Chamber Profile Winter 2022

Ian Pring

Becky Hayes

Val Doyle

Shona Godefroy

Iain Andrews

Jon Mitchell

Alison Watts

Adam Croney

Andrew Hammond

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DEVON AND PLYMOUTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CONTACT DETAILS

Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Unit 5 Derriford Business Park, Brest Road, Plymouth, Devon PL6 5QZ

T: 01752 220471

E: chamber@devonchamber.co.uk

W: www.devonchamber.co.uk

News and articles should be sent to:

E: marketing@devonchamber.co.uk

Front cover: Ambitious local plan to build a workforce skilled for the future See pages 8-10.

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

Published by Cornerstone Vision Ltd

28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth PL3 4PY

T: 01752 225623

W: www.cornerstonevision.com

Managing Editor Ian Pilkington

Designer Leah-Maarit Jeffery

Advertising David Simpson

E: dave@cornerstonevision.com

Printed by PDS Print W: www.pdsprint.co.uk

PRIVACY NOTICE Cornerstone Vision Ltd process personal information for certain legitimate interest purposes, which includes the following:

• To provide postal copies of this publication to Chamber member and Cornerstone Vision Ltd customers; and

• To offer marketing and promotional opportunities within this publication to Chamber members an prospects. Whenever we process data for these purposes, we always ensure we treat your Personal Data rights in high regard.

Chamber Profile is produced on behalf of Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce by Cornerstone Vision Ltd and is distributed without charge to more than 1,500 key businesses and all Chamber members in Devon. The publisher is committed to achieving the highest quality standard. However, views expressed in the magazine are independent and while every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise. The publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format without the prior written permission of Cornerstone Vision Ltd.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/@chamber_devon

Like us on Facebook

Devon Chamber of Commerce

Join us on LinkedIn

Devon Chamber of Commerce

FIRST WORD

With the economic crisis signalling uncertain times across the region, it is more important than ever that we look to identify more sustainable ways of doing business.

That’s why we’re shining the spotlight on skills in this packed winter edition of Profile - more specifically the new Devon and Somerset Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), which the Devon & Plymouth Chamber is proud to be leading on with our Somerset neighbours.

Firstly, I must pay tribute to City College Plymouth for supporting and being our partner for this instalment of Profile. The College is focusing strongly on addressing the existing and emerging skills shortages to benefit employers and employees across the city and beyond.

This feeds directly into the LSIP which aims to put the views of employers at the heart of skills planning - so education institutions can be confident they are training people with skills that match what employers in the region need.

We are looking forward to engaging with our Chamber members, education providers and employers alike on a project that will shape the future of how we approach skills.

Next, I want to say a big thank you to everyone who joined us at Plymouth Pavilions in September for the Devon Business Show - which reflected our three strategic priorities of People, Planet and Purpose.

None of it would have been possible without our amazing partners, exhibitors and attendees - not to mention our dedicated Chamber team who made sure everything on the day ran smoothly and like clockwork.

This edition of Profile features some of our favourite pics from an unforgettable

CHAMBER PATRONS

day, and we’ve also already opened bookings for 2023!

Health and wellbeing underpins everything we do here at the Chamber. That’s why we were thrilled to partner with Livewell Southwest this November for a special event at The Market Hall in Devonport to help employers better understand the ways in which they can best support staff by prioritising workplace wellbeing.

The Chamber also teamed up with pirkx to support their ‘Worry At Work’ report. We work with hundreds of business owners on an almost daily basis and know that juggling personal and professional challenges can be tough.

That’s why we’re keen to build a bigger and better Chamber for all - one which can support members by welcoming them to our events, helping them connect with other companies or helping them work through the next hurdle. Our new ‘Chamber Champions’ scheme aims to do just thatand you can find details about how to get involved on page 40 of Profile.

We’re thrilled to announce the return of our ‘30 Under 30’ campaign, which seeks to honour the region’s young stars and celebrate the next generation of business leaders. Turn to page 12 to find out how you can nominate someone - or yourself.

We’ve also got no fewer than NINE social diary pages in Profile this quarter, featuring pictures from our own events and yours. We look forward to seeing even more of you in the coming months!

STUART ELFORD CHIEF EXECUTIVE, DEVON & PLYMOUTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MEMBER NEWS

Impressive new look unveiled for Plymouth’s Armada Way

Long-awaited plans to make Armada Way a better place are moving up a gear with the appointment of contractors Morgan Sindall to carry out the pre-construction design.

The dated and piecemeal landscaping will be going and in its place will be a new urban park over kilometre long, lined on either side by an avenue of trees.

The aim is to create a more impressive route from North Cross roundabout through the city centre and a clear visual link to the sea, which was the original ambition of Armada Way. It is part of an ongoing programme designed to address years of under-investment in city centre streets and spaces.

As well as restoring the view to create a more impressive and grand welcome into the city centre, new features will appear including play and mixed-use games areas for all ages, improved and centralised crossing at Mayflower Street to enhance

north-south connectivity, and a new running water feature with sustainable drainage and biodiversity at its heart.

The new look for Armada Way will also take into account the prospect of climate change with the introduction of plants and trees that are more resilient to an urban environment.

Beneath the ground there will be a new ‘Sustainable Urban Drainage’ (SUDs) system that will form part of a wider strategic network in the city centre.

The system includes ‘rain gardens’ and swales which integrate the drainage system with the new planting to make the best use of surface water.

Construction materials have been selected for long-term robustness and durability and the intention is to reuse some of the existing materials from Armada Way, including the original granite kerbs and setts, to reduce the carbon footprint of hard surfacing.

NEWS FOR & FROM MEMBERS OF DEVON & PLYMOUTH CHAMBER OF

NEW FUTURES PROGRAMME TO HELP PEOPLE IN DEVON TO RETRAIN

Devon has been chosen as one of five pilot areas across the UK to trial schemes to help people who need to reskill as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The New Futures programme, led by Learning and Work Institute with funding from the COVID-19 Support Fund, is developing locally-led solutions to tackle retraining challenges.

Devon County Council has initially been working on its pilot with Teign Housing, National Careers Service (NCS) and Learn Devon. As well as providing information, advice, guidance, mentoring and employment support to more than 800 people, the initiative will also provide training in construction and retrofit industries to around 240 people.

The pilot will focus on establishing a skilled workforce to meet employer needs across both Housing Association and the general construction sector, supporting the transition to netzero carbon emissions.

Following the initial trial with Teign Housing, the scheme is being rolled out throughout Devon to include other housing associations and local

organisations, such as jobs centres, who can refer people they’re supporting onto the scheme. Delivery will also be offered through other training providers.

Cllr Rufus Gilbert, Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said: “We’re proud to be one of five pilot areas across the United Kingdom to support workers to reskill following the pandemic. New Futures is enabling us to provide people with the support they need to re-train or find opportunities for a new career.

“A number of sectors have suffered since the pandemic which means that many people are looking to change careers. It’s critical that workers are supported to retrain to ensure they can take advantage of future job opportunities.

“Our pilot will focus on the construction and retrofit sectors which not only offers the prospect of filling skills gaps and needs in those industries but also complements our commitment to reduce carbon emissions.”

More information is available here: www.skillslaunchpad.org. uk/new-futures

Baroness Martha Lane-Fox CBE elected British Chambers of Commerce President

Entrepreneur and business leader Baroness Martha Lane-Fox CBE has been elected the new President of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Baroness Lane-Fox was elected by representatives of the accredited Chamber Network at the BCC’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 12 October. She took up the role, which is unremunerated, with immediate effect.

As the only BCC-accreditated Chamber in the county, Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce welcomes the news that Baroness Lane-Fox will be succeeding Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE as President, whose two-year term came to an end in accordance with the BCC Articles of Association.

As President, Baroness Lane-Fox will work alongside BCC Chair Sarah Howard MBE and Director General Shevaun Haviland to represent the interests of Chamber business communities and trade in a crucial period for the UK.

Baroness Lane-Fox co-founded Europe’s largest travel and leisure website, lastminute.

Fuel joins the fourday week revolution

Google and Meta partner marketing agency Fuel has commenced a four-day week trial for six months from October.

The change sees all 14 team members work from its offices at The Crescent in Plymouth, Birmingham City University’s STEAMhouse and from home on slightly reduced hours per week with no changes to salary levels whilst increasing its opening hours from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

The trial period commences following three months of consultation with its team, clients, referrers and analysis of performance data alongside research in ongoing national trials.

com in 1998. She is a passionate internet activist and was a Digital Champion for the UK from 2009-2013, helping to create the Government Digital Service.

She is a director of Twitter and chair of WeTransfer, and she co-founded and chairs LuckyVoice, which has revolutionised the karaoke industry. She is the Chancellor of the Open University and was also made a crossbench peer in the House of Lords in 2013.

Welcoming Baroness Lane-Fox to the BCC, Chair Sarah Howard MBE said: “Martha brings with her all the qualities that will make her an excellent President. She is creative, insightful, and has a wealth of knowledge that will be invaluable to our Chamber Network.

“I also wish to thank Ruby for her service to the BCC. She is a passionate advocate for business and has represented the BCC with energy and dedication during challenging times for UK businesses.”

The new BCC President, Baroness Lane-Fox said: “I am very excited to be joining the BCC family and look forward

to meeting with Chambers and hearing from businesses across the UK. Having founded and run my own businesses, I know firsthand the challenges firms are up against right now.

“Chambers provide invaluable support to ensure they can expand, invest and trade, and I look forward to helping British businesses thrive.”

New digital support for SMEs

New online support is now available to help small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) to be more savvy with their digital skills.

As part of the Digital Enablement for SMEs (DESME) project, an online self-assessment tool, called the Digital Maturity Index, has been launched by Devon County Council.

It has been devised to enable businesses to gain an understanding of their digital strengths and weaknesses. It also offers insights into digital tools that may help their business develop and grow.

Find out more at www.digital.benchmarkindex.net

MS Rotterdam returns to city

Plymouth hosted a historic maritime event on Tuesday 18 October when the cruise ship MS Rotterdam arrived to mark the 150th anniversary of her namesake’s visit to the port.

The Holland America Line’s inaugural passenger liner, SS Rotterdam, called at Britain’s Ocean City in 1872 en route from Rotterdam, Holland to New York. That maiden voyage saw the ship pick up additional passengers and mail at Plymouth before setting sail across the Atlantic.

The line’s latest vessel to bear the Rotterdam name returned a century and a half later when a special event, attended by local dignitaries and travel trade representative, was held on board to celebrate the occasion.

Work Hub expansion in Devon

Devon County Council’s Work Hub network is continuing to grow across the county with the addition of three more hubs.

Axminster, Ivybridge and Totnes are the latest to join the network, which now has a total of 22 flexible coworking spaces.

The unique aspects of each of these three Hubs reflect emerging trends in the coworking world, providing niche offerings and a heightened focus on community.

Exeter Airport looks to 2023 with confidence

Exeter Airport is looking to 2023 with confidence after a strong performance over the summer which saw the airport handle 50,000 passengers in August for the first time in three years.

Overall the airport expects to have seen 400,000 passengers through the terminal this year as it continues to bounce back from the impacts of the pandemic and the loss of Flybe in 2020 which used to account for 80% of the airport’s business.

It has now secured new airline partners for all but three of the airport’s prepandemic routes with 28 destinations in nine countries and continues to focus on securing new operators for the remaining destinations of Manchester, Paris and Amsterdam as the domestic and international air travel markets recover.

A highlight of this year’s recovery has been the introduction of new transatlantic services from Exeter to New York, Boston, Chicago,

Washington and Toronto, via Dublin with Emerald Airlines and Aer Lingus.

Passengers flying to the US can buy a single ticket which includes baggage transfer and pre-clearance for US immigration at Dublin Airport before they fly.

Dublin is one of only a few airports outside North America with a US pre-clearance facility. Inbound passengers are treated as domestic arrivals in the US, and so avoid any lengthy immigration queues when they land stateside.

Exeter Airport managing director Stephen Wiltshire said: “We are proud of the considerable strides made at Exeter Airport following the twin challenges of the pandemic and FlyBe, with steadily increasing passenger numbers this year.

We’re working hard to fill any gaps in our pre--covid schedule and attract new routes like North America to give passengers even more choice.

“Regional airports continue to offer a compelling alternative to the larger hubs with a combination of shorter airport journey times, reduced security and passport control congestion and great customer service providing passengers with a more convenient, speedier and less stressful travel experience.”

For 2023 the airport is expecting to see numbers continue to rise. Loganair has already confirmed that it is doubling its Edinburgh route to twice daily from next June, for example, as operators respond to increasing demand.

Exeter offers a range of UK and international destinations including Aberdeen, Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guernsey, Isles of Scilly, Jersey and Newcastle, with holiday flights to Greece, Spain, Turkey, Cyprus, France and Lapland.

www.exeter-airport.co.uk

Property Awards win for leading South West sustainable engineering consultants

achievement and recognition of the company’s commitment to the community and environment.

The Sustainability award recognises a company that has delivered multiple ecofriendly projects, pushing the boundaries of design and ethics with consideration to environmental impact, lifecycle, sustainability, and the Exeter community.

this award recognise the eco-conscious projects that we have delivered, but it also supports us in continuing to celebrate our commitment to being a sustainable engineering consultancy, reflecting our commitment to the environment and our community.

South-West engineering consultants, Services Design Solution Ltd (SDS) has achieved further recognition as a leader in sustainable business, winning the Sustainability Award at the Exeter Property Awards.

Following a year of award-winning success, including the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development, the SDS team is celebrating this latest

The judging panel said that SDS showed “strong expertise in sustainability in many forms of property. Its stand out achievements include zero-carbon design on the Passivhaus multi-faith centre and consulting work on the Exeter Deaf Academy.”

James Laughlin, Regional Director for Exeter at Services Design Solution Ltd said: “We’re delighted to have won the Sustainability Award. Not only does

As advocates of the government’s ambition to achieve the UK’s 2050 Net Zero commitment to deliver greener facilities for the future, SDS has presented to local and central government bodies on Net Zero Carbon strategies and advised on carbon reduction initiatives for numerous local authorities.

SDS were also delighted to be able to celebrate partner success, with award wins for Building Greater Exeter and the Nightingale Exeter Project, which SDS have been involved in supporting.

Removing the barriers to education to benefit your business

Over the past few years there has been a renewed focus by the government on adult learning and how this reflects the needs of employers.

The fallout of the pandemic presented an opportunity to address both existing and emerging skills shortages and the government made a new commitment to remove the barriers to education and to promote lifelong learning.

Here, City College Plymouth’s Paul Fanshawe and Tanya Head explain how this could benefit you and your business.

Paul is the College’s Executive for Business Intelligence Growth and Skills and the lead on the College’s strategic actions for opportunities and digital. Tanya was recently appointed Head of Adult Skills and Business Growth.

WHAT CAN THE COLLEGE OFFER ADULTS?

Tanya: City College has always supported adults wishing to return to education but it seems that message has become a bit lost. Plymouth is really well-served for adult education: to think we now have three universities and that is amazing, but I think that might be why our messages about our adult education offer are sometimes missed.

Paul: As Tanya said, we’ve welcomed adults to the College for many years and whilst I’m confident that people know we offer English and maths, they might not realise just how much we can offer adults, or that our provision is constantly changing.

WE HAVE SEEN MORE ADULTS TAKING UP APPRENTICESHIPS IN THE PAST FEW YEARS WHICH IS FANTASTIC, BUT WE AT THE COLLEGE REALISE THAT APPRENTICESHIPS DON’T SUIT ALL BUSINESSES AND WE HAVE SPENT A LOT OF TIME LOOKING AT OUR OFFER AND REALLY ASKING OURSELVES “IS THIS WHAT BUSINESSES WANT?”.

Tanya: The world is changing faster than ever and it can be difficult to know what a

business will need in a year, five years or ten years’ time. And with this in mind, the onus is on us, the training provider, to adapt to better meet your needs.

WHY HAS THERE BEEN SUCH A FOCUS ON ADULT SKILLS?

Paul: Our industries are facing huge challenges as work habits change. Many employers are struggling to attract the right people with the right skills. At the same time, the current cost of living crisis is showing how quickly things can change and how vulnerable some people might be. These industries pay well and can offer a reasonable amount of security for those prepared to retrain and learn new skills.

Tanya: There are a lot of vacancies out there that simply aren’t being filled and that could be harmful to businesses. I think most people are aware of skills shortages in engineering, construction and health, but the research shows there are more areas than you realise. We’re seeing a huge need for skilled accountants, marketing professionals and administrators.

HOW CAN THE COLLEGE SUPPORT BUSINESSES?

Tanya: Businesses that are struggling to fill particular vacancies might want to consider training current staff. What many people won’t know is employers could potentially access funds from the government’s Adult Education Budget to help cover the cost of training for staff who earn less than £18,525. What better way to fill a vacancy than by upskilling a loyal member of staff who already understands your business. And for employees earning more than that, there is funding available, with the government contributing up to half of the cost of training.

Paul: We know a lot of people are struggling to see beyond their next heating bill, but taking up free course entitlement could lead to

long-term job security. Tanya’s role has been created having taken into consideration all of these different factors and her experience means she is really knowledgeable in some of the challenges facing adults. And we are also aware of the challenges facing businesses, where we can support with reducing overheads and training costs, retaining staff though upskilling and CPD or with specific skills shortages

Tanya: Paul is correct. We have had to reflect on our provision. Whilst we recognise how important GCSE English and maths are, we also know it’s not the go-to answer. We know there are employers who would benefit from improving their employees’ maths skills, but this needs to be a more bespoke offer. We also realise our provision needs to be more flexible. We have largely been a 9-to-5 operator with some evening provision, but we need to expand this to weekends and holidays if we are to meet employers’ needs. Increasingly we deliver at employers premises as well to reduce barriers to accessing training.

WHAT CAN EMPLOYERS DO?

Paul: There is a lot of free training available at the moment - the pandemic has seen the world shift more online than ever before and with that comes the need to grow and develop your business to fit this. SMART Skills is a free programme that can help boost a business’s digital literacy skills. But if you are in need of something more particular, we are aiming to make it happen.

Tanya: There are now loads of people you can get in contact with to discuss adult skills for business; but skills don’t always fit into neat little areas, and that is why I’m coordinating a huge cross-college approach to adult learning so we can build our reputation as the learning destination of choice for not just school-leavers, but adults and employers, too. I would encourage anyone who has a query about skills for adults - whether you are an individual or a business - to get in touch. You can e-mail me at thead@cityplym.ac.uk

Did you know you can get free training for employees who earn less than £18,525?

Funding is also available for employees who earn more than this.

HOW CITY COLLEGE IS WORKING WITH ADULTS AND EMPLOYERS TO IMPROVE SKILLS IN PLYMOUTH

Recognising the differing needs throughout the region, the College is promising a more flexible approach than ever to delivering the skills you need. The College offers a full range of courses, from entry-level language courses to degrees, and is working with employers across the city to build lasting partnerships.

Seetec Pluss

One company the College has recently entered into a new partnership with is Seetec Pluss, an employee-owned company that seeks to empower people through access to skills, training and employment - a vision very much aligned to the College’s.

Tanya said: “In the past, we might have approached similar partnerships by looking at our curriculum and supporting someone to complete an application to study a course at the College. But we knew we wanted to be more flexible than this going forward.”

Whilst still in its infancy, the partnership has seen City College staff attending drop-in sessions with Seetec staff and their customers, looking to see what the two organisations can do for them in the short and long-term.

Tanya added: “Our staff are working closely with the Seetec Pluss team and customers to establish their needs: we start with their overall aims and see how we can accommodate them. If we don’t run a particular course currently, we will look into whether it is something we can offer in the near future. Where we can help immediately with established courses for example, we are looking at more flexible delivery. For example, after meeting a group of Ukrainian refugees, we realised the need for an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision that can be delivered at Seetec’s

premises. We are looking to establish this after half-term.”

Seetec’s Gemma Fox said: “It’s been great having them in, the staff have been really receptive to the whole concept, so we are really looking forward to moving it on.”

From supporting those looking to get into work or maybe reenter the workplace following redundancy or raising a family, the College is also looking to support adults who are hoping to progress their careers through higher-level qualifications.

NHS

Having worked as a bed manager for six years, it was quite the change in direction for NHS worker Kelly West when she joined the Estates department as a planning support worker. Whilst both roles require problemsolving and organisational skills, Kelly had to swap her clinical knowledge for an understanding of construction materials and environmental building regulations. as her responsibilities

changed to developing and managing capital projects.

To support her career development Kelly started an HNC in Construction and has already gained a promotion.

Kelly said: “I felt this course would provide a good baseline knowledge to develop an understanding of real-world industry standard practices, which I could apply to my projects within my job and the projects I was working on.

“The lecturers are really knowledgeable about the industry and they understand how fast this industry can change due to a variety of socioeconomic factors, and they factor this into what we learn about and we’re given plenty of opportunity to investigate other things that could have an impact on the industry. When working on long-term projects such as some of mine, it is essential to fully understand what it means to be sustainable and how this could rapidly change in the future.”

Kelly, who also has two young children, said she is fortunate that

the course is being funded by her employer having recognised the benefits of supporting her to develop these skills.

Kelly’s manager, Carlo Cinque, Estate Development Team Leader, said: “The growth in Kelly’s confidence over the past year has been fantastic to watch. Whilst she had all the necessary skills for her role, she didn’t have that wider industry knowledge that is useful to have, particularly when speaking with various official bodies.

“For both Kelly and the wider department, the delivery of the HNC worked well. Kelly attends lectures one day a week whereas other providers often require block release, which isn’t practical for the team or for Kelly with two young children.”

From entry level to degrees, City College can arrange training of all levels for staff either as an individual or an employee.

Get in touch with the College to discuss your company’s skills needs by contacting thead@cityplym.ac.uk

CHAMBERS LAUNCH MISSION

to

employers

planning

Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is one of the most important skills projects our two Chambers - working in partnership for the benefit of employers across the two counties - have ever undertaken.

skills are in short supply.

Employers across Devon and Somerset are being invited to take part in the largest ever project of its kind aimed at making sure the skills system produces a workforce that matches their needs.

Businesses and organisations across the two counties are going to be asked what they need from the workforce of the future for the Devon and Somerset Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).

The aim is to put the views of employers at the heart of skills planning - so education institutions can be confident they are training people with skills that match what employers in the region need.

The Devon and Somerset LSIP is being led by Devon & Plymouth and Somerset Chambers of Commerce, who are working in partnership on the project.

They will work with universities, colleges and training providers to ensure the voice of employers is at the forefront of a skills agenda that meets the needs of the economies of Devon and Somerset.

A series of events and engagement opportunities for

early 2023 are being organised by the two Chambers across both counties, with dates and locations being announced in the coming weeks.

Details will be advertised at the dedicated website www.devonandsomersetlsip. co.uk where employers can also get in touch to find out more information about being involved and sign up for more information.

Helen Hart, project lead for Devon and Somerset LSIP, said: “This is a huge undertaking - both Chambers have been hearing from businesses for many years about how there are not enough of the right sort of skills in the local workforce.

“This is about working with employers and skills providers to readdress that balance. Filling skills gaps is vital for our future prosperity and for giving young people the best chance possible of a successful career in our region.”

The Devon and Somerset LSIP hopes to reach thousands of businesses in the coming months in an unprecedented engagement drive.

Emma Rawlings, Chief Executive of Somerset

“We have the opportunity to set a new skills agenda with employers’ voices central to its success and I’d urge all employers to take part.”

Together, the two Chambers are the designated Employer Representative Body tasked with developing and delivering the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for Devon and Somerset. Funded by the Department for Education, one of the first steps is understanding why businesses struggle to recruit and which

Stuart Elford, Chief Executive of Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is not just simply a survey to produce another report about skills. This is about addressing the skills gaps that hold our region back - particularly at a time when businesses are struggling with rising costs and cannot afford to invest in skills themselves.

“They need access to a market ready to work - we need to plan for the future so that when businesses are ready to grow again there’s a workforce ready to meet the demand.”

Employers can visit devonandsomersetlsip.co.uk for more information about the Local Skills Improvement Plan.

put

at the heart of

for a workforce skilled for the future

How you do business is becoming m

NOMINATE YOUR NEXT ‘30 UNDER 30’ stars and celebrate the

next

generation of Devon business leaders

Young business people play a hugely important role in the future of our economy and our business community, so it’s crucial that we nurture and reward young talent.

Following the success of Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce’s first ’30 Under 30’ campaign to honour the region’s young business stars, we’re thrilled to announce that entries are now open for 2023.

If you know someone under 30 who has made a significant impact in the working world, fill in the form on our website to nominate someone, or yourself, and help us celebrate the next generation of business leaders.

We launched this year’s campaign at our quarterly 30 Under 30 meeting in Octobera networking event for last year’s successful nominations.

Once again, this exciting initiative aims to recognise and celebrate rising talent across the region. Perhaps they have exceptional entrepreneurial abilities, are an inspiration to others or show significant potential to develop into a leader within your organisation?

Or maybe they have positively contributed to the sustainability of our planet and/or the local community?

The full judging criteria is as follows:

• The speed in which the candidate has progressed in the working world

• Does the candidate have any outstanding accomplishments?

• What is the candidate’s contribution to the sustainability of our planet?

• Do they have exceptional abilities as an entrepreneur?

• What are they doing to benefit the local community?

• How do they influence other members of the team?

• Potential to become a future leader

Our 30 selected winners, chosen by sponsors, will attend a prestigious ceremony where they will be awarded a certificate and recognised for their outstanding achievements.

Chamber chief executive Stuart Elford said: “More than half-a-million businesses operate throughout the South West. We’re a thriving region built for business which is ranked number one in the UK for innovation.

“Young business people play a hugely important role in that. They represent the future of our economy and our business community, so it’s crucial that we nurture and reward young talent.

“Our ‘30 Under 30’ campaign is back for 2023 and aims to do just that as we celebrate the next generation of business leaders.

“Whatever your nominee’s achievements, the Chamber would love to hear about them!”

There are opportunities to become a sponsor for ‘30 Under 30’, which enables your business to judge the nominees and also present an award to winners at the final ceremony.

You’ll also be recognised as a 30 Under 30 Partner, which includes exposure on all Chamber social platforms before, during and

after the event, the opportunity to mentor and support winners, an article here in our quarterly Profile magazine, and much, much more.

For more details, please email olivia. paterson@devonchamber.co.uk

Visit the Chamber website to find out more: www.devonchamber.co.uk/30-under-30

BABCOCK’S DEVONPORT SITE WELCOMES MORE THAN 200 NEW RECRUITS

Babcock International has welcomed more than 200 new apprentices and graduates to the defence company’s Devonport operations.

The 141 apprentices and 80 graduates will support a variety of projects and business areas, from life extension programmes on frigates and submarines, to

advanced manufacturing and technology innovation projects carried out on site.

The apprentice roles are varied, from welders, fabricators and pipe workers, to electrical fitters, mechanical fitters and computer numerical control (CNC) machinists, while the graduates are involved in a wide range of roles within the

business including: mechanical, electrical, process and civil engineers, naval architects and project managers.

Paul Watson, Babcock’s Managing Director for Devonport operations, said: “We are delighted to welcome so many new apprentices and graduates. There are many opportunities for them to learn, grow and develop

as they start their career journey across many different trades and disciplines.

“There is so much investment and development across the site so it’s a great time to join us as we continue playing our part in creating a safe and secure world.”

ARGYLE - PLEDGE 35

More than 200 people have signed up to Plymouth Argyle’s unique Pledge 35 scheme, that asks people to commit 35 hours to support local initiatives such as delivering food hampers, supporting food collections, and giving support to local charities.

Launched in midSeptember, the response to Project 35 - run in partnership with Ginsters - has been overwhelming.

It has already had a profound impact on local communities, delivering tens of thousands of lunches, including Ginsters

products, to those identified as most in need, and thousands of school children participating in free sports, health, and wellbeing sessions.

New initiatives are being launched every week with an emphasis on supporting those most in need during the cost-of-living crisis and creating long-term behaviour change in the fight against poverty.

The Argyle Community Trust has been working hard to conduct research and gain insight and feedback from its partner network to identify how Pledge 35 hours can be best utilised. The aim is

to support local charities and supercharge the efforts of existing organisations at the forefront of tackling poverty in the communities of Devon and Cornwall.

The first wave of pledgers was recently inducted at an event held at Manadon Sports and Community Hub, the home of the Argyle Community Trust. The volunteers were introduced to Pledge 35, the types of projects they could get involved in, and the impact their amazing commitment can have on local communities and charities. They were also presented with their special Pledge 35 T-shirts – a small token of gratitude for their selfless efforts.

New initiatives are being launched every week with an emphasis on supporting those most in need...

Take the pirkx quiz and find out if you’re an over-sharer or under-sharer

for many, it can also find its way back into personal lives, as 43% find themselves checking emails outside of their contracted hours. 39% will take phone calls when not working, with a further 31% completing tasks during their personal time, according to the OnePoll data.

As a result, 75% think it’s important for employers to offer support and benefits packages to their staff, as a reward for the job they undertake (60%).

As well as a way of ensuring their personal life is taken care of so it doesn’t affect their work (43%) and improving productivity (50%).

time, after being with the company for longer. It takes just six months to settle in and become comfortable enough in a new role to start to discuss your personal life with peers at work, according to respondents.

Take the new pirkx online quiz and find out: www.pirkx.com/worry

The study of 3,000 working adults found more than half of those willing to open up, would say colleagues are an ‘extension of the family’. And 51% feel better adjusted for having people to vent to.

Their weight, arguments with their other half and health problems are among some of the topics the nation’s professionals will discuss with their peers at work.

As well as being happy to talk about their dating life, mental health, and money worries, 14% are comfortable sharing concerns about their health and one in 10 (eight%) are willing to talk about deeper issues like undergoing IVF treatment.

The study carried out by wellbeing benefits platform, pirkx, found 33% like to discuss things at work as it helps them solve their personal dilemmas. In fact, 35% agreed that keeping their private life to themselves can even impact their performance and productivity at work.

Dr. Bo van Grinsven, Behavioral Insights Consultant, said: “Everyone’s different and there is no right or wrong personality type. But there are differences in how people cope with things like worries.

“For some people it might be a relief to share information at work about their personal situation, to let it go, and then focus back on their work. For others, they use their work as a coping strategy by providing distraction, so sharing personal worries would feel like an additional burden.”

The study also found 75% of so-called oversharers believe they’ve not always been so open in the office but have become more so over

However, a third would describe themselves as ‘under-sharers’, with 54% of these preferring to keep their work and home lives totally separate.

Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce CEO Stuart Elford says: “The Chamber works with hundreds of business owners on an almost daily basis - whether welcoming to our events, helping them connect with other companies or helping them work through the next hurdle.

“Juggling personal and professional challenges can be tough, so it’s not surprising that pirkx’s Worry At Work report, which we’re proud to support, paints a picture of people reluctant to open up at small businesses.”

Even though a third of over-sharers agreed, opening up to colleagues can help solve their personal problems. It also emerged 30% of those polled would be happy to talk to family members about their money worries, but only 9% would be comfortable discussing the topic with their boss or manager.

More than a quarter (26%) of all employed adults said there are colleagues who know very little about them as they don’t share much about their personal life. But 24% are envious of those comfortable enough to open up in a professional environment.

And more than a third (34%) even believe it’s better to be an under-sharer above all else, as it separates ‘business and pleasure’, stops distractions at work and builds a sense of respect from your colleagues.

In fact, 34% think work is a good diversion from personal problems, and nearly a fifth (19%) look forward to work as a way of getting a break from their at-home worries.

But even though work offers a good escape

Founder and CEO of pirkx, Stella Smith, said: “This research is a light-hearted take on a very poignant issue. With barriers between personal and professional lives more blurred than ever, it can be a constant struggle to manage both professional and personal challenges in an average working day. What you choose to discuss with colleagues, if you have them, is a matter of personal choice but it’s interesting to see the diversity of opinions and thoughts on the subject.

“What is most important, is that every working adult no matter their choice of industry or size of company, has access to comprehensive wellbeing benefits which can provide support in managing the juggle. These benefits have in the past usually been a privilege afforded only to those working for large organisations and this is an injustice which we hope pirkx goes some way to correcting.”

Why WORKPLACE WELLBEING should be an employer’s top priority

The last few years and seen unprecedented change for individuals and businesses.

The COVID-19 pandemic and now the spiralling cost-of-living crisis has put pressure on us all to work and live in different, often more restricted ways.

Now, more than ever, a happy and healthy workforce is priority one!

The wellbeing of staff will often be impacted negatively at work. Long hours, challenging relationships, high pressure deadlines - these can’t always be avoided, so it’s important we can all do things to help improve our wellbeing.

An easy model to follow is the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’.

By supporting staff to integrate these behaviours into their time at work, it will help balance off those challenging situations they are sometimes facing.

There is training available to help staff better understand this model, further details of which can be found by reading on.

So, what else can we do to create a culture of wellbeing in our workplace?

We are fortunate in Plymouth to have a Wellbeing at Work programme that provides three evidence-based support services that can help an organisation create the right environment for staff wellbeing to flourish.

These services are commissioned by Plymouth City Council and can work with organisations to put in the necessary structures to create a culture of wellbeing.

WELLBEING AT WORK AWARDS PROGRAMME

An evidence-based awards scheme with a framework underpinned by the Public Health England and Business in the Community toolkits, including topics around mental health, physical activity, healthy eating, musculoskeletal health and sleep and recovery.

WELLBEING CHAMPIONS PROGRAMME

Access to wellbeing-based training and skill updates, plus membership to the wellbeing champions network which works across Plymouth.

This network gives Wellbeing Champions the opportunity to meet with others in similar positions and share best practice, allowing them to support the creation of a wellbeing culture within their organisation.

WELLBEING TRAINING PROGRAMME

A suite of wellbeing training offers designed to provide staff with the skills and knowledge to proactively support colleagues in managing their wellbeing, and signposting to additional support services where appropriate.

These programmes are free to access, apart from a few wellbeing training offers.

You can find more information on our website here: www.wellbeingatworksouthwest.co.uk

HEALTH, WELLBEING & HR EVENT

Our team is supporting Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce to deliver their Health, Wellbeing & HR Event in November which gives businesses in and around Plymouth the opportunity to come together and look at how they can prioritise workplace wellbeing and understand the benefits this can bring.

Greg Price is Health Improvement Manager of the Wellbeing Team at Livewell Southwest. Here, Greg looks at the importance of wellbeing in the workplace.

Plymouth to enjoy economic boost of over £420m from CityFibre’s full fibre rollout

A new report commissioned by CityFibre, the UK’s largest independent full fibre platform, has identified that Plymouth stands to be a huge beneficiary from the rollout of future-proof full fibre infrastructure which is now well under way across the city.

The study by the consultancy Hatch, (Economic Impact of Full Fibre Infrastructure from CityFibre’s Network), estimates that, over a fifteen-year period, the positive impacts of CityFibre’s £52m investment in Plymouth will include £233m in productivity and innovation gains, £51m from a widened workforce, £12m in local authority efficiency savings and £177m in increased housing value.

Technological benefits are also a major focus of the report, which demonstrates that CityFibre’s network in Plymouth will help unlock £555m in GVA from 5G services, £210m from the Internet of Things and £98m from Smart City initiatives, like intelligent traffic management systems and street lighting.

The continuing transition to home and flexible working, supported by full fibre access at home and in the office, is also unlocking access to a larger pool of labour for employers.

The UK, as a whole, stands to benefit from over £38billion in potential economic benefits. Productivity improvements and innovation are responsible for the largest impact, driving more than £22billion in GVA gains nationwide. This is due

to the positive effect that far faster and more reliable digital connectivity has been shown to have on business productivity and innovation, increasing turnover and contributing to the formation of new businesses and business models.

Kathryn Askew Smith, Area Manager for Plymouth at CityFibre, said: “This report demonstrates just how powerful and essential full fibre is as a catalyst for growth and a platform for innovation and investment.

“Plymouth is a major hub employer of STEM industries, so connectivity is extremely important. We’re proud of our rollout in Plymouth, the investment we are making here, and we look forward to seeing how it will benefit residents and businesses over the decades to come.”

Johnny Mercer, MP for Plymouth Moor View, said: “I was delighted to visit CityFibre on Friday to see the progress it has made in rolling out its genuine full fibre network across Plymouth. This report reveals the huge benefits this network will bring our local economy –increasing business potential and boosting innovation, productivity and workforce flexibility.

“Fast and reliable broadband is essential for businesses, schools and families to make the most of opportunities online, which is why the Government has committed to getting gigabit-capable speeds to 85% of the country in the next three years.”

Residents interested in giving their home broadband a boost can find out more about the build and check whether services are live here: www.cityfibre.com/ homes

GWR LOOKS AT WHY BUSINESS IS BETTER IN PERSON

After years of being behind a screen, it’s never felt better doing business in person. Train travel offers a sustainable and work efficient solution to getting colleagues out and about again.

Great Western Railway (GWR) understands that managing travel across a business can be complex.

The company has developed a platform that makes booking train travel across your business easy. The Business Direct platform enables you to book train tickets across Britain, helps you stay on top of your spending, enables limits to be set for colleagues, allows you to produce customisable reports, and you won’t even be charged booking fees.

When travelling with GWR, you and your colleagues can expect to work on the go, with free Wi-Fi onboard all GWR trains and at stations; and plug sockets at every seat. A refreshment trolley on high-speed services is available and if you fancy travelling First Class, you will find First Class lounges in London Paddington, Cardiff, Penzance, and Truro providing the perfect rest and refuel stop before boarding the train.

Research by Rail Delivery Group identifies that ‘taking the train... cuts carbon emissions by two thirds compared to travelling by car’. Therefore, not only can colleagues work as they travel, but they can help to cut the company’s carbon footprint as well.

The benefits of signing up to Business Direct include:

• Tickets available to purchase for trains across Britain

• No booking fees

• Keep track of spend with a comprehensive customisable reporting package that allows you to run detailed travel expenditure reports

• Add users with authority to book tickets at thresholds you set (for e.g restricting users to book Standard Class only)

• Season tickets also now available to purchase via the business direct booking tool*

• Simple ticket collection either as an e-ticket, from a Ticket Machine or posted First Class for free**

• Easy payment options by either credit card or monthly by direct debit***

For more information visit GWR.com/BusinessDirect To open a Business Direct account, please email the team at: gwrbusinessdirect@GWR.com, or call 03457 000 125.

*Photocards must accompany season tickets **e-tickets delivered as a PDF to the traveller ***annual £275 fee charged if you pay by direct debit

£1.2m invested in new underwater communications network

The University of Plymouth is leading a £1.2million project to upgrade the offshore infrastructure of Smart Sound Plymouth.

The initiative, supported by funding from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, will further enhance the unique proving ground for businesses to test, trial, prototype and commercialise new products and services.

The Smart Sound Connect Subsurface project builds on the Smart Sound Connect infrastructure launched in March 2022.

Working with Plymouth Marine Laboratory, it will install an underwater acoustic communications network that will be integrated with the existing private 4G/5G and wave relay mesh networks that provide connectivity more than 20 nautical miles offshore.

Combined, this upgraded network will reinforce Smart

Sound Plymouth as a unique fully connected proving ground for businesses to develop advanced marine technologies across all domains; above, on and below the water.

In addition, the Smart Sound Connect Subsurface project will be enhanced by new specialist lab facilities at City College Plymouth’s Centre for Higher Technical and Maritime Skills at Oceansgate.

That connection will support training and development opportunities that will create a pipeline of future professionals via a range of full-time, parttime, apprenticeship and T-Level based study routes.

The University and City College Plymouth will also develop a skills escalator, to ensure that businesses and individuals can access the skills needed for the rapidly growing autonomy and marine technology markets.

The upgraded Smart Sound

infrastructure is a priority in the Ocean Futures 10-year investment plan, developed by a private-public-research partnership across the Great South West, and will deliver new growth opportunities across multiple sectors including offshore renewable energy, aquaculture, defence, and advanced engineering.

It will also be integral to the success of the National Centre for Coastal Automony, the UK’s first autonomous fully

integrated coastal observing and monitoring network, which will employ the latest autonomous technologies to deliver worldleading and cutting edge science.

Dr Alex Nimmo Smith, Associate Professor in Marine Physics at the University of Plymouth, said: “If we are to fully unleash the potential of advanced marine technologies, state-of-the-art communications will be essential.

Partnership supports the next generation of ocean guardians

our marine research and teaching. But if we are to continue advancing our understanding of the marine environment, and finding ways to preserve it, it is vital that we educate and inspire our young people.

“Our partnership with Ashfords will directly help us to achieve that, encouraging and enabling our students into professions that are critical for the future health of our planet.”

Three masters-level students from the University of Plymouth are pursuing their passions for the marine environment with support from UK law firm Ashfords LLP.

The firm, a member of Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, provides financial backing to the students as they pursue programmes developed in response to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The funding has enabled three recent graduates, who completed their undergraduate studies in 2022, to stay in the South West and continue their education.

Caroline Millan and Janine Douglas have enrolled on the MSc Marine Conservation programme, and Maizie Edwards is working towards an MSc Applied Marine Science.

The scholarships are the latest element of a long-running partnership between Ashfords and the University’s Marine Institute. The firm has previously provided funding for undergraduate prizes, with around 20 students benefiting from the law firm’s support.

Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS, Director of the Marine Institute, said: “As a University, we have a global reputation for

James Hemsley, a Partner at Ashfords LLP, added: “We live and work in the South West, so the coast and marine environment is an integral part of who we are as people and as a business. The continued development of expertise and talent in the region is also critical and particularly in the marine area, where we have a strong practice and reputation.

“These elements make our partnership with the University of Plymouth a great fit. After hearing the students’ passion for their new programme, we are even more proud to support them, the local community and the global environment.”

New name and fresh brand for accountancy firm Westcotts

This year marks a turning point for one of the largest independent firms of chartered accountants and business advisers in the South West. ‘Profile’ looks at the change of name and brand identity for Chamber patron Westcotts…

“It’s been a really exciting time for us,” says Shona Godefroy, Managing Partner of Westcotts Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers.

“The journey began back in 2020 and has involved a lot of hard work. It needed to be done properly, and we’re delighted with the way that it’s worked out,” she adds.

In September 2022, the Devon & Plymouth Chamber patron launched its new name and brand identity – formerly known as Thomas Westcott, the firm became ‘Westcotts.’

Shona explains, “We are a well-established firm, proud of our history, looking after some of the region’s most dynamic businesses and individuals, both large and small. We wanted our brand to reflect the firm we are today, a firm that is forward-thinking, continuing to invest in our team and embracing new technology. Our brand needed to also represent our core values, our culture, and our progressive approach.”

Westcotts is a UK top 50 firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, with 17 offices across Devon and Somerset. The firm employs 280 team members, including 34 partners and 12 directors.

“We are one firm, but our geographical reach works really well for us,” Shona says. “We have evolved over the years; we’ve expanded our office network and we offer more specialisms and new services than ever before.”

A team of specialists

Westcotts prides itself on having dedicated specialist teams with specific focuses which include tourism and leisure, manufacturing, charities and not for profit, professional practices, SME market, landed estates, technology, education, and a full agricultural consultancy service.

Shona says, “Whilst we have a core team who look after our clients on a day-to-day basis, we also have experienced specialists who are there to help our clients whenever needed. There are some really sector-specific areas of accountancy and business advice and it’s important to have people with a wealth of knowledge who know what they are talking about.”

In addition to our sector specialists Westcotts also offer a full range of services and expertise including all aspects of accountancy, audit, tax compliance and planning, digital services, corporate finance, payroll bureau, probate, financial planning and business recovery and insolvency advice.

“We’re here for anything you need, any financial advice, we are a full-service firm, and our clients turn to us to help support whatever challenges they are facing, individually or with their business.

“We have a fantastic team at Westcotts, a team of hundreds of experienced and talented team members with a wide range of knowledge and specialisms, on hand to provide clear, calm, and expert advice in a very personal way. Our brand now reflects who we are.”

For more information about Westcotts, visit www.westcotts.uk

MAINTAINING GOOD CASH FLOW

Maintaining good cash flow is key to business success, as Westcotts’ Partner Mandy French explains…

Cash flow is the amount of money coming into and out of your business. Positive cash flow is when you have more coming in than leaving and negative cash flow is the opposite. Cash flow is your current position and it’s important to check you can cover your costs.

Monitor your cash flow – Keep an eye on your money. Cash flow constantly changes so prepare to adapt your approach where necessary.

Prepare a forecast – look ahead and think about what you are going to need for your business. Identify when to expect money in and when to pay out. Model your forecast and work out your worst-case scenario. Have you got enough?

Improve processes and chase up debtors – Do you need to tighten your payment terms? Good communication with your suppliers, customers, lenders, and investors is important. Set up payment plans with suppliers. Stay on top of invoicing. Maybe ask for deposits or part-payment prior to starting work on a large project.

Cut unnecessary costs –Reduce spending if you can. Examine your expenses to see if you can make cost-savings. Cut back on utilities or subscriptions, get the best deal on insurance policies, and renegotiate terms for loans or financial agreements. Don’t replace equipment unnecessarily and lease instead of buying. Don’t hold too much stock - only what you can sell. Generate cash by selling assets you don’t need.

Reduce tax payments on account – if you are expecting lower profits for the current year compared to the previous year, you should discuss this with your accountant who can then make a claim to reduce your payments on account to HMRC.

Otherwise, you could look at using HMRC’s ‘Time to pay’ arrangement to defer the payment of any imminent tax liabilities – PAYE, income tax, VAT, or corporation tax. The number to contact HMRC is 0300 200 3822.

Westcotts is a UK Top 50 Chartered Accountant and Business Adviser, with more offices in the South West than any other firm. Email mandy.french@westcotts.uk or call 01884 256688.

SECTOR FOCUS

THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE REGION’S LEADING SECTOR

Top online education provider aims to be Plymouth’s next University

Professor John Chudley discusses MLA College’s ambitions to become the first privately-owned University in Plymouth, and the whole of the South West.

awarding powers and University status.”

MLA College, the distance learning provider, is located in The Merchant on St Andrew Street, and was established in 2012 to provide higher education qualifications by distance learning to the marine and maritime industry.

Initially located within the University of Plymouth they have since become registered as a Higher Education Institution in England and have made strides to achieving their own degree awarding powers.

Professor John Chudley, who has been Rector of MLA College since 2019 and has been instrumental in the growth of the College, said: “MLA College, although not known by many in the city, has been delivering degrees awarded by the University of Plymouth for ten years. During this time our student numbers have increased significantly, and we have expanded our degree markets.

“We have developed good partnerships with international corporations, such as the United Nations, the Hong-Kong Marine Department and an overseas navy to deliver embedded degrees within officer training.

“In 2021 we were successful in registering with the Office for Students as an approved Higher Education Institution in England – this is a huge achievement for the College and one that will put

Offering undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes MLA College’s award-winning Total Learning Package (TLP) enables students to pursue education from anywhere in the world (on or offline) whilst still holding down a full-time job.

The flexible approach of distance-learning, which MLA College were successfully delivering ahead of the recent changes to traditional education enforced by the COVID Pandemic, gives students the ability to control when and how they study. With all lectures available through the TLP there is no need to be available or attend live lectures. With hundreds of seafarers across the globe studying with MLA College, this has been a determining factor when choosing their education provider.

Making education accessible to the working professional is paramount for MLA College, being able to study whilst away at sea, and fitting study around other life or family commitments is what sets the College apart from other institutions. In 2022 they were listed in the Top 10 Global Most Prominent Online Institutions by the Higher Education Digest.

“MLA College delivers education beyond borders for working professionals that are not able to gain Higher Education qualifications by attending lectures in person, or at time zones that are not convenient to them.” John said. “Our delivery model really puts students at the heart and

makes learning accessible in a way that supports individuals in their careers and continues with their professional development.”

Historically they have offered degrees, awarded by the University of Plymouth, in sustainable maritime operations, meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, navigation and engineering for Marine Professionals.

As the College has grown, they have entered more industry markets with students now able to study a Master’s in Business Administration (by Research project) in a variety of subjects including Maritime Operations, Capital Markets and Finance, Marketing, Financial Technology (FinTech) and Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

They have also recently launched a series of programmes in sustainability which gives focus to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). September 2022 saw the first cohort of students enrolling onto the MSc Sustainability in Practice (by Research Project) which will see managers and leaders in charge of business or community sustainability undertake a 12-month research project to identify challenges and implement sustainable change.

The next year will also see the

launch of the BSc (Hons) and MSc Global Sustainable Development programmes to help people across all industries start or progress in their sustainability careers.

Sustainability is a big focus for MLA College as they move towards their ambitious growth plans, and this has provided the foundations for the creation of CIFAL City of London; the UK’s only International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders established by UNITAR, BAU Global and MLA College, established in June 2022.

The mission of CIFAL City of London is to advance and enhance capacity in support of the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, adopted by the UN General Assembly as a roadmap for the future of the world. The CIFAL City of London will specialise in sustainable transportation, focusing on training for the maritime sector.

Professor Basak Akdemir, Director of CIFAL City of London, and CEO of MLA College said: “MLA College is the approved Academic Partner for CIFAL City of London, which is a huge honour. Working closely with the United Nations in support of their Sustainability Agenda puts the UK, MLA College and Plymouth on the global sustainability map.”

us in good stead in achieving our own degree

Your five-point plan to drive employee engagement

Employee engagement is an ever-expanding marketplace and discussion topic within businesses worldwide, but what does it mean, and do we prioritise it? Scott Read from Growth Partners explains.

I’ve worked in this industry for almost ten years and the way in which so many businesses understand employee engagement is inconsistent and means something different, depending on your viewpoint.

Over the years, we’ve seen the introduction of benefits such as staff discounts and employee assistance programmes with a view that those employees who benefit from them will be thankful, enhancing their job satisfaction.

We now find ourselves in a situation where employee benefits are, or should be, the norm. I would argue they’re essential to business operations as they demonstrate that you care for your employees and want to improve their lives, even in a small way.

Employee benefits Vs employee engagement

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Have you made benefits available to your employees, believing this will drive loyalty, appreciation, and productivity?

2. Do you spend thousands of pounds trying to implement a range of technology, products and services, only to see low-level usage?

3. Are you frustrated that your efforts in encouraging usage are wasted?

FREE webinar

If you answered ‘yes’, then you’re probably focussing on employee benefits, not engagement.

What is employee engagement?

Employee engagement is a much more difficult and complex project entirely. Genuine employee engagement is a culture, a belief system, and a management ethos. It needs to be adopted by every team leader, manager, director, owner, and executive within an organisation for it to work.

Can you look across your organisation and say that you’ve nailed employee engagement?

I look around our business daily and find things we could do better or differently. However, striving for perfection is unrealistic. Employees change, their circumstances change, and working environments change, so we must constantly evolve to meet the needs these changes bring.

Employee engagement requires an honest assessment and strategy. With clear objectives and the right management approach, you can transform your business from a benefits culture to an engagement one and benefit from the gains in retention, loyalty, profits and productivity.

Ask yourself this, when was the last time you reviewed your engagement strategy; do you even have one?

Our new certification price structure effective from 1 October 2022

about moving goods to the EU

Nearly two years after the UK left the EU, many traders are still trying to get their heads around the many procedures.

Join us on Monday 5 December for a free webinar which will briefly touch on the questions you either thought you knew and didn’t or didn’t realise would cause so much additional work/preparation.

Topics include: UK-EU trade agreement, ATA Carnet vs duplicate list for temporary exports, paperwork required for permanent exports and moving from CHIEF to CDS.

Visit the Chamber website to find out more and book your place: www.members. devonchamber.co.uk/events/details/ moving-goods-to-the-eu-what-do-i-needto-know-8395

Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce remains committed to delivering the highest quality service to all our users, as we understand this is of key importance to you.

The Chamber has in the past absorbed the increasing costs of operations and the certification process by freezing the price for our customers.

Unfortunately, as our costs have again increased, we have been forced to revise and adjust our prices. Effective from 1 October 2022 we have increased our certification prices but simplified our price structure.

The Chamber commits itself to delivering the best quality of service and this increase will allow us to maintain these proven standards. We wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your business and look forward to being of continued service in the future.

Visit the Chamber website to see the new price structure.

Download your 5 point plan If any of this has struck a chord with you, then hopefully, my 5 Point Plan to can help you genuinely drive an uplift in employee engagement within your business. growthpartnersplc.co.uk/5-point-plan

Scott is a results-driven business leader with an impressive track record of helping employers strategise key business growth.

Growth Partners provide cost-effective and expert payroll, pension and employee engagement solutions. Find out more at growthpartnersplc.co.uk or email scott.read@ growthpartnersplc. co.uk

Sign

up

now for our December International Trade training courses

With over 15 different international trade courses – many of which are British Chambers of Commerce accredited and result in recognised qualifications – the Chamber’s international trade training programme is ever-evolving so as to meet the needs and demands of current and would-be exporters.

These sessions are delivered by expert and experienced trainers from Devon-based International Trade Matters. They will cover the key skills that are essential to businesses that trade overseas, including Customs Procedures & Documentation (13 December), Export Documentation (14 December) and Understanding Commodity Codes (15 December).

Visit the Chamber website to browse our training dates and register your place: www.devonchamber.co.uk/international-trade/ training

has everything you need to know

SPOTLIGHT on delay in start-up (DSU) insurance

Major projects and schemes are increasingly being funded by private investors rather than sponsorship from the public sector.

With these projects being funded entirely by the project’s expected future earnings, resulting in lengthy debt repayment structures, lenders often insist project owners take out delay in start-up (DSU) insurance to help mitigate the risk of a project’s possible delay.

DSU is an absolute necessity for complex construction and engineering projects. However, DSU is often misunderstood. Here, Marsh Commercial answers some of the frequentlyasked delay in start-up insurance questions.

What is delay in start-up insurance?

DSU looks to give developers added protection during the construction phase of a project. DSU protects project owners against financial consequences (such as loss of revenue or additional interest charges and/ or refinancing fees) suffered following damage to the contract works that causes a delay in completion.

Why do you need delay in start-up insurance?

If damage occurs to the contract works, from an insured peril, the cost to repair the damage would be met under the works section of the project policy.

If the damage causes a delay in completing the contract, and therefore a delay in commercial operation, the principal/employer will in consequence not receive revenue.

The consequence of a delay in receiving revenue is that there will not be funds available from the date the principal/ employer had expected to pay debt interest, capital repayment, normal profit or standing charges that would have been paid out of the revenue when commercial operation commenced.

The DSU insurance is designed to provide for loss of revenue until commercial operation commences.

Who can take out a delay in start-up insurance policy?

Only the employer/owner is able to insure DSU as they alone have the insurable interest in post practical completion revenue, gross profit, refinancing costs etc. An owner controlled insurance programme (OCIP) approach enables the owner to arrange DSU insurance.

Can delay in start-up insurance be purchased on its own?

DSU insurance cannot be purchased in isolation. Insurance underwriters insist on providing coverage in conjunction with construction all risks (CAR) or erection all risks (EAR) insurance.

What are the indemnity periods associated with delay in start-up insurance?

The indemnity period, is the period commencing from the date commercial operations were due to commence, during which time revenue is planned to be earned and which could be affected by a delay in completion by an insured event.

The indemnity period needs to be sufficient to cover the loss of revenue, during the time it would take to rebuild the works in consequence of the most significant delay

in completion, that could be reasonably contemplated, arising from damage to the works, at suppliers premises or in transit.

A key point to recognise under DSU insurance is that a number of insurable events can only cause one delay in completion and therefore only one claim to a project. Where one policy covers a number of independent facilities at different locations, each facility will have its own sum insured and indemnity period.

Does DSU cover increased cost of working?

Increased cost of working (ICoW) may be incurred to speed up remedial action, or the completion of the project, in an effort to reduce the delay to the project and in consequence reduce the amount of revenue lost. This expenditure would be met by the policy provided that it did not exceed the amount of revenue saved. ICoW during the time deductible period would not be covered by the policy.

What excesses are associated with DSU insurance?

The excess that applies to DSU is usually measured in time and not a fixed monetary amount. On the basis that there is one claim that could arise from multiple insured events, causing one delay to the project, equally only one excess applies to the claim.

For example a project suffers delay of 60 days in January due to a fire. In May there is a 20 day delay following storm damage. In September a further 7 day delay occurs when there is minor incident during testing. The project is therefore 87 days late when finally handed over. This will constitute one loss under the

DSU policy. One excess, normally a minimum of 45 days, will be subtracted from the claims settlement figure.

The claim would therefore be calculated as 60+20+7=87-45=42 days loss of revenue. Another way of looking at this is that no loss of revenue is paid for delays until the total delay exceeds the time excess. Thereafter all delays are paid in full.

Does DSU cover off-site delays?

Cover can be extended to include delay due to:

• Failure of public water, gas or electricity supply

• Denial of access

• Suppliers’ extensions. What are the notable DSU exclusions?

Delays can also occur to a project from events that are not covered by insurance, such as strikes, industrial action, slow progress or late supply of materials. The overall delay to the project may therefore be a combination of insured and uninsured delays. The DSU insurance will only respond to the insured element of the delay and therefore the uninsured element of the delay will be excluded from the claim.

Construction project insurance advice

Whether it’s DSU, Owner Controlled Insurance Programmes (OCIP), Latent Defects Insurance or Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT). Our construction insurance experts are here to help if you have any further questions. Contact your Marsh Commercial account executive or get in touch with our local Plymouth team on 01752 312673.

Cornish Mutual is changing but staying true to its roots

Insurance is changing but Cornish Mutual is not following the crowd, says managing director Peter Beaumont. He is leading his board in a different direction, with farming at the centre of its plans.

Previously we called ourselves ‘rural insurers’. This could reasonably have led to us expanding our insurance products to wider rural businesses and beyond, but this wasn’t what I felt was right for us.

Cornish Mutual was founded by farmers and farming is still very much our heartland. Many in our team have close links to farming or are farmers themselves including our current chairman, Jeremy Oatey. I believed the risk of diluting our offer was high if we diversified away from agriculture.

The insurance industry is becoming more commoditised and automated, with the relationship side of the industry disappearing. But we engage directly with our members and really care about their success. Not many services can say that.

My vision is that we strengthen

our role as an ally to our members. Our risk survey last year showed farmers are deeply concerned about many upcoming issues and unsure where to turn for information and advice.

Expanding our services beyond insurance products to help farmers manage risk will assist businesses to build profitability and resilience, increase natural resources and protect people.

The team is looking for new technology to help farmers

New 4X4 Ineos Grenadier comes to Devon and Cornwall with Ocean Group

Ocean Group are delighted to have recently partnered with INEOS to bring you the new nononsense 4X4. Ocean are really excited to be involved with this impressive brand, who have created a true utilitarian 4X4 designed for the 21st Century. The Grenadier boasts proper 4X4 capability, with notable features that make this vehicle one of the most stripped back, hard-working 4X4s engineered for modern day compliance and reliability. Impressive features ensure that this vehicle is durable and reliable enough, and built to go the distance, even on the roughest of terrains that the Grenadier will take in its stride.

Practical features include a 70:30 split rear door, integrated roof bars, pre-wiring for auxiliary lamps and accessories, and

a front bumper to sit on. An ‘open-source’ approach to accessories means owners can tailor the vehicle to their specific requirements.

The interior combines utilitarian practicality with the technology and comfort today’s users expect. Its intuitive and functional layout features physical switches, widely spaced for easy use on the move, a central infotainment screen, and an overhead console for off-road and auxiliary controls. Hose-out rubber flooring, hard-wearing Recaro seats and numerous stowage options mean the Grenadier is ready for anything work and life can throw at it.

“We have worked tirelessly for over a year to find retail partners that share our enthusiasm and excitement for the Grenadier,” said Jack Stanley, regional business manager UK and Ireland

manage risk. An early example is our collaboration with Quanturi to provide members with the HAYTECH probe which can reduce the incidence of haybarn fires and protect hay quality.

It’s a simple solution that can make an enormous difference if the devastating consequences of a farm fire are avoided.

Information and on-farm advice will also be central going forward, helping to address a gap by offering a pragmatic service

rather than ‘finger wagging’ rules. Our new health and safety guide offers free advice and a template for farmers and farm managers to create risk management policies for their businesses.

Those needing more tailored advice can access further services which involve a farm assessment visit and a ‘no stone unturned’ approach to cover whatever is needed.

There is no doubt farmers have continued uncertainty and a bumpy road ahead. We hope the expansion in our services can continue to serve the industry we care so passionately about. We want to make things better, not just send out cheques when something goes wrong.

For more information visit www.cornishmutual.co.uk or call us on 01872 277151

for INEOS Automotive. “We have so far established a global network of over 160 partners who understand 4X4 users and their requirements, and have a proven track record for exceptional customer service. We are working with these partners to ensure they are ready to offer Grenadier customers and owners the advice, guidance and support they need.”

As Ocean Group approach our 40th birthday, we are thrilled to be expanding our product base

and including another brand within our retail centres, and with our recognised outstanding customer service, our INEOS experts will provide Grenadier customers across Devon and Cornwall with all the relevant information needed when enquiring about this vehicle.

Scan the QR code and enquire today to find out more about the Grenadier, and to talk to our INEOS experts.

KIA’S ALL-NEW NIRO remains emperor of the hybrid car market

Electric vehicles may feel like a relatively new concept, but hybrid cars have actually been around for more than 100 years.

The first hybrid car was built back in 1899 by engineer Ferdinand Porsche (he of sports car fame). Then, his System Lohner-Porsche Mixte used a gas engine to supply power to an electric motor which drove the

vehicle’s front wheels.

That is where the similarities end between Porsche’s pioneering invention and the modern hybrids we know today.

In reality, the Mixte weighed nearly FOUR TONNES - with nearly 600kg of that being taken up by the enormous electric motors.

Motorist enthusiasts would

have to wait another century until we saw hybrid power back under the bonnet with the introduction of the Toyota Prius in 1997.

Since then, many other manufacturers have thrown their hats in the hybrid ringbut few have had a bigger and more significant impact than Kia.

The South Korean brand has spent the last 30 years winning over legions of UK fans, not to mention a host of awards.

Its all-new Kia Niro may have only hit the market in early 2022, but it has already racked up a number of prestigious accolades.

In July this year, before deliveries had even started, it was named ‘Small SUV of the Year’ at the annual Auto Express New Car Awards.

Then in October, the all-new Kia Niro collected a hat-trick of honours at the Carbuyer Car of the Year Awards 2023, topping the ‘Best Small Family Car’ and ‘Best Hybrid’ categories and scooping the publication’s overall ‘Car of the Year’ accolade.

The same month saw the model take the ‘Small Crossover/ SUV of the Year’ prize at the News UK Motor Awards 2022, as well as being named The Sun’s ‘Car of the Year’.

Kia UK Limited President and CEO, Paul Philpott, commented at the time: “Following on from the ever-successful first-generation Niro family, the all-new version has earned a highly positive response in a short period of time - something we and our nationwide dealer partners take huge pride from.”

Since its launch in 2016, the original Niro was Kia’s second best-selling model in the UKbehind the Sportage - with more than 70,000 sold to-date.

the all-new Kia Niro HEV from Rodgers of Plymouth.

“Joining KIA’s electric revolution has never been a safer bet.”

In fact, the fully electric e-Niro, which was introduced two years later, now accounts for 55 per cent of all Niro sales in the UK!

The all-new Niro is a hugely important model in Kia’s expansive eco-focused line-up, which they say will include 14 battery electric models in the next five years.

WHAT IS THE ALL-NEW KIA NIRO LIKE TO LOOK AT?

The Kia Niro has always been a good-looking car, and this all-new version builds on its predecessor with a number of bold styling features.

No doubt the first thing you’ll notice is the move away from the iconic oval badge in favour of a more contemporary logo.

This sits on the bonnet above a redesigned grill and unique headlights which make the car look more aggressive.

As with all Kias, you can choose from three variants - ‘2’, ‘3’ or ‘4’, rising in price by £2,750 between each trim level.

The Niro Hybrid ‘2’ I drove starts from £27,745, going up to £30,495 for the ‘3’ and £33,245 for the ‘4’ grade.

All models come in a choice of eight colours, with other paint options available at a premium.

There’s even an optional twotone paint choice which lets you have the C-pillar in contrasting Steel Grey or Black Pearl, depending on your chosen body colour.

WHAT IS THE PERFORMANCE LIKE IN THE ALL-NEW KIA NIRO?

The all-new Kia Niro hybrid comes with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and a six-speed dualclutch automatic gearbox. This means that you can push the selector across and control the gears yourself.

Its electric power is provided by a 1.32kWh battery and a 43bhp electric motor in this regular hybrid, or an 11.1kWh battery and an 83bhp electric motor in the plug-in version.

Kia says the all-new Niro HEV will hit 62mph in 10.4 seconds and return up to 64.2mpg - figures that certainly seem possible in the real world. I actually averaged over 65mpg during the time I had the car.

At high speeds, you can ease off the accelerator pedal and the car will use only electric powertried and tested up to 70mph.

Also, by feathering the throttle at low speeds - something you’ll be doing a lot if you live in a city - you can keep the car in electric mode which in turn will ensure you spend less at the pumps.

You get two driving modes - Eco and Sport - and at higher speeds it feels like the engine has to work a little harder, but the engine noise doesn’t affect passengers in the cabin. There’s also no gear for reverse, which is done via the electric motor.

WHAT IS IT LIKE INSIDE THE ALL-NEW KIA NIRO?

There’s plenty of space inside the all-new Kia Niro. At 451 litres, the boot will hold a pram and luggage, while the back seats can easily accommodate two children’s car seats (tried and tested). Like most cars of its size, though, you’d struggle to fit someone else in the middle seat in this scenario.

The front seats are comfortable and even the ‘2’ I drove had twin screens. It’s worth noting, though, that moving up to the ‘3’ or ‘4’ will give you a larger, sweeping screen.

Having said that, this basemodel was packed full of tech including Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ with Voice Control, Bluetooth® with music streaming, and rear parking sensors. There’s even a really responsive reversing camera

system which includes the function to look down from your rear bumper - very useful in tight spaces.

Being a car with electric power, I would have liked it to have a wireless charger for my phone as standard. But the front console did have USB and USB-C portsand there were even USB-C ports in each of the seats which are very handy for rear passengers.

WHAT’S THE VERDICT ON THE ALL-NEW KIA NIRO?

Kia reported a landmark September, ending the month with a 6.6 per cent market share - bolstered by sales of the all-new all-new Niro and its electrified range.

In fact, the South Korean brand is fast progressing towards achieving one in every two cars sold being an electrified model.

That is a fantastic achievement and means they are well on track for the UK Government’s ban on producing petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

Hybrids represent the best of both worlds, offering electric power without that range anxiety some people may still have about all-electric models.

Add to that a seven-year warranty as standard, and joining Kia’s electric revolution has never been a safer bet.

Find out more about the Kia Niro range by contacting Rodgers of Plymouth on 01752 402623 or visit the website here: www.rodgersofplymouth.co.uk

“This basemodel was packed full of tech...”

IT’S SHOWTIME!

exchange for a free tree of their choice – equivalent to another Micro Forest!

People Partner, City College Plymouth, provided hot meals and snacks throughout the day courtesy of their talented students and staff.

And Real Ideas, our Purpose Partner, was on hand to advise how your business could be more purpose driven while still making a good profit.

by Imattination and are compostable and reusable. They also included a free hot drinks voucher from Devon Coffee Company for every attendee. Networking was made fun and easy with BCR Associates hosting the Networking Hub right at the heart of the show. And all day long we recorded live podcasts presented by Westcotts in partnership with Fresh Air Studios.

The Devon Business Show returned with a bang as hundreds of the region’s businesses and entrepreneurs descended on Plymouth Pavilions to connect with more than 90 exhibitors.

Our theme for 2022 reflected Devon & Plymouth Chamber’s three strategic priorities –People, Planet, Purpose – with a contemporary layout for a new era featuring seven sector zones, together with innovative

and interactive exhibition opportunities.

Stands sold out in record time, and exhibitors worked hard on designing displays to bring you a fully engaging and interactive show, with evidence of their own green sustainability credentials.

Our Planet Partner, YGS Landscapes, created a Micro Forest outside the entrance, and the first 300 visitors on the day received a voucher to

On arrival, guests were handed a beautifully designed Goodie Bag packed full of useful, informative and innovative items donated by The Plymouth Charter, University of Plymouth, Airband, Waterways Drainage Specialists, City College Plymouth, Brain Tumour Research and, of course, our Goodie Bag Partner Acronyms.

The biodegradable bags themselves were printed

A huge thank you to our partners, exhibitors and attendees. And to our dedicated Chamber team who made sure everything on the day ran smoothly and like clockwork.

We’ve already opened bookings for 2023 – secure your place here: www.devonchamber.co.uk/ devon-business-show

Pictures courtesy of Amy Stanford

City Conversations

Our September City Conversations event at Foot Anstey

We returned to Foot Anstey HQ in September for our latest City Conversations breakfast event which was also sponsored by our hosts.

Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce’s flagship invitation-only event provides business leaders with strategic briefings on a wide variety of topics that are of interest to those in senior management roles.

It was amazing to see so many of you in the room, with everyone connecting and having great conversations.

Our exceptional line-up of

Projects

speakers included Helen Hart,

& Commercial Opportunities Manager at the Chamber; Elaine Hayes, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park Interim CEO; Lucinda Brook, Low Carbon City Officer at Plymouth City Council; Cllr Rebecca Smith from the Council’s Violence Against Women Commission; and Simon Bird, Community Support Officer for Devon Communities Together.

Crunchy Breakfast

Our October Crunchy Breakfast at Crowne Plaza Plymouth was themed around the various benefits to organisations who support local charities such as raising team morale and employee productivity.

Our speakers on the day were John Naismith from Jeremiah’s Journey; Stephen Statham from St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth; John Hamblin from Shekinah; Daniel Silver from Dash of Silver; and Dwain Morgan from Argyle Community Trust.

Retain Open Day

Clare Baker from our Devon & Plymouth Chamber team enjoyed wonderful hospitality from the Retain Ltd team during their grand open day at their new offices in Estover in September.

There were loads of friendly faces - including Tom Martin from Plymouth Argyle Football Club and Johnny Mercer MP - as we discovered move about the three elements to Retain’s services: scaffolding, solar panels and roofing.

Fast growth and a fantastic local business - find out more about them here: www.retainlimited.com

Devon Business Brunch

Thank you to everyone who joined us at The Manor House Hotel in Okehampton for our Devon Business Brunch which has a strong focus around supporting the county’s hospitality businesses.

Our superb line-up of guest speakers included Sarah Jordan, Nature Tourism Officer and Biosphere Business Partner Co-Ordinator; Richard Forshaw–Smith, Founder at RFS Marketing & Communications Ltd; Louise Cusack, Commercial Sales Executive at Visit South Devon; Sarah Gunn, Business Engagement & Development at South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA); and Christina Moyle, Founder at Funky Media Agency.

County Conversations

We had a great time at Buckfast Abbey Conference Centre for our latest County Conversations breakfast event. Huge thanks to our amazing hosts, guests, event partners Seetec Pluss and, of course, our speakers David Murray, Pennon, South West Water; Jim McNeill, Ice Warrior Project; Avril Banks-Fay, Seetec Pluss; Jon Beake, Wessex RFCA; and Matthew Hannigan-Train, Seetec Pluss.

South Devon College Skills Summit

South Devon College’s Business Solutions is a brand new service designed to help businesses develop skills for their workforce.

To launch the service and to set an agenda for continuous collaboration, the College hosted a Skills Summit to engage employers in a conversation around their needs for training and education in a fast changing landscape.

This agenda is aligned with the Government’s Local Skills Improvement Plans, which places employers at the heart of local skills systems.

Around 50 delegates attended from organisations including Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Willmott Dixon, Cosmic, Persimmon Homes and Wollens.

They were joined by guest speakers from the South West Business Council, Heart of the South West LEP, TDA, Tech South West, Torbay Business Forum, the South West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, and Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, whose CEO Stuart Elford presented about Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs).

Cattewater Harbour Tour

Members of the Devon & Plymouth Chamber team were out to meet businesses in the marine sector and see how we can support them during a tour of Cattewater Harbour led by Captain Richard Allan, Harbour Master.

Millions of tonnes of cargo passes through the Harbour, bringing employment, trade and funds to Britain’s Ocean City, as well as taking hundreds of lorries off the roads.

Also on board for the trip, part of Maritime UK Week 2022, was Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Sue Dann.

Torbay Business Forum Business Festival

Pictures from the Torbay Business Forum Business Festival. It was great to see lots of friendly faces and members (and yet to be members!)

Plus, our friends at Paignton & District Chamber of Commerce & Brixham Chamber of Commerce.

Calancombe Estate Tour

Clare and Kelly from our Devon & Plymouth Chamber team visited the wonderful Calancombe Estate in Modbury to explore the vineyards, winery and restaurant - and also enjoy some delicious samples. Special thanks to our superb wine expert, Andrew Lofthouse.

Green Breakfast Networking

Boom Battle Bar Plymouth Launch Event

Plymouth Area Business Council Meeting

Pictures from our Green Breakfast Networking event at Venn Valley Vineyard and Winery in Barnstaple. Huge thanks to our event sponsors, YGS Landscapes Ltd.

eBay Business Roadshow 2022 comes to China Fleet Country Club

eBay has long been one of the leading platforms for businesses looking to showcase their products across the globe.

This October, dozens of businesses and entrepreneurs headed to China Fleet Country Club in Saltash for the latest stop on the eBay Business Roadshow 2022.

The Roadshow is currently touring across 12 different cities in the UK - supported by British Chambers of Commerce and Small Business Britain.

It is aimed at people looking to do one of the following:

• Start their own business.

• Scale their own small business.

• Network, sell more online and support others.

Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce was proud to be a partner for this superb event which was jam-packed full of content dedicated to helping people start, scale and share their eBay business.

There were practical tips on launching, inspiration from local entrepreneurs, special guests and dedicated one-to-one support.

Guests were able to hear directly from a panel of eBay sellers about what their journeys have been like so far, which support programmes they have made the most of, and listen to top tips.

Speakers on the day were Sarah Bryant, Director of SMBs, eBay; Katherine George, Director of Oh So Social; Adam Bastock, Founder of Small99; and Josh McWilliams, UK Exports Lead, eBay, while Devon & Plymouth Chamber CEO Stuart Elford was also on hand to join the expert panel.

Sarah spoke about the must-have foundations of an eBay store, covering what makes the perfect listing, how to stand out when buyers search for your products, how to use Terapeak to do product research, and how to use all the tools at your disposal in

Seller Hub.

Afterwards, there were dedicated sessions about eBay’s seller support programs run by senior experts from across eBay - on everything from eBay Fulfilment, to the Global Shipping Program, to Promoted Listings, and Working Capital.

Businesses got the opportunity to learn about eBay’s Start-up Scale-up initiative, a 12-week programme that pairs new businesses with Marketplace Advisors for free.

There was also a free bar, giveaways and access to local manufacturers and suppliers.

Stuart Elford said: “The Devon & Plymouth Chamber has a long and proud history of supporting local businesses of all sizes.

“The eBay Business Roadshow mirrors our own mantra of putting our members in front of potential clients and customers, opening new markets, and giving them extra expertise to help them grow.

“Our own events programme is packed with opportunities to learn, collaborate and build powerful new connections.

“We also have a number of resources available to businesses, including our Finance Finder and our Small Business Toolkit. Please do get in touch with our Chamber team to find out more.”

The eBay Business Roadshow will be visiting more locations across the UK in 2022 and 2023. Find out more here: www.cloud. forbusiness.ebay.com/ebay-roadshow

Dozens of QR codes launched at city venues

In the week that British Art Show 9 launched across Plymouth, residents and visitors are witnessing Quick Response (QR) codes pop-up all over the city.

Commissioned by Plymouth Culture and Made in Plymouth in partnership with Micronomy, Tap-in Plymouth is a new digital campaign based on the science of multiple amounts of microinteractions.

Making everything in Plymouth happen from an entertainment, art and cultural perspective, takes an immense amount of work, time, energy and funding. And the backbone of the city is the people, and the places, that put everything on for the public.

Now, Tap-in Plymouth provides a quick and simple way for everyone with a smartphone to help the collective effort, and to illustrate their enthusiasm for experiencing more of this across the city.

Twelve key partners, many involved with British Art Show 9, are part of the initial pilot which will run until December 2022.

Tap-in Plymouth is based on the science of microinteraction: A small interaction repeated over time builds data and insight, showing support and demand. All people need to do to mark the power of their ongoing microinteractions, is quickly register by using their phone to scan the QR codes found online or at the partners events and venues around the city and tap-in a very small amount of information about themselves.

Hannah Harris of Plymouth Culture has commissioned Tap-In Plymouth on behalf of city partners, and she visited some of the twelve organisations this morning, with a QR code on a bike, courtesy of Plymouth Zedify Plymouth, tapping-in at each via big QR posters within each venue and with some of the pop-up event organisers.

Hannah Harris says: “There’s just so

much happening right across Plymouth.

EVERYTHING is going on, all the time. From the British Art Show to the awe-inspiring immersive dome, from local music concerts to live global events, every single day gives Plymouth residents a chance to soak it all up and have a great time, doing what they love the most.”

“It’s all right here, on our doorstep. The only challenge is fitting it all into our weeks and weekends! And now there’s a new way for the people of this great city to show their love, support and thanks for everyone that’s making everything happen.

“If everyone going to a show, exhibition, event or concert in any of these places taps-in, every time they go there, it’ll help that venue know and understand who its audiences are, and what people are most interested in seeing and experiencing.”

The Tap-in places are: The Arts Institute at the University of Plymouth, The Box, MIRROR at Arts University Plymouth, KARST, Take a Part, CAMP, Marjon Arts Centre at Plymouth Marjon University, Barbican Theatre Plymouth, Theatre Royal Plymouth, FLOCK, Leadworks, The Junction. Further info about how to get involved with Tap-in Plymouth is available on the website: www.tapinplymouth.co.uk

Popular RunDevon event raises nearly £19k for Young Devon

More than 70 runners took on RunDevon in September to raise money and awareness for the brilliant work of local charity Young Devon.

The event smashed the charity’s £15,000 fundraising target, raising nearly £19,000 to support young people at risk of homelessness, struggling with their mental health or those needing help to get into education and work.

This figure has far exceeded previous years, and shows that this event is growing year on year, in popularity and support.

The popular RunDevon festival of running celebrated the work of the local Devon-based charity, and gave runners of all abilities an event to remember! Set along the scenic Route 27 from Ilfracombe to Plymouth, participants were able to choose between a number of run challenges, from nine, 15, 25, 34 or an astounding full distance of 92 miles.

The well-organised event

kept runners fed and safe, as they progressed along a scenic Devon route. Once completed, each runner was rewarded with a sustainable wooden medal, T-shirt and Young Devon water bottle.

Photography and drone footage (captured by Mike Lister Photography) recorded the event, and showcased Devon as one of the most beautiful places to run in England.

Young Devon provides support to over 3,500 young people each year, with a range of services, including skills development, wellbeing support, mentoring and accommodation.

The charity is a vital lifeline for many young people, and the funding raised by RunDevon will help provide the extra support needed, as demand for services following the pandemic continues to be at an all time high.

Young Devon provides a holistic package, which enables young people to develop pathways to independence; helping them to create safe and secure shelters,

and ensuring that young people gain the skills to succeed in adulthood.

Andrew Moreman, Chief Exec of Young Devon said: “The support for this event has been overwhelming. At Young Devon we are always grateful when local people and businesses feel passionate enough to donate to the work we do with young people and make a difference to young people living within our communities. Thank you!”

Ollie Jackman, sponsor and runner, added: “RunDevon has been a fantastic event to be involved with. The running is fun and rewarding, but the real joy is seeing a growing group of people enjoying themselves and helping ramp up the volume for Young Devon.

“The community spirit of the weekend is unlike anything else.

I’m really excited to see RunDevon grow again next year!”

RunDevon would not be possible without the amazing support received every year from the local business community. The generous corporate sponsors this year were Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, JensonR+, Eloquent Technologies, YGS Landscapes, DCUK, Agile Comms, Cutec, Insight6, Mountain Top Accountants, Total Quality Recruitment, Sandler South West, Two Moors Finance, FUEL Communications and Nash & Co.

If you would like to support the work of Young Devon, donate to their services or be part of RunDevon 2023, please email marketing@youngdevon.org or call 01752 691511.

Alternatively, you can find out more about the local charity at www.youngdevon.org

Cyclists’ support helps keep wheels of local hospice care turning

More than 1,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities proudly donned their branded blue T-shirts this October and took to the saddle for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s annual cycling challenge, Tour de Moor, in support of the vital care it provides for local families affected by terminal illness.

Located on the rugged wilds of Dartmoor, participants pitted themselves against the toughest, hill-filled terrain for 52km, taking it down a gear for the 30km route or opting for the more gentle, 11km ride along the tarmac paths of Drake’s Trail.

Sponsored by local company Print Copy Scan Ltd, Tour de Moor helps support the specialist services we provide free of charge to our patients, reaching across Plymouth and into rural areas, including Tavistock, Dartmoor and the South Hams.

Among the sea of cyclists were many taking part in tribute to a loved one looked after by St Luke’s at the end of their life.

But it is not all mud, sweat and hills, Tour

de Moor also has a more gentle 11km family route along Drakes Trail. Making it a family day out was English folk singer, songwriter Seth Lakeman and his son Morley.

Seth, cycling in memory of a good friend, said: “It is so important to support a charity like this, St Luke’s have touched people in so many different ways. I can’t imagine a Devon without St Luke’s, the end of life care and what they achieve is almost hard to fathom.

“I think these sort of moments when you are pushing yourself physically I felt quite emotional crossing the line and thought of those people who aren’t around anymore and how St Luke’s have helped them”.

And, with 2022 marking 40 years since we welcomed our first patients, in 1982, for each and every Tour de Moor participant there was the pride of receiving a special

commemorative medal on their completion of the challenge.

St Luke’s Head of Fundraising, Penny Hannah, said: “It was incredibly moving to see so many cyclists turn out in support of our charity’s compassionate care for families going through the toughest of times.

“All our Tour de Moorers should feel incredibly proud because it is their support – and that of everyone who fundraises and volunteers for us –that will help us keep doing what we do for the next 40 years and beyond.

“Huge thanks to everyone who took part in this year’s challenge, our volunteers, Dartmoor National Park, Maristow Estate, David May Motor Services, The Hire Shop, Appleby Westward and Rapid Relief Plymouth all for whom we could not put on an event of this scale. You have done your community proud!”

Become a Devon & Plymouth Chamber Champion

Devon & Plymouth Chamber has launched a new scheme which will allow more businesses to gain access to a host of benefits, advice and services aimed at helping them to connect, grow and succeed.

The Chamber has a long and proud history of supporting companies of all sizes, putting its members in front of potential clients and customers, opening new markets, and giving them extra expertise to help them thrive.

Members of the Chamber are three times more likely to survive in business thanks to its ability to connect companies and provide them with first-class support.

Chamber Champions works on a tiered basis and is the latest step in a plan to build a bigger and better Chamber for all.

Here’s how it works and how it can benefit your business.

www.devonchamber.co.uk/chamberchampions

How Chamber Champions works

If you know someone who would be interested in joining Devon & Plymouth Chamber, all you need to do is refer a new paid member to start enjoying the incredible incentives.

You can either invite a non-member interested in finding out more as your guest to one of the Chamber’s events.

Use the ‘bring a non-member’ initiative and get two tickets for the price of one, so you or the new member can attend for free.

Simply email Kelly Smith at kelly.smith@devonchamber.co.uk to register them for the event. If they then join as members, this will count as a new paid member referral.

The other way to become a Chamber Champion is to introduce a non-member business interested in joining to the Chamber’s Membership Experience Manager, Clare Baker via email introduction here: clare.baker@devonchamber.co.uk. If they then join, this will count as a new paid member referral.

Here are the incentives on offer for being a Chamber Champion:

One signed-up member

All receive:

• Chamber Champions pin and e-badge for your e-signatures

• Shout-out in #ChamberBytes, e-certificate and digital Chamber Champion badge (top fan)

Three signed-up members

All receive Chamber Champions car sticker and social media shout-out, plus a choice of one of the following:

• Boardroom free half-day hire

• Social media feature

• Chamber branded water bottle or travel mug

Five signed-up members

All receive social media shout-out, special ‘Doug the Bug’ and Chamber Champions presentation event at the Chamber offices, plus a choice of one of the following:

• Free boardroom full-day hire

• 15% discount of annual membership fee

• free member branded e-shot to member database

• Chamber Champions fleece

10 signed-up members

All receive listing on the Chamber website as ‘Chamber Champions’, plus a choice of one of the following:

• Free place at our Chamber Awards

• Opportunity to be a podcast interviewee

• Half-page Profile editorial

Meet the new Chamber Champions

Paul Philpott from Fresh Air Studios in Plymouth has become one of the first Devon & Plymouth Chamber Champions.

He says: “Fresh Air Studios has collaborated on a number of exciting projects and events including their ‘In Conversation With...’ podcasts, Net Zero Live, Access To Finance Live and, of course, the ground-breaking Devon Business Show - with many more in the pipeline.

“Chamber Champions isn’t just about enjoying incentives, it’s about building a bigger and stronger Chamber for all our members.”

Other Chamber Champions include Kathryn Askew Smith (CityFibre), Paul Burton (pbmedia), Ollie Jackman (Agile Comms), Lesley Anderson (Hedgerow Marketing), Tom Lavis (YMCA Plymouth), Pete Deeley (BCNS), Poppy Lea Price (The Sign Maker), Rebecca Day (Rebecca Day 360), Serena Willis (GA Solicitors), Steve Warren-Brown (YGS Landscapes), Caroline Wilson (Partners&), Linda Middleton-Jones (International Trade Matters) and Jonathan Keable (Business Success SW).

Your business deserves to be part of something bigger. Sign up and discover the benefits of Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce’s new ‘Chamber Champions’ scheme.

How to get involved with Chamber Champions

“Being

“As well as an extensive events programme throughout the year, our members also have access to a number of resources including our Finance Finder, our Wellbeing Hub and our Small Business Toolkit.

“So, if you’re an advocate of our wonderful county and an advocate of business, get involved today and connect with more than 70,000 individuals in Devon.”

Visit the dedicated #ChamberChampions page to find out more: www.devonchamber.co.uk/chamber-champions

Biggest ever marketing event in the South West as Building Brands returns

Just six months after their first conference, Building Brands has set records, running the South West’s biggest ever marketing event. The conference was held at the University of Exeter in November 2022, selling out with 400 people buying tickets.

Building Brands is a community for marketing professionals living in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. It was established in January 2020, just before the Covid pandemic hit. It was set up by Dave Briggs, Marketing Manager for Nash & Co Solicitors in Plymouth.

“I never imagined it would be this successful and certainly didn’t think it would create such a fantastic buzz,” said Briggs. “The reaction following the event, both in person and on social media has been mind-blowing.

“I try to bring marketing experts from around the South West to talk and deliver really

engaging workshops in the morning – and then follow that with some big names with huge experience delivering the afternoon key notes,” added Briggs.

“We’ve just started to add some networking sessions to the conferences, too, enabling attendees to meet and get to know each other better.

The Exeter conference was the first to incorporate our ‘After Dark’ networking session, and the next conference in May 2023, will include the ‘Morning Meetup’ networking, too.”

Hard-hitting content

At times, the workshops at the Exeter conference were so busy that you literally couldn’t get any more people into the room – the seats had all been taken and even the standing space had all gone, too.

Experts from around the South West lead workshops talking about digital marketing

strategy, social media, marketing automation, and employer branding. The list of workshop speakers read like a who’s who of marketing experts from across the area.

Viral success

All marketing people know how to use social media to tell a story, and it was hard to miss the reporting of the Exeter conference on linkedin in particular. Within 2 days, there were 600+ posts, 28,000+ reactions and 17,000+ comments, all about the event, the speakers and the sessions that they had attended. One post had been seen by over 130,000 people with another seen by more than 50,000.

The future

The good news for marketing professionals is that the Building Brands team are already working towards the third conference, this time, back at the University of Plymouth on 23 May 2023.

“It’s not going to be quite as big in terms of attendee numbers as Exeter was, but we’re improving the events each and every time,” said Briggs. “We have some big plans – for the next event, and lots more that we’re planning on delivering. If you’re in the marketing industry in the South West, make sure you’re subscribed to Building Brands to stay ahead of the news. You can sign up at www.buildingbrands.co.uk/subscribe

Other Chamber Champions so far are Kathryn Askew Smith (CityFibre), Paul Burton (pbmedia), Ollie Jackman (Agile Comms), Lesley Anderson (Hedgerow Marketing), Tom Lavis (YMCA Plymouth), Pete Deeley (BCNS), Poppy Lea Price (The Sign Maker), Rebecca Day (Rebecca Day 360), Serena Willis (GA Solicitors), Steve Warren-Brown (YGS Landscapes), Caroline Wilson (Partners&), Linda Middleton-Jones (International Trade Matters) and Jonathan Keable (Business Success SW).

Clare Baker, the Chamber’s Membership Experience Manager, says: “Your business deserves to be part of something bigger, and our Chamber Champions scheme is all about building a better Chamber for all.

part of our Chamber family means getting opportunities to learn, collaborate and build powerful new connections.

Pictures by Amy Stanford

NEW MEMBERS

Murray Group 44 Millbay Road

Plymouth PL1 3FQ www.murray-group.co.uk

John Murcott Coaching 132 Foulston Avenue

Plymouth PL5 1HN

WhiteRock Systems Epic Centre Waddeton Close Paignton TQ4 7RZ www.whiterock.systems

AS Events & Consultancy Ltd 98 Looseleigh Lane Plymouth PL6 5HH

A Mind 4 Adventure 26 Dartbridge Road Buckfastleigh TQ11 0DZ www.amind4adventure.com

361 Energy CIC Suite 205, Queens House Barnstaple EX32 8HJ www.361energy.org

Vu Online Ltd

The Generator, The Gallery Quay House, Kings Wharf EX2 4AN www.vuonline.co.uk

Becky Warnes Consultancy Ltd 4 Lower Green South Brent TQ10 9FH www.beckywarnes.net

Pride in Plymouth CIC 170 Rendle Street Plymouth PL1 1TP www.prideinplymouth.org.uk

New Motion Labs Ltd

Quay House, The Gallery Kings Wharf EX2 4AN www.newmotionlabs.com

Carbon Saving Group Unit 9 Eurotech Park 32 Burrington Way Plymouth PL5 3LZ www.carbonsavinggroup.com

A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS FROM ACROSS DEVON & PLYMOUTH

Nikki Harris Women’s Hormone Health 24 Carew Gardens Honicknowle Plymouth PL5 3PB www.nikkiharris.co.uk

One Less Worry Payroll

77 Chapel Street Zone E, Unit 4 Plymouth PL1 4GH www.onelessworrypayroll.co.uk b:web

67 Hyde Park Road Peverell, Plymouth PL3 4JN www.bweb.agency

Ice Warrior Expeditions Ltd Basecamp, Tavistock Road Princetown PL20 6QE www.ice-warrior.com

Peninsula Medical Foundation c/o Metherell Gard The Memorial Hall, Looe Cornwall PL13 1PN www.peninsulamedical foundation.org.uk

DATES

FOR YOUR DIARY

County Conversations 8 December, 2022

Proudly sponsored by Seetec Pluss, Devon’s leading business briefing will take place at Exeter Future Skills Centre on Thursday 8 December from 8.30am. Speakers include Georgia Pugsley, Apprentice Events Team Lead at Exeter College; Kathryn Askew-Smith, South West Area Manager at CityFibre; and Colin Gracey, UK Sales Manager at Loganair.

Christmas Members Networking 13 December, 2022

On Tuesday 13 December, join us at The Duke of Cornwall Hotel in Plymouth for a delicious festive lunch and reflect on the past year. As well as a celebration of the successes of 2022 for our members, this is also an excellent opportunity for guests to connect with other businesses operating across Devon.

What do you do and why do you do it?

I’m the Managing Director and co founder of the Diversity Business Incubator. So, what I do is shaping or guiding the growth of the institution; Diversity Business Incubator to become a household name of an institution that is striving to reduce poverty in communities, by encouraging entrepreneurship and business startups. I enjoy it because of the positive impact I see in individuals coming across the service we deliver.

Name: Jabo Butera

Role: Managing Director of Diversity Business Incubator (DBI) and Director at Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce

What inspires you?

Every morning, every day is a new day. That’s the chance given to all of us. That’s what inspires me. Every door, every morning inspires me to do better because what counts is the tomorrow the yesterday’s already gone? And that is given to everyone.

What drives you?

Making the world a better place to live or paving the way with that one stone, just to make the path smooth for the younger generation or those behind me.

Where do you see the future of your organisation?

I would say a household name that marks the positive change in every human being, financial resilience or financial freedom.

What’s the best advice you have ever been given? Never give up.

If you could sum up your CV in one word, it would be? Persistence.

When it comes to business, do you follow your head or your heart?

Heart.

Describe yourself in five words

Cheerful, positive, daring, compassionate and resilient.

How do you balance life

and work?

By focusing more and giving more time to life because work just drives you forward. You can get lost in that, you get too

excited about it again, wishing about it and the demand does not stop. And then life is someone who seems to be left behind. So, I tend to focus more on the time I’ve given to my family or those important things to get my own wellbeing balanced, and that is translated in the company.

What’s your favourite quote?

“Don’t wish it was easier, wish you were better. Don’t wish for less problems, wish for more skills. Don’t wish for less challenge, wish for more wisdom” - Jim Rhone.

Who has been the greatest influence on you?

Barack Obama

What are you most proud of?

My children.