offic and te esta real with e com challenges that , with a focus on commercial property transactions Leasehold. or hold Free of efits the risks and ben ment Director elop Mark Finucane, Regional Dev ds in tren the d usse disc ey, at Together Mon er’s perspective. commercial property from a lend ately owned Together is the second largest priv een £180-£200m company in the UK and lends betw s. case 800 600per month over and insight at Deborah Wilder, head of research nt it is to orta imp how d aine expl Interaction Ltd, ce, kpla wor have a wellbeing strategy in the thy and heal ble, forta com are es loye ensuring emp happy. g when Too few businesses think wellbein g their current planning a new office or updatin k out or quiet one, and ignore the needs for brea re. spaces, natural light and natu

cane er, Clive Read and Mark Finu Event speakers Deborah Wild

Meet the Brexperts!

The IoD’s Allie Renison led a jargon-free, interactive session with the support of a panel of ‘Brexperts’ from the world of law, FX, logistics, IP and tax. Encouraging questions from the audience, they provided practical advice covering topics such as VAT, customs, movement of people and trade.

No doubt we will have to repeat this event at some stage in 2020! Our thanks go to the esteemed panel: Phil Sanger, Vault IP; Chris Piggott, MFG Solicitors; Keri Pay, Crowe; Stuart Chapman, BEIS; Joshua Nagenthiran, Rational FX; and Jenny Hooper, Independent Freight Solutions Ltd.

Negotiation Showcase Negotiation is key to so many elements of running a business, and to discover more about the intricacies of this vital skill we were indebted to The Gap Partnership for running an informative and interactive event in October at Edgbaston Cricket ground.

During the hands-on session, delegates examined and discussed some of the integral skills surrounding negotiations that support day-to-day

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interactions.

These included: • understanding the difference between selling and negotiating; • separating feelings from behaviours; • being in charge and recognising ‘the power balance’ • how to adapt behaviour to circumstances.

Some of the skills of negotiation can

challenge people’s core beliefs and as such training in the subject can be uncomfortable. However, course leader Tamara Hodgson commented on how the group, many of them completely new to the theories, embraced these challenges which ultimately helped individuals learning.

Due to the popularity of this event, we are planning to run an additional Negotiation showcase in 2020.

www.iod.com/westmids/events

Dealing with 21st Century Stresses

Addressing the future of employee mental health Hosted by IoD Patrons BHSF, IoD West Midlands brought together leaders from a variety of sectors for a roundtable discussion on the key challenges businesses are currently facing in addressing the future of employee mental health.

As the economic cost of mental ill health in the UK is estimated at £70-100 billion each year, we were keen to learn what strategies are currently being adopted to encourage support and early intervention.

It was encouraging to hear that mental wellbeing is now seen as just as important as physical health, with the key being a positive ‘top-down’ culture of promoting good mental health.

Another development has been the way skilled line managers promote

wellbeing and spot worsening mental health among their teams.

It was stressed that communication is vital and removing the stigma around mental health imperative to encourage people to open up and seek support, allowing them to continue to work successfully.

Workplaces that are supportive of employee wellbeing, offering positive interventions, see improved employee retention and engagement making them a more desirable place to work.

Finally, there was a good understanding that mental ill health is typically caused by a range of factors that quite often won’t have anything to do with the workplace, ie, relationship problems, financial worries etc. “We only see the top of the iceberg”, was an agreed viewpoint.

Managers who are skilled in supporting their teams, whatever the cause, play a critical role in maintaining employee wellbeing.

Partnering with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), IoD West Midlands enjoyed an evening at RAF Cosford in support of World Mental Health Day 2019.

Stress management and wellbeing consultant Jo Cameron addressed a full house as she discussed the warning signs of burnout and how to avoid it.

In a very frank and reflective presentation Jo walked the audience through her personal experience of suffering a catastrophic burnout in 2015 following the loss of her baby and the pressures of working life. She went on to share valuable advice on how to understand and deal with stress, and how to improve wellbeing.

She was joined in addressing the event by IoD West Midlands’ Chair Brian Hall, who spoke in his capacity as Chief Commercial Officer of BHSF Employee Benefits Limited, giving advice on the importance of building the right culture in your business to support employee’s mental health. If people who are experiencing the early symptoms of mental ill health feel able to talk about them in the workplace, it can prevent these symptoms from developing further into an illness.

FRAUD PROTEct confe

rence: Held at Birmingham’s police headquarters in partners hip with the Midlands Fraud Foru m, the conference brought together security and legal experts to add ress key issues that affect all business es.

David Kearns, MD of Expert Inve stigations, discussed the theft / fraud Triangle. Employee theft and fraud will continue as long as staff have the opportunity, are able to rationalise their dishonest actio ns and are motivated by financial gain , he said.

In a session that certainly made most of us question our own practices, cyber security expert Jason Hart demonstrated the ease of hacking phones and business criti cal passwords while stressing the speed with which the cyber world was advancing.

Adam Finch, Partner with Harriso n Clark Rickerbys, focused on how fraud affects every business - in the UK alone, the annual cost of fraud is estimated at £110 billion, with £27bn per annum stemming from cybercrime against businesses. Ever y day 5.8 million data records are lost or stolen.

More on the Midlands Fraud Foru m at www.midlandsfraudforum . co.uk www.iod.com/westmids/events

27

Events Report

Business leadership lessons don’t get hotter than in a naval battle IoD Regional Director Calum Nisbet and Chair Brian Hall were invited to tour the Royal Navy’s current flagship, HMS Albion, to experience life on board and observe an adrenaline-fuelled military exercise.

Here’s Calum’s log of the day...

On a crisp November morning, Brian Hall and I found ourselves on the upper deck of a boat from Devonport Dockyard in Plymouth, heading towards the Flagship of the Royal Navy, HMS Albion, a few miles out to sea. Albion was half-way through a six-week training programme with Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) who were taking her through rigorous exercises to test both the ship and the crew.

FOST provides operational sea training for the Royal Navy, delivered by a team of experts. It also plays host to NATO and foreign participants being trained under its guidance – the epitome of ‘sharing best practice’.

We had been invited by Brigadier Jock Fraser, Naval Regional Commander Wales and Western England, to witness one of the training days and see FOST and the crew in action as they simulate attacks on the ship from the sea, air and sub-surface.

The all-encompassing training, with an emphasis on safety, included battle damage simulation and all aspects of war fighting Captain Peter Laughton explained that the 19,500 tonne HMS Albion is one of the Royal Navy’s two amphibious assault ships. While her core mission is to deliver the punch of the Royal Marines ashore by air and sea, she is an active Ambassador for UK plc, hosting a wealth of international dignitaries on her travels, and must be a welcome sight when she arrives at remote crisis-hit areas across the globe to assist in disaster relief missions.

Albion is home to 80 Royal Marines who are an integral part of the crew and, after 25 years of trying to keep water out of his ships, Captain Laughton has adjusted to the fact that he now has to flood the stern to allow their amphibious crafts to leave.

During the day’s exercise he encouraged us to look out for how the crew focus on

Calum with regional chair Brian Hall on one of the Albion’s helicopters both the External fight (from fighters, ships and submarines) and the Internal fight, maintaining the capabilities of both ship and crew. The latter ranged from firefighting activities to Action Messing, where the crew rotate on seven minute shifts to get to mess, eat and get back to their post!

From the bridge to the loading dock we saw professionalism throughout, with a sense of calm and order that ignored the fact that the ship was ‘under attack’. Every crew member knew their role and focus, ensuring information is always feeding up the ranks to the four key advisors to the Captain, ‘fighting the ship at action’. These are the XO (Executive Officer), the MEO (Marine Engineering Officer), the WEO (Weapons Engineering Officer) and the PWO (Principal Warfare Officer).

“To be hosted aboard the flagship was an honour, to see the training and high calibre of mentorship and training delivered was an education, but above all, to see the professionalism of captain, officers and crew, many very young by the standards of civilian corporate life, was an inspiration!” – Brian Hall

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Empowerment is a key leadership tool and while the Captain is present in the Ops Room and always up to speed, his key advisers are empowered to implement decisions and he will only veto those he does not support. Clear communication is crucial to this empowerment, with regular updates ‘piped’ throughout the ship to inform crew of key issues – including incoming missiles (‘impact in 4 minutes’) and where the latest fire has broken out.

Regular pipes of ‘Brace, Brace, Brace’ saw the crew adopt a secure position at their post as one of the successful simulated missiles made contact, or one of the very real fighter jets ‘attacked’ the ship from above. These times of extreme pressure came to an end with a ‘Stand To’, when duties were resumed. At one stage the Bridge was ‘hit’ and had to be evacuated and regular fires appeared in the most challenging locations, ably created by the FOST trainers.

HMS Albion has been described as the Royal Navy’s ‘Swiss Army knife’ – and for good reason. This amphibious transport dock can carry 400 sailors and Marines with a huge range of skills and experience, from technicians and engineers to medics and chefs. The average age of the crew is just 23 and, as well as carrying out their watches (on rotation over four days) each sailor is allocated a part of the ship to keep clean and in order.

HMS Albion will soon relinquish its Fleet Flagship status to the giant aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth which, along with her sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales, is the largest warship ever built for the Navy.

Brigadier Jock is keen to reach out to the Midlands, reminding them that we are an island nation that relies on maritime activity (97 per cent of our trade is still shipped by sea) and raising awareness of how active the Royal Navy is across the world. There are huge opportunities for business leaders and the Armed Forces to learn from each other and we are proud the IoD has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

www.iod.com/westmids/events

Events Diary

Mastermind Groups:

Take time to maximise your membership

The IoD West Midlands Mastermind Groups are a unique series of small sessions designed to give directors and senior business leaders the chance to discuss some of the key issues and challenges they face in an open, constructive and confidential environment.

They usually take place monthly and are open exclusively to IoD members.

Geoff Williams, facilitator of the Shropshire Mastermind Group, based in Shifnal, says: “Ours is a like-minded group who are willing to share ideas and discuss complex situations to help other members.

“The group meets monthly at Haughton Hall and discusses business topics in a relaxed atmosphere over a two-course evening meal. Topics are wide-ranging and new members are made to feel welcome.

“We are lucky to have a knowledgeable group of business leaders who are willing to help each other.”

In addition to Geoff’s group we also run

BIRMINGHAM

similar sessions in Leamington Spa, Birmingham, Shropshire, Hereford & Worcester, and Kidderminster and we have received some fantastic feedback from regular attendees: “I am very grateful for the ideas and the inspirations that I gained over dinner,” says Suzie Hutchinson, chief executive of Little Hearts Matter. “It is a very convivial way to discuss the challenges of business. I look forward to meeting with you all again over the coming months.”

Kevin Laye, founder/owner of Progress Therapy, praised the “great energy and a great collaboration vibe. A tribe I enjoy being part of.”

• Take advantage of this exclusive IoD member benefit and join a Mastermind Group in your local area.

To book your place at your local Mastermind group please visit www.iod.com/westmids, contact the office on 0121 643 1868 or email calum.nisbet@iod.com.

SHROPSHIRE

HOTEL DU VIN Dates: All Mondays: 10th February, 9th March, 13th April, 11th May, 8th June Time: 6pm - 9pm Venue: Hotel Du Vin, 25 Church

Street, Birmingham

B3 2NR Cost: £30 +VAT

HAUGHTON HALL Date: Tuesdays: 11th February, 10th March, 21st April Time: 6pm - 9pm Venue: Haughton Hall Hotel and

Leisure Club, Haughton

Lane, Shifnal TF11 8HG Cost: £30+VAT

This Mastermind Group is facilitated

by Mark Abrams.

This Mastermind Group is facilitated

by Geoff Williams.

LEAMINGTON SPA Mallory Court Date: All Mondays: 10th February, 9th March 20th April, 11th May, 8th June Time: 6pm - 9pm Venue: Mallory Court, Harbury Ln,

Royal Leamington Spa,

Warwickshire CV33 9QB Cost: £30+VAT This Mastermind Group is facilitated by Helen Barge.

HEREFORD & WORCESTER Stanbrook Abbey Date: All Thursdays: 13th February, 12th March 23rd April, 14th May, 11th June Time: 6pm - 9pm Venue: Stanbrook Abbey, Jennet

Tree Lane, Callow End,

Worcester WR2 4TY Cost: £30+VAT This Mastermind Group is facilitated by Michael Donaldson.

BREAKFAST GROUP Hogarths Stone Manor Date: All Thursdays: 30th January, 27th February 26th March, 30th April 21st May, 26th June Time: 07:30am – 10:00am Venue: Hogarths Stone Manor,

Bromsgrove Road,

Kidderminster DY10 4PJ Cost: £13 +VAT This Mastermind Group is facilitated by Ian Priest, IoD Black Country Branch Chair.

www.iod.com/westmids/events

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Events Diary

The impact of IR35 on contractors and associates Date: Monday, 27th January Time: 9am – 11am Venue: The Colmore Building, Birmingham Cost: Free of charge IR35 rules are changing in April 2020 – if you are an associate or a contractor, or if you run a business using associates and contractors, this could affect you.

This legislation addresses all associates/ contractors that work through a limited company. Every role they are engaged on through their limited company will need to have a ‘determination’ made in order to

2020 Annual Employment Update Date: Monday 3rd February Time: 12.00 – 2pm Venue: Irwin Mitchell, The

Colmore Building, Birmingham Cost: Free of charge

In partnership with Irwin Mitchell, join us for a look back at the key employment cases and issues that hit the headlines in 2019, and the changes coming into force in 2020.

• New ‘day one’ legal rights for workers to receive a statement of their employment terms • Additional information you’ll have to give employees at the start of their employment • Changes to the way holiday pay is calculated • Proposed changes to the UK’s immigration system • Proposed changes arising from the Conservative party manifesto given the recent election outcome We’ll also share details of cases to watch out for, as well as a long-range forecast of the issues that may shape employment law over the next couple of years.

You’ll have the opportunity to share your views, ask questions, and network with other professionals and business leaders.

Lunch & refreshments will kindly be provided by Irwin Mitchell Please join us and give your business the best chance to prepare for the year ahead.

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This breakfast seminar is designed to explain how to plan so you are not caught out. Hear from IR35 specialists from Irwin Mitchell and contract recruitment experts from Jonathan Lee, who will advise on the legal and practical elements of how to prepare, to include: •Who is affected • How to decide whether an engagement is caught by IR35 • How to determine someone’s correct employment status • The appeals process • What systems you will need to have in place.

establish whether or not the role falls inside or outside IR35 scope.

For the first time, the engager or the fee payer of the associate/contractor is responsible for determining the IR35 status.

Where the individual is deemed to be ‘inside’ IR35, then the client must apply statutory deductions (ie tax and NIC from the contractor’s pay) and also pay Employer’s NIC as if they were a traditional employee of the client.

If caught ‘inside’ it will affect payments made on or after 6th April 2020 to limited companies.

IoD Chair’s Best Practice visit

The Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) Date: Thursday, 13th February 2020 Time: 9am – 11am Venue: EBRI, Aston University Cost: Free of charge Most business leaders recognise that they need to play their part to help step up the fight against climate change and are looking at ways to encourage cleaner transport and energy, reduce waste, or make their buildings more efficient. But are they aware that there are business opportunities in this field?

Ambitious government targets to increase the security of energy supply and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will drive growth in the bioenergy, energy-from-waste, energy systems and bioproducts sectors over the next ten years.

The growth of these sectors is forecast to generate a wealth of opportunities in the UK including design, construction, new business technologies and supply chain.

Organisations of any size and industry sector can benefit from being involved.

The Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) at Aston University is leading in the challenge to share knowledge and support collaboration with companies

in across the UK, Europe and beyond. They provide practical solutions for businesses to explore these high growth markets and the opportunities they offer, providing specialist support, cutting-edge technologies and bespoke events We are privileged to have been invited to tour the site, to learn more and see first-hand: • New developments in waste to energy technology from lab to near industrial scale • An energy management demonstrator integrating different forms of energy generation with grid balancing and electric vehicles • Work on site to include use of new catalytic processes and surface treatments for breaking down and capturing greenhouse gasses, biorefining, biogas production, production of new materials from pollutants and waste and production of fuels from waste.

Flat shoes are advised and, where necessary, visitors will be provided with protective equipment. It would also be helpful if guests could let us know if they have a problem with heights!

To book on any event, go online at www.iod. com/westmids or contact Jo.dukes@iod.com www.iod.com/westmids/events

Deliver your pitch at Value Proposition Breakfast

Stunning Belfry to host members’ golf day Date: Tuesday, 19th May Time: 9am - 6pm Venue: The Belfry Hotel, Lichfield

Road, Wishaw,

Sutton Coldfield B76 9PR Cost: Fourball - £250 + VAT We’re delighted to announce that our 2020 Members’ Golf Day will be held at one of the world’s most famous courses, The Belfry.

Set in over 500 acres of beautiful Warwickshire countryside, the course is renowned for having hosted the Ryder Cup four times. It is an exceptional challenge for golfers of all standards, and allows you to recreate your own iconic moments from the history of golf.

Sponsored by Rational FX, the day will

begin with a bacon roll and hot drink in the restaurant at 9am, with tee off times beginning at around 10am, for 18 holes on the beautiful Derby Course.

Members will then be invited to enjoy a drink in the clubhouse and a two-course dinner in the private room of the restaurant.

Prizes will be presented to the Winning Team, Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin. Fourball bookings are open now.

Why not stay the night? The Belfry boasts a wide range of 4-star rooms and restaurants that will ensure a lovely golfing break of the highest quality.

Lunch and Learn

Making a connection Date: Thursday, 5th March Time: 12:00pm – 2.00pm Venue: Itihaas, 18 Fleet Street,

Birmingham B3 1JL Cost: Members: £25+VAT

Non-Members: £32+VAT This is the first in our new series of networking events across the West Midlands - ‘Lunch & Learn’ Join us at the Itihaas restaurant in Birmingham for our inaugural Lunch & Learn event where you can network with fellow professionals over a delicious Indian lunch.

We will also hear some top tips from our guest speaker, Liz Whitfield who will deliver a micro session on ‘Connection’ , looking at issues such as “In a world where so much business is conducted via technology, why is Human Connection still important?”

This is a fantastic opportunity to build a wide and relevant network of meaningful contacts to help your business to grow and pick up some top tips along the way.

Ticket price includes reception soft drink and a two-course lunch that will showcase the very best of Thali cuisine.

To book on any event, go online at www.iod.com/westmids or contact Jo.dukes@iod.com www.iod.com/westmids/events

Date: Thursday, 12th March Time: 7:45am – 9.15am Venue: Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors,

Chapter House North,

Abbey Foregate,

Shrewsbury, SY2 5DE Cost: No charge Do you know your business inside-out, but get tongue-tied when it comes to explaining exactly what you do?

If so, you’re not alone; more than 80% of business owners said they struggled to clearly articulate their company’s Value-Proposition – or ‘Pitch’ – in fewer than 60 seconds.

Whether you’re working the room at a networking event or looking to win a new client over video-con, the ability to deliver a clear, concise and compelling 60-second pitch is a vital professional skill.

Run by Keith Rozelle, founding director of Sales Marvel, this interactive workshop will enable you to: • Effectively position your business • Articulate an engaging ValueProposition online • Deliver a winning “elevator pitch” with feedback from industry experts • Re-purpose your pitch for a range of sales channels - from keynote speeches and company websites to networking events and client brochures.

Mindfulness for Leaders Workshop Date: Time: Venue:

Cost:

Thursday 23rd April 1:30pm – 5.00pm Hogarths, Hogarths Hotel Ltd, Dorridge, Solihull B93 8QE Members: £30+VAT

Non-Members: £50+VAT Join us at the Music Room at Hogarth’s Hotel in Solihull for an afternoon of Mindfulness, where you can learn more about this popular way of reducing stres, improving focus and performance, balancing energy, leading to enhanced wellbeing.

Led by Caroline Suggett, Mindfulness Consultant.

See pg 14 for more details

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Director development

Chartered Director is the PhD of corporate governance Charlotte Valeur Chair, IoD The IoD Chartered Director qualification is now in its 21st year. Described as a ‘world first’ by The Guardian, the Chartered Director programme sets a gold standard for director training, and the IoD remains the only institute to offer qualifications for directors under Royal Charter.

The course has been compared by those who have taken it to a PhD in corporate leadership. In the words of Sir Tim Melville-Ross, the IoD’s Director General at the time of its inception, the ‘CDir’ label ‘sends the strongest possible signal that we mean business.’

Since then, almost 2,000 business leaders have become Chartered Directors in the UK and beyond. The qualification has been

continually updated to ensure it reflects the way boards work and delivers content they need as we fulfil our vision of having a chartered director on every board.

Corporate governance and a director’s duties have developed considerably since 1999, and organisations are increasingly seeing the need for director qualifications. Meanwhile, debate in the UK around broadening participation on boards has intensified the need to develop employees, enabling them to take their place at the top table.

The IoD is seeing an increasing demand for our courses from large organisations – in the public and third sectors as well as private. Nor has the demand been restricted to the UK, with a steep increase in take-up as far away as the Middle East and China.

The UK is a world-leader on corporate governance. We intend for this to continue.

Our current Chartered Directors are a large part of this, feeding directly into our goal of

embedding director qualifications as best practice for board composition. More widely, as proposed recently in our recent corporate governance manifesto, we believe that UK plc could benefit from the development of an industryled Code of Conduct for Directors and minimum requirements for governance training, both areas in which Chartered Directors are trailblazers.

As an institute, we are very proud of all our Chartered Directors, who have invested significantly in raising the standards of corporate governance and are role models for their peers in their commitment to lifelong learning.

They have an important role in developing the pipeline of tomorrow’s “CDirs”, promoting the qualification, shifting the expectations of boards and moving the dial on director qualifications.

Who’s preparing your Future Directors?

Date: 22nd-24th April Venue: Ashorne Hill,

Leamington Spa Cost: £3,295 + VAT Succession planning and developing the next generation of directors can be a daunting task and relies on the alignment of employee ambition, company resources, finances and time. To help you nurture the leaders of your organisation, we’ve created our Future Directors course.

Across three days, delegates will explore, analyse and develop the key attributes of a director.

To complement this, associate membership of the IoD is included in the course, promoting not only life-long learning but also the principles of good corporate governance and director development. Membership benefits include access to the IoD Digital Academy and app, offering

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CPD content accessible whenever or wherever convenient.

The course is designed by expert IoD course leaders, and is available as a residential or non-residential programme as well as the option to be tailored to the specific needs of your future directors and delivered in-company.

Delegates will meet and be inspired by a Chartered Director during their time on the course men and women who are advocates for professional development and have learned valuable lessons to share with those on a pathway to directorship.

The West Midlands will host our inaugural Future Directors programme at Ashorne Hill near Leamington Spa. For more details, please visit https://www.iod.com/training/ bespoke-training/future-directors or call the West Midlands office on 0121 643 1868.

www.iod.com/westmids/events

Role of the NonExecutive Director Date: 18th June Venue: iHub, Colmore Row, Birmingham Cost: Members £1,090 + VAT Non-members

£1,310 + VAT

Role of the Director and the Board

Dates: 4-5th May; 13-14th July Delivering an essential understanding of the board’s role in corporate governance and risk management, this introduction to the duties and legal responsibilities of a director will enable you to tackle the challenges of the boardroom with fresh confidence and progress your career to the next level.

Finance for Non-Finance Directors

Dates: 5-7th Feb; 24-26th Aug This course is designed specifically for non-financial directors and senior managers and will demystify the world of finance, allowing you to monitor the financial health of your business, evaluate business plans with confidence and contribute more effectively to boardroom discussion. It includes key financial concepts and terminology, helping understand better an organisation’s financial position.

Certificate course costs

Two-day courses: Members £2,475 + VAT; Non-members £2,975 + VAT Three-day courses: Members £2,745 + VAT; Non-members £3,300 + VAT Venue: iHub, 2-6 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2QD

Strategy for Directors

Dates: 9-11th March; 30th Sep – 2nd Oct This intensive course provides insight into the knowledge and skills required to create, implement and evaluate your organisation’s strategy.

It explores the relationship between strategy, governance and risk and explains the tools and frameworks that support strategic thinking and decision-making.

Leadership for Directors

Dates: 2nd-3rd April; 2nd-3rd Nov Strong leadership is fundamental to the successful realisation of strategic vision. This course provides a valuable opportunity for directors to explore strategic leadership issues both within and beyond their organisation.

Diploma in Company Direction

Dates: 1st-3rd Jun. Cost: Members £3,475 + VAT; Non-members £4,225 + VAT The Diploma puts into practice the knowledge gained from the Certificate in a realistic and safe environment. It encourages peer-group support, challenge and stimulation, mirroring in many ways the operation of a board. By replicating the issues of a ‘real’ organisation, you will gain hands-on experience that will not only enable you to achieve a world-class qualification, but also to make a significant impact on your board’s effectiveness.

This comprehensive programme is designed to equip you with practical strategies to build your network, raise your profile to secure an appointment, and add value in the boardroom.

As more individuals choose ‘portfolio careers’ and demand for non-executive directors continues to rise within multiple sectors including third sector organisations and private companies, it has never been more important to understand the critical requirements and appropriate skill set of a non-executive director.

Gain practical advice from an experienced portfolio non-executive director and participate in interactive case studies. Discover the latest interview tips from top industry head-hunters and put your questions to guest speakers who will be on hand to offer expert guidance.

The programme includes an evening drinks reception and a three course dinner at a local restaurant, offering a fantastic opportunity to network among your peers and guests.

To book, see www.iod.com/ westmids/courses or call Calum Nisbet on 0121 643 7801.

Accelerated Certificate in Company Direction Venue: Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa, Daventry,

Northamptonshire NN11 3BA Dates: 28th March - 3rd April

31 May - 5 June; 26-31 July Cost: Members £9, 775 + VAT

Non-members £11,875 + VAT Business pressures can make it difficult to take time out to focus on personal and professional development and stay up to

www.iod.com/westmids/events

date. Take control of your development, become a certified director with this intensive fast track residential designed specifically for the time-poor leader.

Using a blend of online and face-to-face learning we offer directors the same expert training and knowledge available through our traditional approach, but requiring only five consecutive days away from the demands of your business.

This fast-track residential programme provides you with fresh insights into the key areas of strategy, leadership, governance and finance, thus covering the subjects of the Certificate in Company Direction modules: n Role of the Director and the Board n Finance for Non-Finance Directors n Strategy for Directors n Leadership for Directors.

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Charity spotlight: City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Appleby Matthews pictured with his fledgling City of Birmingham Orchestra in 1921. The word ‘Symphony’ would not be adding to its title until 1948 Photo courtesy CBSO

100 years on, CBSO’s still hitting all the right notes Richard Bratby On 5 September 1920, a 39-year old conductor called Appleby Matthews stepped on to the podium at Birmingham’s Theatre Royal to begin the first concert by the new City of Birmingham Orchestra.

He was taking a risk. But he was also an entrepreneur. He knew that public money alone would never be sufficient for his fledgling orchestra to fulfil its potential – so from the very beginning the orchestra was funded through a partnership between the City Council and business leaders.

Matthews knew his orchestra would have to innovate, to evolve and to respond swiftly to the needs of an ever-changing public.

100 years on, now as the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, it feels like we have real cause to celebrate.

Through war and social change, recessions and booms, the CBSO has remained Birmingham’s orchestra – serving the city and acting as its ambassador. Sir Simon Rattle, our chief conductor from 1980 to 1998, played a leading role in Birmingham’s redevelopment in the 1990s. Our current conductor, the 33-year old Lithuanian Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla, is making the weather, too. An energising leader as well as an inspirational performer, she’s just been named by Slipped Disc (the world’s biggest classical music blog) as one of the ten most powerful figures in UK classical music:

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“resetting the tone for what a UK music director can do”.

Naturally, she’s leading the centenary celebrations this year, with a series of performances involving our orchestra as well as our world-class Chorus and youth choruses – nearly 400 musicians in all.

Concerts include Mahler’s colossal Symphony of a Thousand and Britten’s powerful War Requiem, as well as brand new works from some of the world’s pre-eminent living composers. Joining her will be stars including violinist Nicola Benedetti and piano phenomenon Benjamin Grosvenor.

And not just in Birmingham, either: in 2020 we’re opening the world-famous Salzburg Festival and performing in Vienna, Hamburg, Paris, Lucerne, Munich and Amsterdam, as well as a 12-date coast-to-coast US tour. In 2021, we’re flying the flag in Japan, China and South Korea – a vast emerging market.

But none of this could happen without local roots.

Two decades ago we brought the music of Bollywood into classical concert halls: it’s now a hugely popular part of our programme, as are our Friday Night film music and pop spectaculars. In 2021 we’re opening Shireland

CBSO School in Sandwell, one of the most economically-deprived local authority areas in the country. It’s believed to be the first non-selective, non-fee-paying school in the world to be established in partnership with a major symphony orchestra.

Yet it’s also a logical extension of a century of work as a socially engaged, innovative cultural enterprise; work that already takes us into over 50 Birmingham schools each year as well as managing a network of projects ranging from community choirs to concerts for people living with dementia – all drawing on our expertise, and the universal, life enhancing power of music.

In our centenary year, we’re more aware than ever that our role is to build for the future as well as celebrating the past.

In a fast-changing century, that’s an ethos that Appleby Matthews would have understood.

Visit cbso.co.uk/whats-on to book tickets for CBSO concerts at Symphony Hall Richard Bratby’s book on the history of the orchestra, Forward – 100 years of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, is available to buy from cbso.co.uk

www.iod.com/westmids/events