Chamber Profile Magazine Spring 2024

PAGES 14-16

South Devon College set to support local businesses with specialist skills for growth

PAGES 8-13 A reflection of triumph and unity

NEWS: Plymouth delegation visit Buckingham Palace

PATRONS: A warm welcome to BCR Associates

PICTURES: From all our Chamber and member events

PAGES 22-23

FIRST WORD

Chamber Chief Executive Stuart Elford shines the spotlight on Torbay and South Devon

MEMBER NEWS

Babcock awarded contract to refit UK nuclear submarine

YMCA Plymouth and local young person triumph at national awards

Plymouth Delegation visit Buckingham Palace to receive prestigious award

CHAMBER NEWS

A warm welcome to our new Devon & Plymouth Chamber Patron

Region’s businesses set to benefit from record £6.4 million skills boost Register now for our International Trade training courses in 2024

How we’re getting to know our Chamber Family even better

Pictures from this quarter’s Devon & Plymouth Chamber and member events

A warm welcome to all our new Devon & Plymouth Chamber members SECTOR FOCUS

Westcotts asks, ‘Is your business ready if HMRC comes knocking?’ EDUCATION & SKILLS

Training the people behind our visitor economy aspirations EDUCATION

An exciting first semester for The Cube at University of Plymouth

Trade credit - Protecting your business with insurance

Why you should be implementing a digital workplace

Quality, flexible training to suit your company

Discover how innovative Heat Transfer System can benefit your

Revolutionising transportation - A fresh perspective on Devon taxi services

CSR and ESG: The importance of being ‘kind’ in a business environment

can help make the most of short and precious

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Front cover: Levelling Up in the South West

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Skills and training are high on the agenda in this special Spring edition of Profile.

With the help of South Devon College, our proud partner for this installment, we look at how the College is utilising funding from the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) and investing in more new facilities and equipment to support local employers in the development of skills vital for their workforce.

Their commitment to sustainability, evidenced by infrastructure upgrades and accolades like the prestigious TEF Gold for University Centre South Devon, underscores the College’s pivotal role in shaping Torbay’s future workforce.

Laurence Frewin, Principal, talks about the work the College is doing with local employers to develop university level programmes to make a strong contribution to meeting local skills needs, including within the Hi-Tech cluster.

This activity feeds directly into our Devon & Somerset Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), which aims to put the views of employers at the heart of skills planning for the future.

Next, I want to say a huge congratulations to BCR Associates, who have stepped up to become a Patron of the Devon & Plymouth Chamber. We were delighted to welcome MD Richard Dormer to our recent County Conversations event to officially announce them.

The firm’s incredible focus on Net Zero and sustainability fits in perfectly with our three strategic priorities of People, Planet and Purpose, and our Chamber Family is far stronger with their support and patronage.

The countdown is on for our Chamber Awards ceremony on 17 May, during which we’ll also be honouring this year’s 30 Under 30

stars, in partnership with Babcock.

And we’re also thrilled to announce that the Devon Business Show is back for 2024 – you can register your interest now as an exhibitor using the QR code in this edition of Profile.

Other notable dates coming up include our flagship County and City Conversations events, and our new-look Green Networking events. Check out our website to see the full calendar.

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

BABCOCK AWARDED CONTRACT TO REFIT UK NUCLEAR SUBMARINE

Babcock International Group PLC and the UK’s Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) have agreed a full cost recovery contract worth an estimated £560 million to undertake the planned deep maintenance and life extension programme for HMS Victorious, one of the UK’s Vanguard Class nuclear submarines.

The multi-year life extension programme will deliver HMS Victorious back to the Royal Navy modernised and improved, enabling it to continue operational patrols well into the 2030s. Work on the submarine is already underway, following a commitment by the Department to authorise early-works from July 2023.

Through the HMS Victorious programme, more than 1,000 jobs will be sustained in the south west. Alongside this, Babcock is continuing to build its workforce through its Plymouth-based Babcock Skills Academy, which includes a focus on submarine support and the critical nuclear skills required to perform deep submarine maintenance.

HMS Victorious is the second Vanguard Class submarine to undergo a life extension package at Babcock’s Devonport facility. It

performs a vital role as part of the UK’s critical continuous at sea deterrent and represents one of the most complex pieces of engineering there is.

Babcock CEO David Lockwood said: “Delivering the programme for this vital and complex defence asset is our top priority. We are proud to have been awarded this complex defence programme which will use our deep engineering expertise to help keep the UK safe.”

Babcock supports all of the UK’s submarine fleet. The capability and experience gained through delivery of similar complex projects, combined with new ways of working, is being applied to deliver this important overhaul programme at pace.

Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps said: “In an increasingly dangerous world, it is crucial that we continue to invest in one of our most important assets, our nuclear deterrent.

“This is another UK partnership with Babcock, that will help keep the UK safe, while boosting the local economy and supporting 1,000 jobs.

REGION’S BUSINESS ‘RESILIENCE’ CLEAR TO SEE AT SOUTH WEST INNOVATION EXPO

Kirsty Jones and Will Marshall represented Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce at this year’s South West Innovation Expo, held at Sandy Park in Exeter.

This fantastic annual event features the region’s most talented small enterprise innovators, entrepreneurs, business, academics and investors.

Centring this year around the theme of ‘Resilience’, attendees were inspired to use technology, creativity and insight to build business resilience.

Our Chamber CEO Stuart Elford opened the event and was one of four speakers, while

“On my recent visit to HMNB Devonport it was a privilege to speak with sailors and staff whose work directly contributes to our national security.”

Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Martin Connell said: “The Royal Navy performs no more important mission than Operation Relentless, the continuous at sea strategic deterrent patrols which have been performed by our submariners uninterrupted since 1969.

“The mission requires an unprecedented national effort in support, maintaining our Vanguard-class submarines to the very highest engineering standards.

“The overhaul of HMS Victorious will allow the boat to carry out deterrent patrols until the next generation of submarines, the Dreadnought-class, enter service.”

The programme is being delivered at Babcock’s facility in Devonport where a major infrastructure programme is underway to ensure the future capability requirements of the Royal Navy and the submarine enterprise are met for decades to come from state-ofthe-art facilities.

Paul Philpott from Fresh Air Studios was on the mic for the Expo podcasts. Congratulations to the organisers on a tremendous occasion and the event partners, University of Exeter and University of Plymouth. We can’t wait to be back next year!

YMCA PLYMOUTH AND LOCAL YOUNG PERSON TRIUMPH AT NATIONAL AWARDS

Plymouth took top honours at the national ‘Youth Matters Awards’ 2023, with local charity YMCA Plymouth being awarded ‘YMCA of the Year’ and a young Plymothian, Craig McKenna, winning ‘Young Achiever of the Year’.

The annual awards were held at Stamford Bridge in London on 3rd November to celebrate the work and achievements of young people throughout England & Wales. Out of 116 YMCAs across the country, Plymouth won the prestigious title of ‘YMCA of the Year’, in recognition of its outstanding range of community work it’s delivered in the last 12 months.

The spectrum of work included the opening of their new soft play, which offers free sessions to children with special educational needs and disability, their community garden project that has grown over 1,200 meals for local people in need, their city-wide careers events for young people, a state-of-the-art health & wellbeing facility and their range of supportive services, which span from youth clubs offering free hot meals and support for over 65s suffering from loneliness.

Personifying one aspect of their lifechanging work was Craig McKenna, a former student of YMCA Plymouth’s Discovery College which delivers vocational courses for 16-19s. Craig was awarded as Young Achiever of the Year for overcoming personal obstacles to realise his dream of becoming a Teaching Assistant at a local school earlier this year.

When Craig arrived at Discovery College, he was struggling to come to terms with the loss of a close family member and initially had struggled due to his additional needs and transitioning from a special school. But Craig

rose-up to be an outstanding asset to the college while on his Level 3 Childcare course. Craig became a Student Ambassador and won ‘Student of the Year’ due to his fantastic college work which included 1,000 hours volunteering in the community.

Talking about what the national award meant to him, Craig said: “When I walked up to the podium, I was shaking but I was simply proud and happy with what I’ve accomplished. After the whole experience I felt pure contentment.”

Tom Lavis, CEO of YMCA Plymouth, said about the award wins: “Words can’t describe how proud we are to be awarded the title of YMCA of the Year, as well as seeing one of our amazing young people get the recognition they deserve.”

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported our charity over the last few years and also thank everyone who voted for us to reach the final of these awards.”

“People tend to think of us as a charity with big resources because of the name

“YMCA”, but YMCAs are in fact simply a network of many local, independent charities, rather than one big top-down organisation. And in Plymouth we’re one of the smaller charities within that network. So for us to be acknowledged on this national stage is an incredible achievement. It’s a testament to the hard work of our team in recent years and our ongoing commitment to supporting everyone in our Plymouth community.”

A WARM WELCOME TO BCR ASSOCIATES

BCR Associates, one of our most wellrespected members and collaborators, has become a Patron of Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce.

The new Patronage was officially unveiled during the Chamber’s February County Conversations event at Future Skills Centre Exeter, where the firm’s Managing Director Richard Dormer joined us for this exciting announcement.

A multi-award-winning procurement and Net Zero consultancy, BCR Associates specialises in helping businesses control costs, mitigate consumption, reduce emissions, and achieve Net Zero goals.

The experienced team offers specialist support across your entire business and with clients throughout the UK, they provide expertise across all aspects of energy management, procurement, energy efficiency solutions and finance.

BCR Associates’ fully-managed service covers energy management planning, carbon foot printing and renewable solutions as well as controlling spend across energy, communications, business supplies, insurance and providing access to funding specialists.

Their commitment to ethical, responsible, and sustainable business means you can rely on the team to do the right thing by you and with you, every time.

On BCR Associates’ new Chamber Patronage, Richard Dormer, Managing Director at BCR Associates, commented: “As a business deeply rooted in the local community, we recognise the pivotal role that the Chamber plays in fostering collaboration, driving economic growth, and advocating for businesses across Devon and Plymouth.

“Becoming a Patron member is not just a commitment; it’s an investment in the prosperity of our region. We look forward to actively participating in Chamber events, networking with fellow members, and

contributing to initiatives that empower businesses to thrive.

“Together, we can shape a vibrant and resilient business landscape.”

BCR Associates has shown its commitment to the Chamber and its members in recent years by offering valuable advice and getting involved in the extensive events programme across the South West.

Last year alone, Steve Bolt, Director at BCR Associates, pitched to our expert panel at Exeter College for Pitch & Procure, spoke at our Green Breakfast Networking event at Dartmoor Zoo, and have previously been guests on our ‘In Conversation With…’ podcast at Fresh Air Studios.

In 2024, they have become our Problem Solver partner for our Devon & Plymouth Chamber Awards, which culminates in a glittering ceremony at Crowne Plaza Plymouth on Friday 17 May.

‘The Problem Solver’ is for an organisation that has transformed the market they work in with their product or service.

Find out more and get involved here: www. devonchamber.co.uk/chamber-awards/

Steve Bolt, Director at BCR Associates, said: “For a large number of companies trading in the UK, energy is a strategic spend as it contributes significantly to how they run their business.

“Joining the Devon & Plymouth Chamber as a Patron member aligns with our commitment to achieving Net Zero goals. We believe that collaboration and shared knowledge are essential in addressing the climate emergency.

“Over the next three years, we look forward to actively contributing to the Chamber’s initiatives and supporting businesses on their journey toward sustainability.”

BCR Associates’ position as a Patron of the Devon & Plymouth Chamber reflects their mission to help businesses take a proactive approach to the management of their services

and carbon reduction solutions.

It is this commitment that has established BCR Associates as a regional leader and as a supporter of businesses in the South West and beyond.

Patrons of the Chamber are some of the best-known and respected names in the business community. They are woven into the Chamber’s extensive lobbying activities and become one of our region’s principal voices.

Chamber Chief Executive Stuart Elford said: “We could not be more thrilled that BCR Associates has decided to become a Patron of the Devon & Plymouth Chamber.

“The firm’s incredible focus on Net Zero and sustainability fits in perfectly with the Chamber’s three strategic priorities of People, Planet and Purpose.

“The sheer breadth of the team’s knowledge and their position as Patron underlines just what an asset they are and will continue to be to our members.

“Our Patrons play a unique role in developing the future of our region and the Chamber is far stronger with BCR Associates’ support and Patronage.”

Our newest Devon & Plymouth Chamber Patron

Richard Dormer Managing Director

Steve Bolt Director

Helen Garner Commercial Sales Director

Heather Robbins Client Support Director

Lindie DeVincenzo Finance Director

Chamber director Carola Becker welcomes Richard Dormer

LEVELLING UP IN THE SOUTH WEST

South Devon College set to support local businesses with specialist skills for growth

South Devon College is at the forefront of specialist professional training and, utilising funding from the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF), is investing in more new facilities and equipment to support local employers in the development of skills vital for their workforce.

The fund allows the College to respond to the priority areas identified in the Devon and Somerset Local Skills Improvement Plan; Energy, Engineering and Digital. This Plan was co-ordinated and written after extensive consultation with local businesses by Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and Somerset Chamber of Commerce. Devon and Somerset colleges are now working together using the Plan and the Fund to improve how they meet the region’s skills needs.

Energy, Engineering and Digital are significant growth opportunities for local businesses operating within these sectors but these areas also have the potential to positively impact traditional sectors including tourism and hospitality, by adding value and encouraging higher productivity. There will also be opportunities for existing and new supply chains serving these sectors including professional services. Read on to find out more about what training and new facilities in each of these areas will be available to local businesses over the coming months.

Enhancing Digital Literacy and Specialist Skills - Cyber Security

As the world becomes increasingly digitised, cyber security is becoming paramount for all of us. Businesses of all shapes and sizes face the very pervasive threat of potentially catastrophic cyber attacks, and training for staff at all levels across every sector is essential to minimise the potential impact for employers.

The ‘Digital for All’ project will focus on developing specialist training within a unique Cyber Resilience Simulation Suite which offers a safe and secure environment, where organisations can simulate cyber attacks and test resilience and response strategies. This will allow realistic scenarios such as malware outbreaks, malicious hacking, ransomware or phishing campaigns to take place, meaning teams can evaluate existing cyber security measures and explore potential new options to take back to the workplace.

The Simulation Suite will provide the opportunity for teams to experience what a real cyber attack would feel like in a safe environment, with a team of hackers trying to breach defences, whilst a second team works to detect and respond to the threats.

Professional training will be available providing hands-on practice, training labs, online learning and theoretical instruction, for

staff at all levels across an organisation, from awareness training designed to minimise risk to your business, through to specialist cyber security provision for IT professionals.

A range of courses, from essential to advanced levels, will be on offer from the summer. This includes a level 3 ‘Introduction to Cyber Security’ course, offering a solid grounding in cyber security essentials, data privacy, risk assessment, online safety, threat detection, and encryption methods, using realworld case studies.

The Level 4 ‘Cyber Security Fundamentals’ will introduce security data, email, anti-virus and wireless devices, as well as back-up and recovery of data, and practice safe social networking security concepts.

The ‘Certified Ethical Hacker’ Level 5 certification focuses on penetration testing techniques, identifying attack surfaces and infrastructure vulnerabilities.

Driving our journey to Net Zero through clean energy

The ‘Energising Our Sustainable Future’ project will enhance the College’s existing Electric Vehicle (EV) training provision, focusing on EV diagnostics. Construction is underway on a specialist EV diagnostic workshop and dual-purpose classroom.

A Level 3 ‘Electric and Hybrid Electric System Repair and Replacement’ course is

“THIS IS SUCH AN EXCITING TIME FOR FURTHER EDUCATION. SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF DEVELOPING THE TECHNICAL SKILLS NEEDED TO GROW OUR LOCAL ECONOMY”

Laurence Frewin, Principal and CEO at South Devon College

already available to businesses and employees who wish to develop skills in working safely on electric and hybrid vehicles. This course focuses on using and recording appropriate technical information to carry out repair tasks on high energy electrical systems.

This qualification is an official entry route into the Institute of the Motor Industry’s TechSafe recognition scheme, placing successful candidates onto the IMI professional register, highlighting competence and professionalism of both employee and employer.

The first candidates from across the South West have already successfully completed the course, and the next two rounds of training, in March and May, are already fully booked, but do get in touch to express an interest so that the team can let you know about future start dates.

The funding is also being used to expand the expertise of College staff needed to deliver the new courses, including liaising with local industry experts to design and develop the new Level 4 in the ‘Diagnosis, Testing and Repair of Electric/Hybrid Vehicles and Components’ which will be available in the autumn.

The College’s green construction provision will also see development, with the addition of a Photo Voltaic (PV) battery installation

training facility. This facility will be available for local employers looking to upskill their staff in installing PV panels to support growing demand from the community as well as large construction firms.

Creating job opportunities in advanced engineering

The ‘Advanced Engineering’ project will support the continued expansion of South Devon College Marine Academy at Premier Marinas’ £75million Noss on Dart development. The College has invested in a Vessel Simulation Suite (VSS) with industry-leading simulators designed to train specialists on how different designs for boats behave in the water as well as developing specialist navigation skills.

The facility comprises bridge simulator and navigation simulator workstations, which will be used for the delivery of accredited and custom-designed training in vessel navigation and handling. In order to meet the training needs of employers, the range of vessel types to be used includes workboats, sea fishing vessels, superyachts, offshore renewables vessels and uncrewed surface vessels – the remote controlled ‘robot boats’ that are already being tested on our seas.

Specialist equipment has been selected for its suitability in meeting the needs of future developments in offshore renewables in the South West and will be well placed to support

local employers in upskilling their workforce when these projects come to fruition.

Reflecting on the opportunities that the Local Skills Improvement Fund represents for the local business community, Laurence Frewin, Principal and CEO at South Devon College, commented: “This is such an exciting time for Further Education. South Devon College is at the forefront of developing the technical skills needed to grow our local economy, providing a skilled workforce and creating employment for the local community, both now and in the future.

“We feel privileged to be able to support local businesses to develop the skills they need to grow. We’re keen to broaden our reach in the business community through these exciting new initiatives.

“If you haven’t been to the college recently, I’d encourage you to get in touch and arrange a visit – there’s nothing the team here at the college love more than surprising visitors with the facilities and opportunities for learning on offer right here in Torbay.”

For more information on any of the professional training available, please get in touch with the college’s Business Solutions team: employers@southdevon.ac.uk

BRIXHAM CHAMBER AWARDS £15K OF GRANTS TO CELEBRATE CENTENARY YEAR

In November 1923, around 50 Brixham tradesmen met to agree actions aimed at improving the town of Brixham. A hundred years later, that tradition still continues.

Brixham Chamber of Commerce took the opportunity of its centenary year in 2023 to celebrate the individuals, organisations and businesses that work to make Brixham a fantastic place to live. The Chamber Centenary Awards made £15,000 of grants available to qualifying projects and the winners were:

• £1,765 to YES Brixham for renovation to their building on Bolton Street.

• £1,765 to Shoalstone Pool for renovation of the Victorian shelters.

• £1,470 to Brixham Heritage Museum for school holiday activities

• £2,000 to Brixham Theatre towards equipment to show live West End shows

• £2,100 to Play Torbay to provide additional Forest School places for homeschooled children

• £1,215 to Brixham in Bloom towards their

ongoing projects to keep the town looking fantastic

• £1,315 to Brixham Library to host Saturday Brunches for the community

• £1,895 to Brixham FC towards their project to construct changing facilities

• £1,475 to the Brixham Town Band to help retain their venue to provide music tuition for another year

Aaron Dowling, Treasurer of Brixham Chamber, who came up with the idea and then spent countless hours developing and managing the Awards said: “Huge congratulations to the winners of our Centenary Awards. £15,000 has been given back into the Brixham community and our Brixham Chamber of Commerce Centenary year celebrations are complete.

“I can’t thank our independent judging panel enough for so diligently reviewing and selecting these worthy projects. Thank you Elizabeth Devonport, Jim Parker, Jacqui Shaw, Elizabeth

ONE POINT THREE

Pippett and Emily Pearson for your hard work.

“Thank you to all of you who attended our Gala Ball, to the Berry Head Hotel for hosting us for the evening, and the Chris Thomas Band for great entertainment. It was a brilliant night!

“Most of all, thank you to the Brixham community for your continued support of the Chamber and for all the hard work you do that makes Brixham a great place to live”.

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HELPING TO FIND ‘A GREENER WAY FOR OUR BAY’

The University Centre South Devon, part of South Devon College, is working with Torbay Climate Partnership on its new framework and plan ‘A Greener Way For Our Bay’ for reducing the Bay’s carbon footprint and preparing for a changing climate.

The Partnership is asking to hear your views and feedback on the proposed plan. To do so, fill in the short survey here:

www.greenerway.torbay.gov.uk

Laurence Frewin, Principal of South Devon College, said: “A Greener Way

For Our Bay survey is a vital step in the process of ensuring Torbay is a greener, cleaner, more sustainable community wellplaced to thrive in the future.

“As a college, we have our own sustainable goals which complement the plan of action for Torbay as a whole, and gaining feedback from students, staff and local residents is so important to identify the areas that need focus. Thank you to everyone who is taking the time to complete the survey”.

NET ZERO TORBAY PROGRAMME Aims to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint

A new support programme has been launched to help businesses across Torbay to reduce their carbon emissions and save money on their energy bills.

The Make it Net Zero Torbay programme is being delivered by manufacturing and business development company SWMAS, who will be working closely with local businesses to develop their decarbonisation plans as they work towards a net zero future.

Participating businesses will benefit from a bespoke package of support to help them assess their current carbon impact, identify bespoke actions to reduce their impacts and

hopefully save money.

The project has received £273,760 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). In total, Torbay has received £1,764,043 from UKSPF to invest in local projects over three years with the aims of building pride in place, increasing life chances and supporting local business, people and skills.

TDA is managing Torbay’s UKSPF Investment Plan on behalf of Torbay Council, overseeing procurement, allocating funding, and managing the contracts of those organisations delivering the projects. This

programme is a vital part of Torbay’s wider plans to help us all take action and reduce our carbon emissions.

MINIMUM WAGE COMPLIANCY

Is Your Business Ready If HMRC Come Knocking?

With the National Wage bandings changing in April 2024, businesses need to ensure that they are compliant when it comes to reaching these thresholds. Often workers are paid very close to both National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) requirements. This means that additional costs or expenses incurred during employment could risk you underpaying your workers. There are some key risk areas to be aware of to make sure you avoid investigation and penalties should HMRC come knocking.

The first area of risk concerns apprentices. If employing someone aged 16-18 you can pay them the Apprentice Rate which will rise to £6.40 in April. However, for apprentices aged 19 and above, they can only be paid at this rate for the first year. Thereafter, their pay must increase to the NMW for their age. Keep thorough records of start dates and birthdays as well as when they are at college or utilising study days, as these

are also paid. HMRC may ask for copies of apprenticeship agreements and whether you pay them for their time at college.

What constitutes a deduction or workplace expense can be a nuanced area of payroll. Some of these deductions can pose a risk to compliance when it comes to NMW. There are lawful deductions such as tax, pension and national insurance contributions, but other deductions should be treated with great care as this could cause an underpayment of NMW. For example, work-related deductions from employee pay for various expenses within the workplace, like uniform costs, DBS checks, tools and equipment. HMRC will ask you if you make any deductions from your staff’s pay and then investigate whether this is subject to NMW regulations.

How do you log your employees’ hours? Do you include travel time (outside of commuting)? Are people working through their unpaid breaks? Be aware that logging hours worked closely is crucial to avoiding

“ARE PEOPLE WORKING THROUGH THEIR UNPAID BREAKS? BE AWARE THAT LOGGING HOURS WORKED CLOSELY IS CRUCIAL TO AVOIDING NONCOMPLIANCE WITH HMRC”

noncompliance with HMRC. If people are travelling for work or incurring expenses, then that needs to be taken into account when calculating their wage. In certain cases, where training is contractually obliged, training time should also be considered working time for NMW purposes.

A salary sacrifice is an agreement between an employer and employee to negate some of the employee’s gross salary. Written into a contractual agreement, the employee will typically receive a non-cash benefit in lieu of a financial amount like childcare arrangements or cycle-to-work schemes. These agreements cannot reduce an employee’s cash earnings to below the minimum wage threshold. Whoever is in charge of your business’ payroll should monitor this closely and ensure any salary sacrifice offer is not made available to those that pose this risk. This is particularly important at the moment given the increase in the wage bandings.

Finally, the pay reference period (PRP) cannot be longer than the pay frequency without posing a risk to NMW compliance. For example, paying five weeks of pay in a month (maximum of 31 days in any month) poses a risk to NMW, as the cut off for the PRP will be less and therefore reduce the overall hours worked.

If your employees have seen their wage fall below the minimum threshold due to any of these risk areas, you should make an additional payment to take the amount above the threshold and ensure future payments are correct. Remember, when it comes to meeting minimum wage compliance, honesty is always the best policy should the HMRC investigate your business.

If you need a helping hand, get in touch with Jake Elms or Liz Marker from our Payroll team today by calling 01752 666601 or emailing: payroll-managers@westcotts.uk.

Jake Elms, Payroll Operations Manager at Westcotts

COUNTING DOWN TO OUR DEVON & PLYMOUTH CHAMBER AWARDS 2024

The countdown is on to our glittering Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Awards ceremony, which takes place on Friday 17 May 2024 at Crowne Plaza Plymouth.

Our unforgettable event at The New Continental in 2023 truly raised the bar - and

OUR 2024 CHAMBER AWARDS AND PARTNERS

The Problem Solver

In partnership with BCR Associates

An organisation that has transformed the market they work in with their product or service.

we’re pulling out all the stops to make sure this year’s is even bigger and better!

Tickets have been selling out in record time as we prepare to once again honour and celebrate the region’s leading entrepreneurs and businesses.

The Game Changer

In partnership with Westcotts Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers

An individual who has transformed an idea into a successful, sustainable business by understanding their market’s key challenges, customers and the competitive landscape.

The Equality Trailblazer

In partnership with Classic Builders

An organisation that champions diversity and promotes inclusion within their workforce, their customers and any community outreach work.

The Community Champion

In partnership with Azets

An organisation that facilitates, participates, and enables community engagement, demonstrating the power of giving back.

The Rapid Riser

In partnership with GA Solicitors

An organisation that can demonstrate exceptional levels of growth with a strong plan for sustainable financial performance.

The Workforce Developer

In partnership with Plymouth Citybus

A business that has shown how their approach to the learning and development of their team has enhanced their business performance.

The Global Player

In partnership with UK Export Finance

A business that has demonstrated significant and sustained international growth or facilitated trade through a clear understanding of overseas markets, proving that borders are not a barrier to trade.

The Planet Saver

In partnership with Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise

This award recognises organisations with sustainability at the heart of their business. They are fully committed to sustainable best practice and making the world a better and safer place.

Digital Business of the Year

In partnership with Cosmic

An organisation that works in the digital sector, has embraced a digital culture or undergone a digital transformation and can demonstrate growth as a result.

Start Up Business of the Year

In partnership with We Are Creative UK

A start-up organisation that has already demonstrated their commitment to their people, the planet and their purpose making an impact on their local community.*

*Must have been established after 1 January 2022.

Creative Business of the Year

In partnership with Arts University Plymouth

This award is aimed at businesses that provide creative solutions through their products or services.

CHAMBER AWARDS

The Steve Whiteway Award

In partnership with The Plymouth Charter

Our former director Steve dedicated his life to helping others and made an everlasting impact on Plymouth, raising thousands for charity. This award is presented to the individual who has made the most significant individual contribution to the community, either the business or wider community.

CELEBRATING OUR CHAMBER AWARDS PARTNERS

PUSHED

Red Wine Partner

Dave and Karen Meadows established Pushed in 2004 after working for ITV for 10 years and now with over 25 years’ industry experience, Pushed is one of the major animation producers in the South West. The team specialise in making complex stories digestible and have built a reputation on creating informative, narrative driven and visually captivating animations that deliver results.

BESPA

White Wine Partner

Bespa creates bespoke workspaces, crafted for you. The team make the workspace yours through listening, understanding and collaborating closely with you so your people (and the planet) flourish. They take care of every detail, big and small, from start to finish, creating stories of transformation to be proud of. They create ideal environments for work, whilst minimising impact on the natural environment.

PLYMOUTH GIN

Welcome Drinks Partner

The Plymouth Distillery is the oldest working distillery in England. It has been making Plymouth Gin according to the original recipe since 1793. Located on The Barbican in Plymouth, it is also known as the Black Friars Distillery and the original building opens on to what is now Southside Street.

PL1 EVENTS

Event Partner

Plymouth-based PL1 Events offers a full range of services in Britain’s Ocean City and beyond, from technical support to full event management, video production and graphic design. As well as being the Devon & Plymouth Chamber’s official events partner, the team’s portfolio of satisfied clients is testimony to their focus on reliability, delivery and excellence.

BURTS

Crisps Partner

For over two decades, Burts has been known for its premium, hand-cooked British potato chips that are made with care in Devon. Burts’ key mission is to make delicious and quality snacks, all whilst supporting independent suppliers, caring about its community and charities close to its heart, like the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

SOUTH WEST BOUTIQUE EVENTS

Décor Partner

Whether you’re planning a party, hen do, black tie ball or corporate event, South West Boutique Events can help you make your event truly something special. Leanne works closely with our Devon & Plymouth Chamber Events Partner, PL1 Events, to create wonderful backdrops and gorgeous finishing touches.

The ground-breaking Devon Business Show is back in 2024 – and you can register your interest now as an exhibitor using the QR code on this page.

The county’s biggest Business Show returns on Wednesday 16 October, 2024 with a fresh

new format that will promote inclusivity and feature exciting, innovative and interactive displays. We’ve also got a great new venue, Plymouth Life Centre, where we’ll be theming our event around people, about health and wellbeing.

To secure your space for this year’s Show, simply scan the QR code on this page to find out more and see our interactive map.

Last year’s event saw more than a thousand people pack into Plymouth Pavilions to connect with over 90 of the region’s leading

CHAMBER AWARDS

businesses and entrepreneurs.

Stuart Elford, Devon & Plymouth Chamber CEO, said: “We had the most fantastic day at Plymouth Pavilions for the 2024 Devon Business Show, and we can’t wait to welcome you all to the Life Centre this year!

“Their sports hall is 40% bigger than the hall we were in at the Pavilions, and they’re going to open up all their facilities to attendees and exhibitors. So, there’ll be gyms, yoga, swimming, the climbing wall and much, much more.

“We’re going to theme the show around people, about health and wellbeing. It’s going to be absolutely brilliant and you can register your interest as an exhibitor now on our website.”

MEET OUR NEW DEVON & SOMERSET LSIP PROJECT EXECUTIVE

We’re delighted to announce that

Ronnie Carter will be our new Devon & Somerset Local Skills Improvement Plan Project Executive.

Ronnie will replace Helen Hart, who is retiring from her longstanding role at the Devon & Plymouth Chamber after playing such a huge part in establishing our LSIP here in the South West.

Welcoming Ronnie to the position, Helen said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Ronnie to lead the LSIP team in this next exciting chapter of our mission to work with employers and

education providers to produce a skilled workforce better matched to the needs of business.

“Ronnie has lots of experience of working in the post-16 and adult education and skills sector, cultivating strong relationships with key stakeholders across the region. She also has extensive project management skills, successfully delivering a variety of funded and commercial programmes and demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the regional economic and skills landscape.

“Significantly, she is passionate about digital and technology transformation in education, which is an essential element of implementing the LSIF priorities within our LSIP.”

Ronnie will also head up the new ERB Steer Group, established by Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Somerset Chamber of Commerce as designated owners of the Heart of the South West Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).

The ERB Steer Group is established to

support the delivery of the LSIP in the Heart of the South West region, by:

• Representing the employer voice and being the official conduit for post-16 skills recommendations to providers of adult skills training.

• Overseeing the implementation of the LSIP Roadmap to ensure employers’ interest and engagement in the LSIP development process translates to a significant degree of influence as the Plan is taken forward.

• Promoting and fostering meaningful input to the ongoing LSIP development process, including through stakeholder engagements.

• Monitoring the LSIP Action Plan whilst also horizon scanning for new priorities, emerging skills gaps and key sectors in the region.

• Supporting the LSIP team with the development of annual reports to the Department of Education and to help determine content and focus for the next stage of LSIP after March 2025.

Your skills questions answered at our Train4Tomorrow breakfast event

A huge thank you to everyone who joined our Devon & Somerset Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) team at Exeter’s Sandy Park in March 2024 for our skills breakfast session with Train4Tomorrow.

Our expert panel included skills leads from the Department for Education (DfE), as well as Charlotte Collyer from Train4Tomorrow; Melanie Collins, Head of the Strategic Development Fund for the DfE; Kevin Booker, Programme Lead for Train4Tomorrow; and Rachel Phillips, Education Manager for The Apricot Centre.

We hope we were able to answer all your questions about skills bootcamps in our region and help you better understand the help that is available to your business.

The free event was the perfect way to kick off this year’s SW Innovation Expo, the flagship event for innovators and innovation-driven enterprises from across Devon, Cornwall, The Isles of Scilly, Somerset and Dorset.

Spearheaded by the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, the Expo brings together talented small enterprise innovators, entrepreneurs, business, academics and investors - inspiring attendees to use

technology, creativity and insight to build business resilience.

Region’s businesses set to benefit from record £6.4 million skills boost

The future of skills training in Devon looks bright after it was announced that Train4Tomorrow will receive a grant of £6.4m from the Department for Education to further boost employment opportunities across the county.

Led by Devon County Council and delivered in partnership with Cornwall Council, the Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses lasting up to 16 weeks, giving adults aged 19-plus the opportunity to achieve in-demand skills.

This new funding will allow businesses and individuals across the region to access a larger range of free training courses, including health and social care, green skills, digital, construction, childcare, heavy goods vehicle driving, film production, photography and media, plus many more opportunities.

Charlotte Waites, from Plymouth, recently completed the Project Management Skills Bootcamp. She is employed with the Devon & Plymouth Chamber who supported her to take part in the course.

Charlotte said: “I have really enjoyed my experience on the Project Management Skills Bootcamp with Exeter College and Train4Tomorrow. The format has been great, only needing to give one day a week for 12 weeks worked really well and the tutor and mentors at the college were great.

“It’s an amazing initiative that can really help those looking to develop their skills or to move sector as employment support guarantees you a job interview, if you are unemployed, following the course.

“The Train4Tomorrow team has been really supportive throughout the process and I cannot recommend the Skills Bootcamps enough.”

Ronnie Carter

The Breakfast Event at Sandy Park

Charlotte Waites

Register now for our International Trade

training courses in 2024

Do you need a refresher on international trade to grow your business? Or perhaps you have new team members who require an introduction to the area?

Our dedicated International Trade team has a packed calendar of export and import training courses in 2024 which will cover the key skills

that are essential if you trade overseas.

With over 15 different international courses – many of which are British Chambers of Commerce accredited and result in recognised qualifications – our 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. Visit the Devon & Plymouth Chamber website to find out more and book.

Financial and legal experts open up US options for region’s businesses

Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce hosted our First Overseas Direct Investment Event at the end of last year - aimed at businesses trading, or looking to trade with the US and wanting help and guidance on navigating the US Banking, Legal and Tax landscape and systems.

We are extremely grateful to our expertsJoshua M Tudor from Comerica Bank and Joshua Gardner, Founder and Co-owner of Alliance

Legal Limited - who took time out of their busy schedules to visit Plymouth while over from the US to hold one-to-one consultations with business owners.

We are looking forward to working with the two Joshua’s on future events, together with other experts who are ready to help open up new markets and develop new connections between the two countries. A huge thank you also to Sam Saxby from Airswift for joining our conversation.

Freeport’s first seed capital funded project gets underway Babcock International Group wins new contract for military training

Babcock has secured the contract to provide individual trade and technical training to the British Army’s armoured vehicle community. The seven-year contract, worth c. £75 million, will deliver and support close combat training on tracked and wheeled armoured fighting vehicles (AFV) to a broad variety of Field Army and Defence users, to include driving and maintenance, gunnery and communications and information systems training.

Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest port operator, has announced the commencement of the first phase of works at Millbay Docks in Plymouth, which signifies the first works funded by the UK Government as part of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport seed capital programme.

This work signals the latest phase in a series of strategic infrastructure developments ABP is making at Millbay, which will help secure the long-term future of the Ferry Terminal, strengthen the port’s freight capability, increase the port’s green credentials, and grow the offering to the cruise market.

PLYMOUTH DELEGATION VISIT BUCKINGHAM PALACE TO RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

A delegation representing City College Plymouth attended Buckingham Palace in February to pick up a prestigious award.

The College is one of only a handful of educational establishments to be awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Further and Higher Education each year.

This accolade - considered the highest national honour in the sector - is testament to the College’s outstanding contributions to the training and advancement of the nation’s maritime skills.

On Thursday 22 February, the College’s Chief Executive, Jackie Grubb, Chair of Governors, Richard Stevens, along with student support staff, lecturers, and key employers travelled to London to be presented with the esteemed Queen’s Anniversary prize medal and certificate.

The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes are part of the UK’s national Honours system, recognising outstanding work by UK colleges and universities which demonstrate excellence, innovation and deliver real benefits to the wider world.

In recent years, City College Plymouth has demonstrated a strong commitment by making significant investments in facilities and enhancing training opportunities for maritime skills, benefiting international employers based in the city.

The selection committee, when awarding the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, specifically commended the positive impact of our Centre of Higher Technical Innovation and Maritime Skills in advancing fundamental marine skills within the sector.

Serving Plymouth’s marine enterprise

zone, the Centre trains students on the latest marine technologies, including those used for sheet cutting, mould-making, 3D printing and surface carving. An innovative wave flume also facilitates education in autonomous vehicles and marine technology.

The award also praised the College’s close collaborations with marine sector employers to ensure students receive the relevant skills, from design to prototyping, demanded of this rapidly evolving field.

First awarded in 1994, the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes are granted every two years by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister following a rigorous and independent process of review carried out by The Royal Anniversary Trust, an independent charity.

“I am immensely proud and delighted that the College’s expertise and commitment to developing skills has been recognised

as an example of excellence, and honoured with the Queen’s Anniversary Prize,” said Jackie Grubb, City College Plymouth’s Chief Executive.

“The College’s strategic intent has underpinned our close relationship with employers locally, regionally and nationally and this award is a real testament to the ongoing hard work of our dedicated staff and our employer partners who provide so much opportunity in our great naval city.

“Plymouth Marine Laboratories, Babcock International, Princess Yachts, and MSubs play a pivotal role in enriching our maritime skills curriculum, offering students and apprentices unique training opportunities. The Queen’s Anniversary Prize recognises this collaborative effort and is, therefore, an accolade the College shares with Britain’s Ocean City.”

City College Chief Executive Jackie Grubb, Executive of Technical Innovation Lance Chatfield and Chair of Governors Richard Stevens collect the Queen's Anniversary Prize medal and certificate for Further and Higher Education in Buckingham Palace.

City College Chief Executive Jackie Grubb and Executive of Technical Innovation Lance Chatfield are presented with the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Further and Higher Education in Buckingham Palace.

MEMBER LISTENING PROJECT

As the Maya Angelou quote goes, “When you know better, you do better.” We couldn’t agree more and are delighted to launch a member listening exercise which seeks to discover what we do well, where we need to improve, which of our member benefits add most value and what we can learn from other membership organisations.

We’re working with an independent listening specialist, Anna Lake who works with businesses across the county and beyond to gather valuable and actionable insight from their stakeholders.

It was important to us to work with a third party on this project both to challenge ourselves, and to give you a safe space to air your views. And although we regularly ask for feedback following our events and other initiatives, we wanted this year, to put more emphasis on giving our members the opportunity to tell us what you think via a number of channels.

As well as a survey which can be accessed via the QR code at

the end of this article, we’ll be running a series of focus groups throughout the year where you’ll have the chance to share your thoughts with Anna.

Listening to our members is important for a number of reasons:

We need to understand where we offer most value to our

To ensure you’re feeling heard, through this exercise and on a wider stage, should we be doing more further afield to promote Devon-based enterprises?

We’d love to know how we’re doing as a team. We strive to offer the best experience for our members alongside opportunities to promote your endeavours but

“TO ENSURE YOU’RE FEELING HEARD, THROUGH THIS EXERCISE AND ON A WIDER STAGE, SHOULD WE BE DOING MORE FURTHER AFIELD TO PROMOTE DEVON-BASED ENTERPRISES?”

members and which activities are most important to you. This helps us to plan our activities around the most relevant topics and deploy our finite resources to support those initiatives from which you derive most benefit –we can do anything, but we can’t do everything

To identify gaps in provision – what should, or could we be offering to support you but is currently missing? What do other membership organisations do well that we could learn from?

are we delivering on this?

We often talk about our ‘Chamber Family’ and being part of a family comes with many benefits, but also some foibles which can, if left unaddressed, become bigger issues. Are there any small niggles you have which may seem trivial, but you’d like to raise with someone outside the Chamber team? This is your chance to do so.

We’ve recently held our first focus group and although Anna hasn’t shared any details

of the discussion, she tells me the participants valued the opportunity to share their views, provided great insight and had lots of ideas for us to consider

I wholeheartedly encourage you to take part in this exercise in as large or small way as you can spare the time to do so. We really do care about what you think and are committed to making any changes necessary to make your membership of Devon & Plymouth Chamber both valuable and enjoyable. Please do complete the survey and keep your eye out on social media for details of future focus groups.

If you would like to share your views one to one, please email

Anna

anna@annalakeconsulting.com to arrange a time with her.

Many thanks in advance for your time and your engagement.

THE GRAND BAME BUSINESS GALA 2024: A Reflection on Triumph of Unity

A Night Engraved in History

On the evening of February 2nd, 2024, Plymouth Pavilions was transformed into a beacon of excellence and diversity, hosting the outstanding Grand BAME Business Gala. This year’s celebration, marking its continued success over six years, was not merely an event but a vibrant testament to the resilience, innovation, and spirit that thrive within Plymouth's Black, Asian, and Ethnic Minority (BAME) business community. Founded by Jabo Butera and David Feindouno, the gala has become a cornerstone of recognition, honouring the exceptional achievements and contributions that enrich our city.

Unity in Celebration

The gala unfolded under the theme of unity and celebration, with Deputy Lord Mayor Kathy Watkin opening the event. Her inspiring words welcomed a diverse assembly of entrepreneurs, visionaries, and community leaders, setting the stage for a night of heartfelt recognition and empowerment. The hosting duo, Nadia Kate and Merv Ramazani, navigated the evening with grace and eloquence, echoing the gala's core values of inclusivity and celebration.

Florence Hope's melodious performance offered a moment of reflection and joy, encapsulating the gala’s inclusive spirit. The culinary delights were a nod to the rich

cultural tapestry of our community, featuring lovely selections from Jabulani Food Court, Elsie's Habesha Cuisine, and African Delight. These moments of shared cultural experience underscored the importance of unity and the strength found in our diversity. Adding a unique touch, Chef Don and his team presented the 'Broken Lemon' dessert, a lemon meringue pie with a twist. Initially conceived from an accident, this dessert symbolised the beauty in imperfection, showcasing that even the unforeseen can lead to delightful surprises.

Gratitude and Acknowledgments

A heartfelt appreciation is extended to our generous sponsors, including Babcock International, Womble Bond & Dickinson, City College Plymouth, Go South West, The Drake Circus & The Barcode, Odils Learning Foundation, South West Business Council (SWBC), Digitwell, Plymouth Hope, Marjon University, SWIG Finance, and Arts University Plymouth. Their support not only made the gala possible but also reinforced the community's commitment to fostering an environment where diversity and excellence flourish.

The execution of the evening was made possible by the dedicated Pavilions staff and the DBI team, whose behind-the-scenes efforts ensured the gala's success. Their dedication to creating a memorable and

impactful event was evident in every detail, from the ambiance to the program's flow.

Honouring Excellence and Diversity

The awards ceremony was a focal point of the evening, celebrating the achievements of individuals and businesses that have made significant impacts within the BAME community and Plymouth at large. The recognition of winners highlighted the gala's role in fostering a culture of appreciation and encouragement for continued innovation and resilience.

Reflecting on Our Journey

The Grand BAME Business Gala 2024 was more than a celebration; it was a reflection of our collective journey towards creating a more inclusive, vibrant, and empowered community. The stories of trailblazers and champions shared throughout the night reminded us of the power of unity and the importance of recognizing every voice, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit.

As we move forward, the gala stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, encouraging us to continue supporting diversity, equality, and empowerment. It challenges us to build on the successes of the past, striving for a future where the achievements of the BAME business community are celebrated as an integral part of Plymouth's fabric.

This year’s winners are:

Looking Ahead

In retrospect, the Grand BAME Business Gala 2024 not only commemorated the successes of the past year but also set the stage for future celebrations of diversity and achievement. It reinforced the idea that when we come together to celebrate excellence and diversity, we create a stronger, more inclusive community for all.

As we anticipate the future, let us carry forward the spirit of unity, inspiration, and community that the gala so beautifully showcased. Let’s continue to support and uplift one another, recognizing that the

journey towards excellence and diversity is ongoing and that together, we can achieve remarkable things.

The Grand BAME Business Gala is not just an event; it’s a testament to the enduring power of community, the transformative impact of diversity, and the boundless potential of unity and shared purpose. Here’s to many more years of celebrating the excellence and diversity that define Plymouth’s BAME business community and to the continued success of the Grand BAME Business Gala.

Join us in building a more inclusive and vibrant community! For event details and involvement opportunities, visit our website at http://dbi.org.uk/ or email us at info@dbi.org.uk with your questions. Engage with us on social media for the latest updates and discussions:

Facebook: @DBISOUTHWEST

Instagram: @DBI_UK

Twitter: @DBI_UK

LinkedIn: @DIVERSITY BUSINESS INCUBATOR

YouTube: Subscribe to @DIVERSITY BUSINESS INCUBATOR

1. UBUNTU: My Identity Award - Shola King Ajose (Wonda Food)

2. CHAMPION Award- Kadus Smith (Rhythm City Dance Studio)

3. GIRLS TO WOMEN Award (G2W)Sawsan Khuri (Volt Entrepreneurs)

4. TRAILBLAZER Award - Maya Lawrence (Mayajoy)

5. RESILIENCE Award - Steven Adjei (Author of Pay The Price)

6. FINTECH Award - Merlin Mbahim (Clear Blue Sky Accountant)

7. ALLY Award - Slain McGough Davey (WonderZoo)

8. DBI Director's Award - Dave Sammels (Mayflower Community Academy)

1. 2.

3. 4.

5. 6.

7.

HOW CHARITIES CAN IMPROVE THEIR ESG CREDENTIALS

By Ian Huggett, Partner at Westcotts

Around a decade ago, nobody had ever heard of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). This isn’t because the concepts were not around, they were just under the name Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This focused on trying to give a corporate entity a “human” face. However, the problem was that the corporate part seemed to disapply the idea from noncorporate organisations and environmental considerations were often not given sufficient emphasis. Hence the change of name and focus.

Why should a charity be addressing ESG?

The issues raised by ESG are considered the right thing to do and are increasingly becoming part of the public’s perception of how an organisation should behave. Charities as public-facing entities are right at the centre of this. They interact with the public as part of the services that they provide, and their supporters are part of the public. Grant makers are also increasingly looking to ensure that the grants provided are used in environmentally and socially responsible ways. So ESG is something that every charity needs to engage with, whatever their size.

How to address ESG

time progresses and tweak for relevance if necessary. Importantly, tell people about your progress and actions - let your supporters, grant makers and the public know that you are taking ESG seriously.

Governance

Good governance matters and the Charity Commission publish useful documents which provide a firm foundation. This is central to everything that you are doing, your governance must be open (both in actuality and perception). It is also important that your

entitled Going Green as long ago as 2008.

Environmental considerations extend beyond a commitment to net zero. Charities should also be considering their use of plastic, attitude to waste, and consumption of resources. And, if you are a grant-making charity that has little of its own operational consumption you still have significant responsibilities across your funding streams. Whether that is the climate-friendliness of a property portfolio or looking at the ESG credentials of those bodies to whom you provide grant funding.

“AT WESTCOTTS, WE UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF ESG TO YOUR ORGANISATION AND CAN PROVIDE PERSONALISED, EXPERT ADVICE.”

governance and trustee body is as diverse as possible, with representation from minority groups and most importantly your service users.

Social

The social aspect of a charity is the most important function for it to get right. Each year, all charities are required to state they have considered the way in which they operate for the benefit of the public. This means the wider public as well as their beneficiaries.

In short, ESG is for all charities, and you should take action now. Keep this under regular review and make sure you share your progress.

Westcotts is a leading firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers who offer a personal and local service, valuing relationships above all else. Offering a wide range of sector and service specialisms, Westcotts has supported charities for over 30 years. We’re here.

Charities have a head start on at least twothirds of the issues. First, they have a highly regulated governance structure which ensures that they are operating correctly. Furthermore, charities are by their very nature socially aware organisations required to operate with public benefit at their heart.

Taking action to improve ESG credentials doesn’t need to be a complex task. As a starting point, establish where you are now; don’t be afraid to highlight failings or deficiencies, and then plan to address any issues identified. Keep revisiting the plan as

As a word of warning, your charity’s operation may encounter areas of social conflict between groups of beneficiaries. Such conflict is not wrong and is sometimes inevitable, the important part is how that conflict is managed to avoid damage to your charity – a key concern for trustees.

Environment

Sustainable operation is now fundamental to all organisations, charities included. In 2021, the charity finance group reported that 8 out of 10 charities had not yet started on their net zero plan. This is despite the Charity Commission having published a document

At Westcotts, we understand the importance of ESG to your organisation and can provide personalised, expert advice. If you need a helping hand, please contact our Charity and Not-for-Profit team by calling 01271 374138 or email Ian at ian.huggett@westcotts.uk.

Ian Huggett Partner at Westcotts

TRAINING THE PEOPLE BEHIND OUR VISITOR ECONOMY ASPIRATIONS

By Pauline Hands, Executive of Health, Leisure & Public Services

Hospitality, tourism and retail in the South West is changing, bringing both challenges and new opportunities for our community. The city’s vision is to create and sustain a 33% growth in jobs in the visitor economy, equating to 4,000 new jobs in the city by 2026. These jobs will require traditional skills as well as digital skills, including multi-trade roles which can span across the various roles within this sector. Furthermore, with the visitor economy sector including leisure, the announcement of funding for the ocean aspect will provide wider opportunities for roles within both the leisure (sport) and health and active wellbeing areas.

As the region’s leading further education college/training provider, where should we focus our efforts to develop and retain sufficient high quality talent to meet the needs of our modern visitor economy?

Social skills succession

The old adage “service with a smile” really does hold true when it comes to positive experiences and, most importantly, returning visitors. Anticipating customer needs; addressing feedback in an efficient, professional manner; communicating clearly; or “going that extra mile” - all add value to the customer experience. It is exactly what is required of our community to continue to elevate Britain’s Ocean City as a premier city break destination.

Unfortunately, pandemic-induced isolation has negatively impacted these social skills which South West sector leaders say are “vital” to providing a world-class visitor experience. How can we pivot from the “distracted, sluggish and fatigued” post-covid workforce cited recently by the World Economic Forum?

To begin, it is evident that a refresher on good work ethics and the interpretation of subtle social cues (without relying on emojis) would be beneficial for everyone. City College Plymouth is actively addressing this concern, and we are not only looking to the younger generation but also aiming to upskill the mature population to fill new job opportunities and contribute to the growth of our visitor economy. Within our scope of responsibilities, we are committed to enhancing the social competency skills of both younger and mature individuals alike.

We are, therefore, building soft skills into each facet of our curriculum. Virtual reality technology, which had previously been employed to teach our cabin crews how to handle emergency situations, has now been adapted to provide conflict resolution training. Enabling students to roleplay scenarios, and analyse how they could better create positive outcomes before they encounter them in real life, means more customer-facing staff armed with the social tools required to create the first-class visitor experience that we aspire to.

Our courses are people-focused; providing the knowledge and opportunities to upskill which builds confidence, moves people back into employment and, as a result, contributes directly to our economy.

Taking our curriculum out of lockdown

The College has always strived to attain cross-curriculum working to create those transferable and multi-purpose skills which we know bring added value to our students’ learning experience. My current focus as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, however, is to further close that gap to bring our diverse, top-level tourism, hospitality and retail provision under one umbrella: visitor economy.

‘foodie’ experience. They will need exposure to working within the myriad of catering establishments in the South West. This is where our partnerships with local employers can really prove to be a great ROI; helping us to develop the staff that they would want to employ in the future.

To meet the needs of this sector, we are putting an end to the “social distancing” of our courses from one another. A graduating chef will also need the business acumen and social psychology required to negotiate with suppliers and create that extra-special

City College Plymouth has forged strategic partnerships with numerous businesses in the region, aiming to deliver comprehensive educational support and continuous professional development for their staff. Our objective is to equip our students with industry-standard skills, knowledge, and behaviours, facilitating a seamless transition into the workforce upon the completion of their courses. These collaborative partnerships highlight the significance of direct engagement between businesses and the educational sector in tailoring the future workforce to meet the specific demands of our local visitor economy.

Our region is already a “hidden gem” but, working together, we can grow the workforce that elevates it to a global dream destination.

at City College Plymouth.

City College catering students provided invaluable support to celebrity chefs while demonstrating at a three-day local event in the city.

Local employers regularly deliver hands-on workshops and speeches to students across the curriculum to craft transferable and multi-purpose skills needed for their future.

AN EXCITING FIRST SEMESTER FOR THE CUBE AT UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH

The Cube Team were shortlisted for the Praxis Auril Knowledge Exchange Team of the Year 2023

We were so proud to have been shortlisted for our exceptional leadership which has transformed The Cube into a beacon of support for our student and graduate entrepreneurs!

Since our creation in 2020, we have propelled our entrepreneurs to remarkable heights, with over £3.3 million generated in additional turnover and the creation of 216 jobs!

Our dedication has catalysed the launch of over 240 student and graduate start-ups, significantly elevating our standing in the HE-BCI rankings.

Having orchestrated upwards of 500 events, clinics, and competitions, not to mention securing over 384 hours of expert contributions, we have truly set a new standard in overcoming barriers to growth and facilitating rapid knowledge exchange.

We launched our new University of Plymouth Freelancers Agency.

We have created and launched a freelance agency dedicated to connecting external businesses / clients with our talented students and graduates to fulfil projects.

You can connect with our growing pool of new, developing, and established student and

shortlisting in February, a final selection will be pitching on 5th March. Book your ticket to see them and many other innovative businesses from across the South West.

Skill-building Opportunities

Education is at the heart of entrepreneurship, and at The Cube, we’re committed to providing our students and graduates with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the business world.

Navigating from idea to launch with our Entrepreneurial Clubs

In the world of business, challenges are inevitable, but they are also opportunities for growth. Our entrepreneurial clubs ‘The Business Explore Club’ and ‘The Business Launch Club’ are designed to push our budding entrepreneurs out of their comfort zone and encourage innovative thinking.

graduate freelancers.

All our freelancers are prepared and accessible to take on your projects whenever you require, with absolutely NO AGENCY FEES

It’s the ideal platform for students and graduates to sharpen skills and gain experience

We have launched the Corporate Sabotage Escape Room, this experience has been designed by Escapism Plymouth in collaboration with The Cube to ignite creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork abilities for our students and graduates to put their entrepreneurial instincts to the test in a high-stakes scenario.

“SINCE OUR CREATION IN 2020, WE HAVE PROPELLED OUR ENTREPRENEURS TO REMARKABLE HEIGHTS, WITH OVER £3.3 MILLION GENERATED IN ADDITIONAL TURNOVER AND THE CREATION OF 216 JOBS!”

while earning money, growing a client base and building a portfolio of work.

Take a look and view our pool of freelancers to support your project requirements.

Inspiration in Action: Spotlight on our University of Plymouth Entrepreneurs

We are putting the spotlight on some of the inspiring entrepreneurs who have been supported by The Cube. From ground-breaking tech innovations to sustainable creative ventures, our community is buzzing with creativity and ambition.

Fifteen applicants are ready to pitch their ideas, start-ups and businesses at the SW Innovation Expo Pitchfest on 5th March 2024. These applicants are a testament to the potential and passion that thrives within our university. After

Teams of up to 6 top executives of a promising start-up, suddenly discover a web of deception and sabotage by a competitor company. How do they beat them to launch their product?

Whether it’s an idea generation, business modelling, market research, customer analysis to finance, marketing and sales, these Clubs provide a platform for them to showcase their talents and connect with like-minded individuals. The participants also have the opportunity to pitch their business to their peers for a monetary prize to inject into their business.

Together, we’re inspiring and shaping the future of business.

TRADE CREDIT: PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS WITH INSURANCE

Protecting your company from unpaid invoices could help you stay in business. At the time of writing, latest figures indicate that the number of companies going insolvent is on track to be the highest since the 2009 financial crisis. Findings from the dispute register identified one in five insolvencies are attributed to late payments, with 30% of invoices not being paid within the agreed terms.

The impact of insolvency can go way beyond a firm that has collapsed. Nonpayments can have a long-lasting effect on the cash flow and continuity of others in the supply chain.

Would your businesses be able to meet its obligations to your suppliers if a customer became insolvent?

Outstanding invoices – the domino effect

Many businesses operate on the ability to buy stock or services and pay for them later with trade credit.

However, when a firm runs out of cash and defaults on payments, the knock-on effect for businesses paid outside their payment terms could be catastrophic.

The impact of late payments can have a domino effect that disrupts multiple businesses. In the worst cases, it can lead to financial decline and insolvency for others in the supply chain.

The risk of compromised cash flow can be very worrying, particularly if a business cannot absorb the costs.

Trade credit insurance could protect you when your business isn’t paid due to insolvency.

What is trade credit insurance?

Trade credit insurance is a type of cover that protects your firm from the risk of nonpayment.

It safeguards your financial stability and can reimburse you for unpaid invoices, should the worst happen.

As well as protecting a steady cash flow and profitability, trade credit insurance helps you identify potential credit risks.

For businesses wanting to borrow, it can make you more appealing to lenders, enhancing your borrowing capacity.

Takeaways

Trade credit insurance offers distinct benefits, particularly in risk mitigation, growth, and enhancing working capital.

Risk Mitigation

• It helps protect businesses against their customers defaulting on their payments, reducing the risk of nonpayment.

• It can enhance credit management by offering insights into the creditworthiness of potential customers.

Growth

• This insurance can facilitate business expansion by enabling companies to safely offer more competitive credit terms to new and existing customers.

• It increases confidence in exploring new markets or expanding the customer base without fear of significant financial loss.

• It helps secure better bank financing terms, as insured receivables are often viewed as more secure collateral.

Enhancing working capital

• Trade credit insurance helps to improve cash flow by protecting against late or non-payment, ensuring more predictable income streams.

• It can lead to improved borrowing terms, as lenders may view businesses with insured receivables as lower risk.

• It allows businesses to release capital as a buffer against bad debts, reallocating resources for growth and operational needs.

Trade credit insurance gives you the confidence to pursue new business opportunities. This is particularly reassuring when engaging with new customers. Knowing you’ll receive payment, even in scenarios involving late payments or insolvency, you can have peace of mind.

Help is at hand If you need help, guidance, and support with your business and its insurance needs, contact a Marsh Commercial expert on 01752 202030, or visit marshcommercial.co.uk.

WHY IMPLEMENT A DIGITAL WORKPLACE?

The increase in remote and hybrid working has accelerated digital transformation across businesses of all sizes and industries.

The workplace has evolved, and in today’s connected, technologydriven landscape, workplace automation and digital workplaces are emerging as the future of the new way of working

What is a digital workplace?

A digital workplace refers to the virtual equivalent of a physical office or workspace, where employees perform their tasks using digital tools and technologies. Leveraging innovative digital technologies, such as cloud-based tools like Xerox Workplace Cloud, a digital workplace enables employees to collaborate in real-time from different locations while working on a project.

Businesses large and small are adopting digital workplaces to help improve communication, facilitate collaboration between remote teams and enhance productivity.

Benefits of a digital workplace

There are many benefits of adopting workplace automation to create a digital workplace, including:

Greater agility and flexibility in the workplace

Digital workplaces provide your business with the agility and flexibility to quickly respond to changes. The global pandemic proved how quickly things can change and how the ability to adapt is paramount.

But beyond changes to the way we work, digital workplaces are also better placed to take advantage of new opportunities. Digital technology can help your business make more informed decisions by analysing data at lightning speed. Meaning you can explore new markets or opportunities quicker to gain a strategic competitive edge.

Increased productivity

Traditional workplaces that still rely on a physical office and legacy, paper-based processes may not be as productive as they could be. In a digital workplace, employees can quickly and easily access the information, tools and teams they need to complete their tasks efficiently.

By digitising workflows, you can remove the reliance on slow and error-prone paperbased processes to unlock productivity gains. Adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to automate mundane tasks, can also help your

business save time and money on these labour-intensive tasks.

Open lines of communication

As your teams become more distributed and by adopting more remote and hybrid working models, the digital workplace can help to keep your employees connected. Through the use of digital technology, you can enhance the way your teams communicate, stay connected and collaborate - no matter where they are physically located.

As the new future of work and an expectation from many employees, remote working is here to stay. Businesses that accelerate their digital transformation to create a digital workplace will be ahead of the curve and could gain a competitive advantage when it comes to recruitment.

Free up resources and reduce costs

By leveraging and embracing digital technologies, you can help your business reduce its costs. Firstly, your teams will become more productive and agile to respond to new opportunities. But beyond those factors, as you move away from paperbased processes and adopt cloud-based technologies your need for on-premise storage reduces which can save your business money.

Journey to a digital workplace checklist

To help you get started on your journey to a digital workplace, here is our checklist:

• Review your current workplace, its processes, the skill level of employees and your business’s ability to adapt to change.

• Gain stakeholder buy-in to the transformation to a digital workplace.

• Devise a digital workplace roadmap to help you define your goals, timelines and metrics you will use to gain insights into the journey to a digital workplace. The roadmap should also detail clear ownership and governance and the rules that support it.

• Find your digital technology partner who can help you transform the key areas of your business to become more agile, flexible and resilient.

• Identify how you will roll out the digital workplace. Will you focus on key processes initially, or roll it out in one project?

• Educate employees on the changes and ensure they are trained to use the new systems.

How we can help

ITEC, a Xerox Business Solutions Company, can support your organisation transform by implementing digital technology solutions. Talk to us to find out more. T: 01752 424499

E: enquiries@itecgroup.co.uk

Southwest Training Solutions;

Quality, flexible training to suit all your company’s needs

Established in 2006, Southwest Training Solutions provides high quality training for companies looking to improve their employees’ skills, knowledge, and expertise in various fields. Southwest Training Solutions is owned and run by John who has a background in Management in the Health & Social Care sector, and Amanda who is a former Royal Navy Medical Assistant and First Aid Instructor.

Delivering valuable training to schools in and around Plymouth, the University of

Google Review

“I completed my Emergency First Aid at Work course yesterday with Southwest Training Solutions & was very impressed with both the content & layout. Amanda was very thorough with demonstrations & the information she presented. I particularly liked the laid back & friendly approach where nobody was made to feel uncomfortable or put on the spot! I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending this company! Thanks, Richard”

Plymouth, and the Health & Social Care sector, we understand that every company has unique training needs. This is why we offer both accredited and bespoke packages in Health & Safety, First Aid and all aspects of Health and Social Care training, which cater specifically to your company’s requirements. Training can be delivered with a fully flexible approach and at times and locations that fully suit your business needs.

We are based in City Business Park, Stoke, we have a dedicated training room that is designed and set up for all aspects of training

Protecting your business from pests and nuisance birds is crucial for maintaining the health and safety of your customers and your employees.

Falcon Environmental Solutions is a familyrun company in the South Hams that helps hundreds of firms across the region with Pest Control, Bird Control, Wildlife Management and Specialised Cleaning.

The experienced team uses a mix of modern and traditional methods for commercial and domestic clients across Devon and Cornwall, and this year their effective methods led to them winning a prestigious national award.

This January, Falcon were named the Defender® Bird Spikes 'Installer of the Month’ in recognition of their installation of bird spikes on a property with solar panels in Plymouth - a humane solution that deters nuisance birds.

Their award-winning work involved protecting the solar panels with Solar Panel Excluders and then installing Bird Spikes on the ridge tiles. The outcome was a freshly cleaned property, clear of bird guano and free

from nesting birds.

Birds can cause huge issues to solar panels, no matter how carefully they’ve been installed and it’s one of the most common questions we get asked.

Although they bring beauty and life to our surroundings, birds also pose challenges when congregating in unwanted areas, such as rooftops, ledges, and signs - and that can quickly become a huge issue for your business.

Solar panel guards and bird spiking are among the most humane and effective methods to safeguard your property from nuisance birds such as pigeons and seagulls, and they are often the most popular solution for our commercial customers.

This all-plastic UV Stabilised Polycarbonate proofing system can be siliconed around the sides of your solar panels, creating a barrier around the edge that birds cannot penetrate.

As a business, you’re likely to have a greater number of solar panels than residential premises - which is like party time for pigeons and seagulls!

but, with our team of instructors, we can travel anywhere within the Southwest. Our experienced instructors will collaborate closely with you every step of the way to ensure that you have a memorable experience that far exceeds your expectations.

Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a large corporation, Southwest Training Solutions is the perfect partner for success. Check out our website today: www.southwesttrainingsolutions.co.uk

Falcon already provides bird control solutions for many of their commercial clients - including Derriford Hospital, St Luke's Hospice Plymouth, Plymouth City Council (in Western Approach car park) and University of Plymouth.

If you've not yet put a plan in place to deal with nuisance birds, you’ve got a few options to deal with it.

If you’d like to discuss our bird control options, call 01752 929292, email info@ falcones.co.uk or complete the form on the website and the team will be in touch:

https://falcones.co.uk/

DISCOVER HOW INNOVATIVE NEW HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEM CAN BENEFIT YOUR BUSINESS

At a time when we’re all looking to be a little more energy efficient, one Devon company is looking to work with businesses and homeowners across the region to collect data on the reductions in energy usage.

OH4 Limited, based in Paignton, has spent the last couple of years developing and improving its OH4 Heat Transfer System, and the team are now ready to bring it forward to benefit businesses and people across the South West.

As a new Partner of Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, their driving aim is to reduce the use of fuel in heating premises and hot water, thereby reducing the use of fossil fuels and help in the successful drive to net zero.

The team realised early in development that the best way to have people reduce their fuel consumption was to make it easy and make it financially beneficial, whilst not expecting people to live without heat.

OH4 is simple to install, highly effective, requires no ongoing maintenance and will pay for itself in under two years at full price and in under 12 months at the introductory price. Savings range from 13% to 30% depending on the system.

Steve Moors, Director of OH4 explains: “We are looking to install 1,000 systems in the coming months to ensure we have a robust database of results to present to the market.

“We would like to work with businesses and homeowners to collect data on the reductions

THE VALUE OF CONNECTING FACE-TO-FACE

At Crowne Plaza, Plymouth

The importance of meeting face-to-face cannot be underestimated, particularly in the post-pandemic world. Research by Otter confirmed that 76% of workers prefer regrouping in person, after years of Zoom fatigue and virtual meeting overload.

There’s no denying the corporate world has shifted, with more emphasis on flexible working, but many employers are thinking about how time spent together can be most valuable. Even companies who work mostly remotely are arranging summits and get togethers to align on their objectives for the year ahead. There is so much value in meeting face-to-face to foster collaboration and team culture.

For hotel’s with meeting and event facilities, there is a lot of potential. The October 2022 Planning Sourcing Report by Cvent found there was an increasing appetite for creative space solutions offered by hospitality partners who can provide adequate meeting space and catering.

At Crowne Plaza Plymouth, our Mariner Suite meetings and events space is the perfect venue for any corporate event catering for up to 450 people theatre style or 350 for a banquet. The space is very well set up for banquets, corporate events, charity dinners and Christmas parties, and is also very popular amongst wedding planners. The room has its own private bar facilities, a dancefloor, PA

system, and staging. Event attendees also have access to the Mariner Foyer, an exclusive area for pre-dinner drinks, leading down to the private bar and garden, a perfect location for a summer BBQ or hosting social events!

The hotel has a magnificent panoramic sea-facing restaurant on the penthouse floor, offering fabulous buffet lunches for delegates, or to make the day even more unique, you can dine from the Marco Pierre White fabulous new lunch menu.

As part of the hotels Corporate Social Responsibility programme, Crowne Plaza Plymouth also offer a fabulous charity banqueting package for those keen fundraisers out there!

Special discounted rates for accommodation apply to guests attending events at the hotel, with 25 rooms offering a fabulous sea-facing view over the Plymouth Sound.

So if you’re looking to arrange a conference, a celebration or just a catch up with colleagues, our hotel might just be the best place to do it! For more information, email lauren.rogers@crowneplazaplymouth.com

in energy usage that OH4 delivers. We are also looking to partner with businesses who would like to become installers.

“It is our belief that everyone should benefit from OH4 and that through mutually beneficial collaboration and partnership we will make the world a better and more prosperous place. We are keen to work with all members of the Chamber and would welcome all approaches.”

If you are interested in finding out more about OH4, please email steve@oh4heattransfer.com

REVOLUTIONISING TRANSPORTATION

A fresh perspective on taxi services in Devon

Devon Express Travel is dedicated to changing people’s perception of taxi services in Plymouth. We analysed people’s feedback and identified areas that were being overlooked, as well as what Plymouth really needed from a taxi service. Our solution was straightforward: Plymouth needed a reliable taxi service, so we launched our premium taxi service that guarantees to get you to your destination on time, every time. Additionally, we explored how we could assist businesses large and small with growth. Last summer, we launched our exclusive QR code system for the hospitality sector, which has since expanded. In January 2024, we introduced on-table QR codes for venues throughout Plymouth.

In January 2024, we made a significant advancement in the taxi service industry by introducing on-table QR codes for our customers throughout Plymouth. This innovative technology has been designed to provide passengers with a seamless and efficient experience. With the help of these QR codes, customers can easily access information about their ride, including the driver’s name, car details, and estimated arrival time. This has been a game-changer for our company and has been warmly received by our customers who value convenience and ease in their travel experience.

The business has experienced a notable increase in its operations and has acquired the trademark for Plymouth taxis 666777, effectively breathing new life into the service. This expedited service, which has been developed to be as customer-friendly as possible, was influenced by the feedback and suggestions of the local community.

Devon Access Taxis in Plymouth has expanded its services from a limited six-day operation to a comprehensive seven-daya-week, pre-book only service spanning from 6am to 2am to address the shortage of wheelchair-accessible taxis within the city and support customers in need. This expansion was motivated by the recognition of a shortage of wheelchair accessible taxis within the city. To address this issue, Devon Access Taxis sought to provide support for businesses in need of wheelchair cars and ensure that visitors to Plymouth were aware of the availability of accessible cars.

In light of technological advancements in recent years, we have made efforts to revolutionise the taxi service industry. Despite the significant growth in technology, we still rely on outdated methods such as freephone or waiting in telephone queues to speak to operators. At Devon Express Travel, we have sought to change this paradigm through our ‘many ways to book’ campaign, which we launched last year. As a result of this campaign, we are now able to accept bookings through various channels, including our app (available on Google Play and Apple Store), telephone, WhatsApp, Messenger, Webchat, and QR codes in select venues. We consistently strive to innovate new ways to leverage technology to benefit our customers and other businesses in the realm of taxi solutions. From self-service accounts on a monthly payment basis to QR codes and other software for businesses, we are committed to advancing our services through cutting-edge technology.

We offer reliable and efficient transportation services including airport and port transfers, wedding and proms, corporate events,

business transport solutions, and contracted taxi services. Our well-maintained fleet and trustworthy drivers prioritize your comfort, safety, and privacy.

Contact us today for a seamless and enjoyable transportation experience.

www.devonexpresstravel.co.uk 01752 666777

booking@devonexpresstravel.co.uk

CSR AND ESG: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ‘KIND’ IN A BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

The idea of CSR, or corporate social responsibility, has been around for a long time. More recently thrown into the mix is ESG; Environmental, Social and Governance. With a limited wordcount, I won’t go to great lengths to explain their meanings. They are essentially exactly what they say on the tin. However, it is worth noting that ESG is very much felt as the next step to CSR. It encompasses a wider scope with a more external focus and, importantly for many, more easily quantifiable and measurable data.

As many of you will have seen on our website, social channels and in the media, both CSR and ESG have been fully embraced by GA Solicitors. The reason for this, of course, is that ultimately it is the right thing to do. It cannot go unnoticed however, that we too benefit quite significantly from these activities.

More and more businesses are recognising the importance of CSR and ESG in the workplace, with increased investments being made, and some larger organisations even employing professionals to lead this as a fulltime role. So, what can it do for your business?

Improve Organisation Culture

At GA we have found the most effective way to bring our various teams and staff members together is through fundraising. We recently handed over a cheque for £4,300 to Promoting Children in Plymouth which was solely down to the fundraising activities of staff across the firm. Staff also came together in 2023 to take part in an organised beach clean.

A carbon reduction committee has been established with ideas coming from all levels of the business to look at how we can further reduce our carbon footprint. This common, and rewarding, goal has also led to new relationships with social enterprises such as Pollenize and Ecologi.

It is a fact that companies with cultures which value and implement good CSR practices can benefit from increased staff morale, productivity and also retention. At a time when recruitment is at its hardest for many industries, this is no small thing.

Reduce Costs

You don’t need to be an accountant to appreciate that reducing energy usage, limiting water wastage and cutting back on printing and paper will all lead to reduced overheads. This money can then be invested in other key areas to support business growth or

improve the working environment.

Working with Somerset-based SWMAS, we have been able to determine and reduce our carbon footprint baseline, putting us in their top 33% of surveyed businesses and helping us to get one step closer to net zero. This relationship has not only reduced our carbon footprint, but also had a positive impact on our business costs.

Improve Customer and Stakeholder Buy In

If you are a business which looks to generate work in the public sector, then these terms, particularly ESG may have been on your radar for a while. Many organisations, especially councils and government organisations, now look at environmental data before choosing a supplier; be this a service or a product. If you can’t prove you have a positive (or at the very least not negative) impact on the environment,

that tender you submitted is unlikely to see success.

A 2023 study by Deloitte also determined that consumers are very much taking into consideration whether products are labelled as responsibly sourced, manufactured or support biodiversity. There is no reason why this would not extend to professional services too. Not taking note of this now will undoubtedly affect your bottom line in the future.

This is a very short article on a very interesting topic, which could undoubtedly span many pages. Hopefully however it provides some food for thought, as well as encouragement to do more, be involved and have a positive impact on all those around us. It could not only help the environment and society, but also your business.

HOW YOUR BUSINESS CAN HELP MAKE THE MOST OF SHORT AND PRECIOUS LIVES

Many of the 500+ families who use Children’s Hospice South West’s (CHSW) 3 hospices across Devon, Somerset and Cornwall consider them to be a “home from home”, which is exactly what its co-founders, Eddie Farwell and his late wife Jill, were aiming to create when they set up CHSW more than 30 years ago.

CHSW offers a range of bespoke care and support to children and young people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. The charity remains steadfast to its original aim of helping to make the most of short and precious lives. The charity offers resilience stays and day visits which provide the physical and emotional support needed for all family members navigating the 24/7 responsibilities of caring for a child with complex needs. Brothers and sisters are also offered specialist support through CHSW’s Sibling Support team. CHSW’s three hospices are homely environments full of laughter where the focus is very much on families having fun and making precious memories.End of life care is also a crucial element of the charity’s

provision; ensuring that wishes are met and providing practical and emotional support. Ongoing bereavement services are offered to families for as long as they wish. Providing this care, free of charge and 365 days a year, costs CHSW £12 million each year, the majority of which comes from fundraising and individual donations.

Hayley Wallbank, Regional Partnerships Fundraiser for CHSW works with businesses that support the charity and explains how charity partnerships benefit all involved;

“As a regional charity, we partner with businesses of all sizes, in return for them helping to raise awareness and vital funds for local families, we commit to sharing regular updates and news about their support with our network of 2000 business supporters across the region, boosting their company profile and employee morale.

“We have a range of opportunities to suit all business supporters. An entry point for many is joining our CHSW Business Club which is an inspiring community of like-minded businesses keen to show their support of CHSW. In 2024

our Business Club has 10 events planned where delegates can meet and hear from our team, as well as network with, and become inspired by, fellow business supporters.”

To find out more about the various ways your business could benefit from a partnership with CHSW, including through its Business Club, click here or contact CHSW Regional Partnerships Fundraiser Hayley Wallbank.

PLYMOUTH AREA BUSINESS COUNCIL 2023

Professionals Autumn Dinner

More than a hundred guests and delegates enjoyed an unforgettable evening at Stonehouse Barracks for the Plymouth Area Business Council (PABC) Professionals Autumn Dinner.

The event in November 2023 was held in the Officers Mess by kind permission of the Base Commander, Brigadier Duncan Forbes RM, while the dinner partners on the night were Westcotts Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers and Sir Fix-A-Lock.

Dinner President, Richard Stevens MBE DL, Chair of the PABC, was joined by guests of honour including the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Plymouth, Mark Shayer and Sam Shayer; Luke Pollard MP, and Stuart Elford, CEO of Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce.

After a delicious meal, guests heard from the key speaker, James Mackenzie-Blackman, CEO of Theatre Royal Plymouth, who stood in at the last minute and delivered an inspirational speech which was from the heart and had the full room on their feet at the end.

We were also joined by HM LordLieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon, who we’re delighted to announce has been appointed as the new President of the Devon & Plymouth Chamber and also gave a fantastic speech.

Pictures By John Allen

BRANDS MATCH: PUTTING YOUR BUSINESS IN POLE POSITION FOR 2024

The region's marketing professionals and business owners were out in force in February 2024 for Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce's latest Brands Match event, held at HBH Woolacotts Plymouth and in partnership with pbmedia.

More than 50 people were registered, all looking for expert advice on how to market their business better in 2024.

Our popular event included the opportunity to hear from pbmedia's Paul Burton about how businesses can put video at every stage of their marketing without breaking their budget.

Paul said: “Thanks to everyone who came along and listened to our guide to taking the

next step with video marketing. It was great to see so many people taking pictures of the slides!

“Our biggest bit of advice is to think about the problems your clients have, and create videos that address that problem and show how you solve it.”

Guests also heard:

• Top tips on how to make the most of your Devon & Plymouth Chamber membership

• Opportunities to partner with us and raise your brand profile over the year

• Opportunities to work with peers and share challenges and tips

• High-profile brands on site to network with

• Refreshments and demonstrations from Neff, Jura, Lacanche and Dunavox

• Private shopping on the evening and other exclusive offers thanks to HBH Woolacotts

EVENTS ROUND UP

County Conversations

Some of our favourite pictures from a brilliant morning at Future Skills Centre Exeter for County Conversations. Excellent guest speakers, superb support for our event charity YMCA Exeter, and a brand new Devon & Plymouth Chamber Patron in BCR Associates. Thank you to MD Richard Dormer for joining us for this exciting announcement.

Crunchy Breakfast

Fantastic to see Crowne Plaza Plymouth packed for our sold-out Crunchy Breakfast event, in partnership with Westcotts

Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers. As part of this Finance & Funding special, our expert panel heard all your challenges and shared their top tips about finance and funding for your business or charity.

CHAMBER SOCIAL DIARY

Green Networking

There was a fantastic turnout at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth for our first Green Networking event of 2024. Being held in partnership with YGS Landscapes Ltd, it featured a special workshop led by the team at Cosmic - not to mention some delicious food. Cosmic are hosting four more events this year which are FREE but will have limited places - find out more on our website.

Devon Networking

Exeter Golf and Country Club provided the perfect backdrop for our first Devon Networking event of 2024 - introducing our fresh new format. More than 50 people enjoyed a brilliant morning of networking, a tour of the venue, live demos of member services, and ‘speed dating’ (business-style).

30 Under 30 Networking

A brilliant afternoon at BLOCK Plymouth for our first 30 Under 30 Networking event of 2024. Thanks to everyone who joined us at Royal William Yard, especially John Murcott for his thought-provoking session.

Charity Group Meeting

A fantastic morning at Womble Bond Dickinson for our inaugural Devon & Plymouth Chamber Charity Group meeting, chaired by YMCA Plymouth CEO and Chamber Director, Tom Lavis. The aim of this group is to offer a safe space for senior leaders in the sector to offload and share concerns and best practice, celebrating collaboration, not competition.

Jabulani catch-up

Clare Baker connected with Plymouth Octopus - POP at Jabulani in January for a Devon & Plymouth Chamber review and bumped into Jabo Butera from Diversity Business Incubator and John Naismith from Jeremiah’s Journey. What a fantastic place to meet and exchange ideas over delicious food.

City Conversations

Extra chairs required for our first City Conversations event of the year at Foot Anstey in Plymouth where more than 100 guests heard from some fantastic speakers including Victoria Allen and Sarah Lloyd (Plymouth City Council), Ian Harris (Capita), Helen WyldeArchibald (Wildanet), Amanda Lumley (Destination Plymouth) and Jabo Butera (Diversity Business Incubator).

Thank you to everyone who joined us and our event charity, Hugs Children’s Cancer Charity. We’re also hugely grateful to everyone who brought items with them for Plymouth Foodbank - we were overwhelmed by all your generous donations.

Net Spinning

Now that’s what you call a workout! There’s no better way to get the blood pumping on a Friday morning than with our first Net Spinning session at YMCA Plymouth. Join us for our next one by registering via our website.

Great meeting with Frazer Lloyd-Davies at Acronyms’ new offices - just around the corner from our Chamber HQ at Seaton Business Park in Plymouth. Acronyms’ new larger space will allow them to grow their business, secure their roots in Devon and take on and develop new IT jobs in the county.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

County Conversations

25 April 2024

Hosted by our Spring Profile partners, South Devon College, our flagship breakfast event provides a platform for business leaders to hear from senior figures in the public and private sectors about developments of critical importance to businesses.

City Conversations

9 May 2024

Our flagship invitation-only event returns to Foot Anstey in Plymouth, featuring excellent guest speakers and providing business leaders with strategic briefings on a wide variety of topics that are of interest to those in senior management roles.

Devon & Plymouth Chamber Awards

17 May 2024

Our annual event takes place this year at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Plymouth, providing an unforgettable night of celebration with an exciting, immersive theme to recognise and honour excellence in business of all sizes and sectors across Devon.

Devon Business Show

16 October 2024

The Devon Business Show will be back in 2024 with a fresh new format that will promote inclusivity and feature exciting, innovative and interactive displays. You can register your interest now as an exhibitor at our brand new venue of the Plymouth Life Centre. Find out more on our website: https://devonchamber.co.uk/devon-business-show/

Ollie Jackman, co-founder of Agile Comms and a Director of Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce

What do you do and why do you enjoy it?

I am co-founder and a busy director at Agile Comms. I love what we do. It’s hugely satisfying to build a business with my best mate (James Fisher), which is based on great service and brilliant

relationships. Our clients always see a big improvement in communications using the technology we provide. The business is growing and we’re thrilled to be building a team to help more organisations thrive. As a side-hustle, I also sit on the board for the Devon & Plymouth Chamber and The Livewell Foundation, both of which give me a great opportunity to learn and have a regular input in positive local initiatives. I run a lot, I’m the frontman of a band and I chase after my (equally energetic) young son.

What inspires you?

I’m very lucky to have been surrounded by inspiring people throughout my career, not least the team and board at the Chamber. In fact, before launching Agile Comms in November 2021 I was fortunate enough (nagged a lot) to get some super insights from a selection of the existing Chamber board members. We are busy building a business with a clear vision to create a positive impact on our local economy, community and environment.

What drives you?

The business output I tend to focus on at Agile is client experience. Both enriching

our own client experience through excellent service as well as enabling our clients to improve theirs. As everyone appreciates, effective communication is the cornerstone of experience and the right technology, implemented in the right way, can have a significant impact. If we focus on getting that right, then the rest will follow.

Where do you see the future of your organisation?

We’re thrilled that our fairly young business has been working with some exceptional organisations over the first couple of years and we’ve recently set some ambitious growth goals which span ahead to 2030 and beyond. The world of telecoms is changing quickly at the moment and (as our name suggests) we’re set up to be flexible and adaptable which I think will be crucial as our business continues to grow.

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

Unfinished!

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

My heart, I think. I’ve always been

impulsive and get impatient if things stand still for too long.

Describe yourself in five words?

Ambitious, energetic, thoughtful, humble and handsome (!).

How do you balance life and work?

I try my best! It’s a busy life running a business, but throw in a young family, a couple of other roles and a bunch of hobbies and there isn’t much slack. Luckily I work best in the fast lane. I get my ‘mindfulness fix’ when I run, and work hard to make sure that I can fit running into my busy schedule to keep myself sane.

Who has been the greatest influence on you?

My friends. Surrounding myself with positive, insightful and uplifting people has guided me well.

What are you most proud of?

My family. I’m blessed to have married an absolute gem and we are very proud to have a brilliant son together. Soppy, I know!

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

Adopstar Ltd Unit 1 Longbridge Meadow Devon Culloompton EX15 1BT www.adopstar.com

AJK Leadership Coaching Newton Abbot Devon www.ajkleadershipcoaching.co.uk

Alliance Pioneer Group Hawthorne House 25 Darklake View Plymouth Devon PL6 7TL alliance-pioneer.co.uk

Allica Bank 4th Floor 164 Bishopsgate London EC2M 4LX www.allica.bank

Appy Automations 6 Reeves Way Churchstow KINGSBRIDGE TQ7 3DQ www.appyautomations.xyz

Aquastone Property Partners North Bovey Devon TQ13 8RU aquastonepropertypartners.com

Atlantic Comms LTD Unit G11 Node Cowork 1 Enterprise Road Roundswell Barnstaple EX31 3YB www.atlanticcomms.co.uk

Avalon Green The Old School Cudworth ILMINSTER TA190PS www.avalon-green.com

Beckton Dickinson Belliver Industrial Estate Belliver Way Plymouth PL6 7BP www.bd.comen-us

Blue Illustrates PLYMOUTH Devon Boom Battle Bar unit 6 The Barcode Drake Circus

PLYMOUTH Devon Pl4 0FE boombattlebar.co.uk/ plymouth/

Brunel Independent Mortgages 5 Derriford Park Derriford Business Park PLYMOUTH PL6 5QZ www.bmis.co.uk

Brunel Insurance Brokers Ltd Kingdom House Brunel Road Newton Abbot Devon TQ12 4PB brunel-insurance.co.uk

CCB Training

Unit 24/25 Sisna Park 43 Sisna Park Road Estover Plymouth PL6 7AE www.ccbtraining.co.uk

Co Create Ltd

Ground Floor East Quadrangle Seale Hayne Newton Abbot Devon TQ12 6NQ cocreate-architects.com

Coast Cams Dawlish Devon www.coastcams.com

Coodes Solicitors St Austell Business Park Carclaze St Austell PL25 4FD www.coodes.co.uk

Creative England Tomorrow Building 130 Broadway 2nd Floor Media City UK Salford Lancashire M50 2AB www.wearecreative.uk

Crescent Wealth Management 1st Floor Vantage Point Woodwater Park Pynes Hill Exeter Devon EX2 5FD crescentwm.co.uk

Dartmouth & District Chamber of Commerce c/o The Flavel Flavel Place Dartmouth Devon TQ6 9ND www.dartmouthchamber.co.uk

DEPØ STUDIO GROUP LTD 35 union street stonehouse plymouth PL1 3LU www.thedepostudios.com

Devon Community Foundation The Factory Leat Street Tiverton Devon EX16 5LL www.devoncf.com

Devon County Football Association Coach Road Newton Abbot Devon TQ12 1EJ www.devonfa.com

Different View Unit 12 Yacht Haven Quay Breakwater Rd Plymouth PL97HJ www.differentviewphotography.co.uk

Equal Ops Derriford Plymouth www.equal-ops.com

Executive Cleaning Service (SW)

Limited 1 Hogarth Walk Elburton Plymouth Devon PL9 8ET www.plymouthrugcleaning.co.uk

Festival of the Iberian Horse Launceston Cornwall www.festivaloftheiberianhorse.co.uk

First Light South West Ltd The Business Centre 2 Cattedown Road Plymouth Devon PL4 0EG www.firstlight.org.uk

Friary Mill Bakery Limited 8 Oakfield Place Cattedown Plymouth PL40QA www.friarymill.co.uk

HyLend PO Box 245 Yelverton Devon PL19 1FG www.hylend.co.uk

Improving Lives Plymouth Ernest English House Buckwell Street Plymouth Devon PL1 2DA www.improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk

Iron Mill Education Limited t/a Iron Mill College Morwenstow 7 Barnfield Crescent Devon Exeter EX1 1QT www.ironmill.co.uk

KWC DVS Kemmings Close Long Road Paignton Paignton TQ4 7TW dartvalley.co.uk

Life In Motion Coaching 25 Devon Terrace Plymouth Devon PL3 4JD www.lifeinmotioncoaching.co.uk

Marshall Creative LTD Marshall Creative LTD C/O TN Accountanc Lonsdale Gardens Tunbridge Wells TN1 1NU www.marshall-creative.co.uk

Mavdigital Uit

333-340 Faraday Mill Business park Cattewater Road Plymouth Devon PL4 0SF www.mavdigital.co.uk

Max Berry Productions Ltd Coach Hill 28 Mayfair Tiverton Devon EX16 4NQ www.maxberryproductions.co.uk

Metal Designs by Gina The Old Bakehouse Northlew Devon EX20 3PB www.metaldesignsbygina.co.uk

Mind and Body Coaching Ltd Crediton Exeter www.mindandbody.today

Modern Networks Ltd 18 Knowl Piece Wilbury Way Hitchin Hertfordshire SG4 0TY www.modern-networks.co.uk

OH Advice by Aardvark The Forge Enterprise Centre Church Road West Huntspill TA9 3RN www.ohadvice.co.uk

OH4 Limited Unit 8 Rodgers Industrial Estate Yalberton Road Paignton Devon TQ4 7PJ www.oh4heattransfer.com

Onyx Business Parks Ltd 6 BABBAGE WAY Clyst Honiton Exeter Devon EX5 2FN onyxbusinessparks.com

Pigshill & Clarrick Woods Community Interest Company 56 Fore Street Kingsand Torpoint Cornwall PL10 1NA

pigshillandclarrickwoods.org.uk

Plymouth Albion R.F.C. 25 Damerel Close Madden Road Plymouth Devon PL1 4NE www.plymouthalbion.com

Plymouth Hope C/O the plot 80 - 84 Union Street Devon Plymouth PL1 3EZ www.plymouthhope.org

Plymouth Proprietary Library St Barnabas Terrace PLYMOUTH Devon PL1 5NN www.theppl.org.uk

Plymouth Software Limited Plymouth Science Park 1 Davy Road Plymouth Devon PL6 8BX www.plymouthsoftware.com

POP (Plymouth Octopus) www.plymouthoctopus.org/

Porteous Groundworks Ltd Unit 5 62 Valley Road Business Park Valley Road Plymouth Plymouth PL71AB www.pg-ltd.co.uk

REACT Disaster Response REACT Chilmark Salisbury SP3 5DU www.re-act.org.uk

Reed Specialist Recruitment Suite 4e Princess Court Princess Street Plymouth Devon PL1 2EX www.reed.com

Safe guarding co 5 Den Road Teignmouth TQ148AR www.safe-guarding.co

Sanderson Construction Group Ltd. Unit 10 Darklake Park Darklake View Estover Plymouth PL6 7FB sandersonconstructiongroup.co.uk

Sandler South West 16 Woodbury Business Park Exeter Devon EX5 1AY www.southwest.sandler.com

Skilltec Training 58 New George Street City Centre Devon Plymouth PL1 1RR www.skilltec.co.uk

Solely HR Unit 18 City Business Park Stoke Plymouth PL3 4BB www.solelyhr.co.uk

South Western and South Wales branch Welding Institute Rising sun South zeal Okehampton EX20 2PD

Straker Financial Services

Plymouth

Devon

Tamar Safety 6 Chapel Close St Ann’s Chapel Gunnislake PL18 9JB www.tamarsafety.com

Tender Victory Limited Office 15 Strand Court Chambers 1 Victoria Road Exmouth Devon EX8 1DL tendervictory.co.uk

Tesla Motors Limited 3 Shortlands Hammersmith London W68DA www.tesla.com

The Alice Cross Centre 1-3 Bitton Park Road Teignmouth Devon TQ14 9BT www.thealicecross.co.uk

The Chestnut Appeal for Men’s Health Charity Office - Level 6 Derriford Hospital Plymouth PL6 8DH www.chestnutappeal.org.uk

Timewade Ltd Second Floor Winslade House Winslade Manor Drive Clyst St Mary Devon Exeter EX5 1FY www.timewade.com

TN Training Services

Tavistock Devon www.tntrainingservices.com

Total Currency Exchange Limited Helston Cornwall www.totalcurrencyexchange.com

Travel Counsellors - Thornton Bespoke Travel Ltd Sherford Devon www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/karen. thornton/

YPS Psychology ltd 98 Middlewich Road Northwich Cheshire CW9 7DA www.ypspsychologyltd.co.uk